Maybe you prayed about it. Maybe you confessed it. Maybe you truly believed you had victory over it. And then—sometimes just an hour later—it shows up again. It can feel a little like playing whack-a-mole with your sin. You push it down, and suddenly it pops back up somewhere else.

If you’ve experienced that, you’re not alone. What you’re experiencing is part of something the Christian life calls sanctification.

Read the transcript for this episode.

Salvation, Sanctification, and Glorification

Many of us grew up hearing a lot about salvation—and rightly so. Salvation is the moment when we recognize our need for God to rescue us from our sin and by grace He gives us new life through Christ. But salvation is not the end of the story.

In the Christian life, there are three main stages:

Salvation – the moment we accept God’s grace and forgiveness.
Sanctification – the lifelong process of becoming more like Jesus.
Glorification – the day we are finally in Heaven with Christ and free from sin completely.

Sanctification is that long middle season. It’s the bookends between salvation and heaven.

And here’s the hard truth: it’s not a one-and-done process. It takes time.

The Sanctification Process: Becoming More Like Jesus

Sanctification simply means becoming more like Jesus. It’s the process of laying down what we want and choosing what God desires instead.

One verse that gives me so much encouragement in this process is:
And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:6 (ESV)

God began the work in us, and He is the one who will complete it. Our role is to keep showing up—to keep walking with Him as He changes us from the inside out.

Heart Change vs Behavior Change

One of the most important things to understand about sanctification is that God is not simply fixing behavior. He desires to change the heart – mind, soul, and spirit.

Behavior modification can work for a short time. We can hold it together for a week or so if we really try. But sanctification is deeper than that. It’s when the Holy Spirit begins reshaping what we love, what we value, and how we respond.

For example, a parent may struggle with anger when the house is messy or children are arguing. Over time, God may reveal that the anger is connected to a deeper issue—like a desire to control the environment or the people around us. As God works on the heart, the response begins to change.

Instead of reacting in frustration, we respond with patience. Instead of snapping, we choose to have calm communication. That’s the fruit of sanctification.

Spiritual Habits That Help Growth

While God is the one doing the transforming work, there are a few habits that help keep our hearts pointed in the right direction.

• Time in God’s Word
  Reading Scripture keeps truth in front of us when the world is constantly telling us something different.
• Prayer
  Not just quick prayers during the day, but honest conversations with God about what is happening inside our hearts.
• Christian Community
  We need other believers who love us enough to speak truth, encourage us, and walk alongside us.

How Everyday Life Shapes Holiness

With our inner compass set toward God, even the most ordinary parts of life become tools for our growth. Parenting is a not-so-fun example.

Many parents enter the journey believing that if they do everything correctly, they can control the outcome of their children’s lives. But eventually we realize something important: every person has a sinful heart.

We can guide our children, teach them, and point them toward truth, but we cannot remove their sinful desires. Only God can do that.

Those parenting struggles often become tools God uses to refine us. Sometimes it feels like gentle sandpaper. For me it has sometimes felt more like a table saw. But I can trust that God doesn’t waste any pain.

Grace That Fuels the Journey

Another key part of sanctification is learning to respond quickly when we realize we’ve sinned. Instead of ignoring it or planning to deal with it later (I’ll start on Monday…), we can immediately turn to God and confess it. That also includes apologizing to the people around us when our sin affects them.

For parents especially, this becomes a powerful moment of discipleship. When children see a parent admit mistakes, ask forgiveness, and turn back to God, they learn what humility and grace look like.

And here is some good news! God’s grace is abundant. When sin reappears and discouragement sets in, the first step is not shame—it’s returning to Him. Every time we recognize sin and turn back to God, we are experiencing His grace again.

But that grace isn’t meant to keep us comfortable in sin. Instead, it invites us to keep growing, keep pursuing Christ, and keep becoming more like Him.

What To Do When You Feel Stuck

But maybe you feel stuck in the sanctification process. You’re praying the same prayers. You’re asking God for change. But it feels like nothing is moving. These seasons can feel like a desert.

But often these are the seasons where the deepest growth happens. When we finally realize we cannot fix ourselves, we begin to depend completely on God. And that dependence is exactly where real change begins.

A Lifelong Race Toward Christ

Scripture often describes the Christian life as a race. Not a sprint. A marathon.

Every day we face choices. Will I choose my way, or God’s way?

Some days we stumble. Some days we run well. But through it all, God continues shaping us.

And the song of sanctification slowly becomes the song of our hearts: Make me more like You, Jesus.

Easter is right around the corner, whether you have been preparing for this day or it has slipped up on you, the ABCJesusLovesMe website contains a plethora of simple ideas to help explain the importance of this holiday to children. Choose a fun Easter idea today!

    

When the hands aren’t ready, a child often compensates with awkward grips—holding the utensil in a full fist, wrapping extra fingers around it, or resting it on a weak finger. Over time, these habits become ingrained and harder to change. Introducing the right tools in the proper order helps the hands naturally build the strength and control needed for successful writing.

Let’s walk through the simple progression that prepares a child’s hands for confident handwriting.

Fine Motor Skills Must Develop Before Writing Utensils

Before a child can hold a pencil well, the small muscles in the fingers must grow strong. These muscles are called fine motor skills, and they develop through everyday play like:

• Picking up Cheerios or small pieces of food
• Building with blocks
• Tearing paper
• Playing with play dough
• Stringing beads

Without strong finger muscles, the hand cannot control a writing tool properly. Instead of using the fingers to move the tool, the child may move the entire arm, press too hard or light on the paper, or hold the utensil incorrectly to compensate.

This is why writing tools should match the strength level of the child’s hands.

Some linked items are affiliate links. This means that this ministry receives an itty-bitty commission if you choose to purchase through these links.

Why Egg Crayons Are the First Step

Egg crayons are the perfect first coloring tool. Their shape encourages a child to grasp them using the whole hand rather than the fingers.

This larger grip is developmentally appropriate for young children who are still building hand strength. Instead of worrying about holding the crayon “correctly,” the child focuses on exploring color and movement. This stage is about building cause and effect, comfort, and confidence, not handwriting.

Why Broken Crayons Are the Next Step

Once the child has gained some hand strength and is no longer placing items in their mouth, broken crayons or rock crayons become one of the best tools for developing proper grip.

A small crayon cannot be held with the entire fist or incorrectly. Instead, the child must naturally use the thumb, index, and middle fingers to control it. This encourages the development of the tripod grasp, where the strongest three fingers guide the crayon.

Broken crayons also help the child:

• Use smaller, controlled movements
• Strengthen finger muscles
• Improve coordination between the hand and brain

Because the crayon is short, the child is almost forced into a basic grip without being told how to hold it.

Tripod Grasp

The tripod grasp is the best grasp for writing, using the three strongest fingers to control the writing tool:

• Thumb
• Index finger
• Middle finger

The pencil rests on the middle finger while the thumb and index finger guide movement.

This grip allows the child to:

• Move the pencil with small, controlled motions
• Write for longer periods without fatigue
• Improve accuracy and letter formation

Because the fingers do the work instead of the arm, writing becomes more efficient and comfortable.

The goal is for the fingers to naturally use the tripod grasp when the child moves from broken crayons to short pencils. If the grip isn’t yet stable, continue fine motor activities and allow the child to keep using broken crayons to prevent the development of bad habits.

Why Markers Are Not Ideal for Young Children

Markers are popular, but they are not ideal for developing strong writing skills.

Most markers have long, thick barrels that make it easy for a child to grip them with the entire fist. Because markers glide easily across the paper, the fingers do very little work. This means the child can color for a long time without actually strengthening the small muscles needed for writing. This is why as adults we love smooth, gel pens!

Markers also encourage children to:

• Use the whole arm instead of the fingers
• Press too lightly to build fine motor strength
• Maintain immature or improper grips for longer

While markers are fun occasionally, they should not be the main tool used when developing early writing skills.

Preparing the Hand for a Lifetime of Writing

Handwriting success does not begin with worksheets or perfect letters. It begins with strong fingers.

By giving the child the right tools at the right time—egg crayons, broken crayons, and eventually short pencils—you allow the hand to develop naturally.

And when the hand is ready, writing becomes something the child can do with confidence instead of frustration.

Do Something Different

Turn tears into smiles with the unique ABCJesusLovesMe Handwriting Curriculum.  The key to successful penmanship is in the process – a process where each level is a building block for the next. Ideal for both classroom or home use, prepare the child for a lifetime of beautiful penmanship. Discover More

    

Materials Needed:

1. Brown paper bag or packing paper
2. Scissors
3. Rolling pin
4. Brown watercolor paint
5. Paintbrush
6. Pencil
7. Glue (if using paper towel rolls)
8. Optional: Fruit rolls for an edible twist

Creating a Scroll

Step 1: Prepare the Paper
Start by cutting a brown paper bag or packing paper into a long rectangle. Now, here’s where the fun begins! Scrunch up the paper into a ball and then carefully smooth it out – using a rolling pin adds extra fun. Repeat this scrunching and smoothing process several times until wrinkles cover much of the paper, giving it a rustic and aged appearance.

Step 2: Add Color
Once your paper resembles an ancient parchment, it’s time to add some color. Using a paintbrush, coat the paper with brown watercolor paint. Allow it to dry completely before moving on to the next step.

Step 3: Create the Scroll Effect

Take your painted paper and curl the ends around a pencil. Then, tightly roll the paper to create the scroll effect. If your rectangle is exceptionally long, you may wrap and glue the paper around paper towel rolls for added stability.

Step 4: Personalize Your Scroll

With your scroll formed, it’s time to add the finishing touch. Write a verse or thought on the scroll that complements the Bible story or theme you’re exploring. The child will enjoy opening and reading the verse to friends and family.

Step 5: Optional Edible Scrolls

For an extra special treat, consider using fruit rolls to create edible scrolls. Kids will love crafting and snacking on these tasty creations!

Connecting Craft with Bible Stories

This craft perfectly complements the Bible story of Little King Josiah, as taught in the ABCJesusLovesMe Old Testament Curriculum and 4 Year Interactive Bible Stories. As children create their scrolls, they can reflect on the lessons learned from King Josiah’s story and how they apply to their own lives. Here are other references to “scroll” in the Bible.

• Jeremiah (multiple verses)
• Revelation (multiple verses)
• Ezekial (multiple verses)
• Numbers 5:23
• Job 19:23
• Isaiah (multiple verses)
• Psalm 40:7, 56:8
• Ezra 6:2
• Zechariah 5:2
• Luke 4:17-20
• Hebrew 10:7
• Daniel 12:4
• Deuteronomy 17:18

Crafting scrolls with kids not only sparks their imagination but also provides an opportunity for meaningful reflection and connection to important lessons. So, gather your supplies, unleash your creativity, and embark on a crafting adventure that’s sure to put a smile on the child’s face!

Embark on a Journey of Faith

Are you ready to embark on an incredible journey of faith and discovery with your child or students? Look no further! Our Old and New Testament Curriculum Bundle is the perfect companion for home, preschool, or church Sunday School or mid-week meeting Bible learning. It’s time to immerse your little ones in the enriching world of biblical stories and truth.

    

When I read the statement that sitting all day is the new smoking, I knew something needed to change.

After talking with many of you, I realized I wasn’t the only one struggling with this. So today I’m stepping away from my usual posts to share the changes I’ve made this year and what I’ve learned along the way.

Some linked items are affiliate links. This means that this ministry receives an itty-bitty commission if you choose to purchase through these links.

Adding a Walking Treadmill to My Desk

The first change I made was purchasing a walking treadmill – something small, portable, and affordable.

After quite a bit of research, I chose a walking pad with a speed range from 0.6 to 3.8 mph, which is perfect for walking while typing. It’s lightweight and easy to move from under my desk to behind the couch when I’m done working.

One feature that really stood out to me was the 6% incline, which adds a little extra challenge without making it difficult to type. I also appreciated the remote and app controls. Some walking pads require a watch, and I didn’t want another device to wear.

Walking pads are definitely designed for walking—not running—but for my purposes it has been a great fit. I placed a thick yoga mat that I had – cut to size – under the treadmill to protect the carpet and provide a little more cushion while walking. After two months of use, I’ve been very pleased.

Switching to a Standing Desk

Using the treadmill consistently meant another big change: my desk.

I was honestly sad to give up my armoire desk, but if the treadmill was going to be sustainable, I needed a standing desk.

I chose a motorized desk that raises and lowers with the push of a button so I can sit or stand throughout the day. I was surprised by how many affordable options there are now.

Because I use three monitors (yes, I really do need them!) along with a full keyboard, I needed something larger than the lowest-priced options. I ended up choosing a 55×30″ electric stand desk with some storage.

One concern I had was stability. I wondered if it would sway while I typed, but that hasn’t been an issue at all. It took about two hours to assemble by myself, and thankfully the setup was pretty straightforward.

Finding the Right Lighting for a Standing Desk

My old lamp no longer worked with the new setup, so I purchased a gooseneck architect lamp that sits behind the monitors and lights the entire desk.

Unfortunately, I may have received a defective one since it doesn’t always turn on right away. I’m currently working with the company to replace it since the switch seems to be faulty

Tracking Steps While Walking and Working

One surprising issue came up quickly—tracking steps. (I’m a numbers girl!) Since my hands are typing while I walk, my watch doesn’t record the movement. I tried several options.

Putting my phone in my pocket didn’t work well because I constantly pull it out during the day. Attaching my step counter to my ankle gave impressive numbers, but I quickly realized it was counting double steps.

After talking with the treadmill company, I found the most accurate solution was using the treadmill’s app to track distance. Then I add that information to the exercise and food log app I use each day. It’s not the simplest system, but it works.

What Two Months of a Walking Treadmill Looks Like

I’ll be honest—I have a love and hate relationship with my treadmill. Some days I simply don’t want to walk. Even at a low speed and incline, walking for long periods can make me tired.

My current goal is two or more hours of walking each workday. That equals just over 3.5 miles. Ideally, I walk in 30-minute segments throughout the day, but life doesn’t always cooperate. Some days I walk less. Other days I walk more, but the total goal remains the same. Eventually I would like to add ankle weights or a weighted vest for part of the time to increase the challenge.

Changing My Mindset About Being an Athlete

Exercise has always been a struggle for me. For most of my life I have believed that I am not an athlete. I can walk almost as fast as I run—sad by true! My lack of athleticism is a family joke!

While reading Winning the War in Your Mind: Change Your Thinking, Change Your Life by Craig Groeschel, I began to recognize how some of the thoughts I’ve believed have quietly shaped my daily choices.

So I’m learning to say something new: I am an athlete.

An athlete isn’t just someone competing professionally. Anyone who consistently works to improve strength, stamina, and physical fitness fits that description.₁

Scripture often uses the picture of a race to describe the Christian life. Paul writes about running a race as to get a prize₂ and persevering with endurance.₃ He also reminds us that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit.₄ Taking care of my body is part of honoring God with the life He has given me.

Why This Change Was Worth It

Yes, making this shift required a financial investment—right under $400 for the treadmill, desk, and light. But if caring for my body helps me better love God, serve others, and do the work He has called me to do, it is absolutely worth it.

Maybe movement isn’t the area where you feel stuck. But if something is holding you back from living fully and faithfully, I encourage you to take time to uncover what that might be. Growth rarely comes easily. But it is always worth it.

And in case you are wondering…
Yes, I wrote this entire blog post while walking at 1.6 mph.
And yes, I’m starting to sweat.

Have questions about my experience, I’d love to chat with you. Comment on the blog or connect with me on the ABCJesusLovesMe.com website through LiveChat.

The Mid Year Be Intentional Planner is designed to help moms and teachers organize schedules, meals, goals, and more—all in one place. The updated layout was created using feedback from users, making it even easier to use. The tracking section also provides a simple way to stay consistent with the habits that help care for the body well.

    

The good news is that biting is a common developmental behavior. With understanding, consistency, and intentional guidance, the child can learn better ways to express big feelings—and this difficult stage can become a powerful opportunity for growth.

Why Young Children Bite

Biting is not a sign of a “bad” child. It is most often a sign of an overwhelmed child.

Young children bite because they do not yet have the language or tools to appropriately express anger, frustration, fear, or the need for space. When emotions rise faster than words can form, the body reacts. Biting becomes communication when communication skills are still developing.

This is especially common in toddlers and young preschoolers who are learning social boundaries but don’t yet know how to properly manage them.

Look for the Pattern Behind the Biting

When biting is frequent, it is important to become a careful observer. Take note of what happens before the bite:

• Is the child biting the same child repeatedly?
• Does it happen in the same center or over the same toy?
• Is the child being crowded or pestered after trying to say “no”?
• Are there physical cues—tight fists, stiff body, pacing, growling, or whining—that show frustration is building?

Biting rarely comes out of nowhere. There is almost always a trigger, and finding that trigger gives adults the opportunity to step in sooner and teach instead of react.

Replace the Behavior—Don’t Just Stop It

For every negative behavior, a positive behavior must be taught. Simply telling a child “Don’t bite” is not enough. The child needs to be shown what to do instead. This is training, not punishment.

Train the child to do one of the following when they feel overwhelmed or frustrated:

• Say “Stop” or “No”. For those without words, train them how to sign “stop.“
• Ask for help
• Walk away
• Hold hands behind the back
• Use a calm-down space or tool

These skills must be practiced when the child is calm, not in the heat of the moment.

Practice Through Role Play

Role play is one of the most effective tools for teaching young children.

Act out simple scenarios:

• Someone takes a toy
• Someone stands too close
• Someone won’t stop touching

Practice the words, the body posture of the other child, and the actions together. Keep it short, playful, and repetitive. When the situation happens in real life, the child’s brain will recognize the pattern and be more likely to use the new skill.

Catch the Child Before the Bite Happens

The real growth happens when adults step in early. Watch for the cues that frustration is building and intervene before the bite:

• Name the feeling: “I see you’re getting frustrated.”
• Prompt the replacement skill: “Tell him ‘no’” or “Let’s ask for help.”
• Physically support space if needed.

This is where learning sticks. The child feels understood, supported, and guided—not shamed.

It is also important to watch the child who is continually in the child’s space or is taking the child’s toy causing the frustration. This child needs training as well.

Stay Calm, Consistent, and Encouraging

Biting can bring out big emotions in adults, especially when another child is hurt. But training and calm, consistent responses teach the most.

With time, modeling, and practice, the child learns that big feelings can be handled in safe, appropriate ways. And that is a skill that lasts far beyond the biting stage.

    

These words are the repeated chorus in Jinger Dugger Vuolo and her husband Jeremy’s new book You Always Belong (ad). The book gently helps children understand God’s love and their place in His story.

Feeling Unseen?

But as I read it, I couldn’t help but wonder how many of us moms need that same reminder.

We pour into our children, giving all that we have, and then quietly look around wondering who will pour into us.
We prepare meals, clean up yet another mess, unload clean dishes for the third time today, and still ask ourselves—does any of this even matter?

You were made to be part of God’s story.
A beautiful note in his song.

We discipline with firm boundaries. We pray over our children. We make church a priority—while fully knowing our children have free will.
And somewhere in the middle of all that obedience, we can feel unseen… unimportant… unsure of our purpose. Do I even matter?

So let his light shine as you walk through the world,
And remember…you always belong!

You Always Belong in God’s Story

I don’t know the battle your mind may be fighting today. Maybe today feels steady—but next week the doubts will creep back in. They often do.

I just want to remind you—through the simple truth found in a beautifully illustrated children’s book—that you matter. God sees you. And your purpose – to bring Him glory right where you are – has never changed.

If this message spoke to your heart, I encourage you to check out You Always Belong by Jinger Duggar Vuolo and Jeremy Vuolo. It’s written for children, but its message is a steady reminder for moms too—truth you can read aloud to the child and let sink into your own heart at the same time.

Listen to More about Speaking Truth Over Your Child…

Many thanks to Front Gate Media for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

    

Even in the healthiest marriages, marriage is still hard. You place two people with different personalities, goals, and expectations into close quarters and ask them to become one. When both people are surrendering their will to Christ, that can work beautifully. When one person is not, the fairytale quickly feels heavier than expected.

Marriage Books That Have Stuck with Me

Over the years, I have read and reviewed many marriage books. My favorite recommendation for newly married couples remains A Lifelong Love: What If Marriage Is about More Than Just Staying Together? by Gary Thomas. My husband and I also watched the video series, and I highly recommend both.

Recently, I was asked to review Lightbulb Moments in Marriage by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs (ad). This book immediately earned a permanent spot on my must-read list—not just for seasoned marriages, but for anyone ready to honestly examine their heart. I would lend you my copy, but there are so many underlines that starting fresh is probably best.

Why This Book Stands Out

Many marriage books feel similar. Different covers, different stories, but the same surface-level ideas. Dr. Eggerichs does something different. As he has done in his previous work, he goes deeper—straight to the heart—and he does not soften the truth.

This book walks through 12 “lightbulb moments,” which he calls 12 Biblical Perspectives for Successful and Satisfied Couples. These are those sudden ah-ha moments where things finally make sense. I found myself repeatedly reflecting on how I love—or fail to love—my spouse according to Scripture. The insights also challenged how I relate to others. It truly felt like fumbling in the dark until the light was switched on.

What God Is Teaching Me Through This Book

I did not have time to finish the book before the review deadline, but even the chapters I read left a deep impact.

One statement shared by a conference attendee stood out to me: Marriage is not about my spouse and me. It is about Christ and me.

Another truth that stopped me in my tracks was this: my love for my husband is ultimately an extension of my love for Jesus. Dr. Eggerichs explains it this way—every time you speak to your spouse, Jesus is standing just behind their shoulder. “How you respond to your spouse reflects your communion and walk with Christ.”

I was also challenged by this sobering reminder: “God won’t ask me if my spouse made it easy to follow Him. He’ll ask if I followed Him—if I looked to Him daily and if I imitated Him in my own walk.”

And finally, this truth hit home: “Choosing to be offensive is not strength. It’s a surrender—to bitterness, resentment, and self-justification.”

While I would especially recommend this book for more seasoned marriages, it can benefit anyone. Twenty years ago, I do not think I had the maturity to honestly look in the mirror the way this book invites. Now, Christ has opened my heart enough to receive it.

A Choice for Every Day

Some may already be thinking, But Heidi, you do not know my spouse. That is true. And Dr. Eggerichs is very clear—loving a spouse does not ignore or excuse sin, abuse, or deception.

For me, this book brings the focus back to a daily choice. A choice to love my husband as God’s precious creation. A choice to look first at my own heart. As the author reminds us, this is not about being flawless. It is about being faithful.

Lightbulb Moments in Marriage is available in both print and audio. If your heart is willing, I encourage you to read or listen with openness—and then watch for what God gently reveals as He turns on the light. Purchase here.

Read More about Having a Godly Marriage…

• When Your Marriage Doesn’t Match Your Dreams
• How to Preserver Your Marriage Amidst a World of Divorce
• Thriving Amidst Differing Spiritual Beliefs in Marriage
• Does Conflict Mean a Bad Marriage?
• What Does God Say About Marriage?
• 4 Tips to Divorce-Proof Your Marriage
• When Your Marriage Isn’t Meeting Your Expectations: 3 Tips to Change It
• Letting Go of the Illusions of Marriage
• Keys to a Happy Marriage
• 10 Tips for a Successful Marriage: Are You Doing What You Can?
• Trying to Be Your Husband’s Holy Spirit

Many thanks to Front Gate Media for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

    

Read the episode transcript

What Happiness Really Means

Happiness in the Bible isn’t the fleeting, emotion-based feeling culture pushes—it’s often tied to contentment and satisfaction in God, even amid challenges. It is steadfast and can exist despite circumstances.

James 1:2-3 reminds us: Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. This shows joy is not something we earn or deserve; it’s a gift of God’s grace.

The Lie of “I Deserve Happiness”

As Christians, we might feel that following God’s will—reading our Bible, serving, attending church—should automatically bring happiness. But this mindset can make us feel like something is wrong when we aren’t constantly joyful. I’ve been there!

The truth is, seeking happiness as a goal is a cultural lie. God calls us to seek holiness, not happiness. Joy is a byproduct of a life aligned with Him.

As we shared in the last podcast episode, life doesn’t promise laughter at every turn. Trials, grief, and hard seasons are part of our growth toward holiness. Even in sorrow, God can bring comfort and a deep, abiding happiness. As Melanie shared in the podcast episode from Matthew 5, the Beatitudes show that those who mourn and those who are meek can still be “happy” because God’s blessing rests on them.

Letting Go of Entitlement

Every mom experiences the temptation of thinking, “I deserve this happiness now.” Whether it’s scrolling social media, shopping, or binge-watching Netflix, we seek quick satisfaction. For me, it is the extra cookie. But contentment comes from surrendering these desires to God and recognizing that true joy comes from obedience, service, and a daily walk with Him.

Even in parenting, when it’s easier to choose comfort over service, God reminds us that joy often comes through giving, not receiving. Those times when I want to armchair parent instead of putting down my phone to deal with my child’s heart issue. By humbling ourselves and seeking His ways, we model for our children that happiness is not the goal—holiness is.

Walking in True Joy

Jesus modeled obedience, not comfort. Following Him means learning to find joy and satisfaction in God, no matter our circumstances. This kind of joy is not shallow; it is a deep, enduring happiness rooted in the One who never changes. That’s what I want!

God cares about our joy, but not at the expense of our faith. True joy grows as we walk with Him daily, trusting His ways over our immediate desires. It may feel like more effort, but the lasting, overflowing joy is worth every step.

    

Whether you are a mom teaching at home, a grandma helping during the week, or a teacher guiding a classroom, this Curriculum was redesigned to support you and help the child learn with confidence.

Let’s diving into some of the exciting changes!

Why the 3rd Edition Matters for Preschool and Toddler Learning

Teaching young children is joyful—but it can also feel overwhelming. Prep time adds up. Supplies pile up. Lessons can feel unclear. And many resources miss the balance between academics, the Bible, and development.

The 3rd Edition of the ABCJesusLovesMe Preschool Curriculum was redesigned to remove those stress points. Everything works together. Everything is intentional. And everything is written to meet the child where they are.

What’s New?

Less Prep, More Teaching

One of the biggest changes you will notice right away is how much lighter prep feels.

• Almost all pre-cutting and craft prep has been removed
• Activities use simple, common supplies
• Teach and activities work both at home and in a preschool classroom

You spend less time preparing—and more time teaching and connecting.

Clear, Consistent Lesson Plans

The 3rd Edition features a simple, clean layout that makes teaching easy to follow.

• Clear lesson plans that explain what to teach, how to teach it, and why it matters
• Consistent structure across all Curricula and ages
• Center-friendly activities clearly underlined in the Lesson Plans
• Helpful images and added teaching tips

This consistency helps adults feel confident and helps the child know what to expect.

Stronger Academics Through Active Learning

Academic skills are taught through movement, play, and repetition.

• Active Phonics with actions to support letter and sound learning
• Redrawn activity sheets for clarity and consistency
• Updated book lists with discontinued titles removed
• Center ideas for hands-on play and learning

The child learns naturally, with only 2–3 activity sheets each week to reinforce the lessons.

Bible Stories Written for the Child

Bible time was carefully rewritten to be even more intentional learning.

• Interactive Bible Stories updated with a stronger focus on age and development
• Bible stories rewritten to be easier to teach
• Across Curriculum, updated holiday Bible stories on Weeks 18 for Christmas, Weeks 32 for Easter
• Updated Piggyback Songs that are easier to sing

Bible lessons are clear, meaningful, and developmentally appropriate—helping the child understand who God is, not just hear a story.

Built-In Support for Teachers and Families

The 3rd Edition offers more support without adding more pages to plan.

• New assessment sheets for all ages with simple check-off boxes
• Weekly QR codes for songs, extra ideas, videos, and deeper explanations
• New cover designs that make it easy to see which products form a bundle

Everything is designed to support the adult—so the child benefits.

How to Order for Your Family

Simply head over to the ABCJesusLovesMe website to order the 3rd Edition Curriculum for your family. At $95 per bundle, you will be amazed at how much your child grows with these simple Lesson Plans.

How to Order for Your Preschool or Daycare

Want to incorporate the ABCJesusLovesMe Preschool Curriculum in your school? Your teachers will thank you!

If you want to purchase the 1-5 Year Curriculum Bundles for the first time…

Click to the ABCJesusLovesMe website to order the 3rd Edition Curriculum. Starting at $156 per bundle with 365-day Licenses of Use, you will be amazed at how your students will enjoy learning.

If you own 1–5 Year Curricula Bundles…

• When you renew an active bundle, it will automatically be upgraded to the 3rd Edition. Your order will include a new Curriculum Guide ($55), Activity Book ($30), and updated digital downloads – for free!
• There is no upgrade fee, and renewal fees remain the same price. Licenses are always extended 365 days beyond the current expiration date, no matter when you renew.

If you own a la carte products…

• Please contact me before ordering so I can help you purchase exactly what you need

If you renewed in the last few weeks, but want the 3rd Edition

• Order the 3rd Edition books under the “Order Printed Book” heading
• After ordering, contact me and I will update all Licenses to the 3rd Edition at no charge

If questions come up, use the LIVECHAT for quick help. I am happy to walk you through it.

View the 3rd Edition Samples

Ready to see it for yourself? View the 3rd Edition samples and explore how the ABCJesusLovesMe Preschool Curriculum can support you and help the child(ren) in your life thrive.

    

2025 brought confusion, heartbreak, grief, and parenting decisions that didn’t come with clear answers. Today, I want to share why that pause happened and what God has been teaching us along the way.

Read the podcast transcript

A Year of Pulling Back and Pressing In

In 2025, God placed it on my heart to rewrite the entire ABCJesusLovesMe 1-5 Year Preschool Curricula at the same time. That process took about twelve months of prayer, listening, writing, and rewriting. I pulled back from many things so I could focus and create the best possible Curriculum.

At the same time, our family was walking through some extremely hard parenting. We had to release a child in a way I never imagined. The grief that followed was deep, affecting our entire family. I stepped back even further, not to figure out what God was doing, but to discern what I needed to do next.

Melanie’s year was also filled with deep loss and unexpected change. Early in 2025, her almost 26-year marriage ended. Everything changed at once — home, work, parenting, daily life.

And yet, from the very beginning, God met her through her time with Him and His people. Friends showed up immediately. Community surrounded her children. God didn’t rush them through the grief; He stayed with them in it.

When You’re Afraid of Making the Wrong Choice

One of the biggest lessons God taught me came in the middle of a parenting decision that felt impossible. I was panicking — afraid that my husband and I were going to make the wrong choice, causing more pain. Then, completely out of the blue, someone spoke words that gave me so much freedom. He said, “You and your husband aren’t going to make a wrong decision.” Not because the decision didn’t matter, but because we had been seeking God for years, not just in that moment. That truth changed everything for me.

I tend to think in black and white. Right or wrong. Good or bad. But God keeps reminding me that so many parenting decisions live in the gray. He isn’t asking us to predict the outcome. He’s asking us to take the next step while seeking Him, His Word, and wise counsel.

That lesson echoed in Melanie’s story too. She learned to release the need to know why and instead trust that nothing about her story surprised God. Again and again, the answer wasn’t clarity — it was faithfulness in the next step.

There Is No Parenting Formula

Both of us were reminded of something we’ve talked about for years: there is no parenting formula. Teaching your child about God, going to church, and doing all the “right things” does not guarantee a child who grows up to serves the Lord. We own the foundation we lay and the example we live, but we do not own our almost-adult children’s choices.

That truth is both humbling and freeing. Sometimes, without realizing it, we slip into believing that if our kids turn out a certain way, it proves we did things right. But God doesn’t need me to prove anything. He is God. I am not.

Parenting to Impress has never been about impressing others. It has always been about impressing God’s truth on the heart of our children (Deuteronomy 6:4-9) — even when that happens through struggle and grief.

Learning to Pray When I Don’t Have Words

This last year has also significantly changed my quiet time. My prayer journal now looks very different. Much of the pages are filled with Scripture—especially the Psalms—turned into prayer. Psalm 118 became a lifeline, reminding me who God is when emotions said otherwise. Praying Scripture helped me express my heart to God when my own words fell short. It also provided me with peace as I was reminded of God’s character.

God Is Close to the Brokenhearted

Melanie learned something she now holds as an anchor: God is close to the brokenhearted, and He does not rush healing.

One moment stands out: when she asked her teenage son if they were going to be okay, his answer was simple and confident—We’ve got God.

That is the fruit we pray for in our children. Not perfection. Not easy paths. But faith that holds when life doesn’t.

Taking the Next Step

This post — and this podcast episode — has been a long time coming.

If you’re walking through a season where life feels heavy, unclear, or painful, I want you to hear this: you are not alone. God is with you. He is not surprised by the circumstances. And He is faithful to meet you in each step.

Melanie and I are back to podcasting, continuing our mission to encourage and share with other moms. Today’s conversation is another reminder that we’ve made plenty of mistakes, but we’ve also experienced God’s grace and truth. We invite you to take the next step with us.