Well, here you are. A woman. A mother. How do you feel today? Beautiful or boring? Well-groomed or well-worn? Are your kids ready to name you Nag of the Universe because it’s “that time of the month”? Or is your husband ready to name ovulation a national holiday because it’s “that time of the month”? Are you feeling flabby and overweight? Or tan and toned? Are your friendships building you up and giving you courage? Or have they left you raw and lonely? Is your heart in a ... [keep reading]
How Can Essential Oils Be Used Safely and Effectively?
Let’s refresh our memory on how to use essential oils and on essential oil safety. Three Ways to Use Essential Oils Essential oils are used in three ways: aromatically, topically, and internally. Let’s talk more about each use. AROMATIC: You can diffuse oil into the air with a cold-water diffuser, drip oil into your cupped palm and inhale it, apply oil to diffuser jewelry (one of my favorites!), put a drop or two of oil on a scarf, or inhale oil directly from ... [keep reading]
What just happened, God? How to survive life’s unexpected curves.
Last year was a season of emotional whiplash. My husband Chris and I were certain that God was leading our family to move across the country, and we made several permanent steps in that direction. But then we had to face a hard truth. We weren’t going anywhere after all. We were so baffled. We had been so sure this was God’s will. The decision had been confirmed through Scripture, songs, circumstances, multiple advisors, and even a dream! God seemed to be inviting us to take a giant leap ... [keep reading]
Have you reached “that point” in your life?
I have a t-shirt and across the front in white block lettering it reads #TIRED. It is supposed to be a cheeky tee you wear on lazy weekends or with pajama pants to bed or something an adorably over-primped Instagram influencer would put on for a perfectly styled selfie as she hugs a cup of coffee on a Monday morning. I bought it because at that time, I was literally #tired. My iron levels were dangerously low—like if I didn’t stop and get IV drips of liquid iron, I ran the risk of passing ... [keep reading]
What are your deepest needs and what can you do to address them?
Recently, I was blessed to spend time with a friend I hadn’t seen in years. Our independently planned trips to the same desert town overlapped; and to our delight, we were able to spend a day together. Throughout our shared breakfast on a sunny patio, our stroll in and out of galleries, and a short visit to a cultural center, we intuitively sated deep needs. We broke bread with someone dear, felt the encouragement of true connection, immersed in healing beauty, and moved our bodies in the ... [keep reading]
How you feel in your home matters to God. Here’s why.
Every time I host a project tour live on Instagram, share a post of my red-haired, snuggly little ones assisting me in the kitchen, or take my followers into the homes of my design clients, I’m welcoming everyone to the most intimate parts of my life and the inspirations for my work. Sharing what matters most is my biggest privilege and blessing. Even when I didn’t run my own design firm or have my own house, I understood the power of beauty to nourish and heal hearts, bodies, and ... [keep reading]
How do you explain the trinity to your children?
When you think about the primary things you want your toddler to learn, the trinity probably isn't one of them (it's probably not even in your top 100) Most of us barely feel confident explaining this doctrine to other adults. The triune nature of God is something theologians with lots of fancy degrees have been wrestling with for centuries. We might even feel the need to apologize for the trinity, as we would an embarrassing uncle. “There’s one God but three persons. I know, it’s confusing. ... [keep reading]
Where do you go to find community when you need it the most?
Finding our people is one of life’s best discoveries. But when we are distanced from others emotionally or physically, we can feel untethered. If a good friend has moved recently or you’ve experienced the disconnection that occurs with busyness, you might feel restless. Are you grieving the loss of a loved one? Is a relationship strained and you’re not sure where you stand? I know the weight of loneliness when spending time alone is not by choice. Or when feelings of discouragement create a ... [keep reading]
Stepparenting is a high calling. Here’s how to rise up to the task.
Having a baby includes a pregnancy, doctor appointments, and classes to get you ready for the birth. When you become a stepparent, you have your wedding night and wake up with a child. No matter how much you prepare for it, instant parenthood can be a shock, especially if you have never been a parent before. Whether you are parenting full-time or half-time, acquiring an older child or one who needs full-time care, becoming a stepparent is like welcoming a new birth—except the child comes without ... [keep reading]
Keep going, mama! Here’s some encouragement for you on Mother’s Day.
The King will reply, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Matthew 25:40 Trying to do the Lord’s work in your own strength is the most confusing, exhausting, and tedious of all work. But when you are filled with the Holy Spirit, then the ministry of Jesus just flows out of you. Corrie Ten Boom *** I often find myself reminiscing about my early mothering years; the difficulty took me by surprise! I regularly told ... [keep reading]
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