Whenever we ask the R|M community for questions, they range from lighthearted and practical to thought-provoking and theological, which makes the AUA show something special. In this one-hour episode, Emily and Laura answer listeners’ questions from how they handle the work of the ministry and how they manage their personal screen time, to how they’ve changed as mothers and how they intentionally connect with their husbands. We hope as you listen, you’ll see how the gospel applies to everything and how we have freedom in Christ to serve our families in unique ways.
Questions (Time-Stamped):
[1:51] What podcasts do you listen to?
[4:28] How do you potty train little boys?
[6:39] Do you guys hang out a lot outside of podcast/book stuff?
[8:37] Do you consider yourselves stay-at-home moms?
[11:17] How do you do the ministry of R|M and motherhood?
[18:20] What advice would you give to those wanting to grow in their writing?
[22:34] Do you ever struggle with comparing yourselves to each other? How do you deal with this?
[29:14] Do you have limits or personal policies that you use to limit or guard yourself from too much social media intake?
[31:56] How are you a different mom now than in the first year or two of mothering?
[37:23] How do you practically handle being real about your emotions with your kids (anger, sadness, crying) while still giving them the stability they need from their mom?
[44:41] What are some of your go-to questions to ask your husband to help connect?
[45:36] What are some of your most common prayers throughout any given day?
[46:45] Are there rules for prayer?
[49:47] Do you have any friends whom you disagree with theologically? How do you navigate this?
Nonprofit Ally (Mentioned by Laura)
Help Me Teach the Bible: Covenant Theology vs. Dispensationalism (Mentioned by Emily)
Masterpiece Podcast (Mentioned by Emily)
Ep. 6, The enCourage Podcast: Body Image (Mentioned by Emily)
Conscience: What It Is, How to Train It, and Loving Those Who Differ, Naselli & Crowley
Quote by Milton Vincent: “You already know the worst thing about me, I nailed Christ to the cross.” (As read in this post.)
Marriage questions:
How can I love you better this week?
How can I love you in intimacy this week?
What’s coming in the week ahead?
What’s one way I can serve you this week?
Related R|M resources:
Risen Motherhood: Gospel Hope for Everyday Moments (the book!)
Ep. 18, Freedom to Be the Mother God Created You to Be: Why Comparison Doesn’t Work
Ep. 35, Putting Your Marriage First: Giving Him More Than the Leftovers
Ep. 40, To-Do Lists & How-Tos: Finding Practical Help in Motherhood
Ep. 61, Prayer & Motherhood: An Interview with Valerie Woerner
Ep. 123, Motherhood is Ministry: How to See and Serve Your Kids
“Cultivating a Healthy Marriage as New Parents” Quina Aragon
“What Does It Mean for a Mom to Have Freedom in Christ?” Nana Dolce
“Mommas, We Speak From the Overflow of Our Hearts” Katie Blackburn
“Remedies for the Mom Who Keeps Blowing It” Amy DiMarcangelo
“What God Wants for You to Pray for Your Kids” Melissa Kruger
Writing Resources:
All moms are ministers of the gospel of Christ. Some may serve in official capacities like in a church or nonprofit, but all serve in their homes and local communities. How is motherhood a ministry? How does God instruct believers to serve others out of their love for Christ? How do you share the gospel in your words and actions in everyday life?
By God’s grace, we’re able to grow in our ability to mother. We may learn a new trick like prepping lunch before heading out to church or learn a spiritual discipline like being patient amidst the demands for snacks every afternoon. How have you grown as a mother? How are those examples—practical or spiritual—signposts of God’s faithfulness to you?
There’s a form of godly comparison that encourages you towards godliness and thankfulness. What would this look like? Can you think of a friend whose love of God and others causes you to praise God and press into the work before you? Consider sharing with your friend how her joy in the Lord shines for others.
Connecting with your husband in the little years can take a little creativity and a lot of intentionality. (That’s probably why every AUA has a question about marriage!) What makes your husband feel known, respected, and cared for? How can you build some of those things into your weekly rhythm?
God’s word offers what we need for godly living and encouragement. Podcasts, articles, and books are extra gifts but not the source of wisdom. Are you searching the scriptures for wisdom or looking around for second-hand information? How can you become a better student of God’s word?
To subscribe: on iOS, go to our iTunes page and subscribe. On Android, click this podcast RSS feed link and select your podcast app. You may need to copy the link into your favorite podcast app (like Overcast or Stitcher).
Leave an iTunes review. These are huge for us! The more reviews, the greater chance another mother will find us.
Like Risen Motherhood on Facebook and follow on Instagram and Twitter for the latest updates and related information.
Let us know your thoughts! We'd love to hear more about the conversations you're having. Shoot us an email, or find us on social media.
Tell others. We truly hope this podcast fosters conversations and deeper discussions between mothers to seek the gospel in their daily activities - we'd be honored if you shared and encouraged others to listen in.
*Affiliate links used where appropriate. Thanks for supporting this ministry!
“Mommy, what happens when someone dies?” When our kids ask us about death, answering can feel intimidating and even sad. How much should we share? What can they understand? Will we scare them? In this episode, Emily and Laura interview Tim Challies about how to talk to our kids about death. Tim is a husband, father of teenagers, pastor, and writer who encourages us to bring the conversation about death back to our children’s hearts and the hope they have in Jesus. We don’t need to worry so much about what to say to our kids. God gave us what we need in his word to teach our kids the victory of the gospel in the face of death.
Devoted: Godly Men and Their Godly Moms, Tim Challies
Related R|M resources:
Around the web:
“5 Ways to Talk to Your Children About Death” - Jeff Robinson
“How Being Honest About Death Brings Hope” - Matthew McCullough
“How to Explain the Gospel to Children” - John MacArthur
“#blessed” - Trillia Newbell
Goodbye to Goodbyes, - Lauren Chandler
Holding Onto Hope, - Nancy Guthrie
“Do Pets Go to Heaven?” - Ask Pastor John
Our kids will ask big theological questions. How do you feel when one is lobbed your way? Have your kids asked about death? After listening to the interview, how would you describe a theology of death to your kids?
Any conversation around death will eventually end with God’s judgment or grace, which makes it a launchpad for talking about your child’s heart. How can you explain the need for Jesus? What specific examples in your child’s life can you use to show their need for a Savior?
When children press to know if pets (or neighbors or friends) will be in heaven, it’s often because they equate “forever happiness” with being with the things and people they love. What are some specific people, pets, or things your child may expect to be in heaven? How can you point them to the true joy that will be waiting for believers in heaven? What examples can you give them to make them most excited to be with Christ?
We all feel pressure to have perfect theological answers, because we fear misleading our children or misrepresenting God. But it rests on God to change our children’s hearts. How can we be faithful in sharing scripture’s truths with our children without fear of “messing up”?
There are hundreds of resources for how to teach your children, which is a gift from God. But the even greater gift is the gift of his own words in the Bible to train us in godliness and biblical knowledge. We have what we need for gospel-centered motherhood through his word and his Church. How can you invest more time in Bible study? Is there an older woman in your church you could reach out to for counsel?
To subscribe: on iOS, go to our iTunes page and subscribe. On Android, click this podcast RSS feed link and select your podcast app. You may need to copy the link into your favorite podcast app (like Overcast or Stitcher).
Leave an iTunes review. These are huge for us! The more reviews, the greater chance another mother will find us.
Like Risen Motherhood on Facebook and follow on Instagram and Twitter for the latest updates and related information.
Let us know your thoughts! We'd love to hear more about the conversations you're having. Shoot us an email, or find us on social media.
Tell others. We truly hope this podcast fosters conversations and deeper discussions between mothers to seek the gospel in their daily activities - we'd be honored if you shared and encouraged others to listen in.
*Affiliate links used where appropriate. Thanks for supporting this ministry!
It’s vacation time! We can see ourselves sleeping in, sipping hot coffee, and diving into a good book. But it’s more likely someone will get sick, the traffic will be terrible, and the diaper bag will be left at the house. In this episode, Emily and Laura offer a “Mom Heart Check” to help find the root of difficulty in family trips. When we travel, it’s not about being served but about serving others. We can prep our hearts before, during, and after a trip by rethinking our expectations and remembering the servant love of Christ.
Mentioned on the show:
R|M-related:
Ep. 19, A Bad Moment Doesn't Have To Make A Bad Day: Redeem Your Day
Ep. 21, Idols of a Mom’s Heart
Ep. 47, Facing the Cold and Flu Season with Grace
Ep. 49, When Momma Gets Mad, Part 1: What's Under the Surface?
Ep. 123, Motherhood is Ministry: How to See and Serve Your Kids
“See Needs and Meet Them” Laura Wifler
“The Kingdom of Mom” Maggie Combs
“A Mother’s Hope” Christina Fox
“A God Who Serves Mothers” Amanda Criss
Around the web:
“Your Child is Your Neighbor” Jen Wilkin
“Summer Vacation and the Gospel” The Gospel-Centered Woman
“Summer Vacation is No Sabbath” Kathryn Butler
“You Are Responsible for Your Own Actions” Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth
R|M Apply:
Consider your heart motivations when planning and prepping for a trip. How do you view vacations for your family? A chance to get away? The highlight of the year? A time for you to clock out?
No matter how well we plan, we’ll be met with interruptions, surprises, and challenges when we travel. What difficulties have you experienced on trips? Were your responses honoring to God and your family? If not, what would have been a godly response in that situation?
When things are difficult we often blame everyone around us. While it may not be anyone’s fault, our responses reveal our trust in things other than God. Do you believe God is in control of your trip? How does this truth stop blame-shifting and enable us to extend grace in all things?
After kids, “vacation” doesn’t mean the same thing it once did. There are needs to meet for our families no matter where we are, so we need a right understanding of service. How does God serve you as you serve your family—even on vacation? Are you ever without his help or grace?
It helps to set your mind and heart on the right things before a trip begins. Consider the sin issues that pop up when you travel. Think of past examples of common challenges that may happen again. How can you respond kindly and graciously? How can you help your kids understand how to love God and others while traveling? How can you communicate the gospel to your family before, during, and after vacation?
To subscribe: on iOS, go to our iTunes page and subscribe. On Android, click this podcast RSS feed link and select your podcast app. You may need to copy the link into your favorite podcast app (like Overcast or Stitcher).
Leave an iTunes review. These are huge for us! The more reviews, the greater chance another mother will find us.
Like Risen Motherhood on Facebook and follow on Instagram and Twitter for the latest updates and related information.
Let us know your thoughts! We'd love to hear more about the conversations you're having. Shoot us an email, or find us on social media.
Tell others. We truly hope this podcast fosters conversations and deeper discussions between mothers to seek the gospel in their daily activities - we'd be honored if you shared and encouraged others to listen in.
*Affiliate links used where appropriate. Thanks for supporting this ministry!
Changing dirty diapers. Providing nourishing meals. Having conversations about patience and self-control. It doesn’t look like an official outreach or job position, but ministering to our kiddos is one way we serve God. In this episode, Emily and Laura share how moms can see and serve their kids. Our individual circumstances are different, but we can all look to Jesus as our perfect example for ministry in everyday life. He worked, traveled, taught, and ate with his disciples to show them what it looks like to obey and love God in all things. Mamas, let’s live a life of ministry too.
Related R|M resources:
Faithful Motherhood Series
Ep. 107, Grace in Discipline: An Interview on Faithful Motherhood with Elyse Fitzpatrick
Ep. 113, Trusting God with Our Children: An Interview on Faithful Motherhood with Nancy Guthrie
Ep. 116, Leaning into Grace: An Interview on Faithful Motherhood with Debbie Martens
Discipleship and Teaching “Gospel Thinking”
Ep. 76, Sally Clarkson: Nourishing & Training Up Your Children at the Table
Ep. 82, Using Stories to Pass Along the Gospel to Your Children
Ep. 89, Trillia Newbell: Helping Our Kids Celebrate God’s Beautifully Diverse Design
Ep. 111, Seasons and Rhythms: Incorporating Gospel Reminders Into Your Year
“What Should I Teach My Children About the Bible?” Emily Jensen
“Gospel Thinking: How Do We Decide Our Family Traditions?” Eric Schumacher
“Passing Along Our Heritage: Teaching the Gospel in All of Life,” Autumn Kern
Encouragement in the Ministry of Motherhood
Ep. 19, A Bad Moment Doesn’t Have to Make a Bad Day: Redeem Your Day
Ep. 40, To-Do Lists & How-Tos: Finding Practical Help in Motherhood
Ep. 61, Prayer & Motherhood: An Interview with Valerie Woerner
Ep. 66, Hannah Anderson: How Humility Nourishes a Weary Mom’s Soul
Ep. 73, Ruth Chou Simons: Faithfulness & Work in the Season of Young Children
Ep. 110, Creativity and Motherhood: An Interview with Quina Aragon
“Gospel Hope When You Feel Like You’re Not Enough,” Christina Kposowa
Intentional Motherhood
Ep. 46, Intentional Motherhood: Communicating Your Family’s Mission
“Where Are We Going? Leading Your Family with a Gospel-Centered Vision,” Shelly Wildman
“Five Ways My Mom Invested the Gospel in Me,” Jaquelle Crowe
Bible Literacy
Ep. 15, When Quiet Times Aren’t Quiet: How Moms Make Time to Study God’s Word
Ep. 63, Jen Wilkin: Growing in God’s Word as a Mom of Little Ones
Ep. 79, She Reads Truth: God’s Word Everyday, In Every Season
Husbands as Ministry Partners
Ep. 28, On the Same Team: Getting on the Same Page as Parents
Ep. 90, Unified with Your Husband: Different Styles, Same Mission
Around the Internet:
Now that we see our work in motherhood as a ministry to our children, let’s talk about how to see and serve them well. You’ll find there are a million ways to do this with a scroll on social media, a simple Google search, or even a look at the R|M website. But ministry isn’t a thing of guilt, it’s a thing of grace. God graciously invites us into his work to spread his gospel and make disciples, even in our homes. Our ministry will look different than the mom next to us, but our goal is the same: to raise children up in the ways of the Lord.
When you hear the word “ministry,” what comes to mind? Who ministers? What does ministry look like? Ministry simply means serving God by serving others in our spheres of influence—which for a mom includes her family. How would you describe your ministry in motherhood?
The first thing we need to do ministry is a relationship with God. This is how we’re equipped to serve our kiddos and how we learn to obey God. How do you grow in your relationship with God? How do you grow in godliness and gospel thinking?
We have hundreds of moments in a day in motherhood to decide to submit in obedience to God or to chase our own selfish desires. Can you think of an example of a moment like this in your home? What would it look to serve God in that moment?
We minister in two main ways: in the physical and in the spiritual. What are some practical needs you meet for your children? How does that work communicate the gospel to them? What are some specific hearts needs in your children right now? How can you communicate the gospel to them for those issues?
Resources are everywhere, which is a wonderful thing. But it can also leave us feeling overwhelmed by the options or guilty for not doing all of them. How does the gospel free us from “mom guilt” and allow us to use resources with joy?
To subscribe: on iOS, go to our iTunes page and subscribe. On Android, click this podcast RSS feed link and select your podcast app. You may need to copy the link into your favorite podcast app (like Overcast or Stitcher).
Leave an iTunes review. These are huge for us! The more reviews, the greater chance another mother will find us.
Like Risen Motherhood on Facebook and follow on Instagram and Twitter for the latest updates and related information.
Let us know your thoughts! We'd love to hear more about the conversations you're having. Shoot us an email, or find us on social media.
Tell others. We truly hope this podcast fosters conversations and deeper discussions between mothers to seek the gospel in their daily activities - we'd be honored if you shared and encouraged others to listen in.
*Affiliate links used where appropriate. Thanks for supporting this ministry!