There is a lot going on in the world right now that can be discouraging.  And when you are trying to raise children who will have to be a part of this world that holds so much darkness – war, violence, false teachers, corrupt and perverted leaders, and more – it is easy to lose our courage to even try.  We want our children to be pure and radiant lights, to be untouched and unstained by the gritty world. It may feel like an impossible dream.  But take heart!  Now, more than ever, it is vitally important to continue on in this mission!  We must pour into the next generation all of the love and truth and wisdom that we can, that they will be able to discern what is false and what is true; what is evil and what is good.

So press on!  Do not dwell upon the darkness, but keep your eyes fixed on the Goodness of God, the Light of Jesus!  

Hold on to this truth from God’s Word speaking of Jesus: “Life was in Him, and that life was the light of men.  That light shines in the darkness, yet the darkness did not overcome it,” (HCSB John 1: 4-5)

Cultivate a home where kindness and compassion reign!  Encourage your children that they were created for such a time as this, to be lights in this crooked and depraved generation.  Remind them of the gifts God has given them, and help them to grow those gifts for His glory.  

Seeing the sins of so many splashed all over social media, may dishearten us, but we mustn’t let it deter us from the ministry of nurturing and equipping our children.  We can have faith that God is honored by our perseverance, and His will is good, perfect, and pleasing.  

“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good,” (NIV Romans 12:21).  Be encouraged and strengthened in this truth – through the power of Christ we can conquer the darkness by doing good.  One gentle correction at a time, with one more bedtime story, and by taking the time to look into their eyes and listen as they share their thoughts, we can work to shine the light in our homes, our corners of the world.  

One way that I love to fill their little minds with goodness, truth, and light, is to begin their day with breakfast and Bible time, followed by a time of singing songs.  As they listen, discuss, and sing along, their hearts and minds are filled with the light of God’s Truth. I will come back here to link some of my favorites, soon.  

Let’s begin our day with the Lord, end our day in gratitude, and remember what Christ said: He has overcome the world!  The darkness will not win!  

Let’s pray for our children today:  Father God, we lift up this next generation to you, these dear souls that you have entrusted into our care.  Please protect them from all evil and harm, from darkness and lies.  May each one be wholeheartedly devoted to you, staying on the righteous path, and trusting in you for all things.  May they shine like lights in the world!  In Jesus Name, Amen.

Step into a New Year with me, as we endeavor to be better moms in 2026

Welcome to 2026, and welcome to my first post!  I have created this place to share my own journey of motherhood and caring for little ones, and as a place to encourage and equip one another – yes, I do hope that you will share your struggles, victories, and ideas here, too.  

Here we will put off anger and put on gentleness

Intentionally disciple our children

Grow in our relationships with God

Become the loving, patient, gentle, and peaceful mamas we long to be

I am a momma to seven precious souls,  aged 7 to 24.  I also care for other littles in my home, and at my church.  Loving Little Lights is my ministry and the calling God has placed on my life.  I have a deep passion to pour into children, to nurture, educate, encourage, and inspire them.  My hope is to help them to know how very loved they are, to introduce them to their Creator and help them to develop a relationship with Jesus.  I want to inspire and equip each one to be a light in the world.  While these are my deepest desires, that does not mean that it has always come easily to me.  I have struggled with anxious thoughts, patience, and selfishness.  But God’s grace abounds in weakness, and He has helped me every step through my journey, and I have full confidence that He will continue to do so.  For He is ever faithful!  

As I looked back at the past year, I asked myself, what is my biggest regret?  And the answer came easily: that I was not fully the gentle, present, nurturing momma and caregiver that I wanted to be.  How did I let that happen?  How did I fall short in my greatest calling?  And I realized that I had allowed the “worries of this world” to choke out the fruit in my life.  

There is a story that Jesus tells, a parable of a sower, one who plants seeds.  It is recorded in Matthew, Mark, and Luke.  In this story, a sower drops his seeds in different places – a path, rocky ground, among thorns, and in good soil.  “Now the one sown among the thorns – this is one who hears the word, but the worries of this age and the seduction of wealth choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful,” (HCSB Matthew 13: 22)  

Where was my fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-contol? It was choked out by the worries of the world – the future, the past, financial stress, and the many little distractions of messes and endless to-do lists.  And so, that was my deep regret.  I am determined to make this new year different – focused and fruitful!  

My why? Because God has given me this little flock, my own dear children, bonus littles I get to care for in my home, and a classroom full of four, five, and six year olds at church.  I will not give them my second best.  By God’s grace and a purpose-filled heart, I will love them well, nurture them, and help them to grow to be lights in the world.  

“Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)

And how about you?  Dear one, you have not stumbled upon this post by accident.  God has called you to a purpose, too.  Are there little ones in your life?  Let us endeavor, together, to set aside whatever hinders us, fears, worries, insecurities, and the many things that scream for our attention; and determine in our hearts that we will love these littles with all that we are.  For what greater purpose can there be? 

Just after writing this, I went to church, and the pastor’s words brought me a vital clarity that I must share with you, dear readers: Reaching our goals is not dependent upon our own strength!

 The message was from Paul’s letter to the Ephesians where Paul urges us “to walk worthy of the calling you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, accepting one another in love, diligently keeping the unity of the Spirit with the peace that binds us (HCSB Ephesians 4:1-3).  Yes! That is just what I am resolving to do!  But the pastor also emphasized that none of us can perfectly walk with all humility, with all gentleness, with all patience.  Our love is not perfect.  But God … But God sent Jesus to earth to be perfectly humble, gentle, patient, and loving all the time – 100 percent of the time, with 100 percent perfection … because we could not.  He lived the perfect life for us.  And He gave us an example of what that kind of love looks like.  

So, as we begin this new year, let us put our hope in God, whose Son showed us true love in human flesh, whose Holy Spirit will guide and empower us to become like Him.  It isn’t in our striving, determination, or sheer will that we will be the loving caregivers we long to be.  No, it is by God’s grace.  So let us prayerfully purpose to abide in Him.  

For Jesus said, “The one who remains in Me and I in him produces much fruit … If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, ask whatever you want and it will be done for you.  My Father is glorified by this: that you produce much fruit and so prove to be My disciples. (HCSB John 15:5-8) 

We must first commit to being His disciples so that we can make disciples.

If you have made your way to this space and you do not have a relationship with Jesus –  maybe you have never considered Him before, or perhaps you don’t believe in Him.  Please, let’s chat.  I would love to share with you my own journey to faith and the many ways that God has proven Himself to me.  You can contact me by leaving me a message through my WordPress and I will get back to you as soon as I can! For Jesus not only lived and loved perfectly because we cannot, He also took our sin upon Himself – He took it to the cross, sacrificing Himself for us, for the forgiveness of our sins, that we may be made right with God and receive the gift of everlasting life.  He exchanged our sin for His righteousness.  This is a gift He desires every person to receive.  He loved you so much that He did this for you! And if you have never accepted that gift, I promise, it will change your life, now and forever.  

I look forward to walking this journey with you.  Let’s partner together to raise up the next generation to reflect the Light of Jesus!

Be blessed dear ones!  And go and love your little lights! 

Today’s action step:  Prayer.  

Father God, I confess to you that I have fallen short in loving my little ones.  Thank you for sending Jesus to show me how to truly love.  Help me to receive your forgiveness and not sit in shame or defeat.  But, please fill me with your Holy Spirit and produce your good fruit in me that I may be faithful to nurture these precious ones with gentleness, humility, and patience.  Help me to remain in you moment by moment, trusting in your strength to overcome my weakness.