Letting God prevail in our schedules, schooling, and souls
“A righteous woman never says no.”
Unfortunately, I fear this has become part of our gospel culture.
For years, I wore that cultural script like a badge of honor—until it frayed into burnout disguised as devotion. If your to-do list feels holier than your heart does, this post is for you.
1. Alignment Beats Achievement
President Russell M. Nelson teaches that the very name Israel describes those “willing to let God prevail” in their lives. Alignment is simply allowing His will to shape what we do.
The New Testament sisters illustrate the choice:
Martha Mary
“Cumbered about much serving.”
Focused on flawless hospitality.
“Sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard His word.”
Focused on presence with Christ.
Jesus didn’t scold Martha for serving; He invited her to choose “that good part” (Luke 10:38-42). In other words, swap frantic productivity for focused discipleship.
King Benjamin echoes the invitation:
“Do all things in wisdom and order; it is not requisite that [we] should run faster than [we] have strength.” — Mosiah 4:27
Mini-Reflection
● Where am I confusing “doing more” with “becoming more?”
● Which of my current tasks feels aligned with Christ—and which feel frantic?
(Pause. Jot a thought. Alignment always starts with awareness.) 2. Love vs. “Have-To” Fuel
Moroni tells us that charity—not guilt—never fails (Moroni 7:47). Yet “have-to” fuel sneaks in:
● Duty-only: “If I skip science today, I’m a bad mom.”
● Should-police: “What will the Relief Society president think if I decline?”
President Nelson (Apr 2025) testified that charity and virtue “open the way to confidence before God.” Confidence feels light. Guilt feels heavy.
The Fuel Check
1. Label the motive: love or fear?
2. Breathe and invite the Spirit.
3. Realign if needed (“Lord, help me do this in love—or help me release it.”).
3. Agency-Fueled Action—Why Choosing Beats “Should-ing” ● “They are free to choose liberty and eternal life.” — 2 Nephi 2:27 ● “Do many things of [your] own free will.” — D&C 58:27
God designed agency to power discipleship. The same task that breeds resentment when forced can overflow with joy when freely chosen.
Watch for Trigger Words
have to • must • should • ought
When you hear one in your head, pause and reframe:
“I choose to ___ because ___.”
Elder Dale G. Renlund said, ”Our Heavenly Father’s goal in parenting is not to have His children do what is right; it is to have His children choose to do what is right and
ultimately become like Him…God is not interested in His children just becoming trained and obedient “pets” who will not chew on His slippers in the celestial living room. No, God wants His children to grow up spiritually and join Him in the family business. “ (Choose You This Day, October, 2018, General Conference)
4. Breaking the “Never Say No” Myth
Sister Sharon Eubank said the following while quoting Elder Jeffrey R. Holland:
“Elder Jeffrey R. Holland said: “It is not intended that we run faster than we have strength. … But [in spite of] that, I know … many of you run [very,] very fast and that [the] energy and emotional supply sometimes registers close to empty.” When expectations overwhelm us, we can step back and ask Heavenly Father what to let go of. Part of our life experience is learning what not to do. But even so, sometimes life can be exhausting. Jesus assures us, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Christ is willing to join with us in the yoke and pull in order to lighten our burdens. Christ is rest.” –Sharon Eubank, April 2019
Try This Audit
1. List every Church, co-op, family, and community commitment. 2. Circle the ones the Holy Ghost clearly assigned you.
3. Cross out or postpone the rest.
4. Ask yourself, “How can I come unto Christ as I intentionally follow through on these inspired commitments?”
Rest isn’t laziness; it’s covenant keeping. When we yoke ourselves to Christ, He carries the weight—and tells us which loads to set down.
5. Divine Discontent vs. Destructive Comparison
Sister Michelle D. Craig calls it divine discontent—the holy itch to grow. Satan offers a counterfeit: the shame spiral of never enough.
“Peace comes in knowing that being more does *not necessarily equate to doing more.” — Michelle D. Craig, Oct 2018
Practice
● Three deep breaths.
● Pray: “Lord, what one next step will bring my homeschool closer to Thy vision today?”
● Act—then let the rest wait.
6. Your Greatest Commodity Is You
Your curriculum can be outsourced; a peaceful mother cannot. Paul taught, “Ye are the temple of God” (1 Cor 3:16). Caring for your body, mind, and spirit is covenant stewardship.
A replenished mom radiates the gospel she teaches.
7. Practical Alignment Rituals
Daily Weekly
5-minute Alignment Prayer: “What would Thou have me become today?”
Love-Language Swap: “I have to → I choose to.”
Conclusion
Yes/No Inventory: Hold each task in Mosiah 4:27’s light.
Rotate a “Mary Hour” into the calendar—an hour of study, stillness, or temple service.
Alignment births confidence; rest renews influence. Your greatest commodity is you—a daughter of God whose well-tuned will can bless generations.
This Week’s Invitation
Practice the Fuel Check once a day. Note in a journal how self-stewardship shifts the atmosphere of your homeschool. Then share your insight with a fellow mom who needs permission to slow down and let love lead.
Let God prevail, and choose joy as the fuel for your homeschool.
May your homeschool be fueled by love, paced by wisdom, and anchored in Christ.