This week, Elizabeth and Diane make an exciting announcement: The Intentional Motherhood Retreat is BACK for 2025 — this time, in Portland, Oregon from October 23-25! They discuss what the retreat is all about, why you should come, and what to expect if you haven’t been before.As retreat speakers and hosts, Elizabeth and Diane reflect on the deep connections, vulnerability, and transformation experienced in past years — building anticipation for what’s to come in 2025.This retreat is for women who desire to be mothers some day, all the way to grandmothers, and everyone in between — mothers of babies, toddlers, young children, teenagers, and adult children. This intergenerational gathering is a chance for all ages and stages of mothers to learn from one another, encourage each other, and simply be together. Because motherhood isn’t meant to be done alone.The late Dallas Willard said “Spiritual formation…can’t be a private thing… It is a matter of whole-life transformation. You need to seek out others in your community who are pursuing the renovation of the heart.”And that is exactly what we are going to do together. So come join us October 23rd through 25th for the Intentional Motherhood Retreat in Portland. We can’t wait to see you!Scripture Mentioned: Colossians 2:2-3Motherhood Retreat 2025: More Info + Purchase TicketsMarriage Retreat: SOLD OUTJoin Our Legacy BuildersWatch on YouTubeFollow Us on Instagram: @intentional_parents @brook_mosser @emosserFREE Text Message Daily Devotional MerchGrab a Copy of Our Book:Raising Passionate Jesus Followers (Now available in audiobook!)BlogThe Intentional Film Series

This week, we’re diving into the topic of emotional intelligence — the ability to recognize, understand, and manage emotions in both ourselves and those around us. Developing emotional intelligence helps us navigate life with maturity and stability, while also equipping us to guide our children in naming and managing their emotions with confidence and care.At its core, emotional intelligence is built on four key components: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management. These elements work together to shape how we understand ourselves, navigate our emotions, and connect with others.In this episode, we explore each of these components, acknowledging that some may come more naturally than others. We also take a closer look at generational differences in emotional intelligence and how we can break unhealthy patterns to cultivate emotional well-being for both ourselves and our kids.Join us for a candid and thought-provoking conversation filled with wisdom, reflection, encouragement, and scripture!Book Mentioned: Emotional Intelligence 2.0 by Jean Greaves, Travis Bradberry and Patrick M. LencioniScripture Mentioned: 2 Corinthians 7:10, Ephesians 4:26, Genesis 4:6, Ephesians 4:25-32, Jonah 4, Psalm 4:4, Proverbs 16:32, Proverbs 17:22, Psalm 32:3-5, Psalm 19:11, Psalm 19:14, Philippians 2:3-4, Galatians 4:19 + Romans 13:8-10Marriage Retreat: SOLD OUTJoin Our Legacy BuildersWatch on YouTubeFollow Us on Instagram: @intentional_parents @brook_mosser @emosserFREE Text Message Daily Devotional MerchGrab a Copy of Our Book:Raising Passionate Jesus Followers (Now available in audiobook!)BlogThe Intentional Film Series

This week, the entire Intentional team sits down to respond to your questions, covering a range of topics, including emotional availability, attachment, overstimulation with kids, physical intimacy in marriage, and navigating emotional pain with our children.We discuss the difficult task of staying emotionally present with toddlers while tending to household responsibilities. Elizabeth unpacks common misconceptions about attachment, explaining that secure attachment isn’t about being constantly available but is instead about a continued pattern of relating and knowing how to repair when we inevitably fall short.We delve into the reality of overstimulation and feeling “touched out” with kids — and how that may dissuade us from desiring physical intimacy with our spouse. We discuss practical ways to navigate this challenge, including clear communication and strategies for regulating your nervous system. We also acknowledge that while this season of parenting young children is emotionally, physically, mentally, and spiritually demanding, it also strengthens our resilience, helping us build tolerance for life’s everyday stresses.Finally, we tackle the question “Can we shield our children from emotional pain?” Instead of striving to protect them from every hardship, we discuss the importance of naming and acknowledging their pain, equipping them with tools to process their emotions, and ultimately pointing them to their heavenly Father as their true source of comfort and strength.Tune in for an honest, encouraging conversation about the complexities of parenting — and the grace we need to navigate it all.Scripture Mentioned: Luke 8:1-3, Luke 9:1-2, Psalm 32:7, Genesis 50:20, Genesis 39:21, Romans 8 + Psalm 91Marriage Retreat: SOLD OUTJoin Our Legacy BuildersWatch on YouTubeFollow Us on Instagram: @intentional_parents @brook_mosser @emosserFREE Text Message Daily Devotional MerchGrab a Copy of Our Book:Raising Passionate Jesus Followers (Now available in audiobook!)BlogThe Intentional Film Series

In this episode, the whole Intentional team comes together to unpack five essential practices for maintaining calm and regulation as parents — even in the midst of chaos. We explore how our response to our children must be rooted in humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness, and contentment.We discuss the fleshly desire to respond to heightened emotions and dysregulation in our kids by matching their intensity — and how that never works out well in the long run. Instead, we look to Jesus’ words in the Sermon on the Mount, where meekness is not weakness but strength under control, and ultimately, how “humility is the beginning of usability.”This scripture-rich conversation offers both a framework for responding when your child acts out and a way to proactively cultivate peace in your home. It’s a reminder that none of us parent perfectly — but by continually reorienting ourselves toward the words and ways of Jesus, we can navigate even the most intense moments with grace.Scripture Mentioned: Matthew 5:5, Romans 7:15-20, Proverbs 15:1+4, Ephesians 4:2, Matthew 11:28-30, Numbers 12:3, 1 Peter 5:5, Proverbs 24:16-18, John 8, 2 Peter 3:9, James 5:7, 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 + Matthew 18:21-22Marriage Retreat: SOLD OUTJoin Our Legacy BuildersWatch on YouTubeFollow Us on Instagram: @intentional_parents @brook_mosser @emosserFREE Text Message Daily Devotional MerchGrab a Copy of Our Book:Raising Passionate Jesus Followers (Now available in audiobook!)BlogThe Intentional Film Series

This week, we welcomed Sally Lemos, MS, LPC back on the show for a continued conversation around generational trauma, this time focused on the path to healing.Drawing from her own history of significant childhood trauma, Sally walked us through what it can look like to find healing and restoration, offering a raw account of her transition from denial and blame to naming and claiming. Sally’s healing process didn’t involve a clean, step-by-step checklist, but rather an openness to the One who saves — the One who provided resources and people to sit with her in the pain. We delve into the crucial aspects of healing, emphasizing the importance of recognizing when professional intervention is necessary and the need to avoid spiritual bypassing. Sally stresses that genuine healing demands personal transformation before one can effectively support others, and that it is a lifelong process. Together, we looked to heaven as the ultimate source of comfort, knowing that keeping an eternal perspective will give us strength in the midst of present struggles.Our conversation with Sally was raw, vulnerable and filled with hope — as again and again, we returned to the comforting reality: “But God.”NOTE: Please be advised the topics discussed in this show may not be suitable for younger audiences; please use your discretion when watching or listening.Listen to Part 1: “Generational Trauma, Wounded Parts and How Trauma is Passed Down (Interview with Sally Lemos, MS, LPC)”Sally Lemos, MS, LPC: New Bloom Therapy, InstagramBooks Mentioned: “Heaven” and “Heaven for Kids” by Randy AlcornScripture Mentioned: Ephesians 1:5, Matthew 3:17, Philippians 4:4-7 + Exodus 20:3-6Marriage Retreat: SOLD OUTJoin Our Legacy BuildersWatch on YouTubeFollow Us on Instagram: @intentional_parents @brook_mosser @emosserFREE Text Message Daily Devotional MerchGrab a Copy of Our Book:Raising Passionate Jesus Followers (Now available in audiobook!)BlogThe Intentional Film Series

Have you ever felt stuck in your decisions, as if changing your mind would mean admitting defeat? This week, we’re talking about the beauty and bravery of pivoting, whether it’s within your marriage, the way you parent your children, or other areas of life. We unpack the reasons we may have trouble granting ourselves permission to change, whether that’s worry, fear, pride, ignorance, identity, or even dynamics within our family of origin.Sometimes, the ideals we held before marriage or parenthood no longer fit the reality of our lives. Maybe your spouse or kids don’t match the expectations you once had — or maybe you have changed. And that’s okay! A willingness to adjust requires humility and a deep dependence on God, acknowledging that we are “poor in spirit” (Matthew 5:3) and are in need of His guidance to discern what needs to shift.In this episode, we explore practical ways to zoom out, reflect, and ask God, “Is this actually working?” We discuss tools like scripture, prayer, and the wisdom of community to navigate these changes. Plus, we share our own stories of moments, both big and small, where we’ve had to change course — and how those shifts brought unexpected peace and growth.If you’ve been waiting for permission to pivot, this is it. Join us for an encouraging, hope-filled conversation about embracing change with grace and courage.Scripture Mentioned: Proverbs 16:9, Genesis 18:22-33, Acts 27 + 28, Matthew 5-7, John 8:29, Daniel 1:8-10 + Ephesians 5:21-33Book Mentioned: “Searching for and Maintaining Peace: A Small Treatise on Peace of Heart” by Jacques PhilippeMarriage Retreat: SOLD OUTJoin Our Legacy BuildersWatch on YouTubeFollow Us on Instagram: @intentional_parents @brook_mosser @emosserFREE Text Message Daily Devotional MerchGrab a Copy of Our Book:Raising Passionate Jesus Followers (Now available in audiobook!)BlogThe Intentional Film Series

This week, we welcomed author, speaker, fellow podcaster, and overall inspiring, vibrant and magnetic human Annie F. Downs to the show.First, we highlighted the children’s book Annie co-wrote with her sister, ”Where Did TJ Go?”, which helps kids navigate grief and loss. The story was born from personal tragedy. After her sister’s family lost a baby, Annie wrote it for her nephew, Sam, to help him understand where his baby brother, TJ, had gone. What began as a heartfelt story for one child became a beautiful illustrated book that offers comfort to many.Annie wrote the book her family needed at the time but couldn’t find — a visual story that kids can connect to, pointing them to heaven, while acknowledging the deep sorrow they feel here on earth. Our conversation was hopeful yet honest, embracing the tension of holding both joy and suffering at once. We found comfort in the truth that “there is good news even in sad stories.”We also discussed singleness in the church, a topic Annie is passionate about through her work in the Single Purpose League as well as within her own personal life. She instilled wisdom on ways to bridge the gap between single people and married couples within the church, emphasizing the pressing need for increased communication across the board. While acknowledging the church’s shortcomings in embracing and empowering single people, Annie continually returns to grace.It was an absolute joy to have Annie F. Downs on the show — and we have a feeling this won’t be our last conversation!Materials + Resources Mentioned:Where Did TJ Go? (Released February 18, 2025)Pastoring Singles: A Free Resource for Church LeadershipSingle Purpose LeagueAnnie F. Downs: Website, That Sounds Fun Podcast, Books, InstagramScripture Mentioned: Romans 5:3-5, 1 Peter 1:6, Hebrews 11:6 + Hebrews 11:1Marriage Retreat: SOLD OUTJoin Our Legacy BuildersWatch on YouTubeFollow Us on Instagram: @intentional_parents @brook_mosser @emosserFREE Text Message Daily Devotional MerchGrab a Copy of Our Book:Raising Passionate Jesus Followers (Now available in audiobook!)BlogThe Intentional Film Series

The discussion delves into the deep commitment of marriage, especially through health challenges. Insights on avoiding bitterness while supporting a sick spouse reveal a need for honesty and shared faith. Parenting neurodiverse alongside neurotypical children poses unique trials, but grace and compassion are key. The speakers share personal experiences that emphasize community support and effective communication. Strategies for aligning parenting styles shine light on navigating family dynamics amidst difficulties, ultimately fostering connection and love.

In this conversation, Ruth Chou Simons, an author and mother of six boys, shares insights on nurturing deep connections with children, especially during adolescence. She emphasizes the importance of being vulnerable as parents and viewing parenting as a journey of mutual growth. Ruth reflects on her new children's book, inspired by Psalm 23, highlighting that true home is found in faith rather than a physical space. She also recounts the resilience needed during her son's biking accident, showcasing the transformative power of family and faith in tough times.

Dive into the heartfelt challenges and joys of raising neurodivergent children. Discover how faith intertwines with parenting, providing strength amid uncertainty. The discussion emphasizes the balance between grief and gratitude, highlighting personal growth through struggle. Listeners gain insights into fostering community support and open communication. Explore the emotional complexities of parenting in a neurodiverse context, embracing the journey towards resilience and understanding. A moving conversation that resonates with parents and advocates alike!