Ever feel inadequate in motherhood? its in our inadequacy that we yearn for God's grace. That's purposeful so lets talk about what that means.

Discussing Paul Tripp's book Parenting ch 2!

Follow along

If you're a mom and you are wondering if motherhood is your calling, the answer is yes so let's talk about what this means.

Here are some questions you might wrestle with or discuss with a partner:

1. If someone observed your parenting this week, what would they say is your highest priority? Is it the formation of your child’s character and heart, or something else?
   

2. What are the things in your life that tend to compete with your parenting calling? Work, comfort, material things, image?
   

3. How do you want to view parenting differently going forward—not just as behavior management, but as soul-shaping?
   

4. What is one small change you can make this week to align more with your calling? Maybe fewer activities, more intentional conversations, reminding yourself daily of the bigger picture.

   
   

   Link for the book: https://amzn.to/48vYTBY

In the book Parenting by Paul David Tripp he writes... “God has given you authority for the work of change but has not granted you the power to make that change happen.”

This is so encouraging for us as parents to know its no up to us! Yes, there are things we are called to do as parents but as long as we are showing up and living out our calling each day, the rest is up to God.

So what does this mean for us today? I want to leave you with a few takeaways:

    1.    Release control: You can stop carrying the burden of trying to change your child’s heart. That’s not yours to carry.

    2.    Be faithful in the small things: Model kindness, set consistent boundaries, teach scripture, and guide with love. That is your role.

    3.    Pray continually: Every time you’re tempted to “fix” your child, turn that into a prayer: “Lord, I’ve done my part. Please do what only You can do.”

    4.    Trust the process: Parenting is a long journey. The seeds you plant today may not bloom until years from now. But God is faithful. And if you believe that God is faithful then you have to trust him to take care of your child just as he is trusting you with them today.

If you'd like to purchase the book to follow along for the coming weeks I'll link it below. Using this link will help to support my family and I thank you!

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Scripture

John 14:27:

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

Philippians 4:6–7 says:

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

So often, our peace gets stolen because we’re trying to do it all, fix it all, and control it all. But Scripture tells us the opposite—lay it down before the Lord. His peace will guard us.

How to prioritize peace in motherhood?

1. Pause Before Reacting When you feel your frustration rising, stop. Take three deep breaths, whisper a short prayer like, “Lord, give me peace,” and then respond. That tiny pause changes everything.
   

2. Simplify Your Life Sometimes we lose peace because we’re overcommitted. Every “yes” we give to something outside our home is a “no” to peace inside it. Don’t be afraid to slow down.
   

3. Create Peace Rhythms This could be morning prayer, a scripture verse written on your fridge, or even a “peace corner” in your home where you and your kids can go when you need to calm down. For us  lately it’s been sitting together on our grounding mat for 10-15 minutes.
   

4. Anchor Yourself in Scripture Pick one verse that speaks peace over your heart. For me, it’s Philippians 4:7. When I’m overwhelmed, I repeat it to myself until my spirit softens. I don’t need to understand WHY in the moment. I just need to get through the moment and restore my peace.
   

5. See Self-Care as Stewardship Peace starts with how we care for ourselves. Getting rest when you can, eating nourishing food, being mindful of caffeine intake, stepping outside for a breath of fresh air, moving your body—all of these are acts of stewardship that allow you to mother from a place of peace. When you feel better, you show up better.
   

   
   

   Lord, thank You for the gift of peace. Help us as moms to receive it, to walk in it, and to model it for our children. Remind us that we don’t have to be the ones to create peace--it’s already ours in You. Guard our hearts and our homes with Your presence. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Scripture for the week

• Proverbs 21:9 — Better to live on a corner of a roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife.

• Proverbs 27:15 — A continual dripping on a rainy day and a quarrelsome wife are alike.

• Ephesians 4:29 — Speak only what builds others up.

• Proverbs 3:5 — Trust in the Lord, not in your own understanding.

• James 1:19 — Be quick to listen, slow to speak.

Why We Nag

• Fear: “If I don’t keep reminding, it won’t happen.”

• Control: Wanting it done our way, our time.

• Habit: It’s become automatic.

• Lack of trust: Not believing they’ll follow through without us.
  

  Positive Discipline Tips

1. Say it once, then follow through — Don’t repeat; let natural consequences do the teaching.

2. Hold family meetings — Problem-solve recurring issues respectfully.

3. Encourage over criticize — Replace “You never…” with “I appreciate when you…”

4. Pray before you speak — Invite God’s wisdom in.

5. Trust God with the outcome — Release the need to control with words.

• Pray before reminding.

• State the request clearly one time.

• Use natural/logical consequences instead of continued talking.

• Practice silence and trust—sometimes the most loving choice is to step back.

• Watch how respect and peace grow in your home.

Remember

Nagging doesn’t change hearts—God does.

Our role is to speak with grace, set healthy boundaries, and trust Him with the rest.

You are not responsible for changing anyone.

It’s easy to point the finger—at our kids, our spouse, or someone else. But God’s Word invites us to look inward first.

✨ Romans 2 reminds us that:

• Hypocrisy hurts more than our witness—it confuses our kids.
  

• God’s kindness isn’t a free pass—it’s an invitation to grow.
  

• How we live when no one’s watching still matters.

✨Just like Romans 2 calls us to humble self-reflection, Positive discipline teaches that strong discipline begins with the adult—not just controlling the child’s behavior, but growing in our own emotional regulation and humility.

✨I want to give you three simple heart checks to come back to when you find yourself being challenged by your child or wanting to react in a less than ideal way.

1. Before I correct someone, have I corrected myself?

Whether it’s your child, your husband, or someone else—pause and ask, “Lord, is there something in me You want to refine first?”

2. Am I using grace as permission, or transformation?

God’s grace isn’t a license to ignore our sin. It’s a gift that makes repentance safe.

3. Am I teaching my children to follow Jesus by how I follow Him in private?

Who you are when no one’s watching—that’s who you’re inviting your kids to become.

✨
✨

Heavenly father I love you, so so much, You see it all. The moments I get it right, and the moments I don’t. Thank You for Your patience. And Lord, I need you. I ask that you help me not to judge others while ignoring the work You want to do in me. Teach me to lead my children with humility, authenticity, and grace. And when I fail, remind me that Your kindness is not permission to stay there—it’s an invitation to grow. Amen.

✨
✨

“Perspective Shifts for Motherhood”

When it’s hard… pause. Breathe. Shift.

I like to write my "new perspectives" on my mirrors in my house so I'm constantly reminding myself of my new way of thinking.

☀️ Tired Moments

Old Perspective: “I’m running on empty.”

New Perspective: “I am pouring out love. God will refill me.”

😩 Behavior Battles

Old Perspective: “They’re trying to push my buttons.”

New Perspective: “They’re struggling. I can lead with calm.”

🙋‍♀️ Messy Days

Old Perspective: “This is chaos.”

New Perspective: “This is life. I don’t need perfection to be present.”

😔 Feeling Like You’re Failing

Old Perspective: “I’m messing this up.”

New Perspective: “This is hard, but I’m still showing up. God sees me.”

❤️ Spiritual Lens

Old Perspective: “I’m not enough.”

New Perspective: “God chose me for this child. His grace is enough.”

🌸 Scripture to Root Your Perspective:

“Be transformed by the renewing of your mind…”

—Romans 12:2

“She is clothed with strength and dignity…”

—Proverbs 31:25

“You are God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved.”

—Colossians 3:12

So you woke up and it feels like it's gone be a bad day. You're irritated, short tempered and touched out all before 8 am. Here's five simple ways to transform your day. It's a hard morning, not a hard day. You get to choose how your day goes!

1. Step away for 90 seconds. Get outside. Put your feet in the grass and face the sun. Take 3 deep breaths or as many as you need until a weight feels lifted. Can't get outside? Choose your favorite spot in the house.

2. Pray and speak truth. Your feelings are liars.

"Lord, slow my spirit. Fill me with your gentleness I can't do this in my own strength but I know you are with me."

Say aloud - "I am safe. This is hard, not bad. I can start fresh."

3. Speak truth over the moment and remind yourself...

- "My child is not trying to upset me - they are learning."

- "I can hold boundaries and be kind."

- "This moment is stretching me, no breaking me."

Shift your mindset, shift your response.

4. Reset the atmosphere in your home.

-Turn on worship music

-Open a window, turn off the lights, light a candle

-Give your child a big bear hug until they let up and say "let's start over."

-Name what you see "We are having a hard morning. Today is still a good day. Let's take a deep breath together and choose joy."

FEELINGS LIE. You get to CHOOSE what you think. Shut down the negativity. Say out loud STOP I choose good thoughts. I am a patient and present mom. I am a light for my family. I am joy. Today IS good.

Speak it. Declare it. Choose it. YOU'VE GOT THIS.

Remember if you haven't , check out The Whole Brain Child so you can have appropriate expectations for your child especially when your feelings are lying to you and telling you your child's behavior is too much.

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💛 You are the mom God designed for your child.

Not a different version of you. Not the mom who loves crafts if you don’t. Not the one who seemingly has it all together all the time.

Your child needs you—the real you.

This episode is a reminder to stop parenting from comparison and start parenting from connection. When you invite your child into the things you enjoy, they feel your joy—and that joy is a gift.

Scripture for the week

 Psalm 139:13-14 says, “You formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”

God is intentional. He knew exactly who your child would need—and He chose you.

Galatians 6:4, Paul reminds us: “Let each one examine his own work… for each will have to bear his own load.”

That’s a call to focus on our lane. Our assignment. Our gifts.

2 Corinthians 12:9 says, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

That means even on the days we fall short—His grace is there. And it’s enough.

What to focus on this week:

1 You are the mom God intentionally chose for your child. That is not a mistake.

2 Don’t parent from comparison. Your joy is more powerful than your perfection.3 Do things you enjoy with your child. Let them see you smile. Laugh. Dance. Thrive.Let God use the real you. He’s not asking you to be someone else.

Mom and son connection journal

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Mom and daughter connection journal

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These are affiliate links so when you purchase through them at no extra charge to you, you help support my family and we are grateful for you. Thank you :)

Have you ever found yourself reacting out of fear in your parenting? Whether it’s fear of failing, fear of judgment, or fear that your child’s behavior means you’re doing it wrong — you’re not alone. But here’s the truth: God didn’t give us a spirit of fear.

In this episode, we’re unpacking what fear-based parenting looks like and how it can lead to disconnection, shame, or control — instead of teaching and transformation.

You’ll learn how to shift from reacting in fear to responding with confidence through three powerful Positive Discipline tools:

    1.    Pause and Pray — Take a breath and invite God in before you respond.

    2.    Connect Before You Correct — Build emotional safety first so your teaching can land.

    3.    Be Firm and Kind — Set respectful, clear boundaries without shame or punishment.

🕊️ Key Scripture:

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” — 2 Timothy 1:7

Want to learn more about how your child's brain is growing so you can set appropriate expectations and boundaries? Check out The Whole Brain Child

https://amzn.to/3TSeyTE

This is an affiliate link that helps support my family. Thank you.