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

quack goes the culture: a tribute to rubber ducks

a row of rubber ducks

Rubber ducks hold a variety of cultural significances, evolving from simple bath toys to so much more. They represent childhood innocence and memories, and they have been embraced by artists and collectors. In some contexts, they symbolize resilience and are used in protests against corruption. Who knew that rubber ducks had so many different nuances … Read more