*This post was originally posted on Aug. 16, 2011, but I love these ideas so much and with my kids heading back-to-school tomorrow, I wanted to share them with you again today! I'm still catching up from being on vacation, so here's another great guest post for you! I love the idea of the time capsule, since this is my daughter's first year in school, it would be a great time to start that tradition! Guest Post by Stacey at A GOOD and SIMPLE Life: Back to school is just around the … [Read more...]
To be called Mommy
Mom. Mom. Mom. Mama! Mama!! MOOOOMMMMYYYY!!! We were driving back from our family vacation in Northern Michigan, and while the older two kiddos were watching a movie the youngest babe wasn't interested and instead wanted my undivided attention for about two hours straight. Jer and I were trying to have a meaningful conversation, which was pretty much impossible because we kept being interrupted every 5 seconds by her yelling, "Mama, Mama, MAMA!!!!" I'd say, "Yes, Blair?" and she'd rattle … [Read more...]
Knowing Yourself: Grace for Today {Embracing Self-Care}
As I sat down to write this first post in the Embracing Self-Care series about truly knowing yourself, I found it just a little ironic that that I am in a season where I'm being forced to slow down and listen to myself, to know myself. It's been a little quiet around here lately - not too many new posts. And honestly, it's not just because I'm busy in other areas of life (although that is true), but mostly it's just because I've been feeling really dry, worn-out, unmotivated, and just kinda … [Read more...]
Feeling Overwhelmed? Get Ready for the Embracing Self-Care Series!
I'm sure that many of us are familiar with burnout. That feeling of stress and overwhelm that you just can't shake off. The exhaustion that creeps in throughout the day and overtakes you by eight o'clock in the evening. The thought that you would do anything to have just 10 minutes of alone time to do something that's just for you, and not for anyone else. Not because you're selfish, just because you give everything of yourself to everyone else and then there's nothing left to fill your … [Read more...]
7 Documentaries to Watch to Impact Your World
Over the past several years my hubs and I have developed a love for documentaries. It probably started with our subscription to Netflix which we stream through our Blueray player. I love all the access to documentaries that Netflix gives us - that we didn't have before. And since recently canceling our cable (again) now that the Olympics are over - we're back to relying on Netflix for most of our TV viewing. Just like the books I've read (and am currently reading) that have impacted my … [Read more...]
What’s Your Story? Giving Hope and Healing through the Gift of Story
As we think about what it means to see other people in light of their stories - their unique situations and experiences and circumstances - it's also important to take hold of our own stories, and how our stories can impact others in the world around us. Just like we can't know the stories of people around us that we come into contact with unless we take the time to ask them and to listen, others around us can't know our stories or where we are coming from unless we share it with them. I … [Read more...]
No Man Made a Greater Mistake…
I recently saw this quote on my friend Beth at Red and Honey's blog and I just thought it was amazing and important. When it comes to both green and natural living, and issues of faith and social justice, it can be easy to believe the lie that we cannot make a difference. That the choices we make don't matter. But let us remember that doing nothing is far, far worse than doing something - even if it is only a little. And together, little things can become great things in our lives and … [Read more...]
6 Books that Changed My Life
Does it mean I'm getting old that my memory is a little hazy? When I think back to the very beginning of the radical change that has happened in my life over the past 6+ years, I really don't remember exactly when it started. But I do remember what started it. I read a book. Books are dangerous things, aren't they?! They have such power to inform and educate, encourage and inspire, challenge and convict. They can be so-so-good-I-don't-want-to-put-it-down and at the same time … [Read more...]
Live with Compassion, Care for Creation, Impact Your World!
You may have noticed things look a little (okay A LOT!!) different around here! Not only is there an amazing beautiful new design by the amazingly talented Mindy of Simply Designs, but you'll also notice a new tagline underneath Live Renewed, and some different categories in the navigation bar. So, I wanted to give you the inside scoop on the new direction and vision I have for this blog. Recently, I was watching a documentary about child labor in the chocolate industry as research for a … [Read more...]
Introduction to the Green Your Life Challenge: Video
So I did it, I recorded my first video! I wanted to share with you a little bit more about the Green Your Life Challenge that's coming up in February because I'm really excited about it, and excited about the difference it can make for you and your family! (Remember, if you purchase Green Your Life the ebook this month, you get FREE full access to the Challenge!) While I named it the Green Your Life Challenge - it's really going to be more of an online e-course. Over the 4 weeks, we'll … [Read more...]
