It is the emotional and spiritual ­ atmosphere our children and friends breathe — the way we treat people, the foundations of grace we live by, that will attach their hearts to ours and ultimately to God.

To grow strong in marriage takes a mutual commitment by both partners to keep going, to keep learning, keep loving, stay faithful through all the seasons. How wise God was to provide such a design of two persons working out their own story by faith & with love. From #WellLived

God has stepped into this world, into our lives, to assure us that we really can follow Jesus in enduring suffering for "the joy set before us," being in heaven with our Creator, our Father.

When we understand and accept that the world is indeed fallen and creates all sorts of chaos, we can better prepare ourselves to become warriors of light, goodness in difficult times. New podcast tinyurl.com/4yekp93p

This is a fallen world, & your children are guaranteed to meet pain, loneliness, & discouragement as they make their way, doubly so if they are pursuing holiness. You can teach them to run their race in faith, to fight their battles well, & to become heroes in the story of God.

Aside from their inviting aromas & ambient light, candles also serve as small reminders throughout my home that we are called by God to bring light to the world. That starts by bringing light to our homes. What is a small way that you love to bring light to your home?

When your children realize they are one a top priority & you are choosing to pour into them with time, prayer, teaching, & connection, they get a glimpse of God's love & care for them. From #TeatimeDiscipleship ☕

Embracing God's call to the duties of motherhood doesn't diminish my abilities to use my gifts, strength, and training, but fulfills a part of God's design. From #TheMissionOfMotherhood ❤️

Paul said, "I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances" (Phil 4:11). His honest testimony is a reminder that contentedness is never a gift or a given, but rather a learned condition; a fruit of the Spirit's work in my life as I live each day by faith.

A mother's love and legacy is one of the most powerful influences in the world, will determine the strength, history of a culture. But to provide such a legacy in the lives of our children requires a choice. New podcast tinyurl.com/mx8uvva9

When Christ gets ahold of one’s life and the Holy Spirit lives through an ordinary person like you or me, the redeeming power of God bubbles over and touches every aspect of life.

In taking time to build close relationships, we learn that people are more important than things or material possessions. We come to understand that close relationships, not status or accomplishment or virtual realities, are what bring happiness and meaning to life.

Jesus' experience with his disciples can encourage us to persist, because we see that the long, frustrating process of training does make a difference. Proverbs reminds us, if we "train up a child in the way he should go, even when he is old he will not depart from it" (22:6).

"The desert and the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom." (Isaiah 35:1) So many verses that I am pondering as spring begins. Which verse has been speaking to your heart lately? Tell me in the comments ❤️

This is the true ministry of motherhood — to usher my children into the living presence of God, to nurture in them a heart for Jesus and the Great Commission he has called each of us to fulfill. From #TheMinistryOfMotherhood

Every year, when darkness seems longest, daffodils spring up first, blooming “with all of their heart,” they proclaim, hope is coming, light is on its way! New podcast tinyurl.com/2pykb69h

Seeking God and acknowledging Him as our loving Father puts the issues of our lives in a larger perspective. It helps us to walk this journey of motherhood with faith and vision, without always being weighed down by our worries. From #YourMomWalkWithGod

By investing in love, intimacy, and friendship in a way that made sense to each of my children, I helped them know that they belonged to our little community called “Clarkson.” They could always know that in this place, they would be held, loved, and seen. From #UniquelyYou

It is only in being intentional & purposeful about your life that you will grow. In growing, your heart & soul will become more fulfilled, because God's will is indeed good & acceptable & perfect. New podcast tinyurl.com/4s4hnhe7

I must water and feed those things that I want to grow. If I want to grow a heart of joy, then I must plant the words of God & his truth. I must feed joy daily to ensure that it becomes a healthy fruit of my heart. From #DancingWithMyHeavenlyFather