You know what time it is...
Spring cleaning season is here, and while you may be busy dusting shelves and tossing out clutter, have you paused to consider that your heart might need a little decluttering, too?
Just like a messy home can make it hard to find peace, a heart weighed down by sin, distractions, or unaddressed emotions can keep you from walking closely with God - which in turn can wreak havoc on your marriage.
Hebrews 12:1 tells us to
lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us.
This is an instruction, which indicates that we have control over whether or not we do this.
If we want a deeper, more intimate relationship with the Lord, and a stronger, healthier marriage, we have to make space for God by intentionally, purposefully, obediently letting go of the things that get in the way.
Maybe you're struggling with bitterness or unrealistic expectations toward your husband; a grudge you’re holding against a friend; or just the never-ending to-do list that keeps pushing time with God to the bottom of it (which means it rarely, if ever, happens).
Whatever it is, there are some steps you can take to declutter the things in your heart that aren't serving you, your faith, or your family, and free up some space to invite Christ to fill you with godliness and fruits of the Spirit.
The first step in decluttering your heart is identifying what’s there.
You can do this by prioritizing your time studying Scripture.
When you spend intentional time in the Word, the Holy Spirit brings to light the things you need to surrender (Psalm 139:23-24).
If you don’t make space for Scripture in your life (daily if possible), you won’t even recognize the clutter you're carrying.
Spend time reading and studying the Bible, and then take a few minutes to journal out a few things you feel the Spirit is revealing to you that you need to let go of.
The next step is to actively let go of sin and negativity.
This is where you apply what you study.
If God’s Word calls you to forgive, you forgive. If it calls you to trust instead of worry, you surrender your anxieties in prayer (Philippians 4:6-7).
It’s not enough to simply acknowledge the clutter; you have to remove it. And just like with physical clutter, this is an ongoing process—not a one-time event.
As you take steps to declutter your heart, you’ll find that your time with the Lord feels more joyful and meaningful, your marriage will benefit from your softened spirit, and your joy in Christ will grow.
The final step is to replace the clutter with fruits of the Spirit.
In Matthew 12:44-45, Jesus tells us:
Then it [the demon] says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ And when it comes, it finds the house empty, swept, and put in order. Then it goes and brings with it seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they enter and dwell there, and the last state of that person is worse than the first.
When you simply try to stop doing or to release something, without replacing it with a godly alternative, you leave your mind, heart, and soul susceptible for the enemy to fill that space with even more clutter.
For example, you can try to stop thinking negative thoughts about your husband, but if you don't replace them with positive thoughts instead, you'll find yourself coming up with all sorts of other destructive assumptions to dwell on.
How do you cultivate the fruits of the Spirit? By practicing the core spiritual disciplines of Bible study, prayer, and worship.
If you need help getting started, I invite you to check out my free Quieting Your Mind Guide. This guide was created to help you learn how to experience deeper, more meaningful and fruitful connection with God in your quiet times.
Make time this week to sit with the Lord and ask Him to show you what needs to go. Then, be obedient in clearing it out and adding spiritual disciplines in so you can walk more freely with Him.
Now that Valentine's Day is well behind us, let’s talk about spreading love beyond our marriage.
We tend to focus on romantic love during Valentine's season, but Scripture calls us to love everyone - including our enemies. THAT one is tough.
As moms and just women who live in community with others, we have so many opportunities to show Christ’s love to our kids and the world around us.
The best part is that it doesn’t have to be complicated or overwhelming.
Start with your kids. Show love through intentional moments—for younger kids that might be:
- reading a favorite book together,
- playing a game
- asking about their day
- having a dance party
- baking together
For older kids, it might mean:
- sending an encouraging text
- leaving a sticky note on their mirror
- looking into their eyes as they share about something important, rather than looking at the phone or the clock
- going on a coffee date
Love is in the details, and it’s often the small, consistent acts that mean the most.
In your community, think about how you can be a light. Maybe it’s:
- baking cookies for a neighbor (or buying some if you aren't a baker!)
- volunteering at your church
- simply smiling at the cashier who looks like she’s had a long day
- leaving a larger-than-usual tip if you go out to eat
- writing an encouraging note and leaving it on the counter in a public restroom
These acts of love don’t just bless others; they also fill your heart with joy.
As adults, we don't often think about our "enemies", unless there is someone against whom we might be holding a grudge or hanging onto bitterness.
Some ways you can love your "enemies" might be to:
- pray intentionally and fervently for them (if you're no longer in contact with them)
- smile and show kindness (if it's someone you still see occasionally)
- send them an anonymous gift (Amazon works great for that)
- write them a note of forgiveness
This week, make a plan to show love intentionally. Write down one way to bless your kids (each of them if you have multiple!), one way to love someone in your community, and one person you'd consider an "enemy" to whom you can show Christ's love.
Keep it simple and achievable—this shouldn't add stress to your life.
Let’s be women who live out God’s love in every relationship.
This not only glorifies God, but as you step out in faith and obedience, you will grow in spiritual maturity and wisdom.
One act of love at a time can make a world of difference.
The start of a new year feels like a blank page, doesn’t it? There’s something so refreshing about knowing you can turn the corner and start fresh.
But if you’re anything like me, you might also feel a little overwhelmed.
There are a million and one new ideas for organizing your home. A thousand posts about how to reinvigorate and stir new passion into your marriage. Hundreds of suggestions for how to create routines that will help you to move your body and drink more water.
Or maybe it's your your faith that feels a bit stale, and you’re wondering which influencer to follow to rekindle that passion for God. Maybe you feel a little guilty because last year's resolutions didn't stick through the year.
Let me reassure you: God’s mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23), and He’s ready to meet you right where you are.
And friend - when you meet with Him consistently, that one single step will refresh EVERY other area of your life.
Here is my encouragement to you: instead of jumping into an ambitious Bible reading plan that feels daunting, start with one passage or chapter a day and ask God to open your mind to His wisdom and grant you understanding.
Couple this with prayer—an honest conversation with Him about your fears, your desire to grow spiritually, your needs for your marriage, kids, work, and friendships, and your desire to surrender everything to His perfect will.
Trust that He can and will work in your heart as you first make it a priority to seek Him in Scripture, and second make it a priority to lay everything at His feet in obedience to Him.
Consider setting a faith-led goal for the year. Maybe it’s to study one book of the Bible deeply (you don't have to read the entire Bible in a year in order to grow!), memorize Scripture (perhaps one verse a month?), or pray regularly with your husband (or pray for him, if praying together isn't an option).
Whatever it is, make it personal and meaningful. And remember, you don’t have to do this alone! Surround yourself with women who will encourage and support you in your journey.
If you know God is calling you to take this one step to draw closer to Him, I would love to invite you to enroll in the Wives of the Word: Bible Study Methods for Women course! Doors are currently open, but only until THIS Friday, January 10, 2025.
This is your opportunity to start 2025 refreshed, with the tools and confidence to study Scripture deeply (even on the days you only have a few minutes), apply God’s truths to your marriage, parenting, and life, and grow into the women God has called you to be - while I hold your hand and guide you step-by-step, and with the encouragement and support of other women learning alongside you.
Enroll now and take the first step toward a life of spiritual renewal and joy! Doors close Friday, so don't miss out!
Let’s start this year with hearts renewed and ready for what God has in store!
Sweet friend, I see you there – maybe scrolling through your phone while trying to catch a quiet moment, feeling that familiar ache in your heart as another year draws to a close.
That yearning to feel more present in your life, more anchored in your purpose, more confident in your decisions.
I know that deep down, you're longing to be the calm, joyful presence your family needs, instead of feeling constantly overwhelmed and stretched thin.
You're tired of running on empty, of second-guessing yourself, of wondering if you're making the right choices for your family.
Most of all, you're craving that clear connection with God – that gentle, guiding Voice that helps you navigate the beautiful chaos of being a wife and mom with grace and wisdom.
I've walked this road too, and I want to share something that might surprise you: that peace and purpose you're seeking? That calm assurance and joy that feels just out of reach?
It's not hiding in another planning system or self-care routine.
The transformation you're longing for starts in the quietest, simplest moments with God – even if those moments look nothing like the picture-perfect devotional times you see on social media.
Can I share something deeply personal with you? When I was in that same overwhelmed space, desperately seeking answers and direction, I discovered something that changed everything.
It wasn't another productivity hack or morning routine – it was learning how to truly connect with God in the small pockets of time I actually had, not the perfect quiet time I thought I needed.
Here's what I've learned: the secret isn't in having hours of uninterrupted study time (but wouldn't that be nice?). It's in learning how to make the most of whatever time you do have – whether that's 5 minutes or 50.
Here's the thing: I know that the peace and direction you're searching for isn't found in doing more or trying harder – it's found in learning how to quiet your heart and connect with God in the midst of your beautiful, messy reality.
And sweet friend, I want you to know something important: God isn't standing there with a stopwatch, disappointed when you can only give Him five minutes between making breakfast and getting the kids ready for school.
He's waiting to meet you right where you are, even if that's just a few precious moments while you're waiting in the school pickup line. Those few minutes, when you know how to use them well, can become the foundation of the transformation you're craving.
When you learn how to truly unpack God's Word – even in those small moments – something beautiful happens. Those Scripture passages you've read a hundred times suddenly spring to life with new meaning, speaking directly into your marriage, your parenting, your daily struggles.
That's why I'm so excited to invite you to my free Routine to Revival workshop coming up THIS WEEK.
This isn't just another Bible study method that will leave you feeling overwhelmed – it's a simple, grace-filled approach that will help you discover God's wisdom for your specific season of life.
You'll learn how to make the most of those precious minutes you have, turning them into powerful moments of connection that will ripple through your entire day, affecting how you respond to your husband, how you parent your children, and how you navigate life's challenges.
Imagine walking into 2025 with a renewed sense of purpose and peace. Picture yourself starting each day – even the chaotic ones – anchored in God's truth, drawing from His strength instead of trying to power through on your own.
Think about how it would feel to finally have that clear connection with God you've been longing for, to feel His guidance as you make decisions for your family, to see His fruits of patience, joy, and peace flowing naturally into your relationships.
This isn't about adding another task to your already full plate – it's about finding the source of strength and wisdom you need to pour into your family from a place of fullness rather than exhaustion.
The workshop will take place January 2nd, with another optional session on January 3rd and a final opportunity on January 10th (registration closes January 2nd).
Sweet friend, I know this could be the fresh start you've been praying for – not just for your Bible study routine, but for your whole life as a wife and mom.
I'd love to walk alongside you and show you how these simple moments with God can transform everything.
There's even more waiting for you in this workshop than I can share here, but I know this: God has beautiful things in store for you and your family this coming year, and it starts with these small, intentional moments in His presence.
I stared at my Bible, feeling completely lost.
Sure, I'd just finished my devotional for the day, but if you asked me what I'd read, I honestly couldn't tell you.
My mind was already racing ahead to my mile-long to-do list, and that familiar frustration started creeping in.
Why couldn't I focus? Why did my time with God feel so... empty?
Maybe you know exactly what I'm talking about. That nagging feeling that you're just going through the motions.
Reading the devotional? Check.
Quick prayer? Done.
But deep down, you know something's missing.
I remember when it all changed. I was sitting at my kitchen table, clutching my coffee mug like a lifeline, when I finally admitted to myself: I had no idea how to actually read my Bible. Like, really read it.
Not just skim through a devotional or follow someone else's thoughts about a verse.
I wanted to know how to dig into God's Word for myself, how to hear Him speak directly to ME - but I felt completely overwhelmed. Where would I even start?
Here's the truth that changed everything for me: Time with God isn't meant to be a drive-through experience.
You wouldn't build a strong marriage on nothing but quick texts with your husband, right? (Can you imagine? "Hey babe, grocery list. XOXO" 😅)
Yet so many of us are trying to build our relationship with God on the spiritual equivalent of text messages.
The problem isn't devotionals themselves – they're great! But they're like having someone tell you about an amazing feast instead of sitting down to enjoy it yourself. You might learn what's on the menu, but you're missing out on the actual experience of the meal.
Then I discovered something that completely transformed my quiet time: the power of observation.
Now, before you think "I barely have time to read my Bible, let alone study it!" or like me, "I am the worst at observing anything, my brain is so full already!" – hear me out.
Observation isn't about spending hours poring over complicated commentaries. It's simply about learning to notice what's actually there in the text.
And here's the amazing thing: you can do it in just minutes a day.
Let me give you an example. The other day I had exactly three minutes before my little man woke up. Instead of rushing through a devotional or skipping my Bible altogether, I read just two verses.
But instead of skimming, I really looked at the words. I noticed repetitions I'd never seen before. I spotted words that made me go "wait, what?" I found details that suddenly made familiar verses come alive in completely new ways.
That's the incredible thing about intentional observation – it turns routine Bible reading into an exciting treasure hunt.
Suddenly, you're not just checking off a spiritual box; you're discovering new gems in God's Word every single time you open it.
Even if you only have five minutes, those five minutes become incredibly rich and meaningful.
Want to know the game-changer that transformed my quiet time? Finding tools that helped me actually observe what I was reading in Scripture. Not just reading words on a page, but really seeing what was there.
It's like the difference between glancing at a photo and actually studying it – suddenly you notice details you've never seen before.
Here's a super simple way to start right now:
Pick any verse (seriously, any verse!) and ask yourself these questions:
- What words keep showing up?
- Are there any words that surprise me?
- What details jump out that I've never noticed before?
Just these simple questions can start shifting your Bible reading from passive to active.
And trust me, once you start really seeing what's in Scripture, it becomes way less intimidating and way more exciting!
Even better? These observation skills work whether you have three minutes or thirty. They're like a pair of spiritual glasses that help you see God's Word more clearly, no matter how much time you have.
But here's what I really want you to know: you don't have to figure this out alone.
If you're ready to move beyond spiritual quick fixes and learn how to actually study God's Word for yourself, I've got something special for you.
I'm hosting a free Routine to Revival workshop where I'll teach you one simple but powerful Bible study method that focuses on observation – basically, how to see what's actually in the passage you're reading.
(And don't worry, this isn't about becoming a Bible scholar! It's about learning one practical and simple skill you can use with any passage you read, even when you're short on time.)
Registration opens December 26th, and you'll get to choose from three different workshop times that fit your schedule.
In just one session, you'll learn a practical observation method that will transform your quiet time from a routine checkbox to an exciting daily discovery – even if you only have a few minutes.
Ready to stop running on spiritual empty? Click here to get on the waitlist for the Routine to Revival workshop.
Because friend, you weren't meant to just read about God's Word – you were meant to feast on it yourself.
