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Tiny practical wellness tip #2
Tongue scrape A simple and quick way to improve your gut health- first thing in the morning, scrape all the ick off your tongue and keep it out of your gut! Use a stainless street tongue scraper and scrape from the back of your tongue forward several times before eating/drinking anything when you wake up…
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Tiny practical wellness tip #1
Don’t overcomplicate healthy eating Focus on nourishment. Not on calories, not on fad-diets, not on “expert” advice. Eat what people have eaten around the world and throughout history. Eat what is nourishing to your cells- nutrient dense plant and animal products from healthy plants and animals. Steer clear of pesticides, additives, preservatives, artificials, sweeteners, etc. …
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Ash Wednesday journal
Celebrating the first day of Lent today (as an evangelical Christian) by making sourdough soft pretzels with the kids; I put ashes from our fireplace on their foreheads, and mine, and we talked about coming from and returning to dust, our need for a Savior, and what fasting means. “Does putting ashes on our foreheads…
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My positive home birth after multiple cesarean birth story
I want to share my birth story to normalize VBAC (yes, even after 3 c-sections!), home birth and unmedicated birth, and so others can gain confidence in their own ability to birth naturally. Yes, there are risks to VBAC and HBAC (just like there are risks to repeat c-sections), and yes, birth is most often…
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Physiological birth
Birth without: Needles, scalpels, sterile metal tables. Bright lights, beeping machines, constant monitors. Restriction of food and water, restriction of movement. Strangers checking progress, changing shifts, unspoken time limits. Numbness, narcotics, dullness. Fear of failure, fear of risks, fear of something going wrong. Birth with: Peaceful spaces, dim lights, maybe music, maybe silence. Encouragment to…
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This is worse for your health than smoking 15 cigarettes a day
It’s something that affects all of us from time to time if not chronically- loneliness. Loneliness is a health-stealer we have to watch out for just like toxins and chemicals. I’ve been alone and lonely (even as an introvert)I’ve been surrounded by people and been lonely.I’ve been among a small group of friends and still…
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Would you do this to make your whole life better?
Imagine this with me: what if you were guaranteed to have a better, easier time in all areas of life- relationships, career, fitness, mental health- if you never say a list of like, 20 words. Say some of them are really useful or common words, like “very” or “flower”. But if you can commit to…
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Pregnancy half point, tomato plants, and how goals reached slowly are worth sticking to
I’m already halfway through this pregnancy, believe it or not; I believe it, because I’ve been in it the whole time- first trimester fatigue, morning sickness, my body starting to change, feeling a little mango-sized baby wiggle around in there. But from the outside it doesn’t look like I’m halfway, I mean, knowing how much…
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If you need inspiration for being passionate about your work… onions might help
We went to the high school graduation last week, and for the first time ever I was interested in hearing what the speakers had to say. Guess I’m old now. Most of the speeches I did consider to be fairly boring (so maybe I’m not that old), but some were intriguing. A couple truly inspired…
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The secret modern war on “be fruitful and multiply”
Or: “how to control a population by manipulation” (Sometimes a system or culture looks “normal” because it’s been slowly adding and accepting things- harmful things- over a long time so that society hardly notices. But taking a step back we can see there is an absolute war on God’s design for people to “be fruitful…
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Not even this compares to God’s glory
I always want all of our trips to be to the ocean. No other destination compares to the splendor of the sea. Revelation 21 says that in the new heaven and new earth there will be no sea.. I know it’s heaven- perfect, paradise, nothing missing- but I’ve always kinda thought no ocean didn’t make…
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Struggling with being present with your young children? Try this.
I’ve been pretty intentional about saying yes and being present over the years but still find myself often making lame excuses when I just “don’t feel like it”. Here’s a practical way to be present and make memories that will allow me to say “the days passed quickly, but we soaked up every one!” Instead…
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The most unexpected big goal you can have this year
“Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands.” 1 Thessalonians 4:11 When there are unspeakable injustices or conspiracies, when anxiety starts to rage within me over things that are completely out of my control and out of my understanding, things “out there” that I learn…
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Small changes with big impact for a healthier New Year
If you made health a part of your New Year’s resolutions, good for you! Health is not a trend, it is well-being, and it’s worth it! Depending on where you are in your “health journey”, you may know some, all, or none of this; but this is my attempt at a list of “basics” for…
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Nourishing hot cocoa recipe (simple, healthy, and delicious!)
For a few years now, we’ve been enjoying this hot chocolate almost every morning! It’s full of minerals and nutrients that make it a healthy, whole-food treat. (Benefits of each ingredient below recipe!) It’s so simple to make. Feel free to adjust sweetness and cacao strength to your personal preference! 2 cups warm whole milk…
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Questions and topics for family New Year meeting
The beginning of a new year is such a wonderful time for reflection and resolution. There seem to be lots of opinions about New Year’s resolutions; I’ve heard that they’re essentially useless, that habits rather than goals are far superior, that winter isn’t a time for goals but for stillness. But opinions aside, New Year’s…
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Don’t wait until New Years
New Year’s resolutions can be great, but if you have something you’re “saving” to begin January 1st, just do it today. Part of the reason resolutions fail is because of the mindset “I’ll do it when ____”. This puts the responsibility of accomplishment on whatever the blank is instead of on ourselves. If the new…
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When life hands you lemons, take a Christmas-light drive
We were just getting home from a family Christmas party, tired, ready for bed. But when we opened the door of the house we were hit by a smell. You know me, I smell everything, but everyone smelled it this time. An obviously toxic smell, like that purple primer you use for PVC pipe. We…
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Are you “in tune”?
Yesterday we had our piano tuned. I should back up- I’ve dreamed of having a piano for years but always thought of it as maybe a “someday” thing; well, recently someone Justin knows from work just gave us a piano. Just said, “if you can move it, you can have it” (by the way, moving…
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Each season is precious
This time around with a baby, I’ve been so aware, much more than ever before, of how each stage goes by so quickly. It’s so cliche- “it goes so fast”, “blink and you’ll miss it”- but seriously! Most of us realize it, but it’s still surprising, almost shocking. This little chubby infant is already almost…
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Gifts to encourage creativity in kids of all ages!
Creativity has been proven to increase problem solving skills and cognitive function, improve mental health and memory, reduce stress, boost neuroplasticity, and even improve the immune system and overall health! Everyone can benefit from regularly engaging in some type of creative activity, especially considering that it’s easier than ever before to not be creative at…
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My reaction to 2024 election
I have to be really careful not to “apply” everything (or anything) to America as I read Scripture, but especially when I go through the prophets. (A huge error in modern study and sermons is focusing completely on “personal application” rather than digging into all the meaning of the text.) Although. The Bible is living…
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Stop squashing kids’ joy
“Settle down please”, I interrupted my conversation with an older couple, Ernie and Diane, at church to quiet my children. The kids’ volume and activity had been gradually escalating over the last few minutes; they were in good moods- happy, not fighting or anything- but I wanted to prevent a just-for-fun wrestling match or scream-filled…
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Basic recipe for sourdough sweet bread (for rolls, challah, cinnamon rolls, and more!)
I’m still amazed at the amazing flavor that comes from just flour, water, and salt in a classic sourdough loaf, but sometimes you want to make more than a regular loaf. This recipe for a sweet sourdough bread is perfect for soft dinner rolls, special-occasion challah, real-ingredient cinnamon rolls, and anything else you’d want a…
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9/28/24
Today’s Saturday, which means we were up early doing chores before heading to the local farmer’s market. Late September in southern New Mexico still means 90° temps, so the whole park is lined with shade canopies which we all help each other set up (even though we all bought the “EZ up” versions for their…
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9/19/24
We worked on some house projects today. My husband finished the electric for the schoolroom addition, and the kids and I started painting the house. Moments I loved: My daughter enthusiastically repeating how much she loved painting houses. She said she would never get tired of it and I said I’d remind her of that…
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Start taking cold showers for your mental, physical, and spiritual health
One winter on a family road trip as a teenager, we were relaxing in the hotel hot tub when our dad dared my siblings and I to jump into the unheated outdoor pool. $20 for anyone who was brave enough. I was young, a little reckless, and broke, so obviously I did it. I didn’t…
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Tips for a simple, intentional, connecting bedtime routine with kids
When days seem to run together into one- when they feel exhaustingly long or way too short- bedtime routines can be grounding, connecting, collecting breaks to help end the days on high notes. We’ve made slight tweaks to our family’s bedtime routine over the years, but for the most part it has remained a constant…
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Word of the week: circumspect
“See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise” Ephesians 5:15 One nice thing about living in New Mexico is that you’re always near nature. We can visit lakes, rivers, forests, or mountains in a 10-30 minute drive from where we are. Earlier this week, the kids got an urge to climb…
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September day journal and God’s provision
I’m sitting on the couch with my nourishing cocoa (raw milk, raw cacao, raw honey), watching, listening to, and smelling the rain come down. It’s so kind of God to give rain. Justin’s been working all day on the plumbing under the house, and it was so difficult and gross. When I saw clouds I…
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Don’t let labels be excuses
Labels can be so helpful. They can identify important aspects of our personalities and callings, making it easier to prioritize what’s important. Being an “intentional parent” will determine many decisions for how one spends their time. Being a “disciple of Jesus” will change the course of a person’s life. Even a label as simple as…
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Make your own simple toothpaste— non-toxic, easy, affordable, and super effective!
This 3 ingredient version cleans better than any other toothpaste I’ve ever used and without any harmful additives!
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A prayer to fight selfishness
I know selfishness is wrong, but something we often fail to realize is that it doesn’t pay. The lie it tells is that it will serve somehow, give something good. But, though not necessarily seen immediately, “you reap what you sow”. Selfishness with friends/relatives repays with… Gossip? Loss of opportunities? Lack of closeness? Selfishness with…
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How to make “aged” paper (super simple homeschool craft!)
Children’s love for learning never ceases to amaze me. Lately, Leo and Lyla, fourth and sixth grade, have been really into the Constitution, Declaration of Independence, and US history in general (or “politics” as they call it). They’ve taken to writing Documents and Articles for their Government Club, and recently have ambitiously aspired to copy…
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How to actually live life to the fullest
“Lord, help me understand my end. What is the limit of my days? Let me know how fleeting I am.” Psalm 39:4 The psalmist here is not asking to be told his fortune; not asking for his fate to be revealed or to know the day he will die. No, he’s asking for something far…
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The animals on our little farm
We’ve been hoping for another barn kitten or two for a while, and the other day I spontaneously called on some listed on Craigslist. Sometimes things just work out so nicely, and it’s just a blessing; the lady who was giving away the pair of barn kittens also had a little farm, and after we…
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Unexpected hospitalization, false accusation, and intense mom-guilt- part 1
Wednesday evening I sat on the porch with Willa on my lap, watching the kids ride bikes and bat baseballs. I combed my fingers through Willa’s curls to peel off some remaining cradle cap I noticed, and I felt something. A bump? Not quite. More like a soft spot, but I know what soft spots…
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Unexpected hospitalization, false accusation, and intense mom-guilt- part 2
As the day went on, first Justin and then I became increasingly aware that this seemed unjustified. Willa was medically cleared- the bone scans showed no other injuries, the neurologist had said she was good to go, her labs were done and normal. Why were we still in the hospital? The blanket answer “we’re waiting…
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Acceptance and peace, and babies fighting sleep
When things don’t go my way, simply wishing for different circumstances or outcomes or wherever doesn’t do any good. Nor does trying to busy myself with distractions or becoming bitter or complacent. Not only are these attempts literally useless in helping the situation, they also don’t accomplish the good that God might be working in…
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Peace isn’t passive
“Do you want to really live?Would you love to live a long, happy life?Then make sure you don’t speak evil wordsor use deceptive speech! Turn away from evil and do what is right!Strive for peace and promote it! The Lord pays attention to the godlyand hears their cry for help. But the Lord opposes evildoersand…
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The joy of selflessness, and the line between generosity and overextension
“In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” Acts 20:35 “How can I be a blessing to you today, dear girl?” was how Kim, our pastor’s wife, answered…
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The Sun Still Rises
I didn’t know what direction our room was facing until the sun blazed through the window after a couple hours of restless sleep. Again, we’re home now; God is amazing. Just sharing what I wrote while in the depths of uncertainty. It’s still hard; the mornings have been harder for some reason. I cried on…
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Secure Whether Home or Here
We’ve had a very difficult and traumatic past couple days. We’re all okay and home now; God has brought us through and provided His grace every step of the way. I wrote this in the thick of it. Sometimes choppy poetry is what comes out easier than a fluid journal in times when things are…
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Fun Non-Competitive Games to Play as a Family
I’ve been surprised to find that cooperative games are just as fun as competitive ones for our family to play together! Cooperative games build creative problem solving and communication skills while also teaching kindness, respect, and a sense of security and unity in your family. Like the closeness and dependence that’s formed among members playing…
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Pray Like it Depends on God, Work Like it Depends on You
There’s an old saying, “pray as if it depends on God; work as if it depends on you”. A more recent quote I’ve heard echoes this: “God is in control, but He doesn’t expect you to lean on your shovel and pray for a hole.” The Bible records many instances of God performing miracles, and…
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Stop telling kids “don’t” (and do this instead!)
“Don’t stomp, it’s too loud!” I whisper-shout to my three-year old, knowing the thumping will likely wake the baby I just eased into bed for a nap. My jumping toddler pauses for a split second, then does one big stomp and looks at me. Frustration, anger and confusion rise up in me at this show…
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Two Simple Daily Rhythms For Connection and Reflection
Having little routines and rituals as a family is so important for connection and attachment. These little things we may count as “too small to be important” but we don’t realize the deeper impact they’re actually having on us and our children- things like the greetings we give each other in the morning with a…
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Our Basic Homeschool Structure: Somewhere Between Classical, Interest-Led, And Unschool
We’re beginning our seventh or eighth (depending on if you count pre-k or not!) year of homeschool this year! When we first began homeschooling, we started with a full curriculum. After that year, I started getting more into the idea of interest-led learning as my oldest would grow so intrigued by a single topic at…
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2 Life-Changing Weekly Routines For Your Family
Habits, routines, traditions- they’re deeply formative. There’s a saying: “show me your habits, and I’ll show you your future”. The things we do regularly shape us. They also determine what we’re not doing regularly, which also determines the direction we’re going and thus our future. -If I’m regularly eating real food instead of processed junk,…
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Its Not Too Late To Stop People-Pleasing
I saw a video by the hilarious Emily Vondy talking about the boldness of her little daughter that was wonderful and laughable- she told her daughter to hold her hand at the grocery store, and when her daughter refused, an older man, with surely the best of intentions, pretended to be “going to get her…
Jennifer Blacklock 