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Have you ever had a season of life that looked nothing like you planned? That's exactly what happened during my summer break from the podcast. What I expected to be a peaceful time of preparation transformed into a rollercoaster of unexpected challenges, profound grief, beautiful celebrations, and deep life lessons.

When God nudged me to take a summer podcast break, I struggled with the decision. I'd committed to showing up consistently every Thursday with content to help families cultivate strong homes. But as Proverbs 16:9 reminds us, "We make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps." Those words became my summer anthem as I navigated a season unlike any other in my 23 years of parenting. For the first time, my children weren't all together for the summer. This shift forced me to confront an uncomfortable truth that home isn't necessarily about a physical location—it's about where your people are.

The concept of cultivating strong families took on new meaning as I researched what cultivation truly entails. The agricultural process of prepare, till, plant, and tend perfectly mirrors what happens in our family relationships. This summer felt like a season of intense tilling—that uncomfortable but necessary breaking up of hard soil to prepare for new growth. Sometimes the most significant growth happens during the most challenging seasons. The tilling stage isn't comfortable—it's messy, disruptive, and often painful. But without it, the soil remains too hard to nurture new life.

As we return to our regular podcast schedule, I'm excited to bring you meaningful conversations that help us all navigate the beautiful, messy process of family life together. Starting next week, we'll feature an amazing interview that came together unexpectedly, demonstrating God's provision even when we feel unprepared. Whether you're in a season of preparation, tilling, planting, or tending in your family life, I hope you'll join our community of parents committed to cultivating hearts that truly beat for home.

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Summer beckons – that magical time when routines relax and possibilities unfold like wildflowers. But how do we make these precious months truly matter?

Instead of approaching summer with the typical achievement-oriented mindset that dominates the rest of our year, what if we shifted our focus to growth? Not the kind measured in completed checklists or Pinterest-worthy activities, but genuine expansion in relationships, rest, adventure, and joy.

That's exactly what I'm exploring in this final episode before our summer podcast pause. I'm sharing my own summer intentions, challenging the anxiety-producing "18 summers" mantra that haunts parents, and offering practical ways to cultivate meaningful moments without the pressure of perfection.

For those who thrive on structure, I've included practical frameworks like themed days and helpful resources in the show notes. For free spirits, there's permission to embrace spontaneity and the simple art of saying "yes" more often when our children invite us into their worlds.

From yard games that create hilarious family memories to intentional digital detoxing that allows us to be truly present, this episode is filled with attainable ways to make this summer one of connection rather than accomplishment.

When September arrives and we return with fresh episodes, I hope you'll have spent these months growing, resting, adventuring, and savoring the relationships that matter most. Because ultimately, that's what makes a summer that truly matters. Join me in embracing this pause, friends – I'll be waiting with new conversations, insights, and interviews when we return.

Printable Resources: 

Printable Summer Bucketlist:

https://sunriseelementarycounseling.weebly.com/blog/summer-bucket-list4977644

Printable Summer Goals:

https://writtenreality.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/free-summer-activities-chart-goals.pdf

https://drive.google.com/file/d/17yNYnbDAFhRE5x_nHO8wG1u8LP9zY9jD/view

Printable Weekly Summary:

https://www.unoriginalmom.com/free-printable-weekly-summer-activity-plan/

Printable Five Goals:

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/71916925287715966

Resources For A Great Summer:

https://www.thebettermom.com/summer-with-kids

Book Resources:

A Million Tiny Moments: Refections to Refresh a Mom's Spirit:

https://amzn.to/43cByT6

Homegrown Disciples: Parenting Rythmnsfor Drawing Your Kids Into Life With God:

https://amzn.to/44J4FOX

From Grouchy to Great - Finding Joy in the Journey of Motherhood

https://amzn.to/45myYLw

Pressing Pause- 100 Quiet Moments for Moms to Meet with God:

https://amzn.to/4jjWkot

Risen Motherhood - Gospel Hope for Everyday:

https://amzn.to/3H39ngB

https://amzn.to/3SOgNXy (beautiful deluxe edition)

Gospel Moms - How to Make Biblical Decisions and Discover the Mom Go God Created You to Be:

https://amzn.to/4dqnSqO 

Habits of the Household:

https://amzn.to/438lFNh

The Flourishing Family: A Jesus-Centered Guide to Parenting with Peace and Purpose:

https://amzn.to/3GZkpDI

Fun Yard Games:

Kubb:

https://amzn.to/3SJSXwa

Crossnet:

https://amzn.to/3SJSXwa

SpikeBall:

https://amzn.to/4dCfm8s

Yard Dice:

https://amzn.to/3GZmFea

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Lamoris and Megan Crawford return for a candid, humorous, and deeply insightful conversation about keeping the spark alive in marriage through busy seasons, kids, and ministry demands.

The Crawfords don't hold back as they share their family hierarchy—God first, spouse second, kids third, then ministry—and how this ordering has sustained their relationship for almost two decades. "We found that as kids exit the homes, the spouses didn't stay connected," Lamoris explains, highlighting why prioritizing your marriage isn't selfish but essential.

Things get particularly interesting (and yes, a bit spicy!) when they discuss their innovative "package system" for communicating intimate expectations. Their honest approach to the different ways men and women experience connection creates both laugh-out-loud moments and profound realizations about meeting each other's needs.

For couples struggling or feeling their marriage hanging by a thread, the Crawfords offer transformative wisdom about agape love. "Most of us don't understand the kind of love that God loves us with," Megan shares, challenging listeners to exhaust themselves in loving their spouse before considering other options.

Whether you're newly married or decades in, this conversation delivers practical tools, spiritual insights, and the permission to laugh at the beautiful mess that is marriage. You'll walk away with strategies for communication, intimacy, and remembering why you fell in love in the first place. Their journey from Cincinnati to their new role as chaplains for the Carolina Panthers shows how a marriage centered on covenant can impact not just a family but entire communities.

Connect with the Crawford’s:

https://www.covenantcultureministries.com/

https://www.instagram.com/covenantculturepodcast?igsh=bHZ1eGpmOG1wZzhj

JOIN ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA:
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From the projects of Chicago to the cornfields of rural America, Lamoris and Megan Crawford's love story defies cultural expectations while illuminating the transformative power of covenant marriage. Their journey began at Olivet Nazarene University where two worlds collided – his marked by inner-city hardship and her steeped in traditional religious values that initially rejected their relationship.

What makes their story extraordinary isn't just their diverse backgrounds, but their unwavering commitment to honor God's process. For three and a half years, Lamoris faithfully called Megan's father asking permission to date his daughter, receiving "no" after "no" until a divinely orchestrated breakthrough. The moment Megan's father tearfully asked forgiveness for his racism and acknowledged Lamoris's Christlike character became the foundation for not just their relationship, but a generational healing that continues today.

The Crawfords now lead Covenant Culture, a marriage ministry born from their experiences as NFL chaplains with the Cincinnati Bengals. They challenge the prevailing contract mentality of modern relationships with a profound truth: "You die to get in and you die to get out." Their teaching that "God created marriage to make us holy, not happy" reframes the entire purpose of matrimony, revealing how true happiness emerges from obedience rather than self-fulfillment.

Drawing on their powerful personal testimony and ministry experience, the Crawfords identify pride as the root of most marital struggles – whether manifesting as superiority or self-pity. Their story demonstrates how patient obedience to God's process can transform not just a relationship, but entire family legacies, breaking cycles of racism and establishing new foundations of faith.

Don't miss part two next week where we'll explore more marriage wisdom and some lighter moments as the Crawfords answer some spicy questions! If their story has touched you, please share this episode with someone who might benefit from hearing about the power of covenant marriage.

Connect with the Crawford’s:

https://www.covenantcultureministries.com/

https://www.instagram.com/covenantculturepodcast?igsh=bHZ1eGpmOG1wZzhj

JOIN ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA:
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The invisible weight of mental load is crushing marriages silently - creating resentment where there once was partnership. Continuing with a candid exploration of household management,I delve deeper into why the mental burden of maintaining a home can fall unevenly and how couples can recalibrate their approach through genuine connection.

Drawing from Dr. Morgan Cutlip's groundbreaking book "A Better Share," I shares six practical strategies couples can implement to better distribute the mental workload, including the powerful practice of "overdosing on appreciation". T

The episode introduces John Gottman's ATTUNE framework as an essential tool for productive conversations around mental load: Attend with undivided attention, Turn Toward each other physically, Understand through questions rather than fixing, practice Non-defensive listening, and Empathize genuinely. This structured approach creates space for vulnerable discussions without defensiveness.

We will explore how mental load distribution shapes children's future relationship templates. By establishing zone responsibilities, encouraging initiative-taking, and modeling healthy partnership, parents set their children up for balanced relationships. With the profound questions - "Would I want my children to marry someone who behaves as I do?" and "What skills do we want to instill in our children for healthy relationships?" - we can be challenged to examine how our current patterns influence generational outcomes.

Ready to transform your home from a one-person show to a true partnership? Listen now to discover practical strategies that honor both partners' needs while creating a family culture where everyone contributes meaningfully to your shared life.

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Have you ever found yourself wondering how you spent an entire day feeling completely exhausted yet somehow accomplished "nothing"? The mental load you're carrying might be the answer, and you're not alone in feeling its weight.

In this candid exploration of mental load, I dive into Dr. Morgan Cutlip's illuminating book "A Better Share" and unpack the hidden burden that many of us—especially mothers—carry silently every day. This isn't just about completing tasks; it's about the constant cognitive, physical, and emotional labor that goes into managing a household and caring for everyone within it.

What exactly makes mental load so exhausting? It's the "triple threat" combination of cognitive tasks (the endless to-do lists), physical responsibilities (housework and errands), and emotional labor (managing everyone's feelings and needs) that creates an overwhelming burden. Research shows women typically shoulder all three simultaneously, while men primarily carry cognitive load concentrated in their work environment.

The most revealing insight might be understanding what each partner truly needs. Women generally desire to be Pursued, Appreciated, and have a Reliable partner (PAR), while men typically seek Peace, Affection, and Respect (PAR). When mental load isn't shared effectively, both partners end up with unmet needs, creating cycles of resentment and disconnection.

This conversation isn't about assigning blame—it's about recognizing a scientifically documented imbalance affecting countless relationships. By understanding mental load and learning to communicate about it honestly, we can create partnerships where both people feel seen, valued, and properly supported. Join me next week for practical strategies on managing mental load as a team and involving children appropriately in household responsibilities.

A Better Share by Dr. Morgan Cutlip:

https://amzn.to/4itJm6Y

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Watching your child walk across the college graduation stage is a moment filled with contradictory emotions – fierce pride alongside the bittersweet realization that a significant chapter is closing. After navigating four transformative years of college parenting, I'm pulling back the curtain on what this journey really feels like from a mother's perspective.

Remember that gut-wrenching college drop-off day? I describe it as "excruciatingly beautiful" – perhaps the hardest yet most necessary parenting moment I've experienced. Walking away from your child when every instinct tells you to stay is an act of profound love and faith in their ability to thrive independently. Those first days of adjustment at home without them test every emotional muscle you have.

The unexpected gifts of this separation surprised me at every turn. Madison transformed from a somewhat timid high schooler into a confident leader who now comfortably steps into roles that once intimidated her. Sibling dynamics evolved in beautiful ways, with relationships deepening rather than weakening. Sometimes, distance creates the perspective needed to truly appreciate what we have.

Now, we're approaching an unexpected bonus chapter – Madison's coming home for a year before physician assistant school, giving our family of five one more season together. The dynamics have shifted; we're essentially five adults sharing space, with my role pivoting from daily manager to coach and mentor. We're adapting our rituals, planning early morning workouts and breakfasts instead of dinners to accommodate everyone's busy schedules.

For parents walking this path now or soon, I share three practical approaches that preserved our connection: let your child lead the communication schedule without guilt or pressure, send spontaneous encouraging texts when they cross your mind, and learn to listen more than you advise, remembering that they're processing life through younger eyes. The greatest gift might be giving them space to stumble occasionally while keeping your heart wide open for whenever they need to land.

Have a friend sending a child to college soon? Share this episode – because knowing others understand this emotional rollercoaster makes the journey a little easier for everyone.

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We would love to hear from you! Text us any feedback.

What if the atmosphere in your home isn't determined by circumstances, but by something deeper you can actually control? In this intimate conversation, we explore the powerful distinction between happiness (that fleeting emotion dependent on everything going right) and joy (the intentional choice that transcends situations). 

The truth is, as mothers and wives, we often hold the emotional thermostat for our homes. When we operate from depletion, overwhelm, and frustration, that energy permeates everything around us. But what would change if we became what Proverbs calls "good medicine" for our families instead?

Through vulnerable personal stories and practical wisdom, we unpack five transformative practices that cultivate genuine joy: shifting from achievement to fulfillment, creating intentional connection moments, eliminating excessive multitasking, practicing strategic self-care, and nurturing gratitude. These aren't just nice ideas—they're concrete shifts that can revolutionize your family dynamics.

One particularly powerful insight addresses our tendency toward "superhero syndrome"—the compulsion to do everything at once, proving our worth through productivity. This mindset not only drains our joy but communicates to our loved ones that they're just another item on our checklist rather than hearts worthy of our full attention.

Whether you're in the thick of raising small children, navigating the teenage years, or anywhere along the parenting journey, these principles offer a pathway to becoming the presence your family needs. Because ultimately, the environment we create doesn't happen by accident—it happens by choice, one small decision at a time.

Ready to transform your home atmosphere? Let's discover together how to make joy our default setting rather than our occasional visitor.

JOIN ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA:
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We would love to hear from you! Text us any feedback.

Have you ever felt completely overwhelmed despite everything in your life looking "fine" on paper? This raw, unscripted episode emerged from my own struggles. 

Sitting in my bedroom with a makeshift recording setup, no makeup, and desperately needing a shower, I share honestly about my current season of diminished capacity. Menopause symptoms have left me crying unexpectedly, feeling overwhelmed by normal responsibilities, and questioning my ability to keep all the balls in the air. The irony? Much of what's overwhelming me consists of beautiful things—my children growing independent and pursuing their dreams, exactly as I've raised them to do.

I explore how my default response to overwhelm is overconsumption—frantically seeking answers through endless podcasts, books, and expert advice. But this behavior only amplifies the noise instead of bringing peace. Drawing from a book about digital detoxing, I reflect on how we've become a culture that immediately turns to Google instead of sitting with our questions or seeking wisdom through prayer and stillness.

The heart of this episode centers on the profound difference between happiness (which depends on circumstances) and joy (which transcends them). When we feel ourselves losing stability, it's often because we've allowed our joy to become dependent on external validation, perfect performance, or maintaining control. True joy—the kind the Bible refers to when it says "the joy of the Lord is my strength"—remains steady even when life feels chaotic.

To the mothers feeling overwhelmed today: You are not alone. The work you do matters profoundly, even on days when you feel you're failing. We're all imperfect humans raising imperfect humans, but we do so under the guidance of a perfect parent who offers endless grace.

Take a moment today to quiet the noise, open your Bible, and remember that what you're doing matters—even when you can barely keep your head above water.

Reconnected: How 7 Screen-Free Weeks with Monks and Amish Farmers Helped Me Recover the Lost Art of Being Human by Carlos Whitaker:

https://amzn.to/4lebDkP

Story Behind the Hymn - It Is Well With My Soul:

https://www.staugustine.com/story/lifestyle/faith/2014/10/17/story-behind-song-it-well-my-soul/985525007/

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Alex Woldhuis never expected to be sitting in a hospital room while doctors told her that her three-year-old son Nick had leukemia. What began as puzzling symptoms—persistent low-grade fevers, unusual fatigue, and mysterious spots under his skin—rapidly escalated into a diagnosis that would transform their family's life. With remarkable candor, Alex shares the raw emotional journey from those first alarming signs through the chaotic first days of treatment, when within hours they faced blood transfusions and learned their little boy would need surgery and chemotherapy the very next day.

Behind every medical crisis lies a deeply human story, and Alex's narrative reveals both the crushing weight of childhood cancer and the surprising strength parents discover within themselves. What makes her perspective truly unique is her deliberate choice to reject fear-based living despite the diagnosis. Against conventional advice, she allowed Nick to continue swimming, attending events, and experiencing childhood joys whenever he felt well enough—decisions that helped preserve his emotional wellbeing alongside his medical treatment. The practical wisdom she offers about advocating for your child within medical systems provides invaluable guidance for any parent navigating a health challenge.

Perhaps most powerful is Alex's spiritual journey through this ongoing trial. Having previously endured significant personal losses, including the death of her sister at a young age, Alex approached Nick's diagnosis with an unexpected peace and profound faith perspective. "I know you're not wasting my pain," she prayed, believing purpose would emerge even from suffering. This faith has transformed her parenting approach with all three children, incorporating daily gratitude practices and intentional conversations about God's presence even in hospital rooms. For anyone walking through darkness—whether a medical crisis or any profound challenge—Alex's story offers a compelling testament to how community support, parental advocacy, and unwavering faith can create moments of beauty even in life's most difficult seasons.

Book:

https://amzn.to/3DYHR2D

Suggested Follows for Information:

https://www.instagram.com/dagmarabeine?igsh=eGFjeHFlcHY3MGNj

https://www.instagram.com/draonline?igsh=MXRmcGt3d2JqMnAxbQ==

https://www.instagram.com/seasonjohnson?igsh=MXZ0dWNnNWx4aDc1ag==

JOIN ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA:
Follow Along @ - https://www.instagram.com/nikkicronksmith/