Don't Mom Alone Podcast

The Well-Versed Family Caroline Boykin Ep 51

A couple of years ago my son recited John 1:1-5 for the school Christmas chapel and I’ll never forget how dramatically he spoke these lines: “In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:4-5) The light shines in the darkness. “Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, ‘I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.'” John 18:12 Following Jesus is not just walking in the light but having the Light. “You are the light of the world. . . Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14a & 16) More than anything I long for my boys to know the Source of the Light and shine for His glory. Thankfully, my podcast guest today, Courtney DeFeo, helps make my desire a reality.  In this episode she shares three different ways to help our kids grasp God’s heart, walk in the Light and shine for Him. AND she is giving away a copy of her new book, “In This House We will Giggle”. . .enter to win one of two ways: * Encourage Courtney in the work she is doing OR * Leave a review on iTunes so more moms can find the podcast and be lifted up Either way, comment below (click here if reading via email). GIVEAWAY HAS ENDED. What we chat about: * How a Christmas rant blog post led to the Light ‘Em Up movement * Her goal to create something easy for moms to add into a busy season and simply enough for young children to participate * Who her family decided to display generosity * Heather’s personal story of doing Light Em Up with her kids (her husband wasn’t in London. . .he was duck hunting. same thing, right?) * An idea to involve your kids in the planning process * The story behind her ABC Scripture Cards * What motivated the verses she chose * The heart behind her new book, “In This House We will Giggle”. * How the book is structured to help moms creatively show kids Godly virtues–who Jesus really is. * Why Courtney got so dressed up for our phone interview * This verse of encouragement: Answer me quickly, Lord; my spirit fails. Do not hide your face from me or I will be like those who go down to the pit. Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life. Psalm 143:7-8 Connect with Courtney: Website :: Facebook :: Twitter :: Instagram :: Pinterest Show Notes:  * Light Em Up 2014 * Light Em Up planning guide–download here

Light Em Up Courtney DeFeo Ep 50

We’re baaackkk! Amanda White and I, aka the duo of “Family Movie Moms”, finally made it out of our houses to watch some new movies. We even took the time to record our conversation about them to help y’all decide if either movie is a fit for your families. AND just in time for the holiday break, we are reviewing the top two movies last weekend. Are you planning to see either one? (Here are the IMDB summaries. . .Mockingjay & Big Hero 6.) On today’s episode, we share insights, warnings and discussion points for a couple of movies–Amanda on “Mockingjay: Part 1” and Heather on “Big Hero 6”. As a bonus, we share some oldie-but-goodie movies we each watched at home (thanks to sick kids, family movie nights and the church library). What we talk about: * Old movies we’ve watched lately– * Amanda’s Family. . .Lady & the Trump, Peter Pan, Beauty & the Beast. * Heather’s Family. . .Cheaper by the Dozen (Steve Martin) & The Absent-Minded Professor (old version). * Imagined what it would be like to make a living as a full-time movie critic. * What age should kids be to see Mockingjay? (and a tangent about various family movie viewing guidelines). * Compared the Capit0l in Hunger Games to America. * Main message of Mockingjay: Are you willing to die for a cause? To stand up against evil. * Asking your kids, what would they sacrifice? What do they feel God’s asking them to give up and cause some discomfort for a greater good? * The results from Amanda’s Facebook poll on the age kids are seeing Hunger Games movies. * How modest Katniss dressed in the movie. * The trickiness of exposing preteens to Young Adult book series. * Encouraging families to have a value mission statement, engage in conversation about movies, and filter movies through that worldview. * Talking to your child about sacrificial love. . .slow growing love for another. * How depressing Mockingjay is and the need for redemption. * The travesty of how Hollywood separates books into two movies. (A comparison to if we only read one Testament instead of the whole Bible.) * How Katniss’ hair got on Amanda’s nerves. * The low down on Big Hero 6. . .the appropriateness for children. * A slightly terrifying (and funny) first scene, but the sweet rescue from the older brother. * The themes of death/grief, using gifts for good, positive side of science (and benefits of college), & emptiness of revenge . * Reminding your kids that hurt people, hurt people. * My favorite character–Baymax–the personal health care provider. * Loving your friends through the grief process. * What could scare your kids from this movie. . .but how Heather’s boys did not get nightmares. * The teamwork element of the Big Hero 6 characters–importance of having a plan. * Thinking your way out of a problem, not just feeling your way out. * May be a good movie to watch when it comes out on DVD if your young child is sensitive. Show Notes: * Just Jilly * Amy J Bennett’s post–“A Girl on Fire” * Liz Griffin  *

Mockingjay Big Hero 6 Family Movie Moms Ep 49

“Each one of us knows someone who is in desperate need of the grace and freedom found in a real, growing relationship with Jesus. Someone who needs her fears recognized, her questions answered, and her disbelief turned on it’s head in light of the Truth. Is God bringing someone to mind right now? What about your neighbor from across the street, or that other tired mama in your yoga class? Could it be your tender-hearted daughter, or your crazy-fun-but-oh-so-broken mother? Maybe it’s the under-tipped barista you see every morning on your way to work, or the hairdresser who is in the middle of some dark circumstances.” These words were written by today’s podcast guest, Jenny Sulpizio. Having claimed Christ as her Savior as an adult, she knows both sides–life with God & life without. The trouble is what happens once a woman has decided to walk by faith? Who will guide her on the next steps in the journey? What is a ‘prayer life’? And is God’s Word real? How is one “sanctified” and made “righteous” (and who will navigate her through a billion other confusing Christian words?). Jenny has written a discipleship guide, of sorts, called, “For the Love of God: A Woman’s Guide to Finding Faith and Getting Grace”. A book that helps women learn the nuts & bolts of faith. Jenny admits her own seasons of doubt, shares others’ faith stories and encourages women to continue to pursue God. Her desire is to start a #GodsGirl movement. To lead those in our lives to the hope of the gospel. She wants to know. . . Are you willing to stand in the gap and minister to those who have yet to truly discover God, or experience His grace? His forgiveness? His love? Together, we can impact this world for Him. In this episode we talk about:  * Preteen girls, active boys, and middle children’s behavior management. * The audience for Jenny’s new book, “For the Love of God”. * Jenny’s personal story of choosing to live a life for God. . .at age 30. * How a counselor directed she and her husband to go to church. * What happens after you’ve decided to follow Jesus. . .next steps. * The challenge of ministering to those we interact with regularly–hair dresser, garbage man, friend at the park, etc. * Jenny’s personal “next step”– attending classes & small group through church–realizing she was not alone in sin & doubt. * The contents of the book–nuts & bolts of faith (e.g.–prayer life explained). * The appendix of the book–proof of authenticity of God’s Word, Scripture based prayers, Christianese words explained. . . * The faith-commitment mentality–“in it” for the long haul. * How do we invite people along in this faith journey. . .without shame & with confidence. * Leaving a copy of the book on a doorstep (or in a bathroom). * How we don’t save people. . .God does. Connect with Jenny: Blog :: Facebook :: Twitter :: Instagram :: Pinterest :: #Godsgirl movement Show Notes: * Get a copy of For the Love of God: A Woman’s Guide to Finding ...

Falling in love is the most glorious feeling ever. The thrill of wanting to spend every waking moment with that special someone. The tingle rushing up your arm when he holds your hand for the first time. And for Bruce and I the joy didn’t end at the altar (praise the Lord!). We were married for six years before we had children. In those years we moved five times, visited three different continents, started a new company and fell more and more in love. We believed strongly in the “synergy” of marriage. How two individuals combined for greater impact than they could make separately. One impact/goal we shared was having a family. So began the Mac boy factory in 2005 with the last boy being born in 2012. Having lots of children had it’s impact, alright. Add a demanding job. . .and let’s just say “thrilling” and “synergistic” wouldn’t be words we’d use to describe our marriage anymore. We shared some of our story a few weeks ago on the podcast (Episode 38). One part of the story we didn’t share involves today’s podcast guest, Kristen Bell, our cousin. A year after our last son was born our marriage wasn’t in the best place it’s been. We hadn’t been on a trip alone in years. When we got invited to a wedding in California the weekend Bruce turned 40, we saw it as a permission slip to get away together. Part of our trip we decided to visit cousins, Rob & Kristen Bell  (Rob’s mom and Bruce’s mom are sisters). I wish we had taken before & after pics from our short time together. We arrived to their home like wounded, little birds. They took us in and reminded us how to live a good life. We ate delicious food, walked the beach, enjoyed conversation and encouragement. It was the positive momentum our marriage needed. A reverse in the current cycle. Last week Rob & Kristen’s new book, The Zimzum of Love: A New Way of Understanding Marriage* released. I feel like this book put into words what we had experienced the last few years of our marriage. Even this past weekend, after both reading it, we used language from the book to communicate and heal some broken places in our marriage. Of course, given the fact when Rob & Kristen share stories about their own life, times we remember them going through, we relate on an even deeper level to this book. Rob shares some sweet memories of Bruce’s grandmother. . .which is a gift. I will say if you are looking for an in-depth theological marriage book, then I would suggest, The Meaning of Marriage* by Tim Keller. But if you need a quick, easy read to remind you of your first love, to reverse the negative cycle of your marriage, give you language to communicate, to see the spiritual impact your relationship can have or as a resource to hand to a unbelieving friend. . .this is the book for you. *Amazon affiliate links What we chat about: * The book writing process * What is zimzum? * When life happens and you’ve lost the spark between you. * Remembering to go back to your original intention–“I’m here for your best”. * Our deep need to have someone for us. * How a disruption can be the best thing for your marriage. * The art of fighting/disagreeing well–cooperative state of mind. * Strengthening the bond of your marriage with shared experiences.

The Zimzum of Love Kristen Bell Ep 47

I remember the transition into motherhood being a bit like a slap in the face (but with all the smooshy love feelings. . .of course). “You mean they are going to just let me walk out of the hospital with this baby? But I don’t know what I’m doing!” And that quote came from someone (me) with a Master’s Degree in 0-3 child development, a lifetime of babysitting experience and at least seven Cabbage Patch Kids. It’s hard to go from only worrying about your needs (and your spouse’s) to keeping a human being alive. . .24/7. This week God impressed upon my heart the need to encourage the new mom readers/listeners. He kept repeating himself. Then I got Victoria Wilson‘s email message about guest posting on my site from the perspective of a new mom. And I did the natural (crazy) thing and scheduled a time to interview/chat with her. . .and recorded our convo to publish for y’all. If you know a new mom who needs encouragement that she’s not alone in all-the-feelings, then pass this podcast along. What we chat about: * Importance of knowing you aren’t alone in your mental struggles with this new role. * The mom spectrum–from not wanting to be a mom to always wanting to be a mom, but having a hard time with the reality. * How your marriage is affected by a new baby–the mom’s center shifting towards the child and the husband being left out. * How to not micromanage your husband’s interaction with the baby. * The appropriate use of technology to keep your marriage healthy. * Remembering you have children in your home less time than you will be a mother to adult children. * Coming to an agreement with your husband on parenting issues–sleep training, etc. * The benefit of husbands who aren’t overly influenced by parenting trends. . . listening to his perspective before running them over with all-the-articles. * When parenting resources conflict, what should parents do? * Remembering God made you for your baby and trusting He gave you all you need to care for him/her. * Physical strength from the Lord is a real thing. * How motherhood takes you to your most broken, most reliant place. * My husband’s favorite advice for new parents. * How to transition from no kids to kids, with your girl friendships. * Ideas for connecting with other new moms. * Tips for extroverts in getting social needs met. * Importance of having a “thing” you pour yourself into outside of motherhood. * Don’t use every nap to clean up the house–a permission slip to nap yourself and do your soul thing. * Making time in your schedule for God–figure out what time works best for you. Connect with Victoria: Blog :: Twitter :: Facebook :: Instagram :: Pinterest Show Notes: * www.VictoriaEasterWilson.com/GodCentered –Victoria’s favorite new mom reads * Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child by Marc Weissbluth (**Amazon affliate link) * “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.” (Psalm 139:13) * Gone Girl (not “Girl Gone” like I labeled it on the podcast…oi...

The New Mom Life :: Victoria Wilson [Ep 46]

Do you feel like the master of your schedule or mastered by your schedule? I’ve had days this fall where each half hour is so tightly packed that a few minute delay shifts the whole day. In response, my mood is rushed, my tone is harsh and my joy is zapped. Today’s podcast guest, Lysa TerKeurst, author of the new book, “The Best Yes” has some wisdom to share if you feel the same soul stress as me. Are you being intentional about what you say ‘yes’ to? Or are you reacting to the needs around you and saying ‘yes’ to more than you can handle? Are you living the life you feel God desires or are you attempting to do all-the-things to please people around you? In this episode Lysa and I dig into five schedule sappers, ways we don’t take control of schedule and in exchange lose control of our sanity. She shares practical tips for the mom of little ones, ways to be proactive in living our best lives. What we talk about: * How she is on this journey with us to manage the tension of overwhelmed schedules and underwhelmed souls. * The season Lysa is now in and how she would have handed herself this book 10 years ago—how the daily choices are impacted by our best “yeses”. * The goal of concentric impact circles of a God Centered Mom, but the reality of strangers get my best and my family getting my worst. * Lysa’s confession of being a people pleaser. * The tension of having more requests of you than can be done in a day and the power of the words “yes” and “no”. * Unrushing my soul can sound good in theory, but hard to implement with a rushed reality. * How do we ‘unrush’ when the realities are rushed. * Practical ideas for fitting in our best yes with a chaotic four boy schedule. * Have to get intentional with the time we have. * Definition of “Schedule sapper”: those things that come and sap our schedules, that we dread saying ‘yes’ but feel powerless to say ‘no’. * If you allow the thing that feeds your soul to get away from you, you do your family a disservice. * Delaying never lets the ‘no’ go down easier. * If you get a request and feel a sense of dread, disappoints family/kids, or introduces drama, then you should say ‘no’ right away. * Saying ‘yes’ to everything won’t make me wonder woman, but a worn out woman. * Overestimate my capacity and underestimate my time. * People not projects need to occupy the sacred space of my heart. “When the motions of my life are rushed, my emotions don’t have to be.” “How I set my schedule is how I spend my life. How I spend my life is how I spend my soul.” Connect with Lysa: Site :: Facebook :: Twitter :: Pinterest Show Notes: * Made to Crave * Unglued * The Best Yes * The Best Yes resources: weekly time assessment tool, chase down the decision tool, videos * “The Unrush Me” Challenge – 5-day devotional straight to your email, an appetizer leading up to the book. *

5 Schedule Sappers and How to Stop Them :: Lysa TerKeurst {Ep. 45}

I’m married to a pretty fabulous man. Bruce is kind, positive, loving, intelligent, wise and successful. From the time we were dating I’ve also been impressed with how well he gets along with his sisters and how his family loves one another well. Not only do they love each other well, they all love to serve and care for those around them. Now I’m telling you all that not to brag, but to give you credentials for today’s podcast guest, Rosemary MacFadyen, my mother-in-law. Married to a successful general surgeon, mother to 4 (3 girls, 1 boy), grandmother to 12 (9 boys, 3 girls) and minister to many, Rosemary lives a full and godly life. Over the past 18 years of knowing the MacFadyen family I’ve tried to ask as many questions as possible about growing up in their home, about how they did things and what makes them special. In today’s episode we all benefit from Rosemary’s wise approach to mothering. She shares the principles that led her parenting decisions and daily actions. We also discuss the benefits of serving internationally as a family, including their time in Liberia, years ago. (I’ve titled the episode with “5” principles but really I think we surpass that number. . .). What we chat about: * The use of logical consequences instead of nagging. * Letting children work out their own disagreements. * Staying emotionally uninvolved from your children’s bad behavior. * The importance of morning time of prayer and Bible reading. * Never talking about one child to another, or even talking about your children’s decisions to a friend. * Realizing once you say something it’s out there and can’t be taken back. * Importance of telling your husband what is important to you. * If you aren’t part of a problem, then you won’t be a part of the solution. * Getting involved in a another person’s problem, the problem can sometimes escalate. * To grow like Jesus grew in 4 different areas: wisdom, stature, favor with God, favor with man (Luke 2). * The importance of helping your children develop a personal relationship with God. * Helping your children hide God’s word in their hearts. * How your love for God’s Word can transfer to your children. * Praying with and for your children. You have God, the Creator of the whole universe, ready to listen to you, why would we not pray? * The Bible gives principles for living, boundaries you can use in parenting. * Parents involving your children in ministry sets a standard for your kids of life including service. * Observing your child’s skills and plugging them into your family ministry. * An experience they had with two of her daughters running a guest house in Liberia. If perfect was what was required in having people in our homes then none of us would do anything, because none of us could do it perfectly. Show Notes:  And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man. Luke 2:52 * Revolutionary Parenting: Raising Your Kids to Become Spiritual Champions by George Barna (**Amazon affiliate link) What principles guide your mothering? Let’s start a list in the comments. How to listen to the podcast: 1.Listen on the blog. Click through to GodCenteredMom.com and click the play button at the beginning of this post. 2. Listen on your smartphone, iPad or iPod Touch – There are a lot of great podcasting apps. Apple has a free one (that I mentioned) in ...

5 Principles to Guide Motherhood :: Rosemary MacFadyen {Ep. 44}

What could people pleasing and pickled cabbage possibly have to do with one another? The answer ? Today’s guest’s real food journey. {real food} :: …food as close to the way God created it as possible, free of additives and over-processing.  Trina Holden vulnerably shares how panic attacks and stress plagued her for years. And constantly worrying about what other’s thought had made a physical impact. First she began to make small changes in her diet. Because of her gradual approach to eating healthier foods, she has sustained a “real food” lifestyle for years. Trina also worked on re-wiring her brain to recognize God as the only One she needs to gain approval. Then to remember through Christ’s work, she is pre-approved. The author of two “real food” books, Trina, is a wealth of information in regards to eating better. In today’s episode she gives some practical ways you can improve your family’s eating habits today. What we chat about: *  The health concerns which led Trina to eating real foods. * What two things she replaced in her diet. * A history of panic attacks which escalated after the birth of her first child. * The load of all the roles she had and the pressure of the assumed expectations others have of her. * A huge amount of stress she felt was based on worrying about what people thought of her. *  A need to rewire her brain and realize she is approved by God thru Christ. * How Heather gets intimidated by real food writers and nervous they will make her switch all the food in her kitchen. * What are fermented vegetables and the benefits of eating them. * Heather’s love of Kombucha (how it makes her a better mom) and what that is. * Why we need cultured food. * Helping our bodies digest the food we eat, so we don’t just shove it through our system. Food becomes fuel. * Preference of using the word “cultured” vs. “fermented”. * How to make sauerkraut from cabbage on your counter. * How Trina realized food isn’t the most important factor in our health, God is. * Don’t eat healthy food from a fear-based perspective. * How to buy the best chicken, what labels to look for. * Does it matter if the eggs are brown? * Legacy of healthy eating we want to leave our kids. Stressing about what you are going to eat, is worse for your body than eating a candy bar. Connect with Trina:  Blog :: Facebook :: Instagram :: Twitter Show Notes: * Real {fast} food * Your Real Food Journey * Naturopath  * My favorite Kombucha drink * The story I mentioned of my son breaking his arm * How to make your own yogurt * (at the end of the show I mention a new link for instructions on leaving a podcast review. . .