Generated by All in One SEO v5.0.1.1, this is an llms.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site.## Sitemaps - [XML Sitemap](https://ginalsmith.com/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website. ## Posts - [When You Have Questions About Parenting](https://ginalsmith.com/when-you-have-questions-about-parenting/) - I am often approached by young moms with questions about parenting, and even though I might come up with an idea they can try, or remember something I may have done with my kids, it can feel like I don’t have much to offer them. Normally, my answer is something like the following: • Pray! - [Wearily Rejoicing](https://ginalsmith.com/wearily-rejoicing/) - Christmas time can be a hard time of year. I love buying gifts and spending time with the people I love, but often find myself struggling during the Christmas season. The sadness and changes in life are magnified during this season, one in which we put so much effort into establishing and maintaining familiar routines. - [Having Babies Changes You](https://ginalsmith.com/having-babies-changes-you/) - I have experienced many emotions, as I've watched my daughter become a mama this summer. I have felt excitement for her as I watch her care for her own precious daughter, and encouragement to see she and her husband step up and take on this new season of life together. I remember the days when - [Home For The Holidays](https://ginalsmith.com/__trashed/) - Hey friend I was wondering: Are you dreading the holidays? Does thinking about Thanksgiving and Christmas cause you to feel overwhelmed? Do you battle feelings of sadness, depressions, or just a general feeling of heaviness especially during the months of November and December? Does this time of year stir up feelings of loneliness or longing - [13 Things That Will Prepare You For the Holiday Season](https://ginalsmith.com/13-things-that-will-prepare-you-for-the-holiday-season/) - I’ve always loved the holiday season - or at least I’ve loved the idea of it! I get wrapped up in the ideal and allow the commercialization of the season to create a picture of what I want things to look like. I clean and decorate my home, look for festive recipes, search for the - [I Need You! Why the Younger and Older Generations Need Each Other ](https://ginalsmith.com/i-need-you-why-the-younger-and-older-generations-need-each-other/) - My husband and I are members of a wonderful church plant that is located right in the middle of inner-city Baltimore. It was not our intent to become a part of a church in the city, but we had been looking for a church for a while, so when some good friends invited us to - [A Gift](https://ginalsmith.com/a-gift/) - I had goals for my family and for the kind of relationship I wanted to have with my kids when I became a mom. Some of those goals were achieved & some of them ended up being impossible as the realities of life and parenting set in. It’s easy to have an ideal in your - [A New Thing](https://ginalsmith.com/a-new-thing/) - The enemy keeps telling us that we don’t fit in anywhere, we aren’t good enough, there’s not a place for us, that we are failures & we’ve failed as parents. He is relentless as he tries to convince us that it’s too late & that God has forgotten us.We are finding hope in these timeless, - [Freedom](https://ginalsmith.com/freedom/) - Every person is born with a clean slate. We move slowly forward, making choices and learning as we go. Making mistakes. Sinning. Battling fear. Yet, if we make the time to take a bird’s eye view, we will see that, even though there have been those dark place in our lives, there is also someone - [The Knot](https://ginalsmith.com/the-knot/) - Monday morning…It is early morning, and the faint sound of the coffee grinder draws me into a new day until I am fully awakened. I open my eyes and lay there quietly, taking the time to get my bearings. Slowly I remember what day it is and what I have scheduled, and then the concerns - [Held](https://ginalsmith.com/held/) - He’s a middle child and is very sensitive. Something happened that hurt his feelings, so I pulled him as close as I possibly could and tried to comfort him. He is so precious. His mom snapped this photo and sent it to me later. I love it! In many ways I am just like him. - [An Empty Nest Surprise](https://ginalsmith.com/an-empty-nest-surprise/) - If you would have told me a couple of years ago that I would write a book in my empty nest years, I would not have believed you! (I also would not have believed you if you told me that I would also get 2 tattoos—but that’s another post!) ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​I am 60 years old! I - [Change.](https://ginalsmith.com/change/) - I have been thinking recently about how God has given us the ability to adjust to change. Even those life changes that we don’t think we are going to be able to make it through, God enables us to adjust! A friend reached out to me recently and shared about one of the hardest life - [The Worship Service](https://ginalsmith.com/the-worship-service/) - People slowly make their way into the church sanctuary and find a place to sit. Sleepy babies are dropped off safely in the care of waiting nursery workers. The pastor makes his final adjustments to his sermon, the worship leader tunes his guitar, people eagerly greet each other as they make room for their family - [When A Season of Mothering Comes To An End](https://ginalsmith.com/when-a-season-of-mothering-comes-to-an-end/) - I was 27 years old. The room was freshly painted. The crib set up. Clothes neatly folded. Anticipation. Waiting. Waiting. She was late. 2 weeks late! She finally came. I was amazed as I stared at her newborn face. The way her lashes laid on her cheeks when she slept. Her wisps of thin blond - [Tuned In At Panera](https://ginalsmith.com/tuned-in-at-panera/) - She was about four years old. She stood in front of me waiting for her food. Grabbing her mom around her neck, she hugged her and said, "Mommy, when I grow up I'm going to cook for you!" Then she stood there tugging on the back of her pants. Her mom ignored her. I wonder - [Friendship Lost - Rejoicing After the Storm](https://ginalsmith.com/friendship-lostrejoicing-after-stor/) - Friendship lost. The consequences of thinking I was needed, that I could make a difference, that I could make an impact, and not heeding cautions given. The storm settles and there is a calm in the learning. Seeing clearly. Finally seeing clearly. The sky is bluer and the rain made things greener. Richer. Brighter. I - [Anxiety And Showing Up](https://ginalsmith.com/anxiety-and-showing-up/) - It was only a few years ago that it was allowed to suddenly descend -- uninvited. Anxiety. It has changed pretty much every part of who I am. I don't mean the kind of anxiety that can be prayed or reasoned away with a few moments in the Word. Of course, time in the Word - [Finding Calm in the Chaos](https://ginalsmith.com/finding-calm-in-the-chaos/) - We sit at my kitchen table, big mugs filled with steaming coffee. She is 10 years ahead of me and I am relishing the time I have with her. I pepper her with questions and she humbly shares her heart. There's something about the calm, tempered words of the mature believer that makes me stop - [Dear Mom - You Are A Good Mom!](https://ginalsmith.com/dear-mom-you-are-a-good-mom/) - "I wasn't a good mom.." she said recently. I don't know of any mom who actually believes in her heart of hearts that she is good mom. We know ourselves too well. We have a mental list of all the things we've done poorly. We have desires, goals and aspirations, but are unable to reach - [His Dreams](https://ginalsmith.com/his-dreams/) - So many hopes and dreams. They started as small seeds planted. Anticipating. Dreaming. Praying...almost losing hope. Now I am older and they are still there...those dreams. Yes. They are still there. Some have come to fruition, some are in process.Confusion sometimes enters in, then the dreams seem distorted and out of place. A storm swirling, - [I Am Ungrateful](https://ginalsmith.com/i-am-ungratefu/) - He walks through the front door and finds me slumped on the couch, watching a movie. Closing the door behind him, he asks, "Is there anything to eat?" "I don't know..." I mumble... "I already ate." I continue watching my movie. He is left to fend for himself. He walks into the kitchen and grabs a - [Grow Old Along With Me - For The Glory Of God](https://ginalsmith.com/grow-old-along-with-me-for-the-glory-of-god/) - It was a Saturday afternoon and Brian and I needed to get a few things at the drug store. We entered the store, went our separate ways, and met back at the cash register. While waiting for the cashier to ring up our items and put them in a bag, we looked at what we - [The Mystery of a Mother's Heart](https://ginalsmith.com/the-mystery-of-mothers-hear/) - It was a crisp fall day. My son was running a half marathon and our entire family was there to cheer him on. I sat in front of a huge bonfire overlooking a beautiful, scenic valley. A mist had settled over the mountains in the distance and the sun was trying to peek through the - [Trace The Grace](https://ginalsmith.com/trace-the-grace/) - The second you are born you are immersed, ankle deep, in the vast ocean of God's grace. It is a beautiful common grace that we all experience. The ability to enjoy the gifts that God has lavished on sinful men---fresh spring days, a soft rain, a kiss from a loved one, the smell of hamburgers grilling, a warm shower, the ability to forgive...and - [When Time Seems To Stand Still](https://ginalsmith.com/when-time-seems-to-stand-still/) - It's late in the afternoon and I am busily preparing dinner. The kitchen window is open. We've been given a spring-like day in the middle of winter and the fresh air has filled the room, pleasantly mixing with the aroma of dinner cooking in the oven. Breaded chicken breast smothered in tangy Italian sauce and - [God's Artwork](https://ginalsmith.com/gods-artwork-2/) - Legalism. Rigid. Rules. Everyone looks the same. Little diversity. Working. Working. Striving. Criticizing. Do things the way we do them. We know what is best. Structure. Rules. Do's and don'ts. Everything is in black and white. Open wide the curtains and swing the windows open wide. Let the aroma of grace drift in. Breathe in - [Ahhhh! Triumph! The Waiting Room Of Prayer](https://ginalsmith.com/ahhhh-triumph/) - The setting is a quiet waiting room. Sitting in a hard plastic chair, I patiently wait for my turn to be seen by the doctor. Listening intently for my name to be called, I am surrounded by people who are reading magazines, watching the news, or staring at thier phones. Suddenly an elderly woman, her white - [Finding God In Your Depression](https://ginalsmith.com/a-prayer-for-when-you-battle-depression/) - When we are young we often look ahead and conclude that we will reach a level of maturity and strength when we enter later seasons of life. Life, time, and God (if we allow him to) have a tendency to reveal how very weak we are and how very much we need His strength each - [Waiting For The One Who Will Make It All Better](https://ginalsmith.com/waiting-for-the-one-who-will-make-it-all-better/) - The setting is a large bright room filled with an assortment of colorful toys. There is a cute play kitchen with dishes and plastic food on the shelf. Big, colorful, soft foam blocks stand stacked in one corner; a little play house stands in the other. There are toy trucks, plastic people and animals, and - [What Keeps You Coming Back to Church?](https://ginalsmith.com/what-keeps-you-coming-back-to-church/) - Recently I was asked this question: “What keeps you coming back to church?” My mind immediately began to sift through all the things that drew us to the church we have been attending for about 3 months. After going through some difficult church situations we were tired, discouraged, confused, disillusioned…you name it! We felt it! We needed time - [In Honor of My Dad](https://ginalsmith.com/in-honor-of-my-dad/) - If I were to describe my relationship with my dad, the word I would use would be “complicated”. I’ve never known life without him and I can’t imagine him not being here. He lived his life with his own set of rules and way of doing things. I guess most of us do the same. - [Can Biblical Joy and Depression Coexist?](https://ginalsmith.com/can-biblical-joy-and-depression-coexist/) - I wrote a book about biblical joy, entitled Everyday Prayers for Joy. I've also battled depression. Am I a hypocrite? Well, I'm sure there have been times when I have not "practiced what I preach," but I do believe that depression and biblical joy can coexist. There are seasons when I find myself feeling exhausted - [Shiny Happy People: It Could Have Been Me; It Could be You](https://ginalsmith.com/shiny-happy-people-it-could-have-been-me-it-could-be-you/) - “Why are you watching that? It will only stress you out!” That is what my husband said recently when he saw me watching one of a few documentaries that have interested me: Amazon’s “Shiny Happy People,” Hulu’s “The Secrets of Hillsong,” and Hulu’s “God Forbid.” All stories of ministries that were started by sincere people (I ## Pages - [Some Kind Words!](https://ginalsmith.com/) - EVERYDAY PRAYERS FOR JOY If you would have told me a couple of years ago that I would write a book in my empty nest years, I would not have believed you! I am almost 62 years old! I am not who I’d imagined I’d be at this age! I do not have it all - [Everyday Prayers for Joy](https://ginalsmith.com/everyday-prayers-for-joy/) - Do you wake up feeling burdened by your life circumstances? Have you read the verses in the Bible that tell you to not be anxious and that you can find joy in Jesus, but you aren’t quite sure what that means or how to accomplish it.If this describes you, know that you are not alone! - [Meet Gina](https://ginalsmith.com/meet-gina/) - Hi! I'm Gina Smith. I am a wife, mom, grandma, Women's discipleship leader, Writer, and Author. My husband and I have been married for 37 years and we raised 2 children who are now married and have children of their own! We love being available to them as they are raising their families. The ministry - [Other Places You Can Find Me](https://ginalsmith.com/other-places-you-can-find-me/) - MILLION PRAYING MOMS THE YOUVERSION BIBLE APP! RISEN MOTHERHOOD CROSSWALK.COM IBELIEVE.COM CORNERSTONE TELEVISION NETWORK THE TRICIA GOYER SHOW OVER A CUP PODCAST - [Free Downloads](https://ginalsmith.com/downloads-to-help-you-grow/) - Originally, I created these resources for myself because I like to print verses that God is using in my life so I can put them right in front of me where I can see them. I've also printed them and given them as gifts --I printed the tree/verse print on printable fabric paper so it - [Everyday Prayers for Joy Audio Prayers](https://ginalsmith.com/everyday-prayers-for-joy-audio-prayers/) - Gina Smith · Chapter 1 Gina Smith · Chapter 2 Gina Smith · Chapter 3 Gina Smith · Chapter 4 Gina Smith · Chapter 5 Gina Smith · Chapter 6 Gina Smith · Chapter 7 Gina Smith · Chapter 8 Gina Smith · Chapter 9 Gina Smith · Chapter 10 Gina Smith · Everyday Prayers - [Grace Gifts](https://ginalsmith.com/grace-gifts/) - Grace Gifts: Practical Ways To Help Your Children Understand God’s Grace As parents we can be tempted to look for methods of parenting, when what we really need is principles. The principles found in “Grace Gifts” can be carried out a hundred different ways. They can actually be custom-fit to your particular family. “Grace Gifts” - [Instagram](https://ginalsmith.com/instagram/) - Hi there Instagram friends! Welcome to our page dedicated to all of our lovely followers. Below you will find all the most helpful links and content that you’re looking for without scrolling all the way through our site! Page linkpage linkpage linkpage linkpage link Latest from the Blog ## Categories - [Blog](https://ginalsmith.com/category/blog/)