Purposeful Living
Creative ideas for enjoying your family in all seasons of the year, including spending time in nature, creative ways to celebrate holidays, and ways to teach your children the art of hospitality.
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18 Bible Verses to Start the Day With God
When our youngest child was an infant, getting out of bed became more difficult than ever. After restless nights spent tending to him, I was rarely eager to start the day. During that time, I decided to speak the words of Psalm 118:24 first thing every morning. This simple practice helped me align myself with God in my exhaustion. Today, we’ll explore 18 Bible verses to start the day with our focus on Jesus. First, I invite you to join me as I recently returned to the practice of speaking Psalm 118:24 each morning. Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to…
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20 Bible Verses About the Kingdom of God
When Jesus taught his disciples to pray, his prayer included these words: “Thy kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10). Many of us have memorized this prayer, but we fail to understand the Kingdom of God. Today, we’ll study this phrase and explore 20 Bible verses about the Kingdom of God. Bible Verses About the Kingdom of God The Kingdom of God is mentioned more than 80 times in the New Testament. Let’s look at 20 of these verses together today. I also invite you to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to help you experience God’s Kingdom in your…
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Prayer Points for Today: Start Your Day With God
Winter stirs within me a longing. I long for the light. I long for the long days of summer, the sun still high in the sky as we tuck the little ones into bed. As I gaze out the window on this winter morning, I feel inspired to write a list of prayer points for today, reminders to begin all my days with God. 10 Prayer Points for Today I invite you to join me in praying through these prayer points for today. Also, be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to help you stay in step with God every day. Prayer…
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15 Bible Verses About New Beginnings for the New Year
The morning of winter solstice met us with a pellucid sky. I stared out the window and gathered my thoughts before pulling out my Bible in search of Bible verses about new beginnings. Something about the start of a new season leads me to step back and reflect on where I’ve been and where I’m going. At this time of year, I also start looking ahead to the New Year as I assess my goals and seek God for vision. I invite you to join me as we turn to God’s Word for 15 Bible verses about new beginnings for the New Year. I’ll also share a list of questions…
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Praying the Beatitudes: 8 Prayers for Alignment
A mantle of unblemished white greets us at daybreak. I look to the day ahead and feel expectant, yesterday’s regrets cleansed like the sleeping earth outside the window. Opening my Bible to Matthew’s Gospel, I start the day by praying the Beatitudes. As I speak God’s words back to him, something within me shifts as if I’m moving into alignment with him. I’m pulled out of my ruminating thoughts, and my perspective is renewed. I invite you to pray the Beatitudes with me today. Also, be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to help you experience God’s presence as you seek alignment…
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15 Bible Verses About Rejoicing in the Lord
The tulip poplar leaves are just beginning to emerge like tiny hands waving at the cobalt sky. For six fleeting months, they will greet the dawn with their flapping waves as if they’re living to the full. As I gaze at them, they’re a reminder of how to rejoice in the Lord no matter what the season of life looks like. I pull out my Bible in search of refreshing Bible verses about rejoicing in the Lord. Today, I’ll begin by sharing these Bible verses about rejoicing in the Lord. Then, we’ll discuss practical ways to find joy in the Lord. Be sure to read to the end of today’s…
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Managing Holiday Stress: 10 Insights for Peace
We walk to the hill where the fir and spruce trees mingle in a dozen shades of emerald. Within minutes, the youngest falls into the thorny branches of a hawthorn crabapple, and the oldest is tangled in a knot of burdock. What was supposed to be fun has become an exercise in managing holiday stress. I take a deep breath and remind myself that this moment doesn’t have to be perfect. Later in the day, after the tree is wired to the wall in the corner of the living room, I take some time to sort through the ways I plan to manage stress through this Christmas season. Perhaps these…
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A Free Advent Devotional for Less Stress and Deeper Peace
Two years ago, I released an Advent devotional aimed at helping others slow down and experience deeper peace throughout the weeks leading up to Christmas. This year, for a limited time, I’m offering this eBook for free. Below, you’ll find an excerpt from the devotional. Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for your free Advent devotional! Still My Soul: A Free Advent Devotional for Deeper Peace I sit with the dawn and let my thoughts gather. The grey morning light washes away the night, and the thin air is embroidered with a crimson cardinal’s song. My mind is scattered, and I feel like I’ve been stretched…
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7 Prayers of Thanksgiving for Even the Toughest Days
We awoke to a periwinkle drizzle, tears of firmament clinging to spruce boughs and unadorned oak branches. As I watched the day begin, I focused on prayers of Thanksgiving, fixing my eyes on what was true, lovely, right, pure, and good. As always, the practice of giving thanks shifted my mood. After spending a few minutes in gratitude, the tone for the day had been set. 7 Prayers of Thanksgiving Gratitude is powerful for all of us. Let’s take some time to pray with thanksgiving and watch this practice transform our hearts. I also invite you to read to the end of today’s post for a free Advent devotional to…
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10 Prayers of Praise to Lift Your Head
A white moon washes the forest in waves of pellucid light, a benediction. I went to the woods to ground myself. As the light fades, I realize I’ve stayed longer than planned. Closing my eyes in the moonlight, I turn to God with prayers of praise in hopes that he might lift my head. When life is challenging, turning to God in praise can help us rise above our circumstances. This doesn’t mean we ignore our emotions; rather, we process them in God’s presence. After we have sorted through these feelings, we anchor ourselves to God. One way to secure this anchor is through praise. If you need God to…
