Our Blog
Encouragement for every season of lifeEasy and Inexpensive Last-Minute Gift Ideas
My friend Krista is a genius when it comes to inexpensive yet meaningful gifts. I recently shared with her the high number of people on staff at our son’s school who are supporting him as he continues to grow and develop and that I had no idea what to do to honor...
A Labor of Love
I’ve had a love for writing my entire life. I remember in third or fourth grade when our class decided to throw our teacher a party. My job was to write a poem for her. How I wish I had a copy of that poem now! After raising four children, I wonder what it said....
Holiday Survival Guide: Nutrition Edition
My sister and I were talking about how to make this Holiday Survival Guide: Nutrition Edition short and sweet but applicable to our lives RIGHT NOW, amid the hustle, bustle, wrapping, and eating. Last week I started reflecting on what I’ve been doing since...
Colors of Christmas | Jesse Tree
When most people in America think about Christmas, visions of reds and greens (and maybe sugar plum fairies) dance in their heads. This is likely because sometime in autumn, stores begin to fill their shelves with glittering reds, shiny greens, and banners of “Happy...
It’s All About the Food!
When I think back to Christmases from my childhood, lots of memories come to mind: the Advent Calendar (complete with gifts) that my grandma would send every year, decorating the tree, sorting (and counting) our presents with my brothers on almost a daily basis,...
The Ornament Exchange
Christmas was coming and we had been dealing with some major life changes, resulting in a tough financial situation for my husband and me. Our children were all starting out with families of their own too. As our family gathered for Thanksgiving, we decided that the...
#MeToo
Lest you’ve been under a rock of late, #MeToo has become a hashtag for social outrage against sexual assault and harassment. #MeToo had the initial purpose to tell others on social media that they had experienced what an estimated—and astonishing—one in three women...
Walking in His Steps Through the Holidays
It happens every October. I see Christmas decorations and slashed prices on almond bark, and I stiffen. Then commit. This year will be different. This season I will walk in his steps through the holidays. Because here’s the thing. I can get tripped up by Hallmark...
Three Steps Forward, Two Steps Back
Two months ago, I received clearance from my doctor to get serious about my postpartum health and exercise journey. As many of you have read, I recommend setting goals for your wellness and fitness journey that are SMART: specific, measurable, achievable, relevant,...
Our Favorite Comfort Foods
Did you know that December 5 is National Comfort Food day? It’s also International Ninja Day and National Blue Jeans day, but feel free to overlook those crazy little celebrations for a much bigger one that involves food! Should you feel led to wear blue jeans or...
