scripture

November 27, 2023 by Tricia Goyer

6 Quotes to Bring You Peace

I’m sharing these 6 quotes to bring you peace as well as a free printable!

6 Quotes to Bring You Peace

When All You Want to Do is Escape from Life

Yesterday, I was a bit overwhelmed (and that might be the understatement of a lifetime!).

I work from home as a writer, and I have a book deadline that is looming. When my husband is traveling for work, my kids are extra needy. (Insert LOTS of testing mom.)

Did I mention I’m also homeschooling? And I won’t dwell too long on my elderly grandmother who lives with our family and needs constant care, or our puppies who are still in the chewing phase. (I wish I were joking!)

When I sat down with my Bible, devotional book, and journal yesterday morning I was empty. If anyone wanted to escape from “life” at that moment, it was me. But as I began to dwell on God’s truths, everything began to change. I was reminded that Jesus never intended for me to carry my burdens alone.

Instead, this is what He had to say:

6 Quotes to Bring You Peace:

1. Come to me.

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” —Matthew 11:28 NIV

2. Cast ALL your anxiety.

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. —1 Peter 5:7 NIV

3. Do not worry.

Then Jesus said to his disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear.” —Luke 12:22 NIV

4. Do not be afraid.

Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you. —Deuteronomy 31:8

5. Do not be anxious about anything.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. —Philippians 4:6

I’m not sure when I got the idea that I had to handle everything myself. I’m pretty certain God didn’t set up “the perfect storm” and then sit back to watch, thinking, “Well, let’s see how she gets out of this one.”

Instead, God allows the hard stuff of life to happen in order for us to discover Him and lean into Him in the middle of our overwhelmed state.

This poem (written many years ago!) explains it perfectly.

Child of My love, lean hard,

And let Me feel the pressure of thy care;

I know thy burden, child, I shaped it;

Poised it in My own hand, made no proportion

in its weight to thine unaided strength;

For even as I laid it on, I said

I shall be near, and while he leans on Me,

This burden shall be Mine, not his;

So shall I keep My child within the circling

arms of My own love.

Here lay it down, nor fear to impose it on a

shoulder which upholds the government of

worlds.

Yet closer come; thou art not near enough;

I would embrace thy care so I might feel

My child reposing on My breast.

Thou lovest Me? I know it. Doubt not then;

But, loving Me, Lean Hard.

—May Prentiss Smith “Streams in the Desert”, September 12 Devotion

Today, print up this free printable and dwell on these Scriptures. Cast your cares on Him. Lean hard, and wait for peace to come!

As Robert J. Morgan writes in his devotional book All to Jesus:

“No problem is too small for His notice, none too large for His power. He’s concerned about each and every problem I have or would ever have, public or personal, large or little. He can handle them, and I should give them all to Him in total trust.”

Friend, will you give all your cares to Jesus in total trust? He’s waiting for that very thing. Lean in!

For you today,

Tricia Goyer

Journal Through the Bible Next Year!

Have you ever wanted to read through the Bible but found yourself giving up? Or even worse, you read the chapters and at the end question how they apply to your life. Tricia Goyer understands. For years she felt frustrated that she couldn’t stick to her commitment to reading God’s Word all the way through. Things changed when she found a doable plan and wrote out a daily prayer. Tricia’s heart changed. Her life did, too.

God can bring real transformation into your heart and life when you daily commit to reading your Bible and praying through God’s Word. Praying through the Bible in One Year offers a guided reading plan and a daily prayer starter to help you make God’s Word applicable to your life. Discover the inspiration for real-life transformation.

Purchase a copy of Praying Through the Bible in One Year HERE.

November 20, 2023 by Tricia Goyer 26 Comments

When You’re a Child of Divorce

I remember the first time I heard that a friend’s parents were getting a divorce.

I must have been 7 at the time, and I didn’t understand. Was that possible? People were allowed to do that? It didn’t seem right. More than that, it seemed wrong.

Growing up, I didn’t know my biological dad, and my mom married my stepdad when I was 4 so I remember little before him. They had a fine marriage, but there were always issues. Even as a kid I was aware of that. Money, church, friends, attitudes, other attractions, the chore of children… these things weighed on my parents. There were times I thought their marriage was over, but then they’d come back together again—until the time they didn’t.

I remember the moment my stepdad told me that he had filed divorce papers.

My parent’s divorce wasn’t unexpected, but my heart ached all the same. He’d been waiting to tell me because I was planning my own wedding. But the day he chose to tell me was my wedding day. Yes, my wedding day. He didn’t want me to be surprised, when I returned from my honeymoon, that he was living someplace else.

I can picture your dropped jaw; I felt the same shock and disbelief as I drove away later that day with my new husband. I was 18 years old and newly married, but something still felt wrong about my parents getting a divorce. I felt like a hurt kid inside.

For a child, things never seem “right” again after your parents divorce. It was weird to see my mom without my dad there. It seemed weird to have to go to two Christmas gatherings, two Thanksgivings. It’s the most unnatural thing in the world.

Another thing you can’t shake as a child of divorce is the feeling that it’s partly your fault.

I went through some very rocky years as a teenager, and I caused a lot of stress for my parents. During my junior year of high school, when my mom wondered if she should leave my stepdad and get her own apartment, I told her I thought she should. Even though my input had very little effect on their decision, I still feel guilty; It’ll always be there. There’s always a feeling that if I’d been a better kid it would have been easier for my parents to work it out.

The truth about being a child of divorce is that it hurts no matter how old you are. This is not how God created things. A commitment is a commitment, especially one made before God.

I’ve been thinking about this lately because if my generation has anything in common, it is our universal exposure to divorce—not only with our parents, but in our marriages. If you’re alive today, divorce has had a profound effect on you—financially, emotionally, morally, spiritually. Our lives are different because of what has happened in our country’s marriages.

And where does that leave us? As people who understand the pain and struggle, it’s our job to help strengthen marriages—those around us and our own. Sure, you might think your friend has a good excuse for divorce, but don’t encourage it.

Encourage forgiveness, grace, and reconciliation. Pray. Pray hard.

Pray for the couples out there, and pray for their children. We’ve seen enough hurting kids grow into hurting adults.

And if you’re considering a divorce yourself, I beg you to reconsider. The grass is not greener. Happiness is not found in someone else.

Love can be rekindled.

The best thing you can do for yourself and for your children is to give your marriage a second chance. Don’t think that walking away from your commitment will come without consequences. Don’t think you’re not going to break your children’s hearts.

If you don’t want to try again, take your hurt and pain to God. Tell Him that the love is gone and seek His help. Love can sprout where you think there is only dead, dry ground. God can do miracles, and He wants to start in your heart.

I promise.

God promises.

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10

Steps You can Take

Strengthen the marriages around you.
Encourage forgiveness.
Pray for couples and their kids.
Reconsider your own divorce.

Daily Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you for families and for marriage. Being married is a calling, and it’s hard work. Help my spouse and me to work through our differences and to show each other love and forgiveness. May our marriage encourage those around us who might be considering divorce.

In Jesus’ name, amen.

Resources You Might Like:

Are you new here? You might want to subscribe to my email updates, or follow me on Facebook, Pinterest, Google+, or Instagram.

November 1, 2023 by Tricia Goyer Leave a Comment

Give Your Kids a Spiritual Foundation

What type of spiritual heritage did you come from? What type of spiritual heritage do you pass on? Personally, my mother and grandmother accepted Christ when I was a child. The “before” and “after” of what God did in their lives is very clear in my mind. I saw the difference God made, and when I was heading down a dark path in my own life as a teenager, I turned to God, hoping He could make the same transformation in my life. He did!

It was only later—after I’d been a Christian for most of my adult life—I discovered my biological father’s side of the family has an amazing spiritual heritage of God-loving men and woman, including pastors, university chancellors, missionaries, and circuit preachers! The more I discovered my family’s history, the more I understood that God has been up to something.

Now, I get to be part of that spiritual heritage.

What about you? Do you understand your spiritual heritage? What about your kids? Do they understand theirs? If you don’t want your kids to wander, if you don’t want them to question their purpose on this earth, you have to give them a spiritual foundation.

What is not passed down is lost.

I have another example of this. My grandma is full-blooded Hispanic. Her parents were immigrants to the United States, and she grew up speaking Spanish. My great-grandmother spoke only Spanish, and my mother grew up speaking it, as well. But they didn’t pass it on. I only know about twenty Spanish words. I look Hispanic, but that’s about it. I’m sad for the heritage I’ve missed!

What are you passing on to your kids?

Take some time today and write down the top ten spiritual “wows” from your life. Here are some questions to get you started:

When did you accept Christ?
When did God answer a specific prayer?
When did God feel especially close?

Once you have your list, take time over the next few weeks to share your “God stories” with your children.

Welcome their questions. Feel free to add other “God stories” from people you know. Each story, each testimony, will be a brick in your child’s spiritual foundation.

Then, take it another step; help your child record his or her own spiritual milestones. Buy a journal or a notebook and create a spiritual journal with your child. In it, help them keep track of:

Date:

What God Did:

My Prayer:

My Praise:

The pages of this journal will be the glue that will hold your child’s foundation together. As the years pass, your child will become aware of God’s work in their world and in their lives.

Children will wander if we don’t teach them to stand on a strong, spiritual foundation.

October 30, 2023 by Tricia Goyer Leave a Comment

Praying God’s Word For Yourself and Your Child

Through the years I’ve seen how important it is to pray God’s word over and for my children. I’ve also watched how God moved in my kid’s hearts and lives when I shared the scriptures with them. That’s why I’ve made it a priority to read through the Bible each year and journal what God speaks to my heart through His word.

“I will both lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, Lord, make me live in safety.” Psalm 4:8

Lord, I am so thankful that you always watch over my child, even when she lies down in sleep. May my child always sleep peacefully with the knowledge of your care.

Is it your goal to read through the Bible in 2019? More than that, do you want to apply God’s will to your life and the life of your child? I’ve created some resources for that!

Daily Bread

First, my book Praying Through The Bible in One Year allows you to do both!

Praying Through the Bible in One Year is a Scripture Reading Plan and Guided Journal to help you read and apply God’s Word to your life.

My desire is for this journal to guide you as you seek God and His truth. It’s divided into three parts.

*Praying Through the Bible in One Year* interior pages.

1. A Scripture Reading Plan. This plan takes you from Genesis to Revelation. Reading four or five chapters a day, you’ll read through the whole Bible in one year! Each week has five days of reading, leaving the weekends for catch-up.

2. A Daily Scripture. Pause on these verses, read them closely, and consider how they can impact your prayers for your kids.

3. A Prayer Prompt. Through these prompts, you’ll focus on ways you can pray for your kids. Blank space is provided for you to continue the prayer or to write down other meaningful Scriptures that you read during the day’s reading.

Leave a Legacy

Second, I created a free course to help you master the skill of journaling through the Bible to create a Legacy Bible for your own children.

Join me as I guide you in sharing God’s Word with your children or grandchildren through the pages of your own journaling Bible. Through this free, 6-week course you’ll discover how to share your own personal reflections through the pages of God’s Word.

It’s such a meaningful way to pass on heartfelt prayers alongside your favorite Scripture passages, leaving a heritage of faith. Each journal entry will be a treasured gift to future generations.

Find Community

There’s no doubt about it, we need each other. God created us for community. That’s why I started a group for us to connect and share how He is moving in our lives through His word when my podcast The Daily Bible Podcast began. Every morning we post the daily verses and the word of the day, and we talk about how the Spirit spoke to us regarding that passage. Find it here!

Worth The Effort

Finally, I want to encourage you not to give up. The journal isn’t dated because I know how much pressure that can bring. Life happens. If you get off track one week, just pick up again the next week. God is more concerned with your desire to read His Word and connect with His heart than He is with your ability to complete a weekly task.

This is your journal concerning your prayers for your kids. If it takes you two years to read through the Bible, that will be wonderful! Know your efforts, whether over one year or two or more, will be worth it.

Pick up a copy for yourself and share with friends! May God’s Word transform each of us this year!

Order Praying Through The Bible in a Year here.

Are you new here? Follow me on Facebook, Pinterest, Google+, or Instagram.

Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” Read full privacy policy here.

October 16, 2023 by Tricia Goyer 5 Comments

7 Prayers to Say for Your Children

These 7 prayers to say for your children can help be a springboard for your prayer life. Do you need new words to guide your heart as you seek God for your family? Let these prayers guide you.

7 Prayers to Say for Your Children

I often pray for my children…

That they are healthy.

That they are safe.

Oh, that they are obedient.

The other day I was reading the Bible, and I came upon Philippians 1:9-11:

I pray that your love will overflow more and more,
and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding.
For I want you to understand what really matters,
so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return.
May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation—
the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ—
for this will bring much glory and praise to God. (NLT)

As I read it I thought: This is a perfect Scripture to pray for my kids. And they are perfect prayers to say for your children.

I’ve broken this prayer into seven days, and I found other Scriptures to pray too. Won’t you join me?

Sunday: Pray for love that overflows

Lord, may the love of _______ increase and overflow for those in our family and for everyone else. (1 Thessalonians 3:12)

Monday: Pray for growth in knowledge

Lord, may _______ grow to love your Word. May the heart of _______ trust your commands. May _______ seek good judgment. Fill _______ with the knowledge of your will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives. (Psalm 119:66, Colossians 1:9)

Tuesday: Pray for understanding of what really matters

Lord, may _______ know your will and understand what is right because of your law. May _______ not copy the behavior and customs of this world, but be transformed into a new person through changed thoughts and through knowing your perfect and pleasing will. (Romans 2:18, Romans 12:2)

Wednesday: Pray for a pure and blameless life

Lord, may _______ keep firm in faith, staying pure and blameless, until the end. May the good work you started in _______ carry on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. May _______ hold firmly to the word of life, so life’s labor will not be in vain. (1 Corinthians 1:8, Philippians 1:6, Philippians 2:6)

Thursday: Pray for the fruit of salvation

Lord, may _______ be like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. May _______ delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night. And because of your word planted deep, may whatever _______ do prosper. (Psalm 1:2-3)

Friday: Pray for righteous character and for a life in Jesus

Lord, may _____ be a peacemaker who sows in peace and reaps a harvest of righteousness. Lord, may your name be honored because of the life of _______. I know this is only possible because of your grace. May love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control flow out of the life of _______ because of your spirit within. (James 3:18 2 Thessalonians 1:12, Galatians 5:22-23)

Saturday: Pray for glory and praise to God

Lord, may _______ produce much fruit so that you may be glorified. May the life of _______ be for your praise and glory, because of hope put in you. (John 15:8, Ephesians 1:14)

As parents, it’s important to pray for our kids, and I’m so thankful that God has given us His Word as a foundation to do just that! He has given you prayers to say for your children!

Enjoy this free printable 7 Prayers to Say for Your Children:

I hope these prayers to say for your children are as helpful to you as they have been for me! Do you have any that you would like to add? Let me know!

~Tricia

More Resources from Tricia Goyer:

Prayers the Changed History (pre-order today!)

Praying for Your Future Husband (for teens girls)

Whit’s End Mealtime Devotions (for families)

Balanced (for busy moms)

September 27, 2023 by Tricia Goyer Leave a Comment

When Saying No is the Best Thing For Your Faith

I’ve discovered that when I’m too busy with too many things, I turn to God for strength. He is faithful to provide it, but there is so much more of God that I’m missing out on. There is a relationship that only comes when I am still with Him, when I dig deep into His presence. I love this quote by Henri Nouwen:

“So we try to do more while our energies ebb away and we become like uprooted trees with our roots wildly groping for the sky. Thus we anxiously throw our arms toward heaven, praying for extra grace and special enabling, when instead we should be planted again in nourishing soil. That soil is not meant to make us do less, but to change our priorities so that we take time to be still. And in the stillness, find new strength and hope.”

When we say “no” to busy things, we say “yes” to the best thing—time with God.

And when we have time with God, He is able to direct our priorities. He will show us what is vital, what is important, and what can be cut. God will guide our answers to the requests that come our way. He sees things with an eternal perspective and can help us do the same. Sure, we may get kudos from others when we work our tails off, but wouldn’t you rather get kudos from God?

When we first adopted, our family’s only weekly commitments were work, school, and Sunday church. It was a good feeling. The kids went to bed early, and John and I had time to connect. We were still in the “adjustment” time with the new kids. Everyone needed this time to adjust to being a family without the busy-ness of life getting in the way.

Have faith that God will direct you toward the priorities that align with His.

During that first year, I was asked if I would serve in the toddler Sunday school class over the summer. I quickly answered no. I knew for that season, I had my priorities of our adopted kids and our vacation travel. It wasn’t until an hour later that I asked my husband if I had answered too quickly.

“No, I’m proud of you,” he told me. “You know what’s important, and you told her you could help in the fall.” Because I’d spent time with God, He directed my priorities. I’d answered—not out of selfishness, but out of an understanding of what He’d called me to; bringing children into our home and helping them heal.

I used to be the worst at saying “no” until I realized the greatest “yes”—Jesus.

I no longer feel I have to be the person everyone else can count on. Instead, I strive to be still before Jesus and make sure He can count on me as I count on Him.

Are you new here? You might want to subscribe to my email updates, or follow me on Facebook, Pinterest, Google+, or Instagram.

August 28, 2023 by Tricia Goyer 2 Comments

How to Breathe God-Messages and Find Inspiration

How to Breathe God-Messages

Where do you go for inspiration? Sometimes I sit down with my journal. Other times I take a walk or take a bath. Today I found inspiration from Facebook and hymns. Honestly!

Facebook is always interesting, but when I read through my feed today I noticed a few things:

Death, loss, and moms struggling with anxiety. I saw needs . . . lots of needs. I saw friends and acquaintances who need a fresh dose of encouragement and hope.

Inspiration means “breath of God.” Sometimes when inspiration hits I’m able to do fun work. I’m able to write a moving chapter in my novel or pen a short story for a magazine. But sometimes God’s breath takes me to harder places where I feel others’ hurt deep in my chest.

Inspiration isn’t always light and fluffy. (Don’t we wish it was!) And sometimes creativity comes so that we can offer just the right words, messages, or images to hurting friends.

Here are 5 ways to breathe God-messages:

Start with God’s Word. God’s Word is truth and is where all creativity comes from. Read meaningful passages and delve into the creativity of God’s Word. I love the poetry of Psalms. The word images always inspire me!
Pray for God’s inspiration. “The Sovereign LORD has given me a well-instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being instructed,” Isaiah 50:4 (NIV). Pray that God will give you a well-instructed tongue to inspire and bless someone else.
Fill yourself up first. Before I even opened Facebook I spent time with God. I read numerous chapters from the book of John. I marveled at the compassion Jesus had for those who dared to trust Him. My heart grew thankful over His compassion for me, and soon my full heart was ready to spill out.
Pray for words, messages, or images that can be a gift to others. “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver,” we read in Proverbs 25:11. Those “words” can be shared in numerous ways!
Find creative ways to share God’s truth. This morning my heart was drawn to creating a visual message for so hurting friends. This is what I came up with:

I don’t know who is going to see this graphic. I don’t know how these words will speak to hurting hearts. All I know is that God inspired me this morning, and creativity flowed. From the stirring that I feel deep within, I imagine it’ll keep flowing. That’s how creativity works, isn’t it? Once you prime the pump, it’s amazing what comes out!

What about you? How do you get inspired? How many God-messages has He given you lately to share?

Steps You can Take

Spend time with God, praying for God’s inspiration.
Do something to feed your creative soul.
Let the creativity spill out through words, through music, through art.
Share your message (God’s message through you) with others.

Daily Prayer

Dear Lord,

Thank you for the creativity and inspiration you give us. I pray that you would continue to inspire me daily so that I can breathe your messages to those around me in need.

In Jesus name, amen.

Resources You Might Like:

The Creative Life
A Million Little Ways

July 17, 2023 by Tricia Goyer Leave a Comment

It’s Time to Get Creative, Mom.

As a writer, I know all about creativity. I know how essential it is to be creative. I know how fun it can be. I also know what it’s like to be at a loss for creativity. Even as a mom, creativity is important. Combine the needed creativity for being both a mom and a writer . . . well, it’s tough to come by.

When there are people and paperwork and piles to manage…
When I look around my house and see the walls that need to be painted and the cupboards that should be organized…
When my inbox is cluttered with notes I need to answer about work stuff and volunteer stuff…
When output is more than input…
…my creativity well often runs dry.

What can you do when you need an extra “spark” of inspiration?

Here are a few things I do.

Call a funny friend.

Sit outside. Breathe in fresh air.

Listen to birds sing. Watch busy ants.

Open a book of poetry or rent an audio book of poetry from the library. Absorb the symbolism and fresh word combinations.

Open a cookbook to a random page, then go shopping for the needed ingredients. (And then cook it!)

Go to YouTube.com and watch old dance numbers like this one.

Visit Etsy and take their taste test. This is one of my favorites. I love the fresh colors, textures, and ideas.

Play with Visuwords. Follow word trails and see where they lead you.

Have a visual feast on iStock Photo. (It’s also a great place for gathering inspiration for novel settings and characters or blog ideas.)

Pray and thank God for His creativity. Thank Him for your favorite places, people, tastes, and the beauty of nature.

Read your favorite Bible verses in a translation or paragraph you normally don’t read. Here is my favorite Bible verse in The Message (Zephaniah 3:17): “Don’t be afraid. Dear Zion, don’t despair. Your God is present among you, a strong Warrior there to save you. Happy to have you back, he’ll calm you with his love and delight you with his songs.”

Write a greeting card verse and e-mail it to a special person. Or better yet, browse creative sites (like MarthaStewart.com) for card ideas and make your own.

Sometimes what we need is simply a break in our day from the mundane tasks of life.

These tips are perfect for breaking up a routine. Who knows? You might end up inspired to finish writing that blog or to tackle that inbox.

Prayer

God, thank you for being the source of all creativity. Allow today to be inspired with fresh ideas and new creativity.

Looking for More Ways to Get Creative?

Check out my book Balanced: Finding Center as a Work-at-Home Mom!

More Resources

A More Beautiful Question: The Power of Inquiry to Spark Breakthrough Ideas by Warren Berger

Creativity by Matthew Fox

Creative Block: Get Unstuck, Discover New Ideas. Advice & Projects from 50 Successful Artists by Danielle Krysa

Creativity Workout: 62 Exercises to Unlock Your Most Creative Ideas by Edward De Bono

May 10, 2023 by Tricia Goyer Leave a Comment

10 Surprising Habits for a Heart Happy Life

A Guide to Boosting Happiness and Nurturing Your Soul

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to become overwhelmed and lose sight of what truly matters. We can get caught up in the demands of work, family, and daily responsibilities. We forget to take time for ourselves, our hearts, and our spiritual well-being.

Cultivating a happy heart and nurturing our souls are essential for a fulfilling life. In my book Heart Happy, I share 10 surprising habits to help us do that. Incorporating these habits into our daily routines can boost our happiness and strengthen our faith while enjoying a more fulfilling and meaningful life.

You might be surprised to learn that some of the most effective strategies are simple and easy to implement!

10 Habits for a Heart Happy Life

1. Practice Gratitude: “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:18. Taking time each day to reflect on what you’re grateful for can help shift your mindset and cultivate a more positive outlook.

2. Connect with Nature: “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” – Psalm 19:1. Spending time outdoors, whether it’s going for a walk in the park or hiking in the woods, can help reduce stress and boost your mood.

3. Practice Mindfulness: “Be still, and know that I am God.” – Psalm 46:10. Mindfulness practices, such as meditation or yoga, can help you stay focused, even amid a busy day.

4. Nurture Your Relationships: “Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.” – Romans 12:10. Cultivating solid and supportive relationships with friends and family can help you feel more connected and fulfilled.

5. Engage in Creative Pursuits: “In the beginning, God created…” – Genesis 1:1. Pursuing creative activities, such as painting or writing, can help you tap into your inner creativity and boost your self-expression.

6. Prioritize Self-Care: “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own.” – 1 Corinthians 6:19. Taking time to care for yourself through exercise, getting enough sleep, or indulging in a relaxing bath can help you feel more centered and grounded.

7. Learn Something New: “Whoever gives thought to the word will discover good, and blessed is he who trusts in the Lord.” – Proverbs 16:20. Learning a new skill or taking up a new hobby can help you feel more accomplished and fulfilled.

8. Practice Forgiveness: “And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.” – Mark 11:25. Letting go of grudges and resentments can help free you from negative emotions and promote a greater sense of inner peace.

9. Give Back to Others: “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” – 1 Peter 4:10. Volunteering or performing acts of kindness can help you feel more connected to your community and promote a greater sense of purpose.

10. Embrace God: “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.” – Proverbs 3:5-6. Whether through prayer, meditation, or other spiritual practices, nurturing your spiritual life can help you feel more grounded and connected to God.

By incorporating these habits into your daily routine, you can boost your happiness and nurture your soul, all while strengthening your faith. While they may seem simple, these practices have been shown to profoundly impact our well-being. So why not give them a try and see how they can transform your life?

Don’t miss my book, Heart Happy, available here!

Additional Resources:

Introducing Heart Happy by Tricia Goyer, the perfect guide to finding joy and peace amidst the chaos of life. As a busy mom of ten, author, speaker, and caregiver, Tricia knows firsthand the importance of soul care and finding happiness from within. In Heart Happy, she shares her journey to cultivating a happy heart rooted in God’s love and provides practical tips and encouragement for readers to do the same. Whether you’re overwhelmed or need inspiration, Heart Happy will help you find the peace and joy you deserve. Don’t miss out on this life-changing book. Get your copy of Heart Happy today!

May 8, 2023 by Tricia Goyer 8 Comments

How to Trust God

She didn’t expect life to turn out like this. For the last few years she’d grown in her trust in and relationship with God. She’d been a strong support for her family. She’d thought she’d done everything right . . . but had God even noticed? Standing at her brother’s funeral she didn’t think so. Surely God could have stopped this tragedy. Didn’t Jesus care?

The “she” I’m talking about is Martha in the Bible. She’d seen Jesus heal, yet when her family needed his touch, Jesus was a no-show. Most of us know the biblical story about how Jesus finally showed up a few days later and called Lazarus from the grave. It was a healing they hadn’t expected, and I can guess that Martha went to sleep that night with a new sense of trust. Maybe Jesus knew what He was doing. Maybe she could truly trust Him after all.

Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this, Martha?” John 1:25-26

Jesus has asked me the same things many times—not with an audible voice, but in my spirit.

Do you believe? Do you trust me?

Do you trust I gave your child a strong will for a reason?

Do you trust this cross-country move is best for your family?

Do you trust I can do the work through you when you can’t imagine doing it yourself?

Do you trust this personal struggle of yours will be for your benefit—to cause you to turn to me, to need me, to surrender to me?

Do you trust?

In our lives, trust comes when we can’t see how God is going to bring any good out of the mess we’re in . . . and He does. Trust comes when our heart is breaking and Jesus shows up.

“Yes, Lord,” she told him. “I have always believed you are the Messiah, the Song of God, the one who has come into the world from God.” John 11:27

Martha believed in her mind. But after she embraced her warm, fleshly, laughing brother, trust moved to her heart.

In my life there was a moment when I was seventeen and pregnant, when Jesus showed up in my depressed state and gave me a glimmer of hope. Deep inside I knew that He would be there for me.

Many, many times over the years He’s shown up again in dark moments. As I watch Him transform rejection, pain, hopelessness, and worry into avenues to extend His love and grace to me and to others, my trust grows.

Learning to trust reminds me of the broken, hurting children we’ve invited into our home over the years. John and I are a constant presence guiding them, loving them, embracing them, discipling them, and sharing our lives with them – but trust didn’t happen in one day, one week, or even six months.

Trust has grown when our children discover layers of love, grace, and help in everyday challenges. When they mess up, feel stuck, or find themselves overwhelmed, they’ve discovered we’re still there. And we’ll continue to show them how to do life in a loving, healthy way.

The only way to learn to trust God is to face each dark situation knowing that Jesus WILL show up. It may not be when we expect, or how we expect, but we can expect Him.

And when Jesus shows up, He’s going to behave in a way that’s different that we believe He will. He’s not going to give us what we think we need, but what we really need. Mostly, He’s going to give us Himself.

“If you’ll hold on to me for dear life,” says God, “I’ll get you out of any trouble. I’ll give you the best of care if you’ll only get to know and trust me. Call me and I’ll answer, be at your side in bad times; I’ll rescue you, then throw you a party. I’ll give you a long life, give you a long drink of salvation.” Psalm 91:14-16 (The Message)

How have you learned to trust God in your life?

Additional Resources:

Want to learn more about soul care and having a Happy Heart? Heart Happy: Staying Centered in God’s Love through Chaotic Circumstances will inspire you to stay tethered to the Lover of your soul. By taking time to make your heart happy in the Lord, you’ll grow closer to the Heavenly Father, fostering true transformation from the inside out. Peace and joy can be yours—no matter what life dishes up.

Building up Your Faith When Your World is Falling Apart — Tricia chats with author Michele Cushatt about making sure your faith is strong when times are hard.

May 1, 2023 by Tricia Goyer 12 Comments

6 Ways to Find Joy in Your Day {Printable!}

6 Ways to Find Joy in Your Day {Printable!}

As a homeschooling mom, I’ve had kids at home for 32 years. This means noisy days, busy days, and these kids-are-giving-me-a-headache days.

I’ve been homeschooling for 28 years and still have another seven years to go! Does that seem overwhelming? It would have been if I hadn’t discovered something amazing: JOY!

Over the last year, God has spoken to my heart and encouraged me to find joy in everyday living.

Joy, even though the laundry is piled high.

Joy, even though the kids are cranky.

Joy when work deadlines are pressed.

Joy when I have a headache when my feet hurt, and when I just want a nap. (Which happens often!)

But how do you find joy in your day?

Here are 6 ways … and a Scripture verse for each!

1. Thank God for each new morning.

A thankful heart goes a long way. Daily when I wake God, instead of looking at everything I have to do, I thank him for who I am and what I have.

Thank you, God, that I’m your daughter, and I have a place in your eternal home.

Thank you, God, that I’m a wife and mother.

Thank you, God, for the pile of laundry and all the clothes you’ve provided for us.

Thank you, God, for the dishes still in the sink from last night. We went to bed with full bellies.

2. Turn on worship music.

I love listening to worship music as I read my Bible and journal in the morning. I put on popular Christian songs as we homeschool. I also listen to Christian music as I write. I love using apps like Spotify or Amazon Prime Music to help me find great music. I also sing along! Singing songs of joy helps sorrows (and frustrations) to disappear!

3. Ask God to remind me what His kingdom is all about.

In life, I want to be comfortable. I want my house to be Pinterest-worthy. I want my kids to shine. But when I think about God’s kingdom, He helps me understand Kingdom Work. Opening my door to neighbors. Sharing God’s truth with young moms. Calling a friend who’s going through a hard time. Playing a board game with my kids instead of putting away the laundry. The Kingdom is about people and hearts–not tasks!

4. Seek the Holy Spirit.

When did I ever start thinking that I have to handle life alone? God has given us His Holy Spirit to fill, work through, and give us peace. Stopping to pray and ask for God’s Holy Spirit to help me makes a huge difference. The Holy Spirit gives me joy when I have none.

The Holy Spirit gives me joy when I have none. @TriciaGoyer

Click To Tweet

5. Join the kids in praising God.

The best thing about having three little kids is that they LOVE to praise God. We have “Jesus dance parties” often. We put on kids praise song, clap our hands and dance and sing. They love it, and seeing their joy makes me more joyful.

6. Thank God for troubles.

The honest truth is that without troubles, I wouldn’t need God. If everything went smoothly in life I wouldn’t pray or praise as often. When I thank God for troubles, I remind myself that He has everything in control. As the Scriptures say, troubles are an opportunity for joy!

I hope you print and use these Scriptures in your day. I’ve found them very helpful.

Download here.

How about you? What do you do to find joy in your day? What’s your favorite Scripture about joy?

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, today I pray for my friend. I pray that she may find joy in you. I pray that Your Word will draw her heart to you. I thank you for your Holy Spirit that can plant joy deep in our hearts, even when there are struggles all around.

More Resources

14 Ways to Create a Joyful Family
How to Joyfully Share a Life
3 Ways to Lose Guilt and Find Joy
Heart Happy by Tricia Goyer
When I Don’t Desire God: How to Fight for Joy by John Piper
A Faith That Will Not Fail by Dan Lord