A Fresh Start: Being Organized at Home, Work, Calendar

The organized arrangement of snow-covered trees against a clear blue sky, with branches heavily laden with white frost, creates a stark contrast with the deep blue background.

Being organized is a stress reliever. January is my month to get organized. It’s a new year with fresh opportunities, higher goals, and new beginnings. Just looking at the 2014 calendar hanging under the crumpled, too busy 2013 calendar gives me hope. organized Getting my house and especially my workspace in order is a priority. Let’s…

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Merry Christmas!

A wooden nativity scene features figures of Mary, Joseph, and a child, surrounded by animals and shepherds. Soft warm lighting and glowing stars in the background create a peaceful holiday atmosphere, wishing you a Merry Christmas.

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light;
 on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. For to us a child is born, to us a son is given,  and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called
 Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of…

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Wrapping Up the Holiday: Get Organized

Hands holding a beautifully wrapped holiday gift adorned with pine cones, greenery, and a blank tag. A hot chocolate with a snowman marshmallow sits nearby on a wooden table, surrounded by more pine cones and festive decorations.

Exchanging gifts reminds us of God’s Greatest Gift, Jesus Christ. The wise men travelled far to deliver gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh to the Christ Child. They each had one present to think about. Most Christmas lists are l-o-n-g! And getting those gifts organized can be stressful. Here are a few ways to alleviate…

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Thankful Hearts Share

A warmly lit dining room invites warmth and connection, with a table elegantly set for a shared meal. Glasses, napkins, and dinnerware are arranged neatly. In the background, a piano adorned with decorative items and framed pictures enhances the cozy atmosphere under soft lighting.

Thankful hearts share the message of salvation with others. Share the message of Jesus with all those who gather around your Thanksgiving table. In this world of cultural demise the greatest gift you can give is the Gospel of Jesus Christ. A home where God is trusted and the Bible honored provides fertile soil to…

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Thankful Hearts Care

A wrapped gift with a red ribbon and blank tag sits on a table with a black and white snowflake tablecloth. In the background, a decorated Christmas tree, glowing with lights and ornaments, creates an ambiance that makes one feel thankful for the festive season.

My husband, Scott, speaks “automotivese” fluently. I do not. Actually I’m practically illiterate when it comes to motor vehicles. I can pump gas, add washer fluid, and maybe oil but past that I leave it up to the professionals or my sweet husband. Scott recently ordered new tires for my car. I didn’t know the…

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Thankful Hearts Prepare

A thankful person holds a framed sign with the words "GIVE. THANKS." against a backdrop of blurred grassy fields and trees, suggesting a serene outdoor setting.

The forecast is for snow, three to five inches! Yes, I’m totally excited. While many consider the sloppy weather a nuisance, I love it…especially the first snow of the season. It sets my eyes and heart on the holidays, Thanksgiving and Christmas. With my eldest son away at college, I’m looking forward to Thanksgiving even…

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KNOCK IT OFF! Bullying

Rows of shopping carts, reminiscent of soldiers in uniform, stand neatly lined up in a store. The white metal bars and red plastic handles are chained together with precision, much like a united front against bullying, showcasing their unwavering arrangement and uniformity.

People of all ages bully others. It’s so sad. Have you witnessed bullying in action lately? I have. While waiting for my items to be bagged at the store a couple weeks ago I witnessed an interesting exchange. I was the last customer in line before the cashier was to go on break. He had…

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When the Bully is Yours

A black and white photo features a person with light hair, gazing intently at the camera, their right fist raised in the foreground. The left side is mostly shadowed, emphasizing their facial expression, evoking a defiant stance against any lurking bully in the shadows.

Yesterday, as part of National Bully Prevention Month Lori Wildneberg, my ministry partner, gave moms and dads advice on 1 Corinthians 13 Parenting on how to bully-proof kids. Being proactive is a great way to build confidence in kids. As parents and teachers, we spend a lot of time talking about what to do when…

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Cyber Bullies

A person with long blonde hair, wearing a green jacket and graphic t-shirt, is standing outdoors, leaning on a railing and engrossed in their smartphone. The cyber world captivates them as the background blurs into green and brown hues.

October is National Bullying Prevention Month. Both Lori and I have written posts addressing this topic, most recently on 1 Corinthians 13 Parenting, 6 Empowering Ways for Your Child to Deal with a Bully. The two of us had the honor of being guests on the Rita Schulte Heartline Radio Show, to speak on bullying recently too.…

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Focusing on Fussy Eaters Part 2

A display of fresh vegetables at a market stall caters even to fussy eaters, featuring bunches of carrots with green tops, leeks with roots, and various other produce in the background. They are arranged on a brown cloth surface.

I hope some of the ideas from last week’s blog, Focus on Fussy Eaters, helped to tempt those fussy eaters to nibble a few new foods! Today I have a few hints from friends who have overcome finicky behaviors at the table. A mom who read the blog shared a great idea. She makes meals…

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