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As Father’s Day approaches, we pause to celebrate the men who have shaped our lives with their strength, wisdom, and love. Fathers are more than providers—they are protectors, teachers, role models, and spiritual leaders. Whether through quiet guidance or bold leadership, their influence reaches deep into the hearts of their children—sons and daughters alike.


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The Role of Fathers in the Lives of Sons

A father teaches his son what it means to be a man—not just in terms of responsibility, but in character, integrity, and perseverance. Sons look to their fathers to learn how to navigate the world, how to treat others, and how to stand firm in faith and values. A loving, present father gives his son a sense of identity and confidence. He shows him how to be strong, yet gentle. How to lead, yet serve. How to love his family, work hard, and honor God.


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The Role of Fathers in the Lives of Daughters

For daughters, a father is often the first man to show her what love, respect, and security feel like. He sets the standard for how she deserves to be treated. A father’s affirming words and consistent presence help shape a daughter’s self-worth. She learns from him that she is valued, protected, and cherished. His steady hand and loving heart give her courage to face the world, knowing she has someone who always has her back.


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Fathers as Spiritual Leaders

In the eyes of faith, fathers hold a sacred role. They are called to lead their families in love, prayer, and righteousness. When a father walks with God, his children are more likely to do the same. His example echoes through generations. Whether reading Scripture together, praying as a family, or simply living with integrity, a godly father leaves a legacy that lasts far beyond his years.


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A Father’s Day Prayer


We thank You for the gift of fathers—biological, adoptive, stepfathers, and spiritual fathers. Thank You for the strength they give, the lessons they teach, and the love they share.


Bless the dads who are raising young children, those mentoring teens, and those guiding adult children with wisdom and grace. Give them patience, courage, and unwavering faith. Help them lead their families with humility, compassion, and truth.


We lift up the fathers who feel overwhelmed or unappreciated. Remind them of their value. Strengthen the weary, comfort the grieving, and renew the hearts of all who carry the weight of fatherhood.


May they find joy in their calling, peace in Your promises, and pride in the legacy they are building. And may all fathers know they are deeply loved—not just today, but every day.


In Jesus’ name, Amen.


This Father’s Day, let’s honor the men who pour their lives into their families. Whether your father is near or far, living or passed on, take a moment to give thanks for him. Reach out, say a prayer, and express your love. For in honoring fathers, we celebrate the strength of family and the grace of God at work in our lives.


 


Quick and Easy Build Projects for Teens and Kids


Looking for fun, hands-on activities that teach real-world skills and boost creativity? Build projects are a fantastic way to get teens and kids off screens and into something constructive—literally! Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or youth leader, these quick and easy projects are perfect for weekend fun or after-school engagement.



Why Build Projects?

  • Hands-on learning: Improves problem-solving, fine motor skills, and confidence.
  • Bonding time: Ideal for parents and children to work together.
  • Screen break: Encourages creativity without digital distractions


1. DIY Birdhouse

Time: 30–60 minutes

Materials: Wood pieces, nails/screws, glue, paint

Let kids build a simple birdhouse and paint it in their own style. This classic project teaches basic assembly and is a great way to support local wildlife.

Buy the kit

2. Mini Toolbox or Caddy

Time: 45 minutes

Materials: Plywood, nails, handle dowel

A fun and functional build. Teens love this one because they can use it for tools, art supplies, or treasures. It’s a great intro to simple joinery.

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3. Wooden Race Car

Time: 30 minutes

Materials: Wood blocks, small wheels, glue

Let their imagination take the wheel! Kids can shape and decorate their own toy car, learning how moving parts work.

Buy the kit


4. Picture Frame

Time: 20–30 minutes

Materials: Wood trim, glue, paint, photo

A beginner project that results in a personalized photo frame. Add a family photo or art piece to make it extra special.

Buy the kit

5. Simple Bookshelf

Time: 60–90 minutes

Materials: Pine board, screws, paint

For older kids and teens ready for a slightly bigger challenge, a small shelf is a great project to build pride—and organization skills.


Bonus Tips:


  • Use pre-cut kits for younger kids.
  • Supervise with power tools or sharp objects.
  • Let them personalize with paint, stencils, or stickers.

Final Thoughts

Quick and easy build projects offer more than just a finished product—they provide lasting memories, skill-building, and the joy of creating something with your own hands. Grab some wood, some tools, and get building!


Want more project ideas and tips?

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Honoring the Heart of the Home: A Mother’s Day Tribute


As Mother’s Day arrives, we pause to honor the women whose love, strength, and wisdom shape our lives in ways words can scarcely capture. Mothers are the quiet heroes—often unseen, always felt—who give endlessly and love unconditionally.

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From sleepless nights rocking newborns to long talks during life’s toughest moments, mothers are the steady hands guiding us through both joy and hardship. They carry the weight of their children’s worlds on their shoulders, yet still find time to offer a warm smile, a listening ear, or a whispered prayer.

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A mother’s love is patient. It teaches us grace when we stumble, courage when we doubt, and hope when we feel lost. It’s in the little things: packed lunches, encouraging notes, late-night advice, and cheering from the sidelines. And it’s in the big things, too: the sacrifices made silently, the battles fought in prayer, the resilience shown day after day.

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Today, we celebrate all mothers—biological, adoptive, foster, grandmothers, and mother figures—who give their hearts for the good of others. We honor those who are with us, those who have passed, and those longing to be mothers. Your value is beyond measure, your role sacred.


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A Prayer for Mothers


Heavenly Father,


We thank You for the gift of mothers—those who give life, love, and laughter to our world. Bless each mother with strength when she is weary, peace when she is anxious, and joy in the everyday moments. Heal the hearts of those who are grieving, comfort those who long to be mothers, and uplift those who feel unseen. Let every mother know she is deeply cherished, not just today, but always.


May Your grace surround them, and may Your love shine through them, as they continue to nurture, lead, and bless the lives around them.


In Jesus’ name, Amen.


Thank you, Moms—for your faith, your love, and your strength. Happy Mother’s Day—you are deeply appreciated and endlessly loved.

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Catnipping is a fascinating phenomenon that not only delights our feline friends but can also play a role in managing pest populations in urban gardens. Catnip, a natural herb from the mint family, contains a compound called nepetalactone that triggers euphoric responses in many cats. This makes it an attractive addition to any backyard or garden, especially for those who enjoy observing the antics of stray cats or their own pets.

Incorporating catnip into your outdoor space can create a welcoming environment for neighborhood felines while also providing benefits beyond mere entertainment. Stray cats often help control populations of rats and mice, making them valuable allies in urban settings where these pests can be problematic. However, it's crucial to ensure that any catnip you grow is free from pesticides and harmful chemicals to protect both the visiting cats and the local ecosystem.

Creating a designated area in your garden with catnip plants can enhance your backyard experience while fostering a safe haven for stray cats. By embracing this natural solution, you contribute positively to the urban wildlife landscape while enjoying the playful interactions that come with catnipping.

Check out Amazon for catnip and gardening supplies. 

Catnip Herb
Heirloom Herb



I have always had a job most of my grown up life, but I also always had a hustle. It keeps me busy, and gets me to try new things and learning from them. I hustled, or also currently hustling, as a designer, photographer, musician, investor, affiliate and blogger. That's on top of my daytime jobs working in event management and operations. I've never had a "specialty" in my opinion, but I do love trying different things and that includes being a delivery driver. 

I had some gaps between employment in 2023, and I was curious about Instacart. I had used the service as a buyer, so I had that familiarity. It was a good time to try it during the free time I had, and without boring you a story, I'll just list it out. 

PROS:

  • Shopped stores I've never been to
  • Decent pay
  • Got to drive to parts of town I've never been to
  • Had access to discounted oil change
  • You still got paid even if the customers doesn't accept the orders, or they cancel the order while you're on the job
  • Great tech support when there are problems with an order
  • There are easy orders, as well as complicated ones
  • Weekly pay

CONS:
  • Not all stores had stable wifi
  • Pay was not good for shopping and delivery jobs that required a trip over tolled bridges
  • Not all, but there are customers who would make you work beyond the pay rate
  • Too much pressure to finish fast a huge shopping list

Takeaways:
  • Does not replace a full-time job with full-time wage
  • Fun thing to do when there's nothing else to do, and get paid for it
  • Not the best gig to do at night where there is no parking 
  • Do not accept double shopping gigs
  • Halloween season had the best jobs, got paid generously just to pick up a costume

Now for the pay.

I shopped and drove for a total of 36 hours, and 241.5 miles. 
In that time, I earned $914.58 gross, or $25.41/hr. Minus the gas, which at the time was 65.5 cents a mile, comes out to $158.18. The 36 hours are the active time I was "on the clock" which ends when I have delivered. So any driving back to where I wanted to go after did not count. 

Net pay $756.40.

Which is not toooo bad. If this was weekly pay, it could work quite well for a single person. However, I racked up these hours over weeks between May and October. I declined many jobs because they were at stores that had bad wifi. If there were just as many jobs in a week's time, this could be a decent full time job or something to do when you're in between jobs. 

But for me, I only turn on Instacart when I have nothing else to do. If you needed a couple of bucks to just pocket for emergency take-out, this is not a bad fund to dip from. 

It doesn't cost you anything to try it. Sign up to be an Instacart Shopper





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WHS
We Heart Shopping
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