Fifteen years ago, our lives were filled with stress and busyness. While I thought I was doing everything right to work FOR my family by homeschooling during the day and working at night, I didn’t see that my relationship with my husband and my kids was struggling.

Have you ever felt that way? We can get so wrapped up in doing and being productive that we miss out on what matters most. That’s not to say that doing things is wrong, but we often sacrifice necessary good things to pursue other good things. And when this happens, we forget to care for our souls with the things that matter most.

In this episode, we are exploring how to move into a life where we can work with purpose and passion, all while having a deep sense of peace and rest at the same time. To help us do that is our guest, Dr. Laurel Emory. Laurel is a writer, speaker, podcaster, and accomplished business and leadership coach. Her heart is centered on helping others cultivate confidence and joy in life and work.

Laurel shares with us:

• The importance of valuing things outside of what is productive
• Signs that God is inviting you to rest
• Additional resources to help you as you pursue rest
• And more!

We hope you enjoy this conversation!

Show Notes: https://growinghometogether.com/laurel-emory-67

In our previous episode, we discussed how to prepare ourselves to launch our children into adulthood. Continuing on this theme, this episode focuses on parenting young adults, which is particularly important to Rob and me since it's a topic that's close to our hearts.

We delve into the heartache that comes with parenting a wayward child and aim to offer you the hope and encouragement you need. Joining us in this discussion is our guest and friend, Mary DeMuth, who is the author of the book, Love, Pray, Listen: Parenting Your Wayward Adult Kids with Joy. Mary is an international speaker, podcaster, and author of over 40 books. She understands firsthand what it's like to overcome a difficult past and helps others write a new story in their lives.

Mary shares with us:

• Why our joy shouldn’t be dependent on our children’s decisions
• The role our convictions should and shouldn’t have in our relationship with our children
• How having a wayward child can bring you closer to Jesus
• And more!

We hope you enjoy this conversation!

Show Notes: https://growinghometogether.com/mary-demuth-66

In this episode, we are going to discuss a stage of parenting that isn’t talked about as much. It’s what is known as the “messy middle” of parenting, where your kids are preparing to leave the nest for good. The questions and situations you have to deal with as your children start to assert their independence can be quite challenging.

We are excited to have Brenda Yoder with us to discuss how we can prepare our hearts and our homes for our kids to leave the nest. Brenda is the author of Fledge: Launching Your Kids Without Losing Your Mind, a mom, speaker, podcaster, Licensed Mental Health Counselor, and life coach who gives biblical wisdom to parents who want to launch their children well.

Brenda shares with us:

• The reality of “mom grief”
• How to be kid-led in your parenting
• Preparing your own heart for shifting your role

We hope you enjoy this conversation!

Show Notes: https://growinghometogether.com/brenda-yoder-65

We know many couples who have split up or who are seriously questioning their future together, and the one thing that is crystal clear with all of them is that their relationship did not break down overnight.

You may be wondering where your marriage will stand in 2023 or if you can overcome the hurts and conflicts that have happened in your marriage. If you have been looking for a change but don’t know where to start then you’ll want to pay special attention to this episode!

Our guests, Mark and Jill Savage know the stress and pain that comes with a broken marriage. They know the habits, assumptions, and choices that can pull couples apart. Jill is the author of 14 books, two of which are co-authored with Mark. They frequently speak about marriage and offer coaching to other couples.

Mark & Jill share with us:

• Their personal story of repairing their marriage
• The slow fades that can erode a marriage
• The difference between forgiveness and making amends
• And ways to reignite your marriage!

We hope you enjoy this conversation!

Show Notes: https://growinghometogether.com/mark-jill-savage-64

For the majority of our marriage, we had a traditional schedule where Rob would head off to an office job in the morning while I would stay at home with the children. But a few years ago, we flipped our lives upside down to pursue self-employment together as partners. This transition made us realize that we had a lot to learn, not just as marriage partners but as life and business partners.

That is why we are so excited to introduce Robert and Kay Lee Fukui. They have a consulting business where they guide other married entrepreneurs to create a thriving marriage and a prosperous business.

Robert and Kay Lee share with us:

• The importance of knowing how to resolve conflict
• Why more sales aren’t the solution to business stress
• How setting aside time for rest is the most productive thing you can do
• The focus of their book Tandem: The Married Entrepreneurs' Guide for Greater Work-Life Balance
• And more!

We hope you enjoy this conversation!

Show Notes: https://growinghometogether.com/Robert-Kay-Lee-Fukui-63

Every married couple will face challenges throughout their marriage. It could be dealing with a serious health crisis, mental illness, parenting prodigal children, infertility, financial setbacks, or overwhelming work and responsibilities. From the day a couple says “I do,” they set out on a journey that holds inevitable struggles and threats to a happy and lasting marriage relationship.

Today’s guest, Gary Thomas, offers a powerful teaching on how to make your marriage a fortress that can stand up to the battles you will face with your spouse. In this episode, we are going to hone in on just one of those battles: the pain and brokenness from our past that we each bring into a marriage. He also helps us to understand:

- The effect the world has on our marriages
- How your past has shaped who you are and how you react
- The importance of getting curious about your behaviors
- The power of God to redeem your past hurts and strengthen your marriage
- And more!

We are praying that you enjoy this conversation!

Show Notes: https://growinghometogether.com/gary-thomas-62

If you're married, you likely stood up at the altar on your wedding day and made vows to stick together for better and for worse, in sickness and in health. And maybe, like many couples, your vows have been tested because of an injury, illness, or chronic condition affecting your daily life. The challenge of chronic pain puts a unique kind of stress on a marriage—it can bring you together and grow your relationship in new ways, or it can wear down the joy and closeness that you share.

Our returning guests for this episode are Chris and Jamie Bailey. They have walked their own road filled with medical issues, back pain, and other chronic conditions. In this episode, they offer their unique insight into building a strong marriage despite difficult circumstances.

Chris and Jamie share with us:
- The importance of choosing to depend on God and each other
- How chronic pain and health issues can negatively impact your marriage
- Ways to stay connected and keep stressors from stealing your joy
- Practical ways to help and encourage your spouse dealing with pain
- And ways to prepare your marriage now to withstand whatever the future may hold

We hope this episode brings you encouragement today!

Show Notes: https://growinghometogether.com/chris-jamie-bailey-61

Do you ever feel disappointed or discouraged in your marriage? As wives, I (Joanna) know we want to know how to bring life to our marriages when we’re losing hope. I know so many women, despite their love for their husbands, feel discouraged in their marriages. Their husbands may seem distant and like he doesn’t want to work on a close relationship, or the communication has broken down, and they find themselves often in conflict. Can you relate?

Today, I am having a conversation with Estrella Rogers, a licensed counselor, author, speaker, and founder of Star Level Coaching, where she coaches couples to build strong and lasting relationships. She is also a wife and a mom that has experienced the power of prayer in her own family. Listen in as Estrella shares how wives can encourage, pray, and love their husbands through life’s challenges.

Estrella shares with us:

- What to do when you “hit a wall” in your marriage
- The power of praying for your husband
- How to be supportive when it feels like you can’t fix the circumstances
- The importance of self-evaluation
- And more!

We hope you enjoy this conversation!

Show Notes: https://growinghometogether.com/estrella-rogers-60

This episode was recorded in the midst of a crazy season of our life. From moving homes to health issues to the back-to-school season and much more, it was quite stressful. During seasons like that, it’s no secret that the marriage relationship can get a little tense.

That season of life provided the perfect context for us to have this conversation with Chris and Jenni Graebe, authors of The Rhythm of Us: Create the Thriving Marriage You Long For and hosts of the Rhythm of Us Podcast.

This was such a fun and engaging conversation. In it, Chris and Jenni share with us:

- How to set a vision for your marriage and introduce habits that will get you there
- How to stop pointing fingers and start being in rhythm as a couple
- Why busyness can be one of the greatest joy-killers in marriage
- Why your differences don’t have to threaten your connection
- And more!

We hope this conversation encourages you!

Show Notes: https://growinghometogether.com/chris-jenni-graebe-59/

Rob and I have four biological children, and eight years ago our family grew again through adoption. We are so grateful that God gave us the best gift in the courtroom that day, but we also had no idea what the journey ahead would hold. When we read Brittany Salmon’s book, It Takes More Than Love, we felt seen and understood.

Today, we’re welcoming Brittany onto the podcast! She is a professor, writer, and Bible teacher with a MA in Intercultural Studies. Brittany and her husband, Ben, have seen God do incredible things in their lives, and are passionate about advocating for the adoptive community.

Whether you have considered adoption yourself, are an adoptive parent, or just want to learn how to better support those in the adoptive or foster care communities, this episode is for you.

Brittany shares with us:

- God’s intervention in their journey of infertility
- The different types of adoption that are possible
- Why we need to listen to all the voices in “the adoptive triad”
- Whether you should pursue adoption if your spouse isn’t 100% on-board
- How to be supportive even if you can’t adopt right now

We hope you enjoy this conversation!

Show Notes: https://growinghometogether.com/brittany-salmon-58/

Sometimes, when we are on the journey of parenting, it’s easy to forget that we are also children. Not just to our earthly parents, but to our Heavenly Father.

As we consider what it means to be a parent, it’s foundational to first consider what it means to be a child of God.

That’s exactly what we’re doing on today’s episode with Christina Fox, a licensed counselor, retreat speaker, and author of multiple books including "Like Our Father: How God Parents Us and Why that Matters for Our Parenting."

Today, Christina shares with us:
- Why God’s role as a Father should impact our own parenting
- Why God can relate to any of our daily experiences as parents
- How we can respond to our imperfections as parents
- How to respond when we have doubts or insecurities about God’s view of us
- And more!

This was such a special conversation. We hope you enjoy it!

Show Notes: https://growinghometogether.com/christina-fox-57/

Have you ever noticed that you struggle for control? Maybe you just care a little extra about how your spouse loads the dishwasher. Maybe you struggle a little more to recover when life goes a different way than you were planning. Maybe you have trouble letting your kids make mistakes. Or maybe your marriage feels like a battle for leadership more than it feels like a partnership towards a united goal.

Today on the podcast, we have the opportunity to welcome Shannon Popkin, author of both Comparison Girl and Control Girl and host of the “Live Like It’s True” podcast. From the platform, page, and podcast mic, Shannon Popkin wants to invite you to drink deeply of God’s story, and live like it’s true.

Today, Shannon shares with us:


Why so many of us struggle to let go of control
What it looks to identify the emotion or sin that is behind the desire to control
How unity in our roles in marriage help us become better partners
How to find peace in God’s provision and plan
And more!

We hope you enjoy this episode!

Show Notes: https://growinghometogether.com/shannon-popkin-56/

We imagine, like us, you desire to leave a spiritual legacy for your family and see your children making their faith their own. But it can be so tough to navigate how to do that well, all while releasing control and trusting God.

Today, we have the opportunity to welcome our guest Ray Pritchard, president of Keep Believing Ministries. Ray has written 31 books, is a co-host on Today’s Issues on American Family Radio, and was a pastor for 26 years to churches in Los Angeles, Dallas, and Chicago. To us, however, he is just “Pastor Ray,” from the time he was our pastor at Calvary Memorial Church in Oak Park, IL.

Today, Ray shares with us:

- His own journey of faith and how God helped Ray and his wife identify how to lead a home filled with faith
-The importance of abiding in Christ each and every day
- Practical ways to help you leave a legacy of faith that extends for generations
- What it looks like to truly trust God’s faithfulness
- How to handle seasons when your children are struggling with church or faith
- Why prayer is the most powerful tool we have in our toolbox
- And so much more!

We hope this episode is an encouragement to your heart this week.

Show Notes: https://growinghometogether.com/ray-pritchard-55/

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Need a sign to know if your marriage is thriving or struggling today? The clues are standing at your own front door:   How do you feel when your spouse walks in at the end of the day?  Are you greeting with a kiss or a cold shoulder? Do you feel eager to connect and share the events of the day? Is your spouse the reason you’re excited to come home?   If your stress goes up and your happiness goes down when your spouse comes through the door, chances are you’re suffering from a “joy gap” in your marriage. Today’s guests, Marcus Warner and Chris Coursey, are here with a super-encouraging message to help us grow close and refresh the joy in our relationships. They help us to understand How two pastors utilize both brain science and scripture to minister to couples Why joy is the key element to a strong marriage Why it’s possible to “train your brain” to grow your joy together Practical ways to connect in simple, powerful ways with your spouse How fear drives couples further apart How to protect your “joy zones” from stress and conflict How to meet God as the true Source of joy Dr. Marcus Warner is a conference speaker and author who has spent over thirty years helping people and organizations navigate some of life's toughest challenges. As the president of Deeper Walk International , he has helped develop dozens of resources that deal with recovery, leadership, and family life.   Rev. Chris M. Coursey is the president of THRIVEtoday, a non-profit ministry focusing on training leaders and communities in the nineteen skills that make relationships work. Chris is an ordained minister, pastoral counselor, published author, curriculum designer and international speaker. Chris is the husband of Jen and the father of two young boys, Matthew and Andrew.   Marcus and Chris created The 4 Habits of Joy-Filled Marriage: How 15 Minutes a Day Will Help You Stay in Love to help you grow a joyful, thriving relationship.    This podcast is produced and edited by Angie Elkins Media, Inc.   

You put your trust in Christ a long time ago. Since then, you’ve spent countless hours in prayer and reading the Bible. You’ve attended church and been faithful to give and serve however you can. You could tell story after story of how God met your needs and helped you along the way. Yet today, God feels distant and out of reach. It seems like your prayers hit the ceiling. Doubt, guilt, and discouragement are making a wreck of your faith. You wonder how to break down the wall and draw close to God again.   Today’s guests, Bill and Kristi Gaultiere, are here to give you hope on your journey of faith. Bill and Kristi have served both in ministry and as counselors for 30 years. They have authored a powerful book titled Journey of the Soul: A Practical Guide to Emotional and Spiritual Health to meet you in whatever stage of faith you’re living right now.   Bill and Kristi help us to understand   The pain of feeling distant from God The “Christ stages” we experience in our Christian life Why we hit the wall and become stuck in our journey of faith The part suffering plays in our spiritual confusion How to open our soul to the Spirit in new ways How growing in God can help us cope with difficult emotions Spiritual practices that help us to connect with God when he seems far away The powerful impact of “soul talk” conversations with your spouse and kids    Bill and Kristi Gaultiere are the founders of Soul Shepherding,  helping believers move toward intimacy with Jesus, emotional health, and loving relationships. As a psychologist and Spiritual Formation Pastor, Bill has trained over 1,000 lay counselors and taught courses in Christian psychology and spirituality at the graduate school level.    Bill and Kristi, a psychotherapist, train pastors and other men and women in ministry in their Soul Shepherding Institute and Spiritual Direction certificate program. Bill has been speaking in churches and conferences since 1987 and especially enjoys speaking with Kristi. You can listen to their weekly Soul Talks podcast and read their weekly Soul Shepherding blog.  This podcast is produced and edited by Angie Elkins Media, Inc.

Like Gary Thomas says, we come into marriage with certain “sexpectations” of what we’ll experience with our spouse. We look forward to romance, pleasure, and satisfaction over a lifetime of love together. But every couple struggles to sustain the passion. To understand each other’s needs and wants. To communicate our thoughts, feelings, and desires about the most personal part of our relationship. We want to draw close and experience all God designed sex to be, but we don’t know how to make it happen.   Today’s guest, Gary Thomas, comes with practical insight to help you and your spouse break down walls to build the love life you’ve always hoped for. He helps us to understand   What moved him to teach on the topic of married sex God’s design for your ideal love life  Why sex can get better and better as you get older Why you don’t need a new spouse; you need new experiences together How to open up communication with your spouse about your love life The most important question to ask each other about sex How sex can glorify God as our Creator  Gary Thomas  is an award-winning author, speaker, and professor whose books have sold over two million copies. His writings have established him as a thought-leader in the areas of marriage, parenting, and spiritual formation.   Gary’s latest book, Married Sex: A Christian Couple’s Guide to Reimagining Your Love Life,  is exactly what you need to make your marriage stronger, in and out of the bedroom. Psychology, theology, research, story, and let’s-get-started ideas combine to make Married Sex a resource for you and your spouse like no other book you’ve read before.   This podcast is produced and edited by Angie Elkins Media, Inc.   

In our dreams, we’d love our Christmas season to look and feel like a Hallmark movie. We imagine handmade stockings hung over a crackling fireplace, smiling children wearing matching pajamas, colorful gifts piled underneath a stunning Christmas tree, and a delicious feast to share with the ones we hold dear.    Yet so often, our reality is more frantic than festive. Our to-do list of shopping, cooking and cleaning, decorating and hosting leaves us rushed and exhausted. By Christmas Eve, we’re too worn out to worship. We wonder how to find the joy and peace we’re longing to experience with our family.   Today’s guest, Tama Fortner, brings a fresh perspective on how we can approach the holiday season this year. She shares practical, heartfelt wisdom so we can understand   How she let go of the pressure to create a “perfect” Christmas for her family Ways to cope when you feel overwhelmed by your to-do list When to rethink your old traditions and create new ones How to draw near to Christ despite a busy schedule Ways to support your spouse when they feel stressed  How to show hospitality without wearing yourself out The reality of God’s love every day of the year    Tama Fortner  is a bestselling author and ghostwriter with more than 40 titles to her credit. She has been blessed to work with some of the biggest names in Christian publishing to create inspirational books for children, teens, and adults. Tama and her husband are the parents of two kids and they make their home in Tennessee.   Tama’s latest devotional book, Simply Christmas, is your personal invitation to slow down and savor the beauty of the manger this year. Accompanied by seasonally inspired full-color photographs, this 31-day devotional brings a bit of calm to each day through a short reflection and Scripture, together with points to ponder and fun ideas for simplifying your Christmas traditions.   This podcast is produced and edited by Angie Elkins Media, Inc.   

Please click HERE to read the notes for this episode or get more info on the show. 

A fun, snowy day of sledding ended in broken bones for our young daughter. The following weeks held an hours-long surgery, isolation at home, and painful bullying after her re-entry into her classroom. We watched our child lose her smile. Her confidence. Her assurance that she was strong, wanted, and truly loved.   Every child will face threats to their sense of worth. They’re pressed into a mold that says achievement equals acceptance and image earns inclusion. Without the truth of who God says they are, our kids will struggle to know they are purposed and precious to the One who made them.   Today’s guest, Jamie Ivey, is here with a powerful message of hope for moms and dads who want to build up their child’s heart. She helps us to understand   Why all of us need to be reminded of our value and purpose as God’s children What led her to write her uplifting book for children Why young kids are particularly open to receive God’s truth of who they are The unique role of parents in building a sturdy foundation for their kids’ identity Why you and your kids absolutely matter in God’s kingdom How to meet your children in the hardest places of asking who they are     Jamie Ivey [https://www.jamieivey.com/ ]    loves creating things that help people believe the truths about who God made them to be. She does this mostly through her popular podcast, “The Happy Hour” and the new YouTube show, The Jamie Ivey Show, and through multiple books geared towards women.    Now she’s taking this passion to a younger generation with her book, God Made You to Be You. [ https://www.jamieivey.com/kids/]    As a mama to four kids, she knows the value in kids learning at a young age that God made them to be themselves! Her whole family plus two dogs live in Austin, Texas, and they all love to visit the West Texas desert as often as possible!

Before your son or daughter even started kindergarten, you dreamed of all they’d do. You imagined an excitement to learn, fun friendships, and positive teachers who cherished your child and brought out their best.    Yet perhaps you’re like many parents who grieve the gap between your hopes and expectations and the tough realities your child is facing at school. Pressure to perform is crushing your child emotionally. Learning or behavior struggles attach negative labels to your child’s identity. Maybe your child is so discouraged or frustrated that they want to give up and quit.   Today’s guest, Janet Newberry, brings a powerful hope and insight for your family today. As an educator, school administrator, author, and consultant, she helps us to understand   The “performance injuries” our kids suffer at school The impact of fear and stress on our kids’ learning, maturity, and happiness How to help our kids take hold of their “why” and purpose Why struggle is something to embrace—not avoid—in learning Why typical behavior modification methods do more harm than good How to navigate the tough decision of where to send your child to school The powerful connection between love and learning for our children   Janet Newberry [ https://www.janetnewberry.com/] is an educator, consultant, and author who is passionate to transform your child’s growth and learning through the power of loving, supportive relationships. Take hold of Janet’s insights for your family on the Love is Fearless podcast  https://www.loveisfearless.com/podcast.    Janet’s book, Education by Design, Not Default, [https://www.janetnewberry.com/book] is a powerful resource to help parents and teachers to lead their children with love. Be sure to visit https://www.john15academy.com/ for Janet’s online learning community that provides targeted tools, help, and resources for parents to support their child’s education and journey to maturity. 

  I stood over my screaming child in her bedroom, making it as clear as possible that she was going to wear those pants OR ELSE! After a miserable two-hour tantrum, she was wearing those pants. But the victory in winning that battle was really a defeat of broken trust, hurt feelings, and distance between us.   Do you struggle to relate to your stubborn child? Does your son push your buttons and refuse to cooperate? Would your daughter rather argue that submit to the most simple request? Are your days together filled with stress, conflict, and resentment? In your heart, are you secretly afraid that your strong-willed child faces a future of failure or difficulty?   Today’s guest, Kirk Martin,  https://celebratecalm.com/ is here with wisdom and proven strategies to transform your relationship with your challenging child. He explains   The moment his relationship with his son, Casey, turned in a whole new direction How he became a popular coach for parents and teachers to relate with the kids in their lives Why the most well-intentioned parents become triggered and lose control The fears and frustration beneath your child’s bad behavior Effective ways to interrupt the negative cycle in your home Tips to take the stress out of homework  What it really means to discipline your kids The power of accepting your child for who they are    Kirk Martin is the founder of CelebrateCalm.com and host of the Calm Parenting Podcast. [https://celebratecalm.com/podcasts/]   Kirk and his son, Casey, have helped one million parents stop the defiance, disrespect, and power struggles with the most strong-willed children and kids on the spectrum. Learn more about Kirk’s resources, coaching, and live events at CelebrateCalm.com, Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/calmparentingpodcast/], and Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/CelebrateCalm]   for the help you need today.

How to Clean Up the Stress Mess in Your Child’s Body for a Healthy School Year—with Dr. Kate Lyzenga-Dean Headaches. Bad Dreams. Upset tummies. Grumpy moods. Distracted attention. Aches and pains. Sugar cravings. Our kids can show us they’re stressed without even saying a word. As moms and dads, we know the worries and troubles of life can take a toll on our kids’ physical health and well-being.   Today’s guest, Dr. Kate Lyzenga-Dean, is here to help us understand the effects of stress on our kids’ bodies as they grow. She helps us learn and understand   The effects of long-term stress on our kids’ bodies and health The difference between acute and chronic stress How food and nutrition play a part in our kids’ response to stress The important connection between stress and sleep How to use quick, practical stress management tools right in the moment The connection between our spiritual life and our physical well-being Why parents’ own self-care is essential to our child’s sense of peace and calm Where to take hold of more tips and tools to help your kids manage stress Dr. Kate Lyzenga-Dean is a Functional Medicine Health Care Provider who knows how much damage chronic stress can do to the body, mind, and spirit. She always seeks the root cause of a health problem, which often comes from underlying chronic stress.   As a practitioner and writer, Dr. Kate has created powerful tools to help her clients manage stress and move toward greater health. She created the “Stress Less Starter Kit”  as your first step toward whole-person, Functional Medicine, healthy stress relief. You’ll also find recipes, blog articles, and links for your own personal health consultation.   Make sure to watch this video with your kids to learn—together—how to manage stress this school year! You can also take hold of Dr. Kate’s Calm Kiddos Lunch Planner and the awesome stress-busting supplement she shares on the show. This podcast is produced and edited by Angie Elkins Media, Inc.

This spring our daughter walked the aisle to say “I do” to the man who won her heart. As her mom and dad, we’re celebrating this season of firsts right along with them: Their first apartment, first shared trips and holidays as a married couple, and all the new discoveries they’re making about the one they love.   Yet we know that this newlywed season only lasts for a time. To grow and thrive, their relationship needs to move through specific stages of change and maturity. If a couple fails to move forward and becomes stuck in a certain stage—or “ring” as our guest Jackie Blesdoe  describes—their marriage can struggle and fall apart.   Jackie Bledsoe joins us today to help us understand   How Jackie and his wife moved from a difficult start in their own marriage to serving couples through marriage ministry How to identify the unique stage you and your spouse are living right now Why each of the seven “rings” of marriage offer new ways to grow as a couple What to do if you feel stuck in a negative rut in your marriage The powerful link between prayer and intimacy as a couple A word of hope for couples who want to build a new foundation for their relationship Jackie Bledsoe and his wife of 20 years, Stephana, are the parents of three kids. They make their home in Indiana. As an author and popular speaker, Jackie has also contributed to several well-known and award winning sites like Tony Dungy’s AllProDad , Disney’s Babble, Black and Married with Kids (BMWK), the NFL’s USA Football (USAF), and Coach Up. In addition, he has  been featured multiple times on HuffPost Live and Yahoo! Shine, and was one of the official speakers at an Indianapolis Colts sponsored event for All Pro Dad.  Learn more about The 7 Rings of Marriage and all of Jackie’s resources here to grow  a stronger marriage today! This podcast is produced and edited by Angie Elkins Media, Inc. 

This summer, we dropped off our son for a week of summer camp. We sent him away with a sleeping bag, bug spray, and a whole lot of hopes and fears in our hearts. We worried if he’d stay safe and healthy, if he’d feel homesick or left out, or if he’d make poor choices he’d regret. We also carried high hopes that he’d have fun, build positive relationships, and grow a stronger faith in Jesus.   Honestly, those are the same hopes and fears each of us hold for our children every day of the year. Nothing puts us on our knees like parenting the sons and daughters we love! We want to pray powerful, effective prayers that make a difference in their lives.   Today’s guest, Jodie Berndt, is here with a great word of inspiration to fire up our prayer life for our kids. She helps us to understand   What it means to pray the scriptures over our children How to break out of your “rut” and pray with confidence and excitement The unexpected struggles Jodie faced while parenting her teens, and how God met her in them How praying scriptures will change our goals and desires for our kids Why God wants you to pray about every detail of your life, big and small How to keep praying when you’re tired and discouraged in the waiting Why you can trust God completely and know your prayers make a difference   Jodie Berndt has written or cowritten many books, including the bestselling Praying the Scriptures series for children, teens, and adult children. A speaker and Bible teacher, Jodie has been featured on programs like Focus on the Family, The 700 Club, and a host of popular podcasts, and she has written articles for Fox News, Club31 Women, and Proverbs 31 Ministries. She and her husband, Robbie, have four adult children, and they live in Virginia Beach, Virginia.   This podcast is produced and edited by Angie Elkins Media, Inc.   

Maybe like us, you put your faith in Jesus many years ago. Yet as life has brought pain and disappointment, loss and frustration, your faith in God has worn away. You look at your marriage and family relationships and wonder how you’ve grown so far apart. You wonder how your passion for Christ can be rekindled and if your most important relationships can ever be happy and close again. Today’s guest, Alison Simmons, knows the pain of a broken marriage. She knows the stress and strain of trying to be a “perfect” Christian while feeling as far from God as she could be. Her powerful testimony gives hope that God can break through the hurt and confusion. His love and power can draw us close to himself and transform our families. Through her honest testimony, Alison helps us to understand   How she met Christ in the middle of her mess Her journey of divorce, remarriage, and growing her family How Alison let her marriage relationship take the place of God in her life The breakdown of her marriage and her frustrations in life as a mom The powerful encounter with God that transformed her heart and home How God used Scripture to give her a whole new attitude toward her husband The steps you can take to rekindle your passion for God and renew your relationships  Alison Simmons is a writer and host of the Grace Over Perfection podcast. Her passion is to help you draw closer to God through his Word. If you sat down for coffee with Alison, she’d tell you that  "I am a busy, audacious, outgoing, sometimes irritable, but always blessed, woman. A few years after becoming a Believer, I stopped investing in my relationship with the Lord years ago and found myself discontent and angry. I didn’t WANT to be this way, but I just couldn’t ‘get happy!’ It wasn’t until I started making time for God and His Word every day, praying to Him unashamedly and listening for His response that things started to change. I have come a long way in my walk with Jesus since then and now I help stressed out moms reclaim their joy through a relationship with Jesus." Connect with Alison at https://graceoverperfection.com/ and find hope for your faith and family.  

You scroll through your social media feed and feel layers of shame and insecurity building in your heart. Other parents’ kids seem confident and successful, while yours are taking one step forward and two steps back. Other couples create romance and fun every day, while you and your spouse are stuck in a rut and feel miles apart. The burden of shame steals the joy from your home. And, you see the sickness of perfectionism infecting your kids as well.   Today’s guests, Dave and Ann Wilson, offer a powerful word of encouragement to break the cycle of shame in our families. They help us to understand   Why we feel pressured to become perfect parents and sustain an ideal marriage Why Dave and Ann are so open and authentic about their own mistakes and struggles How to find freedom from the guilt you carry as a spouse or parent How to raise kids who feel loved and accepted as they are How God can use our parenting to expose our brokenness and bring healing The power of partnering with your spouse to give your kids what they need Why Jesus is our best hope as we seek to love our families well   Dave and Ann Wilson  are the authors of Vertical Marriage: The One Secret That Will Change Your Marriage and No Perfect Parents: Ditch Expectations, Embrace Reality, and Discover the One Secret That Will Change Your Parenting. Additionally, they are touring speakers, as well as the radio hosts of the nationally syndicated radio show, Family Life Today. But it’s their singular passion for enriching lives through spreading the Word and wisdom of God that truly defines them. This podcast is produced and edited by Angie Elkins Media, Inc. 

Every child’s heart longs for the love of a father. A warm and attentive dad gives his son or daughter a sense of security. They feel valuable, supported, and understood. A dad’s care and presence allow a child to grow and thrive into a healthy, whole adult who is able to build strong relationships for life. Yet many women and men carry painful father wounds that never heal. Those wounds create a ripple effect of pain and damage that can persist for generations. Today’s guest, Kia Stephens, offers a powerful word of hope for the hurting. She explains What led Kia to minister to those with father wounds How you can exchange your father wounds for the love of God How past hurts affect our adult relationships and parenting The breakthrough that helped Kia know God as her perfect Father Ways to begin a journey of freedom and forgiveness A word of advice for dads who want to love their children well Kia Stephens is a wife and homeschooling mom of two who is passionate about helping women know God as Father. For this reason, she created The Father Swap Blog to help women exchange their father wounds for the love of God the Father.    Kia is also the founder of Entrusted Women, which she created to equip Christian women communicators of color. In addition to these ministries, Kia faithfully serves in Bible Study Fellowship and her local church. When she is not writing or serving women, she enjoys spending quality time with her family and friends. Connect with Kia at https://www.kiastephens.com/ and on Facebook and Instagram today!   This podcast is produced and edited by Angie Elkins Media, Inc.   

If we bump into a friend and they ask how we’re doing, most of us would probably reply the same way: I’m busy. Life feels overwhelming.  I don’t know how to juggle the kids and my to-do list. I’m always running behind. Stress and fatigue is knocking me down. I wish I could just get away from it all.   Today’s guest, Jennifer Dukes Lee, helps you to identify the “hurry sickness” that so easily infects your home. If the hustle of life is stealing your peace and joy, she’ll help you to understand How Jennifer discovered she was suffering from “hurry sickness” in her life What pushes us to move too fast, to the harm of our souls and our families The cure for the hurried heart How to cope when you feel like you’re running behind in your life Ways to help our kids grow and thrive at the pace God holds for them Why we need to create space and time to heal our hurts Why it’s never too late to reset the pace for your family Jennifer Dukes Lee lives on the fifth-generation Lee family farm in Iowa, where she and her husband are raising crops, pigs, and two beautiful humans. She writes books, loves queso, and enjoys singing too loudly to songs with great harmony. Once upon a time, she didn't believe in Jesus; now he's her CEO. Find Jennifer—and her book, Growing Slow--at JenniferDukesLee.com and on Instagram at @JenniferDukesLee.  This podcast is produced and edited by Angie Elkins Media, Inc. 

Three years ago, Rob left his day job and Joanna took on a new full-time career to become full-time partners in writing, podcasting, and building Growing Home Together. As they joined both their personal and working lives, they heard the same question over and over: I could NEVER work with my spouse! How can you be happy working together as a team?   The answer to that question isn’t simple and it’s unique for every couple. In every marriage, a husband and wife must team up to parent kids, manage the home, and accomplish their goals. In whatever you aim to achieve together, you need skills and habits to move you toward success.   Today’s guests, Robert and Kay Lee Fukui, are here with business and marriage expertise to equip us all for teamwork in our marriage. They offer practical insight to help you understand How Robert and Kay Lee met, married, and created both a marriage AND business partnership.   Why they utilized a counselor from the beginning of their relationship.   The key skills, habits, and mindsets that set you up for success as a team.   How to make your differences work for you instead of against you.   The one important habit that will build unity, structure, and closeness in your work and marriage.   Practical tools to help you with work and life balance.   How to cope with burnout when your life together is overwhelming.   The need to grow as a listener to God and your spouse. Robert and Kay Lee Fukui are the co-founders of i61, inc., a marriage and business consulting company. They focus their work on assisting entrepreneur couples (who may or may not be working together) increase their margin of time and money in both marriage and business.   Robert experienced 25 successful years in sales/marketing and played instrumental roles in the launch of six major brands. He was directly responsible for over $150 million in revenue and a recipient of national sales and leadership awards.    Kay Lee worked in the banking industry and in her family business as operations manager for over 10 years before meeting the love of her life, Robert. Her passion is to see marriages flourish in the midst of building a profitable business.    Together, they have developed an innovative consulting program, Power Couples by Design, which equips couples to build a thriving Marriage AND a prosperous business. Their podcast, courses, and valuable content will move you forward, together. This podcast is produced and edited by Angie Elkins Media, Inc.

Even the most bold, assertive, and confident man feels the heavy burdens and fears that come with fathering kids in these challenging times. He wonders Do I have what it takes? Who is the right example to follow? How do I measure up to God’s perfect example of fatherhood? What does it take to be a success? Am I the only one who struggles? Who will walk this road of parenting with me?   Today’s guests, Becky Thompson and Mark Pitts, are here to share the one most important source of help and encouragement that every dad needs. They help us to understand   How—and why—the Midnight Mom and Midnight Dad communities were born and have grown to encourage so many.   How a dad’s needs are different from a mother’s as he raises his kids.   What a dad needs to tackle the tough task of fatherhood in these challenging times.   How a close relationship with Father God equips a dad to parent his kids.   How to move past the insecurity of knowing you can’t be a perfect parent.   The powerful motivation to keep reaching for more in your life as a dad.   How to grow in your confidence to pray for your kids.   How community with other dads is a game-changer in the life of a father Becky Thompson and Dr. Mark R. Pitts are the father-daughter duo behind the Midnight Dad online community , that encourages fathers with short, powerful prayers every night at midnight. Modeled off the runaway success of Midnight Mom, which has over 1.3 million followers, Midnight Dad meets fathers where they are and assures them that they are exactly who God chose as ‘dad’ for their family.    The pair have written a new devotional, Midnight Dad Devotional: 100 Devotions and Prayers to Connect Dads Just Like You to the Father.  It gives dads a sense of connection with other fathers, strength for each night and the day ahead, wisdom from the Bible for tough situations, affirmation of the importance of their role, and the reassurance that God is with them.   This podcast is produced and edited by Angie Elkins Media, Inc. 

Pain and stress, unresolved conflict, and past traumas can lead even the most committed couple to the brink of divorce. Perhaps you and your spouse—or a couple you know—is feeling so hurt and disconnected you wonder how to carry on. In your heart of hearts, you’re tempted to give up and walk away from your relationship.   Today’s guest, Toni Nieuwhof, knows what it’s like to feel wounded and hopeless in her marriage. As a divorce attorney who experienced dramatic healing and joy in her own marriage, she brings a powerful and practical word of hope for couples. In this heartfelt conversation, Toni shares:   How Toni and her husband reached a breaking point in their marriage How as a divorce attorney, she witnessed the pain and regret on the other side of splitting up What it’s like to feel stuck in survival mode in your marriage How to make a plan to reconnect and build the bond between you The lies that keep you from a healthy, happy relationship How to finally break the negative cycle of conflict  The power of shared experiences to build intimacy  Toni Nieuwhof is a family law mediator, former divorce attorney and co-host of the Smart Family Podcast.  She is the wife of Carey Nieuwhof, who is an influential leadership author and podcaster, and international speaker. Toni and Carey have spoken publicly about their marriage of more than three decades. In her downtime, Toni enjoys outdoor sports and spending time with Carey, their two grown sons, and their extended family and friends. Visit her online at www.ToniNieuwhof.com.   For practical help on how to find what you really want for the future of your marriage, take hold of Toni’s powerful book, Before You Split. Enter to win your very own copy by leaving the comment “Before You Split” on this post today!   This podcast is produced and edited by Angie Elkins Media, Inc. 

Today’s guest, Blake Brewer, faced unspeakable tragedy at the age of nineteen when his father died in his arms. Later that same day, he discovered his dad had provided an unexpected gift in the form of a letter to Blake and his siblings. The letter became a lifeline that permanently connected Blake to his dad’s wisdom, encouragement, and love. That life-changing experience prepared Blake to help you write a legacy letter to your own child today.   In Blake’s conversation with Rob, he shares   What drives him to be the best dad he can be to his three children How Blake’s dad made a huge impact on his life, faith, and future The hopes and needs only a dad can meet for his child The powerful impact of a father’s voice in his child’s life Three things every son and daughter need to hear from their dad Blake’s simple, effective strategy to help you create a “legacy letter” for your kids     Blake Brewer is a writer, speaker, and father of three who served for over a decade in campus ministry with Student Mobilization. He founded The Endurance  https://www.theendurance.org/endurance to equip dads to leave a legacy of love, wisdom, and spiritual encouragement for their children.    At The Endurance you can join the Legacy Letter Challenge  https://www.legacyletterchallenge.com/packages with other dads just like you. Blake’s tools, coaching, and community support will give you all you need to write a legacy letter to impact your kids for life.  

You feel lonely in your marriage. Your spouse pursues every other relationship and activity instead of you. Romance gave way to rejection, and you’re asking tough questions in your heart. Does she love me anymore? Am I still attractive to him? Why don’t we talk like we used to? Will I always feel invisible and unappreciated? Am I the only one working on this marriage? You feel the pain of trying to love your spouse when it doesn’t feel like they love you back.   Gary Thomas joins us today with a powerful word of hope for the spouse who feels alone in their marriage. He shares   Gary’s unique journey to serve in ministry to married couples How God will use the difficulties in your marriage to do good things in your life The most important question you’ll ever ask about your marriage The truth of what it means to live with an imperfect person Why loving your spouse is not the same as enabling sinful behavior How transforming your perspective on your spouse can change your life Why a soul completely satisfied in God is able to be satisfied in marriage, too      Gary Thomas is an award-winning author, international speaker, and professor whose books have sold over two million copies. His powerful ministry  https://garythomas.com/ brings people closer to Christ and closer to each other. He unites the study of Scripture, church history, and the Christian classics to foster spiritual growth and deeper marriage relationships.   Whatever season of marriage you are in, A Lifelong Love https://garythomas.com/books/a-lifelong-love/ gives you the practical help you need to infuse your marriage with a spiritual passion that will not only change you but will change the world around you.

As parents of five kids, now ages 10 to 27, we’ve been blindsided by every kind of tough question over the years. You know the kind of questions we’re talking about: Where do babies come from? When can I have my own smartphone? Why does that family have two moms? What’s going on with the riots on the news? It’s tempting to dodge the questions instead of talking with your kids about the tough issues they face.   Jimmy and Kristin Scroggins are here with a word of a hope and a powerful new book to share. They help us understand   How God grew Jimmy and Kristin’s family and led them to write a parenting book Why parents can go all-in to embrace their unique role in their kids’ lives How knowing God’s design for his world equips us for gospel conversations with our children How to use the “Three Circles” tool as a map to communicate effectively with your kids The transformation that comes from understanding the complexity of your son or daughter’s character How to discuss important topics like sexuality, gender, and technology in a way that connects with your child’s heart   Jimmy and Kristin Scroggins have been married for twenty-six years and have eight children. They have served at Family Church in South Florida since Jimmy became the lead pastor in July 2008. The Scroggins family is passionate about Family Church’s mission to build families by helping them discover and pursue God’s design. Jimmy also serves as a visiting seminary professor and Kristin co-leads The Mom Village Podcast at familychurchnetwork.com.    Jimmy and Kristin’s book, Full-Circle Parenting https://www.christianbook.com/full-circle-parenting-guide-crucial-conversations/jimmy-scroggins/9781087713441/pd/713441?event=ESRCG  will give you a “conversation map” to work through any tough conversations you have with your children. Whether it’s substance abuse or sex, “mean girls” or technology, you’ll be equipped to stay in the game and share gospel conversations as they grow.

Our life as a couple brings one transition after another. For Rob and I, we’ve added babies to our family and sent young adults out into the world. Job changes sent us cross-country and turned our routines upside-down. For years Joanna was a stay-at-home homeschooling parent, but now she’s working and sending our son off to school each day. Like us, you’ve had to face the changes of life as a couple. Those transitions can pull you together or create stress that drives you apart. That’s why we’re happy to welcome our guest Cheri Fletcher to the podcast today. Cheri and her husband Todd have experienced empty nesting and a crisis that forced them to change their lives in nearly every way. Cheri is here with great experience to help us understand   The unforeseen events that forced Cheri and Todd to change their lives The losses and grief that come with change How God holds on to you so you don’t have to stay strong by yourself How to grow in empathy for each other’s unique needs and emotions How to approach life’s changes as a team Why you can celebrate the “new” God is putting in your life The ways a couple can “divorce-proof” their relationship in times of loss and change   [Cheri Fletcher is a writer, speaker, singer, and the host of Your Spiritual Game Plan podcast. She loves to help women develop a spiritual game plan so they can live out the purpose God created for them.  She wants to share the message of just how intentionally you were made to be a part of God’s plan. Through her writings, speaking, and podcast, https://cherifletcher.com/ it is her desire to equip you with an understanding of the enemy’s plot against that very plan.  Cheri and her husband Todd are empty nesters and have just moved from Seattle, WA, to Cleveland, Tennessee. They have three grown children and one dog, Libby. Cheri enjoys running and walking with friends.  She will also invite you in for coffee no matter what state her kitchen is in!     To grow closer to your spouse and each other through every season of life, take hold of Rob and Joanna’s powerful resource, Mr. & Mrs.: 366 Devotions for Couples.

Every couple begins married life together with a different background of traditions and habits, values and relationship patterns. https://growinghometogether.com/four-ways-opposites-attract-in-our-marriage/ can create conflict and stress or be used by God to draw you closer to him and each other. Today’s guests, Kagiso and Kate Motaung, know all about bridging differences in their cross-cultural marriage. They offer hope and great wisdom to help couples understand   How God wrote Kate and Kagiso’s love story in South Africa The cultural differences they faced in their new life together, both in South Africa and the United States The value of a mentor couples for your marriage A challenge to look for beauty in the unfamiliar aspects of your life Why parenting demands a whole new level of adjustment and compromise How to communicate effectively about your differences How “meeting each other under God’s Word” changes everything   This episode—and Kagiso’s heartfelt prayer over YOUR marriage—is the encouragement you need to grow your love and understanding today.      Kagiso and Kate met and married in South Africa before relocating to the United States. They have been married since 2004 and have three children. Kate is the author of A Place to Land: A Story of Longing and Belonging and co-author of Influence: Building a Platform that Elevates Jesus (Not Me). She is the host of the online writing community Five Minute Friday, and is the owner of Refine Services, providing editing services to writers. Kagiso is trained as a pastor and teacher, and currently serves as a Realtor in West Michigan.   Connect with Kate on her website https://katemotaung.com/ and Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/kate.motaung to discover her books, services, and inspiring resources. To win your own copy of her beautiful memoir—including Kate and Kagiso’s love story—leave a comment with “Loving Our Differences” to be entered in our giveaway drawing.  God bless your marriage today!

You’ve taken your child to church since they were a baby. Family Bible reading, worship music on the radio, and bedtime prayers have been woven into the life of your family. Yet despite the foundation of faith you’ve built for child, they struggle to believe. Doubts, poor choices, and even resistance to God have eroded their trust in Jesus. You’re discouraged and afraid as a parent—will praying for the heart of your prodigal child make a difference? Janet McHenry joins us today to encourage moms and dads to pray by faith for their sons and daughters. With experience and insight, she explains How Janet’s prayer walks grew into a powerful ministry to help us all learn how to pray. The day Janet realized her son was far from God Our limits as parents to shape our children’s beliefs and choices Signs your child is struggling with doubt or secret behaviors How to cope with fear as a mom or dad Why prayer is more about access to God than answers from God How to pray for your child with confidence   Janet McHenry is an award-winning speaker and the author of 24 books, including the bestselling PrayerWalk and her newest, The Complete Guide to the Prayers of Jesus. Janet is the wife of her rancher husband, Craig, in the Sierra Valley, and is a mom of four and grandmother to ten children.  Through prayer walking, Janet’s life was transformed and her ministry was born. Connect with Janet at janetmchenry.com to discover a wide collection of resources, life coaching, and her “Prayer School” masterclass today.

Parenthood doesn’t come with an instruction manual. So as you and I try to write our own job description, you might say your job is to raise responsible, independent adults. Or it’s to raise godly children who love Jesus with all of their hearts. Or maybe it’s to raise kids who make good choices and have strong character. But as you work so hard to achieve those goals in your home, you just become stressed and feel like a failure as a parent. Today’s guest, Crystal Paine, is here to offer a whole new way of looking at our life as moms and dads. She shares her own parenting crisis that began a journey of transformation to understand Why moms and dads carry so much stress, doubt, and discouragement in parenting What your child needs most from you in their hardest moments Why learning to “live as loved” changes everything The lies you believe about yourself as a parent The difference between rules-based and relationship-based parenting How to find freedom in letting go of your kids   Crystal Paine is the founder of MoneySavingMom.com host of “The Crystal Paine Show” podcast, New York Times bestselling author of Say Goodbye to Survival Mode, and author of Money-Making Mom. She lives with her husband and kids in the Nashville, Tennessee area, where she is actively involved in her local church. Her biggest passions are helping women understand how the Gospel can radically transform their lives, raising awareness for foster care, going on adventures with her family (locally, domestically, and internationally), finding great deals at the grocery store, heartfelt conversations, and trying to read too many books at one time! In Crystal’s latest book, Love-Centered Parenting, she shares her own parenting stories—the good, the bad, and the ugly—what she’s learned, and how she’s shifted into a love-centered model of raising her children. And because you can’t give what you don’t have, she first had to let God reparent her, relearning to parent from the inside out. Comment on this post or reply to this email with “I Love My Kids” to be entered into a drawing to win a copy of your own! To help you lift up your kids in prayer, Rob and Joanna created Powerful Prayers for Your Son and Powerful Prayers for Your Daughter. Visit our store to learn more.   

This week we are excited to celebrate our 29th anniversary! In just a few more weeks, our oldest daughter will be walking down the aisle as a bride. And a few weeks beyond that, our son and his wife will celebrate five years of married life together. As we reminisce about our own newlywed season and watch our kids experience love for themselves, we’re asking these important questions: How can you start your marriage off right? What are the tools and choices that help a couple grow—and remain—loving and devoted for life? That’s why we’re so excited to welcome marriage experts Christ and Jamie Bailey to the show. In this mini marriage workshop, they help us to understand How and why Chris and Jamie expanded their marriage ministry beyond the walls of their private practice. What a new couple needs to “pack” for the journey of your new life together.  The necessary transition from self-centeredness to sacrificial love What to do when reality doesn’t live up to your expectations Why praying together  is the best gift you can give your marriage How any couple can improve their communication How to build a healthy relationship with in-laws, a thriving sex life, and joy and laughter together   Chris and Jamie Bailey are professional counselors and marriage coaches who are passionate about helping couples live their best lives together. As the hosts of the Expedition Marriage Podcast, they also speak at retreats and workshops and provide expert, uplifting content on their blog at ExpeditionMarriage.org.   Their latest book, the Newlywed Couple’s Devotional, will bless your marriage and the new couples in your life for years to come.   To win a copy of your own, simply comment on this post or reply to this email with “Newlywed Devotional” to be entered in our giveaway drawing!  

Since the day you fell in love and married, you carried a dream in your heart. More than anything you want to build a Christian home full of faith and the goodness of God. Yet like so many couples, you have no blueprints from your past to guide your way. God’s truth and his ways were painfully absent from your upbringing. You feel scared and insecure about how to put Christ in the center of your home and love each other like Jesus. Today's guest, Mary DeMuth, knows what it’s like to build a loving, godly home out of the ashes of the past. She offers hope as she helps us to understand:   How Mary’s traumatic childhood motivated her to create a new vision for her family life. The struggles “pioneer parents” face as first-generation Christians in their families. The pitfalls of perfectionism in our marriage and parenting. Why pursuing your own healing is the best gift you can give your family. The power of forgiveness to change your life and home. The value of mentors and examples to follow. How to set healthy boundaries so you can “leave and cleave” and support one another. How God’s kindness and prayer make all the difference. Mary DeMuth is an author, artist, literary agent, and the host of the popular podcast, Pray Every Day. She and her husband, Patrick, are the parents of three adult children and make their home in Texas. Mary’s passion is to give you hope through her story: “Not only have I been re-stored and restoried, but I long to see the same for you. You no longer have to live haunted. I believe your new story starts today. It’s time to heal, be set free, and find the new story God has for us. Won’t you join me on the adventure?” Discover Mary’s resources for you at marydemuth.com.   Enter to win your own copy of Mary’s book by commenting on this post with “Building a Christian home.” You will be entered in a drawing to choose a winner on March 10! As you build your Christian home and marriage, we created this powerful resource HERE to help you grow closer to God and each other.

Ten years ago we began a new journey into foster parenting that would grow our family with the adoption of our youngest child. We didn’t know then how little we understood the realities of childhood trauma. Learning how to understand our son’s emotions—and the behaviors they triggered—has challenged us in our parenting like nothing else. Perhaps your own child has suffered separation from birth parents or the loss of a loved one. A traumatic accident or lengthy hospital stay, or a painful crisis your family never saw coming. In the overwhelm of sad or anxious emotions, perhaps your child is acting out in negative or destructive ways. You want to meet your child in their struggle but you simply don’t know where to begin. You’re discouraged, confused, and desperate for help. Today’s guests, Mike and Kristin Berry, bring a powerful word of hope for parents whose children have suffered trauma. They speak to all of us “friend to friend” and equip us to Understand how trauma changes a child’s brain in fundamental ways Identify the issues that keep children from securely attaching to their caregivers Interpret the emotions and needs that are underneath your child’s negative behavior Respond in a fresh, effective way to our children’s trauma Create a foundation of calm, firm parenting to provide security for our kids Mike and Kristin Berry have been married for more than twenty years and are the parents of eight adopted children. Their mission is simple - to offer hope to adoptive, foster, and special needs parents who feel weary, overwhelmed and frustrated, and to let them know they're not alone.  Mike and Kristin are the authors of The Adoptive Parent Toolbox and their latest title, Securely Attached: How Understanding Childhood Trauma Will Transform Your Parenting. As the creators of The Honestly Adoption Company, their podcast, training courses, and practical resources will provide you with the tools and insight you need to help you thrive as a parent and transform your family. To win your own copy of Mike and Kristin’s book, Securely Attached, simply reply to this email with your name and “Securely Attached.” We will enter you in the drawing, and the winner will be announced on March 10!

Rob did the math, and discovered that we’ve shared 10,552 days of our lives together as a couple! That’s a LOT of time to spend raising kids, growing careers, coping with pain and struggles, and seeing the good, bad, and ugly in one another. It’s just as true today as 29 years ago—it takes effort and intention to keep the love alive between us. That’s why we’re excited to welcome Jason and Terri Earls to the podcast today. Jason and Terri encourage couples through comedy and in-depth teaching to discover: How their friendship grew into love in the beginning of their story What makes Jason a “comedian familiologist” who partners with Terri to encourage couples in their life together The connection between laughter and learning The need for “pit stops” to keep your relationship from breaking down on the road How to embrace your differences The importance of becoming each other’s safe place to be vulnerable How God moves through humility in your marriage   Jason and Terri Earls are popular speakers who coach couples to build strong marriages. They are the creators of the upcoming “Marriage DNA course at marriagedna.com and are parents to six amazing kids. Follow their marriage ministry on Instagram @marriagedna to learn more. Jason is an award-winning comedian who has brought laughter to audiences around the world. He knows the power of humor to convey deep, life-changing truth. You can connect with Jason and find a reason to smile at jasonearls.com and his YouTube.com/Jason Earls. Make sure to check out his Facebook page at facebook.com/JasonEarlsComedy too. To help you grow in your marriage every day of the year, Rob and Joanna created Mr. and Mrs: 366 Devotions for Couples. Connect with God and each other for a love that lasts.  

The exhausting realities of the past year exposed our fears and limits like nothing we can remember. As moms, we have felt overwhelmed and tired. Lonely and restless. Sad and even helpless in the face of our families’ struggles. We’ve moved into survival mode, pushing our dreams, needs, and growth to the back burner. What happens to our hearts when life is hard? Do we grit our teeth and press on, trying to be all things to all people? Does our identity get buried under the needs of those around us? Where do our passions and feelings fit into the puzzle of our life? What are God’s thoughts toward us as his daughters?  Today’s guest, Bethany Howard, brings us a refreshing perspective on our identity, our emotions, and our purpose as women. She shares:   Her personal discovery of her passion and purpose, and how she wrote a book during a pandemic! How to become attentive to your inner thoughts, needs, and emotions How to embrace God’s transforming work in your life Why perfectionism is a barrier to moving forward Why emotions are our “superpower” as women and moms How embracing your calling becomes a gift to the ones you love How we can show up for each other on our unique journeys   Bethany Howard is a writer, speaker, and poet whose latest book, Permission Granted (https://www.bethanyhoward.com/permission-granted-book/) invites you into a journey of  embracing who you are, cultivating courage, and encouraging you to engage in the community that surrounds you. Bethany has been married for 20 years and is mom to three little people who are growing to be less little very day. The dog, the cat, and her four immediate family members all do their part to chisel her into the person she has the potential to be. She enjoys coffee, music, chocolate, shopping, laughing, reading, writing, and sometimes running but never cleaning. She and her family make their home in Atlanta, GA. Connect with Bethany at bethanyhoward.com and https://www.facebook.com/permissiongrantedfriend. This podcast is produced and edited by Angie Elkins Media, Inc. 

We don’t need the experts to tell us that anxiety is a very real and growing struggle for children today. It touches nearly every family we know, and moms and dads are feeling discouraged and helpless in the face of their kids’ emotions. That’s why we’re thrilled to welcome an expert therapist and mom of two to the podcast today. Kelly Boprie provides therapy for kids who face struggles with anxiety and depression, trauma and eating disorders. In her practice, she guides children through the transformative work of overcoming difficult emotions and behavior. This episode provides a wealth of practical help for parents by teaching us How to recognize anxiety issues in your kids at all ages and stages How to discern the difference between a temporary struggle and a mood disorder The ways anxiety affects your kids’ ability to function and thrive Simple stress-management skills you can teach your kids to move them from panic to peace The importance of managing your own anxiety as parents How to teach your kids to name and express their emotions Knowing when and how to seek professional help for your child The impact of faith on our fears Kelly Boprie**, LMSW, CEDS, has served children, teens, and families through both residential and inpatient therapy to address a wide variety of mental health conditions. She provides counseling and therapy services at GR Therapy Group and holds certifications in treatment for eating disorders and premarital counseling. Kelly is a wife, mother, and active member of her church in West Michigan. **https://grandrapidstherapygroup.com/therapists/kelly-boprie/   Visit our website  Growing Home Together  to view a handout from Kelly Boprie on how to cope with anxiety. This podcast is produced and edited by Angie Elkins Media, Inc. 

Deep down, you want more than anything to be a good man. A man of courage and self-discipline. Of character and integrity. Of wisdom, insight, and faith. You want to be the kind of man your friends and family can count on when life is tough. You’re eager to see admiration in your wife’s eyes and joy in your kids when you walk through the door. Yet with all the pressures and shame you feel from inside and the world around you, you feel far from the man you wish you could be. Joining Rob and his son Josh today, guest Nathan Clarkson offers a signpost to point the way to becoming a good man. With honesty and insight, he helps men to understand: What inspired Nathan to write about the issues men face How men “living wrongly” affect everyone in their life Why men are losing their identity in our culture The powerful role of community and friendship in men’s lives The way to become the hero of your own life story How sexuality can be restored to the rightness of God’s design How to instill “good man” qualities into your son  Nathan Clarkson (https://www.clarksonfamily.com/nathan) is an actor, author, filmmaker, artist, poet, and full-time wannabe philosopher. He is the coauthor of the bestselling book Different and has acted in numerous popular TV shows and films. Nathan lives in New York City but can often be found in Los Angeles, Colorado Springs, or adventuring around the country and world speaking and sharing his passion for helping people better know their Creator and the story He has for them to tell. Josh Teigen is Rob’s oldest son and the husband of four years to his wife, Cassie. Since pursuing studies in psychology and theology, Josh is an active volunteer and leader at his local church. He founded the nonprofit organization Banner Media (bannermediagroup.org), whose mission is to create high-quality digital media that shares powerful, personal testimonies of God engaging with people today. To win your own copy of Nathan’s latest book, “Good Man: An Honest Journey into Discovering Who Men Were Actually Created to Be,” leave a comment with your name and GOOD MAN. You’ll be entered in a drawing with the winner chosen on January 31, 2021.   This podcast is produced and edited by Angie Elkins Media, Inc.

At the end of this long year, perhaps your marriage feels battered and bruised. Stressors, losses, and obstacles have tested your vow to cherish and love one another “for better or worse.” Affection gives way to irritation. Warmth is chilled by cold distance. Passion and intimacy fall away, leaving you with empty arms and lonely nights.  Today our guests Bill and Pam Farrel offer hope to couples who want to rekindle the passion in their relationship. They bring years of expertise as marriage speakers and writers—and their own decades of shared life together—to bring this hope and wisdom today:   How God brought Bill and Pam together and gave them a vision for their relationship. Why sexual intimacy is so powerful and important in your marriage. The pitfalls that keep couples from sustaining “red-hot monogamy.” How to open up communication about your love life. How sexual intimacy can thrive and grow through every stage of life together. How your love can shine the light of Christ to others. Bill and Pam have also created an amazing devotional planner to help you grow a successful and intimate marriage. Simply comment on this podcast post with your name and “Marriage Meet Ups” to enter our drawing for your own copies!   Bill and Pam Farrel inspire audiences around the world to live better, laugh often and love skillfully. It has often been said, “More is caught than taught,” and this is the secret to Bill and Pam’s effectiveness. They are a real couple helping real couples. As couples watch Bill and Pam present, they see a couple in action, experience the kind of support that builds trust in relationships and can visualize their own success. Bill and Pam don’t just teach about marriage, they demonstrate it for their audiences. Learn more about Bill and Pam’s wide collection of books and messages at http://www.love-wise.com/. This podcast is produced and edited by Angie Elkins Media, Inc. 

This Christmas, we’re all a little weary. A little stressed. A little lonely for the friends and loved ones we’ve felt separated from for so long. Many of the gatherings, events, and traditions we cherish each year have been taken from our hands, leaving us empty or confused. And yet, there is hope. Today’s guest, Asheritah Ciuciu, points the way to perhaps the most beautiful and significant Christmas we’ve ever known. By immersing in the names of Jesus—and in the presence of Jesus himself—you and your family can capture the peace and joy you’ve been searching for all along. With heartfelt honesty, Asheritah shares:   How she redeemed the painful Christmas memories of her childhood to create a joyful season for her own family. The history and significance of the Advent tradition Practical ways to slow down and pursue Jesus as a family How to unwrap the names of Jesus in creative ways with your children How connecting together with Jesus can bring healing in this difficult season Asheritah Ciuciu is an author and speaker, wife and mama, and  founder of One Thing Alone Ministries—an online ministry that helps overwhelmed women find joy in Jesus through consistent and creative time in His Word. Discover Asheritah’s interactive family devotional, Unwrapping the Names of Jesus, at unwrappingthenames.com.  As you and your children gather together to focus on Jesus, your hearts will be prepared to celebrate Christmas like never before.  This podcast is produced and edited by Angie Elkins Media, Inc. 

If most dads are honest, they carry a truckload of insecurity about parenting their daughters. They wonder, How do I know if I’m the dad she needs? Why won’t she open up and talk to me? How do I show I love her even when I don’t like her choices? What difference can I really make in her life, anyway? That’s why we’re thrilled to welcome today’s guest, Dr. Michelle Watson Canfield.  Michelle has marked a path for any dad to follow that leads right to his daughter’s heart. She offers powerful, practical insight as she shares: How God led Michelle to her ministry as a “coach” for dads of daughters Creative, intentional ways to help your daughter open up and talk What holds men back from stepping up to lead their families How a dad can build a bridge to a daughter who’s distant or hard to understand The impact of a dad’s love on a girl’s emotional health, identity, and confidence How to make amends if you’ve wounded your daughter’s heart How a girl’s dad can introduce her to Father God   Dad, this is one episode you don’t want to miss!  Dr. Michelle Watson-Canfield is a licensed professional counselor, speaker, author, and radio host of “The Dad Whisperer.” She is the co-chair--with her husband, Ken--of the Dad-Daughter Division of the National Center for Fathering. Michelle is also the founder of the Abba Project, a group forum for dads with daughters. She is passionate to equip and inspire fathers to dial in to their daughters’ hearts.  Take hold of Dr. Michelle’s latest book, Let’s Talk: Conversation Starters for Dads and Daughters, and her other powerful resources at www.drmichellewatson.com.  This podcast is produced and edited by Angie Elkins Media, Inc.     

Thanksgiving Reset: Raising Kids to Have an Attitude of Gratitude    During Thanksgiving—and the holiday shopping frenzy that follows—we want to see a grateful and generous spirit in our kids. At the end of this rough year of struggles and losses, we want our sons and daughters to recognize God’s blessings through it all. In today’s episode, Rob and Joanna share a personal conversation about their own family’s journey of learning to be thankful. They tackle parenting strategies to teach kids to   Delay gratification and wait for good things Help others in fun and practical ways Weave thankful words and actions into life every day  Trust God as their true provider   As your family steps into this season of giving and receiving, Rob and Joanna offer the encouragement you need to raise “cheerful givers” who count their blessings all year long.  Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours! Rob and Joanna Teigen have celebrated over 25 years of marriage and are loving life with two sons, three daughters, and a beautiful daughter-in-law. They share an addiction to coffee, bookstores, and Christmas music. They debate whether two dogs are enough and who should win “The Voice” every season. Rob and Joanna are a neat-freak married to a mess, an explorer to a homebody, and an introvert to a ‘people person.’ In this season of thankfulness, they’re grateful for you and pray for God’s blessing on your family.

How to Let Go of Your Young Adult Children  – with guest Jill Savage   Our kids’ passage from childhood to life as adults is rarely smooth, straight, or simple. As moms and dads, we carry a burden of worry over our young adult children’s lives. We wonder, Will they ever be fully independent? Will they succeed in school or in a career? What if they reject our values and Christian faith? Will their friends and dating relationships move them forward or hold them back? How will they stay emotionally strong in this time of turmoil? How do I help my kids navigate this new phase of their lives?   Today’s guest, Jill Savage, is here to tackle those concerns with practical wisdom and hope. She offers moms and dads a fresh mindset as we launch and let go of our young adult children. In today’s podcast, you’ll learn:   The difference between accepting and affirming our kids’ poor choices Why we struggle with giving up control How to discern if you’re helping or enabling your child What our young adult kids need from us the most How to trust God with your kids’ future—and your own! The reason your next phase of parenting is so exciting Jill will leave you encouraged and equipped to parent your child as they step into life as an adult. For even more of her insight, enter to win her book Empty Nest, Full Life: Discovering God’s Best for Your Next. Simply leave the comment “Letting Go” on this podcast episode by November 30 to be entered in a drawing for your very own copy! Jill Savage is an author and speaker who is passionate about encouraging families. She is the author or co-author of fourteen books, including No More Perfect Moms and No More Perfect Marriages. Featured on Focus on the Family, Family Life Today, and Today’s Christian Woman magazine, Jill is also the founder of Hearts at Home. Jill and her husband Mark have five children and three grandchildren. They make their home in Normal, Illinois.  

In all the talk about 2020, the word we’ve heard the most is “unprecedented.” Who in the world expected a pandemic to land on our doorsteps? Who could foresee the fires and natural disasters. The school closures and financial losses. The empty shelves at the store. Lockdowns and travel bans. Is it possible that our families could have been prepared for crisis after crisis this year? Today’s guest, Kathi Lipp, gives an enthusiastic YES to that question. Kathi offers a truckload of tips and steps to get ready for whatever might come your way. In her smart and positive style, she shares The scary event that started her on the road to preparedness The number one item to have on hand at all times Three specific goals to achieve to be ready for a crisis The spiritual and emotional payoff for your family when you’ve prepared Why you’re closer to “ready” than you think!   Comment on this episode by November 15, 2020, with “Ready for Anything!” to win your own copy of Kathi Lipp’s book, Ready for Anything: Preparing Your Heart and Home for Any Crisis Big or Small. Kathi Lipp inspires thousands of women each year to strip down their expectations and lives and live with real purpose. With humor and wisdom, Kathi offers hope paired with practical steps to live with meaning.   Kathi Lipp is the author of 20 books including Clutter Free, The Christmas Project Planner, The Husband Project, and Overwhelmed. She is the host of Clutter Free Academy the Podcast! with Kathi Lipp, and also runs the Facebook group Clutter Free Academy, where thousands of women (and a few brave guys) support each other in living a Clutter Free life.   She is a national speaker and is often featured on Woman’s World as one of their “Ask the Experts”, Focus on the Family, MOPS International, Crosswalk.com, Girlfriends in God and Proverbs 31 Ministries as well as a number of other media outlets around the country.

How to Walk Your Way Closer to God and Each Other Stress. Political turmoil. Racial division. Financial hardship. The pain of life’s burdens can shake your faith to the core. In this year of trouble, relationships struggle too. Couples, families, and friendships suffer from loneliness and conflict with no relief in sight. Today’s podcast offers great hope in the hurt. Our guest Mark Buchanan shares how the simple act of walking has the power to draw us closer to God and the ones we love most. Listen as Mark describes: Walking as the spiritual discipline you never heard about at church Why walking is a powerful way to connect deeply with God How walking is a tool to grow and repair our relationships with the ones we love. How walking is not only exercise, but can “exorcise” the darkness from our hearts and minds Why walking is uniquely relevant in this day and age A word of encouragement for those who are unable physically unable to get out and walk ***Comment with “God Walk” on this episode to be entered to win your own copy of Mark Buchanan’s book, God Walk! *** This podcast is produced and edited by Angie Elkins Media, Inc. 

You want a close, intimate relationship with your spouse. Both of you want to make memories as one another’s best friend. You aim for unity and teamwork in your parenting, decisions, and plans. Yet for many couples, these goals and desires crash against the rocks of your circumstances. You might be separated by job assignments or military deployment. One of you may be called away to care for an aging parent. Daily barriers like opposite work shifts or a health crisis might keep you alone. How can you stay connected as a couple when life forces you apart? Today’s guest, Kristi Woods, is a military wife who knows the pain of separation from the one she loves. During her husband’s lengthy deployments, she shouldered the burdens of loneliness, single parenting, and navigating life on her own. She can also share a beautiful testimony of God’s love and faithfulness through it all. In today’s episode, we’ll discover:   The losses and struggles you face if you can’t be together. The challenges of parenting when you’re away from your partner. The confidence – or “Godfidence” -- that can be learned while you’re alone. How to cope with feelings of guilt or loneliness. How to recapture unity and teamwork when you are reunited. The ways God can grow you closer to him and each other at all times.   For more insight from Kristi Woods, join us on the blog as she shares more on this topic.   Kristi Woods is a writer, speaker, and podcaster, but she most loves the label “Jesus girl.” Her latest Bible study, Created to Believe: A Bible Word Study, and other faith-building tools can be found at www.KristiWoods.net. Kristi, her handsome, retired-from-the-Navy husband, and their three children survived a nomadic, military lifestyle and have set roots in Oklahoma--where she keeps a close watch for tornadoes and good chocolate. This podcast is produced and edited by Angie Elkins Media, Inc. 

Bryan and Shayla Moffitt, co-founders of Anguished Hearts, are speakers, writers, parents to the two most adorable kids, and followers of Jesus. Shayla loves coffee and Bryan loves running marathons. They have been best friends for over 22 years and husband and wife for over 20 years.    They use their own life experiences to show that hope can be found no matter the situation, struggle, or sin you're facing. Anguished Hearts exists to lead broken people into a powerful relationship with Jesus. Their desire is to share the hope of Jesus so others can experience the same forgiveness and freedom that they have.    You can learn more about their story at www.anguishedhearts.com.   Facebook: www.facebook.com/anguishedhearts Instagram: @AnguishedHearts Be sure to check out our website at growinghometogether.com for even more wisdom, family resources, and a free marriage devotional that will help you conquer fear with faith! You can also find us on the Growing Home Together Facebook page.    This podcast is produced and edited by Angie Elkins Media, Inc. 

Bryan and Shayla Moffitt, co-founders of Anguished Hearts, are speakers, writers, parents to the two most adorable kids, and followers of Jesus. Shayla loves coffee and Bryan loves running marathons. They have been best friends for over 22 years and husband and wife for over 20 years.    They use their own life experiences to show that hope can be found no matter the situation, struggle, or sin you're facing. Anguished Hearts exists to lead broken people into a powerful relationship with Jesus. Their desire is to share the hope of Jesus so others can experience the same forgiveness and freedom that they have.    You can learn more about their story at www.anguishedhearts.com.   Facebook: www.facebook.com/anguishedhearts Instagram: @AnguishedHearts Be sure to check out our website at growinghometogether.com for even more wisdom, family resources, and a free marriage devotional that will help you conquer fear with faith! You can also find us on the Growing Home Together Facebook page.   

As a couple, you have goals and hopes for the future. You feel stress and concern over the difficult issues you face. You want a close, growing relationship but find conflict and frustration is driving you apart. In every part of your life together, prayer has the power to build your marriage and transform your circumstances like nothing else.   In today’s conversation we explore why prayer is life-changing and how a couple can build it into their life together. Sharing from their own personal experiences of answered prayer, Rob and Joanna Teigen answer your questions, like:   How does prayer make a difference in a couple’s marriage? How can we find healing and deal with conflict between us? If prayer is so important, why is it so hard to do? How can we fit prayer into our busy, stressful life?     Be sure to check out our website at growinghometogether.com for even more wisdom, family resources, and a free marriage devotional that will help you conquer fear with faith! You can also find us on the Growing Home Together Facebook page. 

In today’s image-driven, social-media saturated culture, our kids face a tough battle for a healthy body image and relationship with food. Our own family encountered the destructive force of eating disorders in a painful way. We’re excited to welcome Jennifer Lane to the podcast today. Her expertise and her own personal story give great hope to families facing the struggle of disordered eating:  “It was like God turned on a light on in a dark room and showed me the fundamental lies I had been believing since I was a small child, that had only gained momentum as experiences fed the lies. I was able to see that they were lies and was able to replace them with the truth of his Word… The veil had been lifted.”   Jennifer Lane helps us to understand: The risk factors and causes of eating disorders for our kids. The spiritual, emotional, and physical sides of disordered eating. How to recognize an eating disorder in your child’s life. How a parent can support their child with an eating disorder. How dads can affirm their daughters and build them up. The power of God to set our children totally free from eating disorders. How Jennifer’s personal journey with an eating disorder led to an impactful ministry to girls and women who struggle. For more on this topic, you can find a recent article here on our blog. For more encouragement and insight as you care for the soul of your family, meet us at the Growing Home Together Facebook page.  

Every couple is feeling the stress of COVID-19 these days. But let’s be honest—this isn’t our first run-in with challenging times, and it won’t be the last. In today’s episode, Rob and Joanna Teigen share how to cope with stress so it draws you together instead of pulling you apart. They’ll give you insightful tips, such as: How to recognize and honor your spouse’s “stress personality.” How to keep stress from creating conflict in your marriage. How to welcome stress as a tool to grow your relationship. How to build a powerful prayer life together in hard times. Be sure to check out our website at growinghometogether.com for even more wisdom, family resources, and a free marriage devotional that will help you conquer fear with faith! You can also find us on the Growing Home Together Facebook page.

Grief can be overwhelming even for adults. So what does it take to help a child or a teenager navigate the flood of powerful emotions and confusion in the wake of a tragedy?  Today, author and speaker Lisa Appelo shares her story of guiding her seven children through the unexpected loss of their father. She also offers practical and heartfelt advice to help you support your kids in life's most difficult moments.