Be Strong and Courageous Poster for Kids, Joshua 1:9

Be Strong and Courageous - Joshua 1:9 - Poster for Kids

I have a new item in the shop today! It's an adorable "Be Strong and Courageous" poster for kids. This adorable poster is based on the Bible verse, Joshua 1:9.  I only used the "Be strong and courageous" part for the kids poster, but the entire verse reads:

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not be terrified nor dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."  Joshua 1:9

Be Strong and Courageous Poster for Kids 

The product in my Etsy listing is for an 8in.x10in. digital download.  People interested in the print can download the digital file to their electronic device.  Then, they can print it out using their own home printer.  The downloadable file contains 1 PNG file, 1 JPG File, and 1 PDF file.  They can add their own frame and they're all set.  

This adorable poster features cute fun colors and a childlike font.  It works great in a child's bedroom, playroom, or a baby nursery.  Kids will grow up encouraged to be strong and courageous because the Bible tells them in Joshua 1:9 that God is with them wherever they go.  It is important for children to develop a trust in God and Scripture as soon as possible.  Hanging scripture in their bedrooms and play areas is a good way to start building that foundation for them.  

This "Be Strong and Courageous" poster makes a great baby shower gift.  It would also look great on a college dorm wall to remind a college student away from home that they can accomplish their academic goals because they can be strong and courageous knowing that God is with them.  This might be especially comforting for a student who is away from his or her parents for the first time.

The soft colors make this print work well with Easter decor.  A Christian school teacher might like to have it for her classroom wall and it makes a good housewarming gift as well.

The "Be strong and courageous" Bible message works for many purposes so this digital download is versatile enough for multiple occasions.  We hope you'll love it.  

DOWNLOAD YOUR COPY HERE

Here it is in other settings:

Be Strong and Courageous - Joshua 1:9 - Poster for Kids

Be Strong and Courageous - Joshua 1:9 - Poster for Kids

Be Strong and Courageous - Joshua 1:9 - Poster for Kids

Be Strong and Courageous - Joshua 1:9 - Poster for Kids

Be Strong and Courageous - Joshua 1:9 - Poster for Kids

Be Strong and Courageous - Joshua 1:9 - Poster for Kids

The College Dorm

Be Strong and Courageous - Joshua 1:9

DOWNLOAD YOUR COPY OF THIS ADORABLE 8in. X 10in. PRINT NOW

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The Benefits of Wearing Perfume

The Benefits of Wearing Perfume

You might think wearing perfume just makes you smell better, but perfumes do much more for us than that.  Fruity and floral scents can reduce stress and help us get the sleep we need.  When we are less stressed, well rested, and smell great, we are more self confident in general.  A boost in self confidence leads to a more productive life style.  We feel better about ourselves so we perform daily tasks better.  

Certain scents can make us feel nostalgic.  I can still smell my grandmother's favorite lotion.  I can't remember the exact name of it, but it was a rosy scent.  She kept a bottle by her kitchen sink.  She has been gone for almost 29 years, but every time I smell that rosy scent coming from a perfume or a plant, I remember her and how good she smelled when she used that rosy scented lotion.  Memories like that make me smile.  Certain scents that make us remember sweet memories can make us realize how blessed we are to have lived those moments in time.  

You are sure to be remembered when you wear Mary Kay Boundless Blue Eau de Parfum. With the fruity florals combined with sparkling citrus and a touch of ocean air, it's simply a scent that people can't forget. Mary Kay Boundless Blue Eau de Parfum makes a great addition to your fragrance collection and is bound to elevate your entire wardrobe to the next level of self expression.

Applying perfume to your wrists, neck, and the bends of your arms will help make the scent last longer and stay fresher as those areas are known as your pulse points.  Pulse points tend to be warmer areas so the scent of your perfume keeps its fragrance fresher longer.

Mary Kay Boundless Blue Equ de Parfum - Buy Now

Choose from a Large Collection fo Scents Here!

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The Benefits of Mineral Facial Sunscreen

The Benefits of Wearing Mineral Facial Sunscreen

The Benefits of Mineral Facial Sunscreen 

Regardless of your skin's type, you can shield against UVA and UVB rays with this 100% mineral sunscreen. This high-performance, fragrance-free formula of this physical sunscreen effortlessly glides onto your skin. It seamlessly blends with your regular skincare routine, especially your favorite moisturizer. The lotion, which is light and smooth, adheres well to your skin, underneath your makeup. It protects even the most sensitive skin from indoor and outdoor damage, including blue light emanating from your laptop and smartphone. Add this vital, effective sun care to your final skincare routine.

The Benefits of Mineral Facial Sunscreen 

Mary Kay's Mineral Facial Sunscreen is considered a physical sunscreen.  Dr. Emily Newsom, a board-certified dermatologist and fellowship-trained dermatologic surgeon with UCLA Health says this about physical sunscreens.

"Mineral sunscreen could be referred to as physical sunscreen because it’s a physical blocker. They’re really, really, good because they reflect the UV rather than the chemical sunscreen that absorbs the UV."

Dr. Newsom also explains, in this USA Today article, that mineral sunscreens are safe for marine life, whereas chemical sunscreens can be harmful.   

According to Kokua Sun Care, mineral sunscreens provide immediate protection because they don't have to absorb into your skin to be effective.  They are effective the minute you apply the sunscreen.  Mineral sunscreens are more water resistant so they wash off and sweat off more slowly than chemical sunscreens.

Reasons to Love Mary Kay Mineral Facial Sunscreen  

Overview: Discover your secret to a healthier, glowing complexion. Use the gentle defense of this physical sunscreen to guard your skin from UVA and UVB rays. This mineral SPF is a must-have whether you’re on the go or staying indoors, since damaging rays can penetrate home and car windows, and electronic devices expose skin daily to damaging blue light. People of all skin types, including those with sensitive skin, can use this non-chemical sunscreen for daily protection, while users of Mary Kay Clinical Solutions® Retinol 0.5 can use this sunscreen as an essential morning skin care step. Get to know the basics of mineral sunscreen, and add this product to your healthy skin habits.

Formula Attributes:

Dermatologist-tested.
Non-comedogenic.
Suitable for sensitive skin.
Suitable for all skin types.

Application Tips:  Each morning after moisturizing skin and applying eye cream, apply Mary Kay Mineral Facial Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 evenly to face, neck, chest and backs of hands – anywhere skin is likely to receive sun exposure. May be worn under makeup. Spending time outdoors? It’s recommended to reapply every two hours (more frequently if swimming or sweating).

Key Ingredients: In its natural state, zinc oxide is a white powder compound that creates a gentle and effective defense against sun damage and skin cancer, protecting against both UVA and UVB rays.

Reasons to love our zinc oxide formula:
Non-comedogenic.
Nongreasy and lightweight.
Suitable for sensitive skin.
Suitable for all skin types and skin tones.

Key Benefits:  Low shine, Fragrance-free, Fast-absorbing, High-performance formula, Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin, Wears well under makeup.

Claims and Benefits: 

In consumer testing, a majority of women agreed this formula: Is smooth, fast-absorbing and easy to spread on skin.

9 out of 10 women agree: This sunscreen is smooth, breathable and easy to use.

Is non-greasy and low shine, plus it dries to a natural finish.

Is suitable for all skin tones and skin types (including oily skin).

90% of women agree: “This sunscreen is suitable for my skin tone.” 

90% of women agree: “This sunscreen is suitable for my skin type.” 

Is sheer beneath foundation (so it wears well under makeup).

The information in this post is based on an independent consumer study where 292 women used the product once daily for seven (7) days. Study included 50% of respondents with lighter skin tones (Types I, II, III on the Fitzpatrick Scale of Skin Tones) and 50% of respondents with darker skin tones (Types IV, V, VI).

Get your Mary Kay Mineral Facial Sunscreen Here!

Get your Mary Kay Mineral Facial Sunscreen Here

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7 Days of Finding Joy in Unjoyful Times, A One Week Devotional

7 Days of Finding Joy in Unjoyful Times

Let's talk about the difference between happiness and joy.  They might seem like the same thing, but they are actually very different.  Happiness depends on our circumstances.  When things are going well, we're happy.  When things are not going well, we are not happy.  Joy is not dependent on our circumstances.  We can still live in joy even when things are not going well.  We can live in joy even when we are not happy.  Sometimes, it can be challenging to find joy in unjoyful times.  My new devotional, 7 Days of Finding Joy in Unjoyful Times, will help you find joy even when you are going through hard times.  

7 Days of Finding Joy in Unjoyful Times

Joy does not depend on our circumstances, our families, our friends, our health, or our finances.  All of those things can make us happy or unhapppy.  When our family relationships are good, we're happy about that.  When our relationships with our friends are good, we're happy about that.  When our health is good, we're happy about that.  When there is enough money in our bank accounts, we are happy about that.  What happens when the circumstances around all of those things change?  What happens when our relationship with a family member becomes strained?  What happens when a friend betrays us?  What happens when we get a diagnosis that will change our quality of life?  What happens when our bank account is drained due to unexpected hardships?  All of those changes can make us very unhappy people.  However, none of those changes have to steal our joy.

Joy is not dependent on our circumstances.  Joy is something we find in our relationship with Jesus.  Through Jesus, we can have a relationship with God who never changes.  He is always faithful, no matter our circumstances.  For this reason, we can live in joy because we know that God is our source for joy.  The joy that God offers is never changing and never ending.  We can depend on it no matter what.

Several years ago, I wrote a 10 day devotional, When Chronic Illness Steals Your Joy.  That devotional is about finding joy even when diagnosed with a chronic illness.  Just today, I finished a 7 day devotional, 7 Days of Finding Joy in Unjoyful Times (thus the topic of this post😀).  I hope my little devotional will help you find joy even when your journey through life has taken a turn toward hard times.  

Get your copy here!

7 Days of Finding Joy in Unjoyful Times

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Cute Easter Desserts and Treats

There aren't many things more beautiful than a family Easter table filled with homemade recipes and cute Easter desserts and treats.  Easter lunches and dinners bring back so many memories from my childhood.  After church, we would head to my grandmother's home where the table would be filled with home cooked foods and so many desserts and treats.  The kitchen table, living room, and den was packed with aunts, uncles, and cousins all enjoying special recipes while laughing at various stories told every year but always just as funny as the first time we heard them.  I can still hear the laughter.  There was always lots of laughter.  I miss those days.  My grandparents are all in Heaven now and I don't see my cousins, aunts, and uncles as often as I would like, but we can carry on some of our childhood traditions in our own homes as our own adult children and grandchildren gather around our own tables.  If you're wondering what to desserts and treats to prepare for your Easter table this year, I've compiled a list to get us started.

Cute Easter Desserts and Treats

I've seen different variations of dirt cakes in the past.  I've even made a few with flower pots for bowls and gummy worms for the "dirt" mix.  For your Easter table, try this Easter Dirt Cup variation of this cute yummy treat.  Instead of gummy worms, use little candy eggs and bunny Peeps. 

These Pretzel Bunnies are the perfect sweet and salty treat.  They are made with pretzels and chocolate melts.  Get the full recipe and see how to make a few other animal treats over at The Monday Box.

Are you a cheese cake lover?  These mini cheesecakes are adorable.  The crust is a cookie, but the best part is that there is no baking required!  

How about a bunny on a stick?  Pretzel Rods are cute, colorful, and another sweet and salty treat with salty pretzels and sweet marshmallow bunnies.

Remember those sugar wafer cookies?  Grab those, yellow candy melts, and candy eyeballs to make adorable little Easter chicks.  Get a full list of ingredients and instructions over at Persnickety Plates.

This Easter cookbook is available here.

Easter Candy Macadamia Bark not only tastes great, but it looks pretty too.  Break it up and serve it on a pretty plate or platter.  It will add colorful pastels to your table.  You'll find the recipe at Thrifty Jinxy.

These Easter Oreos are just the cutest things!  Little bunny faces and little chick faces are adorable.  Toss in a few Robin Eggs for the win.  Get all the info at Fantabulosity.

Oh how I love Carrot Cake.  These Easy Carrot Cake Truffles look so good.  I could probably eat the whole batch all by myself.  Find out how to make them at Semi Homemade Recipes.

Do you have little bird lovers in your life.  They'll love making Easter Bird's Nests Cookies - with your help, of course.  Take them over to Princess Pinky Girl so they can read all about them.  Then, enjoy family fun time in the kitchen while you make them.

Break out your Slow Cooker to make a pretty batch of Easter Crock Pot Candy.  You'll find the full recipe at Kitchen Fun with My Three Sons.

This Easter Recipes cookbook is available here.

Turn large marshmallows into cute marshmallow chicks.  They are absolutely adorable!  Take a look at them over at Party Pinching.

Here's a spin on Rice Krispy Treats.  Shape them like carrots instead.  Get the details at My Heavenly Recipes.

You have to check out these Nutter Butter Easter Chicks.  They are so cute.  Get the instructions and a complete list of ingredients over at A Grande Life.

Here's one for coconut lovers like me.  Head over to Lord Byron's Kitchen and tell me how cute are these Easter Bunny Coconut Tails?  I'll bet they taste amazing too.  

We've already mentioned Easter Dirt Cups at the beginning of this post, but here is a different spin on this delicious and cute desert.  This Easy Easter Dirt Cake is made with chocolate pudding.  It's served in a baking dish with "grass" on top.  Over at Mom Secrets, it's adorable with the pastel hearts on top of the "grass," but I think another cute idea would be to "plant" these chocolate carrots in the "dirt."

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Cute Easter Desserts and Treats

Festive Birthday Card New in the Shop

Hello Abundant Family Living Readers!

We have a new item in the shop today, a festive birthday card!  I love this birthday card because it's colorful and festive.  It's a cheerful card that's perfect for men, women, boys, and girls.

Festive Birthday Card New in the Shop

This birthday card is perfect for wishing your loved one the happiest of birthdays.  It features a beautiful birthday cake sporting lots of candles.  There are balloons and confetti and a "Happy Birthday" message on the front cover.  The inside of this festive birthday card is completely blank so you can write your own message.  Your message can be as short or as long as you want.  You can add your own artwork and add a short, but heartfelt birthday message or you can use up all the white space on the inside of this card to write a long birthday letter the recipient is sure to cherish for a lifetime of birthdays.

Festive Birthday Card Sizes

We have two versions of this birthday card in our store.  

The Physical Version:  If you opt for the physical version, our production partner will create the card especially for you as soon as you place your order.  You'll have to wait a little while to receive the card so plan ahead so you'll get it in time.  The physical version of the card is 5in x 7in and it comes with a complimentary envelope.

The Digital Version:  If you need the card right away, you can opt for our digital version.  You can download the festive birthday card file to your electronic device and print it today using your own home computer.  The digital card, when folded, measures 4.5in x 6in.  You'll need your own envelope for this card.  The digital version fits size A6 invitation envelopes which measure 4.75 x 6in.  If you don't have your own envelope, but you need it right away, you can probably purchase a box of A6 cards at your local Walmart or office supply store.  You'll find other options for purchasing envelopes for your digital greeting cards here.

If your friend or family member has a birthday coming up, we hope you'll shop with us!  If you purchase one of our cards (or any other item in our shop), don't forget to leave feedback.  We value your opinion!  

We do not offer refunds for our digital items, but if you are not happy with your item, digital or physical, please contact us so that we can work with you.  

We hope you enjoy a wonderful weekend.  

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Festive Birthday Card New in the Shop

1 Corinthians 13:4-8

Every year, from February 1st to February 14th, we probably read 1 Corinthians, chapter 13 more often than usual.  The Scripture passage is well-known as The Love Chapter.  As Valentine's Day quickly approaches, let's take a closer took at 1 Corinthians 13:4-8.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. I Corinthians 14:4-8 (NIV)

A Closer Look at 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

Love is patient.

Some versions read "love is long-suffering."  It is one thing to be patient, but long suffering implies a deeper meaning.  Dictionary.com tells us the word "patient" means quietly and steadily persevering, while "long-suffering" means long and patient endurance of injury, trouble, or provocation (something that incites, instigates, angers, or irritates).  You see, the word long suffering is much more than just waiting on someone to ask you out on a date or waiting for your husband or wife to apologize for something they've done or not done, probably without ill-will.  Long suffering is a love that reaches beyond the deep pain of intentional hurt and heartache.  A long suffering love will love past the intentional act of hurt aimed directly at you.  If you are thinking that this kind of love is impossible, you might be right, but only impossible without Jesus.  Only He can help us practice a long-suffering love.

Love is kind.  

We are taught that kindness is a character trait and it is.  A person is either kind or not-king, but the kindness in 1 Corinthians 13 is an active kindness.  The Believers Bible Commentary refers to this kindness as an active goodness.  It is something we do, not for ourselves, but in the interest of others.  

Love does not envy.

We usually think of envy as jealousy.  Jealousy is a synonym of envy and I think we have all experienced jealousy at some point.  I also think social media has made envy more powerful.  We compare ourselves to others more often as we scroll past small snapshots of the best moments in the lives of others.  We need to keep jealousy in check, because this Biblical definition of envy-free love means that we not just tolerate the successes of others, but we should be happy for their accomplishments.  We should celebrate the successes of others and avoid giving the enemy a playing field in this area of our lives.

Love does not boast.

Let's piggy-back this section on the heels of the last one.  Just like love does not envy when others are successful, we shouldn't boast about our own successes either.  It's OK to let others know we've achieved something we've worked hard to achieve, but not in such a way that makes us feel better than others.  The definition of the word "boast" means "to speak with exaggeration and excessive pride."  Did you notice the words "excessive" and "pride?"  Let's not be jealous when others are successful, and let's not be excessively prideful over our own accomplishes either.  Let's keep it all in its proper place and if we strive to always life others above ourselves, this is easier to do.

Love is not proud.

There is that "pride" word again.  Some versions say that love is not "puffed up."  As believers, we should already know that nothing have is our own, but gifts from God instead.  We have nothing to be prideful about.  It is by God's grace and mercy alone that we even live and breathe.  There is nothing prideful about love.

Love does not dishonor others.

Love leaves no room for rudeness.  Dishonoring others is the opposite of loving them.  Love is always considerate of others.  

Love is not self-seeking.

As believers, we are children of God.  Our mission here on earth is to tell others about God's plan of redemption through Jesus Christ.  Someone once said, "I'm here to take as many people to Heaven with me as I can."  We should always be seeking ways to benefit others, not ourselves.

Love is not easily angered.

True love is able to suffer through pettiness.  Remember "long-suffering?"  For the benefit, and maybe even the eternity of the offender, we can call on Jesus to help us shorten our fuses and not be easily angered.

Love keeps no record of wrongs.

This one is a really tough one.  Once someone has wronged us, it is difficult to forget it.  How often do we bring up past offenses?  Truth be told, we all do it and maybe more often than any of us want to admit.  This is a tough one for me personally, but we can put wrongs behind us if we rely on the Holy Spirit to help us.  

Love does not delight in evil.

God is love.  The opposite of love is hate or evil.  Therefore hate and evil are the very core of Satan's character.  We should never ever celebrate evil.  Our culture tells us that in order to love others, we have to also love the sin they are involved in.  Well, we are all sinners.  Jesus showed us how to treat others when he called out their sin, but He told them to sin no more.  We are to love the sinner, but hate the sin.  We are to hate their sin, our sin, all sin.  By calling sin what it is and showing others who Jesus is, we are offering the real love we all need, the same love that Jesus offers.

Love rejoices with the truth.

We are never to delight in evil, but we are to always rejoice in the truth.  The Believer's Bible Commentary had this to say about these last two points.

There is a certain mean streak in human nature which takes pleasure in what is unrighteous, especially if an unrighteous act seems to benefit one’s self. This is not the spirit of love. Love rejoices with every triumph of the truth.  

It is as simple as this.  Satan is the author of confusion, sin, and lies.  God is the author of sound mind, purity, and truth.  We cannot have it both ways.  We must choose one.  Choose wisely.  Choose truth.

Love always protects.

Believers have the resources to protect others against evil.  We have God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit.  We have His Word.  It is our responsibility to protect others and lead them to a saving relationship with Jesus.

Love always trusts.

Love always trusts God, His Word, the Gospel, and truth.  We must be careful to not put our trust in the wrong place.  We cannot trust the lies and snares of the enemy, but we can always trust God and His plan for our lives even when things don't work out like we planned and even when He doesn't answer in the way we hoped He would.

Love always hopes.

Love never gives up.  Love always hopes for things to work out for the best.  As we stated above, love always hopes for the best even when God's plan doesn't line up with our own.  Our hope is in Him, not ourselves.

Love always perseveres.

The definition of the word persevere is "to persist in anything undertaken; maintain a purpose in spite of difficulty, obstacles, or discouragement; continue steadfastly." My eyes concentrated a little longer on the words "maintain a purpose."  Our purpose is to lead others to Jesus.  Love maintains this purpose against all obstacles and discouragement.   

Love never fails.

There is no better way to explain it.  No matter the what, love never fails.  This is a beautiful truth.

There is a whole lot of love language packed into those 5 sweet Bible verses.  I know Valentine's Day is a day set aside for romantic love, but so many people out there have been shown so little love in any of its true forms.  Maybe we can take some extra time this week to think about what real love is and share it with others.

This "Love Never Fails" wall art is available here.

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A Closer Look at 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

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Praying Meaningful Prayers with Our Grandchildren

Grandparents often have such a huge influence over the lives of their grandchildren.  My grandparents played a very important role in my life.  Now that I have a grand-daughter of my own, I pray often that I will be just as important in her life as my grandparents were in mine.  One way we can build close relationships with our grandchildren and help them grow closer to the Lord is to pray with them.  Here are several ways we can start praying meaningful prayers with our grandchildren.

Praying Meaningful Prayers with Our Grandchildren

Pray over them from the day they are born.  

We can begin building a culture of prayer for our grandchildren on the day they are born.  Praying over them should be just as natural as holding them.  As we cuddle those sweet newborn babies, we can breathe them in, hold them close, and sing to them, but above all, we can begin praying over them.  As our grandchildren grow, knowing we will pray over them should be just as natural to them as knowing we will feed them.

Take interest in their lives.  

My grandmothers were always interested in whatever was going on in my life.  It didn't matter how small or insignificant the issue was.  If it was important to me, it was important to them.  The same is true for our grandchildren.  Their problems may seem small to us, especially if they are still very young, but if their problems are huge for them, then they should be huge for us.  We can take opportunities to talk to them about the things that are important to them.  We should never miss the opportunity to pray with them over those things.  If they are very young, we can take a few minutes to pray a few simple sentences with them.  As they grow older, we can pray more deeply and more specifically over the struggles they face.  I know that my granddaughter will face many struggles in her life.  I want her to know that I will always be a good listener and I will always pray over her life.

Pray sincerely.

As we pray over our grandchildren, let's make sure we are sincere in our prayers and they know it.  I want my granddaughter to know that my prayers for her will never be half-hearted.  I want her to know that when I pray over her life, I will pray sincerely and boldly.  I don't want her to grow up thinking, "Maybe Nonnie will pray for me."  I want her to grow up thinking, "I need to talk to my Nonnie.  I know she will pray for me."

Allow them to pray their own prayers from their own hearts.

I titled this post "Praying Meaningful Prayers WITH Our Grandchildren because I wanted to emphasize the importance of praying together.  Part of praying with our grandchildren is teaching them to pray.  Those cute little poetry prayers are OK in the beginning, but we didn't say those too much with our own children and I don't want us to say those too much with our grandchildren.  Those repeated prayers are good tools for teaching, but we need to encourage our children and grandchildren to pray their own prayers from their own hearts as early as possible.  Let's teach our grandchildren that prayer is simply talking to God.  Let them talk to God and we can be involved in that conversation with them.  Pray together.

Pray the Scriptures over your grandchildren.  When they are with you, make sure they hear you pray.

Pray the scriptures out loud over your grandchildren.  There is something powerful about hearing the very Word of God spoken over those who we love.  For example, let's read Psalm 3:3-5.

But You, Lord, are a shield around me,
My glory, and the One who lifts my head.
I was crying out to the Lord with my voice,
And He answered me from His holy mountain. Selah
I lay down and slept;
I awoke, for the Lord sustains me.

Psalm 3:3-5

Based on Psalm 3:3-5, our prayer will be something like this:

Father God,

You, Lord, are a shield around (your grandchild's name).

You are (his/her) glory and the one who lifts (his/her) head.

(He/She) may cry out to You in the wilderness of this earthly life,

And You will answer (him/her) from Your holy mountain.

(He/she) will lay down and sleep;

Then (he/she) will awake for You sustain (him/her).

Thank you for protecting (your grandchild's name) wherever (he/she) may go.

In Jesus' Name,

Amen

Pray prayers of thankfulness.

Let's teach our grandchildren to pray prayers of thankfulness even when God doesn't move in the way they ask.  We need to teach our grandchildren that God's timing is perfect and His ways are higher than our ways.  Asking God to move a certain way is OK, but they need to know that his answer is not always "yes."  Sometimes, God says, "OK, but not now."  Sometimes, He says, "No, child, but I have something so much better planned for you."  Let's teach those sweet babies to trust God completely with their lives and look forward to the day each of them surrenders to the Lord and begins his or her relationship with Jesus.  Then, we can rest in the promise of spending eternity with them.  

One day, when my granddaughter (and future grandchildren) say goodby to me here on Earth, I want them to know without a shadow of a doubt that this is only a "See you later, Nonnie."  May they remember for the rest of their lives the many prayers we prayed together over the years.

If you aren't sure how to start praying for your grandchildren, The Power of a Praying Grandparent is a good resource.

The Power of a Praying Grandparent is available here.

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Valentine's Day Date Night Ideas for Busy and Tired Parents

Hey busy and tired parents!  With Valentine's Day approaching, you might be sneaking in your secret Valentine's Day gifts for your spouse or frantically grabbing those delivered packages from your front porch before your husband or your wife finds them.  You might be trying to figure out how to spend a few hours of romantic time alone on this special day, but with a growing and active family, finding time alone can be challenging.  Then, you might have to pay a baby sitter so you can enjoy a meal at your favorite restaurant.  Valentine's Day can be a lot of fun, but it can also be expensive and even a little frustrating when you're trying to make your plans work out.  However, Valentine's Day dates don't need to be extravagant.  There are plenty of ways for you to celebrate the holiday without even leaving your home.  Here is a list of Valentine's Day date night ideas for all you busy and tired parents out there.

Valentine's Day Date Night Ideas for Busy and Tired Parents

Many of us can relate to the feeling of exhaustion that comes with parenting. Between changing diapers, preparing meals, cleaning up messes, and trying to keep the peace, it's no wonder that many parents feel too tired to even think about planning a date night. However, date nights are essential for maintaining a healthy and strong relationship with your spouse. They provide opportunities for couples to reconnect and remind each other of why they fell in love in the first place.

So, here is a list of simple and enjoyable date night ideas that won't leave you feeling more exhausted.

Have a picnic in your living room. It's simple, inexpensive, and you don't have to worry about finding a babysitter.

Watch a movie or a TV show together after the kids are in bed.  The Lost Valentine is a good move suggestion.  You can watch the movie trailer here.

The Lost Valentine is available here.

Have a game night. You can play board games, card games, or video games

Do both you and your spouse enjoy cooking? Try a new recipe together. It's a fun way to bond and you get to enjoy a delicious meal at the end.

The Valentine's Day cookbook is available here.

Go for a walk or a jog together. You might need a baby sitter for this one, but it's a great way to get some exercise and enjoy some fresh air.

Have a karaoke night. Just don't sing too loudly or you'll wake up the kids. 😀

Do a puzzle together. 

Have a book club night. You can read the same book and then discuss it together. You'll have to plan ahead for this idea so you'll both be finished with the book by Valentine's Day.

Love Dare is available here.

Have a craft night. You can make something together, like a scrapbook or a piece of art.

Have a gardening night. You can plant something together and watch it grow over time.

Have a meditation night. Calm your mind and relax your body by memorizing scripture together. Choose several verses that you both consider favorites. Then, meditate on them and memorize them together.

Have a stargazing night. You can look at the stars and learn about different constellations while marveling at God's creations.

Have a DIY pottery night. You can make something beautiful and functional together. If you don't have a real pottery wheel, you can find clay suitable for molding in most craft stores.

Here is another suggestion.

This pottery wheel kit is available here.

Remember, date nights don't have to be expensive or extravagant. The most important thing is that you are spending quality time together, reconnecting, and having fun. So, this Valentine's Day, try one of these date night ideas and enjoy a relaxing and enjoyable evening with your spouse.

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Happy Valentine's Day!

Tina