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
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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 http://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 http://www.ChristianParenting.org
Seizing the Good Life with Shellie Rushing Tomlinson
Welcome to the Love Where You Are podcast!
In today’s episode I am joined with Shellie Rushing Tomlinson.
Shellie is a farmer's wife and loving grandmother of six. She fell in love with storytelling as a child when her grandmother told stories of what it was like to come to Louisiana from the hills of Appalachia and set up house in a tent with a dirt floor. And, she had a grandfather who used humor to bring people to Jesus. These grandparents on both paternal and maternal sides, made a big impression on Shellie.
Whether in her books, speaking before audiences, or dropping a segment on her podcast, she loves nothing more than helping bring people to Jesus through humor and storytelling.
Just like how Shellie’s grandparents made an imprint on her life, Shellie and I talk about the importance of intentionally passing on your faith to your kids and grandkids. We also talk about her new book, how to seize the good life, and looking at John’s gospel in new ways.
Thank you for being here today. Now, let's dive into the conversation!
You can connect with Shellie through Facebook, Instagram, and her website.
You can also order her new book!
FAVORITE TAKE-AWAYS:
-There is encouragement in knowing God is a personal God. We can see this in how Jesus talked to the disciples.
-You don't have to have it all together. The disciples didn't!
-Run home to Jesus and you'll have everything you need for your kids.
REMEMBER:
-Passing our faith to our kids or grandchildren must be done intentionally, it doesn't happen magically!
-John's gospel message shows we struggle but Jesus strengthens those around him. The disciples often didn't understand Jesus, and he would say it again or in a different way.
-We are chosen for this time period in history in our small piece of the earth. You are here for a reason and you matter. You are the right person for this job called parenthood!
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 http://www.ChristianParenting.org
Simplifying Discipleship with Julie Parido
Welcome to the Love Where You Are podcast!
In today’s episode I am joined with Julie Parido.
Julie Parido is a Christ-follower, wife, and homeschooling mom to four wonderful, rambunctious children in a northern suburb of Cincinnati, Ohio. With a Communications degree and Bible minor from Cedarville University and training in biblical counseling, she is passionate about helping children and their parents know and apply God's Word. She is also the author of the new book Draw the Verse.
In this episode, Julie and I talk about Deuteronomy 6, living out that commandment to teach our kids in the way of the Lord. We talk about the importance of consistency, daily engagement with God’s word, trusting God with the seeds we’re planting in our kids, and knowing we are called by God for this job.
Thank you for being here today. Now, let's dive into the conversation!
You can connect with Julie through Instagram and check out her website.
You can also order her new book!
FAVORITE TAKE-AWAYS:
*If you're feeling unqualified to disciple your children, remember Moses and Gideon! Paul may have been considered qualified on the outside but he did not have what it takes till Christ came along. If you have Christ, that's all you need.
*God will water the seeds you plant in your children.
*There is a weariness we can experience as moms but stay patient and filled with the Fruit of the Spirit.
REMEMBER:
-Lean into your resources, like the Bible and the Body of Christ.
-Do what is sustainable for YOUR family, but we encourage you to be in the Word daily, whatever that may look like for you.
-Every person has their own relationship with God, and that includes your child. Give your child the space and tools they need to develop that relationship with Him.
SCRIPTURE:
Deuteronomy 6:4-9 ESV
"“Hear, O Israel: dThe LORD our God, the LORD is one.Or The Lord our God is one Lord; or The Lord is our God, the Lord is one; or The Lord is our God, the Lord alone" href= "https://www.esv.org/Deuteronomy+6/#f2-">2 5 You eshall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. 6 And fthese words that I command you today shall be on your heart. 7 gYou shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. 8 hYou shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. 9 iYou shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.
1 Corinthians 2:3-5 ESV
And aI was with you bin weakness and in fear and much trembling, 4 and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of cthe Spirit and of power, 5 so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of menThe Greek word anthropoi can refer to both men and women" href= "https://www.esv.org/1+Corinthians+2/#f3-">3 but din the power of God.
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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 http://www.ChristianParenting.org
When Friendships Fail with Elizabeth Laing Thompson
Welcome to the Love Where You Are podcast!
In today’s episode I am joined with Elizabeth Laing Thompson.
Elizabeth is a pastor’s wife, mother of four and author of the new book When a Friendship Falls Apart. She has also written other amazing books like All the Feels, When God Says No, and When God Says Go.
In this episode, Elizabeth and I dive deep into friendships and when they fall apart. God has designed us for community and relationships but thanks to sin, those relationships sometimes end in “break-up” and it can be hard to navigate. It can be hard to even maintain healthy relationships, period!
Elizabeth and I talk about the importance of communication skills, spiritual skills, and self-control so that we can be prepared for not if something goes wrong but when it goes wrong in our relationships. We also talk about examples in scripture of broken relationships, forgiveness, and mismatched expectations.
There is a lot to unpack, so let’s dive in!
You can connect with Elizabeth through Facebook, Instagram, and her website.
You can also order her new book!
FAVORITE TAKE-AWAYS:
-There is a need here, to discuss broken relationships.
-We need to learn how to exercise our spiritual muscles, self control, and communication skills.
-Another person's response is not in our control but it is our responsibility to address problems when they arise.
REMEMBER:
-It's okay and actually important to grieve the loss of a friendship.
-It is hard to let people go but sometimes we have to.
-There are examples in the Bible of people in broken relationships (they weren't perfect either!)
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 http://www.ChristianParenting.org
The Sound of Freedom with Alejandro Monteverde
Welcome to the Love Where You Are podcast!
In today’s episode I am joined with Alejandro Monteverde.
Alejandro Monteverde is a Mexican filmmaker, best known for his work as a director, writer, and producer on award winning films. Alejandro’s work is known for its focus on family and faith, and he has been vocal about his Catholic beliefs. In addition to his film work, he has also been involved in philanthropic efforts, including the founding of the nonprofit organization Esperanza para los Niños (Hope for Children) in 2010, which provides education and support to underprivileged children in Mexico.
Coming to theatres this Fourth of July is Alejandro’s film The Sound of Freedom which tells the incredible true story of a former government agent turned freedom fighter who embarks on a dangerous mission to rescue dozens of children from human trafficking.
In this episode, Alejandro and I discuss the importance of this topic, bringing it more into the conversation, spreading awareness and shining light on this massive underground slavery that is robbing children in plain sight. It is not an easy thing to talk about but as Alejandro says, "the problem is when good people do nothing."
Thank you for being here today. Now, let's dive into the conversation!
You can connect with Alejandro and the film through Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and their website.
You can watch the film's trailer!
FAVORITE TAKE-AWAYS:
-Alejandro had a shift in his life. He likes to call it "turning 10 degrees." It was a small shift but led to a huge change in his life. It was the way he saw making films--making them for God instead of himself.
-Alejandro loves telling stories but more than that he is telling stories that are important. We need to be sharing these stories that are important too.
-The film covers a dark, serious and real issue in our world but it also beautiful and inspiring. Alejandro wants viewers to get a meaningful but entertaining experience.
REMEMBER:
-Parents want to protect their kids but they don't realize that the greatest danger to a child is in the palm of their hand--it's the iPhone, the iPad, the laptop, whatever device it is. There are far more damanging things on those devices than outside the child's house.
-The real problem is when good people do nothing.
-Age appropriate conversations are important. The film is rated PG-13, that is Alejandro's personal recommendation as well, but every family is different. Make sure to have meaningful conversations with your children about what is happening in our world.
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 http://www.ChristianParenting.org
Equipping Christian Parents for the Pornography Battle with Sam Black
Welcome to the Love Where You Are podcast!
In today’s episode I am joined with Sam Black.
Sam Black is a renowned author and expert in the field of pornography recovery. As the Director of Recovery Education at Covenant Eyes, he brings a wealth of experience to his work, having joined the organization in 2007 after a distinguished 18-year career as an award-winning journalist.
Sam is the author of two groundbreaking books: "The Healing Church: What Churches Get Wrong About Pornography and How to Fix It" and "The Porn Circuit: Understand Your Brain and Break Porn Habits." Sam's deep knowledge and compassionate approach have helped countless individuals and families find healing and hope.
In today’s conversation, Somer and Sam dive into the serious abyss that is pornography in our modern era. Thanks to smart phones and iPads, kids as young as seven and eight years old are being exposed to pornography and pornography today has changed too, becoming more violent and extreme. This is not an easy conversation but a critical one. As Sam explains, it’s not a matter of if your child is exposed, it’s a matter of when.
Sam and Somer help equip you with the knowledge and tools you need to prepare your child to protect themselves and even be a light to others, and there is still hope if you feel it’s too late.
Thank you for being here today. Now, let's dive into the conversation!
Here is the book "The Healing Church" online resource.
FAVORITE TAKE-AWAYS:
*Four Myths Parents Say to Themselves according to Sam: (Sam debunks each of these)
-My kid is a good kid. They would never be curious. They're innocent.
-My kid would look away! They're respectful.
-The measures I have in place are enough. (such as occassionally looking over a child's shoulder)
-Only boys struggle with this, not girls.
*Turn, Run, Tell. Teach your child to turn away when they see something inappropriate, run away from the situation, and tell an adult or the parent immediately.
*Pornography affects the heart, body, and spirit; and healing should address all of those areas.
REMEMBER:
*Pornography is a real threat in all ministries: mens, womens, and childrens. Sobering statistics show that two thirds of men and one third of women in the church secretly struggle with pornography; fifty-two percent of teens are exposed to violent pornography; and the ages for exposure reach as young as eight years old.
*This exposure and repeated pornographic viewing is happening in living rooms, at kitchen counters, and during car rides.
*There is a ton of brain chemistry that goes into why pornography becomes so addictive, how the cycles of shame make it worse, and how trauma or family drama can influence the behavior.
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 http://www.ChristianParenting.org
The Fatherless Epidemic with Eric Swithin
Welcome to the Love Where You Are podcast!
In today's episode, I am joined with Eric Swithin.
Eric Swithin is the Executive Director and Founder of The Alliance for Ending the Fatherless Epidemic. THE FATHERLESS EPIDEMIC strives to encourage viewers that the epidemic can be solved and we can present the love of God to youth in desperate need of a Godly father figure.
In today’s conversation, Somer and Eric discuss the harsh statistics of broken homes and how it leads boys and girls into brokenness and a pursuit to fill a hole in their heart that they can never fill.
Eric shares how one of the most important and best things the Church can do is care for the widow and the orphan, and in today’s modern world, that means the single moms and fatherless kids.
He also provides practical ways for us to be involved, blend missionary work with daily life, and reflect God as the true loving Father.
Thank you for being here today. Now, let's dive into the conversation!
You can connect with Eric by watching his film and checking out his website!
FAVORITE TAKE-AWAYS:
-Fatherlessness causes wounds that a person is constantly trying to fill, usually with a pursuit of sexual desires, money, finding a sense of belonging by joining gangs or the military. But these pursuits are empty, and the cycle continues.
-Fatherlessness and broken homes lead to some staggering statistics.
*85% of youth and adult me in prison come from fatherless homes
*Fatherless girls are 900% more likely to be sexually abused or assaulted
*Fatherless boys are 14 times more likely to commit sexual abuse or sexual crimes
Other issues are rampant, such as poverty.
-The Church is at its best when it mobilizes to fight against the enemy who works to destroy The Home.
REMEMBER:
-Meditate on John 16 & 17
-Learn to be aware of the fatherless youth and single moms in your church. See how you can fill a need in their life.
-You can incorporate ministry and mission work into your daily life. These people only add value, not take away time.
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 http://www.ChristianParenting.org
Safe Technology for Summer Fun with Brent Dusing
Welcome to the Love Where You Are podcast!
In today’s episode I am joined with Brent Dusing.
Brent Dusing created TruPlay to bring beautiful and biblically authentic entertainment to audiences worldwide. Brent is a pioneering, Harvard graduate, entrepreneur with a heart for creating games with God at the center, giving kids and parents an experience that is safe and fun! He has led an exceptional career and God continues to bless his team’s efforts to bring TruPlay as an alternative on kid’s devices.
In today’s conversation, Brent and Somer talk about why a safe, Christian gaming alternative is so critical right now. Kids will spend on average fifty-two and a half hours per week on a device, while kids may only go to church with their parents once a week that lasts about an hour. Our culture is quickly crumbling, and parents should be equipped with the best tools and alternatives to build a stable and strong foundation for their families, so they want to learn more about God and be closer to Him.
Thank you for being here today. Now, let's dive into the conversation!
Check out TruPlay!
FAVORITE TAKE-AWAYS:
*Kids are on devices on average fifty-two and a half hours per week. What are they doing on those devices? Playing videogames, watching Netflix and YouTube. What kind of content is on Netflix and YouTube, is it godly content, is it instilling healthy values and lessons? Usually not.
*We are in a culture crisis right now as the family is being stripped apart. Roughly 50% of Americans do not attend church, which is at a shocking low. There is still hope, however. God is the God of transformation and redemption.
*If your child has been exposed to inappropriate content online (which is happening at younger ages than ever before) there is still hope for your child.
REMEMBER:
*Videogames are not the problem. Videogames are a tool which we as Christians can use to help instill these lessons and values to our kids. It's a matter of what the content is and how much.
*We are not a Christian nation anymore. Our kids need Christian support and resources just as much as other nations who receive missionaries.
*This resource isn't just for Christians. ALL people right now are looking for hope and light in this dark time. We have the ability to share that hope.
Connect with Somer!
Stay connected to Somer and the Love Where You Are podcast through her Facebook & Instagram! Now, go love where you are and live on mission for Jesus today.