One of my favorite annual rhythms is reading through my previous year's journal and noting themes and highlights. It helps me see what I’ve learned, how I’ve grown, and how the Lord’s hand is evident through all of it. It is the single most important practice I do that helps me determine how I will spend the next year. So, today, I’m sharing 18 things I learned in 2024. And be sure to listen to the end where I will share some big changes coming on the podcast in 2025.  For show notes visit https://thescooponbalance.com/252

I am so excited about our conversation today with Dr. Sandra Richter. We explore the challenges faced by women in leadership roles in the church, beginning with a discussion of Deborah in the book of Judges and ending with Dr. Richter’s own story of navigating gender bias in her career and ministry. If you are a woman with a holy calling on your life to lead, this episode is for you. This is Part 2 of our 2-part conversation. Listen in.  For show notes visit https://thescooponbalance.com/251

Today, I’m speaking to the Gundry Chair of Biblical Studies at Westmont College, a graduate of Harvard University, and mother to two beautiful daughters, Dr. Sandra Richter. We discuss the challenges faced by women in Biblical times and the cyclical nature of disobedience in the book of Judges. We discuss the sacrifices made by early generations of believers, the generational drift in faith, and the struggles of parenting in that context. Richter shares insights on the life cycle of the church, the need for revival, and how we as mothers can disrupt negative cycles in our families. This is Part 1 of a 2-part conversation. Listen in. For show notes visit https://thescooponbalance.com/250

Your smartphone is so much more than where you call and text. It’s your GPS, your podcast and audiobook player, your camera, your bank, your QR code reader. Is it possible for a mom in 2025 to live without a smartphone? Today I welcome back to the show my friend Teresa Whiting where we continue our conversation about taking an extended break from a smartphone and using a flip phone instead. This is Part 2 of a 2-part conversation. For show notes go to https://thescooponbalance.com/249

HAPPY NEW YEAR! If you are feeling a bit too dependent upon your smartphone and want to do something about it, you are going to love today’s episode. I’m talking with my friend, podcaster, author, and mother, Teresa Whiting about the 40-Day Flip Phone Challenge that she and her 23-year-old son took last year. She gives it to us straight, both the clarity and the confusion of navigating life without her smartphone. This is part 1 of a 2-part conversation. For show notes go to https://thescooponbalance.com/248

How do you know what your spiritual gifts are? Is it what you like to do? What you’re good at? What the online spiritual gifts assessment revealed? What the evangelist spoke over you at youth camp when you were 13? This is Part 2 of my conversation with Pastor and author Chase Rashad Stancle where we unpack all of this and so much more. I loved everything about this conversation and I think you will too. For show notes go to https://thescooponbalance.com/247

In John 17, Jesus prayed for the Church. He could have prayed anything for us, but the Lord prayed for unity. This begs the question, how are we doing with the whole unity thing? Today I welcome to the show my new friend Chase Rashad Stancle. He’s the lead pastor at Unison Christian Church, a racially and religiously diverse church in Grand Rapids MI. He’s also a racial equity coach, a musician, a husband, and a father. And we had one of my most favorite conversations on the podcast ever. For show notes, go to https://thescooponbalance.com/246

As you wrestle with whether to hand your kids a smart phone you may be thinking a smartphone will help your child connect with his friends, provide safety in a dangerous situation, and lead to responsibility and greater independence. But what if that’s not the whole story? What if it’s not true at all? Today I welcome back to the show Erin Loechnoer, the author of The Opt Out Family: How to Give Your Kids What Technology Can’t. She believes it’s  not enough to simply say no to devices. We have to say yes to something better on the other side. This is Part 2 of our 2-part conversation. Listen in. For show notes go to https://thescooponbalance.com/245

71% of parents believe that smartphones do more harm than good. And yet 99% of teens have phones given to them by their parents. Excess screen time is eroding our society, interrupting family rhythms, and disconnecting us from our closest relationships. From toddlers to teens to parents…tech has a grip on us all. Today we are continuing our season-long conversation about tech and social media with Erin Loechner, the founder of the global tech-free movement The Opt-Out Family and author of the new book by the same name. This is Part 1 of a 2-part conversation. Listen in.  For show notes go to https://thescooponbalance.com/244 

Today, I shift away from my typical pre-holiday pep talk to focus instead on granting you permission to prioritize self-care during the hectic holiday season. For show notes, go to https://thescooponbalance.com/243

How do you stand for your marriage when your husband is an addict or alcoholic? What if he’s actively cheating on you? How do you support a friend whose marriage is falling apart because of these or other issues? Today I welcome back to the show Jason Carver author of 40 Day Stand for Marriage Restoration. This is part 2 of our 2-part conversation. For show notes go to https://thescooponbalance.com/242

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