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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.
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Holding on to hope while you wait with Alice Matagora →
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This weeks conversation is tender, powerful, and one that so many carry quietly: the journey of waiting for a child. Im joined by Alice Matagora and she shares her story of infertility with such grace and vulnerability, offering encouragement for anyone walking through a season of waiting or supporting someone who is.
Whether youve walked this road yourself, are in the middle of it, or love someone who is, this episode is an invitation to sit with hope and trust that God is near, even in the waiting.
Here are a few truths Alice helped shine a light on:
- God's timing is never wasted, even when it feels like everything is on pause
- Its okay to feel unseenGod still sees and is working in your story
- Waiting seasons can deepen our faith and strengthen our identity in Christ
- How to support others walking through infertility with compassion and sensitivity
Alice is a licensed marriage and family therapist, a wife, mom, and a missionary with the Navigators. She serves as the leader development initiative program director and is passionate about raising up disciple-makers in everyday life. Alices personal journey through infertility has shaped her deep belief in Gods faithfulness, even in unseen seasons.
Wherever you are today, waiting, celebrating, or supporting someone on their journey, know that youre not alone. God sees you.
00:00 The Joys and Challenges of Parenting
02:54 The Journey of Infertility
05:53 Faith and Waiting
09:01 The Impact of Infertility on Relationships
12:01 Navigating Joy and Grief
14:52 Supporting Friends Through Infertility
17:59 The Miracle of Life
21:12 Celebrating the Gift of Children
Connect with Alice
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
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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
Our Sponsors:* Check out Everyday Dose and use my code CPPODCAST for a great deal: https://everydaydose.com
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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
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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
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