The Discipled Heart

Arabella Penrose Arabella Penrose

How to Be Honest Without Getting Stuck in Pain

Over the past two weeks, I’ve been sharing the reflections that came after my son broke his leg back in May. At the time, people kept asking how we were doing. And I kept answering honestly: “It’s been hard. He’s in pain. I’m carrying a lot right now.” I wasn’t trying to be dramatic. I was just telling the truth.

But I noticed something. Every time I said it out loud, that things were hard, that I was tired, that I felt stretched thin, I felt this subtle fear creeping in: Was I saying too much? Was I reinforcing something I didn’t want to keep living in? Was I slipping into self-pity… just by being honest?

I didn’t want to pretend I was strong anymore. But I also didn’t want to say something about myself that would keep me down. And that’s where this whole internal struggle began.

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Christian Living Arabella Penrose Christian Living Arabella Penrose

The Unexpected Gift of Falling Apart

I thought I was learning how to trust God. And in many ways, I was. But lately, I’ve realized He wasn’t just leading me into trust. He was inviting me into something lower.

Lowly.

The posture I didn’t know I needed, but the one my soul was starving for. It’s been like a slow unraveling of self-sufficiency, an undoing of everything I thought I had to hold together.

It started with layers of pressure, financial strain, emotional weight. And then my son broke his leg. Just one unexpected accident, and suddenly the thin scaffolding I’d been standing on collapsed.

And it hit me: I’m not strong. I’ve never been strong. I’ve just been good at keeping it together.

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Christian Living Arabella Penrose Christian Living Arabella Penrose

The White Dog and the Expiration Date of Endurance

I was out walking the other day, just trying to clear my head, when a white dog came barreling down the boardwalk. No leash. No owner in sight. It looked exactly like mine. For a second, I thought it was my dog. I tried to catch it, but it kept running. He was fast, and he was lost.

It was one of those moments where the outside world mirrors something happening inside you, and you don’t even realize it until later.

Because the truth is, I’d already been thinking about that feeling of being untethered. I wasn’t a wreck or falling apart, but I think I’d slowly lost my anchor recently without even noticing. Holding things together, kind of. Functioning, mostly, but at the same time, wondering if “I’m okay” still means what I think it means.

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Christian Living Arabella Penrose Christian Living Arabella Penrose

When Launch Day Feels Like Laundry Day

I wake up to the sound of my son’s alarm and the weight of a to-do list I never wrote.

There’s no champagne. No confetti. Just a limp backpack, a half-packed lunchbox, and a boy with a broken leg who needs help to the shower. I shuffle through the motions: walk the dog, toss laundry in the machine, feed everyone, including myself. Barely.

And somewhere in between the coffee and the crumbs, it hits me.

Today is launch day.

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When God Speaks and We Move: The Story of Deborah, Barak, and Jael

Imagine living in fear for twenty years. Your people are oppressed. Your land is broken. And it’s been a long time since anyone heard God speak. You try to survive, maybe even rebuild, but every time you begin to hope, the cycle starts again. All that remains is loss, silence, and defeat.

That was Israel under Canaanite rule...until the people cried out to the Lord. And in response, God raised up a woman named Deborah. She didn’t come with a sword, but with a word from the Lord.

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Women of the Bible, Bible Stories Arabella Penrose Women of the Bible, Bible Stories Arabella Penrose

Ruth the Moabitess: A Rejected Woman Redeemed into the Line of Christ

What would you do if God Himself had rejected people like you? No way in. No hope of acceptance. No place among the people of God, because of where you came from, because of what your ancestors had done?

That was the fate of the Moabites. According to Deuteronomy 23:3-6, the Moabites were cursed and excluded from the assembly of the Lord because of how they treated Israel during the exodus: refusing them bread and water and hiring Balaam to curse them. They were outsiders. The forgotten. The condemned.

And Ruth was a Moabitess.

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Why Mary, Mother of Jesus’ Story Still Matters for Mothers Today

Motherhood doesn’t always look like we imagined. Sometimes it’s full of joy, but other times, it feels quiet, thankless, even unseen. But Mary, Mother of Jesus, shows us that a mother’s quiet faithfulness is never wasted.

She’s not just the young girl we picture at Christmas, she’s the woman who walked in obedience long after the angels were gone and the shepherds moved on. Though she didn’t have it easy, she didn’t seek fame. But she did have a willing heart. And God trusted her to carry His Son.

This Mother’s Day, I want to remember Mary the way Scripture shows her—not as flawless, but as a faithful woman who teaches us what real obedience looks like when life gets hard.

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Did Jesus Pick Mary Magdalene, or Did She Pick Him?

On the morning the tomb stood empty, Jesus didn’t appear first to Peter, John, or even His mother. He appeared to Mary Magdalene. Why her? Was it a divine appointment, or her relentless devotion, that led to this world-changing moment? This powerful reflection explores how God’s sovereign choice and Mary’s wholehearted pursuit came together, and what it means for your own walk with Him today.

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Mary Magdalene and You

What could you possibly have in common with a demon-possessed woman from the 1st century? Turns out, a lot. Mary Magdalene’s story isn’t just about the past. It’s a powerful picture of healing, devotion, and bold witness that still speaks today. Her journey might just reframe how you see your own.

Read the full post and see what her story could mean for you.

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Children's Bible Stories Arabella Penrose Children's Bible Stories Arabella Penrose

Finding Our Place: Where My Bible Story Books Fit in Children's Literature 

Ever wondered where realistic Bible stories fit in today's world of children's books? From prayer walks to published pages, discover how God led me to create something unique: Bible stories that help children see biblical characters as real people who walked with God. Through realistic illustrations and memorable rhymes, these books bring Scripture to life in a way that helps kids understand these aren't just stories. They're true accounts of real people who trusted and obeyed God. Perfect for parents, teachers, and anyone wanting to instill biblical truth in young hearts!

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Christian Living Arabella Penrose Christian Living Arabella Penrose

When God Wrote Me a Love Letter

During my quiet time with the Lord this week, I opened my journal and started writing, as I often do. What flowed wasn't a polished poem or carefully crafted piece. It was just what I felt God speaking to my heart. As my dog licked up my tears (gotta love him!), I knew I needed to check everything against Scripture. Soon I found that these simple words contained 7 attributes of God's love, each one backed by His Word. Learn about these seven beautiful attributes of God's love through an intimate love letter straight from His heart, along with biblical insights and reflections that will transform your understanding of God’s love.

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Christian Living Arabella Penrose Christian Living Arabella Penrose

What God Taught Me About Letting Go

Ever feel like you're white-knuckling the steering wheel of life? In my latest blog post, I'm sharing what God taught me about trust through a recent message I shared with my connect group. Turns out there's a reason why "Trust in the Lord" is more than just a nice verse for birthday cards - it's the key to finding true peace. Come join the conversation about letting go and letting God take the wheel.

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Women of the Bible, Bible Stories Arabella Penrose Women of the Bible, Bible Stories Arabella Penrose

Beyond Beauty: Queen Esther's Legacy of Courage

Ever wondered what true courage looks like? In my latest blog post, I'm diving deep into Queen Esther's story - beyond her famous beauty to discover a woman of incredible strategy and strength. From orphan to queen to savior of her people, Esther's journey reminds us that God equips us with exactly what we need for our calling. Join me in exploring how this remarkable woman changed history through her courage, wisdom, and unwavering faith.

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Women of the Bible, Bible Stories Arabella Penrose Women of the Bible, Bible Stories Arabella Penrose

Ruth the Moabitess: Lessons from a Biblical Heroine

I've spent months studying the biblical account of Ruth while researching for my new book. Ruth's story of kindness, loyalty, and diligence, even in the face of grief and uncertainty, reveals profound lessons for us today. Her unwavering faith and selfless acts paved the way for God's abundant blessings, turning her sorrow into joy beyond measure. This post explores Ruth's journey and how she became a part of Christ's lineage.

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Christian Living Arabella Penrose Christian Living Arabella Penrose

Living a Christ-centered Life in a Me-centered World

In today's culture, phrases like "Treat yourself" and "Follow your heart" are all about focusing on yourself. But as Christians, our purpose is to glorify God in everything we do. From the moment we wake up to when we go to bed, our actions, thoughts, and decisions should reflect Him and show others the way to Him. Find out how to align your daily life with God's plan, embrace the peace and joy that come from living for Christ, and learn practical steps to keep Christ at the center of everything you do. Let's live a life centered around Christ in a world that often prioritizes self-centeredness.

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Christian Parenting Arabella Penrose Christian Parenting Arabella Penrose

Raising Kids Who Love God

Your greatest desire is seeing your child love God and become a follower of Jesus. But in a world that seems to mock God at every turn, guiding their spiritual journey feels like an uphill battle. Fear not! I’ve packed this post with practical, Bible-based strategies to help make your home a place that nurtures your child’s faith. We’ll talk about things like the power of living out an authentic relationship with Christ, simple ways to mix in God's Word into your day, and how to handle their questions and doubts.

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