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0 In 2024/ Faith/ Friendship/ Inspiration

Staying Calm and Connected: How to Keep the Peace During Election Season

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Buckle up, folks, it’s election season, and things are already getting… colorful. Whether we’re dodging attack ads on TV, wading through heated social media posts, or trying to survive that one neighbor who suddenly thinks they’re a political analyst, staying positive can feel like an Olympic sport.

So, how can we be part of the solution instead of fanning the flames? How do we make it through without torching relationships or our sanity? I can’t promise you won’t have moments where you feel like flinging your remote at the TV or using bad words in a Facebook debate, but these tips might just help you keep your cool (and your friendships) intact over the next few months.

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1. Think Before You Speak (or Type)

If you have THOUGHTS in your head that you want to express (out loud or through your key board) …think for a minute before they come out of your mouth (or before you type them). Use a KINDNESS and EMPATHY filter!

The words you speak define you. Make sure to let the right kind of words out, even when you disagree.

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The words we speak DEFINE us.

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The Bible reminds us to love God, love our enemies, and love each other. In other words, there is NO PERSON we are exempt from loving.

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2. Choose Your Battles Wisely

Bob Goff, a respected speaker and writer, never lost a legal case in his career as a lawyer. He attributed the success to his ability to choose cases wisely, not his legal prowess. We can apply this by picking our battles wisely and not engaging in disputes over trivial matters.

Use wisdom in what battles you choose to fight.

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3. Step out of your comfort zone

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I like my comfort zone. It’s nice when the people think like me and agree with me. However, I’m making steps to enlarge my comfort zone. I want to learn from people who don’t look like me, vote like me or think Iike me.

I heard someone say that he tries to have someone on his right he thinks is a little bit crazy and someone on his left who’s a little bit crazy. It’s good to hear from a variety of perspectives.

It doesn’t mean you’re going to change your mind about how you’re going to vote, but it gives context and understanding. It may actually help sharpen your arguments and shape the way you think about things.

Do some people’s viewpoints bother me? YES! After talking do we still disagree? Yes. And it’s okay to respectfully agree to disagree.

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You may be misunderstood. That doesn’t make you a victim, it makes you a participant.

Bob Goff

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4. Digital Detox

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Let’s be real—doomscrolling never helped anyone. If you find yourself getting angry watching the news or reading social media posts – it might be time for a break. Call a friend and talk about anything but politics. Trust me, the news will still be there when you get back (unfortunately).

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5. Be Curious, Not Judgmental

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One practical way to foster understanding is to have a conversation with someone who holds a different opinion. Our differences can make us better! Invite someone to share a meal, and be willing to learn from their perspectives. You can still be kind to someone with whom you disagree. And remember, your neighbor/co-worker/fellow soccer mom is more than who they vote for, and so are you!

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Questions/Comments to Foster Understanding

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Here are some questions to ask and ways to respond when someone has a differing viewpoint and opinion:

  • Tell me more about that.
  • Can you help me understand why you feel that way?
  • How did you come to that conclusion?
  • I appreciate your experience with this.
  • I’m listening.
  • I hear what you are saying.
  • I care about your perspective.
  • I haven’t thought of it that way.
  • Let me think about that before I respond.
  • Thanks for your transparency.

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My hope is that we can all strive for respect, amid our differences. John 16 guides us to aspire to be one, acknowledging that unity doesn’t mean uniformity, but rather a shared commitment to curiosity, empathy, and genuine interest in one another.

Let’s build bridges of understanding and kindness, one conversation at a time.

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Those are my pro tips for surviving election season—because who doesn’t want to keep their sanity and their friendships intact? Got a tip of your own? Drop it in the comment box (you know, that tiny one up there by the title). I’d love to hear your wisdom—seriously, help me out!

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Click here to join an “Election Season Kindness Challenge”

Click here to read 6 lessons I learned last year

September 22, 2024 By
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0 In 2024/ Faith/ Inspiration/ Motherhood/ My Journey/ Parent Tip

Meditation: An antidote for anxiety!

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With so much happening in the world, it’s easy to get caught up in anxiety. We may worry about our health, our future, our leaders, our families … or if we remembered to lock the front door this morning (spoiler: you probably did). However, there’s a tool that can help alleviate these worries: meditation.

When you think of that word, what comes to mind? Monks in robes chanting “Om” in a temple? While that’s one image, did you know that Scripture also encourages meditation?

The definition of meditation is simply to think about something over and over. Guess what? Worrying is also thinking about something over and over! So, if you can worry, you can meditate. It’s like turning a negative superpower into a positive one. It’s thinking about something that brings life vs. something that takes life.

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Scientific research has proven that meditation done regularly (both morning and night) has a multitude of benefits. Guess what? Scripture tells us the same thing. Joshua 1:9 says, “meditate on the Word day and night.” Science and Scripture are basically BFFs.

The Bible also says that those who meditate day and night are like trees planted by the water, producing fruit, with leaves that don’t wither—whatever they do prospers (Psalm 1). Clearly, we should all aspire to be more like well-watered trees.

Studies from Harvard Medical School, Yale, and other prestigious institutions have documented the benefits of regular meditation:

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Benefits of Meditation:

  • Lowered Blood Pressure: Meditation can lower blood pressure so effectively that 16% of patients were able to stop their medication altogether. (Just imagine the savings on pharmacy bills!)
  • Better Sleep: People with insomnia who meditated 15-20 minutes twice daily for two months reported improved sleep, with most reducing or eliminating their need for sleeping pills. Hello, sweet dreams!
  • Pain Reduction: Individuals with chronic pain saw a 42% reduction in doctor visits, and open-heart surgery patients experienced fewer post-op complications. Apparently, pain gets bored and leaves when we meditate.
  • Increased Brain Power: Meditation slows brain deterioration. So if you want to keep your brain sharp, keep meditating.
  • Reduced Anxiety and Anger: During meditation, the part of the brain responsible for fight or flight takes a nap, while the part responsible for peace, compassion, and happiness gets a wake-up call.
  • Decreased Depression: Meditation helps alleviate depression. Who knew sitting quietly could pack such a punch?
  • Boosted Self-Esteem, Concentration, and Relaxation: Meditation is like a multi-vitamin for your mind and soul.

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Often, when I’m praying, I’m on the go—asking, talking, and rushed. This research challenged me to add another dimension to my prayers. One that Scripture encourages: “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10).

I’ve started setting a timer on my phone for just one minute (a baby step!). I sit in silence and breathe. I listen instead of speak. As a Christ follower, when I meditate, I think of God, His Word, and His benefits. This increases my faith, strength, and peace.

Other words you could meditate on include:

  • Peace
  • Love
  • Strength
  • Wisdom
  • Health

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Just get quiet, allow yourself to breathe deeply, and think about the Word over and over. It’s fascinating that worry and meditation are basically the same thing (thinking of something over and over), but with very different outcomes.

Worry increases anxiety. Meditation, on the other hand, has been scientifically proven to reduce anxiety. Meditation is so simple, yet has powerful benefits. So, in these turbulent times, when your mind starts to worry… STOP and MEDITATE!

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Book Recommedations:

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Additional Meditation Practices:

  • Sit outside and listen. Find at least ten DIFFERENT noises before you move on.
  • Close your eyes and imagine God’s arms wrapped around you. Rest in God’s love, be present to him, slow down to let Jesus set the pace and agenda of our day.
  • Ask God a question and listen. Here’s a few ideas of what to ask: Is there anything you want to say to me today? Is there anything you want me to do today? Is there anyone you want me to bless today? What would be pleasing to you today, Father? What lies am I believing? What is the truth you want to replace that lie with?
  • List 15 things you are grateful for.
  • Slowly read a passage of Scripture and reflect.
  • Take a quiet walk without your phone.
  • Breathe in and out. BREATHE OUT negativity, stress, anxiety. BREATHE IN peace, love, and strength.

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A Few Verses to Start your Day (Morning Meditation):

Here are three of my favorite verses to meditate on in the morning and speak before getting out of bed:

1. This is the Day that the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24

2. May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight. Psalm 19:14

3. I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13

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A Few Verses to End your Day (Evening Mediation):

Here are a few verses I say to myself or with my kids before bed:

1. God has not given me a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7

2. In peace, I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety. Psalm 4:8

3. May the peace that passes all understanding guard my heart and mind in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7

Click here for a beautiful evening meditation for a good night’s sleep.

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Thank you for reading and happy meditating!

Click here to read how to find Joy with your 5 Senses

Click here for 7 tips for more JOY!

July 24, 2024 By
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0 In Faith/ Family/ Inspiration/ Memories/ My Journey/ Raising boys

9-1-1 Emergency: The Hunt for My Son

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“This is 9-1-1, what’s your emergency?” the man on the phone asked calmly. 

“I’ve lost my son,” I stuttered between heavy, anxious breaths.  

Paul was only 4. We had finished shopping and I asked him to climb into his car seat while I loaded our groceries.  When I came around to buckle Paul into his seat, he wasn’t there.

“Paul?” I asked. No answer.

“Paul?” I said a little louder. No answer. 

I looked inside the car. No Paul. I looked under the car. No Paul. I did a lap around my car. No Paul. 

My heart was beating fast. I’m trying not to panic.

“Did you see a little boy with a red shirt?” I ask a woman getting into a car nearby. She shook her head no.

“I can’t find my son.” I say to people in the parking lot. No one has seen him.

A lady kindly offers to watch my other kids while I search for Paul.

I run back into the grocery store while scanning the parking lot. I see cars leaving and hope that Paul is not in one them. “Has he been kidnapped?” I think, terrified.

I look inside the grocery store. No Paul.

The store manager sends staff out to help find my son and I decide it’s time to call 911, “What’s your emergency?” 

“I’ve lost my son.” I respond, with panic in my voice. 

While I answer the dispatcher’s questions, I suddenly remember to pray. I silently say, “God, you know where Paul is. Please show me what to do or where to look.” I pause, take a shaky breath and feel a prompt, “Go look in your car again.”

I’m still answering the dispatcher’s questions when I climb into my minivan to get a better look. I climb to the backseat, and look down onto the floor. That is where I found little Paul, curled up behind the back seat, hiding.

“I found him! I found him!” I cry to the dispatcher and to the kind woman still watching my other children. 

The dispatcher tells me how happy he is and then reminds me to breathe. 

I hang up, take a deep breath and ask Paul what he’s doing curled up in the back of the car.

“I’m playing hide-and-seek with you Mommy!” he says with a big smile. 

“Paul, please tell me we are playing hide-and-seek BEFORE you hide next time! I thought I lost you and I was scared.”

“But you FOUND me mom,” he playfully responds, full of joy.

I give him a hug and buckle him into his seat. I thank the kind woman watching my other children and get them buckled in too. As I climb into my seat and turn on the car, I notice I’m shaking. I take some deep breaths and pause to thank God for keeping Paul safe and helping me find him.

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Reflecting on, and writing this story, brought up all the feelings from that day – both the horror and fear I felt as I frantically searched for Paul, and the relief of finding him and the joy of answered prayer.

More importantly, on this day I had a clearer understanding and appreciation of how Jesus Christ pursued me when I was lost. Though, like Paul, I did not know I was lost, He found me. In His presence I found peace, acceptance, joy, unconditional love, purpose and LIFE. 

In the book of Luke, chapter 15, Jesus tells a story about a lost sheep. A lost sheep in the wilderness is doomed. It has no protection and it would be only a short time before the coyotes or other predators would attack and kill it.

The Bible calls Jesus our Good Shepherd and says we are His sheep. If we are wandering this earth without allowing Him to guide us, we are easy targets for the enemy’s attack. 

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Just as I searched for my son, this story emphasizes the Shepherd’s relentless pursuit of us. In fact, the story shares how the Shepherd left the 99 sheep in his flock to find the ONE missing sheep.

I left my other sons to search for Paul because of my love and care for him. Jesus, our Good Shepherd, seeks us, His lost sheep – a pursuit fueled by love. The story in Luke 15 says that the Shepherd had “exuberant joy” when He found the lost sheep. He carried it to safety with “careful delight” (Luke 15:5 TPT).

As a Christ follower, I understand that my connection with God is not a result of my own pursuit but a response to the Him seeking me. In life’s chaos, we often find ourselves lost and yearning for a connection, and it’s through faith in Jesus that we find direction, protection, and unconditional love. 

As we navigate life’s twists and turns, please know that just like a loving parent, God is continuously seeking you, inviting you into the warmth of His love. May you be found by Him and rest in His warm presence and careful delight.

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Prayer:

“Dear Jesus, thank you for pursuing me with your love. May I be found by you and follow you all the days of my life. May I pause and remember you throughout my day and allow you to lead me. You are the Great Shepherd who leads with love toward peace, joy, and fulfillment. Amen.”

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Verses to consider:

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The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for the sake of His name. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

Psalm 23:1-4

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For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.

Isaiah 41:13

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I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.

Psalm 32:9

April 23, 2024 By
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4 In 2023/ Faith/ Family/ Finding our place/ Inspiration/ Joy

6 Lessons I Learned in 2023

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When I was planning this post, I really wanted to write ’23 things I learned in ’23.’ That was taking too long to write and some you wouldn’t care about anyway. (I mean, do you really want to know what apps I learned to use to help me connect with my child’s school?) I decided to SCALE back and focus on what I learned that impacted my life in a positive way, and might be useful for you too.

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Lessons I learned in 2023:

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1. Smile when things are hard. It makes it easier!

On a psychological level, smiling can trick your mind into perceiving the difficulty as more manageable. The act of smiling is known to release endorphins, which are feel-good hormones that contribute to an improved mood and reduced stress levels. P.S. Try it during a test, when you are angry or when working out. Read more here.

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2. Make space for QUIET.

Quiet allows your mind to process what you are thinking and feeling. It moves out some of the ‘sludge’ from constant noise and busyness. It also opens up time for prayer and reflection. Being quiet allowed me to be more ‘present’ – to God, to myself, and to others.

“The noise of the modern world makes us deaf to the voice of God, drowning out the one input we need most.”

– John Mark Comer

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3. Do ONE thing at a time.

I’m a serial mulit-tasker. In 2023, I learned that doing ONE thing at a time was more effective than doing multiple things poorly.

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4. Slow down and pay attention to what is happening in the moment.

All the best stuff happens in the present and I don’t want to miss all the little moments of JOY.

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5. Less input leads to better output.

In 2023 I learned that reducing the amount of input enhances the quality of output. Previously, I would consume up to 60 books a year and listen to countless podcasts. However, in 2023, I deliberately scaled back. This shift has allowed me the time to process and apply what I’ve learned. Creating this mental space has not only fueled my ideas, but also increased my motivation for writing, speaking, and teaching.

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6. Change might seem too big and too hard, do it anyway.

When we began talking about moving to a different house, I was hesistant. I didn’t want to leave my comfort zone, the work involved with moving seemed overwhelming, and I was distraught over leaving our wonderful neighborhood. After lots of discussion, prayer and planning – we sold our house and bought another. The change turned out to be exactly what we needed. It was a LOT of work. It was really heard to say goodbye to our amazing neighbors, but the change was exactly what we needed for our family. And, it didn’t just take me out of my comfort zone, it EXPANDED my comfort zone. We’ve met so many new friends, while staying connected to our old ones. It made me (and all of us) a little more adaptable to different situations. Embracing change, though challenging, proved worthwhile.

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Those were a handful of the many lessons I learned in 2023. Which of these should you practice in 2024?

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What did you learn in 2023? Leave a comment by clicking on that little text box by the title of this post!

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Thanks for reading and subscribing.

January 8, 2024 By
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2 In Faith/ Finding our place/ Inspiration/ My Journey

Rediscovering Joy: A Journey of Self-Reflection, Resilience, and Faith

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In the winter of 2018, I found myself in an emotionally challenging place, feeling disheartened and discouraged. We had recently uprooted our lives (again!) to a new state that was experiencing one of the coldest winters in years, I had very few friends. The days were cold and dark and the boys continued to pass around every type of cold. The demands of raising four boys was high and my energy was low. I was feeling overwhelmed and exhausted, both physically and emotionally. The sense of isolation began to gnaw at my spirit. As the days passed, I struggled to find motivation and meaning, and know my purpose in this new place.

I’m normally a person who’s positive and sees the bright side, but I couldn’t in this season. What made it harder was comparing myself – to myself! The person I’d been just a year ago was so different than the girl I saw in the mirror.

The previous year was marked by remarkable growth and progress:

  • I set big goals and accomplished most of them.
  • I published a children’s book.
  • My blog had a strong following.
  • I loved my job and felt like I was making an impact.
  • We lived in one of the most beautiful places in the world.

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Then all of that changed. We moved to a new place. I no longer wanted to set goals, to write, and was living in (what felt like) Antarctica.

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Isn’t life supposed to move up and to the right?

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It was certainly moving to the ‘right’ as time continued its relentless march forward. The “up” part seemed elusive. Why had things shifted so drastically from the year before?

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In my quest for answers and to regain a sense of equilibrium, I realized I needed to make some changes. It was time to unplug from the constant noise, to halt both the input and output, and just be. After all, we are human beings, not human doings.

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I took a break from writing and blogging. I removed Facebook and Instagram from my phone. I unsubscribed from the podcasts that left me discouraged and overwhelmed.

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Instead, I listened to positive music, I played with my boys, I read my Bible and a couple of encouraging, life-giving books. I carved out time to make new friends.

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To burst out of a cold, dark winter… Into the brightness and life of spring takes a lot of SHOVELING of gray thoughts that have become a blizzard in our minds… So thick we can’t even see our hands in front of our face.

Deb Freeman

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Through this process, I learned a valuable lesson: Life doesn’t always follow a linear path. It ebbs and flows, bringing both good and challenging times. It oscillates between loneliness and fullness, happiness and sadness. The lows serve to deepen our appreciation for the highs.

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Life is like a book. You take it one chapter at a time. Often one page at a time or one paragraph at a time. Some paragraphs are written better than others.

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What I WANTED my life to look like was different from ‘reality.’

life chart

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My previous assessment of life was a linear progression. Growth and more growth! Life and more life! Up and further up! Add, don’t subtract.

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However, I’ve come to understand that ‘reality’ is far more complex. Life involves a series of steps forward, interspersed with occasional steps backward, sideways meanders, and even ‘exhilarating’ loop-de-loops.

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In a world characterized by constant change, I’m thankful for a God who never changes. Who’s love is always certain.

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I am deeply grateful for the nourishing wisdom found in the pages of the Bible, for the solace and inspiration that uplifting books and music provide. My heart brims with gratitude for the friendships that have woven their way into my life and the ‘date nights’ shared with Ted at new restaurants. I’m grateful for the ways my boys make me laugh and how they teach me knew things. I love that nature soothes and time heals. Every day that passed made me stronger, more able to live in (and even love!) this new place.

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Look for the good, even in the dark. Once you train your eyes for little glimpses of goodness, you’ll get better at seeing them. 

Shauna Niequist

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Each of these elements brought me back to a place of joy. In the midst of this journey, I rediscovered that my truest calling was wife, mother, and cherished child of God. All other pursuits, at this moment in time, occupy the periphery.

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How about you? What sustains you during life’s challenging moments? Where do you find hope and support? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Please leave a comment by clicking on the little box by the title.

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Here are 2 books I found LIFE-GIVING:

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1. Anonymous by Alicia Britt Chole

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I opened the book and instant tears as I read:

“Have you ever moved to a new place or entered a new environment where no one knew who you were, what you could do, or what dreams ignite your soul?”

(How could this author read my mind?) She goes on to say:

“Have you ever moved from leader to learner?  Went from being sought out to left out? 

Potential seems to hibernate and you wonder if spring will ever come?  Praiseworthy strengths become dormant.

Did you realize that 90% of Jesus’ life was spent in obscurity? Only ten percent was in the public eye. And all of His life was indestructible.  When we state our desire to “be like Jesus” we are usually not referring to his anonymous years. Jesus hidden years empowered him to live an eternally fruitful life. 

Why would Jesus announce the birth of His precious Son with a full angelic choir, then hide this priceless Gift for three decades?  What is hidden is not unimportant.

For instance, when a baby is hidden in the womb, those months are priceless and formative. If the baby is removed from the hidden place, the results can be tragic.

Jesus’ hidden years gave him time to grow and become. It was sacred. Time for rest. Unapplauded but not unproductive. Hidden years are the surprising birthplace of true spiritual greatness.”

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The author suggests how to rest:

“Take long walks through the woods. Paint a picture no one will see. Watch the stars. Wander through an art museum. Play piano when only God can listen. Write in your journal. Plant a garden.”

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Savor the anonymous season. Respect it’s potential.

-Alicia Britt Chole

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This book was everything I needed for that challenging season. If you are in a “new, waiting, or starting over” season – Anonymous may be the perfect book for you!

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2. I Guess I Haven’t Learned That Yet: Discovering New Ways of Living When the Old Ways Stop Working by Shauna Niequist

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This book shares Shauna’s journey back to joy in the midst of some really challenging circumstances. Here are bits of advice she gives:

“Get outside and be on the lookout for beauty, especially in nature, read books for comfort. Fresh air helps everything. The world is still good, still beautiful, still interesting and worth savoring. God is still good, still faithful, still kind.

Keep walking, keep loving, keep writing, keep praying. Keep learning, keep forgiving, keep apologizing, keep moving forward. Keep inviting, keep listening, keep opening my arms to all of life.

It doesn’t help to pretend everything is okay. Tell the truth. Allow yourself to be supported by friends and family.

I trust more deeply in the goodness of God than I ever have. I’m more aware of the darkness and more grateful for the light.

I’m learning home isn’t singular. You don’t lose one, instead, your world and your heart expand with each new home and new set of experiences. The old ones stay and the new ones make your heart and your world bigger.“

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Both books brought me SO MUCH JOY as I realized I am NOT alone. Others have been through similar challenges and came out stronger. And God is always with me, cheering me on.

(Books are affiliate links)

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October 26, 2023 By
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0 In 2023/ Faith/ Family/ Memories

Celebrating the life of my Grandpa, Ned Freeman: Palm Tree Eulogy

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On May 24, 2023 my grandfather finished his race and peacefully passed from earth into heaven as he held my sister’s hand. I was honored to be asked to speak at his funeral, and here is some of what I shared:

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My favorite memories of my grandfather are our trips to Florida.

I remember feeling pure joy when we’d cross the Florida state line and spot the first PALM TREE. They would be standing tall, waving and welcoming us in. The palm tree reminded us to breathe deep, relax and enjoy time together. 

I’ve always had a special place in my heart for palm trees, partially because we never see them in the midwest, they represent WARM WEATHER and family time, but also because they remind me of my grandfather.

As I thought about the palm tree, I realized it represents who my grandfather was and some of what he taught me.

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Palm trees are unique in that they have inner strength that is unlike any other tree. Instead of trying to stand firm and rigid like the other trees, the palm tree sways with the wind. The palm tree’s flexible, almost elastic structure allows it to bend with the force of the winds and sway right back into place once the winds and storm pass. The palm tree’s roots actually get stronger with every storm it endures. 

Just like the palm tree, my grandfather wasn’t about outer adornment, he focused on strengthening his inner core. That inner strength came from his faith in Jesus. 

In life, there are times where he stood firm on his convictions, but he also knew how to be flexible, how to show grace, forgiveness and love. 

I am a better person because I was loved by Grandpa Ned. 

My grandfather taught me that the combination of inner strength along with flexibility (or grace), are the keys for enduring the tests and trials of life’s storms. He taught me that no matter how big the storm may seem, storms don’t last forever. And we serve a God who is bigger than any storm. 

Storms made my grandfather stronger because he sought God’s wisdom and planted his roots in the soil of faith in Jesus.  

When you see a PALM TREE, I hope you remember him. May it remind us of his inner strength and his grace, and may you consider how you can show that grace, forgiveness and love to others. 

  • Eulogy by Kathryn Egly, June 1, 2023

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Read his obituary here.

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Click here to read a post about his wife, my grandma Alma.

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September 21, 2023 By
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0 In 2021/ Faith/ Family/ Inspiration/ Joy/ Minnesota/ Raising boys

Our Focus Determines Our Feelings

Do you want to have a better day? Then let me ask you a question: What do you see when you look at this image?

Did you say a black dot?

You’d be right.

HOWEVER, do you notice anything else besides the black dot?

If you thought: “white space,” then you’d be right again! There is actually more WHITE space than black.

Very few people point out the WHITE space. It takes a little more effort to even notice it.

Let’s say this dark spot represents the problems in our world. The white space is the GOOD stuff happening. There is ALWAYS good stuff, we just tend to overlook it. The black dot GRABS out attention. It’s EASIER to notice, and it’s TALKED about more! 

If you watch or read the news, the focus is almost exclusively on the ‘black dot.’

We need to PAY attention to what we are PAYING Attention to! 

We can’t control the negativity in the world. We can’t prevent the ‘black dot.’ We CAN control what we watch, what we listen to, what we talk about, and what we FOCUS on! 

What we FOCUS ON determines how we FEEL!!!!!

Let me say that again in a different way…

Our focus determines our feelings

A couple of months ago I told my boys we were going to the arboretum. In typical kid fashion, they were like

“The arboretum…to look at trees? Mom, that’s BORING!” 

So I turned it into a game. I let them bring their school iPads and I said: “Whoever takes the best picture, gets $1.” 

Suddenly, their attitudes changed.  It was a competition! They had a goal. They had something to focus on.

Look at these incredible pictures and the beauty they found that day:

  • arboretum
  • arboretum
  • Paul was on the hunt for flowers and found some!
  • arboretum
    Paul pointed out this amazing curved tree
  • arboretum
    Mushrooms
  • arboretum
    I love the reflections in the water

We got home and my boys proudly showed their dad the pictures they captured. My husband pointed out that our boys would have missed this beauty if they weren’t on the lookout for it.

They FOUND beauty because the LOOKED for it!

You FIND what you LOOK FOR! 

Beauty and goodness aren’t hard to find, they are just overlooked.

What’s wrong is ALWAYS available, but so is what’s right. We find what we look for.

Change your FOCUS because: Your FOCUS determines your feelings!

Thanks for reading and please consider subscribing.

Click here to see more pictures and read about our day at the Arboretum.

Here’s the YouTube version of what I wrote above:

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July 22, 2021 By
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1 In 2021/ Book Review/ Faith/ Product Recommendations

The Best Bible and Devotionals for Kids ages 2-12 – Plus a Giveaway!

Easter is the best time to get your kids a new devotional or Bible. If you have a hard time getting your kids to read their Bible or a devotional, do it with them. I like to read with my kids when they first wake up or right before they go to bed. Also, my kids are always required to read something before they get on electronics.

Here are some of my favorites!

Bibles

Devotionals:

I Can Learn the Bible

For ages 2-10

We just discovered this one at our local library and love it. It has a devotion for each week of the year, a memory verse and an excellent lesson.

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How Great is our God

For ages 5-15

I’ve shared before how MUCH I love Louie Giglio’s first devotional for kids called: Indescribable. This is Book 2 and I love this one too.

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The Purpose Driven Life for Kids

The Purpose Driven Life (for Grownups) is one of the best selling books of all time. The ones for children are really good too!

I’d recommend this book for ages 8-14:

This illustrated one is great for children 2-8:

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Bibles:

Jesus Storybook Bible

For ages 1-10

This is the Bible in “storybook” form. It’s BEAUTIFULLY written and all my kids have enjoyed listening to it. It’s received about 8,000 five star reviews on Amazon. This is the perfect “FIRST” Bible for kids! However, my 11 year old still asks me to read it to him!

The Action Bible

For ages 6-12

This is a great Bible for kids who love Graphic Novels.

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Bible Storybook

For ages 2 and up

This Bible is easy-to-read and has an accompanying app that little ones enjoy playing.

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A Children’s Holy Bible

For ages 5 and up

A real chapter and verse Bible for your child, if they don’t have on yet, is a great gift to give them for Easter. My favorite bible for kids is the New International Reader’s Version. This version makes the Bible easier to read and understand.

Need more Easter Basket ideas? Read this post!

Five fun Easter crafts and actives for kids! Click here!

For unique Easter egg hunt idea that will delight your kids and neighbors, click here!

Why do we celebrate Easter? Is there TRUTH and FACTS behind the Christian faith?

Thanks for reading! Please share this post!

March 19, 2021 By
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0 In 2020/ Faith/ Finding our place/ Inspiration/ Marriage/ Motherhood

Focus less on ‘WHAT’ and more on ‘HOW’

Most of the time when we think about our lives we think…

“WHAT does God want me to do with my life?”  

or

“WHAT should I do for work?”   

or

“WHAT are my talents?”

or

“What am I doing with my life?”

We usually think in terms of “What.”

Say…WHAT!?

However, SCRIPTURE suggests to us that the HOW is more important than the WHAT.

23Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, 24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

Colossians 3:23-24

In other words…

God’s will is more about “HOW” we live than exactly WHAT it is we do.

What if we found out God’s big plan for our lives is that we wouldn’t spend so much time trying to figure out a big plan for our lives? Perhaps He just wants us to love Him and each other.

Bob Goff

This thought should recalibrate how you approach your day.  

“HOW” you work has an impact on your:

  • attitude,
  • work ethic,
  • integrity,
  • reactions.

HOW you go about your day and HOW you do your work is MORE important than the specific job you are doing.

Maybe we will never get to what we are hoping for, until we learn how to have the right attitude about where we are right now.

Why would God get you to the where…if HOW isn’t working for you?

What if HOW you get your work done and HOW you interact with others were the most important things?  

The HOW is critical in your marriage and parenting.

What if WHO you are married to is not as important as HOW you are married to that person?  

Maybe if WHAT your kids are doing is less important than HOW you are responding to them.

You can love them well.  You can serve them well.

Sometimes when we are not doing WHAT we want to be doing, we aren’t paying attention to HOW we are doing it. But, the HOW is more important than the WHAT.

I had a job I loved before becoming a mother. When my 3rd child was born, I became a full-time homemaker. I  was no longer recognized or rewarded for the work I was doing. My kids never said “Good job mom! Thanks for waking up so early. Thanks for always doing the dishes, washing our clothes, playing with us, changing our diapers, making all that food and cleaning up our messes.” In spite of this, I asked God for strength and JOY in what I was doing. I wanted to enjoy my kids and my role in motherhood. I wanted to savor these years and keep a grateful heart and a good attitude. I knew God saw me.

I did wonder if I’d even have any marketable skills after taking care of babies for so long. And guess what, when I went back to work, I found that I hadn’t lost the skills I had before parenting. In fact, I was probably more efficient and a little more effective.

Wherever you are…whatever you are doing…approach it with gratitude and the right attitude.

Perhaps you are a full-time mom, wishing you could escape that roll some days. God has you there, ask Him for strength and allow Him to use you.

Perhaps you are a full-time employee, wishing you could quit. God has you there, ask Him for strength and allow Him to use you.

GOD WANTS TO GET INTO THE FABRIC OF OUR EVERYDAY, SOMETIMES BORING LIVES!

You may not be doing WHAT you want to do. But you still need to think about HOW you are approaching what you do.

Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble.

I Peter 3:8

Let’s look at this verse:

For we are God’s masterpiece, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Ephesians 2:10

Maybe the questions we need to ask ourselves are:

  • HOW am I working well in my job? 
  • HOW am I living well in my neighborhood?  
  • HOW am I loving well in my marriage?
  • How am I modeling well in my motherhood?

Maybe for you, a simple exercise is writing down areas that you can improve, with God’s help:

  • Talk to your spouse about “how” to love or serve him better…
  • Get feedback from your neighbors, co-workers, or boss on “how” you can be of support to them…
  • Have your kids write down 3 or 4 things that you can do to help your relationship with them (reading a story, putting away your phone so you can stay engaged, listening better when they are talking about their day, or investing in areas that you see they are gifted in)

Looking at “how” you are living a significant life is a great exercise in self-reflection.  

Remember, life is less about WHAT we are doing than HOW we are doing it!

This post was adapted from a sermon my husband gave many years ago when he was a teaching pastor. Thanks for reading!

March 14, 2021 By
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