The Christian Parenting Podcast - Motherhood, Teaching kids about Jesus, Intentional parenting, Raising Christian kids – Details, episodes & analysis

If you're looking for practical ways to incorporate faith into your family’s daily life, you won’t want to miss this episode! I had the pleasure of sitting down with Christie Thomas, and we explored the power of small habits in building a strong faith foundation for our kids.

Here’s what you’ll learn in today’s episode:

• Christie discusses the importance of starting with tiny habits and gradually growing in faith as a family.
• Find moments in your daily routine that can be redeemed for spiritual growth.
• Ideas for incorporating small faith habits include practicing Bible memory verses, praying blessings, and listening to worship music.
• Christie shares insights from her book Little Habits, Big Faith and other resources she offers to help parents nurture their children's faith.

Christie Thomas is passionate about helping parents build faith-filled homes. She is the author of Little Habits, Big Faith and provides practical resources for incorporating faith habits into their everyday lives. Christie’s approach is about making small, consistent changes that lead to significant spiritual growth.

Join us for this encouraging conversation, and discover how you can start building your family's faith one small habit at a time.

6:47 The inspiration behind 'Little Habits, Big Faith'

10:23 The Faith Growth Cycle: starting with a seed

26:45 Examples of tiny habits for parents

31:19 Christie Thomas' book and resources for parents

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If you’re anything like me, the busyness of life sometimes causes priorities to get mixed up, and I find myself not in the Word as much as I’d like to be. If you can relate, you’re going to love today’s guest. I’m sitting down with Gretchen Saffles, the founder of Well-Watered Women and author of Word Before World, a devotional that helps us keep Jesus at the center of our lives.

Here’s what you’ll learn in today’s episode:

• Gretchen shares her journey of realizing the impact of starting her day on social media and how she made a deliberate shift to put Jesus first.
• Encouragement to trust God’s plan and rely on him in our weaknesses.
• Practical tips for evaluating your daily habits and making intentional changes to prioritize your time with God.

Gretchen Saffles is the founder of Well-Watered Women, a ministry dedicated to encouraging women to find their identity and purpose in Christ. She’s also the author of Word Before World, a devotional designed to help women prioritize their relationship with Jesus. Gretchen’s heart for guiding women back to the word shines through in her writing and in today’s conversation.

Join us for this grace-filled discussion that will inspire you to re-evaluate your habits and put Jesus first, right where he needs to be.

Timestamps

03:01 Prioritizing God's word: A key to spiritual growth

07:50 Parenting with imperfections: trusting in God's plan

13:06 Moving from reading God's word because we have to, to delighting in it

18:47 Overcoming challenges: creating a Bible reading plan

29:10 Community and accountability: encouragement in prioritizing time with God

32:05 Delighting in God's word: experiencing its transformative power

Resources Mentioned

Connect with Gretchen here

Or connect with her on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/gretchensaffles/

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Get your copy of A Life of Faith prayer journal!

I am so glad you're joining me today! I am excited for you to meet my guest, Andy Dooley. Andy is not only an author and a fitness coach, but he's also a passionate advocate for integrating faith into every aspect of our lives, especially sports. His latest devotional, Lead with Faith, Play with Purpose, is designed to inspire athletes of all ages to blend their love for sports with their faith.

Here’s what you’ll hear in today’s episode:

• It is important to have engaging and relatable faith resources for our families, especially for young athletes.
• Andy shares practical tips on being present and intentional in our parenting and sports activities.
• How to navigate the world of sports with our families while keeping our faith at the center.

About Andy Dooley:

Andy Dooley is committed to empowering the next generation of leaders as a leader and pastor. He is happily married to Tiffany, and together they have four children. Andy was named the 2016 Face of Reebok One, which allowed him to expand his platform of helping people understand and implement a holistic approach to spirituality and health. 

Andy’s approach is both inspiring and practical, making faith a natural part of family and sports life. Join us for this conversation and discover how you can lead with faith and play with purpose in your family's sports activities. 

Time Stamps:

00:00-Introduction and Getting to Know Andy Dooley

03:45-The Importance of Grace and Faith in Parenting

11:32-The Role of Faith in Youth Sports

22:14-Navigating the Challenges and Opportunities in Youth Sports

25:49-The Power of Mentorship in Sports and Faith

28:00-Conclusion and How to Connect with Andy Dooley

Connect with Andy:

Grab Andy’s New Book here

Or on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/andyldooley/?hl=en

The Christian Parenting Podcast is part of The Christian Parenting Podcast Network. As a donor funded ministry, we rely on generous supporters like you to keep this show going. If you enjoy this podcast, please consider giving a gift today. Join the Christian Parenting Legacy Builders community

I am thrilled to have the incredibly talented Ellie Holcomb on the podcast today! She truly is a modern-day Psalmist, and I am such a fan of her work. Ellie brings a blend of gentleness, fun, and wisdom that I know you'll love and appreciate as much as I do.

Here’s what you’ll learn in today’s episode:

• Ellie shares her beautiful thoughts on recognizing and appreciating the beauty of God in our daily lives.
• The importance of fostering community and practicing hospitality in our faith journey.
• How singing scripture can be a powerful way to internalize God’s word and transform our hearts.
• Encouragement to remember that God is always with us, fighting for us, and how trusting in His goodness can be transformative.
• How choosing to hold onto the light found in God's word can bring hope and change in our lives.

Ellie Holcomb is a beloved Christian singer, songwriter, and author known for her heartfelt and scripture-infused music. Her work inspires many to connect more deeply with their faith through the power of song. Ellie's gentle wisdom and vibrant spirit shine through in all she does, making her a cherished voice in the Christian community.

Join us for this uplifting conversation, and you’ll feel like you’ve had coffee with a good friend and mentor. Ellie's insights and encouragement will leave you feeling inspired and hopeful.

00:00-Introduction and Getting to Know Ellie Holcomb

10:00-The Importance of Rest and Community

15:02-Becoming a Modern-Day Psalmist

28:26-Encouragement and Conclusion

Connect With Ellie here

Or on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ellieholcomb/

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We are in for a treat today! I've been following Caroline Saunders for a while now, and I'm thrilled to have her join me on the podcast. Today, we dive into her new Bible study, Come Home, which explores the themes of home and family through a biblical lens.

Here’s what you’ll learn in today’s episode:

• Themes of home and family- Caroline breaks down the fascinating biblical themes of home and family, offering deep insights.
• Earthly homes and eternal longing- How the love and imperfections of our earthly homes highlight our longing for our eternal home in heaven.
• Practical application- Ways to apply these biblical themes to our daily lives and parenting.

Caroline Saunders is a gifted author known for her relatable and insightful writing. She is also a devoted mom who brings a unique perspective to the study of Scripture. This is an enriching conversation that will leave you feeling inspired and more connected to the biblical themes of home and family.

0:00

Getting to Know Caroline and Her Family

05:28

The Importance of Cultivating a Love for the Lord in Our Homes

10:11

Viewing Earthly Homes and Longing for Our Eternal Home

14:13

Caroline's Journey of Rediscovering God's Story Through Writing

21:32

The Structure of the Bible Study and Personal Letters

25:17

How to Connect with Caroline and Get the Bible Study

Connect With Caroline here

Or on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/writercaroline

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Become a Christian Parenting monthly donor

Today’s episode is a deeply meaningful and heartfelt conversation with Joon Park, also known as J.S. Park. Joon is a hospital chaplain who shares his experiences on his Instagram page and is the author of As Long As You Need

Here’s what you’ll hear in today’s episode:

• How to be open and authentic about grief and loss with your kids, using age-appropriate language and analogies.
• Joon offers tips for providing a supportive environment for our children to grieve.
• Navigating your own grief journey while being emotionally available for your kids and maintaining healthy boundaries.
• Understanding the importance and benefits of rituals to remember loved ones, achieve closure, and honor both the loved ones and the grieving process.

About Joon Park:

Joon Park, or J.S. Park, is a dedicated hospital chaplain known for his compassionate approach to grief and loss. He recently published As Long As You Need, a book that provides comfort and understanding for those navigating the complexities of grief. Joon’s insights are drawn from his extensive experience in supporting individuals and families through their most challenging times.

Join us for this touching episode as Joon reminds us that grief is messy and imperfect, but we have a faithful God who walks with us through every step of the journey.

01:08

Getting to Know Joon and His Family

08:10

Joon's Journey to Becoming a Hospital Chaplain

14:17

Supporting Children Through Grief

28:31

Navigating Grief and Loss

32:12

Compassion and Empathy

35:34

Joy and Sorrow

37:27

Rituals and Remembrance

44:47

Embracing the Messiness of Grief

Connect With Joon here

Or on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jspark3000/

Resources Mentioned:

As Long As You Need book

Today’s episode is one you won't want to miss. I’m joined by the delightful and insightful Erin Loechner. Erin began her career as a social media influencer and has since transitioned to a homeschool mama who has completely stepped away from social media. She shares her journey and insights in her new book, The Opt-Out Family: How to Give Your Kids What Technology Can’t.

Here’s what you’ll takeaway in today’s episode:

• How to make informed choices about technology use in your family without falling into the trap of tech-bashing.
• Understanding the influence of social media algorithms and tech companies targeting our children.
• Erin and I share personal stories and mistakes we’ve made with tech in our own families.
• Practical ways to engage your family in activities that are more captivating than any algorithm.

Join us for a refreshing and non-judgmental discussion that will equip you with the tools and encouragement to navigate technology in your family thoughtfully and intentionally.

07:31

The Opt Out Family: Prioritizing Real-Life Connections

14:31

Understanding the Social Media Algorithm

28:36

Teaching Responsible Use and Building Trust in the Digital World

Connect with Erin  here

Resources mentioned:

https://www.optoutfamily.com/

The Opt-Out Family

Dwell Bible

Get ready for a practical and fun episode as we sit down with Jennifer L. Scott, a New York Times bestselling author and popular YouTuber.

Today, we're diving into her book Connoisseur Kids: Etiquette, Manners, and Living Well for Parents and Their Little Ones. Jennifer brings a refreshing perspective on teaching manners and etiquette, turning them from old-school and boring into fun, meaningful, and beneficial life skills.

Here’s what you’ll learn in today’s episode:

• Jennifer shares her top four essential etiquette lessons for children, providing practical tips for parents.
• Strategies to transform table manners and other etiquette practices from tedious to enjoyable.
• Insights into what our kids typically do well in terms of manners and areas where they might need more guidance.
• Tips on how we, as parents, can effectively support and teach our kids these lifelong skills.

Here's a little more about our guest:

Jennifer is a New York Times bestselling author known for her expertise in manners and etiquette. Her popular YouTube channel and books, including "Connoisseur Kids," focus on living well and teaching essential life skills. Jennifer’s holistic approach to etiquette emphasizes its importance not just in childhood but as a foundational skill for a lifetime.

Join us for an episode filled with practical advice that will help you instill valuable etiquette and manners in your children, making the process enjoyable for the whole family.

Connect With Jennifer  here

Or on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dailyconnoisseur

Resources Mentioned

God’s Holy Spirit in Me kid’s devotional

Connoisseur Kids

The Christian Parenting Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Resources Mentioned

God’s Holy Spirit in Me kid’s devotional

This week, we're diving into something a bit different but incredibly practical—home organization. My friend Kristen Stokes, a professional organizer and owner of Simplified by Stokes, joins us for the first of a two-part series aimed at bringing order to our spaces and peace to our lives.

Here’s what you’ll learn in today’s episode:

• Kristen discusses how maintaining an organized home can lead to mental clarity and stress reduction.
• Practical strategies for tackling the most important rooms in your house to maximize efficiency and calm.

Whether you’re a natural at keeping things tidy or someone who struggles with clutter, there's something in this episode to inspire and assist everyone in their organizational journey. 

Kristen is the skilled owner of Simplified by Stokes, where she transforms chaotic spaces into models of organization. Her expertise not only makes homes more visually appealing but also supports healthier, more focused lives for her clients. With her practical tips and empathetic approach, Kristen helps individuals regain control over their environments, one space at a time.

Get ready to be inspired and pick up some great tips to help transform your home into a sanctuary of order and peace! 

00:00

Introduction and Getting to Know Kristen Stokes

11:01

The Impact of Home Organization on Well-being

28:59

Simplifying and Streamlining the Kitchen Pantry

Connect With Kristen

Simplified by Stokes

Instagram: @simplifiedbystokes

Resources Mentioned

Come Home by Caroline Saunders

God’s Holy Spirit in Me kid’s devotional

First15

Fabric hangers

Lazy susan

Get ready for an uplifting episode today as I sit down with my friend Bethany Kimsey. Bethany truly knows what it is like to be an exhausted mom who needs Jesus. Her story is a testament to the transformative power of faith and the strength found in Christ.

Here’s what you’ll discover in today’s talk:

• Bethany shares her transformation from tiredness, anxiety, and fragility to becoming a mom marked by joy, peace, and triumph.
• How the truths of the gospel intersect with the practicalities of motherhood.
• The importance of connecting with experienced moms for guidance and support.

Bethany is a mom of eight and a passionate writer and podcaster. Her life reflects the incredible changes that God can bring about in our lives when we let him. Through her work, she is dedicated to empowering other moms to find victory over worry and fatigue by anchoring their lives in their identity in Christ.

Bethany's encouragement and insights are a beacon of hope for any overwhelmed parent. Tune in to be inspired by her journey and to learn how to apply the peace and triumph of the gospel in your own life.

00:38 Getting to Know Bethany

04:02 The Hardest Transition in Parenting

04:53 The One Thing Every Parent Should Know

05:22 The Impact of Social Media on Motherhood

07:17 Finding a Wise Older Mom

08:13 Discerning God's Voice in Parenting

13:25 The Gospel and Motherhood

26:09 Wanting the Best for Our Children

29:26 Bethany's Resources for Parents

33:07 How to Connect with Bethany

Connect With Bethany  here

Or on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/bethanykimsey

Resources mentioned:

A Warrior Mama’s Prayer Journal

FearLess pillowcase

Come Home by Caroline Saunders

The Christian Parenting Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org