“Oh Mom, I just love this magical time of year. It’s so cozy with lights, hot chocolate, movies and our special family traditions!” My heart warmed as I agreed with our youngest daughter. So when our Sunday school moderator asked me […]
Gratitude Rolls: Special Thanksgiving Tradition
Nov18
Grateful Rolls – This simple tradition is a fun way for your family to express what they are grateful for during your Thanksgiving dinner. As guests arrive have each person write a few things that they are grateful for on small sheets of paper. We always make our special “butter horn” rolls each Thanksgiving,
Even When It’s Hard
Oct21
“Mom, I really don’t want you to invite them to our house. Their kids are kind of weird, and I’m not friends with them. It will be just plain awkward. Can’t you just ask the mom? I mean it. Don’t […]
What Does Your Mirror Tell You Right Now?
Aug6
Everyday I look into a mirror. Once, twice, if not multiple times a day, but after last week, I will never look at my reflection the same way again. For five days I was part of a ministry team that […]
A Recipe So Easy You Can Make it in Your Car
Jun8
Find out what others are saying about “Just Open the Door: How One Invitation Can Change a Generation.” A perfect summer read. Come as You Are is an invitation I’ve extended here for years. When you’re known for freely sharing your […]
Traditions that Build Character – May Day Baskets
May1
One of my children’s most poignant “teachable moments” was cemented in their memories when our family left a “friendship basket” for the “Nice Lawn” guy (see template below). For years, we had driven past a house near our church and […]
Join the (Free) Just Open the Door Book Club
Apr25
Click here to join our Just Open the Door Book Club Chat! Hospitality. That word can bring with it a whole lot of expectations and anxiety. Inviting people into your home might feel like inviting judgment on your entertaining skills and […]
Creating Strong Family Ties: Weekend Away
Mar23
Pigeon Forge Favorites If you have been a reader of Balancing Beauty and Bedlam for any length of time, you know that traditions and creating special family memories play an integral part of our family make up. For many of […]
Thrown away in a Garbage Bag & Left to Die: My Precious Nephew
Mar21
In honor of World Down Syndrome Day today, a repost of the year everything changed. Nearly eight years ago, I traveled to Ecuador with my sister in love to bring home my precious nephew, Edison. Thrown away in a garbage bag […]
Just Open the Door: Fun FREEBIES!!
Mar16
A friend once said that launching a book is like standing in front of an audience in your underwear. How’s that for an opener to this post? At the time I didn’t get it, nor did it matter to me […]
Can We Laugh Together?
Feb21
My new friend pulled me aside and with a smile errupting on her face declared, “I’ve always wondered if blondes really do have more fun. Well, today they sure did.” I was shocked by her comment. She’d enjoyed herself? I […]
New Year’s Day Tradition Your Family Will Love
Dec27
New Year’s Day Party There are so many fun ways to celebrate and embrace a fresh, new year. If you LOVE staying up till midnight, check out these New Year’s Eve Tradition ideas for the family but here is a fun idea […]
Christmas Gift Tags (Free printable)
Dec20
It’s almost the night before Christmas and all through the house, not a creature was stirring….except this spouse. And I was clawing through all my drawers looking for tape and wrapping paper and Christmas cards and….(you fill in the blank if […]
Conversation Starter Questions Free Gift: Our Family Dinner Questions
Dec4
Don’t miss out on my Free Homemade Christmas Coupon Book. It offers another option for a last minute, meaningful gift idea. I am so very excited to share something with you that has been part of our family tapestry for […]
The Talk: Say the Right Thing, Even When Your Child Says the Wrong
Nov28
Our eldest son turns twenty four in two days and then next month, we usher him into a new season of married life. It’s been a joy to have him living at home for the last six months, but we’re […]
