Focused Living :: Shontell Brewer [SOM Wk 3]

Do you feel like you are on the hamster wheel of expectations this culture throws at your teen? Do you feel the pressure and pull of having them in every sport, activity, and tutor to excel? Is church becoming a point of struggle every Sunday?  Melissa Kruger joins me to talk about all things teen and how to raise them in this culture that is pointing to everything but Jesus.  Melissa is an author and Bible teacher who encourages women as they walk through life and motherhood. We talk about how to enjoy our teens instead of curating their lives and how to allow them space to fail. Melissa shares the three pillars that are the foundation of a home focused on Christ- God’s word, prayer, and the Church. We dive into each of these and how to practically walk them out in our homes and with our teens. Melissa ultimately reminds us that as recipients of God’s unfailing grace, we get to share that identity with our kids as we guide them through these challenging years.  Connect with Melissa Kruger  Website:  Melissa Kruger (melissabkruger.com) Facebook: Melissa B. Kruger Instagram:  Melissa Kruger (@melissabryankruger) Links Mentioned:   Pre-order “Parenting with Hope” Books – Melissa Kruger Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World by David Epstein   Wherever You Go, I Want You to Know by Melissa B Kruger The Gospel Coalition (TGC) Article on Melissa’s family prayer routine: Now’s the Time! Resources for Family Devotions  Related Episodes: “What is My Responsibility in My Child’s Salvation?” :: Vela Tomba [Ep 431] Freeing Your Adolescents to Step Into Adulthood – Ages and Stages – Teens :: Dr. Ken Wilgus [Ep 382] Doubt, Questions and Your Teen’s Growing Faith :: Mary Jo Sharp [Ep 375] Featured Sponsors:  Caraway- Non-toxic cookware made modern. Visit Carawayhome.com/DMA for 10% off your next purchase. Thrive Market- Get convenient, high-quality, affordable groceries delivered with Thrive Market! Go to ThriveMarket.com/DMA for 30% off your first order, plus a FREE $60 gift! Vegamour- Elevate your hair wellness routine this year with Vegamour. For a limited time get 20% off your first subscription order of Gro Hair Serum by going to VEGAMOUR.com/DMA Find links to this week’s sponsors and unique promo codes at dontmomalone.com/sponsors.

18 Maalis 202450min

Is your home a place of peace or one of anger and frustration? Do you feel exhausted from the arguing and bickering between kids? Does the bedtime struggle make most evenings end in overwhelm?  Ralphie Jacobs is here to help us understand the science and tactics behind Positive Parenting. She started her career in early childhood education and soon realized through her own parenting struggles that there was a lack of resources for behavior change through Positive Parenting. She teaches parents how to change their own behaviors to change home environments and the practical steps to get there.  Shifting the atmosphere of our home can feel like turning the Titanic, but Ralphie gives us hope that we can walk a path of gratitude instead of a path of scarcity.  Connect with Ralphie Jacobs:  Website:  Simply On Purpose - Home Instagram:  Ralphie• Positive Parenting (@simplyonpurpose) Links Mentioned:   Calm in the Chaos Webinar (watch the replay)  50+ ideas for spending one-on-one time with your kid Related Episodes: Choosing Connection Over Critique :: Rachel Macy Stafford [Ep 280] How to Stop Yelling, Lecturing and Power Struggles :: Kirk Martin {Ep 62} The Window of Tolerance :: Charissa Fry [Ep 260]  Featured Sponsors:  Honeylove–Get 20% OFF @honeylove by going to honeylove.com/DMA  Thrive Causemetics–Right now, you can get an exclusive 20% off your first order at thrivecausemetics.com/DMA Find links to this week’s sponsors and unique promo codes at dontmomalone.com/sponsors.

11 Maalis 202439min

Do you feel the pull between protecting your family and kids while having compassion on the orphan and the widow who are crossing our borders? Do you feel confused about immigration laws and sustainable immigration practices?  Today Bri Stensrud, author, human dignity advocate, and the Director at Women of Welcome shares her heart on immigration. She began her career as a pro-life advocate and after going to Mexico and seeing the reality of so many women and children, compassionate care quickly became her mission.  Bri tells us that we can advocate for secure, safe, and legal borders and also the dignity of those arriving here in America. Fear and confusion can often cause us not to engage in the conversation or the communities around us but the Lord has called us to be salt and light. Stick around for the end where she gives practical ideas on how to reach out to those who have fled from desperate situations to bring friendship and hope.  Connect with Bri Stensrud:  Website:  Bri Stensrud - Women of Welcome Facebook: Women of Welcome | Facebook Instagram:  Women of Welcome (@womenofwelcome) Links Mentioned:   Start with Welcome: The Journey toward a Confident and Compassionate Immigration Conversation: by Bri Stensrud World Relief  Compassion International Show Me the Way by Henri Nouwen (the lent study Heather is doing)  Private Refugee Settlement Program   Related Episodes: The Ministry of Presence in a Broken World :: Tess Clarke [Ep. 252] Compassion Changes Everything :: Jonathan Almonte [Ep 264] Many Hues, One Humanity :: Dr. Lucretia Berry [Ep 282] Featured Sponsors:  BetterHelp–This episode is sponsored by/brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/dma and get on your way to being your best self. Find links to this week’s sponsors and unique promo codes at dontmomalone.com/sponsors.

4 Maalis 202455min

Today’s show starts with a small hiccup and then really gets going with our guest and listener Rachel Green (but not that one ;)).  We discussed what we had for breakfast and it was everything from a frittata, to coconut milk yogurt with all the toppings, to a Diet Dr. Pepper with saltines. Can you guess who ate what?  Rachel admits to being sidetracked by ruminating over her busy calendar, and how Cynthia’s book is helping her, “get comfortable with being uncomfortable so she can bring others in”. We share what the Lord is teaching us lately including Kingdom success vs. the world’s success and how to prioritize relationships over tasks. All while Cynthia starts a new segment called, “How are we even friends?”. Lastly, don’t forget to tag us on socials with your amazing dog names (Heather promises not to judge).  Connect with Cynthia Yanof:  Website:  https://cynthiayanof.com/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cynthia.yanof  Instagram:  @cynthiayanof  Podcast: Episodes – Cynthia Yanof Links Mentioned:    Life Is Messy, God Is Good: Sanity for the Chaos of Everyday Life: by Yanof, Cynthia Jordan's Skinny Syrups Sugar Free Coffee Syrup, Vanilla Life Is Beautiful (English Subtitled) Right Where You Belong: How to Identify and Fully Occupy Your God-Given Space: by Heather MacFadyen Women, Food and Hormones  Jesus cookies Lume deodorant (use DMA to get $5 off starter pack) Clothes Steamer  Related Episodes: “Plump it Up”:: Sidetracked by 10 years of Podcasting [Ep 437] Balancing Work and Family Life :: Tricia Goyer [Ep 7] Strengthening Our Friendships :: Susan Seay [Ep 289] Featured Sponsors:  Greenlight–So stop putting off the “Money Talk” and start putting your kids on the right path. Sign up for Greenlight today and get your first month free at GREENLIGHT.com/dma. Lume– As a special offer for listeners, new customers GET $5 OFF a Lume Starter Pack with code DMA at LumeDeodorant.com. That equates to over 40% off your Starter Pack. Trust and Will –Secure your assets and protect your loved ones with Trust and Will. Get 10% off plus free shipping of your estate plan documents by visiting trustandwill.com/DMA. Find links to this week’s sponsors and unique promo codes at dontmomalone.com/sponsors.

1 Maalis 202446min

If you need a reminder that God can redeem and restore a broken marriage, this week’s guest, Kathy Bush shares her powerful restoration testimony.  Kathy and Tim have been married for 42 years, many of those years filled with hurt, pain and infidelity. Their story centers around a primary marriage challenge —bringing two stories,  backgrounds, and expectations together. It took Kathy and Tim hitting rock bottom to begin a two-year process of counseling where they found a place of healing.  Kathy reminds us that God designed marriage before He designed the church and that it can be a powerful tool against the enemy if we can walk in step together. Today Kathy and Tim run War Room Ministries to serve men, marriages, families, and churches across the country and help families find healing.  Connect with Kathy Bush:  Website:  Home - War Room Ministries Instagram:  War Room Ministries (@warroomministry)  Links Mentioned:   Sex on The First Date by Tim and Kathy Bush The Bible Recap Family Life –Weekend to Remember Conferences Genesis Women's Shelter---resources if you are in an abusive relationship Related Episodes: Building Strong Marriages :: Kimberly Beam Holmes [Ep 374] Finding the Courage to Speak Up When You’re Not Ok :: Kristen Glass [Ep 427] Rebuilding from an Abusive Marriage :: Jeni B [Ep 246]  Infidelity, Divorce and Redeeming Love :: Rebekah Greer [Ep 8] Walking Through Divorce :: Lara Williams [Ep 324]  Sinners Married to Sinners–How God Refines Us :: Cheryl Scruggs and Jae Carpenter [Ep 195] Featured Sponsors:  Find links to this week’s sponsors and unique promo codes at dontmomalone.com/sponsors.

26 Helmi 202455min

Did you know panic attacks can happen even when everything around you looks “perfect”?  They can sneak up seemingly out of nowhere and be frightening. But a panic attack is a warning light to slow down and see what is happening in our bodies and emotions.  Panic is a behavioral and physical response to anxiety locked in our bodies. So many of us can feel alone and isolated even when surrounded by people.  My guest today, Kasey Van Norman, an author, counselor, and teacher, shares the neurological and physical science behind panic attacks and anxiety. She gives us insight into why they happen and reminds us that the key to living a life free of anxiety is a present relationship with Jesus. Kasey dives into Luke 10 where Mary and Martha show the pull between anxiety and peace.  She reminds us that sitting at the feet of Jesus is the way to peace and always available to us.   Connect with Kasey Van Norman:  Website:  Kasey Van Norman  Facebook: The Made Well House Instagram:  Kasey Van Norman, LPC | Therapy + Theology (@kaseyvannorman) Made Well House: The Made Well House Counseling and Wellness Links  Freedom Prayer Ministries People Fuel: Fill Your Tank for Life, Love, and Leadership by  John Townsend Ultimate Leadership Conferences Soul of Shame by Dr. Curt Thompson Don't Mom Alone: Growing the Relationships You Need to Be the Mom You Want to Be: by Heather MacFadyen  Related Episodes: Freedom from Anxiety :: Ashley Willis [Ep 180]  Getting Brave About Anxiety :: Sissy Goff [Ep 311] Panic Attacks and Growing Trust :: JJ Heller [Ep 238] Featured Sponsors:  Find links to this week’s sponsors and unique promo codes at dontmomalone.com/sponsors.

19 Helmi 202455min

Boys today are struggling more than ever with social anxiety.   They feel hesitant, anxious, and struggle to take healthy risks. How do we know when to push them into uncomfortable places? Many boys are even struggling with life milestones like getting their driver's license, asking a girl to the school dance, or applying to college. OCD and ADHD are on the rise and we want to understand when to step in and get them any help that is needed.   My guest David Thomas, a licensed professional counselor, is back to bring wisdom, advice, and tools to navigate life with our boys. He tells us the top three reasons why these issues are on the rise. David helps us learn how to support, challenge, and help boys be more outward moving and have more purpose. He reminds us that our sons are first a child of God and we can anchor them in that truth as we parent and guide them through life.  Connect with David Thomas:  Website:  Raising Boys and Girls (raisingboysandgirls.com) Facebook: Raising Boys and Girls | Facebook Instagram:  Raising Boys and Girls (@raisingboysandgirls) • Instagram photos and videos Links Mentioned:   Emotional Agility: Get Unstuck, Embrace Change, and Thrive in Work and Life by Susan David  The Worry-Free Parent: Living in Confidence So Your Kids Can Too by Sissy Goff Feeding the Mouth That Bites You: A Complete Guide to Parenting Adolescents and Launching Them Into the World by Kenneth Wilgus  Legacy Changer by Kristen Hallinan Life 360 App  Your Enneagram Coach (a gospel-centered approach to the Enneagram)  Related Episodes: David Thomas Episodes Freeing Your Adolescents to Step Into Adulthood – Ages and Stages – Teens :: Dr. Ken Wilgus [Ep 382]  The Enneagram and Motherhood :: Suzanne Stabile [Ep 232]  Featured Sponsors:  Find links to this week’s sponsors and unique promo codes at dontmomalone.com/sponsors.

12 Helmi 202452min

Kids plus nutrition often equals a storm of thoughts and emotions. What should I serve my child? How do I get them to eat it? Is what I heard on the internet true? We don’t come to these questions with blank slates either. Words spoken to us or ideas we’ve internalized can make this area of life rife with trouble.  But my guest this week is mom and registered dietician Kacie Barnes and she is here to help! She’s got broad guidelines and specific tips to help us through snacks and mealtimes.  The one thing she made sure to say in our interview?  “Give yourself some credit because I know that you work really hard to feed your kids and it is not an easy job.” Connect with Kacie Barnes:  Website:  https://mamaknowsnutrition.com/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mamaknowsnutrition/  Instagram:  @mamaknowsnutrition  Links Mentioned:    Renzo’s Pick Eater Multivitamin with Iron  Find Simple Mills foods or Harvest Pea Snaps at your favorite grocer Related Episodes: Fed is Best || New Baby Series Pt 2 :: Dr. Bridget Young Healthy Habit Building :: Kat Lee [Ep 300]  Featured Sponsors:  Find links to this week’s sponsors and unique promo codes at dontmomalone.com/sponsors.

5 Helmi 202451min