God in the Pumpkin Patch… Halloween FREEBIE!

A pumpkin rests on an orange backdrop featuring Christian text about God's love, a Bible verse, John 8:12 ESV, and mentions of Jesus. The text likens Christians to pumpkins and explores themes of cleansing, removing sin, and shining God's light.

Christians are like pumpkins in the patch, loved by the Creator and designed to shed LIGHT on a dark world. Get your SHINE this Halloween on because God loves you! Download God in the Pumpkin Patch! SHINE with this FREEBIE! © 2018 Becky Danielson. All rights reserved. If you’ve been encouraged by this post, please…

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Ten Ways to Improve Communication with Your Teen

Two teen women are sitting on a couch, smiling at the camera. One has red hair, holding a phone and wearing a black shirt. The other has dark hair in a bun with glasses, styled in a striped top and denim overalls. Soft string lights create a warm glow behind them.

“Once my kids became teenagers, I felt like I’d lost them to their friends.” “He won’t talk to me anymore. He just grunts.” “She spends more time texting than talking!” “What’s with big sighs and rolling eyes?” Sound familiar? Parents are frustrated, sad, and sometimes uneasy when teenagers stop communicating with Mom and Dad. How…

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10 Tips for a THRIVING Marriage

A couple's hands are cupped together, holding Scrabble tiles spelling "FOREVER" as a symbol of their marriage. They stand on grass, with the woman in a crochet top and bracelets, while the man sports a yellow wristband.

“Dinner table discussions are all about the kids; homework, sports, and chores.” “We never have a moment to ourselves.” “Sometimes I look at my spouse and wonder, ‘When did we lose the spark?’” Let’s face it, marriage is hard. It’s like any relationship, a person needs to communicate and spend time with the other person.…

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The Babysitter Checklist for First-time Parents

Close-up of two people holding hands. The person on the right wears an engagement ring, hinting at a future together. They stroll down a blurred tree-lined path, suggesting a romantic setting—a moment of connection before perhaps discussing plans with their babysitter.

This post is specifically for new parents. Dating is really important for your marriage. The new little bundle of joy needs you, but you can and should take a break, with your spouse to have some fun as a couple. The baby joined your union. Find a great babysitter takes time and effort but is…

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Ruby the Foster Dog by Jimmy Wayne

Cover of "Ruby the Foster Dog" by Jimmy Wayne. It captures the essence of a road trip, showing a person with a backpack and a dog in a rocky landscape, both facing away. The title shines in bold yellow letters against a red backdrop.

Jimmy Wayne, best-selling author and award-winning country music recording artist, was the keynote speaker at a Tree House Women of Hope event I attended a couple of years ago. At the luncheon, Jimmy shared his experience as a foster child and his passion to help children in the foster care system. His story was heartbreaking.…

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Romance and Love

A woman in a pink jacket and white cap kisses a smiling man in a blue jacket and black cap on the cheek, capturing a sweet moment from their road trip. They're standing by a river with charming houses and a mountain in the background on a cloudy day.

Valentine’s Day. A day to focus on important relationships… friends, family, and that special someone. It’s for sweets, treats, and love. In honor of Valentine’s Day and my favorite valentine, Scott, I’m sharing my Top Ten Married Life Lessons. I hope the list encourages you in your marriage relationship. May God bless you abundantly, xoBecky…

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Give the Gift of LOVE to Your Family

A top-down view of a round container filled with colorful crayons in various shades, reminiscent of the vibrant mix of landscapes you might see on a road trip. The container sits on a wooden surface, with crayons arranged closely together, showcasing their lively hues.

“Mommy, I wuv you dis much and even moooore!” My youngest would reach out his arms as far as they would go, wiggle his fingers to try to reach even further, and tell me just how much he loved me. Every time my heart would melt. “I love you more,” I’d respond, pulling him into…

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Date Night is Marriage Insurance

A couple sits on a park bench, the man's arm around the woman's shoulders. Fresh from a scenic road trip, they face away, looking at a lake through trees. It's a serene setting with light foliage, suggesting early autumn's embrace.

What’s your best tip for a bride-to-be? Words of wisdom from those of us who are married are often times shared at bridal showers. Some ideas are sound advice; others are downright funny. “Keep the lines of communication open.” “Settle your differences before you go to bed.” “Be kind to your mother-in-law.” “Don’t share a…

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Executive Function is Enhanced Through Play

A mother and child share a tender moment, touching foreheads and smiling warmly at each other. The background is softly blurred with greenery, emphasizing their close bond and the nurturing of emotional intelligence and executive function skills.

Executive function is a buzz phrase in education. In the most basic terms, executive function allows a child to organize, plan, and get things accomplished. These school readiness skills are as important as academics. Self-regulation, problem solving, and attentiveness are all executive function skills. Play-based activities in preschool and at home, allow children to practice.…

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An Awesome Gift for Your Kids: A Strong Marriage

Two gold rings rest on the open pages of a Bible, gracefully symbolizing the sacred bond of marriage. One ring is plain, while the other sparkles with small diamonds, underscoring the deep connection between love and faith.

I was giddy. The hotel was beautiful, the restaurant opulent. This was special, dinner and an overnight date, just the two of us. Scott and I had just left our bags in the room and were waiting at the elevator to go for dinner when we received the call. “I’m so sorry but your son is…

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