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 Back-to-School Prayers for Students Who Don’t Love School
Last summer, after a rough start to the school year, I changed how I prayed for our kids. If you know a young person who doesn’t always enjoy school, I pray these back-to-school prayers for students who don’t love school will help guide your prayers as well. Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to help you connect with God. 5 Back-to-School Prayers for Students Who Don’t Love School Morning dawned breathless today—the weight of late summer’s humidity hanging oppressively overhead. As I gazed out the window and prayed over our kids, I thought about the upcoming transition to school. “God, help…
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15 Tips for Camping With Kids: How to Make Amazing Memories!
Last summer, our family embarked on an 11-day camping road trip. As we prepare for this summer’s similar road trip, I’ve been reflecting on last year’s journey. Today, I’m sharing tips for camping with kids as well as a few reflections from last summer’s adventure. (If you’re eager to get to the camping tips, scroll to the bottom of this post!) Tips for Camping With Kids Twenty years ago, I wouldn’t have considered an 11-day road trip across the country an epic adventure. Throughout my twenties, it was no big deal to drive from my home in Pennsylvania to the Rockies. One summer, I even made the trek twice. In…
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How to Keep Your Joy in the Lord: 7 Ways
Daylight met us without hesitation today—clear and blue as infinity. As I sat beside the window and prepared for another day, I felt the heaviness in my chest and realized my joy was lacking. Perhaps you can relate. You want to learn how to keep your joy in the Lord even when life feels challenging. In challenging times, it’s easy to take our eyes off God and get swept into the stress and anxiety surrounding us. Today, we’ll talk about keeping our joy in the Lord. Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to help you keep your joy in the Lord.…
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7 Uplifting Prayers of Gratitude to God
Nightfall welcomes a resplendent moon, and I admire it from the window. As I watch the first stars emerge, my heart fills with thankfulness, inspiring me to draw near to my Creator with prayers of gratitude to God. Today, I’m sharing seven prayers of gratitude to God with hopes to inspire your prayer life as well. After exploring these prayers, we’ll talk about how to cultivate prayerful lives. 7 Prayers of Gratitude to God In his letter to the Thessalonian church, the Apostle Paul encouraged these believers to be joyful always, pray without stopping, and give thanks in all situations (1 Thess. 5:16-18). Interestingly, recent findings in neuroscience reveal that…
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A Glimpse Into Our Family Road Trip to the Rockies
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to take a family road trip across the country? Maybe you’ve considered the idea, but it doesn’t seem practical. Last summer, alongside our three children (ages 12, 8, and 4), my husband and I traveled thousands of miles, climbed mountains, shivered in our sleeping bags, and cooked over campfires. We used our tailgate as a table, dealt with deflated air mattresses, and bathed in the middle of the woods. Our time on the road was exhausting, amazing, and everything in between. As I reflected on our trip, I also sensed that God was showing me that many of the same mindsets…
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20 Words of Affirmation for Every Child
I want to build my kids up with the words I speak. Meanwhile, I’ve learned that I need to be intentional in this pursuit. It’s easy to get pulled into the rhythms of our busy lives and neglect opportunities to affirm our kids. If this resonates with you, here are 20 words of affirmation for every child. May these words encourage you to be intentional in your parenting and in your speech. I also encourage you to read to the end of today’s post for three powerful devotional books to read with your kids. These books are written with thoughtful input from three children. 20 Words of Affirmation for Every…
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What Is the Joy of the Lord? (Plus, 6 Ways to Have It)
What is the joy of the Lord? The joy of the Lord is a deep sense of peace that isn’t contingent upon circumstances. This peace is found in God’s presence. It trusts in God’s promises and rests on his faithfulness. It offers hope in hardships and eternal perspective in temporal struggles. Today, we’ll explore the question, “What is the joy of the Lord?” by looking at practical ways to cultivate God’s joy. Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to help you experience more joy in Jesus. I invite you to join me in the woods as I cultivated joy recently. What…
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5 Encouraging Quotes for Struggling Moms and Weary Women
Throughout the past 13 years, I’ve spent most of my time caring for our children. As we push through the end of another long winter, I hope to offer a few quotes for struggling moms and weary women. I pray these words will bless and encourage you as you continue pressing forward. You are not alone, and your humble, hidden work matters deeply. Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to help you find strength in God’s presence. Quotes for Struggling Moms and Weary Women A friend recently sent me a text that went something like this: “No one tells you how…
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15 Bible Verses About Patience in Hard Times
I don’t do well with interrupted plans. If you have trouble being patient and kind when your plans are interrupted, this is for you. We’ll begin by looking at 15 Bible verses about patience in hard times. Then, we’ll discuss ways to exude patience when our plans are interrupted. Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to help you connect with God in difficult times. 15 Bible Verses About Patience in Hard Times Here are God’s Words about patience in hard times. Bible Verses About Patience in Hard Times 1. Romans 12:2 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in…
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10 Bible Verses About Eating for Nourishment and Not Escapism
It’s a blustery winter evening, and I peruse the kitchen with an insatiable appetite. I want to stop comfort eating and find my comfort in God, but when I’m honest about it, sugar is more palpable at the end of a long day. In a quiet moment of victory, I take a deep breath, turn from the kitchen, and find my Bible in search of Bible verses about eating for nourishment and not escapism. Today, I’ll share the Scriptures I uncovered. Then, we’ll have an honest conversation about eating for nourishment and enjoyment. Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to help…
