Happy, Holy Mama

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!

Do you know what makes a great saint? 
It's not their patience, kindness, or gentleness that are the hallmarks of great saints (I mean, St. Nicholas was punching heretics afterall!).
Being united to God's will for your life is the key to being a great saint…and it is the antidote to suffering.
Believing in His purpose and plans for you as His beloved daughter is essential to being united to His will and open to what He permits in your life.
Accepting His will is crucial for your growth, and the growth of those in your care.
And surrendering and uniting your will to His plan and will for you and your family is the key to your ultimate happiness, not only here on earth, but ultimately in heaven as well.
Becoming a saint is simple: unite your will to God's will moment by moment. 
But this is one of the most challenging things in the world to do, because of the pain that sometimes goes along with His daily will for our lives (babies, toddlers, teenagers, husbands who seem to actively work against you) are not things you typically want to accept, surrender, or be united with.
And yet, that is the work of becoming a great saint.
Every Lent you are being invited to open up to God's will and plan for your life in a deep and profound way. How will you accept that invitation this year?
Grab your earbuds and join me for this week's podcast where I re-share my personal testimony of falling in love with God's holy will for my life through tremendous suffering, and the growth that it has yielded ever since: Blessed Be God: A Reflection on Loss, Suffering, and God's Will.
Get the details for BELOVED here!