When we begin to cultivate an emotionally vibrant life amazing things begin to happen. One of the wonderful consequences to creating an emotionally healthy life is that we has some great friendships. We have relationships where we laugh and share together and ones where we encourage and offer some advice. One great way to build upon those friendships is to send a hand-written letter of encouragement. There is something special, especially in this digital age, about receiving a personal letter that is meant to lift a friend’s spirits or share in their happiness. Here are some elements on how to write an encouraging letter to a friend. [Read more…]
Home Milling Wheat Flour From Field to Table
When I was growing up I loved to read everything about the American Frontier. I loved to imagine what life was like being a frontier settler living off the land and providing for most of your own basic needs. Actually, I haven’t really outgrown my fascination with that time period! Most opportunities I get to experience a little bit of what that life was like I think it is the best fun! So today I want to share with you the process of home milling wheat flour from field to table. We just finished harvesting our wheat crop and milling some of it into wheat flour for our family so I have plenty of pictures to share of this exciting process! [Read more…]
3 Needs of the Introvert Teen
A while back, I was working with a mom who was attending one of the groups I teach. One issue in her life was that she tended to dislike schedules and often struggled to follow through in a timely manner. As I got to know her I could see that she was definitely a free spirit. We discussed how being more relaxed with a schedule is fine as long as you move a few things up the priority list that “have” to be done. But there was another concern. She described one of her daughters as “really good” but always “anxious.” The more I listened, I realized that the daughter was probably an introvert. And as an introvert, her needs were very different from her extrovert spontaneous mom. So what are 3 needs of the introvert teen? [Read more…]
Simple Ways to Share Your Personal Story
There she was again! While in town running errands, I saw the same acquaintance, in the first two stores. I had not seen her in a while, and she was now in her early twenties and pregnant. Had she married, and I just hadn’t heard about the wedding? My heart went out to her. But I hesitated to say anything. I wanted to encourage her, as others had encouraged me when I was single and pregnant. I had a story to share, a very personal story. Should I step out and talk with her? After our “chance” meeting, that day, I realized yet again the importance of sharing one’s story. So how can you bless others with YOUR story? Here are 4 simple ways to share your personal story to encourage others. [Read more…]
Surviving a Blended Family Wedding
Last fall, our oldest married. When two people commit their lives together, it is truly a reverent occasion. And it’s always so special to see a bride transformed on her wedding day into the most beautiful woman in the room! But weddings can also be full of tension, stress and unfilled expectations. Add in a blended family and the wedding can become a ticking time bomb. Here are some surprise lessons we learned, and how my husband and I went about surviving a blended family wedding. [Read more…]
4 Keys to Maneuvering Through Life Transitions
We just got back from a lovely vacation in the Smoky Mountains. Our cabin on the mountainside was beautiful and the view was breathtaking. It was so wonderful to slow down for a while and relax. And yet, at the same time I felt a little sad. Our youngest was with us, but College Boy did not join us on vacation. And as a woman and mom, I am making my way through another stage in life. Here are 4 keys to maneuvering through life transitions that have been very helpful. [Read more…]
5 Secrets to Deepening Your Family Bond on Vacation
Our mini van was struggling. It was so weighed down, I wasn’t sure we were even going to make it up the drive much less 4,000 miles. Country Boy started throwing out all the extra water I had crammed into every crevice as I hollered at him that we needed all the extra water. Tensions were high as we were attempting to pack for 5 people for a 3 week camping trip out West. But you know what? Our 3 week camping trip ended up being our best vacation ever! It really brought us closer as a family. So today I’m sharing 5 secrets to deepening your family bond on vacation! [Read more…]
4 Simple Ways to Incorporate Natural Health Remedies
My first several tries didn’t go so well. While I have always been interested in learning about herbs and aromatherapy, trying to figure out how to incorporate natural health was somewhat challenging. I would try to dry herbs, and the herbs became moldy. Or I would purchase quality essential oils and then I wasn’t sure what to do with them. But gradually after numerous experimentation things begin to change. So I want to share 4 simple ways to incorporate natural health remedies for your family, that won’t cost you an arm and a leg to get started! [Read more…]
Create a Summer Contract for Teens
Summer is almost here! That means school is out and a break from the typical routine. Which can be great. It can also spell varied expectations, household tension, and extra work for parents. So get ahead of the game and create a summer contract for teens. [Read more…]
Overcoming Trust Issues in Friendships
Though I remember the pain of a bad break-up, it is the betrayal or rejection of a friend that still seems to hold a sting. Why is that? Do we allow friends into a space in our hearts that we rarely permit others? I’m not certain. But I do know that it can take effort to risk being open to new friendships. But as healthy friendships are pivotal to a vibrant life, we want to learn how to safely move forward and be responsive to budding friendships. So here are 5 secrets to overcoming trust issues in friendships. [Read more…]
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