I sought the privilege without the sacrifice. My dad was dying, but I refused to see it. At first, the oxygen tank he carried made it easier for him to go about doing the things he’d always done. Though alarming, the extra backpack became a comforting joke as I watched him strap it to his […]
Dinner Game Ideas for Family Fun
I am thrilled to announce the launch of my new eBook: Dinner Games: serving up conversation and family fun. It’s a great resource for families, sharing all sorts of active conversation games and plenty of hands-free play during mealtimes.
Freethinking is Not What You Think
Freethinker- one who forms opinions on the basis of reason, independent of authority or tradition, esp. one whose religious opinions differ from established belief (Random House Webster’s College Dictionary, 1991). The world promotes the freethinker. Is there really such a thing? We like the freedom to think whatever we want to think. But is freethinking […]
Cherry Bites Recipe
Looking for a sweet treat that only requires a couple of ingredients and is quick and easy to serve? At the Smith House, we love a sweet treat after dinner. My husband claims I’ve spoiled my boys to expect it, but I’m actually the one who loves a little something sweet after our meal to […]
Our Hope for Transformation is Found Where Love Abounds
I never knew the transforming power of love until God’s transformation taught me how to love myself. For most of my life, I felt guarded. No one gave me a reason. Sure, I’ve experienced rejection and betrayal and plenty of times when I’ve been left out. But my protective boundaries were built by my own […]
7 Gifts of Truth Everyone is Seeking
Why do we push the boundaries? Our world creates such distortions, it’s difficult to find anything real. Yet, we often push the boundaries to connect within it. We keep truth quiet in the name of peace until our silence creates our own world war. [tweetable] We set aside truth in the name of tolerance until […]
The Summer I Kicked the Bucket
Today’s marks the official FIRST DAY OF SUMMER. Moms everywhere are grabbing their guilt-ridden pencils to scratch out a Bucket List of Summer Fun. I get it. I’ve been there–and done that. But after almost killing myself to provide the perfect Summer Vacation, I learned our family needs a summer filled with less doing and […]
5 Lessons From the Words of My Father
Lesson #1: Words Hold Power I inherited my love for words from Daddy. He wasn’t a writer, though his penmanship was the most beautiful I’ve ever seen. Daddy was a storyteller. And when he spun a tale (he could stretch a tall one), people stopped to listen. With only a word, a loud, crowded room would […]
5 Friends Every Woman Needs
Remember your BFF from high school? Or maybe your best friend from third grade? Though these friends are treasured, as we grow older our friendships grow, too. Motherhood, careers, marriage–even divorce–change our priorities within our relationships and often shift the image of what friendship looks like, according to our individual circumstances. Whether you live by […]
Tweeting the Gospel
Anyone else feel: pressured? confused? cautious? or consumed? –by the sudden Social Media Movement? This girl feels all of the above. For me, even Facebook was a four letter word and it took a friend’s fast as lightning typing skills and his refusal to hear the word no for me to even (unwillingly) […]
Sounds of Summer and the Lesson within its Rest
Yesterday, my boys finished their school year, making today our first official day of Summer Vacation. I’m relieved–no more early morning rush hours. I’m excited–summer means more opportunities for family fun. And I also admit I’m anxious. I’m geared for productivity. I like routine. I like busy days of doing something. So lazy days of […]
5 Online Devotionals to Start Your Day
Sometimes grabbing our Bible isn’t that easy. We fumble through the pages trying to figure out where to start. Should we read one verse or maybe a chapter? Should we read a familiar verse or something new? A daily devotional guide is a great place to start. 1. The selections are short. 2. They provide […]
How to Strike a Pose and Look Your Best
I read an article on LifeHacker once giving tips on “How to Look Your Best In Photos.” This is a big deal. Those snapshots taken from 20 years ago–when you were at your heaviest or sporting your biggest hairstyle mistake–WILL come back to haunt you when you least expect it. So, like many LifeHacker postings, […]
Perfect Lettering with Chalkboard Paint
One of the biggest goals I’ve set for myself in the Home Decor department is VERSATILITY. Over the years, I’ve accumulated a LOT of stuff–and with so many wonderful seasons to celebrate, the seasonal items have become a big problem when trying to find enough space to tuck it all away. After a huge purge a […]
Flowerpots Do Over with Fabric
Adding a little life to my outdoor space has been loads of fun and trying out the Flowerpot Do Overs has really added character and color to the space. After cleaning up some of my old terracotta pots, I decided it was time for something new. I keep these pots on hand for other projects and […]
Flowerpots Do Over with an Old Shirt
While trying different materials and techniques for my Flowerpots Do Over project, I rummaged through the house for castaways and forgotten treasures. That’s when I found this old shirt. And well, it worked wonderfully! [Tweet “Flowerpots Do Over-an old shirt never looked so good!”] Flowerpots Do Over with an Old Shirt Out of all the […]
Flowerpots Do Over with Words
When I worked on making over my front porch flowerpots, I tried several solutions. (Flowerpots Do Over front page) This one was the easiest and –I think–turned out to be the brightest surprise. [Tweet “Flowerpot Do Over-Just add Words!”] I simply added a little red spray paint, allowed it to dry, then used a few leftover […]