The Better Part - Intentional Living for Christian Moms with a Bible-Loving Catholic Mama – Details, episodes & analysis

Join Stef Blackwell and I again for another conversation about sticky topics we have to uncover with our kids. Today we talk about teaching our kids about disabilities, whether they be obvious, physical disabilities or not-so-obvious mental ones. This can be difficult because kids can often not know how to handle seeing someone with a big disability and be unwittingly unkind. They can also be difficult as we teach our kids about boundaries we (or they) may want to set for our children's protection. We pray this episode does not offend or that we do not share something that leads anyone astray. If you have further insight into this topic, please email me at thebetterpartpod@gmail.com.

Some resources mentioned in the episode are:

• Book: Let's Go Play by Shelby McCarthy
• Expert in autism: Dr. Amanda Blackwell
• Game: Concept

Episode Four of the Sticky Conversations series is all about technology including TV, video games, phones, social media, etc. Stephani Blackwell, and I discuss the necessity of first examining our own relationship with technology--especially phone usage and social media, and letting that be the first thing we work on before trying to influence our children's relationship with technology.

We discuss specific ideas for limiting technology, but focus mainly on how parents need to determine their own personal philosophies about technology and then let their examples and rules be based on that. Technology, though it can lead to many temptations and trouble, is not itself evil, and using it as a tool is not a bad thing. But we do not want technology to rule us. Follow along to hear more thoughts!

Check out The Tech Exit by Clare Morell to hear more insights about how technology can influence children (and their parents!)

Listen to Episode 157 of the Raising Boys and Girls podcast for more thoughts and ideas.

Alleluia alleluia! He is risen! Happy Easter, friends! I hope you're enjoying an octave of celebrating and rejoicing in our risen savior!

Tune in for an announcement about what is to come in the podcast!

If you’d like to learn about how to honor your spouse and protect your marriage from an accomplished author, speaker, husband and grandfather, then you’ve come to the right place! . . Gary Thomas is my guest today and this interview is POWERFUL. . . I pray that both husbands and wives listen to this excellent conversation I had with Gary. . . Gary Thomas is a bestselling author and international speaker whose ministry brings people closer to Christ and closer to others. Gary is the author of numerous books that together have sold over two million copies, have been translated into more than a dozen languages, and won numerous awards. His writings have established him as a thought-leader in the areas of marriage, parenting, and spiritual formation. . . His newest book is called “Making Your Marriage A Fortress: Strengthening Your Marriage to Withstand Life’s Storms” and that’s what we’re chatting about today. You won’t want to miss this excellent conversation today friends! . . Connect with Gary and learn more about his work on his website at www.garythomas.com and then grab a copy of his newest book - https://www.amazon.com/Making-Your-Marriage-Fortress-Strengthening/dp/0310347459 - this book is an excellent resource for all married couples. . . Thank you for being here. May your marriages and families be blessed! . . Xoxo Stephanie [ ps: email me at 500secondstojoy@gmail.com if you’d like to connect ]

I love when we get to meditate together! Today we will meditate on Psalm 27. I pray this time blesses you and your family. You are so loved and cherished! Thank you for being here. Xoxo Stephanie [ ps: email me at 500secondstojoy@gmail.com if you’d like to connect ]

There is great power in changing the words you use to help you feel gratitude rather than dread. Press play and I pray you are encouraged today. Thank you so much for being here! Xoxo Stephanie [ ps: email me at 500secondstojoy@gmail.com if you’d like to connect ]

Let’s have a relationship with the person of Jesus, and let’s teach our kids how to do that too! The Christian life is all about our relationship with the Lord, and studying His Word is a great way to better know and love Him. Today I’m joined by author, photographer, blogger and homeschooling mom Jodi Mockabee to talk all about raising Biblically grounded kids. It’s a good one y’all! Connect with Jodi and get her book - “The Whole and Healthy Family: Helping Kids Thrive in Mind, Body and Spirit” - by going to her website at www.jodimockabee.com (or head to wherever books are sold)! You will also find incredible homeschooling resources and mom life inspiration over at www.jodimockabee.com - I use her verses to song program to do weekly scripture memory in our homeschool. I’m excited for you to learn and be inspired by Jodi today! It’s such an honor to have you here. God bless you and your family. Xoxo Stephanie [ ps: email me at 500secondstojoy@gmail.com if you’d like to connect ]

You are doing important work and I would love to encourage you today in your role as a mom. Your work is so valuable and I pray this short episode helps you to feel seen. You’re doing amazing work, mama! Xoxo Stephanie [ ps: if you’d like to connect you can email me at 500secondstojoy@gmail.com ]

God is carrying each one of us. Take some time today to be inspired by children’s book author, designer and creative artist, Amy Kavelaris. Amy shares about God’s truth in scripture and reminds us that we can always trust in our Lord. This interview is such a breath of fresh air and Amy’s new children’s book “Good Morning, Little One: New Mercies and Prayers to Carry You Through the Day” is so beautiful and inspiring for both parents and children’s. Head to www.amykavs.com to get your copy of this book today! If you’d like, email me at 500secondstojoy@gmail.com to let me know how you need prayer today - I would love to ask God to carry each of us in a special way today. Sending blessings and prayers your way, friend! Xoxo Stephanie

What does it REALLY mean to sacrifice in marriage? Marriage involves sacrifice, yes. But that is actually a beautiful gift we receive when we get married. And there’s so much wisdom my guest shared today for moms who are newer in their marriage or have been married for years. Listen in to learn more about the beauty of marriage from Catholic speaker, author and podcaster, Danielle Bean. If you’re a Catholic mom, you’ve probably heard of Danielle. If not, you’re in for a treat! This episode is practical, encouraging and for every Christian mom who needs the reminder that marriage matters. May your marriage be blessed and strengthened in a special way today. Go grab Danielle’s books by heading to www.daniellebean.com or hang with her on her podcast called Girlfriends - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/girlfriends-a-podcast-for-catholic-women/id1073361940 - I’m a regular listener and it’s a fabulous podcast! Thank you, Danielle, for sharing your wisdom and I pray everyone is blessed by this conversation! Xoxo Stephanie [ ps: connect with me by emailing me at 500secondstojoy@gmail.com ]