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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7 Encouraging Bible Verses for Moms Who Feel Weary
I want to be the kind of woman who knows how to cultivate deep joy. Sadly, I often feel like the overwhelmed mother who yells too much and spends way too much time in survival mode. If you can relate, you’re in the right place. Today, I’ll share a story from our home; then, we’ll explore seven encouraging Bible verses for moms. 7 Encouraging Bible Verses for Moms The jewelweed is shriveling beneath the heavy blanket of summer heat as I lead my three little ones through the forest. We needed some fresh air and time outside the house. So here we are. The youngest has fallen at least ten…
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5 Creative Ways to Offer Hospitality This Summer
Daylight comes early now. Hummingbirds suck down our sugary syrup before the slow drip of black coffee has even begun. Summer is the season of long, lush days that open wide with possibilities. It’s the season for picnics and bonfires – fireflies and s’mores. Summer is also the perfect season to offer hospitality. You might think of cookouts and sparklers when you think of summer hospitality. However, hospitality involves more than just opening our homes; it’s about opening our hearts. We can offer hospitality anywhere. We weren’t made to do life alone. Every time you open your heart and life to someone else, you extend hospitality. This can happen in a…
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10 Bible Verses About Fitting in: And a Perspective Shift
A few years ago, I stepped about a million miles out of my comfort zone and attended a conference for women who feel called to write and speak. The weekend was filled with informational seminars, discussion groups, and motivational speakers. I was anxious about the weekend for plenty of reasons, and one of my deepest concerns was a quiet voice that whispered, “What if I don’t fit in?” Today, we’ll explore 10 Bible verses about fitting in. Then, we’ll return to my weekend at the conference as I share the lessons I learned about feeling left out and insecure. Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for…
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How to Cultivate a Consistent Prayer Life: 17 Tips
The roadsides are blanketed with wildflowers, and we often spend evenings playing kickball in the backyard now. It’s not officially summer yet, but it feels like summer has already settled upon us. As our rhythms change, I long to learn how to cultivate a more consistent prayer life, especially in this busy season. As I reflect on this desire, I’m reminded that God doesn’t want to be an add-on to my busy summer; he wants to do life with me. Perhaps you need this reminder as well. Today, we’ll discuss practical ways to cultivate a consistent prayer life. Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a…
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Are You Tired of Feeling Like a Failure as a Mom?
I didn’t know I was aiming for perfection when I first laid eyes on the swaddled baby girl in the pink and blue hospital cap. She was beautiful, and I couldn’t wait to teach her everything I knew about God and life. In that precious moment, feeling like a failure as a mom was the last thought on my mind. I wanted to be everything she could ever need in a mom. I wanted to be the perfect mom, and I was pretty sure I could follow all the rules and pull it off. Most moms know all about the ideals of early motherhood. You look at your sweet little…
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8 Bible Verses for Overcoming Anxiety With God’s Help
I’ve dealt with anxiety for as long as I can remember. Throughout my journey, I’ve learned that God wants to help me exchange anxiety for peace. Today, we’ll look at seven Bible verses for overcoming anxiety. Then, I’ll share a story of applying these Scriptures to an everyday moment. 8 Bible Verses for Overcoming Anxiety Let’s start by turning to God’s Word. Bible Verses for Overcoming Anxiety With God 1. Isaiah 41:10, ESV Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. This is one of my…
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5 Steps to Take When You’re Feeling Uninspired
I’d been feeling uninspired for a few weeks when my life suddenly came to a screeching halt. I was unmotivated to write, weary from parenting, and I felt stuck. Most of us know all about feeling stuck. We get stuck in bad habits, complacency, escapist behaviors, and deep, muddy ruts along the paths of our lives. What do you do when you’re feeling inspired and struggling to find the courage to do something about it? I wrestled with this question as the milky light of winter dawn eased through the windowpane. A thought came to mind. It went something like this: “Have you forgotten your why?” I spend most of…
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7 Bible Verses About Your Calling in Life
When God calls you to follow him, he offers something more powerful than a plan. Today we’ll explore seven Bible verses about your calling in life and apply these truths to our lives. Let’s begin by turning to God’s Word for insight into his calling. 7 Bible Verses About Your Calling in Life Scripture offers a great deal of insight into God’s calling. Here are seven Bible verses about your calling in life. Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to help you draw near to God and embrace his calling for your life. Bible Verses About Your Calling in Life 1.…
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How to Have More Patience With My Child: 8 Tips
It’s 8:00 p.m. on a Saturday, and I need a talking break. I’ve been answering questions almost incessantly for the past 14 hours. I can’t help but wonder how the question-asker hasn’t worn down yet, but he’s going strong. I’m learning how to have more patience with my child, and I’m failing more than I’m flourishing. We’re driving home from a visit with Grandma and Grandpa when the questions begin again from the backseat. “Mom, how do they make seatbelts?” he wants to know. “Geez. Do you ever stop talking?” his older sister barks. I feel her pain and try to shoot her a sympathetic glance in the rearview mirror,…
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10 Tips for Drawing Near to God When Life Is Busy
Winter sunlight sings her silver song as I throw on the heavy parka. The snow beneath my feet crunches as I walk to the dog kennel and pour warm water into silver bowls. The beagles lap it up while I stare at the glowing firmament and think about drawing near to God amid the chaos of a very full life. Drawing Near to God The air stings my face as I gaze heavenward and breathe, listening to the hollow sound of my heart synchronizing with the terrestrial thrum of a resting earth. Something within me shifts. I feel peace, rest. This is sacred space, holy ground. It’s the place where…
