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Monica Swanson
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Monica Swanson
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parenting+ marriage

I love to help you build strong families, beginning with a healthy marriage, and purposeful parenting.

faith

Every good thing comes from God and healthy families are built on a firm foundation of faith.

homeschool

After 15+ years of homeschooling, my family agrees it’s the best choice we have made!

healthy mind+body

With a background in sports medicine and fitness, I am passionate to encourage women to embrace a healthy mindset and lifestyle.

Latest bit of encouragement
  • Fall Coffee Date, 2026

    Hi Friend!  We are waaay past due… I hate to admit that it’s been more than a YEAR since my last Coffee Date post. 2026 has…

    Read More Fall Coffee Date, 2026Continue

  • When the Battle Overwhelms You
    Encouragement and faith | Miscellaneous | Parenting and Family

    When the Battle Overwhelms You

    This fall I have a few special book excerpts and giveaways to share with you. To kick things off, today I have an excerpt from…

    Read More When the Battle Overwhelms YouContinue

  • Jonah and Taylor’s Wedding!
    Encouragement and faith | Miscellaneous | Parenting and Family

    Jonah and Taylor’s Wedding!

    A heap of photos and some favorite memories from the very best day! 3/21/2026, Camarillo, California ❤️ Post-publish addition here! — We just got the…

    Read More Jonah and Taylor’s Wedding!Continue

  • Is Homeschooling Right for Your Family?
    Encouragement and faith | Home School | Parenting and Family

    Is Homeschooling Right for Your Family?

    As we wrap up yet another school year, I wanted to share the opening chapter to my book: Becoming Homeschoolers: Give Your Kids a Great…

    Read More Is Homeschooling Right for Your Family?Continue

  • Come on Home
    Encouragement and faith | Parenting and Family

    Come on Home

    You know what’s really special? When one of your favorite authors is truly one of your favorite friends! My friend, Jessica Smartt, writes in a…

    Read More Come on HomeContinue

  • Any Given Moment
    Encouragement and faith | Parenting and Family

    Any Given Moment

    Hey Friends! I am super honored to share an excerpt and a GIVEAWAY from the sweetest devotional by my friend, Sarah Molitor. It is called ​Any…

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If you’ve been involved in youth sports for any le If you’ve been involved in youth sports for any length of time, you’ve probably faced this one. Your child has a game or tournament on Sunday morning, and suddenly you’re faced with a decision: Sports or church?
I know Christian families who have drawn a firm line and simply don’t participate in sports on Sundays. I know others who don’t think twice about missing church for sports. And then some families occasionally miss church for competitions but try to make it the exception, not the norm.
There may not be a simple answer for this, but I DO think there are some questions worth asking as we navigate this:

⚽ What are our choices communicating to our kids about our priorities? They’re watching what we do, not just listening to what we say.
🏈 Are we treating church as an essential part of our family’s life, or something we fit in when it’s convenient?Hebrews 10:25 reminds us not to neglect gathering together as believers.
⚾️ Are we intentional about our family’s spiritual growth beyond Sunday mornings? Discipleship doesn’t begin and end at church, but we also weren’t meant to do it alone!
⛳️ If sports occasionally take us away from church, are we finding ways to stay connected and be a light to others in the sports community?
🏄🏽‍♂️ Are we willing to make sacrifices for what matters most? Sometimes following Jesus means saying no to something good to prioritize something better.

We love sports. We believe they offer incredible opportunities for growth, relationships, and even ministry. But we also know how easily they can take over our calendars (and our hearts!) if we’re not careful.

At the end of the day, perhaps the most important question isn’t “How many Sundays can we miss church?” but rather, “Are we building a family culture that communicates that following Jesus and being part of His church matter more than any sport?”

These seasons of youth sports will eventually end. The faith we’re helping our kids build is something we pray will last a lifetime. ❤️
I’d love to hear how your family has navigated this! ❤️ 

Also a good article w/ more thoughts on this topic at: https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/youth-sports-on-sunday-morning
I’m in a season of praising God for so much good, I’m in a season of praising God for so much good, while also begging him for help, healing, and direction for a few people I care so much about. Here are 3 books by women I trust and respect which have been a cherished companion this fall. 💝

My dear friend @wendy_speake is one of the most gifted writers I know. She is a student of God’s Word and a passionate Christ-follower. Also: she’s been through the fire. You may know her from her 40 Day Sugar Fast (or one of her other amazing books). But this most recent one….—->> 

A Sacrifice of Praise and Thanksgiving: 30 Days of Rejoicing in God’s Goodness, is so good!  Be sure to follow @wendy_speake and get this book so you’re ready for her November “Ask Fast.” It’s going to be rich!! 

I’ve gotten to know @rachelwojo over the past few years and have been blown away by her story, and her deep faith (developed through her deep prayer life). . If you are facing any battles in this season (aren’t we all?) then this book will bless you big time. —-> 

Praying Through Life’s Battles: 90 Days to Strengthen Your Faith will equip you to show up and not back down. Get it. Gift it. It’s so good! 

@jessica.smartt another favorite author (and genuine friend) of mine. You may have her “Memory-Making Mom” book, or heard me talk about “Come on Home”. (Get that one!) but her latest resource is also a must-have —-> 

Bible Promises for Families belongs in every car, purse, or on the bedside table. It’s a quick reference guide, sprinkled with words of encouragement, and even humor. 💝

Hope these books bless you as they have me! 💝
It’s #walktober. 🤗❤️ And when I walk, I get all th It’s #walktober. 🤗❤️ And when I walk, I get all the endorphins, and that makes me think, and want to share my thoughts. 😂🥰 Hope this encourages somebody. 

God loves you. And if you trust him and do things his way He’ll give you better things than you could ever get for yourself. 💥

“And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” - Philippians 4:19
Happy October! A found some funnies for ya!! 🤓 Go Happy October! 
A found some funnies for ya!! 🤓
Got a favorite?  Lmk! 
#1 💯 
#2 me every day 🥹
#6 in honor of Dr. Dave ☺️
#8 always makes me LOL. 
Just added #11 as a bonus 😁👍🏼

have a great week and a great month ahead! 🍁
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  • Start Here
    • About
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    • Raising Kids of Character
    • Women’s Wellness
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    • Parenting and Family
    • Women’s Wellness
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    • Home School
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  • Recipes
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    • Lunches and Dinners
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    • The Secret of Your Naturally Skinny Friends
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