When faced with decisions, who are you listening to? Your sphere of influence determines your thought patterns.
Category: Relationships
An open letter for the start of school
A letter, originally written when my oldest started kindergarten, that portrays a mother's heart for those back-to-school thoughts.
When you can’t hold on any longer
Faith, like that rope in tug-of-war, is something that we have to hold on to with a tight grip. It’s something that we have to intentionally be aware of and watchful that our grip does not slip.
How to be authentic and not a people pleaser
No one likes an imposter. Someone who says one thing and does another. We value authenticity. Being able to believe that the way a person acts and speaks is who they really are, not just a show. We appreciate being able to trust others in this way.
Get to the root of the issue
Do you find yourself overreacting to little irritations? Your partner forgot to pick up something on the way home - and it sets you off in a bad mood for the entire evening. Your child tracked mud on the freshly mopped floor - and you explode. You find yourself steaming with resentment when your boss simply asks you to complete one more task before headed home. If these types of things are causing your mood to tip from 'barely holding on' to 'full blown anger' it's time to take a closer look.
3 practical ways to help your anxious friend
If you have a friend in your life that struggles with anxiety and depression, the smallest acts of kindness can speak volumes. By reaching out and showing you care, you can be the ‘good and perfect gift’ that the Father has sent to your friend. And, when a good and perfect gift, in the form of a reach out from a friend, comes your way, you can trust it’s just one more example of His care for you.
A dinner of hope and celebration – a Slavic Christmas tradition
Twenty years ago I married into the Suvar family. I knew that they had family roots from the Czech Republic and Slovakia but didn't know how much of that had carried forward from the move to America. But, like many traditions that get passed along through families - food and holiday traditions were part of it. A tradition that has become special to me is the Vilija dinner that we enjoy together every Christmas. There are specific decorations used and certain foods that we eat. Each part points to the story of Jesus in some way and I love the reflection that comes with it as we gather together as a family to commemorate Christ's birth.
When service has left you empty
When we take this perspective on service and how we use our time, it can soften our hearts towards those we are asked to serve. When some one disrupts our plans, throws off our schedule, or makes us have to redo what we just completed, we can remind ourselves that Jesus's love was not cautious but extravagant. He didn’t love in order to get something from us but to give everything of himself to us. We can love like that.
Rewiring your brain with gratitude
Growing up, my mom made us sit down and write thank you notes to family members for birthday and Christmas gifts. As a young kid, I found it a chore. It seemed silly, writing a thank you note when I had already thanked them for the gift in person! But, I’d do it anyway.
Who are you listening to?
When faced with decisions, who are you listening to? Your sphere of influence determines your thought patterns.