“Mommy, what was the best birthday present you got as a kid”?

And guess what? I can never remember.

While I had many birthday parties and opened many presents as a kid, I can never recall the one toy that stood out.

But what I do remember is the kind of home I had in my childhood, and so I share those memories with them.

And I tend to keep this in mind when I think of my own children’s childhood.

What kind of home will they remember?

I Hope They Remember They Were Loved

With each day that passes, it’s going by so fast. Cue the tears.

This quote is so true: “The days are long, but the years are short”.

Because of this, I make it a point to tell all four of my kids daily how much I love them, how thankful and proud I am of them, and how blessed I am that God chose ME to be their mom.

Our kids need to hear the words I love you, every day.

I Hope They Remember We Depended On Jesus

While this world is fleeting, Christ isn’t. We can have hope and joy because Jesus is alive. Thank you, Lord!

I hope they remember all the times we depended on Jesus through prayer.

Praying in uncertainty, praying for healing in their injuries or family and friends, or the times we prayed for a family to know Christ.

I hope memories of family Bible study come to mind, and how we forgave each other, or the many times we prayed together at home and the morning prayer in the car as we ran errands.

Most of all, I hope they always remember who they are- a child of God, the One true King, and He loves them.

READ: How to Build a Christ-Centered Home with Simple Daily Rhythms

READ: How to Memorize Scripture with Your Kids This Summer

I Hope They Remember the Little Things

It’s the ordinary moments that become lasting memories.

The things that seem ordinary in my eyes, but everything to them- from morning family walks, baking all their favorite treats, laughing during family read-alouds, to picking a family movie on movie night, endless Monopoly games, family dinners, bedtime dodge ball, and sweet bedtime stories.

I know it’s in these everyday moments that seem ordinary but create such core memories- I hope they remember the little things.

A Legacy Built One Ordinary Day at a Time

Even in the unseen homemaking days, we are living in the good ‘ole days.

Our children probably won’t remember whether the floors were spotless or the laundry was folded. But they’ll remember how home felt.

It is here where faith is growing, deep connections are being created, and legacy is being built.

The rhythms we establish in our home matter deeply and are worth pursuing in a Christ-centered home.

The kind of home I hope my children remember is the kind of home I pray they look forward to creating one day, too- deeply loved and faithfully depending on Jesus.

Let’s dig deeper

Resources made just for you…

one

Bible Reading Plan

---

Grab our chronological one-year Bible reading plan and find out who God is.

Get the plan

Two

Christian Resources

---

Shop my favs! I’ve compiled all my favorite Bibles, journals, and studies to Christian art, jewelry, and sweatshirts. All in one simple place!

shop now

three

Lockscreens

---

I am so excited to offer you free downloadable lock screens! I hope you will use them in two ways: first, as a regular reminder of His truth, and second, as a Scripture memorization tool.

view all

The post The Kind of Home I Hope My Children Remember appeared first on .

Since summer often changes our normal routines, it creates an opportunity to be more intentional with our families and faith.

These 7 Simple Summer Rhythms For A Christ-Centered Family allow for deeper connection, lasting memories, and, most importantly, creating an intentional home that puts Christ first.

1. Start the Day with Family Prayer

For starters, summer mornings are the perfect opportunity to establish family morning prayer.

This is a wonderful way to start the day and come together as a family, glorifying God.

It doesn’t have to be a lengthy routine, but rather a rhythm that is established in your family culture.

When a family comes together to pray in the morning, it sets the tone for the day and also reminds our hearts to rely on Jesus throughout our day.

2. Take a Morning Family Walk

Additionally, a morning family walk is a wonderful rhythm to start in the summer.

We often call these walks “freeze walks” in our home because we try to go early (think 7 am) before it gets too hot.

These morning walks create a family culture around connection, noticing God’s beauty- the birds chirping, the pretty flowers, the snails slowly moving, and chatting with neighbors.

A morning family walk is a simple rhythm to start this summer.

3. Fill Your Home with Worship Music

Next, music can have such a profound influence on your home’s atmosphere- for better or worse.

The music we listen to in our home seeps into our minds and hearts, so it matters what we allow to be repeated in our mouths and in our children’s ears.

Playing worship music in your home all summer long is a wonderful way to keep the family Christ-centered.

We typically have worship music playing while we’re cooking, cleaning, eating, relaxing, and when we host guests.

When you play worship music in your home, you guard your minds and hearts with His love.

4. Enjoy Family Read-Alouds Together

Additionally, summer break is the perfect time to enjoy family read-alouds together.

There are so many wonderful books to read as a family and relish together (that’s my favorite part about this).

I recommend focusing on books that are high in moral character-building, fun, engaging for all ages, and even have a series.

If you’re looking for some book recommendations, I suggest checking out Read-Aloud Revival for some wonderful and family-friendly options.

5. Make Time for Board Games and Connection

Furthermore, summer breaks bring much time for board games.

This is a great way to build connection and create lasting memories.

Our family appreciates a good board game and plays them throughout the year.

If this is a new rhythm you’re establishing, here are some quick board game recommendations: Uno Attack, Monopoly, Battleship, and Life.

While the list can go on forever, the end goal is simply spending time as a family this summer.

6. Memorize One Bible Verse Each Week

Moreover, summertime is a perfect opportunity to start memorizing scripture together.

You can choose one verse every week to practice daily and repeat to learn.

When we memorize scripture, we are hiding God’s word in our hearts and can pull from these verses throughout our day, week, and life.

His word is living and active- it’s not mere words we are reciting, but the Holy Word of God. His Word is powerful and heart-changing.

Here are some wonderful verses to memorize this summer:

• Psalm 119:11- I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.
• Proverbs 13:20- Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.
• 1 Timothy 4:12- Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.
• John 3:16- For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
• Romans 12:2- Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
• Romans 10:9- If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

7. End the Day with Family Prayer

Finally, summer is a great time to unwind the day with family prayer.

In creating this rhythm, a family culture is being established- we start the day worshiping God, we go throughout our day worshiping God, and we end the day worshiping God.

This end-of-the-day prayer is about coming together and glorifying God together.

It’s a time to thank Him, praise Him, and lift others in His name.

Small Summer Rhythms Can Have a Lasting Impact

Friend, these small summer rhythms are what create a Christ-centered home.

It’s not grand events that matter more, but the small daily routines we put in place that create a lasting impact on our family.

I pray your summertime is fruitful, prayerful, and wonderful.

I pray new rhythms are established and new family memories are made.

And I pray His presence surrounds your home.

Let’s dig deeper

Resources made just for you…

one

Bible Reading Plan

---

Grab our chronological one-year Bible reading plan and find out who God is.

Get the plan

Two

Christian Resources

---

Shop my favs! I’ve compiled all my favorite Bibles, journals, and studies to Christian art, jewelry, and sweatshirts. All in one simple place!

shop now

three

Lockscreens

---

I am so excited to offer you free downloadable lock screens! I hope you will use them in two ways: first, as a regular reminder of His truth, and second, as a Scripture memorization tool.

view all

The post 7 Simple Summer Rhythms For A Christ-Centered Family appeared first on .

For many people, the hardest part is simply knowing where to start.

The Bible can feel big, intimidating, and hard to understand at first. You may open it wanting a deeper relationship with Jesus, only to feel unsure what to read or how to stay consistent.

But reading the Bible doesn’t have to be complicated.

You do not need to have perfect understanding or a long morning routine to begin spending time with God’s Word. Small, simple steps matter more than doing everything perfectly.

Over time, those quiet moments of reading Scripture begin to shape your heart, your faith, and even the atmosphere of your home.

If you’ve been wondering how to read the Bible when you don’t know where to start, I hope this post helps you begin simply and confidently.

If the Bible Feels Overwhelming, You’re Not Alone

Ready to start reading the Bible, but you don’t know where to start? I get it. I’ve been there, and so have many others before you.

With so many questions about where to begin, how long to read for, or which Bible version to read from, it’s no wonder it can be overwhelming.

The beautiful thing is, getting into God’s doesn’t have to be complicated, perfect, or look like everyone else’s routine you see online.

With a few simple suggestions below, getting into God’s Word will be less intimidating and slowly become part of your everyday life.

Start by Getting a Bible You Can Read Daily

For starters, purchase a physical Bible if you don’t own one yet.

There are many versions of the BIble, but I personally use an ESV. Some other good versions include the NIV, NKJV, and NLT. You can find some beautiful Bibles here.

All these versions have the same Biblical and historically accurate details, but with various changes in vocabulary.

For example, Proverbs 13:20 in the ESV says, “whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm”, whereas the NKJV says, “he who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed”.

Same same, but different.

Find a version you prefer and start from there.

Follow a Simple One-Year Chronological Bible Reading Plan

Next, follow a chronological one-year Bible reading plan.

This type of reading plan allows you, as the reader, to read the Bible in a way that puts all the events in chronological order. It helps connect the Old Testament to the New Testament and all the writings in between.

These reading plans also provide the verses to read each day and help keep you on track to complete the Bible in one year. There are lots of Bible reading plans available online today.

I’ve linked my personal chronological one-year Bible reading plan for you here.

Focus on Knowing Jesus, Not Just Finishing Chapters

Furthermore, getting into God’s Word daily isn’t just one more task added to your busy schedule.

It’s a time to build a relationship with Christ through His living Word.

Friend, you’ll never be able to read the Bible enough that you’ll understand everything.

You’ll never be able to read it enough that it will become boring.

And you’ll never be able to read it enough that it stops impacting your life.

The Bible is living and breathing, as Hebrews 4:12 tells us. It is continually changing you and growing you closer to God.

It continually renews your mind every time you read it- bringing you closer to Jesus.

How to Build a Simple and Consistent Bible Reading Routine

One of the biggest misconceptions about reading the Bible is that it has to look perfect to be meaningful.

But building a consistent Bible-reading routine is often much simpler than we make it.

It doesn’t have to mean waking up at 5 a.m. every morning or spending hours studying Scripture. In many seasons of life—especially motherhood—that may not be realistic.

Consistency is usually built through small, sustainable rhythms.

Maybe that looks like:

• reading your Bible while the kids slowly wake up for the day
• spending a few quiet minutes with Scripture before bed
• listening to the Bible while driving or folding laundry
• reading one chapter during nap time

The goal is not to create a perfect routine.

The goal is to spend time with Jesus through His Word regularly.

One thing that can help is attaching Bible reading to something you already do every day. For example:

• reading your Bible with your morning coffee
• reading before your kids wake up
• keeping your Bible near your bedside
• listening to Scripture during school drop-offs or errands

Small rhythms often become lasting habits over time.

And if you miss a day, don’t let it discourage you. Bible reading is not about performance or checking off a box. It’s about building a relationship with Jesus little by little, day by day.

A simple and consistent Bible reading routine will not always look impressive from the outside. But over time, those quiet moments in God’s Word begin to shape your heart, renew your mind, and strengthen your faith in everyday life.

Pray Before You Read the Bible Each Day

Before opening your Bible, take a moment to pray.

It doesn’t need to be long or complicated.

You can simply ask:

• “Lord, help me understand Your Word.”
• “Teach me more about who You are.”
• “Help me grow closer to You.”

Prayer helps shift our hearts from simply reading words on a page to truly seeking God through Scripture.

And the beautiful thing is that you do not have to understand everything immediately.

The Holy Spirit helps guide and teach us as we spend time in God’s Word. Sometimes a single verse can stay with you throughout the entire day and speak directly into a season you are walking through.

Prayer also reminds us that Bible reading is not about striving for perfection.

It is about a relationship.

You are spending time with Jesus, learning His character, hearing His truth, and allowing His Word to shape your everyday life.

Even small moments of Scripture and prayer matter more than you realize.

You Don’t Have to Read the Bible Perfectly to Start

Finally, the Bible is nourishment for our souls.

It breathes life into a broken spirit and makes a blind man see his sin.

Each moment you spend reading the Word, God becomes your source of peace, joy, comfort, safety, and protector from the evil one.

Know this- no weapon formed against you shall prosper (Isaiah 54:17 ) when you’re walking with the Lord and washing yourself with His living word.

Friend, God isn’t looking for perfection in your Bible-reading routine; He’s after your heart.

So, bring your mess, your sorrows, your joys, and your weary heart to your Bible studying each time.

God welcomes it all.

Let’s dig deeper

Resources made just for you…

one

Bible Reading Plan

---

Grab our chronological one-year Bible reading plan and find out who God is.

Get the plan

Two

Christian Resources

---

Shop my favs! I’ve compiled all my favorite Bibles, journals, and studies to Christian art, jewelry, and sweatshirts. All in one simple place!

shop now

three

Lockscreens

---

I am so excited to offer you free downloadable lock screens! I hope you will use them in two ways: first, as a regular reminder of His truth, and second, as a Scripture memorization tool.

view all

The post How to Read the Bible When You Don’t Know Where to Start appeared first on .

Most times, it’s the simplest and most intentional ways we celebrate the ones we love most, like our moms, that mean the most.

So instead of trying to create a perfect day, what if we focused on something simpler?

When Mother’s Day Feels Like a Lot

Mother’s Day can often come with a mix of emotions.

Maybe you’re in the thick of the newborn stage and are filled with so much gratitude and joy—but also exhaustion.

Perhaps Mother’s Day is difficult to observe as a mom because your own mom is no longer here, but in heaven with Jesus— I love you, friend.

Or maybe the relationship between you and your mother is closed off, and this day often brings up hurt wrapped in your own celebration as a mom—seek Him for comfort, friend.

If you’ve felt that, you’re not alone.

What Matters Most on Mother’s Day

At its core, Mother’s Day isn’t about creating a perfect experience to celebrate this day.

Instead, it’s about recognizing the quiet, faithful work of motherhood.

The unseen moments.
The daily sacrifices.
And the ordinary routines that make up your days.

What matters most isn’t how the day looks.

It’s remembering that what you’re doing in your home matters deeply.

A Christ-Centered Approach to Mother’s Day

A Christ-centered Mother’s Day doesn’t have to be complicated.

It can be as simple as:

• journaling and thanking God for the gift of motherhood.
• reflecting on the calling you’ve been given and telling your kids (young or adults) how much you’ve loved being their mom.
• slowing down enough to notice His presence throughout your day and to thank Him for His provisions.

This is part of what it looks like to build a Christ-centered home in everyday life
(How to Build a Christ-Centered Home with Simple Daily Rhythms)

Not in big, perfect moments—but in small, faithful ones.

Simple Ways to Celebrate Mother’s Day at Home

If you want to keep the day meaningful without adding pressure, here are a few simple ideas:

Start the Morning Slowly

Instead of rushing into the day, begin it unhurriedly.

Maybe that looks like staying in your PJs longer than normal.
Or grabbing some hot coffee and reading your Bible alongside your kids.
Perhaps jotting down your prayers and praying for others who come to mind.

A slow start before the day begins can be meaningful and just what you need.

Share Words of Gratitude

One of the simplest ways to make the day meaningful is through words.

You can:

• share what you’re grateful for as a family.
• let your kids describe what they love.
• speak encouragement over one another

This simple act of gratitude can breathe life into someone, especially as a mom and over her kids. These small moments often matter more than anything else.

Keep Meals Simple

You don’t need a big, elaborate meal plan.

In fact, keeping meals simple can make the whole day feel lighter and more relaxed.

We’ve found that using a flexible menu instead of a strict plan helps take the pressure off
(Simple Spring Menu for Families (With Free Printable)

The goal is straightforward: familiar meals your family already enjoys.

Because the purpose isn’t perfection—it’s being together.

Spend Time Together

Time together doesn’t have to be structured.

A walk outside (our family favorite).
Sitting together in the living room playing a fun board game or cards.
Letting the day unfold naturally.

It’s okay if it’s a little messy.
It’s okay if it’s not perfectly planned.

Here, connection matters more than structure.

End the Day with Prayer

One of the simplest ways to complete the day is to end it with prayer.

Gather together.
Thank God for the day.
Lift up your family with God’s living Word.

A small, meaningful way to close the day with intention.

Let Go of Expectations

One of the best things you can do for yourself this Mother’s Day is to let go of expectations.

The day might not go perfectly planned.

Kids might be tired or emotional.
Plans might shift.
Things might feel, well, ordinary.

And that’s okay, mama.

When motherhood feels overwhelming, it’s easy to carry that pressure into days like this
(When You Feel Overwhelmed in Motherhood )

But a meaningful Mother’s Day doesn’t have to be a perfect one.

Motherhood Is a Calling Worth Celebrating

Motherhood is filled with small, unseen moments.

The kind no one else notices.

But they matter.

Every meal made.
Every prayer whispered.
And every act of care throughout the day.

God sees it all.

And this is what building a Christ-centered home looks like.

Not perfection.

But faithfulness—lived out in ordinary, everyday life.

Let’s dig deeper

Resources made just for you…

one

Bible Reading Plan

---

Grab our chronological one-year Bible reading plan and find out who God is.

Get the plan

Two

Christian Resources

---

Shop my favs! I’ve compiled all my favorite Bibles, journals, and studies to Christian art, jewelry, and sweatshirts. All in one simple place!

shop now

three

Lockscreens

---

I am so excited to offer you free downloadable lock screens! I hope you will use them in two ways: first, as a regular reminder of His truth, and second, as a Scripture memorization tool.

view all

The post Simple Ways to Celebrate Mother’s Day at Home (A Christ-Centered Approach) appeared first on .

Regardless of the season of motherhood you’re in, be it babies to high schoolers, to empty nesters, and everything in between, motherhood in every season brings on new challenges that can cause worry.

And sometimes we need to hear- “I can relate, mama” and “here’s some encouragement for you”. Mothering is such a blessing and a high calling from the Lord. And we need other moms to build each other up and notice the mom who is feeling overwhelmed.

Why Motherhood Feels So Overwhelming

When you become a mother, a new you is born too. Whether this is your first baby or your fifth child, each new blessing grows a new you.

And you quickly find out that motherhood requires a lot from you emotionally, physically, and mentally. The days can start to feel like a replay of the previous day, the dishes and laundry seem unending, and the last time you spoke with a friend might have been a while ago.

It’s no wonder motherhood can feel so overwhelming at times. While the sink is piling up, there can also be a lot piling up in your head. The mental load of motherhood has you questioning every decision you make and wondering if you’re cut out for this parenting thing. Spoiler alert: you are cut out for this calling of motherhood.

READ: How to Build a Christ-Centered Home with Simple Daily Rhythms

The Pressure to Do It All Well

If you scroll through any social media platform, you can find an abundance of motherhood advice, and you can even watch mothers- mothering—insert-comparison trap.

Social media can make you feel like you’re doing everything wrong or not enough as a mom. You can find yourself comparing your motherhood journey to the next mom who seems to have it all together- the perfect home aesthetic, stylish clothes, well-behaved children, and even a booming social life.

Unfortunately, this entrance into someone’s mothering only gives us the highlight reel of their life, and we end up setting unrealistic expectations for our home and motherhood walk. We don’t get to see the messy living room, the late nights comforting sick kids, the heaping amount of consumer debt, or the marriage hanging on by a thread. Who wants to watch that?

If you feel like you’re falling short in momlife every time you scroll online, you’re not alone. What you see online isn’t real life, friend. This comparison trap only steals our joy and robs us of our peace in motherhood. God has blessed you with kids, and that alone means you can trust His decision in trusting you with His beloved children.

God Is Present in the Ordinary Moments

Moreover, God is present in the small, mundane moments just as much as He is in big milestone ones. He sees you folding another load of laundry, He sees you discipling the third tantrum of the day, and He sees you praying over your babies at bedtime.

Motherhood is a faith walk every day. It’s waking up every morning and seeking the Holy Spirit’s help to lead you in God’s will for your children’s lives. Mothering alone is even harder in your strength. We are weak vessels walking alone without our Father’s help.

In our ordinary moments, we can choose to make them holy moments by submitting ourselves to God’s will and seeking Him daily for help in our mothering.

In our home, I’ve found that returning to a few simple daily rhythms helps bring peace back into the day.

READ: 3 Daily Rhythms for a Peaceful Home

You Don’t Have to Do This Perfectly

When God called you to motherhood, He didn’t call you to parent perfectly. He knows we are sinful beings and our flesh wants to live outside His will. Thankfully, we’ve been given the gift of grace, and this grace flows abundantly onto us through Christ Jesus.

Additionally, every day in our mothering journey brings new challenges and new opportunities to seek the Lord’s help. When we fail or mess up, Jesus has called us to repent and ask for forgiveness. Colossians 3:13 says, “ bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive”.

These small acts of forgiveness add up every day and build a culture in your home of humility. We aren’t called to be perfect mothers. We are called to mother with the Lord’s help, and with His help we can parent in His perfect strength.

READ: Simple Spring Menu for Families (With Free Printable)

Simple Ways to Reset When You Feel Overwhelmed

Furthermore, we all experience those days in motherhood where we feel like our tanks are on empty and we’re emotionally and mentally depleted.

In these moments, we may want to grab the cellphone and zone out on social media. It can seem like watching someone else’s life will help us escape our overwhelm. Unfortunately, this just isn’t so.

For starters, the best solution for peace in our time of overwhelm is to pause and pray. It doesn’t have to be long and wordy. Simply be honest with God and where you’re struggling. Ask Him for peace, for joy, and for His presence to help you in this time of need. God hears our prayers and desires for us to seek Him above all else.

Secondly, our overwhelm can sometimes be from taking on too much or saying yes to something that should have been a no. As mothers, we put so much unnecessary pressure on ourselves to do all the things and fill our schedule, which doesn’t leave room for peace.

Today, let go of the unnecessary pressure of doing all the activities, attending all the birthday parties, and return to the rhythms in your home that bring peace.

Faithfulness Over Perfection

Finally, Motherhood is kingdom work. It requires sacrifice and putting aside our wants to grow and raise our children in God’s ways.

His ways require faith, not perfection. Mama, you are not behind. Resist the temptation to run and scroll online for peace in times of overwhelm.

Instead, choose God first. Run to Him first. Seek Him above all else. While He made you a mother, you are also His daughter. You are His beloved. In your overwhelm, your Father in heaven knows what you need even before you ask it (Matthew 6:8).

You’re building something meaningful—one small, faithful day at a time.

Want more encouragement for building a peaceful, Christ-centered home?
Join my weekly emails below.

Let’s dig deeper

Resources made just for you…

one

Bible Reading Plan

---

Grab our chronological one-year Bible reading plan and find out who God is.

Get the plan

Two

Christian Resources

---

Shop my favs! I’ve compiled all my favorite Bibles, journals, and studies to Christian art, jewelry, and sweatshirts. All in one simple place!

shop now

three

Lockscreens

---

I am so excited to offer you free downloadable lock screens! I hope you will use them in two ways: first, as a regular reminder of His truth, and second, as a Scripture memorization tool.

view all

The post When You Feel Overwhelmed in Motherhood (Encouragement for Moms) appeared first on .