The Connected Mom

Parenting is not for the faint of heart. If you're parenting a "prodigal," our hearts are with you and we want to encourage you with our guest, Laine Lawson Craft. She shares her story of praying for all 3 of her prodigal children and the lessons she learned through these difficult times. Her story of God's working in her kids' life reminds us that no one is ever too far from God's power and redemption. ABOUT OUR GUESTLaine is dauntlessly committed to guiding parents of teens and young adults to win back their prodigal children. She partners with prodigal parents so that they find a proven battle plan and strategies to guide them to know that they are not in a war with their child but in a war with the enemy trying to destroy them; they will learn how to have authority over the battles, and how to pray for victory for their prodigal. With over fifteen years of working with amazing people with similar hurts and spiritual warfare and guiding them to achieve remarkable success, her mission and commitment are to give you insights and revelations into how the darkness of our world operates, build your hope, and give tried-and-true tools and applications that will bring your prodigal home.FEATURED BOOKThe Parent's Battle Plan: Warfare Strategies to Win Back Your ProdigalCONNECT WITH LAINEWebsiteFacebook

Did you know that Jesus' prayer includes 6 invitations to know God more deeply? In this episode, Becky practically walks through how we can help our children understand the Lord's prayer...and why it's so important! Today's podcast is based on Becky's book Our Father: A Study on the Lord's Prayer. Order here!ABOUT OUR GUESTAuthentic, passionate, funny and Biblical all describe, Becky Harling. A best-selling author, Becky is a popular speaker at conferences, retreats and other events. She is a best-selling author and has written eleven books including, How To Listen So Your Kids Will Talk and the author of Psalms for the Anxious Heart. Becky is a certified coach with the John Maxwell Team and offers parent coaching. Becky and her husband, Steve have traveled and ministered in over 60 countries around the world. She is the parent of four grown married kids and Mimi to 14 grandchildren! You can connect with Becky at www.beckyharling.com, www.harlingleadership.com, CONNECT WITH BECKYFacebookInstagramTwitter

Our families--and parenting--can look a lot different than we expect. Especially when disabilities enter the picture. Today we talk with Jillian Benfield about her journey of shock, grieving, and discovery in parenting a child with special needs. Her honesty and perspective give HOPE for families who grapple with life's unexpected twists and turns...and encouragement on how God can use and transform you through the unexpected!ABOUT OUR GUESTJillian Benfield is a former journalist and news anchor. She holds a broadcast journalism degree from the University of Georgia. As a freelance writer, her essays about living an unexpected life have appeared on sites such as TODAY, Good Morning America, Yahoo! News, and ABC News. Jillian regularly advocates for the full inclusion of people with disabilities in her writings, community, and as a part of the National Down Syndrome Congress's National Down Syndrome Advocacy Coalition. Jillian and her husband, Andy, and their three children make their home on Florida's Space Coast.CONNECT WITH JILLIANWebsiteInstagramFacebookABOUT HER BOOKThe Gift of the Unexpected: Discovering Who You Were Meant to Be When Life Goes Off PlanWhat if the unexpected is the beginning of becoming your truest self?Jillian Benfield was living life in the spotlight as a TV journalist, but after receiving a life-altering diagnosis for her unborn son, she realized no camera-ready outfit could dress up her grief.Overcoming this unexpected circumstance wasn't an option. She would have to undergo it instead. In doing so, she discovered who she was and who God wanted her to become.In this riveting story filled with grit and grace, Jillian helps you break down the false constructs you've built around God and your identity. You won't avoid your pain, but you'll learn to feel it, in a healing way. And you'll discover how your internal transformation leads to external purpose.No matter what you're going through, you're invited to open this gift: The Gift of the Unexpected.

Find yourself being angry or responding harshly...even when it's the last thing you want to do? Today's episode with guest Amber Lia is a conversation about triggers and anger in parenthood...and practical advice on what you can do to change. We're here to help you make sure that connection with your child is the strongest, healthiest bond it can be! ABOUT OUR GUESTA former high school English teacher, Amber Lia is a work-at-home mom of four little boys ages 5 to 15. She and her husband, Guy, own Storehouse Media Group, a faith and family-friendly TV and Film production company in Chattanooga, TN. A certified independent health coach, Amber offers insight for all things health and wellness for anyone looking to live life to the full! When she's not building sand castles with her boys on the beach, or searching for Nerf darts all over her house, you can find Amber writing to encourage families on her blog. CONNECT WITH AMBERWebsite/BlogFacebookInstagramABOUT HER BOOKTriggers: Exchanging Parent’s Angry Reactions for Gentle Biblical Responses examines common parenting issues that cause us to explode inappropriately at our children. Moving beyond simple parenting tips on how to change your child’s behavior, authors Amber Lia and Wendy Speake offer biblical insight and practical tools to equip and encourage you on the journey away from anger-filled reactions toward gentle, biblical responses.

How do we best talk about race and cultural differences with our kids? We should...but sometimes we avoid it because we aren't sure what to say. Listen in! We're thankful to discuss this important topic with Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith. Website mentioned: https://colorfulconnectionsbook.comBONUS RESOURCES as free downloads: "Pre-Prayered" Journal and Questions PackABOUT OUR GUESTDr. Saundra Dalton-Smith is an award-winning author, speaker, wellbeing thought-leader and host of I Choose My Best Life podcast. She spent over 20 years in clinical practice as an internal medicine physician. Dr. Saundra speaks internationally to audiences on topics of faith, wellness, and healing. Learn more about Dr. Saundra at IChooseMyBestLife.com ABOUT THE BOOKColorful Connections: 12 Questions About Race That Open Healthy ConversationsMany conversations are happening at home and in church about difficult and timely topics--but when it comes to race, too many Christians are silent. It's time to speak up. But where do we start?Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith and Lori Stanley Roeleveld enter a transparent and open dialogue about race, privilege, bias, and discrimination.As you witness the real-time provess of meaningful discussion, you'll see how these women model healthy conersations--giving voice to pain without blame, expressing anger without ridicule, and asking questions without guilt.These pages are filled with vulnerable personal stories, biblical teaching, conversation starters, and practical next steps. By the end, you too will be equipped to have your own colorful conversations, and find your place in healing the racial divide and bringing together the body of Christ.

We're all about connection at The Connected Mom--and today we're jumping into why connection with our kids is SO important. We glean some amazing tips and encouragement from our guest, Dr. Gregory Jantz. Dr. Jantz has written extensively and even has a book on this topic The Power of Connection: Maximize Your Health and Happiness with Close Relationships.ABOUT OUR GUESTDr. Gregory Jantz is a best-selling author of over 45 books. He is a go-to media authority on behavioral health afflictions, appearing on CBS, ABC, NBC, Fox, and CNN. As an innovator in the treatment of mental health, Dr. Jantz educates on a variety of therapies including nutrition, sleep therapy, spiritual counseling, and advanced DBT techniques. With a passion for helping people, he is committed to sharing his vision of balanced health and Whole Person Care. He is the founder of The Center - A Place of Hope.

The word "theology" can freak people out. But don't run away! As a mama, we want to help you understand "theology"--the study of God and why it's so important as we parent. That's why we have two amazing guests on today who wrote a book to equip parents with theology in a visually engaging way. "I'm going to say this simply, moms. After you're done here in this conversation, you're going to know that you are a theologian, providing some of the most important work in your kids' lives and setting a theological foundation. So here's to you!" - Brayden Brooksheir, co-author of Flash TheologyABOUT OUR GUESTSBrayden Rockne Brookshier and Jenny Randle are friends as well as family who love discussing theological concepts. For over ten years, they’ve both served in ministry leadership, developing resources that merge gospel-centered truths with practical application. Their conversations and collective strengths have led to the development of theology resources that help their global church family thrive. For more info visit flashtheology.com.Brayden Brookshier serves on the teaching team at Newbreak Church, San Diego. With a master’s in New Testament and a bachelor’s in Biblical Studies, Brayden is the author of A Resurrected Cosmos and teaches biblical Greek at Horizon University. Although he is a pastor and theologian, Brayden’s favorite titles are husband and “Dada.” From Hollywood to a small island in Florida, Jenny Randle's creative ventures over the last twenty years have reached millions. She is the cohost of a top-ranked podcast, the author of numerous books, and a wife, mom, Emmy®-award-winning editor, speaker, and ministry leader. Jenny is currently working toward a master's in theology at Asbury Theological Seminary.Brayden's Podcast: Adventures in TheologyJenny's Podcast: Shut the Should UpABOUT THEIR BOOK (available 3/7)Flash Theology: A Visual Guide to Knowing and Enjoying God MoreThis is an invitation to the curious, those who want to know God and interact with their faith in a new way. Grow in awe of God as you discover the beauty and depth of him through 31 bite-sized truths of theology. Flash Theology offers you stability in your faith so you can endure whatever life (or wrong thinking) throws at you. Jenny Randle and Brayden Brookshier believe Christians are missing out if they leave theology to pastors and scholars. In this highly accessible book, Jenny and Brayden help you:Understand theology through compelling visual aids.See the connection between God’s character and your identity.Internalize truths about God’s heart for you.Find encouragement in life’s purpose through a greater understanding of who God is.God invites every Christian to know and enjoy him forever. Through illustrations, Scripture, and approachable teaching, Flash Theology shares 31 bite-sized truths of Christianity in a way that inspires both gratitude and awe.

Today we're talking about weight and dieting and *all* the things involved with body image. Becky and our guest, Laura Acuña, share their stories of battling body image and yo-yo dieting that left them feeling defeated...and even impacted their families. Listen in as we dive into this important topic of understanding the roots of disordered eating and turn to the hope found in God's Word. ABOUT OUR GUESTLaura Acuña is a speaker, author, bible teacher, and coach. She has served as a women's ministry leader for over 22 years. She's a graduate of Liberty University. She earned a degree in Christian counseling and a minor in Biblical studies. She's the co-founder of Sisters in Faith Ministries, a nonprofit ministry to women in the Damascus, Maryland area. Married to Pat, the two are parents of three sons and one daughter in love and they're first time grandparents. Laura has written a wonderful devotional called Still Becoming Hope and Healing for the Diet Weary Soul. CONNECT WITH LAURAWebsiteFacebookInstagramPodcast

Marriage! Here’s the thing, in the thick of parenting challenges, it’s easy to let things slide in your marriage. However, In God’s design husband and wife are to function as one. Their relationship is to be growing and thriving, spiritually, emotionally, and physically. So it’s important that we talk about our marriages and how to cultivate those in the thick of parenting challenges. This week we're talking about marriage and why it’s so important to keep your marriage alive in the parenting journey.ABOUT OUR GUESTOur guest today, is a marriage expert. Pam Farrel and her husband Bill have been working together to help couples and families for more than 40 years. The Farrels are popular speakers, best-selling authors and the co-founders of Love Wise, a ministry dedicated to helping people build successful relationships. The couple has co-authored numerous books including Red Hot Monogamy and Men are Like Waffles, Women are Like Spaghetti. They have three children (+ three beautiful daughter-in-laws) and seven grandchildren.CONNECT WITH PAMFacebookInstagramWebsite

Today we’re continuing our series on mental health issues . . . and specifically when it affects your spouse. We’re talking to Becky's dear friend Tracy Arntzen about finding hope when mental health issues enter your marriage. We chat about how to stay connected with God, and your husband, and also help your kids through that battle.ABOUT OUR GUESTTracy Arntzen is a passionate wife, mother of 3 sons, and longtime student of the Bible who runs a non–profit called Saving Susan Ministry. She and her husband, Jay, own a thriving business. Tracy has served on the North Georgia Autism Board, and she has helped found the Georgia Bridge Academy, which helps kids with disabilities find a pathway toward a career track. She is a speaker and is in the process of writing her first book. Every week Tracy writes encouraging devotionals through her blog on We Pray Through. She and her husband love to golf, hike and go on mission trips together. Tracy is passionate about God’s Word and prayer.Connect with Tracy:FacebookInstagramWebsite

If you're a parent to a teen or have teens you love, listen in. Today we're talking about teen depression--what to look for and what to do when you identify that a teen you love may be depressed. With all that is going on in our world it's so important to recognize the warning signs and have a plan when depression enters the picture. Dr. Jim Coil joins us and shares a lot of very helpful information and wisdom.ABOUT OUR GUESTDr. Jim Coil, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, has provided counseling services in the San Diego area for more than 25 years. Dr. Coil has worked extensively with adolescents, young adults, professional athletes, musicians and artists, collegiate athletes, and adults with struggling with depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and addictions including chemical dependency and sexual addictions, family dynamics associated with addiction, and individuals post-treatment and in recovery. "My approach to counseling is to develop a respectful and meaningful connection with each client through compassion and understanding. I provide a comfortable, safe, non-judgmental atmosphere to nurture self-understanding and support. I combine insight and guidance to equip you to have the skills to better manage your life, and in the process, obtain overall wellness, greater peace and joy."Mentioned in the episode:Article by Dr. Jim Coil: A Parent’s Guide to Teen Depression and SuicideResearch by Dr. Jean Twenge regarding social media.Connect with Dr. Jim Coil:Restoration Therapy ServicesBlogLinkedIn

Did you know that at least 1 in 7 women suffer from postpartum depression or anxiety? Postpartum depression is considered the number one complication of childbirth. Listen in as we dive into these very real issues and how they can affect us and those we love. Ashley Hudson, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, joins us for a very real, practical episode. "You deserve to feel better." Please share!Links Ashley mentions in the show:https://psidirectory.com/&nbspwww.postpartum.net If you are having thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, go to your nearest Emergency Room immediately.Suicide hotline: Call 988Text this Crisis Text Line (Text HOME to 741741)ABOUT OUR GUESTAshley Hudson is a lover of Jesus and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She lives in Denver Colorado with her high school sweetheart and two beautiful children. Through her practice, Pearl in Process, Ashley treats Trauma and Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders. Using a web of storytelling and practical teaching, Ashley strives to equip parents and their support systems to properly detect and respond to mood and anxiety disorders with confidence and compassion. Ashley teaches courses through her online platform, provides both virtual and in-person therapy, and has written several books available through Amazon. CONNECT WITH ASHLEYInstagramFacebookWebsite

Our guest Jenny Randle is here to remind us that creativity comes in all forms . . . and our kids may express creativity in a variety of ways. Join us as we identify creative “killers” and glean a few ideas on how you can foster creativity in your child(ren). Find creative ways to connect . . . you won't regret it! Free download mentioned in the episode: 31 FUN AND EASY WAYS TO GROW your kids’ God-given creativity! ABOUT OUR GUESTJenny Randle is an Emmy®-award-winning editor who went on a journey to discover what it really means to live on purpose.Her search for meaning in life's everyday moments led her to create resources that merge profound gospel-centered truths with practical application. From Hollywood to a small island in Florida, Jenny’s creative ventures have reached millions.Jenny has been in vocational ministry for over a decade, creating content for local churches to international ministries. She currently leads a ministry organization that provides prayer, classes, and community where leaders are empowered with the truth of God's word and transformed through the power of the Holy Spirit.Jenny is the author of Courageous Creative, Getting to Know God's Voice and her newest book Dream Come True (Harvest House Publishers). She also co-wrote the forthcoming book Flash Theology releasing Spring 2023 (David C Cook). Jenny ministers around the nation preaching and teaching about the theology of creativity, calling, and the Holy Spirit. CONNECT WITH JENNYWebsiteInstagramFacebook

Make time to listen as Carol McLeod chats with Becky and Sarah about how she found JOY in tremendous loss and depression. You are sure to relate with parts of her story or know someone who needs to hear her message. How can we experience the fullness of JOY even in the hardest parts of mothering? We're glad you're listening in.ABOUT OUR GUESTCarol McLeod is a best-selling author and popular speaker at women's conferences and retreats, where she teaches the Word of God with great joy and enthusiasm. Carol encourages and empowers women with passionate and practical biblical messages mixed with her own special brand of hope and humor. Carol is a prolific author and loves digging for truth in the Word of God. In her 15th book, Meanwhile: Meeting God in the Wait, which released July 2022, Carol examines the life of Joseph and what it means to “wait well” as God strategically labors behind the scenes to work all things together for our good and for His glory. It will have an accompanying video Bible study series.Rooms of a Mother’s Heart, a devotional for moms, was released in 2021, winning the 2022 Director’s Choice Award from the Blue Ridge Writer’s Conference. Her teaching DVD, "The Rooms of a Woman's Heart", won the Telly Award, a prestigious industry award, for excellence in religious programming. Carol has two podcasts: “A Jolt of Joy!” on the Charisma Podcast Network and “Significant Women” available on iTunes, Google and Stitcher. “A Jolt of Joy” is in the top 5% of podcasts, with “Significant Women” in the top 10%.Carol has been married to her college sweetheart, Craig, for 44 years and is the mother of 5 children in heaven and 5 children on earth. They enjoy being “Marmee” and “Pa” to their 9 delicious grandchildren ... whom Carol refers to as “The 9 Wonders of the World!”CONNECT WITH CAROLWebsiteFacebookInstagram

As moms, we want to do all we can to avoid hard times for our family. On today's podcast, we chat with Grace Fox about what we can do when those hard times inevitably come. Listen for "hope" as we discuss these topics: How to deal with the anxious "what ifs"Choosing joy over fearHow pain can mold/shape our kidsIdentifying joy-stealersHow we can change our view of "weaknesses"ABOUT OUR GUESTGrace Fox is an author and speaker whose passion is to connect the dots between faith and real life so her audiences might live the life God intends. Drawing from Scripture and from personal experiences learned while living on Canada’s rugged coastline, in urban U.S.A., and in Nepal’s Himalayan mountains, she uses the written page and the public stage to build Christ-based confidence in audiences worldwide.She and her husband married in 1982 and celebrate three grown children and eleven grandchildren. They live full-time on a sailboat near Vancouver, British Columbia. Everywhere she goes, she exudes a contagious desire to know Jesus Christ intimately and to love His word. Get Grace's book: Keeping Hope Alive: Devotions for Strength in the StormLife changes in a nanosecond when storms sweep in, often without warning. They leave our knuckles white and our hearts broken. With minds barely able to think clearly, we often set our Bible aside. In reality, that’s when we need its comfort and strength most. This devotional is written for those in crisis, for those longing for hope but lacking the ability to focus on a lengthy Scripture passage. These minute-sized devotions offer respite to readers caught in the storms of life.Connect with Grace:WebsiteFacebook

As the new year approaches, we recommend becoming "Soul Strong." What does that mean? Our special guest Lucinda Secrest McDowell talks with us about her book Soul Strong: 7 Keys to a Vibrant Life. These concepts are a great way to begin 2023. Make it the year where you go deeper in your connection with God. ABOUT OUR GUESTLucinda Secrest McDowell, M.T.S., is a storyteller and seasoned mentor who engages both heart and mind while “Helping You Choose a Life of Serenity & Strength.” A graduate of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and Furman University, McDowell is the author of 15 books and contributing author to 30+ books. Her award-winning books include new releases Life-Giving Choices(2019) and Soul Strong (2020), as well as Dwelling Places, Ordinary Graces, Refresh, and Live These Words. Lucinda, a member of the Redbud Writers Guild and AWSA, received Mt. Hermon “Writer of the Year” award and guest blogs for The Write Conversation, Blue Ridge Christian Writers Blog and (in)courage. CONNECT WITH LUCINDAWebsiteBlogFacebookABOUT HER BOOKDo you have the strength of soul you need to live out God’s story for your life? Let award-winning author Lucinda Secrest McDowell show you how to become soul strong! Seven key decisions can give you soul strength for the story God calls you to live. Live Loved Be Authentic Dwell Deep Pray Always Overcome Pain Extend Kindness Share Stories God wants to give you strength of soul for the story He has called you to live. Let these practical guidelines and prompts help you live authentically and love extravagantly. You can choose today to live Soul Strong!

The demands of motherhood can leave us feeling exhausted and like we hardly have the emotional energy to pull out our Bibles or have a long prayer time. Running between activities, events, and work can feel overwhelming. On this episode, we get really practical and specific about helping mamas connect with God. At times this goal can feel elusive and ethereal and so we want to have a conversation about what helps us connect with God more deeply. God wants us to know Him as a friend!ABOUT OUR GUEST:Authentic, passionate, funny and Biblical all describe, Becky Harling. A best-selling author, Becky is a popular speaker at conferences, retreats and other events. She is a best-selling author and has written eleven books including, How To Listen So Your Kids Will Talk and the author of Becky is a certified coach with the John Maxwell Team and offers parent coaching. Becky and her husband, Steve have traveled and ministered in over 60 countries around the world. She is the parent of four grown married kids and Mimi to 14 grandchildren! You can connect with Becky at www.beckyharling.com, www.harlingleadership.com, Facebook www.facebook.com/beckyharlingministries, Twitter @beckyharling, or Instagram @BeckyHarlingCheck out Becky's Devotional: Psalms for the Anxious HeartPsalms for the Anxious Heart is a short, daily devotional that offers meditations of truth and peace. Each devotion includes a reading of a Psalm, a brief teaching on the passage, a salient truth to cling to, and a suggested song to guide further meditation. Enter the Psalms and find relief and hope for your anxious heart in these trying times.

ABOUT OUR GUEST:Julie Lavender is the award-winning author of several books, including 365 Days of Celebration and Praise and Creative Sleepovers for Kids!, and coauthor of Come and Behold Him. Her work has appeared in several anthologies and curricula, as well as many magazines, such as The Upper Room, Guideposts, Homeschooling Today, ParentLife, Clubhouse, Today's Christian Woman, and Focus on the Family. Julie has a master's degree in early childhood education, taught public school in three states, and delighted in homeschooling her four children in six states during her husband's Navy career. She writes faith-based articles for her local newspaper and is a regular contributor to several websites and blogs on parenting topics. Julie lives with her husband, David, in South Georgia, not far from the charming city of Savannah.Today, we’re talking about her book, 365 Ways to Love Your Child.In 365 Ways to Love Your Child, Julie encourages moms, dads, and anyone who works with children to show kids every day with simple but meaningful gestures and activities how very much they are loved. Join Julie in expressing tangible acts of love to show your kids they are valued by their parents and, most especially, by God.Connect with Julie:WebsiteFacebookInstagram

In the busyness of the holidays, we can easily lose sight of why celebrations matter. In this episode Becky reminds us that celebrations were actually God’s idea. So, it's worth spending some time thinking about how celebrations and traditions build connection in our family and even our faith.ABOUT OUR GUEST:Authentic, passionate, funny and Biblical all describe, Becky Harling. A best-selling author, Becky is a popular speaker at conferences, retreats and other events. She is a best-selling author and has written eleven books including, How To Listen So Your Kids Will Talk and the author of Psalms for the Anxious Heart. Becky is a certified coach with the John Maxwell Team and offers parent coaching. Becky and her husband, Steve have traveled and ministered in over 60 countries around the world. She is the parent of four grown married kids and Mimi to 14 grandchildren!You can connect with Becky at www.beckyharling.com and www.harlingleadership.comFacebook www.facebook.com/beckyharlingministries, Twitter @beckyharling, or Instagram @BeckyHarlingGET HER BOOK:Becky shares tips for connecting with your children in How To Listen So Your Kids Will Talk.

Sometimes these BIG emotions can interrupt family life and leave us feeling disconnected. We want to help you--and today's episode is packed with practical advice that can help you and your child deal with the big emotions that come our way.ABOUT OUR GUEST:Michelle Nietert has been a licensed professional counselor for over 25 years and the coauthor of the award winning book Loved and Cherished: 100 Devotions for Girls along with Make Up Your Mind: Unlock Your Thoughts, Transform Your Life and soon to be released God I Feel Sad: Bringing Big Emotions to a Bigger God series. She leads a team of counselors as the clinical director of Community Counseling Associates in the Dallas, TX area. A popular speaker on topics regarding mental health, faith and parenting, she is a frequent guest on national television and podcasts, including her own “Raising Mentally Healthy Kids.” She and her husband Drew have been married almost two decades with two school aged children. Connect with Michelle:YourMentalHealthCoach.comFacebookInstagramMichelle's books:Make Up Your MindLoved and Cherished: 100 Devotions for GirlsMichelle's Podcast:Raising Mentally Healthy Kids

How can you help your kids be filled with gratitude . . . and how can you make that fun? Gratitude is something God honors, and according to the research, it actually makes people more happy in their adult life. Who knew? Today Becky shares lots of ideas to make gratitude fun at any age--from toddlers to high schoolers. We even throw in a few tips for grandparents!Mentioned:Thank You Bear book suggestion for toddlersMission trip opportunitiesABOUT OUR GUEST:Authentic, passionate, funny and Biblical all describe, Becky Harling. A best-selling author, Becky is a popular speaker at conferences, retreats and other events. She is a best-selling author and has written eleven books including, How To Listen So Your Kids Will Talk and the author of Psalms for the Anxious Heart. Becky is a certified coach with the John Maxwell Team and offers parent coaching. Becky and her husband, Steve have traveled and ministered in over 60 countries around the world. She is the parent of four grown married kids and Mimi to 14 grandchildren!You can connect with Becky at www.beckyharling.com and www.harlingleadership.comFacebook www.facebook.com/beckyharlingministries, Twitter @beckyharling, or Instagram @BeckyHarlingGET HER BOOK:Becky shares tips for connecting with your children in How To Listen So Your Kids Will Talk.

In this episode, we discuss so much! Starting your own business. Managing a budget (not a bad word!). Wise handling of debt. And how to make the best of our crazy economy. Plus, our guest, Katelyn Swiatek shares about her home-based business for women who love fashion and also want to be wise with money.ABOUT OUR GUESTKatelyn Swiatek is the founder of SAVOUR Clothing located in Colorado Springs, CO. SAVOUR Clothing is an online consignment business that Katelyn started in 2019. Katelyn loved being home with her children, but also missed working. For three years now, the business continues to grow and Katelyn plans to grow it on a national level within the next few years. In addition to working on her business, Katelyn has a passion for female entrepreneurship. She is also the author of a book addressing biblical financial stewardship, The Stewardship Movement.In her downtime, Katelyn loves spending time with her husband, Stephen, and their three children Aaron, Adah and Austyn. They love to get outside as a family whether it’s on a hike, on the golf course, or camping in the mountains.Connect with Katelyn & check out her awesome thrift & consignment store business:FACEBOOKINSTAGRAM

We want to say right from the beginning, this is a guilt-free zone! So if you haven't been doing family dinners well, no worries. There's always time to improve. But in this episode, Becky gives some great ideas on how to make time around the dinner table a fun time (you read that right--fun!). It doesn't have to be stressful. It can be fun. Listen in and grab one new idea to try with your family this week!ABOUT OUR GUEST:Authentic, passionate, funny and Biblical all describe, Becky Harling. A best-selling author, Becky is a popular speaker at conferences, retreats and other events. She is a best-selling author and has written eleven books including, How To Listen So Your Kids Will Talk and the author of Psalms for the Anxious Heart. Becky is a certified coach with the John Maxwell Team and offers parent coaching. Becky and her husband, Steve have traveled and ministered in over 60 countries around the world. She is the parent of four grown married kids and Mimi to 14 grandchildren! You can connect with Becky at www.beckyharling.com and www.harlingleadership.comFacebook www.facebook.com/beckyharlingministries, Twitter @beckyharling, or Instagram @BeckyHarlingGET HER BOOK:Becky shares tips for dinner conversations and so much more in her book How To Listen So Your Kids Will Talk.

You're in for a treat! Becky and Sarah interview Will Daniel, a sixth-grade author and his mom, Blythe Daniel. Will wrote a book with more than 400 laughs and he shares a few on this podcast! You're guaranteed to laugh while listening and also gather some encouragement from Blythe on how important it is to cultivate humor in the home. Will's new book will help you do that...so we encourage you to grab several for the upcoming holidays!ABOUT OUR GUESTWilliam Daniel is a sixth grader, a WWII enthusiast, and a competitive gymnast. He builds model airplanes and wants to be a pilot someday. He has an older sister, Maris, and a twin sister, Calyn, and is the younger by four minutes. As you can well imagine, he enjoys making people laugh, which he does for family, friends, and at school. William lives in Colorado with his family and dog, Riley.Blythe Daniel is a literary agent and marketer with more than 20 years of experience in publishing. She has written for Proverbs 31 Ministries, Focus on the Family, Ann Voskamp, Christian Retailing, and she links bloggers with readers through the agency’s blog network. She lives in Colorado with her husband and three children. Find her latest book here.ORDER WILL'S BOOK (Releases on 11/8/22)You're Joking Me: Jokes for Kids by a Kid (Burst Out Laughing)

On our last episode we started a conversation about comparison. As mom, our tendency to compare erodes our connection with God, our fellow moms, and our kids, which is exactly the opposite of what we hope to do on this podcast.Becky shares life-giving truths from Scripture--it's less about being an *achiever* and more about being an *abider.* ABOUT OUR GUEST:Authentic, passionate, funny and Biblical all describe, Becky Harling. A best-selling author, Becky is a popular speaker at conferences, retreats and other events. She is a best-selling author and has written eleven books including, How To Listen So Your Kids Will Talk and the author of Psalms for the Anxious Heart. Becky is a certified coach with the John Maxwell Team and offers parent coaching. Becky and her husband, Steve have traveled and ministered in over 60 countries around the world. She is the parent of four grown married kids and Mimi to 14 grandchildren! You can connect with Becky at www.beckyharling.com, www.harlingleadership.com, Facebook www.facebook.com/beckyharlingministries, Twitter @beckyharling, or Instagram @BeckyHarlingWe’d love to have you subscribe to the podcast so that you never miss an episode.

The truth is, comparing can damage our relationship with God, fellow moms, and our kids. Listen in as Becky encourages moms to embrace where your kids are and instead lean into helpful, biblical strategies of kicking comparison to the curb! ABOUT OUR GUEST:Authentic, passionate, funny and Biblical all describe, Becky Harling. A best-selling author, Becky is a popular speaker at conferences, retreats and other events. She is a best-selling author and has written eleven books including, How To Listen So Your Kids Will Talk and the author of Psalms for the Anxious Heart. Becky is a certified coach with the John Maxwell Team and offers parent coaching. Becky and her husband, Steve have traveled and ministered in over 60 countries around the world. She is the parent of four grown married kids and Mimi to 14 grandchildren! You can connect with Becky at www.beckyharling.com, www.harlingleadership.com, Facebook www.facebook.com/beckyharlingministries, Twitter @beckyharling, or Instagram @BeckyHarling

Relationships between mothers and daughters can be messy and hurtful. But they don't have to stay that way! Join us as we discuss healing from mother wounds with a very special mother/daughter team, Dr. Helen Mcintosh and her daughter, Blythe Daniel. This is our second podcast on healing from mother wounds. We're continuing the conversation about mending our relationship with our moms. Dr. Helen McIntosh understands the uncertainty of a strained relationship and the scars that can develop. Raised by a mother whobattled anxiety, anger, and alcoholism, Helen struggled to understand her mom’s verbal abuse, thinking something was wrong with her. Years later, after becoming a Doctor of Counseling Psychology, Helen recognized she did the best she could with what she knew about hermother. She developed a deep desire to help other women hurt by their mother-daughter relationship and to raise her daughter Blythe differently by maintaining a good relationship with her.ABOUT OUR GUESTSBlythe Daniel is a literary agent and marketer with more than 20 years of experience in publishing. She has written for Proverbs 31 Ministries, Focus on the Family, Ann Voskamp, Christian Retailing, and she links bloggers with readers through the agency’s blog network. The daughter of Dr. Helen McIntosh, she lives in Colorado with her husband and three children.Dr. Helen McIntosh (EdD, Counseling Psychology) is a counselor, speaker, educator, and author of Messages to Myself and Eric, Jose & The Peace Rug®. Her work has appeared in Guideposts, ParentLife, and HomeLife magazines. She resides in Georgia with her husband Jim. They have two children and five grandchildren.In Mended: Restoring the Hearts of Mothers and Daughters (Harvest House Publishers), they share how they’ve built, guarded, and renewed a relationship centered around respecting, listening, then talking. They walk readers through the steps to restoring what’s between you and include specific conversation starters that are open-handed and welcoming, using grace-filled words with each other. They also show how to experience freedom when you aren’t able to talk to the person with whom you want to be mended.Connect with Blythe & Dr. Helen on their website.

"I always tell moms, the best thing a mother can do is find healing for herself." --Debbie Alsdorf"We're all broken, Mamas. And we all make mistakes. So I really want our listeners to get that because you are not going to be able to do it perfectly. We have Jesus because we're broken. And so we continually need to go back to Jesus." --Becky HarlingABOUT OUR GUEST:Debbie Alsdorf’s greatest joy is encouraging others. She has a mission— to help women live a better story and she does this by leading women to the heart of God’s love for them and the truth of His word. She does this through her writing, speaking, teaching, and life-coaching.She has been a women’s ministry leader for over 30 years working with women in all stages of life. She is an author, international speaker, mentor, certified life coach, non-fiction writing coach and literary agent with the Books and Such Literary Management Team. http://www.booksandsuch.comAnd, be sure to check out her book that we discuss on this episode: It's Momplicated: Hope and Healing for Imperfect Daughters of Imperfect Mothers by Debbie Alsdorf and Joan Edwards Kay. Connect with Debbie:debbiealsdorf.comFacebookInstagram

Military families face unique challenges that Megan Brown helps us understand in this episode. Listen in to understand how military families can stay connected . . . and how non-military friends can love and care for families who serve. ABOUT OUR GUEST:Megan Brown is a seasoned military spouse, mother of four, and military missionary. She is the Founder and Executive Director of MilSpo Co.- a 501c3 Christian ministry dedicated to recruiting, raising up, and releasing active-duty spouses as paid and prepared vocational missionaries. Megan is the 2019 Robins Air Force Base AFI Military Spouse of the Year and is passionate about sharing Jesus in and alongside of the local church. Connect with Megan:Website: www.meganbbrown.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/megbrownwritesInstagram: @megbrownwritesCheck out her book:Summoned: Answering a Call to the ImpossiblePre-order her new book (releases March 2023):Know What You Signed Up For: How to Follow Jesus, Love People, and Live on Mission as a Military Spouse

As parents, we need to emphasize connection more than correction. But how can we do that? Becky shares how we can become better listeners to connect with our kids.ABOUT OUR GUEST:Authentic, passionate, funny and Biblical all describe, Becky Harling. A best-selling author, Becky is a popular speaker at conferences, retreats and other events. She is a best-selling author and has written eleven books including, How To Listen So Your Kids Will Talk. Becky is a certified coach with the John Maxwell Team and offers parent coaching. Becky and her husband, Steve have traveled and ministered in over 60 countries around the world. She is the parent of four grown married kids and Mimi to 14 grandchildren! You can connect with Becky at www.beckyharling.com, www.harlingleadership.com, Facebook, Twitter @beckyharling, or Instagram @BeckyHarlingBe sure to check out her book: How to Listen So Your Kids Will TalkGood parenting depends on good communication. The problem is, we parents tend to over-talk. Not only is this ineffective, it discourages children from sharing what's on their hearts. In this immensely practical book, communications expert Becky Harling shares the best listening practices to transform your family's relationships and set your children up for success, including how to· help them express their feelings in healthy ways· listen to affirm their strengths· model how to navigate conflict with grace· listen to God, knowing that he "bends down to listen" to us (Psalm 116:2 nlt)

In this day and age, fear and anxiety for mamas is on the rise. School shootings have increased. There's strange illnesses out there, like monkey pox?! There's so much that we have to let go of as mamas. Right? In this episode, we talk with author Judy Dunagan about how moms can step away from fear and pray Scripture over our children and lives. Judy shares many practical steps, some of which come from her newest book, The Loudest Roar. The book came out of an honest question Judy asked God, "Why does the enemy have so much power?"Scriptures mentioned today:Psalm 91:1-2Psalm 139Ephesians 6:10-18ABOUT OUR GUEST:Judy Dunagan is an acquisitions editor for the women’s Bible studies and books at Moody Publishers. Judy is passionate about discipling others and making God’s Word and prayer come alive in everyday lives. She is a speaker and Bible teacher and serves on the board of Deeper Walk International, the ministry her father Mark I. Bubeck founded. Judy and her husband, Rick, live in Colorado and are the joyful grandparents of five littles. Connect with Judy:[email protected], be sure to check out her book: The Loudest Roar: Living in the Unshakable Victory of ChristDo you feel stuck battling the same fears, temptations, lies, and doubts, wondering if you’ll ever overcome them? Does it seem as if you’re in that battle alone? Author Judy Dunagan has been there. In The Loudest Roar, you’ll marvel at the power, majesty, and authority of our Lord Jesus and learn how to stand in the unshakable victory He’s already won for you.

Anxiety is a BIG deal for moms. Between, worries about war, school shootings, strange diseases coupled with work pressures, financial pressures and generalized stress, some of us are like a ticking time bomb ready to explode at any given moment.Anxiety disorders are the most common and pervasive mental disorders in the United States. An estimated 264 million people worldwide have an anxiety disorder and women are nearly twice as likely as men to be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder in their lifetime.ABOUT OUR GUEST:Authentic, passionate, funny and Biblical all describe, Becky Harling. A best-selling author, Becky is a popular speaker at conferences, retreats and other events. She is a best-selling author and has written eleven books including, How To Listen So Your Kids Will Talk and the author of Psalms for the Anxious Heart. Becky is a certified coach with the John Maxwell Team and offers parent coaching. Becky and her husband, Steve have traveled and ministered in over 60 countries around the world. She is the parent of four grown married kids and Mimi to 14 grandchildren! You can connect with Becky at www.beckyharling.com, www.harlingleadership.com, Facebook www.facebook.com/beckyharlingministries, Twitter @beckyharling, or Instagram @BeckyHarling