I have finally done it! I have perfected my banana bread recipe. And let me tell you, it has been a journey—a delicious, sometimes frustrating, always entertaining journey.
When I got married, I quickly realized that love alone does not wash dishes or do laundry. Marriage is beautiful, but adjusting to a new life, new responsibilities, and new levels of laundry was something else. Thankfully, I made some smart moves early on that made my life so much easier. If you’re a newlywed or just looking for ways to make adulting more manageable, here are a few hacks that saved me from unnecessary suffering.
I’ve recently discovered that decluttering entails more than simply purging our physical stuff—it also means opening room for peace, joy, and God’s presence. Because we can’t hear Him very well if our minds are cluttered with concerns, distractions, never-ending to-do lists.
I love, love to cook. I mean, there is nothing that makes me happier than to try my hands at cooking and preparing some delicious meals. But the one thing I don’t love is the mind game that happens every time I have to come up with what to cook. Some days it’s like my brain just goes ‘nah’ and I stand in front of the fridge with no idea what to do.
There’s something powerful about waking up each morning knowing exactly why you’re here. When your purpose is clear, life feels different – you wake up excited, spend the day focused, and go to bed feeling fulfilled. There’s a deep sense of satisfaction that comes with knowing you’re walking in the steps God has ordered for you.
Princess Margaret had it right – sometimes, you just need to step away from the to-do lists, take a deep breath, and live in the moment. Enjoy a random coffee date, say yes to an unexpected trip, or even just have a lazy Saturday without a single item checked off your schedule (shocking, I know!) .
For me, having a baby was such an overwhelmingly happy experience that there were times when I just wasn’t able to keep up with all of my old friendships the way I used to. It was never about not caring or not deeming those relationships important; it was about getting through sleepless nights, adjusting to a completely different kind of life, and figuring out what being a mom meant.
Fasting: the word itself can make some people shudder (hello, coffee addicts and snack lovers alike). As we kick off the year, my church has begun our annual corporate prayer and fasting journey. Every day, a new prayer focus is sent out, uniting us in spirit and purpose. But let’s be real for a second – fasting isn’t always a walk in the park. I know because I’ve been there.
Let’s face it. It can be wearing to always be the “strong” one. Whether it’s in your family or friend group, at your church, or the person who always seems to keep your office running smoothly, there’s that one person who makes it all work. The go-to. The encourager. The one who always knows the answers and the strength — even when they are running on fumes.
