"You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with." -- Motivational Speaker Jim Rohn It's been years now since I first heard this quote, and yet I still can't get it out of my head. If I want a life that's ALL IN, where my faith really is my #1 priority, I HAVE to intentionally surround myself with people who want the same. And if they're already a few steps ahead of me--even better. So, over the last couple of years, I've been trying to do just that: I reached out and found someone who has been married longer than me, who has kids older than mine, to mentor me I've met with priests and pastors to ask hard questions and get real answers I've signed up for online classes where I could learn and grow under the direction and guidance of learn more...
Are You at Risk for Christian Burnout?
Guest post by Gina of GinaMPoirier.com Before I became a Christian, I was what you might call a perfectionistic high achiever. I pursued high grades, college scholarships, and whatever awards and accolades I could get my hands on. But as I matured and saw how empty these selfish ambitions were in and of themselves, I started yearning for a different direction in my life. Enter Jesus. I fell in love with him and his church when I was 19, and started pouring my life into more “spiritual” pursuits. But as it turned out, the perfectionist in me didn’t really go away. I continued not only to pursue excellence in my schooling and career, but I also drove myself hard to be an excellent Christian. I led Bible studies and small groups, organized and volunteered learn more...
Giveaway! “Unwrapping the Names of Jesus” Advent Devotional
Christmas is weeks away! You're probably already busy getting your home ready, doing your holiday shopping and making plans to get together with friends and family. But are you doing anything to prepare your heart for Christmas? Today on the podcast, we're talking to Asheritah Ciuciu, author of the book, "Unwrapping the Names of Jesus: An Advent Devotional." She's sharing what Advent is, why we should be celebrating it, as well as tons of really practical, hands-on ways we can celebrate (even if we only have 2 minutes!). You can watch it here: THEN, be sure to enter the giveaway below for a chance to win a copy of "Unwrapping the Names of Jesus: An Advent Devotional" for yourself! I personally own this devotional, and I can tell you learn more...
10 Adorable Christian Christmas Crafts Your Kids Will Love!
Do your children love making fun Christmas crafts as much as mine do? There's just something so fun about them getting to make their own special creations -- while learning more about the true Christmas story in the process! But of course you don't want to do the same exact crafts again and again. Sometimes you want to switch it up. Do something new. And today's post is full of ideas for how you can do just that. I tried to pick crafts that were relatively easy -- no special skills required -- as well as crafts that would be relatively inexpensive, with materials that would be pretty easy to find. And of course, each of these Christian Christmas crafts had to help tell part of the Christmas story! (Plus they're all seriously cute) So whether you're in learn more...
Holiday Shopping? These Gifts Help Charities in Need
Do you ever wish you could do more to help people in need? I know I do. For most of us, the problem isn't that we don't care or that we don't WANT to do something. The problem is... Where do I start? After all, it's not like we're made of money. Would the little bit we could give really make a difference? And researching the best charitable organizations can take a lot of time that we simply don't have. Frankly, the whole idea can be a little overwhelming. Well, the good news is: If you'd like to give back this holiday season, but you're not sure how you can, this post will help! Below, I'm highlighting four SUPER easy ways you can make a real difference this holiday season -- whether or not you have any extra to give. Even if you don't have a single learn more...
4 Great Ways to Reduce Holiday Stress (These Really Work!)
Guest post by Mary at healthychristianhome.com “Not another holiday party,” I groan as I open our latest invitation. After the ornament swap, my introverted self would be tired and ready to hunker down with a cheesy Hallmark movie and a mug of cocoa. Instead, we are scheduled for an evening party just hours after the morning one ends. I feel less than jolly. And guilty. After all, these are Christian brothers and sisters I love spending time with. I should be happy! Can you relate? If you’re trying to conjure up holiday cheer to survive the constant hubbub of activity, this post is for you. Is it Wrong for Christians to Feel Stressed? I’m not a huge fan of Christian leaders telling people that faith eliminates stress altogether. Many authors and learn more...
Three Habits of Families That Raise Thankful Kids
Guest post by Gina of GinaMPoirier.com It’s not exactly news these days that kids and young people in general can be selfish, thankless and entitled. I don’t know about you, but I’m constantly coming across headlines about how things like technology, bullying, materialism and competition are sucking away their souls. I’d like to say that Christian homes are different. But I’ll be honest here…in my home at least, we struggle. My daughter obsesses over when she can get her next LOL Surprise Doll while I have to peel my sons away from the latest video game craze. Stashes of Pokémon cards, endless Legos and an army of dolls take up a somewhat embarrassing amount of real estate in our house. I don’t want throw them under the bus for being this way. I am responsible for learn more...
Scared to Share Your Faith? This Will Help
Guest Post by Isabel of Family Life Blog Have you ever felt like you can't lead others, helping them grow in their faith because of your past? Have you ever felt like you're not worthy of sharing the gospel with others? Maybe you've had thoughts like: "I'm not good enough!" "I don't know enough of the Bible." "I've sinned way too much in my past." "How can I lead others to grow in their faith if sometimes, my own faith gets shaken?" Well, my friend. You're not the only one who thinks about this, and (worse yet) sometimes even believes it. I've had these thoughts so many times... I've let them creep in and get into my head. I've doubted myself. I've questioned my calling. But enough is enough. Because none of these statements are in the Bible. learn more...
Christian YouTubers You’ll Wish You Were Following
Looking for the best Christian YouTube Videos for women? Whether you need help with your marriage, your parenting, or you simply want to be challenged and inspired, here are 10 top Christian Youtubers you'll wish you were following! Are there any Christian women in your life who you really look up to? Who make you think, "Wow, she's so amazing. I wonder how she does it?" Or "She's such a great wife, mom or friend. I wish I could be more like her." I remember feeling that way years ago, when I was in high school. I knew a few Christian women who were SO Godly. They were so peaceful, calm, loving, and self-assured. They truly loved Jesus, loved the Bible, and lived lives that reflected that. I remember thinking, "Man, I wish I had that." But I didn't know learn more...
Battling Body Image Issues with Heather Creekmore
If you could change one thing about yourself, would you? What would you change? Chances are, you probably don't have to think too hard to come up with something you'd like to change about yourself. Maybe you wish you were a little thinner, a little prettier... Maybe you wish you were shorter, taller, more outgoing, or more fashionable... Maybe you wish you had better hair or better skin. If so, today's podcast episode is one you won't want to miss. In it, we're talking to Heather Creekmore, author of the book "Compared to Who? A Proven Path to Improve Your Body Image*." Not only is she sharing the REAL reason why we as Christian women deal with body image issues along with a ton of super practical and actionable steps we can take to overcome them, but she and I learn more...
