Risen Motherhood

When Dad has to work late (again) and mom feels like she's soldiering on with the children, is there a gracious response to give? Although the long days might leave a wife stuck in cycles of comparison with other families and even anger, God hasn't left her without hope and help. In this episode, Emily interviews Laura, who shares a bit of her experience as a mom whose husband works long hours. Whether your own husband just misses the occasional dinner, or travels for months at time, you're not going to want to miss the wisdom she shares! The gospel turns "fairness" on its head, and offers wives a better way forward - where her husband (or his job) isn't the enemy, and all her needs are met in Christ. Articles & Resources: Let Your Husband Be The Best Dad He Can Be - Laura Wifler  Motherhood Is Lonely - Laura Wifler 30 Day Husband Encouragement Challenge - Revive Our Hearts 31 Days of Praying For Your Husband - Revive Our Hearts Scraps - Jess Connell Do Him Good - Jess Connell Trusting God To Work Through Your Husband - Revive Our Hearts 10 Ways You Might be Disrespecting Your Husband - Kimberly Wagner (many examples that Laura gave on the show regarding lessons she's learned about approaching her husband graciously) The Meaning of Marriage: Facing the Complexities of Commitment With the Wisdom of God - Tim Keller w/Kathy Keller  1 Peter: A Living Hope in Christ - Jen Wilkin (a great bible study to help you process identity in Christ and how that impacts your relationship w/your husband and others) Verses Laura has memorized / used to remind her of truth in hard moments (ESV): -- Proverbs 16:24 Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body. -- Proverbs 31: 10-12 An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her and he will have no lack of gain. She does him good and not harm, all the days of her life. -- Proverbs 31:26 She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.  For More: To subscribe: on iOS, go to our iTunes page and subscribe. On Android, click this podcast RSS feed link and select your podcast app. You may need to copy the link into your favorite podcast app (like Overcast or Stitcher). Leave an iTunes review. These are huge for us! The more reviews, the greater chance another mother will find us. Like Risen Motherhood on Facebook and follow on Instagram and Twitter for the latest updates and related information. Let us know your thoughts! We'd love to hear more about the conversations you're having. Shoot us an email, or find us on on social media. Tell others. We truly hope this podcast fosters conversations and deeper discussions between mothers to seek the gospel in their daily activities - we'd be honored if you shared and encouraged others to listen in. *Affiliate links used where appropriate. Thanks for supporting this ministry!

When schedules are full and urgent needs abound, it's a struggle to run to God in prayer. We are hindered by distractions, unrealistic expectations, and even guilt, because we haven't already gone to our Father with our needs. In this episode, Valerie Woerner, joins Emily and Laura in a conversation about how moms can intentionally rely on God through prayer in each season. Valerie is a wife and mom herself, and is the founder of Val Marie Paper, which she started with a heart to provide women with practical tools for consistent prayer. If you are a mom hoping to be refreshed with gospel-truth and practical ideas for prayer, we know you'll be encouraged by this interview! More from Valerie Woerner: Val Marie Paper Women's Undated Prayer Journal (as mentioned on the show by Laura & Emily)  House Prayers + Free Printable Worksheets - Resource from Val for intentional prayer in different rooms of your house  Checkout Val's Blog Archive on the topic of Prayer for more great articles! New Morning Mercies - Paul David Tripp (Devotional mentioned by Val on the show)  E.M. Bounds on Prayer - Book mentioned by Val on the show Other Articles & Resources: Praying the Bible - Donald Whitney  Prayer - Tim Keller  10 Questions on Prayer with Tim Keller  Praying the Bible - Video Series (5 parts) with Donald Whitney  The Lord's Prayer - Audio series by Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth  31 Biblical Virtues to Pray for Your Children - Free printable (could tuck in your bible or hang next to your rocking chair!) For More: To subscribe: on iOS, go to our iTunes page and subscribe. On Android, click this podcast RSS feed link and select your podcast app. You may need to copy the link into your favorite podcast app (like Overcast or Stitcher). Leave an iTunes review. These are huge for us! The more reviews, the greater chance another mother will find us. Like Risen Motherhood on Facebook and follow on Instagram and Twitter for the latest updates and related information. Let us know your thoughts! We'd love to hear more about the conversations you're having. Shoot us an email, or find us on on social media. Tell others. We truly hope this podcast fosters conversations and deeper discussions between mothers to seek the gospel in their daily activities - we'd be honored if you shared and encouraged others to listen in. *Affiliate links used where appropriate - thanks for supporting this ministry!

Many moms wonder, "What is it going to be like to add another little one to our family?"...Through childbirth or adoption, the season of transition can cause everyone anxiety. In this episode, Emily and Laura talk about the way we face our limitations by looking to Christ, who ultimately fills our hearts with hope, not fear. God doesn't promise to spare us from spit-up, sleepless nights, blow-outs, or frustrated older siblings, but He does promise to use all things for our good and His glory. It's often the "out of control" seasons that remind us who's really in control. Articles & Resources: Ep. 33 || Intentional Motherhood Starts at Day One (podcast episode mentioned on today's show) A Prayer for Trusting Jesus in Our Seasons of Transition - Scotty Smith  The Seductive Song of Self-Pity - Michael Kelly  Loving the Little Years - Rachel Jankovic  Treasuring Christ When Your Hands are Full - Gloria Furman  The Mission Field of Motherhood Can be a Fearful Thing - Emily Jensen  Hope for the Mom With a Toddler and a Baby - Laura Wifler  Humble Roots - Hannah Anderson   For More: To subscribe: on iOS, go to our iTunes page and subscribe. On Android, click this podcast RSS feed link and select your podcast app. You may need to copy the link into your favorite podcast app (like Overcast or Stitcher). Leave an iTunes review. These are huge for us! The more reviews, the greater chance another mother will find us. Like Risen Motherhood on Facebook and follow on Instagram and Twitter for the latest updates and related information. Let us know your thoughts! We'd love to hear more about the conversations you're having. Shoot us an email, or find us on on social media. Tell others. We truly hope this podcast fosters conversations and deeper discussions between mothers to seek the gospel in their daily activities - we'd be honored if you shared and encouraged others to listen in. *Affiliate links used where appropriate. Thanks for supporting this ministry!

Even before walking down the aisle, questions start coming your way, "So when are you going to have children and how many do you guys want to have?!" As a couple who just wants to settle into married life first, it's natural to take the path-of-least resistance, neglecting to intentionally consider the hard questions about family planning. In this episode, Emily and Laura share the unexpected ways that God has shaped their ideas about children -- including family size, caring for orphans, and being unified with their husbands. There is no formula for a perfect Christian family plan, but we can all rest in our gospel-freedom, embracing children as the Lord does (sacrifices, messiness and all!).  Articles & Resources: How to leave a rating and review on iTunes Ask Us Anything Show || Ep. 54 Heart Questions to Ask: "How Many Children Should We Have?" Gospel-Centered Question for Family Planning - RM Blog Does the Priority of Orphan Care Mean We Should Stop Having Children? - Russell Moore Newlyweds, Be Open To God's Plan for Your Young Family - Emily Jensen  Principles for Thinking About Family Planning (as shared on the show): God loves life, and He is the ultimate giver / sustainer of life. God's glory is displayed through family relationships. God is Lord over the womb - He is sovereign over childbearing.  God thinks children are a blessing. God wants us to display the gospel as we sacrifice for the nurture of children - also, He loves the spread of the gospel from generation to generation, where parents disciple their children in the Lord.   For More: To subscribe: on iOS, go to our iTunes page and subscribe. On Android, click this podcast RSS feed link and select your podcast app. You may need to copy the link into your favorite podcast app (like Overcast or Stitcher). Leave an iTunes review. These are huge for us! The more reviews, the greater chance another mother will find us. Like Risen Motherhood on Facebook and follow on Instagram and Twitter for the latest updates and related information. Let us know your thoughts! We'd love to hear more about the conversations you're having. Shoot us an email, or find us on on social media. Tell others. We truly hope this podcast fosters conversations and deeper discussions between mothers to seek the gospel in their daily activities - we'd be honored if you shared and encouraged others to listen in.

In motherhood, sometimes unexpected and even grief-filled news about your child can change all of your hopes and dreams for the future. When her son Titus was flagged for having a small cerebellum at his 20-week ultrasound, Abigail Dodds and her husband began their God-appointed journey as parents to a child with special needs. In this episode, she shares wisdom, rooted in the truth of the gospel, about everything from facing fears of the future to facing the hard chaotic "I can't do this" moments of the present. Whether you are a mom to your own child with special needs, an Aunt or Grandparent of a child with special needs, or a woman hoping to come alongside a friend as a loving support -- this episode is for you! As you'll hear Abigail share, God's promises in Christ can provide true joy and encouragement in any circumstance. Articles & Resources: Abigail's Blog || Hope & Stay (here you can find lots of her writing on the topic of special needs)   The Works of God - A blog by John Knight with a wealth of helpful material Joni and Friends - Joni Erikson Tada is always inspirational and constantly points to Jesus. Also, she has a tab "Area Ministries" that can help connect you with a church that has a disability ministry.  God's Good Design in Disability - The audio archives from a Desiring God conference on disability in 2012 Disability and the Sovereign Goodness of God - Free .pdf download || resources from John Piper The Life We Never Expected: Hopeful Reflections on the Challenges of Parenting Children With Special Needs - Andrew & Rachel Wilson (foreword by Russell Moore)  The Life They Never Expected - Laura Dilly (book review / reflection)  Mix for Moms in Need of Hope - A collection of youtube songs (curated by Abigail) for grief and processing   For More: To subscribe: on iOS, go to our iTunes page and subscribe. On Android, click this podcast RSS feed link and select your podcast app. You may need to copy the link into your favorite podcast app (like Overcast or Stitcher). Leave an iTunes review. These are huge for us! The more reviews, the greater chance another mother will find us. Like Risen Motherhood on Facebook and follow on Instagram and Twitter for the latest updates and related information. Let us know your thoughts! We'd love to hear more about the conversations you're having. Shoot us an email, or find us on on social media. Tell others. We truly hope this podcast fosters conversations and deeper discussions between mothers to seek the gospel in their daily activities - we'd be honored if you shared and encouraged others to listen in.

Before we've even grown comfortable in the role of motherhood, it starts...the fall-to-the-floor tantrums, the food throwing, the back-talking, the hitting, and even the selective hearing. Suddenly, we're faced with the the reality that our children are sinners, and moreso, that God has given us the authority to do something about it! With a sea of opinions and resources, it's easy to just feel paralyzed. In this episode, Emily and Laura give an overview of discipline in the early years, especially focusing on using it as a tool to communicate the gospel.  Discipline will play out differently in each family, but the goal is the same: pointing our sinful children to their desperate need for the perfect Savior. Resources: Although neither of us follow, subscribe to, or endorse one particular book or method of discipline, we still wanted to share some resources we've learned from (in different ways). Please see this not as the "perfect" list for discipline resources, but as a place to begin your own prayerful research and learning! Shepherding a Child's Heart - Tedd Tripp Give Them Grace - Elyse Fitzpatrick, Jessica Thompson  Grace Based Discipline - Karis Kimmel Murray  How Does Scripture Teach Us to Discipline Our Kids? - Roundtable TGC discussion Parenting A Difficult Child - Julie Lowe  We've both learned a lot of practical insight from Jess Connell's blog - she's so candid and gives straightforward techniques to try, so search her archives. Here are some good ones to start with: How to Handle Tantrums How to Set Your Kids Up for Obedience  Why Require Unregenerate Children to Act Like They're Good? - John Piper Parents, Require Obedience of Your Children - John Piper Why We Don't Punish Our Kids - Sara Wallace  Give Them Grace (book review) - Bob Kellemen  Helping Children Discover Heart Idols - Tedd Tripp  My Child's Greatest Need - Paul Tripp  When You Don't Know How to Discipline - Emily Jensen 10 Promises for Parents - Kevin DeYoung  Why Kids Ask Why (and How to Respond Lovingly) - Jen Wilkin  Mentioned in the Show: Defining Discipline: Hebrews 12:3-11 (ESV) Practical Takeaways for Each Section of the Gospel Mentioned: Establish clear expectations according to God's word, and train the child to respond to those expectations. Practice immediate obedience when they are young with early commands like, "Come" or "Stop" in a low-stakes environment. When children fail obey at an age-appropriate level (and they will!), provide consistent, loving discipline (not in anger or with a desire to punish/shame). This might be things like: time-out, natural consequences, loss of privilege, verbal rebuke, spanking, etc. As the Holy Spirit leads, use discipline as a teachable moment to point the child to their need for a Savior. Pray together, hug, and always remember to reconcile after discipline -- forgiving them and keeping short accounts.  Train your children in righteousness by encouraging them, practicing "doing what is right" in a low-stakes environment, and equipping them in everyday situations. See discipline in the context of disciple-making, and give your children the bigger picture: they are an image-bearer of God, created for relationship with Him for His glory. For More: To subscribe: on iOS, go to our iTunes page and subscribe. On Android, click this podcast RSS feed link and select your podcast app. You may need to copy the link into your favorite podcast app (like Overcast or Stitcher). Leave an iTunes review. These are huge for us! The more reviews, the greater chance another mother will find us. Like Risen Motherhood on Facebook, Instagram and follow on Twitter for the latest updates and related information. Let us know your thoughts! We'd love to hear more about the conversations you're having. Shoot us an email, or find us on on social media. Tell others. We truly hope this podcast fosters conversations and deeper discussions between mothers to seek the gospel in their daily activities - we'd be honored if you shared and encouraged others to listen in. *Affiliate links used where appropriate to support this ministry. 

In today's culture, there is much debate about food, from the snacks on your toddler's plate to the liquid in their sippy cup. For every article that advocates for a certain diet, there is another one that says you should avoid it. Even the most research-savvy moms have a difficult time understanding how to love their family well by providing good food (without going overboard). In this episode, Emily and Laura discuss some common heart issues and gospel freedoms surrounding the issue of food. Holding to perfect food standards shouldn't be more important than the connection and fellowship we enjoy during meal times in the name of Christ.  Free Printable: By Copper Paper Co. // Download here 5x7, 8x10 Find all of our free printables here   Articles & Resources: Love to Eat, Hate to Eat - A series about idolatry and food, with Elyse Fitzpatrick   Organic Food, Essential Oils, & The Gospel of Grace - Stacy Raeoach Each One Should be Fully Convinced in His Own Mind - John Piper (on Romans 14 passage, mentioned in the show) What I Want My Daughters to Know About Food - Jenna Fleming  Enjoy - Trillia Newbell (Chapter 7, Taste & See)  For More: To subscribe: on iOS, go to our iTunes page and subscribe. On Android, click this podcast RSS feed link and select your podcast app. You may need to copy the link into your favorite podcast app (like Overcast or Stitcher). Leave an iTunes review. These are huge for us! The more reviews, the greater chance another mother will find us. Like Risen Motherhood on Facebook, Instagram and follow on Twitter for the latest updates and related information. Let us know your thoughts! We'd love to hear more about the conversations you're having. Shoot us an email, or find us on on social media. Tell others. We truly hope this podcast fosters conversations and deeper discussions between mothers to seek the gospel in their daily activities - we'd be honored if you shared and encouraged others to listen in. *Affiliate links used where appropriate to support this ministry.

Letting others into the imperfect mess of daily life is challenging in the easiest seasons, and holds particular stresses with little ones around. But should obstacles like disorganized toy rooms, meal planning, noise, and messes be a major deterrent to welcoming others in the name of Christ? In this episode, Emily and Laura discuss the biblical call to hospitality, and consider its importance, even in the season of young children. Because God welcomed us into his family when we were strangers at great personal cost to himself, we can extend that same welcome to others, even when it's not convenient. Articles & Other Resources: RM Ep. 43 || Serving Others Right Where You're At Why Hospitality Beats Entertaining - Jen Wilkin  How to Practice Biblical Hospitality - Pat Ennis  Gospel-Motivated Hospitality - (video) round table discussion w/Gloria Furman, Kathleen Neilson, Rosaria Butterfield Open Roof Hospitality - Melissa Krueger  You Can Be Hospitable, Even with Little - Trillia Newbell  Host Without Grumbling - Christina Fox  Children and Hospitality - Christina Fox   For More: To subscribe: on iOS, go to our iTunes page and subscribe. On Android, click this podcast RSS feed link and select your podcast app. You may need to copy the link into your favorite podcast app (like Overcast or Stitcher). Leave an iTunes review. These are huge for us! The more reviews, the greater chance another mother will find us. Like Risen Motherhood on Facebook, Instagram and follow on Twitter for the latest updates and related information. Let us know your thoughts! We'd love to hear more about the conversations you're having. Shoot us an email, or find us on on social media. Tell others. We truly hope this podcast fosters conversations and deeper discussions between mothers to seek the gospel in their daily activities - we'd be honored if you shared and encouraged others to listen in. *Affiliate links used where appropriate to support this ministry. 

Over the last year or so, we've had many questions from listeners about all things motherhood, ranging from the super practical to the thought-provoking theological. Although we've tried to keep up with answers, we thought it might also be fun to record an entire episode that was packed with frequently asked questions! In this special one-hour edition, Emily and Laura laugh and chat about coffee, maternity pants, daily routines, balancing time inside versus outside the home, and so much more. And of course, because it's still Risen Motherhood, we hope you also catch lots of ideas about how to apply the gospel to everyday life! Questions Answered (In Order) & Resources Mentioned: How many coffees do you drink each day (and when you're pregnant or nursing)? What are your go-to "momiforms," and what are your favorite places to shop for those pieces? Maternity: Gap, Old Navy, Pink Blush, Target Non-Maternity: Madewell, Nordstrom, Loft (Lou & Grey), Gap, Old Navy, Target Laura's Vans Ep. 08 || Top Knots & Leggings: What Difference Does Your Momiform Make? What are you currently doing for your quiet times? How do you choose what you’re going to do? Any you like or recommend to try? From Garden to Glory - Courtney Doctor  1 Peter: A living hope in Christ - Jen Wilkin  Grace: A bible study on Ephesians for Women - Keri Folmar Joy: A bible study on Philippians for Women - Keri Folmar The Lamb of God: Seeing Jesus in Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy - Nancy Guthrie  Articles Laura has written on this topic:  Tips For Getting In God's Word As A Young Mom See our Resources We Love Page for more bible study tools  What temperature do you keep your home in the winter months? What are your favorite resources for teaching little ones about God? See our Resources We Love  Page for ideas Browse the Show Archive Page by topic (specifically Training Children in the Gospel) to listen to all of our shows on these topics and read show notes for specific resources  What things are you involved in outside your home? What are your daily routines, and when do you do things like cook, clean, shop, workout, and play with the kids? Articles Emily has written on this topic:  Adding Structure to the Chaos: Living Intentionally With Your Littles  Heart Changes & Practical Habits for the Home Manager Articles Laura has written on this topic:  How Intentional Mornings Are Changing My Life To The Moms Who's Husbands Work Long Hours VIDEO: How to Add Structure With a Time-Blocking Calendar VIDEO: How I Meal Plan (Part I) // (Part II)  Ep. 43 || Serving Others Right Where You're At What is the balance of staying home and getting out with your kiddos and how/why have you intentionally chosen these commitments? Ep. 11 || What is Mom's Time Worth? How do you balance being involved in church things with your children's bedtime and naptime needs? How do you transition from full-time working to being a stay-at-home-mom? Articles Laura has written on this topic:  A New Mother's Fear: Finding Truth In My Changing Identity How To Make New Friends as a Stay-At-Home Mom Motherhood is Lonely Mom's So Lonely She Could Cry How do you offer discipline to your toddler? Spoiler: we're doing a whole episode on this soon!!  What's your favorite place to go on a date-night? How did you plan your family? Spoiler: we're doing a whole episode on this soon!! How do you transition from one to two, three, four or more kids? Spoiler: we're doing a whole episode on this soon!!  For More: To subscribe: on iOS, go to our iTunes page and subscribe. On Android, click this podcast RSS feed link and select your podcast app. You may need to copy the link into your favorite podcast app (like Overcast or Stitcher). Leave an iTunes review. These are huge for us! The more reviews, the greater chance another mother will find us. Like Risen Motherhood on Facebook, Instagram and follow on Twitter for the latest updates and related information. Let us know your thoughts! We'd love to hear more about the conversations you're having. Shoot us an email, or find us on on social media. Tell others. We truly hope this podcast fosters conversations and deeper discussions between mothers to seek the gospel in their daily activities - we'd be honored if you shared and encouraged others to listen in. *Affiliate links provided where appropriate - thanks for supporting our ministry!

With nearly-unlimited resources for motherhood, it can be difficult to figure out what's helpful and what subtly distracts from our primary mission as moms. Even in the Christian resources, there are great nuggets of truth, stirred together with potentially dangerous theology. How can we safely get the help we need for motherhood without deviating from the path of truth? In this episode, Emily and Laura discuss the common fears and missteps moms face as they navigate resources, and offer gospel-principles for "finding the meat and spitting out the bones". Because ultimately, when we are familiar with biblical truth we can be wise and discerning instead of scared and gullible. Helpful Questions for Discerning Resources: Check credentials / endorsements  Who is this person? Were they educated in their field, and if so, where? How are they getting their information and who else endorses it? What is their reputation? Check agenda What type of theology are they hoping the reader adopts? Is there an underlying ideology that influences their ideas? Check associations  Who do they "buddy-up" with? Are they involved in any questionable or unethical organizations, ministries or "tribes"? Check for the gospel What is their worldview? Is it gospel-centered or coming from a different perspective completely? Check for common issues of false teaching Prosperity gospel Works-based mentality  Encouraging hope in something / someone other than Christ (lifestyle, relationship, parenting method, finding the "perfect" balance, etc.) Culturally relative mentality: "whatever seems good to me or others must be right" Articles & Other Resources: True Hope for Moms: Discerning Lies You Hear Online - RM Episode 36 Can Christians Benefit From Books By Non-Believers? - Ask Pastor John 15 Discernment Diagnostics - Kevin DeYoung  For More: To subscribe: on iOS, go to our iTunes page and subscribe. On Android, click this podcast RSS feed link and select your podcast app. You may need to copy the link into your favorite podcast app (like Overcast or Stitcher). Leave an iTunes review. These are huge for us! The more reviews, the greater chance another mother will find us. Like Risen Motherhood on Facebook, Instagram and follow on Twitter for the latest updates and related information. Let us know your thoughts! We'd love to hear more about the conversations you're having. Shoot us an email, or find us on on social media. Tell others. We truly hope this podcast fosters conversations and deeper discussions between mothers to seek the gospel in their daily activities - we'd be honored if you shared and encouraged others to listen in.