quick tips

How to Apply What You Study (So It Actually Changes You)

How to Apply What You Study (So It Actually Changes You)
We've been talking all month about different Bible study tools, how to study, how to make it less overwhelming and more "do-able". 

But simply studying isn't enough. If we want to be transformed by Scripture, we need to apply what we learn. 

That being said, let’s end this month by talking about the “so what” of Bible study—application.

You can read Scripture all day long, use every method under the sun, and fill notebooks with notes—but if you don’t apply what you study, it’s like looking in a mirror and forgetting what you saw (James 1:22-25).

As wives and moms, this matters so much. God didn’t give us His Word just for head knowledge—He gave it to us so we could live it out in our marriage, in how we talk to our kids, in how we serve and speak and forgive.

Here are three simple ways to apply Scripture every week:

Pick One Small Step:

After studying, ask: “Based on this passage, what one thing can I change today?” 

Whether it’s holding your tongue in an argument or getting up five minutes earlier to pray, small obedience matters.

Write it in your notes, and think about what exactly you need to hold yourself accountable to the Lord for obeying. That was a tip I was given by one of my BibleArc coaches, and I thought it was super helpful.

Speak it Out Loud:

Tell your husband or a friend what you learned. Sharing helps you remember, and it invites accountability.

This also works when you post about it on social media. Tell the world what you've learned, and maybe you'll teach someone else, too!

Write a Sticky Note Reminder:

Seriously. I’ve had verses stuck to my bathroom mirror, laundry room wall, and even the dash of my car. 

You could also use Canva to make a new phone wallpaper or lock screen with your verse!

The goal is to keep the truth in front of your face so it sinks into your heart.

Remember, if you need a little help, check out the FREE Bible Study Toolkit I created to help guide you.


Don’t just study to say you did—study to become more like Christ. 

Study to be the wife your husband needs, the mom your kids admire and called blessed, and the woman God created you to be.

You’ve got this, friend. And I’m right here with you.

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.




Bible Study for the Mom with Teenagers: Fighting for Truth in a Loud World

Bible Study for the Mom with Teenagers: Fighting for Truth in a Loud World
Raising teenagers in today’s world can feel like spiritual warfare. 

Maybe that's because the vast majority of the time, it is.

There’s so much noise—from social media, school pressures, cultural confusion—and sometimes we feel like our voice is the last one they want to hear. 

But mama, your voice still matters. 

And even more importantly, your example matters.

When you prioritize Bible study, you're not just feeding your own soul—you're modeling what it looks like to stay rooted in truth. 

Your teens need to see that faith isn’t just something you just talk about on Sundays. It’s something you fight for daily. 

Deuteronomy 6:6-7 encourages us: 
“And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children.” 
That teaching doesn’t stop when they grow taller than us. (If it did, I would have stopped when my kids were in elementary school. If you know me, you know. #shortgirlproblems)

Set the tone in your home by making Bible study visible and normal. 

Let your teen see you reading the Word, journaling, or praying. 

Invite them to read with you—maybe once a week over breakfast, during dinner, or before bed. 

Ask what they’re struggling with and offer Scripture that speaks to it. They may roll their eyes at first, but seeds are being planted.

Here are a few ways to stay grounded and pour truth into your teens:

  • Have a personal Bible reading plan and share what you're learning (not sure where to start with a personal reading plan? Email me or comment below and let's chat so I can help you create one!)
  • Ask your teen to join you for one verse or one short devotional each week
  • Listen to worship music whenever you're in the car together
  • Text them Scripture or encouragement (they’re already on their phones!)
  • Pray for them—and with them—regularly
  • Start a blessing journal you share with your teen where you both write answered prayers, gratitude, or where you saw God at work that day
  • Create a Scripture scavenger hunt by hiding index cards with verses or prayers in their backpack, shoes, bathroom mirror, or car
  • Do a service project together (like at a food pantry or helping a neighbor) to spark faith conversations in real-life moments
  • Build a worship + testimony playlist together and include a few audio clips of you sharing prayers or stories of God’s faithfulness
  • Set up a family group chat for spiritual encouragement to share verses, prayers, or reminders of God’s truth throughout the week
  • Celebrate spiritual milestones (like baptism, finishing a Bible study, or stepping out in faith) with a special meal or small gift
  • Host a faith and food night by inviting your teen’s friends over for pizza and a short devo, prayer, or testimony time
This season requires perseverance, but it’s holy work. Don’t give up. 

Galatians 6:9 promises, 
“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” 
Stay rooted so you can guide them well. We can't be the moms our kids need apart from Christ. This season requires intentionality in abiding in Him.

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.

 
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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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