True parenting flows from what’s inside us. Sometimes, in our fear of failing as parents, we scramble toward outward methods. But Jesus insists we give Him our insides first. David said this: “What you’re after is truth from the inside out. Enter me, then; conceive a new, true life” (Psalm 51:6, MSG). Reflect in writing how Jesus has conceived a new, true life in you. How has His alteration of you affected the way you parent?

—Mary E. DeMuth

This is part of Mary E. DeMuth’s guided journal, “Creating the Family You Always Wanted,” a 12-week journey in Christian parenting. Twice a week, you’ll receive a new journaling prompt encouraging you to think about your family–and God–in new ways. Use these prompts in your own journal or in group discussion. If you’re joining this journal mid-way through, you can start journaling at any time, and stay subscribed at the end, when the journal will restart and you can receive the prompts that you missed.