Who is it that you say that you are?

This week we are unpacking identity. And friend, you are so much more than just a mom. Or a wife, or friend, or fill in the blank. God says that you are made in His image, on purpose, with purpose. You are chosen and loved, and are called His child (if you want to be).

So grab your coffee and soak in all of God's goodness this week as we talk about whose you are so that you can truly grasp who you are. And it is wonderful!

Verses this week:

• Genesis 1:27

• Ephesians 2:10

• Galatians 4:7

• Psalm 139:13-14

• 2 Corinthians 5:17

Other verses to look up this week that have really spoken to my heart, and I pray speak to yours as well.

• Psalm 139:1
• Romans 15:7
• Colossians 1:16
• Luke 12:6-7
• John 3:16
• Isaiah 43:4
• Deuteronomy 14:2

If you ever doubt just how much you are loved and how essential you are, go back to any and all of these verses. God loves you so much, dear friend. Hear it. Receive it. Believe it.

Mama, what are you worried about this week?

Pull up a chair, pour yourself a cup of coffee and let's chat. Mom to mom about what God says about worrying and why we have nothing to fear when we trust Him with the particulars of our life. I know, easier said than done, but do you trust Him?

Jesus in Matthew 6:25-27 says,25"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?"

We are also encouraged that when we do worry, when we do find ourselves weighed down by the weight of life, to

"cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you."

1 Peter 5:7

Friend, be encouraged this week to trust in God's purposes for your life and for your children. He cares so much more than you can even understand.

And when you are stuggling ask yourself these 2 questions:

1. How is God using this?
2. What am I learning through this?

Love you, mama! Cheering you on always.

If you want even more encouragement don't forget to subscribe over at www.morganaellis.com

Cultivating the Fruit of the Spirit: Practical Steps for Moms to Grow Patience Every Day

Parenting tests our patience daily, but growing in patience is like working out any other muscle. It takes time, intentionality, and consistency.

This week's scripture:

Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

James 1:2-4Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

Four practical tips to cultivate more patience this Summer:1. Remember that you are in training. Cultivating patience is the long game. Patience = longsuffering.

2. Pray and Pause : when things are about to make you explode, try taking a breath (or two, or ten) before responding to the situation.

3. Find space and time each day to refill your own cup.

You can't pour from an empty cup.

4. DON'T GIVE UP!

Mama, patience takes time. Parenting isn't always (if ever) convenient, but developing the fruits of the Spirit in our children takes intentional work in our own lives too.

Challenge this week:

Take inventory of your input. What are you consuming most daily? Is it social media? Netflix shows? Dirty books? God's word? Whatever you input will eventually come out.

Take inventory and make the necessary changes to keep God at the center of your life. He is where true patience comes from.