StrongHome

Editor’s Corner

‘Tis the Season to Serve

The holiday season is often filled with joy, connection, and gratitude, but it can also bring about pressure, especially when we start expecting things from others. Instead of focusing on what we might receive, imagine how different the season could be if we approached it with a heart wide open, focused on giving and serving others. The true beauty of the holidays lies not in the gifts we receive but in the love we give—without expecting anything in return. Whether it’s surprising a neighbor with a homemade meal, lending an ear to a friend, or simply offering kindness, we can find joy in the act of giving freely. This holiday season, let’s focus on serving with love and humility, discovering that the greatest gift isn’t what’s under the tree, but the peace and joy we experience when we give from the heart.

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Count Your Blessings: Name Them One by One

Ever felt like life is tossing you around like a leaf in a storm? On those “tempest-tossed” days, it’s easy to lose sight of how far you’ve come and the ways you’ve been lifted along the way. That’s when the old wisdom of “counting your blessings” can shift your perspective. The hymn Count Your Blessings reminds us to pause, reflect, and name the ways God has shown up — providing in moments of need, offering comfort in sorrow, and giving strength for the journey. Gratitude isn’t just positive thinking; it’s a grounding practice that turns discouragement into hope. As you count your blessings, you’ll discover that God’s faithfulness brings peace for today and confidence for tomorrow.

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Built to Last: The Unseen Strength Behind StrongHome’s Success

Building StrongHome has been one of the most rewarding yet challenging seasons of our lives. From launching podcasts and producing a monthly magazine to securing sponsors and planning community events, the workload has been immense. Balancing all of this with personal and family responsibilities is no small feat. But what keeps us moving forward is resilience — the ability to rise after setbacks, adapt to unexpected challenges, and keep pushing toward the vision God has given us.

Resilience transforms overwhelming tasks into manageable steps. It’s what allows us to see obstacles as opportunities for growth. Through faith, gratitude, and self-care, we’ve cultivated the strength to stay focused and grounded in the midst of chaos. With resilience, we thrive, not just survive.

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Mirror of Personal Growth

Marriage, as designed by God, is meant to reflect the profound relationship between Christ and the church. It serves as a mirror, helping us see both the beauty and flaws within ourselves through the eyes of our spouse. In the unity and intimacy of marriage, we are challenged to embrace reflection rather than deflection. By accepting our spouse’s input and recognizing them as a powerful resource for growth, we learn to adjust, improve, and strengthen our relationship. Though uncomfortable at times, this process of self-awareness and change is essential to deepening our connection and fostering a healthier, more resilient marriage.

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Work Addiction: A Silent Struggle

Today in California, with perfect weather and endless possibilities, I find myself trapped in a cycle of work addiction. Despite the beautiful day, I’m focused on completing a project instead of spending time with my family or taking care of myself. Work addiction, like any other, is a compulsive behavior that negatively impacts your health, relationships, and well-being. Over time, it leads to burnout and missed moments with loved ones. To break this cycle, I’m committing to a balanced approach—prioritizing my health, family, and personal time. This is my goal for the next few months, and I encourage you to join me in making self-care and balance a priority. Life’s precious moments are too important to overlook.

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R.E.S.P.E.C.T …but what if he doesn’t deserve that from me?

Fatherhood holds immense influence in shaping lives, whether through acts of provision, protection, or guidance. While many fathers embody honor and integrity, some may fall short of this ideal. Yet, the call to honor fathers transcends personal flaws, aligning with a higher divine order. As seen in the biblical story of David and King Saul, honoring the position, even in challenging circumstances, reflects respect for God’s authority. This Father’s Day, let’s celebrate the fathers who lead with strength and wisdom while recognizing the value of respecting the role of fatherhood as part of a greater purpose.

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Mommin’ Ain’t Easy

Mother’s Day is more than just a date on the calendar — it’s a reminder of the profound impact of genuine appreciation. After years of nurturing and giving, mothers value heartfelt expressions of love far more than material gifts. It’s the small, thoughtful gestures, like kind words, unexpected hugs, and notes of gratitude, that sustain a mother’s spirit and recharge her for the ongoing journey of motherhood. True appreciation shouldn’t be reserved for one day but should be woven into everyday life, creating a culture of love and acknowledgment that brings lasting joy and fulfillment.

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The Heart to Heal

As we step into 2024, it’s an opportunity for renewal and growth. Reflecting on the challenges of 2023, which brought unexpected surgeries and emotional healing for both me and Jeff, we’ve emerged stronger. Now, we’re ready to face the new year with resilience and optimism. Alongside this personal growth, I’m thrilled to share that the StrongHome Network has launched a podcast series, offering resources to strengthen families. Let’s embrace this new year as a canvas for growth, where every challenge becomes an opportunity to thrive, learn, and improve together as a community.

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Responding To “Who Are You?”

In the pursuit of self-discovery, women often find themselves navigating through layers of societal roles and expectations. From being defined by family titles to taking on multiple responsibilities, it can be easy to lose sight of who we truly are beyond these external labels. The question “Who are you?” frequently triggers responses tied to what we do—mother, wife, professional—leaving the core of our identity untouched. This tendency can fuel feelings of imposter syndrome, as we measure ourselves against societal standards or compare ourselves to others.

However, the journey toward a deeper understanding of self requires intentional moments of reflection, away from the roles we play and the demands of daily life. By carving out time for introspection, engaging in activities that bring joy, and seeking support through therapy or coaching, women can uncover their true essence. Redefining identity is a process that empowers us to see ourselves beyond expectations and embrace a life driven by authenticity and purpose. Instead of relying on titles, we can learn to define ourselves with clarity, grounded in our passions, values, and unique experiences. This exploration of self leads to a more fulfilling, empowered existence, where our worth is no longer measured by what we do, but by who we are.

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Limits for Peace: The Secret Sauce for a Happy Home and Heart

Setting boundaries is one of the most empowering acts of self-care, yet it often feels like an emotional rollercoaster. While we all know the importance of boundaries in maintaining our mental health and thriving relationships, nobody really talks about the tough moments that come with enforcing them. From the guilt of saying no to loved ones to the heartache of ending toxic friendships, sticking to our boundaries can be a challenge. However, it’s crucial to remember that these boundaries are not walls but doors to a healthier, happier life. By prioritizing ourselves and standing firm, we teach others to do the same, creating a ripple effect of empowerment and respect in our communities. So, embrace your inner boundary boss—it’s tough, but it’s so worth it!

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