There are some songs that can transport me straight back to another time in my life. I can hear the first few notes and suddenly I’m back in the car, at church, on vacation, or standing in the kitchen making dinner ten years ago. Music has a funny way of doing that. It can change my mood in a matter of minutes, calm me down when I’m overwhelmed, or give me the little boost I need when my energy is running low. There is actually quite a bit of science behind the way music interacts with the brain. Researchers have…
-
-
There is something about vacation that makes us want to walk everywhere. We stroll through charming downtowns, explore boardwalks, wander through museums, shop until our feet hurt, and somehow decide that a “quick walk” to dinner is a great idea even though our hotel is a mile away. I love exploring a new place on foot, but there is one thing that can quickly put a damper on a vacation: unhappy feet. Blisters, sore heels, swollen feet, sweaty socks, and shoes that seemed perfectly comfortable at home can suddenly become the biggest problem of the entire trip. And when your…
-
When hunger strikes and you’re short on time, the drive-thru can start looking less like a last resort and more like a beacon of hope. You know the feeling: you’re hungry, you’re busy, and cooking dinner sounds about as appealing as alphabetizing your sock drawer. Thankfully, eating quickly doesn’t always mean eating poorly. These days, there are more healthy fast food places to eat than ever, with restaurants offering everything from fresh salads and grain bowls to grilled chicken, wraps, sandwiches, and customizable meals. The trick is knowing where to go and, sometimes, what to order once you get there.…
-
When you hear the words “bachelorette party,” what comes to mind? A wild night in the city? Matching shirts? A questionable amount of glitter? A bride wearing a sash that says something she will probably regret wearing in public? There are certainly plenty of ways to celebrate a bride-to-be, but if you’re planning a bachelorette party for a Christian bride, you might be looking for something a little different. And different doesn’t have to mean boring. In fact, I think there are so many wonderful bachelorette party ideas for Christians that can be fun, meaningful, memorable, and still feel like an actual party. Because let’s be honest. Being…
-
You probably already know that exercise is good for your heart, muscles, bones, and overall health. You’ve probably heard that exercise can help with stress, sleep, and maintaining a healthy weight too. But your gut? That may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you lace up your walking shoes. Most of us don’t head out for a walk thinking, “I should really do something nice for my digestive system today.” Usually, we’re thinking something more along the lines of, “I ate way too much for lunch,” or “I have been sitting at this desk for six…









