Powerful Scripture to Pray Over Your Children

Becoming a mother has been one of my greatest joys — and greatest responsibilities. The weight of shaping a soul for the Kingdom of God is continually on my shoulders, a mandate I do not take lightly. In a world full of evil, destruction, and temptation, the outcome of raising a child of faith seems bleak.

Yet prayer is the weapon of power.

More than that, praying Scripture and speaking Biblical promises over your child is a precise arrow to shoot down the tactics of the enemy.

That’s why I created this free resource, to help you pray powerful Scripture over your children. Print it, hang it next to their crib or bed, and every time you put them down for a nap or get them up in the morning, you’ll be reminded to pray these verses over them.

Want more resources on raising for children? Check out my new Bible cards, perfect for morning devotions & adaptable for any age!

12 Questions to Support New Moms

If we’re honest, women crave deep connection…which is birthed through vulnerable conversations. Although we’ll go through cultural formalities, we really don’t want to talk about the weather, how the family’s doing, or how much someone paid for their outfit.

We want to talk about hopes and dreams. We want to talk about fears and faith. We want to share from our own unique stories, without the pressure of having to compare to someone else.

Women need women…especially during vulnerable moments of transition, such as becoming a new mother. Surrounded by dirty diapers and spit up rags, wearing stained and wrinkly shirts, a new mom has to be reminded that her tribe of women see her, that she has value as a woman created by God, and that she’s not alone…even if the women in her community are in different seasons of life.

These 12 Conversation Questions for Motherhood are the perfect springboard for true connection the next time you visit a new mom. Beautifully designed, these cards will help you have the meaningful conversations that they crave, and letting them know that you’re here to support however they need. Simply download the PDF below, print on cardstock, and you’ll have valuable conversation tricks tucked into your back pocket!

P.S. If you used these cards for a women’s event, I’d love to hear about it!

25 Complete Freezer Meals to Bless a New Mother

If you’ve landed on this post, it’s probably because either…

A. You purchased my ebook, “The Hospitality Handbook” and you’re about to bless the socks off your new mama friends (and if you haven’t, go grab a copy and transform the way you engage with your friends and bless the world around you — for the same price as just a coffee!).

B. You’re an expectant mama yourself and found this link through Pinterest (so excited for you!).

C. You not an expectant mama, you haven’t read my ebook, but you still found this link through Pinterest because you’re sick of the traditional freezer meal menus you see (hey, no judgement from me!).

Either way, I’m really glad you’re here, friend!

Honestly, I’m way too excited about this post — because it’s personal for me. I’ve often made freezer meals for friends in the past, but I curated this particular list while pregnant with my firstborn. I wanted a collection of meals my husband and I enjoyed, but not only that, I wanted complete meals with sides and desserts to go along with each main dish. It’s a huge blessing to just pull something from the freezer and not have to spend all day in the kitchen, giving time to focus on healing and taking care of baby!

I included notes at the bottom of each meal if you’re planning on bringing one of these meals to a new mama, to make it easier on her AND you!

NOTE #1: Use disposable foil pans or freezer bags. No one has to stress about washing/returning dishes! Or, pick up some vintage casserole pans at the thrift store and let the new mama know that you’re giving them to her.

NOTE #2: If you’re an expectant mama and don’t have the energy to make a bunch of meals yourself, purchase the ingredients and ask if a friend can come over to help you cook for the day.

B E E F

  1. Beef and Broccoli with Frozen Rice and Ginger Snap Cookies. Freeze cookie dough in balls without rolling them in sugar.
  2. Korean Beef with Frozen Rice, Frozen Peas and Chocolate Chip Cookies. Freeze cookie dough in balls. Give a bag of frozen peas to go along with this meal.
  3. Hamburgers with Buns, Fries, Baked Beans, and Frozen Chocolate Banana Pops. To make things easier, buy hamburger buns in the store to put in the freezer, and give a can of baked beans to have on hand in the pantry.
  4. French Dip with Buns, Sautéed Onions, Sliced Provolone, and Green Bean Casserole. To make things easier, buy sub sandwich buns to freeze. Cheese slices also freeze well.
  5. Shepherd’s Pie with Honey Carrots and Cupcakes. Make a boxed cupcake mix and freeze (without cupcake liners). Give a jar of frosting for whenever they want to serve.

C H I C K E N

  1. Chicken Teriyaki with Frozen Rice and Ginger Snap Cookies. Freeze cookie dough in balls without rolling them in sugar.
  2. White Chicken Chili and Cornbread. To make things easier, buy a box cornbread mix. Make the cornbread in muffin tins for easy freezing.
  3. Balsamic Rosemary Chicken with Mashed Potatoes and Frozen Peas, with Chocolate Chip Cookies. Give a box of instant mashed potatoes and a bag of frozen peas to go along with this meal.
  4. Honey Mustard Chicken with Sweet Potato Fries, Green Bean Casserole, and Cupcakes. To make things easier, buy frozen sweet potato fries. Make a boxed cupcake mix and freeze (without cupcake liners). Give a jar of frosting for whenever they want to serve.
  5. Chicken Burritos with Salsa and Cheesecake Frozen Pops. Give a jar of salsa to have on hand in the pantry for when they want to have this meal.

F I S H

  1. Honey Tilapia with Frozen Rice, Frozen Broccoli, and Chocolate Chip Cookies. Give a bag of frozen broccoli to go with this meal.
  2. Tuna Casserole with Honey Carrots and Brownies. To make things easier, give a box brownie mix so they can make them fresh.
  3. Marinaded Salmon with Sweet Potato Fries, Frozen Broccoli, and Ginger Snap Cookies. To make things easier, buy frozen sweet potato fries and a bag of frozen broccoli.
  4. Tuna Cakes with Mashed Potatoes, Green Bean Casserole, and Chocolate Covered Banana Pops. Give a box of instant mashed potatoes to go with this meal.
  5. Ginger Peach Salmon with Frozen Rice, Frozen Broccoli, and Cupcakes. Give a bag of frozen broccoli to go with this meal. Make a boxed cupcake mix and freeze (without cupcake liners). Give a jar of frosting for whenever they want to serve.

I T A L I A N

  1. Pizza and Brownies. To make things easier, give a box brownie mix so they can make them fresh.
  2. Stuffed Shells with Garlic Bread and Brownies. To make things easier, give a box brownie mix so they can make them fresh.
  3. Chicken Marsala with Pasta, Garlic Bread, and Cheesecake Frozen Pops. Give a box of pasta for them to cook whenever they’re ready.
  4. Zuppa Toscana Soup with Garlic Bread, Honey Carrots, and Cupcakes. Make a boxed cupcake mix and freeze (without cupcake liners). Give a jar of frosting for whenever they want to serve.
  5. Cheesy Chicken Casserole with Garlic Bread, Frozen Broccoli, and Chocolate Chip Cookies. Give a bag of frozen broccoli to go with this meal.

B R E A K F A S T

  1. Smoothie Packs. Super simple and easy!
  2. French Toast Casserole. It’s basically bread pudding for breakfast — who doesn’t love that?!
  3. Vegan Gluten Free Pancakes. Find this on my post, Hospitality Handbook Breakfast Recipes (it’s #7 on the list)!
  4. Baked Oatmeal Bars. Find this on my post, Hospitality Handbook Breakfast Recipes (it’s #9 on the list)! Once baked and cooled, cut into bars. Individually wrap each bar in wax paper and place in a zip-lock bag to freeze.
  5. Breakfast Egg Burritos. For those who are vegan, skip the eggs and cheese. Instead, fill burritos with only veggies and beans.

B O N U S

5 Mid Winter Hospitality Ideas

I grew up in the Midwest, and by the time March rolls around, everyone starts to feel a little secluded, lonely, and wishing Spring would come sooner than we know it will. Why not use this time to show hospitality to those who truly are needing it?

This is a great idea for moms with little ones — have the children bring their favorite books to share, too!

I find that winter brings opportunities for neighbors to grow closer together — whether helping each other shovel the driveways, or just checking in on each other. We all feel cooped up, so invite them out for a hike!

Host a little brunch for the seniors in your life, and have them either bring a quilting project to work on, or provide one.

Make it a standing open house date every Sunday — there’s something special about sharing your highs and lows with others over good food.

Plan ahead to which thrift stores you’ll be visiting, so that you’ll have time to explore several. Have a fashion show back at your house to model your finds!

Grab your copy of “The Hospitality Handbook” today for more hospitality ideas!

15 Flat Gifts to Send a Friend

I have always been a lover of letters — by the time I was 8, I had close to 100 pen pals from all around the globe. The best thrill was finding an envelope with my name scrawled across the front, waiting to be opened and surprises discovered. I never knew what I would find inside!

Today, I still have a love of sending and receiving letters. One of my favorite things is to include little gifts or details in my letters to turn them from average into a special experience that conveys thought and care. Want to elevate your letter-writing skills and bless the socks off your friends? Here are 15 flat gift ideas that your friends will love, treasure, and won’t cost a hefty postage fee!

  1. “Who I Am As A Child of God” Ebook — Grab a copy for both you and your friend, and work through it together! It’s an amazing opportunity to grow your friendship in deep and meaningful ways, while strengthening your faith. Ebooks make a great gift for email pen-pals, or friends who are overseas!
  2. Hot Chocolate Packets — Find some gourmet hot chocolate packets to send in your next letter. It’s the perfect drink to send if you’re unsure if your friend is a coffee or tea drinker.
  3. Handmade Art Print — You don’t have to be artistic to send an art print! A simple Bible verse written in calligraphy on a piece of cardstock is a stunning gift. Or, be fancy with watercolors!
  4. Bookmarks — These are the perfect flat gifts that can be either purchased or handmade, and used daily! Choose a bookmark that would have significant meaning to your friend. Perhaps find one that has her favorite Bible verse on it, or her favorite flower/animal/city/etc. (The bookmark in the graphic is from ShopKingdomSeeds, and she has lots of flat gift ideas to mail to friends as well!)
  5. Sticker Subscription from Torah Sisters — This is a gift that keeps giving! My friend Amy creates beautiful, quality stickers that are uniquely different each month. Subscribe your friend to receive a sticker packet just once, or a yearly subscription!
  1. “12 Months of Dates to Grow a Meaningful Marriage” Ebook — Every relationship needs creative ideas to grow, and marriage is no exception! Bless your friend with a year of planned dates and meaningful conversational questions to take her marriage deeper. This is the perfect gift for engaged friends, newly married friends, friends who are celebrating their anniversary, or even a little encouraging boost for those going through a rough time in their marriage.
  2. Tea Bags — Find some luxurious and elegant tea blends to send to friends! Do some research to find the best tea brands…extra points for fun tea bag packaging!
  3. Gift Card to Ginger and Peach Lingerie — A sweet and spicy gift to celebrate your friend’s femininity in marriage! Owned and designed by a Christian wife and mother, this boutique is model-free with classy, dainty designs. A gift card is a special surprise to send a friend where she can pick out her own style and size!
  4. Patreon Subscription to Kingdom Sexuality — A fun gift that is easy to be sent across the miles without stamps! This ministry has Biblical-based resources, informative podcasts with tact and class, and their Patreon subscribers get lots of fun bonuses!
  5. Recipe Cards — Every wife struggles with needing new dinner ideas, so why not send a few hand-written, tried-and-true dinner recipes? Paper recipe cards can often turn into heirlooms that are surrounded by the sweetest memories around the table!
  1. “The Hospitality Handbook” Ebook — Motherhood is a lot to manage, and most mamas don’t want to lose the meaning of living a Kingdom-centered life even in the midst of taking care of children. This ebook has lots of helpful tips for making hospitality manageable and easy, even in busy seasons! It’s sure to be an encouragement and blessing to the mama friend in your life!
  2. Instant Coffee Packets — Fuel your mama friends with caffeine for those long days! Send cappuccino packets, latté or mocha packets, or just plain black coffee packets. The flavor profiles are endless, and the energy boost is always appreciated.
  3. Handwritten Motherhood Affirmations — Affirm the mama friends in your life with handwritten encouragement cards. Include Bible verses, inspiring quotes, or amazing qualities/character traits you see in your friend during this season. It will be a gift she treasures!
  4. Silk Hair Scarf — Send your mama friend something beautiful to dress up the all-traditional messy mom bun! A silk hair scarf can be folded and mailed with little bulk or extra weight.
  5. Gift Card for Dinner Out — Although any mama friend would appreciate this gift, this is especially perfect for friends who just had a baby but live too far away for you to bring over a postpartum meal. Find what popular chain restaurants are in their area, or give a gift card for a food delivery service that would include “mom and pop” type local restaurants.