All the Mom Things Podcast

This time we're talking about having conversations with your kids—the ones that can sometimes be awkward or difficult, but are super important to have. Because we don't want to shy away from having these conversations and we want to welcome their questions even about topics that surprise us. So listen in today for some tips about what to think about before and during your talks with your kids!

Welcome to this month's episode of All the Mom Things! Today we're talking about celebrations. From birthdays to holidays and more! How do we make them memorable, yet reasonable while keeping it sane and simple too. We're so glad you're here!  

In this episode we're talking about what we've learned through every season of motherhood. The good, the hard, the embarrassing, and everything in between. So regardless of what stage of mothering you're in, this episode is for you!

In this episode, we're talking about love ... What that looks like in our relationship with God, our families, our different relationships in the community, those who are “hard to love” and even ourselves. It's a great and encouraging conversation, so listen in! 

This month we're talking about habits. The ones we want to grow in and keep, and the ones we really need to get rid of. So Happy New Year, friend!  We hope you enjoy this episode and are inspired to make your own "to keep and to toss" lists too!     

It's Christmastime, and we have a little podcast gift for you! It's a seasonal biblical blessing of sorts. As you listen along, may these words sink down deep, finding a welcome home–covering and comforting any stressed-out, rushed, overwhelmed or tense places within your heart.  So grab a cup of something warm and soothing, and breathe deeply as these words remind us of the beautiful roots of this glorious season. Merry Christmas!

Well hello there, friends! Today we're continuing our conversation about all our favorite mom things ... Last time, we touched on favorite things to read and listen to, so if you haven't yet listened to Episode 63, we encourage you to do that! Today we'll cover more of our favorites from ways to relax, simple family activities, ways to keep organized and more!   

Welcome back to another new episode, friends! This month we're talking about our favorite things from books to food to music and more … We love it when our friends share their favorite things, so we're doing you the favor of maybe introducing you to some of your future favorites!  This is Part 1, and next month we'll be back with Part 2 with more of our favorites. Listen in!   

Well hello there, friends. Today we're talking about our kids and worry.  Often this time of year is filled with firsts:  First day of kindergarten. Middle school. High school. College. Maybe your child is starting a new sport, playing a new instrument, or trying out a new activity. New things can be scary, right? Or maybe there are some much deeper issues like mental health and anxiety... and we're going to talk about some of those things too. All these can cause sleepless nights, or feelings of trepidation — for both you AND your child. So let's talk about it.  

We are delighted you've chosen to join us for this special episode of All the Mom Things where we're talking about some practical and fun ways to simplify our summer mindsets. Each year, we love to send you off for the summer with something encouraging and that's a blessing of sorts. So let's get to it!

Today we're talking about all those things we wish we knew before our teens graduated high school! We'll talk about the things we did do and the things we wish we would have or could have done. Join us this month for the good, the hard, and everything in-between.   

We're delighted you've chosen to join us for this special episode of All the Mom Things where we answer YOUR questions! 

Today we're talking about all those things that make us uniquely, well, us! Those gifts and talents and bents that make up our own specialized versions of ourselves. Because we were never meant to be cookie-cutter versions of each other, especially in our mom-life. God has made each one of us with our own unique quirks and talents that make us one-of-a-kind. Yes, we're made in His image, and we reflect our Creator, but we are also completely customized, so to speak. We think you'll enjoy and gain a lot from this month's conversation!  Some reflection questions we asked in this episode: Who are you really, and how can you bring her out with the way you're living?  What would make being a mom more enjoyable or utilize what you're good at? What depletes you?  What fills you up? What's your “special sauce” ... what do you bring to motherhood that's so uniquely YOU? What compliments have others given you about who you are or your mothering?  

Hi again, friend … We're so happy you're back for another episode of All the Mom Things. We're delighted you're listening in to today's conversation about emotional health as a mom.  We release new episodes on the first Wednesday of each month of the year, minus the summer months when we take a break from recording. Let's get this conversation going!  

In this episode, we're talking about things our mom hearts need to hear. Because let's be honest, mothering is hard, right? Like we say in our book, Shiny Things, mothering is “hard and holy work.” So with that said, we think we can all agree that we need lots of encouragement as moms. So today we're going to chat through things our hearts need to hear. Listen in!

This season, amid the craziness, the packed schedules, the busyness, the noise, the flashing lights, and all the ads that encourage us to buy more to be more, may our hearts quiet for a moment to reflect on the real reason of the season: Jesus, God in the flesh, the unexpected infant who became the Savior of the world. The Messiah. The Prince of Peace. The ultimate Gift. Immanuel: God with us.  What is He whispering to your heart in this season? In what ways are you seeing His fingerprints? As you take a moment to listen to the stirrings of your own heart, may these words draw you closer to the feet of Jesus, allowing His hope and His peace to have the final word.  

We all have times in life when we're down and out, our joy is gone and things are just hard. Today we're going to discuss how we navigate times and seasons like these and what was helpful to us. We hope you come away encouraged by two friends who get you.   

Today we're talking about ways we can be kind to ourselves. — I think as moms and as women, it's very natural for us to think about everyone else in our sphere. And we often forget that we need to make sure we're taking care of ourselves as well. Am I right?! We forget this little fact and then try to run on Empty, maybe even on Reserve. So today we're going to chat about that. To dive in deep into the ways we can love and serve our people as well as be good stewards of the one life here on earth we are given. 

If there's anything we want in this current season we're in, it's to be fully alive as a Christ-follower, woman, mom and all the other roles we play. Sometimes it's like we're sleepwalking and letting difficult circumstances become the whole of who we are. This month, we want to talk about coming alive as a mom and (dare we say) be a fun mom too? Let's dive in. 

As summer begins, let's pray together as some of us are bursting with excitement over the fun, relaxation and lazy days ahead with our families… while others of us are overwhelmed, stressed and already tired thinking of the days to come for various reasons. And excitement isn't exactly how we'd describe it. Either way, we all need the same thing: So much grace. If you're feeling anxious or excited about this summer — either way — A Prayer For Us All as Summer Begins is for you!  We take each summer off from producing new episodes, so until we talk again in the Fall, have an amazing summer, friends. 

Listen in to one of our favorite episodes yet! This month we're discussing the importance of friendship in the life of a mom … What things we should consider as a friend and what pitfalls we want to avoid. We also discuss important topics such as personal preferences, expectations, comparing ourselves to our friends, being a trustworthy friend and more!     

This month on All the Mom Things we're talking about our favorite mom hacks and life savers. These are practical tips and tricks we've picked up or created along the way — the things that are keeping us organized and sane, and that free us up to enjoy our lives! What hacks and life savers are saving your life right now?   

We all have people in our lives who challenge us ... They might be family members, our own children, or other adults in our lives. In this episode, we're discussing who we want to be as people — as moms — if the people in our lives never change?  What would it look like if we accepted where they're at, and decided who we want to be in the process?  We hope you'll find this discussion thought-provoking and helpful, friends. Thanks for listening!

Join us as we start a 2-part series discussing two topics that are truly important to us.  This month, Anne-Renee will be heading up our discussion as we talk about passing the baton of faith to our kids. And next month, Amanda will be leading a conversation around accepting where our people are … And deciding who we want to be in the process. Passing the baton of faith on to our children is a tender topic for us here at All the Mom Things. Both of us have older teens and young adults who are just now making their way out in the big world. The things we're going to be talking about today, this subject in general, is very close to our hearts. So listen in for a humble and prayerful conversation about passing our faith on to our kids. We're so glad you're here! 

Here at All the Mom Things Podcast, we're starting off the year slowly and with intentionality. This is not another podcast episode encouraging you to clean out your pantry or organize your closet. This is a simple reminder for all of us to pause before we begin… well, anything. To quiet our souls and listen. To hush. Pay attention. And breathe. To slow down long enough to think of each movement of air going in and out of our bodies, and what a gift it is.  In the wise words of C.S. Lewis, “God doesn't want something from us. He simply wants us.”

This month, we're having an interesting conversation about what it might look like to be a mom who abides…  What does that mean? What does Scripture say about abiding? How can we live this way in our everyday lives? Listen in and be encouraged! 

What would it look like for us to be a blessing to those we live and do life with? What does it mean to bless others and God? We hope you'll be encouraged through this month's episode, moms! 

Today we're talking about making time for God when kids and life seem to take all your time. Because isn't this such a dilemma for Christian moms everywhere? As we'll talk about in the episode, spending time with God doesn't have to look one certain way, but the goal is to turn to God all throughout our day. Join us for this honest and helpful conversation!

Hello, friends! This month we're chatting about our desire to be more fun and lighthearted with our families. Because who wants to be a grumpy mom?! Not us! And we're guessing you don't either! But just wanting to do something, and actually doing it, are two different things. So today we're going to talk about: What causes us to get into rigid routines and reactions with our people? What Scripture says about the attitude of our hearts.  Practical ways to become more flexible, lighthearted mamas. No matter if you're a lighthearted mom already, or feel like you have room to grow in this area, this is a great topic for all of us.

Summertime is often something that either stresses us out, or gets us really excited. So whatever summer looks like for you, we pray you find yourself somewhere in these hope-filled words. May these few precious months not overwhelm, but overflow – your heart, your mind, and your home. And with that, we give you… A Summer Blessing. After a summer of rest, we'll be back this fall with brand-new episodes!

Friends, you are going to love this episode as we have a conversation with Renee Swope, author of A Confident Mom, and discuss the topic of her newest book. It's one you are not going to want to miss! The wisdom she shares as a parent of teens through adults is so helpful and timely for us all. We were soaking up every word and we know you will too!  

Hey, friends! In this episode, we're talking about the things we'd like to tell our younger selves. What do we wish we'd known when we were just starting out as moms twenty years ago? And what would we want to pass along to you as you mother your own kids? It's a rich episode, full of what we've learned and some of what we're still wrestling with. We hope it helps you reminisce about what you would tell your younger mom self too!

In this episode, we're going to chat openly and honestly about how we've wrongly thought if we did XYZ with our kids and took all right steps, they would magically turn into obedient little humans… always listening, always following directions. Because good parenting should produce a well behaved child, right?! Well as most of you know, this is not true. There is no magic parenting formulas, and there is no perfect children (or parents, for that matter.) Listen in to this month's episode as we discuss what we've learned after two decades of parenting and what we've gotten wrong along the way. 

We're so happy to have you listening in today as we talk about friendship. Friendship is amazing... and friendship can also be hard or tricky, especially combined with the busy season of motherhood we're in the middle of. We hope you find some help and encouragement for your mom life in this episode, friends! 

After the craziness of the holidays, we thought we could all use a bit of a grace-filled topic. So today we're going to talk about implementing more of what we love about the holiday season, and how we can bring those concepts along with us as we enter a new year. Instead of all the lists, resolutions, or things we want to DO in 2022, these are all the ways we want to SAVOR what's most important to us. Listen in!

In light of the busyness of the season, we thought you might need a bit of a break from it all—a breath of fresh air granting rest to your rushed, weary souls. We pray this 6-minute episode set fully to music is just the hug your heart needs during December … and beyond.

In this month's episode, we're talking about being too busy with life and our responsibilities that we neglect teaching and walking with our kids in the gospel. Listen in!

For many of us, age can be somewhat of an uncomfortable topic. We don't like to think of ourselves in terms of growing older. Our grandparents and parents are the ones who are old... not us! So how do we age with grace? Let's talk about it.

Welcome back for Episode 32! We love having these monthly discussions that breathe some new life into our mom lives, and we hope they do the same for you. Today we're talking about… When do you feel the most like yourself? What makes you come alive? And what would it look like for you to mother from those places?? Join us!

Raise your hand if you're ready to jump into a bit of a tricky topic. Okay… so we might not feel totally ready to chat about this, but it's a new month, it's almost a new season, so today we're going to talk about who we are in all the places. Who we are at home. At work. At the grocery store. At church. Are we the same person with our people inside our own homes as we are in front of others? Listen in to this month's conversation on All the Mom Things!

In this month's short episode, we're talking about taking a break from some of the things in our normal life and routine. Sometimes we forget to press pause, and summer feels like the right time to think about it. Sometimes we get so busy doing what we always do, that we forget that everything isn't necessary all of the time.  There's a time and season for everything, so let's chat about taking a short break this summer from some of the things we ALWAYS do, and maybe, just maybe we'll come back refreshed.

This time, we’re talking about control and mothering. Because moms are responsible for an awful lot of things, right?! And since we are in charge of so much (think diapers, snacks, water bottles, and extra clothes for the child that refuses to stay clean), sometimes the responsibility juggle can evolve into some rather, well, controlling behaviors. (Gulp.) So instead of ignoring it, let's talk about it. Thanks for listening to this month's episode of All the Mom Things podcast!

This month on the show, we welcome our friend and special guest, Jennifer Dukes Lee. We hope you enjoy this conversation with Jennifer around the topic of her newest book, Growing Slow: Lessons on Un-Hurrying Your Heart from an Accidental Farm Girl. Growing Slow is a message that was born after years of stress and fast-paced living. Listen in as we discuss how this way of living caught up with Jennifer in a dramatic way and how her life changed as a result. You'll be so glad you did!

It’s hard to believe that almost 2 years has passed since our book, SHINY THINGS: Mothering on Purpose in a World of Distractions, made its way out into the world! In some ways it feels like yesterday … and in other ways, it feels like a lifetime ago. A lot has happened since spring of 2019, right?! So we thought today might be a good day for a little recap — giving you an inside peek into what has happened since our book came out, and where we are in our distraction journey in the right here, right now.   Plus, we're doing an awesome GIVEAWAY!!! In honor of our 2 year book-iversary, we're giving away a set of 5 books to 2 lucky winners. Now you can finally have that book club you've been dreaming of. (Inserts all the whoops and hollers here!) Enter to win at www.allthemomthingspodcast.com on the Episode 27 show notes!

Today we’re talking about REST. And after the frenzied, yet slowed down year we’ve all walked through, some of us moms are needing some serious rest. But we don’t always know what that means, what it could look like for us, and how in the world we could pull that off when life looks like it does. So… let’s talk about it!

We're pretty sure we can all agree that as moms — well as humans for that matter — we like to see RESULTS. We forget that motherhood is more like a marathon … a long haul race. So today we’re going to talk about not just behavioral change, but the real, true heart change we’d like to see in the lives of our kids. Thanks for taking the time to listen in and join in the conversation!

In this episode at the start of the year, we're talking about list-making! The two of us LOVE lists. So if you want some ideas of how to track your life and make lists that bring life instead of shame and guilt, this episode is for you, friend!  

Being a critic comes much easier for most of us than taking the time and the discipline to sift through hard things and find the good. Because it’s easy to see the negative, right? So as we come to the end of 2020, we thought we’d assemble our own list (not a complete list), but start a list of good things that would encourage our hearts and hopefully encourage yours as well. Happy listening, dear friends. And happy New Year!

This month we’re talking about contentment with a side of gratitude thrown in along with a discussion about what we do when we need to make some changes because things just aren’t right… and we’re discontent for a reason.  We also want to acknowledge that this year, this election season, and this pandemic has left our emotions heightened… so please know that we recognize this as we discuss this topic today.  November is stereotypically gratitude month… but we don’t want to gloss over and pretend everything’s okay just because it’s November and we’re super grateful! We want to trust God, considering that He is sovereign, and all the things that point us to a grateful and even joyful perspective. We hope you'll listen in!

Change seems inevitable, doesn't it? Seasons change. Weather changes. Our children grow and change. And as busy mamas, our schedules seem to be constantly shifting and changing. Like the saying goes, “The only thing that is constant is change.” As hard as we try, we cannot plan out and predict the outcome for every single thing in life. But we can choose how we respond to it. So that’s what we’re going to talk about today... expectations, changes, and our ability to be flexible and go with the flow (or not). Thanks for taking time to join in the conversation! We're thrilled you're here.

It seems like there’s a lot of talk lately about moms needing ways to pause and breathe through tension, anxiety, tough situations or burn out... a need for respite and peace.  So we want this episode — Relief From the Anxiety of Right Now, to help us all take a deep breath and relax all the tension that’s been building up in our lives… we’d also like to provide you with a few tools we use ourselves to help in this area. Today we’ll discuss: What’s bringing peace to our souls when anxiety is hanging heavy?  What things are urging us Godward when we want to turn inward? What practical things are helping our sanity, the impatience that grabs at us and anger levels that tend to creep higher and higher when we’re stressed and anxious? We'll answer those questions and more in this month's episode. Listen in.