Author: Martha Pereda

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Life Isn’t Just About You

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“You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” — Mark 12:31 (NKJV)

We don’t have to teach our children to think about themselves. That part comes naturally. What takes effort, grace, and consistency is teaching them to see beyond themselves—to recognize the needs of others, to value different perspectives, to serve when it’s inconvenient, and to love when it’s not returned. And the best way to teach that? Live it.

We all want our kids to be confident, secure, and strong. But we don’t want them to be self-centered, entitled, or unaware of others. That tension between identity and humility is where love does its deepest work. Because real maturity doesn’t just ask, “What do I need?”—it begins to ask, “What can I give?”

And that doesn’t come by accident.

“Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” — Philippians 2:3–4 (NKJV)

The way we talk about others in our home—how we treat the person at the drive-thru, how we respond when we’re interrupted, how we care for one another in tight spaces—all of that is shaping our children. And if we’re honest, it’s reshaping us, too.

The world tells them: “Do what makes you happy. Put yourself first. Don’t let anyone get in your way.” But Jesus said something entirely different:

“Whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” — Mark 10:43–45 (NKJV)

Serving others doesn’t make us less—it makes us more like Jesus. When we help our kids learn to serve, to wait their turn, to share, to clean up without being asked, to speak kindly even when they’re frustrated—we’re giving them tools that last far longer than any academic or athletic skill.

We’re also teaching them that love is more than a feeling. It’s a choice. It’s an action. And it matters.

“My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.” — 1 John 3:18 (NKJV)

Love speaks up. Love steps in. Love makes room. Love notices. And love doesn’t need applause.

So what does it look like in real life?

It might be noticing when a sibling is overwhelmed and helping with a chore without being asked. It might be sitting next to the child who’s always alone at school. It might be choosing not to argue just to be right. It might be letting someone else go first. It might be praying for someone instead of gossiping about them. And sometimes, it’s just learning to say, “How can I help?”

“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” — Galatians 6:2 (NKJV)

That kind of love begins at home. And the more we practice it within our four walls, the more natural it becomes outside them.

A Challenge for the Week:
This week, help your family put love into action.

Here are two simple ideas:

  • Make space to serve someone together. It might be bringing a meal, writing a card, helping a neighbor, or sharing something with a family in need. Let your children be part of the decision and the action.
  • Speak appreciation aloud. At dinner or bedtime, take time to affirm something you saw someone in the family do for another person that day. Let love be seen and heard.

Loving others isn’t always convenient, but it’s always worth it. And when we live that out, we’re not just teaching kindness—we’re shaping character.

Next Week: Peace and Purpose While the Kids Are Home
With school out and kids home all day, how do we keep peace, set boundaries, and keep little hands and hearts busy—without screens or screams?

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Getting It Right—Who You Really Are and Why You’re Here

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Somewhere along the way, most of us picked up a version of ourselves that isn’t quite right.

Maybe it was spoken over us in childhood:
You’re too much. You’re not enough. You’ll never change.

Maybe it came from a broken relationship, or a failure that stuck like glue.
Maybe it was just the slow accumulation of pressure, comparison, and the world’s voices saying what you should be—but never quite matching who you are.

And we carry those false identities like name tags:
Insecure. Overlooked. Not capable. Second best. Too late. Just a mom. Not spiritual enough.

But God never wrote those names. And He’s not calling you by them.

There comes a moment—if we want to grow—that we have to pause and ask:
Who told me that?
And more importantly: What does God say instead?

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…”
—Romans 12:2 (NKJV)

We don’t get free by trying harder.
We get free by replacing the lie with truth.
We get free when we stop agreeing with the enemy—and start agreeing with our Savior.

It starts with repentance.
Not just for doing wrong, but for believing wrong.

And then it takes receiving.
Receiving what He says is true—even when it feels unfamiliar or too good to be true.

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.”
—Ephesians 2:10 (NKJV)

You are chosen.
You are called.
You are deeply loved, and fully forgiven.
You are not what happened to you.
You are not your worst mistake.
You are not who others failed to see.

“You won’t live differently until you believe differently.”

This is what I’m seeing more and more:
When women begin to really believe what God says about them, everything starts to shift.

Not because they suddenly became stronger.
Not because their circumstances changed overnight.
But because the truth broke through.

The moment they stopped agreeing with the lies—
And started receiving what’s always been true—
Freedom began to rise. Boldness returned. Joy followed.

It’s what knowing the truth really means—and it’s what sets us free.

“Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, ‘If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed.
And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.’”
—John 8:31–32 (NKJV)

Truth isn’t just information—it’s transformation.
And it starts with abiding. Staying. Continuing in His Word—not just reading it, but letting it read us.
Letting it redefine who we are and who we’re becoming in Him.

So if you’ve been living out of the wrong version of yourself, it’s not too late.
God’s truth is still available—and it’s still powerful.
Repent of the lies you’ve believed.
Replace them with the Word.
And receive what’s always been yours in Christ. Because getting it right—starts with believing Him.

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Living with God First

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“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” — Matthew 6:33 (NKJV)

Putting God first isn’t just a principle—it’s a priority that reshapes everything. It’s the filter we live through, the foundation we build on, and the anchor we return to. And it’s not something we just believe—it’s something our children need to see.

In a culture obsessed with hustle, independence, and achievement, “God first” often becomes a slogan instead of a lifestyle. But when we say God comes first, we’re not just talking about Sunday mornings—we’re talking about every morning. Every decision. Every dollar. Every opportunity. It means we acknowledge Him in our planning, our parenting, our priorities, and even in the way we respond when things don’t go as planned.

One of the most important things we can model for our children is that God isn’t an addition to life—He is life. When they see us start our day in the Word or pause to pray when decisions come up, when they hear us give thanks and talk about what God is doing, it shapes their understanding of what it means to walk with Him.

We show them He is first in our time when we make space for Scripture, prayer, and worship—not out of obligation, but desire. He is first in our talent when we offer our gifts back to Him, whether it’s teaching, serving, creating, or leading, and use them to bless others. He is first in our treasure when we give with open hands, trusting Him to provide and choosing to invest in eternity rather than cling to what we think we’ve earned.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” — Proverbs 3:5–6 (NKJV)

Children quickly pick up on what really matters to us. They know what we cancel everything for. They know what we give our best energy and attention to. And when they see us consistently return to the Lord for guidance, correction, and strength, it teaches them that life isn’t just about us. It’s about aligning with the One who made us.

When God is first, everything else finds its place. Marriage, work, parenting, rest, even trials—they all come under His care and leading. That doesn’t mean life becomes easy. But it does mean we aren’t chasing after peace, purpose, and provision in all the wrong places.

Putting God first in family life requires intention. We have to clear space for the things that matter. We have to turn down the volume of the world. And we have to be willing to say no to things—even good things—so that we don’t miss the best things He has for us.

“The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way.” — Psalm 37:23 (NKJV)

So this week, take a look at your calendar. Your conversations. Your heart. What comes first? And what do your children see?

It’s not about being perfect. It’s about being surrendered. It’s about turning again and again toward the One who holds your family in His hands and saying, “Lead us, Lord. We want to follow You.”

A Challenge for the Week:
What would it look like to actually put God first in your home this week?

Here are two simple ways to begin:

  • Start your day together with God. Read a short Scripture, pray aloud, or listen to a worship song during breakfast or the car ride. If it’s just you, set aside a few first moments to acknowledge Him before the day begins.
  • Let your priorities show what matters most. Whether it’s how you spend your evening, how you handle an unexpected change, or what you say yes or no to—let your choices reflect that God’s ways come first.

Next Week: Life Isn’t Just About You
We’ll reflect on teaching our children to live beyond themselves, love others well, and find joy in serving.

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This Is What Passing It On Looks Like

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Last week, I mentioned we’d look closer at what that passing on looks like—how we’re not just called to follow Jesus, but to lead others to follow Him too.

I think most of us believe that. We want to live for God. We want to make an impact. But sometimes the word “discipleship” feels big and intimidating—like it belongs to pastors or Bible teachers or people who never lose their patience.

But here’s the truth: you’re already leading someone.
By how you live.
By how you respond.
By the way you speak to your children or your husband.
By how you show up (or don’t) in your daily life.

Whether you mean to or not, you are showing someone what it looks like to walk with Jesus.

The question isn’t if you’re influencing.
The question is how.

Titus 2 paints a picture of that kind of influence—not from a stage, but from a kitchen table. Not with a microphone, but with a life.

Older women teaching younger. Not in a formal classroom, but through faithfulness. Through friendship. Through being willing to say, “I’ve been where you are… let me walk with you.”

“That they may teach the young women…”
—Titus 2:4 (NKJV)

This isn’t about age. It’s about seasons.
If you’ve walked with God longer than someone else—you have something to offer.
If you’ve come through something hard—you have something to share.
If you’ve seen His faithfulness—you have a testimony that someone needs to hear.

Priscilla did that. She didn’t preach from a pulpit, but she and her husband Aquila took aside a passionate young preacher named Apollos, and helped him understand “the way of God more accurately.” (Acts 18:26)

She didn’t shame him. She didn’t outshine him. She equipped him.
And because of her quiet courage and spiritual clarity, Apollos became a powerful voice in the early church.

Then there’s Lois and Eunice—Timothy’s grandmother and mother.
We don’t know their titles or how well they taught a crowd, but we know this: they lived out sincere faith at home. And it left a mark on Timothy that would shape his calling.

Paul saw it and said,

“I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice…”
—2 Timothy 1:5 (NKJV)

This world is starving for that kind of legacy.

There are women all around us drowning in self-help, half-truths, and exhaustion.
They don’t need someone perfect. They need someone real.
Someone who’s been changed by grace.
Someone who knows how to listen.
Someone who will speak life, not just slogans.

That someone could be you.

You don’t have to know everything. You just have to be willing.
To make time. To stay connected to Jesus.
To lead, not by controlling, but by pointing—again and again—to the One who saves, who heals, who restores.

It doesn’t have to be flashy. It just has to be faithful.

Paul understood this when he said,

“Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.”
—1 Corinthians 11:1 (NKJV)

That’s the call. Not to be followed for our sake, but to be living invitations toward Jesus.

And maybe you’re not just the one called to teach.
Maybe you’re the one needing a mentor, a guide, a spiritual big sister.
Ask God to bring her into your life.
He still connects hearts. He still builds spiritual families.

Because this is how the kingdom grows.
One woman investing in another.
One generation passing on the truth to the next.

Jesus never said, “Come, and keep it to yourself.”
He said, “Follow Me… and I will make you fishers of men.”

This is what passing it on looks like.

(If you’re in Central Texas and would like to be part of our next Grace Revealed group, I’d love to invite you. We start soon—reach out to me for more details.)

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Speaking Life at Home

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“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” — Proverbs 18:21 (NKJV)

Our words hold weight—especially in our homes. They shape atmosphere. They shape identity. They can stir peace or provoke anxiety. And while we often watch what we say to strangers or at church, we sometimes forget that the people closest to us carry our words most deeply.

Personally, one of my biggest struggles in this area has been criticism. Maybe it comes from a perfectionist tendency or from my natural bent toward teaching. But I’ve noticed how much easier it is for me to point out what needs fixing than to pause and affirm what’s already being done well. It’s not that correction isn’t necessary—it is. But when criticism outweighs encouragement, especially with my husband or my children, it tears down what I want to build.

There was a moment when I realized that I was far more likely to say, “Do I have to tell you again to make your bed?” than to celebrate the effort they had put into homework or chores. And yet, recognizing effort and faithfulness—even when the job isn’t done perfectly—is one of the ways we help our children grow. They need correction, yes. But they thrive on encouragement. Our homes should be places where they’re built up more than broken down.

Scripture says,
“A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” — Proverbs 15:1 (NKJV)

This applies in the heat of conflict, but also in the daily tone we carry. When our default is harshness or sarcasm, our families learn to brace themselves around us. But when our tone reflects patience, even in correction, we open the door to trust.

Jesus reminded us,
“Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” — Matthew 12:34b (NKJV)

If criticism is what comes out first, it’s time to ask what’s overflowing in our hearts. Sometimes, it’s stress. Sometimes, unspoken disappointment. Sometimes, exhaustion. But the good news is—when we return to the Lord, He softens our hearts again and gives us fresh grace to speak from a renewed place.

Prayer is a cornerstone of motherhood. It’s through prayer that we intercede for our children, seeking God’s guidance, protection, and blessings over their lives.

“The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” — James 5:16b (NKJV)

By consistently lifting our children in prayer, we invite God’s presence into their lives, trusting Him to work in ways beyond our understanding. Prayer not only changes situations—it changes us.

We don’t need perfect words. We need faithful words. Words that bless. Words that guide. Words that remind our families who they are and whose they are. And when we fall short—and we will—let’s be quick to ask forgiveness, reset the tone, and speak life again.

“Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.” — Ephesians 4:29 (NKJV)

Let’s build homes where grace is heard often, where encouragement is normal, and where the words spoken lay a foundation of peace. Because our words don’t just fill the air—they fill hearts. And what we speak today will echo in our children’s lives tomorrow.

And as parents, let’s not be above admitting when we’ve messed up. Asking forgiveness doesn’t diminish our authority—it strengthens our influence. It sets the example that humility is powerful and grace is available. It frees our children to be honest, to confess, and to heal. When they see us take responsibility, they learn it’s safe to do the same.

Next Week: Living with God First
Join us next Friday as we reflect on what it means to put God first in everyday family life.

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Truth That Transforms: Living What We Say We Believe

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There’s a troubling reality in the world today—not just in culture, but within the church. Many of us say we believe in God, trust in Jesus, and follow His Word. But if we’re honest, our lives don’t always reflect what our mouths confess. And while the gap between belief and behavior may seem small at first, left unaddressed, it can become a chasm.

Paul described this same issue bluntly when he wrote to Titus:

“They profess to know God, but in works they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient, and disqualified for every good work.”
—Titus 1:16 (NKJV)

That verse hits hard. It doesn’t say these were unbelievers. It says they professed to know God—but their lifestyle, decisions, attitudes, and actions told a very different story. And if we’re not careful, this can be us too. Not always out of rebellion—sometimes we literally don’t know better. Sometimes just from going with the flow. But whatever the reason, our daily words and behavior always end up showing what we really believe.

We live in a world where feelings are loud, and truth is often blurred. But biblical truth—sound doctrine—is not optional. It’s essential. It’s the very thing that grounds our faith, shapes our identity, and fuels a life of real peace and purpose.

Paul urged Titus:

“But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine.”
—Titus 2:1 (NKJV)

The word sound means healthy—life-giving, nourishing, steady. Sound doctrine isn’t stale  theology, and it’s not just for preachers or professors. It’s for everyday people like us—parents, professionals, students, neighbors. It teaches us who God is, who we are, how to be saved, how to live, and how to endure. It exposes the lies we’ve believed and anchors us in truth.

When applied, it doesn’t just inform us—it transforms us. That’s why Paul warned that if we don’t live in line with the truth, we dishonor it: “…that the word of God may not be blasphemed.” —Titus 2:5 (NKJV)

That’s sobering. It means when our lives don’t match our confession, people don’t just question us—they question the God we claim to follow.

A few verses later, Paul gives the opposite picture—what it looks like when our lives do align with truth: “…that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things.” —Titus 2:10 (ESV)

What a beautiful image. The word adorn means to make beautiful, to display, to enhance. Our lives are meant to be a living testimony of grace—truth in action. Every time we choose humility instead of pride, grace instead of bitterness, obedience instead of compromise, we are adorning the doctrine of Christ. We’re showing the watching world that His truth is not only real—it’s beautiful.

But we have to ask ourselves: What are we adorning with our lives? Are we showcasing His grace—or covering it up?

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”
—Matthew 5:16 (NKJV)

That kind of light doesn’t come from pretending. It comes from practice. From learning God’s Word and letting it change how we live every single day.

A Word to Women of Faith

While this call to sound doctrine applies to everyone, Paul gives women a unique and essential role in how it’s passed on: “The older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things— that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed.” —Titus 2:3–5 (NKJV)

This is discipleship in its most personal, powerful form. One generation of women pouring into the next—not just with advice, but with biblical truth. Not just with good ideas, but with godly example. And the fruit of that? Families strengthened. Churches purified. The Word of God honored.

Women will be discipled. The only question is—by whom?

Social media and culture are ready to shape our values and priorities. That’s why we need women of the Word. Women who know how to apply Scripture to real life—relationships, emotions, speech, priorities—and who are willing to walk alongside others, not as perfect models, but as faithful followers of Jesus.

Let’s Live What We Believe

We might claim grace—but are we living graciously?
We might say we trust God—but are we really leaning into Him when life is hard?
We might speak of truth—but are we letting it shape our schedule, our speech, and our reactions?

Here’s the challenge for all of us: Let your life preach louder than your lips.

We can’t live what we don’t know. And we can’t lead others in what we haven’t practiced ourselves.

Sound doctrine isn’t just something to agree with—it’s something to live. That’s where the transformation begins.

“So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”
—Psalm 90:12 (NKJV)

This is the heartbeat behind Grace Revealed—and the entire Adorning Grace Pathway. It’s about learning to live out sound doctrine in a way that reflects Christ and adorns His grace in every part of our lives. We’re not here to just know truth. We’re here to be transformed by it—and pass it on.

Next week, we’ll look closer at what that passing on looks like—how we’re not just called to follow Jesus, but to lead others to follow Him too.

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Mothering: Butterfly wings and Arrows

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I never imagined that a simple, three-week trip to visit our daughter would become a one-way journey. My husband and I packed suitcases, excited to see our daughter’s new chapter, cheer her on, and get back home. Instead, God quietly rewrote the itinerary. If He had warned us, we might have dug in our heels —but His gentle surprise spared us the struggle and ushered us into deeper trust.

I will not lie. It wasn’t easy. We felt torn between two. We were glad to be with our daughter and husband, who graciously welcomed us in, as they adapted to their new location and season. And then, we were especially grateful to be with her while her husband was deployed. Even having been there, I don’t think we begin to know how incredibly difficult that was. But I believe our presence and our prayers helped at least a little.

Meanwhile, we still had two children at home in Mexico. And now, instead of them leaving our nest empty, it was mom and dad who had flown the coup. Phone calls over the next weeks and months were marked by the repeated question: When are you coming home? And the continuous answer: God says, Not yet.

Our sudden absence affected all, from the oldest to the youngest. It suddenly was not an option to have a heart to heart over a cup of coffee, invite us over for breakfast, have us drop in unexpectedly, leave the kids with Grammy for a while, have dad call any or every Saturday for a carne asada, or gather regularly for Sunday lunch and then everyone hang out at our house. I know it hit everyone, and a certain scattering happened in the next months, as God moved different ones around. But obviously it was especially hard on those still under our wings and dependent on my daily mothering. Boys take things into stride differently, you know, more matter of fact, like just go on and do what you must. One got engaged and married by the end of the year, and the youngest dug into his work.

But my “baby” girl- always held close- found herself thrust into what felt like survival mode, suddenly facing her final semesters of college in a very stressful career, without us anywhere nearby. With a thousand plus miles between us, I’m sure she cried on her pillow many nights after hanging up the phone as, yes, we did here too. Then she got engaged and began planning her wedding amidst studies, and my mama’s heart longed to spend the days with her. Not to mention her father. We begged God to release us to return, but every prayer ended with the same whisper: “I’ve got her.”

The Butterfly Lesson

One night, as tears blurred my Bible, the Lord reminded me of a story I had heard: A man noticed a butterfly struggling to push free of its cocoon. Wanting to help, he snipped the casing open. The butterfly slipped out easily—but its body stayed swollen, its wings shriveled. In “helping,” he robbed it of the pressure that forces life-giving fluid into the wings. Without the struggle, there is no flight.

That night God said, Don’t clip your daughter’s cocoon. Let Me build her wings. So I surrendered, trusting that the same One who formed her heart would strengthen her wings.

“Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it.” —Philippians 1:6 (NKJV)

Semester after semester, we encouraged from afar, and God carried her to a beautiful wedding and an excellent finish. He is ever faithful and true.

The distance has stretched my heart in ways I didn’t know were possible—equal parts joy and ache. Two weddings, the birth of two grandchildren, and two graduations have been the highlights of our visits in the last three years. I often remind myself that the same Shepherd who guided me through midnight feedings, last minute projects, and roller coaster years with six, abides today with each of my grown children.

“He will gently lead those who are with young.”
—Isaiah 40:11 (NKJV)

Psalm 127 calls children “arrows in the hand of a warrior.” Arrows are meant to fly; a bow that never bends never sends. When God led Luis and me to a new field of ministry, He bent the bow farther than planned, released, and said, Trust My aim. My quiver felt suddenly light, but the Lord whispered, This is what you raised them for.

So, I pray the values we taught and lived will keep their flight true. Values like:

  • God first— 24/7 in time, talent, and treasure (Matthew 6:33).
  • Love your neighbor as yourself – care about those around you (Mark 12:31).
  • Feelings don’t reign; God’s Word does (Psalm 119:105).
  • Circumstances don’t dictate peace—faith does (John 14:27).
  • God is always there; count on Him (Hebrews 13:5-6).
  • We love you unconditionally; do the same for your family (1 Corinthians 13:7).
  • Real joy comes from doing what God created you to do (Ephesians 2:10).

How I Mother from Afar

Persistent prayer. I wrap each child (and grandchild) in Paul’s Colossians prayer. And I pray: Lord, hold them up and lead them on, even when I can’t be there to walk beside them.

9 For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; 10 that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; 11 strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy.

Colossians 1:9-11

Long-distance encouragement. A Scripture text, a voice-memo prayer, and many long distance, late night calls—each one says, I still see you, and God sees you more.

Practical advice– Google is great, but no match for dad’s advice or cooking like mom. So, thank God we are just a video call away for “Mom, how do I…?” questions- whether that’s a quick recipe, laundry tip, or walking my last bachelor through an hour and half of meal prep at 12:00 midnight my time. It’s all good.

Open arms, open door. When we visit there, our door is always open, and our home is usually full day in and day out. And now, we have just been blessed to get into a larger home here, so we are ready to have the whole family anytime. We are so blessed that half are now here in Texas, and we pray the Lord’s will brings the rest.

Whether your children are across the hall or across an ocean, you and I share the same assignment: bend the bow, release the arrow, trust the Archer.

Mothering beyond arm’s reach means trading my hands on for folded hands—prayer has become my hug, my cooking, my late-night rescue.

Prayer:
Father, thank You for the privilege of motherhood. Give us grace to let go without letting up, to pray without ceasing, and to trust that You complete every good work You began in our children. Amen.

Happy Mother’s Day—from one arrow-launcher to another.

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Living by the Book: God’s Way, Not Mine

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There comes a point in every believer’s life when we have to decide—really decide—whose voice we’re going to follow. Not just in the big moments, but in the daily grind. Not just in public, but in the quiet corners of our thought life, our choices, our identity.

Will it be the world?
Or the Word?

“Living by the book is not about rules, it’s about relationship.”
—Grace Revealed

We live in a time where “truth” is fluid, self is supreme, and the loudest opinion tends to win. But God never asked us to live according to the culture. He called us to live according to His Word.

That means knowing who He is.
Knowing who I am in Him.
And trusting that His way is not only better—but the only way that leads to life.

The world has a lot to say about identity. Most of it shifts with trends, feelings, or social circles. But God’s Word speaks a different reality—an unshakable truth:

“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation…” (2 Corinthians 5:17)
“You are fearfully and wonderfully made…” (Psalm 139:14)
“You are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works…” (Ephesians 2:10)

That’s not motivational fluff—it’s your foundation.
You’re not an accident. You’re not a mistake.
You’re chosen. Designed. Sent.

It’s one thing to know the truth.
It’s another to walk it out.

Paul prays in Colossians 1:9–10 that we would be filled with the knowledge of God’s will—not just so we can nod in agreement, but so we can walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him.

“For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.”
(Colossians 1:9–10, NKJV)

And here’s the thing:
You don’t have to guess God’s will.
You don’t have to wonder what He wants from you.

“God has made known His will… the Bible is the great book a child pulls onto her father’s lap, and He brings the pages to life for her.”
—Honoring Grace

It’s not a mystery. His Word is clear.
He wants you to trust Him.
To live holy.
To walk in love.
To forgive.
To shine.
To bear fruit.

You don’t need another sign. You need to open the Book—and live it.

Maybe it’s fear. Maybe it’s comparison. Maybe it’s still believing those old lies from childhood or broken relationships: “You’re not enough.” “You always mess up.”
“You’ll never change.” But God says something else. And if you want to live by the Book, you have to decide who gets the final word.

“God planned you from your mother’s womb… He knows you deeply and personally.”
—Grace Revealed

When you know that—really know it—you stop chasing the world’s approval. You stop trying to earn what He’s already given. You start living out of love instead of for it.

And that’s when everything starts to change.

Where have you been living by your own script?
Where have you listened to the world instead of the Word?
What would it look like to live this week fully aligned with what God says about you—and what He wants for your life?

Let His voice be the one that leads.
Let His Word be the one you follow.
Let His plan—not yours—define the path you take.

The Foundation of a Grace-Filled Home

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“Through wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches.” Proverbs 24:3–4 (NKJV)

Home. It’s more than walls and windows. It’s the place where we are formed, where we are known, and where we are either strengthened—or slowly worn down. But in a world of shifting values and fast-paced expectations, how do we build homes that truly last? How do we raise children who love God? How do we strengthen marriages in both calm and crisis?

Today begins Family and Home Fridays—a weekly pause to reset, realign, and receive God’s wisdom for the most sacred place on earth: your home. This space is not about perfection. It’s about grace—real, practical, biblical grace. The kind that works when toddlers are crying and dishes are piling up. The kind that holds a marriage together in quiet faithfulness. The kind that can be passed down as a legacy of truth and love.

These weekly posts are rooted in the same heart behind Sharing Grace, my book-in-progress focused on biblical womanhood, marriage, motherhood, and home life from Titus 2 and beyond. Whether you’re a newlywed, a single mom, a grandmother, or simply someone who desires to make your home a place of blessing and peace, this is for you.

Every home is built on something. Some are built on busy routines. Others on high achievement. Some on image, some on survival. But the only homes that truly endure are those built on the wisdom, strength, and grace of God.

Jesus said, “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock.”
Matthew 7:24 (NKJV)

Grace-filled homes aren’t the result of perfect families. They are the result of surrendered hearts—people who daily depend on God, repent quickly, speak life, and choose love even when it’s inconvenient.

Grace starts with surrender. Before grace can fill our homes, it must first be rooted in our own hearts. If we are not receiving from God—through prayer, time in the Word, worship—we’ll end up running on empty. Our personal devotion becomes the foundation of our family direction.
“Commit your works to the Lord, and your thoughts will be established.” Proverbs 16:3 (NKJV)

Grace requires intentionality. You cannot drift into a godly home by accident. It takes deliberate, everyday decisions to speak kindly, discipline wisely, love consistently, and live with eternity in view. A grace-filled home is not just what you believe—it’s what you practice behind closed doors.
“Be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us…” Ephesians 5:1–2 (NKJV)

Grace grows through humility. No matter how well we build, there will be days we fall short. Moments of frustration, failure, or forgetfulness are part of the process. But in those moments, humility becomes our lifeline. When we admit we were wrong, ask for forgiveness, or choose to try again, we lay another stone of grace in our home.
“God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” James 4:6 (NKJV)

Grace multiplies when we speak God’s Word. The most powerful words we can bring into our home are not our own—they’re His. Reading Scripture aloud, praying the promises of God, and reminding one another of truth shifts the atmosphere. It sets our foundation on something eternal, not emotional.
“These words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children…” Deuteronomy 6:6–7 (NKJV)

Let’s be women who build on the Rock. Not just in theory—but in the hidden places, in the daily rhythms, in the way we love, speak, forgive, serve, and believe. Because the home is not just where we live—it’s where we shape lives. And grace is the cement that holds it all together.

What is your home currently built upon? Are there areas where surrender, intentionality, humility, or truth have been missing? Ask the Lord to help you realign your foundation today.

Next Week: “Mothering with Grace: A High and Holy Calling”
A special reflection for Mother’s Day weekend, honoring spiritual and natural mothers and encouraging the legacy of godly womanhood.

When Half-Hearted Isn’t Enough

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Have you ever caught yourself going through the motions spiritually—showing up, checking the boxes, doing all the “right” things—but deep down knowing… your heart isn’t all in?

You’re not alone. I’ve felt it too. It’s subtle at first. You’re still praying, still serving, still loving Jesus. But somehow your passion has faded. You’re giving—but not your all. You’re worshiping—but not with everything. Somewhere along the way, “half” started to feel like it was good enough.

But God doesn’t settle for halfway. He never has.

In Psalm 103:1, David doesn’t just say, “Bless the Lord.” He says: “Bless the Lord, O my soul—and all that is within me, bless His holy name.” (NKJV)

That one word—all—has been echoing in my heart.

Because wholehearted living isn’t loud or flashy.
It’s intentional. It’s vulnerable. It’s honest.
And honestly? It’s costly.

“To bless the Lord, I have to look up and recognize Him for who He is.”
—Grace Revealed

That one line from Grace Revealed reminds me: half-heartedness often starts with distraction. I forget who He is. I stop looking up. I let life’s pace lower my gaze. And before long, I’m doing things for God without being fully present with Him.

But God is not looking for performers.
He’s looking for worshipers—those who love Him with heart, soul, mind, and strength.

Sometimes worship is loud praise and lifted hands.
Sometimes it’s showing up when your heart feels quiet.
But every time—it’s meant to be whole.

So let me ask you:

Where has “half” crept in?

Are you serving Him in action, but not in affection?
Are you giving in routine, but withholding in relationship?
Are you showing up but checked out?

The beauty of grace is that God doesn’t shame us when we drift—He invites us closer.

He’s not asking for performance.
He’s asking for presence.
Not perfection—just all of you.

So today, let’s respond like David. Let’s command our soul—tired, distracted, wounded, grateful, wherever it is—to bless the Lord. Not halfway. But fully.

“David commands his entire being to bless the Lord, illustrating a total commitment to worship and gratitude.”
—Grace Revealed

What about you?
Is there a place in your life where you’ve been holding back?
What would it look like to bring your whole heart to God again?

Don’t settle for half.
He’s worthy of it all.