10 Outdoor Fall Activities for Grandparents and Grandkids to Enjoy Together Fall is here, and the weather is cooling down. If summer's high temps kept you inside, now is the perfect time to get outside and enjoy those fall temperatures. Even better? Getting outside with your grandkids. Kids love to be outside no matter the weather, so they will be glad to spend time with you.Let's talk about outdoor safety.Before we get into all the fun activities, let's take a minute to talk about outdoor safety. Here are some things to remember:Apply sunscreen. Even though the sun is not as hot, kids still need to wear it.Wear the right clothing. Make sure the kids are wearing comfortable clothes like long-sleeved shirts, pants, and sneakers. Closed-toe shoes are a must this time of year; the days of flip-flops are over.Make sure you spray them with insect repellant so the bugs don't attack.Keep a first aid kit on hand in your car or in your backpack if hiking or camping. You never know when someone will scrape a knee or a hand.Stay hydrated. Keep bottles of water and juice on hand.Disinfectant wipes. These will be very helpful if someone falls and gets their hands dirty or if they need to use them after going to the bathroom when a sink with soap and water isn't available.Light snacks. Keep packs of cookies or crackers or small pieces of fruit on hand for a snack.Your cell phone. Always make sure to fully charge your cell phone and add both emergency numbers and parent numbers to your contacts. If possible, keep a portable charger on hand.A camera. This is an extra reason to keep your cell phone charged. So you can take a lot of pictures. These outdoor activities will become cherished memories one day.Make sure you tell someone where you're going, who is with you, and what you are doing. We live in an uncertain world and you never know when your life will change in an instant. It's always good to let someone know where you are or are going to be.Photo credit: ©GettyImages/monkeybusinessimages
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7 Boundaries God Expects You to Keep Most of us don’t like being told “No.” This seemingly harmless two-letter word can unleash a tsunami of emotions we may have neatly packed away and labeled with a Sharpie, “off limits.” The reality is we often hear more than is being said when we find ourselves on the sending or receiving end of a “no.” While a person may simply be setting a boundary, we may hear a challenge to our identity and authority, which can feel scary and potentially threatening. I remember the first time my cute, little, fat-cheeked, can-do-no-wrong, 1-year-old exercised his human autonomy and told me, “No!” His favorite word quickly became my least. It was as if he proudly pinned a golden badge on his chest, signaling to us all there was a new sheriff in his toddler town who wielded the power to set down the law. My heart questioned how dare this little rascal, who I labored 47 hours to get here, tell me what he was unwilling to do. Blindsided by his response, I forgot the basic truth that God hardwired each of us to start setting boundaries at an early age. Psychologists contend that between 1 and 3 years of age, toddlers begin asserting their independence. With a child’s first “no,” parents gain clarity and insight into their child’s true desires and wants, requiring fewer assumptions. According to the famous developmental psychologist Erik Erickson, a parent’s response to their toddler’s newfound autonomy is pivotal and can affect their development well into adulthood. Critical responses from a caregiver signal to children it is risky to set boundaries, while patient and loving responses communicate that setting boundaries is safe and important. If you struggle with setting boundaries and saying no, you are not alone. A recent study determined almost 60% of Americans have difficulty informing others that a request, action, or behavior is not acceptable. This statistic begs the question, if we are wired by God to set boundaries as children, why are they so hard to set as adults? Some of our hesitance can be traced back to our past experiences. When attempts to set boundaries are met with rejection, disappointment, or anger, old hurts, and wounds can surface, causing us to feel reluctant to set boundaries in the future. Photo credit: ©GettyImages/kupicoo
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Surviving Holiday Stress as a Couple: 10 Ways to Stay Close Holiday stress can strain even the strongest marriages, but this season offers a unique opportunity to deepen your connection with your spouse by embracing sacrificial love and intentional connection. Discover practical strategies for navigating festive chaos, from creative date nights to empathetic communication, and reignite your marital spark through shared experiences and prayer.
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5 Unexpected Ways to Show Your Spouse Appreciation This Thanksgiving Gratitude has changed my marriage—better yet, it has changed me. Too often, I have spouted at my spouse that marriage is a two-way street while my selfishness blocked both sides of the road. Granted, I haven't mastered the art of gratitude, and my marriage is far from perfect... just ask my husband how things go when he doesn't put his dirty socks in the hamper... but there are five unexpected, surprising ways you can show gratitude to your spouse this Thanksgiving. I pray these small actions not only impact your relationship this holiday season but change your marriage for all life's seasons to come.Photo credit: ©GettyImages/skynesher
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7 Ways to Support Your Stressed-Out Spouse This Christmas For some reason, I'm not stressed about Christmas this year, which is unlike me. In years past, I've been a tangled mess of anxiety, worried about all the things. My husband, on the other hand, has always been calm, full of positivity, and willing to support me in any way possible.It's interesting how some find joy in the hustle and bustle while others feel overwhelmed and unsupported. While I'm grateful for my newfound sense of peace, I'm also more aware of how a bit of intentionality can relieve stress and help the holiday feel brighter.If your spouse is stressed out this Christmas, here are a few simple ways to support them. (They really work!)Photo credit: ©GettyImages/Aaron Amat
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