perspective – Mamie L. Pack

A new norm: 12 ways to thrive as a suddenly-at-home parent

Wow! Within the last week, thousands of schools were closed, and a multitude of parents became “suddenly-at-home” parents. From being told to work from home (if that is even an option) and now being responsible for “homeschooling” your kids, most parents are just trying to figure out the next step. If this is you, you are not alone. Many parents have more questions than answers. We are striving to find some sort of norm, giving more screen time than usual, searching for toilet tissue, and[...]

Lifestyle

Permission Granted: 3 affirmations to cultivate an intentional life in the New Year

Give yourself permission to live an intentional year with three affirmations for the new year. Make this your best year.

Lifestyle

End Well: 3 simple ways to finish the year strong

December is a full month for me. I normally order my new planner, start my yearly reflection, and begin planning for the new year. This year, however, I heard the Holy Spirit quietly whisper something new—“End Well.” In the planning for the next year, I took my eyes off what God wanted to do right NOW and how God wanted this year to end. God is still moving. God is still healing. God is still blessing. God is still reconciling. God is still a way maker. God has work HE still wants to do THIS year. I don[...]

Lifestyle, Wellness

Gratitude Attitude: 3 ways to tackle self-pity with gratitude

Things never go my way. I’m always messing up. They never listen to me. I don’t matter. Ever had any of these thoughts? I know I have—more than I care to admit. I get it. Some days are hard. Sometimes we make mistakes. We all have those thoughts of self-pity and doubt. While it can be challenging to avoid those negative thoughts, we can choose to exchange our self-pity for gratitude. Self-pity keeps our eyes on blame, fear, and discontent. If we are not careful, self-pity will immobili[...]

Lifestyle, Mid-week three, Wellness

Goodbye Holiday Blues: 3 practical ways to stay mentally healthy during the holidays

It's the most wonderful time of the year. Hmm, sometimes the hustle and bustle of the holiday season can definitely feel not so wonderful. The time between Thanksgiving and the New Year can pull and stretch even the best of us. Travel, parties, interesting family dynamics, school plays, finances, and more can magnify issues we can generally manage. Plus, when you add seasonal depression and health issues that can peak ahead during this time of the year, the demands of the holiday season can create so[...]