Sovereign Radiance is a hope-filled place, and a journey into the heart of motherhood. With all the uncertainty that we face as mothers, there is one truth that we can be surrounded by, we have hope in Jesus (1 Peter 1:3). With our gaze on Him, we can radiate Christ’s love to our children, “Those who look to Him are radiant…” (Psalm 34:5). In embracing our humble dependence on Him, we can be confident that He is Sovereign over our moments and days, “Ah, Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you.” (Jeremiah 32:17). Sovereign Radiance is a place to find encouragement and to rest in the good news that Jesus is our hope and you are not alone.

Sovereign Radiance began in 2011 surrounded by my children in church. I sensed a tug on my heart as Hebrews 1:3 was mentioned,

The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His being, sustaining all things by His powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.

I wrote down ‘Sovereign’ and ‘Radiance’ immediately, envisioning a ministry to encourage mothers with the powerful truth that He sustains us. This vision remained nestled in my heart and many journals, quietly spoken about for many years. I surrendered it to the Lord and asked for His will to be done.  Now is the time to finally begin this journey.

Through the living and active word of God, it is possible to live a beautifully balanced relationship with Him as we guide our children. It does take time to walk through the mountains and valleys of motherhood. These landscapes can seem overwhelming before we take the steps that wind through them on the path. But that’s why we have each other, “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up…” (1 Thessalonians 5:11). The strength for motherhood is not ours, it comes from relying on God and one another.

My prayer is that our children see and know this amazing God who gave His only son to die for our sins. To know Jesus, who was raised to life and is preparing a place in eternity for all of us (John 3:16). We are invited to walk with love (Colossians 3:14), to pray for and encourage our children right where they are today (1 Thessalonians 5:17).

A few years after that day in church, I felt prompted to gather mothers and daughters in my home for an evening of prayer, bible study, conversation and an abundance of desserts! I wanted to create special memories, while discussing themes relevant to our daughters. We got comfortable in the living room, enjoying a time of singing and praying as a larger group. There was also a time set aside for just the mothers and daughters together, a moment to slow down and talk. Following that, the theme of mentoring became a key aspect to the evenings. The older girls led the younger ones in their own small group times, and this provided a unique leadership role for them to take into other areas of their lives. My hope was that these mentoring moments would multiply beyond the evening and God would do immeasurably more that I could have imagined (Ephesians 3:20). The mothers, on the other hand, would listen to a testimony of God’s grace in a life of another and spend time in prayer for our families. The connections made brought forth an ever-present joy that lingered. These evenings were memorable and a reminder to me that community is a wonderful blessing.

Again I felt prompted to action, this time to study Psalm 119 in a way I have never before. God drew me closer to Him through the detailed prayer of the Psalmist. I continued to study, pray and write – what unfolded is a devotional for mothers and daughters.

 Exploring the verses in Psalm 119 with your daughter is an opportunity to share how He can be our source of joy and strength. You will read about the many different emotions the author experienced, from frustration to hope and awe. Initially, I felt that 176 verses were overwhelming, let alone going through them with my daughters. However, this psalm is worth every moment taken to lean in and learn. What I’ve personally experienced allowed me to proceed with God leading, in spite of my doubts and weaknesses. My hope is that as you read the words of the psalmist, it will be an encouragement to your soul and that of your daughter’s, as it has done for mine.

You are invited to engage with your daughter daily through the study and interactive journal, which my youngest daughter nicknamed “The Switch.” You will “switch” back and forth writing encouraging words and scripture in the journal to one another. There’s something special about writing down your thoughts for posterity, rather than just speaking them. That way, we have a record of the magnificent journey, a winding path that each one of us is meant to follow in full faith.

When I look back at how the Lord has led me here, I marvel at His goodness. I questioned if I could actually do what God was calling me to, and I was reminded of stunning promises in His Word, “but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” (Isaiah 40:31). His grace is enough, His love is overflowing. Thank you for joining me at Sovereign Radiance, a hope-filled place for mothers.

The devotional is now available for purchase here at www.sovereignradiance.com, Castle Quay Books, Amazon, Indigo and Barnes & Noble.

Join me (sign up on home page) and other mothers and daughters on this journey with Psalm 119 and feel free to comment on your personal experience with:

A Mother-Daughter Devotional and Shared Journal Experience for Psalm 119