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!
Encouragement for Christian moms to speak up for their kids
“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute.”
Proverbs 31:8 (NIV)
When my daughter (my oldest) was a newborn, I felt in my gut that something was wrong with her. She would cry and curl into herself like her stomach hurt.
As an exhausted and desperate new mom, I called the pediatrician to get in. Her usual doctor was out, so we saw a different doctor. I explained what was going on and how it seemed like her stomach hurt.
The pediatrician looked at my husband and me and told us that babies can’t talk so we don’t really know when or if they experience pain. We were flabbergasted. Of course, we know based on how they react!
It was preposterous to us and also beyond frustrating. Fortunately, my husband figured out that our daughter was having trouble sucking and we were able to learn how best to feed her. Her usual pediatrician returned and soon she was well fed and happy.
We spoke up for her when she couldn’t speak for herself. That’s our job as parents. Even once our children are old enough to use words and communicate all sorts of messages, we are still their biggest and best advocate.
Sure, they need to learn to speak up for themselves and have a chance to do so, but they are also learning and growing. It’s OK to be the squeaky wheel when you need to be in order to get your children help.
That day in the doctor’s office with our daughter was only the first of many, many times we’ve advocated for our children. One of the greatest gifts we can give our children is to let them know we are with them, on their side and fighting for them.
Prayer:
God, thank you for always being on my side and fighting for me, even when I don’t see it. Give me wisdom and strength for how to best advocate for my children who you’ve blessed me with. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Encouragement for Christian moms to live in the joy and strength of faith
Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens.”
Psalm 68:19 (NIV)
Some seasons of life are just hard. I’ve heard one definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.
I’ve had seasons where that felt too close to home for me. Life can be tedious. Motherhood can be tedious.
I start the mornings with the best of intentions. Yet, some days – especially in hard seasons – those intentions get away from me. I start dwelling on all the hard stuff.
Just when I’m ready to throw in the towel and give up, God pokes my heart with reminders of His presence. He fills me with His strength when I so desperately need it.
Because while I may lay my burdens at His feet when I pray in the mornings, I often start picking them back up as I go throughout the day. I guess I think that God needs my help carrying them – as if He isn’t strong enough.
When I think of it in those terms, I laugh at myself. I’m not a strong person. I’d never win a weight-lifting challenge. Who am I to think the God of the universe needs my help to carry anything?!
Today, I will rest in the reminder that He is strong enough to bear our burdens daily, and we can let them go. We don’t have to carry them around with us.
Prayer:
Dear God, help me to truly lay my burdens at your feet and leave them there. I praise you for your strength, faithfulness and love for me. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Encouragement for Christian moms to teach their kids about who God is
We will not hide them from their descendants; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done.
Psalm 78:4 (NIV)
Throughout my decades as a Christian, I have been encouraged time and again by stories of God’s faithfulness in the lives of others. In fact, seeing God work in the lives of those around me helps me to keep my heart and eyes open to seeing more of Him at work in my own life.
Of all the things I want to teach my kids, I want most to teach them to rely fully on God. We started reading the Bible to them and praying with them when they were still babies.
Many of us come up with habits of faith to encourage our children and help them grow in their walk with God. But it can be easy to forget to share with them the things God has done in our lives – both in the past and the present.
One of the greatest testimonies we can share with our children is our experiences with God in real life. Not only does this demonstrate God in action in daily life, but it also helps them to be more open to seeing God at work in our lives.
Prayer:
God, give me the right words to say to my children to tell of your goodness and how you have worked in my own life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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!
Affiliate links are used in this post, if you make a qualifying purchase via my link, I receive a small percentage of the sale at no additional cost to you. It helps support my blog, so thank you for your support! Read my full disclosure here.
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!
