There’s no greater picture of forgiveness than the cross.
As Jesus hung there, suffering for our sins, He spoke words that still shake me to the core (Luke 23:34):
"Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do"
If Jesus could extend that kind of mercy in His darkest moment, what does that mean for us in our everyday lives—especially in marriage and motherhood?
Forgiveness is hard. When your husband says something hurtful, when your kids push every button you have, when a friend disappoints or hurts you—it’s easy to hold onto resentment.
But sweet friend, withholding forgiveness, hanging on to that resentment and the bitterness that results, only keeps you in bondage.
Jesus didn’t just forgive to be nice; He forgave to set us free. And He calls us to do the same.
In marriage, forgiveness is crucial.
Regardless of how wonderful your husband may be, he will mess up—just like you do.
Choosing to forgive, rather than keeping score, creates an environment of grace where love can thrive.
A practical step? Instead of rehashing past wrongs, choose to focus on solutions and moving forward together.
I know what you might be thinking: "What if he just keeps doing the same thing over and over again?"
That's an entirely different topic, but let's touch on it real quick.
If it's a true sin issue where he is unrepentant, like looking at porn, cheating, getting drunk every night, abuse, or other things that are clear-cut sins, I would encourage you to seek wise, godly, biblical counseling. There are different nuances within each of those issues that go deeper than I can discuss in a blog post.
If it's a personal conviction - or even just personal preference - issue where you don't want him to do something (or TO do something) that he doesn't keep up, I would encourage you to seek God and ask if this is a situation where He is asking YOU to change. Your husband's convictions will likely be different from your own on many topics. You may feel convicted about living a clean, toxin free lifestyle; he may not feel convicted to prioritize that.
Listen, I will be real with you and say this one is a STRUGGLE for me. While it doesn't necessarily require me to forgive my husband, it DOES require me to continue treating him with respect, honor, and love, despite any aggravation I may feel because he's not doing the things I feel convicted that he should be doing.
If you're experiencing anything like that, please reach out to me - I would be honored to walk through this with you and offer any biblical wisdom or godly counsel that I am able.
As moms, we can also model forgiveness for our children.
When they see you forgive quickly and extend grace, they learn to do the same.
A simple way to practice this is by apologizing when you lose our temper or forget to follow through on something, showing them that grace isn’t just something you talk about—it’s something you live.
This also gives them an opportunity to practice forgiveness themselves.
And I can hear another question you might be asking: what if the other person hasn't asked for forgiveness?
Romans 5:8 tells us:
"but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
You didn't ask for forgiveness before Christ gave His life for you.
There are so many others who have been offered forgiveness in Christ that have not asked for His forgiveness - yet it is still extended, available to them, offered freely.
The forgiveness you give FREES YOU from bitterness, resentment, anxiety, anger, and the actual physical manifestations of those things that can wreak havoc on your body and ruin your ability to live out God's will for you.
Let's deal with another question: does forgiveness require me to reconcile?
If the other person is unrepentant in their sin, and maintaining a relationship with them puts you in a situation that is dangerous (emotionally, physically, spiritually), then NO - you are not required to reconcile. Reconciliation takes two people works towards a shared goal of unity in the relationship.
If the other person is repentant and actively desiring reconciliation, and you see fruit of the repentance in their life indicating that a relationship with them could be safe, then I would encourage you to prayerfully consider reconciling with them. Depending on the severity of the sin committed against you, this is absolutely something you will need to seek God's guidance in.
The cross teaches us that forgiveness is powerful. It breaks chains, heals wounds, and brings peace.
As a response to our Easter celebration two weeks ago, focusing on Christ's resurrection, let’s ask God to soften our hearts and help us walk in the freedom that comes with forgiving as we have been forgiven.
Throughout this month, we've talked a lot about spring cleaning: our hearts, our marriages, our quiet time.
But how in the world do you find the time to DO any of that spring cleaning in the first place?
Most women - wives, mothers, and single women alike - often find themselves at the mercy of their calendars and to-do lists - that are often based on other people's priorities.
Our homes aren’t the only things that need a little spring cleaning—our schedules and boundaries do too.
Let me ask you something (and be honest with yourself here): Have you ever felt too busy to spend time with God?
You want to dive into Scripture, you want to pray more intentionally, but life just keeps piling up?
Between marriage, kids, errands, work, and all the little things that need your attention, quiet time with the Lord keeps getting pushed to “later”... except later never seems to come.
If you're too busy for God, you're taking on tasks and responsibilities that He hasn't asked of you.
God Never Asked You to Do It All
Somewhere along the way, we started believing that being a good wife and mom means saying “yes” to everything—every volunteer opportunity, every social event, every late-night task we could’ve asked for help with.
But God never called us to exhaustion. He didn’t design us to be so busy serving everyone else that we have nothing left for Him, for our husbands, or even ourselves.
Jesus Himself had boundaries. He didn’t heal everyone who asked. He stepped away from the crowds to pray.
He rested.
And if the Son of God didn’t try to do it all, why do we? (Tough truth: it's often our pride and need to control that makes us feel like we can and should do it all.)
If your schedule is packed, if you feel stretched thin, if you don’t even know when you last had an unrushed moment with the Lord—it’s time to declutter your commitments.
Spring Clean Your Schedule & Priorities
I want you to take a look at everything on your plate right now. Write it down if you need to. Then ask yourself these questions:
- Did God call me to this, or did guilt, pressure, or people-pleasing put it on my plate?
- Is this bringing my family closer together, or pulling us apart?
- Is this drawing me closer to God, or distracting me from Him?
- Is this an accurate indication of what I say I prioritize, or does it compete with everything I want to prioritize?
- Am I resting and restoring my energy, or am I running on empty?
If your schedule is so full that you don’t have time to pray, to study Scripture, to truly connect with your husband, or to just breathe—something has to change.
Not everything needs to stay on your calendar. Some commitments are good, but may not be God’s best for this season. It’s okay to say no.
Boundaries Aren’t Just for Others—They’re for You, Too
A lot of times when we talk about boundaries, we think about setting limits with other people. And yes, that’s important!
But boundaries aren’t just about saying no to others—they’re also about saying yes to what matters most.
I'm sure you've heard the saying that when you say yes to one thing, you're saying no to something else.
What do you need to say no to so that you can:
- Say yes to daily time with the Lord—even if it’s just 15 minutes before the kids wake up.
- Say yes to date nights with your husband—your marriage needs intentional care.
- Say yes to rest—rest that refuels you, not just mindless scrolling on your phone.
- Say yes to quiet evenings at home instead of overloading your schedule.
When you clear out the clutter and protect what truly matters, you’ll find more peace, more joy, and more of God’s presence in your everyday life.
What Needs to Change?
So here’s my challenge to you, sweet friend: Take some time this week to “spring clean” your boundaries.
Pray over your commitments. Ask God to show you what needs to stay and what needs to go. And then, be bold enough to make the changes He’s calling you to make.
God never asked you to do it all. He just asks you to walk with Him. And trust me—when you clear out the clutter, you’ll have so much more room for His peace, His wisdom, and His joy.
Need a little guidance? Grab your FREE guide, "From Overwhelmed to Aligned: A Simple Worksheet to Free Your Schedule & Focus on What Matters" to help you reflect on your current schedule and make space for what you know God is actually calling you to prioritize right now.
I’d love to hear from you—what’s one boundary you need to reset this season? Let’s chat in the comments! 💛
I'm sure you've been there...or maybe you're there now.
Stuck in a rut with your Bible study routine—or maybe you don’t have a routine at all?
I get it. Life gets busy. Between kids, laundry, meals, and all the little fires that need to be put out each day, it’s easy for Bible study to become just another box to check (or one that gets left unchecked altogether).
But just like we deep clean our homes in the spring, sometimes we need to do the same with our spiritual routines. A fresh start can breathe new life into our time with the Lord, helping us to grow in godliness and be the wives and moms He’s called us to be.
Why Your Bible Study Routine Might Need a Spring Cleaning
If your quiet time has started to feel dry, repetitive, or just plain nonexistent, that’s a sign it’s time to shake things up.
Maybe you've been relying on quick devotionals ("something is better than nothing") instead of digging into Scripture yourself.
Maybe you've lost your passion for studying because you don't know where to start.
Or maybe you’re simply in a busy season, and your study habits have slipped away altogether.
Whatever your situation, the good news is that God’s Word is living and active (Hebrews 4:12), and He is always ready to meet you—no matter how long it’s been.
Think about your home in the middle of winter. It gets cluttered, dusty, and in need of a good refresh.
The same thing can happen with our spiritual habits! We can fall into routines that aren’t serving us well, and without realizing it, we start feeling distant from God.
That’s why spring is the perfect time to reset—to clean out what’s not working and replace it with fresh, life-giving habits that help you stay consistently engaging with and growing in the Word.
How to Refresh Your Bible Study Routine
Okay but...how exactly do you go about “spring cleaning” your Bible study time? Here are a few simple but powerful steps to get started:
- Reevaluate Your Routine (or Create One!) – If you don’t have a set Bible study habit, now is the time to start! Even if it’s just 5-10 minutes a day, having a consistent rhythm makes all the difference. If you do have a routine but it’s feeling stale, ask yourself: What’s working? What isn’t? Do I need to adjust my time, location, or study method?
- Declutter the Distractions – Just like physical clutter makes it hard to focus at home, distractions can keep us from diving deep into God’s Word. Are you constantly reaching for your phone? Do the kids always seem to need something the moment you open your Bible? Try setting up a quiet, designated space, even if it’s just a corner of your bedroom or a spot at the kitchen table before everyone else wakes up. Yes, you might lose a little sleep, but it will be worth it!
- Choose a Fresh Approach – If you’ve been relying on devotionals, try reading straight from the Bible using an inductive study method like SOAP (Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer) or Verse Mapping. Studying the Word for yourself (instead of only reading someone else’s thoughts) will deepen your understanding and help you grow spiritually.
- Make It Exciting Again – Sometimes we just need a change of scenery or a new tool to spark joy in our study time! Get a new journal, try using highlighters and sticky notes, or listen to an audio Bible while taking a prayer walk. Find little ways to make your time with God something you look forward to.
- Tie It to Your Role as a Wife and Mom – Your time in the Word isn’t just for you—it’s for your family, too. What you learn and apply will shape your marriage, your parenting, and your home. If you’re struggling with submission, patience, or showing love to your husband and kids, let your Bible study focus on what God’s Word says about those things. Ask Him to refine your heart so you can be the helper your husband needs and the example your children follow.
What to Actually DO During Your Bible Study Time
It’s one thing to set aside time for Bible study—but what should you do during that time? Here’s a simple, effective flow to guide you:
- Begin with Prayer – Ask God to open your heart and mind to His truth. Pray for wisdom, understanding, and a heart that is eager to learn and obey.
- Read a Chapter or Passage – Choose a book of the Bible and read it systematically (instead of hopping around). Take your time—this isn’t a race.
- Make Observations – As you read, ask yourself: What stands out? What do I learn about God? About people? About the context? Write these things down.
- Journal Questions and Insights – If something confuses you or you want to study a certain topic deeper, jot it down. Write out insights that feel like God is speaking to your heart.
- List Out Applications – What is this passage teaching you about your role as a wife? A mom? A woman of God? Write down one or two ways you feel called to live out what you’ve just read.
- Close in Prayer – Ask God to keep His Word fresh in your heart throughout the day. Pray that He would shape you, transform you, and help you apply what you've learned in your marriage, parenting, and daily life.
This process keeps you engaged, intentional, and growing every single day.
BUT NOTE THIS! If you only have 5-10 minutes, you likely will not be able to do all of that in one sitting. THAT'S OKAY! Begin with prayer, then do the next step from where you left off the day before, and then close in prayer. You don't have to do it at once.
That's where so many of us get stuck and quit. Don't quit. Just do as much as you can with the time that you have.
Sticking with It for the Long Haul
Spring cleaning isn’t just about tidying up—it’s about maintaining a fresh and inviting space.
The same goes for Bible study. To keep from slipping back into inconsistency, find ways to stay accountable.
Maybe that’s joining a study group, setting a reminder on your phone, or asking a friend to check in with you. And most importantly, pray! Ask God to give you a hunger for His Word and the discipline to stay committed.
Know that even if you don't "feel" like you're getting anything out of it, or you don't "feel" motivated to read or study, it's still an important discipline to develop and an instruction to follow, regardless of whether we feel like it.
Sweet friend, your time with the Lord is worth it. Jesus is worth it!
A refreshed, re-engaged, and re-energized Bible study habit will not only transform your heart, but will overflow into your marriage, your motherhood, and your home. Let this be the season where you fall in love with studying Scripture again.
So, are you ready to spring clean your Bible study routine? I’d love to hear how you’re making this a priority in your life!
Share your thoughts in the comments, and send this to a friend who could use some encouragement today.
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.
