Happy, Holy Mama

Over the past few weeks I have been talking with so many mamas who are teetering on the edge of giving up on homeschooling.
They are feeling discouraged and defeated, wondering if their kids would be better off somewhere else.
Not necessarily because it's what is best for the kids, but because they are tired.
 
Tired of fighting with their kids about sitting still or staying focused. 
Tired of no one listening, and constantly being interrupted.
Tired of making all the decisions, just to have their plans thwarted.
Tired of trying all day, day after day, and not seeing the progress they'd hoped for by now.
 
In today's episode I'm sharing some of the coaching I've been offering these mamas who actually want to keep homeschooling, but don't want to keep dealing with all the hard stuff.
We're focusing on progress over perfection.

A rule for making decisions when you're feeling down.

How to evaluate calmly and fairly so you don't quit on a bad day.

And I'm going to share with you my prayer to filter your decisions during this season through the Holy Spirit.
If you've been feeling discouraged in your homeschooling journey lately and need a little reset for your heart, some tools to keep on keeping on, and process to know if it's time to end this season of your life, please grab your earbuds and join me for: When to Quit, Make a Change, or Stay the Course.
 
Grab your free resource here: 30 New Thoughts to Think (to Put a Bad Homeschool Day in Right Order)
Come work with me in the Happy, Holy Mama Membership!

This week my oldest child turns 19 and I am truly marveling at the man he is becoming.
But it didn't always feel like a sigh of relief.
I used to lie awake at night worrying that I was messing up my kids. 
I used to worry if they weren't learning what they needed, if their behavior meant I had made the wrong choices, or too many mistakes.
I would dread the day and would look back and blame me for all of their stress, lack of preparation, and pain that I was sure they would have in the future.
And it would all be my fault.
But that's not where we actually are all these years later!
In today's podcast episode, I'm reflecting on the journey of how I have worked on giving up control over other people's behavior, and really stepping up into the identity of the happier, holier mama that I always dreamed of being. 
It doesn't mean I have it all figured out. It just means that I have learned how to fall in love with the journey, even when it's hard (which it often still is!). And I want to share some of that knowledge with you!
If you've ever felt like your peace depends on your child's behavior, or gotten stuck second-guessing your decision to homeschool because of it, grab your earbuds and join me for: The Idol of Control: Behavior and the Three Rs of Surrender and Unconditional Love.
Happy, Holy Mama is OPEN FOR ENROLLMENT AGAIN! 
Click here to join in time for this week's Stop Yelling Refresh Workshop!

As a homeschool mom it can feel like everything in your home rests on your shoulders.
The meals.
The lessons.
The messes.
The schedule.
The spiritual atmosphere.
It's easy to slip into the belief that if you don't manage everything perfectly, it will all fall apart.
In this week's episode, I'm sharing a gentle invitation for the homeschool mom who feels stretched thin and responsible for everything.
I'm talking about what it looks like to move from pressure and self-reliance into peace and true stewardship of what the Lord gives you, including the work He is asking you to do.
If you've been craving more calm…
More clarity…
More connection with God in the middle of your very full days…
Then grab your earbuds and let's talk about: The Idol of Control: Time and Self-Reliance.
The Happy, Holy Mama Membership is OPEN for enrollment! Get the details HERE

Why is it so hard to choose what to do for Lent?
Why do we (me included!) put so much pressure on ourselves to pick the perfect sacrifice… the one thing that will finally move the needle… the one decision that will change everything?
If you're a homeschool mama who finds herself stuck in indecision, or piling on five spiritual (or non spiritual!) goals because you're afraid one won't be "enough," this episode is for you.
Today, I'm talking about the hidden idol of getting it right.
The subtle fear that if we choose wrong, it won't count.
The quiet pressure to optimize our holiness, our motherhood, even our Lent.
But what if the deeper invitation isn't about choosing the perfect sacrifice?
What if it's about slowing down… noticing the common thread beneath all your goals… and learning to trust God more than you distrust yourself?
In this episode, you'll learn:
Why you struggle to follow through (even with good, holy goals)

How to identify the deeper "why" beneath your long list of improvements

The spiritual shift from striving to surrender

Simple thoughts you can practice to build trust with God

How presence and surrender, not perfection, draws you closer to Him



Lent isn't about misery.
It isn't about proving yourself.
It isn't about finally becoming the flawless version of you.
It's about union.
Trust.
Surrender.
And setting down the idols that stand between you and the Lord.
If you struggle with keeping Lent simple, doable, and sustainable, grab your earbuds and join me for: The Idol of Getting It Right: Lent, Homeschooling, and Trusting God.

The busyness of the semester is in full swing and, frankly, I'm tired! 
Not the kind of tired I was when our first six kids were eight and under, but still feeling pretty exhausted. 
I know I'm not the only one.
There are days when we can absolutely pull ourselves up by the bootstraps and get the things done. And then there are days when everything just feels nearly impossible. 
Yes, it might have to do with how much sleep you're getting, but it also might have a lot to do with how you're talking to yourself. 
What I've learned, and what I'm talking about in today's podcast episode, is that there is a major difference between being physically tired and emotionally tired.
If you catch yourself saying, "I can't handle this. I don't wanna do this anymore. This is too much," then, maybe the thing you're actually tired of is feeling incapable and inadequate to handle the life God is giving you.
My sisters in Christ, here's the truth: God does not give you more than you can handle, especially when you lean into Him for strength.
If that feels hard, please grab your earbuds and let's talk about what's really wearing you down, and how to lay it at the foot of the Cross in: Physical vs Emotional Exhaustion.
Join my Beloved Lent Study HERE! The doors close this Friday, February 20, 2026 at midnigth Eastern time!