Establishing A Faith Dynasty with Willie and Korie Robertson
Welcome to the Love Where You Are podcast!
I am joined by special guests Willie and Korie Robertson!
Willie and Korie are known worldwide for their reality tv show Duck Dynasty and their family’s business Duck Commander. They have partnered with Tread Lively, GND Media Group, and Fathom Events to announce the release of The Blind, premiering in theaters nationwide beginning September 28th. Based on the life of Phil and Kay Robertson, The Blind is a powerful true story of love, hardship, and redemption. The Blind shows that no one is beyond the grace of God, and no one is so far gone that they cannot turn their life around.
In this episode, Willie, Korie and I discuss their new movie release, The Blind, the true story behind it, the impact Jesus had on the Robertson family, and the impact media has on us. It seems like now more than ever that are messages telling us masculinity is toxic and women should stay out of the home. The way God designed marriage and the family are being attacked, especially in the media. Supporting films like The Blind sends a clear message to Hollywood and the world of what we care about.
Thank you for being here today. Now, let's dive into the conversation!
You can buy tickets for The Blind or check out The Blind's website to view the movie trailer!
FAVORITE TAKE-AWAYS:
-After the show Duck Dynasty, Willie and Korie saw a need for positive entertainment which is when they sat down to talk about what story they should tell. The story of Kay and Phil was the most important story to tell because if it didn't happen, their family would have fallen apart and there wouldn't have been Duck Commander or Duck Dynasty. Jesus truly changed everything.
-Sometimes in Christianity, there is this idea that we don't have to talk about the hard stuff or our rough pasts. But the truth is sharing our stories helps us become more vulnerable and connected. We can all relate to Phil and Kay's story on some level.
-Building a dynasty of faith starts in the Word. We all know we should be in the Word, but actually living it out is a whole different thing and is so much harder to do.
REMEMBER:
-There are so many messages telling women they can do it all, and that's only partially true. You can do it all, but you can't do it all at once--it's impossible. You can be empowered to do that you're called to in the season of life you're in right now!
-The family, home, and marriage are the foundations of society and are being attacked. Standing strong as men and women is crucial.
-We want to blame the world for all the problems we see, but the truth is we're also to blame because we also seccum to the world's pressures. We have to break free of the rat race.
Connect with Somer!
Stay connected to Somer and the Love Where You Are podcast through her Facebook & Instagram!
Love Where You Are is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org
Answering God’s Call to Shine in the Darkest Places with Rachelle Starr
Welcome to the Love Where You Are podcast!
I am joined with Rachelle Starr.
Rachelle Starr is the author of Outrageous Obedience: Answering God’s Call to Shine in the Darkest Places which is about how she answered God’s calling in her life to reach out to women in the adult entertainment industry and eventually how she started the Scarlet Hope ministry.
In this episode, Rachelle shares a little bit of her story and together we explore the ways moms can help raise their children to love like how Jesus loves. There can be a tendency in the church to avoid the uncomfortable or dark places, like the adult entertainment industry, but as Rachelle points out those are the places that need God's light the most. Rachelle also shares some practical ways to make a difference, and how important it is to obey God's call to move from prayer to action. Also, it's never too late!
Thank you for being here today. Now, let's dive into the conversation!
You can connect with Rachelle through Instagram, and check out the Scarlet Hope website.
Be sure to order her book so you can read her full story!
FAVORITE TAKE-AWAYS:
*Part of Rachelle's story is her parents and how they began a legacy in her by being faithful teachers of the Gospel. The work you are doing right now as a Christian mom can make a huge impact! Not just for your child, but for the work your child could do in the future.
*Jesus asked did you feed me, did you clothe me? That is the question every Christian needs to ask themselves. It isn't what saves them but it is what shows the reflection of Christ.
*Often when we are afraid, we run to what is comfortable. Being a Christian, however, means we don't have to live in fear! And, we are often called into the uncomfortable places.
REMEMBER:
-We need to foster a heart of empathy in our children and get them involved early on with helping others. Rachelle shares examples of how she does this with her kids but every family is different.
-You are never too old to follow God's calling! Some people go decades without obeying the call and live to regret it, but even after years you can still answer His calling. It is never too late!
-Even Jesus had twelve disciples! We can't do it alone. We need each other, teamwork, communities, and to disciple one another.
Connect with Somer!
Stay connected to Somer and the Love Where You Are podcast through her Facebook & Instagram!
Love Where You Are is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org
Surrendering Mom-Fear with Amanda Florczykowski
Welcome to the Love Where You Are podcast!
I am joined with Amanda Florczykowski.
Amanda Florczykowski is as unique as her last name. When a complete stranger pulled her daughter from her arms, Amanda penned an online caution read by an estimated 60 million, connecting Amanda with a victim of the very predator in the store that day..
Amanda has authored the #1 Amazon book, Unraveled: Mothering Fiercely in A World Full of Fears, is working on her second manuscript, and speaks on topics pertaining to the importance of family strength, memorable motherhood, child sex trafficking in America, the pornography epidemic, and faith-forward ideas all set to the backdrop of her salacious personal story.
Lastly, Amanda is the creator of Able Moms International; local communities fostering capable, unshakeable, and memorable moms which will host its first collective gathering of 3,000 this coming Spring. She has also built Vigilant Families, a collaborative platform of experts and organizations who educate using age-appropriate material designated for audiences of 'children', 'youth', and 'adults'..
In this episode, Amanda shares the harrowing story of how she encountered the human trafficker in her grocery store, and together we discuss the balancing act of facing fear and pain in our world with the peace and joy which comes from God.
Thank you for being here today. Now, let's dive into the conversation!
You can connect with Amanda through Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, YouTube, and Twitter.
You can also order her amazing book!
FAVORITE TAKE-AWAYS:
-On this side of heaven, we live on the intersection of harsh reality and God's peace.
-There are so many things which could take our child away in the blink of an eye--but God is still good.
-Eve was told she would experience pain in childbirth; she was cursed. But her curse was not just for the pain of birthing, but the pain of losing a child or watching them suffer. This curse, however, came with redemption: Christ.
REMEMBER:
-There is a very real threat of human trafficking, it's not something we can pretend doesn't exist in our own communities.
-We each have our own threshhold for pain, whether its physical, emotional or spiritual. God is the one who knows our limits. We can't compare each other's pains to feel one is more or less than the other. We walk our own journeys.
-Sometimes seeing the absolutely darkness and depravity of the Enemy helps us fully realize the goodness and brightness of God.
Connect with Somer!
Stay connected to Somer and the Love Where You Are podcast through her Facebook & Instagram!
Love Where You Are is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org
Pursuing Creativity in the Margins of Motherhood with Ashlee Gadd
Welcome to the Love Where You Are podcast!
This week I sat down with Ashlee Gadd.
Ashlee Gadd is the author of Create Anyway: The Joy of Pursuing Creativity in the Margins of Motherhood and she is the founder of Coffee + Crumbs - a beautiful online space where motherhood and storytelling intersect. Ashlee has spent her entire motherhood creating in the margins, that means using whatever free time she has to become creative and connect with God through that creativity.
Do you love to write? Draw? Paint? Garden?
Each of these are creative expressions and are a result of the beautiful and unique way God has designed you and me. Creativity is great for our brains but also our spirits and can give us new energy and bring us closer to the God who gave us that creativity in the first place. But when we become moms, finding time and margin for those creative outlets can be difficult. Depending on our season of life those margins may be smaller than others, but as my guest on this week's episode, Ashlee Gadd says, start somewhere even if its small.
In this episode we discussed:
- How to steward the creative gifts God has given us
- Paying attention to the gifts others see in you
- And how creating every day can actually make you a better mom
Thank you for being here today.
Now, let's dive into the conversation!
You can connect with Ashlee through Pinterest, Instagram, and her website.
You can also order her new book!
FAVORITE TAKE-AWAYS:
*Creating every day can make you a better mother.
*We should be stewarding the creative gifts God has given us; it is an act of worship, honoring and glorifying Him!
*Experiment and find your niche! Maybe try painting, and if you realize it isn't for you, try something else!
*Other people can see things in you that you might not see, like your talents--listen to those voices who see your gifts!
REMEMBER:
*Kids pick up more what's caught than taught. If we don't want our kids to become phone zombies, then we also can't be phone zombies!
*Assess what creativity does to your mind, spirit, and the physical energy it can provide.
*Assess what is possible in your current season of life. Have reasonable expectations and find your margins. For Ashlee, it means getting up at 5am in the morning so she can spend a couple hours writing. And remember, we are never stuck in one season forever, it will change.
*Start somewhere even if its small.
Connect with Somer!
Stay connected to Somer and the Love Where You Are podcast through her Facebook & Instagram!
Love Where You Are is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org
Encouragement for the Carline Mom with Caris Snider
Welcome to the Love Where You Are podcast!
Today I am excited to welcome my friend Caris Snider back to the show!
Caris Snider is a Christian Communicator who shares the hope of God through speaking, and leading worship. She is the author of multiple books including her latest release, Carline Mom Devotional. Her desire is to help women of all ages with their faith and mental health journey.
It's back-to-school time and you know what that means...lots of time in the carline!
In this episode, Caris and I talk about life as a "carline mom."
Back to school season can be quite the marathon. Life is so busy with meet-the-teacher, last minute supply runs and getting back into a routine as we get our kids to school and extracurricular activities.
In all the busyness, how can we as Christian moms lean into the Lord to keep us going and serving our families with joy?
In this conversation Caris give tools to find the sacred moments in the busy and the mundane, practical ways to pause throughout the day and keep God's voice loudest in your heart and mind.
Download my FREE resource: The Carline Mom's Guide to Safe Guarding What is Sacred
Thank you for being here today.
Now, let's dive into the conversation!
You can connect with Caris through Instagram, and her website.
You can also pre-order her new book!
FAVORITE TAKE-AWAYS:
-God meets you wherever you are, in any minute or moment you have, in the coming and going.
-Sacred moments are limitless because God is limitless.
-We should focus on where we are right NOW instead of thinking about where we wish we were, whether that's thinking about the future or other wishful circumstances. Often we long for the next phase of life and miss the joys of where God has us presently.
REMEMBER:
-Reject thoughts that destroy your worth. We constantly play the comparison game and that is not what God wants for us! We are created in His image and doing the work He calls us to do, we don't need to be anyone else.
-Rest is NOT laziness! We, especially as moms, need to learn how rest is a form of worship and honoring to God! He gave us the Sabbath for a reason!
-Who's voice is the loudest in your life? We need to slow down and listen for God's voice, and we can learn to hear what He sounds like by spending time with Him in prayer and in His word.
Connect with Somer!
Stay connected to Somer and the Love Where You Are podcast through her Facebook & Instagram!
Love Where You Are is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org
Incurable Faith with Andrea Herzer
Welcome to the Love Where You Are podcast!
Today I am joined by Andrea Herzer.
Andrea is the author of Incurable Faith: 120 Devotions of Lasting Hope for Lingering Health Issues. She is intimately acquainted with the hardships that accompany debilitating health issues. She has spent the last 20 years with multiple illnesses, including complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Navigating life while undergoing infusions, chemotherapy, more than 100 medical procedures, and all the complications in between has given her deep compassion for those who also suffer.
In this episode, Andrea and I navigate the grueling challenge of how to love where you are when you enter a season of physical pain and suffering.
We dive deep to face the questions that rise about our faith, knowing God’s love for us despite health struggles and how to maintain and even grow in your faith through it all.
We also talk about what we can do when someone we love is suffering, how to best serve them and how it can actually change us in the process. Andrea also gives practical advice to those who are walking in pain right now and how to live an abundant life in Jesus…
Thank you for being here today.
Now, let's dive into the conversation!
You can connect with Andrea through Instagram and you can buy her book!
FAVORITE TAKE-AWAYS:
-What exactly is an "abundant life"? Is it the work we do, the activities we enjoy, our bucket lists? Or is it the spiritual abundance we receieve from Christ, meaning in our bodily brokenness we can enjoy an abundant life?
-Some people think health challenges are a barometer of God's love for us and if we only had more faith then we would be cured; in other words, they might think not being healed shows a lack of faith. These ideas of health and faith are not Biblical.
-Job's friends were not helpful or comforting but they did try to do the right thing. It is easy to have good intentions and still do the wrong thing. When we see someone hurting, the best thing to do is ask that friend what they need from us.
REMEMBER:
-Jesus was wounded, hurt, and had horrible things said and done to Him. He knows our suffering.
-When people are being hurtful towards us, we can release those things to Jesus through forgiveness.
-When we are suffering, we need to not make it difficult for others to help. We can feel ashamed to receive help but we need to accept it and sometimes the people who want to help us benefit from being our caregiver more than we realize.
Connect with Somer!
Stay connected to Somer and the Love Where You Are podcast through her Facebook & Instagram!
Love Where You Are is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org
All Things Sex and Marriage with Shaunti Feldhahn
Welcome to the Love Where You Are podcast!
I am joined with Shaunti Feldhahn.
Shaunti is a ground-breaking social researcher, best-selling author, and popular speaker – but a wife and mom first. After receiving a graduate degree from Harvard, and working on Capitol Hill and Wall Street, Shaunti now uses her analytical skill to uncover those little things that can make big differences in lives and relationships.
In this episode, Shaunti and I dive deep into all things sex and marriage. The timing couldn't be more perfect as I am celebrating my 19th wedding anniversary and Shaunti has released a new book titled "Secrets of Sex & Marriage: 8 Surprises That Make All the Difference."
Stay with me, friend, because this topic is SO important. Even though it feels awkward to talk about, intimacy issues are often the reason for marital discord and even divorce. As Christians, we need to understand God’s design for sex, the importance of physical intimacy and yes, how to teach our kids a healthy and biblical view of this part of the marriage relationship.
Now before the conversation starts, I want to point out that much of this conversation centers around a healthy expression of the intimate relationship between husband and wife. Shaunti and I will address sexual trauma and honor that conversation with care. There is so much to unpack!
Thank you for being here today. Now, let's dive into the conversation!
You can connect with Shaunt on Instagram
Or check out her website
And you find her new book on Amazon or whereever you buy your books!
FAVORITE TAKE-AWAYS:
-Statistics show that intimacy matters a lot even if we think it doesn't. Two humans can have issues but when they are engaging in each other, sending all the happy hormones, it can improve communication and marriage satisfaction.
-Many people feel like there's something wrong with their intimacy because it doesn't look like what's portrayed in the movies. It turns out there are two different primary types of intimacy: initiative and receptive, and both are normal and healthy! It does not mean something is wrong with you.
-Approximately 80% of women are insecure about their bodies, while almost 100% of men LOVE their wife's body! Men want their wife, even with all the "flaws" a woman might think she has. She is adored and her husband wants to love her, but many women don't let themselves believe it.
REMEMBER:
-Expectations need to be healthy.
-You need a problem solving mentality in order to intentionally bring intimacy into your marriage, for the sake of your marriage and for the sake of displaying a healthy role model for your kids.
-When a kid asks a question about sex, as parents we need to answer calmly so that the child knows it is always okay to ask questions, and there is no fear, fight or flight, brought into that topic.
Connect with Somer!
Stay connected to Somer and the Love Where You Are podcast through her Facebook & Instagram!
Praying the Scriptures for Your Marriage with Jodie Berndt
Welcome to the Love Where You Are podcast!
In today’s episode I am joined by Jodie Berndt.
Jodie is the bestselling author of the Praying the Scriptures series. 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 many news and faith outlets. She is also the mom of four grown children with grandbabies on the way!
In today's episode Jodie and I dive deep into the challenges faced in marriage and the importance of prayer in every season.
The enemy is hard at work seeking to destroy the family which means we need to be on our knees, fighting to safeguard what is sacred - our marriages.
Jodie offers encouragement through personal stories and shares practical ways we can love our spouses better and pray together to make our marriages stronger.
Thank you for being here today.
Now, let's dive into the conversation!
You can connect with Jodie through Facebook, Instagram, and her website.
You can also order your copy of new book!
FAVORITE TAKE-AWAYS:
-Common issues couples face are communication, conflict resolution or in-laws but the overarching deeper issue has to do with emotional and spiritual intimacy. Prayer helps in both those areas to deepen the intimacy, bringing partners together closer to God.
-When parents prioritize their children above their marriage, it can destroy the marriage. Research has shown kids with parents who prioritize the marriage are kids with more security and stability because they see that in their parents.
-It can be hard to pray when your spouse doesn't like praying or isn't a Christian, but that doesn't mean there isn't hope or no solutions! It just means you have to take a different approach. An approach that works for you and your spouse.
REMEMBER:
-When you don't know what to do, turn to God who can do it. Remember, you don't have to fix it. Sometimes we have to give it to God.
-You are NEVER praying alone. The Holy Spirit is always there beside you; and no prayer is too big or too small for God. Give Him everything that's on your heart!
-Look for ways to serve your spouse. Sometimes it is kindness and selflessness which makes waves in a relationship.
SCRIPTURE:
Malachi 3:16 Connect with Somer!
JOIN THE LOVE WHERE YOU ARE CHALLENGE
Stay connected to Somer and the Love Where You Are podcast through her Facebook & Instagram!
Love Where You Are is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org
Connecting With Our Kids Through Fun with JJ Campbell
Welcome to the Love Where You Are podcast!
In today’s episode I am joined with JJ Campbell.
JJ Campbell is the host of the Along for the Ride Podcast, a weekly interactive show that helps you have more good times with your family while riding in the car together. These fun activities get everybody talking and laughing and before you know it, strengthening family bonds and making special memories.
She's always loved games and gets her best ideas for the show from childhood experiences and playing with her own baby boy, Evan. She says you can make any family experience enjoyable with some creativity and a fun mindset!
In this episode, JJ and I dive into what it means to have fun as a parent. We can easily get trapped in the busyness of life, have a mindset of defeat, exhaustion, and maybe we tell ourselves as moms that we aren’t the “fun” parent. But JJ reminds us it's all about our mindset and exactly how important it is we spend that quality time with our kids. She gives us some great examples with how to make household chores fun and ways to get your kids using their imagination and building childhood memories.
Thank you for being here today. Now, let's dive into the conversation!
You can connect with JJ on Instagram, and listen to her podcast!
FAVORITE TAKE-AWAYS:
*We're always going somewhere in the car to do all the things! From school to soccer practice or whatever after-school activities your child enjoys, we spend a lot of time in the car and little time together as a family. So, how can we use that car time as family time?
*We have to be intentional about making time for our family and we need to intentionally make it fun so we keep doing it!
*The fun parent enjoys what they're doing and enjoys spending time with their kids.
REMEMBER:
*There is immense value in the simple moments.
*Let your kids be bored! They do not need an ipad but they do need to use their imagination.
*Approach things with curiosity. You just need to change your mindset, whether it's chores or other boring mundane things, you can make it fun.
Connect with Somer!
Stay connected to Somer and the Love Where You Are podcast through her Facebook & Instagram!
Love Where You Are is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org