Author: Stacey A. Shannon

Stacey A. Shannon is a freelance journalist and blogger who has been published internationally. She's also a Christian, a wife and a mom of two school-aged children. She started Families with Grace in 2019 to encourage Christian moms as they create homes filled with grace, love and faith. Be sure to get the FREE family devotion book, "Finding Grace at Home: 7 Days of 5 Minute Devotions for Families." It's a great way to help your family draw closer to each other and to God. Motherhood can be lonely. You weren't meant to go on your motherhood journey alone. Connect with Stacey and other Christian moms like you in the private Facebook group, Moms with Grace! And check out the books from Stacey A. Shannon as well!

Fruit of the Spirit worksheets for adults and teens

Posted on May 10, 2024August 20, 2024 by Stacey A. Shannon

Printables and worksheet activities for Bible study (12 FREE resources included!)

When the Fruit of the Spirit kept popping up in my life, I felt God prompting me to make Bible study resources about them. And for that very reason, I ended up taking a deep dive into the Fruit of the Spirit to create Bible studies, devotional journals and all sorts of other Fruit of the Spirit printables.

I especially wanted to make Fruit of the Spirit worksheets for adults. While a whole host of Fruit of the Spirit lesson plans, study guides and coloring pages exist for kids, I found adult resources were lacking, especially ones geared toward mothers.

Throughout the months I’ve been studying the Fruits, my family has been through a lot of hard times. We got hit with one thing after the next.

Spending time in God’s Word and really researching the character traits given to us through the Holy Spirit encouraged me right when I needed it most. Our Heavenly Father knows what we need before we do!

I thought I knew about the Fruits of the Spirit previously. (I can recite them all to you as part of a song, in fact!) But God has moved through these studies in a powerful way in my life, in my small group and in the Moms with Grace private Facebook group where I’ve lead these studies.

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What are the Fruits of the Spirit?

The Fruits of the Spirit are found in Galatians:

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”
Galatians 5:22-23 (ESV)

Those are nine positive traits of Godly character the Holy Spirit can produce in us. These traits go against our human nature, which is described in the verses before these and filled with all sorts of negative traits like anger, envy, idolatry and on the list goes.

Because those negative traits are our natural tendencies, we need the Spirit’s help to live and act differently. Living this way is an ongoing process and choice, because these fruits take time to grow and mature.

We serve a God who wants to let us live in harmony with these traits. Every single one of them benefits not only His work in us but also His work through us.

Asking Him for help to have these traits is important, because we can’t do it on our own. Finding powerful tools to encourage us in living lives full of good fruit is helpful.

Living out the Fruit of the Spirit in daily life

As a Christian mom, I’m more aware now than ever of the kind of fruit I’m producing in my life. I’ve learned time and again that I need God’s Spirit to help me live with moral goodness when I’m tired and stressed — both of which go hand-in-hand with motherhood.

I decided a great place to start in researching the Fruits would be to just take them in order. I led with the Fruit of love.

It was one of the traits I thought I’d be best at. Motherhood lends itself to love, after all. I quickly realized the truly living in God’s love in our daily lives is something about which we must be intentional.

And that set the stage for good things to come throughout my research and study as God opened my heart and my eyes to hear and see Him at work. I don’t want to bear bad fruit, and I want to share all the lessons I’ve learned with others as well.

Fruits of the Spirit worksheets

If you’re a Sunday School teacher, church small group leader or youth leader looking for a digital product to help you teach the Fruit of the Spirit, I’ve got some great resources for you.

All of these resources also are also great for personal Bible study.

Bible verse matching worksheet

If you want an involved activity sheet that will have you or your group delving into the Bible, this Bible verse match worksheet is ideal.

Each of the nine Fruits of the Spirit are listed on one side and a list of nine Scripture references is on the other side. Use your Bible to look up the verses and find the corresponding Bible verse for each of the Fruits.

And, don’t worry if you get stumped, an answer key is also included!

Fruit of the Spirit worksheets for adults: A Bible verse matching activity

Weekly challenges

To help your group or yourself put the Fruits into practice in your own lives, check out these weekly challenges. The challenges work for kids in middle school through senior adults.

The nine challenges are all simple and don’t require lots of time. They’re a great way to start living a life that produces much fruit!

Fruit of the Spirit worksheets for adults: Weekly challenges

FREE printable coloring pages

Another terrific — and completely free option — is this set of 10 Fruit of the Spirit coloring pages complete with corresponding Bible verses. They’re designed to work for youth and adults and work for both men and women.

These free printable coloring pages are lots of fun as a creative way to meditate on Scripture.

Fruit of the Spirit worksheets for adults: Coloring Pages

Reflection worksheets

If you’re looking for Fruit of the Spirit worksheets for adults, you don’t want to miss this set of nine reflection worksheets. There is one for each Fruit that includes a memory verse along with three reflection questions per fruit.

Use this for your own Bible study time or in conjunction with a Fruits of the Spirit Bible study you’re leading.

Additional Fruit of the Spirit printables

Once I started working on resources and studies on the Fruits of the Spirit, I got carried away with making related printables as well. Printables are a great way to inexpensively learn and grow in different ways.

Fruit of the Spirit bookmarks

First up is a set of five Fruit of the Spirit bookmarks. Each of the colorful bookmarks lists the nine Fruits in order. Print them on cardstock, and you’re ready to go!

The bookmarks come with a page that has all five designs on it and then each design has its own page full of only that design as well to make for easy printing. As a small group leader myself, I love options like these as gifts for my group members!

Fruit of the Spirit worksheets for adults: Colorful bookmarks

FREE Fruit of the Spirit bookmarks

You can grab this bookmark set of 10 designs for FREE. Each bookmark lists a Fruit of the Spirit with a 10th one that just says “Fruit of the Spirit.”

They are black and white by design for easy printing and would work really well as coloring bookmarks for small groups, youth groups or just yourself!

Fruit of the Spirit worksheets for adults: Free coloring bookmarks

Fruit of the Spirit Scripture cards

Scripture cards are one of those great ideas for getting into and learning Bible verses that we can easily overlook. My mom, for example, loves Scripture cards and posts them on her bathroom mirror.

This set of 96 Fruit of the Spirit Scripture cards is color coded and labeled for each Fruit of the Spirit and is a great addition to your Bible study time.

Fruit of the Spirit worksheets for adults: 96 Color Coded Scripture Cards

FREE Fruit of the Spirit Scripture cards

If you aren’t as sure about Scripture cards, try out this free set of 10 Scripture cards first. There is one verse per Fruit along with a card of Galatians 5:22-23 that lists the Fruits of the Spirit.

When it comes to free Fruits of the Spirit printables, I’ve got you covered!

Fruit of the Spirit worksheets for adults: 10 Free black-and-white Scripture cards

Bible study devotional journals for moms

My heart lies with mamas so much right now — most likely because I’m in the midst of motherhood myself! So, I decided a devotional journal for moms had to be part of what I created.

God’s given me a passion to encourage and minister to other mamas to help them grow their homes with grace, faith and love. The Fruits of the Spirit fit right into that!

Multiple resources are available right now as instant digital downloads you can print or use on your device.

PDF version of “The Fruit of the Spirit Devotional Journal for Moms”

The first is a simple, black-and-white PDF of “The Fruit of the Spirit Devotional Journal for Moms.” It’s ideal for the mama who wants to print out the devotional journal and write her answers with a pen or pencil.

This nine-week devotional is specifically designed for moms to offer moments of peace and inspiration in the midst of busy days.

Each week has a focus or memory verse related to the Fruit being covered that week. The devotional journal includes commentary, life application insights, thought-provoking reflection questions, a weekly action items and daily prayers to help you grow in your walk with God.

The devotional journal, which uses Bible verses from the NIV and ESV translations, is designed with day seven being a day to spend more time and prayer and get caught up with reading.

“The Fruit of the Spirit Devotional Journal for Moms” is designed to take one week per topic, but don’t fret if you can’t keep that schedule. The good news is you can just catch up whenever works for you. Mom life is nothing if not unpredictable and frequently hectic!

Fruit of the Spirit worksheets for adults: Printable version of "The Fruit of Spirit Devotional Journal for Moms"

Digital version of “The Fruit of the Spirit Devotional Journal for Moms”

The second version of the devotional journal has the exact same content as the first, but it’s designed and formatted for those mamas who want to use it on their devices instead.

The digital file is colorful color and includes tabs on each content page to help you easily navigate from one section to another. You can keep a separate notebook to write down answers to the questions or upload the PDF into your favorite note-taking app and use it that way.

Fruit of the Spirit worksheets for adults: Digital version of "The Fruit of the Spirit Devotional Journal for Moms"

Individual Fruit devotional journals for moms

Each of the Fruits have individual devotional journals you can download as well. These are the same as the PDF version of “The Fruit of the Spirit Devotional Journals for Moms,” but include only one fruit at a time.

FREE Fruit of the Spirit journals

And, finally, you can also download a free Fruit of the Spirit journal for each of the nine fruits. Pair the free journals with the free YouTube playlist about the Fruit of the Spirit for moms, and you have your own Bible study ready to go!

(Be sure to check out the Moms with Grace private Facebook group where this study originally ran and continues with discussions related to the Fruit of the Spirit!)

Join Christian Moms with Grace on Facebook

Cultivating Joy: A 9-week devotional journey for moms through the Fruit of the Spirit

Summer planning ideas and tips for family fun

Posted on March 25, 2024May 20, 2024 by Stacey A. Shannon

15 Easy ideas to plan a fun and organized summer for your family

Plus a free printable summer bucket list!

Figuring out how to spend a fun and organized summer break isn’t as hard as you think with summer planning ideas that really work!

Summer break can be such a high-pressure and stressful time. We know we have limited summers with our kids, but life doesn’t stop just because it’s summer.

Balancing mom guilt and summer break is a very real struggle! Through the years I’ve learned a little planning for summer helps my whole family be intentional about spending time together so I don’t feel quite as guilty when I have to spend time at work.

1. Decide how many activities your kids can do for the summer.

We are intentional during the school year about how many activities our kids are allowed to participate in. We like for our children to have free time and don’t want them to be over-scheduled.

Summer is very similar. Their summer schedule isn’t quite a limited since they don’t have school in the mix, but they are limited enough so that we have plenty of quality time as the entire family to do fun things.

Our kids have the whole rest of their lives to be busy. We do our very best to keep our summers low-key.

2. Make a list of summer family goals.

I tend to like my downtime to include a mix of relaxing and productivity. My husband and kiddos are pretty similar, so part of our summer planning is writing down summer family goals.

I’m a list maker through and through, so a lot of our summer plans include using lists as a great way to keep us on track.

We make a list of goals as a family, such as organizing closets, walking the dog regularly and cleaning out the garage. The summer months really are a great time to get some things accomplished together with some family teamwork.

3. Make a list of summer individual goals.

Along those same lines, we also like to come up with individual goals for the summer. We each come up with things we’d like to personally accomplish over the summer and write them down.

We use these as a perfect opportunity to get around to those things we have put off for too long during the busier school year. Sitting down as a family is the perfect time to give feedback and encouragement for the goals we each want to accomplish.

Just be sure to set goals that are reasonable and attainable. Sometimes my children have needed a bit of help paring down their ideas!

Another bonus to summer goals is that when the children get bored, we can point them to their list of goals and suggest they spend a little time working on it.

4. Make a summer bucket list for your family.

But summer isn’t all about being productive. Summer planning also has to include some fun. My own family organizes fun summer activities with a summer bucket list.

I love this for a couple of reasons. First, sitting down with our kids at the beginning of summer to come up with ideas of what they want to do helps my husband and I prioritize those things.

Second, when my kids invariably start bemoaning that we haven’t done anything fun all break, we can show them the list with all the items we’ve done so far marked off!

Sometimes coming up with ideas can be a challenge, so I’ve put together a free summer bucket list printable full of ideas to get you started. They are all low or no-cost ideas that are great for making family memories together.

Free summer bucket list in US Letter and A4 sizes

Overall, the best summer bucket list is one that is simple and full of affordable, realistic ways to have some family fun!

Our summer bucket list took two pages this year!

5. Make a list of people to visit.

This goes right along with the summer bucket list and often makes it onto our list. Extra time over summer vacation means more time to spend with extended family members and friends.

So part of the summer planning process for our family is talking about who we want to visit with, including any sleepovers with friends our kids want to plan or time with their grandparents.

Having this listed helps me figure out our summer calendar more easily to make sure everyone is getting a chance to enjoy the time off from school.

6. Find all sorts of free activities.

With just a minimum amount of efforts, you can find all sorts of affordable ways to have some summer fun in your community and even your own backyard.

Lots of communities offer a free outdoor concert or two during the summer. The warm weather is also a good time to visit local parks and check out the playgrounds or nature — depending on your children’s ages and interests.

Don’t forget the local library. For years, it has been a great source of free programs for my own family that’s included animal shows, magic shows and more.

Then, don’t overlook the fun at home. Buy some water balloons and spend a hot afternoon dousing each other outside. Or during cooler evening hours, plan outdoor games your whole family can enjoy like croquet or cornhole.

Rainy days are the best time to peruse your own game collection to make memories. Play board games, video games or whatever your family most likes!

7. Have an electronics plan.

Screen time is often a big debate and struggle during the summer months. I don’t mind for my kids to have some screen time, but I don’t want them to have lots of time just looking at a screen.

Figure out the best electronics plan for your own family. Some families go for detailed plans that include a daily schedule of items to do before allowing screentime.

For my family, a more laidback approach has worked best. When our children were younger, they had to always ask permission before getting on a screen.

Now, we use Google Family to monitor and limit their screentime as necessary.

8. Keep fun supplies handy.

Kids often forget about things that are out of sight, so keep fun supplies available and accessible.

For example, make sure they can get to their bikes easily. Don’t forget other favorite summer activities like sidewalk chalk, rubber balls, outdoor games and water toys.

Having items easily accessible and even visible can help inspire your kiddos to find something to do on their own.

9. Organize your kids’ summer activities.

Summer planning ideas also include figuring out the activities your kids are going to be doing and when. I have a monthly overview I use along with printouts of calendars for June, July and August that help me organize my kids’ activities to make sure that we aren’t overscheduled.

My in-laws like to have each of my kiddos over individually for about a week each summer. Seeing their schedule organized helps me best plan those times as well as when it would be good for us to take a family vacation, whether that’s for a week or just a weekend.

It also keeps me from overlapping activities and making our schedule too busy.

Our monthly overview for June, July and August

Our June, July and August activity calendars

Using the monthly planning page and calendars makes trip planning easier.

10. Plan for downtime.

Remember you don’t have to fill every minute of your kids’ summer break with activities. Right along with no overscheduling, you want to build in time for your kids to just have downtime.

It’s OK to let them figure out what to do on their own (within reason, of course). We try to encourage our children to be intentional about doing an activity or two together each week during the summer.

So, we made a list of boredom busters to give them ideas of what to do together from reading a book to doing a craft to playing with the dog and so much more.

Our page of boredom busters, including outdoor and indoor scavenger hunts

11. Have a daily routine, even if it’s a loose one.

I’m a fan of regular routines and schedules. In fact, routines really do make my family happier.

Routines give kids a sense of stability. They know what to expect, and that’s less stressful for them.

While I do loosen up a bit during the summer (bedtime usually moves later), we do stick with many routines for bedtime and mealtimes.

Of course there are times that shifts around for special activities. However, maintaining our general daily routine helps us all.

12. Let them know what to expect each day.

Kids do best when they know what to expect. While we do maintain our routine somewhat over the summer, it is definitely more laidback and less scheduled.

Every morning, I try to go over with the kids a brief outline of what’s happening that day. It can be as simple as, “We’re going to the grocery store this afternoon.” Their favorite tends to be: “We don’t have anywhere to go today!”

No matter what, they like knowing what the day holds and I do, too. Of course plans change sometimes, but setting their expectations for the day helps.

That’s especially true when I do have an errand or chore that needs done. Though I also love telling them when something fun going is on that day, too, like watching a movie in the evening.

13. Think about your budget.

Part of my summer planning includes figuring out a budget for summer activities. I try to be as fair as possible between my two kiddos and how much money we spend on their activities. And sometimes we have to choose between a couple of activities not only for time constraints but also for budget reasons.

If you want to plan a family road trip or weekly ice cream outings, make sure that you have worked those into your budget as well. Lots of “little” summer fun activities can add up to impact your budget, so you want to be aware of it.

Our activity budget helps us plan our costs for summer activities.

14. Have easy snacks ready.

Though they only eat three meals and maybe one snack during school days, summer break tends to make my kids want to graze. And since they’re usually more active in summer, I get it.

They’re old enough now that they can usually fix their own snack if I keep things on hand for them. So, I keep things around that I can say yes to most of the time like Gogurt (frozen is super great for the summer!), boxes of raisins, 4-pack peanut butter crackers, Goldfish, pretzels, easy fruit I can prep ahead (grapes, blueberries, bananas, etc.), applesauce pouches, fruit cups and granola bars.

I have a bin in our pantry where these mom-approved snacks reside. It’s makes life easier so the kids can know what is a snack I’ll easily agree to.

Of course, I say yes to fun treats because it’s just fun for all of us!

15. Don’t forget to enjoy your kids.

No matter what you’re planning this summer, make sure to embrace feeling like a kid again yourself sometimes.

Last summer, for example, we had a family yes day and I felt like a kid myself during a water balloon fight we had. I squealed and giggled with the kiddos and we had a blast.

Plan some low-key, easy, fun activities that will let you relax and enjoy spending time with your kiddos. Summer perfect for making good family memories!

I know that I will never regret the time I spent with my children but I might regret doing other things instead. So, I do my very best to carve out time over summer break that is just for fun for us.

Make your summer planning even easier

If you’re interested in copies of the lists I’ve mentioned in this post and show in the YouTube video below, you can find my entire Summer Planner Mega Bundle in the Families with Grace Etsy store. Use the coupon code FWGFAN to get an additional 10% off your purchase! The Summer Planner Mega Bundle includes all of the following:

Summer family goals
Summer individual goals
2 Summer bucket lists (one prefilled and one blank)
Summer trip planner
2 reading trackers
1 reading log
3 chore charts
Weekly overview
Monthly overview
June calendar

July calendar
August calendar
Summer activity budget planner
Books to read list
Indoor scavenger hunt
Outdoor scavenger hunt
Summer boredom buster list
Rewards coupons for kids
Journal page
Notes page

7 Short prayers for mothers

Posted on March 20, 2024June 9, 2024 by Stacey A. Shannon

Simple prayers to help you and other moms like you!

Finding quiet time in motherhood is challenging. Having short prayers for mothers on hand can help us stay connected to God in the midst of busy family life.

Every day, I pray for my husband and children. In fact, my usual prayer order is exactly that: husband, children and then me. Truthfully, a lot of times the prayers for myself are almost an afterthought.

I get caught up in what my family needs. I don’t think I’m alone. We moms tend to put ourselves last, but when it comes to prayer, we need to make sure we are covered as well.

These simple and powerful prayers for mothers are ones you can pray for yourself and for the other moms in your life. From new moms to seasoned moms, we all need prayer.

Motherhood challenges you physically, emotionally, spiritually and mentally. I like to say motherhood is neither for the faint of heart nor the weak of composition!

But, I’m thankful for a God who understands and knows that. Our Heavenly Father is right there in the midst of motherhood with us. As much as we love our babies, He loves them – and us! – even more. We can lean on Him during the easy times and the difficult ones.

How to pray for mothers

Mothers everywhere need prayer. Simply taking a moment to say your own prayer for motherhood can make a big difference. And short prayers for mothers are easy to incorporate into your schedule on a daily basis.

In 1 John 5:14, we are reminded God hears us when we pray according to His will. Knowing that God gave you the gift of motherhood, you can trust that praying blessings for mothers is in His will.

Praying in accordance to Scripture also assures us we are asking for the right things. These seven prayers for mothers include Bible verses as well.

Print out the free pocket prayers for moms PDF and utilize these prayers for yourself, your mom friends and any other mom in your life! They are great to use for a Mother’s Day prayer at church or at home as well.

Prayer for mothers’ strength and endurance

“being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience.”
Colossians 1:11 (NIV)

Does anybody need more patience than moms? If they do, I haven’t met them!

Motherhood is often a test of patience, strength and endurance. It starts from the very beginning when that perfect little human won’t let you sleep or have a minute to yourself. To say you’re a tired mom is the understatement of the year!

As our kids get older, we may get to sleep more, but we still spend a significant amount of energy thinking, and perhaps worrying, about them.

Motherhood can be draining in every way. So, prayers for mothers’ strength and endurance are important.

Dear God, I ask that you strengthen me with all power according to your glorious might so I may have great patience and endurance. Lord, hold me up when I am weak today. Give me strength beyond my own when I’m tired and ready to give up. Help me to keep going until the day is done. In the powerful name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

A mom's prayer for strength and endurance

Prayer for mothers’ wisdom and discernment

“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”
James 1:5 (NIV)

Even when our babies start sleeping through the night, it’s hard for us mamas to get a good night’s sleep. Somehow we stay alert even in our sleep to hear if they need us.

Then add in the worries of motherhood, and we really struggle to get good rest. Moms long for peace in a world of chaos and stress.

I love this verse for its reminder that I can relax and rest knowing God is in control. I imagine myself tucked safely and snuggly in His loving arms. When I’m going through a difficult time, I pray for His rest and peace of mind. I even ask Him to help me sleep well but wake up if someone needs me.

This has been a great way for me to be able to relax and rely on God’s help.

Dear Lord, please give me wisdom as I am raising my children. Help me to discern the best choices for them and for our family. Guide me to know what your will is for me as a mom. Father, help me to be the mom my children need to raise them according to your will and plan for their lives. In Christ Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

A mom's prayer for wisdom and discernment

Prayer for mothers’ rest and peace

“In peace I will lie down and sleep,
for you alone, Lord,
make me dwell in safety.”
Psalm 4:8 (NIV)

Even when our babies start sleeping through the night, it’s hard for us mamas to get a good night’s sleep. Somehow we stay alert even in our sleep to hear if they need us.

Then add in the worries of motherhood, and we really struggle to get good rest. Moms long for peace in a world of chaos and stress.

This has been a great way for me to be able to relax and rely on God’s help.

Heavenly Father, I ask you to give me peace to lie down and sleep. Lord, remind me you are always in control and keeping my family and me safe. Grant me your peace that passes all understanding. Hold me close and let me rest fully in you. Fill me with the peace of your presence. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Prayer for mothers’ protection and safety

“Have you not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has? You have blessed the work of his hands, so that his flocks and herds are spread throughout the land.”
Job 1:10 (NIV)

This verse is actually Satan talking to God about how God is protecting Job and his family. What I love is the idea of a hedge of protection.

It’s easy to feel unsure and unsafe in the world. When we have children, I think we become aware of the dangers even more.

A mother’s life is all about being aware of the risks to our children so we can know the best way to protect them. Praying and asking for protection is a powerful way to help keep our families safe.

Father, I ask that you place a hedge of protection around me and around my family. Protect us in every way, Lord: physically, emotionally and spiritually. Remind me of your presence when I feel afraid. Let me rest in your protection and safety. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

A mom's prayer for protection and safety

Prayers for mothers’ mental health

“When anxiety was great within me,
your consolation brought me joy.”
Psalm 94:19 (NIV)

When you are consumed with taking care of everyone else, like we moms are, your emotional and mental health can suffer. If you already had struggles before having children that compounds even more.

I’ve struggled with anxiety for years, but I didn’t have a name for it until more recent years. I’ve learned anxiety and faith can co-exist.

And I have also learned God is with me every step of the way; He has good plans and unconditional love for me. I need His help every day.

Along with physical strength, mental strength is just as important to be the amazing mother God created us to be. Thankfully, the Holy Spirit can minister to our hearts and soothe our anxieties.

Lord, when I have anxiety great within, I ask that you console me and bring me joy. Strengthen me mentally and emotionally. Give my mind rest. Help me show my children what good mental healthcare looks like. Father, give me courage to seek help when I need it. Heal me from past hurt and trauma. Remind me always of your goodness and presence in my life. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Prayers for mothers’ relationships

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV)

Moms’ lives are filled with relationships. From our husbands to our children to our co-workers to our extended family members to our friends, we are surrounded by relationships.

Prioritizing the relationships most important to us matters. Learning how to navigate and mange those relationships is important.

Heavenly Father, thank you for the loved ones you’ve surrounded me with. Help me to encourage and build them up. Give me the right words to best communicate with my husband and with my children to strengthen and grow our relationships. Please help my relationships with other people to be healthy and good for me. If someone is hurting my walk with you, help me to realize that and give me wisdom to address it. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Prayers for mothers’ spiritual growth

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”
John 15:5 (NIV)

In order to make everything work and be the moms, wives and people God created us to be, we need to stay connected to Him. Growing spiritually is important, even when as a mom finding ways to connect with God in the midst of raising a family can be challenging.

Growing spiritually needs to remain a priority, perhaps even more so as moms. I want to have a strong relationship with God and unshakeable faith in Him for myself but also so I can pass that along to my children.

Modeling what faith truly looks like to my children is important to me. In my daily prayers, I ask God to help me be the mom my children need to raise them according to His will and plan for their lives.

Lord, I ask that you help me to remain in you and to bear much fruit. I know apart from you I can do nothing. Open my heart and mind to hear you. Help me to know you more completely. Father, remind me to connect with you during my busiest times. I want to spend time with you. Show me ways I can make that happen. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Get these as free pocket prayers for moms:

Solar eclipse party printables (plus a free activity pack)

Posted on March 10, 2024March 10, 2024 by Stacey A. Shannon

Fun ideas to celebrate the solar eclipse with printables!

Planning fun activities for our children is one perk of parenthood. And when a rare occurrence like solar eclipse happens, celebrating as a family can be fun. Thanks to solar eclipse printables — both free and cheap — you can celebrate without breaking the bank!

The last time an eclipse came through the United States back In 2017, we only saw a partial eclipse. But this solar eclipse has us in the path of totality on April 8th here in the Midwest, so I’ve been thinking about party ideas for my family.

I’m not thinking of an elaborate, over-the-top celebration, but I do want to come up with a fun way for my family to spend this day together. My children have an e-learning day for the Great American Eclipse, so we’ll all be home together.

As a Christian mom, I also think a solar eclipse is a great way to highlight how the heavens declare the glory of God. So grab your solar eclipse glasses and use these solar eclipse activities and printables to commemorate the day with your family.

Printable solar eclipse party decorations

I’ve found one of the best ways to get my children excited about something is to decorate. From their birthdays to Valentine’s Day to Christmas, decorations make the event come alive.

And printable party decorations are the perfect way to add some pizzazz and excitement to your celebration without spending much money.

Printable party banners

Since we moved into a house with a fireplace, I love a good banner. But I don’t want to spend a fortune on one for this total solar eclipse. I decided to make some of my own and have them in the Families with Grace Etsy store for you to enjoy as well.

Printing your own banners is easier than you might think. Simply print on cardstock, cut out the shapes and then either hole punch and connect the letters with ribbon or tape them to the wall as is. Easy peasy!

First is this banner with a cartoon sun and moon together. It would definitely be a great addition to your solar eclipse celebrating.

Next, this banner is a bit lighter with a cool sun and moon in sunglasses. Your kiddos will enjoy it, and this is a great way to remind them to keep on their solar eclipse glasses!

A second solar eclipse 2024 party banner

Finally, this banner is a bit more elegant with stars. You can easily print it out and hang it up.

Printable posters

Another great way to decorate is with printable posters. And in this printable pack of free solar eclipse activities, you can find two coloring pages that work well as a total eclipse poster.

One coloring sheet simply says Solar Eclipse 2024. The other highlights Psalm 19:1.

Children love being able to participate in making the decor!

A second option is using these cake toppers that come on 8.5 x 11-inch size pages as printable posters to decorate as well.

Solar eclipse party activities to do

Watching the solar eclipse itself is not the only way to have fun at your solar eclipse party. There are a variety of eclipse worksheets and games that can make your party fun for your kids — and you!

While lots of educational activities are available, for a party, I’m a fan of fun instead!

Free printable solar eclipse worksheet pack

Start with these free printable solar eclipse worksheets. The pack comes with five pages that include two coloring pages (perfect for decor), a maze, a matching the moon activity and a list of charades topics.

From preschool to second grade to middle school to high school, your kids will find something in the printable pack to enjoy. If charades aren’t popular for your family, try drawing the words for others to guess instead.

Not only is this solar eclipse packet a great resource, it’s also completely free!

Make a keepsake

If you have younger children, check out this “About Me” page for the solar eclipse 2024. It’s a printable, easy keepsake that lets you commemorate your kiddos for the 2024 eclipse.

For instance, I remember during the last eclipse I realized my preschooler and 2nd grader would be in the last year of elementary and middle school for the next eclipse. And somehow, we are already here.

Since the next eclipse won’t happen until Aug. 23, 2044, some commemoration is a good idea! Because, this could very well be your last solar eclipse you have children at home. (I know it will be for us!)

Printable solar eclipse 2024 activity page

Eclipse story-telling

A fun, no-prep activity you can do with your family is story telling. Have one family member start a short story with one sentence. Go around to each family member and continue the story one sentence at a time.

Make the story eclipsed themed. Consider these short story prompts:

As a police officer, Alexa thought she’d seen everything, but the solar eclipse changed her mind because…
John was a professional astronomer who thought he knew everything about safe eclipse viewing until…
Mrs. Long’s 3rd grade class was so excited for the solar eclipse they threw a class party that got crazy when…
When Michael made a model of the earth for his 5th grade general science class, he never expected to receive a call from NASA asking him to…
The NASA website was set up to answer questions about the solar eclipse, but Patti’s question threw it off because she asked…

Solar eclipse party food

No party is complete without food! From themed snacks to sweet treats, I’ve found a few ideas to complete your solar eclipse 2024 party.

Cake or cupcakes

I’m a huge fan of cake and cupcakes in general. If we have an excuse to make them, then I’m all for it!

An easy way to jazz up cupcakes or a cake is with toppers. Check out these cupcake toppers. There are seven unique designs you’ll love.

Solar eclipse 2024 printable cupcake toppers

If you’d rather make a cake, each of the toppers come as a full 8.5 x 11-inch page size you can easily use as cake toppers.

Eclipse sliders

Since the solar eclipse is coming across North America in the afternoon, plan to serve a themed lunch or dinner for your family. Make hamburger sliders topped with white American or Swiss cheese to represent the dark and light of the eclipse.

You could take it a step further and buy some yellow paper plates and black paper plates to serve the sliders on.

Solar system fruit

By using a star-shaped cookie cutter with fruit, you can turn this snack or side into an edible solar eclipse craft. Let your kids help you make fruit star shaped and eat it as is or stick it on a skewer for a fun, easy way to eat.

Melons works well for cutting into shapes. Then you can add in other fruits your family enjoys as well.

Moon cheese

With a melon baller and Swiss cheese, you can make a small ball that looks like a little moon. Pair the small moon cheese with shaped crackers for a nice solar eclipse party snack your kids will love.

Moon pies

Perhaps the easiest snack of all for your eclipse party is the classic moon pie. Not only are these treats tasty, they’re also perfectly themed for an eclipse party!

Grab some chocolate and vanilla ones to best capture the light and dark of the solar eclipse.

Just have fun!

With both free and paid solar eclipse printables, you and your family can have a great time commemorating this rare event together. I’m looking forward to having the time with my family.

The best kind of family party is one in which nothing is complicated and you all just get to have fun together!

16 Volunteer ideas for families to do together

Posted on February 28, 2024February 28, 2024 by Stacey A. Shannon

Kid-friendly volunteer opportunities for the whole family

As Christians, we are called to serve and help those who are less fortunate. Paul states it rather bluntly, in fact:

“In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
Acts 20:35 (ESV)

A great way to teach children this lesson is by volunteering together as a family. Volunteer work is a change to not only spend quality time together but also make a positive difference in your community.

From the time our children were preschoolers, my husband and I found ways to help them give back that were age appropriate. Now they are older kids in the tween and teen years, and those lessons have stuck.

Our oldest has organized a variety of food and toiletry drives at her school. Our youngest has helped serve at a local food bank.

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The good news is you can find lots of volunteer activities that are a good fit for kids of all ages.

Behind-the-scenes volunteer ideas for families

Some of the best ways for families with little kids to volunteer is in a behind-the-scenes capacity. These ideas are all more hands-off and would all be a great volunteer opportunity for young children.

1. Buy for a local food pantry.

This is the idea our family first started with way back when our children were little. We divided (and still do!) their weekly allowance into three categories: spending, saving and giving.

We talked with our oldest about how she wanted to use her giving money when her brother was still too little to even get an allowance. She didn’t want to use it for church but instead to help people in need.

We found food pantries were a great place to start. We took her to the grocery store with her giving money so she had a very hands-on, visual experience with how she was giving back.

While we shopped and picked items, we talked about how they would help families. Later we prayed for the people who would be receiving them.

2. Collect or buy dog toys and supplies for your local animal shelter

If you have kiddos who love animals, buying toys for a local animal shelter or animal rescue organization is a great idea. These places are always in need of supplies to take care of the furry friends in their care.

Many shelters and rescue organizations have age requirements for volunteering, so donating is a better way to involve all your family members.

Consider donating toys, blankets, towels, cleaning supplies, pet food, pet beds and more.

3. Make cards for senior centers.

Many young children love dong arts and crafts. Buy or print out some inexpensive cards for holidays (Christmas, Valentine’s Day, etc.) and donate them to a local senior center or nursing home.

Often senior citizens are lonely and long for connection with young people. This gives your children a chance to make a difference doing something they enjoy anyway.

4. Buy toys for a toy drive.

Toy drives are especially popular at Christmastime. This can be a great activity for families with younger children to get involved.

Share with your children that some kids don’t have as many toys and that you are shopping for a toy to cheer them up. Then let your kiddo help you pick out the toy.

Depending on the age of your child, be prepared for the struggle of buying for others. Talking about it ahead of time, during and while donating the toy can be helpful.

5. Deliver treats to first responders.

A fun activity for little ones is to bake (or buy) treats and deliver them to first responders. Calling ahead is a good idea.

When my kids were a toddler and preschooler, we called the local fire station and scheduled a time to drop by. We brought some homemade cookies to give the firefighters.

The firefighters gave my kids plastic hats, a firetruck tour and some safety instructions. It was a win all around.

Hands-on volunteer ideas for families

Though behind-the-scenes volunteer ideas work really well for young families, other ideas work well for families with children who are older.

These volunteer ideas for families work for preschool aged children through high school kids and beyond.

6. Participate in a park clean-up day.

If your local park is hosting a clean-up day, then get your family involved. Children who are preschool aged and older can help with carrying bags or picking up things.

Not only are you working for a good cause, you’re also having time together outside and making memories.

Even if your park isn’t have a clean-up day, you can still pick a day and collect trash as a family.

7. Work in a community garden.

This is great opportunity for children to learn life skills starting from a young age. Bring them along to enjoy getting their hands in the dirt while helping to grow fruits and vegetables to make a difference in the lives of others.

Check out your local community center or other nonprofit organizations for community garden opportunities.

8. Volunteer in a local soup kitchen.

You don’t have to serve the food to be helpful. Soup kitchens need all sorts of work families can undertake. Check with local organizations that serve food and see what they need.

Besides serving food, you may find volunteering experience for families such as cleaning, food prep, setting up tables, organizing ingredients and more.

9. Participate in a drive for school supplies.

While you can certainly stay behind the scenes by donating school supplies, working at the supply distribution is a volunteer project older children can especially benefit from.

Youth volunteers for these programs are great for running supplies where they need to be. It also allows your older children a chance to feel some gratitude for the blessings in their own lives.

10. Plan a car wash to raise money.

Whether you’re looking to help a nonprofit organization, one of your local churches or even a children’s hospital, hosting a car wash is a pretty easy activity youth can get behind. Find a location in a busy part of town that will let you hook up hoses.

Bring along hoses, buckets, sponges, soap and signs. Make sure your signs are clear what organization or group is benefitting from the car wash proceeds.

11. Make care packages for your local homeless shelter.

Personal care items are always needed at homeless shelters and other organizations ministering to the underserved. Toiletries such as soap, shampoo, toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant and feminine hygiene products are just a few examples of needs to be filled.

Food stamp programs do not cover these items either. So any organization serving those reliant on food stamps can probably utilize these essentials.

12. Coordinate with your school counselor.

Many parents are aware teachers spend some of their own money on supplies and needs for their classrooms. But school counselors and/or sometimes school nurses do as well.

For example, my daughter learned a counselor at her school was buying various toiletries to help out students in need. So, my daughter hosted a toiletry drive at school and filled the counselor’s supply closet to overflowing.

Our entire family got involved with the project by helping collect, count and sort the items.

13. Organize a canned food drive.

Organizing a canned food drive might sound intimidating, but it’s not as hard as you might think. We’ve done this a few times at the kids’ school.

Once you have permission, you basically just need collection containers and a time to pick up and transport everything to the food bank. Publicize the food drive on social media, in the school newsletter and/or with an information sheet to help get the best results.

We’ve also found some good old-fashioned bribery works, too. Promises of an ice cream party or candy to the class who brings in the most is quite a good motivator for kids.

Our family is happy to buy some cups of ice cream or bags of candy to help keep the motivation going.

14. Volunteer at your local library.

No matter where you live, your local library could use your help. Even with paid staff, there are always tasks that need to be done.

If you have a child with a love of reading, your library may have a program he or she can participate in to read to senior citizens, dogs or young children. Other library volunteer activities could include helping set up for story time or sorting through old circulation material.

15. Help your neighbors.

Sometimes you don’t need to use official volunteer programs to reach out and make a difference in someone’s life. Look around your own neighborhood and see what neighbors have needs.

You may find an elderly neighbor who needs help with lawn care or even taking the trash cans to the curb. Or maybe a family with a new baby could use a hand watching their older kids one afternoon a week.

All sorts of people are in need around us that we can reach out and help as a family.

16. Volunteer at a food distribution center.

Food pantries certainly need help, but don’t forget about the food distribution centers that supply many pantries. The local distribution center for our family has an age requirement of 12 or older for volunteer positions.

For us, this means our oldest child can volunteer right now, but our youngest cannot. So, my daughter and I have gone a few times and done a variety of tasks from sorting onions to stapling papers. There is never a lack of need.

Creating a legacy of service

With so many volunteer ideas for families, you won’t run out of activities any time soon. These are all great ways to encourage our children to love on those around them, which is the most important thing we want to encourage as Christian moms and dads.

Set an example and get your entire family involved so your family tradition of volunteering becomes a legacy of service.

5 Prayers for patience in a season of waiting

Posted on February 28, 2024February 28, 2024 by Stacey A. Shannon

Waiting on God can feel hopeless, but it isn’t!

Waiting goes against human nature. In a world filled with instant gratification, times of waiting often feel excruciating.

And waiting on God isn’t any different. We pray and seek Him. We call on others to pray.

Yet, sometimes He doesn’t move in a way we can see. Waiting on God’s timing can feel hopeless. But the good news is that it isn’t.

I shared a while back about the lessons I learned during a season of waiting. It wasn’t an easy time.

I am again in a time of waiting on God. It’s a wait that’s been going on for seven long years and has been the most heart-wrenching journey I’ve been on.

While I have learned that God is always in control and on His throne, I’d be lying if I said I’ve never had moments of doubt and frustration. Where is He in all of this? What could His plan be? Why isn’t God doing something?

I don’t have answers to what His plan is in this situation or why He hasn’t moved in the ways that really make the most sense to me. But I also know that He has been with me every step of the way.

Where is He? Right there with me. How do I know that? Well, God and I have a history.

I can look back throughout my entire life and see His hand in everything — even in the times when I wondered whether He’d forgotten me. (He hadn’t.)

Prayer for patience while waiting Pinterest image 4

Time and again, God shows up in my life and in my story. I can’t tell you the story of my life without telling you how He has impacted it. I’m so thankful for that!

My daughter recently went to a small group meeting with us and noticed the other members talked about times they’d gotten totally away from God, but her dad and I didn’t have those same pasts. My testimony may sound a bit boring, but I only thank God for all the things He’s spared me from.

I find hope in knowing God has never let me down or forgotten me. And I find hope in stories from God’s Word that remind me what waiting on God can look like.

Waiting on God in the Old Testament

From childhood, I’ve known the story of Jonah getting swallowed by a whale. It’s one that comes up in children’s Bibles and Sunday School lessons.

But it wasn’t until I taught a Sunday School lesson about Jonah a few years ago that I saw Jonah’s testimony of waiting.

What got to me in teaching this story is the three days Jonah spent inside of that whale. For three days and three nights, he sat in a dark, stinky place. He surely thought he was going to die there.

He had to have regrets for not following God’s leading to go to Nineveh. Chapter two of Jonah includes his long and pleading prayer to God.

“When my life was ebbing away,
I remembered you, Lord,
and my prayer rose to you,
to your holy temple.”
Jonah 2:7 (NIV)

The Bible just tells us Jonah prayed this prayer to God. It doesn’t tell us when he prayed it.

I think getting swallowed by a whale would be such a monumental and dramatic life moment that you’d pray right away. After all Jonah had been through until that point, I think getting tossed out of a boat and swallowed by a fish would have been his moment of repentance.

So if we assume Jonah immediately saw the error of his ways and asked for God’s help, then we also see that Jonah had a time of waiting on God. He stayed in that whale for three days and three nights — probably even after he prayed. Jonah was definitely in a waiting period.

He didn’t know the whale was going to spit him out. He couldn’t have known how God was working behind the scenes. Instead, he just had to sit and wait.

In the end, Jonah lived when the whale spit him out onto dry land. And, the people in the city of Nineveh were saved. They turned from their wicked ways and got back on track with God.

Jonah got a bit perturbed at God’s compassion and mercy for them. Even though he should have learned a lesson while waiting on God inside of a whale, Jonah still had a ways to go.

God was faithful to remind Jonah of how great His love is, even after all of that.

That’s how seasons of waiting can go. We can learn lessons in the waiting and think we’ve figured them out. Then, bam! A new time of waiting on God arrives, and we again have doubts creep in.

Waiting on God in the New Testament

Another example of waiting on God that I’ve looked at different in the past few years comes in the resurrection story. The story of Jesus Christ dying on the cross and coming back from death is one that I have heard so many times as a child and an adult. It is the most hopeful story of all time!

A couple of years ago, though, thinking about Saturday struck me. This day is sometimes called Silent Saturday. It’s the day God was quiet.

On Friday, He was present as Jesus took His last breaths. God may have turned away, but He was there.

We certainly know He was there on Sunday when the tomb was empty. But what about on Saturday? Where was God on Saturday? Why did we have to wait for Him to move? Why didn’t he immediately raise Jesus from the dead?

Obviously, I can’t answer all those questions. But I at least know where God was on Silent Saturday. He was still on His throne. He didn’t forget about humanity for one single moment.

While I don’t know any theological reasons, the takeaway I get from Silent Saturday is to hang on and hope. Know God has a plan and perfect timing. While we are waiting on God, He is working things for our best.

On the days of waiting and pleading and wanting God to move, we can rest assured that He hasn’t forgotten us. He may be silent at the moment. Or He may send us encouragement along the way. But there is hope in the waiting, because He is always at work.

I also think Sunday is all that much more special because we had to wait for the appointed time. We had to see if Jesus was going to come back.

What if He didn’t? How many doubts the early believers must have had after He died!

After the wait, the good news was even better. After times of waiting on God, we appreciate all the more His movement and blessing that comes in due time.

What it means for us

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.”
Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NIV)

Though waiting isn’t listed, I have learned there is a time for waiting. Waiting on God can seem pointless, hopeless and frustrating.

I struggle with getting discouraged. But my Heavenly Father is always faithful and always good, even when my situation isn’t. He holds me close. And even in the waiting He is working.

We can rest in that today and every day. We can remember all the times He’s been faithful and trust that He is working and moving in ways we can’t see.

For the most difficult times, we can ask Him to strengthen our faith. When our hearts break in the waiting, we can ask for His inner peace and comfort. He will be with us every step of the way.

One day, we’ll look back and see why we had to wait, whether that’s here on earth or in heaven. But I know beyond all doubt that whatever that reason is, God is using it for good.

He has plans to give us a future and a hope and not to harm us (Jeremiah 29:11). Rest in that as you wait.

Learning to have patience

In times of waiting on God, we are challenged to learn the virtue of patience. Developing a patient heart is something we cannot do on our own.

Patience is a fruit of the Spirit for a reason. We cannot live with patience during difficult situations on our own.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”
Galatians 5:22-23 (ESV)

The power of the Holy Spirit helps us learn the value of patience during hard times. He allows us to go beyond our own understanding and have patience today in the long wait.

Real-life tips for having more patience

As always, our first step toward living a life filled with patience is to pray and get into the Word of God. Along with that, some everyday life tips can help us in our need of patience as well.

1. Live in peace.

When life is peaceful, patience is easier, because it’s really not necessary.

Check out what Paul says:

“I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”
Ephesians 4:1-3 (ESV)

If we are walking in the way God has for us while being humble, gentle and loving, we are able to maintain a bond of peace that allows us to more easily have patience. It all works together.

2. Help others.

A few years ago, I knew I was going to have to deal with a person for a few days in a row who really challenges my patience. After praying about it, I determined my best strategy was to keep my hands busy, my mouth shut and my head down.

Sometimes helping and giving to others gets us out of noticing all the things that try our patience. We focus more on what we can do for others and less on what others are doing to us.

1 Thessalonians 5:14-15 (NIV) talks about this very thing:

“And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.”
1 Thessalonians 5:14-15 (NIV)

3. Don’t lose hope.

“But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.”
Romans 8:25 (ESV)

When we have hope for the future and what God has for us, it’s easier to be patient and wait for it. Finding that hope also comes through God.

We can trust that God has better things for us, so we can have hope on the long journey. Even when we can’t see what’s happening, God is doing good work that we will see in proper time.

If we can keep our hope in God, then we can trust Him for His goodness and have patience in the waiting.

Prayers for patience while waiting

I have often heard people admonish others to not pray to have more patience, because God gives it to us by putting us in more situations where patience is needed. And the truth is, we don’t like to wait.

Though it may sound challenging to ask for patience because you worry your patience will be greatly tested, remember that you’re going to have times like that anyway. Why not go into them with God on your side?!

These five simple prayers are ideal for times of waiting on God. Use them as daily prayers or situational prayers.

A prayer for patience while waiting during difficult times

Dear God,

Right now, life is hard. My heart is aching, and I’m not sure what is going to happen next. I know that everything is part of your plan, even when I can’t see it. I ask that you comfort me and help me as I’m waiting.

Remind me when my doubts and fears start to take over that you are in control and on your throne. I trust you and seek your will above all else. Let your Holy Spirit be my constant companion as I go through this difficult time.

Hold me close, Father. Give me faith to believe that you do have plans for my future that are full of hope.

In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

A prayer for waiting during difficult times

A prayer for becoming a patient person

Dear God,

I am struggling right now. I know that your timing is always best. You understand slowness in a different way than I do because our time is not the same.

Waiting can be hard for me. I struggle to be patient. I know that persevering produces endurance especially in the waiting. But it can be hard to persevere when things go sideways.

Give me strength through the Holy Spirit to live as a patient person. Settle my mind and emotions when they get away from me.

In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

A prayer for being patient with others

Dear God,

I ask that you fill me with your hope, grace, mercy, strength and patience so that they overflow from me. Give me wisdom and discernment on how to best interact with everyone I come in contact with. May my heart be so full of love and you that my patience isn’t challenged. It just comes naturally.

And on the hard days when I am discouraged and tired, Lord, give me encouragement to keep going.

Thank you for being patient with me. Thank you for being such a loving Father to teach me lessons time and again.

In Jesus’ name I pray,

Amen.

A prayer for the testing of your faith

Dear God,

Right now, I really feel like my faith is being tested. I know that you are always at work, but I’m just not seeing anything happening right now. I ask that you help my unbelief.

Help me to see you and your goodness at work in my life as I wait on you. Give me strength to be faithful and trust you above all else.

I ask that you give me great understanding of who you are and who I am in you.

In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

A prayer for waiting for blessings

Dear God,

I know that you haven’t brought me this far in life to give up on me now. Fill my heart and head with reminders of all the times you’ve been faithful in the past.

Help me to cling to those memories and trust more completely in you and the blessings you have for my life. Even when I’m in hard times, I know that you are always working all things for your good.

Open my eyes to see you at work in and through my life in everyway. Show me your goodness and blessings that I experience daily.

In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

45 Positive parenting quotes that are inspirational

Posted on February 15, 2024June 3, 2024 by Stacey A. Shannon

Positive parenting quotes to encourage moms and dads

Parenthood is wearisome and wonderful. It is exhausting and exhilarating. Sometimes on the bad days just knowing that you aren’t in it alone is encouraging.

For that reason, I’ve put together a list of 45 inspirational parenting quotes to encourage and amuse you along your parenting journey.

You’ll find a mix of inspirational quotes, funny parenting quotes about real family life and even some good advice.

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Through my years as a mom, I’ve learned there is no such thing as perfect parenting. But, we can all work hard to be the best parent we can be.

At the end of the day, what matters most is our unconditional love for our children. The most powerful way we can raise a good kid is simply giving our kids much love and much time.

Whether new parents or seasoned parents, we’re all in this together!

Inspirational parenting quotes

“Encourage and support your kids because children are apt to live up to what you believe of them.” — Lady Bird Johnson, former First Lady of the United States

“You’re on a long journey. You’ll have good days and bad. And sometimes they happen all in the same day. Don’t get bogged down by the bad moments. Know that it really is worth it and whatever phase you’re in really does end.” — Stacey A. Shannon, journalist and blogger in “60 Motherhood truths“

“Behind every young child who believes in himself is a parent who believed first.” — Matthew Jacobson, blogger

“Affirming words from moms and dads are like light switches. Speak a word of affirmation at the right moment in a child’s life and it’s like lighting up a whole roomful of possibilities.” — Gary Smalley, family therapist

“There’s no way to be a perfect mother and a million ways to be a good one.” — Jill Churchill, author

“While we try to teach our children all about life, our children teach us what life is all about.” — Angela Schwindt, a mom and coach

“There are many ways to measure success; not the least of which is the way your child describes you when talking to a friend.” — Anonymous

“My children aren’t a burden or annoyance; they are my greatest masterpiece.” — Stacey A. Shannon, journalist and blogger in “Back to school blues“

“Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” — Proverbs 22:6 KJV

“Making the decision to have a child — it’s momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body.” — Elizabeth Stone, author

“A good father is one of the most unsung, unpraised, unnoticed, and yet one of the most valuable assets in our society.” — Billy Graham, evangelist

“So often, children are punished for being human. They are not allowed to have grumpy moods, bad days, disrespectful tones, or bad attitudes. Yet, we adults have them all the time. None of us are perfect. We must stop holding our children to a higher standard of perfection than we can attain ourselves. ” — Rebecca Eanes, author and positive parenting advocate

“Great memories are often made in the small moments. The greatest gift you give your children is your time.” — Stacey A. Shannon, journalist and blogger

“There is no such thing as a perfect parent. So just be a real one.” — Sue Atkins, parenting coach

“As a mother, my job is to take care of the possible and trust God with the impossible.” — Ruth Bell Graham, author

“We’re all wondering if we’re messing up our kids or even being good parents. Moms everywhere doubt their abilities and choices. We worry if our kids are OK and fret over whether we’re spending time doing the right things with them. We are doing the best we can in the midst of the chaos and exhaustion.” — Stacey A. Shannon, journalist and blogger

“Your kids require you most of all to love them for who they are, not to spend your whole time trying to correct them.” — Bill Ayers, elementary education reformist

“The best way to make children good is to make them happy.” — Oscar Wilde, author

“We never know the love of the parent till we become parents ourselves.” — Henry Ward Beecher, minister

“Each day of our lives we make deposits into the memory banks of our children.” — Charles R. Swindoll, pastor

“Children are not a distraction from more important work. They are the most important work.” — C.S. Lewis, writer

“Childhood is fleeting, so let kids be kids and cherish the time you have together.” — Abraham Lincoln, 16th U.S. President

“A Mother’s Promise”
“I will love you completely and fully no matter what you do.
I will work hard to make sure you get any help you need.
I will always be your soft place to land.
I will pray over and for you as long as there is breath in my body.
I will protect you to the very best of my ability.
I will be there to lift you up when life kicks you down.
I will be your biggest fan forever and always in everything you do.
I will fail and make mistakes, but I will always do my best.
I will forever be thankful and grateful that I get to be your mom.“
— Stacey A. Shannon, journalist and blogger

“Your children need your presence more than your presents.” — Jesse Jackson, civil rights activist

“Our greatest national resource is the minds of our children.” — Walt Disney, cartoonist

“Giving birth is little more than a set of muscular contractions granting passage of a child. Then the mother is born.” ― Erma Bombeck, newspaper humor columnist

“The way we talk to our children becomes their inner voice.” ― Peggy O’Mara, journalist and publisher

“You will lose yourself for a while after the baby is born, but you’ll come back. Slowly, over time, you become more you again, yet different in a way you’re OK with.” ― Stacey A. Shannon, journalist and blogger in “60 Motherhood truths to inspire you and make you laugh“

“To be in your children’s memories tomorrow, you have to be in their lives today.” ― Barbara Johnson, literary critic

“The most important thing that parents can teach their children is how to get along without them.” ― Frank A. Clark, radio broadcaster and writer

Humorous parenting quotes

“Everyone should have kids. They are the greatest joy in the world. But they are also terrorists. You’ll realize this as soon as they’re born, and they start using sleep deprivation to break you.” — Ray Romano, actor and comedian

“I came to parenting the way most of us do — knowing nothing and trying to learn everything.” — Mayim Bialik, actress and neuroscientist

“You can learn many things from children. How much patience you have, for instance.” — Franklin P. Adams, columnist

“Cleaning your house while your kids are still growing is like shoveling the walk before it stops snowing.” — Phyllis Diller, actress and comedian

“Having a child is like getting a tattoo … on your face. You better be committed.” — Elizabeth Gilbert, journalist

“The thing about parenting rules is there aren’t any. That’s what makes it so difficult.” ― Ewan McGregor, actor

“Don’t worry that children never listen to you; worry that they are always watching you.” — Robert Fulghum, author

Real family life parenting quotes

“Parenthood…It’s about guiding the next generation, and forgiving the last.” ― Peter Krause, in the American T.V. series “Parenthood”

“Motherhood is a constant learning process that requires flexibility and a sense of humor. And just when you think you have it all figured out, your children like to remind you that you certainly don’t.” — Stacey A. Shannon, journalist and blogger in “Motherhood requires a sense of humor“

“It is time for a return to childhood, to simplicity, to running and climbing and laughing in the sunshine, to experiencing happiness instead of being trained for a lifetime of pursuing happiness. It is time to let children be children again.” ― L.R. Knost, author and social justice activist

Family history and positive parenting quote from Maya Angelou

“No man can know where he is going unless he knows exactly where he has been and exactly how he arrived at his present place.” — Maya Angelou, author and poet

“What the world needs is not romantic lovers who are sufficient unto themselves, but husbands and wives who live in communities, relate to other people, carry on useful work and willingly give time and attention to their children.” ― Margaret Mead, anthropologist

“A broken family is a family in which any member must break herself into pieces to fit in. A whole family is one in which each member can bring her full self to the table knowing that she will always be both held and free.” ― Glennon Doyle, author

“You’ll have many moments when your husband, your children and your dog all need something from you at the exact same time. This is usually when you’re doing a frivolous activity like making dinner or washing laundry or going to the bathroom.” ― Stacey A. Shannon, journalist and blogger in “60 Motherhood truths to inspire you and make you laugh“

“The family. We were a strange little band of characters trudging through life sharing diseases and toothpaste, coveting one another’s desserts, hiding shampoo, borrowing money, locking each other out of our rooms, inflicting pain and kissing to heal it in the same instant, loving, laughing, defending, and trying to figure out the common thread that bound us all together.” ― Erma Bombeck, newspaper humor columnist

Read about how positive parenting works for our family:

How to improve communication in your marriage

Posted on February 1, 2024February 1, 2024 by Stacey A. Shannon

8 Ways to communicate better with your spouse

Marriage communication is on the list of every list of marriage advice and characteristics of a good marriage. And it’s rightly so. Effective communication is vastly important.

In my nearly 25 years of marriage, my husband and I have learned a few things about the importance of communication. We’re not perfect and still make mistakes, but we have much better communication skills now than we did on the day we said “I do.”

Married couples have so many things they need to discuss: their relationship, finances, parenting, household chores, schedules and so much more. Inevitably, difficult conversations are also part of life for any married couple.

We’ve learned that along with being honest with each other, there are right and wrong ways to communicate well whether we’re having serious or mundane discussions.

1. Watch your tone of voice.

At the top of the list has to be tone of voice. My husband knows me better than anyone else. So when I say the right words but with the wrong tone of voice, he is far from fooled.

How to improve communication in your marriage Pinterest image 1

I’ve found this to be true even when I want to take care of him. Like if I ask whether I can make him something for lunch when I’m making food for the rest of us, I can easily say it frazzled or sincere. How I say it makes all the difference.

Being passive aggressive or sarcastic cause communication problems. My husband and I made a deal when we were first married that we shouldn’t allow passive aggression to be part of our relationship. We’ve mostly stuck to that which has contributed to our successful relationship.

2. Be aware of your body language.

Another important communication skill has nothing to do with words. Nonverbal communication says a lot.

I’m pretty good at taming my tongue, but sometimes I struggle to tame my facial expressions. That’s especially true with my husband because he knows me so well. He can tell by my face and actions whether I’m feeling grumpy or irritated.

I’ve found the best way to to have a healthy communication style is to talk about issues before they go too far. Sharing my challenges or frustrations with my husband helps us have better marital communication.

We are able to work through the issue if it is a relationship one. Or he at least able to understand where I’m coming from in the challenges of the day.

Along with speaking volumes, our body language also lets our spouses know whether we’re really listening to them or if we’re distracted. Good communication skills include being a good listener.

Especially for meaningful conversations, you want to maintain eye contact and truly pay attention to what your spouse is saying.

3. Make sure it’s a good time to talk.

Early in our marriage, I learned that I can avoid strife by simply asking my husband if it’s a good time to talk. He does the same for me.

Then we can finish a task if we need to or put down electronics or whatever we need to do to devote our attention to the other person. It’s one of the effective ways to make sure you each have the other’s undivided attention.

This has continued to serve us well in working from home. We share an office. Throughout the day, we usually need to talk to each other about something and will ask first if it’s a good time or for the other person to let us know when they have a free minute.

It sets us up for good communication from the start — even about small things like what the kids’ schedule is that day.

4. Remember nobody is a mind reader.

Another lesson I learned about communication early on in our marriage was that I couldn’t expect my husband to know something I didn’t tell him. Instead of just assuming he knows something is important to me, I tell him.

He has a different perspective on life and situations than I do. In order to have a great marriage in the long run, you need to be able to share what’s going on inside your head.

I want to meet my partner’s needs and be a good wife. I can’t meet my spouse’s needs if I don’t know what he’s truly thinking and vice versa. At the end of the day, he’ll only know I need or want something if I tell him.

I also have learned my husband doesn’t always know what is bothering me or what I’m stressing out about unless I tell him. He can almost always tell something is up, but he can’t be there for me sometimes unless I allow him by sharing with him what’s going on in my head.

5. Pay attention to your phrasing.

Communication ramps up into an argument pretty quickly when we pull out phrases that accuse. We all go on the defensive when we feel attacked, and communication issues run rampant.

Instead of saying something like, “Why don’t you ever make dinner? I have to do everything around here!” A great way to rephrase that next time is, “I’m overwhelmed and need help. Can you make dinner on Tuesdays and Thursdays?”

You’ll end up with what you were wanting but you won’t have to have an argument in order to get there. Your spouse will understand what’s going on with you and how he can help. You’ve opened the door of communication so that you can truly share with each other.

6. Don’t use words to hurt.

I know the things that bother my husband the most, just as he knows the same about me. The best thing we can do is stop ourselves from using that in the middle of a disagreement. You don’t want to break trust that is hard to get back.

Beyond just being poor communication, using words that hurt are going to tear down your relationship and undo all the hard work you’ve put into it. Words can hurt.

The other rule that we made from the beginning of our marriage is if either of us ever brings up divorce, we’d better mean it. I mean that in we don’t want to throw around threats that we don’t mean.

We can get upset and disagree, but we don’t want to do lasting damage to our marriage and relationship. Setting boundaries for ourselves on what we say can lead to a happy relationship and healthy marriage that will last.

7. Listen to understand, not just for your turn to talk.

While it’s important to be aware of what we are saying with our words and body language, communication can’t happen unless we listen. And that sounds much easier than it is!

When my husband is talking with me about something important, I do my best to actively listen and make sure I’m paying attention, not just waiting for my turn to talk or formulating my response inside my head.

I’ve also learned that I usually do really enjoy hearing his point of view. He has great insights — which is one of the reasons I fell in love with him in the first place!

8. Know when it’s time to table a discussion for the moment.

Sometimes it’s just not a good time to have or continue a conversation. Maybe you’re too upset and know if the conversation continues you’re going to say something you’ll regret.

Or maybe you’re too distracted to really listen. Maybe you’re just too tired to continue talking. Tell each other and agree to come back to the topic — then do so!

Often our best time to chat about things is just before bed because the kids aren’t up and interrupting us; this was especially true in our days of having young children.

But, I’m not a night person. Some nights I’m literally just too tired to have a good conversation about a serious topic.

When I’m tired, I get irritated and emotional much easier. (Who doesn’t?!) I opt to tell my husband that I want to have the discussion but I just can’t at the moment. And then we find a better time to talk later.

Setting aside time for conversations like a date night where you go out to dinner and just talk can be really helpful for these intense conversations.

Bonus tip: Try a shared journal

You can also build a healthy relationship by spending quality time together with a couple’s journal. It’s a great way to express appreciation for one another and grow closer in your relationship. Be sure to check out “The Christian Couple’s Journal” on Amazon now to take your relationship to the next level!

Don’t miss this release from Families with Grace and Stacfey A. Shannon: “The Christian Couple’s Journal.” Elevate your marriage and faith with “The Christian Couple’s Journal.” 100 days of prompts, Bible verses, date ideas and reflections to strengthen your bond. Grow together in just minutes a day!

Funny and silly lunch box jokes for kids (Free printable)

Posted on January 23, 2024August 17, 2025 by Stacey A. Shannon

Silly jokes perfect for your kids’ lunchboxes

Every school day, I send along a note in my kids’ lunchboxes. I promise you that I’m far from super mom. Mostly, writing is my love language, and the notes evolved from there.

My youngest is now in fifth grade, so just like I have gotten creative with the food I send, I have also gotten more creative with the notes. It started with Wacky Wednesday, which is when I send funny jokes for the kids or something funny in their note.
Now it includes a theme note for each day (some of which I’ve shared on here before).

Motivation Monday: an encouraging quote
Truth Tuesday: a Bible verse
Thankful Thursday: something I’m thankful for about them
Fun Fact Friday: an interesting fact they probably don’t know

I use paper from the Dollar Tree and a sticker or two on each note per day, because I love stickers! I keep a folder of all the supplies in a drawer in my kitchen to make packing lunches easier.

It’s definitely time to share some of our Wacky Wednesday funny lunch box jokes for kids. Who couldn’t use a good laugh at a good joke?! Fair warning, I LOVE puns!

Scroll to the bottom to download 18 free lunchbox notes!

The benefit of lunch box notes

I do send a note every day, because it is my thing. I used to write the lunch box notes each night. Recently I’ve started writing a whole week’s worth of notes at the beginning of the weeks, and it make my life a lot easier.

You don’t, however, have to send notes in your kids’ lunch boxes every day for them to be beneficial. Even an every-so-often note can be a great way to connect with your kids and give them a small break in their day.

My daughter, who is the oldest, has always shared her notes with the others at her lunch table. In fact, it became such an ordeal that often others would read her note before she did! My son prefers to keep his notes to himself.

Whether you have older kids or younger kids, a simple lunch box note can be the perfect way to make them smile no matter how the day is going. It’s one of the simple things in life that can make a big difference!

How to set up a note system

If sending a note in your child’s lunch is something you want to make a regular habit, you’ve come to the right place. I started writing notes for my oldest in kindergarten and never stopped. She’s now in 8th grade!

You have a couple of options for notes. You can use paid or free printables of notes or write your own. I usually do a mix of both.

I most love writing personal notes for my children, so if I use a free printable lunchbox note or one I make myself, then I add in a personalized note from me as well.

The best way to set up physically for lunch box notes is by having the supplies on hand. I have a drawer in my kitchen where I keep a flat box filled with stickers, note paper and an ink pen. A folder also works.

You don’t have to have anything fancy. Most of my supplies come from the Dollar Tree.

A collection of cute jokes for kids

Jokes are a great start to writing lunch box notes. They’ll bring a smile to your kiddos’ faced at lunch time and make school lunches seem even tastier.

Plus we all know that laughter is the best medicine!

Scroll on down to find free printable lunch box jokes you can start using today!

Food jokes for kids

What is fast, loud and crunchy?
A rocket chip!

What's fast loud and crunchy? A rocket chip!

Why did the teddy bear say no to dessert?
Because she was stuffed.

What has ears but cannot hear?
A cornfield.

How does a lemon answer the phone?
Yellow?!

Why did the cookie go to the hospital?
Because he felt crummy.

What did the little corn say to the mama corn?
Where is pop corn?

Why did the banana go to the doctor?
Because it wasn’t peeling well.

Why did the girl put her cake in the freezer?
She wanted to ice it.

What is cheese that doesn’t belong to you called?
Nacho cheese!

Where do hamburgers go to dance?
The meatball.

What kind of keys do kids like to carry?
Cookies!

What kind of key opens a banana?
A mon-key!

What do you give a sick lemon?
Lemon-aid!

Space jokes for kids

How do you stop an astronaut’s baby from crying?
You rocket!

What do you think of that new diner on the moon?
Food was good, but there really wasn’t much atmosphere.

What’s the best way to throw a birthday party on Mars?
You planet.

What did Venus say while flirting with Saturn?
“Give me a ring sometime.”

Why did Mickey Mouse decide to become an astronaut?
He wanted to visit Pluto.

What kind of music do planets sing?
Neptunes!

Animal jokes for kids

Why does a seagull fly over the sea?
Because if it flew over the bay, it would be a baygull. (This one does well read out loud!)

What animal is always at a baseball game?
A bat.

What do you call two birds in love?
Tweethearts!

Why couldn’t the pony sing a lullaby?
She was a little horse.

What do you say to a rabbit on its birthday?
Hoppy Birthday.

What do you call a sleeping bull?
A bull-dozer.

Where do cows go on their first date?
To the moooooovies!

Why do fish live in salt water?
Because pepper makes them sneeze.

What do you call a bear with no teeth?
A gummy bear.

What do you get when you put three ducks in a box?
A box of quackers!

Why was the fish excited to go to school?
He heard they had bookworms.

What’s a cat’s favorite color?
Purrrr-ple!

What is a snake’s favorite subject in school?
Hisss-tory!

What bone will a dog never eat?
A trombone!

Nature jokes for kids

What is a tornado’s favorite game to play?
Twister!

What do you call a funny mountain?
Hill-arious.

What does a cloud wear under his clothes?
Thunderwear.

Why is grass so dangerous?
It’s full of blades.

What did one volcano say to the other?
I lava you!

What happens when it rains cats and dogs?
You have to been careful not to step in a poodle.

What did the ground say to the earthquake?
You crack me up!

What kind of tree fits in your hand?
A palm tree!

School jokes for kids

Why did the math book look sad?
Because he was full of problems!

Where did the music teacher leave her keys?
In the piano!

Which school supply is king of the classroom?
A ruler!

What did the piece of paper say to the pencil?
Write on!

Where do math teachers like to go for vacation?
Times Square!

Why did the dog do so well in school?
He was the teacher’s pet!

What did the buffalo say at school drop-off?
Bi-son!

More fun jokes for kids

What did the golfer wear two pairs of pants?
In case he got a hole in one!

What kind of shoes do robbers wear?
Sneakers!

What did one traffic light say to the other?
Don’t look! I’m changing!

Why didn’t the skeleton do well in school?
His heart just wasn’t in it.

What did one wall say to the other?
I’ll meet you at the corner!

Why do bicycles fall over?
Because they’re two-tired!

Fun printable lunch box jokes

Life is busy. To make yours easier, check out these fun printable lunch box jokes you can send in your kids’ lunches and give them a little laugh!

Check out these other options of Bible verse lunch box notes for children as well:

Christian lunchbox Bible verse notes for kids

Christian lunch box Bible verse notes for younger children

The best Easter basket ideas for tween boys in 2025

Posted on January 22, 2024April 4, 2025 by Stacey A. Shannon

25 Easter gifts tween boys will love

A few years ago, the best Easter basket ideas I had for my son included toys. I’ve tried to not go too overboard on candy through the years and include some fun, small gifts in my kids’ baskets as well.

Easter basket ideas for tween boy Pinterest image 10

However, figuring idea for my tween’s Easter basket is a little trickier. My daughter was easier as a tween because there are all sorts of little gifts that were easy to add to her basket from lip balm to jewelry.

In fact, filling my teen’s Easter basket is a bit easier since my current teen is a girl with definitive likes and dislikes. For my tween boy, though, I struggle a bit.

Tween and teenage boys are in the middle of growing. They aren’t so into toys, but they also aren’t usually as into accessories and such as their female counterparts.

Figuring out fun gifts for tween and teenage guys that are affordable Easter basket stuffers can be challenging. Once they’re past toys, technology and video games seem to be their next best thing. And those are pricey!

The good news is, though, that there are a lot of great Easter basket ideas for tween boys that won’t break the bank and are great Easter basket fillers.

Fidget toys

Fidget toys are the perfect Easter gift for tween boys. They aren’t toys per se, but are still a fun gift for older kids. And, most of them are small enough to fit into plastic eggs, which will make life easier for the Easter Bunny!

Fidget toys are the perfect Easter gift for tween boys. They aren’t toys per se, but are still a fun gift for older kids. And, most of the are small enough to fit into plastic eggs, which will make life easier for the Easter Bunny!

These transformable fidget spinners were actually on my tween boy’s Christmas list this year. They’d be a great addition to the Easter basket of your tween or teen boys this year. They’re a great way to keep hands busy whether in class, at home or in the car.

In fact, I’ve enjoyed playing with these as much as my son has. And if your big kids is still on the younger end of the tween years, like my newly minted 11-year-old is, they’ll also have all sorts of fun ideas for what to turn these fidget spinners into and come up with imaginative play ideas.

Easter basket ideas for tween boys: transformable fidget spinners

Another great gift in the fidget toy category are magnetic rings. Grab a set of three magnetic rings that your tween will have fun twisting around on his fingers.

Easter basket ideas for tween boys: Magnetic fidget rings

If you’re looking for a fidget toy he can take to school, check out this magnetic pen. I got this for my three nephews last year when they turned 14. My tween son thought they were such cool gifts that I ended up getting one for him just because!

While it is a functional gift in that it is a usable pen, it’s also a fun gift because the pen cane be made into all sorts of shapes.

Easter basket ideas for tween boys: Magnetic fidget pen

Next up is these sensory robot toys. They put more of the “toy” in fidget toy, but they are small and would be a fun addition to his collection of fidget toys.

Not only are they small enough to easter fit into your tween boy’s Easter basket, they’re also small enough he can stick them in his pocket and take them along when he has a long car ride or another lengthy, boring task.

Easter basket ideas for tween boys: Sensory robot toys

Squishy fidget toys

Transformable fidget toys are a perfect gift for tween boys, but so are squishy fidget toys. Honestly, I still love squishy fidget toys myself.

I have a stress ball on my desk that I play with while I’m brainstorming. They’re a fun way to focus and release some frustration as well!

First up is a three-pack of sensory stress balls that are color changing. These stress ball are certainly one of the fun Easter basket ideas that your tween and teen kiddos will enjoy!

Easter basket ideas for tween boys: 3-pack of color changing stress balls

A second great idea for stress balls are ones filled with small water-holding balls inside of them. With a different feel to them than the dough-type balls like above, this three-pack of squishy balls also works well for your tween boy’s Easter basket.

Easter basket ideas for tween boys: squishy stress balls

If you’re looking for Easter goodies that aren’t chocolate bunnies that will give your child a sugar high, these squishy animals are a great filler for plastic Easter eggs. This set of 24 mini squishy toys come in a variety of options, including forest animals and Easter.

Easter basket ideas for tween boys: Easter squishy toys

Puzzles and games Easter basket gift ideas

Though he may be getting older and outgrowing some of his toys, your tween boy still enjoys fun things. Puzzles and games are great Easter gifts to provide some age appropriate fun.

Puzzles and crafts

As a bit of a larger Easter gift idea, Foldology, an origami puzzle game, will provide hours of mind-challenging fun for your tween. It will take him skill and concentration to fold each of the 100 pages just right to reveal the picture.

Easter basket ideas for tween boys: Foldology

Another cool boredom beater game is Kanoodle and with 200 puzzles contained in a small case, this is perfect for Easter. The balls and shapes have to fit into the case just right and there are all sorts of options.

This is one game the whole family can enjoy whenever you’re traveling or have downtime. It’s much trickier than it looks — trust me!

Easter basket ideas for tween boys: Kanoodle

For tween boys like mine whose favorite subject is art, crafts are also a great Easter basket gift idea. Check out this rock painting kit that comes with 10 rocks, 12 paints, stickers, glitter glue, googly eyes and gems.

Easter basket ideas for tween boys: rock painting kit

This catapult wars kit from Boy Craft gives guys a chance to build a fun game they can then play.

Easter basket ideas for tween boys: catapult wars from Boy Craft

Card and board games

Games are a great addition to your tween boy’s Easter basket. While games of the digital variety are pricey, card and board games aren’t so much.

Plus, anything that encourages them to be device-free and spending time with the family or their friends is definitely a perfect gift idea!

A fun card game option is Sussed. The game poses questions and answers. Players vote on how each other would answer. It’s a great way to spark conversation and get to know each other better.

Easter basket ideas for tween boys: card game Sussed

One of the most hilarious card games your whole family will love is What Do You Meme? Family Edition. It’s become a favorite of our entire family, including my parents, my aunt and my in-laws!

Easter basket ideas for tween boys: What Do You Meme Family Edition

As a child during the 1980s, I’ve got to include this fun, unique board game that’s like the old video game Frogger. It’s a blast from the past that your tweens will enjoy in a whole new way.

Easter basket ideas for tween boys: Frogger board game

Jewelry

Don’t overlook jewelry as a perfect gift idea for your tween boy this Easter. My son is very into jewelry right now. And the good news is that it’s not expensive jewelry he’s drawn to.

The other good news is that jewelry is small enough to fit into plastic Easter eggs in his Easter basket.

Rope bracelets are a great choice for tween boys. This one is personalized with the first letter of his name.

Easter basket ideas for tween boys: Initial rope bracelet

If you’re buying for more than one tween or teen guy or you want a variety of options for your son, this 12-pack of bracelets include options that are leather, beaded and wooden.

Easter basket ideas for tween boys: Bracelet pack of 12

Outside of bracelets, the other wristwear my son is into right now is watches. This digital sport watch has a huge amount of color options.

Easter basket ideas for tween boys: digital watch

There are some smart watch options that won’t break the bank, like this Kummel Smart Watch that doesn’t need a phone. It includes a heart rate monitor, step counter, calorie tracker and sleep monitor. It comes in three different colors and is waterproof.

Smart watch Easter basket gift idea for tween and teen boys

And then there are necklaces. A cross necklace makes for a great Easter gift for tween boys. This simple cross necklace on a 16-inch chain comes in 11 different color options.

Easter basket ideas for tween boys: Simple cross necklace

With a two-sided design, this cross necklace features the American flag on one side and a Bible verse or quote about strength on the other. It comes in nine different options on a chain that goes up 24 inches.

Easter basket ideas for tween boys: Two sided cross necklace

Books

Finally, books are also one of the best Easter basket ideas for tween boys. Even if your tween isn’t a huge reader, there are still some great book options for him.

If your tween or teen boys have a book series or author they enjoy, then definitely go for some of those books. “Wings of Fire” is a super popular series for my son. It has both written novel and graphic novel options available.

For more general picks, we’ve got some fact and riddle books that work for readers and non-readers alike.

Advice books

Let’s start with an advice book of “101 Things Every Boy Needs to Know.” Filled with life advice for teenage boys, this is a good choice for tweens as they are heading into a time of change.

It covers general life advice and doesn’t delve into the my personal (aka embarrassing) topics.

Easter basket ideas for tween boys: "101 Things Every Boy Needs to Know"

Another fun advice book is “Wilderness Survival Guide for Kids.” If your tween boy is into camping or outdoors and/or just likes to think about how he’d respond in every different scenario like mine, this is a great book option for him.

It includes things like where to find help if you get lost, how to defend yourself, how to build a fire and more.

Easter basket ideas for tween boys: "Wilderness Survival Guide for Kids"

Riddle and fact books

Riddle and fact books are popular for tween boys. They love absorbing new information that is random they can pull out and share. I know that’s certainly true for mine!

These are more fun books to read as well because they are usually written in smaller chunks of text that aren’t as overwhelming.

First up is “Interesting Facts for Curious Minds.” This book has 1,572 random and surprising facts on everything from science to pop culture to history.

Easter basket ideas for tween boys: "Interesting Facts for Curious Minds"

Another option for fact books is “Super Interesting Facts for Smart Kids.” It has 1,272 facts about animals, earth, sciAnd, finally, riddle books work well as an Easter gift and fit into your tween boy’s Easter basket nicely. “Difficult Riddles for Smart Kids” has 300 difficult riddles and brain teasers that will entertain your kiddo.ence and more.

Easter basket ideas for tween boys: "Super Interesting Facts for Smart Kids"

And, finally, riddle books work well as an Easter gift and fit into your tween boy’s Easter basket nicely. “Difficult Riddles for Smart Kids” has 300 difficult riddles and brain teasers that will entertain your kiddo.

Helping Christian moms create homes filled with grace, love & faith

Printables and worksheet activities for Bible study (12 FREE resources included!)

What are the Fruits of the Spirit?

Living out the Fruit of the Spirit in daily life

Fruits of the Spirit worksheets

Bible verse matching worksheet

Weekly challenges

FREE printable coloring pages

Reflection worksheets

Additional Fruit of the Spirit printables

Fruit of the Spirit bookmarks

FREE Fruit of the Spirit bookmarks

Fruit of the Spirit Scripture cards

FREE Fruit of the Spirit Scripture cards

Bible study devotional journals for moms

PDF version of “The Fruit of the Spirit Devotional Journal for Moms”

Digital version of “The Fruit of the Spirit Devotional Journal for Moms”

Individual Fruit devotional journals for moms

FREE Fruit of the Spirit journals

15 Easy ideas to plan a fun and organized summer for your family

Plus a free printable summer bucket list!

1. Decide how many activities your kids can do for the summer.

2. Make a list of summer family goals.

3. Make a list of summer individual goals.

4. Make a summer bucket list for your family.

5. Make a list of people to visit.

6. Find all sorts of free activities.

7. Have an electronics plan.

8. Keep fun supplies handy.

9. Organize your kids’ summer activities.

10. Plan for downtime.

11. Have a daily routine, even if it’s a loose one.

12. Let them know what to expect each day.

13. Think about your budget.

14. Have easy snacks ready.

15. Don’t forget to enjoy your kids.

Make your summer planning even easier

Simple prayers to help you and other moms like you!

How to pray for mothers

Prayer for mothers’ strength and endurance

Prayer for mothers’ wisdom and discernment

Prayer for mothers’ rest and peace

Prayer for mothers’ protection and safety

Prayers for mothers’ mental health

Prayers for mothers’ relationships

Prayers for mothers’ spiritual growth

Get these as free pocket prayers for moms:

Fun ideas to celebrate the solar eclipse with printables!

Printable solar eclipse party decorations

Printable party banners

Printable posters

Solar eclipse party activities to do

Free printable solar eclipse worksheet pack

Make a keepsake

Eclipse story-telling

Solar eclipse party food

Cake or cupcakes

Eclipse sliders

Solar system fruit

Moon cheese

Moon pies

Just have fun!

Kid-friendly volunteer opportunities for the whole family

Behind-the-scenes volunteer ideas for families

1. Buy for a local food pantry.

2. Collect or buy dog toys and supplies for your local animal shelter

3. Make cards for senior centers.

4. Buy toys for a toy drive.

5. Deliver treats to first responders.

Hands-on volunteer ideas for families

6. Participate in a park clean-up day.

7. Work in a community garden.

8. Volunteer in a local soup kitchen.

9. Participate in a drive for school supplies.

10. Plan a car wash to raise money.

11. Make care packages for your local homeless shelter.

12. Coordinate with your school counselor.

13. Organize a canned food drive.

14. Volunteer at your local library.

15. Help your neighbors.