In today’s conversation, I'm joined by Jessica Hurlbut, who is co-host of Full Spectrum Parent, alongside her husband. Full Spectrum Parent is the only faith-based podcast focused on parenting kids on the autism spectrum and is proudly hosted on The Christian Parenting Podcast Network. Today she offers encouragement and hope in the beautiful, sometimes chaotic parenting journey.

Here’s what we cover in our chat:

• Jessica discusses the importance of recognizing and nurturing each child’s unique qualities.
• She shares how letting go of our own expectations and trusting God can transform our parenting approach.
• We get practical advice for managing the limits and distractions mothers face while prioritizing spiritual growth.

Jessica is a podcast host, dedicated pastor, and author. She is passionate about empowering parents to embrace their children’s individual paths. Her book, Unlimited Motherhood, explores the joys and challenges of parenting with faith and flexibility.

Jessica's insights are inspiring and deeply relevant, and her message will leave you feeling a bit lighter and more hopeful.

00:00 Introduction and Family Description

01:33 Every Child is Different

05:41 The Importance of Surrender

08:30 Being is Better than Seeming

10:53 The Power of Vulnerability

14:37 Unexpected Gifts from Letting Go

22:26 Releasing Limitations and Trusting God

26:06 The Limitations Moms Face

29:31 Seeking God First

• Connect With Jessica here
• Listen to the Full Spectrum Parent Here https://www.jessicahurlbut.com/full-spectrum-parenting
• Order your copy of Unlimited Motherhood HERE
• Or on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jessicahurlbut

Resources mentioned:

Moms, Dads, and Grads Gift Guide

The Christian Parenting Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Our Sponsors:
* Check out and use my code cppodcast50 for a great deal:
* Visit HomeThreads.com/CPPODCAST today and get a 15% off code for your first order!


Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

While parenting, working, and the whirlwind of daily life, it's easy for marriage—the very foundation of our family life—to slide to the back burner. But our marriages are critical and so today's episode is dedicated to nurturing this foundational relationship. 

I am thrilled to be joined by Arlene Pellicane, a renowned marriage and family speaker, host of the Happy Home Podcast, and author of books like 31 Days to a Happy Husband and "31 Days to Becoming a Happy Wife.

Arlene and I discuss why fewer young adults choose marriage over living together and the significance of long-term thinking in nurturing marital bonds that survive and thrive. Here's what we cover:

- The Changing State of Marriage: Exploring the shifts in how young adults view marriage and cohabitation.

- The Importance of Long-Term Thinking: We discuss making decisions that will benefit our marriages in the long haul, beyond the immediate moments of joy or challenge.

- Modeling a Healthy Marriage: Parents’ critical role is demonstrating what a loving, committed relationship looks like to their children.

- Practical Tips for Busy Parents: Arlene shares invaluable advice on strengthening your marriage amidst the chaos of parenting, including the importance of daily connections, weekly dates, and regular getaways.

Arlene's insights are incredibly helpful for couples seeking to deepen their connection and ensure their marriage remains a source of joy, strength, and stability in their family life. Her practical tips offer actionable steps that busy parents can take to reconnect, rejuvenate, and reaffirm their commitment to each other.

Our conversation is a gentle reminder that while parenting is an all-consuming role, the health of our marriage significantly impacts our family's well-being. Arlene's guidance provides a roadmap for couples to navigate the complexities of modern marriage with grace, intention, and a lot of love!

Connect With Arlene here

Or on Instagram @ArlenePellicane

Resources Mentioned:

https://www.nationalmarriageweekusa.org/

https://www.facebook.com/nationalmarriageweek

https://twitter.com/i/flow/login?redirect_after_login=%2Fmarriageweekusa

https://www.instagram.com/nationalmarriageweekusa

Christian Parenting store

Moms, Dads, and Grads Gift Guide

The Christian Parenting Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Our Sponsors:
* Check out and use my code cppodcast50 for a great deal:
* Visit HomeThreads.com/CPPODCAST today and get a 15% off code for your first order!


Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

I am honored to share a conversation with someone who has touched the hearts of many through his words and wisdom—Pastor Max Lucado. We discuss his latest children’s book, Just In Case You Ever Feel Alone, a project born from his desire to speak into the lives of young ones experiencing loneliness and uncertainty. As a father to adult children and a grandfather, Pastor Max's insights are not just based on theory but are lived and breathed experiences.

This conversation with Pastor Max Lucado reminds us of the gentle strength that comes from understanding our worth in God's eyes and the importance of instilling this truth in our children. 

Here are a few of the reminders and insights Pastor Max shares:

• The Importance of Family: Pastor Max underscores the foundational role family plays in providing security and belonging.
• Quality Time with Our Kids: We discuss strategies for creating meaningful connections with our children, even amidst busy schedules. 
• Addressing Loneliness: Pastor Max shares his insights on the loneliness epidemic and offers guidance on supporting our kids through their emotional journeys.
• Balancing Busyness and Spiritual Growth: A key topic is balancing daily tasks and fostering spiritual growth, emphasizing the necessity of spending time with God.

One of the most profound takeaways from our talk is Pastor Max’s approach to dealing with difficult emotions—finding the root of our feelings and replacing lies with truth. This practical yet powerful strategy not only aids us as parents but also equips us to guide our children in processing their emotions in a healthy, God-centered way.

I hope you find this episode as uplifting and enlightening as I did. Pastor Max’s wisdom and gentle encouragement offer a beacon of light for parents striving to navigate the complexities of raising emotionally healthy and spiritually grounded children.

Connect with Max

@maxlucado

https://maxlucado.com/

Resources Mentioned:

Get your copy of Just In Case You Ever Feel Alone here

Christian Parenting store (15% off with coupon PODCAST2024)

The Christian Parenting Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Our Sponsors:
* Check out and use my code cppodcast50 for a great deal:
* Visit HomeThreads.com/CPPODCAST today and get a 15% off code for your first order!


Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this week’s episode, I have the pleasure of sitting down with Melissa Kruger, a wise and experienced voice in parenting and discipleship. As the vice president of The Gospel Coalition’s discipleship program and a mother to three adult children, Melissa brings wisdom and practical insights. Our conversation centers around her book, Parenting with Hope, and we really get into the nuances of parenting teens and children of all ages.

Melissa offers a refreshing perspective on building and maintaining strong relationships with our children. She emphasizes the importance of parenting from a foundation of values and principles, highlighting the need for us to take responsibility for our own reactions and actions. Her reminder to focus on grace and to trust in the journey God has us on is both comforting and empowering.

Here are some of my insights that Melissa shares:

• Parenting from Values and Principles: Melissa discusses how parenting guided by core values and principles can foster a nurturing environment for children to grow and flourish.
• The Role of Grace and Warmth: Emphasizing the power of grace, warmth, and welcome, Melissa illustrates how these elements can transform our home life and relationships with our children.
• Trusting in God’s Word and Prayer: At the heart of our discussion is the reminder to parent with hope, leaning on prayer and God’s promises. Melissa encourages us to see parenting as a long game, where faithfulness in prayer and trust in God’s plan is paramount.

Whether you’re in the thick of parenting teens or preparing for the years ahead, Melissa’s insights offer a path to a more connected, faithful, and hopeful parenting experience.

Connect With Melissa online 

Order your copy of Parenting with Hope HERE

Or on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/melissabryankruger/

Resources mentioned:

Raising Mentally Strong Kids

Our Sponsors:
* Check out and use my code cppodcast50 for a great deal:
* Visit HomeThreads.com/CPPODCAST today and get a 15% off code for your first order!


Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Today’s episode is one I’ve been eagerly anticipating, and I can’t wait for you to join me in this heartwarming conversation with Carlos Whittaker. Carlos is so fun and encouraging. He is a devoted dad to three, an engaging storyteller, speaker, and the author of several transformative books. His latest work, Get Your Hopes Up: 90 Devotions & True Stories for Young World Changers, is a testament to the impactful role hope plays in our lives and the lives of our children.

Here’s a glimpse into the powerful themes we explore:

• Raising Today’s Kids: Carlos discusses the joys and challenges of parenting in the modern world, emphasizing the vital role of love and engagement in our children’s lives.
• Confronting Worry, Fear, and Anxiety: We delve into the prevalent issues of worry, fear, and anxiety among kids today. Carlos offers wisdom on finding age-appropriate ways to involve our children in problem-solving, fostering a sense of agency and resilience.
• The Power of Hope: At the heart of our discussion is the transformative power of hope. Carlos shares how anchoring our hope in God can combat the worries of this world, offering a solid foundation for both parents and children.

Carlos’s insights are a refreshing reminder of the significant impact we have as parents. His message of hope, coupled with practical advice on engaging our children in meaningful ways, offers a beacon of light for those navigating the real challenges of raising young world changers.

This episode is more than just a conversation; it’s an invitation to reflect on the ways we can instill hope, courage, and faith in our children. Carlos’s enthusiasm and wisdom are infectious, and I believe you’ll walk away from this episode feeling inspired and uplifted.

Connect with Carlos:

Order your copy of Get Your Hopes Up HERE

Instagram @loswhit

Resources Mentioned: 

Order your copy of Raising Mentally Strong Kids

Our Scripture Affirmation Cards are the perfect gifts for your kid’s Easter Baskets!

Our Sponsors:
* Check out and use my code cppodcast50 for a great deal:
* Visit HomeThreads.com/CPPODCAST today and get a 15% off code for your first order!


Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In today’s episode, we get into a topic that’s close to my heart and, I suspect, a challenge for many of us: watching our kids face challenges. As much as we want to shield them from hardship, we know deep down that overcoming challenges is crucial to their growth.

To explore this conundrum, I’m joined by Dr. Charles Fay, president of the Love and Logic Institute and co-author of Raising Mentally Strong Kids with Dr. Daniel Amen.

Dr. Fay is both knowledgeable and compassionate, emphasizing that perfection is not the goal of parenting. Instead, he encourages us to embrace the messiness and challenges of family life as opportunities for growth, both for our children and ourselves.

Here are some of the topics we cover:

• The Importance of Challenges: Dr. Fay shares how trials can lead to personal growth and foster a closer relationship with God and family.
• Mental Health and Young People: We discuss the concerning trends in mental health among youth today, with a particular focus on the impact of technology and the importance of teaching kids to resist unhealthy influences.
• Practical Parenting Tips: Dr. Fay offers actionable advice on setting limits, encouraging good decision-making, and nurturing mental strength in our children.
• Guidance from God: Perhaps most heartening is Dr. Fay’s reminder to lean on our faith, focus on key principles, and seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance in our parenting journey.

Dr. Fay’s wisdom is both encouraging and practical, equipping us with the tools to raise resilient, mentally strong kids. His insights remind us that while we cannot protect our children from every hardship, we can empower them to navigate life’s challenges with grace and strength.

Thank you for joining me in this important conversation. Here’s to embracing the trials, teaching resilience, and trusting in God’s plan for our children’s lives.

Connect With Dr Fay online at www.loveandlogic.com or on Instagram

Pre-order your copy of Raising Mentally Strong Kids  HERE

Get your set of 25 Biblically based Scripture cards today!

Our Sponsors:
* Check out and use my code cppodcast50 for a great deal:
* Visit HomeThreads.com/CPPODCAST today and get a 15% off code for your first order!


Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Today’s episode is a blend of humor and heart with the delightful Molly Stillman as our guest. Many of you might know Molly from her podcast, Can I Laugh on Your Shoulder?, or her newly released memoir, If I Don't Laugh I'll Cry. Beyond her roles in the media, Molly is a dedicated mom with an incredible journey to share.

Molly’s story is a testament to the power of grace, laughter, and faith in the parenting journey. From her childhood to finding faith later in life, and now in her approach to parenting, Molly opens up about the realities of navigating life’s ups and downs. 

Today, we dive into some truly meaningful discussions:

• Imperfect parenting: Molly shares her take on the beauty and challenges of parenting with authenticity, including the importance of apologizing to our kids when we fall short.
• Modeling a faith-filled life: we explore what it means to live out our faith in a way that our children can see, learn from, and be inspired by.
• Finding balance: Molly discusses the delicate act of sheltering our kids from the world while also exposing them to culture in a way that’s healthy and constructive.

Today’s conversation feels like sitting down with friends — a space to be real, to share laughs, and to find comfort in the shared experiences of parenthood. Molly’s journey reminds us all that amidst the trials and the messiness of raising kids, there is immense joy and grace to be found.

I hope you leave this episode feeling a little lighter, a bit more encouraged, and equipped with a fresh outlook on parenting through the lens of faith and humor. Molly’s story is a reminder that in the chaos of parenting, a good laugh and a sincere apology can go a long way in fostering a loving and faith-filled home.

Don't forget to check out Molly’s memoir, If I Don't Laugh I'll Cry, for more of her heartfelt and hilarious insights into life and parenting.

Connect With Molly online at https://www.stillbeingmolly.com

Pre-Order your copy of If I Don’t Laugh I’ll Cry HERE

Or on Instagram @stillbeingmolly/

The Christian Parenting Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Our Sponsors:
* Check out and use my code cppodcast50 for a great deal:
* Visit HomeThreads.com/CPPODCAST today and get a 15% off code for your first order!


Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this week’s episode, I am thrilled to share a conversation with a dear friend of mine, Becky Beresford. With over 15 years of experience working with women in ministry, Becky has dedicated her life to empowering women to live confidently in their God-given gospel identity. 

Her passion for freeing others from the grips of shame, fear, anxiety, and insecurities is truly inspiring. Becky is author of the book She Believed HE Could, So She Did, a title that resonates with the power of faith and action.

Becky's insights into living an abundant life in and through Jesus are both enlightening and uplifting. Today, she shares with us the importance of replacing the all-too-common phrases of the world, like "You do you" and "Believe in yourself," with the unwavering truths of the gospel. It’s a conversation that digs deep into the pitfalls of self-reliance and celebrates the liberating freedom found in dependence on God.

Here’s what we dive into:

• How understanding our identity in Christ sets us free from life’s burdens and empowers us to live fully.
• The dangers of popular mantras that promote self-reliance over divine trust.
• The freedom that comes from leaning on God rather than our own strength.
• Practical advice on guiding our children to embrace their identity in Christ and depend on him.

This episode is for moms and anyone yearning for a shift from self-dependence to a life connected with Christ. Becky’s words are a call to action, inviting us to trade the fleeting assurances of the world for the everlasting truths of the gospel. May this conversation inspire you to reflect on the phrases shaping your life and encourage you to anchor your identity and confidence in the truths God declares over you.

Fill your kid’s Easter baskets with fun and biblically based resources!

Our Sponsors:
* Check out and use my code cppodcast50 for a great deal:
* Visit HomeThreads.com/CPPODCAST today and get a 15% off code for your first order!


Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this week’s episode, I have the absolute joy of introducing you to Jess Connolly – a woman whose spirit is as delightful and down-to-earth as they come. Jess wears many hats: she’s an author, podcaster, Bible teacher, coach, a devoted wife to Nick, and a loving mom to four kids. Her latest book, Tired of Being Tired, speaks directly to a feeling so many of us know too well.

Jess opens up about her personal journey with rest, sharing the challenges and misconceptions she's faced along the way. It's a conversation that really gets into the heart of God's design for rest and its transformative impact on our lives. 

Here’s a glimpse into our conversation:

• Jess gets real about her struggles with rest and the revelations that changed her perspective.
• Jess unpacks the importance of understanding and embracing the rest God intends for us, highlighting how it can lead to a more fulfilled and joyful life.
• She shares some practical tips for prioritizing rest: beyond theory, Jess shares actionable steps for integrating rest into our daily routines, making it accessible even for the busiest of parents.

Jess’s heart shines through in every word, leaving us with practical tips and heartfelt encouragement. This conversation is full of insights for anyone looking to carve out a space of rest in the whirlwind of life.

So, if you’re feeling the weight of exhaustion, let this episode be your invitation to discover a more rested, grace-filled existence! Remember, our journey towards rest is not just a personal quest; it’s an invitation to trust and lean into the pace God sets for us.

Our Sponsors:
* Check out and use my code cppodcast50 for a great deal:
* Visit HomeThreads.com/CPPODCAST today and get a 15% off code for your first order!


Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Guess who’s back on our podcast this week? The incredible Pastor Craig Groeschel. If you caught his last episode with us (which we'll link for you), you know you’re in for a treat, as the pastor of Life Church in Tulsa, OK, the voice behind The Craig Groeschel Leadership Podcast, and the author of 15 books, Pastor Craig shares so much wisdom and insight with us.

But today, we're diving into themes from his latest book, Think Ahead: 7 Decisions You Can Make Today for the God-Honoring Life You Want to Live Tomorrow.

As parents, we juggle countless decisions daily, often feeling overwhelmed by these choices’ sheer volume and weight. Pastor Craig joins us with a message of hope and strategy: the power of pre-deciding.

Craig’s message is a breath of fresh air for any parent feeling weighed down by the day-to-day decisions. It's a call to focus on what truly matters - our relationship with our kids and leading a life that honors God’s plan for us and our families. In this conversation we cover:

• The challenge of decision-making: why making decisions feels so daunting and how this impacts our family life.
• The art of pre-deciding: Craig shares how pre-deciding on certain aspects of our lives can significantly simplify our decision-making, making consistency with our kids more attainable.
• Reflecting family values: our decisions paint a picture of what we value as a family. Craig helps us see how our choices can reflect the God-honoring life we aspire to live.
• Prioritizing relationships: above efficiency, structure, or image, Craig reminds us that our relationship with our kids should always take precedence.

I promise you this conversation with Craig is enlightening and incredibly uplifting. It’s a reminder that, despite the challenges of parenting, there are strategies we can adopt to make the journey less burdensome and more fulfilling.

Connect With Pastor Craig Groschel online at https://www.craiggroeschel.com/

Grab your copy of Think Ahead Here

Or on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/craiggroeschel/

The Christian Parenting Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Our Sponsors:
* Check out and use my code cppodcast50 for a great deal:
* Visit HomeThreads.com/CPPODCAST today and get a 15% off code for your first order!


Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

As we wrap up our discipleship series, today's episode takes us into the heartfelt world of parenting adult children. I'm joined by Pamela Henkleman, a beacon of wisdom for mid-life moms, to explore this unique stage of our parenting journey.

In our conversation, Pamela offers some incredible insights:

• Navigating the empty nest: Understanding the transition from full house to empty nest and what this means for our daily lives.
• Discipling adult children: How Pamela discipled her own children, reflections on what she'd do differently, and the evolution of parenting styles as children grow into adulthood.
• Facing the prodigal reality: Addressing the heartache and hope when children stray from their faith, despite our best efforts.
• The importance of unconditional love: Emphasizing love over judgment and meeting our children where they are with humility and tenderness.
• Embracing our role: Recognizing that while we guide and disciple, perfection is not the goal – God is the perfect parent, intricately involved in our and our children's stories.

Pamela reminds us of a powerful perspective that I believe we all need to hear:

"Help me not to judge my kids for where they are at. Judging them is not my job, my job is to love them, help me to love. Humility and tenderness go a long way."

This quote encapsulates the essence of today's discussion and serves as a gentle reminder of our role as parents, no matter the age of our children. This episode is not just for those of us approaching or navigating the empty nest phase; it's a timeless reminder of the enduring nature of parental love.

Don't forget, our Discipleship Simplified guide is here to support you at every stage of your family's faith journey!

Connect With Pamela online at https://www.pamelahenkelman.com/ 

Or on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/phenkelman/

Grab the CP Discipleship Simplified guide cpgive.org

The Christian Parenting Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Our Sponsors:
* Check out and use my code cppodcast50 for a great deal:
* Visit HomeThreads.com/CPPODCAST today and get a 15% off code for your first order!


Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy