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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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…
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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 devotional eBook that will help you establish a rhythm of connecting with the presence of the life-giving…
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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…
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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…
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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,…
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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…
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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 that will help you establish a rhythm of connecting with the presence of the life-giving God daily. Let’s begin by turning to God’s Word. Bible Verses About Stepping Out in Faith Here are God’s words about…
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10 Prayers of Praise to Lift Your Head
A white moon washes the forest in waves of pellucid light, a benediction. I went to the woods to ground myself. As the light fades, I realize I’ve stayed longer than planned. Closing my eyes in the moonlight, I turn to God with prayers of praise in hopes that he might lift my head. When life is challenging, turning to God in praise can help us rise above our circumstances. This doesn’t mean we ignore our emotions; rather, we process them in God’s presence. After we have sorted through these feelings, we anchor ourselves to God. One way to secure this anchor is through praise. If you need God to…
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Finding Joy in the Lord: 9 Biblical Tips
I’m bent over an industrial meat slicer—not thinking a thing in the world about finding joy in the Lord—when a phrase comes to mind: “Why do we often have to lose what we have to appreciate it?” I’m 21 years old, and I’m far from my home in Pennsylvania. I’m working in a deli in the middle of Alaska, saving money for next year’s college expenses, and hiking every time I get a free hour. I love Alaska. The view of endless mountains intrigues me. I love to watch the fireweed dance beneath the midnight sun and sit by the river that flows grey with glacial silt. This place meets…
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Honor God With Your Body: 12 Practical Ways
Have you ever wondered how to honor God with your body? Perhaps you’ve read Romans 12:1 and want to apply it to your life: “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship” (NIV). Today, we’ll talk about how to honor God with your body by practicing 12 practical steps. I invite you to join me on a clear winter morning, and we’ll explore the idea of bringing God glory in all we do. Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional…
