Every day we make decisions about where to direct our focus, our attention, our time, and our efforts. Some are small and inconsequential. But others are huge and life-altering. Or maybe not life-altering, but day-altering, or week-altering. The consequences of making an unwise decision can propel … [Read more...] about 6 Questions to Ask Yourself When You Don’t Know What to Do
Maybe You’re Thinking About Balance All Wrong
I’m guessing when you say you're “off-balance,” you probably mean you feel overwhelmed and unproductive. Or maybe you can’t quite figure out how to squeeze important people and duties into your already over-committed life. Perhaps what you “should” be doing and what you’re actually doing are two … [Read more...] about Maybe You’re Thinking About Balance All Wrong
Blindsided by Motherhood
It’s October 5, 1997, and I’m pregnant with my first child. My husband, Jon, and I decided to forego the gender reveal at our ultrasound, but I’m 100% sure it’s a girl and her name is Hannah. It’s a spectacular day in Jacksonville, Florida where we live. I imagine this is what weather will … [Read more...] about Blindsided by Motherhood
Introducing The Balanced MomCast
I've been working on something special for all the mommas... If you are a Christian mom who sometimes feels overwhelmed, frazzled, or exhausted, I have just the thing: A weekly, 30-minute show, just for YOU! Each episode you’ll hear practical tips, Biblical inspiration, and humor (duh!) to … [Read more...] about Introducing The Balanced MomCast
How to Make a Well-Balanced Decision
35,000. That’s the number of choices we make in one day. Assuming we’re awake 16 hours in a 24-hour period, that’s an average of one decision every 1.6 seconds. Some of those decisions are automatic, like when to scratch an itch or shift in a chair or cough (3 things I just decided to do … [Read more...] about How to Make a Well-Balanced Decision
Helping Your Teen Balance Work, School, and Sports: a guest post
Two things are about to happen in the Cooper home. Thing one: Elijah is getting his driver's license next month. Thing two: Elijah is getting a job ASAP. This isn't my first rodeo with teens and cars and jobs. But the whole process is still overwhelming for the kid...and the mom. That is why I … [Read more...] about Helping Your Teen Balance Work, School, and Sports: a guest post
What I Learned in 2018
Welcome to January! Of all the months, January is my absolute favorite – with all its clean slates and fresh starts and uncluttered surfaces. I also love that it immediately follows the holiday season, where everything is more cluttered than usual (most notably, slates and surfaces.) One of my … [Read more...] about What I Learned in 2018
Finding Your Holiday Balance, Part Three: People Pleasing
This one is for all the People Pleasers out there. You know who you are because one or more of the following is true for you: 1) You are participating in a gift exchange you can't afford. 2) You have agreed to host an event, but you are secretly resenting everyone you invited because you don't … [Read more...] about Finding Your Holiday Balance, Part Three: People Pleasing
Finding Your Holiday Balance, Part Two: Steering Clear of the Comparison Trap
I have never met a woman who does not struggle with comparison on some level. She may exist, but I've never met her, is all I'm saying. We already know that falling into the Comparison Trap steals our joy on a regular day, but did you know it can actually ruin the holidays? This is because … [Read more...] about Finding Your Holiday Balance, Part Two: Steering Clear of the Comparison Trap
Finding Your Holiday Balance, Part One: Your Holiday To-Don’t List
If you struggle with balance on a regular day, the holiday season -- with all its obligations and expectations -- can send you into complete and utter chaos. What is aggressively marketed as The Most Wonderful Time of the Year feels more like stress and debt and five pounds of fat around your … [Read more...] about Finding Your Holiday Balance, Part One: Your Holiday To-Don’t List
