Ok, so it’s my turn.
A little behind-the-scenes of the God Centered Mom podcast.
But before the crazy. . . this episode begins with something God’s been pressing on my heart and mind.
The idea of seeing the “behind-the-scenes” of my circumstances. Of asking God to open my eyes and allow me to see the unseen, eternal work of His hand.
Although I spend time in this episode unpacking Psalm 17:15. . .this is the verse God has used over and over in my life:
“So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:18)
After my mini-sermon (passion, not short on passion around here), I answer questions y’all left on Instagram, Facebook and my inbox.
Y’all know I’m not the expert on any of this. But I do share how we do things and what we value. . .even if they aren’t done perfectly. A new favorite quote of my husband and mine is:
“If a thing is worth doing, it is worth doing badly.” -G. K. Chesteron
My goal of this episode is not to give a formula or parenting advice, but to help open your spiritual eyes. To “awaken” and be a spiritually sensitive follower of Christ.
The questions I answer (& who asked):
- What is my mom story (Elizabeth Cravillion)?
- What is the story behind my sons’ names (Kris Lynn) ? And what would I name a girl (Julia Brown)?
- How did we decide to have four kids? And what do we love about having four boys (Julia Brown)?
- How do I calm down wild boys (Shonda Knowlton)?
- What does a typical day look like (Shonda Knowlton)?
- How do I reset a bad day (Julia Brown)?
- Do we have a formal family devotional time (MommyCRB)?
- How do we serve together (Stephanie Warner)?
- How do my husband and I settle parenting disagreements (Cynthia Thomas)?
- What is my advice to moms of littles (Stephanie Warner)?
- Who influenced me to start the podcast (Carol Stull)? What has been my journey (Naomi Wilcox)?
- Who is my favorite guest and most influential episode (Stephanie Warner)?
- How does having an eternal perspective affect parenting toddlers (Kristina) ?
- What is God telling me for 2016 (Susan Seay)?
Links/Verses mentioned:
- “As for me, I shall behold your face in righteousness; when I awake, I shall be satisfied with your likeness.” (Psalms 17:15)
- “Come and see what God has done. He is awesome in his deeds toward the children of man.” (Psalms 66:5)
- “Now therefore stand and see this great thing, which the LORD will do before your eyes.” (1 Samuel 12:16)
- “The eye is the lamp of the body, so then if your eye is clear, your whole body will be full of light.” (Matthew 6:22)
- “For the people’s heart had grown dull and with their ears they can barely hear and their eyes are closed. Lest they see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their hearts and TURN and I would heal them.” (Matthew 13:15)
- “The law of the LORD is perfect reviving the soul. The testimony of the LORD is sure making wise the simple, the precepts of the LORD are right rejoicing the heart, the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.” (Psalm 19:7-8)
- Having a 4th boy blog posts (click on “4th Blessing”)
- My post over at MOB Society on boys getting physical energy out to help with misbehavior
- My interview with Kat Lee (Inspired to Action) and Influence Network.
- Seeds Family Worship
- Tea Time
- Revolutionary Parenting by George Barna
- Bruce’s podcast interview about family mission trips (Ep 5)
- Heartfelt Discipline by Clay Clarkson
- Parenting the Wholehearted Child by Jeannie Cunnion
Thank you for making the last two years of podcasting possible!
Love, us
I loved your poop story! I had tears in my eyes as you told it, as isn’t that such a picture of grace? We come to God with all our mess *all* over the place and He says, “Hey, no big deal; come on, let’s get you in the bath.” Beautiful. xx
oh Susie, so true. we just keep working so hard in our own strength and make an even bigger mess! God is so good to guide us gently. thanks for listening!
Thanks so much for your honesty about having all boys. That struck a chord in me as we are expecting our second boy (not fourth…there’s still hope ha!) and I have been struggling with contentment in this blessing from God. I’m a new listener to your podcast. My sister turned me on to you and I feel ever grateful. It has been such a joy listening to you!
Oh yes, Carolyn. Recognizing that our plan may not be the best to fulfill his calling on our lives is often hard to grasp. And hard to continue to choose gratitude over pining. I’ll tell you my favorite thing was making “brothers”. something truly special about that relationship. a brother’s love. . .so sweet. (thanks for listening and commenting!)
Loved this podcast. Thanks for sharing. Taking a chill pill now 😉
ha! you crack me up! thanks for listening and letting me know you enjoyed it (encouraging!)
I was really thankful to hear about your bedtime routine and the “lack” of “perfect family devotions”. I’m also need contentment with the number of children we are planning to have – I can’t relate to four boys but really related to having an unmet desire and my “picture” of what I wanted from God being different than my current reality. (My dad and his cousins totaled ten boys & zero girls and the stories he tells of those boys on the farm!!). Thx for letting God use you in this podcast. And so glad you did this instead of book writing. You’d still be on my list of “when I have some more time I’ll sit down and read this book” . . . 🙂
Erica you are the sweetest! Yes, not a perfect family devo situation going on in our abode. But I do believe our boys are being trained as we “go along the way, as we sit, as we rise”.
And yes, trusting His picture and calling is such a challenge and joy. (10 boys! just blew my mind!).
Thank you for that encouragement in regards to the book. blessings!
It was really encouraging to hear your story and your experiences. I am enjoying your podcast so much! Even though I am a mom of one daughter, I can relate to a lot of what you talk about in terms of struggles with anger, as well as a very strong willed child. It is so helpful when moms are willing to admit their struggles and what they are doing about them, rather than to try and hide them. Thank you so much.
thank you for your sweet encouragement back to me! Good to know my story ministers to others. And stay tuned. . .have some great guests coming on in the next month in regards to strong-willed kids and our anger. thanks for listening!! (oh and definitely check out the No More Angry MOB facebook group for support in yelling less!).
I have already relistened to this podcast and it’s only Thursday. Love your passion when sharing God’s word, and a much needed reminder for me that I am only seeing part of the picture. I also needed to be reminded how motherhood is just a chapter of my life and to take time a look at a child’s soul!! Thank you for being so honest! I also struggle with anger and was wondering what you have done to help you?
Oh jessie! you are so kind to listen to my voice that much! Praying He opens both our eyes to what He’s doing behind the scenes. As far as anger, in February I am going to have on my friend Amber Lia who wrote a book called “Triggers” helping moms with anger. She leads a great Facebook group “No More Angry MOB” that gives support to us mamas. Personally I’ve been working through a spirit of fear in my life. The fear has lead to control issues and anger/yelling. Praying for me and accountability have been so life-giving. thanks for listening!
I loved this podcast. It was fun to hear how you do life with your boys and also how God is speaking to you in your quiet times. I loved your mini-sermon and I had never thought about seeing in that way before. Thank you for answering our questions and also for continuing to do this podcast. I have really benefited from all the guests that you have invited and look forward to more. I look forward to your podcast every week!
Loved this podcast! Made me cry too. Thank you for your honesty and tender-hearted parenting. I will be sharing this.