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 Encouraging Bible Verses for Women to Grow in Faith
As I write to you today, our daughter is nearing her sixteenth birthday. Lately, we’ve been talking about how to find God’s vision for her future and what it means to be called by God. These conversations have led me into Scripture, seeking God’s Truth about faith, strength, and calling. Today, I’m sharing a list of encouraging Bible verses for women of all ages as we aim to walk in alignment with God and grow deeper in faith. I encourage you to share these Scriptures with the women you care about and take time soaking in them for yourself. We’ll explore some of the common Scriptures addressing women, such as…
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9 Empowering Benefits of Fasting and Prayer
Fasting is one of the most overlooked spiritual practices in many contemporary Christian circles, but there are many benefits of fasting and prayer. The Bible describes different kinds of fasts for different lengths of time. Most often, fasting involves abstaining from food, but we can abstain from anything that brings comfort. We’ll look at more examples in today’s post. I’ll be the first to admit that fasting doesn’t come naturally or easily to me. Especially as someone who has struggled with unhealthy deprivation when it comes to eating, I’ve wrestled with fasting from food. Nevertheless, I haven’t given up on this discipline. I’ve also learned to fast from other comforts,…
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Biblical Self-Examination: Questions for Growth
Thomas Chalmers, a Scottish pastor in the 19th century, compared self-examination to searching in a dark room. We cannot see what is in the darkness until we open the curtains and let the light in. Biblical self-examination is the process of letting the light of God’s Truth guide our reflections. We cannot see ourselves accurately by focusing solely on ourselves. Chaos and confusion abound within. We can only see ourselves as we are in the light of God’s Word. With this in mind, today we’ll discuss the concept of biblical self-examination as we explore questions for growth. Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free…
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Prayer Points for Intimacy With God With Scriptures
The warm days of June have arrived with all their light and brilliance, and life is filled with potential, hope. No matter where this season finds you, God is pursuing you. He wants a close, loving relationship with you. Today we’ll explore ten prayer points for intimacy with God with Scriptures to guide us. Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to help you draw near to God and develop a closer relationship with him. Prayer Points for Intimacy With God With Scriptures God’s greatest desire is a relationship with each of his children. For this reason, when we pray his Word…
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Jethro in the Bible: Wise Counsel From Unexpected Places
Jethro is best known as Moses’ father-in-law, a Midianite priest who offered wise counsel and recognized the power of God. Today, we’ll look at the life of Jethro in the Bible and consider some practical lessons we can learn from him. Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to help you grow closer to God. Jethro in the Bible: Wise Counsel From Outside the Inner Circle Before we consider the lessons we can learn from Jethro, let’s make sure we grasp the backstory. Moses had fled from Egypt to Midian after murdering an Egyptian. He became a shepherd in Midian and married…
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How to Find Spiritual Friends Who Will Carry Your Burdens
Sweet friendships refresh the soul and awaken our hearts with joy, for good friends are like the anointing oil that yields the fragrant incense of God’s presence. Proverbs 27:9, TPT Sweet Friendships Refresh the Soul I once owned an inflatable two-person river raft and regularly convinced my adventurous friends to join me as I rafted down the Allegheny River. I enjoyed rafting by myself, but it was more fun floating with a friend. Having someone with me also provided safety for the journey. At certain points on the river, we had to climb out of the raft to avoid fallen trees and large boulders in the water. Having someone to…
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How to Experience Freedom in Christ: 15 Bible Verses About Freedom in Christ
Throughout the past months, I’ve been on a journey of experiencing God’s healing in deep, soul-shaping ways. I’ve dealt with debilitating physical setbacks that have drastically changed my lifestyle. Meanwhile, God has been working in my heart. Through my physical suffering, I’ve learned more about true spiritual freedom in Christ. Today, we’ll explore 15 Bible verses about freedom and Christ and apply these Scriptures to our lives. Freedom in Christ is a liberation from the power of sin through the Holy Spirit. Everything God permits in our lives is meant to be a vessel of healing. Every challenge is meant to lead us to God in dependence, healing our souls…
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Be Still and Trust: A Devotional Book for Deeper Peace in God
Most of us would gladly receive deeper peace in God as we go about our days, but it’s hard to know where to begin. I have a tool for us today: my newest book, a devotional book called Be Still and Trust: 50 Devotions for Peace, Rest, and Renewal. These devotions are designed to help readers create space for stillness and rest with God as they navigate full schedules and busy lives. The book is on sale on Amazon today. Below, you’ll find a devotion from the book. I’m also offering a free seven-day eBook devotional with the first seven devotions from the book to get your started. May we…
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Be Still and Trust: 50 Devotions for Peace, Rest, and Renewal
I’m excited to share that we are just over a week away from the release of my newest book, a devotional book called Be Still and Trust: 50 Devotions for Peace, Rest and Renewal. These devotions are designed to help readers create space for stillness and rest with God as they navigate full schedules and busy lives. Today, I’m sharing the introduction from the devotional and invite you to return next week to learn more and buy the book! Be Still and Trust I recently walked outside in the warm summer sunshine and did something I haven’t done in far too long. I collapsed onto the damp earth and watched…
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8 Faith-Building Lessons From Rebekah in the Bible
God is always guiding his children, even as we go about the everyday work of our lives. The story of Rebekah in the Bible is a helpful example of the way God blesses our everyday faithfulness. Today, we’ll explore eight practical lessons from Rebekah as we consider her example. Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to help you remain faithful as you follow God. Lessons From Rebekah in the Bible After the death of his wife, Sarah, Abraham realized he was nearing the end of his life as well. Eager to find a wife (who was not a Canaanite) for his…
