Finding rest in the chaos with Jess Connolly
In this week’s episode, I have the absolute joy of introducing you to Jess Connolly – a woman whose spirit is as delightful and down-to-earth as they come. Jess wears many hats: she’s an author, podcaster, Bible teacher, coach, a devoted wife to Nick, and a loving mom to four kids. Her latest book, Tired of Being Tired, speaks directly to a feeling so many of us know too well.
Jess opens up about her personal journey with rest, sharing the challenges and misconceptions she's faced along the way. It's a conversation that really gets into the heart of God's design for rest and its transformative impact on our lives.
Here’s a glimpse into our conversation:
- Jess gets real about her struggles with rest and the revelations that changed her perspective.
- Jess unpacks the importance of understanding and embracing the rest God intends for us, highlighting how it can lead to a more fulfilled and joyful life.
- She shares some practical tips for prioritizing rest: beyond theory, Jess shares actionable steps for integrating rest into our daily routines, making it accessible even for the busiest of parents.
Jess’s heart shines through in every word, leaving us with practical tips and heartfelt encouragement. This conversation is full of insights for anyone looking to carve out a space of rest in the whirlwind of life.
So, if you’re feeling the weight of exhaustion, let this episode be your invitation to discover a more rested, grace-filled existence! Remember, our journey towards rest is not just a personal quest; it’s an invitation to trust and lean into the pace God sets for us.
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Simplifying decisions: Craig Groeschel on leading a God-honoring life
Guess who’s back on our podcast this week? The incredible Pastor Craig Groeschel. If you caught his last episode with us (which we'll link for you), you know you’re in for a treat, as the pastor of Life Church in Tulsa, OK, the voice behind The Craig Groeschel Leadership Podcast, and the author of 15 books, Pastor Craig shares so much wisdom and insight with us.
But today, we're diving into themes from his latest book, Think Ahead: 7 Decisions You Can Make Today for the God-Honoring Life You Want to Live Tomorrow.
As parents, we juggle countless decisions daily, often feeling overwhelmed by these choices’ sheer volume and weight. Pastor Craig joins us with a message of hope and strategy: the power of pre-deciding.
Craig’s message is a breath of fresh air for any parent feeling weighed down by the day-to-day decisions. It's a call to focus on what truly matters - our relationship with our kids and leading a life that honors God’s plan for us and our families. In this conversation we cover:
- The challenge of decision-making: why making decisions feels so daunting and how this impacts our family life.
- The art of pre-deciding: Craig shares how pre-deciding on certain aspects of our lives can significantly simplify our decision-making, making consistency with our kids more attainable.
- Reflecting family values: our decisions paint a picture of what we value as a family. Craig helps us see how our choices can reflect the God-honoring life we aspire to live.
- Prioritizing relationships: above efficiency, structure, or image, Craig reminds us that our relationship with our kids should always take precedence.
I promise you this conversation with Craig is enlightening and incredibly uplifting. It’s a reminder that, despite the challenges of parenting, there are strategies we can adopt to make the journey less burdensome and more fulfilling.
Connect With Pastor Craig Groschel online at https://www.craiggroeschel.com/
Grab your copy of Think Ahead Here
Or on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/craiggroeschel/
The Christian Parenting Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit http://www.ChristianParenting.org
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Discipling through the empty nest: a heartfelt journey with Pamela Henkleman
As we wrap up our discipleship series, today's episode takes us into the heartfelt world of parenting adult children. I'm joined by Pamela Henkleman, a beacon of wisdom for mid-life moms, to explore this unique stage of our parenting journey.
In our conversation, Pamela offers some incredible insights:
- Navigating the empty nest: Understanding the transition from full house to empty nest and what this means for our daily lives.
- Discipling adult children: How Pamela discipled her own children, reflections on what she'd do differently, and the evolution of parenting styles as children grow into adulthood.
- Facing the prodigal reality: Addressing the heartache and hope when children stray from their faith, despite our best efforts.
- The importance of unconditional love: Emphasizing love over judgment and meeting our children where they are with humility and tenderness.
- Embracing our role: Recognizing that while we guide and disciple, perfection is not the goal – God is the perfect parent, intricately involved in our and our children's stories.
Pamela reminds us of a powerful perspective that I believe we all need to hear:
"Help me not to judge my kids for where they are at. Judging them is not my job, my job is to love them, help me to love. Humility and tenderness go a long way."
This quote encapsulates the essence of today's discussion and serves as a gentle reminder of our role as parents, no matter the age of our children. This episode is not just for those of us approaching or navigating the empty nest phase; it's a timeless reminder of the enduring nature of parental love.
Don't forget, our Discipleship Simplified guide is here to support you at every stage of your family's faith journey!
Connect With Pamela online at https://www.pamelahenkelman.com/
Or on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/phenkelman/
Grab the CP Discipleship Simplified guide cpgive.org
The Christian Parenting Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit http://www.ChristianParenting.org
Our Sponsors:
* Check out Factor and use my code cppodcast50 for a great deal: http://www.factor75.com
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Navigating Teen Faith: Lasting Discipleship with Brad Griffin
I'm genuinely thrilled about the conversations we've been having, and I hope you are, too. So, let’s dive right into week four of our discipleship series. Today, we're shifting our focus towards a group with a special place in my heart: teenagers. Don’t be afraid; lean in, and let’s learn to disciple this age well!
Discipleship for teens is a unique journey that requires us to think deeply about how we can help them develop a faith that doesn't just survive but thrives beyond their youth group years. It's a challenging and incredibly important topic, so I'm excited to have Brad Griffin from The Fuller Youth Institute joining us today.
Brad and I dive into the Faith Beyond Youth Group book, an initiative based on extensive research into why many teens lose their faith after they leave home. This book and our conversation tackle the hard questions and offer insights into how we can better support our teens in their faith journey. In this episode Brad and I talk about:
- the importance of teaching our kids the character of Christ. It's not just about head knowledge; it's about helping them see and experience Christ's character daily.
- The crucial roles of authentic trust and identity in developing a solid faith foundation for our teens.
- The value of leaning into our community. The support system within our faith communities can be a game-changer in our teens' discipleship journey.
This episode is packed with practical advice, encouragement, and the reminder that our efforts in discipling our teenagers are worth every moment. So, whether you're a parent of a teen, a youth leader, or someone who plays a significant role in a teen's life, this conversation is for you.
Before we wrap up, don't forget to check out our Discipleship Simplified guide, it is designed to support you in your faith journey with your family.
Thanks for tuning in to this week's episode. If you've found it helpful, please subscribe to the podcast and leave a review. Your feedback helps us reach more parents and guardians looking for guidance and inspiration. Let's continue to support each other in raising godly teenagers in an ever-changing world.
Connect With Brad
website:
https://fulleryouthinstitute.org/our-team/brad-m-griffin
Social media:
https://www.instagram.com/bgriffinfyi/
Links mentioned:
Grab your copy of Faith Beyond Youth Group
Resources from today:
Christian Parenting Discipleship Simplified
The Christian Parenting Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit http://www.ChristianParenting.org
Our Sponsors:
* Check out Factor and use my code cppodcast50 for a great deal: http://www.factor75.com
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Navigating Biblical and Worldly Views with Kids: A Conversation with Josh Mulvihill
We are back with Week 3 of our discipleship series; how are you feeling? What are you learning, and what is encouraging you?
Today, I'm honored to have Josh Mulvihill with us. As the Executive Director of Church and Family Ministry at Renewanation and a father himself, Josh brings a wealth of experience in guiding families towards a deeper understanding of a biblical worldview.
In this episode, we tackle some crucial questions that many parents grapple with:
- What exactly is a biblical worldview?
- When is the right time to start having these conversations with our children?
- And how do we differentiate and discuss biblical worldviews versus worldly views, especially with the challenging topics prevalent in today’s world?
Josh will break down these questions, offering his insights and practical advice. Together we’ll explore the importance of shaping a biblical worldview from a young age and how this foundation can significantly impact our children's lives. Josh shares valuable resources, including Bible stories and methods for engaging in respectful dialogue, helping us to confidently share our beliefs with our children.
In a time when our kids are exposed to many perspectives, understanding how to navigate these discussions is more important than ever. Josh's expertise in this area is genuinely enlightening, providing us with the tools to guide our children effectively.
Don't miss the valuable resources Josh shares towards the end of our conversation. These resources are tailored to support you in fostering a biblical worldview in your home.
Also, remember to check out our 'Discipleship Made Easy' guide, available now at cpgive.org. This guide is an excellent resource for parents striving to deepen their family's faith and understanding of the Bible.
P.S. Be sure to subscribe to the Christian Parenting Podcast and leave a review if you find our series helpful. Your feedback helps us reach more parents seeking guidance in their faith and parenting journey. Let's continue to support each other in raising godly children in an ever-changing world.
Connect With Josh
Website:
https://gospelshapedfamily.com/
Grab the CP Discipleship guide cpgive.org
Life is Messy God is Good by Cynthia Yanof
The Christian Parenting Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit http://www.ChristianParenting.org
Our Sponsors:
* Check out Factor and use my code cppodcast50 for a great deal: http://www.factor75.com
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How to explain the Holy Spirit to kids with Christie Thomas
Are you ready for week 2 of our exciting series on discipling kids?! Today, we're diving into a topic that I find both fascinating and challenging: explaining the Holy Spirit to our children. It’s abstract, a bit tough to grasp, and that's exactly why I want us to understand it better. I believe that with a clearer understanding, we can talk to our kids about the Holy Spirit in a way that's easier and less intimidating for all of us!
Joining me today is the incredible Christie Thomas, author of Fruit Full. Christie brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our discussion. She has spent years teaching kids about Jesus, and now she's here to help us do the same. She’s not only a gifted author but also a devoted wife and mom. Currently homeschooling her three sons, Christie's passion for children’s ministry shines through in everything she does.
Today we'll explore who the Holy Spirit is and, just as importantly, who he is not. We'll address some common misconceptions and discuss how we can explain his role and the fruit of the Spirit to our kids. I know it sounds like a lot, but trust me, this conversation is enlightening and incredibly helpful.
One of my favorite parts of today's talk is when we dive into how we often teach our kids about the fruit of the Spirit in relation to behavior and morals. Christie points out a crucial aspect – we might be missing the mark if we stop there. This discussion is practical, helpful, and I truly believe it will be beneficial for both you and your children.
So, don’t let the complexity of today’s topic keep you from tuning in. Join us, learn, and be encouraged by our friend Christie Thomas. And if you're looking to deepen your journey in discipleship, don’t forget to check out Christie's book, Fruit Full, it is a great devotional
Remember to subscribe to the podcast and leave a review if you find this episode valuable. Your support helps us reach more parents like you, looking for guidance and encouragement in their parenting journey. Stay tuned for more enriching discussions in our series. Thanks for listening, and let's grow together in faith and parenting!
Connect With Christie:
- https://littleshootsdeeproots.com/
- @littleshootsdeeproots
Resources mentioned:
Grab the CP Discipleship guide
The Christian Parenting Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit http://www.ChristianParenting.org
Our Sponsors:
* Check out Factor and use my code cppodcast50 for a great deal: http://www.factor75.com
* Check out Happy Mammoth and use my code CPPODCAST for a great deal: happymammoth.com
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Discipling our kids doesn’t have to be intimidating with Sarah Holmstrom
Today, we are starting a brand new series on The Christian Parenting Podcast. Over the next few weeks, we're diving into an incredibly important topic: discipling your kids to know, love, and follow Jesus. This series will be a deep dive into prayer, the Holy Spirit, and teaching our kids to love Jesus. We are even tackling the hard truth that we can do “all the right things” and our older children could choose a different path. We're covering it all!
To kick off this series, I'm thrilled to sit down with my dear friend, Sarah Holmstrom. Many of you might know us from our ministry, Raising Prayerful Kids, and our book of the same name. Sarah and I have journeyed together in ministry for many years, and her insights have been a blessing to me and so many others.
In today's episode, Sarah and I are diving into the complexities of discipling our children, especially considering how different each child can be. It's a challenge that every parent faces. We answer the questions:
- How do we tailor our approach to fit each child’s unique needs and personalities?
- What does daily discipleship look like, for me and for my family?
- Does praying for our children really make a difference?
We'll explore these topics and share personal experiences and practical advice.
Sarah's wisdom is something I cherish, and I know you will, too. This conversation is not just informative but also incredibly reassuring. It reminds us that in the midst of our efforts and uncertainties, God's grace is sufficient.
So, whether you're a parent trying to navigate these waters for the first time or you've been at this for a while, this episode is for you. Join us as we embark on this journey, discussing how to disciple our kids in the way that best suits each of them and exploring the power and impact of discipleship in our children's lives.
P.S. Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast and leave a review if you find this series helpful. Your feedback means the world to us and helps other parents find this resource. Stay tuned for more episodes that will empower and inspire you in your parenting journey. Let's learn and grow together in raising kids who love Jesus. See you in the episode!
Connect with Sarah
Website:
http://www.raisingprayerfulkids.com
Social media:
@sarahmholmstrom
@raisingprayerfulkids
Links mentioned:
Grab the CP Discipleship guide
https://raisedonors.com/christianparenting/digital-discipleship-guide
The Christian Parenting Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit http://www.ChristianParenting.org
Our Sponsors:
* Check out Factor and use my code cppodcast50 for a great deal: http://www.factor75.com
* Check out Happy Mammoth and use my code CPPODCAST for a great deal: happymammoth.com
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Life Is Messy, God is Good and Everything in Between w/ Cynthia Yanof
Calling, anointing and ministering without a major platform?
How can I teach my kids to serve right where they are?
How do I talk to my kids about their God size callings?
How do I believe forward for myself, and my kids?
Today we get to sit down with an old Christian Parenting friend Cynthia Yanof! Cynthia is the podcast host of "MESSmerized" and the author of the book, "Life is Messy, God is Good," releasing this February.
In this episode, Cynthia and I dive deep into the heart of parenting, sharing wisdom and heartfelt stories that every parent can relate to. Whether you're navigating toddler tantrums, teenage angst, or just the daily ups and downs of raising a family, this conversation is packed with practical advice and soul-stirring encouragement.
Cynthia brings her signature blend of humor and insight, offering text message-able notes that you'll want to send to all your friends. These golden nuggets of wisdom remind us of what truly matters in the midst of life's chaos. From discussing the challenges of maintaining personal faith to managing family dynamics, Cynthia's experiences and advice are both relatable and uplifting.
P.S. Make sure to subscribe and leave a review if you found this episode meaningful. Your support helps us reach more parents with encouragement and wisdom for the journey ahead. Until next time, keep cherishing those little moments and big milestones in the wonderful adventure of parenting!
Connect with Cynthia
@cynthiayanof
Links mentioned:
The Christian Parenting Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit http://www.ChristianParenting.org
Our Sponsors:
* Check out Factor and use my code cppodcast50 for a great deal: http://www.factor75.com
* Check out Happy Mammoth and use my code CPPODCAST for a great deal: happymammoth.com
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The busy-ness of parenting with Dina Deleasa-Gonsar
I’m sure many of you are in the same season of parenting that I am in—busy. Every season of parenting is busy in its own way! It’s just amazing how it changes and changes so fast, yet remains busy.
My guest today, Dina Deleasa-Gonsar totally gets it and is here to talk about it!
Dina is the creator, writer, speaker, and television personality behind the popular food blog DishItGirl.com. Dina is known for sharing her family traditions and modern twists on recipes along with an inside look at her real-life as a mom and wife.
Today Dina and I talk about the overwhelm of parenting, managing activities and setting boundaries, and how social media adds to the pressure of doing it all and doing it perfectly. Dina reminds us that re-prioritizing so you don’t burn out from the busy is good, but sometimes you have to take inventory of what you and your family is doing.
I love what she shares about making sure we prioritize faith, church and Jesus just like we prioritize activities. Because God is faithful in the busy and when our kids grow up and the activities end, Jesus will stay.
Listen to the end because Dina gives us some tips for meal planning and shares her favorite ideas for those busy weeknights!
Recipe links if we want to put those in the email
https://www.dishitgirl.com/recipes/butternut-squash-lasagna
https://www.dishitgirl.com/recipes/bolognese-inspired-baked-ziti
https://www.dishitgirl.com/recipes/apple-cider-chicken-sandwich
Connect with Dina
Social Media:
@dishitgirldina
Website:
Links mentioned:
https://www.dishitgirl.com/recipes/butternut-squash-lasagna
https://www.dishitgirl.com/recipes/bolognese-inspired-baked-ziti
https://www.dishitgirl.com/recipes/apple-cider-chicken-sandwich
Our Sponsors:
* Check out Factor and use my code cppodcast50 for a great deal: http://www.factor75.com
* Check out Happy Mammoth and use my code CPPODCAST for a great deal: happymammoth.com
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy