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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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…
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15 Bible Verses About Hospitality: Plus Creative Ideas
Most people think of hosting guests for meals or overnight visits when they hear the word hospitality. Yet hospitality is much more than opening our homes. We can offer hospitality anywhere by opening our hearts to others. Today, we’ll look at 15 Bible verses about hospitality. Then, we’ll explore eight creative and low-key ways to extend the gift of hospitality. Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to help you carry God’s love wherever you go. Let’s start with seeing what God’s Word says about hospitality. 15 Bible Verses About Hospitality Here are 15 Bible verses about being hospitable. Bible Verses About…
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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. 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. Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook that will help you establish a…
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15 Bible Verses About Habits and Healthy Rhythms
Our habits are important. They form the rhythms of our lives and guide our days. Today, we’ll explore 15 Bible verses about habits and consider how we might align ourselves with God as we seek healthy habits. 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. Bible Verses About Habits and Healthy Rhythms Let’s see what God’s Word says about habits and routines that will lead us closer to the Lord. 15 Bible Verses About Habits and Daily Rhythms 1. 1 Corinthians 6:19 ESV Or do you…
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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…
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Good Morning Prayers and Blessings to Start Your Day
The yard is muddied with footprints and tire tracks, and a warm front blows in from the south. I’m thankful for the early thaw. As I gaze out the window on this winter morning, I feel inspired to write a list of good morning prayers and blessings. Good Morning Prayers and Blessings I invite you to join me in praying through these good morning prayers and blessings. Also, be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to help you stay in step with God every day. Good Morning Prayers and Blessings: Start Your Day With God 1. Thank God that he is with…
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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 as well. Today, we’ll talk about how to find God’s direction and the importance of seeking his guidance. We’ll also explore ten prayers for direction and clarity. Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a…
