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The summer sun has not had the chance to turn the grasses into golden brown yet.  Instead, all the new growth seems to glow in bright hues of green.  After winter, I love seeing all the trees pop in chartreuse colors that are lit from within.  I caught this picture while heading out to do errands (I wasn’t driving).

Ann Kirsten

There is so much green in God’s creation.  If He has favorite colors, green must be right up at the top.  And we are so blessed to live in the Pacific Northwest where green is plentiful and vibrant.  My sweet husband grew up on the prairie where yellow and gold are the primary colors.  His parents marveled every time they came to visit.  They were astounded at all our green.

Ann Kirsten

Green plays an important role in scripture too.

It’s hard to pinpoint just how many times green is mentioned in the Bible.  It depends on how the different versions have been translated (in NIV green is sometimes translated as “trees” or “groves”).  But you can bet that green gets its share of attention.

It represents life and health.  Proverbs 11:28 says, “Whoever trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf.”

Ann Kirsten

It represents rest and peace.  “He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,” Psalm 23:2

It represents healing and restoration.  “On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.”  Revelation 22:2

It symbolizes spiritual prosperity. Psalm 52:8 says, “But I am like a green olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God’s unfailing love for ever and ever.”

It evokes the beauty of a faith-filled life. “That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither— whatever they do prospers.” Psalm 1:3

And green can symbolize hope as when the olive branch was brought back to Noah. ^“When the dove returned to him in the evening, there in its beak was a freshly plucked olive leaf! Then Noah knew that the water had receded from the earth.” Genesis 8:11

Lack of green was also used as dire warnings.  “For they shall soon be cut down like grass and wither as the green herb.”  Psalms 37:2

Pagans tried to take green as their own.  They used it for places to worship.  “Under every green tree” is mentioned many times in the Old Testament.  Ezekial, Jeremiah, and 2 Kings talk about the sad falling of Israelites who took to worshipping idols under green trees.

So, as you can see, green symbolizes so many things in the Bible.  A very quick search on “green in the Bible” will uncover more verses than you could study in a day.  Here are a few to get started: Revelation 8:7, Luke 23:31, Mark 6:39, Psalms 37:35, Job 8:16, Leviticus 23:14, Jeremiah 3:6.  And there are many more.

It would be a fun study to do in springtime when the world is green and new.

Here are some projects to go along with your study of green.

SHADES OF GREEN

Send your kids outside to see how many shades of green they can find.  They could take pictures or pick leaves to show you.  I had fun doing this myself!

Ann Kirsten

GROW SOME GREEN

Use an old cardboard egg carton as a seed starter.  Fill each cup with soil and plant easy seeds: beans, chia, sunflowers, etc.  Mist the seeds and place them in a sunny spot.  When they are ready to transplant in the garden you can plant them egg carton and all!

Ann Kirsten

MAKE A GREEN BOUQUET

Make a bouquet out of all green cuttings.  Find unique shapes and shades of leaves.  Who needs flowers when there is so much green to choose from?

Ann Kirsten

GREEN PAINTBRUSH

Have your kids make paintbrushes out of leaves tied together or to a stick.

Ann Kirsten

Let them experiment with the brushstrokes different leaves make.

Ann Kirsten

HAMMER TIME

Your kids will love this one.  All you need is leaves, a hammer and some washed cotton cloth or some watercolor paper.  Place paper on a cutting board and place your material or watercolor paper on top.  Arrange leaves onto your surface.

Ann Kirsten

Cover it with another piece of paper or a paper towel and carefully hammer away.  Lift off the leaves and see what transferred.  Different leaves will transfer more or less of their chlorophyll.

Ann Kirsten

LEAF PRINTING

Lightly brush watered down paint onto the vein side of leaves.  Press onto paper to create prints.

Ann Kirsten

So, there you have it.  The green of spring is a wonderous thing and it deserves to be celebrated.

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Our flag does not fly because the wind moves it. It flies with the last breath of each soldier who died protecting it. -Unknown

Memorial Day is right around the corner! As we slow down to honor our fallen service members on this powerful and significant day, we can honor their memory in different ways. Placing American flags outside of our homes, doing a craft with our children or grandchildren that represents this special day (Easy Memorial Day Poppy Craft), or planting patriotic flowerpots that show off our red, white, and blue! They’re pretty simple to put together even if you aren’t a master gardener, and the best part is that you can choose any variety of red, white, and blue flowers. You’ll be able to enjoy them all summer long as they fill in and flow over your pots like fountain fireworks. They’ll fill your porch with some good ole American nostalgia and be a reminder of how blessed we are to live in the home of the BRAVE!

Here’s what you need:

Supplies:

• Flowerpot
• Potting soil
• Assorted red, white, and blue flowers
• Organic mulch (optional)
• Extra patriotic flare such as artificial Poppy flower stems, mini-American flags, little red, white, and blue garlands, an American flag-printed bow, fairy lights to make them glow at night.

Building your Bouquet:

If you’re using a smaller pot (10-18 inches), you’ll probably be safe with a combo of three flowers. Larger than that, and you’ll want to mix five or more. I chose a 10-inch, barrel-style pot for my first combo and an 18-inch pot for my second. I filled them two thirds full of potting soil.

Maria Magee

The rule of thumb for container planting is to keep three things in mind:

Thrillers, Fillers, and Spillers

• Thrillers are your taller, vertical-growing plants that will be the focal point of your pot.
• Fillers fluff up the middle and fill it in nicely without covering up your thrillers.
• Spillers are planted along the edges and usually have a trailing effect.

Next, place your plants in while still in containers to ensure they will fit, leaving a little room. For this 10-inch pot, I chose a Red Brilliant Geranium for my “thriller” and placed it toward the back of the pot. For the “filler” and my blue color, I went with a Pansy which will spread nicely. Last, was the White Bacopa to spill over the edge of the pot.

Maria Magee

Fill the pot around 2/3 of the way with soil. Loosen the roots of your plants and place them gently on top. Fill in the remainder of the pot with soil and gently press it down around the plants. Water thoroughly, and top with an inch or two of organic mulch if you’re using it. (It helps hold in moisture and protects the top layer of soil)

For my 18-inch pot, I chose a delicate, vintage looking Rift Blue Lobelia. This “spiller” will cascade gorgeously down the pot.

Maria Magee

For the focal point of this larger pot, I went with a classic, bright Red Carnation. The vertical stems and vibrant flowers are the perfect “thriller.”

To top off this patriotic planter, I added a simple white petunia that will mound beautifully in between the blue lobelia and red carnations. I added a little American flag and voila! In just a few weeks when Memorial Day arrives, these flowers will be filling out nicely and will be a beautiful reminder of the ultimate sacrifice that so many of our American service members made to protect our freedom. Have a blessed Memorial Day with your families and let us honor those who gave it all. For more on Memorial Day, check this out! How to Explain Memorial Day to Kids

Maria Magee

For love of country they accepted death, and this resolved all doubts, and made immortal their patriotism and their virtue.
– James A. Garfield

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But there’s another group of women moving quietly through this day, often unseen.

The moms in waiting.

If that’s you, Mother’s Day can feel complicated. Tender. Heavy in ways that are hard to explain. It can stir up a quiet ache—a wondering if this longing you carry will ever be fulfilled. It can bring tears that show up unexpectedly, even in the middle of a perfectly ordinary moment. You might find yourself smiling at someone else’s joy while holding your own grief just beneath the surface.

Joanna Gott

And both of those things can be true at the same time.

Right now, I find myself in what I’ve come to call the “Maycember” stretch of life—the end-of-school-year whirlwind filled with field trips, performances, permission slips, and a calendar that somehow feels fuller than December. My days are loud and full and beautiful in their own chaotic way.

But I haven’t forgotten what it felt like to be on the other side of this season.

Before Penelope came into my life, there were four long years of waiting. Four Mother’s Days that arrived with equal parts hope and heartache. I was in the process of adopting her from China, and due to travel delays it often felt slow and uncertain. Each year, I held onto the possibility that maybe by next Mother’s Day, things would be different.

And each year, I found myself still waiting.

I remember sitting in church on those Sundays, surrounded by celebration, feeling both included and invisible all at once. I remember the quiet prayers whispered through tears. The questions that didn’t have answers. The ache of wanting something so deeply and having no control over when—or if—it would come.

Joanna Gott

If you’re in that place now, I want you to know this: you are not alone.

Maybe you are walking through infertility, navigating doctor’s appointments, treatments, and the emotional rollercoaster that comes with them. Maybe you’re in the middle of the adoption process, filling out paperwork and waiting for doors to open. Maybe you’re fostering, loving children deeply while holding them loosely. Maybe you’re single and carrying a quiet dream of motherhood that hasn’t yet taken shape. Maybe you’ve experienced loss—miscarriage, stillbirth, or dreams that ended too soon.

There are so many ways to be a mom in waiting.

And each one carries its own kind of grief.

It’s okay to feel that grief.

It’s okay if Mother’s Day doesn’t feel like a celebration this year. It’s okay if it feels tender, or if you need to step away from the noise for a bit. It’s okay to hold hope in one hand and hurt in the other. Those two things are not opposites—they often walk side by side.

Scripture speaks so gently to seasons like this. In Ecclesiastes 3:1, we’re reminded, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” Waiting is a season. Not an easy one, but a meaningful one nonetheless.

And in Psalm 27:14: “Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” That kind of waiting isn’t passive—it’s active, courageous, and deeply faithful.

One of my favorite verses during those years was Isaiah 40:31: “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles…” Some days, “soaring” felt like too big of a word. Some days, it looked more like simply getting out of bed and choosing to hope again. And that counted.

It still counts.

Waiting can feel like a pause in your life, like everything else is moving forward while you remain in the same place. But I want to gently remind you: waiting is not wasted time. There is growth happening here, even if it’s quiet. There is strength being formed, even if you don’t feel strong.

And there is a God who sees you fully.

You are not forgotten.

Not on this day, and not on any of the ordinary days in between.

If I could sit across from you today, I’d probably say something like this: I know this hurts. I know the longing runs deep. And I also know that your story is still being written.

I can’t promise timelines or outcomes. I can’t tie your waiting up neatly with a bow. But I can tell you that hope is still allowed to live here. Even in the uncertainty. Even in the questions.

And maybe—just maybe—we can find a small thread of humor in all of it too. Because if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that life rarely unfolds the way we expect. Sometimes it’s messier, slower, and far more surprising. (And yes, sometimes it includes managing a “Maycember” calendar that makes you wonder how it’s humanly possible to attend one more end-of-year event.)

To the moms in waiting: you are seen. You are held. You are already carrying a kind of motherhood in your heart that is real and meaningful, even now.

This Mother’s Day, whether you celebrate, grieve, or do a little bit of both, know that your story matters.

And you are not alone in the waiting.

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If that had been his older brothers, they probably wouldn’t have crossed the street. They weren’t afraid of everything, but my oldest has always been extremely cautious of roads and strangers. Our second might not be quite as cautious as our first, but he is very wary of new people. I’m sure a big part of our third son being so relaxed and happy-go-lucky about life is that he has always had two big brothers looking out for him. So, when it comes to helping him understand potential dangers, we’ve had to have more conversations with him about it than we did the first two.

Of course, we couldn’t tell a preschooler details about kidnapping or any of the traumatic possibilities! Instead, we tried to keep it simple but serious. All he needed to know was that he should never talk to someone new without his parents. He should never go with anyone unless we say it’s ok and should never go out of our sight when we’re out and about. It can be a hard one to navigate, that’s for sure. You don’t want your kids to fear everyone and everything, but you need them to learn how to be safe.

You know your kids better than anyone, so use your best judgement when delving into this topic with them. Some can handle more than others and age is a factor, too. It’s not a fun conversation, but with kids between the ages of four and fifteen, my husband and I feel good about where our kids are at when it comes to understanding stranger-danger.

Sunny days are on the horizon as we inch closer to summer, which means our kids will be spending a lot more time outdoors in the coming months. Regardless of how well we watch over our children or how safe we assume they are, it still might be a great time to remind them about strangers. Even if you’ve been over it before, asking them on occasion if they know what to do in certain situations can be really helpful. It’s been a little bit different with each of our kids. Between their personalities and birth order, the conversation has come up uniquely for each of them. Some are content with a short answer, and some want to know every detail.

A great way to get the conversation going without making it scary, is to read the book, “Berenstain Bears Learn About Strangers.”

Our three older boys have thoroughly enjoyed this book and it even has a great “safety list” at the end for kids to follow that also helps parents make sure everyone is on the same page.

Have you had the “stranger talk” with your kids yet? It doesn’t have to be a big event or one more daunting thing to add to your to-do list, but it should be something that your kids are comfortable discussing with you once it’s appropriate.

When the stranger talks do come up with your kids, try to only tell them what they need to know. They don’t need to carry all of the darkness of this world on their shoulders, but they also don’t need to be so shielded from reality that they won’t be able to function the moment you aren’t around. It’s a tricky balance, but trust what feels right for your family and always keep in mind what’s best for them in the long run. You’ve got this, Mom!

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We hope these bless your heart!

Anne Wilson & Hillary Scott – “Mamas”

Nichole Nordeman –  “Slow Down”

JJ Heller – “I Get to be the One”

Kari Jobe & Cody Carnes – “The Blessing”

for KING & COUNTRY – “Unsung Hero”

Lily Williams – “Replaced” 

If you are looking for some lullaby album ideas, here are a few to check out as well.

• JJ Heller “I Dream of You”
• Scripture Lullabies
• Sing Over Me: Worship Songs & Lullabies
• Rain for Roots 

Happy Mother’s Day!

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I’m thinking today of butterflies.

The butterfly’s metamorphosis can be used as a symbol of resurrection, transformation, and new creation.

^“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” 2 Corinthians 5:17

Monarch butterflies start out as tiny eggs the size of a ball point pen tip.  They cling to the underside of milkweed leaves.  After a few days they emerge as teeny-tiny striped caterpillars.  They eat the leaves their eggs once clung to and grow to be about 2 inches long.  Then they cling to a branch from their hind legs that are firmly attached with “thread” of their own making.

Their skin splits and falls off and their pale green naked body hardens into a hard case with black and gold “jewels” circling the edge.  A few weeks later, the case (or chrysalis) cracks open and a wet droopy form pushes itself out.  It starts out as an ugly mass of black and orange.  The wings are crumpled and the legs are clumsy, searching for something to cling to.

But soon the wings become smooth and beautiful, marked in orange, black and white.  And the butterfly starts a whole new life.

What started as a tiny little caterpillar, who was restricted to a life lived within a few inches on a leaf, turns into an amazing butterfly.  The butterfly flies free, venturing miles and miles across the earth.

The name for this transformation is metamorphosis.  The Greek word “metamorphoo” is mentioned twice in the Bible.

• “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”  (Romans 12:2)
• “But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.”  (2 Corinthians 3:18)

These verses talk about the change that takes place when we believe in Jesus Christ and grow to be like Him.  Much as the Monarch, we start life as lowly caterpillars until we accept Jesus and fulfill our potential for a full and free life.

Of course an instant transformation begins when we are saved and we become new creatures in Jesus Christ.  But there is an ongoing transformation that happens as well. “Metamorphoo” talks about that ongoing transformation.  It’s the growth that happens during the time after we are saved and before our final transformation (after death).  During this period, God is at work in us, changing us into a reflection of Him.  The changes the caterpillars and pupa go through mimics this time of “metamorphoo”.  The lowly caterpillar is changed, piece by piece, into something beautiful.  And so are we!

One day the process in us will be finished and we will leave the chrysalis of this world and  be fully transformed.

“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Revelation 21:4

What a beautiful thought.

The caterpillar’s “death” in the cocoon and emergence as a new creature can also symbolize Jesus’ death and resurrection.  Jesus died, was wrapped in cloth, and emerged three days later.

To celebrate and teach all this to children, what could be more fun than a caterpillar and butterfly craft?

What you’ll need:

• Paint and paintbrush
• Leaves from the yard.
• Paper

Instructions:

Paint the backs of leaves.  Two large and two smaller leaves will be needed for each butterfly.

Ann Kirsten

You can also just repaint your leaves if desired.

Ann Kirsten

I found it helpful to use a dry brush with a small amount of craft paint.  Use your imagination on colors and patterns.

Press the leaves, paint side down onto paper in the shape of butterfly wings.

Paint (or pen) a simple butterfly body.  Add features with a toothpick dipped in paint or a pen.

Ann Kirsten

You could use different leaves to make a variety of butterflies.  After all, we are all different!

For the caterpillar, paint some leaves with green paint and press them onto the paper too.  Dip your fingertips into paint for a caterpillar and add legs and other features with a pen.

Ann Kirsten

Your kids could make cards this way to send to grandparents and other special people in their lives.  Add a Bible verse on the inside.

What a fun way to remember Jesus’ sacrifice for us and the ongoing changes we ourselves are going through to become who God would have us be!

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Once the coaches see that skill and technique is mastered, then the focus is shifted to power, endurance and speed. At this point, one joins the competitive stage on training.

You may be wondering how this relates to the Christian walk. I’m reminded of Jesus. How it took him 30 years of preparation for a world changing, life changing, powerful 3 years of active ministry.

Our God is a patient God who values patience, proper training, and right timing.

 Immediately after my calling—without consulting anyone around me and without going up to Jerusalem to confer with those who were apostles long before I was—I got away to Arabia. Later I returned to Damascus, but it was three years before I went up to Jerusalem to compare stories with Peter. Galatians 1:16-18

The same model was followed by Paul after his conversion from Christian persecuting Saul to faithful servant of God Paul. He spent 3 years in seclusion, most probably studying the scriptures, praying and receiving instruction from God and direct revelation from Jesus before launching into one of the most powerful ministries that resulted in the writing of 48% of the New Testament.

Have you even been anxious to get into ministry? To launch into the deep and do the mighty works for God like you know you were called to? This is great. Like David said, zeal for the things of God is something to be desired. The caution to this tale is that zeal without knowledge or wisdom often has a terrible end. Yes, working for God is very important, but only if it is done the right way. The Biblical way. And the only way to ensure this is to first spend time and effort building a solid foundation of God’s Word, reading, studying and following the Bible. Practicing the foundations of our faith as laid out in the Bible so that our resulting works will stand the test of fire. Paul likens some works to wood and hay that quickly burn up because they are not solid, while other works he likens to brick that is only made stronger by fire and remains.

 In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [draw your strength from Him and be empowered through your union with Him] and in the power of His [boundless] might. Put on the full armor of God [for His precepts are like the splendid armor of a heavily-armed soldier], so that you may be able to [successfully] stand up against all the schemes and the strategies and the deceits of the devil.  For our struggle is not against flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this [present] darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) places.  Therefore, put on the complete armor of God, so that you will be able to [successfully] resist and stand your ground in the evil day [of danger], and having done everything [that the crisis demands], to stand firm [in your place, fully prepared, immovable, victorious].  So stand firm and hold your ground, having tightened the wide band of truth (personal integrity, moral courage) around your waist and having put on the breastplate of righteousness (an upright heart),  and having strapped on your feet the gospel of peace in preparation [to face the enemy with firm-footed stability and the readiness produced by the good news].  Above all, lift up the [protective] ^[shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. Ephesians 6:10-17

Sometimes, like our children, we may be eager to serve, to go out into the mission field, but if we are not prepared before we go, it is like soldiers going out to battle without their armour. No sword, no shield, no helmet means danger. The well-prepared soldier will survive the perils of war and even win. That is why Paul calls us to put on the full armor of God, so that you are able to stand your ground and stand on the word of God even when things get challenging, as they will.

We must study to show ourselves approved. Not of men, but of God. The good news is that we have the manual to study: The Bible. When we study and practice the Bible, we are workers approved by God for His service.

Study and do your best to present yourself to God approved, a workman [tested by trial] who has no reason to be ashamed, accurately handling and skillfully teaching the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15

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1. Lower the Bar (No, Seriously)

Summer has a way of making us feel like we need to be cruise directors. But kids don’t need a color‑coded itinerary. They need popsicles, a hose, and a mom who isn’t stressed about crafting a Pinterest‑worthy experience.

Pro tip: If everyone ends the day alive, fed, and happy, that’s a win.

2. Snacks Are a Love Language

You will pack snacks. You will run out of snacks. You will buy more snacks. Summer is basically a three‑month buffet for children, and you’re the head chef. Keep a “car snack kit” — nothing fancy, just things that won’t melt into a crime scene. Everyone will thank you.

3. Embrace the Mess

Your house will look like a beach towel exploded. Your car will smell like sunscreen and mystery fruit. Your kids will track in grass, sand, and a small ecosystem. Let it go. Summer mess is temporary.

4. Water = Instant Entertainment

Sprinklers, splash pads, water balloons, a bucket and a cup — doesn’t matter. If water is involved, kids are suddenly thrilled.

Bonus: It doubles as a bath if you squint and lower your standards.

5. Protect the Sunscreen Warrior Within

You will apply sunscreen 47 times a day. You will chase a child across the yard with a bottle like you’re in an action movie. Just accept that sunscreen is your new wingman.

6. Make Space for Your Summer Moments

Yes, summer is for the kids — but it’s also for you. Sit in the sun for five minutes. Drink something cold before it gets warm. Read a chapter of a book. Take a walk alone. You deserve a summer too.

7. Keep in God’s Word

Lean into the encouragement of scripture every day. Pick one. Pick a few. Read full chapters… You will feel the difference and it will be your official “power-up” for each day. Include your kiddos too! Have them pick out a verse and read it together. Celebrate what they choose, even if it’s the simplest one they could find. Getting them involved can be the beginning of reading scripture as a habit. Here are some to get you started!

For Joy & Fun

• Psalm 118:24 — “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Remember to embrace imperfect summer days.
• Nehemiah 8:10 — “The joy of the Lord is your strength.” Run on repeat for days that are draining.
• Psalm 16:11 — “In your presence there is fullness of joy.” Soak this in — Joy can be found in all things when we’re present with our Savior. Seek JOY!

For Peace & Letting Go:

• Philippians 4:6–7 — “Do not be anxious about anything…” Release the pressure of perfection.
• Isaiah 26:3 — “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you.” A grounding reminder when the house looks like a beach exploded.
• Matthew 11:28 — “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” A gentle nod if you  need a breather.

For Strength & Endurance:

• Isaiah 40:31 — “They shall run and not be weary.” Lean into the strength of the Lord.
• Psalm 46:1 — “God is our refuge and strength.” This brings so much comfort!
• Galatians 6:9 — “Let us not grow weary of doing good.” Your daily efforts matter.

For Love & Family:

• 1 Corinthians 16:14 — “Let all that you do be done in love.” The heart behind every day.
• Proverbs 22:6 — “Train up a child in the way he should go…” Daily simple moments offer examples for life.
• Psalm 127:3 — “Children are a heritage from the Lord.” A beautiful reminder on the days that feel extra long.

For Rest & Renewal:

• Psalm 23:2 — “He leads me beside still waters.” Find quiet moments, be still and wait on Him with a thankful heart.
• Mark 6:31 — “Come away… and rest a while.” A gentle nudge to remember to take summer moments for yourself too.

You’re Making Memories, Let Them Be Good Ones.

Remember that even the small, messy moments can become the ones your kids cherish most. Give yourself grace, breathe deeply, and choose joy. The good you pour into today has a way of shining brighter than you realize.

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Ah, the Golden Years.  Growing older is not for the faint of heart.

Later in the week, I went into the donut shop in our small town and met up with the 90-year-old man who hangs out there.  We talked about his health and then he said, “These are not the golden years.  When I was 19, had a job, my first car and no responsibilities, now THOSE were the Golden Years!”

I could not argue with that logic.

Many years ago, I dealt with a lot of senior citizens at my job and I wondered why they were always crabby.  Being young myself, I judged them pretty harshly.  I had not walked a mile in their shoes and it showed in my attitude.  I could easily fake being cheerful and I wondered why they couldn’t do the same.

Now, I am walking in their shoes and the view from here is different.

The list of conditions I now suffer from is a bit overwhelming and my kitchen cabinet is full of prescription drugs and supplements.  I used to make fun of my mom for all the pill bottles she had and now (since I’ve inherited a lot of her health issues) I have my own vast collection.

I also have at least ten pairs of glasses around my house and more in my car and purse.  Some are for distance, some are for the computer, and there are reading glasses in every corner.  Cataract surgery made it impossible for me to see anything up close without help.

After disease and a harsh treatment, I have no usable hearing in my left ear.  I am certainly blessed that I have some hearing in my right ear.  Still, my life is much harder now than it used to be.  I use closed captioning on my television and I can’t go see movies anymore.  I have to point my right ear towards whoever is speaking and perform a combination of lip reading and filling in what I think might have been said.

My joints also hurt, especially my hands and knees.  It’s so hard to get up from a low chair or the ground when you know there’s going to be a lot of pain involved.

So I see now why so many older people could be labeled as “crabby”.  The diseases of the elderly are constant and difficult.  I get how it becomes easy to be bitter and angry.

When the signs of aging first hit me, I used to think, “Hey, I’m God’s child, He loves me, so what the heck is happening?!”  Shouldn’t I be spared these things?

And then I remembered.

Isaac (Genesis 27:1) and Jacob (Genesis 48:10) were not spared from failing vision.  Whether from cataracts, glaucoma or macular degeneration, their eyesight grew dim with age.

King David was not spared from poor circulation in his old age and he was unable to get warm (1 Kings 1:1).

King Asa was not spared.  He was “sick in his legs” (1 Kings 15:23) and the pain was not taken from him.

Jacob had a hip socket dislocation after wrestling an angel, and it caused a permanent limp (Genesis 32:25).

These are just a few people whose maladies were mentioned in the Bible.  They weren’t healed from these things.  They weren’t spared pain and hardship in their old age.  They suffered in the same ways aged people do today.

So, should I walk around with a scowl on my face?  Did they?

Here’s the difference in one word: GOD.

That just says it all, doesn’t it?  He didn’t promise that He would make the path before us smooth and easy.  He didn’t say that he would heal all our ills.  But, He did say He would be with us in the suffering.

I have had some of the most amazing moments with Him while I was taken down with illness.  I have felt Him close to me in the times when my body was letting me down.  Aging has shown me how broken and helpless I am.  I cannot rely on my own strength anymore I must rely on God.  And that is a beautiful thing.

These may not be the golden years, but there is something very special about them.

And that is reason enough to smile.

“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.“  2 Corinthians 4:16

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“Either we are adrift in chaos or we are individuals, created, loved, upheld, and placed purposefully, exactly where we are. Can you believe that? Can you trust God for that?” -Elisabeth Elliott

April has been a flustery month for my family. It began the very first week when the junior high that my older two attend had an electrical fire. Fortunately, they had just started Spring break and no one was there, but with the damage came the news that the building would be closed for the remainder of the school year. My 7^th and 9^th graders had an extra week of Spring break while the district tried to make plans for continued learning. We’ve suddenly adapted to our oldest now busing to the high school campus with makeshift classrooms and teacher changes. Our 7^th grader now has temporary virtual learning, a frustrating reminder of the Covid years they endured in elementary school.

Amidst the change in circumstances, we’ve been slammed with Spring sicknesses and just can’t seem to come up for air. After a very germ-filled winter, it really got me down to see that Spring was starting with the same cycle. The constant flow of Kleenex, humidifiers, cold medicine, and vapor rub have been on repeat for longer than I care to think about. I run downstairs to deliver tea and take temperatures, run back upstairs to help the four year old get a tissue and some ice water, run back downstairs with a snack, back upstairs to write down what time everyone took medicine, move the laundry, grab a new Kleenex box, start the dishwasher, get dinner out of the freezer, grab another blanket, start the bath…this time I’ve had a bad cold along with my four kids which added an extra layer of exhaustion.

I can’t breathe out of my nose all night, kids wake up coughing, I’m trying to help my older two figure out their new schedules while getting my second grader to school and keeping our youngest from going stir crazy. Everyone being home and sick has led to extra arguments and bickering. The house is in disarray, bathtubs need a scrub, my back hurts, our parakeets are chirping for attention and treats, the tortoise needs his lettuce, the cats are meowing at the door.

None of these things are the end of the world, far from it. However, it’s easy to get discouraged by even the small, day-to-day situations that wear us down. We are human, things add up, and everyone needs mom. We can get weary, impatient, and frustrated at the growing list of demands no matter how much we love caring for and nurturing our children. So, what do I do when life gets a little more overwhelming than usual? There are moments when I give in to discouragement and believe the lie that we are destined to be sick, tired, and flustered forever. Focusing on the way things “should be” can lead me down a rabbit hole of negativity and nothing good ever comes from that.

Psalm 46:5 says, “God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day.” This verse brings me so much comfort. It reminds me that only with God will I stay afloat, only with His strength will I be able to feel encouraged, which means I don’t have to keep trying to hold it together on my own! Knowing this is true is one thing, but consistently putting into practice is another. When I am reaching the end of my rope and feel that frustration bubbling up, I throw my hands up and ask Jesus to take the wheel. When I’m starting to feel like things are out of control, I ask him to bring peace to my heart and home.  He knows I can’t bear it alone, he tells us he will give us rest (Matthew 11:28-30), and I believe Him. I believe in His goodness and love, even when things don’t feel good.

Psalm 55:22 is one of my favorite verses, and it’s one that I’ve held close during life’s bigger storms as well as the smaller ones. “Give your burdens to the Lord and he will take care of you. He will not permit the Godly to slip and fall.”

Putting our faith in the Lord doesn’t mean things are just going to be easy, and it isn’t a single act. It’s a daily, hourly, minute by minute decision to bring our focus back to Him. To put our trust in Him over and over again regardless of our circumstances.

Lamentations 3:22-24 “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.”

It’s a struggle for me not to ask, “Why is this happening?!” I never seem to find an answer to that question, and it takes up too much of my energy to try and solve it. As I work on shifting my focus, I try to remember a quote I once saw that addressed this exact dilemma. “If you ask, ‘Why is this happening?’ no light may come, but if you ask, ‘How am I to glorify God now?’ there will always be an answer.”-J.I. Packer

I don’t know what the rest of the school year will look like for my kids, how many more colds we’re going to pass around, or what changes are on the horizon. I do know that God always shows up. I have seen it time and time again. The discouragement we sometimes feel and the emotional load we carry as moms will be eased as we hand our burdens over to the Lord. If you’re feeling drained and like something has got to give, take courage and ask God how you can glorify him in the midst of it all.

When it comes to sicknesses or interruptions in our day-to-day lives, one of the best pieces of advice I’ve heard is to focus on our calling for that day. It’s really just putting into action Matthew 6:34. “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” It’s such an encouragement when it comes to dashed expectations, unexpected circumstances, or looming hurdles. If my kids are sick, my calling that day is to help them get better. Regardless of all the things I thought I was going to be doing or “should be” doing, that is my priority. If school has been shuffled around again, my calling is to help my kids through it and rely on God’s grace and strength to be steady for them. What are you going through this Spring? What plans have changed, what illnesses are you struggling with, what hardships have been weighing on you? There is always hope, and I pray that you will be filled with it as you make your way through this season, Kleenex and all.

“The life of faith is lived one day at a time, and it has to be lived- not always looked forward to as though the ‘real’ living were around the next corner. It is today for which we are responsible. God still owns tomorrow.” -Elisabeth Elliott

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What you’ll need:

• 1 2/3 cup Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free Flour (or regular of the same amount)
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 ½ tbsp poppyseeds
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 ¼ cups sugar
• ½ butter, softened
• 3 eggs
• 1 tsp almond extract
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup milk
• ¼ cup sour cream
• 1-2 tsp orange zest (optional)
• ¼ cup thin sliced almonds for topping (optional)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease a 9×5 loaf pan.

In a small bowl, whisk flour, poppyseeds, baking powder, salt, and zest if using.

Maria Magee

In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar. Add the eggs and combine.

Mix in vanilla and almond extract, milk, and sour cream.

Pour the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.

Maria Magee

Pour batter into prepared loaf pan. If adding the sliced almonds, sprinkle them over the top of the batter.

Maria Magee

Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. If the edges are getting too brown, loosely cover with foil for the last ten minutes or so.

Allow to cool for 10-20 minutes before removing the bread from the pan and placing it on a cooling rack.

Maria Magee

Once cooled, add the glaze if desired!

Store in airtight container for up to 3 days. Best enjoyed reheated!

Powdered Sugar Glaze (optional)

1 cup powdered sugar

¼ tsp vanilla

1-2 tbsp milk or orange juice

Using a fork or whisk, mix all ingredients until it reaches the proper consistency. Add 1 tsp of milk or orange juice at a time if it isn’t drizzly enough.

Maria Magee

Enjoy!

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My kids and I are obsessed with mushrooms.  We love all the different shapes, colors, and sizes.  I wrote about them here: The Beauty of Mushrooms and a “Mushrooms Out of Mandarins” DIY Craft

Mushrooms are not named specifically in the Bible, but there have been musings by different scholars about them.

Some believe that manna must have been a form of fungus or lichen.  Its shape and the way it covered the ground make it seem possible.

In 2 Kings 4:39-40, a stew is described as being made with “wild gourds”.  It was poisonous, leaving some to interpret that wild mushrooms were used.

Some modern interpretations of scripture use mushrooms as a metaphor for the rapid, sometimes invisible work of the Holy Spirit, which can appear suddenly and unexpectedly (just like mushrooms).

Whether these thoughts hold any merit is ripe for debate, but if you research mushrooms, it becomes apparent why many people find ways to link them to Christianity.

Mushrooms are neither plant nor animal.   Instead, they belong to their own unique kingdom.

Silently, mushrooms create massive complex networks that communicate messages to plants and trees and nurture them with nutrients.

Mushrooms can appear seemingly instantly and have the strength to lift paving slabs through their growth.

About 100 species of mushrooms give off light.

Mushrooms can digest toxins, including plastic, oil, and even chemical warfare agents.

Humans have used mushrooms for healing for centuries.

There are over 10,000 types of mushrooms but scientists believe that over 90% more haven’t been identified yet.

Fungi can create rain.  They release spores that attract moisture, forming clouds that produce rain, ensuring a damp environment for themselves.

Besides that, they are just cute!

Here are some crafts that celebrate the mysterious mushroom!

Wooden Mushrooms

A few years ago I bought wooden mushrooms and painted them.  I found mine on Amazon, but I’m sure craft stores have them too.  I had fun painting them and placing them among the spool trees I made from my mom’s old wooden spools.

Ann Kirsten

I used simple craft acrylic paint.  You can finish them with varnish if you want a shiny look. Nothing could be simpler than painting wooden mushrooms in any colors you want.

Ann Kirsten

Egg Carton Mushrooms

Basically, all you’ll need are old egg cartons, scissors, and paint, plus some twigs from your yard.

Ann Kirsten

Cut the “cups” and spacers from an egg carton.  Then, paint them.  You can make them realistic or, like me, use bright colors and patterns.  If you have paint pens, they are handy for adding patterns and dots.  Glue twigs inside for stems.

Ann Kirsten

Pasta Mushrooms

This is another fun and easy one!  Buy some orecchiette pasta.  It’s the perfect shape for mushroom caps.  Small tubular pasta is perfect for stems.  I only had twisty pasta so I used that instead.  Put hot glue or thick craft glue into the orecchiette cups and then place the stems in.  Let them dry upside down.  These are cute without paint.

Ann Kirsten

But paint makes the pasta mushrooms stand out even more.  Use craft varnish if you want a glossy finish.  Paint markers or the flat end of a toothpick dipped in paint will allow you to add dots. These little mushrooms would be perfect in a terrarium or a fairy garden.

Ann Kirsten

Mysterious Mushrooms

Draw mushrooms with a white crayon onto copy paper or colored paper.  Let your kids paint with watercolor paint over the whole page.  They will see mushrooms magically appear (much as they do in nature).  I first tried doing this with a white crayon on white paper and I was horribly lost (your kids might think it funny though to see what appears).  Even drawing with white on colored paper was hard for me.

Ann Kirsten

Try using a colored crayon and then paint with watercolor paints.  You’ll end up with a fun picture that way too.

Styrofoam Mushrooms

Cut a Styrofoam ball in half.  Using mod podge, glue a piece of tissue paper over the ball halves (this allows you to paint easier). Tuck the ends of the tissue paper underneath.  It helps if you cut a rough circle from the tissue first.  Let it dry.  Paint the flat bottom with beige paint and add “ribs” with a paint pen if desired.  Paint the tops red.  If you want some dimension, paint the top yellow, the middle red, and the bottom edge dark red.  Then dry brush from the dark red up into the yellow.

Ann Kirsten

It’s also fine if you just want to paint the whole thing red!  Add dots with the bottom of a paint brush dipped into white paint.  Or spatter white paint on with a dry brush.

Ann Kirsten

Push a twig into the bottom of the Styrofoam for a stem.  I sharpened the sticks first.

Ann Kirsten

Snack Mushrooms

In case you and the kids get hungry while crafting, this simple snack idea is the perfect solution.  Cut the top off of some strawberries.  Use pieces of banana (or string cheese) for the stems.  Yummy and healthy!

Ann Kirsten

Whether you choose to do one of these crafts or all of them, I think you’ll agree that mushrooms are a fun and mysterious part of God’s creation.

Note: Don’t eat any mushrooms you find in your yard!  Teach your kids to look and not touch.

^“Then the Lord said to Moses, “I will rain down bread from heaven for you. The people are to go out each day and gather enough for that day. In this way I will test them and see whether they will follow my instructions.  On the sixth day they are to prepare what they bring in, and that is to be twice as much as they gather on the other days.” Exodus 16:4-5

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But somewhere along the way, between caring for my daughter and the fullness of everyday life, I started to feel a little out of touch—not just with trends, but with your own personal style.

And if you’re a mom, you know how this usually goes.

The kids get new sandals, new swimsuits, new everything… while you’re still holding onto that one top from five summers ago thinking, “It still works… right?”

Because somehow, kids manage to outgrow clothes after wearing them approximately one time, and we’re over here just trying to make last year’s wardrobe stretch one more season.

While it’s second nature to prioritize what everyone else needs first, it can be really refreshing to take a little time to update a few things for yourself too. It doesn’t have to be overwhelming or expensive—just thoughtful, simple changes that help you feel a little more like you again.

So if you’ve been feeling a bit disconnected from your wardrobe, here are some helpful tips for making small, seasonal updates in a way that feels easy, intentional, and even enjoyable.

Start in Your Own Closet

Before buying anything new, start with what you already have.

Take some time to go through your closet piece by piece and ask:

• Do I actually wear this?
• Do I feel good in it?
• Does it fit my life right now?

A helpful rule of thumb: if you haven’t worn something in the past two years, chances are you’re not going to. And that’s okay—your style and your season of life have likely shifted.

One simple trick is to turn all your hangers backward. As you wear items, turn them the right way. After a year, anything still hanging backward is a clear sign it’s time to donate. It removes the guesswork and makes decisions easier.

Creating space in your closet makes room for pieces you truly love.

Gather Inspiration (and Reconnect With Your Style)

If your style feels a little unclear, start by noticing what you’re drawn to.

Spend time on Pinterest or Instagram and save outfits that catch your eye. Not to copy exactly, but to recognize patterns in what you like.

Consider:

• A character in a movie whose outfits feel effortless
• A celebrity with a casual, wearable style
• A clothing brand you consistently gravitate toward

Over time, you’ll begin to see common threads—colors, shapes, fabrics—that help define your personal style in a way that feels authentic.

Make a List (Because Mom Brain Is Real)

Before heading out to shop, make a list of what you actually need.

Without a list, it’s easy to get distracted, forget what you came for, and end up with pieces that don’t really fill the gaps in your wardrobe. A little “mom brain” doesn’t help here either.

A list keeps things focused and intentional.

It might include:

• A pair of everyday shorts
• A lightweight dress
• A few versatile tops

Shopping with a plan helps you avoid impulse buys and ensures that what you bring home actually works with what you already own.

Make It a Fun Outing

Shopping doesn’t have to feel like a chore.

Try visiting a new store or turning it into a fun outing with friends. Grab coffee, take your time, and enjoy the process.

And when those fitting room mirrors start to feel a little questionable (because they often do), having a trusted friend there can make all the difference. They’ll give you honest feedback and help you see what truly works.

Look for Hidden Gems

Updating your wardrobe doesn’t have to mean spending a lot.

Thrift stores can be full of hidden gems if you’re willing to take the time to look. You can often find unique, high-quality pieces—especially for spring and summer.

Online resale platforms like Poshmark and ThredUp are also great options for finding items at a lower price.

You might even consider selling a few of your own pieces as you clean out your closet.

Or make it social—host a clothing swap with friends. It’s a fun way to refresh your wardrobe and brings back that lighthearted feeling of sharing clothes, just like when you were younger.

Let Go of the Pressure to Follow Trends

Not every trend needs to be part of your wardrobe.

At this stage of life, you likely already know what you feel good in—and that matters more than what’s currently trending.

Trends come and go. If something doesn’t fit your style, it’s okay to skip it.

If barrel pants aren’t your thing, no need to worry—something else (hello, skinny jeans) will come back around in time.

The goal isn’t to keep up with every trend—it’s to build a wardrobe that feels like you.

A Gentle Reminder

It’s easy to put your own needs on the back burner, especially as a mom. There’s always something else that feels more important.

But taking a little time to refresh your wardrobe—to choose pieces that make you feel comfortable and confident—isn’t selfish. It’s meaningful.

Even small updates can help you feel more like yourself again.

And sometimes, stepping into that space might feel a little unfamiliar—but it’s worth it.

“Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” — Matthew 5:16

You were made to shine—in every season. And sometimes, that begins with something as simple as wearing what makes you feel like yourself again.

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This post is sponsored by the Washington State Beef Commission.

You don’t have to brown the meat before placing it in the crock pot, but I highly recommend it! It seals in the flavor and creates a nice crust which is especially good when you’ve been slow cooking the beef. With these tasty variations, there are so many possibilities when it comes to the flavors and toppings! Give this slow cooker beef a try and it won’t disappoint.

Four-Way Slow Cooker Shredded Beef

Ingredients:

• 1 beef Cross Rib Roast, Shoulder Roast or Blade Chuck Roast Boneless (about 2 to 2-1/2 pounds)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (optional)
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic
• Salt and pepper

Recipe Variations (recipes follow)

Cooking:

For optional browning, heat oil in large nonstick skillet over medium heat until hot. Brown beef Cross Rib Roast on all sides.

Place onion and garlic in 3-1/2 to 5 quart slow cooker; place roast on top. Cover and cook on HIGH 5 to 6 hours or LOW 9 to 10 hours or until roast is fork-tender.

Remove roast from slow cooker. Skim fat from cooking liquid, if necessary and reserve 1 cup onion mixture. Shred beef with 2 forks. Combine shredded beef and reserved onion mixture. Season with salt and pepper, as desired. Continue as directed in Recipe Variations below, as desired.

Recipe Variations:

1. Mexican Shredded Beef: Combine tomato or tomatillo salsa and beef mixture, as desired. Place in large microwave-safe bowl. Cover, vent and microwave until heated through, stirring occasionally. Serve in warmed flour or corn tortillas topped with pico de gallo, sliced avocados, shredded cheese, chopped cilantro and/or chopped white or green onions, as desired.

2. BBQ Shredded Beef: Combine prepared barbecue sauce and beef mixture. Place in large microwave-safe bowl. Cover, vent and microwave until heated through, stirring occasionally. Serve on whole wheat rolls topped with creamy horseradish sauce, coleslaw, Cheddar cheese slices, chopped green bell pepper and/or canned French fried onions, as desired.

3. Asian Shredded Beef: Combine prepared hoisin or teriyaki sauce and beef mixture. Place in large microwave-safe bowl. Cover, vent and microwave until heated through, stirring occasionally. Serve in lettuce or cabbage cups topped with shredded carrots, sliced cucumbers, chopped fresh cilantro or mint, sriracha or crushed red pepper flakes and/or chopped peanuts, as desired.

4. Indian Shredded Beef: Combine prepared Indian cooking sauce, such as Tikka Masala or Vindaloo. Place in large microwave-safe bowl. Cover, vent and microwave until heated through, stirring occasionally. Serve in naan or pita bread topped with toasted chopped pistachios or coconut, raisins, Greek yogurt or mango chutney, chopped fresh mint or cilantro and/or sliced cucumbers or green onion, as desired.

Alternate Cooking Method:

This recipe can be made in a 6-quart electric pressure cooker. Place beef roast, onion, garlic and 1/2 cup beef broth in pressure cooker. Close and lock pressure cooker lid. Use beef, stew or high-pressure setting on pressure cooker; program 90 minutes on pressure cooker timer. Use quick-release feature to release pressure; carefully remove lid. Continue as directed in Step 3. (This recipe variation was tested in an electric pressure cooker at high altitude. Cooking at an altitude of less than 3000 feet may require slightly less cooking time. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions.)

Springtime for moms can sometimes feel a little frantic as we try to do the best we can for our families. Cheerleader, chef, chauffeur, tutor, nurse, housekeeper, the list goes on and on. With our many roles and responsibilities, let’s try to leave a little room to breathe and enjoy the gifts that spring brings. More meals with our kids, more walks on breezy days, and just maybe, enjoying a few cups of coffee while they’re still warm. Wishing you and your family a blessed spring full of sweet memories, satisfying dinners, and many moments of calm throughout the storms!

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This post is sponsored by the Washington State Beef Commission.

For example, if I know we’re going to be at a track meet or t-ball practice, I try to find a convenient meal I can prep ahead of time. Sometimes that means getting a few things ready the night before or throwing together a crockpot meal that will be waiting for us when we get home late. I also find it helpful to double up on a recipe or two for the week so I know that the leftovers will take care of dinner the next day.

A great make-ahead option for a busy spring sports season, are these tasty beef potluck rolls! They’re convenient, satisfying, and they make a good amount of food for your hungry crew. Knowing you’ll have these delicious, savory rolls to come home to will be such a relief after a long day. They can be thrown together the night before and only need to bake for twenty minutes once you pull them out of the fridge, so by the time you’ve gotten everyone’s cleats off and tossed the muddy uniforms into the washer your kitchen will smell amazing, and dinner will be served!

An added bonus is that the beef in these rolls contains protein, which can help build and maintain muscle. It’s also full of essential nutrients and helps you feel satisfied for longer, which is perfect for active, growing kids and busy parents alike! Serve them with some fresh veggies, sliced up fruit, or a salad to complete the meal. Try these convenient weeknight rolls for an easy and delicious meal that will please even the pickiest eaters on the busiest nights!

Easy Roast Beef Potluck Rolls

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. thinly sliced reduced-sodium deli roast beef
• 1 package (12 ounces) Hawaiian rolls
• 1/4 cup cream-style prepared horseradish
• 6 slices reduced-fat provolone or Havarti cheese
• 1/3 cup butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley leaves
• 2 teaspoons packed light brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder

Cooking:

1. Coat 9 x 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Cut rolls in half, horizontally. Place bottom halves of rolls in prepared baking dish; spread horseradish on cut side. Top with Deli Roast Beef, cheese and top halves of rolls.

Cook’s Tip: You may substitute Dijon mustard for prepared horseradish.

2. Combine butter, Worcestershire sauce, parsley, sugar and onion powder in small bowl; mix to combine. Pour mixture evenly over sandwiches. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour to overnight.
3. Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake, uncovered, 15 to 20 minutes or until cheese is melted and rolls are golden brown.

Tip: Mustard or Dijon mustard can be used in place of the horseradish.

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Here are thoughtful, faith-centered gift ideas and party touches that celebrate who your child is — and who God is shaping them to be.

Faith-Based Graduation Gift Ideas

1. A “Rooted & Ready” Devotional Basket

Create a basket filled with:

• A devotional or Bible designed for young adults
• A journal
• A cozy blanket
• A handwritten prayer or blessing
• A favorite snack

It’s both practical and spiritually grounding — a reminder that they’re never walking into the future alone.

2. A Personalized Bible or Verse Engraved Gift

Choose a verse that speaks to their next season, like:

• Jeremiah 29:11 — hope and future
• Proverbs 3:5–6 — trusting God’s direction
• Joshua 1:9 — courage and strength

Engrave it on a bracelet, keychain, or bookmark. It becomes a keepsake they’ll carry into new spaces.

3. A “Letters of Blessing” Book

Invite family, mentors, and friends to write letters of encouragement, prayers, and wisdom. Bind them into a small book or place them in a keepsake box. This becomes a spiritual anchor they can return to when life feels overwhelming.

4. Experience Gifts With Purpose

Give them something that nurtures their soul:

• A retreat or camp scholarship
• A weekend getaway to rest before the next chapter
• A service trip or volunteer experience
• A weekend trip together
• Concert tickets
• A cooking class
• A spa day before they head off to their next chapter

Experiences stick with them long after the party ends.

5. A Prayer Quilt or Blanket

Have family members pray over a quilt or blanket as they tie knots or stitch pieces together. It’s a tangible reminder of being covered in love and prayer.

Faith-Inspired Graduation Party Ideas

1. A Blessing Table

Set up a small table with:

• Cards labeled “Blessings,” “Prayers,” or “Words for the Journey”
• Pens and a basket or box

Guests can write prayers or encouragement for your grad to read later.

2. A Scripture Photo Wall

Create a timeline of photos from childhood to now, and pair each stage with a Bible verse that reflects God’s work in their life. It’s beautiful, meaningful, and a conversation starter.

3. A Worship or Inspirational Playlist

Mix your grad’s favorite songs with uplifting worship music. It sets a joyful, hope-filled atmosphere without being overly formal.

4. A Commissioning Moment

During the party, gather close family and friends for a brief prayer over your graduate. It doesn’t have to be long — just a simple moment of blessing and sending them into their next chapter.

5. A Joint Celebration With Other Faith Families

If your grad has friends from church or youth group, consider a combined party. You can share costs, responsibilities, and create a community-centered celebration that reflects the body of Christ.

Mom, this season is big — for your child and for you. As you celebrate, remember this: you’ve planted seeds, prayed prayers, and poured love into this moment. God is faithful to carry your graduate forward, even when you can’t go with them into every new space.

Whatever you plan — whether it’s a big party or a simple gathering — your presence, your prayers, and your love are the gifts they’ll remember most.

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We dig out (pun intended) our overalls, rubber boots and gloves and head out to the garden beds.

I always picture myself sitting calmly in perfect weather, weeding and planting.  Somehow, that never happens.

Instead, I get to my garden area, realize I forgot my gloves and head back into the garage.  I arrive back at the garden only to realize that the seeds I wanted to plant are in the house.  Then, I’m thirsty and need some water.  The sun is in my eyes and I want sunglasses.  I see something I want to take a picture of but I left my phone inside.  Before I know it, I have spent more time running back and forth than I have planting or weeding.

And then my life changed.  My son, who prides himself on buying me the most random gifts (he once bought me a pink hacksaw) bought me a gardening tote.

It was made of tough and rugged material and had pockets inside and out.  For a while I just stared at it and wondered if I’d ever really use it.  I mean it’s not like I am a professional gardener.  I just toss seeds around and hope they grow.  Would it just end up in a closet where gifts go to die?

It turns out that I use it a LOT!  In fact, I now can’t believe I ever gardened without it.

I have a large backyard and, not being very organized, I was constantly racing around in search of the tools I needed to grow the things I wanted to grow.  My burlap bag has become as necessary as a shovel.

No more running into the house for a tissue when my nose starts to run.  No more hunting down reading glasses to read seed packets.  Everything is now packed into my bag.  During growing season, I keep it right by the back door.  I can grab it and head outside knowing that I have all I need to hit the garden beds.

Having a gardening tote has organized my very messy brain and it has brought me so much peace.  Rather than worrying about what I need, I know that it’s all already in the bag and that allows me to just grab it and go.  No more running back and forth.

Garden totes come in a huge variety of materials and colors.  No matter what your personality is, you can easily find a bag to match your style.

To help you get started, here’s what I keep in my tote:

• Garden gloves – They even sell these at the dollar store.  Do yourself a favor and buy bright new ones every year.
• A hand shovel and clippers – A small hand shovel is my most-used tool for gardening.  I love to sit on the grass and dig that way.  My son bought me left-handed clippers (again with the weird gifts).
• Seed Packets – I like to tuck these into the side pockets of the bag so the artwork on the packaging shows.
• Neem Oil – Last year my lupines were loaded with aphids.  Neem oil to the rescue.
• Old welcome mat – I thought of this accidentally.  I replaced a faded mat with a new one and then realized the old one would make a perfect garden tarp to sit on.  It’s sturdier and prettier.
• Water bottle and Kleenex – Why does my nose run every time I sit down to work?  It used to be so annoying, now I’m prepared.
• Sunglasses and reading glasses – I bought cheap pairs of both of these so I can keep them at the ready.  I can not read the seed instructions without glasses and I don’t like sun in my eyes.
• Plant markers and a pen – I have a very bad habit of forgetting what I’ve planted.  I always end up with mystery plants.  Are they valuable or are they weeds?  I never knew.
• Twine and scissors – My plants always seem to grow out of control.  This way I’m ready to tie them onto fencing to support them.
• A protein bar – I mean, come on, gardening is hard work!
• My Phone – Right before I head out, I tuck my phone in one of the pockets and I’m good to go.

This has made gardening so much easier.  I’m the type of person who is easily dissuaded from chores. In the past, I would look outside and know that I should head out and do some weeding.  But then I would think of all the equipment I needed to find and gather, and I would talk myself out of doing it.

Now, my excuses are gone. And I’ve found that even ten minutes in the garden can make a big difference. When I’m done, I place my bag back by the door and I’m ready for the next sunny day (during off-season it hangs on a hook in the garage).

My bag is stained now and there always seems to be a layer of dirt in the bottom, but that just means it is well-loved and much- used.

In at least one area of my life, I am organized!

Fun Activity: Look up Bible verses that talk about “preparation”, you will be amazed at how many there are.

“Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest.” Proverbs 6:6-8

“Sow your seed in the morning, and at evening let your hands not be idle, for you do not know which will succeed, whether this or that, or whether both will do equally well.” Ecclesiastes 11:6

“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.” 2 Corinthians 9:6

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Monday

• Breakfast: Greek yogurt + berries + granola
• Lunch: Turkey & hummus wrap with spinach
• Snack: Apple slices + peanut butter
• Dinner: Sheet‑pan chicken, asparagus & potatoes

Try this one: Sheet‑pan chicken, asparagus & potatoes 

Tuesday

• Breakfast: Veggie egg muffins (make once, eat all week)
• Lunch: Leftover sheet‑pan chicken over salad
• Snack: Cottage cheese + pineapple
• Dinner: 15‑minute shrimp stir‑fry

Wednesday

• Breakfast: Smoothie (spinach, banana, frozen berries, protein powder)
• Lunch: Avocado toast + boiled egg
• Snack: Carrots + ranch or hummus
• Dinner: Slow‑cooker turkey chili

Thursday

• Breakfast: Oatmeal with chia seeds & honey
• Lunch: Turkey chili leftovers
• Snack: Handful of almonds or trail mix
• Dinner: Baked salmon, rice, and steamed broccoli

Friday

• Breakfast: Whole‑grain waffles + fruit
• Lunch: Chicken Caesar salad (use rotisserie chicken)
• Snack: Greek yogurt + dark chocolate chips
• Dinner: Taco bowls

Saturday

• Breakfast: Scrambled eggs + toast + fruit
• Lunch: Tuna salad on whole‑grain crackers
• Snack: Smoothie popsicle or fruit cup
• Dinner: Homemade flatbread pizzas (kids can help!)

Sunday

• Breakfast: Oatmeal with blueberries on top
• Lunch: Grilled cheese sandwiches
• Snack: Popcorn or pretzels
• Dinner: Crockpot chicken tortilla soup

Try this one: Crockpot chicken tortilla soup

We hope this helps inspire some fresh ideas for you. Keep in mind that some week’s are so busy that we can’t get ahead enough to even attempt meal planning, and that’s okay!! Everyone will survive… even if it’s just cereal for 7 days in a row!

We’d love to hear your family favorites! Post them in comments below!

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“His mercies are new every morning.”
— Lamentations 3:23

This month, we’ve got a few things to help brighten up your days:

• A simple craft that reminds us of God’s light in every season
• A healthy, tasty recipe to fuel your body
• A sprinkle of encouragement to carry in your heart

Let’s dive in!

Craft: “Rainy Day Sunshine Jars”

A reminder that even when life feels cloudy, God’s light still shines through.

Micha Klootwijk

You’ll Need

• A clean glass jar
• Tissue paper in your favorite colors
• Mod Podge or glue
• Scissors
• LED tea light
• Optional: ribbon, stickers, or a little tag with a Bible verse

How to Make It

1. Tear or cut tissue paper into small pieces — raindrops, clouds, sunshine rays.
2. Brush glue on the outside of the jar and layer the tissue pieces.
3. Create a bright yellow sun on one side.
4. Let it dry, then place the LED tea light inside.
5. Add a ribbon or a tag with a verse like Psalm 27:1 — “The Lord is my light and my salvation.”

When it glows at night, it’s a sweet reminder: Even on rainy days, God’s light is still shining for you.

“Spring Berry Yogurt Crunch Cups”

It’s quick, energizing, and mom-friendly!

homydesign

Ingredients

• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• ½ cup fresh berries
• ¼ cup granola
• 1 tbsp chia or flax
• A squeeze of lemon or zest
• Optional: a few dark chocolate chips

How to Make It

Layer yogurt, berries, granola, and seeds. Add lemon zest for brightness and chocolate chips if you want a little joy boost. Eat immediately or chill for later.

A Faith-Filled Word for Your Heart

Mama, God sees you. He sees the way you pour out love in a hundred small ways no one notices. He sees your tired moments, your whispered prayers, your deep breaths when the day feels long.

You don’t have to bloom perfectly. You just have to stay rooted. God will handle the growing.

“Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.” — Isaiah 40:31

Download Bookmark for a daily reminder of where your STRENGTH and HOPE comes from!

So, take this month slowly. Let the sunshine warm you. Let the rain remind you that growth is happening even when you can’t see it. And let God’s gentle presence meet you in the middle of your beautiful, messy, holy everyday life.

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I immediately started dreaming of finding one of my own.

Over the years, I have taken many trips to beaches and searched.  I’ve lifted logs and dug into the sand in the hopes of finding treasure.  But I have had no success.

I have even been injured in my quest.  A few years ago I jumped off a big piece of driftwood and injured my ankle.  It has never healed right and I deal with daily pain.  Had I found a glass ball I could have at least counted the lasting pain as being worth it.  Instead it only serves to remind me of the futility of my hunts.  And yet every year when they announce the dates of glass ball drops, I get excited all over again.

We tend to only read about the success stories, the people who do find old coins, or jewelry, or even glass orbs.  No one wants to read about the hours people spend searching and coming up empty.

Last weekend I had a milestone birthday, and guess where I wanted to go, to the town where the glass fairies live and glass floats in all colors are dropped onto the beaches.

All my kids and grandkids came from their various homes in the world to meet me there.  They knew why I chose the location.  They’ve heard me gush about finding a glass ball too many times to count and they are well aware that I dream of finding one someday.

That’s the thing with dreams and yes, even prayers.  We tend to think we know what the answer will be before we even finish asking.  We think we know when the timing is right (we are quite sure it’s God’s timing too) and we tend to believe that we deserve to have our prayers answered.  After thirty years of pining for a blown glass float and seeing that it was my big milestone birthday and my entire family was with me, I was quite sure that my time had finally come.

I went out every day of our trip and looked.  My old ankle injury was painful as I walked in the deep sand.  Plus, my balance on washed up logs and debris was not what it used to be.  I grew dizzy and tired very quickly.  And still I searched.  I was so sure that this was my time!

My daughter ran into a “glass fairy” in one of the town’s shops. She told my daughter that they don’t hide the glass very carefully because they want them to be found.  That made me even more sure that I was destined to finally have my prayer answered.

I continued to hunt.

Every time I saw something glistening in the sun, I was sure it was glass.  But it always ended up being litter someone had left behind in the sand.

On the last day of our trip, after hours of looking, I had to admit defeat.  My muscles were sore, I was out of breath, and my ankle was in pain.  I slowly started walking back to the car.

I was almost to the parking lot when I ran into my kids on the beach.  My son looked so cute sitting amongst the driftwood and I told him to sit still so that I could take his picture.

He had a funny smile on his face, like the cat who ate the canary.  I took his picture and then asked him why he was acting so weird.  He told me he wasn’t acting weird and that I was the one who was weird.  It was a phrase from his youth and I laughed.

Ann Kirsten

I made my way over driftwood piles to hug him.  And I looked down to keep my balance.

There, in the craggy wood was a beautiful glass float!  It was large and blue and the sun shone off of it.  It was perfect.

Ann Kirsten

I gasped in shock.  My son said, “How did THAT get there?”  I instantly knew that my sweet boy had hidden it there for me to find.

I cradled it like a baby while I hugged him and cried.

After thirty years I had my glass orb!

People asked me later if I was disappointed that I hadn’t really found one on my own.  My answer was a resounding, “NO!”  My darling kids had planned this surprise for me.  They had spent their time in shops hunting for just the right one.  They had spent too much of their money to buy a lovely big one.  And they had hidden it for me to find.  This glass float was so much better than any I could have found myself, because it was hidden with love.

I will treasure my glass ball forever.  It will reside in a place of honor as a reminder of how very much I am loved.

It also reminds me of all the prayers I’ve prayed and all the times I was so sure of how and when they should be answered, only to find that God’s timing and His plans were so much better than any I could ever come up with.

I hunted for decades and God did not toss a glass float on the first beach I searched, or the second, or the tenth.  He waited until my kids and grandkids were old enough to appreciate how very much their love meant to me.

As usual, God’s plans were so much better than my own.

^“He has made everything beautiful in its time.”  Ecclesiastes 3:11

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Crafting through the Easter season from Palm Sunday to the Resurrection is a great way to share the redemption story of Jesus’s perfect sacrifice on the cross that bought us our salvation. It is free to anyone who will receive this gift of salvation, but it cost Jesus His very life and God the Father His only begotten Son.

As we continue our journey on bringing the Passion week to life in your home through crafts, our next craft is the Cross on Calvary.

This craft reminds us of Jesus dying on the cross to pay our sin debt. But the story does not end there, thank God! Three days later He rose again from the dead, victorious over sin and death! Hallelujah!

He himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness. 1 Peter 2:24

When Jesus was crucified, this fulfilled Old Testament prophecies like Isaiah 53:5, “He was pierced for our transgressions.” This tells us that the Word of God is infallible. This means it has no errors, it is always true, can never be wrong and it will always come to pass.

So will My word be which goes out of My mouth; It will not return to Me void (useless, without result), Without accomplishing what I desire, and without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it. Isaiah 55:11

Jesus demonstrated His love for us when He was crucified and died on the cross for us. And even in His suffering, He still shows love for those who mock Him by praying for them.

The message of the cross is one that should bring much joy to the believer. Because it tells us about how Jesus gave us the best gift we could ever receive.

You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for He forgave all our sins, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This He set aside, nailing it to the cross. Colossians 2:13-14.

It was because of love that Jesus did this. He says it Himself in John 15:12-13 This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.

It is important to know that no one forced Jesus to die in our place. He chose to sacrifice Himself because He loves us so much. No one can take my life from me. I sacrifice it voluntarily. For I have the authority to lay it down when I want to and also to take it up again. For this is what my Father has commanded.” John 10:18

No one else could do what Jesus did because Jesus was fully God and fully man. That means that Only Jesus could die in the flesh then raise back to life again to live forever more, victorious over sin and death. He paid the penalty of our sins once and for all. We no longer need to make daily sacrifices for our sins like in the Old Testament times all thanks to Jesus, the perfect Lamb of God. The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! John 1:29

Materials:

• Popsicle sticks
• Glue
• Optional: paint, twine

Directions:

Arrange two popsicle sticks, one on top of another to make a cross.

Stick them together with glue.

Repeat until you have three crosses. One for Jesus and two for the thieves crucified besides Him.

When they came to the place called The Skull, they crucified Him there, along with the criminals, one on His right and the other on His left.

Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up His garments by casting lots. Luke 23:33-34

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This was one of those projects that felt extra special in our home—Penny absolutely loved it. From choosing colors to carefully painting each little hen, she was completely immersed in the process. There’s something so sweet about watching your child create, imagine, and take pride in what they’ve made. By the end, she had named nearly every hen and was so excited to show off her creations. It turned a simple afternoon into a memory I know I’ll hold onto for a long time.

Supplies You’ll Need

• Empty cardboard egg cartons
• Scissors
• Acrylic or craft paint
• Paintbrushes
• Googly eyes
• Colored paper or felt (for beaks and combs)
• Glue (craft glue or hot glue with supervision)
• Ribbon or twine (optional, for decoration)

Joanna Gott

Step-by-Step: How to Make Egg Carton Hens

1. Cut Your Carton Pieces

Here’s the trick that makes these hens come to life: cut a corner piece of the egg carton, making sure to include one of the pointed peaks along with the cup beneath it. The pointed portion becomes the hen’s body, and the cup acts as the perfect little nest to hold your egg.

Joanna Gott

This one small detail really makes all the difference in how the finished hens look. Once you see it, it clicks—and suddenly you can envision a whole flock coming together.

You can also use the remaining sections of the carton to create smaller, single egg holders—nothing goes to waste, which makes this craft feel even more satisfying.

Joanna Gott

2. Paint Your Hens

Now for the fun part. Set out your paints and let your creativity run wild. Soft pastels feel especially fitting for spring, but there’s no right or wrong here—bright colors, muted tones, even patterns all work beautifully. Penny loved mixing colors and experimenting, and I found myself doing the same alongside her.

Let the paint dry completely before moving on to the next step. This is a good moment to pause, clean up a bit, or even step outside while everything dries.

3. Add Personality

Once your hens are dry, it’s time to bring them to life. Glue on googly eyes for instant charm, then cut small triangles from colored paper or felt for beaks. You can also add a comb on top to complete the look.

Joanna Gott

This step is where each hen really begins to take on its own personality. Some may look a little silly, others more refined—but that’s part of the magic. Penny especially loved this part, giggling as each hen seemed to “wake up” with its own expression.

4. Decorate with Finishing Touches

If you want to take things a step further, add small decorative details. Tie a ribbon around the base, glue on a tiny bow, or paint delicate patterns like dots, florals, or stripes.

These little touches make each hen feel extra special and can tie into your overall Easter décor. It’s also a lovely way to let older kids slow down and add more intricate details.

5. Place Your Eggs

Finally, nestle your dyed Easter eggs into each little cup. Seeing them all together—colorful eggs resting inside their handmade hens—is such a rewarding moment. It transforms something simple into a centerpiece that feels thoughtful, creative, and full of life.

And perhaps best of all, these hens give your Easter eggs a second moment to shine. Instead of being tucked away after the holiday, they become part of your home for days (or even weeks) after, a gentle reminder of time spent together.

Joanna Gott

There’s something deeply meaningful about slowing down and creating with your hands, especially during a season like Easter that carries so much symbolism of renewal, hope, and new life. Crafts like this become more than just a way to pass time—they become small traditions, moments of connection, and opportunities to reflect.

One verse that always feels especially fitting this time of year is Isaiah 40:31:
“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles…”

There’s something about that idea of renewal that echoes even in the smallest moments—like taking something ordinary, such as an egg carton, and turning it into something joyful and new. It’s a quiet kind of creativity, but a powerful one.

And in the midst of busy days, to sit alongside your child, painting and laughing and creating together—it feels like its own kind of renewal, too.

These egg carton hens are simple, yes. But they carry a sweetness that goes beyond the craft itself. They hold memories, little bursts of personality, and the unmistakable joy of something made by hand. And if your experience is anything like ours, you might just find that the best part isn’t the finished hens—but the time spent making them together.

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For all of us though, it means celebrating the fact that Jesus died for our sins and rose again on the third day.

In other words, it means EVERYTHING.

Even though we are united in that thought, we still have different ways of celebrating.

When my kids were young, we attended a small, traditional church. The sermons were always quiet and rather solemn and traditional Hymns were sung. There was a lot of standing up and sitting down and recitations that had remained unchanged for hundreds of years. Easter there was serious and yet rather peaceful.

Years later, we went to a larger church. The church put on an amazing reenactment of Christ’s crucifixion every year. As manufactured lightening flashed and thunder crashed around our ears, Jesus was raised up on his cross in a balcony above the stage. It was dramatic and impossible to hold back the tears as Jesus’ story was made real for each of us.

One year, we visited a new church in our area. As we sat quietly waiting for the sermon to begin, men marched down the aisle carrying a casket. They set it on the small stage and out popped the Pastor, wired for sound and ready to deliver his sermon. I wasn’t sure how to feel about that one.

Another church sent us an invitation to attend their Easter service one year. The picture on the front of the card was of an unshaven man in a pink bunny suit smoking a cigarette. The title said, “Easter for the rest of us.”  Again, I was not sure how to feel.

We took my sister-in-law to church one Easter at our kids’ church.  The music was loud, with lots of drums and bass. I felt the joy in my bones and I loved it.  My sis-in-law did not.  She missed her church and the quiet, traditional sermons and hymns. That, to her, meant Easter.

For a lot of moms Easter also means planning, cooking, and entertaining.  Plus, filling Easter baskets and hiding plastic eggs.  Easter can be a lot of work when you’re the one hosting.  It’s hard to remember what we’re celebrating when we have a to-do list a mile long.

Other moms find it easier to fight the restaurant crowds and eat Easter dinner out instead.  There is still stress from getting everyone dressed up, finding a place to eat and soothing hungry kids while waiting for a table.  But it’s a different kind of stress.

I think we all have the goal of focusing on the true “reason for the season” but sometimes life gets in the way.  I remember the years when I worked retail.  I could hardly move after hours spent on my feet helping Holiday crowds.  And I still had to fill baskets, cook, and dye eggs (I thought).  I wanted nothing more than to sleep by the time Easter arrived.

Some traditions have been so ingrained in us for so long that we forget that they can be changed.  One year, I moaned to my family that we were just going to order pizza and watch Christian movies all day.  I was surprised when they all yelled, “Fun!”  Apparently I was the only one holding on to traditions.

This year I just returned from a fun but exhausting trip to the ocean.  My Easter decorations are in a tote in the garage where they will stay until next year.  I have no menu planned and no hosting plans either.  Easter day will be quiet, and I feel happy and at peace with that.

So, as we head into this blessed time, what can moms let go of?  How can we slow down and focus on our savior and what He did for us?  Are some of the “musts” on our lists from our own making?

No matter how you celebrate, the fact that Jesus died so that we might be saved is a mighty reason to do it.

Happy Easter to you all!

“And he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen; he is not here. See the place where they laid him.”  Mark 16:6

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Crafting through the Easter season from Palm Sunday to the Resurrection is a great way to share the redemption story of Jesus’s perfect sacrifice on the cross that bought us our salvation. It is free to anyone who will receive this gift of salvation, but it cost Jesus His very life and God the Father His only begotten Son.

As we continue our journey on bringing the Passion week to life in your home through crafts, our next craft is the Crown of Thorns.

And they twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on His head. They put a staff in His right hand, knelt down before Him, and mocked Him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!”  Matthew 27:29

In the Gospel accounts of the events tat led up to Jesus’s crucifixion, when the soldiers made a crown out of thorns and painfully pressed it into His head, they did it to make fun of Jesus and to mock Him. They thought He was a fake King, but He was actually the King of Kings and the Son of God. A fact that these very soldiers later testified to themselves. When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified and said, “Truly this was the Son of God.” Matthew 27:54

God said the earth would produce thorns as a result of the curse because of Adam and Eve’s disobedience to God’s command. We see this in Genesis 3:17-18. And to Adam He said: “Because you have listened to the voice of your wife and have eaten from the tree of which I commanded you not to eat, cursed is the ground because of you; through toil you will eat of it all the days of your life. Both thorns and thistles it will yield for you, and you will eat the plants of the field.

Every single word of the Bible is intentionally put there by God. And what a wise beyond measure God we serve. What the solders thought they were doing as mockery to Jesus was actually in fulfilment to the prophecy and to Scripture. That Jesus would be the curse for us and thereby redeem us from the curse. Jesus redeemed us from sin, death and the curse of sin by taking upon Himself our sin and the curse, dying in our place and rising again from the dead victorious over sin, death and the curse! Hallelujah! Thank You Jesus that through you, we have salvation and eternal life.

Christ purchased our freedom and redeemed us from the curse of the Law and its condemnation by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “CURSED IS EVERYONE WHO HANGS [crucified] ON A TREE (cross)” Galatians 3:13

This show us that even when the enemy thinks he is mocking us and making fun of us, God is still in control, He never loses control. And God makes ALL things to work out for our good.

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. Romans 8:28

Jesus willingly endured humiliation, pain and torture in obedience to God’s will. He even prayed for those who were crucifying Him for God to forgive them.

Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”  Luke 23:34

Jesus is our perfect example. And as His followers, we are called to emulate Him. To be like Jesus is to be humble and to pray for those who persecute us. As believers, even in the face of persecution for our beliefs, we should trust in God’s ultimate justice and remain faithful and obedient to God’s will.

The Crown of Thorns

Materials:

• Brown Paper
• Scissors
• Stapler
• Tape

Rachel Matembe

Instructions:

Cut three thin strips from brown paper. If you do not have brown paper, simply color white paper with a brown crayon or marker or recycle a brown envelope.

Next, staple the strips together at one end and tape that top to a table.

Rachel Matembe

Braid down the strips of brown paper and connect the ends by stapling them together.

Rachel Matembe

Using scissors, cut slits around the top and bottom of the crown to represent thorns.

Rachel Matembe

RELATED:

• Crafting Through the Easter Season: Palm Sunday Palm Branches
• Crafting Through the Easter Season: Prayer Hands

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This content is syndicated from allmomdoes: https://purposely.com/podcasts/gospel-tech/every-day-is-easter-reboot/ Find more content at Gospel Tech Archives - Purposely Podcasts and subscribe to the allmomdoes Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, and more!

But the morning of the tournament felt entirely different.

Penny woke up quiet. Slower than usual. She told me her tummy hurt, and I immediately went into practical mode—wondering if she was coming down with something. A bug? The flu? Today of all days? I watched her closely, trying to piece it together, running through the usual questions in my mind.

As the morning went on, she stayed curled in on herself, not quite herself. And then, in a small voice, she said,

I feel… sad too.

That was the moment it shifted for me.

It wasn’t sickness. It was something deeper, something new. She was feeling nervous—but she didn’t yet have the language for it. Her body felt it first, and all she knew was that something didn’t feel right. The excitement she had carried all week had quietly turned into something heavier, and she didn’t know how to hold it.

I sat with her and gently put words to what she might be experiencing. I told her that sometimes when we’re about to do something new or important, our bodies can feel a little off—tummy aches, heavy feelings, even a kind of sadness that’s hard to explain. I told her I wondered if what she was feeling might be nerves.

I could almost see the relief settle in. Not because the feeling went away, but because it finally had a name. There’s something so comforting, even as adults, about realizing, this is something others feel too.

We stayed there together for a bit—no rushing, no fixing. Just noticing.

And then we prayed.

It wasn’t a long or polished prayer, just simple words spoken quietly in the kitchen. We asked God for peace, for courage, for steadiness in her body. I reminded her that she could talk to Him anytime, even right there at the tournament, even in the middle of a moment that felt overwhelming.

Philippians 4:6–7 came to mind as we stood there together:
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, present your requests to God… and the peace of God… will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

As I spoke those words over her, I felt them gently land on my own heart too.

Because if I’m honest, I don’t always do this well myself.

How often do I carry my worries quietly? How often do I try to reason through them, manage them, or push past them instead of laying them down? Watching Penny struggle to understand her feelings made me realize how often I do the same—feeling something deeply, but not always bringing it fully to God.

There we were, side by side, both learning in our own ways.

I also shared with her that I get nervous too. That even as a grown-up, I still feel that same flutter in my stomach before something new or important. I told her about moments where I’ve felt unsure or anxious, and how I’m still learning what it looks like to pause and bring those feelings to God instead of carrying them on my own. I wanted her to know she wasn’t alone in it—and that this is something we grow in, not something we instantly figure out.

We talked about how God doesn’t ask us to never feel afraid—He simply invites us to come to Him in it.

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear,” I told her softly, “but of power, love, and self-discipline.” (2 Timothy 1:7).

Not the absence of fear—but the presence of something steadier, something stronger that we can lean into.

As we got closer to leaving, I didn’t try to take the nerves away. Instead, we talked about what it might look like to carry them differently. I reminded her that she could stay close to me until she felt ready, that she could take a deep breath before stepping onto the mat, that she could whisper a prayer in her heart whenever she needed to.

Simple, gentle things. The kind that make space rather than demand change.

And in many ways, those are the same things I’m learning too.

Not to eliminate the hard feelings, but to bring them somewhere safe. To acknowledge them instead of brushing past them. To remember that I don’t have to hold everything together on my own.

The day didn’t unfold perfectly. She still felt nervous when her turn came. I could see it in her eyes as she stepped forward, that mix of courage and uncertainty that feels so familiar, even as adults.

But she went.

And afterward, with a quiet kind of pride, she said, “I had fun today.”

There was something so tender in that. Not a story of fear disappearing, but of courage meeting her in the middle of it. Of her learning, in her own small but meaningful way, that she could do something even while feeling unsure.

And I think that’s what stayed with me most.

That learning to navigate fear—whether you’re a child at your first tournament or an adult carrying unseen worries—is often less about making it go away, and more about knowing where to place it.

Because the truth is, there are so many moments in life when we don’t even fully understand what we’re feeling. It shows up in our bodies first—a tight chest, a restless mind, a heaviness we can’t quite explain. We try to name it, sort it, make sense of it… and sometimes we just can’t.

And maybe we’re not meant to have perfect clarity before we come to God.

Maybe the invitation is actually the opposite.

To come as we are—uncertain, overwhelmed, unsure of the words—and simply lay it all down at the feet of the One who already understands. The One who sees what we can’t yet name. The One who holds every layer of what we’re carrying, even when it feels tangled and unclear to us.

There is such a quiet freedom in that.

Not needing to have it all figured out. Not needing to package our prayers perfectly. Just bringing what we have—however messy, however incomplete—and trusting that He meets us there with gentleness.

Psalm 62:8 says, “Pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge.”

Not “explain it perfectly.” Not “understand it fully.” Just pour it out.

That morning with Penny reminded me that this is something we’re all learning, in different ways and different seasons. To recognize what we’re feeling. To name it when we can. And when we can’t, to still bring it forward.

To lay it down, again and again, at the feet of a God who knows us completely—and loves us right there in the middle of it.

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Read more of Joanna’s contributions to AllMomDoes here.

This content is syndicated from allmomdoes: https://purposely.com/podcasts/god-on-the-go/spiritual-parents-ymd-you-your-mom-and-your-dad/ Find more content at God on the Go Archives - Purposely Podcasts and subscribe to the allmomdoes Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, and more!

The good news? A reset doesn’t have to be big to be meaningful. God does some of His best work in small, ordinary moments, and He’s not asking you to become a brand‑new woman overnight. Just to breathe, reset a little, and let Him refresh your heart.

1. The 10‑Minute Tidy (a.k.a. “Good Enough Cleaning”)

Forget deep cleaning. This is the season of surface‑level sanity.

• Set a timer for 10 minutes
• Pick one room
• Do whatever makes it look 20% less chaotic

That’s it. No perfection. No pressure. Just progress.

And remember: God isn’t grading your home—He’s holding your heart.

2. Open a Window and Call It a Reset

Fresh air is basically free therapy. Crack a window, let the breeze in, and pretend the wind is blowing away the mental clutter too. Sometimes the smallest shift in atmosphere reminds us that God is still renewing things—even when we feel stuck.

3. A “Mini Moment” With God

You don’t need an hour‑long devotional to reconnect with Him. Try this instead:

• Whisper a quick prayer while loading the dishwasher
• Read one verse on your phone before you get out of bed
• Thank God for one thing while buckling a car seat

These tiny moments add up. Scripture says His mercies are new every morning—not just the mornings when you wake up early and light a candle.

4. Swap One Thing (Just One!)

A reset doesn’t require a full lifestyle makeover. Pick one thing that makes life feel lighter:

• Swap one sugary snack for fruit
• Swap scrolling for a 5‑minute walk
• Swap chaos music for worship music

Small swaps create big shifts over time.

5. Do Something That Makes You Feel Like You

Motherhood is beautiful, but it can also make you forget you’re a whole person with actual interests. So this spring, choose one thing that fills your cup:

• Buy yourself flowers
• Start a new book
• Try a new recipe
• Sit outside with your coffee before the house wakes up

Joy is holy. Rest is holy. You are allowed to enjoy things.

A Little Faith Boost for Your Spring

If you feel behind, overwhelmed, or like everyone else is doing spring “better” than you, here’s your reminder:

God isn’t asking you to reset your whole life—just to let Him refresh your spirit.

He meets you in the carpool line, in the messy kitchen, in the tired moments when you whisper, “Lord, help me today.” And He delights in giving you strength for exactly what’s in front of you.

Spring is a season of new beginnings, but they don’t have to be dramatic. Sometimes the most powerful reset is simply choosing hope again.

One small step. One small prayer. One small moment of grace.

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Crafting through the Easter season from Palm Sunday to the Resurrection is a great way to share the redemption story of Jesus’s perfect sacrifice on the cross that bought us our salvation. It is free to anyone who will receive this gift of salvation, but it cost Jesus His very life and God the Father His only begotten Son.

For God so [greatly] loved and dearly prized the world, that He [even] gave His [One and] only begotten Son, so that whoever believes and trusts in Him [as Savior] shall not perish, but have eternal life. John 3:16

Jesus was a man of prayer. The Bible is full of verses that speak about how Jesus prayed often. He prayed for the sick and they were healed, He prayed to God His Father before raising Lazarus from the dead, Jesus often withdrew to a quiet place to pray, He prayed before feeding the 5,000, He prayed and gave thanks to God for the bread and wine at the Last Supper and He prayed for His disciples that God would keep them from the schemes of the evil one. There is even a part in the Bible where Jesus is teaching us how to pray.

We see that in Luke 11:1-4

One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When He finished, one of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.”  He said to them, “When you pray, say: “‘Father, hallowed be your name, Your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation.

Our focus today is the prayer that Jesus prayed in the garden of Gethsemane on the night He was betrayed. Since Jesus was both fully God and fully human as well, He knew what was coming would be physically painful. He called it a cup of suffering and even asked for God to take it way. However, in the same breath, Jesus acknowledged that God’s will is supreme. God’s will is above our will because He knows the end from the beginning. And so, God’s will is always best even though it may not seem like it presently.

Like Jesus, we should trust God and His perfect will because His plans are to bless us and not harm us. And to give us a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11. Can you imagine if Jesus had not died on the cross for us? We would still be lost in sin and there would be no perfect redemption. But here is the good news not only did Jesus die for our salvation, but He rose again on the third day, victorious over sin and death, hallelujah! And Jesus was rewarded for His obedience to God the Father. The same applies to us, there is a reward for obedience to God and a consequence for disobedience, the greatest consequence being separation from God.

Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to His own advantage; rather, He made Himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross! Therefore, God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the Name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:5-11

Prayer Hands 

Materials:

• Plain paper
• Scissors
• Pen/Pencil

Directions:

1. Fold a piece of paper in half. Pick your child’s favorite color as a bonus.
2. Trace your child’s hand right next to the folded edge, with the folded edge on the inside.
3. Carefully cut along the traced line.
4. Have your child write Jesus’ prayer from Matthew 26:39 in the garden of Gethsemane on the inside if they are able. Otherwise, write it for them then read it together.

Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “ “My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” Matthew 26:39

RELATED:

• Crafting Through the Easter Season: Palm Sunday Palm Branches

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Read more of Rachel’s contributions to AllMomDoes here.

This content is syndicated from allmomdoes: https://purposely.com/podcasts/allmomdoes-podcast/the-faithful-with-rene-echevarria/ Find more content at AllMomDoes Podcast Archives - Purposely Podcasts and subscribe to the allmomdoes Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, and more!

This content is syndicated from allmomdoes: https://purposely.com/podcasts/gospel-tech/the-three-best-and-worst-uses-of-ai-reboot/ Find more content at Gospel Tech Archives - Purposely Podcasts and subscribe to the allmomdoes Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, and more!

You could say that March is predictably unpredictable!

Most people like to think that their life will follow a steady path.  The bumps and roadblocks that crop up are more than annoying, they can be scary too.

They often cause not only stress, but also sadness and pain.  So, March tends to rank low on the list of favorite months.  Because the old saying: “March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb” is highly accurate.  March rarely follows a pattern.  It just does whatever it wants to, whenever it wants to.

This has always been the way with March.  Interspersed throughout this blog are quotes about March written by famous authors.  Apparently, they too recognized the peculiarities of March.

“March was an unpredictable month, when it was never clear what might happen. Warm days raised hopes until ice and grey skies shut over the town again.”
– Tracy Chevalier

I happen to like March.  In between the rainy days there are signs that spring is coming.  Besides, it’s my birthday month and you’re never too old to get excited about birthdays!

“How terrible a time is the beginning of March. In a month there will be daffodils and the sudden blossoming of orchards, but you wouldn’t know it now. You have to take spring on blind faith.”
– Beatriz Williams

I love the above quote; “You have to take spring on blind faith.”  That’s the wonderful characteristic of March.  After days and days of rainy gray days, you have to have faith that the sun will come again.  March teaches me a lot about keeping faith alive.

“In March the soft rains continued, and each storm waited courteously until its predecessor sunk beneath the ground.”
– John Steinbeck

I’m one of those weird people who love rainy days, but even I get tired of the endless dark and gloomy weather.  Any kind of variance is welcomed.  Last week I had a cold and I was exhausted.  I was stuck in a chair with no energy to do anything.  Outside the window though, an unexpected snowstorm kept me entertained all day.  The big fluffy flakes were a joy to watch.  It didn’t matter that spring is supposed to arrive in March.  The snow brought peace into my heart.

“The stormy March has come at last, With winds and clouds and changing skies; I hear the rushing of the blast That through the snowy valley flies.”
– William C. Bryant

People who visit our area are surprised to find out that the natives rarely, if ever, use an umbrella.  Instead, rain jackets with hoods and/or rain hats suffice.  We are also number one in the US for sunglass sales.  Why?  Because our weather changes so fast.  If we used an umbrella we’d have to put it up and take it down all day.  Likewise, we rarely use sunglasses and by the time we need them again, we have lost them and have to buy new ones.

 “Our life is March weather, savage and serene in one hour.”
– Ralph Waldo Emerson

It feels like two seasons are battling in March, each one fighting to have control.  First, winter wins and then spring jumps ahead.  The battle continues throughout the month.  For those who prefer one season over the other, it can be a frustrating game to watch.

“In March winter is holding back and spring is pulling forward. Something holds and something pulls inside of us too.”
– Jean Hersey

Still, it can’t be ignored that the March days are growing longer.  Even if we have weeks of rain, the daylight lasts longer than it did in the winter.  I call it “light gray”.  And it is preferrable to the darkness we had in the earlier winter months.

“March, when days are getting long, Let thy growing hours be strong to set right some wintry wrong.”
– Caroline May

Emily Dickinson wrote about the spring light and it is true that spring has an almost fluorescent sheen to it.  All the bright new growth that surrounds us has its own light that can’t be dimmed even by the rains.

“A light exists in Spring
Not present in the year at any other period
When March is scarcely here.”
– Emily Dickinson

The writer of Anne of Green Gables also waxed poetic about March.

“March came in that winter like the meekest and mildest of lambs, bringing days that were crisp and golden and tingling, each followed by a frosty pink twilight which gradually lost itself in an elf land of moonshine.”
– L.M. Montgomery

March is the defiant month, a month that writes its own rules and refuses to follow a pattern.  Rain, warm sunny days, snow, March has it all and tosses out weather with no rule or order.  For some, March is just a month that must be endured.  For others, it’s an exhilarating ride into spring.

“It was March.  The days of March creeping gustily on like something that man couldn’t hinder and God wouldn’t hurry,”
– Enid Bagnold

I like to think the Bible talks about March too.

Song of Solomon 2:11-12 says:

^“for behold, the winter is past;
    the rain is over and gone.
The flowers appear on the earth,
    the time of singing has come,
and the voice of the turtledove
    is heard in our land.”

And Hosea 6:3:

^“Let us acknowledge the Lord;
    let us press on to acknowledge him.
As surely as the sun rises,
    he will appear;
he will come to us like the winter rains,
    like the spring rains that water the earth.”

All of us will probably never fully agree on the month of March.  And I think willful March is fine with that.

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Read more of Ann’s contributions to AllMomDoes here.

This content is syndicated from allmomdoes: https://purposely.com/podcasts/god-on-the-go/you-are-an-original-ymd-you-your-mom-and-your-dad/ Find more content at God on the Go Archives - Purposely Podcasts and subscribe to the allmomdoes Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, and more!

For God so [greatly] loved and dearly prized the world, that He [even] gave His [One and] only begotten Son, so that whoever believes and trusts in Him [as Savior] shall not perish, but have eternal life. John 3:16

Jesus says in John 10:18, “No one can take my life from Me. I sacrifice it voluntarily. For I have the authority to lay it down when I want to and also to take it up again. For this is what My Father has commanded.”

Palm Sunday is the Sunday before the crucifixion. Palm Sunday is also called the Triumphant entry and it marks the beginning of the end. Jesus’s mission is coming to a climax as He heads into Jerusalem and will soon be crucified.

Rudall30

Palm Sunday was such a great occasion. One that has been celebrated all through history and is still celebrated to today.

Jesus riding into Jerusalem on a donkey that had never been ridden before was to fulfil prophecy in Zechariah 9:9 “Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your King comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.”

The people expected this promised King to come on a mighty chariot and dressed in majestic robes. But Jesus came riding on a lowly donkey, humble and meek. Because His Kingdom is not of this world.

Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, then My servants would be fighting so that I would not be delivered over to the Jews; but as it is, My kingdom is not from here.” John 18:36

Jesus riding on a donkey shows us that He is the Prince of peace. In the culture of that day, Kings rode on horses during times of war and they rode on donkeys during times of peace. This was a vet symbolic gesture on Jesus’s part. And so Jesus’ passion week begins. In peace, humility, gentleness and love.

May Jesus make a triumphant entry into our hearts bringing His divine peace, gentleness, meekness and love. And may we, as His followers exhibit these same qualities as well. May the world see the true King living in and through us as we show kindness, gentleness, humility and love to each other.

Palm Sunday Palm Branches

Materials:

• Green craft paper or felt
• Scissors
• Clothes pin

Rachel Matembe

Directions:

1. Fold a piece of green craft paper or felt in half.

Rachel Matembe

2. Next, cut out the shape of a leaf.

Rachel Matembe

3. Cut slits in the paper/felt so that it resembles a palm branch.

Rachel Matembe

4. Use a clothespin for the stem.

Rachel Matembe

5. Wave your palm branch, march about the house and boldly proclaim: Hosanna! Blessed is He Who comes in the Name of the Lord! Hosanna!

Rachel Matembe

The next day the large crowd that had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, “Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the Name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!” John 12:12-13

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This content is syndicated from allmomdoes: https://purposely.com/podcasts/gospel-tech/giving-good-adventures/ Find more content at Gospel Tech Archives - Purposely Podcasts and subscribe to the allmomdoes Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, and more!

Many years ago I worked with a gal who actually preferred brown bananas. She would put them in the fridge (which makes them brown faster) and refuse to eat them until they were mushy. I wish she was still in my life. I would just pack up all of my old ones and give them to her.

Instead, I have a whole board on Pinterest of banana recipes. I bake things according to how many bananas I have left. There are two banana recipes, one banana recipes, and three banana recipes.  This week I tried a new two banana recipe. I was still feeling guilty about the “WAY past their prime” bananas that I threw away last week and I was determined to come out even this time.

This cake is delicious because: chocolate and peanut butter! And, since there are bananas in it, it is healthy. Ha! If only it worked that way. I would put bananas in everything!

The combination of chocolate and peanut butter is classic and the addition of bananas just compliments that. The bananas add a touch of sweetness without taking over the flavor.

Here is the recipe:

Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Cake

• 1 ¼ cups flour
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 mushy bananas
• ¾ cup cooking oil, coconut oil, or melted butter
• 1 cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• ½ cup plain yogurt or sour cream
• Optional add-ins: ½ cup nuts or chocolate chips

Frosting

• ½ cup room temp butter (one cube)
• 8-ounce cream cheese – room temp
• ½ cup peanut butter
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 3 cups powdered sugar

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Lightly spray a 9 x 13” pan and line it with parchment paper.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.  Set aside.

Throw your two mushy bananas into a mixing bowl and mix until they are smooth and lump free.

Add the oil, sugars, eggs, and yogurt and whisk until well-mixed.

Put in your dry ingredients (half at a time) and stir just until mixed.  Stir in nuts or chocolate chips if desired.

Spread the batter into your prepared pan.  Bake for 25-30 minutes (mine took 26 minutes).  The cake should bounce back when lightly pressed and/or the edges pull away from the sides.

The cake is delicious on its own but if you want to be indulgent, add this yummy frosting to the top.  Seriously, it is so yummy I could eat it with a spoon.

Frosting: Cream together the softened butter and cream cheese for four minutes on a low speed.  Add in the peanut butter, vanilla and salt until combined.  Slowly add the powdered sugar in ½ cup at a time until the frosting is the consistency you like.  You can add as many as four cups but I like gooey frosting and so I usually add just three cups.  Sprinkle nuts or chocolate shavings on top if desired.

Store the cake in the fridge until it’s gone (it won’t take long).

Bananas are not mentioned by name in the Bible but bad or rotten fruit certainly is.

Matthew 7:17 says:

“Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.”

And Exodus 16:19-20 says:

^“And Moses said to them, “Let no one leave any of it over till the morning.” But they did not listen to Moses. Some left part of it till the morning, and it bred worms and stank. And Moses was angry with them.”

Like bananas, I have sometimes been idle too long and grown mushy in my faith.  Once the brown spots appear to me, I realize it’s time to wake up and turn those signs of rotting into something new.

I wake myself up, change up my reading and studying, pray more, and surprisingly a deeper faith shows up time and time again.  God is amazing that way.  He makes a new creation out of this “mushy banana” time and time again.

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Read more of Ann’s contributions to AllMomDoes here.