Faith, family, and special needs advocacy with Alicia and Kirsta Graf
Jan 21 • 50:48
Faith, family, and special needs advocacy with Alicia and Kirsta Graf
Episode:

Faith, family, and special needs advocacy with Alicia and Kirsta Graf

January 21, 2025 • 50:48 • Steph Thurling

This weeks episode is extra special as Im joined by two of my favorite people, Alicia and Kirsta Graf. They are a mother-daughter duo who inspire me deeply. Alicia shares her parenting journey with Kirsta, who has down syndrome, and the lessons shes learned through adoption, loss, and raising three daughters. Kirsta is truly incrediblefunny, joyful, and a shining light. Their story is heartfelt, inspiring, and filled with wisdom.

Here are four key takeaways from this episode:

  • Alicia emphasizes treating your family as a team and studying each child to meet their unique needs.  
  • Relationships with those a season or two ahead in life can make a big difference in your parenting journey.  
  • Kirstas journeygraduating from Bethel University, working at the school, and contributing to Jacks Basketshows the incredible potential of every child.  
  • Parenting is full of surprises and challenges, requiring reliance on God and grace for yourself.  

This conversation is a beautiful reminder of the power of teamwork, grace, and celebrating the unique gifts of each family member. I hope you feel as encouraged as I did!

(06:01) Parenting Insights and Surprises

(11:45) God's Guidance in Parenting

(17:55) Kirsta's College Experience at Bethel University

(23:56) The Impact of College Programs for Special Needs

(30:40) Public Speaking and Personal Growth

(37:04) Reflections on Parenting

(42:45) Advice for Parents

Resources Mentioned

Bethel University BUILD program

Rubys Rainbow

Jacks Basket

Jacks Basket Instagram

Kirstas college drop-off video

The New Language of Toys book

A Word in the Hand book

Baby Sign Language Made Easy book

Mercy Watson book set

Christian Parenting Family Meeting Guide

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
* Check out Mr. Pen and use my code CPPODCAST10 for a great deal: https://mrpen.com
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Podcast:

The Christian Parenting Podcast

With Steph Thurling
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:
Oct 14 • 33:48
Motherhood isnt your only identity with Vicki Courtney

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

vickicourtney.com

Instagram

Motherhood is not your highest calling by Vicki Courtney

Resources Mentioned

Christian Parenting Christmas Gift Guide

Christian Parenting products

10 Questions series

(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
Oct 7 • 35:57
Raising kids rooted in God's truth with Hosanna Wong

This weeks episode of the Christian Parenting Podcast is such a life-giving conversation, one that will fill your heart and equip you with fresh encouragement for the days ahead. I got to sit down with Hosanna Wong, who is a powerhouse of wisdom and truth. Shes a spoken word artist, pastor, and author, and she joined me to talk about raising kids who know who they are and whose they are.

Hosanna shares her own story of growing up in a ministry family, the challenges she faced with identity and belonging, and the deep healing she found in Gods love. She also gives us a peek into her brand-new childrens book, What God Says About You, and let me tell you, its a gem.

Heres a glimpse of what we cover in todays episode:

The importance of repeating truth until it takes root

How to help your kids find their identity in Christ, not culture

Why building a church community matters even if it looks unconventional

Simple ways to navigate big topics like social media with grace and guidance

This is such a rich, encouraging conversation especially for those of us wanting to raise kids who walk in confidence, knowing they are deeply loved by God.

Meet Hosanna Wong:

Hosanna is an international speaker, spoken word artist, and best-selling author known for bringing the Word of God to life through creative teaching. Shes the author of How (Not) to Save the World, and her latest project, a childrens book called What God Says About You helps parents speak biblical identity into their kids lives. Her ministry is passionate about equipping people to live boldly in the love and truth of Jesus.

I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I did. And as always, if it blesses you, would you leave a quick review or share it with a friend? Your support helps more parents find these conversations and Im so grateful for you.

(00:00) Introduction and Background

(03:0) Journey Through Spoken Word Poetry

(05:54) Experiences with Church and Community

(09:01) The Impact of Parents on Faith

(12:02) Understanding Spoken Word Poetry

(15:11) The Power of Identity in Christ

(18:03) Engaging the Younger Generation

(21:00) Practical Tips for Parents

(24:03) The Names God Calls Us

(27:11) Conclusion and Resources

Connect with Hosanna

https://www.hosannawong.com/

YouTube

Instagram

Resources Mentioned

I Have a New Name video

I Have a New Name Coloring Book

Christian Parenting Christmas Gift Guide

Christian Parenting 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
Sep 30 • 30:24
Listening to truth in a world full of lies with Brendt Blanks

In this weeks episode Brendt Blanks shares how so many of us, especially moms, wrestle with thoughts that arent true. And if were not careful, those thoughts become beliefs. Brendt helps us learn how to pause, notice, and replace those lies with Gods truth, and her insight is incredibly freeing.

Here are a few things we talk about:

How to recognize and disrupt negative thought cycles

Why scripture and worship are powerful tools for mental renewal

What it looks like to replace cultural lies with biblical truth

The importance of grace when change feels hard or slow

This episode is full of practical steps and hopeful reminders and I hope it feels like a deep breath for your soul today.

Brendt spent 17 years as a licensed marriage and family therapist before stepping into her new role as an author and content creator. Her debut book, Listen Closer: Believing God's Truth Over the World's Lies, invites women to quiet the noise of the world and tune in to the voice of God. Shes passionate about helping others understand their worth, embrace truth, and live with freedom.

Listen in and dont forget to check out the link to her book below! And if youre enjoying these episodes, it means so much when you leave a review or share it with a friend.

(00:00) Introduction to Family and Change

(02:46) Navigating Parenting Transitions

(05:35) From Therapist to Content Creator

(08:38) Embracing Change and Fear

(11:28) Common Lies Women Believe

(14:14) Recognizing Negative Cycles

(17:07) The Power of Scripture and Music

(19:43) Practical Steps to Replace Lies

(22:46) Final Encouragement for Parents

Connect with Brendt

https://shegaveitago.com

Facebook

Instagram

Resources Mentioned

Listen Closer audio book

Listen Closer book

Christian Parenting resources

Subscribe to Christian Parentings Friday Favorites

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
Sep 23 • 30:09
Raising emotionally healthy kids with Debra Fileta

If youve ever felt unsure about how to help your kids navigate their big feelings, or if youre still figuring out your own emotional landscape, this episode is for you.

Im joined by Debra Fileta, and shes bringing a fresh perspective from her brand-new childrens book, Any Day Emotions. We talk about raising emotionally healthy families, what it looks like to model emotional regulation as a parent, and why emotional intelligence is just as important as spiritual formation in our homes.

Here are a few things youll take away from this conversation:

  • Why our kids need names for their emotions and how language helps them grow
  • What it means to do your own inner work as a parent so you can show up with calm and compassion
  • How to model emotional resilience by being honest, but not heavy, with your kids
  • Why helping kids manage emotions is not coddling, but preparing them for life and faith

If you want practical tools, biblical encouragement, and a gentle nudge to grow alongside your kids emotionally, this episode is packed with wisdom. And dont forget to check out Debras new book Any Day Emotions, a beautiful resource for helping children learn to feel and heal.

Debra Fileta is a licensed professional counselor, speaker, and author of multiple books, including Are You Really OK?, Reset, and Choosing Marriage. Her work focuses on emotional and spiritual wellness, helping individuals and families heal from the inside out. Any Day Emotions is her first childrens book, written to empower kids with the tools they need to understand and manage their emotions in healthy, faith-filled ways.

00:00 Introduction to Emotional Health in Families

05:49 The Importance of Early Conversations

12:00 Encouraging Healthy Emotional Expression

18:05 Navigating Parent-Child Emotional Dynamics

23:55 Resources for Parents on Emotional Health

Connect with Debra

https://debrafileta.com/

Podcast

Instagram

Resources Mentioned

Any Day Emotions

Christian Parenting resources

Subscribe to Christian Parentings Friday Favorites

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
* Check out Mr. Pen and use my code CPPODCAST10 for a great deal: https://mrpen.com
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Sep 16 • 31:36
When we cant fix our kids hurt with Vanessa Siso

This episode is for every parent who has ever felt helpless watching their child go through something hard. You know that ache, that deep desire to step in and fix it all?

Todays guest is Vanessa Siso, a registered psychologist and author, and she brings such a gentle, wise, and hope-filled perspective. She reminds us that while we cant always protect our kids from hardship, we can walk with them through it in a way that strengthens their faith and resilience.

Heres what youll take away from this episode:

  • Why its more powerful to be present than to offer quick fixes
  • How simple role play helps kids process and respond to hard things biblically
  • The difference between helping and rescuing, and how rescuing can hinder growth
  • A practical tool: narrating your own coping strategies to model emotional resilience

If this conversation speaks to you, be sure to check out Vanessas children's book, Elizabeths Miracle, which helps kids process challenges through a faith-based lens.

About Vanessa Siso:

Vanessa is a registered psychologist, childrens book author, and mom who is passionate about helping families navigate mental health and spiritual growth with compassion and confidence. Her work blends clinical insight with biblical wisdom, giving parents the tools to walk with their children through lifes ups and downs with grace.

Thanks for being here, lets keep walking this parenting path together.

(01:51) The Importance of Allowing Kids to Experience Hardships

(05:52) The Long-Term Effects of Shielding Kids from Pain

(09:52) Understanding Kids' Feelings of Loneliness and Isolation

(14:08) The Power of Presence in Parenting

(18:15) Teaching Kids to Trust God Through Struggles

(21:56) Role-Playing as a Tool for Learning

(26:05) Vanessa's Book: A Resource for Parents

(30:02) Conclusion and Resources

Prefer video? This episode is on YouTube!

Connect with Vanessa

https://www.vanessasiso.com/

Instagram

Resources mentioned

Elisabeths Miracle

Make your own sock puppets and coloring pages

Christian Parenting resources

Subscribe to Christian Parentings Friday Favorites

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
* Check out Mr. Pen and use my code CPPODCAST10 for a great deal: https://mrpen.com
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
About the Host

Steph Thurling

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.

Steph lives in Minnesota with her husband and three amazing and hilarious kids. When she is not hanging out with her family, you can probably find her on a walk with a friend, organizing things that won’t stay organized, or somewhere cozy reading a book.

More from Steph →