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.
-
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…
-
15 Bible Verses About Children: Cherishing and Correcting Them
Our third child was born on a foggy spring morning, and in that moment, a lifetime of anticipation came to fruition. My husband and I sensed our family was complete, and the family I’d wondered about for decades was established in full. Today, we’ll look at a list of Bible verses about children as we thank God for the children in our lives and align ourselves with his perspective regarding children. I write this post with bittersweet sentiments today. Our children are a blessing, and I am immensely grateful for them. In the same breath, I think of loved ones who long for children of their own, and God has…
-
15 Encouraging Bible Verses for New Moms
A close friend recently had her first child. As I held her newborn and encouraged her, she said, “No one tells you how intense this is. And if they’d told you, you wouldn’t believe them anyway.” As the mother of three children, I understood completely. Today, I invite you to join me in the hospital room at the beginning of my motherhood journey, and I’ll share 15 comforting Bible verses for new moms. If you are a new mom, 15 verses might feel like a lot. I’ve been there. I encourage you to read just one verse on this list. Let it carry you through the next 24 hours. Come…
-
15 Bible Verses About Living Life With Purpose
Poet Lucy Shaw wrote that grass has no memory. I think of her words as I gaze out the window, last week’s snow holding memories of children making snow angels and pulling sleds through the yard. Embrace these days, I tell myself as I open my Bible in search of Bible verses about living life with purpose. Perhaps you want to know what the Bible says about purpose, too. I invite you to soak in the words below. God has a purpose and a plan for your life, and it is not as complicated as it might seem. Also, be sure to read to the end of today’s post for…
-
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. As I gaze at them, they’re a reminder of how to find joy no matter what the season of life looks like. In the quiet moments of a new day, I pull out my Bible in search of Bible verses about rejoicing in the Lord. Today, I’ll begin by sharing these truths. Then, we’ll discuss practical ways to find joy in the Lord. Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free online devotional to help you enjoy God’s presence. 15 Bible Verses About Rejoicing in the Lord Let’s…
-
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…
-
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…
-
20 Bible Verses About Friendship: How to Love Well
“You find good friends by being a good friend,” I recently reminded our son as he shared his hopes about finding a best friend at school. He asked how to be a good friend, and we turned to God’s Word, where I shared several Bible verses about friendship. Later, I reflected on these verses and was encouraged to be a better friend to the people God has placed within my sphere of influence. Scripture has a great deal to say about being a good friend and finding friends. Today, we’ll look at 20 Bible verses about friendship as we seek friends and aim to be good friends to others. Also,…
-
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…
-
15 Bible Verses About Stepping Out in Faith
We all face times when stepping out in faith elicits uncertainty and even fear. During these times, we can anchor ourselves to God’s Word, standing on the promises of Scripture. Today, we’ll explore 15 Bible verses about stepping out in faith. I’ll also share some practical ways to keep your eyes on God as you take the first step. Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to help you follow God’s call. Let’s begin by turning to God’s Word. Bible Verses About Stepping Out in Faith Here are God’s words about stepping out in faith. 15 Bible Verses About Stepping Out in…
