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 ]

Today’s guest is Claire McGarry and she’s bringing us a lot of wisdom to ponder as we discuss the gospel story of Martha and Mary. Claire writes on her blog: “I’m finding that motherhood is impacting my faith in ways I never would have imagined, and my faith is doing the same to my motherhood.” Isn’t that the truth? Our motherhood stretches us in unimaginable ways and it’s how God is helping us to look more like Him! Press play on today’s interview and meditation, and learn what this familiar gospel story can teach us mamas. Claire McGarry is the author of Grace in Tension: Discover Peace with Martha and Mary, as well as the Lenten family devotionals With Our Savior and Abundant Mercy. [ click here to grab her newest book that we talk about today - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1681926431?pf_rd_r=C0G72FKYEFEFMVQ61M9G&pf_rd_p=1ab92b69-98d7-4842-a89b-ad387c54783f&pd_rd_r=5e18d71d-e1de-4a19-80ae-55efd27360ee&pd_rd_w=Mws5i&pd_rd_wg=GRdWx&linkCode=sl1&tag=shiftin-20&linkId=0d8e201b1c49981f45118178467452cc&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl ]. She contributes regularly to Living Faith, CatholicMom.com, and blogs at ShiftingMyPerspective.com. God bless you and may this conversation (and meditation) bless your day and your prayer life! Thank you for being here. Xoxo Stephanie [email me at 500secondstojoy@gmail.com if you’d like to connect]

Ready to live deeply rooted and be encouraged to be gentle with yourself, mama friend? Press play and be inspired by author and founder of Live Deeply Rooted, Sopha Rush. Her devotional journal is INCREDIBLE + so BEAUTIFUL! 100 Days Of Living Deeply Rooted is available to purchase - head to https://www.dayspring.com/sopha-rush-100-days-of-living-deeply-rooted-devotional-journal to grab yours today! Then head to www.Instagram.com/sopharush and hang with Sopha. Thanks for being here and may you be encouraged and feel like you’re getting a big virtual hug from us today! God bless you, friend. Xoxo Stephanie [ ps: email me at 500secondstojoy@gmail.com if you’d like to connect ]

If we want an intimate prayer life and a true relationship with our Lord, we have to be honest, open and vulnerable with him. Join me as I chat with my good friend Karen Cruess about the importance of vulnerability when it comes to our prayer life. You will be encouraged to bring everything to God in prayer. He cares about all of it, sweet friend! Karen is a licensed counselor, podcaster and encourager of women. Head to the Heal, Equip and Release Podcast [click here - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/heal-equip-and-release-podcast-women-set-free/id1500798386 - to listen ] where you will find inspiration and encouragement for your soul. Then go to www.twoheartscounselingandhealing.com to learn even more about the work Karen does. God bless you and may this conversation (and meditation) bless your day and your prayer life! Thank you for being here. Xoxo Stephanie [email me at 500secondstojoy@gmail.com if you’d like to connect]

As we continue through Lent, we ask God to shine a light on the ways He wants us to grow, and a big way is letting go of the sins that weigh us down. As we journey through Holy Week, we ponder in particular the way the fact that Jesus wants to take our sins from us and bear them Himself. It is so humbling to realize that we cannot fix them ourselves, but when we give our sins over to the one who loves us, we are able to find freedom, peace, and salvation.

In this episode, we focus in on glutton and lust. What it is, how it shows up in our lives, what virtue we can run to in response to this sin, and practical tips to help us shed this sin from our lives.

Practical tips from this episode for combatting gluttony:

• Taking note of what we eat every day in a non-judgemental way, then evaluating afterwards what habits are healthy and which are not
• Slowly breaking down unhealthy habits through small steps
• Looking to Bl Carlo Acutis as an example of moderation

Practical tips from this episode for combatting lust:

• Immediately turning to prayer during times of temptation--specifically the rosary
• Removing environmental factors that may lead to temptation like not sleeping with the phone next to your bed
• Looking to St. Joseph as an example of chastity

I am joined by PhD professor Marina Hofman, to talk all about faithfulness and what we can learn from the women in the Bible. Marina has an INCREDIBLE story of how God literally saved her life. You won’t want to miss this! In today’s interview, we are going to zero in on some incredible women in the Old Testament and we truly have so much to learn from them! Marina Hofman, PhD, is the author of the award-winning book and video series, Women in the Bible Small Group Bible Study, a professor at Palm Beach Atlantic University, president of Moms For America in Palm Beach County and a homeschool mom of a 3-year-old daughter. Her website is womeninthebible.info - you can grab her book there and learn even more about her. I pray that this episode blesses and encourages you. Talking to Marina was such an encouragement to me so I have a feeling it will be for you too. God bless you and your family! Xoxo Stephanie PS: You can always email me at 500secondstojoy@gmail.com and the best compliment is if you share this episode with a friend! Thanks for being here.

There are so many myths about weight loss and today, I’m joined by Lauren Chante to break these down! Before the interview, we will meditate on taking our thoughts captive because I know we all need to work on how we think about our bodies. After centering ourselves with a meditation, then you’re going to get to hear from the lovely Lauren Chante. Lauren is a health strategist who is passionate about helping women stop jumping from diet to diet and instead work with the body God has given them and find what works for their life in terms of healthy eating and exercise. Lauren is an inspiration and an encouragement, and you’re going to want to head to www.laurenchante.com to get all the resources she shares. I pray that this episode blesses and encourages you. We are temples of the Holy Spirit and God has created our body to be good. Never forget that, lovely friend. God bless you and your family! Xoxo Stephanie PS: You can always email me at 500secondstojoy@gmail.com and the best compliment is if you share this episode with a friend! Thanks for being here.

This litany is a beautiful prayer for mothers everywhere. Emily Brown, Catholic life coach at Fiat Life Coaching, wrote this Litany for Mothers. Emily graciously agreed to have me read it on my podcast. I have this prayer taped on my wall in the kitchen and it brings me so much comfort and peace every time I read it. I pray it does the same for you when you hear it. To learn more about Emily, visit her website at www.fiatlifecoaching.com and feel free to head directly to https://fiatlifecoaching.com/litany-for-mothers-2/ if you’d like a copy of this litany to print out for your home. Thank you for being here lovely friend. God bless you! Xoxo Stephanie

Don’t miss this incredible episode filled with affirmations for your mama heart from my friend Kate and then an interview with Amy Eilers from House of Eilers [ www.houseofeilers.com or www.instagram.com/houseofeilers ] all about intentional phone use. This is a good one, friends! I pray it blesses you and encourages you. We are in this together! May God bless your motherhood in a special way today. Thank you for being here! Xoxo Stephanie PS: I love to hear from you! Email me at 500secondstojoy@gmail.com if you want to say hi and feel free to leave a review if you like what you heard here today. I greatly appreciate reviews. Blessings to you and your family!

No matter what’s going on in your life, today can be a good day! Dr. Michelle Bengtson has some hope and encouragement to share with you today. Dr. Michelle has experienced some very difficult life circumstances that you’ll hear about in today’s episode, and she has clung to God’s promises in the midst of it all. She has joy in the Lord and it’s so beautiful, friends! Grab her devotional book, Today is Going to be a Good Day: 90 Promises from God to Start Your Day Off Right, anywhere books are sold - head to www.drmichellebengtson.com to see all the goodness she has to offer. Her books and podcast are uplifting many women, and I pray this interview uplifts and encourages you today. I’m lifting you up in prayer today that whatever you’re walking through, you can trust in the Lord and lean on Him. Email me at 500secondstojoy@gmail.com if you have a specific prayer request you’d like to share with me. God bless you and thanks for being here! Xoxo Stephanie

This episode is jam packed, friends! You may want to listen to this episode in two parts, or get some cleaning done and listen to all of it at once! (Can you tell I listen to podcasts while I clean?) First, I have a meditation on Colossians, and then I am joined by author Jennifer Pepito. She has so much goodness for moms, especially homeschooling moms! Jennifer is the creator of The Peaceful Press - go to www.thepeacefulpress.com to check out her homeschool curriculum. Her new book is called Mothering By The Book - head to www.motheringbythebook.com to learn all about it! If you buy it this month, there are some cool bonuses! Jennifer and I are chatting about how to savor those baby years (which are hard but finite years) and you’re not going to want to miss the incredible wisdom she shares! This interview was a treat for me and I know you’re going to love it too! Email me at 500secondstojoy@gmail.com with your favorite takeaway from the interview! Enjoy and God bless you! Xoxo Stephanie

We’ve all asked this question. Is God still good? Maybe you’re walking through something hard right now and you’re wondering why a good God allows this. Press play and be encouraged, friend. God IS good and you can trust Him. I’m joined by Kristen Clark from Girl Defined and we are talking about their new book, “Not Part Of The Plan”. Head to www.girldefined.com to learn more about their book and their mission. To get the free printable with Bible references for the names of God, go to www.girldefined.com/god and you’ll get that great resource sent to you. Now enjoy this conversation! Xoxo Stephanie

Ready to let go of your fears? Ready to embrace beauty (the beauty that is God)? Then listen in to today’s episode for encouragement, a meditation, and so much more! I am joined by Sam from Alabaster Co., a Christian company that has a beautiful mission. Alabaster Co. creates products to draw you into the beauty of the Christian life and into the beauty of God’s Word. Go to www.alabasterco.com to check out their incredible products and to learn more about them. You can also check out what they’re about by heading to www.Instagram.com/alabaster_co and see their lovely photography. Connect with me at 500secondstojoy@gmail.com and now let’s get into today’s episode! Xoxo Stephanie

THIS IS THE ACTUAL INTERVIEW, friends! THE OTHER RECORDING DID NOT INCLUDE THIS AWESOME INTERVIEW! :) #reallife (the book giveaway is now closed but you can grab Paige’s book on Amazon!) Author Paige Rien (and former HGTV designer) is joining us to talk about her newest book that she co-authored with Victoria Duerstock, and it’s called Revived and Renovated: Real Life Conversations on the Intersection of Home, Faith and Everything In Between. You can WIN A COPY of this book by going to bit.ly/revivedandrenovated - I will announce the winner on Friday, July 1, 2022! In this conversation, Paige shares hard-won wisdom with us and I know you will be inspired to revive your life. Connect with Paige after this by heading to www.paigerien.com - she’s amazing, y’all! [Connect with me after this by emailing me at 500secondstojoy@gmail.com]

God’s grace and mercy for you is ABUNDANT! Let’s take time to meditate on God’s mercy and to also hear from a fellow Catholic mama and Etsy shop owner, Marie Loesel from Abundance of Grace Prints! I’m so excited to share this conversation about prayer time with littles, the power of the Saints and what we can learn from them, and so much more! You are going to LOVE Marie and you are going to LOVE the products she creates. Head to her Etsy shop at https://www.etsy.com/shop/AbundanceofGrace?ref=simple-shop-header-name&listing_id=1178016645 to see what it’s all about! Then connect with Marie on her Instagram at www.Instagram.com/abundanceofgraceprints - she’s such inspiration in that space! Then email me at 500secondstojoy@gmail.com with any takeaways you’d like to share or any prayers requests you have for me. Thanks for being here and may you feel God’s grace and love today and everyday! Xoxo Stephanie

As we continue through Lent, we ask God to shine a light on the ways He wants us to grow, and a big way is letting go of the sins that weigh us down. This episode focuses in on greed.

We focus in on what this sin is, how it shows up in our lives, what virtue we can run to in response to this sin, and practical tips to help us shed this sin from our lives.

Practical tips from this episode include:

• For the last part of Lent, find something you can say no to buying and instead give the money away
• Look at your expenditures and notice the purchases you have made that have been unnecessary
• Look to soon-to-be-Saint Pier Giorgio for inspiration

Are you like me and burnt out on self-help podcasts right now? Well this episode isn’t just another self-help episode. My guest, Emily Brown, is a Catholic life coach who is passionate about helping Catholic homeschoolers thrive in their calling. As she says, “You should only homeschool if God has called you to it”. Emily’s perspective is beautiful and what she shares today can apply to all families, whether you homeschool or not. Press play and be so encouraged today, friend. Emily is a beautiful soul with a heart for the Lord. You’re going to love her!! Email me at 500secondstojoy@gmail.com to let me know your biggest takeaway! Connect with Emily over at fiatlifecoaching.com and grab your free worksheet at https://fiatlifecoaching.com/making-confident-decisions/ so you can start making Holy Spirit-led decisions for your family that you can feel confident about making. Don’t forget to also check out the Happy, Holy Mama Podcast by clicking here - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/happy-holy-mama/id1616566774 - and then discern if God is calling you to join the Happy, Holy Mama membership. All the details are at www.fiatlifecoaching.com - now enjoy this lovely conversation! God bless you and your family. Xoxo Stephanie

Let’s talk about being faithful to what we’ve been called to do and realizing how faithful God is. He fulfills His promises and we can trust Him. All this and more in today’s meditation and interview! . . . I’m so pleased to introduce you to Anjuli Paschall, author and speaker, with a passion for encouraging women everywhere to wake up to God’s presence in their lives. Her newest book is called “Awake: Paying Attention to What Matters Most in a World That's Pulling You Apart” and it can be found anywhere books are sold. . . . Connect with Anjuli on Instagram www.Instagram.com/lovealways.anjuli and you can connect with her more on her website at www.anjulipaschall.com - she’s just lovely. . . . I’m so grateful to my guests and I’d love for you to reach out to them and tell them how helpful their interview is for you. Reach out to Anjuli on Instagram or on her website and then email me at 500secondstojoy@gmail.com to let me know how you liked today’s guest. . . . Thanks for being here and God bless you! Xoxo Stephanie

This is a timely episode, dear friends. Let us become a culture of life. We are the pro-life generation! We are joined today by Abby Johnson, pro-life advocate and author of two books, her newest book being “Fierce Mercy: Daring to Live Out God’s Compassion in Bold and Practical Ways”. She joins us today to talk about God’s immense mercy for each of us. Yes, you mama! His mercy is for each of us. I included a meditation on mercy at the beginning of the episode so you can meditate on God’s Holy Word today, as well. Abby’s book can be purchased anywhere books are sold and you can connect with her at wwe.abbyj.com. Abby shared about an important resource for women in crisis pregnancies and I wanted to share the link with you here - https://loveline.com - it’s amazing how many resources there are out there. Now open your heart and listen in to this incredible conversation between myself and Abby Johnson! [Connect with me after this at 500secondstojoy@gmail.com]

Hope does not disappoint! Press play to hear more and be encouraged in your mom life today. Connect with me more by emailing me at 500secondstojoy@gmail.com - I would love to hear from you! God bless you and your family! Xoxo Stephanie

I need your help in a special way today! I also want to encourage you to persevere in prayer. We are fighting a spiritual battle and we need to encourage one another. If you enjoy these episodes, consider rating the podcast and writing a review (it only takes a few minutes and it’s super helpful). Also, if you enjoy these devotionals I’ve been sharing on the podcast, consider signing up for the monthly happy mail where I email a monthly devotional - head to bit.ly/monthlyhappymail and get on the list today! Thank you so much for being here. I value you so much. God bless you and your family! Xoxo Stephanie

I know I need a reminder to let go of distraction. Perhaps you need that encouragement too. Today’s meditation is an extra good one and I’m learning so much from this gospel passage! I pray you learn a lot too. We are starting a new series on the podcast and it’s filled with devotionals written for you, sweet mama friend! Press play and be restored by God’s Word. Sending prayers and hugs your way! Xoxo Stephanie // EMAIL STEPH —> 500secondstojoy@gmail.com + GET ON THE MONTHLY HAPPY MAIL LIST —> bit.ly/monthlyhappymail [ Grab your FREE devotional for moms + kids by heading to bit.ly/godiswithyoumama ]

I yelled again. Man. I need Jesus. How about you, friend? Today we are talking about letting go of angry words. We are starting a new series on the podcast and it’s filled with devotionals written for you, sweet mama friend! Press play and be restored by God’s Word. Sending prayers and hugs your way! Xoxo Stephanie // EMAIL STEPH —> 500secondstojoy@gmail.com + GET ON THE MONTHLY HAPPY MAIL LIST —> bit.ly/monthlyhappymail [ Grab your FREE devotional for moms + kids by heading to bit.ly/godiswithyoumama ]

Adventuring with our kids gives us an opportunity to deeply connect with them, which is what we want as parents, right? Well my guest today is Greta Eskridge, an author and mom with a passion for homeschooling and adventuring with her kids! For years, author Greta Eskridge has inspired homeschoolers across the globe with her innovative ideas and wisdom. Recently, as more families opt in to the homeschooling movement, her expertise is in higher demand than ever before. Whether teaching at home or working to reduce children’s screen time, parents and caregivers can find Eskridge’s new children’s book, 100 Days of Adventure: Nature Activities, Creative Projects, and Field Trips for Every Season, everywhere books are sold! Head to www.gretaeskridge.com to learn more about Greta and grab her new book or connect with her on social media at www.Instagram.com/maandpamodern where she shares inspiration and encouragement to chase joy and adventure together! Thanks for tuning in today and may your families be blessed by Greta’s new book and may your adventures together draw you closer to each other and also closer to God, the Creator of this beautiful world that we get to explore. Xoxo Stephanie . . . EMAIL STEPH —> 500secondstojoy@gmail.com . . . GET ON THE MONTHLY HAPPY MAIL LIST —> bit.ly/monthlyhappymail . . . [ Grab your FREE devotional for moms + kids by heading to bit.ly/godiswithyoumama ]

Press play if you’re ready to let go of your version of perfectionism and embrace God’s instead. We are starting a new series on the podcast and it’s filled with devotionals written for you, sweet mama friend! Press play and be restored by God’s Word. Sending prayers and hugs your way! Xoxo Stephanie // EMAIL STEPH —> 500secondstojoy@gmail.com + GET ON THE MONTHLY HAPPY MAIL LIST —> bit.ly/monthlyhappymail [ Grab your FREE devotional for moms + kids by heading to bit.ly/godiswithyoumama ]

Letting go of our worldly concerns is a daily choice we make. It is a choice to look up towards heaven instead of around at the brokenness in our world. May today’s devotional encourage you and help you to stay Heaven-focused. We are starting a new series on the podcast and it’s filled with devotionals written for you, sweet mama friend! Press play and be restored by God’s Word. Sending prayers and hugs your way! Xoxo Stephanie // EMAIL STEPH —> 500secondstojoy@gmail.com + GET ON THE MONTHLY HAPPY MAIL LIST —> bit.ly/monthlyhappymail [ Grab your FREE devotional for moms + kids by heading to bit.ly/godiswithyoumama ]

As we continue through Lent, we ask God to shine a light on the ways He wants us to grow, and a big way is letting go of the sins that weigh us down. This episode focuses in on sloth.

We focus in on what this sin is, how it shows up in our lives, what virtue we can run to in response to this sin, and practical tips to help us shed this sin from our lives.

Practical tips from this episode include:

• Start small building in daily habits of self-denial and discipline every day
• Read Atomic Habits
• Consider Proverbs 31 and imagine yourself as the woman described

• Look toward St. Paul as an example of diligence toward God's mission

What mom doesn’t need the reminder to let go of control and give it all to God? Am I right? Press play and be encouraged by God’s Holy Word. We are starting a new series on the podcast and it’s filled with devotionals written for you, sweet mama friend! Press play and be restored by God’s Word. Sending prayers and hugs your way! Xoxo Stephanie // EMAIL STEPH —> 500secondstojoy@gmail.com + GET ON THE MONTHLY HAPPY MAIL LIST —> bit.ly/monthlyhappymail [ Grab your FREE devotional for moms + kids by heading to bit.ly/godiswithyoumama ]

Learn why YOU DON’T NEED ANOTHER PODCAST EPISODE TELLING YOU WHAT TO DO and what you need instead. We are starting a new series on the podcast and it’s filled with devotionals written for you, sweet mama friend! Press play and be restored by God’s Word. Sending prayers and hugs your way! Xoxo Stephanie // EMAIL STEPH —> 500secondstojoy@gmail.com + GET ON THE MONTHLY HAPPY MAIL LIST —> bit.ly/monthlyhappymail [ Grab your FREE devotional for moms + kids by heading to bit.ly/godiswithyoumama ]

You can do it all. You’re not doing enough. Motherhood isn’t enough, you need something else. You’re doing too much, you need to be more present. We are constantly bombarded with tons of messages about mom life and it’s so confusing. Let’s tackle some mom life lies and shine a light on God’s truth. What does God say about our role as women, as wives, and as moms? What does God’s Word say about these motherhood myths? Press play and let’s combat lies together and instead embrace God’s truth for motherhood! This is Day 3 of this NEW MOTHERHOOD SERIES. Xoxo Stephanie // EMAIL STEPH —> 500secondstojoy@gmail.com + GET ON THE MONTHLY HAPPY MAIL LIST —> bit.ly/monthlyhappymail // Now here are those Bible verses I refer to in today’s episode: Galatians 5:16-24, Ephesians 3:20-21, Romans 5:3-5, James 1:2-4, Luke 9:23-25, Matthew 19:26. Then 1 Peter 5:7-11 and 1 Corinthians 13:7 are the two scriptures we are diving more deeply into in this episode.

There are so many lies in the world and it’s confusing. Let’s shine a light on some motherhood myths by seeing what God’s Word has to say about prayer and rest. Tune in as we continue this new motherhood series on the podcast. Let’s get ready to fight lies with the truth of the gospel! Xoxo Stephanie // EMAIL STEPH —> 500secondstojoy@gmail.com + GET ON THE MONTHLY HAPPY MAIL LIST —> bit.ly/monthlyhappymail // PS: Sign up for the free summit hosted by Kerri Thompson “The Thriving Mom Summit” (I’m one of the many speakers) —> head to bit.ly/letsthrivemama to sign up today!

You can do it all. You’re not doing enough. Motherhood isn’t enough, you need something else. You’re doing too much, you need to be more present. We are constantly bombarded with tons of messages about mom life and it’s so confusing. Let’s tackle some mom life lies and shine a light on God’s truth. What does God say about our role as women, as wives, and as moms? What does God’s Word say about these motherhood myths? Press play and let’s combat lies together and instead embrace God’s truth for motherhood! Xoxo Stephanie // EMAIL STEPH —> 500secondstojoy@gmail.com + GET ON THE MONTHLY HAPPY MAIL LIST —> bit.ly/monthlyhappymail // PS: Sign up for the free summit hosted by Kerri Thompson “The Thriving Mom Summit” (I’m one of the many speakers) —> head to bit.ly/letsthrivemama to sign up today!

Let’s cry out to Jesus today and ask Him to take care of everything. This is the last day of the 9 day surrender prayer. This surrender prayer is a novena, meaning we pray it every day for 9 days in a row. It’s short, it’s inspiring, and it’s powerful. Let’s dive in, lovely mama friend! Xoxo Stephanie // EMAIL STEPH —> 500secondstojoy@gmail.com and GET YOUR MONTHLY DEVOTIONAL —> bit.ly/monthlyhappymail

Jesus WILL take care of it all. Give your worries and pain to Him. Join me for a 9 day surrender prayer. This surrender prayer is a novena, meaning we pray it every day for 9 days in a row. Today is day 8. It’s short, it’s inspiring, and it’s powerful. Let’s dive in, lovely mama friend! Xoxo Stephanie // EMAIL STEPH —> 500secondstojoy@gmail.com and GET YOUR MONTHLY DEVOTIONAL —> bit.ly/monthlyhappymail PS: Sign up for the free THRIVING MOM SUMMIT that begins on April 25, 2022 by going to bit.ly/letsthrivemama - it’s going to be so good and I can’t wait to attend the summit and learn too! Let’s go from overwhelmed to thriving!

We often rely on ourselves to make it through the day. What if we changed this and instead relied on God? Join me for a 9 day surrender prayer. This surrender prayer is a novena, meaning we pray it every day for 9 days in a row. Today is day 7. It’s short, it’s inspiring, and it’s powerful. Let’s dive in, lovely mama friend! Xoxo Stephanie // EMAIL STEPH —> 500secondstojoy@gmail.com and GET YOUR MONTHLY DEVOTIONAL —> bit.ly/monthlyhappymail

As we begin Holy Week, allow God to soften your heart and help you let go of control. Let’s surrender the details of today to God. Join me for a 9 day surrender prayer. This surrender prayer is a novena, meaning we pray it every day for 9 days in a row. Today is day 6. It’s short, it’s inspiring, and it’s powerful. Let’s dive in, lovely mama friend! Xoxo Stephanie // EMAIL STEPH —> 500secondstojoy@gmail.com and GET YOUR MONTHLY DEVOTIONAL —> bit.ly/monthlyhappymail

You can ask Jesus to take care of your troubles today. He can be trusted. Join me for a 9 day surrender prayer. This surrender prayer is a novena, meaning we pray it every day for 9 days in a row. Today is day 5. It’s short, it’s inspiring, and it’s powerful. Let’s dive in, lovely mama friend! Xoxo Stephanie // EMAIL STEPH —> 500secondstojoy@gmail.com and GET YOUR MONTHLY DEVOTIONAL —> bit.ly/monthlyhappymail

As we continue through Lent, we ask God to shine a light on the ways He wants us to grow, and a big way is letting go of the sins that weigh us down. This episode focuses in on envy.

We focus in on what this sin is, how it shows up in our lives, what virtue we can run to in response to this sin, and practical tips to help us shed this sin from our lives.

Practical tips from this episode include:

• Pray lectio divina on Romans 12:9-21
• Pray for the ability to forgive! A phrase to repeat daily is "I forgive ________ for ________. God please bless him/her."

• Look toward St. Patrick as an example of forgiveness

What do you need to surrender to God today, sweet friend? We all have something to surrender and give over to God. Join me for a 9 day surrender prayer. This surrender prayer is a novena, meaning we pray it every day for 9 days in a row. Today is day 4. It’s short, it’s inspiring, and it’s powerful. Let’s dive in, lovely mama friend! Xoxo Stephanie // EMAIL STEPH —> 500secondstojoy@gmail.com and GET YOUR MONTHLY DEVOTIONAL —> bit.ly/monthlyhappymail

When we try to control all the details of our day, we don’t leave much room for God. Let’s open wide our hearts and surrender every aspect of our lives to Him today. Join me for a 9 day surrender prayer. This surrender prayer is a novena, meaning we pray it every day for 9 days in a row. Today is day 3. It’s short, it’s inspiring, and it’s powerful. Let’s dive in, lovely mama friend! Xoxo Stephanie // EMAIL STEPH —> 500secondstojoy@gmail.com and GET YOUR MONTHLY DEVOTIONAL —> bit.ly/monthlyhappymail

Surrender to God is going to lead to more peace in your life. Promise! Join me for a 9 day surrender prayer. Today is day 2. This surrender prayer is a novena, meaning we pray it every day for 9 days in a row. It’s short, it’s inspiring, and it’s powerful. Let’s dive in, lovely mama friend! Xoxo Stephanie // EMAIL STEPH —> 500secondstojoy@gmail.com and GET YOUR MONTHLY DEVOTIONAL —> bit.ly/monthlyhappymail