Living On Purpose In Christ | Journaling Prompts, Biblical Encouragement, Aromatherapy, Devotions, Affirmations, God's Peace

89 | Are You Modeling Faith that Your Kids and Grandkids Will Follow?

• Paula Behrens | Christian Coach, Pastor, Certified Aroma Freedom Practitioner • Season 2

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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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Paula Behrens:

Is your family schedule running your life instead of the other way around? Are you longing to weave faith into your kids' or grandkids' daily routine without adding another to-do list? Today we're going to talk about how to rebalance family life so faith becomes the anchor, not the afterthought. And I'm not talking about adding more rules or making family life heavier. I'm talking about weaving God into the very fabric of your daily rhythms, so that His presence becomes as natural as breakfast and bedtime. But first funny story. When I first began my seminary work while serving two church congregations full-time, everyone assumed I had my daily devotional time perfectly organized. But truth be told, there were mornings I could barely find five minutes to catch my breath, let alone dive into deep reflection. One day, as I rushed out the door with mismatched shoes, I realized that even in my chaos there was a lesson. Embracing God's grace and self-forgiveness, I realized that true success in my devotional life requires prioritizing my spiritual practices. Are you finding it challenging to maintain your spiritual practices or yearning for a more peaceful, God-aligned day? I'm Paula and I've been there too. Balancing spiritual habits with a busy life can be difficult. I longed for a deeper connection with God, but struggled with consistency. Then I found the perfect approach. If you seek simple ways to deepen your connection with God, this podcast is for you.

Paula Behrens:

Hey friend, I know what it's like to feel far from God, even when you're doing all the right things. You're showing up, you're praying, you're reading the Bible, but inside something feels disconnected. You wonder if you're doing enough, if God is even listening. You feel a little ashamed that your quiet time isn't what it used to be or what you hoped it would be. Well, I want you to know you're not alone and you're not failing. God isn't asking you for perfection. He's just asking for your presence. That's what the Aroma of Christ Coaching Hour is all about, no pressure, no performance, just presence. Let me walk with you into a slower spirit-led devotional routine that will help you reconnect with the One who's been waiting to refresh your soul all along. Now's the time to say yes to peace, to say yes to presence. Book your Aroma of Christ Coaching Hour at paulabehrens. com/ coaching. That's Paula Behrens B-E-H-R-E-N-S . com/ coaching (no spaces). All right, let's get started. Grab your Bible, dust off your journal and cozy up to your favorite beverage and let's dive in.

Paula Behrens:

If you've ever looked at your week and thought there's no way I can fit one more thing in, you're not alone. Life can feel like a whirlwind from one activity to the next, and if you're raising kids or actively involved with your grandkids, it's even easier to slip into survival mode, where spiritual priorities quietly slide to the background. But here's the truth. Our homes are the most important mission fields we'll ever step into. Long after trophies collect dust and extracurricular calendars clear, what will matter most is the spiritual foundation we've helped lay in the hearts of the next generation. That foundation is not built by accident. It's built through intentional everyday moments when we choose to make God the center of our lives. And the good news is this doesn't have to mean adding heavy burdens or unrealistic routines. It can be as natural and life-giving as breathing.

Paula Behrens:

Before we can make changes, though, we have to see the imbalance clearly. It's easy to be so used to the whirlwind that we think it's just normal family life, but there are signs that faith has slipped into the passenger seat instead of driving the family rhythm. If you recall a time when each of your children were engaged in their own activities, your days were filled with a relentless cycle of drop-offs and pickups, and you found yourself repeatedly saying, we'll do devotions tomorrow, only for tomorrow to often become next week, that's a clear indication that your family life is out of balance. While extracurricular activities are beneficial, it's crucial to recognize that, even though you're constantly on the move, you might not be heading in the right direction spiritually. When faith is squeezed in rather than woven into everyday life, it's a red flag. If your family devotions or prayer times are skipped more often than they happen, it's worth pausing to take a look. When conversations revolve only around logistics, who's picking up from practice when the next school project is due, instead of deeper heart connections, the imbalance is growing. If Sunday worship becomes optional because everyone's tired from the week, it's another warning sign. And if your family calendar is overflowing with good activities but there's no space for rest or reflection, it's a signal that priorities need to shift.

Paula Behrens:

Let's talk about why faith must be central. Deuteronomy, chapter 6, verses 6 through 7 gives a clear charge to parents and grandparents alike. It says, These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Notice that this isn't about fitting God into a single time slot. It's about making him part of the daily flow, at the breakfast table, in the carpool line, during bedtime tuck-ins, while walking the dog and, yes, even in the middle of chaotic, messy moments.

Paula Behrens:

If our kids only see God on Sunday mornings, they may conclude faith is something we visit once a week instead of a living relationship that guides every decision, offers comfort in every trial, and gives meaning to every joy. Now, I know you may question your ability to teach your children about God. We've all been there. However, if you can show how Jesus influences your daily life, you're the ideal teacher for them. Faith is both absorbed and learned, and our kids need to witness it in our everyday actions, not just hear about it at church. Okay, here's my favorite part. If you're a grandparent, your role is powerful, not secondary. Many grandparents underestimate their influence because they aren't in the home every day, but research shows that consistent grandparent involvement, especially in spiritual matters, leaves a deep and lasting impact. You may not be managing homework and bedtime every night, but you can still point your grandkids toward Jesus in meaningful ways.

Paula Behrens:

I remember celebrating Christmases and Thanksgivings in my small home in Houston with all six of my grands and, of course, my children and their spouses. What a wonderful time that was planting seeds in their hearts that all the good things we are thankful for come ultimately from God and that the joy of the season is the birth of Jesus, who came to save us. Even though I was miles away the rest of the year serving in East Texas church pulpits, I take comfort in knowing that I did what I could to help God plant seeds in hearts during those cherished family moments. A few years ago, I made the decision to retire early from the pulpit. It wasn't because I wanted to step away from ministry, but because I felt God calling me to sit in the pews on Sunday mornings with my grandchildren and their parents, to be present in their lives in a spiritual way as a family. I wanted to worship alongside them, to be part of their faith journey in a different way, not leading from the front, but walking beside them as fellow travelers. This decision opened a new chapter of ministry in my life, one that has been deeply rewarding and full of blessings.

Paula Behrens:

Another way I connected spiritually with my grand twins was creating printable Bible story resources for their birthday presents. Instead of grabbing something from the store that might have been fun for a moment but would have little lasting spiritual benefit, I chose to invest time creating colorful, engaging Bible story printables. Gifts like these can become treasures you can use together, coloring, reading and discussing God's word in ways that are personal and memorable. These moments aren't just about passing time. They're about planting seeds of faith that can grow deep in their hearts.

Paula Behrens:

We also had cherished conversations about how God created aromas from plants to help us with our feelings. I shared with them how certain smells can bring comfort and calm, because God made them that way to touch not just our minds but our feelings. Those talks often opened up beautiful pathways to talk about God's care and presence in every part of our lives. And when they came to grandma's for sleepovers, I loved reading Sunday morning children's messages to them. We cuddled up and I shared those simple truths that spoke directly to their hearts. And now, as they are nearing their teen years, I take comfort in knowing God has tucked those moments away safely in their little minds, small but powerful moments of God's love for them, waiting to sprout and grow when they need to feel His presence the most.

Paula Behrens:

On another occasion I was blessed to be present in the life of my youngest grandson during a challenging time when his other grandmother was hospitalized. I journeyed six hours alongside my son to offer support and comfort at the hospital, and that evening I had the sacred opportunity to speak with my grandson, gently guiding him in prayers for his grandma Maria. In those moments I embodied my role as a spiritual midwife, fostering a space for faith, hope and family connection, even amidst the trials of life. And with my older grandsons I was amazed to learn years later that they had a deep respect for the fact that their grandmother had devoted years serving in God's church as a pastor. Seeds that I didn't even know were there sprouted and grew over the years to be anchors in my grandchildren's lives and in knowing that, my heart rejoices.

Paula Behrens:

Now you might be thinking, wow, I've fallen short. Or maybe you've done it so much better than I have, but honestly, before this recording I was feeling really sad, thinking that I hadn't done enough. So I simply sat with God, I took a few moments, I breathed in some frankincense and I listened. And I asked God to show me those little things over the years that He was able to use, or that He still can use, in the lives of my family, my grandkids especially. And then the memories just came flooding in. And so I challenge you to do the same. Ask God to show you those little moments in the lives of your kids and grandkids that He was able to use, and when you see them, you'll want to do so much more of that. Because it brings such a deep contentment and joy into your heart, knowing that your life has made a difference.

Paula Behrens:

Even if your relationship with a grandchild is strained by family brokenness. Know that God can transform the simplest moments. A 20-minute walk in a neighborhood park can become a sacred space for healing, where hearts soften and walls come down. Likewise, a quiet conversation at a cousin's birthday party, amidst laughter, can plant seeds of reconciliation. These moments invite grace to abound, allowing God's presence to mend and soften your bond. Trust that each step and word shared in love has the potential for divine healing, as God's timing is perfect in restoring relationships. Let's talk a little bit about rebalancing relationships. If the leaders of the home aren't grounded in God's word, the family will drift. The best gift we can give the next generation is our own authentic walk with Christ, and that authenticity shows up not only in church attendance or Bible reading, but in how we handle hard days, how we respond when someone cuts us off in traffic, and how we speak about others behind closed doors.

Paula Behrens:

Here are a few practical ways to prioritize faith with your kids or grandkids. First, anchor your day with a simple scripture. A single verse at breakfast can sow 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 He was with you. These brief talks nurture spiritual awareness.

Paula Behrens:

Making bedtime sacred transforms more than just the end of the day. It can build emotional security for children. When my grand twins were young, I remember praying the prayer they learned in church at bedtime. When they asked me to pray the long prayer, the Lord's Prayer, I knew those moments were anchoring their hearts in God's love.

Paula Behrens:

Sabbath moments don't require a whole day. Even small pauses provide rest and connection. Try a device-free walk, a breakfast with worship music or a game night. Intentional rest resets our hearts and minds, drawing us back to God's peace. Our family life will never be perfectly balanced, and that's okay. The key is to keep God at the center in ways that fit your unique rhythm and relationships. Small, consistent faith moments, whether through gifts that teach, talks about God's creation, shared worship in the pews or simple prayers, they all have eternal impact.

Paula Behrens:

I hope you were able to take something from this talk today and I challenge you. I challenge you to lean into those everyday opportunities to live and breathe faith with your children and your grandchildren, maybe even your great-grandchildren, trusting God to work in their hearts, even when your schedules are full. I hope you'll take that into consideration. Let us pray. Dear Heavenly Father, we thank you so much for families, for children, for grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren. And Lord, we thank you so much that you will take our little moments that we share with our families and you will use them to plant seeds in their hearts so that they will know of your love and of your presence and they will know that they can always turn to you when they are in need. Lord, just bless our families. Bless us as we try to do the best we can in serving you in this very important ministry. These things we ask in the precious and Holy name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.

Paula Behrens:

If today's message stirred something deep within you, I want to personally invite you to take 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 spiritual guidance tailored specifically to your current season. Together, we'll craft a personalized devotional rhythm that fits your lifestyle and nurtures your walk with God. You'll also receive step-by-step support in using essential oils as sensory anchors in your quiet time, helping you reconnect with peace and clarity in your spirit. This coaching hour includes biblical encouragement, focused prayer, a bonus Peace RESET and practical strategies to deepen your relationship with Christ. If your heart is longing for more and you're ready to move forward with intention and grace, go right now to paulabehrens. com/ coaching to reserve your spot. That's Paula Behrens B-E-H-R-E-N-S . com/ coaching (no spaces). Let's walk this sacred journey together, surrounded by truth, purpose and the sweet aroma of His presence.

Paula Behrens:

Thank you for tuning in today and remember, just like setting biblical boundaries, it's okay to say no to things that don't serve you well, like that third piece of cake at the church potluck. If you were blessed by this episode, be sure to share it with a friend and leave a review so that we can reach even more women like you. Check the show notes for all the links. Join us next week as we continue to discover how to live on purpose in Christ. Until then, keep leaning into Him and walking in His wisdom. See you next time.