Meant For This

When I wrote the title of the episode, I couldn't help but think about several comments I've received on posts I've written on Instagram that usually read something along the lines of, "you will really blame everything on white supremacy, won't you?" The answer? Yes, yes I will. At least, almost everything. Everything that has to do with society and culture and in our modern, western world. Because it's true. It is factual and provable. Our modern society was built on the premise of white, Christian dominion over all things "good" and everyone else being exploited in order to ensure the "goodness" remained in the "right" hands. As a result, we are left here: dealing with the tragic consequences of white supremacy culture that are practically killing us.  In this episode, we're talking about the pressure to do it all, how "doing it all" is a symptom of white supremacy culture and a brief history of how it all started. Tune in to find out that it's really not you, it's society.    Support my work:  Patreon  Instagram Website  Newsletter

In this episode, you will learn the truth about how White Supremacy is at the core of western Christianity. I won't give too much away in the show notes. Just tune in!      --- Support my work on Patreon Follow my work on Instagram Visit my website  Subscribe to my newsletter

On this much-anticipated episode of the Meant For This Podcast, Caroline J. Sumlin gets vulnerable as she shares what led to her begin deconstructing her faith after nearly 15 years of devotion to Christianity. Caroline still identifies as a follower of Jesus, as that will never change, but is committed to the practices of unlearning toxic and harmful theology that Western/American Christianity has taught her.   --- Support my work: Patreon Instagram Website  Newsletter 

White Supremacy Culture is ingrained into every fiber of our society, so much so that its normalization makes it almost invisible. However, once you see it, you can't unsee it. And once you can't unsee it, you'll do anything to divest from it.    In this episode, we will be discussing how white supremacy culture is the reason we struggle so much with our self-worth, as its harmful standards and lies of perfection have infiltrated our neuropathways from every corner of our culture.    Support my work: Patreon  Instagram Website Newsletter

If you've ever wondered why we often capitalize the B in Black when referring to Black people but do not capitalize the W in white when referring to white people, then this minisode is for you. Take a quick listen to not only learn the importance of culture and heritage to the Black community but to be challenged to reconnect with whatever your cultural heritage is and put your heritage above our society's constant pursuit of whiteness. In this episode, the fearmongering myth about being ashamed of being white will be busted and replaced with the truth about what whiteness means and why it is harming us all.    -- Support my work: Patreon Instagram Website  Newsletter 

Welcome to Season 3 of the Meant For This podcast! If you are new here, welcome! If you're an OG listener, welcome back to a brand new, fully re-branded show! In the season opener, I am spilling all the tea about where I disappeared for the past several months, why and how my content changed, and what you can expect from me moving forward. While I have chosen to keep the name, 'Meant For This,' for my show, you will no longer find this show categorized under motherhood or faith. Meant For This is now self-help meets society and culture meets social justice with the goal of helping you declare your liberation from the toxic systems in our society while fighting for the liberation of the most marginalized among you. As I mention in the intro, the goal is the change the world one act of resistance at a time.    Today also marks the official launch of my new Patreon community. If you'd like to support my work, you can do so for as little as $3/month. Click here for more info and to get all the perks that come with being a member of the Patreon community.    Links: Patreon  Instagram  My Website  The Meant For This Newsletter

In this episode of the Meant For This Podcast, you will be empowered and equipped to boldly go after what God is stirring in your heart and use the voice He has given you to live loudly and unashamed for His glory. You have a calling and you were given a voice for a reason. It's time to stop hiding behind it.   Join The Called Mama: wwwcarolinejsumlin.com/join-called-mama

On this episode of the Meant For This podcast, we are welcoming Toni-Ann Mayembe from Real Happy Mom podcast to the show to talk about this concept of being a "good mom" and how we need to stop being so hard on ourselves and calling ourselves bad moms every time we make a mistake or have a not-so-good parenting day.  This episode is the perfect refresher for every mama who's in the thick of it right now and needs a reminder that she is doing a good job.

In this episode of the Meant For Motherhood podcast, we are diving into the Kingdom work God has for you and how to begin stepping into it fully and boldly in every area you called. That's both in and out of the home, mama.  --- Featured in today's episode: My new course, The Called Mama, is opening up for pre-sale today! The course will start in May, but you can snag your spot TODAY! Click here for more details and to grab your seat now! (Pssst... there are a few bonuses for grabbing an early seat!)

In this episode of Meant For This, we are diving into understanding the complexities around our calling as women, mothers, creatives, workers, and more. I share with you about the journey God has taken me on with discovering a bit of my own calling and how I can help you do the same. We also discuss the importance of breaking free from a false narrative of mothers just being mothers and uncover why we are hanging on to this belief in the first place.    ---    Join us for our next monthly Mamahood Coffee Chat!  Take my FREE 5-day Manage All The Things Challenge  Connect with me on Instagram  Join us inside the Meant For Motherhood Academy 

In this episode of Meant For This, we're diving into fear. If you have ever dealt with fear (which is all of us) then it's time to tune into this episode and learn how to kick fear to the curb for good.  I'll give you a hint: the trick has nothing to do with not feeling fear. You're still allowed to feel it. You can breathe a sigh of relief now.  This episode is for you if you have felt fear toward pursuing those big dreams that are on your heart and that fear is holding you back. There's too much Kingdom work to do to let that fear paralyze you.    For full show notes on the blog, click here  Click here to join our Monthly Mamahood Coffee Chats! Take my FREE Manage All The Things 5-Day Challenge  Connect with me on Instagram  Join us inside the Meant For Motherhood Academy 

In this episode of the Meant For This podcast, you will learn exactly how to find the time you don't believe you have to do the things that you've been wanting to do. I know, it sounds impossible, but I promise it's not. Just tune in. You'll see (hear).    ---   Take my FREE Manage All The Things 5-Day Challenge  Click here to join our Monthly Mamahood Coffee Chats! Connect with me on Instagram  Join us inside the Meant For Motherhood Academy 

With Caroline J Sumlin and Chelsi Jo Moore    This is a very special collaborative episode of Meant For This with my friend, Chelsi Jo, from the Systemize Your Life podcast. This episode is airing on both of our podcasts because we firmly believe that this mission that God has given us to redefine the narrative of motherhood for modern women.  In this episode, Chelsi Jo and I are talking about why it is so important to live out our motherhood calling well, why it is so important to break generational trauma in your life as a part of living out your motherhood mission, and why women believe the lie that you can either be a career woman or a mother, but not both, and how to stand up boldly to this false belief.    More than that, this conversation is deep, heartfelt, and will resonate with every mother listening as we share our stories, why we are passionate about what we do, what motherhood means to us and what we've struggled with, and so much more.   Click here to join the Meant For Motherhood Academy!  --- You can connect with Chelsi Jo here: PODCAST |  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/systemize-your-life-with-chelsi-jo/id1488424047 ​ WEBSITE | https://www.chelsijo.co ​ IG | @chelsij.co ​ COMMUNITY | https://www.facebook.com/groups/systemizeyourlife/ ​ EMAIL | info@ChelsiJo.Co ​

With Caroline J. Sumlin      Click here to join our Monthly Mamahood Coffee Chats! Join The Meant For Motherhood Academy!    

In this episode, we will talk about how and why so many mothers are struggling to feel whole and how we can choose to re-write this narrative for ourselves.    ---  Mentioned in this episode:  NEW, FREE Monthly Mamahood Coffee Chats! Click here to sign up! 

I'm so excited to welcome Kaylan Thompson from Joy To Lead to Meant For This. Kaylan is a Leadership and Team Building Coach for Entrepreneurs and she is a wiz at equipping and empowering everyone to step into the leadership calling that is over their life. Her mission is to help everyone not only discover their calling to lead, but to do so by leaning into what brings you joy, walking in your strengths, supporting your weaknesses, and becoming the leader that your team needs you to be.    What does this have to do with motherhood? Well, everything. Mothers are leaders in their home. And, as Kaylan says, "leaders are the bridge builders to a brighter tomorrow." We are called to be those bridge builders for our family in our homes, so it is a must that we discover what our strengths really are and lean into them so that we can joyfully lead our families the way that God has called us to.    This episode is jam-packed with laughter, honesty, vulnerability, and so much wisdom. You're going to want to listen more than once.    In this episode you will learn: What your strengths actually are and what they are not (hint: it's not what you think) How to walk in your joy and how your joy is the secret to discovering what your strengths are The eye-opening truth about your weaknesses and how to support them   ---  Connect with Kaylan:  www.joytolead.com www.instagram.com/joytolead  Podcast: The Joy To Lead Podcast 

We've all hit the pandemic wall. We've been in a global pandemic for about a year now, and while there is a very small glimmer of hope at the end of the tunnel, we still have a long way to go.  If you've been feeling pandemic burnout, you may be feeling:  trapped  like you want to scream lower energy/exhausted  irritable or angry  brain fog zero motivation  lost sad/depressed  and many more emotions  This is a tough time for everyone. We have all been impacted in one way or another by this year of isolation, and it's especially tough with your kids right there with you. This time has revealed so much to me about our needs as mothers and as humans, and just how much this pandemic has made it nearly impossible to meet those needs. While it feels nearly impossible, it's not completely impossible to meet your deepest needs, take care of yourself, make space for yourself, and make the most out of the situation.  In this episode, I am walking you through some ways you can navigate the burnout, care for yourself, give yourself some grace, and do more than just survive during this time.    ---  Featured in this episode:  Grab my Ultimate Thrive at Home Guide for Quarantine and Beyond! This guide has everything you need to plan every moment of your family's day so that you can take back control of the chaos, reclaim your peace, and come out stronger during this time.   Planning pages included: Kids Activity Brainstorm Weekly Meal Planning Weekly Chore Chart Weekly Work Planning Daily Work Planning Morning + Evening Routine Planning Daily + Weekly Self-Care Planning Overall Weekly Flow Overall Daily Flow Additional Daily Planning Page Daily Kid's Routine Page (for kids to refer to) PLUS: a tutorial video from me that will teach you how to use this guide effectively so you will be successful

I'm so excited for this episode of the Meant For This Podcast! Today, I am welcoming my husband, Dennis, to the show to share with you all from a male perspective about collaborating on household management tasks, routines, and systems. This episode will be eye-opening and super helpful as well as receive a first-hand look as to how our husbands approach things in their mind and why it can often feel difficult to get on the same page. Dennis offers a wonderful perspective and advice for us wives on how to have conversations with our spouses that are fruitful.    In this episode we share... a bit of our love story and how God brought us together  how we are total opposites and how that has impacted our marriage in both good and challenging ways  how we struggled with shared responsibilities in the beginning of our marriage and how we got to where we are today with seamless routines and systems  how wives and husbands can have fruitful, understanding conversations about household and life management and work with each other instead of against each other    Want more marriage episodes? Come say hi over on IG and send us some marriage topic requests or questions for a Q+A sesh and I'll be sure to have my husband back on soon for another episode!

In this episode or the Meant For This Podcast, I'm talking with Jessie Ereddia of Mom Empowered about how she was able to completely transform her relationship with her husband by changing her thoughts about herself, working on herself and her own fulfillment in motherhood, and changing her thoughts about her husband so she could work with him instead of against him.   This episode is packed with gems, transformational info, and so much laughter. Buckle up, mama. You're in for a treat.    ---  Connect with Jessie:  www.jessieereddia.com www.instagram.com/jessieereddia  Podcast: Mom Empowered 

In this episode of the Meant For This Podcast, you will learn how to take a different approach to your priorities so that you can stop trying to do everything at once. You will take a look at what priorities you have decided are essential based on empty reasons (such as perfectionism or people-pleasing) and what priorities line up with what God has told you to do in this season.  You will also take a look at how to categorize your weekly routine so that you know exactly when various tasks are getting taken care of. Instead of scrambling to figure out when you will get things done, you will know exactly where to place things in your routine as they come up.    In this episode you will learn:  How to make sure your priorities align with where God has you in this season How to break up with the "I need to do everything at once to get anything done" mindset  How to categorize your time blocks throughout the week so you know exactly when to take care of certain tasks   Here's what else you need to know:  Come join us inside the Meant For Motherhood Academy! The Meant for Motherhood Academy, MMA for short, is a monthly online academy that was created to equip you to manage motherhood with efficiency and intention so you can make room for what matters most to you. In the academy, you will have a portal full of mini-courses to teach you how to simplify your life, create routines that work for you, create systems for household management and other tasks, prioritize self-care and keeping your cup full, and mother with intention by honoring the mission of motherhood that God has called you to. Plans start at just $39/month! Click here to learn more and enroll today!   A membership program not your jam but want to attend one of my workshops? Good news! You can grab a singular ticket to my monthly live workshops! This month's workshop is about eliminating distractions and it's going to be so good. You will learn how to finally stay focused on your tasks at hand even though you have a mile-long to-do list and laundry staring you in the face. Grab your seat here and I'll see you at the workshop!    New here and want to know where to start? Enroll in my FREE Manage All The Things Challenge today! In this challenge, you will learn how to get crystal clear on your priorities, create a simple routine to get you started and write mission statements for your individual callings to help you live boldly where God has called you. Click here to get started for FREE! 

Happy Black History Month! Ahhh!!! This is one of my favorite months of the year, if not, my absolute favorite month. Black history and culture has been my favorite thing to learn about as a child and I love continuing the tradition in adulthood.   In this episode of the Meant For This podcast, I am outlining some fun ways that you can celebrate Black History Month with your kids by attaching their natural interests to what you teach and celebrate. Tune in at the link above or head to your fave podcast app and search Meant For This. In this episode, you will learn: Why it is so important to celebrate Black History in general and especially with your kids A few examples of fun ways you can celebrate Black History with your kids in a way that will cater to their likes and interests How to teach your children to see the beauty and pride in Black culture so that the focus on the hate and negativity is no longer front and center   ---  Featured in today's episode: Take 10% off Teeccino (the herbal coffee drink I was sipping during today's episode)! Use code MISSIONMOTHERHOOD at checkout!

In today's bonus Friday episode of Meant For This, I am sharing with you a super informational and impactful Instagram Live that I did about how managing it all is NOT the same as doing it all and how you can shift from trying to do everything at the same time and spinning in circles to becoming the manager of your life so you can make room for intentionality instead of overwhelm.    In this episode you will learn: What the difference is between managing everything and doing everything in a way that will blow your mind  Why you need to simplify your priorities and ways you can do so even if everything feels like it must get done right now  The difference between a routine and a system and how it is the foundation for managing everything well and showing up for what matters most no matter what life throws at you    --- Featured in this episode:  Take my FREE Manage All The Things Challenge to get started with simplifying your priorities and creating a simple routine that works. Click here to sign up and get started for free now!    Join us inside the Meant For Motherhood Academy to go even deeper with learning exactly how to simplify and organize your life, create routines and systems for managing everything in your motherhood, optimizing your time, taking care of yourself, and making room for everything that God has called you to. Click here to learn more and join us today! 

In this episode of the Meant For This podcast, we are talking about the importance of accepting and owning our current seasons of motherhood, which can be quite hard when every season feels so tough. Owning our seasons means that we... fully embrace our season take a look at what we CAN do with what we have and optimize it. Ask God to reveal Himself to us and what He may be teaching us in this season  Apply some practical solutions that helps us bring some ease and control back to our seasons even if they are hard    Featured in today's episode: The Meant For Motherhood Academy doors are open! Click here to learn more and join us today! 

Feeling lost? Wondering where God is calling you? Wondering how you can best navigate the season you are in and live on purpose for his glory? This episode is for YOU, mama.    Keeping with our theme of focusing and honoring the season you are in and following God's timeline instead of the world's, this episode will equip you to gain clarity on exactly how to discern where God is calling you in the season you are in.    In this episode, we will go over four steps you can take right now to discern the direction of your season, and take practical, faithful action of stewardship wherever you are called right now.    --- The doors to the Meant For Motherhood Academy are now open! The Meant For Motherhood Academy is my signature monthly membership coaching program and community for mission-driven, Christian mamas just like you who want to learn how to be more efficient and effective in managing motherhood so that you can be intentional in your mamahood calling with joy and without burnout. Starting at just $39 a month, you'll attend monthly workshops taught by me, take monthly mini-courses that will help you get organized and create effective routines and systems, have access to private coaching from me, and engage in private community with other like-minded mamas, and more.  Click here to learn more and join us!   

Today, we are welcoming my dear friend, Stephanie Clarisse from the 500 Seconds to Joy Podcast. Stephanie is a Podcast and Focus Coach for Christian mamas. She helps mamas with a desire to podcast get focused and launch their own podcast whether that be for a ministry, creative outlet, or business. Stephanie is passionate about helping moms with a desire to podcast or do something creative because she believes that podcasting is an amazing way to further God's Kingdom.    In this episode, we dive deep into what it looks like to pursue a dream that God has placed on our hearts as moms and how to pursue those dreams while keeping what matters most, first. There is so much goodness to take away from this episode, mama. So, grab a cup of coffee, lean in, and enjoy.    Featured in today's episode:  The Meant For Motherhood Academy doors are now open! Click here to find out more info and enroll today!

In today's episode of the Meant For This Podcast, we are talking about the importance of focusing God's will for us today and why it's so important. As humans, and especially as Christians, we have a tendency to look so far forward in hopes for the future (or in anxiousness about the future), that we forget to be good stewards of the day that is right in front of us. The day that the Lord has made and that He has called us to rejoice and be glad in.    In this episode you will learn:  Where God shows us the importance of today in scripture How focusing on today helps us eliminate overwhelm, practice gratitude, make progress toward the bigger picture, and live with intention  3 action-steps you can take to be intentional with the today while preparing for tomorrow so that you're not spread thin, yet you're moving with intention    ---   The doors to the Meant For Motherhood Academy are now open! The Meant For Motherhood Academy is my signature monthly membership coaching program and community for mission-driven, Christian mamas just like you who want to learn how to be more efficient and effective in managing motherhood so that you can be intentional in your mamahood calling with joy and without burnout. Starting at just $39 a month, you'll attend monthly workshops taught by me, take monthly mini-courses that will help you get organized and create effective routines and systems, have access to private coaching from me, and engage in private community with other like-minded mamas, and more.  Click here to learn more and join us! 

In the season of goal setting and "this is your year" it can be really easy to fall into hustle culture. However, in the Lord, we don't have to strive our hustle. We have to have faith in Him, walk with Him, and allow Him to meet our good works with His supernatural abilities. We get to walk in surrender and freedom while the rest of the world strives.   In this episode, we are talking about how we don't have to strive or hustle when we walk with Jesus and what exactly it looks like to walk in His freedom and on His timeline.   In this episode you will learn:  1. How to focus on intention instead of results 2. How to s eek God for wisdom as you pursue your goals  3. How to know when it's time to run back to Jesus because you found yourself caught up in striving instead of seeking    Featured in today's episode: My FREE Permission To Dream Workshop is on Wednesday, January 13th at 8:30p EST! YAY! This workshop is exactly what you need to help you confidently pursue those big dreams on your heart without sacrificing your mamahood and without the mom-guilt. Come join us for a jam-packed night of learning and action-step-taking. See you there! Click here to register   The doors to the Meant For Motherhood Academy are opening SOON! The Meant For Motherhood Academy is my signature monthly membership coaching program and community for mission-driven, Christian mamas just like you who want to learn how to be more efficient and effective in managing motherhood so that you can be intentional in your mamahood calling with joy and without burnout. Starting at just $39 a month, you'll attend monthly workshops taught by me, take monthly mini-courses that will help you get organized and create effective routines and systems, have access to private coaching from me, and engage in private community with other like-minded mamas, and more.  Click here for more information and to come join us! Doors open on 1/13/21!

In this mini-episode, you will learn 3 quick action steps you can take to get unstuck and make progress on your goals right now. This is the episode you want to make sure is downloaded on your phone and saved so that you can play it anytime you are feeling immensely stuck on all of those big goals and dreams you are looking to accomplish this year.    In this episode you will learn:  What to ask yourself to get to the source of WHY you're feeling stuck  How to identify what is false and what is true so you can stop believing lies that are holding you back  3 action steps you can take right now to put one foot in front of the other and begin making progress again in no-time    Featured in this episode:  My FREE Permission To Dream Workshop is on Wednesday, January 13th at 8:30p EST! YAY! This workshop is exactly what you need to help you confidently pursue those big dreams on your heart without sacrificing your mamahood and without the mom-guilt. Come join us for a jam-packed night of learning nd action-step-taking. See you there! Click here to register   The doors to the Meant For Motherhood Academy are opening SOON! The Meant For Motherhood Academy is my signature monthly membership coaching program and community for mission-driven, Christian mamas just like you who want to learn how to be more efficient and effective in managing motherhood so that you can be intentional in your mamahood calling with joy and without burnout. Starting at just $39 a month, you'll attend monthly workshops taught by me, take monthly mini-courses that will help you get organized and create effective routines and systems, have access to private coaching from me, and engage in private community with other like-minded mamas, and more.  Click here for more information and to come join us! Doors open on 1/13/21!

This is part two of the season two premiere of the Meant For This podcast! In this episode, we are going to dive deeper into what the current messages and narratives are that we are being fed from society about motherhood. We will discuss exactly how we plan to redefine the motherhood narrative from a burden to an honored role within the home and in the world so that we, as mothers, are equipped and empowered to fulfill ALL of our missions that God has called us to.   --- Mentioned in today's episode: Join my FREE Manage All The Things Challenge: carolinejsumlin.com/manage Register for my FREE Permission to Dream Workshop: carolinejsumlin.com/permissiontodream

We're diving deep today, mama. In the season two premier of the Meant For This podcast, we are talking about the meaning behind the shift from Mission Motherhood to Meant For This and the word that God has given me for this change. We are talking about how we are on a mission to redefine the narrow definition of motherhood that we have believed for so long with the abundant, joyful, fruitful motherhood that God has called us to. We are breaking the barrier of what it looks like to be a mama who wholeheartedly pursues her calling in motherhood and wholeheartedly pursues her calling in the world. We will talk about discovering what sets your soul on fire and receiving permission to go do that thing.  In part two of this episode, we dive even deeper. I recommend you listen to this episode first.    --- Mentioned in today's episode: Join my FREE Manage All The Things Challenge: carolinejsumlin.com/manage Register for my FREE Permission to Dream Workshop: carolinejsumlin.com/permissiontodream    

Introducing the new Meant For This Podcast! Surprise! Season two of the former Mission Motherhood Podcast is now the Meant For This Podcast! In this trailer, I'm briefly covering all that you can expect from this upcoming season! We're going to have so much fun as we dive deep into stewarding our calling in the home and the world boldly, unapologetically, and with grit and grace. Ready? Let's do this, mama!    --- Join me on Wednesday, January 13th at 8:30p EST for my FREE Permission to Dream Workshop - How to Unapologetically Pursue Your Dreams Without Neglecting Mamahood! Click here to register! 

On the final episode of season 1 of the Mission Motherhood Podcast, I am sharing my personal redemption story with you of how I went from a childhood and young adulthood of self-hate to a womanhood and motherhood of self-love due to the love and salvation of Jesus Christ. This is a story that I'm not sharing just to share it, but because it is directly related to my passion for the work that I do to help mothers just like you redefine motherhood by honoring your mamahood calling and pursuing what you love.  This is a deep, vulnerable episode that I am a little nervous to share, but I know that this story will touch someone who is listening.  Thank you all for an amazing season one, and I'll see you in January 2021 for season two!  

We all know that the holiday season is supposed to be a time of peace, joy, and family. They are the highly anticipated “most wonderful time of the year.” And, right now, as I'm writing this, I think we're all anticipating this holiday season a little more than usual as we're coming up on 10 months of social isolation due to a global pandemic. (This can be good anticipation or bad anticipation depending on how you're feeling and that's perfectly okay.)   Global pandemic or not, the holiday season is typically one of the most highly anticipated, joyful, and exciting times of the year, but that joy can quickly fade when we expectations aren't met, we're obsessed with perfectionism, boundaries are crossed, and more. And, as moms, the pressure on us tends to be the highest during this time. From getting presents for all of the pre-school teachers to monitoring your kids' holiday expectations to a family member saying an unwelcome comment, all of a sudden the holidays can go from exciting to dreadful and even painful.   In this episode of the Mission Motherhood Podcast, we're talking all about the different types of boundaries to set and HOW to go about setting those boundaries. I'll be giving you some key questions to ask yourself that will help you determine what boundaries are necessary. You will also learn how to work with your spouse to make sure you all are on the same page so that things can run smoothly and you all can enjoy each other without too much conflict    Full show notes with guided questions: www.carolinejsumlin.com/articles/episode32

Even though we are in the middle of a pandemic, the holidays are still coming, and we can (and definitely should) still cultivate an intentional holiday season with our kids and family. Especially since things will look different this year as we celebrate these holidays during these unprecedented pandemic times.   Pandemic or not, the holidays are a time where intentionality is important - especially as Christians. We want to make sure we are communicating our family values and beliefs to our children. We want to make sure to teach our children the reason for the season, which is to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. We want to create traditions and memories with our children that they will look back on and remember with joy as they cultivate memories with their children.   However, as moms, we tend to put unnecessary pressure on ourselves with an unhealthy dose of perfectionism and comparison in the name of intentionality. We easily get caught up in the small details that we place too much importance on, the financial pressures the holidays can bring, and impressing everyone in our extended family for fear of judgment that we completely miss the opportunity to cultivate intention in the first place.   Dr. Laura Foyen, Respectful Parenting Coach, is here to encourage us that simple is better and less is more.   That's right. We can cultivate an intentional, meaningful holiday season with our kiddos by doing LESS. I don't know about you, but this is exactly what I needed to hear.   That's what we're diving into on today's episode of the Mission Motherhood Podcast. Dr. Froyen takes us through exactly how to go from stressed and overwhelmed to focusing on what really matters this holiday season so we can create those memories with our children and teach them those values that are so near and dear to us.   Connect with Dr. Laura Froyen: Instagram: www.instagram.com/laurafroyenphd Facebook: www.facebook.com/laurafroyen Free parenting support group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/balancedparenting Free Three R's Workbook for more intentional living: https://www.laurafroyen.com/rhythm

You may be afraid to say this out loud, but you've been feeling totally drained by your kids lately. And, that's okay. We are in the middle of a pandemic that will literally barely let us leave the house except for essential reasons and this has been going on for 8 months. That's reasoning enough for anyone to be drained. You're not alone in how you're feeling. Even if we weren't in the middle of the weirdest pandemic of your generation, it's still completely possible and normal to feel drained by your children - especially if you're a stay-at-home or work-from-home mom with your kids by your side basically 24/7. Feeling drained, touched out, and in desperate need of some alone time is no reason to feel guilty. This doesn't mean that you don't love your kids. This doesn't mean that you're a good mom. This simply means that you probably haven't had enough of a break in a long time that will make a true difference in how you're feeling. Your cup isn't completely full. You may be filling it up a little bit here and there, but if you're not filling it up to the top on a regular basis, it's going to drain a lot more quickly. This drain in your own needs will lead to you feeling drained as you attempt to serve your children's needs and even your spouse's needs, your job's needs, and anyone else that's requiring something from you. This is exactly what we're talking about and diving deep into in this week's episode of the Mission Motherhood Podcast. In this episode you will learn: 1) How to get to the exact root cause of why you're feeling drained so you can come up with solutions that will actually work 2) How to identify what your options are so you can make a plan to re-fuel and stay fueled 3) Possible short-term and long-term solutions you can try today so you can begin feeling better right now   I also get really candid with you all about how I've been feeling lately in the middle of COVID, homeschooling, and having very little in the way of external support. It's hard. But it's not something we have to let get the best of us. We have the power to take back our circumstances and re-write our narrative anytime we so-choose. It will take a bit of work, grit, and determination, but it is possible. It's okay to feel drained, frustrated and burned out. But, you don't have to stay there.   Pssst! Ready to finally manage all the things on your plate so you can ditch the stress and be more intentional with everything you're called to? I've got just the thing. Click here to enroll in my FREE Manage All The Things Challenge. You're going to love it.

You know what I wish? I wish that this didn't even have to be a question. I wish that, as mothers, we didn't have to wrestle with the emotional toll of shame and guilt for wanting to be PEOPLE and mothers, too. For lack of better words — it's not fair. But, the truth is, this is one of the biggest challenges that mothers wrestle with. Between feeling unworthy of pursuing anything personal outside of marriage and motherhood to not knowing how to practically make time for yourself with everything and everyone vying for your attention, mothers constantly struggle with this. And, when you throw in being a Christian mother into the mix, there can be a whole other level of striving and perfectionism because of the desire to serve your family well and make sure you're putting them first.   Here's what I want to tell you today:    1) God made YOU. And He called you to motherhood. But, He did not call you away from the YOU He created when He called you to be a mom. Your identity is in Christ and every ounce of you that God created matters. That means, your goals, desires, dreams, and passions matter to God. Yes, even as a mom. 2) You can pursue those goals. It may look different in this season than it did last season. And it will look different in your next season, too. That can be frustrating and you're allowed to feel that frustration. But, know that God will multiply your efforts supernaturally so long as you seek Him first and your heart posture is focused on Him. 3) Do not compare your path to her path, her path, or her path. Your path is your path. Stay the course. When you're so focused on her journey, you will miss your own progress and your own wins in your journey. We dive deeper into this on today's episode of the Mission Motherhood Podcast. We discuss the different types of mommy-cultures that exist in our society today and how they play a role in our mindset around pursuit of personal goals as mothers. We talk about how God gave you each desire of your heart and wants you to pursue those desires. And, we talk about practical ways you can keep your family first while making time for things that matter to you.   In this episode you will learn: The 3 main mommy-cultures that have influenced the way we perceive motherhood, suffering in motherhood, and personal growth in motherhood What it really looks like to keep your family first as a heart posture while still making space for your goals and passions that are on your heart Practical tips and takeaways that you can implement today to begin making time for and progress on your goals   This episode is going to be exactly what you need to stop letting guilt and fear keep you stuck and go after the life you desire WHILE thriving in motherhood. Can't wait to hear your takeaways, friend. Pssst! Ready to finally manage all the things on your plate so you can ditch the stress and be more intentional with everything you're called to? I've got just the thing. Click here to enroll in my FREE Manage All The Things Challenge. You're going to love it.

In this episode of the Mission Motherhood Podcast, I'm getting extremely vulnerable with you all and sharing my mental health journey from childhood to adulthood, how motherhood held a mirror up to my mental health, and how my journey has brought me to where I am right now the founder of Mission Motherhood. I'm excited to take you on this journey with me.    ----    This episode is sponsored by What Little Wonder! What Little Wonder is a small curated shop that features beautiful gender-neutral must-haves for your littles. Hurry to whatlittlewonder.com right now and use the code MISSIONMOTHERHOOD to receive 10% off your order today!  

If you're a mama who feels like she never has enough time, then this episode is for you. In fact, I think it's for every mama. In this episode, we're talking about why this concept of "never having enough time" is a negative belief that we do not have to succumb to. We talk about how to reframe our mindset to see our time as a gift from the Lord, and that when we seek Him first, He gives us wisdom as to how to spend our time wisely and for His glory. Lastly, we discuss how to practically manage our time well by creating simplified routines and systems that allows us to steward each thing God has called us to well.    This episode is sponsored by What Little Wonder! What Little Wonder is a small curated shop that features beautiful gender-neutral must-haves for your littles. Hurry to whatlittlewonder.com right now and use the code MISSIONMOTHERHOOD to receive 10% off your order today!

In today's episode of the Mission Motherhood Podcast, we are concluding our Manage All The Things Series! This is a 5-day series that will feature 10-minute minisodes every day this week. Each episode corresponds with the 5-day Manage All The Things Challenge that I am hosting right now! In this FREE, 5-day challenge, you will receive a new video training to your inbox every day that will help you push past self-sabotaging behaviors, prioritize what really matters, create a simple routine so you can get your time back, and own the missions God is calling you to in this season.    You don't want to miss this. Sign up for the challenge right here!

In today's episode of the Mission Motherhood Podcast, we are continuing with our Manage All The Things Series! This is a 5-day series that will feature 10-minute minisodes every day this week. Each episode corresponds with the 5-day Manage All The Things Challenge that I am hosting right now! In this FREE, 5-day challenge, you will receive a new video training to your inbox every day that will help you push past self-sabotaging behaviors, prioritize what really matters, create a simple routine so you can get your time back, and own the missions God is calling you to in this season.    You don't want to miss this. Sign up for the challenge right here!

In today's episode of the Mission Motherhood Podcast, we are continuing with our Manage All The Things Series! This is a 5-day series that will feature 10-minute minisodes every day this week. Each episode corresponds with the 5-day Manage All The Things Challenge that I am hosting right now! In this FREE, 5-day challenge, you will receive a new video training to your inbox every day that will help you push past self-sabotaging behaviors, prioritize what really matters, create a simple routine so you can get your time back, and own the missions God is calling you to in this season.    You don't want to miss this. Sign up for the challenge right here!

In today's episode of the Mission Motherhood Podcast, we are continuing with our Manage All The Things Series! This is a 5-day series that will feature 10-minute minisodes every day this week. Each episode corresponds with the 5-day Manage All The Things Challenge that I am hosting right now! In this FREE, 5-day challenge, you will receive a new video training to your inbox every day that will help you push past self-sabotaging behaviors, prioritize what really matters, create a simple routine so you can get your time back, and own the missions God is calling you to in this season.    You don't want to miss this. Sign up for the challenge right here!

In today's episode of the Mission Motherhood Podcast, we are kicking off the Manage All The Things Series! This is a 5-day series that will feature 10-minute minisodes every day this week. Each episode corresponds with the 5-day Manage All The Things Challenge that I am hosting right now! In this FREE, 5-day challenge, you will receive a new video training to your inbox every day that will help you push past self-sabotaging behaviors, prioritize what really matters, create a simple routine so you can get your time back, and own the missions God is calling you to in this season.    You don't want to miss this. Sign up for the challenge right here!

Today, on the Mission Motherhood Podcast, we're talking all about boundaries and how to confidently set them with our children (without the guilt.)    Boundary setting is extremely important for many different reasons. However, we often let distorted messages in society as well as this unnecessary mom-guilt stop us from setting necessary boundaries with our children. This leaves mothers feeling more overwhelmed, touched out, and frustrated than necessary. This allows mothers to feel like their own boundaries and limitations no longer matter because they are mothers, which just isn't true. This can also lead to children not learning the importance of respecting other people's boundaries AND the importance of setting and respecting their own boundaries.    As you can see, boundaries are a big deal, and that's why we're talking about it on today's episode.    In this episode you will learn:  1) Why boundaries are extremely important  2) How to stop feeling guilty around setting boundaries  3) 5 practical ways to set boundaries with confidence    For full show notes, click here.  

In today's episode of the Mission Motherhood Podcast, I'm laying out my entire daily routine for you. A to Z. Soup to nuts. All the tea. Many of you have asked me to do this for a while so I'm super excited for you to listen to this episode and get a very realistic idea of how I manage our daily routine that includes homeschooling, running my business, incorporating my self-care, partnering with my husband, managing my health, and more.   This episode answers everything. --- KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THIS EPISODE: How I use anchor times to keep me on track throughout the day How I maintain the mindest of flexible, yet structured when it comes to our routine How I make time to effectively run my business as a busy, homeschooling, work from home mama How I partner with my husband to get things done Areas of weakness with my own routine that I'm currently working on How I created my routine based on what works best for me and my family and not what works for someone else And more…   ----- Featured in today's episode:  Roots Apothecary: authentic plant therapy (use code CAROLINEJSUMLIN for 20% off)

What would happen if it became the norm for mothers to love being with their kids? I mean, like, full time being with their kids. What if that were the norm? What if the cultural norm of doing life apart from our children and even our spouses more often than we're together was completely changed? What do you think that world would look like?  We answer these questions and more in this episode of the Mission Motherhood Podcast. We dive deep into what God is really communicating to us during these unprecedented times and how we, as mothers and believers, can use this opportunity to show the world that THIS is how we are supposed to do life: WITH our families MORE that we are APART from them.   ------   For full show notes, click here: www.carolinejsumlin.com/articles/mamariseup   Featured in today's episode:  My fave toys and learning tools for homeschool (Things They Love - code: MISSIONMAMA) The skincare line that has dramatically changed my skin (Rosen Skincare - code: CAROLINEJ20)

In this episode of the Mission Motherhood Podcast, I am sharing with you three simple things that everyone needs to do before we really get into the swing of the new school year within the next week. These simple things will not only help you get physically ready in your home for learning and working together as a family, but they will also help you get your mind in the right place to replace the weariness and frustration with joy and intention.   IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: The importance of having a mindset sesh with Jesus (and how to have one) The importance of getting your routine in order NOW so you can spend some time making tweaks before things really get started Why you need to organize your work and learning areas in your home to provide structure and boundaries in your day (and some tips to get started) How keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus allows for joy and grief to co-exist How you are already victorious in this season because God has already gone before you and run the race!     Featured in today's episode: The CBD oil I've been using and LOVING! (use code: caroline for 10% off!) My new favorite afternoon pick-me-up coffee replacement! (use code: missionmotherhood for 10% off!)

In this episode of the Mission Motherhood Podcast, we are inviting Stephanie Clarisse, Focus Coach for Christian moms, onto the show to teach us how to create a simple, effective morning routine that surrenders our day to the Lord. The best part, this routine can be done in literally five minutes.    Yep, that's right. Just five minutes with your kids underfoot. It's so simple, yet so powerful. You don't want to miss this life-changing episode.    A note: there are a few audio issues that weren't able to be fixed in post-production, however they do not take away from the valuable content of this episode.    Mentioned in today's show:  Grap Stephanie's affirmations for every mama Sign up to get Stephanie's weekly devos straight to your inbox Listen to the 500 Seconds to Joy Podcast Get a 20 min free coaching sesh with Stephanie  

We've been in the midst of the Coronavirus pandemic for 6 months now and in many ways, it feels like we're just getting started. Especially with schools starting back up in just a few short weeks. Pretty soon, we will be navigating round 2 of distant/virtual learning. Some of you all will be fully homeschooling your kids for the first time. Some of you all will be doing a hybrid program. Some of you are sending your kids to school, but with all the new protocols in place, it feels completely different this time.    The reality of being a mother and a parent during the pandemic is about to hit us in the face again, but this time, if we act now, we have time to get prepared.    Tune into today's episode of the Mission Motherhood Podcast for practical steps you need to take right now to get your home and family back to the basics and prepared to manage life at home during the pandemic without going crazy.    In this episode you will learn:  How to own the decisions your family makes no matter what they are  Exactly how you need to organize your home so it serves you and your family well with your extra time at home  How to get started with creating routines and systems that will meet the needs of your family in this very challenging season    Mentioned in this episode:  The Back to Home Workshop: Gearing Up For COVID Round 2 (click here to enroll now)

In this episode of the Mission Motherhood Podcast, I'm teaching you three steps you can take to stop doing all the things once and for all. Yes, just three steps. Listen and learn, my friend. IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN HOW TO: Surrender your priorities to the Lord and take His lead as to how you should conquer them strategically and intentionally. Re-frame your mindset around your priorities so that you can stop believing the lie that everything is on you. Re-structure how you tackle your tasks in a way that alleviates stress and pressure while allowing you to get things done.   Featured in today's episode: Things They Love Use code MISSIONMAMA for 10% off your first purchase    For full show notes, click here.

In today's episode of the Mission Motherhood Podcast with Caroline J. Sumlin, we're talking about staying content in the seasons we are in while being hopeful and expectant for the next season God has for us.    This episode is a continuation of last week's episode where we talked about having big dreams as a mama and how frustrating it feels to be torn between the two - especially when you're in seasons of motherhood that lessen your capacity to do both motherhood and fulfill your dreams at equal capacity.   It's important to understand that our capacities and circumstances change from season to season. You may be in a season that is particularly challenging. Your circumstances may be causing more stress than you'd like. Your capacities may be more limited in this season of motherhood than the next one. Even this season of COVID is just a season. There WILL be an end to it, even if we don't know when that end is.    So, while we're in these challenging seasons that feel limited or extra difficult, how do we stay content? Can we stay content and be hopeful for the next season at the same time.    Take heart, mama. And tune into today's episode.    ----   For full show notes, click here.    Featured in today's episode: Things They Love Use code MISSIONMAMA for 10% off your first purchase