For Parents

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.

If you are wondering what CODAS is, it stands for ChildrenOfDeafAdultsIn this episode Adelina, Sabrina and Monica share what it is like having parents who can not hear. As you will discover in the episode these sisters are resourceful, hard-working, delightful and engaging. Much of who they are is because their parents are Jack and Grace, two incredible people who have lived their entire lives deaf. It’s an incredible episode!!

Kathleen is a mom of two adult children. Kathleen and her husband found out when their daughter was a few months old that she had a rare genetic disorder.  While the disorder causes her daughter to have some delays, it doesn’t mean she can’t do it. From day one she has been her daughter’s advocate and cheerleader - learning when to step in and when to not intervene. Kathie talks very honestly about being a mom to a child that struggles to accomplish the things that other kids might soar through, and she really doesn’t sugar coat her experience. On top of the genetic disorder her daughter was diagnosed with diabetes and a little later with Celiacs, a autoimmune disorder. Kathleen brings a unique perspective that will help us all see a perspective that we have not seen before.

Zach talks about the hurt he experienced in his growing up years and what happened as he became an adult to heal those wounds. Spurred by his own experiences he started a mentoring program in Dallas which allows children without father figures to have a relationship with men that follow Jesus. All the links referenced:You Can MentorForerunner MentoringPodcastZach's bookThe Blog Post that made me cry