Learning to Listen to God's Voice :: Kelsey Phillips [Summer of Mentorship wk 3]

Media is all around us - movies, music, tv, online videos, reels, TikToks, and more. And, there are as many parenting strategies around media as there are types of media. How do we safeguard our kids around media in today’s culture? Spoiler Alert: We aren’t going to talk about what to watch per se, but rather how to watch.  In this episode I’ll talk about what it could look like for us to raise not just haphazard watchers but discerning media consumers. Of course, we should exercise wisdom with what our kids watch and listen to, but also, as moms we’re in the business of teaching men to fish.  Let’s teach our kids to become discerning viewers. I’ll give you some handlebars to foster discussions about movies or TV with your kids and to get them thinking about what they’re watching too. “We want our children to know the one good story so well that when they see Luke Skywalker, Harry Potter, Frodo, Anne of Green Gables, Ariel, and Sleeping Beauty they can recognize the strands of truth and deception in them.” (Karalee Reinke, in Ep 27).  “O Discerning Spirit,  Who alone judges all things rightly,  Now be present in my mind and active In my imagination as I prepare to engage  With the claims and questions of diverse cultures Incarnated in the stories that people tell.”  A Liturgy Before Consuming Media, Every Moment Holy by Douglas McKelvey Links Mentioned:   Feeding the Mouth That Bites You  by Kenneth Wilgus, PhD  VidAngel Filtering Service Minno PureFlix Related Episodes: Family Movie Moms :: Amanda White [Ep 27] Annie, Into the Woods, & Night at the Museum 3 :: Family Movie Moms [Ep 53] Summer Movie Edition :: (Inside Out, Tomorrowland) :: Family Movie  Moms [Ep 79] Mockingjay & Big Hero 6 :: Family Movie Moms [Ep 49] How to Train a Dragon 2 :: Family Movie Moms [Ep 31]  Movie Discussion Guides Meet the Robinsons :: Family Movie Discussion Guide Big Hero 6 :: Family Movie Discussion Guide Family Movie Discussion Guide : “Cars” (Pride & Humility of Lightning McQueen) “The LEGO Movie” Family Discussion Guide Frozen :: Family Movie Discussion Guide Using God’s Story to Analyze Movies Dolphin Tale 2 :: Family Movie Discussion Guide (& Review)  Featured Sponsors:  Caraway - Visit Carawayhome.com/DMA to take advantage of this limited time offer for 10% off your next purchase.  GladSkin -  Gladskin is offering listeners 15% off plus free shipping on your first order at gladskin.com/DMA.  Ladder - Go to LadderLife.com/dma today to see if you’re instantly approved.

1 Aug 202231min

What would it take for you to walk away from the most abundant time in your career? From a time that was not only full, but fun, rewarding, and productive?  My guest this week, Christy Wright did just that - walked away from a season of immense abundance in her career, not because of difficult situations but simply because God called her out of it. She says this call was so clear she came to a point where she feared disobedience more than the uncertainty of leaving her career. She followed God into a new season of freedom and work. It's like God called Christy in for a meeting to talk about rebranding - not to change who He had created her to be, but to change her everyday look and her assignments.  We've spent our summer talking through our unique "mom brands" and in our final week of Summer of Mentorship we're hitting on something that will happen to each of us as moms at one point or many - the need to rebrand. To leave behind what worked and was right for that specific time to embrace what God is saying is right for now. Ecclesiastes reminds us there is rhythm and seasons to life and we will walk through transitions in our work and home life. Christy encourages us to courageously cling to God's voice in those times and not let the fear of uncertainty keep us from the rebranding God is walking us through..    Discussion Questions: What stood out to you from the episode?  What current roles help shape your days?  Are you ok with you when you take away what you do? Or, how easily can you separate out who you are from what you do?  Have you gone through a “rebranding” as a mom? Either because of change in circumstance or because your routines weren’t serving you, or for another reason. What was difficult about that time? What was beneficial in that transition? Spend the last 10 minutes of your group time in silence praying and listening and ask God, “Is there anything I need to be freed from?” Connect with Christy Wright:  Website:  https://www.christy-wright.com/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OfficialChristyWright  Instagram:  @ChristyBWright Links Mentioned:   Take Back Your Time : The Guilt-Free Guide to Life Balance by Christy Wright  How to Stop Losing Your Sh*t with Your Kids: A Practical Guide to Becoming a Calmer, Happier Parent by Carla Naumburg, PhD Related Episodes: Manage Your Life With Guilt-Free Confidence :: Christy Wright [Ep 192] Featured Sponsors:  Thrive Market. Join Thrive Market today and get $80 eighty dollars in free groceries! Go to ThriveMarket.com/DMA. Athletic Greens. Get a FREE 1 year supply of immune-supporting Vitamin D AND 5 FREE travel packs with your first purchase. Visit athleticgreens.com/DMA.  Indeed. Now with Indeed, businesses only pay for quality applications matching the sponsored job description. Visit Indeed.com/DMA to start hiring now.

25 Juli 202248min

Does your life look exactly like you want it to? All too often we come across what seems like the life that we want on someone else’s Instagram. You can dismiss those as the “highlight reels”, that is what they are, but sometimes the girl next door has what you want. What do you do then? How do you prep your kids for when they don’t get invited or when they feel like someone else has it better than them?  My guest this week, Karen Ehman, says, “Go find your old self.”  She’s not leading us on an existential journey into the past, but to those around us that need the love of Christ. She encourages us in a powerful way that when we are discouraged by someone who has it “better” than us to find someone who has it “worse” than us, not so we can feel good about something, but because there is a person who needs the love of Christ.  We’re taking time this summer (as usual) to be mentored by some experienced moms and benefit from their wisdom. I’m asking them about their “mom brands” and the unique families and assignments God has given them to help us embrace the specific and unique spot God has given each of us.  Discussion Questions: What stood out to you in this episode? Why?  Who is your “old self”? What was a particularly difficult time God brought you through that you could use as a connection point to love someone else?  When have you felt loved or seen by someone else in the midst of a difficult situation?  Thinking about Karen’s mom and how hard she has to work as a single mom, where in your life are you having to work hard? Which of your God-given assignments is either physically, or mentally, or spiritually challenging? Spend some time praying for these situations with your group.  When you think about loving others by inviting them into your life what limitations come to mind?  Who is a necessary person you can love tangibly this month? Brainstorm ideas with your group about simple ways to show Christ’s love. Connect with Karen Ehman:  Website:  https://karenehman.com/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OfficialKarenEhman  Instagram:  @karenehman  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLbA_nXZ6HAhLGUL6KNhzRw  Links Mentioned:   Make Their Day: 101 Simple, Powerful Ways to Love Others Well by Karen Ehman Related Episodes: Changing the World for One :: Tara Clapper [Ep 70]  Ridiculous Faith :: Shelene Bryan [Ep 116] Featured Sponsors:  StitchFix: Sign up today at Stitchfix.com/DMA to get $20 off your first purchase.  HelloFresh: Go to HelloFresh.com/dma16 and use the code: dma16 for 16 free meals across 7 boxes AND 3 free gifts.  Thrive Causemetics: You can get 15% off your first order when you visit thrivecausemetics.com/DMA.

18 Juli 202243min

Creating Family Culture :: Amber O’Neal Johnston [SOM Wk 4] You are creating a culture for your family, right now, whether or not you’re aware of it or intentional in it. Your words and actions reveal the functional values you have for your family. Is yours a culture of fun and laughter? Grace and second chances? Integrity and grit? It could be all of those and more, or something simpler - it is unique to your family! Whatever it is, if it isn’t intentionally cultivated it will be like a garden filled with weeds - growing, but haphazard. My guest this week is Amber O’Neal Johnston and one of the values that drives her family’s culture is that her kids would know they are seen and valued at home and in the world. And that other people are just as valuable too.  This, along with other values, drives the decisions they make about how they interact with the world around them, right down to the restaurants they eat at.  She challenges us to not only cultivate a family culture, but to grow as moms and people along the way. Her book, A Place to Belong: Celebrating Diversity and Kinship in the Home and Beyond is available now. We’re taking time this summer (as usual) to be mentored by some experienced moms and benefit from their wisdom. I’m asking them about their “mom brands” and the unique families and assignments God has given them to help us embrace the specific and unique spot God has given each of us.  Discussion Questions: What stood out to you from this episode?  What practices or resources have you used to expose your kids to other cultures?  Where has God called you to speak out in love when you’d prefer to remain silent? Spend time praying with your group for these circumstances. What is one value that you want to emphasize in your home?  Amber shared that she had to release her need to impress other moms in order for her kids to flourish - what expectation or ideal do you need to let go of so that your kids can flourish? How would being secure and confident in your family culture change your relationships with other moms or families?  Connect with Amber Johnston:  Website:  https://heritagemom.com/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeritageMomBlog  Instagram:  @heritagemomblog Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/HeritageMomBlog/_created/  Links Mentioned:   A Place to Belong: Celebrating Diversity and Kinship in the Home and Beyond by Amber O’Neal Johnston  Things To Do List from the Heritage Mom Website Related Episodes: Finding Yourself in Motherhood :: Amber O’Neal Johnston [Ep 310] Featured Sponsors:  Athena Club. Get 20% off your first order at AthenaClub.com with promo code DMA. Rothy’s. Your new favorite shoes are waiting. Fet $20 off your first purchase at rothys.com/DMA.  Fabric. Protect your family with term life insurance now, in just 10 minutes. Apply today at MeetFabric.com/DMA.

11 Juli 202247min

“I don't have time for the things that God has not called me to.” My guest this week, Shontell Brewer, wisely speaks those words. She is a wife and mom of 5. She’s written a book on parenting and still things haven’t always gone the way she’s planned or wanted. But she has learned where to lean in and wait on the Lord. She’s learned that to be intentional as a mom or wife or teacher she’s got to cut out the “keeping up” with others, whether on social media or the mom down the street. And she’s learned that God hasn’t finished writing the story. Even if she can’t see to the end of all God’s workings in her kid’s lives, knowing His word and taking time to commune with Him have given her a firm foundation to stand on.  We’re taking time this summer (as usual) to be mentored by some experienced moms and benefit from their wisdom. I’m asking them about their “mom brands” and the unique families and assignments God has given them to help us embrace the specific and unique spot God has given each of us.  Discussion Questions: What stood out to you from the episode? Shontell encourages us to get on the same level as the person across from us to grow intentionality in our relationships - be it a spouse or child or friend. What relationship in your life needs this sort of attention? How can you meet that person right where they are?  How has God gifted you? Do you know?  Have you thought through what you want for your children, or what the goal of your parenting is? Keeping the tiny humans alive is big work, so no shame at all if you haven’t! If we’re working towards intentionality as moms, thinking through this question can help us cut activities or practices we don’t need and to make space for ones we do.   How do you measure your success as a parent?  What situation or circumstance would benefit from you processing with God before processing with a friend? Set aside time to do that this week.  Connect with Shontell Brewer:  Website:  http://shontellbrewer.com/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shontell.brewer  Instagram:  @shontellbrewer Twitter: @shontellbrewer   Links Mentioned:   Missionary Mom: Embracing the Mission Field Right Under Your Roof By Shontell Brewer  Cru’s Spiritual Gifts Assessment More info on Spiritual Gifts   Related Episodes: Parenting Small :: Shontell Brewer [Ep 140] Featured Sponsors:  Hello Fresh. Get up to 16 free meals and 3 free gifts at HelloFresh.com/DMA16 Caraway Home. Non-Toxic cookware made modern. Visit Carawayhome.com/DMA to take advantage of a limited-time offer for 10% off your next purchase.  Gladskin. Visit gladskin.com/DMA and get 15% off plus free shipping on your first order.

4 Juli 202247min

Childhood should be carefree, right? We hope that our kids make it to adulthood with as few scars as possible, but that isn’t the nature of the world we live in. What happens when our kids encounter grief? What happens when we aren’t able to give them the childhood we wanted them to have?  This week I talk with Lisa Appelo, widow and mom of seven, who found herself in that spot - grieving the life she wanted for herself and her children, and then having to navigate the shift in every relationship that comes through change or grief. What she has found in the last 11+ years has been the presence of God for her and her kids. The rhythm of their regular bible study was a lifeline and she offers us great encouragement of God’s nearness and direct involvement in our lives. Read more of their story in Lisa’s new book Life can be Good Again: Putting Your World Back Together After it All Falls Apart. We’re taking time this summer (as usual) to be mentored by some experienced moms and benefit from their wisdom. I’m asking them about their “mom brands” and the unique families and assignments God has given them to help us embrace the specific and unique spot God has given each of us.  Discussion Questions: What stood out to you in the episode?  What does family bible reading look like in your home? What is one change you could make to your routine to incorporate some kind of bible reading? Think small! Remember that Lisa says it’s a fight to make that space but totally worth it.  Where can you give your kids the freedom to choose, allowing the Lord to work in them independent of your direct guidance? You can think small here too!  Where might you need to step back in your child’s life to preserve your relationship with them? What relationships have shifted because of loss or change, big or small?  Spend time praying with and for one another over these relationships and God’s good plan for them. (This could feel like an insurmountable question for someone in your group - approach it with empathy and care!)   Connect with Lisa Appelo:  Website:  https://lisaappelo.com/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lisaappeloauthor  Instagram:  @lisaappelo Twitter: @AppeloLisa Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/LisaAppelo/_created/    Links Mentioned:   Life Can be Good Again: Putting Your World Back Together After it All Falls Apart by Lisa Appelo  Hinds’ Feet on High Places: An Engaging Visual Journey by Hannah Hurnard  Hinds’ Feet on High Places: Children’s Edition by Hannah Hurnard  Write the Word Journal for Kids Love God Greatly SOAP Journal One Year Devotional for Boys 2 Related Episodes: How to Fight Fear & Believe in a Faithful God :: Lisa Appelo [Ep 84] Featured Sponsors:  Athletic Greens. Reclaim your health and arm your immune system with convenient, daily nutrition! Get a FREE 1 year supply of immune-supporting Vitamin D AND 5 FREE travel packs with your first purchase at athleticgreens.com/DMA.  Stitch Fix. Sign up today at StitchFix.com/DMA to get $20 off your first purchase. Indeed. Need a hire? You need Indeed. Now with Indeed, businesses only pay for quality applications matching the sponsored job description. Visit Indeed.com/DMA to start hiring now.

27 Juni 202241min

“Don’t care how, I want it now!” When we watch Veruca Salt sing those words in Willy Wonka we are immediately repulsed. And yet, lots of our time and energy is spent trying to unlock the secrets to a quick change of our circumstance.  This week, mom of seven Helen Smallbone, encourages us that following Christ and parenting alike are long games. Marathons, in fact. She has honesty and wisdom to offer as we strive to grow and maintain relationships with our kids that last into adulthood. She also encourages us with some practical ways to foster relationships between our kids, to get them working, and retain our own sanity.  We’re taking time this summer (as usual) to be mentored by some experienced moms and benefit from their wisdom. This year I'm recording new interviews and I’m asking guests about their “mom brands”. They share their values, unique assignments God has given them and what helps their family flourish. The goal is to help you define your "mom brand" and the places God is assigning you.  Discussion Questions: What stood out to you from the episode?  Do you take a “mum’s time out” during the day? Why or why not? What would change about your day if you did?  How do you balance connection with your kids while maintaining the boundaries of a parent-child relationship? How do you typically handle sibling conflict? Which of Helen’s tactics could you adapt to use in your own home?  How do you maintain or reestablish connection with your child after an argument/difficult exchange? What’s your favorite way to help kids get their energy out? If another mom shares one that might work at your house, write it down!  Helen reminded us that motherhood is not for the faint of heart - what aspect of motherhood has got you feeling fainthearted? Spend some time praying for one another about those specific areas.  Connect with Helen Smallbone:  Website:  https://www.mumlife.org/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/helenjsmallbone/  Instagram:  @MumLifeCommunity Podcast: MUM Life Community  Links Mentioned: Behind the Lights: The Extraordinary Adventure of a Mum and Her Family by Helen Smallbone  PAST EPISODE: Gentle Christ-Centered Parenting {Ep 363} Related Episodes: Raising Rock Stars on a Firm Foundation :: Helen Smallbone [Ep 166] Summer of Mentorship 2019 Week Four :: Helen Smallbone  Featured Sponsors:  Thrive. Join Thrive Market today and get $80 in free groceries! Visit ThriveMarket.com/DMA. Peloton. The Peloton Bike+ is now $500 less, its best price yet! Including FREE delivery and setup. Visit onepeloton.com to learn more. Fabric. Protect your family with term life insurance now, in just 10 minutes. Apply today at MeetFabric.com/DMA to start protecting your family today.

20 Juni 202246min

Tragedy struck and Paulette Franklin could have given up hope. Instead, she used it as a chance to “bring together the village of hope and help” from her extended family, namely her aunts, who lived both near and far. They rallied around Paulette and her boys through presence and connection. Make no mistake, single parenting was still hard work, but by clinging to her faith in God and the village around her, she and her boys thrived.  Though this bond with extended family was knitted together well before Paulette’s husband passed away, she had to let them in, she had to let them help. For Paulette’s middle son, DeVon, and his brothers, their aunts’ houses became places of refuge and connection that they still rely on to this day.  DeVon and his aunts tell their compelling and encouraging story in his audiobook, It Takes a Woman, available now on Audible. Through the audiobook all of our villages are enlarged, all of their wisdom can be ours. Connect with DeVon and Paulette Franklin:  Website:  https://devonfranklin.com/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DeVonFranklinOfficial  Instagram:  @DeVonFranklin Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKqTVGX0BZGQ5xPX98ibb4g  Twitter: @DeVonFranklin   Links Mentioned:    It Takes a Woman audiobook by DeVon Franklin Heather’s Interview with Jennifer Garner and Christy Beam (start at 32:20 mark)   Related Episodes: Be Vulnerable, Find Your People :: Jennie Allen [Ep 354] Mom, You are Important, but Not Essential, That’s Good News :: Brittany J. Turner [Ep 361] Truth for When You Feel Like a Bad Mom :: Jamie Ivey [Ep 339]  Featured Sponsors:  Athena Club–Get 20% off your first order at AthenaClub.com with promo code dma.  Rothy’s–Your new favorite shoes are waiting. Discover the versatile styles you can wear absolutely anywhere and get $20 off your first purchase at rothys.com/DMA.  Ladder– So go to LadderLife.com/dma today to see if you’re instantly approved.

13 Juni 202238min