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Families With Grace

Helping Christian moms create homes filled with grace, love & faith

Author: Stacey A. Shannon

Stacey A. Shannon is a freelance journalist and blogger who has been published internationally. She's also a Christian, a wife and a mom of two school-aged children. She started Families with Grace in 2019 to encourage Christian moms as they create homes filled with grace, love and faith. Be sure to get the FREE family devotion book, "Finding Grace at Home: 7 Days of 5 Minute Devotions for Families." It's a great way to help your family draw closer to each other and to God. Motherhood can be lonely. You weren't meant to go on your motherhood journey alone. Connect with Stacey and other Christian moms like you in the private Facebook group, Moms with Grace! And check out the books from Stacey A. Shannon as well!

The many facets of Biblical love

Posted on by Stacey A. Shannon

A reflection and free Bible study for Christian moms

Love is one of the most powerful forces in the world. It’s at the core of who God is and how He relates to us.

As Christian moms, we know love in many forms—from the selfless love we show our children to the enduring love we nurture in our marriages, and even the intentional love we offer to friends and strangers alike. Each of these forms of love reflects a piece of God’s perfect love.

February often brings love to the forefront, and it’s a perfect time to reflect on the many ways we experience and share love in our lives.

Let’s dive into the beauty and depth of love as seen in God’s Word and how it touches every aspect of our daily lives.

This month, let’s focus specifically on God’s love for us, our love as mothers, love in our marriages and love for others.

God’s unfailing love

The Bible is rich with stories and promises of God’s love for His people. From the father in the parable of the Prodigal Son who runs to welcome his wayward child back home to the Good Samaritan who shows compassion to a stranger in need, God’s love is a model for us all.

His love is unconditional, sacrificial and steadfast—qualities we all want to reflect in our own relationships.

God’s love also provides the foundation for our faith. It’s a love that pursues us, redeems us and assures us that nothing can separate us from Him (Romans 8:38-39). As moms, we can take comfort in knowing that the same love we share with our children is rooted in God’s greater love for us.

His love is patient when we falter, generous when we lack and constant when we feel unworthy. As moms, we can take comfort in knowing that the same love we share with our children is rooted in God’s greater love for us.

Love in marriage

Marriage is one of the most intimate expressions of love, designed by God to be a reflection of Christ’s love for the church. While it’s easy to focus on romantic gestures during Valentine’s season, true love in marriage goes far deeper.

It’s about patience, kindness, forgiveness and selflessness, as described in 1 Corinthians 13.

As busy moms, prioritizing our marriages amidst the demands of parenting, work and daily life can be challenging

Yet, nurturing love in marriage is vital, not just for us but also for the example it sets for our children. When we lean into God’s design for love in marriage, we can experience greater joy and unity.

A mother’s love

Few loves are as instinctive and sacrificial as a mother’s love for her child. From sleepless nights with a newborn to the emotional rollercoaster of raising teens, motherhood constantly calls us to give of ourselves.

This love mirrors God’s nurturing care for us, as seen in Isaiah:

“As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you.”

Isaiah 66:13

While motherhood is a journey filled with challenges, it’s also a profound way to experience and demonstrate God’s love.

Through the everyday acts of service, encouragement and discipline, we have the opportunity to show our children what it means to love as God loves.

Loving others

Jesus’ command to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39) reminds us that love isn’t confined to our families. It extends to our friends, neighbors and even those who are difficult to love.

This kind of love often requires intentional effort, but it’s a powerful way to reflect God’s love to the world.

Whether it’s lending a listening ear to a friend, serving a stranger in need or showing kindness to someone who has hurt us, loving others stretches our hearts and draws us closer to God. It’s a love that goes beyond feelings and is rooted in action.

Embracing love in every season

Each type of love we experience—whether it’s God’s unfailing love, the love in our marriages, the love we pour into our children or the love we show to others—teaches us something about God’s character and His plan for us. Love isn’t always easy, but it’s always worth it.

As we prepare to focus on love this February, let’s ask God to help us see His love more clearly and share it more fully. Whether through big gestures or small, everyday moments, love is a gift that changes us and those around us.

So, how can you reflect love in your life this week? Let’s step into February with hearts ready to embrace the love God has for us and to share that love with those He’s placed in our lives.

Free online Bible study for moms

Join us for the free Love in Action Bible study for moms to go even further into these four different types of love. We’ll take a closer look at all four and grow in our relationship with God as well as with our families.

Find all the details here:

A Free 28-Day Bible study for moms about love

Bible verses about hope (with a free reading plan)

Posted on by Stacey A. Shannon

Encouragement for moms amid life’s chaos

Hope. It’s a word we toss around a lot, but when life feels overwhelming, it’s also something we desperately crave.

As moms, we juggle so much—kids’ schedules, household responsibilities, work, relationships and our own personal struggles. Add in moments of doubt or hardship, and hope can sometimes feel distant or even impossible.

But lot of Bible verses about hope in God’s Word remind us hope isn’t just wishful thinking; it’s a firm anchor for our souls.

Free Bible reading plan about hope for moms Pinterest image 3

What is hope?

Biblically, hope is a confident expectation in God’s promises. It’s not about crossing our fingers and wishing for good things to happen.

It’s about knowing that God is faithful, even when life is messy. Romans 15:13 beautifully expresses this:

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

This hope is not dependent on our circumstances but on God’s unchanging character. When we feel weary or overwhelmed, we can lean into this truth.

Why do moms struggle with hope?

Let’s be honest. As moms, life often feels like a hamster wheel, and the constant busyness can make us feel drained.

It’s hard to hold on to hope when everything seems chaotic or when prayers go unanswered. We might even wonder if God sees our struggles.

But in these moments, hope is precisely what we need. It’s what shifts our focus from our problems to God’s promises. Isaiah 40:31 reminds us:

“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

How to cultivate hope in daily life

We know that hope is important, and we want to lean into the hope of God. There are a few ways we can be intentional about living in more hope daily.

Stay rooted in Scripture.

Spending even a few minutes in God’s Word can fill our hearts with hope. That’s why I’ve put together a variety of free Bible reading plans for moms that use just a verse or two a day.

You can spend the next 31 days focusing on Bible verses about hope in small, manageable chunks of Scripture. We all need reminders of God’s faithfulness to carry us through our hectic days.

Pray with expectation.

Prayer is our lifeline to God. It doesn’t have to be elaborate or lengthy—a simple cry for help or a whispered “thank you” is enough.

Through prayer, we can cast our worries on Him and trust that He is working, even when we can’t see it. And when we focus on God in prayer, we are more inclined to be filled with more hope in Him.

Surround yourself with encouragement.

Whether it’s a verse on your bathroom mirror or a friend who texts you prayers, find ways to keep hope visible. Community is vital, and sharing burdens with others can lighten the load.

Consider joining my online community of Christian moms in the free and private Facebook group, Christian Moms with Grace. It’s a great place to find encouragement.

Plus, we discuss the simple reading plan each month and take a deeper dive a few times a year as well to help you stay connected to God while also connecting with other Christian mamas like you.

Join Christian Moms with Grace on Facebook

Look for God in everyday moments

Hope grows when we acknowledge God’s goodness in the small things. Did you see a breathtaking sunrise? Was your child unexpectedly kind?

These glimpses of grace are reminders of His love. Take time throughout the day to appreciate these blessings in the moment.

A free reading plan for hope

This month, I’ve created a 31-day Bible reading plan on hope, designed with busy moms in mind. Each week has a specific theme—from finding hope in hard times to sharing hope with others—and includes reflection questions to help you dig deeper.

My prayer is that this plan will not only help you grow in faith but also remind you that you are never alone in your struggles. These Bible verses about hope will encourage and uplift you daily.

Let’s lean into the hope God offers. When we do, we’ll find that even in our toughest moments, His promises hold us steady. So take a breath, grab your Bible and let’s walk this journey of hope together.

Download the Free Bible Reading Plan for Moms about Hope

Stop the hustle: Discovering God’s plan for rest

Posted on by Stacey A. Shannon

Even in the busyness of motherhood, God calls you to rest!

“There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from his.”

Hebrews 4:9-10

Mom life is busy life. There are always tasks to be accomplished. Always.

Never taking a break for rest can be tempting, but it’s neither good for us nor what God intended for us.

It can be easy to scoff at the idea of a day of rest when you’re a mom, especially when you have small children. Yet, we do need rest.

And so we must give ourselves permission to not be productive all the time. We may not get an entire day to just sit and do nothing. That’s probably not feasible.

However, we certainly don’t need to beat ourselves up for slowing down and taking a break. It’s OK to ask for help, take a nap or just do what it takes to survive for a day.

Let today be the day you give yourself permission to rest!

Prayer:

Dear God, it can be really hard for me to find time to rest. There is always so much on my to-do list, and I struggle to be still. So many people depend on me. Yet, I know you created me to need rest. Open my eyes to see opportunities for rest you give me. Help me to relax in peace knowing that having downtime isn’t a sin. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Hebrews 4:9-10
A mom's prayer for rest
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Following God’s prompting

Posted on by Stacey A. Shannon

How the shepherds’ quick obedience challenges us to act when God calls

“When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.’”

Luke 2:15 (NIV)

Have you ever had a moment when God asked you to do something? I have. A few years ago, I was at a local hardware store and heard an employee talking about the health struggles she was having.

God asked me to speak to her and tell her I’d pray for her since I also was dealing with my own health struggles and had for years.

I’d love to tell you I spoke with her, she was encouraged and we became good friends. But that’s not how the story goes. Instead, I resisted. I kept my mouth shut.

I wasn’t like the shepherds who immediately jumped up and took off to see the gift God had given them. I didn’t obey that day.

Their example is one we would do well to take note of and heed. More than anything, I want to be so in tune with God that when He prompts me, I act immediately without giving a second thought.

Prayer:

Dear God, forgive me for the times I have not followed your leading. Open my eyes and ears to see and hear you at work. Show me what you would have me to do, and give me the strength to do it. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Luke 2:15
A prayer for moms
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Pregnancy, pain and perseverance: Lessons from Mary’s journey

Posted on by Stacey A. Shannon

What Mary’s journey teaches us about faith and gratitude in tough seasons

”While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.”

Luke 2:6-7 (NIV)

In 2012, I was pregnant at Christmas. My son was born the end of the following January, so I was very pregnant that year.

It was a miserable third trimester that involved a lot of pain and modified bedrest. Yet, that discomfort pales in comparison to what Mary surely experienced.

She gave birth in a stable of all places – without any women around to help her through the terrifying and overwhelming experience of childbirth.

Yet, the Bible tells us how Mary was positive. She said yes to God and followed Him wholeheartedly even when it was hard. Even when it didn’t make sense. And even when she knew those around her were going to judge her harshly.

Somehow Mary was able to be both miserable and thankful. That’s the attitude I want to maintain when times are hard. Because in every moment and struggle, there always remains something for which to be thankful.

One thing I know to be true: God is always good.

Prayer:

Dear God, thank you for sending Jesus into the world to save me from my sins. When I am struggling and miserable, give me strength to keep going. Help me to see the good around me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Luke 2:6-7
A prayer for moms
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Speaking words of life: What Elizabeth taught us about encouragement

Posted on by Stacey A. Shannon

Learn the power of speaking life into those around you

“When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed: ‘Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear!’”

Luke 1:41-42 (NIV)

When we talk about the Christmas story, we marvel at the strength and obedience of Mary – and we should. But we also need to pay attention to her cousin Elizabeth.

Right after the angel visits Mary, she goes to stay with her cousin Elizabeth. I can only imagine how overwhelmed Mary felt by learning she was going to have the Son of God.

She needed confirmation and encouragement. Right away, that’s exactly what Elizabeth did. She followed the Holy Spirit to encourage Mary.

Sometimes the best thing we can do to help those around us – from our children to our friends – is be the voice of encouragement. When people are facing difficult situations, they need a positive voice reminding them they matter and what they are doing is important.

In just one compound sentence, Elizabeth surely soothed Mary’s heart. Whose heart can you soothe today with kind words of encouragement?

Prayer:

Dear God, I know words are powerful. Thank you for this example of encouragement. Open my eyes today to see those around me who need a positive word from me. Give me the right words. And, if that person is the one I see in the mirror, help me to speak positively to myself. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Luke 1:41-42
A prayer for encouragement
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From Mary to us: Why God’s promises still hold true today

Posted on by Stacey A. Shannon

Finding comfort in the promises of God

“For no word from God will ever fail.”

Luke 1:37 (NIV)

These are the parting words the angel Gabriel said to Mary before he left her. He proclaimed God’s word and promise that both Mary and Elizabeth were going to have babies.

Mary’s situation was miraculous in having a baby who would be the son of God. Elizabeth’s pregnancy was also a miracle, because she was of advanced age.

Yet, the angel plainly reminded Mary that God’s Word won’t ever fail. We can still trust in it today. The Bible is full of promises and ways that God will be with us.

It tells us that God is always with us, and we don’t need to fear. It tells us that God loves us and calls us His own.

We can trust in the unchanging and infallible Word of God. If God has given you a promise to hang on to, and you just aren’t seeing anything happen, then just hold tight.

No word from God will ever fail. He’s working, even when you can’t see Him.

Prayer:

Dear God, thank you for your Word and the reminder that all your Words are true. Your promises are good, and I trust you with my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Luke 1:37 Image
A prayer for taking comfort in God's promises

A Free Advent Bible reading plan for moms this Christmas

Posted on by Stacey A. Shannon

A simple way to celebrate the birth of Christ this season

The holiday season is filled with hustle and bustle that can leave even the most organized mom feeling overwhelmed. With buying gifts, attending events, keeping up with family traditions and managing our households, we can lose sight of the true meaning of Christmas—the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.

This year, I invite you to pause and reflect with an Advent Bible reading plan designed specifically for moms. This Advent reading plan is a great way to stay grounded in God’s Word throughout the month of December, focusing on the story of Jesus and His miraculous arrival.

Advent Bible Reading Plan Pinterest Image 1

The plan includes daily Bible readings, reflective questions and a dedicated page for prayer requests and praises. Whether you’re doing this as part of your personal quiet time, with a small group or even as part of your family devotions, it’s a beautiful way to slow down and keep your eyes on Jesus.

What is an Advent Bible reading plan?

The season of Advent marks the weeks leading up to Christmas. It’s a time for Christians to prepare their hearts for the coming of Christ.

An Advent Bible reading plan is a structured guide to help us get into God’s word every day and focus on the story of Christ from prophecy to fulfillment.

This Advent Scripture reading plan weaves together key Old Testament prophecies, the beautiful narrative from the Gospel of Luke and New Testament reflections on the significance of Christ’s birth.

For moms, it can be particularly meaningful. In the midst of the busyness of the Christmas season, these daily readings offer a chance to connect with the Holy Spirit, reflect on God’s promises and discover fresh ways to celebrate the true reason for this season.

How the Advent reading plan works

This Advent plan is designed to be simple and flexible. Starting on December 1st, you’ll read one or two verses each day, following themes that walk through the Christmas story:

Week 1: The Promise of a Savior
Week 2: Mary’s Yes
Week 3: The Gift of Good News
Week 4: Worship and Giving
Week 5: Living the Christmas Story

Each day’s reading is short enough to fit into your busy schedule while still providing time to meditate on its meaning. Plus, you’ll find reflective questions for each week’s reading, encouraging you to go deeper and apply these truths to your life.

Why use an Advent Bible reading plan?

For many moms, the busyness of the season can overshadow the joy of preparing for Christ’s birth. This Advent Scripture reading plan is a tool to help you reclaim the peace and wonder of the Advent season. Here’s how it can bless you:

Reconnect with God’s Word

In the flurry of holiday preparations, it’s easy to let time in Scripture slip. This plan helps you stay consistent with daily scripture readings, guiding you through the birth of Christ while highlighting the beauty of God’s faithfulness.

Reflect on the true meaning of Christmas

Through Advent reflections and days of readings, you’ll be reminded of the richness of the Christmas story and God’s great love for us. This isn’t just about knowing the story of Jesus—it’s about experiencing the wonder of His arrival anew.

Strengthen family traditions

This plan isn’t just for moms! It’s a wonderful resource for family devotions, allowing you to share the story of Christ with your kids.

Consider pairing the readings with a children’s Bible or using the Advent calendar as a visual aid for younger kids.

Create space for prayer and gratitude

Alongside the Advent readings, you’ll find a printable page for recording prayer requests and praises. This is an opportunity to reflect on how God has worked in your life and to bring your cares before Him in this special season.

Get the free Advent Bible reading plan

This Advent Bible reading plan is a simple yet powerful way to stay connected to God’s Word during the Advent season. Whether you’re a mom juggling schedules or looking for a way to introduce your kids to the story of Christ, this plan offers a thoughtful approach to the busyness of the Christmas season.

Ideas for Using the Advent Reading Plan as a Family

  1. Incorporate it into your nightly routine: Gather as a family each evening to read the day’s Scripture. Pair it with lighting a candle on your Advent wreath or sharing something you’re grateful for that day.
  2. Use it with a children’s Bible: For younger kids, read the verses from a children’s Bible with illustrations. This helps bring the story of Christ to life in a way that’s easy for them to understand.
  3. Tie it to your Advent calendar: If you use an Advent calendar, pair each day’s treat or activity with the corresponding daily scripture reading to reinforce the true meaning of Christmas.
  4. Create a prayer chain: Write prayer requests or praises on paper strips each day after reading the Scripture. Link them together to form a chain that grows throughout the month. On Christmas morning, review your chain and thank God for His faithfulness.
  5. Make it interactive: After each day’s reading, invite your kids to draw or color something inspired by the verse. For example, they could draw angels after reading about the shepherds or a star for the Wise Men.
  6. Start a family journal: Use a notebook to jot down a quick reflection each day as a family. Answer questions like, “What did we learn about Jesus today?” or “How can we live out today’s verse?”
  7. Tie it to family traditions: Incorporate the readings into established traditions. For instance, share the Scriptures while decorating the tree, setting up a nativity scene, or baking Christmas cookies.
  8. Share the plan with others: Invite extended family or friends to join you in the Advent Bible readings. You could even set up a group chat to share reflections, prayer requests or praises throughout the month.
  9. Bring it into Sunday dinner: If your family gathers weekly for dinner, take a few minutes to review the week’s verses and discuss what stood out to each person.
  10. Celebrate milestones: As you move through the season of Advent, celebrate milestones like Mary’s “yes” or the shepherds hearing the good news. Use these moments to discuss how they connect to the way we live out our faith today.

A Great Way to Celebrate the Birth of Jesus

This Advent reading plan is more than just daily scripture readings; it’s an opportunity to slow down, connect with your family and focus on the true reason for the season.

Whether you’re reading on your own, leading your kids through the verses, or sharing them with friends, it’s a beautiful way to prepare your heart for Christmas.

Download your free Advent Bible reading plan today, and let this holiday season be a time to celebrate the birth of Christ with purpose, joy and peace!

Free Advent Bible reading plan download image

Don’t miss this post with free Advent printables for children:

8 Simple Christmas traditions to bring your family closer (plus 2 FREE printables)

And don’t miss these 5-minute Christmas family devotion books as well!

Best 5-Minute Advent Devotionals for Families image

From potty training to college: Trusting God’s strength for moms

Posted on by Stacey A. Shannon

Trusting in God’s unfailing presence through the ups and downs of motherhood

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”

Psalm 46:1 (NIV)

Knowing that God is there for us and will strengthen us whenever we face trouble is incredibly comforting and encouraging. Even better is that He is there to help us no matter the trouble from struggles with potty training to sending your kiddo off to college.

I love picturing an image of God holding me in his arms when I’m weary and overwhelmed. I imagine being surrounded by God’s love and filled with his strength. 

This verse reminds me of that. Even when I am struggling and don’t feel like I’m doing a good job as a mama, God is right there with me.

In the busyness and overwhelm of life, I try to find ways to seek God as my refuge through things like devotional time, prayer time and listening to Christian music.

Today, we can let God hold us when we are too weary to keep going!

Prayer

Dear God, thank you for being our refuge and strength always. Lord, lift me up today and strengthen me. Help me through all of the troubles I face. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Psalm 46:1 image
A prayer for God's strength
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Prayers without words: How the Spirit intercedes for moms

Posted on by Stacey A. Shannon

God meets you in silence with His perfect understanding

“In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.”

Romans 8:26 (NIV)

Figuring out what and how to pray is sometimes challenging. Even as someone who has been in church her whole life and feels a close connection to God, I still struggle with having the right words.

Because the truth is, life is difficult. There are situations I face that I don’t even know what to ask God to do. I’m rendered basically speechless.

That’s where the Holy Spirit steps in. How perfect is God in knowing our needs and meeting them before we even realize the issue is there?!

For those times when you don’t even know what to pray, rest assured the Holy Spirit is bringing requests to God on your behalf. God doesn’t forget you when you are at a loss for words. In fact, I think that’s often when he steps in the best.

Prayer

Dear God, thank you for taking care of my needs even before I know I have them. I ask for your guidance and wisdom in all I have going on in my life. Thank you for the gift of your Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Romans 8:26 image
A prayer of thanks for the Holy Spirit
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