A lilac bouquet starts with a cutting planted in good soil that must be tended, watered and pruned. When the shrub is mature, it blooms and offers a bounty of flowers—fragrant, graceful stems that symbolize love. The process God uses for shaping your life is similar. The practical tools and methods here will help you blossom as a Christian.

Many of you have unhealthy habits that you wish you could break, change or toss out the window. When you feel stressed, worn-down or worried, you often revert to a habit, whether it’s reaching for a candy bar or ignoring the Bible on the bookshelf. The truth is that changing a habit is difficult to do alone. Everyone needs help. As a believer, you have the Holy Spirit on your side, transforming you into the image of Christ (2 Corinthians 3:18). The Lord will help you make the choices that enable you to replace your old habits with new, healthy ones. Here are some good places to start.

Learn why you should rejoice in the power of the Cross and why Jesus’ shed blood is the salvation for all humanity, if they so choose. The Resurrection is real. It was foretold, hidden in prophetic words, hundreds of years earlier. Before starting, pray for understanding, then study the Bible references included and meditate on the words. The Cross has the power to ensure your place in eternity and your relationship with God.

Toys can throw an orderly room into disarray in minutes. Set kids up for success by implementing a few rules:

The earlier kids see your hands at work toward giving to others, the greater chance you have to equip them for a lifetime of compassion, service and generosity.

Deep inside, we all desire to be fulfilled, to have purpose and meaning in our lives. For thousands of years, people have found answers in the Bible. Consider the timeless truths in its pages.

Many people are puzzled when they first hear someone say they are giving up something for Lent. It raises questions. Why? Should I? Lent can be like fresh compost to your faith, regardless of your faith roots or lack of spiritual legacy. Lent can help you grow in faith as you learn what you have gained and who you truly are. Dig into this old tradition for new ideas for growth.

From familiar nutty brown rice to less well-known, smoky-flavor freekeh, whole grains are simple to cook and high in nutritional value. Grains are the cornerstone to many delicious, healthful meals.

Eating right isn’t only about looking healthy, it’s about getting nutrition to fuel your body and prevent disease.

When cabin fever hits, get out and experience the great outdoors.

There are many stories about how people in difficult situations have relied on memorized verses for peace, power and instruction. God promises that His word “will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it” Isaiah 55:11 NIV.