Gather Moms: Recent Episodes
Kate Henderson, Rebecca Bradford
Moms, we need each other. We need a place where we can be real, be encouraged, be inspired and find community with other moms; that’s what Gather is all about. Join us, other moms in the trenches with you, as we laugh together, transparently share our struggles and share encouraging truth. We want you to finish each episode feeling refreshed and with a big smile on your face. Join us!
What kind of summer mom are you? In this episode, Kate and Rebecca kick off with a little nostalgia, a lively game of “pick your side,” and then dive into the summer mom types that every woman will recognize — in herself and in her friends. Whether you’re the Pool Mom, the Survival Mode Mom, or somewhere in between, this episode is your permission slip to stop trying to be someone you’re not and lean into the mom God actually made you to be.
In This Episode
Kate and Rebecca play Pick Your Side (watermelon or sweet corn? pool or beach? sunscreen or… let em burn?) before breaking down seven summer mom types — the gifts each one brings, the watch-outs to keep in mind, and the grace that covers all of it. Plus, they share an exciting new prayer initiative launching June 1 that every mom can participate in no matter what her summer looks like.
The 7 Moms of Summer
The Pool Mom Always packed, always ready. Her kids are tan by June and she has strong opinions about swim lessons. Her gift is consistency and comfort — she creates a home base her kids return to all summer long. Her watch out: intentionality still matters even when the location never changes.
The Enrichment Mom Reading logs meet tie dye in her house. The summer bridge workbooks are already ordered. Her gift is that her kids never stop growing — summer is just a more colorful version of the school year. Her watch out: not everything has to be a lesson. Sometimes a popsicle is just a popsicle.
The Experience Mom She is collecting memories and the camera roll proves it. Road trips, national parks, family reunions — she starts planning next summer before this one is over. Her gift is raising kids with wonder and a wide world. Her watch out: not every moment has to be a highlight reel. The drive there counts too.
The Home Base Mom Her house is the neighborhood hub. Fully stocked snack drawer, sprinkler in the backyard, door always open. Her gift is belonging — that open door is a ministry. Her watch out: she can start to feel like the whole summer runs through her and forget to fill her own cup.
The Structured Mom Camp is scheduled, meals are planned, the rhythm is on the fridge. She engineered her summer to not have chaos — and she is not apologizing for it. Her gift is that her kids feel safe and regulated. Her watch out: when the plan falls apart, grace and flexibility matter more than the schedule.
The Go-With-The-Flow Mom The plan happens at 9am. Sometimes 10. Some days are spontaneous magic, some days are a little feral, and she is okay with both. Her gift is raising adaptable, present kids. Her watch out: a little rhythm goes a long way — even just one loose anchor for the day.
The Survival Mode Mom She is doing her best and that is enough. There is screen time and drive-through lunches and days she just needs everyone to be okay. Her gift is love — full stop. Her watch out: if survival mode is every day all summer, it might be worth asking what she actually needs.
The Heart of the Episode
Whatever mom you are — be THAT mom. God created you with your specific personality, your disposition, your gifts, and your limits to be your kids’ mom. Not someone else’s mom. Not the mom you follow on Instagram. Theirs. That is not an accident. That is a calling.
Summer in the Psalms — Starting June 1
No matter what kind of summer mom you are, you can be a praying mom this summer. Summer’s slower mornings and longer evenings give us more margin than the school year — and we want to help you use it. Join us for Summer in the Psalms, a prayer initiative launching June 1. (Details shared in episode — stay tuned for how to participate!)t the Moms of Summer — the pool mom, the home mom, the zoo mom, the teacher mom. Which one are you? Come back and find out! Resources, curriculum, and community at GatherMoms.com
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Rebecca Bradford: Instagram | Facebook
Summer is almost here — and if we’re honest, it’s a little bit of everything. Slower mornings and pool days on one hand, no schedule and sweaty chaos on the other. In this episode, Kate and Rebecca kick off the Gather Moms Summer Series by talking about what actually makes or breaks a mom’s summer — and how to set yourself up for a season you’ll actually enjoy.
In This Episode
We’re breaking down 5 ways moms accidentally ruin their own summer (relatable, we promise) — and flipping each one into a practical mindset shift that leads to a cooler, calmer, more present summer for you and your family.
5 Ways to Have a Miserable Summer (Don’t Do These)
- Plan every second — Over-scheduling leads to burnout and missed moments. The pressure to create “the best summer ever” can cause moms to plan the magic right out of it.
- Scroll through everyone else’s summer — Social media becomes a highlight reel of perfect vacations and picture-perfect kids. Comparison is the thief of July.
- Let every day be a total free-for-all — Zero routine leads to overwhelm for moms and kids. No structure = everyone spiraling by 10am.
- Never say no to a single invitation — Summer fills up fast with BBQs, playdates, camps, and family gatherings. People-pleasing your way through the season is a fast track to exhaustion.
- Do it all yourself — The invisible mental load of summer — the planning, the entertaining, the refereeing — without help or margin leads straight to mom burnout.
5 Ways to Keep Your Cool This Summer
- Plan the anchors, not every hour — Pick 2-3 anchor moments each week and let the rest breathe. The best memories usually happen in the margins.
- Curate your feed or put the phone down — Someone else’s beach vacation isn’t a grade on your summer. Your kids will remember your presence, not your Pinterest board.
- Keep a loose rhythm, not a rigid schedule — Same wake time, quiet time, and basic flow gives both kids and moms the predictability they need. Structure isn’t the enemy of fun — it’s what makes fun sustainable.
- Learn your “yes” limit and protect it — A rested mom is a present mom. Give yourself permission to protect a few slow days this summer.
- Delegate, involve, and let go of the standard — Get your kids involved in the planning, lunches, and cleanup. Ask for help. Summer was never meant to be a solo performance.
A Note for Your Soul
The slower pace of summer is actually an invitation. It’s a chance to spend more time with God — in prayer, in the Word, in stillness. Don’t miss it. Be sure to check out our Summer in the Psalms series for a simple, beautiful way to stay rooted this season.
Next Week on Gather MomsWe’re talking about the Moms of Summer — the pool mom, the home mom, the zoo mom, the teacher mom. Which one are you? Come back and find out!resources, curriculum, and community at GatherMoms.com
Gather Moms: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook
Kate Henderson: Instagram | Facebook
Rebecca Bradford: Instagram | Facebook
It’s here. The finale. And yes — we finally dropped the jingle.
To close out the Bible Moms season Kate and Rebecca recap every single woman they’ve covered this season, share some of the most moving listener responses from the series, and remind every mom listening of the one thing that ties all 12 stories together: God doesn’t make mistakes, and He placed you exactly where you are on purpose.
From Eve in the garden to Lydia’s living room — 12 women, hundreds of years of history, and one very consistent God who showed up for every single one of them. And he’s showing up in your home too.
Oh — and the jingle they’ve been teasing since the beginning of the season? It finally arrived. And it’s catchy. Really catchy.
In This Episode
- A full recap of every Bible Mom covered this season and what she taught us
- Listener responses that will genuinely move you — including a single mom, a stay at home mom, and everything in between
- Why your home is your first ministry — not a consolation prize
- How the metanarrative of Scripture is still being written right now, in your house, through your ordinary moments
- The long-awaited Bible Moms jingle — courtesy of Claude and Suno AI
- What’s coming this summer: Summer in Psalms
The 12 Bible Moms of the Season Eve, Sarah, Leah, Jochebed, Rahab, Bathsheba, Anna, Salome, Mary Magdalene, Lois & Eunice, Lydia — and the mother hen himself, Jesus.
Scripture Genesis 1:27 — Created in his image, male and female Luke 13 — Jesus as the mother hen gathering her chicks Throughout — the metanarrative of God’s story
What’s Next Summer fun episodes are coming — followed by Summer in Psalms, a new series praying through the Psalms together all summer long. Stay tuned.
Free Bible Giveaway No Bible? No problem. Gather Moms would love to send you one — find the link in the show notes.
Connect with Gather Moms GatherMoms.com
Gather Moms: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook
Kate Henderson: Instagram | Facebook
Rebecca Bradford: Instagram | Facebook
We’re in the home stretch — and this episode might be the most unexpected one yet.
As the Bible Moms series winds down, Kate and Rebecca play the most fun trivia game of the season (Jochebed’s theme song is Let It Go and we will not be taking questions), before landing on the woman — or rather, the Person — behind every mother’s heart.
In Luke 13, Jesus compares himself to a hen gathering her chicks under her wings. That image didn’t come from nowhere. The longing you feel to pull your kids close, to protect them, to keep them safe? Jesus had it first. And he hardwired it into you.
In This Episode
- Bible Moms trivia that will make you want to binge the whole series
- Luke 13: what Jesus reveals about his own heart through the image of a mother hen
- Why your instinct to gather, protect, and intercede for your kids mirrors the heart of God
- What to do when your kids walk into something you can’t control
- Psalm 91 as a prayer for every overwhelmed mom
- What’s coming this summer: Summer in Psalms
Scripture Luke 13 — Jesus laments over Jerusalem; the hen and her chicks Psalm 91:1–4 — shelter, feathers, wings, and faithful promises
What’s Next Summer in Psalms is coming — a new seasonal series to keep you tethered to the Word all summer long. Stay tuned.
Connect with Gather Moms Find all resources, curriculum, and community at GatherMoms.com
Gather Moms: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook
Kate Henderson: Instagram | Facebook
Rebecca Bradford: Instagram | Facebook
Is the holiest, best Christian mom a stay at home mom? Depending on your context, this may be the messaging you have heard and maybe struggled with. It might be that you love your job, you need to help your family financially, or you are a better mom when you work outside of the home.
In this episode of the Bible Moms series, Kate and Rebecca travel to Greece, literally and biblically, to meet Lydia of Thyatira: a wealthy, immigrant entrepreneur, a dealer of purple cloth, and the woman whose home became the first church in all of Europe.
If you’ve ever wondered whether God can use your ordinary life, your career, your open door, your willingness to just show up, Lydia’s story is your answer.
And if you’ve ever felt the sting of the working mom vs. stay-at-home mom debate, this episode will settle something in you. Because God didn’t wait for Lydia to close her business before He opened her heart. Her influence and resources were the very things that God used to reach a people group and provide the space for them to meet as a church.
TAKEAWAYS FOR MOMS1. God opens hearts that are faithfully showing up. Lydia was already meeting, already praying, already seeking — and God met her there. You don’t have to have it all figured out. Keep showing up. 2. The working mom vs. stay-at-home mom debate is not a Bible debate. Lydia was a businesswoman, an entrepreneur, and an immigrant — and God never asked her to be otherwise. The question scripture asks is: whose kingdom are you building with what you have? 3. Your house needs you — and people need your house. Lydia didn’t just get saved; she opened her home. The first church in Europe started because someone was willing to say come in. You don’t need a perfect house. You need an open door. 4. God goes ahead of you to prepare hearts. Before Paul ever arrived at that riverside, God had already been preparing Lydia. You are not the only one working in your children’s and your community’s lives. God goes before you. 5. Faithfulness in your specific arena is holy work. Different arena, same consecration. Whether you’re running a business or running carpool, the question is the same — are you placing it at the feet of Jesus?
SCRIPTURES REFERENCED* Acts 16:11–15 — Paul’s vision to go to Macedonia; meeting Lydia at the riverside in Philippi * Acts 16:40 — Paul and Silas leave prison and return to Lydia’s house, where the church had gathered * Philippians — Paul’s “love letter” to the church at Philippi, the very church that started in Lydia’s home
EPISODE TIMESTAMPS* 00:00 — Opening: Lydia, consecration, and the working mom debate * 06:00 — Welcome to Episode 213 + where we are in the New Testament story * 08:30 — Moving from the Middle East to Europe: Paul’s second missionary journey * 14:00 — Greece! Kate and Rebecca share their very different Greek vacation stories * 21:00 — The city of Philippi + why there was no synagogue (and what that tells us) * 26:00 — Meet Lydia: immigrant, entrepreneur, seller of purple — and what that means * 33:00 — The snail dye, purple cloth, and why royalty wore it (yes, really) * 38:00 — God opens her heart + her whole household gets baptized * 43:00 — Lydia prevails upon Paul to stay at her house (the Greek hospitality energy is real) * 48:00 — The slave girl, Paul in prison, and the earthquake — what happens while Paul is at Lydia’s * 53:00 — The first church in Europe starts in Lydia’s living room * 58:00 — Working mom vs. stay-at-home mom: what does the Bible actually say? * 1:04:00 — Your house needs you — and people need your house * 1:10:00 — Application: sharing the overflow of your faith with your family
RESOURCES MENTIONED Family Values — Gather Moms curriculum for teaching core values in the home * Moms Let’s Talk — Gather Moms curriculum for intentional faith conversations with your kids * Footsteps of Paul Tour* — Rebecca’s Greece trip (highly recommend for the tzatziki alone)
Gather Moms: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook
Kate Henderson: Instagram | Facebook
Rebecca Bradford: Instagram | Facebook
She didn’t go on a missionary journey. She didn’t preach to a crowd. She didn’t write a letter that would become Scripture.
She raised a son who did.
In this episode of the Bible Moms series, Kate and Rebecca uncover the story of two women you’ve probably skimmed right past — Lois and Eunice, the grandmother and mother of Timothy. With only one verse of Scripture to their name, these women are easy to overlook. But what they built inside the walls of their home — without a Bible, without a believing husband, in the middle of a pagan city — became the foundation for one of the most significant young leaders in the entire New Testament.
If you’ve ever felt like your daily mothering doesn’t matter, like you’re just going through the motions, like the laundry and the carpool and the wiping noses couldn’t possibly be kingdom work — this episode is your permission slip.
Because what Lois and Eunice teach us is that ordinary faithfulness has extraordinary impact. Every time. Without exception. Even when you can’t see it yet.
TAKEAWAYS FOR MOMS1. Your faith is forming your children — whether you realize it or not. You are always planting something. The question is what. What you model, repeat, and return to inside your home is shaping your kids in ways you won’t fully see for years.
2. You don’t need perfect circumstances to raise a godly kid. Eunice was raising Timothy in a divided home, in a pagan city, without a believing husband and potentially without his father in the picture at all. God didn’t wait for perfect conditions. He used what she had.
3. You are preparing your children to recognize truth — even when you’re not there. You can’t control every room your child walks into. But you can build the foundation so that when they encounter truth — or a lie — they know the difference.
4. God goes ahead of you in the gaps. Timothy may have grown up without a believing father figure. But God sent him Paul. If there are holes in your child’s life you can’t fill, pray boldly — God is faithful to provide.
5. Ordinary faithfulness is holy work. As Elisabeth Elliot said, it is through the ordinary, faithful carrying out of daily duties that union with God is formed. The feeding, the teaching, the repeating — it’s all kingdom work.
SCRIPTURES REFERENCED 2 Timothy 1:5 — Paul commends the sincere faith that lived first in Lois and Eunice * 1 Timothy 4:12 — Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young * 2 Timothy 1:7 — God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and sound judgment * 2 Timothy 3:16-17 — All Scripture is God-breathed and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness * Acts 13-14 — Paul’s first missionary journey through Lystra * Philippians 3:10 — Knowing the power of His resurrection (referenced in Risen Motherhood context)*
RESOURCES MENTIONEDFamily Values — Gather Moms curriculum for teaching core values in the home (one value per month, practical activities for kids)
Moms Let’s Talk — Gather Moms curriculum for intentional conversations with your kids on faith, friendships, gender, screens, and more
Motherhood is a Calling — Desiring God
Elisabeth Elliot — The Shaping of a Christian Family
Self Tanner – https://a.co/00mEVFxV
EPISODE TIMESTAMPS 00:00 — Welcome + Spring in Texas (and the great self-tanner debate ) * 07:30 — Catching up: where we are in the New Testament story * 10:45 — Paul’s road to Damascus + Saul vs. Paul — what actually happened * 15:00 — Paul’s first missionary journey and the city of Lystra * 20:00 — Meet Lois & Eunice — grandma, mom, and one verse of Scripture * 26:30 — What they taught without a Bible (and how it prepared Timothy for Paul) * 32:00 — Timothy joins Paul + what it looks like to invest in young leaders * 38:45 — The Michelle Obama clip + young moms, wisdom, and who’s qualified to teach * 45:00 — Famous scriptures from Timothy you’ve probably seen on a Hobby Lobby sign * 50:00 — Application: how to build faith in your home TODAY * 57:00* — Elisabeth Elliot + why mothering is holy work
Gather Moms: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook
Kate Henderson: Instagram | Facebook
Rebecca Bradford: Instagram | Facebook
She’s been misidentified for 14 centuries. Today we set the record straight.
In this episode of the Bible Moms series, Kate and Rebecca study one of the most misunderstood women in all of scripture — Mary Magdalene. Was she really a prostitute? What does it mean that seven demons were cast out of her? And why was the most important message in human history entrusted to a woman whose testimony wasn’t even legally valid in her day?
From the shores of Magdala to the empty tomb, discover how a woman who went from completely bound to completely free became the very first person to proclaim the resurrection — earning her the ancient title: Apostle to the Apostles.
Whether you’re a mom carrying a label that doesn’t belong to you, a woman who has shared truth that wasn’t received, or someone who just needs to hear Jesus call your name — this episode is for you.
TAKEAWAYS FOR MOMS
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You are a disciple to your disciples. Like Mary Magdalene, your assignment is to faithfully carry the message — not to control how it’s received.
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Let Jesus call your name. Don’t build your identity on what others have said about you. Entrust yourself to the God who judges justly.
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Prodigal mom? Keep speaking truth. Their response is not your assignment.
SCRIPTURES REFERENCED
· Luke 8:1-3 (introduction of Mary Magdalene)
· Mark 15:40 (women at the cross)
· John 20:11-18 (Mary at the tomb)
· Luke 24:9-12 (disciples don’t believe her)
· 1 Peter (entrusting yourself to God who judges justly)
CONNECT WITH GATHER MOMSWebsite: gathermoms.com
Instagram: @gathermoms
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/gathermoms?utm_campaign=creatorshare_fan
Workbook: Moms. Let’s Talk: 9 Conversations You Must Have with Your Children
SUBSCRIBE & LEAVE A REVIEWYour reviews help more moms find the podcast!
Gather Moms: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook
Kate Henderson: Instagram | Facebook
Rebecca Bradford: Instagram | Facebook
She knelt before Jesus and asked for the wrong thing. And then she stayed — all the way to the cross.
In this episode of the Bible Moms series, Kate and Rebecca study Salome, the mother of James and John — two of Jesus’ 12 disciples. She’s bold, she’s ambitious for her sons, and she dares to ask Jesus for their seats of power in his kingdom. Jesus says no.
But here’s the thing: she didn’t leave. She kept following. She kept showing up. And she was standing at the foot of the cross when most of the disciples had scattered.
Sound familiar, moms?
This episode is for every mom who has prayed for her child’s success, missed out on what God was actually doing, and had to relearn what greatness really looks like. Kate and Rebecca get personal — sharing stories about soccer tryouts, kids in seventh grade, quiet times walked in on, and the moment God rerouted their prayers completely.
5 HARDER PRAYERS FOR YOUR KIDS (that are more powerful)
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Pray for their character more than their circumstances
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Pray that they would love Jesus more than success
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Pray that disappointment would shape them, not harden them
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Pray that God would use their lives for his kingdom
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Pray for your own heart as a mom — God is still growing you too
SCRIPTURES REFERENCED
· Matthew 27:51-56 (women at the cross, veil torn, resurrection moment)
· Matthew 4:18-22 (Jesus calls James and John)
· Matthew 20:20-28 (Salome’s request and Jesus’ teaching on greatness)
· Mark 15:40-41 (women at the crucifixion)
· Mark 16:1-2 (women at the tomb)
· James 1 (trials producing endurance — “let it have its full work”)
Part of the ongoing Bible Moms series — tracking the matriarchs of scripture as guideposts to the big story of the Bible.
CONNECT WITH GATHER MOMSWebsite: gathermoms.com
Instagram: @gathermoms
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/gathermoms?utm_campaign=creatorshare_fan
Workbook: Moms. Let’s Talk: 9 Conversations You Must Have with Your Children
SUBSCRIBE & LEAVE A REVIEWYour reviews help more moms find the podcast!
Gather Moms: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook
Kate Henderson: Instagram | Facebook
Rebecca Bradford: Instagram | Facebook
Have you ever felt like you’re faithfully showing up — but nobody sees it?
In this episode of the Bible Moms series, Kate and Rebecca dive into one of the most overlooked women in the entire Bible: Anna the Prophetess (Luke 2:36-38). She only gets three verses. She’s never in the Christmas pageant. And yet every single detail Luke includes about her is loaded with meaning most people have never seen.
Anna was a widow from the tribe of Asher — one of the ten “lost” tribes of Israel — who spent decades fasting and praying in the temple. And on one ordinary morning, a young couple walked in with their baby and Anna recognized something no one else in the room could see.
This episode is for every mom, grandmother, and woman of faith who is showing up faithfully in a season that looks like nothing is happening.
IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL DISCOVER:* Why Anna’s father’s name (Phanuel = “Face of God”) is one of the most stunning details in the New Testament
The hidden meaning of Anna’s name — and its powerful connection to Hannah in the Old Testament
* What it means that she was from the tribe of Asher — a tribe most people had forgotten existed
* Why her age (84) is not a random number — and what it represents about all of God’s people
* How 400 years of prophetic silence makes Anna’s story even more extraordinary
* The women throughout church history who changed everything from overlooked, unofficial places — Monica, Susanna Wesley, Perpetua, and Felicity
* What new Barna research reveals about women in the church right now — and what Anna says directly to it
* Why the most powerful thing you can do is stop waiting for permission and be faithful in the space God has already placed you in
KEY SCRIPTURELuke 2:36-38
THIS EPISODE WILL RESONATE IF YOU’RE:* In a waiting season and wondering if your faithfulness matters * A mom who feels unseen or undervalued — by the church or by life * A grandmother or older woman wondering if your decades of faithful prayer still make a difference * A young woman trying to find her place in the church * Anyone who loves digging into the hidden depths of Scripture
SHAREShare this episode with a woman in your life who needs to hear:
Your ordinary faithfulness is not ordinary to God.
CONNECT WITH GATHER MOMSWebsite: gathermoms.com
Instagram: @gathermoms
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/gathermoms?utm_campaign=creatorshare_fan
Workbook: Moms. Let’s Talk: 9 Conversations You Must Have with Your Children
SUBSCRIBE & LEAVE A REVIEWYour reviews help more moms find the podcast!
Gather Moms: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook
Kate Henderson: Instagram | Facebook
Rebecca Bradford: Instagram | Facebook
If you grew up in church, you probably heard Bathsheba’s name — but not her whole story. In this episode of Bible Moms, Kate and Rebecca pull back the curtain on one of scripture’s most misunderstood women and discover she is far more than a footnote in David’s failure.
Bathsheba wasn’t a seductress. She was a woman who had power used against her by the most powerful man in the room. And yet — she didn’t let that be the end of her story.
From the scandal that rocked the monarchy to the throne room where she advocated for her son Solomon, Bathsheba’s life is a portrait of what it looks like to survive the unthinkable, hold onto faith, and become a woman of profound influence.
This episode is for the mom who has carried shame that was never hers to carry. It’s for the mom who wonders if God can still use her broken pieces. And it’s for every mom who wants to raise kids who will one day pull up a chair and ask for her wisdom.
In this episode you’ll learn:
- What the Bible actually says (and doesn’t say) about Bathsheba — and why it matters
- How David’s abuse of power shaped her story and what that means for how we read Scripture
- What King David’s confession in Psalm 51 teaches us about repentance, repair, and restoration
- Why Bathsheba may be the woman behind Proverbs 31 — and what that changes
- How Bathsheba moved from victim to queen mother and what that arc means for you
- Practical ways to advocate fiercely for your kids without over-mothering them
- How to cultivate the kind of relationship with your children where they actually want your input
Scriptures referenced: 2 Samuel 11–12 | Psalm 51 | 1 Kings 1 | Matthew 1 | Proverbs 31
This episode is for you if you’re searching for:
- Bible study for Christian moms
- Bathsheba Bible story explained
- Women of the Bible podcast
- Shame and healing for Christian women
- How to study the Bible as a mom
- Proverbs 31 woman meaning
- David and Bathsheba what really happened
- Raising sons with faith
- How to be a godly mother
- Repentance and restoration in marriage
- OT women of faith
- Bible moms series
We would love your thoughts! – If this episode was helpful to you, would you leave a review and share the episode with a friend? Every review and every share helps us put life-giving, biblically rich content into the hands of a mom. We love you moms and we’re so glad you’re with us.
We’re also so excited to partner with Sky Ranch Camps in Van, Texas. If you’re looking for an unforgettable overnight camp experience for your child (ages 6–16), Sky Ranch offers screen-free fun, lifelong friendships, and incredible godly mentors. Get $200 off your child’s first week of overnight summer camp with code GATHERMOMS at skyranch.org. Come see the difference where camp is crazy fun with a powerful purpose.
Gather Moms: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook
Kate Henderson: Instagram | Facebook
Rebecca Bradford: Instagram | Facebook
What kind of mom risks her life to protect her family? A courageous one.
In this episode of the Gather Moms Podcast, we continue our Bible Moms series with the unlikely story of Rahab — a woman with a messy past who makes one bold decision that changes her family’s future forever.
Her story (Joshua 2) unfolds as Israel prepares to enter the Promised Land. Two spies arrive in Jericho, and Rahab hides them when the king comes searching. She has heard what God has done — how He parted the Red Sea and delivered His people — and in a pivotal moment, she chooses Him.
This isn’t comfortable belief.
It’s costly faith.
The spies tell her to hang a scarlet cord from her window as a sign. And just like the blood over the doorposts in Egypt, that red cord becomes a symbol of rescue. Her household is spared.
And here’s the twist: Rahab doesn’t just survive. She becomes part of Jesus’ family tree.
Her story reminds us that you don’t have to come from faith to leave a legacy of faith.
This episode is for the mom who feels like the first one — the one choosing courage when it would be easier to blend in.
You may not control the culture around you.
But you can hang the cord.
In this episode, we talk about:
- The third step of Bible study: application — what do I do with this?
- Why Rahab’s faith mattered more than her past
- The meaning behind the scarlet cord
- How courageous obedience can change generations
Scripture referenced: Joshua 2; Hebrews 11:31; James 2:25; Matthew 1
BIBLE STUDY PDF HERE: https://docs.google.com/document/d/18sOzZmck3V84Df2-Zx2s91WAStgSC3b9p2lTIewT8aY/edit?usp=sharing
We’re also so excited to partner with Sky Ranch Camps in Van, Texas. If you’re looking for an unforgettable overnight camp experience for your child (ages 6–16), Sky Ranch offers screen-free fun, lifelong friendships, and incredible godly mentors. Get $200 off your child’s first week of overnight summer camp with code GATHERMOMS at skyranch.org. Come see the difference where camp is crazy fun with a powerful purpose.
Gather Moms: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook
Kate Henderson: Instagram | Facebook
Rebecca Bradford: Instagram | Facebook
What kind of mom puts her baby in a river? A faithful one.
In this episode of the Gather Moms Podcast, we continue our Bible Moms series with the powerful story of Jochebed — Moses’ mother — and what her courage teaches us about doing what we can… and trusting God with the rest.
Her story (Exodus 1:22–2:10) unfolds under a terrifying decree: every Hebrew baby boy is to be thrown into the Nile. Jochebed hides her son for three months. When she can’t hide him any longer, she builds a waterproof basket, places him strategically among the reeds, and stations her daughter nearby to watch.
This isn’t reckless surrender. It’s intentional faith.
And here’s the detail you may have never noticed: the word used for “basket” is the same word used for Noah’s ark. Moses is placed into a mini-ark — another story of God rescuing someone through water in the midst of evil.
Hebrews 11 tells us she acted by faith. She did not fear the king’s edict. She feared God more. And though she gets her son back for a season, she eventually has to release him again — raising him only to let him go.
Her story holds both grief and joy in the same hand.This episode is for moms learning to surrender outcomes they can’t control. You may not determine the ending — but you can build the basket.
In this episode, we talk about:
- The second step of Bible study: interpretation — what does it mean?
- Why the Holy Spirit is our greatest guide when reading Scripture
- The powerful “mini-ark” connection between Moses and Noah
- The difference between being a strategic mom and a steamroller mom
- How to hold grief and joy at the same time
- Where you may need to “shore up protection” in your child’s life
- What it means to trust God more than cultural pressure
Scripture referenced: Exodus 1:22–2:10; Hebrews 11:23–24; 1 Corinthians 2:11
Next steps:
Join us on Gather Moms Patreon as we continue our “Luke for Lent” series. It’s not too late to jump in! This simple, doable reading plan is designed especially for busy moms who want to grow in their understanding of God’s Word. Download the Patreon app and search Gather Moms to join us — we would love to walk through this season with you.
We’re also so excited to partner with Sky Ranch Camps in Van, Texas. If you’re looking for an unforgettable overnight camp experience for your child (ages 6–16), Sky Ranch offers screen-free fun, lifelong friendships, and incredible godly mentors. Get $200 off your child’s first week of overnight summer camp with code GATHERMOMS at skyranch.org. Come see the difference where camp is crazy fun with a powerful purpose.
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Motherhood reveals our insecurities. One minute we feel confident and steady, and the next we’re wondering if we’re the “less than” version of someone else. In this episode of the Gather Moms Podcast, we continue our Bible Moms series by stepping into the complicated, emotional story of Leah—a woman who knew what it felt like to be overlooked, unloved, and second best.
Leah’s story (Genesis 29–30) reads like a reality TV drama: family deception, sibling rivalry, sister wives, competition for affection, and a whole lot of baby naming that doubles as emotional journaling. Married through trickery and constantly compared to her beautiful sister Rachel, Leah spends years longing for her husband’s love. But as she begins having children, something powerful happens—her heart slowly shifts.
At first, Leah names her sons out of her pain: “The Lord has seen my misery.” “The Lord heard that I am unloved.” “Now my husband will love me.” But eventually, her focus changes. With the birth of Judah, she says, “This time I will praise the Lord.” Her circumstances haven’t improved. Jacob still favors Rachel. The rivalry hasn’t disappeared. But Leah’s heart has turned toward trust instead of striving.
And here’s the beautiful twist: Jesus doesn’t come from Rachel’s line. He comes from Leah’s. The Lion of Judah is born from the life of the overlooked wife. God brings redemption right through the middle of her mess.
This episode is an invitation for moms who feel unseen, compared, or stuck in hard seasons to remember that God sees, God hears, and God works through imperfect stories. Your circumstances may not change overnight—but your focus can. And sometimes praise is the first step toward peace.
In this episode, we talk about:
Why context matters when we read Scripture
A simple Bible study method: observation, interpretation, and application
What Leah’s baby names reveal about her heart
How comparison and competition steal our joy
Why God often does His greatest work in messy situations
The powerful reminder that Jesus came through Leah’s line
Scripture referenced: Genesis 29–30
Next steps:
Join us on Gather Moms Patreon as we read through the book of Luke together during Lent in our “Luke for Lent” series. This simple, doable reading plan is designed especially for busy moms and starts February 18. Download the Patreon app and search Gather Moms to join us—we would love to walk through this season with you.
We’re also so excited to partner with Sky Ranch Camps in Van, Texas. If you’re looking for an unforgettable overnight camp experience for your child (ages 6–16), Sky Ranch offers screen-free fun, lifelong friendships, and incredible godly mentors. Get $200 off your child’s first week of overnight summer camp with code GATHERMOMS at skyranch.org. Come see the difference where camp is crazy fun with a powerful purpose.
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Motherhood is full of moments that make us laugh—sometimes out of pure joy, and sometimes because life feels too ridiculous not to. In this episode of the Gather Moms Podcast, we continue our Bible Moms series by stepping into the story of Sarah, a woman who waited decades for God’s promise and laughed when it finally seemed too impossible to believe.
Sarah’s story (Genesis 12–25) reads like a Netflix drama: unanswered prayers, bad decisions made in desperation, long seasons of waiting, and a plot twist only God could write. As we walk through her journey, we talk honestly about what it means to trust God when your body, your circumstances, and your timeline all seem to tell a different story.
In Genesis 18, Sarah laughs when she overhears God promise she’ll have a son in her old age. But her laughter isn’t mockery—it’s the laughter of exhaustion, disappointment, and guarded hope. Years later, when Isaac is finally born, Sarah laughs again—this time with joy, marveling at what God has done and inviting others to laugh with her.
This episode is an invitation for moms to read Scripture with compassion instead of judgment, to bring doubts honestly before God, and to trust that nothing is too hard for the Lord. Whether you’re waiting on a promise, feeling worn out, or wondering if it’s too late for God to work—Sarah’s story reminds us that God is faithful, patient, and always on time.
In this episode, we talk about:
- Why laughter shows up so often in motherhood—and in the Bible
- How to read Scripture with compassion instead of comparison
- What Sarah’s waiting teaches us about God’s timing
- Why God isn’t offended by our doubts or questions
- How God fulfills His promises, even when we make messy choices
- The hope that comes from trusting God with what feels impossible
Scripture referenced: Genesis 12–25, Genesis 18:9–14, Genesis 21:1–6
Next steps:Join us on Gather Moms Patreon as we read through the book of Luke together during Lent, starting February 18. Our hope is that 2026 becomes the year you fall in love with God’s Word in a whole new way. LINK HERE
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We’re in our Bible Moms series and going all the way back to the beginning—to Eve, the first mother, and the first moment everything broke.
Together, we zoom out to see the big story of Scripture and zoom in on a truth every mom needs: when shame enters the picture, God doesn’t pull away—He moves closer.
Through Eve’s story in Genesis 1–3, we explore how shame began, why we instinctively try to cover ourselves, and how God has always been at work to restore what was broken.
In this episode, you’ll hear: Why the Bible is a miraculous, unified story—not a rule book * How Eve’s story fits into the meta-narrative of Scripture: creation, brokenness, and redemption * The moment shame entered humanity—and why hiding is our natural response * Why “fig leaves” still show up in our lives today (and how we use them) * The powerful truth that God comes looking for us after* we mess u * How the first animal sacrifice points forward to Jesus * Why we don’t need to clean ourselves up before coming to God * What modeling grace (not perfection) looks like for our kids
This conversation is for every mom who has ever felt unworthy, distant from God, or stuck trying to fix herself first. Eve’s story reminds us that grace has been God’s plan from the very beginning.
Scripture referenced:* Genesis 1–3 * Psalm 19 * Romans 16:20
A note for moms:Whether you read your Bible daily, haven’t opened one in years, or feel overwhelmed by where to start—you are welcome here. If you don’t have a Bible and would like one, we would love to get one into your hands.
Next steps:Join us on Gather Moms Patreon as we walk through Scripture together during Lent starting February 18 Click here
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January is chaos. February is clarity. And this year, the Gather Moms team is doing something different.
In this season-opening episode, Kate and Rebecca kick off a brand-new year (and a brand-new season!) by proposing something radical for moms: What if your New Year didn’t start until February? After the sugar crashes, the school reset, the burnout, and the abandoned resolutions, February is when moms can finally breathe—and actually decide who they want to become.
That conversation opens the door to the heart of this episode: the launch of the “Bible Moms” season. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the Bible, unsure where to start, inconsistent, distracted, or even skeptical—this season was created with you in mind.
Kate and Rebecca unpack why the Bible isn’t just a book of stories, but one unified, miraculous narrative—and why knowing the whole story changes how we see God, ourselves, and our motherhood. Through humor, personal stories, and practical insight, they make the case that there is one habit that will shape every other area of a mom’s life this year.
You’ll hear:
- Why January expectations crush moms—and why February is the reset we actually need
- Honest confessions about Bible guilt, inconsistency, and dry seasons
- A fresh, accessible way to understand the Bible’s big picture (without feeling dumb or behind)
- Why moms are overwhelmed by voices—and how God’s voice cuts through the noise
- What it really means to be a “Bible Mom” (hint: not perfection)
- How this season will walk you through Scripture using moms of the Bible as anchors
- An invitation to start right where you are—even if you don’t own a Bible
- Whether you’ve walked with God for years, feel stuck in a spiritual rut, or aren’t sure what you believe at all, you are welcome here.
Don’t have a Bible? Message Gather Moms on Instagram or Facebook, or comment “Bible” on YouTube—we would love to send you one.
Want to go deeper? Join Gather Moms on Patreon for a Lent reading plan, simple study tools, and extra encouragement as we walk toward Easter together. Click Here for the link.
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It’s our second Christmas episode, and this week we’re talking all about the Magi, Mary & Joseph, unexpected guests, and what real hospitality looks like when you’re a mom with a busy house and a messy life.
Spoiler: it’s not candles, curated charcuterie, or having your pillows karate-chopped just right.
What You’ll Hear in This Episode: The part of the Christmas story we hardly ever talk about * What actually might’ve happened when a whole camel caravan showed up in tiny Bethlehem * Why biblical hospitality feels totally different from “Pinterest hospitality” * Small, everyday ways to “make room” for others (even in the grocery store aisle!) * Why your kids aren’t a barrier to hosting — they can be your little hospitality team * The freedom to set healthy boundaries during the holidays * A reminder that you*, mama, have God-given agency to protect your family * The blessing that comes when we choose generosity and welcome
Our Favorite Nuggets: Be a “There you are!”* person, not a “Here I am…” one * Imperfection is actually a gift — nobody needs your fake perfect * Hospitality isn’t about a spotless house… it’s about a spacious heart * Sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do is let someone merge in traffic * And yes, even Mary didn’t have a Ring doorbell or a clean house ready
Christmas Challenge:Decide now that your value this season is hospitality over hurry and people over perfection. Jesus always makes room for us — and we get to do the same for others. Merry Christmas, mamas. You are one of our favorite gifts.
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Moms — we made it!! We’re celebrating 200 episodes of the Gather Moms podcast AND kicking off Christmas together! Whether you’ve been with us since those early COVID-era episodes or you just found us last week, we are so grateful you’re here. In this milestone episode, we’re unwrapping favorite gifts, Christmas hilarity, biblical truths, and some deeply meaningful encouragement for the season.
Big Takeaways 1. Good mom ≠ big ChristmasStop carrying the weight of magical expectations. A meaningful Christmas isn’t built on stuff — it’s built on values, presence, and generosity.
2. Start with values, not expectationsDecide what matters most: togetherness, service, slowing down, telling the story of Jesus — then shape December around that.
3. Generosity beats guilt every timeDon’t aim for “perfect.” Aim for generous: time, kindness, prayers, small acts, and loving others with your kids.
4. The Magi point us to Jesus in a deeper wayTheir extravagant gifts weren’t random — they reflected worship, prophecy, priesthood, and God’s perfect provision. Even at Jesus’ birth, God was caring for Mary in the sweetest ways.
5. Small rhythms make a big impactA weekly Advent reading, a service project, handmade cards, or simply talking about Jesus — simple is beautiful.
Links & Mentions* Ruffle socks (Rebecca’s current obsession) * Shark hair dryer * Vuori joggers * Favorite diffusers * Advent devotionals & Gather Moms Patreon studies
Giveaway Alert!To celebrate 200 EPISODES, we’re giving away “Pick Your Present” gifts from our favorite-things list! (No ruffle socks for Kate… but maybe for YOU!) Follow along on Gather Moms social media to win!
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Middle school: just hearing the words can make moms nervous. The awkward years, the big emotions, the constant change—it’s a lot. But what if this season could actually be one of the most meaningful and transformative for our kids?
In this episode, Rebecca Bradford (teacher, author, and mom of three) shares her heart for middle schoolers and the lessons she’s learned both in the classroom and at home. With humor, honesty, and plenty of practical wisdom, Rebecca helps moms see that the middle school years don’t have to be something to fear—they can be a season of growth, connection, and confidence.
What you’ll learn in this episode:
- Why “new is normal” in middle school—and how to help your child embrace change
- The power of creating safe spaces where kids feel free to talk about anything
- How to build confidence in kids by valuing effort over outcomes
- Why middle school struggles look different today (social media, sports, and YouTube culture)
- How to keep building bridges so your kids keep coming back to you—now and in high school
Rebecca also introduces her new book, Here Comes the Sun: A Guide to Embracing Change and Building Confidence in Middle School Girls, written to help tween girls navigate this pivotal stage with faith and courage.
If you’ve got a child entering or already in middle school, this conversation will encourage you, equip you, and remind you that you are exactly the mom your kids need.
Link to her newest book here.
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Infidelity, widowhood, and single momming.
We’re talking with Retha Nichole — coach, speaker, mom of three, and founder of Walk Me Through That. Her story is almost unbelievable: a young mom, pregnant, caring for her husband in a coma, only to discover his multiple affairs — and yet it became the place where God met her and began to transform everything.
In this powerful conversation, we cover:
- How Retha discovered betrayal in the middle of her husband’s coma and kept going
- The raw prayers she prayed when she wanted to give up
- What God taught her about suffering, shame, and redemption
- Why moms so often feel stuck living only for kids or spouses — and how to reclaim your life
- The importance of boundaries, hobbies, and modeling responsibility for our kids
- Practical wisdom on chores, wake-ups, and why kids need to carry their own weight
Retha doesn’t hold back. She’s funny, bold, and deeply rooted in the hope of Jesus. Her message is clear: You can walk through the unthinkable and still create a life you love.
Whether you feel overwhelmed, betrayed, or just burned out in motherhood, this episode will meet you right where you are and give you courage to keep going.
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Pornography isn’t an if anymore—it’s a when. Our kids are growing up in a digital world where harmful images and predators are only one click away.
In this powerful conversation, we sit down with Kristen Jenson, author of Good Pictures, Bad Pictures, to talk about how moms can confidently prepare their kids to recognize and reject pornography. Kristen shares practical tools, real-life stories, and the “SMART Plan” every parent needs when (not if) their child is exposed.
What you’ll learn in this episode:
- The shocking average age of kids’ first exposure to porn
- Why “waiting until they’re older” is the most dangerous parenting mistake
- How to teach kids an age-appropriate definition, warning, and plan
- Signs your child may have been exposed—and what to do next
- The tech tools and boundaries that really work in 2025
This is one of the most important parenting conversations you’ll ever have.
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Anxiety is talked about a lot these days — but what does it really mean? And why does it feel like it’s showing up everywhere, for both moms and kids?
This week on the Gather Moms Podcast, our very own Kate Henderson steps into the expert seat. After walking through her own struggles with anxiety and helping her daughter navigate worry, Kate dove deep into research, counseling tools, and Scripture to understand what’s happening in our minds and homes.
In this honest and practical episode, Kate shares:
- The difference between stress and clinical anxiety (and why it matters)
- Why postpartum anxiety is just as real — and common — as postpartum depression
- The rise of anxiety in moms and kids (with stats you need to know)
- How anxiety shows up differently in children — and why girls are hit the hardest
- Tools to create an “emotionally smart home” (think feelings charts, breathing exercises, calming routines)
- The truth about genetics, guilt, and why your child’s anxiety isn’t your fault
- Powerful Scriptures and truths to replace lies when panic sets in
Kate reminds us that we don’t have to stay stuck in fear or isolation. God meets us in our overwhelm, offers us His peace, and equips us to coach (not rescue) our kids through anxious moments.
If you’ve ever felt sweaty, nervy, or paralyzed by “what ifs,” this episode will give you hope, tools, and freedom. You are not alone, mama — and healing is possible.
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Sex after kids-let’s talk about it.
This week on the Gather Moms Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Juli Slattery, clinical psychologist, author, and host of Java with Juli. With warmth, honesty, and practical wisdom, Juli helps us normalize a conversation that too often stays hidden: intimacy in marriage.
In this episode, we dive into:
- Why sex often feels harder after kids (and why that’s normal)
- The impact of purity culture, shame, and body image on intimacy
- The surprising science of oxytocin and why sex makes you feel closer
- Initiating vs. responsive desire — and why most women need a different kind of lead-up
- Why scheduling sex isn’t unromantic (it might actually save your marriage)
- Small, intentional steps to move from “dreading it” to enjoying intimacy again
- How God uses our differences in desire to grow deeper love and character in marriage
Juli reminds us that a healthy sex life isn’t just about meeting needs — it’s about creating connection, laughter, intimacy, and even spiritual growth with your spouse.
If you’ve ever felt too exhausted, ashamed, or just “not in the mood,” this episode is for you. You’ll walk away with hope, practical tools, and a fresh perspective on why sex really is God’s good gift for marriage.
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Comfort is nice but boring. We want to live for something bigger and bring our kids with us. Seeing our lives as a mission with our neighborhood as our mission field. This week on the Gather Moms Podcast, we sit down with Shauna Pilgreen — mom of four, church planter in San Francisco, Alpha leader, and author of Love Where You Live and Translating Jesus. With 15 years of experience living on mission in one of the most diverse cities in the world, Shauna shares how ordinary moms can live extraordinary lives right where they are.
In this episode, we cover:
- Why comfort is a gift — but not a guide
- How to slow down and see Jesus in your everyday routines
- Practical ways to “neighbor well” (even if you’re an introvert)
- How to involve your kids in mission without overwhelming them
- Simple invitations that change lives (and why most people are more open than you think!)
- How prayer walking and small acts of kindness can unlock gospel conversations
Shauna reminds us that you don’t have to move across the country to live on mission. God has already placed you exactly where He wants you — in your city, on your street, and in your season.
Whether you’re new to your city, longing for deeper connections, or just ready to see your neighborhood differently, this episode will inspire you to live sent and love where you live.
Check out here page here: https://shaunapilgreen.com/
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Is motherhood harder now than a decade ago? Between the endless comparison on social media, the pressure to “do it all,” and the guilt of not being enough, moms are carrying more than ever before.
That’s why we’re thrilled to welcome Kim Anderson — licensed counselor, coach, author, and founder of Elevate Moms. Kim shares wisdom from years of counseling moms, plus her own journey as a military spouse and mom of two. She gives practical tools and deep encouragement to help you move from overwhelmed to equipped, from perfectionism to peace.
In this episode, we cover:
- Why social media can feel like the forbidden fruit of motherhood
How to recognize negative self-talk and stop the comparison spiral - Why you only need to “get it right” 30% of the time
- Practical tools like SOS: Stop, Observe, Shift to regulate emotions
- How to set boundaries, create structure, and bring calm into your home
- The key to becoming a cycle-breaker and giving your kids the best of you
Kim reminds us that healing starts with moms — and when we do the work, our kids reap the blessing for generations.
Check out Elevate Moms Here
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There is a lion inside your husband and one of our missions as wives is to help call it out. This week on the Gather Moms Podcast, Kate sits down with Stacie Wood — wife, mom of three, teaching pastor, and co-leader of Saddleback Church alongside her husband, Andy.
Stacie opens her heart about the real struggles and victories of marriage, motherhood, and ministry. From the early days of church planting in Texas and the Bay Area to stepping into leadership at Saddleback, she shares lessons learned about leaning on God, embracing your gifts, and encouraging your spouse.
In this episode, we talk about:
- Why a husband’s greatest need is respect (and how culture often gets it wrong)
- What it means to “call out the lion” in your husband
- Pitfalls many wives fall into — and how to avoid them
- How to encourage your husband in a slump without nagging
- The power of perseverance in motherhood when you feel weary
- Practical rhythms for protecting family time in the middle of ministry and busyness
This conversation is filled with wisdom, encouragement, and practical steps you can start today to strengthen your marriage and family. Whether you’re a new mom just starting out or a seasoned mama navigating teenage years, this one will bless you!
Tune in, be encouraged, and share this with another mom who needs hope today.
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Are you exhausted, overwhelmed, and secretly dreaming of running away to Mexico (no judgment—we’ve all been there)? In this powerful episode, Kate sits down with the amazing Chrystal Evans Hurst—author, speaker, podcaster, encourager of women, and mom burnout expert. Together, they unpack the truth about why moms hit the wall, what burnout really looks like, and how to stop living on fumes.
Chrystal opens up about her own journey—from CPA to homeschooling mom to bestselling author—and how she learned the hard way that running on “second burns” will only carry you so far. She reminds us that God never asked us to measure our motherhood by the world’s standards, and she shares practical wisdom on how to renew your fire before it goes out completely.
What you’ll hear in this episode:
- The surprising signs you’re headed for burnout (it’s more than just being tired).
- Why maintaining your “fire” is easier than starting over after burnout.
- The simple two-question check-in that can change everything: What do I need? What do I want?
- How to stop comparing your race to everyone else’s and find joy where you are.
- Encouragement for moms who feel hidden, overlooked, or stuck in the “back 40” season of life.
Links & Resources:
- Learn more about Chrystal’s ministry and The Sister Circle
- Check out her Chrystal’s books on her website here.
- Connect with us on Instagram @gathermoms
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In this heartfelt and fun conversation, we sit down with Pamela Baltazar, pastor of ministries at Lake Pointe Church, mom of two energetic boys, and a beloved part of our Gather Moms community.
Pamela gets real about:
- The fascinating story behind her name and navigating cultural differences in marriage traditions between Mexico and the U.S.
- Raising two adventurous boys—what she’s learned to let go of and what she’s fighting to hold onto.
- Why resilience matters in today’s “cuddle culture” and how we can raise sons who are both tough and tender.
- Practical ways her family is building faith at home through Bible reading, prayer, and honest conversations (yes—even the awkward ones).
- How Mexican culture shaped her values of family closeness and what American culture has taught her about independence and responsibility.
- Her biggest advice to new moms: stress less, enjoy the season you’re in, and keep your priorities aligned with your family’s unique stage of life.
This episode will make you laugh, nod your head, and maybe rethink how you’re approaching motherhood—especially if you’re raising boys in today’s world.
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What if the very thing that feels like it’s making you a “good mom” is actually what’s crushing you?
In this powerful conversation with author, pastor, and mom of three Sharon Hodde Miller, the Gather Moms team dives into the hidden struggles every mom faces: control, comparison, burnout, and the heavy pressure to be everything to everyone.
Sharon shares:
- Why “self-focus” (even disguised as selflessness) leaves moms exhausted.
- The difference between control and God-given agency — and how it changes your parenting.
- How to spot the red flags that motherhood has become your identity.
- Practical ways to shift from staring at your struggles to gazing at God.
- Why your kids don’t need a perfect mom — they need a mom who points them to Jesus.
Whether you’re in the trenches of toddlerhood, navigating middle school drama, or sending a child off to college, this episode will leave you feeling seen, encouraged, and equipped to mother from a place of freedom instead of fear.
Resources Mentioned:
- Free of Me (re-release) by Sharon Hodde Miller
- Gazing at God (40-day devotional)
Connect with Sharon on Instagram @sharonhmiller
Follow Gather Moms on Instagram @gathermoms
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Ever feel like you’re juggling ALL the things—career, motherhood, faith, housework—and you’re about to drop every ball? In this episode of the Gather Moms Podcast, we sit down with our very own Jenny Worsham, who went from climbing the corporate ladder to stepping out in faith and starting her own firm… while raising kids, leading in ministry, and building a team of moms who wanted more than the “either/or” of work and family.
Jenny shares:
The awkward moment she told her boss she was pregnant (and his shocking response )
How God turned her leap of faith into a thriving business supporting other moms
Her life-changing “glass balls vs. plastic balls” analogy for burnout and balance
Why ALL moms are working moms—whether in the home, outside, or both
Practical ways to stop striving and find rest in God’s plan for your season
If you’ve ever struggled with mom guilt, burnout, or the feeling that you’re carrying it all alone, Jenny’s wisdom and story will encourage you to breathe, let go, and lean on Jesus.
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In this inspiring Gather Moms episode, we sit down with Monica Swanson — the ultimate boy mom expert of four sons, bestselling author, podcaster, and Hawaii resident — for a heart-to-heart conversation packed with wisdom, humor, and practical takeaways.
What You’ll Hear in This Episode:
- Homeschool Real Talk – Why Monica started homeschooling (even when it wasn’t on her radar), the pros and cons of raising kids in Hawaii, and how to decide what’s best for your family in each season.
- Raising Healthy, Character-Strong Boys – From surf contests to dishwashing jobs, Monica shares the intentional habits and family culture that help boys grow into healthy, responsible men.
- Mom Health & Mindset Shifts – How middle-aged moms can care for their bodies without obsessing over diets, the role of mindset in lasting health, and the surprising motivation that comes from thinking ahead to grandma life.
Whether you’re a homeschool veteran, a public-school mama, or somewhere in between, Monica’s practical tips and encouraging perspective will leave you feeling equipped and inspired.
Connect with Monica:
- Website: MonicaSwanson.com
- Instagram: @MonicaSwanson_
- Check out her Character Training Course & books
Listen Now and discover how to raise kids with faith, character, and healthy habits—while keeping your own well-being in check!
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In this inspiring Gather Moms episode, we sit down with Kari Kampakis — bestselling author, speaker, and mom of four daughters — for a real and hope-filled conversation about the challenges (and joys!) of raising girls today. From shifting friendships to emotional ups and downs, Kari brings biblical wisdom, memorable one-liners, and practical strategies for moms navigating the teenage years.
What You’ll Hear in This Episode:
- Raising Teens with Grace – How to stay calm when drama and mood swings show up, plus the “24-hour rule” every mom needs before responding.
- Friendship & Boundaries – Kari’s advice on handling girl drama, teaching daughters to set healthy boundaries, and why moms should avoid forcing friendships.
- Repairing Relationships – Why connection matters more than perfection, and how moms can model forgiveness and repair with their kids.
- Faith & Resilience – Helping your daughter discern healthy vs. unhealthy relationships, trust God with her future, and stand strong in a confusing culture.
Whether you’re just entering the tween years or sending your daughter off to college, Kari’s stories and encouragement will leave you equipped to raise girls who are both strong and kind.
Connect with Kari:
- Website: KariKampakis.com
- Instagram: @KariKampakis
- Books: Love Her Well, More Than a Mom, 10 Ultimate Truths Girls Should Know, and her upcoming release Is Your Daughter Ready? (coming September 2025!)
Listen Now and discover how to raise resilient daughters who are rooted in faith, prepared for challenges, and secure in your love.
Join us on our Patreon for our Month of Prayer during September. Click Here
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We’re kicking off a brand-new season that’s unlike anything we’ve ever done! From laugh-out-loud “expert” fails to powerful wisdom on parenting, faith, and letting go of the pressure to know it all — this one will have you nodding, laughing, and maybe even rethinking your coffee order.
After 185 episodes and 17 years of friendship, we’re shaking things up with Gather the Experts — a lineup of incredible guests who know more than we do in areas that matter for faith, family, and everyday life. But first, we’re starting with our own “expertise” (coffee hacks, piles, teen survival strategies, and driving mishaps) plus lessons we’ve learned over the summer.
In this episode:
- The “expert” skills we’ve mastered (and the ones that just make us laugh)
- Friendship trivia after nearly two decades together
- Why moms feel the pressure to know everything — and how to let that go
- Learning to quiet the noise so we can hear God’s parenting wisdom
- The comfort of knowing the Holy Spirit prays for our kids when we don’t know how
- How to join our School Prayers series in September to cover your kids in prayer all year
Scripture references:
- James 1:5 — God gives wisdom generously and without finding fault
- Romans 8:26–27 — The Holy Spirit prays for us when we don’t know what to pray
Links & Resources:
- Join School Prayers starting September 1st on Patreon — daily 3–5 minute guided prayers for your kids’ school year
- Follow us on Instagram: @gathermoms
Takeaway:
You don’t have to be an expert in everything — because you have access to the One who is. Let’s walk into this season with joy, wisdom, and a whole lot of laughter.
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Summer fun doesn’t have to mean sacrificing your skin—or your sanity. In this episode of You Grow Girl, Kate and Rebecca are talking all things SPF, teenage tanning trends, and how caring for your skin can actually be an act of wisdom and worship.
With laughs, honest confessions, and a look at the Word, they remind us that the Lord is our Keeper—the One who provides shade, protection, and rest. They’re also sharing simple ways to slow down, step into the shade (literally and spiritually), and sit with God in the midst of a busy season.
Whether you’re chasing toddlers or chasing quiet moments, this conversation will help you see summer not just as a time to protect your skin—but to protect your peace.
Let’s grow, girl.
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Summer fun doesn’t have to mean packing your calendar or draining your bank account. In this episode of You Grow Girl, Kate and Rebecca are talking about simple joys, shifting mindsets, and finding fun right where you are.
From porch hangs and popsicles to unexpected laughter during acts of service, we’re exploring how summer joy often shows up in the everyday. We’re also talking about the pressure moms feel to make summer magical—and how releasing expectations can actually lead to more meaningful memories.
Whether you’re catching fireflies or just catching your breath, this conversation will remind you that fun doesn’t have to be fancy. It can be slow. It can be sacred. And it can start with your mindset.
Let’s grow, girl.
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Summer’s coming—and so is the pressure to do it all. But what if this year, you cared for yourself as much as you care for everyone else? In this episode of You Grow Girl, Kate and Rebecca are talking about what it really looks like to grow your summer care—with rhythms that restore your soul, not just your schedule.
From quiet time in the chaos to setting healthy boundaries, we’re sharing honest encouragement for moms who are tired, stretched thin, and craving a little space to breathe. Because caring for your family starts with caring for you, too.
Let’s make this a season of rest, renewal, and rootedness in Christ. You matter, Mama—and your care counts.
Let’s grow, girl.
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Summer is heating up, and so is the pressure to make it magical. In our You Grow Girl series, Kate and Rebecca are getting real about the highs and lows of mom life in the summer. From “I’m bored!” to burnout, we know the struggle—and we’re here to help you shift from just surviving to truly thriving.
Before your calendar fills with camps and chaos, let’s pause and ask: What does my family actually need this summer? We’ll talk about setting realistic expectations, building simple faith-filled rhythms, and how our new Homegrown study can help you grow spiritually—right alongside your kids.
Whether you’re all-in on summer fun or barely holding it together, you’re not alone. Let’s trade pressure for purpose, and keep Jesus at the center. Because when we lead with intention, even the ordinary days can grow something beautiful.
Let’s grow, girl.
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May has entered the chat… and she did not come quietly. Suddenly our calendars are bursting with recitals, field days, teacher gifts, graduations, and don’t forget Mother’s Day (which, let’s be honest, sometimes feels more like a group project than a day off). It’s beautiful—but also a lot.
So here’s your friendly reminder, mom: you don’t have to do it all. You don’t have to make five Pinterest-perfect gifts, show up to every event camera-ready, or celebrate on the exact “right” day. Sometimes the best gift is coffee in bed and quiet. Sometimes it’s Chick-fil-A and calling it a celebration. And sometimes it’s just surviving the week without crying in the school parking lot (we’ve been there).
God’s not asking you to do May perfectly—He’s inviting you to walk through it with Him. One day at a time. With grace for yourself, patience for your people, and eyes open to the small sacred moments hidden in the mayhem.
So let’s flip the script. Let’s make May less about measuring up, and more about showing up—with presence, peace, and a little holy perspective. You’ve got this, because He’s got you. And if all else fails? Call it May-gical and go take a nap.
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Hey, moms! Welcome back to the Gather Moms podcast! We are so excited you’re here with us for our final episode in the Fix Your Face season. We’ve spent a lot of time thinking about how our faces communicate, and let me tell you, our kids notice everything! So, whether you’re dealing with that dreaded laundry mountain or managing a house full of emotions, it’s time to fix your face and approach it with purpose!
Today, we’re diving into how to handle that never-ending to-do list. What if we told you that the tasks we sometimes resent are actually gifts from God? We’ll chat about stewarding our talents, learning to release the non-negotiables that aren’t as necessary as we think, and how to equip our kids to help (yes, even with the dishes!). Get ready for a heart-to-heart about how to find joy in all the work that motherhood brings. Trust me, by the end of this episode, you’ll feel inspired to take on your day with purpose and a smile!
Special thanks to our sponsor:
Bespoke Health and Beauty
We hope you leave this episode feeling encouraged and ready to tackle your tasks with joy and a fresh perspective. Stay tuned for more great episodes from Gather Moms, and remember, you’re not alone on this journey! Let’s do this together. See you next time, moms!
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Crunchy, silky, scrunchy…who came up with these names!? There are all types of moms and we are talking about all the mom stereotypes in this episode and how they can be helpful and hurtful. Whether you’re a Type A mom, a Type B Mom, or something totally different, you are the mom God created for the kids you have. You don’t need to try and copy what another mom is doing or compare yourself to her. Just like we see with Leah and Rachel from the Bible, moms in competition cause pain and division. But just like Mary and Elizabeth, moms can also create unity and encouragement when we cheer each other on.
Let’s commit to not giving anymore unsolicited advice. Let’s also be slower to judge and quicker to cheer other moms on! We are all in this together. When one of us gets better, we all do.
Sponsor:
Bespoke Health and Beauty
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Let’s be real—money can be stressful. Between bills, budgets, and unexpected expenses, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, anxious, or even a little discouraged. And as moms, we carry a lot of responsibility in managing our homes well. But what if instead of stressing over every dollar, we surrendered it to God?
Because here’s the truth: Everything we have is already His. And when we truly believe that, we can stop gripping our finances with fear and start handling them with wisdom, trust, and even peace.
In this episode, we’re getting real about financial struggles, learning to let go of comparison, and shifting our mindset from scarcity to stewardship. Maybe that means hitting pause on impulse buys, making small but intentional changes, or just taking an honest look at where our money is actually going (yes, that means counting those coffee runs!).
But more than just practical tips, we want to remind you: God sees you. He knows your needs. And He is faithful. So if you’re feeling stuck, stressed, or just unsure of where to start—take a deep breath. You are not alone in this. Let’s tackle finances His way and find freedom in trusting the One who provides.
Hit play and let’s dive in!
Sponsor: Amanda Ravetta, Realtor
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https://youtu.be/hn2Acv6e3iULadies, we need to talk. How did we get here—where the world tells us what beauty is, and we just go along with it? We question our reflection, chase the latest beauty trends, and somehow believe that if we just find the right skincare routine, the right outfit, or the right workout, we’ll finally feel good about ourselves. But here’s the truth: no amount of contouring or curated Instagram feeds can fill the void that only God can.
So, what if we shifted our focus? What if, instead of striving for worldly perfection, we fixed our eyes on Jesus? What if our beauty goal wasn’t anti-aging but reflecting Christ? Moms, we’re challenging each other to stop taking beauty cues from the world and start looking to the One who created us. Let’s talk about what it really means to behold Him and let His reflection shine through us.
From the very beginning, shame about our bodies wasn’t part of God’s design. But thanks to sin and, let’s be honest, a whole lot of media influence, we’ve been fighting that battle ever since. So today, we’re diving into what it really means to see ourselves through God’s eyes—because we become what we behold. And if our eyes are glued to culture’s impossible standards, no wonder we’re exhausted!
Grab your coffee (or reheat it for the third time), and let’s dig in!
Sponsor: JoAnna Jennrich and Sisterhood Done Right
Use #Sisterhooddoneright whenever you bless your friends!
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Married mamas, our husbands need our time, talk, and touch. Our kids can be so persistent with getting what they want and need from us that by the time we get a moment with our husbands, we may feel talked and touched out. There are small, intentional choices we can make to prioritize our husbands.
One thing we can do right away: FIX OUR FACE when we first see him after a long day. A quick hug and an intentional moment of joy in your face when you see him can be game changing. We know marriage is challenging and we are not trying to sugarcoat any unhealthy issues in this episode. If your marriage is struggling, please reach out for help.
Gather Groups are a great way to find mom community and to share with other women where you need help. You may be shocked to learn how many other people have experienced or are experiencing what you’re going through. Knowing we are not alone is powerful and disarms the shame so we can stop hiding and start getting the help we need.
Click HERE to find a Gather Moms Group in your area. Click HERE to start a group.
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Have you ever had to say to your kids, “FIX YOUR FACE?” Sometimes, we need to say it to ourselves, too! We see and hear wild things as moms and we often have to fix our faces. In this episode, Jenny, Kate, and Rebecca share who has the worst poker face and why it’s important to fix our faces when our kids say things that shock us.
We also need to know WHERE our faces are fixed when we face the daily battles of motherhood. We’re deep diving into the story of Jehoshaphat in 2 Chronicles 20 to get a battle plan together for where we fix our face in the challenges of motherhood.
We are also sharing about the new resource we have for you! It’s called: Moms, Let’s Talk and is about crucial conversations we must have with our kids. You can find our new workbook on Amazon and the video series that goes with it on RightNow media. You can do this study on your own or grab a group of mamas and do it together.
Connect with Us:
Get: Mom’s Let’s Talk on Amazon
Watch: Mom’s Let’s Talk on RightNow Media
Start a Gather Moms Group
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Hey Mamas! We’ve made it to the last episode of our Christmas series, and oh, what a journey it’s been! Today, we’re diving deep into the story of the Magi (the Wise Men) and King Herod. You guys, the contrast between these two is SO powerful. The Magi came to worship Jesus with humble hearts and incredible gifts, while Herod… yikes. His fear of losing control drove him to manipulation, lies, and even tragedy.
As we talked through this, we realized something BIG: sometimes we’re more like Herod than we’d like to admit (ouch ). But that’s where God’s grace steps in! We’re reminded to focus on Jesus, to stop what we’re doing, and give Him our hearts—even if it means pausing the chaos of the holidays for a quick prayer .
God’s plans are SO good, Mamas. Did you know Daniel’s faith (yes, from the lion’s den ) might’ve inspired the Magi to seek Jesus hundreds of years later? Like, what?! Nothing is wasted in God’s story, and that includes all the hard stuff we go through, too.
We’re wrapping up this episode with a challenge to pray for people around the world who can’t celebrate Christmas freely like we can. Let’s lift them up as a family and keep our eyes on the hope and joy that Jesus brings!
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Best Night Ever! Come Join Us: https://gathermoms.com/events/
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This Christmas season, let’s hit pause and remember what the holiday is really about. We all know it’s easy to get caught up in the glittery decorations, the must-have gifts, and the endless shopping lists. But what if we stopped for a moment and asked ourselves: Are we celebrating Christmas the world’s way, or God’s way? Because, let’s face it, God’s kingdom is upside down! His idea of royalty looks nothing like what we see in movies. A stable birth, humble shepherds, and a feeding trough for a crib—talk about a plot twist!
As moms, we’re juggling the stress of perfecting the Christmas tree, finding the ideal gifts, and making everything “Insta-worthy.” But here’s the fun truth: the real joy of Christmas doesn’t come from a picture-perfect holiday. It’s about celebrating Jesus, serving others, and soaking in the simple moments that truly matter. This season, let’s flip the script and focus less on what the world says Christmas should be and more on what God modeled for us. Instead of stressing over matching pajamas and show-stopping decorations, let’s shift our hearts to celebrating Jesus with joy, peace, and maybe even a little less shopping!
So, if you’ve already hit the holiday grind or if you’re just getting started, don’t worry—it’s never too late to make this Christmas different. Let’s keep the fun, but put Jesus first. Because when we celebrate the season His way, the peace, joy, and hope we’re all looking for? It’s already there, waiting for us. Let’s make this Christmas one that truly honors the King.
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Hey moms! Oh my goodness, this episode is bursting with Christmas cheer, deep truths, and some good laughs (seriously, how many pregnancy tests did YOU take?). We’re diving into Christmas movies, those magical moments that warm our hearts—and comparing them to the real magic of Christmas: the greatest story ever told.
We laughed over our favorite holiday movie quotes (yes, Elf makes the list!), swapped hilarious stories about pregnancy tests, and marveled at Mary’s incredible faith in God’s promises. How amazing is it that the same hope Mary held is available to us today?
So grab your cocoa, settle in, and let’s celebrate the season with all the joy, laughter, and encouragement you need. Don’t forget to share this with another mom who needs a little hope this season. You’re doing an incredible job, and we’re here cheering you on!
Sponsor: www.gabb.com/gathermoms
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GatherMoms #ChristmasJoy #FaithInAction #MomLife #HolidayHope
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Hey, Moms! Are you ready for all things Christmas? In this episode, we dive headfirst into the season that brings us deep joy, a few tears, and all the feels. Join us as we talk about the beauty and chaos of Christmas—gifts that make us laugh, traditions that warm our hearts, and those moments when joy and grief collide (because, let’s be real, that’s motherhood).
We’re sharing our favorite Christmas hacks, advent ideas, and maybe a few bougie Santa hats. Whether you’re decking the halls with twinkle lights or just trying to survive another recital season, this series is for YOU. Together, we’ll rediscover the magic of the Christmas story and find peace in the both-and of this season: the joy of Jesus and the beautiful mess of motherhood.
Grab your cocoa, put on your fluffiest Santa hat, and let’s do Christmas together!
Sponsor: www.gabb.com/gathermoms
Gather Moms Advent: patreon.com/gathermoms
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We get it, raising kids with screens all around us can feel overwhelming, but we’re here to take this journey together, one step at a time, just like teaching them to ride a bike or drive a car. Our goal? Equip them for the world, including the online one, with love, guidance, and a safe spot to land.
In this episode, we’re diving deep into safe technology and screen time with Lori from Gab. She’s not only a mom but also an expert in creating safe tech options for our kids. Lori’s here to talk about Gab’s incredible mission — from watches to kid-friendly phones — that let our kids connect and explore at the right pace. We’ll also cover some of the real concerns about social media and apps, ways we can empower our kids, and practical tips to protect them from online dangers. We know these conversations aren’t easy, but moms, together, we can do this! So grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and let’s make the online world a little cozier for our kids.
Gather Moms Gabb Link
Instagram’s New Teen Account: What Parents Should Know
What is sextortion
Is Roblox Safe for Kids?
Is Snapchat Safe for Kids?
Introducing “Tech in Steps”: A New Approach to Kids and Technology
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03:30 Navigating Technology with Kids
06:45 The Concept of Tech in Steps
08:31 Understanding the Dangers of Sextortion
15:47 Parental Controls and Social Media Concerns
19:04 Personal Experiences and Advice on Social Media
21:39 Middle School Texting Overload
22:08 Digital Detox Experiment
24:17 Summer Camp Without Phones
27:34 The Role of Moms in Digital Safety
29:28 Safe Music and Podcast Platforms
32:27 Concerns About Roblox
37:47 Empowering Moms for Digital Parenting
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-AHMdi23UMAs moms, we can either be super helpful to each other or end up being harmful if we aren’t careful with our words. We’re talking in this episode about things moms say to other moms and we’re focusing on the things we say that aren’t helpful. Unsolicited advice, minimizing, and comparing are all things we do that are not great.
A mom that is going through a hard time might share with a mama a season ahead of her and instead of hearing hope and encouragement, she gets the dreaded: JUST WAIT. As in, just wait until the newborn that doesn’t sleep becomes a tantrum-throwing toddler. Then, we find a mama who was already overwhelmed feeling worse as she anticipates all the hard to come.
Instead, what if we speak JUST WAIT into other moms as a way to offer hope as we share how good it’s going to be! As in, just wait until that sweet newborn can say mama and give you a hug. It’s going to be great! Let’s speak hope and life and joyful expectancy into each other, moms!
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We’re so quick to get our kids to the doctor but THE WORST about getting ourselves there. This episode, we’re talking about things moms say to other moms. One of the helpful things we might need to say to another mom is: Go to the Doctor.
We have to do better about prioritizing our own health, moms! We want to be able to live long, healthy lives and be present for the people counting on us. Stop putting it off and make the appointment today!
As Rebecca shares here, your body is a temple of God. Incredibly, the Holy Spirit lives in you. We want to honor God with our bodies by caring for that temple.
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Hey MAMAS!, Today we are exploring financial challenges as parents.
Do you feel the pressure of rising living costs and comparison with families around you? You are not alone! Lets learn how to fight these temptations while being financially transparent with our kids.
We also discuss the evolution of material desires, the impact of consumerism, and teaching financial awareness in a consumption-driven world. We all know we should trust God’s provision but how do we do it? Let’s cultivate an abundance mindset, and balance financial discipline with generosity.
You need mom community! See if there is a Gather Moms group meeting near you or start one! https://gathermoms.com/join-a-gather-group/
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Hey there, amazing moms! We’re thrilled to welcome you to another episode of the Gather Moms podcast. Today, we’re diving into an oldie but a goodie: ‘If your friends jumped off a bridge, would you?’ We’ll explore the depths of peer pressure, the importance of making wise decisions, and how to support our kids in navigating their own paths. From prepping your kids for sleepovers to preparing them for adulthood there are so many ways this little phrase shows up in strategic conversations. So grab a cup of coffee (or tea!), and enjoy today’s episode!
You need mom community! See if there is a Gather Moms group meeting near you or start one! https://gathermoms.com/join-a-gather-group/
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Our kids can have BIG emotions and so can we. Depending on how we were raised and our own issues, it can be such a struggle to handle our children’s big feelings. Kate and Rebecca share openly about the ways they’ve grown in this area and the big mistakes they’ve made along the way as they’ve navigated feelings.
Here’s what we want to remember:
Wait: Don’t have a big talk in the middle of an emotional storm
Prep: Make a plan when things are calm
Model: Model what you teach, apologize quickly
We don’t need to be afraid of emotions. We can turn to the God who created our emotions and ask him to guard our hearts and minds. When we give our emotions to him and remember he is with us, we calm down in our spirits and can lead ourselves and our children well.
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:4–7)
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Hey Moms! We are beyond excited to share this episode of the Gather Moms podcast with you!
We are diving into the labels and tags we often assign to our kids and discuss the profound impact these labels can have on them. It is so important to affirm our children! Let carefully nurture our children’s hearts and focus on their intrinsic value. We all know our words have a lasting effect so let’s use them for good!
Three main points to consider:
Flipping the Coin: Turn negative labels (like “wild” or “bossy”) into their positive counterparts (like “energetic” or “leader”) to highlight the strengths behind challenging behaviors.
Eliminating Loaded Language: Avoid terms like “always” and “never” that exaggerate and unjustly define a child’s actions, focusing instead on specific behaviors that need addressing.
Behavior over Person: Critique actions instead of character, encouraging growth and learning from mistakes without defining the child by those mistakes.
Making the most of today resource.
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This episode revolves around that all-too-familiar phrase, “leave me alone.” We have all been there!. We need boundaries and some alone but we need to be careful in how we communicate this.
Three ways we see this phrase pop up:
1) Leave me alone, I’m trying to go to the bathroom:
We talk about how important it is to teach our kids common courtesy and respecting boundaries.
2) Leave me alone, I need a few minutes:
We dive into those moments when we’re completely overwhelmed and just need to step back. Self-awareness, delegating tasks, and planning for high-stress situations are key points here.
3) Leave me alone, I’m in a bad place:
We go deeper into issues like depression and severe exhaustion. It’s crucial to recognize these feelings and seek help, be it through prayer, talking to friends, or professional help.
Let’s communicate our needs and find strength through Jesus and our community. Keep your heads up, mamas! We’re all in this together.
You need mom community! See if there is a Gather Moms group meeting near you or start one! https://gathermoms.com/join-a-gather-group/
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Thumper’s wise words echo in our minds: “If you don’t have something nice to say, don’t say anything at all!” Join us as we delve into how this teaching has shaped our approach to motherhood. We’ll offer heartfelt reflections and practical tips for daily interactions with our kids.
As an added bonus, we get a little Disney quiz to see if you truly are a Disney fanatic or if you need to brush up on your childhood movies. Regardless of how you do, we hope you are encouraged and challenged as we think through a biblical way of parenting and setting an example for your kids.
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…
Welcome back, moms! In this episode of the Gather Moms podcast, we continue our “Mama Said” series by diving into the powerful impact of the words and actions we use at home.
We share how to create a safe and nurturing environment for our kids with the right balance of boundaries and praise. We talk about the importance of consistent discipline and how we can guide our children to be the same person inside and outside the home. Reflecting on our own upbringings, we uncover the ways our childhoods shape our current parenting practices and emphasize the critical role of integrity.
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…
This is part two of this two part episode. We are so excited to continue this episode with you because it’s something that’s really close to our hearts.
We shift our focus to honoring our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit and talk through ways to foster healthy practices around food and body image within our families. Learn how to accept compliments graciously, praise our children for their unique attributes, and set strong boundaries against negative weight comments. We emphasize the importance of not comparing our children to others, recognizing that every body is a unique creation by God.
Finally, we reflect on our past, especially our relationships with our mothers, and recognize areas in our parenting where we may need to seek forgiveness. Our hope is that our personal experiences will inspire you to embrace God’s kindness and faithfulness in setting both you and your children free from negative cycles.
We know this journey can be tough, but together, with God’s grace, we can break these generational lies about food and raise confident, Godly kids with a healthy body image.
Let’s jump in, mamas!
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…
This is part one of this two part episode. We’re diving into a phrases too many of us have heard about our bodies and weight and talking in this episode about food, body image, and breaking those unhealthy family cycles.
We get real about the complicated relationships we have with food and how societal messages from past generations have shaped those views. But we’re not just about the problem – we’re all about solutions, too! We share practical tips on fostering a healthy, God-centered approach to food and body image in our homes.
From learning to receive compliments graciously to praising our children for who they are beyond their appearance, we’re on a mission to make mealtime a positive experience. We highlight the necessity for us, as moms, to model a loving and balanced view of food as one of God’s many gifts. We’re also diving into some Biblical truths about food and our bodies, urging all of us to reject the world’s distorted views and embrace the incredible value and purpose God has given to us.
Let’s identify and stomp out the negative food talk in our homes and set a new legacy of freedom and confidence for our families. By the end of this episode, you’ll feel empowered to be the generational legacy breaker in your home when it comes to food and body image. Change is possible, and we’re here to cheer you on every step of the way.
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…
Hey Moms! We are super excited to dive into our new season of the Gather Moms podcast. This episode is all about the incredible power of our words as parents. We start by sharing some funny and meaningful ‘mama said’ phrases that we all know and love. Then, we get real about how our words—whether spoken in joy or frustration—have such a big impact on our kiddos.
Our theme this season is ‘Mama Said,’ where we’ll explore those familiar sayings we use and the lessons behind them. We break down how having a teachable, humble, and yes, even weak heart posture can help us use our words to teach, correct, and strengthen our kids. You’ll hear personal stories and get some heartfelt insights into why it’s okay to admit we can’t do it all on our own.
And guess what? We’re launching a 30-day prayer challenge for our kids! I wish I had prayed more intentionally for my children, and this is a chance for all of us to step up our prayer game. Trust me, it makes a world of difference. You’ll get daily prayer themes, a prayer calendar, and even little cards to let your kids know you’re praying for them. This season, we’re digging deep into motherhood, balancing the joys and challenges, and leaning on God’s strength. Remember, it’s okay to not have it all together; there’s so much grace for us. We’re in this together, mama! Can’t wait for you to join us in this new season of the Gather Moms podcast. See you next week!
30 Days of Prayer
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Where did the summer go! Are ready for fall? Don’t worry moms, transition always brings friction and we will be school pros again in no time! Today, let’s relive our jam-packed summers, filled with laughter, parenting challenges, and those all-too-relatable swimsuit shopping mishaps.
As summer transitions to fall, we discuss new routines, practical tips for easing into the school year, and the importance of extending grace to ourselves and our families. Tune in for a treasure trove of heartfelt stories, laughter, and practical advice to navigate this new season of motherhood.
Join us!
Starting August 26th we are uniting for 30 days of prayer. Don’t miss it!
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If bad karaoke sounds like a good time to you, you’re gonna love this episode! We start off talking about classic summer songs, the kind you might sing along to on a road trip. Let’s hope if Kate and Rebecca are in the car with you, the music is turned WAY UP to drown out their voices. Bless their hearts.
One of the fun things about summer is getting to take a trip. Whether it’s a big one out of state or a smaller one close by, many of the same truths apply: something will be forgotten, something will go wrong and someone will ask: Are we there yet? This episode is all about tips and tricks to make your summer trips the best ever! Let’s go make some memories with our families, mamas.
Travel Tips:* Teach kids how to pack themselves * Use packing cubes for each kid * Each kid packs their travel bag (snacks, water bottle, books, blankie) * Have a new book, coloring book, movie for your kids to watch or play with that they’ll be excited about (check out books from the library to save money) * Make sure you have wipes * Give everyone a job * Go over the trip with your kids * Accept that something will go wrong
Airplane tips:* Mentally think through the logistics of suitcases, carseats, strollers and what all you will need BEFORE you get to the airport * Drink or sucker at take off for popping ears
Road trip tips:* Pack snacks-one gallon bag for each kid filled with snacks (saves money at gas stations) * Incentivize good behavior (money for prizes, pick where you eat, reward tickets) * License plate game, road sign alphabet, I spy
My biggest tip is that travel is an opportunity to make God bigger for your kids. They get to see a new part of the world, new people and get the blessing of a zoom out-a new understanding of who their God is.
Take the opportunity to help your kids be in awe of God. When they see a mountain, the ocean, beautiful flowers, a people group that looks and speaks differently than you do.
Psalm 19For the director of music. A psalm of David.1 The heavens declare the glory of God;
the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
2 Day after day they pour forth speech;
night after night they reveal knowledge.
3 They have no speech, they use no words;
no sound is heard from them.
4 Yet their voice[b] goes out into all the earth,
their words to the ends of the world.
In the heavens God has pitched a tent for the sun.
5 It is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber,
like a champion rejoicing to run his course.
6 It rises at one end of the heavens
and makes its circuit to the other;
nothing is deprived of its warmth.
We can get so used to the beauty of our daily surroundings that we forget to marvel at them. We have a fresh opportunity to marvel at the goodness of our God, His creativity, his beauty in a new place. Help your children see him and worship him.
We love you. We’re taking a little summer break to be present with our families. Stay tuned on Gather Moms Instagram and Facebook as we continue to provide resources and encouragement for you throughout the summer.
Love you, moms!
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Listening to this episode in your closet or by yourself in your car and just trying to steal a few quiet moments? YOU ARE NOT ALONE. Summer can make us each want to get in our cars and head to Mexico for a little peace and quiet because this season requires so much of us as moms. Often, our rhythms get interrupted, our sleep gets off and we stop taking care of ourselves. The still, quiet moments where we snuck away to spend time with the Lord may slip away in the unpredictability of summer and we can find ourselves run down and even depressed.
We’re talking in this replay of episode 114 about the signs of depression, what to do if you start to experience them and how to implement healthy rhythms so you take care of yourself this summer.
Summer-Onset Seasonal Affective Disorder (SO SAD)
- Signs: sadness, lethargy, apathy, unmotivated, anxious, excessive sleepiness, food craving; especially carbohydrates, irritability or loss of appetite and insomnia
- Don’t wait to get help! Reach out to a counselor and tell your friends if you’re struggling.
TIPS to help take care of yourself this summer:
- Monitor your caffeine intake
- Keep exercising
- Get time with your friends
- Drink water
- Take rest days
- Keep your healthy rhythms
- Limit social media
- Let others help
- And most importantly:
- Spend time with the Lord
Mark 6:31 And he said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat.
When you struggle, ask God to help you focus your mind on him. Are you getting anxious preparing to travel or about getting into your swimsuit? Ask God to help focus your mind on him and what is true.
Isaiah 26:3 You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.
Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
Summer will reveal weaknesses in each of us. It shows our limits, our lack of patience, the heat puts us on edge. As unbelievable as it sounds, we can celebrate that. Actually revel in it. Those weak places are where our God shines. When you see the temp tip past 100, look to your God and say: You’re up! He’s ready and wants to show his power in your weakness.
2 Corinthians 12:9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Moms, summer is such a blessing of more time with our families but can also
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Mom, I’m booooored! Oh, the challenge of scheduling just enough fun things so you make good memories and keep everyone busy enough and not over-scheduling and wearing everyone out. Summer is a great time to slow down and let our kids get a little bored, for sure, but we all know that too much unplanned activity can lead to sibling fights, too much screen time and a summer that passes without purpose.
In this episode, we’re talking about how to make the best use of the time we have this summer. How we can practically set a schedule that works for us and our family, helps us create the memories we want to make and provides a framework for intentionality.
Scheduling Tips:
-get your family involved in the summer plans; brainstorm fun things you want to do together in the summer
-talk with your kids about summer rhythms, trips and expectations; the conversation on the front end is key
-give kids jobs and projects
-set goals
-let people help; if the grandparents want to take them for a couple of nights, let them!
Little kid tips:
-have a boredom buster jar
-have each kid do 5 things before screens
-get out early
-don’t feel like you have to do something every day
Big kid tips:
-be fun mom one day each week
-it’s fun to do stuff with friends but it’s also okay just to go as your family
-have one screen free day each week
TRUTH:
Ephesians 5: 15-16
15 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.
Ephesians 5:15–16 in the King James Version says, “See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”
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That feeling where the rug has just been pulled out from under you and your heart sinks as you feel the weight of DISAPPOINTMENT. You had expectations that were met with a reality that didn’t measure up. Sometimes these expectations are unspoken or unrealistic and so the disappointment is even greater. We’re all going to face disappointments. Kate and Rebecca share some of theirs, how to deal with them, and the blessing of seeing God show up with a better reality than we could have ever expected.
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Parenting is such a huge topic! Each of us have specific struggles we are navigating with our kids, maybe even different struggles for each kid creating an overwhelming feeling. Today Rebecca shares 2 parenting principles that are important in every home.
- Intentional Parenting
Raising passionate Jesus followers or even good citizens takes intentionality. Parents need to know what kind of adults they want to produce and then do their best to raise their children with that end in mind.
Proverbs 22:6 (NIV), Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.
Remember that this verse is a principle, not a promise. God doesn’t give us control over the outcomes of our children. He asks us to trust him and parent well but we can do all the ‘right’ things and still have children that choose their own way.
1 Corinthians 3:6-8, “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor.“
- Managing Emotions
The ability to accept disappointment and unpredictability and talk yourself down, that’s a very long developmental process that most children don’t have until they are older.
We see this so much in kids today. They don’t know how to handle big emotions. They feel so deeply and it can come out in inappropriate ways – name calling, foul language, violence, gossip, meanness, bullying, etc. We can be kind and firm with our kids, teaching them that emotions are natural, but the expression of them has boundaries.
You can start young with these techniques:
- Echo – Repeat their feelings back. I see that you’re sad because you want that toy and I said no. I see you are mad at mommy because she won’t let you run off from the basket.
- Validate – That would make me mad too. I like being able to go wherever I want.
- Offer a choice – You can either hold my hand as we finish our shopping or we’ll leave and go to the car because you can’t obey. It’s your choice.
- Clear consequences – You want to hold my hand? Great! I want you to know that if you change your mind and run off again, I will pick you up and walk out of here.
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Comparison – is it always bad? I actually do a lot of comparing like grocery deals, gas prices and clothing fits and trends. The basic idea of comparison is examining similarities or differences between two or more things. It becomes detrimental when we let social comparison – myself vs others – indicate degrees of superiority or inferiority.
“Comparison is the thief of joy.”
President Theodore Roosevelt
Social comparison is a happiness quest. We get a hit of dopamine when we decide our house is the best, clothes are the best or new spray tan is the best. It is short-lived and shallow. Joy runs deep and exists in the face of trial and hardship. It lasts beyond the moment of happiness and holds us steady when life doesn’t go our way.
Comparison is a chase. Joy is a choice.
Comparison separates. Joy connects.
How can you overcome the comparison trap and choose joy?
- Limit social media.
- Pray before social gatherings.
- Manage your inner critic.
- Practice gratitude.
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Let’s get real – perfect mom schedules are a myth. But hey, that’s okay because we’re about to spill the tea on how tiny, intentional choices can create a family culture that’s all about faith and being together. And with summer around the corner, we know things can get a bit wacky with the kids’ schedules all over the place. So, we’re here to share our personal tips on keeping our homes nurturing and full of spiritual growth. Think setting goals with our little ones, managing screen time, and squeezing in those moments of praise and worship.
We’re also going to tackle the craziness of “May-cember” and make sure we’re all set for a summer that’s about thriving, not just surviving. And get this, we’re inviting you to our Patreon community, where we’re all about cheering each other on. There are some fabulous tools waiting for you, like a goal tracker PDF and a special koozie to keep you inspired.
So, grab your coffee (or tea, we don’t judge), and let’s dive into this beautiful mess of motherhood together. We’re shaping a summer filled with intention and joy, and we can’t wait for you to join us.
Hugs and high-fives!
Join us HERE for GOOD DAY, GATHER!! When you join at the $10 level, you get a cute, iced-drink koozie. When you join at the $20 level, you get a koozie for you AND a friend!
We’ll are kicking off our month of Good Day Gather Today! Each week, we will focus on small habits that can help make our days better. On Patreon, we’ll post a podcast recording with a Monday Motivation and you will get the Good Day, Gather Calendar with a checklist to keep you on track.
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We’ve all heard the analogy of how important it is to put your own oxygen mask on before you help someone else but, for moms, that feels so counterintuitive. When the people around us need us, we show up and give and serve and help which is a good and beautiful thing but can also lead to burn out and break down. Conversations around self-care have come a long way and women are doing a better job of prioritizing their health, which we APPLAUD. However, so many of the things we are looking to for self-care end fall short of giving us the real restoration we are longing for. So, while we need to take care of our bodies, we also need to make sure we are caring for our souls. Soul-care, more than self-care, promises to meet our deepest needs better than any mani/pedi. When we look to Jesus and quiet our souls before him, we find he restores us in abundance.
Join us HERE for GOOD DAY, GATHER!! When you join at the $10 level, you get a cute, iced-drink koozie. When you join at the $20 level, you get a koozie for you AND a friend!
We’ll kick off our month of Good Day Gather challenges on Monday, 5/6. Each week, we will focus on small habits that can help make our days better. On Patreon, we’ll post a podcast recording with a Monday Motivation and you will get the Good Day, Gather Calendar with a checklist to keep you on track.
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We’ve all heard the analogy of how important it is to put your own oxygen mask on before you help someone else but, for moms, that feels so counterintuitive. When the people around us need us, we show up and give and serve and help which is a good and beautiful thing but can also lead to burn out and break down. Conversations around self-care have come a long way and women are doing a better job of prioritizing their health, which we APPLAUD. However, so many of the things we are looking to for self-care end fall short of giving us the real restoration we are longing for. So, while we need to take care of our bodies, we also need to make sure we are caring for our souls. Soul-care, more than self-care, promises to meet our deepest needs better than any mani/pedi. When we look to Jesus and quiet our souls before him, we find he restores us in abundance.
Join us HERE for GOOD DAY, GATHER!! When you join at the $10 level, you get a cute, iced-drink koozie. When you join at the $20 level, you get a koozie for you AND a friend!
We’ll kick off our month of Good Day Gather challenges on Monday, 5/6. Each week, we will focus on small habits that can help make our days better. On Patreon, we’ll post a podcast recording with a Monday Motivation and you will get the Good Day, Gather Calendar with a checklist to keep you on track.
Don’t miss our last meeting of our ONLINE GATHER GROUP on Thurs, 5/2 at 7 PM CST. Go to Gather Moms Patreon to join.
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Have you shaved your legs yet? Spring is springing which means the shorts are coming out and we are finally tackling our unshaven legs. We don’t feel guilty about that one bit but there are plenty of other things we struggle feeling guilt about as moms.
When we can’t make it to the field trip, have served chicken nuggets for the 5th night in a row, and have lost our temper with our kids, the mom guilt sets in. We want to be good moms; that’s why we struggle. What we have to remember is that we will never be perfect moms and that’s actually a good thing. Our imperfections create beautiful opportunities for us to share the gospel with our children and preach it back to our own hearts.
Let’s stop striving after perfection (an unattainable and damaging goal) and rejoice in our imperfections. Remember, it’s in our weakness that Jesus is strong! We want to be moms who display the goodness of Jesus more than our own.
Our next ONLINE GATHER GROUP meeting is coming up on April 18th at 7 pm. The group is hosted on our Gather Moms Patreon. Join us HERE.
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Ladies, it’s that time of year when the flowers are blooming and our motherhood adventures take on a whole new level of crazy, right?
We’re all feeling the heat as the days get longer and our to-do lists get even more outrageous. From dealing with daylight savings (we all know that’s basically Satan’s way of stealing our precious sleep) to those sneaky allergies that just won’t quit, we’re in it together, mamas.
But you know what? It’s not just about the hustle. We’re diving deep into those tricky issues, like how we’re shaping our kids’ self-esteem and dealing with our own body image. We’re the first to admit that we’ve got to be super careful with the words we choose, especially when squeezing into those swimsuits.
So, what’s the secret sauce to finding that peace amidst the pandemonium of parenting? We’re leaning hard into our faith, asking God to show us where we’ve gotten our priorities all twisted and to help us realign our hearts with what truly matters. Heavenly treasures aren’t found on a shelf at Target.
Our next ONLINE GATHER GROUP meeting is coming up on April 18th at 7 pm. The group is hosted on our Gather Moms Patreon. Join us HERE.
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Marriage is an incredible blessing but that doesn’t mean it’s easy and adding kids to the mix can mean new challenges. One of the things we hear a lot from our moms is that they are struggling with the division of labor at home. We can feel bitter and discontent when we feel like our spouse doesn’t see how much we’re managing. The mental load and decision fatigue are very real and can lead to unhappiness in our relationship with our partner.
Our marriages are worth the work! Worth the work to communicate, set aside time for each other on the calendar, and even get professional help. Moms, let’s go first in loving our husbands well. Consider how you can encourage your husband and communicate to him how much you love him this week.
Our next ONLINE GATHER GROUP meeting is coming up on April 4th at 7 pm. The group is hosted on our Gather Moms Patreon. Join us HERE.
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Who am I NOW? In this episode, we’re sharing our stories and struggles with keeping a grip on who we are while we’re drowning in diapers and drool, carpool and homework. Where do I end and Mom-me begins? How do we fight the whole pressure to be the picture-perfect parent? We’re opening up about how our faith grounds us, reminding us that our worth isn’t about how many Pinterest-worthy lunches we make. It’s about being loved by God, no matter what.
So, join us as we stumble through this journey together with loads of grace, laughs, and maybe a few tears (the happy kind, we promise).
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Finding and keeping mom friends can be a STRUGGLE. You had baked in friends during your school and college days but as an adult and a busy mom, finding your people can be a struggle. Kate and Rebecca both get it and share how they became friends. Rebecca’s courage to introduce herself to Kate created a 15 year friendship that is still going strong. We need courage, moms! Courage to step into rooms where we don’t know anyone and courage to introduce ourselves.
Join us as we discuss how to find and keep moms friends and what that community should look like for you. Don’t mom alone!
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No one has this mom thing completely figured out. We’re all struggling with something. You know what gets us help faster than anything else? OTHER MOMS. They remind us we’re not alone, share what helped them, and point us back to Jesus. Don’t be deceived into thinking that the perfect mom you see at school pick up every day isn’t struggling. She is. She needs you to be a safe space for her to be real and share where she needs help.
That’s what we want to here on the podcast this season. We want to create a safe space where we can authenticaly share our struggles so we can get the help we need. You aren’t alone, mama. Come grab a seat on the mama struggle bus. It’s gonna be a wild ride!
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What a JOY grandparents can be in the lives of their children and grandchildren. Our dear friend, Marsha Mason, lives out grand parenting well and we are so honored that she took the time to be with us and share her wisdom for this episode. In the same way she wanted to be an intentional mom, she has continued that as an intentional grandparent. We get to learn from her the balance of being the fun grand parent while honoring the boundaries of the parent. She also teaches us how to show up for one another. If you’re in the grandparenting season, this episode is for YOU. For those of us that will someday be grand parents, this is an episode we all need to store up a special vision for that future.
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ARE THEY READY? Senior year of high school, this is what moms are asking. Have I done enough? Do they know what to do? As we launch our kids to college and adulthood, we can struggle as moms to know where we fit. Our relationship with our kids changes once again as we move from walking beside them to walking behind them as they lead the way. We continue to cheer on and offer support but they become the leader.
As Susan says in this episode, “Our kids don’t need us less, they need us differently.”
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Technology is the topic moms most ask us to cover. Why? Because we are pioneer parenting here. We are the first ones to navigate smart phones, streaming services and social media. We are not going to get it perfect BUT we can listen to experts, share wisdom we’ve learned and ask God to help us. Screens are not new to God–he knew they were coming and he is giving us the tools to have victory over them and even use them for GOOD.
STATS YOU NEED:
Americans check their phones an average of 144 times a day, which is a 58% decrease from their last cell phone usage survey published in January 2022. However, we’re also spending an average of four hours and 25 minutes each day on our phones, up 30% from last year.
From Raising Boys and Girls Podcast Bark Interview:
On average, children ages 8-12 in the United States spend 4-6 hours a day watching or using screens, and teens spend up to 9 hours.
With regards to sexual content, 70% of tweens and 91% of teens encountered nudity or content of a sexual nature
75% tweens and 93% of teens engaged in conversations about drugs and alcohol
72% tweens and 85% experienced bullying as a bully, victim or witness
10% tweens and 21% teens experienced predators
97.5% increase in online enticement reports
You may have some great ideas of your own. Here are a few suggestions to keep them safe:
- All phones, laptops, tablets must be used in a common area (living room, kitchen, family room, etc.)
- Daily/weekly time limits
- Seek permission before using a device
- Seek permission before installing any new apps
- All devices get turned in/off at bedtime
- Your device is a privilege not a right
- Do not share any personal information online
- Do not enter chats with unknows individuals online
A few suggestions to help with moderation:
- Set limits on apps
- Set downtime
- Have screen free zones
- Consider a tech sabbath
TRUTH:
2 Peter 1:3
His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness
Ephesians 6:10-11
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.”
1 Peter 5:8-9
“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.”
Romans 8:37-39
“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[a] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
RESOURCES:
Qustudio
Net Nanny
Bark
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We’ve heard from lots of our MAMAS that they’ve been interrupted by a sickness in their homes. It got us thinking that no matter your season of motherhood, we all face interruptions – unexpected surprises that can wreak chaos on our best-laid plans. Today we’re going to talk about how to see interruptions as opportunities for God to do something only he can do.
We all get interrupted. In fact, you might say that life is a series of interruptions. Our natural response it to see them as negative and frustrating, but maybe they’re an opportunity to trust and ask for God’s help. Jesus was the master of holy interruptions. Rebecca shares one examples from scripture in Luke 8:40-56.
- Interruptions give us the opportunity to pull close to God. We can panic or we can pray. Philippians 4:6, “but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God”
- Interruptions give us the opportunity to release our time and plans to God. Am I working for my kingdom or God’s kingdom? Proverbs 19:21, “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”
- Interruptions give us the opportunity to be PRESENT with today. Presence over perfection – perfection tells me to perform faster, push harder, and produce more. Presence tells me that today is mine to embrace and enjoy – Matthew 6:34, “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.”
Sponsored By: T3 Chiropractic
Call (972) 895-4655 to book your diagnostic appointment. Mention the Gather Moms podcast to receive the discounted visit.
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If we want insight into teens, who better to ask than a high school teacher?! They see it ALL. We loved having Kelly Cavin on this episode as she tells us all about what she sees in her high school classroom. She shares with us what this generation is really good at, where they need the most help and how we, as their moms and adults in their life, can VALUE them.
Kelly does such a good job of enjoying teens, valuing what they have to say and how they think, and teaches us how to do the same.
“I’ve come to a frightening conclusion that I am the decisive element in the classroom. It’s my personal approach that creates the climate. It’s my daily mood that makes the weather. As a teacher, I possess a tremendous power to make a child’s life miserable or joyous. I can be a tool of torture or an instrument of inspiration. I can humiliate or heal. In all situations, it is my response that decides whether a crisis will be escalated or de-escalated and a child humanized or dehumanized.”
― Haim Ginott
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Bro! Teenagers. This season of their lives can feel like riding a rollercoaster. They’re also making so many steps toward becoming their adult self like getting their first job, driving and working to make grades that will serve their future well. They are becoming who they will be as adults. As their moms, we want to be their safe place. We want to cheer them on, offer appropriate boundaries and offer coaching at the right times. We’re discussing all of those things in this episode!
Here’s what we hope to remember while raising teens:
- Loosen your control (1 Cor 3:5-9)
- Be a safe place (Hebrews 4:14-16)
- Get help (Proverbs 15:22)
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First podcast of 2024! We want to ask the question, “What’s a mom to do in the new year?” Our special guest, Shawna Richardson, cofounder of First Things First Ministries, helps us answer that. She and her husband, David, love to help people spend wisely, be generous, and manage their time for the glory of God. Shawna is also a mom of 4 and homeschools. Well, she calls it hybrid school, because some days they attend classes with other students and teachers. It’s the best of both worlds for their family!
Starting a new year can be overwhelming with all the hype around picking a word and resolutions. Sometimes, as a mom, you just want to continue creating healthy habits and rhythms for your family. Shawna helps us do just that! She encourages us to pick just one thing to focus our mind and energy. There are too many good things out here to tackle them all at once. Ask God to reveal what is most needed for you and your family.
Some of the things we discussed today are:
- Do find your filter, don’t say yes to every good thing.
- Do celebrate your limitations, don’t use comparison as a measure of success.
- Do stay awake, don’t get distracted.
Shawna’s list includes ‘7 Do’s and Don’ts for your Time and Money in the New Year’ and you can find the rest here!
You can also find more of Shawna’s resources at www.shawnasullivan.com and on social media @shawnasullivan where she often posts ideas and short videos to encourage you in being an intentional mom. Thank you, Shawna, for your practical wisdom on making realistic changes for 2024!
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When I (Rebecca) was young, I remember my dad reading us the Christmas story from the book of Luke but I also remember him reading us another great Christmas classic called The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson. Today I share an excerpt from it that makes me laugh but also reminds me of the first to hear the news of Jesus’ birth…the shepherds.
I have heard mixed reviews on this group of people. Some say they are outcasts and rejected by society. It was a dirty job tending sheep, spending your days and nights out in the fields and always on the lookout for predators. But then you see God use the metaphor of a ‘shepherd’ throughout scripture. In fact, some of the great heroes of the Bible were shepherds – Moses and King David. There were female shepherdesses too – Rachel (wife of Jacob) and Zipporah (Moses’ wife). There are more than 90 references to a shepherd in the OT and another 23 in the New Testament.
I’m asking all the questions of this amazing moment in history found in Luke 2:8-20.
- How many angels were there in the sky?
- Could there have been thousands upon thousands?
- The light must have been blinding – did it light up the sky so much that Mary and Joseph saw it?
- I wonder if not only the shepherds, but other townspeople heard the praise of the angels? It must have been loud!
Why shepherds?
- Billy Graham says he believes that God chose to announce Christ’s arrival to shepherds in order to show His great love for everyone.
- Alfred Edersheim said God had a divine purpose announcing Christ’s coming to shepherds first because they were caring for the sheep used in sacrifice at the temple. Another sacrificial lamb would come from this town and he would take away the sins of the world.
- I believe God saw their humble state and knew they would receive the news with joy and trust. They had nothing to bring, they were poor and dirty. They believed what the angel said and went, without questions. They shared with everyone they met…no overthinking or social fear. They were the kindest first visitors to welcome infant Jesus and his parents.
We may feel like shepherds sometimes. Working day and night without much praise or acknowledgement. Leading sheep…I mean, kids, to food and water and keeping them safe from harm. We are tired of doing the same thing day after day and wonder if there is more to life for us. God has a special message just for you because what you do and who you are matters to God. He loves you so much, MAMA.
Isaiah 40:11, “He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.”
Join us for Advent! Find LOOKING FOR JESUS on Gather Moms Patreon. Each day, we’ll release a short episode to help focus our eyes and hearts on Jesus this Christmas season.
ADVENT ON GATHER MOMS PATREON
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Christmas in today’s world has become a machine that cranks out sales, stress and stuff. I love December and the holiday season and every year I wish I had less to do and more time to focus on the important stuff. I almost want to hide away in my house. As we look at Christmas through their eyes today there is someone who did just that, Elizabeth, mother of John the Baptist.
Elizabeth and her husband, Zechariah, were very old and childless. Zach heads to Jerusalem to serve in the temple and gets a visit from Gabe. Gosh, this angel has the coolest job – I think we could give him the title of Gender Reveal Angel. Zach questions the angel and is unable to speak until the baby is born. He somehow conveys the message to Elizabeth and scripture says this, “How kind the Lord is!” she exclaimed. “He has taken away my disgrace of having no children.” (Luke 1:25)
What might have Liz felt in these 5 months of silence and seclusion?
- Relief
- Elation
- Fear
- Awe
In the 6th month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, Gabe visits Mary and shares her miracle pregnancy along with her cousin Elizabeth’s miracle baby. Mary heads to visit Liz and we see an incredible moment of generosity from these 2 women. Don’t miss the beauty of this Christmas moment – 2 women, one very old and one very young. Both are pregnant with baby boys, but one would serve the other. Both women would never have grandchildren from these sons and both men would give their lives for the gospel. Both mamas would lose something most precious to them and mourn their firstborn sons. Elizabeth could’ve been jealous of Mary’s opportunity to experience motherhood early on, but she didn’t.
What do we learn from this part of the Christmas story for our lives today?
- Waiting is worth it.
- There is always an opportunity for envy (desiring what someone else has or does), but instead we can choose generosity.
- Personal reflection is worth it. Silence can prepare and heal us for the calling God has given us.
We also consider the traveling mamas on this episode. I don’t believe Mary and Joseph traveled alone to Bethlehem for the census. Others had to go too and I’m sure they went in groups because it was safer. What if there were other mamas on the journey with Mary who saw her pregnant state and extended small bits of kindness? It made me consider myself and our lives today. How often are we bustling around, bumping into people, that may have something incredibly significant happening? Do we pass them by because we’re too self-involved or do we stop to take notice of others and help when we can? What can our small tokens of help mean to someone in need? I think Mary experienced some on her journey and she would encourage us to do the same today!
Galatians 6:2, “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
Join us for Advent! Find LOOKING FOR JESUS on Gather Moms Patreon. Each day, we’ll release a short episode to help focus our eyes and hearts on Jesus this Christmas seaosn.
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What if we could sit down with Joseph, the angel Gabriel and Mary’s mom to ask them what that first Christmas was like? That’s exactly what we’re trying to do in this episode as we consider the anticipation of Jesus’ birth and all that happened once he was born.
Joseph models for us what it looks like to walk into the unknown clinging to what we know. He believed what the angel promised him, he knew what the Bible said about the Messiah and he took the next right step of faith even when he didn’t know how it would all work out.
Joseph was willing to look foolish for Jesus. He was willing to put aside his name, his reputation, even his rights in order to obey God. His life was interrupted but instead of pushing back, he allowed the holy interruption to change his and our world.
We also talked about Mary’s mom this episode. We don’t know much about her or how she would have handled the news about Mary’s pregnancy but we do know how we hoped she would respond and how we hope we would do when our teenagers come to us with news we weren’t expecting.
We’re excited to talk about the Christmas story with all of you during the month of December!
Join us for Advent! Find LOOKING FOR JESUS on Gather Moms Patreon. Each day, we’ll release a short episode to help focus our eyes and hearts on Jesus this Christmas seaosn.
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SPONSOR:
Canes and Community
If your child is on a sports team, your school is doing a fundraiser or a reading challenge, or your place of worship needs a donation, discounted meal or free meal vouchers, you need to check out canesandcommunity.com. Create a profile and enter your request. Someone from their team will reach out to you and they can even work with you to help get creative about what may be best for your organization.
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Our children are navigating cultural issues earlier and younger. As their moms, we need to be a safe place where they can ask questions and we can work with them to have a biblical worldview. Thankfully, this doesn’t mean we have to have all the answers right away. We can tell our kids we need a day or some time to consider and get back with them. It does mean, though, that we need to have open lines of communication, be engaged with what they are learning outside of our homes and be willing to lean in on tough issues.
We want to equip our children to have the tools they need to recognize what is true, what is false and how to respond in a way that honors God. We are not alone in this endeavor and we are so thankful at Gather Moms for Mama Bear Apologetics and the work they are doing to equip mamas so we can equip our children.
Check out these resources from Mama Bear Apologetics:
Mama Bear Apologetics Website
Mama Bear INSTAGRAM
GIVING TUESDAY:
We’re asking FIFTY moms to give FIFTY dollars. Click HERE to give and be entered to win one of our amazing giveaways.
SPONSOR:
Canes and Community
If your child is on a sports team, your school is doing a fundraiser or a reading challenge, or your place of worship needs a donation, discounted meal or free meal vouchers, you need to check out canesandcommunity.com. Create a profile and enter your request. Someone from their team will reach out to you and they can even work with you to help get creative about what may be best for your organization.
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As our kids grow, they start asking about their bodies and it can catch us off guard! That first time in the bath tub when they ask us what a body part is called or where babies come from can leave us stuttering because we often aren’t sure what to say or how to say it. In this interview with Mary Flo Ridley and Megan Michelson from The Birds and The Bees, they give us the language to use and the why behind it. We’re so thankful for the wisdom and candor and comfort in saying the words that make us blush!
Check out these resources from The Birds and The Bees:
WEBSITE HERE
ONLINE COURSE HERE: Black Friday sale is on!
BIRDS AND BEES INSTAGRAM
GIVING TUESDAY:
We’d love your support this Giving Tuesday. Click HERE to give and be entered to win one of our amazing giveaways.
SPONSOR:
Canes and Community
If your child is on a sports team, your school is doing a fundraiser or a reading challenge, or your place of worship needs a donation, discounted meal or free meal vouchers, you need to check out canesandcommunity.com. Create a profile and enter your request. Someone from their team will reach out to you and they can even work with you to help get creative about what may be best for your organization.
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Welcome to the Middle School Moms Support Group! In this season of motherhood, our pre-teens can’t decide if they want us close or as far away as possible. It’s a struggle for independence but also support. We’re calling this episode the Middle Season for a reason; the in between of childhood and adolescence. Our kids are experiencing new schedules, body changes, a bigger social scene and more opportunities. The weight is heavy on their minds, bodies and hormones.
Rebecca shares a story from the Bible about God’s chosen people wandering through the desert with their fearless leader, Moses. Moses is a kindred spirit to us mamas. He didn’t just have 2 boys of his own, he had 2 million Israelites…whining teenagers…to oversee for 40 years. The similarities are blaring! As they stood on the edge of the Promised Land, the people buckled under fear and distrust. Scripture says their children would suffer for their faithlessness. Instead of claiming the victory God promised, they would experience waiting and death.
MAMAS, we can’t be fearful of what middle school presents us and our kids. We can’t distrust that the God who has gotten us this far won’t take us through this desert too. Instead of stepping back to wait it out, let’s lean in and parent hard. Let’s stand in faith FOR our kids when they’re searching for who they are. We can talk about the hard topics, and we can limit social media. The age-old argument still rings loud in 2023: Everybody gets to do this but me! Wrong. You ask God what’s best for your child and then stand firm when they winds and tantrums blow.
This is my prayer for our middle school warriors – “But because my servant Caleb has a different spirit and follows me wholeheartedly, I will bring him into the land he went to, and his descendants will inherit it. ” Numbers 14:24
Great article on the middle school years here.
SPONSOR:
Canes and Community
If your child is on a sports team, your school is doing a fundraiser or a reading challenge, or your place of worship needs a donation, discounted meal or free meal vouchers, you need to check out canesandcommunity.com. Create a profile and enter your request. Someone from their team will reach out to you and they can even work with you to help get creative about what may be best for your organization.
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We’ve made it to the grade school years! A time of celebration for mamas when kids start school, routines take shape and children become more independent. As they’re learning their ABCs, they’re also learning how to tie their shoes, ride a bike, be a friend, and do chores. There is so much for them to learn in this season. And, as their moms, we’re learning right along with them.
A great model for us to use as we teach out children new skills is this one:
1. I do.You watch.
2. I do.You help.
3. You do.I help.
4. You do.I watch.
What to expect:
- what they’re into will change and they make like things you don’t
- there is a rhythm to this season that is so nice
What to embrace:
- time with them at home
- getting to know them as their personalities develop
- teachable moments as you have time with them in the car and at home
- conversations about God
What to let go:
- Perfection and control
- For our children to be successful, they need independence. As we give them independence, we have to relinquish some control which may mean things don’t look or turn out as perfectly as they might have with you in charge.
VIDEO: For kids ready to become a Christian
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All of us are going to face times in our life where we stumble. Just like a toddler taking his first steps, we are stepping into new seasons of motherhood. Toddlers and preschoolers are facing new challenges like learning to walk, feeding themselves, and gaining their independence. Their new found strength and curiosity can be overwhelming for a mom who finally found a rhythm with life with a baby. You might find yourself mentally frazzled, exhausted and feeling angry at this small human who won’t listen to the word ‘no.’
Remember when you grabbed your child’s hand as they learned to walk down the sidewalk. You held tight in case they fell. When their knees buckled underneath, you grabbed their hand tighter, sometimes lifting them into the air until they got steady again. When they stumbled, you didn’t chide them or get mad. You picked them up and helped them try again. As moms we feel like we have to know how to do all the things on the first try. Every new season of motherhood brings new challenges and things to learn. If we stumble, then we get back up. We have a Heavenly Father holding tight to our hand too.
Psalm 37:23-24, “The Lord establishes the steps of the godly. He delights in every details of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand.”
Rebecca’s Top Toy Picks for Toddlers and Preschoolers 2023:
- Melissa and Doug Wooden Work and Play Desktop
- Hide N Seek Busy Bags
- Construction Play Utensils
- Where’s Bear Stacking Game
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Skeletons and goblins and bats, oh my! How do we as moms talk with our kids about all of these things and is it ok for us to even celebrate Halloween? Rebecca and Kate are talking all things costumes, candies, where Halloween got started and how we can look to biblical wisdom as we approach this holiday. Join us!
- Learn more about where Halloween got started HERE
- How we can use discernment: Romans 14:1-9
- Share the gospel with your family using the Pumpkin Gospel Activity
- The Pumpkin Parable
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Something new always brings unknowns. And while we welcome the new and are often so excited about it (there is nothing like a new baby!), there is so much to figure out. Newborn mamas have to navigate when the baby should sleep and how, when the baby should eat and what, and so many other questions.
RESOURCES FOR NEW MAMAS:
- Taking Cara Babies
- Karie Locher Insta: babies, breastfeeding and newborn care
- Lizzie Koetter Insta: postpartum recovery and pelvic floor
HOW TO HELP A NEW MAMA:
- Take a meal or send a doordash gift card
- Don’t expect mom or baby to perform
- Tell her she looks amazing and that she’s doing amazing
- Let her know you’re praying for her
TRUTH:
1 Samuel 1:27
“For this child I prayed and the Lord has granted the desires of my heart.”
Psalm 23:1-3
The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,
he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.
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If we could all sit in a room and share birth stories! Oh, how fun that would be. Well, except if any of you are like Rebecca because she remembers nothing. No two birth stories as the same. As moms, we may read, pack, attend the classes, tour the hospital, but nothing can truly prepare us for the moment when the doctor, scratch that, probably the nurse says: It’s time.
In the season of expecting, we do our part to prepare but ultimately trust God and His will. We want to be able to say like Paul in Acts 18:21 after he makes plans, “if God wills.”
This is part one of our episode on the pregnancy and newborn season. Join us for episode 123 as we get very practical about life with newborns and how we as a mom community can support newborn mamas.
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We’ve all had to wait. Whether waiting in traffic or waiting for a breakthrough, we know the uneasiness and stress that comes with waiting. For women, waiting for a baby may be the hardest waiting season of all. The pain of this waiting that we often call infertility is more common than we may realize. 1 in 6 women deal with infertility and know the pain of longing and waiting for a child. The Bible is not silent on this issue and instead highlights and cares for women who long for children. Women like Hannah, Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel, Manoah and Ruth knew what it was to wait and Hannah is a beautiful example of bringing the longing and pain to God.
Psalm 27:14 NASB says “Wait for the Lord; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the Lord.”
Here are some truths to remember:
1. Waiting, in Scripture, is the active turning to the Lord.
2. Periods of waiting help us articulate our need for God.
3. Our story of waiting is part of our witness.
Visit the Gather Moms blog for more encouragement and resources. One of our core beliefs is just because you don’t have a biological child, or an adoptive child or are still in the waiting season, doesn’t mean you don’t have the heart of a mother. You are created in the image of God – and where does motherhood come from? From God – our Creator. You are welcome here.
All of us know someone who has struggled or is struggling with this. In fact, I would guess most of us experienced some of it ourselves. We need to lean into this group of mamas because they are our friends, daughters, sisters, and sisters-in-law. We wanted this episode to remind you that you are seen and loved by a heavenly Father but also by the Gather Moms community.
Galatians 6:2, “Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.” (NLT)
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We can be the WORST about giving unsolicited advice. All of us are guilty of looking at another mama or another situation and judging her for not doing it the way we would. Sometimes, those criticisms find their way out of our mouths and into the wrong ears and we end up like Kate in a world of trouble. The truth is, we need to give each other the benefit of the doubt and be way less concerned about what another mama is doing while we have plenty to worry about in our own lives.
We’re specifically looking at our own motherhood journeys by focusing on the season of motherhood we’re each in. When we’re dissatisfied with our own season, we may be more tempted to look at another mom’s season and judge or critique her. God has not asked us to do that. He has asked us to be faithful with where we are right now.
TRUTH:
Ecclesiastes 3:1-5
For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:
2 a time to be born, and a time to die;
a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;
3 a time to kill, and a time to heal;
a time to break down, and a time to build up;
4 a time to weep, and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
5 a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together;
a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
Philippians 4:11-13
11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
“If we live in harmony with God’s rhythms, we can discover more peace, fulfillment, joy, and hope. King Solomon, a man who lived life to the full, concluded that we cannot explain life but must experience it. We can either endure it or embrace it. Embracing these rhythms enable us to live full out while at the same time enjoying a deep inner peace and a peace that comes from being in harmony with God’s rhythms.” From Bruce Miller’s book: Your Life in Rhythm.
We’re kicking off a new season here on the Gather Moms Podcast where we are going to talk about how we can stop looking around at everyone else’s motherhood and give our best to what God has placed in front of us.
TRUTH:
1 Thessalonians 4:9-12
9 Now concerning brotherly love you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another, 10 for that indeed is what you are doing to all the brothers throughout Macedonia. But we urge you, brothers, to do this more and more, 11 and to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, 12 so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one.
Hebrews 12:1-2
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
Whatever part of the race you’re in, we want to help you run well. With that in mind, here’s what we’ll talk about in upcoming episodes:
- what that season is like
- what to expect
- what to embrace
- what to let go
- how to support a mom in this season
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Backpacks, supplies, sports equipment, nap mats, school snacks, new water bottles, clothes and all the fees. Back to school can DRAIN THE BANK but hey, at least those kids are back in school! In this episode, we’re talking all about getting the kids back in school and our favorite tips for making these new rhythms work.
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If you live in the Souther half of the United States, you are hot and probably over being hot. Rebecca and Kate are! The heat brings out the not-so-great versions of themselves and they’re talking all things summer and how they’re surviving the heat.
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WE MISSED YOU!! Let’s catch up or, as some would say, SHOOT THE BREEZE; which begs the question: what does it mean to shoot the breeze? Join in as Rebecca speculates on the meaning of the phrase and tells us her tale of the yellow river of Israel. Connect with Us: Gather Moms: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook Kate Henderson: Instagram | Facebook … EP 116: Let’s Shoot the Breeze Read More »
If bad karaoke sounds like a good time to you, you’re gonna love this episode! We start off talking about classic summer songs, the kind you might sing along to on a road trip. Let’s hope if Kate and Rebecca are in the car with you, the music is turned WAY UP to drown out … EP 115: Summer Vacations Read More »
Listening to this episode in your closet or by yourself in your car and just trying to steal a few quiet moments? YOU ARE NOT ALONE. Summer can make us each want to get in our cars and head to Mexico for a little peace and quiet because this season requires so much of us as moms. Often, our rhythms get interrupted, our sleep gets off and we stop taking care of ourselves. The still, quiet moments where we snuck away to spend time with the Lord may slip away in the unpredictability of summer and we can find ourselves run down and even depressed.
We’re talking in this episode about the signs of depression, what to do if you start to experience them and how to implement healthy rhythms so you take care of yourself this summer.
- Summer-Onset Seasonal Affective Disorder (SO SAD)
- Signs: sadness, lethargy, apathy, unmotivated, anxious, excessive sleepiness, food craving; especially carbohydrates, irritability or loss of appetite and insomnia
- Don’t wait to get help! Reach out to a counselor and tell your friends if you’re struggling.
TIPS to help take care of yourself this summer:
Monitor your caffeine intake
Keep exercising
Get time with your friends
Drink water
Take rest days
Keep your healthy rhythms
Limit social media
Let others help
And most importantly:
Spend time with the Lord
Mark 6:31 And he said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat.
When you struggle, ask God to help you focus your mind on him. Are you getting anxious preparing to travel or about getting into your swimsuit? Ask God to help focus your mind on him and what is true.
Isaiah 26:3 You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.
Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
Summer will reveal weaknesses in each of us. It shows our limits, our lack of patience, the heat puts us on edge. As unbelievable as it sounds, we can celebrate that. Actually revel in it. Those weak places are where our God shines. When you see the temp tip past 100, look to your God and say: You’re up! He’s ready and wants to show his power in your weakness.
2 Corinthians 12:9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Moms, summer is such a blessing of more time with our families but can also be a stressor as it often requires more of us. Take care of yourself and check on your friends.
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Mom, I’m booooored! Oh, the challenge of scheduling just enough fun things so you make good memories and keep everyone busy enough and not over-scheduling and wearing everyone out. Summer is a great time to slow down and let our kids get a little bored, for sure, but we all know that too much unplanned activity can lead to sibling fights, too much screen time and a summer that passes without purpose.
In this episode, we’re talking about how to make the best use of the time we have this summer. How we can practically set a schedule that works for us and our family, helps us create the memories we want to make and provides a framework for intentionality.
Scheduling Tips:
-get your family involved in the summer plans; brainstorm fun things you want to do together in the summer
-talk with your kids about summer rhythms, trips and expectations; the conversation on the front end is key
-give kids jobs and projects
-set goals
-let people help; if the grandparents want to take them for a couple of nights, let them!
Little kid tips:
-have a boredom buster jar
-have each kid do 5 things before screens
-get out early
-don’t feel like you have to do something every day
Big kid tips:
-be fun mom one day each week
-it’s fun to do stuff with friends but it’s also okay just to go as your family
-have one screen free day each week
TRUTH:
Ephesians 5: 15-16
15 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.
Ephesians 5:15–16 in the King James Version says, “See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”
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Jesus had some pretty modern views about women. In that time women were ignored, considered property and given very little worth. Jesus saw them differently and extended his hand toward them, puling them into a place of honor. He still does that today by calling our hearts heavenward in prayer. Throughout scripture we see women praying. Some examples are Hagar, Miriam, Deborah, Hannah, Esther and Mary. Regardless of their background, God the Father listened to their cries of pain and praise.
The modern MAMA needs prayer. Whether you’re starting from the beginning or a consistent prayer warrior, the time you spend pouring your thoughts out to God will bless your heart and home. Why should moms pray?
- It provides a moment to be still.
- We all need time to count our blessings.
- Prayer teaches us humility before a holy God.
- Gets out the ugly stuff, even the thoughts and feelings no one knows.
- Sets an example for our kids.
Over the next week, Kate and Rebecca are praying for YOU each day from May 8 to May 14. Join our Patreon to get access to all the prayers and the opportunity to share that prayer with another mom. Gather Moms loves you and wants you to know that all our MAMAS are constantly in our prayers. Happy Mother’s Day week!
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Prayers for Our Mamas May 8-14 on Gather Moms Patreon
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You are a modern MAMA! Modern life expects a lot of moms soothing our busy schedules by offering a stream of conveniences. Do they really make our lives easier? The reality is that each of us wage a different war with lots of parallels. It’s easy to feel like we’re never doing enough. It’s simple to see we’re all doing too much.
The modern MAMA needs rest, but an extra nap or morning without the alarm clock isn’t the answer. Those are temporary and will be needed again tomorrow. True rest is found in a relationship with Jesus Christ. Matthew 11:28-30, “Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”
Join us today as we talk about how modern mamas wrestle with the definition of rest. Is it negotiable? Maybe if I work harder today, then tomorrow I can get a break. Some of us may believe rest is earned by checking off our list of daily mom-tasks and some have given up altogether and think rest is unattainable. We believe rest is a walking out of trust every single day. What we need more than anything is to know and be known by a Savior who offers lasting rest for our souls.
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Remember Dr. Phil saying to someone stuck in a bad situation and continuing to make the same bad choices, “How’s that workin for ya?” The question makes you stop and think, “Is this working?” And then, if it’s not, why in the world do you keep doing it? But WE DO! And that’s the definition of insanity: doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result.
In this two part episode, we’re talking about what IS actually working for us, what ISN’T and what we can do about it.
TRUTH:
Exodus 18:1-27
Galatians 6:7-9
Plan, Communicate, Delegate
MENTIONS:
Atomic Habits
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Remember Dr. Phil saying to someone stuck in a bad situation and continuing to make the same bad choices, “How’s that workin for ya?” The question makes you stop and think, “Is this working?” And then, if it’s not, why in the world do you keep doing it? But WE DO! And that’s the definition of insanity: doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result.
In this two part episode, we’re talking about what IS actually working for us, what ISN’T and what we can do about it.
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May is sneaky. It pretends to just be the beautiful end of Spring and the fun beginning of summer BUT it is so much more. May is the December of the Spring; MAYCEMBER. Let’s be proactive this year and start thinking through all that May holds so we are ready because, even though it’s still April…it’s gonna be MAY.
Prepare for: summer activities, teacher appreciation and Mother’s Day.
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We’re tackling the strange celebration of a bunny who leaves eggs, why we call it Easter and how we can use all of this to point to Jesus. For Christians, the big deal about Easter is the Resurrection. We can follow the example of Christians of old to take secular holidays and use them to share Christ. We don’t have to be afraid of the bunny because yall, Jesus loves every BUNNY.
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On Gather Moms Patreon, you can find even more resources to help you mom well. We include recordings of Kate and Rebecca teaching to mamas and right now, we’re offering A Holy Week Devotional to prepare our hearts for Easter.
Download the Patreon app or go to patreon.com/gathermoms to join us!
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On Gather Moms Patreon, you can find even more resources to help you mom well. We include recordings of Kate and Rebecca teaching to mamas and right now, we’re offering A Holy Week Devotional to prepare our hearts for Easter.
Download the Patreon app or go to patreon.com/gathermoms to join us!
SPONSORS:
DR. T CHIROPRACTIC AND ACCUPUNCTURE
THE PEARL AT SABINE CREEK
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Screen time, social media, college dorm rooms, vacations, Disney. We have a whole new list of YOU DON’T HAVE TOS. Join us as we continue our conversation identifying the things we’ve believed are MUSTS that truly aren’t.
TRUTH:
Colossians 2:15-16
Galatians 1:10
1 Corinthians 10:23,31
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You don’t have to have a Stanley cup. You don’t have to look at the scale in the doctor’s office. You don’t have to pack your kids lunches, cut the sandwiches into shapes and leave a note every day. There are SO MANY things we’ve adopted as things we have to buy, do or be because someone else said or modeled that for us. The freeing truth is, we don’t answer to anyone but our Father in heaven. When we look to Him, we find the true musts of lie; what is truly non-negotiable. The rest of it may be good but sis, you don’t have to.
TRUTH:
Colossians 2:15-16
Galatians 1:10
1 Corinthians 10:23,31
SPONSORS:
RAVETTA HOME TEAM
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We are excited to announce a gathering for moms in the Austin area with our Gather Moms Retreat 2023 at Highland Lakes Camp and Conference Center in Spicewood, Texas. Join us March 10-11 for a time to worship, study God’s Word and connect with other moms. Click here for more information and to register.
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I (Rebecca) put down my phone for a week and am thrilled to share what I learned and experienced. As I am typing these show notes, my phone just notified me that my screen time was down 86% last week. Was it easy? No. Was it worth it? Yes!
Our phones constantly distract us as we subconsciously convince ourselves that we need them more than anything else. We literally can’t leave home without them. We also spend our precious time checking social media and appeasing our boredom with apps and games. Those we love most often get the least of our presence as we divert our attention to something that has become an idol.
My spiritual mentor challenged me to take the time I normally spend on my phone and instead spend it in prayer. Our minds and hearts are navigating hurt and disappointment on a daily basis and too often we settle for putting it off in search of an easy fix of social media scrolling. There was so much inside me that needed personal attention from Jesus and I am so thankful for the reminder that his love is so much better.
I’m praying you take the plunge too! Start your own journey in taking a break from your phone and follow these steps:
- Start by vomiting your feelings on paper – get everything inside your heart, even the dark places, out on paper and let the Holy Spirit help you process and then confess.
- Sit down with Jesus and write this at the top of your journal, “Father, what is on your heart today?” Now listen and then listen some more…don’t rush this time. Sit and listen.
- Read God’s word and meditate on it all day – anticipate the promise that God will expand your understanding as you ponder it all day.
Resources:
Scripture passages to read this week: Psalm 112, Psalm 103, Psalm 27, Psalm 32, Psalm 30, Psalm 16, Psalm 150
Click HERE for further study on Redeeming Your Phone Time
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We are excited to announce a gathering for moms in the Austin area with our Gather Moms Retreat 2023 at Highland Lakes Camp and Conference Center in Spicewood, Texas. Join us March 10-11 for a time to worship, study God’s Word and connect with other moms. Click here for more information and to register.
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The fabulous Jenny Worsham joins us in this episode as we talk all about the podcast live and our favorite table at the event; the “Come alone? Sit with me” table. That’s what we’re all about here at Gather Moms; making space for each other. Momming can be LONELY. If you feel alone, you’re not alone. We have to do the work to reach out to make friends and an easy way to connect to moms is with our Gather Moms Groups.
Jenny tells us all about groups and how you can get connected. She also mentioned the great resources that you can use in your groups. All of those links are listed below.
Gather Moms Resources:
Mom Struggles
Family Values
Legacy of Love
The Launch
We are excited to announce a gathering for moms in the Austin area with our Gather Moms Retreat 2023 at Highland Lakes Camp and Conference Center in Spicewood, Texas. Join us March 10-11 for a time to worship, study God’s Word and connect with other moms. Click here for more information and to register.
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We are still pinching ourselves that we got to record this 100th episode LIVE! What an absolute joy to be in a room of 200+ moms. We got to laugh together, hug each other and be reminded that WE ARE IN THIS TOGETHER.
We are not each other’s competition. We are community and we need to show up for each other. Thank you to each of you for the way you show up for us in your encouraging views, shares and telling your friends about Gather Moms. We are going to continue showing up for you. We love you and we’re cheering you on! Come on episode 200!!
We are excited to announce a gathering for moms in the Austin area with our Gather Moms Retreat 2023 at Highland Lakes Camp and Conference Center in Spicewood, Texas. Join us March 10-11 for a time to worship, study God’s Word and connect with other moms. Click here for more information and to register.
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We’re all operating out of places of brokenness. Brokenness, in God’s eyes, is being so crushed by the sin and darkness of the world that we recognize there is no place to turn but to God. I think it’s important for us to recognize this because it affects the way we listen and receive messages from others. If we’re all broken by sin, then I can either turn in desperation to God or turn in search of worldly fixes.
Jeremiah 2:13 compares this search to broken cisterns that hold no water. A cistern was vital for life in the desert. There were long periods of no rain so a cistern held water to keep you alive during a drought. These spiritual cisterns were leaking because the people had forsaken God. The core evil in all our sins is believing some broken cistern will give us greater life and joy than God. It is only when I turn to God for healing from brokenness, that I can begin operating out of a place of wholeness.
Rebecca shares about Kintsugi (golden joinery) which is the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with lacquer mixed with gold. It treats breakage and repair as part of the history of an object, rather than something to disguise. Instead of disguising my brokenness, I can allow God to heal me and make something beautiful from it.
An example of kintsugi repair by David PikeTRUTH:
Jeremiah 2:13
Psalm 51
1 Thessalonians 5:23-24
We are excited to announce a gathering for moms in the Austin area with our Gather Moms Retreat 2023 at Highland Lakes Camp and Conference Center in Spicewood, Texas. Join us March 10-11 for a time to worship, study God’s Word and connect with other moms. Click here for more information and to register.
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Did you know that you talk to yourself more than anyone else? What are you saying to you? So many of us are talking to ourselves like we would never talk to someone that we love. We’re being punks to ourselves, bullies even, and it has to stop. We have to pay attention to what we’re saying to ourselves and speak true things instead of lies.
TRUTH:
Psalm 13:1-6
2 Corinthians 10:3-6
Philippians 4:8-9
YOUR CHALLENGE:
- Stop being a punk to yourself. Pay attention to what you are saying to you. Tell yourself to STOP IT when you’re being a bully.
- Bring your thoughts to God. Be honest with him. He already knows.
- Speak truth back to the lies. Find verses in the Bible that are true about you and speak them to you.
Listen to this: You Say by Lauren Daigle
We are excited to announce a gathering for moms in the Austin area with our Gather Moms Retreat 2023 at Highland Lakes Camp and Conference Center in Spicewood, Texas. Join us March 10-11 for a time to worship, study God’s Word and connect with other moms. Click here for more information and to register.
The first ever Gather Moms Podcast Live is coming Sunday, February 5, 2023 from 5 to 7 PM at The Pearl at Sabine Creek. We can’t wait to celebrate our 100th Podcast episode with all of you. Buy your ticket here because seats are limited!
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NEW SEASON! Welcome to a new season of the Gather Moms Podcast that we’re calling ‘Listen Sis’. We’re not just mom friends, we are sisters in Christ. Our desire for all the people in our house to listen to our voice also means we need to be aware of what messages are filling our ears. We are all listening to something; some messages are good but most distract us from what really matters. God has great plans for us this year. He wants us to seek him with our whole hearts. Lean in, MAMAS, because we are challenging all of us to listen close to Gods’ truth.
Jeremiah 29:11-14 says, “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” 12 In those days when you pray, I will LISTEN. 13 If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. 14 I will be found by you,” says the Lord.
We are excited to announce a gathering for moms in the Austin area with our Gather Moms Retreat 2023 at Highland Lakes Camp and Conference Center in Spicewood, Texas. Join us March 10-11 for a time to worship, study God’s Word and connect with other moms. Click here for more information and to register.
The first ever Gather Moms Podcast Live is coming Sunday, February 5, 2023 from 5 to 7 PM at The Pearl at Sabine Creek. We can’t wait to celebrate our 100th Podcast episode with all of you. Buy your ticket here because seats are limited!
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Like, really: Bible rocks. As in, the rocks in the Bible. What if we looked at all of the rocks in the Bible like the rock rolled in front of the tomb, the rocks Joshua used to build the altar and the rock Jacob laid his head on to see what we could learn from them. Because, truly, the Bible ROCKS and we can learn so much when we study it in a new way.
Bible nerds: this episode is for you. We’re geeking out on how fun it is to study the Bible as Kat shares with us why she wrote the Storyline Bible series. Who knew rocks, mountains, valleys or trees could be so exciting but, like Kat said as she was studying trees in the Bible and came across the burning bush and realized: “Dude! That’s a tree!” we, too can get that excited as we study the Bible.
The first two books in Kat’s series, Mountains and Valleys, are available now and you can get them HERE.
Connect with Kat on Instagram
The first ever Gather Moms Podcast Live is coming Sunday, February 5, 2023 from 5 to 7 PM at The Pearl at Sabine Creek. We can’t wait to celebrate our 100th Podcast episode with all of you. Buy your ticket here because seats are limited!
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We’re revisiting the TOP 3 listened to episodes of 2022 and just like that Christmas carol reminds us, “Mom and Dad can hardly wait for school to start again.” You might have used the word ‘no’ a lot over the holiday break and you’re ready for some routine. Discipline is more than just stopping kids from doing wrong; it’s also helping our kids start doing what’s right. Let’s be intentional with our discipline in 2023 by building into our kids character, respect and responsibility. We can also caution ourselves, that as moms, we can be more thoughtful with how we react and execute punishment. Each stage of raising kids prompts us to our great need for the Holy Spirit to walk us through the careful task of helping our kids flourish. Rally the troops because it’s time for a family meeting to talk about discipline!
The first ever Gather Moms Podcast Live is coming Sunday, February 5, 2023 from 5 to 7 PM at The Pearl at Sabine Creek. We can’t wait to celebrate our 100th Podcast episode with all of you. Buy your ticket here because seats are limited!
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We’re revisiting the TOP 3 listened to episodes of 2022 and this week we’re reminded that we could all use more money, especially with a post-Christmas spending hangover! This is a lifelong pursuit that causes us to trust God, be content with what we do have and get creative in saving those hard earned dollars. As we look ahead to 2023, there’s no way to plan for all the financial hiccups that are waiting around the corner. We can be intentional with prioritizing what we love and refusing to buy more of what we don’t need. God is our provider and he will graciously give us all things (Romans 8:31-32). Since we’re chatting about spending money, we’d love for you to consider supporting Gather Moms by joining us for our big event!
The first ever Gather Moms Podcast Live is coming Sunday, February 5, 2023 from 5 to 7 PM at The Pearl at Sabine Creek. We can’t wait to celebrate our 100th Podcast episode with all of you. Buy your ticket here because seats are limited!
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We’re revisiting the TOP 3 listened to episodes of 2022 and kicking it off with EP 64: Diet Interrupted. Kate and Rebecca look back on this episode and Kate shares the amazing miracle God has worked in her life. The girls are always sharing something BIIIIIGGGGGGG for you, our podcast community. Get ready to save the date!
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A silent night where all is calm sounds pretty amazing right now! Instead, we are all in the thick of final gift purchases, holiday parties, gift wrapping, food shopping, house cleaning and the list goes on.
In this episode, we’re talking about how we can find calm in the chaos. Mary, Jesus’ mama, knew what we were going through. She might have laughed if she knew that we sing about the night she gave birth as a silent night where all was calm! But, we see that when things did calm down, the Bible tells us that she treasured the magical, mysterious moments in her heart. We can be like Mary and look for the calm in the chaos and treasure those moments.
Luke 2:19, “But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart..”
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There are so many things to fill our time and hearts at Christmas. Busy calendars, kids wish lists, online shopping, Secret Santa exchanges, the opinions of others and even unrealistic expectations. Instead of more presents under the tree, we all would like a side of extra peace.
Part of the reason you might be chasing peace is because you’re trying to prove your worth. If I can just measure up to what I think is the perfect Christmas mom then I might could stop running and enjoy the holiday. Our encouragement today is to separate your worth from what others think of you. The beauty of Christmas is that Jesus came to earth because of our worth. He loved us so much that he stepped down from heaven to be born in a manger. He doesn’t care whether your Christmas tree is insta-worthy or your presents are wrapped with expensive ribbon. He loves you just as you are.
Peace might be found in saying no to extra activities, putting everything in bags with tissue or letting go of the search for matching pajamas. Peace is most certainly found in quiet moments with your Bible and thoughtful prayers for those you love. Jesus gave others his presence instead of presents. Peace on earth is a task for the Savior, but peace in our homes is something we can partner with him to create.
Isiah 26:3, “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.”
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We’re all busy decking walls and halls with boughs of holly or something similar like an artificial flocked Christmas tree. As the decorations go up, our spirits can start to go down as the pressure of it all sets in. We have the opportunity right now to lead our families in a better way. Mom sets the pace in the home. Let’s set a pace of contentment instead of comparison and peace instead of stress so that we can wake up December 26th full of joy instead of depleted of it.
TRUTH:
Galatians 1:10
1 Thessalonians 4:11-12
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Get your pen and paper ready because this episode will have you taking all the notes! We are thrilled to welcome Amy Davison, contributing blog author with Mama Bear Apologetics and co-host of their podcast. Amy is overflowing with knowledge and insight on how sexuality and culture are waging war on our kids. Honestly, you might feel overwhelmed with all there is to know and defend as you raise your kids in today’s world. Here’s the truth though, the Bible and Jesus Christ are still the answer to every problem. The Holy Spirit is actively working on your behalf in both you and your believing child. Amy reminds us that truth comes first. You are your child’s Mama Bear, and you are equipped by God to walk with them as you reinforce God’s truth for gender and sexuality. Listen once, twice and maybe several times as you soak up a wealth of wise counsel from Amy Davison.
Mama Bear Apologetics, www.mamabearapologetics.com
The Mama Bear Apologetics Podcast
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“Let’s start at the very beginning, a very good place to start.” That’s a famous line from Julie Andrews in the Sound of Music and it can help this conversation with our kids. Instead of starting with sex, let’s start from the beginning and how God made our bodies. Today Kate and I discuss a … EP 88: Help! Me Talk to My Kids about Sex Read More »
Christina is helping us type Lorelai Gilmore, Kris Jenner or Jane Villanueva by their enneagram number and telling us why the enneagram helps us take better care of ourselves. Get Christina’s Book: Take Care of Your Type Connect with Christina on Instagram Support Us: Monthly Donation | One-Time Donation Connect with Us: Gather Moms: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook Kate Henderson: Instagram | Facebook Rebecca Bradford: Instagram | Facebook
Do you know your type? Do you know what the enneagram even is? No matter where you’re coming from on this convo, we’ve got you covered! Special guest and enneagram expert, Christina Wilcox, is with us to talk all things enneagram like: where the enneagram came from, how we find out our type and why … EP 86: Help! with the Enneagram with Christina Wilcox Read More »
It doesn’t take long after becoming a mom that we cry out to God for help. We need Him. We can’t do this without Him. And yet, we’re struggling to find time to spend with him. For some of us, we long for the pre-kid days where could linger in our Bible studies and for … EP 85: Help! I Want to Be Closer to God Read More »
Are you a control freak? You’re not alone. As moms, we love to be in control. We want to make sure our kids are safe, have everything they need and have successful lives. Those are all good things! The frustrating news is that we don’t have ultimate control over how our kids’ lives and even … EP 84: Help! I Want Control with Sharon Hodde Miller Read More »
Sometimes finding mom friends feels like the school lunchroom all over again. Where do I sit? Who do I talk to? Will they like me? You may feel like you’re the only one struggling to find your crew but you’re not. It can be such a challenge to find moms who get us and are … EP 83: Help! I feel left out Read More »
Skeletons and goblins and bats, oh my! How do we as moms talk with our kids about all of these things and is it ok for us to even celebrate Halloween? Rebecca and Kate are talking all things costumes, candies, where Halloween got started and how we can look to biblical wisdom as we approach … EP 82: Help! with Halloween Read More »
Grief. The pain we feel when the unwanted and unexpected happens and we experience loss. In today’s episode, we’re talking about grief as we hear Jessye’s story. Jessye’s life changed drastically when her best friend and sister in law and brother in law passed away suddenly, leaving behind their two children. Jessye and her husband … EP 81: Help! The Worst Has Happened with Jessye Wilden Read More »
Here’s to all the moms that want a better morning! Kate and Rebecca share more insight on changing our perspective of the early morning hours. Did you know it starts the night before? Instead of dreading the alarm, we can decide to embrace the opportunity to start the day with discipline. Mornings for moms come … EP 80: PT 2 Help! I Want a Better Morning Read More »
Are you a morning person or a night owl? Many of us excuse ourselves from productive mornings because we think it’s not who we are. That’s a myth! We believe that moms need better mornings MORE than anyone else. We have kids to feed, places to drive, work to do and a future dinner to … EP 79: Help! I Want a Better Morning Read More »
Are we treating our 12 year olds like 2 year olds? The way we approach discipline has to grow as our kids grow. If we want them to hear us, we have to speak in the language that they need most for their stage. In this episode, we’re looking to some experts who have gone … EP 78: PT 2 HELP! These Kids Won’t Listen Read More »
DISCIPLINE. It’s the most requested topic for the podcast so we’re giving you a double dose. This week is part one where we talk about what makes kids today different, why we’re seeing an increase in behavioral issues and what we can do about it. And guess what? All of that latest research is just … EP 77: HELP! These Kids Won’t Listen Read More »
Inflation has come for all of us and we’re out here asking: how are we going to feed these kids and put gas in our cars? Economists, Kate and Rebecca, are deep-diving all things monetary including the staggering increase in price of Kate’s precious avocados and Rebecca’s bougie milk. Join us as we get real … EP 76: HELP! I Need Some Money Read More »
You know who needs help? MOMS. You know who is the worst when it comes to asking for help? MOMS. Our pride, fear of being judged and not wanting to be a burden to others keeps us from saying anything. We have to push past those lies. When you ask for help, it sets another … EP 75: I need HELP! But I also don’t want to be a burden Read More »
Back to school. Back to school. To prove to dad, I’m not a fool…If you sung along as you read that: you’re Kate’s people. If you have no idea what that reference is: you’re Rebecca’s bubble people or you were potentially born after the heyday of Billy Madison. Either way, you’re in this back to … EP 74: Back to School Read More »
Ready or not: here comes SUMMER! Summer break is an opportunity to slow down, have some fun and maybe even for our kids to learn new things or reach new goals. BUT, it gets hot and these kids are home, and we can find ourselves quickly wishing for the school doors to open again. We’re … EP 73: Summer Interrupted; Here it comes! Read More »
All moms are working moms. Whether you work in the home or outside the home or some hybrid version of that, we all know what it’s like to feel like we’re juggling the things we need to do to help support our family and also care for our children and, if there’s time, chase our … EP 72: Work Interrupted with Jenny Worsham Read More »
In all honesty, we have mixed feelings about Mother’s Day as mamas. Our expectations of a magical day are dashed when things aren’t so magical because, let’s face it, our kids don’t stop being kids just because it’s the second Sunday in May. They will still fight, make messes and forget to say thank you. … EP 71: Mother’s Day Interrupted; Let’s re-think this Read More »
One of the very first words our children learn: NO. And then, mine. Before they even reach the age of two, we are disciplining these rebellious little beings and it doesn’t let up for a long time. That can feel overwhelming and discouraging BUT we have HOPE. Listen in as we talk about how every … EP 70: Interrupted by NO; Help with Discipline Read More »
When was the last time you had an argument with your spouse? Today we’re reminding all of us that fighting is normal. It can actually be a healthy part of a relationship. Passionate opinions and selfish desires force us to examine what’s most important and compromise as we come together to find common ground. Most … EP 69: I’m Obviously Right; Fights Interrupted Read More »
Mama, if you’re tired, you’re in good company. Sleep struggles are so common among mamas. If it’s not newborns keeping us up, it’s sick kids or toddlers having trouble sleeping and then, waiting for teenagers to get home. Sleep is linked to our hormones and so many moms experience insomnia after the huge hormonal changes … EP 68: Mama needs a nap; Sleep Interrupted Read More »
Have you ever said: Life will be good when…Hoping for the end of a hard season, healing comes or something hard finally lets up. Jana Howerton joins us on the podcast and tells the beautiful story of how holy interruptions in her life have helped her to see that she doesn’t have to wait for … EP 67: Holy Interruptions with Jana Howerton Read More »
Raise your hand if you have a question-meter! That’s when you’ve hit your limit on the amount of questions you can rationally handle. A mother’s day is constantly interrupted with questions about lost shoes, more snacks, relationship drama, extra screen time and so much more. Your answers are informing the inquiring minds in your home … EP 66: Interrupted by Questions Read More »
Objectifying women is bad. We can all agree on that and yet, we do it to ourselves nearly everyday when we look in the mirror or look at a picture and analyze ourselves as objects, not humans. We only see what we can see and scrutinize every part. God did not create us as objects. … EP 65: Mirror Interrupted with Heather Creekmore Read More »
January always means a diet, right? Some kind of cleanse or new commitment to only eat clean or avoid certain foods to get rid of those holiday pounds and get summer bod ready. But what if January didn’t mean that? What if it meant something new? Kate is sharing in this episode how she is … EP 64: Diet Interrupted Read More »
I would guess that every mom has felt this way at some point. Our days get interrupted by a feeling of being overwhelmed. We hear ourselves say, “Why can’t I get it all done?” These moments of frustration and despair push us to tears or back to bed. We wonder if we’re the only one … EP 63: Mom Interrupted and Overwhelmed Read More »
We interrupt this regular scheduled day of motherhood to announce that the Gather Moms Podcast is BACK! We are so excited to join you for another season of real talk with lots of laughs and life truth from God’s Word. How many times a day (or night HA!) do you get interrupted? Baby won’t sleep, call from the School Nurse, screaming kids while you’re working from home, or maybe you just can’t get a minute alone in the bathroom. Mamas juggle interruptions all day long.
This season we’re going to share some wisdom on how to manage life as a mom-interrupted. We’re taking your responses to our 2022 Motherhood Survey to discuss heavy life interruptions like anxiety, feeling overwhelmed, loneliness, marital struggles and health concerns. We see you, Mama, and we are feeling the struggles too, but we also know Jesus has truth to help us engage this interrupted life and see him working for our good.
Exciting ANNOUNCEMENT! Gather Moms Podcast is launching its first-ever Lent study over on our Patreon. You can get exclusive access to daily lent devotionals as we walk together through the 40 days leading up to Easter. Lent reminds us we were broken without Jesus and ultimately saved by his sacrifice on our behalf. It helps us focus our mind and heart on the coming glory of Easter so we can rejoice over our risen Savior. Become a Gather Patreon supporter today and listen with us!
Join us for LENT starting March 2, 2022. Download the Patreon app or go to patreon.com/gathermoms.
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At The Mom Event, we asked some of our favorite wise, intentional, Jesus-loving mamas to join us for some real talk. We asked them how they deal with mom competition, what they can do to not lose themselves in their mom identity and what they would tell their new mom self, among many other questions.
Do not miss this one. It is overflowing with wisdom and real help.
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As moms, we know how it feels to be knocked down. We know the struggle to get out of the bed and face another hard day because we know our people need us. The last two years have been especially hard on moms. We are the ones on the front lines in our homes trying to keep everyone healthy, navigating tough conversations, making impossible decisions and trying to keep ourselves going when we just want to quit.
Kate shared with us at The Mom Event hope for when we get knocked down; hope to help us RISE. Listen in to this bonus episode of what Kate shared with us.
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We three kings of orient are…WAIT. What? Were they kings or magi and what does it mean they are from the orient? We are taking a deep dive into these three (were there actually three) men that celebrated Jesus’ birth with some famous gifts. There are so many treasures, not just the gold, to uncover in this story and we had the best time with our investigative fun! JOIN US
Mentions:
- Hidden Christmas by Tim Keller
- Orient = From the East; meaning anything in Asia. The wise men were most likely from the area of Babylon.
- Magi = Zoroastrians. Today, we might call them astrologers.
Bible truth:
- Luke 2:21-38 (Jesus circumcised and presented at the temple where we meet Anna and Simeon)
- Matthew 2 (The wise men)
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We can’t help but love and admire sweet Mary, the mother of Jesus. The trust and strength displayed in her story is awe-inspiring. Throughout scripture we see God choosing people to display his glory not because of their greatness, but because of his greatness. Mary, a teenage girl, was chosen to carry the Son of Man but she was just like us with questions, worries, struggles and a desperate need for God’s strength. Big shout out to Joseph, who got his own angel visit and was asked to shoulder the responsibility of getting Mary to Bethlehem and helping deliver baby Jesus. We imagine him kind, determined and humble. The curiosity continues as we wonder did they really spend the night in a stable, were they all alone delivering Jesus and how long did the shepherds have to search for a baby in a manger? Amidst the questions, we do know that God’s promised Savior entered the world by humble means to a lonely, waiting world. The gift of Jesus’ birth was celebrated by a smelly shepherds and wealthy magi. Join us next episode as we take a curious look at the arrival of these wise men from afar.
Mentions:
- Accoutrement: additional items of dress or equipment, or other items carried or worn by a person or used for a particular activity.
- Crèche: a model or tableau representing the scene of Jesus Christ’s birth, displayed in homes or public places at Christmas.
- After birth is honestly on my list of ‘things you don’t talk about’ so feel free to do your own research on Kate’s observations! My few clicks on the internet led to all kinds of interesting and slightly gross articles.
Bible truth:
- Mary’s Magnificat, Luke 1:46-55
- Greek word for ‘inn’ (Luke 2:7) is kataluma which means inn or lodging place. Used 3x in the New Testament and the other 2 times it is translated ‘guest room’ in Mark 14:14 and Luke 22:11.
- Read more here about where Mary and Joseph might have stayed to deliver Jesus.
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We’re reading the Christmas story with fresh eyes this year! Rebecca’s curiosity has her asking all the questions about details left unexplained. Did you know that Mary and Joseph experienced some holiday travel? Each of us have our own stories about getting from A to Z on planes, trains and automobiles. Have you ever traveled via donkey though? Every book or movie you’ve ever seen portrays this sweet couple and one lone donkey making the difficult journey to Bethlehem. What if they didn’t travel alone? One thing we do know that is God’s kindness is sprinkled throughout this beautiful story. Over and over we see God remind Mary, the mother of Jesus, that he was holding her near. Join us today as we laugh about thankful rolls gone wrong, travel catastrophes, donkey basketball and the kindness of God.
Mentions:
- FYI: Eating small amounts of paper is generally harmless, but it is better to avoid it, especially if it has ink on it. Paper has little to no nutritional value and is indigestible by the human body.
- Kate is the master of words so peach, who-haw and teetle-totter all describe Caroline’s baby-girl bottom.
- Donkey basketball is actually a thing! School districts take note; this would be a great team building activity for your teachers. HA!
Bible truth:
- The Christmas story is found in Matthew 1-2 and Luke 1-2
- Where did Zechariah and Elizabeth live? Most believe it was outside Jerusalem in the hill country. Mary could have traveled almost the same route to visit her cousin as she did when she made the Christmas journey with Joseph for the census. Read more here
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Did you ever sneak out to catch Santa in the act? REBECCA DID. She and Kate are talking all about creating the magical moments of Christmas by being present with our kids and slowing down when the world tells us to speed up. AND! The ladies are offering up some healthy Christmas competition during the month of December. Listen in to find out what they are competing over and check out our socials to vote for who you think will make it to the end.
Mentions:
- ‘The Christmas Shoes’ is not just a song, but a Hallmark movie too. Does it bring out strong emotion in you like it does in Kate? Read the story behind it here.
- Miniature Elf on the Shelf
- Star from Afar Christmas Activity Set
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Yall. We know Dax Shepherd does not play for the Cowboys. Listen in as we correct and re-visit some nonsense from episode 54 and take a deep dive into why gratitude matters and, while we have you with us, we’ll go ahead and offer a prayer of thanks to God together. Let’s jump in!
Mentions:
- Turkey gobblers are called SNOODS. What? More HERE
- Adult female turkeys are hens and young females are jennies
- Adult male turkeys are toms and young male turkeys are jakes
- Blog post on Gather Moms with all of the brain research about gratitude
- Verses about gratitude:
- 1 Thessalonians 5:18
- Philippians 4:6
- Colossians 3:17
- 2 Corinthians 2:9-11
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Thanksgiving is coming! What turkey day traditions and family favorites are you doing this year? Just like you clean out your closets; we’re cleaning out this upcoming holiday. Kate and Rebecca discuss everything from food to football and share what they would keep, toss or donate. With all the pandemic surprises over the last two years, there’s no wrong way to celebrate. Kate would choose ham over turkey and Rebecca would rather let Cracker Barrel do the cooking so there’s no cleanup. Thanksgiving is a time to express gratitude for God’s gifts so enjoy the moments, Mama! Let go of perfect tablescapes and multitudes of side dishes and appreciate the ones you call family. Wouldn’t it be fun if we could GATHER all of you for the biggest Thankful-potluck we could muster? One day in heaven, we’ll be doing just that!
Mentions:
- Lead pencils, don’t worry they’re not lead anymore. Read here!
- Hide thankful notes in your crescent rolls. Find instructions here.
- Dak Prescott is the Cowboys Quarterback. Dax Shepherd is an actor married to Kristen Bell. This doesn’t change the fact that the Cowboys are going to the Superbowl. Rebecca believes!
- Blog Post: Practicing Gratitude at Home
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We asked and you told us where you really need help. This episode answers your questions! Thank you for sharing your struggles and frustrations. Disclaimer: Kate and Rebecca are not perfect and don’t have it all figured out. We do offer some real help for your questions with insights, personal experiences and lots of understanding. We get you, MAMA! Join us as we share how to get kids to eat veggies, do their homework, and argue respectfully. We’re also tackling praying with our kids, time to yourself that isn’t covered in guilt and cell phones. Where do the answers to our questions ultimately come from? The word of God and Holy Spirit power. For REAL, we all need more of that!
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Tantrums, book fair, red ribbon week, trick or treating. We feel like these terms don’t carry the full weight of how a mom experiences them and we want to rectify that. What if we could re-name all these things to more accurately describe what they are? That is what we are doing in this episode. Join us for some real talk as we redefine terms moms use everyday.
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