Parenting is one of the greatest blessings and one of the most humbling responsibilities I’ve ever known. Each day brings its own joys and challenges, but at the heart of it all is a deep desire to raise Samson with faith and purpose. In a world that often feels hurried and chaotic, Tysin and I strive to ground our family in God’s truth, embracing simplicity and intentionality as we guide Samson through his earliest years.
This journey is far from perfect—there are messy moments, tough decisions, and lessons we’re learning along the way. But through it all, we aim to cultivate a home where love, faith, and purpose are at the center.
Faith as Our Foundation
Faith is the cornerstone of our family life. From the moment Samson came into this world, we’ve prayed over him, asking God to guide us as parents and to instill His truth in Samson’s heart. We want him to grow up knowing that his worth is found in Christ and that he is deeply loved—not just by us, but by the Creator of all things.
We weave our faith into the rhythms of daily life—prayers at bedtime, singing worship songs together, and reading Bible stories during quiet moments. It’s not about perfection but about creating an atmosphere where Samson feels God’s presence in the ordinary. I pray that these small seeds of faith we plant now will grow into a strong, unshakable relationship with Jesus as he gets older.
The Gift of Simple Living
Living in rural Oklahoma, surrounded by family and the beauty of nature has been such a gift for our family. While we’re still in the building phase of our house and homestead, we’re already learning invaluable lessons about slowing down and appreciating what’s most important.
Samson loves helping in the garden, visiting the chickens, and hiking in our woods. Even these simple moments teach him about God’s creation, the value of hard work, and the joy of nurturing life. Someday, we hope to have a garden and animals of our own, but for now, these moments of connection remind us to trust in God’s timing and to find beauty in the waiting.
Teaching with Purpose
As a teacher and mother, I think often about how my work in the classroom mirrors my role at home. In both spaces, I aim to foster curiosity, empathy, and a love for learning. With Samson, I want him to see the world as a place full of wonder and to grow in confidence, knowing that God has a unique purpose for his life.
We spend lots of time exploring together, whether it’s reading books, looking for bugs in the backyard, or baking sourdough bread in the kitchen. These seemingly small moments are opportunities to teach him patience, gratitude, and kindness—and to remind him that he is fearfully and wonderfully made.
Letting Grace Lead
One of the hardest lessons we’ve learned as parents is to give ourselves grace. There are days when we lose our patience, when the to-do list feels endless, or when we question if we’re doing enough. It’s in those moments that we are reminded of God’s grace, which is more than enough to cover our imperfections.
We want Samson to see that it’s okay to make mistakes and that God’s love is steadfast, even when we fall short. By modeling humility and leaning on faith, we hope to show him the power of grace—not just for others, but for ourselves as well.
A Vision for the Future
As we raise Samson, our prayer is that he grows into a man who loves God, serves others, and lives with purpose. We want him to know the beauty of a life rooted in faith and the joy that comes from giving back to the world.
I know we won’t get everything right, but my hope is that the seeds we plant now will bear fruit in Samson’s life and beyond. Whether he’s running through a field on our future homestead, reading his Bible on a quiet morning, or simply loving others well, I pray that he always feels the unshakable foundation of God’s truth beneath his feet.
Parenting with faith and purpose is a daily act of surrender, a continual turning back to God for wisdom, strength, and guidance. And while the road isn’t always easy, it’s a privilege to walk it—hand in hand with Samson, trusting that God will light the way.
