✨ Welcome to Around the Table ✨
A cozy corner of The Adventures of Molly & Lucy created just for grown-ups who want to weave Jesus into everyday moments.
This is where we slow down, gather close, and talk about the things that matter most.
And the best part? These conversations can happen anywhere —
✨ around the table
✨ in the car
✨ cuddled up on the couch
✨ or anywhere your family finds a moment together.
Wherever you gather, may Jesus meet you there — in the smiles, in the questions, and in the simple, sacred rhythm of being together.
Devotion: Pause! Reset! Try Again!
Last week we talked about interruptions, frustrations, hard moments, and all the things that seem to bulldoze right into our peace.
This week?
Let's talk about wisdom.
Not the kind of wisdom where someone simply knows lots of facts or can answer every question.
No.
I'm talking about the kind of person who has spent time with Jesus... and it shows.
The kind of person who doesn't immediately react.
The kind of person who doesn't just tell you what you want to hear.
The kind of person who pauses long enough to understand the situation as a whole and offers heavenly wisdom into the middle of earthly problems.
I purposely wrote Kitty into this story.
Kitty was my family's rescued three-legged cat. (He was my big brother's and my cat! We were only 8 and 10 when he came into our lives. So it's fitting to have him written into the book about my brother and his beautiful wife's dog, Bullet's cameo book.)
He lived almost twenty years before he passed away several years ago.
And when I think of wisdom...
I think of someone who has lived through some things.
Someone who has experienced pain, disappointment, hard conversations, mistakes, and struggles,
and survived because they stayed close to Jesus.
We need people like that in our lives.
People who:
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help us see our areas of weakness
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help us own our part in difficult situations
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help us become self-aware
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help us remember the other person is human too
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pray with us
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pray for us
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lovingly turn us around and say: "Go make it right."
Because growing in patience often means allowing someone else's wisdom to speak into our lives.
Our children don't need us to agree with them all the time.
They need us to be voices of reason and truth.
They need to see us apologize.
They need to see us own our mistakes.
They need to see us show grace.
Because none of us are perfect. Only Jesus is.
Growing in patience means:
Pause.
Reset.
Try Again.
Pause before reacting.
Reset your heart with Jesus.
Try again with love.
Growing in patience also means learning when to let things go.
If it's not a matter of life and death...
sometimes we simply cancel the debt and love anyway.
Life is too short to live offended.
Life is too short to hate.
Love BIG.
Show your kids patience in everyday moments.
Show them a calm response when another driver cuts you off.
Show them grace when your coffee isn't made right.
Show them kindness when the waiter forgot your chips.
Because you never really know what someone else is carrying.
And maybe, just maybe,
God placed you in that exact moment to show your children His patience, mercy, and grace through you.
So put on love and kindness every moment of every day.
Deal with hard things quickly.
Don't give bitterness room to grow.
Love BIG.
Around the Table Questions
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Who in your life do you consider wise? Why?
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What makes someone truly wise?
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Who do you go to when you need advice?
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Is there someone you need to apologize to?
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What is one thing you have trouble letting go of?
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How can we show patience and grace this week?
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How do we pause before reacting?
Scriptures to Study Together
James 3:13–18
"Who among you is wise and understanding?"
True wisdom is humble, peace-loving, gentle, and full of mercy.
Proverbs 15:1
"A gentle answer deflects anger."
The way we respond can either calm a situation or fuel it.
Colossians 3:12–14
"Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience."
Love is something we intentionally put on.
Ephesians 4:26–27
"Don't let the sun go down while you are still angry."
Deal with hard things before bitterness grows.
Proverbs 19:11
"Sensible people control their temper; they earn respect by overlooking wrongs."
Sometimes wisdom means choosing grace over keeping score.
Psalm 141:3
"Take control of what I say, O Lord."
Invite God into your responses.
Little Hearts Prayer
Lord,
Thank You for putting wise people in our lives.
Help me pause before reacting.
Help me reset my heart with Yours.
Help me try again with love.
Give me wisdom to see others the way You see them
Give me humility to own my part when I make mistakes.
Help me show grace because You have shown so much grace to me.
Teach me to love BIG.
In Jesus' name,
Amen
✨ Conversations We've Shared! ✨
Gratitude Changes your Attitude! Inspired by The Adventures of Molly & Lucy’s “Grateful Hearts” When you choose to be okay with where you are, you begin to notice glimmers of “wow” all over your day. Molly and Lucy learned that when they stop huffing + puffing about what they wish was happening, they start noticing all the sweet gifts God has already placed around them: ✨ a little snack ✨ beautiful trees and sparkling ponds ✨ cozy car rides ✨ friendly smiles ✨ great conversations ✨ new friends ✨ yummy foods ✨ wonderful memories ✨ nearness of family Just like the girls discovered, gratitude shifts our hearts. It clears the fog and helps us see the goodness of God that was there all along. The Bible tells us: “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His love endures forever.” — Psalm 136:1 When we choose gratitude, we choose joy. When we choose gratitude, we feel lighter. When we choose gratitude, we look more like Jesus. ✨ Around the Table Conversation Starter ✨ What is one thing you are grateful for today — big or small, silly or serious? (Have everyone go around and share!) ✨ Little Heart Prayer ✨ “Jesus, help me notice the good things around me today. Thank You for the gifts You’ve placed in my life. Give me a grateful heart and help my attitude shine for You. Amen.
Love Sees Others! Inspired by The Adventures of Molly and Lucy: A Walk by the River Love does not walk past someone in need. Real love notices. Real love humbles itself. Real love is kind. And real love doesn’t just look inward—it looks outward. True love meets people exactly where they are… but it doesn’t leave them there. It walks with them—patiently, gently, faithfully—calling them higher at their own pace. Real love doesn’t judge, yet it isn’t afraid to speak truth. Not to shame—but to heal. Not from pride—but from genuine affection. In "A Walk by the River", Molly and Lucy show us what this kind of love looks like. When they encounter a new friend in need, they don’t pass by or look away. They step in. They care deeply enough to meet him in his moment of struggle—and they stay with him through the journey. That’s the kind of love Jesus calls us to live out. So let’s ask ourselves: Who in our lives needs a hand right now? Who needs encouragement? Who needs to be met right where they are? Loving others often looks like partnering with a neighbor, a friend, or a family member—walking alongside them in faith, hope, and truth. And here’s the key: Truth must always be wrapped in love. When we wonder what truth really is, Jesus gives us the answer: “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” Jesus is truth. Don’t miss the answer you’ve been seeking. And don’t keep it to yourself. Because people won’t care what we know until they know we care. So take the time today—really take the time—to care for others. Care deeply. Care intentionally. When we love well, we earn the opportunity to walk with others in truth. And that’s how hearts—and lives—are transformed. Scriptures to Study ✨ Jesus said: “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” John 14:6 ✨ “Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them.” Romans 12:9 ✨“If you see a friend in need and say, ‘Be well, I’m praying for you,’ but don’t help them—what good is that?” James 2:15–16 (paraphrased for clarity) ✨Pilate said to Him, “What is truth?” John 18:38 He was looking at truth right in the face, and missed Him... Don't miss Jesus! He's everything! Truth isn’t a concept to debate—it’s a Person to follow. And His love moves us to action. Around the Table Discussion Who around us needs to experience the love of Jesus right now? Who might need to hear the truth of Jesus—but first needs to feel loved? How can we show we care by meeting a practical need this week? What are some small ways we can show love—and what are some big, bold ways? How can our family show up and reflect Jesus wherever we go? Dream big. Start small. Love intentionally. Prayer God, Open our eyes to the needs of others. Help us not to walk past people who are hurting, but to truly see them in their moments of need. Give us hearts that are humble and kind, and courage to speak truth wrapped in love. Help us show up well in the spaces You’ve placed us— our homes, our neighborhoods, our friendships. Use us to bring light, hope, and healing, and to transform the world— one loving act at a time. Amen.
Discover Wonder and Joy! Inspired by The Adventures of Molly and Lucy Christmas on Purpose, The Greatest Gift! Have you ever noticed the difference in the air during Christmastime? It could be a kind of hard day… but when you stop and notice twinkling lights, there is a shift — even if it’s just for a second. Or my favorite… Christmas music. Have you noticed the lyrics of some of the most played Christmas songs? So many of them are about a baby, born in Bethlehem on that first Christmas day. The words are powerful truths, echoing through the stores, in the car, in reel sounds, behind the chatter in restaurants, or wherever you find yourself on any given day. To me, there is something to that. Could it be… the truth sung in these songs, played across the airwaves, moving through our hearts, lifting our spirits to a new level of joy… could it be? As you are purposefully present in moments with the kids in your life, pay attention to the songs. Think about what you are singing. Even the word CHRISTMAS is declaring something powerful — Christ, Jesus, the Anointed One. How cool is that? The Christmas season feels so different because we are proclaiming the truth — the Anointed One of God has come. When I think about just one familiar song, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, and the line… “Join the triumph of the skies, with angelic hosts proclaim, Christ is born in Bethlehem…” we are literally singing with angels — declaring the truth that Jesus has come! He is the reason we celebrate. His song is naturally echoing through space and time this season — so take advantage of that. ✨ Christmas is in the air ✨ Joy is all around ✨ The wonder of Christ is within grasp Use this season as an opportunity to share the truth hidden in the lyrics with someone. Scripture “Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others — the armies of heaven — praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.’ When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, ‘Let’s go to Bethlehem! Let’s see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.’ They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger. After seeing Him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said about this child. All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished…” Luke 2:13–18 Be like the shepherds. ✨ Hear the news ✨ Go see the baby ✨ Worship in wonder ✨ Tell everyone about the joy of Jesus The joy of the season. The reason we celebrate. ✨ Around the Table Conversation Starter ✨ Think about the songs we sing at Christmastime… Which one is your favorite? OR If the word CHRISTMAS is declaring the Anointed One, how can we declare the news about Jesus as a family — at school, activities, stores, practices, and family gatherings? ✨ Little Heart Prayer ✨ Jesus, Help me pay close attention to the sounds of Christmas. Help me be brave enough to speak Your name everywhere I go. Thank You for coming. Thank You for giving us a reason to celebrate. We want to make You known. We are available — use us, Jesus. We want to shine for You. Speak to and through us. In Your beautiful name, Amen.
Devotions: Love Never Gives Up! Inspired by The Adventures of Molly and Lucy: A Walk by the River Let’s talk about something beautiful. When Molly and Lucy meet PU (Peter Ulysses, the skunk), they don’t rush away. They don’t judge him. They don’t leave him alone in his fear. They stay. They walk with him. They help him find his way back to his family. And isn’t that such a picture of how God loves us? In church yesterday my pastor showed us... Sometimes we are the one who is lost. Sometimes we are the one who needs help finding our way back. And other times… we get to be the one who gently walks beside someone else. That’s how God designed community. We need one another. There are moments when we allow someone to carry us closer to healing. And there are moments when we carry someone else toward the Healer. The most comforting truth of all? God is always moving toward us. Even when PU thought his bad choices meant his parents were to mad to look for him... his parents were already searching. Even when we think we’ve messed up too badly… Jesus has already made a way home. Nothing can ever separate us from His love. Nothing. He seeks the lost. He celebrates reconciliation. He welcomes us back again and again. Around this table, let’s remember: We stick with people. We pray with people. We walk with people. We love like Jesus. And when we need help? We let ourselves be loved too. Our world is longing for that kind of love. Let it begin here. God moves toward the hurting. And sometimes He uses people to carry them there. Scriptures to Study ✨ “Some people brought a blind man and begged Jesus to touch him.” – Mark 8:22 ✨ “Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof… and lowered the mat the man was lying on.” – Mark 2:4 ✨““Doesn’t she light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it?” – Luke 15:8 ✨“Then he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home.” – Luke 15:5 ✨“While he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son…” – Luke 15:20 ✨ “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” - Galatians 6:2 Around the Table Discussion Why do you think it’s sometimes hard to admit we need help? Can you think of a time someone “stuck with you” when things were hard? Is there someone in your life right now who might need you to walk beside them? What does it mean to you that nothing can separate us from the love of Jesus? How can our family be a place where people feel safe to come home? Prayer God, Even when people are hard to love, remind us that love sticks with others! Even when others don't see it, remind us that love and good works are seen by you! Jesus, may we always love others like you! Help us to never stop showing your love to all the people we see everyday! In Jesus Name Amen
Faith that notices! Joy that moves! Inspired by The Adventures of Molly and Lucy Christmas on Purpose, The Greatest Gift! Molly and Lucy are always on mission — to find joy in everyday moments and to truly see the people around them... they’re willing to watch, wait, and step in. They remind us that faith isn’t just something we believe — it’s something we live. Faith in Jesus is a call to action!! This week, we want to encourage you to slow down and pay attention — and invite your kids into the process. Pray together. Talk together. Watch together. Jesus didn’t rush past people. He stopped. He noticed. He cared. He came to seek and save the lost — and He still invites us to live like that today. In Acts 3, Peter and John were walking into the temple when they noticed a man in need at the Beautiful Gate. Many people passed him every day… but they stopped. They saw him. They didn’t just see a problem — they saw a person. They didn’t give what they didn’t have — they gave what they did have. They gave him Jesus. Let this week be about noticing. Be on the lookout for someone who may need help — and pray with your kids about how you can be a part of what God is already doing. ✨ Start Small: A neighbor who needs encouragement A classmate who feels left out A friend who needs kindness A teacher who could use a thank-you A sibling who needs extra patience ✨ Think Big: Adopt a family through a Giving Tree Donate when you see Salvation Army volunteers Help a local food pantry or shelter Serve through a community organization Support a ministry already meeting needs There’s no reason to recreate the wheel. Simply join the work God is already doing. Then ask together: “Jesus, who do You want us to notice this week?” “How can we be joy bringers?” Don’t be so rushed that you miss people. Look up. Slow down. Listen. See them. Love them. Shine for Jesus. ✨Scripture✨ “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” — Luke 19:10 Peter and John looked at him intently... — Acts 3:4 “When Jesus saw the crowds, He had deep compassion for them.” — Matthew 9:36 “Let us not love with words only, but with actions and in truth.” — 1 John 3:18 Be like the Jesus. ✨ See others ✨ Have deep compassion ✨ Help how you can ✨ Share of His Goodness ✨ Around the Table Conversation Starter ✨ Who did Jesus notice in the Bible? Who might feel unseen around us? How can we bring joy this week? What does it mean to be a light? Why is faith something we live and not just believe? ✨ Little Heart Prayer ✨ Jesus, Open our eyes to see the people You see. Slow our hearts enough to notice need. Teach us to love like You love. Make us brave enough to serve, kind enough to care, and joyful enough to shine everywhere we go! Amen.
Devotion: I've Got the Joy! Joy! Joy! Inspired by The Adventures of Molly and Lucy: Rainy Days and Sunshine! Inspired by The Adventures of Molly and Lucy: Rainy Days & Sunshine! Let’s talk about something powerful. When we think about joy, it’s easy to believe joy is circumstantial. Sunny skies. Good news. Easy days. But Scripture teaches us something deeper. There is a joy we can choose — a joy that is soul-deep. Joy is not just a feeling. It is a fruit of the Spirit that grows as we pursue a deep and meaningful relationship with Jesus — the Creator and Sustainer of joy. Take a look at this verse: “For the joy set before Him He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” – Hebrews 12:2 The cross was not enJOYable. It was torture. Pain. Anguish. Rejection. Mocking. Death. Please do not sign me up for that. And yet… Jesus saw beyond the cross. He saw what His sacrifice would produce. He saw redemption. He saw reconciliation. He saw you. That is joy that runs deeper than circumstances. In this fallen world, we will have horrible days. Rainy days. But the sunshine will come. We must fix our eyes on Jesus — on what He accomplished for us on the cross, on the fact that He rose from the dead, and that He is now interceding for us before the Father. Be honest about the rain. Don’t stuff the hard days away. But endure them knowing the storm is not the end of the story. Joy is not pretending everything is fine. Joy is trusting that Jesus is still good! This week, talk to your kids about what brings your family joy. What are the gifts from God that lift your heart? In our arts and crafts activity, make a JOY LIST! You’ll see a link to a handout that spells out J-O-Y. In each block letter, write what brings you joy — memories, people, promises, truths from God’s Word. One of my favorite pastors, Ben Stuart, shares in his book Rest & War the importance of keeping joyful activities highlighted in your life — anchors that keep you above water when the bad days come. Surround yourself and your children with joyful reminders. Teach them to take everything to God — praying and praising. Even in the valley of the shadow of death, we fear not. What a joy it is to introduce your children to the way of Jesus. Even in difficulty… we can choose joy. Around the Table Discussion What is the difference between happiness and joy? Why do you think Jesus could endure the cross because of joy? What helps you feel steady during hard days? Can you think of a time when something hard later produced something good? What are three things you want on your family JOY LIST? Scriptures to Study ✨ “For the joy set before Him He endured the cross…” – Hebrews 12:2 ✨ “The joy of the Lord is your strength.” – Nehemiah 8:10 ✨ “Consider it pure joy… whenever you face trials of many kinds.” – James 1:2 ✨ “Weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.” – Psalm 30:5 ✨ “Though you do not see Him, you love Him… and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy.” – 1 Peter 1:8 ✨ “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace…” – Galatians 5:22 Prayer God, Thank You for loving me on sunny days and rainy days. Thank You that even when I feel sad or upset, You are still with me. Help me remember that joy doesn’t mean everything is easy. Help me choose joy because I know You are good. When I have a hard day, remind me to look to Jesus. When I feel worried, help me trust You. When I feel sad, help me remember that joy can grow in my heart. Thank You for dying on the cross for me and for rising again so I can always have hope. Grow Your joy inside me. Help me shine Your joy to others. In Jesus’ Name, Amen
Love in Action! Seeing, Caring, DOING! Inspired by The Adventures of Molly and Lucy Christmas on Purpose, The Greatest Gift! Inspired by The Adventures of Molly and Lucy Christmas on Purpose, The Greatest Gift! In our Christmas story, Molly and Lucy meet a new friend—Jingles the Reindeer—who joyfully greets visitors arriving at Santa’s wonderful winter cabin in the mountains. But Jingles needed a little extra help. Molly and Lucy noticed. And they cared. Loving others well means noticing—and choosing to do something about it. Sometimes that means stopping to pray right where you are. Sometimes it means praying and acting. We all have different abilities and resources, so loving well means knowing our limits and moving faithfully within them. Molly and Lucy even get distracted by the smell of cookies (because… cookies!), but the important part is this: They didn’t forget. They kept their promise. They stayed alert to meet a need when the opportunity came. When they met another new friend later, they remembered Jingles—and shared his need. Next week, we’ll focus more on Chestnut the Elk and his part in the story. But this week, let’s pause and reflect. ✨ Think back to the people you prayed for last week. ✨ Ask God again to show you who may need extra help this season. No matter your family’s resources, you can bless someone else. How can your family show the greatest Love of all this week? Ways Your Family Can Live Out Joy ✨ Partner with a local food pantry to help create Christmas food baskets ✨ Shop for a Giving Tree gift together ✨ Look for loose change and donate to the Salvation Army ✨ Take a hot chocolate or cup of coffee to a Salvation Army Volunteer ✨ Bake cookies for a neighbor/police station/fire station ✨ Invite someone to church—and even offer to pick them up ✨ Help an elderly neighbor by shoveling snow or cleaning their yard You know the needs around you—ask God to show you your family’s part in meeting them. What a gift it is to be a good neighbor in the communities where you live. Imagine the impact on your children when you begin a new tradition—one that makes Christmas about showing the love of Jesus by meeting real needs and blessing others! The Greatest Gift The beauty of Jesus coming to earth is that He met us in our lack and met our greatest need. Emmanuel—God with us. Jesus left His perfect dwelling place to bring joy to the world. How could we not, in return, choose to bring joy and hope to others by serving and blessing them? Friends, this is the true beauty of the season. Talk About It Together ✨ Who can we partner with this week to make a difference? ✨ Where can we serve as a family? ✨ Who needs to experience the love of Jesus through us? ✨ Make the plan—and DO IT. ✨ Don’t wait. ✨ Make Christmas about making Jesus better known. In the Arts and Crafts tabs you can download Molly & Lucy’s Christmas Church Invitation ✨Color it and fill it out for a friend, neighbor, teacher—or anyone God puts on your heart Let’s fill our Jesus-celebrating, Bible-teaching churches with families worshiping the newborn King. ✨Scripture✨ God doesn’t call us to a love that only sounds good—He calls us to a love that shows up. Let’s read what the Bible says about loving others the way Jesus does. “Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good.” Romans 12:9 “Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.” 1 John 3:18 “Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2 “And don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God.” Hebrews 13:16 “The King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’” Matthew 25:40 “Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, and you say, ‘Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well’—but then you don’t give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do? So you see, faith by itself isn't enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is... useless." James 2:15–17 ✨ Around the Table Conversation Starter ✨ Who did you notice today that others might overlook? Has there ever been a time you needed help and someone noticed you? How did that feel? Why do you think God cares so much about how we treat others? What makes it hard sometimes to care when we’re busy, distracted, or tired? What is one thing you could do this week to help someone else? What is one thing WE can do as a family THIS WEEK? ✨ Little Heart Prayer ✨ Jesus, Here we are. We are available. We want to go where You tell us to go and show the love of Jesus to the people You bring into our lives. We offer You our hands, our hearts, and our resources to help meet the needs around us. Help us not only to see the needs, but to be moved to action— to care for Your children, from 1 to 92. Use us, Lord. We love You. Amen.
Devotion: Sunny Day Joy! Inspired by The Adventures of Molly and Lucy: Rainy Days & Sunshine Let’s talk about joy on the sunny days. In my book we open with Molly and Lucy playing in the yard, chasing each other with no competition, no frustrations, just a peaceful and easy kind of joy. They run through the garden, sip fresh water, and enjoy the beauty of the day. The ducks are feeling friendly, and the chickens are safe in the coop. Everything feels calm. Everything feels right. On days and seasons like this, it’s easy to embrace and enJOY the happiness of the moment. And these are wonderful days to fully embrace. Sit in them. Soak in them. Be grateful for them. Remember that life is a gift from the Father, who made all things good. Moments like these are small glimpses of heaven... little reminders of the beautiful order God intended for all of creation. These are the days we tuck into our memory bank. Remember the feeling of love. Remember the smell of the roses. Remember the beauty of creation. Remember the sight of green grass and the growth of the garden. Remember the gift of the moment. These joyful moments help us remember Jesus. Next week we will talk about joy in the rain... because the truth is, here on earth, the days are not always sunny. But even when the seasons shift, the Son forever shines in all His Glory. Remember Jesus. Remember the life He lived. The miracles He performed. The love He shared. His stories show us what the Father and the Kingdom of Heaven are like. A hidden treasure. A priceless pearl. A tiny mustard seed that grows into a home for the birds. Yeast that fills bread and satisfies our hunger. A mansion prepared for us — a dwelling place where we will be with Him forever. Jesus is the joy that forever remains. We run with Him and do not grow weary. He is the Prince of Peace. Strength and beauty fill His sanctuary. He is the Living Water. He grew like a young plant among us. He is the friend who sticks closer than a brother. He is the original Joy Bringer. He is the Creator of joy and everything good, wonderful, and beautiful. So remember, on all your days, the joy of Jesus. Oh how marvelous. Oh how wonderful is our Savior’s love for us. Dwell on that joy during the sunny days and seasons. Around the Table Discussion ✨What are some things that bring you joy on sunny days? ✨Why do you think God gives us beautiful moments in life? ✨What are some memories you want to “tuck away” in your heart? ✨How can remembering joyful moments help us when harder days come? ✨What is something about Jesus that fills your heart with joy? Scriptures to Study ✨ “Every good and perfect gift is from above…” – James 1:17 ✨ “Strength and beauty are in His sanctuary.” – Psalm 96:6 ✨ “The joy of the Lord is your strength.” – Nehemiah 8:10 ✨ “He satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.” – Psalm 107:9 ✨ “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” – John 10:10 ✨ “In Your presence there is fullness of joy.” – Psalm 16:11 The Kingdom of Heaven is like verses... ✨A hidden treasure worth giving everything for. ~ Matthew 13:44 ✨A priceless pearl beyond all comparison. ~ Matthew 13:45–46 ✨A tiny mustard seed... ~ Matthew 13:31–32 ✨Yeast in bread... ~ Matthew 13:33 Prayer Lord, Thank You for sunshine. Thank You for the beauty around us. Thank You for living water that refreshes our hearts. Thank You for friendships and family that surround us. Thank You for Your peace. Thank You for Your amazing love. Help us see You in the joyful moments of our lives. May we embrace our sunny days with gratitude and remember that every good gift comes from You. Help us store these beautiful moments in our hearts so we can remember Your goodness in every season. Holy Spirit, fill our hearts with Your joy always. In Your precious name, Jesus, Amen.
Live with Purpose! Inspired by The Adventures of Molly and Lucy, Christmas on Purpose, the Greatest Gift ✨Discover Purpose and Joy✨ Inspired by Chestnut the Elk! Let’s consider Chestnut the Elk this week. How many people do you know who struggle this time of year because something feels missing? Maybe they have a gift to share… but don’t know where they belong or how to use it. Chestnut felt this way every Christmas. He knew he had something to give, but year after year he felt lost in the wondering — searching, but finding no answers… until he met Molly and Lucy who helped him discover and put into practice his purpose. So maybe this week, we take time to do the same for someone else. ✨ Talk with someone new ✨ Reconnect with an old friend ✨ Listen to their story ✨ Help them discover where they belong I once heard Max Lucado say that purpose is when our talents — both the ones we see in ourselves and the ones others see and affirm — are put to use. Discovering purpose doesn’t happen in isolation. ✨ It takes self-awareness ✨ It takes others noticing our gifts ✨ It takes courage to step into what we love And when we walk in our purpose, we discover deep joy! Purpose can change with time — so teach your kids to stay in tune with the gifts God has placed inside them, and continue to speak life over what you see in them. Jesus is our greatest example of purpose. ✨ He knew who He was ✨ He lived with clarity ✨ He walked out His calling beautifully Jesus came to seek and save the lost. He came to make a way for us to know God. He made a way for relationship with our Creator, King, and God. With that as our ultimate goal — to make Jesus known — how can you, and how can you help your kids, live in a way that multiplies the gifts God has given them? How can your life point others to Jesus? How can your family help make heaven crowded? Talk about that together. As you slow down this week and truly take in time with your kids, consider the people around you who may be feeling purposeless or forgotten. ✨ A widow or widower ✨ A foster child ✨ A family caring for foster kids ✨ Someone who has lost a parent or loved one ✨ Someone who has never heard the real reason for the season Consider how you might come alongside them. ✨ Invite them in ✨ Share the joy of Jesus ✨ Offer presence, not pressure And remember — it’s okay if the invitation is met with a “No, thank you.” Seeds were planted, and that is wonderful! Keep planting! One of the most freeing things to remember is this: we are not responsible for how others respond — only for how faithfully we love and show up! And loving others like Jesus is one of the greatest ways we shine His light! Just love like Jesus. ✨Look at Scripture Together✨ ✨ “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago.” Ephesians 2:10 ✨ “God has given each of you a gift from His great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.” 1 Peter 4:10 ✨ “In His grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well.” Romans 12:6 ✨ “But our bodies have many parts, and God has put each part just where He wants it.” 1 Corinthians 12:18 ✨ “As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.” Proverbs 27:17 ✨“Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.” Hebrews 10:24 ✨“You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of Your presence and the pleasures of living with You forever.” Psalm 16:11 ✨“I have told you these things so that you will be filled with My joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!” John 15:11 ✨“For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.” Luke 19:10 ✨“For I have come down from heaven to do the will of God who sent Me, not to do My own will.” John 6:38 ✨“I brought glory to You here on earth by completing the work You gave Me to do.” John 17:4 ✨“Let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” Matthew 5:16 ✨“Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.” Colossians 3:23 ✨ Around the Table Conversation Starter ✨ • What gifts do you think God has given you? • Who is someone you know that might feel lonely or purposeless right now? • How can our family help others discover joy and purpose this season? ✨ Little Heart Prayer ✨ Jesus, Thank You for creating each of us with purpose. Help us notice the gifts You’ve placed inside ourselves and others. Give us brave hearts to invite, encourage, and love like You do. Show us how to use what You’ve given us to make You known. Help us shine Your light wherever we go! We love You, Jesus. Amen."
Joy in the Storm? Spoiler Alert... It's Possible! Inspired by The Adventures of Molly and Lucy: Rainy Days & Sunshine It’s easy to experience all the good feelings when life is going great. The skies are sunny. The weather is perfect for a picnic. Your kids are getting along. There’s food in the fridge. A little cushion in the bank. A promotion might even be in sight. Everyone you love is healthy and doing well. In seasons like that, it’s easy to smile. Easy to share. Easy to handle life. But what about the stormy days? The torrential rains. The overwhelming moments. The seasons that feel scary, heavy, or beyond what you can manage. How can we have joy even in the storm? Here is my five-fold advice. (Just my opinion—but it’s been tested in my life.) 1. Acknowledge the Difficulty Sometimes the healthiest first step is simply saying: “Wow… this stinks.” This situation might be beyond your ability to handle alone—and that’s okay to admit. Ignoring pain never heals it. Honesty is the first step toward healing. 2. Go to Prayer When storms come, prayer becomes our lifeline. Ask God for: • Peace in the middle of the storm • Wisdom about what to do next • Discernment about who to invite into the situation Sometimes the greatest gift God gives us is clarity about the right people to walk with us. 3. Remember What God Has Already Done This step is powerful. The Bible constantly tells us to remember. Remember the times God showed up before. The Bible is full of stories that follow a pattern: Trial… then remember. Hunger… then remember. Sickness… then remember. Bondage… then remember. Heartbreak… then remember. Our God invites us to remember His faithfulness. I once heard Louie Giglio preach a sermon titled “Remember Before You Forget.” There’s wisdom in that. Store the stories of God’s faithfulness in your memory bank so when storms come, you can say: “God has been faithful before… and He will be faithful again.” Even if the outcome looks different than you imagined, His ways are always better. 4. Lean Into the Goodness of Who God Is When life gets heavy, we must intentionally remind ourselves of God's goodness. Take a walk and look at creation. Flip through old photos. Turn on worship music. Open the Scriptures and read God's promises. The Bible reminds us: Pain may last through the night, but joy comes in the morning. Those who sow in tears will reap a harvest of joy. The joy of the Lord is your strength. Jesus Himself said: "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." Even in storms, we can anchor our hearts in the goodness of God. 5. Take the Next Step Sometimes the only thing you can do is the next step. Get out of bed. Take a walk. Sing a song. Clap your hands. Believe it or not, there’s even science that shows singing and clapping can shift our emotional state. But don’t walk through storms alone. Invite wise people in. Pastors. Friends. Counselors. Small group leaders. Trusted mentors. Ask them to pray with you and for you. We need intercessors. What I’ve Learned Over the past couple of years, I’ve learned something powerful: Joy and sorrow can coexist. It’s not always one or the other. Sometimes it’s both. And even when life hurts deeply, something in my spirit still sings with joy. Why? Because joy is a fruit of the Spirit. It doesn’t depend on perfect circumstances. It grows from being connected to Jesus. A Lesson from Molly and Lucy In my Adventures of Molly & Lucy Rainy Days & Sunshine book, the girls encounter a storm. I wrote it very intentionally. Molly goes to Lucy. Molly sits with Lucy. Molly is honest about the storm. Molly reminds Lucy of brighter days. Then Mom enters with a snack and her presence—and suddenly the room feels peaceful again. It’s a simple picture, but it’s a model for us too. When storms come: Acknowledge the storm. Be present with each other. Remember the good. Invite God in. Take one step at a time. Joy in the storm is possible because storms do not last forever. Around the Table Discussion ✨What are some things we can remember about God when we feel scared? ✨Who can you talk to when you are feeling upset? ✨How has God shown up for you in the past? ✨Can you remember a storm you went through where you felt God near you? ✨Why do you think God allows storms in our lives? Scriptures to Study ✨ "Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes in the morning." -Psalm 30:5 ✨ "Those who plant in tears will harvest with shouts of joy."– Psalm 126:5 ✨ “The joy of the Lord is your strength.” – Nehemiah 8:10 ✨ "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." – John 16:33 ✨ “Do not fear, for I am with you..." – Isaiah 41:10 ✨ “He will never leave you nor forsake you."– Deuteronomy 31:6 ✨ "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him."– Romans 15:13 Prayer God, I know You are near even when the storms of life try to knock me down. Help me be honest about the storm. Help me get through the long nights. Help me remember all the good You have done before. Give me wisdom to know who to invite into the hard places. Teach me to lean into Your goodness. And help me show the world that deep joy is still possible—even when life is hard. Your Word says You will never leave us, so help me experience Your nearness every day. Amen.
Bring that Joy with You!! Inspired by The Adventures of Molly & Lucy Christmas on Purpose, The Greatest Gift! ✨That Christmas Joy ALL year...✨ As the book comes to a close, Molly and Lucy are by the fire, nestled in close, talking about the wonder of their day — the joy, the love, and the way they were able to help their new friends. There is something so meaningful about that. Two of my favorite verses from the Christmas story remind us how to live this way: ✨ “Mary pondered all these things in her heart and thought about them often.” ✨ “The shepherds went on their way, glorifying and praising God and telling others what they had seen.” You see, the “magic” of Christmas isn’t the gifts, the cookies, or the extra glitter and lights (those are wonderful pieces of the season, but not the real beauty!) No — it’s the remembering. It’s the declaring. It’s the beauty of a life changed after meeting Jesus. This is the way we are meant to live — not just at Christmas, but every moment of every day, all year long. Sure, there will be hard days. There will be difficult conversations and heavy realities. But don’t let those things rob you of the joy of Jesus. When you choose to ponder these things in your heart, you create reminders to pull from when times get hard — whispers that say, “It won’t always be this way.” When you choose to glorify God and tell others of His amazing wonder, those very people can remind you in difficult moments: ✨ Remember Jesus! So teach your kids... ✨ To ponder ✨ To proclaim ✨ To remember And don’t be surprised if one day… they are the ones reminding you of His goodness and joy. I know in my own life, my daughters have given me incredible wisdom — and I believe it comes from the seeds planted in their hearts when they were little. Telling your children about meeting Jesus is the greatest gift you can give them! Toys break, games become outdated, clothes and shoes wear out. But Jesus never fades. He is timeless. His truth lasts through the ages. His light never dims — because He is the source of light! Let this be the year you truly proclaim the good news of Jesus. ✨ Bring joy into everyday conversations ✨ Even in discipline — remind them that love corrects ✨ Even in sorrow — remind them that God’s peace comforts As you go, so they go. So be present. Be very present. Don’t let distractions win. ✨ Ponder who Jesus is ✨ Proclaim what He has done ✨ Play, laugh, and connect ✨ Be present with the children in your life You never get this time back. So make the most of it. ✨Look at Scripture Together✨ ✨ “Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often.” Luke 2:19 ✨ “The shepherds went back to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen.” Luke 2:20 ✨ “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord.” Ephesians 6:4 ✨ “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed." Psalm 34:18 ✨“You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of Your presence and the pleasures of living with You forever.” Psalm 16:11 ✨Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying!” Romans 12:12 ✨ Around the Table Conversation Starter ✨ • How can I be more present with you this year? • How can we keep bringing joy into the places we go? • When is the best time in our day to open our Bibles together? • When can we make time to be quiet and spend time with Jesus? ✨ Little Heart Prayer ✨ Jesus, You are so close. Thank You for hearing my prayer. Thank You for helping us when we ask. Holy Spirit, help us carry joy with us everywhere we go. Help us to ponder and proclaim. Help us to be fully present in our moments. We want to walk with You and live on purpose. We want to hear from You — so we quiet our thoughts, we silence our phones, and we wait with You. Amen.
Where are you? Inspired by The Adventures of Molly and Lucy: A Sunny Start! Inspired by The Adventures of Molly and Lucy A Sunny Start! As we begin a new year with a new book and a fresh mindset, I want to invite you—as grownups—to pause and consider one simple but powerful question: Where are you? When was the last time you truly stopped to think about that? Seasons change - mindsets change Where are you? ✨ Do you know you are a son or daughter of God set in time? ✨ Do you know you were created on purpose and for a purpose right where you are? ✨ Do you know that right where you are—this moment, this season—God has something for you? You may notice that every Molly & Lucy book begins with the phrase, “On a day not so long ago…” I chose that intentionally. Yesterday can feel like a lifetime ago, and memories from long ago can feel like yesterday. ✨ Time is a bittersweet gift. As I began this series, I wanted to enter the lives of Molly and Lucy exactly where they often are—soaking up sunshine at the front door, napping peacefully, or staring in wonder at God’s beautiful creation. I wanted us to remember something important: ✨ Adventures aren’t always elaborate trips or big plans. ✨ Often, they meet us in everyday moments. ✨ And in those moments, we have a choice—to live with purpose or to drift into doomscrolling and time wasting” We live in time. We live in a place. Make the MOST OF BOTH! ✨ Live with purpose. ✨ Remember—life is a vapor. So teach your kids: ✨ Every day is a choice ✨ Every day is an adventure ✨ Every day Jesus meets us in simple moments As you step into the first full week of the new year, pause and ask yourself: ✨ Where am I right now? ✨ How can I live on mission in this very moment? Get your bearings... get a firm grip on your reality and allow Jesus in! Every place is an opportunity to sit in God’s love. Every place is an opportunity to discover who you are. I once heard a teacher say, “Jesus moved at 3 miles per hour.” Everywhere He went, He moved with purpose, direction, and attentiveness to what His Father called Him to do! ✨ So slow down. ✨ Pay attention. ✨ Be present. Let this be the year you truly live out the good news of Jesus. ✨ Bring presence into everyday conversations ✨ Be thankful for where you are in this season ✨ Discover God in ordinary moments—and praise Him there Don’t compare your where... Live with purpose there! Let your kids see the beauty of everywhere. Let them see contentment in your where. Let worship rise from ordinary moments. Let life shine in the space you find yourself. ✨ Let’s make Jesus known—everywhere our feet go. ✨ Around the Table Conversation Starters ✨ ✨ How can I be purposeful in each moment? ✨ How can we slow down and pay attention to where we are? ✨ Where is the best place for me to meet with God? ✨ Is there anywhere I can go where God cannot find me? Why or why not? ✨ Little Heart Prayer ✨ Jesus, You have my attention— right here, exactly where I am in this moment. Help me stay in tune with You. Help me see You in each place, in each step, in each nap, in each meal, in each moment. You are incredibly powerful, and I want to understand where I am in light of where You are. Teach my heart to listen. Help me always stay in tune with You. Amen. ✨Look at Scripture Together✨ ✨ “Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you now perceive it? I will make a way...” Isaiah 43:18-19 ✨ “Look carefully then how you walk, not as wise but as unwise, making the best us of the time....” Ephesians 5:15 ✨ “You do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.” James 4:14 ✨ “The life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in Jesus, who loved me and gave himself for me." Galatians 2:20 ✨“You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of Your presence and the pleasures of living with You forever.” Psalm 16:11 ✨Seek the LORD and his strength; seek his presence continually.” Romans 12:12 ✨"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind...” Romans 12:2 ✨"Then the LORD God called to the man, “Where are you?'" Genesis 3:9
Joy in the Morning! Inspired by The Adventures of Molly and Lucy: Rainy Days & Sunshine I recently had a friend share something with me about storms, and I haven’t stopped thinking about it since... It’s the difference between cows and buffalo. Let’s start with the buffalo… Buffalo run toward the storm. They face it head-on, pushing through it getting through it faster. Now… if you’re like me, a girl who grew up in Kansas and now lives in Missouri… that sounds a little wild. Because when storms roll in here? I’m grabbing my favorite things and heading straight for the basement or the closet under the stairs, waiting for the all-clear. And cows? Cows run away from the storm trying to avoid it. And in doing so, they often stay in it longer. If I’m honest… I’ve lived more like a cow. Avoiding hard things. Dodging uncomfortable conversations. Trying to escape difficulty, thinking that was peace. But I’ve learned something… That kind of peace? It’s not real. It’s what Emotionally Healthy Spirituality calls false peace—avoiding reality instead of walking through it. And as Craig Groeschel shares in Heal Your Hurting Mind: “Getting healthy mentally means dealing with reality at all costs.” That hit me. Because storms in life are unavoidable. We are either: in a storm coming out of a storm or about to walk into one And storms have a way of revealing what our lives are built on. Jesus Didn’t Run I think about Jesus. “He set His face like flint toward Jerusalem.” He knew what was coming… and He didn’t run. “For the joy set before Him, He endured the cross.” He moved toward the storm. And then there’s the story He told… House built on rock: withstands stormHouse built on rock: withstands storm The wise man built his house on the rock. When the rain came, the winds blew, and the waters rose—it stood firm. Not because the storm didn’t hit… But because the foundation was strong. There’s Something About After the Storm Living in the Midwest for 41 years has taught me something… There is almost always a clarity after a storm. The air feels cleaner. The sky looks brighter. It’s like something heavy got swept away. Even movies like Twister get that part right— there’s always that soft music at the end that says, “The storm is over.” We don’t always get the music in real life… But we can choose to see the beauty. So What If We Became Like the Buffalo? What if instead of running away… We ran toward the storm WITH Jesus? Have the hard conversations Fight the good fight Pray like you’ve never prayed before Rest when you need to Take a walk Eat a snack (yes, really ) Stay in God’s Word Trust that even the storm is doing something in you— removing what doesn’t belong and strengthening what does. Because in the middle of it… His joy is your strength. And on the other side? There is life. There is growth. There is beauty. “Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes in the morning.” You’re Not Alone Whatever storm you’re facing right now… You are not alone. God is with you in it, not just waiting on the other side. So don’t run away. Run with Him. Trust the process. Trust your God. Around the Table Questions Would you rather run toward the storm or away from it? Why? What kinds of “storms” have felt most real in your life? Have you ever seen something good come after a hard season? How can we praise God even in the middle of difficulty? What does it look like to build our lives on the Rock—Jesus? Prayer Lord, Help us to be brave and courageous when storms come. Remind us that You are with us in every moment. Help us to see beauty—not just after the storm, but even within it. Teach us to rest in Your love instead of running in fear. Give us strength to face what’s hard, and hearts that trust You through it all. Make us more like You each day. Holy Spirit, fill us again and again— in the good and in the hard. Amen. Scriptures to Explore Together (NLT) Isaiah 50:7 – “I have set my face like flint…” Hebrews 12:2 – “Because of the joy awaiting Him, He endured the cross…” Matthew 7:24–25 – The wise man built his house on the rock Psalm 30:5 – “Joy comes in the morning” Romans 8:18 – “What we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory He will reveal later”
Happy Easter! He is Risen! Inspired by The Adventures of Molly and Lucy: An Easter Adventure, What a Happy Day! I recently had a friend share something with me about storms, and I haven’t stopped thinking about it since... It’s the difference between cows and buffalo. Let’s start with the buffalo… Buffalo run toward the storm. They face it head-on, pushing through it getting through it faster. Now… if you’re like me, a girl who grew up in Kansas and now lives in Missouri… that sounds a little wild. Because when storms roll in here? I’m grabbing my favorite things and heading straight for the basement or the closet under the stairs, waiting for the all-clear. And cows? Cows run away from the storm trying to avoid it. And in doing so, they often stay in it longer. If I’m honest… I’ve lived more like a cow. Avoiding hard things. Dodging uncomfortable conversations. Trying to escape difficulty, thinking that was peace. But I’ve learned something… That kind of peace? It’s not real. It’s what Emotionally Healthy Spirituality calls false peace—avoiding reality instead of walking through it. And as Craig Groeschel shares in Heal Your Hurting Mind: “Getting healthy mentally means dealing with reality at all costs.” That hit me. Because storms in life are unavoidable. We are either: in a storm coming out of a storm or about to walk into one And storms have a way of revealing what our lives are built on. Jesus Didn’t Run I think about Jesus. “He set His face like flint toward Jerusalem.” He knew what was coming… and He didn’t run. “For the joy set before Him, He endured the cross.” He moved toward the storm. And then there’s the story He told… House built on rock: withstands stormHouse built on rock: withstands storm The wise man built his house on the rock. When the rain came, the winds blew, and the waters rose—it stood firm. Not because the storm didn’t hit… But because the foundation was strong. There’s Something About After the Storm Living in the Midwest for 41 years has taught me something… There is almost always a clarity after a storm. The air feels cleaner. The sky looks brighter. It’s like something heavy got swept away. Even movies like Twister get that part right— there’s always that soft music at the end that says, “The storm is over.” We don’t always get the music in real life… But we can choose to see the beauty. So What If We Became Like the Buffalo? What if instead of running away… We ran toward the storm WITH Jesus? Have the hard conversations Fight the good fight Pray like you’ve never prayed before Rest when you need to Take a walk Eat a snack (yes, really ) Stay in God’s Word Trust that even the storm is doing something in you— removing what doesn’t belong and strengthening what does. Because in the middle of it… His joy is your strength. And on the other side? There is life. There is growth. There is beauty. “Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes in the morning.” You’re Not Alone Whatever storm you’re facing right now… You are not alone. God is with you in it, not just waiting on the other side. So don’t run away. Run with Him. Trust the process. Trust your God. Around the Table Questions Would you rather run toward the storm or away from it? Why? What kinds of “storms” have felt most real in your life? Have you ever seen something good come after a hard season? How can we praise God even in the middle of difficulty? What does it look like to build our lives on the Rock—Jesus? Prayer Lord, Help us to be brave and courageous when storms come. Remind us that You are with us in every moment. Help us to see beauty—not just after the storm, but even within it. Teach us to rest in Your love instead of running in fear. Give us strength to face what’s hard, and hearts that trust You through it all. Make us more like You each day. Holy Spirit, fill us again and again— in the good and in the hard. Amen. Scriptures to Explore Together (NLT) Isaiah 50:7 – “I have set my face like flint…” Hebrews 12:2 – “Because of the joy awaiting Him, He endured the cross…” Matthew 7:24–25 – The wise man built his house on the rock Psalm 30:5 – “Joy comes in the morning” Romans 8:18 – “What we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory He will reveal later”
Discover Rhythm Inspired by The Adventures of Molly and Lucy A Sunny Start! This week’s devotional focuses on Lucy. How many of you resonate with her? Lucy is excited for adventure. She longs to be outside—running, exploring, and enjoying God’s beautiful creation. But even as her heart pulls her forward, hesitation sneaks in. The idea of adventure sounds wonderful… until fear begins to whisper as she takes those first steps. ✨ Brave in the background. ✨ Shaky in the moment. If we’re honest, many of us have been there. Let’s start by looking at Lucy’s first characteristic: ✨ WONDER ✨ Lucy loves to take in her surroundings. She wonders what’s out there. She wonders what kind of adventure today might hold. ✨ That curiosity— ✨ That openness— ✨ That awe— …it’s childlike wonder. Jesus tells us that kind of wonder is required to believe. As we grow older, wonder can quietly fade. Apathy, disengagement, and boredom with reality can creep in. And in the digital age, this happens even faster. Please—don’t let technology transport you out of reality. Be present. Gaze upon the beauty exactly where your feet are! Dream of adventures! Dream of beauty! Dream of the Kingdom come! Be WOWed by creation— And by the people around you! Be here. Be now. Be present. ✨ LONGING… AND HESITATION ✨ Next, we see Lucy’s longing for adventure—mixed with hesitation. And that’s not wrong. ✨ Wisdom helps keep us safe. ✨ Discernment matters. But fear should never stop us from stepping into something God has placed before us. When a God door opens— ✨ Run through it. ✨ Pop the dandelion! ✨ Embrace the new! ✨Trust God. ✨ Keep fear at bay by keeping in step with Jesus. ✨ Stay close to Him as you move forward. ✨The new can feel uncertain… but it is also beautiful. ✨ Do not fear—God is with you. Lucy reminds us that wonder invites us forward, and trust gives us the courage to take the next step. ✨ Take It With You This Week ✨ ✨ Guard your sense of wonder. ✨ Don’t let fear silence obedience. ✨ Move forward with Jesus—even if your legs feel shaky. Because the adventure God has for you is ALWAYS worth the step! Lucy reminds us that wonder often comes before courage. She notices. She wonders. She pauses. And even when her paws feel shaky, she leans toward adventure (Yes with Molly by her side!) Wonder opens our eyes. Trust helps us take the step. Fear may whisper what if, but Jesus gently invites us forward—one step at a time. ✨ Look at Scripture Together ✨ “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 18:3 “I sought the Lord, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears.” Psalm 34:4 “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you.” Isaiah 41:10 “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.” 2 Timothy 1:7 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5–6 "Then He said, 'I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven.'" Matthew 18:3 "For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you see it?" Isaiah 43:19 "For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities -- his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God." Romans 1:20 ✨ Around the Table Conversation Starters ✨ ✨ What are some things that make you feel curious or full of wonder? ✨ Has there ever been a time you felt excited and a little scared at the same time? ✨ How can we tell the difference between being wise and letting fear stop us? ✨ What is one small step God might be asking you to take this week? ✨ Little Heart Prayer ✨ Jesus, Thank You for the wonder You placed inside my heart. Help me notice the beauty around me. When I feel excited but afraid, remind me that You are with me. Give me courage to take the next step, even when I feel shaky. Help me trust You, walk with You, and follow where You lead. Amen.
A Look at Molly - Rhythm, Compassion, and Practicing Self-Control Inspired by The Adventures of Molly and Lucy A Sunny Start! Molly is sweet and confident. She understands the rhythm of work and rest, and she has a heart that is quick to notice others. She is almost always up for an adventure—though sometimes she needs a little time to gather the energy to go. If Molly sees a friend—whether new or old—she is ready to jump in and meet a need. She desires for others to experience joy, belonging, and the goodness of life. ✨ Molly sees people. ✨ Molly cares deeply. ✨ Molly wants others to flourish. And yet—like all of us—she has a place where she struggles. Molly loves a good snack. Sometimes so much that she misses what’s happening right in front of her. ✨ God’s Rhythm for Our Lives When we look at Molly, we’re reminded that God calls us to a rhythm—a balance of rest and work, delight and responsibility. ✨ From the very beginning, God modeled this rhythm (Genesis 1–2). ✨ He invites us to create, build, and cultivate what is good and God-honoring (Genesis 2:15; Deuteronomy 6). ✨ He commands us to see others and care for them (John 21:15–17). ✨ And He reminds us that we are created intentionally, for good works He prepared in advance for us to do (Ephesians 2:10). But Scripture also gives us a warning. The apostle Paul cautions us not to let our desires rule us: ✨ “Their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things.” — Philippians 3:19 In other words, when we live only to satisfy our own cravings—whether food, comfort, shopping, entertainment, or distraction—we risk missing opportunities to love others well. ✨ Be careful what has your attention. ✨ A Moment of Honest Reflection I can admit this personally—I love to shop. Sometimes I catch myself trying to fill a need with one more thing: for my home, my closet, my shoes, or even for my daughters. And more than once, God has gently asked me to fast from unnecessary purchases—to remind my heart that He is enough. "Nothing satisfies like Him. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.” — Psalm 42:2 ✨ Learning from Molly Our sweet Molly girl is always ready for a snack—and sometimes misses out on pretty great moments because her focus shifts toward quick indulgence. She is written to be loving, friendly, and helpful… and yet we see how easy it is for distractions to pull her away. ✨ Let’s learn from Molly. ✨ Let’s not allow distractions—good things even—to steal our attention from better things. Always stop and think: is this a good choice now AND later? Instead, let’s lean into the rhythm God designed for us: ✨ Rest and work ✨ Creating and building ✨ Noticing and loving Let’s live in a way that brings the light and way of Jesus into the world around us—creating spaces where others feel seen, cared for, and valued. That is a beautiful life. That is a life of purpose. That is the rhythm God invites us into. ✨ Take a Look at the Bible ✨ Genesis 2:2–3 “By the seventh day God had finished the work He had been doing; so on the seventh day He rested… And God blessed the seventh day and made it holy.” Deuteronomy 6:5–7 “Love the Lord your God with all your heart… Talk about these things when you sit at home and when you walk along the road.” John 21:15–17 Jesus said, “Feed my lambs… Take care of my sheep… Feed my sheep.” Ephesians 2:10 “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Philippians 3:19 “Their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things.” Psalm 42:2 “My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.” ✨ Around the Table Conversation Starters ✨ Let’s get honest—what do I struggle with when it comes to self-control or distraction? How can I pause and find the rhythm God has created for me—rest and work, giving and receiving? What is something I could let go of for a season so I can better notice and meet the needs of others? Who is someone I can intentionally notice this week to show care and love? ✨ Little Hearts Prayer ✨ Lord, I admit I don’t always get it right, and I need Your help. Help me see my weaknesses, and give me humility—even when others help point them out. I want to grow to be more like Jesus: aware, in tune, and ready to love well. Jesus, You have my attention. You have my praise. Please help me build Your Kingdom here on earth, one kind and good work at a time. Amen.
Peeper - We All Need A Little Help from our Friends! Inspired by The Adventures of Molly and Lucy: A Sunny Start Let’s talk about something that isn’t always easy to admit… Sometimes, we need help. It’s hard to say out loud when we feel weak. It’s hard to acknowledge when we’ve hit a place in life where we don’t have all the answers. But strangely enough—those moments can be some of the most beautiful places to be. In parenting especially, I’ve learned that the most valuable advice doesn’t usually come from someone with a perfect plan or a quick fix. It comes from someone who has been there. Someone who has walked the same season, felt the same exhaustion, asked the same questions. Their wisdom, insight, and encouragement gently remind us of a much-needed truth: It won’t always be like this. In our first book, we find Molly and Lucy ready to help their new friend, Peepers. Peepers finds herself outside the coop—stuck and unsure of how to get back home. But Molly and Lucy don’t panic (well, Molly doesn't anyway). They pause, think, and come up with a plan. They remember a game they used to play, digging in the blankets... Using what they already knew, they step in to help Peepers in her moment of need. Lucy, though, feels a little fearful. The situation is unfamiliar. The outcome isn’t guaranteed. But Lucy is strengthened by one important thing: She isn’t alone. Life often feels like that. We want to help others, but sometimes we’re afraid to step into their mess. We don’t know what to say. We don’t know how it will turn out. We worry about getting it wrong. And we don't know, but there is never a good excuse when it comes to stepping up to love well... Just love well! And on the flip side, when we are the ones struggling, pride can whisper that we should handle it ourselves. But here’s the truth: We don’t have to pretend we’re strong when we’re not. We don’t have to carry everything on our own. We can let go of pride. We can let others in. We are stronger together! And we can choose to walk alongside one another—through the mess, the unknown, and the hard moments—knowing that this is how we were meant to live. Because sometimes, we make it through life’s toughest moments with just a little help from our friends. Friends (Christ loving community) help us get unstuck, into a safe place, and on the right track... Let them help! ✨ Take a Look at the Bible ✨ “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.” — 2 Corinthians 12:9 “Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” — 2 Corinthians 12:9 “Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” — Galatians 6:2 What other "one another" verses can you find together? ✨ Around the Table Conversation Starters ✨ When is a time you needed help but didn’t want to ask for it? What made it hard? Who are some people God has placed in our lives to help us when things feel hard? (Friends, family, teachers, coaches, neighbors…) Why do you think Lucy felt nervous helping Peepers at first? What helped her feel brave anyway? Have you ever helped someone even when you felt unsure or uncomfortable? How did it feel to step in? What is one way we can help carry someone else’s burden this week? (A kind word, a prayer, listening, helping hands…) What is one area where our family can practice asking for help instead of doing everything alone? ✨ Little Hearts Prayer ✨ Jesus, Sometimes we feel like we have to be strong all by ourselves. Sometimes we’re scared to ask for help. Thank You for reminding us that we were never meant to walk alone. Thank You for friends who help us, and for helping us be good friends to others. When we feel weak, remind us that You are strong. When we feel nervous, remind us that You go with us. Help us to be brave enough to ask for help and kind enough to step in when others need us. Thank You for walking beside us, and for teaching us how to walk beside each other. Jesus you are the BEST friend! Help us to be a friend like you! Amen.
Where do You Find Peace? In my Peace book, we find ourselves at the beach… Cool wind blowing, soft sand under our feet, waves quietly rolling in, and the sun warming our faces. For many of us, that’s the picture of peace. And yet… we can sit in the most beautiful place and still feel completely unsettled inside. I remember writing this book and thinking about all the times I’ve been surrounded by beauty—but internally, I felt anything but peaceful. My mind was loud. My thoughts were swirling. My heart felt heavy with things unresolved. Pain. Distraction. Overwhelm. But God. I once heard a pastor say: “Change your BUT.” Instead of saying: “This place is beautiful but I feel frustrated, distracted, and overwhelmed…” What if we said: “I feel frustrated, distracted, and overwhelmed… but I will choose to see the beauty around me. I will trust God with what I cannot control. I will be present with Him right here.” That shift changes everything. What Is Peace? Peace isn’t found in perfect circumstances. Peace is found in a Person—Jesus, the Prince of Peace. Peace is saying: “Lord, take this pain from me… but even if You don’t, I trust You.” Peace is declaring like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego: “Our God is able to save us… but even if He doesn’t, we will not bow.” Peace is believing Jesus when He said: “In this world you will have trouble… but take heart, I have overcome the world.” Peace is not denying pain. It’s inviting God into it. It’s choosing to trust Him in the middle of the storm— even the storm in your own mind. A Gentle Invitation Like Molly, we can: Acknowledge the pain Admit that it’s hard Accept the reality of what is And then access the truth of God We can train our hearts to notice the beauty— not by ignoring what hurts, but by refusing to let it be the only thing we see. Because when we slow down… when we breathe… when we look again… There is beauty. Even here. Scriptures to Hold Onto “Father, if You are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but Yours be done.” — Luke 22:42 “The God we serve is able to deliver us… but even if He does not…” — Daniel 3:17–18 “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” — John 16:33 Around the Table Questions What pain can you honestly acknowledge today? How can you change your “but” in that situation? What truth from God’s Word can you hold onto this week? How can you help someone else see beauty—even in their storm? Prayer Jesus, When life feels loud and unsettled, help us to pause and remember You. Teach us to be honest about our pain, but even more honest about Your goodness. Help us to change our “but”— to trust You in the middle of what we don’t understand. Open our eyes to see beauty, even here. Give us peace that doesn’t depend on our circumstances, but rests fully in You. You are our peace. And we trust You. Amen.
Be a Peace Bringer! We are called to be peacemakers… but may I suggest a different wording with the same sentiment... What if we became peace bringers? People who walk into a space listening to the gentle, discerning voice of the Holy Spirit— aware of what’s needed, and ready to leave things better than we found them. Scripture reminds us: “Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep.” (Romans 12:15) That means we meet people right where they are. Not fixing. Not rushing. Just loving them in the moment. I also think about the seasons in life… A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to harvest. A time to tear down and a time to build up. A time to cry and a time to laugh. A time to grieve and a time to dance. A time to be quiet and a time to speak. A time for war… and a time for peace. When you walk into a room… Are you aware of the season? The atmosphere? The temperature of what’s happening? When we slow down and become present, we notice what others need. In the Peace book, Molly and Lucy meet Stan’s needs in different ways… Molly brings a snack. Lucy sits close and listens. Both matter. Because sometimes people need help… and sometimes they just need to be seen. So what does it look like to be a peace bringer? Notice people Meet needs Love well Leave others feeling seen, valued, and not alone Because every person matters. And when we love like Jesus, we help others experience the Prince of Peace. Around the Table Questions Who in your life might need peace right now? How can you help them experience Jesus this week? What helps you feel peaceful? How can we better meet people where they are? What can we notice about our kids—or help them notice about others? Prayer Lord, I want to be a peacemaker… a peace bringer. Help me to truly see people— to meet them in their pain and celebrate with them in their joy. Teach me to leave every space better than I found it, marked by Your love, Your joy, and Your peace. Holy Spirit, help me stay in tune with You— aware, discerning, and ready to respond with grace. Let my words, my actions, and my presence point others back to You. Amen.
Who is Your Peace Pal? In The Adventures of Molly & Lucy: Oceans of Peace, we meet Stan—the bird who waits for shrimp. His family left for different waters… but Stan chose to stay where he felt at home. And while he waited… he grew lonely. Focused on his routine, he missed out on something deeper— friendship. It makes me think… We were never meant to do life alone. Because without a doubt— Jesus is the friend who sticks closer than a brother. The One who laid down His life so we could truly live. The One who sent the Comforter to meet us in our loneliness. Jesus also lived life with people. And let’s be honest… they didn’t always get it right. But I wonder… Did they become peace bringers to one another because they walked so closely with the Prince of Peace? We need people like that. Peace pals. The kind who: walk with us through storms speak truth when we need it pray when we don’t have the words remind us where our peace comes from Because some storms are loud and visible… and some are quiet, hidden deep in our hearts. So who do you let in? Who do you trust to speak peace into your storm? This week’s devo is simple on purpose… So you have time to sit together and talk about something that really matters: Who are your peace pals? Around the Table Questions Who do you talk to when storms come up in your life? Who could be a “peace pal” for you? How can we encourage one another in hard moments? How is Jesus our greatest example of a friend? When can we make time to be with Jesus and learn His voice? Verses to Look at Together Proverbs 18:24 – A friend who sticks closer than a brother John 15:13–15 – Greater love has no one than this John 14:16–17 – The Counselor, the Comforter Prayer Lord, Thank You for being so close to me— a friend who sticks closer than a brother. Help me to surround myself with peace pals, people who will pray with me, encourage me, and help me find peace in the middle of my storms. Thank You for the friends and family who care… and thank You for caring even more. Give me the discipline to stay connected to Your Word and to recognize Your voice each day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
All is Calm New month… new book… new focus: Patience. In this book, Molly and Lucy are visiting my big brother’s house— a place full of new sights, sounds, and smells. They do explore… Sniffing around, taking it all in… something feels off. There are funky smells… but nothing to match them. So instead of pressing in, they pull back into what feels safe: A yummy breakfast A short walk in the backyard And then… their first nap of the day Everything is calm. Cozy. Predictable. And honestly… That’s when patience feels easiest, isn’t it? No interruptions. No pressure. No unknowns. Just… (deep sigh) “I’ve got this.” I’ve felt that. Have you? When all is calm… it feels like all is right. But here’s the truth… Those peaceful moments—while beautiful— can also become a place where we stop growing. Because growth doesn’t happen in comfort. It happens when we are stretched. And being stretched requires us to be… flexible. And Scripture reminds us: “When troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy… for when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.” Even interruptions… even uncertainty… grows something in us. Let’s talk real life for a second… Molly and Lucy? They’re way more patient when they’re the only dogs in the room And if I’m being honest… Some of my stories about them being perfectly sweet with other dogs? Let’s just say they’re filled with a lot of hope Because just like us— It’s easy to be patient when everything is going our way… and much harder when interruptions show up. So this month, let’s pay attention: Who are we when life is calm? And who are we when life feels uncertain… or even chaotic? In the quiet… We get to prepare. We get to sit with Jesus. Trust His timing. And remind our hearts: “Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.” God is preparing us in the waiting. Because we’re not the only people in the story. We’re not the only ones on the road (would anyone else like to be?) And doing life with others? That’s where the beauty—and the growth—happens. God uses people, moments, and yes… interruptions to shape us into something more. And the good news? We’re not doing this alone. “The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives… love, joy, peace, patience…” Patience isn’t something we force… it’s something God grows in us. So what if we started expecting interruptions? Not with frustration… but with hopeful anticipation? Because maybe… Just maybe… The interruptions are where the joy is. And in those moments, we remember: “Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.” Scriptures to Reflect On James 1:2–4 – Trials develop perseverance Galatians 5:22–23 – The fruit of the Spirit (including patience) Psalm 27:14 – “Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart” Romans 12:12 – “Be patient in troubles Around the Table Questions When is it easiest for you to be patient? When is it hardest? How do you respond when something feels uncertain or unexpected? What do you think God might be teaching you in those moments? How can we practice patience with others this week? Little Hearts Prayer Lord, Help me to be patient—even when things feel uncertain. Teach me to trust Your timing and to stay calm when life feels interrupted. Help me to love others well and to grow more like You each day. Thank You for being patient with me. Amen
Devotion: Enter Bulldozer... Last week we started the conversation from my patience book… and talked about how easy patience feels when everything is calm. But this week? We bulldoze right into the moments when patience feels almost impossible. Because let’s be honest… We often pray: “God, give me patience.” But patience isn’t something that just appears overnight. It’s a fruit that grows slowly... through time, practice, interruptions, and a whole lot of uncomfortable moments where we have to choose how we respond. So let’s think about this together… When frustration rises in you… where do you feel it first? Your head? Your chest? Your stomach? What happens when you feel pushed up against something difficult? What’s your go-to reaction? And what do you say, or do, to make sure everyone around you knows your peace has been interrupted? Just this morning I was reading Psalm 39, and honestly… it fits in this week's devo... Maybe it’s appropriately placed in the 39th chapter because when you hit 39 years old (I'm 41 when writing this) you start realizing just how quickly time moves. And somewhere in the middle of all that realization, we’re faced with a choice: Do we spiral into frustration and fury… or step into the beautiful dance of a new season of life? David understood this tension. In Psalm 39, you can almost feel the pressure building inside him. He chooses silence. He bites his tongue. He tries to take the higher road. But internally? The frustration is still boiling. And the more he thinks about it… the hotter it burns. Have you ever felt that? Like the words are right there at the edge of your mouth? But then something shifts. It’s almost as if all David’s time spent with the Lord changed the tone on his tongue. Instead of erupting… He pauses. And chooses something better. Something wiser. Something more like Jesus. Next week we’ll talk more about that wisdom… But for now, I think it’s important to simply become aware. Not ashamed. Not fearful. Just… aware. Because when we notice: what pushes us where we feel it and how it comes out of us we can begin making healthier shifts. And listen… This isn’t about “focusing on the negative.” If you know me, you know that’s not my heart. This is about helping families grow in self-awareness. Because it’s easy to blame other people for our lava explosion moments… But usually? There’s a deeper buildup happening underneath. Think about road rage for a second. It’s probably not just the stranger cutting you off in traffic. There’s usually already pressure building beneath the surface. Like those homemade volcano science projects… The baking soda was already packed in. The vinegar just triggered the eruption. And doing the important work of processing our emotions in healthy ways? That matters. When we learn how to have healthy conversations, healthy conflict, and honest reflection… The people around us are less likely to receive the “spew.” So this week… Pay attention. Talk about it together. Not to shame one another— but to grow. Because becoming more like Jesus often starts with honest awareness. Around the Table Questions What kinds of things negatively charge you? When do you feel most frustrated? Where do you feel those emotions in your body? What usually happens right before you “explode”? Who is a safe person you can talk to before frustration builds too high? What does a patient response look like? How do you think Jesus responded when interrupted or frustrated? Little Hearts Prayer Lord, You know me even better than I know myself. Help me to search my heart and recognize the places that negatively charge me. I want to live patiently and lovingly. Help me become aware of my trigger points so I can respond in healthier ways. Teach me to pause before I erupt. Help me grow in patience, wisdom, and love. Because I want to become more like You. Amen. Scriptures to Reflect On Psalm 139:23–24 – “Search me, O God, and know my heart…” Psalm 39:1–3 – David wrestles with holding back his words James 1:19–20 – “Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry…” Galatians 5:22–23 – The fruit of the Spirit includes patience Proverbs 14:29 – “People with understanding control their anger…” Ecclesiastes 7:9 – “Control your temper, for anger labels you a fool.” Romans 12:18 – “Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.” 2 Timothy 1:7 – God gives us power, love, and self-control