Happy New Year Friends!

Are you one of the many parents around the US that are cheering as your schedule resumes after the holidays? Celebrating Christmas and New Year's were so much fun, but now you are craving a return to normal.

The return to school brings a return to routine, and that can be refreshing, especially if you are a working mom like me.

Although this can all feel so positive, the looming transition might be difficult.

I hope these three helpful tips will guide you through these first few weeks of a new year, or any other transition you may be facing.

Pray Ahead

Any time a new season is looming, we can be inviting God into it.

Years ago, someone mentioned praying for the new school year over the summer, and I began to use my evening summer walks as a time of prayer for the school year ahead. I found myself being excited for my boys and was able to find ways to help them transition a little smoother.

If your family is heading back into their routines this week, it is never too late to begin praying over it. The Lord will meet you wherever you are.

I Thessalonians 5:16-18 says to" Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." (NIV)

If you're not sure how to pray, here are a couple of ideas to get you started:

• Pray for your hearts to be ready for the upcoming changes.
• Pray for their teachers.
• Pray for the other people you (or your children) will encounter.
• Pray for the impact on for your family.

No matter what transition you are facing in life, the Lord will go ahead of you. He will help you through it and give you just what you need.

Plan Ahead

When our boys were in elementary school, we noticed that the adjustment from winter break back into the school day routine took a toll on our boys.

Couple that with adjusting back to our work schedule as parents, and we could easily melt down in the first week!

One of my sons has always had a harder time with transition. During his elementary years, every school break was marked with signs of a rough adjustment, and it would often affect our entire family. It took me several school years to figure out that he needs about three weeks to adjust to anything new. By the time he would adjust to Christmas break, it would be time to return to school!

Our boys are teens and an adult now, but since then, we have learned to make subtle changes around our house ahead of time to signal that the routine will be changing.

Things like getting them to turn off screens earlier in the evening (a couple of days ahead), mentioning the return date, and ensuring they are on track with getting laundry done and rooms picked up have helped.

Of course, we all know that the best laid plans don't always go as anticipated.

We can still plan ahead and submit our transitions to the Lord.

Proverbs 16:3 reminds us, "The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord established his steps." (ESV)

Give It Time

Every new adventure comes with excitement, a little anxiety, and change. It is so important to give yourself and your family time to adjust. Do you have a kid going back to college?

It will take time to adjust. Don't forget to give yourself some grace and allow yourself to experience the emotions you are feeling.

Are your kids going back to elementary, middle or high school after a seemingly long break? Give them grace and time to adjust back to the routine.

Remember to submit each moment to God and he will see you through.

Each one of us views new experiences in different ways. Don't forget that your spouse and children may be having a difficult time adjusting and offer them encouragement and support.

And who knows?! Maybe you will all get that snow day you've been hoping for!

This month on the Biblical Mom-alogue we will be talking about a fresh perspective as wives and moms. What does the Lord want to renew in you? In what areas does your heart need to be refreshed? I hope you will join us on the podcast, and you tube this month! 

www.youtube.com/@TheBiblicalMom-alogue

You are also invited to join me in memorizing scripture this year! Check out the Facebook group at the link below where I will post a new scripture every Monday. Let's learn God's word together! 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/609206584961642/?__cft__[0]=AZVqLbLZl9PQJkNNOb6zQvd-vvH30GH6GklsCQemMywsT-K6yqsuDnl4oW4umc9J59-W8WPExk3nRBAAC_mE3gbextXUh9YyLvhYB5aLfoLp-RbBNdRXfOs-7t-kc7Wtbc8ZoMTn3D7dzstDSk-X7AIyHJwToGizRbeo1yDJUmfx-L69E2jeQcko1MaT44PFGl0&__tn__=-UK-R