prayer

The Secret To A Peaceful Home and Marriage (It's Not What You Think!)

The Secret To A Peaceful Home and Marriage (It's Not What You Think!)
In the beginning...

I'm sure you know the story. God creates all the things, then He breathes life into man. 

He sees the first male as alone, and decides he needs a helper; then He creates woman FROM man. 

Notice the reason woman was created was to be a helper. That role wasn't a result of the fall; it was assigned to her prior to the fall. 

On the other hand, what WAS a result of the fall was woman's desire "for" her husband - most understood and recognized as her desire to control him.

As a result, one of the most common struggles for wives is the tendency to take control—over the schedule, the parenting decisions, the finances, the way things are done. 

But underneath that need to control is often fear. Fear of failure, fear of chaos, or fear that things won’t go “right” unless she steps in (which - SPOILER - is also a HUGE indication of pride).

But God doesn’t call you to live from a place of fear. He calls you to trust Him—and one way that trust shows up is in how you relate to your husband. 

When you spend time renewing your mind in Scripture, you begin to release the tight grip of control and instead gain quiet, Christ-centered confidence.

Confidence in the Lord allows you to respond with grace when your husband leads differently than you would. 
I've heard it said that the measure of a woman's trust in God can be seen in how she submits to her husband.

Trusting the Lord helps you speak with wisdom instead of worry. It builds your ability to communicate with love rather than criticism. And most importantly, it strengthens your faith in God’s sovereignty over your home and marriage.

Practical steps in this area might include:

  • Choosing not to "correct" every small thing your husband does differently than you.
  • Praying before giving your opinion in a tense conversation.
  • Trusting your husband with a parenting or financial decision—and supporting him, even if it’s not what you would do.
  • Respecting your husband's decisions - even if you think they're completely wrong - because you know God can protect and guide your family THROUGH any decision, wrong or right.
  • Meditating on verses like Isaiah 26:3 or Proverbs 3:5–6 that refocus your mind on God’s control, not yours.
Christ-centered confidence isn’t loud, harsh, or forceful. It’s quiet strength that flows from being anchored in the Word. 

When you shift from controlling everything to trusting God in everything, your home—and heart—will experience peace like you could never imagine.

Need a little help? Grab the Marriage Scripture Journal—a 4-week guide to help you study full chapters of God’s Word and apply them to your marriage with clarity and confidence.


When Mother’s Day Hurts: Finding Comfort in the Word

When Mother’s Day Hurts: Finding Comfort in the Word
Mother’s Day can feel like a bright spotlight on our pain. 

For some, it’s the ache of empty arms after miscarriage or infertility. 

For others, it’s the sting of estrangement from children or a mom, or the hollow space left behind by a mom who has passed. 

And for still others, it's the unbearable grief of losing a child. 

If that’s you, sweet sister, I want you to know: God sees you. He is near to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18), and His Word is a balm for the soul.

I’ve had seasons where Mother’s Day brought tears instead of joy. And if I’m honest, I'm in one of those seasons now. 

It carries some guilt, because do I have a wonderful mom and beautiful children to celebrate, but there are other pains in my motherhood journey that often leave me feeling like the wind has been knocked out of me. 

Sometimes I feel like I don't belong in these celebrations—like I'm on the outside looking in. 

But Scripture reminds us that our identity is never defined by a role or a title. 

Womanhood is not defined by whether or not we have children, and whether the relationships we have are thriving or broken. 

Our worth is not determined by what we’ve lost or longed for. It’s rooted in Christ alone. 

Psalm 139:13-14 reminds us that we are fearfully and wonderfully made—knit together by a Creator who never makes mistakes.

In those hard moments, turn to the Psalms. 

David didn’t hold back in his grief. He wept, he questioned, he lamented—and God met him there. 

Psalm 13 begins with, “How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever?” but it ends with, “I will sing to the Lord, because he has dealt bountifully with me.” That’s the tension we live in—honest pain, yet anchored hope.

If Mother’s Day hurts this year, let yourself grieve. Sit with the Lord and let His Word comfort you. 

Isaiah 66:13 says, 
“As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you.” 
What a precious promise. You are seen, loved, and not alone.

Here are a few verses to cling to this week:
  • Psalm 56:8 – “You have kept count of my tossings; put my tears in your bottle.”
  • Lamentations 3:22-23 – “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end.”
  • Romans 8:18 – “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.”
And here's an action step for you to try: grab a pen and paper, and write out your own Psalm to the Lord. Cry out to Him your deepest anguish, give him the full force of your grief, and let His comfort wash over you. 

Let your heart rest in His goodness—even when it aches.

Easter's Renewal...For Your Marriage

Easter's Renewal...For Your Marriage
Now that we're well into Spring, and Easter is on the horizon, there's a good chance you're either planning your Resurrection Day celebration dinner with family, your Easter Egg hunts, or you're just trying to stop sneezing and be able to breathe with all the pollen. (Maybe that last one is just me.)

I'd like to invite you to consider something different about this season of Easter.

Easter is all about new beginnings. Jesus didn’t stay in the tomb—He rose to bring new life, a life in eternal glory with Him! 

And just like He brought renewal to the world, He is able to bring renewal to our marriages too

Let’s be real—marriage can feel stale at times. 

The daily grind of life, unspoken frustrations, and the busyness of raising kids can take a toll. All of a sudden you realize - marriage feels HARD

So how can you experience the fresh renewal that Easter represents in your marriage?

First, let’s look at what renewal actually means. It’s not about ignoring issues or pretending things are perfect. 

In Romans 12:2, Paul tells us, 

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind 
How are we transformed? By the renewal of our minds. 

This "renewal" means a change of heart or mind. It requires intention (along with the work of the Holy Spirit - we can do nothing without Him). 

According to BibleHub.com, "{Renewal} implies a restoration to a former state or an improvement to a new and better condition."

Did you catch that? A restoration to a former state - when you first got married - or an improvement to a NEW and BETTER condition. 

Can you imagine your marriage renewed and even better than it was?!

Renewal comes when we invite Jesus into the broken places and allow Him to breathe new life into them. 

Just as He overcame death, He can overcome the struggles in our marriages—whether that’s communication breakdowns, unmet expectations, or emotional distance.

This does require intention on your part. While Jesus is capable of miracles that don't involve action on our part, most of the miracles He performed included others taking on certain tasks as well.

One way to seek renewal in your marriage is through forgiveness

Jesus’ death and resurrection made way for our sins to be forgiven, and He calls you to extend that same grace to your husband. 

Holding onto bitterness keeps you stuck, but choosing to forgive—even when it’s hard—opens the door for healing.

To avoid that bitterness from creeping back in, it's imperative that you develop the habit of thinking the BEST of your husband, rather than assuming the worst. For example, when he forgets something, extend the same grace God offers to you, and assume your husband was simply forgetful, rather than neglectful or uncaring.

Another step is intentionally reconnecting. 

Plan a date night (even if you're always the one to plan them - that may be a strength you have that he doesn't, so lean into your strength), leave a sweet note, take on a task that he normally completes or you know he dislikes, or simply take a few moments each day to laugh together. 

Small efforts can bring a fresh sense of connection. It's usually those daily, small efforts that get forgotten in the daily busy-ness of life, so they're important to intentionally bring back.

And most importantly, pray for your marriage. 

Ask God to renew your love, restore joy, and help you both grow together in Him. 

Ask your husband what he is currently praying for, or what he would love to have you pray for him. That simple connection alone, knowing that you're in his corner appealing to God on his behalf, can bring so much restoration to your marriage.

Easter reminds us that nothing is too far gone for Jesus to restore. 

As we lean into His resurrection power, we can experience a marriage that isn’t just surviving but thriving.

If you'd like to dive deeper into this, be sure to check out the 7-Day Spring Clean Your Marriage challenge! This is a challenge you can begin at any time - and repeat as often as you'd like - to clear out what isn't working, bring back what used to work, and create new habits that will strengthen and fortify your marriage. Click the link below for more information!


Living Daily In The Hope Of The Resurrection

Living Daily In The Hope Of The Resurrection
Easter isn’t just a once-a-year celebration; it’s the foundation of our faith. 

The resurrection of Jesus changed everything—it brought hope, freedom, and the promise of new life. 

But if we’re honest, it’s easy to lose sight of that hope in the middle of everyday struggles. 

Between the endless to-do lists, the weight of responsibilities as a wife and mom, and the frustrations that come with marriage and parenting, we can feel drained - and hopeless

So how do we truly live in the hope of the resurrection daily?

The key is remembering that Jesus’ victory is your victory. 

When He rose, He conquered sin, shame, and despair—things that often keep us stuck. 

That means you don’t have to stay trapped in guilt over your shortcomings, frustration over your husband’s habits, or weariness from the demands of motherhood. 

You can choose to stay trapped, by focusing on those things rather than focusing on Christ. 

His resurrection power is at work in you, giving you strength for each new day. When you make THAT your focus, like the hymn says, "And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace."

So what does this look like in real life? 

First, it means intentionally shifting your focus from your circumstances to Christ. 

When challenges arise, take a moment to remind yourself: Jesus is alive, and because of that, I have hope. 

It's pride that causes us to focus so much on ourselves, our own comfort, our own joy...having things our own way.

But when you intentionally choose to think about Jesus, Who He is and what He's done, along with choosing to think about Philippians 4:8 things that are pure, lovely, true, and praiseworthy, you will begin to see a tremendous shift in your heart and attitude.

Second, fill your mind with Scripture. 

Read the Bible daily, discover new methods of studying the Bible so you can find the one that connects with your style of learning, and make that habit a priority. 

Listen to sermons from wise, godly pastors, or podcasts from older, godly women. 

Meditate on Scripture; verses like Romans 8:11 (“The Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you”) remind you that you have access to His strength. 

Lastly, practice gratitude. 

The resurrection is the ultimate proof of God’s love and power, and daily thanksgiving shifts your perspective from frustration to faith.

Living in the hope of the resurrection isn’t about waiting for perfect circumstances. 

It’s about anchoring your heart in the truth that Jesus is alive and at work in you - not by your strength, but by HIS.

As you embrace that, you'll walk in greater joy, peace, and confidence in your roles as wife, mom, daughter, friend, and everything in between.

How To Spring Clean Your Schedule (And Find Time For What Matters Most)

How To  Spring Clean Your Schedule (And Find Time For What Matters Most)
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! 💛

 
Read Older Posts

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!

Let's chat!

Contact

Copyrights © 2025 held by respective copyright holders, including Melissa Smith.