“Children embrace what is modeled far more than what they are told. Our good advice carries clout only when it is consistent with our example.”

“The wife and mother who views life as a ‘cross to bear’ influences the others in the home to think the same way. She easily robs everyone else of joy and like the yeast in the bread she bakes, her ungodly attitudes spread to everyone else. If your family were called upon to describe you, what would they say? Would they report that you are a godly, Christian woman who loves life and loves her Lord?”

“As your children see you meeting your need for love, purpose, and hope through your abiding relationship with Christ, your example will put power and authenticity behind your words.”

“Do you see yourself as a trainer of disciples? If not, here’s why you should: You have been called to ‘make disciples of all nations’ (Matthew 28:19). And in making disciples, your family is your number one responsibility.”

“Nothing is more indispensable to a young child than large amounts of time and attention from a loving mother and father. Nothing.”

“Numerous opportunities arise, and a wise person takes some time to consider where to become involved. There is a false sense that busyness leads to fulfillment. Instead, it leads to frustration.”

“A couple should prayerfully consider and then agree upon their motives and priorities before Mom becomes involved in too many activities outside the home.”

“Our kids aren’t looking for perfect parents. They know more than anyone that there aren’t any. What they need isn’t perfect parents but honest ones who are trying to live a consistent life of growing in character themselves.”

“We do our kids a great disservice if we allow them to let their feelings control their actions. We can validate the feelings. They are important. But then we need to train our child to do what is right.”

“If we want to understand our kids, we must spend time in their world. Chaperone a field trip. Attend an away game. Walk the halls of their school. Volunteer at their school and get to know the teachers. Read the student newspaper … You’ll soon discover the issues that your child is faced with.”

“As we spend time in prayer for our mates, ourselves, and our children, we can know that it’s not futile wishing, but a turning over of our needs and desires to the God for whom nothing is impossible … As we take time to put Him first in our lives by taking all our cares to Him and by seeking to please Him, we will experience a peace that is deeper than any peace the world gives.”

“Love is, after all, a conviction and a commitment which, when we put it into practice, will often but not always be accompanied by loving feelings. We serve out of our commitment, and in serving and in giving to our children, we will receive joy.”

“There is a cause and effect between encouragement and confidence. Kids who hear well‐timed and well‐placed affirmation from their parents are more easily convinced of the truth the Bible says about their intrinsic worth.”

“All too often we’re so swamped with the day‐to‐day necessities of mothering that we never actually have a chance to talk about our challenges and frustrations with others … The fact is, though, a general feeling of depression is much better handled when we can put a name to our problems and examine their causes. Then we can look for creative solutions.”

“The Scripture is clear that a married woman’s life and ministry are to be centered in her home. This is not to suggest that it is necessarily wrong for a wife and mother to have a job outside her home—unless that job in any way competes and diminishes her effectiveness in fulfilling her primary calling at home. Further, it is important for women to evaluate their reasons for working outside their home and to identify any deception behind those reasons.”

“All of us have had seasons when we feel we just can’t keep going; we just can’t take any more. As with every other of deception, the key to defeating this lie is to counter it with the truth. Regardless of what our emotions or our circumstances may tell us, God’s Word says, ‘My grace is sufficient for you’ (2 Corinthians 12:9).”

“Frustration is the by-product of attempting to fulfill responsibilities God does not intend for us to carry. Freedom, joy, and fruitfulness come from seeking to determine God’s priorities for each season of life, and then setting out to fulfill those priorities, in the power of His Spirit, realizing that He has provided the necessary time and abilities to do everything that He has called us to do.”