MomQ: Biblical Wisdom and Support for Christian Moms (MomQ Media)

We are continuing our month-long series on peacemaking and on this episode we chat with Donna Jones the author of the book, Healthy Conflict Peaceful life, a biblical guide for graceful communication and lasting resolution. It focuses on the important theme of constructive communication-expressing thoughts, feelings, and opinions with grace, truth, and without any regrets. I’ve read it and I think it is a book that EVERYONE should have on their shelf. In fact, I have been recommending it to all my people including my adult children. Although I have been married 33 years, I still underlined a bunch of valuable tips and insights that I thought, “oh that is dead on! Donna is national speaker, church planter, pastor’s wife and self-described “Bible Explainer” who has spoken all over the country and is the host of the weekly “That’s Just What I Needed” podcast. She has written several other books and bible studies. And is passionate about equipping others to know, love and follow God in their real, everyday lives. She and her husband, JP, make their home in Southern California. We hope you gain practical guidance on peacemaking and how to handle conflict to God’s glory!

To continue our series in viewing relationships from a biblical perspective, Candace teaches on how we should relate to our children as Christian moms. It’s easy to wrap our identity in our role as mothers and whether or not our kids reflect the values we hold. However, our kids are a precious creation from God and they belong to Him ultimately. When we view them that way we can withhold our reigns and trust that He has their best interest in mind.

In week 2 in our series of “Becoming a Confident Mom,” Annie Mendrala teaches on the value of relationships from a biblical perspective. Because we serve a relational God, He uses relationships in all forms to encourage us, inspire us, and sanctify us.

In this conversation, Candace and Annie discuss the core of the gospel message, which is love and grace. They emphasize that the gospel is not just about being saved from death, but about experiencing a life of transformation and living in a relationship centered around love. They also explore the difference between a me-centered life and a gospel-centered life, highlighting the importance of prioritizing relationships, surrendering control, and focusing on God's standards rather than comparing ourselves to others. They acknowledge the challenges of living out the gospel and encourage listeners to keep fighting the fight and training in spiritual practices.

• The core of the gospel message is love and grace, which invite us into a relationship centered around love and a life of transformation.
• Living a gospel-centered life means prioritizing relationships, surrendering control, and focusing on God's standards rather than comparing ourselves to others.
• The me-centered life is focused on self-satisfaction and approval, while the gospel-centered life joyfully serves others as a way to serve Christ.
• Living out the gospel can be challenging, but it requires constant disciplines, yielding to the Holy Spirit, and making space for God to do what we cannot do.
• It's important to remember that God is not done with us, and we can continue to grow and change as we lean into Him and His grace.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates

04:59 The Core of the Gospel: Love and Grace

10:33 The Radical Message of Jesus

13:50 Living a Gospel-Centered Life

15:55 Contrasting the Me-Centered and Gospel-Centered Life

20:17 Challenges in Living Out the Gospel

23:11 Encouragement to Keep Fighting the Fight

28:50 Conclusion and Closing Prayer

God invites us into a deep and abiding relationship with Him. But, we often settle for mediocre, unfruitful lives because we let the cares/weeds of the world distract us. Are there areas of your spiritual life that might need attention? Maybe some dead branches need to be cleared away? Maybe the  soil needs to be activated with some new spiritual disciplines or maybe mentorship?  Spiritual growth requires intentionality but also surrender to God's work in our lives. Whatever is taking energy from us that does not honor God he will prune away. He wants our whole heart. Our full devotion. Candace and Annie share practical advise on how to avoid stagnancy and continue to grow in our relationship with God as busy moms. Book Mentioned in this podcast Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life by Donald S. Whitney

In this enlightening conversation, Candace Nassar and Anita McGinnis explore the theme of generosity from a biblical perspective. They discuss the importance of giving, the misconceptions surrounding it, and how to cultivate a generous heart. Anita shares personal stories and insights on how generosity can lead to peace and fulfillment, emphasizing that giving is not just about finances but also about time and talents. The discussion also touches on tithing, the benefits of generosity, and the call to trust God in our giving.

Takeaways:

• Generosity is a selfless act that reflects our relationship with God.
• Biblical generosity is about giving out of joy and love for others.
• Teaching children about generosity is crucial for their spiritual growth.
• True riches are found in investing in God's kingdom work.
• Giving should be done cheerfully, not out of obligation.
• Tithing is a guideline, but generosity goes beyond just 10%.
• Misconceptions about giving can hinder our willingness to be generous.
• The act of giving brings peace and freedom in Christ.
• We should hold our resources loosely and trust God to provide.
• Generosity is an act of worship that acknowledges God's provision.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Generosity and Its Importance

04:32 Understanding Biblical Generosity

07:19 The Heart of Giving: A Personal Perspective

10:09 The Challenge of Generosity in Modern Society

13:15 Trusting God with Our Resources

15:56 Giving Beyond Money: Time and Talents

19:00 Mentorship and Community Support

19:35 The Fear of Giving: Trusting God with Resources

22:28 The Symphony of Generosity: Using Our Gifts

25:22 Misconceptions About Giving: Beyond Transactions

27:52 Understanding Tithing: A Starting Point for Generosity

32:22 The Heart of Generosity: Stories of Faith and Trust

In this episode we get to chat with Melissa Workman. She is a mom of 3 and the teaching director of After School Kids in the Four Points area of Austin, Texas. In this episode, she shares the story of how God led her to launch this ministry in her community and the importance of teaching young kids to learn and LOVE studying God's Word.

In this conversation, Candace Nassar interviews Kiana Gaona, the social media manager for True Play Games, about how Christian families can navigate the complex world of tech and gaming. They discuss the impact of gaming on children, the benefits and dangers of technology, and the importance of carefully selecting age-appropriate games. Kiana shares about the content offered by True Play Games, which includes biblically-based video games, comics, and prayer videos. They emphasize the need for parents to be mindful of the content their children consume and the importance of protecting their minds and hearts.

Key Takeaways:

• Parents need to be mindful of the content their children consume and the impact it can have on their minds and hearts.
• Technology and gaming can have both benefits and dangers, so it's important for Christian families to navigate them carefully.
• Age-appropriate games that are biblically-based and ad-free can be a valuable tool for children's spiritual growth.
• True Play Games offers biblically-based video games, comics, and prayer videos that aim to fill children's minds with wholesome content.
• Parents should prioritize protecting their children from inappropriate content and potential dangers online.

Chapters:

00:00-Introduction: Navigating the Complex World of Tech and Gaming

05:01-The Impact of Gaming on Children: Benefits and Dangers

10:42-Why Christian Families Should Carefully Navigate Tech and Gaming

15:33-Choosing Age-Appropriate Games for Christian Families

19:36-True Play Games: Filling Children's Minds with Wholesome Content

25:34-Protecting Children Online: Mindfulness and Parental Controls

www.truplaygames.com

Happiness is something we all desire, but is it really something we can attain? Annie Mendrala teaches what the answer is from the Bible, and how when we pursue true, lasting happiness, we can have joy despite the circumstances around us.

We are thrilled to kick off a new semester of MomQ with the theme of Building Families of Character. In our first lesson, Candace teaches on the importance of courage, and how Godly courage enables us to step out in faith. It’s important to be courageous so that we can choose FAITH over FEAR.

We know that honesty is the best policy. But when it comes to our relationship with our spouse, it's easy to fall into habits of withholding information, emotions, or behavior. Mentor mom Julie Whitehurst teaches on the power of courageous honesty and the freedom and security we experience when our marriage is built on integrity.

In this conversation, Candace Nassar speaks with Lee Anne Mancini, author of 'Raising Kids to Follow Christ', discussing the alarming statistics regarding faith retention among children from Christian families. They explore key principles for instilling a lifelong trust in God, the importance of church involvement, character development, and the role of apologetics in parenting. Leanne emphasizes the need for parents to model biblical principles and engage in their children's spiritual education from an early age, while also addressing the significance of discipline and the impact of love and grace in parenting.

• 40% of children from Christian families walk away from their faith.
• Prayer is essential for guiding children.
• Parents must provide more than a Sunday school faith.
• Involvement in church is crucial for spiritual growth.
• Character development is key to raising virtuous children.
• A child's worldview is formed by age 13.
• Nature serves as a classroom for teaching truth.
• Discipline should focus on heart transformation.
• Parents should avoid guilt and focus on learning.
• Living out biblical principles is vital for instilling faith.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Raising Kids to Follow Christ

04:18 The Alarming Statistics on Faith and Children

07:08 Key Principles for Instilling Trust in God

09:58 The Importance of Church Involvement

12:39 Modeling Faith at Home

15:24 Character Development and Virtues

18:05 Understanding and Teaching a Biblical Worldview

20:56 Living Out the Gospel in Parenting

23:40 The Role of Discipline in Heart Transformation

26:29 Encouragement for Parents

29:24 Conclusion and Resources

In our second episode of our Renew series as we enter the new year discovering and reflecting on new rhythms in our life, we chat with Becky Terry from Purpose Works, formerly known as Job Seekers Network. Becky has provided guidance in career direction, job search strategies and career management for the last 25 years.

As we are thinking about goals for the new year, many people find themselves asking questions like: “Am I on the right path in life?” “Is there something God has for me to do that I am missing?” And “How can I discover my gifts and talents?” I think you’ll find the answers to these questions and more with in our conversation.

To learn more about Purpose Works visit: JSNatx@org

On this episode we had the privelege to interview two special guests with me, Amanda Tipps and Staci Reichmanis. Amanda and Staci are both on the counseling staff at Hill country Bible Church in Austin, TX. Amanda works with adolescents and Staci is the Director of the Counseling Department. They have both been guest speakers at MomQ a few times and they are fantastic! They are consummate professionals who really know their stuff and they are also beautiful Godly women and mothers. They share with us some powerful, yet practical tips for finding rest in God's presence in the chaos of our daily lives.

The word “character” has many definition in our modern world. As Christians, our standard of character is God himself. But how do we help shape our kids to make decisions that are honoring to God? Candace discusses some tools for guiding them to worship the Creator vs. creation (Romans 1) and looking to Him to meet their desires.

In this conversation, Candace and Annie discuss the difference between worldly joy and biblical joy. They explore how worldly joy is based on external circumstances and is temporary, while biblical joy is an internal byproduct of a relationship with Jesus Christ. They emphasize that joy is a choice and can be found by fixing our eyes on Jesus and trusting in God's goodness. They also discuss the importance of gratitude, community, and hope in cultivating joy. The principal themes of the conversation are the idea that our citizenship is in heaven and that we are not of this world, the importance of focusing on Christ and his redemptive work, the expectation that things will go from bad to worse in this world, the role of sorrow and suffering in shaping our hearts, the need for trusted friends and accountability in our journey, the importance of modeling joy for our children, and finding joy in surrendering to God's plan and presence.

Takeaways

• Worldly joy is based on external circumstances and is temporary, while biblical joy is an internal byproduct of a relationship with Jesus Christ.
• Joy is a choice and can be found by fixing our eyes on Jesus and trusting in God's goodness.
• Practicing gratitude and thanking God for the good things in our lives can help cultivate joy.
• Community and sharing our struggles with others can bring joy and hope.
• The hope of Christ's return and the restoration of all things can sustain us in difficult times and bring joy. Our true citizenship is in heaven and we are not of this world.
• We should focus on Christ and his redemptive work rather than temporary circumstances.
• The Bible warns us that things will go from bad to worse in this world.
• Sorrow and suffering are used by God to shape our hearts and transform us.
• Trusted friends and accountability are important in our journey of faith.
• We should model joy for our children and create a joyful atmosphere in our homes.
• Finding joy requires surrendering to God's plan and presence.
• God's presence brings joy and stability in the midst of chaos.

Sound Bites

• "Worldly joy is happiness based on what happens to me."
• "Biblical joy is an internal byproduct of a relationship with Jesus Christ."
• "For the joy set before him, he endured the cross."
• "This isn't our home."
• "The problem is our expectations. People are expecting things to get better, but the Bible warns us things are going to go from bad to worse."
• "We can experience wonderful abundant life on earth, but ultimately it's always gonna miss the mark because we're gonna have that flesh struggle until we die."

Chapters

00:00-Introduction: Exploring Christian Joy

01:55--Worldly Joy vs. Biblical Joy

05:41-Understanding Biblical Joy

08:36-Choosing Joy in Daily Life

12:43-Practices for Cultivating Joy

16:08-The Hope of Christ's Return

22:08-The Difference Between Temporary Happiness and Eternal Joy

22:45-The Role of Suffering and Sorrow in Shaping Our Hearts

27:57-Cultivating Joy in Our Lives

37:35-Modeling Joy for Our Children

Candace shares closing things on this wonderful semester studying how to be a confident mom, from God’s perspective. She shares the key points for us to take action and meditate on as we continue to hold to Christ for our confidence, our peace, and our joy.

Special guest speaker Annie Mendrala teaches on what it looks like to be courageous in our marriage. She shares what the Bible says about our role in marriage and how we can work through challenges in a way that honors God. Annie reminds us that courage in marriage begins with our brokenness, and God changing us as we move toward greater intimacy.

“When we fix things for our kids so they don’t have to feel the intensity of their emotions, we take away the opportunity for them to learn resiliency.” We continue our mental health month series with a conversation with Lindsey Werner, LPC and one of our favorite MomQ speakers. She talks about one of the most challenging yet essential jobs as parents- helping them to establish resiliency and confidence in order to become strong and healthy adults. Lindsey shares strategies on how we can stay grounded as moms by establishing our identity in Christ and NOT in our kids and their well being. She also encourages us to have compassion on ourselves as moms as we help our kids face the daily challenges of life.

Most of us don’t love conflict. But, we experience different forms of conflict in all our relationships, including with our kids. In this episode we are grateful to have Lindsey Werner, Licensed Professional Counselor and director of relationship equipping at Hill Country Bible Church, speak about the importance of conflict resolution and the dangers of unresolved conflict. Alternatively, when we lean into resolution, it brings peace with each other and with God.

At the end of the day, we all want our home to be full of peace, love, forgiveness and joy. But what control do we have with the vibe of our household?

Annie teaches on how we can turn to scripture for instructions on using our words and actions to reflect Jesus: beneficial, honorable and encouraging. The words we chose to speak to our children, our kids, and others around us can greatly impact the culture and tone of our home.

In this message, Lindsey Werner discusses the importance of resiliency in parenting, emphasizing the roles of hope, trust, and support systems. She outlines practical strategies for building resilience, including self-awareness, decision-making skills, and the significance of finding meaning in pain. The conversation highlights how parents can foster these qualities in themselves and their children to navigate challenges effectively.

Takeaways:

• Resiliency is the ability to cope with adversity and pursue opportunities.
• Hope is foundational for resilient parenting.
• Trust helps combat anxiety and fosters a sense of security.
• A strong support system is essential for building resilience.
• Self-awareness allows parents to understand their emotions and thoughts.
• Decision-making skills are crucial for fostering independence in children.
• Mistakes are learning opportunities that build resilience.
• Asking good questions encourages children to think critically.
• Taking appropriate responsibility helps children develop confidence.
• Finding meaning in pain can lead to personal growth and strength.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Resiliency

02:04 Defining Resiliency and Hope

06:04 The Role of Trust in Resiliency

09:04 Building a Support System

12:08 Self-Awareness and Emotional Regulation

17:12 Decision-Making Skills for Resilience

24:05 Taking Appropriate Responsibility

29:02 Finding Meaning in Pain

There are so many sources of wisdom when it comes to parenting, but when it comes to a struggle you’re facing or a question you have, where do you turn first? In this episode we’ll talk through practical ways we can turn to God for Wisdom, and grow in our faith through our parenting journey. We’ll also hear from Candace a personal testimony of how that looked in her own life.

We have a special bonus interview with Christy Howard. She is a mom of three, pastors wife, and mentor to many. She shared a personal testimony with us about how to trust God and have courage in a tough situation.

Today on our show, we have e two of our MomQ mentor Moms, Amy Tipps and Kendra Echols.

I’m excited about this because it will be a slightly different format for us. As you know we just wrapped up our series “Becoming a Confident Mom” and the synopsis of that is Episode 45 you guys want to check that out. That theme of that whole series is that as believers, because our identity is in Jesus, we can have peace and hope in the struggles and relationships of life.

As part of our wrap-up at our gathering in Austin, we have a tradition that a live panel of our mentor moms answers pre submitted questions from our community members. This year we decided to go a step further and go on a deep dive with pairs of our mentor moms to get to know them, and learn from them.

Amy is a former high school teacher and coach with lots of ministry adventures over the years, including Bible Study Fellowship and Celebrate Recovery. She is also a certified Life Coach through the Forward Foundation. Amy is passionate about emotional health and spiritual growth through discipleship, recovery, and  walking closely with God on a daily basis. She is a wise, gracious and peace filled woman of God. 

Kendra is native to central Texas. She has served in women's and children's Ministry for 20 plus years and has also been a worship leader in different capacities since she was a teenager. Her smile is infectious and her joyous spirit radiates Jesus to those around her. She appreciates authenticity and seeks to build relationships on the truth of God's Word. 

It's been a wonderful semester of learning how to build our homes, and our families on the rock of Christ (Matthew 7:24-27). This is a special episode as Candace summarizes our lessons with actionable points for how we can build our families on solid ground. We also get to hear from three moms from our community about how God has led them to build a strong family. I think you will be encouraged and inspired by their stories!

In this episode Candace interviews Jennifer Appleton, the South Texas coordinator for Moms in Prayer. She shares about this amazing ministry and the transforming power of gathering with like minded believers to pray for our kids. For more about moms in prayer visit momsinprayer.org.

In our second session in our series of Building a Strong Family, we talk about how we can set priorities in our family according to the Bible. Once we establish that Jesus is at the center, how do we balance the craziness of life with our responsibilities as mothers and wives? Annie teaches how when we set our lives on biblical principles and unconditional love, we can put our focus where it matters most.

One of the biggest challenges of being a mom is the countless, and seemingly never ending demands on us. In this session of How to Build a Strong Family, we gather an amazing panel of mentor Moms who provide practical advice on how to keep your cool while balancing our roles as a wife, mom, friend, and follower of God.

In this conversation, Candace Nassar and Annie Mendrala explore the complex relationship between faith and fear, discussing why fear is prevalent in our lives and how it can be addressed through biblical teachings. They share personal experiences with fear, particularly in the context of motherhood, and emphasize the importance of prayer and scripture in overcoming fear. The discussion highlights the need for awareness of our feelings, the role of spiritual warfare, and practical tools for managing fear in daily life.

Takeaways:

• Fear is prevalent in our lives and can stem from unmet expectations.
• We often look to ourselves for resources, which increases fear.
• Social media can exacerbate feelings of inadequacy and fear.
• Fear can come from trying to control outcomes that are not ours to control.
• Satan is the father of lies, and fear is not from God.
• The Bible repeatedly tells us not to fear, offering comfort and reassurance.
• Recognizing fear as a God-given emotion can help us process it.
• Taking thoughts captive and replacing them with scripture is essential.
• Prayer is a powerful tool for overcoming fear.
• Memorizing scripture can help combat fear in our lives.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Faith vs. Fear

03:54 Understanding the Nature of Fear

10:26 Biblical Perspectives on Fear

16:28 Practical Strategies to Overcome Fear

22:06 Personal Experiences with Fear

28:18 Encouragement for Moms Facing Fear

Candace summarizes the lessons we learned from this semester about raising virtuous children. We also get the treat of hearing our mentor moms take questions from the audience about all areas of parenting and family, including navigating difficult conversations, handling strong willed children, and how to place Jesus at the center of family traditions.

Candace interviews Gina Cleminson about her wisdom in raising kids with a string faith that lasts. She also shares with us some fun family Christmas traditions that help place Christ at the center of the holidays.

When was the last time you were offended? Chances are we all get hurt by others daily. We often hear from the culture that we need to eliminate “toxic” people or relationships, but what does God say? Candace teaches about how when we receive God’s forgiveness, it helps change our heart to forgive others, and receive blessing in the process.

We are excited to kick off a new semester of MomQ teaching! We have fresh content and a rotating team of speakers that will share from the truth of God's Word about who we are as Moms and the calling we have as the primary disciplers of our kids. In week one of the semester Candace teaches on where our identify lies as moms. Ultimately, it is not in the approval of others or even in our role as a mom and wife. It is rooted in who God says we are as believers in Christ.

In this conversation about Christian joy, Jenny Rodriguez, a pastor's wife and homeschool mom, shares her insights and experiences. She emphasizes that joy is not just a feeling of happiness, but an energy and strength that comes from deep within, regardless of circumstances. Jenny highlights the importance of spending time with God, practicing gratitude, and cultivating a spirit of joy in daily tasks. She also discusses the challenges she faced while living in Japan and how she found joy in the midst of loneliness and cultural differences. Jenny encourages moms to prioritize margin in their schedules and celebrate moments as a family.

Key Takeaways

• What is Christian joy?

• How can I can have joy regardless of what is happening in my life?

• What are some practical tips to help me experience joy everyday?

• Where does joy come from?

Chapters

00:00-Introduction and Background

02:43-Defining Joy and the Role of Singing

06:34-Practices for Cultivating Joy

10:23-Finding Joy in the Little Daily Tasks

17:26-Longing for Eternal Joy

22:56-Teaching Children Gratitude and Spending Time Outdoors

27:30-Creating Margin for Joy and Connection with God

We desire for our home to be a sanctuary. But the reality is life is hard, and every day we face stress and anxious thoughts that fill our minds and our four walls. In this next session of Building a Strong Family, Annie reminds us of the promises God gives in his Word to trade our anxiety for His peace.

In this episode, guest speaker Germaine Ferreira teaches on how we can raise children with JOY in a world that seeks an empty goal of “happiness.” She shares strategies she has used when raising her two grown boys to help our kids turn to Jesus as their ultimate form of satisfaction.

Is the ultimate goal of parenting to raise happy kids? Good kids? Successful kids? In this episode we discuss the purpose of our parenting according to the Bible - to point our kids to His truth and grace. We also hear from one of our mentor moms, Sue McAlinden, about practical ways to center our homes around God’s truth in the depths of parenting.

We often have doubts in our ability to be the parents we need or want to be. But as believers we know that anything good that we do comes from the grace that has been given to us through Jesus. In this episode, we discuss what it looks like to live out this grace in our parenting. We also hear from our mentor mom Barbara Bland and her testimony of how God shifted her parenting perspective from fear-based to grace-based.

Lindsay Mimnagh, founder of Treehouse Schoolhouse, shares her passion for homeschooling and intentional motherhood. She emphasizes the importance of spending time with children, discipleship, and creating memories. Lindsay discusses the significance of Advent and offers practical tips for celebrating it with children, including reading scripture, creating a book of the Christmas story, and engaging in hands-on activities. She also shares ideas for keeping the focus on Jesus and giving during the Christmas season, such as homemade gift exchanges and participating in charitable activities. Lindsay encourages parents to teach their children the meaning behind Christmas carols and hymns.

Takeaways:

• Homeschooling allows for intentional time with children.
• Discipleship is a key component of education.
• Advent is a time for slowing down and reflection.
• Creating traditions helps anchor memories for children.
• It's important to prioritize family time during the holidays.
• Involve children in the process of giving.
• Teaching hymns can deepen children's understanding of faith.
• Resources can help families engage in meaningful activities.
• Every family can find their unique way to celebrate Advent.
• Abiding in God can lead to opportunities for ministry.

Chapters:

02:08 Introducing Lindsay Mimnagh and Treehouse Schoolhouse

010:58 The Significance of Advent

19:40 Keeping the Focus on Jesus During Christmas

26:38 Teaching the Meaning Behind Christmas Carols and Hymns

29:37 Conclusion

Notes:

Lindsey is offering MomQ listeners 15% off your total order. One use per customer. Cannot be combined with other promos. Expires six months after episode release.

Shop link: https://treehouseschoolhouse.com/collections/all

Find Lyndsey on:

Instagram: @treehouse_schoolhouse

Facebook: /treehouse.schoolhouse

YouTube: /TreehouseSchoolhouse

Pinterest: /TSMotherhoodHomeschool

In this episode, guest speaker Lindsey Werner, LPC-S and director of relational equipping at Hill Country Bible Church in Austin, TX, shares practical tools and spiritual wisdom on the power of forgiveness, and how to get out of being "stuck" in the pattern of bitterness and shame.

You will find this episode convicting and encouraging! To view Lindsey's entire presentation, visit our website here:

https://momq.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Unstuck-tools-to-move-through-unforgiveness-and-shame-ppt.pptx.pdf

It’s Mental Health month and we’re kicking off with an honest conversation about how we should navigate issues like depression, loneliness and anxiety from a biblical perspective. Candace and Annie share their own personal struggles with mental health and testimony of how God delivered them while using their experience to help others. This is a must-listen episode if you or someone you love has or is currently struggling with mental health and needs encouragement.

Even as believers, it’s sometimes a struggle to wrap our minds around how a good and all powerful Gospel can allow bad things to happen. Annie Mendrala reminds us that in a sinful world, we should count on trouble, but expect victory. God is always with us in our suffering, He has conquered brokenness ultimately. Because of that, we have joy today because we have hope for eternity.

In this message, Julie Whitehurst discusses the importance of modeling a godly marriage for children and how it shapes their understanding of love, commitment, and relationships. She emphasizes that children learn from their parents' actions and behaviors, highlighting the need for parents to prioritize their marriage and demonstrate love, service, and unity. The conversation also touches on the significance of unified parenting and the lasting impact a strong marriage has on children's spiritual and emotional development.

Takeaways:

• Modeling behavior is crucial; children imitate what they see.
• Proverbs 22:6 emphasizes the importance of training children.
• A godly marriage provides a foundation for children.
• Love and service are essential in a marriage.
• Prioritizing marriage over children leads to healthier family dynamics.
• Unified parenting is key to raising godly children.
• Conflict resolution in front of children teaches valuable lessons.
• Positive communication about spouses influences children's perceptions.
• Prayer and reading together strengthen marital bonds.
• Finding a mentor can provide guidance in marriage.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction: The Challenge of Writing About Marriage

02:50 Modeling Behavior: The Impact of Parenting on Children

06:07 God's Design for Marriage: Principles for Healthy Relationships

08:57 The Importance of Love and Service in Marriage

11:49 Prioritizing Marriage: Building a Strong Foundation

15:12 Unified Parenting: The Key to Raising Godly Children

18:00 Conclusion: The Lasting Impact of a Strong Marriage

"If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone." - Romans 12:18

Peace is something all of us desire. But relationships are hard. Being a mom, a wife, a spouse and friend can often lead to conflict.

How do we become peacemakers in the most challenging situations? Julie teaches on how we can build strong families by pursuing peace by turning our eyes and hearts toward God vs. our own desires.

In the throes of parenting it’s a question we often ponder. Will our kids ever do what we say? Will they hold onto their values? Will they follow God? We aren’t guaranteed the answers to those questions but we know that when we are tending to their hearts, God and His Holy Spirit will guide them. Candace and mentor mom Julie will share how we can bring this perspective into our everyday.

In this conversation, Lindsey Werner explores the themes of joy and gratitude in parenting, emphasizing the roller coaster of emotions that come with raising children. She discusses the importance of understanding joy through a relationship with God, the neuroscience behind joy and attachment, and how parenting can shift when approached from a place of joy. Lindsey highlights the significance of gratitude in various aspects of life, including the calling of motherhood, serving others, and navigating challenges. She encourages listeners to ask for help and to express gratitude in their prayers and words, ultimately fostering a joyful environment for themselves and their families.

• Life is a roller coaster of emotions in parenting.
• Joy is defined as the gladness we experience through God.
• God created mankind for joy and delights in His people.
• Understanding neuroscience can help us experience joy.
• Parenting from joy can shift our experiences with our children.
• Gratitude is a deep platform for experiencing joy.
• There is joy in the calling of motherhood.
• Serving others can bring joy even when we feel depleted.
• Gratitude helps us endure suffering and challenges.
• Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Chapters

00:00 The Roller Coaster of Parenting

04:07 Understanding Joy in Parenting

07:06 God's Joyful Design for Humanity

10:03 Experiencing God's Delight

13:29 Neuroscience and Joy

17:11 The Role of Gratitude in Parenting

20:07 Finding Joy in the Calling of Motherhood

23:06 Joy in Serving Others

26:20 Gratitude in Challenges

29:11 The Importance of Asking for Help

33:16 Gratitude in Prayer and Words

42:16 Closing

“The biggest battle you fight is between your two ears.” -Jennie Allen So many of us fight a battle every day with the negative, anxious and sometimes crippling thoughts that circle in our mind. But how do we break the cycle of thoughts that hold us back from our relationships with others, our kids and with God? Julie helps us answer how we get out of our own heads by fixating on Jesus and the truth of his Word verses the lies that Satan wants us to believe.

We are so excited to launch our first Summer Podcast Series with Stephanie James! We're going to be talking about practicing the presence of God IN the chaos of summer. We hope that you will be encouraged by the testimony of these women was they prioritize their relationship with Jesus in the absence of routine. We are kicking off our series with Stephanie James. Stephanie is a mom who truly follows after God's heart. She has six kids ranging from teen to toddler and is determined to prioritize faith in their family. I think you will appreciate and value the wisdom she provides in this conversation for intentionally discipling your kids during summer.

In this message, Julie Whitehurst discusses the importance of instilling character in children through meaningful gifts and teachings. She emphasizes the role of parents in shaping their children's hearts and character, using biblical principles and personal anecdotes. The conversation explores the significance of beliefs, mindset, and the need for a strong foundation in values to guide children in their growth and development.

Takeaways:

• The importance of raising children with character has diminished in recent years.
• Parents must actively teach and model character traits to their children.
• Guarding the heart is essential for shaping children's character.
• Character is defined as the essence of who someone really is.
• Children's beliefs about God and themselves are foundational to their character.
• More is caught than taught; parents must embody the values they teach.
• Character traits can be developed over time, like building a wall.
• Children need to feel secure and valued to develop strong character.
• Mindset plays a crucial role in shaping behavior and character.
• Parents must be proactive in teaching and guiding their children.

Chapters:

00:00 The Meaningful Gift of Character

02:54 Guarding the Heart: A Parental Responsibility

06:11 The Influence of Character in Parenting

09:06 Defining Character: The Essence of Who We Are

12:01 The Role of Beliefs in Shaping Character

14:56 Building Character: A Brick-by-Brick Approach

17:51 The Importance of Security and Value in Parenting

20:46 Mindset Matters: Shaping Thoughts and Behaviors

24:10 The Offensive and Defensive in Parenting

It's February - the month of Love! We are kicking off a new theme on the podcast to focus on love and relationships. What we know in our culture is love is something everyone wants but has a hard time truly giving. At the same time, God is clear that we are loved to love him and love others. In this episode Candace chats with Annie Mendrala to tease out the topic of love and relationships as we discuss what the bible has to say about it. It's a fun episode full of wisdom on this topic and encourage you to listen as we kick off the Valentines day season!

What a special treat we have to interview Kayla Marnach; author, child advocate, mom, grandmother, and MomQ founding leader. She shares about the journey God has taken her on to become the author of the “Can Do” kids series which is about empowering children and educating adults about starting conversations about our bodies and how to treasure them as God intended. To learn more about Kayla and the Can Do series, visit: www.kaylajmarnach.com

We are exited to catch up with Jesica Gierke who is a MomQ mentor, mother and most of all amazing servant of Christ. She shares with us some of her story and an experience she had on a missions trip in Costa Rica where she witnessed the awe-inspiring power of God in action. You don't want to miss it!

Listen to our special episode with an interview with mentor mom Jess Gierke. She shares her testimony of faith and journey to raise her two kids to follow Jesus.

In this conversation, Christy Osborne shares her personal journey with alcohol, discussing the cultural narratives surrounding drinking, particularly the 'mommy wine culture.' She emphasizes the impact of alcohol on relationships and mental health, and offers insights on assessing one's relationship with alcohol. Christy encourages listeners to change their thoughts about drinking, find joy and peace without alcohol, and highlights the importance of gratitude and community support in the sobriety journey. She provides practical advice for those considering sobriety, emphasizing that it's a journey filled with growth opportunities.

Takeaways:

• Cultural narratives about alcohol can be misleading.
• Mommy wine culture sends harmful messages to children.
• Alcohol affects our ability to connect with others.
• Sobriety is a spectrum, not a binary state.
• Assessing our relationship with alcohol is crucial.
• Taking thoughts captive can help change our mindset.
• Finding joy and peace without alcohol is possible.
• Gratitude plays a significant role in sobriety.
• Community support is vital for those on the sobriety journey.
• Growth opportunities exist even in setbacks.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Sobriety and Personal Journey

07:43 The Impact of Mommy Wine Culture

10:28 Alcohol's Effect on Relationships

13:40 Assessing Our Relationship with Alcohol

17:06 Transforming Relationships Through Sobriety

21:40 Finding Strength in Jesus

23:27 The Role of Gratitude in Sobriety

25:31 Encouragement for Struggling Moms

27:36 Growth Opportunities in Sobriety

Christy's website

Christy's Instagram

In the June version of our MomQ Mingle we are talking about peacekeeping. What does it look like and how is it different than what we see in our culture? Candace and Annie chat with Julie Whitehurst about some practical ways we can be peacemakers in our homes, particularly when the kids are home all day everyday!

We are thrilled to interview Tracy Higley for our second episode in our summer series on experiencing the presence of God IN the chaos of summer. Tracy is a bestselling author of twenty books and successful entrepreneur and business owner. After decades of keeping up with publishing contracts, four kids, church ministries and grad school, all the while running a million-dollar retail business, Tracy -crashed and burned.- And learned. The answer didn't come from changing her fundamental personality of achiever, but by taking those strengths and fitting them into a structure that explodes productivity while staying balanced, healthy and joyful. Her desire is to walk alongside Christian women who want to make a lasting impact with their lives, both within and outside the four walls of their homes.  You will enjoy the wisdom Tracy shares from her story and lessons God taught her during summers with her own kids. To learn more about Tracy and her books, visit her website.

The question of how we should discipline our kids often comes with the most strife in our home. But at the same time, it’s our primary calling according to the Bible. Candace discusses how to be intentional with our discipline with a focus on rich communication. This approach will cost us, our time, energy and maybe even a clean house. But the benefits outweigh the cost.

On this episode we have Sam Konda on the show. Sam is a former leader with MomQ and an absolutely beautiful woman of God. She always has a smile on her face and an encouraging word to share with people. She is just one of those people that when she speaks, you pay attention because you know it’s going to be words of gold. Sam grew up in India where her father was a Christian Pastor. You can imagine how rare that was and the challenges involved with being a Christian pastor’s kid in a predominantly Hindu country. But, God was always with Sam as He is with us.  She allowed Him to mature her faith through those circumstances and prepare her for a new call He has on her life. Sam shares some of her journey and how he used her early life circumstances to lead her and her husband to start a church - and how God demonstrated his faithfulness through it all.

In this episode of the MomQ Podcast, host Candace Nassar and guest Annie Mandrala discuss the theme of renewal as they enter the new year. They explore the biblical concept of rhythms that God has established in creation, the importance of setting boundaries to maintain healthy rhythms in life, and practical steps for evaluating and renewing personal and family rhythms. The conversation emphasizes the significance of community, self-care, and prayer in nurturing a balanced and fulfilling family life.

Takeaways:

• Renewal is about restoring freshness and beginning again.
• God has built rhythms into creation that we can learn from.
• Setting boundaries is essential to reclaiming healthy rhythms.
• Daily bread symbolizes God's provision and trust.
• Rest and renewal are communal experiences, not just individual.
• Healthy rhythms require evaluating past experiences and future goals.
• Self-care is crucial for maintaining balance in motherhood.
• Prayer is a vital tool for seeking guidance in life rhythms.
• More activities do not equate to more fulfillment; less can be more.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction

03:01 The Importance of Rhythms in Life

12:31 Setting Boundaries for Healthy Rhythms

20:09 The Role of Prayer and Community

26:51 Evaluating and Adjusting Life Rhythms

36:22 Closing Thoughts and Prayer

How do we go about instilling courage in our kids? In this lesson, Candace shared some of the characteristics of courageous kids and how we can allow God to build their character by empowering them to fail. She also interviews Bible teacher Heather Van Stavern on what it looks like to help our kids overcome failure, and depend on God for their strength.

Believe it or not, it’s already Easter season! It’s March 31st! When we think of Easter and the sacrifice Jesus made for us, we are struck by the incredible humility of it; that the creator of the universe would submit to the Father’s will and die a criminal’s death to pay a debt he didn’t owe because of His amazing love for us.  So with that in mind, we’re going to be talking about humility this month. Why is humility important? Why is it so hard and how can we live it out?  In this episode we are kicking off a new, monthly series called “The MomQ Mingle." In these episodes, Candace and Annie will chat about relevant topic for today's moms and comparing truth from the Word with trends from culture.

Life is full of ups and downs. It's so easy to feel anxious, complain about our circumstances or experience regret from our past. Is it truly possible to feel content in this life? Paul gives us that answer in Philippians 4:12. The short answer is YES but we must align ourselves to finding our satisfaction in Christ. Zooming out to see the eternal perspective and also zooming in to examine our hearts. Candace teaches on this topic and interviews mentor mom Jessica Geirke about her experience with finding contentment as a mom.

In this episode we have our last conversation with our MomQ leaders for our Becoming a Confident Mom series wrap up, where we are answering pre-submitted questions from our community members. So far in this series we have answered questions about marriage, spiritual growth, and holiday traditions. In today’s episode we will talk about issues pertaining to our children. like ways to disciple them at home and help them deal with anxiety.

I have Sue McAlinden and Lynette Seitzler with me, both MomQ mentor moms, who will be sharing their collective wisdom and encouragement. I’m excited for you to get to know them as well. 

Sue has been a MomQ mentor mom since our beginning. She spent twenty-one years raising her family, participating in Bible studies, leading small groups and mentoring moms of younger children.  She says being a mom was her favorite job, and she loves to encourage other moms as they juggle their own family, their extended family, their marriage, and time for themselves. Currently, Susan is a contributing writer on the website, Freedtoflourish.com. She was recently published in the Proverbs 31 book, “hope when your heart is heavy.” 

As a mentor mom, Lynette enjoys helping young moms grow deeper in their Christian walk. Originally raised on farms and ranches in both Minnesota and Texas, Lynette has lived in Austin since 2006. As a journalist, she started reporting for Four Points News in 2008 and God gave her the opportunity to own the newspaper in 2011. You can find Lynetter at most local events taking photos and notes. She is also a faithful assistant to her husband who teaches Bible fellowship class at their church.

We hope this episode blesses and encourages you as you enter into the holiday season. Much love from the MomQ family!

On this episode of our summer series we have an amazing conversation with Teri Craft. Teri is an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor, Certified Marriage & Recovery Coach, and holds a Masters in Professional Counseling from the Townsend Institute. She has been trained in Pastoral Marriage and Family Counseling, and leads women’s groups for personal growth as well as for those who have experienced betrayal and personal loss. Teri has dedicated her life to speaking, leading, writing, and training others regarding relational and organizational health. She and her husband founded Life Unplugged which partners with couples to provide enrichment, recovery, or healing to marriages. You will be encouraged and inspired by hearing her story of recovery and restoration. For more information Life Unplugged visit https://www.livelifeunplugged.org.

To continue our summer series we had the opportunity to interview Amy Benchener, an amazing mom of 2, professor and community leader. She shares her journey facing some health issues with her daughter and facing the death of her father - and how she and her family experienced the power and realness of God in the middle of those situations.

With this episode we continue our "Renew" series with an amazing conversation with Sarah Cowan Johnson. Sarah is an author of “Teach Your Children Well”, a step by step guide for family discipleship. It was the winner of Christianity Today's 2023 best book award in the category of marriage and family. I hope this episode will encourage you to reflect on what you are currently doing to disciple your children and challenge you to be a bit more intentional about it in the coming year. In Deuteronomy 6:4-9, The Bible says that discipling our children should be a rhythm that happens naturally as we live out each day, much like eating and sleeping. But, if we are honest, to most of us it doesn’t come naturally at all. There are a million reasons why this is the case and we will talk about a few of those today. We are also going to discuss some of the barriers that keep us from practicing discipleship and talk about ways to overcome them.  I know you are going to be so blessed by this conversation as we were!

Thanks for listening and sharing this episode with a friend! We hope that this helps you as you seek to make discipleship a way of life in your family.

SHOW LINK:

Teach Your Children Well by Sarah Cowen Johnson

In this conversation, marriage coach Teri Craft shares insights on navigating the complexities of marriage, the impact of social media, and the importance of seeking help when needed. She emphasizes the significance of resilience in relationships, especially during challenging times like the holidays. Terri provides practical tips for managing stress and encourages open communication between partners. The discussion also highlights the importance of community support and the need for couples to prioritize their relationship amidst external pressures.

Takeaways:

• It's okay not to be okay; seek help when needed.
• Social media creates unrealistic expectations for marriages.
• Health in marriage is about honesty, not perfection.
• Resiliency means getting up one more time than you fall.
• Celebrate occasions, not just specific dates to reduce stress.
• Communication is essential for a healthy marriage.
• Recognize when personal struggles impact relationships.
• Support from community is vital for marital health.
• Counseling can be beneficial even if only one partner participates.
• Prioritize your marriage over family traditions during holidays.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates

04:13 Cultural Lies About Marriage

08:47 Understanding Marriage Health

12:32 The Importance of Counseling

16:11 Navigating Counseling Dynamics

18:46 Resiliency in Marriage

23:40 Managing Holiday Stress in Relationships

33:56 Finding Hope in Difficult Marriages

Show Notes

Marriage health podcast with James and Teri Craft

Marriage coaching and intensives

In this message, Annie Mendrala discusses the complexities of parenting discipline, emphasizing the importance of understanding the nature of sin and the distinction between punishment and discipline. She advocates for a gospel-centered approach to discipline that focuses on heart transformation rather than mere behavior modification. Annie shares personal anecdotes and biblical insights to illustrate how parents can guide their children towards recognizing their sin and turning to Jesus for redemption. The conversation highlights the need for a loving relationship between parents and children, where discipline is seen as an act of grace aimed at fostering spiritual growth.

Takeaways:

• Discipline is a hot topic for parents dealing with various challenges.
• Parenting involves a journey of growth and learning alongside children.
• Children are born with a sin-infected heart, requiring guidance.
• Discipline should focus on heart change rather than just behavior modification.
• Punishment and discipline serve different purposes in parenting.
• Rules without relationship lead to rebellion; connection is key.
• Discipline should help children identify their sin and turn to Jesus.
• Gospel-centered discipline emphasizes grace and restoration.
• Parents must approach discipline with wisdom and prayer.
• The ultimate goal of discipline is to guide children towards spiritual maturity.

Chapters:

00:00 The Challenge of Parenting Discipline

03:51 Understanding the Nature of Sin

10:00 The Difference Between Punishment and Discipline

15:20 The Purpose of Discipline: Heart Change

22:41 Gospel-Centered Discipline

27:33 The Role of Parents in Heart Transformation

In our Christian walk, there are going to be times when we mess up. Whether it’s with our kids, our spouse, at work, the moment comes when we know we were in the wrong. But then what do we do? Julie Whitehurst teaches a Godly response to our sin, which involves confessing and turning away from it without guilt or shame.

In this episode we have two special guest speakers, Heather VanStavern and Kendra Echols discuss how prioritizing our marriage is essential to effective parenting. They discuss several reasons why this is the case and practical ways to take the next steps in strengthening connection with our spouse.

Culture says busy is good and slow is bad. A frantic pace is applauded and rewarded, and some people wear it as a badge of honor. I don't know what you've done today, but chances are, whether it was real estate or finding lost blankies, you were already busy this morning. Yet if we get down to the nitty gritty, I think we'd say at least a lot of the time that we are hurried, and frustrated, and exhausted. And what tends to be the first thing to go when that happens? Julie teaches on importance of filling our cup with the source of life - Jesus, and choosing the one who is better just as Mary did.

In this conversation, Candace Nassar interviews Emily Schuch, author of 'Majoring in Motherhood'. They discuss the challenges of motherhood, the importance of living out the gospel in daily life, and the struggles of self-empowerment and mom guilt. Emily shares her personal experiences and insights on how motherhood can be a journey of faith, sacrifice, and growth. The conversation emphasizes the significance of finding peace amidst chaos and the value of being faithful in the small, everyday tasks of parenting.

Takeaways

• ​Motherhood is a holy calling and an act of worship.
• ​Living out the gospel in motherhood involves sacrifice.
• ​Self-centeredness can hinder our ability to serve our children.
• ​Motherhood reveals our weaknesses and helps us grow.
• ​Mom guilt often stems from unrealistic expectations.
• ​Confession and seeking forgiveness are vital in parenting.
• ​Finding peace in chaos is essential for mental health.
• ​God is at work in the ordinary moments of motherhood.
• ​Faithfulness in small tasks leads to greater fruit.
• ​Trusting in the Lord alleviates the burden of guilt.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Motherhood and Emily's Journey

04:20 The Challenges of Motherhood

07:05 Living Out the Gospel in Motherhood

09:56 The Mirror of Motherhood

12:38 Embracing Weakness and Self-Empowerment

15:11 Chaos and Control in Parenting

17:54 Finding Peace Amidst Chaos

20:38 Understanding Mom Guilt

22:59 Encouragement for Struggling Moms

25:40 The Humor in Motherhood

28:44 The Purpose of Motherhood

32:18 Raising Virtuous Children Outro.mp3

No other relationship or situation can challenge our faith more than our marriage. So what is the secret to a satisfied marriage? Surpisingly, it has much less to do with how our husband, or even relationship needs to change. Instead, it's about focusing on how God wants to sanctify us in the process. When we exchange our character for God's character, or focus turns from ourselves, to who God wants us to be.

In this episode of the MomQ podcast, host Candace Nassar welcomes Sandra Stanley and her daughter Allie Stanley Cooney to discuss their book 'Meet Me in the Middle.' The conversation explores the importance of mother-daughter relationships, faith-based discussions, and navigating the challenges of adolescence. They emphasize the significance of identity in Christ, the dangers of comparison, and the necessity of building healthy relationships. The episode also addresses common fears faced by both mothers and daughters, encouraging open communication and vulnerability. Overall, the discussion aims to equip mothers and daughters with the tools to foster strong, God-centered relationships.

takeaways

The book 'Meet Me in the Middle' focuses on mother-daughter conversations.

Identity in Christ is foundational for young girls.

Moms and daughters should celebrate each other's successes.

Navigating the comparison trap is crucial for mental health.

Healthy relationships are built on mutual respect and love.

Moms can model vulnerability to encourage open dialogue.

Understanding fears can strengthen the mother-daughter bond.

The importance of discussing faith openly in families.

Moms should be students of their children's lives.

Building a strong relationship with God is essential for families.

titles

Navigating Motherhood with Faith

Empowering Young Girls Through Identity

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Meet Me in the Middle

04:32 Backgrounds and Inspirations

07:45 The Importance of Faith Conversations

11:25 The Role of Identity in Faith

14:53 Understanding Identity and Its Impact

19:00 Navigating the Comparison Trap

22:39 Building Relationships Through Love

28:37 The Dynamics of Mother-Daughter Relationships

31:56 Navigating Relationships in High School

39:45 Identifying and Sharing Fears

41:29 Conclusion and Resources

Sandra's Website

Sandra and Alli's book

One of our MomQ teachers, Julie Whitehurst, shares wisdom from a biblical perspective about how God designed marriage and what that means for us practically as wives today. When we better understand God’s purpose and role for us as women in the context of marriage, we can build a relationship that is fulfilling, meaningful, and honoring to God. In addition, we leave a legacy to our children for their future marriages.

We know that God wants our families and our kids to be marked by honesty and integrity. But, instilling these values in our kids is easier said than done! Candace teaches on strategies for building a culture of honesty and confession in our homes. When our kids see us modeling honest behavior with other adults, with them and with our spouses, and confessing when we fail, we gift them a strong foundation in this area. Our mentor mom, Kendra, also shares a personal story about her journey with honesty and how God's grace has moved in her life in a powerful way.

We wrap up this semester with some key takeaways from the lessons from this semester on Building Families of Character. Our amazing mentor moms also join us for a panel to answer any and all questions from the audience on parenting. We loved sharing in this journey with you this semester. Please stay tuned for some special episodes this summer before we kick off again in the fall!

In this conversation, Candace Nassar and Gina Cleminson explore the themes of faith and fear, discussing how true faith involves trusting in God amidst life's challenges. Gina shares her personal journey to faith, the nature of fear, and how faith can replace fear. They delve into biblical examples of faith, the differences between little and great faith, and the importance of childlike faith. Practical tools for managing fear are also discussed, along with encouragement for mothers facing their own fears.

Takeaways:

• True faith involves fixing our eyes on Jesus.
• Fear is often a belief about God that is wrong.
• Faith is complete trust or confidence in someone.
• Little faith is not where I want to be.
• Small faith is pure and acknowledges God's goodness.
• Childlike faith trusts in God's strength and goodness.
• Praying in desperation is an act of worship.
• We can replace fear with God's promises.
• It's okay to have small faith; it's about trust.
• We need to preach truth to ourselves in times of fear.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Faith and Fear

04:36 Gina's Journey to Faith

7:56 The Role of Faith in Overcoming Fear

13:06 Biblical Examples of Faith

20:00 The Power of Small Faith

24:17 Favorite Bible Verses in Times of Fear

28:06 Practical Tools for Managing Fear

35:31 Encouragement for Moms Facing Fear

38:22 Conclusion

On this special guest episode of the podcast we are fortunate to have Christine Hoover. Christine serves as the women’s ministry associate at The Austin Stone’s Northwest congregation. She hosts the Ministry Wives podcast and has authored seven books, including Messy Beautiful Friendship, How to Thrive as a Pastor’s Wife, and From Good to Grace. Christine is married to Kyle, a pastor at The Austin Stone, and they have three boys. You can find out more about her at her website www.Christinehoover.net. In this episode, Christine chats with Candace about her own testimony about finding freedom and hope in God's grace verses seeking approval through trying to be "good" for Him. I think you'll find this conversation encouraging and freeing for your life too.

"Where you treasure is, there your heart will be" - Matthew 6:21

God tells us that what we treasure most is directly tied to the condition of our heart. But the reality is the gods of money, achievement, possessions and success are always trying to capture our attention. How do we reframe our mindset, and the culture of our family to value what God values most?

Candace teaches on practical strategies for how we can implement rythyms in our family that point towards the treasure that lasts forever.

In this message, Annie Mendrala discusses the significance of establishing healthy family rhythms that foster spiritual growth and connection within the family. She emphasizes the importance of intentional conversations, the Sabbath, bedtime routines, and mealtime as opportunities to integrate faith into daily life. By cultivating these rhythms, families can shape their children's desires towards the kingdom of God and create a nurturing environment for spiritual development.

Takeaways:

• Healthy family rhythms are essential for spiritual growth.
• Intentional conversations around the table foster connection.
• The Sabbath is a vital rhythm for rest and reflection.
• Bedtime routines can help children settle and reflect on their day.
• Integrating faith into daily life is crucial for spiritual development.
• Morning routines should prioritize prayer and scripture reading.
• Mealtime can be a spiritual practice and a time for connection.
• Our habits shape our desires and spiritual formation.
• Creating a peaceful morning environment sets the tone for the day.
• Family traditions can reinforce spiritual values and connection.

Chapters:

01:07 Exploring Family Desires and Longings

03:28 Understanding the Shema and Its Significance

11:23 Integrating Faith into Daily Family Rhythms

16:50 Cultivating Spiritual Habits in Daily Life

20:42 The Importance of Morning Routines

21:42 Mealtime as a Spiritual Practice

25:59 Remember the Sabbath

31:38 Embracing Natural Rhythms in Daily Life

We kick off a new season of the MomQ podcast with a special, in depth interview with MomQ founder and president, Candace Nassar. She shares a bit of her personal testimony and how God used a local mom community to bring her to faith. She also shares how God led her to take a leap in faith to start the ministry and bring it to where it is today. We also chat about some exciting new updates to MomQ that our podcast guests and in person members will see coming this fall!

In this episode we have a conversation with Barbara Bland and Annie Mendrala to do a deep dive into some pretty tough questions about marriage. Our answers will challenge you. I encourage you to keep an open mind as you listen. We also want to be clear that we are addressing the typical marital issues that we see and experience in our ministry. But, we are not professional counselors and there are certainly situations where their advice would be more appropriate. And of course, if you or your children are in danger, then get to a safe place as soon as possible.

Marriage always one of the most popular topics of our podcast because we all have marriage issues. And it’s no wonder. I mean merging our life with another human being is a tall order. It causes us to confront our own character issues and that’s not fun. 

But, the Bible is clear that marriage is a covenant relationship that God ordained at creation. God tells us that our relationship with our husbands should be our priority behind only our relationship with Him. And if our selfish, prideful nature wasn’t enough to undermine marriage, the devil is always attacking it as well. Why? Because he wants to destroy families. It is through strong Christian families that the character of God is reflected.

I think each of you will be blessed, challenged, and encouraged by this episode. If you are, please feel free to share with a fellow mama as well!

The Bible says we are to mature in our faith but how does that work? Is it all up to us or does God play a role? Maybe you have tried to nurture your faith but you just don’t feel like God hears your prayers. Maybe you are in a period of waiting for Him to move but he has been silent. Or maybe you are angry with Him because your life hasn’t turned out the way you wanted it to? Why would God allow hard things in our lives if he is a loving God?    In this conversation we have one of our MomQ leaders Dawn Jackson to discuss how God used an autism diagnosis for one of her sons to teach her to truly trust Him.  Dawn is a Pastor’s wife and while you may think that means she has arrived spiritually speaking, she explains that through this trial, God revealed himself to her in unexpected ways.

www.momq.org

Heather Creekmore writes and speaks hope to thousands of women each week, inspiring them to stop comparing and start living. She is the author of two books: Compared to Who? and The Burden of Better which take a deep dive into the spiritual roots of body image and comparison issues and offer a grace-based path to freedom.

She shares with us on this episode about God wants to see our bodies from His perspective - and how our attitude about our bodies impacts our children as well. 

To learn more about Heather and find links to her podcast and books, visit https://comparedtowho.me

You can also find Heather on Instagram @ComparedtoWho 

Do any of these scenarios sound familiar: You catch yourself scrolling through Instagram looking at other moms' seemingly perfect family vacations, immaculate playrooms or home-cooked meals and feel an overwhelming sense of inadequacy? Or do you spend hours meticulously planning every detail of your child's activities but end up being frustrated by unexpected challenges like a learning disability or just plain lack of interest? Do you have more "Why, God?" days than "Thank you God!" days? Maybe you haven’t thought about it, but all of that focus on yourself actually stems from pride? And we know that pride is the root of all sin. As we approach Easter, we are continuing our theme of humility and sacrifice. Today, my guest, Matt Peacock, is a man of true humility. You are going to be so blessed by his story and his heart for serving others. Matt is the founder of Partners in Hope, an Austin based collaborative ministry focused on eliminating social isolation in Texas. We are going to have a conversation about how serving others can change our perspective and actually bring us joy and contentment in a way that focusing on ourselves never will.

As parents with young kids we dream of having open, rich relationships with them as they grow through adulthood. But what can we do know to ensure that is the case for our family? In this episode, Candace talks about how we can build spiritually vibrant homes that align our passions with God’s. And have fun together in the process! She also interviews mentor mom Amy Tipps who shares her wisdom and joys of having rich relationships with her grown kids.

We are excited to have Jayme Gradwell on our show for our last episode in our spiritual growth series!

Jayme is the host of the fabulous and popular christian women’s podcast, She Speaks Life, where she gives women the space to share their stories of how God has strengthened their faith and transformed their lives.  Today we get the privilege of hearing her share her own personal journey with God and how she learned to listen to the Holy Spirit along the way. You are going to love her heart for Jesus and passion to come alongside women.

Show Notes:

You can follow Jayme on instragram @jaymeelizabethshespeakslife

Check out her Serenity journal here

In this message, Candace Nassar explores the complex relationship between boundaries, discipline, and parenting from a biblical perspective. She discusses the necessity of rules and laws for maintaining order and safety, emphasizing that God's laws are rooted in love and designed for our benefit. Candace highlights the importance of discipline as a means of spiritual growth and maturity, both for individuals and for children. She provides practical advice for parents on establishing God-centered boundaries, balancing discipline, and implementing effective strategies to guide their children towards a loving relationship with God. The conversation underscores the long-term nature of parenting and the importance of nurturing relationships built on trust and respect.

Takeaways:

• Most of us have a love-hate relationship with boundaries.
• Rules and laws maintain order and prevent chaos.
• God's laws are based on love and morality.
• Discipline is focused on future growth, not punishment.
• Children thrive with firm boundaries and structure.
• Establishing God-centered boundaries is crucial for parenting.
• Discipline should be proactive, not reactive.
• Under-parenting and over-parenting are both unhealthy extremes.
• Effective discipline requires emotional regulation and self-control.
• Parenting is a long-term journey that requires patience and love.

Chapters:

00:00 Navigating Boundaries: A Love-Hate Relationship

02:50 The Role of God's Laws and Discipline

05:45 Understanding God's Discipline and Its Purpose

11:56 The Importance of Parental Discipline

17:54 Establishing God-Centered Boundaries

25:07 Balancing Discipline: Under and Over Parenting

32:08 Implementing Effective Discipline Strategies

38:54 Long-Term Parenting: The Journey of Growth

This month we are talking about how God wants us to put His love into action in our relationships. Many people feel like this is the hardest with our spouses. Marriage is hard and there are some scary statistics out there that might feel daunting. But, listening to podcasts like today, show commitment to growth and a deeper relationship with your spouse, so thank you so much for being here! 

Do you ever feel like your marriage hit a rough patch you can’t seem to get out of and it's just downhill from here?  Or that you’re settling for “everything is just fine” because it’s the easier path? Or how about those couples you know that have been married for decades and decades-how in the world do they seem so truly happy? In this episode we hear from Barbara and Joe Bland, long time Austin residents who have been married 42 years! Yes, you heard right! They share their story of how God transformed their hearts and showed them how to truly love each other over the years.

In this message, Julie Whitehurst shares her insights on parenting, focusing on the common pitfalls that arise from fear and comparison. She emphasizes the importance of faith in God as a foundation for healthy parenting, encouraging mothers to trust in God's wisdom and grace. Through personal anecdotes and biblical references, she highlights the significance of nurturing a loving environment for children while avoiding the traps of fear and societal pressures. The discussion culminates in practical advice for parents to foster a faith-filled upbringing for their children.

• Parenting often stems from fear, which can lead to mistakes.
• Faith in God is essential for overcoming parenting fears.
• Comparison among parents can lead to anxiety and discontent.
• Teaching children to trust God is crucial for their development.
• Grace is a key component in effective parenting.
• Parenting is a long-term process, not just a series of events.
• Children need to learn that their identity is not based on performance.
• Modeling faith and trust in God is vital for children.
• It's important to have open conversations about faith with children.
• Being supportive to other parents creates a nurturing community.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Parenting Challenges

04:14 The Role of Fear in Parenting

07:10 Faith vs. Fear in Parenting

10:13 Understanding Parenting Pitfalls

13:03 The Comparison Trap

19:06 The Importance of Identity in Christ

25:01 Trusting God with Our Children

29:02 Closing Thoughts and Encouragement

38:23 Closing

In this conversation, Candace Nassar and Katie Trent discuss ways to make Christmas more meaningful for families, focusing on the significance of Advent, incorporating family traditions, and overcoming holiday overwhelm. They share practical tips for parents to engage their children in faith-building activities and emphasize the importance of building strong relationships within the family during the holiday season.

Takeaways:

• It's important to focus on the true meaning of Christmas.
• Advent serves as a faith journey leading up to Christmas.
• Incorporating daily devotionals can enhance family connections.
• Traditions help create lasting memories and values.
• Parents should prioritize prayer, planning, and prioritizing during the holidays.
• Building strong relationships with children enhances discipleship.
• Creative activities can make Advent more engaging for kids.
• Overcoming feelings of overwhelm is crucial for enjoying the season.
• Staying off social media can reduce holiday stress.
• Focusing on relationships over perfection is key to a meaningful Christmas.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Advent and Family Discipleship

05:18 Understanding Advent: A Season of Preparation

08:07 Incorporating Family Activities into Advent

11:20 Transforming Holiday Traditions into Teachings

13:55 Navigating Holiday Overwhelm: The Three P's

16:19 Holiday Traditions and Family Bonding

18:11 The Importance of Discipleship in Family Life

20:45 Integrating Faith into Daily Life

22:17 Creative Ways to Connect with Kids

25:17 Embracing the Role of a Mother

28:24 Embracing the True Meaning of Christmas

28:55 Encouragement for Parents During the Holidays

Find out more about Katie J. Trent

Order her book here

In this conversation, Candace Nassar discusses the challenges and stresses faced by parents today, emphasizing the need to redefine parenting from an ownership perspective to an ambassadorial role. She highlights the importance of understanding the purpose of parenting as a ministry and a calling from God. Throughout the discussion, she provides practical principles for effectively discipling children, focusing on self-evaluation, reflecting God's heart, and intentional teaching. Candace shares her personal journey in parenting, illustrating the sacrifices and rewards of raising children in faith. The session concludes with a prayer, reinforcing the commitment to parenting as a divine mission.

Takeaways:

• Parents today are experiencing unprecedented stress due to societal pressures.
• The purpose of parenting should be re-evaluated beyond societal expectations.
• Parenting is a ministry and a calling from God, not an ownership role.
• Children belong to God, and parents are stewards of their lives.
• Ambassador parenting focuses on representing God's character to children.
• Self-evaluation of one's love for God is crucial for effective parenting.
• Discipleship requires intentionality and active engagement with God's Word.
• Reflecting God's heart involves showing compassion and grace to children.
• The church reinforces what parents teach at home; parents are primary disciplers.
• Building the kingdom of God is the ultimate purpose of parenting.

00:00 Introduction to Parenting Challenges

03:55 The Purpose of Parenting

07:05 Shifting Perspectives: Ownership vs. Ambassador Parenting

10:10 Biblical Foundations for Parenting

16:12 Discipleship in Parenting

31:05 Reflecting God's Heart in Parenting

37:16 Personal Journey and Conclusion

It’s a tough question but an important one- who do our kids really belong to? Are they our legacy or the legacy of the One who created them? Listen to Candace addressing these topics and more in our first session of the season!

In this enlightening conversation, Heather Creekmore shares her journey of overcoming body image issues and the cultural pressures surrounding aging. She discusses the importance of recognizing body image as an idol and how it affects women's self-worth. Heather emphasizes the need for a biblical perspective on aging, encouraging women to embrace their worth beyond physical appearance. The discussion also touches on the challenges of being part of the sandwich generation, the importance of surrendering control, and how to instill a positive body image in daughters. Heather provides valuable resources for women struggling with body image issues, highlighting that true peace comes from understanding one's worth in Christ.

Takeaways

Body image can become an idol in our lives. Comparison is a natural tendency, but it can be harmful. Aging should be viewed as a gift, not a curse.

Cultural perceptions of aging often conflict with biblical teachings.

Gray hair is celebrated in scripture as a crown of glory. Women in the sandwich generation face unique challenges.

Surrendering control can lead to greater peace and help.

Instilling a positive body image in daughters starts early.

Body image issues are often rooted in deeper spiritual struggles.

Finding worth in Christ is essential for overcoming body image issues.

Chapters

00:00-Introduction to Body Image and Aging

02:55-The Impact of Body Image on Women

05:43-Understanding Idolatry in Body Image

08:47-Cultural Pressures and Aging

11:29-The Gift of Aging

14:19-The Wisdom of Years

17:09-Surrendering Control

20:10-Instilling Positive Body Image in Daughters

23:00-Resources for Body Image Issues

Show Notes

Heather's Website

Heather's Podcast

Heather's Latest Book "Aging Gratefully"

In this episode, Candace teaches on the value of living a life of integrity, in our conversations and in our conduct. When we surrender to God and seek to be honest in every area of our life, we bring our lives into conformity with His truth.

In this conversation, Candace and Annie discuss the love-hate relationship our culture has with busyness. They explore why we feel the need to be busy and the problems that come with it. They emphasize the importance of rest and the biblical command to prioritize it. They also discuss the concept of margin and how it allows us to slow down and create space in our lives. Practical ways to create margin include setting boundaries, saying no gracefully, and delegating tasks. They encourage listeners to trust God and surrender to Him in order to find true rest and joy.

• Our culture values busyness as a sign of productivity, but it can become an idol and lead to stress and exhaustion.
• Rest is a biblical command and a key to finding joy and balance in life.
• Creating margin in our lives allows us to slow down, prioritize relationships, and be present in the moment.
• Setting boundaries, saying no gracefully, and delegating tasks are practical ways to create margin.
• Trusting God and surrendering to His plans and timing is essential for finding true rest and joy.

Chapters

00:00-Introduction and Updates

02:45-The Love-Hate Relationship with Busyness

07:08-The Problems with Being Busy

10:00-What the Bible Says about Busyness

16:18-Creating Margin and Slowing Down

25:30-Trusting God and Surrendering

32:09-Conclusion and Prayer

www.momq.org

This week we kick off the first session of our new semester of teaching series at MomQ with the theme of Building a Strong Family. In this first teaching, Candace talks about the elements that make a strong family - most importantly an individual, authentic relationship with God.