These dark, cold February mornings can make everything feel groggy.
When it’s still dark outside, the brain sometimes resists the “boot up” process. Anyone else feel that?
You’re technically awake…
But not fully online.
But not fully online.
That’s because our bodies love rhythm.
They respond to patterns more than the clock itself.
And when sunlight is missing, your brain loses...
I have some information many of you would appreciate—but might never ask.
So let me spare you the embarrassment while I metaphorically put on sunglasses, a hat, and an overcoat to share it with you.
When I was a young bride learning all the new rhythms of married life, a bedroom challenge popped up that I timidly brought to a trusted friend and mentor. With grace and wisdom, she explained that during certain seasons of life—and even certain times of the month—a healthy lubricant can make marital intimacy more....
Have you ever watched a James Bond movie with your husband?
If not, there’s a chance you live in a cave—or might be dead—so let’s assume the answer is yes and move on.
Would any of the 26 James Bond movies be half as intense without the music?
Of course not.
The music builds anticipation, heightens emotion, and adds...
Read more...
Here’s something interesting: your body responds to patterns, not just the clock.
When mornings feel gloomy, your nervous system lacks the familiar cues that say, “It’s time to go.”
Light is a big part of that—but it’s not the only one.
Your senses, especially smell and taste, can help reinforce a ....
Read more...
How will you celebrate Valentine’s Day with your spouse?
Where we live, enjoying a quiet, romantic dinner at a restaurant on Valentine’s Day is basically impossible unless reservations are made a month in advance—and neither of us is quite that organized.
So our Valentine’s panic usually goes something like this....
Read more...
There’s a reason we long for the sun.
There’s a reason our bodies feel better in the summer.
There’s a reason our bodies feel better in the summer.
At the beach, we’re immersed in mineral-rich ocean air and saltwater. We naturally breathe in and ....
Read more...
I’m a coffee drinker—no shame in my game.
Hot. Black. Creamy. Fancy. Simple.
If there’s a mug involved, I’m in.
But here’s the truth: drinking coffee has never really....
The Choice Is Always Yours
Finding Contentment in a World That Always Wants More
Last week, the kids and I ventured out to our local Butterfly Museum.
We eagerly anticipated soft, feather-like creatures floating by, landing gently on our shoulders, and posing sweetly for photos.
What we didn’t anticipate was how overwhelming that experience might feel.
When “What We Want” Becomes Too Much
Halle—my then two-year-old—ran excitedly through the doors and down the concrete steps of the Butterfly Museum without a care in the world.
Until I shouted, “Halle, look up!”
The living, fluttering ceiling caught her completely off guard. She ducked, screamed, and ran for cover.
Which led to her next problem.
There is no cover in a Butterfly Museum.
Only trees covered in butterflies. Rocks covered in butterflies. Platforms layered with even more butterflies.
Not exactly a happy situation for a toddler trying to escape butterflies.
The scene was almost comical. She thought she wanted to be surrounded by butterflies—until her wish came true and fear replaced excitement.
When Abundance Turns Into Burden
Then there was my thirteen-year-old, dressed in bright red.
We had missed the memo that butterflies flock to red like gentle bulls charging an open gate. She spent the afternoon swatting her back, asking repeatedly, “Is that my tag—or a butterfly? Check again!”
She learned quickly that a few butterflies are delightful… but thousands can become overwhelming.
The Danger of “More Is Better” Thinking
My husband and I often joke that if a little is good, then a whole lot must be even better.
That mindset has gotten us into trouble more times than we care to admit.
And if we’re honest, it’s gotten most of us into trouble.
I’m reminded of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory—the little boy who reasoned that if a little chocolate was good, then eating a lot must be even better.
That’s human nature.
How Greed Steals Joy
Greed quietly robs us of peace, joy, and contentment.
Contentment, on the other hand, is a choice—and it’s one that frees the soul to live a full and joyful life regardless of circumstances.
The Apostle Paul practiced contentment while imprisoned—cold, hungry, and uncomfortable—yet at peace (Philippians 4:11).
John Bunyan wrote Pilgrim’s Progress while confined to a filthy prison cell, unfit even for animals. Instead of focusing on what he lacked, he rested in what he had—life, pen, and paper—and gave the world one of the most impactful books ever written.
When Discontentment Spoils Families
Discontentment feeds greed, and greed steals joy—not just from individuals, but from families.
If we have food and shelter, we truly have all we need.
Take a moment to consider the extras God has already provided:
- 24 pairs of shoes
- Closets full of clothes
- Drawers overflowing with jewelry
- A refrigerator stocked with food
- One car… or three
- More kitchen tools than cabinet space
- More dishes than we could use in a week
- More décor than we can dust in an hour
When “Just Enough” Is the Greatest Blessing
Abundance itself isn’t bad—until it becomes a burden.
Too much laundry. Too much dusting. Too much managing.
Scripture reminds us, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).
If your possessions feel heavy, consider blessing your neighbors. We can’t take wood, hay, and stubble with us when we leave this earth—so why spend so much time worrying about it?
Stuff requires money, time, maintenance, storage, insurance, and mental energy.
Ask yourself this:
Would you rather dust your stuff—or fly to Italy?
Choosing Freedom Over Stuff
Bigger and more do not automatically mean better.
So often we chase what we think we want, only to realize too late that we lost what truly mattered along the way.
If you’re in debt, stretched thin, and burdened by belongings, consider shedding some wood, hay, and stubble.
Trim material responsibilities. Save the money that’s freed up. Bless your family with time. Bless others with your abundance.
Rest in Contentment
The choice is always yours.
Shed some stuff.
Rest in contentment.
And find joy in the process.
The Choice Is Always Yours
Finding Contentment in a World That Always Wants More
by Terri Bonin
Last week, the kids and I ventured out to our local Butterfly Museum.
We eagerly anticipated soft, feather-like creatures floating by, landing gently on our shoulders, and posing sweetly for photos.
What we didn’t anticipate was how overwhelming that experience might feel.
When “What We Want” Becomes Too Much
Halle—my then two-year-old—ran excitedly through the doors and down the concrete steps of the Butterfly Museum without a care in the world.
Until I shouted, “Halle, look up!”
The living, fluttering ceiling caught her completely off guard. She ducked, screamed, and ran for cover.
Which led to her next problem.
There is no cover in a Butterfly Museum.
Only trees covered in butterflies. Rocks covered in butterflies. Platforms layered with even more butterflies.
Not exactly a happy situation for a toddler trying to escape butterflies.
The scene was almost comical. She thought she wanted to be surrounded by butterflies—until her wish came true and fear replaced excitement.
When Abundance Turns Into Burden
Then there was my thirteen-year-old, dressed in bright red.
We had missed the memo that butterflies flock to red like gentle bulls charging an open gate. She spent the afternoon swatting her back, asking repeatedly, “Is that my tag—or a butterfly? Check again!”
She learned quickly that a few butterflies are delightful… but thousands can become overwhelming.
The Danger of “More Is Better” Thinking
My husband and I often joke that if a little is good, then a whole lot must be even better.
That mindset has gotten us into trouble more times than we care to admit.
And if we’re honest, it’s gotten most of us into trouble.
I’m reminded of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory—the little boy who reasoned that if a little chocolate was good, then eating a lot must be even better.
That’s human nature.
How Greed Steals Joy
Greed quietly robs us of peace, joy, and contentment.
Contentment, on the other hand, is a choice—and it’s one that frees the soul to live a full and joyful life regardless of circumstances.
The Apostle Paul practiced contentment while imprisoned—cold, hungry, and uncomfortable—yet at peace (Philippians 4:11).
John Bunyan wrote Pilgrim’s Progress while confined to a filthy prison cell, unfit even for animals. Instead of focusing on what he lacked, he rested in what he had—life, pen, and paper—and gave the world one of the most impactful books ever written.
When Discontentment Spoils Families
Discontentment feeds greed, and greed steals joy—not just from individuals, but from families.
If we have food and shelter, we truly have all we need.
Take a moment to consider the extras God has already provided:
- 24 pairs of shoes
- Closets full of clothes
- Drawers overflowing with jewelry
- A refrigerator stocked with food
- One car… or three
- More kitchen tools than cabinet space
- More dishes than we could use in a week
- More décor than we can dust in an hour
When “Just Enough” Is the Greatest Blessing
Abundance itself isn’t bad—until it becomes a burden.
Too much laundry. Too much dusting. Too much managing.
Scripture reminds us, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).
If your possessions feel heavy, consider blessing your neighbors. We can’t take wood, hay, and stubble with us when we leave this earth—so why spend so much time worrying about it?
Stuff requires money, time, maintenance, storage, insurance, and mental energy.
Ask yourself this:
Would you rather dust your stuff—or fly to Italy?
Choosing Freedom Over Stuff
Bigger and more do not automatically mean better.
So often we chase what we think we want, only to realize too late that we lost what truly mattered along the way.
If you’re in debt, stretched thin, and burdened by belongings, consider shedding some wood, hay, and stubble.
Trim material responsibilities. Save the money that’s freed up. Bless your family with time. Bless others with your abundance.
Rest in Contentment
The choice is always yours.
Shed some stuff.
Rest in contentment.
And find joy in the process.
The Choice Is Always Yours
Finding Contentment in a World That Always Wants More
by Terri Bonin
Last week, the kids and I ventured out to our local Butterfly Museum.
We eagerly anticipated soft, feather-like creatures floating by, landing gently on our shoulders, and posing sweetly for photos.
What we didn’t anticipate was how overwhelming that experience might feel.
When “What We Want” Becomes Too Much
Halle—my then two-year-old—ran excitedly through the doors and down the concrete steps of the Butterfly Museum without a care in the world.
Until I shouted, “Halle, look up!”
The living, fluttering ceiling caught her completely off guard. She ducked, screamed, and ran for cover.
Which led to her next problem.
There is no cover in a Butterfly Museum.
Only trees covered in butterflies. Rocks covered in butterflies. Platforms layered with even more butterflies.
Not exactly a happy situation for a toddler trying to escape butterflies.
The scene was almost comical. She thought she wanted to be surrounded by butterflies—until her wish came true and fear replaced excitement.
When Abundance Turns Into Burden
Then there was my thirteen-year-old, dressed in bright red.
We had missed the memo that butterflies flock to red like gentle bulls charging an open gate. She spent the afternoon swatting her back, asking repeatedly, “Is that my tag—or a butterfly? Check again!”
She learned quickly that a few butterflies are delightful… but thousands can become overwhelming.
The Danger of “More Is Better” Thinking
My husband and I often joke that if a little is good, then a whole lot must be even better.
That mindset has gotten us into trouble more times than we care to admit.
And if we’re honest, it’s gotten most of us into trouble.
I’m reminded of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory—the little boy who reasoned that if a little chocolate was good, then eating a lot must be even better.
That’s human nature.
How Greed Steals Joy
Greed quietly robs us of peace, joy, and contentment.
Contentment, on the other hand, is a choice—and it’s one that frees the soul to live a full and joyful life regardless of circumstances.
The Apostle Paul practiced contentment while imprisoned—cold, hungry, and uncomfortable—yet at peace (Philippians 4:11).
John Bunyan wrote Pilgrim’s Progress while confined to a filthy prison cell, unfit even for animals. Instead of focusing on what he lacked, he rested in what he had—life, pen, and paper—and gave the world one of the most impactful books ever written.
When Discontentment Spoils Families
Discontentment feeds greed, and greed steals joy—not just from individuals, but from families.
If we have food and shelter, we truly have all we need.
Take a moment to consider the extras God has already provided:
- 24 pairs of shoes
- Closets full of clothes
- Drawers overflowing with jewelry
- A refrigerator stocked with food
- One car… or three
- More kitchen tools than cabinet space
- More dishes than we could use in a week
- More décor than we can dust in an hour
When “Just Enough” Is the Greatest Blessing
Abundance itself isn’t bad—until it becomes a burden.
Too much laundry. Too much dusting. Too much managing.
Scripture reminds us, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).
If your possessions feel heavy, consider blessing your neighbors. We can’t take wood, hay, and stubble with us when we leave this earth—so why spend so much time worrying about it?
Stuff requires money, time, maintenance, storage, insurance, and mental energy.
Ask yourself this:
Would you rather dust your stuff—or fly to Italy?
Choosing Freedom Over Stuff
Bigger and more do not automatically mean better.
So often we chase what we think we want, only to realize too late that we lost what truly mattered along the way.
If you’re in debt, stretched thin, and burdened by belongings, consider shedding some wood, hay, and stubble.
Trim material responsibilities. Save the money that’s freed up. Bless your family with time. Bless others with your abundance.
Rest in Contentment
The choice is always yours.
Shed some stuff.
Rest in contentment.
And find joy in the process.
The Choice Is Always Yours
Finding Contentment in a World That Always Wants More
by Terri Bonin
Last week, the kids and I ventured out to our local Butterfly Museum.
We eagerly anticipated soft, feather-like creatures floating by, landing gently on our shoulders, and posing sweetly for photos.
What we didn’t anticipate was how overwhelming that experience might feel.
When “What We Want” Becomes Too Much
Halle—my then two-year-old—ran excitedly through the doors and down the concrete steps of the Butterfly Museum without a care in the world.
Until I shouted, “Halle, look up!”
The living, fluttering ceiling caught her completely off guard. She ducked, screamed, and ran for cover.
Which led to her next problem.
There is no cover in a Butterfly Museum.
Only trees covered in butterflies. Rocks covered in butterflies. Platforms layered with even more butterflies.
Not exactly a happy situation for a toddler trying to escape butterflies.
The scene was almost comical. She thought she wanted to be surrounded by butterflies—until her wish came true and fear replaced excitement.
When Abundance Turns Into Burden
Then there was my thirteen-year-old, dressed in bright red.
We had missed the memo that butterflies flock to red like gentle bulls charging an open gate. She spent the afternoon swatting her back, asking repeatedly, “Is that my tag—or a butterfly? Check again!”
She learned quickly that a few butterflies are delightful… but thousands can become overwhelming.
The Danger of “More Is Better” Thinking
My husband and I often joke that if a little is good, then a whole lot must be even better.
That mindset has gotten us into trouble more times than we care to admit.
And if we’re honest, it’s gotten most of us into trouble.
I’m reminded of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory—the little boy who reasoned that if a little chocolate was good, then eating a lot must be even better.
That’s human nature.
How Greed Steals Joy
Greed quietly robs us of peace, joy, and contentment.
Contentment, on the other hand, is a choice—and it’s one that frees the soul to live a full and joyful life regardless of circumstances.
The Apostle Paul practiced contentment while imprisoned—cold, hungry, and uncomfortable—yet at peace (Philippians 4:11).
John Bunyan wrote Pilgrim’s Progress while confined to a filthy prison cell, unfit even for animals. Instead of focusing on what he lacked, he rested in what he had—life, pen, and paper—and gave the world one of the most impactful books ever written.
When Discontentment Spoils Families
Discontentment feeds greed, and greed steals joy—not just from individuals, but from families.
If we have food and shelter, we truly have all we need.
Take a moment to consider the extras God has already provided:
- 24 pairs of shoes
- Closets full of clothes
- Drawers overflowing with jewelry
- A refrigerator stocked with food
- One car… or three
- More kitchen tools than cabinet space
- More dishes than we could use in a week
- More décor than we can dust in an hour
When “Just Enough” Is the Greatest Blessing
Abundance itself isn’t bad—until it becomes a burden.
Too much laundry. Too much dusting. Too much managing.
Scripture reminds us, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).
If your possessions feel heavy, consider blessing your neighbors. We can’t take wood, hay, and stubble with us when we leave this earth—so why spend so much time worrying about it?
Stuff requires money, time, maintenance, storage, insurance, and mental energy.
Ask yourself this:
Would you rather dust your stuff—or fly to Italy?
Choosing Freedom Over Stuff
Bigger and more do not automatically mean better.
So often we chase what we think we want, only to realize too late that we lost what truly mattered along the way.
If you’re in debt, stretched thin, and burdened by belongings, consider shedding some wood, hay, and stubble.
Trim material responsibilities. Save the money that’s freed up. Bless your family with time. Bless others with your abundance.
Rest in Contentment
The choice is always yours.
Shed some stuff.
Rest in contentment.
And find joy in the process.
