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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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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…
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15 Bible Verses About Fitness and Caring for Your Body
Caring for our bodies is important, but it’s not easy to find balance in this area. It’s easy to vacillate between neglecting our bodies and putting excessive energy into caring for them. Today, we’ll explore 15 Bible verses about fitness and health as we seek this balance. I also invite you to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to help you honor God with your body. 15 Bible Verses About Fitness and Health “I’ve been struggling with taking the time to exercise and keeping up with the rest of my life,” a friend recently admitted. “I know I honor God when I care for…
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15 Bible Verses for Travel: Anxiety, Safety, and Uncertainty
After 11 days on the road, we returned home to western Pennsylvania last week. All in all, the trip reminded me of how to thoroughly enjoy God and his gifts in every situation. I also pulled out my Bible as I reflected on God’s Word regarding travel. Today, we’ll look at 15 Bible verses for travel. At the end of today’s post, I’ll share some practical insights we can learn from traveling. You’ll also find a free devotional eBook that makes a great travel companion. 15 Bible Verses for Travel Let’s start by turning to God’s Word. Bible Verses for Travel: Anxiety, Safety, and Joy 1. Proverbs 16:9 The heart…
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7 Prayers for Joy and Peace No Matter What You’re Facing
The morning opens wide over rolling grey hills splashed with vermillion. I walk slowly down the country road, thankful that my prayers for joy have been answered. I feel grateful and hope-filled as we look to the summer months ahead. Prayers for Joy and Peace Today, we’ll look at seven prayers for joy and peace. Whether you’re stepping into a hopeful summer season or a barren winter, may these prayers encourage you today. Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to help you experience God’s peace in all situations. Prayers for Joy and Peace in All Circumstances 1. Pray for joy that isn’t…
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How to Cultivate Contentment When You’re Tempted to Grumble
A grey sky hovered over the mountains as we climbed out of the valley. Cloaked in wildflowers and the viridescent glow of summer growth, the hillsides held us in welcoming arms. The scene felt like a gentle invitation to cultivate contentment and peace. As we traveled up the mountainside, the tender growth of flora was gradually replaced by tall stands of conifers—lodgepole and jack pine surrounding us like protective guardians. We spotted elk grazing in meadows and moose meandering through willows. The shift came slowly at first. The trees began to thin and give way to more expansive meadows. Before long, the scant trees all clung to the mountainside below…
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4 Prayers for Joy and Peace This Christmas and Beyond
A white veil rises and falls outside the window like a clean linen bedsheet flogging in the wind. I watch the scene as our children haul their Christmas presents to their bedrooms. My husband sits at the dining room table assembling the little one’s train set. God has answered my prayers for joy and peace this Christmas, and I am grateful. Your Christmas might be full of noise and excitement, or this might be a difficult day for you. It might be a quiet day filled with memories or regrets. Wherever you find yourself on this day, I invite you to join me as we ask God to fill our…
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12 Godly Habits for Joy and Peace in 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…
