Deb’s Story: My childhood was difficult and filled with sadness. I didn’t grow up in a Christian home so when I became a Christian (and soon after, a mom), I had no idea what I was doing. I didn’t know what it meant to raise Christ-centered kids, but I so desperately wanted to learn.

I remember going into my daughter’s room night after night, kneeling beside her bed, and crying my heart out to God because I didn’t know how to be a Christian mom. To make matters worse, my fear and frustration caused me to get angry and lose it often with my kids. I felt like a horrible mom, but I kept asking God for help.

You know what? God is so faithful! He answered me and simply said, “Spend time with me, Deb.” And so I did. I began getting up 15 to 30 minutes earlier each day so I could read my Bible, pray, and plan out my day with my family. God began to teach me how to be the mom I always wanted to be. He even brought older women into my life who mentored me and taught me how to love my family well.

When my kids were older and almost out of the house, I began thinking about all that God had taught me and how I wanted to share this information with other moms who needed help. I knew several amazing young moms at the time and I asked them to be a part of this idea which we called, “The Help Club for Moms.” These moms all love Jesus with their whole hearts, live imperfect lives with real families, and have a passion for helping other moms be the best moms they can be!

Together, we began writing practical Bible studies designed to help moms know Jesus more intimately and create Christ-centered atmospheres in their homes. Eventually, we began establishing Help Clubs in other churches across the nation.

I don’t have to tell you life is messy and parenting is hard. You might even feel like I did as a young mom–like you don’t know what to do. We would love to help you! The following is a list of a few ideas that have helped us to become intentional moms. Our goal is not to be perfect moms, we simply want to become a community of moms who walk with God and keep trying day after day to become more intentional with our kids.

You can try one of these ideas or all of them. As we say in the Help Club, “You do you!” Perfection in our parenting is never our goal, but it is so good to be encouraged to be intentional.

HERE ARE 6 IDEAS TO PONDER

1. Be intentional about reading the Bible to your kids. This could take the form of a devotional or a Bible story, but whatever it is, your children need to hear the Bible coming from you. They look up to you, and if you are tangibly living out your faith and reading them God’s Word, they will Soak. It. In.

2. Be intentional about prayer. Pray out loud, pray in your head—and never stop praying. We know it’s easier said than done, and none of us has it down perfectly, but there are ways to increase the amount of prayer in your life. Decide that every time you do the dishes, you are going to pray for _________________. Pray on the way to school, when your children are fussy, and before bed. Show them what it is like to live a life lathered in prayer.

3. Be intentional about making Sundays special. Your kids don’t have to dread going to church. (Wait, what?) Try making Sundays the day for special breakfasts (pancakes, French toast, bacon), turn on some music, and give your kids a reason to be excited about getting up on Sunday morning. Rather than church feeling like a chore, it will be part of a fun-filled morning. Also, try blocking out “family time” on Sunday nights! Let this be time for crafts, games, and even memorizing Scripture as a family.

4. Be intentional in the car. Are we taxi drivers or moms? That is the real question. You probably feel like you spend ages in the car with your children, so use that time! Talk to them, pray with them, laugh with them. Use car rides as a time to get to know your kids. And don’t forget about listening to Adventures in Odyssey, Wee Sing Bible Songs, or other listening materials within that arena. Even the ride to school can point your kids to Jesus.

5. Be intentional about date nights. Having a solid relationship with your husband will teach your kids more than you know. One day, they will copy the way you interact with your spouse, so make sure you are taking the time to cultivate your relationship with him.

6. Be intentional about serving. Teaching your kids to serve with the right attitude can set them up for success. Serving is a beautiful way of life, and it can start by helping mommy greet at church, making care bags for the homeless, or cooking a meal and bringing it to a family going through a hard time.

“I BEGAN GETTING UP 15 TO 30 MINUTES EARLIER EACH DAY SO I COULD READ MY BIBLE, PRAY, AND PLAN OUT MY DAY WITH MY FAMILY. GOD BEGAN TO TEACH ME HOW TO BE THE MOM I ALWAYS WANTED TO BE.”

Learn more at: helpclubformoms.com