tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91290450092622896612024-03-13T01:25:52.022-05:00The Ruth ExperienceJulie Fisk, Kendra Roehl, and Kristin Demery of The Ruth Experience have created an online space in which they share about authentic faith, intentional community and generous living. Join Julie Fisk, Kendra Roehl, and Kristin Demery at The Ruth Experience as they strive to love God and others well.Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07340127954483068903noreply@blogger.comBlogger301125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9129045009262289661.post-4981054434656053052021-10-26T16:26:00.006-05:002021-10-26T16:38:42.062-05:00Preview Our Newest Devotional with this 7 Day {free} YouVersion Plan<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><span style="color: #333333; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgID4KV2x96ybl6P1U7YKlHPOU67Ap9FA2NfMwU5V4N0CXJJvgmgqc0SUpag7yyTfKczTcMW3eZvoDdnzskiHhjmhczFEmGj7VAqGxe-DJSHDtyB0H5oh3UuOROP0tgEeeICjPO6MVVvTk/s2048/1P5A4491.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgID4KV2x96ybl6P1U7YKlHPOU67Ap9FA2NfMwU5V4N0CXJJvgmgqc0SUpag7yyTfKczTcMW3eZvoDdnzskiHhjmhczFEmGj7VAqGxe-DJSHDtyB0H5oh3UuOROP0tgEeeICjPO6MVVvTk/w200-h133/1P5A4491.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>What if - rather than choosing one word for an entire year - we focused on one good word each day; one thought-provoking, spiritually relevant, and encouraging word that reveals the many lovely and delightful truths of who Jesus is in our lives?</span></span><p></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-d7874eb2-7fff-a954-92ce-157a73d01a7b"><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p></span><span><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">That was the inspiration behind our newest devotional, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/One-Good-Word-Day-Invitations/dp/1496452615" style="background-color: transparent; white-space: pre-wrap;" target="_blank">One Good Word a Day: 365 Invitations to Encourage, Deepen, and Refine Your Faith</a>, and we are beyond excited to partner with the <a href="https://www.bible.com/" target="_blank">YouVersion App</a> and bring you get a sneak peek into the first 7 days<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; white-space: pre-wrap;"> with this free </span>YouVersion<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; white-space: pre-wrap;"> devotional plan. </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">You can download it <a href="https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/27226-one-good-word-a-day" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Are you looking for more resources? Have you checked out our books?</b></span></span></p></span><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXML8ASm_cdhdb421LFr7wc8yvA0_OCww1ToNhVdBfko7Sp_319om7PpJuED1gNbmImgyY5OVR5MzBtlUi18rTWyG4GxC4-Rs5V67RzBDJo65D2cbyBfe80iiFlDm_8_RcxCaj7sJMw1I/w640-h200/Photo+of+our+books.png" /><span><div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">Looking for encouragement in your friendships? Our adult friendship devotional, <i><a href="https://amzn.to/3ve4R3q" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The One Year Daily Acts of Friendship</a></i>, includes a daily scripture, story, and friendship prompt. It's encouraging and slightly challenging (in a good way!) in helping you find, keep, and love your friends. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">Our devotional for tweens is a great complement to our devotional for women! <i><a href="https://amzn.to/2RCx5a6" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">100 Daily Acts of Friendship for Girls</a></i> is written specifically for girls ages 8-12 as they navigate friendships in upper elementary and middle school. With a scripture, short story, reflection questions and 50 fun activities to do with you or friends, it's a wonderful way to encourage your daughter, niece, granddaughter, God daughter and her friends to build healthy friendships from an early age.</span></div><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></p><div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">We've also written two kindness devotionals, <i><a href="https://amzn.to/3g4nL8i" target="_blank">The One Year Daily Acts of Kindness</a></i> and <i><a href="https://amzn.to/3cxhBLI" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">100 Days of Kindness</a></i>. They tell the story of how our families embarked on a one-year journey of kindness, and include our successes, failures, and the encouragement you need as a family to incorporate kindness into your own life.<br /><br />We would love to walk alongside you in encouragement, inspiration, and community. You can follow us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheRuthExperience" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/theruthexperience/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> as The Ruth Experience or sign up for our monthly newsletter (no spam, ever), <a href="https://view.flodesk.com/pages/5f14a63ddd1a8a0026489e7f" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i style="background-color: white; border: 0px none; letter-spacing: 0.6px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">If you already have one of our books and love them, we'd so appreciate it if you leave a review on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XKXRPXH/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1#customerReviews" style="background-image: linear-gradient(transparent 0px, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0) 0px); background-position: 0px 0.7em; background-repeat: no-repeat; border: 0px none; color: #c0b283; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.5s ease 0s; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Amazon</a>.</i><span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: 0.6px; text-align: justify;"> </span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.6px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.6px; text-align: justify;">We're in this together,</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />Julie, Kendra, and Kristin</span><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div></span>Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07340127954483068903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9129045009262289661.post-39510160539510777142021-06-09T22:20:00.007-05:002021-06-09T22:25:58.257-05:0010 Fun Outdoor Activities for Kids That Don’t Cost Much Money<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><p style="text-align: left;"><i></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDjvfhWgm_c0Tjp3KdSGiBX2lGffmMLyd5ZXjxYXcXHQyLa4gcRTEF7TB9ZazorPeqEZ4gSSpehElhAe2qiqjwhtYSfw22ZyhrxGfl_kg84ZobnrlU2MFnDoCibSIj2e0MtYQKl3RB0go/s2048/janko-ferlic-zHJ4ph3GRyg-unsplash.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1639" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDjvfhWgm_c0Tjp3KdSGiBX2lGffmMLyd5ZXjxYXcXHQyLa4gcRTEF7TB9ZazorPeqEZ4gSSpehElhAe2qiqjwhtYSfw22ZyhrxGfl_kg84ZobnrlU2MFnDoCibSIj2e0MtYQKl3RB0go/s16000/janko-ferlic-zHJ4ph3GRyg-unsplash.jpg" /></a></i></div><i> “Mom, I’m bored,”</i> my daughter said with a sigh as she entered the room. Looking up from <br />my computer screen, I resisted the urge to roll my eyes. <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisYQsH3sFT7lPdw96Lq-AmYG9xAaDrqMPu22LKc_KY5XyxV8Z4my31pVbP3TZlvCxOXpP0FP_MmPVl5VxzD0h3ZkgaLGej9MKvPIUlyuxj9YO4vt0fQdFM5UXKU6FSB54TunGiKIDhrD4/s1500/10+Fun+Outdoor+Activities+for+Kids.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisYQsH3sFT7lPdw96Lq-AmYG9xAaDrqMPu22LKc_KY5XyxV8Z4my31pVbP3TZlvCxOXpP0FP_MmPVl5VxzD0h3ZkgaLGej9MKvPIUlyuxj9YO4vt0fQdFM5UXKU6FSB54TunGiKIDhrD4/w266-h400/10+Fun+Outdoor+Activities+for+Kids.png" width="266" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><i>Bored, really?</i>
With a room full of books and toys, an overloaded craft closet, free
rein to bake something, a bike and outdoor swing set, and two sisters to
play with each day—<i>how could she possibly be bored?<br /></i>Though
I actually think a little boredom is good for my kids—and certainly
don’t go out of my way to entertain them at every moment—I dread hearing
the words <i>“I’m bored.”<br /><br /></i>One way to ward off boredom is
having a list of ideas available in advance. Even small twists on
mundane items—like eating a picnic lunch outside instead of our regular
lunch at the table—can remind my kids that if they’re feeling bored,
there are plenty of ways to create their own fun. <br /><br />To that end,
here’s a list of 10 fun, frugal outdoor activities to help bust kids’
boredom this summer. Though some ideas require leaving the house, many
are free and easily accomplished at home.<p style="text-align: left;"></p><p style="text-align: left;">To read the rest of the article at Joyful Life Magazine's blog (and for more heart + home inspiration from a beautiful collective of authors), <a href="https://joyfullifemagazine.com/fun-outdoor-activities/?ml_subscriber=1700749361673147948&ml_subscriber_hash=t1j4&utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=10_fun_outdoor_activities_to_do_with_kids_that_dont_cost_much_money_by_kristin_demery&utm_term=2021-06-06" target="_blank">click here</a>.</p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><b>Are you looking for more resources? Have you checked out our books?</b><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXML8ASm_cdhdb421LFr7wc8yvA0_OCww1ToNhVdBfko7Sp_319om7PpJuED1gNbmImgyY5OVR5MzBtlUi18rTWyG4GxC4-Rs5V67RzBDJo65D2cbyBfe80iiFlDm_8_RcxCaj7sJMw1I/s2240/Photo+of+our+books.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="2240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXML8ASm_cdhdb421LFr7wc8yvA0_OCww1ToNhVdBfko7Sp_319om7PpJuED1gNbmImgyY5OVR5MzBtlUi18rTWyG4GxC4-Rs5V67RzBDJo65D2cbyBfe80iiFlDm_8_RcxCaj7sJMw1I/s16000/Photo+of+our+books.png" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Our newest book, <i><a href="https://amzn.to/3gkHv6L" target="_blank">One Good Word a Day</a></i>,
offers simple but deeply spiritual meditations that will help readers
linger on one word each day so they can identify and reflect on how
Jesus as the Word influences their daily lives. </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><div>Looking for encouragement in your friendships? Our adult friendship devotional, <i><a href="https://amzn.to/3ve4R3q" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The One Year Daily Acts of Friendship</a></i>,
includes a daily scripture,
story, and friendship prompt. It's encouraging and slightly challenging
(in a good way!) in helping you find, keep, and love your friends. </div><div> </div></div><div style="text-align: left;">Our devotional for tweens is a great complement to our devotional for women! <i><a href="https://amzn.to/2RCx5a6" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">100 Daily Acts of Friendship for Girls</a></i>
is written specifically for girls ages 8-12 as they navigate
friendships in upper elementary and middle school. With a scripture,
short story, reflection questions and 50 fun activities to do with you
or friends, it's a wonderful way to encourage your daughter, niece,
granddaughter, God daughter and her friends to build healthy friendships
from an early age.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div><br /></div><div>We've also written two kindness devotionals, <i><a href="https://amzn.to/3g4nL8i" target="_blank">The One Year Daily Acts of Kindness</a></i> and <i><a href="https://amzn.to/3cxhBLI" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">100 Days of Kindness</a></i>.
They tell the story of how our families embarked on a one-year journey
of kindness, and include our successes, failures, and the encouragement
you need as a family to incorporate kindness into your own life.<br /><br />We would love to walk alongside you in encouragement, inspiration, and community. You can follow us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheRuthExperience" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/theruthexperience/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> as The Ruth Experience or sign up for our monthly newsletter (no spam, ever), <a href="https://view.flodesk.com/pages/5f14a63ddd1a8a0026489e7f" target="_blank">here</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div><i style="background-color: white; border: 0px none; letter-spacing: 0.6px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">If you already have one of our books and love them, we'd so appreciate it if you leave a review on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XKXRPXH/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1#customerReviews" style="background-image: linear-gradient(transparent 0px, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0) 0px); background-position: 0px 0.7em; background-repeat: no-repeat; border: 0px none; color: #c0b283; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.5s ease 0s; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Amazon</a>.</i><span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: 0.6px; text-align: justify;"> </span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: 0.6px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: 0.6px; text-align: justify;">We're in this together,</span></div><div><br />Julie, Kendra, and Kristin<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div></div></div>Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04900199561741784969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9129045009262289661.post-3314581512318986862021-06-02T15:47:00.005-05:002021-06-02T15:48:14.189-05:00When Life Gets LeanMy dad always owned his own business. When I was a child he was a farrier, traveling from farm to farm—putting in long days, especially in the summer, coming home smelling like animals and outside and barnyards. I loved it. <br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjryW24iji31HaY719_79_5v4mgnskIuQJrULGSp6DAKNS_Oe0w5v9N-tqWGOIJhrwh_qxL9lWXgGPP6jvy2T4-UY-gd-uttKh-JhwBEldEIU8rFQ_0CTViYxRxwO5L4RxhS3oLrNsygzYa/s1600/I+do+know+and+have+seen+God+show+himself+faithful.+To+be+near.+To+comfort.+To+provide.+To+love.+To+see+us+through..png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjryW24iji31HaY719_79_5v4mgnskIuQJrULGSp6DAKNS_Oe0w5v9N-tqWGOIJhrwh_qxL9lWXgGPP6jvy2T4-UY-gd-uttKh-JhwBEldEIU8rFQ_0CTViYxRxwO5L4RxhS3oLrNsygzYa/s400/I+do+know+and+have+seen+God+show+himself+faithful.+To+be+near.+To+comfort.+To+provide.+To+love.+To+see+us+through..png" width="400"></a></div>
<br>
When I was in middle school we moved, horseshoeing had become just too physically taxing for my dad to continue doing and so he needed a change. We settled across our state in a small town where he began a financial services business. And although I could say many things about that time of my life, one thing I remember distinctly was how lean the next few years were financially. Not that my parents complained or worried to us kids, but we could sense that things we’d done before wouldn’t be happening those first couple of years, that we needed to cut back on spending. Still, we found we were okay.<br>
<br>
And that is why this season, this year, has felt somewhat familiar to me. My husband owns his own business and it has afforded us many benefits for which I am so grateful these past seven years. But this year has been slightly different. Through no fault of his own, some client bases have changed, contacts moved to different companies—leaving us in a season of leanness, at least financially. <br>
<br>
<a href="http://www.theruthexperience.com/2017/07/when-life-gets-lean.html#more"></a>Kendrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00697085413398279728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9129045009262289661.post-1246276881531861612021-05-06T09:20:00.017-05:002021-06-02T15:33:16.940-05:00Shine On: An Adoption Story<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivpwySmrzIQkvdiE3eEkJErCL3zH5B5AXNGskg4SVYkqdrRLsGv0iMmOuMBw5HZK25aN3n4cuplDneKgvLJlsJb62X_S14YkVjcq2kbjm91bbZyI-ATuaqe3hKup4azsWNjEGcb5a5KxYU/s1600/1931156_44184954281_6031_n.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivpwySmrzIQkvdiE3eEkJErCL3zH5B5AXNGskg4SVYkqdrRLsGv0iMmOuMBw5HZK25aN3n4cuplDneKgvLJlsJb62X_S14YkVjcq2kbjm91bbZyI-ATuaqe3hKup4azsWNjEGcb5a5KxYU/s1600/1931156_44184954281_6031_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jasmine's first day with us.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Our
daughter came to us through tumultuous circumstances. My husband and I had only
been licensed foster parents for a month when we got the call to take a sweet
baby girl, just three months old. She was physically healthy, in an emergency
home for the time being, <span style="font-family: inherit;">but they wo<span style="font-family: inherit;">ndered:</span></span> <i><span style="font-family: inherit;">W</span>ould we be interested in taking her</i>?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">With
nary a thought of consulting my husband, the words tumbl<span style="font-family: inherit;">ed</span> out before the
social worker could even finish, “<span style="font-family: inherit;">Y</span>es! We’d love to take her.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I
remember that long holiday weekend<span style="font-family: inherit;"> spent </span>going home to paint with my husband the
room she’d be sleeping in and setting up a borrowed crib. Praying for the
weekend to pass quickly, afraid the emergency home might decide she<span style="font-family: inherit;"> wa</span>s too
precious and want to keep her, anxiously awaiting her arrival that Tuesday
afternoon. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg7tTjRk4aminEtiszNDz_kegfCiBzUy95iX4UWe8vMNJr3iwAgDHOCWosfG2dhOZe2eB6ANhIsnksxODonAf2Sdtm6Ri4lm7TQDA3vl2_R-dyexX6V_1m-hZLsLrThTs0zlGFjbKG5qWc/s1600/19562_318440314281_6585301_n.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg7tTjRk4aminEtiszNDz_kegfCiBzUy95iX4UWe8vMNJr3iwAgDHOCWosfG2dhOZe2eB6ANhIsnksxODonAf2Sdtm6Ri4lm7TQDA3vl2_R-dyexX6V_1m-hZLsLrThTs0zlGFjbKG5qWc/s1600/19562_318440314281_6585301_n.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Jasmine's adoption day!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-family: inherit;">Six
years have come and gone since that day, and I remember the emotion of it
all as if it were still happening. We were </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">s</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">o excited and naïve. We </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">saw</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> this
child as nothing but a blessing. Pure light in our lives. A gift.</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">The
year of her arrival was full of fear and joy, sorrow and miracles. We learned
of the circumstances surrounding her birth parents. Their frailty. Their
humanness. They weren’t bad people, just ones with difficulties that hindered
them from caring for their child. They loved her</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">;</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> we knew that. And my heart
broke for them.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>How
does God make right all this mess? How does he bring good from hard situations?</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Sometimes
I just don’t know. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi69N-UZLHC6RxVHjfnKCsnK6Mga9-E7mxspHL9QeMlvrO0Qoy18hNqM4io-keTpPfjoCNL-JibRiztgu6XwOuciD6TN-mAJ2OULkPJjLAxjgB_tMI9TPWBm6WOZgBC-6xD-kR5ugkfh4Hx/s1600/IMG_7506.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi69N-UZLHC6RxVHjfnKCsnK6Mga9-E7mxspHL9QeMlvrO0Qoy18hNqM4io-keTpPfjoCNL-JibRiztgu6XwOuciD6TN-mAJ2OULkPJjLAxjgB_tMI9TPWBm6WOZgBC-6xD-kR5ugkfh4Hx/s1600/IMG_7506.JPG" width="133" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">And
then I see her now<span style="font-family: inherit;">, t</span>his beautiful child that God created out of a situation of brokenness. This
light. And I’m reminded of Ecclesiastes 3:11 that says, “<span style="background: white;">God
has made everything beautiful for its own time.”</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFkAIbgnDITnRlFS35xk3UKy6LsxdcUCytvZYjnSTDRxcAWgKY5P_juz8MgbmIn77N92tXyvbk4jD8On1x5YE-OUD1y8t7h1kfzVKtOutHl0ZdmkecYSVLXetCfbKdJKhCPpAZtMY0UyxU/s1600/400808_10151217583819282_634752822_n.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFkAIbgnDITnRlFS35xk3UKy6LsxdcUCytvZYjnSTDRxcAWgKY5P_juz8MgbmIn77N92tXyvbk4jD8On1x5YE-OUD1y8t7h1kfzVKtOutHl0ZdmkecYSVLXetCfbKdJKhCPpAZtMY0UyxU/s1600/400808_10151217583819282_634752822_n.jpg" width="320" /></span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">And
I don’t know what your past entails. I don’t know what heartache you’ve known.
I don’t know what you’ve had to walk through in your life (or what you may <i>still</i>
be walking through).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">But
I do know this: <b>I’ve seen God make something lovely out <span style="font-family: inherit;">a situation that</span>, on the
surface, looked unlovely. He brought something beautiful out of someone’s
brokenness. </b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">And every day as I look at my daughter’s shining
face I’m reminded that God can take my mistakes, my missteps, and by <span style="font-family: inherit;">h</span>is grace,
make something lovely again.</span><div><br /></div><div><b>Are you looking for more encouragement around raising a family? Have you checked out our books?</b><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgW96ev_tyIAvZvfRelDJD_CdMrYMNIA1TLJV9ZBuGNlwsyvXt8vY1veeBphAIvYfStpr2-Hskt-8w6-w533PZUjMhke0W6saUaZnYGoHDM6910AkHqWUoUErkcDAl_WyaCdhLkf3wrxQ/s2798/all+books+for+purchase.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1124" data-original-width="2798" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgW96ev_tyIAvZvfRelDJD_CdMrYMNIA1TLJV9ZBuGNlwsyvXt8vY1veeBphAIvYfStpr2-Hskt-8w6-w533PZUjMhke0W6saUaZnYGoHDM6910AkHqWUoUErkcDAl_WyaCdhLkf3wrxQ/w640-h258/all+books+for+purchase.png" width="640" /></a></div>Our newest book, <a href="https://amzn.to/2Zsdytm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">100 Daily Acts of Friendship for Girls</a>, is written specifically for girls ages 8-12 as they navigate friendships in upper elementary and middle school. With a scripture, short story, reflection questions and 50 fun activities to do with you or friends, it's a wonderful way to encourage your daughter, niece, granddaughter, God daughter and her friends to build healthy friendships from an early age.</div><div><p></p><div>And our adult friendship devotional, <a href="https://amzn.to/2N79yfp" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The One Year Daily Acts of Friendship</a> is a perfect compliment to our book for tweens. With a daily scripture, story, and friendship prompt, its encouraging and slightly challenging (in a good way!) as you find, keep, and love your friends. </div><div><br /></div><div>We've also written two kindness devotionals, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Year-Daily-Acts-Kindness-Devotional-ebook/dp/B06XKXRPXH" target="_blank">The One Year Daily Acts of Kindness</a> and <a href="https://amzn.to/3s7rTYf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">100 Days of Kindness</a>. They tell the story of how our families embarked on a one-year journey of kindness, and include our successes, failures, and the encouragement you need as a family to incorporate kindness into your own life.<br /><br />We would love to walk alongside you in encouragement, inspiration, and community. You can follow us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheRuthExperience" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/theruthexperience/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> as The Ruth Experience or sign up for our monthly newsletter (no spam, ever), <a href="https://view.flodesk.com/pages/5f14a63ddd1a8a0026489e7f" target="_blank">here</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div><i style="background-color: white; border: 0px none; letter-spacing: 0.6px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">If you already have one of our books and love them, we'd so appreciate it if you leave a review on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XKXRPXH/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1#customerReviews" style="background-image: linear-gradient(transparent 0px, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0) 0px); background-position: 0px 0.7em; background-repeat: no-repeat; border: 0px none; color: #c0b283; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.5s ease 0s; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Amazon</a>.</i><span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: 0.6px; text-align: justify;"> </span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: 0.6px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: 0.6px; text-align: justify;">We're in this together,</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Kendra, Julie, and Kristin<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">Today we are once again linking up with </span><a href="http://holleygerth.com/" style="font-family: inherit;">Holley Gerth</a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> for Coffee for your heart, </span><a href="http://jenniferdukeslee.com/" style="font-family: inherit;">Jennifer Dukes Lee</a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> for TellHisStory, and </span><a href="http://www.solideogloriasisterhood.com/" style="font-family: inherit;">Soli Deo Gloria Sisterhood</a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> for the SDG Gathering.</span></div></span></div>
<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-2_qlniPKmv4%2FVCtTE2a1HAI%2FAAAAAAAAAz4%2FAgjGiwLI5uI%2Fs1600%2FIMG_7506.JPG&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi69N-UZLHC6RxVHjfnKCsnK6Mga9-E7mxspHL9QeMlvrO0Qoy18hNqM4io-keTpPfjoCNL-JibRiztgu6XwOuciD6TN-mAJ2OULkPJjLAxjgB_tMI9TPWBm6WOZgBC-6xD-kR5ugkfh4Hx/s1600/IMG_7506.JPG" -->Kendrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00697085413398279728noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9129045009262289661.post-34509906633523685602021-04-14T12:48:00.012-05:002021-10-17T17:14:11.284-05:005 Ways to Make Friends as a New Mom<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgebDyh4Zu-gleL3CJhEH7ISDL9b4QpwZjoUtzAhjK5cYpthECBaSkb131Awhl9QD_Ised8VFlOctFiYDew9HZ4wGhlKl1GaRoWpOuwxgCGHomZbSUk583EpJBhRcoxUwK_vGBgRirnH-Ho/s1152/IMG_1616.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="876" data-original-width="1152" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgebDyh4Zu-gleL3CJhEH7ISDL9b4QpwZjoUtzAhjK5cYpthECBaSkb131Awhl9QD_Ised8VFlOctFiYDew9HZ4wGhlKl1GaRoWpOuwxgCGHomZbSUk583EpJBhRcoxUwK_vGBgRirnH-Ho/w640-h486/IMG_1616.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div>Being a young mom includes many joys, but can also come with some challenges. This is especially true when you’re trying to navigate adult friendships while also caring for little people in your home. But just because life may be different doesn’t mean we shouldn’t prioritize our relationships. It’s still valuable for each of us to have friends. Here are five easy ways to intentionally make friends as a new mom:<br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Join a local moms or MOPS group.</b> After my son was born, my sister-in-law invited me to a local moms group that had joined. Even though it was a struggle to get there with a toddler and newborn in tow, I decided to make the effort. I’m so glad that I did. I didn’t realize how lonely I had been until I was surrounded by other women. I found other moms who could relate to all that I was experiencing as a new mom and it made me feel like I wasn’t alone. Joining that moms group was one of the best decisions I made in those early years and it sparked friendships with women that I still have today.</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Start conversations with other moms at the park or a play center.</b> Meeting other moms at the park or play centers is another way to potentially meet new friends, especially if they happen to live in your neighborhood and frequent the same places you do.</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Look for other moms to befriend at your child’s activity or class. </b>When my daughter was two, I took her to a mommy and me class. We met another mom and daughter who became friends and we would all spend time outside of the class. It was nice to have someone my daughter connected with as well.</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Join a new group or Bible study at your church. </b>Do you have a hobby that you love or an activity you enjoy? Being a mom doesn’t negate our need to enjoy our own interests, and finding a group to be a part of that doesn’t have anything to do with motherhood can be a great place to find a friend who can support you in what you are passionate about or interested in. Having friends who are in other stages of life is important and valuable to our mothering, as well.</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Reconnect with an old friend you’ve lost touch with recently. </b>Motherhood can be busy and we can sometimes lose our connection to friends we’ve had in the past. This might be a good time to intentionally reach out to an old friend and catch up on how you’re both doing.</li></ul>God designed us to be in relationship with others, no matter what stage of life we are in. Friendship is so important in the midst of mothering. If you are lonely, take some time to pray and then look for one place in your life you could reach out to another woman and make a new friend today.<div><br /></div><div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Are you looking for more resources? Have you checked out our books?</b><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXML8ASm_cdhdb421LFr7wc8yvA0_OCww1ToNhVdBfko7Sp_319om7PpJuED1gNbmImgyY5OVR5MzBtlUi18rTWyG4GxC4-Rs5V67RzBDJo65D2cbyBfe80iiFlDm_8_RcxCaj7sJMw1I/s2240/Photo+of+our+books.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="2240" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXML8ASm_cdhdb421LFr7wc8yvA0_OCww1ToNhVdBfko7Sp_319om7PpJuED1gNbmImgyY5OVR5MzBtlUi18rTWyG4GxC4-Rs5V67RzBDJo65D2cbyBfe80iiFlDm_8_RcxCaj7sJMw1I/w640-h200/Photo+of+our+books.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Our newest book, <i><a href="https://amzn.to/3gkHv6L" target="_blank">One Good Word a Day</a></i>, offers simple but deeply spiritual meditations that will help readers linger on one word each day so they can identify and reflect on how Jesus as the Word influences their daily lives. </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div><div style="text-align: left;">Looking for encouragement in your friendships? Our adult friendship devotional, <i><a href="https://amzn.to/3ve4R3q" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The One Year Daily Acts of Friendship</a></i>, includes a daily scripture, story, and friendship prompt. It's encouraging and slightly challenging (in a good way!) in helping you find, keep, and love your friends. </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div></div><div style="text-align: left;">Our devotional for tweens is a great complement to our devotional for women! <i><a href="https://amzn.to/2RCx5a6" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">100 Daily Acts of Friendship for Girls</a></i> is written specifically for girls ages 8-12 as they navigate friendships in upper elementary and middle school. With a scripture, short story, reflection questions and 50 fun activities to do with you or friends, it's a wonderful way to encourage your daughter, niece, granddaughter, God daughter and her friends to build healthy friendships from an early age.</div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: left;">We've also written two kindness devotionals, <i><a href="https://amzn.to/3g4nL8i" target="_blank">The One Year Daily Acts of Kindness</a></i> and <i><a href="https://amzn.to/3cxhBLI" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">100 Days of Kindness</a></i>. They tell the story of how our families embarked on a one-year journey of kindness, and include our successes, failures, and the encouragement you need as a family to incorporate kindness into your own life.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We would love to walk alongside you in encouragement, inspiration, and community. You can follow us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheRuthExperience" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/theruthexperience/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> as The Ruth Experience or sign up for our monthly newsletter (no spam, ever), <a href="https://view.flodesk.com/pages/5f14a63ddd1a8a0026489e7f" target="_blank">here</a>.</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i style="background-color: white; border: 0px none; letter-spacing: 0.6px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">If you already have one of our books and love them, we'd so appreciate it if you leave a review on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XKXRPXH/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1#customerReviews" style="background-image: linear-gradient(transparent 0px, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0) 0px); background-position: 0px 0.7em; background-repeat: no-repeat; border: 0px none; color: #c0b283; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.5s ease 0s; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Amazon</a>.</i><span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: 0.6px; text-align: justify;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: 0.6px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: 0.6px; text-align: justify;">We're in this together,</span></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Julie, Kendra, and Kristin</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p></div>Kendrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00697085413398279728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9129045009262289661.post-68499792213518017572021-04-14T12:01:00.007-05:002021-04-19T14:41:59.523-05:00Mother's Day Gift Guide <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiShixu11X6tSPnyJAXJM2rVs4XOwJ71fAEwheMc_YSDCTj1aO9yTs1HVdOspmL-iyuFWqluJ7YAyZH6kRrsturKV4OXcHG81aUsXCMPWVnKd3maaE2nwfkcCuDNZUT-GXhOpnUZP8teac/s2048/Joyful+Life+Mother%2527s+Day+Gift+Guide_Story.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1164" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiShixu11X6tSPnyJAXJM2rVs4XOwJ71fAEwheMc_YSDCTj1aO9yTs1HVdOspmL-iyuFWqluJ7YAyZH6kRrsturKV4OXcHG81aUsXCMPWVnKd3maaE2nwfkcCuDNZUT-GXhOpnUZP8teac/w114-h200/Joyful+Life+Mother%2527s+Day+Gift+Guide_Story.jpg" width="114" /></a></div>While Mother's Day is billed primarily as a family-focused Hallmark holiday, this year Kendra, Kristin, and I are including our girlfriends in the festivities. <p></p><p><br /></p><p>It's often our girlfriends who hold us accountable for being the best version of ourselves. They know our strengths and weaknesses, the lies we tend to believe, and the things that delight us most. </p><p><br /></p><p>We're loving the <a href="https://joyfullifemagazine.com/gift-ideas-for-christian-women-gg2021/" target="_blank">Mother's Day Gift Guide</a> carefully curated by <a href="https://joyfullifemagazine.com/" target="_blank">Joyful Life Magazine</a> as we think of the women we love and appreciate. They've thought of it all: <a href="https://joyfullifemagazine.com/gift-ideas-for-christian-women-gg2021/jewelry/" target="_blank">jewelry</a>, <a href="https://joyfullifemagazine.com/gift-ideas-for-christian-women-gg2021/handmade-gifts/" target="_blank">hand made and custom gifts</a>, and of course <a href="https://joyfullifemagazine.com/gift-ideas-for-christian-women-gg2021/books-and-planners/" target="_blank">books</a>—including ours! </p><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Does she love books?</b> Our books make a perfect Mother's Day, birthday, Christmas, or "just because" gift for the women in your life, including you! </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgW96ev_tyIAvZvfRelDJD_CdMrYMNIA1TLJV9ZBuGNlwsyvXt8vY1veeBphAIvYfStpr2-Hskt-8w6-w533PZUjMhke0W6saUaZnYGoHDM6910AkHqWUoUErkcDAl_WyaCdhLkf3wrxQ/s2798/all+books+for+purchase.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1124" data-original-width="2798" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgW96ev_tyIAvZvfRelDJD_CdMrYMNIA1TLJV9ZBuGNlwsyvXt8vY1veeBphAIvYfStpr2-Hskt-8w6-w533PZUjMhke0W6saUaZnYGoHDM6910AkHqWUoUErkcDAl_WyaCdhLkf3wrxQ/w640-h258/all+books+for+purchase.png" width="640" /></a></div>Our newest book, the <a href="https://amzn.to/2Zsdytm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">100 Daily Acts of Friendship for Girls</a> is written specifically for girls aged 8-12 as they navigate friendships in upper elementary and middle school. With a scripture, short story, reflection questions and 50 fun activities to do with you or friends, it's a wonderful way to encourage your daughter, niece, granddaughter, God daughter and her friends to build healthy friendships from an early age.</div><div><p></p><div><br /></div><div>And our adult friendship devotional, <a href="https://amzn.to/2N79yfp" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The One Year Daily Acts of Friendship</a> is a perfect compliment to our book for tweens. With a daily scripture, story, and friendship prompt, its encouraging and slightly challenging (in a good way!) as you find, keep, and love your friends. </div><div><br /></div><div>We've also written two kindness devotionals, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Year-Daily-Acts-Kindness-Devotional-ebook/dp/B06XKXRPXH" target="_blank">The One Year Daily Acts of Kindness</a> and <a href="https://amzn.to/3s7rTYf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">100 Days of Kindness</a>. They tell the story of how our families embarked on a one-year journey of kindness, and include our successes, failures, and the encouragement you need as a family to incorporate kindness into your own life.<br /><br />We would love to walk alongside you in encouragement, inspiration, and community. You can follow us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheRuthExperience" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/theruthexperience/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> as The Ruth Experience or sign up for our monthly newsletter (no spam, ever), <a href="https://view.flodesk.com/pages/5f14a63ddd1a8a0026489e7f" target="_blank">here</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div><i style="background-color: white; border: 0px none; letter-spacing: 0.6px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">If you already have one of our books and love them, we'd so appreciate it if you leave a review on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XKXRPXH/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1#customerReviews" style="background-image: linear-gradient(transparent 0px, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0) 0px); background-position: 0px 0.7em; background-repeat: no-repeat; border: 0px none; color: #c0b283; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.5s ease 0s; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Amazon</a>.</i><span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: 0.6px; text-align: justify;"> </span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: 0.6px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: 0.6px; text-align: justify;">We're in this together,</span></div><div><br />Julie, Kendra, and Kristin<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div></div><p> </p><br /><br />Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07340127954483068903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9129045009262289661.post-89837712284244135392021-04-08T15:32:00.020-05:002021-10-26T20:20:39.910-05:00How to Have Intentional Friendships {Free 7 Day Devo} <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaWFbkv1PXl7Wlw7eRWhXzh4wd7kpu6k008501XfBJAFXutnL98I9KqzZoS8Q1T25wu-KOt4Xxr2RzZytdSsraGdpyboF42XwNqc2wkxqSw61IFCTEBxkX8p5pDWgiENFLYvoPBMVLRaA/s2048/IMG_0252-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaWFbkv1PXl7Wlw7eRWhXzh4wd7kpu6k008501XfBJAFXutnL98I9KqzZoS8Q1T25wu-KOt4Xxr2RzZytdSsraGdpyboF42XwNqc2wkxqSw61IFCTEBxkX8p5pDWgiENFLYvoPBMVLRaA/w200-h133/IMG_0252-Edit.jpg" title="Photo credit: SavvyPhotag" width="200" /></a></div>We are so excited to partner with the YouVersion Bible app in offering this free 7 day devotional! <p></p><p>With over 75,000 competitions, each day in <a href="https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/20724-how-to-have-intentional-friendships" target="_blank">How to Have Intentional Friendships</a> has a daily scripture, story, and friendship prompt. It is encouraging and slightly challenging (in a good way!) as you find, keep, and love your friends.</p><p><br /></p><p>And, because our first YouVersion devotional was so popular, we added an additional 7 days called <a href="https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/22030-how-to-have-intentional-friendships-part-2" target="_blank">How to Have Intentional Friendships, Part II</a>.</p><p></p><p>Both excerpts are from our book, <a href="https://amzn.to/2N79yfp" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The One Year Daily Acts of Friendship</a>, available everywhere books are sold. </p><p>Looking for more resources around friendship and kindness? Have you checked out our other books?</p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b>Are you looking for more resources? Have you checked out our books?</b></p><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXML8ASm_cdhdb421LFr7wc8yvA0_OCww1ToNhVdBfko7Sp_319om7PpJuED1gNbmImgyY5OVR5MzBtlUi18rTWyG4GxC4-Rs5V67RzBDJo65D2cbyBfe80iiFlDm_8_RcxCaj7sJMw1I/s2240/Photo+of+our+books.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="2240" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXML8ASm_cdhdb421LFr7wc8yvA0_OCww1ToNhVdBfko7Sp_319om7PpJuED1gNbmImgyY5OVR5MzBtlUi18rTWyG4GxC4-Rs5V67RzBDJo65D2cbyBfe80iiFlDm_8_RcxCaj7sJMw1I/w400-h125/Photo+of+our+books.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div><div>Our newest book, <i><a href="https://amzn.to/3gkHv6L" target="_blank">One Good Word a Day</a></i>, offers simple but deeply spiritual meditations that will help readers linger on one word each day so they can identify and reflect on how Jesus as the Word influences their daily lives. </div><div> </div><div><div>Looking for encouragement in your friendships? Our adult friendship devotional, <i><a href="https://amzn.to/3ve4R3q" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The One Year Daily Acts of Friendship</a></i>, includes a daily scripture, story, and friendship prompt. It's encouraging and slightly challenging (in a good way!) in helping you find, keep, and love your friends. </div><div> </div></div><div>Our devotional for tweens is a great complement to our devotional for women! <i><a href="https://amzn.to/2RCx5a6" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">100 Daily Acts of Friendship for Girls</a></i> is written specifically for girls ages 8-12 as they navigate friendships in upper elementary and middle school. With a scripture, short story, reflection questions and 50 fun activities to do with you or friends, it's a wonderful way to encourage your daughter, niece, granddaughter, God daughter and her friends to build healthy friendships from an early age.</div><div><div><br /></div><div>We've also written two kindness devotionals, <i><a href="https://amzn.to/3g4nL8i" target="_blank">The One Year Daily Acts of Kindness</a></i> and <i><a href="https://amzn.to/3cxhBLI" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">100 Days of Kindness</a></i>. They tell the story of how our families embarked on a one-year journey of kindness, and include our successes, failures, and the encouragement you need as a family to incorporate kindness into your own life.<br /><br />We would love to walk alongside you in encouragement, inspiration, and community. You can follow us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheRuthExperience" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/theruthexperience/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> as The Ruth Experience or sign up for our monthly newsletter (no spam, ever), <a href="https://view.flodesk.com/pages/5f14a63ddd1a8a0026489e7f" target="_blank">here</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div><i style="background-color: white; border: 0px none; letter-spacing: 0.6px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">If you already have one of our books and love them, we'd so appreciate it if you leave a review on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XKXRPXH/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1#customerReviews" style="background-image: linear-gradient(transparent 0px, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0) 0px); background-position: 0px 0.7em; background-repeat: no-repeat; border: 0px none; color: #c0b283; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.5s ease 0s; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Amazon</a>.</i><span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: 0.6px; text-align: justify;"> </span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: 0.6px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: 0.6px; text-align: justify;">We're in this together,</span></div><div><br />Kristin, Julie, and Kendra <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div>Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07340127954483068903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9129045009262289661.post-45956407038100667082021-04-07T06:54:00.045-05:002021-06-02T15:45:35.705-05:00Free Resource: Leaders Guide for 100 Daily Acts of Friendship <p></p><div style="text-align: justify;">You asked and we listened! So many of you wanted to use <a href="https://www.amazon.com/100-Daily-Acts-Friendship-Girls/dp/1496444663" target="_blank">100 Daily Acts of Friendship for Girls</a> in small</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq_57hJHFPHoAWe0Ezw5v5PjvxVCXhlsdcGo4sbDmlzChqFph5ZEjBV4vw-ZK3GQXjJBE64BjIFXKfGNYlKxbSHN1s3Y1LWEjll0Q6tNMj0apu7qp8PTqaW9AeBWkLD_aOLmgJR2Sxtbw/s1650/Leaders+Guide+blogger+image.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1650" data-original-width="1050" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq_57hJHFPHoAWe0Ezw5v5PjvxVCXhlsdcGo4sbDmlzChqFph5ZEjBV4vw-ZK3GQXjJBE64BjIFXKfGNYlKxbSHN1s3Y1LWEjll0Q6tNMj0apu7qp8PTqaW9AeBWkLD_aOLmgJR2Sxtbw/w255-h400/Leaders+Guide+blogger+image.png" width="255" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">groups, churches, or as a book club book, that we created a resource just for you. We've split the book into 15 weeks and added 60 conversation prompts <i>beyond</i> the daily questions and activities already in the book. The additional flexibility and resources will support you as you support the girl(s) you love. </div><p></p><p></p><p></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">And best of all, our <a href="https://view.flodesk.com/pages/6065aac28533e2551705a893" target="_blank">Leaders Guide</a> is FREE with a subscription to our monthly newsletter! We share a free kindness or friendship related resource each month along with a quick update, a recommendation or two based on what we are reading, and a gift card giveaway. And that's it! Short, sweet, and encouragingly to the point because we know you are as busy as we are. </div><div class="separator"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNsfgMxwHJI9a7xhUtKdK5xiYJWi_h-2iYXokow-brPerTfTc9vMKHURsS4kOHG6xbeDB_JPj6g7kfiG9M2kz-6uyJguh-Ng9edZAmjVcDht4irodevEfnnwymToWOhzQ-Ue6Cnkda1GQ/s375/girls+friendship+book.jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="250" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNsfgMxwHJI9a7xhUtKdK5xiYJWi_h-2iYXokow-brPerTfTc9vMKHURsS4kOHG6xbeDB_JPj6g7kfiG9M2kz-6uyJguh-Ng9edZAmjVcDht4irodevEfnnwymToWOhzQ-Ue6Cnkda1GQ/w133-h200/girls+friendship+book.jpg" width="133" /></a></div><p></p><div style="text-align: justify;">If you don't have our <a href="https://www.amazon.com/100-Daily-Acts-Friendship-Girls/dp/1496444663" target="_blank">100 Daily Acts of Friendship for Girls</a> book yet, not to worry. You can pick it up anywhere books are sold online or in bookstores.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;">It is written specifically for girls aged 8-12 as they navigate friendships in upper elementary and middle school. With a scripture, short story, reflection questions and 50 fun activities to do with you or friends, it's a wonderful way to encourage your daughter, niece, granddaughter, God daughter and her friends to build healthy friendships from an early age.</div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Are you looking for more resources? Have you checked out adult friendship devotional and kindness books?</b></p><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgW96ev_tyIAvZvfRelDJD_CdMrYMNIA1TLJV9ZBuGNlwsyvXt8vY1veeBphAIvYfStpr2-Hskt-8w6-w533PZUjMhke0W6saUaZnYGoHDM6910AkHqWUoUErkcDAl_WyaCdhLkf3wrxQ/s2798/all+books+for+purchase.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1124" data-original-width="2798" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgW96ev_tyIAvZvfRelDJD_CdMrYMNIA1TLJV9ZBuGNlwsyvXt8vY1veeBphAIvYfStpr2-Hskt-8w6-w533PZUjMhke0W6saUaZnYGoHDM6910AkHqWUoUErkcDAl_WyaCdhLkf3wrxQ/w640-h258/all+books+for+purchase.png" width="640" /></a></div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;">Our adult friendship devotional, <a href="https://amzn.to/2N79yfp" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The One Year Daily Acts of Friendship</a> is a perfect compliment to our book for tweens. With a daily scripture, story, and friendship prompt, its encouraging and slightly challenging (in a good way!) as you find, keep, and love your friends. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;">We've also written two kindness devotionals, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Year-Daily-Acts-Kindness-Devotional/dp/1496421612" target="_blank">The One Year Daily Acts of Kindness</a> and <a href="https://amzn.to/3s7rTYf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">100 Days of Kindness</a>. They tell the story of how our families embarked on a one-year journey of kindness, and include our successes, failures, and the encouragement you need as a family to incorporate kindness into your own life.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We would love to walk alongside you in encouragement, inspiration, and community. You can follow us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheRuthExperience" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/theruthexperience/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> as The Ruth Experience.</div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div><i style="background-color: white; border: 0px; letter-spacing: 0.6px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">If you already have one of our books and love them, we'd so appreciate it if you leave a review on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XKXRPXH/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1#customerReviews" style="background-image: linear-gradient(transparent 0px, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0) 0px); background-position: 0px 0.7em; background-repeat: no-repeat; border: 0px; color: #c0b283; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.5s ease 0s; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Amazon</a>.</i><span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: 0.6px; text-align: justify;"> </span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: 0.6px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: 0.6px; text-align: justify;">We're in this together,</span></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Julie, Kendra, and Kristin</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div></div></div><p> </p></div></div></div>Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07340127954483068903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9129045009262289661.post-25753250963779698472021-03-22T15:32:00.014-05:002021-06-02T15:43:15.926-05:00Daily Acts of Friendship {Walk It Out Podcast with Tricia Goyer}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwSoQ-k25QgNFs-tPY7BcnmxZzG_eF78CdOQ2XJiR0OBrcJibhNeUIrefZ-C1CfKt-lIjWjtIolLcB_Pn21YjAtmz0k-CHYvoWXrBeYqt9kr1TCU3w8SqnMgiMhX-0OG8Pd85Iu5FcaI8/s1080/WalkItOut-156-The-Ruth-Experience.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwSoQ-k25QgNFs-tPY7BcnmxZzG_eF78CdOQ2XJiR0OBrcJibhNeUIrefZ-C1CfKt-lIjWjtIolLcB_Pn21YjAtmz0k-CHYvoWXrBeYqt9kr1TCU3w8SqnMgiMhX-0OG8Pd85Iu5FcaI8/w200-h200/WalkItOut-156-The-Ruth-Experience.png" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Kendra and Kristin chatted with Tricia Goyer on her <a href="https://www.triciagoyer.com/walk-it-out-156-daily-acts-of-friendship-with-kendra-roehl-and-kristin-demery/" target="_blank">Walk It Out podcast</a> about the joys and challenges of friendship as adult women. It's a fun, encouraging listen that you don't want to miss! You can find it <a href="https://www.triciagoyer.com/walk-it-out-156-daily-acts-of-friendship-with-kendra-roehl-and-kristin-demery/" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: left;">Healthy friendships are life-giving, encouraging, and worthy of celebration. Our book, <a href="http://www.theruthexperience.com/p/our-book.html" target="_blank">The One Year Daily Acts of Friendship</a><a href="http://www.theruthexperience.com/p/our-book.html" target="_blank">: 365 Days to Finding, Keeping, and Loving Your Friends</a> is the perfect give to keep and give away. With a scripture, short story, and daily prompt for loving your friends better, it's a lovely way to start (or end) your day.</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9JJ_2EBgZGGb8qi9LaVlnyDnvujN46zW0ldVV0loKqDGG_jz-ymnu3hf_z3PhzVJxkRhjmvEv0n_qg3y860O2QUkn0Ub4px8ed0iCamfoBb_EdM_loQMk_PeUnT5FOEQHAG5wnTdT5xw/s2048/365+friendship+book.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1346" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9JJ_2EBgZGGb8qi9LaVlnyDnvujN46zW0ldVV0loKqDGG_jz-ymnu3hf_z3PhzVJxkRhjmvEv0n_qg3y860O2QUkn0Ub4px8ed0iCamfoBb_EdM_loQMk_PeUnT5FOEQHAG5wnTdT5xw/w131-h200/365+friendship+book.jpg" width="131" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And for the girls in your life, our newest book, the <a href="https://amzn.to/2Zsdytm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">100 Daily Acts of Friendship for Girls</a> is written specifically for girls aged 8-12 as they navigate friendships in upper elementary and middle school. With a scripture, short story, reflection questions and 50 fun activities to do with you or friends, it's a wonderful way to encourage your daughter, niece, granddaughter, God daughter and her friends to build healthy friendships from an early age.</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We've also written two kindness devotionals, <a href="https://amzn.to/2ZsIlGw" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The One Year Daily Acts of Kindness Devotional</a> and <a href="https://amzn.to/3s7rTYf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">100 Days of Kindness</a>. They tell the story of how our families embarked on a one-year journey of kindness, and include our successes, failures, and the encouragement you need as a family to incorporate kindness into your own life.</div><div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNsfgMxwHJI9a7xhUtKdK5xiYJWi_h-2iYXokow-brPerTfTc9vMKHURsS4kOHG6xbeDB_JPj6g7kfiG9M2kz-6uyJguh-Ng9edZAmjVcDht4irodevEfnnwymToWOhzQ-Ue6Cnkda1GQ/s375/girls+friendship+book.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="250" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNsfgMxwHJI9a7xhUtKdK5xiYJWi_h-2iYXokow-brPerTfTc9vMKHURsS4kOHG6xbeDB_JPj6g7kfiG9M2kz-6uyJguh-Ng9edZAmjVcDht4irodevEfnnwymToWOhzQ-Ue6Cnkda1GQ/w133-h200/girls+friendship+book.jpg" width="133" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We would love to walk alongside you in encouragement, inspiration, and community. You can follow us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheRuthExperience" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/theruthexperience/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> as The Ruth Experience or sign up for our monthly newsletter (no spam, ever), <a href="https://view.flodesk.com/pages/5f14a63ddd1a8a0026489e7f" target="_blank">here</a>.</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><i style="background-color: white; border: 0px; letter-spacing: 0.6px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">If you already have one of our books and love them, we'd so appreciate it if you leave a review on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XKXRPXH/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1#customerReviews" style="background-image: linear-gradient(transparent 0px, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0) 0px); background-position: 0px 0.7em; background-repeat: no-repeat; border: 0px; color: #c0b283; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.5s ease 0s; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Amazon</a>.</i><span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: 0.6px; text-align: justify;"> God redeemed it all in the most incredible ways. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Julie, Kendra, and Kristin</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div></div></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p></div></div>Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07340127954483068903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9129045009262289661.post-36432369207242684112021-03-18T08:09:00.028-05:002021-10-26T19:03:35.046-05:00Friendship for Girls {YouVersion 7 Day Devotional}<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p style="text-align: left;"></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT3JUgTBFwaCqM62aT_gHa96YYwYdil80VKmMSrD9pBO-NyrQIXKgPFWYQTCkyPdl1N0nEmKuVTotShzHaTkJAFzjOUdy5OiFVcu_UF7sdBqloxsofvtrN6ofzDipxVM1rL7l0s2CfXcM/s2048/2A8A1321.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT3JUgTBFwaCqM62aT_gHa96YYwYdil80VKmMSrD9pBO-NyrQIXKgPFWYQTCkyPdl1N0nEmKuVTotShzHaTkJAFzjOUdy5OiFVcu_UF7sdBqloxsofvtrN6ofzDipxVM1rL7l0s2CfXcM/w200-h133/2A8A1321.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />Looking for a resource to help your middle school girl navigate friendships? <p></p><p style="text-align: left;">We've got you covered with this <a href="https://www.bible.com/en/reading-plans/24321" target="_blank">FREE 7 day devotional</a> except from our book <a href="http://www.theruthexperience.com/p/our-book.html" target="_blank">100 Daily Acts of Friendship for Girls</a>! </p><p style="text-align: left;">Written for girls aged 8-12 as they navigate friendships in upper elementary and middle school, we include a scripture, short story, reflection questions and (in the book only, 50 fun activities to do with you or friends!), it's a wonderful way to encourage your daughter, niece, granddaughter, God daughter and her friends to build healthy friendships from an early age. </p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5UosxgGZd76ctZ84o6kp0RJqZ62T5NPTwfm9aXvGnehMD2zNLA4nPVqkZwuGP772TyXjcoIS2aiGiMfsG2kJ6Ab_IXP0J74KJJ4VoUkFxGt4KvsD8MrozKUsnY9dXXAR25FzhBbjq6mE/s2048/Pinterest_+Girls+Friendship+YouVersion.static.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5UosxgGZd76ctZ84o6kp0RJqZ62T5NPTwfm9aXvGnehMD2zNLA4nPVqkZwuGP772TyXjcoIS2aiGiMfsG2kJ6Ab_IXP0J74KJJ4VoUkFxGt4KvsD8MrozKUsnY9dXXAR25FzhBbjq6mE/w133-h200/Pinterest_+Girls+Friendship+YouVersion.static.png" width="133" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p style="text-align: left;">As an added bonus, the <a href="https://www.bible.com/en/reading-plans/24321" target="_blank">YouVersion devotional</a> includes Conversation Starters to help <i>you </i>as you read along and discuss each day's friendship takeaway. We're so excited to offer this sampler through <a href="https://www.tyndale.com/p/100-daily-acts-of-friendship-for-girls/9781496444660" target="_blank">YouVersion</a> and <a href="https://www.tyndale.com/p/100-daily-acts-of-friendship-for-girls/9781496444660" target="_blank">Tyndale House Publishing</a>! </p><p style="text-align: left;"></p>If you love YouVersion's free 7 day sampler devotional, consider picking up the <a href="https://amzn.to/2Zsdytm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">100 Daily Acts of Friendship for Girls</a>.<div><br /></div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Are you looking for more resources? Have you checked out our books?</b><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXML8ASm_cdhdb421LFr7wc8yvA0_OCww1ToNhVdBfko7Sp_319om7PpJuED1gNbmImgyY5OVR5MzBtlUi18rTWyG4GxC4-Rs5V67RzBDJo65D2cbyBfe80iiFlDm_8_RcxCaj7sJMw1I/s2240/Photo+of+our+books.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="2240" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXML8ASm_cdhdb421LFr7wc8yvA0_OCww1ToNhVdBfko7Sp_319om7PpJuED1gNbmImgyY5OVR5MzBtlUi18rTWyG4GxC4-Rs5V67RzBDJo65D2cbyBfe80iiFlDm_8_RcxCaj7sJMw1I/w640-h200/Photo+of+our+books.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div>Our newest book, <i><a href="https://amzn.to/3gkHv6L" target="_blank">One Good Word a Day</a></i>, offers simple but deeply spiritual meditations that will help readers linger on one word each day so they can identify and reflect on how Jesus as the Word influences their daily lives. </div><div> </div><div><div>Looking for encouragement in your friendships? Our adult friendship devotional, <i><a href="https://amzn.to/3ve4R3q" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The One Year Daily Acts of Friendship</a></i>, includes a daily scripture, story, and friendship prompt. It's encouraging and slightly challenging (in a good way!) in helping you find, keep, and love your friends. </div></div><div><div><br /></div><div>We've also written two kindness devotionals, <i><a href="https://amzn.to/3g4nL8i" target="_blank">The One Year Daily Acts of Kindness</a></i> and <i><a href="https://amzn.to/3cxhBLI" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">100 Days of Kindness</a></i>. They tell the story of how our families embarked on a one-year journey of kindness, and include our successes, failures, and the encouragement you need as a family to incorporate kindness into your own life.<br /><br />We would love to walk alongside you in encouragement, inspiration, and community. You can follow us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheRuthExperience" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/theruthexperience/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> as The Ruth Experience or sign up for our monthly newsletter (no spam, ever), <a href="https://view.flodesk.com/pages/5f14a63ddd1a8a0026489e7f" target="_blank">here</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div><i style="background-color: white; border: 0px none; letter-spacing: 0.6px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">If you already have one of our books and love them, we'd so appreciate it if you leave a review on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XKXRPXH/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1#customerReviews" style="background-image: linear-gradient(transparent 0px, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0) 0px); background-position: 0px 0.7em; background-repeat: no-repeat; border: 0px none; color: #c0b283; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.5s ease 0s; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Amazon</a>.</i><span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: 0.6px; text-align: justify;"> </span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: 0.6px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: 0.6px; text-align: justify;">We're in this together,</span></div><div><br />Julie, Kendra, and Kristin<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"> </span></div></div></div></div><p><br /></p></div>Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07340127954483068903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9129045009262289661.post-7991768346461244922021-02-25T11:15:00.007-06:002021-06-02T15:46:22.411-05:00When a Friend Isn't a Friend: How to Help Your Child Navigate a Challenging Friendship<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheHY0wfwUUxOWZ92e7K7euXY-RSzQ__IE2BZa8GAgjphB8UPKQH9h2w0a-9AVf5LhzQg2rDIdOwKkMWbqWNiURZpMwucRRojqRHl375SxmPJmXrtNmpw6SYUB-e0x9PdGNClN59ckJjz4/s2048/IMG_1563.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheHY0wfwUUxOWZ92e7K7euXY-RSzQ__IE2BZa8GAgjphB8UPKQH9h2w0a-9AVf5LhzQg2rDIdOwKkMWbqWNiURZpMwucRRojqRHl375SxmPJmXrtNmpw6SYUB-e0x9PdGNClN59ckJjz4/s16000/IMG_1563.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p></p><p>God designed us to be in relationship with others. But sometimes, friendships are hard. </p><p>For many of us, the struggle began when we were young girls. Those early interactions shaped the way we view ourselves and others and continue to influence us throughout our lives. <br /><br />That's why we wanted to write our new devotional, <a href="https://amzn.to/3qxz4IX" target="_blank">100 Daily Acts of Friendship for Girls</a>. As three women who have been friends for more than 15 years—and moms to a combined seven daughters—we want to
give girls practical tools to encourage them to become better friends,
including giving and receiving apologies, setting appropriate
boundaries, and standing up for yourself and others. Each day ends with a
reflection question or two for the girl to consider, as well as an
action step to take toward becoming a better friend. </p>Want to learn more? Here's a <b>bonus</b> devotional: <p style="text-align: left;"><b>When a Friend Isn’t a Friend</b><br /><br /><i>Oh, the joys of those who do not<br />follow the advice of the wicked,<br />or stand around with sinners,<br />or join in with mockers.<br />Psalm 1:1</i><br /></p><p><br /> The art teacher had just stepped out of classroom. No sooner had the door clicked shut behind him than one of the students became upset that he had left. As the boy’s agitation grew, Tammy heard a snicker break through the quiet murmurs of the other students.</p><p>Looking up, she was surprised to realize that the noise was coming from her friend Nora. Tammy’s heart began to pound as Nora’s soft laughter triggered nervous, uncomfortable laughter in the other students. Within moments, the noise had increased, turning into full-fledged taunting—all because a student was struggling with fear and anxiety beyond his control.</p><p>Although the two girls had spent hours at each other’s houses over the years of their friendship, Tammy was knocked off-kilter by Nora’s unkind laughter. A swarm of butterflies in her stomach and a lump in her throat had joined her pounding heart. But before her brain had a chance to catch up with her body, she found herself standing and facing her friend.</p><p>Looking Nora in the eye, Tammy managed to say, “Knock it off. Just leave him alone.” The words sounded meek and breathless.</p><p>Nora glared in response. “What did you just say?”</p><p>Stronger now, Tammy repeated the words. “Knock it off. Leave him alone!”</p><p>Nora looked as stunned as Tammy felt. Turning back to Tammy as she sat down, she hissed, “You don’t always have to be such a suck up! The teacher’s not even in here to see you being the teacher’s pet.”</p><p>Nora’s words stung, but it no longer mattered. In those few moments that revealed her friend’s true character, the relationship changed. As Christians, we are reminded to be wise in our friendships—including not choosing to go along with those who mock others. Nora’s teasing had helped Tammy realize that sometimes friends shouldn’t be our friends, but stay acquaintances. Though Tammy was still kind to Nora whenever they were in class together, they no longer spent time with one another. Though someone may be kind to us, the way they treat others—especially those who are vulnerable or overlooked—reveals what’s really in their hearts.</p><p><b>Things to Think About:</b></p><p>What happens when “friends” reveal parts of their character we didn’t expect?</p><p>As Christians and as friends, what should our response be?</p><p><b>Daily Act of Friendship:</b> Thank a friend—either in person, through text, or via a note—for standing by you in a hard situation.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNsfgMxwHJI9a7xhUtKdK5xiYJWi_h-2iYXokow-brPerTfTc9vMKHURsS4kOHG6xbeDB_JPj6g7kfiG9M2kz-6uyJguh-Ng9edZAmjVcDht4irodevEfnnwymToWOhzQ-Ue6Cnkda1GQ/s375/girls+friendship+book.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="250" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNsfgMxwHJI9a7xhUtKdK5xiYJWi_h-2iYXokow-brPerTfTc9vMKHURsS4kOHG6xbeDB_JPj6g7kfiG9M2kz-6uyJguh-Ng9edZAmjVcDht4irodevEfnnwymToWOhzQ-Ue6Cnkda1GQ/w133-h200/girls+friendship+book.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>Our newest book, the <a href="https://amzn.to/2Zsdytm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">100 Daily Acts of Friendship for Girls</a> is written specifically for girls aged 8-12 as they navigate friendships in upper elementary and middle school. With a scripture, short story,<br /><br />reflection questions and 50 fun activities to do with you or friends, it's a wonderful way to encourage your daughter, niece, granddaughter, God daughter and her friends to build healthy friendships from an early age.<p></p><p></p><div>And our adult friendship devotional, <a href="https://amzn.to/2N79yfp" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The One Year Daily Acts of Friendship</a> is a perfect compliment to our book for tweens.<br /><br />We've also written two kindness devotionals, <a href="https://amzn.to/2ZsIlGw" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The One Year Daily Acts of Kindness Devotional</a> and <a href="https://amzn.to/3s7rTYf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">100 Days of Kindness</a>. They tell the story of how our families embarked on a one-year journey of kindness, and include our successes, failures, and the encouragement you need as a family to incorporate kindness into your own life.<br /><br />We would love to walk alongside you in encouragement, inspiration, and community. You can follow us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheRuthExperience" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/theruthexperience/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> as The Ruth Experience or sign up for our monthly newsletter (no spam, ever), <a href="https://view.flodesk.com/pages/5f14a63ddd1a8a0026489e7f" target="_blank">here</a>.<br /><br />Julie, Kendra, and Kristin<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><i>Photo credit: Branding with Savannah @savvyphotagebranding </i></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><p> </p>Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04900199561741784969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9129045009262289661.post-77462698232123554822021-02-19T10:34:00.004-06:002021-06-02T15:46:41.817-05:005 Conversations Every Mom Should Have with Their Tween Daughter <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZDO7aw35OprZyTpjssnk5eCU6ND60AgiKPYr9h0f0DusykXREFtjbsfwAoD_yC0H9-Leii-h7fKqA3wv4o0WI06hlDjAJM28aekMEtH6-xq5BBH3msL19RCpksDEQckVCAupaoHTeuQ-F/s2668/IMG_1435-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1179" data-original-width="2668" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZDO7aw35OprZyTpjssnk5eCU6ND60AgiKPYr9h0f0DusykXREFtjbsfwAoD_yC0H9-Leii-h7fKqA3wv4o0WI06hlDjAJM28aekMEtH6-xq5BBH3msL19RCpksDEQckVCAupaoHTeuQ-F/w640-h282/IMG_1435-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div>As mothers with daughters, we want to keep the lines of communication open with our children. There are many conversations we want to continue to have with our kids as they grow. Here are five of the most important ongoing conversations we want to have with our girls on a consistent basis.</div><div><br /></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Explain what healthy boundaries looks like in relationships.</b> We need to teach our girls that no means no, it’s okay to say no, and that consent is important. Let your daughter know that if she is in an uncomfortable situation, she can call you and you will come get her immediately.</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Discuss what to do when a friend shares something that is harmful to themselves or others and needs to be shared with a trusted adult. </b>(Some examples could be: suicidal thoughts, abusive situations, drug/vaping use.)</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Discuss boundaries around social media. </b>Talk about what’s appropriate to post or not post, who you should allow to be friends with you or not, what to do when someone posts something that is concerning, and when an adult should be brought in on a conversation.</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Teach them to recognize and silence their inner critic.</b> Remind them of God’s love for them and the valuable and unique way that he made them. Praise them often, calling out their God-given talents, letting them know that you believe in them and their dreams and will always be there to support them.</li><li><b>Remind them of your unconditional love.</b> It
may seem like it goes without saying, but be intentional to tell them
often that they do not need to earn your love or be
afraid of losing your love, no matter that happens. They can come
to you with any concern or problem—no subject is off-limits to talk
about with you.</li></ul><div>Our girls face many challenges in the world today. Having regular conversations with them around these five topics will remind them that we love them, are here for them, and will face any challenge or concern that comes up in their lives alongside them. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Are you looking for more resources?</b> Our newest book, the <a href="https://amzn.to/2Zsdytm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">100 Daily Acts of Friendship for Girls</a> is written specifically for girls aged 8-12 as they navigate friendships in upper elementary and middle school. With a scripture, short story,<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNsfgMxwHJI9a7xhUtKdK5xiYJWi_h-2iYXokow-brPerTfTc9vMKHURsS4kOHG6xbeDB_JPj6g7kfiG9M2kz-6uyJguh-Ng9edZAmjVcDht4irodevEfnnwymToWOhzQ-Ue6Cnkda1GQ/s375/girls+friendship+book.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="250" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNsfgMxwHJI9a7xhUtKdK5xiYJWi_h-2iYXokow-brPerTfTc9vMKHURsS4kOHG6xbeDB_JPj6g7kfiG9M2kz-6uyJguh-Ng9edZAmjVcDht4irodevEfnnwymToWOhzQ-Ue6Cnkda1GQ/w133-h200/girls+friendship+book.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>reflection questions and 50 fun activities to do with you or friends, it's a wonderful way to encourage your daughter, niece, granddaughter, God daughter and her friends to build healthy friendships from an early age.<p></p><div>And our adult friendship devotional, <a href="https://amzn.to/2N79yfp" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The One Year Daily Acts of Friendship</a> is a perfect compliment to our book for tweens.<br /><br />We've also written two kindness devotionals, <a href="https://amzn.to/2ZsIlGw" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The One Year Daily Acts of Kindness Devotional</a> and <a href="https://amzn.to/3s7rTYf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">100 Days of Kindness</a>. They tell the story of how our families embarked on a one-year journey of kindness, and include our successes, failures, and the encouragement you need as a family to incorporate kindness into your own life.<br /><br />We would love to walk alongside you in encouragement, inspiration, and community. You can follow us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheRuthExperience" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/theruthexperience/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> as The Ruth Experience or sign up for our monthly newsletter (no spam, ever), <a href="https://view.flodesk.com/pages/5f14a63ddd1a8a0026489e7f" target="_blank">here</a>.<br /><br />Julie, Kendra, and Kristin<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><i>Photo credit: Branding with Savannah @savvyphotagebranding </i></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div>Julie, Kendra, and Kristin<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><i>Photo credit: Branding with Savannah @savvyphotagebranding </i></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div><div><i style="background-color: white; border: 0px none; font-family: "Quattrocento Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0.6px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></i></div>Kendrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00697085413398279728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9129045009262289661.post-63741506498357597742021-02-13T18:15:00.015-06:002021-03-17T08:42:10.074-05:00Five Ways to Help Your Daughter with Friendship Drama<p></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIWnhMLLNn4h7CeHDFU4vTRNbZhcQuWIzQ4ErcJV-E0ciWXLVLZc1JHMZBUkUl2wODC_20nsjkqL1feCA0r89LCh8_ZXqjLqZ-OVh59Vo2Sr1rvGbJlH3M_u9vDh-hJHn38UtLB3hoEkM/s2048/IMG_1359.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIWnhMLLNn4h7CeHDFU4vTRNbZhcQuWIzQ4ErcJV-E0ciWXLVLZc1JHMZBUkUl2wODC_20nsjkqL1feCA0r89LCh8_ZXqjLqZ-OVh59Vo2Sr1rvGbJlH3M_u9vDh-hJHn38UtLB3hoEkM/s16000/IMG_1359.jpg" /></a></div><br /> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">When the topic of girl friendships comes up, invariably eyes well with tears as moms talks about how rough it is to have middle school friendships. Our hearts ache as we remember our own struggles at that age even as we try to make it a better experience for our daughters. As moms of tween girls, here's a few tips we've taught our daughters (and continue to help them apply) as they navigate middle school drama:</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-weight: bold;">1. Be quick to apologize. </b>We've all inadvertently hurt a loved one's feelings and learning to apologize quickly and sincerely can keep our mistake from becoming a stumbling block in our friendship. Practicing being quick with a sincere apology with siblings and within our family units helps it become a relationship habit. When we spot tension in our tween's friendship, gently inquiring what part of the tension she might need to apologize for and help provide her with the words when necessary, can save a friendship at this age.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-weight: bold;">2. Don't bring peers into the conflict.</b> A simple misunderstanding or inadvertent offense can become far more difficult to resolve when peers get involved and take sides. Cautioning our tweens about being roped into another's conflict is helpful, but modeling how we handle our friends' conflict and (when appropriate) talking about why we are supportive but do not fan the flames of conflict is where the real learning is.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-weight: bold;">3. Put yourself in her shoes.</b> When our tween tells us about a friend who is suddenly distant, upset, or hasn't been as good a friend lately, teaching her to pause to consider what else might be happening in her friend's life has been a game changer. Parents deployed or divorcing or having a beloved family member with a serious illness are situations our tween's friends have faced and having an adult help provide perspective on what their friend might be walking through has helped our tweens be supportive and understanding instead of upset or offended.</div><div><p></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-weight: bold;">4. Learn to set healthy boundaries.</b> Teaching our daughters to set healthy boundaries around their bodies and emotions is a skill that will serve her well her entire life. Even in friendships, understanding that it's okay to say no when feeling uncomfortable can help prevent situations that will end in drama and conflict.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>5. Give her tools.</b> Helping our daughters develop healthy friendship habits will set them up for successful female friendships their entire life. Our newest book, the <a href="https://amzn.to/2Zsdytm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">100 Daily Acts of Friendship for Girls</a> is written specifically for girls aged 8-12 as they navigate friendships in upper elementary and middle school. With a scripture, short story,</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNsfgMxwHJI9a7xhUtKdK5xiYJWi_h-2iYXokow-brPerTfTc9vMKHURsS4kOHG6xbeDB_JPj6g7kfiG9M2kz-6uyJguh-Ng9edZAmjVcDht4irodevEfnnwymToWOhzQ-Ue6Cnkda1GQ/s375/girls+friendship+book.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="250" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNsfgMxwHJI9a7xhUtKdK5xiYJWi_h-2iYXokow-brPerTfTc9vMKHURsS4kOHG6xbeDB_JPj6g7kfiG9M2kz-6uyJguh-Ng9edZAmjVcDht4irodevEfnnwymToWOhzQ-Ue6Cnkda1GQ/w133-h200/girls+friendship+book.jpg" width="133" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">reflection questions and 50 fun activities to do with you or friends, it's a wonderful way to encourage your daughter, niece, granddaughter, God daughter and her friends to build healthy friendships from an early age.</div><p></p><div><div style="text-align: justify;">And our adult friendship devotional, <a href="https://amzn.to/2N79yfp" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The One Year Daily Acts of Friendship</a> is a perfect compliment to our book for tweens.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We've also written two kindness devotionals, <a href="https://amzn.to/2ZsIlGw" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The One Year Daily Acts of Kindness Devotional</a> and <a href="https://amzn.to/3s7rTYf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">100 Days of Kindness</a>. They tell the story of how our families embarked on a one-year journey of kindness, and include our successes, failures, and the encouragement you need as a family to incorporate kindness into your own life.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We would love to walk alongside you in encouragement, inspiration, and community. You can follow us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheRuthExperience" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/theruthexperience/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> as The Ruth Experience or sign up for our monthly newsletter (no spam, ever), <a href="https://view.flodesk.com/pages/5f14a63ddd1a8a0026489e7f" target="_blank">here</a>.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>Julie, Kendra, and Kristin<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><i>Photo credit: Branding with Savannah @savvyphotagebranding </i></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07340127954483068903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9129045009262289661.post-77148787615201150172021-02-03T14:05:00.000-06:002021-02-03T14:05:01.705-06:00What Others Don't See<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsE4HzUBO8Me8CqHRHhItcQJxHdRt1E_cOJwoFWhTqm10QFgK_4o5gRPNbEroqXvCv7AmiLxwGqy_C2vy3fPdZqp2CaUXaisdNSnC73-5WyXn1KOoH-_h7yqcbhR8ulozPrjJ_e_0WLL_o/s2048/IMG_5303.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsE4HzUBO8Me8CqHRHhItcQJxHdRt1E_cOJwoFWhTqm10QFgK_4o5gRPNbEroqXvCv7AmiLxwGqy_C2vy3fPdZqp2CaUXaisdNSnC73-5WyXn1KOoH-_h7yqcbhR8ulozPrjJ_e_0WLL_o/w640-h427/IMG_5303.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>While scrolling our most recent family photos, I pause on the ones of Kyle and I. In them, we’re laughing and smiling, even cuddled up in an embrace. While thinking about which one to post, I was immediately struck by how happy we were in the photos, yes, but also how deceiving that could make our relationship seem to others on the outside looking in.<div> <br />And it crossed my mind that just a short 18 months earlier, Kyle and I walked through the hardest season of our marriage to date. It was the first time the thought of living apart from one another ever seriously crossed my mind. It was a season of sitting with pain, getting honest, bearing hard truths, and offering apologies and promises of something different. Something new.</div><div><br />There were tears and sleepless nights. Exposing deep wounds. There were therapy sessions, honest ongoing conversations without taking offense, and friends who prayed over us when we didn’t have the words or the strength to believe the good for ourselves.</div><div> <br />And this is the lie that sometimes permeates social media: The lie that someone else’s life and marriage is perfect. Ideal. When that’s simply not the case.</div><div> <br />Kyle and I love each other as imperfect people who both brought baggage to our relationship that needed to be exposed and addressed. And we’re still working on it.</div><div> <br />So why do I tell you all of this? Because I know some of you are in a hard spot right now. And maybe no one knows what you’re going through. Maybe others have voiced their concerns and you aren’t sure where to start. Maybe you’re too embarrassed to reach out.</div><div><br />Can I tell you in the most loving way, friend, that sometimes we need the guidance and listening ear of others to grow and be better. Therapists and counselors are amazing at helping us do the hard work. Sometimes medication is needed.</div><div> <br />No matter what, I know you were not meant to walk through a hard season alone. God is near. And he uses others to help us find healing. Wholeness. Deeper relationships with loved ones.</div><div><br />This year, let’s look at the places in our lives that need to be addressed and do the hard work to get help. And even more importantly, to be healed. We’re praying for you, friend.</div><div><br /></div><div>Kendra</div>Kendrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00697085413398279728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9129045009262289661.post-49361946718977329342020-11-23T07:09:00.019-06:002021-10-17T07:58:47.418-05:00Join us for 25 Days of Christmas Kindness<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTvITmNWzJa7U7mAVgk1e9VkDQEBYJkCeq7SFiTDUsh-9r2gKQKA0ISJ_2E9TrfAv3Q_q0daSHgIiBNQcd4c8eUS2JESULto5ay5IWZW1xAOyeq6_xBb7wsFIOnXVEYRCVK54PXEOkjF4/s2048/lydia-matzal-9LfcAIYcl9o-unsplash.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTvITmNWzJa7U7mAVgk1e9VkDQEBYJkCeq7SFiTDUsh-9r2gKQKA0ISJ_2E9TrfAv3Q_q0daSHgIiBNQcd4c8eUS2JESULto5ay5IWZW1xAOyeq6_xBb7wsFIOnXVEYRCVK54PXEOkjF4/s16000/lydia-matzal-9LfcAIYcl9o-unsplash.jpg" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">It's
our 9th year of 25 Days of Christmas Kindness. Nine years of doing one kind
act each day from December 1-25. Nine years of feeling the joy of helping another person; nine years of failing miserably, at times. Nine years of trying to change our
children's hearts from focusing on "me, me, me"—only to realize that we
ourselves are just as much in need of a heart change. </p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">Each year has been a new adventure, but this year, we're trying something new.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">We're creating a 25 Days of Kindness group in Facebook. Why should you join? </p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">Because we'll be sharing ideas every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday throughout December, hosting Facebook lives and offering giveaways! </p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">It'll be a positive place to share some Christmas cheer and we'd love for
you to join us! </p><p style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/668358087441122">Click here to request to join the group. </a></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">We'll also occasionally post on our social
media platforms (<a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheRuthExperience/" target="_blank">Facebook</a> or <a href="https://www.instagram.com/theruthexperience/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>).</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">Looking for ideas? Here's are some of the things we've done over the years, complete with handy photos and links: <a href="http://www.theruthexperience.com/2012/12/advent-acts-of-kindness-remix.html" target="_blank">2012</a>, <a href="http://www.theruthexperience.com/2013/12/advent-acts-of-kindness-2013-recap.html" target="_blank">2013</a>, <a href="http://www.theruthexperience.com/2014/12/25-days-of-kindness.html" target="_blank">2014</a>, <a href="http://www.theruthexperience.com/2015/12/25-days-of-kindness-2015-edition.html" target="_blank">2015</a>, <a href="http://www.theruthexperience.com/2016/12/25-days-of-kindness-completed-2016.html" target="_blank">2016</a> and <a href="http://www.theruthexperience.com/2018/01/25-days-of-kindness-complete.html" target="_blank">2018</a>.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">All too often, we see hard things in the world and we feel paralyzed, like the problem is simply too big or that our small efforts won’t
amount to anything. But as a mom, I want to show my kids that that’s not
true, that kindness matters and that we can feel empowered to do
something or to help others. This Christmas season, that's my prayer for
you, too—that you feel empowered and loved by a God who sees and knows
you, and who wants to make his love and kindness known to the world,
too—through you.</p><p><b>Are you looking for more resources? Have you checked out our books?</b></p><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXML8ASm_cdhdb421LFr7wc8yvA0_OCww1ToNhVdBfko7Sp_319om7PpJuED1gNbmImgyY5OVR5MzBtlUi18rTWyG4GxC4-Rs5V67RzBDJo65D2cbyBfe80iiFlDm_8_RcxCaj7sJMw1I/s2240/Photo+of+our+books.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="2240" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXML8ASm_cdhdb421LFr7wc8yvA0_OCww1ToNhVdBfko7Sp_319om7PpJuED1gNbmImgyY5OVR5MzBtlUi18rTWyG4GxC4-Rs5V67RzBDJo65D2cbyBfe80iiFlDm_8_RcxCaj7sJMw1I/w640-h200/Photo+of+our+books.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div>We've written two kindness devotionals, <i><a href="https://amzn.to/3g4nL8i" target="_blank">The One Year Daily Acts of Kindness</a></i> and <i><a href="https://amzn.to/3cxhBLI" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">100 Days of Kindness</a></i>. They tell the story of how our families embarked on a one-year journey of kindness, and include our successes, failures, and the encouragement you need as a family to incorporate kindness into your own life.<br /><div><br /></div><div>Our newest book, <i><a href="https://amzn.to/3gkHv6L" target="_blank">One Good Word a Day</a></i>, offers simple but deeply spiritual meditations that will help readers linger on one word each day so they can identify and reflect on how Jesus as the Word influences their daily lives. </div><div> </div><div><div>Looking for encouragement in your friendships? Our adult friendship devotional, <i><a href="https://amzn.to/3ve4R3q" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The One Year Daily Acts of Friendship</a></i>, includes a daily scripture, story, and friendship prompt. It's encouraging and slightly challenging (in a good way!) in helping you find, keep, and love your friends. </div><div> </div></div><div>Our devotional for tweens is a great complement to our devotional for women! <i><a href="https://amzn.to/2RCx5a6" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">100 Daily Acts of Friendship for Girls</a></i> is written specifically for girls ages 8-12 as they navigate friendships in upper elementary and middle school. With a scripture, short story, reflection questions and 50 fun activities to do with you or friends, it's a wonderful way to encourage your daughter, niece, granddaughter, God daughter and her friends to build healthy friendships from an early age.</div><div><div><br /></div><div>We would love to walk alongside you in encouragement, inspiration, and community. You can follow us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheRuthExperience" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/theruthexperience/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> as The Ruth Experience or sign up for our monthly newsletter (no spam, ever), <a href="https://view.flodesk.com/pages/5f14a63ddd1a8a0026489e7f" target="_blank">here</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div><i style="background-color: white; border: 0px none; letter-spacing: 0.6px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">If you already have one of our books and love them, we'd so appreciate it if you leave a review on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XKXRPXH/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1#customerReviews" style="background-image: linear-gradient(transparent 0px, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0) 0px); background-position: 0px 0.7em; background-repeat: no-repeat; border: 0px none; color: #c0b283; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.5s ease 0s; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Amazon</a>.</i><span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: 0.6px; text-align: justify;"> </span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: 0.6px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: 0.6px; text-align: justify;">We're in this together,</span></div><div><br />Julie, Kendra, and Kristin</div></div>
Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04900199561741784969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9129045009262289661.post-67352800195214994442020-04-30T08:51:00.002-05:002021-06-02T15:50:27.188-05:00Teaching Kids Kindness with Allie Casazza {podcast}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCVP4fPI9vAvFUXU-I-xf6gdZVcvzUkmmmsNx-3VrJmOhFji6Sr7FbsIEqMXwuRzFFNqP1JThM8ta-A3Y_CsBi2c1h0c77NYd36YQkHa9H1F5lstgguPTFIXE1mHjM3PrFtSBRoijLS4w/s1600/alliepodcast.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="940" height="536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCVP4fPI9vAvFUXU-I-xf6gdZVcvzUkmmmsNx-3VrJmOhFji6Sr7FbsIEqMXwuRzFFNqP1JThM8ta-A3Y_CsBi2c1h0c77NYd36YQkHa9H1F5lstgguPTFIXE1mHjM3PrFtSBRoijLS4w/s640/alliepodcast.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">When Allie Casazza invited us on her <a href="https://alliecasazza.com/shownotes/064-2/" target="_blank">podcast</a> to chat with her about raising kids, kindness, and everything in between, we jumped at the chance! We so enjoyed visiting with her about what has worked, what doesn't, and what we still struggle with as moms who are raising kind kids. </span></div>
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<div style="border: 0px; letter-spacing: 0.6px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNsfgMxwHJI9a7xhUtKdK5xiYJWi_h-2iYXokow-brPerTfTc9vMKHURsS4kOHG6xbeDB_JPj6g7kfiG9M2kz-6uyJguh-Ng9edZAmjVcDht4irodevEfnnwymToWOhzQ-Ue6Cnkda1GQ/s375/girls+friendship+book.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="250" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNsfgMxwHJI9a7xhUtKdK5xiYJWi_h-2iYXokow-brPerTfTc9vMKHURsS4kOHG6xbeDB_JPj6g7kfiG9M2kz-6uyJguh-Ng9edZAmjVcDht4irodevEfnnwymToWOhzQ-Ue6Cnkda1GQ/w133-h200/girls+friendship+book.jpg" width="133" /></a></div><b style="letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left;">Are you looking for more resources? </b>Our newest book, the <a href="https://amzn.to/2Zsdytm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">100 Daily Acts of Friendship for Girls</a> is written specifically for girls aged 8-12 as they navigate friendships in upper elementary and middle school. With a scripture, short story, reflection questions and 50 fun activities to do with you or friends, it's a wonderful way to encourage your daughter, niece, granddaughter, God daughter and her friends to build healthy friendships from an early age.<span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.6px;">And our adult friendship devotional, </span><a href="https://amzn.to/2N79yfp" rel="nofollow" style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.6px;" target="_blank">The One Year Daily Acts of Friendship</a><span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.6px;"> is a perfect compliment to our book for tweens.</span><div><br />We've also written two kindness devotionals, <a href="https://amzn.to/2ZsIlGw" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The One Year Daily Acts of Kindness Devotional</a> and <a href="https://amzn.to/3s7rTYf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">100 Days of Kindness</a>. They tell the story of how our families embarked on a one-year journey of kindness, and<br /> include our successes, failures, and the encouragement you need as a family to incorporate kindness into your own life.<br /><br />We would love to walk alongside you in encouragement, inspiration, and community. You can follow us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheRuthExperience" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/theruthexperience/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> as The Ruth Experience or sign up for our monthly newsletter (no spam, ever), <a href="https://view.flodesk.com/pages/5f14a63ddd1a8a0026489e7f" target="_blank">here</a>.<br /><br />Julie, Kendra, and Kristin<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><i>Photo credit: Branding with Savannah @savvyphotagebranding </i></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br style="letter-spacing: normal;" /></div></div><div style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></div>
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Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07340127954483068903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9129045009262289661.post-5915227402108812922020-04-28T07:56:00.004-05:002021-10-26T19:39:05.204-05:004 Ways to Stay Connected With Friends<div class="separator"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1CIlFiTdWUJ23DYftfrXEJSjHHLQ2BOGENEWhTOZSEDTqqC1lHgPLVtN1Pqr6p77Ezb9sqfEq7Kv2aEiMa1Z-01HGv6Wjgeg32mwmJ4BbSUi52rIFuBDmCu3C6grPmlWibTkY99jcFjI/s1600/Canva+-+Friends+Having+Coffee.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1CIlFiTdWUJ23DYftfrXEJSjHHLQ2BOGENEWhTOZSEDTqqC1lHgPLVtN1Pqr6p77Ezb9sqfEq7Kv2aEiMa1Z-01HGv6Wjgeg32mwmJ4BbSUi52rIFuBDmCu3C6grPmlWibTkY99jcFjI/w200-h133/Canva+-+Friends+Having+Coffee.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div>In the midst of feeling sad and disconnected during a socially distanced year, my friends and family have reconnected in some really creative, fun, life-giving ways that we've kept up because we've loved it so much. Some of these ideas might work for you and your loved ones:</div><div>
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">1. Marco Polo. I'd heard of the Marco Polo app several years ago but never got around to trying the video messenger app. I currently have multiple friend group conversations going on Marco Polo, and it has become my friend lifeline during this season of life. I especially love that video messages can be recorded at any time and watched later. I often watch the day's videos as I cook dinner, as I snuggle into bed for the night, or as I get up and have my first cup of coffee. We've laughed, cried, and lived a lot of real life with one another over this app.</span><br />
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">2. Snail Mail Tea Party. I had a stash of cute note cards from our pre-pandemic life, and I've started sending them off to friends, family, and anyone else who crosses my mind during this time. Did you know a tea bag can be mailed in a card without needing any additional postage? Yep! You can send your friends a cup of tea and a sweet note as a day brightener. If you don't have cute note cards, don't sweat it. I've been known to use a piece of notebook paper with my own silly sketches for decoration.</span><br /><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9JJ_2EBgZGGb8qi9LaVlnyDnvujN46zW0ldVV0loKqDGG_jz-ymnu3hf_z3PhzVJxkRhjmvEv0n_qg3y860O2QUkn0Ub4px8ed0iCamfoBb_EdM_loQMk_PeUnT5FOEQHAG5wnTdT5xw/s2048/365+friendship+book.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1346" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9JJ_2EBgZGGb8qi9LaVlnyDnvujN46zW0ldVV0loKqDGG_jz-ymnu3hf_z3PhzVJxkRhjmvEv0n_qg3y860O2QUkn0Ub4px8ed0iCamfoBb_EdM_loQMk_PeUnT5FOEQHAG5wnTdT5xw/w131-h200/365+friendship+book.jpg" width="131" /></a></div>3. Video Conference Game Night. We have a weekly video chat with my husband's family. It's become a favorite weekly activity as all the cousins gather around and join in the conversation. We've created an agenda of sorts - we spend a few minutes talking about how our weeks have gone before answering an ice breaker question (where do you want to travel to, where would you like to live, etc...). As the conversation slows down, we start a virtual game. We've played Pictionary on the Zoom white board, and have played card games and Bingo through online websites. We're learning things we never knew about one another, and the cousins add a layer of hilarity to everything with their funny comments.</span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br />4. Texted Prayers. I adopted this habit several years ago, long before COVID-19. Rather than telling someone I'm praying for them in response to hard news, I've started pausing whatever it was I was doing to send them a prayer via text. There is something incredibly powerful about being able to reread words someone has prayed over you while sitting in the doctor's office, or while laying awake up in the middle of the night with worry. Don't be self-conscious about praying "out loud"—the words you write will be precious to the recipient, <span>even if they aren't perfect.</span></span><br />
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<div style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><div style="letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left;"><b>Are you looking for more resources? Have you checked out our books?</b><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXML8ASm_cdhdb421LFr7wc8yvA0_OCww1ToNhVdBfko7Sp_319om7PpJuED1gNbmImgyY5OVR5MzBtlUi18rTWyG4GxC4-Rs5V67RzBDJo65D2cbyBfe80iiFlDm_8_RcxCaj7sJMw1I/s2240/Photo+of+our+books.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="2240" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXML8ASm_cdhdb421LFr7wc8yvA0_OCww1ToNhVdBfko7Sp_319om7PpJuED1gNbmImgyY5OVR5MzBtlUi18rTWyG4GxC4-Rs5V67RzBDJo65D2cbyBfe80iiFlDm_8_RcxCaj7sJMw1I/w640-h200/Photo+of+our+books.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div>Our newest book, <i><a href="https://amzn.to/3gkHv6L" target="_blank">One Good Word a Day</a></i>, offers simple but deeply spiritual meditations that will help readers linger on one word each day so they can identify and reflect on how Jesus as the Word influences their daily lives. </div><div> </div><div><div>Looking for encouragement in your friendships? Our adult friendship devotional, <i><a href="https://amzn.to/3ve4R3q" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The One Year Daily Acts of Friendship</a></i>, includes a daily scripture, story, and friendship prompt. It's encouraging and slightly challenging (in a good way!) in helping you find, keep, and love your friends. </div><div> </div></div><div>Our devotional for tweens is a great complement to our devotional for women! <i><a href="https://amzn.to/2RCx5a6" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">100 Daily Acts of Friendship for Girls</a></i> is written specifically for girls ages 8-12 as they navigate friendships in upper elementary and middle school. With a scripture, short story, reflection questions and 50 fun activities to do with you or friends, it's a wonderful way to encourage your daughter, niece, granddaughter, God daughter and her friends to build healthy friendships from an early age.</div><div><div><br /></div><div>We've also written two kindness devotionals, <i><a href="https://amzn.to/3g4nL8i" target="_blank">The One Year Daily Acts of Kindness</a></i> and <i><a href="https://amzn.to/3cxhBLI" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">100 Days of Kindness</a></i>. They tell the story of how our families embarked on a one-year journey of kindness, and include our successes, failures, and the encouragement you need as a family to incorporate kindness into your own life.<br /><br />We would love to walk alongside you in encouragement, inspiration, and community. You can follow us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheRuthExperience" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/theruthexperience/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> as The Ruth Experience or sign up for our monthly newsletter (no spam, ever), <a href="https://view.flodesk.com/pages/5f14a63ddd1a8a0026489e7f" target="_blank">here</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div><i style="border: 0px none; letter-spacing: 0.6px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">If you already have one of our books and love them, we'd so appreciate it if you leave a review on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XKXRPXH/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1#customerReviews" style="background-image: linear-gradient(transparent 0px, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0) 0px); background-position: 0px 0.7em; background-repeat: no-repeat; border: 0px none; color: #c0b283; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.5s ease 0s; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Amazon</a>.</i><span style="letter-spacing: 0.6px; text-align: justify;"> </span></div><div><span style="letter-spacing: 0.6px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="letter-spacing: 0.6px; text-align: justify;">We're in this together,</span></div><div><br />Kendra, Julie and Kristin<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07340127954483068903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9129045009262289661.post-19487783010478180882020-04-27T14:27:00.001-05:002021-03-17T13:04:21.476-05:003 Easy Ways To Encourage Family Kindness<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8dbGWCaGoB8bmlw_dI8De0QtobnnnuMjAHK4UHHz0wN7yUiD-LGbXGMRSyvK7401YFD-CqmjPf0uan4_0OAkq-_oBzh0DQOlXgvZlIZnvBhZFj3yby_CGhwcb0Hc3kmvuJ8cGgvecUXA/s1600/3+Easy+Ways+to+Encourage+Family+Kindness+During+the+Pandemic.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"></span></a><br />
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;">This past year, our kids have been grieving the loss of friends and school activities at the same time they are suddenly finding themselves navigating distance learning. It's only natural to have days with frayed tempers and big feelings, especially when we're all cooped up at home. </span></div>
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;">We're always looking for fun and easy ways to encourage kindness in our homes, and we're sharing our ideas and resources with you! </span></div>
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><b>1. Kindness Bingo.</b> Create your own bingo card filled with simple kind acts your family can do for one another with this free <a href="https://myfreebingocards.com/bingo-card-generator" target="_blank">bingo card generator</a>. The first to reach a bingo on their card through kind acts get a prize - maybe it's choosing dinner that night, an extra cookie for dessert, or whatever else motivates your family. </span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><b>2. Add kindness to the chore chart. </b>My friend incorporates a required kind act on her children's weekly chore chart. Her children have the flexibility to decide what they are going to do, but they are responsible for looking for an opportunity and responding. They talk about it over dinner at the end of the week, with my friend helping the younger children unpack how they kind act made them feel, how their sibling felt, and what other ideas they might have for the next week. </span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-size: large;"><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-size: large;">3. Gratitude lists during prayer. </b><span style="font-size: large;">As my family sits down to dinner, we've each started listing three things we are grateful for before one of us prayers over the meal. It is a great way to reset our attitude if the day has been frustrating and helps us remember what is going right with our day and week. We've found this to be a simple way to encourage ourselves and one another. It would be easy to turn this into a list of things we are grateful about each other some nights to keep it fresh and to keep us thinking of new things.</span></div></div>
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;">If you are looking for additional kindness resources, sign up for our <a href="https://mailchi.mp/54fbc3224345/theruthexperience" style="background-image: linear-gradient(transparent 0px, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0) 0px); background-position: 0px 0.7em; background-repeat: no-repeat; border: 0px; color: #c0b283; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.5s ease 0s; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">email</a> list. We send out a monthly newsletter filled with resources and freebies.</span></div>
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;">You can follow us on Instagram as <a href="https://www.instagram.com/theruthexperience/?hl=en" style="background-image: linear-gradient(transparent 0px, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0) 0px); background-position: 0px 0.7em; background-repeat: no-repeat; border: 0px; color: #c0b283; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.5s ease 0s; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">The Ruth Experience</a> for additional encouragement, ideas, and camaraderie. </span><br />
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Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07340127954483068903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9129045009262289661.post-85071781817418363972019-07-10T08:20:00.001-05:002019-07-10T08:20:38.868-05:00This Will Be the Death of Me and Maybe That’s a Good Thing {(in)courage Guest Post}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br /><i><br />This is going to be the death of me.</i><br /><br />It’s a statement I’ve made often over the past several months, mostly under my breath and to myself.<br /><br />One of my children has been struggling in a variety of ways, all stemming from a traumatic childhood lived outside of our home. He came to us through the foster care system at eight years old and has done fairly well — until last fall, when behaviors and attitudes started to ooze out, casting dark shadows over his countenance and our relationship.<br /><br />I have to admit I haven’t always met him in this season with kindness or compassion. Often, I’ve left conversations with him wishing I’d approached it differently. And although apologies were exchanged, it still seemed like we were slogging through the months amidst anger and animosity.<br /><br />It finally reached a point where we realized there was nothing more we could do ourselves and decided to reach out for help from professionals. They affirmed our concerns about his mental health and have implemented strategies to assist him, and those approaches are working to a certain extent. Dealing with trauma is a long road, one where you often feel like you are further down the path and then something slams you back and you realize you’re closer to the beginning than you realized.<br /><br />It can be slow — painfully slow — and that is where I found myself these past several months with the thought, <i>This will be the death of me.</i><br /><br />I’ve been embarrassed to admit this to anyone other than my husband, who looks at me blankly when I say it — he knows better than to argue with me in those moments — but who I know would like to offer me all the reasons why our family will be okay.<br /><br />The other morning, I lamented to him, “I know that God can do anything, but this just feels hopeless. I worry because I don’t see how things can be different.”<div>
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Kendrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00697085413398279728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9129045009262289661.post-87204870216022161512019-06-29T07:28:00.000-05:002019-06-29T07:28:34.358-05:00One Thing You Can Do to Give Your Kids a Better Future<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We arrived at the classroom that was full of musical instruments and brightly colored floor tiles, risers and folding chairs lined up in rows to greet us. My husband and I found seats in the front and watched as the students began to file in, waving at smiling parents who returned their greeting.<br>
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My daughter Jasmine was performing a variety of tunes and dances she had learned along with the rest of her third-grade class. Between songs, I watched as she bent down quickly to tie her partner’s shoe. Smiling, the little girl with Down's syndrome waited patiently for Jasmine to finish before they both launched into the actions for the next song.<br>
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<a href="http://www.theruthexperience.com/2019/06/one-thing-you-can-do-to-give-your-kids.html#more"></a>Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04900199561741784969noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9129045009262289661.post-30747685473127588232018-11-27T07:08:00.002-06:002021-10-17T08:05:24.044-05:00Christmas Acts of Kindness<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Welcome to another year of Christmas Acts of Kindness! </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;">When our families first embarked upon our adventure in kindness seven years ago, we didn't realize that we were also empowering our children to respond to disasters and wrong-doing and crisis with the question of how they can help rather than watching events unfold with helplessness and despair. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818;">Mr</span>. Rogers (my favorite show as a young child) said<span style="background-color: white;"> it best: </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, 'Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.' To this day, especially in times of 'disaster,' I remember my mother's words and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers – so many caring people in this world.”</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Advent has, for us, become a favorite event on the liturgical calendar; a time to pause in wonder as we anticipate the birth of our Savior, but also an opportunity to bring the Good News to those around us through intentional kindness, to train our children (and ourselves) to be the helpers Fred Rogers was taught to look for in the midst of bad news. </span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><p>Each year has been a new adventure, but this year, we're trying something new.</p><p><br /></p><p>We're creating a 25 Days of Kindness group in Facebook. Why should you join? </p><p><br /></p><p>Because we'll be sharing ideas every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday throughout December, hosting Facebook lives and offering giveaways! </p><p><br /></p><p>It'll be a positive place to share some Christmas cheer and we'd love for you to join us! </p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/668358087441122">Click here to request to join the group. </a></p><p><br /></p><p>We'll also occasionally post on our social media platforms (<a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheRuthExperience/" target="_blank">Facebook</a> or <a href="https://www.instagram.com/theruthexperience/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>).</p><p><br /></p><p>Looking for ideas? Here's are some of the things we've done over the years, complete with handy photos and links: <a href="http://www.theruthexperience.com/2012/12/advent-acts-of-kindness-remix.html" target="_blank">2012</a>, <a href="http://www.theruthexperience.com/2013/12/advent-acts-of-kindness-2013-recap.html" target="_blank">2013</a>, <a href="http://www.theruthexperience.com/2014/12/25-days-of-kindness.html" target="_blank">2014</a>, <a href="http://www.theruthexperience.com/2015/12/25-days-of-kindness-2015-edition.html" target="_blank">2015</a>, <a href="http://www.theruthexperience.com/2016/12/25-days-of-kindness-completed-2016.html" target="_blank">2016</a> and <a href="http://www.theruthexperience.com/2018/01/25-days-of-kindness-complete.html" target="_blank">2018</a>.</p><p><br /></p>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">All too often, we see hard things in the world and we feel paralyzed, like the problem is simply too big or that our small efforts won’t amount to anything. But as a mom, I want to show my kids that that’s not true, that kindness matters and that we can feel empowered to do something or to help others. This Christmas season, that's my prayer for you, too--that you feel empowered and loved by a God who sees and knows you, and who wants to make his love and kindness known to the world, too--through you.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><p style="text-align: left;"><b>Are you looking for more resources? Have you checked out our books?</b></p><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXML8ASm_cdhdb421LFr7wc8yvA0_OCww1ToNhVdBfko7Sp_319om7PpJuED1gNbmImgyY5OVR5MzBtlUi18rTWyG4GxC4-Rs5V67RzBDJo65D2cbyBfe80iiFlDm_8_RcxCaj7sJMw1I/s2240/Photo+of+our+books.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="2240" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXML8ASm_cdhdb421LFr7wc8yvA0_OCww1ToNhVdBfko7Sp_319om7PpJuED1gNbmImgyY5OVR5MzBtlUi18rTWyG4GxC4-Rs5V67RzBDJo65D2cbyBfe80iiFlDm_8_RcxCaj7sJMw1I/w640-h200/Photo+of+our+books.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div>Our newest book, <i><a href="https://amzn.to/3gkHv6L" target="_blank">One Good Word a Day</a></i>, offers simple but deeply spiritual meditations that will help readers linger on one word each day so they can identify and reflect on how Jesus as the Word influences their daily lives. </div><div> </div><div><div>Looking for encouragement in your friendships? Our adult friendship devotional, <i><a href="https://amzn.to/3ve4R3q" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The One Year Daily Acts of Friendship</a></i>, includes a daily scripture, story, and friendship prompt. It's encouraging and slightly challenging (in a good way!) in helping you find, keep, and love your friends. </div><div> </div></div><div>Our devotional for tweens is a great complement to our devotional for women! <i><a href="https://amzn.to/2RCx5a6" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">100 Daily Acts of Friendship for Girls</a></i> is written specifically for girls ages 8-12 as they navigate friendships in upper elementary and middle school. With a scripture, short story, reflection questions and 50 fun activities to do with you or friends, it's a wonderful way to encourage your daughter, niece, granddaughter, God daughter and her friends to build healthy friendships from an early age.</div><div><div><br /></div><div>We've also written two kindness devotionals, <i><a href="https://amzn.to/3g4nL8i" target="_blank">The One Year Daily Acts of Kindness</a></i> and <i><a href="https://amzn.to/3cxhBLI" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">100 Days of Kindness</a></i>. They tell the story of how our families embarked on a one-year journey of kindness, and include our successes, failures, and the encouragement you need as a family to incorporate kindness into your own life.<br /><br />We would love to walk alongside you in encouragement, inspiration, and community. You can follow us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheRuthExperience" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/theruthexperience/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> as The Ruth Experience or sign up for our monthly newsletter (no spam, ever), <a href="https://view.flodesk.com/pages/5f14a63ddd1a8a0026489e7f" target="_blank">here</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div><i style="background-color: white; border: 0px none; letter-spacing: 0.6px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">If you already have one of our books and love them, we'd so appreciate it if you leave a review on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XKXRPXH/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1#customerReviews" style="background-image: linear-gradient(transparent 0px, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0) 0px); background-position: 0px 0.7em; background-repeat: no-repeat; border: 0px none; color: #c0b283; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.5s ease 0s; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Amazon</a>.</i><span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: 0.6px;"> </span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: 0.6px;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: 0.6px;">We're in this together,</span></div><div><br />Julie, Kendra, and Kristin<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br style="color: black;" /></div></div></div></span></div>
Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07340127954483068903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9129045009262289661.post-11898412621508387472018-10-02T08:27:00.004-05:002018-10-02T08:28:39.522-05:00How Music Gave Me Hope in the Midst of Anxiety<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I woke up in the grip of anxiety, heart thumping and body tense. It started more than a year ago, when actions beyond my control led to a strained relationship and left me feeling wounded and vulnerable. Though I slept well at night, the anxiety returned with a vengeance each morning.<br>
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The way I felt reminded me of a college friend who went to see his doctor because he thought he had a throat problem. Each time he would try to eat, his throat would close up, and swallowing was difficult. But when he went to the doctor, he was told that his physical symptoms were simply a manifestation of the inner anxiety he felt.<br>
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Now, 13 years after hearing my friend’s story, the erratic beat of my heart felt like a reflection of my own inner turmoil, and I wondered how to fix it. Outwardly, I looked fine. And most of the time, I felt fine—until I let my guard down enough to feel the anxiety that bled out of the soul-deep hurt I felt inside.<br>
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<a href="http://www.theruthexperience.com/2018/10/how-music-gave-me-hope-in-midst-of.html#more"></a>Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04900199561741784969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9129045009262289661.post-40385610414527019692018-09-02T10:44:00.002-05:002021-04-12T09:04:05.919-05:00Teaching Kids Kindness {7 Day Free Devotional}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Intentional kindness - when you get down to it - does not come naturally. It often requires putting someone else first (emotionally, physically, financially), and that can be really HARD. And yet, that is exactly what we are commanded to do in Micah 6:8: </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">[W]hat does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8 (ESV)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The question, then, is how do we instill an instinct for kindness in our children? How do we encourage them to set aside their own wants and desires to help someone else? How do we cultivate a mindset of generosity and kindness when much of what we see in the culture around us is self-centered? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">When our publisher asked us to submit a </span><a href="https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/12506-teaching-kids-kindness" style="font-family: inherit;">seven-day devotional</a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> to the </span><a href="https://www.bible.com/" style="font-family: inherit;">YouVersion</a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> app specifically devoted to teaching kids kindness, we were excited and yet slightly trepidatious to tackle this subject. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Let's be honest, we're still in the midst of this parenting journey, our kids (and us, frankly) sometimes fall short of the mark. Given this confession, how can we possibly be the "experts" to tell other parents what to do? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">But, God. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">God is the redeemer of us and our children. He is the redeemer of our best intentions gone astray, and he gives us new days, new tries and new opportunities to get it right. He commands us to be kind and then walks alongside us in the journey.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">That's the beauty of learning to be intentionally kind: it is a journey, not a destination. We don't get it right every time, but we apologize when necessary and then try again. We, as parents, are in this for the long haul; we don't quit after a hard day, we regroup, take our failures to God and start the next morning afresh. And we teach our children to do the same. <br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We've written this devotional with our fellow parents in mind - to act as an encouragement rather than as a guilt-inducer - to cheer you on and equip you with ideas and resources that have worked for us, to share stories that will spark inspiration within your own circles, family and beyond. If you love the 7 day devotional, you'll love our book, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">If you haven't discovered the </span><a href="https://www.bible.com/" style="font-family: inherit;">YouVersion</a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> app yet, it's an amazing resource filled with tools to support and encourage your entire family's faith journey. We love it, and we are beyond honored and humbled to now be a tiny part of it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">You can download our reading plan </span><a href="https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/12506-teaching-kids-kindness" style="font-family: inherit;">HERE</a><span style="font-family: inherit;">. </span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Are you looking for more resources? Have you checked out our books?</b><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgW96ev_tyIAvZvfRelDJD_CdMrYMNIA1TLJV9ZBuGNlwsyvXt8vY1veeBphAIvYfStpr2-Hskt-8w6-w533PZUjMhke0W6saUaZnYGoHDM6910AkHqWUoUErkcDAl_WyaCdhLkf3wrxQ/s2798/all+books+for+purchase.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1124" data-original-width="2798" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgW96ev_tyIAvZvfRelDJD_CdMrYMNIA1TLJV9ZBuGNlwsyvXt8vY1veeBphAIvYfStpr2-Hskt-8w6-w533PZUjMhke0W6saUaZnYGoHDM6910AkHqWUoUErkcDAl_WyaCdhLkf3wrxQ/w640-h258/all+books+for+purchase.png" width="640" /></a></div>Our newest book, the <a href="https://amzn.to/2Zsdytm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">100 Daily Acts of Friendship for Girls</a> is written specifically for girls aged 8-12 as they navigate friendships in upper elementary and middle school. With a scripture, short story, reflection questions and 50 fun activities to do with you or friends, it's a wonderful way to encourage your daughter, niece, granddaughter, God daughter and her friends to build healthy friendships from an early age.</div><div><p></p><div>And our adult friendship devotional, <a href="https://amzn.to/2N79yfp" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The One Year Daily Acts of Friendship</a> is a perfect compliment to our book for tweens. With a daily scripture, story, and friendship prompt, its encouraging and slightly challenging (in a good way!) as you find, keep, and love your friends. </div><div><br /></div><div>We've also written two kindness devotionals, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Year-Daily-Acts-Kindness-Devotional-ebook/dp/B06XKXRPXH" target="_blank">The One Year Daily Acts of Kindness</a> and <a href="https://amzn.to/3s7rTYf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">100 Days of Kindness</a>. They tell the story of how our families embarked on a one-year journey of kindness, and include our successes, failures, and the encouragement you need as a family to incorporate kindness into your own life.<br /><br />We would love to walk alongside you in encouragement, inspiration, and community. You can follow us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheRuthExperience" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/theruthexperience/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> as The Ruth Experience or sign up for our monthly newsletter (no spam, ever), <a href="https://view.flodesk.com/pages/5f14a63ddd1a8a0026489e7f" target="_blank">here</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div><i style="background-color: white; border: 0px; letter-spacing: 0.6px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">If you already have one of our books and love them, we'd so appreciate it if you leave a review on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XKXRPXH/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1#customerReviews" style="background-image: linear-gradient(transparent 0px, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0) 0px); background-position: 0px 0.7em; background-repeat: no-repeat; border: 0px; color: #c0b283; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.5s ease 0s; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Amazon</a>.</i><span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: 0.6px;"> </span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: 0.6px;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: 0.6px;">We're in this together,</span></div><div><br />Julie, Kendra, and Kristin<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div></div></span>
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Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07340127954483068903noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9129045009262289661.post-81860636226181185572018-08-19T14:10:00.004-05:002018-10-01T22:18:34.177-05:0020 Acts of Kindness for Fall <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>Fall is a perfect time of year for kindness! </b><br />
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<a href="https://mailchi.mp/54fbc3224345/theruthexperience" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlzKJjCqNGyJEtAbkXW41wTnTeqmyeXzuniR2jaLloMdOkDuQZqUZXidlsGg1_67o9DTYrTagfWAUO9EOZszeRLhJmnHAs3WvDdZX6XeKR82iw79rQvnO94d8ruPW1R2UvqR3jyPbCUieA/s320/Fall+kindness+meme.png" width="320" /></a><b></b></div>
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With kids back in school and the change of seasons upon us, it's the perfect time to incorporate some acts of kindness into your fall schedule! <br />
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<a href="https://mailchi.mp/54fbc3224345/theruthexperience" target="_blank">Click the link</a> to receive our list of ideas for acts of kindness that kids and parents can do--simply download and save or print off and hang on your fridge as a reminder!<br />
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You can also join our Facebook <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/387589174971486/?ref=group_browse_new" target="_blank">Intentional Kindness Community</a> and follow us on Instagram as <a href="https://www.instagram.com/theruthexperience/?hl=en" target="_blank">The Ruth Experience</a> for additional encouragement, ideas, and camaraderie. </div>
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Finally - have you bought our book, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XKXRPXH/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1" target="_blank">The One Year Daily Acts of Kindness Devotional</a>?<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XKXRPXH/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRrbwaUgKDD8e503sstUalkOjzUrUSTATpgBD1_2nO_zrTyPG1hshEKp2r1eoOsK2G3swLET5qpfiHtE4qorqgoHXlx5-hKg1pD4CkSyK2SangbgRxra-1OJpB8WG5QrN26Ui2vmRkISs/s200/kindness+cover.jpg" width="133" /></a>It is the story of how our families embarked on a one year journey of kindness - our successes, failures and how God redeemed it all in the most incredible ways. <i>If you already have our book and love it, we'd so appreciate it if you leave a review on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XKXRPXH/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1#customerReviews" target="_blank">Amazon</a>.</i> <br />
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We'd love to see what you're doing, so be sure to tag us with your kind acts and use the hashtags #kindnesscounts and #kindnessmatters<br />
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Kendrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00697085413398279728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9129045009262289661.post-62660753313916632112018-04-25T07:41:00.004-05:002021-03-28T09:12:59.624-05:00Why I Continue to Invite: Loving the Imperfect Welcome {Guest Post}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i style="caret-color: rgb(69, 65, 65); color: #454141; font-family: Arimo; font-size: 14.3px; letter-spacing: 1.001px; text-size-adjust: auto;">We've had the honor of knowing<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://welcomeheart.com/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #e9d0d5; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Sue Moore Donaldson</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>for a few years now and love the simple way she offers encouragement and easy ways to show God's love through hospitality and mentoring! Sue is nothing if not honest and real about how she chooses to share the love and hospitality of God (however imperfectly) with others. We know you're going to love her and her wisdom as much as we do. (We're also giving away a copy of her book Hospitality 101:</i><i><span style="color: #454141; font-family: "arimo"; font-size: 14.3px; letter-spacing: 1.001px;"> </span>Lessons From the Ultimate Host A 12-Week Bible Study! See details at the end of this post!)</i><br>
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Because God welcomed me perfectly, shouldn’t I welcome others perfectly? <br>
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That doesn't happen. Ever.<br>
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I've learned to love the imperfect welcome. With me, it's the only kind, yet God kindly uses imperfect offerings--culinary fails, awkward conversations, and a house with mice and no walls. In spite of my messy self, God does sweet wonders for those extra people at my table. So I keep inviting, anyway. Cooking and hosting, imperfectly--and I love it. <br>
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<a href="http://www.theruthexperience.com/2018/04/why-i-continue-to-invite-loving.html#more"></a>Kendrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00697085413398279728noreply@blogger.com20