Is life already wearing you down (and it’s only January)? The start of another year can be a daunting thought. With so much on our plates regarding work, family, and individual obligations, it’s no wonder that many of us get run down so quickly. When we keep ourselves racing daily—with little rest in between—the aftermath…
If you’ve ever moved to a new residence, what’s one of the first things on your to-do list? My guess is to paint some of the walls. This is an age-old trick to tidying up the appearance of worn-down houses to make them feel new again. My husband and I have moved several times since…
Do you tend to look forward with excitement or backward with regret most of the time? My husband and I are the true “opposites” type of couple regarding this matter (and pretty much everything else). He is optimistic and daring in most situations, whereas I’m more reflective and cautious about forging ahead too quickly. So, where…
Are you thriving—or barely surviving—the holidays when it comes to finances? As we finish out this Christmas season and look toward the next year, let’s consider a few questions in our planning when it comes to holiday spending for the months ahead. How much does it take to get through the holidays for you and your family? Are you…
We all know about the Grinch who “stole Christmas.” But do others accuse you of having those Grinch-like characteristics around the holidays, stealing their joy of the season? If so, the holidays—and activities associated with them—may be getting the best of you. The list is a mile long when it comes to all the reasons…
Who doesn’t love a great gift? It’s always fun to receive presents, but also satisfying to know when we’ve given that perfect “something” to a special loved one. The practice of gift-giving dates back to the Magi (Wise Men) bringing three gifts—Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh—to Baby Jesus. These particular gifts had symbolic meaning for Christ’s life—gold representing…
We’ve all experienced Black Friday shopping and the anticipated early morning rush to department stores that often result in injured customers and destroyed merchandise. The madness of anticipated scarcity is a powerful force that drives people to push, shove, yell, and grab like it is the end of the world. Somewhere along the way in our…
Since Thanksgiving Day happens this month, we’re in high gear for showing gratitude to everyone we know, or we pass by on the sidewalk. This is all fine and good, but how can we practice a grateful mindset beyond this season and throughout the whole year? Here are a few tips: Breathe in something you’re thankful for (and then…
Are the pressures of life weighing you down? Constant tension has been known to affect physical health, thoughts and emotions, and behavior in adverse ways. Left unchecked, stress can contribute to many health problems, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, and diabetes. Nobody needs those types of negative consequences running through their body or…
We’re now in November—the official month for giving thanks! But I know that some days—some weeks—it’s really hard to feel grateful. Although Scripture encourages us in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 to “Give thanks in all circumstances,” we all face difficulties that challenge our gratitude to the core! Situations abound that cause our joyfulness in life to be shaken:…