Read Time: 4 min 41 sec | Reading Level: 7th Grade

This week celebrated equine and editorial excellence. 

On Saturday, Golden Tempo won the Kentucky Derby in a stunning come-from-behind victory (watch here). The 23-1 long shot (jockeyed by José Ortiz) galloped past favorite Renegade (jockeyed by José’s brother, Irad Ortiz Jr.) in 2:02.27. Golden Tempo’s trainer, Cherie DeVaux, became the first female trainer to win the Derby. She’s only the second woman to win any Triple Crown race. 

At 152 years, Run for the Roses is the U.S.’s longest-running sporting event. This year’s race drew a crowd of over 150,000 fancy-hat-wearing spectators (see the biggest and boldest hats here). 

Then, Monday, the Pulitzer Prize Board announced its 110th winners. 

Pulitzer Prizes were established by newspaper publisher Joseph Pulitzer in 1917. He set aside money in his will to award outstanding work in journalism, book-writing, drama, and education. Now, they’re considered the highest honors in journalism. 

The board awarded prizes in 23 categories, including reporting, photography, books, and music. Awards went to: 

Check out all of the winners here.

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CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE
While it’s fun to celebrate human (and horse) achievements, it’s important to remember that all the trophies and prizes in the world are worth nothing compared to the value of knowing Jesus. He has achieved far more for us—a right relationship with God forever—than we could ever achieve for ourselves. 

“But everything that was a gain to me, I have considered to be a loss because of Christ. More than that, I also consider everything to be a loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.”
Philippians 3:7-8 (CSB) (read full passage)

What might my kids misunderstand about this story?
Big celebrations like the Kentucky Derby can feel a little… extra. It’s easy to wonder if a two-minute race really warrants all that pageantry, money, and excess. 

While it’s wise to wonder how resources could be used best, we should avoid making the assumption that celebrations are always wrong or wasteful. The Scriptures are full of feasts, festivals, and celebrations where God’s people were encouraged to delight in community and abundance (Deuteronomy 16:13-15; Luke 15:22-32). The point is not to be as plain or simple as possible to avoid waste—it’s to know when celebration is in order and to do it with proper gusto.

What gospel lesson can be taught through this story?
It’s true that journalists can distort and hide the truth through bias or spin. 

But at its best, journalism can be truth-telling work that illuminates truth and exposes falsehood. When that happens, we should be the first in line to celebrate when truth wins—even if the truth-tellers don’t share our faith or if the truths exposed are hard for us to swallow. 

After all, we are instructed: “whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just… dwell on these things” (Philippians 4:8 CSB)

Gen Z Word of the Week: These fancy hats are giving Derby.

Family Fun: The whole family can ride in style with these homemade Derby-style hats.

Whipped Cream on Top: Making a hole… disappear.

How We’re Investing in Our Marriages
With a Weekend to Remember getaway*

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Whether your marriage needs rescue or just renewal, you’ll leave with more than inspiration—you’ll get real, biblical tools for communication, conflict, and connection that stick long after heading home. Because a strong marriage isn’t just about you two. It’s the story your kids (and grandkids) inherit. 

One weekend can lead to generations of impact. Spots are filling up fast. Register now and use DECAF for $100 off!

What We’re No Longer Battling
Bedtime, thanks to this book*

Let’s be honest, kids aren’t the only ones who dread bedtime. Between the bargaining, bribing, and “just one more song,” the end of the day feels more exhausting than it should… but what if it didn’t have to?

The Unwinding Path is a bedtime book with a different approach. As kids use their fingers to trace calming paths, they’ll find their hearts unwinding, their hands unclenching, their breath slowing with the rhythm of prayer, and their bodies preparing for sleep. 

Night after night, this bedside table must-have invites kids to slow down and experience God’s presence. Get your copy today!

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