THEREFORE, AS YOU RECEIVED CHRIST JESUS THE LORD, SO WALK IN HIM, ROOTED AND BUILT UP IN HIM AND ESTABLISHED IN THE FAITH, JUST AS YOU WERE TAUGHT, ABOUNDING IN THANKSGIVING - COLOSSIANS 2:6-7
THEREFORE, AS YOU RECEIVED CHRIST JESUS THE LORD, SO WALK IN HIM, ROOTED AND BUILT UP IN HIM AND ESTABLISHED IN THE FAITH, JUST AS YOU WERE TAUGHT, ABOUNDING IN THANKSGIVING - COLOSSIANS 2:6-7
We’re Caleb and Naomi Middleton (both firstborns with completely opposite personalities).
We’ve been married for over 10 years, we both work in full-time vocational ministry, and we are raising two energetic young boys.
Thoughtfully Established was born out of our desire to process what it means to build a life—both theologically and practically—grounded in the gospel. Our hope is that the thoughts, experiences, and practical tips that we share here will inspire and encourage you on your own journey of thoughtfully establishing your life and home on the gospel.
When we talk about living a Thoughtfully Established life, we keep coming back to what we call the 7 Gifts of Responsibility
We live in a world that constantly pushes us to do more, be more, and chase more. It’s easy to look at someone else’s life and wonder if you’re doing enough—or if you’re doing any of it right.
We firmly believe in establishing every area of life on the foundation of the gospel. But when we look at Scripture and the commands God has given us, we see seven key areas He has entrusted to us to steward well. These aren’t just spiritual checkboxes—they’re gifts, meant to bless us and help us live out our purpose in this world. That’s why most of what we write and talk about centers on the 7 Gifts of Responsibility—because when we establish these areas in the gospel, everything else begins to fall into place.
This blog isn’t about telling you to try harder or do more. Our hope is that as you follow along, you’ll be encouraged to pause, reflect, and consider what it means to thoughtfully establish your life and home on what truly matters—the gospel.
Waiting Established on the Gospel
When we place our faith in His timing and purpose, our waiting can shift from frustration to hopeful anticipation—and we can truly embrace our wait.
Worry Established on the Gospel
Worry is not only harmful to our peace of mind but fundamentally anti-gospel. It betrays a lack of faith in God’s provision and care.
Sacrifice Established on the Gospel
Sacrifice is not a threat to living life to the fullest; rather, it is the doorway to it. And it is the tool that God uses to make us more like Him.
The Lens of the Gospel
The gospel needs to be more than a historical event that we believe happened. It needs to be the lens through which we look at all of life.