Be Love

In today's episode, we're diving deep into a concept that often slips through the cracks in the quest to be right - the delicate balance between being connected and being correct. We all love to be right, but what if that insistence on correctness starts getting in the way of our connections with others? We'll explore how prioritizing understanding, empathy, and genuine connection can be the key to flourishing relationships. It's a reminder that being in sync with others, especially our family, often trumps the satisfaction of being correct. So, buckle up and join me as we navigate the nuanced dance between correctness and connection, discovering the profound impact of putting relationships first.   BE LOVE do good is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be, visit www.ChristianParenting.org  

Today, we're thrilled to host Quilen and Hannah Blackwell, the visionary founders of Southside Blooms, a unique farm-to-vase florist on Chicago's Southside. Beyond crafting exquisite floral arrangements, Quilen and Hannah share the compelling story of their commitment to both the environment and the underserved communities they serve.    In our conversation, they discuss the intentional choice to establish their business in an impoverished neighborhood and the transformative power of "withness" as they actively engage with the community. The founders passionately recount their journey of investing in the lives of local teens, embodying a profound dedication to service.    We talk about how to make service the DNA of our families.    Join us for an inspiring dialogue on how Southside Blooms has become a symbol of positive change, illustrating the true essence of loving others well in every petal and person they touch.   Learn more about Southside Blooms    BE LOVE.do good is a part of the Christian Parenting P

In this insightful podcast episode featuring author, psychiatrist, well known speaker, Curt Thompson and his book, "The Deepest Place: Suffering and Formation of Hope," the discussion explores the profound significance of welcoming suffering in our lives. The conversation addresses the idea that to be human is to suffer and tackles the vital question of how we can welcome suffering rather than avoiding or ignoring it. Thompson's perspective emphasizes that if we are securely attached to Jesus, we ultimately live in a safe world. The episode also highlights the importance of experiencing suffering within a community, showcasing how shared struggles can shape and foster hope. Additionally, the hosts discuss the role of parents in guiding their children to understand and navigate suffering, emphasizing the importance of helping kids learn to suffer well. Tune in for an enriching conversation on the transformative power of embracing suffering and the role of community in shaping hope amidst life's challenges.  

In today's podcast, we delve into 6 practical tips for cultivating kindness in our children. Tune in to this short episode to discover effective strategies for nurturing a compassionate and considerate mindset in your kids.    BE LOVE do good is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be, visitwww.ChristianParenting.org  

In today's podcast, I had the privilege of interviewing Dr. Soo Battle, a board-certified and licensed pediatrician serving as the Medical Advisor at the Advocacy Center for Crime Victims & Children (ACCVC) in Waco, Texas. Dr. Battle is also the founder of Camp Careful, a program dedicated to reducing and preventing child sexual abuse through child empowerment, family education, and community awareness. Our conversation delved into the crucial topic of having open and sometimes awkward conversations with children about their bodies. Dr. Battle shared valuable insights on how parents can proactively engage with their kids, fostering an environment where they feel comfortable discussing boundaries and personal safety. Emphasizing the role of parents as the primary educators for their children, she underscored the importance of addressing these topics early on. A significant portion of our discussion focused on online safety, considering the prevalent risks of sexual exploitation in today's digital age. Dr.

In this podcast, we'll explore straightforward tips for sustaining a healthy family lifestyle. Discover how to make health a lasting part of your routine through effective planning, engaging in shared physical activities, involving your kids in preparing nutritious meals, and incorporating other simple tips to kickstart your journey toward a healthier lifestyle.   Get a weekly meal calendar   Learning to love our bodies blog post   Glass containers for fridge organization.   BE LOVE do good is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be, visitwww.ChristianParenting.org

In this insightful podcast episode, I had the privilege of interviewing Terry Crist, the author of "Loving Samaritans: Kindness in an Us vs Them World."   Together, we delved into the profound concept of loving others in today's complex world. Terry shared valuable insights on nurturing a culture of love, especially when faced with disagreements. A highlight of our conversation was his perspective on guiding our children to love others, even amidst differing opinions.   We explored intentional ways to embody the compassion of Jesus, discussing practical steps to be His hands and feet in a world often characterized by division. Tune in to discover how Terry's wisdom can inspire a transformative approach to kindness and love in an increasingly polarized society.   Pre-Order Terry’s book, it comes out January 30th   Follow Terry on Instagram   BE LOVE do good is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you

In this podcast episode, I'll show you an easy step by step way to involve your family in creating a shared mission for the new year. We've been doing this for a while and found it's a great way to get everyone on the same page and working towards a common goal.   Grab our family mission pledge to follow along with.  Follow along with our video teaching      BE LOVE do good is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical  and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be go to https://www.christianparenting.org/     Be strong. Protect the Weak. Love Everyone. www.bestrongstory.com

In this special episode, we invite you to join us in a heartfelt journey of reflection over the past year with your family. Whether it has been a year of triumphs or challenges, taking the time to pause and look back as a family can be a powerful experience. Ask each family member questions like: What were your favorite moments? What were the biggest challenges we faced together? How did we grow individually and as a family? By sharing these reflections, we not only appreciate the highs and lows but also recognize the goodness of God throughout.  Embracing this practice not only strengthens family bonds but also models to our kids the importance of gratitude and reflection in acknowledging God's goodness, even in the midst of life's uncertainties. Join us as we celebrate, learn, and grow together as a family in this season of reflection.   Questions to ask:  What were some of your favorite parts of the year? What brought you Joy this year? Who encouraged us? How can we say thank you? What did we miss the most

Join me for a Christmas breather as we navigate this busy season. Amidst the hustle and bustle of gathering presents and planning, it's common to feel the stress creeping in. Perhaps you forgot a gift or missed noting a Christmas party on your calendar. This is the time when everything can feel a bit overwhelming. In this episode, I invite you to take a moment to pause and find peace. Let's share a prayer together, offering you the opportunity to choose tranquility today and reflect on the true meaning of Christmas.   Did you know we wrote a children’s book: Great gift for the kids Get our book here:    BE LOVE do good is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be, visit www.ChristianParenting.org

In this insightful episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with Josh and Katie, the brilliant authors behind the upcoming book "New Person Same Marriage," set to be released in January. During our conversation, they took us on a vulnerable journey through the highs and lows of their own marriage rollercoaster. Their candid sharing of almost reaching the brink of falling apart was both heart-wrenching and inspiring. What sets their book apart are the game-changing principles they've unearthed to breathe new life into their relationship. Tune in to discover invaluable tips and advice for married couples, as Josh and Katie delve into recognizing warning signs or red flags, mastering the art of communication, and, most importantly, the transformative process of renewing a broken marriage. Whether you're navigating the complexities of your own relationship or simply curious about the secrets behind enduring partnerships, this episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to foster lasting love and connection.   Get

Ever feel the weight of ensuring the holidays are extra special for your kids? The pressure to orchestrate a myriad of activities, advents, and devotionals can be overwhelming, leading to a sense of dread rather than joy. What if this year, we embrace simplicity? What if we grant ourselves permission to focus on just ONE meaningful aspect and let go of the rest? Tune in as I share some uplifting thoughts on making Christmas simpler, alleviating the pressure, and allowing ourselves to truly enjoy the essence of the season.   Some ideas, but choose one or none! Just keep it simple and joyful.   Advent Prep Club Ann Voskamp Devotional Kid’s advent for Christian Parenting Giving Calendar   Did you know we wrote a children’s book: Great gift for the kids Get our book here:    BE LOVE do good is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be, visit www.ChristianParenting.org

In this compelling episode, we sit down with Ronald Oliver, who not only survived 27 summers in Angola prison but also emerged from the experience with a profound faith in God. As Ronald shares his extraordinary journey, he emphasizes the crucial role that trust in God played in navigating the challenges of incarceration. His unwavering faith is a beacon of hope, illustrating that even in the darkest moments, redemption and forgiveness are possible through a higher power. In addition to his own experiences, Ronald touches on the impact of parents in shaping the lives of their children. He reflects on the crucial role his own parents played in instilling values and resilience, underscoring the significance of parental guidance in molding the character of the next generation. Ronald's insights add a layer of depth to the conversation, highlighting the broader theme of familial influence on personal growth. Ronald's newly released book, "27 Summers: My Journey to Freedom, Forgiveness, and Redemption During My Ti

In today's podcast, I have the pleasure of interviewing Ciara Lane Myers, the insightful author of Glasses Off: Seeing God When Your Vision is Gone."    Our conversation delves into Ciara's personal journey of discovering her purpose, exploring how God reveals our unique gifts and callings even when they seem elusive. Ciara candidly discusses the challenges of maintaining a sense of purpose amid the busyness of motherhood, reassuring us that God has a special plan for each of us.    Addressing the universal question of purpose, Ciara shares a surprising revelation about how God spoke to her and provides a tangible method for listeners to connect with their own sense of purpose.    Stay tuned as Ciara generously imparts her wisdom and personal experiences, offering valuable insights on navigating life's twists and turns while staying attuned to the purpose that God has uniquely spoken into each of our lives.   Grab Ciaras book Glasses Off: Seeing God When Your Vision is Gone."    Get to know Ciara on Instagr

In this captivating interview with Lauren McAfee, we delved into the heart of her new book, "Beyond our Control,” that she wrote with her husband Michael.  Lauren shared with us her personal journey through some of life's most challenging moments, including her grief with infertility, her adoption journey, a cancer diagnosis, and a surprise battle with anxiety and panic attacks.   It was in these moments of vulnerability and uncertainty that she learned to navigate the depths of lament, and she found solace in clinging to God. Lauren's resilience and unwavering faith shine through as she recounts the transformative power of her faith during these profound challenges. "Beyond our Control" is not just a book; it's a testament to the human spirit's capacity for growth and healing in the face of life's most trying circumstances. Join us for an inspiring and thought-provoking discussion on how we can all find hope and purpose amidst life's challenges.   Grab their book:  Beyond Control Let Go of Unmet Expectatio

In this brief and heartfelt episode, we delve into the profound journey of being what your kids need. As parents, we often find ourselves confronted with the challenge of understanding and meeting our children's unique needs, especially when those needs differ from our own natural inclinations. Using a personal anecdote involving my daughter, I share the struggles I've encountered when trying to provide her with what she truly requires. Sometimes, it's the aspects of parenting that don't come naturally to us that can be the most demanding. I'll explore how faith and seeking God's guidance can offer solace and wisdom in our pursuit to become the parents our children need. Join me on this short but impactful episode as we navigate the intricate path of parenthood and discover the strength that lies in adapting to our children's distinctive needs.   Grab our children’s book here:   BE LOVE do good is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow int

Welcome to this episode of "Making Holidays Memorable with Your Kids," where we delve into the art of creating lasting memories during the holiday season with your children. We explore Thanksgiving traditions, discuss the importance of unique family rituals, emphasize the significance of planning in advance to reduce holiday stress and involve kids in the planning process. Additionally, we discuss the dangers of comparing your holiday experiences to others on social media and share stories of authenticity. Our goal is to inspire you to create lasting and cherished holiday memories with your loved ones. We would love for you to share some of our own over on Instagram or facebook @bestrongstory.   Grab our Children’s Book   Read about our traditions in Today Parents Get our Giving Calendar BE LOVE do good is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be, visit www.ChristianParenting.org

In our latest podcast episode, I had the pleasure of hosting the acclaimed author, Doug McElvey, to discuss his latest book, "Every Moment Holy: Volume 3; The Work of the People." We delved into the profound concept that every moment in our lives can be sacred and filled with meaning, even the seemingly mundane ones. Doug's book offers a collection of beautifully crafted prayers designed to help us find that holiness in the everyday. Our conversation was an exploration of the transformative power of recognizing the God in the ordinary, touching on how this realization can infuse our lives with purpose, gratitude, and a sense of reverence. Doug McElvey's insights were not only enlightening but also deeply moving, underscoring the universal importance of finding sacredness in our everyday experiences. His book, "Every Moment Holy," is a testament to the beauty and potential of the human experience, and our conversation was a heartfelt exploration of how we can all embrace the work of making each moment holy.  

I'm not sure about you but maintaining composure during my child's sporting events often feels like an insurmountable challenge. As a parent deeply involved in the world of sports, both as a former young athlete and as a parent with sports-loving kids, navigating this terrain can be quite the balancing act. We've all witnessed those impassioned parents on the sidelines, fervently arguing with referees – and perhaps, at times, that has been us. It's a place we've all found ourselves in. As my own children grow older, I've noticed that youth sports can sometimes bring out the worst in parents. This may manifest in the undue pressure we place on our children or the identity we associate with them as athletes. In our podcast, Coach Smith Getterman imparts invaluable insights into fostering a well-rounded, faith-centered approach to youth sports, steering clear of the pitfalls of being overly controlling as sports parents. Young athletes face a myriad of pressures from their parents. Coach Smith advocates for a sh

In this episode, we're joined by Ann White, author, speaker, and Bible teacher, discussing courage in parenting, and inspiring our kids to be courageous.   Ann White introduces her latest work, the "Courage for Life Study Bible for Women," and shares her personal journey and connection to courage through years of living a life of fear.   We explore the essence of courage in parenting, how faith plays a role, and practical tips for overcoming parenting fears. She answers questions of how do we teach our kids to know God and read his word. How do we set our kids up for success with the world can be a scary place.    Get Ann’s Courage Bible here:   Learn more about Ann here   Get Ann’s first book, Courage for Life: Discover a Life Full of Confidence, Hope, and Opportunity