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What if the greatest threat to your family is been passed down through your own family line? From fear and greed to divorce, addiction, and passivity—generational patterns don't just disappear on their own. God has called fathers to grab the wheel of their family story, break the chains of the past, and build a godly culture that will outlast them. This is your playbook to identify what's lurking in your family line, repent, and redirect your legacy toward the Kingdom. The Kingdom starts at home. Will you take responsibility for your part in your family line? Links in this Episode Get the Free Financial Transparency Guide Abe's Wallet Retreat Nov 21-23 Cincinnati, OH Join our Online Community, UR About Abraham's Wallet: Abraham's Wallet exists to inspire and equip Biblical family leaders. Please partner with us in inspiring and equipping multi-gen families at https://abrahamswallet.com/support AW website Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube Facebook LinkedIn Instagram Chapters (00:00:00) - All the Sins of Dad(00:00:56) - Locking myself Out of the Office(00:06:06) - Scooter Riding in the Rain(00:08:29) - Erica Kirk's Charlie Kirk Memorial Speech REACTION!!(00:13:44) - It's Our Sacred Calling to Steer the Family Story(00:17:09) - Look in the Mirror(00:20:40) - The Problem of Alcoholism(00:23:36) - How to Talk About Money With Your Girlfriend(00:30:12) - How to Stop Being a Sinful Person(00:31:18) - How to Repent of Your Sins in Front of Your Family(00:36:48) - Evil Spirits in the Home(00:41:51) - 5 Steps of Repentance for Family(00:45:04) - How to Clean Up Your Family Culture
In this episode, we dig into the difference between being organized and being productive. You'll hear why clutter raises stress hormones, how “too much organization” can backfire, and what to do if your task app or calendar is beautiful but not useful. Walk away with practical steps to lower stress and get more done.FREE Resources: Watch this Free Class!: 3 Secrets to Always Having Enough Time For Your Work, Your Family and Yourself ( https://www.alexishaselberger.com/register-now ) Click here to grab your free Distraction Action Plan today and start saving hours each week! ( https://www.alexishaselberger.com/reduce-distraction )This show is brought to you by: Time Well Spent : the time management course for real people, just like you, who want to do more and stress less - https://www.alexishaselberger.com/time-well-spent-course Stay connected!:Visit our website at https://www.alexishaselberger.com Check out the " Time Well Spent: Time Management for Real People “ Course ( https://www.alexishaselberger.com/time-well-spent-course )Join the Do More, Stress Less Facebook Community ( https://www.facebook.com/groups/domorestressless )Connect on Linkedin ( https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexis-haselberger/ )Follow us for updates and more content: Youtube ( https://www.youtube.com/c/DoMoreStressLess ) Instagram ( https://www.instagram.com/do.more.stress.less/ ) TikTok ( https://www.tiktok.com/@do.more.stress.less) Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/domorestressless )We want your feedback!:If you have constructive feedback, please email us at alexis+podcastfeedback@alexishaselberger.comIf you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and share with a friend!Transcript:Read it here ! (LINK)
Today, on Karl and Crew, we continued our Founder’s Week with Katy Nichole as she joined us a day before she performs at the closing session of Founder’s Week on Friday night. She shared with us about her walk with Christ and how music has been a massive part of it. Katy is a singer, songwriter, and performer. She has received multiple awards and nominations, including the Gospel Music Association’s 2023 New Artist of the Year, K-LOVE Fan Award, and a Billboard Chartbreaker title. Her debut album, “Jesus Changed My Life,” made her one of the fastest-rising artists in Christian music. Craig Thompson then joined us to discuss the importance of fighting for your family rather than against them. Craig is a disciple, husband, father, and pastor. He is the pastor of Malvern Hill Baptist Church in Camden, South Carolina. His mission is to equip families with the tools needed to battle spiritual warfare. He has written the book “Fighting for Your Family,” which provides a holistic approach for handling family matters as Christians. Then we had Ron Hutchcraft join us to reminisce about his experience with Founder’s Week when he was a student at Moody Bible Institute, and he also talked about the importance of staying in touch with Jesus throughout the day. Ron is the chairman of Ron Hutchcraft Ministries. He is also an international speaker, evangelist, author, and radio host. He is also the co-founder of On Eagle Wings, an outreach by Native Americans to Native Americans. He is also the author of the books “A Life That Matters” and “Hope When Your Heart is Breaking.” We then had Asheritah CiuCiu join us to talk about the importance of personal devotions/ quiet times with the Lord. Asheritah is a national speaker, bestselling author, and founder of One Thing Alone Ministries, an online ministry that helps overwhelmed women find joy in Jesus. She also has a YouTube Channel where she posts guided prayers, bible tips, and other resourceful videos. She has also authored several books, including “Delighting in Jesus-Rhythms to Restore Joy When You Feel Burdened, Broken, or Burned-Out.” Then we heard a snippet from Chip Ingram’s message from last night's first session of Founder’s Week. You can listen to the highlights of today's program on the Karl and Crew Showcast. If you're looking to listen to a particular segment from the show, look at the following time stamps: Katy Nicole Interview (My Call to Music) [11:37 ] Asheritah CiuCiu (Personal Devotions with God) [20:09 ] Craig Thompson Interview (Battle for your Family, Not Against It) [31:31 ] Ron Hutchcraft Interview (Staying in Touch with Jesus) [48:27 ] Chip Ingram Clip (Founder's Week Opening Session) [01:05:15] Karl and Crew airs live weekday mornings from 5-9 a.m. Central Time. Click this link for ways to listen in your area! https://www.moodyradio.org/ways-to-listen/Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode of the Ordinary Christian Podcast, Craig Thompson discusses his new book, Fighting for Your Family. He shares the inspiration behind the book, emphasizing the importance of fighting for one's family rather than against them. Craig covers themes of spiritual warfare, the role of leadership and commitment in marriage, the impact of physical health on family dynamics, and practical applications for nurturing family relationships. Craig encourages listeners to engage with the book and share it with others who may benefit from its insights.TakeawaysThe book ‘Fighting for Your Family' is a culmination of years of personal experience.Craig emphasizes the importance of fighting for your family, not against them.Marriage is a divine gift that requires effort and commitment.Spiritual warfare involves battling against the flesh, the world, and the demonic.Leadership in the home is fundamentally about love and sacrifice.Commitment is essential for maintaining healthy relationships.Community support is vital for effective parenting.Physical health directly influences family dynamics and spiritual well-being.Intimacy in marriage is a key component of spiritual warfare.Practical applications, like hospitality, can strengthen family bonds.Chapters00:00Introduction to ‘Fighting for Your Family'02:48The Heart Behind the Book06:10Understanding Spiritual Warfare09:02The Role of Leadership and Commitment in Marriage11:49Physical Health and Its Impact on Family Dynamics15:05Practical Applications for Family Life
Today, on Karl and Crew, we continued our Founder’s Week with Katy Nichole as she joined us a day before she performs at the closing session of Founder’s Week on Friday night. She shared with us about her walk with Christ and how music has been a massive part of it. Katy is a singer, songwriter, and performer. She has received multiple awards and nominations, including the Gospel Music Association’s 2023 New Artist of the Year, K-LOVE Fan Award, and a Billboard Chartbreaker title. Her debut album, “Jesus Changed My Life,” made her one of the fastest-rising artists in Christian music. Craig Thompson then joined us to discuss the importance of fighting for your family rather than against them. Craig is a disciple, husband, father, and pastor. He is the pastor of Malvern Hill Baptist Church in Camden, South Carolina. His mission is to equip families with the tools needed to battle spiritual warfare. He has written the book “Fighting for Your Family,” which provides a holistic approach for handling family matters as Christians. Then we had Ron Hutchcraft join us to reminisce about his experience with Founder’s Week when he was a student at Moody Bible Institute, and he also talked about the importance of staying in touch with Jesus throughout the day. Ron is the chairman of Ron Hutchcraft Ministries. He is also an international speaker, evangelist, author, and radio host. He is also the co-founder of On Eagle Wings, an outreach by Native Americans to Native Americans. He is also the author of the books “A Life That Matters” and “Hope When Your Heart is Breaking.” We then had Asheritah CiuCiu join us to talk about the importance of personal devotions/ quiet times with the Lord. Asheritah is a national speaker, bestselling author, and founder of One Thing Alone Ministries, an online ministry that helps overwhelmed women find joy in Jesus. She also has a YouTube Channel where she posts guided prayers, bible tips, and other resourceful videos. She has also authored several books, including “Delighting in Jesus-Rhythms to Restore Joy When You Feel Burdened, Broken, or Burned-Out.” Then we heard a snippet from Chip Ingram’s message from last night's first session of Founder’s Week. You can listen to the highlights of today's program on the Karl and Crew Showcast. If you're looking to listen to a particular segment from the show, look at the following time stamps: Katy Nicole Interview (My Call to Music) [11:37 ] Asheritah CiuCiu (Personal Devotions with God) [20:09 ] Craig Thompson Interview (Battle for your Family, Not Against It) [31:31 ] Ron Hutchcraft Interview (Staying in Touch with Jesus) [48:27 ] Chip Ingram Clip (Founder's Week Opening Session) [01:05:15] Karl and Crew airs live weekday mornings from 5-9 a.m. Central Time. Click this link for ways to listen in your area! https://www.moodyradio.org/ways-to-listen/Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today, on Karl and Crew, we continued our Founder’s Week with Katy Nichole as she joined us a day before she performs at the closing session of Founder’s Week on Friday night. She shared with us about her walk with Christ and how music has been a massive part of it. Katy is a singer, songwriter, and performer. She has received multiple awards and nominations, including the Gospel Music Association’s 2023 New Artist of the Year, K-LOVE Fan Award, and a Billboard Chartbreaker title. Her debut album, “Jesus Changed My Life,” made her one of the fastest-rising artists in Christian music. Craig Thompson then joined us to discuss the importance of fighting for your family rather than against them. Craig is a disciple, husband, father, and pastor. He is the pastor of Malvern Hill Baptist Church in Camden, South Carolina. His mission is to equip families with the tools needed to battle spiritual warfare. He has written the book “Fighting for Your Family,” which provides a holistic approach for handling family matters as Christians. Then we had Ron Hutchcraft join us to reminisce about his experience with Founder’s Week when he was a student at Moody Bible Institute, and he also talked about the importance of staying in touch with Jesus throughout the day. Ron is the chairman of Ron Hutchcraft Ministries. He is also an international speaker, evangelist, author, and radio host. He is also the co-founder of On Eagle Wings, an outreach by Native Americans to Native Americans. He is also the author of the books “A Life That Matters” and “Hope When Your Heart is Breaking.” We then had Asheritah CiuCiu join us to talk about the importance of personal devotions/ quiet times with the Lord. Asheritah is a national speaker, bestselling author, and founder of One Thing Alone Ministries, an online ministry that helps overwhelmed women find joy in Jesus. She also has a YouTube Channel where she posts guided prayers, bible tips, and other resourceful videos. She has also authored several books, including “Delighting in Jesus-Rhythms to Restore Joy When You Feel Burdened, Broken, or Burned-Out.” Then we heard a snippet from Chip Ingram’s message from last night's first session of Founder’s Week. You can listen to the highlights of today's program on the Karl and Crew Showcast. If you're looking to listen to a particular segment from the show, look at the following time stamps: Katy Nicole Interview (My Call to Music) [11:37 ] Asheritah CiuCiu (Personal Devotions with God) [20:09 ] Craig Thompson Interview (Battle for your Family, Not Against It) [31:31 ] Ron Hutchcraft Interview (Staying in Touch with Jesus) [48:27 ] Chip Ingram Clip (Founder's Week Opening Session) [01:05:15] Karl and Crew airs live weekday mornings from 5-9 a.m. Central Time. Click this link for ways to listen in your area! https://www.moodyradio.org/ways-to-listen/Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today, on Karl and Crew, we continued our Founder’s Week with Katy Nichole as she joined us a day before she performs at the closing session of Founder’s Week on Friday night. She shared with us about her walk with Christ and how music has been a massive part of it. Katy is a singer, songwriter, and performer. She has received multiple awards and nominations, including the Gospel Music Association’s 2023 New Artist of the Year, K-LOVE Fan Award, and a Billboard Chartbreaker title. Her debut album, “Jesus Changed My Life,” made her one of the fastest-rising artists in Christian music. Craig Thompson then joined us to discuss the importance of fighting for your family rather than against them. Craig is a disciple, husband, father, and pastor. He is the pastor of Malvern Hill Baptist Church in Camden, South Carolina. His mission is to equip families with the tools needed to battle spiritual warfare. He has written the book “Fighting for Your Family,” which provides a holistic approach for handling family matters as Christians. Then we had Ron Hutchcraft join us to reminisce about his experience with Founder’s Week when he was a student at Moody Bible Institute, and he also talked about the importance of staying in touch with Jesus throughout the day. Ron is the chairman of Ron Hutchcraft Ministries. He is also an international speaker, evangelist, author, and radio host. He is also the co-founder of On Eagle Wings, an outreach by Native Americans to Native Americans. He is also the author of the books “A Life That Matters” and “Hope When Your Heart is Breaking.” We then had Asheritah CiuCiu join us to talk about the importance of personal devotions/ quiet times with the Lord. Asheritah is a national speaker, bestselling author, and founder of One Thing Alone Ministries, an online ministry that helps overwhelmed women find joy in Jesus. She also has a YouTube Channel where she posts guided prayers, bible tips, and other resourceful videos. She has also authored several books, including “Delighting in Jesus-Rhythms to Restore Joy When You Feel Burdened, Broken, or Burned-Out.” Then we heard a snippet from Chip Ingram’s message from last night's first session of Founder’s Week. You can listen to the highlights of today's program on the Karl and Crew Showcast. If you're looking to listen to a particular segment from the show, look at the following time stamps: Katy Nicole Interview (My Call to Music) [11:37 ] Asheritah CiuCiu (Personal Devotions with God) [20:09 ] Craig Thompson Interview (Battle for your Family, Not Against It) [31:31 ] Ron Hutchcraft Interview (Staying in Touch with Jesus) [48:27 ] Chip Ingram Clip (Founder's Week Opening Session) [01:05:15] Karl and Crew airs live weekday mornings from 5-9 a.m. Central Time. Click this link for ways to listen in your area! https://www.moodyradio.org/ways-to-listen/Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today, on Karl and Crew, we continued our Founder’s Week with Katy Nichole as she joined us a day before she performs at the closing session of Founder’s Week on Friday night. She shared with us about her walk with Christ and how music has been a massive part of it. Katy is a singer, songwriter, and performer. She has received multiple awards and nominations, including the Gospel Music Association’s 2023 New Artist of the Year, K-LOVE Fan Award, and a Billboard Chartbreaker title. Her debut album, “Jesus Changed My Life,” made her one of the fastest-rising artists in Christian music. Craig Thompson then joined us to discuss the importance of fighting for your family rather than against them. Craig is a disciple, husband, father, and pastor. He is the pastor of Malvern Hill Baptist Church in Camden, South Carolina. His mission is to equip families with the tools needed to battle spiritual warfare. He has written the book “Fighting for Your Family,” which provides a holistic approach for handling family matters as Christians. Then we had Ron Hutchcraft join us to reminisce about his experience with Founder’s Week when he was a student at Moody Bible Institute, and he also talked about the importance of staying in touch with Jesus throughout the day. Ron is the chairman of Ron Hutchcraft Ministries. He is also an international speaker, evangelist, author, and radio host. He is also the co-founder of On Eagle Wings, an outreach by Native Americans to Native Americans. He is also the author of the books “A Life That Matters” and “Hope When Your Heart is Breaking.” We then had Asheritah CiuCiu join us to talk about the importance of personal devotions/ quiet times with the Lord. Asheritah is a national speaker, bestselling author, and founder of One Thing Alone Ministries, an online ministry that helps overwhelmed women find joy in Jesus. She also has a YouTube Channel where she posts guided prayers, bible tips, and other resourceful videos. She has also authored several books, including “Delighting in Jesus-Rhythms to Restore Joy When You Feel Burdened, Broken, or Burned-Out.” Then we heard a snippet from Chip Ingram’s message from last night's first session of Founder’s Week. You can listen to the highlights of today's program on the Karl and Crew Showcast. If you're looking to listen to a particular segment from the show, look at the following time stamps: Katy Nicole Interview (My Call to Music) [11:37 ] Asheritah CiuCiu (Personal Devotions with God) [20:09 ] Craig Thompson Interview (Battle for your Family, Not Against It) [31:31 ] Ron Hutchcraft Interview (Staying in Touch with Jesus) [48:27 ] Chip Ingram Clip (Founder's Week Opening Session) [01:05:15] Karl and Crew airs live weekday mornings from 5-9 a.m. Central Time. Click this link for ways to listen in your area! https://www.moodyradio.org/ways-to-listen/Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today, on Karl and Crew, we continued our Founder’s Week with Katy Nichole as she joined us a day before she performs at the closing session of Founder’s Week on Friday night. She shared with us about her walk with Christ and how music has been a massive part of it. Katy is a singer, songwriter, and performer. She has received multiple awards and nominations, including the Gospel Music Association’s 2023 New Artist of the Year, K-LOVE Fan Award, and a Billboard Chartbreaker title. Her debut album, “Jesus Changed My Life,” made her one of the fastest-rising artists in Christian music. Craig Thompson then joined us to discuss the importance of fighting for your family rather than against them. Craig is a disciple, husband, father, and pastor. He is the pastor of Malvern Hill Baptist Church in Camden, South Carolina. His mission is to equip families with the tools needed to battle spiritual warfare. He has written the book “Fighting for Your Family,” which provides a holistic approach for handling family matters as Christians. Then we had Ron Hutchcraft join us to reminisce about his experience with Founder’s Week when he was a student at Moody Bible Institute, and he also talked about the importance of staying in touch with Jesus throughout the day. Ron is the chairman of Ron Hutchcraft Ministries. He is also an international speaker, evangelist, author, and radio host. He is also the co-founder of On Eagle Wings, an outreach by Native Americans to Native Americans. He is also the author of the books “A Life That Matters” and “Hope When Your Heart is Breaking.” We then had Asheritah CiuCiu join us to talk about the importance of personal devotions/ quiet times with the Lord. Asheritah is a national speaker, bestselling author, and founder of One Thing Alone Ministries, an online ministry that helps overwhelmed women find joy in Jesus. She also has a YouTube Channel where she posts guided prayers, bible tips, and other resourceful videos. She has also authored several books, including “Delighting in Jesus-Rhythms to Restore Joy When You Feel Burdened, Broken, or Burned-Out.” Then we heard a snippet from Chip Ingram’s message from last night's first session of Founder’s Week. You can listen to the highlights of today's program on the Karl and Crew Showcast. If you're looking to listen to a particular segment from the show, look at the following time stamps: Katy Nicole Interview (My Call to Music) [11:37 ] Asheritah CiuCiu (Personal Devotions with God) [20:09 ] Craig Thompson Interview (Battle for your Family, Not Against It) [31:31 ] Ron Hutchcraft Interview (Staying in Touch with Jesus) [48:27 ] Chip Ingram Clip (Founder's Week Opening Session) [01:05:15] Karl and Crew airs live weekday mornings from 5-9 a.m. Central Time. Click this link for ways to listen in your area! https://www.moodyradio.org/ways-to-listen/Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today, on Karl and Crew, we continued our Founder’s Week with Katy Nichole as she joined us a day before she performs at the closing session of Founder’s Week on Friday night. She shared with us about her walk with Christ and how music has been a massive part of it. Katy is a singer, songwriter, and performer. She has received multiple awards and nominations, including the Gospel Music Association’s 2023 New Artist of the Year, K-LOVE Fan Award, and a Billboard Chartbreaker title. Her debut album, “Jesus Changed My Life,” made her one of the fastest-rising artists in Christian music. Craig Thompson then joined us to discuss the importance of fighting for your family rather than against them. Craig is a disciple, husband, father, and pastor. He is the pastor of Malvern Hill Baptist Church in Camden, South Carolina. His mission is to equip families with the tools needed to battle spiritual warfare. He has written the book “Fighting for Your Family,” which provides a holistic approach for handling family matters as Christians. Then we had Ron Hutchcraft join us to reminisce about his experience with Founder’s Week when he was a student at Moody Bible Institute, and he also talked about the importance of staying in touch with Jesus throughout the day. Ron is the chairman of Ron Hutchcraft Ministries. He is also an international speaker, evangelist, author, and radio host. He is also the co-founder of On Eagle Wings, an outreach by Native Americans to Native Americans. He is also the author of the books “A Life That Matters” and “Hope When Your Heart is Breaking.” We then had Asheritah CiuCiu join us to talk about the importance of personal devotions/ quiet times with the Lord. Asheritah is a national speaker, bestselling author, and founder of One Thing Alone Ministries, an online ministry that helps overwhelmed women find joy in Jesus. She also has a YouTube Channel where she posts guided prayers, bible tips, and other resourceful videos. She has also authored several books, including “Delighting in Jesus-Rhythms to Restore Joy When You Feel Burdened, Broken, or Burned-Out.” Then we heard a snippet from Chip Ingram’s message from last night's first session of Founder’s Week. You can listen to the highlights of today's program on the Karl and Crew Showcast. If you're looking to listen to a particular segment from the show, look at the following time stamps: Katy Nicole Interview (My Call to Music) [11:37 ] Asheritah CiuCiu (Personal Devotions with God) [20:09 ] Craig Thompson Interview (Battle for your Family, Not Against It) [31:31 ] Ron Hutchcraft Interview (Staying in Touch with Jesus) [48:27 ] Chip Ingram Clip (Founder's Week Opening Session) [01:05:15] Karl and Crew airs live weekday mornings from 5-9 a.m. Central Time. Click this link for ways to listen in your area! https://www.moodyradio.org/ways-to-listen/Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
E344: The Constipation Epidemic - Natural Solutions for Poop Problems (From Infants to Adults) | The Prime Podcast Are you or someone in your family struggling with constipation? It's far more common than you think, affecting over half the population – from newborns to seniors. Yet, it's often dismissed as "normal" or incorrectly labeled as "hereditary." In Episode 344 of The Prime Podcast, Dr. Skip Wyss and Dr. Julie Wyss declare this a true constipation epidemic and dive deep into the real causes and natural solutions. This comprehensive discussion covers everything you need to know about achieving healthy bowel function. The doctors explore essential nutritional strategies, emphasizing the importance of magnesium, proper hydration, movement, and why choosing plant soluble fiber over common supplements like Metamucil (psyllium) is crucial for feeding your vital microbiome. They also discuss the temporary effects of stimulants like caffeine. Beyond diet and lifestyle, this episode highlights the critical, often-overlooked neurological connection to gut health. Learn how: Your nervous system is the master controller of your entire GI tract. The birth process can create misalignments impacting infant pelvic nerves and leading to early constipation. Digestion begins in the mouth, and issues like poor latch can affect the whole system. Introducing solids (especially bananas) before a baby gets their first tooth can disrupt the gut, contributing to leaky gut and future food sensitivities. Chronic GI conditions like Crohn's or IBS are NOT genetically predetermined (hereditary myth) but often stem from impaired neurological communication. Dr. Skip and Dr. Julie explain what constitutes a healthy bowel movement (and why it should feel good!) versus signs of dysfunction like hemorrhoids or pain. Discover practical tips like the corn/beet test for transit time and understand why addressing the neurological root cause through chiropractic care is key to resolving constipation for good. Trending Terms Explained: Constipation: Difficulty or infrequency in passing stools. Discussed as a widespread epidemic, not a normal state. Plant Soluble Fiber: Fiber from plant sources (vegetables, fruits) that feeds the microbiome, essential for gut health. Contrasted with psyllium husk (Metamucil). Microbiome: The community of bacteria in the GI tract influencing digestion, immunity, and brain function – your "second brain." Leaky Gut: Increased intestinal permeability, allowing particles into the bloodstream, potentially caused by introducing solids too early. Nervous System Control: The brain and nerves regulate all digestive processes; interference (subluxation) can cause constipation or diarrhea. Birth Process Trauma: Physical stress during birth potentially causing misalignments that affect nerves controlling infant bowel function. Hereditary (Myth): Debunking the idea that constipation or diseases like Crohn's are genetic, highlighting neurological response patterns instead. Key Takeaways: Constipation is common but NOT normal or hereditary. Aim for 1-2 comfortable bowel movements daily. Focus on hydration, movement, magnesium, and PLANT SOLUBLE fiber. Your nervous system dictates gut function – address the root cause. Birth trauma is a major factor in infant constipation. Wait for the first tooth before introducing solids to prevent leaky gut. Chiropractic care is vital for optimizing the nervous system control of the GI tract. CALL TO ACTION: Stop normalizing constipation! If you or your child are struggling, seek answers that address the root cause. A pediatric or family chiropractor focused on the nervous system can be a key part of your health team. For questions or to connect with us, email info@primefamilycenters.com (mention the podcast!). Please share this episode to help others suffering from poop problems.
Katie Polski joins the podcast to discuss her book "Beyond the Back Row: Rediscovering the Beauty of the Local Church for Your Family." Kyle and Katie discuss stirring an affection for The Church among our children and teens. They talk about some of the reasons church attendance has declined in importance while also warning against it becoming a legalistic endeavor. Listen in to gain some great insight on the importance of The Church and how we can help our kids not only see the importance but also develop a love for The Church themselves.
273. Wise Living: Why to Get Outside and Travel and Read Aloud with Amber O'Neal Johnston “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” James 1:17 NIV *Transcription Below* Amber O'Neal Johnston is an author, speaker, and Charlotte Mason homeschooling mom who blends life-giving books and a culturally rich environment for her four children and others seeking to do the same. She recommends we offer children opportunities to see themselves and others reflected in their lessons, especially throughout their books, and she's known for sharing literary “mirrors and windows” on HeritageMom.com and @heritagemomblog. Amber is also the author of Soul School: Taking Kids on a Joy-Filled Journey Through the Heart of Black American Culture and A Place to Belong, a guide for families of all backgrounds on raising kids to celebrate their heritage, community, and the world. www.HeritageMom.com www.SoulSchoolBook.com www.APlaceToBelongBook.com www.instagram.com/heritagemomblog www.facebook.com/heritagemomblog Thank You to Our Sponsor: Sam Leman Eureka Questions that We Discussed: Looking back, what would you say has helped to shape your children's character the most? What have you learned about the importance of getting our kids (and ourselves) out into nature? How do you actually make time to be a content creator and to also homeschool and travel and host? Other Related Episodes from The Savvy Sauce: 53 Practical Life Tips with Blogger, Rach Kincaid 57 Implementing Bite-Size Habits That Will Change Your Life with Author, Blogger, Podcaster, and Speaker, Kat Lee 82 Traveling with Your Family with Katie Mueller 84 Ordering Your Priorities with Kat Lee 103 Making Family Memories with Jessica Smartt 200 Planting Seeds of Faith in Our Children with Courtney DeFeo 204 Charlotte Mason Inspired Mini-Series: A Delectable Education with Emily Kiser 207 Cultivating Character in Our Children with Cynthia Yanof 212 School Series: Benefits of Homeschooling with Jodi Mockabee 253 Low Tech Parenting with Erin Loechner Connect with The Savvy Sauce Our Website, Instagram or Facebook Please help us out by sharing this episode with a friend, leaving a 5-star rating and review, and subscribing to this podcast! Gospel Scripture: (all NIV) Romans 3:23 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” Romans 3:24 “and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” Romans 3:25 (a) “God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood.” Hebrews 9:22 (b) “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.” Romans 5:8 “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:11 “Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.” John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” Romans 10:9 “That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Luke 15:10 says “In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” Romans 8:1 “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” Ephesians 1:13–14 “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession- to the praise of his glory.” Ephesians 1:15–23 “For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.” Ephesians 2:8–10 “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God‘s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.“ Ephesians 2:13 “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.“ Philippians 1:6 “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” *Transcription* Music: (0:00 – 0:09) Laura Dugger: (0:11 - 2:01) Welcome to The Savvy Sauce, where we have practical chats for intentional living. I'm your host, Laura Dugger, and I'm so glad you're here. The principles of honesty and integrity that Sam Leman founded his business on continue today over 55 years later at Sam Leman Chevrolet Inc. in Eureka. Owned and operated by the Burchie family, Sam Leman's in Eureka appreciates the support they've received from their customers all over central Illinois and beyond. Visit them today at LehmanGM.com. Amber O'Neal Johnston is my fascinating guest for today. She's an author and speaker and coach and she's just chosen to live a very wise life as a wife and mother, and I think you're going to enjoy gleaning practical tips such as the benefits of getting our children out in nature regardless of their age. She has teens and makes this super practical for things that they would enjoy too, and she shares these incredible benefits of what happens when we simply step outdoors. She's also going to share approachable ways to introduce our family to great art and other cultures, and she gives us a fabulous book list, so, make sure you stay tuned through the end of the episode so that you can see some of the top books that she recommends. Finally, if you don't have a copy of her own latest release entitled Soul School, I highly recommend you purchase that today. Here's our chat. Welcome to The Savvy Sauce, Amber. Amber O'Neal Johnston: (2:02 - 2:04) Thank you so much. I'm so happy to be here. Laura Dugger: (2:04 - 2:14) Well, I'd love for you just to start us off and introduce us to your family, and will you just share a glimpse of your values and lifestyle? Amber O'Neal Johnston: (2:15 - 3:48) Absolutely. So, I live outside of Atlanta, Georgia with my husband Scott and our four children. We are just entering birthday season, but shortly they will be 16, 14, 12, and 10. The girls are the two oldest. The boys are the two youngest, and they've been homeschooled from the beginning, so, we're a homeschooling family. I'm originally from Illinois. My husband's originally from Ohio, but we met here in Atlanta at the High Museum of Art, which is really special. We are art loving, you know, fine arts loving, liberal arts loving family, and so, the idea that we met at the museum, I will just cherish that forever. I came to, before homeschooling, I was a stay-at-home mom, and prior to having children, I have an MBA, and I worked in corporate America in like marketing and advertising, and Scott comes from a similar background with the MBA, and he was doing work in that area too, so, we had that as a connection point, but I have always stayed home with the kids, and you know, our values are rooted in our Christian faith, and we're an African-American family, and so, we have values and cultural aspects that enter our home through that avenue as well. We are world travelers, so, we enjoy that as part of who we are, and I'm an author and a speaker, and I'm just a very happy homeschooler. Laura Dugger: (3:48 - 4:12) I love that, and it sounds like such a rich and abundant life, and there's two little connections that I have to go back to. My husband and I had a date at that same museum. I love that you met your husband there. Oh wow, that's wild! And so, we met when we were in Atlanta, but live in Illinois now, so, which part of Illinois were you originally from? Amber O'Neal Johnston: (4:12 - 4:33) I'm from Elgin, Illinois. It's out past O'Hare Airport, and I was born and raised there. My parents were both public school principals there. My dad was principal of Elgin High, and there's actually an elementary school, Ron O'Neal Elementary School in Elgin, named after my father, so, that is where I'm from. Laura Dugger: (4:33 - 4:46) Wow, okay, so, then even with that piece, your father being a principal, and then you said you've homeschooled since the beginning. Did you always anticipate you would homeschool, or what was your journey into that? Amber O'Neal Johnston: (4:47 - 7:15) Oh my gosh, never, and it's both of my parents were principals, so, that's wild. My grandfather was an elected school board official. My sister was an elected school board official, so, public school is just, you know, in my blood from the very beginning, and that's what I assumed I would do for my kids at first. Once Scott and I got married, and we had discussed it, we decided that I would stay home when they were little, and when they were old enough to go to school, I would go back to work, and my salary would pay for private Christian school tuition, and as the years, you know, months really came to fruition for my oldest, my husband started backpedaling, and he started talking this crazy talk about homeschooling. I'm like, that's a switcheroo for you. What are you talking about? I was like, that's weird. I don't want to do that. I don't feel called to do that. That does not seem like a comfortable space for me. I don't want my kids to endure that, and ultimately, I lacked confidence in that. I couldn't even articulate it. It felt scary, terrifying. Why would I take something so weighty into my own hands, and Scott was very persistent, and I can't even explain why he was so persistent about it, but I think to me, I feel like it was planted in him by the Lord, and he felt that this was the way he wanted to lead his family, and he did it so graciously because I was very resistant. He asked, would you please try it for one year, and if you are unhappy, you don't think it's right. I'll never ask you about it again, and that gave me a softer place to land where I felt like it wasn't signing up for a long-term commitment because I knew I was going to hate it, and I said, sure. I will do that, and oh, my gosh. It was the most amazing year, and I laugh now because my daughter was four, so, she's like four and turned five during that year, and so, she was so young, and people were like, well, what were you really doing, but I took it so seriously. I was doing all things, and I joined a homeschool support group, and I was reading about it, and I realized on Friday, I'm a stay-at-home mom, and on Monday, I took on this identity of a homeschooling mom, and it's just been a beautiful journey for us. I'm so thankful that the Lord led Scott in that way. He knew what was right, not just for our children, but for me, too, when I had no vision for it, and so, I'm just, you know, very grateful. Laura Dugger: (7:16 - 7:30) I love that story. That's such an encouragement, and, okay, your oldest is turning 16, so, when you look back, what would you say has helped shape your children's character the most? Amber O'Neal Johnston: (7:32 - 9:29) Well, I think the time that we've all had to spend together, like intense amounts of time, so, not just quality time or quantity time, but both, and I think that there's nothing else I could have done that could replace that, so, I think that's one of the things. I think my own acceptance of the divine nature of me being their mother and those being my children, and really that leading me to embrace my mother's intuition, which is something that I was hesitant for at first because there are so many experts, and surely they know so much more than me, and that's not to say that that's not important. I read so widely. I'm always reading expert ideas and views, but what I realized is that those things can help me as tools. They can mentor me, but they can't master me because the master has already appointed me as the perfect mom for these children, and nobody knows them, the little tiny details of them that nobody knows more than me, and so, when I leaned into that and I'm like, yeah, this says this online, this book said that, this thing says that, I can take what I can from those, but ultimately I feel the spirit telling me and leading me in this way with these children, and when I really leaned into that, I have a right to do that. I am their mother. That revolutionized things, and I think that's what's helped shape my children's character the most is my willingness to lean into how I'm led to lead them, and so, that's been a motherhood journey for me, and I hope that it's a legacy that I leave with my children. Laura Dugger: (9:31 - 9:53) And do you have any specific stories that come to mind that were examples of that mother's intuition, something that really I think it is such a gift from the Lord and that the Holy Spirit speaks to us in some unique way as mothers to be in tune with our kids, so, is there a time that it really benefited them when you exercised your mother's intuition? Amber O'Neal Johnston: (9:53 - 12:42) Well, there was one time with my third, my son, my oldest son, his name is Beckett, and he was in the high chair eating while I was braiding my daughter's hair, and I heard him start making like these really weird noises, and I looked over and it was like he was choking and gagging, and I run over, and but he seemed fine, but then he would do it again, and he started sweating, and you know today I really would say, you should call 9-1-1, but I didn't, I threw all the kids in the car, and I rushed to the ER, and when we got there he wasn't choking anymore, he wasn't sweating, they did his vitals and everything, and they said, well mom, whatever happened passed, he's fine, and you guys can go home, and I was like, no, he's not fine, I'm looking at him, he's not my little boy, his vitals are checking out, but he's not looking at me the way he normally looks at me, he's not interacting with me, the little funny things that I can make him smile all the time, he's not responding to them, and so, like, I know you have your tests, but like my, I'm telling you something's wrong with my little boy, so, they have a doctor, he comes in to tell me everything's fine, and he's sending me home, and so, I was like, well I'm not leaving, I'll just spend the night in the ER then with all my kids, because I know something's wrong, and the doctor, who's this older man, he turns to me, he looks me in my eyes, and he says, you know, in all my years of medical training, there's something that they never told us, but something I've learned throughout my career, never doubt a mother's intuition, and he said, we'll take him and run more tests, and they took Beckett back to run more tests, and they came back and said, you were right, he has swallowed a coin, and it's like just teetering on the precipice, and so, at times it was blocking his airway, and at times it was shifted a little bit, and we have to go in immediately and get it, and that could have choked him, if you had just gone home and put him down to bed, and so, in that story, I took away two things, one, that I am his mother, and I don't care what the test says, or what the data says, or what the news, or a book, at the end of the day, I knew that something was wrong with my boy, the other thing is the graciousness of that doctor, to see my humanity and my personhood beyond just the insurance payment, or protocol, or whatever, it let me know that like there's something powerful about letting other people know that you see them, and that you are connected to them, as another part of God's creation, like he respected me on that level, so. Laura Dugger: (12:43 - 13:35) That is incredible, I'm so grateful that that story has a happy ending, and that you were assertive to say that, I think sometimes as women, probably especially as Christian women, we can think, oh I want to be nice, or not push back on somebody, but I love that you were assertive, it was what was in your child's best interest, and like you highlighted, that doctor's humility is admirable, but Amber, you mentioned too that you're a writer, and you contribute a lot to things like the Wild and Free bundles, and I was always struck by the way that you would be out in nature, and there's so much to learn, so, if you had to boil it down, what wisdom would you have to share from what you've learned about the importance of getting our kids and ourselves outdoors into nature? Amber O'Neal Johnston: (13:36 - 16:49) Yeah, that's so funny, I love that you asked me that, because I like to tell people I was raised in the air conditioning, and so, there is no one who began motherhood further away from nature and being outdoors than me, like, and I can look back at those early days of like, I knew you could take your kids to the playground, and I did do that, but like what else would you do outside, you know, and people would be like, oh we went hiking on this trail, and I was like, where did you get on it, like where do you find a trailhead, like I mean this is back, like this is where I was coming from, and I was just like, and then what would we do, like we just walk, and do we talk about trees, I don't know any trees, I know Christmas trees are evergreens, you know, so, it was just like coming from this very like foundational place where I didn't know anything, but I believed, right, I believed, I somehow inherently believed when I read that being outdoors was important for children, so, I'm reading Charlotte Mason's work, and she's talking about nature study, I'm reading Last Child in the Woods by Louvre, and I'm hearing about this, he calls it a nature deficit disorder, and I'm reading all of these different kind of people who really respected childhood, and personhood, and really wanted the best for children, I'm reading a Christian perspective of the joy in connecting with God's creation, first and foremost, but also this idea of encouraging natural and authentic physical activity, running, climbing, balancing, exploring, developing coordination, and confidence, and the mental health components, you know, reducing stress, and improving mood, and not just for the kids, but my friend from A Thousand Hours Outside, she talks about how the first time she like took her kids out for the whole day, it was for her, because she was going crazy with these all these little kids, and the house, and the bags, and the diaper bag, and the snacks, and she didn't know what else to do, so, she just went outside, and how healing that was, and therapeutic that was for all of them, the idea of curiosity, of fueling curiosity, and creativity, I've never seen my kids come up with the most, I mean, they come up with imaginative things in our house, but outside, the, oh my goodness, the things they come up with, the things they create, and make, and the storytelling that comes out of that, and I think the family bonds, our experiences, it's another way of memory making, I mean, we make memories when we go see plays, and musicals, and travel as well, so, it's not the only way, but it's a strong way of that shared outdoor adventures, so, like a couple weeks ago, we were all whitewater rafting, it's funny, like a lot of funny things happen when you're out there doing crazy stuff, and so, we have a lot of laughter, and we have a lot of inside jokes that come from our time together, so, I think that all of those, it's not just one thing, it's one of those rare things where there are all the pros, and there really are no cons, and so, I intentionally embrace that for my family, even though it's everything that I didn't have growing up. Laura Dugger: (16:50 - 17:41) Wow, that is so interesting, I love how books have really inspired you to make changes that have benefited your entire family, and I'm thinking back years ago when I was in grad school, studying marriage and family therapy, there was this book that we read, Letters to a Young Therapist, I believe the author is Mary Pipher, and she said something that I found to be very true in my life, she said, from childhood when we all look back, our memories typically boil down to three categories, one is family dinners around the table, the second is traveling with our family, and the third is anytime we were outdoors, and so, I'm wondering that legacy that you're giving your kids, they're going to have an abundance of memories in all three of those buckets. Amber O'Neal Johnston: (17:42 - 18:29) Yeah, I love that, and I had never read that, it's making me want to go and read her work, but I can't agree more, I mean that's what I've seen anecdotally, at least in my family, and it's definitely been the case for us, I can totally see that, the other thing I love about outdoors too is it's free, you know, so, there have, we've had times of plenty and times of not quite enough financially throughout our journey, due to layoffs, and you know, recessions, and all these different things, but that has been one thing that the travel hasn't always been as consistent as we wanted, but the nature, the time outside has always been accessible, even during COVID, that was accessible to us, so, I love it for that too, but yeah, that's really cool. Laura Dugger: (18:29 - 18:41) Absolutely, okay, so, you started with, you were getting some inspiration from different books and speakers, but then when did you actually implement this? Do you remember how old your kids were? Amber O'Neal Johnston: (18:42 - 20:11) Right away, so, my oldest was like four, five years old, and we started going outside, now again, we had always been going to the park, so, they had been spending a lot of time outside, but I will say like that's like a very, you know, man-made structures, and you know, I can't think of it, like very cultivated space, so, we weren't spending time in uncultivated space until around there, so, maybe a four-year-old, two-year-old, and infant, and I know they started growing up in that way, and I had kids in an ergo on the back, and I remember hiking with a kid in an ergo on the front, and then snapped another one on the back, and you know, these are memories I have of being outdoors thoroughly by the time the boys were coming along, and I remember the story where we were at a creek, and I looked up for a moment, and just sheer panic that my little boy was gone, he wasn't in my eyesight anymore, and the girls were playing there, and I'm like, you know, and I look, and look, and look, and there's nothing, and no one, and all I can think you sees in the water, and I wasn't paying attention, and my heart's racing, and I'm like, girls, where's your brother? And my daughter says, mommy, he's sleeping on your back. And I'm like, oh my gosh, I just think, like, I was so tired during those years, and I just remember, I would just think, let's just go outside, and some days that's just the most I could come up with, but yeah, I was freaking out, and the little boy was sleeping on my back. Laura Dugger: (20:12 - 21:50) And now a brief message from our sponsor. Sam Leman Chevrolet in Eureka has been owned and operated by the Burchie family for over 25 years. A lot has changed in the car business since Sam and Stephen's grandfather, Sam Leman, opened his first Chevrolet dealership over 55 years ago. If you visit their dealership today though, you'll find that not everything has changed. They still operate their dealership like their grandfather did, with honesty and integrity. Sam and Stephen understand that you have many different choices in where you buy or service your vehicle. This is why they do everything they can to make the car buying process as easy and hassle-free as possible. They are thankful for the many lasting friendships that began with a simple welcome to Sam Leman's. Their customers keep coming back because they experience something different. I've known Sam and Stephen and their wives my entire life, and I can vouch for their character and integrity, which makes it easy to highly recommend you check them out today. Your car buying process doesn't have to be something you dread, so, come see for yourself at Sam Leman Chevrolet in Eureka. Sam and Stephen would love to see you, and they appreciate your business. Learn more at their website, LehmanEureka.com, or visit them on Facebook by searching for Sam Leman Eureka. You can also call them at 309-467-2351. Thanks for your sponsorship. I'm wondering too, so, when you began, what did you start with? What did you do outside? Amber O'Neal Johnston: (21:51 - 24:13) So, we started with walking, and I also was very verbal about my, what I felt were my inadequacies with friends, and that's why, you know, I can't overemphasize the, I haven't brought that up yet, but the idea of community. You don't need a hundred friends, just a few people who either are doing the same thing as you, have done it, or know you personally so well. But I had a friend who was like this outdoor enthusiast, and I always admired her for that, and she'd be like, oh, I went to the hydrangeas, they're coming out today, and they're gonna bloom for four days, and you know, like, and she would be like, oh, do you want some wild blueberries? And I'd be looking at her with side eye, like, girl, I only eat blueberries from Publix, because how do I know that you know what you're doing? You know, those could be poisonous berries you identified wrong. So, we had this kind of ongoing thing, I just asked her, I was like, hey, could we go outside with you guys sometimes? And she was like, of course. So, our first hike was with her and her kids, and she showed me how to go outside and do nothing. Like, we didn't do anything, we just walked. And the kids let us, you know, they would stop and ponder things and ask questions, which she knew the answers to, but wouldn't answer. So, she was like, well, what do you think? Or that's something cool we can investigate, or whatever. So, I realized, wow, here's this expert naturalist who's not even using her expertise. I don't have any expertise, so I could do the same thing. Well, what do you think about that? So, the kids let us, we stopped when they stopped, we kept going when they kept going. We had plenty of water and snacks, which she had told me, which was important. And that was my first thing. It was a hike. And after that, I only went back to that place by myself with my kids without her, because that was the only trail I knew. I knew where to park and where to go, and I felt confident. And then lo and behold, I run into Charlotte Mason's work, where she talks about returning to the same place throughout the year, and having your kids compare what's happening their season to season. And so, different rationale for why I was doing that. But then I was like, look, there's beauty, even in the simplicity of me not knowing what else to do. So, that's kind of how we got into it. And then I started having more experience and going out and being more adventurous further away from home with my kids. Laura Dugger: (24:14 - 24:24) Okay, so, then what other ways has it evolved? You mentioned whitewater rafting. So, you've got teens now. What does your time outdoors look like in this phase? Amber O'Neal Johnston: (24:25 - 26:02) So, lots of camping. So, you know, Memorial Day weekend, you know, we were camping in yurts with friends. This past weekend, we camped, we had a big Juneteenth celebration, and then we went camping for Juneteenth weekend. And so, I would say that kayaking, paddle boards, we have paddle boards, we take out fishing, I hate fishing personally, don't like it at all. But two of my kids enjoy fishing. So, I'm there for that. I'll just bring a book or whatever, because it's quite boring to me, but they love it. So, we moved. I mean, how much of a commitment is that we moved to a different house, when we were able to have our whole property is forest floor. So, it's completely shaded and intertwined with trees and plants and a kind of wild scape. And across the road is a lake where the boys can fish and I can call their names for lunch and they can hear me now. I have to yell it loud. It's kind of country. Other people probably like what is going on? I'm like, you know, but they can hear me right there. And so, the creek and just really everything. A lot, a lot of hiking, I will say we live near a mountain and we're in Georgia. So, the North Georgia mountains are not far from us. We have Appalachia or Appalachia, as my friend said, I mispronounce it. And yeah, there's nothing that isn't my one of my first dates with Scott was whitewater rafting. So, we've always kind of embraced that. Laura Dugger: (26:03 - 26:37) Oh, that's a special way to tie in a married couple memory with your kids and get to pass that along. And water and mountains, those things are, they never get old. But I've heard others even say like, you don't have to take stuff other than water and snacks, like you mentioned, to go outside. But I like the practical tips that sometimes people take art supplies, and they can nature journal or a book to read aloud. Do you have any other practical tips like that, that you would encourage if somebody wanted to get started with this lifestyle? Amber O'Neal Johnston: (26:38 - 28:47) Yeah, I would say, um, we, okay, the best thing I can say is to just try it like I think that oftentimes I know my I'm like this, you want to try to be an expert at something before you actually put it into practice. And the point is, like, we're looking at someone's work or something that they're doing after years that they've been in practice. And then we're expecting to do that from the very beginning. And until we get there, we don't want to do it. So, for example, nature study, nature journaling, I always admired nature journaling. But when you look at people's nature journals that they people who are willing to share, there's usually a reason they're willing to share theirs because it looks beautiful. And mine didn't also look beautiful. But I was still willing to give it a try. And I love that. And I love my kids, what they've worked on. And I cherish all of our early beginning sketches. And quite honestly, I'm still not great. But I think having tools like watercolor pens and water pens where we can do watercolor on the go. And we've done many pictures out by the side of the creek on picnic blankets, especially like my older children while younger people are like, What do I do with these little ones like water, you know, like they love that splashing, making sandcastles and things while I'm painting or doing things watercolors with the with the older ones. And were they museum worthy? No. But there was a lot of enjoyment involved in a skill-based learning. So, I think asking questions and inquiry, using pictures, sure and painting, but also keeping track of things the the date that our cherry blossoms bloom, and our white cherry blossom blooms before the pink one every year and keeping track of that or paying trying to map all of the vegetation in our yard like we are, you know, know which trees what they're called where they come from that takes time. And those are things we've done. It's not like we're only just sitting there barefoot grounding ourselves and forest bathing. You know, we're out there learning as well. And I think that, you know, both are beautiful ways to enter into that. Laura Dugger: (28:48 - 29:34) I love it. There's so many benefits. And you even mention grounding that helps so much going barefoot with inflammation and different body systems that are reset even by getting out and getting early morning light and the serotonin that's produced that turns into melatonin at night. So, we're happier in the day and sleepier at night, resetting systems in our eyes and like healing our body in different ways to an even how much better outdoor air is for us than indoor air. The benefits just go on and on. So, would you have any to add that either your family has experienced personally, or you've learned about just benefits of getting outdoors? Amber O'Neal Johnston: (29:34 - 31:29) Yeah, I think that one, even, you know, all the things you said, yes, and also the mental clarity. And that's why I don't like being time outdoors, being tied to a negative consequence for academic related behavior. So, the house across the road from ours, you know, I could say ironically, or just be like, God chose to gift us. It's a homeschooling family. They moved in a couple years ago, and they have some kids are some of our kids are similar ages. And our boys are just outside all the time together hours and hours and hours every single day. And I see the difference on days where the weather doesn't permit it or where one family or the other, you know, isn't available. There's a difference in terms of clarity and the work that's happening at the lesson table as well. And this came up, you know, my nephew, you know, they're not homeschooled, and his parents took him on a trip, which caused him to miss a day of school. And he missed an assignment that day, he didn't turn it in. And so, the school then when he got back to school punished him by keeping him indoors for recess. And I was helping, you know, my family craft a note that talks about two things. One, they punished a child for a decision the parents made. And that is grossly unfair, they should be talking to the parents about not missing school, if that's the important thing. And the second thing is, you took away the very thing that allows these children to have what they need to sit quietly and take in, you know, that that's not, that's not how you that's not an appropriate consequence. So, anyway, I feel that the mental clarity beyond the things I would have named the same things you already said, it would be the only other thing that I would bring in and why time outside actually helps us to achieve deeper and broader and more expansive learning when we are inside. Laura Dugger: (31:29 - 31:54) That's good. And I love how you keep mentioning the piece of community that that's the best way to do this. So, regardless of somebody homeschools, or they don't, how can all of us actually prioritize this? And what's a good, healthy goal for getting started, even as specific as how much time outdoors, how many outdoors or how many days a week should we be outdoors? Amber O'Neal Johnston: (31:55 - 33:01) Yeah, that's, it's so different for every family, I think that you should go just past the point of comfort, you know, for most of us. So, if the point of comfort for you is like 30 minutes a week, then you would start out like aim for an hour a week, you know, 20 minutes, three days, if you're already outside for, you know, 10 hours, a couple hours each day, you know, I would say, maybe shake it up with what you're doing and see what would it be like to go on a really long outdoor excursion on a Saturday, or to take a day off or something like that. So, I don't want to say an exact number, because we're all entering in at a different place. For me, if someone had told me to spend eight hours outside with my kids, when I was first starting, and I'm used to going to playground for 20 minutes, that would have been overwhelming. And I would have been like; there's no way I'm ever gonna do it. So, I think like, just taking it, like, where do I feel most comfortable? And how can I push myself just past that point would be a great place to start and kind of a nice place to always stay? Like, what's the next thing that we can do to lean further into this? Laura Dugger: (33:02 - 33:15) That's really good, very wise counsel. And Amber, you've mentioned that your family loves to travel. So, will you share any adventures that you've had as a family with world schooling? Amber O'Neal Johnston: (33:16 - 36:20) So, our goal, and it's just a fun thing, you know, I don't know if we'll totally do it, but I think we will, is to have children. So, for us, world schooling is where we're not on vacation, but we're actually deeply immersed in a learning stance in another country, another part of the world. And we're trying to do that on every continent, except Antarctica, before my oldest graduates. So, we have two continents left, we are going to be going to Asia in the fall. So, we'll be taking that one off of our list and for that particular feat. And then her senior year, we'll do Australia and hop over to New Zealand. That's the plan, if it's God's will for us to do that, that's what we would like to do, and that will complete our journey. And then we'll keep traveling, but that was just kind of a fun thing to help lead us, because there are so many places in the world to go, like how do you know? And so, that kind of helped us know, well, let's do this continent, let's do that continent. So, we took our first trip, we spent three months in South America, most of it spent in Bolivia. And I can tell you exactly the kids' ages, because my youngest turned two in Bolivia. So, they were two, four, six, and then one turned eight there. And so, that was, you know, diapers, I had a baby in diapers, a little one in diapers and still nursing when we went on our first trip. And I've never regretted that. People have said, why would you take kids so young? You know, they're not going to remember. And I think a couple thoughts. One, you'd be surprised, they do remember. They may not remember this artifact in some museum, but that's not what we spend most of our time doing. But they remember the people. And we've kept in touch with a lot of the people that we've met in these different countries. And we've even had visitors in our home, staying in our basement apartment that we met abroad. So, they do remember. They remember how things feel and taste more than they remember exactly, like historical markers and things like that. Also, I kind of compare it to like breastfeeding and nursing, like my kids, except for one little boy who held on way too long, but they don't remember that. But I believed that it was something good for them that was forming. It was helping to form who they were, not so much who they were personality wise, but their bodies as they were growing. And so, sometimes we do things that are foundational to our children's development, even if they don't have a conscious and direct memory of that thing. And that's how I see world travel. So, we've been to Europe, and we were in Greece when COVID hit. We were in the middle of a big trip there. So, we had the whole struggle to get back to the United States. We've been to West Africa, most spent in Ghana, England, France. We're going to Ethiopia this year. So, yeah, that's kind of, that's our thing. Laura Dugger: (36:20 - 37:04) Wow. And those memories are incredible. Even let's say your children forget some of this, or if they're too young to remember all of it, you remember this and you get to share those stories with them and pass that along. I can't even imagine all of the learning that takes place from being immersed in those other cultures. But you also mentioned welcoming people into your basement apartment. So, you sound hospitable as a family. What does that actually look like? And I'm kind of going to throw two questions at you. What does that actually look like? And then both for world schooling and hospitality, what are tips for ways we can replicate that as well? Amber O'Neal Johnston: (37:06 - 39:52) So, one thing that's important to me to always share about world schooling, I have a whole chapter about our world schooling adventures in my first book, but one important thing that I call out there is Eli Gerzen. He's the guy who came up with the word world schooling. And he says, you know, we don't even need a passport to do it. That world schooling is really learning from the world around you. It could be your local library. It could be the internet. It could be your neighbors. And so, while I use this more global term of world schooling, because that's just what we call it in our family, the truth of the matter is it's a way of seeing the world and seeing all the opportunity to make connections right where you're sitting. And people are like, oh, you guys have so much money. I can't do that. First of all, we don't have so much money. Like, for instance, we have one car, right? So, there are sacrifices that we make that other people may choose to spend their money in a different way. So, we definitely don't have a ton of money. But more importantly, I'm thinking, yeah, you're saying that you don't have money, but how much have you explored your county? Like, what do you know about the history of your county? And have you been to your local historical society? And have you really, you know, got in? Have you been to an old the oldest cemetery within driving distance of your home? Have you gotten a tour of it to hear the stories of who's there? Like, you can have that same inquiry and curiosity without ever leaving. So, I'll say that first. And in terms of the hospitality part, it's like an it's an intention, right? You have to like, decide that you're going to do that, because it's so much easier not to have people at first view, like, oh, my house is not clean, and blah, blah, blah. And people don't just stop by the way they used to stop by, like my grandparents' house, it was so fun staying there in the summer, because people just folks just came in and out all day, just they come calling is what they call it, they come calling. And even when we read Jane Austin, people leaving the call guard, you know, when they came to visit, and you weren't there, like, there was this idea that you didn't have to have an appointment. And now you do, you have to let someone know before you're coming. So, it's a choice to be vulnerable, if you want to be hospitable in that way that people will see your, you know, dirty bones of your house. And you know that you're not always presenting this, like really sanitized version of your family and your family life. And so, I think that's intentional decision to say it's more important to us to be with other people and let them in than it is for us to always sanitize everything before they get here. And I don't mean sanitizes and clean the house that too, but I mean sanitizes and everyone's behaving the way that I want them to behave in front of people and all of that as well. Laura Dugger: (39:53 - 41:05) When was the first time you listened to an episode of The Savvy Sauce? How did you hear about our podcast? Did a friend share it with you? Will you be willing to be that friend now and text five other friends or post on your socials anything about The Savvy Sauce that you love? If you share your favorite episodes, that is how we continue to expand our reach and get the good news of Jesus Christ in more ears across the world. So, we need your help. Another way to help us grow is to leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts. Each of these suggestions will cost you less than a minute, but it will be a great benefit to us. Thank you so much for being willing to be generous with your time and share. We appreciate you. Well, and I think it is a biblical command for all of us and it does bless the person or the people that we are hosting, but there are also rewards for us in the process. So, if you even just could think of one reward of a way that this hospitality has blessed your family, what would you say? Amber O'Neal Johnston: (41:07 - 41:55) Well, I would say John chapter five, it says, you know, this verse we've all heard, "I am the vine, you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit apart from me, you can do nothing." So, you know, when we talk about hospitality, we spend a lot of time talking about what my family is doing for other people. But also, that means that my family is constantly in contact with other believers and other people who are helping us with our faith to helping us to remain connected to Jesus. And without that connection, we know that there's nothing that we can do, nothing of any spiritual significance. So, while I'm inviting those people into our lives, it also ensures that my family is not alone in what we're trying to do in our faith. So, like, that's one of a very easy benefit, I can say right off the top. Laura Dugger: (41:56 - 42:18) Then that one is truly invaluable for our children to get to witness the way other people live out their faith, and it impacts each of us. But I'm also curious, how do you manage your time so that you can be a content creator, and you can homeschool and travel and cultivate these relationships? Amber O'Neal Johnston: (42:20 - 46:08) So, first, let me say that it's not always easy. And there are seasons where I feel like I'm doing a really good job with that. And there are seasons where I feel like I'm not doing a good job. I always prioritize my family first. And so, during the seasons where I feel like I'm not doing a good job, it's very public. People can see I did not post on Instagram for a month, or I'm not speaking as much. They're finding it harder to find opportunities to hear me speak, or I have a long lull before books are published. Those are times where I've turned inward towards my family, where I felt like I didn't have the bandwidth for everything. And so, that's something I have to deal with on a constant basis, because I know that my business or my ministry is not as rich and robust as it could be. I have ideas for days. I have ideas and the ability to bring them to fruition. But I'm not willing to sacrifice the time that it takes to do those things in this season. Because even though I don't have little kids, I definitely have more time than I did when I had little kids. It's not even just time; it's more mind clarity as well. But I don't have as much time as people with little kids would think, because I want to be fully present, even for my teens. When they want to talk to me, I want to be talkable too. I want to be available to them. And we're going to places. We're doing things. They're busy. I'm busy. And I'm trying to prepare them for young adulthood. And that's just as time-consuming as trying to prepare my young children for the next stage of their development. So, I guess it's so messy. Oh my gosh, it's messy. It's chaotic. It's a little bit crazy. But in the center of it all, I really appreciate the opportunities I do have to do the things that help refuel, help me refuel. So, I'm a writer. So, writing isn't just about creating a book. It's that I get to create a book, but really it's about the process and how cathartic it is for me to sit in silence and wonder about things and be able to write them out. And oh, lo and behold, there's a publisher who is interested in publishing those things. But the real work for me is in the process of writing. Then when I come home from a coffee shop or I emerge from my room, I come back more enthusiastic about what it is we're working on and what we're doing. The other thing that I would share is that I don't do all of that stuff by myself. So, things that people don't, just like I say, I have one car and we travel the world, people are like, oh, okay, this is not what I thought. My husband does all the laundry, every piece of laundry in this house that the teens do their own, but all the laundry that's done, he does and has done for over a decade. So, that's a thing I have to say, because you might be picturing that I'm doing all of those things. Or when I wrote one of my books, I was struggling and Scott was like, how can I help you? And he was like, what if we get help to come in with the kids like a nanny or something a few hours a week? I'm like, no, that's the last thing I want somebody to touch. So, he's like, well, what is it? So, we hired a chef, and she would prepare all of our dinners according to like what I, how I like my family to eat and lots of whole foods and good things. And she would drop them off at our house. It was very expensive, but I used part of the money from the advance from the publisher to pay for that so that I could write the book. So, I think those are things that a lot of times people don't talk about, but I have support in place. I'm not super woman any more than anyone else. Laura Dugger: (46:08 - 46:49) Oh, I appreciate that real picture and those creative ideas because as mothers, we don't just make goals for ourselves. Like you said, we have these dreams and ideas that we could put into practice, but we consider our relationships as well and how it will impact everyone. So, I love hearing practically how that plays out for you and the trade-offs that you've chosen to make. And I know that you and I also share a passion for reading aloud. So, if we could get really practical for a moment, what are some of your most recommended read aloud for families from a variety of age groups? Amber O'Neal Johnston: (46:50 - 53:05) Well, I'm always ready for that question, but I have to say, it's almost asking me, which of my children are my favorite? It's so hard in so many ways, but for younger elementary, I picked three books that I think kind of help show how expansive I feel like I want my children's reading life to be. So, this book is called Indigo Dreaming, and it's a book about two girls, one's in North America and another one we can believe is off the coast of Africa. And they're both doing what they do in their own homes. And it's beautifully illustrated also, but they're both doing what they do in their own homes while wondering, is there another little girl in this world doing what I do, liking what I like? Well, indeed there is. And it's poetic and it has soft paintings. It's just stunning. And then another one is called The Magic Doll. It's a children's book inspired by African art. And in this book, the mother desperately wants to have a child, but she's dealing with infertility, and she turns to the use of an infertility doll. And what would I say about that? My family doesn't believe that, but it's a book that I read with my children because we were going to visit this culture. And I wanted to explain to them how we can respect something and learn about it even without adopting it. And that you can understand the yearning of a mother's heart to hold a child in her hand and the desperation that that could bring about. And I wanted them to know that we would see fertility dolls there and what they meant and things like that. And it's also beautifully illustrated, which is important to me. And then this one's just a fun book. It's called I Had a Favorite Dress, but as the dress starts getting too small, she cuts it and turns it into a skirt. And then it gets turned into this. And then the little, small piece gets turned into some socks. And then it's just a little scarf and snip, snip, sew, sew, pretty hair bow. And so, the same piece of fabric, this favorite dress she had, every time she can't use it in that way anymore, it gets moved and shifted. Into something else. And this book reminds me to just, you know, sometimes we share heavier topics with our children, even beautiful topics, but sometimes it's just joy. Like that's the whole purpose of the book is to smile and have fun. And I'll move more quickly for the older elementary books. I have this book called Schomburg. It's a nonfiction book about Arturo Schomburg and the man who built a library, which is now housed. His home library is now housed as part of the collection of the public library system in New York. And he collected books about all types of black and brown people. And it was considered one of the foremost library collections. So, as a book lover, I love that story. This one's called Heart and Soul. It's the story of America and African Americans with stunning illustrations by Kadir Nelson. So, I love visual art. I always say my family, we can't afford to buy the most exquisite art for our walls, but we have an exquisite art collection through our picture books that I've collected. And then the last one is for that group is John Henry by Julius Lester and Jerry Pinkney illustrations. So, those are two powerhouses of African American author and illustrator. Both have passed. And it is the tall tale of John Henry told in a way that you've never seen before. For older kids, like middle schoolers, I love this one Big Open Sky because it's about some black exodusters who are moving west. And it goes so well for families who love Little House on the Prairie. But, you know, Little House on the Prairie, in some ways, there's some instances that are a little disrespectful to Native Americans and black people. And this is like a redemptive story, not instead of but alongside of it to say that there were black people that were also moving westward and what was their journey. And it's written in verse, like, oh, my gosh, I can't even tell you enough about that. This book, The Angel Orphan, my friend Leah Bowden wrote this book, and it's the story of Charlotte Mason. So, in chapter book form. So, there's also a picture book that someone wrote, but this is a beautiful story about Charlotte Mason. And my family's all-time favorite on my kids read aloud is The Winged Feather Saga by Andrew Peterson. And that whole series, oh, my goodness, that cemented so much of our family lexicon, because it's filled with like made up words. And it I mean, we have jokes and talks and sayings for days coming out of that series. For our older teenagers, um, or even early elementary, early middle school and early teenage years, the Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry is just like a such a classic, Mildred D. Taylor that many of us read. But she also wrote a young adult version where Cassie is entering young adulthood. So, different age audiences, but same author. And a lot of people haven't heard of the other book All the Days Past, All the Days to Come. So, for high school, I love that. And then I threw a couple things in for mama. I'm an epic story of called Homegoing about two sisters and the different paths their lives take during a time I'm part of it is told in Africa and part of its told in the United States. And the last book I have is this memoir, A Black Mother's Garden. It's called Soil. And she uses her actual real garden at her home to kind of give us this idea of life. And it's, it's, you know, it's, it's hard to explain, but it's her it's part memoir, part gardening, like learning and talking about the plants, but also how all of that can turn into kind of like the soil of your life and the people being plants, and she really focuses on wildflowers. So, it's a stunningly, like poignant and beautiful memoir. So, those are my favorite, you know, and now if you ask me tomorrow, you're going to get a different stack. Laura Dugger: (53:07 - 53:27) I love it. What a gift to get to see all of those you and I share some of those favorites, and you've introduced me to some new ones. So, I'm very grateful and hope everybody listening feels the same. But speaking of books, you've authored more than one. But will you tell us about your most recent release entitled Soul School? Amber O'Neal Johnston: (53:28 - 55:58) Yeah, so, Soul School is it's Soul School: Taking Kids on a Joy Filled Journey Through the Heart of Black American Culture. And I know it's so hard with those. But it is a book of books. So, people who have enjoyed Honey for a Child's Heart, or The Read-Aloud Family, those types of books, which I have adored, and I have all of them, and I've highlighted them or, or Give Your Child the World is another one, highlighted them and dog eared them and have used them to check out books for the library for my children for many, many years. And, and at the same time, I was always very, you know, on my heart that the books that I spend a lot of time reading with my children that I choose and I select are never really included in most of those books. And there was the season, you know, I'm like, frustrated, you know, I'm mad. I'm like, why? Why are they putting these books in here? And then the more I thought about it, I was like, the most you can ask for a mother to do when she's sharing these books, when it's coming from that is what she read with her children. So, am I going to be mad at her that she didn't read what I think she should read? No, do I wish that it had been more expansive? Sure, I do. But how many of us wouldn't go back and do something differently if knowing what we know today or whatever. So, I wrote a companion like the I see not to replace those books. But this book is filled with African American and black diasporic children's literature starting from preschool all the way through high school. The first part of the book, I talk about what I'm looking for specifically in books about black American culture, and why those things are important. So, the first few chapters, first five chapters are really teaching the teacher. And then the rest of the book, which makes up most of the book are really rich annotated book lists with descriptions why I chose the book discussion questions, project ideas, and something called second helpings. Like when you think of a big soul food dinner, you go through the line the first time and you fill your plate, but then you go back for second helpings of the things that taste the very best. So, if your child likes this book, then here are two second helpings that they also would probably enjoy. And you know, the book was years in the making, I read all 300 plus books in there from cover to cover. And that's kind of my contribution to raising our children. Laura Dugger: (56:00 - 56:40) Wow, I mean, it is a stunning piece of work. And there's so much for your family, but also for all of us. So, I think of being one of your kids, what a treasure that their mom read 300 books and put this together. But for all of us, I love books on books. And like you said, we can use it to go to the library or then once we read those and find which other ones we love, we can add it to our home collection. So, thank you for that powerhouse of work. And Amber, there's still so much more that you could share with us. Where can we go after this conversation to connect with you or to learn more? Amber O'Neal Johnston: (56:42 - 56:56) Go to heritagemom.com. And there you'll find all of my books and years' worth of blog posts and book recommendations and other things. My Instagram is @heritagemomblog and the same at Facebook. Laura Dugger: (56:56 - 57:12) Wonderful. Okay, we will add those links to the show notes for today's episode. And you may be familiar that we're called The Savvy Sauce because savvy is synonymous with practical knowledge. And so, as my final question for you today, Amber, what is your savvy sauce? Amber O'Neal Johnston: (57:12 - 57:50) Oh, this is such a great question. I love this part of your podcast. I would say that my savvy sauce is learning to be a really great listener. Like if there's nothing else, then that's listening to my husband and the things of his heart and listening to my children and my neighbors and my friends. But also, people I don't know, people in other places. And also, people I disagree with and being willing to be quiet and listen and take what I can from what they're sharing as well. So, that is, I think my savvy sauce is being an introspective listener. Laura Dugger: (57:50 – 58:13) That is well said. You are such an inspiring and creative soul. And I have thoroughly enjoyed this chat. And I know I've been hearing you speak on other podcasts and reading your work for years. So, this was such a treat to get to connect with you today. And I just want to say thank you for being my guest. Amber O'Neal Johnston: (58:14 - 58:16) Thank you so much for having me. Laura Dugger: (58:16 - 1:01:59) One more thing before you go. Have you heard the term gospel before? It simply means good news. And I want to share the best news with you. But it starts with the bad news. Every single one of us were born sinners, but Christ desires to rescue us from our sin, which is something we cannot do for ourselves. This means there is absolutely no chance we can make it to heaven on our own. So, for you and for me, it means we deserve death, and we can never pay back the sacrifice we owe to be saved. We need a Savior. But God loved us so much, he made a way for his only son to willingly die in our place as the perfect substitute. This gives us hope of life forever in right relationship with him. That is good news. Jesus lived the perfect life we could never live and died in our place for our sin. This was God's plan to make a way to reconcile with us so that God can look at us and see Jesus. We can be covered and justified through the work Jesus finished if we choose to receive what He has done for us. Romans 10:9 says, “That if you confess with your mouth Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” So, would you pray with me now? Heavenly Father, thank you for sending Jesus to take our place. I pray someone today right now is touched and chooses to turn their life over to you. Will you clearly guide them and help them take their next step in faith to declare you as Lord of their life? We trust you to work and change lives now for eternity. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. If you prayed that prayer, you are declaring him for me, so me for him. You get the opportunity to live your life for him. And at this podcast, we're called The Savvy Sauce for a reason. We want to give you practical tools to implement the knowledge you have learned. So, you ready to get started? First, tell someone. Say it out loud. Get a Bible. The first day I made this decision, my parents took me to Barnes & Noble and let me choose my own Bible. I selected the Quest NIV Bible, and I love it. You can start by reading the book of John. Also, get connected locally, which just means tell someone who's a part of a church in your community that you made a decision to follow Christ. I'm assuming they will be thrilled to talk with you about further steps, such as going to church and getting connected to other believers to encourage you. We want to celebrate with you too, so feel free to leave a comment for us here if you did make a decision to follow Christ. We also have show notes including where you can read scripture that describes this process. And finally, be encouraged. Luke 15:10 says, “In the same way I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” The heavens are praising with you for your decision today. And if you've already received this good news, I pray you have someone to share it with. You are loved and I look forward to meeting you here next time.
In this episode, you'll learn how to set boundaries that stick using the FIRM framework: Figure out your limits, Inform others, Give a reason, and Make a suggestion. Boundaries don't have to be hard or awkward...if you use this frameworkFREE Resources: Watch this Free Class!: 3 Secrets to Always Having Enough Time For Your Work, Your Family and Yourself ( https://www.alexishaselberger.com/register-now ) Click here to grab your free Distraction Action Plan today and start saving hours each week! ( https://www.alexishaselberger.com/reduce-distraction )This show is brought to you by: Time Well Spent : the time management course for real people, just like you, who want to do more and stress less - https://www.alexishaselberger.com/time-well-spent-course Stay connected!:Visit our website at https://www.alexishaselberger.com Check out the " Time Well Spent: Time Management for Real People “ Course ( https://www.alexishaselberger.com/time-well-spent-course )Join the Do More, Stress Less Facebook Community ( https://www.facebook.com/groups/domorestressless )Connect on Linkedin ( https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexis-haselberger/ )Follow us for updates and more content: Youtube ( https://www.youtube.com/c/DoMoreStressLess ) Instagram ( https://www.instagram.com/do.more.stress.less/ ) TikTok ( https://www.tiktok.com/@do.more.stress.less) Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/domorestressless )We want your feedback!:If you have constructive feedback, please email us at alexis+podcastfeedback@alexishaselberger.comIf you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and share with a friend!Transcript:Read it here !
Licensed counselor Debra Fileta offers practical, biblical advice for assessing your mental, physical, and spiritual health. Helping you walk toward healing and wholeness for the entire family! Receive the Nourish Your Families Mental Health bundle plus a free audio download of “How to Nourish Mental Health in Your Family” for your donation of any amount! Get More Episode Resources If you enjoyed listening to Focus on the Family with Jim Daly, please give us your feedback.
As Christians, we know we're called to help the poor, but the real question is how. In this episode of Abraham's Wallet, we sit down with Justin Wolfenburg to unpack what the Bible really says about charity. Who are we supposed to help? How should we help them? And how does true, biblical giving restore dignity and responsibility instead of destroying it? Tune in for a challenging conversation that will flip your view of charity upside down and give you a clearer vision for Kingdom-centered generosity. Scripture Mentioned in this Episode Luke 14:12-14 Deuteronomy 24:19-21 Ruth 2 1-2,17-18 Exodus 22:21-25 2 Thessalonians 3:6-10 Leviticus 25:35-41 Deuteronomy 24:14-15 1 Timothy 5:3-16 Proverbs 19:17 Links in this Episode Abe's Wallet Retreat Nov 21-23 Cincinnati, OH Join our Online Community, UR About Abraham's Wallet: Abraham's Wallet exists to inspire and equip Biblical family leaders. Please partner with us in inspiring and equipping multi-gen families at https://abrahamswallet.com/support AW website Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube Facebook LinkedIn Instagram Chapters (00:00:00) - Abraham's Wallet(00:02:40) - Two Things I Love About Justin(00:04:35) - Rebalancing Charity(00:06:32) - Jesus invites the poor to his kingdom(00:11:37) - Five men get help from God(00:13:25) - The Bible definition of the poor(00:15:38) - Ruth 2: The Dignity of the Poor(00:21:14) - The Dignity of Working(00:26:21) - Leviticus 25: If Your Brother Becomes Poor, Do(00:31:24) - One Brother's Help to the Poor(00:36:40) - Honoring widows who are truly widows(00:39:08) - How Do We Push You Back to Your Family?(00:44:22) - Abrahamic Blueprint Retreat
Licensed counselor Debra Fileta offers practical, biblical advice for assessing your mental, physical, and spiritual health. Helping you walk toward healing and wholeness for the entire family! Receive the Nourish Your Families Mental Health bundle plus a free audio download of “How to Nourish Mental Health in Your Family” for your donation of any amount! Get More Episode Resources If you enjoyed listening to Focus on the Family with Jim Daly, please give us your feedback.
Is Your Chiropractic Care Plan a Sales Pitch or a Health Strategy? Understanding the Difference | The Prime Podcast Have you ever left a doctor's office with a recommended care plan and felt a wave of skepticism? It's a common experience, especially in chiropractic, where the purpose behind a structured plan is one of the most misunderstood aspects of care. Patients often turn to social media forums, asking friends, "Does this seem right?" creating a massive gray area filled with confusion and misinformation. In Episode 343 of The Prime Podcast, Dr. Skip and Dr. Julie Wies pull back the curtain on this "taboo" topic. They explore why the concept of a care plan is so divisive and why clear communication between a doctor and a patient is the most critical factor for a successful health outcome. This episode is an essential guide for any patient who wants to feel empowered and confident in their healthcare decisions. The doctors break down the two fundamental philosophies of care you'll encounter: Symptomatic Care: The reactive, "quick fix" approach. This is for when you just want immediate pain relief for a headache or back pain and have no long-term goals. Vitalistic Care: The proactive, wellness-focused approach. This is for patients who want to address the root cause of their issues, prevent them from recurring, and achieve a higher standard of overall health. Using a brilliant "fruit salad vs. veggie salad" analogy, Dr. Skip and Dr. Julie illustrate what happens when a patient's expectations don't align with a doctor's standard of care. They discuss why a chiropractor who is truly invested in your long-term wellness will always recommend a plan, and why "just come in when it hurts" can lead to a cycle of recurring problems and the false belief that "chiropractic didn't work." Furthermore, they tackle the thorny issue of insurance, explaining why the best chiropractors are often out-of-network and why that should be seen as a green flag indicating a commitment to wellness over "sick care." KEY TAKEAWAYS Communication is Key: A successful healthcare experience depends on the patient and doctor being on the same page with their goals and expectations before care begins. Vitalistic vs. Symptomatic: Understand which philosophy your chiropractor follows. Are they focused on proactive wellness and fixing the root cause (vitalistic), or just reactive pain relief (symptomatic)? A Care Plan is a Standard of Care: A structured care plan is not a sales pitch; it is a doctor's professional recommendation based on your history, exam, and health goals to achieve lasting results. Don't Ask the Internet, Ask Your Doctor: If you have questions about your care plan, the most qualified person to answer them is the doctor who created it based on your specific case. Insurance Doesn't Dictate Health: The best healthcare providers often operate outside of insurance networks because they refuse to let a third party dictate a standard of care that is focused on sickness, not wellness.
"Most doctors don't get training in menopause, it's often misdiagnosed." "There are more than 90 symptoms for menopause!" Karen Nebe is a 'menopause coach' and shares her experience with helping Women through menopause (and perimenopause); How to help Men deal with the situation; and what the most common symptoms are when menopause starts to happen. Karen says that improving self-awareness has helped her to avoid being misdiagnosed when symptoms of her menopause caused emotional stress & anxiety. Brought to you by Epi-Max Baby & Junior - Our Family, for Your Family. Sponsored by Curaprox and supported by Jacaranda FM.
In this episode, Alexis interviews Leslie Forde, the founder of Mom's Hierarchy of Needs and the author of the new book, "Repair with Self Care" (https://momshierarchyofneeds.com/repair-with-self-care/)Leslie shares with us about her experience with burnout, how she helps moms, and she gives us a sneak peek into the practical strategies she shares in her book. (My copy is sitting on my shelf right now with the pages dog-eared.)FREE Resources: Watch this Free Class!: 3 Secrets to Always Having Enough Time For Your Work, Your Family and Yourself ( https://www.alexishaselberger.com/register-now ) Click here to grab your free Distraction Action Plan today and start saving hours each week! ( https://www.alexishaselberger.com/reduce-distraction )This show is brought to you by: Time Well Spent : the time management course for real people, just like you, who want to do more and stress less - https://www.alexishaselberger.com/time-well-spent-course Stay connected!:Visit our website at https://www.alexishaselberger.com Check out the " Time Well Spent: Time Management for Real People “ Course ( https://www.alexishaselberger.com/time-well-spent-course )Join the Do More, Stress Less Facebook Community ( https://www.facebook.com/groups/domorestressless )Connect on Linkedin ( https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexis-haselberger/ )Follow us for updates and more tips and tricks: Youtube ( https://www.youtube.com/c/DoMoreStressLess ) Instagram ( https://www.instagram.com/do.more.stress.less/ ) TikTok ( https://www.tiktok.com/@do.more.stress.less) Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/domorestressless )We want your feedback!:If you have constructive feedback, please email us at alexis+podcastfeedback@alexishaselberger.comIf you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and share with a friend!
Louis Tomlinson, former member of One Direction - one of the most successful and era-defining bands in history, opens up about X Factor fame, the band's split, the loss of Liam Payne, fatherhood, grief, and life after global superstardom for the first time, revealing the highs and lows that defined his journey. As a solo artist, Louis has released two chart-topping albums, amassed over 4.5 billion streams, and recently dropped his new single “Lemonade” ahead of his upcoming album “How Did I Get Here?”. Beyond music, he's carved his own path as the founder of the self-curated Away From Home Festival and the unisex streetwear label 28 Clothing. In this powerful, candid conversation, he reveals: ◼️How he finds strength through loss, following the deaths of his mother, younger sister, and former bandmate, Liam Payne. ◼️How he rebuilt his self-worth after feeling like he wasn't good enough ◼️Why a promise to his mother still drives everything he does today ◼️Why becoming a father changed how he sees life, pressure, and legacy ◼️His journey re-defining success and identity after reaching the pinnacle of the music industry. ◼️His upcoming album, 'How Did I Get Here', and his newfound happiness as inspiration. (00:00) Intro (03:40) Your Mother's Role in Your Life (04:27) Louis' Siblings (05:21) Do You Think Fame Changed You? (11:29) Boot Camp (13:16) Reflecting on One Direction (17:44) Having the Confidence to Push Back Against the Record Label (26:29) Relationship With Alcohol (28:12) What Advice Would You Give Your Younger Self? (29:42) Feeling Like the Weak Link in the Band (33:23) Solo Record Label After the Band Split Up (34:34) The Impact of Your Success on Your Family (37:46) Zayn's Decision to Leave the Band (41:41) Grieving the End of One Direction (42:28) The Meeting That Ended the Band (45:10) Career Decline After One Direction (48:01) Dealing With Comparing the Past to Now (54:09) Ads (56:11) Balancing Career and Personal Life (57:22) Your Mother's Death (59:40) Finding Out Your Mum Was Sick (1:02:38) Going on Stage After Your Mum's Death (1:06:45) Advice for People With Grief (1:09:15) Experience With Anxiety (1:10:47) Remembering Louis' Sister (1:11:18) Moving Through Grief (1:18:31) Felicite's Struggles (1:20:42) Why He Doesn't Speak About These Tragedies Often (1:25:38) Your Relationship With Liam Payne (1:29:41) Liam's Death (1:39:43) Challenge With Having Children When Famous (1:44:08) Ads (1:45:16) Louis' New Music (1:47:46) How Much Does Love Come Into Your Album? (1:50:01) Where Are You on Your Journey of Happiness? Follow Louis: Instagram - https://bit.ly/3KG2uDG X - https://bit.ly/435ovlC Facebook - https://bit.ly/47aMx14 TikTok - https://bit.ly/48lj1qu YouTube - https://bit.ly/4q0bh3q You can listen to Louis' new music, here: Lemonade Out Now - https://bit.ly/3KWsBX0 How Did I Get Here? - Album out 23rd January - https://bit.ly/3WpcAeH US + EU + UK Tour - On sale Friday 10th October - https://bit.ly/4o9psSd The Diary Of A CEO: ◼️Join DOAC circle here - https://doaccircle.com/ ◼️Buy The Diary Of A CEO book here - https://smarturl.it/DOACbook ◼️The 1% Diary is back - limited time only: https://bit.ly/3YFbJbt ◼️The Diary Of A CEO Conversation Cards (Second Edition): https://g2ul0.app.link/f31dsUttKKb ◼️Get email updates - https://bit.ly/diary-of-a-ceo-yt ◼️Follow Steven - https://g2ul0.app.link/gnGqL4IsKKb Sponsors: 1Password - Find out more at https://1password.com/doac SimpliSafe - https://simplisafe.com/DOAC to save 50% on a SimpliSafe home security system. Adobe Express - http://ADOBE.LY/STEVEN
Ever wondered if X-rays are really necessary before a chiropractic adjustment? Or have you been told they're an optional, skippable step? In this vital episode of The Prime Podcast, Dr. Skip and Dr. Julie Wies tackle the growing misconception around spinal imaging and explain why skipping this step could put your health at risk. Many people seek chiropractic care for back pain, neck pain, or general wellness, but not all understand the importance of a proper diagnosis. An adjustment without a clear picture of your spinal health is just guesswork. Drs. Skip and Julie reveal what a trained chiropractor can see on an X-ray—from hidden fractures and dangerous pathologies to congenital abnormalities that could make a standard adjustment harmful. Discover why the X-ray and the chiropractic profession were born in the very same year and how this foundational tool is a non-negotiable "standard of care" for ensuring patient safety, achieving better results, and truly understanding the root cause of your health concerns. Don't let a practitioner gamble with your spine. Learn how to advocate for the highest standard of care. In this episode, you will learn: Why spinal X-rays are a foundational standard of care in chiropractic, not an upsell. The difference between "guessing" and "knowing" when it comes to your chiropractic adjustment. Real-life examples of serious conditions (cancer, aneurysms, hidden fractures) that were discovered through routine spinal imaging. A compelling case study of how an X-ray solved the mystery of a teenager's chronic migraines. The truth about radiation exposure from X-rays versus everyday activities like flying. What to do if your chiropractor has never taken an X-ray and how to find a practitioner who prioritizes your safety. Disclaimer: The content in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
271. Ways to Engage with Youth, Teens, and Gen Z in Church and at Home with Dr. Kara Powell *Transcription Below* 1 Thessalonians 2:8 NIV "so we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well." Kara Powell, PhD, is the chief of leadership formation at Fuller Theological Seminary, the executive director of the Fuller Youth Institute, and the founder of the TENx10 Collaboration. Named by Christianity Today as one of "50 Women to Watch," Kara serves as a youth and family strategist for Orange, and she also speaks regularly at national parenting and leadership conferences. Kara has authored or coauthored numerous books, including Faith Beyond Youth Group, 3 Big Questions That Shape Your Future, 3 Big Questions That Change Every Teenager, Growing With, Growing Young, The Sticky Faith Guide for Your Family, and the entire Sticky Faith series. Kara and her husband, Dave, are regularly inspired by the learning and laughter that come from their three young adult children. Questions and Topics We Cover: What insights do you have to share on Gen-Z? When it comes to navigating intergenerational tensions, how can we practically turn our differences into superpowers and unite together? In your most recent book, entitled, Future-Focused Church, you begin with writing that the brightest days of the church are still ahead. What led you to that realization? Thank You to Our Sponsor: WinShape Marriage Other Episodes Mentioned from The Savvy Sauce: 127 Generational Differences with Hayden Shaw 2 God-Honoring Relationship Between a Mother-in-Law and Daughter-in-Law with Author of The Mother-in-Law Dance, Annie Chapman Stories Sampler from The Savvy Sauce Stories Series: 233 Stories Series: Surprises from God with Tiffany Noel 235 Stories Series: Ever-Present Help in Trouble with Kent Heimer 242 Stories Series: He Gives and Takes Away with Joyce Hodel 245 Stories Series: Miracles Big and Small with Dr. Rob Rienow 246 Stories Series: Experiencing God's Tangible Love with Jen Moore Gospel Scripture: (all NIV) Romans 3:23 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” Romans 3:24 “and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” Romans 3:25 (a) “God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood.” Hebrews 9:22 (b) “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.” Romans 5:8 “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:11 “Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.” John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” Romans 10:9 “That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Luke 15:10 says “In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” Romans 8:1 “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” Ephesians 1:13–14 “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession- to the praise of his glory.” Ephesians 1:15–23 “For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.” Ephesians 2:8–10 “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God‘s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.“ Ephesians 2:13 “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.“ Philippians 1:6 “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” *Transcription* Music: (0:00 – 0:11) Laura Dugger: (0:12 - 2:13) Welcome to The Savvy Sauce, where we have practical chats for intentional living. I'm your host, Laura Dugger, and I'm so glad you're here. I'm thrilled to introduce you to our sponsor, Winshape Marriage. Their weekend marriage retreats will strengthen your marriage while you enjoy the gorgeous setting, delicious food, and quality time with your spouse. To find out more, visit them online at winshapemarriage.org. I am so honored to introduce my guest for today, Dr. Kara Powell. She is the Chief of Leadership Formation at Fuller Theological Seminary and the Executive Director of the Fuller Youth Institute. She's also founder of the 10x10 Collaboration and named by today as one of 50 women to watch. She is also extremely humble and insightful as she's going to discuss how we can leverage the power of stories and questions in our relationships at church and in our family and in beyond, and this is to model the life of Jesus. Make sure you also stay tuned in through the end because she's going to share a plethora of conversations and questions specifically to ask when we're engaging in conversation with young people, whether that's our own children and teens or our grandchildren or people in the community or our churches. It's some questions that you don't want to miss. Here's our chat. Welcome to The Savvy Sauce, Kara. Dr. Kara Powell: (2:07 - 2:09) Oh, it's so good to be with you and your audience, Laura. Laura Dugger: (2:09 - 2:13) Well, I'd love for you just to first give us a snapshot of your current life and share what's led you to the work that you get to do today. Dr. Kara Powell: (2:14 - 4:06) Yeah, absolutely. So, let's see. I'll start with family. Dave and I have been married for I think 27-ish years, and we have three kids who are 24, 22, and 19. Our youngest is a college freshman, and so we're technically empty nesters, but I actually like the term open nesters better because our kids come back, which we love. They come back in the summers and sometimes after college. And we actually, since I live in Pasadena, California, which had the fires in January, we actually have another 22-year-old young woman living with us, which we love. So, we love having my husband, Dave, and I love having young people around, whether it's our own three kids or the young woman who's living with us. And I'm also a faculty member at Fuller Seminary, and while I certainly teach periodically, my main roles at Fuller actually have to do with leadership beyond Fuller. I'm the chief of leadership formation at Fuller, so I oversee all of Fuller's non-degree offerings, and then I'm the executive director of the Fuller Youth Institute, which is a research center that studies the faith of adolescents. And I love that question, what got me to the work that I do today? Well, God would be the answer to that, but I was a long-term youth pastor here in Southern California at two different churches, loved teenagers, and Fuller was getting ready to start a new research center that was going to listen to the needs of parents and leaders, and then do research to answer those needs. And that really intrigued me, because I love young people, and I love research, and I love real-life ministry and family. And so, I thought, well, I would love to hear more about that center, and I've been at Fuller now for over 20 years. Laura Dugger: (4:07 - 4:17) Wow, that's incredible. And quick side note, I'm just so sorry for everything that you all endured in January with all the fires. Dr. Kara Powell: (4:17 - 4:39) Yeah, it's heartbreaking, and in some ways, in many ways, devastating. And I'm grateful for how God is working through churches and working through God's people. So, there's all sorts of bright spots in the midst of the pain. But yes, please pray that churches and God's people would be salt and light, because it's going to be a few years of rebuilding. Laura Dugger: (440 - 4:43) Yes, Lord Jesus, may that be true. Amen. Dr. Kara Powell: (4:43 - 4:44) Yeah, thank you. Laura Dugger: (4:45 - 5:17) And I know with your background, you've studied practical theology, and you also have this broad knowledge of psychology. But some churches haven't studied psychology as much, and so I think that typically leads to less of an appreciation for it. But my fear is that they may miss out if they completely ignore it. So, will you share some of the benefits that you've seen that come from applying God's truth from any of theologies? Dr. Kara Powell: (5:17 - 8:14) Yeah, yeah. Well, at Fuller Seminary, we have two schools. One is our School of Mission and Theology, which I'm an alum of and a faculty member in. And the other is our School of Psychology. And so, Laura, you asked a question that's right at the heart of what we love about training leaders and therapists. And in fact, my favorite statue at Fuller, the title of it is Planting the Cross in the Heart of Psychology. And that's exactly what we believe. So, you know, God's made us as holistic people. And I love thinking both about how is our theology driving us as well as our psychology. And you know, one way to think about our psychology, a colleague of mine at Fuller talks about people's losses and longings. And that phrase has been so helpful for me. Like, what are people's losses and longings? And how is that connected with how they're responding? So, so much of our work at the Fuller Youth Institute relates to young people. And I remember coaching a senior pastor who was experiencing a lot of resistance to prioritizing young people from senior adults. And what the senior pastor realized is, of course, I shouldn't say of course, but in this particular church, when he was saying we need to prioritize young people, those over 60 felt like, wait, that means I'm not going to be a priority. People who are older often already feel that here in US culture. And so, no wonder that was intimidating, that was threatening, that felt like a loss to those senior adults. And so, I love what the senior pastor ended up doing is he implemented one of our principles of change that we recommend, which is people support what they create. And so, if you want to build ownership, then how can you involve as many people as possible in creating whatever you're trying to develop? And so, the senior pastor went to the senior adults and apologized for sending a message that, you know, made them feel like they were not going to be priority. And instead, he said, how can we make this church a church that your grandkids would love to be part of? And that connected with those, you know, post 60, most of whom were grandparents, whether their grandkids live locally, or, you know, globally, they wanted their church to be a place where their grandkids and other young people would connect. And so, you know, he turned senior adults feeling like they were peripheral, to really feeling like they were partners in what God was doing in the church. And so, yes, I would invite us all to think about what are people's losses and longings? And how is that contributing to how they're responding to whatever we're all experiencing? Laura Dugger: (8:15 - 10:20) Let's take a quick break to hear a message from our sponsor. Friends, I'm excited to share with you today's sponsor, Winshape Marriage. Do you feel like you need a weekend away with your spouse and a chance to grow in your relationship together at the same time? Winshape Marriage is a fantastic ministry that provides weekend marriage retreats to help couples grow closer together in every season and stage of life. From premarital to parenting to the empty nest phase, there is an opportunity for you. Winshape Marriage is grounded on the belief that the strongest marriages are the ones that are nurtured, even when it seems things are going smoothly, so that they're stronger if they do hit a bump along their marital journey. These weekend retreats are hosted within the beautiful refuge of Winshape Retreat, perched in the mountains of Rome, Georgia, which is a short drive from Atlanta, Birmingham and Chattanooga. While you're there, you will be well fed, well nurtured and well cared for. During your time away in this beautiful place, you and your spouse will learn from expert speakers and explore topics related to intimacy, overcoming challenges, improving communication and more. I've stayed on Winshape before and I can attest to their generosity, food and content. You will be so grateful you went. To find an experience that's right for you and your spouse, head to their website, windshapemarriage.org/savvy. That's W-I-N-S-H-A-P-E marriage.org/S-A-V-V-Y. Thanks for your sponsorship. Well, Kara, you've also done so much research on young people and just in general, I'd love to hear what insights do you have on Gen Z? Dr. Kara Powell: (10:20 - 14:16) Yeah, yeah. Well, we at the Fuller Youth Institute, we have spent a lot of time studying and doing research on Gen Z, which tends to be those who are 14, 15 and up. Our very youngest teenagers are all actually now Gen Alpha, but we'll talk about Gen Z. And as we've looked at the research, we've landed on three words which we think well describe Gen Z. First, they are anxious. And if we look at young people today, they do have unprecedented levels of mental health challenges, anxiety, depression, stress, even suicidal thoughts. And so, we do a lot of training to help parents and leaders understand mental health and how they can be a safe space and get young people the help they need. So, this is an anxious generation. This is an adaptive generation. This generation is so creative and entrepreneurial and visionary. You know, while there's a lot of downsides to technology, technology also helps young people know more about what's wrong in the world and sometimes take steps to make what is wrong right and restore God's justice to our world. And so, this is an adaptive and creative generation. And then in addition to being anxious and adaptive, this is a diverse generation. Here in the U.S., we crossed a line in 2020. In the midst of everything else that happened in 2020, we crossed a line where now 50% of those under 18 are young people of color. So, for your audience to just keep that in mind that 50% of those under 18 are white and 50% are young people of color and that percentage of young people of color is likely going to continue to grow. So, I would say those are three key attributes to this generation. And then, you know, when it comes to what this generation is experiencing spiritually, I really appreciate what my friend and fellow podcaster Carey Nieuwhof has described with young people that they are both in revival and retreat. And, you know, we see data for both. There's so much that's encouraging about how young people are responding to Jesus. They're open to Jesus. We're seeing this especially on college campuses. They're responding in mass on college campuses in some really beautiful ways. Both InterVarsity and Crew are seeing that. But then this generation is also in some ways distancing themselves from the institutional church. Springtide Research Institute did some study of 13- to 25-year-olds and found that 13- to 25-year-olds in the U.S. are almost three times as likely to say they've been hurt by organized religion as trust organized religion. So, our 13- to 25-year-olds are distrustful, a little cynical about institutional religion. And so, we have our work cut out for us to build trust back. And let me just say, sadly, we have earned young people's lack of trust by the way that by our moral failures, by the way that we have not been as loving as Jesus wants us to be and as young people want us to be. And so, the good news is the way that we re-earn trust with young people is by little acts of kindness and consistency. So, anybody listening can rebuild trust with a young person. The research on trust shows it's not about heroic acts. It's about sending a text and saying, hey, I'm praying for you. It's about remembering a young person's name at church. It's about showing up at a young person's soccer game. So, in the midst of this generation and being both revival and retreat, there are practical steps that any adult can take. Laura Dugger: (14:17 - 14:36) Wow, that's so good. You've got ideas now coming to me for how to pour into even the youth group. This is probably a very random idea, but how great would it be to have a Google calendar of all of their events and then whoever in the church is available to go support? That would just be a practical way. Dr. Kara Powell: (14:36 - 15:45) Okay, so, Laura, you have just named actually one of my favorite ideas that a church that is here in Los Angeles is doing. They created a Google calendar and volunteers as well as parents can add information. But then what this church did, they started with a Google calendar and then it's a church of about 300 people. And so, they have now started every Sunday morning. They have a slide with what's happening in young people's lives for the next week. So-and-so is in a play. So-and-so has a basketball game. So-and-so has a Boy Scout activity. And so, adults in the church, often senior adults who have some extra time, are showing up at kids' events. Plus, every week they're prioritizing young people. So, when you're a young person in that church and every week there's a slide about you and your friends and what's happening, that says something to the young people sitting there. So, yeah, you're-I actually love that idea. And especially for smaller churches, I think that's one of the big advantages of smaller churches is we can be more intimate and caring. So, yes, let's please do that. Laura Dugger: (15:46 - 16:00) Oh, that's so good. I love hearing how that played out. And now I'm also curious because you mentioned it's Gen Alpha behind. Do you have any insight onto them as well? Dr. Kara Powell: (16:00 - 16:27) Well, you're going to have to have me back because we are just-we received a grant from the Lilly Endowment, who's funded much of our research to study Gen Alpha. And they're just getting old enough that we really can, quite honestly. And so, like literally this week we are working on survey questions for Gen Alpha. And we'll have more in the next year about what's similar between Gen Z and Gen Alpha, as well as what's different. So, I'd rather wait and save that for later. Laura Dugger: (16:28 - 16:34) That sounds great. I'm especially interested in that generation. That is all four of our daughters would fall within that. So, I can't wait to hear your findings. Dr. Kara Powell: (16:34 - 16:36) Yeah. Laura Dugger: (16:38 - 17:15) And I think it's also bringing up, I'm going to link to a previous episode, Generational Differences with Hayden Shaw, because I don't know if you feel this same way. I think millennials especially got pegged as the generational bias put on them was actually confused with their life stage. And Hayden's the one who wrote about that and drew that to our attention. So, that's helpful to sift out as we're thinking of young people too, because sometimes older generations can look down on younger generations and see some of the shortcomings. Do you see that as well? Dr. Kara Powell: (17:16 - 18:55) Oh, for sure. For sure. I think we compare young people to who we are now instead of remembering our 13 and 19 and 25 year old self. And so, I mean, that's one of our biggest pieces of advice when it comes to young people is instead of judging them, how do we journey with them? How do we really empathize with what they're experiencing? And when we are tempted to judge young people, let's just start at, well, let's just stop and ask ourselves, would we want to be a young person today? It's so very challenging to be a young person today. I mean, mental health alone, like if I think about my tendency to, as a teenager myself, to compare myself with others, to be worried that I was left out. I mean, if there was a cell phone that showed me everything my friends were doing without me, and I'm stuck at home, like no wonder that young people feel more anxious. I think I would really be struggling with anxiety if I was a teenager now. I mean, honestly, even at my age, I don't check social media on Friday night or Saturday night, because I might be, Dave and I might be having leftovers and either working or watching a movie on Netflix. And I go on social media and my friends are out with their husbands and having this phenomenal time. And at my age, that makes me feel insecure, let alone imagine being a 13 or 18- or 22-year-old and navigating that. So, so yes, I think how can we empathize instead of finger point? Laura Dugger: (18:56 - 19:12) Oh, and you write about how to navigate intergenerational tensions. How can we practically turn our differences into superpowers and unite together? And I guess, especially in the church? Dr. Kara Powell: (19:12 - 22:39) Yeah, yeah, great question. So, one of our books is called Three Big Questions That Change Every Teenager. And we studied young people to try to understand the deep questions driving them. And we landed on three. Identity, who am I? Belonging, where do I fit? And purpose, what difference can I make? Identity, belonging and purpose. And those are that's such a helpful framework to understand young people and to empathize with them. First off, I would say all of us are wrestling with identity, belonging and purpose. And when I feel emotional heat about an issue, if I feel insecure about something, it's usually because it's pricking at my identity, belonging or purpose. And so, that helps us realize that we navigate those questions, too. But then also for the we who are parents, stepparents, grandparents, mentors of young people, you know, if a young person we care about is doing something that feels a little odd, a little askew, a little bit, that's not like them. If we can take a step back and ask, OK, what are they wrestling with? Is it identity? Is it belonging? Is it purpose? That helps us empathize and know how to either ask a better question or, you know, give a little bit of hope rooted in whether that's rooted in scripture or in our own experience. And so, yes, with our with our three kids, when I take a step back and ask, OK, they're saying something that feels odd or unlike them or I'm surprised this is provoking this response in them. Is it is it their identity, belonging or purpose that's at play here? It's like the penny drops and I come to understand. So, I would say, you know, if we can wear those identity, belonging and purpose lenses, that really helps us understand young people. The other thing and, you know, I'm a professor, so I would give myself about a C plus in what I'm going to share next. OK, so if this is something I'm working on, it's this it's never make a statement if you can ask a question instead, never make a statement if you can ask a question instead. And so, the more that we can ask questions about what young people are experiencing, like why, why, you know, in a very nonjudgmental way, like I'm just curious. And I start a lot of my questions with that. I'm curious. I'm curious, like what does tick tock mean to you? Then, you know, that that can open up a real conversation instead of them feeling like we're somehow judging them for their technological use. I was proud of myself yesterday. Like I said, I give myself about a C plus on this. But yesterday I was talking to my daughter about something. And I asked her, like, well, because she had stepped up to lead something. And so instead of offering my advice, I said to her, well, you know, what do you think you did well as you were leading? And is there anything that you would want to do differently? And we were in the line of a fast-food place. And I thought, yes, way to go. I ask questions instead of making statements, instead of offering my opinion. So, and sometimes we have to offer our opinion, for sure. But just as a general rule, we can ask questions, especially the older our kids get. They respond to that better than us always sharing what we think. Laura Dugger: (22:39 - 22:47) Well, and I also think you're even modeling this in the way you share stories is humility. So, when you partner that together, that seems very powerful. Dr. Kara Powell: (22:48 - 23:53) Yeah, yeah, absolutely. My one of my kids said something so interesting. At Mother's Day, my husband asked each of them to share something that they appreciated about me and which was wonderful to receive that affirmation. And one of them and I I'm not going to reveal the gender here because I haven't asked this child permission to share this. But what my child said was that I was asking them for advice in a way that made it feel more like we were becoming friends. And I had asked this child for advice in the last couple of months about a couple situations. And so, again, my kids are 19, 22 and 24. So, you know, it's different with younger kids. But for those of us with older kids, it was significant to this child of mine that I was asking them for advice. And so, I want to keep doing that. I want to keep doing that. So, because I truly do want their perspective. Yeah, I truly do want their perspective. And it means something to them when I do. Laura Dugger: (23:54 - 25:28) Yes, absolutely. And I'm thinking back, this may have been like episode three back in 2018. But I talk with Annie Chapman. She had written the book, The Mother-in-Law Dance. And what you're saying, she pointed out that what makes us a great parent and especially a great mother, the first half of our children's life or the first portion of our children's life at home, it's the opposite of the latter years. And so, you're right. You're not probably going to ask your five-year-old for advice. But at your kids' phases, that is significant. Did you know you could receive a free email with monthly encouragement, practical tips and plenty of questions to ask to take your conversation a level deeper, whether that's in parenting or on date nights? Make sure you access all of this at TheSavvySauce.com by clicking the button that says Join Our Email List so that you can follow the prompts and begin receiving these emails at the beginning of each month. Enjoy. This discussion with young people is also tied into your recent and optimistic book. So, I'll hold it up here. It's in and you did co-author this with Jake Mulder and Raymond Chang. So, it's entitled Future-Focused Church, and you begin with writing that the brightest days of the church are still ahead. So, what led you to this optimistic realization? Dr. Kara Powell: (25:28 - 26:23) Yeah. Yeah. Well, first, God, you know, this is where being a practical theologian comes into play. Like I'm always trying to understand what is God up to in this situation and just the way that God is constantly working, redeeming, recreating. So, you know, that's the heart of my optimism and Jake and Ray's optimism as fellow co-authors. And then also Future-Focused Church is based on research we did with over a thousand churches where we journeyed with them in the change process and just the way that they were able to make changes that made them more loving, made them more hospitable to young people. So, it's, you know, it's people like your listeners and churches like those that your audience is part of. That's what made us optimistic is to see how God is working through actual churches. Laura Dugger: (26:25 - 26:40) I love that. And even near the beginning, it was on page 26, you succinctly gave a definition of a future-focused church. So, will you share that definition and also elaborate on each one of the facets? Dr. Kara Powell: (26:40 - 29:17) Yeah, yeah. So, it starts with a group of Jesus followers. And, you know, if you look at the original Greek for church, ekklesia, it's not a building. We use that phrase incorrectly when we say, you know, I'll meet you at church and we mean a building. It's actually those who are called out or from. So, it's always people in the New Testament. And so, we believe a church is a group of Jesus followers who seek God's direction together. And that's really important to us is this isn't about what Kara, Jake and Ray think you should do or what the church down the street is doing or even what your denomination is doing. It's you seeking God's direction together. So, and we could have stopped there, honestly, a group of Jesus followers who seek God's direction together. But then because of the time we've spent with over a thousand churches, because of our commitment to young people, because of what we see happening these days, we added three what we call checkpoints, three things that we think should be priorities for churches these days. One is relationally discipling young people. And, you know, we were intentionally using the words relationally discipling. It's not just entertaining. It's not just standing near young people at worship service. But how are we actually investing in young people? And then secondly, modeling kingdom diversity. Again, if you look at our country ethnically and racially, we are a diverse country. And so, how can we model that? How can our churches reflect what our neighborhoods are? And then thirdly, tangibly loving our neighbors. Jesus said that, you know, they will know that we are Christians by our love for another, for each other, as well as our love for neighbors. And so, how can we make sure that we are really a place that is salt and light? As I mentioned, you know, we are trying to be in Pasadena as churches these days as we're recovering from the fires. So, we encourage churches to look at those three checkpoints in particular. But then again, we want churches to figure out what God is inviting them towards. So, maybe that's more prayer. Maybe that's being more involved globally in evangelism, you know, whatever it might be. Seek that direction together. But then what we try to do is give a map to get there, because a lot of churches know what they want to change, but don't know how to bring about change. And so, that's actually what the bulk of our book is about, is helping leaders know how to move their church from here to God's direction for them. Laura Dugger: (29:18 - 30:27) And that's incredible that you walked with so many churches through that process. But I was especially encouraged by you being partial to sharing stories. And so, we recently did an entire stories series on The Savvy Sauce, and it was so compelling and faith building. I can link to a sample of those in the show notes. But you write about stories shaping culture. And I just I want to share your quote and then ask you how we can actually implement this. So, your quote is from page 57, where you write, “Organizational culture is best communicated and illustrated by stories. As well modeled by Jesus, one of the best ways to shift the culture of a church is through the disciplined and consistent telling of clear and compelling stories that invite a different culture and way of being.” So, Kara, how have you seen this done well? Dr. Kara Powell: (30:27 - 33:10) Yeah, yeah. Well, I think about whatever system we're in, whether it's our families or whether it's our churches or whatever organization we're in. Yeah, our stories become really the key messages of what our culture is. And so, I want to go back to that church that we were talking about that had a Google calendar and now does a Sunday announcement every week of kids' events. Well, that church is also capturing stories of the 81-year-old who showed up at the 16-year-old soccer game, who didn't even know her all that well, but just had a free Thursday afternoon and knew that she was playing. And the pastor who was also on the sidelines at that soccer game, who ended up talking to both the parents of the 16-year-old and the 81-year-old. And so, that became a story for that church of how different generations are supporting young people. And so, that pastor has told that story multiple, multiple times. You know, I just think about in our family, our kids love hearing our stories. And that's part of how they I mean, it's a big, a big theme and how they come to know what it means to be a Powell. So, you know, earlier I said, you know, I said, never make a statement if you can ask a question instead. I think the exception to that, Laura, is if we're going to tell a story because stories communicate so much. One of our one of our children is struggling with being anxious about something. And I was anxious last night. I never lose sleep. I so rarely lose sleep. But I did last night. I was up for about an hour and a half in the middle of the night, finally ended up having a prayer time. And that helped me go back to sleep. But I'm looking forward to telling my child, who's also struggling with anxiety, that story of me experiencing some, you know, 3:00 a.m. anxiety and what eventually helped me is kind of reflecting on a mantra I feel like God's given me. And I want to share that with my child, not to nag them, but just to let them know that, you know, in our family, this is how we want to try to respond to anxiety. And maybe my story can be helpful for you the next time that you're struggling with it, which might be today. So, so, yes, the more that we can share our present and our past experiences, whether it's as individuals, families, organizations, the more that we communicate the cultural values that we want. Laura Dugger: (33:11 - 33:45) That's so good. And I love how you're relating that to parents as well, because from the very youngest ages, tell me a story. And if it's like if we remember a story of them when they're a child, they just grasp onto that. And we when we're tired at the end of the night, if we run out of our stories, we love even just reading aloud true stories of other people, too. OK, and I'm partnering then thinking of stories and one of your facets about I love how you said it. I'd love for you to repeat. Is it strategically discipling, relationally discipling? Dr. Kara Powell: (33:45 - 33:46) Yeah. Laura Dugger: (33:46 - 35:03) OK, so my brother and sister's church, I'm just going to highlight theirs because I love something that both of them are doing with our nieces and nephews. They just have them, the youth, write down three names of somebody in a different generation above theirs that they would enjoy getting to know, spending time with. And then they get matched with one of those people and they enter a yearlong mentorship relationship. And I'm just thinking, one, their mentors all happen to be open nesters. And the male and female who have mentored our nieces and nephews, the female took our nieces, would send them a copy of a recipe, say, get these groceries this week. I'm coming to your house on Tuesday and we're going to cook all of this together and have it ready for your family dinner. Just so practical and that they just build a love for each other. And then a similar thing with our nephews, where whatever that mentor's skill was, he was great at even making, I think, wood fired pizzas and just showing them practical skills, but relationally investing. And you see the youth's growth and maturity from that discipleship. Dr. Kara Powell: (35:03 - 36:17) So, yeah, that's awesome. And not only the young people, but the adults, too. Like what's been so great, Laura, is, you know, while much of our research has looked at how adults change young people and how churches change young people, every time we study that, we see how young people change adults and churches, too. So, you know, for that male and female who are mentoring your nieces and nephews, how they come to understand more about themselves, God, life, scripture, as they're spending time with young people, that's just really, really powerful. So, I also want to highlight, I love how your example, how it starts by asking young people, like who are some adults that you would like to spend more time with that you look up to? And, you know, we would do that with our kids when we needed babysitters. Like who are some adults that you would like to get to know and how wonderful then that we could ask those adults, especially if they were of babysitting age, to come and be with our kids. And that way we were getting the babysitting we needed and our kids were getting the mentoring that they needed. So, so, yes, I think, you know, giving a young person some agency and who they spend time with, that's really beautiful in that example. Laura Dugger: (36:18 - 36:21) Oh, that's and that's genius for a family life. Dr. Kara Powell: (36:21 - 36:22) Yeah, exactly, exactly. Laura Dugger: (36:23 - 36:39) Well, you also share some other helpful tips for churches, such as considering questions like, would anyone miss our church if it closed down? So, do you have any other practical tips that you want to make sure we don't miss? Dr. Kara Powell: (36:39 - 40:19) Yeah, yeah. I think, yeah, I'll offer a few questions that we have found really helpful. And I'll start with questions when your kids are in elementary and then I'll give a couple of questions when your kids are older. So, so one of the questions that we love asking at dinner when our kids were in elementary was, how did you see God at work today? And I will say that when I first raised that question, one of my daughters said, “Well, mommy, I can't answer that question. And I said, why not?” She said, “Well, I don't have a job. How did you see God at work today? So, then we had to say, well, how did you see God working today?” And I, you know, and equally important as our kids asking that question is that we were, excuse me, as our kids answering that question is that we were answering that question. And so, so, you know, any way that you can involve meaningful sharing, whether it's a dinner, whether it's a bedtime and that you are sharing, too. So, so that that's been a great one for our family. And then when your kids get older, a couple come to mind. One is two pairs of questions actually come to mind. One is, you know, the phrase never make a statement. Maybe you can ask the question said sometimes we do need to offer our advice as parents, our perspective. And I have found when I do that with my kids is now that they're late young adults, if I ask them first, well, what do you disagree with and what I said and give them an opportunity to critique what I said, then and then I ask a second question. OK, well, what might you agree with and what I said? They're far more open to sharing what they agree with if they first have had a chance to critique me. So, I offer that as in those moments when you do need to offer your opinion or perspective, how can we still make it a dialogue? One way is to invite your kid to critique you. And they'll probably point out things that you do need to reconsider, or at least it's good to hear those from your young person. Another pair of questions that that I have found so helpful with our kids is as they get older and really come to own their own faith. I love asking our kids, what do you now believe that you think I don't believe? And what do you no longer believe that you think I still believe? So, what do you now believe that you think I don't believe? And what do you no longer believe that you think I still believe? What I love about that is that it's making overt that our faith is going to continue to change and grow. And that's true for all of us. And it also makes differences discussable, because I'd far rather know how my kids' faith is changing and how it's different or similar than mine than not know. And, you know, as we've asked our kids those questions over the years, sometimes their answer is like, not much has changed. Like, you know, but other times they do have different opinions that they want to share with me. And then I try to have that non-defensive, oh, OK, well, I'm curious. Then again, starting phrase with I'm curious and then asking a question has given us some of the best conversations. So, you can get really tangible. How did you see God at work today? But then as your kids get older, ask questions that that are more open-ended and can help you really understand where your kids are at. Laura Dugger: (40:20 - 41:15) I love that. And I'm just thinking if people are listening like I listen to podcasts, it's when I'm on the go, when I'm doing a walk in the morning or if I'm cleaning around the house. And if you don't get a chance to take notes, we do have transcripts available now for all these episodes, but I would think so many people have written in about dialogue and questions for teenagers and how to handle. And I love the way you responded to all of that. So, even grab the transcript and write down those questions and try them at dinner or bedtime tonight. But then even thinking of churches for practical tips, what do you have as far as hospitality and the impact that it could make if we're building relationships through hospitality? But you also call out three ways to build relationships through sharing meals, sharing stories and sharing experiences. Dr. Kara Powell: (41:15 - 43:08) Yeah, absolutely. You know, I think you've named it, Laura. How do we have a hospitable, open heart and open churches? And I just want to go back to this question. Like, is our church a place that our kids and our grandkids would want to be part of? And if we keep asking that question, I think it helps us prioritize the next generation and make space for them at our meals, within our stories and within our experiences. Now, I will say this, you know, I talk so much about intergenerational relationships and bringing the generations together. Like, I do think there's a time and a place for 16-year-olds to be on their own and 46-year-olds to be on their own and 76-year-olds to be on their own. It's just finding that balance of when do we bring all the generations together? And then when do we want to have those special life development, life stage development conversations ourselves? And most churches are swinging far more toward we keep generations separate and need to swing the pendulum back to how can we have shared meals together? How can we serve together in ways that are shared? And, you know, I'll just say this last thought when it comes to sharing experiences, especially those that are service. You know, a lot of churches have young people who are serving. They're in children's ministry, they're in sound, they're in tech, etc. And that's awesome. And I think the question becomes, like, how can that young person be more than just a warm body who passes out graham crackers? And how can I think, OK, I'm teaching third graders and I'm also trying to mentor this 15-year-old who's working with me with the third graders and same with sound. So, you know, anytime you're interacting with young people, it's an opportunity to influence, especially as you're sharing more about yourself. Laura Dugger: (43:10 - 43:15) Love that. And you seem like an idea person as well. So, I'm going to bounce another idea. Dr. Kara Powell: (43:16 - 43:16) Yeah. Laura Dugger: (43:16 - 43:45) What I'm gathering is obviously we're keeping Jesus at the center and you're not downplaying the need for scripture or Bible study. And those kind of things but also adding there is value in I'm thinking shared experience. Specifically, I'm thinking of pickleball. It's something that appeals to a wide age range. What if your church had invested in a pickleball sport to do something that could bring people together? So, what are your thoughts on that? Dr. Kara Powell: (43:45 - 45:22) Yeah. Yeah. Pickleball, you know, senior adults who need tech help from teenagers. That's another great way to connect people. I mean, any kind of shared interest 1 Thessalonians 2:8 is such an important scripture passage for me when it comes to discipleship. And Paul writes that we were delighted to share with you not just the gospel, but our very lives. And so, how can we share life, whether it's pickleball, whether it's pizza? I'm running out of alliteration here. I was trying to do something else that started with P. And for leaders who are listening, how can you take what you're already doing and make it more intergenerational? So, that's the other thing we like to tell churches is whether it's pickleball or whether it's well, we're already serving at the local homeless center to help people who are unhoused. Well, instead of that only being a youth event, maybe make that an all church event and see if adults come who can be mentoring young people. So, you know, I love what one church did. Many churches have done this, actually, when they're looking for small group for homes where small groups can be for young people instead of going to like the parents of the teenagers. What if we go to our senior adults or our open or slash empty nesters and see if they'll open their homes? Because then it's bringing more adults into contact with young people. And those adults who open their homes can also open their lives. So, yeah, just continuing to ask, how can we make this more of a connection across generations? Goodness. Laura Dugger: (45:22 - 45:39) And you have so many ideas and some of these are mentioned in this book, but you've also written many more helpful resources. So, will you give us an overview of the other books that you've authored and share a bit of what we might find if we read? Dr. Kara Powell: (45:39 - 46:42) Yeah. So, our most recent book, as you've mentioned, is Future Focus Church, and that's especially geared to help leaders know how to move a ministry from where they are now to where God wants it to be. It's been so great to journey with leaders through that. Probably our best book that offers a ton of questions you can ask young people is Three Big Questions That Change Every Teenager, where we get into identity, belonging and purpose, which I mentioned. And we have over 300 questions that an adult, whether it's a family member or a mentor or a neighbor or congregant can use with young people. And then the last one I'll offer is The Sticky Faith Guide for Your Family comes out of our previous Sticky Faith research. How do you help young people have faith that lasts? We have a special chapter in that book for grandparents. So, for any grandparents who are listening, that whole book and that chapter is a great resource. But also we have had a lot of parents, stepparents say that The Sticky Faith Guide for Your Family has been one of their favorite books. Laura Dugger: (46:43 - 47:02) That's incredible. I'll have to link to those in the show notes for today's episode. But I'm sure you're aware we are called The Savvy Sauce because Savvy is anonymous with practical knowledge. And so, as my final question for you today, what is your Savvy Sauce? Dr. Kara Powell: (47:03 - 48:16) That's a really good question, Laura. OK, I'll say I'll share the first thing that came to mind when you asked it. Gosh, probably 10 or 12 years ago, I read a book and from the book I adapted a phrase for my work life and my personal life, which is if it's not a definite yes, it's a no. As a busy mom, as a busy employee, as a busy leader, I see potential in so many things. And so, I want to say yes to so many things. And then I end up tired. I end up empty. I end up not being able to say yes to something maybe better that comes a month later because I've already committed to, you know, plan my seventh graders camping trip or give a talk or, you know, whatever it might be. And so, that phrase, we made it a six-month experiment in the Foley Youth Institute as well as in our family. Like it's not a definite yes, it's a no. And it really helped us say no to things, trim and I think find a much more manageable pace. So, as we pray, as we pray, it's not a definite yes, it's a no. That's been game changing for me. Laura Dugger: (48:17 - 48:57) Well, I love how much you've modeled applying these things at your work or in our church, but also in our family life. It's all transferable. And Kara, this has just been a super special conversation because you've been on my list to have a conversation with for over a decade, probably since I got my hands on Sticky Faith. And I just appreciate we've been talking as we were praying before we were recording. You desire so much, not only for young people, but for all people to experience this abundant life in Christ. And I'm so grateful for you and just want to say thank you for being my guest. Dr. Kara Powell: (48:57 - 49:03) Oh, my pleasure, Laura. And thanks to you and how you serve your audience as well as our world. It's been an honor. Laura Dugger: (49:04 - 52:19) One more thing before you go, have you heard the term gospel before? It simply means good news. And I want to share the best news with you, but it starts with the bad news. Every single one of us were born sinners, but Christ desires to rescue us from our sin, which is something we cannot do for ourselves. This means there's absolutely no chance we can make it to heaven on our own. So, for you and for me, it means we deserve death and we can never pay back the sacrifice we owe to be saved. We need a savior, but God loved us so much. He made a way for his only son to willingly die in our place as the perfect substitute. This gives us hope of life forever in right relationship with him. That is good news. Jesus lived the perfect life. We could never live and died in our place for our sin. This was God's plan to make a way to reconcile with us so that God can look at us and see Jesus. We can be covered and justified through the work Jesus finished. If we choose to receive what he has done for us, Romans 10:9 says, “that if you confess with your mouth, Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” So, you pray with me now. Heavenly father, thank you for sending Jesus to take our place. I pray someone today right now is touched and chooses to turn their life over to you. Will you clearly guide them and help them take their next step in faith to declare you as Lord of their life? We trust you to work and change lives now for eternity. In Jesus name we pray. Amen. If you prayed that prayer, you are declaring him for me. So, me for him, you get the opportunity to live your life for him. And at this podcast, we're called The Savvy Sauce for a reason. We want to give you practical tools to implement the knowledge you have learned. So, you're ready to get started. First, tell someone, say it out loud, get a Bible. The first day I made this decision, my parents took me to Barnes and Noble and let me choose my own Bible. I selected the Quest NIV Bible and I love it. You can start by reading the book of John. Also get connected locally, which just means tell someone who's a part of a church in your community that you made a decision to follow Christ. I'm assuming they will be thrilled to talk with you about further steps such as going to church and getting connected to other believers to encourage you. We want to celebrate with you too. So, feel free to leave a comment for us here. If you did make a decision to follow Christ, we also have show notes included where you can read scripture that describes this process. And finally, be encouraged. Luke 15:10 says, “in the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” The heavens are praising with you for your decision today. And if you've already received this good news, I pray you have someone to share it with. You are loved and I look forward to meeting you here next time.
In this episode, we tackle the myth that free time will magically appear for hobbies. You'll learn 4 practical strategies to make time for joy. even in a packed, over-scheduled life. This episode shows how to protect your personal time without feeling guilty or unrealistic.FREE Resource: Watch this Free Class!: 3 Secrets to Always Having Enough Time For Your Work, Your Family and Yourself This show is brought to you by: Time Well Spent : the time management course for real people, just like you, who want to do more and stress lessStay connected!:Visit our website at https://www.alexishaselberger.com Check out the " Time Well Spent: Time Management for Real People " CourseJoin the Do More, Stress Less Facebook Community Connect on Linkedin Follow us for updates and more content: Youtube Instagram TikTok Facebook We want your feedback!:If you have constructive feedback, please email us at alexis+podcastfeedback@alexishaselberger.comIf you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and share with a friend!Transcript:Read it here !
When you feel frustrated with your kids, it's important to not overreact. Jim Daly and Justin Earley discuss how to discern whether a present frustration is really important or not. Then, John and Danny share how including other people in your kids' lives goes a long way in helping them develop into healthy people. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Receive the book Habits of the Household for your donation of any amount! Take the 7 Traits of Effective Parenting Assessment Crafting Spiritual Habits in Your Family 50 Questions to Ask Your Kids at the Dinner Table Dinner: Nourish Your Family as a Family Support This Show! If you enjoyed listening to the Focus on Parenting Podcast, please give us your feedback.
Having dinner regularly with your kids can lead to some beautiful conversations. John and Danny open up about times they had meals with their children, and why that was so meaningful. Then, Jim Daly asks Justin Earley about some of the dinnertime traditions he's started with his four sons. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Receive the book Habits of the Household for your donation of any amount! Take the 7 Traits of Effective Parenting Assessment Crafting Spiritual Habits in Your Family 50 Questions to Ask Your Kids at the Dinner Table Dinner: Nourish Your Family as a Family Support This Show! If you enjoyed listening to the Focus on Parenting Podcast, please give us your feedback.
"There's a big difference between 'baby blues' and post-natal depression," "We might not even realise that we need help... because getting out of depression..." This week our guest shares a deeply personal story, but one that inspires true courage, perseverance, and self-determination - to make a change, and become a better Mom for her baby boy. Kelebogile is a brave Mom and lives to share her truly remarkable journey about her mental health, and the love for her only child. We are also joined by Elouise Cloete, a psychology coach, to shed some light on the potential red flags for depression. If you or someone you know is struggling, SADAG is here to listen, support, and guide you to help. Call us on 0800 456 789 or send a WhatsApp to 076 882 2775. You don't have to face this alone. Brought to you by Epi-Max Baby & Junior - Our Family, for Your Family. Sponsored by Curaprox and supported by Jacaranda FM.
Support Warfare Prayers HereA Prayer for Your Family.
Stop Adding Cereal to Your Baby's Bottle! Why This Outdated Advice is Harming Your Child's Health | The Prime Podcast Are you a new parent struggling with a baby who won't sleep, seems constantly fussy, or is always crying? Have you been told by a pediatrician, a family member, or a parent in an online group to "just add some rice cereal to the bottle" to fill them up? This advice, though often well-intentioned, is a dangerous relic from the past that could be setting your child up for a lifetime of health issues. In Episode 340 of The Prime Podcast, Dr. Skip and Dr. Julie Wies deliver a powerful and urgent message to all parents: STOP adding cereal to your baby's bottle. They expose this common practice as unscientific, outdated, and detrimental to an infant's developing system. This episode is a comprehensive takedown of one of the most persistent myths in infant care. The doctors explain why this advice is not only outside the scope of most pediatricians' nutritional training but is fundamentally at odds with a baby's physiology. You will learn why infants lack the essential enzymes to digest complex starches, how this practice can lead to severe digestive distress, and the shocking link between early introduction of solids and the modern childhood obesity epidemic, insulin resistance, and blood sugar dysregulation. More importantly, Dr. Skip and Dr. Julie reveal the real reason your baby is uncomfortable. It's rarely a hunger issue. Instead, they dive deep into the neurology of infancy, explaining how common misalignments (subluxations) in the neck and mid-back from the birthing process can interfere with a baby's ability to swallow, digest, and even feel comfortable enough to sleep. If you're feeling frustrated, judged, and desperate for a real solution that addresses the root cause of your baby's discomfort, this episode is your definitive guide. KEY TAKEAWAYS A Dangerous Myth: Adding cereal to a baby's bottle is outdated advice that can cause significant harm to their digestive and metabolic health. Digestive Immaturity: Babies do not produce the necessary enzyme (salivary amylase) to properly digest the starches in rice cereal, leading to digestive upset. Long-Term Health Risks: This practice is linked to the development of enlarged fat cells, insulin resistance, and an increased risk of childhood obesity. It's Not Hunger, It's Discomfort: Fussiness, poor sleep, and excessive crying are often signs of neurological and structural issues (subluxations), not a need for more food. The Neurological Connection: Misalignments in the neck and mid-back can directly impact a baby's ability to swallow and the function of the stomach valve (cardiac sphincter), leading to reflux and spit-up. The True Solution: Instead of masking symptoms with food, the primary issue must be addressed. A pediatric chiropractor can identify and correct the underlying misalignments, allowing the nervous system to function properly and providing lasting relief for your baby. If you are struggling with your baby's feeding, sleep, or digestive issues, and you're tired of receiving outdated advice, it's time to seek a better solution. Find a pediatric chiropractor in your area to be a part of your trusted healthcare team. For questions or to connect with us directly, please email info@primefamilycenters.com and mention you heard this on the podcast. Please share this critical episode with any parent who needs to hear this message.
Guest: Jordan Salim, Founder and CEO of 3:23 Financial Services The views expressed in this podcast are for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or legal advice. 3:23 Financial Services LLC is a registered investment adviser in the state of Texas. 3:23 Financial Services LLC is not affiliated with this podcast, and any financial advice is only provided through a formal advisory relationship with the firm. Continued our great conversation with Jordan Salim, this time we talked about various financial missteps and pitfalls to avoid. This is helpful advice for every young man as you look to not only live well within the financial resources that the Lord has blessed you with and that you've worked hard for, but also as you look to be a mindful and cheerful giver meeting the needs of others and advancing the Kingdom of Heaven! Some resources that were referenced and recommended during this podcast include the following: Your Life…Well Spent: The Eternal Rewards of Investing Yourself and Your Money in Your Family by Russ Crosson Every Good Endeavor: Connecting Your Work to God's Work by Tim Keller T4M guys - just a reminder that Training4Manhood is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) ministry and you can make donations either via Zelle (info@training4manhood.com) or by visiting the Training4Manhood website.
In this episode, we talk about why waiting for your work to be done before you rest is a trap. You'll hear how to “stop in the middle,” reset your relationship to time, and build boundaries that protect your life from the endless to-do list. Learn more about Danielle Pickens, the colleague I mention in the episode, here.FREE Resource: Watch this Free Class!: 3 Secrets to Always Having Enough Time For Your Work, Your Family and Yourself This show is brought to you by: Time Well Spent : the time management course for real people, just like you, who want to do more and stress lessStay connected!:Visit our website at https://www.alexishaselberger.com Check out the " Time Well Spent: Time Management for Real People " CourseJoin the Do More, Stress Less Facebook Community Connect on Linkedin Follow us for updates and more content: Youtube Instagram TikTok Facebook We want your feedback!:If you have constructive feedback, please email us at alexis+podcastfeedback@alexishaselberger.comIf you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and share with a friend!Transcript:Read it here !
Three of our favorite segments from the week, in case you missed them.How Trump May Be Changing the Elections Process (First) | AI in the Job Market (Starts at 51:0 0) | Your Family's 'Secret Language' (Starts at 1:18:00)If you don't subscribe to the Brian Lehrer Show on iTunes, you can do that here.
"I never knew how much mouth breathing affects my dental health, my physical health & even the shape of my face!” In this week's Podcast, Oral Hygienist, Naseema Osman, reveals startling facts about the problems we face with habitual mouth breathing as opposed to nasal breathing. Why does mouth breathing affect our health & our entire facial development so much? And how do I fix this for my young child, before it turns into developmental problems or even lifelong, chronic illness? Brought to you by Epi-Max Baby & Junior - Our Family, for Your Family. Sponsored by Curaprox and supported by Jacaranda FM.
Guest: Jordan Salim, Founder and CEO of 3:23 Financial Services The views expressed in this podcast are for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or legal advice. 3:23 Financial Services LLC is a registered investment adviser in the state of Texas. 3:23 Financial Services LLC is not affiliated with this podcast, and any financial advice is only provided through a formal advisory relationship with the firm. Had a great conversation with Jordan about what financial “stewardship” is and what it means today. This is helpful advice for every young man as you look to not only live well within the financial resources that the Lord has blessed you with and that you've worked hard for, but also as you look to be a mindful and cheerful giver meeting the needs of others and advancing the Kingdom of Heaven! Some resources that were referenced and recommended during this podcast include the following: Your Life…Well Spent: The Eternal Rewards of Investing Yourself and Your Money in Your Family by Russ Crosson Every Good Endeavor: Connecting Your Work to God's Work by Tim Keller T4M guys - just a reminder that Training4Manhood is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) ministry and you can make donations either via Zelle (info@training4manhood.com) or by visiting the Training4Manhood website.
In this episode, we explore the toxic myth of “doing it all”, and why it's sabotaging your time, your energy, and your peace of mind. You'll learn how to shift from a fantasy of fitting everything in to making confident, satisfying choices about where your time goes. This is your permission slip to stop the hustle and start choosing what actually matters.FREE Resources: Watch this Free Class!: 3 Secrets to Always Having Enough Time For Your Work, Your Family and Yourself Click here to grab your free Distraction Action Plan today and start saving hours each week!This show is brought to you by: Time Well Spent : the time management course for real people, just like you, who want to do more and stress lessStay connected!:Visit our website at https://www.alexishaselberger.com Check out the " Time Well Spent: Time Management for Real People " CourseJoin the Do More, Stress Less Facebook Community Connect on Linkedin Follow us for updates and more content: Youtube Instagram TikTok Facebook We want your feedback!:If you have constructive feedback, please email us at alexis+podcastfeedback@alexishaselberger.comIf you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and share with a friend!Transcript:Read it here !
In this episode, I'm thrilled to spotlight Uplifted 300-hour graduate Jennica Joyce—a successful prenatal yoga teacher, mother of four, and expert in integrating the chakra system into parenting. Jennica shares her journey through yoga training, the importance of setting boundaries and rhythms in family life, and creative ways to teach children about chakras through play, music, and movement. Stay tuned for the mind-blowing discussion at the end, where Jennica reveals how writing and word choice reflect our energetic state through the chakras. We'll explore:
A Powerful Prayer for Your Family.Support Warfare Prayers Here
Welcome to The Prime Podcast with Dr. Skip Wyss and Dr. Julie Wyss — trusted pediatric and prenatal chiropractors in Green Bay & De Pere, WI. Doc, My Back Hurts! Low Back Pain Relief Through Nervous System, Sleep & Chiropractic Solutions Back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek care — but the cause isn't always “tight muscles.” In this episode, Dr. Skip and Dr. Julie explain how the nervous system, posture, sleep, and recovery habits all play a crucial role in lasting relief. What You'll Learn in This Episode: - Why muscle tension is usually a symptom, not the root cause of back pain - The role of your nervous system in controlling posture and pain responses - Ice vs. heat: when to use each for maximum relief - How poor sleep and stress amplify pain - Why women (especially during pregnancy & postpartum) need a pelvic-floor-aware approach - Action steps you can take right now to support your spine health
We're doing an experiment in which we sprinkle in a few episodes where I interview real people, just like you, about what they're juggling, what they're streuggling with, and how they get things done.In today's inaugural episode, I'm interviewing my friend, colleague and former client, Laura Castaing, a coach and thought partner to founders, CEOs, and executives at key inflection points. With a background in operations and startups, and 8 years coaching, she blends practical tactics with deep empathy and a 360 view of work and life. If, after the episode, you're feeling inspired to learn more about Laura and her work, you can check her out here.FREE Resource: Watch this Free Class!: 3 Secrets to Always Having Enough Time For Your Work, Your Family and Yourself This show is brought to you by: Time Well Spent : the time management course for real people, just like you, who want to do more and stress lessStay connected!:Visit our website at https://www.alexishaselberger.com Check out the " Time Well Spent: Time Management for Real People " CourseJoin the Do More, Stress Less Facebook Community Connect on Linkedin Follow us for updates and more content: Youtube Instagram TikTok Facebook We want your feedback!:If you have constructive feedback, please email us at alexis+podcastfeedback@alexishaselberger.comIf you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and share with a friend!Transcript:Read it here !
In the final week of our Home Sweet Home series, Pastor Galen Woodward brings a powerful message titled “Fighting for Your Family.” From Nehemiah's example of rebuilding the walls, we are reminded that families today must also rise up and fight — not with weapons, but with consistency, wisdom, and protection. Our homes are under pressure from culture, distractions, and spiritual attack, but God has called us to be faithful gatekeepers over our marriages, children, and households. Key Scriptures: Nehemiah 4:14 | Nehemiah 6:3 | Nehemiah 4:9 | Nehemiah 7:1,3 | James 1:5 | Proverbs 4:5–9 | 2 Samuel 23:11–12 In this message, you'll learn: – Why building a family requires consistency, one brick at a time – How godly wisdom protects you from destructive choices – The importance of guarding your home — what you watch, who you allow close, and even the atmosphere you create – How prayer and wisdom become a defense system for your family – Why you can't control the world your kids walk into, but you can shape the home they walk out of “Consistency is like building a house one brick at a time.” “Wisdom is the ability to see things from God's perspective and know the right course of action.” Praying for Wisdom: A Defense System Wisdom will keep you away from pornography. Wisdom will keep you from having an affair. Wisdom will keep you from anger and rage. Wisdom will keep you from addiction. Wisdom will keep you from marrying the wrong person. Wisdom will protect you financially. Wisdom will protect you from being influenced into a false worldview. Wisdom will keep you from making wrong decisions. Wisdom will protect you from insecurity. Closing Prayer from Pastor Galen: “Lord, Today we rise to fight for our families, for our sons and our daughters, for our husbands and our wives. Make us faithful gatekeepers. Help us to stand watch over our homes and hearts. May our homes be filled with peace, faith and strength. In Jesus name, Amen.” This message is a call to action for every parent, spouse, and believer: fight for your home with faith, prayer, and godly wisdom.
Too many people think financial planning is just about picking investments—but it's much more than that. A great plan is a living, breathing roadmap that evolves as your life changes. Richard Rosso & Jonathan McCarty uncover what makes the perfect financial planning experience—from getting your head straight, to gathering the right documents, to partnering with a fiduciary advisor who looks beyond just returns. You'll learn: • Why real planning goes far deeper than investments. • The documents and data you need to start your journey. • How advisors help with behavioral rebalancing—keeping emotions in check. • The difference between accumulation and distribution strategies. • Why a fiduciary, holistic advisor adds real value to your financial life. If you want your plan to stay relevant—and not just collect dust in a binder—this episode is for you. 1 - Why Financial Planning is a Loss-leader for most firms 2 - Focus on What You're Doing Right 3 - Coaching the Young 4 - Your Financial Documentary 5 - Trust Fund Baby's & Nepo's 6 - Taking off the Pressure for Your Family 7 - Smaller Estate Tax Exemptions are One President Away 8 - Financial Planning is a Partnership 9 - How AI is Changing FP 10 - When All Financial Plans Lead to Annuities 11 - The Health Metric in Financial Planning 12 - Aging in Place with Rosie the Robot 13 - Financial Plans Must Change with Your Environment 14 - hat is the Most Importance Part of a Financial Plan for You? (Poll) 15 - Financial Planning w Children & Dearth of Financial Literacy 16 - Financial Planning & Investment Management 17 - Stress-testing Your Financial Plan Hosted by RIA Advisors Director of Financial Planning, Richard Rosso, CFP, w Senior Investment Advisor, Jonathan McCarty, CFP Produced by Brent Clanton, Executive Producer ------- Watch today's video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6QSPJnekS6U&list=PLVT8LcWPeAugpcGzM8hHyEP11lE87RYPe&index=1&t=3s -------- The latest installment of our new feature, Before the Bell, "Markets' Bullish Trend Remains Intact" is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OPN3UX4VjI8&list=PLwNgo56zE4RAbkqxgdj-8GOvjZTp9_Zlz&index=1 ------- Our Previous Show, "Stock Market Bubble? Extreme Valuations & What Investors Should Know," is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QXgmAXNATeU&list=PLVT8LcWPeAugpcGzM8hHyEP11lE87RYPe&index=2 ------- Register for our next RIA Dynamic Learning Series event, "Savvy Medicare Planning," September 18, 2025: https://realinvestmentadvice.com/resources/events/savvy-medicare-planning-what-baby-boomers-need-to-know-about-medicare/ ------- Articles mentioned in this report: "Valuations Are Extreme: Navigating A Bubble" https://realinvestmentadvice.com/resources/blog/valuations-are-extreme-navigating-a-bubble/ "Portfolio Risk Management: Accepting The Hard Truth" https://realinvestmentadvice.com/resources/blog/portfolio-risk-management-accepting-the-hard-truth/ "Meme Markets: Investing vs. Entertainment" https://realinvestmentadvice.com/resources/blog/meme-markets-investing-vs-entertainment/ ------- Get more info & commentary: https://realinvestmentadvice.com/newsletter/ -------- SUBSCRIBE to The Real Investment Show here: http://www.youtube.com/c/TheRealInvestmentShow -------- Visit our Site: https://www.realinvestmentadvice.com Contact Us: 1-855-RIA-PLAN -------- Subscribe to SimpleVisor: https://www.simplevisor.com/register-new -------- Connect with us on social: https://twitter.com/RealInvAdvice https://twitter.com/LanceRoberts https://www.facebook.com/RealInvestmentAdvice/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/realinvestmentadvice/ #FinancialPlanning #WealthManagement #RetirementPlanning #BehavioralFinance #MoneyMatters#InvestingAdvice #Money #Investing
In this episode, I walk you through a mental‑health‑first approach to productivity during crisis. Learn how to define your day by realistic “must‑dos,” ruthlessly prioritize, let go of guilt, and celebrate micro‑wins—while caring for yourself, your loved ones, and your larger purpose. It's all about sustainable, compassionate progress—even when life feels out of control.FREE Resources: Watch this Free Class!: 3 Secrets to Always Having Enough Time For Your Work, Your Family and Yourself Click here to grab your free Distraction Action Plan today and start saving hours each week!This show is brought to you by: Time Well Spent : the time management course for real people, just like you, who want to do more and stress lessStay connected!:Visit our website at https://www.alexishaselberger.com Check out the " Time Well Spent: Time Management for Real People " CourseJoin the Do More, Stress Less Facebook Community Connect on Linkedin Follow us for updates and more content: Youtube Instagram TikTok Facebook We want your feedback!:If you have constructive feedback, please email us at alexis+podcastfeedback@alexishaselberger.comIf you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and share with a friend!Transcript:Read it here !
In this episode, learn why unproductive days aren't just normal—they're necessary. Discover how embracing downtime without guilt can improve your mental health, productivity, and overall happiness. You'll rethink productivity and learn to be kinder to yourself.FREE Resources: Watch this Free Class!: 3 Secrets to Always Having Enough Time For Your Work, Your Family and Yourself Click here to grab your free Distraction Action Plan today and start saving hours each week!This show is brought to you by: Time Well Spent : the time management course for real people, just like you, who want to do more and stress lessStay connected!:Visit our website at https://www.alexishaselberger.com Check out the " Time Well Spent: Time Management for Real People " CourseJoin the Do More, Stress Less Facebook Community Connect on Linkedin Follow us for updates and more content: Youtube Instagram TikTok Facebook We want your feedback!:If you have constructive feedback, please email us at alexis+podcastfeedback@alexishaselberger.comIf you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and share with a friend!Transcript:Read it here !
266. Choosing Fun and Adventure in Your Marriage and with Your Family: An Interview with Dan & Sam Mathews Isaiah 55:12 MSG “So you'll go out in joy, you'll be led into a whole and complete life. The mountains and hills will lead the parade, bursting with song. All the trees of the forest will join the procession, exuberant with applause. No more thistles, but giant sequoias, no more thornbushes, but stately pines— Monuments to me, to God, living and lasting evidence of God.” *Transcription Below* Dan and Sam Mathews have been married since 2014 and currently reside in Missouri with their two kids, Canyon and Ember. Since the moment they got married, Dan and Samantha have been living a life of sacrifice and faith. From backpacking in Arkansas to RV road trips across the US, they have always taken the adventurous route. Sam is a lifestyle vlogger and content creator, and Dan hosts a hunting podcast in addition to his social platforms. Together they share their life of adventure online with millions of followers. Follow them on socials @wearedanandsam. Thank You to Our Sponsor: Sam Leman Eureka Questions and Topics We Cover: What are a few adventures you're so grateful you said yes to in life? Matthew 25:26 MSG says, "That's a terrible way to live! It's criminal to live cautiously like that!" So drawing your wisdom from the Lord, how does your faith fuel your sense of adventure? How can we begin to enjoy an adventurous life in our marriage and with our family? Other Episodes Mentioned from The Savvy Sauce Podcast: 82 Traveling with Your Family with Katie Mueller 242 Stories Series: He Gives and Takes Away with Joyce Hodel Connect with The Savvy Sauce on Facebook, Instagram or Our Website Gospel Scripture: (all NIV) Romans 3:23 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” Romans 3:24 “and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” Romans 3:25 (a) “God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood.” Hebrews 9:22 (b) “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.” Romans 5:8 “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:11 “Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.” John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” Romans 10:9 “That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Luke 15:10 says “In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” Romans 8:1 “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” Ephesians 1:13–14 “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession- to the praise of his glory.” Ephesians 1:15–23 “For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.” Ephesians 2:8–10 “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God‘s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.“ Ephesians 2:13 “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.“ Philippians 1:6 “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” *Transcription* Music: (0:00 – 0:09) Laura Dugger: (0:11 - 1:47) Welcome to The Savvy Sauce, where we have practical chats for intentional living. I'm your host, Laura Dugger, and I'm so glad you're here. The principles of honesty and integrity that Sam Leman founded his business on continue today over 55 years later at Sam Leman Chevrolet Eureka. Owned and operated by the Burchie family, Sam Leman's Eureka appreciates the support they've received from their customers all over central Illinois and beyond. Visit them today at lemangm.com. Dan and Sam Mathews are my guests for today, and you may know them from all the social platforms at WeAreDanAndSam. They live a life of high faith and delightful adventure, and their book, Always Choose Adventure: One Couple's Journey of Chasing the Things in Life That Matter Most, is actually going to release this month. I would highly recommend it. It was an amazing read. I read through it so fast, and it was a great combination of enjoying the stories but learning so much along the way. It's kind of like our chat for today. We're going to cover various stories, but Dan and Sam are also going to give us simple and practical ideas and tips for adding a sense of fun into our marriage and into our family life. Here's our chat. Welcome to The Savvy Sauce, Dan and Sam. Dan Mathews: (1:47 - 1:48) Thank you for having us. We're excited. We are really excited. Laura Dugger: (1:49 - 1:59) Well, I'm so excited to journey back and get to hear more of your story, but will you first just give us an overview of what current life looks like right now? Sam Mathews: (2:00 - 2:29) Yes. Currently, I'm 22 weeks pregnant with our third baby. We have two kiddos. Canyon is almost nine. Ember is seven. We live in Southern Missouri. We love adventuring and traveling, and Dan hunts. We share life on every platform, so just lifestyle, vlogging, and sharing our adventures. We recently settled down in a home, and so this is our first time doing DIYs for ourselves. Yeah, it's a fun season right now. Dan Mathews: (2:29 - 2:46) And Sam loves to host, so I think we have 48 parties scheduled this summer and knocked out a couple already, but yeah, we're excited about life, excited about adventure, and sharing that with people and how they can actually get out and adventure more. Laura Dugger: (2:47 - 3:01) You do that so well, but if we're going back then to more of the origin stories, will you both share your journey of growing up and your stories that eventually led for the two of you to overlap with one another? Sam Mathews: (3:01 - 3:37) Yeah, definitely. It's always been me, my mom, and my sister. My mom was a single mom raising us, born in California, but then she moved us to Southern Missouri when I was young, and this was a great place to raise us. In the Bible Belt, we were raised pretty much in church. She did an amazing job as a single mom, just caring for us and pointing us to Christ. We got plugged into a church very early on. We volunteered there. My sister and I worked there. We attended there, and so we're really involved, and that's how I met Dan when he came to Bible College. Dan Mathews: (3:37 - 4:58) Yeah, I grew up in central Wisconsin. We went to church Sunday morning, Sunday night, Wednesday night, was very, very involved with the kid's ministry and youth group and just any opportunity I could be around that church community, I was. We had a group called Master's Commission that would come up and do outreach at our church. They were from Florida, and I was like, man, I want to do that one day. These guys are awesome. They're doing human videos, and they're all musical. My dad's brother and his family moved down to Southern Missouri, and I get a call one day right after high school. They were like, “Hey, there's a Master's Commission program down here. If you want to do it, we'll pay for it.” I was like, “Sure, let's do it.” Almost no questions asked, just kind of like, all right, tell me the date I have to be there. Then, I started packing stuff up and quit my job and moved down knowing absolutely nobody. I got plugged into the church. I became very, very involved, and then just built a community, and through that, I went there with Sam's sister, her older sister, and I got to know Sam, and then I ended up working out at the gym that she worked at. Sam Mathews: (4:59 - 5:00) Which was at our church. Dan Mathews: (5:00 - 5:15) Which was at the church, and so we were just around each other all the time, and that kind of developed over years and years and years. Then one day, I was like, wow, this chick is awesome, and now we're here doing podcasting. Laura Dugger: (5:16 - 5:32) Which is incredible. Okay, so just to pause, and you go into more of these stories, love your books, so easy to read, but can you take us back to what you both first thought of one another when you were meeting those days at the gym? Oh, gee. Sam Mathews: (5:33 - 6:22) For sure, Dan is the life of the party, like he is comedy, and just, he has all the jokes, and definitely a charmer with all the ladies, but so fun to be around, and not only his humor draws you in, but I didn't grow up with a father, and so I liked the, I don't know, like strong aspect that he had, just like the confidence, and then his relationship with the Lord was something that I desired to have for myself, you know, a leader in a couple like together, someone to point me towards Christ, but the lightheartedness and jokes and humor keep the hard days fun, but that for me was, you know, I always can count on you for a good joke. Dan Mathews: (6:23 - 6:41) Yeah, I, when I first met Sam, it was kind of in a group setting, and it was with her older sister with my younger brother, and it was like, oh, this is, you know, Justine's sister. Little sister. Didn't really think a whole lot of it, but after a couple years, I think you were probably a sophomore at that time when I first met you. Sam Mathews: (6:41 - 6:42) Yeah. Dan Mathews: (6:42 - 7:36) And, and then after a couple years, it was like she was volunteering in the youth group, and she was on the recreation staff at our camps, and so it's like we were spending more time together, and I'm like, oh, Justine's sister's kind of cute, and yeah, we started, we started just kind of a friendship. We were just around each other all the time. I mean, like before we were dating, we're really interested in each other. It's like I was walking back from the lake, and she'd hop on my back, and I'd just give her a piggyback ride up to the cabins, and then looking back, I'm like, wow, our lives just were really intermingled and overlapped for years and years, but early on, she was younger. She had braces. She was a hip-hop dance instructor, so I mean, she would have like one sweat pant leg rolled up, high-top Nikes on all the time, like thought she was the coolest thing ever. Laura Dugger: (7:36 - 7:52) I was. I didn't think. Oh, that's amazing. I love that, and my husband and I were also friends first, and I feel like that does set you up well in marriage. Like you've got your built-in buddy. Sam Mathews: (7:53 - 8:30) Exactly. I was going through pictures yesterday, because I was going to post a trend online, and it was like, oh, how cute. How many months have you been married? And it's like months? You put a picture for every year, and it's like we've known each other since like 2008, maybe 2009. Then, like started our like dating in 2010. I look at pictures of us from 2010 as a couple. I'm like, oh, my gosh, we've grown so much just like, you know, like physically, but even just relationally and spiritually, and like it's crazy looking back, and so thankful for so many years of friendship with him, but you know, relationship-wise, it's been great. Dan Mathews: (8:30 - 8:52) Well, and I feel like doing life together is a great model before ever like the romantic side comes in. You get to know the person in group settings. You get to know who they are without the interest, because people can put on a different face once you're trying to impress somebody, you know, but we were just being our genuine selves around each other for a long time. Sam Mathews: (8:52 - 8:59) Probably saw some stupid moments, some hard moments, but that's, yeah, that's what you want to see before you get into a relationship with someone. Laura Dugger: (9:00 - 9:12) Absolutely. Yeah. And as we're starting back that far, then when you reflect back, what are some of the adventures that you're most grateful you've said yes to in life? Sam Mathews: (9:13 - 10:38) Yeah. Oh, my gosh. I feel like dating, we weren't even dating at this point, the canoe trip when you did a master's commission, and that was so fun. It was like all of his friends, my sister, all the master's commission group went kayaking, and I decided to tag along as a sibling, and his brother did, and maybe a couple others. And that was fun, but it also gave me an opening into how Dan adventures, because his way of adventuring is way different than mine. I grew up, like I said, with a mom. We would camp at a cabin, and you'd pack the car full of everything you need. Dan would literally just put everything in a backpack and hike in two miles to go camping. And so being in that group, going kayaking, it was so fun, and it sparked this new love for adventure and new desire to learn a new way of adventuring. That was so fun. I mean, that was before we were married, but this is kind of jumping far ahead, but when we were married, we moved to Colorado for a couple of years, and although it was a hard season for us, we learned so much. We gained so much from it. A lot was birthed in us in that season. I mean, physically, I welcomed my daughter. We welcomed our second child in Colorado, but spiritually, I think God planted a lot of seeds that it may not have been a tangible adventure of being out in the woods, but spiritually, we were in the woods, and we grew so much, and I'm glad we said yes to it because it opened the door and led to so many other things. Dan Mathews: (10:38 - 12:31) Yeah, I feel like a lot of our adventures, some are traditional. I mean, a big adventure for me was leaving home. I mean, I moved straight out of my parents' house to a different state, and that was totally crazy for me. But then watching Sam, I mean, she moved out to California for a summer, went to a ministry out there. Then I saw her go to Colorado and Nanny for a couple, all summer long, and so I was like watching this, and we were talking, and I realized, like, we're both all in on an adventurous life, and even when we don't have the answers, it's like, is the Lord telling you not to do it? No? Okay, well, then we'll see what happens, and I thought that was really cool to watch her just like, oh, I'm going to California for a summer, and at first, I was like, please don't. I don't want you to come all the way to California, but then I was like, that's going to be so incredible. Like, you're just leaving everything behind and starting over for a whole summer in a different state, and so that was like the early dating years where we were kind of doing our own adventures, but we were watching and encouraging each other in doing them, and then we started actually going out and camping and floating rivers and hiking up waterfalls, and if you've never camped in the backcountry with someone, I suggest doing it. It's a great metric for if there's someone you want to marry. Like, if you can figure out canoeing and camping, you're probably going to be okay in marriage. That's good. And so, yeah, we started doing that stuff, and then from there, it was just like one after the next, going to Alaska, camping in grizzly country by ourselves, and it's our first time there. Like, we've done some pretty wild things, some pretty traditional things, but at the end of the day, all of the adventures are what brought us together. Laura Dugger: (12:32 - 12:45) Well, and just thinking of the adventure that drew you together, and then also your current platforms on socials and vlogging and preserving all of these pictures, like you said, you've captured all the pictures throughout the time. Sam Mathews: (12:45 - 12:45) Yes. Laura Dugger: (12:47 - 12:58) When you look back, do you feel like God had given you little seeds of what was yet to come or what kind of career you would be in someday, or was this totally a shock to both of you? Sam Mathews: (12:59 - 13:57) You know what? Looking back at pictures or even videos that I took, I could see how it was something that the Lord was birthing in us, and I would say probably me so more than Dan. I think Dan's like, whatever you want to do, I'm along for the ride type of thing. It probably wasn't his first choice as a career, but now that we're in it, we love it and we're thankful for the blessing it is to our family and the time that we get to spend with the kiddos. But I look back and I started videoing and taking pictures like years before even starting on social media, and then even the first few months in the year of sharing, it was like I didn't know what I was doing, but I still wanted to just share life and encourage people and love on people and inspire people. And yeah, it's crazy to look back on, but I also see the work the Lord was doing to get it all started before we even thought about it and knew that it would be something that we'd be doing. Dan Mathews: (13:57 - 16:00) Yeah, and I feel like with Sam, she gets promptings from the Lord that she doesn't know what it is. She doesn't know what it means. And early on, I think the very first one, she's like, babe, I just have this feeling like a big change is coming. And I'm like, anymore? Like, do you have any more information for me? That's not a whole lot to go off of. And I mean, in the conversation, I was like, okay, we'll see. Then I just forgot about it. And I mean, it was like the next day. There was an issue at work, just a very immoral thing that they were asking us to do as employees. And I was like, no, I can't be part of this. And I called her right after, and I was like, babe, I think this might be it. Like I'm going to resign tomorrow. And we talked and prayed, and I only had like a five-minute car ride home. We talked, prayed, got off the phone, and immediately I get a call from my buddy. And he's like, “Hey, dude, don't know what you're doing for work right now, but I've got a job for you if you want to come work at this place I'm at.” And I was like, “Oh, my gosh.” So then two years later, the same thing happened. She's like, I feel like a change is coming. Boom, big change. Two years later, I feel like a change is coming. All of a sudden, we're in a car moving out to Colorado. And it was just like that cycle. And so now when she's like, hey, there's a change coming, I'm like, oh, my gosh. I got to pack my bags. Something big's happening. I know something major is happening. And so, I don't know that early on either of us expected us to be where we are today. But we knew that we wanted to prioritize time together. We wanted to prioritize time with our kids and above all of it, time with the Lord. And if we could get those three in the right order, it didn't really matter where we were. It didn't matter what state we were in. If we were living in a bumper pole camper, an RV, a tiny home, or a regular sized house, we just knew that we had to prioritize those things, and everything was going to work out. Laura Dugger: (16:01 - 18:03) Truly. And that's the promise from Matthew 6:33, that you're really living that out. And now a brief message from our sponsor. Sam Leman Chevrolet Eureka has been owned and operated by the Burchie family for over 25 years. A lot has changed in the car business since Sam and Stephen's grandfather, Sam Leman, opened his first Chevrolet dealership over 55 years ago. 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Learn more at their website, samlemanchevy.com or visit them on Facebook by searching for Sam Leman Chevrolet Eureka. You can also call them at 309-467-2351. Thanks for your sponsorship. There's a verse that you quoted in your book, and I had never read it before, in the message translation. So, it's Matthew 25:26 that says, “That's a terrible way to live.” It's criminal to live cautiously like that. So, drawing your wisdom then from the Lord, how does your faith fuel your sense of adventure? Sam Mathews: (18:04 - 19:50) Yeah, a lot of faith and trust. Several points in our life have been like a crossroads where we feel like we want to almost desire more out of everything to go towards the direction where God is leading us, where we don't know the outcome. We don't know what's ahead. We don't know what's coming and it's forcing us to trust the Lord, to have faith, even though we're fearful of it. Or we look at another option where it's like, you know what, this is very comfortable. We know the outcome. We know what's going to be required of us. We know how we're going to get there, how we're going to pay for it. And it was something we didn't desire. We liked being in a position where we needed the Lord. We're reliant upon Him. And so, you know, we talk often in the book about being comfortable. And I feel like when you're in a comfortable setting in life, it's safe. There's no risk involved. There's little to no trust in the Lord. I say that, you know, there's more to the story of that. But that you don't want to be at a place where you don't need God, where you don't need to rely on Him. And so, for us, we just encourage people that if you do find yourself in a comfortable place, to maybe step out of your comfort zone a little bit. To what's an area where you need to trust the Lord more? Is it finding that new job that you've been waiting for, that you've been hoping for? Is it moving to the state that's closer by your family or closer by your friends that you really desire but you're scared too? To not just be comfortable and stay for the sake of not being fearful or not, like knowing what's next, but instead step out, trust the Lord, you know, as long as you have peace and as long as you feel that yes from Him. And just lay fear aside and move forward with the Lord. Dan Mathews: (19:50 - 21:54) Yeah, with every big decision that we make, we're led by peace. And we've said it for years. If either one of us don't have peace about it, we're not doing it. But when there are multiple doors open, we say we're going to choose the most adventurous one. If we don't feel a specific direction from the Lord, let's just pick the most adventurous one. And it's kind of become common practice for us to not have really many of the details planned out on a major decision on a trip. And people are like, do you have any idea of what you're going to do when you move there? Or how long you're going to be traveling the country in an RV? And we're like, nope, we'll figure it out. I joke with my buddies all the time because they're like, “I mean, how do you know everything's going to be okay? How do you know this?” I go, well, between me and God, we've got everything figured out. And they're like, “Oh, okay, I get it.” I'm like, “well, the Lord has everything figured out, but I can throw myself in that team, you know?” And I feel like it's been an encouragement to some of our friends as they watch it. And they're like, whoa, you guys did it. I'll talk about it for years. And even when we moved out to Colorado, in our minds, we were going to move out there. All of our friend group was like, one person needs to move. And then everybody else is going to slowly follow out. Well, we end up moving out there. And I'm like shooting my buddies messages like, “All right, when are you coming out? And one by one, it was like, “No, I don't think we're coming.” No, it's not going to be for at least five years. It's going to be, you know, maybe when the kids graduate, all of these different responses. And I'm like, man, that was one of the biggest things that we missed when we were out there. But we knew that moving to Colorado, taking a pay cut, paying more in rent, like all of those things were a stepping stone to get us to where we were today, to trusting the Lord and starting our first business together, trusting the Lord with our finances, with our time. And really putting us in a position where we were fully dependent on him for our survival. Sam Mathews: (21:54 - 22:40) And so even if something doesn't work out, we mentioned a couple of stories in the book where we may have moved forward without peace, and it did not end well. But the Lord always brings it around and teaches us something from it or a situation where we felt the peace to move to Colorado, but we were only there for two years. It was hard on us financially. We got into debt. We had no friends, no family out there. It was a hard season. We still gained from it. So instead of looking at something as a complete loss, we still look to find the good. You know, what did the Lord birth in us? You know, like Dean said, spiritually, we grew together. Financially, we started a business. Like so much good came from it that even though it maybe on paper or to others, it didn't make sense. It was still good. And something that the Lord, yeah, started for us. Laura Dugger: (22:41 - 23:05) And you've learned those lessons and now you get to share them with others. Even super practical with this one. Our family has never done the RV thing before, but even just dipping our toes in and trying a vacation that way. What tips do you have for families, maybe who aren't traveling around, living out of their RV, but vacationing with one, what are some of your best tips? Sam Mathews: (23:05 - 24:27) I just saw a video of someone sharing the other day where they took their family of, let's see, four, six total on an RV for the first time. And I was like, oh no, because the first warning I give to everyone is you have to drain your poop through the hose. If you're out on that, RV life is not for you. RV vacation is not for you. Do you have to get down and dirty and take care of a few things? There's a lot more maintenance that comes with RV vacationing or RV life. And I usually have the dirty work for Dan to do and I'm inside cooking, cleaning. But an RV has all your basic needs. You can still go to the bathroom, you can still shower, there's a toilet, there's a bed. It's just on a lot smaller scale. And if you're not good with being in close proximity with all your children or your spouse, then you may just need a little bit of a bigger space to stay in. But it's fun because you get to navigate it together and you get to learn just a new way of life or new way of traveling. And yeah, the maintenance of the restroom, you have to have water hookups, or you need solar for electric or you have to be hooked up to electric. The great part is you can go anywhere, and you can get right up close to some great adventures. Our favorite spot to park an RV is the rim of the Badlands. It's so pretty. Is it the North Rim? Dan Mathews: (24:28 - 24:28) Yeah. Sam Mathews: (24:28 - 24:54) It's gorgeous. You wake up to the sun rising over it and it's the most peaceful thing to be right there next to it. And you can't do that with a cabin in the woods. But the benefit to a cabin in the woods is that's its own adventure. And so just do a little bit of research on the maintenance required for setting up, tearing down the RV in order to get on the road and to like park it and set up. Dan Mathews: (24:55 - 26:44) I like how you weave some of the worst parts about our RV life in there. But I will say being on the road, traveling and like just kind of deciding on the way is one of the greatest things ever. I did not, like we definitely had a plan. It was like, “Hey, we're gonna stop one time.” Growing up, we've got five kids. So, it was like, we're stopping one time to go to the bathroom. If you have to go, you're just gonna have to hold it type of thing. We were fairly structured in the traveling to a place. But being in an RV, it really opens up so much to where you can on the way be like, oh, I just saw a billboard. I wonder what that is. Look it up. How far away is it? Hey, what if we take a 45-minute detour and go check this out? Like we found places in the middle of Kansas that 1% of the population knows about. We camped. There's spots that you can camp on the rim of the Grand Canyon. Like no guardrail, back your vehicle right up, walk out the door, sit there, have coffee or whatever in the morning. And that was like our favorite part about it. There were nights that we would drive until like one in the morning. And we might be sleeping in a truck stop. But we were on the way to Glacier National Park or to the Oregon coast or wherever. And so, I feel like ditching the schedule and just kind of figuring it out as you go is one of the most freeing things on a vacation. And the other nice part about it is if you find a place that you absolutely love and you're like, we want to spend four days here, do it. You don't have a new reservation somewhere else that you have to get to. You can just go wherever the wind blows, have fun with the family. And yeah, I think everybody needs to do it at least one time. Laura Dugger: (26:44 - 27:02) Oh yeah, for sure. What a great challenge to step outside our comfort zone like you said. Well, one other amazing adventure that you've embarked on together is becoming a surrogate twice, I believe. Will you tell us a little bit more about that process and that experience? Sam Mathews: (27:03 - 31:10) Yeah, definitely. So, in 2018, we had our daughter and she was a little bit more work than our first. So, our first was super easy. Ate well, slept well, like barely cried. And our daughter, maybe it was just her being a girl. A little bit more needy and required some extra grace and some more prayer for patience on my part. But at that point, I was like, yeah, I think I'm done. Having children of our own and parenting our own children because even raising two kids is going to be a task. But I didn't feel like I was done carrying children. And I'm like, I still want to have babies, but I don't want to have more to parent. How do I do that? But I felt like the Lord just laid surrogacy in my heart. And I started thinking about it, praying about it, researching it. And I brought it up to Dan like, hey, what would you think about me doing this? And I had to educate him a little bit on like what being a surrogate was. As a gestational surrogate, I wasn't carrying an embryo with an egg that was mine. So, I'm not biologically related to the baby. And after some prayer, we both felt at peace about it. And so, we walked through that door and started the process of meeting a couple or going through an agency to start a journey. And yeah, we've done two now. So, in 2022, I delivered a baby boy for a couple. And then in 2024, so just last year, I've just actually in a few days, I'm going to hit my year mark of my second belly bud being one and a little girl for a couple. And it was like the most, one of the greatest adventures I've been on. And I've gained so much from it. And it's so rewarding to see someone who desires to be a parent, to be a mom, but physically can't. To see them walk that road and just step into the role that like watching her become a mom is like, you can tell that's what she was meant to be. That's what the Lord had for her. And it's so fun seeing the joy of their family and watching her grow up and like being a part of her life. That, yeah, like we just encourage other people, if you're able to do something like that, or no matter what it is, it's not just surrogacy, but if God's calling you to something that may require a lot more from you or something that is not normal, it's not traditional, you don't see it a lot, like just step out and do it. And yeah, it's been fun. It definitely grouped Dan and I closer together. Spiritually, he was there for me in times of emotional hardship. Pregnancy in itself is hard, but to do it multiple times, you know, this is my fifth pregnancy now. There's a lot of roles that he takes on to care for the kids more, to care for me more. And we've grown closer and just his love for me, seeing it that even though it's not our baby, like he's still caring for me and taking care of me as if it was. And the Lord, I've had to rely on the Lord so many times because pregnancy and birthing in itself is a miracle. To go through moments of transfer, like the embryo doesn't always take the first time on a transfer or your levels are off or maybe one of the ultrasounds is, you know, something doesn't look good on it. We're constantly relying on the Lord and it gives us an opportunity to share with intended parents, you know, someone who didn't have hope, didn't have anything to look forward to for parenting their own children, to just like be an encouragement to them spiritually and then share these journeys with others publicly has been a great way just to share our faith and to share how going through a surrogacy journey caused us to rely on the Lord and, you know, point everything back to Christ and, you know, God being just very pro-life and we're excited to bring this life into the world. And so, yeah, definitely a big adventure to embark on to bring two babies into the world that aren't ours, but one of like the greatest things I've ever done. It's awesome. Laura Dugger: (31:11 - 31:25) It's a beautiful sacrifice and I'm sure others are also wondering at that moment when you meet the baby that you've been carrying, how did you handle those emotions of sharing the baby? Sam Mathews: (31:25 - 33:42) Yes. Yeah, definitely. So, when you go into surrogacy, you know, from the beginning that it's not your child, especially as a gestational carrier, not related to it. Throughout the pregnancy, all these milestones that you hit, you're excited for it, but you're excited for it for the parents. So, finding out, you know, there's a heartbeat and seeing the baby for the first time on ultrasound, you're excited for them. Finding out the gender, you're excited for them. You know, delivering the baby, you're excited for them that you do a lot of mental prep, but there's also like a lot of research that shows to like plan something after delivery for your family to do, something for you to do with your kids so that when you do leave the hospital, you don't think about what you don't have anymore. You think about what you do have at your house with your family. And so, it may seem hard. I think a lot of times people compare it to adoption where the birth mom is literally giving up her child to somebody else and the hardship that that would cause on her as a surrogate. And I can only speak for myself because I'm sure there are times where it is hard for a surrogate. But for me, it wasn't because I did a lot of mental preparing, emotionally preparing that I knowing that this child wasn't mine going into it. I knew that at the end of it, I would deliver the baby and the baby would be taken from me and I'm not raising this child. And a lot of times you don't even touch a baby until like maybe you're discharged to see the baby before you leave. So, it's not like I'm delivering the baby. The baby's being given to me and I'm holding and I'm bonding with it. And then it's being taken away. It's no, this is from the moment it comes out of the womb. It is their baby and it's in their care. And again, seeing their face, their joy, the moment where like they're seeing their child for the first time is so rewarding. And that's something that I would never want to take from them. It was never my role to be this baby's mother. It was to just carry their baby and to bring their baby into the world. And so, it's not as hard as you think, thankfully. I mean, I wouldn't have done it a second time for sure if it was. And we're praying about a third one. But it's so rewarding. And yeah, you know from the beginning that it's not yours. So, it's easy to, in a sense, pass the baby off. Laura Dugger: (33:43 - 34:56) Well, that's a story that really encapsulates stewardship. I think that's a great example. Did you know you could receive a free email with monthly encouragement, practical tips, and plenty of questions to ask to take your conversation a level deeper, whether that's in parenting or on date nights? Make sure you access all of this at thesavvysauce.com by clicking the button that says join our email list so that you can follow the prompts and begin receiving these emails at the beginning of each month. Enjoy. For both of you, your lives are just fascinating mostly because you're living this life of faith and sacrifice. So, it's compelling to get to hear how you're actually doing that. But then I love how you call out that you don't recommend people go to the other extreme and become reckless and chase adventure. You discern between choosing adventure and chasing adventure. So, I'm wondering if you can give us any of your definitions or parameters around what choosing adventure does and does not look like for you. Dan Mathews: (34:57 - 38:00) Yeah, I think that choosing adventure for us is looking at opportunities where we can spend as a family, where we can get outside of our comfort zones and just really put it in the Lord's hands. Have fun along the way, you know, whether it's ziplining or jumping off a cliff, like a lot of people think adventure has to be this grand thing and super dangerous. And for us, it isn't really. Like there's been a couple of times where we've been like, this got crazy quickly. Maybe we could have planned it out a little bit better. But at the end of the day, it all worked out. And so, when we talk about people choosing instead of chasing or not being reckless, it's all about like, do something new, do something fun, do something that puts you outside of your comfort zone, but isn't going to put you in a bad position. I'm not the guy that's like, you know what? Never swam across Lake Michigan. I'm going to give it a go, see how it happens, and see what happens. If that's the case, it's like maybe start out with a triathlon and see what you're going to do and work your way up. And so, I don't ever want anyone to take the book or take the things that we say or the adventures that we've had in life and think I'm going to do something absolutely crazy that doesn't make sense. That's not logical. That's not safe. Like, that's not what this is about. It's about just getting outside of your comfort zone. And the more you're outside of it, the more comfortable you become with being uncomfortable. And I tell people, like on some of my backcountry hunts, I want to be comfortable in suffering. Like when I'm really, really struggling physically to climb up a mountain with a 70-pound pack on my back, I want to be like, I know I'm making it out of this. It's not fun in the moment. Like it hurts. My legs are burning. My back hurts. I feel like I need a break, but I'm going to keep pushing through. And when I look back on that, I'm going to go, that was brutal and awesome. And I loved every second of it. And I feel like that's how, how we view our trips, our road trips. I mean, driving, what was it? Thirty something thousand miles in a couple months and visiting dozens and dozens of states. It was like, there were times where it was like, I don't want to be on the road anymore. The wind is literally about to tip the RV over. I'm almost taking out construction cones or running into things because I had never driven an RV before. And the very first place we go is Wisconsin. And we drive right past Chicago and there's like construction for a hundred miles. And so it's like all of those things, they were fun. Yeah, they were scary in the moment we got through, we were never in any real danger. And so, yeah, I feel like it's a stair step when it comes to adventure. I didn't start out just wandering around Alaska by myself. It started with going down to Arkansas, being five miles away from the vehicle and then kind of built from there. Sam Mathews: (38:00 - 39:50) Yeah, to not be reckless, like to, you know, we talked about this earlier to move forward when you have peace. And just because you have peace with it, someone else may not understand it. But with peace, like there's wisdom too. You don't want to move forward with a lack of peace and not using wisdom in a decision because yeah, that will get you in trouble and that will cause hardship and pain later down the road. But if you have peace about something and there is that open door and you feel the release from the Lord to go on this adventure, then do it. And even though if it doesn't work out, you know, God will still work everything out. But yeah, like Dan said, when you, the more you do things that are outside your comfort zone or that, you know, even others may not agree with, but you feel at peace with and you're moving forward, the easier it becomes to do those. And the more you would trust the Lord. And like you said, again, it doesn't have to be some grand adventure. We encourage people that if they're new to choosing adventure and they're new to stepping outside their comfort zone, try like a new restaurant one day, go to like a new, I was thinking the other day, we live in Missouri and we always travel outside of Missouri for adventure. I'm like, we need to do a six-month adventure just within Missouri. Like we drove two hours South and through Missouri to go to Georgia last week. And we were driving down this hill on one of the roads. I'm like, this looks like, it looked like Georgia already, or it looked like Colorado, the hillside and the trees and the fog, I'm like, this is beautiful. And I look down, I'm like, oh, we're still in Missouri. So, there's so much to adventure and to explore in your own backyard or down your street that it doesn't have to be something crazy wild. We're not saying go, you know, jump out of a plane and skydive or something, but just start small, start where you have peace and where you feel the Lord's leading. Laura Dugger: (39:52 - 40:26) That's great. I love having a handful of practical things. I think of my brother, Drew and his wife, Amanda, when their kids were really little, they just drew a two hour radius to see what places would be fun to go invest and explore. Or for us, I would say one of our most recent adventures, we didn't know what it would look like on the other side, but it's become one of our favorite things in life and probably our best decision in parenting for us as we started homeschooling our kids last year. And it has been a wild adventure. Sam Mathews: (40:26 - 40:27) That's an adventure. Laura Dugger: (40:28 - 40:36) So, any other tips to get people started? Those are even trying the new restaurant. Yeah. Anything else like that that you would say? Dan Mathews: (40:37 - 42:13) The nice thing is that we all have this supercomputer in our hand or in our pocket all the time. And there are so many lists of like the top 10 places to see, places to eat. There's books that are just like places to canoe before you dive, places to hike before you dive, and they have all of this stuff listed out. And so, it's not that you have to be a pioneer and find a new place that nobody's ever been before. Look at the research that people have done before you and look at lists, get on Pinterest or any social media platform and try to just figure out what are practical things that you can do. And then you can also say, how difficult is this going to be for me? Do I really need to jump that far into it right now? Or should I just go to a local park that might have a cool cave that I can explore? Or maybe there's a creek near the house and like, what if we just go down there and see if we can find fish or crawdads or try to skip rocks? My kids, that is one of their favorite things. I'm like, I love doing it as a kid. I didn't realize how exciting just the act of watching a rock skip on the water would be for kids. And so there's, yeah, there's a million different resources online for things that you can practically do close to home. And it might, for some people, just be trying that DIY project instead of calling a carpenter to put yourself up, you know, or a handyman. Like, give it a try. The worst that's going to happen, you have a hole in your wall. Now you watch a video on how to patch it. Laura Dugger: (42:14 - 42:37) That's so good. And I'm seeing a theme. A lot of these are getting outdoors and nature. That's always an adventure. But then I'm even thinking simple things in conversation, trying out a new question, even with a loved one. Or you said at the beginning that you love hospitality. So inviting somebody new into your home. I think any of that novelty is just really good for us. Yeah, definitely. Dan Mathews: (42:38 - 44:32) Yeah, I think even making it a point in conversation when somebody asks you how your day is, instead of just saying good and continuing on, actually stop and talk to them. Because a lot of people, their biggest fear might not be going on a road trip, might not be financial ruin. It might just be opening up and being vulnerable with another person. And so it could be the person at the office that you've never actually had a conversation with. You know each other. You might wave when you walk by their desk. But actually talk to them. Get to know them. Tell them about yourself. And so the book has a lot of those types of things lined out where it's like it might not be physical. It might not be out in nature. It might be within your home. It might be, I mean, some people need to do this with their kids. Like that might be the scariest thing is talking to your teenager. Like actually having a conversation. And we're going to sit down and we're going to have a meal together and actually talk as a family. And so, yeah, it looks different for everybody. And that's one thing, because our passion is being outside. Like Sam wants a houseboat. She wants to buy a houseboat and renovate it and live in it for a certain amount of time. And we've had other people who a bunch of homeschool families bought sailboats and sailed all around the world as they were homeschooling their kids. And I heard that and I was like, yeah, yeah, we're going to have to do that at some point. But I know for a lot of people, just going outside is a big deal. And so it looks different for everybody. We do give a lot of nature examples, but there's different ways for every type of person, every level of. What would you even call it? Social. There's a lot of different levels to the social scale. And so no matter where you are, there's something for you to be a little bit more adventurous. Laura Dugger: (44:34 - 44:42) OK, so like I said, you've made a compelling argument for getting outside of our comfort zone. Why do you think some of us resist this attractive lifestyle? Sam Mathews: (44:43 - 46:46) Yeah, I think there's fear in it. There's sadly nowadays, you know, what will other people think of me? What will what if we fail? What if we lose money? What if we what if I look a certain way that I don't want to appear to others? And that's where you just have to think back to Christ. Like what is it? What really matters at the end of the day? It's how God views you. And if you fail, oh, well, what if the Lord like just opens up so many doors and creates an avenue for you to get out? Or what if so much good comes from it that we can't be afraid of failure? Again, move forward cautiously with wisdom and with the Lord's peace and direction. But in our book, we share one of our biggest adventures was going out to Colorado and renovating a van for five days. And we broke down on the side of the road, something no one wants to do in the desert, in the middle of twice. We did twice. We broke down in the middle of Kansas and then in Colorado again. And it was we'll be honest, it was not fun. It was one of like the scariest times. But looking back, like we're so thankful we did because so much good came from it. Like we met some amazing people who helped us along the way. And it's now one of our favorite stories to tell of encouragement that just because you say yes to adventure and just because something bad happens, it's not all a waste. And I think, yeah, that fear just keeps people from being able to move forward and being like, you know what? Like I'm comfortable right here in my house, my kids in public school, not going anywhere because I know where my money's coming. I know like what's happening tomorrow. I know how people are going to respond. And I'm just going to like stay here. Not that that's a bad thing, because the Lord needs people in every season in every situation. But if he's prompting you to step out and to try something new, like don't be afraid of what's required from you or what could happen. You never know like where it could lead. Dan Mathews: (46:47 - 48:10) Yeah, I think a lot of it is those few things, fear, pride, or just you believing that God isn't big enough or doesn't care about your situation. And unfortunately, a lot of people are there where I really want to try this, but like what if things go wrong? And for us, it's like when things go wrong, that's where the Lord provides. That's where the Lord directs. That's where he leads. That's where his word can be the lamp to your feet and a light to your path. When you're trying to do it all on your own and you're staying in this safety net of comfort, nothing amazing happens in that place. And so, we've seen it time and time again, the Lord's provision, the Lord's provision in our lives and not only the provision financially, but actually like setting us free from constraints like social constraints of like you have to work nine to five. We heard that over and over and over. And I'm like, well, the nice thing is Sam and I are both hard workers and super driven, and I'm sure we could get jobs again. Yeah, so like worst case scenario, we run completely out of money and we go back to go back to work. And I'm like, what does failure actually look like? And I try to get people to break it down for me. People who are like, I'm glad that worked for you, but that couldn't work for us. And I go, why? Sam Mathews: (48:10 - 48:10) Yeah. Dan Mathews: (48:11 - 48:20) Like, why couldn't it work for you? And they're like, well, I like what happens if it doesn't work out? And I'm like, let's expand on that as far out as we can think. Sam Mathews: (48:20 - 48:21) Even the worst. Dan Mathews: (48:21 - 48:24) Like, does that work? Like, are you going to die? No. Sam Mathews: (48:24 - 48:24) Yeah. Dan Mathews: (48:24 - 49:02) Like, no, you'll probably just come back home if it doesn't work out, you know? And so, trying to trying to show people that because the fear of the unknown is pretty significant to people. Something completely new to them that they've never tried it's really challenging to get people to take that first step. But once they do, the second step is easier. The third step is easier. And pretty soon you're jumping and sprinting and you're like, whoa, this whole life is out here that I didn't even know existed. So yeah, I definitely think it's those three, though. Laura Dugger: (49:03 - 50:59) That's good. And it makes me think that typically the way that we grow our faith is action. We put our faith into action and God gives us with more faith when we're faithful with the little faith that we have. And it also makes me think back, I believe it was episode 82, 82. Traveling With Your Family With Teacher, Wife, and Mother to 4,, with the guest, Katie Mueller. I'm going to link to it. I think you guys would love it where she parallels what God called people to do throughout the Bible with travel, what that looks like today, practical, fun things. But Sam, something that you said reminded me of this when you're like, “Well, if nothing else, it's going to be a great story.” And she referred to that, like when things went wrong growing up on their travels, they laughed so hard about those memories. And in their family, they tragically lost their dad very unexpectedly. Actually, her mom, I'll link to Joyce Hodel's episode as well. She shares that story. But their family has all of these stories and all of these memories from choosing adventure. So that makes me start to think of marriage and family. And as we put that together with adventure, you guys always make adventure feel approachable, even in parenting. And I'm thinking on page 15, you wrote that as a kid, anytime you get to drive cross country, stay at a hotel or eat at a restaurant, it's an adventure for no reason other than it's a break from the norm, right? And you know what? That's the whole point. Choosing adventure is about stepping out of your comfort zone and trying something new. There's no right or wrong way to do it. So, with that in mind, Dan and Sam, how can we begin to enjoy this adventurous life in marriage and in family? Sam Mathews: (51:00 - 51:49) Yeah. Bringing your kids along is such a fun, it requires a little bit more packing, but such a fun aspect to adventure. And going on date nights with your spouse, trying something new, experiencing it together, finding something you enjoy together, but realizing that it can also, there's another level of fun to have your kids along with. And sometimes we'll drive 30 minutes away and stay at a hotel for a night just because it's a new place to go and the kids love it. And it doesn't have to be expensive. They go putt-putt and that for them is the greatest thing. If you end it with ice cream, it's even better than the cherry on top, that it's just something fun for them. But yeah, realizing that it can be a family thing, but it could just be you as a couple too. But yeah. Dan Mathews: (51:50 - 54:56) Well, and for kids, there's so much adventure to be had right at home or right in your backyard. I bought, I went to Walmart one day and I bought two extra large king-size sheets just so that we could do forts. I was like, I'm gonna put these in the closet and now I've got like the alligator clips and so I can clip them to different things. And when it's a rainy day and the kids are bored and we're stuck inside, it's just a break from the norm. And then they'll be like, mom, dad, come see what we did. And they might build like a little shop where they sell us stuff inside of their fort. Or they might make beds for us and for the stuffed animals and for our dog and all of these different things. And so, breaking out of the norm is just what adventure is. Like if they're not used to that, if they're not used to that time together, like some days it's, we're gonna go jump on the trampoline and they're like, wait, both of you at once? Normally one of us is getting stuff done and the other one's hanging out with them. And when all of a sudden it's like both of us unexpectedly are walking to the trampoline, they're like, oh, family trampoline jump. If you need really good ideas for adventure and you're a parent, just watch Bluey. If you haven't seen Bluey, that dad is awesome. And like we used to do the claw game. I would put all of their stuffed animals in my lap. My thumb was the joystick and then my other hand was the claw and they had to move it and I would pick up the stuffed animals. And to them, it was the greatest thing they'd ever done. And we saw it on a cartoon. And so, incorporating family into it, I feel like it's just, it's really easy. And aside from excuses, there's no reason not to get the kids involved in it. Also, there's a million books about getting kids outside. And so, like checklists that they can do. Every national park, if for those that don't know or haven't visited national parks, I didn't know this because we didn't go to any national parks growing up, but your kids can become a junior ranger. They get these booklets and they get badges of the individual parks and they have to learn about nature and about the animals that are there and about the history. And so that became a thing for the kids. Every place we went, it was like, “Oh, I need a junior ranger badge.” And I mean, they had wooden badges just lining their chest. Like they were some war hero and they absolutely loved it. And so there's things like that locally in nature parks and stuff. But doing it together. I mean, that's what it's all about. For me, I watched the guys on TV and I'm like, that guy just went to New Zealand by himself or like watching alone. I'm like, I don't want to do that. It would be pretty crazy, I feel like. I think everybody needs some type of alone time here and there. But for me, I want to share this stuff with my wife, with my kids, with my buddies. And so, yeah, that's what it's all about. Sam Mathews: (54:56 - 55:07) Yeah, like you said, have those stories to tell with your family, of your family members. That way, if something does happen and they pass, you have so much to look back on of the memories you're able to share together. Laura Dugger: (55:09 - 55:15) Absolutely. And to bring those up and share them with our kids while we are together. They love hearing stories about when they were little. Sam Mathews: (55:16 - 55:16) Oh, yeah. Laura Dugger: (55:17 - 55:29) And you guys have taken it a step further where you document it then and preserve. So if we want continued inspiration after this conversation, where can we go to follow you two and your adventures? Sam Mathews: (55:30 - 56:08) Yes, we do. Our kids love watching our travels and stuff. We share along for videos and stuff on YouTube, Facebook. But we share our life on every platform. We are Dan and Sam. Pinterest, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Facebook. And then Dan has his hunting content over at the Nomadic Outdoorsman. And yeah, we share day-to-day life, what that looks like, lifestyle. But then our travels, our adventures, mom life, welcoming a new baby, our surrogacy journeys, whatever life looks like at that time and how we're enjoying it, what God's teaching us, where we're going. And we laugh along the way, the encouragement and try to inspire you to live an adventurous, fun-filled life. Laura Dugger: (56:09 - 56:28) Love it. We'll add links to all of those things in the show notes for today's episode. And you two may already be familiar that we're called The Savvy Sauce because savvy is synonymous with practical knowledge. And so, as my final question for both of you today, what is your savvy sauce? Sam Mathews: (56:31 - 57:15) Ooh, practical knowledge. Let's see. I would say with motherhood, don't think that, I don't know if this would be considered savvy sauce, but it's just a good reminder to myself that as a mom, you may think you're alone in something, you're going through it, and it's just you, but you're not. You are with a community of people who are feeling the same thing that you're walking through, going through the same thing, and just reminding yourself you're not alone because I think it makes the journey a lot easier to know that there's other people walking through the same season, the same hardship, the same joy, the same trials as you. And it makes life a little bit easier when you feel less alone. Dan Mathews: (57:16 - 58:26) I think for me, it would be that your kids are going to be an extreme version of what you are. So, if you're showing fear and decisions, if you're hesitant, if you're not trusting the Lord, that's gonna be compounded in their lives. And they're just a more magnified mirror image of what their parents are. And so, we try to, in everything that we do, go, is this something that's gonna set up our kids for success? And it's not like, oh, we have to have money in the bank for them, you know, for a retirement fund one day or a college fund. I'm talking like everyday lessons. If I put my phone screen in front of my kids, they're gonna do that more and more and more. If I prioritize things that aren't meant to be prioritized over my wife, they're gonna see that. And so, we try to be very, very clear about what our priorities are. We try to live intentionally, showing them the right way to do things and being an example to them. And so, yeah, that'd be my savvy sauce. Laura Dugger: (58:27 - 58:49) I love it. You two are so full of integrity and you definitely shine the love and the light of Jesus brightly by the way that you live. So, I know I'm leaving this conversation feeling very inspired to choose adventure. And I just wanna say thank you for being my guest today. Sam Mathews: Thank you so much for having us. It was a joy. Dan Mathews: (58:49 - 58:50) It was a blast. Laura Dugger: (58:52 - 1:02:06) One more thing before you go. Have you heard the term gospel before? It simply means good news. And I want to share the best news with you. But it starts with the bad news. Every single one of us were born sinners, but Christ desires to rescue us from our sin, which is something we cannot do for ourselves. This means there is absolutely no chance we can make it to heaven on our own. So, for you and for me, it means we deserve death, and we can never pay back the sacrifice we owe to be saved. We need a savior. But God loved us so much, he made a way for his only son to willingly die in our place as the perfect substitute. This gives us hope of life forever in right relationship with him. That is good news. Jesus lived the perfect life we could never live and died in our place for our sin. This was God's plan to make a way to reconcile with us so that God can look at us and see Jesus. We can be covered and justified through the work Jesus finished if we choose to receive what He has done for us. Romans 10:9 says, “That if you confess with your mouth Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” So, would you pray with me now? Heavenly Father, thank you for sending Jesus to take our place. I pray someone today right now is touched and chooses to turn their life over to you. Will you clearly guide them and help them take their next step in faith to declare you as Lord of their life? We trust you to work and change lives now for eternity. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. If you prayed that prayer, you are declaring him for me, so me for him. You get the opportunity to live your life for him. And at this podcast, we're called The Savvy Sauce for a reason. We want to give you practical tools to implement the knowledge you have learned. So, you ready to get started? First, tell someone. Say it out loud. Get a Bible. The first day I made this decision, my parents
Little by Little Homeschool - Homeschooling, Motherhood, Homemaking, Education, Family
DESIGN YOUR FAMILY'S UNIQUE HOMESCHOOL THAT YOU'LL LOVE! https://littlebylittlehomeschool.com/blueprint Your to-do list is jam-packed with all the things and it probably feels like too much at times. How is any one person supposed to get it all done, including all of the laundry, cooking, and cleaning too? Oh and with a good attitude as well, right? Today's guest, Mystie Winckler of Simply Convivial has been a homeschooling homemaker for over two decades. She has experienced that sane overwhelming feeling and responded in a few different ways until she took into consideration what the Bible says. She is here to encourage you in this current season of life that you find yourself in with practical advice, wisdom, and peace. You don't want to miss this one! ♥ Leigh Mystie's website: https://www.simplyconvivial.com/ Simply Convivial podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/simply-convivial-biblical-homemaking-homeschooling/id1150854418 Simplified Organization https://rstyle.me/+oVgFj8IOLED36wK0ls6cyA The Convivial Homeschool https://rstyle.me/+oVgFj8IOLED36wK0ls6cyA LITTLE BY LITTLE HOMESCHOOL CONFERENCE TICKETS: https://littlebylittlehomeschool.com/conference CREATE YOUR HOMESCHOOL FAMILY'S HOME TASK SYSTEM https://www.littlebylittlehomeschool.com/tidyhome GET EXCLUSIVE MENTORSHIP WITH LEIGH https://littlebylittlehomeschool.com/mentorship SIMPLIFY YOUR MEAL PLANNING https://littlebylittlehomeschool.com/meal Website - https://www.littlebylittlehomeschool.com Newsletter - https://littlebylittlehomeschool.myflodesk.com/subscribe Community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/homeschoollifestylecommunity Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/littlebylittlehomeschool/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/littlebylittlehomeschool/ Listen to these related episodes: 19. 5 Steps to Stop Drowning in Housework as a Stay-at-Home Homeschool Mom TODAY! Be the Homemaker You Know You Can Be! 228. Why A Routine Matters And How To Create One That You Will Actually Stick With 25. How Your Marriage Affects Your Ability to Homeschool Well and Why Making It a Priority Matters to Your Family and Parenting
In this episode, discover the power of having a "shouldless day"—a day guided purely by what you genuinely want to do in the moment. Learn how to create space for spontaneous relaxation without guilt, even if your life is busy. Listen now and reclaim your relaxation.FREE Resources: Watch this Free Class!: 3 Secrets to Always Having Enough Time For Your Work, Your Family and Yourself Click here to grab your free Distraction Action Plan today and start saving hours each week!This show is brought to you by: Time Well Spent : the time management course for real people, just like you, who want to do more and stress lessStay connected!:Visit our website at https://www.alexishaselberger.com Check out the " Time Well Spent: Time Management for Real People " CourseJoin the Do More, Stress Less Facebook Community Connect on Linkedin Follow us for updates and more content: Youtube Instagram TikTok Facebook We want your feedback!:If you have constructive feedback, please email us at alexis+podcastfeedback@alexishaselberger.comIf you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and share with a friend!Transcript:Read it here !
Some books arrive in the world because their authors have always dreamed of writing them. Others are born from heartbreak, stitched together from the pieces of a life forever altered. Your NICU Story is the latter — a tender, practical, and deeply human guide born from Ravi and Mahaley Patel's experience of loving and losing their daughter, Saachi, after a birth injury and a NICU stay. What began as unimaginable grief became a mission: to help other parents navigate the uniquely disorienting, exhausting, and often traumatic world of the NICU — whether their child came home or not.Co-written with therapist Emily Souder, Your NICU Story is part journal, part reflection guide, part lifeline. Structured like a workbook, it gently walks readers through five stages of the NICU journey — from those first moments in the unit, to the long days and nights by an incubator, to the complexity of going home (with or without a baby). With prompts that invite honesty, space for partners' voices, and room to write or simply sit with memories, it offers both a tool for processing trauma and an anchor for those still feeling adrift. The book's structure is intentional — trauma fragments memory, and these pages help knit it back together.But Your NICU Story is more than a book; it's an act of generosity. In sharing their own heartbreak with vulnerability and even moments of hard-won humor, the Patels have given other families permission to speak their truths. For parents, grandparents, partners, and friends touched by the NICU, it's a reminder that healing is not linear, that small wins matter, and that love endures beyond every beeping monitor. Above all, it's proof that even in the wake of profound loss, there is still a way to create meaning, to connect, and to honor the smallest lives in the biggest way possible.Your NICU Story: Reflecting on Your Family's Experience by Emily Souder and Mahaley Patel: https://amzn.to/41Fx5a6
Truth.Love.Parent. with AMBrewster | Christian | Parenting | Family
If we get this wrong, we'll displease the Lord in one of the most important parts of our parenting. Join AMBrewster to learn the extremely important distinctions and how to parent your children when they do wrong.Truth.Love.Parent. is a podcast of Truth.Love.Family., an Evermind Ministry.Action Steps Purchase “Quit: how to stop family strife for good.” https://amzn.to/40haxLz Support our 501(c)(3) by becoming a TLP Friend! https://www.truthloveparent.com/donate.html Download the Evermind App. https://evermind.passion.io/checkout/102683 Use the promo code EVERMIND at MyPillow.com. https://www.mypillow.com/evermind Discover the following episodes by clicking the titles or navigating to the episode in your app: Consequences Series https://www.truthloveparent.com/consequence-series.html Communication Resources https://www.truthloveparent.com/communication-topic.html TLP 352: Watch Your Language! | don't confuse your children's thinking https://www.truthloveparent.com/taking-back-the-family-blog/tlp-352-watch-your-language-dont-confuse-your-childrens-thinking TLP 351: Linguistic Theft | Hillary Morgan Ferrer Interview, Part 2 https://www.truthloveparent.com/taking-back-the-family-blog/tlp-351-linguistic-theft-hillary-morgan-ferrer-interview-part-2 TLP 353: Speak Like God | Al Mohler, Humpty Dumpty, Aliens, & Your Family https://www.truthloveparent.com/taking-back-the-family-blog/tlp-353-speak-like-god-al-mohler-humpty-dumpty-aliens-your-family TLP 61: Are There Failure Philosophies in Your Home? https://www.truthloveparent.com/taking-back-the-family-blog/tlp-61-are-there-failure-philosophies-in-your-home The Merest Christianity Series https://www.truthloveparent.com/the-merest-christianity-series.html Authority Series https://www.truthloveparent.com/authority-series.html Click here for Today's episode notes, resources, and transcript: https://www.truthloveparent.com/taking-back-the-family-blog/tlp-592-the-difference-between-discipline-and-punishmentLike us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TruthLoveParent/Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truth.love.parent/Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TruthLoveParentNeed some help? Write to us at Counselor@TruthLoveParent.com.
World-Renowned Addiction Expert Dr. K reveals the SHOCKING truth about masturbation, pornography, dopamine burnout, incels, and why 60% of men under 30 are single. Dr K from Healthy Gamer! Dr. Alok Kanojia (aka Dr. K) is a world-leading addiction expert, Harvard-trained psychiatrist, and founder of Healthy Gamer, the platform helping young adults break free from porn addiction, dopamine burnout, and emotional numbness. He hosts unfiltered mental health conversations on Twitch and is the author of the book, ‘How to Raise a Healthy Gamer'. He explains: The deadly trap that fuels loneliness How to rebuild your brain and reclaim your energy from dopamine burnout How social media is hijacking your brain's reward system Why so many young men feel lost and emotionally numb How to reconnect with purpose when life feels empty Topics: 00:00 Intro 02:30 Who Is Dr. K? 03:31 Understanding You Can Only Control Yourself 04:45 The Risk of Wanting to Change Our External Environment 05:42 Internal Work Will Manifest Outward 07:28 How to Stop Having a Bad Day 09:49 How to Get Rid of Desire and Temptation 13:06 Addiction to Pleasure 14:30 Why Ignoring Red Flags Favours Evolution 15:54 Post-Nut Clarity 19:24 The Societal Impact of Porn 22:44 The Mating Crisis: What's Happening Between Men and Women? 27:54 Are Men Disappearing From Society? 35:50 Can Society Take Responsibility for Current Issues? 40:04 Do People Have a Right to Reproduce? 44:04 Helping Patients With Commitment Issues 46:20 Treating Addiction 49:33 Alternate Nostril Breathing Practice 51:59 Why People Are Addicted to Porn and How to Overcome It 52:50 How Willpower Works in the Brain 56:11 Partner Has a Problem With You Watching Porn 57:03 Why Addiction Is on the Rise in Society 58:01 Ads 59:08 Why Do People With Past Addictions Seem to Be Spiritual? 01:00:12 Addiction Example 01:01:43 Intersection of Addiction and Spirituality 01:02:54 Laws of Existence: Why Were You Born in Your Family? 01:05:02 Do You Believe in a God? 01:06:52 Meditation, Ego Death, and Otherworldly Experiences 01:10:59 Why Don't You Talk About Your Own Spiritual Experiences? 01:15:55 Should People With Depression Use Psychedelics? 01:18:46 What Happens After Death? 01:19:40 How to Cultivate Your "Why" 01:23:34 What You Think You Want vs What You Actually Want 01:30:13 Why Do We Not Like Being With Ourselves in Silence? 01:32:07 Tips for Your Self-Development Journey 01:35:46 Avoidance of Emotions 01:37:53 Ads 01:39:54 Why Resistance Doesn't Heal Addiction 01:44:04 AI Girlfriends 01:46:06 ChatGPT Feeds Into Your Cognitive Biases 01:51:22 Will AI Hinder Our Ability to Form Relationships? 01:54:06 What Is the Most Powerful Love in Your Life? Follow Dr. K: YouTube - https://bit.ly/4kt6zHD Instagram - https://bit.ly/3GucTk6 Twitch - https://bit.ly/4koV4Rx You can purchase Dr K's book, ‘How To Raise a Healthy Gamer', here: https://bit.ly/3U1D3xH Get your hands on the Diary Of A CEO Conversation Cards here: https://bit.ly/conversationcards-mp Get email updates: https://bit.ly/diary-of-a-ceo-yt Follow Steven: https://g2ul0.app.link/gnGqL4IsKKb Sponsors: Justworks - http://Justworks.com SimpliSafe - https://simplisafe.com/doac to claim 50% off a new system with a professional monitoring plan and get your first month free.Cadence - https://usecadence.com/ with code DIARY Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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