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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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…
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10 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. Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to help you stay…
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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…
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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…
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12 Godly Habits That Can Change Your 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…
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Characteristics of a Cheerful Giver: 4 Ways to Shift Your Attitude
Welcome to another sneak peek into our mother-daughter devotional book, Heart to Heart: A Mother-Daughter Devotional With 50 Devotions for Teen Girls. Today’s devotion explores shifting from grumpiness to joy as we aim to be cheerful givers. We’ll also talk about the characteristics of a cheerful giver. This is written for teen girls, but I have a hunch most of us, regardless of age, can relate. Be sure to read to the bottom of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to help you draw near to God for a transformed heart. Characteristics of a Cheerful Giver Then the people rejoiced because they had offered so willingly, for they made…
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20 Bible Verses About Putting Others First
Most of us know God calls us to put others first, but living this out isn’t simple or easy. Today, we’ll explore 20 Bible verses about putting others first. We’ll also explore practical ways to make sure we are putting people ahead of tasks while also maintaining balance. Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to help you put others first. Let’s begin by turning to God’s Word. 20 Bible Verses About Putting Others First Scripture has a great deal to say about putting the needs of others first. Bible Verses About Putting Others First 1. Romans 12:10 ESV Love one another…
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Join the Book Launch Team for Our New Mother-Daughter Devotional Book!
Bekah and I have an exciting announcement today! In a few weeks, we will release our second mother-daughter devotional book, and we’re currently gathering our launch team of supporters. Our new book is called Heart to Heart: A Mother-Daughter Devotional With 50 Devotions for Teen Girls. We’d love your support as we send this book into the world. Two years ago, we published a mother-daughter devotional for younger girls called Girl to Girl: 60 Mother-Daughter Devotions for a Closer Relationship and Deeper Faith. We’ve received amazing and positive feedback from moms and daughters who have grown closer together and closer to God through this book. Now that Bekah is a…
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God’s Guidance: 4 Ways to Find His Direction
Standing on the shoreline beneath Alaska’s midnight sun, the hollow clap of clear water against stone echoes beneath my feet. I’ve come to Alaska to seek God’s guidance for my life. I have no way of knowing that God is waiting to offer direction that has little to do with the questions I’ve been asking. I’m 21 years old, and I’m seeking answers about my career, myself, and my faith. I don’t know it yet, but God is waiting to graciously provide answers to all three. How to Find God’s Guidance I’ve been praying about whether to leave my home in Pennsylvania to pursue a teaching career in Alaska. Meanwhile,…
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What the Fruit of the Spirit Bible Verses Mean for Moms
One of my favorite parts of writing and blogging is connecting with other writers. I’m excited to introduce my friend Stacey Shannon to you today. Stacey has a heart for encouraging women of all ages in their faith. Today’s post on the fruit of the Spirit blessed and challenged me, and I’m confident it will touch your heart too. Here’s Stacey! What the Fruit of the Spirit Bible Verses Mean for Moms 10 Bible Verses and Prayers About the Fruit of the Spirit to Encourage Your Mama Heart About a year ago, I kept noticing the Fruit of the Spirit popping up in various ways throughout my life. Then last…
