Cox & Kin

Seeking Him can be a challenge unless we are open to intentionally seeking those changes in our lives. Here are some ways we can do just that.  1. Daily Reflection and Prayer Start each day with a moment of reflection and prayer. This practice helps you set your intentions for the day and seek God's guidance. Reflect on your priorities and ask for wisdom to make the most of your time. 2. Set Meaningful Goals Identify specific goals that align with God's priorities for your life. These could be spiritual, relational, or personal development goals. Break them down into manageable steps and track your progress throughout the month. 3. Create a Balanced Schedule Plan your days with intentionality, ensuring you allocate time for work, rest, and activities that nourish your soul. A balanced schedule helps you stay focused on what truly matters and prevents burnout. 4. Engage in Acts of Kindness Look for opportunities to serve others and show kindness. Whether it's vol...

  “So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.” – Psalm 90:12 (ESV) In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it's easy to lose sight of what truly matters. Psalm 90:12 reminds us of the importance of numbering our days and seeking wisdom. But how can we intentionally use our time wisely on a regular basis in light of God's priorities? Let's explore some practical ways to align our lives with His will and make the most of the time we've been given. Understanding the value of time Time is a precious gift from God, and each day is an opportunity to grow closer to Him and fulfill His purposes. By recognizing the fleeting nature of our days, we can develop a heart of wisdom that guides our decisions and actions. This wisdom helps us prioritize what truly matters and avoid getting caught up in the distractions of the world. It's true that life happens and it's our jobs to prioritize when life gets to lifing. Just remembering that we should put God...

 And here we are at our third and final installment of our foodie series. Enjoy the following recipes!  1. One-Pot Spaghetti Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef or turkey 1 onion, chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes 2 cups chicken or beef broth 1 tsp dried basil 1 tsp dried oregano 8 oz spaghetti Salt and pepper to taste Grated Parmesan cheese (optional) Instructions: In a large pot, cook the ground beef or turkey over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot and cook until softened. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, broth, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Break the spaghetti in half and add it to the pot. Stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the spaghetti is cooked and the sauce has thickened. Serve w...

"And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:19 (ESV) In a world filled with uncertainty and challenge, it's easy to find ourselves consumed by worry and anxiety. We ask ourselves how our needs will be met? We wonder if we will have what we need to navigate the demands of our lives? However. we should find peace in the promise of Philippians 4:19. This verse offers profound assurance: God will supply every need of ours according to His riches. But what does it mean to truly trust God to provide? How can we shift from a mindset of anxiety to one of faith in our creator? Understanding God's provision Provision - the act of providing or supplying something for use; an amount of something supplied God's provision is not limited to our physical needs. Let's read that again: God's provision is not limited to our physical needs. Okay, ready to move forward? God's provision encompases every sing...

“Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” – Psalm 37:4 (ESV) As we navigate through different seasons of life, the call to delight in the Lord remains constant. But what does it truly mean to delight in God, and how can we experience this joy and fulfillment in our current season? Let's explore the depth of this beautiful verse and its application in our lives. Understanding Delight in the Lord To delight in the Lord means to find our greatest joy and satisfaction in Him. It involves a deep, intimate relationship with God where we seek His presence, cherish His Word, and align our desires with His will. Delighting in God is not about seeking temporary pleasures or material gains; it's about finding that deeper truer place of contentment and peace that can only be found in our Creator. The Desires of Your Heart When we delight in the Lord, our desires begin to reflect His desires. Our hearts are transformed, and we start to long for...

 Welcome back for part 2 of my family meals series. Today I thought I'd give you a few tips for keeping everyone coming back to the table for more!  Get everyone involved: Encourage each family member to participate in meal preparation. Assign age-appropriate tasks, such as washing vegetables, setting the table, or stirring ingredients. This not only makes the process more enjoyable, but also teaches valuable cooking skills.  Theme nights: Introduce theme nights to add excitement to your meals. Whether it's Taco Tuesday, Pizza Friday, or Breakfast for Dinner, having a theme can make mealtime something to look forward to and get everyone excited to help prepare the meal.  Create a DIY Station: Set up a DIY station where family members can customize their meals. For example, a taco bar with various toppings, a salad bar with different ingredients, or a pizza station with assorted toppings. This allows everyone to get creative and make their meal just the way they like ...

What an amazing time we've had escaping life and spending time with the grands. One of our favorite things to do is to just spend quality time with family.  In light of all that has transpired, we like to take time to stand back and just soak in the quality time.  Today, we found ourselves going for a quick drive to Jeter Mountain Farm for some apple cider donuts and slushies. It's always a beautiful trip. I hope you enjoy the photos as much as I do!  I was able to sneak a photo of the girls rocking with YiaYia on the porch after their donuts. Ahhh, what a timeless memory!  Another guest was kind enough to snap a group photo of all four of us really quickly. Can I just say - WAIT JUST A MINUTE HOW DID MADDIE OUTGROW US ALL??? There was a wagon with the most beautiful pink flowers on it and I just couldn't not snap a shot.  On the way out, we were able to snap a beautiful photo of the orchard. Just breath taking!  A trip to the orchard wouldn't be complete w...

In today's fast-paced world, finding time to sit down and share a meal with family can be both cumbersome and challenging. However, the benefits of family meals extend far beyond just satisfying hunger. They play a crucial role in fostering strong family bonds, promoting healthy eating habits, and supporting emotional well-being. Let's explore the significance of family meals and why they should be a priority in our lives. Continue reading for the first in a 3 part series on how we can not only join our families at the dinner table, but make the time at the table fun and meaningful to everyone. Strengthening Family Bonds I look around me and see that many times families opt for the drive through on the go rather than a meal with their loved ones around their own table consuming food that doesn’t come loaded with preservatives, fat, and comes out of a paper bag. That said, family meals provide an opportunity for family members to connect and communicate. Sitting around the t...

  As the leaves change color and the air turns crisp, it's the perfect time to get creative with some fun and easy fall crafts. Whether you're looking for activities to do with kids, or just want to add a touch of autumn to your home decor, these simple crafts are perfect for all ages. Let's dive into some delightful fall projects that you can enjoy with family and friends. Leaf Rubbing Art Suggested ages: 3 and up.  This craft is perfect for young children as it helps develop fine motor skills and allows them to explore different textures and colors. It's also a fun and relaxing activity for older kids and adults sitting around the table with a piping mug of hot cider.  Materials Needed: Freshly fallen leaves White paper Crayons Instructions: Collect a variety of leaves from your yard or a nearby park. Place a leaf under a sheet of white paper. Using the side of a crayon, gently rub over the paper to reveal the leaf's shape ...

  Welcoming growth, bonding, and gratitude in the month ahead As the crisp air of September begins to settle, leaves slowly transition into vibrant tapestries of red and gold, and the world seems to breath in renewal. There is something profoundly stirring about the arrival of a new month - a gentle invitation to pause, reflect, and embrace fresh opportunities within our families. The changing seasons are a beautiful reminder that God's creation is always in motion, reflecting His ongoing work in our hearts and homes.  Growth: Stepping forward together The turn of the season beckons us to consider how we are growing, both individually and as a family. Just as trees shed their leaves to prepare for new life, we are invited to let go of old habits and step boldly into what God has prepared. Reflecting on Philippians 3:13-14, we find encouragement: "...forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call...

 Embracing the promise of change together Webster defines change as the act of making something different. In society, we have been conditioned that change is bad. I would encourage you to step outside of whatever change you are facing and try to see things from a different perspective. You see, I've learned over the years that without change, there cannot be growth. This is true in our personal, professional, and spiritual lives. As we embark on the remainder of the month of September, I challenge you to decide to embrace change as a GOOD THING and not as something that should be feared.  The air shifts gently, that unmistakable crispness signaling September's arrival and the subtle turning of the seasons (and leaves). As sun-dappled afternoons give way to the golden embrace of autumn, families find themselves at the threshold of new routines, fresh opportunities, and the comforting rhythm of togetherness. September is more than a change on the calendar. It's an invitation...

  If I'm being honest, some weeks feel like a series of closed doors:  plans unravel conversations go sideways even the simplest tasks seem resistant to completion I know, I know... It’s easy to feel discouraged when things don’t work out the way we hoped, dreamed, and even envisioned for the long haul. But lately, I’ve been reminded that sometimes, that’s exactly how it’s supposed to be. I have found myself reminding my inner soul that not every “no” is a failure. Sometimes it’s a redirection. A pause. A gentle nudge from the Lord saying, “This isn’t for you right now.” And while it’s hard to let go of what we thought was best, there’s peace in trusting that He sees the full picture—even when we’re staring at a mess of puzzle pieces. I am reminded in these times that God has blessed this mess (me) and that He will see me through His plan. 📖 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a fut...

  Creating a list of crafts for you is not exactly the easiest. I wanted to appeal to everyone and that’s what makes it harder. You see, I have adult children, so the crafting over the years has evolved from kids crafts to what I want for my own home which is a bit more adult in nature. So what’s a mom to do? Head out and find some of the most inspiring people I could to show you what they are suggesting! The Pioneer Woman Good Housekeeping Pinterest I'm sure you can find something for everyone on this list. I plan to share with you what I end up making later in the month, but would love to see what you create as well! 

  This month, we have the opportunity to celebrate a Christian legend! Before we get to the ideas I have for your celebrations, let’s dig into a bit of the history behind St. Patrick’s Day. Did you know: -         St. Patrick was the patron saint of Ireland, but he was born in Roman Britian in the late 4 th century. -         He was kidnapped at the young age of 16 and enslaved in Ireland. -         While he did escape, he returned to convert the Irish to Christianity. -         By the time of his death, he had established monasteries, churches, and schools. -         On March 17, 461 he died. -         In 1737, the   17 th of March became the day to celebrate the feast of St. Patrick In honor of St. Patrick, many celebrate in different ways. Here’s a lis...

  As a busy working mom, sometimes I feel like things haven’t quite been handled as eloquently as I would have liked. There is stress in my life that just seems to take over. Between work and personal commitments, something’s got to give. Am I alone here or is there anyone else feeling similarly?   Let me give you a little information about me. I am a 43-year-old married mom of a 22-year-old daughter and 18-year-old daughter. My oldest has some special needs, but the medical system here is failing her because she isn’t handicapped ENOUGH to get a diagnosis. I was even told by multiple medical professionals “Yes, I can see she’s high-functioning autistic, but because she’s over the age of 18, I cannot give you an official diagnosis.” You wanna talk about discouraging. That doesn’t even begin to describe how I felt last year hearing those words for the third time in as many months. I felt like I’d failed my child.   On the other hand, her sister has anxiety and has ...

 This month, we will embark on yet another beautiful season and perfect opportunity to begin as fresh as the flowers are sure to bloom. Spring is the perfect time to refresh and rejuvenate! Here are my top 10 tips to make the most of the season:  Spring Cleaning: We all tend to gather an excess of clutter through the winter months. Clear out the clutter and deep clean your living space. This is a great time to donate those items you no longer need. Remember, one person's trash is another's treasure!  Garden Preparation: No matter if you have a farm, flowerbed, or container garden, now is the time to start planting flowers, herbs, and vegetables. If you aren't currently, maybe consider creating a small herb garden or adding colorful blooms to your patio.  Outdoor Activities: Now is the perfect time to take advantage of the beautiful weather by going for a hike, having a picnic, or family bike ride. Enjoy the beautiful scenery around you as it blossoms.  Seasonal ...

 Ya know, life has a way of suddenly accelerating its pace. Sometimes it leaves us breathless and scrambling to keep up. Whether it's a surge in work responsibilities, personal commitments, or unexpected events, the sensation of being overwhelmed is all too familiar. I've found that the key to navigating these hectic periods of my life lies in the adoption of strategies that help me maintain balance and perspective. I thought I'd share some of those with you today as a way to get back into writing regularly.  1. Understanding the busy periods Busy periods can strike at any time, and often they appear with no warning. These times may be triggered by many factors such as:  seasonal work demands  significant life changes (i.e., moving, expanding the family) a series of social events Regardless of the cause, the impact can feel like an InstaPot of stress and fatigue.  2. Identifying triggers To effectively manage busy periods, I've found it essential to identify the...