Rediscovering Proverbs 31: Embracing the Beauty of Biblical Womanhood

Dear friends,

If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably felt the weight of expectations—both the ones our culture heaps on us and the ones we sometimes place on ourselves when reading Scripture. In a world that equates success with perfection, it’s no wonder so many women feel stretched thin, weary, and even discouraged.

That’s why I’m so excited to invite you into a brand-new podcast series on the Raising Rices podcast called More Than Virtue.

This series was born out of my desire to help women see Proverbs 31 not as an impossible checklist, but as a beautiful, grace-filled picture of a woman whose life is anchored in the Lord. If this passage has ever left you feeling overwhelmed or inadequate, I want you to know—you are not alone, and this series is for you.

Understanding the Heart of Proverbs 31

For many years, Proverbs 31 has been read as a list of tasks to accomplish, roles to perfect, or standards to meet. But that is not how it was written. It’s a poem of praise—an encouragement spoken from a mother to her son, highlighting the beauty of a woman whose life reflects wisdom, strength, and godliness.

In the podcast, I share about my own journey of reframing this passage. Instead of viewing Proverbs 31 as a burden, we can see it as an invitation to a life centered on God, family, and community. Its purpose is not condemnation, but celebration.

The Cultural Contrast

Every day, we are fed the message that to be a “successful woman,” we must do it all, be it all, and have it all. This hustle-driven mindset inevitably leads to exhaustion and an inner sense of never measuring up.

But Proverbs 31 offers a radically different narrative.

It calls us out of performance and into presence.
Out of perfectionism and into faithfulness.
Out of striving and into resting in the Lord.

Our worth is not tied to our productivity—it’s rooted in Christ.

Who This Series Is For

The beautiful thing about Proverbs 31 is that it speaks to every woman, in every season.

Whether you are:

  • a busy mom with full hands and a full heart,

  • a single woman seeking wisdom for this chapter,

  • or a grandmother investing deeply in the next generation…

There is encouragement here for you.

This series is not about achieving a mythical status of womanhood; it’s about embracing God’s design and growing in faithful obedience right where you are.

What You Can Expect

Each episode will unpack a portion of Proverbs 31—slowly, thoughtfully, and with Scripture at the center. We’ll explore biblical principles, practical application, and the grace God extends to women who long to honor Him but sometimes feel overwhelmed.

My goal is to walk through these verses in a way that brings clarity, hope, and rest—not pressure.

Encouragement for the Journey

If you take away one truth from the very first episode, I hope it’s this:

God’s love for you is not contingent upon your ability to “live up to” Proverbs 31.

In Christ, you are already known, seen, and loved.
Your everyday moments of faithfulness—no matter how small—matter deeply to the Lord.

As we walk through this series together, my prayer is that we will learn to invite God into the ordinary rhythms of our days and grow in wisdom, strength, and grace.

Will You Join Me?

If your heart is craving encouragement, biblical depth, and a renewed perspective on womanhood, I would love for you to listen along each week. You can find the More Than Virtue series on the Raising Rices podcast wherever you listen, and I’ll continue sharing reflections and resources here on the blog as well.

Let’s rediscover the beauty of Proverbs 31—not as a burden, but as a blessing.

With grace,
Marissa

Key Takeaways

  • Proverbs 31 is a vision of biblical womanhood—not a checklist.

  • Cultural pressures often leave women feeling inadequate or burnt out.

  • Every woman in every season can find encouragement in Proverbs 31.

  • The podcast will explore Scripture deeply, with a focus on grace and growth.

  • Our worth is rooted in Christ, not in our performance.

Tags: Proverbs 31, Biblical Womanhood, Grace, Faithfulness, Raising Rices Podcast, More Than Virtue, Women in Scripture, Encouragement for Women, Christian Living

Ponder the Path: A Call to Discernment for Mothers in This Season

Ponder the Path: A Call to Discernment for Mothers in This Season
A Reformation Week Devotional Encouragement

Proverbs 4:26–27 –
“Ponder the path of your feet; then all your ways will be sure. Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your foot away from evil.”

In this cultural moment—especially during a season when the world celebrates darkness—we are reminded that truth matters. The Reformation was a time when men and women rose up not to follow the path of comfort or culture, but to return to the authority of God’s Word. That same call to courage, conviction, and clarity is ours today—especially as mothers.

Discernment in our homes is not optional. It’s essential.

Our children are watching what we celebrate. Our homes are shaped by what we allow. And the paths we walk—whether carefully or carelessly—are forming habits of the heart in those who follow behind us. Proverbs 4 doesn’t call us to casually wander through motherhood. It calls us to ponder—to pause, to pray, to ask: “Where is this path leading us?”

The Need for Discernment in Dark Seasons

As the calendar page turns to October 31, the world grows louder with distraction, compromise, and confusion. But this is not a time for passivity. It’s a time to pray for discernment, to cling to the light, and to lead our families with eyes wide open.

Discernment is not fear.
Discernment is not legalism.
Discernment is Spirit-led wisdom in action.

It is the ability to see beyond what feels fun or harmless and ask: “Is this drawing our hearts closer to Christ—or leading us into subtle compromise?”

“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” — 1 Peter 5:8

A Reformation Legacy for Our Homes

The Reformers didn’t just protest—they rebuilt. They turned their hearts and homes back to the authority of Scripture. As mothers, we are called to that same work: to reform the atmosphere of our homes. To shine light in dark places. To root out compromise and replace it with conviction. To raise children who aren’t entertained by evil but are equipped to stand for truth.

And this begins in prayer.

Three Ways to Ponder Your Path This Week:

  1. Pray over the atmosphere of your home. Ask God to reveal anything that needs to be removed or re-centered around Him. Pray over your doorposts. Invite the Holy Spirit to reign.

  2. Talk to your children about why you choose differently. Don’t just say “no” to what the world offers—say “yes” to what is better. Help them see that walking in the light is full of joy and freedom.

  3. Set your heart on Scripture. Whether it’s reading the five Solas of the Reformation, or spending extra time in Proverbs—let this week be one of returning to truth.

Takeaway: This week, ponder the path of your feet. Where is your family being led—by culture or by Christ? Don’t be afraid to turn away from what the world celebrates. Be bold enough to walk differently.

Need more encouragement this week?
We recorded a special episode on the Raising Rices Podcast all about applying biblical discernment in October—a timely and practical conversation for families wanting to walk in light during a season of darkness.

And for ideas on how we mark this season differently, you can always check out our YouTube channel for Reformation Day inspiration, godly traditions, and family discipleship rhythms.

With courage and clarity,
Marissa

 

Watching with Wisdom: Faithful Attentiveness in the Home

 

Watching with Wisdom: Faithful Attentiveness in the Home
A Devotional Encouragement for Moms and Wives

Proverbs 31:27 – “She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.”

There is a quiet strength in the watchful woman.

She may not be loud or rushed. She doesn’t need the spotlight or the validation of hustle. Instead, her glory is in her faithful attentiveness—a posture of the heart that sees what matters and acts with purpose. Proverbs 31:27 paints this picture not of a woman who does it all, but of one who is deeply engaged, alert, and lovingly present in the life of her home.

Biblical womanhood is not measured by how full your calendar is or how spotless your home appears. It is shaped by how faithfully you watch.

The wise woman is not idle, but she is not frantic either. She listens with discernment. She sees the mess—but more importantly, she sees the meaning. Her hands are busy with blessing, not just activity. Her eyes are open to more than the surface—she watches with spiritual awareness. This kind of watching doesn’t just organize—it nurtures.

The Beauty of Watchfulness

To “watch over the affairs of her household” is to walk in step with the needs of the moment while keeping one eye on eternity. This means we don’t just fold laundry—we disciple while we do it. We don’t just meal plan—we steward our home for God’s glory. We don’t just put out fires—we build up a family that burns brightly for Christ.

This is soul work, and it’s why so much of what you do may feel hidden. But take heart: nothing done in faith is ever wasted. Every meal prepared, every diaper changed, every gentle correction given, every bedtime prayer whispered—it all matters to God.

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men…” — Colossians 3:23

Three Ways to Watch with Wisdom This Week:

  1. Pray before reacting. Whether it’s sibling squabbles, a messy kitchen, or emotional exhaustion—pause and ask, “What does this moment truly need?” Sometimes it’s discipline. Sometimes it’s grace.

  2. Keep a quiet list. Write down things the Spirit brings to your attention throughout the day—not just chores, but spiritual nudges (a child who needs extra time, a moment to speak truth into your husband’s day, an opportunity to pray).

  3. Guard your heart against idleness disguised as escape. It’s easy to scroll or disengage when we’re tired. Ask the Lord to refresh you in His Word rather than in distraction.

Takeaway: Ask the Lord to open your eyes to what your home needs this week—not just physically, but spiritually. Watch with intention. Love with wisdom. Serve with joy.

Want more encouragement?
This week on the Raising Rices Podcast we’re unpacking what it means to watch over our homes in a way that honors the Lord—and how to overcome the temptation toward idleness or overwhelm.

And don’t forget to check out our YouTube channel for practical rhythms, family routines, and faith-filled homemaking content that will help you stay rooted in your mission.

Keep watching, keep building, and keep your eyes on the eternal.

With you in the work,
Marissa

Building with Wisdom: Rhythms, Rest, and the Glory of God

 

Building with Wisdom: Rhythms, Rest, and the Glory of God
A Devotional Encouragement for Moms and Wives

Proverbs 14:1 – “The wisest of women builds her house, but folly with her own hands tears it down.”

As women, God has entrusted us with the profound responsibility of building. Not with hammer and nails (though sometimes that too!), but with words, with rhythms, with grace-filled routines and Christ-centered priorities. The call in Proverbs 14:1 isn’t to build perfectly—but to build intentionally. Every decision we make in our homes—what time we rise, how we speak, what we prioritize, how we correct, how we rest—either strengthens the structure or chips away at its foundation.

But here’s the good news: we’re not building alone.

God does not leave us to navigate motherhood or marriage in our own strength. He equips us with wisdom through His Word, and He reminds us that the home we are shaping is not for our own glory, but for His. The beauty of rhythm in the home is not about creating Pinterest-perfect routines—it’s about building habits that lead our families back to Jesus again and again.

Rhythms Rooted in Rest

Rest is a spiritual discipline. In fact, it is one of the first rhythms God gave us. After six days of creative work, God rested—not because He needed sleep, but because He was modeling something vital for us. True rest isn’t laziness or escape. It’s a declaration that we trust God more than we trust ourselves.

This is why soul-care is vastly different from the world’s version of self-care. The culture tells us to retreat, indulge, and numb. But soul-care invites us to be filled, to be known, to be nourished by the Living Water that never runs dry.

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” — Matthew 11:28

Mamas, wives, homemakers—this week, let’s consider our rhythms. Are we reacting in weariness or responding in wisdom? Are we pushing through, or pausing to pray? Are we managing our homes with panic or with purpose?

Three Ways to Build with Wisdom This Week:

  1. Start your day in the Word—even if it’s just one verse. Let the first voice you hear be the Lord’s.

  2. Anchor your daily routine with simple, repeated rituals: morning prayer, lunch around the table, evening read-alouds, Sunday prep—these are bricks of faith and peace.

  3. Practice true rest. This may look like turning off your phone for an hour, saying no to something extra, or simply going to bed on time. Rest is resistance to the world’s constant demand for more.

Takeaway: Pause this week and ask yourself, “Am I building with wisdom or reacting with weariness?” Then ask the Holy Spirit to guide your next step.

Want to dive deeper?
This week on the Raising Rices Podcast, we’re talking about Rhythms of the Home and how to embrace rest as a rhythm of worship, not just recovery.

You can also join us on YouTube for behind-the-scenes glimpses of our family rhythms and practical encouragement for your homemaking journey.

Together, let’s build what lasts—brick by brick, prayer by prayer, grace upon grace.

For His Glory,
Marissa

Harvesting with Wisdom: Stewarding the Seasons of Home

 

Harvesting with Wisdom: Stewarding the Seasons of Home

Proverbs 10:5 – “He who gathers in summer is a prudent son, but he who sleeps in harvest is a son who brings shame.”

Every season carries its own work. Farmers know this well—there is a time to plant, a time to tend, and a time to harvest. To ignore the rhythms of the land is to invite loss. Proverbs 10:5 reminds us that seasons are for stewarding, and the same is true in our homes and hearts.

We are not called to drift through the days, hoping things fall into place. We are called to gather. To be alert. To use the season we are in wisely, so that what has been planted does not go to waste.

Recognizing the Season You’re In

For some of us, fall is literally harvest season—gardens are yielding their final produce, and pantries are filling with jars of preserves. For others, harvest may look less tangible but no less important: seeing progress in your child’s reading, noticing your teenager leaning into deeper conversations, or feeling your home begin to hum with a new routine.

The question is not if you are in a season of gathering, but what you are called to gather.

Gathering Truth

As mothers and homemakers, we are constantly sowing seeds of truth. Harvest season is a reminder to gather them in—to reflect on what our children are learning about God, about His world, and about their place in it.

  • What Scriptures have we hidden in our hearts this season?

  • What conversations have pointed our children toward Christ?

  • Where do we need to gather more truth into our own hearts before we can pass it on?

Gathering Habits

Habits are like seeds—they grow slowly, often unseen, until they suddenly bear fruit. Harvest is a good time to evaluate the routines in our homes.

  • Which habits are helping our family grow in wisdom and grace?

  • Which ones need pruning or replacing?

  • Where might God be calling us to cultivate diligence, consistency, or rest?

Gathering Gratitude

A harvest season without gratitude is hollow. The point of gathering is not simply to fill barns but to lift hearts in thanksgiving to the Giver of every gift. Gratitude guards our homes against discontentment and orients our hearts toward joy.

  • Have we paused to thank God for His provision this season?

  • Are we teaching our children to see blessings in both the big and small?

Gathering Connection

Finally, harvest is a time to strengthen bonds. Just as families gather around tables filled with the fruit of the fields, we must gather relationally—with our children, our husbands, and our communities. True harvest is more than what we store up; it is who we draw near.

  • Do my children feel gathered into my presence, or pushed aside by my busyness?

  • Am I intentionally sowing connection in my marriage?

  • How can I draw our family closer to Christ as we gather with others?

A Prayer for Harvest Stewardship

“Lord, thank You for the season of harvest. Teach me to gather wisely in my home—truth, habits, gratitude, and connection. Let me not sleep through what You are providing, but awaken my heart to steward well the gifts You’ve entrusted. May this season of gathering prepare us for what is ahead, all for Your glory. Amen.”

Takeaway

This week, ask yourself: What needs harvesting in my home—truth, habits, gratitude, connection? Don’t let the season slip by unnoticed. Gather what God has grown.

Trusting Through the Unraveling

Trusting Through the Unraveling

Proverbs 3:5–6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.”

Homeschool plans change. Children get sick. Schedules unravel. Unexpected visitors arrive. The carefully mapped-out week suddenly feels like a maze you never signed up for. And in those moments, our hearts reveal what we’re leaning on.

Proverbs 3:5–6 reminds us that our steadiness is not rooted in flawless planning, but in faithful trusting.

The Call to Whole-Hearted Trust

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart.” Notice the scope—it’s not partial trust, or “trust Him with the big things and keep control of the small.” It’s an invitation to entrust every corner of our lives—homeschool lessons, homemaking rhythms, parenting challenges, marriage, finances—to the Lord.

This kind of trust is active, not passive. It doesn’t mean we stop planning altogether. It means we place our confidence not in the plan, but in the One who rules over it.

Why Our Own Understanding Isn’t Enough

As moms, we’re used to being problem-solvers. We can anticipate needs, smooth out rough mornings, and pivot when plans change. But Scripture warns us not to “lean on [our] own understanding.” Why? Because our perspective is limited.

We only see today. God sees eternity.
We only feel the pressure of the moment. God is weaving all things for His glory and our good.

Leaning on our own understanding often leads to worry, striving, or control. Leaning on God brings peace, even when the path looks crooked.

Acknowledging Him in All Our Ways

“In all your ways acknowledge Him.” This phrase doesn’t mean just thinking about God once in a while—it means actively submitting every area of life to His authority. It’s pausing in the middle of a hard day and saying, “Lord, I need You here.” It’s inviting Him into your homeschool plans, your homemaking chores, your parenting conversations.

Acknowledging Him keeps our hearts tender and our steps guided. And the promise is beautiful: “He will make straight your paths.” Straight doesn’t always mean easy, but it does mean purposeful. God directs our way, even through detours we never would have chosen.

Trust in the Unpredictable

Think of the last time your plans were completely upended. Maybe it was a sick child, a week of sleepless nights, or unexpected responsibilities. Did you feel your heart grasping for control—or did you rest in God’s presence?

The unpredictable seasons are not interruptions to God’s plan; they are invitations to trust Him more deeply.

A Prayer for Trust

“Lord, I surrender my plans to You. I confess how quickly I lean on my own understanding. Help me to acknowledge You in every step today—when lessons go smoothly and when routines unravel. Direct my paths, and steady my heart in Your presence. Amen.”

Takeaway

This week, surrender the outcomes and seek His presence in each step. Don’t lean on your own understanding—lean fully on Him.

Wisdom for the Weary: Receiving What God Freely Gives

Wisdom for the Weary: Receiving What God Freely Gives

Proverbs 2:6–7 – “For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; he stores up sound wisdom for the upright.”

If you’ve ever ended a homeschool day in tears, stared at a pile of laundry wondering where to begin, or wrestled with decisions about your children’s hearts, then you know how heavy the call of motherhood, homemaking, and homeschooling can feel. The pressure to “get it all right” is real. We feel the weight of being planner, teacher, homemaker, counselor, chef, chauffeur, and nurse—all rolled into one.

But here’s the good news: wisdom doesn’t come from us. It comes from God.

Wisdom Is a Gift, Not an Achievement

Proverbs 2 reminds us that the Lord gives wisdom. That means it’s not earned by the mom who reads the most parenting books, organizes the most Pinterest-perfect schedule, or buys the most complete curriculum. Wisdom is not an achievement we unlock; it is a gift God delights to give to His children.

Notice the verbs in these verses:

  • The Lord gives wisdom.

  • From His mouth come knowledge and understanding.

  • He stores up sound wisdom for the upright.

This means we don’t need to manufacture wisdom from our limited strength. We need to receive it, daily and humbly, from the One who has an endless storehouse.

Why We Feel the Pressure

One reason moms often feel crushed under the weight of responsibility is because we quietly assume that we are supposed to be the source. We think our families’ success depends on our foresight, our creativity, our endurance. And while planning and diligence matter, they were never meant to replace dependence.

When we try to parent, homeschool, or manage a home out of our own reserves, it’s like drawing water from a dry well. No wonder we feel exhausted. But when we seek wisdom from God, we tap into an overflowing spring.

Dependence Transforms Daily Life

When our posture shifts from self-reliance to God-dependence, the very same tasks take on a new peace:

  • Homeschooling: Instead of scrambling to feel adequate, we can rest knowing God is the One who imparts true understanding.

  • Homemaking: Instead of feeling like endless chores define us, we can see them as opportunities to apply wisdom in creating order and hospitality.

  • Parenting: Instead of carrying the crushing burden of “fixing” our children, we can prayerfully ask for wisdom to shepherd them in the right direction and trust God with their hearts.

Dependence doesn’t mean we stop working. It means we stop pretending the work is ours alone.

A Simple Prayer for Wisdom

What if every morning began with this simple prayer?

“Lord, give me Your wisdom for my family today.
I don’t know all the answers, but You do.
I don’t see the full picture, but You do.
Lead me, guide me, and steady me by Your Word.”

This kind of daily dependence shapes not only our own hearts, but also the atmosphere of our homes. Our children learn that strength is not about control, but about surrender. They see us walking in humility and trust, which is itself a powerful lesson.

Takeaway

You don’t have to be the source of wisdom for your home. God already is—and He gives freely. Pray each morning this week: “Lord, give me Your wisdom for my family today.”

A Battle Cry for Moms: Courage, Faith, and Raising the Next Generation in Dark Times

Friend, I don’t know about you, but when I heard the news of Charlie Kirk’s murder, my heart sank. It was one of those moments where evil feels close, like it isn’t just “out there” in the world, but pressing into our everyday reality. As moms, our minds immediately run to our kids—what kind of world are we raising them in? How do we prepare them for the darkness without letting fear grip their hearts?

I want to sit with you in this for a moment, because it’s okay to acknowledge the sadness. The grief is real, the concern is real, the ache of wondering about the future is real. But as Christian mothers, we don’t stop there. We lift our eyes higher. We remind one another that evil has been in this world since Cain rose up against Abel, but so has God’s plan of redemption. And that is where our hope anchors.

Living with Courage, Steadfastness, and Bold Faith

When I think about how to respond, I keep circling back to the kind of mothers God is calling us to be. We must be courageous—women who show our children that truth is worth standing for, even when it’s costly. We must be steadfast—unmoved when the storms of culture blow, showing our kids that Christ is our sure foundation. We must be bold—unashamed of the gospel, willing to speak the name of Jesus in a world that would rather silence it. And through it all, we must live with full dependence on Christ, not our own strength, with eyes set firmly on eternity.

This is the kind of motherhood that forms warriors in the faith. Not children who are reckless or bitter, but children who are strong, gentle, wise, and unshakably grounded in God’s Word.

The Eternal Perspective Changes Everything

Without Christ, the news of violence and tragedy only leads to despair. But with Christ, even the darkest headlines become a reminder of our true home. “For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come” (Hebrews 13:14).

When we parent with eternity in view, everything shifts. We stop obsessing over making life perfectly safe or comfortable, and instead we start asking: am I preparing my children to stand firm in faith? Am I teaching them to suffer well, to speak truth, to love their enemies, to cling to Christ above all else?

This doesn’t mean we don’t feel fear—it means when fear comes, we run to the Lord with it. “When I am afraid, I put my trust in You” (Psalm 56:3). Our kids need to see us doing that: mourning when tragedy strikes, yet lifting our eyes in trust, again and again.

Scriptures to Carry in Our Hearts

There are verses I keep close in times like these, and maybe you need them, too:

  • “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” — Joshua 1:9

  • “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” — 2 Timothy 1:7

  • “Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.” — 1 Corinthians 16:13

  • “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me.” — Psalm 23:4

These verses aren’t just ancient words—they are living promises. Let’s speak them over our homes, write them on our hearts, and remind our children of them daily.

Our Charge as Mothers

So here’s my battle cry for us, friend: let’s not raise fearful children. Let’s raise faithful ones. Let’s not let headlines shake our mission, but rather let them fuel it. Our homes are training grounds for the next generation of believers who will walk into a world that desperately needs the light of Christ.

Every bedtime prayer, every Scripture we read aloud, every moment we model repentance and forgiveness, every time we choose worship over worry—it all matters. God is shaping souls through your motherhood.

We can’t protect our kids from every evil, but we can prepare them to stand in the face of it. And we do that not by our own grit, but by leaning hard on Christ. He is faithful. He is enough. He is coming again.

So take heart, mama. Wipe your tears, steady your hands, and keep sowing truth into your children’s lives. Evil will not have the final word. Christ already does.

Rooted in Reverence: Beginning Our Homeschooling in the Fear of the Lord

Proverbs 1:7 – “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.”

When we think about education—especially homeschooling—our minds often jump straight to the tangible: schedules, lesson plans, curriculum choices, sharpened pencils, and stocked shelves of books. Those things are good and even necessary. Yet Scripture reminds us that they are not the foundation of true learning.

The beginning of all knowledge is not found in a textbook, planner, or teaching strategy—it is found in the fear of the Lord.

What Does It Mean to “Fear the Lord”?

The phrase can sound intimidating, especially to young ears, but biblically, the fear of the Lord is not a cowering terror. It is reverence, awe, and worship. It’s recognizing God as holy, sovereign, and infinitely wise. When we start from this posture, education takes on a higher purpose. We’re not merely transferring information from a book to a brain—we are discipling hearts and minds to see God as the source of truth in every subject.

  • In math, we see order, precision, and the beauty of God’s created logic.

  • In science, we observe the fingerprints of our Creator in every cell, star, and season.

  • In literature, we wrestle with the longings of the human heart and weigh them against the truth of God’s Word.

  • In history, we trace the rise and fall of nations, recognizing God’s providence over time.

When we begin with reverence, education becomes worship.

Why Reverence Must Come Before Planning

Moms (and dads), it is so easy to jump into our weeks with our minds on the tasks at hand: Who needs to finish their spelling? Did we order the right math manipulatives? How do I juggle the toddler’s needs and still explain long division?

But if our planning begins with us—our abilities, our strength, our strategies—we are building on shifting sand. Proverbs reminds us that fools despise wisdom and instruction. If we do not bow our hearts before the Lord first, we will subtly teach our children that education is man-centered instead of God-centered.

Reverence realigns us. Worship reorders our priorities. Before the planner is opened or the lesson is begun, our hearts need to be reminded: “This is about Him.”

Practical Ways to Begin in Worship

So how do we take this truth from theory to practice in our homes? Here are some ideas you might try this week:

  1. Start the day with Scripture together. Even a single verse read aloud and discussed can set the tone. Proverbs is a wonderful book for daily wisdom.

  2. Pray before lessons. Ask the Lord to help both you and your children to learn with humility and joy.

  3. Pause to worship in the middle of lessons. Did you just learn a new math concept that finally “clicked”? Praise God for granting understanding! Did your child observe something beautiful outside during nature study? Stop and give thanks together.

  4. Model humility. Let your children see you admitting when you don’t know something and seeking God for wisdom. That teaches more than any curriculum could.

  5. End with gratitude. At the close of your school day, name one way you saw God’s hand in your learning.

These practices don’t add hours to your day; they simply reframe it with reverence.

Encouragement for the Weary Heart

Maybe as you read this, you feel overwhelmed. Perhaps your homeschool feels chaotic, and the idea of starting with reverence sounds wonderful—but far from your current reality. Take heart, mama. God does not demand perfection in your home; He desires dependence.

The fear of the Lord is not a heavy burden but a freeing invitation. When we start with Him, we are reminded that the weight of education does not rest on our shoulders alone. He is the Giver of wisdom, the Author of knowledge, and the Sustainer of both teacher and student.

So this week, before you sharpen pencils, sharpen your focus on Him. Before you open the lesson plan, open His Word. Before you instruct your children, bow your heart in worship.

Takeaway: True wisdom begins in reverence. Let your homeschooling flow out of worship, not worry. Ask the Lord to realign your heart each morning and watch how He transforms not only your teaching but your children’s learning.

Embracing the Heart of Homeschooling Part 3 of our Discipleship Series with Guest Cherelle German

Embracing the Heart of Homeschooling
Part 3 of our Discipleship Series with Guest Cherelle German

What shapes the spirit of a home more than anything else? According to our guest Cherelle German, the answer is simple but profound: a mother’s heart. In this final installment of our podcast series on homeschooling and discipleship, we go beyond curriculum and co-ops—we go straight to the heart of motherhood itself.

In this heartfelt episode, Cherelle—a seasoned homeschooling mother, mentor, and voice of encouragement—joins me to share her personal journey into motherhood and the transformative calling of homeschooling. With honesty, wisdom, and grace, she speaks into the real struggles and sanctifying joys that come with raising children and educating them at home.

The Heart Work of Homeschooling

Motherhood is not just about managing meals, lesson plans, or laundry—it’s heart work. As Cherelle says, “A mother’s heart shapes the spirit of the home.” When our hearts are aligned with Christ, our homes become havens of peace, discipleship, and joy. But when our hearts are weary, anxious, or overwhelmed, it affects everything.

This episode dives deep into the importance of protecting, nurturing, and resetting our hearts. Whether through time in the Word, quiet reflection, or honest conversations with the Lord, moms must continually seek renewal. And the good news? “Every new day offers fresh mercies.”

Motherhood Is a Calling—Not a Competition

One of the most refreshing reminders in this conversation is that perfectionism is not the goal. Growth is. Homeschooling isn’t about picture-perfect days or perfectly behaved children—it’s about faithfulness. It’s about showing up with a willing heart, even when the sink is full and the math books are still closed at 11 a.m.

Cherelle reminds us that motherhood is a calling, not just a duty. When we embrace it as a sacred mission, our perspective shifts. Homeschooling becomes not just an educational choice, but a path of personal growth, sanctification, and Kingdom impact.

The Power of Community and Scripture

In a season when many moms feel isolated, this episode emphasizes the importance of community. Surrounding ourselves with like-minded, Christ-centered women gives us strength, support, and shared wisdom. We were never meant to walk this road alone.

And most importantly, Scripture remains our source of hope and clarity. God’s Word is a balm for weary hearts and a compass for confused minds. As Cherelle shares her go-to verses and the comfort she’s found in them, listeners are reminded that the Lord equips those He calls.

Listen to the Episode for Real Encouragement

If you’re in the thick of homeschooling, parenting, or just trying to find peace in your motherhood journey—this episode is for you. You’ll be uplifted, grounded, and reminded of the truth: God sees your labor, and He is working in and through it.

👉 Tune in to hear:

  • Cherelle’s personal journey into homeschooling

  • How to overcome selfishness in motherhood

  • Ways to reset your heart and mind with Scripture

  • Encouragement for weary moms who feel like giving up

  • Practical resources and words of wisdom for homeschooling families

You’re Not Alone in This Work

Motherhood and homeschooling can feel heavy—but they’re also rich with purpose. Each day, each lesson, and each heart-to-heart conversation is shaping eternity. As we wrap up this series, we pray you feel equipped and encouraged to keep walking this path with grace and intention.

Don’t forget to subscribe to the Raising Rices podcast so you never miss an episode, and follow along at RaisingRices.com for more Christ-centered resources.

And if you haven’t already, be sure to connect with Cherelle German and her ministry for ongoing encouragement and support in your homeschooling journey at embracehomeschool.com.