Be Love

As we celebrate our 21st wedding anniversary this month, I've been thinking a lot about how crucial it is to stay connected with your spouse, especially when life gets overwhelmingly busy with work, kids, and all the chaos that comes with it.  In this podcast episode, "Connecting with Your Spouse in Busy Times," I'll be sharing three simple yet powerful tips to help you maintain that deep connection with your partner this week. These tips are vital because, without intentional effort, we risk losing touch with each other over time. Remember, nurturing your relationship is an investment in a future where you're more in love than ever, ready to embark on new adventures together. Thanks for tuning in!  

In this episode of we're joined by Edward Grinnan, Editor-in-Chief of Guidepost magazine and author of "A Journey of Faith: A Mother’s Alzheimer’s, a Son’s Love, and His Search for Answers." Edward shares his heartfelt experiences caring for his mother battling Alzheimer's disease. We'll explore the challenges of being in the role of caregiver for aging parents, finding support, and how to navigate this journey while supporting one another. Edward emphasizes the pivotal role faith played in his journey, teaching him patience, empathy, and resilience during difficult times. This episode is essential listening for anyone caring for aging parents or facing the prospect of this journey in the future. You can find Edward Grinnan's book, "My Faith Journey," here.   Get Edwards book:  

In our podcast interview with Amanda Held  Opelt, author of "Holy Unhappiness: God, Goodness, and the Myth of the Blessed Life,"  we discussed the powerful role our emotions play in shaping our lives. Amanda's profound understanding, shaped by her own experiences, including the sudden loss of her sister Rachel Held Evans and her battle with infertility, serves as a poignant reminder to explore a more profound sense of fulfillment through faith while embracing the intricate tapestry of our emotions in our pursuit of genuine happiness.   Amanda challenged the conventional idea that achieving external markers of success guarantees happiness. Instead, she urged us to root ourselves in Christ to prevent our feelings from dictating our life's course. We also explored the importance of helping our children navigate uncomfortable emotions and coping with life's disappointments when our checkbox approach to happiness falls short.   Get Amanda’s book here Learn more about Amanda Held Opelt BE LOVE do good is a par

Is your family ready for school to start? My kids were a resounding, “NO”, their parents were a, “heck, yes!” In today’s episode, we talk about the significance of yearly family rituals before school and the power of our family pledge. These rituals are not just routines; they're moments of connection and goal-setting. We discuss how to involve your kids in setting goals and selecting a scripture for the year to bring unity and purpose to the year ahead. A family pledge is a statement of shared values. Learn how to create one that strengthens family bonds and reinforces core values. We provide examples and tips for involving everyone in its creation.   Grab ours here: www.bestrongstory.com 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 episode, we're joined by Kayla Craig, the author and podcast host of "Liturgies for Parents." Kayla's latest book, "Every Season Sacred, Reflections, Prayers, and Invitations to Nourish and Nurture your Family throughout the Year" is a practical guide for integrating faith into our busy lives. We discuss how to infuse spirituality into our thin margins, making it more than just another task on our to-do list.   Kayla’s new book is the guidebook we all need, to help us weave faith into our already busy lives. Kayla reminds us that we don't need to have everything figured out; the journey of faith can be taken with our families, one step at a time. Pre-Order and get lots of goodies: Every Season Sacred Listen to her podcast: Liturgies for Parents Get to know Kayla more: Website   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, I'm honored to have the opportunity to conduct a second interview with Max Lucado. If you missed his first podcast with us, you can listen to it here:   In this episode, we delve into his latest book, "God Never Gives up on You." Max, in his unique way, opens up with authenticity, sharing his personal journey. He is not only a highly accomplished author but also one of the most compassionate individuals I've had the pleasure of meeting. I'm confident you will appreciate Max and find this episode truly inspiring.    Preorder Max’s new book that comes out September 12 here:   Learn more about Max here   Head to our Instagram to win a free copy of Max’s new book   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  

How do we build a spiritual foundation with our kids? Where do we start? What are some of the building blocks are kids need to know? Join us today as we learn the answer to many of these questions.   Join Reverend Mamas Victoria Robb Powers and Cameron Mason Vickrey in this episode as they reveal the creation journey behind their new children's book, "My Love, God Is Everywhere."    The hosts discuss how their online community, dedicated to faith-based resources for parents and children, led to the realization of a much-needed book in the market. From a playful idea to a tangible August 15, 2023 release under Thomas Nelson, discover how this book emphasizes the enduring presence and unconditional love of God in a child's life.    Powers and Vickrey share insights into shifting the focus from God's power to His constant companionship, providing a solid foundation of faith that can withstand life's challenges.    Grab their book here: Learn more about Reverand Mamas on their instagram

In this episode, we had the pleasure of speaking with Mary Carmen Englert, author of "7 Pathways: Ancient Pathways to a Deeper Relationship with God. After a life-altering health trauma, Mary Carmen embarked on a transformative journey to nurture her connection with God through seven distinct pathways. Mary Carmen passionately guides us through each pathway, sharing personal stories and practical insights. If you don’t know where to start in a relationship with God, or your relationship you have had with God for years feels stagnant, this episode is for you.  Engaging with Scripture and Learning deepened her faith, and Surrendering brought liberation through trust in God's plan. For those seeking a more intimate spiritual connection, Mary Carmen's book and website (https://sevenpathways.com/) offer valuable tools to embark on your own journey. Join us to explore these 7 pathways and inspire a richer connection with God in your life. Grab her book here: https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1637631588?tag=

In my podcast episode today, I shared three valuable lessons from leading an organization that will also help me in parenting. As you listen, you may find one of these lessons particularly resonating with you. encourage you to try implementing that lesson in your parenting this week. Whether it's being more transparent in your communication, actively listening to your children's thoughts and feelings, or taking action based on these insights can make a significant positive impact on your family dynamic. So, give the episode a listen and pick one lesson to put into practice. Embracing these lessons both at work and at home can lead to a more fulfilling and rewarding journey as a leader and a parent. Enjoy the podcast, and I hope you find inspiration to make this week a little brighter for you and your children!    

We can teach it until we are blue in the face, and sometimes our kids have them and sometimes they don’t. But one day with enough practice they will start to get it!   I talk about 3 that we started early in this podcast, and why they matter!   Many parents wonder why their kids lack manners, but with consistent effort, we can positively shape their behavior. It starts with leading by example - demonstrating good manners ourselves, using "please," "thank you," and "excuse me" regularly. Positive reinforcement and gentle corrections are crucial in shaping their behavior. Explaining the reasons behind manners helps them understand the importance of being respectful and considerate. We can practice empathy and role-play scenarios to teach appropriate responses in different situations.    Remember, teaching manners is an ongoing process that requires patience and consistency. By guiding our kids, we can help them grow up to be polite and respectful individuals.   Check out the book I talked about today: 52 Moder

In this episode, we're excited to discuss Christian Bevere's new book, "Break Free from What Broke You: How God Redeems and Rewrites Your Story. Christian Bevere, a renowned author and speaker, delves into the powerful theme of redemption and how it can transform our brokenness into a beautiful new story. The book centers around the idea that all of us, at some point, face brokenness in our lives. Whether it's from past mistakes, hurts, or circumstances beyond our control, these broken pieces can leave us feeling defeated and lost. However, Christian Bevere reminds us that our brokenness is not the end of the story. God's redeeming power can rewrite our narrative and bring healing and purpose to our lives. Throughout the pages of "Break Free from What Broke You," Christian Bevere shares personal stories, biblical insights, and practical guidance to help readers embrace God's redemptive work. She emphasizes that no matter how shattered we may feel, there is hope and restoration available to us through God's lo

I have the pleasure of speaking with Leslie Schilling, a Registered Nutritionist and Dietitian and therapist, and the author of "Feed Your Self." Leslie's expertise lies in helping individuals foster a healthy relationship with food and their bodies, she focuses on teaching teens and adults how to be healthy and whole in a culture impacted by harmful diet culture norms. As parents, it can be challenging to navigate discussions about body image with our teenage children. Leslie provides valuable advice on initiating open and empathetic conversations about body image and self-esteem. With her guidance, we explore strategies to foster healthy habits without resorting to restrictive diets and instead focus on balanced nutrition and enjoying food while listening to our bodies' needs. During our conversation, we delve into the pervasive influence of diet culture, which has infiltrated various aspects of our lives and left a negative impact on body image and self-esteem for many individuals. Leslie shares valuable i

In this episode, we have the privilege of interviewing Ruth Chou Simmons, renowned author of "Pilgrim": 25 ways God’s Character Leads us Onward, and a speaker known for her empowering messages. Ruth is a mom of 6 boys and founded the company Gracelaced where she shares inspiration through art. Ruth discusses the transformative power of embracing life's challenges and reframing them as opportunities for personal growth, along with insights on self-compassion, forgiveness, gratitude, and finding peace amidst uncertainty.   Pilgrim reminds us of profound truths by showing us how God’s grace and provision shape each Christian’s unique journey of conforming to the image of Christ. On the path of spiritual growth and maturity, knowing God’s character makes all the difference. When your travels leave you worn and weary, God will not abandon you—you can lay your burdens in His hands, find hope in His presence, and follow His path as He leads you onward.   Get to know Ruth Check out Gracelaced Pre

One question I get asked all the time, “How do I teach my kiddos about God.” “Are the resources you suggest for my pre-teens?”   On this episode, we tackle a question that many parents ask: "How can I teach my kids about God?" We understand the importance of finding good devotionals and resources to guide children in their spiritual journey. In this episode, we share a wealth of recommendations that we've personally used and gathered from friends with kids in different stages of life. Join us as we explore ways to introduce your kids to God's love and wisdom.   Summer Devotional Plan: As the summer season approaches, it presents the perfect opportunity to start a devotional plan with your children. Use this time to engage in meaningful discussions about faith and introduce new concepts into their hearts. We provide practical ideas and suggestions for summer devotionals that will create a memorable and transformative experience for your family. Let this summer be a time of growth and spiritual connection.   Bi

Join us in this episode as we rediscover the transformative power of play and the importance of saying "yes" to playing with our kids. In our fast-paced lives, it's easy to overlook the simple joy of play and its profound impact on our relationships. Firstly, let's clarify that we're not advocating for constant entertainment of our kids. Boredom is actually a great thing as it fosters their imagination and creativity. However, in this episode, we focus on reigniting the playfulness within ourselves and embracing those moments when our children invite us to join in their play. We explore the significance of creating moments that foster connectedness and value in our relationships with our kids. Whether it's shooting hoops together or jumping on the trampoline, these playful activities serve as opportunities to strengthen the parent-child bond and cultivate deeper connections. Furthermore, we reflect on the importance of nurturing our own playful spirits. As adults, we often forget the joy and wonder that come

Join us in this captivating episode as we speak with Albert Tate, a renowned Los Angeles pastor and author of “Disobedient God: Trusting a God Who Goes Off Script.” Join us as we delve into the profound wisdom that Albert imparts, encouraging us to trust God even when His plans are beyond our comprehension. During the interview, Albert shares personal anecdotes and insights that challenge our limited understanding of God’s ways. He reminds us that although we may not always grasp His plan, God always knows what is best for us. Albert’s words provide the encouragement and reassurance we need to surrender control and place our trust in the unfathomable wisdom of the Almighty. Albert’s message serves as a beacon of hope for those navigating through uncertain times. He reminds us that even in the midst of confusion or hardship, God’s faithfulness remains unwavering. By surrendering our doubts and placing our trust in Him, we can experience the peace and fulfillment that comes from knowing we are in the hands of a

Join us in this episode as we speak with Dr. Chinwé Williams, LPC, NCC, author of "Beyond the Spiral: Why You Shouldn't Believe Everything Anxiety Tells You." In our conversation, we tackle the important topic of anxiety in teenagers and explore practical ways to provide support. Chinwe shares valuable insights on challenging anxious thoughts and empowering teens to navigate through anxiety. From fostering open communication to practicing self-care, this interview provides actionable strategies for helping teens with anxiety. Don't miss out on this insightful discussion that sheds light on supporting teens on their mental health journey.     Learn more about Chinwe Williams Grab her book: Beyond the Sprial  Check out her other book: SEEN: Despair and Anxiety in Kids and Teenagers and the Power of Connection    BE LOVE. do good is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org  

In today's podcast episode, we are thrilled to have Kyle Idleman author of the best seller (not a fan) as our special guest.    Kyle is the author of a new insightful book "When Your Way Isn't Working: Finding Purpose and Contentment with Deep Connection with Jesus."    His expertise in addressing challenges like feeling worn-out, discouraged, and inadequate makes this interview a must-listen.   During my conversation with Kyle, we explore the crucial message that Jesus wants us to remember when we face such struggles. Drawing from his book, Kyle shares the metaphor Jesus used to describe the good life: "I am the vine. You are the branches. Abide in me." This powerful concept emphasizes the importance of maintaining a deep connection with Jesus, regardless of the difficulties we encounter.   Throughout the podcast episode, Kyle sheds light on practical ways to find greater rest, depth, and connection in our lives. He encourages us to let go of the pressures of performance and productivity, acknowledging that

This week we talk about how we feel about our bodies. This can be a sensitive subject and one I want to honor. No matter our background or history, many of us struggle with seeing our bodies as good. We don’t automatically speak kindly to our bodies but expect our kiddos to treat theirs a different way than we treat ourselves.   Today I talk vulnerably about struggles and how we can help our kids see their bodies as gifts while teaching ourselves to experience that same gift.   More caught than taught is one of the phrases I live by. It’s never too late to practice loving our bodies, treating them with kindness in the way we view ourselves, but also the actions we take to keep them healthy and whole.     Ways to support our podcast: Leave a review Subscibe Follow us on social media @bestrongstory   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.o

Today I talk with the amazing and hilarious Jami Nato. If you don’t follow her on Instagram, stop what you are doing right now and go give her a follow @jaminato and be prepared to laugh your heart out.    Jami’s vulnerability and transparency are a gift to us. Today we laugh a lot, but also get serious when it comes to finding our journey by following the breadcrumbs of our past to discover your purpose today.    “Jami found her breadcrumbs in the rubble after her marriage fell apart. Downgraded from perfect Christian wife and mother to hot mess, she finally let go of what the world (and the church) said she should be and let God reforge her into a thriving, joyful woman living on purpose.   Jami has the hard questions and share what God has taught her through her own story-so you can step fully into yours.” Grab her her book Learn more about Jami  Follow her on insta    Leave us a review pretty please.