When we experience deep sorrow, many of us long for heaven more than ever. The desire for a joy-filled eternity with God is a good one, wired in us by our Creator. But have you ever wondered what makes heaven such a source of hope for believers today? In this episode, Emily and Laura sit down with author and Bible teacher Courtney Doctor to look at what Scripture says about heaven. Throughout the Grief series, we’ve heard stories of suffering and pain, but the thread of hope woven throughout them all is the promise that one day God will wipe away every tear for those who are found in Christ (Rev. 21:4). As Christian moms, when we ponder what his Word has to say about heaven, we can better run our race here on earth. Never-ending joy truly awaits those in Christ.
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Find the free download (Risen Motherhood x Every Moment Holy: Liturgies for Grieving Moms), discussion questions, links, and related resources from our Grief series here.
Motherhood holds challenges, even with a loving husband and father by our side. So when the painful sting of death ends our marriage, how can we shepherd our children and find healing when grief is this deep? In this episode, Emily and Laura chat with author and widow, Lisa Appelo, on her experience raising seven children after the sudden death of her husband. The heartbreak of losing a father and husband is painfully real, but as we navigate the seas of grief, we can be reminded that God is always with us—in his presence, we can have hope in the darkest of places.
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Find the free download (Risen Motherhood x Every Moment Holy: Liturgies for Grieving Moms), discussion questions, links, and related resources from our Grief series here.
There’s no way to soften the tragedy of losing a child. As moms, we love, protect, and care for our children with fierce depth and intensity, but we don’t have ultimate control. When the unimaginable loss of a child occurs, how do we carry our grief as we walk forward in the life and family God has kept earthside? In this episode, Emily and Laura hear from author and Bible teacher Nancy Guthrie on what she learned in the process of losing two children after birth. While grief this deep may never truly leave us this side of heaven, we can look to the God who sacrificed his own Son for us and know that he meets, sustains, and restores, even in the immense sorrow of losing a beloved child.
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Find the free download (Risen Motherhood x Every Moment Holy: Liturgies for Grieving Moms), discussion questions, links, and related resources from our Grief series here.
When God allows adoption to be a part of our family’s story, there can be hopeful anticipation alongside waiting and sorrow. How can we hold the beauty and hardship of it with grace? In this episode, Emily and Laura chat with author and adoptive mom Jen Oshman on her own experience with adoption, and the tension that parents hold when bringing a child out of his or her birth family and into their own. Jen also shares a word of encouragement to adoptive moms, as well as what to consider before pursuing adoption. As we seek to love our children well in the midst of hard circumstances, we can trust that our God whose heart is for the fatherless (Ps. 68:5) supplies our every need.
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Find the free download (Risen Motherhood x Every Moment Holy: Liturgies for Grieving Moms), discussion questions, links, and related resources from our Grief series here.
Have you ever felt desperate to find something steady in the midst of grief? Someone you can turn to that can hear, see, and truly understand your pain? While our needs in seasons of grief are many and real, from getting proper sleep to eating well and spending time in community, there is only one place we can go that will never fail us or prove untrue: God’s Word. In this episode, Emily reads verses from Scripture that we hope meet and uplift you in sorrow. As you listen to the words of God’s people crying out to him for help, and God’s gracious response to them that he will save and redeem all that has been broken, we pray that these truths from Scripture will be a steady rock when all else feels like sinking sand. Whatever we may be struggling with today, God hears the cries of his beloved people.
Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.
This episode is brought to you by our generous donors. If you'd like to join them or learn more, click here.
Find the free download (Risen Motherhood x Every Moment Holy: Liturgies for Grieving Moms), discussion questions, links, and related resources from our Grief series here.
As moms, the grief of miscarriage is a deeply intimate one. After the joy of a positive pregnancy test, the loss of that life in the womb brings deep devastation. In this episode, Emily and Laura sit down with Abbey Wedgeworth, author of Held: 31 Biblical Reflections of God’s Comfort and Care in the Sorrow of Miscarriage, to learn about how miscarriage impacts women, the ways a mom can remember the life of her child, and how the gospel meets us in the sting of death and sorrow. Even when our darkest fears in motherhood come to life, we can trust that no questions, doubts, or pain are beyond the reach of God’s sovereignty and care for us—one day, he will wipe every tear from our eyes and death will be no more (Rev 21:4).
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Find the free download (Risen Motherhood x Every Moment Holy: Liturgies for Grieving Moms), discussion questions, links, and related resources from our Grief series here.
Motherhood has a way of revealing our limits, be it physical, mental, or emotional. When we find ourselves at the end of our abilities, it can be easy to wonder if God has equipped us with everything we need to be a good and faithful mom. In this episode, Emily and Laura sit down with Vaneetha Risner to discuss the topic of chronic pain in motherhood. Whether you suffer from chronic pain or disability, or simply find yourself wondering if you have what it takes to make it through another day of mothering, Vaneetha provides gospel encouragement and perspective for the mom who wonders if she’s ‘enough’ for her children. When we trust that our sufficiency is in Christ, our hearts are freed to steward the gift of motherhood faithfully with what God has given us today.
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Find the free download (Risen Motherhood x Every Moment Holy: Liturgies for Grieving Moms), discussion questions, links, and related resources from our Grief series here.
Have you ever wondered if your feelings are “normal” when navigating a hard season? Maybe we’re more easily irritated, shed tears more often, or even find ourselves apathetic or emotionless to what’s happening around us. In this episode, Emily and Laura chat with counselor and theologian Matthew LaPine on the science behind how our bodies process grief. Matt also shares a few trends to help a mom identify when it might be time to seek professional help. As we look at the ways God designed our bodies to respond and process in seasons of suffering, we can be reminded that he has knit us together in perfect design, and we can find refuge in our Maker even on the darkest of days.
*While this series is meant to be an encouragement to you in times of grief, we know that a podcast episode can’t speak to the specific details and struggles of your day-to-day life. If you’re walking through a season of deep grief, please reach out to a trusted friend, mentor, counselor, and/or medical professional that can speak into your specific circumstances. This series is not meant to give personal advice or be a substitute for professional help.
This episode is brought to you by our generous donors. If you'd like to join them or learn more, click here.
Find the free download (Risen Motherhood x Every Moment Holy: Liturgies for Grieving Moms), discussion questions, links, and related resources from our Grief series here.
Motherhood brings a flood of emotions and experiences. We know the laughter and the joy, the frustrations and the hardships, but what about when motherhood brings grief? Whether we’ve had to encounter death, trudge through the deep pain of a chronic disease or disability, or we’ve felt the sting of a circumstance gone wrong, life in a fallen world eventually brings tears and heartache. In this episode, Emily and Laura launch a new mini-series by exploring the origins of sorrow in Scripture, considering what we can learn from others’ stories, and providing three truths we can cling to as we navigate motherhood in the midst of sorrow. No matter what hurt we walk through in this life—and we know the pain can cut unimaginably deep—we have the hope of knowing that Christ has defeated death, and one day our suffering will be no more.
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Find the free download (Risen Motherhood x Every Moment Holy: Liturgies for Grieving Moms), discussion questions, links, and related resources from our Grief series here.
Screens are everywhere—from ordering groceries, responding to an email from school, managing our calendars, and more, it’s no surprise that our kids are interested in screens and technology. As faithful stewards of our children’s hearts and minds, what does it mean to navigate screen time, devices, content, and media engagement in today’s culture? In this episode, Emily and Laura revisit the topic of technology through the lens of discipling our children as they grow in curiosity and independence. While the Bible doesn’t directly address tablets and smartphones, we can trust that as we seek the Lord in wisdom, he will give us wisdom to disciple our children well in a digital age.
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Whether from sleepless nights, the loss of discretionary time, or the stress of managing family schedules, the demands of motherhood affect our physical appearance. As we look in the mirror each morning, how can we get ready for the day as stewards, considering how we can glorify God and adorn the gospel? In this live-recorded episode from The ONE Conference, Emily and Laura tackle the topic of aging—from anti-aging creams to coloring grays, expensive foundation to botox, the gospel really does give us the framework we need to shape our beauty regimen. As we shift our eyes away from the mirror and on to Christ, our lives can display the beauty of the gospel to those around us.
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Have you ever felt a little awkward when your child asks you about someone with a disability? As moms, we want our kids to show kindness and compassion toward everyone, but it can feel tough to know how to address a topic that we ourselves don’t feel fully equipped for. In this episode, Emily and Laura provide four foundational truths we can use to help our children understand disability and what it looks like on this side of heaven. Laura also shares more about her new children’s book, Like Me. Whether your children are typically-developing or disability is woven into your family, God has created every one of us in his image with purpose and beauty—by his grace, we are far more alike than we are different.
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From the moment we learn we’re going to be moms, the decision points begin to roll in quickly. Whether we’re unsure about pacifier styles and sleep training methods, or we’re researching the best time to get our kids a phone and leave them home alone, motherhood is made up of choices big and small. These decisions can leave us anxious and exhausted if we don’t know how to discern what is best in our own unique situation. In this episode, Emily and Laura revisit the topic of personal conscience—what it is, how it works, and how we honor other moms who make different decisions. Scripture may not directly address every topic we face in modern motherhood, but we can trust that as the Spirit works in us, our conscience will align more and more to God’s will for our lives as we pursue him.
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As moms, we feel the weight of preparing our kids for so many things in life, from the early years of potty training to applying for their first job. But as believers, we also feel the weight of something far greater: the call to train them up in godliness, reminding them that the Bible is true and God is worthy of our obedience. In this interview with Hillary Morgan Ferrer and Amy Davison of Mama Bear Apologetics, Emily and Laura discuss what it looks like to equip our children with a biblical worldview and good critical thinking skills as they engage secular culture. Let’s point our children to the God who is unchanging, real, and true, who can hold them through the storms and pressures of the world.
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Have you ever wanted to share the gospel with another mom, but held back out of fear? While some of us may have the God-given gift of evangelism (Eph. 4:11), all of us are called to make disciples—but what does this look like in the context of everyday mom life? In this episode, Emily and Laura discuss what it means to be a faithful presence in our communities, showing our neighbors what it looks like to hope in Christ. There are a lot of reasons it can feel scary or hard to share the good news of the gospel with those we know, but we can trust that as we pursue obedience in Christ, the Holy Spirit is working in us to bear fruit in our life and the lives of others.
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God calls all of us to train our children up in the ways of the Lord (Prov. 22:6), but when our kids become school-age, our options for helping them learn subjects like math and reading abound. Should we send our kids to public school, enroll them in private school, or homeschool? Is there only one right way for all Christian families? In this episode, Emily and Laura revisit the topic of school choice, encouraging moms to thoughtfully evaluate risks, be invested in their education, and outline practical steps we can take as we determine the right fit for our kids’ schooling. There are a lot of voices out there that push us one way or another, but the gospel gives us freedom to prayerfully pursue what is right for our individual children and families.
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Whether we make time to sweat-it-out everyday or getting off the couch feels overwhelmingly difficult right now, most moms have noticed that our capacity for physical fitness varies from season to season. We might exercise for our health or because we long to “get our body back” after baby, but what does Scripture say about our motivations and time investments? In this live-recorded episode from The Gospel Coalition Women’s Conference, Emily and Laura take a fresh look at what it means to pursue fitness in motherhood through the lens of the gospel. God created our bodies with purpose and intention, each to proclaim his glory—how might we honor his design in that today?
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Have you ever hoped your day would go according to plan? Maybe it’s simply getting a moment to unload the dishwasher without a sibling squabble, or finally having hours on the calendar to finish that work project. Maybe your whole motherhood journey hasn’t gone the way you dreamed or expected. In this episode, Emily and Laura walk through a few questions we can ask ourselves as we grapple with inevitable interruptions. As we remember that God is Lord over our days and we willingly receive his plans, we can also trust that what he gives us is ultimately for our good.
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When Dad has to work late (again) and the kids’ bedtimes are still hours away, is there a gracious response to give? Although long days might leave a wife stuck in cycles of comparison with other families and even anger, God hasn't left her without hope and help. No matter the income-producing work balance between mom and dad, it can feel challenging to navigate family life alongside work responsibilities. In this episode, Emily and Laura look at the ways we can honor our husbands through busy work seasons, inflexible schedules, travel, and missed expectations. When our hope is rooted in Christ, we can trust that even when our husband’s meeting runs long or he’s called into work on a Saturday morning, God is our sure foundation and our greatest help.
*This show is intended to address the typical strains of balancing work and parenting within the context of healthy Christian marriages. If you’re in a marriage that is experiencing these tensions within the context of unconfessed sin or neglect, we encourage you to reach out to a trusted mentor, pastor, or counselor for help.
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Surprise! We’re back with a bonus episode to help tackle the ‘how’ behind memorizing Scripture. We’ve spent some time exploring the ‘why,’ but we get that it can feel overwhelming to know where to begin. In this episode, Laura shares five practical tips for weaving Scripture memory into everyday rhythms. As you listen, we hope you feel equipped and excited to store up God’s Word in your heart (and bring your kids in on the fun!).
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Find discussion questions, links, and related resources from our Abide series here.
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School snacks, show-and-tell day, sports practices, meal prep, and more . . . with so many things to remember in motherhood, it makes sense why Scripture memory feels impossible. We wonder how we can make time for it, if it will really stick, or if we can save it for a day when life looks a little less chaotic. In this episode, Emily and Laura encourage us to consider the ways memorizing Scripture brings the life-giving hope we need in the busy seasons of motherhood. By hiding God’s Word in our hearts, we may be surprised at the ways it gives us joy, hope, and guidance the next time we face an unexpected sick day, run late for a meeting, or tackle our chore list.
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When doubt creeps in, it can feel suffocating: sometimes it’s in the middle of a mundane chore, other times it consumes our thoughts when we finally get a moment to ourselves. Is there hope when we doubt God? In this episode, Emily reads a collection of verses to meditate on as we navigate doubt in the throes of motherhood. As we reflect on the truths God reveals through his Word, we can cast our cares on him and trust his faithfulness. Because of Christ, we don’t have to hide our fears and questions—we pray these verses remind you that the Lord sustains and provides for his children in every season.
Note: We understand that spiritual doubts can arise from a wide variety of factors and causes. Please keep in mind that some instances of doubt may require professional counseling or pastoral care. If you find yourself in a situation that feels much larger than the topics we cover in this series, we encourage you to seek help from professionals who are trained to care for you best in this struggle.
Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), Copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
This episode is brought to you by our generous donors. If you'd like to join them or learn more, click here.
Find discussion questions, links, and related resources from our Abide series here.
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Whether we’re brand new moms or have decades of experience in motherhood, we’ve likely all come upon a moment or season when it’s hard to find true joy. When the calendar is filled to the brim with sports practices, our teen makes a cutting remark at the dinner table, another night’s sleep is interrupted, or motherhood just isn’t as picture-perfect as we always imagined, we need a well of joy that never runs dry. In this episode, Laura reads a collection of verses to meditate on as we seek true joy in motherhood. As these truths root deep into our hearts, we’ll see that looking to and thinking about the Lord, his work, and his promises can give us deep joy, even if we still experience grief and pain. We pray these verses bring an eternal hope as you look to him for joy in every season.
Note: We understand that the absence of joyful or hopeful feelings can have a wide variety of factors and causes. Please keep in mind that some instances of persistent sadness or depression may require professional counseling, pastoral care, or a medical doctor. If you find yourself in a situation that feels much larger than the topics we cover in this series, we encourage you to seek help from professionals who are trained to care for you best in this struggle.
Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), Copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
This episode is brought to you by our generous donors. If you'd like to join them or learn more, click here.
Find discussion questions, links, and related resources from our Abide series here.
Download The Abide Method for free here.
Disobedience, nagging, interruptions, sibling squabbles, an attitude of entitlement, or just toys carelessly left all over the floor—there are plenty of opportunities to feel anger in motherhood. And when anger rises up in us, it’s tough to respond slowly and gently. Fortunately, God’s Word gives us hope and help. In this episode, Emily reads a collection of verses to meditate on when we feel angry as moms. When we fill our minds and hearts with the truths of Scripture, we can remember these words when anger tempts us to sin or despair. Next time you’re doing dishes, driving to work, or making lunches, we pray these verses encourage and transform you. The God of all sees your frustrations—he knows you and loves you deeply.
Note: We understand that anger covers a wide spectrum of responses and feelings. Please keep in mind that some instances and experiences of anger may require professional counseling, pastoral care, or a medical doctor. If you find yourself in a situation that feels much larger than the topics we cover in this series, we encourage you to seek help from professionals who are trained to care for you best in this struggle.
Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), Copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
This episode is brought to you by our generous donors. If you'd like to join them or learn more, click here.
Find discussion questions, links, and related resources from our Abide series here.
Download The Abide Method for free here.
When we’re struggling with mom guilt, burnout, keeping up with housework, and more, where should we turn for help and hope? While fresh resources, support from others, creative hacks, and advice from other moms are helpful and important, one source of truth outlasts and supersedes all others: God’s Word. In this episode, Emily and Laura discuss the importance of God’s Word in the life of a mom, troubleshoot the most common barriers to studying it, and share the inspiration behind this Scripture-heavy series. As we study the story of God’s promises and faithfulness to his people throughout history, we can trust that he is faithful to work in our lives, too.
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Find discussion questions, links, and related resources from our Abide series here.
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