Recently I was sitting at Starbucks doing some planning when I overheard a conversation at the table next to me. A teenage girl was talking with her friend about the dynamics of her family.
I tried not to listen, but certain phrases caught my attention.
“My dad doesn’t really know how to love.”
“He isn’t kind.”
“I think my mom’s favorite is my sister… she doesn’t really talk to me.”
My heart broke as I listened.
What struck me most was not that she sounded sad. Instead, she spoke as if she had already accepted this as normal, as if this was simply what family was supposed to be like. That’s what made my heart ache the most.
I sat there trying to gather the words I might say to her. I knew I couldn’t just let her leave thinking she was unlovable or that this was simply the way life had to be.
Quick words have never been my strength , so as I was trying to figure out what to say, I prayed a silent prayer.As she stood up to leave, I found the courage to speak.
“I’m so sorry but couldn’t help but to overhear part of your conversation. I just wanted to say I’m really sorry for what you’ve experienced.”
I apologized to her for the way she had been treated, even though I wasn’t the one who hurt her. I told her that sometimes people simply don’t know how to love well. But that she is worthy of love.
I told her she has the opportunity to learn something different through this pain and to become someone who loves well, even if she didn’t receive it herself.
She thanked me and was very kind.
But as she walked away, I immediately thought of all the things I should have said.
I should have asked if I could give her a hug.
I wish I had shared my faith more clearly.
Instead, I tried to find a way to connect with her without sounding like some strange woman inserting myself into her life in a random moment .. but then it made me think.. why? Why was I worried over that instead of looking at it as an opportunity to love?
Why is it sometimes so hard to encourage others or show love , especially to people we don’t know?
There so many people who have accepted the lie that they are unlovable and for so many reasons . Sometimes it’s because of circumstances.Sometimes it’s self-preservation.Sometimes it’s simply the story they’ve been told long enough to believe.
But what if we chose to love people and to step out of our comfort zones ?
Even strangers.
What if one small moment of kindness could change the direction of someone’s life?
Recently I’ve been reading about D.L. Moody, and one story about him stood out to me. Early in his life, an elderly man gave him a single penny just for walking with him, listening, and encouraging him in his faith.
It was such a small interaction.
Yet Moody never forgot it.
I’ve also been reading the book The Body Keeps Score, which discusses how early environments shape behavior. One study described two groups of mice: one raised in a nest with warmth and plenty of food, and another raised in a poor, stressful environment.
When both groups were frightened by a loud noise, they ran back to their nests ,whether the environment was good or bad.
It made me pause.
Even when something is unhealthy, we often return to what feels familiar.
Maybe that teenage girl has learned to run back to the only “home” she knows …even if it isn’t the love she deserves.
And maybe that’s why small moments of kindness matter more than we realize.
A word.
An apology.
A reminder that someone is worthy of love.
Perhaps those moments plant seeds that grow later.
And maybe the next time I feel the nudge to speak kindness into someone’s life, I won’t hesitate.
Because sometimes a single moment of love or kindness can echo far longer than we could ever imagine ❤️
“Let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” 1 John 3:18
Have you ever had a moment where you felt prompted to encourage a stranger? Or where a stranger’s kindness impacted you?
A simple moment at Starbucks turned into a powerful reminder about kindness, encouragement, and the impact of speaking life into someone else. This faith filled reflection explores why small moments of love and courage can plant seeds we may never see grow.
We’re on a mission to visit every American Girl store in the U.S.! Come along as we explore the beautiful American Girl Dallas store—from the doll salon to the adorable café and interactive displays. Perfect inspiration for a mother-daughter day or family travel stop.
Watching whale sharks glide past the massive viewing windows at the Georgia Aquarium is a moment that leaves both kids and adults in awe. Read about our family experience visiting this incredible Atlanta attraction
We’ve been on a mission to visit all of the American Girl stores across the United States, and on our recent trip we were able to check the American Girl Dallas location off our list.
Oh my goodness—it was such a beautiful store! I mean, who am I kidding? They are all beautiful. But right when you walk in, you’re greeted by a bright, open space with the café off to the left. This was actually the first time we’ve seen the café positioned so openly near the entrance. When the store was still in Seattle, the café was on the same floor but still felt a little more tucked away.
Everything felt bright and inviting. We loved the wall filled with picture frames of past dolls and books—it was such a fun way to celebrate the history of the brand.
It was also fun exploring all the different themed rooms throughout the store. One of our favorite discoveries was a party room set up for a special gingerbread house event. It looked like the perfect place for a doll-themed celebration.
Gingerbread house decorating
One of the things that makes the Dallas store extra special is that it’s part of the newer American Girl experiential store design. The two-level space is about 14,700 square feet and even includes a stunning floor-to-ceiling dollhouse display that stretches between the floors. Between the full café with tea trays and treats, the Doll Salon where girls and dolls can get matching hairstyles, and all the fun photo spots throughout the store, it really feels like stepping into a unique doll world.
Floor to ceiling doll house✨
One of my girls’ absolute favorite parts was the oversized book seat. We seriously need one of those in our house! It looked like a giant open storybook that you could actually sit on, which made for such a fun photo moment.
Book bench! It’s a Samantha book 📕
Next, we headed up the staircase, which was again lined with beautiful framed images of the dolls and their books. On the second floor is where you’ll find the doll hair salon, which is the perfect stop to have your doll styled while you continue shopping.
Love this wall!!
There were so many fun things to choose from—it was honestly hard to decide. But I think that’s always the case whenever we visit one of the American Girl Doll stores!
Such a glam elevator
As I watched my girls explore the world of American Girl —from the dolls and stories to the little details that spark imagination—it reminded me how special these moments of childhood are. There is something beautiful about watching kids step into stories, dream big, and create their own adventures.
Book love
Sometimes as parents we get busy planning the trip, managing the schedule, or figuring out the next stop. But moments like this remind me to pause and simply enjoy watching them experience wonder.
Childhood is such a gift, and these little adventures—whether it’s a hike, a road trip, or even a visit to a doll store—become memories that stay with our families for years to come.
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights.” James 1:17
If you’re planning a visit to the American Girl store in Dallas, here are a few tips that can help make the experience even more special.
🫖 Make Café Reservations
The in-store café is a popular spot for families. If you plan to enjoy tea, lunch, or a special treat with your doll, it’s a good idea to reserve a table ahead of time. The tiered trays with tea sandwiches and desserts make it such a memorable experience for girls and their dolls.
💇 Bring Your Doll for the Salon
Upstairs you’ll find the Dolled Up Salon, where dolls can get their hair styled. From simple brushing and braids to more elaborate looks, it’s a fun experience that makes the visit feel extra special.
⏰ Plan Enough Time to Explore
Give yourself at least 1–2 hours to explore the whole store. Between the displays, the dollhouse area, the salon, and all the shopping options, there’s a lot to see.
🎉 Check for Special Events
The Dallas location sometimes hosts seasonal activities and themed events, like crafting or holiday celebrations. If your trip lines up with one of these, it can make your visit even more memorable.
📸 Bring Your Camera
There are so many adorable photo opportunities throughout the store, especially if your kids love capturing memories with their dolls.
🧳 Bring an extra suitcase
We learned this lesson the hard way! If you are planning to shop then make sure you can fit what you purchase in your luggage . It’s always good to have some extra space just to be sure.
Best Photo Spots in the American Girl Dallas Store 📸
If your kids love photos (or if you’re a blogging mom like me!), there are several fun spots throughout the store that make perfect picture moments.
📚 The Oversized Storybook Bench
One of our favorite spots was the giant open book seat. It looks like you’re sitting inside a storybook and makes such a fun and unique photo.
🏠 The Two-Story Dollhouse
The large two-level dollhouse display is one of the coolest features of the Dallas store. It’s colorful, detailed, and a great backdrop for photos.
🎨 The Dear Giana Mural
The bright mural by local teen artist Dear Giana adds so much personality to the store. It’s colorful and fun and makes a great backdrop.
💇 The Salon Area
If your doll is getting a hairstyle at the salon, be sure to snap a photo of the transformation!
📖 The Doll & Book Wall
The wall filled with framed pictures of American Girl dolls and their books is both beautiful and nostalgic—especially for longtime fans of the brand.
Love the star seats!
These moments of laughter, imagination, and time together truly are gifts.
Check out our review of the American Girl Los Angeles store ⬇️
The Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta is the largest aquarium in the Western Hemisphere and home to the only whale sharks in the United States. We were so excited to have the opportunity to add this stop to our travel plans.
Located in downtown Atlanta near Centennial Olympic Park, it’s one of the most popular attractions for families visiting the city.
From massive ocean exhibits to interactive experiences and live shows, it offers a unique opportunity to see marine life up close while learning more about ocean conservation.
Manta ray gliding through the water 💦
The whale sharks are definitely a highlight. They are massive, and it was beautiful to see their spots reflecting in the water as they swam by. Watching them glide past the enormous viewing windows was a reminder that creation doesn’t need to shout to show God’s power—you see it in the gentleness and the quiet moments that leave an unforgettable impact.
Beautiful whale shark …look at the hand pointing in the left corner to get a glimpse of the comparison of size of these gentle giants
There was something incredibly humbling about standing still while these gentle giants moved so effortlessly through the water. It was breathtaking.
The Georgia Aquarium is one of those places that invites awe and wonder for both kids and parents alike. It slows you down in the best way.
I’m so thankful we had the opportunity to experience it as a family. What a wonderful blessing this stop on our trip turned out to be.
We arrived later in the day, so unfortunately we missed several of the live shows. If you’re planning a visit, I definitely recommend arriving earlier so you can experience everything the aquarium offers.
One of our absolute favorite parts was the underwater tunnel, where you walk through as manta rays, sharks, and stingrays glide overhead. We could have sat right there in the middle for hours just watching them. They were massive—and completely mesmerizing.
Moments like that make it impossible not to reflect on how creative and intricate God is. The diversity, the size, the beauty — all of it points to a Creator who delights in detail.
“How many are your works, Lord! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.”
Psalm 104:24 (NIV)
After spending a day exploring the incredible exhibits, watching whale sharks glide by, and imagining what a sleepover underwater would be like, it’s easy to feel inspired and amazed. But planning a visit to the Georgia Aquarium can feel a little overwhelming if you’re bringing the whole family.
To make your trip smoother and more enjoyable, here are some practical tips and recommendations for families, including what to see, when to go, and how to make the most of your day.
Practical Tips for Visiting Georgia Aquarium With Kids
Best Exhibits for Families
Ocean Voyager
Start here. It’s the most jaw-dropping and can get crowded later in the day.
Cold Water Quest
Beluga whales are always a hit with younger kids.
Shark Gallery
Great for older kids learning about predators and ecosystems.
Tropical Diver
Bright, colorful, and perfect for littles who love finding “Nemo” style fish.
What Makes It Special
Whale sharks (the largest fish in the ocean) Massive floor-to-ceiling viewing windows Beluga whales Manta rays and sharks Interactive touch pools Dolphin presentations (check schedule in advance)
Best time to go
Go early for calmer crowds Start with Ocean Voyager before kids get tired .Try planning around the morning or evening hours.
Take breaks—there are quiet, dark rooms that help regulate sensory overload
Bring snacks (or plan a food stop nearby)
Strollers are allowed, but baby carriers are easier in crowds
Where to park
Georgia Aquarium has a main parking garage located at 357 Luckie Street NW. This multi-level deck includes general parking in addition to spots dedicated to electric vehicle charging and disability parking. There are also elevators on every level for easy access to the main entrance.
Purchase your parking in advance to save time
Behind the Seas Tours
This tour gives visitors a chance to see what happens behind the scenes of the aquarium.
During this guided tour, guests can explore areas that aren’t normally open to the public and learn more about how the aquarium cares for its animals and maintains the massive habitats throughout the facility. It’s a fascinating opportunity for anyone curious about marine life, conservation, and the work that goes into running such an incredible place.
For those who enjoy learning more about marine science or simply want a deeper look at the aquarium beyond the exhibits, the Behind the Seas tour offers a unique perspective and a greater appreciation for the care and effort that goes into protecting these animals.
For homeschool families especially, this tour could be a wonderful opportunity to see the science and care behind maintaining such a large marine environment.
Sleepover: Sleep under the Sea
One experience we thought sounded especially unique was the Sleep Under the Sea program. Instead of counting sheep, guests get the chance to fall asleep while watching fish glide by the massive aquarium windows.
During this overnight experience, guests arrive in the evening and enjoy special access to the aquarium after hours. The sleepover includes admission beginning around 6:45 p.m. the evening of your stay, along with access to the aquarium again the following day.
Throughout the evening, participants can enjoy presentations, guided tours, activities, a bedtime snack, and even a complimentary breakfast the next morning. One of the most memorable parts is rolling out your sleeping bag right in front of one of the aquarium’s incredible gallery windows and drifting off to sleep while the marine life moves quietly through the water.
If we get the opportunity to go back, this is the one we would do! What an amazing opportunity!!
Animal Encounters
For families looking for an even more memorable experience, they also offer several animal encounters that allow visitors to get closer to some of the aquarium’s most incredible marine life.
These experiences are guided by staff and give guests the opportunity to learn more about the animals while seeing them up close in a unique way.
Dolphin Encounter
One of the most popular experiences is the dolphin encounter. During this program, visitors can step into shallow water and interact with the dolphins while learning about their behaviors, training, and conservation efforts.
Sea Lion Encounter
The sea lion encounter allows guests to go behind the scenes and see these playful animals up close while learning about how the trainers care for them and the important role aquariums play in protecting marine life.
Beluga Whale Encounter
This is a truly special opportunity to see the beautiful beluga whales up close. Guests can observe and interact with the whales alongside trained staff while learning about their unique characteristics and natural habitats.
Shark and Ray Experiences
The aquarium also offers experiences where guests can safely get closer to sharks or rays while learning about their role in ocean ecosystems and the importance of protecting these misunderstood animals.
Tips for Booking Animal Encounters
Animal encounters are separate experiences and require an additional reservation and fee beyond general admission. These spots can fill up quickly, especially during weekends and holidays.
If you’re interested in one of these encounters, it’s best to reserve your spot in advance through the aquarium’s website or guest services when planning your visit.
Even if you don’t book an encounter, simply watching these animals in their exhibits is an unforgettable experience ✨
Although we didn’t book an animal encounter during our visit, it’s definitely something we would consider on a future trip because it would be such a unique experience for kids.
Swims & Dives
For those looking for a truly unforgettable adventure, they even offer the opportunity to SCUBA dive with whale sharks and manta rays inside the Ocean Voyager habitat.
This incredible experience allows certified divers to enter the massive tank and swim alongside some of the aquarium’s most impressive animals, including the gentle whale sharks and graceful manta rays. It’s truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see these animals from a completely different perspective.
The aquarium’s Dive Immersion team guides participants through the entire process, providing instruction, answering questions, and ensuring safety throughout the dive.
Because this program is very popular, reservations are limited and spots can fill up quickly. If this is something you’re interested in, it’s best to check availability and reserve in advance when planning your visit.
For those who aren’t certified divers but still want a closer experience with the animals, the aquarium also offers a snorkeling program inside the same Ocean Voyager habitat.
Live Shows
In addition to the exhibits, the Georgia Aquarium also offers two popular live shows: the dolphin show and the sea lion show. These performances are a fun way to see the animals’ intelligence and personalities up close, and they are definitely worth planning your visit around.
Show times vary throughout the day, and the final show is usually scheduled sometime between 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., depending on the day. During most visits, the last show tends to be around 4:00 p.m., but schedules can change, so it’s always best to check the daily schedule when you arrive.
The shows are included with general admission, but you will need to reserve your seats through the aquarium’s app or reservation system once inside the aquarium. Spots can fill up quickly, especially during busy travel seasons, so it’s a good idea to book your show as soon as you arrive.
Unfortunately, we arrived later in the day and missed the shows, but it’s definitely something we would plan around on our next visit.
Conservation Efforts
We really appreciated how much the aquarium emphasizes conservation efforts throughout the exhibits. Caring for our oceans and wildlife is something that affects all of us, yet there aren’t always many opportunities to learn about it in such a meaningful way. Seeing these incredible animals up close while learning how we can help protect them was a powerful reminder of the responsibility we have to care for creation❤️
Here are just a few ways they are doing this ⬇️
Marine Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation
The aquarium works with partners to help rescue and rehabilitate injured or stranded marine animals. For example, they have assisted with the care and treatment of stranded sea lion pups and sea otters before the animals are returned to the wild whenever possible.
They also partner with conservation groups to support sea turtle monitoring and protection programs along the Georgia coast.
Whale Shark Research
Because the aquarium houses whale sharks, scientists are able to study their health, genetics, and behavior in ways that would be nearly impossible in the open ocean.
Researchers track whale sharks in the wild using satellite tags and have studied over 1,000 whale sharks in the Yucatán Peninsula to better understand migration and feeding patterns.
This research helps scientists learn more about a species that is still largely mysterious.
These are just to name a few . Check out their website for more ways they are helping ✨
Our visit to the Georgia Aquarium was truly unforgettable. From the majestic whale sharks to the playful manta rays and the behind-the-scenes learning opportunities, it’s a place that invites awe, curiosity, and plenty of family memories.
If you’re planning your own trip, you can find more information, book tickets, and check daily show schedules here ⬇️
And if you can’t make it in person—or just want a sneak peek before your visit—be sure to check out the live feed below. Watching these gentle giants glide through the water is mesmerizing and a great way to share a little bit of the aquarium magic with the whole family from home✨
No matter how you experience it—online or in person—the Georgia Aquarium is a place where wonder and learning meet, and it’s perfect for kids, homeschoolers, and families who love exploring the natural world together ✨
“Real courage is when you know you’re licked before you begin, but you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what.” — Harper Lee, To Kill a Mockingbird
How fitting as we step into month two of twelve.
It’s easy—almost exciting—to write goals down on paper at the start of a new year. Fresh pages. Big intentions. Hope feels abundant. But I recently heard something that stopped me in my tracks: by day nine of the new year, most people have already given up on their goals. Day nine. That’s barely enough time to break in a new planner.
There’s even a name for it. The second Friday of January is known as Quitter’s Day. Anyone else not know about this?
Only about 8–9% of people actually stick with their goals all year. That’s less than one out of ten!
Wow! That sounds exactly like the kind of courage Atticus Finch was talking about.
Real courage isn’t loud or flashy. It’s not the perfectly executed plan or the viral success story. It’s choosing to keep going when motivation fades, when progress feels slow, and when you already know this won’t be easy.It’s continuing—not because you’re confident—but because you’re committed.
You don’t have to be in the top 1%. You just have to begin… and see it through. Real courage isn’t rooted in confidence—it’s rooted in obedience. Scripture reminds us that perseverance is formed through endurance, not ease. We don’t keep going because we’re certain of the outcome, but because we trust the One who called us to begin.Say that last sentence again ,write it down and remember it❤️
Faithful steps—especially the unseen ones—matter. God honors consistency more than perfection, and He meets us in the quiet decision to stay the course, one ordinary day at a time.
As we step into month 2 of 12, I created a simple Courage Check-In Reflection Sheet to help you pause, reset, and gently refocus—without guilt or pressure.
It’s not about doing more.
It’s about staying the course in what truly matters.
There’s something about fall that invites us to slow down — the golden leaves, crisp hikes, cozy sweaters, and pumpkin-scented everything. It’s a season meant for togetherness and gratitude, and I’ve created something special to help you make the most of it! 🍂 My Free Autumn Bucket List is filled with simple, meaningful ways to enjoy fall as a family — from outdoor adventures and cozy nights in, to moments that remind us of God’s goodness in every season. Whether you check off every idea or just a few favorites, this list will help you savor the beauty of autumn .
As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, may this season remind you to slow down, breathe , and find joy in the simple things — a walk through the leaves, laughter around the table, or a quiet moment with a cup of coffee and your Bible. 💛
If you’re ready to make the most of this beautiful season, download your Free Autumn Bucket List below! It’s a fun way to stay intentional and create memories that will last long after the leaves have fallen.
📩 [Click below to subscribe and get your Free Autumn Bucket List printable!]
I would love to see how your family is enjoying fall! Tag me on social media @redeemingbeautyfamilyadventures or share your favorite bucket list moments in the comments — let’s embrace all the cozy, joy-filled moments this season brings. 🍁
Ready for more fall fun in teaching? This is such a great way to teach sightwords . It’s hands on and easily works with any season …leaves for fall , trees for Christmas,etc.
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Word games give children opportunities to practice their sight words and build mastery while also keeping them engaged and having fun.So let the fun begin! I mean seriously, how can you not have fun building your sight words on these colorful leaves?
October in Washington State is one of the most beautiful seasons and the perfect time to visit .
Look at all the beautiful fall colors that are so vibrant and welcoming🍁
Heading up to Heather Pass
The Golden Larches were on full display and we were lucky enough to catch them..they turn the bright golden color for such a short time before they lose their needles .It was interesting to touch them .. they were so soft .
Look closely you will see a beautifully hidden lake (Lewis Lake ) just past the larches .. thanks to my friend who spotted it! Viewpoint at Heather Pass
We also talked with another hiker .. Keith from Ohio who recommended a short trail off of the Maple Pass Loop …the Wing Lake Trail ..where he captured the most beautiful hike through the larches .
The weather in the North Cascades is a little of everything …sunshine,rain and even some snow and the mountains are basking in the final streams of sunshine as they prepare to welcome winter.
Heading to Maple Pass
We experienced all their weather including the snow and enjoyed all the beauty of fall. The pics look so unreal but the actual views were so much better! The camera never captures the full experience .So thankful to be able to experience all this beauty! . “From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the Lord is to be praised.” Psalms 113:3 NIV
Descending Maple Pass is so beautiful! You see the path as it zigzags along the mountainside and everywhere you look you see mountains. If you look closely you will see other hikers who look like little specks .
Look to the left of the picture .. do you see the path through the trees? We hiked all the way around and could see the other side from where we were.. so cool! That zigzag is our path down
Views of Rainy Lake as we were descending back to where we parked.
Here are our stats⬇️
📍Maple Pass Loop
🧭 Winthrop, Wa
🥾 6.5 miles RT ( we came in at 7.9 miles)
🏔️ 2162 ft elevation gain ( we gained 2254 )
⭐️ Stats based on AllTrails and Apple
The Larches in all their beauty this past week at Maple Pass Loop in the North Cascade Mountains was such a blessing to experience. So thankful we were able to catch them during this magical transformation.
Maple Pass Loop also connects to Rainy Pass with the PCT Trail and we had the privilege of catching up with one of the PCT hikers,Daniel and his dad who was there to provide refueling snacks for those on the trail. Daniel started hiking in April from Mexico and had it had been 179 days since starting and he had just a few more to finish the PCT ! So impressive! He looked great and by the time we finished the hike he was already on the trail again but his dad was still there to cheer on the PCT hikers and us! What a nice guy! You can follow all his adventures on his YouTube channel I linked below ⬇️
Learning sight words is so much fun when you get creative . I picked up these pumpkin eggs and filled them with scrabble tiles. I hid them and then let my students seek them out . Once we returned to the classroom ,they opened them and worked on unscrambling the scrabble tiles to reveal the sight word. So much fun for the whole class! . To get the link for the eggs and scrabble tiles comment 🎃 and I’ll send you the link to purchase :)
