(00:04) - Rest and Encouragement for Moms

(09:38) - Rest and Healing for Anxious Moms

(22:51) - Journey Out of Anxiety Forest

(36:36) - Embracing God's Presence in Motherhood

Join us as we welcome Becky Thompson, USA Today bestselling author and founder of the Midnight Mom devotional online community, to our latest episode. With Mother's Day on the horizon, we focus on the often-overlooked need for genuine rest among mothers. Becky shares her personal journey of life in Oklahoma with her husband and three children, her prolific writing career, and her growing ministry that unites over 2 million women in nightly prayer. Our conversation with Becky highlights the importance of finding peace and experiencing God's presence amid the whirlwind of motherhood, as well as the path that brought her to our podcast, illustrating the beauty of living with purpose and authenticity.

Listen in as we tackle the challenges faced by many women balancing motherhood with other responsibilities and ambitions. We address societal pressures that make it seem like women should manage everything effortlessly, often leading to guilt when they seek help. We shift the focus to the theme of true rest and peace, found in the presence of Jesus, and explore how rest is not just about the absence of activity but an active process of healing. Our discussion emphasizes redefining rest to integrate faith and reliance on God, highlighting that true peace transcends mere physical breaks or organizational strategies.

Becky shares a personal vision that became a catalyst for healing, offering hope and understanding to thousands of women through her book, “Healing Rest”. We also explore the significance of embracing God's presence in motherhood, using prayer as a way to invite His guidance and blessings into our lives. Through personal stories and spiritual insights, we highlight the adventure of faith, the universal struggle of calling God good in difficult times, and the importance of supporting others on their path to peace and understanding.

Midnight Mom Devotions: https://www.instagram.com/midnightmomdevotional/ https://www.facebook.com/MidnightMomDevotional

Becky Thompson https://www.instagram.com/beckythompsonauthor/ https://www.facebook.com/ScissortailSilk beckythompson.com

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(00:04) - Parenting Teens With Practical Strategies

(11:23) - Effective Communication With Teenagers

(16:36) - Improving Parent-Child Relationships Through Communication

(31:24) - Parenting Through Understanding and Connection

Unlock the secrets to becoming the go-to person your teenager trusts and confides in with insights from Jeanine Mouchawar, an experienced parenting coach. We promise you’ll gain practical strategies to handle the challenging teenage years, reduce conflicts, and cultivate a calm, nurturing atmosphere where your children can thrive. Drawing from her own experiences of raising three children through the tumultuous teen years, including those with ADD and learning disabilities, Jeanine reveals how dialectical behavioral therapy can transform your relationship with your kids.

Discover how effective communication with teenagers requires a shift from structured guidance to more delicate support. We explore the necessity of slowing down and focusing on building a connection before addressing issues like falling grades or disrespect. Learn why managing your own emotions and avoiding the urge to offer immediate solutions is crucial. Instead, foster open-ended conversations that invite teenagers to share their thoughts and feelings, helping them feel understood rather than defensive.

We also look into the art of having meaningful discussions around tough topics like procrastination and missing assignments. By approaching these conversations with curiosity and understanding, you can encourage self-discovery and problem-solving in your kids. Jeanine shares how acknowledging different working styles and emotions can build flexibility and understanding in your parenting. Ultimately, create a home environment where every family member feels seen, heard, and valued, fostering lasting connections that keep your children returning home, eager to engage with their family.

https://www.jeaninemouchawar.com/

FREE GUIDE: 5 QUESTIONS THAT GET TEENS TALKING

https://www.jeaninemouchawar.com/5-questions-confirmed

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Hosted by Tori Shirah and Tracy Stine

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(00:04) - Birth Order Stereotypes

(11:40) - Sibling Stereotypes and Personalities

(18:32) - Childhood Camp Memories and Parental Influence

(28:25) - Family Dynamics and Parenting Perspectives

Growing up as an only child, Tori often wondered what it would be like to have siblings, yet grew fond of her independence. Meanwhile, Tracy, a mother of four, navigates the bustling world of sibling dynamics firsthand. This episode invites you into our personal stories as we explore the stereotypes tied to birth order and their impact on personalities and family roles. Whether you're the responsible firstborn, the social middle child, or the carefree youngest, we unpack these labels and share insights on how they manifest in our own lives and potentially in yours.

Join us as we unravel the cherished yet often pigeonholed roles of siblings and how these roles differ across families. We share stories that illustrate the leadership tendencies of firstborns and the free-spirited nature of the youngest siblings, considering how parenting styles and upbringing play a significant role in shaping these characteristics. Our conversation touches on the unique dynamics of being an only child versus being part of a larger family, and how expectations can shift with each new addition to the family unit.

Reflecting on the journey from childhood to parenthood, Tori shares her evolution from a reluctant camper to an independent adventurer and how her children experience their own paths to independence. We discuss the challenges and joys of raising multiple children, where surprises and sleepless nights abound. Through personal stories and shared experiences, we offer a candid glimpse into the multifaceted nature of family life and the enduring impact of early experiences on personality development.

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Hosted by Tori Shirah and Tracy Stine

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(00:10) - Return to Jesus

(14:45) - Letting Go and Embracing Change

(20:00) - Navigating Teen Years and Isolation

(29:40) - Navigating Teen Years and Motherhood

(44:57) - Finding Rhythm in Parenting Chaos

(56:50) - Navigating Teenage Isolation in Parenthood

Picture this: you're frazzled from juggling life as a parent when you suddenly realize you're out and about... in your bedroom slippers. We've all been there, right? Join us as we sit down with the delightful Jen Thompson, the mom behind the popular blog Truly Yours, Jen, who shares her own tales of motherhood chaos and hilarity. Jen opens up about the beautiful mess that is family life with her husband, Patrick, and their four kids. We laugh together about the moments that remind us we’re all in this together, from wardrobe malfunctions to the universal challenge of keeping track of everything and everyone.

Our conversation turns to the art of letting go, using a metaphor that will tug at your heartstrings: a child trading a cherished small teddy bear for a larger one. It's about the courage to step into the unknown for greater growth, whether that means moving cities or navigating the rocky path of parenting teenagers. We discuss with Jen the often-lonely realm of raising teens, the unexpected joys of this stage, and the importance of finding your village — those trusted confidants who get you through the thick and thin of teenage angst and joy.

Finally, we reflect on the whirlwind of transitioning from childhood to teenage years, and the bittersweet reality of watching our children grow up. With humor and heart, we touch on everything from potty-training mishaps to the daunting digital landscape, and the importance of faith and community in this journey. Amidst the chaos, we discover moments of joy and connection, whether that's in the small victories or the shared struggles. So, grab your favorite slippers (or shoes) and join us for an episode filled with laughter, love, and a reminder that none of us are alone on this incredible journey of parenthood.

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Hosted by Tori Shirah and Tracy Stine

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(00:19) - Exploring Concepts of Freedom and Faith

(16:05) - Understanding Freedom in Christ

(23:26) - Finding Freedom in Faith and Healing

(34:23) - Discovering True Freedom in Christ

Join us as we embark on a lively and unscripted exploration of freedom, both culturally and personally. With a humorous nod to the American flag sweater one of us happened to wear, we kick off the conversation by pondering the various dimensions of freedom. From the political and constitutional angles to the spiritual liberation found in our faith journeys, we invite you to reflect on whether we truly live in a democracy or under more authoritarian influences. Embracing authenticity, validation, and wellness, we encourage you to navigate these complex topics with sincerity and humor, reminding you that you're not alone in this journey.

Our conversation then transitions into understanding freedom through the lens of faith, particularly focusing on freedom in Christ. We discuss the historical sacrifices made for freedom in America and the continuous struggle to maintain it. Comparing popular definitions of freedom with the biblical perspective, we highlight the distinction between a self-centered and a Christ-centered life. In a world that often promotes inward focus, we emphasize that true freedom in Christ is about loving and serving others, trusting in God's plan beyond personal circumstances.

In the final segment, we tackle the challenges and uncertainties of life, from health issues like Hashimoto's and perimenopause to financial struggles. Sharing personal experiences, we illustrate how faith plays a crucial role in navigating these trials, offering peace and understanding that God’s plan is at work. Reflecting on biblical stories, we highlight the importance of selflessness and trust in faith as sources of strength. We also address fears about the future, particularly when considering bringing children into a challenging world, and emphasize overcoming fear to recognize life's blessings.

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Hosted by Tori Shirah and Tracy Stine

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Chapters

(01:57) Exploring Love Languages

(12:00) Exploring Love Languages Through Online Test

(14:58) Love Language and Relationship Fulfillment

(28:42) Gift of Answered Prayer

(31:05) Understanding Love Languages for Better Relationships

(37:47) Unconditional, Meaningful Love in Relationships

Remember the first time you realized your spouse just didn't get you? That aha moment when you discovered love languages could have been the game-changer for your relationship. In our latest episode, we share the laughter and lessons we've learned from trying to involve our husbands in this journey of understanding and communication. Initially, our focus was on being understood, but this adventure has taught us the power of loving better by recognizing others' needs. Listen as we navigate through personal stories, filled with humorous attempts to engage our spouses and the valuable insights gained on setting realistic expectations in relationships.

Our conversation takes an intriguing turn as we additionally discuss the Enneagram, a tool that uncovers personality traits and enhances personal growth. It's fascinating how our personality types impact our relationships, especially marriage, and we share this using light-hearted cooking analogies that are sure to tickle your funny bone. From words of affirmation shifting to acts of service, the episode highlights how our love languages evolves with life's stages. We also emphasize the importance of not letting these tools box us in or excuse behavior, but rather using them as a way to deepen our connections.

In our final segment, we broach the profound intersection of love languages and biblical teachings. We share how our desire for affirmation is reframed through the lens of divine love and grace. We remind ourselves and our listeners that while love languages are a great guide, true fulfillment comes from our Heavenly Father. The conversation encourages an outward-focused approach to love, urging us to fill others' "love tanks" while acknowledging that only through God's love can we find complete satisfaction. Join us for a heartfelt discussion on embracing love languages with a selfless mindset, and walk away inspired to nurture more meaningful and spiritually guided relationships.

Love Languages book: https://a.co/d/0loqMNd

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Support the Unlikely Housewives! Represent with our UH Merch! bit.ly/unlikelymerch

Midwest Parent Educators: https://bit.ly/mpeuh25 If you are a first-time conference attendee, you qualify for their First-Time Family discount code. Even better - if you’re parents of preschoolers, you can get FREE conference admission by applying for the Parents of Preschoolers discount code. More details are on the webpage link.

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Hosted by Tori Shirah and Tracy Stine

Contact us ➡️ UnlikelyJoCo@gmail.com

We are thrilled to welcome back our special guest, Ken Valentine, a retired Secret Service agent and author of his 2nd book. Ken shares fascinating insights from his distinguished career on the presidential protective division, serving Presidents Clinton, Bush, and Obama. We highlight Ken's new book, “Staying Sharp,” which celebrates themes of faith, family, and service.

We reintroduce you to “Cheating Death” which was Ken’s first book about transforming his personal letters which blends life advice from a Christian perspective with stories from his 24-year career in the Secret Service. His most recent book, "Staying Sharp," is structured around support and challenge, drawing from leadership concepts that emphasize the balance of encouragement and truth-telling. We discuss the importance of finding people who can support and challenge you, particularly in spiritual contexts, as a way to ensure personal and professional growth.

Finally, we explore the dynamic nature of Jesus Christ, highlighting his embodiment of grace, mercy, justice, and righteous anger. We reflect on how engaging with scripture personally can enrich one's spiritual life, sharing practices like marking up a Bible and journaling. As we wrap up, we touch on the pressures faced by public figures like presidents and the importance of staying sharp and purposeful. We conclude with a call to action for Christians to engage more deeply in their faith and communities, urging believers to actively participate and make a difference in the world. Join us for this thought-provoking episode filled with inspiring stories and practical insights.

Order Ken’s books here:

Staying Sharp https://a.co/d/59BtIu6

Cheating Death https://a.co/d/8gP2W9B

(07:01) - Legacy of Life Advice

(17:36) - Lessons From the Bold Jesus

(24:12) - Going Deeper With Bible Reading

(31:09) - Privacy and Pressure of the Presidency

(45:04) - The Call to Action in Church

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Support the Unlikely Housewives! Represent with our UH Merch! bit.ly/unlikelymerch

Midwest Parent Educators: https://bit.ly/mpeuh25 If you are a first-time conference attendee, you qualify for their First-Time Family discount code. Even better - if you’re parents of preschoolers, you can get FREE conference admission by applying for the Parents of Preschoolers discount code. More details are on the webpage link.

Sunlighten Sauna Sponsor: https://get.sunlighten.com/unlikely Save up to $1700!

Join our community on Facebook and connect with us on Instagram!

Write an apple review and YOUR review could be read on our next episode!

Hosted by Tori Shirah and Tracy Stine

Contact us ➡️ UnlikelyJoCo@gmail.com

(00:04) - Uncovering our Spiritual Gifts

(11:36) - Identifying Spiritual Gifts Through Conversation

(36:11) - Discovering Spiritual Gifts Through Everyday Interactions

(42:42) - Guidance in Spiritual Gifts

(47:30) - Deepening Faith Through Challenging Conversations

(01:01:48) - Navigating Spiritual Gifts and Callings

Join us as we explore the often overlooked yet essential topic of spiritual gifts among believers. In our conversation, we share personal stories of discovering our own spiritual gifts, initially through church activities such as marriage retreats and Bible studies. We discuss the importance of approaching these gifts with a God-centered mindset, guided by scripture, prayer, and teachings like those of Jack Hibbs. Our discussion highlights how spiritual gifts are a value to the Christian faith, as emphasized in 1 Corinthians 12, and how they are meant to glorify God, not ourselves.

Listen in as we embark on a journey to identify and understand our spiritual gifts through both structured tests and everyday interactions. We explore the differences between natural talents and supernatural abilities, sharing insights from online tests and biblical teachings. Through personal anecdotes, we highlight how these gifts manifest in daily life, offering moments of connection, wisdom, and support that are often attributed to divine promptings.

We share stories of spontaneous moments where spiritual gifts have played a crucial role, whether through sensing others' needs or offering guidance and support. This episode encourages listeners to be open to challenge teachings, and engage in meaningful dialogues that can lead to spiritual growth. As we navigate the journey of recognizing and applying our gifts, we remind ourselves and our listeners that God equips those He calls, and even long-awaited promises can unfold in unexpected ways.

One Life to Live Sermon with Jack Hibbs (Feb. 16, 2025)

https://5lovelanguages.com/quizzes

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Support the Unlikely Housewives! Represent with our UH Merch! bit.ly/unlikelymerch

Midwest Parent Educators: https://bit.ly/mpeuh25 If you are a first-time conference attendee, you qualify for their First-Time Family discount code. Even better - if you’re parents of preschoolers, you can get FREE conference admission by applying for the Parents of Preschoolers discount code. More details are on the webpage link.

Sunlighten Sauna Sponsor: https://get.sunlighten.com/unlikely Save up to $1700!

Join our community on Facebook and connect with us on Instagram!

Write an apple review and YOUR review could be read on our next episode!

Hosted by Tori Shirah and Tracy Stine

Contact us ➡️ UnlikelyJoCo@gmail.com