Co-Parenting from a Blended Perspective

Co-parenting in a blended family can feel like navigating a constant balancing act. You're not just managing schedules or responsibilities, but also working to build trust, understanding, and unity among different people who may have different histories, expectations, and sometimes even conflicting emotions. It can be challenging, and there will undoubtedly be days when it feels overwhelming.

But here’s the thing: God is present in the mess. He’s in the moments when you work together to make the best decisions for your children, even when it’s hard. He’s in the grace you extend to each other when things don’t go as planned, and He’s in the patience you learn to have even in the most frustrating times.

In this journey, your role isn’t to be perfect. It’s to be willing—willing to love, willing to compromise, and willing to model what grace and forgiveness look like in action. Just as Christ continually forgives us, we’re called to extend that same grace to those in our co-parenting circle, whether it’s the biological parent, the stepparent, or even the kids.

Remember, you don’t have to figure it all out on your own. When things get tough, lean into God’s wisdom and His unending grace. He will give you the strength to do what you might not feel capable of, and He will guide you in your efforts to create a family dynamic that honors Him, even in its imperfection.

Co-parenting in a blended family isn’t easy, but it’s worth it—because when you step forward with faith and humility, you’re building something beautiful. You’re showing your children what it means to love despite differences, to put others first, and to trust that God is at work in every part of your family’s story. The more we acknowledge our limitations and weaknesses, the more we allow God’s strength to shine through us. When we face challenges, our children witness something even more powerful than our attempts at perfect parenting: they see us leaning into God’s grace. They learn that it’s okay to stumble, to apologize, and to grow. In those moments of vulnerability, God’s power becomes evident—not just in us but in the way we model grace and resilience to our kids and our relationships.

Mindful Moment of Reflection:

Take a moment to reflect on your parenting journey. Where have you felt weak or inadequate recently? How might God’s grace be at work in those moments, teaching both you and your children something deeper?

Prayer:

Father, thank You for trusting me with the role of parent. I often feel overwhelmed by the weight of responsibility, and sometimes I worry that I'm not doing enough or that I'm messing up. Remind me that Your grace is sufficient in every moment. Help me to embrace my weaknesses, knowing that You are at work, and teach me how to model that same grace for my children and my spouse. Give me patience, wisdom, and a heart full of love. May my parenting reflect Your perfect love. 

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Trust Issues

Once trust has been broken, it's easy to develop trust issues in relationships. Whether the hurt comes from a romantic partner or a close friend, everyone has their limits.

When someone experiences repeated misuse or abuse, it’s understandable that they may decide to close the door on future connections. 

Pray and ask God to help you learn to trust again. The first step is seeking forgiveness and releasing those who have betrayed you.

Take a risk—give yourself another chance to build friendships or pursue new relationships.

When everything else feels uncertain, trust in God.

Mindful Moment of Reflection: 

What steps can you take today to begin rebuilding trust in your relationships?

Prayer: 

Dear Lord, 

Help me to release the hurt and forgive those who have let me down. Give me the strength to open my heart to new relationships and the wisdom to recognize those who are worthy of my trust. Guide me on this journey of healing, and remind me that I can always rely on You. 

In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Pardon Me as I Heal Through Grief and Loss

Pardon Me as I heal

Navigating the journey of grief and mourning can be challenging. Many people find that certain feelings and emotions, or even the absence of them, can hit unexpectedly. One moment, someone may feel happy and laughing, while the next day they might feel... blah. This cycle often repeats itself.

It's important to recognize that each person experiences loss in their own way, shaped by unique circumstances and emotions. Grief is a deeply personal journey, and everyone deserves the space to feel and process their emotions as needed. So, it’s essential to be patient and meet each other where we are on this path.

For those looking to help, simply being present can make a significant difference. A simple text, a phone call, or sharing a quiet moment together can provide comfort. Whether it’s offering a listening ear, sharing a memory, or sitting in silence, support during this time is invaluable. Knowing that there are people who care makes a world of difference as individuals navigate the complex landscape of emotions that accompany grief. 

Mindful Minute of Reflection: How can you create space for yourself and others to process grief and emotions in a way that honors their unique journeys?

Prayer: 

Heavenly Father,
In moments of grief and uncertainty, help me to find comfort in Your presence. Grant me the strength to navigate my emotions and the wisdom to support others on their journeys. As I embrace the ebb and flow of my feelings, surround me with Your love and guide me to be a source of comfort for others. 

In Jesus' name, Amen.

Go Get It!

My nephew, a talented rap artist, wrote a song called "Count Ya Money." One of the lines goes, "My mama told me go get it, so I'm gonna go get it."

The truth is, if you want something in life, it won't just fall into your lap—you've got to work for it. Whether you're aiming for a new career, launching a new business or obtaining a degree, it requires effort. Stop waiting for a handout or for someone else to make it happen for you. Faith without action is dead; it has to be acted on. Great things happen when you don't just dream but take bold steps toward your goals. Even more extraordinary things can happen when you're willing to put in the work and invest in yourself.

Are you holding yourself back with excuses, saying, "I would, but..."? If so, it's time to step out on faith and remove those excuses. God equips those He calls, and you already have everything you need. I challenge you to pray, seek His will, and go after all that He has promised.

If your Heavenly Father told you to go get it—then GO GET IT!

Mindful Moment of Reflection:

What are you holding back on and why? What do you need to do to make things happen?

Prayer: 

Heavenly Father,
As I step out on faith, I trust in Your plan and purpose for my life. Calm my fears, steady my heart, and guide my steps as I walk into the unknown, believing that You go before me. Give me the courage to embrace Your will and the wisdom to discern Your voice. 

In Jesus' name, Amen.

The Light You Carry: Don’t Dim It!

We are placed in the world to shine brightly, even when it's difficult or uncomfortable. There is so much evil and negativity in the world that if not careful, its easy to be pulled into situations and ways of thinking that could dim your light. Whether it's fear of judgment, the pressures of fitting in, or the weight of discouragement, we can sometimes be tempted to hide our faith or downplay our convictions.

A light that's covered loses its purpose. Have you ever been driving at night and forgotten to turn on your headlights? Other drivers may flash theirs to alert you, reminding you that you're putting yourself and others at risk. It's like being in a dark room, searching for something, but refusing to turn on the light. Or worse, having a lamp with a weak 40-watt bulb that’s just dim enough to be frustrating when you need to focus on a project or read. It works, but not well enough to be helpful.

Similarly, our own light, no matter how small it may seem, can make a significant difference in someone else's life—just as a well-placed light brightens a room. In a world that often feels dark, your light is needed. As fellow believers, we should speak up and be an accountability partner when we notice those around us losing their shine. Encourage others to "turn on the light," just as we would flash our headlights to help a driver who has forgotten theirs on a dark highway.

Don’t let the noise or challenges of the world snuff out what God has placed in you. Be so bright in those rooms that you have to give them a pair of sunglasses to be in your presence. You are called to shine, regardless of circumstances. When you stand firm in your faith and let your light shine, you point others to the hope, love, and truth found in Christ.

Mindful Moment of Reflection:
Is there an area in your life where you’ve been tempted to hide your light? How can you let it shine brighter today?

Prayer:
Lord, thank You for the light of Christ that lives within me. Help me to shine brightly for You, no matter what obstacles I face. Give me the courage to live boldly for You, knowing that my light reflects Your love and truth. May others see Your goodness through me and be drawn to You. 

In Jesus' name, Amen

Mask Up for Human Kindness

Our nation is fighting over wearing a mask. Meanwhile people are dealing with life issues, cancer, mental health crisis, Covid and many other ailments and diseases. Someone is still dealing with the loss of a loved one from death, loss due to incarceration, loss due to finances, loss of housing and food... I could go on... 

Meanwhile, folks are upset because someone suggested wearing a mask (temporarily)...Trivial in the grand scheme of things! Just my observation and opinion. 

Do you...but be aware that there are more things way more important to worry about! 

D.e.s.s.e.r.t.s...

D.E.S.S.E.R.T.S spelled backwards is S.T.R.E.S.S.E.D

WHAT ARE YOU WORRIED ABOUT?

Someone very dear to me caught my attention as we were having a conversation recently. She told me, "I'm going home, get in my bed, and eat this bag of cookies." She went on to tell me that lately all she does is eat sweets; it makes her feel better. When I questioned why she was eating so much she said, "Stress! My job is stressing me out. These crazy children are stressing me out. I just want to get in my bed, eat my sweets, and not be bothered by anyone." I was immediately reminded of the word D.E.S.S.E.R.T.S.  She used desserts to help ease her stressed situation.

The dictionary defines stress as physical, mental, or emotional strain or tension. At some point in our lives, we will all deal with stress.  It can take a toll on us in various ways. Stress can cause us to do things we normally would not do. It can cause us to shut down completely. The way we deal with it depends on who we are individually. I handle stressful situations differently than you, and you differently from another person. We are all wired differently and process things in a way that only we know how at that given moment. There are many days we struggle trying to cope with the drama and issues that come from our jobs, our health, or what may be going on in our families.  God created us and knows that because of our fallen nature we sometimes allow stress to rule our lives. Everyone suffers from stress at one time or another. In fact, research shows that children who live in a stressful home environment are at a higher risk to become stressed by life’s challenges. It can come out in the form of behavior problems at school, disobedience, and rebellion. There are more and more cases of children as young as age 3 dealing with anxiety and depression.

Lifting our burdens and concerns to a holy and righteous God daily will erase the stress in our lives.
Many people become stressed, in my opinion, because they don’t trust God to provide the basic necessities of life. Jesus said in Mathew 6:25,27 not to be anxious for anything. Don't worry about what you will eat, drink, what clothes you have. Life is about more than that.  People stress over money because they never seem to feel that there is enough of it. They worry about making ends meet, often living paycheck to paycheck. Or they become consumed by materialism (keeping up with the Jones') and in turn, become stressed out about maintaining a lifestyle they couldn't afford anyway. Being materialistic leads to stress because we believe the lie that material things relieve stress and lead to happiness, contentment, and joy. But guess what? They do not! If you are one of those people who will not be outdone by your friend or neighbor, remember, What God has for You, is for You! In due season you will reap all that God has promised you, but don't let it stress you out in the meantime. What is worrying and stressing going to do other than make you sick?

The Bible gives us clear answers on how we should deal with stress, worry, and anxiety. Many people turn to food as a way to cope with stress. Others turn to the use of drugs. Some turn to alcohol. Others smoke cigarettes or let it drive you back to smoking when you've given up this habit before. Some wake up in the middle of the night and post on Facebook, "I can't sleep". They then play on their phone, or play on the internet and end up paying for it the next day because they didn't get enough rest. "So what am I supposed to do?"... I'm glad you asked...  Sit quietly or go for a walk listening for His voice. Cry out to Him in desperation. Read His Word, the Bible. Get on your knees and pour out our hearts to Him in prayer. When we do this, He promises that He will give us rest. God knew that Jesus was our remedy for stress … not drugs, food, alcohol, or Facebook. 

We Desperately Need Him:  John 14:1 says, "Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.” We desperately need Him in our lives. We need Him because He is the only one who can give us the strength to cope with the troubles in our lives. Believing in Him does not mean that we will have a trouble-free life or that we will not succumb to stress in our lives. It simply means that a life without Jesus Christ makes coping with stress an impossible and very difficult task to do.

Believing leads to trusting. Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us to “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 direct your paths.” Leaning on “our own understanding” often means handling stress the way the world says.
A Few Questions to Think About:

• Who do you call or turn to when you feel stressed and burdened?
• If you look to Jesus, what way do you do it to ensure it is personal and meaningful?
• How do you feel when you turn to Him?

 I remember a particular season in my life when things were spiraling out of control. The stress of that situation had me in bondage. I didn't know which way to turn, so I often called my best friends to fill them in. They would give me advice saying, "girl, if I were you I would....." I remember during that very dark time going to the doctor for one thing, but by the time I had left, he noticed I was stressed. He gave me some samples of a mild anti-depressant that I could take when I felt I needed to relax. I remember vividly saying to that doctor, that I don't need an anti-depressant, I have Jesus!  I left the prescription laying on the table because I had made up in my mind that the situation didn't have me. I made the decision to trust God's Word.  The word of God is our ultimate guide to a stress-reduced life. David says, “I sought the LORD, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears” (Psalm 34:4). David knew that by seeking the Lord and sharing his troubles with Him that perhaps he would find favor with Him. The Lord in turn answered him and calmed him down.

The stress of all kinds is a natural part of life.  How we choose to deal with it is up to us. If we choose to try to do it on our own we face a long, uphill battle that will not end well. The only way we can deal with stress is with Jesus Christ, first by believing in Him. Without believing in Him we are on our own, which makes coping with stress almost impossible. Second, we need to trust Him and obey Him. We should trust Him to do what is right because His ways are always best for us. Disobedience and sin can produce stress and cut us off from the only means of peace and joy. By obeying His commandments we reap the blessings of true contentment from a loving God. Finally, we need to seek His peace daily by filling our minds with His Word, lifting all things to Him in prayer, and sitting at His feet in awe and reverence. It is only by His grace, mercy, and love that the stress in our lives can be managed.
Make a decision today to trust God, not D.E.S.S.E.R.T.S


 References:

http://www.gotquestions.org/Bible-stress.html. Retrieved February 21, 2012

Drew Fletcher and Brandon Cox. http://www.faithandhealthconnection.org/weekly-health-scripture-matthew-1128-30-jesus-on-stress-management/. Retrieved

February 21, 2012