Mama, if you’ve ever felt the pressure to capture the perfect photo… this episode is going to breathe fresh air into your lungs. 💕

Today I’m talking with Rachel Pray — mom of 3, professional photographer, and the beautiful heart behind Delight & Be Photography. Rachel has a gift for helping everyday moms see the holy, ordinary moments in their homes with brand-new eyes.

In this conversation, Rachel shares why the “messy middle” matters just as much as the picture-perfect moments — maybe even more. You’ll learn how to document your real life as-is, without the pressure, guilt, or comparison. And she also gives us 5 must-take photos every mom should capture throughout her child’s life. Get ready to feel inspired, seen, and excited to pick up your camera (or iPhone!) in a totally new way.

We also talk about supporting your kids’ play-filled childhood, letting go of perfection, and how to preserve memories that will matter decades from now.

If nighttime struggles or bedwetting are part of your journey, I also share a tool that helped our family: TheraPee, the bedwetting solution we personally use and recommend.

👉 Check out TheraPee here: https://www.bedwettingtherapy.com/?aff=48

Connect with Rachel:

IG: @RachelPray

Website: https://delightandbephotography.com

Free Download- 5 Ways to Notice & Cherish Your Family's Everyday Magic: https://delightandbephotography.com/5-ways-notice-cherish-everyday-magic

Grab your coffee, get cozy, and let’s look at motherhood through a beautiful new lens. 💕📸

In this heartfelt Christmas episode of The Purpose of Motherhood Podcast, Ashlee shares practical, faith-filled ways to slow down, simplify, and make the holidays truly meaningful for your family. 💕

From embracing the four gifts for Christmas tradition to letting go of consumerism, Ashlee walks you through how to create a peaceful, Christ-centered holiday your kids will actually remember. You’ll also hear her favorite family traditions — including why Mortimer’s Christmas Manger was a must-read when her children were little and how the Finding Jesus doll can become a beautiful alternative to Santa or Elf on the Shelf.

Whether you’re a busy stay-at-home mom or a homeschooling mama trying to keep your focus on Jesus this December, this episode will help you trade the holiday hustle for holy moments. 🌟

✨ Listen in for:

• ​How to simplify Christmas without losing the magic
• ​Meaningful family traditions that point kids to Jesus
• ​Practical ways to reduce stress and increase joy this season
• ​Encouragement for weary Christian moms

💫 Mentioned in this episode:

• ​Finding Jesus Doll - https://seekhimfirst.com/ASHLEE
• ​Mortimer’s Christmas Manger by Karma Wilson - https://amzn.to/4qSRCCW

👉 Tune in weekly for encouragement, faith-filled routines, and real talk about Christian motherhood.

On this episode we have a heart-felt chat with Jennifer Ortiz, mama to 3 girls here on earth, and 4 babies in heaven. Through her story we see hope in the darkness and healing in the pain. Connect with Jennifer at www.LoveAlwaysFaithful.com, on IG @lovealwaysfaithful, or at the Love Always Faithful Podcast.

Are you in a season of waiting? Wondering if God’s promises are still good? Or if he even hears your prayers? This episode will build your faith and refresh your spirit!

Do you dread the day when you’ll have “the talk” with your kids? Do you feel awkward talking with your kids about sexuality? Are you worried about ruining their innocence and saying too much? Today’s episode covers how to overcome the awkward and talk to your kids about sexuality at age appropriate ways!

Have you ever heard the Lord speak but tried to change his mind on what he told you to do? Sometimes it’s just plain hard to obey His commands! On this episode we’re talking about the responsibility to obey His voice and what that looks like!

Have you ever wondered how to distinguish between God’s voice versus yours? Are you curious about the ways he speaks today? In this podcast, we discover the many ways that God speaks to us and how to quickly identify his voice!

Do you have tension in your family relationships? Searching for a way to help everyone get along? Listen to this episode to discover the power forgiveness holds to heal all wounds and set us free.

Do you desire to have a deeper relationship with the Lord? Wondering if He still speaks and if you can hear His voice? Listen in to this week’s episode and discover how to silence the noise of life in order to hear His whispers.

Do you ever feel like you just don’t know what to pray? Do you ever feel like your words are not enough? Listen in to today’s episode where we cover how the holy spirit intercedes for us and our children!

Do you feel overwhelmed by the amount of toys your kids have? Do you find yourself drowning in clutter after Christmas hits? Jump in today’s episode where we talk about how to prepare our hearts and homes for a clutter free Christmas!

Do you find yourself snapping, yelling, or exploding in the stressful moments of motherhood? Do you often feel the need for a time-out? You are not alone! In this podcast, we uncover what it looks like to parent from a settled heart that controls the atmosphere of the home.

God has designed all of us for a purpose. He has equipped us with strengths that can be used for his kingdom. So how do we nurture these gifts in our children? Join today’s episode to learn how speaking life over your child can lead them into a life of joy and purpose.

Do you look at other moms and tell yourself that you are less-than or disqualified? Do you compare yourself, or your children, to other families and wish you had just a little more of what they’ve got? Jump in and listen to this week’s episode to learn how to break free of comparison and start living in the fullness of who you were created to be!

Do you find yourself tugging at your stomach in the mirror, or grumbling about your weight when you get dressed in the morning? It’s no secret that our bodies are a lot different after carrying babies, but we must be careful not to make them idols! This week’s podcast covers the keys to renewing our mind and appreciating our bodies!

Do you feel like you’re stuck in a cycle of overwhelm, frustration, and feeling unfulfilled in motherhood? Elyse Rooney joins us on this episode to teach us how to get unstuck from the hot mess motherhood mindset that leaves us feeling frustrated and alone! You can connect with Elyse on Instagram @wholesomemumma

Are you wondering how you can prepare yourself for the questions and situations you’ll encounter with your children in today’s society? Is it okay to shelter our children? How do we know when to talk about big topics? Join guest Bethany Rose on today’s episode as she gives us hope, encouragement, and practical advice for raising kids in a culture of confusion. Connect with Bethany- Www.wavesandlilacs.com Whatever is True Group FB https://www.facebook.com/groups/3047007222057525/ IG- @wavesandlilacs

Do your children quarrel and argue frequently? Do you find yourself handling their fights with a short-fuse, just desperate for some peace in the home? Today’s podcast covers 3 practical principals you can teach your children to diffuse arguments and settle their hearts!

Feeling like you’re on a cycle of frustration and discipline that’s getting you nowhere? Wondering how to parent in a way that leads your children to truth without creating division between you and them? Today’s podcast will leave you with a dose of hope, inspiration, and training in how to disciple those little hearts!

Do you find yourself disciplining only to be left feeling disconnected from your kids? Do you struggle with discerning when to discipline or when to draw close? In this episode we talk about the act of drawing near to our children and how to use it to bring heart change and connection in the middle of tension.

Are you burdened down by the social injustices of our world? Do you want to make a difference and spread the name of Jesus but don’t know how? Today’s podcast covers the key to becoming a mission minded family right where you are! You don’t have to fly across the globe to start seeing lives saved!

Homeschooling your children can seem like a massive undertaking, and it often brings up some big concerns! How do I start? Will I be able to teach them? Am I patient enough?! Don’t worry, mama! In today’s podcast we’ll tackle the major concerns surrounding homeschooling your children, and demolish the lies that have left you feeling incapable and disqualified!

Are you feeling anxious about your children entering the school systems? Or do you want to lay a firm foundation for your kids so they can stand strong when they leave your home? On today’s podcast we talk about 3 practical ways to equip your children before they walk out your door!

On this episode of Friday Favorites, we’ll dive in to some great books for kids, clean movies my family loves, tools that spark beauty in our day, and more. Come sit with me, friend, as we chat about things that create fun and memories in the home! Balsamic chicken thighs - https://www.pure-flavor.com/recipe/tomato-balsamic-chicken/

Do you find yourself always longing for the next season of life? The one where you’ll have more income, a bigger house, or where your kids will be more independent? The Bible clearly points us to the power in being content in all seasons of life, but that seems to be easier said than done! In this episode, we’ll discover how to grasp hold of contentment in order to bring true joy, peace, and happiness to your heart and home!

Does your household bedtime routine resemble a circus full of spider monkeys and acrobatic lemurs? Do you dread the time of day guaranteed to have you fighting with your kids just to get them to settle down and get in bed? Mama, you are not alone! Jump in on today’s podcast to grasp hold of a bedtime routine that just might make you, dare I say, LIKE bedtime!

We’ve all done it! We see a friend-in-need online and we respond with “I’ll be praying for you!” ....And then when never do. Or we’re terrified at the thought of praying out loud, so we use “I’ll be praying” as an easy way out of praying in that moment. The Lord desires for us to walk in boldness in prayer, and in today’s podcast, we discover the keys to breaking free and how to begin to strengthen your prayer life. Praying out-loud and together with others builds faith and allows our children to see it all first-hand! Join me, mama, in the challenge to stop simply sending prayer condolences!

Do your kids have nightmares? Have you wondered how to rid them and why they have them in the first place? On today’s podcast we’re covering God’s design for dreams and how to combat nightmares through spiritual warfare. Dream Interpretation Book Mentioned- Ira Milligan - The Ultimate Guide to Understanding the Dreams You Dream: Biblical Keys for Hearing God's Voice in the Night

We know scripture is useful for teaching and training, but is there any power in declaring it over our lives? And how do we use it to shape our children? Join me in this episode as we talk about the power of using verses and prayer as a weapon and catapult for change.

Have life’s trials left you feeling forgotten, hurt, angry, or depressed? Do you need to hear that yes you will be ok, yes there is hope, and that you are not alone? Get ready to grasp that much-needed fresh breath of air as we talk to author Candice Deleeuw. Her testimony of how darkness turned to a morning ray of hope after the loss of her son is a message you need to hear. Connect with her on IG @Candice_deleeuw or on FB @candicedeleeuw.author. You can find out more about HHH at https://hopeinhealinghearts.org Grab her book Hope here https://amzn.to/2SeYbUT. The Hope Book Study here https://amzn.to/3vaQGfX. Or the Forever a Momma Companion Book Here https://amzn.to/3oM4g7q.

Have you ever been a victim of gossip? Do you know the pain of hurtful words but yet seem to have a hard time keeping your tongue from speaking them? Our tongues often lead us down a slippery slope into destruction and it’s important for us to know how to stop the toxic talk before it’s too late! In today’s podcast we define gossip, learn the harsh reality of our words, and discover how to tame our tongue.

Do you ever feel guilty about the time you spent cleaning instead of playing? Or do your children constantly beg for your time and attention but you feel like you’re always having to say, “just a minute.” You’re not alone, mama! On today’s episode we talk about how to get quality time in with your kiddos to create a happier home!

We want our children’s lives to be perfect. We want to protect them from harm, keep them from making mistakes, and see them thrive. However, we often end up doing more good than harm when we try and ensure this happens. Ready to learn the better way? Listen in!

When your children leave your home, what is your number one goal for them? To be successful? To be happy? Sometimes we can unintentionally prioritize good goals over the BEST goals. It is our duty as mamas to raise our kids to, above all, know the Lord. In this episode, we talk about equipping our children with the armor of God so they can stand firm in a sinful world. Resources mentioned - 1. Mama Bear Apologetics by Hillary Morgan Ferrer https://mamabearapologetics.com 2. Ken Ham - https://answersingenesis.org/kids/ 3. Seeds Family Worship https://www.seedsfamilyworship.com

Do you feel torn between serving others and taking care of the little ones in your home? Are you wondering if it’s possible to serve in ministry in and out of the home without experiencing burn-out? Jump in this episode to discover the keys to balancing ministry and motherhood well.

Ever found yourself laying in bed at night wondering if our children felt loved that day? Me too, mama! Defining love for our children through our actions is what gives them the basis of love for their whole life. It is also our portrayal of love that creates their perception of God. Jump in today’s podcast as we cover the how and why behind creating a language of love in your home!

Every day the world is sending a twisted message to our children about their identity. If we want kids who are firmly rooted in who they are in Christ, we have to begin to plant seeds of truth now! In today’s podcast we’ll cover how to talk with your kids about identity, gender, and marriage at any age!

Do you have little ones who speak negatively or believe lies about themselves? Or maybe you battle discouraging thoughts yourself and aren’t sure how to end the cycle! Today on the podcast, we have the pleasure of hearing from children’s author Sonia Amin, on the power of taking negative thoughts captive. Join us to discover a simple yet powerful way to teach your children how to choose lovely thoughts over harmful ones. Connect with Sonia on IG - @SoniaEAmin or https://www.soniaeamin.com. Get your copy of Bax and His Bubbles at https://amzn.to/3dyRHqA.

Looking for ways to connect with your kids this Easter while highlighting the true meaning of that beautiful day? In this episode take a peek into the Kasten family Easter and gain a little inspiration for some simple things you can do to create an Resurrection Day to remember that includes more than just eggs and candy. Book mentioned - The Garden, the Curtain and the Cross Carl Laferton

Do you want deeper connections with your children and a home where lessons hit the heart and take root? Do you desire a dinner table full of discussion and a life full of memories? If Jesus taught through parables, we should too! On today’s podcast you’ll discover the power of great stories and how to use them to connect with you family, make memories, and teach valuable lessons. Resources mentioned - readaloudrevival.com

Ever feel defeated, drained, and lacking the things your children need from you? Do you feel like you’re not enough? On today’s podcast, Ashlee shares her own moment of complete emptiness and vulnerability and the powerful truth the Lord revealed to her. Get ready to feel filled up, mama!

Have you ever felt like you had too much on your plate? Do you have trouble saying no, or distinguishing between what’s “good” and what’s actually from God? On today’s episode we talk about how to free your schedule and make choices for your family that don’t drain your energy and time.

Do you feel like you’re living in a cycle of anger and frustration? Do you lie in bed at night feeling guilty about the things you said or the way you acted towards your children? You’re not alone! On today’s podcast we’ll cover 3 different reasons for our grumpy attitudes and how to overcome them.

Do you feel like all you do is clean? Like the laundry never ends and the toys just keep taking over? Do you feel your stress level rise when your home is out of order? On today’s podcast we’ll uncover the Biblical truth to why our “stuff” adds stress and how to clear out your home in the simplest way possible.

Do you ever feel like you’re crumbling under the weight of responsibilities and pressures of parenting? Or that you’re not living up to the expectations of perfection that you’ve placed on yourself? Author, and mom to 8, Rachel Risner joins us on this week’s episode, as she shares life-giving truth she learned from the Bible story of Mary and Martha. Join us in a conversation that is sure to leave you feeling refreshed! You can learn more about Rachel at RachelRisner.com and can grab her Bible Study, Significant, on Amazon!

Do you want to create a home with beauty and joy? Do you want to gather your family to connect before those little ones are grown? Time for some family rhythms! In this episode, you’ll be inspired to create a home that hugs all who enter and one that rings with laughter and conversation.

Do you long for an intimate relationship with the Lord that transforms your mind and heals the pain, fear, depression, etc that you’ve been carrying? Let me tell you the secret to a full, healed, and joyful life that will pass on to your children as well. It’s all about his love, friend.

Do you ever feel overwhelmed at the thought of having people over? It’s easy to feel too overburdened or unequipped to extended hospitality. Today we’re taking about what gifts people will receive when you open your home to them! And good news, a sparkling clean home isn’t necessary!

What do we do when a broken friendship leaves us wounded and weary? How do we move forward in complete healing and not carry the pain of the past? In today’s episode, we talk about how to walk in forgiveness and see God’s plan in the pruning of your life.

What makes a “heart friend”? What are the qualities that set these friends apart and that lead to life-long, nourishing relationships? Today we’re talking about the specific traits to look for in order to discover a friend that nourishes the heart.