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August 11, 2025 16 mins

Find the full episode here >> PaulaBehrens.com/blog

Ever feel like you're drowning in family schedules while faith gets squeezed into whatever tiny cracks remain? You're not alone. This spiritual tug-of-war affects countless families who genuinely want God at the center but struggle against the relentless current of activities, commitments, and responsibilities.

The problem isn't that we don't value faith—it's that we haven't found practical ways to integrate it naturally into our daily rhythms. When devotions are repeatedly postponed, conversations revolve exclusively around logistics, and Sunday worship becomes optional due to exhaustion, we're witnessing faith shifting from the driver's seat to the passenger seat of family life.

Deuteronomy reminds us that spiritual formation happens not just in designated "God time" but in natural conversations throughout our day—at meals, during drives, at bedtime, and every moment between. This approach transforms spirituality from another obligation into the very oxygen of family life. Parents and grandparents alike hold tremendous influence, even when time together is limited. Those bedtime prayers, conversations about God's creation, shared worship experiences, and simple faith discussions plant seeds that continue growing long after the moment passes.

Rebalancing doesn't mean adding more to already overflowing schedules. It means infusing meaning into what you're already doing—anchoring mornings with a single verse, transforming car rides into opportunities for spiritual conversation, making bedtime a sacred space, and creating small "Sabbath moments" that reset hearts and minds. These simple shifts don't burden—they breathe life into the family rhythm.

Ready to make faith the anchor rather than the afterthought in your family? Book an Aroma of Christ Coaching Hour at paulabehrens.com/coaching and discover how to weave God's presence into the fabric of your unique family life.

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Transcript

Episode Transcript

Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Paula Behrens (00:01):
Is your family schedule running your life
instead of the other way around?
Are you longing to weave faithinto your kids' or grandkids'
daily routine without addinganother to-do list?
Today we're going to talk abouthow to rebalance family life so
faith becomes the anchor, notthe afterthought.
And I'm not talking aboutadding more rules or making
family life heavier.

(00:21):
I'm talking about weaving Godinto the very fabric of your
daily rhythms, so that Hispresence becomes as natural as
breakfast and bedtime.
But first funny story.
When I first began my seminarywork while serving two church
congregations full-time,everyone assumed I had my daily
devotional time perfectlyorganized.

(00:42):
But truth be told, there weremornings I could barely find
five minutes to catch my breath,let alone dive into deep
reflection.
One day, as I rushed out thedoor with mismatched shoes, I
realized that even in my chaosthere was a lesson.
Embracing God's grace andself-forgiveness, I realized
that true success in mydevotional life requires

(01:04):
prioritizing my spiritualpractices.
Are you finding it challengingto maintain your spiritual
practices or yearning for a morepeaceful, God-aligned day?
I'm Paula and I've been theretoo.
Balancing spiritual habits witha busy life can be difficult.
I longed for a deeperconnection with God, but
struggled with consistency.
Then I found the perfectapproach.

(01:26):
If you seek simple ways todeepen your connection with God,
this podcast is for you.
Hey friend, I know what it'slike to feel far from God, even
when you're doing all the rightthings.
You're showing up, you'repraying, you're reading the
Bible, but inside somethingfeels disconnected.
You wonder if you're doingenough, if God is even listening

(01:48):
.
You feel a little ashamed thatyour quiet time isn't what it
used to be or what you hoped itwould be.
Well, I want you to know you'renot alone and you're not
failing.
God isn't asking you forperfection.
He's just asking for yourpresence.
That's what the Aroma of ChristCoaching Hour is all about, no
pressure, no performance, justpresence.

(02:10):
Let me walk with you into aslower spirit-led devotional
routine that will help youreconnect with the One who's
been waiting to refresh yoursoul all along.
Now's the time to say yes topeace, to say yes to presence.
Book your Aroma of ChristCoaching Hour at paulabehrens.
com/ coaching.
That's Paula BehrensB-E-H-R-E-N-S .

(02:36):
com/ coaching (no spaces).
All right, let's get started.
Grab your Bible, dust off yourjournal and cozy up to your
favorite beverage and let's divein.
If you've ever looked at yourweek and thought there's no way
I can fit one more thing in,you're not alone.
Life can feel like a whirlwindfrom one activity to the next,

(02:56):
and if you're raising kids oractively involved with your
grandkids, it's even easier toslip into survival mode, where
spiritual priorities quietlyslide to the background.
But here's the truth.
Our homes are the mostimportant mission fields we'll
ever step into.
Long after trophies collectdust and extracurricular
calendars clear, what willmatter most is the spiritual

(03:19):
foundation we've helped lay inthe hearts of the next
generation.
That foundation is not built byaccident.
It's built through intentionaleveryday moments when we choose
to make God the center of ourlives.
And the good news is thisdoesn't have to mean adding
heavy burdens or unrealisticroutines.
It can be as natural andlife-giving as breathing.

(03:42):
Before we can make changes,though, we have to see the
imbalance clearly.
It's easy to be so used to thewhirlwind that we think it's
just normal family life, butthere are signs that faith has
slipped into the passenger seatinstead of driving the family
rhythm.
If you recall a time when eachof your children were engaged in
their own activities, your dayswere filled with a relentless

(04:05):
cycle of drop-offs and pickups,and you found yourself
repeatedly saying, we'll dodevotions tomorrow, only for
tomorrow to often become nextweek, that's a clear indication
that your family life is out ofbalance.
While extracurricularactivities are beneficial, it's
crucial to recognize that, eventhough you're constantly on the
move, you might not be headingin the right direction

(04:32):
spiritually.
When faith is squeezed inrather than woven into everyday
life, it's a red flag.
If your family devotions orprayer times are skipped more
often than they happen, it'sworth pausing to take a look.
When conversations revolve onlyaround logistics, who's picking
up from practice when the nextschool project is due, instead
of deeper heart connections, theimbalance is growing.
If Sunday worship becomesoptional because everyone's

(04:56):
tired from the week, it'sanother warning sign.
And if your family calendar isoverflowing with good activities
but there's no space for restor reflection, it's a signal
that priorities need to shift.
Let's talk about why faith mustbe central.
Deuteronomy, chapter 6, verses6 through 7 gives a clear charge

(05:17):
to parents and grandparentsalike.
It says, These commandmentsthat I give you today are to be
on your hearts.
Impress them on your children.
Talk about them when you sit athome and when you walk along
the road, when you lie down andwhen you get up.
Notice that this isn't aboutfitting God into a single time
slot.
It's about making him part ofthe daily flow, at the breakfast

(05:39):
table, in the carpool line,during bedtime tuck-ins, while
walking the dog and, yes, evenin the middle of chaotic, messy
moments.
If our kids only see God onSunday mornings, they may
conclude faith is something wevisit once a week instead of a
living relationship that guidesevery decision, offers comfort
in every trial, and givesmeaning to every joy.

(06:01):
Now, I know you may questionyour ability to teach your
children about God.
We've all been there.
However, if you can show howJesus influences your daily life
, you're the ideal teacher forthem.
Faith is both absorbed andlearned, and our kids need to
witness it in our everydayactions, not just hear about it
at church.
Okay, here's my favorite part.

(06:23):
If you're a grandparent, yourrole is powerful, not secondary.
Many grandparents underestimatetheir influence because they
aren't in the home every day,but research shows that
consistent grandparentinvolvement, especially in
spiritual matters, leaves a deepand lasting impact.
You may not be managinghomework and bedtime every night

(06:44):
, but you can still point yourgrandkids toward Jesus in
meaningful ways.
I remember celebratingChristmases and Thanksgivings in
my small home in Houston withall six of my grands and, of
course, my children and theirspouses.
What a wonderful time that wasplanting seeds in their hearts
that all the good things we arethankful for come ultimately

(07:05):
from God and that the joy of theseason is the birth of Jesus,
who came to save us.
Even though I was miles awaythe rest of the year serving in
East Texas church pulpits, Itake comfort in knowing that I
did what I could to help Godplant seeds in hearts during
those cherished family moments.
A few years ago, I made thedecision to retire early from

(07:26):
the pulpit.
It wasn't because I wanted tostep away from ministry, but
because I felt God calling me tosit in the pews on Sunday
mornings with my grandchildrenand their parents, to be present
in their lives in a spiritualway as a family.
I wanted to worship alongsidethem, to be part of their faith
journey in a different way, notleading from the front, but
walking beside them as fellowtravelers.

(07:48):
This decision opened a newchapter of ministry in my life,
one that has been deeplyrewarding and full of blessings.
Another way I connectedspiritually with my grand twins
was creating printable Biblestory resources for their
birthday presents.
Instead of grabbing somethingfrom the store that might have
been fun for a moment but wouldhave little lasting spiritual

(08:08):
benefit, I chose to invest timecreating colorful, engaging
Bible story printables.
Gifts like these can becometreasures you can use together,
coloring, reading and discussingGod's word in ways that are
personal and memorable.
These moments aren't just aboutpassing time.
They're about planting seeds offaith that can grow deep in
their hearts.

(08:28):
We also had cherishedconversations about how God
created aromas from plants tohelp us with our feelings.
I shared with them how certainsmells can bring comfort and
calm, because God made them thatway to touch not just our minds
but our feelings.
Those talks often opened upbeautiful pathways to talk about
God's care and presence inevery part of our lives.

(08:50):
And when they came to grandma'sfor sleepovers, I loved reading
Sunday morning children'smessages to them.
We cuddled up and I sharedthose simple truths that spoke
directly to their hearts.
And now, as they are nearingtheir teen years, I take comfort
in knowing God has tucked thosemoments away safely in their
little minds, small but powerfulmoments of God's love for them,

(09:11):
waiting to sprout and grow whenthey need to feel His presence
the most.
On another occasion I wasblessed to be present in the
life of my youngest grandsonduring a challenging time when
his other grandmother washospitalized.
I journeyed six hours alongsidemy son to offer support and
comfort at the hospital, andthat evening I had the sacred

(09:32):
opportunity to speak with mygrandson, gently guiding him in
prayers for his grandma Maria.
In those moments I embodied myrole as a spiritual midwife,
fostering a space for faith,hope and family connection, even
amidst the trials of life.
And with my older grandsons Iwas amazed to learn years later
that they had a deep respect forthe fact that their grandmother

(09:53):
had devoted years serving inGod's church as a pastor.
Seeds that I didn't even knowwere there sprouted and grew
over the years to be anchors inmy grandchildren's lives and in
knowing that, my heart rejoices.
Now you might be thinking, wow,I've fallen short.
Or maybe you've done it so muchbetter than I have, but

(10:15):
honestly, before this recordingI was feeling really sad,
thinking that I hadn't doneenough.
So I simply sat with God, Itook a few moments, I breathed
in some frankincense and Ilistened.
And I asked God to show methose little things over the

(10:35):
years that He was able to use,or that He still can use, in the
lives of my family, mygrandkids especially.
And then the memories just cameflooding in.
And so I challenge you to dothe same.
Ask God to show you thoselittle moments in the lives of

(10:58):
your kids and grandkids that Hewas able to use, and when you
see them, you'll want to do somuch more of that.
Because it brings such a deepcontentment and joy into your
heart, knowing that your lifehas made a difference.

(11:19):
Even if your relationship with agrandchild is strained by
family brokenness.
Know that God can transform thesimplest moments.
A 20-minute walk in aneighborhood park can become a
sacred space for healing, wherehearts soften and walls come
down.
Likewise, a quiet conversationat a cousin's birthday party,

(11:41):
amidst laughter, can plant seedsof reconciliation.
These moments invite grace toabound, allowing God's presence
to mend and soften your bond.
Trust that each step and wordshared in love has the potential
for divine healing, as God'stiming is perfect in restoring
relationships.
Let's talk a little bit aboutrebalancing relationships.

(12:04):
If the leaders of the homearen't grounded in God's word,
the family will drift.
The best gift we can give thenext generation is our own
authentic walk with Christ, andthat authenticity shows up not
only in church attendance orBible reading, but in how we
handle hard days, how we respondwhen someone cuts us off in
traffic, and how we speak aboutothers behind closed doors.

(12:28):
Here are a few practical ways toprioritize faith with your kids
or grandkids.
First, anchor your day with asimple scripture.
A single verse at breakfast cansow seeds that will last all
day.
Use car rides for faith talks.
Ask what they're grateful for,where they felt God's presence
or what they'd ask Jesus if Hewas with you.

(12:51):
These brief talks nurturespiritual awareness.
Making bedtime sacred transformsmore than just the end of the
day.
It can build emotional securityfor children.
When my grand twins were young,I remember praying the prayer
they learned in church atbedtime.
When they asked me to pray thelong prayer, the Lord's Prayer,

(13:12):
I knew those moments wereanchoring their hearts in God's
love.
Sabbath moments don't require awhole day.
Even small pauses provide restand connection.
Try a device-free walk, abreakfast with worship music or
a game night.
Intentional rest resets ourhearts and minds, drawing us
back to God's peace.
Our family life will never beperfectly balanced, and that's

(13:38):
okay.
The key is to keep God at thecenter in ways that fit your
unique rhythm and relationships.
Small, consistent faith moments, whether through gifts that
teach, talks about God'screation, shared worship in the
pews or simple prayers, they allhave eternal impact.

(13:59):
I hope you were able to takesomething from this talk today
and I challenge you.
I challenge you to lean intothose everyday opportunities to
live and breathe faith with yourchildren and your grandchildren
, maybe even yourgreat-grandchildren, trusting
God to work in their hearts,even when your schedules are
full.
I hope you'll take that intoconsideration.
Let us pray.
Dear Heavenly Father, we thankyou so much for families, for

(14:23):
children, for grandchildren,great-grandchildren,
great-great-grandchildren.
And Lord, we thank you so muchthat you will take our little
moments that we share with ourfamilies and you will use them
to plant seeds in their heartsso that they will know of your
love and of your presence andthey will know that they can

(14:44):
always turn to you when they arein need.
Lord, just bless our families.
Bless us as we try to do thebest we can in serving you in
this very important ministry.
These things we ask in theprecious and Holy name of Jesus
Christ, our Lord and Savior.
Amen.
If today's message stirredsomething deep within you, I

(15:06):
want to personally invite you totake the next step by booking
an Aroma of Christ coaching hour.
During this one-on-one session,we'll meet over Zoom for a
meaningful time of spiritualguidance tailored specifically
to your current season.
Together, we'll craft apersonalized devotional rhythm
that fits your lifestyle andnurtures your walk with God.

(15:27):
You'll also receivestep-by-step support in using
essential oils as sensoryanchors in your quiet time,
helping you reconnect with peaceand clarity in your spirit.
This coaching hour includesbiblical encouragement, focused
prayer, a bonus Peace RESET andpractical strategies to deepen
your relationship with Christ.
If your heart is longing formore and you're ready to move

(15:51):
forward with intention and grace, go right now to paulabehrens.
com/ coaching to reserve yourspot.
That's Paula BehrensB-E-H-R-E-N-S .
com/ coaching (no spaces).
Let's walk this sacred journeytogether, surrounded by truth,
purpose and the sweet aroma ofHis presence.

(16:16):
Thank you for tuning in todayand remember, just like setting
biblical boundaries, it's okayto say no to things that don't
serve you well, like that thirdpiece of cake at the church
potluck.
If you were blessed by thisepisode, be sure to share it
with a friend and leave a reviewso that we can reach even more
women like you.
Check the show notes for allthe links.

(16:36):
Join us next week as wecontinue to discover how to live
on purpose in Christ.
Until then, keep leaning intoHim and walking in His wisdom.
See you next time.
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