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PMDD And Christian Motherhood: How To Navigate Hormonal Struggles And Faith
Categories: Faith, Mental Health, Motherhood

PMDD And Christian Motherhood: How To Navigate Hormonal Struggles And Faith

Motherhood is a beautiful calling—one filled with joy, challenges, and moments that stretch our hearts and our faith. But for those of us who wrestle with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), the calling can feel especially heavy. Hormonal storms can collide with the daily demands of parenting, leaving us feeling overwhelmed, irritable, and sometimes far from the version of ourselves we long to be. How do we balance the weight of PMDD with the ... Read more

Faithful Homemaking: How to Find Purpose in the Calling
Categories: Uncategorized

Faithful Homemaking: How to Find Purpose in the Calling

Be ... Read more

Anchored by Hope: My Faith Journey of Redemption and New Life in Christ
Categories: Faith

Anchored by Hope: My Faith Journey of Redemption and New Life in Christ

As ... Read more

8 Valuable Lessons Learned from 8 Years of Marriage
Categories: Faith, Uncategorized

8 Valuable Lessons Learned from 8 Years of Marriage

In ... Read more

5 Practical Ways to Prepare Your Heart For Holy Week
Categories: Faith, Motherhood

5 Practical Ways to Prepare Your Heart For Holy Week

Si ... Read more

The Best Homemade Chicken Nuggets
Categories: DIY

The Best Homemade Chicken Nuggets

I ... Read more

The Truth About Motherhood and the Mistaken Identity
Categories: Faith, Motherhood

The Truth About Motherhood and the Mistaken Identity

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The Best Bible Study Resources for Any Believer
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The Best Bible Study Resources for Any Believer

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5 Easy Ways to Help Rest & Reset in the Lord
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5 Easy Ways to Help Rest & Reset in the Lord

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Simple Wellness Strategies for a Balanced Life with ADHD
Categories: Mental Health

Simple Wellness Strategies for a Balanced Life with ADHD

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Meet Nicole

Meet Nicole

Hi, I’m Nicole, and Anchored by Hope is my story of transformation and grace. Before giving my life to Jesus at 24, I lived a life far from where I am today—a mom, homemaker, and beauty artist Anchored by Hope. With a background in Biblical Studies and a passion for helping women find beauty—both inside and out—I’m here to share how God’s Word can transform our everyday lives. Join me as I explore the messy, beautiful, and faith-filled journey of motherhood, homemaking, and living out God’s grace.

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PMDD And Christian Motherhood: How To Navigate Hormonal Struggles And Faith

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Faithful Homemaking: How to Find Purpose in the Calling

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I debated even posting this, but we could really u I debated even posting this, but we could really use some wisdom and prayer right now 🤍

Our dog was just quoted around $7,000 for surgery on his CCL (the dog equivalent to an ACL? But called a TPLO because of his size).

We love him so much, but that cost is honestly more than we can responsibly take on without putting our family in a difficult position.

We’re trying to be wise and prayerful with this, so I wanted to ask:�– Does anyone know of more affordable vets, clinics, or vet schools that might offer lower-cost options? (I’ve tried thrive, compassion, + vca)�– Any experience with organizations that help with situations like this?

We have care credit but it’s beyond our limit and taking out even a short term loan would be too hard with the interest and the fear of something happening where we’d need that for the kids. 

This all feels a little like déjà vu because almost a decade ago we walked through something similar with Baloo. Back then, I had set up a fundraiser that really helped offset the cost—but it also wasn’t nearly this high.

I’ve had a few thoughts swirling and wanted to gently put this out there… would anyone be interested in something like that again? 

I have options now that I’m affiliated with Paper Pie again, like virtual book fairs and “Cards for a Cause,” (that’s what we did for Baloo!) where a good portion could go toward helping Kodi.

We’re first just trying to figure out what the right path even is. Your prayers, advice, or even just sharing this would mean so much to us 🤍

Thank you for caring about our family (and our sweet Kodi)! It means more than you know.
My littlest guy accepted Jesus into his heart last My littlest guy accepted Jesus into his heart last night 🥹🙌🏽

I want to hold onto this moment forever so I’m sharing it here.

Last night, Simon in all his jolly joy was professing biblical truths that honestly some of us can’t even comprehend or acknowledge; Jesus is Gods son who died for us, Jesus and God are one with the Holy Spirit, Jesus died for our sins on the cross, Jesus loves us so much. 

We talked about how when we accept Jesus into our hearts, there is nothing that can ever separate us from God. I told him that one day, when he was ready, we could pray together and invite Jesus in.

He wanted to pray that instant.

So we did.

The beauty of it all is this: Simon did something that holds so many people back from an intimate and intentional relationship with our Savior—he freely and honestly admitted his need for a Savior. He acknowledged that even at 5, he is a sinner—that he falls short of the glory of God, just like all of us (Romans 3:23).

But he also understands this: that it is while we are still sinners that Christ died for us.

I’ll be honest—when I first gave my life to Jesus at 23, it was hard for me to understand how someone so young could truly grasp faith like this. But God, in His sweet and perfect sense of humor, gave me three little ones who would.

I pray that my children would continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ, and that they would love the Lord their God with all their heart, mind, soul, and strength all the days of their lives.

If you’ve been waiting—feeling like you need to have it all figured out first—you don’t. Faith can begin in the simplest, most honest prayer.

And if you’ve walked with Jesus for years, I pray this encourages you to return to that childlike faith—the kind that simply believes, trusts, and receives His love.
As a 3rd grade teacher, I get asked all the time: As a 3rd grade teacher, I get asked all the time:

“What books should my child be reading?”

And honestly… the kids who are growing the most in reading right now aren’t always reading the “hardest” books — they’re the ones who actually enjoy what they’re reading.

So I wanted to share a few things my students genuinely love right now:

📚 Read-aloud favorites
My class still gets SO excited for Nibbles (every time 😂) and they love longer stories too — we’ve read things like Cordelia and even The Wingfeather Saga, and they are completely locked in. Kids really do rise to the level of great stories when you read them together.

📚 Early chapter books
Nate the Great is still a favorite in my room — those confidence-building books matter so much at this age.

📚 For kids who think they “don’t like reading”
The Shine-a-Light books are constantly being picked up in my classroom. Something about the interactive element just clicks for those kids.

📚 For kids who love action/adventure
The I Survived series is HUGE right now. If your child loves those, they’re drawn to fast-paced, high-interest stories — which is such a great place to build from.

📚 Fun nonfiction lovers
My class is obsessed with question-and-answer books and 100 fact books — they love flipping, exploring, and learning random facts to share with each other.

Honestly, my classroom is kind of filled with these types of books (mostly thanks to generous teacher friends) because they’re the ones kids actually reach for.

If you ever feel stuck finding the right book for your child, I’m always happy to help 🤍

And if you want to browse, I did put a bunch of these favorites together in one place.
Feeling so grateful 🤍 Thank you for all the birthd Feeling so grateful 🤍 Thank you for all the birthday love—your time and words mean more than you know.

38 started off pretty sweet —literally 😆 Donuts and cannolis from Allegretis for breakfast, a protein latte in hand, a shutout win at the rink, and a mother–son skate with my boys.

Grateful for this life and the many blessings I’m so aware of.
Progress pictures 🥰🥰 I am so blessed 🥹. And not Progress pictures 🥰🥰 
I am so blessed 🥹.

And not in a “my life is perfect, nothing is wrong, look at me I’m blessed” kind of way. 

But in a “life is messy, I am a mess, and yet my rebel heart is constantly being lavished with love and encouragement through my God and His people” kind of way.

This whole summer has been one giant trust fall. I’m learning what it really means to surrender my expectations—to make my plans but ultimately let the Lord lead the way.

If you knew me before the age of 24, then reading these words probably feels nothing short of crazy 🤪. But friends—the goodness of God is real. It’s available to everyone if you’ll just believe, receive, and continue to follow Jesus.

Has this journey been easy? Absolutely not. But it has been filled with growth, faithfulness, and answered prayers beyond what I could have ever asked for or imagined.

So yes—I’m thrilled to keep sharing my classroom’s transformation, because it represents so much more than décor or bulletin boards. It’s a living picture of what the Lord can do when we simply trust Him.

✨P.S. I can hardly believe it, but my classroom wish list is almost completely fulfilled! 🥹 Just a few items remain, and I know the Lord will provide in His timing. If you feel led to help, it would mean the world to me and my students. 💛 
-> https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2PA5A7D911SGY?ref_=wl_share
Prayer doesn’t have to be complicated. Some days Prayer doesn’t have to be complicated.

Some days my prayers are long, other days they’re just a whispered “help.” But one of my favorite tools for staying rooted in conversation with God is the P.R.A.Y. framework:

P — Praise
Begin by worshiping God for who He is.
💬 “Lord, You are faithful, good, and full of mercy.”

R — Repent
Confess where you’ve fallen short, and rest in His grace.
💬 “Forgive me for rushing ahead of You and for my impatience.”

A — Ask
Bring your needs (and the needs of others) to Him.
💬 “Give me wisdom for the decisions ahead and peace in my waiting.”

Y — Yield
Surrender your plans to Him and listen for His leading.
💬 “I release my agenda. Align my heart with Yours.”

You can use P.R.A.Y. in the morning, in a journal, while doing dishes, or before bed—it’s less about the “how” and more about the “Who.”

💌 I shared this full guide (plus a printable version you can tuck in your Bible) in my weekly email this week.
Not on the list yet? Join now so you never miss a resource or encouragement drop — the link is in my bio.

💬 Do you already have a prayer rhythm? Or is this a tool you’d use?

Follow @iamanchoredbyhope

I debated even posting this, but we could really u I debated even posting this, but we could really use some wisdom and prayer right now 🤍

Our dog was just quoted around $7,000 for surgery on his CCL (the dog equivalent to an ACL? But called a TPLO because of his size).

We love him so much, but that cost is honestly more than we can responsibly take on without putting our family in a difficult position.

We’re trying to be wise and prayerful with this, so I wanted to ask:�– Does anyone know of more affordable vets, clinics, or vet schools that might offer lower-cost options? (I’ve tried thrive, compassion, + vca)�– Any experience with organizations that help with situations like this?

We have care credit but it’s beyond our limit and taking out even a short term loan would be too hard with the interest and the fear of something happening where we’d need that for the kids. 

This all feels a little like déjà vu because almost a decade ago we walked through something similar with Baloo. Back then, I had set up a fundraiser that really helped offset the cost—but it also wasn’t nearly this high.

I’ve had a few thoughts swirling and wanted to gently put this out there… would anyone be interested in something like that again? 

I have options now that I’m affiliated with Paper Pie again, like virtual book fairs and “Cards for a Cause,” (that’s what we did for Baloo!) where a good portion could go toward helping Kodi.

We’re first just trying to figure out what the right path even is. Your prayers, advice, or even just sharing this would mean so much to us 🤍

Thank you for caring about our family (and our sweet Kodi)! It means more than you know.
My littlest guy accepted Jesus into his heart last My littlest guy accepted Jesus into his heart last night 🥹🙌🏽

I want to hold onto this moment forever so I’m sharing it here.

Last night, Simon in all his jolly joy was professing biblical truths that honestly some of us can’t even comprehend or acknowledge; Jesus is Gods son who died for us, Jesus and God are one with the Holy Spirit, Jesus died for our sins on the cross, Jesus loves us so much. 

We talked about how when we accept Jesus into our hearts, there is nothing that can ever separate us from God. I told him that one day, when he was ready, we could pray together and invite Jesus in.

He wanted to pray that instant.

So we did.

The beauty of it all is this: Simon did something that holds so many people back from an intimate and intentional relationship with our Savior—he freely and honestly admitted his need for a Savior. He acknowledged that even at 5, he is a sinner—that he falls short of the glory of God, just like all of us (Romans 3:23).

But he also understands this: that it is while we are still sinners that Christ died for us.

I’ll be honest—when I first gave my life to Jesus at 23, it was hard for me to understand how someone so young could truly grasp faith like this. But God, in His sweet and perfect sense of humor, gave me three little ones who would.

I pray that my children would continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ, and that they would love the Lord their God with all their heart, mind, soul, and strength all the days of their lives.

If you’ve been waiting—feeling like you need to have it all figured out first—you don’t. Faith can begin in the simplest, most honest prayer.

And if you’ve walked with Jesus for years, I pray this encourages you to return to that childlike faith—the kind that simply believes, trusts, and receives His love.
As a 3rd grade teacher, I get asked all the time: As a 3rd grade teacher, I get asked all the time:

“What books should my child be reading?”

And honestly… the kids who are growing the most in reading right now aren’t always reading the “hardest” books — they’re the ones who actually enjoy what they’re reading.

So I wanted to share a few things my students genuinely love right now:

📚 Read-aloud favorites
My class still gets SO excited for Nibbles (every time 😂) and they love longer stories too — we’ve read things like Cordelia and even The Wingfeather Saga, and they are completely locked in. Kids really do rise to the level of great stories when you read them together.

📚 Early chapter books
Nate the Great is still a favorite in my room — those confidence-building books matter so much at this age.

📚 For kids who think they “don’t like reading”
The Shine-a-Light books are constantly being picked up in my classroom. Something about the interactive element just clicks for those kids.

📚 For kids who love action/adventure
The I Survived series is HUGE right now. If your child loves those, they’re drawn to fast-paced, high-interest stories — which is such a great place to build from.

📚 Fun nonfiction lovers
My class is obsessed with question-and-answer books and 100 fact books — they love flipping, exploring, and learning random facts to share with each other.

Honestly, my classroom is kind of filled with these types of books (mostly thanks to generous teacher friends) because they’re the ones kids actually reach for.

If you ever feel stuck finding the right book for your child, I’m always happy to help 🤍

And if you want to browse, I did put a bunch of these favorites together in one place.
Feeling so grateful 🤍 Thank you for all the birthd Feeling so grateful 🤍 Thank you for all the birthday love—your time and words mean more than you know.

38 started off pretty sweet —literally 😆 Donuts and cannolis from Allegretis for breakfast, a protein latte in hand, a shutout win at the rink, and a mother–son skate with my boys.

Grateful for this life and the many blessings I’m so aware of.
Progress pictures 🥰🥰 I am so blessed 🥹. And not Progress pictures 🥰🥰 
I am so blessed 🥹.

And not in a “my life is perfect, nothing is wrong, look at me I’m blessed” kind of way. 

But in a “life is messy, I am a mess, and yet my rebel heart is constantly being lavished with love and encouragement through my God and His people” kind of way.

This whole summer has been one giant trust fall. I’m learning what it really means to surrender my expectations—to make my plans but ultimately let the Lord lead the way.

If you knew me before the age of 24, then reading these words probably feels nothing short of crazy 🤪. But friends—the goodness of God is real. It’s available to everyone if you’ll just believe, receive, and continue to follow Jesus.

Has this journey been easy? Absolutely not. But it has been filled with growth, faithfulness, and answered prayers beyond what I could have ever asked for or imagined.

So yes—I’m thrilled to keep sharing my classroom’s transformation, because it represents so much more than décor or bulletin boards. It’s a living picture of what the Lord can do when we simply trust Him.

✨P.S. I can hardly believe it, but my classroom wish list is almost completely fulfilled! 🥹 Just a few items remain, and I know the Lord will provide in His timing. If you feel led to help, it would mean the world to me and my students. 💛 
-> https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2PA5A7D911SGY?ref_=wl_share
Prayer doesn’t have to be complicated. Some days Prayer doesn’t have to be complicated.

Some days my prayers are long, other days they’re just a whispered “help.” But one of my favorite tools for staying rooted in conversation with God is the P.R.A.Y. framework:

P — Praise
Begin by worshiping God for who He is.
💬 “Lord, You are faithful, good, and full of mercy.”

R — Repent
Confess where you’ve fallen short, and rest in His grace.
💬 “Forgive me for rushing ahead of You and for my impatience.”

A — Ask
Bring your needs (and the needs of others) to Him.
💬 “Give me wisdom for the decisions ahead and peace in my waiting.”

Y — Yield
Surrender your plans to Him and listen for His leading.
💬 “I release my agenda. Align my heart with Yours.”

You can use P.R.A.Y. in the morning, in a journal, while doing dishes, or before bed—it’s less about the “how” and more about the “Who.”

💌 I shared this full guide (plus a printable version you can tuck in your Bible) in my weekly email this week.
Not on the list yet? Join now so you never miss a resource or encouragement drop — the link is in my bio.

💬 Do you already have a prayer rhythm? Or is this a tool you’d use?

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