Words of Encouragement Archives

Memorizing Scripture is such an important practice to teach our kids.

If I am completely honest, I have not always done this well. I would get jazzed about a new idea from a friend or speaker at church, but I would get stuck at home when I could not do it perfectly. Instead of embracing my gifts and how God wired me, I would just give up. Maybe you have felt the same way.

So, I was so excited this past weekend when I saw an amazing find at a garage sale. First of all, I love going to garage sales. Because of Covid, there have been no neighborhood garage sales for over a year. So, my sister and I were thrilled when we heard about a giant one this past weekend.

As we drove from house to house, we would jump out and scour for any treasures. Luckily, I hit the jackpot at the home of a Christian woman and found this prize!

I was elated with joy as I pictured this sitting in my kitchen. I loved the metal clip where I can print out and hang verses. As a woman whose handwriting is not a work of art, I never liked the white or black boards where you could write out a verse each week. Can anyone relate?

When I got home, I showed my kids my cherished find and asked them who wants to pick the first verse. My youngest excitedly answered that he had a verse to share. He ran upstairs and came back down with these words.

Ephesians 2:10: “For we are God’s Masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”

I was smiling ear to ear as he shared because I am constantly reminding my boys that they are God’s Masterpiece!

Friend, our kids are listening and watching us live out our faith. We don’t have to do it perfectly. I don’t know about you, but that is good news!

I encourage you today to trust God with your parenting.

Don’t compare or try to be like someone else. You don’t have to write beautiful Scripture verses on white boards to teach your kids God’s Word. Find what works for you and embrace it!

Remember that God made you the parent of your kids and He wants you to lead and guide them in their faith!

This is encouraging to a heart that struggles with perfectionism. Hope it encourages your heart too!

Love, Jodi

There is something powerful for doing something physically that symbolizes how you feel emotionally.

As I closed my car door, I immediately felt the ocean breeze against my face. Instantly, all the burdens and stress from my week started to float away. The sound of the crashing waves was calming to my soul.

Walking barefoot through the sand, I could feel the warmth of the sun beating down. It was warming my heart too. As I stood admiring the beautiful view in front of me, I pondered how many rocks I would need today.

Throwing rocks at the beach has become a physical act of surrender for me.

Friend, I cannot wait for you to read my Rock Therapy Guest Post for Jennie Denney’s Shaping Stories this week. Click this Rock Therapy Link to hear more about how hurling rocks helps me relinquish control.

The above pictures were taken at Doheny Beach on Easter Sunday when I threw some rocks and surrendered to God. I hope this post encourages you to want to surrender too!