God has quite the sense of humor, and His timing is always perfect.
Just yesterday, I wrote about a disappointing no-show playdate. Little did I know that God had something better in store for today.
This morning, we had playdate #2 scheduled with a sweet new friend, her daughter (who's almost Ellie's age), and her 9-week-old son. We had enjoyed our time together at the park two weeks ago, so I was looking forward to connecting again.
When she texted this morning saying her son didn't sleep well last night, my heart sank. I immediately thought, "Is she going to cancel?" But to my surprise and delight, she didn't! Instead, she graciously invited us to their home, adapting to her family's needs while still prioritizing our time together.
Our visit turned out to be incredibly sweet and meaningful. We shared conversations about parenting toddlers, navigating life with a new baby and a toddler, and swapped birth stories. The excitement of having our girls become friends, living just 6 minutes apart, filled us with joy and anticipation for future playdates.
Through this experience, God showed me the like-minded friend He's given me – another young mama looking for community, connection, and growth, both for herself and her children. What a precious gift!
This situation reminded me of some important lessons:
- God gives good gifts to His children.
- We need to be listening and attentive to His voice.
- Patience is key in receiving God's blessings.
- We must be willing to ask, wait, be still, and spend time with Him.
- It's crucial not to make assumptions about the outcomes of our obedience.
I'll admit, I was tempted to be cynical after yesterday's failed attempt. But if I had hardened my heart and not opened up during our playdate this morning, I would have missed out on discovering how truly like-minded my new friend is. I would have lost the opportunity to enjoy this sweet fellowship and the hope for more meaningful connections in the future.
As Matthew 7:9-11 reminds us:
"Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!"
Let this encourage you to remain open to God's perfect timing and the unexpected blessings He has in store. Don't let disappointments close your heart to new opportunities. Instead, trust in His goodness and be ready to receive the wonderful gifts He has planned for you.
Have you experienced God's perfect timing in your life recently? Share below and encourage others with how God has surprised you with His goodness!
This morning we showed up for a playdate at the park and no one else came.
There's more to this story... 👇🏼
Most people don't talk about the emotional and relational challenges of moving.
This move has been challenging so far. My husband is building a business and clientele, so he is working long hours without it being reflected in his pay (yet 🙏🏼).
This means I'm home with sweet Elliana long days by myself without friends to see or playdates to go on. (Which, we found a very nice home to rent, I can't complain there!) I moved here not knowing anyone except for my in-laws.
Making new friends and visiting churches has been challenging. It's summer. Apparently most people travel or are gone like, all summer long... at least, it appears so from the almost-empty-of-families church services we have been attending and the only-child-in-the-nursery reality that has been Ellie's most weeks. Is it really so hard to find a church with more than one young family regularly attending?! Frankly, it makes me feel like giving up trying until fall comes and people are back home for school.
This morning's playdate (where no one else came) was advertised in the bulletin at church this Sunday, a new place we haven't been to before this week. I was so hopeful. And then... well, you can see how that turned out.
It's tempting to think that because the people who planned it didn't even show up, why should we bother trying to connect with a church like that?
But we don't know if...
-they had a sick child
-their grandma passed away and suddenly they had to go to a funeral
-they deal with chronic pain and couldn't today
-they are struggling in marriage and something happened that morning
-they had a sick child
-their grandma passed away and suddenly they had to go to a funeral
-they deal with chronic pain and couldn't today
-they are struggling in marriage and something happened that morning
Or any other myriad of options that are real life prevented them from coming.
So, we are not giving up. Despite crying on the drive home wishing to not feel lonely...
God meets us in our need. I found myself listening to a song on the radio, through my tears:
"Oh, I have found a friend in Jesus. He is everything to me. I have found a friend in Jesus, Yes, He is my everything. Thank You, Lord."
And crying grateful tears instead of lonely ones.
Even when I feel so lonely... Jesus is my closest friend.
I pray He is yours, too. ❤️
The problems are not all fixed. It's not suddenly easy being new here in IL.
But I am not alone, even if I feel lonely at times.
And that makes all the difference.
The problems are not all fixed. It's not suddenly easy being new here in IL.
But I am not alone, even if I feel lonely at times.
And that makes all the difference.
In today's fast-paced world, many Christian families struggle to create meaningful rituals and habits that nurture faith and strengthen family bonds. However, with the right resources, it's possible to establish a rich spiritual life at home. Here are six essential resources we have loved that can help you transform your family's daily routines into powerful opportunities for worship, prayer, and spiritual growth.
1. Habits of the Household: Practicing the Story of God in Everyday Family Rhythms
Justin Whitmel Earley's "Habits of the Household" is a game-changer for families seeking to integrate faith into their daily lives. This practical guide offers:
- Strategies for creating faith-centered routines around mealtimes, bedtimes, and other daily activities
- Insights on how simple habits can shape both parents' and children's hearts
- Tools to create a home environment that reflects God's love amidst the chaos of family life
By implementing Earley's suggestions, families can turn ordinary moments into opportunities for spiritual formation.
2. Every Moment Holy: New Liturgies for Daily Life
This modern liturgical resource breathes new life into family worship by providing:
- Prayers and liturgies for everyday events, from morning coffee to bedtime rituals
- Ways to infuse sacred meaning into ordinary moments
- Tools to help children recognize God's presence throughout their day
"Every Moment Holy" can revolutionize how families approach daily life, turning mundane tasks into holy experiences.
3. Treasuring God in Our Traditions: Celebrating Everyday Moments and Special Occasions
Noël Piper's book emphasizes the importance of God-centered family traditions. It offers:
- Ideas for creating meaningful customs for both daily life and special occasions
- Guidance on building a legacy of faith that can be passed down through generations
- Strategies for making God the focal point of family celebrations
This resource helps families intentionally design traditions that reinforce their Christian values and create lasting memories.
4. Cloud of Witnesses: A Treasury of Christian Prayers Through the Ages
This comprehensive prayer collection enriches family worship by providing:
- A diverse range of prayers from various Christian traditions
- Options for different occasions and seasons
- A connection to the broader Christian community throughout history
By incorporating these time-tested prayers into family worship, parents can expose their children to rich, meaningful expressions of faith.
5. One Year Praying Through the Bible for Your Kids: A Daily Devotional
Nancy Guthrie's devotional guide offers a structured approach to praying Scripture over children. It includes:
- Daily Bible readings and corresponding prayers
- A comprehensive journey through the entire Bible in one year
- Focused intercession for children's spiritual growth and character development
This resource empowers parents to consistently and effectively pray for their children's faith journey.
6. Morning Benedictions Collection: Free Daily Blessings
The "Morning Benedictions Collection," available for free, provides families with short, uplifting blessings to start each day. This resource includes:
- A variety of benedictions that can be used during family morning gatherings
- Encouragement to set a positive tone for the day ahead
- A simple way to incorporate prayer and reflection into your morning routine
Access the collection here to enrich your family's morning worship experience.
Implementing These Resources in Your Family Life
To make the most of these valuable tools:
- Start small: Choose one resource and gradually incorporate it into your family routine.
- Be consistent: Regular practice, even if imperfect, is key to forming lasting habits.
- Involve everyone: Encourage all family members to participate and contribute ideas.
- Adapt as needed: Tailor the suggestions to fit your family's unique needs and personalities.
- Be patient: Building meaningful family worship habits takes time and persistence.
By thoughtfully incorporating these resources into your family life, you can create a home environment that nurtures faith, fosters deep connections, and helps children develop a strong spiritual foundation. Remember, the goal isn't perfection but authenticity in living out your faith as a family. Whether through daily habits, special traditions, or intentional prayer times, these tools can guide you in weaving your Christian faith into the fabric of everyday life.
