We’re told to rest, but rarely how. Here’s how to find real rest as a busy mom.

Ask a mom of little ones how she finds time to rest and she’ll probably laugh, then maybe tear up a little. I remember those days in the thick of it — babies and toddlers needing something every single minute, the kind of tired that sleep didn’t touch.

My kids are teens now, and I still have to fight for rest. The laundry never stops. The dishes multiply by the hour. Somebody always needs a snack, a ride or a permission slip that was due five minutes ago.

We hear it all the time: we should rest. Take a Sabbath. Slow down. Fill our own cup first. It’s good advice. But almost nobody tells us how to actually do it when there’s a toddler on our hip and a to-do list that resets itself every morning.

And so rest becomes one more thing we feel behind on and one more way we’re falling short. We tell ourselves we’ll rest when the house is clean, when the kids are older, when life calms down. But that day never quite arrives.

So let’s talk about the part nobody covers: not why rest matters, but how to find it in real life.

Because here’s the truth: we weren’t built to run on empty. Even Jesus pulled His disciples away from the crowds to rest.

“Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, ‘Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.'”

Mark 6:31 (NIV)

If the Son of God made space to step away, we can stop treating rest like something we have to earn.

1. Redefine what rest looks like right now.

In my head, rest means sitting in my recliner with my feet up, reading a book, taking a nap, with nobody needing a single thing from me. (I’m an introvert, so quiet and alone is how I refill.) That picture isn’t wrong; it’s just not very realistic in this season. I could laze around with a book all day maybe once every couple of years.

So I’ve had to redefine it. For me, rest sometimes looks like ordering pizza and watching a movie on the couch with my husband and kids instead of cooking dinner and cleaning up after.

Other times it’s locking myself in the bathroom for five minutes just to breathe. Rest in the season we’re in might not look like the rest we picture, and that’s OK. The goal isn’t a magazine version of rest. It’s whatever genuinely refills us, right where we are.

2. Use the small pockets of time we already have

Most of us don’t have a free day. We don’t even have a free afternoon. But we do have five minutes here and 10 minutes there, and those add up more than we think.

The trick is being a little intentional with them. When I have an extra 10 minutes alone in the car waiting in the school pickup line, I feel so much more refreshed if I read a few pages of a book or an article instead of scrolling social media, which honestly leaves me more drained than when I started. Same minutes, completely different result.

I recently needed to wait in the car while my daughter was at an appointment. I hadn’t had time to read my Bible yet, so I brought it along and used the alone time in the car to get into the Word. Then in the time left after that, I played a mindless game on my phone.

It was an overdue pause in a busy day that left me feeling recharged and with the energy I needed to go home and make dinner without being grumpy.

3. Let some things wait

My to-do list never ends. Right now I could rattle off 10 things that need doing without pausing for breath. But sometimes the chores just have to wait so we can rest instead. I know — it feels almost scandalous to say out loud.

Chronic health issues have forced this lesson on me; my body makes me stop whether I planned to or not. But even then, I have to choose it. If I know we’re going to have a late evening or an overly busy one, I’ll set my phone alarm and spend 30 minutes reading or napping before making dinner.

Yes, my unfolded laundry pile looms. Of course, my work to-do list is unending. Yes, there are 100 other things. And they’ll still be there later. Giving ourselves grace to let things go so we can rest isn’t laziness. It’s wisdom. On the days the weariness feels like more than we can carry, these prayers for overwhelmed moms are a good place to land.

4. Try a different kind of rest — not just sleep

When we think rest, most of us think sleep. And sleep matters. But it’s not the only kind of rest we need, which is exactly why we can get a decent night’s sleep and still feel worn thin the next morning.

Sometimes what we’re craving is quiet: a few minutes with no noise, no questions, nobody touching us. Sometimes it’s a break from decisions, letting someone else pick dinner for once. Sometimes it’s time with a friend who fills us up instead of draining us, or 15 minutes doing something creative just for the joy of it.

And sometimes it’s a deeper, spiritual rest that only comes from God. When rest isn’t working, it’s worth asking what kind of tired we actually are. The answer usually points us to the rest we really need.

Recently I found myself home alone on a Saturday for a few hours. This rarely happens. I did some chores to be productive, then I debated about how to best rest.

I snuggled into the recliner with my pooch, put on soft classical music and read my book. I dozed a bit. I truly rested.

5. Do something just because we want to

Moms tend to put everyone and everything else first. That’s noble, and a lot of the time it’s necessary. But every so often we need to do something purely for ourselves.

Maybe we paint our toenails bright purple after the kids are in bed. Or perhaps we swing by Starbucks for a favorite drink. We might even love to sit on the front porch watching the sun set with nowhere to be.

It doesn’t have to be productive or even justified. Doing something just because we want to is its own kind of rest, and it refuels a part of us the practical stuff can’t reach. These are the times we remember we are more than just a mom and a doer-of-all-the-things.

6. Ask for help and protect the time

Here’s one I’m still learning: rest gets a whole lot easier when we stop trying to do it all alone. We can ask our husband to take bedtime so we get an hour to ourselves. We can let the kids learn that when mom is resting for a few minutes, that’s allowed. The world won’t fall apart. We can say no to the extra commitment that’s quietly draining us dry.

Protecting rest can feel uncomfortable, especially if we’re used to being the one who holds everything together. But the people who love us would so much rather have a rested mom than a martyr running on fumes.

Not long ago, I banged around my kitchen cleaning up after dinner while my family watched a show. I was steaming that nobody was helping me. My family noticed, paused the show and came to help.

My teen daughter reminded me that if I needed help, I should just ask rather than being cranky or even passive-aggressive.

7. Bring it to God

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve tried to fix something with my own ideas first, run myself ragged and only then thought to pray about it. I sigh, roll my eyes and wonder why I didn’t just start there. Because shouldn’t prayer be where we begin?

God built rest into the very rhythm of creation. He rested on the seventh day Himself. So He’s not going to leave us alone to white-knuckle our way through.

We can ask Him to open our eyes to the habits that are getting in the way of our rest. We can trust that the God who made us also made us to need rest, and He’ll help us find it when we come to Him with an open heart.

If you’re craving that deeper, soul-level rest too, I wrote a whole post on Bible verses about rest for busy moms, and you’ll find more encouragement over in the Faith section.

If you want to take the soul-rest piece even further, I’ve created a free 31-day Bible reading plan all about rest — just a verse or two a day, with reflection questions designed for busy moms.

A few ways to start this week

We don’t have to overhaul our whole life to rest. We just have to start small. Pick one:

• Name what rest actually looks like in this season
• Use one 10-minute pocket today for something refilling, not scrolling
• Let one chore wait on purpose
• Ask what kind of tired you are, then rest that way
• Hand off one task and protect 30 minutes
• Do one small thing just because you want to
• Bring your need for rest to God

We’re worth resting for

Friend, rest isn’t a reward we earn once the list is done, because the list is never done. It’s something we were made to need, built right into us by a God who rested too.

So let’s give ourselves permission to stop, even for five minutes, even imperfectly. We’re better moms, wives and humans for it. And mama, we are absolutely worth it.

Want to go deeper with rest?

If today’s post resonated with you, you might love the free 31-day Bible Reading Plan about rest. It’s designed for busy moms — just a couple of minutes a day — and it will help you slow down, open God’s Word and let Him meet you right where you are. The plan comes with an undated version too, so you can start any time, no matter when you find it.

Real-life tips for when the Christmas season feels anything but peaceful

Christmas has always been my favorite holiday. But, honestly, these days when the holiday season rolls around, I feel a bit anxious and stressed. Finding peace at Christmas in the midst of the stress and busyness can feel really hard.

As mamas, we can be so busy working hard to make sure everyone has a merry Christmas that we get bogged down in the details. The message of Christmas — the true meaning — ends up getting lost in the fray.

And that’s not at all what we want. I’ve learned that I have to be intentional about keeping Christ in Christmas. It may be the most wonderful time of the year, but it’s also the busiest and most distracting.

As my Christmas to-do list starts rolling through my head, I’ve got some reminders and strategies for us all to experience peace this Christmas and rest in the comfort of the birth of Jesus.

Because true peace doesn’t come from quiet around us. It comes from God’s presence in our hearts and lives.

Affiliate links are used in this post, if you make a qualifying purchase via my link, I receive a small percentage of the sale at no additional cost to you. It helps support my blog, so thank you for your support! Read my full disclosure here.

Remember the source of peace

This may seem like the most obvious tip of them all. Yet, the only way to truly experience God’s peace is to make time for Him. 

That means even during Christmas time — maybe especially during Christmas time — that we spend time with Him through His Word and in prayer.

“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”

Isaiah 26:3 (NIV)

Having a steadfast mind simply means that we put our minds to God. That’s the quickest way to find peace in any situation.

There are some simple ways to get into the Word of God during the Christmas season. Having good habits in place for devotion time in God’s Word make this easier.

But, even if you don’t have a regularly scheduled devotional time, this is an amazing time of the year to start.

Books like “A Family Christmas Devotional” are written to help you and your entire family reflect on and remember the birth of Christ Jesus in as little as five minutes a day. It has simple reflection questions for kids, teens and adults.

The good thing about a family devotional is you are helping your children set good habits and traditions to keep Christ in Christmas as well.

This Christmas season, commit to spending at least five minutes each day inviting God into the busyness and fray. Ask Him for inner peace and reminders of the true reason for the season.

Simplify your expectations

I know in my own life how easy it is to get caught up in doing all the things so our kids know the magic of Christmas. We want the gifts to be thoughtful, the cookies to be homemade and the house to feel cozy and cheery. 

But sometimes, in trying to make everything picture-perfect, we miss the peace that’s waiting quietly beneath the surface.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned over the years is that my family members don’t need me to do everything; they need me to be present. It’s OK if we skip a few traditions this year or take some shortcuts.

The truth is, peace at Christmas often comes when we release ourselves from the pressure to make it all perfect.

What matters most is that we’re creating space for God’s presence and quality time for one another.

Try asking yourself: “Will this help my family draw closer to each other and to Jesus?” If the answer is no, maybe it’s time to let it go this year. 

Talk to your family and see what matters to them most. You might be surprised that some of the simpler pleasures of the season are what they look forward to most anyway.

(Read more about deciding which holiday traditions to keep here.)

Adjusting our expectations can help us focus on the simplicity of the holiday and embrace the true joy of Christmas.

Make space for quiet moments

Peace doesn’t usually shout; it whispers. And in a world full of noise, we have to make space to hear it.

That might look like waking up five minutes early to pray before the day begins or turning off the TV for a few minutes at night to read Scripture as a family. Sometimes, it’s simply pausing during dinner to thank God for His blessings or taking a deep breath before heading out the door.

When I think about Mary, the mother of Jesus, I’m reminded that she “pondered these things in her heart” (Luke 2:19). She didn’t rush from one thing to another. She took little breaks and reflected. 

Peace lives in the quiet, reflective moments when we let the God of peace calm our hearts with His presence.

(If you’re looking for a simple way to build that habit, my Family Christmas Devotional is designed for just that. It helps families spend five intentional minutes together each day focusing on Jesus, even in the busiest season.)

Let go of comparison

It’s so easy to fall into the trap of comparing our Christmas with everyone else’s. We see the perfectly decorated trees on Instagram, the coordinated family outfits, the endless gifts, and suddenly our best effort feels small.

But peace doesn’t come from measuring up to others. It comes from resting in the truth that you’re already enough and that your family’s Christmas doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s.

God isn’t asking for perfect decorations or an elaborate Christmas dinner; He’s asking for open hearts and a little time spent with Him.

When we stop comparing, we make room for gratitude. And a thankful heart always brings peace.

Keep your focus on Jesus

When it comes down to it, peace at Christmas is really about keeping our eyes on Jesus. Everything else—presents, lights, activities—fades in comparison to the wonder of His birth.

This year, try weaving reminders of Jesus into your home and daily rhythm:

• Display a nativity scene where everyone can see it.
• Play Christmas worship music in the background as you wrap gifts.
• Choose a verse about peace to memorize as a family, like John 14:27.
• End the day with a short prayer of thanks for the Prince of Peace who came for us all.

Because the more we focus on Him, the more we realize peace isn’t something we have to chase. We already have it through Christ.

Take care of yourself.

Mama, I know how easy it is to put yourself at the bottom of the list, especially at Christmastime. You’re wrapping the gifts, planning the meals, coordinating the calendar and making sure everyone else feels loved and cared for. 

But if you’re running on no sleep, cold coffee and cookie dough, it’s hard to feel peaceful no matter how strong your faith is.

The truth is, taking care of yourself isn’t selfish; it’s essential. When you’re rested, nourished and spending even a few quiet minutes with God, you’re better able to pour love and peace into your family.

Give yourself permission to:

• Go to bed a little earlier, even if the to-do list isn’t done.
• Say no to one more commitment without guilt.
• Step away for a few minutes of quiet and prayer when you feel overwhelmed. (Maybe go for a short walk and get some fresh air.)
• Eat a nutritious meal between all those Christmas cookies (I’m talking to myself here, too!).

Remember, even Jesus rested. He stepped away from the crowds to pray and recharge. If the Son of God needed rest, we definitely do, too.

When you care for your body and soul, you create space for God’s peace to settle in. And one of the best gifts you can give your family this Christmas is a peaceful, present version of you.

Closing encouragement

If this season feels heavy or overwhelming, take heart and know you’re not alone. Many of us are craving peace at Christmas. 

The good news is that peace isn’t something we have to create; it’s already been given through Jesus.

When we slow down, simplify and keep our eyes on Him, we find the calm our souls have been searching for.

So this Christmas, let’s choose peace over perfection and presence over performance. Let’s welcome Jesus—the true Prince of Peace—into every moment.

And if you’d like a simple way to stay centered on Him throughout December, check out “A Family Christmas Devotional.” It’s 25 days of short, heartfelt reflections to help your family experience more joy, connection and peace this Christmas.

Find more great resources and ideas for Christmas:

How to decide which holiday traditions to keep

Free printable Christmas lunchbox notes and jokes

How to keep Christ in Christmas

The best 5-minute Advent devotionals for families

7 Christmas hacks to make your life easier

8 Simple Christmas traditions to bring your family closer (with 2 free printables!)

An introvert’s advice on making mom friends

I still remember standing at kindergarten pick-up for my oldest, watching groups of moms laugh together while I clutched my toddler’s hand and smiled politely at strangers. My heart ached with a familiar loneliness I didn’t expect motherhood would bring.

If you’ve ever felt invisible in a crowd of other moms, you’re not alone. Making friends as an adult is hard. Making friends as a Christian mom—when you’re exhausted, covered in spit-up and can barely remember the last time you had an uninterrupted conversation—feels nearly impossible.

But here’s what I’ve learned through the loneliness and the awkward first conversations: God created us for connection. And while learning how to make friends as a Christian mom takes intentionality and courage, it’s one of the most life-giving things we can do for ourselves and our families.

You don’t have to navigate motherhood alone. Friendship is possible, even in this busy, overwhelming season.

Why friendship matters for Christian moms

We weren’t designed to do life in isolation. From the very beginning, God looked at Adam in Genesis 2:18 and said, “It is not good for the man to be alone.”

That need for companionship doesn’t disappear when we become mothers. If anything, it intensifies.

The Bible gives us a beautiful picture of what friendship can be:

“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.”

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (NIV)

Christian moms need that kind of friend—someone who will help us up on the hard days, celebrate with us on the good ones and remind us of God’s grace when we’re struggling.

Friendship isn’t a luxury for mothers. It’s a lifeline.

When we’re connected to the body of Christ and rooted in genuine community, we become better moms, better wives and more grounded in our faith. We need women who will pray for us, laugh with us and show up with coffee (or chocolate!) when life feels too heavy to carry alone.

Understanding different types of friendships

Not all friendships look the same, and that’s actually a beautiful thing. As Christian moms, we need different kinds of friends for different seasons and needs.

Friendships within the faith

There’s something sacred about friendships with other Christian women who share your faith and values. These are the moms who understand when you say, “I’m praying about it,” or “I really felt the Holy Spirit nudging me.”

They’re the ones who will text you a Bible verse on a hard day or show up to your small group even when they’re exhausted.

Christian mom friends can become kindred spirits who walk alongside you in both motherhood and faith. Whether it’s through a Bible study, a church mom’s group or simply another family at your local church, these friendships ground us in community and remind us we’re part of something bigger.

When I was in the baby and toddler phase of mothering, a woman from my church invited me to a small Bible study meeting at a friend’s home. I was hesitant to go at first, but my soul ached for connection and community.

That’s exactly what I found, and I’m so glad. It’s now more than a decade later and our group no longer meets for study but is always available to message with prayer requests or give big hugs when we see one another.

Friendships beyond the church

Non-Christian friends can be incredible gifts, too. God places people in our lives for mutual respect, common ground and genuine connection. And sometimes those people don’t share our faith background.

I’ve made great connections with other moms at library story times, arranging play dates for my children and sitting on the school playground. These friendships have taught me about grace, hospitality and loving people well.

They’ve challenged me to live out my faith authentically without being preachy, and they’ve shown me that kindness and companionship aren’t limited to the walls of the church.

Different friendships bring different gifts. Some friends are perfect for deep spiritual conversations. Others are the ones you text memes to at 10 pm. Both matter.

Practical ways for how to make friends as a Christian mom

OK, let’s get real. Knowing you need friends and actually making them are two different things. Here are some doable, realistic ways to start building new friendships. This is something I’ve struggled with a LOT.

But, I promise, these tips will work even if you’re an introvert (like me) or haven’t made a new friend since high school.

Pray about it

You may be thinking that sounds like a trite, Sunday School kind of tip, but stick with me here. I have struggled with friendships throughout my lifetime. Yet, it wasn’t until a few years ago that it occurred to me to pray about it.

I had a “duh” moment of realizing that if God created me (and all of us) for community, then He wanted me to find that community. He knows me more than I know me.

I might think I’m awkward, quiet and kind of weird, but I am who God made me, and He doesn’t make junk. I knew there had to be people out there I could connect with.

So I started praying about it. I asked God to open my eyes to connections and give me courage to reach out to others. And He did.

Before you start trying to make some steps toward friendships, talk to God.

Start where you already are

You don’t have to join 10 new things to make mom friends. Who has that time?!

Look at where you already spend time. Do you go to the same coffee shop every week? Chat with the other moms there.

Does your child attend a soccer game or take classes somewhere? Strike up a conversation while you’re waiting.

A lot of times, the best friendships start in the places we already frequent. Your local church, the library story time, even the grocery store are all great places to meet other moms who are navigating the same season.

Make the first move

This is the hardest part, I know. But someone has to take the first step, and it might as well be you. Smile. Introduce yourself. Compliment another mom’s patience or her kid’s adorable shoes.

Then—and this is key—ask for a phone number or suggest getting together. “Would you want to grab coffee sometime?” or “We should plan a playdate!” It feels vulnerable, but most moms are craving connection just as much as you are.

I’ve learned that most people are relieved when someone else makes the first move. They’ve been waiting for permission to reach out, too.

And others may blow you off, but that’s OK, too. You still made progress by reaching out in the first place, and the more you do it, the easier it gets.

Join a group in person

Small groups are one of the best ways to build consistent friendships. Whether it’s a Bible study at church, a book club or a local moms’ group, joining something structured takes the pressure off.

Groups give you regular touchpoints with the same women, which is how acquaintances become true friends. You don’t have to overthink it. You just show up consistently and let friendships develop naturally.

Make sure to actually give the group a solid try. I have been tempted to stop going to groups after the first meeting when I felt awkward and didn’t know who to talk to or what to say.

Remember that in-home Bible study I talked about? The first meeting was OK, but I also felt a bit awkward, because that’s who I am.

Yet, I’m so glad I kept going and gave it a fair shake. It made a huge impact in my life both practically and spiritually.

Join a group online

In-person connection is important, but connection in general matters. I met a group of moms through a forum for expectant moms back when I was pregnant with my oldest (who just turned 16!).

That group spun off and I have a few of those mamas with whom I still talk regularly about life and faith. I have watched their kids grow up from afar as they have mine. They’ve been great support for questions about parenting, since we’re in the same phase with parenting at least one of our kiddos.

Online communities can also be a great place to connect. Social media can be a starting point for how to make friends as a Christian mom—especially for long-distance friendships or when you need encouragement at 2 a.m.

My own experiences inspired and helped me so much, that I’ve created my own group for Christian moms. Check out and join the free and private Christian Moms with Grace Facebook group!

Invite imperfectly

Here’s the truth: your house doesn’t have to be clean, and you don’t need to have it all together to invite someone over. Some of my deepest friendships have been built over messy living rooms and store-bought cookies.

Hospitality isn’t about perfection; it’s about presence. Invite a new mom over for coffee. Suggest meeting at a coffee shop if your home feels too chaotic.

Plan a field trip to the park or children’s museum with another family. Just create space for connection, however imperfect it might be.

Look for common interests and common ground

Friendship grows faster when you share something in common. Maybe it’s a similar parenting style, a shared love of hiking or both being new to the area. Maybe you’re both navigating the challenges of a new baby or adjusting to life in a new city.

Finding common ground doesn’t mean you have to be identical. It just means you have something to build on. Even shared struggles can become the foundation for deep connection.

I once connected with a mom at the playground over struggles with managing constipation for one of my kids. Mom life can bring connections in the oddest ways sometimes!

Expand your comfort zone

If you’ve been doing the same things and seeing the same people, maybe it’s time to try something new. Join a Christian homeschool co-op if you homeschool. Volunteer at your child’s school.

Try a different service time at your church to meet new people. Or maybe even seek God’s will and move toa different church if He so leads. Sometimes you can spend years at a church and not be connected.

You don’t have to become someone you’re not, but gently stretching beyond your comfort zone opens doors to new friendships you wouldn’t have found otherwise.

When friendships are hard or inconsistent

Let’s be honest: adult friendships are complicated. Schedules don’t align. Texts go unanswered for days. A good friend moves to a new place, and suddenly your mom tribe feels smaller.

Some seasons of motherhood are lonelier than others. When you have a new baby, when you’re adjusting to a new town or when life just feels too full, maintaining the kind of friendships you long for is much harder.

Give yourself grace. Give your friends grace, too.

Friendships ebb and flow, and that’s OK. Your best friend from last year might be in a different season now. A group of moms you used to see regularly might drift apart as kids get older and schedules shift. That doesn’t mean the friendship wasn’t real or valuable; it just means life is changing.

And sometimes, despite our best efforts, connection feels impossible. If you’ve tried reaching out and it’s not working, remember that God sees you. He knows the loneliness, and He’s faithful even when friendships feel inconsistent or hard to find.

Keep showing up. Keep being the kind of friend you want to have. And trust that in different places and seasons, God will bring the right people into your life at the right time.

I’ve learned through my life that some friends are for a season. This is true even outside of motherhood.

Some people are situational friends. You’re in the same situation together (work, school, etc.) and you become friends, but once that changes, you drift apart.

It’s OK to let that go and be glad for the time you had together. New seasons can mean new friends. Life is always changing.

You were made for community

Motherhood is beautiful and exhausting and overwhelming. And it was never meant to be walked alone. God designed you for connection, for friendship, for community within the body of Christ and beyond.

Making friends as a Christian mom takes courage. It requires you to be vulnerable, to make the first move, to step outside your comfort zone and risk rejection.

But the reward—genuine connection, true friends who see you and love you and walk beside you—is worth every awkward introduction and every unanswered text. And it makes the initial stress about how to make friends as as Christian mom pale in comparison.

This week, I want to encourage you to take one small step. Send that text. Smile at the mom in the church lobby. Sign up for a small group or a Bible study.

Show up to the birthday party even though you’re tired. Invite someone for coffee, even if your schedule feels impossibly full.

You don’t have to do this perfectly. You just have to start.

God sees your loneliness, and He’s inviting you into something better—a life marked by connection, friendship and grace.

The mom tribe you’re longing for? It’s out there. And it starts with one brave, imperfect step toward someone else.

Struggling with loneliness?

• Learn more about the free Christian Moms with Grace Facebook group.
• Read encouraging Bible verses about loneliness and download the free Bible reading plan.

Encouraging Bible verses and practical wisdom for Christian moms

Motherhood is both the most rewarding and most challenging job we’ll ever have. As a mom, I’ve experienced some of the best moments and some of the worst moments of my life.

Just last week, for example, I had a great evening with my 15-year-old daughter shopping for a first day of school outfit. But I also had an evening of frustration when chores weren’t getting done by either kiddo.

We go from marveling at our children’s beautiful hearts to questioning every parenting decision we’ve ever made in minutes sometimes.

Add in the weight of being a Christian mom and raising children in the modern world, and, quite frankly, it can be overwhelming. Know that you’re not alone.

In fact, it’s for these very reasons that I put together a free monthlong study about grace-filled parenting. The truth is God didn’t create us to parent on empty and feel overwhelmed. We can lean into His patience, wisdom and love.

Being a mom with grace isn’t about being a perfect mom (because she doesn’t exist!). It’s about showing up as present, faithful mothers who rely on God’s strength, extend grace to our children and ourselves, and trust in His wisdom for the important job of raising human beings who will impact the world for His glory.

It’s a style of parenting that works whether you have younger or older children.

I’d love for you to go on this journey with me with four weeks of practical, grace-soaked truth, one mom talking to another, chocolate optional, Spirit essential. Ready? Let’s dive in together.

Weekly themes for the Grace-Filled Parenting Bible study

Grace-Filled Parenting is divided into four different weeks with their own themes. And the best thing about this study is it’s rooted in Biblical principles and is created for mamas like you (and me) who don’t have hours a day for quiet time.

Each week has a Bible reading plan with one to three verses per day, reflection questions, a short video and optional emails. The Christian Moms with Grace private Facebook group will also be home to the study for discussions and more.

Each of the weeks includes the following:

• Daily Bible readings (1–3 verses)
• Weekly reflection questions
• Encouragement + discussion in our private FB group
• Free printables each week
• Weekly Zoom call for connection & prayer

Week 1: Living faithfully as a mom

Before we get into parenting techniques or how we speak to our children, we need to start with something even more foundational: our own faith. This first week is all about resetting our hearts and realigning with God. We’re not doing this out of guilt, but because He is our source.

As moms, we often pour ourselves out without pausing to be filled up. But a grace-filled home starts with a mom who is anchored in Christ.

Living faithfully doesn’t mean we never have hard parenting days or moments of failure. Instead, it means we clothe ourselves “with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience” (Colossians 3:12, ESV) as we navigate the beautiful chaos of motherhood.

When we’re exhausted from sleepless nights or dealing with challenging behaviors, it’s easy to react from our flesh rather than the Spirit. But as Christian parents, we have access to supernatural love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23, ESV).

During this week, we’ll take a look at what living faithfully as a Christian mom in daily life really means, how to pursue spiritual growth while raising kids and how God equips us even in the mundane and ordinary moments of motherhood.

This week isn’t about doing more. It’s about coming back to the heart of why we mother the way we do. Because when we live rooted in God’s Word, everything else begins to shift with grace.

Week 2: Speaking life over your children

As moms, our words carry incredible weight. From cheering on our kids to correcting them mid-tantrum, how we speak becomes part of their inner voice. This week, we’re focusing on the power of our words — not just what we say to our children, but how we speak about them, over them and even to ourselves.

God calls us to speak life with both grace and truth. That means we don’t ignore misbehavior or hard moments, but we approach them from a place of love and wisdom, not frustration or fear. It also means extending that same grace to ourselves when we don’t get it right.

This week, we’ll explore what Scripture says about the tongue, encouragement, blessing and gentleness. And we’ll learn how to reflect the heart of our Heavenly Father through our everyday communication.

We’ll be reminded that our words can build up or tear down, and we’ll ask God to help us become moms who are intentional with how we speak, choosing words that plant seeds of faith, identity, and love in our children’s hearts.

Week 3: Discipling your children daily

Teaching our kids about Jesus doesn’t have to mean daily devotionals or elaborate object lessons. While those can be wonderful, everyday discipleship is more often about how we live than what we say.

It’s the rhythms of our home, the conversations at bedtime, the way we handle stress and the example we set in our own faith walk.

This week, we’ll take a closer look at what it means to disciple our children in the daily moments like driving to school, folding laundry or navigating another round of sibling arguments.

God hasn’t asked us to be perfect moms with Pinterest-worthy faith routines. He’s asked us to be faithful, to model trust and to bring our kids along as we follow Him.

As we dig into these verses, we’ll be encouraged to sow truth into our kids’ lives in small, consistent ways — not with pressure or perfection, but with presence, intention and grace.

Week 4: Trusting God with your parenting journey

No matter how much we plan, pray and prepare, parenting will always bring uncertainty. There are seasons of fear, moments of regret and questions we can’t answer.

But one of the important things to remember is our children belong first to God. And we can trust Him with their hearts, their futures and even our shortcomings.

This week is about surrender. It’s about letting go of the unrealistic expectations we place on ourselves and choosing to believe that God is faithful, even when we feel like we’re failing.

We’ll reflect on verses that remind us of His presence, His provision and His promises for our children and for us as moms. Whether you’re in a joyful season or walking through difficulty, these Scriptures will point you back to the One who sees, sustains and equips you.

This isn’t a passive trust. It’s an active choice to parent from peace rather than fear. And it’s the beautiful reminder that while motherhood can feel like a heavy responsibility, it’s also a sacred partnership with a God who never leaves us to figure it out alone.

What grace-filled parenting looks like in real life

You don’t need to overhaul your entire life or start a brand-new routine to practice grace-filled parenting. In fact, the beauty is the gift of grace meets you right where you are from the carpool line, to the kitchen, to the middle of a meltdown.

Here are a few small but powerful ways you can start shifting your home toward grace — one moment at a time:

Start your day with God — even if it’s short.

A few quiet minutes before the chaos starts can set your heart in the right direction. Ask God to help you see your kids through His eyes today and respond with His love, not just your own exhaustion.

Pause before you react.

When your child pushes every button, pause and ask, “What does this moment need—correction, connection, or simply calm?” Sometimes a hug speaks louder than a lecture.

Speak truth over your kids and yourself.

It’s easy to focus on what’s going wrong, but grace helps us call out what’s good. Tell your child, “I love how you care for your sister,” or “God made you such a thoughtful leader.” Let that same truth reflect back on you, too.

Protect your margin.

When you’re rushing from one thing to the next, grace is the first thing to go. Make room for slow moments, silly moments and soul-filling moments. They matter more than the to-do list.

Give yourself grace, too.

You will mess up. You will lose your temper. And you will forget something important. Being a perfect parent just isn’t possible.

But God’s grace doesn’t run out and every misstep is a chance to model humility, repentance and fresh starts.

Grace-filled parenting doesn’t mean you always get it right. It means you’re learning to parent from a place of peace, not pressure and inviting God into the process.

10 Powerful Bible verses for grace-filled parenting

These Scriptures are a beautiful reminder that we don’t have to parent in our own strength. When we root ourselves in God’s Word and lean into the grace of His Son, we find the patience, peace and wisdom we so often long for.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”

Galatians 5:22-23 (ESV)

When your patience wears thin before breakfast, remember: these qualities aren’t something you have to force. They’re the fruit of walking closely with God. Ask the Spirit to produce His fruit in you today. You don’t have to rely on your own natural storehouse of wisdom.

“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.”

Colossians 3:12-14 (ESV)

Grace in parenting doesn’t mean letting everything slide. It means showing up clothed in Christ’s character.

Showing grace to your children isn’t a sign of personal weakness. As He has given you complete forgiveness, you can also forgive, correct and lead your children with love.

“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”

Ephesians 4:29 (NIV)

Your words matter; they shape your children’s hearts in profound ways.

Even when discipline is needed, you can speak with grace, truth and intention to build your child up instead of tearing them down.

“Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.”

Proverbs 22:6 (NIV)

You’re planting seeds that may not bloom right away into immediate success in the lives of your children. You must trust the process — even when progress feels slow — and keep pointing kids toward truth.

You serve a God of perfect wisdom and can trust in His timing, even when it doesn’t necessarily match your own. God’s delivery time is always the right time.

“Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep.”

Psalm 127:1-2 (ESV)

You’re not meant to carry the whole weight of your child’s future. Do your part, but rest knowing God is the one building your family and watching over your children.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV)

Motherhood is exhausting. Jesus doesn’t ask you to hold it all together. He invites you to come to Him and find rest in His strength, not your own.

As God’s child, you are able to cling to Him and rest in Him.

“He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young.”

Isaiah 40:11 (ESV)

What a beautiful picture of how God tends to mothers! You’re not leading your children alone. God sees you, carries you and gently leads moms like you through every stage and struggle.

The work of God is done in your life simply by being His beloved daughter doing her best to live for Him. Thankfully, you don’t have to have an independent ability to be a Christian parent. None of us would succeed!

“In the same manner 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)

In those moments when you don’t even know what to pray for your children or yourself, the Spirit steps in.

The good news is you don’t have to figure out everything on your own. God’s Spirit is actively helping you in your weakness.

“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”

Philippians 1:6 (ESV)

God isn’t finished — not with you, and not with your kids. When you feel like a failure or worry about your children’s spiritual growth, you can rest in knowing that God is committed to completing the good work He’s started in each of your lives.

Grace means trusting that He’s working, even when you can’t see the results yet. His invisible grace is there to sustain you along the journey.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)

Grace-filled parenting ultimately comes down to trust. God knows your child even better than you do, and He will guide your steps as you walk with Him.

You can trust God’s plan for your family is good, even when you can’t see the bigger picture. You trust His timing is perfect, even when progress seems slow.

And you can definitely trust He loves your children more than you do and will guide your path as you seek to honor Him.

Join the Grace-Filled Parenting journey

These verses are a beautiful reminder that you don’t have to parent from pressure or perfectionism but from the grace God freely gives. If you’re ready to take that truth and walk it out in your everyday life as a Christian mom, I’ve got something special just for you.

Grab your free 7 Days of Grace-Filled Parenting devotional

This printable devotional is designed to help you:

• Reset your mindset as a mom
• Reflect on God’s truth in the middle of everyday chaos
• Parent with more peace, purpose and confidence in Christ

Each day includes a short Scripture, a heartfelt reflection and space to connect with God in a real and practical way. It’s perfect whether you’ve got 10 quiet minutes or you’re squeezing in grace on the go.

You’ll get instant access to the devotional and be the first to hear when the full Grace-Filled Parenting study begins in September!

Be part of the free Grace-Filled Parenting study

This September, I’m inviting Christian moms to join me for a 4-week journey that will refresh your soul and reframe how you approach motherhood.

We’ll cover:

• Living faithfully as a mom
• Speaking life with grace and truth
• Discipling our kids through everyday moments
• Trusting God with the big and small of parenting

You’ll get weekly encouragement, Scripture-based reflections and optional journal prompts plus access to a printable upgrade and a community of moms walking through it with you.

Want to make sure you don’t miss it? Grab the free devotional above, and I’ll send all the details straight to your inbox.

Want to go deeper?

The Grace-Filled Parenting Journal gives you guided space to reflect, pray and live out what you’re learning. Grab your printable copy here:

Keep showing up, mama

You don’t have to have it all figured out. You don’t need a perfect track record or a picture-perfect routine.

What matters most is that you’re walking with God and pointing your children toward Him one moment, one prayer, one imperfect day at a time.

Grace-filled parenting isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about staying rooted in the One who does.

So when you feel tired, uncertain or like you’ve missed the mark again, pause, breathe and remember: God chose you to be your child’s mom on purpose.

You’re doing holy work, even when it’s a hard parenting day. Keep going. Keep trusting. And most of all, keep showing up — covered in grace.

Check out these other posts on grace-filled parenting:

Being a grace-filled parent

Christian parenting advice: 10 tips for raising Godly kids

Grace-filled sibling relationships

Graceful or grace-filled?

Raising a Christian child in public school

Real-life help from a mom who gets it

Back to school can be exciting, overwhelming and emotional — sometimes all before 9 a.m.

If you’re a mom trying to juggle drop-off schedules, supply lists, earlier bedtimes and maybe even your own work responsibilities, you’re not alone.

I’ve been there (still am there!), and I want to share some of the back to school tips that have helped our family navigate the start of a new school year with a little more peace and a lot more grace.

Whether you’ve got littles starting preschool or big kids heading into high school, these 20 practical and faith-filled tips are for you — from one real-life mom to another.

1. Practice lunchbox skills before day one

If your child is new to packing a lunch or hasn’t used certain containers before, take a little time to practice. Let them open their lunchbox, unzip their sandwich bag and open any tricky containers.

What’s second nature to us as adults might trip up a 5-year-old at a crowded lunch table. Plus, practicing now can save them frustration and help them feel more independent when the first lunch bell rings.

Also be sure to have them try things like opening milk cartons (if possible; these are harder to find!) and putting straws in juice boxes.

2. Ease into early wake-ups a few days at a time

If your summer mornings have been slow or even a bit slower than usual, gradually shifting back to earlier wake-ups will make the start of school easier.

Begin with setting alarms 30 minutes earlier each day in the week (or two!) leading up to school. This gentle transition helps reset their internal clocks without making that first school morning feel like a rude awakening.

It also gives you a chance to troubleshoot your own routine before it really counts. And, if your own schedule has been different, this allows your internal clock to reset as well.

3. Use a simple spreadsheet to track school supplies

I love spreadsheets. My latest obsession is AirTable, which takes spreadsheets to a whole new level. (Absolutely no affiliation with them. I just love them!)

Instead of relying on memory or digging through plastic bags every time you get home from Target, create a basic spreadsheet or phone note. List each item your child needs and check them off as you buy them.

You’ll save money by not doubling up and sanity by not second-guessing what you’ve already purchased. It also helps if you’re shopping for multiple kids or need to split up supply gathering with your spouse or older child.

Because school supply lists are often specific and, especially in elementary, can have overlapping supplies, spreadsheets just make organizing them all that much easier.

I even use a second page in the spreadsheet to track other things we need like backpacks, lunch containers, clothes, etc.

4. Shift bedtime gradually for everyone

Back to school means early mornings, so adjusting bedtimes is just as important. About a week before school starts, start backing up bedtime by 15 to 30 minutes each night.

Your kids might resist it, especially the older ones, but even just turning off devices and dimming the lights can help their bodies start winding down.

And just like with getting up earlier, it’s worth shifting your own bedtime too. Running on caffeine alone doesn’t count as self-care.

5. Create a “launch pad” near the door

Designate a spot by the door where backpacks, shoes, water bottles and school devices go. You can use a basket, a bench, a corner, a countertop or whatever.

Everything for school having a home near the door you exit will cut down on the morning chaos of misplaced items and last-minute scavenger hunts.

It also gives kids a small sense of responsibility as they learn to pack and unpack on their own. Bonus: It helps you feel more organized, even when the rest of the day is a blur.

6. Do a dry run of the morning routine

A couple of days before school starts, walk through your morning as if it’s the real thing. Set alarms, get dressed, eat breakfast, pack bags and time how long it all takes.

This helps everyone, including you, ease into the new rhythm and identify any problem areas (like realizing someone’s favorite hoodie is still in the washer).

It’s a low-stress way to set your family up for a smoother first day. You can also use it as an excuse to actually head out the door for some early errands or a doughnut trip.

7. Walk older kids through their new schedule

If your child is in middle or high school, try to walk the halls with them (or let them do it solo) before the first day.

Our school has an open house for all grades the week school starts. This is a great time to let them find their locker, locate their classrooms and get a feel for the flow.

Even if they say they’re fine, a little preparation can quiet some of those unspoken nerves. For kids who worry about the “what ifs,” this small step can make a big difference in their confidence.

Plus for kids like my daughter who is into aesthetics and organizing, it gives them a chance to set up their locker ahead of time rather than lugging all the supplies for it in on the first day.

8. Talk through first-day expectations

Sit down and talk through what the first day will look like. Cover everything from what time they need to wake up to how pickup works at the end of the day.

Go over things like what to pack for lunch, where they’ll wait for the bus or how they’ll find their classroom. Talk with them about what to do if they get lost, confused or have trouble.

Knowing the plan reduces anxiety for everyone. And if something does go off-plan (because it probably will), they’ll feel more prepared to adjust.

9. Build a grab-and-go snack station

Set up a basket or bin with school-approved and mom-approved snacks your kids can easily grab for their lunchboxes or after-school hunger.

Our basket includes granola bars, peanut butter crackers, breadsticks and cheese, fruit snacks and applesauce. Pick whatever works for your crew.

Having a dedicated snack station also helps avoid the endless “What can I eat?” question that seems to hit at 3:30 every day. And if your kids are packing or helping pack lunch, they have a go-to spot to grab from.

10. Start praying together about the school year

Find a time to pray together for the upcoming year. You can do this at breakfast, bedtime or whatever works naturally for your family.

Pray for their teachers, their classmates and for them to shine God’s love in whatever comes their way.

And don’t forget to pray for yourself for patience, peace and wisdom as you guide them through a new season.

These prayers not only speak to the heart of the Father, they remind your children and you that they aren’t going into the school year alone.

Check out these 30 back-to-school prayer cards to take inspire you.

11. Plan easy meals for the first week

The first week back can feel like a blur, so do yourself a favor and have a few go-to meals ready to go. Make a double batch of something simple like chili, baked pasta or muffins and freeze half.

You’ll thank yourself when dinnertime rolls around and you don’t have the energy to cook from scratch. Even frozen pancakes for breakfast can be a big win on a rushed morning.

Be sure to give yourself grace along the way as well. If you don’t want to cook ahead and freeze, plan easy meals your family likes that don’t take too much energy or thought.

Our family has a first day of school tradition of going out to dinner and talking about the day. That works, too!

12. Plug school events into your calendar early

As soon as you get that school email or paper calendar, plug all the key dates into your digital or paper planner. Things like early dismissals, school picture day, parent-teacher nights and holidays can sneak up fast.

Having them on your radar now helps you plan ahead (and not be the only mom who forgets pajama day). It’s a small habit that makes a big difference.

Don’t forget to share important dates with grandparents or other family and friends as well. As soon as I have concert dates and such, I pass that information along as well.

13. Set up a low-key homework station

You don’t need a full-blown homeschool room (though that’s great if you do!). You really just a spot with good lighting, basic supplies and limited distractions.

A corner of the kitchen table, a lap desk on the couch or a shelf in their bedroom can work. Having a consistent place to do homework helps kids mentally shift into “focus mode.”

It also cuts down on the nightly scavenger hunt for pencils and glue sticks. During our time with e-learning, we used shoe boxes wrapped in wrapping paper to hold supplies. We’ve also just had a school box in a kitchen drawer that has pencils, glue sticks, scissors and such.

14. Start a family verse or motto for the year

Choose a Bible verse or short phrase to be your family’s anchor for the school year. Post it somewhere visible like on the fridge, a chalkboard or the bathroom mirror.

Refer back to it when someone has a hard day or when you need a reminder of God’s faithfulness. It’s a simple way to keep your focus on what matters most.

Consider one of these:

• Joshua 1:9 – “Be strong and courageous… for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
• James 1:5 – “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God… and it will be given to you.”
• Ephesians 4:32 – “Be kind and compassionate to one another…”
• 1 Thessalonians 5:11 – “Encourage one another and build each other up…”
• Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart…”
• Colossians 2:6-7 – “Continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up…”
• Philippians 4:6-7 – “Do not be anxious about anything… and the peace of God… will guard your hearts.”

15. Schedule time for rest in the first month

Those first few weeks back can be a whirlwind of forms, events, new routines and emotional shifts. Plan for quiet evenings or even a low-key weekend at home to give everyone a chance to reset.

Kids need the margin, and honestly, so do we. It doesn’t have to be fancy — a movie night, a lazy Saturday breakfast or just skipping one more thing on the calendar is enough.

We try to keep activities on that first weekend especially low-key. Nobody is up for anything big.

16. Talk about friendship and kindness

Remind your kids that being kind, inclusive and respectful matters just as much as grades. Encourage them to notice classmates who are left out, be a friend to someone new and use their words to build others up.

These little conversations plant seeds that will shape how your child interacts with the world. As we model kindness to our children, we can see them do the same with those around them.

Also have conversations about friends in regards to identifying a good friend and knowing when to keep a classmate as more of an acquaintance than a friend.

These issues popped us for our kiddos by first grade and continue now into middle and high school.

17. Take time to grieve the season shift

It’s OK if you feel emotional when school starts. My kids are in middle and high school and I still have back-to-school blues each year.

So whether your baby is heading to kindergarten or your teen is driving off alone or anywhere in between, give yourself some grace for your own feelings.

The shift from summer to school can bring up unexpected feelings. Let yourself process them without guilt. Grief and gratitude can coexist — and both are normal.

18. Make a back-to-school playlist

Let each family member choose a song and create a playlist you can play during the first-day drive or breakfast. It’s a fun and easy tradition that adds a little joy to the morning.

You might find that “your song” becomes part of the rhythm of the year. Music has a way of grounding us and lifting our moods.

My family has a playlist on Spotify that we call “Car Music.” It’s had songs added and taken away through the years that include a variety of each of our favorites.

19. Do a family “summer wins” recap

Before diving headfirst into school mode, take a moment to reflect on what made summer sweet. Talk about your favorite memories, things you learned or moments you want to remember.

It’s a great way to close one season with gratitude before stepping into the next one. You could even write them down and tuck them into a jar for later.

This is also a great time to assess whether you’ve missed something you really wanted to do over the summer. Get it in before the first day if you can!

Another bonus to this is that it helps your kids remember the fun they really did have throughout the summer months.

20. Choose a consistent and simple after-school rhythm

The hours right after school can get chaotic fast: backpacks get dumped, emotions run high and snacks disappear like magic. Decide now what you want that time to look like.

Whether it’s 10 minutes of quiet time, a quick “How was your day?” check-in or a simple snack-and-homework routine, a little structure goes a long way. Your after-school rhythm doesn’t need to be rigid — just intentional.

We’ve found that one kiddo needs a bit of quiet in the car right after school to decompress from the day. The other likes to talk about their day a bit more. Do what works best for you and your kiddos.

Back to school doesn’t have to mean back to chaos. With a little bit of planning and a whole lot of grace, you can step into this new season with peace and purpose.

These tips aren’t about perfection. They’re about showing up for your family and trusting God to meet you there, even on the hard mornings.

You’re not alone in this. And I’m cheering you on every step of the way!