I am so blessed to know several newly-wed couples this year, including a few that Shane and I have been blessed to stand with as they committed their vows together. This series is all about those fun things that pop up once the honeymoon has ended. I hope to encourage all newly weds, (and oldly-weds)…
How to THRIVE in your 1st Year of Marriage: Christmas Expectations
The year I was engaged to Shane, I was so excited to be married. Everyone told us “the first year is the hardest.” Well, I was anxious to prove them wrong. The first year passed, and it ROCKED! (Take that, naysayers!) But then the second year passed, and the third…. and I realized that what…
Adoption Update: Two Stories
Well folks, we are now in month 2 (ish) of creating a Beautiful family. The journey-stage of this month is the home-study. We have an incredible team at Bethany Christian Services making the process efficient and speedy. A home study is simply a grand story. Through paperwork and interviews, Shane and I get to tell…
Want Peace?
My dear friends, peace is on the horizon. I know many of you need this truth today. Let my words be few, but my prayer so bold today: Jesus, we know that “the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God…” Holy Spirit, our helper, please settle our restless spirits. Bring us to repentance…
How to Update Your Swimsuit for Vacation Season
Ok, I don’t have a bunch of fun tips to update your swimwear for an upcoming beach vaca… but, I do have a little quiz for you: Q. What do Power Rangers, Audrey Hepburn, and your favorite Pinterest swimsuits have in common? A. Jessica Ray! Former Power Ranger (the white one) Swimsuit designer (you’ve probably seen…
Have Fun (It’s Biblical)
Every once in a while, we need a reminder to have fun. Oops, sorry, let me clarify… Every once in a while, we people over 14 need a reminder to have fun. You don’t need to tell a kid to laugh. To play. To explore. To be silly. Nope. These gems of society do it…
Gleaning with a Grateful Heart
After unpacking how to Give-as-you-go, I realize there is another important quality we can practice from the book of Ruth: gleaning. As I mentioned before, gleaning is the “gathering of extra.” One of my college ladies pointed out that Ruth had an incredible attitude as she was gleaning. She was grateful, kind, confident, and unselfish….
Give as you Go: Space
Another way to give as we go is by making space. Not schedule space, we talked about that yesterday. I am talking about bursting our personal bubble to let others in. This is extra difficult for those of us “no-touchy” types (Jesse Katsopoulos from Full House, Kuzco from Emporers New Groove, etc.). From my studies this week,…
Give as you Go: Time
The lyrics above always strike a chord with me. Yesterday, we talked about giving our extra money. Today we are looking at how we can give our time away. Again, I am a HUGE advocate of giving a specific dedication of your time. For instance, Shane and I have taken much of his vacation time…
Give as you Go: Cash
Probably the most recognizable way to give-as-you-go is to give financially. This is not to be confused with tithing. God established tithing as a way to give specifically to God’s purposes through an ordained ministry (the temple/tabernacle in the Old Testament; the Church in the New Testament). Giving so others can glean is simply an…