Foster care doesn’t just enter a home; it enters a marriage. With Valentine’s Day approaching, this episode of Restoried opens an honest conversation about how foster care changes marriage when court dates, therapy, and survival replace date nights and quiet conversations.

Lisa is joined by her husband JJ as they reflect on eight years as licensed foster parents and over a decade supporting children and families in foster care. They share how foster care changed their marriage, from communication and emotional connection to dividing responsibilities and making decisions together.

They discuss real challenges, including exhaustion, grief, spiritual warfare, and times of being out of sync. They explore how spouses carry weight differently and how tension can arise if not addressed.

The conversation also covers practical realities, including managing responsibilities, navigating caseworker roles, and checking in regularly to avoid resentment.

At the heart of the episode is hope. Lisa and JJ share how God used the hardest seasons to strengthen their marriage. Through prayer, shared heartbreak, and choosing each other daily, their marriage grew deeper and anchored in Christ.

Episode Highlights:

• Foster care impacts marriage
• Balancing grief and logistics
• Communication is key
• Shared hardships strengthen love
• Relying on God
• Intentional connection matters
• Practical tips for parents

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In this episode of Restoried, we sit down with Ryan North of One Big Happy Home for a real and encouraging conversation about foster care, adoption, connected parenting, and staying faithful in hard seasons. With more than 30 foster placements and years of lived experience, Ryan shares what he and his wife, Kayla, have learned about building strong relationships with kids impacted by trauma.

Ryan talks about why connection matters more than predictions or diagnoses, how creativity and flexibility can make a huge difference, and what it looks like to keep showing up even when things feel overwhelming. He also shares honestly about marriage, self-care, and how caregivers can support one another so they don’t burn out along the way.

This episode is full of practical wisdom, hope, and reminders to celebrate progress — even the small wins. If you’re in the thick of foster care, adoption, or kinship parenting, this conversation will encourage you to keep going and remember that the work you’re doing truly matters.

Don’t miss hearing Ryan speak in person at Mobilize Ohio 2026! Register using the link below.

Episode Highlights:

• Connection over outcomes
• Creativity and flexibility
• Staying faithful long-term
• Marriage under pressure
• Celebrating small wins

Find more on Guest:

• One Big Happy Home
• One Big Happy Home on Social
• The Empowered Parent Podcast
• Follow Ryan on Instagram

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Today, we’re continuing our spiritual formation series by talking about the discipline of generosity. Jesus has so much to say about generosity in the Bible, and we’re reminded that it truly is more blessed to give than to receive.

We discuss how generosity isn’t just a spiritual concept; it also has real mental and physical benefits, backed by science.

We’re also joined by Lewis Yoder, Executive Director of the Christ Foundation, who shares how their organization lives out generosity by funding nonprofits through grants to help them make a bigger impact in their communities.

And we talk about how generosity isn’t only about money. It can look like giving your time, using your gifts, showing up for someone, or simply being kind and intentional in everyday life.

This episode is all about rethinking generosity and how it can become a natural part of how we live and love others.

Episode Highlights:

• Spiritual Discipline of Generosity
• The Science of Giving
• Stewardship
• Faith in Action

Find More on Hope Bridge:

• Pastor & Ministry Leader Brunch
• Mobilize Ohio
• Visit Our Website
• Follow us on Instagram
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Register for Mobilize Ohio 2026!