Don't Mom Alone Podcast

Summer of Mentorship Week Six Grammie

Summer of Mentorship Week 5 Lisa Appelo

You see “her” speaking in a sweet singing voice to her children. Or “her” perfectly decorated, should-be-in-a-magazine, home. Or “her” children in matching holiday attire, hands to themselves and smiling beautifully. And frustration turns to anger when you compare your reality to “her” fantasy. But there’s hope. It comes from today’s podcast guest, Susan Seay. Susan’s goal is to help families live intentionally. As a homeschooling (web-savvy) mom to 7 children (1 boy, 6 girls), she’s had lots of experience working towards that goal. Thankfully Susan is real. She shares her own struggles and hard places. She offers encouragement and tangible help. About five years ago Susan began helping authors and speakers create online courses/webinars to connect with audience (www.apowerfulmoment.com). Now she is hosting her own webinars for moms, called “Mom’s Night Out Online”. Since this episode first aired in December of 2014, Susan has written “The Intentional Parent” book and created “Intentional Parent Card Sets” with fabulous, conversation starting questions to ask your kids. What we talk about: * How Susan started hosting webinars (and why she’s a great friend) * The time of day Susan was most aware of her anger & the personal rule she implemented. * How our frustrations are often rooted in expectations &/or comparison * Importance of pinpointing the trigger of frustration and the response * How to reframe your parenting approach. . .picking your top 3 core values. * The need to choose core values that honor who you are & not pick what you “think” you should be * An illustration God showed Susan for His perspective on how her friendships were changing. * What one thing Susan wants moms to know. * What one mothering mistake Susan made & how she changed. * The breaking point she reached and the discovery she and her husband made—the idols they had made out of the things God had called them. GCM Podcast Club Discussion Questions: Being a mother is the ultimate refiner’s fire. What are some ways motherhood is refining you to be the person God made you to be? Do you feel a struggle between emotional responses to your children and intentional responses? Identify some areas where you would like to be more intentional with your parenting. Susan shares about choosing 3 core values for your family and parenting with those as your focus. What would be on your list of top 3 values? Include your family in the process of choosing values! In life, friends will come in and out of our lives as they follow the path God has for them. Do you have a friend who has moved out of close contact with you? Take time to pray for her. Ask God for an encouragement to send her. We all need it! In what ways do you identify with Susan in feeling the burden to make sure your kids “turn out ok”? Take a moment to surrender your kids to God and let him speak over you what your role as a mom really is. Links Mentioned: * Mom’s Night Out Online with Susan * StrengthsFinder Connect with Susan: Site :: Facebook ::

Summer of Mentorship Wk 4 Susan Seay

You and I want to be good moms sooooo badly. And yet, the desire to be good and perfect frequently sabotages our goal. We know we should show ourselves, and our kids, grace. Yet, we struggle to understand what grace truly looks like. Today’s guest, Jeannie Cunnion, understands the struggle. Sharing what she’s learned about the danger of shame, the lie of perfectionism, and the joy of grace.  Jeannie knows grace and describes the day-to-day reality better than anyone I’ve heard. In this episode I specifically ask how to be kind to myself and how to discipline my boys with grace. My prayer is you and I gain a little more freedom, ready to walk in the Truth of all God has done for us. This episode originally aired in January of 2015. Since we talked Jeannie has had a 4th son and written a new book, releasing on August 29th. “Mom Set Free” coincides perfectly with the message Jeannie shares in this episode. To pre-order a copy and watch the trailer click the book image below:   What we talk about: * The perfectionism which led to Jeannie writing her book, “Parenting the Wholehearted Child” * The problem of letting our identities get wrapped up in what kind of mom we are. * How we should believe God’s grace is bigger than our mistakes and how our weaknesses reveal His power. * Showing our kids that when we fail, God never will. * How to show grace in day-to-day reality. * Difference between balancing grace & discipline and weaving grace into instruction. * What, Why, How & Now Discipline– * What just happened * Why did it happen * How could you have done that differently * Now–consequence or mercy moment * How much obedience do we expect & how quickly do we expect it–the R & R principal. * Importance of maintaining relationship through discipline & instruction. Podcast Club Discussion Questions: Jeannie shares about when she truly accepted God’s grace through Jesus and how it changed her parenting. Do you feel a struggle between accepting grace for yourself and your kids? As moms, we’re going to fail sometimes. What are some ways you can point you kids back to Jesus who will never let them down?  Any time there is anger, fear or shame in our discipline, we aren’t moving our kids toward repentance and openness. What are some ways we can discipline out of kindness? Jeannie talks about how friendship with Jesus precedes the fruit we want to see in our children. How can you make sharing more of Jesus’ love a priority in your parenting this week? Take a moment to pray and let go of the burden of perfection, shame, guilt or any other negative emotions that may have bubbled up in you while listening to this podcast.  Connect with Jeannie: Site :: Facebook :: Twitter :: Pinterest :: Instagram Links: * Jeannie’s interview with Kat Lee–Inspired to Action Podcast * “The Greatest Gift”–Ann Voskamp** * B...

Wouldn’t it be nice to have a parenting manual? A plan you could follow with an outcome of awesome adult children AND no regrets about how you raised them? Well, in my opinion, today’s guest, Bonni Greiner, has practically done that for us. Bonni is the mom to eight children. Yep, that’s some street cred right there. After all her experience, she’s written down 21 ways to lovingly parent your children without regrets. Through her words you find perspective on what’s important and what’s not. How to clear away the clutter of parenting advice and focus in on what has the biggest impact. Most days I think, “there’s got to be an easier way!” Bonni refocused my eyes to see what extra burdens I’ve been carrying and what important moments I’ve been missing. In this episode, Bonni shares her own struggles with overwhelm and lack of contentment in her motherhood. She also shares a pattern of angry parenting. But then she gives us practical ideas to connect with the hearts of our children. And a super practical way to help us stop yelling at our children. She also lays out their discipline strategy, a positive approach to developing men and women of Biblical character. Lastly, Bonni reminds us how to laugh more. And be the best mom by doing what we love and inviting our children to join us. Since this episode originally aired in May of 2016, Bonni has released a new project. Helping parents train Godly character. Check out Bonni’s newest book/series (click pic for more info): AND they have an 8-week private Facebook group running to help support you in training your child in Godly character. The group started in Mid-June and runs to mid-August. But all past videos of Bonni’s wisdom are still available. Connect with Bonni: What we chat about: * Bonni’s transition from a Jewish home to being wife to a Christian, pig farmer with four boys under the age of 5. * The damage of comparing ourselves to what we think other moms are like. * Bonni’s challenge of being an angry mom and strategies to help her yell less. * Embracing the children God gave us. * Basing love on who are children are in Christ Jesus not their performance. * The Greiner Family “Six Non-negotiables” that led discipline decisions. * Using positive affirmation to train family in the non-negotiables. * Intentionally planning one-on-one time with each of your kiddos during the day and over the course of the year. * When hugging and talking to your child you can hear their heart. * Bonni’s system of “goaling backwards” in helping shape her child’s character and calling. * Finding the humor in our day, accepting the fact that our children are childish at times (‘Let’s see the humor’). * Doing what you love so that you are enjoying motherhood and your family is happier. Podcast Club Discussion Questions: Bonni describes being and “angry mom.” Do you struggle with anger? Have you tried her solution of leaving the situation when you feel your anger rising and taking a moment to pray? Partner with another mom to check in on your progress of letting God take your anger. Think about your child(ren). In what ways can you love them based on the fact they are created in God’s image vs. their performance?

Summer of Mentorship Week 3 Jeannie Cunnion

Summer of Mentorship Wk 2 Bonni Greiner

What a slam dunk way to start off the Summer of Mentorship! In May of 2015, author, speaker & mentor, Vickie Kraft, invited me into her home to record this conversation.  Vickie was the first women’s minister at our church and has mentored many of my mentors. She attended seminary. . .in her 50s. . .and started her own Titus 2:4 ministry. Y’all. I didn’t want to stop chatting with her. What a holy experience! Every word and Scripture and truth Vickie spoke gave me a little more confidence, courage and peace. A few months after the show aired, Vickie went home to be with her Savior. Making this episode even more of a treasure than it already was.  My hope is you can really allow her wisdom to sink deeply and hold on.  We focus on God’s Word, His Faithfulness, our longing for significance, family dynamics, gratitude, and the reality of suffering. What we chat about: * How God’s Word is the only sure foundation for life * Vickie’s tips for being in God’s Word, studying & applying. * The necessity of obedience to grow in faith, not to earn salvation. * Vickie’s story of growing up with a single mom & knowing God is faithful * The longing we all have for significance & why God put that desire in us * Fathers, family structure, and submission * Learning to be content in every situation & the role of gratitude * How to get right in the middle of God’s will. * How suffering is guaranteed in this life * The “but if not” prayer Discussion Questions: Vickie shares that God’s Word needs to be our anchor. Think of a time you applied God’s truth to your life. How did obedience to God’s Word change your perspective or reaction to that situation? Vickie shares about her mother’s faith that God would provide for her family when her father died. What are some places in your life you need to have more faith in God? Take a moment to surrender those places, people or needs to God in prayer. Declare his faithfulness. Anything (besides God) that we need to have to feel significant or to have purpose is an idol, even good things. What things in your life make you feel significant? Reflect on whether any of those things fills a place meant for God to fill. Thankfulness leads to contentment in all situations. Take a moment to write down 5 things you are thankful for right now. How can you stay in the attitude of gratitude throughout your day? Suffering is guaranteed in this life. Have you prayed for something that you did not see God change? Are you holding on to any bitterness toward him in your heart? Take a moment to re-surrender an area of unanswered prayer to God. Vickie’s Books: * Women Mentoring Women: Ways to Start, Maintain, and Expand a Biblical Women’s Ministry** * Facing Your Feelings: Moving from Emotional Bondage to Spiritual Freedom** **Amazon Affiliate Links Links Mentioned: * Leslie Johnson (Sursee Gal)–Ep 1 ; Ep 20 * Nancy Williams–The Best Ever Life (Ep 11) * Kris Habashy– Expect the Hard, Experience the Good-Part One (Ep 34) ;

Summer of Mentorship 1 Vickie Kraft

Balancing motherhood, career and identity through various seasons in our life may be one of the biggest challenges we face as women. This week’s podcast guest, Kat Armstrong, guides us through a biblical framework for answering some of the key questions surrounding our calling in Christ and our assignments in life. Whether you are a career mom, a stay-at-home mom or somewhere in the middle like me, I hope this episode encourages and equips you for your current season and those to come. What we chat about: Navigating the challenges of motherhood, career and identity The difference between calling and assignment We have different limitations and constraints on our lives and that’s healthy Evaluating whether your family is flourishing in your current assignments Focusing on our strengths and finding an outlet for them instead of working on our weaknesses Is there a biblical imperative to stay home with your kids? The importance of investing in the local church and pouring our lives out for others Kat’s non-profit, Polished, a community of professional women navigating career and exploring faith together Answering listener questions about careers and motherhood Connect with Kat:   Links Mentioned: Wonder Women Book by Kate Harris (and Barna Group)** Jill Briscoe at IF:Gathering  on calling/assignment Polished: http://www.polishedonline.org/ “Staying Home with Kids vs. Second Income”  **Amazon affiliate link: small percentage of your purchase goes to supporting this podcast, at no additional cost to you. How to listen to the podcast: 1.Listen on the blog. Click through to GodCenteredMom.com and click the play button at the beginning of this post. 2. Listen on your smartphone, iPad or iPod Touch – There are a lot of great podcasting apps. Apple has a free one (that I mentioned) in the app store, there is also one called Downcast. It allows you to search for shows, subscribe to them and even speed up the audio. If you don’t have an iDevice, you can listen via Stitcher. 3. Subscribe to the Podcast – access the podcast in iTunes (Click here to access via iTunes). You can also search for it on your smartphone app (like the ones listed above) and subscribe.

Motherhood, Career & Identity Kat Armstrong Ep 171

Jesus himself says that in this world we will have trouble. So why are we so surprised when the world seems crazy? We will all go through tough circumstances where we feel weak and unable to go on, but my guest Lisa Whittle shares how we can prepare for life’s storms by speaking God’s truths over our lives and positioning our hearts to hear his voice. Instead of looking out over the rocky terrain of life and choosing impractical flip flops (winging our Christian walk), we can put on our warrior boots and make a spiritual plan to be Jesus Strong and teach our kids to do the same. What we chat about: Advice for the new mom to give herself grace and parent through hard places. Losing both our dads this past year Strong personalities don’t equal inner strength in the face of life’s storms Our human brave has an expiration date — it’s always going to run out. We need to be Jesus strong and use the Bible as a book of preparation It’s not about feeling ready, but being ready for anything in Jesus Making a spiritual plan for our life instead of just “winging it” Choice and commitment over feelings is everything God’s word is our vehicle to survive. It has all of the answers for our life. Speaking declaration over our lives is powerful, it strengthens us. Changing negative thought patterns to faith-based thought patterns How we can choose to “put on our warrior boots” and be emboldened by God’s word Connect with Lisa:   Links Mentioned: Put Your Warrior Boots On ** Eight Declarations for our lives  Jesus Strong FREE Bible Study  Bible Study Videos  How to listen to the podcast: 1.Listen on the blog. Click through to GodCenteredMom.com and click the play button at the beginning of this post. 2. Listen on your smartphone, iPad or iPod Touch – There are a lot of great podcasting apps. Apple has a free one (that I mentioned) in the app store, there is also one called Downcast. It allows you to search for shows, subscribe to them and even speed up the audio. If you don’t have an iDevice, you can listen via Stitcher. 3. Subscribe to the Podcast – access the podcast in iTunes (Click here to access via iTunes). You can also search for it on your smartphone app (like the ones listed above) and subscribe.

Help When You Feel Weak Lisa Whittle Ep 170

How do you stop the cycle of generational pain and hurt? Jeff Henderson, a pastor of Gwinnett Church in Atlanta, teamed up with a few other dads to create a coming-of-age program for their 12-year-old sons. What started as a personal project is now a reproducible model for other fathers to connect with their sons and restart a line of generational blessings. Jeff shares the far reaching impacts of this program for both fathers and sons. What we chat about: The story behind Champion Tribe, a rite-of-passage experience for 11 to 14-year-old boys The importance of a father’s affirmation and blessing for sons The stewardship responsibility of having had a great dad Ideas for single moms on finding male mentors for sons The long lasting impact of fathers taking the time to teach values and engage their sons   Why a tribe or group dynamic is important in a mentoring capacity How dads are impacted through the process of Champion Tribes The practicals of the Champion Tribes program (time commitment, types of sessions and kit) Connect with Champion Tribes:   Links Mentioned: * Champion Tribes Chest & Leader Kit How to listen to the podcast: 1.Listen on the blog. Click through to GodCenteredMom.com and click the play button at the beginning of this post. 2. Listen on your smartphone, iPad or iPod Touch – There are a lot of great podcasting apps. Apple has a free one (that I mentioned) in the app store, there is also one called Downcast. It allows you to search for shows, subscribe to them and even speed up the audio. If you don’t have an iDevice, you can listen via Stitcher. 3. Subscribe to the Podcast – access the podcast in iTunes (Click here to access via iTunes). You can also search for it on your smartphone app (like the ones listed above) and subscribe.