Faith doesn't have to take a summer vacation. When our four-year-old surprised us by announcing the summer solstice meant "the days are getting shorter," it sparked an important realization: summer presents both challenges and opportunities for keeping our children's faith formation active.

Summer spirituality doesn't require complicated systems or rigid schedules. Simple family worship nights happen organically in our home when my husband grabs his guitar and the kids collect makeshift instruments – from upside-down pans to plastic cups. These spontaneous moments often create the most meaningful spiritual memories.

Morning devotionals provide another anchor point during unstructured summer days. Resources like "The Treasure: Ancient Story Ever New," "I Am: 40 Reasons to Trust God," or children's Picture Bibles offer accessible entry points to Scripture. The goal isn't completing every page but establishing the habit of turning to God's Word together daily.

Scripture memorization becomes more natural during summer's relaxed pace. Whether choosing Psalm 19:14, the Fruit of the Spirit from Galatians 5:22-23, or longer passages like Romans 12:1-2, consistency is key. As one beloved poem reminds us: "Little drops of water, little grains of sand, make the mighty ocean and the pleasant land."

Family read-alouds – from church history to The Green Ember series or even The Lord of the Rings – create opportunities for meaningful discussions that naturally reinforce biblical values without forced spiritualization. Meanwhile, intentional acts of kindness teach children that faith extends beyond Sunday mornings into practical expressions of Christ's love.

What matters most isn't perfection but intentionality. If you miss a day or only complete half your planned devotional, simply begin again tomorrow. These small, consistent moments – "humble though they be" – accumulate into a lifetime of faith that will sustain your children long after summer ends.

How are you keeping Christ at the center of your family's summer? Share your ideas with us at [email protected] or message us on Instagram @devoted_motherhood. And don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a friend who could use some summer faith encouragement!

Links : (may contain affiliate links)

Fruit of the Spirit Resource

The Treasure: Ancient Story Ever New of Jesus and His Church by Marty Machowski

WonderFull: Ancient Psalms Ever New by Marty Machowski

I Am: 40 Bible Stories, Devotions, and Prayers About the Names of God by Diane Stortz

Complete Illustrated Children’s Bible

Morning and Evening by Charles Spurgeon

The Daily Grace Devotionals (use code SHANDA10 at checkout)

Let's connect!
Website: This Devoted Life
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Email: [email protected]

The statistics are staggering: one in four American children grow up without a father figure, leading to profound consequences in education, poverty rates, and even incarceration. But behind these numbers lies a deeper truth about God's design for fatherhood that our culture often overlooks or undermines.

In this Father's Day special, we unpack the biblical blueprint for fatherhood that stands in stark contrast to popular media portrayals of dads as incompetent bumblers. Drawing from scripture and practical experience, we explore how fathers are called to be spiritual leaders, loving providers, and models of Christ's love within their families. The impact of a present, engaged father reverberates through generations – not just in avoiding negative outcomes, but in actively nurturing children who thrive.

What does it mean to discipline with grace? How can fathers model humility and repentance? We discuss practical ways fathers can connect spiritually with their children through consistent, authentic moments – whether singing praise songs together, praying as a family, or simply showing up day after day. These seemingly small actions create the foundation upon which children build their understanding of both earthly and heavenly fatherhood.

For mothers listening, we offer encouragement on supporting and uplifting the fathers in your children's lives. And for those without fathers or whose fathers were absent, we acknowledge your experience while pointing to how our Heavenly Father can fill those gaps with His perfect love.

Whether you're a new dad, a seasoned father, or someone who influences children's lives, this episode offers both the encouragement and challenge to embrace the high calling of fatherhood. The good news? You don't have to be perfect – you simply need to be present, intentional, and faithful.

Listen now to discover why strong fathers create stronger families, and how you can make a difference that lasts for generations.

Let's connect!
Website: This Devoted Life
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The spiritual practice of spring cleaning reveals the powerful connection between our physical spaces and our inner lives. As James and Shanda explore in this enlightening conversation, decluttering isn't just about managing possessions—it's about creating space for what truly matters.

Drawing from biblical foundations, they examine how ancient wisdom about cleanliness in Levitical law reflects God's care for both our physical and spiritual wellbeing. From the purification rituals after childbirth to the annual Passover cleansing, these practices weren't arbitrary rules but reflected a deeper understanding of how our external environments impact our internal lives.

Between stories of archery tournaments and family cleaning days, a beautiful truth emerges: maintaining order in our homes can be an act of worship and stewardship. The relief that comes from tackling neglected spaces mirrors the spiritual refreshment of addressing the clutter in our souls—whether that's lingering bitterness, unhealthy control issues, or other spiritual challenges we've allowed to accumulate.

The conversation turns practical as they share their personal decluttering rhythms (twice yearly for Shanda) and how identifying what matters most to your spouse can transform your cleaning efforts into meaningful acts of love. Their vulnerability shines through as they discuss their own spiritual decluttering journeys—James working through control issues and Shanda learning to trust God more fully.

Most powerfully, they remind us that just as darkness is the absence of light, our spiritual blind spots become visible when we draw near to God through consistent spiritual disciplines. Regular time in Scripture, prayer, and self-examination doesn't just maintain spiritual health—it creates capacity for greater joy, peace, and effectiveness in ministry to others.

Whether you're feeling overwhelmed by physical disorder or spiritual heaviness, this episode offers both biblical wisdom and practical encouragement for creating space—in your home and your heart—for renewal. Join James and Shanda as they explore how cleaning house, both literally and figuratively, can become a profound spiritual practice.

Let's connect!
Website: This Devoted Life
Instagram: Devoted Motherhood & This Devoted Life Podcast
Email: [email protected]

A 12-year-old boy's conversation with his favorite author becomes a masterclass in creative purpose and vocational calling. When young Dawson sits down with children's writer S.D. Smith, their exchange transcends typical author interviews, revealing profound truths about how faith shapes our creative pursuits.

Smith captivates us by comparing writing to the athletic "flow state" – that magical zone where challenges stretch us without overwhelming us, creating a sanctuary where time slows and creativity thrives. He reveals how his storytelling began organically through bedtime stories with his children, establishing a foundation of hospitality and genuine love that extends to his thousands of readers today. This authenticity offers a refreshing alternative to the performance-driven approach so many creatives feel pressured to adopt.

Most powerfully, Smith articulates a distinctly Christian understanding of creative vocation. Rather than waiting for inspiration to strike, he emphasizes determination. Instead of seeking fame or self-expression, he approaches writing as service. "All vocations are about love and service," he explains, whether farming, pastoring, parenting, or storytelling. This perspective invites us to reconsider our own work – whatever it may be – as an opportunity to participate in God's ongoing creation and care for others. For any listener navigating today's self-focused culture, Smith's wisdom reminds us that true fulfillment comes through aligning our gifts with eternal purposes, living devoted to truth rather than merely pursuing personal passion.

Ready to discover how your unique calling can become an expression of faith? Listen now, then share your thoughts or questions with us.

Links:
Green Ember Book

Connect with SD Smith:
Website: SDSmith
Helmer in the Dragon Tomb: Kickstarter Campaign

Let's connect!
Website: This Devoted Life
Instagram: Devoted Motherhood & This Devoted Life Podcast
Email: [email protected]

"All of life is a battle against fear. We fight it on one front and it sneaks around to our flank." These powerful words from SD Smith's Green Ember series perfectly capture the heart of our conversation with the beloved author whose rabbit-centric adventure stories have sold over a million copies and captivated families worldwide.

Sam Smith joins us to share how what began as bedtime stories for his four children transformed into a literary phenomenon that helps shape children into "children of light, piercing the darkness around them." With disarming humility, Sam reveals that despite his publishing success, he believes his greatest creative achievement will always be his family. "I'll never make anything that will have more of an impact in the world than the four human beings that Jane and I are raising," he reflects, challenging the notion that family obligations hinder creative work.

As we explore the landscape of children's literature, Sam articulates why modern stories often fall short – they place children at the universe's center rather than helping them find their place within something greater. Drawing from influences like C.S. Lewis and Tolkien, he explains how truly great stories offer moral clarity without sacrificing complexity, allowing young readers to witness both the consequences of bad choices and the beauty of repentance. "I want to introduce the romance, the adventure of goodness," Sam shares, revealing his mission to show children that truth isn't a cage but a key to freedom.

Perhaps most compelling is Sam's distinction between being an advocate versus an accuser – choosing to create and champion good things rather than merely criticizing what's wrong. This philosophy extends to his newest venture: a video game companion to his upcoming book "Helmer and the Dragon Tomb," designed without the predatory features that plague modern gaming. It's a bold move into new territory, but one that remains faithful to his mission of serving families through wholesome, imagination-kindling media.

Ready to discover stories that will shape your children's moral imagination? Visit sdsmith.com to explore the Green Ember series and support Sam's groundbreaking book and game project on Kickstarter today!

Links:
Green Ember Book

Connect with SD Smith:
Website: SDSmith
Hemler in the Dragon Tomb: Kickstarter Campaign

Let's connect!
Website: This Devoted Life
Instagram: Devoted Motherhood & This Devoted Life Podcast
Email: [email protected]

The divine moments hidden in motherhood's chaos come alive in our conversation with Whitney Newby, founder of Brighter Day Press and author of "Lift Your Eyes." Whitney's transition from nurse to entrepreneur reveals how unexpected detours can become our greatest purpose.

When the pandemic halted her nursing career in 2020, Whitney transformed her family's morning time routine into resources that now serve countless homeschool families. The business has flourished to where her husband left his worship pastor role to join her full-time, showcasing their complementary partnership in both business and homeschooling their four children.

Whitney's storytelling captivates as she shares receiving a left foot-shaped cookie cutter—exactly matching her unborn son's suspected club foot—with words from Psalm 139 at her gender reveal party. This remarkable confirmation that God sees our deepest fears demonstrates His intimate involvement in our lives.

For the daily struggles of motherhood, Whitney offers practical wisdom through concepts like saying "change of assignment" when interrupted and praying aloud with children during stressful moments. Her perspective transforms mundane tasks into meaningful participation in God's ongoing work of creating order from chaos.

Based on Psalm 121, Whitney's devotional addresses forty common motherhood scenarios through God's character as Helper, Provider, Protector, and Shepherd. She reminds us that motherhood's value isn't measured by worldly standards but by faithful presence in the assignment God has given.

Whether you're knee-deep in diapers, navigating the tween years, or anywhere between, this episode will lift your eyes to see God's hand in every interruption, challenge, and ordinary Tuesday morning breakfast. Follow Whitney @brighterdaypress or visit brighterdaypress.com for resources that will enrich your family's faith journey.

Links (may contain affiliate links):
Lift Your Eyes by Whitney Newby
We Shall All Be Changed by Whitney Pipkin
Jesus On Every Page by David Murray

Connect with Whitney:
Website: Brighter Day Press
Instagram: @brighterdaypress

Let's connect!
Website: This Devoted Life
Instagram: Devoted Motherhood & This Devoted Life Podcast
Email: [email protected]

When longtime friends reconnect after seven years, the conversation flows effortlessly from educational philosophy to practical motherhood wisdom. Join Shanda and her special guest SarahRuth Owens (@kindletogetherness) as they share insights gleaned from their weekend at a Charlotte Mason homeschool conference in Tennessee.

SarahRuth reveals how her family "flipped the script" on traditional roles, creating a lifestyle where both parents actively participate in their children's education and daily lives. This approach—which she calls "kindled togetherness"—required unconventional choices, including teaching ESL to Chinese students at 3am so she could be fully present with her family during the day.

The heart of Charlotte Mason education comes alive as SarahRuth explains why this approach resonated with her even before motherhood: "This is a uniquely created person by God, and how can I teach them to love the world God made so much that they're willing to learn about it for the rest of their lives?" Both women share their experiences from the conference's immersion day, where they stepped into students' shoes to gain fresh perspective on the method's rigor and beauty.

Don't miss SarahRuth's insights about her new devotional resource with Hosanna Revival called "The Everyday Banquet," which combines family mealtime with scripture-centered conversation. Drawing from her Jewish heritage, she created 52 weekly devotionals designed to foster meaningful family connections around the dinner table.

Through candid discussion about morning routines, motherhood seasons, and the importance of being filled before pouring out, this episode offers practical encouragement for anyone seeking to center their family life on Christ. Subscribe, share, and join us in discovering how to live a life devoted to God and family.

Links:
The Everyday Banquet

Connect with SaraRuth!
Visit her website: Kindle Togetherness
Connect on Instagram: @kindletogetherness

Let's connect!
Website: This Devoted Life
Instagram: Devoted Motherhood & This Devoted Life Podcast
Email: [email protected]

Have you ever felt that nagging guilt when your homeschool motivation wanes as the weather turns nice? Or when your spiritual disciplines take a backseat during busy parenting seasons? Our conversation with Elizabeth Santelmann offers refreshing perspectives on finishing the homeschool year strong while nurturing your spiritual life.

Elizabeth, a homeschooling mother of three boys, author, curriculum creator, and host of the Sunshine in my Nest podcast, brings authenticity and biblical wisdom to these common struggles. From her Oklahoma rattlesnake encounter during a weighted vest hike to her insights on medieval history across cultures, Elizabeth's passion for learning and teaching shines through in every story.

What truly resonates is her approach to both education and spiritual growth: small, consistent steps create lasting impact. Rather than striving for perfect homeschool days or idealized quiet times, Elizabeth advocates for finding success in manageable pieces. "It's easier to fill a glass with drip, drip, drip than bursts of water," she explains, sharing how a simple index card notebook filled with Bible verses transformed her devotional life during overwhelming seasons of motherhood.

The conversation ventures into fascinating territory as Elizabeth discusses her medieval history curriculum, which explores how Africa experienced a Golden Age while Europe endured the Dark Ages, and how the Great Wall of China rose alongside European castles. Her passion for showing God's hand throughout global history provides a model for teaching children to view all cultures through a biblical lens.

Whether you're a homeschool parent looking for end-of-year motivation, a believer seeking sustainable spiritual practices, or someone curious about how faith intersects with education, this conversation offers practical wisdom and heartfelt encouragement. Listen now and discover how small steps in faith and education can create mountains of growth in your family's life!

Resources: (May contain affiliate links)
Weighted Ruck Vest
Praying the Bible
Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life

Connect with Elizabeth!
Website: Sunshine in my Nest
Podcast: Sunshine in my Nest Podcast

Let's connect!
Website: This Devoted Life
Instagram: Devoted Motherhood & This Devoted Life Podcast
Email: [email protected]

Marriage conflict – it's the reality every couple faces, but few know how to navigate effectively. In this candid conversation, we pull back the curtain on one of the most requested topics from our listeners: how to handle disagreements in marriage with biblical wisdom.

What truly lies at the heart of marital discord? The scripture points clearly to selfishness and pride as the root causes of conflict. We share a personal story about a recent disagreement that could have festered but was quickly resolved through a simple act of humility. This perfectly illustrates how "keeping short accounts" prevents bitterness from taking root and damaging your relationship over time.

The biblical principles we explore provide practical guidance for any marriage. From speaking truth in love (without weaponizing correctness) to offering a soft answer that turns away wrath, these timeless truths transform how couples communicate. We discuss real-world applications like asking questions to understand your spouse's perspective, praying before confrontation, and seeking unity rather than victory.

For couples navigating more complex issues, we offer wisdom on when and how to seek godly counsel – with an important warning about the difference between finding someone who validates your position versus someone who helps you discover biblical truth. Throughout the episode, we emphasize that while you can't change your spouse, your response dramatically influences the outcome of any conflict.

Whether you're in a season of harmony or struggling through difficult conversations, these biblical approaches to conflict resolution create the peaceful, loving home every family desires. Join us for this honest, scripture-based discussion that will equip you with practical tools to strengthen your marriage through even the most challenging disagreements.

Scripture:
Ephesians 4:31 - "And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you."

James 4:1 - "From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members?"

Proverbs 13:10 - "Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom."

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 - "Charity sufferers long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up..."

Ephesians 4:15 - "But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ."

Proverbs 15:1 - "A soft answer turners away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger."

Ephesians 4:26-27 - "Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: neither give place to the devil."

Colossians 3:13 - "Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye."

Philippians 4:6-7 - "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God."

James 1:19 - "Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath."

Mark 10:8-9 - "And they twain shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but on flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder."

Proverbs 11:14 - "Where no counsel is, the people fall" but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety."

Let's connect!
Website: This Devoted Life
Instagram: Devoted Motherhood & This Devoted Life Podcast
Email: [email protected]

Ever caught yourself thinking, "I'm such a bad mom"? That heavy feeling of mom guilt is exactly what we're unpacking in this raw, honest conversation. What began as a late-night confession in our bedroom became this episode aimed at both encouraging you and helping us process our own struggles with feeling inadequate as parents.

Mom guilt manifests in countless ways—comparing ourselves to seemingly perfect mothers on social media, struggling with work-life balance, losing patience with our children, or feeling spiritually inadequate to guide them. These feelings aren't just uncomfortable; they can be paralyzing and prevent us from being the present, joyful mothers we want to be.

But what does Scripture say about these feelings? We explore powerful verses from 2 Corinthians, Romans, and Colossians that remind us God's grace covers our imperfections, there is no condemnation for those in Christ, and our identity rests in Him—not in our performance as parents. These truths form the foundation for practical strategies to overcome guilt: prioritizing even five minutes in God's Word, trading comparison for contentment, embracing imperfection (and modeling apologies), and building supportive communities.

Perhaps most importantly, we remind each other—and you—that God specifically chose you to parent your children. He knew exactly what kind of mother they would need, with your unique strengths, weaknesses, and personality. When mom guilt threatens to overwhelm, remember Jesus calming the storm with "Peace, be still." His Word brings the same peace to the turbulent emotions of motherhood. You are seen, known, loved, and chosen for this sacred work.

Share this episode with another mom who might need to hear she's not alone in her struggles. Subscribe for more conversations about living a life devoted to faith, family, and authentic Christian living.

Related Podcast:
04:  Postpartum Depression - 3 Things Husband's (and Friends!) Should Know

Resources: (may contain affiliate links)
Megan Woods – The Truth Song
Paul Tripp – New Morning Mercies
Sally Clarkson – Mom Heart Moments
Charles Spurgeon – Morning and Evening

Scripture:
2 Corinthians 12:19 - "And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather flory I Amy infinities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me."

Romans 8:1 - "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit."

Colossians 3:23 - "And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men."

James 1:5 - "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be give him."

Proverbs 14:30 - "A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones."

Galatians 6:2 - "Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."

Psalm 139:13-14 - "For thou has possessed my reins: thou has covered me in my mother's womb. I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made" marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knowers right well."

Let's connect!
Website: This Devoted Life
Instagram: Devoted Motherhood & This Devoted Life Podcast
Email: [email protected]