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25 Joyful Spring Quotes to Inspire You

Posted on March 10, 2026April 10, 2026 by The Editors

Are you ready for warmer weather? Spring is a season of hope, new life, and fresh beginnings. It’s the perfect time to turn over a new leaf and begin a new season with a good attitude and positive habits. Whether spring is already in the air, or you’re still surrounded by snow, these beautiful spring quotes from writers, singers, the Bible and more will warm your heart and bring you inspiration for spring 2023 and beyond.

Inspirational Spring Quotes

1) That is one good thing about this world…there are always sure to be more springs. —L.M. Montgomery, author

2) The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain. —Dolly Parton, singer-songwriter

3) I stuck my head out the window this morning and spring kissed me bang in the face. —Langston Hughes, poet

4) If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant: if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome. —Anne Bradstreet, poet

5) I have heard it said that winter, too, will pass, that spring is a sign that summer is due at last. See, all we have to do is hang on. —Maya Angelou, memoirist

Spring Quotes About Hope

6) The day the Lord created hope was probably the same day he created Spring. —Bernard Williams, philosopher

7) With the coming of spring, I am calm again. —Gustav Mahler, composer

8) Expect to have hope rekindled. Expect your prayers to be answered in wondrous ways. The dry seasons in life do not last. The spring rains will come again. —Sarah Ban Breathnach, author

9) Every spring is the only spring, a perpetual astonishment. —Ellis Peters, author

10) Spring is when you feel like whistling even with a shoe full of slush. —Doug Larson, columnist

Spring Quotes About Flowers

11) I love spring flowers: daffodils and hyacinths are the ultimate flower for me. They are the essence of spring. —Kirsty Gallacher, television presenter

12) Sweet spring, full of sweet days and roses, a box where sweets compacted lie. —George Herbert, poet

13) I am going to try to pay attention to the spring. I am going to look around at all the flowers, and look up at the hectic trees. I am going to close my eyes and listen. —Anne Lamott, novelist

14) In the spring, at the end of the day, you should smell like dirt. —Margaret Atwood, poet

15) A little flower that blooms in May. A lovely sunset at the end of a day. Someone helping a stranger along the way. That’s heaven to me. —Sam Cooke, singer-songwriter

Spring Quotes About New Beginnings

16) Spring is God’s way of saying, ‘One more time!’ —Robert Orben, comedy writer

17) No winter lasts forever; no spring skips its turn. —Hal Borland, writer

18) Life stands before me like an eternal spring with new and brilliant clothes. —Carl Friedrich Gauss, mathematician

19) The beautiful spring came; and when Nature resumes her loveliness, the human soul is apt to revive also. —Harriet Ann Jacobs, writer

20) Behold, my friends, the spring is come; the earth has gladly received the embraces of the sun, and we shall soon see the results of their love! —Sitting Bull, leader

Spring Quotes in the Bible

21) Ask the Lord for rain in the springtime; it is the Lord who sends the thunderstorms. He gives showers of rain to all people, and plants of the field to everyone. —Zechariah 10:1

22) Let us acknowledge the Lord; let us press on to acknowledge Him. As surely as the sun rises, He will appear; He will come to us like the winter rains, like the spring rains that water the earth. —Hosea 6:3

23) For behold, the winter is past; the rain is over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth, the time of singing has come, and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land. —Song of Solomon 2:11-12

24) They waited for me as for showers and drank in my words as the spring rain. —Job 29:23

25) The desert and the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom. Like the crocus, it will burst into bloom; it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy. —Isaiah 35:1-12

READ MORE INSPIRING QUOTES:

14 Simple Pleasures of Spring

Posted on March 10, 2026April 10, 2026 by Brett Leveridge

Summer receives most of the hype, but we suspect that spring just might be the most popular of seasons: mild temperatures, birds singing in the trees, flowers blooming and a sense of rebirth form a rising tide that lifts all moods. Here are some of our favorite things about spring:

1. Tiny Leaves on the Trees

Few sights inspire a more hopeful feeling than the first appearance of tiny green leaves on tree branches. It means winter is finally behind us and Mother Nature is on the verge of putting on a show.

2. Flying a Kite

Whether you’re teaching a youngster how to send a kite aloft or enjoying a solo flight, there’s something about a kite high in the air that brings out the kid in each of us.

3. April Showers

There are few things more cheering than strolling in a warm spring rain, not to mention the added benefit we know those showers bring…

4. May Flowers

Even if you’re not a fan of walking in the rain, you surely appreciate the beauty those April showers bring: vividly colored blossoms that brighten spring days.

Getty Images/iStockphoto

5. Easter Eggs

Easter is the most celebratory of spring occasions, and the brightly colored eggs that we associate with that day bring a special kind of joy.

6. Spring Vegetables

The A’s have it each spring, as epicures avidly look forward to the delights of artichokes and asparagus.

7. Spring Cleaning

Many folks find pleasure in a thorough housecleaning, but even those of us who undertake such tasks grudgingly experience a great sense of satisfaction when our home is finally spic and span.

8. Spring Baseball

From the optimism of spring training to the pageantry of Opening Day and the pleasures of a game of catch in the backyard, our national pastime is as inextricably associated with spring as with the summer months that follow.

9. Gardening

This most contemplative of hobbies rewards its practitioners with a sense of calm, an appreciation of new beginnings, and, eventually, beautiful blossoms and tasty and nutritious vegetables.

10. Bike Rides

Dedicated and stalwart cyclists might not let the winter winds and the snow they bring keep them from hitting the road, but for most of us, spring is when we again mount our bikes and go for a leisurely ride.

Getty Images

11. Open Windows

This is perhaps the simplest of spring pleasures, requiring only that one unlatch the windows, but there are few delights more pleasurable than fresh air wafting into a space where it’s long been in short supply.

12. The Return of Songbirds

And opening wide those windows also allows in the cheering sounds of songbirds in the trees. Hearing birdsong can be a reminder that we’re not alone in the great outdoors—or in life. In fact, a study with King’s College London found that being in the presence of birdsong had a measurable positive impact on a person’s mood.

13. A Spiritual Spring Cleaning

This is the time of year when many people take on spring cleaning projects. But since we put so much time and effort into cleaning our worldly residence, shouldn’t we also do some spiritual spring cleaning? Many people use this bright new season to open their hearts, let go of past grievances, find self-healing, take up meditation, or draw closer to God through prayer.

14. A Sense of Hope

Perhaps best of all is the sense of hope that spring brings to us. The chilly winter days are gone and warmer, sunnier days are ahead—filled with so much potential.

“Hope is an active anticipation in the ability to reach desired goals,” says Dr. Steven Sandage, a theologian and psychologist. “It requires a willingness to put energy toward those goals.” One of the best things about spring is that anticipation for the happy days ahead.

12 Positive Habits and How to Keep Them

Posted on March 10, 2026April 10, 2026 by Kaylin Kaupish

What are Positive Habits?

A positive habit is any repeated practice you do that improves your life in some way. This improvement can include making you happier, bringing you inner peace, making you more hopeful, or giving your life a sense of purpose. Positive habits can be anything from going on a daily walk to meditating before bed. They can be something you do daily, weekly, or even monthly, depending on how they best fit into your schedule.

The most important part of these habits is that they are positive. They need to impact your life in a way that actively makes it better.

Benefits of Positive Habits

You can start a big positive habit that will completely reshape your daily routine for the better.
Or you pick up smaller habits, also called micro habits, that focus on one simple, positive action you do within your schedule.
You can choose new habits that specifically help you improve your life how you want it improved. They can be bringing you joy, making you more optimistic, or benefiting your spiritual life.

Whatever you choose, you can pick whatever positive habits work for you. Here are some examples of positive habits you can incorporate into your daily or weekly schedule, and how to actually keep them.

Daily or Weekly Positive Habits

1. Pray or Meditate Daily

Taking the time to pray or meditate regularly can help us slow down, reduce our stress, and focus on our connection to something bigger than ourselves. Meditation gets us out of our heads for a bit and helps us become mindful of our body and breathing. Prayer gives us the space to take stock of the things that are giving us anxiety and hand them over to God. Set a specific time during your day to do this. Maybe in the morning or right before bed. Even one minute of prayer or meditation can impact your whole day for the better.

2. Call or See a Loved One

When was the last time you talked to a friend or family member on the phone? Text and social media are a great way to keep up with your loved ones, but nothing beats hearing their voice or planning a face-to-face hangout. Even a video call will help us feel more connected. With everyone’s busy schedules, it can be hard to make time. Start the positive habit of calling up a friend or family member just once a week to make them a bigger part of your life.

3. Spend Time Outside

What better way to be reminded of the beauty in our life than spending time in the beautiful world around us? Soak up some sunshine, listen to birdsong, or take a nature walk. Your time outside could include a daily walk, playing a sport with your family, spending the day at a local park, or even just sitting in your backyard. Pick a time—like after the workday or on the weekends—so you commit to stepping away from your work and chores to enjoy the gift of this world.

4. Start Journaling

Did you know journaling is an effective way to help you deal with anxiety and stress? Write down the things that are causing you worry so you can get them out and stop avoiding them. You might be surprised how much putting them on paper will make your worries manageable. If you are looking to make journaling an even more positive experience, try starting a gratitude journal. Reflect on the things in your life that bring you joy—your family, your friends, your hobbies, your faith—and commit them to paper so you are reminded of them every day.

Positive Morning Habits

5. Pick a Bible Verse or Motivational Quote for the Day

As you brew your coffee or steep your morning tea, think about what theme you want to give your day. Do you want to be productive and get a lot of chores done? Do you want today to be about fun, with outside time or family games? Do you want today to be one of rest, with some quiet reading or watching a favorite movie? Pick a Bible verse or an encouraging quote to help you focus on the theme of the day and remind you to enter the day with a positive attitude. Here are a few motivational Bible verses to get you started:

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. —Romans 15:13
But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. —Isaiah 40:31
Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. —1 Timothy 4:12

6. Sing in the Shower

Singing can relieve our stress and improve our mood. Pick a time during the day when you can belt out a favorite song. This can be in the car on your way to run errands or even in the shower as you get ready to start your day. Pick songs that bring you joy and have an uplifting message. It doesn’t matter if you sing off-key. It’s about expressing yourself and releasing some stress and emotions.

7. Make a Short List of Goals

Making a list of goals can be a great way to keep your day productive. Even if it’s just a short list of errands or chores, a list can help remind you to get them done. Plus, nothing feels better than scratching a task off a to-do list. You can even use the list to be unproductive. If you have a busy day and need to remember to take breaks, add a few rest goals to the list—like “step away from the computer for 20 minutes,” or “take a 5-minute break from chores to sit by the window and say a prayer.”

8. Focus on Positive Thinking

Can changing your thoughts change your life? Absolutely. According to Norman Vincent Peale, the author of The Power of Positive Thinking, approaching your day with a positive outlook can make all the difference in how you live your life. “Positive thinking is a philosophy, an expression of faith,” says Peale. “It doesn’t ignore life’s problems, but explains a practical approach to deal with, and overcome, them.” Make positive thinking your new habit and see what new positive habits you will find yourself doing.

Positive Sleep Habits

9. Put Your Phone Down

The urge is real. You climb into bed at the end of a long day and reach for your phone for a little mindless scrolling. However, looking at a screen before you go to sleep can make it harder for you to rest once you finally put the phone down. Doomscrolling can make you even more anxious before you turn the lights off. Make your bedtime more positive by making a nightly habit of setting down your phone. Do something else during the minutes you lie in bed before rolling over to sleep.

10. Read in Bed

Reading a book in bed can be a great alternative to scrolling through your phone. While eBooks are popular, try using a physical book or an audio book so you aren’t staring into the bright light of your phone. Choose a book that is calming or comforting so you aren’t raising your heartrate up—maybe save the action or scary books for another time. A cozy mystery or a devotional might work better. There are even books and devotionals written specifically to help you fall asleep, like Guideposts’ Evenings with Jesus.

11. Count Your Blessings

How many times have we been told by our parents or grandparents to count our blessings? It turns out they were on to something! Instead of counting your blessings to stop yourself from complaining, make it a positive evening habit. Use your time in bed as the space to count out the things you are grateful for in your life. It is a wonderful way to end the day on a positive note. Consider taking up the habit of keeping a list of your blessings near your bed so you can reference it and add things to it. Your blessings can be anything, like your family, your pet, a close friend, the meal you had for dinner, or something that made you laugh that day.

12. Listen to Something Calming

Gone are the days of endless tossing and turning with no help. Nowadays there are tons of apps to help you get to sleep. Make one of them a nightly positive habit as you rest your head on your pillow. Abide, the world’s leading Christian meditation app, has hours of sleep stories, Bible sleep talk downs, and calming sleep meditations. With soothing voices and relaxing music, these recordings will have you snoozing better than ever. Your body will thank you in the morning.

How to Make Positive Habits that Last

Try Habit Stacking

What is habit stacking? This simple technique (with a name coined by James Clear from his bestselling book, Atomic Habits) has grown extremely popular because of how effectively it works for some people. Habit stacking is the technique of adding new habits to your existing habits. Think of it as a “when I do [an existing habit], I will also do [a new habit].” For example, when you make your coffee or breakfast every morning, also take the time to say a short prayer. Or when you brush your teeth every night, also list the things you are grateful for that day. Habit stacking is an easy way to turn daily habits into positive habits.

Remember: Micro Habits are Worth It

Keep in mind that you don’t need to make big, sweeping changes to your life to improve it. Even doing one positive habit every day can have results. Don’t be afraid to start small. Choose a micro habit that feels manageable—one that isn’t going to disrupt your day. Put it on a sticky note in a spot you go to every morning to remind yourself, like the bathroom mirror or the fridge. Move the sticky note to a new spot every day so you can remind yourself tomorrow.

Keep Track of Your Accomplishments

If you’ve successfully added a positive habit to your busy schedule, be proud of yourself! Adjusting and improving the way we live our daily lives is a huge accomplishment. Make note of your win by keeping track of it. This can be done with a calendar, daily planner, bullet journal, or sharing your journey on social media. If you find yourself falling out of your positive habits, let this tracker be a reminder of how much those habits improved your life.

Make Goals, Not Resolutions

Anyone who makes a New Year’s resolution knows how hard they are to keep. In fact, 91% of people who make New Year’s resolutions do not keep them, according to the Society for Personality and Social Psychology. That’s a demoralizing number, especially since so many resolutions are made by people trying to improve their life. What if we alter the way we view these changes? Instead of making life-altering resolutions, set positive goals for yourself. To reach those goals, make reasonable changes to your habits to help you reach them.

Go Easy on Yourself

Everyone is going to face a day when they just can’t do their positive habit. You’re too tired after work to take that daily walk, or your too busy with the kids to sit in silence and pray to God. That’s okay! Don’t beat yourself up when you have a rough day. The beauty of a habit is that you can always pick up your positive habit again. Because it is a permanent part of your life, it will always be there the next day. Keep yourself inspired to continue with these quotes about positive habits!

14 Motivational Positive Habit Quotes

“The power of habit is great.” —Latin Proverb
“Repetition of the same thought or physical action develops into a habit which, repeated frequently enough, becomes an automatic reflex.” —Norman Vincent Peale
“To be successful in life, you must get in the habit of turning negatives into positives.” —George Forman
“Habits change into character.” —Ovid
“A habit cannot be tossed out the window; it must be coaxed down the stairs a step at a time.” —Mark Twain
“First forget inspiration. Habit is more dependable. Habit will sustain you whether you are inspired or not.” —Octavia E. Butler
“I fear not the man who has practiced 10,000 kicks, but I do fear the man who has practiced one kick 10,000 times.” —Bruce Lee
“The essence of belief is the establishment of a habit; and different beliefs are distinguished by the different modes of action to which they give rise.” —Charles Sanders Peirce
“Goals are good for setting a direction, but systems are best for making progress.” —James Clear
“Through constant familiarity, we can definitely establish new behavior patterns, using our tendency to form habits to our advantage. If we make a steady effort, I think we can overcome any form of negative conditioning and make positive changes in our lives. But we need to remember that genuine change doesn’t happen overnight.” —Dalai Lama
“I say that habit is but a long practice, friend, and this becomes men’s nature in the end.” —Aristotle
“The habit of attending to small things and of appreciating small courtesies is one of the important marks of a good person.” —Nelson Mandela
“What you do every day matters more than what you do once in a while.” —Gretchen Rubin
“Sow an act, and you reap a habit. Sow a habit and you reap a character. Sow a character, and you reap a destiny.” —Charles Reade

12 Best Advent Quotes About Hope, Love, Joy, and Peace

Posted on March 10, 2026April 10, 2026 by Kaylin Kaupish

Sitting down in a quiet space to read Advent quotes can be a powerful way to reflect on why we celebrate this season.

In the weeks leading up to Christmas, we will spend time shopping for presents, decorating trees, and preparing to travel or host friends and family. In the hustle and bustle, the holidays can sometimes slip away from us. Before we know it, the season is over.

Focusing on Advent—the period beginning four Sundays before Christmas—can help us to slow down and appreciate this part of the year. It is a holy time that is marked by a sense of waiting and prayerful reflection. Advent is traditionally celebrated with lighting candles on a wreath each Sunday, while focusing on the four themes of the season: hope, love, joy, and peace.

Popes, reverends, authors, and mystics have pondered and written about these themes in the Advent season. Here are 12 Advent quotes that will help you reflect and give thanks in the days leading up to Christmas.

Advent Quotes about Hope

“It is the beautiful task of Advent to awaken in all of us memories of goodness and thus to open doors of hope.” —Pope Benedict XVI

“The season of Advent means there is something on the horizon the likes of which we have never seen before… So stay. Sit. Linger. Tarry. Ponder. Wait. Behold. Wonder. There will be time enough for running.” —Jan L. Richardson, artist

“The celebration of Advent is possible only to those who are troubled in soul, who know themselves to be poor and imperfect, and who look forward to something greater to come.” —Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Advent Quotes about Love

“At this Christmas when Christ comes, will He find a warm heart? Mark the season of Advent by loving and serving the others with God’s own love and concern.” —Mother Teresa

“Advent is a journey towards Bethlehem. May we let ourselves be drawn by the light of God made man.” —Pope Francis

“In the seasons of our Advent—waking, working, eating, sleeping, being—each breath is a breathing of Christ into the world.” —Caryll Houselander, mystic

Advent Quotes about Joy

“God is coming! God is coming! All the element we swim in, this existence, echoes ahead the advent. God is coming! Can’t you feel it?” —Walter Wangerin, Jr., author

“Hills of the North, rejoice: Rivers and mountain-spring, Hark to the advent voice! Valley and lowland, sing!” —Charles Edward Oakley, hymnist

“The Lord is coming, always coming. When you have ears to hear and eyes to see, you will recognize him at any moment of your life. Life is Advent; life is recognizing the coming of the Lord.” —Henri Nouwen, priest

Advent Quotes about Peace

“The waiting of Advent teaches us to live in increments, in small pieces rather than large chunks. Waiting also teaches us to measure our progress slowly.” — Reverend Holly Whitcomb

“Let’s approach Christmas with an expectant hush, rather than a last-minute rush.” —Anonymous

“One of the essential paradoxes of Advent: that while we wait for God, we are with God all along, that while we need to be reassured of God’s arrival, or the arrival of our homecoming, we are already at home.” —Michelle Blake, author

10 Ways to Thank a Veteran

Posted on March 10, 2026April 10, 2026 by Michelle Medlock Adams

Earlier this year, I was weaving my way through the Dallas-Fort Worth Airport in search of my gate, but what I found that day was so much more.

Patriotism was alive and well and being showcased right there in the airport.

Trying to hurry through the mass of travelers, I ran smack dab into a small crowd of people forming a line and leading up to something, but I couldn’t see what.

Probably another security checkpoint, I thought.

I stepped to the side to see what was at the front of the line, and that’s when I saw an older gentleman wearing a “U.S. Army Veteran” ball cap, sitting in his wheelchair, tears streaming down his face.

The line was for him!

One by one, each person shook his hand and said, “Thank you for your service to our country.”

It was a glorious spontaneous outpouring of gratitude, and I was so thankful I’d stumbled upon it.

I’m sure that precious Veteran will never forget that day at DFW Airport, and neither will I.

It was a great reminder that our freedom isn’t free, and it was a wonderful opportunity to say thank you to someone who so selflessly served our country and risked his life for the freedoms we enjoy today–a true patriot, a man to be honored, and an everyday hero.

With an estimated 23 million veterans in the United States, I’m sure there are some heroes living in your community, too, so why not take time to show your gratitude for their service to our country?

With November 11 being Veterans Day, there’s no better time to honor our veterans, as well as the men and women in uniform who are still actively serving our country.

Here are 10 ways you can show your appreciation to our veterans and our active men and women in uniform:

1. If you see a veteran or a man or woman in uniform in a public place, walk over and simply say, “Thank you for your service to our country.”

2. Donate to the USO.

3. If you see a veteran or a man or woman in uniform at a restaurant where you’re dining, secretly pay for that hero’s meal and ask the server to say, “Your check has been paid for. Thank you for your service to our country.”

4. Proudly fly your American flag on November 11.

5. Visit your local nursing homes and ask permission to visit with the veterans living there, listening to their stories and expressing your gratitude.

6. Attend a Veterans Day parade.

7. Take a care package or a meal to a veteran who might be disabled or simply unable to get out much. (Many churches have lists of these folks and would be grateful for your help.)

8. Get involved with the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) organization, which offers free transportation to men and women who are unable to travel to VA medical hospitals on their own, and volunteer your vehicle and your time. What an honor to give a veteran a ride!

9. Write a thank you letter to a veteran or a wounded warrior. For more information on what you should say and where to send your letter, visit Operation Gratitude.

10. Pray: Lift up our past and present military men and women, asking God to bless them and keep them safe. Let’s all do that together:

Father, we pray right now for our veterans. We ask that you bless them, Lord, and fill them up with your love, peace and joy. Help them to know, Lord, that we haven’t forgotten about them. And, we pray also for our men and women in active service. Please keep them safe, Lord.

We pray a hedge of protection around them. And, we also pray that you bless them and their families. Father, help us never to take our freedom for granted and help us to always honor those who have given so much for our country. In the Name of Your Precious Son Jesus, Amen.

10 Ways to Observe a Green Lent

Posted on March 10, 2026April 10, 2026 by Melissa Roberson

What does Lent—a time to pause, reflect and prepare for the coming joy of Easter—have to do with our planet? Plenty. Along with prayer and fasting, this is a perfect time to consider the beauty and health of the environment, home to us all. Nature is sacred. What better time to build eco-friendly habits than through finding ways that you and your family can have a positive impact on your community and beyond. Here are some suggestions to get you started on your green Lent.

1) Where Do You Want to Go? Walk or Bike There

Of course, it’s not possible in all situations, but you can commit to cutting out short rides in the car. Maybe a two-mile limit? Even half a mile will help. According to the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions, transportation is one of the largest sources of carbon emissions in the United States. And our cars, SUVs and trucks contribute to half of that. Besides, let’s not forget the health benefits of walking and biking:

2) Become a Lenten Vegetarian

Maybe it’s not something you want to do year ‘round, but how about 40 days (not including Sundays, of course)? Studies have shown that meat and dairy conglomerates produce greenhouse gases on the order of some big oil companies. This is also your chance to embrace seasonal produce—and short supply lines. Some recipe ideas to get you started:

Spring peas and mint!
Salad for dinner (Okay, there’s chicken in some of these. So think “tofu” and “beans” instead.)
Easy grain salads (no chicken!)
Fresh and flavorful grilled vegetables
Healthy pasta dishes
Weeknight baked rice dishes

3) Become a Green Gardener

As Lent starts in the dark and cold of winter and takes us to Easter and the warmer, longer days of spring, gardening is definitely a path to observing a green Lent and beyond. There might not be a lot of planting going on until we’re further into spring but consider this your pre-contemplative stage. Start reading and motivating yourself to become a gardener. And here’s the thing, it’s not just good for the soil, but your soul as well. Take a look:

4) Visit Your State Parks and Forests During Lent

Even better, donate! Forests filter our water through their roots, absorb CO2, provide oxygen, keep pollutants out of our lungs. Plus, when you’re in nature, there’s a spiritual benefit as well. Other tips:

Not only visit, maybe you can volunteer? Most communities have, if not state parks, a local park or nature center.
April includes National Park Week. According to the National Park Service, entrance fees will be waived one day that week.
And in your own little backyard, plant a tree or participate in a planting project. Think one tree doesn’t make a difference? That tree will filter storm water, remove carbon dioxide and filter air pollutants.

5) Lay Off the Online Ordering and Keep It Green

Maybe Lent is a time to pause before pressing that “place order” button. Do you really need another T-shirt or pair of jeans? Can you make do, for 40 days, with what’s already in your closet? Your landfill will thank you. Keep in mind:

If you’re jonesing for a new handbag, check out your local thrift stores or Goodwill. You’d be amazed at the quality of a closet clean-out.
In fact, do a closet inventory. Pile up all the like items and evaluate. Can one have too many pairs of black pants? Yes. You can.
You’ll likely find items to donate. Read this lovely essay by Guideposts Editor-in-Chief Edward Grinnan about how he is planning a Lenten practice around the beautiful clothes in his late wife’s closet.

6) Avert Your Eyes from Screens and Devices During Lent

If there were ever a better time to take a fast from social media, to reflect, read more and scroll less, Lent is it. There are some beautifully written books out there to open our eyes to the spirituality of the natural world. Bike to your local library and check out some of these:

Pilgrim at Tinker Creek by Annie Dillard
The Star Thrower by Loren Eiseley
How to Be a Good Creature by Sy Montgomery
Desert Solitaire by Edward Abbey
Arctic Dreams by Barry Lopez
And lest we not forget, that classic, Walden by Henry David Thoreau

7) Keep It Green By Make Your Own Cleaning Supplies

Ever look at the list of ingredients on commercial cleaners? Lots of long, impossible to pronounce words containing solvents, irritants, suspected carcinogens. It’s time to make friends with, say, vinegar, probably conveniently located in your kitchen cabinet. Equal parts white vinegar and water can be scented with lemon peel and rosemary for effective, clean smelling cleaning without accidentally searing your lungs. Other tips:

Wipe stainless steel appliances clean with a few drops of dish soap mixed with warm water.
Drop the paper towels. They are single-use items that go straight to landfills. Try tearing up some of those old T-shirts crammed into your drawers or closets.
Read about more eco-cleaning tips here.
And take a look at one of our Guideposts writer’s favorite spring cleaning tasks.

8) Observe the Packaging Problem During Lent

Bottles, bottles everywhere. Plastic ones that is. If you’re not using a refillable water bottle, now is the time to start. And here’s double incentive for cutting back on online ordering during your green Lent. Yes, it’s so easy, so convenient, and is delivered to you swathed in layers of cardboard, plastic and bubble wrap. Another thought or two:

Cut back on eating processed food. Not only is it filled with space alien-worthy ingredients, it comes up to its neck in Styrofoam, cellophane, what have you.
Wrapping paper. Could you partner with your imagination and use leftover calendar pages, magazine covers, newspapers for inventive gift wrapping?
And don’t forget your reusable shopping bags. No need to collect more plastic bags from the grocery store.

9) Pull the Plug on “Energy Vampires” During Lent

All those chargers for your devices sip energy when plugged in, even when not in use. Scour the house for culprits. There are probably more than you realize. The phones. The tablets. The countertop appliances. The power strips. More motivation to unplug:

The U.S. Department of Energy estimates each household can save $100 to $200 a year.
It can preserve the life of your devices, especially if there’s a power surge.
And think of the collective power and money saved if lots of us do this.

10) Teach Your Kids to Go Green By Modeling Eco-Consciousness

If Lent is a time to reflect, to pray, to strengthen your faith, it’s also offers up the chance to be a role model for your kids. Help them observe a meaningful journey to Easter by teaching them about the sanctity of the world around them. Some practices and activities for the whole family have a green Lent:

Teach them not to litter. And to recycle!
Learn about composting together…you don’t have to throw away all the dinner scraps!
In fact, learn more about food waste, especially in this season of more mindful eating.
Encourage them to be curious. When you see a good article about the environment, read it with them. Discuss!
Consult this Guideposts article about more family-friendly tips.

What other ways can you find to observe a green Lent?

READ MORE ABOUT THE LENT SEASON:

10 Random Acts of Kindness You Can Do Today

Posted on March 10, 2026April 10, 2026 by Holly Lebowitz Rossi

I’ve long been a believer in the “a little goes a long way” approach when it comes to kindness. You have probably experienced the delight of an unexpected kindness, often something so simple it can almost pass notice, except that it lights you up inside.

The shut-down, slow-down and new normal of living with the coronavirus pandemic has changed so much, including the ways we show each other we care. Here are some random acts of kindness you can do in a way that’s socially distanced, safe and also deeply meaningful.

1) Send a favorite inspirational quote to a friend with a simple note saying, “This keeps me going. How are you?”

2) Write a gratitude letter (or email or text message) to a friend. Be specific about what you’re thankful for in them.

3) Display a motivational saying in your window or write it in chalk on your sidewalk.

4) Drop off a small gift (a lovely bar of soap, a few flowers from your garden, a book you loved) on a friend’s porch—anonymously.

5) Take on a task that your spouse or children typically do around the house to give them a break.

6) Compliment someone you encounter during your day (postal worker, grocery clerk, etc.) on a job well done.

7) Give a friendly nod to a stranger as you pass by.

8) Do something kind for yourself. Get out the cloth napkins. Light a soothing candle. Practice positive self-talk.

9) Make a donation to a charity you care about, either anonymously or in the name of a loved one.

10) Write a positive review of a local business you love and want to succeed.

What random acts of kindness have you done (or been the recipient of) recently?

10 Most Inspiring Love Stories

Posted on March 10, 2026April 10, 2026 by Edward Grinnan

All great stories are love stories. And most great Guideposts stories are love stories…love of family, love of partner, love of country, love of God. Love is the universal, cosmic, all-encompassing ultimate theme.

From the Greeks to the soaps (and it’s not that great a leap in terms of subject matter) we are always trying to figure out love, why it makes us happy or crazy or brave or compassionate. So many of the qualities that make us human are fed by love.

I remember the first time I was dragged to the theater to see Shakespeare. It was seventh grade and we were loaded onto a bus and driven to Wayne State University in Detroit to see a production of Twelfth Night, something no seventh-grade boy wants to sit through. Upon trying to read the play beforehand I found the language archaic and impenetrable and the prospect of watching it performed unbearable. I was prepared to sneer.

Then the stage lights came up on bewitching Illyria and cast nothing short of a spell on me and my adolescent cynicism. I fell in love with the romance of Viola and Orsino, with the beauty of the spoken dialogue, and with William Shakespeare. I’d walked into the theater a hardened young teen; I left a romantic. The following year Franco Zeffirelli released his film version of Romeo and Juliet and like every boy in my general demographic I formed a ridiculous crush on the actress playing Juliet, Olivia Hussey, that persists in some vague way even to this day.

Love does amazing things to us. It redeems and transforms and inspires. The editors have put together their 10 most inspiring Guideposts love stories. Have a look and then tell us what your favorite love story is.

Happy Valentine’s to everyone!

Hope for Love
Award-winning actress Andie MacDowell yearned for a happy family, united through faith and love.

Faith, Hope & Love—That’s All It Takes
When her husband is given one more night to live, one woman ups the ante with her hope and faith.

How Love Endures After They’re Gone
Her husband was one of the seven heroes lost in the space shuttle Columbia disaster.

Happiness Is Owning a Dog
When author Dean Koontz welcomed a dog into his home, he had no idea the personal growth and life lessons he would gain from the experience—a different kind of love story.

A Military Wife’s Mission
After a serious injury in Iraq, this soldier needed his wife. Her inspiring story shows the strength it took to help him heal.

Faith Reunited Them
In this inspiring story, faith and prayer reunite a divorced couple.

Daily Prayer for True Love
A lonely woman relies on hope and faith when she meets a man who may be “the one.”

Prime Cut
A divorced and broken woman finds the courage to put herself out there again…and finds love!

A Life-Changing Love
I had this funny feeling that something big was about to happen.

How Italy Saved Their Marriage
After 20 years our marriage felt stale. No, worse—empty. We were headed for divorce until we headed for Italy.

Read Edward’s never-before-told story of personal transformation in his new book, The Promise of Hope.

10 Interesting Advent Facts to Get You in the Holiday Spirit

Posted on March 10, 2026April 10, 2026 by Kaylin Kaupish

As the holiday season approaches, let us also remember the season of Advent. This holy time of year is for prayer, reflection, and spiritual preparation for Christmas Day. Learn more about the origins and meanings of this season with these 10 interesting Advent facts.

1. Advent means “arrival”

The word Advent comes from the Latin word adventus, which means “arrival” or “coming.” It refers to the arrival of Jesus Christ. Learn more about the meaning of Advent.

2. Advent is different from Christmas

For some, Advent and Christmas are synonymous. In fact, Advent has a separate time period and purpose. While Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus, Advent is considered a time of preparedness for His coming.

3. Advent marks the beginning of the liturgical year

What exactly is the liturgical year? Also called the church year, it is the cycle of days observed by many Christians in commemoration of the life of Jesus Christ.

CHECK OUT: Our Editors’ Favorite Advent Candles and Holders

4. Advent dates are ever changing

Advent begins four Sundays before Christmas Day, therefore its beginning date changes every year, depending on when Christmas falls. This 2022 Advent season begins on Sunday, November 27th (just three days after Thanksgiving). In 2023, Advent will begin on Sunday, December 3rd. In the year 2024, Advent will begin on Sunday, December 1st. Advent always ends on Christmas Eve, December 24th.

5. When did it begin? No one knows!

The truth is, no one knows for certain when the season of Advent started being celebrated. There are many historical theories. Some believe it originated as a period of fasting before Christmas. Others say Advent was a time of preparedness before the feast of Epiphany. Whatever the origins, it is an important spiritual time for people around the world today. Learn more about the history and facts of Advent.

6. There are Advent hymns and carols

Much like Christmas, there are Advent hymns and carols to help you get into the season’s spirit. Perhaps the most famous is “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel,” which dates back to the 8th or 9th century and was traditionally sung in the days before Christmas Eve. “Advent Suite” by John Michael Talbot and Michael Card is also a popular song around this time of year for its stirring lyrics and spirit of reflection.

7. Advent has various symbols

While Advent celebrations vary around the world, a common tradition includes the use of a wreath and candles. The wreath is evergreen—usually fir, holly, juniper, or spruce—to symbolize eternal life. The four candles are various colors, often three violet (symbolizing reflection and humility) and one rose-pink (symbolizing joy). The candles are lit each Sunday and sometimes a white candle is added and lit on Christmas Eve. Learn more about the meaning of lighting candles at Advent.

8. Advent has 4 themes

Each Sunday of the Advent season focuses on one of four themes, or virtues. The themes can be different based on denominations or preferences. The most common themes are hope, peace, joy, and love. Some traditions include lighting a specific candle on the wreath to symbolize each of the four virtues. Learn more about the four themes of Advent.

9. Advent calendars originated in Germany

Much like Advent itself, there are differing accounts as to who invented the Advent calendar. Most agree that they began in Germany in the 19th century. Reichold & Lang was one of the earliest companies to create and sell Advent calendars. But in fact, Advent calendars are all thanks to Gerhard Lang’s mother. She created a calendar with treats behind it for Lang and his siblings to enjoy on the days leading up to Christmas. Through the years, others have put their own spin on the tradition, including putting pictures, chocolates, or Bible verses behind the calendar windows. Learn more about the history of Advent calendars.

10. Advent is celebrated around the world

Advent is celebrated in the Roman Catholic, Anglican, Episcopalian, Lutheran, and many Protestant churches. People around the world have their own traditions when it comes to the season. For example, in Ireland a family will place a lit candle in their window. In China, people hang colorful lanterns and give apples as a gift. In Mexico they celebrate Las Posadas, or “The Inns,” in which a child dressed as an angel leads a procession around the town to commemorate the journey of Mary and Joseph.

Do you know other Advent facts? Share them with us!

Words to Help You Find Hope and Strength in Any Situation

Posted on March 10, 2026April 10, 2026 by Alikay Wood

When times are hard or the future seems uncertain, it’s easy to feel fearful and full of despair. But these stories remind us that even in the darkest times, there is always a glimmer of hope.

Put Your Hope in God

In this brief sermon, Guideposts founder and author of The Power of Positive Thinking, Dr. Norman Vincent Peale, shares why hope is so important and how to cultivate it in yourself.

10 Bible Prayers for Comfort and Hope

Guideposts.org blogger Bob Hostetler shares the Scripture-based prayers that give him hope during trying times.

5 Ways to Keep Hopes and Dreams Alive

Dr. Lea Waters, a positive psychology expert, offers tips on how to keep dreaming in uncertain circumstances.

5 Bible Verses That Offer Hope

Guideposts Executive Editor Rick Hamlin shares five Bible verses that help quiet his fears and offer hope.

Why Positivity, Hope and Optimism Are Tools for Survival

Learn how a positivity bias can be a key tool in helping you cultivate a hopeful, positive life.

7 Bible Verses for Hope and Healing

If you or someone you love is struggling with an illness, turn to these Scripturse for a dose of hope.

8 Inspiring Quotes for Hope

These uplifting quotes will brighten your day and give you strength during tough times.

Why You Can Rejoice in Each New Day

Posted on March 10, 2026April 10, 2026 by Pablo Diaz

One of my favorite Bible texts is, “This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24) Each morning I pause to thank God, to feel joy at another day of life. On many Sunday mornings when I greet my church congregation from the lectern, I remind them that indeed this is the day the Lord has made.

I think we all want to be thankful every day and rejoice in it, although sometimes that can be difficult or even feel impossible. How to rejoice when grieving or troubled by life’s problems? Where is the joy in a day of pain or worries?

Being glad in the new day doesn’t mean that sorrow and challenges will not be present. It’s not about denying reality; life is hard. But I find joy in a fresh chance to experience the goodness of God—beginning with the sunrise that brings warmth and light after a night of darkness. I’m reminded that God has a purpose and plan for me every single day. It might be to encourage others, help my family or pray for someone in need. When I think of all the possibilities, I refuse to let my own troubles take away the joy of the Lord.

It’s knowing that we can depend and draw on His presence when solutions to life’s problems seem far away. When we are weak, His strength makes us strong. In the midst of the chaos of the day, His peace is greater and surpasses all human understanding and conditions.

We can all rejoice in a new day because we are not alone, and His presence will bring out the best in us. When we cannot see what to celebrate, we pray that His love will invade our thoughts. Every single day we can experience this. Do you believe that today can be amazing?

When God Moves the Mountains That We Don’t See

Posted on March 10, 2026April 10, 2026 by Michelle Cox

The harmony of the song during the church service was beautiful, but then the words caught my attention: words about God moving mountains that we don’t see. Those words slammed into me because of a recent experience I had with mountains.

Several weeks earlier, my husband and I spent six days near Vancouver, Canada. Executive Producer Brian Bird and I have co-authored a book, When God Calls the Heart, in conjunction with the When Calls the Heart television series, and we’d traveled to Vancouver for the Hearties Family Reunion that they host each year for fans of the show.

The first few days we were there, the weather was gloomy and rainy. The socked-in clouds limited visibility, but thankfully on our third day there, it started clearing a bit as we headed out for our visit to the set where the show is filmed.

We had a fun day touring the town, church and houses that we’ve seen on our television screens and meeting the stars, writers and crew from the show. After days of gloom we were thrilled when the sun finally showed up.

Late that afternoon, we started back to our hotel, and when we were halfway there, my husband and I both gasped and said, “Where did those mountains come from?” We’d been there for days and hadn’t had a clue that we were surrounded by towering peaks, some of them capped with snow. They’d been obscured by the thick clouds.

So that was my mental visual as the ladies sang about God moving mountains that we don’t see. Tears sprang to my eyes as I thought about all those times God has changed circumstances in my life and about moments when I whined or complained because God wasn’t doing things in the manner I thought He should. I thought about all those moments when I wondered if He cared, because the direction He was sending me didn’t make sense. Maybe some of you are experiencing moments like that right now.

I’ve learned that those are the moments we have to trust Him—because even though we don’t see them, He sees the mountains—the obstacles in our lives—that are there. Sometimes those unexpected moments are God moving us around the mountains that would have defeated us or caused us great harm.

But we also have the confidence that the God who made those mountains can move them whenever He wants—whenever it’s His perfect time and plan for our lives.

Lord, in those moments that don’t make sense to me, help me to trust You, knowing that you see the mountains in my life that I didn’t know were there. Thank You for protecting me…even during times when I didn’t even know You were doing it. Help me to be ready and available whenever You want to move the mountains in my life. Amen.