In this week’s episode, I have the pleasure of sitting down with Melissa Kruger, a wise and experienced voice in parenting and discipleship. As the vice president of The Gospel Coalition’s discipleship program and a mother to three adult children, Melissa brings wisdom and practical insights. Our conversation centers around her book, Parenting with Hope, and we really get into the nuances of parenting teens and children of all ages. Melissa offers a refreshing perspective on building and maintaining strong relationships with our children. She emphasizes the importance of parenting from a foundation of values and principles, highlighting the need for us to take responsibility for our own reactions and actions. Her reminder to focus on grace and to trust in the journey God has us on is both comforting and empowering. Here are some of my insights that Melissa shares:Parenting from Values and Principles: Melissa discusses how parenting guided by core values and principles can foster a nurturing environment for children to grow and flourish.The Role of Grace and Warmth: Emphasizing the power of grace, warmth, and welcome, Melissa illustrates how these elements can transform our home life and relationships with our children.Trusting in God’s Word and Prayer: At the heart of our discussion is the reminder to parent with hope, leaning on prayer and God’s promises. Melissa encourages us to see parenting as a long game, where faithfulness in prayer and trust in God’s plan is paramount.Whether you’re in the thick of parenting teens or preparing for the years ahead, Melissa’s insights offer a path to a more connected, faithful, and hopeful parenting experience. 
 Connect With Melissa online  Order your copy of Parenting with Hope HERE Or on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/melissabryankruger/ 
 Resources mentioned: Raising Mentally Strong Kids 


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Creating a home where kids thrive with Melissa Kruger

As believing parents, we know how important it is to raise our kids with love and intentionality. We want to give our kids a full picture of God’s love for them every day! But some days, it’s really hard! We are stretched thin, tired, and often feel unequipped. The Christian Parenting Podcast gives parents the space and resources to set aside perfection and grow into the perfectly imperfect parents God made them to be. Join host Steph Thurling and her guests as they discuss practical tips and spiritual guidance for your parenting journey.

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This week, we're diving into something a bit different but incredibly practical—home organization. My friend Kristen Stokes, a professional organizer and owner of Simplified by Stokes, joins us for the first of a two-part series aimed at bringing order to our spaces and peace to our lives. Here’s what you’ll learn in today’s episode:Kristen discusses how maintaining an organized home can lead to mental clarity and stress reduction.Practical strategies for tackling the most important rooms in your house to maximize efficiency and calm.Whether you’re a natural at keeping things tidy or someone who struggles with clutter, there's something in this episode to inspire and assist everyone in their organizational journey.  Kristen is the skilled owner of Simplified by Stokes, where she transforms chaotic spaces into models of organization. Her expertise not only makes homes more visually appealing but also supports healthier, more focused lives for her clients. With her practical tips and empathetic approach, Kristen helps individuals regain control over their environments, one space at a time. Get ready to be inspired and pick up some great tips to help transform your home into a sanctuary of order and peace!  00:00 Introduction and Getting to Know Kristen Stokes 11:01 The Impact of Home Organization on Well-being 28:59 Simplifying and Streamlining the Kitchen Pantry 
 Connect With Kristen Simplified by Stokes Instagram: @simplifiedbystokes 
 Resources Mentioned 
 Come Home by Caroline Saunders 
 God’s Holy Spirit in Me kid’s devotional 
 First15 
 Fabric hangers 
 Lazy susan 


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Clear Clutter, Clear Mind. Home Organization Tips with Kristen Stokes

Get ready for an uplifting episode today as I sit down with my friend Bethany Kimsey. Bethany truly knows what it is like to be an exhausted mom who needs Jesus. Her story is a testament to the transformative power of faith and the strength found in Christ. Here’s what you’ll discover in today’s talk:Bethany shares her transformation from tiredness, anxiety, and fragility to becoming a mom marked by joy, peace, and triumph.How the truths of the gospel intersect with the practicalities of motherhood.The importance of connecting with experienced moms for guidance and support.Bethany is a mom of eight and a passionate writer and podcaster. Her life reflects the incredible changes that God can bring about in our lives when we let him. Through her work, she is dedicated to empowering other moms to find victory over worry and fatigue by anchoring their lives in their identity in Christ. Bethany's encouragement and insights are a beacon of hope for any overwhelmed parent. Tune in to be inspired by her journey and to learn how to apply the peace and triumph of the gospel in your own life. 
 00:38 Getting to Know Bethany 04:02 The Hardest Transition in Parenting 04:53 The One Thing Every Parent Should Know 05:22 The Impact of Social Media on Motherhood 07:17 Finding a Wise Older Mom 08:13 Discerning God's Voice in Parenting 13:25 The Gospel and Motherhood 26:09 Wanting the Best for Our Children 29:26 Bethany's Resources for Parents 33:07 How to Connect with Bethany 
 Connect With Bethany  here Or on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/bethanykimsey Resources mentioned: A Warrior Mama’s Prayer Journal FearLess pillowcase Come Home by Caroline Saunders 
 The Christian Parenting Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org 


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From anxious and tired to joyful and peaceful with Bethany Kimsey

Join me today for a conversation with one of my favorite friends, Casey Hilty. Our conversation will dive deep into the joys and challenges of managing various life roles and the beautiful task of passing on a legacy of faith. Here’s what we unpack in our episode:Casey shares insights on setting boundaries and being selective with commitments to maintain balance.We explore the powerful impact of family prayers over generations, inspired by Casey’s transformative journey in faith.Casey emphasizes the importance of resting in Jesus and letting go of the pursuit of perfection.Casey is not only a dynamic speaker and author of Her Children Arise: Passing a Legacy of Faith to the Next Generation, but also an inspiring figure in Christian communities as a worship leader and artist. She stays busy managing her roles as a writer, speaker, worship leader, artist, mom of three, and teacher.  Her personal story of coming to faith later in life, influenced by the enduring prayers of her grandmother and great-grandmother, adds a profound depth to her teachings on spiritual legacy. This episode will uplift and inspire you, just as Casey has inspired me. Tune in to discover how to balance your life’s roles more effectively and contribute to a lasting spiritual legacy! 00:00 Introduction and Getting to Know Casey Hilty 05:08 Balancing Responsibilities and Setting Boundaries 25:24 Embracing Imperfection in Parenting 33:22 Resources for Teaching Kids About God 
 Connect With Casey  here Or on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/caseyhilty 
 The Christian Parenting Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org

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A legacy of faith, balancing life, and passing on beliefs with Casey Hilty

In today’s conversation, I'm joined by Jessica Hurlbut, who is co-host of Full Spectrum Parent, alongside her husband. Full Spectrum Parent is the only faith-based podcast focused on parenting kids on the autism spectrum and is proudly hosted on The Christian Parenting Podcast Network. Today she offers encouragement and hope in the beautiful, sometimes chaotic parenting journey. 
 Here’s what we cover in our chat: 
Jessica discusses the importance of recognizing and nurturing each child’s unique qualities.She shares how letting go of our own expectations and trusting God can transform our parenting approach.We get practical advice for managing the limits and distractions mothers face while prioritizing spiritual growth.
 Jessica is a podcast host, dedicated pastor, and author. She is passionate about empowering parents to embrace their children’s individual paths. Her book, Unlimited Motherhood, explores the joys and challenges of parenting with faith and flexibility. 
 Jessica's insights are inspiring and deeply relevant, and her message will leave you feeling a bit lighter and more hopeful. 
 00:00 Introduction and Family Description 01:33 Every Child is Different 05:41 The Importance of Surrender 08:30 Being is Better than Seeming 10:53 The Power of Vulnerability 14:37 Unexpected Gifts from Letting Go 22:26 Releasing Limitations and Trusting God 26:06 The Limitations Moms Face 29:31 Seeking God First 
Connect With Jessica hereListen to the Full Spectrum Parent Here https://www.jessicahurlbut.com/full-spectrum-parentingOrder your copy of Unlimited Motherhood HEREOr on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jessicahurlbut
 Resources mentioned: Moms, Dads, and Grads Gift Guide 
 The Christian Parenting Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org

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Embracing the uniqueness of each child with Jessica Hurlbut

While parenting, working, and the whirlwind of daily life, it's easy for marriage—the very foundation of our family life—to slide to the back burner. But our marriages are critical and so today's episode is dedicated to nurturing this foundational relationship.  I am thrilled to be joined by Arlene Pellicane, a renowned marriage and family speaker, host of the Happy Home Podcast, and author of books like 31 Days to a Happy Husband and "31 Days to Becoming a Happy Wife. Arlene and I discuss why fewer young adults choose marriage over living together and the significance of long-term thinking in nurturing marital bonds that survive and thrive. Here's what we cover: - The Changing State of Marriage: Exploring the shifts in how young adults view marriage and cohabitation. - The Importance of Long-Term Thinking: We discuss making decisions that will benefit our marriages in the long haul, beyond the immediate moments of joy or challenge. - Modeling a Healthy Marriage: Parents’ critical role is demonstrating what a loving, committed relationship looks like to their children. - Practical Tips for Busy Parents: Arlene shares invaluable advice on strengthening your marriage amidst the chaos of parenting, including the importance of daily connections, weekly dates, and regular getaways. Arlene's insights are incredibly helpful for couples seeking to deepen their connection and ensure their marriage remains a source of joy, strength, and stability in their family life. Her practical tips offer actionable steps that busy parents can take to reconnect, rejuvenate, and reaffirm their commitment to each other. Our conversation is a gentle reminder that while parenting is an all-consuming role, the health of our marriage significantly impacts our family's well-being. Arlene's guidance provides a roadmap for couples to navigate the complexities of modern marriage with grace, intention, and a lot of love! 
 Connect With Arlene here 
 Or on Instagram @ArlenePellicane Resources Mentioned: https://www.nationalmarriageweekusa.org/ https://www.facebook.com/nationalmarriageweek https://twitter.com/i/flow/login?redirect_after_login=%2Fmarriageweekusa https://www.instagram.com/nationalmarriageweekusa Christian Parenting store Moms, Dads, and Grads Gift Guide 
 The Christian Parenting Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org

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Creating a home where kids thrive with Melissa Kruger

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