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.
-
10 Bible Verses About Enjoying Life and Embracing Your Journey
“God’s gifts are woven into every journey,” a friend once reminded me. “Embracing your journey happens when you learn to see the gifts, especially the ones hidden beneath challenges.” Today, we’ll talk about how to embrace our journeys. Then, we’ll explore ten Bible verses about enjoying life more fully. Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to help you embrace your journey. I invite you to join me in a place that often inspires my writing—the tiny cabin where our family escapes for long weekends surrounded by rolling hills, beech trees, and open skies—and we’ll talk about learning to embrace our moments.…
-
Sowing Spiritual Seeds: 8 Truths for When You Doubt Your Calling
When I became a teacher, I remember looking around and thinking, The needs are so great, and I’m only one person. What difference can I possibly make? The idea of sowing spiritual seeds for God’s glory felt like a long shot. I was just trying to survive. Two decades later, I’m no longer teaching in a public school. But I often look at the world’s condition and have similar sentiments. The needs are so great. I feel so small. What impact could I possibly make? Maybe you’ve experienced similar thoughts. Sowing Spiritual Seeds When You Feel Insignificant Not long ago, I read the story of Jesus feeding the 5,000. The…
-
10 Prayers for Direction and Clarity
The old poplar stretches toward a cloudless sky as yesterday’s snowflakes swirl in tiny cyclones below. I’ve been counting the lessons of winter as the snow piles higher. As I gaze out the window, I take the time to assess my life, my daily rhythms, and the state of my soul. I find myself lifting prayers for direction and clarity for the next season of life. Perhaps you need this space, too. Today, we’ll talk about how to find God’s direction and the importance of seeking his guidance. We’ll explore ten prayers for direction and clarity. Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional…
-
The Gift of Hospitality: 5 Skills to Cultivate the Gift
When we think of hospitality, most of us think of welcoming people into our homes and sharing meals. However, the gift of hospitality extends far beyond good cooking and decorating. True hospitality is the gift of creating safe spaces where others feel loved and cared for. This can happen in our homes, but it can also happen in our workplaces, communities, and beyond. Today, we’ll begin by discussing the gift of hospitality. Then, we’ll explore creative ways to offer the gift in unexpected places. Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free resource to help you offer the gift of hospitality without perfection. The Gift…
-
15 Bible Verses for Guidance in Decision Making
Have you been praying about a big decision? Maybe you feel confused because you want to follow God but don’t have a clear sense of his direction. You are in the right place. Today, we’ll talk about making decisions with God and explore 15 Bible verses for guidance in decision making. Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to help you follow God’s guidance. 15 Bible Verses for Guidance in Decision Making Here is what God’s Word says about making decisions with God’s guidance. Bible Verses for Guidance in Decision Making 1. Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and…
-
5 New Year Prayer Points for a Fresh Start
I meander slowly through a forest encased in white. Strangers’ footprints delineate the path through crusty layers that have thawed and frozen a dozen times. I’m in the woods today to regroup and focus on the months ahead. The New Year always feels like a fresh start. Today, I invite you to join me as we explore five New Year prayer points to help us begin this year with focus and hope. Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to help you connect with God at the start of the new year or any time. 5 New Year Prayer Points for a…
-
4 Ways to Stay Focused on Jesus at Christmas
For the first year in decades, I counted winter as a gift this year: not a grueling season to survive, but a wonderous season to embrace. As I aim to give thanks for the colder weather and darker days, I’m also reminding myself to stay focused on Jesus at Christmas this year. I tend to get pulled into the rush of my Christmas to-do list, making it tough to stay centered. If you can relate, here are four ways I’m helping our family stay focused on Jesus at Christmas this year. How to Stay Focused on Jesus at Christmas Let’s look at several practical ways to keep our focus on…
-
8 Bible Verses About Renewing Your Mind
I recently set out on a slow walk down our country road as the sun set behind the barren maple forest. I had no way of knowing that the walk was going to be a lesson in renewing my mind. Today, I’ll share my reflections from the road. Then, we’ll explore eight Bible verses about renewing your mind. Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to help you renew your mind by spending time in God’s presence. Bible Verses About Renewing Your Mind As I walked down the road, I noticed that the tree line had turned gray with winter. I’m not…
-
An Online Advent Devotional for Less Stress This December
Last year, I released an online Advent devotional to help others slow down, cultivate wonder, and connect with the Lord. After receiving wonderful feedback, I made a few updates and am excited to release a second edition this year! Here’s a glimpse into this new online devotional. I pray it blesses you deeply. Still My Soul: An Online Advent Devotional for Deeper Peace I sit with the dawn and let my thoughts gather. The grey morning light lifts her sleepy head, and the thin air is embroidered with a crimson cardinal’s song. My mind is scattered, and I feel like a woman who is stretched too thin. I’m thinking about…
-
12 Godly Habits for Joy and Peace in Life
A pewter sky threatens rain, and I stand at the window as the little one calls from the living room. He wants to know what we’re doing for fun today. I’ve been deliberately turning to my mental list of godly habits daily, and I decide on a trip to the woods. “Let’s head to the creek,” I declare, and within minutes, we’re strolling down the road. “Better hurry up. It might rain, Mom,” he urges. “A little rain won’t hurt us,” I tell sweet Aiden. He makes a comment about melting, and we both laugh. Much to our delight, the rain holds off. We spend an hour throwing rocks into…
