Jennifer Flanders's Blog, page 15

Bible Memory Tips & Tricks

One of my New Year’s resolutions this year is to make Bible memory more of a priority. So in January, I started memorizing the book of James. Memorizing scripture doesn’t come quite as easily these days as it did when I was a kid, but the following tips and tricks have helped speed my progress significantly. (Four chapters down, one to go! )

17 Tips for Making Bible Memory Easier:

You needn’t do all of these suggestions for every passage you commit to memory, but the more senses you use in learning the verses, the more firmly cemented they’ll be in your brain.

Write the verses out by hand

Copy each verse you are trying to memorize at least once in your own handwriting. Doing so helps you to clarify the words in your mind and keep them all in the proper order.

Pray for God’s help in memorizing

He promises to give wisdom to all who request it. And since memorizing Scripture is one of the best ways I know to acquire wisdom, you should definitely ask God to help you in the endeavor.

Do your part by working on memorizing passages faithfully, then you can rely on the LORD to bring His Word to mind as needed!

Put the verses in prominent places

Print out multiple copies of your memory verses (you may even want to laminate them for durability) then tape them to the bathroom mirror, stick them to refrigerator, or prop them up on the windowsill above the kitchen sink where you’ll be frequently reminded to work on them.

Alternate between reading aloud and reciting from memory until you can recite them without peeking.

Set the verses to music

Assign the words to a familiar tune or make up a new melody of your own. Either way, singing God’s Word makes memorizing it almost effortless.

Learn the verses in context

Whenever you’re trying to learn a longer passage, work on a big block of verses at once rather than committing them to memory one at a time. Memorizing in context helps you keep the verses in the proper order and provides a richer understanding of their meaning, as well.

Recite memory verses aloud

When practicing your verses, don’t just rehearse them silently to yourself. Say them out loud if at all possible, as hearing the words while speaking them provides two more channels to get them into your brain.

Do this at least two or three times a day when you are first beginning to work on a new passage to better familiarize yourself with the verses.

Record your own voice reading the verses

Another way to speed up the memorizing and review process is by recording yourself reading the passage. Then you can listen to your recording as you’re washing dishes, folding clothes, running errands, drifting off to sleep, or during any number of other mindless activities that fill your day.

Use a dry erase board

Write the passage you are trying to memorize on the white board by hand, then read it aloud. Next, erase two or three words at a time, and practice saying it while filling in the blanks. Continue this process until no words remain on the board, and you can quote the entire passage from memory.

Recite verses in rhythm

Try clapping the words to a beat or reciting them to the rhythm of your steps as you walk or run.

Use your hands

Learn sign language to accompany the verses, or create your own hand motions to correspond to the verses. The body movement and muscle memory will reinforce your memorizing efforts.

Memorize with a friend

It’s always good to have an accountability partner. Even if you are working on different passages, find a friend or family member and take turns reciting to one another at least once a week whatever verses you are currently memorizing.

If you are both learning the same portion of Scripture, you can just quote the passage together, provided you coordinate in advance which translation you’ll use.

Systematically review verses you’ve already learned

Charlotte Mason’s recommended a method of Scripture memory that allowed for scheduled review of older memory verses. Whatever passage you are currently memorizing gets reviewed once a day. As newer passages are learned, older ones get moved to an increasingly less frequent review schedule: every other day, then once weekly, then once monthly.

Mason recommended writing your verses on index cards and filing them in a box, but if you are memorizing whole chapters, you might try storing full-sized pages in a three ring binder under a similar set of index tabs. These tabs should include one marked “daily,” two marked “odd” and “even,” seven marked with the days of the week, and a set numbered 1-31. (So on Thursday, February 9, I’d review the verses under four tabs: daily, odd, Thursday, and number 9.)

Use the verse in artwork

Doodle the words, color them in, or incorporate them into some other artistic endeavor such as cross-stitch, calligraphy, or wood burning. Doing so provides yet another way to embed God’s Word more deeply in your memory.

Build a “memory palace” to assist in memorizing

This centuries-old technique has revolutionized the way I memorize. It takes a little more effort up front, but greatly multiplies the speed with which I can memorize entire chapters of the Bible and vastly improves recall, as well.

To use it, you must associate each verse with a string of mental images. If you picture the book as a house, and each chapter as a room (or — for longer chapters — a series of rooms) in the house, then each verse will be an item in that room.

I group all the items in sets of five (so I can easily fast forward through the chapter if asked to recite a particular verse toward the end of it), and I always take the items in the same order (which I’ve written down so I can refer back to it when memorizing new passages on the same framework).

By way of example, the seventh item in my memory palace is a small china cabinet that stood in the corner of the dining room in a house my husband and I built in 2005 and lived in for many years. (Since it’s already so familiar, it makes the perfect “memory palace” for me.)

That china cabinet was an unexpected gift, which is what I remember when quoting James 1:7 (“Let not that man expect that he will receive anything from the Lord.”)

But I also used the cabinet to store and protect my fine china, which is the aspect I think about when quoting Psalm 121:7 (“The Lord shall preserve the from all evil; He shall preserve thy soul.”).

And when quoting Philippians 2:7 (“but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.”), I picture a maid taking all the china out of the cabinet so that it stands empty.

In each of these instances, I’m still picturing the seventh item in the room, but the meaning shifts slightly from one passage to the next. Do you see how that works?

Draw tiny pictures

Okay, I’ll admit that last trick is a little advanced. The first several times I read about it, it sounded way too complicated to me, too. Here’s a similar but more concrete idea for you: Sketch little pictures for different words in the verses you’re trying to memorize — like a rebus book.

If I were going to use this technique on John 3:16 (“For God so loved the world, He gave…”), I might replace the word “For” with a number 4, draw a heart for the word “loved,” a globe for “world,” a present for “gave,” and so forth.

The important thing is to draw these little pictures yourself, even if you aren’t artistic. The process of doing it is as big a help to memorizing the passage as reviewing the rebus verses that result.

Abbreviate your memory verses

For purposes of review, it is sometimes helpful to write just the first letter of each word in a verse. That way, you’ll have a little prompt when practicing, especially if you are reciting your verses without anybody around who can check you.

Use technology to make memorizing easier

There are lots of computer programs and phone apps out there designed to help you commit Bible verses to memory. Some are even free.

One of the apps my daughters introduced me to is called Verses. I think the original version is free — just click the (very small) link at the bottom of the page that says you aren’t interested in upgrading to basic or pro. It includes KJV plus three other translations, with lots of different tasks to help you memorize (to access more versions of the Bible, you’d have to pay an annual fee).

You can work on single verses at a time, longer passages, or entire chapters. The app includes several different activities (such as listening to the verses, reading them aloud, typing them out, or filling in the blanks) to aid you in memorizing them.

6 Benefits to Memorizing Scripture:Hides God’s Word in your heart

This is something we are commanded in Scripture to do.

“Therefore shall ye lay up these my words in your heart and in your soul, and bind them for a sign upon your hand, that they may be as frontlets between your eyes.” (Deuteronomy 11:18)

Boosts mental health

Memory work establishes new neural pathways and improves brain function. And, since memorizing Scripture involves learning new skills and engaging in cognitive stimulation, it may even help protect against Alzheimer’s.

“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” (Romans 12:2)

Provides comfort in trials

Having the Truth of God’s Word cemented in your memory provides a guiding light and firm rock of refuge during life’s inevitable storms.

“You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” (Isaiah 26:3)

Proves useful for spiritual warfare

Jesus quoted Scripture to combat Satan’s temptations in the wilderness, and we’d do well to follow His example. The more verses you memorize, the more you’ll have in your arsenal when you’re forced to do battle.

“Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” (Ephesians 6:17)

Helps you view the world through a Biblical lens

What better way to see things from an eternal perspective than to look at them through the filter of God’s unchanging Word?

“Then the eyes of those who see will not be blinded, And the ears of those who hear will listen.” (Isaiah 32:3)

Enables you to pray with the mind of Christ

We can trust that when we are praying the words of Scripture over a matter, we are praying in accordance with God’s revealed will.

“You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.” (John 14:14)

Free Scripture Memory Resources:

I hope by now you are realizing that Scripture memory is entirely doable and is a great way to invest your time and attention. Are you ready to get started? If so, check out the following printable resources. They’re all available for FREE through my family website and will provide further guidance if you aren’t sure where to begin.

Pretty Bible Verse Cards – a free printable set of 16 verses for you to memorizeCopy Writing Worksheets – 60+ penmanship practice sheets featuring select Bible verses (in your choice of manuscript or cursive)Scripture Memory Cards – these 60+ memory verse cards correspond to the copy work sheets above; each has a Bible verse on one side of the card and a memory-prompting illustration on the reverseBible Verse ABCs – 26 more Bible memory verses — one for each letter of the alphabet, chosen especially with children in mindBeautiful Bible Bookmarks – these eight memory verses are printed with gorgeous graphics, perfect for posting throughout your home (or for marking your place in the book you’re reading)50 Bible Verses Everyone Should Know – this handy checklist will keep you busy memorizing for a whileOne-Year Bible Reading Plan – it’s amazing how reading through the Bible regularly familiarizes you with Scripture, which in turns makes it easier to find and memorize verses that are especially meaningful for you

Motivating Kids to Memorize Scripture:

The Bible commands us to “teach [God’s word] to your children, talking about it when you sit in your house, when you walk in the road, when you lie down, and when we rise up.” (Deuteronomy 11:19). So… what are some practical ways we can help children hide Scripture in their hearts? Try some of the following ideas:

Offer rewards

Even a gold star on a memory chart was enough to motivate me to memorize as a kid. I remember one Vacation Bible School teacher offering us a piece of candy for every verse we memorized one summer, and my friends and I completely cleaned up! The candy we received is long gone, but I can still quote most of the verses I learned.

Sponsor a contest

There’s nothing like a little friendly competition to get kids excited about doing hard things.

Work on it as a family

Review verses at the dinner table or recite together on long car rides.

Model it

Let your children see you prioritizing Scripture memory in your own life.

Play Scripture songs

Regularly play Scripture set to music in the background as your family is doing chores, cleaning house, riding in the car, etc.

Enroll in Awanas

Take advantage of local church programs such as Bible Drill or Awanas that focus on memorizing Scripture.

Play Bible Memory Games

Challenge kids to play games or take quizzes where memorized verses gives them an advantage.

The post Bible Memory Tips & Tricks appeared first on Loving Life at Home.

A Prayer for My Daughter

My youngest daughter and I attended a mother-daughter retreat a couple of weeks ago. In addition to making 35 sets of pretty Bible memory cards for girls’ goodie bags, I was also tasked with speaking on the topic of prayer during our final evening together.

We discussed the importance of prayer, the power of prayer, and the specifics of prayer. And then I passed out a couple of brand new prayer guides I designed for the occasion, including this Prayer for My Daughter.

Here are some of the prayers I pray most earnestly and consistently for all my girls. I’m sharing it here, in case you want to use it as a guide for praying for your daughters, as well.

NOTE: For a printable version of this prayer, scroll to the bottom of the post and click the download button. To read the scriptural support for the prayer, just click on any of the linked Bible verses below.

A Prayer for My DaughterD is for Direction

LORD, give my daughter a deep desire to know and follow you. Lead her in the path of righteousness for Your name’s sake. May she trust in You with all her heart, looking to You for direction and acknowledging You in all her ways. Keep her on the straight and narrow path. John 10:27; Psalm 23:3; Proverbs 3:5-6; Matthew 7:14

A is for Affections

God, teach my daughter to take delight in serving You, and allow it to shape the desires of her heart. May she set her affections on things above. Guard her against the lust of flesh, lust of the eyes, boastful pride, and anything else that would pervert or misplace her affections. Psalm 37:4; Colossians 3:2; 1 John 2:15-16

U is for Understanding

LORD, cultivate in my daughter a spirit of discernment. Grant her wisdom & understanding beyond her years. Help her hide the Bible in her heart, and teach her live by the verses she memorizes so that she will not become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer of Your Word. Proverbs 3:13-23; Psalm 119:99; James 2:25

G is for Grace

Give my daughter grace to accept the forgiveness You offer in Christ, then enable her to humbly extend that same grace to others. Teach her to boldly approach the Throne of Grace & to liberally season her speech with grace so that it might build up all who are in need. Ephesians 2:8-9, 4:29; James 4:6; Colossians 4:6

H is for Health

LORD, bless my daughter with good physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. Preserve her energy. Protect her against illness & injury. Grant her sound sleep that leaves her feeling rested & refreshed. And help her make wise choices in areas that affect her health. 3 John 1:2; Isaiah 40:29-41; Psalms 127:2; Proverbs 3:1-8

T is for Teachability

God, give my daughter a teachable spirit. Give her a thirst for knowledge, and grant that she would receive correction and instruction with an attitude of grateful humility. Help me to model those same good qualities before her. Guard us both against stiff-necked pride. Proverbs 1:5, 9:9; 25:12; James 1:21; 1 Corinthians 11:1

E is for Empathy

LORD, give my daughter a heart of love and compassion. Help her treat others the way she would want to be treated herself. Make her kind, tenderhearted, and considerate of other’s interests as well as her own. 1 Peter 3:8; Luke 6:31; Ephesians 4:32; Philippians 2:1-4

R is For Relationships

God, bring my daughter like-minded friends who uplift, encourage, and sharpen her. Teach her to get along with others, both inside and outside our family. Most importantly, give her such a love for Jesus that it’ll spill out on all she meets. Proverbs 17:17; Mark 12:30-31

click to print A Prayer for My Daughter

Keep on Praying

Want more free printable prayer guides, like this one? You can check out our entire collection by following this link. And for more encouragement to “continue in prayer” (Colossians 4:2), check out the following related posts:

Our Starting Point – a reminder that prayer works… and leads to workA Good Reminder – a challenge to pray hardest when it is hardest to prayThe Secret – one of my favorite poems about prayer (because it’s so true!)Pretty Prayer-Themed Bookmarks – these will prompt you to pray when you feel like worryingGrace and Mercy Coloring Page – an exhortation to bring our prayers and petitions boldly before God’s throne

The post A Prayer for My Daughter appeared first on Loving Life at Home.

To the Tired Mom with a Neglected Husband

A few nights ago, I stumbled upon a genre of writing I never before knew existed: Open letters written by tired moms to their neglected husbands.

And it wasn’t just one.

Evidently, a lot of women ignore their spouses for months or even years on end, then post public explanations rationalizing their behavior.

The gist of one letter I read went something like this: “Dear Husband. I’m not the person you married. Now I’m a mom, and you need to be content with taking the backseat from here on out.”

Marriage and Motherhood

This young mother is obviously spread thin. She argues that caring for her children — children her husband fathered — is an all-consuming, never-ending job. And it demands every ounce of time, energy, and attention she has to offer.

Is it any wonder, then, that she feels justified in marginalizing her marriage? In expecting her husband to soldier on, with little or no affection, affirmation, or appreciation from his wife?

In her mind, the responsibilities that come with being a mother totally trump any sense of duty she feels as a wife.

And I get that.

I thought much the same way when I was newly married. After conceiving a baby two weeks into our honeymoon and a second six months after the first was born, I had all sorts of emotions swirling about inside of me.

How I Felt Two Years into MarriageI was utterly exhausted, sleep-deprived, and weary to the bones.

Will I ever feel rested again?

I felt frustrated and annoyed by my husband’s expectations.

Why can’t he be more empathetic?

I felt morally superior in my level of motherly devotion.

Nobody loves their children more than I do — including my husband!

I was envious of my husband’s boundless energy.

How can he suggest sex when I so clearly need to sleep?

I was appalled by his contemptible selfishness.

I’m sacrificing everything for our kids! Why can’t he make a few sacrifices, too?

I felt totally justified in giving him the cold shoulder.

He’s a big boy, and his needs are far less important than the children’s.

Yet, as relatable as all those feelings may be, that doesn’t make them right. And had I persisted in these (woefully shortsighted) thoughts, my marriage would never have matured into the strong, stable, and joy-filled union it is today, more than three decades (and ten additional children) later.

Fortunately for me, blogging wasn’t a thing back when we were first starting our family. And that great echo chamber we call the Internet was not yet available to amplify all my confused thoughts and convoluted justifications and repeat them back to me, along with a heaping side of “You go, girl!”

So I chose instead to pour out my mess of conflicted emotions before the LORD in prayer. And — praise be to God — rather than having my wrong thinking reinforced by a world wide web of sympathetic strangers, I had it rigorously challenged and radically transformed by the Holy Spirit.

Indeed, God’s Word speaks directly to everything I was feeling at the time — and to every lie I was believing.

Life-Giving TruthScripture speaks to our exhaustion:

“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” – Matthew 11:28-30

Scripture speaks to our impatience:

“…walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” – Eph. 4:1-3

Scripture speaks to our pride:

“…make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being united in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.” – Philippians 2:2-4

Scripture speaks to our jealousy:

“But if you harbor bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast in it or deny the truth. Such wisdom does not come from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peace-loving, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere.” – James 3:14-17

Scripture speaks to our lack of introspection:

“Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when you yourself fail to see the plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” – Luke 6:41-42

Scripture speaks to this specific area of disobedience:

“The husband must fulfill his duty to his wife, and likewise the wife also to her husband. The wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does; and likewise the husband also does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does. Stop depriving one another, except by agreement for a time so that you may devote yourselves to prayer, and come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.” – 1 Corinthians 7:3-5

In light of these life-giving verses and others like them, all my excuses and exceptions and earnest explanations fell flat. But, thankfully, through the enabling strength of the Holy Spirit, I learned to lovingly care for my children without marginalizing my husband or making him feel like he has to compete with his own offspring for my attention or affection.

My advice to that tired mother with the neglected husband? While I empathize with your feelings, I don’t recommend letting those feelings dictate how you behave toward your spouse — or toward anybody else, for that matter. Feelings can be deceiving. And following them can lead to disastrous results.

I don’t know how long it took you to pen, polish, and post the public letter to your husband explaining your past 4½ years of neglect. But I suspect an equivalent amount of time spent nurturing your marriage would pay bigger dividends in the long run.

More Biblically Sound Marriage Tips

The Word of God is full of wisdom for every facet of life, but we’ve found it especially helpful in building a happy, healthy marriage. For a fascinating look at how science has confirmed the superiority of God’s design, check out my book Love Your Husband, Love Yourself.

The post To the Tired Mom with a Neglected Husband appeared first on Loving Life at Home.

Praying for My Enemies (Free Printable Guide)

When it comes to dealing with people who hate me or would seek to do me harm, Jesus has given me very specific (and radically counterintuitive) instructions. Rather than seeking revenge or comeuppance, Christ asks me to invest my time and energy in loving, blessing, and praying for my my enemies.

And guess what? He asks the same of you.

So, in case you need a little help getting started, today I’m sharing a brand new free printable prayer guide. This one is devoted entirely to Praying for Your Enemies. Best of all, these prayer points are all taken straight from God’s word, so you can be confident you are praying in accordance to God’s will, who tells us plainly that He does not wish “for any to perish, but all to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9)

click to download “Praying for My Enemies” prayer guide

So, call to mind someone who has set himself (or herself) against you and pray along with me. You can click on any of the linked Bible verses below to view the Scriptural support for these prayers.

Praying for My Enemies

LORD, I lift up those who hate me or would seek to do me harm, humbly asking You to…

Enlighten their eyes to the Truth

There is no hope my enemies will ever come to the knowledge of the Truth unless You first open their eyes. By nature, men love darkness. Draw them to the light. Help me to shine brightly for Christ and reflect His character accurately to all who know me, including those who hate me. (Psalm 119:18; John 3:19-20; Matthew 5:14-16)

Negate the effects of their bad influence

Protect those who would suffer harm at the hands of my enemies. Better that a millstone be tied around their neck and them sink to the bottom of the sea than to cause a little one to stumble. Take whatever they plan for evil & use it for good in the lives of those they oppress or attack. (Psalm 59:1; Matthew 18:6; Genesis 50:20)

Ensnare them in their own wicked schemes

Let my enemies fall into the pit they’ve dug for others. Let the stone they positioned to crush the innocent roll back on themselves. Thwart whatever evil plans they’ve devised for the blameless. Frustrate their efforts, and cause their schemes to utterly fail. (Proverbs 26:27; Proverbs 28:10; Ecclesiastes 10:8; Job 5:12; Isaiah 8:10)

Meet them in the depths of despair

Once You’ve trapped my enemies in their own snares, do not leave them to wallow in despair. Have mercy on them, O LORD. You resist the proud, but give grace to the humble. Once You’ve effected such a heart change in my foes, draw near to them. Reveal Yourself to them in the pit. (Psalm 43:5; Romans 11:30-31; James 4:6)

Inundate them with Your love

Thank you, Jesus, for laying down Your life for me, even while I was still dead in my sins. I know I did nothing to earn or deserve the love You lavished upon me. I ask You to pour out that same love on my enemies. Use it to completely transform their lives. (Romans 5:6-8; Ephesians 2:1-5, 8-9; Romans 9:15-16; 2 Corinthians 5:17)

Embolden Christians to extend grace

Let us serve as the hands and feet of Christ, to meet to the needs of those around us, including our enemies. Help us to love our enemies, to do good to those who hurt us, to bless those who curse us, and to pray for those who mistreat us, just as You commanded us to do. (James 2:15-17; Proverbs 25:21-22; Luke 6:27-31)

Set them free from enslavement to sin

Apart from Your unfailing mercy, every one of us would remain entrenched in sin. LORD, free my enemies from Satan’s grip. Through Your lovingkindness, draw them to repentance. Call them. Save them. And use them for Your glory! (Colossians 2:13; Romans 6:17-18; Acts 26:18; Romans 2:4; 1 Corinthians 1:9; Psalm 85:9)

A wise man once said that the best way to defeat an enemy is to make him your friend. That is what God did for each of us, for while we were at enmity with Him, He wooed us, redeemed us, and adopted us as sons.

And if ever there were a way for us, by God’s grace, to convert our opponents into friends and fellow laborers, it would be by following the wildly counter-cultural instructions Christ laid out for us in the gospels.

So let’s start the process with prayer, and see where that leads us, okay?

Keep on Praying

Want more free printable prayer guides, like this one? You can check out our entire collection by following this link. And for more encouragement to “continue in prayer” (Colossians 4:2), check out the following related posts:

Our Starting Point – a reminder that prayer works… and leads to workA Good Reminder – a challenge to pray hardest when it is hardest to prayThe Secret – one of my favorite poems about prayer (because it’s so true!)Pretty Prayer-Themed Bookmarks – these will prompt you to pray when you feel like worryingGrace and Mercy Coloring Page – an exhortation to bring our prayers and petitions boldly before God’s throne

The post Praying for My Enemies (Free Printable Guide) appeared first on Loving Life at Home.

10 Best Books of 2022

Do you love to read? I do! It’s is one of my favorite pastimes. After finishing sixty-one books in the past twelve months, today I’m sharing a short list of my favorites. These are the 10 Best Books I read in 2022 — other than the Bible, which I read in its entirety every year following this reading plan. If you have time to read only one book this year, that’s always the first one I’d recommend. But if you have time for more, check the following titles (arranged in the order I read them):

My 10 Top Reads of 2022Grace Based Parenting by Tim Kimmel

Grace Based Parenting is the first book I finished in 2022, and was it ever a good one.

The first chapter identifies ten or so different parenting styles and points out the drawbacks of each. Then the remainder of the book advocates for a more biblical, balanced approach to parenting best characterized by grace and humility.

Parenting that is so rooted in God’s grace is not afraid to admit when it’s wrong and ask forgiveness. It is more concerned with heart issues than with appearances. It is not proud and controlling, but neither is it negligent and overly permissive.

Rather, grace-based parenting seeks to mirror the deep, unwavering, sacrificial love of God as it earnestly seeks His strength and wisdom to raise our children well.

M is for Mama by Abbie Halberstadt

I devoured this book. As a mother of 12 myself, I deeply appreciated the fly-on-the-wall view of life in a large, loving family Abbie Halberstadt gives her readers. Granted, the author is a close personal friend of mine. But, knowing her as well as I do, I can testify that she faithfully practices everything she preaches in the pages of this book.

Abbie knows firsthand the trials and joys of raising children and -— from the trenches -— she urges her readers to recognize motherhood for the high calling it is. Her message is a clarion call to a bleary-eyed culture that has committed too much time and attention to things that don’t matter while shortchanging the things that do, including the next generation.

Is motherhood challenging? Yes. Is it exhausting? At times. That much is true whether you are mothering two children or ten or twelve or twenty. But raising children is also satisfying, sanctifying, supremely worthwhile, and something we should pursue with an unflagging commitment to excellence.

In an effort to help readers do exactly that, Abbie has packed her book with practical wisdom, heartfelt encouragement, personal anecdotes, and an unapologetic commitment to the truth of God’s word. M is for Mama makes me long to be a more excellent mother myself and assures me that, by God’s grace, such excellence is possible.

Parenting by God’s Promises by Joel Beeke

The scope for < a href="https://amzn.to/3hWk5Wd" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Parenting by God’s Promises is extensive.

It covers a wide range of topics, including:

philosophy of parenting
parental responsibilities
teaching and training children in godly living
setting rules
exercising discipline
fostering good relationships between siblings
equipping our kids to resist negative peer pressure

What’s more, all these subjects are discussed from a reformed Christian perspective.

As someone who was raised in a church where we “dedicated” babies but never “christened” them, I did not agree 100% with the authors’ opinion on infant baptism, but his explanation did help me understand and appreciate the practice better, even if I’m not ready to adopt it myself.

The Prodigy Project by Doug Flanders

My husband re-read The Prodigy Project aloud to our family in the evenings last month. The storyline follows an American spy with a large family who drags his unsuspecting wife and children along with him on his latest assignment.

It reads like a cross between Mission Impossible and Cheaper by the Dozen and kept us on the edge of our seats throughout the entire book. The kids and I kept begging Doug for “just one more chapter — please?”

My husband wrote this novel himself way back in 2010. At the time, he marketed the story — which centers on a bio-weapon being developed in China — as something “torn from tomorrow’s headlines.” Twelve years later, we’re amazed at how prophetic it proved to be, both on a global and personal scale.

Amazon has currently dropped the price by 21%, but I’m not sure how long that will last. So if you’re interested in a fascinating, family-friendly read, now would be a great time to check it out.

Uncle Tom’s Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe

It has been over 20 years since my husband first read Uncle Tom’s Cabin aloud to our (then) young family. He and I cried through the entire book during that first reading.

Fast forward to the present, and we just finished listening to an audioversion of Uncle Tom’s Cabin while driving across the US on an extended road trip. And we cried so much again it made it difficult to see the road signs.

There is such a broad range of characters Harriet Beecher Stowe’s classic tale. Some loathsome, some dearly loved. The author paints such a moving and detailed account of the atrocities of slavery, it’s little wonder Abraham Lincoln reportedly quipped upon meeting her, “So you’re the little woman who wrote the book that started this great war.”

If you’ve never read Uncle Tom’s Cabin, you are missing out. The book is now in public domain, which means you can listen to the audiobook for FREE on Librivox. To download your no-strings-attached copy, simply follow this link: Uncle Tom’s Cabin

In the Name of Jesusp by Henri J.M. Nouwen

This short book (107 pages) addresses how Christian leadership should look in the 21st century. Answer: Much like it should’ve looked in the preceding centuries.

Unfortunately, the church has often fallen short of the selfless, downwardly-mobile, servant-hearted brand of leadership Jesus modeled for us. Throughout In the Name of Jesus, Nouwen reviews the ways Satan tempted Jesus during his 40 day fast in the wilderness and notes how Christian leaders often face the same kind of temptations. Satan tries to convince us, as he attempted to convince Christ, that the prerequisites of effective ministry are relevance, power, and popularity.

But Christ chose an entirely different road, and He likewise bids us to die to ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him. “He asks us to move from a concern for relevance to a life of prayer, from worries about popularity to communal and mutual ministry, and from a leadership built on power to a leadership in which we critically discern where God is leading us” and willingly follow, even when it means going where we do not wish to go.

Adorned by Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth

My favorite read last month? Adorned by Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth. In fact, this is one of the most encouraging, inspiring, and personally convicting books I’ve read all year.

It has been on my “to read” list since it was first published, but I kept passing it over, mainly because the title didn’t do much to pique my interest. However, once I picked it up, I couldn’t put it down.

The book is written for women, both young and old, and discusses what the Titus 2 mandate should look like as it’s played out in our lives.

As usual, Nancy delves deeply into scripture and pulls up nuggets of absolute gold. I would heartily recommend this book to any woman (of any age) who wants to live a life adorned by grace that points others to Jesus.

The Men We Need by Brant Hanson

My daughter has recently been raving about a book she’s reading — The Men We Need by Brant Hanson — repeatedly telling me how insightful it is, sending me quotes, reading favorite passages aloud, paraphrasing important concepts, and summarizing entire chapters.

I put it on my own “to read” list the first time she mentioned it, but it got bumped closer and closer to the top with each successive mention. Once I finally got my own copy, I finished it in less than 48 hours. It is such a good book, in fact, that I’ve assigned it to my kids as part of their homeschooling. Although it’s written to men, many of the character qualities discussed — loyalty, contentment, self-control, a willingness to work hard, not being overly needy — would be equally desirable in women. So now I am nearly finished reading it through a second time, so they can hear and benefit from it, too.

Keep Going by Austin Kleon

I enjoyed Kleon’s first two books so much, I was thrilled to learn he’d come out with a third title. Keep Going contains ten tried and true ways to “stay creative in good times and bad.”

The author offers suggestions for remaining focused, for generating fresh ideas, for finding joy in the process, for overcoming lack of inspiration, and for organizing your workspace.

And, as usual, he illustrates all ten tips with thoughtful illustrations, diagrams, and photographs. A quick, fun, and helpful read for anyone who enjoys creative work of any kind.

Ten Words to Live By

Jen Wilkin’s book, Ten Words to Live By, provides a comprehensive look at the Ten Commandments and all that keeping them actually entails.

The book is biblically well-grounded and theologically meaty — something that cannot be said of many popular Christian authors these days. I deeply appreciate Wilkin’s unflinching commitment to the authority of Scripture and her clear desire to “rightly divide the Word of Truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15) Would that all Christians would allow God’s Word to shape their views on modern-day culture instead of the other way around.

So, as has been the case with all the books I’ve read by this author, I found Ten Words to Live By both challenging and thought-provoking. Just as Jesus expanded upon the meaning of adultery and murder when He condemned their precursors, lust and anger, Wilkin tackles each of the ten commandments, revealing how far short we’ve all fallen in keeping the spirit of the law, even if we manage to keep the letter of it.

More Great Resources for Book Lovers

If you love to read as much as I do, you may be interested in this post on my family blog. In it, I’ve gathered together all my best resources for bibliophiles like you.

Or you can read more of my book reviews by following this link

PLEASE NOTE: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through any of those links, we may receive a small referral fee, at no extra cost to you. Such fees help defray the cost of running this website. This, in turn, allows us to continue offering our readers a wealth of FREE printable resources. So thank you for your support!

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A Prayer for the Police (Free Printable)

Since January 9 is National Thank a Police Officer Day, I didn’t want to let the day pass without sharing my brand new printable prayer guide, Praying for the Police.

Print yourself a copy to use for praying for specific officers you know or for interceding for the police force in general. The prayers form an acrostic using the letters in P-O-L-I-C-E:

click to print Prayer for the Police

A Prayer for the Police ForceP is for Protection

God, keep our officers safe. Build a hedge of protection around them. Go behind and before them and keep Your had upon them, guarding them
against troubles of all kinds. Thwart the plans of anyone who would seek to do them harm. Teach them to take refuge in You. Psalm 31:1-5, 20; Psalm 139:5

O is for Objectivity

Lord, grant our officers an extra measure of wisdom and discernment. Help them pay attention, see clearly, think rationally, and judge rightly. Keep them alert to danger and safeguard them against deception. Proverbs 2:6-7; Proverbs 3:21; Proverbs 14:8; 2 Timothy 4:5; 1 Peter 5:8

L is for Longevity

Grant our officers a long, productive life, Lord, both in terms of time on this earth and years of service on the police force. May they do their work heartily, as serving You rather than man. Strengthen, uphold, and use them to accomplish Your will. Proverbs 3:1-2; Proverbs 9:11; Colossians 3:23, Isaiah 41:10

I is for Integrity

Bless us with police officers who walk in integrity, O Lord. Instill in them a deep longing for justice and fortify them against every corrupting influence. Guard them against duplicity and moral compromise. Proverbs 28:6; Proverbs 11:3; Proverbs 13:6; Isaiah 1:17; 1 Peter 2:14

C is for Courage

God, give our officers courage in the face of danger. Make them bold and decisive. Teach them to overcome their fears by trusting wholly in You. And help them to do the right thing, even when they do not feel very brave doing it. 2 Chronicles 15:7; 2 Timothy 1:7; Joshua 1:9; Psalm 27:14; James 4:17

E is for Endurance

Father, give our officers patient endurance. Let them not lose heart in doing good. Renew their strength, that they might run and not grow weary or walk and not faint. Give them fortitude and staying power, and teach them to cast all their cares upon You. 2 Thessalonians 3:13; Isaiah 40:29-31; Galatians 6:9; Matthew 11:28

In our current critical culture, it is more important than ever that we show our appreciation to the men and women in blue who’ve dedicated their lives to serving their communities. So let’s speak out in support of these civil servants every chance we get and faithfully cover them in prayer.

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Praying for Friends (Free Printable Guide)

It has been a while since I’ve published any new prayer guides, but several of my friends have been heavy on my heart lately, so I thought this free printable on Praying for Your Friends might be in order. I hope it will encourage you to faithfully pray for yours.

click to print Praying for Your Friends guide

As with all my other prayer guides, these petitions are well-grounded in the Word of God. Click on any of the linked Scripture references below to read the related verses for yourself.

Praying for Your FriendsF is for FAITH:

God, help my friends trust in You completely to supply every need, to direct every step, and — above all — to forgive their sins and give them eternal life.

Hebrews 11:6; Philippians 4:19; Proverbs 3:5-6; 1 John 1:9; John 3:16

R is for RELATIONSHIPS:

Teach my friends to love You and love others, LORD. Nurture their relationships with family, neighbors, and coworkers. Help them put others’ interests ahead of their own.

Mark 12:30-31; 1 Peter 3:8; Philippians 2:2-3

I is for IDENTITY:

O God, help my friends find their identity in Christ alone. Shut their ears to Satan’s lies. May they recognize & appreciate the unique abilities You’ve given them & use those gifts for Your glory.

John 17:3; Colossians 3:15-17; 1 Peter 4:10-11

E is for EMPLOYMENT:

Establish the work of my friends’ hands, LORD. Bless the fruit of their labor. May they be diligent, cheerful, and skilled at doing all the good works You call them to do.

Psalm 90:17; Psalm 128:1-2; Colossians 3:23; Ephesians 2:10

N is for NEEDS:

You know my friends better than they know themselves, LORD, and are sufficient to provide not only for their physical needs, but for emotional and spiritual needs, as well. Please do so.

Psalm 139:1-6; Psalm 145:19; Luke 12:22-31

D is for DISCERNMENT:

God, give my friends an extra measure of wisdom & discernment. Root them deeply in the truth of Your Word and don’t let them fall prey to false doctrines.

Proverbs 2:5-7; James 1:5; 2 Timothy 3:15-17; Ephesians 4:14-15

S is for STRENGTH:

LORD, help my friends stand firm in the full armor of God. Keep them healthy. Give them rest when they are weary, renew their minds, embolden their spirits, and multiply their strength.

Ephesians 6:13-17; James 5:14-15; Matthew 11:28; Isaiah 26:3, 2 Timothy 1:7; Isaiah 40:31

The Bible tells us, ““A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” (Proverbs 17:17) Let’s commit to being the kind of faithful, loving friend who continually brings our companions before the Throne of Grace in prayer and encourages them with the truth of God’s Word when they are down.

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25 Ways to Be a Good Neighbor

25 Ways to be a Good Neighbor

Since September 28 is National Good Neighbor Day, I thought this would be the perfect time to share this list of 25 ways to be a good neighbor.

Compiling the list was easy. Our family has been blessed with lots and lots of wonderful neighbors throughout the years, so it was a simple matter of remembering all the kind things they’ve done for us along the way.

Even if you haven’t been fortunate enough to have such neighbors as I’ve described below, you can BE that kind of neighbor to the people around you. Treat others the way you’d want to be treated, right?

That’s why our family has attempted to pay it forward by adopting these 25 practices ourselves and reaching out to new neighbors the way old ones reached out to us.

Introduce yourself

Make the first move, even if it feels awkward. Tell them your name. Remind them again if it’s been a while since you last saw them or you run into them in a different context. “Hi, Jane. I’m Jennifer. I met you at the pool last summer. How have you been?” Learn their names and use them in conversation to reinforce your memory. Exchange phone numbers with them.

“Act wisely toward outsiders, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” – Colossians 4:5-6

Have them over

Be hospitable. Open your home. Invite your neighbors in for coffee and conversation. Welcome them warmly. Don’t worry about dust on the furniture or dishes in the sink. If you wait until your house is Pinterest perfect, you’ll never have anyone over at all.

“Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.” – Hebrews 13:2

Spend time outside

Sit on your porch. Putter around in the garden. Play ball with your kids. Walk around the block. Let your family become a familiar sight in the neighborhood. Being outdoors together makes you more accessible and approachable and invites neighborly interactions.

“Make your front porch a part of your home, and it will make you a part of the world.” – John Sarris

Be friendly

Wave to your neighbors when you see them out and about. Smile at them. Engage in casual conversation. Ask how they’re doing and listen attentively when they answer.

“Don’t wait for people to be friendly, show them how.” – Author Unknown

Bring them a meal

Food is a great way to welcome newcomers to the neighborhood and make old ones feel cared for. Is your neighbor recovering from an illness? Is she shut in and lonely? Is he recovering from surgery? Did they just have a baby?

Then bake them a casserole. Or make a double batch of whatever you’re having for dinner and take half to them. Shared meals are a great way to support neighbors during difficult times.

“Feed the hungry, and help those in trouble. Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon.”- Isaiah 58:10

Keep the noise down

Whether your neighbor is convalescing or not, be mindful of how much noise you make. Do your best to provide a peaceful environment for those who live near you. Turn down the music. Don’t shout or slam doors. It’s fine to laugh and have fun, but dial down the volume, especially during quiet hours when others may be sleeping.

“If someone blesses his neighbor with a loud voice early in the morning, it will be counted as a curse to him.” – Proverbs 27:14

Loan a tool

Do you have a fertilizer spreader, a post hole digger, a circular saw, or any other infrequently-used tool that would make a job your neighbor is doing easier? Offer to let them borrow it. Our neighbors have saved us bundles by loaning trailers, welding equipment, dollies, and other things we’d never have dreamed of asking for on our own — right when we needed them most.

“It is better to be a lender than a spender.” – Jim Rohn

Be a peacemaker

Do your best to get along with your neighbors. Treat them respectfully. Make allowances for different backgrounds, values, and belief systems. Don’t grumble against them or act easily offended. If they have a problem with you, listen attentively to their complaint and work toward a satisfactory solution.

“Live in harmony with one another…. If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all people.” – Romans 12:16, 18

Celebrate their accomplishments

Cheer your neighbors on. Remember special days like birthdays and anniversaries. Rejoice with them over new babies, weddings, graduations, and job promotions. Offer your best wishes and heartfelt congratulations.

“Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown her great mercy, and they shared her joy.” – Luke 1:58

Pray for them

Lift your neighbors up in prayer. Pray for their health and wellbeing. Pray for their family. Pray for your relationship, that you’d be able to live in harmony alongside them. If they do not know Christ, pray for their salvation and for opportunities to bee the hands and feet of Jesus in their lives.

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, persistent in prayer.” – Romans 12:12

Lend a hand

I love the way pioneers pitched in to help with burdensome tasks. The whole community would show up for a barn raising. They’d knock the work out in short order and have a great time doing it.

You may not have any neighbors who need help building a barn, but you could help move boxes, rake leaves, shovel snow, and the like. Stay alert for opportunities to lend a hand, and you’re sure to find them.

“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.” – Galatians 5:13

Throw a party

Consider hosting a block party, a holiday brunch, or an ice cream social. Not only does this give you the opportunity to get better acquainted with your neighbors, but it allows them to get to know one another better, as well.

We love any excuse to invite friends over. We’ve hosted family olympic games, Bible studies, and neighborhood ping pong tournaments. For years a friend of ours hosted a weekly potluck dinner where everybody on the block brought their leftovers and shared a meal together. Fellowship doesn’t have to be fancy to be fun.

“Life is a celebration. Consider everything that makes you happy as a gift from God and say, ‘Thank you.'” – Francis Lucille

Share your blessings

Do you have a vegetable or flower garden? Share produce or bouquets with the people who live near you. Do you subscribe to magazines or the daily news? Read them early and pass them along to a neighbor who might also enjoy them. This is how our family was first introduced to WORLD Magazine — by a neighbor who faithfully passed his bi-monthly issues along to us once he’d finished perusing them. Some other neighbors built a basketball court in their backyard and extended an open invitation for our kids to shoot hoops there whenever they like. We’ve had similar offers from a neighbor with a swimming pool.

“God can bless you with everything you need, and you will always have more than enough to do all kinds of good things for others.” – 2 Corinthians 9:8

Keep their confidence

If your neighbor comes to you for counsel, don’t blab their business to others. Nobody likes a gossip. Show yourself to be a discreet and trustworthy confidant.

“They… waste their time in going around from house to house; but even worse, they learn to be gossips and busybodies, talking of things they should not.” – 1 Timothy 5:13

Maintain your property

To the degree that you are able, keep your house in good repair and yard looking nice. Not only is doing so a way to wisely steward what God has given you, but it will bless your neighbors, as well, and will contribute to their own property value.

“Being a good neighbor is an art which makes life richer.” – Gladys Taber

Keep a lookout

Last time we were in London, the subways were plastered with posters that read, “See it. Say it. Sort it.” In other words, commuters should keep their eyes open and report anything suspicious to the authorities so it can be investigated. The same slogan works in a neighborhood, too. If you notice anything out of the ordinary going on at your neighbors home — smoke, leaks, strangers, ambulances — call to check up on them and make sure everything is all right.

“Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.” – Philippians 2:4

Share your expertise

Do you know how to sew, bake, paint, cut hair, or do some sort of handcraft? Are you tech-savvy or good at growing things? Be willing to teach your neighbors what you know or answer questions they may have in your area of expertise. When I was 7-years-old, my mother sent me to a neighbor to learn how to crochet, and I’ve been at it for nearly 50 years since and have given similar lessons to others who were eager to learn.

“It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge.” – Albert Einstein

Offer your services

Do your kids attend the same school or play on the same sports team as your neighbor’s children? Offer to carpool. Would you be willing to water your neighbors’ plants or collect their mail while they’re on vacation? Let them know. Are you willing to walk their dog while you walk your own or swap childcare. Discuss the possibility with your neighbor and come up with a plan.

“Better is a neighbor who is near than a brother who is far away.” – Proverbs 27:10”

Empathize with their Losses

Living in community means having myriad opportunities to “mourn with those who mourn; weep with those who weep.” Has your neighbor lost a loved one, a job, or a family pet? Has she struggled with health problems, received a terminal diagnosis, or faced some other stress-inducing situation? Offer condolences and a sympathetic ear. Listen as they process, avoid pat answers, and ask for specific ways you can help.

“Remember those in prison as if you were bound with them, and those who are mistreated as if you were suffering with them.” – Hebrews 13:3

Show Appreciation

Let your neighbors know how grateful you are for them. Offer sincere words of encouragement and praise. Point out qualities you appreciate about them. If they routinely do any of the things on this list, thank them for it and count yourself blessed.

“There is no such thing as gratitude unexpressed. If it is unexpressed, it is plain, old-fashioned ingratitude.” – Robert Brault

Meet a need

Jesus gave a pretty broad definition of neighbor that encompasses far more than the few people who share our apartment building or block or subdivision. And He also made it clear that feeding the hungry, giving water to the thirsty, clothing the naked, and otherwise caring for the needy counts as if we’d done the same for Him.

“If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and be filled,” yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that? In the same way, faith also, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself.” – James 2:15-17

Serenade them with song

Our family loves Christmas caroling from door to door every December. We drop off flyers in advance asking anybody who is at home and would like for us to sing to them in their front yard that evening to leave their porch lights on.

“The best way to spread Christmas cheer is by singing loud for all to hear.” – Buddy the Elf

Give thoughtful gifts

Speaking of Christmas, the holiday season is a great time to remember your neighbors with a thoughtful gift. If you enjoy cooking, bake banana nut bread for the neighbors or take them some other treat from your kitchen. If you’re crafty, make them a Christmas ornament. Or take them store bought cookies or a pretty Poinsettia. Anything to let them know you’re thinking of them.

“Christmas means giving. The Father gave the Son, and the Son gave His life. Without giving, there is no true Christmas, and without sacrifice, there is no true worship.” – Gordon B. Hinckley

Set the example

Live a life of integrity. Be joyful and humble and kind. Do right by others. Treat them the way you’d want to be treated.

“Outdo yourselves in honoring one another. Do not let your zeal subside; keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.” – Romans 12:10-11

Share the Gospel

If your neighbors do not already know Jesus, sharing the gospel is the best, most loving thing you will ever do for them. But unless you first do at least a few of the other things on this list to build rapport, they may not be very interested in anything you have to say.

Live out the gospel before them. But also use words. Invite them to church services, outreach events, and/or home Bible studies. But also pray for opportunities and boldness to have frank discussions about their faith. Because all the rapport in the world will not save them if they never come to grips with the gravity of personal sin and their desperate need for a Savior.

“But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them?” – Romans 10:14

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In Celebration of the Texas Heartbeat Law

All my life, I’ve felt profoundly grateful and proud to be a Texan, but never more so than when the Texas Heartbeat Law went into effect this week. It makes me want to sing for joy!

And this is the song I’m singing at the moment, with new lyrics I wrote for the occasion. If you’re as happy about this milestone as I am, click play and sing along!

https://lovinglifeathome.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Deep-in-the-Heart-of-Texas-Song.m4aDeep in the Heart of Texas

by Jennifer Flanders

Perhaps you saw we passed a law
     Deep in the heart of Texas
Respecting life — it’s causing strife
     Deep in the heart of Texas.

Planned Parenthood claims it’s no good,
     They’ll have it hard in Texas.
A beating heart’s a work of art,
     Not a spare part in Texas!

With stroke of pen, the babies win
     A great head start in Texas!
Abortion’s banned across our land —
     Wasn’t that smart of Texas?

Texas cares for the unborn… and for their mothers

For those who are concerned that the Texas Heartbeat Law will leave women in crisis pregnancies without help, never fear. At the time this law went into effect, there were only 18 abortion centers across the state. Yet there are currently no less than 164 pregnancy resource centers operating in Texas.

These resource centers provide free pregnancy testing, STI testing, and counseling for women in need. Many offer free ultrasounds, maternity clothes, financial support, parenting classes, adoption aid, formula, diapers, baby clothes, help with housing, job training, and more.

The goal of these resource centers is to care for both mothers and babies. Whereas the abortion industry profits by destroying life in the womb, pregnancy resource centers provide loving support to expectant mothers and living alternatives to abortion.

If you or someone you know is pregnant and needs help, call the 24-hour hotline 1-800-712-HELP or visit National Right to Life to find a pregnancy resource center near you.

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A Sports Prayer Guide (Free Printable)

Back when I was in school, I never attended a game that didn’t begin with a word of prayer and the playing of the National Anthem. Football games, track meets, tennis matches, basketball, soccer, or swimming — they paused for a moment before every sporting event to ask for God’s blessing and protection upon the players and spectators alike.

Sadly, those formalities have now largely fallen by the wayside. But even if the announcer no longer leads them crowd in prayer, they can’t stop us from praying in our hearts. And this free printable sports prayer guide is a great place to start:

A Prayer for God’s Blessing on Sporting Events

LORD, we pray that You would graciously help these athletes…

Stay safe

Thank you for the healthy bodies you’ve given these players, O God. Protect and preserve them from illness and injury. We pray you would keep them strong, fit, & well-hydrated.
(3 John 1:2; Psalm 37:23-24)

Practice patience

Cultivate in these athletes a spirit of self-discipline and perseverance. Teach them to be patient, both with themselves and with teammates and coaches.
(1 Corinthians 9:24-27; Proverbs 14:29)

Overcome obstacles

Help these athletes see obstacles as opportunities to learn better methods & improve performance. Give them worthy opponents. Guard them against discouragement.
(James 1:2-4; Proverbs 27:17)

Respect the rules

Remind these athletes of the importance of honesty and fair play. Cultivate personal integrity & help them perform in a way that brings glory and honor to You.
(Proverbs 10:9; 11:1-3; 20:23; 1 Corinthians 10:31 )

Take turns

LORD, teach these athletes to encourage one another and to value the contribution of their fellow athletes. May they resist the urge to hog the limelight. Remind them to work as a team.
(1 Corinthians 12:14-17)

Show sportsmanship

Win or lose, help these athletes do it with grace and humility. May they be quick to share the credit and slow to make excuses or cast blame. Teach them to be good sports.
(Proverbs 16:18-19)

And that’s it. It’s pretty easy to remember, don’t you think? S – P – O – R – T – S: stay safe – practice patience – overcome obstacles – respect the rules – take turns – show sportsmanship.

For a free printable version of this sports prayer guide, just click on the image below:

click to print this sports prayer guide

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