How to Overcome Fear with Jennifer Pepito
Welcome to the Love Where You Are podcast!
In today’s episode I am joined with Jennifer Pepito.
Jennifer is the proud mom of seven children and she has been homeschooling for over twenty-five years and it’s something she’s passionate about. When Jennifer discovered that her second daughter had learning disabilities, Jennifer became an avid student of child development.
After learning from innovators and researchers in the field, Jennifer created her own resource for parents called The Peaceful Press, to help parents enjoy homeschooling, feel equipped for the task, and to develop healthy meaningful relationships with their children.
In today’s conversation, Somer and Jennifer talk about the fears of parenthood.
Fear, grief, bitterness, control, manipulation - all of it is broken by the power of Jesus when we trust in Him and learn to forgive.
Thank you for being here today. Now, let's dive into the conversation!
You can connect with Jennifer through Instagram, her website, and you can also order her new book!
FAVORITE TAKE-AWAYS:
-When you mess up as a parent, ask for forgiveness from your kids.
-The dream we have for our kid's childhood is not always what God has in store for them, and that's okay.
-There is frustrating when a need in our life is not met. The frustration can quickly turn to resentment, bitterness, and anger, and we can lash out at our kids or husband. We have to get unstuck.
REMEMBER:
-Seek help when you need it, like your pastor, a friend, or trusted family member. Do not unload all of your burdens onto your child.
-Think about your own childhood. Is there something in your childhood that could be impacting how you parent?
-Forgiveness is not the same as justice. Forgiveness is when we let go of the poison in our hearts, and God alone can fully serve justice. We have to trust Him that it will be served.
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.
Parenting Your Wayward Kids with Joy with Mary DeMuth
Welcome to the Love Where You Are podcast!
In today’s episode I am joined with Mary DeMuth
She’s been writing for 30+ years with over 45 published books, translated into five languages. She has mentored writers all this time and continues through the Rockwall Christian Writers group. Mary also pioneered a literacy agency in 2022 called Mary DeMuth Literary, where she shepherds writers towards traditional publishing. Mary has lived a full life, loves Jesus, and wants to share that power of redemption with others.
In today’s conversation, Somer and Mary get real about the heartbreak parents face as their children enter adulthood and make decisions which can cause division. Things like children leaving the faith, choosing opposite political views, or even “coming out” with a sexual or gender identity. As Christian parents, it is easy to feel shame and guilt when our kids choose these paths, wondering where we went wrong, how it makes us look, and how to "fix" our kids. This is a very important topic, as more division increases in our culture and raising our kids in the faith isn’t easy. Mary encourages us to love, pray, and listen, and to know God the Father deals with this too… his children have also turned astray, and He can help us get through these challenges.
Thank you for being here today. Now, let's dive into the conversation!
You can connect with Mary through Facebook, Instagram, and her website.
You can also order her new book! And listen to her podcast.
Special resource! 52 special prayers for your child from Mary DeMuth.
FAVORITE TAKE-AWAYS:
*It can be really scary watching our kids start to make choices--especially if they are bad choices! We have to let them, especially if they are a full grown adult.
*Our relationship with our child, if its healthy, changes over the years. We go from parent to coach to friend, but yes, we'll always be their parent too. It's just a change in role shift.
*When you find division and conflict with your grown child, here are some steps to help:
-Ask why, don't assume bad intentions
-Find common ground
-Seek reconciliation
REMEMBER:
*As parents, it is our job to train up our kids for success as adults. That means easing them into this new phase of life, not dropping them into it. Gradually granting freedom over time as they grow.
*Love, Pray, and Listen! Your children need to know you love them, not judge them. Your children need your prayers. Your children need you to listen. Even if you don't understand why they're making choices, listening is crucial to keeping the door open to conversations.
*Your identity is not in your children. Yes, you are a parent and have a responsibility to raise them, but their choices do not make up who you are. And, it is okay to grieve a child who's gone astray.
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.
Overcoming Depression in Motherhood with Julie Thomas
Welcome to the Love Where You Are podcast!
In today’s episode I am joined with Julie Thomas.
Julie Thomas is a wife, mother of two, life coach and author. After the birth of her second son, Julie battled a severe case of postpartum depression. For years, emotions of anxiety, confusion and shame consumed her life, leading to isolation and suicidal thoughts. In her darkest hour, she felt God’s undeniable call to share her story with others. With the release of her novel, HOPE Inside Out, and her willingness to be open and transparent, Julie was able to find healing for herself and help others do the same.
In this episode, Somer and Julie get real about postpartum depression, the symptoms, the daily live experiences with it, and how to get help. Maybe you’re experiencing postpartum depression right now or know someone who is, this is an important conversation to have so we are equipped to handle this mental health issues which impacts so many women.
This episode is about loving where you are even in the midst of postpartum depression, facing those realities with the strength of Christ, and equipping us with the information to love new mommas better as they face this.
Thank you for being here today. Now, let's dive into the conversation!
You can connect with Julie through Facebook, Instagram, and her website.
You can also order her new book! And watch her short film.
FAVORITE TAKE-AWAYS:
- 1 in 8 women will experience postpartum depression, and 9% will have PTSD from their birth experience. More information is known about it today and resources to help mothers.
-Postpartum depression can look like you're lost in reality, not connected to time, feeling the loss of the child even if there was no loss. Julie couldn't recognize her own children at times. Confusion, fear, and anxiety levels are high, it is very disorienting.
-The church tells us to rejoice in suffering and choose joy, be a happy perfect Christian. This message comes in complete conflict with the reality of postpartum depression and the daily struggles. It is easy to feel forsaken and abandoned by God.
REMEMBER:
-Symptoms of Postpartum depression include loss of appetite, disinterest in usual things, self-isolation.
-Find help. Counseling and community may lead to faster healing. There is no shame in needing help. You are not alone.
-God is always present even if we don't come to Him.
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.
Rebelling Against Mediocre Motherhood with Abbie Halberstadt
Welcome to the Love Where You Are podcast!
In today’s episode I am joined with Abbie Halberstadt.
Abbie is a busy full time homeschooling mom with ten kiddos and one amazing husband. Blogger and author of the book M is for Mama, Abbie is passionate about helping mamas claim their identities and find simple, doable rhythms for their days that allow them to create an environment of realistic joy and peace.
In today’s conversation, Somer and Abbie dive into the battle we face as mothers in our culture, how there is a disdain towards taking care of your kids and building a home, how being a mother somehow robs us from our life or that doing the job of a mom like changing diapers and cleaning up cheerios, is somehow less than. Abbie also covers the motherhood martyrdom and mom guilt, as well as the angry mom, ways to avoid these common pitfalls and how to realize both the joy and weight of being a mom. There is a lot to unpack!
Thank you for being here today. Now, let's dive into the conversation!
You can connect with Abbie through Facebook, Instagram, and her website.
You can also order her new book!
FAVORITE TAKE-AWAYS:
-There is a false narrative in our culture is that motherhood is something which gets in our way, takes us away from living our life.
-We are battling a culture of busyness and motherhood martyrdom.
-Lie: Just existing as a mom is enough. You know there are plenty of moms who weren't good moms. It takes work and effort to be a good mom but you are capable.
-There is a big difference between "mom guilt", lies from the enemy, and the Holy Spirit convicting you.
REMEMBER:
-Satan has come to destroy families, the heart of spirituality. He is divorcing the concept of marriage and sex away from family, motherhood, and raising children as God designed.
-There is a huge lack of Biblical literacy in America right now, despite the fact there is constant bombardment of information around us. Getting in the word is the best way to know how God wants us to live our lives!
-There are a lot of things labeled as "self care" that are not fulfilling. Yes, take care of yourself, but don't constantly pursue that self-care like an idol above caring for your home. Instead build an infrastructure for your family to keep everyone happy and functioning.
SCRIPTURE:
Galatians 6:9
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.
Finding Faith and Family through Foster Care with Tori Hope Petersen
Welcome to the Love Where You Are podcast!
In today’s episode I am joined with Tori Hope Petersen.
Tori Hope Petersen is a former foster youth letting her Abba be known. She is passionate about foster care reform, adoption advocacy, vulnerable populations, and seeing the love of God change people's lives! Tori speaks across the nation sharing her powerful story, but her favorite form of art and communication is writing.
After a faith-filled track coach invested and mentored Tori in high school, she went on to not only become a Track and Field All-American, but also to join the 3% of foster youth who graduate from college and be crowned Mrs. Universe. Today, Tori is a foster mom, adoptive mom, and biological mom, and works with nonprofits, ministries, and beyond advocating for foster care reform, adoption awareness, and help for vulnerable populations.
In this episode, Somer and Tori dive deep into the experiences of foster kids.
Thank you for being here today. Now, let's dive into the conversation!
You can connect with Tori through Instagram, and her website.
You can also order her new book!
FAVORITE TAKE-AWAYS:
-Foster kids feel so lonely, unwanted, and hopeless. The odds are stacked against them and they need us.
-The Bible tells us to love the orphans, and there are different types of orphans, not just the ones whose parents have died. We should love all the children who need stability and hope in their life.
-There is backlash against adopted parents and people who foster but don't let it stop you from fulfilling God's calling in your life.
REMEMBER:
-Foster kids are not stereotypes or statistics, they are real people who need love and support.
-Hurt people hurt people. We need love to break the cycle and begin the healing.
-You don't have to dive into the deep end with fostercare. You can start by supporting a ministry, bringing a meal, being restbit, and finding out more. There are plenty of ways to help.
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.
How to Follow God’s Will with Brittany Ann
Welcome to the Love Where You Are podcast!
In today’s episode I am joined with Brittany Ann.
Brittany Ann is an author, speaker, and founder of EquippingGodlyWomen.com, a popular Christian-living website dedicated to helping women be “all in” in faith and family. Brittany is married to an incredible godly husband, and together they have three adorably energetic little ones.
In today’s conversation, Somer and Brittany talk about how to follow God’s Will when life is out of our control and it feels like we keep making mistakes. The world is so loud and that is a problem when we can’t hear God’s voice through the chaos. Brittany dives into the three common myths behind God’s will for us, encourages us to spend time in God’s word and in prayer, and a reminder that doing life with people can be the most impactful spiritual care you can provide. As parents we are the first and best example to our kids, so we need to show them the peace that comes from trusting God with our lives.
Thank you for being here today. Now, let's dive into the conversation!
You can connect with Brittany through Facebook, YouTube, and her website.
You can also order her new book!
FAVORITE TAKE-AWAYS:
-When the world is loud, maybe we need to take a step back and look at how much time we're spending on social media, letting the world's loudness enter our life. How much time do we spend in prayer and in the Word verses scrolling on instagram?
-We are the first and best example for our kids when it comes to faith. What kind of an example are we leading?
-When you are asked who was the greatest spiritual rolemodel and influence for you, how would you answer? Was it an influencer or celebrity, or was it someone in your life?
REMEMBER:
-You can't ruin God's plan for your life.
-You can ask for people's opinions when it comes to a big decision but the most important person to ask is God.
-All callings, whether its staying at home or working a career, can glorify God. There is no one shoe fits all.
SCRIPTURE:
Romans 11:29
Eph 2:10
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.
So God Made A Mother with Leslie Means
Welcome to the Love Where You Are podcast!
In today’s episode I am joined by Leslie Means.
Leslie Means is founder and owner of the popular website Her View From Home, which features heartfelt contributor stories on motherhood, marriage, faith, and grief. She is a former news anchor, weekly columnist, and has published several short stories. She is married to a very patient man named Kyle, and together they have three fantastic kids: Ella, Grace, and Keithan. When she’s not sharing too much personal information online or in the newspaper, you’ll find her somewhere in Nebraska spending time with family and friends.
In this episode, Somer and Leslie talk about the importance for Christian moms to understand their value in the role they have been given, balancing the juggling act of motherhood, giving grace as we continue to grow and develop as women and as moms what the biggest message Christian moms need to hear right now.
Whether you are waiting to become a mom, right in the thick of motherhood or watching your babies grow and begin their own journeys, today’s conversation has something to encourage and challenge you.
Thank you for being here today.
Now, let's dive into the conversation!
You can connect with Leslie through Facebook, Instagram, and the Her View Website!
You can also order her new book!
FAVORITE TAKE-AWAYS:
*God is writing your story and you don't get a bird's eye view, but it is incredible when you look back and see how God worked over the years
*Why do we question our ability to be a mom? God invented the family before He invented the Church! He made you right for this job.
*Be honest with your kids. Set healthy boundaries. Be involved.
REMEMBER:
*Learn how to discern God's voice and trust Him to move in the unexpected directions He leads you
*We're trying to juggle it all but you don't have to. You can lean on one another.
*Knowing how to balance: when to say no and when to say yes.
*Don't wish away time. Embrace your season with your child, whether they're babies or teens! Soak in the moments.
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.
All Things Christian Parenting with Steph Thurling
Welcome to the Love Where You Are podcast!
In today’s episode I am joined with Steph Thurl.
Steph Thurling is Executive Director of Christian Parenting and host of The Christian Parenting Podcast.
Steph has her master’s in youth, family, and culture from Fuller Theological Seminary and has a background in youth and children’s ministry. She is co-author of Raising Prayerful Kids, a book that shares easy, life-giving, and fun ways to teach kids to pray. She loves helping families grow closer to each other and to God through meaningful experiences and conversations. Steph is a frequent speaker at churches and mom groups and is known for her relatable stories, practical ideas, and gentle encouragement.
In this episode, Somer and Steph discussed:
*The most common struggles Christian parents face today
*Ways to make prayer fun for your kids
*How to keep a relationship with Christ at the center of your daily rhythms of life
*And the key to slowing down and enjoying each moment with your children despite the busyness all around you
Thank you for being here today. Now, let's dive into the conversation!
You can listen to her podcast, visit her website, or connect through Instagram
FAVORITE TAKE-AWAYS:
*School and church are not responsible for your child's faith. It all begins at home.
*"Never go to the hardware store alone" (the idea that you can bring your kids with you running errands, spending quality time and building memories even in the mundane tasks)
*The truth is we do not know what we're doing but you can still be confident because God knows you're right for this job.
REMEMBER:
*Your kids are kids. Meet them where they're at! (If they're really little, they might not want to sit still longer than five minutes.)
*Make prayer or spirituality part of your everyday moments. (Like on the drive home from school or on a walk to the park)
*If you're not intentional with your kids, someone else will be.
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.
Do The Thing with Rebecca George
Welcome to the Love Where You Are podcast!
In today’s episode I am joined with Rebecca George.
Rebecca is passionate about helping you discover your giftings and talents to be used for the Kingdom in big ways.
Rebecca and I discuss the questions to ask as you seek to discover your calling, the value system we place on the things God calls us to do, what hinders us from doing the thing and the importance of understanding our identity so we can discover what God has for us in this season.
Thank you for being here today. Now, let's dive into the conversation!
You can connect with Rebecca through Instagram and listen to her podcast!
You can also order her new book!
FAVORITE TAKE-AWAYS:
3 Questions to Ask to help you identify your “Thing” -
*What matters to you - what makes your heart come alive - what do you feel that God has naturally gifted you with and wired you to do?
*What matters to God - the spreading of the gospel
*What matters to other people - what are some practical needs that I see in the world and how might that connect with the natural gifts and talents God has given me?
What hinders us from ‘doing the thing?’
*Comparison
*Doubt
*Insecurity
*Having a right perspective about the character of God
REMEMBER:
*There are seasons of enduring in our calling - taking one step after another in a God-ward direction
Nobody else this side of heaven was called to be my husband’s wife.
Nobody else was called to be my children’s Mama.
*God is so faithful to give us spiritual eyes to see where we are and who we are and what He wants us to do.
*You do not have to be in vocational ministry to be in ministry
SCRIPTURE:
Philippians 4:8 - what if we take this scripture and lay it up against our thought lives?
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.