✨ 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: 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
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Why do you think it’s sometimes hard to admit we need help?
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Can you think of a time someone “stuck with you” when things were hard?
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Is there someone in your life right now who might need you to walk beside them?
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What does it mean to you that nothing can separate us from the love of Jesus?
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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
✨ 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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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."
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.
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.