A Mom's Mission Field

I love God’s timing. Today’s guest is a friend of mine, and I interviewed her quite a while ago. The interview wasn’t time sensitive, so I’ve been saving it for a rainy day, so to speak. I decided to air it today and as I re-listened to it I was like, woah. I really needed to hear this right now. Danielle is a full-time missionary but she talks about how her job is secondary to her mission field at home with her family.

I’ve been antsy, especially after my trip to Africa a few weeks ago. I want to do more of that. I’m praying for more opportunities to travel and minister. But I need to do the job God has in front of me right now. If He grants me more ministry opportunities, great! But the details and timing are up to Him. I know for me, personally, it’s easier to do the short-term stuff than to endure day after day of the same thing wondering if I’m making a lick of difference. I need to remember what my primary mission field is, which I find ironic considering the name of my podcast. I know you are going to be blessed by Danielle, so let’s get started.

Today I’m talking to Bethany Tran, Founder and CEO of The RootCollective, about ethical fashion. That phrase has been popping upmore and more lately, so Bethany breaks it down for us. Changingall of our purchasing habits can be overwhelming, so Bethany sharesways we can all make little changes that add up to big improvementsto the lives of factory workers around the world. We can’t doeverything, but we can all do something. If we can make the world alittle better, and then teach our children to do the same, imaginehow different the world will look for our grandchildren and thosewho follow.

If you had to sum up your family in one phrase, what would it

Today’s interview is with Francie Winslow. She is a wife and mom of 4. She is a blogger, writer, speaker, and regular contributor for various online magazines and ministries. Today’s topic can be a difficult one because the topic of sex in your marriage is so very personal.  I love Francie’s Biblical perspective, though, and I know you will be blessed by her words, no matter how your intimate life may be going at the moment. She has so much wisdom to share, so let’s get started.

Kelly is a staple in the blogging community where she shares her life with grace and transparency. In this episode, we talk about how to share your life on Social Media without getting tacky, how to make friends as a mom, and why Kelly looks for godly teenagers at church and then stalks their mommas. We also talk about how the Rachel was quite possibly the best haircut in all of history.

Kristin is the heart behind the Turquoise Table, a movement to get people out in their front yard where they can connect with neighbors and build genuine community. Among other things, we talk about the difference between entertaining and hospitality, the importance of family traditions, and our mutual struggle to keep our kids at the table for more than five minutes.Kristin is one of those people who manage to make you feel like she’s your best friend, even if you just met. She is a delight. Enjoy!

Often times we try to make ministry complicated. We have programs and strategies and big plans, but is that how Jesus operated? In today’s podcast Lindsy Wallace talks about being a missionary in Miami where the main strategy is to live like Jesus, amongst the people, listening to their needs and developing relationships that lead to spiritual connections. With this in mind, every one of us is a missionary to our own neighbors, placed there by God to encourage, uplift, and share the gospel while living our normal everyday lives.

Today I’m talking to Karmen Smith and I can’t wait to share her with you. She is a wife, mom, speaker, avid journaler, and a proponent of praying big and stepping out in faith even when you’re scared. I needed this interview so much for myself, and I talk later about why, but I know you will be encouraged no matter where on the “Pray Big” spectrum you fall.

Adoption. If you’ve been around me or this podcast at all, you know I’m a huge fan. And since we’ve done it three times so far, I get asked A LOT of questions, particularly about private domestic adoption. People usually have no idea there is such a huge need for families here in the US. Since my friends and family all seem to have basically the same questions, whether or not they ever intend to adopt, I figured some of you might want to know these things too. I decided to ask our adoption consultant, Susan, to come answer some of the most common questions.

Special needs moms have my heart, you guys. I have several close friends who are raising children with special needs, and their love and dedication inspire me to be a better mom. Today’s guest is no exception. Jennifer Linck is mom to a precious little boy with apraxia and sensory processing disorder. On this episode we talk about what it’s like to be a special needs family. Also, we talk about what special needs families need from their churches, neighbors, and friends. Guys, even if special needs don’t directly effect your family, I pray you will take Jennifer’s words to heart and look for ways to minister to the special needs families in your area.