Podcast Show Notes:

Introduction:

• Host Hannah Keeley introduces the episode, highlighting the guest, Sarah Molitor, known for her Instagram account @ModernFarmhouseFamily.
• Sarah Molitor shares insights and strategies for building family unity and creating a harmonious home environment.

Key Points:

• Organic Growth of a Large Family:
• Sarah shares her journey of marrying her husband and gradually growing their family.
• They never intended to have a big family but found themselves embracing the joys and challenges that come with it.
• Both Sarah and her husband come from larger families, which influenced their perspective on family size.
• Navigating Parenthood:
• The conversation delves into the transition from a smaller to a larger family and the adjustments required.
• Sarah emphasizes the importance of establishing systems and routines early on to manage the dynamics of a growing family.
• Both hosts reflect on the need for flexibility and adaptation as children grow and family dynamics evolve.
• Embracing Change and Humility:
• Hannah and Sarah discuss the significance of being teachable and open to change, both in parenting and personal growth.
• Sarah shares her experience of incorporating new approaches to homeschooling and encouraging her children to embrace learning beyond grades.
• The conversation highlights the value of humility in parenting and seeking God's guidance in nurturing children's hearts and minds.
• Reading Scripture with Fresh Eyes:
• Sarah shares her recent practice of reading the Bible with a focus on understanding God's character in each passage.
• Both hosts emphasize the transformative power of Scripture and the importance of staying open to new insights and perspectives.
• Treasuring Moments with Family:
• Hannah shares a personal anecdote about her decision to prioritize time with her children despite financial challenges.
• The discussion centers on the significance of cherishing moments with family and avoiding regrets in prioritizing relationships over material pursuits.
• Navigating Tough Moments:
• Hannah shares a personal experience of reaching out to her husband during a challenging parenting moment, highlighting the need for support and teamwork in marriage.
• Sarah reflects on a similar experience where she called her mother during a difficult day, emphasizing the importance of seeking encouragement during tough times.
• Perspective Shift:
• Sarah discusses how a shift in perspective helped her overcome marital struggles and cultivate a more positive family atmosphere.
• She shares candidly about her past behavior of negativity towards her husband and how she realized the need for change.
• Choosing Words Wisely:
• Sarah talks about the power of words and how she consciously shifted towards speaking words of encouragement and honor, both to her husband and her children.
• Hannah adds her insights about the significance of choosing how we show up in difficult situations and the impact it has on family dynamics.
• Finding Grace in Parenthood:
• Both Sarah and Hannah discuss the grace of God in parenting and the importance of tapping into that grace during challenging moments.
• Sarah shares her journey of realizing that how she shows up as a mother is more important than simply checking off tasks on a to-do list.
• Transformative Faith Journey:
• Sarah shares her faith journey and how scripture, particularly a verse from Jeremiah 29, helped her gain perspective and make positive changes in her marriage and family life.
• She emphasizes the importance of prayer and seeking God's guidance in transforming family dynamics.
• Conclusion:
• • Host Hannah expresses gratitude to Sarah for her openness and insights shared during the episode.
• • Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own marriage and family dynamics, seeking inspiration from Sarah's journey towards positive change and transformation.
• • Get your copy of Sarah Molitor's book: Well Said here: https://amzn.to/3wdRW7z
• • Visit Sarah Molitor's Instagram account: @ModernFarmHouseFamily