Don't Mom Alone Podcast

When she got married, Jamie Ivey became a pastor’s wife. Stepping into this role made her feel there was no one who she could be fully open with about her past. But, keeping these secrets kept her in shame and insecurity. In her new book, If You Only Knew**, she shares how opening up about her past revealed the beauty of God’s grace in her life and about the freedom it has brought her and others. (If you want to hear my “If You Only Knew” story about anxiety and anger, check it out over on Jamie’s “The Happy Hour” podcast.) What we chat about: Jamie Ivey’s story reconciling her past with her Christian walk. How sharing your story can show the beauty of God’s grace and redemption. Examining our underlying motivation for decisions. We are not in control of our kids’ salvation and that is a good thing! How to find a friend who is safe to share your full story with and how to be that type of friend. We can have compassion for the broken when we realize that it’s only by the grace of God we haven’t made bigger mistakes. Bringing discipline with your kids back around to the Gospel because that’s where the freedom lies. The importance of community and allowing others to speak truth into our lives when we fall into places of shame and guilt. God sees the righteousness of Jesus and not our shame when he looks at us. When to tell our kids about our stories and how important it is to talk about sex and places of sin in our homes first. “If You Only Knew” book **: Links Mentioned: Mary Flo Ridley & Megan Michelson — Episode 153– Continuing the Conversation (Birds & Bees) The Birds & Bees, So Help Me Please — Mary Flo Ridley Celebrate Recovery Steps into God’s Grace by Lynn Hoffman** Recovery for Life –Lynn Hoffman Episode 129

So much of parenting is really about the work God is doing in our own hearts. Jeannie Cunnion shares her story of being set free from the shame of her past and learning to let go of performance-based parenting. If you feel there IS something that separates you from the love of God, this is the episode for you. Jeannie shares encouraging truth and practical applications for giving ourselves and our kids grace. What we chat about: Why we need to be set free from shame of our pasts to live in the freedom of Christ. Jeannie’s story of a painful, short-lived marriage and the shame she carried from it. What performance-based parenting looks like. Shame-driven messages vs. grace-driven messages. We all have things that we believe will separate us from God, but he says nothing will separate us. Research about children who grow up in Christian homes. The importance of talking to our children about our failings and God’s grace. Creating a home of confession instead of a home of perfection. Acknowledge that we’re all going to make mistakes and that’s ok. Jeannie’s Three R’s: Remember, Rely and Recognize   Links Mentioned: Courtney DeFeo Jacque Watkins   Mudstory with Jeannie Cunnion–shattering shame and perfectionism Mom Set Free book** and Mom Set Free Bible Study** by Jeannie Cunnion How to {really} parent with grace Episode 55 Anchoring Our Kids’ Lovability in Christ Episode 91

As an author, event planner, teacher, wife, mom of 10 and grandmother to 2, September McCarthy has plenty to fill her days. She relates to the universal exhaustion on our mom souls–the beating ourselves up and the fighting for joy.  September has so much wisdom to share from what God has taught her in seasons of busyness and motherhood in different stages. Listen as we go through questions from GCM listeners on motherhood topics including finding joy in the hard times, the value of rest and bringing your children alongside you in your work as a mom. As moms we are going to be tired. Might as well be tired over the things that bring you joy. And choose those things. What we chat about: September’s motherhood story including miscarriages & infant loss.  Answers to questions from moms like you. Focusing less on feeling the joy in your days and more on gratitude. When you are in the busy seasons of life, be cautious what you take on. Ask yourself, do I need to do this? Not letting our “fear of missing out” for children direct our decisions.  The importance of guarding our thoughts and taking negative thoughts captive. “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”  Romans 12:2 There is value and strength in rest and doing what God wants for your body. Find one to two moms who can help you when you need it. Let go of feeling like you need to everything well and enjoy it. Bringing your kids into you work as a mom and encouraging them to work as a team. Tips on teaching character to kids who want your attention all the time. Links Mentioned: Hope for the Struggling Mom September McCarthy on Episode 15    Why Motherhood Matters book ** Start a GCM Podcast Club Parenting Scripts by Wendy Speake & Amber Lia** What Triggers Your Angry Reaction Episode with Amber Lia

If you’ve ever ended the day feeling like a failure and critiquing every misstep, then this episode on practicing self-compassion is for you. As a licensed marriage and family therapist and life coach, Kim Fredrickson has counseled and taught others about self-compassion for years. When she received an unexpected terminal diagnosis of pulmonary fibrosis, a rare side-effect of the treatment she had received for breast cancer, she wrote a book to leave for her children on giving that same compassion to the grandchildren she may never meet. When people feel ashamed, they blame other people because they feel like if I really look at my shame then I’m going to collapse inside. That’s why self-compassion is desperately important because kids feel shame a lot. They fail at everything at the start. What we chat about: Kim’s story of receiving a devastating diagnosis after completing treatment for breast cancer How she’s chosen to spend the years she has left with her family The new book she wrote for when her children have kids called “Give Your Kids a Break: Parenting with Compassion for You and Your Children” How it’s a process to develop a compassionate inner voice Applying grace and truth to every situation in our lives Variety of temperaments–some that are harder on themselves than others. The difference between self-compassion and self-pity Encouraging your children to practice self-compassion and reinforcing it by showing ourselves that same Giving our kids the language to identify their failings and separate them from their self- worth Moms have a really hard job. It’s ok to acknowledge that. The importance of taking care of ourselves as moms How to talk to your kids after you’ve been hard on yourself and reframing it with self compassion Links Mentioned: Kristi Clover — Simply Joyful Podcast Give Your Kids a Break : Parenting with Compassion for You and Your Children ** Give Yourself a Break **  Compassionate Self-Statements and Self-Soothing Exercises (CD and download) Kind and Compassionate Words to Soothe Your Soul  (Download)

It’s painful when our dreams fall apart. Stephanie Giddens shares how although her family’s dream to move to Africa didn’t work out, God gave her an even bigger dream for the refugee community in her own city. The God assigned her the privilege of building Vickery Trading Company. A company that provides for families, empowers refugee women and bridges cultural divides.  The GREAT news is you can be a part of empowering women by purchasing any of the sewn items! The BEST news is, they not only have adorable dresses for little girls, for a limited time they have holiday lounge pants for men, women and children!!! (Check them out here) What we chat about: The surprising twists and turns in Stephanie’s family’s story. Grieving over the death a dream and not understanding the “why” behind bad circumstances. We as believers get the privilege of being a part of God’s story. How Stephanie is helping refugees in Dallas with her children’s clothing company, Vickery Trading Co. The struggle that refugees face when they come to America. Stories of hope God has orchestrated with the refugees Stephanie works with Building community among people of different cultures by focusing on the commonalities we all have as people. English is one of the biggest barriers for refugees. How focusing on what is going well and on encouragement can make a big difference in your outlook on life. Links Mentioned: Vickery Trading Company  –special coupon code for GCM listeners: GCM15 for 15% off!!

Heather MacFadyen, mother of four boys, interviews guests discussing the topic of staying God-centered...both replacing "me" with "He" and remembering we are centered in Him.

Jump into this special episode from the God Centered Mom “Live” event held November 3 to celebrate four years of the GCM podcast. Guests, Kat Lee & Wynter Pitts share about mentorship, friendship and dealing with fear and insecurity in motherhood. What we chat about: Kat Lee and Wynter Pitts’ motherhood stories Dealing with insecurities in motherhood The importance of having mentors and deep friends in the motherhood journey Mentors don’t have to be older than you or available weekly. Find a way to make mentorship work for you. Think of areas you are struggling with and look for someone who excels in that area to mentor you, no matter their age Start or join a GCM podcast club as a way to connect with other women You can be a mentor too! Look for younger moms who need encouragement. We are never alone because God is with us, but it’s hard to remember that when life gets crazy. Kat and Wynter share what helps them remember God in the midst of life. “Should is not a sustainable why.” Don’t just do things you SHOULD do if you don’t have a good reason for WHY. Helping your kids develop healthy friendships and community Not trying to over control your children’s lives and praying through how involved you should be in their friendships Hope for dealing with irrational fears and grief Giving yourself permission to be honest with God when you aren’t coping well and realizing that he is good despite your circumstances Links for the above sponsors: Katie Orr–Focused15 studies (Ep 101) Light Em Up Gifts by Courtney DeFeo (Ep 50 & Ep 131) Write the Word Journals by Cultivate What Matters Shop (Ep 146) Revell and Baker Books Thank you to Giveaway Sponsors: Birds & Bees (Ep 25 & 153) Star from Afar (Ep 142) Waterloo Style Anchor of Hope Box Thomas Lettering Company Rad Joy (surrender cross & prayer cards) Music sung by Elena Pitts—“Even when it hurts” by Hillsong UNITED “HelloMornings” Book* by Kat Lee Start a GCM Podcast Club Paul David Tripp’s devotional, New Morning Mercies: A Daily Gospel Devotional ** Barefoot Dreams Bamboo Lite Wrap** (aka “The Blardigan”)   She Is Yours: Trusting God As You Raise the Girl He Gave You **  by Wynter Pitts  

Remember THAT viral video? You know, the one where the mom wears the Chewbacca mask? Her contagious laugh was heard all over the interwebs. Today my friend and vodcast host, Kay Wyma, and I are thrilled to chat with the one and only Chewbacca Mom, Candace Payne. Listen in as Candace gives us a glimpse into more of her story.  And talks about finding satisfying joy in all of life’s circumstances. Happiness brings instant gratification based on things that happen to us… Joy’s that thing that satisfies and lasts beyond [circumstances]. What we chat about: How joy informs who we are “behind the mask.” Finding joy in the little things… like a Chewbacca mask in the clearance aisle of Kohl’s. Overcoming adversity by choosing positivity. The two types of joy and where we can find true satisfaction. Changing a “never” list to an “always” list. Choosing hope over fear, and thriving even when the worst-case happens. What can happen when you stop living in anxiety. Fighting comparison, the frenemy of joy. Links Mentioned: “Laugh It Up!” by Candace Payne**  When Your Wounded Soul Needs a Smiling God with Lisa Harper Kay Wyma and the SaySomething Show

Born four days apart in 1977, Travis (aka “Thi’sl”) and I didn’t choose where or to whom we were born. But God did. And He placed us in very different homes and stories. Yet the gospel intersected both of our lives, pulled us forward and continues to pull us. Granted, Travis’ transformation is a lil more interesting and dramatic than mine. But we both were sinners in need of a Savior. And around our 40th birthdays, our paths crossed with an invitation for a trip to Israel. After hearing bits & pieces of Travis’ story while on our trip and then hearing him perform and share his testimony at a concert. . .I knew I had to share “Thi’sl” with y’all. In this episode you’ll gain hope for any loved one or situation you think is “too far gone” for God to redeem. You’ll be reminded that God is in the business of rescuing and making things right. And that God fights for you (which ironically my pastor reminded us of yesterday). You can drop your weapons of control. You can surrender your way and follow God’s way. And believe God is for you and He CAN free you (spoiler alert: just like how He actually freed Travis from prison!!). (Here’s a little pic with some of my fam and me visiting Thi’sl before his concert) At the end of the interview Travis shares 3 questions he answers in his book, “Against All Odds”: What is my identity. What am I living for? Am I too far gone for God to use me? Here are his answers: You’re not too far gone. God created you for a purpose. God made you in His image. Boom. Connect with Thi’sl: Website Facebook Instagram Twitter Music–iTunes–Levitate Album Links Mentioned: “Against All Odds” by Travis Tyler** “Against All Odds : Life Application” by Travis Tyler Flame–Clear Sight Music HogMob Sevin (click on this link and also hear him preach!) “Tears” by Thi’sl & Ellie Holcomb  (Ellie on GCM Podcast listen here)  

What we chat about: How friends can support and love a family whose child has autism. What to do when your child doesn’t get invited to birthday parties. Facilitating friendships for your child with autism. How to help them get through puberty. How to talk to your child about their diagnosis. How do you know the difference between a symptom of autism and behavior needing discipline. What can your expectations be in teaching your child with autism about Jesus? Biblical Counseling Resources: American Association of Christian Counselors The Timothy Center (Online Counseling Options) Association of Certified Biblical Counselors Southlake Christian Counseling (Video Counseling Options) Tiffany Ashenfelter (Skype Sessions) Spero Therapy Services (Skype Sessions available) Links Mentioned: 10 Ways Loving a Child with Autism has Made our Family Stronger An Alphabet of Autism and Grace A is for Awe (An Alphabet of Autism and Grace) B is for Bridges (An Alphabet of Autism and Grace) C is for Collaborate (What to do with your Broken Heart)