2024

As a young mom, Sundays are hard. Managing to get all of us dressed, fed, (and sometimes dressed again if breakfast took a turn) and out the door on time is a true feat of willpower, focus, and detailed scheduling. That's why I'm so thankful for leaders who are intentional about creating strategies that support and encourage young parents. We need it! :) This week's guest blog post comes from Susan McPherson from Esther Press as she shares 4 strategies for supporting young parents in your church... As a church leader, your dedication to the body of Christ correlates with a calling to encourage and support fellow believers. Young parents in your church can especially use this support as they navigate the new world of parenthood. As you welcome young families into your church, the best way to strengthen relationships with them is by offering...

Do you have a word of the year? I used to think it was silly, but now I love it when God gives me a theme to shape my year. I use the word to guide my learning, my goals, and my daily interactions. My 2024 word of the year is habits. I've been praying about my 2024 word of the year since November 2023, asking God to reveal what He wants me to focus on. I threw around a few ideas and tried to give God suggestions of my own, but they were all grand words with grand expectations that just didn't seem to fit. When God whispered "habits" into my heart, my first thought was "God, that's not big enough." But once He placed the idea there, the word kept popping up everywhere and reminding me that small habits often have the biggest impact. My goals and desires for 2024 may not be as grand as they have been in the past (like writing/publishing a book,...

Use this Habit Tracker to identify, track, and solidify the habits you want to commit to each day, week, or month. When you complete the task or habit, color in the box. Choose 1 consistent time each day to update your habit tracker (when you get in bed, when you brush your teeth, right after dinner, etc.). Consider the questions and resources below to help jumpstart your habit evaluation and goals. Download the Habit Tracker Guide + Printable Here! Consider these questions: What habits do you want to form this year? What habits do you want to break this year? What habits do you want to see formed in the families you serve? What habits do you want to develop or encourage in your volunteers? What spiritual disciplines (holy habits) do you want to emphasize this year? Books I'm reading...