Have you ever caught yourself repeating a pattern you promised yourself you would change?

I wanted different for my children. But building a different home meant recognizing my own patterns and welcoming support.

Welcome to Day 13 of Unstuck Patterns: A 100-Day Journey of Turning North.

Through Proverbs 23:29–35 and Proverbs 24:5–6, 13–14, we explore the pull of wanting a feeling again—even when we recognize its cost. We also discuss automatic reinforcement, often called sensory reinforcement, as one way to understand what keeps behavior going.

I share how women’s Bible study, church community, and a book offered by a pastor helped me recognize patterns and begin practicing something different.

Whether you have children or not, this reflection is for you. What do you want to carry forward—and what are you ready to begin changing?

🧰 Toolkit Action: Welcome Support

Name one pattern, notice what it gives you immediately and what happens later, and identify someone who can help you take a next step.

📖 Scripture: Proverbs 23:29–35; Proverbs 24:5–6, 13–14

📚 Book mentioned: Love & Respect by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs

🎵 Song: “The Blessing” — Kari Jobe, Cody Carnes & Elevation Worship

🎧 Turn North playlist on Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7JkjmBfBoLkGSRJa5TdHF8

🌐 Download the FREE Heart Stronghold Assessment worksheet:

https://unstuck-patterns.stephanie-cox1.chatgpt.site

You can also preview upcoming resources on the website. Those aren’t available to purchase yet; the assessment worksheet is available now, free.

In Day 14, we’ll bring Uncover Strongholds together by reviewing the Perfectionist Pauser, Circle Runner, Comfort Seeker, and functions of behavior.

Faith, community, and professional treatment can work together. If alcohol or medication misuse is part of your struggle, qualified support can help you take a safe next step.

You are not stuck. You are becoming. Keep turning north.

#UnstuckPatterns #BreakingGenerationalCycles #ChristianDevotional

Have you ever thought, “If I could just buy this one thing, then I’d finally start”? Or maybe you’re already trying, but the results aren’t coming as quickly as you hoped.

Welcome to Day 12 of Unstuck Patterns: A 100-Day Journey of Turning North—“I Want It Now.”

Today, I share how wanting to feel strong and healthy again turned into a growing list of things I thought I needed before I could begin. A piece of workout equipment. A step-counting watch. Even an “I Can” sign.

But as I reflected on my fifth pregnancy and a season that looks different from what I expected, a deeper question surfaced: Am I willing to surrender my timeline and stay open to what God may do here?

Through James 4:1–3 and reflections from James 3–5, we explore our desires, God’s wisdom and grace, and patience when change takes time. We also look at access to items or activities as a function of behavior and consider what a purchase can practically help us do—and what still takes practice.

Maybe your waiting has nothing to do with fitness. Maybe it’s a career, a move, a relationship, or a plan you thought would have happened by now. What are you trying so hard to make happen today? And what faithful step is available right where you are?

🧰 Toolkit Action: Use What’s Here

Name what you want and what you hope it will change. Notice what you already have, then choose one small, faithful step you can take today while leaving room for God’s direction.

🤍 Heart Inscription:

“I can surrender my timeline, use what I have, and take one faithful step today.”

📖 Anchor Scripture: James 4:1–3

Additional reflections: James 3–5

🌱 Mentor: James

🔎 Behavior Focus: Access to Items or Activities

🎵 Today’s Song: “First Things First” by Consumed By Fire—a song for our Turn North playlist and today’s reflection.

🎧 Listen to Unstuck Patterns on Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/show/033SUEfG0c3Hdg5yO4Eb47

You can also search “Unstuck Patterns” on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music/Audible, Podbean, iHeartRadio, Pocket Casts, TuneIn, and Pandora.

🎵 Listen to “First Things First” by Consumed By Fire on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bpTOcZN9JB4

🌐 Explore Unstuck Patterns and visit the Free Resources tab for tools for adults, teens, and children:

https://unstuck-patterns.stephanie-cox1.chatgpt.site/

📩 Connect:

UnstuckPatternsCoaching@gmail.com

We are pattern detectives, not judges.

You are not stuck. You are becoming. Keep turning north.

#UnstuckPatterns #ChristianDevotional #FaithAndBehavior

Have you ever said “I’m fine” while quietly feeling overwhelmed? Sometimes staying busy helps us avoid the conversation—or the request for support—we need to have.

Welcome to Day 11 of Unstuck Patterns: A 100-Day Journey of Turning North. Today, we explore “The Pharisee Trap” through Matthew 23:25–28: what happens when keeping the outside polished becomes more important than honestly examining what is within?

I share my painted-shoebox object lesson and how my desire to help others slipped into production mode while connection needed my attention. Together, we reflect on Jesus’ longing to gather Jerusalem in Matthew 23:37–39 and explore how escape or avoidance can keep us reaching for another task.

Being exhausted, anxious, or needing help does not make you a hypocrite. This is an invitation to examine your patterns with honesty and bring your actual life before the Lord. We are pattern detectives, not judges!

🧰 TODAY’S TOOL: THE INSIDE-OUT CHECK

1. Outside: What am I working hard to keep looking fine?

2. Inside: What need or conversation am I staying busy to avoid?

3. Next step: What is one honest step I can take today?

📖 ANCHOR SCRIPTURE

Matthew 23:25–28

Also discussed: Matthew 23:37–39

🎵 TODAY’S RECOMMENDED SONG

“Out of Hiding (Father’s Song)” — Steffany Gretzinger

https://bethelmusic.com/resources/the-undoing/out-of-hiding-fathers-song

🤍 HEART INSCRIPTION

“I can come to Jesus honestly. I do not have to keep looking fine to admit that I need help.”

You’re welcome to share one expectation you’re ready to release in the comments—without sharing anything you would rather keep private.

🌸 Sweet Monday — Mentioned in This Episode

In this episode, I share part of my story with Sweet Monday—a Christian women’s ministry centered on friendship, hospitality, and sharing Jesus. If you’re looking for community or feel called to gather women together, learn more here:

🌐 Websitehttps://sweetmonday.org/

📘 Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/sweetmondaysocials/

🌐 Explore Unstuck Patterns and its resources:

https://unstuck-patterns.stephanie-cox1.chatgpt.site/

🎙️ Listen to the Unstuck Patterns Podcast:

https://open.spotify.com/show/033SUEfG0c3Hdg5yO4Eb47

🎵 Follow the Turn North Playlist:

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7JkjmBfBoLkGSRJa5TdHF8

I add each day’s recommended song as we move through this devotional—a growing collection for worship, reflection, and time with the Lord.

🎥 Visit Unstuck Patterns on YouTube:

https://youtube.com/@unstuckpatterns

📧 Questions or want to share your story?

UnstuckPatternsCoaching@gmail.com

If this episode encouraged you, please follow or subscribe and share it with someone who needs encouragement today.

🧭 You are not stuck. You are becoming. Keep turning north.

#UnstuckPatterns #ChristianDevotional #TurnNorth