We are so grateful for our local library! We borrow dozens of books each week. Because we are approaching the Thanksgiving holiday, this week we picked up numerous books about gratitude. Gratitude can be a difficult concept for young kids to grasp. Books are a great way to introduce the concept because they explain it in a variety of … [Read more...] about 14 Children’s Books About Gratitude
Growing Spiritually
How to Process Our Suffering When We See That Others Have it Worse
When I see my troubles juxtaposed with the struggles and challenges being faced by others (for example, the missiles being hurled at the people of Ukraine), I realize that the things I face barely qualify as “challenges.” Others have it so much worse. Though this is objectively true—hardships like noisy neighbors and minor illnesses are … [Read more...] about How to Process Our Suffering When We See That Others Have it Worse
Your Suffering is Valid, Even When Others Have it Worse
Like many of you, I have sat this past week and watched the horrors being perpetrated on the people of Ukraine. It’s depraved. It’s horrifying. It’s heartbreaking. I’m struck by how interwoven yet independent our lives here on earth are. What happens on the other side of the world absolutely impacts us. However, unlike for the people of … [Read more...] about Your Suffering is Valid, Even When Others Have it Worse
14 Family-Friendly Gratitude Activities
I wrote a post several years ago about gratitude activities for the whole family. At the time, I didn’t have kids who were old enough to participate in most of the activities. However, my two eldest are now capable of engaging in these activities and my youngest can get the gist of some of them. I’ve taken the gratitude activities described … [Read more...] about 14 Family-Friendly Gratitude Activities
15 Bible Verses to Encourage Kids as They Go Back to School
The summer has flown by and it is already back-to-school season. Kids experience numerous emotions as they get ready to head back into the classroom—excitement, anxiety, enthusiasm, unease, etc. This emotional roller coaster may be especially intense this year given that last year was so unusual and this year is cloaked in uncertainty because … [Read more...] about 15 Bible Verses to Encourage Kids as They Go Back to School
How Freedom in Christ Differs from Freedom in America
I remember going to church on July 4th (or dates near July 4th) as a child and seeing red, white, and blue flowers around the pulpit. We’d sing hymns like “America the Beautiful” and “My Country, 'Tis of Thee.” This was so normal to me that it didn’t stand out until about 15 years ago when I spent a July 4th in Brazil. There were no red, … [Read more...] about How Freedom in Christ Differs from Freedom in America
Pause and Take In the Sunrise
A few days ago, when I stood up from the table to begin breakfast preparations for my girls, I noticed pink and purple streaks across the sky. We have large, south-facing windows in our living room and dining room. I absolutely love the natural light these let in! That morning, the light they were letting in was from a vibrant, colorful … [Read more...] about Pause and Take In the Sunrise
When is the Best Time of Day for Your Quiet Time?
Most Christians I know (including myself) value having personal devotional time set aside for reading the Bible, praying, worshiping, memorizing Bible verses, and engaging in other faith-building activities. I like routines, so I have always sought to have my devotional time (or “quiet time,” which is the most common term I hear used to … [Read more...] about When is the Best Time of Day for Your Quiet Time?
