Thursday, April 28, 2011

Thursday, April 28

Rebecca St. James got married this past week in San Diego, CA. It brings me such joy to see her find the love of her life, after her long time stand for purity. She is a great example and role model. Check out her wedding pictures here.

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Wednesday, April 27

The medical community is now saying that too much screen time is bad for our children's hearts and eyes. If you are looking for activities away from the computer, TV, and even phone--check out this list of "101 Screen-Free Activities."

*Our family has been TV-free since we got married 15 years ago, with a few notable exceptions (we often borrow a TV at the holidays and during the Olympics). I feel that being without a TV has been a good choice for our family, and yet even without TV we are a very media-centered (dependent) family. We have an extensive DVD collection and the kids love their computer games. My husband is an IT professional and I am in media, so being on "plugged in" is very much a part of our lives. I found the above "Screen-Free list" a good reminder of the number of things I used to do--and would like to do again.

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Tuesday, April 26

My five-year-old, Micah, displayed some interest this morning in how Mommy puts in her contacts. I let him touch one and then I put my first one in while he watched.

Me: "Look at how you can see the circle in this eye, Micah."

Micah: "Did you put those 'cracks' in there too?"

(Okay, maybe my eyes look like I need a little more sleep!)

Monday, April 25, 2011

Monday, April 25

What does meditation look like for a Christian? Should Christians even practice meditation?

Here are some thoughts from the margins of the best-selling Quest Study Bible:

"Meditation is a combination of reviewing, repeating, reflecting, thinking, analyzing, feeling, and even enjoying. It is a physical, intellectual and emotional activity—it involves our whole being.

In some ways, meditation doesn't easily fit into Western culture. We value action and busyness more than stopping and considering. The author of this psalm was from another time and culture, one with a tradition that valued meditation. As a result, meditation came more naturally for him and others with his Middle Eastern background. We have to overcome some cultural obstacles to learn to meditate.

There are many ways to meditate on God's Word. Some possibilities include: (1) Take time to read a verse or passage over and over. (2) Begin to memorize all or part of it. (3) Listen—quiet your heart to allow the Holy Spirit to speak to you though God's Word. (4) Consider how it fits with the rest of the Bible and life in general. (5) Become emotionally involved—allow yourself to feel what God feels, his desires expressed through his words. (6) Move from meditation to application—connect your thoughts to action. Consider how the truth and power of the Word of God should affect your behavior."

A sample from the best-selling Quest Study Bible. Copyright Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved. www.Zondervan.com.

Friday, April 22, 2011

Friday, April 22

Making peace with your computer...here's how:

1. Avoid eye strain--invest in a lamp if you need to
2. Do carpal tunnel exercises
3. Get an organizer for that desk drawer (even a silverware drawer works in a pinch!)
4. Use a toothbrush to clean between computer keys

Source: Ben Franklin's Almanac

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Thursday, April 21

New clothes, Easter eggs, and beautiful Easter lilies... they are each a part of our Easter celebration, but why? (Personally, I'm all about that new clothes thing- great idea!!!)

*Easter is a time for new clothes as a symbol to indicate new life in Christ

*The Easter egg represents the tomb from which Jesus broke forth

*Easter lilies are actually from Bermuda and have only been in American for about 100 years. They are a symbol of purity because of their beautiful white color- and it doesn't hurt that they just happen to bloom this time of year!

For more, click here.

Monday, April 11, 2011

Monday, April 11


It's time to replace my purse (left) which has been worn out from love! In trying out other purses, I've had to do an inventory, and man, do I have STUFF in my purse! What's the most unusual thing you're carrying in YOUR purse?

Friday, April 8, 2011

Friday, April 8

Did you know that nasal drops and sprays can be addictive?

Allergy nurse Bonnie Dooley, RN, of Eastern VA Ear, Nose and Throat says many of the over-the-counter sprays create "rebound swelling" and even worse congestion when they are used beyond the recommended dosage.

What's recommended? --No more than three consecutive days!

Alternatives: saline solution or steroid sprays by prescription.