Family Archives - Page 16 of 26 - The Sparrow's Home

I’m Really Tired of Hearing How Unloving Christians Are

March 13, 2017 by Susan 26 Comments

Unloving Christians. How often do you hear that? It’s bad enough that Christians are portrayed this way, do we really have to perpetuate the myth ourselves?

I’m minding my own business last week, when an article comes across my desk instructing me (and all evangelical Christians) how to show love to all of these people we supposedly hate. The conclusion? Stop being Christians and agree with everything the world says…then they’ll know you really love them. (my paraphrase)

The media has been telling us for years that Christians are unfeeling and unloving. But the evidence doesn’t show that. It’s a deception and it is not true.

Picture Books from Candlewick Press: Practicing the Art of Strewing

March 8, 2017 by Susan 5 Comments

Do you practice strewing? If you don’t strew, you’re missing some teachable moments with your kids. You probably strew and don’t even know it. Are you asking: What is strewing?!

Strewing is simply consciously leaving material around the house for children to discover and engage with.

One of the places I like to strew is in the bathroom…captive audience, you see. One of my nieces said once that she loved using the bathroom at my house because she always learned something. (At the time, I was swapping out pages with the Greek and Latin roots to English words in a clear page protector hung on the wall).

Depending on the ages of your kids, you can strew building toys, art supplies, or puzzles. Lately, I’ve been strewing books. And I have found a fantastic resource for them: Candlewick Press.

Take a Meal to a Friend in Need

February 27, 2017 by Susan 32 Comments

Tips for when you want to take a meal to a friend in need. I’ve collected suggestions from all over to help you be a blessing. Meal ideas, too!

People are in need all around us. Moms with new babies, friends with health issues, families facing all kinds of challenges and struggles.

Sometimes it’s something big, like a cancer diagnosis. Other times it may simply be that you notice that your friend has been overwhelmed lately.

Do you ever feel at a loss for how to help? Enter: Food.

I am my mother’s daughter, and I show love through food. And clearly I’m not the only one, as I found lots of resources online giving tips and suggestions for meal ministry.

I’d like to share some of the best ones I’ve found.

Trader Joe’s Best Products (Or, My Love Letter to Trader Joe’s)

February 22, 2017 by Susan 12 Comments

Have you met my friend, Joe? I think you’re gonna like him.

The nearest Trader Joe’s is about a half hour from us, which is probably a good thing. I alternate my regular grocery shopping between Aldi (do you love Aldi as much as I do?!?!) and the Super Walmart, with an occasional trip to other local groceries.

I also hit Costco about once a month or every other month to stock up, and Trader Joe’s about the same. I don’t usually do my main shopping at either of these places, but at each, have items that I always pick up.

If you’re not familiar with them, Trader Joe’s is different from other grocery stores. It’s pretty much made up of all ‘store’ brands, and they pretty much have one of each product. What that means is that instead of 6 brands of chicken broth, there is one.

Presidential Quotes for President’s Day

February 20, 2017 by Susan 21 Comments

President’s Day originated in 1885 as a celebration of George Washington’s birthday (February 22). But was moved in 1971 as part of the ‘Uniform Monday Holiday Act.’ (Had you ever heard of that? I hadn’t.)

Several holidays were moved from fixed dates to floating Monday holidays in order to allow for more three day weekends, specifically for federal employees. While the change did not officially combine Washington’s Birthday with Lincoln’s birthday, it become common to celebrate them together, and now all U.S. Presidents are often celebrated on this day.

I was planning to share a quote from each of our Presidents today. But, to be frank, some of them didn’t say much of note. Instead, I’ve gathered some quotes that I found thought provoking, inspiring, or just plain interesting.

I hope you do too.

15 Disney Sites the Biggest Disney Fans Follow

February 15, 2017 by Susan 19 Comments

What do you do when you wish you were at Disney World and you’re not? It’s a real problem, folks. I usually hit Pinterest and spend some time perusing what’s new, or thinking about future trip plans. My husband, who is a major gigantic ‘Dis-nerd’ does far more.

He listens to theme park music and podcasts, reads trip reports and watches videos of people we don’t know on their Disney trips (they’re actually travel vloggers, but my way of describing it is way funnier). Whether you’re like me and just want a few good review sites to check out, or want to jump in with both feet like Greg, we’ve gotcha covered.