How to Turn Your Family Values into Daily Habits That Stick

Years ago, my husband and I created a family mission statement. We carefully chose words, wrote them in beautiful fonts on a chalkboard, and hung them proudly in our foyer. After hours of soul-searching and honest conversations, we felt empowered, focused, and excited about what the future held for our family.

But then life got busy.

We slipped into old patterns, making convenient decisions and defaulting to habits that didn't reflect what we said we believed. Our values were hanging on the wall, but they weren't showing up in our daily lives.

When Values and Actions Don't Match

Here's the thing: if your values and behaviors don't align, it shows.

Family members and outsiders will notice if your values and behaviors don't align. It will be clear you don't practice what you preach. 

You may say you value excellence, generosity, or integrity, but the words lose meaning if those values aren't visible in your actions.

This isn't surprising. Everything I've learned about building a healthy culture, whether in an organization or a family, points to one truth: knowing your values is not enough. Until you translate those values into habits, you'll continue operating out of what's familiar and easy.

Values like creativity, faith, or efficiency are abstract nouns unless intentionally brought to life.

So What Does It Mean to "Live Your Values"?

Here's how I think about it:

When you create practices around your values, they come to life. They become:

• Actionable – You know what to do.

• Repeatable – You can do it consistently.

• Observable – Others can see it happening.

• Measurable – You can tell if you're living it out.

Let's make it real with an example.

Here's an example:

Generosity is one of our family's top five values. To make that word actionable, we defined it with clear behaviors. We used verbs to guide our choices.

Here are a few examples:

• Live within our means. We don't spend more than we earn.

• Budget to give. We intentionally give 15% of our income. 10% to our church and 5% to other causes (like school drives, local needs, or global missions).

• Cook or purchase meals for people who've had a baby, experienced loss, or are facing hardship.

• Open our home. We host meetings or gatherings to build community and offer hospitality.

We can teach, coach, measure, and celebrate these behaviors with our kids.

How to Bring Your Values to Life

Here's how you can get started:

1. Choose a Value – Pick one of your top 3–5 family or personal values.

2. Define It in Action – Write 3–5 specific statements that describe what that value looks like in your life.

3. Use Verbs – Focus on the doing. Use phrases like:

   • "Practice…"

   • "Be fanatical about…"

   • "Always assume…"

4. Write It Down – Post it somewhere visible. Revisit and refine it regularly.

5. Teach and Celebrate It – Make these values part of your family's rhythm, especially with children.

A Living Culture Takes Time

Living out your values isn't a one-and-done activity. It's a process, a practice, a lifestyle.

And it changes with the seasons.

What excellence or hospitality looks like when your kids are toddlers will be different when they're teenagers, or when you're empty nesters. The value may stay the same, but its expression should evolve with your life stage.

So give yourself grace. You're building something lasting.

Creating a mission statement is a great first step. But the real transformation comes when you move from words on the wall to habits in your home.

When you translate your values into visible, repeatable behaviors, you're not just living with intention but building a lasting culture.

And your family will feel it.

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Prefer the ease of listening to reading? No problem! Just click to play to hear this episode of The Family Culture Project.

Letting Go of Being the Perfect Mom

I sat in church, watching other women smile up at the pastor. It was Mother's Day, and he spoke about the role of mothers and our influence in the home. As heads nodded in agreement, I fought back tears.

My kids were four, six, and eight. I was exhausted. I doubted my worth, questioned my purpose, and feared our family's direction.

Most days, I lived on edge. I lacked the gentleness I knew was essential for building healthy relationships with my kids. I lost my temper quickly and then berated myself for it. I held myself to impossible standards and failed to meet them. Every morning, I'd wake up hoping this would be the day I got it right.

"God," I cried, "how do I change? I need Your direction!"

I asked, "What's at the root of all this discouragement, frustration, and impatience?"

What came to mind surprised me.

I remembered visiting a college friend years earlier. I'd wake up each morning to find his mother out of bed, dressed, with breakfast ready and laundry started. Wow!  She was nothing like my mom. I want to be like her, I thought.

Without realizing it, I made a vow. I decided that was the kind of mother I should be. But here's the problem with vows, either positive or negative: they shut God out of the picture and keep us from becoming who He uniquely created us to be.

God gently showed me that I was still carrying resentment from my high school years. Each day, I'd shower, eat, and leave for school before my parents woke up. They weren't neglectful; they didn't need to be up as early, so they "slept in." 

Fast forward to becoming a mom, and I unknowingly idolized a version of motherhood that wasn't mine to live in, at least not in that season of my motherhood. 

I let my performance define my worth. If I woke early, prayed, read my Bible, got dressed, and made breakfast before the kids were up, I felt great. If I was patient and kind, I gave myself an A+. But when I fell short? I felt worthless and was frustrated and impatient with everyone around me. 

What about you? Does this sound familiar?

Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I've created unrealistic expectations that didn't come from You. I repent of the bitterness and comparisons I've held onto.  Forgive me for comparing them to other people's parents. Forgive me for idolizing a version of motherhood that wasn't meant for me. Speak truth to my heart and show me the kind of mother You've uniquely designed me to be. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Motherhood will look different for each of us. Our families have different needs, and there's no one-size-fits-all approach.

I'm grateful God showed me the stronghold that negatively impacted me and my family. Releasing that and letting go freed me to become the mom my family needed.

If you struggle with perfectionism, I invite you to step off that exhausting treadmill. Today, just be you. Let God bring out the mother He designed in you—one full of grace, purpose, and love.

How Living by Your Values Can Transform Your Family’s Life

Knowing your values is just the beginning—the real power comes when you start making decisions based on them.

Your values are the why behind how you live and what you do. They shape the way you spend your time, the commitments you take on, and the way you raise your family. Decision-making becomes easier and more intentional when you’re clear on your values.

From Saying “Yes” to Everything to Living with Intention

As a mom of young kids, there’s no shortage of opportunities to volunteer at school. In the beginning, I signed up for everything. My kids loved having me around; it was a great way to meet people in the community. But over time, I found myself stretched too thin.

I wasn’t pursuing things I loved. My excuse was time, but the real issue was that everything I did was negotiable—I lacked focus and was doing too many things halfway. Volunteering, while good, had unintentionally become a distraction.

My choices were driven by busyness and people-pleasing, not by my values.

That realization led me to pursue a more intentional way of life. Now, I can confidently say that the way my family and I use our time—including how and when we volunteer—reflects our values. I stopped signing up for just anything and began focusing on what truly mattered to us.

Finding the Right Opportunity

Then, a perfect opportunity came up. A friend asked if I was interested in being the committee chair for the TREP$ Entrepreneurship Education Program at my children’s school. My daughter had participated the year before and loved it. Without hesitation, I said, “YES!”

Why? Because it aligned with our family values.

As a couple, my husband and I believe in biblical financial principles. We see ourselves as stewards of what we’ve been given—managing our finances wisely, increasing our resources so we can be generous, and passing that knowledge on to our kids.

This volunteer role wasn’t just another commitment—it was a values fit.

How It Strengthened Our Family

As committee chair, I registered students, supported workshop facilitators, and promoted the Marketplace where students sell their products and services. My husband was the Marketplace Coordinator, handling the program’s main event logistics.

But the most rewarding part? This experience has become a family effort.

• Each of our kids has participated as a student entrepreneur.

• They help with setup and cleanup each year.

• Our oldest daughter, who has aged out of the program, now assists the class facilitator.

Our language reflects this shared purpose. Instead of saying, “I’m volunteering,” we say, “We’re volunteering.” This isn’t just my thing—it’s our family’s thing.

Even the school principal recognized it. During the opening remarks at the Marketplace event, he didn’t just mention my name—he thanked “the Amici family.” 

My children’s enthusiasm for this experience grows each year because they know they are part of something that matters to us as a family and the community.

The Power of Values-Based Decision-Making

When I said yes to this opportunity, I didn’t second-guess myself. I didn’t worry if I would enjoy it or if it was worth my time. I had already identified my values, so the decision was easy.

You can experience the same confidence when making decisions—how to spend your time, what opportunities to pursue, or how to raise your family. When your values guide your choices, you’ll feel more fulfilled, less overwhelmed, and more aligned with what truly matters.

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Not sure of what your 5 top core values are? It’s time to find out what they are!

It’s easier than you think. Check out my blog post on How to Identify Your Values and Improve Your Life and download this FREE worksheet that will help you.

How to Identify Your Values and Improve Your Life

Naming your non-negotiables is a powerful first step toward living an intentional and fulfilling life.

In a previous post, I mentioned:

"It takes practice to make your non-negotiables a part of your every day, but it is worth the effort—especially when they are rooted in your values."

At first, you might assume you need to identify your core values before defining your non-negotiables, but I believe the opposite is true. Your non-negotiables naturally reflect your values. It’s often easier to recognize what fulfills you at the end of the day or what leaves you unsettled when ignored.

Why Identifying Your Core Values Matters

Your values are the foundation of how you live and work. They shape your decisions, priorities, and relationships. When your actions align with your values, you experience a sense of purpose, fulfillment, and inner peace. However, when there’s a disconnect, you may feel frustrated, unfulfilled, or uncertain about your direction.

You might wonder:

“If my values are already influencing my life, why should I bother identifying them?”

The answer is clarity and intentionality. When you clearly define your values, you can:

• Make confident decisions without second-guessing yourself

• Set meaningful goals that align with your true priorities

• Strengthen your personal and professional relationships

• Create a sense of stability, even in challenging times

A Simple Process to Identify Your Core Values

If identifying your core values feels overwhelming, don’t worry—you’re not alone. When my coach first asked to list mine, I put off the exercise, fearing I’d get it "wrong." But once I pushed through, the results affirmed what I already knew deep down.

Here’s a simple process to help you uncover your core values:

1. Reflect on What Brings You Fulfillment

• Think about moments when you’ve felt the most satisfied and fulfilled.

• Identify common themes in both your personal and professional life.

• Ask yourself: What characteristics are present when I’m having my best day?

2. Identify Key Values

• Search for a list of common values online or brainstorm your own.

• Highlight the words that resonate most with you.

• Remember, all values are meaningful, but you’re looking for the ones that define you the most.

3. Gain Outside Perspective

• Ask your spouse, close friends, or colleagues what values they believe you embody.

• Be open to their feedback—it can provide insights you might overlook.

• Use their input to refine and validate your list.

4. Narrow It Down

• Select your top 5-7 values.

• If you’re struggling, rate each one on a scale of 1-10 based on its importance.

• If two values rank the same, ask yourself: If I could satisfy only one, which would I choose?

Your Next Step

Now that you’ve identified your core values integrate them into your daily life. Use them to guide decision-making, goal-setting, and even setting boundaries. The more you align your life with your values, the more purpose and satisfaction you’ll experience.

Many of life's decisions are determined by what you value most.

For example, how you use your time, the job you take, and how you raise your family are based on your values. When you identify your values and intentionally make them a part of your life, you will feel confident that your life is not a result of “going with the flow.” It's essential and comforting to rely on your values and use them as a guiding force to point you in the right direction.

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Prefer the ease of listening to reading? No problem! Just click play to listen to this episode of The Family Culture Project. Ep. 6 What are Values, and Why are They Important? (Now the Build Your Best Family podcast.)

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Feeling Overwhelmed? Don't worry! 

I have created a Core Values Kit that will walk you through the process. You can download it for FREE. 

Is Your Family Culture Thriving or Just Surviving?

Every family has its way of solving problems, achieving goals, and staying connected. Like in business, family culture is either created by default—shaped by circumstances and the habits of its members—or built with intention.

There was a time when our busy schedule dictated the culture of our home. We often said, “Let’s just get through this week.” Our days felt frantic, always running late, always restless. And once we made it through one overwhelming week, another just like it was waiting around the corner.

We sincerely wanted to live well, but we felt stuck. Busyness defined us. We had great intentions but little follow-through, a calendar full of the “right things” but no real fulfillment or connection as a family.

A thriving family culture does not happen by accident. It must be built.

When left to chance, family culture tends to be mediocre—because people, especially children, naturally take the path of least resistance. As parents, we must decide what we want our family to look like and commit to shaping it with consistency and purpose.

When you build culture intentionally, you set your family up for success. You give your children a greater sense of belonging and the excitement of being part of something bigger than themselves.

We often hear, “It is what it is. There’s not much I can do to change things.” But that’s not true. As parents, we hold immense power in shaping the kind of life we live. If we don’t take control, our family’s culture will be created by default—without our input.

How do you cultivate the culture you want for your family?

The first step is to assess where you are. Ask yourself: Am I creating my family’s culture, or is it being created without me? If you’re unsure, this quick quiz can help.

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10-Second Family Culture Quiz

Answer Yes or No to the following:

Our family rarely spends quality time together.

We have so many individual interests that it’s hard to find things we all enjoy.

I have important values but don’t have time to focus on them—let alone include my family.

I feel powerless over my time and commitments.

Others often comment that our schedule is too packed.

Time is flying by, and my children don’t have the character I had hoped for.

I sometimes wonder if my kids, marriage, or family will be okay.

Everyone is doing their own thing, and I worry about staying connected.

We’re losing the battle against outside influences that don’t reflect our values.

I’m unsure what kind of legacy I’ll leave behind.

Your Results:

8-10 “Yes” Answers: What are you waiting for? It’s time to take back control of your family!

5-7 “Yes” Answers: With a few intentional changes, you can transform your family’s direction.

0-4 “Yes” Answers: Amazing! You’re on the right track—keep going!

A strong, healthy family culture isn’t built overnight. It takes daily, intentional effort—but it’s absolutely worth it. If we can do it, so can you.

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A healthy culture isn’t created overnight. It requires a daily investment of time but is definitely worth the effort. If we could do it then so can you!

How We Transformed Our Family Life with a Mission Statement

How We Transformed Our Family Life with a Mission Statement

A few years ago, my husband and I realized that our family life looked nothing like we had imagined. We were overscheduled, disconnected, and completely drained from the constant busyness. It became clear that if we wanted things to change, we needed to slow down, reassess our values, and bridge the gap between the life we were living and the life we truly wanted.

That's when we decided to write a family mission statement—a guiding framework to help us live with intention.

The Challenge: How Do You Write a Family Mission Statement?

While I found plenty of advice on why mission statements matter, I struggled to find practical guidance on creating one. So, my husband and I developed our own step-by-step process, which we later shared on Circles of Faith.

We set aside a few hours, grabbed oversized sheets of paper, markers, and pens—plus a warm cup of tea—and worked through our Mission Statement Discussion Sheet. We reflected on our values, passions, and the kind of life we wanted to build for our family.

But even after multiple discussions, something still felt incomplete. Our statement didn't fully capture what we wanted our family to be.

The Missing Piece: Family Culture

As I researched how well-known companies developed their mission statements, I kept running into the concept of culture—and why it was crucial to their success.

That's when it clicked: we weren't just defining a mission but shaping our family culture.

What Is Family Culture?

Culture is the heartbeat of any organization—including families. According to Wikipedia, organizational culture is "the behavior of humans within an organization and the meaning that people attach to those behaviors."

Think about it:

• Patagonia is known for its commitment to the environment.

• Google is known for innovation and a stimulating work culture.

• Chipotle is known for high-quality, ethically sourced ingredients.

Just like businesses, families develop a unique culture—a set of values, beliefs, and traditions passed down from generation to generation.

Your family culture shapes:

✔️ How you relate to one another

✔️ How you work together

✔️ How you navigate challenges and pursue goals

It's the DNA of your family, the foundation of "This is just how we do things."

Why Does Family Culture Matter?

Studies show that family culture plays a more significant role in shaping a child's development than parenting styles alone.

And here's the truth: Your family already has a culture. The question is—are you shaping it with intention?

👉 In the workplace, a strong culture keeps employees engaged.

👉 In a family, a strong culture fosters connection, belonging, and stability.

When life gets hectic (and it will), your family culture will anchor you and your children, keeping them grounded in shared values.

Want to Create Your Own Family Mission Statement? Here's How:

If you're ready to be intentional about shaping your family's culture, here's our suggestion:

✅ Set aside dedicated time with your spouse. No distractions—just focused conversation.

✅ Gather pen and paper. Take notes as you reflect and discuss.

✅ Reflect on your past together. Talk about your favorite childhood memories. Where did you spend most of your time—at home or a friend's? Why? What sights, sounds, and smells represent home to you?

✅ Consider what makes other homes feel welcoming. When you visit others, what makes you feel at ease? What do you always count on when you're with them?

✅ Determine what you want your family to be known for. You're already building a family culture—whether intentionally or not. Are the habits and values in place the ones you want to continue, or do you need to shift course?

✅ Brainstorm how to bring that culture to life. It may mean adjusting your schedule, realigning your priorities, or even rethinking how you spend money. The things you say yes and no to will shape your family's culture.

The insights from this process—our core values, passions, and priorities—became the foundation of our family mission statement. Just like a successful business, ministry, or organization, our mission statement, when adhered to, would cultivate the culture we desire.

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Prefer the ease of listening to reading? No problem! Just click play to listen to this episode of The Family Culture Project. Ep. 1 What is Culture and What Does it Have to Do with Families? (Now the Build Your Best Family podcast.)

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Want to start cultivating your family's culture? 

Download this free Family Culture Discussion Sheet. It includes questions that will allow you to explore who you are as a family and challenge you to dream about what you could be together.

How Daily Non-Negotiables Transformed My Life (And How They Can Change Yours Too!)

There was a time when my schedule was pure chaos. I juggled family responsibilities, a ministry, and ambitious ideas—yet I constantly felt like I was falling behind. Every day was a race to "get it all done," but deep down, I knew something had to change.

So, I hired a life coach. I expected help with my online presence, but what she gave me was far more valuable. One of her first questions stopped me in my tracks:

💬 "What are your daily non-negotiables?"

In other words, What five things must happen each day for you to feel good about your life?

At the time, everything felt negotiable. Life's urgent demands dictated my day rather than intentional priorities. But this simple question forced me to rethink how I approached my time.

What Are Non-Negotiables?

Non-negotiables are pre-decided commitments based on your values and beliefs. They are the things you will not compromise in areas like family, relationships, faith, or personal growth.

When I sat down to define mine, I realized they weren't grand achievements—they were the small, meaningful actions that left me feeling fulfilled. My list included:

✅ Time with God – Prayer, Bible reading, or quiet reflection.

✅ Quality time with my kids – Talking, reading, homework, or bedtime routines.

✅ A tidy (not perfect) house – Simply ensuring everything has its place.

✅ Creative expression – Writing, designing, or organizing something.

✅ Connection with my husband – Even just a meaningful conversation.

Once I identified these priorities, I made intentional space for them in my day. It wasn't about rigid schedules but ensuring these essential things always happened. Over time, they became habits that brought clarity, peace, and a renewed sense of control over my life.

How to Identify Your Non-Negotiables

If you feel like life is running you instead of the other way around, try this simple process:

1️⃣ Brainstorm what truly matters. Imagine designing an ideal day that aligns with your values and responsibilities. Write down everything that comes to mind.

2️⃣ Choose five (or fewer). Prioritize what's realistically achievable. Consistently doing a few things is better than taking on too much and feeling discouraged.

3️⃣ Schedule them. Block time in your calendar for your non-negotiables. They don't have to happen at the same time daily—make sure they happen.

The Power of Non-Negotiables

Your daily habits shape your life. The more you intentionally align your routine with what truly matters, the more control you'll feel over your time—and ultimately, your future.

When I prioritized my non-negotiables, I no longer felt overwhelmed or like a victim of my to-do list. I had clarity, peace, and realistic expectations for how to manage the rest of my time.

✨ Are you ready to take back control of your days? Start small, stay consistent, and watch your life transform.

Breaking Free from Default Culture: How to Intentionally Shape Your Family’s Traditions

When I first got married, I navigated life—solving problems, handling conflict, and structuring my days—based on what I had experienced growing up. Just as my parents passed culture down to me, I unintentionally passed it down to my family.

I was operating in a default culture—doing things simply because “that’s how I’ve always done it.” There wasn’t necessarily an issue with what I was doing, but rather why I was doing it that way. Was I being intentional, or was I following a script from my past?

Reflecting on Your Own Upbringing

To design a meaningful culture for your family, reflect on your childhood. Ask yourself:

• Where did you spend most of your time as a child? At home? With friends? Why?

• What are some of your favorite childhood traditions?

• What could you always count on growing up?

• What were you missing as a child or young adult?

This process might bring up difficult emotions, but the goal isn’t to dwell on regret. Instead, use this reflection to determine what’s worth keeping and what needs to be left behind.

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Get started today! Set aside dedicated time to discuss your family culture. To help, I’ve created a Family Culture Discussion Sheet with powerful reflection questions. DOWNLOAD IT FOR FREE.

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Why This Matters for Your Family

When you examine your past, you can:

✅ Recognize the default culture shaping your life – Celebrate the good, but also identify what no longer serves you.

✅ Avoid unmet expectations that lead to conflict – I assumed my husband would act like my dad—home for dinner every night, working in the yard on weekends, planning vacations. When he didn’t, frustration built. Recognizing these differences helped us align our expectations.

✅ Create a foundation for success – Once you decide what to keep and what to change, you can be intentional about building traditions that serve your family.

You have the power to design your family culture—don’t let it be determined by default!

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Do you prefer the ease of listening to reading? No problem! Just click play to hear this episode of The Family Culture Project. Episode 04 Past Present and Future Culture. (Now the Build Your Best Family podcast.)

How to Stop Just Surviving and Start Living Intentionally: A Guide to Taking Control of Your Life

Many mornings, I woke up feeling utterly overwhelmed, exhausted, and hopeless.

My life was good on the surface—I had a loving family, a comfortable home, and a full calendar. But beneath it all, I felt like I had no real control over my days. I juggled housework, school drop-offs, sports practices, volunteering, and meal planning. On rare occasions, I squeezed in some writing. Somehow, I managed to get it all done—albeit with a few mishaps—but I never felt like I was truly excelling at anything.

Somewhere in the chaos of suburban life, my deepest values, beliefs, and dreams had gotten lost. I wasn't thriving; I was merely surviving.

And then there were the creative ideas—the ones I never pursued. I felt stretched too thin, disconnected from real community, and desperate to do something well.

A Defining Moment

I started asking myself:

• Where do I want my family to be five years from now?

• What do I want us to be known for?

• How are we going to get there?

I wanted more than survival—I wanted a life of meaning and purpose beyond just conquering a to-do list.

Can you relate?

What Is Intentional Living?

For me, intentional living is about deciding what you want your life to look like, defining what truly matters, and actively pursuing it.

According to Wikipedia:

"Intentional living is any lifestyle based on an individual or group's conscious attempts to live according to their values and beliefs. These can include lifestyles based on religious or ethical values, as well as coaching, personal transformation, and leadership training."

But let's be clear—intentional living will NOT:

❌ Give you a perfect life

❌ Make you look like you have it all together

❌ Put you in the spotlight

❌ Provide all the answers

For a long time, I believed living with purpose, controlling my time, and pursuing my dreams was impossible. But I was wrong.

How I Shifted from Overwhelmed to Intentional

Here are the steps I took to regain control and create a life aligned with my values:

1. Decide to change.

How you've done things in the past does not have to dictate your future. Every day is an opportunity to make a different choice. But change requires courage—you may need to break old habits and step into discomfort.

💡 Truth: You will not change what you are willing to tolerate.

2. Identify what you want to change.

What areas of your life feel unfulfilling? What do you wish were different?

For me, I realized I was spread too thin. I wanted to stop being a "Jack of all trades" and instead focus on one thing deeply enough to do it well.

3. Define your non-negotiables.

Someone once asked me, "What are the five things that must happen every day for you to feel good?" Answering this was hard at first, but it gave me clarity. Over time, my non-negotiables have evolved, but they remain a guiding force in my daily decisions.

4. Clarify your values.

What truly matters to you and your family? Your values shape how you live, work, and interact with others. While many values are worthwhile, yours should reflect what is most important to you.

5. Examine how you spend your time.

Do you have enough time for what truly matters? Take a realistic look at your schedule. Track your time in blocks and assign specific activities to those blocks.

You might realize:

✅ You've been expecting too much from yourself.

✅ You're wasting time on things that don't align with your values.

✅ You have more control over your schedule than you think.

This step takes refinement, but it's life-changing.

6. Connect with like-minded people.

One of the best things I did was surround myself with others who were also striving to live intentionally. Whether it was a friend, an online community, or a mentor, having support and encouragement made all the difference.

You don't have to do this alone. A life coach, accountability partner, or even just a trusted friend can help you stay focused and motivated.

The Results of Living Intentionally

My life is far from perfect. But today, I make more thoughtful decisions for my family and myself. I no longer feel like life is just happening to me—I have clarity and purpose in how I use my time. And the best part? I see the fruits of living with intention:

✅ A more peaceful, connected home environment

✅ Progress toward personal and professional goals

✅ A deep sense of fulfillment

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Are you ready to shift from surviving to thriving? 

Feeling overwhelmed by the chaos of family life? Take back control with our Frazzled to Focused mini-course! Learn how to simplify your schedule, prioritize what truly matters, and integrate self-care—all while building a life that reflects your deepest values. Say goodbye to stress and hello to clarity, balance, and intention. Enroll today and start living with purpose!

Build Your Best Family Podcast: Create a Thriving Family Culture

When my husband, Carl, and I first got married, we had so many ideas of what family life would be like. We envisioned a welcoming home with an open-door policy, a family that loves and serves God together, and a simple life that prioritized relationships.

However, after moving to the suburbs, having a few kids, and investing in our careers, we discovered that the values, beliefs, and expectations we had for our family had gotten lost in the shuffle of modern-day life.

We found ourselves stuck in survival mode, barely getting through the week. We packed our schedules with school activities, sports, church, and volunteer commitments. These were all good things, but we felt like we didn't have control over the direction our family was heading.

We realized it was time to change the trajectory of our family.

Carl and I set out to create a mission statement to bridge the gap between the life we were living and the life we had hoped for. It turned out to be harder than we thought. After a few failed attempts, I began researching how successful companies created theirs.

That's when I discovered the power of culture and the role it plays in a thriving organization.

Along the way, I realized that the same principles that cause an organization's culture to flourish and succeed can help a family thrive.

That's why we created Build Your Best Family, a weekly podcast that empowers you to create a thriving family culture. Since January 2018, we've been having real, honest conversations with experts, leaders, and everyday people who are intentionally building families that reflect their values and beliefs. Sometimes, I'm joined by my good friend for special episodes called "Friends Talking Family."

You don't have to feel hopeless about the path your family is on. You can create a home culture that reflects your family's core values with thought and deliberate steps.

As a result, you'll be able to lead with purpose and passion and foster unity within your family. When it's time for your children to leave home, they will have a foundation of confidence and purpose that equips them to follow their personal mission and embrace who God has created them to be.

We want to be upfront with you—we don't have all the answers. However, we've both experienced intentional culture and default culture in business, ministry, and family. We've studied what makes some organizations succeed while others fail. Since we're right in the middle of raising our own kids, we're learning alongside you as we explore what it takes to build a family that thrives.

We can't promise you'll make all the right parenting choices, or your kids will never make mistakes. But we can promise that if you do the work to establish your values and beliefs—and translate them into behaviors that can be repeated and measured—you will build a family culture that anchors your home in what matters most.

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