Jesus Is My Hashtag Podcast

In today's podcast episode, we wrap up our special series called "In The Middle Of It All."  We specifically look at what it means to be in middle school and balancing being a kid and growing up.  As Always, Keep Showing UP & Keep Caring!Deb

This episode looks at growing technology addiction and struggles I have watched young people face in the middle school.  Keep Showing Up & Keep Caring!Deb

Today, we look at friendships and how they can evolve and change throughout the school year.  Keep Showing Up & Keep Caring!Deb

Today, we look at bullying in this podcast episode.  I think I could fill hours talking about bullying and its impacts on young people.Sadly, this is something that is not just found inside a middle school.  It happen wherever young people are....both in person and online.Keep Showing Up & Keep Caring!Deb

This episode looks at language, specifically cursing as it relates to young people.  We look at how this type of language has become normalized for youth and the potential impacts it can have on them.As Always,Keep Showing Up & Keep CaringDeb

Welcome to part 2 of In The Middle Of It All where I share observations I have made all year long working with middle school students and the adults that work with them.  Today I am looking at respect because it tops the list of something I have walked through all year long with students.You might also want to check out Season 1 Episodes 47 ad 48 where I went in-depth on the topic of respect.Stay tuned for more episodes!  

A long awaited return to the podcast brings a series of short episodes that share observations I have made all year long working with Middle School students and the adults that work with them.  I'm excited about this series because it is a culmination of my year and what I have been seeing, feeling and living.  It is not specific to one school.  It is a broader look at what youth experience as well as caring adults.For those that do not know, my pause on the podcast came after my mom's stroke back in December.  I needed the time to focus on her needs.  I am excited to be returning to the podcast.Stay tuned for more episodes!  

We are just a couple weeks away from Christmas and under a month from the New Year.  This is a good time to pause and reflect on 2022 both within my ministry and personally.  In this episode, I share my own reflections and also offer a guided reflection activity you can use yourself or with young people.  Click HERE to grab the handout to assist you.Have a wonderful rest of the year!  Merry Christmas!And, I'll see you in 2023!As Always,Keep Showing Up & Keep Caring!Deb

This podcast episode is a look at 3 gifts we can give young people every single day.  As I share what these gifts are, I share a story from my Dad's funeral and talk about his love of Jesus.As Always,Keep Showing Up & Keep Caring!Deb

In today's episode, we look at the 3rd and final part of my interview with fellow youth worker and teacher Michelle Pick.  We talk about who the caring adults were in her life and the difference they made.  We also focus in on desiring young people to see themselves as God sees them, the importance of identity for youth, and letting go of young people to allow them to make their own choices.  Michelle and I discuss balancing our personal and professional life as a youth worker and how God's call upon us can impact that.  We wrap up the interview really focusing on what teacher's need and how they need to know they are valued.  I also share about a special product in my store over at https://jesusismyhashtag.com/store/.  Go check it out!As Always,Keep Showing Up & Keep Caring!Deb

On today's podcast episode, we return to part 2 of our interview with teacher and fellow youth worker Michelle Pick.  In this episode we discuss strategies and tips, the importance of connecting with a caring adult, what we wish adults understood and knew about young people, faith and so much more.  And, if you missed Part 1 of the interview, go listen to Season 2, Episode 8.And join our newsletter by clicking HERE.As always,Keep Showing Up & Keep Caring!Deb

Today's podcast episode is a 3 part interview with fellow youth worker Michelle Pick.  Michelle is a mom of 2 daughters and a teacher of over 19 years, a student council adviser of 13 years and an Adjunct Instructor.  But, more importantly, she is a Jesus loving woman who values and cares about young people.  I'm excited for you to hear Michelle's perspective and insight into working with young people.  As Always,Keep Showing Up & Keep Caring!Deb

Today's podcast episode looks at how we as caring adults can feel while we wait to see and experience growth with young people.   I compare youth development to a garden and we talk about what waiting can be like.  I offer 4 questions to consider and prayers to ask God as you serve youth.As Always,Keep Showing Up & Keep Caring.

Today's podcast episode looks at the question "Does God Equip Those He Calls?"  As we answer this, we look to the Word of God and look into our own live for how God is calling us and equipping us.In the podcast, I also ask you to help me blow up social media with all the ways God calls and equips us to serve youth!  As promised, my social media links:FacebookInstagram As Always, Keep Showing Up & Keep CaringDeb

This episode continues discussing Expectations for Youth but looks at what happens when different adults have different expectations for young people.I offer 5 things to keep in mind as we strive for consistency in working with youth.I also recommended Season 1, Episode 2 that looks at "What is Positive Youth Development."  You can also download this worksheet: 5 Key Youth Development Beliefs.  These beliefs are foundational in working with youth.You can also grab the 12 Developmental Outcomes worksheet.As Always,Keep Showing Up & Keep Caring!Deb

On today's podcast episode, we look at expectations for youth and why they are important.  We talk about engaging youth in the process of setting expectations.As Always,Keep Showing Up & Keep Caring!Deb

In this episode we look at why a name is important to young people and how it connects to their identity.  I offer 8 different tips to help you learn the names of youth in your life.Don't miss out on what's happening over at our website.  Visit https://jesusismyhashtag.com/store to check out 2 different sets of prayer cards.These prayer sets could be a great addition to your prayer life.As Always,Keep Showing Up & Keep Caring!Deb

On this today's episode, I look at what it looks like to want to belong.  I talk about why it matters and how you as a caring adult can be a connector. I offer 3 strategies to help you assist young people to find a place to belong.If you haven't joined our community mailing list, click HERE.And, if you want to check out the prayer cards that are on sale at our website, click HERE.Be sure to follow me on social media!  FacebookInstagramAs Always,Keep Showing Up & Keep Caring!Deb

Welcome to Season 2 of the #Jesusismyhashtag Podcast!  I am excited to be back.  In this episode, I will update you on how I've spent the Spring and Summer months. I will also overview what we will be covering in the months ahead on the podcast.  If you haven't joined my weekly mailing list, now is a great time to do so by clicking the link below:https://jesusismyhashtag.com/join-the-jesus-is-my-hashtag-community/Each week, I send a short email that shares what is happening in ministry, in my life and in the podcast.As Always,Keep Showing Up & Keep Caring!Deb

Today's podcast, Episode 53,  wraps up Season 1. This season we have looked at:vision for the podcastbasic youth development principlesassumptions made about youthdevelopmental outcomesyouth depressionmanaging the holidaysmodeling faith to youthinsights from a parent perspectivea special message to teachersinterview with my son who walked through rebellioninterview with a fellow youth workerSeason 2 will resume later this summer (2022).  In the meantime, here are ways you can stay connected.  Click the links below for more information or to sign up/follow.Weekly Email ListFacebookInstagramOr you can email me at hello@jesusimyhashtag.com In the mean time, keep showing up and keep caring!Deb

This week's episode is very personal for me.  I share about my Dad, my Fantastic Model of Faith.  I discuss what he taught me about faith.  And, I task my fellow youth workers with a homework assignment that honors their own model of faith.  You won't want to miss it!As Always,Keep Showing Up & Keep Caring!Deb

On today's episode I look at 4 ways to model faith to young people.  I also share my own beliefs about why I think this matters.I also encouraged listeners to join me in praying for our youth and teachers.  As I said, I believe prayer is a part of modeling our faith.Follow me on Facebook or Instagram to see the Monday prayers.  As Always,Keep Showing Up & Keep Caring!Deb

On today's podcast episode, we look at 4 strategies in helping youth discover a why and a how for things they are asked to do or expected to do.   You are even tasked with a homework assignment to put these strategies into practice.As Always,Keeps Showing Up & Keep Caring!Deb

On today's podcast episode, I spend time talking directly to teachers.  Inspired by a 5 week long-term subbing assignment in a middle school classroom, this podcast was designed to offer hope and encouragement to the teacher.  As part of this podcast, I have challenged you to join me in praying for our teachers throughout the rest of the school year.  Each Monday, I will post a prayer prompt on my social media pages.  Click the links below to follow me on social media.Jesus Is My Hashtag Facebook PageJesus Is My Hashtag Instagram Page

In today's podcast episode, I focus in on respect from a youth perspective.  My favorite thing about this episode is that I connected with youth to get their thoughts and ideas.  Respect is a critical part of growing healthy relationships with youth so you won't want to miss this episode.As Always,Keep Showing Up & Keep Caring!Deb

On today's episode we begin a two part series that looks at Creating An Environment of Respect.  I share how we are seeing shifts in youth being more disrespectful.  I also look at our reaction to disrespect and offer 5 strategies for Creating an Environment of Respect from the lens of a caring adult.As Always,Keep Showing Up & Keep Caring!Deb

On today's podcast episode we look at Identifying Indicators of Faith.  We focus on the developmental outcome Self-Awareness & Spirituality.  In Episode 45 we looked at indicators for the other developmental outcomes.  Indicators help us to see how a young person is growing as well as help us to be intentional in our connecting with youth.Click the link below to visit may resource page to download your handouts.https://jesusismyhashtag.com/resources/Or click each link to be taken to the specific handout.12 Developmental Outcomes Identifying IndicatorsAnd, if you want a refresh of the developmental outcomes, visit podcast Episodes 7-20.As Always,Keep Showing Up & Keep Caring!Deb

On today's podcast episode we look at Identifying Indicators of Developmental Outcomes.  Indicators help us to see how a young person is growing as well as help us to be intentional in our connecting with youth..  I walk you through a simple way to brainstorm indicators for the work you do with youth.  Click the link below to visit may resource page to download your handouts.https://jesusismyhashtag.com/resources/Or click each link to be taken to the specific handout.12 Developmental Outcomes Identifying IndicatorsAnd, if you want a refresh of the developmental outcomes, visit podcast Episodes 7-20.As Always,Keep Showing Up & Keep Caring!Deb

There is no doubt that young people need us to show up and see them for who they are as well as seeing the possibility in them.  On today's podcast episode, we look at 5 strategies to help us choose to see possibility in youth.  As Always,Keep Showing Up & Keep CaringDeb

Today we wrap up our interview with Adam Alfredson.  He shares how he moves on from heartache while working with youth.  He also talks about how his and his wife's new ministry EVEN IF...MINISTRIES was born.  If you missed the first 2 parts of the interview, go back and listen to Episodes 41 and 42.As Always,Keep Showing Up & Keep Caring!Deb

On today's episode, I continue my interview with fellow youth worker, Adam Alfredson.  He talks about how he connects and builds relationships with youth.  He also offers insight in how he avoids ministry burnout.  As Always,Keep Showing Up & Keep Caring!

On today's podcast, I interview fellow youth worker Adam Alfredson.  He shares his own story of faith and a little bit about where he serves youth.  This is part 1 of a 3 part interview.As Always,Keep Showing Up & Keep Caring!Deb

Today's podcast episode was inspired by a scary and difficult situation my family faced back in December 2021.  Two gun violence threats stemming from social media led to a school lock out and police being on site.  Fortunately, Jesus protected our school and community and no shootings occurred.This inspired a spur of the moment podcast that I recorded in the middle of the situation.  But, the truth and reality is that we all will have times where we will be faced with choosing faith over fear.  I offer 5 steps for youth as they encounter fear and what it looks like to choose faith.  And, fellow youth worker, you play a large role in the lives of young people and I appreciate you!As Always,Keep Showing Up & Keep Caring!Deb

On today's podcast episode I look at goal setting with youth from a youth development perspective and tie it to developmental outcomes.  I offer 8 steps for goal setting with youth.  I reference a handout in the podcast and you can download that by clicking HERE.  Podcast Episodes 7 and 8 are also mentioned as well in today's episode.  Click here to listen.  As Always,Keep Showing Up & Keep Caring!Deb

On today's podcast episode, I look at Self Care and the Youth Worker.  I focus in on Matthew 11:28-30 as I share 6 ways to practice self care.As promised, I am also including a link to a pdf file of one of my favorite playlists that you can download.  CLICK HERE for the link.Remember, in order to best serve young people, you need to take care of yourself.As Always, Keep Showing Up & Keep Caring!Deb

On today's podcast episode, I look at what it means to encourage youth to use their voice.  I share 4 ways that you can do this.  I also offer 3 specific activities and ways young people can "practice" using their voice.Don't forget to check out my Facebook and Instagram pages.  I've encouraged listeners like yourself to go share ways they engage and encourage youth to use their voice.As Always,Keep Showing Up & Keep Caring!Deb

On today's podcast episode, I offer 5 Strategies for Modeling Thankfulness.  Not all young people know what it looks like to practice thankfulness.  That's why it is important for us to model thankfulness.As young people practice thankfulness, it opens the possibility of choosing to see Jesus every day in their lives.  And, who doesn't want that for our youth.As Always,Keep Showing Up & Keep Caring!Deb

On today's podcast episode, we look at 6 strategies to assist you while engaging youth in preparing for the holidays.   We know holidays can bring a sense of heightened anxiety or stress in youth.   We can also see an increase in depression during the holidays.If you missed Episode 34 where I shared signs of depression in youth, go listen to that episode by clicking HERE.As a bonus to today's episode, I am sharing a pdf file with a list of Acts of Service.  Visit https://jesusismyhashtag.com and click on the Resource Tab.Want to share your own ideas for serving with youth?  Email me at hello@jesusismyhashtag.com or visit me on Facebook or Instagram.As Always,Keep Showing Up & Keep Caring.Deb

On today's podcast episode, we look at the role of youth worker in helping youth who struggle with depression.  Please note, that nothing I shared in the podcast is intended to be mental health or medical advice.  If you, or someone you know, are struggling with depression, seek professional help.I also referenced Episode 15: Mental Health and Youth as well as my interview with my oldest son in Episodes 26-32.To look at the article and report I referenced in the podcast,  click the links below.Signs and Symptoms of Depression in TeensState of Mental Health in America 2021 ReportAs Always,Keep Showing Up and Keep Caring!Deb

In today's podcast episode, we look at how to move on from past struggles with young people. I share 5 keys to help you do just that.This episode is a great way to wrap up my 7 episode interview with my oldest son Jared.  Check out Episodes 26-32 to listen. I ended the episode asking you to think about a time when you were a teen and struggled.  What did you want from a caring adult?  What did you want them to believe about you?  Then I challenged you to think about how you could provide that for a young person in your life and just how you would do it.  My hope is you will go take action.As Always,Keep Showing Up & Keep Caring!Deb

This episode wraps up my interview with my oldest son Jared.  We see how he has climbed out of his pit and is in a much healthier place.  I also share what it was like to realize that God didn't need me to be the one to lead Jared back to Him.If you want to re-listen or have missed any episode of this interview, click HERE to listen.  To hear the interview, tune into Episodes 26-32.As Always,Keep Showing Up & Keep Caring!Deb

On this podcast episode, Jared begins by sharing about his depression at his lowest point.  Then we look at what it meant to bring Jared home from school for the semester.  And, we do see him start to find his way out of his pit just before we close out the episode.If you have missed any of this interview, go back and listen to Episodes 26-30.  And, tune into Episode 32 when we wrap up this interview.As Always, Keep Showing Up & Keep Caring!Deb

On today's podcast episode, we look at Jared's transition and first semester in college.  You'll want to tune in and listen to the whole episode.And, if you missed the other parts of our interview, go back and listen to them.Episode 26Episode 27Episode 28Episode 29I pray this will offer encouragement and hope for you.And As Always,Keep Showing Up & Keep Caring.Deb

We continue with the interview between myself and my oldest son.  This segment of the interview is hard for me to relive in many ways.  The hurt still reels its ugly head at times.  Episode 26, Episode 27 and Episode 28 are the first 3 parts of this interview.  You will want to go check them out if you missed them.In this episode,  Jared continues talking about his defiance, his alcohol and drug use, as well as his shame.   And, I share how important it was for me to lean on God.As Always,Keep Showing Up & Keep Caring.Deb

On today's podcast episode, Jared shares the details that he can remember from his drinking and drug use.  He touches on his own shame, his lack of a relationship with God and his determination to not accept help.Episode 26 and Episode 27, parts 1 and 2 of the interview, are a great place to start with this interview so that you don't miss any details.I also address 2 themes that kept coming to mind as Jared spoke -- friends and hitting rock bottom.  Finally, I share briefly what our role is in these moments, with the caveat that young people have to choose us as well.  As Always, Keep Showing Up and Keep ListeningDeb Schroeder

Today's episode is Part 2 of my interview with my son Jared.  We start to walk down the road of some negative behaviors that continued to spiral downward.  If you missed Part 1, be sure to check out Episode 26. I will also discuss the following developmental outcomes as they related to Jared during that time: Self Worth and Self Awareness & Spirituality.  For more details on these outcomes, check out Episode 9 and Episode 13.  Tune in next week when our interview continues.As Always,Keep Showing Up and Keep Caring!Deb

Today's podcast episode is Part 1 of an interview with my oldest son Jared.  He made some poor choices and was lost to his faith, family and future.  This episode shares a little background and the first look at where the struggle began.  Also referenced are episodes:8 -- Safety & Structure for Youth11 -- Belonging & Membership for Youth 12 -- Responsibility & Autonomy for YouthMaybe you know a family struggling with a teen  or a youth pastor helping a family who is struggling with a young person.  Share this episode.And, don't forget to tune in for more on this interview in the next several episodes.As Always,Keep Showing Up & Keep Caring!Deb

Today's podcast episode is a little different.  I share my personal perspective, my momma's heart about fears, hopes and dreams that I have for my children.Whether you are a parent or not, this episode will offer insights for you as you connect with youth and families.  As Always, Keeps Showing Up and Keep Caring!Deb

In today's podcast episode, I talk about the power of I'm Sorry and how these 2 simple words communicate 5 things to young people.  I also share 6 tips to keep in mind when apologizing.This episode also references the development outcome Responsibility and Autonomy covered in Episode 13.  And, Episode 23: Judgment, Youth & the Youth Worker is also referenced.I share some of my own I'm sorry moments and offer encouragement during this episode.As Always,Keep Showing Up and Keep Caring!Deb

On today's podcast episode, I look at judgment and the impact it can have on youth.  I connect this to developmental outcomes.  And, I also share 3 strategies you can use to combat judgement.  If you are new to this podcast, I want to encourage you to go back and listen to the others.  All are under 20 minutes.  Check out show notes for accompanying handouts.Join the Facebook and/or Instagram communities.  And sign up for the #Jesusismyhashtag weekly newsletter that includes updates and occasional extra resources by clicking HERE.As Always,Keep Showing Up and Keep Caring!

In this podcast episode, I walk through what it looks like to be disappointed as you work with youth.  I offered 6 strategies to help combat disappointment.  These strategies will also address disappointment in other areas of your life.Don't forget to join the Facebook and Instagram communities.As Always, Keep Showing Up and Keep Caring!Deb