Emily Mercer

As a young mom, I love seeing Christmas through my children’s eyes. The lights seem brighter, the music sweeter, and the idea that magic could be real feels almost tangible. Like many families, ours enjoys Santa, elves, and all the fun traditions that come with them. But as a Christian mom, I also carry a deep responsibility: making sure the wonder of Christmas never overshadows the reason we celebrate in the first place—the birth of Jesus Christ. I don’t believe Santa and elves have to be...

If there is one thing motherhood has taught me, it’s that gratitude isn’t something we drift into naturally—it’s something we choose, daily, in the middle of messes, meals, and moments that don’t always feel picture-perfect. As Thanksgiving approaches, I’ve been thinking a lot about what it means to truly weave Christ into this season, especially for my two little ones who are just beginning to understand what “being thankful” really means. And here’s the truth we sometimes glide past as we...

I used to think I could handle everything on my own. I’m a mom of two little boys — loud, lovable, and full of energy — and I figured that with enough coffee and determination, I could do it all. But motherhood has a way of teaching you that strength isn’t found in isolation. It’s found in community. Somewhere between diaper changes, sleepless nights, and the endless cycle of “Mom, watch this!” I realized I was running on fumes. I was giving everything I had but never getting refueled. That’s...