It's complicated, isn't it? When this drive to do and be and prove rubs up against what Jesus invites us into in Matthew 30:28-30: “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.” It's easy to allow those verses to become a sentiment instead of a practice. The yoke this world offers us steers us toward burn-out, exhaustion and, ultimately, emptiness. But this yoke Jesus graciously offers us - daily - is one of hope. One of steadiness and full of reminders that all of our striving will only leave us tired - not fulfilled. We know most of us here are driven, ambitious women. So, it only seems right to spend a few episodes every year talking about rest and the value of pushing our pride aside to say, "I need a break." In this episode, Somer talks to our friend, Linda Lotich from Seedtime. Linda shares a little of her own story, which has led [...]

"Your kids will make a liar out of you." -said by a mother after a childless friend said what she would/would not let her future children do. If you're a mom - you feel that deeply, right? We're all *excellent* parents...before we become parents. Parenting is an interesting combination of winging decisions + wielding authority. You're not prepared for half of the decisions that you make on behalf of your children. There are moments you find yourself making a decision that you're confident is best for your child, but is maybe not the "norm" or what other parents are doing. As believers, we have the safety net of the Holy Spirit guiding our decisions and filling in the big ol gaps when we're just not sure what to do or how to do it. And, sometimes, that makes you not your child's favorite person. We've all been there. In this week's episode, Somer welcomes SWHW's good friend, Lauren Diggs, to discuss what it's like and what it takes to be confident when your parenting style and boundaries look different than the rest of the worlds. Lauren is a mother of five, ranging in ages 9 to 32, and even [...]

People need you. You need people. But we all need boundaries. Culture talks about setting boundaries from a place of prioritizing your comfort or your preferences, but we get to look at how we set boundaries based on the example of the boundaries God has given us. God’s commands are essentially just that - a form of boundaries. But those boundaries are rooted in His love because He wants what’s best for us and His boundaries are always designed to keep us close…not to keep something out. As you consider setting boundaries, think about setting them with this question in mind: How can I set boundaries that keep God close and that are motivated by love? Let’s talk through some practical tips for when boundaries are necessary in relationships... 1: pray for discernment ask God to give you clarity on what boundary is necessary and how to approach the conversation with love and grace. 2: practice forgiveness pray for the strength to forgive the person, allowing God's grace to work in your heart, releasing you from bitterness and resentment. 3: slow your anger when boundaries get crossed, it's natural to feel angry. however, avoid escalating the conflict by engaging [...]