1. Baby clothes are basically disposable I spent HOURS picking out clothing for my firstborn. Did I really want him to wear plaid? What type of plaid? Was tartan really HIM, or was he more of a stripes kid? You guys, baby clothes are cute and adorable and lovely and sweet and sooooo not worth having … More 6 Things I Wish I Knew Before Having Kids
Every time I’ve been on social media lately, I’ve logged off feeling like I need to take a shower. The vitriol in the public sphere seems to be reaching a fevered pitch. We must speak truth in love. We must stand against injustice. We must be a people of action, not just words. But … More When it Gets Ugly Out There * 10 Minute Devotional
I remember laying on the floor of my (Christian) college dorm lamenting the curse of Eve. “Why did she have to eat that stupid apple?” I wailed. It was that-time-of-the-month and I was wracked with cramps and bubbling with angst. Women often joke about the difficulties our fair sex faces, childbirth chief among them. We expect pain, … More Holy Labor * Book Review & Giveaway!
Living in southern California, we’ve gotten to enjoy quite a few days at Disneyland. Kids are free until they’re three (“Mickey’s guests,” in Disney-speak!), and taking little ones to the parks never loses its magic. Still, we’ve learned that there are ways to make a Disney trip much more enjoyable and avoid making it an exercise … More 10 Tips for Enjoying Disneyland with Kiddos
Hello, friends. No new blog posts this week, but for a good reason. The hubs will be defending his dissertation on Friday! Prayers much appreciated, if you’re the praying type. We’ll be back to our regularly scheduled broadcasts (blogcasts?) next week. Hugs. C
Ever feel like you’re carrying the weight of the world? There is so much need, and there’s only one you. From global catastrophes to the single mom at the end of the block, you want to help and give and love and serve but–again–there’s only one you. Two hands. Two feet. One heart. And often, all … More Just a Little Farther * 10 Minute Devotional
Because let’s face it, we all need a tune-up now and then! 1. Say “I’m sorry” first I am terrible at this one.I’ll admit it. I like to wait until I’m feeling it. This is a mistake. Don’t wait. Admit you were wrong. Admit it even if it was a mistake. Admit it even if your … More 10 Ways to Boost Your Marriage
This guest post was written by the awesome and brilliant Anna Thelen. Check out her doula and birth photography site Because of Joy, especially if you live in Chicagoland. (I can vouch for her doula skills firsthand, as she helped us bring our firstborn into the world!) Include us Bring us into your life, your family, your marriage. … More 10 Ways for Marrieds to Encourage Singles
A few months ago, Daryl and I arrived home in separate cars around the same time. He parallel parked (we live in a townhouse and park on the street outside) and walked over to me, a big grin on his face, his arms open wide for a hug. I couldn’t meet his gaze. My … More Chin Up * 10 Minute Devotional
You guys, it is FINISHED. Over. Done. At last. At loooooong last. No, I’m not talking about the area road construction (ha!), the nasty election season (grooooan…), or even some cosmic Jesus-y thing. I’m talking dissertation. Not mine, since I’m not in the mood for a PhD (now or possibly ever). My hardworking, faithful, diligent … More 10 Signs You’re a PhD Spouse
Courtney Ellis 