Become a subscriber and receive my “Mealtime Magic – Biblically Based Conversation Cards” FREE!
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Happy Home Fairy

Helping Moms Build Happy Homes

  • Home
  • Blog
  • About
  • Advertise
  • Privacy
  • Contact
  • Crafts
  • Freebies
    • FREE Printables
    • Giveaways
  • Recipes
    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
    • Sides
    • Soups/Salads
    • Appetizers/Snacks
    • Treats
  • Celebrate
    • New Year’s
    • Valentine’s Day
    • St. Patrick’s Day
    • Easter
    • Teacher Appreciation
    • Mother’s Day
    • End of School Year
    • Summer
    • Father’s Day
    • 4th of July
    • Back to School
    • Fall
    • Thanksgiving
    • Christmas
    • Birthdays
  • Faith
    • Comforting in Crisis
    • Fairy Thoughts
    • Motherhood
    • Marriage
    • Parenting
    • NICU Mommies

Candyland Thanksgiving

Like It? Share It!
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Linkedin
  • Print
I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Read my full disclosure policy here.

One of my favorite board games is Candyland.

I think I love it because it’s just so simple.  When I was younger and my family tried to get me to play games like Monopoly, I would just run into the other room and hide.  Way too much thinking.  But Candyland is a piece of cake – just pick the cards and move your person along the brightly-colored squares to get to Candy Castle for the win.

As a little girl, before my brothers or parents sat down to play with me, I used to set Candyland up and then strategically place the Queen Frostine card at the top so that when it was my turn, I would pick that card and get to move my person to the top of the board.  The reason I did that was because it was a way to skip to the end of the game faster and be the winner.

Talk about scandal.  I clearly had no soul.

The only problem was that sometimes my plan would backfire if I drew a Mr. Mint or Mr. Plumpy card and then have to go all the way back to the beginning of the board and start over.  Cue the level 10 emotions.

Candyland is Like Life

I recently had the opportunity to lead a chapel at our school where I spoke on the topic of gratitude using the game Candyland for an object lesson.  As I talked about the differences between drawing a Queen Frostine card versus a Mr. Plumpy card, I related this to the various cards we are dealt in our day-to-day lives.

Some days have Queen Frostine moments where we are dealt circumstances that are favorable.  For example, beautiful weather, our birthday, a special trip, a good grade, a yummy treat, favorite meal, or visit with a friend.

But some days we have Mr. Plumpy moments where we are dealt circumstances that are difficult, painful, and challenging.  This could be an illness, relationship issue, financial hardship, when mom says no to that toy at Target (horrors!), someone is unkind, or other trial.  These challenges can feel like we are being sent back to the beginning of the board of life, kicked out of the hope and happiness of finally ‘making it’ to the magical happy ending.

The trick is in embracing the instruction behind 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18.  It is here that Paul encourages us to –

Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Give thanks no matter what happens. God wants you to thank him because you believe in Christ Jesus.

When we are dealt a Queen Frostine card in life, we naturally respond with joy because our circumstances are good.  But the Mr. Plumpy circumstances are the places where we get to exercise our faith in Jesus.

We can give thanks in ALL circumstances – even the Mr. Plumpy ones – because we have hope in Jesus Christ.

This hope is rooted in an understanding that whatever happens to us is because God has allowed it.  And God is good.  Because of this, we can trust that no matter what comes our way, it is for our good and His glory.

Plus, unlike King Candy, the King of Kings is accessible at all times, not just the end of the game.  That is why we are encouraged to pray continually.  We get to enjoy a relationship with God when we’re having a Queen Frostine moment in life or when we’re in the middle of a Mr. Plumpy moment.

And here is the beauty of how the Lord works – every Mr. Plumpy card I have been dealt in life, God has transformed it into a Queen Frostine.  I can honestly say that the hardest and most difficult circumstances I have faced, have ended up being the ones that I treasure the most because they forced me to trust the Lord, draw close to Him, and look for His provisions in the struggle.  This is where the joy comes.  As we trust Him to be faithful to take the bad and make it good, we will be able to view and receive every circumstance with peace and joy.

Just a little encouragement for your heart today!  Are you in a Queen Frostine season or Mr. Plumpy season right now?  I would love to pray for you as you are challenged to give thanks no matter what happens.

Joyfully,

Julie 🙂

Fairy Thoughts, Motherhood, Parenting, Thanksgiving
Encouragement, Jesus, Teaching Toddlers About Jesus, Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving Traditions
5 Comments

About Happy Home Fairy

Julie Brasington is a Preschool Director, wife of a South Florida Worship Pastor and mom of 3 boys. She writes at Happy Home Fairy where you can find easy craft ideas, FREE printables, simple recipes, holiday fun, thoughts on raising kids, and encouragement for moms.

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
Like It? Share It!
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Linkedin
  • Print

You May Also Like These Posts

Recipe – Easy Turkey Tetrazzini5 Simple Traditions for Thanksgiving MorningFor All the Anxious MamasEasy Thanksgiving Side Dishes

Did you enjoy this post? Never miss another!
Encouragement and fun ideas delivered to your inbox.

Prev Post Thankful Turkey Cookie Gifts
Next Post Recipe – Pumpkin Bread

Reader Interactions

5 Comments

  1. Heidi Henkel

    November 19, 2017 at 9:25 am

    Ah clearly Ibjad no soul either 😂 Thanks for making my childhood and adulthood feel normal, and for this idea that we all can learn from.

    to Heidi Henkel" aria-label='reply to this comment to Heidi Henkel'>reply to this comment
  2. pam

    November 19, 2017 at 10:36 am

    hey!
    have some tears in my eyes as i read this. such a simple analogy, that has really spoken to my heart on a difficult, complex and disheartening day.

    i take the message to heart and would appreciate your prayers.

    to pam" aria-label='reply to this comment to pam'>reply to this comment
  3. Angie

    November 19, 2017 at 4:17 pm

    Thank you for the precious reminder!

    to Angie" aria-label='reply to this comment to Angie'>reply to this comment
  4. Rachel D.

    November 19, 2017 at 5:48 pm

    I appreciate your words of encouragement. In an interesting season of life right now and I needed a good word. And a good laugh about Candyland. Oh, the memories!! Lol. I played games with mega emotions too. I hope you have a great time celebrating the holiday with your family.

    to Rachel D." aria-label='reply to this comment to Rachel D.'>reply to this comment
  5. DJD

    February 14, 2018 at 9:18 pm

    Thank you so much for your encouraging words! They brought a tear to my eye as they touched my heart! God bless you and your family!

    to DJD" aria-label='reply to this comment to DJD'>reply to this comment

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

Loving God Loving Others and Having Fun

Hey there! My name is Julie, the Happy Home Fairy. I am married to a Worship Pastor, we have 3 boys, and I am a Preschool Director. I love sharing easy, fun ideas to help moms build a happy home! Here you will find simple crafts, FREE Printables, yummy recipes, stories about my journey to trust Jesus with my family, and encouragement for your mama's heart. You can read more about me HERE!

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Instagram
  • YouTube

My eBook!
AVAILABLE NOW!

book-sidebarThe Kindness Antennae is my brand new eBook packed full of uplifting stories, fun ideas, printables, and truths to help you (and your kids!) live a life that makes a difference – one act of kindness at a time.

BUY NOW

Subscribe Now and Get a FREE Gift!

Preschool Crafts and Ideas

Preschool Classroom Reveal

Creation Book – FREE Printable!

Brown Bear, Brown Bear Handprint Project

Preschool Morning Meeting Ideas

More Preschool Ideas

Popular Categories

  • Printables
  • Winter
  • Spring
  • Summer
  • Fall
  • Recipes
  • Preschool
  • Encouragement

Footer

JOIN THE CONVERSATION ON
Facebook

SEE WHAT I’M PINNING ON
Pinterest

PEEK BEHIND THE SCENES ON
INSTAGRAM

  • Things I am grateful for today... ✨Baby Z laughing and chasing me around the house with a giant oven mitt on his hand. ✨Having a plan for dinners this week. ✨The book I can’t put down. ✨Chocolate peanut butter banana smoothies before bed. ✨A church that observes Lent and desires to honor God with this season. ✨Clean sheets. ✨A backyard covered in sports balls. ✨This cute top from @roolee! #roolee #rooleeambassador #yesroolee #modestfashion #gratitude
    by happyhomefairy 2 weeks ago
    Things I am grateful for today... ✨Baby Z laughing and chasing me around the house with a giant oven mitt on his hand. ✨Having a plan for dinners this week. ✨The book I can’t put down. ✨Chocolate peanut butter banana smoothies before bed. ✨A church that observes Lent and desires to honor God with this season. ✨Clean sheets. ✨A backyard covered in sports balls. ✨This cute top from  @roolee !  #roolee   #rooleeambassador   #yesroolee   #modestfashion   #gratitude 
  • I saw this fun idea by my friend @melindaagriswold - can you guess who’s who? Comment below! Person 1 Love Language - Quality Time Pizza Forever Most Embarrassing Moment - Accidentally left a pair of their underwear on a cubby in 3rd grade and members of the opposite sex made fun. Adamantly denied ownership and abandoned that pair of underpants. Starbucks Order - Pike Place with cream, no sugar Person 2 Love Language - Words of Affirmation French Fries are life Most Embarrassing Moment - Once had a video published on YouTube and fly was down the whole time. Had
    by happyhomefairy 3 weeks ago
    I saw this fun idea by my friend  @melindaagriswold  - can you guess who’s who? Comment below! Person 1 Love Language - Quality Time Pizza Forever Most Embarrassing Moment - Accidentally left a pair of their underwear on a cubby in 3rd grade and members of the opposite sex made fun. Adamantly denied ownership and abandoned that pair of underpants. Starbucks Order - Pike Place with cream, no sugar Person 2 Love Language - Words of Affirmation French Fries are life Most Embarrassing Moment - Once had a video published on YouTube and fly was down the whole time. Had
  • I find myself spending more time looking at the world and the problems instead of looking at these 4 heroes right here. This is what needs our attention. This is where change begins. Spend time praying for them instead of scrolling vanity. Spend time memorizing God’s Truths instead of dwelling on flawed opinion. Spend time laughing and playing and breathing deep the smell of their necks. Spend time teaching and training and living in the ✨light✨. This is the future. God has great things coming.
    by happyhomefairy 3 weeks ago
    I find myself spending more time looking at the world and the problems instead of looking at these 4 heroes right here. This is what needs our attention. This is where change begins. Spend time praying for them instead of scrolling vanity. Spend time memorizing God’s Truths instead of dwelling on flawed opinion. Spend time laughing and playing and breathing deep the smell of their necks. Spend time teaching and training and living in the ✨light✨. This is the future. God has great things coming.
  • Life Updates >> Ryan - This weekend I broke the garbage disposal for the 14th time in our 17 years of marriage and he has not yet given up on me and my lack of understanding of what NOT to put down there. Love always hopes! Noah - Playing on the school basketball team and totally killing it this year! I have no idea what is happening on the court most of the time, but I know enough when the ball swishes through the hoop! Jethro - Creative, funny Jethro. He loves to make people laugh. And he loves to
    by happyhomefairy 3 weeks ago
    Life Updates >> Ryan - This weekend I broke the garbage disposal for the 14th time in our 17 years of marriage and he has not yet given up on me and my lack of understanding of what NOT to put down there. Love always hopes! Noah - Playing on the school basketball team and totally killing it this year! I have no idea what is happening on the court most of the time, but I know enough when the ball swishes through the hoop! Jethro - Creative, funny Jethro. He loves to make people laugh. And he loves to
  • Baby Zion is now officially acting like a toddler! We have mastered the words “No” “Mine” and how to go boneless when you don’t want mom to pick you up. Gearing up for this season of parenting with some truths >> ✨It is kindness that leads us to repentance.✨ It is love that covers over a multitude of sins.✨ It’s funny how doing this the third time isn’t as angering as it was with the first 2! Either I am more tired and not caring as much OR God is helping me to share His beautiful grace more as I
    by happyhomefairy 1 month ago
    Baby Zion is now officially acting like a toddler! We have mastered the words “No” “Mine” and how to go boneless when you don’t want mom to pick you up. Gearing up for this season of parenting with some truths >> ✨It is kindness that leads us to repentance.✨ It is love that covers over a multitude of sins.✨ It’s funny how doing this the third time isn’t as angering as it was with the first 2! Either I am more tired and not caring as much OR God is helping me to share His beautiful grace more as I
  • I got to wear a crown and a tutu ✨ and eat sweet potato fries for lunch AND dinner. ‍♀️ So far, 38 is pretty great.
    by happyhomefairy 1 month ago
    I got to wear a crown and a tutu ✨ and eat sweet potato fries for lunch AND dinner. ‍♀️ So far, 38 is pretty great.
  • I went to church today. It was so good and so needed. I haven’t been in weeks. It’s funny how I let myself get comfortable with that. I tell myself it’s easier to just watch church at home online. Which is not true because basically every time I do that the children start a wrestling match in the living room while I am trying to listen to the sermon. Or the baby poops during the opening song. Or someone is inevitably injured. But I tell myself how nice it was to not wake up early. How lovely to stay in
    by happyhomefairy 1 month ago
    I went to church today. It was so good and so needed. I haven’t been in weeks. It’s funny how I let myself get comfortable with that. I tell myself it’s easier to just watch church at home online. Which is not true because basically every time I do that the children start a wrestling match in the living room while I am trying to listen to the sermon. Or the baby poops during the opening song. Or someone is inevitably injured. But I tell myself how nice it was to not wake up early. How lovely to stay in
  • We got fancy last night for our neighbor’s wedding. ‍♂️The wedding was about an hour drive away, so we had lots of time for car conversations without kids. This usually means that I vomit all the stuff I have been trying to process on my own and Ryan swoops in with a few ultra wise one-liners that talk me off the ledge. Things I learned on the drive... 1. Stop watching the news. Our souls were not made for so much information. 2. Never stop dreaming. Even if your circumstances are hard and you feel all your creativity and hopes
    by happyhomefairy 2 months ago
    We got fancy last night for our neighbor’s wedding. ‍♂️The wedding was about an hour drive away, so we had lots of time for car conversations without kids. This usually means that I vomit all the stuff I have been trying to process on my own and Ryan swoops in with a few ultra wise one-liners that talk me off the ledge. Things I learned on the drive... 1. Stop watching the news. Our souls were not made for so much information. 2. Never stop dreaming. Even if your circumstances are hard and you feel all your creativity and hopes
  • When I had covid, this precious mama of mine called me every day. She dropped groceries on our doorstep (and even decorated them with Christmas lights ). She had food delivered to our house. She wore silly Christmas glasses and FaceTimed me to make me smile. She watched every single one of My ABC Truth Tree videos and liked them. She texted me every day to make sure I was taking medicine and drinking enough water. She prayed for me and reminded me that it would all be okay when I called her in tears on Christmas Eve worried that
    by happyhomefairy 2 months ago
    When I had covid, this precious mama of mine called me every day. She dropped groceries on our doorstep (and even decorated them with Christmas lights ). She had food delivered to our house. She wore silly Christmas glasses and FaceTimed me to make me smile. She watched every single one of My ABC Truth Tree videos and liked them. She texted me every day to make sure I was taking medicine and drinking enough water. She prayed for me and reminded me that it would all be okay when I called her in tears on Christmas Eve worried that
Instagram

Copyright Happy Home Fairy © 2021  •  All Rights Reserved  •  Site Design by Emily White Designs

Privacy & Cookies: This site may use cookies to customize your experience. Learn more by reading our Privacy Policy.