As moms, our kids interrupt our sleep, our conversations and even our trips to the bathroom. Sometimes we respond by saying “in a minute” or we try ignoring them. Sometimes when we’re interrupted, we feel frustrated or annoyed, whether we show those emotions outwardly or not. But what about when God interrupts us? How do we respond to Him? Mary gives us a roadmap. Take a listen. 

In theory, our time with family and friends during the holiday season brings us rest by filling us up. In reality, however, gathering at the table can bring up anxiety, dread, stress, or past hurts and betrayals that trigger our own less-than-desirable behaviors. If getting together with family stirs up unrest for you, Jesus shows us at the Last Supper how to eat in peace regardless of who is at the table. Take a listen.  

For many moms, rest of any kind is not at the top of our plans, especially in the hands-on, always-busy parenting years where we find ourselves waiting in the carpool line each day. God knows all about what we go through. And the truth of the matter is that we can’t always slow down but that doesn’t mean we need to forfeit His rest in the process. Take a listen.  

We can’t see what God is doing to the trees in the winter, but we’ve learned to trust that He is strengthening their roots and preparing them for Spring. Without an intentional focus on root growth, we wouldn’t be able to celebrate an abundant harvest. The same holds true for the winter season of parenting. So much of the early years is spent grounding our children’s roots in His truth and trusting He is working beneath the surface. Take a listen. 

God created us to need sleep and rest. Yet, they aren’t the same thing. Sleep is biological. Rest is spiritual. When we stay up too long, our bodies force us to sleep. But, resting in and with the Father is a choice we make. It’s not something He forces on us. Self-care can be a part of the spiritual practice of rest when we invite the Holy Spirit into our self-care rituals. Take a listen. 

Being a Christian doesn’t exclude us from falling prey to What if thinking. These What Ifs steal our peace and fuel worry. They feed us lies about the limits of what the Lord can do and keep us distracted from His love and faithfulness. Do you struggle with those thoughts? Here’s a proven way to stop looking at the What Ifs and instead shift your thinking to what God is doing in your life right now. Take a listen. 

The simple act of remembering keeps us close to our Father. Looking back and remembering how God faithfully showed up for us in the past helps us stop living from a place of stress and striving and leaves a legacy of spiritual breadcrumbs for ourselves and our family. Take a listen. 

Jesus prioritized His relationship with His Father. And not once does Scripture record that He felt guilty about taking time away from His followers to do it. How can Jesus’ example (and the way our children look to us) help us overcome the guilt that many moms feel when taking time away from our families to connect with the Father? Take a listen.