All relationships can be difficult at times, but they should not be destructive to our well-being. Learn the difference between a destructive pattern and a difficult season with this free resource, “Is This Normal? 15 Red Flags You May Be Missing in Your Relationships.”

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Why Do I Feel That It’s My Fault When My Child Messes Up?

November 20, 2013

Welcome to week 2 of the 4-week series I’m doing to answer the question many of us moms have… Lord, am I messing up my kids? (Click here if you missed last week’s post.)

Have you ever struggled with letting a circumstance that came your way suddenly define you? This seems to be a lesson God lets me live over and over. He wants to be my only definition of who I am.

I am a child of God, holy and dearly loved. I know this. I teach this.

I believe this in the very depths of my soul. Yet it is so easy for me to slip into redefining myself when situations arise.

Several years ago, one of my precious-precious-precious-yet-just-as-apt-to-sin-as-the-rest-of-us kids was called to the principal’s office—on the very day I received an invitation to speak at a national parenting conference, thank you very much.

With my head I was able to see the situation for what it was. “My child is in the process of being shaped. My child is strong, and while this will serve her well later in life, strength in an immature little person begs to be disciplined. She is a sweet child who made a not-so-sweet choice.”

However, with my heart I felt like a failure. I wanted to decline the opportunity to speak at that conference and go crawl in a hole somewhere. A part of me felt as though I’d been called to the principal’s office as the voice of condemnation started haunting me, “You are a bad mom. You have a bad child. You have a bad home.”

So, quietly, I slipped away with Jesus. And I did what I’ve done a hundred times before. I held those condemnations up to the Lord and asked Him to help me see this situation the way He wants me to see it. Not the way others see it, not the way my heart is tempted to see it, but the way He sees it.

Matthew 7:24-27 says:
Everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.

Do you know what amazes me about those verses? Both the person doing right and the person doing wrong experienced hard times. In both cases the rains came, the streams rose, and the wind blew and beat against the house.

Just because we’re parents living out God’s principles for life does not mean we won’t face difficult circumstances.

God’s Spirit spoke to my heart that day and said, “Let Me invade your natural flesh reaction. Instead of letting your mind run wild with this, sit with Me for a while. Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10).

So I sat and I prayed. I went from defining myself as a failure of a mom to being a praying mom who can face a hardship in a godly way. The frustration was diffused as I determined to look at this from God’s perspective.

Once again, God reassured me. I am not a bad mom. My child is not a bad child. My home is not a bad home. This situation is a call to action. There is a character issue that needs to be addressed within the heart of my child. And kids are supposed to have character issues that need to be addressed. That’s why God gave them parents. That’s why God gave me this specific child. God sees within me the ability to be the one He’s perfectly designed to raise up this child.

When hard times come and beat against our stability, we must be determined to hear God’s words and put them into practice. Then nothing can topple our peace, security, or true identity.

I’m not sure who else needed to hear that—but I know I certainly did. So dry your tears, sweet mama. Today is a new day. A day when we will only be defined by God’s truth and grace as we navigate this wild wonder called parenthood.

We all need to extend grace to ourselves and enjoy slow moments to recharge our hearts. Today, I’m giving away 3 treat bundles that include a Starbucks gift card, a candle, and a copy of my book Am I Messing Up My Kids? to help you do just that.

messingupmykidsgiveaway

To be entered to win, leave a comment below telling me what verses you rely on when handling a hard situation with your child. {All winners will be notified via e-mail.}

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948 Comments
  1. Jameela

    I am a stay at home mom to a 2 year old and 8th month old. Things can get pretty crazy in my home. However, when those crazy moments arise, I think of the scripture ” I can do all things through Christ who give me strength” Philp 4:13.

    Reply
  2. claire killeen

    Clearly I need to win this prize, so I can drink coffee and read that book. I must REALLY be messing up my kids, because I do NOT have scripture I rely on when I hit hard times with my kids. I guess this is something I need to work on!!

    Reply
  3. Maggie

    I definitely have felt like a mom failure when my kids mess up, so thank you so much for this post. I need to remember we all need corrected at times, and these are opportunities to see God’s grace and mercy for us all. I love Ephesians 3:14-21.

    Reply
  4. ana solis

    Hello I used psalm to help me get through trials. I find Gods word reassuring.

    Reply
  5. Laura

    Lysa,

    I loved this. I’m going to send this to my sister that has her 2 boys in juvenile hall right now. She is one of the best moms I know. The verse I love to remember is God’s promise to finish the work HE started in me and my child! Philippians 1:6

    Blessings, Laura

    Reply
  6. renee wilson

    I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

    Reply
  7. Jessica

    Wow! Love it & I’m so thankful God has blessed me to be a MOM!:)
    It is the most rewarding & challenging task- that’s why I can’t make it without Prayer & the great verse of Phil.4:13…. Our family Motto!! I would love to read your book!;)

    Reply
  8. Donyale Slater

    Psalm 46:10!!!! My goodness this is something I NEEDED to hear as I sit here at 1:00 am studying for an exam for nursing school I have tomorrow. Well, later today so many days I am full if guilt because I am in nursing school FULLTIME. I am not able to work as much as a result. This means I am able to give my children the things they want and sometimes struggle with giving them the things they need. I go back and forth with the idea of giving up. But, I don’t want them to see me throw in the towel. I also am tired if saying “we can’t afford that right now” or “sorry you can’t join that organization or go to that bday party” I am reminded that HE is God. He hasn’t turned his back in me, even though in this struggle I’ve turned my back on Him. I am guilty and I am reminded that HE IS GOD! He loves me unconditionally and He wants what’s best for me. In the long run it will all pay off, I just pray that my children will understand why I have put their lives on hold for the next 12 months.

    Reply
  9. Mazie

    Thank you so much for the encouragement, Lysa. My go to verse in these situations is Philippians 4:6-8 “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.” NASB I chose this because the enemy told me the same lies about how bad my son is and how bad of a parent I am but Jesus reminded me to focus on the good things and to bring it all to Him. It really helped me, just like what you said because I didn’t focus on the lies and condemnation of the devil, but instead on all the promises God has always kept and all the good He has done and is doing in our lives.

    Reply
  10. Kelly

    I truly loved reading this post! Zephaniah 3:17, Romans 8:38 and the Psalms help me focus. I need to make sure that God’s word is alive and active in me or else I succumb to those thoughts of inadequacy, where did I go wrong, etc.

    Thank you for sharing this!

    Reply
  11. Sandra Sullivan

    I consider myself blessed with my daughter . However sometimes I feel that I am not so grown up myself and I have to remember the Lord is in charge of both my daughter and my life . Romans 8 all of it is so good esp. for me the mama to remember there is no condemnation in Christ also 1John 4 about how the Lord loves us .

    Reply
  12. Chris Carter

    Beautiful Lysa…. as always. And I immediately think about the children and how we can also measure our own value when they succeed as well. How the impact of their behavior and their ‘witness’ in our world so greatly affects us and impedes our very identity in Christ- either way. Through either pride or shame.

    Our children are God’s children. As are we. I always pray for God to remind me that His purpose and His Presence is His first priority in our potential. Amen? XOXOXO

    Reply
  13. Mom of Five

    I love you Lysa…thank you. ♥

    Reply
  14. Debbie Gomez

    The scripture I find the most comfort in when dealing with unpleasant things with my little guy is Philippians 4:8 “whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things. When I fail as a mom (which seems so often) I try to refer back to this scripture.

    Reply
  15. Suzanne

    I have 2 boys, 8 & 12. When they fight I just want to bury my head, and scream bc as you know it’s tiresome! However, Psalms 46:1 God says He’s my refuge & my strength, & an ever-present help in times of trouble. In my mind I cry out “Jesus help me!”

    Reply
  16. Shelly

    Proverbs 5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

    I am a teacher of a baby with behavior issues and I struggle with it not being a direct reflection of bad parenting. Over the years I am constantly reminding myself that I can only do my best and then I have to let go and let God!!

    Reply
  17. Stephanie

    God recently spoke this verse to my heart, owe no man anything but to love him. (Rom. 13:8) He said I didn’t owe people an explanation of my parenting and didn’t need their approval, so I could receive his grace for my walk and mistakes with my children. He always reminds I am not responsible for their choices and that it is part of the process.

    Reply
  18. Naomi

    Thanks. I really needed to hear this tonight after a rough-ish afternoon with the kiddos. My go-to verse is Philippians 3:13-14 and Romans 8:36-39. They give me hope and faith.

    Reply
  19. Kayla

    I am a mommy to a very strong willed little boy. He is now entering his terrible twos and most days I feel like pulling my hair out. Then there are the moments when gives me a kiss for no reason at all and I forget those bad moments. Every night since his birth I recite John 14:27 I am leaving you with a gift. Peace if mind and heart. The gift I give is a gift the world cannot give. Do not be troubled or afraid. 🙂

    Reply
  20. Stephanie

    This post spoke to me as I am 12 days away from having my first baby and I am constantly thinking about raising him up in a good, Christian home. I know that my child is the Lord’s and He has entrusted him to me (us). All I (we) can do is follow the Lord and pray for my child’s daily walk with Him. I appreciate your encouraging posts.

    Reply
  21. Lisa P

    I am in tears reading this. We have been facing a very difficult time with our teenage son in the recent month or so. I have been up and down emotionally as I have struggled to keep my mind on what is true (Phil. 4:8) which is that I love my son more than anything and while I may not be a perfect parent, I have done everything I can through God’s grace to be the parent my son’s need me to be. Tonight was a horrible night. Without going into details, I will just say that it had me on the floor crying my heart out to God…one minute begging for an answer to the question why, why, why. Whyis my son hurting the way he is, why is he hurting us the way he is, why won’t God intervene and help us like I know He can before it gets any worse. The next minute I am praying scripture that I have been praying over my son, standing on the word I received of my son being called to be a true Christ bearer to many when he was just a baby and knowing God is still by his side no matter how hard it is or will get only to head in the direction of what in the world did I miss, where did I go wrong, how did I fail him as a mother which was where I was sitting when I saw a new email on my phone before heading up to bed. Your email, God’s encouragement to me and absolute word to me to put my focus back on truth. “You are a bad mom. You have a bad child. You have a bad home.” You couldn’t have read my mind any better. “God sees within me the ability to be the one He’s perfectly designed to raise up this child.” Truth I need to park my mind on and let sink in. Your word were absolutely used by God to reach this one little mama in Colorado at the exact right moment. Thank you, Lysa.

    Reply
  22. Jevonnah

    Having worked as a daycare Director for a short time, I got a chance to see all kinds of interactions with moms and their kids. “He pulled her hair out!” “My baby has a diaper rash!” “My child has ringworm!” “My son bumped into a wall and now he has a big bruise on his head!” “My kid said a bad word!” “My daughter can’t memorize the scripture like the other kids!” Concern after concern. Worry after worry. And often times, when the moms came to talk to me about what happened, it often ballooned into tears and an admission of how just plain hard it was raising kids. I comforted them with a reassuring hug, a smile, and a scripture from 1 Peter 5:7 and 2 Cor. 4:17-18 “Cast all your cares on Him, for He cares for you, and this too shall pass.”

    Reply
  23. chelsea dudley

    I feel this way a lot and honestly, didn’t have a verse to run to exactly except for the one where he says he forms us in our mothers womb which makes me remember that he knew us and knows us and doesn’t stop.

    Reply
  24. Karen

    I rely heavily on Proverbs 3:5 and Psalm 46:10, in that order, when I need to stop a judgmental reaction and replace it with a grace-filled response. When I am on the verge of exploding I–1) resist my own understanding of the problem, because it is usually incorrect. Only God knows what REALLY happened and what was going on inside my child’s heart at the time, and I have to trust HIS understanding of it. Then I–2) be still and listen for His voice, knowing that He is the God who created my child, knows this child’s heart better than I ever will, and gifted him/her to me. Who am I to judge His child? He entrusted me to LEAD this child to Him, and I cannot speak to my child’s heart if I don’t first be still and let Him speak to mine. Only then can I respond to my child with the same grace that He responds to all of my mishaps. Seriously, what could a child have possibly done that is worse than anything that I have done, and not been condemned for? These two verses force me to remove the plank from own eye so that I can more humbly identify the speck of dust in my child’s eye, and then gently help her remove it (as with a cotton swan instead of a backhoe!)

    Reply
  25. Karen

    That last sentence should say “swab” and not “swan.” (Proof positive that man–and not God–created autocorrect!! If He had, we would never have typos!)

    Reply
  26. Shaun

    Phillipians 4:13, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
    I can get through this with my child through Christ who strengthens me.
    Thanks Lysa for all you do! 🙂

    Reply
  27. Heather

    Ephesians 1:4
    Long ago, even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. (NLT)
    Ephesians 3:19
    May you experience the love of Christ, though it is so great you will never fully understand it. Then you will be filled with the fullness of life and power that comes from God. (NLT)

    Parenting is hard. I am a single parent and it is hard. I love Jesus and I try to make sure to put him first in all I do, including parenting. These versus reassure me that He is with me during even the most difficult parenting trials.

    Reply
  28. UnessAur

    Parenting for me is a shadow of how Father God parents us. He has given us everything we need in this life and loves us unconditionally yet He gave us the freedom of choice because we grow from these choices, and these are the same with our children. We love them and give them everything, but they still make choices that either hurt them or hurt others that’s why i rely on God’s two promises:1) that if we train up a child the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. Pro 22:6
    2)being confident of this very thing, that He which has begun a good work in you (in our children) will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ. Phil 1:6

    Reply
  29. Lyane

    For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:11-13

    God has a plan for each one of my children…and for me, too! I try to remember that God’s plans are always better than what I have in mind.

    Thanks for the encouragement, Lysa!

    Reply
  30. Shannon Rose

    Isaiah 41:10 I Needed To Read This This Morning. Yesterday Morning Was Filled With Tears And A Heavy Heart.

    Reply
  31. Kelly F.

    In James it says be “quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger.” Working in this when parenting struggles arise. Keeps me in check to let the Holy Spirit work in all of us.

    Reply
    • Carolyn S.

      While our son is now grown, is a Christian, and living on his own, I call my parenting skills into question when he makes a choice I would label as “questionable”. I am reminded that we are exhorted to GROW in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. Just as Jesus has afforded me that same grace to grow and develop in my walk with Him, I need to extend that to my son. He makes mistakes, but he is growing and learning by God’s grace. It has taken me awhile to grasp hold of the fact that he makes a whole series of choices impacted by peers ( these are fine young adults who love the Lord!) and not a result of my parenting.

      Reply
  32. Leslie Stewart

    Phil 4:13 I can do ALL things through Christ who gives me strength.
    As I am the single Mom of a son with Cerebral Palsy, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and Epilepsy, this is a verse that I sometimes find myself saying outloud just to make it through a rough day. God’s strength in my weakness carries me through those tough moments.

    Reply
  33. Lisa Petrarca

    Thank you for this post Lysa! I can so relate and even though my oldest son is 25, I’m dealing with past issues that have recently come up with him. I had a meltdown day last week as this came up right in the middle of going through the process of possibly bringing a young foster boy into our home. I had to go and spend time with The Lord and allow him to fill me back up again. This was just what I needed to hear!!

    Reply
  34. Yolanda T.

    Thank you so much for this series. I’m in the midst of an “Am I messing Up My Kids?” time, so I definitely need this book. I remind myself that God has equipped me for these situations by meditating on Philippians 4:13.

    Reply
  35. Danielle

    Oh so many verses I use to encourage myself and calm myself in Jesus biy unfortunately when I am dealingwih a situation, I dont hide myself away to read and pray till its too late.
    On my mirror I have written these to always calm my spirit, Psalm 107:19-21, Isaiah 41:10, Is 30:15.
    I so needed this devo this am. Thanks

    Reply
  36. miranda

    hi i dont have a verse to post, but thank you so much for this i needed to hear it, i have recently just discovered that my 13 year old daughter is self harming through cutting her wrists. i have been crying and yes a lot of self blame trying to figure out why she is doing it but most importantly hurting on her behalf knowing that my little girl is hurting so much to the extent of cutting herself. i have not yet spoken to her, i needed to get the strength and sort out my own feelings first so the post today has helped a lot in leading me to pray before i tackle the issue. i feel like i am walking on eggshells i cant say anything to her without fearing that shes going to cut herself again. on the outside she looks like a normal teen doing all the teen things, crushing on the boy bands and her grades are not bad, hence my feeling that i must have done something to drive her to such extremes, we pray together every morning before school committing our day to the Lord, we pray every night before bed, so where have i gotten it wrong , have i lost my little girl for ever, will i find the strength to help her fight whatever inner demons are troubling her. please remember me and my daughter in your prayers, i am devastated i cant concentrate at work i cant look at her without crying and i find myself babbling around her.

    thank you

    Reply
    • Misti

      Miranda,

      I am so sorry. My heart broke as I read your comment. I have lifted you and your sweet daughter up in prayer this morning and will continue when He lays you on my heart. Hold on to Jesus…sometimes that’s all we can do. He WILL see y’all through this. He is faithful.

      Reply
  37. Anna

    Proverbs 22:6. No matter how many times I mess up, god promises that if I keep trying, he’ll take care of it in th end.

    Reply
  38. Lynn

    Phil. 4:13 “I can do all thing through Christ who strengthens me.”

    Reply
  39. Leigh Anne

    We are currently dealing with some heart issues with my 6 year old son…I chuckled yesterday as he came right out and “explained” that he has sin in his heart…
    There’s so many verses that can encourage me for parenting, but I really like 2Cor. 3:5 Our only power and success comes from God.

    Reply
  40. Laura K

    Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the doors of my lips. Psalm 141:3
    When my child makes an unwise decision I have to be careful of my words. I become frustrated at the situation but also with myself wondering what did I do wrong? I have to be even more mindful to guard the things I say and the way I say them to my children in my frustration.

    Reply
  41. Holly Nagy

    “He reached down from on high and took hold of me;he drew me out of deep waters. He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from my foes, who were too strong for me. They confronted me in the day of my disaster, but The Lord was my support. He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me.” Psalm 18:16-19

    Reply
  42. Kristy Daniels

    I fully rely on Phil 4:13 because through him he gives me strength to address situations as a mother. I also love the verse train up a child in the way he should go….

    Reply
  43. Lynne

    I want to be a good example to my children and in one of the ways I struggle to do that is not becoming easily frustrated. I like the verse James 4:19 that says…let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath. I need to listen to my children but I also need to listen to what God has taught me and to apply it when I am tempted to do wrong.

    Reply
  44. Liz

    Thanks for sharing, my verse : Joshua1:(8) this book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. (9) have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor dismayed, for The Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

    Reply
  45. Dee-Anna

    I have needed to hold onto, “Train up a child in the Lord and he will not depart from it”

    Spent a lot of time asking, when God? But God, look? And the added family condemnation of not having the “perfect children” just adds to my guilt and shame.

    Reply
  46. Jeanne Cordum

    Hi Lisa-

    I just love your emails I receive I just live for them and you truly a blessing from God. I’m a single mom so I do struggle with I’m I ruing my kid, am I a bad mom. I always try to handle each situation with grace like God would. I always turn to Ephesians 4:30-31 which is 30 And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he is the one who has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of malicious behavior. I just say this verse over and over, breath and be still. I know everything will be ok and that God loves me.

    Reply
  47. Bree

    “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18. I need to continue to focus on the giver and praise Him for entrusting me with these gifts. Even when it’s hard!

    Reply
  48. Twylene

    “My power is made perfect in weakness.” I don’t have to do this alone!

    Reply
  49. Lori

    I love your posts….knowing I’m not alone in these struggles! When I’m having a day full of frustration I try to remember Psalms 118:24 – “this is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it”. Helps me remember to be thankful for these days, that they will end all too fast! I also try to remember that God chose me to be my kids parent…so he must think I can get it right!

    Reply
  50. Shaunna

    Thank you for this! We have to remember that God has great plans for our kids and that He will work out all things for good, for this who love Him! The verse that I cling to is 2 Corinthians 4:16-18! We’re not giving up! Even though, on the outside it looks like we’re falling apart, On the inside, God is creating new life! I love this promise!

    Reply
  51. Sherry

    Lysa, Thank you for sharing your story. I guess all us mom’s feel the ouches when our kids mess up. My favorite verses are Isaiah 41:10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. And Philippians 4:13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength. There is so many good verses out there. I like seeing what other Moms favorite verses are. It help me stay grounded in God’s word. Thank you.

    Reply
  52. Angela J P

    Ummm wow! The last words out of my mouth last night were “I have been doing the right thing and it did me no good!” I was at a point of giving up…..my barely adult-aged (still a teenager) daughter had taken off across four states to live without even telling us. My heart is crushed, my spirit is tired….very tired and my head is spinning. But!! Oh…but God had something to tell me and he did it through your posting that I woke up to today. He say”s Dear Child -Be still and know that I am God.” I already feel Him in this situation. Thanks!!

    Reply
  53. Patty

    Psalm 46:10. “Be still and know that I am God”

    Reply
  54. Kaylee

    I definitely needed to hear “God sees within me the ability to be the one he perfectly designed to raise up this child.” I often hear myself asking God, “Why did you make me the mother of this child? I can’t raise her!” My go to verse is James 1:5 – “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” I need a lot of wisdom in my parenting – godly wisdom!

    Reply
  55. Samantha

    Recently in a devotion I read as I was struggling with my spirited 3 year old God gave me Psalm 46:10 only instead of be still, it said stop striving…..I had become so overwhelmed because I was striving in my strength not His. What a huge difference it makes when we allow God to work and trust Him with it all! I also like Romans 14:19 “Do what leads to peace” for kids that aren’t getting along.

    Reply
  56. Heather M

    Romans 12:9 “Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.” I need to remember to show my kids sincere love even when they make bad choices and also remember that they are good kids and I am a good mom regardless of their sometimes not so great choices.

    Reply
  57. Ken

    It would have to be the story of the prodigal son

    Reply
  58. Lisa H

    Romans 8:28 and jeremiah 29:11 both bring me comfort. Because despite what mistakes I make in parenting, or what mistakes my children make along the way, God still has a plan to use those things to shape us and mold us.

    Reply
  59. Ken

    It would have to be the story of the prodigal son-Luke 15:11. My estranged son, 22, was raised in the church, was loving and respectful has found himself entangled in the web of the enemy. Now homeless and experimenting with substances…I will just say it is hurtful as a mother to see your child go through this and you have no control over the situation. But I do know God still is in control no matter what my son is going through and I keep the faith by reading the story of the prodigal son because one day my son will also return home!

    Reply
  60. Kristy

    Isiaih 55:9 For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts. This helps calm me when I can’t figure out how to ‘discipline’ my special needs kid who doesn’t process cause and effect the way most children can.

    Reply
  61. Jan

    Lamentations 3:21-23. Love this post! I feel like this, and am in valley right now, just trusting God with the strength and wisdom and grace to get through the next day. Hard!

    Reply
  62. Gayle

    1 Peter 5:6-8 – at some point it becomes about my reaction and my feelings about myself. Becoming defensive and using harsh words to “defend” my child’s behavior – not helpful. Thanks Lysa for this post and all the fabulous momma who has posted – your words are a comfort to me!

    Reply
  63. Lawrie

    Thank you for this. I love what you said about still facing difficult circumstances and trying to see then with Gods eyes instead of my own. I love that God forgives me when I mess up. Eph 4:31

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  64. Mindy G.

    Philippians 4:6-7 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. I have to tell myself that God is in control and that he did not want me to worry but to be at peace. Pray…hard:)

    Reply
  65. Jeanette Lytle

    Isaiah 41:13 “I am the Lord, your God, who holds your right hand, and I say to you do not be afraid, I will help you” is a verse I came across this past year, and I find it very helpful because he is telling me personally that he will help me through any situation. When I am worried about what my child is going through, I turn to Phillipians 4:6 “Do not worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to the Lord”. I started my closer walk with Jesus the day I saw you speak in Evansville, IN so I want to personally thank you for spreading God’s word to the many women of this world.

    Reply
  66. Jennifer Newkirk

    Lysa! Thank you SOOO much for sharing your heart (and situations) and being vulnerable with all of us!!! So very grateful for you!!
    I use my favorite verse… Ps. 46:10 “Be still and know that I am God”. To calm my anxious or frustrated heart, I say it like this:
    “Be still and know that I am God…
    Be still and know that I am…
    Be still and know that I…
    Be still and know that…
    Be still and know…
    Be still and…
    Be still…
    BE

    I think that is all God is asking in those moments! Just BE!
    Blessings to you!!!
    Jennifer

    Reply
  67. kelly

    Is anything too hard for the Lord? Gen 18:14
    Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding, but acknowledge him in all you do and he will make your path straight. Prov 3:5-6
    Don’t be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving present your request to God. Phil 4:6

    Reply
  68. Mary Bernard

    I have a husband that does not make God a priority in our lives or in raising children, so I struggle with being the “bad cop” that makes them go to church or study their Bible. When I feel the urge to just give up and be a cool parent I remember the verse Proverbs 22:6, Train up a child in the way that he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it. Although I don’t see much fruit now at ages 11 & 10, I know someday I will. I just pray I do a good enough job.

    Reply
  69. Shelley

    Thank you for your honesty. I too let things around me define me at times, this was just what I needed to hear today. My favorite verse to help me through stressful times is Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your path straight.

    Reply
  70. Michelle

    Phil. 4:13. Overall my seventeen year old son is a good young man but there are days when he tests my patience and his boundaries. I remember one day as I was going home from work, I was thinking about a rough patch we were going through and I thought to myself “if he would just listen to me things would go smoother for him and us.” Then in my next thought I had to smile because I wondered how often God thought the same exact thing about me and maybe that’s why we get experience the teenage years with our children:-) Lysa, thank you for another great lesson.

    Reply
  71. Angie Dailey

    My two favorite verses are John 11:35 “Jesus wept”. And Proverbs 22:6 ” Train up a child in the way he should go an when he is old he will not depart from it.
    It’s ok to weep or cry, and they will return. Sometimes that is the only hope in a tough situation, and I hang onto it dearly. 🙂

    Reply
  72. Doreen

    Thank you for that message. After 24 years I still think I messed up but I’m still trusting God.

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  73. Linde

    And He who formed you, O Israel: Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine. Isaiah 43:22. Thank you Jesus for truth!

    Reply
  74. Roslyn Slocum

    I’m always encouraged that God is a God of second chances. For my kids and myself. We have definitely had some principal office moments. I also try not to think what that stigma brings with it. Because it truly is a teachable moment.

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  75. Stacy Lahm

    Isaiah 41:13 For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. (Isaiah 41:13 NIV)

    Reply
  76. Carol

    Proverbs 22:6 – “Train up a child in the way he should go, Even when he is old he will not depart from it.”
    A day doesn’t go by that I don’t look to God for guidance. Being a single mom brings its added challenges, but since their dad died we also have strenghtened our faith. Reminding my kids that there are no “secrets” because God sees everything and there will be a day when they will stand before the Lord and be accountable has helped immensely. Thank you Lisa for sharing your stories. You are an inspiration and a blessing.

    Reply
  77. Shannon

    My little boy was diagnosed with ADHD yesterday, and no matter how many times I’ve been told in the last 24 hours, “it is not your fault”, I still feel like I’ve failed him. He has to start medication today… I feel like a monster. The side affects that will take a toll on his young body just rips this mamma’s heart out. I sat in his room last night as he slept and prayed. Prayed that the Lord protect him, and keep him strong. And help me stay strong for him.

    Psalm 46:10

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  78. Monica B.

    Phillipians 4:13 – “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” I’ve also tried to remember to just say “Jesus” in those times when I’m getting frustrated with my kids, just saying it over and over and sometimes walking away.

    Reply
  79. Marlene

    Thank you, Lysa for this! When my kids (tweens!) Are being disrespectful, especially if I’m tired, the thoughts of condemnation as a parent start up and if I don’t turn to The Truth (Isaiah 41, 54, 60, Psalms, Romans etc etc!) I start agreeing with the lies. Thank you for being so real and sharing your true experiences. Its really comforting to know I’m not alone 🙂

    Reply
  80. Tammy

    Ephesians 4:29
    New International Version (NIV)

    29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

    THis has been very helpful for me when dealing with my headstrong son who has ADHD. and really tries my patience.

    Reply
  81. cindy

    I would really love to read this book. I think it would be a great plarform to grow from.

    Reply
  82. Jenny Buckman

    I loved this post, thank you for sharing it!!

    Train a child in the way he should go, and even when he is old he will not turn away from it.
    Proverbs 22:5-7

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  83. Kim S

    I have three verses: For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

    This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Ps.118:24

    Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23

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  84. Alissa

    Thank you – I needed this today. As a teacher (at my child’s school) it can be even harder! I rely on Romans 12:12.

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  85. Elaine Segstro

    “…you are my servant; I have chosen you and have not rejected you. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isa. 41: 9b-10) I LOVE Isaiah! This has been a comforting passage for parenting troubles and other disappointments in my life.

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  86. Shelley Summerville

    This was timed perfectly- to read just as I put the 2nd of 3 daughters on the bus…wondering why can’t our mornings be like everyone else’s? I’m sure that there are families out there that have children that wake up happy and kiss their mamas on the cheek, say I love you and get on the bus. Why is it that most mornings in my house one or the other oldest one leaves mad, irritated, makes me feel like I must be doing something wrong to have children that act so ungrateful towards me? Thankfully I remember Phil 4:8 and I remind myself to think about things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable…I have to remind myself that Satan will do all he can to make me think and focus on all the negatives instead of the positive times.. The times where my high schooler stands up in English class to say she will not be a part of reading a book that is full of curse words, and instead chooses to go alone to the library to work on her own book ( which by the way the teacher ends up following her lead and changes the book for the whole class) or the time where my little one wraps her arms around my neck and tells me I’m the best mommy in the world. I know full well that the grumpy, yucky mornings may run rampant in a house with 3 girls, but I also have to remind myself that God is in control here and I can listen to His loving, caring voice that strengthens me-or listen to the condeming voice of Satan that wears me down. I choose God.

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  87. Carole

    The verses that I turn to when stressed is Philippians 4:6-7. Thanks for sharing, you are an encourager!

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  88. Stephanie Taggart

    I have one go to verse that I rely on in every situation. Proverbs 3:5- 6
    “Trust in The Lord with all of your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths.”

    Reply
  89. Dawn Kaser

    I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.
    —Psalm 27:13–14

    I have 3 kids ages 22, 18 and 4. What a struggle to parent adults down to a toddler. My oldest is a recovering heroin addict (4 months clean and FINALLY moving into her own apartment!!) I have had to realize that I can do nothing to “fix” her…it all has to be God, In HIS timing. A lot of praying. But, seeing the work He is doing in her life, this is such a comforting verse no matter what the day holds for the 18 and 4 year old! I cling to His promise each day.

    Reply
  90. Lori

    Thank you Lysa…you always seem to speak what’s in my heart and remind me to be kind to myself. No one is perfect and I seem to need constant reminding of this, especially when it comes to parenting.

    Bless you!

    Reply
  91. Melissa

    I always come back to Mark 1:11, Matthew 3:17, and Luke 3:22. Those versus all recount God’s words when Jesus was baptized: “…and behold, a voice out of the heavens said, ‘This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.'”
    I love these verses because God was affirming Jesus BEFORE he started his ministry, before he performed his first miracle. I don’t need to be the perfect mom, performing mom miracles. God claims me as His BEFORE I even start my day.
    Good stuff!

    Reply
  92. Michele Morin

    I needed this reminder today. Thanks for your vulnerability.

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  93. Gigi Parkins

    This was just what I needed as my oldest child’s grades were just not what they should be, and I have struggled with how to deal with it. Thank you so much!

    Reply
  94. heidi

    Thank you! While i dont want anyone to experience the frustrations of raising a child, it is always nice to have a reminder we are not alone in what we think or feel in raising children. There are plenty of things that mar my thinking of what i have done and continue to do wrong,so thankful for a loving God. A verse i continually feel comforted by is Matthew 6:34. It isnt a parenting verse per se, however it reminds me this day is only one day and tomorrow will be another opportunity to do better. Thank you for your ministry!

    Reply
  95. Joyce C

    Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!
    Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean no on thine own understanding, in all thy ways acknowledge Him and he shall direct they path.

    Satan loves nothing more than to spew lies and tell us were bad moms. Its so not true! God entrusted us with our kids! As my husband has reminded me on occasion the Lord isn’t sitting up there shaking His head and saying man I messed up giving her those kids. He’s up there saying I’m here to help, just ask me, rely on me, depend on me!
    Now if I would just remember this all the time it would be wonderful!!! LOL

    Reply
  96. Bridget F

    As the mother of a child with Autism, I can’t tell you how many times I have beaten myself up over how my child behaves. I do know it is not my fault, but it still stings sometimes. Thank you so much for this encouragement!

    Reply
  97. Trisha

    Wow I needed this today, going through a difficult issue with my son. I was just in prayer over how to handle the matter since I was out of ideas. Thinking I should have started there. My verse for my son was Love one another. And Love your neighbor as yourself. These are needed since he’s starting to be a bully, after years of being bullied.

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  98. Michelle Stein

    Thanks so much for your words of truth and encoragement. As a single parent I have struggled with this off an on for a long time. And you only need to watch a fathers rights commercial to bring up those feelings again. But you can’t make a person be a part of someone’s life. But by the grace of God I became a Christian shortly after becoming a single parent. Giving me peace, hope, and strength for the journey!!!
    One of the verses that has helped me through this journey is Jeremiah 29:11-13. Knowing that God has the perfect plan for each of our lives, plans to prosper and not to harm, plans to give us hope and a future have helped through this journey! And knowing that none of this is a suprise to God!! He knew my son was going to grow up without his father being around and that it was going to be a ruff road but he would get us through!!!!

    Reply
  99. Karla

    Proverbs 19:21″You can make many plans, but the LORD’s purpose will prevail.”
    God is doing something greater in me and in my children than what I can see. I trust that even if I am messing up, He is the God of second chances and His purposes will prevail!

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  100. Becca

    Proverbs 3:5- Trust in The Lord with all your heart. Lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him and He will make your path straight.

    Reply
    • Nicole

      Same here. Yesterday my 8 yr old dtr was having a moody morning. Nothing would snap her out of it. Finally i just started singing, Trust in the Lord with all your heart, Lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and he will make your paths straight. She heard me and midway thru joined in on the singing. Her mood was normal from then on.

      Reply
  101. Andrea Chase

    Thank you for these readings. I feel encouraged in a time that I really need these reminders. I lost my husband unexpectedly in a tragic accident 2 months ago and all of a sudden am left to raise 4 kids alone. We have had many discouraging days where I end the day feeling as if I’ve “messed up my kids”. Your reminders comfort me, along with “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength!!” Thank you for these readings!!!

    Reply
  102. Janet Dolence

    Jer 29:11….is not only for me but for my child…He has plans for her that I don’t know and He’s using these teaching situations to shape & mold her..

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  103. julie

    Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me

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  104. Jenn

    Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.-Proverbs 3:5
    So easy to get caught up in controlling our children and then blaming ourselves for their reactions.

    Reply
  105. Soninta Panjaitan

    Hi Lysa! I have three boys so my favorite verse is Phillipians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ which stengtheneth me”. There are days when I think I will lose the battle (The math says that 3 is bigger than 1!), but when I am reminded of that verse, my heavy heart is lifted because I am not alone. I have Christ with me and he will help me love and nurture those three wonderful blessings of mine. Thank you for sharing God’s word through the eyes of moms. God bless!

    Reply
  106. Takiesha Smith

    Jeremiah 29-11. Yesterday was rough and I was sure I had not only failed my child but my husband as well. I went to bed defeated. The voice in my head said give up the enemy wins. This morning I woke with your msg in my inbox like whisper from my savior saying its another day. Get up and try again.

    Reply
  107. Rhonda H

    Dear Sister in Christ,
    I am at a place that I thought no Mother would ever have to endure this heartache and hurtfulness. My son has completely disowned us for “his mistakes”. He blames us for what he has done, yea, talk about punching a parent in the GUT!! I went through the WHY ME and HOW DARE HIM and SAY WHAT attitude but once I got a grip of what was actually going on and leaned on God for understanding and for guidance then I became a person of Faith. You see we went against my son because he didn’t want us to contact this ex wife to see our grandchildren while he and his new wife are stationed in Japan. My gut told me otherwise and we called an lawyer and he gave us advice and told us going to court isn’t a good idea because in VA they do not favor Grandparent’s rights. He (lawyer) told us to contact the Mom of the children and we did. To make a long story short my son and his new wife threw us under the bus with lies/deceit/the whole nine yards, until we found out the truth and found out none of the things we were being told was the truth. They have played all the cards and got busted!
    If it haven’t been for me being a Christian would I have overcame this! Don’t get me wrong the devil puts doubt and anxiety in me allot but I will overcome because God is my Heavenly Father and I will not be shaken!! I have learnt to seek God and celebrate when tough times come (and they will), I need to have a party and celebrate LIFE and thank God for even these tough times.
    “BAD circumstances is an opportunity for a miracle”. Nothing is impossible with GOD.
    I have my daughter-in-law in my life now along with those adorable precious gifts (Grandchildren) she gave us and what a honor and blessings (despite my son) we have in our lives. Our hearts are full and overflowing with God’s blessings and love.
    So when circumstances come:
    I say this: I do not CARE!! I will not be afraid, I will not Bend, I will not Bow, and I will not be afraid and refuse to be afraid anymore. I stopped living in fear and stopped running from fear and stood in Faith.

    2 Corinthians 1:24: Not that we Lord it over your Faith, but we work with you for you joy, because it is by Faith you stand Firm.

    Psalms 36:5: “Your Love, LORD reaches to the Heavens, your faithfulness to the skies

    Psalms 78:35: “They remembered that God was their Rock, that God most High was their redeemer.

    Thank you Lysa, you are an inspiration to me and so many others and I just know that no matter what my circumstances I have FAITH and If I say move that mountain and believe God will do truly that.
    Blessings and love girl!!

    Reply
  108. Lois

    I son’t have any children to mess up. Got did not have that in his plans for me. But there are lessons in your story even for me. Just in the timing of your child getting into mischief and you being asked to talked just flashed as satan trying to throw you off. Trying to make you stumble and doubt yourself – it was not just your child getting a lesson but your faith shined through.

    Reply
  109. Cora Nash

    Proverbs 3:5 trust in The Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding… This one is always in my head. Thank you for this reminder to keep things in perspective.

    Reply
  110. Tara

    Lisa – I have to rely on Colossians 3:12-17. There are so many calls to action for me as a parent in tough situations – put on compassion, humility and patience. BEAR (not be a bear 🙂 with one another, forgive one another, let the peace of Christ rule, admonish each other in wisdom and above all give thanks to God. All hard to do but a blueprint for me in tough times. Thanks for asking and reminding me. Bless you!

    Reply
  111. Sonya

    Romans 8:28…I know that God works all things for good for us who love him. I have 3 great and very human kids…19, 11 and 9. I love to read your devotions. Thank you for being a blessing!

    Reply
  112. Jana

    And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

    Recently, our son also found himself in the principal’s office. A great time of discussion followed, and a time of re-anchoring occurred. God loves him and he loves God, and he needed a little reigning in as he matures. I thanked God for the episode, knowing that He is not about to take His eyes off of my boy!

    Reply
  113. Tracey

    Phil 4:13 I can do ALL THINGS thru Christ who strengthens me!!
    Parenting for sure is the hardest “job” I have ever done..but i love it.

    Reply
  114. Kim

    Proverbs 22:6
    New King James Version (NKJV)
    6 Train up a child in the way he should go,
    And when he is old he will not depart from it.
    I refer back to this everyt time I think I’m messing up my kids and pray that I’m making Godly/wisdom choices for them ad even through my mess up that they learn the way to go;)

    Reply
  115. Cindy

    Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. (2 Corinthians 12:8, 9 ESV)

    Reply
  116. Sarah Brubaker

    Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me ~

    Reply
  117. Carol

    Philip 2:14 whatever happens conduct yourself in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ
    Acts 19:36. You ought to calm down & not do anything rash.
    Prvb 14:1 The wisewoman builds her house but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.
    Eph 6:4 fathers do not exasperate your children instead bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.

    Reply
  118. Jennifer smith

    Romans 8:28
    Philippians 4:13
    I really needed this post today. I love the house built on rock vs sand……great reminder that All experience trouble but who are we trusting in? Would love to read your book

    Reply
  119. Carolyn

    I like Joshua 1:9
    Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.

    Reply
  120. Kim M

    John 3:16 – For God so loved the world (me and my kids) that he gave his only son, that whosoever believes in him will have eternal life. If God can love us warts and all then I need to love my kids warts and all. Continue to show them the love of Christ and all of these parenting issues will work out in the end.

    Reply
  121. Val Kisamore

    Our church just spent a long time going through Isaiah.

    “For his God doth instruct him to discretion, and doth teach him” Is 28:26

    “And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left” Is. 30:21

    Reply
  122. Carol Ann

    I have strong feelings that I am the problem in my child’s life! in my husbands life! And I am making them both miserable. I’ve even thought of leaving thinking that they would be happier without me around. But I haven’t left. I am still there. I am still trying to keep myself together. My self worth is the problem and I know it is rubbing off on my son.

    When I read your honest and very real devotionals it helps ‘re-calibrate” my life. I guess I am not a bad mother. Ours is not a bad home. We all need tweeking! My bible verse is from Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord – plans to prosper you and not to harm you; plans to give you a hope and a future.” My toughest problem is believing it for myself.

    Thank you for your spiritual guidance. Hopefully one day I will see my worth in God. If I could have one thing – it would be to see myself as God sees me – even as others who love me see me.

    Reply
  123. Mandy Litzke

    I so appreciated this devotional and all the comments! I could echo every single verse listed as my “go to” verses. I also lean heavily on “the joy of The Lord is my strength and pray that same joy that strengthens me will empower my child and grant strength in the moments of decision. The joy of The Lord is rich and deep and will equip us to be. True joy found only walking in His presence. (Psalm 105:43: I pray Proverbs-filled with “wisdom & knowledge” to guide us, for discernment and 2 Corinth 10:4-5- I am often reminded …not flesh we fight againt– thus “armoring” for the ploys of the enemy (who loves to use our children)…”bringing every thought captive to the obedience of Christ” (I pray that for them & myself).

    Reply
  124. Joy

    Raising 3 kids alone brings challenges I never thought that I would face but God knew. He has blessed and provided in ways I would have never dreamed possible. This year I have posted the verse “I am doing a great work and I can not come down.” Nehemiah 6:3 … I love this verse because it reminds me to stay the course. I have to be reminded that my great work at this time is training these 3 kids to know God and make Him known. As we homeschool each day I am drawn to do so many other things. Some things have to be done and others can wait. I pray for God to give me strength and wisdom each day as I choose.

    Reply
  125. Lo

    Lysa,
    I wish this was available when I was a young mom but I still receive strength from this site!! My sons are now 21 and 23, both in the military and now there are other things to worry about… mainly not going to church and deployments. But through all this I have clung to the verse Proverbs 22:6. Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. That has been my promise from God and I trust in it. They were raised the way that I felt God expected me to. They have both met lovely Christian ladies who are involved in church and love the Lord and I see changes in both of them. They are becoming committed again which is a blessing to see. One is going to church now and the other is beginning to look for a church and has asked me to pray for him several times. That again is a blessing. And even though they are not where I want them to be, it is a start…..So for all you moms out there who are struggling with teenagers and older children, don’t give up! God has a plan for your children’s lives and He is faithful!

    Reply
  126. April M

    Seems likes we are distance twins or something God always blesses me with your words that he gives you. Your a great inspiration thank you I always go to Psalms 41: 10

    Reply
  127. Courtney

    Letting Go, Letting God
    “This is the word of the God of Israel: The jar of flour will not run out and the bottle of oil will not become empty before God sends rain on the land and ends this drought.”
    The widow of Zarephath had an even sharper concern. She had only enough flour to make one more meal for herself and her son. Yet Elijah urged her to make that flour into a biscuit for him-with God’s promise that, if she did, her food would never run out. She chose to trust to turn her life and the life of her son over to the Lord.
    Turning our children over to God isn’t easy, but the Lord who helped a desperate widow three thousand years ago remains by our side today.

    Father God, help us remember that You care for our children intimately and eternally. Remind us that you will not let us fall.

    Reply
    • Courtney

      1 Kings 17:14

      Reply
  128. Phyllis

    Psalm 138:8
    The Lord will accomplish what concerns me; Your lovingkindness, O Lord, is everlasting; Do not forsake the works of Your hands.

    I cling to this scripture for my daughter and for myself. The Lord WILL accomplish what concerns us both, and will never forsake either of us. Now THIS is good news! I just need to cease striving and know that He is God.

    Reply
  129. Stephanie anderson

    Philippians 1 – he who began a good work is faithful to complete it. It is God who created my child, who has a plan and a purpose for her, and He will be the One to do the good work in her . I can do what He has called me to do as a mom then trust Him with the rest !

    Reply
  130. Tanjae

    There are two that come to mind quickly, but so many more that fit with children in mind. Phil 4:13 – I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me Prov. 22:6 – Train up a child in the way that he (she) should go, and when he (she) is old he (she) will not depart from it.

    Reply
  131. Karen

    Jeremiah 29:11…for myself AND for my child. Thank you Lord that Your plans for each of us are GOOD!
    Romans 8:28…to me means that even when I feel like I am a failure, if I have kept my focus on Him, He will use my efforts for good. He will fill in all the places where I am lacking, and straighten my wobbly path.

    Reply
  132. Ellen Wright

    A long time ago, when my kids were little, a very wise woman encouraged me during the days of being in the trenches (my expression for raising young kids). I was feeling very frustrated/beaten down as I experienced failure upon failure in my child-rearing approaches! She reminded me that God looks at our hearts–what we really desire to do–even when our actions/results of our actions would say the opposite. The verse that speaks to me about this is referring to God’s instruction to Samuel in selecting Israel’s second king, however, part two of the verse can certainly be applied to our frustrated efforts at child-rearing: “…for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7b

    Reply
  133. Ashley

    My go to verse when my children are just testing me over and over again is Heb 12:11 No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening, it’s painful. But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.
    Helps me realize everyone need discipline from time to time and it will be for the good even if I never see it come to fruition. Love today’s devotion. Something I really needed to hear as I am struggling with my 14 year old son! Thanks Lysa!!

    Reply
  134. Mistie Chiles

    Isaiah 43:2 “When you pass through the water, I will be with you; when through the river, [you will not drown]. When you walk through the fire, [you will not be burned].”

    Every situation I face with my children is another opportunity for me to continue to learn how to handle the pressures of life with the grace and wisdom of God. I don’t always pass, but this scripture reminds me that I will not drown in those tests…and neither will my children!

    Reply
  135. Crystal Vaughn

    “Her children WILL rise up and call her Blessed” Gives me SO much Hope. ❤️

    Reply
  136. Megan P.

    Proverbs 22:6 – Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.

    It’s a great reminder to just keep talking and living out the Gospel as an example to my kids and it will help to keep them on the right path.

    Reply
  137. Srephanie Stumbaugh

    Deuteronomy 6:6-9 And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

    I pray everyday knowing I can only do my best with The Lord help. My kids are going to mess up and I need to let them, we can only guide them and pray they will also turn to Him for grace. Thank you Lisa for sharing your heart and reminding us as moms we need to just follow and guide!

    Reply
  138. Kimberly

    I love how it says “Let me invade your natural flesh reaction” This reminds me of to keep my mouth from speaking with-out thinking first. My son needs more of his Mother acting like Jesus in all things.
    “I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut.
    I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. ” Revelation 3:8

    Reply
  139. Christie

    Never really thought to use verses until this week–this was brought up at a moms group yesterday. So I keep thinking about 1 Tim 4:12–but for me. That I should be setting the example for my non-believing (yet) toddler

    Reply
  140. Rhon

    James 1: 12-16
    Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised those who love.

    Reply
  141. Holly Reid

    Thank you for this posting today!!! I so needed to hear it after the evening we had with our “most likely to rule the world and give me a head full of gray hair in the process child” – and he’s the birthday boy today!!!

    I always have to listen very carefully to hear God’s voice! It begs to be drowned out by the overwhelming loudness in my home of 4 boys! However, He speaks to me through Colossians 1:17 – He is before all things, and in Him ALL things hold together! He holds me together no matter the circumstances my 4 little blessings get themselves into!!

    Reply
  142. Moriah

    I needed this today. Right now. THANKS!! I am up early to pray about this day and research some rehab centers for our 24 y/o son. Alcohol has taken over his life – yet he is in total denial so gets very angry and defensive when we try to talk about what he’s doing and where he’s headed in life. After the events of this week, today most likely will be ‘intervention’ day. Thank you for helping me see i must not heap on the condemnation on myself of thinking this is all my fault and I’m a bad mom. I need to see clearly and get my negative emotions out of the way so that I can lovingly direct him in the right path. thanks for your prayers! .

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  143. Carissa D. Huffman

    This one resonates with me when dealing with my very smart, very hard-headed 4-year-old son:
    Proverbs 22:6
    Start children off on the way they should go,
    and even when they are old they will not turn from it.

    and
    Jeremiah 29:11-12
    For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.

    We are going through a VERY rough time in our current daycare situation. I have found a FANTASTIC preschool that fits our schedule, is Christ-centered, offers a LOT of challenge for our likely-gifted son (took him to be evaluated based on the issues at current daycare), and would cost us LESS than we currently pay!! They are FULL 🙁
    We are desperately praying for this to open up–a happy job transfer for a family who is there, or some other great blessing that will benefit them and us. Anyone who would join us in prayer that this could open up for Conor–that would be a blessing.

    I am getting all kinds of notes that make me feel like I am not doing so well–thank you for the reminder that if I trust in the Lord, He will get us through all this.

    Carissa in eastern Iowa

    Reply
  144. Tonya McCoy

    My journey with my stepson Johnny is a daily challenge & struggle. I know if it wasn’t for God I could not still be in this role cuz it is the toughest thing I have ever faced. Every day I have to stand on Philippians 4:13 & know that I can do this with God’s strength. I also rely on Lamentation 3:22-23 because just as I need God’s mercy daily I need to extend that mercy to Johnny as well.

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  145. Kim

    This could not have come at a better time. Our family has had this almost exact experience this last week. My daughter was sent to the office and we are in the last few days of being licensed to be a foster to adopt family. Talk about satan doing a number on ya! It’s been a battle this last week to handle things properly and not feel like a complete failure as a parent and even question our calling. But as always The Lord has been so sweet to comfort us and help us see this for what it truly is. It isn’t a fight against flesh and bones but against the deceiver himself and also a character shaping moment like you said. I’m so thankful God chose us for the moment even as hard as it has been and will continue to be. I know our God is faithful! Ephesians 6 has been scriptures that I can always look upon to help get my mind right and prepared for battle. Jesus, Jesus, Jesus is what our family said yesterday as we refused to let satan win! Thanks for sharing and being so transparent! The Lord will continue to bless you!!

    Reply
  146. JODY

    Gen 50:20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives
    Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[a] have been called according to his purpose.
    Right now these 2 verses are my life line. We have a teenage child who has started doing drugs & skipping class. My child committed their live to Jesus at the age of 7, is very active in their youth group at church, but struggles to fit in at school. I know with all my heart that God will use this time in our lives for something beautiful & amazing

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  147. Tara B

    I am standing in faith with a friend and commenting on her behalf. I would love to be able to present this special gift to her. Any verse that talks about God holding us with His hand and holding us up is such a great comfort.

    Reply
  148. Ali Key

    My son has ADHD, his meds have now also caused bouts of anxiety and fear, anger and opposition. Most days just getting him to the breakfast table is a draining, escalated episode that makes our home chaotic. I go from being a structured, calm and prepared mom to a screaming lunatic at times. It’s not who I want to be. This is not what I want my dear child to have to go through at such a young age. None of this was what I envisioned. But Isaiah 40:31 is a verse I go back to often. Because I am waiting on The Lord. I know one day He will give me wings to soar like an eagle over these problems that weigh my family down daily. I trust in these words. Some days, it is my absolute life line because the moment’s reality and the whispers in my head try to convince me otherwise. Thank you for this post.

    Reply
  149. Shirley

    I knew that it was a training process so in proverbs it says,Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it. Pro.22:6

    Reply
  150. Casey Murphy

    Lisa, thank you for these words and scriptures. I have a strong willed 7 year old boy who does not like school and defies his teachers at some point in the day. He is in counseling and we have chosen not to medicate him, but work with him and give him time. Yesterday, he destroyed part of the teachers classroom because he didn’t get a smiley face for his behavior that day. Consequences to choices he made. You can imagine my shock at the destruction my sweet little boy was responsible for. I feel very alone as a parent. As if my child is the only one who has ever acted this way in the world. I woke up this morning feeling defeated and wanting to have all the answers to fix him so that he will be loved by others like I love him. I woke up knowing he had more consequences to face when he gets to school this morning.

    Thank you for reminding me to ask God what to do. I have been relying on myself and what I think others want of us. I was giving in. Thank you for reminding me that this child was given to be for a purpose. God has equipped me to raise this particular child and I will do my best to ask Him what he would have me do. After praying I felt my burden lift and God take over. Matthew 7:24-27 is a verse I will meditate on from now on because these are storms, huge and raging, but my God can calm it for me so that I can see the situation for what it is and not what it seems.

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  151. Sadie VK

    Galatians 6:9 “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

    Reply
  152. Kerri

    I love the verse, “A gentle answer turns away wrath but a harsh word stirs up anger.” It helps me to remain patient when disciplining. Thank you, Lysa, for your honesty and insights!

    Reply
  153. Maria wood

    Oh thank you Lysa, I have felt like such a failure as a mom lately. My husband works away from home and is only home on weekends, I have 2 grown children who are out on their own and a 11 year old son. It is so hard because he is all alone with just me and misses his dad very much. It seems so much more of a struggle raising him then the other 2, probably because I am basiclly doing it alone, with my frustration of not having my husband home I find it hard to be the mother I feel I should be. your blog really hit home this morning, thank you for the reminder of my worth as Gods daughter and that I am not alone and not some terrible mom and that others struggle with the same things I do…..Prov:3:5-6 is my life verse, especially in this season of my life. and Philippians 4:13….I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me….

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  154. Tami Mayberry

    Proverbs 19:20-21
    Listen to counsel and receive instruction, That you may be wise in your latter days. There are many plans in a man’s heart, Nevertheless the Lord ’s counsel—that will stand.

    Reply
  155. Tina B

    You quoted my go-to verse in your blog. Psalm 46:10a – Be still and know that I am God. I use this verse whenever I feel the frustration well up in me. I have 3 wonderful, loving children ages 9, 7 and 6, who can be very trying at times. I need the reminder that God is working in them (and me) and I just need to let Him do His thing as He guides me on this parenting journey.

    Reply
  156. Margaret

    Hi Lysa !
    Before I leave my comment on your latest blog ( which was very timely) I want to tell you how much I enjoyed hearing you speak at the Win Some Women conference on Mackinac Island this past October ! Thank you for being so real with us! You took a giant burden off of my shoulders to be the perfect mom all of the time. I am the mom of 5 kids. Three are grown and in their 20’s. One is married and the other two are living on their own nearby. When my husband and I realized that the empty nest was looming on the horizon we decided to postpone that phase of life and we started all over by adopting our two youngest who are now 9 and 11. We have been parenting for 29 years and still have so much to learn ! Now for the very timely blog. Just yesterday I received a call from one of my sweet child’s teachers. I was mortified to hear that she had been being very mean and rude to another child for several weeks. Her behavior included saying some not so nice things, treating him badly and also rebuffing his attempts to respond to her offensiveness by treating her with kindness. Part of me couldn’t believe that my tender-hearted child could act in such a horrible way but another part of me could, as I had seen glimpses of that kind of attitude pop up from time to time. Every morning when I go in to wake her we pray before she gets out of bed that The Lord would bless her and help her to be a blessing to others.Well, she certainly had not been a blessing to this other child and I was looking for that rock to hide under. Instead of hiding I went to my “go to” verse for parenting, which is Isaiah 40:11 where it tells me that “He gently leads those who have young.” I prayed that God would help me handle this situation properly and say the words that my child needed to hear. I talked to her about what had been happening and when I saw the tears roll down her cheeks I knew that I had reached her heart. I asked her to talk to God about it in her room and when I went in to check on her later I found her asleep with a sweet letter of apology next to her. Imagine what it was like to open your e-mail the very next morning and read about your similar experience ! God is truly “The God who sees” and I am so thankful that you are willing to open yourself up to us and be real ! I am not a bad mom. I do not have a bad child and I do not have a bad home. Now I am ready to crawl out from under that rock and get on with my day and whatever comes my way today ! Thanks Lysa !

    Reply
  157. Debbie

    My children are both on their own now. Yet,as adults they make choices I don’t agree with and I wrap their mistakes around me like an old blankie, I must remember that God loves them more than I ever could and He will take care of them as He sees fit. I will just pray for them and be there when they need me.

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  158. Mary Stoelzing

    When I’m struggling to parent my child, I love the reminder that the best book on parenting is His Word! “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” Psalm 119:105

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  159. Barbara Cole

    Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.” Over the years these verses would come to my mind when I paused in the situation and they helped me remember to allow God to intervene instead of reacting out of my own impulses. Now that my children have children of their own, I pass on this practice to them (and that’s what it takes – practice. After a while this becomes the natural response.)

    Reply
  160. Mary Weiss

    I am a mother of two and now grandmother of 6.
    I was a young mother with no clue and I defined myself by my children’s actions .
    I did not know the Lord at the time so I would just dwell on my mistakes.
    What a blessing it is to know the Lord and to be able to turn to Him.
    My children are 40 and 37 and I am finally forgiving myself.
    Thank you
    I very much enjoy your books, you have become a blessing in my life!

    Reply
  161. Lisa

    My husband and I adopted a child who we love very very much and who we know God brought to us because he knows we can be the parents our child needs. We have spent the last 3 years traveling from specialist to specialist and with each specialist’s diagnosis we continued to advocate for our child that everyone was missing a vital piece of the puzzle. One night after a particularly hard day my husband prayed that God show us the answer we have been seeking so we can help our child. Later that evening I was on the internet on an adoption forum searching for anything that might help us and low and behold did I find that missing piece to the puzzle we had been searching for. We contacted the specialist who set us up for an immediate visit and they reevaluated and diagnosed our child with Reactive Attachment Disorder. Our child is now in therapy and the prognosis although it will take time is a 100% turn around. We have had to do a lot of reading, learn new and different ways to parent our child but God has been our shoulder throughout the past 3 years and we know he has great plans for our child and he gives us the strength and encouragement we need on those really tough days. Some of our favorite verses are Psalm 46:10, Psalm 119:50, and Acts 15:11.

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  162. jodi

    “Guard my mouth and control my lips”. Sorry I can’t remember where I found that in the bible, but I repeat it several times a day.

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  163. Molly Higle

    Right now, I am praying Isaiah 50:4 every morning. I am praying to be teachable as I venture to teach my children, something that for some reason intimidates me tremendously.

    Reply
  164. Carrie

    Isaiah 41:13
    For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. What an encouragement to know that God has not given me these 5 beautiful children and left me on my own! God almighty is with me every step of the way guiding, protecting, forgiving…. He who began a good work in them (and me) will be faithful to complete it.

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  165. Rebecca

    I am a mother to five. My youngest is four while my oldest son just turned 17. I simultaneously rejoiced and wept. How short my opportunity for influence is now! Mr. Oldest is also my step son. I came into his life when he was five. He has always lived with us full time. We have been through some serious difficulties with his biological mother. Mr. Oldest has rebelled against me in so many ways. The scripture I go to in those hard times is Psalm 1:1-3 Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked,or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night. They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season.Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do.
    It is tempting to walk away and wash your hands of a situation when it is your step child. To just let his father deal with it. The thought that its all my fault and they would both be better off without me eats away at my soul. No matter what though, I am his mother. I chose him when I chose his father. So I remind myself that I am like a tree planted by the riverbank and this family will see the fruit of all its efforts in due season. Seasons can be long but they are not forever. I I’ll delight in the law of The Lord even if everyone in our family thinks were crazy.

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  166. Sarah

    Thanks for sharing this blog…definitely needed the reminder today. Often feel like a failure as a mom when my kids act up..like it is a reflection on me as a parent. God reminds me that I’m the right parent for my kids and to keep plugging ahead asking him to help shape their character

    Deutoronomy 30:11-14 Now what I am commanding you today is not too difficult for you or beyond your reach. It is not up in heaven, so that you have to ask, “Who will ascend into heaven to get it and proclaim it to us so we may obey it?” Nor is it beyond the sea, so that you have to ask, “Who will cross the sea to get it and proclaim it to us so we may obey it?” No, the word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart so you may obey it.

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  167. Mona

    Psalm 139:13-14 – from before we even knew they were there God knew our babies – He shaped them and formed them. Remembering that, when I feel like a failure, helps me rest in the knowledge that if I will get out of His way God will help me be the exact parent they need.

    Reply
  168. Tammy Ratliff

    Lysa:
    Thank you so much for those words. It seems when I need a pick me up I turn on my computer look in my email and bam there it is. My husband lost his job in April of this past year due to a medical disability. I am working full time and dealing with issues at home. Sometimes it seems as though the storms are never ending. Thank you for this encouragement. I needed it today.

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  169. Kathy Vieira

    This too shall pass.

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  170. Kim Middleton

    I try to always remember I Corinthians 13. Love , Love ,Love, the greastest of these is Love. God loved us so I need to love others.

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  171. Julie O

    Ephesians 3:20- I remind myself that God can do immeasurably more with my child than I could ever ask or imagine. I am learning to stop trying to control every issue and instead pray for God to take control. I am now seeing God at work in my child. The lying has stopped, self confidence is building and he is becoming the young man I know God has called him to be. I bought the necklace Priscilla shirer sold that says Beyond Beyond. I wear it everyday as a reminder that God goes beyond beyond with us- Praise The Lord!!!

    Reply
  172. Sara K

    “And we KNOW that God causes EVERYTHING to work together for the GOOD of those who love God and are called according to His purposes.” (Romans 8:28) This is what gives me hope and helps me not curl up in a ball on the floor and give up! Also, “Now all glory to GOD, who is able, through His mighty power at work within us, to ACCOMPLISH INFINITELY MORE than we might ask or think.” (Eph 3:20) I’m so thankful for you, Lysa!

    Reply
  173. Missy

    Jeremiah 29:11 and Proverbs 22:6 are two that I hold onto desperately some days as I struggle being a mom, caregiver, chef, etc.

    Reply
  174. Anita Schroeder Kipfer

    Thanks for your words of wisdom and encouragement this morning Lysa. They were exactly what I needed as I navigate the waters of parenting! It’s a constant challenge to remember in the heat of the moment how important it is to “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46.10), one of my favorite verses to recall.

    Reply
  175. Lori Harvey

    When my kids were little I used this verse in a mom’s group and I have always held on to it though it isn’t written to address parenting.

    Matthew 28:20 – And surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age.

    It reminds me that no matter what age or stage of parenting I am going through (teenagers right now!) God is with me till it ends or changes.

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  176. Rachel Martin

    When facing issues with my childs behavior, I often look at it as how God looks at me as his child when I “act up”. I try to remember to be merciful as he is merciful, yet correct my child as the Lord corrects me. I think of Proverbs 22:6 that says “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Kids are’nt placed here with the perfect attitude, manners, and characteristics. We have to train them. They act like they dont listen and they seem to shrug off out directions, but when they get older, they can never escape the seeds we planted and the loving disipline we showed them because we love them. The Lord chastens whom he loves, and we as mama’s have to disipline our kids, because we love them and want them to do right.

    Reply
  177. bonnie

    Psalm 94: 17-19
    Unless the Lord had given me help, I would soon have dwelt in the silence of death. When I said, “My foot is slipping,” your unfailing love, Lord, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.

    Reply
  178. Jill

    I do not know what I would do each morning without the gift
    of Proverbs 31 ministries. It always seems to hit the nail right on the head
    for me each day. My favorite verse that keeps my head up when my children are
    are challenging me each day is Proverbs 22:6.
    Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it. Seems like there are days my three young adult children definitely turn from it, but I hold on to this verse knowing they will always come back to the truth of the Lord.
    Thank you so much for the gift of Proverbs 31

    Reply
  179. Heather Wendler

    Joshua 1:9 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”

    As always, Lisa, nice to hear your words of encouragement taken from God’s truth.
    Happy Wednesday!

    Reply
    • Heather Wendler

      LYSA – So tired of that darn autocorrect….and I suppose my lack of proofreading has something to do with it 😉
      Have I said Happy Wednesday, yet?!

      Reply
  180. Lisa B.

    Proverbs 3:5-6.

    Reply
  181. Jolene Leask

    Just what I needed to hear today!!! THANK YOU!!!

    Reply
  182. Paula

    Gosh, this is so needed isn’t it! We need to take a load off ourselves as moms.
    I love 2 Corinthians 12:9…. His grace is sufficient, his power is made perfect in OUR weakness. Thank you God!
    Again, I would give a book to my sweet friend is really deeply struggling right now. I love her & want to help her,

    Reply
  183. Angela

    Just lately, I have been standing on Joshua 24:15. The theme of building a strong Christian foundation in our home has been reoccurring to me in several things I read and hear. It is important that we choose The Lord daily. 🙂

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  184. Bobbie

    Jeremiah 29:11-14 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and I will bring you back from captivity.”
    We adopted a sibling group of four from severe abuse, neglect. The road has been far more difficult than I could ever have imagined. One child is severely damaged….daily I pray this scripture over all of them –but especially him. God has to heal the damage from the abuse…we have been unable to do that. They are in God’s hands for Him to work His plan for each one in His time.
    Thank you for your wonderful ministry—please know how much it helps.

    Reply
  185. Lynn M.

    Psalm 51:10
    Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
    Our two kids are grown, married, and they each have a son approx. 2 years old. So very thankful, ALL of the time.

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  186. Tanja

    Hi Lisa,
    I REALLY needed to hear this one today. Thank you for being so honest. The Lord seems to remind me of this verse when dealing with my kids, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean NOT on your OWN understanding; In ALL your ways acknowledge HIM and HE will direct your path.” Proverbs 3:5+6 My own understanding stinks and I mess up (and yell) and think I’m messing up my kids too. But when I try to trust in the Lord, my reactions come out differently. (Calmly) Some times it really amazes me.

    Reply
  187. Jabez Etienne

    I can do all thing through christ that strentens me. Philipians 4:13.
    Isaiah 40:29-31 He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. 30 Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; 31 but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

    Reply
  188. Tiffany

    I always have a hard time thinking of any verses when hard times come and then later I always hate my reaction. One thing that does help is sometimes I just stop and say a short prayer or simply say Jesus before reacting and those times the outcome is always so much better. Thank you Lysa!!

    Reply
  189. Charity DeVries

    Thank-you for your blog post today! The scripture that encourages me when I some feel like a mommy-failure is Heb 13:21- He equips me for all I need as a parent 🙂

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  190. Brenda

    I rely on these verses for almost everything in my life and I encourage my children to rely on them, also:
    Jeremiah 29:11–13
    “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.”

    Reply
  191. Heather

    I rely on two verses –
    Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
    and
    Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

    Reply
  192. charlotte

    What a sweet reminder this morning. I had one of those mornings yesterday where my son didn’t move fast enough and kept becoming distracted. I was running behind and I let the situation control my reaction instead of stepping back and taking a deep breath and letting it go. And of course you know what came next. I exploded!! I got to work and spent the day beating myself up, wondering if I was messing up my son. Are these the things he will remember about me? Last night I got home and curled up with my gratitude journal and wrote the verses of truth my brain had forgotten. Jude 1:26-26 and John 16:20 and Acts 2:28. I pray the things he remembers won’t be my faults but the love I have for him and the ways I try even in my failures. How sweet of you Lysa to offer up such sweet gifts to lift our souls when we try to recover from our failure moments.

    Reply
  193. Paige

    Colossians 3:12. Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.

    Reply
  194. Melody Byrum

    Philipians 4:13 gets me through a lot. But there are times, especially in the mornings that I lose it and don’t think of a verse first. Yesterday morning and this morning I lost it with my daughter. It was her week to go to our neighbors and she was running late, which caused me to run late because I can’t leave the house until she does. But she was moving slow and not listening to me when I asked her to hurry up. So we had an argument which did not help and she left the house mad at me again. She’s 9 and full of attitude, and I did not have God’s Grace today. I need to write down some bible verses and put them on my bathroom mirror, so that I will see them before I face the day and my daughter.

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  195. nicki

    Thank you for your entries about raising kids. Helps me to feel a little less like my life is messed up & helps me to remember that I am not going to be perfect but if I seek out the one who is perfect I gain strength for one more day. I like the verse proverbs 3:5-6. Trust in the Lord….

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  196. Dawn

    A beautiful song by City Harbor, “Come However You Are,” based on Matthew 11:28, has been the latest tune from the verse to which I’m clinging. The idea that He loves us and accepts us, and pleads with us to bring it all to Him is humbling, and offers oh, so much relief. I especially like the New Century Version: “Come to Me, all of you who are tired and have heavy load, and I will give you rest.” So when the almost 20-year old texts from his college campus, “Call me” and then says in a very frustrated tone, “Guess what happened to me today,” and unloads his freight (thankfully he felt safe to unload it with me) with information involving an English class, too many absences, and, “Oh, y’all also need to know…” a speeding ticket…” I swallow hard from the Awesome Cup of Grace, and obey My Savior who offers a safe place to lean and an offer to carry it all for me.

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  197. April

    Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6

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  198. Robin

    In trying times, a verse never seems to pop into my head, just when I need it most. I have had a couple of pretty stressful days with my child; this post was just what I needed. Thank you, God. And thanks to all of you who commented and left verses. It has given me some measure of comfort reading through them.

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  199. Shirley

    Proverbs 15:1 – A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.

    This reminds me to not discipline in anger, but take the time to calm down, seek God’s wisdom, and then deal with the situation.

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  200. Monica

    Thanks for these words of encouragement. Your messages are always on time. It’s hard being a mom and even harder being a stepmom that is also raising two teenage children.

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  201. Charlotte Hammer

    Oh my word. What a good word. When I had to “invite” my 18 year old son to live elsewhere since he wouldn’t respect my rules, I grabbed onto Isaiah 54…especially v. 10 “Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken, nor my covenant of peace be removed.” And v. 13 “and great will be your children’s peace. You will have nothing to fear.”

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  202. Jaydnn

    So perfectly needed this morning. Prov 3:5-6 And Phil 4:6-7

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  203. Misti Gil

    Thank you, Lysa. Your willingness to be vulnerable and share your “stuff” brings God’s voice straight to my doorstep. Thank you! Isaiah 30:21 is a sweet scripture I depend on not only in parenting, but in every other area of life as well. “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.'” I need continual guidance from the Spirit. What I would choose in my flesh is VERY often the wrong choice.

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  204. Sandi in MN

    Totally timely, God does it every time. After reading report cards last week this is exactly how I was feeling “You are a bad mom. You have a bad child. You have a bad home.”
    Thanks for reminding me to get my needs met from God and not from what other people think!

    My verse: Isaiah 41:10 “Don’t panic. I’m with you. There’s no need to fear, for I’m your God. I’ll give you strength. I’ll help you. I’ll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you.”

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  205. Dawn Opie

    2 Corinthians 12:9 (NASB)

    And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast [a]about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.

    When I am weak, HE IS STRONG!

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  206. Amy

    I needed this! My verse, Prov 3:5-6 is my go to, period. I am parched right now. Struggling. Reading through these other comments and your blog writing down other verses. Thanks ladies!

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  207. alana johnson

    Oh boy was this timely! My 12 year old son was sent to the office yesterday, after haveing a few hard days already this week! He is such a great kids with a STRONG spirit, but he seems to go through spurts of testing. My go to verse is Romans 8:28. It helps me see that good things are to come from this!

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  208. JJ

    OMG… this could NOT have come at a better time for me! I received the dreaded voice mail last night at 5:30 from the guidance counselor at my child’s school. She needed to speak to me “as soon as possible”! Needless to say, I picked up my cell and called only to get the school hours are from 8-4!!! Yep, that led to a sleepless night. Tossing and turning wondering if what my child told me she did was the truth and nothing but the truth. My child is a “leader” and very “strong willed”…awesome characteristics when you’re old enough to know how and when to use them. At the age of 8, she is using it in “not so sweet” ways. UGH!! Satan immediately jumped on my shoulder and started rambling his garbage in my ear… You’re not a good mom, this is to hard and you can’t do it, she’s far to gone for you to mold now, you were the same way when you were little so this is payback etc. So I took a breather and found Ephesians 2:10 “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” God has prepared me in advance for being my child’s mom… if I am in His word and His will daily then I will raise my child the way He prepared me to do so. I’ve got this parenting thing down because HE’S got me! God has called me therefore I AM EQUIPPED!! YES TO GOD!! lol

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  209. Cara Graves

    Thank you Lysa! I refer to Philippians 4:13- I can do all things in Christ who gives me strength.

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  210. Tami

    Gal. 6:9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
    Being a mommy of 5 boys and one little girl, I unfortunately don’t cry out to my Abba Father for strength and wisdom near enough. It is hard finding that balance of discipline and grace. Thanks for sharing your heart, the good and the bad. I so appreciate your transparency! I pray in His name continued blessings over you, your family, and your ministry!

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  211. Beth Ellsworth

    Romans 12:12. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.

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  212. Rachel

    Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. Lysa The Lord sent the words on your blog just for me today. I sent my son to school discovering he had messed up big in one of his classes and completely blaming myself. Went back to bed defeated and exhausted…woke up and read your email. Thank for these reminders and encouragement

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  213. Lisa Pierson

    One of my favorite verses is Matthew 11:28-29. “Come to me, all of you who are tired from carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke and put it on you, and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in spirit; and you will find rest.” I am so very thankful that God is with me in all of this. Thank you.

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  214. Jennifer E. Fowler

    Psalm 27:3,5,13-14
    Though an army may encamp against me, My heart shall not fear; Though war may rise against me, In this I will be confident. For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion; In the secret place of His tabernacle, He shall hide me; He shall set me high upon a rock. I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait on the LORD; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the LORD!

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  215. Mavis Tipton

    My child is grown and serves the Lord PTL! When he was young probably around 12, we were going through something, that I don’t even remember now, but I cried out to the Lord and He gave me 2 Timothy 1:12b I am not ashamed, for i know who I have believed and am persuaded te He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day.
    We dedicated our miracle son to the Lord when he was 10 days old. God is faithful and true to His Word.

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  216. Rachel

    Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. Lysa, your words are the encouragement I needed today. Sent my son to school feeling like a complete failure due to his mistakes. Thank you for some perspective.

    Reply
  217. Carrie

    This is a beautiful reminder. I have two children with two very different and individual personalities. I am constantly worrying if I am handling their delicate little personalities as best I can or if I am only agitating it. It’s so hard and such a fine line. Thank you for your honesty. It helps me to realize it’s okay to not be perfect. I laughed out loud about the beaver damn. I can distinctly remember saying something that I shouldn’t have in the midst of one child throwing up in the back seat and they both burst into tears. It’s so scary to be responsible for shaping them.

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  218. Sharon Wilson Smith

    Lately, the verse that God has put on my heart to pray for my family is Psalm 50:15: “Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver You, and you will glorify Me.” I believe by faith that better days are ahead for us!

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  219. Johnna Myers

    I repeat James 1:19…”Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not produce the righteousness of God.”

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  220. Darlene

    As a mother of a preteen girl, Prayer and remembering that God is with us and doesn’t give us more than we can bear is what I try to tell myself.
    1 Corinthians 10:13: There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

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  221. Margarita Roebuck

    Prov 3: 5 and 6 tells us to trust in the Lord, not ourselves. As a parent
    this is good to know and to practice. We are also to seek Him in all we
    do and He will show us the path to take or the direction we need to
    follow as we guide our children. We can be the parents we need tto be
    with God’s help.

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  222. Melinda M Mayeur

    Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
    Prov 22:6
    I definitely have made tons of mistakes as a Mom, but when I’ve dealt with challenging circumstances with my children, this scripture will come to my mind.

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  223. Stefanie

    I absolutely internalize when my children make a bad decision or act badly as something I did. I love the verse from Proverbs 14:1 “Wisdom builds her house, but Folly tears hers down with her own hands”. This reminds me that when my children do something wrong I have a choice to help them or to tear them down by lashing out in disappointment or anger. Sometimes that anger and disappointment I am spewing onto them is in myself. I have the choice to help them by building them up when they do wrong or tearing them down. I pray the Lord give me the wisdom to build them up!

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  224. Tracy

    I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

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  225. Adrienne Terrebonne

    I rely on Phil 4:13 for sure. But I also remind myself that each of my children are holy and dearly loved. That they are God’s masterpiece. (Eph 2:10) And I usually have to remind myself of Eph 4:29 so that what I say will be good and helpful.

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  226. Trish Hendrix

    Thank you Lysa, this is exactly what I needed this morning. My “go to” verse is Isiah 26:3 You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in You, all whose thoughts are fixed on You.

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  227. CoreJen

    Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths. Prov. 3:5-6

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  228. Kat Gaines

    Proverbs 3: 5-6….Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Lean not on your own understanding. In all ways acknowledge him and he will set your paths straight.

    Reply
  229. Margaret

    My two go-to verses for each of my kids are Isaiah 30:21 for my son and 1 Samuel 16:7 for my daughter. There are certainly others, but these are those I turn to repeatedly. Thanks for your words today!

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  230. Lynn Bowman

    Thanks Lysa! My favorite verse would be Proverbs 22:6 – “Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.” Although discipline is hard, we know it is for their greater good. This verse encourages me to not give up on my children and not give in to their pleas to follow after the world. Teaching them that we live in the world but are not ‘of’ the world is my mantra! Thanks for the encouragement! This mothering job is not for the faint of heart! Be encouraged my sweet sister!

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  231. Traci Harre

    Thank you so much for your post. I have a daughter who was diagnosed with ADHD, ODD (Oppositional Defiant Disorder) and Impulse Control Disorder at the age of 5. She has struggled really hard in school and keeping friends was disaster. She couldn’t keep a friend for very long due to her acting out and anger issues. Her father and I split when she was 3 and has had really no part in her life since she was 7. There have been several times over the last several years where I just didn’t know if I could go on. Her anger was awful to the point where she was hurting me physically as well as emotionally and physically at times and I had nowhere to turn, but to God. There were nights where I curled up in the fetal position and cried and cried wondering if I could ever help her or if I was really cut out to be her mom. I thank Him every day that he sent us down the right path to the right counselor and psychiatrist. As she has grown and matured, things have settled down and the anger and physical violence has ceased. Now, though, she’s 14 and so when you add in the teenage hormones along with her diagnoses, there are very hard days, especially with her school work. There are still days when I’m ready to fall on my knees crying out to God “where did I go wrong”, but thankfully He has helped us both and while our relationship is shaky some days, other days it is strong and I hope and pray it will continue that way as she grows. You’re post reminds me that there are other parents who have the same thoughts and struggle as well and it is always a relief to know you’re not alone. While Isaiah 41:10 is not a specific Bible verse that deals with children, it is one that I have quoted over and over throughout the last 14 years to remind me that when I’m afraid that I’m screwing her up, He is there to hold us and get us through it and it keeps me going. Thank you, again for proving that no parent is perfect. 🙂

    Reply
  232. Tracy Estelle

    Thank you so much for these posts! I have 3 kids under 3. I pray Phil 4:13 a lot during the day.

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  233. Angela Kinslow

    My go to verse (in almost every situation) is “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”. I know this is so commonly used, but it just sums it all up.
    Lysa, I just have to tell you, your blogs and books are so right on the money. All of the stories you tell about your life as a mother and wife I can so relate to, I could just change the names and many of them could be my story. I look forward to reading your blogs and truly feel inspired to be a better Christian after reading them. Thank you!!

    Reply
  234. cindy

    Wow~ needed that… two upper aged teens who are thinkin’ they ‘know it all’ yet still are clueless in so many areas.. working on balancing grace and truth!
    I like the verse- 1 Corinthians 10:13: There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”
    It reminds me that they are just flesh and-hello!- so am I, so why do I expect them to act differently even though I’ve taught them good stuff. Do I always ‘obey’ just because I know the ‘chapter and verse’ that tells me to do, not to do, something??!
    God bless your ministry~

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  235. Krystal D

    I don’t have any specific verses, but every night when I lay my little guy down to sleep, I ask God to keep him safe and to fill his heart with only good things!

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  236. Cindy Joseph

    They you, Lysa. What a comfort to know I am not alone in feeling like I’m a bad mom! My life verse is Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” I also rely on Ephesians 1:16-17: “I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.” And Ephesians 4:29: “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”

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  237. Heatherlee Trujillo

    Psalm 139:14 “I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.” Words to remind my teenage son that even though he messed up he is still fearfully and wonderfully made.

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  238. Jen Bennett

    The verses that I currently have posted in my kitchen are Ephesians 4:1-2:
    “Walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love.”
    As the mother of a busy toddler boy and a newborn baby girl, I need to be reminded of the truth in these verses often! We usually think of showing tolerance and gentleness and patience to our fellow believers, but I believe as mothers we need to extend that to our children!

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  239. Angie

    Honestly, I forget every scripture I know when my 8 year old daughter pushes every button I have. After, I don’t feel qualified for the job as her mom or that I am parenting her the way God wants. I am humbled often in my relationship with her. I am on my knees and asking forgiveness from God and her a lot.

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  240. Mary

    Thank you so much for this reminder. Even when I know that my daughter has made a decision on her own, so many times I try to take ownership of it and say it was my fault. Nice to know that others do the same and that we have a heavenly father that we can turn to and remind us who we are and give us his word for direction.

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  241. Lisa M

    “Trust in the Lord with ALL your heart, and LEAN NOT on your own understanding. In ALL your ways SUBMIT to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” ~ Proverbs 3:5-6 Breathe in…repeat TRUST…breathe out…let go of self-righteousness…breathe in… repeat SUBMIT…breathe out…let go of my way…breathe in…repeat straight paths… breathe out…let go of crooked path. “He must increase, but I must decrease.” John 3:30 Parenting keeps me humble and totally reliant on God. Thankful for the privilege!

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  242. Jessica

    Luke 18:1

    ALWAYS pray & Do NoT lose heart

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  243. Jackie Bender

    Lysa, I remember a lot of years back a friend was over and we were sharing with each other the problems we were having and she asked for my Bible and she just let it open and it open to Philippians 4. That chapter has so much, that is my go to when troubles arrive and my mind starts with all the things that I’m NOT.

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  244. Nanci D

    Ugh! I have a 17 year old, need I say much more? He actually is a great kid just lacks discipline. He gives up so easily and quits instead of working harder.

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  245. Lena

    Phillippians 4:13
    I can do all things through Christ[a] who strengthens me.

    Thank you for this post:-)

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  246. Lynn E.

    Lysa…I am a single mom…I so often tell myself that I am a bad mom. I can’t do this single mom thing and I want to throw in the towel. I shed many tears and come unglued with my kids…so hard for me but then the Holy Spirit reminds me that the enemy puts those thoughts in my mind. And I CAN do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Phil 4:13 When I was going through my divorce and wondering how I could live another day…God kept giving me the same scripture you give us today. Psalm 46:10 Be still and know that I am God. Thank you for your words of encouragement today. Love ya Lysa!

    Reply
  247. Jackye

    I truly believe Prov. 22:6, Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it. Also Prov. 3:5-6, Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. I pray for each of my children that each have a close relationship with Jesus and they make good decisions each day. I also am blessed to pray for my grandsons, age 3 and 5. Thanks Lysa, The eyes of the Lord are everywhere!

    Reply
  248. Shelli Stoddard

    Thanks for a great post and precious reminder. Just last night I was at a Bible study and tried to help others understand that our identity has to be in Christ and as mothers we cannot allow ourselves to be defined by the choices our children make but only by who we are in Christ.. Verses that have helped me through some rough (divorce, addiction) times when my children’s choices were so very painful (and dare I say shameful) are: 2 Timothy 1:12..for I know whom I have believed and am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him for that day” and Psalm 56:3 “when I am afraid, I will trust in Thee”. Also the knowledge that “He causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose” Romans 8:28. Who would have dreamed that my son’s meth addiction would lead to a jail/prison ministry for me? BTW, that same son is gloriously free today in Christ.

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  249. Shannon

    Luke 7:47, “I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven.” Because I often struggle with the thought, “how can I be a good, godly mom with a past like I have?” But because God’s forgiven me and declared me righteous through His Son I am a new creation; one who is not defined by my sin.
    Also, James 1:19, “Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger.” Because controlling my anger and really listening to my children is a daily struggle for me. Although, it’s one I’ve seen God grow me in leaps and bounds from where I was even a year ago.

    Thank you Lysa for your godly honesty and for being real with your readers!

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  250. MILLIE LEWIS

    My daughter got in trouble at school 3 times last week, after the last call from the principal all I knew to do was turn it over to God. One of my favorite verses is 1 Corinthians 10:13

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  251. Lisa Kropf

    The verse that recently gave me peace is Job 12:10 (NIV) “In His hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind”. The message version reads ” God is Sovereign, and He holds all things in His Hand! “. These verses have been such a comfort to me as a mom. I think they more spoke to me about not trying to control situations that my 3 boys (ages 15,18 & 21) face. Allowing them to make their choices and learning to TRUST in God and let Him do His work in them. I’ve been learning to put my HOPE more in Christ than in their choices … good and bad.

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  252. Heather Rogers

    Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength! Definetly, I have a four year old that tries me everyday!! I love him with all my heart but he is very stubborn and your blog posts hit home with me. Thank you for making me feel like a better mother!

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  253. Tiffany N.

    I actually have never thought of having a go to verse for handling situations with my child. I love the idea! I am choosing 2 Corinth.1:21-22 and I have changed it a bit to add her name in to make it personal – In Christ God has chosen (my child) as His own and made her strong. He has placed His mark on her, He has placed His Spirit in her heart as a guarantee for all he has promised .

    Thank you for this wonderful idea. Now I will always be reminded of whose daughter she is first and the great plans He has for her.

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  254. JEANIE

    I realized only just this year that I WAS CALLED to be a parent. I had this nagging question for the longest time “God, what is my purpose in this life, what have you called me to do?” and then one day, it was as clear as could be….duh!!! I was called to be the best mom I could be to an amazing young girl who is now 14. I was called to train her up in the word….to tell her of my past mistakes and to show her, explain to her, impress upon her all the reasons why seeking Christ is so important and why remaining in him all the days of her life would ultimately SAVE her life. When things are tough I think about Gal 6:9….and God’s reminder to me to not give up. In our lives as parents, we are not only teaching the Gospel….but we are called to live it out. When we fail, they see us seek God for direction. When we struggle, they see us in prayer and petition giving thanks to God for all things, blessings and trials alike. When we rejoice, they see our faces and hands lifted up in praise. And when we forget how to do those things, our precious little ones never waste a moment to remind us of what we have taught them….. 🙂 All the more reason to never give up.

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  255. Gindi

    As the mother of young triplets, I constantly beat myself up about doing wrong stuff – losing my temper or a kid being sent home from school for biting or working a late night. But God has increasingly given me peace, given me rest knowing He loves them and is caring for them. I often quote my kids life verses b/c they help me in those moments too. Sam’s is Proverbs 3:1-5, Lillie’s is Phillipians 1:3-11 , and Will’s is Colossians 1:9-12.

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  256. Jennifer Mercier

    Oh, how sweet it is to be reminded of that amazing grace that God gave us through Jesus! I am so thankful that His blood is my righteousness, everyday, every hour, every time I fail Him. To God be all Glory. This motherhood thing is the wildest, hardest, most sanctifying experience EVER! My sons, who are created by God with such strong and passionate personalities, are constantly giving me a chance to put today’s challenge into practice. My I always take it to the Lord in prayer, before I act or speak. 🙂 One of my favorite verses for parenting strength is Romans 12:2, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” May God grant us the eyes to see our lives and our children from His perspective!

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  257. Heather

    I love IS 40:11, which says He shall feed his flock like a Shepherd: He shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young. God is with me throughout this parenting journey and he is strong enough to lead me & is faithful when I am weak!

    Reply
  258. M'Leigh Rouyea

    “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:2-4
    I try to remember that during trials it’s both my child and me that God is working on and He loves us enough to get us through anything. His outcome is always good when we lean on Him. To go along with that one…
    “Rejoice Always, pray continually, give thanks in All circumstances; for this is God’s will for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
    During any trial we always work to find something about the situation to be thankful for. That can be hard at the time but so worth it. I have had a few moments where I’ve told God that I just can’t see any good coming from this situation but thank Him anyway for whatever we’re going through because I trust His plan for us.

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  259. Kristen

    I have a kiddo with special needs and he often finds himself in a situation where he has not made a good choice. It’s so hard not to take a hit to my own self worth and feel like I’ve failed. It’s very easy to slip into feeling sorry for myself and angry at God for ‘doing this to him, to us’. I use many verses about God’s love for us and trials at these times…but the one that I try to drill in my head is John 9:3 “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him.” It’s a good reminder to me that it’s bigger than me or my son…God is using us and our situation to show those around us His grace and mercy in times of trial and tribulation. Doesn’t mean it isn’t going to stink sometimes though. 😉

    Reply
    • Alisha

      Kristen, I never thought of that verse in the context of a special needs child, but it is PERFECT! :o)

      Reply
  260. Heidi Friesen

    I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13

    The Joy of the Lord is my Strength.

    The Lord is my rock, and my salvation, whom shall I fear.

    I trust in your unfailing love. I trust in your unfailing love. My heart rejoices in your salvation, I trust in your unfailing love.

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  261. Elaine Turk

    My favorite verse is “Everything is posible for those who believe.” Mark 9:23…I am a single mom with a daughter who wants to be a boy…I love her no matter what…It is hard to see her not be whom God created her to be—God keeps reminding me to leave it to Him. He is my husband and Father who will handle this. And I feel that she will be able to reach out to other children struggling with this same issue. After all–God made all things–and raised His own son from the grave…He can do things I can only imagine about.

    Reply
  262. Melissa

    I would have to say Proverbs 1:8-9. This post was much needed! I am currently attending counseling sessions and we talked about this same topic last night. We need to remember as long as we are setting a good example for our children, the will overcome life’s difficulties. All people make mistakes and we must always remain fucosed on The Lord for support.

    Reply
  263. Melody Placker

    Lysa, thank you!

    I am often reminded that I am not perfect and that I need to be willing to humble myself. Last week I found myself in the hospital with a life threatening blood clot that started in a vein just below my belly button and ended just above my ankle. Thankfully God blessed the doctors and surgeons with the skill to surgically remove most of the clot. However, I am now home with several restrictions that keep me dependent on others for help. I am the mother of two boys (ages 13 and 8) and the wife of a soldier in the army. I take care of our home and our children so that my husband can do his soldier duties and study (he is studying to be a pastor). So now I am home, unable to lift anything over 5lbs (do you know how much a basket full of laundry weights?), restricted in exercise and needing to rely on my children and husband to help me with things I have always just done. There is nothing more frustrating than relying on a 13 year old to do something that I would normally do with out thinking and then getting frustrated because it wasn’t done the way I would have done it. God is teaching me a great deal of patience and humility. I have had to apologize more than once to my children because my frustration turns into temper. My pride gets the better of me and I find myself selfishly complaining about my circumstances rather than enjoying the blessings my husband and children receive by taking care of me.

    I am reminded of Psalms 51:10-12. “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.” As the doctors told me what I could and could not do I felt my heart fill with despair and discouragement and when I came home and found that my body would not allow me to do anything more than what the doctors told me I could do, my heart filled with frustration and elevated my stress levels. So when my dear sweet boys didn’t do things the way I wanted them done or behaved like normal 8 and 13 year old boys who don’t always think before they do, I found myself reacting in a not so loving way. I need to remember to ask forgiveness (asking my children to forgive me is never easy and always humbling) and seek out a willing spirit and allow myself to enjoy the joyfulness of God’s love so that even in the midst of health complications I can enjoy God’s peace. I am a loved child of God.

    Reply
    • Traci

      Oh Melody – I will be praying for you. I completely relate to your post. I had a stroke due to blood clot this year and it was a completel uphieval of life as I had known it. I can relate to the disappointment of not being able to do things you have always done. I can also relate to being frustrated with your children and husband. God has really been guiding me through this season of life and I pray He will do the same for you. One thing to remember is to keep your eyes on Him – seek Him every single day and ask Him to pull you through. He will… He is faithful. I can honestly say that I KNOW there were many days that I could not have gotten through without the strength that comes from trusting and believing God. He allowed me to be in a situation where I HAD to rely on Him and I’m so glad He did. HE GOT ME THROUGH and He will you as well. Don’t be too hard on yourself and continue to pray for strength, healing and patience. I do this for myself as well.
      May God bless you and allow you to see blessings from this season of your life as well.

      Reply
  264. Tammy

    Both of our sweet boys are questioning their faith (or perhaps at this point just trying to ignore it – boys don’t often share their inner hearts) . . . and despite being raised in a Christian home and school, with parents who loved on ’em, read scripture with them, took them on family mission trips, emphasized the relationship with Jesus . . prayed with them and for them, and I’m sure messed up many times . . . now they are older teens and are no longer interested in God. Especially in the beginning, the Accuser would come to my husband and I and whisper that we messed up somehow, we failed . . . My scripture I cling to is this: Matthew 18:12-14 What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go in search of the one that went astray? And if he finds it, truly, I say to you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that never went astray. So it is not the will of my Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.” It is a tough journey to walk, esp. as our close friends’ children continue to walk closely with the Lord. I chose not to play the comparison game, but trust that our sons’ story hasn’t been written yet. Thanks so much for your encouragement each day. God will take our brokenness, and use it for good.

    Reply
  265. Melissa

    My son is one so we are just now getting to the beginning of some disciplining. My favorite this year is 1 Thess 5:16-18 ” Be joyful always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

    Reply
  266. Tina Whittock

    The verse I lean on when I’m angry is Proverbs 15:1 A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.
    When I simply don’t know what to pray over my kids is 1 Peter 5:10-11 And the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast, To Him be the power forever and ever. Amen.
    When I checked email this morning, my purpose was to email my 14 yo’s teacher and read this first. I will now go in with a softer heart and be willing to listen
    Thank you,
    TinaW 🙂

    Reply
  267. Ryann

    When I get frustrated dealing with my amazing, yet strong-willed, children (14 yo daughter and 8 yo son), I am reminded of my dependence on God through Jeremiah 29:12-13: “Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”

    Reply
  268. Kathy

    Psalm 91:14….“Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.

    I’ve raised 3 wonderful daughters (2 of them twins) and there were many days I needed someone to give me a little support just to get me through “those” days. I now have my first grandson and want to give my daughter that support I didn’t have. This gift would be a tremendous help to her. The above verse is what I’ve prayed for most anything….I know because He loves me He will guide and protect me and my family through any trial. Thank you Lysa for your encouraging words to young mothers.

    Reply
  269. Sarah

    Lately I’ve been studying James. Though he doesn’t mince words, it has been has been encouraging to me…to be sure that I am seeking wisdom from Christ and not the world…and knowing that trials produce perseverance. Even the little (and big) daily things with my kids… Thanks for your words today. Much needed encouragement!

    Reply
  270. Kathy Wilkins

    Be still ……and know that I am God.

    Thank God for your words today.

    Reply
  271. Michele

    “I know the plans I have for you… plans to give you hope and a future Jer. 23 11”
    “I can do ALL things thru Christ Jesus ”

    I’m also in your Crave class Thank you for both these books I’m on a new mission not to beat myself up daily in these areas I feel like I’m failing.
    you are a true inspiration to me .
    Thank you .

    Reply
  272. Krystal

    Thank you. Today I needed to hear this as I do life with my almost 3 year old daughter & 2 month old son. My daughter and I are constantly experiencing growth opportunities as she is testing her boundaries and dealing with the frustration of a new brother.

    The verse I remind myself of during the day is
    “Do everything in love” 1 Cor. 16:14

    Reply
  273. Jenn Congdon

    Proverbs 24:16: “For the righteous falls seven times and rises again…” I find so much comfort that the RIGHTEOUS fall. No one is perfect, has it all together, we all make mistakes, we all have our own weaknesses, but we have a God who allows us to stand uncondemned before Him because we are clothed in Jesus’ righteousness. So, when I have a bad mommy moment and my ugly is out there for my children and anyone else to see, I can confess, repent and get right back up again and God considers me righteous. Amazing.

    Reply
  274. Denise

    Parent-Teacher conference was Monday for my 1st grade boy. He is struggling in all areas. He is a smart kid, i know it. This is the verse that came to my mind as his teacher was rattling off all of the negative things about my precious son…

    “God uses the foolish things of the world to confound the wise.”

    Then I went home and prayed and said “and this, too, shall pass.”

    Reply
  275. Tammy

    When my 10 yr old daughter brought progress report home, and her A is now a C. Yes, instant emotions on myself and her. Trying to give some independance to her and a teenage girl. A fine line. I tell myself, then each of them after a crushing blow of something. We are sealed by the holy spirit. I am sealed through Christ. Helps to say ok this is a bump and look at the bigger picture of always Loved and always in Christ’s family!

    Reply
  276. Charisse

    Thank you for what you wrote today. What really hit me was “God sees within me the ability to be the one He’s perfectly designed to raise up this child”. Such an awesome thought and very encouraging. I have 3 children under 3, and feel like a terrible mom at some point throughout each day. Philippians 4:4-9 would be what comes to mind for me – to rejoice in the Lord always, to come to Him in prayer and thanksgiving, knowing His peace will guard my heart and mind, to think about pure and lovely and excellent things.

    Reply
  277. Erin

    The verse I rely on is Proverbs 15:1: A gentle answer turns away wrath,
    but a harsh word stirs up anger.

    Thank you, Lysa, for your honesty on your blog and the artful way you put your words together–I love reading you!

    Reply
  278. Jodie

    Philipians 4:13 is my go to verse.

    Reply
  279. Susan

    Wow, did I need to read your post this morning. I have a first grader that has a very hard heart towards others. She is extremely critical of other children and it is now causing her to have a difficult time making friends. I am praying daily, multiple times a day, for God to change her heart and soften her heart towards others. Never did I think I would be dealing with this as a mom. It is so hard not to think of myself as a complete failure when seeing the attitude she has about others. I often go to the same Phillipians verse others have mentioned, “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength”.

    Reply
  280. angela heikkinen

    lysa, this JUST happened to me Monday!! thanks so much for addressing these issues that all of us deal with. it encourages me and equips me to see situations for how they really are instead of how I perceive them 🙂

    Reply
  281. Traci

    I truly believe this: Proverbs 22:6 “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”
    Although they will not be perfect as they are human… they will remember (hopefully sooner than later) if they were “trained” to love God and turn to Him.

    Reply
  282. Perri

    I feel like I mess up daily! I’ve read your book and loved it. I need to read it again!!! Phillipians 4:6 don’t worry about anything but pray about everything…..

    Reply
  283. Marcia

    When my teens make unwise choices, I fall into Psalm 23. God is their shepherd too. God will lead them out of this “valley of the shadow of death” in his time. I thank God for calming my heart and giving me a safe place of rest, his arms. Then I pray for my child’s “valley” to be short and shallow. Isn’t it wonderful to trust that God is working constantly in my children’s lives! I am not the architect, just a worker.

    Reply
  284. Cindy H in Texas

    Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ Jesus, who strengthens me.”
    Colossians 4:6 “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.”
    Proverbs 31.26 “She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness if on her tongue.”

    Reply
  285. Amie

    I like Proverbs 22:6 Everyone makes mistakes, and children that grow up in a Christian home will have a good foundation for later in life. I’m Catholic and I had to actually Google some verses to find one that I remembered. I’m learning so much just from the comments. I’ve heard all of these but don’t know where to find them in the Bible.

    Reply
  286. Cindy

    I have 9 children so I have had plenty of opportunities to feel like a failure! With 6 of them on their own (and doing well) I am amazed that the last 3 seem to be the most challenging. (I blame the other 6… I tell them they wore me out.) My heart continuously runs to Psalm 120:1-2… “I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord who made heaven and earth.” It helps to realize that the one who simply spoke the entire universe into being can surely help me with the children He formed as well.

    Reply
  287. Karla Herbert

    I remind myself of Psalm 127.3 “Children are a heritage from The Lord…” and pray for wisdom
    to raise them to seek God first when they make choices. My DD is 15 and my boys are 11, 8, and 6. I feel like a failure sometimes but God is always there to put His bandaid on my heart. It is then I know I’m doing my best.

    Reply
  288. Stacy

    Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it. This verse is a reminder to me to keep trying because my kids are looking to me for traiing and while none of us are perfect I can rely on my Heavenly Father to help me to raise them for the life He has destined them to have. We may all fall from time to time but God will serve as the basis of our life.

    Reply
  289. Andrea

    I am reading unglued as part of a bible study and I keep reminding myself to beg Jesus to make me humble and gentle when I’m about to come unglued.

    Reply
  290. Andrea

    James 1:5 “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”

    I ask for wisdom to know how to handle the situation….and I’m working on the not coming unglued part…..

    Reply
  291. Paula

    Jeremiah 29:11
    For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

    The Lord knows the paths we will take, including my son’s. He knows the choices he will make good and bad. But through all these choices both his and my own, the Lord will use them for Good. And, He will weave them into His plan for our lives. This I hold onto whether it’s my trials or my sons. God is good, He is faithful.

    Reply
  292. Ingrid

    My kids are older, 17-24, and if we disagree after discussing something I use Hebrews 11:6 – But without faith it impossible to please Him, for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. I encourage them to really pray about the issue and be open to what the Lord may show them. At the same time, I will also pray about it and be open to whatever the Lord may need to teach me as well!

    Reply
  293. Teri Baumann

    I have made many parenting mistakes with my kids. Most of them because I was trying to avoid conflict with my husband, as well as my kids. I’ve learned to be more honest in dealing with issues, but I still struggle with trying to stuff things, where the SON don’t shine! I know God knows my heart and my motives have always been love, even if I am misunderstood or ignored. The Scripture I return to many times is I Peter 4:8 -“Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins.” and Isaiah 26:3 – “You will keep in complete peace, all who trust in You. All whose thoughts are fixed on You.” Thank you Lysa for your Spirit led words – they connect to my heart needs.

    Reply
  294. Melanie M.

    I am a mother of two little girls, ages 3.5 and 5 years old. In moments of weakness and when I feel like I’m about to explode I turn to proverbs 22:6 and also Phillipians 4:13- I remind myself that HE is in control and that I am too raise them up so that they will not wander from HIM and that I can do all things in HIM who gives me strength! Parenting is the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done and also the most challenging. I feel so blessed to be a parent and that God entrusted me with two sweet (well…most of the time), little girls! Thank you Lysa for this post, for your blog and for your encouraging words!

    Reply
  295. michelle stoecker

    “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Also, ” cast all my cares on Him for He cares for me.” God has to totally carry me everyday as a mom. My tolerance level can be nonexistence at times. I am embarrassed to admit that, but so true. Without God, my poor kids and me would be a dysfunctional mess.

    Reply
  296. Julie Luse

    HI Lysa!
    A verse that really helps me as a mom with this wrath I’ve got inside me, that likes to roar when I’m just depleted:
    “…be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for a man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.” James 1:19-20.
    Thanks!
    Jules

    Reply
  297. Toni Johnson

    My go to verses are “When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness” Proverbs 31:26

    “Lead me in the right path O Lord, or my enemies will concour me, Make your way plain for me to follow” Psalm 5:8

    Reply
  298. Sonya Greear

    Wow! I did need to know that there are other mamas out there who have felt the same way I have over my children’s behavior. I have stolen away too but by myself, not with Jesus, and it accomplished nothing. Now it is easier, almost instinctive, to steal away with Him and talk about it. Still learning, still leading but now I am not doing it alone!!

    Reply
  299. Lina

    My girls are grown now, which is not to say there aren’t still “parenting” issues of some kind but they are adults now and my job is give Motherly advice (when asked for it) now.

    My oldest daughter got pregnant at 15 1/2 and our family verse became Romans 8:28.

    My own personal verse that has always gotten me through is (paraphrased) But By the Grace of God … 1 Corinthians 15:10.

    Thanks for your continued openness about your own struggles and how God helps you through.

    Reply
  300. nancys1128

    The first verse that came to mind in response to the question posed was this:

    “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” Phil. 4:13 (ESV)

    Reply
    • Kristin

      Isaiah 43:2 is one of my favs. Repeating I’m a child of a really good daddy helps too!

      Reply
    • Vicki

      My life verse is Proverbs 3 5-6. Trust in The Lord with all your heart lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and He will direct your path.

      Reply
  301. Sheila Cargile

    My daughters are hearing impaired and wear hearing aids. They are in mainstream public schools. As I fight for IEP’s to be implemented, I rely on “His power to be made perfect in their weakness”- it is my promise from Him.

    Reply
  302. Trisha

    I have had many traumatic events that I could not control that shook the very core of my family. As a mom I feel I have to protect & Satan temps me by his lies that if I were a good mom I should of have seen flags or should have done more. I have to remind myself that false guilt does not gain anything yet will do more harm than ever. I have to admit people have free will & make choices & that I can not control, I can only pray for them. The verses that have helped me the most are Isaiah 49:17-18 “Your children will soon return to you, & the people who defeated you & destroyed you will leave. Look up & look around you. All your children are gathering to return to you The Lord says, as surely as I live, your children will be like jewels that a bride wears proudly.” They need to fail to grow in their beauty & wisdom by learning so I have to remind myself also to be courageous to trust God rather than step on his toes while teaching them so I recite Joshua 1:9 Be strong & courageous , do not be afraid or discouraged for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go .That always allows me to muster up my faith to defeat the enemy in that moment.

    Reply
  303. Amy

    I have to be honest that I can’t identify a specific verse from the Bible that I use to be a better parent, but I know overall that I must rely on God and His word to help me with raising my daughters. I hope to learn more wisdom from your book while enjoying a cup of Starbucks 😉

    Reply
  304. Wendy Thayer

    I love the verse in Joshua 1:9 “Be strong and courageous!” Of course I’m not crossing the Jordan, but, some days it feels like it! I need courage to strengthen my resolve and be the mom my kids ‘need,’ not the mom they ‘want.’

    “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”

    Reply
  305. Tammy Postma

    Hi Lysa, I think the verses that The Lord has used over and over to comfort me in times of “seeming” failure as a mom are Proverbs 24:16 where The Lord says a just or (redeemed) person falls 7 times and then rises up and also the verse about casting all our care upon The Lord because He cares for me! (1 Peter 5:7) I guess I’ve always been able to rationalize that even though I’m far from a perfect parent, the only answers I have are from scripture and I will rest in that. That truly is the bottom line. I know I’ve failed many times, and I’m probably going to again…my children are now 22, 19, 17, and 14 and this is an exciting time in my life as I homeschool them (2 of them) and work and go to school myself! (It’s pure craziness actually! Not to mention we’re church planters in Las Vegas and that’s ALWAYS exciting) But, God is with me every day encouraging me and hugging on me when it’s not like I had hoped or dreamed in this stage of life. I’m so thankful to know him. Thank you for the opportunity to comment. Hopefully it will encourage another. ~ Tammy

    Reply
  306. Tandi Dickey

    My kids are truly a gift He has given me – to mold me and MY faith while creating, teaching, influencing and molding theirs. So many times I just don’t know what to do as a parent. Should I step in & fix it for them or let them feel the pain? Am I teaching them what they need and giving them good habits? Am I showing them how to trust in God? I often recite (beg, plead) Psalm 143:10 in my parenting related prayers and trust God to teach me and lead me! —Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.

    Reply
  307. Joe K

    Galatians 6:9 do not get tired of doing what is right….for we will reap a harvest of blessing AT THE APPROPRIATE TIME. (Emphasis mine.). I have recited this to myself many times.

    Reply
  308. Lori hastings

    There are many verses to give strength. I really needed to hear this!! I have raised my children and am now raising grandchildren. I is still hard. Children are so rebellious and needy now days. I pray I can always show them love and the love of Christ at ALL times. Thanks so much for sharing, Lysa!!!

    Reply
  309. Nikki

    Proverbs 3:5-6

    Reply
  310. BEcky

    I usually refer to Jer. 29:11 because I know God has a plan for me and He has a plan for each of my children. Whatever we are facing I know that ultimately He will guide us along the path to fulfill that plan. I also think about the situation Esther was in….”for such a time as this”. I think that we go through certain things for certain reasons and at certain times.

    Reply
  311. Amanda

    Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)
    Trust in the Lord with all your heart
    and lean not on your own understanding;
    in all your ways submit to him,
    and he will make your paths straight.

    Reply
  312. Billie

    Is 30:15
    This is what the sovereign Lord the holy one of Israel says, “In repentance and rest is your salvation in quietness trust is your strength.”
    For my kids and myself God is gracious. In fact this scripture goes on to say when we do things in our own will and strength He “longs to be gracious to you to rise and show compassion “

    Reply
  313. Bkessed Mom

    I actually don’t rely on scripture enough and really appreciate your blog today and all the comments. I sit here crying after yelling at my children yet again today and wondering why I don’t have it more together.

    Reply
  314. Amy Wicks

    “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!” I also remember His promises that He will not give me more than I can handle. If He has called me, He will equip me!

    Reply
  315. Celia Aguilar

    Proverbs 3:5-6
    Trust in the Lord with all your heart
    and lean not on your own understanding;
    in all your ways submit to him,
    and he will make your paths straight

    Reply
  316. Leigh

    I love that you quote it in your post, Psalm 46:10 has been a go to verse for me for years, even before I had my girls. My other favorites are Galations 5:22-23, the fruit of the Spirit, and Romans 12:12 “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction and faithful in prayer.” They help to calm me and reset my focus from the world to God.

    Reply
  317. Leigh

    Exodus 14:14 The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.
    I used this soooo many times when my daughter was a teenager, to remind myself that sometimes my many words don’t help. You must allow them to learn their own lessons, and trust that God is always fighting for your child.

    Reply
  318. Amy

    “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13

    [email protected]

    Reply
  319. Caty Manrique

    When I feel that I cannot control my 18-year-old daughter who is a good girl but who; as you said so wisely, makes not so sweet choices I like to think about this psalm “Remember not the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways; according to your love remember me, for you are good, O Lord.” -Psalm 25:7 because I was also quite rebellious when I was young and often I have to ask God for forgiveness from mistakes I made when I was much younger. I try to remember my daughter for the unconditional love I feel for her and I hope one day she will also claim my forgiveness for all the pain she has caused us. Caty

    Reply
  320. Merri

    Thank you for this series. The book looks good too. It’s a message we all need to hear.

    “A gentle answer turns away wrath.” I’ve used this many times with my stubborn angry child. 🙂

    Reply
  321. Anne Moser

    What came to mind for me is Hebrews 12:5-6. “My son, do not make light of The Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because The Lord disciplines those he loves.” He is an amazing God!!

    Reply
  322. Silvana

    I have to honestly say I don’t have a specific verse that I rely on, however, I do read your books and blogs as I feel you and I are walking the same path. I would love to now read this book while sipping my latte and relaxing with the scented candle and see what other words of wisdom you have to pass along.

    Reply
  323. Dawn Kastning

    I have a disibility ( paralysis on my left side). My 5 year old has learned to be very independent. I am unable to help dress her. She pretty much has learned to do everything on her own. It can frustrating at times. The scripture I run to that always floods my spirit is Romans 15:13- May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

    Reply
  324. kim beaver

    I have to say with raising four children there is not just one verse I use but many to help me through my longgg days. But one I hold on to in my heart is ” I have no greater joy then to hear that my children walk in truth” 3rd john 4 I am thankful for the encouragement from strangers and friends that comment to me about my children being well behaved and when impressed with how they act. It is such an encouragement I can use on the days that seem like I am failing at everything I have taught them and I have to remember if I keep teaching them the truth then it will all come together that’s a promise from God. And one day I will see the fruit of my seeds. Praise God!

    Reply
  325. Laney

    Thank you for this post. My favorite verse is ‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him and he will make your paths straight.’ Proverbs 3:5-6. I think about this verse a lot when parenting. On my own my paths are crooked and totally messed up, but with God by my side He can make those paths look pretty great!

    Reply
  326. Katharine

    Thank you for your encouraging words! I’m a mom of 5 children, and have been called many times to the principles office. Sitting there listeneing to the ‘list of offensives’ is so discouraging! It’s not a bible verse but I heard a song recently that says “i breathe in your grace, breathe out your praise”. Thinking of this reminds me that our words need to be carefully chosen to build up and not tear down our children even when they have done wrong.

    Reply
  327. Melissa

    Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)
    Trust in the Lord with all your heart
    and lean not on your own understanding;
    in all your ways submit to him,
    and he will make your paths straight.

    Reply
  328. Melinda Flikkema

    Thank you for your series. I so need it right now in my life. I have 3 children and 2 are very strong willed. It is such a challenge to keep being strong and molding them the right way.

    Reply
  329. Gretchen

    The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. Psalm 103:8 I need his patience, just as my children need mine.

    Reply
  330. Tristi

    Lamentations 3:22-24
    The faithful love of the Lord never ends!
    His mercies never cease.
    Great is his faithfulness;
    his mercies begin afresh each morning.
    I say to myself, “The Lord is my inheritance;
    therefore, I will hope in him!”

    Reply
  331. Casey

    What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? Romans 8:31

    Reply
  332. Karen

    What a word, Lysa! I just told my husband last week how much of a failure I feel in my parenting! I’m a girl praying for wisdom constantly.
    The verses I love are Proverbs 2:1-8 “…if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding, and if you look for it as silver and search for it as hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom, and from His mouth come knowledge and understanding. He holds victory in store for the upright, He is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for He guards the course of the just and protects the way of His faithful ones.”

    Reply
  333. Danielle

    This post came just at the right time. I was having a bit of pity party today after picking my son up from school. Thank you for reminding me that his heart needs shaping and that God thinks that I am the woman for the job 🙂 Genesis 50:20 has been a good verse to help me keep things in perspective. It says, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” Thanks for sharing your struggles!

    Reply
  334. Cara

    I lean on 2 scriptures that give me hope in tough situations with my two daughters. Jeremiah 29:11: For I know the plans I have for you declares The Lord, plans to prosper, not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future
    I love this verse and the verses that follow because this is the Lord’s love for me. He also wants to do this same thing for my child. God cares even more for my child than I can. This verse helps me to give them back to him, trusting he has good plans for them.

    Reply
  335. Pam Wickman

    The verse that comes to mind is Lamentations 3:22-23
    The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases
    his mercies never come to an end;
    they are new every morning;
    great is your faithfulness.

    I lead a Mommy Bible study and we are going through your book Unglued right now and it is so so good and encouraging. None of us are alone in the trenches. We have other mom’s and most importantly God. Thank you for your books and your raw honesty.

    Reply
  336. Christine Ghys

    Hi, i feel so understood and encouraged when i read your articles! Thank you so much! When i have hard times with my kids, i love to recall me Galatians 6:9 : “And let us not lose heart and grow weary and faint in acting nobly and doing right, for in due time and at the appointed season we shall reap, if we do not loosen and relax our courage and faint.”
    And i try to trust God that he already has his plan to shape this or that character issue of my kids, now or later, but on the right time he’ll make it happen! 🙂
    i love your blog, thank you so much for sharing all what you share! Blessings

    Reply
  337. Danika

    Thank you for your post, it made me cry. I have been in such a hard place as a mom of three boys, so discouraged to be in the continuous battle mentally and literally, wanting to be a Godly mom but reacting out of my flesh. At times I find it so hard to even read the scriptures to be quite honest, when I get so overwhelmed by hard circumstances in parenting…but the verses that I rely on are…
    “…be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Your anger can never make things right in God’s sight.
    “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”
    I appreciate your post, it made me feel human and reminded me again the desperate need I have for my Saviors help.

    Reply
  338. Susan Tuma

    Jeremiah 29:11 for sure!

    Reply
  339. Chris Utter

    Thank you for writing another great book! I’m looking forward to getting a copy of my own:)

    Reply
    • Beth Lewis

      Gal 6:9: So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.

      Thanks for a great giveaway!

      Reply
  340. Cara

    Fun giveaway! James 1:19–My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,

    Reply
  341. Megan Bush

    Never let loyalty and kindness leave you!  Tie them around your neck as a reminder.  Write them deep within your heart.  Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will earn a good reputation.  Proverbs 3:3-4

    Reply
  342. Kari Tate

    “I can do ALL things through Christ who gives me strength” Phillippians 4:13 Being a Mom can be so tiring and exhausting. This verse really helps me on those hard days with my 3 and 6 year olds!

    Reply
  343. Amber B

    Proverbs 3: 5-6
    Also pray, a lot 🙂

    Reply
  344. Judith Bullis

    The verse that I cling to right now is
    Matthew 11:28-30
    “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
    I have a 6 1/2 month old son who is a very happy and content baby, but also very active. I need to be reminded that Christ has the biggest shoulders and can handle my burdens and worries more than I can. 🙂 Thank you for this blog

    Reply
  345. Pam Thompson

    Philippians 4:13 I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me is one that both my 14 year old and I are clinging to right now. I am a 60 yr old mom had this precious 3rd daughter when I was 46. God is good and He will give us both the strength that we need for each day – even when relationships get messy.

    Reply
  346. April Leon

    2 Timothy 1:7
    King James Version (KJV)
    7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

    I think the failure for me is rooted in fear that I am the one messing up. Whether its my two year old baby or my 2nd graders misbehaving in the hallway. I have to constantly remind myself that fear doesn’t come from God!

    Reply
  347. Jessica

    Lamentations 3:22-23
    22 Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,
    for his compassions never fail.
    23 They are new every morning;
    great is your faithfulness.

    I can really beat myself up, and this verse reminds me that God does not wake me with accusations but with mercy.

    Reply
  348. Lisa

    Jeremiah 29:11 is my favorite go to.

    Reply
  349. Janine McDavitt

    1Thes 5:11 – always about encouraging in our family!

    Reply
  350. Tracy S.

    Proverbs 22:6

    Reply
  351. Kary

    I struggle with this daily. Can’t understand where my doubts come from

    Reply
  352. Jennifer Shelton

    I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. I need to hear that on everyday when I am dealing with my daughter who is very strong willed and testing me at every turn and my teenage son. (deep breath)

    Reply
  353. Brenda

    And God said, I’ll be with you… ~Exodus 3:12

    Reply
  354. SandyN

    Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9

    Reply
  355. JoAnna

    I try to remember that “I can do ALL things through Christ” and I need to “Train up my child in His ways so my children do not depart from it”

    Reply
  356. Beverly Potter

    Matthew 11:28-30
    Amplified Bible (AMP)
    28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. [I will [a]ease and relieve and [b]refresh [c]your souls.]
    29 Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am gentle (meek) and humble (lowly) in heart, and you will find rest ([d]relief and ease and refreshment and [e]recreation and blessed quiet) for your souls.
    30 For My yoke is wholesome (useful, [f]good—not harsh, hard, sharp, or pressing, but comfortable, gracious, and pleasant), and My burden is light and easy to be borne.

    Reply
  357. Shanon

    Proverbs 3:5
    Trust in the Lord with all your heart
    and lean not on your own understanding;

    Reply
  358. Julie

    Philippians 4:8…especially the first part…”Finally bretheren whatsoever things are TRUE”. True means real and honest. I often forget this when dwelling on myself instead of the Lord.

    Reply
  359. Shannon Wood

    Ephesians 6:4 Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord.

    Recalling this verse helps me look at an event and see the situation clearly. What is my goal? What is my ultimate goal? How can I handle this particular situation in a way that supports my ultimate goal?

    Reply
  360. Sarah Flanagan

    So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

    Isaiah 41:10

    Reply
  361. Sandra G.

    Isaiah 41:10
    So do not fear, for I am with you;
    do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
    I will strengthen you and help you;
    I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

    And also:

    Proverbs 3:5-6
    Trust in the Lord with all your heart
    and lean not on your own understanding;
    in all your ways submit to him,
    and he will make your paths straight.

    Reply
  362. Emilie Lettieri

    I needed to hear this today! This verse came to mind when you asked. I seem to worry a lot! “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Matthew 6:34 NIV)

    Reply
  363. Diana

    I am honestly knew to my faith so I do not have a verse to share. I just wanted to thank you for this. I just had an issue with my son the other day and instantly to the “I’m a horrible mom” place. I really appreciate your words.

    Reply
  364. Kelly Bell

    Deut 11:18
    “Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads.”
    I find with my children that it is caught and not so much taught. This is important because we choose to homeschool. I need to have His word in my very being to be half the parent I want to be and need to be. It needs to be seen by my actions, my thoughts, my motives…as clear as if they were tied to my head and arm!

    Reply
  365. Krista

    I try to always remind myself to be “quick to listen and slow to anger.” Hard to do sometimes when your 5-year old is ignoring you for the third time. But bless her, she’s five. Love everything you do for us, Lysa!

    Reply
  366. Laurie Pullins

    Psalm 19:14 May the words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.

    Reply
  367. Nicole Dillon

    As I read this, my son came home to hand me the note stating he has in school suspension. Yes, I relate oh so well. My go to scripture “There is no one on earth who does what is right all the time and never makes a mistake. “(Ecclesiastes 7:20 GNTD). Because even I make mistakes that have consequences.
    Love them thru it, and guide them.

    Reply
  368. Heather Hier

    Deuteronomy 6! <3

    Reply
  369. Miranda Marsh

    The verse I go to is Jeremiah 29:11 for sure!! He has GREAT plans for my daughter’s life and I am a tool that He is using to shape her into the great future He has for her.

    Reply
  370. Lynn

    Proverbs 22:6 Train up the child in the way he should go.
    Although I struggle in the parenting area, this verse is how I relate all of my discipline.

    Reply
  371. KIm Uden

    You know I don’t have verses specific for my kids, but I think I should get some. Thanks for the giveaway and I will be on the lookout for scripture that I can pray 🙂

    Reply
  372. Amanda

    Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.
    It reminds me the struggles with my children have lasting affects on their lives! That I am investing in their futures and hopefully helping them become better followers of Christ!

    Reply
  373. Gwen

    It helps me to remember that they are little sinners saved by grace, just like I am. And that there is no “perfect formula” to produce a godly young adult.

    Reply
  374. Michelle

    Only fear the Lord and serve him in truth, for consider what great things he has done for you. 1 Sam 12:24

    Reply
  375. Bethany McClure

    I have acouple that I have printed out and posted in my kitchen…They help me when I am the most frustrated and need reminding of who is in charge…

    Ephesians 4:26 “Be angry, and do not sin: Do not let the sun go down on your wrath”
    (if we have a “growth opportunity”, we work it out before bed so that we don’t have it lingering…)
    Psalm 103:8 “The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in mercy.”
    (Reminds me that if God can deal with people who disobey Him daily, and still show mercy and not get angry fast, then I can do it with three soon to be four little ones)
    Psalm 55:22 ” Cast your burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.”
    (when our “growth opportunities” seem to be alittle too much I know I can shoot up a prayer and relax and wait for cooler heads to prevail)
    Psalm 103:11-12″ For as the heavens are as high above the earth, so great is His mercy toward those who fear Him; As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.”
    (Even when I screw up, I know that because of God’s gift, I am forgiven and I can move on and try again)

    Reply
  376. Amber

    I have been using Phil 4:13 to help my son who is struggling in 1st grade. It helps me with the same situation too. We are a team and we are in this together 🙂

    Reply
  377. Sara R

    There are so many wonerdful verses here. I try to remember 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 and Philippians 4:8

    Reply
  378. Jenn Bratton

    My husband and I just started doing foster care a couple months ago and I’ve been struggling with it lately because of so much drama that has been happening with the case:(y biggest verse that gets me through things with our foster child is Jeremiah 29:11! I feel like even though bio mom may not approve of God and like that I’m trying to do nothing but good for her child, God knows the plans He has for that little boy and right now may be the only time he gets God as a part of his young life until he is old enough to make decisions for himself. I pray that when he does get older, that he will make those right decisions! I wonder at times if we’re making the mistake with our own kids by bringing in such drama by trying to do what we feel God is calling us to do (taking care of His orphans). It’s been difficult, and with that said… I would love to win a copy of your book to be encouraged:) thanks for this opportunity!

    Reply
  379. Dedra Henry

    I love Ephesians 4:29 and have it posted on the wall in my bathroom, right above the sink!

    New King James Version (NKJV)

    29 Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.

    Reply
  380. Robin

    I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Phil. 4:13

    Reply
  381. Shamron Hudson

    I needed this blog post today! My verses are Philippians 4:6-13

    Reply
  382. Sara R

    There are so many wonerdful verses here. I try to remember 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 and Philippians 4:8.

    Reply
  383. Lonissa

    Matthew 18:10 Beware that you do not despise or feel scornful toward or think little of one of these little ones, for I tell you that in heaven their angels always are in the presence of and look upon the face of My Father Who is in heaven.

    Children are learning, growing and are in fact human. They make mistakes just like us and it is up to us to make sure they see the mistakes, ask for forgiveness and learn from them.

    Reply
  384. Diana

    “Raise up a child in the way he should go, and he will not depart from it.” …and pray a “latte” (love me some Starbucks!)

    Reply
  385. Susan

    Psalm 56:3 When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.

    Reply
  386. Shannel

    Galatians 6:9…”Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

    I look so forward to your posts on Facebook. You deliver such real mom & woman moments and connect them with wonderful insights from God’s Word. Thank you.

    Reply
  387. Rebecca Duran

    Proverbs 3:5-6 are my life verses, and they help me out in many hard times. My own understanding tells me things like I’m messing up my child, but this Word speaks the Truth that I need not lean on my own understanding.

    Reply
  388. Meg

    Lysa, what a great series! Thank you!

    When I feel overwhelmed and frustrated, I remember to love my children even more fiercely. Don’t we all need love when we are spinning out of control? 1Peter 4:8 “Keep your love for one another at full strength, because love covers a multitude of sins.”

    Reply
  389. Jennifer L

    My mom always shares great verses with me to encourage me as a mom. She will just put the book of the Bible and the verses she wants to me look up in a card she sends. These are the verses she included in my Mother’s Day card this year:
    6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
    Philippians 4:6-7

    Reply
  390. Heather Ross

    Proverbs 3:5-6 I blame myself so much when my kids do wrong, make bad choices, say things that aren’t so godly. But this verse helps me to remember to lean on Him when I don’t know what else to do to help my children. O how our heavenly father has made my paths straight when I was so far astray from! I your books Lysa..my church did your unglued study and it has helped

    Reply
  391. Kim C

    Very timely Word. Thank you!!!

    Reply
  392. Monica E.

    The verses that always come to mind when dealing with my kids are Psalm 139:13-14: You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body
    and knit me together in my mother’s womb.
    Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!
    Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.
    These remind me that they were made perfect, in God’s image so mercy and grace flows easy as a deal with them and their different characteristics and personalities. It helps me embrace them for who they are knowing that God made them in a specific way with a purpose.

    Reply
  393. Jeannine

    The Lord will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength. Isaiah 58:11

    Need to remember this when my 11-year-old strong willed daughter is battling us, it reminds me that I’m not in this alone.

    Reply
  394. Carol I.

    Proverbs 15:1
    A gentle answer turns away wrath,
    but a harsh word stirs up anger.

    Lamentations 3:22-23
    The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;
    his mercies never come to an end;
    they are new every morning;
    great is your faithfulness.

    Jeremiah 29:11
    For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

    Galatians 6:9
    Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

    Reply
  395. Meredith

    My life verse has always been Philippians 4:13 and this one always speaks to me but lately every thing you have had to say hits home! I’ve been worried about how hard to be on my 5 year old and at what point she is just a child who will naturally sin and when she cut her hair at school this week it put me in meltdown mode!! I have been so encouraged by this week’s posts!!

    Reply
  396. Brooke Johnson

    “Keep your love for one another at full strength, because love covers a multitude of sins.”
    I Peter 4:8

    Reply
  397. Barbara Rivera

    Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on YOUR own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge HIM and HE shall make your way straight. Also, a lot of prayer, daily

    Reply
  398. Christine Marie

    Genesis 50:20 to remind me that Satan would love for me to wallow in my own self pity but God is using this circumstance to teach me something and Psalm 138:8 to remind me that God is working on my behalf. Amen!

    Reply
  399. Shauna

    Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not on thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. ” yeah I learned this in King James. I’ve learned that the original words may actually have meant “smooth or straight,” but that I think leads people to expect that there will be no difficulties if we “just believe”, and I honestly don’t think that is what God intended for us to get from this. Yes eventually things will straighten out, but not before we let him guide us over the hills, valleys and turns.

    Reply
  400. Heather

    1 Timothy 4:12 is a favorite of ours for children for many reasons; it is also our youth group’s mission statement verse. I also love Deuteronomy 6:7. thank you for this message today!

    Reply
  401. Amy

    Thank you for this message! So often as a mom I find it hard to not let my children’s choices define me. However I take, too, comfort in Proverbs 3:5-6. I truly have to trust God completely and know He has my boys in His hands. I can’t rely on me…tough at times, but really gives me peace when I need it!! 🙂

    Reply
  402. Mandi

    A scripture doesn’t come to mind that I use, however reading this brought tears to my eyes as I truly feel this was written for me today. I had two experiences with both if my children today that led me to knock myself down and label myself as the “failure mother”. I don’t get too many praises at school just the horrible conferences reminding me that my child can’t do this or can’t do that and don’t live up to the school systems expectations. God has given me these children for a reason and I need to use what He gave me to to use and guide my children. I feel like I AM Messing Up My Children and sure could use the book.

    Reply
  403. Amy

    Thank you for this message! So often as a mom I find it hard to not let my children’s choices define me. However I take, too, comfort in Proverbs 3:5-6. I truly have to trust God completely and know He has my boys in His hands. I can’t rely on me-tough at times, but really gives me peace when I need it!! 🙂

    Reply
  404. Sandy Morgan

    Phil 4:13 and Jeremiah 29:11

    Reply
  405. Margaret Harrel

    I’m an adoptive Mom of 4, all drug/alcohol affected to various degrees. I really needed to hear the sweet words of this post today. I cling to “Be still and know that I am God.” People tell me I don’t know how you do it, and I respond that I don’t, God does. There is no way I would make it without knowing that God is there every step of the journey.

    Reply
  406. Sarah Bostock

    2 Timothy 1:7

    New American Standard Bible (NASB)

    7 For God has not given us a spirit of [a]timidity, but of power and love and [b]discipline.

    Reply
  407. Carrie Sharp

    I have two I cling to in any given situation. The first is Jeremiah 29:11 ” For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” This one reminds me that I am not the one in control of the plan. I am a steward for my children guiding them to God’s purpose in their lives. The second is Philippians 4:9 “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” This one reminds me that my reaction is a lesson as well.

    Reply
  408. Maile

    Psalm 37:8 in the NLT “Stop being angry! Turn from your rage! Do not lose your temper — it only leads to harm.” And in the MSG “Bridle your anger, trash your wrath, cool your pipes — it only makes things worse.

    Also Proverbs 29:11 NIV “Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end.”
    And whatever version this is:
    A fool give full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control.

    Yeah, I have some anger issues.

    Reply
  409. Nicole

    Proverbs 22:6 train a child up in the way they should go.
    Ecc. 3:1 their a season for everything

    Reply
  410. Belinda

    “I can do ALL things in Christ who strengthens me”.

    Reply
  411. Tori

    I always feel like a failure so I remind myself that God is not done with me yet!
    Philippians 1:6. being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus
    Feels so good to know he never gives up on me and doesn’t expect me to be perfect. He will continue his work in me until his return!

    Reply
  412. Jennifer W.

    “For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he punishes every son he accepts.” Hebrews 12:6. I love my boys too much to allow a sin to take root in their lives. The same goes for the Heavenly Father.

    Reply
  413. Robin

    The verse that helps me the most is

    Phil 4:13
    I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

    Reply
  414. Ellen

    Luke 10:27 “… all things are possible with God.” I just have to remember that He is sovereign, and I need to rest in Him – and HAVE FAITH that His perfect will will be done.

    Reply
  415. Robin

    Joshua 1:9

    Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.

    Reply
  416. cyndi

    trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path…

    Reply
  417. Evelyn

    Proverbs 22:6 – train up a child in the way he must go and when he is old he will not depart from it.

    Reply
  418. Cylina

    “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28
    This verse gets me through the toughest times time. Just knowing that God has good in everything that happens in life, brings peace to any hectic day.

    Reply
  419. Laura

    As a counselor, I ask myself that question nearly every day! my verse is, Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight.” It is encouraging to read all the other verses too.

    Reply
  420. Christine

    Jer. 29:11 comes to mind. I also paraphrase to my children how obeying mother and father will bring goodness (“it will go well with you”), if not discipline. I am SO encouraged by your writings and would cherish these encouraging gifts, if I win. Thank you!

    Reply
  421. Courtney Lindsey

    The verses I lean on anytime I encounter an hour, a day, or a season that is difficult for me are Jeremiah 29:11 and Hebrews 6:19 – to remind me to trust in God’s plans and to have hope in all situations.

    Reply
  422. Jessica

    Saw a couple of other people use this one as well, but the first verse that came to my mind was “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13. Would love to win this book. I’ve had it in my cart on amazon for a few weeks but am having a hard time spending any money on myself right now with all of our other bills! Love your blog Lysa, you are such a blessing to us mamas!

    Reply
  423. Erin Harrison

    Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:16 ESV)

    Reply
  424. Amy Fandrem

    I so needed to read this…my son is having such a hard time in school this year and I always feel like I am failing…this gave me a new insight! Thanks!

    My verse I cling to for everything in my life that has me struggling is:
    “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13

    Reply
  425. Jennafer

    Thank you so much for your encouraging words! My fav verse when thinking of my girls is “Jeremiah 29:11″….I think of how it applies to both me and them….remembering God trusted me with them and that I can’t do this thing alone!

    Reply
  426. Jackie Peterson

    Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

    Reply
  427. Lisa liimatainen

    I can’t find the passage, but my go to verse is ” raise a child in the way they should go so that when they are old they will not depart from it.” I see that in myself and am trusting God during trials that I just need to stay the course:)

    Reply
  428. Donna

    Galatians 6:9.
    Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
    Also Romans 15:1-7. Praying that The Lord surrounds my children with friends and adults who point them in the right direction.

    Reply
  429. Kathy Carenza

    Zep 3:17 The lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, he will rejoice over you with singing.

    Knowing that this is how my God loves me and remembering it helps me to do the same for my Children.

    Reply
  430. Mara

    Oh how I would LOVE this.

    Prov 3:5-6
    1 John 3:15
    and countless prayers for wisdom (first two chapters of Proverbs)

    Reply
  431. Rachel Eastvold

    Post this at all the intersections, dear friends: Lead with your ears, follow up with your tongue, and let anger straggle along on the rear. God’s righteousness doesn’t grow from human anger. James 1:19-20

    Reply
  432. Sharon M

    I like Proverbs 22:6 – Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.

    My children are older and have been in church from birth, but my son is not walking with the Lord right now or going to church but maybe one time every few month. I am praying for him, but at times I feel very lost and wonder if maybe I could have done something more when he was younger. He did ask the Lord into his heart when he was a teen, so I pray and hold on to Proverbs 22:6 and pray that he will come back to church and the Lord.

    Reply
  433. Laura

    Phil 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength! I can’t wait to read your new book! While reading your other two books I feel like you are in my head or that it is me writing my story. Amazing how parallel all our lives are!

    Reply
  434. Kimberly Yeich

    “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Phil. 4:13 Thanks for the chance to win!

    Reply
  435. Lindsey

    Your words have inspired and stuck with tho fellow mother of five in this chaotic world. Recently I completed your study on Unglued and it was life changing. I would love this other book to help me lean how to be at peace with my parenting and the individual growth of my very individual children.

    Isaiah Yet those who wait for The Lord will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like Eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary!

    Reply
  436. mary

    This was for me! God used your words to minister to my heart as I have been dealing with teenage issues this week. Psalm 126:5 ” Those who plant in tears will harvest with shouts of joy ” That’s what I am doing. I am planting seeds and crying out to the Lord knowing that He will bring a harvest of joy in season!

    Reply
  437. Jeanne McPherson

    “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart – be acceptable in thy sight -I Lord – my strength and my redeemer.”

    Reply
  438. Melissa

    I raise my children alone and have done so for a solid 4 years and off/on for the 3 years prior to that. Joshua 1:9 has been a constant source of strength and encouragement. God is good and always faithful in providing the portion I need for each day as I point them towards Him.

    Reply
  439. Patty

    Hebrews 10 v23
    Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep His promise.
    This is hanging on my kitchen cupboard. Staying grounded in God’s truth is our only hope in the muddy mess life can be….especially parenting children from hard places.

    Reply
  440. Dawn

    I find that songs help me. When I get in a battle of wills with my almost 6 year old, I often break out into, “Giving it all to You, I Surrender All”. It calms me down and I pray that God will help me choose my next words wisely!

    Reply
  441. Lydia Carbaugh

    Proverbs 3:5-6

    Reply
  442. Kai

    A lot of the time i don’t have a specific verse, but just calling on Jesus helps. Also, reading through the other comments has been a great blessing. Galatians 6:9 is a great one!!

    Reply
  443. Tonya Ellison

    This is my go to verse. 🙂
    Proverbs 15:1

    New King James Version (NKJV)15 A soft answer turns away wrath,But a harsh word stirs up anger.

    Reply
  444. Denise Gonzalez

    Jer 29:11
    Thank you for being so real and honest. You always make me feel like I am not alone with parenting and Mom issues.

    Reply
  445. Melanie sparks

    Mathew 11:28-30
    I am a new Christian and mother , I love this verse. It gives me hope and strength .
    ( I love, love your blog )

    Mel

    Reply
  446. Emily Torres

    Lately, as I’m trying to teach my older daughter (3.5 years old) kindness & cut down on my “unglued” moments, it’s Ephesians 4:32: “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”

    Reply
  447. Kime Kenslow

    “For the JOY of the Lord is your strength” Nehemiah 8:10

    Good verse to cite when you are not FEELING joyful but you can CHOOSE and claim it and in turn model it to your kiddos 🙂

    Reply
  448. Karen

    Galatians 6:9: “So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.”

    I really needed to hear this today! Sometimes it seems like we are fighting the same battles over and over with few signs of progress. It helps to know that God doesn’t judge us by the actions of our children, and I’m amazed at how He works on OUR character issues as we try to teach our children.

    Reply
  449. Jennifer

    First I have to remember “There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1). That one is for me, so I can remember, like you, that I am not a bad mom and I’m not constantly messing up my kids! From there, the verses often go directly for the situation at hand. Of course, there is Philippians 4:13. And, someone also mentioned Galatians 6:9, which reminds me to keep going. It’s all worth it!

    Thanks for reminding us that there are no perfect moms, and we can all encourage one another in this crazy job we call being a mom!

    Reply
  450. Tracy

    When going through any season of life whether with my child or anyone or a thing else I relay on Matthew 26:39 My Father, if it’s possible let this cup be removed from me; not by my will but by yours.

    Reply
  451. Alicia

    Love is patient, love is kind…and Ephesians-I have given you exceedingly more than you could ask or imagine!

    Reply
  452. Nicole pollard

    Do not grow weary in doing good for in due time u shall reap the harvest if u don’t faint!!!

    Reply
  453. Kayla

    The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him and I am helped. Psalms 28:7 This verse reminds me to make him my strength in all situation and He will help me to be a better mother and do the right thing for my daughter!

    Reply
  454. Ashley Hagen

    “Roll your works upon The Lord-commit and trust them wholly to Him…” Proverbs 16:3

    Reply
  455. Glenda Childers

    Faithful is He who calls you, who also will do it. IIThess. 5:24

    Reply
  456. Hilary seymour

    I love this one 🙂
    Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)
    Trust in the Lord with all your heart
    and lean not on your own understanding;
    in all your ways submit to him,
    and he will make your paths straight.

    Reply
  457. Kelli Mariano

    My girls are 15 months apart and this job is Way more difficult then I expected. I only get through this with HIM.
    Psalm 94:18-19
    When I said, “My foot is slipping,”
    your unfailing love, Lord, supported me.
    When anxiety was great within me,
    your consolation brought me joy.

    Reply
  458. Crystal Pharr

    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. Prov. 3:5&6

    Thank you so much for giving us the opportunity to truly feel understood and encouraged. Really needed this! 🙂

    Reply
  459. Kara

    “But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

    Reply
  460. heather

    phillipians 4:13 is my go to…and just praying for the strength!

    Reply
    • Tasha Bibb

      Proverbs 22:6- train up a child in the way he should go, so that when he’s old, he won’t depart from it.

      Reply
  461. Maggie

    For me it’s praise and worship songs that get me through these parenting trials!! I feel the emotion that the writer/singer felt in their situation in mine. I am constantly reminded to call out to him through these songs!

    Reply
  462. brandy jarrard

    2 Timothy 1:7
    For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
    I feel like I come unglued in a lot of situations and this verse gets to the heart everytime no matter how out of control I feel I don’t have to. To me this verse resonates the fact that God is in control all the time and I don’t have to give in to any of my crazy emotions. I have a spirit of love, strength and the ability to control myself even if the situation is out of my control!

    Reply
  463. 1princess1prince

    My children attend a Christian School and have to memorize bible verses. When my firstborn strong willed child was in 1st grade she didn’t like for me to fix her hair at all. I was struggling with her one day over this and she quoted one of the verses she had memorized to me… 1 Samuel 16:7 “Man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart.” That was 10 years ago and that is still one of the verses I believe God wanted me to rely on and carry with me in life.

    Reply
  464. Heidi

    I recently attended a conference that had us read the familliar verses of 1 Corinthians 13:4-8, but replace the word “Love” with our own name. I now start my day with those verses, and I have to say reading those words, “Heidi is patient, Heidi is kind. Heidi does not envy, she does not boast…” is extremely humbling and puts me in the right frame of mind to take on the day. I want to parent from a place of Love, not exhaustion and frustration!

    Reply
  465. Calla Cuff

    I so needed this today! I’m a mom of 2 boys, 3 months and a very sweet, active, & strong-willed 2 year old. I’ve often had these thoughts of condemnation running thru my head.
    I try to remind myself that my kids are my most important disciples and that they will follow my example.
    2 Tim 2:15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

    Reply
  466. Ashley Jones

    I often feel like I am not qualified to be a mother but God revealed to me that I am more than qualified because HE has qualified me.
    2 corinthians 3:5 it is not that we think we are qualified to do anything on our own, our qualification comes from God.

    Reply
  467. Casey

    Romans. 4:20b where sin abounds grace abounds much more

    Reply
  468. Shane

    Psalm 9:10
    Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.

    Reply
  469. Shannon Werfelmann

    Psalm 46:10 Be still and know that I am God.
    The reminder to BE STILL and know that He is with me in every moment is often just what I need.

    Reply
  470. Kristi downs

    Galatians 5: Fruits of the Spirit

    Reply
  471. Shannon W

    Psalm 46:10 Be still and know that I am God.
    The reminder to BE STILL and know that He is with me in every moment is often just what I need.

    Reply
  472. Wendy

    Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9

    I’m going to go through these comments to pick up others though! I’ve been so short with my girls lately. I need more time in God’s word to remind me that they are HIS girls.

    Reply
  473. Joyce Santiago

    I rely on 2 Corinthians 12:9, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.

    My motivation is 3 John 1:4 “My greatest joy is in knowing that My children are walking in the truth.

    Reply
  474. April

    1 Corinthians 3:6-7, I plant and let The Lord do the watering!

    Reply
  475. Megan Lawson

    Proverbs: Trust in The Lord with all your heart. Lean not on your own understanding and he will make your paths straight.

    Reply
  476. Ashley

    Romans 8:28 is my life verse in all times. I agree with another poster though, worship songs really speak to my heart as well. Right now I’m on a Chris Tomlin kick and I absolutely love his song Whom shall I fear.

    Reply
  477. Luda Stepus

    ” I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” Phil 4:13
    ” Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5
    ” A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Proverbs 15:1

    Reply
  478. Audrey Mood

    I have 9 year old twin boys in fourth grade and they’ve struggled with being responsible and just staying organized. I am a teacher so when my kids make bad grades or come home with a demerit, I feel embarrassed and then I get upset with them, no mad at them. The verse that comes home to me is “for I know the plans I have for you” and I have to step back and forget that I am a teacher and that I am a blessed mom who God has entrusted these precious boys to and silence the voices in my head that shout out untrue shortcomings about myself as a good mom. I open my eyes and my heart to God’s guidance and his mercy and grace and I can move on to help my children to make better choices.

    Reply
  479. Melissa Friend

    The verse that helps me parent is -Romans 8:28
    And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

    Reply
  480. Robbi

    My FB post a few days ago was “Some days I have no idea how to be his mom.” This morning, I literally cried to a fried about how inadequate I feel as his parent. Thank you for reminding me that God picked ME to be the one he calls Mom. He picked ME to be the one who tucks him in at night, who says his prayers with him, and gets the last hug and “I love you” of each and every day. He picked ME because I am the mommy Nate needed. Maybe I just need to remember on those overwhelming days that He also picked Nate for me. I’m sure my precious, sweet, funny, smart, strong willed boy has something to teach me, too. In those moments, I will try to remember to be still. Thank you, Lysa.

    Reply
  481. Cassie

    Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. I say this to myself about a million times a day. 😉

    Reply
  482. Chere

    Romans 8:28 gets me thinking straight

    “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God & are called according to His purpose”

    I have been struggling with so much these past few months with my daughter dmy son. They have seen my “moms a failure” tears so much lately. I want this book so much. If I don’t win it, Im still going to buy it but if I win this Im going to give one to a friend of mine with twin boys going through similar pains. We could read & collaborate together.

    Reply
  483. Missy

    Oh how satan often leads me to believe I am not a good enough mom, how he wants me to believe all my past mistakes don’t make me qualified to raise my children, how he leads me to think I don’t love them enough, the list is endless….I’m currently reading the unglued devotional and am almost done…daily He has blessed me with a verse that touches me, reassures, comforts me, and loves in a way only He can! He has laid on my heart to pray daily for moms I know and don’t know and that I extend grace to other moms around me. Instead of speaking or thinking unkindly about each other, I would love to see us support encourage and show grace to the moms around us. We are each fighting battles everyday, maybe today I can make another moms battle a little easier.

    Reply
  484. Valorie

    I have 3 children. Two of them have special needs. My all time favorite verse that gets me through hard days with my kids is Phil. 4:13. “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” He will give me what I need to parent children. I can do this! Not by my own strength but by HIS strength. <3

    Reply
  485. jenn

    I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.

    Reply
  486. stephanie heston

    I am not a mom but am a Social Worker and work w kids. I ask God for strength a lot as I have many difficult cases and need A LOT of direction, strength, etc. My favorite verse is Ezekiel 2:6….Do not be afraid, though briers and thorns are all around you & you live among scorpions. When I am struggling with a case or feel overwhelmed, I remember this verse or look at it posted on my desk, sit back and have a moment with the Lord.

    Reply
  487. SarahH

    Proverbs 22:6 ” Train up a child in the way he should go and in keeping with his individual gift or bent, and when he is old he will not depart from it. “

    Reply
  488. Dori Cook

    Oh how I love this! I am staring this verse full on right now — it is posted everywhere in my house for such a time as this because they are indeed difficult parenting days!! 🙂

    Ephesians 5:15-21 – Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk — not as unwise people but as wise — making the most of the time, because the days are evil. So don’t be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. And don’t get drunk with wine, which [leads to] reckless actions, but be filled with the Spirit: speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making music to the Lord in your heart, giving thanks always for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another in the fear of Christ.

    Reply
  489. crystal enos

    Lisa

    Thank you for being you. I struggle with letting situations redefine me too. And I learn that I need to practice what I believe in the midst of the storm. Which I also wrestle with God through. Minor a mom yet waiting on God. But I can use this with my situation with my brother. I tend to feel like I failed him in my tempts to help him. God had to show me that in my desire to help him with his drug additions and homosexual I was trying to change him and I have to break the cycle of enabling him. Its hard to see your love suffer. So thank you for showing me the way to practice out our beliefs. I love how you touch on that you are not a bad but a praying mom.

    God bless you Lisa.
    Thank you
    I’m not going to read that Matthew verse you shared. Because I need to apply myself to practicing his word in my storms.

    Reply
  490. Holly Scott

    Jesus looked at them and said, “with man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” MATT. 19:26.

    Reply
  491. Rita

    Gal. 6:9 keeps me focused!

    Reply
  492. Jen

    Oddly enough I’ve recently taken encouragement from 1 Corinthians 13:11 – “when I was a child I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child…” we need to let our kids be kids allow God room to grow them. They will mess up. So did we. So DO we. So we pray for them. And we ask God for grace so we can show them grace. And as Paul said, we try to show them a better way.

    And that all sounds so lovely on paper doesn’t it? It’s not what my house looks like. But God is still growing me too.

    Reply
  493. Laura e

    Jeremiah 29:11. Knowing he has plans for not only me but my children, that he made me to be the right mom for them, and them children that I need to push me to Him; so that we will all prosper and grow, it is such a comfort and source of strength!

    Reply
  494. stephanie heston

    I am not a mom but am a Social Worker and work with kids. I ask God for strength a lot as I have many difficult cases and need A LOT of direction, strength, etc. My favorite verse is Ezekiel 2:6….Do not be afraid, though briers and thorns are all around you & you live among scorpions. When I am struggling with a case or feel overwhelmed, I remember this verse or look at it posted on my desk, sit back and have a moment with the Lord.

    Reply
  495. Frances Farmer-Cheda

    Oh.. I want to read this book. I have two kids. 7 & 5, could use some inspiration.
    Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.

    Reply
  496. Crystal Cotey

    Deut 11: 19-21
    19″You shall teach them to your sons, talking of them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road and when you lie down and when you rise up. 20″You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates, 21 so that your days and the days of your sons may be multiplied on the land which the LORD swore to your fathers to give them, as long as the heavens remain above the earth.

    Reply
  497. Lin

    Train up a child in the way he should go and WHEN HE IS OLD he shall not depart,that verse always encourages me,there may be a bad time,but thats it,a bad time and then he or she will turn back to God : )

    Reply
  498. Missy

    I find myself using Colossians 3:17 often…”And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.” I want to remind my babies that no matter what we do, how we respond or react, that we must strive to glorify God in it and through it. It’s hard…being a Mama is just so hard, but so very rewarding, especially when you hear your babies quoting scripture or saying a prayer to get through a difficult moment! 🙂

    Reply
  499. Brooke

    Proverbs 22:6…..Train up a child in the way he should go, Even when he is old he will not depart from it.

    I’m currently reading Unglued in my women’s group and I love it! Amazing!

    Reply
  500. Michelle

    Galatians 6:9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

    I really struggled being. First time mom and went through postpartum as a result. I knew the enemy was trying to rob me of joy of motherhood and had allowed myself to enter into this pit without relying on Gos and his strength . Through careful
    Prayer, stillness and humility to seek His face I have been able to rise up and give thanks for the privilege of being my sons mother! As he in now I his toddler years and the days seem long, I turn to His word, put some worship music and a cup of coffee to get me through this wonderful journey where I am being molded as much as my son is !

    Reply
  501. Meredith Smith

    May The Lord of peace Himself, give you peace at all times and in every way. 2 Thessalonians 3:16. Good reminder to stay calm and rely on the Lord.

    Reply
  502. Holly

    Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” MATT.19:26

    Reply
  503. Julie

    Lysa, Thanks so much for the encouragement. Philippians 4:13 & Psalm 37:3 Trust in the Lord, and do good. Reminds me to trust the Lord, but to keep trying.

    Reply
  504. Casi Howell

    I don’t know the addresses but…
    I can do all things through Christ…
    He is strong in my weekness…
    He witl be a lamp unto my path..
    If God before me who can be against me…
    He will not give me more than I can handle(he knows I’m stronger than I can see or believe)…
    My grace is sufficient for you…
    I am the author and finisher of your faith…
    You were beautifully and wonderfully made….

    Reply
  505. Athena Demel

    Jeremiah 29:11 and ​Psalm 86:12 I will praise you, Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever.
    Some days these are the only things that get me by.

    Reply
  506. Trish

    The faithful love of the Lord never ends!
    His mercies never cease.
    Great is his faithfulness;
    his mercies begin afresh each morning.
    I say to myself, “The Lord is my inheritance;
    therefore, I will hope in him!”
    Lamentations 3:22-24

    And Jer 29:11

    Reply
  507. wendy

    Praise and worship songs along with my favorite verses philippians 4:13 and psalm 46:10 get me through. I struggle with things daily with my son who is ADHD and has other anxiety issues along with all the running for two very involved children. If not for the grave of God I could not get through

    Reply
  508. Karen Katchuk

    I have always relied on Phil. 4:13 for everything challenging. I know that He called on me with this wonderful gift of a child and intends for me to be the one to teach her and lead her to Him and follow His ways. Sometimes this may be challenging, tiring, hectic, or glorious but I know I am never alone, he is always right at my shoulder prompting me, guiding me, and showing me the way and like in this scripture…. Giving me strength to do this amazing job of a parent.
    I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST WHO GIVES ME STRENGTH! All things…..

    Reply
  509. Ally Roscoe

    Galatians 6:9. When we are having a particularly bad spell, I write with a dry erase markers on our mirrors so its right in my face when I struggle.

    Reply
  510. Michele

    Deuteronomy 6: 1-9 specifically verse 7

    Reply
  511. Sara

    During the difficult times of parenting I rely on : Phil 4:13- I can do all things through Him who gives me strentgh. And then I remind myself of 1 Thes 5:18- Give thanks in all circumstances.

    Reply
  512. Melissa Phillips

    When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise. (Proverbs 10:19)

    Reply
  513. Wendy Lawson

    Matthew 7:24-27 is definitely there for me more often than not. It reminds me to rely on the word of God and not others. I always hear the sound of the song we sang as a little girl in Sunday school that repeats the same idea. I remind myself that in order for my children to succeed and have God in their lives I need to follow his word and build our home and family on the rock, our Lord Jesus Christ and not on the sand of the world.

    Reply
  514. Jocelyn

    “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” I’m working on purposefully praying for my kids. I haven’t always had the most dedicated prayer life, but I realize I am their prayer warrior. My mom’s prayers made a huge impact on my life. My daughter (3 1/2) is very strong willed so I pray He will use her boldness to build his kingdom while also giving her ears and a heart that can hear his voice and a willingness to obediently respond. My son is 1 month old. I ask God to set him apart, to give him eyes that will see people as Jesus did, a mouth that will be able to share God’s word, ears to hear the voice of truth, hands that will serve others and work for the Lord, & feet that will carry him in the direction God has planned for him. I’ve made it my mission to become a better, purposeful praying mom for my kids because I don’t have all the answers or always know best but God does!

    Reply
  515. christi

    Well, i am just embarking on this parenting journey (due any day now!) so i am building verses to rely on. I love you point today, that both houses faced adversity, the difference was made by the foundation on which it was built. LOVED that!

    Reply
  516. Denise

    my favorite verse in these times is from 2 Corinthians 12:9-10…”But he said to me, “my grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

    I am learning to run to Him more in my weakness in parenting…not beat myself up. None of my own talent, effort, energy, or wisdom is going to be effective without the power of Christ.

    Denise

    Reply
  517. Gloria Velez

    Phil 4:6-7
    …do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

    Reply
  518. Jennifer Sikora

    I just cling to Romans 8:28 – and tell my child that we can get through anything together.

    Reply
  519. Rebecca Abreu

    “Trust in The Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight”. Proverbs. I’m a mom to 2 teenage daughters and most days I feel like I don’t know what I’m doing. I feel the pressure that is overwhelming at times to make sure to teach them this or that before they are off and on their own. This verse is steady and strong and it gives me the balance and perspective I need. God knows what hes doing so it’s ok if I don’t. Thank you for this encouraging blog. Nice to know I’m not alone =)

    Reply
  520. Lori C.

    Hard to choose since there are many I cling to, but the ones that I seem to run to every day are: Psalm 141:3 – “Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord, and keep watch over the door of my lips.” and Psalm 16:8 – “I always remember that the Lord is with me. He is here close by my side, so nothing can defeat me.”

    Reply
  521. Barbie Halaby

    Phillipians 4:13, especially when I feel like I cannot do all things, or any things.

    Reply
  522. Summar

    I don’t have just one scripture. But I do have 3 beautiful children that help me see that the moments I think I did something wrong, I really helped them and they still love me more than ever.

    Reply
  523. Leslie

    Zephania 3:17 is my favorite verse when things are feeling rough with my little ones. Knowing the Lord my God is with me and mighty to save gives me hope! The image of him singing over me gives me total comfort and joy…even on the hardest of days.

    Reply
  524. Shauna

    I’ve been using this with my two year old and I’ve seen a dramatic positive change in our relationship:
    A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1
    This is a great verse to remember for conflicts with your spouse, too! 🙂

    Reply
  525. Sarah Wiley

    Well the verse I need depends on the moment. But recently I was reading a parenting book or blog (don’t remember which or whose it was), and they referenced Luke 2:43-45. Jesus’ parents did not have any idea where he was and this was after three days. So glad God doesn’t require perfect parents, just willing servants.

    Reply
  526. Ann Letellier

    My husband and I are walking through a difficult time with our teenager. This past year of “trials”, God has impressed upon me to study Ephesians. After recently completing this work, my go-to verse is Ephesians 6:10-12. “Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, that you may be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.”

    Reply
  527. Shauna

    I’ve been using this with my two year old and I’ve seen a dramatic positive change in our relationship:A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1
    This is a great verse to remember for conflicts with your spouse, too! 🙂

    Reply
  528. Kerri

    1 Thessalonians 5: 16 – 18 “Be joyful always;Pray continually; Give thanks in all circumstances,for this is God’swill for you in Christ Jesus.”

    Just this morning, I took my 3 children (14, 10 & 7 yrs old) to their Pediatrician for their annual checks & Flu Mist. My 7 yr old son decided he was going to be a “clown” the entire time our physician was in the room with us. Joyful is not the word I would use for me this morning – ugh!! I actually wanted to crawl under the table and hide! It wasn’t until later in the day, when away from my children that He reminded me that my son is just a 7 yr old boy, who deserves grace and a few consequences for his poor choices and my actions were not pleasing either. And now at 5 p.m. I read this on your website, Lysa. He used you to bring my day back around and use the entire day to teach me – again! Thank you Lord for being full of grace and mercy for both my son & myself!!

    Reply
  529. Shauna

    I’ve been using this with my two year old and I’ve seen a dramatic positive change in our relationship:A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger (Proverbs 15:1) This is a great verse to remember for conflicts with your spouse, too! 🙂

    Reply
  530. Shauna

    I’ve been using this with my two year old and I’ve seen a dramatic positive change in our relationship: A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger (Proverbs 15:1)

    Reply
  531. Juli

    “For we know all things work together for the good of them who love God and are called according to His purpose” Rom. 8:28
    “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Prov. 15:1
    “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not to your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him and He will make your paths straight.” Prov. 3:5-6
    “‘Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matt. 11:28

    Reply
  532. Shauna

    I’ve been using this with my two year old and I’ve seen a dramatic change in our relationship: A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger – Proverbs 15:1

    Reply
  533. Cara

    Galatians 6:9…and some days it’s just Lord take control of this and give me the words you want so and so to hear. 😉

    Reply
  534. Dana

    I am constantly praying for patience, endurance, and wisdom in my responses…..”
    A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Proverbs 15:1

    Reply
  535. Shauna

    I’ve been using this with my two year old and I’ve seen a dramatic change! A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger – Proverbs 15:1

    Reply
  536. Sara

    Phil. 4:5

    Reply
  537. Shauna

    I’ve been using this with my two year old: A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger – Proverbs 15:1

    Reply
  538. Paige Davis

    I rely on “The Lord’s arm is not too short to save” Isaiah 59:1 even when they have been given a good foundation but choose to make poor choices that they are never out of His reach…even when it seems they are out of my reach…

    Reply
  539. katie

    Jer. 29:11 and boy do I feel this way. I have two amazing little preschoolers and one on the way. My patience and strength not so high right now and I keep saying I am not doing a good job with my boys at all. Thank you for the extra encouragmemnt!!

    Reply
  540. Karri

    Joshua 1:9 – reminds me God is with me and my child where ever we may go and whatever we may go through

    Reply
  541. Stephani Penn

    As a family we memorized Psalm 139 and those verses are comforting to me knowing He is always with me and my children..and that they are fearfully and wonderfully made!

    Reply
  542. andrea

    Philippians 4:13 I can do all things thru Christ who strengthens me. 3 boys, and the oldest two have Asperger’s, the youngest is 2

    Reply
  543. Kim M

    Jude vs 20-21
    But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit. Keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.

    Reply
  544. Christina

    Phillipians 4:13 for sure! I say this over and over not only with my children but in everydays life obstacles. But mostly with my children! I learned a lot last weekend about thinking before I speak from women of purpose in Hershey!! Thank you for your beautiful message. I deal with conflict much better!!

    Reply
  545. Tina

    Proverbs 13:24 He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is careful to discipline him.

    Reply
  546. Danette West

    Don’t take too much credit when your children turn out great and don’t take too much credit when they don’t.

    Reply
  547. Sandra Fry

    When tough stuff happens with my kids I use my favourite verse Jermiah 29:11-14 “for I kow the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you, to give you (and your kids) hope and a future, not to harm you.

    Reply
  548. Ellen

    We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2Corinthians 10:5
    I often need this reminder to bring my anxiety and negativity to Him and allow Him to capture my thoughts and securely place my focus on His truths rather than my own insecurities.

    Reply
  549. Becky

    I try to keep Hannah in mind, from the book of Samuel. She made the promise to God that if he gave her a son, she would give him back to the Lord. She kept her promise. I need to remember that my children truly belong to God. I need to trust him to help me be the mother they need.

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  550. Alexandra Austin

    John 8:32…..

    Reply
  551. Julie Riccardi

    Phillipians 4:13 … And I close my eyes and repeat to myself “It is all going to be OK in The Name of Jesus!”. I am the mom to a 10 yr old son with severe Autism who is unable to speak as well as a 5 year old son with ADHD and anxiety and aggression. Almost not a day passes that I do not get a form of negative communication from the schools. Without God I would crumble to pieces … With Him, I will overcome! God bless yoy and all yoy do! <3 in Christ!

    Reply
  552. Krystal Miller

    I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” Phil. 4:13 (ESV)

    I am sure this one comes up a lot… Before I was able to give it even seconds of thought this was the first one to pop into my head, so I am going with it!

    The other is: And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

    Reply
  553. Angela Mordecai

    1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18

    Reply
  554. JJ Snyder

    “Discipline your children, and they will give you peace; they will bring you the delights you desire.” – Proverbs 29:17

    I would love to read your new book! Thank you for your beautiful writings that support women. <3

    Reply
  555. Diane Pruitt

    This is one of my go to verses. Proverbs 3: 5&6 Trust in The Lord with all your heart & lean not in your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him & he will direct your path.
    My kids memorized it just because I say it so much 🙂

    Reply
  556. Laura Freeman

    Psalms 51:6-8
    You desire truth in the inward parts,
    And in the hidden part You will make me to know wisdom.

    7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean;
    Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
    8 Make me hear joy and gladness,
    That the bones You have broken may rejoice.
    NKJV
    I needed this today as I am always thinking as myself as a failure……. God knows my heart.

    Reply
  557. Anna

    Oh Lord have I struggled with my 17 year old son for almost 2 years now. Wrong friends, wrong decision and all. Numerous nights I did not sleep, almost let the rest of my family fall apart. I was left with no energy and felt I would give up on him Until one day I heard once again this verse:
    Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”
    Somehow this verse spoke to me as well as the others below and I have held on and have seen God moving to turn the situation around! Praise God!
    For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms Ephesians 6:12

    Train up a child in the way he should go,
    And when he is old he will not depart from it.Proverbs 22:6

    Reply
  558. Danielle Hofer

    2Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James.

    I see the trials and tribulations I face with my children as blessings. I suffered miscarriage, infertility, a difficult pregnancy, and a scary super early birth for my son. I learned so much through it all and persevered and became wise. My relationship with Jesus grew to a true relationship. In even the worst of times, I see the love of God in their eyes. My children are sensitive to me and what’s going on with me that it is as if Jesus is speaking through them.

    Reply
  559. Brittany B

    I usually think of Col. 3:23 or some of my favorite Proverbs! 🙂

    Reply
  560. Jeane

    Ephesians 4:32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgave you. I use this one quite often with 3 boys 😉 and for myself.

    Reply
  561. Rebecca McFarland

    Isaiah 40: 11 “He tends his flock like a shepherd; He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.” If God is gathering me in his arms then my children are there too. I just go to him asking in prayer to gently lead me in the guidance for my children. I have a 16, 13 & 11 year old boys. There are mornings of anger and there are mornings where everything is fine. Yesterday, was anger and this was & is my go to verse. When I got home, we had a calm discussion. Today, while at a dr’s appointment with one, I received a call from the counselor’s office about another one. Again, a calm conversation occurred. Each day is a challenge but God is good and will guide me through it as long as I go to him in prayer. Thanks for the message today. Keep them coming 🙂

    Reply
  562. Brooke Katz

    I need to be better at relying on Gids word rather than my emotions but these are two if the ones that have helped me in life and as a mom!
    Galatians 5:22-23 but the fruit if the spirit is love joy peace patients kindness goodness faithfulness gentleness and self control against such there is no law
    2 Corinthians 5:17 if any one is in Christ he is a new creation the old has gone the new has come

    Reply
  563. Amy Snead

    Oh how I needed these exact words today. I consistently turn to the verse “we don’t know what to do, so we look to you for help”. 2 chronicles 20:12

    Reply
  564. Patty

    Psalm 56:3
    When I am afraid, I will trust in you.

    Also, I remind myself often to let God be God. Especially in times that I’m worried about my children, or stressing over an important decision regarding them, “let God be God” he will not let me down!

    Reply
  565. Maureen

    Lamentations 3:22-23 …God’s mercies are new every morning. Great is thy faithfulness. The reminder of his compassion is always key too in these verses!

    Reply
  566. Amy

    I don’t have one specific verse….but one that did pop right to mind was Prov. 3:5-6–I also alot of times will just come away by myself & put some praise & worship music on. God always seems to have something that will speak to me in that particular moment.

    Reply
  567. Melissa Einersen

    Thank you so much for this. I am a pastor’s wife and it’s very hard for me not to feel like the shaping that my children are going through is a reflection of me. I don’t want to raise good kids. I want to raise childrenthat follow hard after God. I remind myself of Nehemiah 8:10 the joy of the Lord is my strength.

    Reply
  568. Beverly Young

    I have a teenage daughter that is a sophomore in college, she has had some growing pains this year, so when I see that she is calling me before I answer I say Father please give me strength and guidance, help me to be the mom she needs and give me your words to speak to her! Whatever she may be facing the verse we lean on is Jerimiah 29:11-14

    Reply
  569. Jamie

    I will be honest. I have been feeling like that defeated mom. And I went to the women of purpose conference in Hersey this weekend. Hearing you speak was so encouraging! I got a couple of your books and I have been so blessed reading them! Thank you for sharing your stories. You truly are helping us moms who feel like we are messing up our kids have hope! And thank you for reminding me how important Gods word is. I’ve been thinking so much on the bad that I was not filling myself up with the good!

    Reply
  570. Sarah

    Deuteronomy 31:8
    “The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
    I have to remember this verse on the hard days of parenting. He is with me and I’m not alone even when I feel like I’m messing up my kids…which is most of the time.

    Reply
  571. Wendi Keenan

    Today was THE day I needed to hear those words. My child is struggling and as any mom would do, I wanted to fix the problem, only I can’t. She has to do it on her own with me only helping the best I can. It’s extremely frustrating and a huge struggle to not be able to “right” the “wrong.” Even when I try to relinquish that control to God, I find myself stealing it right back until I’m in a puddle of tears or filled with anger. As for my favorite verse that gets me through…I’m not sure you’ll find it in the Bible…”Don’t worry Mom, Jesus will fix the cake.” One birthday I had made a beautiful round cake for my daughter but while frosting, the cake started to fall apart and a big chunk fell to the floor. Seeing the look of desperation on my face my youngest daughter (4 at the time) said very plainly, “Don’t worry mom. Jesus will fix the cake.”
    Wendi Keenan

    Reply
  572. Sarah Sudduth

    One of the verses that pops in my head when dealing with my kiddos is Psalm 127:3 Children are a blessing from The Lord. It’s a good reminder when those little blessings start to drive me up the wall!

    Reply
  573. Angie

    Oh wow I did need this. We do Galatians 6:9

    Reply
  574. Brandi Harden

    James 1:19-21 (MSG)
    19-21 Post this at all the intersections, dear friends: Lead with your ears, follow up with your tongue, and let anger straggle along in the rear. God’s righteousness doesn’t grow from human anger. So throw all spoiled virtue and cancerous evil in the garbage. In simple humility, let our gardener, God, landscape you with the Word, making a salvation-garden of your life.

    Reply
  575. Chris

    Jer 29:11 I Depend and recite that verse daily:) God wants what is best for me and doesn’t want to hurt me. AMEN!

    Reply
  576. Ashley E

    I always, instinctively remember Psalm 121 to remind myself that my help comes feom the Lord. That verse has gotten me through many tough times with my strong willed and independent daughters He has blessed me to raise. 🙂

    Reply
  577. Claudia

    2 Timothy 1:7- For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timity, but of power, love and self-discipline.
    I try to remember this to give me strength, to give me patience, when I go thru something rough with my kids or when I simply mess up. Trying to remember God is love and with him with can whatever. (I can do all things thru Christ who gives me strength). Thanks :0)

    Reply
  578. Stephanie Randles

    Proverbs 3:5-6. And prayer. lots of it!!!!!

    Reply
  579. Lisa Chase

    Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

    Reply
  580. Christi Lang

    My mom gives me this verse when i am discouraged. Be not weary in well doing for in due season we will reap if we faint not. I need this book. I just came across it recently and it is very much where I am at now.

    Reply
  581. liz

    Galatians 6:9 as it is so easy to focus on the daily problems and to forget the big picture.

    Reply
  582. Christy Ahrens

    My go to verse is Phil 4:8; I personify that verse and call it “my little friend Phil, he’s about 4’8.” (lol) Anyway, I focus my mind on what is TRUE, honorable, pure, worthy of praise and let the rest fall away. I allow the facts in and if I made a mistake, I apologize for it to my kids or whoever, then I focus my mind on who I am in Christ. And I praise God for the amazing gift of forgiveness. When I fail to do the above, situations typically escalate and increased sin abounds. It is a lose/lose situation. So after many daily opportunities to practice I am happy to say I am batting close to 0.500. Praise God for forgiveness, that’s really all I can say!

    Reply
  583. Jana

    Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. I say this to myself about a million times a day.

    I have a very strong willed 9 year old and some days my patience runs thin……prayer is powerful.

    Reply
  584. Amy

    The one I’m working on daily if not hourly is “Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.” James 1:19. Easy to say, hard to put into practice some days.
    Amy

    Reply
  585. Laura

    Phillipians 4:13…Strength and focus on Christ are what I need to help me through. It will all be okay eventually. 🙂

    Reply
  586. H Turner

    Proverbs 3

    Reply
  587. leslie merlino

    I love phillipians 4:7-8!♡

    Reply
  588. Heather

    Prov. 15:1 A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
    Rom. 12:12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

    Reply
  589. Ahamby

    Whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable… Think on these things.

    Reply
  590. Sarah Adams

    Psalm 91:1-2
    “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of The Lord, “He is my refuge & my fortress, my God in whom I trust.”

    Reply
  591. leigh powell

    phil. 4:13
    We are currently doing your unglued study in sunday school. I absolutely love it. Would love to read this!

    Reply
  592. Caroline Troyer

    I like 1 Cor. 10:13. Sometimes I just start saying outloud. “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man…”

    Reply
  593. Wendy L.

    Proverbs 3:5-6 is my go to verse.

    Reply
  594. Donna

    “It is good that I have been afflicted, so that I may learn your statutes.” We are continually being shaped by our Master.

    Reply
  595. Leah

    Lysa, you have no idea how your words have touched me today. Bless you Lysa and thank you for allowing God’s spirit to use you to minister to other mama’s!

    Reply
  596. Mindy Bundrick

    1 John 4:4 “Greater is He that is in me, than he who is in the world.”
    I have to constantly remind myself that the world does not matter and I should only seek the approval of my Father. I also remind myself of this because the words that I speak now will be the voices in the head of my children when they are older.

    Reply
  597. Kelly Bjornstad

    For me, my go-to verse is Hebrews 12:11.
    “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.”
    Wow, what an amazing promise for both parents AND their kids, especially since it is sometimes just as painful to discipline your child as it is for the child to receive it! It’s a great reminder to help keep in context the whole reason God gave me these precious souls to begin with. It helps support and remind me not just to correct their daily behavior issues, but to gradually, over time, use each one of those opportunities as a way to instill in them a love for God. It is also a great encouragement when things get tough to focus on the long-term promise instead of drowning in the present mess!

    Reply
  598. Juli

    2 Timothy 1:12–That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet, I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day.

    I had the privilege of listening to Lisa Whelchel and she mentioned this verse in regards to parenting. I’ve clung to it. Ultimately, my children are His and I have to be confident that He is in control.

    Reply
  599. Michelle S.

    Philippians 1:6 – being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

    Reply
  600. Stephanie R.

    The Psalms have helped me through many a rough day!! I love all of the Lords promises!! I love and appreciate your encouraging words,they always seem to appear in my news feed at just the right time! This giveaway would be such a blessing,I have a very strong-willed daughter and need this!:) Thanks!!

    Reply
  601. Vickie Sue

    Philippians 4:13 “I CAN do all things through Christ who strengthens me and has called according to HIS PURPOSE!!.

    Reply
  602. Elizabeth Ramsey

    Philippians 4:13

    I REALLY needed this today, It has been a severe rough patch lately., When my son compared me to my mom this morning, it was my undoing… Thank you for helping me refocus.

    Reply
  603. Heather Santos

    6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 If you do this, you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.Philippians 4:6-7

    Reply
  604. Amber Williams

    Joshua 1:9 …..Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.

    Reply
  605. Tara Powell

    “Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished.” Luke1:45

    Reply
  606. Andi

    Phil 4:13. I can do all things through Him who gives me strength

    Also..1 Peter 5:6-8…remembering our kids are not the enemy, but Satan is!!!!

    Reply
  607. Jeana Schneitman

    Proverbs 22:6, and know you are doing the very best you can do and always pray!

    Reply
  608. Paula Hawthorne

    A soft answer turns away wrath…
    I try not to overreact, but come at it calmly and in love!

    Reply
  609. Jen

    Psalm 18:18 On the day when I was weakest, they attacked. But the Lord held me steady.

    Reply
  610. Yvonne Harper

    Prov 15:1

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  611. Jessica

    Philippians 4 : 13 as well as listening to Christian music.

    Reply
  612. Laura Day

    I don’t have one specific verse but turn to prayer & I always get the verse I need in that moment.

    Reply
  613. Anna

    Deuteronomy 6:6-9 These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. 7Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. 9Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.

    Proverbs 22:6 Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.

    Reply
  614. Cherae Finney

    Phillipians 4:13. I always seem to hear a song, or two, that speak to me when going through a tough situation.

    Reply
  615. Leah

    I rely on Jeremiah 29:11. “For I know the plans I have for you declares The Lord, plans for good not harm, plans to give you a hope and a future.” This is my life verse and one I’ve prayed for my son since before he was born. It lets me know that no matter what happens God has a plan for me and it is good. Even if I mess up as a mom (which I do on a daily basis with my 5 year old) I know that if I trust in God He will get me through and protect me and my son for our “great plans.”

    Reply
  616. Dawn

    A gentle answer turns away wrath but a harsh word stirs up anger. Prov 15:1. I have caught myself more times than I care to admit to making the situation worse with my harsh words rather than being gentle. When I change my tone and my words I can guide and direct my children. rather than fighting with them I can fight for them

    Reply
  617. Sarah

    My standby is always philippians 4:13.

    Reply
  618. Erica

    Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he shall not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6

    Reply
  619. Dani

    1 Samuel 1:27-28 ‘”I prayed for this child, and The Lord has granted me what I asked of him. So now I give him to The Lord. For his whole life he will be ginven over to The Lord” and he worshiped The Lord there.” I have a special needs child so most days are challenging ones and this verse reminds me that I was chosen by God to be the mother of my beautiful boys, but they are not mine, they are His and I am not alone in raising them I just need to take it to prayer and ask God to give me patience and wisdom to teach them His way! Jesus gave me these children to raise them to know and love Him! I also know that God gave me these specific boys to refine me…making me closer to Him and showing His face to others by how I choose to handle a situation!

    Reply
  620. Jenny Moore

    Galatians 6:9 and also setting my mind on the Lord to do everything in my day with a God focus and to give him glory.

    Reply
  621. Katie Reeves

    Proverbs 3:4-5 is one of my LIFE verses. In the hard and challenging times I take a deep breath and remember to always trust and remember that as I lean on Him, He will guide my path.

    Reply
  622. marie

    There are so many verses. One is Philippians 1:6 “Being confident in this that He who began a good work in you will continue to do it until it is completed when Jesus Christ comes again.” This reminds me that the Lord is working in all of us… me and my children.

    Reply
  623. Heather

    Oh wow! I could have used this post several years ago! It’s a lesson I have to keep on relearning too. Not sure about a parenting verse, but Isaiah 30:15 is one He keeps bringing me back to lately

    Reply
  624. Amanda

    Lysa, you always nail it. I get the daily proverbs 31 devotionals. They are all good and encouraging. But, I feel when you write, God is using you to speak to me. Thank you!
    I rely on Phil 4:13 several times a day. But, I also like proverbs 22:6.
    Blessings!

    Reply
  625. Brenda Greenhow

    Phil. 4:13

    Reply
  626. Helen G.

    I definitely rely on Lamentations 3:22-26 that says, “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.” The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.”

    Reply
  627. Vicki

    Phil 4:19 And MY GOD will supply your every need according to His glorious riches in
    Christ Jesus.

    Reply
  628. Anna

    This week I’ve been thinking on lam 3 where it talks about how because of Gods love and mercy we are’not consumed. His mercies are new every morning. Great is his faithfulness. Amen

    Reply
  629. Jessica Crawford

    Psalm 34:4 “I sought the Lord and He answered me. He delivered me from all my fears.” My natural response to disappointing situations with my daughter is fear–fear I haven’t done enough; haven’t done enough of the “right” things; fear I’ve ruined everything; fear of other mama judgements; fear I don’t measure up to other mamas; fear fear fear. He delivers me and it’s all ok. Grace is more than my failure and her life is in His hands.

    Reply
  630. Amanda I.

    I sing worship songs, and depending on the day a song just pops in my head, and I can’t do nothing but sing it, and sometimes my little one sings along when she hears me 🙂 ” he never promised that the cross would not get heavy, and the hill would not be hard to climb, just hold on, my Lord will show up and take you through fire again! “

    Reply
  631. Robin

    For me it’s Twila Paris’ songs “God is in Control” and “The Warrior is a Child”.

    Reply
  632. Erin

    Hebrews12:1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, Endurance is an issue for me, 5 kids ranging in age from 6-19, constantly feeling beat up & this verse reminds me to weather the storms &
    keep pressing on no matter the terrain.

    Reply
  633. Colleen

    I dont believe I have a specific verse but do find myself turning to prayer quite often….asking God to guide and strengthen me as I bring up the blessing that he entrusted to me!

    Reply
  634. Smantha DiCola

    I sing “it’s a beautiful day” by Jamie Grace!! Helps me get through the day!!

    Reply
  635. Amy

    Lean not on your own understanding…

    Reply
  636. Bev

    Exodus 14:4, Zephaniah 3:17…..I’m glad I don’t have to parent on my own and that God give me strength, because without Him I would fail miserably at parenting.

    Reply
  637. E Marshall

    It depends on the situation and which child it is, so I don’t really have a ‘go to’ verse. But I sure have a ‘go to’ book! My poor bible is tattered, but LOVED! 🙂

    Reply
  638. Krista

    James 1:2-4 (CSB)
    2 Consider it a great joy, my brothers, whenever you experience various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 4 But endurance must do its complete work, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing.

    Reply
  639. Mindy

    Proverbs 3:5,6
    And lots of praise and worship songs!

    Reply
  640. christa

    I have scriptures written on note cards that I keep on a ring so I can access them at all times! I home school three kids and I am struggling with my 7 year old son. I keep in mind that the harder I am on him, the more he pushes back. Thanks for reaching out to other mommas and letting us know we are not alone

    Reply
  641. Lisa

    Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!

    Reply
  642. Jessica

    I don’t have a specific verse but when I need to pull myself together I try to blast worship music. I am a single … really single mom of 3 and we are all in a tough spot these days. I have to keep making new copies of my cds. I would love to do your Unglued workbook so I have it in my wish list on Amazon so I know when it goes on sale. ALSO… your facebook page is extremely inspiring. 🙂

    Reply
  643. Brandy

    Phil 4:13

    Reply
  644. Velda

    I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength…..
    Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9

    Reply
  645. Jessica R.

    There are many moments of the day when I’m constantly clinging to “Trust in The Lord with all of your heart and lean not on your own understanding in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your path straight.” Keeping my focus of trusting in His strength at all times, through situations of disobedience from my kids. He is my strength and portion forever.

    Reply
  646. Laura Martin

    Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5, 6 NIV)

    Reply
  647. Erin

    Psalm 84 is my favorite passage & is, therefore, sort of a go-to passage for everything. For a hard situation with my kiddos, it would probably be vs. 5 – “Blessed are those whose strength is in You…”

    Reply
  648. Meg

    Phil. 4:8 Is my special verse. Thank you for the words of encouragement today!

    Reply
  649. Cindy Pertzborn

    When I’m caught up in a whirlwind of emotion, I often have difficulty recalling scripture so I turn to praise & worship songs. Just try singing the words, “…my name is child of the one true King!” without feeling overwhelmed with God’s love. A smile fills my face when I sing Matthew West’s song, “Hello, My Name Is”. Woo hoo! ! I am a child of the one true King and sister, so are you!

    I often rely on Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.” This verse helps me weed out thoughts I should be dismissing!

    And easy to remember is Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ, who gives me strength”.

    Reply
  650. Monica

    Great post. . .feeling like this myself today. . .I keep praying Psalm 91:11 for my son.

    Reply
  651. Beth

    Hebrews 4:16 is my go to verse!

    Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. (Hebrews 4:16)

    Reply
  652. Mary

    But this I call to mind, and therefore, I have hope. The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, His mercies never come to an end, they are new every morning. Great is Thy faithfulness. Lamentations 3:21-22

    Reply
  653. Kelley

    I love the verse 2 Cor 1:9 “Indeed in our heart we felt the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead.”
    I’m one that always looks at the negative and condemns myself before anyone has a chance to say anything. I react before I think so many times then the regret comes in. I continue to pray God change this in me and gives me the wisdom and strength to show my children the power and glory of our God in our lives.

    Reply
  654. Michelle

    When I’m struggling with being a mama of 4 ages 3-8 I remind myself “this is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice in it and be glad.” (Psalm 118:24) As I read through your post today one line struck me, you said “That’s why God gave me this specific child.” Many of times I have to adjust my parenting to fit a specific child then I wonder exactly what the title of your book is Am I Messing Up My Kids?!

    Reply
  655. Michelle C

    I also like Deut 11:19-21, but there are so many gems found in the Word that proveide encouragement to me when facing daily parenting challenges. 🙂

    Reply
    • Michelle C

      “provide” encouragement! 😉

      Reply
  656. Jeanne

    Phillipians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” OH, have we had some struggles! 2 teenage daughters in high school and a son who just started first grade – it seems like chaos and crisis are daily happenings for our family!

    Reply
  657. Malena

    Psalm 23-“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want…..love, love, love, this. If he is my shepherd and leads me through my daily life, surely I can trust in Him to do the same for my girls whom have both left home to make a life for themselves. Surely goodness and love will follow them. Trust in the Lord!!

    Reply
  658. Christi

    There is therefore now no condemnation for those of us who are in Christ Jesus who walk not according to the flesh but to the spirit! Romans 8:1 Holding on to it for dear life!

    Reply
  659. Cate

    I have tears in my eyes reading this. Thank you for bringing the hope of Christ into this very difficult issues for all mothers! My most encouraging verse is found in Ephesians 3:20. I give all the glory to God “who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us!” I claim this for the lives of my children and whatever circumstances that they encounter, good or bad. God is greater than our circumstances and we must let him conform our children to his glory and not get in his way! His working in their lives is a good thing and not an indication that we failed as mothers. Easy to say…hard to always believe. Great post!

    Reply
  660. Abbey G

    1 Thess. 5:14-18… I especially appreciate it in the Message paraphrase: Be patient with each person, attentive to individual needs. And be careful that when you get on each others nerves you don’t snap at each other. Look for the best in each other, and always do your best to bring it out. Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live.

    Reply
  661. Stephene Bordelon

    Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding. 3:6, In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path. (I have to trust that there is a purpose to every hiccup and correction that happens in this family).

    Reply
  662. Courtney May

    Trust in the Lord with all your strength and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your path straight. Proverbs 3:5-8. I have to remember He knows best even when my heart is breaking bc of my sweet six year olds bad decisions (ie tonight he was devastated that he didn’t get to read books b4 bed due to a bad tantrum he threw…the tears broke my heart but discipline needed to happen)

    Reply
  663. RoseAnn Barber

    Lysa I just want to tell you that God has greatly used you to speak to my heart recently, I have been reading Unglued. There is a verse that someone gave me quite a few years ago that I Love….”For I will give you abundant water to quench your thirst and moisten your parched fields. I will pour out My Spirit & My Blessings on your children, They will thrive like watered grass, like willows on a riverbank.” Isaiah 44:3,4

    Reply
  664. Jessica

    I loved what you said that kids are not perfect and that is why they need parents. I try to remind myself that they are little and not perfect. I always feel that people think I am not a good mom because of something my kids have done.
    Thanks

    Reply
  665. Theresa

    Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.
    Having two children who are struggling with God and faith, I cling to this one.

    Reply
  666. Crystal

    Psalm 19:14
    Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.
    John 15:10-11
    If you keep my commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.

    We often say that “words are not made for anger, but for lifting up. And that hands are not made for hurting, but for helping others.” And we always try to do everything with joy. It’s not always easy, but these two verses are a great way to reiterate that being steadfast in love and trying to stay calm while doing so, will have many benefits for our children now and in their future.

    Reply
  667. Rhoda

    Proverbs 3:5-6. Thanks for your wonderful posts 🙂

    Reply
  668. Lorrie

    Thankful that His mercies are new every morning!

    “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;
    his mercies never come to an end;
    they are new every morning;
    great is your faithfulness.”

    Lamentations 3:22-23

    Reply
  669. Elizabeth

    I am a newly single mom of three little ones (7,5,2). Some days, well most days, I absolutely don’t think I can do this by myself any longer. The Spirit, though, in His grace, reminds me often of Colossians 3:12, ‘Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.’ I loved what you said…that God saw something in me that gives me the ability to grow my babies in a godly way. Only in His strength.

    Reply
  670. Rhonda Pope

    Phil. 4:13, Hebrews 4:16, and Phil. 1:6 (which reminds me that we are all a work in progress!!)

    Reply
  671. Rebecca Spain

    Mostly I pray for wisdom to guide my children appropriately but this scripture is always at the top of my mind… Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

    Reply
  672. Griffin

    I just sing, “What time I’m afraid I will trust in The, trust in The…”

    Reply
  673. Amber N

    I remember how precious my son is and that the Lord chose him and created him….Psalm 139:13-14 ‘For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s

    Reply
    • Amber N

      womb. I praise you becausr I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.’

      Reply
  674. Christie

    My favorite verse Jeremiah 29:11, For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

    It reminds me that one I am here for a reason with my children for a reason and they are with me for a reason. We have to learn and grow in God with each other. This verse reminds me that God has a specific plan for each of us and it is my job to help her get through that plan God has for her

    Reply
  675. Elizabeth

    I can do ALL things through Christ!!!!!!

    Reply
    • Mary Davidson

      Amen Elizabeth! This is the first verse that came to my mind as well!

      Reply
  676. Sonja Winebrenner

    Ecclesiastes 7:14…when times are good,
    Be happy, when times are bad, consider: God has made one as well as the other.

    Reply
  677. behki fuller

    1 Thess 5:16-18 “Be Joyful always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” Even in the rough patches its important to remained focused on what is good and what is lasting which is God love and mercy!!!! Giving thanks and praise when things aren’t going well keeps me from having a big ol pity party 🙂

    Reply
  678. Shannon

    I have recently went through a very trying incident with one of my children as well. I had to take it to the alter and leave either at God’s feet.

    Reply
  679. Elizabeth Davis

    The recurring issue arising with my children of late has to do with not putting forth their best effort so we’ve been discussing Colossians 3:23-24: Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

    Thank you so much for sharing both your heart and your gift for spreading God’s Word.

    Reply
  680. Staci

    “Obviously, I’m not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ’s servant.” (Galatians 1:10 NLT). I am still learning how to do this, but this verse helps me stop the comparison game that plays out in my head, especially when going through difficult times with my children. I am trying to learn to parent in a way that pleases God and not worry about what others are thinking about my parenting. Very much a work in progress! Thank you for your words of encouragement and truth, especially after a rough afternoon with my 2 yr old.

    Reply
  681. marcy cooper

    He knew you when you were in your mothers *my* womb. He knows every hair on your head. He loves you more than your mom does

    I use scripture and a little mom influence also..

    Hope I am not MESSING up my daughter with that?

    Reply
  682. Lori s

    Eco 14:14. The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.”

    Reply
  683. Kerri pruitt

    A soft answer turns away wrath but grievous words stir up anger

    Reply
  684. Kathryn H.

    I don’t have a verse I turn to when I’m feeling low or think I’m an awful parent. I wish I did.

    Reply
  685. Terri

    Proverbs 22:6 “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” When my kids were young, I clung to this verse with hope that something they heard would stick. As they grew into young adults, it became a chant in my head. As I pray for my kids as adults, I claim this verse for them. I also watch with great joy when I see their love for the Lord. My son still struggles with his faith, I have a son-in-law who is turning to the Lord ,and a daughter-in-law who needs to. But I know they all were raised in the truth, and the truth will win eventually.

    Reply
  686. Cherith

    I always find such great comfort and strength in Ps 121. To know my strength comes from my Heavenly Father and he’s always watching out for me and guiding me every step of the way. I remind my daughter that God never sleeps and that he’s always there for her.

    Reply
  687. Amy

    Philippians 4:8 Helps me remember to think about the positive things.

    Reply
  688. Rachel J

    Phil 3: 8 Whatever is…think on these things.

    Reply
  689. Michelle

    2 Corinthians 12:9
    “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness”
    Thank you Jesus!

    Reply
  690. Sharon

    “The Lord your God is with you. He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you. He will quiet you with His love. He will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17
    Made all 4 of my kiddos memorize it with me:)

    Reply
  691. Jennifer Barrett

    I have two go-to verses:

    Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.” (John 14:1)

    Do not be anxious about anything—but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. (Philippians 4:6)

    Reply
  692. Alicia

    Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to His purpose.

    Reply
  693. Martha Lucid

    Psa 103:17 But the mercy and loving-kindness of the Lord are from everlasting to everlasting upon those who reverently and worshipfully fear Him, and His righteousness is to children’s children

    Reply
  694. karrie carter

    My favorite verse that I lean on is 2 Corinthians 12:9 “My grace is all you need .My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weakness ,so that the power of Christ can work through me. ” I have 2 children each very different. My son is special needs and has many medical issues and is non-verbal so I feel like I’m always guessing and my daughter is typical and I feel like she never gets enough of my attention and when she shares her feelings I usually find my self at a loss for words. I’m learning to completely lean on God for His wisdom .

    Reply
  695. Jessica

    Romans 8:28 and since reading Unglued I just speak the name of Jesus to help me with my kids.

    Reply
  696. Keri

    …… I’m sitting here speechless (or typeless lol) this was so eye opening but to be honest…. I don’t have a Scripture I turn to. I’ve never thought about it like that. I mean I have my favorite verses but a verse to go to when I’m dealing with my boys would be the best thing I ever could do as a mom. I would be acting from Biblical truth rather than my flesh. Thank you for inspiring me to prayerfully seek Scripture 🙂

    Reply
    • Nita Davidson

      Colossians 3:12 – needed to read you words today! Struggling with 3rd grader and schoolwork which leads to frustration and tension: (

      Reply
  697. Ginger Tran

    James 1:2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. 6 But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7 That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8 Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.

    Reply
  698. Sandy

    Her mouth is full of wisdom; kindly teaching is on her tongue. Proverbs 31:26

    Reply
  699. Beth

    He who began a good work is faithful to complete it.

    Reply
  700. Lindsey Maurer

    I struggle with parenting out of fear so when I am afraid I’m not capable I remember 2 Timothy 1:7. “For I have not given you a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and a sound mind.” I may not always know what to do, but living in fear is not one of them. His Holy Spirit has equipped me to parent my children.

    Reply
  701. Mabel Tringali

    Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.

    Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

    The more I put these verses into practice, the less time I spend worrying about things and the easier it is for me to hear the Holy Spirit speak to me. Wish I could say that happens more than not but I am still a work in progress. Thankful for His grace and mercy on me!

    Reply
  702. Kate Seawell

    “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” – 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

    My struggles are not just about me. Although it can feel that way some times. As I walk through tough times as a Mom, it is refreshing to think that someday I can be an encouragement to another mom walking through a similar trial. Because I lean in on His strength, He allows me to hold His hand to lift up another. Such a gift.

    Reply
  703. Christy

    Deuteronomy 6:5-7. It’s so important that we consistently talk about God with our children. The opportunities we have to instruct them while they are young is such a brief season.

    Reply
  704. Melinda Thomas

    Jeremiah 29:11 for I know the plans I have fir you (Jonathan) declares The Lord plans to prosper and not harm. Plans to give you hope and a future…. This was the verse prayed over him the day we adopted him. They spoke to me then and still remind me that he is God’s and not mine and that God has the plan for his life.

    Reply
  705. Karen

    Matthew 6:33 “Seek first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness. Then all other things shall be added unto you”. I think this is so true. If we just seek HIM first, always, He is our ever present help and will provide all that’s needed.

    Reply
  706. Vicki

    I often fail to pray but rather tend to worry up a storm. I am trying to practice being in God’s presence each moment instead of regretting yesterday and catastrophising tomorrow. I often cite “Be still and know that I am God” and pray for peace in the midst of the storm. I am a single grandmother of two teens and would not keep it together without God’s help.

    Reply
  707. Tiffany

    My girls are still pretty young (5 and 2), so when they misbehave it’s usually in very public place and my default has definitely been to blame myself for not doing a better parenting job. Because it’s my job to teach them right from wrong and appropriate behavior from inappropriate behavior, then I must have failed when they do not act perfectly. Your post here has given me new perspective and a whole lot of hope. I love how you take those condemnations right to God. That’s something I don’t really do and I haven’t relied on Scripture during those times. I’m determined to change that now. Thank you for the encouragement and the kick in the butt that I needed 😉

    Reply
  708. Jessica

    1 John 3:1-10: I’m so encouraged by my daughter-ship to the King. This passage reminds me that my relationship with the Father gives me the strength I need to be the mom He has called me to be.

    Reply
  709. Mary Burhite

    I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me

    Reply
  710. Angie Cain

    I am wonderfully and fearfully made. On my down days I read that verse over and over.

    Reply
  711. Joyce Levell

    And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2 Cor. 12:9

    Reply
  712. LeAnn Tew

    “For I know the plans I have for you, declares The Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
    I have 4 children and I would like them to remember that God has a plan for each of them!

    Reply
  713. Darby

    Going straight to scripture is a great idea. I do generally go straight to prayer and I also pray over my daughter. I pray that He guide and direct us both. Romans 8:28 is my favorite verse.

    Reply
  714. Elizabeth

    Be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to become angry.

    Reply
  715. Christine Kenyon

    Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6

    Reply
  716. Janae

    2 Corinthians 4:17 – For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long………… (In other words, this too shall pass)

    Reply
  717. Sarah

    Lately it’s Col 1:17 He is before all things and in Him all things are held together.

    Reply
  718. Amber King

    No verse in particular, just pray for guidance and wisdom during many parenting situations.

    Reply
  719. Deanna Nalley

    Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Matt 6, who are you serving? God, friends, self? and who should you be serving – where are your priorities?! 🙂

    Reply
  720. Cindy

    Aww… I so needed to hear this, Thank you Lysa!! 🙂
    “The Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.”
    —Numbers 6:25–26

    Reply
  721. Rakel McDuff

    Train up a child in the way that he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it.
    However!
    I do not make my kids quote verses prior to disciplening my kids. My parents always made us quote Eph. 6:1 Children obey your parents in the Lord for this is right. After we quoated this verse we would get spanked. To this day this verse makes me cridge. Although I have quoted it to my kids I NEVER spank them after quoting a verse or making them quote a verse.

    Reply
  722. Sarah

    I use 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. Love is patient and kind… I remind myself of these verses when I’m just frazzled and my son is just not obeying like I feel that he should. I ask God to help me show love and mercy as he has shown me countless times.

    Reply
  723. Tina tobey

    Trust in The Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding in all your ways acknowledge him and he will direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6. We don’t always understand the things that happens in our kids lives but we have to trust God and let him be in control!!!

    Reply
  724. Heather Cantoni

    Psalm 46:5 God is within her she will not fail

    Reply
  725. stefanie

    Phil 4:6-7

    Reply
  726. Amy Miller

    “Help me, Jesus!” Oh wait that’s not a verse! I must say I repeat that often, but probably my go to verse would be, “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength!”

    Reply
  727. Christina Zimmerman

    I can do all things through Christ! Philippians 4! 🙂

    Reply
  728. Karen McCormick

    “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you”. My fav!!!

    Reply
  729. Lisa Day

    Doing my best to keep ‘training up our children in the way they should go, so when they are old, they won’t depart from it’ & have made many notes & pinned verses from reading/studying your ‘Unglued’ books – one particular verse ‘sticks’ w/ me is pointed out in James 3:17 – But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy, & good fruits, impartial & sincere. (Thanks for sharing your ‘life’ & wisdom for building women of faith/proverbs 31!)

    Reply
  730. Erin Sloan

    Hebrews 12:11

    Reply
  731. Samantha

    Thank you sooooo much for this. I have 6 children and so overwhelming at times. A lot of times I think I’m never good enough my ex sure tells our kids how messed up I am. But this really opened my eyes to Gods truth. Everyday The Lord helps me get through the hardest of times and so thankful that I’m not in this alone. The hardest is when I try correcting them they go to there dad and he instills that in them. Pray for me and my family I so want my family on Gods solid ground!! Love you all and remember you all are able to do what you need to do by the grace of God

    Reply
  732. Brooke Dean

    Trust in The Lord with all your heart and lean not upon your own understanding 🙂 thankful His thoughts are so much better then mine 🙂 thankful for this love the encouragement God brings thru mighty women He loves us so

    Reply
  733. Roxie

    Both my girls were unplanned birth control babies. No matter what plans my husband I have God has greater. We are so blessed by these two beauties. “For I know the plans I have for you…”

    Reply
  734. kerry

    Isaiah 54:10 Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed, says the Lord who has compassion on you.

    Reply
  735. Becky Boggio

    Proverbs 15:1

    Reply
  736. Angela

    He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you?
    To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. (Micah 6:8)

    Reply
  737. Stephanie

    Romans 8:28

    Reply
  738. Elizabeth Jones

    We put our hope in the Lord. He is our help and our shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. Let your unfailing love surround us, Lord, for our hope is in you alone. (Psalms 33:20-22 )
    The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. (Proverbs 12:18 NIV)

    I’ve got a ton of scriptures bookmarked in YouVersion! No matter the situation, even with our kids, God is our help & our hope….and he helps me control the words that come out of my mouth when I’m upset with my kiddos!

    Reply
  739. Tiffany Rowe

    Lately I find myself reciting several different ones, depending on the occasion LOL. However my all time favorite and the one my 8 yr old son can understand is “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” Phil 4:13 . My husband and I are in the very beginning stages of adopting a child in the foster care system and it feels like since we are taking our family to a new level of faith we are under satan’s attack, all 3 of us. My son is experiencing more trouble then ever at school and we are spending what feels like hours doing home work. Doubt tries to worm its way into my heart, doubting my ability to not only parent the 1 child at home, but also doubting my ability to raise another child. But scripture, God’s word….it just strengthens my faith that this is what God has in plan for us. That I am a good mom.

    Reply
  740. Andrea

    Colossians 3:12-14, 17, “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. … And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” (NIV)

    Reply
  741. Nicole

    I have a ring that has the following verse on it:
    “Do not be anxious about anything but in everything by prayer and petition with thanksgiving present your requests to God.” Phil. 4:6
    This verse is so motivating and reminds me to go have that quiet time with The Lord when it’s needed the most. Thanks for this post I needed it right now.

    Reply
  742. Helena

    The Lord is my shepherd, I have everything I need…he leads me to green meadows and peaceful waters, he leads me on the path of righteousness for His name sake…when I stop to remember that I truly have everything I need, my perspective changes and I can pass on that revelation of what it means to be loved and cared for in such a gentle manner, to my wound up and stressed out child. Of course it’s not always that way, but I want to plant seeds of hope in their moment of distress that they too can remember that He leads me to peaceful streams and green pastures…

    Reply
  743. Lisa

    I have different verses for each kid:)
    Son-2 Timothy 1:7 God doesn’t want me to be shy with his gifts, but bold and loving and sensible.
    Middle Daughter- Isaiah 26:3 with my mind set on you,you keep me completely whole,
    I’m steady on my feet, because I keep at it and don’t quit.
    Youngest- 2 Corinthians 12:9 Your grace is enough; it’s all I need. Your strength comes into its own in my weakness and Phillipians 4:4 I celebrate God all day, every day. I mean, I revel in him! I make it as clear as I can to all I meet that I’m on their side, working with them and not against them.

    I personalize each and use The Message version:)

    Reply
  744. Kim

    At the moment, I am standing on Psalm 27:14 as I watch my oldest son struggle through the end of his teen years. “Wait upon the Lord, be Strong and take heart and wait upon the Lord.”

    Reply
  745. Christina Shaffer

    1 Corinthians 13. I need to be reminded to be patient and loving, even when my children may be acting “unlovable”. I try and remind myself of God’s patience with me when I don’t listen or do what I shouldn’t. I want my children to know that my love for them is not based upon their actions. I have better days..minutes
    ..seconds…then others. 🙂

    Reply
  746. Katie

    I have 3 wonderful babies that are 3 and under and I feel like I fail 500 times a day but also rejoice 5000 times a day that God has blessed me with these precious Angels!! I absolutely reply on the knowledge that He knows me and will not give me more than I can handle. I begged the Lord for these babies after many years of trying and then he showered His love on us with these babies. Each day I try to remember how He entrusted me with His children! Thank you for your work!!

    Reply
  747. Meghann

    “Ah, Lord, God! It is you made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm, NOTHING is too hard for you.” Jer. 32:17 🙂

    Reply
  748. Shellie

    “For these commands are a lamp, this teaching is a light,
    and the corrections of discipline are the way to life”
    Proverbs 6:23 (NIV)

    Reply
  749. Lisa Gardner

    I see myself as a tree, my favorite verse is Galatians 5:22-23. (The fruits of the spirit). I try to stop and assess my fruit, which is not always what it should be.

    Reply
  750. Robin

    Wow! I thought I was the only one who thinks, “I’m messing up my kids!” Thank you for turning on the light for me! Proverbs 22:6 is the verse my Momma prayed over me and I pray it over my daughters.
    “Train up a child in the way he[she] should go, and when he is old, he will not turn from it.”

    Reply
  751. Jennifer D

    I love the passage from Deuteronomy instructing, “Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it.” I pray that is the case with my kids.

    Reply
  752. Darlene

    Let love and faithfulness never leave my children, but bind these twin virtues around their necks and write them on the tablet of their hearts. Prov. 3:3

    Reply
  753. Melissa Blevins

    Corinthians 13:4-7. It reminds me to show our girls the same kind of love Jesus shows us as we grow with him in our faith and spiritual walk. They grow with him their faith and love for the Lord when we model that love in our family.

    Reply
  754. Sara Snatchko

    Be still and know that I am God… Psalm 46:10

    I repeat this OFTEN throughout my days as thinking I’m the worst Mommy ever!
    I know that I am not and that God reassures me that.

    Reply
  755. Beth Harris

    Trust in The Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6

    For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
    so are my ways higher than your ways
    and my thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:9

    Reply
  756. Debby Korell

    Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares The Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

    Reply
  757. Emily M.

    2 Corinthians 12:9 ~ “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (ESV)

    Reply
  758. Lisa

    Love this! Moments like those can be so discouraging and have led me to not want to speak/teach. Love how you approached it- thank you for sharing! My verse is Jer 29:11

    Reply
  759. Carmen

    What conforts me when I doubt my motherhood skills is this verse:
    “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives to all men generously and without reproaching, and it will be given him” Iacob 1:5
    then I pray for wisdom to be a good mother
    I know that not what kids are qualifies me as a good or bad mother, but what I invest in them: time, love, encouragement, prayers, personal example …

    Reply
    • Rachel

      Galations 6:9 And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.

      Reply
  760. Christy

    It’s not a scripture, per say, but here goes.
    God loves my child more than I do. He cares about him/her more than I could even fathom caring about them if that was the only thing I did the rest of my life. And he has made them perfect in His image. And when I am overwhelmed, I try to remember that’s EXACTLY who God make him/her to be…and my human filter just might be a little “off”.

    Reply
  761. Monika S

    Be still and know that I am God!

    Reply
  762. Shannon

    Lysa, I can not tell you how much your words mean to me, and how timely!! God’s timing never ceases to amaze me…….He knew EXACTLY what I needed to hear/read tonight….thank you for the encouragement!!!

    Reply
  763. Jolene

    This is the day that the Lord has made, I WILL rejoice and be glad in it. It’s a good reminder that I need to rejoice in all things, even when my child might not be making the best of choices.

    Reply
  764. Donna Herberger

    i have held onto the verse about training your child up in the way he should go and when he is older he will not depart from it. although my child is very rebelious, i know there is hope because the word of god has been planted and will not return void. also, the bible says it is not by might nor by power but by his spirit things are accomplished. i have done all, so now i stand…and pray and wait on the lord.

    Reply
  765. Tabitha Yaffe

    I am the mom of six bright, rambunctious boys. As you can imagine, I rely on prayer and key verses to get me through each challenging day. My favorite is Romans 3:23, with Proverbs book 13 thrown in for good measure.

    Reply
  766. Rhea

    I remember the scripture that tells us to be kind and build each other up. Whatever I face with my little boys I try to remember that it’s always Gods kindness that leads me to a place of repentance and everything I do needs to be done in love.

    Reply
  767. taylor Johnson

    I so needed this to read tonight. Before reading this I went to bed feeling like am I ruining my child’s soul? Thankfully we have Grace! God wants us to become more holy not raise perfect children.
    The verse I often go to is Jeremiah 29:11

    Reply
  768. Myriam

    First, I remind myself that “I prayed for this boy, and the LORD has given me the request that I asked of him.” That was a miracle in itself !
    Then, to help me deal approach and not run with my emotions, I recall Galatians 5:22-23 (patience, gentleness, self-control…) Something I need every day…

    Reply
  769. Tammi

    I wish I had a scripture to leave here but as a new Christian, I do not. I DO know that this touched me.

    Reply
  770. kim

    Unfortunately, I don’t have a vault of verses that I rely on regularly. One more reason that I soooo need this book.

    Reply
  771. Kristi

    “Love is patient….” and “All things work together for good…” as well as “This, too, shall pass” – all for me, of course. For my stubborn, strong-willed, sweet little miss I will be putting on her wall “Whatsoever things are true…” because she naturally does quite the opposite. 🙂 Thank you, Lysa! God bless, as your inspired words bless us!

    Reply
  772. Tanya Wright

    What a question. Why do I feel that it’s my fault when my child messes up? My daughter is 18 now, but we have hit a very difficult time. My husband and I were planning to go into Foster Care and my daughter decided that she didn’t want us to have any children so she came up with some lies and got our chances to become Foster Parents taken away. And right now I’m still blaming myself. What did I do wrong? What could’ve I done to change this? So many questions, no answers.

    Reply
    • Tanya Wright

      The verse I have tried to rely on especially this past week is Phil. 4:13. I can do all things thru Christ who gives me strength.

      Reply
  773. Amanda B

    In the midst of some intense parenting seasons these last couple years, Habakkuk 3:17-18 has been a great place to set my mind:
    18 yet I will rejoice in the Lord;
    I will take joy in the God of my salvation.
    19 God, the Lord, is my strength;
    he makes my feet like the deer’s;
    he makes me tread on my high places.

    Reply
  774. amanda

    I am a instant mom. My husband had 2 kids when I married him. .I always thought I can’t wait to be a mom and when you are sharing it with a person who is nothing like you it is a true test to see what you believe is going to be a part of their lives.
    Now that they have lived with us for last 5 years it is totally different rough, stressful, fun, exciting, and we all learn everyday♥
    Can’t imagine my life with out them here

    Reply
  775. Angie Miller

    Phil 4:13, I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. Because I am never a good Momma without Jesus!

    Reply
  776. Laura Z.

    I have two scriptures posted on a bulletin board that is covered with pictures of my kids: Proverbs 22:6, “Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it”, and part of Nehemiah 6:3, “I am doing a great work, and I can not come down”

    Reply
  777. Heather

    Joshua 1:9 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid. Do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

    Reply
  778. Karen

    My Strength is made perfect in your weakness.

    Reply
  779. Terri

    I have children in my life all the time for the last 17 years. I pray I am not not have not messed up their lives. Thanks for being what I need to hear!!!

    Reply
  780. Cindy

    Romans 8:28… Oh those strong willed children:-)

    Reply
  781. MaryAnne Constantine

    But when I am afraid,
    I will put my trust in you.
    I praise God for what he has promised.
    I trust in God, so why should I be afraid?
    What can mere mortals do to me?
    Psalm 56:3-4
    Praising Jesus for your ministry Lysa and His timely word through you!

    Reply
  782. Molly Bryan

    Philippians 4:13:)

    Reply
  783. Wendy Boyd

    His mercies are new every morning……

    Reply
  784. Kari Moncrief

    Psalm 46:1 and thank you for writing exactly what I need to hear at that moment!

    Reply
  785. Yarimar

    Proverbs 22:6 KJV

    Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

    Reply
  786. linda

    oh, this parenting thing is not easy. thank you for adding some helpful ideas to ease the struggles.

    Reply
  787. Molly

    I don’t have a scripture I go to. Instead, I just remind myself that I serve an amazing God that gives me GRACE!!!!! I have to remind myself if His grace every single day!

    Reply
  788. Katie I.

    Thank you for posting this. I really needed this encouragement today.
    I cling to this one, because it encourages me to see my children as my “flock”:
    “Be shepherds of God’s flock which is under your care, serving as overseers — not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be.”
    1 Peter 5:2

    Reply
  789. Letitia Hodge

    After many years of being frustrated, worried, afraid and anxious about my son’s future, God has shown me how important it truly is to trust HIM with our loved ones and to trust HIS timing. Galatians 6:9 has and continues to be my anchor Scripture as a parent. Only GOD, Emanuel and I know how far we have come. My son was rebellious and cared NOTHING about school when he was growing up other than goofing off, showing off his clothes and having fun with his friends. I lost count of how many “special” teacher’s conferences I’ve attended in the past. I never could understand why parenthood had to be so hard for me especially since I was an obedient child who loved school and learning. God definitely used Emanuel to draw me closer to HIM. Now Emanuel is truly coming into his own as a man as well as a good role model for my nephew, Jabari. He’s working two jobs and attending an online radio broadcasting program. We’ve both made mistakes but God is using them to His glory. GOD is faithful and soooo amazing. I couldn’t be more proud of Emanuel at this moment. Can’t wait for him to graduate and live out his dream. 🙂 To GOD be the glory!
    ~Tish H.

    Reply
  790. Judi

    1Cor 13:4-7, “Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth win s out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. (even motherhood)”

    Thank you for the transparency. It its so easy to fall into the trap Elijah did in 1 Kings 19, “No one else suffers like this, I’m the only person feeling like this….” So thankful that God allows His truth to be broadcasted through the telling of your personal experiences. 🙂

    Reply
  791. Diane

    Thank you for this post! I have been receiving your Proverbs 31 Ministries emails for years, but never felt compelled to respond until this morning. I needed to hear this message, because I have been struggling with my son for all of his 19 years! He has gone against everything we have taught him and continues to make bad choices. I cannot tell you how ashamed I have felt as a parent when he messes up. I am embarrassed to say that I worry his actions reflect poorly on me as a parent to those around me. I have spent years wondering why God chose us to raise our son (he is adopted too!), because most of the time I feel like I have failed. I don’t have a regular verse to rely on; I have always prayed for God to help turn our son around, but it never occurred to me to ask God to take away my shame, embarrassment and worry. I will use the Matthew verse you posted, as well as the other wonderful ones posted by others who have struggled with the same problems. I will pray that my perspective will be aligned with God’s. Thank you!

    Reply
  792. Shawnna Householder

    I have a combination:
    Jer 29:11 — plans to give you hope and future
    Romans 8:28– called according to his purpose

    Sometimes I have to remind myself that these kiddos were planned for me! I’ve been called to be their mama. It helps me put things in perspective.

    When things get really ugly around here, we sing the Go Fish Guys -Fruit of the Spirit song. It especially helps with my 4 year old !

    Reply
  793. Jessica

    Proverbs 23:13 Withhold not correction from thy child: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die.
    I kid haha Really and truly my favorite is Ephesians 6:4
    And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

    Reply
  794. Deb

    Thanks so much for your honesty & for the way you took it to God & asked His perspective! God has given me the opportunity to invest in my adult niece/nephews lives as they start their families, offering hope & pointing them back to the Truth of how their heavenly Father sees them & longs for relationship w/them – praying they pour these truths into their young’uns at an earlier age, encouraging them & appreciating their desires to walk a Godly path &point their children to the Father. I’d love to get the book, read it (gently), then pass it on & encourage someone else!

    Reply
  795. Jenifer

    Isaiah 40:28-31 & I Corinthians 13:all of it!

    Love love love….what does it mean? All the things I try to be as a mom.

    Reply
  796. Tina

    Yes, I too have dealt with a lot of condemnation on the mistakes I have made. There years I spent way more time focusing on the mistakes than things I might have done right. I wanted to be the perfect mom and have the perfect family. That didn’t work out so well. I’m not capable of being perfect. God recently did a very special thing for me at a Hillsong United concert. I was suffering with guilt and condemnation even though I had repented many times and had changed the way I related to my son. A young girl standing behind me tapped me on the shoulder and asked if she could pray with me. I of course accepted. However, she didn’t pray, she had a word of knowledge/encouragement for me. She said God wanted me to know His grace is sufficient for me and that He had a plan for my life and that His grace was big enough to cover my mistakes. I pray that my mistakes in the lives of my children, lead them to the throne of the One Who is perfect, the One Who can take our biggest failures and turn them into success. I don’t make excuse for my failures but I am grateful for God’s love and forgiveness. I’m trusting God, that my children will learn from my mistakes and be better parents and the legacy of growth will continue through the generations. God is bigger than my mistakes! Don’t get me wrong, condemnation still tries to rear it’s ugly head but my hope is in The Lord!

    There are a couple of scriptures that come to mind.

    God has a hope and a future for my kids AND for myself. There isn’t an age limit or an expiration date on this scripture.

    Jeremiah 29:1111 For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.

    God has shown Himself strong. He has done some amazingly personal things in our lives. When I’m facing things that seem impossible or scary, I try to rehearse what He has already done in my life.

    Psalm 37:3 Trust in the Lord, and do good; Dwell in the land, and FEED on HIS faithfulness.

    And finally, it takes a village to raise children. I am constantly praying for godly mentors for my children! God is faithful!

    Reply
  797. windi

    Rom 8:28 – ALL things…..and without my notecards I can’t think of the reference right off – but there is a verse in Corinthians that tells me that He has given me ALL I need to do ALL He asks in EVERY situation……..and many times, I just speak the different names of God – Who He is never changes no matter the circumstances.

    Reply
  798. Hannelie

    I never have actually turned to specific scripture for comfort and strength when dealing with my kids, so this post made me think about a verse I would choose. When dealing with a tough situation with my kids, it helps me to remember FIRST how much they are Loved – by GOD and me – before dealing with the situation. I think bits and pieces of 1 CORINTHIANS 13 would be appropriate for me…
    “Love is patient, love is kind… it is not easily angered… It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.”

    Reply
  799. Stacey Keller

    I really needed to hear this! Thank you so much!

    Reply
  800. T. Martin

    Isiah 40:31 – But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

    Reply
  801. Erin

    Matthew 18:3 “…’I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.'” This verse reminds me that I shouldn’t expect my children to be just like me, to be “adult” enough to understand exactly what I want and when I want it, and that that’s OK. Thank you for all that you do!

    Reply
  802. Jenny

    I have 4 wonderfully sweet kids (9 and under)…. I wonder quite frequently at the end of EVERY day if I am messing them up! I get quickly overwhelmed by circumstances and life almost on a daily basis. I am struggling to be and do all life requires of me! Proverbs 22:6, “Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it” My life’s goal is to do my best to allow Jesus to be seen and taught, but how do you know you are doing the right thing???? I really need Jesus to work within me a I try to life for Him and guide my precious children to him! I sooooooo would LOVE to read your book. 🙂

    Reply
  803. Allyssa W

    But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
    Isaiah 40:31

    I need God desperately, so I think of this scripture often. Last year was an extremely trying time with my teenage daughter. I have three children, 2 girls and one. I fail them daily and I have felt that their mistakes are a reflection of my parenting or lack there of. I have beat myself up many times in the last year. I pray all the time for clarity, guidance and peace.

    Reply
  804. Barb S

    There are so many great scriptures. I always tend to go to Psalms 37 verse 4 and 5 “Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you your heart’s desire. Commit everything you do to the Lord, Trust in Him and He will help you.”
    Great message to remember. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  805. Karri Severin

    Proverbs 22:6
    New American Standard Bible (NASB)
    6 Train up a child [a]in the way he should go,
    Even when he is old he will not depart from it.

    Reply
  806. Toni

    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, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. 1 Cor 6:19-20
    this has always reminded me that as I am not my own, my children are not my own either, they belong to God first, and as they grow into adults and God may take them to places and through things that my heart longs to keep them from…..as they may be called to places far from home…that they are not mine first. Especially as they get older I must always ask myself if I am going to get out of God’s way to let him do in them and through them what only He can do. I also have always liked the water into wine miracle….my job is to obey as a mom and give the best I have, even if that best and all I have left is “water”…..God can turn what I know only to be water into wine.

    Reply
  807. Martha

    Philippians 4:6-7 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving make your requests know to God and the peace of God which passes all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

    What an awesome promise!

    Reply
  808. Amanda

    Isaiah 66:13
    As a mother comforts her son, so I will comfort you, and you will be comforted in Jerusalem.

    Thank you for this Lysa. It’s been a crazy day here with my 2 year old. God is good.

    Reply
  809. Adele

    It is easy to cling to: “I can do all things in Christ who strengthens me.” Phil 4:13. After many years of MOPS and reading the verses above I have decided to broaden my verse arsenal and create a ring of cards to carry with me. Thank you for the motivation and guidance to be a better mom and always reminding us that grace is ours for the asking.

    Reply
  810. Heather Bush

    Wow I needed this so much !!!!!! I seek so much to raise my kids up in a Godly
    Way but have found myself grasping for anything to help lately !!!! We have faced some pretty big changes and difficulties and I am searching for ways to build them up in a way that will glorify God ! I am a single mom and as you single moms know it gets rough and tough and satan knows just where to get you so you don’t glorify God in those tough moments ! I’ll be honest when I say I don’t know that I have verses that I stand on and I thank you for reminding me of this very important principal !! I will definitely be getting this book and again am thankful for you and your ministry

    Reply
  811. Melissa

    But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness. (James 3:17, 18 NIV)
    My instinctual reaction is anger when my 3 year old makes bad choices. But I am called to be a peacemaker and choose gentleness by obedience (thank you Lysa). These verses have become my mantra. I want to raise a crop of righteousness!

    Reply
  812. tammy edwards

    See what kind of love the Father has given to us,that we should be called children of God; and so we are. (1John 3:1)

    Reply
  813. Neena Deibler

    It’s not so much a specific verse; it’s hearing God tell me “I’ve got this” when I start worrying about my college student “baby boy.”

    Reply
  814. April Roberts

    For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. (Jeremiah 29:11 NASB) with this verse I KNOW that I am exactly where God wants me to be He put me here and has a plan bigger than me or this world

    Reply
  815. April Roberts

    For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. (Jeremiah 29:11 NASB)

    Reply
  816. wanda galloway

    Ps 51:10

    I realize when I get harsh on my family that it’s often a reflection of my own heart!

    I want to love with a pure heart!

    Reply
  817. Mary Davidson

    So many incredible verses to choose from, but I am reminded of a few key ones…

    2 Corinthians 4:16 “Therefore, we do not lose heart…”
    Joshua 10:25 “Do not be afraid. Do not be discouraged. Be strong and courageous…”
    Proverbs 22:6 “Train up a child in the way he should go…”

    Thank you Lysa, for sharing your story, and continuing to remind me that my difficult circumstances and struggles in life do not define who I am or serve as a measure of the type of mother I am.

    Reply
  818. Brenda Guerrero

    Isaiah 41:10 ….I will strengthen and help you; I will hold you with my righteous right hand.

    Reply
  819. Tara

    I so needed to hear this today as I feel it’s my fault almost every day, especially when I’m feeling very judged by other parents around me. I’ve sung the Wise Man and the Foolish Man song all my life and have taught it to my children, but really have never given much thought as to the verses it comes from or the true Biblical meaning of it. It’s now going to be my theme song as I deal with the daily challenges/opportunities I’m given to raising two spirited boys. I will be reminded that I do have the ability and He chose me for them.

    Reply
  820. Shauna

    Romans 8:28
    Romans 5:3-5

    Reply
  821. Deborah

    Psalm 46:10 is my go to verse for everything. It reminds me that God is in control and I’m not. Also, Psalm 91:11 is the verse I pray for one of my daughters. “for He shall give his angels charge over you…”

    Reply
  822. lrf

    So I was reading the radio show from today and decided to hop over to this blog and found God led me b/c I was about ready to run away the other day b/c of my youngest who I dearly love but is in a very disrespectful, destructive ,naughty time of life. Discipline is constant, prayer for and with him is constant but it is so so hard lately. I needed to find this series and I think the book has to be read whether I win it or not. Anyway, I keep thinking about the verses from Proverbs that tell me training my boys in God’s ways is the right thing and when they are old they won’t depart from it. This gives me hope and a comfort. Also, when I sin towards my children God’s Word is there to tell me I’m forgiven and loved despite my sin. Psalm 103:11-12 says my sins are gone and His love is greatvtowards me-what great encouragement! I will be passing this 4 week series on to my sister who is blessed with a child who is just as strong willed and stubborn as my youngest:) I need to share that I used the bad word described in your first blog in this series and I have beaten myself up for getting that angry but your words (which I believe are from God) gave me hope that my kids won’t be scarred for life! Thank you for following God’s leading and writing this 4 week series!

    Reply
  823. April W.

    Psalm 103:12 – As far as the east is from the west so far has he removed our transgressions from us. I look to this verse as encouragement when I feel like I’m a failure and I feel like I’ve done nothing right in the eyes of God or my family. God loves me (ALL of me) and because of grace, my sins are separated as far as the east is from the west.

    Reply
  824. Dana Irwin

    Trust in The Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will direct your path.

    Reply
  825. CarrieC

    I use the same verses my mom always did–Isaiah 28:9-10: “To whom would He teach knowledge, And to whom would He interpret the message? Those just weaned from milk? Those just taken from the breast? “For He says, ‘Order on order, order on order,
    Line on line, line on line, A little here, a little there.’”

    It’s an every day teaching, sometimes the same thing over and over and over again, sprinkled all over them.

    Reply
  826. Felecia

    Particularly with parenting, and since I am plagued by my perfectionist ways, John 9:3 helps me in those moments when my child’s choices make me feel like I’ve some how failed. I particularly like the way NLT phrases it: It was not because of his sins or his parents’ sins,” Jesus answered. “This happened so the power of God could be seen in him.” I DO believe that my children are provided with the lessons of their own choices so that God might be glorified through them. It so helps me not to own their choices, but to use them for teaching…after I take a few deep breaths and maybe stomp my feet a little! 🙂

    Reply
  827. Elaine

    Living christ-like was not a focus of ours until last year and the damage of isolating my son from the knowledge of Christ’s forgiveness, love, mercy, hope; etc. is evident in his outlook of the world. Two verses now are prevalent in my daily interaction:
    Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.
    ~Proverbs 22:6
    Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
    ~ Ephesians 6:4

    Reply
  828. Kymberli Willstrop-Sentner

    But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. (Matthew 6:33 KJV)
    I lean on this scripture for absolutely everything, marriage, 4 kids, friends, walk, it never fails to fulfill it’s promise in Him.

    Reply
  829. Rhonda Delaney

    The child I am struggling with is 20 and still lives in our home, but does not feel like he needs to follow our rules. Words have been exchanged recently in anger and the verse God recently had me copy and repeat is Proverbs 12:18 Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. Oh Lord guard our tongues!

    Reply
  830. Kristen Black

    Matthew 6:25-34
    “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life…”

    Reply
  831. Kristy

    What I needed today! Also the motivation I needed!!

    Reply
  832. Shea Morrisson

    Oh how THIS encouraged me today! Thxs! I “messed up” with 2 of my 3 kids this VERY morning ~ guilt (was!) weighing me down!!!!
    Matt 11:28 “come to me all who are weary & burdened & I WILL give you rest!” ❤️️That!!!

    Reply
  833. Jennifer Rae

    Isaiah 41:10
    Praise Him for His many blessings!

    Reply
  834. Tonja

    “Let us now become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9

    Just getting our direction for Jesus and His Word and staying the course, regardless of what the world says….and that includes well-meaning friends, various Internet sources or worst of all MY SELF. It is my job to love them and do the very best I can for them and most of all pray for them ….but then realize they belong to Jesus and He’s got the rest!

    Reply
  835. Margaret Couldron

    God is so perfect with his timing. Thank you for this. I try to remind myself Jeremiah 29:11. Gods plan is not based on me ( thank God because I screw up every day). He loves my boys more than I ever could and has a perfect plan for their life.

    Reply
  836. Suzy

    Do not fear for I am with you, do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
    Isaiah 41:10

    My almost 2 year old had begun a hitting phase. And I have been praying and reminding myself that my son is not bad nor am i

    Reply
  837. Joni

    John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (my favorite!!) This verse helps me in so many situations that I deal with and with my family. With having a children with health needs and it is a reminder that God gives me peace through it all.

    Reply
  838. Caty M

    Philippians 4:13 & 4:7, proverbs 3:5-7

    Reply
  839. Angie Nachtigal

    “God can do exceedingly, abundantly more than I could ever think of, ask for, dream!” Ephesians 3:20

    Reply
  840. Suzette Sannuto

    “Be still & know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10 Whenever emotions/conflicts are on the rise in my home, I know that is when I need to run to my Father. After walking with the Lord for several years, I stopped doing this because I thought it was “immature.” But I have learned that “running to Him” & getting in His presence works best for me. I literally go to my room and shut the door (and have a “mommy time out!” lol!) Time & time again, I experience Jesus bringing His peace, which surpasses all understanding, in the midst of the storm. The Holy Spirit (aka “our Helper!”) knows how to “fix” the situation, not me…that’s why learning to quiet my thoughts/emotions and listening to His voice is “key.” He truly holds the answers…I just need to be “still” in those “chaotic” moments and allow Him to be God.

    Reply
  841. Erica

    Romans 8:28, Proverbs 22:6, and in Proverbs maybe 18:1 I can’t remember this moment but it says a soft answer turners away wrath… It is so easy for me to spend my day hollering for the kids to come for them to get something done but it is some much better to speak in a quiet voice and they respond so much better.

    Reply
  842. Dorothy

    I don’t have a verse that I go to but I cry out to God and in the quiet He often comes with an idea of how to handle the situation. As i was just scrolling thru the comments the verse God is our refuge and strength a very present help in time of trouble, came to mind.

    Reply
  843. Stacey E

    Although I fail at it often, Proverbs 15: A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”

    Reply
  844. AIicia Yoder

    I claim Philippians 4:13 but recently I’ve been singing Matt Maher’s song, “Lord, I Need You” as my prayer when I find myself frustrated and spent with my two pre-schoolers. “Lord, I need you. Oh, I need you. Every hour I need you. My one defense, my righteousness O God, how I need you. Where sin runs deep Your Grace is more. Where grace is found is where you are. And where You are, Lord, I am fee Holiness is Christ in me. Lord, I need you. Oh, I need you. Every hour I need you. My one defense, my righteousness O God, how I need you.”

    Reply
  845. America Dunn

    Matthew 11: 28,29. Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your soul.

    Reply
  846. Betsy S.

    Wait for the LORD; be strong & take heart & wait for the LORD. Psalm 27:14

    My tendency is to jump right on a situation gone wrong, get things said & out in the open and re-set my kids qucikly on the right path. But I’ve found that isn’t how God would like for me to react. I am constantly learning to wait on the LORD, before I speak, before I act, before I correct & guide.

    Reply
  847. Lena dornetto

    I can do all things through Jesus Christ who strengthens me. It seems to be what a lot of others wrote but I say “Jesus give me strength” so much that my two year old daughter says it too lol.

    Reply
  848. Demika W.

    I can do all things through Christ seems to be the verse that comes to mind with anything that I do lately. Thank you for your words and yes this mom needed to hear them. It is a blessing to hear such motivating words to keep me inspired, thank you.

    Reply
  849. Sarai

    Psalm 73:26, Though my flesh and heart may fail, my God is my strength and portion forever.
    I keep reminding myself during difficult days with two toddlers and a new born that God often gives us just enough light for the step I am standing on. . . If I look to far ahead or where He isn’t at I become overwhelmed even by the little things.

    Reply
  850. Chantell

    Be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to get angry!! Easier said than done!

    Reply
  851. Pamela Burton

    Proverbs 3:5,6
    Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; lean not unto thine own understanding. Vs 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

    Reply
  852. Sarah

    Philippians 4:4-9 & 4:13… “I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” 🙂 Love that one!

    Reply
  853. christie daugherty

    Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, only words to lift others up….

    Reply
  854. Rebekah Stillman

    God is so faithful to give us exactly what we need at the moment we need it.
    Myself and my four children are currently healing from a 16 year long heartache. My husband is an abusive alcoholic that has damaged all of us in unimaginable ways. I struggled with guilt because I stayed and tried desperately to fix him. We are now separated and going through a divorce and I often feel like the worst mom. God gave me this scripture a few weeks ago. Isaiah 49:25 But the Lord says, “the captives of warriors will be released and the plunder of tyrants will be retrieved. For I will fight those who fight you, and I will save your children.”
    WOW!!!! Was all I could say. Even though he gives us these gifts to take care of, HE is the one who does it.
    1 Thessalonians 5:24 Faithful is He that called you, who will also do it.

    Reply
  855. Louisa

    In all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight ….it’s about me doing the right thing always…not my kids. I use to define myself by my kids accomplishments–good kids…good mom. God broke that all apart and I have walked a hard ride with my oldest. She is just starting to come our way again. God is rebuilding me and there are really hard days but he is refining our family and rooting issues out in our lives. It has been an amazing, wonderful, scarey, trust building time in The Lord. We are very different people than we were a few years ago and I know The Lord is not done with us yet…thanks for all you do in encouraging me! Louisa…mom to 9:)

    Reply
  856. Amy

    Boy! I rely on the verse “be still and know that I am God” . It helps me calm down and makes me remove myself from the the chaos in my head and those inner demons.

    Reply
  857. Deborah Perry

    My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, (James 1:19 NIV)

    I’m still working on putting these to practice.

    Reply
  858. Megan

    Phil 4:13 – I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me

    Ephesians 6:4 – Fathers (or Parents), do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord

    Psalm 46:10 – Be still and know that I am God

    Reply
    • Lori Steelman

      Philippians 4 I can do all things through God who strengths me!!

      Reply
  859. Danene Dorcas

    Ephesians 4:29- Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
    Phil 4:8- Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy- think about such things.

    I also try to remember that if I see any of these traits in my boys to let them know I noticed. I fail regularly….it is so easy (and quick) to point out failings than look for positives. Thank you for this series…. it came at a perfect time!

    Reply
  860. Angel

    Isaiah 41:10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

    I try to remember if God brings me to it, he will see me through it.

    Reply
  861. MockinBirdMama

    I agree with Keri, I don’t have one yet but am inspired to find one. I do find strength in knowing that I have been handpicked to be their mama and they have been handpicked to be my children! He is equipping me to face each challenge as it comes.

    Reply
  862. Abby Van Korlaar

    When my daughter was first born, I was so overwhelmed with this beautiful miracle and sudden responsibility. I would often hold her close singing “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands”, as tears were rapidly streaming down my face. As parenting has continued, I love the truths in Isaiah 40. Isaiah 40:11 is especially reassuring (In this instance, I love NLT’s version), as it says “He will feed his flock like a shepherd. He will carry the lambs in his arms, holding them close to his heart. He will gently lead the mother sheep with their young.” Oh, thank you Lord for leading us!

    Reply
  863. Jen

    Felt ThIs WaY So Many Times….

    Reply
  864. Tonya Baker

    I love Exodus 34:6 James 1:19 1 Cor 13:7

    Reply
    • Misty Weare

      Those are really good verses. I looked them each up and hope to remember them as I deal with my little 2 year old girl . . . we’re just beginning our journey and we’ll need that endurance (1 Cor 13:7).

      Reply
  865. Tonya Baker

    1 Cor 13:7 NLT James 1:19 NLT

    Reply
  866. Nicki Carnes

    I Peter 5:7 NLT “Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.”

    Reply
  867. Alana

    Lately my verse has been Ps. 103:10 which says “He does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities.” I am guilty of jumping on every sin and mistake my kids make because I feel I need to correct and train, forgetting they are and will always be sinful creatures like me who need love and mercy more than anything. I need to extend grace more, as this verse taught me. Thanks for this series!!

    Reply
  868. Kristen

    Phil. 4:4-8 Rejoice in The Lord always! Inwill say it again, Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all, The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything but in every situation by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. AND THE PEACE OF GOD that transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. I have memorized this passage to help me get through the tough times. God’s word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.

    Reply
  869. April

    Col 3:15-17 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts…

    Reply
  870. Kristy

    I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!

    And whatever you do, do it heartily as to the Lord, and not to men.

    Reply
  871. Naomi

    I always try to remember that God does not give us more then we can handle. Although I do not have a particular verse I always go to, that is the main one that sticks in my head. Years ago when my children were very small my boss and dear friend copied a less win that I had taught to my pre-k class and regale it to me with a note. The note was the sweetest thing and reassured me at a time I felt like everything was falling apart that it wasn’t. When I find myself questioning my ability to raise my jr high children into loving people or good people and feel like its hard to be single and do so I always think back in that note.

    Reply
  872. Misty Weare

    “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” Phillipians 4:13. I have this on a bracelet that I don’t take off . . . sometimes I just look at my wrist and sigh, ” I need You Lord.”

    “Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he shall not depart from it.” Prov. 22:6 This one gives me strength to persevere, knowing the end result should be good.

    Reply
  873. Katelyn

    I really needed this today. I don’t have a specific verse. (Love all the ones people have posted) The Lord constantly reminds me to trust everytime I pray. It pops in my head over and over – trust. So simple and yet so powerful. My son has a sensory processing disorder and this morning was a bad morning and trust kept popping in my head. We just moved so he is all thrown off and I have trusted the Lord with this move and I will continue to trust him with Leben. Thank you for your blog! It is amazing!

    Reply
  874. Sheri Fowler

    Philippians 4:13 like many people! Such a great verse when I am feeling overwhelmed.

    Reply
  875. Amy Jensen

    Jeremiah 1:5

    Reply
  876. Cathy Wilson

    Job 22:30 God will even deliver the one for whom I intercede; even though He is not innocent, God will deliver them through the cleaness of my hands”.
    I have gotten a couple of calls regarding the baby of my flock from a certain highschool teacher. My 15 year old son went from being a star student to chatty and who also liked to receive cell phone texts during the class.
    The Lord knows I hate receiving calls from the school, especially since having the cell phone chat already with my son. I guess when the call comes in I feel like Im being judged as a parent, when thats not really the case. So after grounding my son for the weekend to help him think about his choices, i realized that his behaviour is not a reflection on my character but an opportunity to instill character in him. I love this scripture verse as I envision Jesus picking up in his loving arms and hand delivering my loved one to a place of grace and mercy in Him. Years ago I struggled with getting clean in order for the promise of this scripture to be fulfilled. But then one day, after sitting with Jesus, He said; ” My daughter, you don’t have to struggle to be clean, you will never attain it on your own, for I have already washed you clean by My sacrifice on the cross. What a precious gift He gave me that day. So not only do I “not” have to struggle over my character as a parent, but my son and myself are both delivered safe in the arms of our Saviour.
    Thank you Lysa, just finished the last chapter of “What Happens When Woman Say Yes To God”. As I say yes, He’s opening doors for me that I never expected to open. What an adventurous God we serve. Finding He has a
    sense of humour too! Bless you, Cathy

    Reply
  877. Mandy Hayles

    Philippians 4:6-7
    Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
    This gives me so much comfort not just with raising my son but in all areas if my life. I just give it to God and He will bring peace~

    Reply
  878. Jen H.

    Proverbs 3:5 “Trust in The Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding”

    Reply
  879. Amanda R

    Hmmm, Phil 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength” is a good one to cover it all. But James 1:9 would keep me from unnecessarily losing my cool with my 6 year old. I try to remember it as well. “You must be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry”.

    Reply
  880. Jenny

    “Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he shall not depart from it.” Prov. 22:6

    Psalm 139:14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
    your works are wonderful,
    I know that full well.

    Reply
  881. Bekah Gartshore

    ..but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. (Isaiah 40:31 ESV)

    Reply
  882. Rosey J

    Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your path straight. Proverbs 3:5&6. Thank you for this series. Needed this so much lately. God bless you and your ministry 🙂

    Reply
  883. Alecia

    I feel this way so often and my two are still so young. Lamentations 3:22, 23

    Reply
  884. Missy B

    The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. (Lamentations 3:22, 23 ESV)

    Reply
  885. Joy

    1 Corinthians 16:14, Do everything in love. That is my constant reminder to check my motivations and reactions when my kids are being challenging.

    Reply
  886. Deb

    Thank you so much for this reminder! I definitely needed it today! I try to remind myself that God’s mercies are new every morning – for me and for my kids, but this has been a tough few weeks and I haven’t been living that out. (Lamentations 3:23-24)

    Reply
  887. Dianne

    Ephesians 3:20 Unto Him who is able to do exceedingly, abundently, above all that we could ask or think…
    Needed this reminder!

    Reply
  888. Jamie Brewer

    I am so grateful that my mom emailed this post to me today… I really needed to read it! I am also so appreciative that you included the verses about building a house on the rock. My husband’s and my wedding bands are engraved with those verses. I always saw it as representing our marriage being built on a solid foundation. Thank you for opening my eyes to seeing that our relationship with our daughter is included in that as well. The trials and storms may come… but He will keep us standing strong with Him.

    I have always loved the verse in Proverbs 22:6 “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” I have heard that the original version translates to “in the way he is bent”. I have to remember that God has given her her own soul, personality, and the way she will handle things. I can’t compare her to anyone but her. He is teaching me patience and allowing me to see that I am ministering to my child by taking the time to love her and correct gently… not with anger. She is extremely strong-willed. I pray that He continues to show me how to raise her to be a young woman who will seek after Him with her whole heart.

    Reply
  889. Laura Rogers

    Eph.6:4 and Phil. 4:8

    Reply
  890. Amanda

    When I am having doubts about my parenting abilities…. Everyday… I remind myself of two things: first I do not want my children to have to go to therapy to survive my mistakes later in life and I Remember that God instructs us to cast our cares upon him for his yoke is easy and his burden is light. I relate to that carrying around my disappointments with myself as a mother is like lugging my 2 yr old on my hip In a store , it feels so good to set her down or let my husband carry her for a while. It also is just as refreshing to give my burdens to God, I just have to remind myself that he is willing to carry them.

    Reply
  891. Erin

    1 Corinthians 13:4 I focus on the love I am responsible for giving.

    Reply
  892. Trisha Kemp

    “The Lord will fight for you, you need only be still.” Exodus 14:14 My 19 years as a Christian stem from abandonment of a father, abuse from a step-father, and a mother who put me in her role, and a life filled with drug and alcohol abuse by my brothers that have destroyed family relationships. I was determined my children would know and grow in The Lord, that they would not know the darkness from the life their momma came from…….it haunts me especially when my babies mess up. My children grew up in the house of The Lord understanding completely The Lord is first and everything else is second. Lysa, the last couple of years since me and my bible study group were introduced to you and your wonderful books…..I’ve been a slave to your encouragement. I’m so thankful how God has used you in such a way to bring healing to my heart. You remind me often “who I am”. I always say to myself, “If I get nothing else right, please help me lead my babies to You, that they will know you as their Savior and choose to live a life that brings honor to your sweet name.” It’s my hearts desire! Thank you, Lysa for being a part of my spiritual growth.

    Reply
  893. Grace Jones

    Yet another book to add to my Christmas wish list. Santa needs to bring a bookcase!!

    I have felt this way this week! Like a bad mom. But I appreciate what you said about holding up Satan’s condemning words to God’s truth. Satan is the condemning voice. God is the convicting voice.

    Thanks for your transparency! Much Love, G

    Reply
  894. Katie Wirth

    Proverbs 13:24

    Reply
  895. Kimberlee

    Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. (Ephesians 4:2 NIV)

    Reply
  896. Leisia

    Thou Shalt not MURDER!!

    Reply
  897. Brigette Shinton

    Reading through these I see many versus that I lean on when dealing with difficult times. Be still and know that I am God. Also, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. And also Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always. Thank you Lysa for this past weekend at the Choices event in Hershey. You really spoke to me and helped me to see things differently. May God Bless you.

    Reply
  898. Christy

    I Peter 5:7 NLT “Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.”

    Reply
  899. Linda

    Trust in the Lord and lean not on thine OWN understanding!

    Reply
  900. Valerie

    Psalm 139:23, Matt. 11:28, Prov. 15…and so many more.

    Reply
  901. tricia jenkins

    My son got in trouble yesterday at school. He struggled last year but is doing better this year, although the last couple of weeks he has gotten into trouble with teachers and principal. This is so hard on me. I was feeling good about this year but then the enemy came in and has played havoc on me with this. I am single parent so I feel like I’m all alone sometimes in this and no one understands. I know when I came across this this morning it was meant for me. I was actually looking for Made to Crave support. I have had a habit of falling into the bait of satan and feeling like I’m a bad mom, my child is bad, my home is bad..but you are right it is not bad. I so needed to hear “my child is in the process of being shaped. my child is strong, and while this will serve her well later in life, strength in an immature little person begs to be disciplined…..”
    I try to constantly speak over my child everyones favorite Jeremiah 29:11…for I know the plans i have for you they are plans for prosperity not for calamity Nathan, Nathan is my son. I also hear continuously “Be still and know I am God” for he comes before us and he wants us to press into him.
    Thank you for your encouragement and support.
    May you be blessed Lysa Terkeurst.

    Reply
    • jennfier

      Nathan means “prophet”. speak into his destiny and purpose you feel is his calling, and get ready for the ride. Those kids who have Great destiny’s have not so great childhoods meaning they go through more hell than normal b/c their destiny is so big that their annointing has to be as big also. Annointing comes from and through struggle. When my son was a lil guy, sometimes I did not think I was going to make it. He’s now 18 and in college and doing well. I asked god to show me specific scriptures that were special for my each of my sons and I prayed those over them. Enjoy the ride, it doesn’t last as long as you think, then they are all grown up.

      Reply
      • Lydia

        Jennifer- your words were equally as inspiring to me as Lisa’s. You have a gift. Thank you for your wisdom and insight on struggles. We all know that is God’s truth spoken through you. God bless you.

        Reply
  902. DeAnn Huxman

    Ephesians 6:19.
    Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel.

    Reply
  903. Danielle

    Jeremiah 29:11

    Reply
  904. Rhonda Grady

    God is so good!!! I often wonder(which consist of racing thoughts) if i have messed up my kids…2 girls 19 & 14. My 14 year old is currently going thru some hard times and I often want to blame myself. I saw u in Dallas in September and purchased Unglued….because I had a tendency to come unglued very frequently before I became a Christian woman in the past year. As a result of frequently coming Unglued in circumstances that I did not believe were going the way I thought they should, my daughters have those same tendencies to come Unglued!! But I am confident if I “be still” and turn to God and continue down my path with God, my girls will be witness to a mom who does not come Unglued in challenging circumstances. Sorry for the long comment but this blog was perfect timing for me….Thank You!

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  905. Jolynn

    I try to remind myself what does God really think of me. What is the truth with these thoughts whirling around in my head. I guess I focus on the first part of Philippians 4:8.

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  906. Leigh Starr

    Whenever my kids mess up I want to take it personal. I always feel it is a reflection of me. Or I want to blame my husband for not being more vocal or having more input. I pray for my children and my parenting skills. My children are all so different. How can they be so different. Some making goods choices and some not. They were all raised the same..

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  907. Dawn Harris

    I have a lot of issues with my oldest son in which I tend to blame myself for his faults. I feel I must have done something wrong for him to act this way. He has treated me like he doesn’t even love me at times. However I am working through this to realize I am doing the best I can and he makes choices on his own that he will have to live up to.

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  908. Brandi Clifford

    GOD has spoken to me today through you, I so needed to read that. Last night I had an issue with my son, he had to be at Boy Scouts and we couldn’t find his neckerchief and slide. My husband and I were running around crazily looking for it and my son wasn’t, when my husband asked him why he wasn’t helping if he even wanted to go to the meeting he just shrugged his shoulders and said he didn’t care. I felt an immediate pang in my heart, I felt like a complete failure as a parent since he didn’t have any desire to care about something he has been working hard at over the last two years. Thank you for reminding me…

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  909. jessica fearn

    When I feel like a failure as a parent, I always go back to God’s promises.
    Proverbs 22:6-” Train up a child in the way that he should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”
    God NEVER goes against His word. And knowing that is a comfort!!!!!!

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  910. Kylie

    Your post is such a gift from God. These words are exactly what I have been needing to hear. I am thankful today for your gift of communication and the technology to reach all of us mammas who need to hear His truth and grace.
    Have a blessed Thanksgiving and know that you are a blessing to all of us!

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  911. Dawn B

    While I was writing, I lost my thoughts to an early publishing before I finished … get behind me satan in the name of Jesus!

    My beautiful 16 year-old daughter gave her life to Jesus a few years ago, and praise God this past Easter she was baptized! 😀

    Today, I inadvertently found out that she & her boyfriend of only 8 months decided to cross that ultimate line, & she gave away a part of herself that can never be gotten back. She is remorseful, & promises to wait until marriage now. I told her I love her & that I believe in her, & that no matter what a parent teaches a child, that child will make decisions that the parent will not agree with. You see, I do not want my children to make the same regrettable decisions I made growing up. I will continue to ask God for His wisdom & guidance, & ask for Him to help me to be the wife, mother, & daughter He has created me to be.

    So, the song the Lord has put in my heart is by Casting Crowns…”Jesus can u show me just how far the East is from the west, because I can’t bear to see the man I was rising up in me again …in the arms oftoyuroof mercy I find rest…`cause u know just how far the east is from ethw est, from one scared hand to the other…”

    i belive we all will fall short of the glory of God, therefore we need to seek His face daily, take up our cross and ask for his mercy and grace. Thank u Jesus e t lphe me to be the wife, mother, & daughter He has led me to be.

    OP)
    So, the song the Lord has put in my heart is by Casting Crowns…”Jesus can u show me just how far the East is from the west, because I can’t bear to see the man I was rising up in me again

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  912. DOLORES

    Can someone help I heard this after where Lysa was say she gave her son for graduation Bible verses. Can anyone PLEASE!! quote some of them!! Thank you!

    Reply
  913. Sarah

    I have 3 sons, My middle child brings me the most joy and the most rage at the same time. He can be so loving one minute and then so stubborn and strong willed the next. Sometimes I lose my temper and my patientce and then I am filled with shame that I failed again. I ask forgiveness everday. Love is Patient. Love is Kind. These are virtues that I am struggleing to grasp ahold of. I love John 16:33 In this world you will have trouble but take heart i have overcome the world. I face struggles everyday and I just need to put my trust in jesus and it will be ok. It is nice to know that I am not the only one who feels like i am failing sometimes.

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  914. Kelly

    Just call upon Jesus–no verse, sometimes just calling his name is peace enough–he knows my heart and what i’m going thru.

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  915. APRILMAE

    Isaiah 40:31 “but they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint. ”
    My strength is only renewed by my Lord. Sometimes I run, run, run and by grace He renews me before the fainting.
    I am the mom that my child ( college freshman) tells me recently… mom I don’t want you to be my caregiver… I want you to be my best friend. I have seen moms and daughters that are at the “friend stage”… HMMMM don’t think this was what she was meaning.
    This same child has been making choices that I don’t agree with, I have such a hard time letting go and to simply not add my two cents worth.

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  916. Rhonda Bourland

    Mine is not a verse but a song, Amazing Grace. When my baby was born,17 years ago, it was the only way to calm her down. Now when she starts acting up, I sing it to calm me down…… it makes her mad.
    .

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  917. Jeannette Black

    Lysa, I am a grandmother of 24, great grandmother of 8, and I wanted to enter this for my Daughter who has 3 children, She is a good mom but like everyone else she has the
    same issues that we as grandmothers had, Her 1st. daughter is 13, and the 2nd. daughter is 9, and she has a son that is 6. While watching her as she and her husband parent their children I can see that some of the things that happen are so much like what I faced with my 6 children. They are believers and they attend Church but like most of us we get deterred with the everyday struggles. I would like to be able to give her the book as a gift. I have read several of your News letters on here and I feel that this would surely be a help for her. I praise God for her and so thankful to him for giving her to me. She is my youngest daughter. I am a very proud mom and love them all with all my heart. I also love being a grandmother. What a true blessing it is.

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  918. Janay Arenas

    Lysa,
    In truth I don’t have any verses. Now I’m encouraged to find some to help me through those rough times. All I know to do is to pray and ask God to guide me through.

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  919. Eternity7

    Wow, I don’t have any off the top of my head, but I see the need immediately. As a mom raising three kids, two of them teens, I see myself exactly in the position you were in. At least, feel like that’s what my situation will come to. I know now that I should be prepared ahead of time to handle this the way God would want me to. Thank you so much for your insight! Would LOVE the book and starbucks too!!! Thanks so much for your honesty! It helps!

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  920. glenda

    I need God
    I want God to forgive me
    I want my family and friends to forgive me
    I desire God

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  921. Val C.

    Thank the Lord Jesus in all circumstances.

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  922. Marion

    Romans 8:28 has been a life verse for me. I have also been blessed with a Bible kit that I just finished that color codes and high lights key verses to help me speak truth into my children’s hearts. It is such a blessing. My children seem to respond better when they see it in God’s word and not me just flapping my lips. I look forward to reading your book. I believe that the enemy does want us moms to feel like we are alone and that no other mom has ever had to deal with what we are dealing with. I used to live under that lie…that my children were bad and it was all my fault. Then joined a ladies group and met other moms and learned that nobody has perfect kids. I was NOT alone.
    I am a part of your Made to Crave online Bible study too. Lysa you are such a blessing. God has dropped you right into my lap (Laptop) for such a time as this. THANK YOU for allowing God to use you.

    Reply
  923. Audra

    Amazing, just amazing how God sends me things that apply to my life in the here and now. It has happened numerous, uncountable times. Praise God that we serve a God who loves us and cares about the little things. A favorite verse, “Train up a child in the way that he should go and he will not depart from it”. A promise I rely on.

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  924. Ivonne Layuno

    Just the other week my 16 year old son hit me in the face and it wasn’t by accident folks. I have felt such sadness in my heart and have kept asking God why? Anyway, reading this today has given me such clarity. I appreciate your blogs Lisa may God continue to bless you always. Verse that helps me is Psalm 46:10

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  925. lesa joyner

    Thanks,Lysa! I needed to read that post today.

    Reply
  926. Lannette Baptiste

    I am really trying to grasp this and hold it in my heart. My son has Asperger’s. Getting into trouble is a daily occurrence. I hear it from the school, the bus driver, the sitter, and any body else that comes in contact with him. It is easy for me to feel like I “messed him up” or that it is my fault he acts the way he does. It feels like all of society blames me too. It is really hard but I keep repeating to myself “What does God say about him?” I keep referring to Daniel where it says he will stand in the presence of kings and teach in the palace ( I can’t remember through my tears). I love my child and I recite Jeremiah 29:11 over him when he is asleep. I ask God to make me the mother that he needs and to help me make wise choices. I know God has given me this child for a specific purpose. I don’t want to mess up. Thank you for this posting.
    I know this is past the contest deadline, I just needed to be heard.
    Thanks again.

    Reply
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