For Parents

Mary & Rod have 4 boys - 3 are adults and their 4th came as somewhat of a total surprise! They talk about having their youngest son later in life, and how parenting him is a gift. They are incredible parents to boys, and their story will inspire you to treasure the moments with your kids.

In this episode Spencer shares about his mental illness, and the journey he has taken to persevere through this challenge. He talks about things his parents did to support him through the journey. He has found healing through sharing his journey, and bringing it out of the darkness into the light. For parents his story is a great reminder that as parents we do no get to write our children's stories.

Abbie and Rick are parents to three boys, and Noah, their oldest son, has down syndrome. They talk about what it was like when they first found out about his diagnosis, and how talking to another family a few years ahead of them gave them hope for Noah's future. That journey inspired them to help connect more parents raising children with down syndrome through an organization called HopeStory. Follow more of Noah's story here or here!

In this episode Lindsay and Steve talk about parenting this six kids. Their oldest is a girl, and she's in her 20s and married, the next is a girl in high school, the next is a girl in middle school the  next two are boys also in middle school in the same grade (they aren't twins - one is adopted and they other is biological), and their youngest is a girl they adopted from China. Their youngest daughter has down syndrome. You will hear about their journey to adopt Mabel from China, and it's amazing.

This episode is a conversation with Emily and Yancey, parents of two boys. Emily and Yancey met while serving in the military, and they share their experiences of raising their two boys while pursuing this calling. Military life has caused their family to move all over the world, and we talk about how their kids have learned to adjust to each new place. We talk about the challenging things about it, and the rewarding and wonderful things about this life.

In this episode Matt and Mary Kathryn share their story.  Matt is the Food Services Coordinator at a beautiful camp called New Life Ranch in Oklahoma so we talk a lot about camp life, why camp is special and a little bit about food.  However, we actually talk a lot more about the uncomfortable steps it took to move their family of five from the big city of Dallas to a small town in Oklahoma, and how they have seen God provide along the way.  Awesome and honest story!Check out New Life Ranch's website here!

While siblings do share parents, they typically have totally different personalities, interest and motivations. In this episode Collin, Spencer and Travis talk about ways their parents celebrated and supported their differences and fully invested in their lives. Hearing these grown boys talk about how much they appreciated their parents support provides a great perspective!

In this episode I talk with Laura about her experience growing up, and things that her parents did to help her know Jesus. She talks about what it is like now being a mom of a boy and girl, and how she felt compelled to start a podcast for kids. She will share how the podcast has helped her point her own children towards Jesus.  There's also a great story of being obedient when God prompts you towards something.  Even when you are thinking "surely not me!"  Check out Laura's podcasts for kids called Backseat Bible Nuggets here. Her dad and sister were also on the podcast in episode 26!

John is the founder of an organization called Middleman Ministries that supports the skateboard community by helping teenagers realize their IDENTITY, PURPOSE, and COMMUNITY in Christ. John lives in Waco with his wife and 3 kids. He loves skateboarding, fixing up cars and doing those things alongside other people. In this episode he will share so many great concepts that will make you think a little differently about parenting. For more info about Middleman Ministries check out this website and follow his instagram account (@middlemanskateboards).

This episode is a short story about what the kindness and generosity we experience when we share our painful journey with others. Warning: It includes a story about our sweet chocolate lab, Deuce. You might cry.