Don't Mom Alone Podcast

From Fear of Man to Fermented Vegetables :: Trina Holden {Ep. 43}

God never promised a life without pain. But He did promise to walk with you through it. If you find yourself in the midst of a challenging time, then today’s podcast will be an encouragement to you.  Back in March 2008, today’s guest, Stacie Smith, received news no mom wants to hear. Her oldest son, Gavin, who was 3 1/2 years old at the time, was diagnosed with cancer. An aggressive type with a low survival rate, filling a third of his brain and down his spine. Stacie’s faith had wandered in the years leading up to Gavin’s diagnosis, but in that moment she chose to turn towards God, beat on His chest. She claims that is the only way she survived childhood cancer. What we chat about: * The events leading up to Gavin’s diagnosis. * How Stacie first responded when the Dr said, “brain tumor”. * When she rode in an ambulance with her son, how good friends proved true. * How anger has surfaced more now, than at the beginning. * The fear she felt at the beginning and pleading with God to save Gavin’s life. “Lord, you created this. I believe you can recreate it. But if it’s not going to change, prepare me in advance if bad news is coming.” * Stacie’s belief: Cancer didn’t come to Gavin before it passed thru the hands of God first. Wasn’t a shock to God. He knew it was coming. Anger isn’t bad. But will the anger turn you towards God or away from God? Beat on His chest.  * The reality and length of cancer treatment. * Gavin’s way to cope. . .his medicine cap collection: * How Gavin’s brother reacted to the cancer diagnosis/treatment. * Before cancer, Stacie drifted in her faith. . .stopped attending church because she didn’t want to expose her son to germs. * God spoke to her the night before Gavin’s first surgery. . . and gave her a vision and amazing peace. * Opportunities Stacie was given to share her faith during the treatment process. * How to help someone going through a hard season. * If you are going through a hard time, how to accept help from others, so you don’t rob that person of the blessing of helping you. * The lessons when these things happen aren’t just for the immediate family. Connect with Stacie: Email- StacieSmithslp@gmail.com Show Notes: *  Isaiah 55:9–“As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” * Stormie Omartian–“Just enough light for the step I’m on”  Have you or someone you love dealt with the horrors of childhood cancer? Leave your story in the comments so we can join you in prayer. **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 the app store, there is also one called Downcast. It allows you to search for shows, subscribe to them and even speed up the audio. If you don’t have an iDevice, you can listen via Stitcher. 3. Subscribe to the Podcast – access the podcast in iTunes (

When Your Child Has Cancer :: Stacie Smith {Ep 42}

Raise your hand if you want to be a great mom. I know I do. Sadly that goal is rarely ever reached by pure determination. Usually by 9 am, the whining or constant needs or sibling rivalry, sabotage all my efforts. But what if I didn’t have to try to be a “great mom” in my own strength? What if there was a way to have eyes to see the most important things, patience to handle one more question and love to cover another mess?  You’re probably not going to be shocked by the solution–a combination of God’s Word & praying to be led by His Sprit.  But maybe you struggle to make the solution a reality. Yesterday our pastor taught from Psalm 119, saying “A God-oriented life is a Word-oriented life.” If we claim to be followers of Christ, believers of God, and yet don’t spend time in His Word, we will not have the firm foundation to stand on when the storms come. Today’s podcast guest, Kat Lee (InspiredtoAction.com) not only reminds us how special moms are, but the game changer of going from frazzled to faithful.  Being the practical gal she is, Kat also shares an opportunity you have to be a part of an accountability community, HelloMornings (registration starts today! September 29th). Sometimes we need people to come around us and spur us on to do things we struggle to do on our own.  Personally? This is the verse I’m memorizing: Turn my eyes away from worthless things;     preserve my life according to your word. Ps 119:37 What we chat about: * How Kat makes it through the week when her husband travels * The negative cycle of staying up late, being a mean mommy, staying up late again. * Kat’s experience growing up never having known her mom. * Her curiosity about the mother-daughter relationship and trying to figure out what it means to be a woman/mother. * Her longing to be loved and led by a mom. . . God’s whisper, “just wait”. * How God redeemed Mother’s Day for Kat. * She didn’t even know her mom & her mom had an incredible impact on her life. * The call she received which led her back to her mom’s family/nation of origin. * A Filipino family reunion with her name on a banner–a reminder she was known. * The disaster of comparing your worst mommy moment to another mom’s best moment. * Kat’s no-good-very-bad-day, leading to a revelation in the garage, in her hot mini-van, and what God asked her to do. * The habit she began of getting up earlier than her kids, reading God’s Word & praying for her kids. * Establishing the new habit, importance of a place and having accountability. * How people can join an accountability group via Twitter, Facebook, Voxer, or Instagram. –40 countries represented. 4,000 women. * If the groups fill up or you don’t want to be in a group, you can sign up to receive the emails and forms. —God, Plan, Move.–and worship song, “How Great You Are” by Antioch Live. * In addition, HelloMornings is offering a Bible Study Course, how to study the Bible for yourself–with Katie Orr (FOCUSed 15) with book of Matthew (Six 10-minute videos). * HelloMornings groups last six weeks–a little longer than it takes to establish a habit. * God is the game changer for our motherhood. God wants us to wrap our arms our His neck, not just stick our hands into His pockets.- Louie Giglio Connect with Kat: Blog ::

The Mom Game Changer :: Kat Lee [Ep 41]

Thanks y’all for patience as I just jumped from one podcast to another with no other post between. Last week was a doooo-zy for me. In all realms–physical, emotional, & spiritual–there were lies coming at me. (Don’t think ‘he’ was too excited I was speaking at a mom’s group about putting God in the center of our lives). Do not be fooled. This world is a spiritual war zone. We can’t give our enemy too much credit, but we also can’t ignore him. What do we do when the battle heat is on?  From personal experience, I chose to “phone a friend” (or more like ugly-cry-in-the-church-hallway-at-BSF). Speaking the lies out loud and having a fellow believer speak truth over me was my first line of defense. Next, I asked for prayer from friends and even from my Facebook page community (Are you hanging out over there?). Most importantly, I read God’s Word for myself and wrapped that belt of Truth around my waist (Eph 6:14). That’s why today’s podcast topic is so important to me. I would be doing y’all a huge disservice if you didn’t learn to read God’s Word and allow His Spirit to speak to you through it.  Today I’m introducing you to a new friend of mine, Cari Trotter who is going to help us read the Bible. I am blown away by her outgoing personality and her passion for women to know God through His Word. She is a gifted Bible teacher, wife to a H.S. Football coach and mom to 3 little ones. Beyond all that? She is a beautiful daughter of the Creator of the universe. We all have the potential to walk towards our ‘legacy as a royal heir’–the glorious becoming. It starts, like Cari says, ‘by sticking your nose in His Word and discovering real answers to the questions you are asking.’ I truly pray after you hear this interview you will pick up your Bible, read a section (even one verse) and ask yourself the two questions Cari shares in today’s episode. That through the wisdom God provides and personal revelation, you will begin your glorious transformation.  What we chat about: * We just  jump right in . . .how labeling an area we want to work for God, gets a target on our back, yet we can walk inside grace in the hard stuff. * Be still & know God. . .what to do in the heat of spiritual battle * Cari’s family. . .including her HS Football coach hubby. * Our journey is not about a perfect walk, but one of faith. * Cari’s over-riding passion is for women to know the Word of God–transforming heart knowledge. * God doesn’t toss out who we were, He takes all of us and molds it into who He wants us to become. * Where a woman can start studying God’s Word and how to make it real for herself. * Word becomes flesh when we see & know our identity in Christ. * A story of leading a Bible study in prison–one gal’s realization that she was created on purpose by the God of the universe. * The two questions to ask after you read 10-15 verses–“What questions am I asking?” and “What am I praying?” * Ask God to give you the wisdom for the revelation of His Word. * Having a time & a space to spend with God, not in a legalistic way, but in a “need this or I fall” way. * The difference of a day with at least 5 minutes in His Word. One verse. One prayer and His Holy Spirit. * How a verse can transform when you read it one day to the next, providing just what you need to hear. * Memorizing Scripture highlights certain phrases. * The power of personal transformation from God’s Word. Connect with Cari:

Two Questions for a Glorious Becoming :: Cari Trotter [Ep 40]

She laughs big and she serves the Lord. This perfectly describes today’s podcast guest, Kristi Griem. From the moment I met Kristi, she impressed me with her passion to free people–women from sex trafficking, children from injustice and families from poverty. Having followed the journey God has taken her on the last few years, I wanted to share the story with y’all. My first goal is to inspire you to see how your past experiences intersect with your passions/talents, to be used for His glory. Your personal “work of worth”. The second goal is to introduce you to a new way of buying gifts and products. Kristi connects international artisians (trying to break the poverty cycle or rehabilitate from atrocities) with the American market. Philanthropic entrepreneurship. As current COO at Work of Worth International,  Kristi asked me to look over the products being sold and put pieces together I loved creating a collection you would love too. I felt all sorts of fancy getting to “curate”. . .thought only designer types do such things. Here is the little collection I’ve gathered together. If you are interested in any of the pieces (ranging from $10 to $30), just click here.   In this episode we chat about: * How growing up in Panama & Nicaragua contributed to Kristi’s familiarity with international living. * How international mission approaches have changed. * The use of social entrepeneurships to build relationships before sharing the gospel. * The unique skills and care Freeset offers gals who have been rescued from sex trafficking * The impact of emotional and physical trauma on the girls who are rescued, and their inability to follow complex directions. * How God used a horrible tragic airplane crash to shine a light on the FreeSet ministry. . .beauty from ashes. * The way the Lord led Kristi to a new opportunity with Work of Worth * How she already had relationships with distributors to connect with international artisans. * God using the intersection of your gifts/talents and your past experiences for His glory. . .there’s no “just” anything. No small thing in the Kingdom. You know what you’re passionate about when your heart beats fast.            -Kristi Griem- Connect with Kristi: Blog :: Pinterest :: Twitter Show Notes: * Seed Effect (microfinance ministry) * 10,000 Villages * World Crafts * FreeSet USA * UPS crash * Logan Wolfram * Work of Worth   What “work of worth” do you feel God stirring in you? If it’s to start buying more fair trade items, which of the ones from Kristi’s shop did you like best?  

Work of Worth :: Kristi Griem [Ep 39]

We’re getting personal on the podcast. In today’s episode, my husband Bruce & I share the story of our last 3 years.  A period of time where his workload was heavy, children were all-consuming and personal time was almost non-existent. Can you relate? If your husband has (or you have) a demanding career, then hopefully our story will remind you you are not alone. Maybe hearing how we coped will give you ideas to keep your head above water. (And there are a few general marriage tips we throw in as a bonus). What we talk about: * Our brief summary of life for the past three years * Sacrifice is bearable when doing something that matches your strengths/gifts * How Heather was “awesome”

When Your Husband has a Demanding Job :: Bruce and Heather [Ep 38]

What do the words: France. Food. Family. Fellowship all have in common? Kristin Schell. Today’s podcast guest shares a great story of how a potential failure led to her current ministry. Throughout the episode we weave those four words together, presenting a few ideas for facilitating hospitality and building community. After seeing Kristin’s Turquoise Table one day on Instagram I saw this sign in front of my neighbor’s house. Right across from our house. On this episode I share more amazing details about my story with the Turquoise Table and getting to know our neighbor Jeff (and his dog Bella). How he sold us a table, carted it across the street and even loaned us his paint gun. And shared a little of what’s been going on in his life. Thankful for Kristin and all she is doing to bring people around the table. What we chat about: * Dallas life in 1980s * How Kristin’s almost flunking French directed her current ministry * The family-centric European dining culture * How to create a slower pace and gather more around the table in the States * The joy of meeting with your family for Sunday Supper (lots of menus & tips in link below). * Temptation to confuse entertainment with hospitality * How to use your gift of hospitality when your husband is an introvert & you have 4 young children * Birth of the Turquoise Table * Frontyard Fridays * Heather’s own “Turquoise Table” story * How a table in the front yard gives those around you a window to the Cross Connect with Kristin: Website :: Twitter :: Instagram :: Facebook Show Notes: * 52 Summer Suppers — with Susie Davis & Kristin Schell * The Turquoise Table–sign up for newsletter to stay up to date * Logan Wolfram Do you have a favorite memory of gathering around the table with family? **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 the app store, there is also one called Downcast. It allows you to search for shows, subscribe to them and even speed up the audio. If you don’t have an iDevice, you can listen via Stitcher. 3. Subscribe to the Podcast – access the podcast in iTunes (

GCM Ep 37 The Turquoise Table.mp3

As most of you know, Amanda White (from OhAmanda.com) and I have been chatting about movies (right here in Episode 27 and Episode 31) and labeling ourselves (maybe?) “Family Movie Moms”. And we’re at it again.  This episode, however, is directed towards older kids and date nights. . .still family movies but for the older members of your family. Because we talk about 5 different movies, this is a longer episode. We considered chopping it up into 5 episodes or two parts. But decided y’all are adults and can decide when to start & stop based on your multi-tasking/podcast listening habits. (**speaking of being adults. . . please note this may be an episode you choose to listen to with earbuds in, so little ones don’t hear about things which are inappropriate for their innocent spirits) (poster pictures from IMDB.com. For more info on each film click titles below)  These are the movies we chat about: Maleficent (PG with Angelina Jolie & Elle Fanning) * example of a powerful person becoming evil & humbled (like Nebuchadnezzar) * another story of true love being less about a boy/girl and more about family * how revenge never works out and forgiveness is necessary * an example of how even if you are sorry, your choices have consequences * lack of a true “bad guy” (blurred lines of good vs. evil) * (Phil Vischer Podcast) Belle (PG with Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Matthew Goode, Emily Watson) * a historical piece, based on a true story, addressing topics of race, social standing, value of life, and human justice. * a love story and a political/social commentary * great movie to watch with a group and discuss around dessert/dinner Guardians of the Galaxy (PG-13 with Chris Pratt, Vin Diesel, Bradley Cooper) * the appeal of a superhero movie * misfits coming together for one common cause–don’t have to be the greatest & brightest to do great things. * Groot (as in, “I am Groot”) demonstrates sacrificial giving/love * “If the world thinks you should be 13 to see a movie, then you should be 13.” * Toys for little kids that go with PG-13 movies * (Pleygo–Lego subscription ** Affiliate Link) Begin Again (R with Adam Levine, Keira Knightley, Mark Ruffalo) * for those who love music and how music is created (any artist really) * a story of redemption in careers and marriage. Going back to your first love. * answers the question “is fame the best goal?” The Giver (PG-13 with Brenton Thwaites, Jeff Bridges, Meryl Streep) * a movie based off the Young Adult Fiction book by Lois Lowry

Teen & Date Night Movies:: Family Movie Moms with OhAmanda {Ep 36}