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.
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A few months ago, I was making dinner for our church youth group and trying to come up with an easy side that didn’t need to be served hot. I decided to put together an easy pasta salad recipe, and it was a hit.
In fact, my daughter reported that numerous youth group attendees asked her for the recipe. She and I giggled because this pasta salad recipe is so incredibly easy.
Sometimes we make it just to eat on throughout the week, but it also works well as a side for carry-ins, feeding a crowd or on holidays.
A huge bonus is that it’s easy to make ahead of time, and the flavors blend together better when you do so as well.
The pasta for the pasta salad
I use garden rotini pasta for making the pasta salad because it’s colorful and looks pretty. It’s the traditional pasta salad pasta.
However, you can use whatever type of pasta you want or have in your pantry. Boil it on the stove according to the box directions.
Strain it in a colander and run cold water over it to cool it down.
The veggies for the easy pasta salad
Set aside the pasta to continue cooling (I usually just leave mine in the sink), and prepare your veggies.
This is where you can get creative and/or use what you have on hand. Here is what I usually use per box of pasta:
2-3 diced Roma tomatoes (any tomato works)
1/2 cup diced onion (yellow or red)
1 medium diced red bell pepper (orange or yellow also work)
1 medium chopped zucchini
For the zucchini, I cut it in quarters and then chop from there.
The final touches
I toss the veggies into a large bowl and then add in 3/4 cup of shredded Parmesan cheese. You can also use grated Parmesan cheese.
Add the pasta and then pour 1 cup of Italian dressing over the top. Mix it together well.
Let the pasta salad chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour. If needed (or desired), add 1/2 cup of additional Italian dressing and stir in before serving.
You can easily double this recipe to serve a larger crowd. As is, the pasta salad as a side serves about 15 people.
Easy pasta salad
A simple, easy pasta salad recipe that will easily feed a crowd
One of my favorite, super easy slow cooker recipes to feed a crowd is hot dogs. It’s a simple way to put together a quick meal that will feed lots of folks.
I’ve used this for our church youth group and our church small group so far. It would also be a great option for birthday parties and picnic holidays.
And it’s so incredibly simple that I almost feel silly for making a whole post about it! Two steps is all it takes!
Dump the hot dogs you prefer into your slow cooker.
Set the temperature to low for four hours or high for two hours.
That’s it! Throughout the cooking time, move them around a little a time or two.
And then just serve them up with buns, your favorite toppings and easy sides like chips, simple pasta salad and cookies.
A couple of sidenotes to avoid confusion:
Don’t add water to the slow cooker. It’s not needed.
You can stack the hot dogs vertically or just plop them in horizontally. I’ve done both. If you have more to cook, then vertically probably fits more, but it’s also easier for one end of the hot dogs to get darker that way.
Making hot dogs in your slow cooker is way easier than you’d ever guess!
When you’re short on time
Any food made in the slow cooker requires a bit of planning ahead, because it takes a while. But what about when you’re short on time and need to get a slew of hot dogs made stat?
Make them in your oven! It’s even easier than on the grill. Find all the details here:
Don’t miss these other great, easy recipes as well!
Prayers to help your mama heart find peace (FREE Download!)
Being a mom is so incredibly awesome, but it’s also draining and hard. And sometimes we are just plain overwhelmed.
Currently I wish I had one more day each week and a couple of extra hours each day. Then maybe I could get closer to conquering everything I have to do. Know the feeling?
It’s easy to get weary and overwhelmed when we are looking out for the needs of our families. On the days when I feel like there’s nothing left for or of myself, I struggle sometimes to even know what to pray beyond help!
I know God hears and understands our prayers, no matter how long or short they are. The Bible also tells us in Romans 8:26-27 that the Holy Spirit brings our needs to God when we can’t.
However, I also know the power of prayer and how praying based on Scripture can help me refocus on God to get peace and strength from Him when I need it most.
These seven Scripture-based prayers for overwhelmed moms are perfect for those days and times when you don’t have the words on your own.
Find a free PDF download of all the verses and prayers near the end of the post!
A prayer for rest
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
Matthew 11:28 (NIV)
When we are tired and worn out, it’s even easier to be overwhelmed. God promises us that if we come to Him, He will give us rest.
It may not necessarily be the extra hours of sleep we crave, but spiritual rest can rejuvenate and sustain us.
Dear Lord, I come to You today feeling weary and burdened. Please grant me Your rest and peace. Help me to lay my worries at Your feet and find comfort in Your presence. Give me the strength to face each day with renewed energy and hope. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
A prayer for peace of mind
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)
Having peace of mind is often hard in life. As Christian moms, we have so many thoughts in our head at the same time — and that’s guaranteed to be overwhelming.
These verses remind us to turn to God with our anxieties and let His peace fill us in ways beyond our understanding.
Lord, You know the anxieties that weigh on my heart. I lift them up to You now, asking for Your peace to fill my mind and soul. Help me to trust in Your plan and to feel Your calming presence surrounding me. Guard my heart and mind with Your peace that surpasses all understanding. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
A prayer for renewed strength
“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
Isaiah 40:29-31 (NIV)
I love this verse and the reminder that we all get tired and weary. I have gotten upset with myself in the past for being tired or weary. It almost seems like a sin.
Yet, we are all human. In our humanity, we only have to much strength. And the truth is life and motherhood often drain us.
Father, I feel so weak and exhausted. Please renew my strength and give me the power to keep going. Help me to place my hope in You and to trust that You will lift me up. Let me soar on wings like eagles and find the endurance I need to run and not grow weary. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
A prayer for courage
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,”
Psalm 46:1-2 (NIV)
I’ve seen a quote before along the lines of courage is that small voice saying, “I’ll try again tomorrow.” That resonates with me, especially on the rough days when I am depleted.
Knowing God is there to shelter us and hold us close gives us courage to keep going and keep trying. When I trust in Him fully, my fear begins to dissipate and my strength begins to grow.
God, You are my refuge and strength. When I feel overwhelmed by life’s troubles, help me to remember that You are always with me. Give me the courage to face my fears and the strength to stand firm in Your love. Thank You for being my constant help and source of strength. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
A prayer for embracing weakness
“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (NIV)
I don’t want to be thought of as weak. Physically weak, I’m OK with, but spiritually or mentally weak is not OK. Yet, I am not always strong.
Coming to God with our weaknesses allows us to draw from His strength. Time and again when I thought I couldn’t keep going, He has given me the strength to go on.
Whether it was from sheer physical exhaustion of having a newborn or overwhelming heartache making the daily work of life challenging, God truly has been strong in my weakness.
Lord, I admit that I am weak and in need of Your strength. Thank You for Your grace that is sufficient for me. Help me to embrace my weaknesses, knowing that Your power is made perfect in them. Let Christ’s power rest on me and give me the strength to endure hardships with joy. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
A prayer for sustenance
“Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.”
Psalm 55:22 (NIV)
Life shakes us sometimes. We get curveballs we didn’t see coming in parenthood. But this verse reminds us that God is always faithful, even on shaky ground.
God is there to help us carry our burdens from figuring out why a newborn isn’t getting the nutrition she needs to sorting out help when a school-aged child is struggling with reading.
Dear Lord, I cast all my cares and burdens onto You. Sustain me with Your love and strength. Remind me that You will never let me be shaken, no matter how heavy my load feels. Help me to trust in Your sustaining power and to find peace in Your promises. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
A prayer for God’s presence
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9 (NIV)
I feel like this verse often comes up when people are embarking on new challenges from moving to starting a new job. Yet, it applies in everyday life for us Christian moms.
God’s presence gives us strength and courage. He keeps us from being discouraged.
I struggle with discouragement and feeling like I’m not good enough as a mom. When I’m overwhelmed, I especially need this reminder that God is there to strengthen me and will not leave me.
Lord, I often feel afraid and discouraged. Remind me of Your command to be strong and courageous. Help me to feel Your presence with me wherever I go. Give me the courage to face my challenges head-on, knowing that You are by my side, guiding and strengthening me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Download all of the verses and prayers for free here:
5 Easy dessert recipes that won’t heat up your kitchen!
I love baking. Baking was my first foray into cooking back in high school. But when the weather’s hot, I don’t want to turn on the oven — even in a house with central air conditioning!
I’m excited to share some of my favorite easy summer dessert recipes that don’t require the oven or stovetop. These are easy-peasy recipes even your kiddos can make if they want. (I know this, because mine have!)
Whipped pudding pie
This 4-ingredient whipped pudding pie recipe is one of the most loved recipes I’ve ever shared. It’s easy and versatile. You can use almost any flavor and even make it sugar free.
You don’t have to even use your microwave for this one, especially if you use a store-bought graham cracker crust like I do. If you want to make your own graham cracker crust, then you’ll need to melt some butter to help hold together your graham cracker crumbs.
Otherwise, all you need is an instant pudding mix, milk and an 8-ounce tub of whipped topping. You do need to plan ahead a bit because this easy whipped pudding pie recipe needs about an hour to chill in the fridge.
Find all the details here:
Edible chocolate chip cookie dough
Another family favorite is this edible chocolate chip cookie dough recipe. You’ll need the microwave for this one to heat-treat the flour and maybe soften the butter, but that’s it!
This simple recipe comes together quickly and really does taste like chocolate chip cookie dough. Since it doesn’t have any eggs in it, you can nosh without worry!
We literally just eat the edible chocolate chip cookie dough by the spoonful in my family. You could also add it into ice cream or milkshakes you make at home.
This decadent dessert uses ingredients you probably already have on hand: flour, brown sugar, butter, vanilla extract, milk, salt and semi-sweet chocolate chips.
Find all the details here:
Oreo ice cream cake
Ice cream is the perfect summer treat and this Oreo ice cream cake is a long-standing family favorite. I’ve been eating it since I was a child!
Through the years, my mom has gotten this recipe down to an art and nowadays only needs four ingredients to make it happen. Ice cream, Oreos, hot fudge sauce and whipped cream come together in a flavor explosion.
I am totally partial to this easy summer dessert recipe because I love, love, love it! The only heat required is the microwave to heat up the fudge sauce warm enough to be pourable.
This one takes some time because you have to let the ice cream soften and firm a few times, but it’s so easy — and yummy — that you won’t mind.
Find all the details on how to make this 9×13-inch Oreo ice cream cake here:
Puppy chow
Whether you call it puppy chow or muddy buddies, the combination of peanut butter and chocolate on crisp rice cereal is so delicious!
I went through a phase of obsession with puppy chow and got the recipe down to an art. Using rice cereal instead of corn, adding a bit of vanilla extract and using Skippy peanut butter are my top tips.
Puppy chow is a great easy summer recipe because you only need to use the microwave to melt the chocolate chips, butter and peanut butter together. It’s a great recipe to make with your children!
Find all the details here:
Mint chocolate chip mousse
Mousse sounds like such a fancy dessert to make, but this mint chocolate chip mousse recipe is incredibly easy and only needs five ingredients!
The cool mint flavor is refreshing for summertime. And you don’t need any heat at all for making this recipe. You do need a bit of time for it to chill, though, so be prepared for that.
While I make this with mini chocolate chips, you could also used crushed chocolate cookies, another type of chocolate or no chocolate at all.
Joy isn’t something we celebrate as a culture, especially in motherhood culture. Joy seems like a nice concept, but not something to work for.
Yet God’s Word tells us that joy is a gift of the Holy Spirit. In fact, it’s one a Fruit of the Spirit mentioned in Galatians 5:22-23.
While joy can be hard to find on our own, we can utilize prayers for joy based on Scripture. These seven prayers are designed specifically for Christian moms to find the gift of joy in the midst of motherhood.
What is joy?
Before we start praying for the fullness of joy, we need to understand what true joy is in the Bible. The joy of the Holy Spirit is more than just general happiness.
When we’re talking about joy as defined by God, we are talking about a different sort of joy than just general happiness. The Greek word for joy is chara, which shares the same root as the Greek word for grace.
So that means joy and grace come from the same place. God’s grace and everlasting joy go hand-in-hand.
Joy isn’t based on the things we have or can do. Instead, joy is a gift from God that we receive when we’re in relationship with Him.
Dear God, I ask that you fill me with your joy throughout every day. Help me to keep my focus on you so my attitude and spirit will remain joyful. Let my family see your joy in me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Examples of joy in the Bible
If we want to live a joyful life, we have to understand that it takes time. Just like literal fruit, the Fruits of the Spirit take time to cultivate and grow.
Back in college, I had a friend who was full of joy. She radiated it. When I was going through a time of grief after losing a loved one, I resented her joy.
In fact, I found myself thinking she didn’t understand hurt like I did or she wouldn’t be filled with so much joy.
As I got to know her better over the next couple of months, I learned that she knew hurt well. She had suffered a tremendous loss in her own life, yet she still had joy.
God opened my eyes to see that having joy in spite of grief and pain is possible because He is the source of all joy — not anything else.
There are lots of examples in the Bible of God’s people going through trials of many kinds yet living in the joy of God.
Dear Heavenly Father, Please help me to cultivate your fruits in my life. Help me to grow to be more joyful in and through you. Open my eyes today to see you at work, no matter what. In the name of Christ Jesus I pray, Amen.
Nehemiah’s joy
God tasked Nehemiah with rebuilding the wall around Jerusalem. What Nehemiah was really rebuilding, though, was the culture and legacy of the Jewish people that had been destroyed.
He had all sorts of challenges and struggles in this rebuilding. Even just keeping his workers motivated and on task for such a big project was difficult. Yet, he kept his eyes on the God of hope as his source of joy.
In the 8th chapter of Nehemiah, we read about Nehemiah reading to the people from the Book of Law – their Bible. The people were weeping over its instruction and wisdom.
Nehemiah saw what was happening and said in these Bible verses from Nehemiah 8:9-10 (NIV):
Then Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and teacher of the Law, and the Levites who were instructing the people said to them all, “This day is holy to the Lord your God. Do not mourn or weep.” For all the people had been weeping as they listened to the words of the Law. Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
Nehemiah 8:9-10 (NIV)
Nehemiah is reminding his people that God is their strength. They have no reason to weep.
Even in difficult circumstances, which will inevitably come, God is our strength and that fact can bring us great joy.
Dear Lord, give me joy like Nehemiah is talking about. Help me to put aside my worries and concerns and just rest in the joy of your salvation as I go throughout my day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
David’s joy
King David spends the entire book of Psalms going back and forth between despair and the wonderful joy of the Lord. He talks about stressful times and good times both.
And while he certainly had his challenges, David understood God’s steadfast love, even when he didn’t following through on doing the will of God.
In Psalm 30, we see that David was in a season of life where he’d been through hard times and gained perspective that darkness and pain don’t last forever.
For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.
Psalm 30:5 (ESV)
Sometimes our joy comes just in knowing that challenges don’t last forever and eventually good things will come along as well.
Another way David reminds us to find joy is by simply looking around us. Psalm 92:4 (ESV) says that very thing:
For you, O Lord, have made me glad by your work; at the works of your hands I sing for joy.
Psalm 92:4 (ESV)
God’s creation inspires Christian joy. David realized when finding joy and gladness seemed impossible, he could always find it in looking at God’s creation from nature to loved ones and more.
Dear God, open my eyes today to see all the wonderful blessings that surround me. I thank you for all of your blessings and your faithfulness. Thank you that I can have joy in you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Habakkuk’s joy
Habakkuk was living in a time when the Jewish people were being overthrown and overrun by the Babylonians. Life was miserable.
The crops and livestock were being taken away. A wicked country seemed to be winning over God’s chosen people.
Habakkuk was confused. How could God be letting something so bad happen? Where was His justice? Why wasn’t He doing something?
All three chapters of Habakkuk are his conversations with God. He poses these same questions and God responds that He knows what He is doing.
Finally, by the third chapter, Habakkuk has come to understand that he can trust God has a plan even when it doesn’t make sense. Even in the midst of suffering, he finds joy in God.
This is what he says in Habakkuk 3:18-19 (ESV):
yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation. God, the Lord, is my strength; he makes my feet like the deer’s; he makes me tread on my high places.
Habakkuk 3:18-19 (ESV)
When times are hard — like they were for Habakkuk — we can find a joyful heart through the power of the Holy Spirit by remembering our salvation.
Dear Jesus, help me to rejoice in you today. I ask that you fill me with joy so that I can live a life full of hope. Let that joy and hope radiate in and through my life. In your name, Amen.
Joy in the struggle
People in the Old Testament were certainly not the only ones who had to cultivate a life with greater joy. In Romans, Paul encourages the early church to have joy because it is beneficial in other ways as well.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
Romans 15:13 (ESV)
Joy goes hand-in-hand with hope. In the struggle of life, we need hope. It helps us to stay motivated and keep going.
A life without hope is a dismal one indeed. By having peace and joy in believing in God, we will be filled to overflowing with hope.
James goes even further to tell us to be joyful about trials in James 1:2-4 (NIV):
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
James 1:2-4 (NIV)
Finding joy in facing trials sounds impossible and downright ridiculous. But that is what James is telling us to do, because facing trials increases our perseverance and ability to keep going so that we fully mature and can do the work God has for us to do.
So there is joy to be found even in the hard stuff.
Heavenly Father, I ask that you help me to remember who you are so that I can have joy and hope in you even when life is chaotic and hard. Lord, I know I don’t have to rejoice about the struggle, but help me to rejoice in you in spite of the struggle. Let me be an example to my family and those around me. In the name of Jesus, Amen.
Practical ways to find joy
Along with powerful prayers asking for God to give us more joy, some other steps can encourage us to live with more of God’s joy in our own lives. The best news is that none of them take a tremendous amount of time.
Remember Jesus.
The first thing we can do is remember Jesus. This sounds trite, but hear me out.
During one of the most difficult times of my life, I sat in church overwhelmed and at a loss. Nothing made sense and I couldn’t even bring myself to sing the worship songs.
My mind was racing so much that I wasn’t able to focus on the preaching. I was crying out to God for help and then I noticed the cross sitting on the platform.
God poked my heart. Did I believe that He sent His Son to die for my sins? My answer was yes.
Then nothing else truly mattered. He was still the same in the midst of my hurt and despair. I just needed to remember Jesus.
In fact, the shepherds heard the same message from the angel on the night Jesus was born. The angel declared the good news that “great joy” had come into the world.
Jesus is and can be our joy all the time. When we are struggling to find anything joyful, we can remember the love of Jesus and rejoice in that.
Stay connected to God.
If God is the source of our joy, then we need to stay connected to Him. One important way to do that is by finding a group of fellow believers to connect and worship with.
The best explanation for why we should go to church came from a preacher I heard decades ago. He said that he’d been married for many years. His wife did all the cooking.
He couldn’t begin to list what he’d had for dinner every night of his marriage, but he knew he was fed.
Church is the same way. I can’t begin to list every sermon or Bible study lesson I’ve been a part of. But they have all fed me spiritually.
We need that connection to God to remain in Him and receive His joy.
Look to the future.
As a mom, I can find joy in the tediousness of motherhood by knowing one day it will pay off.
When I was potty training my children – a task I completely loathed – I continued to do so with the hope and joy of knowing one day they would no longer need diapers.
Each phase brings its own challenges and thoughts of future rewards.
Sometimes when we are lacking in joy, we need to take a moment and look to the future. We know that joy is coming.
In the middle of the struggle, take a moment to close your eyes and just imagine the perfection of heaven and being in the presence of God.
Imagine Jesus pulling you in for a tight, warm, comforting hug. That is joy.
Dear God, show me the practical ways I can live my life to have more joy in it. Help me to form the right connections I need to find encouragement on this journey so I can be joyful. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
A final prayer for joy
Dear God, I thank you for all the gifts you’ve given me. Father, I thank you that you give me joy in this life no matter what happens. You are faithful and good. You have created so incredibly many good things that bless us and can bring us joy. Thank you for those blessings.
Lord, I ask that you fill me with joy. Remind me of who you are when I start to get sidetracked. Help me to keep my focus on you so that I can have joy in my heart every day.
In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Joy doesn’t mean life is perfect. Instead, it means that you serve a God who is. And that is something to celebrate daily!
Want to learn more about the Fruit of the Spirit? Be sure to check out these numerous resources!
How to give him a meaningful Father’s Day celebration
Coming up with ideas for a Father’s Day celebration can be tricky, to say the least. If the men in your life are similar to the ones in mine, they are low-maintenance guys who will tell you they don’t care what they do for Father’s Day. They aren’t rolling in suggestions of what a perfect and meaningful Father’s Day celebration would be.
So, I’ve been doing some thinking and a bit of chatting with my own husband to come up with ideas I think most dads would really love for celebrating Father’s Day. I looked at ideas across the internet and found most of them weren’t actually created with dads in mind.
Maybe some dads would love to do a family workout, scavenger hunt or puzzle to celebrate Father’s Day, but I don’t think the guys in my life would.
Instead, I’ve got some low-key and meaningful ideas for a Father’s Day celebration, because more than anything we want the dads in our lives to know how much we appreciate them and love them.
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1. Let him rest.
Parenting (and adulthood in general) is exhausting. Especially dads who are living with young kiddos at home could use some rest.
While I love a good nap, my husband loves sleeping in. Whatever rest looks like for your guy, let him enjoy some rest and downtime on Father’s Day.
Maybe it doesn’t mean sleeping in or napping. Maybe he wants to watch a show in peace or read a book. Let him have some downtime.
2. Keep it low-key.
So, I will say that maybe not all guys would love low-key Father’s Day celebrations, but the ones I know really would.
In the past, I’ve tried asking my husband for ideas of what he wants to do. Honestly, I think it just adds more pressure to him.
Of course he wants to be recognized and appreciated for all he does, but he also doesn’t want a big to-do that means he has to act really excited about something he really doesn’t care so much about.
You can ask him if he has anything he wants to do, but keep it low pressure. If he says he doesn’t have anything he wants to do, then let him be. Use some of the ideas on this list.
Dads are under so much pressure in taking care of their families and managing work and everything else that the last thing we want to do on a day that’s all about them is add more pressure!
3. Do his favorite activity.
Think about things your husband likes to do and figure out a way to make that happen as a family.
For example, if he loves golf, plan a trip to play mini golf or at a driving range. If he loves watching movies, plan an afternoon movie you can all watch together with his favorite snacks.
Maybe your guy is like mine and enjoys playing games. Pick a game your whole family can play and make memories.
The other thing I know about dads is that it’s often hard for them to find time for their hobbies or things they enjoy in the midst of all they have going on. Taking the time to plan something you know he’ll enjoy will make his Father’s Day celebration all that much better.
Getting to do that activity with his family is great, because dads like making good memories and having fun with their kiddos. Father’s Day is a great time to be intentional about making that happen in a way your guy will love.
The bonus we’ve found is that anything my husband or I are into or excited about, our kids are also at least interested in it as well. They want to be involved in things we’re interested in or excited about.
4. Eat his favorite food.
Whether it’s from a restaurant or from your kitchen, your guy’s favorite food should be on the menu for his Father’s Day celebration. Even if it’s a dish you make all the time, if he loves it then Father’s Day is a great time to make it.
Or take him out to eat at a restaurant he loves or a restaurant he chooses.
While my love language is food, my husband’s isn’t so much. But still knowing you’ve made the effort to have food he enjoys will make him happy.
5. Give thoughtful gifts.
You can find all sorts of gift ideas for Father’s Day, but the gifts that mean the most are the ones with the most thought behind them.
Father’s Day is one of those holidays where it really is the thought that counts. Dads want to know they’re appreciated. They want some acknowledgement that their family sees and appreciates their hard work.
When I stop to truly think about what all our husband does for our family, I am overwhelmed and humbled.
He makes sacrifices the kids aren’t even aware of. He is a steady, calm presence that makes us all feel secure.
My husband can make the kids and me laugh like nobody else. The list goes on and on. Father’s Day is the perfect time to let him know you see what he’s doing and you appreciate it.
Go for a card (homemade or store bought) that you write in. Have the kiddos draw pictures or write what they love about dad.
Buy him a gift you know he wouldn’t get for himself. Give him a photo of the kids (or him with the kids!) that he can put on his desk.
Heck, you can even give him a cheesy mug or t-shirt proclaiming how great he is along with a nice card. He’ll enjoy being appreciated. We all need that acknowledgement and dads are certainly no different!
40 Fun things to do for your family’s Fourth of July celebration (with FREE coloring pages!)
Each year when America’s birthday rolls around, I want to figure out the best family things to do on July 4th. My goal is to come up with funs ideas my whole family can enjoy.
The fun activities I plan for July 4th have varied depending on how old my children are. For example, when they were babies and toddlers, we watched a fireworks show on television rather than in person. It was a better way for our family to see fireworks during that season.
Nowadays, though, my children are older and finding fun ideas our whole family will enjoy is important to me. Our best memories are made with family fun!
I’ve pulled together a list of all kinds of Fourth of July activities for families. Some of these my family does ourselves, and others are new ideas I can’t wait to try!
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Traditional celebrations
Whether you live in a small town or large city, most areas have a variety of events throughout the day in honor of the Fourth of July. And the majority are family friendly!
Attend a local parade.
Check social media and other online resources to find out if there is a local parade happening near you. Parades are especially fun for younger kids.
But even with older kids, parades are a fun way to celebrate any holiday.
Have a Fourth of July cookout.
Whether you call it a cookout or a backyard barbecue, July 4th is notorious for grilling up hot dogs and hamburgers.
Plan some easy sides like potato chips, baked beans, macaroni salad and deviled eggs, then host a cookout in your own backyard. You get bonus points for making food in red, white and blue!
You can also turn this into a potluck and invite friends or family over to spend time all together.
Put up patriotic decor.
Everyone is more inclined to get into the holiday spirit if you have some star-spangled banner decor around. You don’t have to spend a fortune to make it happen.
One creative way to decorate is with coloring pages that your family colors. You not only get to spend quality time coloring together, you also get to display artwork you’re proud of!
Nothing is more traditional on July 4th than fireworks. Find the best places to go in your area and attend a big display with your family.
If you are able to do your own fireworks, give those a go if you’d rather. Our family usually does a mix of both. We get some small things, like sparklers, to do at home. Then we go see the big fireworks in a nearby park.
And another option, especially if you have younger children or a family member who is noise sensitive, is to watch fireworks on television. We’ve done this a few times, and it’s one of the best ways to see fireworks without the heat and hassle!
Outdoor adventures
You can find all sorts of kid-friendly activities in the great outdoors that are perfect for July 4th weekend. Even inside folks like me can find a fun game to play!
Play outdoor games at home.
Without even leaving home, there are lots of fun yard games your family can play. From corn hole to croquet, options abound.
But don’t forget other great options for the warm weather we have in July, such as having a water balloon fight. This remains one of my children’s favorite things to do in hot weather!
Simple games like hide and seek or tag are fabulous options as well.
Have a picnic at the park.
Another great way to celebrate July 4th is by having a picnic in the park. Often parks where fireworks displays are set to happen are filled with all sorts of options ahead of time from free live music to food vendors.
Pack up your family and head to the park early to enjoy free concerts and tasty treats in addition to what you pack yourself. And don’t forget, it’s a good idea to bring along both sunscreen and bug spray!
Go for a bike ride.
If your family loves riding bikes, then biking can be a fun Fourth of July activity to do together. Ride to a local park or a local ice cream store for a refreshing summer treat.
Or just go for a ride together around your neighborhood. With most folks off work for July 4th, it’s a perfect time to use your free time for family-friendly activities.
Game time
From video to board games, a little friendly competition on July 4th can be the perfect way to spend at least part of the day. And my family loves games!
Play patriotic games.
The best options for patriotic themed games are going be printable ones. And that’s actually good news, because they are less expensive than store-bought options!
Print out a pack of 4th of July themed games and have fun as a family! This July 4th game and activity pack includes a wide array of options for the whole family:
July 4th What’s on your phone?
July 4th Crossword with answers
Three July 4th mazes
July 4th Selfie scavenger hunt
July 4th Never have I ever
July 4th Word scramble with answers
July 4th Charades or draw the word
July 4th Photo scavenger hunt
July 4th How many words can you make?
Tic Tac Toe
Connect the dots game
2 July 4th Coloring pages
Play card or board games.
Independence Day weekend is a great time to play a new game or a family favorite when you have time off to do so. Some of our favorites include the following:
Video and electronic games don’t especially sound like great family things to do on the 4th of July, but they really can be!
Find a game you can play cooperatively and try it out together. Recently I’ve had fun playing Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles with my husband and son.
Or go for more traditional electronic game options like Jackbox Party Games. We’ve played these with our family and with my parents as well. All of us enjoy them!
You just need a console, computer or Apple TV. Each player will need a device on which to play, such as a phone or iPad. Easy to set up and lots of fun to play!
Even more ideas for July 4th
And if none of these options are what you’re looking for in a family-friendly event or you want some more ideas, check out this additional list of 30 family things to do on the 4th of July:
Beach Day – Spend the day swimming, building sandcastles and relaxing.
Patriotic Crafting – Make flags, wreaths or other themed crafts with the kids.
Historical Reenactment – Visit a historical site or watch a reenactment of a Revolutionary War battle.
Ice Cream Social – Set up an ice cream bar with various toppings.
Outdoor Movie Night – Set up a projector and screen a family-friendly film.
Fireworks Sparklers – Light sparklers and enjoy the sparkly fun.
Attend a Baseball Game – Many local teams have special July 4th games and events.
Family Talent Show – Let everyone show off their unique talents.
Scavenger Hunt – Create a patriotic-themed scavenger hunt around your home or neighborhood.
Visit a National Park – Take in the beauty of nature and enjoy outdoor activities.
Host a Pie Eating Contest – See who can eat the most pie in a fun, messy competition.
Patriotic Face Painting – Paint each other’s faces with flags and other patriotic symbols.
Make Homemade Lemonade – Set up a stand or simply enjoy a refreshing drink together.
Fourth of July Parade Float – Create a mini float for a neighborhood parade.
Camp Out in the Backyard – Set up tents and tell stories under the stars.
Patriotic Storytime – Read books about the history of Independence Day.
Host a Flag Ceremony – Teach kids how to properly handle and display the flag.
Nature Hike – Explore a local trail and enjoy the great outdoors.
Create a Time Capsule – Include items that represent this year’s celebrations and open it in the future.
Patriotic Baking – Make cupcakes, cookies or a cake decorated in red, white and blue.
Kite Flying – Spend the afternoon flying kites in an open field.
Visit a Farmer’s Market – Enjoy fresh produce and local goods.
Red, White, and Blue Tie-Dye – Make tie-dye shirts in patriotic colors.
Listen to Patriotic Music – Create a playlist of American classics and sing along.
Visit a Museum – Learn about American history and culture.
Parade Float Contest – Organize a neighborhood competition for the best-decorated bikes or wagons.
Charity Run/Walk – Participate in or organize a 5K for a good cause.
Boat Parade – If you live near water, join or watch a parade of decorated boats.
Balloon Release – Release red, white and blue balloons (using eco-friendly materials).
Photo Booth – Set up a booth with patriotic props and take fun family photos.
No matter what you decide to do, remember that you are making memories with your family. Not everything will be perfect — and that’s OK. But you can still enjoy the time together!
Finding time for a summer date night can be challenging for parents. But we still need quality time together and summertime is the perfect time for some free date ideas you’ll love!
Whenever I hear the word “summertime,” I immediately hear the George Gershwin song in my head: “Summertime and the livin’ is easy.”
But I’m guessing Gershwin didn’t have kids. Or he at least wasn’t in charge of them.
Summertime is busy and hectic with kids at home. So, I’ve got the best summer date ideas for parents that you can do at home while your kiddos are asleep or otherwise occupied.
My husband and I have learned we have to be intentional about ways to connect, especially during summer months. And this summer, with the cost of everything on the rise, coming up with some free summer date ideas is a great plan.
You can connect, even without a babysitter or spending money. There are plenty of opportunities to have a great date if you just learn how to spot them!
Summer date idea #1: Sit outside.
One of the more simple summer date ideas is to sit outside together on nice summer evenings after the kids are in bed. The great outdoors — even from your own porch or patio — is a great place to unwind and reconnect with one another.
When our children were babies and toddlers, we’d take the baby monitor outside with us. Once they were older, we knew they could come and find us, but made sure to mention that if they don’t see us, then to look on the porch or patio. (It was the back patio at our old house and front porch at our new house.)
Having time to sit together and just reconnect after a busy day of life is nice. Pick a night and plan 30 minutes to an hour of just sitting together and talking.
Agree that you’ll stay device free and really focus on one another.
Summer date idea #2: Find a series to watch together.
A fun date idea you can do in your own living room is watch a good movie or TV series together. Many shows go to repeats during the summer, so it’s a great time to binge a series together after the kiddos are in bed or whenever you have time together.
You can find all sorts of ideas online or your favorite streaming service. If all else fails, re-watch a series or movie together.
Either way, focus on finding something you both like, put down your phones, snuggle up and watch together. Add in your favorite snacks and you’re good to go!
Summer date idea #3: Eat a cold treat together.
If you can find a babysitter or if your kids are old enough to be home alone for an hour, go out for ice cream together. Going out for ice cream is one of the fun summer date ideas, because ice cream goes great with warm weather.
Plus sitting and chatting while eating a sweet, cold treat is a fun way to spend time together. Ice cream (or fro yo) doesn’t cost as much as going out to dinner. For $10 or less, you can eat get a cold treat.
And if you just can’t find a sitter, then plan an ice cream date at home — without your kids. During naptime or after bedtime, sit at your table with homemade ice cream sundaes or other frozen treats.
Either way, having a cold treat together is a good time to reconnect and remember why your spouse really is your favorite person!
Summer date idea #4: Go for a walk together, and hold hands.
My husband and I are very much fair weather folks. He doesn’t handle heat well and my skin doesn’t get along well with the sun.
But, find one of the nice summer days and go for a walk together. Walk around your neighborhood during your kids’ naptime.
Take a stroll along a nature path or hiking trail nearby and let your kids explore (if they are old enough and it’s safe to do so) while you and your husband meander slowly behind them.
A local park is also a perfect place for this if you have the kids along. You can walk and talk while the kids play on the playground nearby.
It can be the perfect summer date idea if you hold hands to connect physically and emotionally!
Summer date idea #5: Color together.
If you have kids, chances are really good that you have some art supplies around. A cute summer date idea is to hang out together and color one evening after the kids are in bed.
My husband does some really great coloring with markers and shading. I, on the other hand, am much more basic. I use crayons and just color princesses.
It doesn’t matter what you’re coloring, though. What matters is that you’re spending time together. Sometimes doing a mindless task can be a better time to talk and connect than sitting facing one another.
Summer date idea #6: Tackle a project together.
This sound suspiciously like work, but my husband and I enjoy having time to be productive together and do tasks that have been hanging over our heads. One of the best things is you can get tasks accomplished while also having extra time with your spouse to improve your relationship. Win-win!
Recently, for example, my husband and I spent a couple of hours working together on hanging wall decor in our home that we’ve needed to do for three years. Our kids were too worried about getting roped in to work that they both disappeared to their rooms and occupied themselves. We had a great time working and laughing together.
Just be sure to keep a good attitude about it and be willing to accept some unsolicited advice that could come your way. (I’m not saying that happened to me over the weekend, but I’m also not saying it didn’t!)
Summer date idea #7: Go geocaching together.
Geocaching was super popular a few years ago, but it still around now. If you can get some kid-free time, download a geocache map and head out together to find some geocaches.
Take your vehicle or, to make it a completely free date, combine it with an excuse to bike ride together. The longer days of summer lend themselves well to getting out in the evening during warmer weather and doing things.
Geocaching is one of the fun summer dates you can go on, because it also creates memories every time you drive by local landmarks or other places you found geocaches.
Summer date idea #8: Play a game together.
This is perhaps my favorite summer date idea. Plan a game night date night for after the kids go to bed.
My husband and I love to play games together. I’m not at all a night owl and am definitely more of an early bird. So for post-bedtime game nights, I tend to like short and easy games rather than longer ones.
Whether it’s a video, card or board game, playing games together can be a great way to spend time together and enjoy a cozy night in. Bonus points if you add in some good food or affectionate prizes!
This one isn’t completely free because you’d have to spend money on gas, but sometimes a drive on country roads near your house can be a great summer date idea.
Roll down the windows if you want and let the wind blow through your hair, listen to music together or just chat and catch up. You might end up finding new things in your area you didn’t even know about.
If your kids are small and will sleep in the car, make naptime mobile one afternoon and hit the road. Otherwise, you would need a babysitter or have kids old enough to be home alone for an hour.
Summer date idea #10: Read a book together.
I’m a huge fan of books. Read a fiction book together or listen to the audio version together. (Don’t overlook your local library as a great and free resource for these!)
You can even read on your own and then talk about it like your own book club. Nonfiction books on relationships or any other topic you’re interested in are also great for summer date nights.
Summer date idea #11: Check out the sky.
Neither of you have to be an astronomer to have fun looking at the stars together. Download a stargazing app, spread out a blanket in your favorite place in the yard and marvel together at the galaxy.
Summer is a great time to take advantage of the beautiful weather and find clear skies with warm temperatures. And nighttime is even better for outdoor activities on hot days.
Summer date idea #12: Go to a free concert.
This one does need a babysitter if your kiddos aren’t old enough to be home along. But another one of our summer date night ideas is to go to a free concert.
Check out a nearby park or other popular venue to find free concerts in your area. Pick one that sounds good for you two and enjoy the time together listening to music and remembering what it’s like to not always have to be mom.
Finding time to connect with our spouses in the midst of the whirlwind of carpool lines, meal prepping and endless loads of laundry can feel impossible. Printable date night games can kick your next date night at home up a notch.
Home date ideas work incredibly well while juggling a family. You don’t even need a babysitter or extra money to have a fun time making your love life a priority.
With a little creativity and some fun printable date night games, you can have a special date night filled with laughter and meaningful conversations – all from the comfort of your living room.
Why date nights matter
In order to build, strengthen and grow in our marriages, we need to spend time together. Being intentional about carving out time as a couple is important, especially in the midst of parenthood.
Staying connected to your spouse is important. Scheduling date nights is one of the best ways to make sure you’re prioritizing each other.
In long-term relationships, we can easily get complacent and forget to have time together. Date nights are a fun way to rekindle the romance and spark in your relationship.
But, I also know finding the time and resources to plan elaborate date nights is challenging. You’ve got to deal with child care and budgets and all the things.
Planning a simple evening in with a printable date night game bundle can be just the thing to help you connect after you have the kiddos tucked in for the night.
Setting the scene
But just because you’re staying in doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice the romance. You can pretty easily create a romantic atmosphere at home, I promise!
Tidy Up: Clear away the clutter. A clean, organized space can instantly make your home feel more relaxing and inviting.
Lighting: Dim the lights and add some candles or fairy lights. Soft lighting can transform your living room into a cozy, intimate space.
Music: Create a playlist of your favorite songs or soothing background music. Music can set the tone and bring back memories of your early days together.
Dress Up: Just because you’re at home doesn’t mean you have to stay in your sweats. Dress up a little – it can make the evening feel more special.
Being intentional
While the games provide a framework for fun, the true magic of date night lies in the intentional connection you create. Go into date night at home prepared to let go of other distractions.
Put away your phones and other electronics. Do chores ahead of time or let them go during date night. Think of this time as sacred – a gift to focus solely on each other.
Start the evening with prayer by asking God to strengthen your marriage, give you guidance, reflect on your blessings and have fun together. God created marriage and wants yours to thrive. It’s OK to ask for help making that happen!
If you are doing a date night in while the kiddos are home, have a plan for how to handle interruptions. Maybe you take turns dealing with kids who get up or you have rules for your children to only come get you if someone is throwing up or bleeding.
What that actually looks like will depend on the ages of your children and how your family works.
Taking the extra step
Your date night in doesn’t have to be mundane in any way. If you’re planning for dinner, order from your favorite restaurant or cook a meal together.
If date night is happening after dinnertime, consider having some snacks and/or sweet treats on hand for something special as you go through your evening.
While you don’t want to spend the night on your devices, keep your phone’s camera handy to take a couple of photos as you go so you can remember your fun game night!
Connect with printable games
Printable date night games are a great idea to have a good laugh with your spouse while reconnecting and making memories. And couple games are one of the best ways to spend time with one another.
Printable games work well because you don’t have to plan ahead or spend much money. All you need is a home printer for games that are an instant download, and you’re good to go.
Not only are printable games an easy way to add spice to date night without having to leave home, they are also more budget friendly. Being the wife of a gamer, I can guarantee printable games are much cheaper than traditional party games for sale online or in-person!
FREE DIY date night jar
A date night jar is pretty simple. You use a jar (or envelope), put you favorite date night ideas on slips of paper and draw one out when you’re planning your date.
Use this free download of 35 date night jar ideas for a fun date night at home. With detailed instructions, you can easily create a date night jar in a matter of minutes.
You’ll have loads of fun with the following items:
This or that? – Have fun discovering what each of you prefer between two options such as “travel to a new place every year” versus “revisit your favorite spot every year.” These are great for sparking conversation and will probably include some laughs as well!
Memory Lane – Get a bit sentimental with this game that has the two of you strolling down memory lane together. Reminisce about your first date, your wedding day and more. Answer them out loud together or separately on paper and then discuss them. This game can be a great opportunity to get to know more about your spouse’s love language based on what they remember most.
Couple’s Quiz – Answer questions about yourself and your spouse separately to see how well you know each other. You’ll write things like their favorite color, dream vacation, first car and more. Compare your answers to find out who knows whom better!
Scavenger Hunt – Take a walk together and find a variety of items such as a bench, a fallen leaf and a dog on a walk. Mark off the list or take photos to remember everything you saw.
Truth or Dare – Have fun with this slumber party favorite that has 28 truths and 28 dares. You’re guaranteed to have some laughs with this one!
Most Likely To – Separately answer questions about yourself and your spouse about who is the most likely to do things, such as cook a gourmet meal, start a new hobby or try an extreme sport. Compare your answers and have fun!
Picture This – Pick 10 of 27 ideas for taking photos together and create those photos as a couple. You’ll find fun ideas like snapping a photo under a blanket fort, and sweet ideas like capture a romantic kiss.
Have you Ever? – You may think you know everything about your spouse, but this Have you Ever? game will teach you new things. Honestly answer the questions about whether you’ve done things like skipped school, been on a blind date or lied to get out of trouble. The best part of this game is sharing fun stories as you go!
Couple Charades – This classic game is designed with ideas of activities couples can do together. Act them out and be ready to laugh!
Match Minds – See how much you think alike in this game that offers one word and a blank to finish the phrase. Answer them individually and compare to see how many of your responses match.
It’s a Draw! – Play a date night version of Pictionary by taking turns drawing famous couples and letting your spouse guess which couple you’re drawing. No words allowed!
Love Scramble (with key) – Challenge each other to unscramble 15 words about love. See who can do it quickest or get the most correct. (And don’t worry, an answer key is also included in case you get stumped!)
Bucket List – Along with having fun together, spend some time dreaming together. Make a list of all the things you’d like to do. Then pick your top five as a couple and list them. See what you can do to make some of those dreams a reality in the next five years!
Gratitude Prompts – Whether you write down the answers or say them aloud, going through these gratitude prompts together will draw you closer as you let your spouse know what you appreciate about them but don’t get to say often.
A to Z Music – Race to see who can come up with the most song titles about love in 5 minutes. The catch is you need a song title that begins with each letter of the alphabet.
These conversation starters cover a wide variety of topics, including spiritual connection, personal growth, memories and reflections, family and relationships, and dreams and goals.
Date night idea cards
If you are looking for date night cards that could take you out of the house, be sure to check out these 80 printable date night idea cards. You’ll get a mix of new date night ideas that are both at home and out and about.
You can pick the cards at random or go through them together and choose your favorite date night option. Find ideas such as create the perfect playlist, make an ice cream sundae bar, play laser tag, shop for each other, go horseback riding and more.
Remember, a thriving marriage doesn’t happen by accident. It requires effort, intentionality and a commitment to quality time.
By incorporating printable games and creating a romantic atmosphere, you can keep the spark alive and grow closer together, all while honoring the sacred covenant of marriage.
So, clear your schedules, print out some games and get ready to reconnect! Your marriage – and your children – will thank you.
We use the word “love” often and in many ways. We tell our children we love them. We love our families and close friends. But how often do we stop to think about the importance of love in the Bible?
1 Corinthians tells us love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. The love described in these Bible verses isn’t possible without help from the Holy Spirit.
“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful;it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (ESV)
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Agape love in the Bible
When we talk about biblical love, we are referring to “agape” love, which is unconditional and selfless love. This is the love God has for us.
Agape love is also the kind of love that believes the best about other people and wants the best for them.
As moms, we can easily think we have mastered agape love when it comes to our own family, especially our little children. We love our children without condition and shower them with affectionate love.
But is our love truly selfless? Not all the time.
We must remember the love of Christ for us. Every single thing God does is out of His love for us. We are God’s own children, and He has our own interests at heart.
There hasn’t been a moment in your life when your best interests weren’t first and foremost for Him. When it comes to loving others — even our own children — we struggle to always have their best interests first and foremost.
This is the kind of love we are talking about and want to learn to give to others. As children of God, we should be known for this kind of love.
Why Love is the Most Important Thing
Throughout the Bible, we see the importance of love. The Apostle Paul reminds us in Colossians that love binds everything together in perfect harmony.
“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.”
Colossians 3:12-14 (ESV)
When we are full of the love of God, we are more likely to live in unity of mind with each other. We are quicker to forgive and slower to anger. Love covers over a multitude of sins.
Another reason love is important is to be an example to others. Because agape love is a steadfast love that goes against human nature, someone who is full of love stands out.
Living with the love of God in us showcases God to the world.
In John 13, Jesus spoke to the early church on the subject of love:
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
John 13:34-35 (NIV)
Jesus isn’t messing around with this either. He doesn’t give a suggestion for us to love one another. He issues a commandment.
Being the loving God He is, though, our Heavenly Father doesn’t leave us to fulfill a commandment without help.
In the very next chapter of John, Jesus goes on to tell us about the Holy Spirit (or Helper) He is leaving for us once He has gone into heaven.
“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper,to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.”
John 14:16-17 (ESV)
Christ Jesus pours so much love into us so it can overflow to others. We are free to love others – even when that love isn’t returned – because we as God’s people are filled with His love and have freedom in knowing He is always with us.
What Does the Bible Say About Love?
Both the Old Testament and New Testament have innumerable verses about love. From how much God loves us to how we should love one another, love is found throughout the Bible.
As Christian moms, we want to take a closer look at what true love to others really looks like. Such love is what we want to live out for our children!
The definition of perfect love
Let’s start with one of the most well-known passages about love from God’s Word is found in 1 Corinthians. In fact, these verses are often read at weddings because they really share the meaning of love and purpose of love from a Biblical perspective.
1 Corinthians says love is patient, kind, rejoices in the truth, unconditional, faithful, hopeful and long-lasting.
It also tells us what love is not. Love is not envious, not boastful, not arrogant, not rude, not selfish, not irritable, not resentful and doesn’t get excited for something bad.
The power of Christian love
As we continue looking at how to love one another Biblically, we have to examine the great power that comes through Christian love of each other.
The wise King Solomon wrote these words in Proverbs.
“Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs.”
Proverbs 10:12 (NIV)
One of the great things about love is that it makes forgiveness easier. We are better able to forgive others when we love them completely.
I can more easily forgive my children for their shortcomings than anyone else. I want to teach them to live in love that’s more peaceful rather than in the conflict created by hate.
Where real love comes from
Finally, we also want to understand where all this love comes from. John puts it all together nicely.
“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.”
1 John 4:7 (NIV)
Love starts with God. God is love. And then He gives that love to us so that we can share it with others.
The significance of love is such that we receive so much love from God that we can pour it into the lives around us.
Living a Life Full of Love
The best way to live a Christian life full of genuine love is to first seek God’s help. He gives us the power of the Holy Spirit to help guide us and bestow spiritual gifts to help strengthen our faith.
Along with prayer, here are some other things we can do to live with a greater love.
Focus on the positive.
Being filled with love is hard when you are only seeing the downside of things. I struggle to truly love my husband in an unselfish way when I’m zeroed in on one of his faults.
Keeping our mindset on the positive traits and characteristics of people around us allows us a better chance to truly love them.
You can apply this with strangers as well and assume the best of intentions. The power of God is such that you never know when one small display of love can make a huge difference in someone’s life.
Sometimes simple good deeds can show love to those around us, and when we are focused on the positive, it’s easier to do good works.
Have perspective.
I had a professor in college whose philosophy was, “If I’m going to laugh about it later, I might as well laugh about it now.” That’s stuck with me.
Some things in life are just never funny, that’s for certain! But other times we truly do make mountains out of molehills. We see challenges and issues as much bigger than they actually are.
Before you get upset and start to live in a less-than-loving way, pause and think. Is this going to still be upsetting to you five years from now?
What about five months, five weeks or even five minutes from now? If it isn’t, then let it go!
Get into the Word.
Getting into the Bible helps us live out love for a variety of reasons. First, we get reminders of God’s love for us as we read.
Second, the Bible is the living and breathing Word of God, so God works through the Holy Spirit to open our minds and hearts in all new ways.
I’ve read the same passage of Scripture many times and gotten something new from it each time. That’s the power of our faithful God!
Put it into practice
As the first Fruit of the Spirit, love is an important attribute for us Christian moms to work on. Some simple actions can keep us focused on the right things and ways to live out God’s love.
Keep a gratitude journal.
Gratitude helps us to focus on the positive and keep perspective — both of which help us to live with more love.
Keeping a gratitude journal is a great way to make focusing on gratitude part of your life.
Notice the difference it makes in your attitude and your love!
Spend daily time in prayer.
Talking to God is important for us to connect with Him and be able to live with Christian love. These short seven prayers can help you connect with God daily about love.
Day 1: Dear God, I ask that you fill me with your agape love throughout every day and in every interaction I have with others. May they see your love in me above all else. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Day 2: Dear God, I acknowledge that without you, I cannot have a life filled with love, patience, humbleness, generosity and hope. Open my eyes and heart to receive these things and use them in ministering to my family. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Day 3: Dear God, thank you for the gift of your Holy Spirit. Father, I ask that you help me to love all of those around me. Help me to see others as you see them and love them as you do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Day 4: Dear God, thank you for all your blessings and gifts to me. Open my eyes to see more of you at work in my life. Help me to maintain a positive attitude that is pleasing to and focused on you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Day 5: Dear God, sometimes I get caught up in the small stuff. Help me to let go of things that don’t matter and focus on what is most important. Show me where I need to move forward with you instead. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Day 6: Dear God, help me to focus on your Word and hear you speak as I am reading the Bible. Clear my mind from all other worries and concerns. Help me to find time in my schedule to be able to get into your Word each day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Day 7: Heavenly Father, I ask that you be with me as I strive to live a life filled with love. Open my eyes to see opportunities to love on the people around me, including my family. Fill me with your love and Holy Spirit to the point of overflowing into those around me. Lord, when I am out of sorts and having a bad day or moment, give me a reminder of your presence and love. Help me to see you, hear you and feel you at work in and through my life. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Want to learn more about the Fruit of the Spirit? Be sure to check out these numerous resources!
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