Fun, tech-free vacations are an excellent way for you to detach from the screen and connect with each other. They can also help you reconnect as a family.
Have you ever taken your family on a dream vacation, only to find everyone scrolling through their phones at dinner? I have. And I realized we weren’t actually together, we were just in the same place. You can have a tech-free vacation and have fun, too.
In a world where screens are everywhere and family members are often in the same room but worlds apart, intentionally unplugging can be the key to reconnecting with your kids and building memories that last a lifetime.
I know what you’re thinking: ‘My kids will lose their minds without Wi-Fi.’ I hear you. That’s why I’m sharing how to make this doable, not perfect, but meaningful. ~ Connie Albers
Tell Your Children You’re Taking a Tech-Free Vacation in Advance
Telling your kids in advance sets the tone and reduces resistance. When it comes to screen-free travel, giving your children a heads-up is one of the most important things you can do. Let them know what to expect and why you’re doing it.
Kids thrive with structure and clear expectations. Telling them in advance gives them time to adjust, prepare, and even get excited. You’re not springing a surprise—you’re starting a conversation. This sets the tone for a positive experience instead of resistance.
Once the idea has been planted, the next step is to invite them into the planning process.
Let Your Children Help Plan the Vacation
Involving your children in planning the vacation gives them a sense of ownership and excitement. When they help choose where to go, what to do, or even what snacks to bring, they’re far more likely to be engaged and enthusiastic about going tech-free.
This doesn’t mean you hand over the itinerary—it means you welcome their ideas. Whether it’s picking a trail to hike, choosing a game to play, or planning a silly talent show, collaboration builds buy-in and connection.
And here’s some good news: making memories together doesn’t have to cost a fortune.
Don’t Make it About Money
You don’t need a five-star resort or expensive amusement park tickets to have a memorable trip. Some of the best tech-free vacations happen in cabins, backyards, or small-town hideaways.
What your children will remember most isn’t the cost of the trip—it’s how they felt during it. Did they laugh with you? Did they feel seen? Were they invited to play, explore, and just be?
While tech-free vacations don’t have to be expensive, one of a vacation’s most powerful (and overlooked) parts is the gift of attention.
Give Your Kids Attention
When you put the phone down and truly look your child in the eyes, something shifts. That kind of attention says, “You matter to me. I’m here with you.”
During a tech-free vacation, your focused presence becomes a treasure. Whether skipping rocks, telling stories, or sitting quietly by a campfire, your child notices when you’re truly with them.
Not only will your children enjoy the extra attention from you it also opens the door to something even more exciting: the gift of imagination and exploration.
Encourage Creativity and Adventure
Without screens, children are forced to engage their senses and stretch their imaginations—and that’s good. Tech-free vacations give them space to build forts, create games, tell stories, and explore nature with curiosity.
This might take some getting used to, especially in the beginning. But once they rediscover how fun boredom can be, creativity flourishes.
In addition, when you’re all feeling brave and inspired, it’s the perfect time to try something new together.
Try New Things with Your Kids
New experiences create lasting bonds. Whether it’s kayaking for the first time, cooking over a fire, or learning a dance together, trying something new as a family breaks the routine and builds connection.
You don’t have to go far or do something wild. Even little adventures create inside jokes and shared memories that will last for years.
Also, trying something new together helps your family grow stronger, one small adventure at a time.
Closing Thoughts: Connection Over Perfection
Planning a tech-free vacation might take a little more intention; however, the reward is rich. While not every moment will go as planned—and some may even be challenging—that’s perfectly okay. What matters most is that you’re intentionally choosing to show up for your family in a deeper, more present way.
By detaching from devices, you’re making space to attach to each other. And in the long run, that is the parenting your children will carry with them.
So, give it a try, whether it’s one day, one weekend, or a whole week. You might be surprised at what unfolds when the screens go off and the heart turns on.
Sponsors, Related Shows, and Links
Want a Bible curriculum that strengthens your teen’s faith and critical thinking? RVL Discipleship: The Curriculum equips homeschool students to engage deeply with Scripture and live out God’s mission.
In RVL Discipleship: The Study, join renowned teacher and Bible scholar Ray Vander Laan as he examines what it means to follow Christ through the cultural, historical, and otherwise contextual lens of Scripture. The Study is a four-season video Bible study for small groups and individuals that considers the question: What did it mean to be one of Jesus’s original disciples, and what does that mean for us today?
The Heart of Caregiving is found in the quiet, unseen moments — the late nights, the tired mornings, and the endless cycle of giving without expecting anything in return. Jess Ronne joins me today for an honest conversation on caregiving.
Caregiving is not just about meeting physical needs; it’s about pouring love, patience, and strength into someone else’s life, even when your cup feels empty.
Amid exhaustion and uncertainty, a quiet strength comes from knowing you are not alone. This is the heart of caregiving — a place where grit and grace meet, sustaining you through even the hardest days.
“The heart of caregiving is found in the quiet, unseen moments — the late nights, the tired mornings, and the endless cycle of giving without expecting anything in return. I know this because I’ve been there. Caring for my mom taught me that true strength isn’t loud; it’s found in the quiet acts of love and patience when no one is watching.” Connie Albers
The Heart of Caregiving
The heart of caregiving is found in the quiet, unseen moments — the late nights, the tired mornings, and the endless cycle of giving without expecting anything in return. I know this because I’ve been there. Caring for my mom taught me that true strength isn’t loud; it’s found in the quiet acts of love and patience when no one is watching. It’s in the middle-of-the-night wake-ups, the doctor’s appointments, the hard conversations, and the moments when you wonder if you have anything left to give. Caregiving is hard, holy work — and it changes you in ways you never expected.
The Challenges of Caregiving
Caregiving stretches you in every possible way — physically, emotionally, and mentally. There’s the exhaustion that comes from sleepless nights and long days. You pour out everything you have to meet someone else’s needs, often putting your own aside. And it’s not just the physical toll — it’s the emotional weight too.
It’s hard watching someone you love struggle. You wish you could fix it, make it better, take away the pain — but you can’t. The constant decision-making can be overwhelming. Did I do the right thing? Should I have spoken up more at that appointment? Am I doing enough? These thoughts can weigh you down, leaving you feeling like you’re never quite enough.
But here’s the truth: you are enough. Just showing up matters. Even when you’re tired and don’t have all the answers, being there is an act of love and courage.
Finding Strength in Grit
Caregiving requires grit — that daily resolve to keep going even when it’s hard. You show up, not because it’s easy, but because you love the person in front of you.
Grit is getting out of bed when you’d rather stay under the covers. It’s figuring out complicated medical instructions and staying calm when everything feels like it’s falling apart. It’s knowing that you might not see the rewards of your labor — but choosing to serve anyway.
I remember days when I felt utterly depleted — emotionally and physically. But somehow, I’d find the strength to keep going. That’s the power of grit. It’s not glamorous; it’s steady and quiet. And it matters.
Finding Peace in Grace
But grit alone isn’t enough. That’s where grace comes in. Grace is what carries you when you’re too tired to stand.
Grace means allowing yourself to be human. You don’t have to be perfect to be a good caregiver. You can get frustrated and feel exhausted and still be doing enough. Grace is knowing that it’s okay to take a break—that rest isn’t failure; it’s necessary.
It’s also about offering grace to the person you’re caring for. They might not always express gratitude. They might lash out because they’re hurting. Grace reminds you that they’re struggling too. And it helps you respond with patience instead of resentment.
Grace is forgiving yourself when you don’t get it right. It’s recognizing that love is still present even on the hard days.
The Scrared Calling of Caregiving
Caregiving is hard — but it’s also sacred. There’s something profoundly beautiful about loving someone through their hardest moments.
It’s easy to think of caregiving as a chore or an obligation. But it’s more than that. It’s an act of devotion. Every meal prepared, every hand held, every encouraging word — these are reflections of God’s love. Even when you feel unseen, God sees you.
You might not hear “thank you” as often as you’d like, but your work matters. You are standing in the gap for someone who needs you. That’s sacred.
When I was caring for my mom, there were moments when I felt invisible — like no one saw the hard work I was doing. But God saw. And He gave me strength when I had nothing left. That’s the gift of caregiving — you’re not doing it alone.
Practical Encouragment for Caregivers
I know firsthand how easy it is to neglect yourself when you’re focused on someone else’s needs. But you can’t give from an empty cup. Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish — it’s necessary.
Prioritize Rest. Even if you can only grab 10 mins. of quiet, take it. Your body and mind need to reset.
Set Realistic Goals. You won’t get it right all the time, and that’s okay.
Ask for Help. People might not know you need anything, so be willing to ask. Lean on your community, family, and even professional support.
Conclusion: The Heart of Caregiving
The heart of caregiving is found in the tension between grit and grace — showing up when it’s hard and trusting that you are not alone. Caregiving will stretch you, challenge you, and sometimes break your heart — but it will also grow you in ways you never imagined.
If you’re in the middle of caregiving right now, I want you to know this: You are doing holy work. You are seen. You are enough. And you are not alone.
References, Related Shows, and Links
Jess Ronne is no stranger to caregiving. As the eldest of eleven siblings, Jess was responsible for their care during her upbringing. Her commitment to caregiving continued after she married and received the medical news that her son Luca would be born with significant disabilities requiring lifelong care.
She then faced the devastating news that her thirty-one-year-old husband was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer, leaving her to raise four children alone. Her life took another remarkable turn when she met Ryan, a widower with three children. They blended two families and welcomed another child together.
Jess leads the Lucas Project, a nonprofit outreach organization committed to supporting individuals with special needs. Alongside her husband, Jess established Hope Farm, a residential facility that assists the needs of her son and other young adults with disabilities.
Motherhood has a way of pulling us in a thousand directions. And while we want to stay spiritually centered, the distractions are endless. This journal is a soft but steady nudge back to what matters most: your relationship with the Lord.
Each day, you’re given a guided prayer that helps you focus your thoughts and emotions around a particular theme—strength, wisdom, peace, forgiveness, endurance, and more. The scriptures are included so you’re not scrambling to look them up, and there’s space for you to write down your reflections, prayers, or whatever the Lord is whispering to your heart that day.
No pressure. Just presence.
What Makes the 30-Day Prayer Journal Unique
It’s simple and structured. You don’t have to come up with the words; each page offers a biblically grounded prayer and a short passage to reflect on.
It’s heart-centered. These are not surface-level prompts. We go deep into the spaces of motherhood where we often feel unseen or weary. This journal acknowledges those hard places and invites God into them.
It meets you where you are. Whether you have five minutes or fifty, you can use this journal. No guilt, no shame, no “catching up.” Just pick up where you left off.
Some of the Themes You’ll Pray Through:
Gratitude (Psalm 100:4–5)
Strength (Isaiah 40:31)
Guidance (Proverbs 3:5–6)
Wisdom (James 1:5)
Contentment (1 Timothy 6:6)
Endurance (2 Timothy 2:12)
Love (1 Corinthians 13:4–7)
Faith (Matthew 17:20)
Your children (Acts 16:31)
Anxiety (Philippians 4:6–7)
Each prayer is short but powerful. It speaks to the real-life challenges we face as moms when we feel like we’re failing, when our patience runs dry, when we just need to be reminded that we are not alone.
A Gentle Invitation
Let me be honest with you: there’s no perfect way to pray. But there is power in consistency. Power in coming back, again and again, to sit at the feet of Jesus—even if your prayers are whispered between diaper changes or while you’re waiting in the school pickup line.
The 30-Day Prayer Journal won’t fix everything overnight. But it will draw you closer to the Lord. It will build a rhythm. And that rhythm? It has the power to change everything.
Because when you stay anchored in prayer, even the messiest days have purpose.
So, if your soul craves stillness and your heart longs for more than survival mode, this journal is for you.
Let’s walk these 30 days together.
You don’t have to do it perfectly. You have to show up. ~connie
Grab your copy of the 30-Day Prayer Journal at www.conniealbers.com and reclaim your prayer life one page at a time.
💛 You’ve got this, mama. And more importantly, God’s got you.
Why I Created the Mom Gratitude Journal (and Why You Might Need It Too)
Let’s be real, some days it feels like the only thing we’re grateful for is bedtime.
Between juggling work, laundry piles that could qualify as mountain ranges, endless snack requests, and trying to remember who needed to be where and when… gratitude can easily fall to the bottom of the list. I get it. I’ve been there.
That’s exactly why I created the Mom Gratitude Journal, not because I’ve got it all together, but because I know what it’s like to feel like everything is falling apart.
What Is the Mom Gratitude Journal?
This isn’t some fluffy, fill-it-in-once-and-forget-it kind of journal. This is a simple, doable, 30-day invitation to shift your focus just a little, each day. It includes space to write down:
What made me grateful
What made me smile
My favorite thing that happened
That’s it. No long essays. No pressure. Just a few moments to slow your thoughts and remind your heart of what’s good, even in the middle of the messy.
It also includes:
A 30-day Gratitude Challenge Tracker because there’s something about checking a box that feels satisfying.
A beautiful Gratitude Tree, fill each leaf with something you’re thankful for.
A space called “My Joyful Place”—where you can describe where you feel most like yourself.
Reflective prompts like: “What is God teaching you as you wait for answers?” “What verses are you meditating on this summer?” “What are you specifically praying for this season?”
This journal was made for busy moms who barely have time to drink their coffee while it’s still hot. (Yes, I see you reheating it again.)
Why Gratitude Changes Everything
Here’s the truth I had to learn the hard way: Gratitude doesn’t depend on perfect circumstances. Gratitude is a choice we make every day, sometimes minute by minute.
And it doesn’t mean ignoring the hard stuff. It just means saying, “Even in this, I will give thanks.”
I included this verse in the journal because it’s the anchor for the whole thing:
“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NIV)
That doesn’t mean you’ll always feel thankful, but choosing to look for God’s goodness in the midst of the crazy? That’s where the shift happens.
This Is for You If…
You feel like your days are running you instead of the other way around.
You want to build a habit of gratitude without adding another overwhelming “thing” to your list.
You need help remembering that even small, quiet moments matter.
This journal is more than just a collection of prompts—it’s a lifeline for weary moms who want to live with intention, faith, and a full heart.
And mama, if that’s you, I want you to know—you’re not alone. God is working, even when you can’t see it. Even in the wait. Even in the noise.
Let this journal be your gentle reminder to slow down, look up, and give thanks—right here in the beautiful mess of it all.
You can grab your copy on my website and join me on the journey toward a more grateful heart, one small step at a time.
Staying Anchored in Prayer: A 30-Day Journal for Moms Who Need More Than Just Survival.
Let’s be honest, Mama, life can feel like a whirlwind. Between the laundry piles, never-ending appointments, and trying to keep up with everyone’s emotional needs (including yours), it’s too easy to let prayer slip to the bottom of your to-do list. But what if staying rooted in God didn’t require hours of quiet solitude or a perfectly tidy house? What if all you needed was a few intentional minutes and a tool to help you show up—even when you’re running on fumes?
That’s exactly why My Prayer Journal was created. It is not for the mom with all the time in the world, nor for the one who always has a quiet corner and fresh coffee. This is for you, the woman juggling so much and still longing to stay connected to God.
Why This Journal Works (Even When Life Doesn’t Feel Peaceful)
This 30-day journal is your gentle invitation to slow down and center your heart each day, even if it’s just for five minutes between chaos and carpool. It’s more than blank pages. Its structure is without pressure. Purpose without perfection.
Here’s what makes it work for busy moms:
🕊️ Simple Daily Format – Every day includes space to:
Read a thoughtfully selected scripture.
Praise God, thank Him, and believe Him for something specific.
Reflect on your thoughts and write down your prayers.
Guided Prompts – You’re not left staring at a blank page. The journal gently walks you through what to pray for your husband, children, family, friends, community, country, and yourself. Each focus area is broken down with beautifully written prayers and meaningful prompts.
Weekly Focus – The journal includes a prayer schedule to guide your intercession throughout the week, so you never feel overwhelmed or directionless. You’ll cover the people and issues that matter most, without trying to remember them all at once.
Scripture-Based Inspiration – Each page includes a powerful Bible verse to anchor your time with God in truth. Whether it’s a word of encouragement from Psalms or a charge to be faithful from James, you’ll be reminded that God meets you right where you are.
This Isn’t About Doing More. It’s About Being Still.
I know how easy it is to feel like you’re never doing enough, especially when it comes to your faith. But this journal isn’t about striving. It’s not another thing to check off. It’s about showing up in your messy, beautiful, ordinary life and inviting God into it.
Even if you miss a day, come back. Even if your prayers feel short or scattered, write them anyway. He hears them all.
From My Heart to Yours
My Prayer Journal was designed with you in mind. Not the woman you think you should be, but the one you are today. The one who’s doing her best. The one who feels weary but wants to stay close to Jesus. The one who prays while folding socks and whispers “help me” more than she recites fancy devotionals.
You don’t have to wait for life to slow down before prioritizing your prayer life. This journal makes it possible right now.
So light a candle, or don’t. Sit in silence, or journal with cartoons blaring in the background. Just open the pages, and let God meet you in the middle of your real life.
You are seen. You are loved. And your prayers—no matter how brief—are powerful.
Staying Anchored in Prayer: In My Prayer Journal for Moms Who Need More Than Just Survival
Let’s be honest, Mama, life can feel like a whirlwind. Between the laundry piles, never-ending appointments, and trying to keep up with everyone’s emotional needs (including yours), it’s too easy to let prayer slip to the bottom of your to-do list. But what if staying rooted in God didn’t require hours of quiet solitude or a perfectly tidy house? What if all you needed was a few intentional minutes and a tool to help you show up even when you’re running on fumes?
That’s exactly why My Prayer Journal was created. It is not for the mom with all the time in the world, nor for the one who always has a quiet corner and fresh coffee. This is for you, the woman juggling so much and still longing to stay connected to God.
Raising Grateful Kids in a Me-First World: Why the 30-Day Kids Gratitude Challenge Might Be Exactly What We Need
Let’s be real, mama, we’re in the trenches.
Between making meals, managing meltdowns, folding that never-ending laundry pile (seriously, how do they go through six outfits a day?!), and trying to hold our own sanity together with coffee and Jesus, we’re also trying to raise good humans.
Not just polite kids — grateful ones.
Kids who notice the small stuff, who don’t crumble when life isn’t fair, who can say “thank you” without being prompted, and who mean it.
But in today’s world, that’s not easy. Entitlement is everywhere. Gratitude? It’s quieter. But here’s the good news — it’s not gone. And with a little intention, we can bring it back into our homes.
Why Gratitude Matters (More Than Ever)
Gratitude isn’t just a feel-good attitude. It’s a life-changer. Research shows it boosts emotional resilience, improves relationships, and even helps kids cope better with stress and anxiety. And let’s be honest — we all want our children to be more content, more thoughtful, and more grounded.
But the real kicker? Gratitude is taught.
It’s shaped in the everyday. In dinner table conversations. In thank-you notes scribbled in crayon. In bedtime prayers whispered over tangled blankets and tired hearts.
Enter: The 30-Day Kids Gratitude Challenge
That’s why I created the Kids Gratitude Challenge — not as another item to pile on your to-do list, but as a gentle, fun rhythm to weave into your child’s day. It’s practical, simple, and just the right amount of structure to make gratitude stick.
This 30-day printable challenge includes:
A daily gratitude journal with prompts like “What was your favorite thing you did today?” and “What are you thankful for?”
Gratitude BINGO — a fun, interactive way for your kids to practice kindness and thankfulness in real life.
Creative prompts like the Gratitude Alphabet, Gratitude Tree, and My Gratitude Chain that get kids thinking (and moving).
Bonus activities like writing wishes for others on clouds, drawing their happy place, and mapping out where they’ve traveled.
It’s colorful, creative, and best of all — kid-approved.
How to Use It Without Overwhelm
No pressure to complete it perfectly. No gold stars required.
You can print the pages, stick them on the fridge, tuck the journal sheets in their lunchbox, or make it a cozy end-of-the-day routine. Some moms turn it into a family challenge, filling out the gratitude leaves together or seeing who gets “Gratitude BINGO” first.
The goal isn’t perfection. Its presence.
Presence in helping your child notice what they already have. Presence in teaching them that joy often grows in the soil of appreciation. Presence in showing them that thankfulness isn’t just for November — it’s a lifestyle.
A Few Gratitude-Inspired Ideas to Try This Week:
Ask your child at bedtime: “What was the best part of your day?”
Do one Gratitude Bingo square together — like leaving a thank-you note for the mail carrier.
Write or draw one thing they’re thankful for and hang it up where everyone can see.
It’s in these little moments that big character is built.
Mama, You’re Planting Seeds
I know it feels like you’re repeating yourself, and I know some days it seems like your kids don’t get it. But don’t underestimate the seeds you’re sowing. Gratitude may not bloom overnight, but it grows slowly, deeply, and beautifully.
You are doing holy, heart-shaping work. Keep going.
And if you need a hand (or a printable), the 30-Day Kids Gratitude Challenge is here to help you raise kids who see the good and express gratitude.
Because thankful hearts grow in homes just like yours. ~connie
You can grab your copy of the challenge at HERE — and don’t forget to share your family’s gratitude moments with us on Instagram @conniealbers. Let’s raise a generation that chooses gratitude on purpose.
