MomQ: Join the Conversation: Recent Episodes
MomQ Media
Join the conversation to help mothers from all stages of life find hope, peace and joy in their journey. From practical tips to sharing biblical wisdom, we talk about topics that matter most to moms.
What if stepping back from social media could open the door to a more peaceful, purposeful life?
Sandy Cooper joins the conversation to share her story of letting go of online pressure, leaning into God, and rediscovering creativity and joy.
This episode is a breath of fresh air for moms feeling overwhelmed by comparison and digital noise. You’ll walk away encouraged to protect your mental health, embrace rest, and find freedom outside the scroll.
Takeaways
- Sandy Cooper encourages moms to find peace through intentional breaks from social media.
- Social media can contribute to feelings of comparison and anxiety among mothers.
- Taking breaks from social media can lead to greater clarity and focus on personal goals.
- Sandy emphasizes the importance of trusting God in navigating motherhood and ministry.
- Many moms feel overwhelmed by the demands of social media and seek alternatives.
- Sandy's journey illustrates the potential for growth and creativity after stepping away from social media.
- The conversation highlights the need for community support and connection outside of social media.
- Sandy's experience shows that it's possible to thrive without social media.
- Moms should prioritize their mental health and well-being over social media engagement.
- Sandy offers practical tips for managing social media use and finding balance in life.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Sandy Cooper's Ministry
04:07 The Journey into Ministry for Moms
06:56 Navigating the Challenges of Motherhood
09:43 The Role of Social Media in Sandy's Life
12:29 The Decision to Leave Social Media
14:56 Life After Social Media
18:03 The Struggle with Social Media Addiction
20:39 Impact of Social Media on Moms
25:33 Finding Balance and Healthy Boundaries
27:56 The Call to Leave Social Media
34:16 Embracing Freedom in Christ
36:54 Navigating Ministry and Motherhood
37:47 The Impact of Social Media on Our Lives
Resources
The Scoop on Balance Website
The Balanced MomCast
Writing Off Social Website
Writing Off Social: The Podcast
MomQ at your Church with MomQ Curriculum
In this heartfelt episode, Leslie Colburn opens up about her journey of motherhood after losing her mom to cancer.
She shares how her mother’s influence shaped her parenting, and the struggles of grieving while raising children. Leslie introduces her powerful GRIEF framework—Grieve, Remember, Invite, Encourage, Empathize, and Faith—as a guide for moms navigating loss. Through writing love letters to her daughters, she honors her mother’s legacy while offering hope and healing to women walking a similar path. This conversation is a reminder that even in seasons of loss, faith, community, and connection can carry you forward.
Takeaways
- A mother’s influence continues to shape us even after loss.
- Grief is not linear—healing takes time and grace.
- Inviting others into your grief journey helps lighten the burden.
- Community support is essential for moms facing loss.
- Leslie’s GRIEF acronym offers practical steps to process pain.
- Remembering loved ones can bring comfort and meaning.
- Encouragement and empathy strengthen relationships during grief.
- Faith provides hope and direction through the hardest seasons.
- Writing letters to your children can be a healing legacy practice.
- Sharing your story creates space for others to find hope and healing.
Chapters
00:00 The Influence of a Mother
03:37 Navigating Loss and Identity
06:56 Finding Faith in Grief
10:08 Understanding Grief: The GRIEF Acronym
16:33 The Importance of Remembering
19:59 Inviting Community into Grief
23:35 Encouragement and Empathy in Grief
26:49 Writing Love Letters and Legacy
Resources
Learn more about Leslie Colburn
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In this powerful conversation, Bill High shares how he walked away from a successful law career to help families discover what it truly means to leave a legacy. Instead of focusing only on financial inheritance, he invites families to think about the values, faith, and traditions they’re passing down to their children and future generations.
Together, we explore real-life struggles like family conflict and the hard conversations every parent faces, while also unpacking biblical wisdom for communication, forgiveness, and unity at home.
Bill reminds us that community and belonging are just as essential as money when it comes to building a strong family legacy. Whether you’re raising teens, navigating family drama, or praying your kids hold on to their faith, this episode offers practical tools and encouragement to help you shape a legacy that lasts.
Takeaways
- Bill transitioned from law to legacy ministry after realizing his calling.
- Legacy is defined as what you set in motion, not just what you leave behind.
- Conflict can be a tool for growth and reflection of the gospel.
- Families should have regular meetings to discuss values and conflicts.
- Community and belonging are essential for strengthening family faith.
- Intentionality in family communication fosters a healthy environment.
- A conflict code can help families navigate disagreements effectively.
- Geography and proximity matter in maintaining family connections.
- Restoration is possible through biblical conflict resolution.
- Faithfulness today can set the trajectory for future generations.
Chapters
00:00 From Law to Legacy: A Journey of Faith
05:01 Defining Legacy: Beyond Inheritance
09:53 The Importance of Family Dynamics
15:03 Navigating Conflict: A Biblical Approach
20:04 Building a Family Culture: Intentionality in Action
24:59 The Theology of Place: Community and Belonging
29:59 Restoration Through Conflict Resolution
34:57 Encouragement for Moms: Faithfulness in Family Life
Resources
Learn more about Legacy Stone
More of Bill High
MomQ in your church with MomQ Curriculum
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What happens when a young woman facing an unplanned pregnancy is met with love instead of judgment?
In this powerful episode, Amy Ford shares her deeply personal story of becoming pregnant at 19 and the emotional rollercoaster that followed—fear, shame, and the sting of rejection, even within the church. Her experience exposed a critical need for more compassionate, grace-filled responses to women in crisis, especially in faith communities.
Determined to change the narrative, Amy founded Embrace Grace, a faith-based nonprofit that offers support, community, and resources to women experiencing unplanned pregnancies. She introduces the idea of moving beyond being simply pro-life to being pro-love—meeting people where they are with empathy and grace.
We also dive into the role of the church, the power of healing from past decisions, and how the next generation can be equipped to walk alongside their peers in love. Whether you're a parent, church leader, or someone with a heart for supporting women, this conversation will inspire you to see unplanned pregnancy through a lens of hope and transformation.
Takeaways
- Amy experienced an unplanned pregnancy at 19 that changed the trajectory of her life.
- She faced fear, shame, and isolation—but ultimately chose to keep her baby.
- Many churches unintentionally isolate women facing unplanned pregnancies.
- Embrace Grace was born out of a desire to fill that gap with love and support.
- The program offers baby showers, mentorship, and community support through local churches.
- Amy encourages a shift from being only pro-life to being truly pro-love.
- Healing and forgiveness are possible through God’s grace—no one is disqualified.
- Parents should engage in open, honest conversations about sex and relationships with their children.
- Amy redefines purity: it’s a posture of the heart, not a status you can lose.
- Powerful stories of transformation and redemption show the impact of love over judgment.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to a Powerful Story
02:56 Amy's Journey Through Unplanned Pregnancy
05:48 The Impact of Forgiveness and Healing
08:45 Embrace Grace: A Ministry of Support
11:55 Pro-Love vs. Pro-Life: A New Perspective
15:03 Creating Safe Spaces for Women
17:58 The Call to Ministry: A Vision from God
20:52 Transforming Lives Through Embrace Grace
24:02 Empowering the Next Generation
27:13 Stories of Transformation and Hope
Resources
Learn more about Embrace Grace
MomQ in your Church with MomQ Curriculum
Have you’ve ever felt pulled in a thousand directions? This episode will meet you right in that swirl of motherhood. Abbey Wedgeworth, author, mom, and teacher, joins us to share real-life encouragement for parenting with intention—even in the middle of grocery lists, sibling arguments, and mental overload.
She introduces her "Three to Five Method"—a refreshingly simple way for busy moms to root themselves in Scripture. This isn’t another to-do list item. It’s a quiet invitation to recalibrate your soul in the Word, even when time and energy feel scarce.
We also talk about raising children with a heart-first approach—moving beyond just correcting behavior and instead nurturing wisdom, empathy, and emotional fluency. Abbey gives practical tools for discipling kids, resolving sibling conflict, and using everyday moments (yes, even the chaotic ones) to speak life and truth into your children.
Most importantly, she reminds us that you don’t have to do this alone. Parenting is sacred work, and the Holy Spirit is your constant, faithful companion.
Takeaways
- The Three to Five Method helps busy Christian moms stay consistent in Bible study, even with limited time.
- Discipling your children can happen naturally in everyday routines—mealtime, school pickups, and even sibling squabbles.
- Empathy is essential for teaching kids how to navigate conflict resolution and build emotional intelligence.
- Effective parenting means focusing on your child’s heart and character, not just their outward behavior.
- Using biblical character words helps children understand their identity in Christ from a young age.
- Being emotionally present with your kids can reduce overwhelm and promote connection over chaos.
- Prayer is a powerful parenting tool—a way to surrender control and invite the Holy Spirit into everyday challenges.
- Teaching kids how to express themselves clearly builds confidence and healthy communication habits.
- Lifelong relationship skills like peacemaking and forgiveness start with practicing conflict resolution at home.
- Moms need ongoing encouragement, community, and spiritual support in their parenting journey.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Abbey Wedgeworth
02:51 The Three to Five Method of Bible Study
05:34 Discipling Children Through Daily Life
07:44 Five Questions for Wisdom and Discernment
10:08 Teaching Kids About Communication
12:55 Navigating Sibling Conflict
15:49 Empowering Kids Through Conflict Resolution
18:30 Shepherding Hearts, Not Just Behaviour
Resources
Abbey Wedgeworth Website
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In this episode, Candace Nassar and guest Laurie Christine, dive into the challenges and joys of raising boys in today’s culture through a biblical lens. They unpack the importance of instilling godly values, understanding gender differences by God’s design, and intentionally guiding boys into strong, courageous manhood. Laurie shares practical wisdom for all parents—including single moms—on how to provide positive male role models, celebrate key milestones, and navigate the journey from boyhood to manhood with Kingdom purpose.
Whether you're raising toddlers or teens, this episode will equip and encourage you to parent boys with faith, courage, and clarity
Takeaways
- God sees you, He's with you.
- We want our boys to be strong, courageous warriors for the kingdom of God.
- Boys and girls are different, and that is by God's design.
- It's important to be the first ones to introduce tough topics to our kids.
- Boys have an innate sense of protection and adventure.
- We need to teach boys and girls differently based on their unique designs.
- Celebrating manhood is crucial in guiding boys into adulthood.
- Single moms should seek positive male influences for their sons.
- Don't underestimate the influence of a mother in a boy's life.
- Encouraging kids for the Kingdom of God is essential for their growth.
Chapters
00:00 Intentional Parenting: Launching Boys into Manhood
19:24 Celebrating Manhood: The 13th Birthday Ritual
24:37 Single Moms: Nurturing Boys Without a Father Figure
30:13 Introduction to Intentional Parenting
30:42 Resources for Guiding Boys to Godly Manhood
Resources
Laurie Christine Website/Podcast
Dragon Slayer Bible Series Book
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In this moving episode, author Christine shares the deeply personal story behind her Bible study More Than Enough, inspired by her son’s battle with cancer and her journey through suffering and surrender. She discusses how faith can anchor us in life’s hardest moments, what it looks like to trust God when everything feels uncertain, and how to model that kind of trust for our children.
We dive into the challenges of parenting through fear, the tension of control versus surrender, and the power of reconciliation in our spiritual walk. Christine reminds us that God truly is more than enough—providing strength, comfort, and purpose in every season. If you’ve ever questioned God's presence in pain, this episode will remind you that you’re not alone—and that hope is always within reach.
Takeaways
- God's strength is revealed in our weaknesses.
- Suffering is a universal experience that can lead to growth.
- Generosity is a key theme in Paul's letters.
- Modelling faith for our children is crucial.
- Trusting God requires surrendering control.
- Prayer and community support are vital during trials.
- The ministry of reconciliation is essential in relationships.
-
God provides what we need in every situation.
-
- Trusting God is a continuous journey of faithChapters
00:00 The Journey to 'More Than Enough'
04:56 Facing Suffering and Finding Strength
07:27 God's Provision in Weakness
09:45 The Power of Generosity
11:42 Embracing Weakness for Strength
14:05 The Role of Prayer in Suffering
17:47 Modeling Faith for Our Children
19:39 The Ministry of Reconciliation
21:53 Trusting God Through Trials
24:14 The Impact of Suffering on Faith
26:28 Overcoming Fear and Anxiety
34:34 Finding Strength in Weakness
35:00 God's Comfort and Generosity
Resources
Christine Hoover Website, Instagram
More Than Enough Study Book, other Bible Study options
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In this powerful conversation, host Candace Nassar welcomes Hillary Morgan Ferrer and Amy Davison from Mama Bear Apologetics to help moms navigate the challenges of parenting in today’s complex culture.
They discuss the importance of teaching children about God’s design for sex and setting healthy sexual boundaries rooted in a Christian worldview. This episode is essential for moms concerned about protecting their kids from confusing messages around sexuality, gender identity, and LGBTQ+ culture.
The conversation also tackles the growing problem of pornography accessibility and offers moms guidance on proactive, faith-based conversations to safeguard their children’s hearts and minds.
With a focus on compassion and strong family values, this episode equips moms to confidently address sensitive issues and foster resilience in their children amidst today’s cultural pressures.
Takeaways
- Apologetics provides reasons for belief and understanding.
- Sexuality is a covenantal sign within marriage.
- Boundaries are essential for understanding the value of sexuality.
- Worldview shapes how we perceive and engage with sexuality.
- Cultural narratives have shifted sexuality from a moral to a political issue.
- Parents must be aware of school curriculums regarding sexuality education.
- The Founder's Principle highlights the importance of early education on topics.
- Identifying as LGBTQ+ has become a means of expressing uniqueness. The victimhood mindset is prevalent in today's culture.
- Many young people identify as LGBTQ to avoid being seen as oppressors.
- Social media influences adolescents' perceptions of identity.
- The average age of first exposure to pornography is alarmingly low.
- Parents must take proactive measures to protect their children from pornography.
- There is no privacy when it comes to children's phones.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Apologetics and Mama Bear Apologetics
03:01 Understanding God's Design for Sex
05:57 The Importance of Boundaries in Sexuality
09:03 Worldview and Its Impact on Sexuality
12:09 Sexuality as a Cultural and Political Issue
15:07 Navigating School Curriculums on Sexuality
18:09 Identity and the Rise of LGBTQ+ Identification
25:57 Victimhood Mindset and Identity Politics
28:17 The Rise of Gender Identity Confusion
29:24 Navigating Gender Identity in Adolescence
34:02 The Pornography Epidemic
39:17 Protecting Children from Pornography
44:25 Engaging with Ideologies Compassionately
Resources
Mama Bear Apologetics
Mama Bear Apologetics guide to Sexuality Book
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In this heartfelt conversation, Monica Zerwas shares her journey of motherhood, faith, and the decision to homeschool her four daughters.
She discusses the challenges of transitioning from a corporate career to a life rooted in family and faith, emphasizing the importance of simplicity and contentment in a consumer-driven society.
Monica reflects on how Hurricane Harvey shifted her values, why she stopped wearing makeup, and how she’s teaching her daughters contentment, self-worth, and the power of delayed gratification.
Takeaways
- Monica's journey from corporate success to homeschooling was guided by faith.
- The importance of family meals and quality time in parenting.
- Materialism can lead to dissatisfaction and a false sense of success.
- Teaching children about contentment is crucial in today's consumer culture.
- Experiences are more valuable than material possessions for children.
- The decision to stop wearing makeup was a journey of self-acceptance.
- Conversations about beauty standards are essential for raising confident daughters.
- Living simply can lead to a more fulfilling life.
- The impact of Hurricane Harvey reshaped Monica's understanding of what truly matters.
- It's important to challenge societal norms and expectations.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Family Life and Homeschooling
02:52 Faith Journey and the Call to Homeschool
05:54 The Shift from Corporate to Homeschooling
09:04 Living Simply: A Counter-Cultural Choice
11:54 The Impact of Materialism and Consumerism
14:49 Teaching Contentment and Delayed Gratification
17:55 The Decision to Stop Wearing Makeup
21:00 Conversations on Beauty and Self-Acceptance
Monica Zerwas Instagram
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In this engaging conversation, Hannah Crews shares her journey of motherhood, emphasizing the importance of joy, resilience, and personal growth. She discusses how motherhood has refined her character and deepened her faith, while also providing practical advice on choosing joy amidst life's challenges.
The discussion touches on the significance of gratitude, the impact of mindset, and the importance of teaching children about joy and resilience. Hannah also shares her personal testimony of redemption and the difference between seeking holiness versus happiness in life. The conversation concludes with insights on confidence and the role of the Holy Spirit in living a joyful life.
Takeaways
- Motherhood is a continuous journey of growth and learning.
- Joy is a choice we can make every day.
- We should not stay in the valley of despair; we are meant to walk through it.
- Finding joy in adversity can lead to personal transformation.
- Practical steps like exercise and gratitude can enhance our joy.
- Our mindset and what we consume affect our emotional health.
- Teaching children about resilience is crucial for their development.
- Sharing our testimonies can help others find hope and healing.
- Holiness leads to true joy, unlike fleeting happiness.
- Confidence comes from understanding our identity in Christ.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Joyful Motherhood
03:02 The Journey of Motherhood and Personal Growth
05:45 Finding Joy in Adversity
08:55 Choosing Joy Amidst Challenges
11:58 Practical Steps to Cultivate Joy
14:48 The Power of Gratitude and Mindset
17:55 Teaching Children About Joy and Resilience
21:03 Personal Testimonies of Redemption
23:56 Holiness vs. Happiness in Motherhood
27:04 Confidence and Joy in God's Purpose
Hannah Crews Book
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In this heartfelt conversation, Julie Busler shares her profound journey through grief, loss, and mental health struggles. From losing her mother to cancer and her father to suicide, Julie reflects on the emotional neglect she experienced and how it shaped her life. She discusses her call to the mission field in Turkey, the challenges of serving while grappling with her own trauma, and the importance of seeking help. Julie emphasizes the need for open conversations about mental health, especially with children, and offers valuable insights on healing and vulnerability.
Takeaways
- Grief is a complex journey that many navigate poorly.
- Emotional neglect can have lasting effects on mental health.
- It's important to talk about trauma and loss openly.
- Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
- Children need to feel safe discussing their feelings.
- Mental health struggles can affect anyone, regardless of faith.
- Healing often requires professional help alongside faith.
- Vulnerability can foster deeper connections with others.
- It's crucial to recognize and address distorted thoughts.
- God can use our brokenness for His purpose.
00:00 Introduction to Julie Busler's Journey
01:43 Navigating Grief and Loss
08:30 The Call to the Mission Field
12:51 Breaking Point in Turkey
20:31 The Stigma of Mental Health
23:00 Talking to Kids About Mental Health
32:45 Final Thoughts and Advice
Julie Busler Resources
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In this conversation, Courtney DeFeo shares her experiences as a mother of two teenage girls, her career journey from marketing to motherhood, and the importance of instilling godly wisdom in parenting. She discusses the significance of love in family dynamics, the challenges of navigating conflicts, and the role of prayer in fostering understanding and compassion among children. The conversation emphasizes the need for parents to model conflict resolution and to take ownership of their actions while teaching their children to do the same. In this conversation, Candace Nassar and Courtney DeFeo discuss the complexities of parenting, particularly in relation to accountability, conflict resolution, and the challenges of bullying. They explore how to empower children to handle conflicts, the importance of setting boundaries, and the role of trust in relationships. The discussion also emphasizes the need for parents to model love, forgiveness, and healthy communication, especially in the context of family dynamics and societal pressures.
Takeaways
- Courtney DeFeo emphasizes the importance of family and travel in creating lasting memories.
- She shares her journey from a marketing career to motherhood and writing.
- The significance of godly wisdom in parenting is highlighted, particularly the verse 'love covers a multitude of sin.'
- Courtney encourages parents to model love and acceptance for their children.
- She discusses the challenges of parenting teenage girls and the importance of communication.
- Conflict resolution is a key theme, with a focus on teaching children to navigate disagreements.
- The idea of taking ownership of one's actions in conflicts is stressed.
- Courtney shares practical advice on how to explain biblical concepts to children.
- The role of prayer in changing hearts and fostering understanding is emphasized.
- Bullying requires a balance of validation and teaching grace.
- Children's personalities affect how they handle conflict.
- Empowering kids means allowing them to navigate their own issues.
- Setting boundaries is essential for healthy relationships.
- Trust is foundational in friendships and family dynamics.
- Modeling forgiveness helps children learn to forgive.
- Prayer and guidance are vital in parenting.
- Recognizing patterns of behaviour is key to addressing issues.
- Navigating family conflict teaches children valuable lessons.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Family and Travel
02:57 Career Journey and Motherhood
05:56 Godly Wisdom for Parenting
08:58 Teaching Love and Conflict Resolution
11:46 Navigating Conflict with Kids
15:03 The Role of Prayer in Parenting
15:23 Navigating Accountability and Conflict Resolution
16:13 Understanding Bullying and Its Impact
18:41 Empowering Kids to Handle Conflict
21:52 Setting Boundaries and Recognizing Patterns
25:18 Building Trust and Healthy Relationships
26:21 Modeling Love and Forgiveness
29:01 Family Dynamics and Navigating Conflict
Courtney DeFeo Resources
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In this enlightening conversation, Candace Nassar and Bethany Kimsey explore the profound impact of prayer in motherhood. They discuss the importance of surrendering control to God, the transformative journey from anxiety to peace through prayer, and the power of praying God's word for children. Bethany shares insights on her prayer journal designed for mothers, emphasizing the significance of praying intentionally and the unity it brings to families. The conversation concludes with practical tips for busy moms to incorporate prayer into their daily lives and resources for further support.
Takeaways
- Embrace that you're not in control; it's freeing.
- God wants to walk closely with you in motherhood.
- Prayer can transform anxiety into peace.
- Praying God's word holds power for our children.
- Writing down prayers helps track God's work.
- Prayer journals can guide intentional prayer.
- Unity in prayer strengthens family bonds.
- Moms can pray for their children in just 10 minutes.
- It's important to celebrate small victories in prayer.
- Prayer is a continuous journey, not a destination.
- titles
- The Transformative Power of Prayer in Motherhood
- Surrendering Control: A Mother's Journey
- From Anxiety to Peace: The Role of Prayer
Chapters
00:00 The Power of Prayer in Motherhood
05:07 Embracing Control and Surrendering to God
10:03 Transformative Journey: From Anxiety to Peace
14:55 Praying God’s Word for Our Children
19:50 The Structure and Purpose of the Prayer Journal
25:05 Praying Together: Building Family Unity
29:56 Practical Tips for Busy Moms
35:02 Resources and Final Thoughts
Warrior Motherhood Resources
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In this conversation, registered dietitian Abbie Stassior shares her journey of transforming her approach to nutrition through a faith-based lens. She discusses her past struggles with eating disorders, the importance of a healthy relationship with food, and how her faith has guided her in helping others. Abbie emphasizes the significance of meal times as moments of connection with God and offers practical tips for improving one's relationship with food, drawing on biblical principles. In this conversation, Abbie Stasior and Candace Nassar discuss the importance of consistent eating habits, the implications of intermittent fasting, and how to teach children healthy eating practices. They emphasize the need for mindfulness around food, the significance of rest and self-care, and the role of intuitive eating in maintaining a healthy relationship with food. The discussion also touches on the spiritual aspect of nourishment and the importance of family dynamics in fostering healthy eating habits.
Takeaways
- Abby specializes in helping Christian women heal their relationship with food.
- Her business underwent a radical conversion to a faith-based approach.
- She experienced a significant encounter with the Holy Spirit that changed her path.
- Abby struggled with her own eating disorder, which informs her coaching.
- The Lord pursued Abby through various life challenges and led her to her calling.
- She emphasizes the importance of prayer and intentionality in meal times.
- Abby encourages seeing meal times as a time of consecration to the Lord.
- She highlights the need for balance in meals and listening to one's body.
- Abby discusses the impact of societal pressures on body image and worth.
- Her journey illustrates the connection between faith, wellness, and nutrition. Eating consistently helps manage hunger and fullness cues.
- Intermittent fasting may not be suitable for everyone.
- Children are naturally intuitive eaters and can teach us about hunger.
- Honouring hunger is essential for a healthy relationship with food.
- Stress and cortisol levels can be managed through proper nutrition.
- Rest and self-care are crucial for overall well-being.
- Meal planning can help maintain a balanced diet.
- Teaching kids about food should be done with curiosity and observation.
- Labeling food neutrally can help children develop a healthy relationship with food.
- Creating family rhythms around meals can enhance connection and health.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Faith-Based Nutrition Coaching
03:01 Abby's Journey to Faith and Dietetics
06:14 Overcoming Eating Disorders and Finding Freedom
12:06 Jesus' Model for Healthy Eating
17:59 Practical Tips for a Better Relationship with Food
20:41 The Importance of Eating Consistently
23:07 Intermittent Fasting: Pros and Cons
28:30 Teaching Kids Healthy Eating Habits
34:34 Finding Balance: Work, Rest, and Nutrition
Your Daily Bread Podcast
In this episode of the MomQ Podcast, host Candace Nassar speaks with Monica Gelinas, the Executive Director of CC4C, about her journey through motherhood, faith, and the struggles of infertility. Monica shares her powerful story of waiting, surrendering to God's will, and ultimately experiencing miraculous answers to her prayers. The conversation emphasizes the importance of faith, gratitude, and the lessons learned through difficult times, offering encouragement to those facing similar challenges.
Takeaways
- Monica's journey reflects the struggles many face in motherhood.
- Waiting can be a time of preparation for God's plans.
- Surrendering to God can lead to profound peace.
- God's timing is often different from our expectations.
- Gratitude can transform our perspectives during tough times.
- Sharing our struggles can help others in their journeys.
- Miracles can happen when we least expect them.
- Faith can be strengthened through trials and waiting.
- It's important to have a support system during difficult times.
- Hope is essential, and we should never give up on our prayers.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Monica's Journey
02:41 Monica's Early Life and Family Background
06:24 The Struggles of Infertility
11:50 Crisis of Faith and Waiting on God
15:33 The Turning Point: Surrendering to God
19:10 Miracles and the Birth of Quadruplets
22:46 Lessons Learned and Encouragement for Others
27:15 Embracing the Journey of Faith
28:10 Finding Peace in Uncertainty
Monica Gelinas Website
Monica Gelinas IG
CC4C Website
In this conversation, Candace Nassar and Ashlee Carroll discuss the importance of foster care, the role of organizations like Foster Village in supporting families, and the need for community involvement. They emphasize the significance of prayer and trust in God when considering foster care, and how these experiences can lead to profound blessings and life changes for both foster families and children.
Takeaways
- Foster care is essential in a broken world.
- Organizations like Foster Village provide crucial support.
- Prayer is the foundation for making decisions about foster care.
- Community involvement is vital for addressing the foster care crisis.
- Foster care can change the lives of both children and families.
- It's important to advocate for vulnerable children and families.
- Fear should not prevent us from helping others in need.
- Building relationships with foster families strengthens the community.
- God's plan is always better than our own.
- Foster care experiences can teach compassion and service to our children.
- titles
- Fostering Hope: The Importance of Community Support
- Navigating the Foster Care System: Insights and Experiences
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Foster Care Advocacy
04:24 Understanding Foster Village and Its Mission
06:59 The Need for Foster Care
09:35 God's Heart for Orphans and Widows
10:53 Personal Journey into Foster Care
10:53 God's Heart for Foster Care
13:13 Getting Involved: The CASA Experience
Foster Village Website
In this conversation, Kari Baker shares her journey of parenting a child with autism and ADHD, discussing the challenges and triumphs she faced along the way. She emphasizes the importance of understanding neurodiversity, overcoming guilt and shame, and nurturing a child's identity in Christ. Kari also highlights the significance of community support and the tools she developed to help her son manage his emotions. Ultimately, she reflects on how faith and trust in God transformed her perspective and parenting approach.
Takeaways
- Kari's journey reflects the challenges of parenting a child with autism.
- Understanding neurodiversity is crucial for supporting children with invisible differences.
- Guilt and shame are common feelings for parents of neurodiverse children.
- Faith can provide a new perspective on parenting challenges.
- Tools for emotional regulation can help children express their feelings.
- Instilling a strong identity in Christ is vital for children with special needs.
- Community support is essential for families facing similar challenges.
- Every child has unique gifts and talents that should be nurtured.
- Crisis can lead to a deeper relationship with God.
- Pride can hinder our ability to seek help and support.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Personal Background
05:46 Reflections on Parenting and Diagnosis
12:08 The Journey of Faith and Trust
20:08 Instilling Identity in Christ
25:56 Nurturing Gifts and Talents
32:03 Conclusion and Resources
Kari A. Baker website
In this episode of the MomQ podcast, host Candace Nassar welcomes Sandra Stanley and her daughter Allie Stanley Cooney to discuss their book 'Meet Me in the Middle.' The conversation explores the importance of mother-daughter relationships, faith-based discussions, and navigating the challenges of adolescence. They emphasize the significance of identity in Christ, the dangers of comparison, and the necessity of building healthy relationships. The episode also addresses common fears faced by both mothers and daughters, encouraging open communication and vulnerability. Overall, the discussion aims to equip mothers and daughters with the tools to foster strong, God-centered relationships.
takeaways
The book 'Meet Me in the Middle' focuses on mother-daughter conversations.
Identity in Christ is foundational for young girls.
Moms and daughters should celebrate each other's successes.
Navigating the comparison trap is crucial for mental health.
Healthy relationships are built on mutual respect and love.
Moms can model vulnerability to encourage open dialogue.
Understanding fears can strengthen the mother-daughter bond.
The importance of discussing faith openly in families.
Moms should be students of their children's lives.
Building a strong relationship with God is essential for families.
titles
Navigating Motherhood with Faith
Empowering Young Girls Through Identity
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Meet Me in the Middle
04:32 Backgrounds and Inspirations
07:45 The Importance of Faith Conversations
11:25 The Role of Identity in Faith
14:53 Understanding Identity and Its Impact
19:00 Navigating the Comparison Trap
22:39 Building Relationships Through Love
28:37 The Dynamics of Mother-Daughter Relationships
31:56 Navigating Relationships in High School
39:45 Identifying and Sharing Fears
41:29 Conclusion and Resources
Sandra's Website
Sandra and Alli's book
In this enlightening conversation, Heather Creekmore shares her journey of overcoming body image issues and the cultural pressures surrounding aging. She discusses the importance of recognizing body image as an idol and how it affects women's self-worth. Heather emphasizes the need for a biblical perspective on aging, encouraging women to embrace their worth beyond physical appearance. The discussion also touches on the challenges of being part of the sandwich generation, the importance of surrendering control, and how to instill a positive body image in daughters. Heather provides valuable resources for women struggling with body image issues, highlighting that true peace comes from understanding one's worth in Christ.
Takeaways
Body image can become an idol in our lives. Comparison is a natural tendency, but it can be harmful. Aging should be viewed as a gift, not a curse.
Cultural perceptions of aging often conflict with biblical teachings.
Gray hair is celebrated in scripture as a crown of glory. Women in the sandwich generation face unique challenges.
Surrendering control can lead to greater peace and help.
Instilling a positive body image in daughters starts early.
Body image issues are often rooted in deeper spiritual struggles.
Finding worth in Christ is essential for overcoming body image issues.
Chapters
00:00-Introduction to Body Image and Aging
02:55-The Impact of Body Image on Women
05:43-Understanding Idolatry in Body Image
08:47-Cultural Pressures and Aging
11:29-The Gift of Aging
14:19-The Wisdom of Years
17:09-Surrendering Control
20:10-Instilling Positive Body Image in Daughters
23:00-Resources for Body Image Issues
Show Notes
Heather's Website
Heather's Podcast
Heather's Latest Book "Aging Gratefully"
In this conversation, Christy Osborne shares her personal journey with alcohol, discussing the cultural narratives surrounding drinking, particularly the 'mommy wine culture.' She emphasizes the impact of alcohol on relationships and mental health, and offers insights on assessing one's relationship with alcohol. Christy encourages listeners to change their thoughts about drinking, find joy and peace without alcohol, and highlights the importance of gratitude and community support in the sobriety journey. She provides practical advice for those considering sobriety, emphasizing that it's a journey filled with growth opportunities.
Takeaways:
- Cultural narratives about alcohol can be misleading.
- Mommy wine culture sends harmful messages to children.
- Alcohol affects our ability to connect with others.
- Sobriety is a spectrum, not a binary state.
- Assessing our relationship with alcohol is crucial.
- Taking thoughts captive can help change our mindset.
- Finding joy and peace without alcohol is possible.
- Gratitude plays a significant role in sobriety.
- Community support is vital for those on the sobriety journey.
- Growth opportunities exist even in setbacks.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Sobriety and Personal Journey
07:43 The Impact of Mommy Wine Culture
10:28 Alcohol's Effect on Relationships
13:40 Assessing Our Relationship with Alcohol
17:06 Transforming Relationships Through Sobriety
21:40 Finding Strength in Jesus
23:27 The Role of Gratitude in Sobriety
25:31 Encouragement for Struggling Moms
27:36 Growth Opportunities in Sobriety
Christy's website
Christy's Instagram
In this episode of the MomQ Podcast, host Candace Nassar and guest Annie Mandrala discuss the theme of renewal as they enter the new year. They explore the biblical concept of rhythms that God has established in creation, the importance of setting boundaries to maintain healthy rhythms in life, and practical steps for evaluating and renewing personal and family rhythms. The conversation emphasizes the significance of community, self-care, and prayer in nurturing a balanced and fulfilling family life.
Takeaways:
- Renewal is about restoring freshness and beginning again.
- God has built rhythms into creation that we can learn from.
- Setting boundaries is essential to reclaiming healthy rhythms.
- Daily bread symbolizes God's provision and trust.
- Rest and renewal are communal experiences, not just individual.
- Healthy rhythms require evaluating past experiences and future goals.
- Self-care is crucial for maintaining balance in motherhood.
- Prayer is a vital tool for seeking guidance in life rhythms.
- More activities do not equate to more fulfillment; less can be more.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
03:01 The Importance of Rhythms in Life
12:31 Setting Boundaries for Healthy Rhythms
20:09 The Role of Prayer and Community
26:51 Evaluating and Adjusting Life Rhythms
36:22 Closing Thoughts and Prayer
In this conversation, marriage coach Teri Craft shares insights on navigating the complexities of marriage, the impact of social media, and the importance of seeking help when needed. She emphasizes the significance of resilience in relationships, especially during challenging times like the holidays. Terri provides practical tips for managing stress and encourages open communication between partners. The discussion also highlights the importance of community support and the need for couples to prioritize their relationship amidst external pressures.
Takeaways:
- It's okay not to be okay; seek help when needed.
- Social media creates unrealistic expectations for marriages.
- Health in marriage is about honesty, not perfection.
- Resiliency means getting up one more time than you fall.
- Celebrate occasions, not just specific dates to reduce stress.
- Communication is essential for a healthy marriage.
- Recognize when personal struggles impact relationships.
- Support from community is vital for marital health.
- Counseling can be beneficial even if only one partner participates.
- Prioritize your marriage over family traditions during holidays.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates
04:13 Cultural Lies About Marriage
08:47 Understanding Marriage Health
12:32 The Importance of Counseling
16:11 Navigating Counseling Dynamics
18:46 Resiliency in Marriage
23:40 Managing Holiday Stress in Relationships
33:56 Finding Hope in Difficult Marriages
Show Notes
Marriage health podcast with James and Teri Craft
Marriage coaching and intensives
Lindsay Mimnagh, founder of Treehouse Schoolhouse, shares her passion for homeschooling and intentional motherhood. She emphasizes the importance of spending time with children, discipleship, and creating memories. Lindsay discusses the significance of Advent and offers practical tips for celebrating it with children, including reading scripture, creating a book of the Christmas story, and engaging in hands-on activities. She also shares ideas for keeping the focus on Jesus and giving during the Christmas season, such as homemade gift exchanges and participating in charitable activities. Lindsay encourages parents to teach their children the meaning behind Christmas carols and hymns.
Takeaways:
- Homeschooling allows for intentional time with children.
- Discipleship is a key component of education.
- Advent is a time for slowing down and reflection.
- Creating traditions helps anchor memories for children.
- It's important to prioritize family time during the holidays.
- Involve children in the process of giving.
- Teaching hymns can deepen children's understanding of faith.
- Resources can help families engage in meaningful activities.
- Every family can find their unique way to celebrate Advent.
- Abiding in God can lead to opportunities for ministry.
Chapters:
02:08 Introducing Lindsay Mimnagh and Treehouse Schoolhouse
010:58 The Significance of Advent
19:40 Keeping the Focus on Jesus During Christmas
26:38 Teaching the Meaning Behind Christmas Carols and Hymns
29:37 Conclusion
Notes:
Lindsey is offering MomQ listeners 15% off your total order. One use per customer. Cannot be combined with other promos. Expires six months after episode release.
Shop link: https://treehouseschoolhouse.com/collections/all
Find Lyndsey on:
Instagram: @treehouse_schoolhouse
Facebook: /treehouse.schoolhouse
YouTube: /TreehouseSchoolhouse
Pinterest: /TSMotherhoodHomeschool
In this conversation, Candace Nassar and Katie Trent discuss ways to make Christmas more meaningful for families, focusing on the significance of Advent, incorporating family traditions, and overcoming holiday overwhelm. They share practical tips for parents to engage their children in faith-building activities and emphasize the importance of building strong relationships within the family during the holiday season.
Takeaways:
- It's important to focus on the true meaning of Christmas.
- Advent serves as a faith journey leading up to Christmas.
- Incorporating daily devotionals can enhance family connections.
- Traditions help create lasting memories and values.
- Parents should prioritize prayer, planning, and prioritizing during the holidays.
- Building strong relationships with children enhances discipleship.
- Creative activities can make Advent more engaging for kids.
- Overcoming feelings of overwhelm is crucial for enjoying the season.
- Staying off social media can reduce holiday stress.
- Focusing on relationships over perfection is key to a meaningful Christmas.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Advent and Family Discipleship
05:18 Understanding Advent: A Season of Preparation
08:07 Incorporating Family Activities into Advent
11:20 Transforming Holiday Traditions into Teachings
13:55 Navigating Holiday Overwhelm: The Three P's
16:19 Holiday Traditions and Family Bonding
18:11 The Importance of Discipleship in Family Life
20:45 Integrating Faith into Daily Life
22:17 Creative Ways to Connect with Kids
25:17 Embracing the Role of a Mother
28:24 Embracing the True Meaning of Christmas
28:55 Encouragement for Parents During the Holidays
Find out more about Katie J. Trent
Order her book here
In this enlightening conversation, Candace Nassar and Anita McGinnis explore the theme of generosity from a biblical perspective. They discuss the importance of giving, the misconceptions surrounding it, and how to cultivate a generous heart. Anita shares personal stories and insights on how generosity can lead to peace and fulfillment, emphasizing that giving is not just about finances but also about time and talents. The discussion also touches on tithing, the benefits of generosity, and the call to trust God in our giving.
Takeaways:
- Generosity is a selfless act that reflects our relationship with God.
- Biblical generosity is about giving out of joy and love for others.
- Teaching children about generosity is crucial for their spiritual growth.
- True riches are found in investing in God's kingdom work.
- Giving should be done cheerfully, not out of obligation.
- Tithing is a guideline, but generosity goes beyond just 10%.
- Misconceptions about giving can hinder our willingness to be generous.
- The act of giving brings peace and freedom in Christ.
- We should hold our resources loosely and trust God to provide.
- Generosity is an act of worship that acknowledges God's provision.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Generosity and Its Importance
04:32 Understanding Biblical Generosity
07:19 The Heart of Giving: A Personal Perspective
10:09 The Challenge of Generosity in Modern Society
13:15 Trusting God with Our Resources
15:56 Giving Beyond Money: Time and Talents
19:00 Mentorship and Community Support
19:35 The Fear of Giving: Trusting God with Resources
22:28 The Symphony of Generosity: Using Our Gifts
25:22 Misconceptions About Giving: Beyond Transactions
27:52 Understanding Tithing: A Starting Point for Generosity
32:22 The Heart of Generosity: Stories of Faith and Trust
In this message, Julie Whitehurst discusses the importance of instilling character in children through meaningful gifts and teachings. She emphasizes the role of parents in shaping their children's hearts and character, using biblical principles and personal anecdotes. The conversation explores the significance of beliefs, mindset, and the need for a strong foundation in values to guide children in their growth and development.
Takeaways:
- The importance of raising children with character has diminished in recent years.
- Parents must actively teach and model character traits to their children.
- Guarding the heart is essential for shaping children's character.
- Character is defined as the essence of who someone really is.
- Children's beliefs about God and themselves are foundational to their character.
- More is caught than taught; parents must embody the values they teach.
- Character traits can be developed over time, like building a wall.
- Children need to feel secure and valued to develop strong character.
- Mindset plays a crucial role in shaping behavior and character.
- Parents must be proactive in teaching and guiding their children.
Chapters:
00:00 The Meaningful Gift of Character
02:54 Guarding the Heart: A Parental Responsibility
06:11 The Influence of Character in Parenting
09:06 Defining Character: The Essence of Who We Are
12:01 The Role of Beliefs in Shaping Character
14:56 Building Character: A Brick-by-Brick Approach
17:51 The Importance of Security and Value in Parenting
20:46 Mindset Matters: Shaping Thoughts and Behaviors
24:10 The Offensive and Defensive in Parenting
In this message, Lindsey Werner discusses the importance of resiliency in parenting, emphasizing the roles of hope, trust, and support systems. She outlines practical strategies for building resilience, including self-awareness, decision-making skills, and the significance of finding meaning in pain. The conversation highlights how parents can foster these qualities in themselves and their children to navigate challenges effectively.
Takeaways:
- Resiliency is the ability to cope with adversity and pursue opportunities.
- Hope is foundational for resilient parenting.
- Trust helps combat anxiety and fosters a sense of security.
- A strong support system is essential for building resilience.
- Self-awareness allows parents to understand their emotions and thoughts.
- Decision-making skills are crucial for fostering independence in children.
- Mistakes are learning opportunities that build resilience.
- Asking good questions encourages children to think critically.
- Taking appropriate responsibility helps children develop confidence.
- Finding meaning in pain can lead to personal growth and strength.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Resiliency
02:04 Defining Resiliency and Hope
06:04 The Role of Trust in Resiliency
09:04 Building a Support System
12:08 Self-Awareness and Emotional Regulation
17:12 Decision-Making Skills for Resilience
24:05 Taking Appropriate Responsibility
29:02 Finding Meaning in Pain
In this conversation, Candace Nassar and Gina Cleminson explore the themes of faith and fear, discussing how true faith involves trusting in God amidst life's challenges. Gina shares her personal journey to faith, the nature of fear, and how faith can replace fear. They delve into biblical examples of faith, the differences between little and great faith, and the importance of childlike faith. Practical tools for managing fear are also discussed, along with encouragement for mothers facing their own fears.
Takeaways:
- True faith involves fixing our eyes on Jesus.
- Fear is often a belief about God that is wrong.
- Faith is complete trust or confidence in someone.
- Little faith is not where I want to be.
- Small faith is pure and acknowledges God's goodness.
- Childlike faith trusts in God's strength and goodness.
- Praying in desperation is an act of worship.
- We can replace fear with God's promises.
- It's okay to have small faith; it's about trust.
- We need to preach truth to ourselves in times of fear.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Faith and Fear
04:36 Gina's Journey to Faith
7:56 The Role of Faith in Overcoming Fear
13:06 Biblical Examples of Faith
20:00 The Power of Small Faith
24:17 Favorite Bible Verses in Times of Fear
28:06 Practical Tools for Managing Fear
35:31 Encouragement for Moms Facing Fear
38:22 Conclusion
In this message, Annie Mendrala discusses the significance of establishing healthy family rhythms that foster spiritual growth and connection within the family. She emphasizes the importance of intentional conversations, the Sabbath, bedtime routines, and mealtime as opportunities to integrate faith into daily life. By cultivating these rhythms, families can shape their children's desires towards the kingdom of God and create a nurturing environment for spiritual development.
Takeaways:
- Healthy family rhythms are essential for spiritual growth.
- Intentional conversations around the table foster connection.
- The Sabbath is a vital rhythm for rest and reflection.
- Bedtime routines can help children settle and reflect on their day.
- Integrating faith into daily life is crucial for spiritual development.
- Morning routines should prioritize prayer and scripture reading.
- Mealtime can be a spiritual practice and a time for connection.
- Our habits shape our desires and spiritual formation.
- Creating a peaceful morning environment sets the tone for the day.
- Family traditions can reinforce spiritual values and connection.
Chapters:
01:07 Exploring Family Desires and Longings
03:28 Understanding the Shema and Its Significance
11:23 Integrating Faith into Daily Family Rhythms
16:50 Cultivating Spiritual Habits in Daily Life
20:42 The Importance of Morning Routines
21:42 Mealtime as a Spiritual Practice
25:59 Remember the Sabbath
31:38 Embracing Natural Rhythms in Daily Life
In this message, Julie Whitehurst discusses the importance of modeling a godly marriage for children and how it shapes their understanding of love, commitment, and relationships. She emphasizes that children learn from their parents' actions and behaviors, highlighting the need for parents to prioritize their marriage and demonstrate love, service, and unity. The conversation also touches on the significance of unified parenting and the lasting impact a strong marriage has on children's spiritual and emotional development.
Takeaways:
- Modeling behavior is crucial; children imitate what they see.
- Proverbs 22:6 emphasizes the importance of training children.
- A godly marriage provides a foundation for children.
- Love and service are essential in a marriage.
- Prioritizing marriage over children leads to healthier family dynamics.
- Unified parenting is key to raising godly children.
- Conflict resolution in front of children teaches valuable lessons.
- Positive communication about spouses influences children's perceptions.
- Prayer and reading together strengthen marital bonds.
- Finding a mentor can provide guidance in marriage.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction: The Challenge of Writing About Marriage
02:50 Modeling Behavior: The Impact of Parenting on Children
06:07 God's Design for Marriage: Principles for Healthy Relationships
08:57 The Importance of Love and Service in Marriage
11:49 Prioritizing Marriage: Building a Strong Foundation
15:12 Unified Parenting: The Key to Raising Godly Children
18:00 Conclusion: The Lasting Impact of a Strong Marriage
In this conversation, Candace Nassar and Annie Mendrala explore the complex relationship between faith and fear, discussing why fear is prevalent in our lives and how it can be addressed through biblical teachings. They share personal experiences with fear, particularly in the context of motherhood, and emphasize the importance of prayer and scripture in overcoming fear. The discussion highlights the need for awareness of our feelings, the role of spiritual warfare, and practical tools for managing fear in daily life.
Takeaways:
- Fear is prevalent in our lives and can stem from unmet expectations.
- We often look to ourselves for resources, which increases fear.
- Social media can exacerbate feelings of inadequacy and fear.
- Fear can come from trying to control outcomes that are not ours to control.
- Satan is the father of lies, and fear is not from God.
- The Bible repeatedly tells us not to fear, offering comfort and reassurance.
- Recognizing fear as a God-given emotion can help us process it.
- Taking thoughts captive and replacing them with scripture is essential.
- Prayer is a powerful tool for overcoming fear.
- Memorizing scripture can help combat fear in our lives.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Faith vs. Fear
03:54 Understanding the Nature of Fear
10:26 Biblical Perspectives on Fear
16:28 Practical Strategies to Overcome Fear
22:06 Personal Experiences with Fear
28:18 Encouragement for Moms Facing Fear
In this message, Candace Nassar explores the complex relationship between boundaries, discipline, and parenting from a biblical perspective. She discusses the necessity of rules and laws for maintaining order and safety, emphasizing that God's laws are rooted in love and designed for our benefit. Candace highlights the importance of discipline as a means of spiritual growth and maturity, both for individuals and for children. She provides practical advice for parents on establishing God-centered boundaries, balancing discipline, and implementing effective strategies to guide their children towards a loving relationship with God. The conversation underscores the long-term nature of parenting and the importance of nurturing relationships built on trust and respect.
Takeaways:
- Most of us have a love-hate relationship with boundaries.
- Rules and laws maintain order and prevent chaos.
- God's laws are based on love and morality.
- Discipline is focused on future growth, not punishment.
- Children thrive with firm boundaries and structure.
- Establishing God-centered boundaries is crucial for parenting.
- Discipline should be proactive, not reactive.
- Under-parenting and over-parenting are both unhealthy extremes.
- Effective discipline requires emotional regulation and self-control.
- Parenting is a long-term journey that requires patience and love.
Chapters:
00:00 Navigating Boundaries: A Love-Hate Relationship
02:50 The Role of God's Laws and Discipline
05:45 Understanding God's Discipline and Its Purpose
11:56 The Importance of Parental Discipline
17:54 Establishing God-Centered Boundaries
25:07 Balancing Discipline: Under and Over Parenting
32:08 Implementing Effective Discipline Strategies
38:54 Long-Term Parenting: The Journey of Growth
In this message, Annie Mendrala discusses the complexities of parenting discipline, emphasizing the importance of understanding the nature of sin and the distinction between punishment and discipline. She advocates for a gospel-centered approach to discipline that focuses on heart transformation rather than mere behavior modification. Annie shares personal anecdotes and biblical insights to illustrate how parents can guide their children towards recognizing their sin and turning to Jesus for redemption. The conversation highlights the need for a loving relationship between parents and children, where discipline is seen as an act of grace aimed at fostering spiritual growth.
Takeaways:
- Discipline is a hot topic for parents dealing with various challenges.
- Parenting involves a journey of growth and learning alongside children.
- Children are born with a sin-infected heart, requiring guidance.
- Discipline should focus on heart change rather than just behavior modification.
- Punishment and discipline serve different purposes in parenting.
- Rules without relationship lead to rebellion; connection is key.
- Discipline should help children identify their sin and turn to Jesus.
- Gospel-centered discipline emphasizes grace and restoration.
- Parents must approach discipline with wisdom and prayer.
- The ultimate goal of discipline is to guide children towards spiritual maturity.
Chapters:
00:00 The Challenge of Parenting Discipline
03:51 Understanding the Nature of Sin
10:00 The Difference Between Punishment and Discipline
15:20 The Purpose of Discipline: Heart Change
22:41 Gospel-Centered Discipline
27:33 The Role of Parents in Heart Transformation
In this conversation, Candace Nassar interviews Emily Schuch, author of 'Majoring in Motherhood'. They discuss the challenges of motherhood, the importance of living out the gospel in daily life, and the struggles of self-empowerment and mom guilt. Emily shares her personal experiences and insights on how motherhood can be a journey of faith, sacrifice, and growth. The conversation emphasizes the significance of finding peace amidst chaos and the value of being faithful in the small, everyday tasks of parenting.
Takeaways
- Motherhood is a holy calling and an act of worship.
- Living out the gospel in motherhood involves sacrifice.
- Self-centeredness can hinder our ability to serve our children.
- Motherhood reveals our weaknesses and helps us grow.
- Mom guilt often stems from unrealistic expectations.
- Confession and seeking forgiveness are vital in parenting.
- Finding peace in chaos is essential for mental health.
- God is at work in the ordinary moments of motherhood.
- Faithfulness in small tasks leads to greater fruit.
- Trusting in the Lord alleviates the burden of guilt.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Motherhood and Emily's Journey
04:20 The Challenges of Motherhood
07:05 Living Out the Gospel in Motherhood
09:56 The Mirror of Motherhood
12:38 Embracing Weakness and Self-Empowerment
15:11 Chaos and Control in Parenting
17:54 Finding Peace Amidst Chaos
20:38 Understanding Mom Guilt
22:59 Encouragement for Struggling Moms
25:40 The Humor in Motherhood
28:44 The Purpose of Motherhood
32:18 Raising Virtuous Children Outro.mp3
In this message, Julie Whitehurst shares her insights on parenting, focusing on the common pitfalls that arise from fear and comparison. She emphasizes the importance of faith in God as a foundation for healthy parenting, encouraging mothers to trust in God's wisdom and grace. Through personal anecdotes and biblical references, she highlights the significance of nurturing a loving environment for children while avoiding the traps of fear and societal pressures. The discussion culminates in practical advice for parents to foster a faith-filled upbringing for their children.
- Parenting often stems from fear, which can lead to mistakes.
- Faith in God is essential for overcoming parenting fears.
- Comparison among parents can lead to anxiety and discontent.
- Teaching children to trust God is crucial for their development.
- Grace is a key component in effective parenting.
- Parenting is a long-term process, not just a series of events.
- Children need to learn that their identity is not based on performance.
- Modeling faith and trust in God is vital for children.
- It's important to have open conversations about faith with children.
- Being supportive to other parents creates a nurturing community.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Parenting Challenges
04:14 The Role of Fear in Parenting
07:10 Faith vs. Fear in Parenting
10:13 Understanding Parenting Pitfalls
13:03 The Comparison Trap
19:06 The Importance of Identity in Christ
25:01 Trusting God with Our Children
29:02 Closing Thoughts and Encouragement
38:23 Closing
In this conversation, Lindsey Werner explores the themes of joy and gratitude in parenting, emphasizing the roller coaster of emotions that come with raising children. She discusses the importance of understanding joy through a relationship with God, the neuroscience behind joy and attachment, and how parenting can shift when approached from a place of joy. Lindsey highlights the significance of gratitude in various aspects of life, including the calling of motherhood, serving others, and navigating challenges. She encourages listeners to ask for help and to express gratitude in their prayers and words, ultimately fostering a joyful environment for themselves and their families.
- Life is a roller coaster of emotions in parenting.
- Joy is defined as the gladness we experience through God.
- God created mankind for joy and delights in His people.
- Understanding neuroscience can help us experience joy.
- Parenting from joy can shift our experiences with our children.
- Gratitude is a deep platform for experiencing joy.
- There is joy in the calling of motherhood.
- Serving others can bring joy even when we feel depleted.
- Gratitude helps us endure suffering and challenges.
- Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Chapters
00:00 The Roller Coaster of Parenting
04:07 Understanding Joy in Parenting
07:06 God's Joyful Design for Humanity
10:03 Experiencing God's Delight
13:29 Neuroscience and Joy
17:11 The Role of Gratitude in Parenting
20:07 Finding Joy in the Calling of Motherhood
23:06 Joy in Serving Others
26:20 Gratitude in Challenges
29:11 The Importance of Asking for Help
33:16 Gratitude in Prayer and Words
42:16 Closing
In this conversation, Candace Nassar speaks with Lee Anne Mancini, author of 'Raising Kids to Follow Christ', discussing the alarming statistics regarding faith retention among children from Christian families. They explore key principles for instilling a lifelong trust in God, the importance of church involvement, character development, and the role of apologetics in parenting. Leanne emphasizes the need for parents to model biblical principles and engage in their children's spiritual education from an early age, while also addressing the significance of discipline and the impact of love and grace in parenting.
- 40% of children from Christian families walk away from their faith.
- Prayer is essential for guiding children.
- Parents must provide more than a Sunday school faith.
- Involvement in church is crucial for spiritual growth.
- Character development is key to raising virtuous children.
- A child's worldview is formed by age 13.
- Nature serves as a classroom for teaching truth.
- Discipline should focus on heart transformation.
- Parents should avoid guilt and focus on learning.
- Living out biblical principles is vital for instilling faith.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Raising Kids to Follow Christ
04:18 The Alarming Statistics on Faith and Children
07:08 Key Principles for Instilling Trust in God
09:58 The Importance of Church Involvement
12:39 Modeling Faith at Home
15:24 Character Development and Virtues
18:05 Understanding and Teaching a Biblical Worldview
20:56 Living Out the Gospel in Parenting
23:40 The Role of Discipline in Heart Transformation
26:29 Encouragement for Parents
29:24 Conclusion and Resources
In this conversation, Candace Nassar discusses the challenges and stresses faced by parents today, emphasizing the need to redefine parenting from an ownership perspective to an ambassadorial role. She highlights the importance of understanding the purpose of parenting as a ministry and a calling from God. Throughout the discussion, she provides practical principles for effectively discipling children, focusing on self-evaluation, reflecting God's heart, and intentional teaching. Candace shares her personal journey in parenting, illustrating the sacrifices and rewards of raising children in faith. The session concludes with a prayer, reinforcing the commitment to parenting as a divine mission.
Takeaways:
- Parents today are experiencing unprecedented stress due to societal pressures.
- The purpose of parenting should be re-evaluated beyond societal expectations.
- Parenting is a ministry and a calling from God, not an ownership role.
- Children belong to God, and parents are stewards of their lives.
- Ambassador parenting focuses on representing God's character to children.
- Self-evaluation of one's love for God is crucial for effective parenting.
- Discipleship requires intentionality and active engagement with God's Word.
- Reflecting God's heart involves showing compassion and grace to children.
- The church reinforces what parents teach at home; parents are primary disciplers.
- Building the kingdom of God is the ultimate purpose of parenting.
00:00 Introduction to Parenting Challenges
03:55 The Purpose of Parenting
07:05 Shifting Perspectives: Ownership vs. Ambassador Parenting
10:10 Biblical Foundations for Parenting
16:12 Discipleship in Parenting
31:05 Reflecting God's Heart in Parenting
37:16 Personal Journey and Conclusion
In this conversation, Candace and Annie discuss the core of the gospel message, which is love and grace. They emphasize that the gospel is not just about being saved from death, but about experiencing a life of transformation and living in a relationship centered around love. They also explore the difference between a me-centered life and a gospel-centered life, highlighting the importance of prioritizing relationships, surrendering control, and focusing on God's standards rather than comparing ourselves to others. They acknowledge the challenges of living out the gospel and encourage listeners to keep fighting the fight and training in spiritual practices.
- The core of the gospel message is love and grace, which invite us into a relationship centered around love and a life of transformation.
- Living a gospel-centered life means prioritizing relationships, surrendering control, and focusing on God's standards rather than comparing ourselves to others.
- The me-centered life is focused on self-satisfaction and approval, while the gospel-centered life joyfully serves others as a way to serve Christ.
- Living out the gospel can be challenging, but it requires constant disciplines, yielding to the Holy Spirit, and making space for God to do what we cannot do.
- It's important to remember that God is not done with us, and we can continue to grow and change as we lean into Him and His grace.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates
04:59 The Core of the Gospel: Love and Grace
10:33 The Radical Message of Jesus
13:50 Living a Gospel-Centered Life
15:55 Contrasting the Me-Centered and Gospel-Centered Life
20:17 Challenges in Living Out the Gospel
23:11 Encouragement to Keep Fighting the Fight
28:50 Conclusion and Closing Prayer
In this conversation, Candace Nassar interviews Kiana Gaona, the social media manager for True Play Games, about how Christian families can navigate the complex world of tech and gaming. They discuss the impact of gaming on children, the benefits and dangers of technology, and the importance of carefully selecting age-appropriate games. Kiana shares about the content offered by True Play Games, which includes biblically-based video games, comics, and prayer videos. They emphasize the need for parents to be mindful of the content their children consume and the importance of protecting their minds and hearts.
Key Takeaways:
- Parents need to be mindful of the content their children consume and the impact it can have on their minds and hearts.
- Technology and gaming can have both benefits and dangers, so it's important for Christian families to navigate them carefully.
- Age-appropriate games that are biblically-based and ad-free can be a valuable tool for children's spiritual growth.
- True Play Games offers biblically-based video games, comics, and prayer videos that aim to fill children's minds with wholesome content.
- Parents should prioritize protecting their children from inappropriate content and potential dangers online.
Chapters:
00:00-Introduction: Navigating the Complex World of Tech and Gaming
05:01-The Impact of Gaming on Children: Benefits and Dangers
10:42-Why Christian Families Should Carefully Navigate Tech and Gaming
15:33-Choosing Age-Appropriate Games for Christian Families
19:36-True Play Games: Filling Children's Minds with Wholesome Content
25:34-Protecting Children Online: Mindfulness and Parental Controls
www.truplaygames.com
In this conversation, Candace and Annie discuss the love-hate relationship our culture has with busyness. They explore why we feel the need to be busy and the problems that come with it. They emphasize the importance of rest and the biblical command to prioritize it. They also discuss the concept of margin and how it allows us to slow down and create space in our lives. Practical ways to create margin include setting boundaries, saying no gracefully, and delegating tasks. They encourage listeners to trust God and surrender to Him in order to find true rest and joy.
- Our culture values busyness as a sign of productivity, but it can become an idol and lead to stress and exhaustion.
- Rest is a biblical command and a key to finding joy and balance in life.
- Creating margin in our lives allows us to slow down, prioritize relationships, and be present in the moment.
- Setting boundaries, saying no gracefully, and delegating tasks are practical ways to create margin.
- Trusting God and surrendering to His plans and timing is essential for finding true rest and joy.
Chapters
00:00-Introduction and Updates
02:45-The Love-Hate Relationship with Busyness
07:08-The Problems with Being Busy
10:00-What the Bible Says about Busyness
16:18-Creating Margin and Slowing Down
25:30-Trusting God and Surrendering
32:09-Conclusion and Prayer
www.momq.org
In this conversation about Christian joy, Jenny Rodriguez, a pastor's wife and homeschool mom, shares her insights and experiences. She emphasizes that joy is not just a feeling of happiness, but an energy and strength that comes from deep within, regardless of circumstances. Jenny highlights the importance of spending time with God, practicing gratitude, and cultivating a spirit of joy in daily tasks. She also discusses the challenges she faced while living in Japan and how she found joy in the midst of loneliness and cultural differences. Jenny encourages moms to prioritize margin in their schedules and celebrate moments as a family.
Key Takeaways
- What is Christian joy?
- How can I can have joy regardless of what is happening in my life?
- What are some practical tips to help me experience joy everyday?
- Where does joy come from?
Chapters
00:00-Introduction and Background
02:43-Defining Joy and the Role of Singing
06:34-Practices for Cultivating Joy
10:23-Finding Joy in the Little Daily Tasks
17:26-Longing for Eternal Joy
22:56-Teaching Children Gratitude and Spending Time Outdoors
27:30-Creating Margin for Joy and Connection with God
Summary
In this conversation, Candace and Annie discuss the difference between worldly joy and biblical joy. They explore how worldly joy is based on external circumstances and is temporary, while biblical joy is an internal byproduct of a relationship with Jesus Christ. They emphasize that joy is a choice and can be found by fixing our eyes on Jesus and trusting in God's goodness. They also discuss the importance of gratitude, community, and hope in cultivating joy. The principal themes of the conversation are the idea that our citizenship is in heaven and that we are not of this world, the importance of focusing on Christ and his redemptive work, the expectation that things will go from bad to worse in this world, the role of sorrow and suffering in shaping our hearts, the need for trusted friends and accountability in our journey, the importance of modeling joy for our children, and finding joy in surrendering to God's plan and presence.
Keywords: Christian joy, worldly joy, biblical joy, circumstances, happiness, relationship with God, gratitude, community, hope, citizenship, heaven, focus on Christ, bad to worse, sorrow, suffering, trusted friends, accountability, modeling joy, surrender, presence of God
Takeaways
- Worldly joy is based on external circumstances and is temporary, while biblical joy is an internal byproduct of a relationship with Jesus Christ.
- Joy is a choice and can be found by fixing our eyes on Jesus and trusting in God's goodness.
- Practicing gratitude and thanking God for the good things in our lives can help cultivate joy.
- Community and sharing our struggles with others can bring joy and hope.
- The hope of Christ's return and the restoration of all things can sustain us in difficult times and bring joy. Our true citizenship is in heaven and we are not of this world.
- We should focus on Christ and his redemptive work rather than temporary circumstances.
- The Bible warns us that things will go from bad to worse in this world.
- Sorrow and suffering are used by God to shape our hearts and transform us.
- Trusted friends and accountability are important in our journey of faith.
- We should model joy for our children and create a joyful atmosphere in our homes.
- Finding joy requires surrendering to God's plan and presence.
- God's presence brings joy and stability in the midst of chaos.
Sound Bites
- "Worldly joy is happiness based on what happens to me."
- "Biblical joy is an internal byproduct of a relationship with Jesus Christ."
- "For the joy set before him, he endured the cross."
- "This isn't our home."
- "The problem is our expectations. People are expecting things to get better, but the Bible warns us things are going to go from bad to worse."
- "We can experience wonderful abundant life on earth, but ultimately it's always gonna miss the mark because we're gonna have that flesh struggle until we die."
Chapters
00:00-Introduction: Exploring Christian Joy
01:55--Worldly Joy vs. Biblical Joy
05:41-Understanding Biblical Joy
08:36-Choosing Joy in Daily Life
12:43-Practices for Cultivating Joy
16:08-The Hope of Christ's Return
22:08-The Difference Between Temporary Happiness and Eternal Joy
22:45-The Role of Suffering and Sorrow in Shaping Our Hearts
27:57-Cultivating Joy in Our Lives
37:35-Modeling Joy for Our Children
We are continuing our month-long series on peacemaking and on this episode we chat with Donna Jones the author of the book, Healthy Conflict Peaceful life, a biblical guide for graceful communication and lasting resolution. It focuses on the important theme of constructive communication-expressing thoughts, feelings, and opinions with grace, truth, and without any regrets. I’ve read it and I think it is a book that EVERYONE should have on their shelf. In fact, I have been recommending it to all my people including my adult children. Although I have been married 33 years, I still underlined a bunch of valuable tips and insights that I thought, “oh that is dead on! Donna is national speaker, church planter, pastor’s wife and self-described “Bible Explainer” who has spoken all over the country and is the host of the weekly “That’s Just What I Needed” podcast. She has written several other books and bible studies. And is passionate about equipping others to know, love and follow God in their real, everyday lives. She and her husband, JP, make their home in Southern California. We hope you gain practical guidance on peacemaking and how to handle conflict to God’s glory!
In the June version of our MomQ Mingle we are talking about peacekeeping. What does it look like and how is it different than what we see in our culture? Candace and Annie chat with Julie Whitehurst about some practical ways we can be peacemakers in our homes, particularly when the kids are home all day everyday!
“When we fix things for our kids so they don’t have to feel the intensity of their emotions, we take away the opportunity for them to learn resiliency.” We continue our mental health month series with a conversation with Lindsey Werner, LPC and one of our favorite MomQ speakers. She talks about one of the most challenging yet essential jobs as parents- helping them to establish resiliency and confidence in order to become strong and healthy adults. Lindsey shares strategies on how we can stay grounded as moms by establishing our identity in Christ and NOT in our kids and their well being. She also encourages us to have compassion on ourselves as moms as we help our kids face the daily challenges of life.
It’s Mental Health month and we’re kicking off with an honest conversation about how we should navigate issues like depression, loneliness and anxiety from a biblical perspective. Candace and Annie share their own personal struggles with mental health and testimony of how God delivered them while using their experience to help others. This is a must-listen episode if you or someone you love has or is currently struggling with mental health and needs encouragement.
We are excited to have Jayme Gradwell on our show for our last episode in our spiritual growth series!
Jayme is the host of the fabulous and popular christian women’s podcast, She Speaks Life, where she gives women the space to share their stories of how God has strengthened their faith and transformed their lives. Today we get the privilege of hearing her share her own personal journey with God and how she learned to listen to the Holy Spirit along the way. You are going to love her heart for Jesus and passion to come alongside women.
Show Notes:
You can follow Jayme on instragram @jaymeelizabethshespeakslife
Check out her Serenity journal here
It's been a wonderful semester of learning how to build our homes, and our families on the rock of Christ (Matthew 7:24-27). This is a special episode as Candace summarizes our lessons with actionable points for how we can build our families on solid ground.We also get to hear from three moms from our community about how God has led them to build a strong family. I think you will be encouraged and inspired by their stories!
The Bible says we are to mature in our faith but how does that work? Is it all up to us or does God play a role? Maybe you have tried to nurture your faith but you just don’t feel like God hears your prayers. Maybe you are in a period of waiting for Him to move but he has been silent. Or maybe you are angry with Him because your life hasn’t turned out the way you wanted it to? Why would God allow hard things in our lives if he is a loving God? In this conversation we have one of our MomQ leaders Dawn Jackson to discuss how God used an autism diagnosis for one of her sons to teach her to truly trust Him. Dawn is a Pastor’s wife and while you may think that means she has arrived spiritually speaking, she explains that through this trial, God revealed himself to her in unexpected ways.
www.momq.org
At the end of the day, we all want our home to be full of peace, love, forgiveness and joy. But what control do we have with the vibe of our household?
Annie teaches on how we can turn to scripture for instructions on using our words and actions to reflect Jesus: beneficial, honorable and encouraging. The words we chose to speak to our children, our kids, and others around us can greatly impact the culture and tone of our home.
God invites us into a deep and abiding relationship with Him. But, we often settle for mediocre, unfruitful lives because we let the cares/weeds of the world distract us. Are there areas of your spiritual life that might need attention? Maybe some dead branches need to be cleared away? Maybe the soil needs to be activated with some new spiritual disciplines or maybe mentorship? Spiritual growth requires intentionality but also surrender to God's work in our lives. Whatever is taking energy from us that does not honor God he will prune away. He wants our whole heart. Our full devotion.Candace and Annie share practical advise on how to avoid stagnancy and continue to grow in our relationship with God as busy moms.Book Mentioned in this podcastSpiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life by Donald S. Whitney
"If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone." - Romans 12:18
Peace is something all of us desire. But relationships are hard. Being a mom, a wife, a spouse and friend can often lead to conflict.
How do we become peacemakers in the most challenging situations? Julie teaches on how we can build strong families by pursuing peace by turning our eyes and hearts toward God vs. our own desires.
"Where you treasure is, there your heart will be" - Matthew 6:21
God tells us that what we treasure most is directly tied to the condition of our heart. But the reality is the gods of money, achievement, possessions and success are always trying to capture our attention. How do we reframe our mindset, and the culture of our family to value what God values most?
Candace teaches on practical strategies for how we can implement rythyms in our family that point towards the treasure that lasts forever.
Do any of these scenarios sound familiar: You catch yourself scrolling through Instagram looking at other moms' seemingly perfect family vacations, immaculate playrooms or home-cooked meals and feel an overwhelming sense of inadequacy? Or do you spend hours meticulously planning every detail of your child's activities but end up being frustrated by unexpected challenges like a learning disability or just plain lack of interest? Do you have more "Why, God?" days than "Thank you God!" days? Maybe you haven’t thought about it, but all of that focus on yourself actually stems from pride? And we know that pride is the root of all sin.As we approach Easter, we are continuing our theme of humility and sacrifice. Today, my guest, Matt Peacock, is a man of true humility. You are going to be so blessed by his story and his heart for serving others. Matt is the founder of Partners in Hope, an Austin based collaborative ministry focused on eliminating social isolation in Texas. We are going to have a conversation about how serving others can change our perspective and actually bring us joy and contentment in a way that focusing on ourselves never will.
“The biggest battle you fight is between your two ears.” -Jennie AllenSo many of us fight a battle every day with the negative, anxious and sometimes crippling thoughts that circle in our mind. But how do we break the cycle of thoughts that hold us back from our relationships with others, our kids and with God?Julie helps us answer how we get out of our own heads by fixating on Jesus and the truth of his Word verses the lies that Satan wants us to believe.
Believe it or not, it’s already Easter season! It’s March 31st! When we think of Easter and the sacrifice Jesus made for us, we are struck by the incredible humility of it; that the creator of the universe would submit to the Father’s will and die a criminal’s death to pay a debt he didn’t owe because of His amazing love for us. So with that in mind, we’re going to be talking about humility this month. Why is humility important? Why is it so hard and how can we live it out? In this episode we are kicking off a new, monthly series called “The MomQ Mingle." In these episodes, Candace and Annie will chat about relevant topic for today's moms and comparing truth from the Word with trends from culture.
One of the biggest challenges of being a mom is the countless, and seemingly never ending demands on us. In this session of How to Build a Strong Family, we gather an amazing panel of mentor Moms who provide practical advice on how to keep your cool while balancing our roles as a wife, mom, friend, and follower of God.
We desire for our home to be a sanctuary. But the reality is life is hard, and every day we face stress and anxious thoughts that fill our minds and our four walls. In this next session of Building a Strong Family, Annie reminds us of the promises God gives in his Word to trade our anxiety for His peace.
This month we are talking about how God wants us to put His love into action in our relationships. Many people feel like this is the hardest with our spouses. Marriage is hard and there are some scary statistics out there that might feel daunting. But, listening to podcasts like today, show commitment to growth and a deeper relationship with your spouse, so thank you so much for being here!
Do you ever feel like your marriage hit a rough patch you can’t seem to get out of and it's just downhill from here? Or that you’re settling for “everything is just fine” because it’s the easier path? Or how about those couples you know that have been married for decades and decades-how in the world do they seem so truly happy? In this episode we hear from Barbara and Joe Bland, long time Austin residents who have been married 42 years! Yes, you heard right! They share their story of how God transformed their hearts and showed them how to truly love each other over the years.
It's February - the month of Love! We are kicking off a new theme on the podcast to focus on love and relationships. What we know in our culture is love is something everyone wants but has a hard time truly giving. At the same time, God is clear that we are loved to love him and love others.In this episode Candace chats with Annie Mendrala to tease out the topic of love and relationships as we discuss what the bible has to say about it. It's a fun episode full of wisdom on this topic and encourage you to listen as we kick off the Valentines day season!
Culture says busy is good and slow is bad. A frantic pace is applauded and rewarded, and some people wear it as a badge of honor.I don't know what you've done today, but chances are, whether it was real estate or finding lost blankies, you were already busy this morning. Yet if we get down to the nitty gritty, I think we'd say at least a lot of the time that we are hurried, and frustrated, and exhausted. And what tends to be the first thing to go when that happens?Julie teaches on importance of filling our cup with the source of life - Jesus, and choosing the one who is better just as Mary did.
In our second session in our series of Building a Strong Family, we talk about how we can set priorities in our family according to the Bible. Once we establish that Jesus is at the center, how do we balance the craziness of life with our responsibilities as mothers and wives? Annie teaches how when we set our lives on biblical principles and unconditional love, we can put our focus where it matters most.
This week we kick off the first session of our new semester of teaching series at MomQ with the theme of Building a Strong Family. In this first teaching, Candace talks about the elements that make a strong family - most importantly an individual, authentic relationship with God.
With this episode we continue our "Renew" series with an amazing conversation with Sarah Cowan Johnson. Sarah is an author of “Teach Your Children Well”, a step by step guide for family discipleship. It was the winner of Christianity Today's 2023 best book award in the category of marriage and family. I hope this episode will encourage you to reflect on what you are currently doing to disciple your children and challenge you to be a bit more intentional about it in the coming year.In Deuteronomy 6:4-9, The Bible says that discipling our children should be a rhythm that happens naturally as we live out each day, much like eating and sleeping. But, if we are honest, to most of us it doesn’t come naturally at all. There are a million reasons why this is the case and we will talk about a few of those today. We are also going to discuss some of the barriers that keep us from practicing discipleship and talk about ways to overcome them. I know you are going to be so blessed by this conversation as we were!
Thanks for listening and sharing this episode with a friend! We hope that this helps you as you seek to make discipleship a way of life in your family.
SHOW LINK:
Teach Your Children Well by Sarah Cowen Johnson
In our second episode of our Renew series as we enter the new year discovering and reflecting on new rhythms in our life, we chat with Becky Terry from Purpose Works, formerly known as Job Seekers Network. Becky has provided guidance in career direction, job search strategies and career management for the last 25 years.
As we are thinking about goals for the new year, many people find themselves asking questions like: “Am I on the right path in life?” “Is there something God has for me to do that I am missing?” And “How can I discover my gifts and talents?” I think you’ll find the answers to these questions and more with in our conversation.
To learn more about Purpose Works visit: JSNatx@org
Daily rhythms are a simple way to refresh and renew our mind. As we kick off a brand new series to kick off 2024 called “Renew” we chat with Annie Mendrala about how we can renew our rhythms this new year. When we reflect on the rhythms God has created in nature and also the ones he has established in scripture, we can set boundaries to create rhythms that renew us spiritually, physically and mentally.
In this episode we have our last conversation with our MomQ leaders for our Becoming a Confident Mom series wrap up, where we are answering pre-submitted questions from our community members. So far in this series we have answered questions about marriage, spiritual growth, and holiday traditions. In today’s episode we will talk about issues pertaining to our children. like ways to disciple them at home and help them deal with anxiety.
I have Sue McAlinden and Lynette Seitzler with me, both MomQ mentor moms, who will be sharing their collective wisdom and encouragement. I’m excited for you to get to know them as well.
Sue has been a MomQ mentor mom since our beginning. She spent twenty-one years raising her family, participating in Bible studies, leading small groups and mentoring moms of younger children. She says being a mom was her favorite job, and she loves to encourage other moms as they juggle their own family, their extended family, their marriage, and time for themselves. Currently, Susan is a contributing writer on the website, Freedtoflourish.com. She was recently published in the Proverbs 31 book, “hope when your heart is heavy.”
As a mentor mom, Lynette enjoys helping young moms grow deeper in their Christian walk. Originally raised on farms and ranches in both Minnesota and Texas, Lynette has lived in Austin since 2006. As a journalist, she started reporting for Four Points News in 2008 and God gave her the opportunity to own the newspaper in 2011. You can find Lynetter at most local events taking photos and notes. She is also a faithful assistant to her husband who teaches Bible fellowship class at their church.
We hope this episode blesses and encourages you as you enter into the holiday season. Much love from the MomQ family!
In this episode we have a conversation with Barbara Bland and Annie Mendrala to do a deep dive into some pretty tough questions about marriage. Our answers will challenge you. I encourage you to keep an open mind as you listen. We also want to be clear that we are addressing the typical marital issues that we see and experience in our ministry. But, we are not professional counselors and there are certainly situations where their advice would be more appropriate. And of course, if you or your children are in danger, then get to a safe place as soon as possible.
Marriage always one of the most popular topics of our podcast because we all have marriage issues. And it’s no wonder. I mean merging our life with another human being is a tall order. It causes us to confront our own character issues and that’s not fun.
But, the Bible is clear that marriage is a covenant relationship that God ordained at creation. God tells us that our relationship with our husbands should be our priority behind only our relationship with Him. And if our selfish, prideful nature wasn’t enough to undermine marriage, the devil is always attacking it as well. Why? Because he wants to destroy families. It is through strong Christian families that the character of God is reflected.
I think each of you will be blessed, challenged, and encouraged by this episode. If you are, please feel free to share with a fellow mama as well!
Today on our show, we have e two of our MomQ mentor Moms, Amy Tipps and Kendra Echols.
I’m excited about this because it will be a slightly different format for us. As you know we just wrapped up our series “Becoming a Confident Mom” and the synopsis of that is Episode 45 you guys want to check that out. That theme of that whole series is that as believers, because our identity is in Jesus, we can have peace and hope in the struggles and relationships of life.
As part of our wrap-up at our gathering in Austin, we have a tradition that a live panel of our mentor moms answers pre submitted questions from our community members. This year we decided to go a step further and go on a deep dive with pairs of our mentor moms to get to know them, and learn from them.
Amy is a former high school teacher and coach with lots of ministry adventures over the years, including Bible Study Fellowship and Celebrate Recovery. She is also a certified Life Coach through the Forward Foundation. Amy is passionate about emotional health and spiritual growth through discipleship, recovery, and walking closely with God on a daily basis. She is a wise, gracious and peace filled woman of God.
Kendra is native to central Texas. She has served in women's and children's Ministry for 20 plus years and has also been a worship leader in different capacities since she was a teenager. Her smile is infectious and her joyous spirit radiates Jesus to those around her. She appreciates authenticity and seeks to build relationships on the truth of God's Word.
Candace shares closing things on this wonderful semester studying how to be a confident mom, from God’s perspective. She shares the key points for us to take action and meditate on as we continue to hold to Christ for our confidence, our peace, and our joy.
On this episode we have Sam Konda on the show. Sam is a former leader with MomQ and an absolutely beautiful woman of God. She always has a smile on her face and an encouraging word to share with people. She is just one of those people that when she speaks, you pay attention because you know it’s going to be words of gold.Sam grew up in India where her father was a Christian Pastor. You can imagine how rare that was and the challenges involved with being a Christian pastor’s kid in a predominantly Hindu country. But, God was always with Sam as He is with us. She allowed Him to mature her faith through those circumstances and prepare her for a new call He has on her life. Sam shares some of her journey and how he used her early life circumstances to lead her and her husband to start a church - and how God demonstrated his faithfulness through it all.
Happiness is something we all desire, but is it really something we can attain? Annie Mendrala teaches what the answer is from the Bible, and how when we pursue true, lasting happiness, we can have joy despite the circumstances around us.
In this episode, guest speaker Lindsey Werner, LPC-S and director of relational equipping at Hill Country Bible Church in Austin, TX, shares practical tools and spiritual wisdom on the power of forgiveness, and how to get out of being "stuck" in the pattern of bitterness and same.
You will find this episode convicting and encouraging! To view Lindsey's entire presentation, visit our website here:
https://momq.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Unstuck-tools-to-move-through-unforgiveness-and-shame-ppt.pptx.pdf
In this episode Candace interviews Jennifer Appleton, the South Texas coordinator for Moms in Prayer. She shares about this amazing ministry and the transforming power of gathering with like minded believers to pray for our kids.For more about moms in prayer visit momsinprayer.org.
When was the last time you were offended? Chances are we all get hurt by others daily. We often hear from the culture that we need to eliminate “toxic” people or relationships, but what does God say? Candace teaches about how when we receive God’s forgiveness, it helps change our heart to forgive others, and receive blessing in the process.
In our Christian walk, there are going to be times when we mess up. Whether it’s with our kids, our spouse, at work, the moment comes when we know we were in the wrong. But then what do we do? Julie Whitehurst teaches a Godly response to our sin, which involves confessing and turning away from it without guilt or shame.
In this episode we get to chat with Melissa Workman. She is a mom of 3 and the teaching director of After School Kids in the Four Points area of Austin, Texas. In this episode, she shares the story of how God led her to launch this ministry in her community and the importance of teaching young kids to learn and LOVE studying God's Word.
Even as believers, it’s sometimes a struggle to wrap our minds around how a good and all powerful Gospel can allow bad things to happen. Annie Mendrala reminds us that in a sinful world, we should count on trouble, but expect victory. God is always with us in our suffering, He has conquered brokenness ultimately. Because of that, we have joy today because we have hope for eternity.
Most of us don’t love conflict. But, we experience different forms of conflict in all our relationships, including with our kids. In this episode we are grateful to have Lindsey Werner, Licensed Professional Counselor and director of relationship equipping at Hill Country Bible Church, speak about the importance of conflict resolution and the dangers of unresolved conflict. Alternatively, when we lean into resolution, it brings peace with each other and with God.
On this special guest episode of the podcast we are fortunate to have Christine Hoover. Christine serves as the women’s ministry associate at The Austin Stone’s Northwest congregation. She hosts the Ministry Wives podcast and has authored seven books, including Messy Beautiful Friendship, How to Thrive as a Pastor’s Wife, and From Good to Grace. Christine is married to Kyle, a pastor at The Austin Stone, and they have three boys. You can find out more about her at her website www.Christinehoover.net. In this episode, Christine chats with Candace about her own testimony about finding freedom and hope in God's grace verses seeking approval through trying to be "good" for Him. I think you'll find this conversation encouraging and freeing for your life too.
To continue our series in viewing relationships from a biblical perspective, Candace teaches on how we should relate to our children as Christian moms. It’s easy to wrap our identity in our role as mothers and whether or not our kids reflect the values we hold. However, our kids are a precious creation from God and they belong to Him ultimately. When we view them that way we can withhold our reigns and trust that He has their best interest in mind.
One of our MomQ teachers, Julie Whitehurst, shares wisdom from a biblical perspective about how God designed marriage and what that means for us practically as wives today. When we better understand God’s purpose and role for us as women in the context of marriage, we can build a relationship that is fulfilling, meaningful, and honoring to God. In addition, we leave a legacy to our children for their future marriages.
What a special treat we have to interview Kayla Marnach; author, child advocate, mom, grandmother, and MomQ founding leader. She shares about the journey God has taken her on to become the author of the “Can Do” kids series which is about empowering children and educating adults about starting conversations about our bodies and how to treasure them as God intended. To learn more about Kayla and the Can Do series, visit: www.kaylajmarnach.com
In week 2 in our series of “Becoming a Confident Mom,” Annie Mendrala teaches on the value of relationships from a biblical perspective. Because we serve a relational God, He uses relationships in all forms to encourage us, inspire us, and sanctify us.
We are excited to kick off a new semester of MomQ teaching! We have fresh content and a rotating team of speakers that will share from the truth of God's Word about who we are as Moms and the calling we have as the primary disciplers of our kids.
In week one of the semester Candace teaches on where our identify lies as moms. Ultimately, it is not in the approval of others or even in our role as a mom and wife. It is rooted in who God says we are as believers in Christ.
We kick off a new season of the MomQ podcast with a special, in depth interview with MomQ founder and president, Candace Nassar. She shares a bit of her personal testimony and how God used a local mom community to bring her to faith. She also shares how God led her to take a leap in faith to start the ministry and bring it to where it is today. We also chat about some exciting new updates to MomQ that our podcast guests and in person members will see coming this fall!
On this episode we had the privelege to interview two special guests with me, Amanda Tipps and Staci Reichmanis. Amanda and Staci are both on the counseling staff at Hill country Bible Church in Austin, TX. Amanda works with adolescents and Staci is the Director of the Counseling Department. They have both been guest speakers at MomQ a few times and they are fantastic! They are consummate professionals who really know their stuff and they are also beautiful Godly women and mothers.
They share with us some powerful, yet practical tips for finding rest in God's presence in the chaos of our daily lives.
On this episode of our summer series we have an amazing conversation with Teri Craft. Teri is an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor, Certified Marriage & Recovery Coach, and holds a Masters in Professional Counseling from the Townsend Institute. She has been trained in Pastoral Marriage and Family Counseling, and leads women’s groups for personal growth as well as for those who have experienced betrayal and personal loss. Teri has dedicated her life to speaking, leading, writing, and training others regarding relational and organizational health. She and her husband founded Life Unplugged which partners with couples to provide enrichment, recovery, or healing to marriages. You will be encouraged and inspired by hearing her story of recovery and restoration. For more information Life Unplugged visit https://www.livelifeunplugged.org.
To continue our summer series we had the opportunity to interview Amy Benchener, an amazing mom of 2, professor and community leader. She shares her journey facing some health issues with her daughter and facing the death of her father - and how she and her family experienced the power and realness of God in the middle of those situations.
We are exited to catch up with Jesica Gierke who is a MomQ mentor, mother and most of all amazing servant of Christ. She shares with us some of her story and an experience she had on a missions trip in Costa Rica where she witnessed the awe-inspiring power of God in action. You don't want to miss it!
We are thrilled to interview Tracy Higley for our second episode in our summer series on experiencing the presence of God IN the chaos of summer. Tracy is a bestselling author of twenty books and successful entrepreneur and business owner. After decades of keeping up with publishing contracts, four kids, church ministries and grad school, all the while running a million-dollar retail business, Tracy -crashed and burned.- And learned. The answer didn't come from changing her fundamental personality of achiever, but by taking those strengths and fitting them into a structure that explodes productivity while staying balanced, healthy and joyful. Her desire is to walk alongside Christian women who want to make a lasting impact with their lives, both within and outside the four walls of their homes. You will enjoy the wisdom Tracy shares from her story and lessons God taught her during summers with her own kids. To learn more about Tracy and her books, visit her website.
We are so excited to launch our first Summer Podcast Series with Stephanie James! We're going to be talking about practicing the presence of God IN the chaos of summer. We hope that you will be encouraged by the testimony of these women was they prioritize their relationship with Jesus in the absence of routine. We are kicking off our series with Stephanie James. Stephanie is a mom who truly follows after God's heart. She has six kids ranging from teen to toddler and is determined to prioritize faith in their family. I think you will appreciate and value the wisdom she provides in this conversation for intentionally discipling your kids during summer.
We wrap up this semester with some key takeaways from the lessons from this semester on Building Families of Character. Our amazing mentor moms also join us for a panel to answer any and all questions from the audience on parenting. We loved sharing in this journey with you this semester. Please stay tuned for some special episodes this summer before we kick off again in the fall!
No other relationship or situation can challenge our faith more than our marriage. So what is the secret to a satisfied marriage?Surpisingly, it has much less to do with how our husband, or even relationship needs to change. Instead, it's about focusing on how God wants to sanctify us in the process. When we exchange our character for God's character, or focus turns from ourselves, to who God wants us to be.
In this episode, guest speaker Germaine Ferreira teaches on how we can raise children with JOY in a world that seeks an empty goal of “happiness.” She shares strategies she has used when raising her two grown boys to help our kids turn to Jesus as their ultimate form of satisfaction.
Life is full of ups and downs. It's so easy to feel anxious, complain about our circumstances or experience regret from our past. Is it truly possible to feel content in this life? Paul gives us that answer in Philippians 4:12. The short answer is YES but we must align ourselves to finding our satisfaction in Christ. Zooming out to see the eternal perspective and also zooming in to examine our hearts. Candace teaches on this topic and interviews mentor mom Jessica Geirke about her experience with finding contentment as a mom.
We know that God wants our families and our kids to be marked by honesty and integrity. But, instilling these values in our kids is easier said than done! Candace teaches on strategies for building a culture of honesty and confession in our homes. When our kids see us modeling honest behavior with other adults, with them and with our spouses, and confessing when we fail, we gift them a strong foundation in this area. Our mentor mom, Kendra, also shares a personal story about her journey with honesty and how God's grace has moved in her life in a powerful way.
We know that honesty is the best policy. But when it comes to our relationship with our spouse, it's easy to fall into habits of withholding information, emotions, or behavior. Mentor mom Julie Whitehurst teaches on the power of courageous honesty and the freedom and security we experience when our marriage is built on integrity.
Heather Creekmore writes and speaks hope to thousands of women each week, inspiring them to stop comparing and start living. She is the author of two books: Compared to Who? and The Burden of Better which take a deep dive into the spiritual roots of body image and comparison issues and offer a grace-based path to freedom.
She shares with us on this episode about God wants to see our bodies from His perspective - and how our attitude about our bodies impacts our children as well.
To learn more about Heather and find links to her podcast and books, visit https://comparedtowho.me
You can also find Heather on Instagram @ComparedtoWho
In this episode, Candace teaches on the value of living a life of integrity, in our conversations and in our conduct. When we surrender to God and seek to be honest in every area of our life, we bring our lives into conformity with His truth.
Special guest speaker Annie Mendrala teaches on what it looks like to be courageous in our marriage. She shares what the Bible says about our role in marriage and how we can work through challenges in a way that honors God. Annie reminds us that courage in marriage begins with our brokenness, and God changing us as we move toward greater intimacy.
How do we go about instilling courage in our kids? In this lesson, Candace shared some of the characteristics of courageous kids and how we can allow God to build their character by empowering them to fail. She also interviews Bible teacher Heather Van Stavern on what it looks like to help our kids overcome failure, and depend on God for their strength.
We have a special bonus interview with Christy Howard. She is a mom of three, pastors wife, and mentor to many. She shared a personal testimony with us about how to trust God and have courage in a tough situation.
We are thrilled to kick off a new semester of MomQ with the theme of Building Families of Character. In our first lesson, Candace teaches on the importance of courage, and how Godly courage enables us to step out in faith. It’s important to be courageous so that we can choose FAITH over FEAR.
Candace interviews Gina Cleminson about her wisdom in raising kids with a string faith that lasts. She also shares with us some fun family Christmas traditions that help place Christ at the center of the holidays.
Candace summarizes the lessons we learned from this semester about raising virtuous children. We also get the treat of hearing our mentor moms take questions from the audience about all areas of parenting and family, including navigating difficult conversations, handling strong willed children, and how to place Jesus at the center of family traditions.
As parents with young kids we dream of having open, rich relationships with them as they grow through adulthood. But what can we do know to ensure that is the case for our family? In this episode, Candace talks about how we can build spiritually vibrant homes that align our passions with God’s. And have fun together in the process! She also interviews mentor mom Amy Tipps who shares her wisdom and joys of having rich relationships with her grown kids.
Instead of relying on the culture for our cues on how to best discipline our kids, Candace gives practical advice on how we can discipline from a biblical perspective, using loving relationship as the foundation.
In this episode we have two special guest speakers, Heather VanStavern and Kendra Echols discuss how prioritizing our marriage is essential to effective parenting. They discuss several reasons why this is the case and practical ways to take the next steps in strengthening connection with our spouse.
The question of how we should discipline our kids often comes with the most strife in our home. But at the same time, it’s our primary calling according to the Bible. Candace discusses how to be intentional with our discipline with a focus on rich communication. This approach will cost us, our time, energy and maybe even a clean house. But the benefits outweigh the cost.
Listen to our special episode with an interview with mentor mom Jess Gierke. She shares her testimony of faith and journey to raise her two kids to follow Jesus.
The word “character” has many definition in our modern world. As Christians, our standard of character is God himself. But how do we help shape our kids to make decisions that are honoring to God? Candace discusses some tools for guiding them to worship the Creator vs. creation (Romans 1) and looking to Him to meet their desires.
In the throes of parenting it’s a question we often ponder. Will our kids ever do what we say? Will they hold onto their values? Will they follow God? We aren’t guaranteed the answers to those questions but we know that when we are tending to their hearts, God and His Holy Spirit will guide them. Candace and mentor mom Julie will share how we can bring this perspective into our everyday.
We often have doubts in our ability to be the parents we need or want to be. But as believers we know that anything good that we do comes from the grace that has been given to us through Jesus. In this episode, we discuss what it looks like to live out this grace in our parenting. We also hear from our mentor mom Barbara Bland and her testimony of how God shifted her parenting perspective from fear-based to grace-based.
Is the ultimate goal of parenting to raise happy kids? Good kids? Successful kids? In this episode we discuss the purpose of our parenting according to the Bible - to point our kids to His truth and grace. We also hear from one of our mentor moms, Sue McAlinden, about practical ways to center our homes around God’s truth in the depths of parenting.
There are so many sources of wisdom when it comes to parenting, but when it comes to a struggle you’re facing or a question you have, where do you turn first? In this episode we’ll talk through practical ways we can turn to God for Wisdom, and grow in our faith through our parenting journey. We’ll also hear from Candace a personal testimony of how that looked in her own life.
It’s a tough question but an important one- who do our kids really belong to? Are they our legacy or the legacy of the One who created them? Listen to Candace addressing these topics and more in our first session of the season!