Looking for great information and inspiration for going green? Check out these 14 Inspiring Green Living Books to Read! Reading is one of my very favorite pastimes. I love to get lost in the characters of a novel, or explore new topics and learn new things from non-fiction books. Lately, most of my reading is done in the form of listening to audiobooks on Audible, but I also love discovering new books at the library and reading on my Kindle too. When I was just starting out on my green … [Read more...]
5 Strategies for Coping with a Surprise Pregnancy
Unexpectedly expecting a baby? You can take care of yourself and process your feelings using these strategies for coping with a surprise pregnancy. I don't know about you, but I am not really a happy pregnant person. When I found out in early December that I was unexpectedly expecting our fourth child I wasn't super thrilled about it, because me and pregnancy just don't mix very well. And while sometimes I just want to curl up on the couch and have a nine month long pity party, I know … [Read more...]
Simple Changes Can Lead to a Greener, Happier Life
From the beginning of my green and natural living journey, I have always believed that making small changes to my lifestyle would have a big impact on my home and family, and also on the world around me. And that those small changes would add up to greater overall lifestyle change over time. Then, the small steps I took would add together with the small steps I was encouraging other people and families to take, and together we could change the world. While that might seem like a lofty goal, I … [Read more...]
12 Ways to Make Your Day Better When You’re Feeling Down
Do you ever have one of those days when you just want to sit on the couch and watch Parenthood all day? (If you do, make sure you have a box of Kleenex handy!) Or sit on social media and read articles, look at pictures, discover beautiful things on Pinterest, and waste your day watching other people live their lives? Or maybe you have those days where you just feel blah and unmotivated. It's February in Indiana and the sun is not shining much these days. It's really easy for me to get into a … [Read more...]
On Marriage as Mutual Submission
After my post last fall about the lessons we've learned in 12 years of marriage, a reader asked if I would expand on my thoughts about being equal partners in marriage. I must admit that I am a little nervous about this post, because I realize people on both sides of the issue hold strong ideas and opinions. And I don't pretend to be an expert or have all of the answers. No two marriages are the same and there is no one perfect formula for a happy and fulfilling marriage. However, I truly … [Read more...]
And The Gift Goes On
One of my very favorite things about Christmas is the traditions. Growing up, my family had a tradition of playing Sandi Patty's song "The Gift Goes On" on Christmas morning as we handed out our presents from under the tree. The lyrics say, "And the gift goes on, the Father gave the Son, And the gift goes on, the Son gave the Spirit, And the gift goes on, the Spirit gives us Life, So we can give the gift of Love. And the gift goes on and on and on." As cheesy as the song may now … [Read more...]
30 Practical Items to Pack in an Operation Christmas Child Box
Instead of Operation Christmas Child, I am recommending you choose a gift from World Vision's Gift Catalog this year. Unfortunately, I can no longer recommend that you participate in Operation Christmas Child. I will not support or promote the ministry of an organization that is headed by Franklin Graham after his un-Christlike and anti-Gospel actions during this election year. Also, here are 7 Reasons not to Participate in Operation Christmas Child this Year. … [Read more...]
6 Lessons We’ve Learned in 12 Years of Marriage
"Hey!! Daddy stop scoochin' mommy!!" Our 3 year old pulled on our pant legs as she tried to wedge herself between us while we stood in the kitchen kissing one evening when Jer got home from work. Somehow "scoochin'" has become the term for mommy and daddy kissing in our house and it cracks me up every time. Jer and I have been married for 12 years on September 20th, and I am so thankful to say that we are in the best place our marriage has ever been. We're proud of our relationship because … [Read more...]
Let me tell you a secret: You are an inspiration!
A new friend came over for a playdate last week, and she said something to me, almost in passing, as she was leaving that has stuck with me and I can't get out of my mind. She said to me, "You're such an inspiration." And I was surprised and caught off guard by her comment. It's definitely not something I was expecting her to say. Here's why, this new friend has a PhD in theology (or some other really, really smart thing) from Notre Dame and is now a professor there. She completed her … [Read more...]
4 Things I Want to Say to My Kids Every Day
Several months ago during a Bible Study group we were studying Psalm 90 as a part of the life of Moses. It's a Psalm that talks about how the days of our lives are numbered and will pass away quickly. It can be a little depressing, but one of the ladies in our group shared how she viewed this passage in a different way regarding being intentional with our days and using them to leave a legacy. She encouraged us to count up the number of days we have left to live if we are blessed to live until … [Read more...]
