Don't Mom Alone Podcast

“What we are teaches the child far more than what we say, so we must be what we want our children to become.” (Joseph Chilton Pearce) In a media-rich culture, we often get locked up on what our kids should watch (a challenge for sure). But we forget to ask how our families consume media. And how interactive we are with one another after watching. Today’s guest is Erick Goss, CEO of Creative Trust and co-founder of JellyTelly, the Christian streaming app for kids. As the dad to three elementary aged girls, Erick understands the media challenges. And he longs for his children to know and love God. Erick shares some great insights and practical ideas on using media to build a firm faith foundation and foster a healthy imagination. In this episode, Erick shares how conversations shape our children’s theology. Through sharing our current challenges and past struggles, our kids find comfort knowing they aren’t alone. Just like a fictional story fosters confidence. We see a character overcome a challenge and get inspired that perhaps we can too. I loved Erick’s thoughts on jazz musicians. How artists know the basics well: scales, chords, melodies. So in a moment of improvisation they can be ready. With our children we help them know the tenets of their faith so in an ever-changing, dynamic world they can imagine and improvise to succeed in it.   Connect with Erick Goss: Featured Sponsor: Jelly Telly JellyTelly is the only streaming video app designed specifically for kids where God is real and His Word is true. Co-developed with VeggieTales® creator Phil Vischer. Instantly stream hundreds of hours of safe, affirming videos and movies for kids about God, the Bible, and faith. Available on iOS, Android, and Kindle. Popular shows include: VeggieTales, Hillsong Kids, the Jesus Storybook Bible and MANY more! Check them out at here. Make sure you use the special discount code for GodCenteredMomPodcast listeners mentioned at the beginning of this week’s show. What we chat about: * The Christian media economy. . .for creatives and consumer. * The struggle for parents to want good things for their kids to consume. * Training your kids to filter media through conversation. * How our brains are drawn to the negative over the positive, impact in adolescence. * Sharing our struggles with our kids and honesty in our story. * Helping our kids understand in challenges, God is involved and cares about them. * How Erick helps his girls imagine who God is in their real life. * Using conversations to model that it’s okay to make mistakes and our faith can waver. * Using different kinds of media to communicate the same thing. * Not just looking at the family as a whole. . .but get to know children as individuals. * The use of rituals and traditions to foster conversations. * Jazz improvisation and the model to use in our parenting. Links Mentioned: * MacFarlane USA movie** * The Action Bible** * Jesus Storybook Bible** * What’s in the Bible videos on JellyTelly * Family Treeditions —

Media, Imagination & the Kingdom of God Erick Goss Ep 136

If you are human, then you are creative. There. I said it. What? Oh, you “used” to be creative, but now you are a mom. Or maybe you’ve never been a creative person (but you effortlessly bring order to your home…ahem, creatively). My guest, Kelli Stuart, co-author of the new book “Life Creative”, is here to remind us all of how creativity runs throughout our lives. all our lives! And what that looks like during the “Dark Ages” of mothering young kids. How the expression of creativity follows the same progression Jesus directed the disciples in spreading the gospel. In this episode, we talk about Paul’s house arrest. How he was confined but unhindered. The parallels between his position and ours as mothers. We also chat about when it seems other moms can live a super creative life and be amazing moms. While we struggle to keep up with laundry and feeding people three times a day. To which Kelli wisely reminds us: Stop trying to keep up with someone who you aren’t supposed to keep up with. I loved Kelli (& Wendy’s) idea of gathering up “life guards”. People who help us swim into deep waters of creativity but also reel us back in when we get too far. This topic turns up the passion in my heart. I’m so thankful for this resource, “Life Creative”, to give a mom who feels like half of herself when she denies the creativity in her life. OH! In this episode, Kelli shares the story of how she and coauthor Wendy Speake met. How they shared a creative passion in writing. And how God continued to weave their story together in crafting this book. AND I loved the story Kelli shared about including her son in the 10 year journey of publishing her first novel. This pic of them after opening the box of books. . .crying eyes emoticon.  Connect with Kelli Stuart:    Connect with Wendy Speake:    Featured Sponsor: Jelly Telly 16 Free Family Devotionals About Jesus! For the next 4 weeks, learn about the life and teachings of Jesus with free devotionals from JellyTelly. Help your kids know that Jesus is our Messiah, our Teacher and our King! Follow along for just 5 minutes a day (4 times a week) as we discover how Jesus fulfilled the Old Testament prophecies, taught about life in the Kingdom of God, and died and rose again to bring us all the gift of new life in him! Your family will love the weekly memory verse, short video, discussion questions and new daily printable activities on the JellyTelly blog. Sign up to receive the free devotionals by email today. JellyTelly is the only streaming video app designed specifically for kids where God is real and His Word is true. Co-developed with VeggieTales® creator Phil Vischer. Instantly stream hundreds of hours of safe, affirming videos and movies for kids about God, the Bible,

Life Creative Kelli Stuart Ep 135

No matter what your life looks like right now, you have strengths to be used for a purpose greater than yourself. Today’s guest, Andrea Howey, shares her own story of how God revealed a hidden talent during the hardest season of her life. In an effort to embolden her faith she began hand-writing Scripture. After a Google search she discovered this gift had a name: hand-lettering.  Now God is using her gift to bless thousands daily through her Instagram posts. The more Andrea leaned into the goodness of the Lord and His Word the less the grip of grief held her down. She found His word has power to bring hope, courage, grace to life. “His breath is still warm on the page” In this episode Andrea and I chat about her story. She speaks words of encouragement over anyone following a new path God has for them. We discuss grief, in its many forms. And praying boldly for healing while staying secure in God’s ultimate plan for us and those we love. And I can’t wait for you to check out Andrea’s fabulous work over on Instagram. . .   Connect with Andrea Howey:    Featured Sponsor: Jelly Telly   16 Free Family Devotionals About Jesus! For the next 4 weeks, learn about the life and teachings of Jesus with free devotionals from JellyTelly. Help your kids know that Jesus is our Messiah, our Teacher and our King! Follow along for just 5 minutes a day (4 times a week) as we discover how Jesus fulfilled the Old Testament prophecies, taught about life in the Kingdom of God, and died and rose again to bring us all the gift of new life in him! Your family will love the weekly memory verse, short video, discussion questions and new daily printable activities on the JellyTelly blog. Sign up to receive the free devotionals by email today. JellyTelly is the only streaming video app designed specifically for kids where God is real and His Word is true. Co-developed with VeggieTales® creator Phil Vischer. Instantly stream hundreds of hours of safe, affirming videos and movies for kids about God, the Bible, and faith. Available on iOS, Android, and Kindle. Popular shows include: VeggieTales, Hillsong Kids, the Jesus Storybook Bible and MANY more! Check them out at here. Make sure you use the special discount code for GodCenteredMomPodcast listeners mentioned at the beginning of this week’s show. What we chat about: * How Andrea’s faith was challenged and how Scripture strengthened her. * How her hand lettering ministry came out of a tragedy. * Giving people space to grieve in their own ways. * How to live by faith in the moment-by-moment of trials. * Andrea’s transition from her full-time job to her new hand-lettering business. * How God has a designed a place for you and your talent. * Encouragement for the introvert to allow God’s grace to pull you forward. Links Mentioned: * Declare Conference * Eryn Hall  * “Girls with Swords” by Lisa Bevere**

Moving Onward and Forward Andrea Howey Ep 134

When you find yourself in a fight, what battle strategy do you use? No matter the battleground . . . Marriage challenges. Child struggles. Health trials. Overwhelming circumstances. How do you maneuver the daily attacks that rob your joy and peace? Today’s guest is Jan Greenwood, author and Pastor of women at Gateway Church in Southlake, TX. In 2009, Jan was diagnosed with Stage IV breast cancer. After the first battle, she experienced years of healing. Then four days shy of her 6 year recovery anniversary, cancer resurged in her body. In this episode, Jan shares what God’s taught her about waging war. And how the football term #squareup impacted her battle strategies differently from the first and second time she fought cancer. Jan shares what it means for her to rest and let God fight for her. And encourages each of us to get a word and direction from the Lord for our unique situations. Y’all know how much I love a wise woman leading us with fresh perspective and insight. Jan does not disappoint. Here are a few of my favorite quotes from this episode: This time my mindset has had to become one of agreement and not one of opposition. And squaring up is not about being steadfast in the Word of God, but its really about can I square up in such a manner that I can look at Jesus and trust Him. I’m not very brave and not very strong. When I’m weak there’s a strength that shines through. And when I’m afraid, He makes me courageous. Connect with Jan Greenwood:    Featured Sponsor: Jelly Telly JellyTelly is the only streaming video app designed specifically for kids where God is real and His Word is true. Co-developed with VeggieTales® creator Phil Vischer. Instantly stream hundreds of hours of safe, affirming videos and movies for kids about God, the Bible, and faith. Available on iOS, Android, and Kindle. Popular shows include: VeggieTales, Hillsong Kids, the Jesus Storybook Bible and MANY more! Check them out at here. Make sure you use the special discount code for GodCenteredMomPodcast listeners mentioned at the beginning of this week’s show. What we chat about: * How God spoke to Jan at the news of cancer’s resurgence. * How Jan found comfort in her son’s football word “square up”. * The difference between how Jan has fought cancer the first time and the second time. * What “square up” means for her in this season. * The story behind the hashtag Jan uses: #bravestronggirl. * How her battle with cancer impacts her mothering. * Jan’s desire to get women to war together instead against each other. * The revelation to choose life and not succumb to death. * What rest looks like in Jan’s every day. * How you need your own word and direction from God. Links Mentioned: * “Women at War: Declaring a Cease-fire on Toxic Female Relationships” ** (womenatwar.com) * The #SquareUp story on her site JanGreenwood.me **Amazon Affiliate Link

How to SquareUp in Battle Jan Greenwood Ep 133

The first time I did one of her workouts it ended in tears. Not from pain. But from entering God’s presence in worship. Who would have known worship and workouts could go hand-in-hand? This week’s guest, Alisa Keeton, has revolutionized how I see fitness. Instead of pursuing a number on the scale, she has taught me to exercise from a position of love. To start with how loved I am and allow God’s love to draw me into health and wholeness. Love > Fear. Fear is a great motivator but a terrible transformer. In this episode, Alisa gives the backstory of how God directed her steps to start “Revelation Wellness” (a story I had never heard!). She also shares how a broken foot led her to create my favorite podcast. I’m giddy to share this resource with you. In her 30 minute podcast episodes, Alisa talks you through a workout (cardio of your choice) and speaks God’s truth over you, all while listening to worship music. Incredible. Connect with Alisa:    Featured Sponsor: Jelly Telly JellyTelly is the only streaming video app designed specifically for kids where God is real and His Word is true. Co-developed with VeggieTales® creator Phil Vischer. Instantly stream hundreds of hours of safe, affirming videos and movies for kids about God, the Bible, and faith. Available on iOS, Android, and Kindle. Popular shows include: VeggieTales, Hillsong Kids, the Jesus Storybook Bible and MANY more! Check them out at here. Make sure you use the special discount code for GodCenteredMomPodcast listeners mentioned at the beginning of this week’s show. What we chat about: * When we look to other things to complete us. * The horror of Christian aerobics. * How RevWell gospel-oriented fitness got started. * Why Alisa started my FAVORITE PODCAST for workout and worship.  * Our broken foot stories and what God taught us in them. * How the enemy tries to hold down our gifts. * The refining journey of leadership. * Analyzing what motivates our fitness pursuits. Links Mentioned: * Declare Conference * “Weigh Less to Feed More”–8 week journey  * Online subscription to RevWell T.V. * RevWell Instructor Training * Revelation Wellness Podcast –Reving the Word **Amazon Affiliate Link 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...

Revelation Wellness Alisa Keeton Ep132

You see the pic on instagram. A group of moms from your community enjoying a girls trip together. And, woosh. You are transported to your junior high self. All those rejection feelings resurface. It isn’t just past and current rejection that sting. The fear of future rejection can keep you locked up and lonely. If you and I could grab coffee, we’d share stories of being left out. Uninvited. And how those events left marks on our souls. Rejection steals the best of who I am by reinforcing the worst of what’s been said to me. -Lysa TerKeurst A few weeks ago, former podcast guests, Kay Wyma and Courtney DeFeo invited me to gather around Courtney’s kitchen table. We welcomed author, Lysa TerKeurst, to talk about her latest book, “Uninvited: Living Loved When You Feel Less Than, Left Out and Lonely”**. In this episode you’re invited to join us around the table. Listening to our chat about the topics of rejection and friendship break-ups. Lysa shares wisdom and encouragement from wrestling with this topic herself. And the conclusions she comes to will lift your spirit. God’s love isn’t based on me. It’s simply placed on me. And it’s the place from which I should live . . . loved.- Lysa TerKeurst (If you want to join us via video, check out Kay’s vodcast the “Say Something Show”). Featured Sponsor: FOCUSed15 studies “Everyday Peace” by Katie Orr Hungry for more Bible study but not sure how to make it fit into the fast pace of life? Check this out >>> FOCUSed15.com Connect with Lysa:    Connect with Courtney:    Connect with Kay: What we chat about: * How the people pleasing Lysa explored in “The Best Yes” led her to the message of “Uninvited” * All of us are either healing from a past rejection, dealing with a current rejection or fearing a future one. * Lysa’s memory of being uninvited to a middle school birthday party and not getting the pink shirt. * The truth of God’s unconditional love over you and His plan to use your hurt for good. * What if the lack of an invitation (rejection) is God’s protection over you? * Two social media challenges. * Helping others and thinking of others, eases our own loneliness. * The real hurt and recovery from friendship “break-ups”. * Dealing with our own broken places especially if we see a chain of broken relationships. * “The Self-Analysis Quiz” and then a form for a trusted friend to fill out. * What Lysa wants you to do to the book when you’re done reading it. Links Mentioned: * Previous episodes: Lysa TerKeurst (Ep45),

Uninvited Lysa Terkeurst Kay Wyma Courtney DeFeo Ep131

Cootie Catchers. M.A.S.H. games. Choose your own adventures. Most of us remember these silly junior high games. Sitting with girlfriends dreaming up our future lives. Of course, marriage and kids were a given. A “perfect” existence our destiny. What if life dealt us a different hand? Growing up whenever I whined, “It’s not fair!”, my dad responded: “The fair’s on 38th street” (for you non-Hoosiers, that’s the exact location of the Indiana State Fair…). Today’s guest, Melanie Dale, had life not turn out exactly as she’d like. She has every right to scream: “It’s not fair”.  Most likely you have your own reasons to scream. Melanie would probably encourage you to let it out! In this episode, Melanie, shares her struggles with infertility, painful endometriosis, and debilitating depression. She encourages us to bring all our emotions to God. To be grace bearers to one another. And to “count the wins”. Melanie also gives great ideas for cultivating the funny in your home. Her latest book is, “It’s Not Fair: Learning to Love the Life You Didn’t Choose”. It’s hilariously written and yet so comforting and real. And I give her bonus points for the fantastic movie quotes starting off each chapter. Featured Sponsor: FOCUSed15 studies “Everyday Peace” by Katie Orr Hungry for more Bible study but not sure how to make it fit into the fast pace of life? Check this out >>> FOCUSed15.com Connect with Melanie:    What we chat about: * Her five year infertility battle and her three children from three different continents. * Using humor to cope with daily trials. * Being free to release all the emotions and realize laughter may come out as well. * The importance of finding professional help. * Identifying the “grace bearers” in your life (and to be “grace bearers”) * Counting the wins to keep yourself from going cynical. * Melanie’s season of deep depression and her low point of wanting to end it all. * How she cultivates the funny in her home to combat depression. * Permission to press pause on the hard thing and enjoy life. * Mourning your expectations before enjoying your actual life. Links Mentioned: * “It’s Not Fair: Learning to Love the Life You Didn’t Choose”  ** * “Women Are Scary : The Totally Awkward Adventure of Finding Mom Friends”** 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 (

Its Not Fair Melanie Dale Ep 130

Being a mom reveals your most broken places. I often think motherhood would be easy if my boys behaved better. Or maybe if I read one more parenting book. Or if I finally caught the magical contentment unicorn just beyond my grasp. Of course, none of those options really pan out (especially the unicorn). It’s my own junk. Every day the yuck in my heart rises to the surface. But with the pace of life and needs of my people, it’s hard to stop and examine the “yuck” more closely. Recently our small group has been attending a recovery program at our church. Through some honest self-examination and community, God’s been showing me where I’ve held wrong beliefs. And how they impact my relationships. Today’s podcast guest, Lynn Hoffman, helped start our church’s recovery program 15 years ago. And God also led her to write “Steps into God’s Grace”, a bible study based on the 12 steps of recovery. In this episode, Lynn shares her own struggle with performance, people pleasing and codependency. She gives insight into why recovery isn’t just for addicts. And she encourages us to identify our own emotions so we can teach our children to do the same. Recovery became a safe place where I could go and be with other people who were willing to be honest. Stop pretending and start talking about the reality of the problems in their life. And lean on God to change and discover new realities in their life. ((Make sure you listen to the end of the episode when I share details about an event hosted this month at our church. If you’re local I’d love to see you there!)) Connect with Lynn: Featured Sponsor: FOCUSed15 studies “Everyday Peace” by Katie Orr Hungry for more Bible study but not sure how to make it fit into the fast pace of life? Check this out >>> FOCUSed15.com What we chat about: * Lynn’s divorce/remarriage and struggle with wanting to do everything right. * How she got her significance from her work and struggled to lean on God. * The discovery of recovery and God’s call for her to write a 12-step based Bible study. * Learning the lies Lynn believed and how they controlled how she behaved. * The lies that go along with “working hard”. * Why should anyone consider going through a 12-step recovery program. * The spiritual/Biblical roots of recovery. * The value of identifying your emotions in the moment. * The difference between shame and guilt * When we feel like a “mom failure” and how our worth is tied to our kids’ behavior and performance. * Getting in touch with our own emotions to help our kids with their own emotions. Links Mentioned: * “Steps into God’s Grace” by Lynn Hoffman ** * Jim & Lynne Jackson “You are Safe. You are Loved” (Ep 80) * Feelings chart: * Celebrate Recovery * Recovery for Life at Northwest Bible * LOCAL EVENT :  “What Rules Your Heart – The Journey from Image Making to Image Bearing” Featuring Andy Crouch (Executive Editor of Christianity Today) Northwest Bible Church – 8505 Douglas Ave. Dallas, TX Wed. Aug. 31 – Thurs. Sept. 1 ~ 6:30pm – 8:00pm