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As believing parents, we know how important it is to raise our kids with love and intentionality. We want to give our kids a full picture of God's love for them every day! But some days, it's really hard! We are stretched thin, tired, and often feel unequipped. The Christian Parenting Podcast gives parents the space and resources to set aside perfection and grow into the perfectly imperfect parents God made them to be.
Join host Steph Thurling and her guests as they discuss practical tips and spiritual guidance for your parenting journey.
All Episodes:
Living in the tension of overwhelmed and grateful as a parent with Jillian Benfield →
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Have you ever felt pulled between being deeply grateful and totally overwhelmed? Youre not alone, and todays conversation will meet you right in that tension.
Im joined by author and TV journalist Jillian Benfield, who shares her powerful story of navigating unexpected challenges and discovering a deeper, more honest relationship with God along the way. We talk about avoiding toxic positivity, embracing lifes hard and holy moments, and learning to live in the and.
Here are a few of my favorite takeaways:
- How the Psalms teach us to see life through the lens of order, disorder, and reorder
- What it means to raise emotionally aware kids using simple practices like highs and lows
- Why honesty with God is more powerful than forced positivity
- How to start practicing daily rhythms of gratitude and lament
Meet Jillian Benfield:
Jillian is a former TV journalist turned author and disability advocate. Her book, Overwhelmed & Grateful, invites readers to reframe unexpected seasons and find deeper purpose in the midst of pain. She writes and speaks with vulnerability, wisdom, and a deep heart for helping others see Gods goodness even when life doesnt go as planned.
With Love,
Steph
(03:02) Navigating Parenting Challenges
(06:08) The Power of Vulnerability
(08:56) Understanding Overwhelm and Gratitude
(11:55) Practicing Honest Gratitude
(14:55) Order, Disorder, and Reorder
(18:02) Finding God in the Everyday
(21:03) Creating a Daily Rhythm of Gratitude
(24:03) Connecting with Jillian Benfield
Connect with Jillian
Resources Mentioned
Biggest Story Holy Bible for Kids
What to Say and How to Say it to Your Teens
Prefer video? This episode is on YouTube!
The Christian Parenting Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org
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How to start your mornings with God (even if youre not a morning person) with Tara Beth Leach →
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If your mornings feel more like survival mode than sacred space, this weeks episode is for you.
Im joined by Tara Beth Leach, she's pastor, author, and mom, and were talking all about how to make mornings with God doable and deeply meaningful, even in the busiest seasons of parenting. Tara Beth shares how a personal valley led her to create a simple rhythm that invites God into the start of her day and now shes helping the rest of us do the same.
Whether youre up before the sun or waking to chaos and cartoons, theres something here for you.
Heres a little of what we cover:
- A simple G.R.E.A.T. framework for mornings with God: Gratitude, Reflection, Exalt, Ask, and Trust
- Why five intentional minutes can shift the tone of your whole day
- How to create spiritual connection as a family (yes, even with toddlers!)
- Ideas for inviting your spouse or teens into the rhythm with you
Meet Tara Beth Leach:
Tara Beth is a pastor, preacher, and author with a deep passion for helping people walk closely with Jesus in their real, everyday lives. Her newest book, The GREAT Morning Revolution, invites readers into a grace-filled rhythm of connection with God, no perfect routine or Instagram-worthy quiet time required.
Because the way you begin the day can shape your familys whole rhythm.
(01:58) Transitioning to Morning Time with God
(06:02) Becoming a Morning Person: A Personal Journey
(14:59) Practical Morning Prayer for Parents with Littles
(20:09) Creating a Morning Routine: The GREAT Framework
(21:00) Transforming Morning Routines with God
(32:55) The Impact of Morning Practices on Family Dynamics
Connect with Tara
Resources Mentioned
Bishop's Block & Young Whit and the Shell Game
Christian Parenting Christmas Gift Guide
Biggest Story Holy Bible for Kids
Prefer video? This episode is on YouTube!
The Christian Parenting Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org
Our Sponsors:* Check out Everyday Dose and use my code CPPODCAST for a great deal: https://everydaydose.com
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
The power of a shoebox & how one gift can change a life with Izabella McMillon →
Hey friends,
Have you ever packed an Operation Christmas Child shoebox and wondered where it might end up? Or what kind of impact something so small could really make?
This week on the podcast, Im joined by Izabella McMillon, who received one of those shoeboxes as a child growing up in Romania. Her story is deeply moving, a real glimpse into how God can use simple acts of generosity to open hearts and change lives.
We talk about how something as small as a toothbrush or a stuffed animal can become a doorway to the Gospel, and how serving together as a family can shape your kids' hearts for compassion and mission.
Here are a few things youll hear in this episode:
- The moment a shoebox revealed God's love to a young girl in Romania
- How small acts of service can create a ripple effect in a childs life
- Why participating in Operation Christmas Child builds a global perspective in our kids
- Practical tips for turning shoebox packing into a fun, meaningful family tradition
Izabella grew up in Romania and now works with Samaritans Purse as a speaker and ambassador for Operation Christmas Child. After receiving a shoebox as a child, she now helps share the Gospel and invite others into the mission of reaching children around the world with hope and joy. Her story is a beautiful reminder of how God uses people, and shoeboxes, to write redemption stories.
Grateful for this conversation and praying it inspires you and your family to serve together in new ways.
With Love,
Steph
(00:00) Introduction to Operation Christmas Child
(02:50) Izabella's Childhood in Romania
(06:08) Discovering Faith in a Communist Regime
(09:11) The Impact of a Shoebox Gift
(11:50) The Journey of Faith and Prayer
(15:00) The Power of Prayer and God's Timing
(18:05) The Role of Discipleship in OCC
(20:59) Izabella's Path to Working with OCC
(24:03) Packing Shoeboxes as a Family
(27:08) How to Pack a Shoebox
(30:03) The Importance of Generosity and Service
(33:09) Conclusion and Call to Action
Resources Mentioned
Christian Parenting Christmas Gift Guide
Prefer video? This episode is on YouTube!
The Christian Parenting Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Living out loud with kindness with Jimmy Darts →
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This weeks episode is one youre going to want to listen to with your kids! Im talking with Jimmy Darts, yes, that Jimmy Darts from social media, whose videos of undercover kindness and radical generosity have touched millions. But what you might not know is the incredible faith journey behind it all.
Jimmys story is a beautiful reminder that even the smallest act of love can ripple into something much bigger. He shares how God nudged him out of his comfort zone and into a calling thats all about seeing people, stepping in, and choosing kindness again and again.
Here are a few things we talk about in this episode:
- How God used an unexpected challenge to turn Jimmys life completely around
- The importance of obedience, even when it feels risky or countercultural
- Simple ways to model generosity and compassion in your everyday parenting
- Why kids dont need a huge platform to make a huge difference
And for a fun bonus, my son Griffin joins us at the end with some great questions just for Jimmy! Its such a sweet moment that I think your whole family will enjoy.
Jimmy is a social media creator, author, and speaker known for his viral videos highlighting undercover acts of kindness. With over 12 million followers across platforms, hes on a mission to spark a movement of generosity around the world. His new book, Undercover Kindness, is a heartfelt and practical guide to living out compassion, one small step at a time.
I hope that todays conversation encourages a life of kindness that starts at home and reaches far beyond.
(03:09) Jimmy's Journey to Faith and Kindness
(06:09) The Impact of Social Media on Kindness
(08:59) Growing Up with Generosity and Faith
(11:56) The Power of Kindness in a Divided World
(15:07) Practical Ways to Show Kindness
(17:59) Encouraging the Next Generation
(20:58) Griffin's Questions on Kindness
(24:04) Deepening Your Relationship with God
(27:02) Conclusion and Book Release
Connect with Jimmy
Resource Mentioned
Christian Parenting Christmas Gift Guide
Prefer video? This episode is on YouTube!
The Christian Parenting Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org
Our Sponsors:* Check out IXL and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.com
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Motherhood isnt your only identity with Vicki Courtney →
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This weeks conversation is such a refreshing encouragement for every stage of motherhood. Im joined by author, speaker, and seasoned mom Vicki Courtney, and she brings so much wisdom and honesty about the changing roles we face as moms.
From the early years of raising little ones to navigating an empty nest, Vicki reminds us that while motherhood is deeply meaningful, its not our highest calling. Our identity must be rooted in Christ, not in what we do, how we parent, or what season we're in.
Heres what we unpack in todays episode:
Why your value isnt defined by your parenting performance
The gift of self-care and how it fuels your ability to show up well
The importance of investing in your marriage (yes, even in the chaos!)
How to approach each season of motherhood with grace, not guilt
Whether you're in the thick of diaper changes or college drop-offs, this conversation is full of truth and hope for your soul.
Vicki is a national speaker and bestselling author whose books have ministered to women and teens for over two decades. Shes known for her relatable, truth-filled encouragement, and her latest book Motherhood Is Not Your Highest Callinghelps moms reframe their identity through a biblical lens. She and her husband live in Austin, Texas, and have three grown children and grandchildren.
As always, Id love for you to leave a quick rating or review if this episode encourages you, it means so much and helps other parents find these life-giving conversations.
Connect with Courtney
Motherhood is not your highest calling by Vicki Courtney
Resources Mentioned
Christian Parenting Christmas Gift Guide
(06:13) Redefining Identity: Beyond Motherhood
(12:00) Wake-Up Calls: Lessons from Parenting and Life
(17:51) Prioritizing Marriage in Parenting
(24:03) Overcoming Guilt: Embracing Grace
(29:59) Conclusion and Resources
Prefer video? This episode is on YouTube!
The Christian Parenting Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org
Our Sponsors:* Check out IXL and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.com
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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