mentoring

What My Son Taught Me About Loving God at the Breakfast Table

What My Son Taught Me About Loving God at the Breakfast Table
The other morning, my 4-year-old and I were reading from his Early Reader’s Bible.

(Actually, he was reading, I was listening.)

We got to the question: “How can you show love to God?”

Without missing a beat, he said,
“Um...sing songs to Him. And read this book!”

This book—the Bible he had just been reading to me.

His answer stopped me. Not just because it was insightful (which it was!), but because it reminded me that our simple morning rhythm—Bible and breakfast—is already shaping how he sees God.

And that’s what traditions do.

🟣 Family traditions will shape our kids — the question is, how?

Let’s be real: not all traditions are intentional.

Some we inherited without thinking. Others just sort of… happened.

But whether we choose them or not, traditions teach our kids what matters to us.

They teach:
→ What we prioritize
→ What we make time for
→ What we keep coming back to — even when life is busy

When we slow down and ask, “What are we actually passing on here?” — something shifts.

🟣 A biblically rooted tradition is more than a memory

In the Old Testament, God didn’t just suggest feasts and festivals as something fun to do.

He commanded them as a way to remember.

“You shall remember that you were a slave in Egypt. And you shall be careful to observe these statutes.”
— Deuteronomy 16:12 (ESV)
In other words, God knew we needed regular rhythms to help us remember what He’s done.

Traditions that are truly biblical don’t just feel good or look spiritual — they anchor us in truth.

🟣 Ideas for Traditions That Keep the Word at the Center

Here are a few simple rhythms that can help your family build habits of remembrance:

1. “Verse of the Month” at the Dinner Table

Pick one Scripture to memorize and talk about all month.
Let it shape your dinner convos, quiz each other, and reflect on how you see it in real life.

2. Speak a Blessing on Birthdays

More than cake and gifts—make birthdays a moment of spoken truth.
Pray over each child or spouse. Speak a Scripture aloud. Write it in a card they can keep.

3. “Scripture Sunday” Reset

One mom shared that every Sunday after lunch, her family reads a Psalm together.
It’s short, simple, and has become their weekly “spiritual reset.”

4. Holiday Anchors

Instead of just decor or gifts, use holidays as built-in discipleship moments:
  • Easter → Read the resurrection account
  • Thanksgiving → Share a verse of gratitude
  • Christmas → Trace Jesus’ lineage and fulfilled prophecies

5. Sabbath Start or Sunday Slowdown

Light a candle. Read one verse. Pause before the week begins.

Let your kids see you set the tone with God’s Word—even if it’s only 5 minutes.

None of this needs to be big or complicated.

They just need to be repeatable — and rooted in truth.

🟣 You’re not just creating memories. You’re planting anchors.

Even if it seems like your kids aren’t paying attention...

Even if they groan or wiggle or seem “over it”...

These rhythms are doing deep, quiet work.

You’re showing them that:
→ God’s Word matters
→ His truth belongs in our everyday life
→ He’s worth remembering

And one day, when life gets shaky, they’ll know where to turn.

🟣 Scripture to Build Traditions On

These are beautiful reminders of why this matters:

Psalm 145:4
“One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts.”
Proverbs 22:6
“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.”
Psalm 78:6–7
“…that the next generation might know them… so that they should set their hope in God and not forget the works of God…”

🟣 Final Thought: Traditions don’t need to be perfect. Just intentional.

You don’t need to do what another family does.

You don’t need a binder or a Bible curriculum or a perfect Sunday rhythm.

But you do need to ask:
What are we already doing — and how can we invite Scripture into it?
That’s where legacy starts.

That’s how we build a home our kids want to come back to—because it’s rooted in truth.

✨ Ready to start?

Download my free guide:
“30 Scriptures to Pray Over Your Home” — perfect for everyday rhythms, special moments, and everything in between.

Let’s plant seeds that will grow fruit for generations.

How To Make Scripture Part of Your Daily Routine With Kids - Without A Curriculum

How To Make Scripture Part of Your Daily Routine With Kids - Without A Curriculum
If you've ever felt guilty for not doing a full-blown family devotional every day... take the pressure off, sweet friend. 

You don’t need an hour-long study or a Influencer's routine to bring the Word into your home. You just need intention.

Scripture is meant to be part of your everyday — not just your Sunday. It should be a natural outpouring of your own time with the Lord.

Let’s talk about how to make that happen, especially with little ones around.

🟣 God’s Word Is for Real Life — Not Just Quiet Time

Deuteronomy 6 gives us a picture of how Scripture is meant to shape daily life:
“You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.”
— Deuteronomy 6:7 (ESV)
In other words... when you're eating breakfast, driving to practice, wiping counters, tucking kids in — THAT’S the space where Scripture belongs.

It doesn’t need to be formal. It needs to be present.

And here's a hint - if you only read devotionals, or a single "verse-of-the-day", it won't naturally occur to you to talk about God's Word at all those times. 

You have to fill yourself with Scripture first before you can pour it out to your family and others.

🟣 6 Simple Ways to Bring Scripture Into Your Daily Routines

If you're like me and you love actionable, structured ideas, here are some you can try this week — no prep, no curriculum required.

1. Verse of the Week on the Fridge or Bathroom Mirror
Pick one short verse that your family can see often. Use dry-erase marker, Post-It notes, or a chalkboard. The key is visibility = familiarity.
➡️ Try Philippians 2:14 — “Do all things without grumbling or disputing.” 
(Actually...this is a fun one to help them memorize, because we'd all love a little less whining, right? 😉)

2. Speak Scripture While You Correct or Redirect
Instead of just saying “be nice,” try saying:
“God’s Word says to be kind to one another” (Ephesians 4:32).
You’re not using the Bible as a hammer — you’re simply anchoring your correction in truth.

3. Play Scripture Songs During Chores or Playtime
Music helps truth stick. A mom once told me her toddlers could quote more Scripture from worship music than anything else. And yes — it counts.
➡️ Check out Seeds Family Worship or Slugs & Bugs for sound theology in song.

4. Tie Verses to Routines
  • Brushing teeth? Recite Proverbs 15:1.
  • Before meals? Read a Psalm of thanksgiving.
  • At bedtime? Whisper Psalm 4:8 or Psalm 23:1-2.
The goal isn’t performance. It’s presence.

5. Ask Simple, Curious Questions
  • “What do you think God means when He says ‘love one another’?”
  • “Why do you think Jesus told that story?”
These moments spark conversations that plant seeds of faith.

6. Read the Bible Out Loud While They Play
Even if they’re playing with LEGOs or dolls, read anyway.

Isaiah 55:11 reminds us:
“So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty…” (ESV)
Don’t wait for perfect stillness. Just read.

Alternatively, you could also put on an app that reads the Bible out loud (I'm one of those people that doesn't particularly enjoying reading aloud, so I understand if you don't either!).

🟣 A Gentle Word for Moms Who Feel Insecure

You don’t need to be a Bible expert. You don’t need seminary-level answers. And you’re not failing if your kids roll their eyes or get wiggly during prayer.

Your consistency matters more than your polish.

Your tone matters more than your volume.

Your willingness to look for answers (rather than pretending to know everything) teaches your children how to be better and more humble students.

And your love for God’s Word? It speaks louder than a thousand rules or reminders.

🟣 Scriptures to Hold Onto as You Lead Faithfully

Here are a few Scriptures that remind us why we do this — even when no one seems to notice:
  • Isaiah 40:11
“He will tend his flock like a shepherd… he will gently lead those that are with young.”
God is gentle with mothers. You can be gentle with yourself, too.
  • Psalm 78:4
“We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord…”
  • 2 Timothy 3:15
“…and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation…”
These verses are your reminder: you’re sowing eternity into your child’s everyday life.

🟣 Final Thought:

God’s Word doesn’t need to compete with your daily routines. It was meant to live inside them.

So whether your kids are toddlers, teens, or somewhere in between—start now. Say the verse. Play the music. Ask the question. Let your home be filled with truth that sticks long after your kids leave the house.

And if you haven’t already grabbed it — be sure to check out this month’s free download:
30 Scriptures to Pray Over Your Home
📩 Grab it here!

Bible Study Before and After: What Happened When I Tried SOAP

Bible Study Before and After: What Happened When I Tried SOAP
I remember the first time I used the SOAP method. 

I signed up to lead an online Bible study for a group of women through Good Morning Girls. I didn't even know what a Bible study "method" was, I wasn't familiar with Good Morning Girls, I just knew I needed...something.

And what better way to stay accountable than to lead it, right?

It felt awkward at first—I wasn’t used to writing things out, making my own observations, figuring out for myself how to apply the passage, or praying the Scripture back to God. 

But let me tell you: the fruit of that one tiny shift? Incredible.

Before SOAP, I was a check-the-box girl - if even that. I’d read a devotional, briefly skim the one verse included, take in what the author had to say, and then check off the box, satisfied that I'd done my duty. 

My heart wasn’t changing, my responses weren’t growing in wisdom, and my marriage wasn’t being shaped by the Word I claimed to believe (but honestly - I didn't really even know it).

After SOAP, everything slowed down. I was no longer just reading—I was studying. Observing. Listening. Applying. 

I started seeing where I needed to be more discerning with my husband (how to respect, but also how not enable or submit to abuse - this was all during my second marriage, so this is no reflection on my sweet husband that I'm married to now). I saw where I needed to speak more gently to my kids. Where my trust in the Lord was shaky and needed to grow.

SOAP helped me to see more of God in the Bible.

Here’s how it looks:
  • S - Scripture: Write out the verse or passage, or summarize it.
  • O - Observation: What stands out? Who is this about? What is the tone, the promise, the command? What sins should I avoid, what instructions should I obey? What truth is this revealing about man, Christ, God, or something else?
  • A - Application: How can I apply this to my life as a wife, mom, or daughter of God?
  • P - Prayer: Talk to God about what you’ve learned and ask Him to help you live it out.
SOAP was just the beginning; I've since discovered so many other study methods like Verse Mapping, the Bible Digest method, the 7 Lenses, SPECK, and more. 

Currently I'm taking a course in Phrasing: breaking down a passage into each individual phrase, labeling the types of phrases and seeing how they all work together to relay the main message the author intended to convey. It's fascinating and helps me see how much more I will always have to learn about God's Word! 

This week, try SOAP with a passage like Titus 2:3-5 or Ephesians 1 Peter 3:1-7.

And I do mean take a WEEK. Don't try to do it all in one sitting. Remember, the goal isn't to just check the box and be done for the day. The goal is to learn more about God and be transformed by His Word. 

Take 10 minutes a day, or longer if you have it, and just see what happens as you intentionally focus on studying Scripture daily. 

I promise—it’s a game-changer.

And when you find that you love it and you're ready to dig into another method, I'll be here for you! 

Which Bible Study Method Is Right For YOU? A Simple Breakdown.

Which Bible Study Method Is Right For YOU? A Simple Breakdown.
I used to feel so overwhelmed by all the Bible study methods out there. 

SOAP, inductive, verse mapping, color-coding, commentary deep-dives… whew

As a busy wife and mom, I just needed something that worked and made sense.

The truth is—there’s no “one size fits all” method. But there is a best method for you, in this season.

Let’s break down a few simple ones:

SOAP (Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer):
This one’s my favorite for busy mornings. You write the verse out or simply summarize it, observe what it’s saying, journal out applications you feel called to make personally, and respond in prayer. It’s simple but deep.

SPECK (Sin to avoid, Promise to claim, Example to follow, Command to obey, Knowledge about God):
This one is more of an overall observation method to help you pull out wisdom you could potentially miss. This is great when you need a little guidance finding application straight from the text—especially if you struggle to see how the Bible connects to your daily life.

Verse Mapping:
If you like digging into the original language and comparing translations, this one’s for you. There is so much more depth when you realize why an author was using a specific word, or learn what other meaning is behind the word they used. It’s a little more detailed, but super rich if you want to grow in understanding.

Bible Digest Method (a.k.a. Homiletics):
This one’s amazing for bigger passages or teaching others. For clarification, let me state that I believe Scripture prohibits women from preaching to men or having authority over them, so this method is not for the purpose of preparing a typical sermon. However, Titus 2 does command older women to teach the younger and this method could be used to help you better understand what you are going to teach younger women (or children). You summarize the main idea, find key points, and think about how to apply and share it.

I always tell women this: the best Bible study method is the one that helps you actually understand and apply what you read. 

It’s not about doing what’s trending—it’s about doing what helps you connect with the Word.

This week, try a new method! I created a little freebie Bible Study Tool Kit (with SOAP and SPECK templates) to help you experiment and find your favorite.




How (and WHY) To Be a Titus 2 Woman Without Kids At Home

How (and WHY) To Be a Titus 2 Woman Without Kids At Home
You don’t need children in your home—or even any children of your own—to walk in the beautiful calling of spiritual motherhood.

Some of the women who’ve shaped my life the most never raised kids themselves, and others impactful women were in a new season of life with grown children and empty nests.

But all of them had one thing in common: they were intentional about nurturing hearts with truth, encouragement, and godly wisdom.

If your season looks different now—maybe your kids are grown and gone, or maybe motherhood wasn’t part of your story—please hear this: your role in the Kingdom has not ended.

It may have shifted, but it’s no less powerful or purposeful.

Titus 2:3–5 paints a picture of spiritual motherhood: older women teaching younger women how to live godly lives.

This isn’t just about age—it’s about spiritual maturity.

If you’ve walked with Jesus for a while, you have something valuable to offer. Your testimony, your experiences, your lessons learned through faith—all of it can be used by God to strengthen the next generation of women.

And here’s why this matters so much:

We're living in a time when younger women are desperate for truth, but drowning in noise.

They’re bombarded with the world’s opinions on marriage, motherhood, identity, and purpose.

No one is teaching them how to seek and study God's Word for HIS TRUTH on marriage, motherhood, identity, and purpose.

God is raising up women like you—women rooted in His Word—to help guide them back to what’s true.

Being a Titus 2 woman isn’t just a sweet idea—it’s a Kingdom assignment.

It’s a way we participate in God’s plan for discipleship, mentorship, and generational impact. If we don’t step in and speak truth, who will?

So what does it actually look like to walk in this calling?

💕 Maybe it’s mentoring a younger wife who’s struggling to balance life and marriage.

💕 Maybe it’s offering to babysit for a weary mom so she can take a breath.

💕 Maybe it’s starting a Bible study in your living room, texting Scripture to a teen girl you’re investing in, or simply being present and available for someone who needs wisdom.

💕 Don’t underestimate how powerful your steady, Christ-centered presence can be.

Here are a few practical ways to embrace spiritual motherhood in this season:

  • Offer to disciple a younger woman one-on-one
  • Volunteer in the children’s or youth ministry at your church
  • Host a Bible study for wives in your home or community
  • Reach out to a young mom with a meal, prayer, or a listening ear
  • Consistently check in on a young wife or college-aged woman
Proverbs 31:26 says,
“She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.”
That can be you. Whether you’re in an empty nest season or have never had children of your own, you still have spiritual fruit to bear.

Don’t let the enemy convince you that your time of influence is over.

God sees your heart, your wisdom, your faithfulness—and He is still using you in mighty, meaningful, and eternal ways.


Share with me: what are some other ways you have seen spiritual mothers pour into the younger generation? What are some ways you have perhaps done this yourself?



This is my story!

 
As a Christian, it can be embarrassing to admit I've been married three times. 

As a woman who feels called to teach about marriage and submission, it can be almost unthinkable that God would put this on my heart after two failed marriages.

But God often uses the broken to accomplish His purposes - and He does not clothe us in shame, but in righteousness.

I have lived the life of the controlling wife. I have lived the life of the controlled wife

Neither brings the blessings God has for marriage.

Through my mistakes and failures, I've learned what submission is, and what it is not.

I am learning and growing every day in my role as a biblically submissive wife, a bonus mom, and a homemaker who cares for her home and family in joyful wellness!

Join me on my journey as I share some of my lessons, tips, and ideas to equip you to live in joyful submission and wellness!

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