A moment of Christian motherhood encouragement for when life feels loud and fast. The question I needed to hear today... “Mama, what’s this?”  my four-year-old asked, holding up her daddy’s cross necklace. I told her it said Jesus  and explained that it reminded Daddy who he belongs to. That launched us into a surprisingly mature conversation about why Jesus came to earth and died on the cross. In that moment, the Holy Spirit confirmed something He’d been whispering for weeks: It’s time for a season of intentionality and slowing down… if I’m willing to embrace it. I had a dozen blog ideas bouncing around in my head and had just  sat down to write when Squish came up, book in hand, asking me to read. I tried to gently redirect her, hoping to get a few sentences down, but those big blue eyes are hard to resist. We read the book. I went back to work. But then came that  question- and I knew I had a choice to make: Keep hustling… or slow down and plant an eternal seed. Lately, life’s been busy in unexpected ways. Beautiful, yes. Purposeful, absolutely. But my mind feels like a chalkboard full of scribbles- so much to do, remember, plan, and carry. I’ve found myself wrestling. Crying in prayer. Not because anything is bad ... just because it’s so much. And in those moments, I’ve heard the echo of 1 Corinthians 7:34: “But the married woman is anxious about worldly things, how to please her husband.” I feel that in my bones some days. As wives and mamas, we carry a lot. And honestly? My quiet times are often the first to get chopped when life gets loud. But God’s response hasn’t been guilt. It’s been gentleness . Not shame- grace . He reminds me: “My strength is made perfect in your weakness.” (2 Cor. 12:9) “You are not behind. You are held.” I know this season won’t always be this full. There will be mornings again with warm coffee and open Bibles. But right now, His presence meets me in the mess , in the interruptions , in the moments of choosing the better thing. As I type this, Squish is next to me, snuggled up with the Kids Bible app, asking big questions and soaking up truth like a sponge. Not because I had a perfect plan. But because I paused. Because I said yes to the moment. Mama, I just want to remind you: 🕊️ Your hard work is seen. 🕊️ Your heart is known. 🕊️ Your prayers are cherished. 🕊️ You are so  deeply loved. Slow down if you need to. The holy moments are rarely loud. They're soft. Sacred. Hidden in the everyday. With love, Allie P.S. - I’ve started lighting a candle in the evenings again, not for the scent alone, but for the stillness it signals. Something about that little flicker helps me breathe deeper and be fully present. If you’re building your own slow, sacred rhythms, I hope you find little touches like that to ground you, too. <3

25% of sales helps provide smiles through SmileTrain

25% of every sale supports SmileTrain.

July is Cleft and Craniofacial Awareness Month! Every July, we take time to recognize and honor the strength, courage, and unique beauty of those born with cleft and craniofacial differences. For many families (including ours) Cleft and Craniofacial Awareness Month is personal. Our daughter Ava was born with a cleft lip and palate, and though the journey has brought challenges, it has also brought more grace, growth, and gratitude than we ever expected. Her smile has been a source of both heartbreak and healing, and we’ve seen firsthand how strong these children truly are. This month, we’re sharing the stories of other incredible cleft warriors - real families who have walked (and are still walking) this path with bravery, faith, and fierce love. You’ll hear from moms, see precious faces, and be reminded that every smile tells a story. Whether you’ve lived this journey or are just learning about it for the first time, we invite you to read, share, and stand with us in spreading awareness and encouragement. Let’s celebrate these smiles together. *Every story shared here is published with the full permission of each child’s parent or guardian.

With every purchase, 25% is donated to SmileTrain!

25% of every sale supports SmileTrain.

25% of sales is donated to SmileTrain.

25% of sales is donated to SmileTrain.

25% of sales is donated to SmileTrain!

25% of sales is donated to SmileTrain.

25% of sales is donated to SmileTrain.

25% of every sale supports SmileTrain.