the “dirty dozen” foods: what we need to know

assorted fresh produce

Near the middle of each year, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) releases its Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce, ranking fruits and vegetables based on pesticide contamination. The 2025 guide draws on USDA testing of more than 53,000 produce samples, evaluating how often pesticides are found, how much is present, and how toxic those chemicals … Read more

What are forever chemicals?

“Forever” sounds appealing when it’s attached to diamonds and love. It feels far less comforting when it describes chemicals that linger in our bodies for years. These substances are PFAS, often called forever chemicals because they break down very slowly. They have been popping up in my news feeds lately, so I thought I’d do … Read more

9 life lessons from my cat

my cat Kaci napping

After nearly eighteen years with our cat Kaci, I’ve come to realize she was more than just a quiet companion who napped a lot and supervised us from the back of the couch. She was a teacher in her own right: patient, opinionated, and full of life lessons I didn’t know I needed. Somewhere between … Read more

kindness counts

colorful painted rocks with the words "be kind"

Kindness is defined as the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate. I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately, and in a variety of contexts. Division abounds: in our country, in our workplaces, in churches, within families. What kind of impact could we have if we carried a mantle of kindness? If we let … Read more

holiday traditions from around the world

greenery

The holidays are a time to gather with loved ones for light, food, and community. While holiday traditions look different around the world, they all celebrate joy, hope, and connection. Let’s explore some fascinating holiday customs! Global holiday traditions Germany: Advent calendars and Christmas markets Advent calendars began in Germany in the early 1800s. I … Read more

gratitude practices

pumpkins and flowers

Fall has a way of slowing us down before the holiday rush. The days grow shorter, the air turns crisp, and we begin to reflect on the year that’s passing. Gratitude practices become a grounding rhythm, reminding us of God’s presence in our lives and helping us notice the everyday gifts we might otherwise miss. … Read more