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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10 Prayers for Teachers This School Year
Over the years, the end of August has always marked the beginning of the new school year, a time filled with expectant prayers for teachers and students. Twenty years ago, this time of year meant something very different to me than it does now. As a high school teacher, this season was filled with anticipation as I prepared my classroom for a new year. Now that I’m no longer working in a classroom, the anticipation is different. As a mom, I scramble to make sure everyone in the house has what they need for the new year. The boys need at least a handful of unstained, untorn T-shirts, and we’ll…
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15 Bible Verses About Spiritual Growth (With Applications)
I once asked a friend how to discern spiritual growth. She said, “Are you more loving than you were a year ago? If so, you are growing.” I took her words to heart. After she left, I began searching for Bible verses about spiritual growth. Bible Verses About Spiritual Growth I found the following 15 Bible verses about spiritual growth. I pray these verses bless you as you apply them to your life Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to help you grow closer to God. 15 Bible Verses About Spiritual Growth 1. Galatians 5:22-23 (ESV) But the fruit of the…
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Grow Closer to God: 15 Practical Ways to Deepen Your Relationship With Him
Shortly after daybreak, I step outside and let the warm summer rain wash over me. Being in nature always feels like an invitation to grow closer to God. The water streams down my brow in tiny rivulets, and I amble down the muddy road. The cacophony of water falling on the canopy overhead drowns out every other noise. The songbirds, insects, and tree frogs are all silent. Most likely, they are hidden away in their forest homes—hunkered down and waiting for the sun to emerge. I think of my family back at the cabin. They’re probably playing board games and eating pancakes. Like the animals, they’re waiting out the deluge.…
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Persevere in Prayer: 10 Tips for a Consistent Prayer Life
“I know I need to persevere in prayer, but it’s hard when I don’t see any signs that God hears me,” a friend shared as we hiked through a grove of towering oaks. “I get that. It’s hard to keep praying when God seems silent,” I related. “I’ve had times of questioning whether God cared. It’s hard when he doesn’t seem to care about the things that are most important to us.” We spent the rest of our hike sorting through questions about God and faith. When we returned to our vehicles, we hadn’t solved any major problems or answered our most pressing questions, but we both felt assured that…
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Short Prayers for School: 8 Prayers for Your Kids
Our mornings typically begin with a familiar rhythm. There are commands about brushing teeth and making beds. We search for missing shoes and cross-country uniforms. Amid the chaos, I try to pray over our kids, but it doesn’t always happen. If you can relate, I’m sharing 8 short prayers for school today. Pick just one of these prayers to pray every day, and your kids will be blessed. Speak these prayers over your kids or invite them to pray as well. Short Prayers for School: 8 Prayers for Your Kids I originally wrote these Bible-based prayers at the start of a new school year, but now I pray them all…
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7 Prayers for Joy and Peace No Matter What You’re Facing
The morning opens wide over rolling grey hills splashed with vermillion. I walk slowly down the country road, thankful that my prayers for joy have been answered. I feel grateful and hope-filled as we look to the summer months ahead. Prayers for Joy and Peace Today, we’ll look at seven prayers for joy and peace. Whether you’re stepping into a hopeful summer season or a barren winter, may these prayers encourage you today. Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to help you experience God’s peace in all situations. Prayers for Joy and Peace in All Circumstances 1. Pray for joy that isn’t…
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6 Prayers for Loving Others Even When They’re Hard to Love
Years ago, God brought an acquaintance into my life who was hard to love. She often called me multiple times per day. She was easily offended and didn’t respect my boundaries. I felt called to continue loving her, but it wasn’t always easy. Today, we’ll explore six prayers for loving others, especially when loving doesn’t come easily. Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to help you connect with God so that you can be his vessel of love in this world. 6 Prayers for Loving Others Over time, I realized I needed God’s love to pour through me if I was…
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10 Surprisingly Simple Ways to Show Hospitality
I recently read a book that radically transformed my thoughts about hospitality. The author wrote that hospitality is much more than opening our homes and offering food; it is opening our hearts to others. As I considered her words, I sensed she was inviting me into new ways to show hospitality. Hospitality is also much simpler than we often make it. Today, we’ll discuss simple ways to show hospitality. I’ll also share the author’s words to help you reframe your perception of this gift. Simple Ways to Show Hospitality An Invitation to the Table: Embracing the Gift of Hospitality by Michelle Lazurek changed the way I perceive hospitality. Her words…
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Bible Verses on Safety and Protection in God’s Presence
Throughout most of my adult life, I’ve held onto the following declaration: “The safest place in the world is the center of God’s will.” I cling to the promise that whenever I’m walking in God’s will, I am also safe with God. Today, we’ll explore 15 Bible verses on safety and protection in God’s presence. Then, I’ll share a way these Scriptures upheld me through a difficult time. We’ll explore the difference between safe with God and being secure in his love as I challenge you to redefine your perception of safety. I also invite you to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to…
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10 Spiritual Reflection Questions for Growth and Renewal
Every three months, I set aside time to reflect on where I’ve been and where I’m going. I use this time to rewrite my goals and ask God to give me a vision for the upcoming season. Today, I’m sharing the spiritual reflection questions I use during these times. Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to help you spend time in spiritual reflection with God. Space for Asking Spiritual Reflection Questions Four times each year—at set dates—I take time to step back and reflect on life. I’ve been doing this since I was 17. As a teenager, these seasonal dates reflected…
