Melinda Poling

Immersing Ourselves in Light

Melinda Poling
Melinda Poling

Hi, I’m Melinda.

I’m a mom, a wife, a friend.

You and I profoundly affect the lives around us with every choice we make.

Have you ever wanted someone to hold the candle of hope to your path? I’m here to cheer you on as you engage with your people, have courageous conversations, and wait for fruit to develop. 

 I write to encourage moms on their journey as daughters of the King, as wives, and as mothers. And I write stories for their children so they can experience the light of Christ and appreciate the vivid colors of our Creator and His creation.

I help moms find light, joy, and truth in every corner of life.

~ Melinda Poling ~

I write to encourage the mom who doesn’t have it all figured out—and who, like me, seeks relationship more than formula.

~ Melinda Poling ~

“This is the kind of story I wish had been around when my sons were young. Full of imagination and wonder—as well as deep truths—Helium Pancakes is going to delight kids (and parents) now and for generations to come.” 

~ James L. Rubart,
Christy Hall of Fame author.

How refreshing to read a children’s story with an energetic and curious male lead. Helium Pancakes takes a unique idea and packs it full of fun and adventure. This story shows young people how to have a good time while respecting their parents. I love how the author portrays the traditional family in a positive light.

~ Annika Klanderud,
Author of I Lived Through a Windchill Advisory

Melinda is a sweet homeschooling mamma, writer, and friend, to name a few. I’ve known her since I was a little kid going to their church and participating in field trips together. She writes out of a passion and heart for children to hear and know the love of God. Not only can she write it well, but she lives it well.

~ Annamarie Casey

God brought Melinda into my life when I was a brand new mother of two little boys. About a decade ahead of me in her mothering journey, she seemed to be this saintly, wise, and beautiful, “Mother of Many Nations” with her then seven sons. Over the years, as our lives have woven in and out, I have come to see that she is this and much, much more. Melinda candidly speaks the truth in love, and seasons hard topics with grace. Raising children is hard and Melinda gets it. But HOPE is what I find after a few moments spent with this dear lady. Listen to her words, and you also will walk away encouraged.

~ Rachael Burley

Here are some themes I see in your books:

Overcoming the inner push to selfish vainglory, listening to wisdom, being aware of consequences, choosing hope and faith, choosing commitment to family wellbeing, loving the not so lovable, giving others the space to be wonderful, trusting God’s choices for you (like the parents He provided!), following through on your given word, not giving up on yourself, giving adults grace when they fall short, allowing others to shine instead of you, embracing community support, embracing your God-given gifts (even when they cause you trouble), embracing others’ God-given gifts (even when they cause you trouble 😂), and finding humor in crisis. Hope that makes you smile!

~ Kim Robinson

I met Melinda Poling several years ago at a writer’s conference in Oregon. We chatted easily and found we had so much in common. I was drawn to her genuine love for God and people, specifically, her heart for young moms. I asked if she would like to room together the following year. Melinda’s calm and cheerful manner exudes the joy of the Lord. We shared and laughed and prayed together about what God is doing in and through us. It was like coming home to a sister I had never known. Since then, I’ve been a fan of her blogs. Each one is full of solid biblical teaching couched in tender illustrations from life. I have shared almost every one of them with my four daughters or another friend, and they in turn have become fans as well. “God Wooed Me” from March 22, 2025 is one of my favorites. Melinda starts with the question, “Don’t you love a good story?” and of course my answer was yes! I prepared myself to hear one, and I was not disappointed. She shared the details of how she came to know Christ in a personal way–always the best stories ever! It got even better when I followed the link to read how God saved her family. Wow, what a fabulous story it is! I won’t ruin it for you if you haven’t read it yet. ~ Beth Vice

Melinda’s passion for wholesome family life resonates through her writing. Both light and profound messages weave their tapestry threads through crazy helium escapades, rich with adventure, laughter, trouble and heartache. I found myself cheering young Blake on as he dealt with broken dreams, difficult choices and the call to love his family—no matter what. Melinda’s heart-warming writing embraces the grace and hope that faith provides.

~ Kim Robinson

Melinda may just be the most heartfelt, caring, nurturing mom and author I know. Anything she produces will certainly touch deep into the soul.

~ Jesse Rivas

Recent Articles

Who is Anna?

Our families met when Anna was eleven years old. This brown-haired, bright-eyed bundle of sweetness always thought of others before herself. She is very Pontier in her adeptness to think of others. Anna and her siblings got along well with our crew, mostly in an older...

A Prayer for Our Young Men

Holding our sixth son in our arms, 13 years ago, my husband said, “What does it mean that God has given us all these boys?” “This world needs strong godly men.” I quipped, without thinking. Then we just sat there looking at each other, realizing what a monumental job...

Praying for Your Future Wife

Praying for Your Future Wife

Mother's Day 2015, a man in our church preached a message from Proverbs 31. He started by explaining how Jewish mamas often used acrostic poems to teach principles to their children. Whether this was an acrostic or not, my brain started racing. Yes, I need to put into...

Let Me Not Be Put to Shame

Let Me Not Be Put to Shame

I have an intense desire to be close with my family. Though sometimes it’s hardly detectible. Going back to God’s word again and again for strength and encouragement is my lifeline. How does one bridge the gap from ages twenty-one down to four? Psalm 119:25 & 28...

Balancing Work and Play

Balancing Work and Play

All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy And Jill the same way That’s it…I’m making a bucket list of all the things I intended to do as a mom but haven’t yet. Or maybe it’s just been way too long. Does life ever rule you instead of you ruling over it? I think it’s...