Nothing is off the table but mostly motherhood, marriage, all things pop culture, faith, friendship and enneagrams. I will share it all, bare it all, the good, the bad and the beautiful. New Episodes every Tuesday. *Also follow my other Podcast: Homeschooling with Erin Clark where I explore all things homeschooling.
In this episode, Erin discusses back-to-school anxiety and offers practical tips for parents. She shares her personal experiences with her own children and emphasizes the importance of understanding the root causes of anxiety. Erin suggests strategies such as open communication, building relationships with teachers, creating comfort plans, and using positive affirmations. She also encourages parents to take care of themselves and seek support from other parents. Erin concludes with a prayer for parents and their children as they navigate the back-to-school season.
Scripture To Read Over Your Children to Combat Fear
Deuteronomy 31:6
I am strong, courageous and firm. I fear not and am not afraid for the Lord my God goes with me. He will not fail me or forsake me.
1 Peter 5:7
I cast all my cares, all of my fears on Him for He cares for me.
Psalm 91:45
God will cover me with His wings like an eagle, I will be safe in His care; His faithfulness will protect and defend me. I don’t need to be afraid of anything at night or in the day.
2 Timothy 1:7
God has not given me a spirit of fear and timidity but of power, love and a sound mind.
Isaiah 26:3
You will guard me and keep me in perfect and constant peace as my mind stays on you, because I commit myself to you, lean on you and hope confidently in You.
Psalm 27:1
“The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?”
Psalm 118:6-7
“The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. The Lord is with me; he is my helper.”
Joshua 1:9
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
In this conversation, Erin Clark discusses practical ways to make the back-to-school experience memorable and establish healthy routines. She emphasizes the importance of creating lasting memories and traditions, such as decorating the house, going on special family outings, and having a back-to-school morning parade. She also suggests incorporating books and special breakfasts into the first day of school, as well as hosting a goodbye summer celebration. Erin highlights the significance of creating rhythms and avoiding over-scheduling, including setting consistent wake-up times, and finding moments of connection throughout the day. She encourages parents to limit extracurricular activities and prioritize family time. Finally, Erin emphasizes the importance of bedtime routines, including prayer, reading scripture, and talking through fears and excitement before sleep.
Book Recommendations
Brave: A Teen Girl's Guide to Beating Worry and Anxiety by Sissy Goff
Raising Worry Free Girls by Sissy Goff
Braver, Stronger, Smarter by Sissy Goff
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Overview
02:40 Creating Lasting Memories and Bonding with Children
06:23 Involving Children in Back-to-School Preparations
08:57 Back-to-School Traditions and Special Moments
14:50 Establishing Healthy Routines and Avoiding Over-Scheduling
16:17 Morning Routine: Starting the Day with Intention
19:25 After-School Routine: Finding Relaxation and Connection
22:59 Evening Routine: Bedtime Rituals and Reducing Stress
26:02 Time Management Skills: Using Visible Calendars and Prioritizing
26:52 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
27:26 New Chapter
27:43 High (Short)
In this episode Erin shares ideas on how she cultivates peace in her home. These podcasts are unscripted and unedited, just like life…
In this episode of Beautiful Chaos, we delve into the important role of teaching children manners and its long-lasting impact on their character and relationships. From fostering a strong sense of empathy to enhancing communication skills, good manners are the building blocks of well-rounded individuals. Join us as we discuss practical tips, age-appropriate strategies, and the subtle nuances of raising polite, respectful, and empathetic kids in today's ever-changing world. Don't miss this essential guide for parents and caregivers seeking to nurture a positive and thoughtful environment for their little ones.
Erin shares the final part of her life stories from a 6 month period in time at 16years old.
In this podcast, I will share my personal story of a failed exchange program in Germany, and the lessons I learned from the experience. As a high school student, I was thrilled to have the opportunity to spend a semester in Germany, but the reality of the program turned out to be very different from my expectations. I will share the challenges I faced, and the impact that the experience had on my life. Join me as I share my story of resilience, growth, and ultimately, acceptance.
In this podcast, Erin shares a deeply personal and powerful story from her childhood. As a young girl, Erin trusted a doctor in a position of authority who was meant to help her. However, she soon found that this doctor was behaving inappropriately and making unwanted advances towards her. Despite the fear and confusion she felt, Erin found the courage to speak out. This led to a long and difficult process of seeking justice and healing.
Erin's story highlights the ways in which power dynamics can be abused, and the importance of standing up to injustice even when it feels scary or overwhelming. She will share the lessons she learned from her experience, including the importance of speaking up and seeking support, and the power of forgiveness in the healing process.
In this episode, we answer a listener's question about the top five things that moms need to stop stressing about. As moms, we often feel overwhelmed and pressured to do it all, but in reality, some things are just not worth the stress. We'll discuss how to prioritize our time and energy, and focus on what really matters in our lives and in our role as a mother.
First on the list is the pressure to keep the house clean and organized. We'll talk about how to set realistic expectations and let go of the guilt when things aren't perfect. Next, we'll address the expectations of others, including family members and society as a whole, and how to create boundaries and say "no" when necessary.
Third, we'll delve into the comparison trap and how to avoid the endless cycle of comparison and self-doubt. We'll discuss the importance of focusing on our own journey and finding joy in the present moment. Fourth, we'll tackle the small stuff, like forgetting to pack a snack or missing a deadline, and how to let go of the guilt and move on.
Finally, we'll talk about the importance of asking for help and not feeling like we have to do everything alone. We'll discuss the benefits of building a support system and reaching out for help when we need it.
This podcast is for all moms who struggle with feelings of guilt, overwhelm, and stress. Join us as we provide practical tips and advice for letting go of the things that don't matter and focusing on what truly brings joy and fulfillment to our lives as mothers. Let's let go of mom guilt and embrace the journey of motherhood with grace and confidence.
In this episode Erin shares 5 ways to build a strong & intentional marriage.Communication is KeyMake Time for Each OtherLove LavishlyWork as a TeamCultivate Intimacy
Erin shares 5 ways to cultivate a lifelong friendship with your child using the example of Jesus' friendship with his disciples.
All things new! Erin shares where she's been the last year and where y'all are going on this adventure. Grab a coffee and enjoy this beautiful chaos!
Erin shares practical ideas to make your Christmas season meaningful and intentional. sugarlovedesigns.com promo code: erinclark15
Erin shares forty lessons she has learned in her 40 years, from friendship to family and everything in between.
How can we practically love our neighbours during this jam packed holiday season? Between Canadian Thanksgiving, Halloween, Diwali, Remembrance Day, American Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas & New Years (I'm sure I'm missing one) we have so many natural opportunities to practically love our neighbours and those in our community.
I'm all about redeeming the everyday moments to build deeper connection with my girls. Beyond the everyday connection we have 3 milestone traditions we do with our girls, special rites of passage at 11, 13 & 16 that are intentional and meaningful. Plus, a bonus Newborn tradition that may or may not include singing.
Six Ways to Keep the "Little" in Your Girl by Dannah Gresh
The Back Door to Your Teen's Heart by Sissy Goff
I believe being an intentional person means everything you do is done with a clear purpose and focus. It's not about adding to your to-do list, it's about being intentional in the everyday and giving value to the areas that matter most to you.
Prioritize What Matters Most
Have a Plan
Have Clear Goals
Be Intentional
Prioritize Relationships that Matter Most
In today's episode Erin has an open and honest discussion with Greta Eskridge about protecting our children from the devastating effects of pornography and the conversations we MUST be having. Not a one-time warning, but an ongoing open dialogue with our kids. Not sure how where to start? Have a listen as we share The Good, the Bad & the Beautiful of pornography and how to protect our kids.
"If we truly want to protect our children from pornography, we have to be wiling to be radically different from the rest of the world." Greta Eskridge
(*I am working on the sound quality on my end for future interviews.)
Resources to help your family fight pornography & to cultivate a healthy sexual culture in your home
Compiled by Greta Eskridge -- www.gretaeskridge.com
Books
Books addressing pornography and body safety (to read with your kids):
Good Pictures Bad Pictures Jr. by Kristen Jensen (ages 5-8)
Good Pictures Bad Pictures by Kristen Jensen (ages 9-12)
God Made All of Me by Justin and Lindsey Holcomb (ages 4-10)
How to Talk to Your Kids About Pornography by Alexander Dina (ages 12-18)
Books addressing pornography (for adults to read):
The Porn Myth by Matt Fradd
Every Parent’s Battle—a Family Guide to Resisting Pornography by Dan Spencer III
Books Addressing Healthy Tech Use:
The Tech-Wise Family by Andy Crouch
Find Greta on Instagram for lots more info and resources on fighting porn-- @maandpamodern
If you’d like more information on any of these resources, or to have Greta Eskridge speak at your church or event, please send inquiries to: gretaeskridge@gmail.com
In this special Mother's Day episode I sit down with each of my 3 girls Isabella (10), Hayden (12) & Sienna (14) and have candid (maybe a little too candid) conversations on qualities that are important to make a mom great! Each perspective is unique. They share it all; The Good, the Bad & the Beautiful.
Erin Answers Your Questions - "Any advice on hormonal girls? My daughter is 9 and I'm wondering where my sweet, caring, always lovely child went."
Recommended Books Six Ways to Keep the "Little" in Your Girl by Dannah Gresh Courageous by Terra A. Mattson
In this episode I share where I'm at emotionally, how I have found a new joy and peace and moved forward from a new wave of anxiety in this season.
On today's podcast:
Jennie Allen Post (April 15, 2021) @jenniesallen
Soundtracks Book by Jon Acuff
"3 years seems like a long time, but it also doesn't. I feel like a lot has happened since, but sometimes it feels like just yesterday that I opened my door for the Delta Police, they sat me down at the kitchen table and told me my husband; Chris Ekren, had passed away. The hardest thing for me to talk about to this day is that moment I found out. It was the moment my life flipped completely upside down. My worst nightmare had come true. This could not be real life. This is a movie. I remember saying that multiple times – “This doesn’t feel like real life.” "
www.marieskerlphoto.com
"For many in the wold, even Christmas is a season of darkness, a time when the loss of loved ones, the reality of loneliness, the pain of estrangement is all made sharper by its contrast with the prevailing mood of joy that engenders in others. Holy Innocents brings that suffering into focus, validating its reality and reminding us that God is present with us in the midst of our pain. Christmas does not ignore pain, it embraces it and transforms it." K.C Ireton
What is Advent? How can we redeem the season?
You Become what you Behold. Erin talks about how God has been working in her life to remove distractions and focus on God's calling. What is God calling you to?
Shannon shares her story of hope amid unimaginable loss. Two years ago as a young mother of three her life drastically changed in an instant. You can follow her journey at www.hopeinthehurting.com
Ever feel like you're not enough? How about too much? Erin talks about anxiety, criticism and our identity in Christ.
Sometimes life is interrupted. Erin shares how she has learned to embrace these interruptions and see the beauty and blessings that come from stepping into these moments head on.
Erin talks about intentional vs. unintentional culture in the home. How missions became an intentional part of their families culture and how she stepped out scared and God showed up over and over again.
Erin shares personal experiences and explores how God makes you flourish when you stop making it about you.
In this episode I share my experience of growing up with crippling fear and my journey to freedom. "Fear. The earliest emotion and feeling I recall. Fear. It dictated my life. Told me what to do and how to think. Fear had control over every facet of my life..."
Mark Clark is my first guest, because I love him, he loves me and quite frankly 1. he is more popular than me and 2. I know he'll promote it if it's about him. Just joking, he'd promote it if I was talking about carrots. Lucky for you that's not the case. We talk "lively" about: our Dating life, our break-up, our Enneagram's, marriage, parenting, and how I'm the boss!!
I had the opportunity to speak at a couple online women's conferences during covid-19 about how to make every moment of chaos count as it pertains to Fun, Faith and Friendship with our kids. This is a recording of that talk.
In this episode I want you to get to know me better. I briefly share my “perfectly reasonable” obsession with quoted sweatshirts, my irrational fear of cats, how there is never too much information, my recovery from NETFLIX binging, my husband, aka, bestie, motherhood, life as a pastor’s wife, homeschooling and more...