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Things That Help
Disclaimer: I don’t necessarily agree with or endorse every idea in the books, websites, blogs, or other resources listed here. I’m sharing them because I believe there is enough good and helpful content in them to support you on your journey.
Faith & Spiritual Growth
Books
Gentle and Lowly: The Heart of Christ for Sinners and Sufferers is a 2020 Christian devotional book by theologian and pastor Dane C. Ortlund. It focuses on how Jesus' heart is drawn to the weary and broken rather than the self-sufficient.
Why I love it: This book reminds me that Jesus is far gentler than I often imagine Him to be. When I feel like I've failed, fallen short, or should somehow have it all together by now, it brings me back to the truth that Christ's heart is full of compassion for weary people -not disappointment.
Liturgy of the Ordinary: Sacred Practices in Everyday Life is a 2016 book by writer Tish Harrison Warren. It explores how ordinary, daily moments can be transformed into acts of worship and spiritual awareness, blending theology, liturgy, and personal reflection.
Why I love it: As a mom, so much of my life is spent doing ordinary things - washing dishes, making meals, folding laundry, driving places. This book helped me see that everyday moments aren't interruptions to spiritual life; they are spiritual life.
Free Bible Study Resources
Great for comparing translations and quick verse searches.
Excellent for commentaries, cross-references, and word studies.
Surprisingly powerful and less well-known than some of the bigger sites.
Podcasts
The Bible Project Podcast
Thoughtful, scholarly, and accessible. Great for understanding the big picture of Scripture.
At Home With Sally Podcast
Encouraging conversations on faith, motherhood, homemaking, and creating a life centered on what matters most.
Encouragement for Tired Moms
Books
The Lifegiving Home: Creating a Place of Belonging and Becoming is a Christian non-fiction book on home, family, and spiritual formation by Sally Clarkson and her daughter Sarah Clarkson.
Why I love it: This book helped me see that creating a meaningful home isn't about expensive décor, elaborate traditions, or doing everything perfectly. It's about cultivating beauty, warmth, and connection in the midst of ordinary life.
The Mission of Motherhood: Touching Your Child’s Heart for Eternity is a 2003 Christian parenting book by Sally Clarkson that offers a faith-based vision of motherhood as a sacred calling and ministry, urging mothers to nurture their children’s hearts, character, and spiritual formation.
Why I love it: When motherhood feels repetitive or unnoticed or frustrating or impossible, this book reminds me that the work we do as mothers matters deeply. It helped me view the everyday tasks of raising a child as meaningful and eternal rather than mundane and insignificant.
Crunchy-ish Living (Without the Pressure)
Books
Real Food for Pregnancy: The Science and Wisdom of Optimal Prenatal Nutrition is a 2018 nonfiction book by registered dietitian and certified diabetes care specialist Lily Nichols. It presents an evidence-based approach to prenatal nutrition that challenges conventional dietary guidelines, emphasizing whole, nutrient-dense foods for maternal and fetal health.
Why I love it: This book helped me cut through a lot of the fear and conflicting advice surrounding pregnancy nutrition. I appreciate its practical, evidence-based approach and its focus on nourishing both mother and baby rather than chasing perfection.
Nourishing Traditions: The Cookbook That Challenges Politically Correct Nutrition and the Diet Dictocrats is a 1999 cookbook and nutritional guide by Sally Fallon (now Sally Fallon Morell), co-authored with nutrition researcher Mary G. Enig. The book promotes traditional food preparation methods and critiques modern dietary guidelines, emphasizing whole, unprocessed, and fermented foods.
Why I love it: While I certainly don't follow every recommendation in this book, it opened my eyes to traditional foods and inspired me to think more intentionally about what I feed my family. I take what works for us and leave the rest.
The Hiding Place is a 1971 memoir by Dutch Christian watchmaker and resistance member Corrie ten Boom, written with Elizabeth and John Sherrill. It recounts the ten Boom family’s efforts to shelter Jews from Nazi persecution during World War II, their arrest, and Corrie’s survival in concentration camps.
Why I love it: Few books have challenged me more when it comes to faith, suffering, and forgiveness. Corrie's story reminds me that God's presence can be found in the darkest places and that forgiveness is often an act of obedience and grace rather than a feeling.
Forgiving What You Can’t Forget is a 2020 Christian self-help book by Lysa TerKeurst that explores the process of emotional and spiritual healing through forgiveness, offering guidance for readers who struggle to let go of past hurts or betrayal.
Why I love it: This book resonated deeply with me because it acknowledges something many Christians struggle to say out loud: forgiveness doesn't erase hurt, and it doesn't require pretending everything is okay. It helped me think about forgiveness and boundaries not as opposites, but as things that can coexist.
The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning: How to Free Yourself and Your Family from a Lifetime of Clutter is a 2018 nonfiction book by Swedish artist and author Margareta Magnusson. Combining memoir, philosophy, and practical advice, it introduces readers to döstädning - the Swedish tradition of “death cleaning,” or mindfully organizing one’s belongings before others must do it.
Why I love it: This book helped me see decluttering less as a chore and more as a gift to the people we love. Its gentle perspective encouraged me to focus on what truly matters rather than simply accumulating more stuff.
The Herbal Medicine-Maker’s Handbook: A Home Manual is a 2000 guidebook on traditional herbal preparation by American herbalist James Green, illustrated by Ajana Green. It serves as an accessible manual for creating natural remedies, bridging folk herbalism with practical home applications.
NOTE: Always consult a qualified healthcare professional. These resources are for learning, not medical advice.
Why I love it: I may not have a cupboard full of homemade tinctures, but I love learning practical skills that connect us with older traditions and a deeper understanding of the natural world. This book makes herbalism feel approachable and empowering.
websites and podcasts
Practical tips for healthy eating, natural living, and real-life homemaking that fit into busy family life.
Single Motherhood & Blended Families
Books
websites and podcasts
FamilyLife Blended Podcast
Practical, Christian-focused guidance for stepfamilies, remarriage, and blended family life.
The Single Mom Devotional is a Christian devotional book by Jennifer Maggio, written specifically for women parenting on their own.
Why I love it: As a single mother, I've often felt unseen in Christian parenting spaces. This devotional offers encouragement, hope, and reminders that God is present in the unique challenges and blessings of single motherhood.
Biblical encouragement and practical wisdom for mothers seeking to grow in faith, family, and everyday grace.
The Single Momcast
Encouragement, support, and practical advice specifically for single mothers.
Gentle reminders that parenting isn't about controlling our children—it's about understanding them.
The Smart Stepfamily is a 2002 Christian self-help book by marriage and family therapist Ron L. Deal. It provides practical and faith-based guidance for couples and parents navigating blended family life, emphasizing communication, patience, and biblical principles. The book has become a widely referenced resource in Christian family counseling and stepfamily ministries.
Why I love it: Family life isn't always simple, and this book acknowledges that reality with honesty and grace. I appreciate its practical wisdom for navigating blended family relationships while keeping love, patience, and healthy expectations at the center.
Focus on the Family Podcasts
A large library of episodes covering parenting, marriage, co-parenting, blended families, and faith.
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