Some days, family life feels more like chaos than connection, doesn’t it? There are dishes in the sink, sharp words we wish we could take back, kids who don’t always get along, and moments where we wonder, Is this really what a 'strong family' is supposed to look like?

If you’ve ever felt that tension, this week’s episode of The Love Offering Podcastis especially for you. I’m talking with Jessica Smartt about her new book, Come On Home, and her message is such a relief: your family doesn’t have to be perfect to be strong.

A strong family isn’t built on flawless behavior, matching outfits, or a constantly peaceful home. It’s formed in the ordinary, imperfect moments—apologies after arguments, prayers whispered in the hallway, small traditions that make your people feel seen and safe, and a steady love that says, “You belong here, no matter what.”

If you’ve ever:
Wished your home felt more like a haven than a battleground


Wondered if it’s “too late” to change the culture of your family


Carried guilt over what hasn’t gone the way you hoped



Jessica’s words will encourage you. In our conversation, she shares:
Thirteen foundational traits that help families grow strong in real life, not ideal life


Honest stories from her own family and from other families with all kinds of backgrounds


Practical ideas for building a connection between siblings and creating a home your kids want to come back to


Hope for breaking unhealthy family patterns and offering your children a new legacy of faith and grace



What I love most is Jessica’s reminder that God is at work in the middle of the mess. The disappointments, the conflicts, the things you wish you could redo—He can use all of it. Your faithfulness today, even in small ways, can ripple into future generations.

Friend, it’s not too late.
Not too late to start praying more intentionally for your family.
Not too late to repair a strained relationship.
Not too late to create rhythms that make your home gentle, welcoming, and full of grace.

Your family doesn’t need you to be perfect—just present, prayerful, and willing to keep loving.

I hope this episode feels like a warm, “me too,” and a gentle nudge to keep going.

Cheering you on as you build a strong, grace-filled home,



Rachael 

 

Connect with Jessica:

https://jessicasmartt.com/

 

Read the Show Notes:

https://rachaelkadams.com/writing/

 

Download Your Free Advent Devotional:

https://rachaelkadams.com/free/

 

 

 

Some days, family life feels more like chaos than connection, doesn&rsquo;t it? There are dishes in the sink, sharp words we wish we could take back, kids who don&rsquo;t always get along, and moments where we wonder, Is this really what a 'strong family' is supposed to look like?
If you&rsquo;ve ever felt that tension, this week&rsquo;s episode of <a href="https://rachaelkadams.com/the-love-offering-podcast/">The Love Offering Podcast </a>is especially for you. I&rsquo;m talking with <a href="https://jessicasmartt.com/">Jessica Smartt </a>about her new book, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/shop/rachaeladamsauthor/list/13T2EM9X66SWV?ref_=aipsflist">Come On Home</a>, and her message is such a relief: your family doesn&rsquo;t have to be perfect to be strong.
A strong family isn&rsquo;t built on flawless behavior, matching outfits, or a constantly peaceful home. It&rsquo;s formed in the ordinary, imperfect moments&mdash;apologies after arguments, prayers whispered in the hallway, small traditions that make your people feel seen and safe, and a steady love that says, &ldquo;You belong here, no matter what.&rdquo;
If you&rsquo;ve ever:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Wished your home felt more like a haven than a battleground </li>
<li aria-level="1">Wondered if it&rsquo;s &ldquo;too late&rdquo; to change the culture of your family </li>
<li aria-level="1">Carried guilt over what hasn&rsquo;t gone the way you hoped </li>
</ul>
Jessica&rsquo;s words will encourage you.&nbsp;In our conversation, she shares:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Thirteen foundational traits that help families grow strong in real life, not ideal life </li>
<li aria-level="1">Honest stories from her own family and from other families with all kinds of backgrounds </li>
<li aria-level="1">Practical ideas for building a connection between siblings and creating a home your kids want to come back to </li>
<li aria-level="1">Hope for breaking unhealthy family patterns and offering your children a new legacy of faith and grace </li>
</ul>
What I love most is Jessica&rsquo;s reminder that God is at work in the middle of the mess. The disappointments, the conflicts, the things you wish you could redo&mdash;He can use all of it. Your faithfulness today, even in small ways, can ripple into future generations.
Friend, it&rsquo;s not too late. Not too late to start praying more intentionally for your family. Not too late to repair a strained relationship. Not too late to create rhythms that make your home gentle, welcoming, and full of grace.
Your family doesn&rsquo;t need you to be perfect&mdash;just present, prayerful, and willing to keep loving.
I hope this episode feels like a warm, &ldquo;me too,&rdquo; and a gentle nudge to keep going.
Cheering you on as you build a strong, grace-filled home, 
<a href="https://rachaelkadams.com/">Rachael&nbsp;</a>
&nbsp;
Connect with Jessica:
<a href="https://jessicasmartt.com/">https://jessicasmartt.com/</a>
&nbsp;
Read the Show Notes:
<a href="https://rachaelkadams.com/writing/">https://rachaelkadams.com/writing/</a>
&nbsp;
Download Your Free Advent Devotional:
<a href="https://rachaelkadams.com/free/">https://rachaelkadams.com/free/</a>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
&nbsp;

Encouraging you to love God, others, and yourself—one faithful step at a time.

Each week, host Rachael Adams sits down with inspiring women who are making a difference right where they are. Through honest conversations, biblical wisdom, and real-life stories, you'll be reminded that your everyday acts of love—no matter how small—matter deeply to God.

You were created to live a life of impact.
You were made to be a love offering.

Subscribe today and be inspired to live out the greatest commandment in practical, powerful ways.

Encouraging you to love God, others, and yourself&mdash;one faithful step at a time.
Each week, host Rachael Adams sits down with inspiring women who are making a difference right where they are. Through honest conversations, biblical wisdom, and real-life stories, you'll be reminded that your everyday acts of love&mdash;no matter how small&mdash;matter deeply to God.
You were created to live a life of impact. You were made to be a love offering.
Subscribe today and be inspired to live out the greatest commandment in practical, powerful ways.

The Love Offering

In this heartfelt episode of the Love Offering Podcast, Rachael Adams and Jessica Smartt explore the essence of building a grace-filled family. They discuss the challenges and joys of creating a home environment that prioritizes love and connection over perfection. Through personal stories and biblical insights, they emphasize the importance of prayer, intentionality, and the legacy of faith. Whether you're navigating the ups and downs of family life or seeking inspiration for your spiritual journey, this conversation offers wisdom and encouragement for every listener.