It’s no secret that I enjoy Christmas music. In fact, I enjoy it so much that sometimes I’ll listen to it in the middle of the summer. I haven’t done that yet this year, but when I was listening to it last winter I noticed that there are a number of Christmas songs that aren’t all that Christmassy. What I mean by this is that the lyrics aren’t … [Read more...] about Christmas in July: Christmas Songs that Are Great for Year-Round Listening
spiritual growth
Avoiding Discouragement in Our Volatile Political Climate
We get so carried away with red, white, and blue desserts, parades, picnics, and fireworks that it’s easy to forget that the 4th of July isn’t just a day for relaxing. It’s Independence Day—a day for celebrating our nation’s history, namely our independence from the British Empire. When I look at the political section of the news these … [Read more...] about Avoiding Discouragement in Our Volatile Political Climate
17 Bible Verses to Encourage Dads
Five weeks ago I shared 16 Bible verses to encourage moms. That week we were celebrating and encouraging moms for Mother’s Day. This week we’re celebrating and encouraging dads for Father’s Day, so I’m sharing Bible verses to encourage dads. The words of Scripture are a powerful way to provide encouragement. As you can imagine, the … [Read more...] about 17 Bible Verses to Encourage Dads
4 Ways to Quell Comparison
I don’t know what it’s like for you, but when I hang out with friends and acquaintances, I find it easy to begin comparing myself with them. I’ll take note of their talents and see how mine measure up, I’ll think about how my house compares to their houses, I’ll consider how our approaches to parenting are similar or different, etc. I … [Read more...] about 4 Ways to Quell Comparison
Why and How to Share Tough Bible Stories with Kids
The Bible is full of stories that encourage us, show us how much God loves us, and leave us feeling inspired. However, it is also full of stories that depict violence, speak of curses, and leave us struggling to remember that God is good and just. I find it a little difficult to share these latter stories with my kids! In the past, I often … [Read more...] about Why and How to Share Tough Bible Stories with Kids
Seeing People, Not Problems
My church had a speaker in a few weeks ago who addressed the topic of diversity. When my husband and I heard that this was going to be the topic of discussion, we began trying to guess what he would say. To be honest, we weren’t all that excited to hear him speak. Because we are a mixed-race family, candid discussions on race and … [Read more...] about Seeing People, Not Problems
Imprinting Our Days with Good
I recently listened to the audiobook of Liturgy of the Ordinary by Tish Harrison Warren. It’s so thought provoking that I’ve listened to it twice! In this book, Warren discusses how we can be aware of God’s presence during the routines of everyday life. As she discusses making the bed in the morning, she mentions the concept of imprinting. … [Read more...] about Imprinting Our Days with Good
Why I Still Sing and Listen to Hymns
Some friends of ours suffered a heartbreaking loss a couple of months ago. As we were praying for them and feeling a little shaken, I kept thinking about the words of the second verse of “The Solid Rock:” “When darkness seems to hide His face, I rest on His unchanging grace; In ev'ry high and stormy gale, My anchor holds within the … [Read more...] about Why I Still Sing and Listen to Hymns