In a quest for beauty at all costs, “Women across the U.S. are risking their lives for black market procedures to make their buttocks bigger, often involving home-improvement materials such as silicone injected by people with no medical training…Whatever the reason, they are seeking cheaper alternatives to plastic surgery—sometimes with deadly or disfiguring results” (Huffington Post, August 5, 2013). Many women “toss caution aside when black market procedures are the only ones they can afford” (ibid.).

The world is a very hectic place. There are work schedules, school schedules, long commutes, after school activities, and play dates besides the routine activities of running a home. If we are not careful, we can “crash and burn” into the Sabbath and not get the full benefit that God intended. As the ladies of the house, we as wives and mothers can do a lot to help our families enjoy the Sabbath the way God intended.

While perusing some family photos recently, I came across the picture of a childhood friend. The photo reminded me of a wonderful carefree summer and of a profound childhood lesson.

As women who may often find ourselves over-committed with duties in the workplace and at home, we need to ask ourselves: Are we keeping our priorities straight? Are we putting God first, followed by our commitments to our husbands and families, and finally our responsibilities towards friends and our own wellbeing? Read Proverbs 31:10–31 and Ephesians 5:22–33.

The 2012 Olympics are over, and what an Olympics they were for the United States’ women gymnasts. Their team won the gold medal for only the second time in Olympic history, and many other medals along the way. Many of the women on that team excelled at their sport during the Olympic events, but the Olympic champion who sticks out the most in my mind is Gabby Douglas, the all-around gymnastics gold medalist.