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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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The power of a shoebox & how one gift can change a life with Izabella McMillon →
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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
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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
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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
Raising kids rooted in God's truth with Hosanna Wong →
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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
Resources Mentioned
I Have a New Name Coloring Book
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
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Listening to truth in a world full of lies with Brendt Blanks →
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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
Resources Mentioned
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
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