Last week I shared about how all Christians, not just those from particular denominations, can benefit from observing Lent. As I noted last week, I didn’t grow up observing Lent. As I’ve learned about it in the last couple of years, I’ve discovered that it is both easy and difficult to observe. It is easy in that there are a lot of … [Read more...] about 14 Simple Ways to Get Started Observing Lent
spiritual growth
We All Need Lent
I’m not Catholic, nor did I grow up in a church that paid much attention to the liturgical calendar. However, I’m a Christian and I believe all Christians can benefit from observing the various seasons of the liturgical cycle. A story my pastor shared last Easter provides a great illustration of why I believe this. He shared about how … [Read more...] about We All Need Lent
Christian Parenting Affirmations
This last summer, as I was preparing to give birth to my third child, I wrote out some labor affirmations on note cards. Affirmations—statements meant to encourage, inspire, and energize—are helpful during labor because delivering a baby (vaginally or via C-section) is strenuous, requiring a lot of mental and physical energy. As I was caring … [Read more...] about Christian Parenting Affirmations
Keep Short Lists
I don’t typically think about my mortality on a daily basis. However, throughout this past year, my husband and I have been reminded of the fragility and brevity of life on numerous occasions. Early in the year, we had a young cousin nearly die in a car accident. In the fall, I experienced two rare and serious complications while having … [Read more...] about Keep Short Lists
Start the New Year with a Spiritual Detox
I know many individuals who plan to begin this year with a detox. Whether it’s using juices, essential oils, soups, shakes, or other special foods and supplements, they hope to rid themselves of toxins and/or get back to healthy eating after binging over the holidays. Though I’m not currently interested in a detox of this kind, I’ve become … [Read more...] about Start the New Year with a Spiritual Detox
Printable Christmas Story Word Clouds
I often find myself unsure of what to write when I sit to draft the posts I will publish before Christian holidays like Christmas and Easter. After all, the Bible already says the most important things about these holidays! I don’t feel like I have any particularly meaningful insights this Christmas, so I will share with you some words from … [Read more...] about Printable Christmas Story Word Clouds
12 Crafts to Help Kids Understand the Christmas Story
My 2-year-old and 4-year-old are really into crafts right now. They ask to draw, paint, make masks, create collages, or do something else creative every single day. I’ve found a number of cool Christmas crafts for them that yield secular symbols of Christmas (trees, wreaths, bells, etc.). I don’t have a problem with these, but I want to make … [Read more...] about 12 Crafts to Help Kids Understand the Christmas Story
Why Do We Have Such a Hard Time Accepting Help?
A few months ago, when I was nearing the end of my third pregnancy, a friend from church asked if I needed help with anything. I didn’t give any thought to her question before I responded that we were doing fine and didn’t need any help. I thought about her question later that day, though, and realized that I actually did need help. … [Read more...] about Why Do We Have Such a Hard Time Accepting Help?
