Ever feel like God loves you because He has to, but He doesn't actually like you? Like you're constantly disappointing Him and He's just tolerating you until you get it together?

In this conversation with Kristen LaValley (author of "Growing Up Saved"), we're talking about the shame so many of us absorbed growing up in church, why performing for God's love is exhausting (and impossible), and how to heal from believing you're too broken for God to genuinely delight in.

Kristen shares her story of growing up in a charismatic church feeling like God hated her because she didn't worship the "right" way, the pressure to reach spiritual milestones to earn validation, and how getting diagnosed with ADHD broke the shame she'd carried her whole life.

We talk about recognizing the "shame stories" you're telling yourself, finding "truth keepers" who remind you who God says you are, and why swinging to the opposite extreme after leaving strict church environments isn't real freedom either.

This episode is for you if:
• You believe God loves you but you're not sure He actually likes you
• You're exhausted from performing to earn God's approval
• You grew up in church and absorbed shame about who you are
• You feel broken because you don't "do faith" the right way
• You're terrified of being certain about everything or having doubts
• You compare your faith journey to others and feel like you're failing
• You struggle with perfectionism in faith, motherhood, or marriage

Kristen gives honest, grace-filled guidance on breaking shame's hold, why God went looking for Adam and Eve when they hid (He doesn't want you hiding either), and how metabolizing God's love changes everything about how you walk with Him.

Plus, why shame is a liar that keeps you from understanding how much God truly loves you.

Remember: God loves you AND He likes you. Not because of what you do, but because of who He is.

📖 RESOURCE MENTIONED:
Kristen's book: "Growing Up Saved"
https://amzn.to/40Q4q1g (affiliate)

🔗 CONNECT WITH KRISTEN:
Website: https://www.KristenLaValley.com

Join the Rise Up Christian Parenting Conference!

This March 17–19, I’m hosting the Rise Up Christian Parenting Conference, a free 3-day live online event where I'll be bringing you 13 parenting experts who are going to give you so much encouragement, biblical wisdom, advice, and very practical tips to help you do this parenting thing well. 

Tickets are free, but you do need to register in advance. Go to https://equippinggodlywomen.com/rise-up to learn more.

Support the show

Ever wonder if you're spending money on the right things or if you're stuck chasing "just a little bit more" that won't actually make your family happier?

In this conversation with John Coleman (author of Good Money: Six Steps to Building a Financial Life with Purpose), we're talking about what science says about money and happiness, why buying more stuff rarely makes us fulfilled, and what actually leads to human flourishing for your family.

John shares research from Harvard on what makes life good (spoiler: it's not more money after a certain point), the concept of "hedonic adaptation" and why we always want just a little bit more, and how to set a "financial finish line" so you stop chasing lifestyle upgrades that don't matter.

We talk about the difference between spending on stuff versus experiences, how to know when you're spending out of comparison versus genuine need, and why teaching your kids about money through "financial apprenticeship" matters more than you think.

This episode is for you if:
• You're stuck in the comparison trap (always wanting what others have)
• You feel guilty spending money on yourself or your family
• You're confused about what "enough" looks like
• You wonder if you're teaching your kids the right money habits
• You're tired of chasing things that don't actually make you happier
• You want a framework for using money as a tool, not a goal

John gives research-backed guidance on spending wisely (experiences over stuff), why normal is boring when it comes to comparison, and how creating a family mission and values can transform how you think about money.

Plus, the data on why relationships and generosity matter more than income for happiness.

Remember: Money is a tool for building a good life—not the goal itself.

📖 RESOURCE MENTIONED:
John's book: "Good Money: Six Steps to Building a Financial Life with Purpose"
https://amzn.to/477s6BM (affiliate)

🔗 CONNECT WITH JOHN:
Website: https://JohnWilliamColeman.com

Join the Rise Up Christian Parenting Conference!

This March 17–19, I’m hosting the Rise Up Christian Parenting Conference, a free 3-day live online event where I'll be bringing you 13 parenting experts who are going to give you so much encouragement, biblical wisdom, advice, and very practical tips to help you do this parenting thing well. 

Tickets are free, but you do need to register in advance. Go to https://equippinggodlywomen.com/rise-up to learn more.

Support the show

Ever feel like you should be doing "more" for God or your family, but you're already maxed out and can't imagine adding one more thing?

In this conversation with Cynthia Yanof (author of How'd I Miss That?), we're talking about why we stay on the bench instead of taking the ride, how to know if God is really calling you or if it's just guilt, and what it looks like to say yes when you feel completely unprepared.

Cynthia shares her story of fostering when life was already chaotic (spoiler: her kids turned out better because of it, not despite it), the "age 25 question" that helped her let go of perfectionism, and why saying yes to God doesn't mean piling more on your plate—it means letting go of what doesn't matter so you can focus on what does.

We talk about discerning between "bless the mess" chaos and "I actually need to fix this" chaos, how to get over the fear of saying yes (spoiler: you don't get over it, you obey anyway), and the whiteboard story that will change how you think about whose story you're writing with your life.

This episode is for you if:
• You're afraid you'll look back someday with regrets
• You feel called to something bigger but you're paralyzed by fear
• You're exhausted and can't imagine adding one more thing
• You need permission to let some things be messy while you obey
• You're worried about what saying yes will cost your family

JOIN THE RISE UP CHRISTIAN PARENTING CONFERENCE!

If you're looking for more encouragement and practical help in this area, I'd love to invite you to the Rise Up Christian Parenting Conference—a free, live virtual event designed to help you focus on what truly matters. You'll hear from trusted Christian leaders who will help you raise kids who genuinely love God, navigate the real challenges of parenting today, and let go of the pressure to do it all perfectly.

Get your free ticket at https://equippinggodlywomen.com/2026-parenting-conference/

📖 RESOURCE MENTIONED:
Cynthia's book: "How'd I Miss That?"
https://amzn.to/4kEi6FA (affiliate)

🔗 CONNECT WITH CYNTHIA:
Website: https://CynthiaYanof.com

📖 RESOURCE MENTIONED:
Cynthia's book: "How'd I Miss That?"
https://amzn.to/4kEi6FA (affiliate)

🔗 CONNECT WITH CYNTHIA:
Website: https://CynthiaYanof.com

Join the Rise Up Christian Parenting Conference!

This March 17–19, I’m hosting the Rise Up Christian Parenting Conference, a free 3-day live online event where I'll be bringing you 13 parenting experts who are going to give you so much encouragement, biblical wisdom, advice, and very practical tips to help you do this parenting thing well. 

Tickets are free, but you do need to register in advance. Go to https://equippinggodlywomen.com/rise-up to learn more.

Support the show

Want to pray together as a couple but don't know how to start? Feel awkward even bringing it up? You're not alone: 95% of couples (even ministry couples!) don't pray together.

In this conversation with Brad and Heidi Mitchell (married 42 years, authors of Build Your Marriage with Prayer), we're talking about why praying together feels so awkward, how to start even if your spouse isn't interested, and the shocking statistic that should make every couple pay attention: couples who pray together have a divorce rate of 1 in 1,152 (compared to the national average of 40-50%).

Brad and Heidi share how they started praying together (hint: it wasn't always this way), what to do when you disagree on major decisions, and how to pray together without praying "at" each other (using prayer as a weapon to change your spouse).

We talk about practical ways to start (even if it's awkward at first), what to pray when you don't know what to say, and when to pray alone vs. together as a couple.

This episode is for you if:
• You want to pray together but don't know how to start
• It feels awkward or "too spiritual" to pray with your spouse
• One of you wants to pray together but the other doesn't
• You're trapped in the same conflicts and need God's help
• You've been "meaning to start" but keep putting it off
• You use prayer as a weapon (praying "at" your spouse instead of together)
• You feel distant from your spouse and want deeper connection
• You're terrified your marriage won't survive without God's intervention

Brad and Heidi give honest, practical guidance on starting with thank-you prayers only (to avoid conflict), the "help me understand" question that changes everything, and why sometimes you need to pray alone before praying together.

Plus, the beach ball analogy that perfectly explains why avoiding small conflicts leads to huge explosions.

Remember: Just start. It's going to be awkward at first (like anything new), but you don't need to be perfect; you just need to start.

📖 RESOURCE MENTIONED:
Brad and Heidi's book: "Build Your Marriage with Prayer"
https://amzn.to/4s0K414 (affiliate)

🔗 CONNECT WITH BRAD AND HEIDI MITCHELL:
Website: https://buildyourmarriage.org 

Join the Rise Up Christian Parenting Conference!

This March 17–19, I’m hosting the Rise Up Christian Parenting Conference, a free 3-day live online event where I'll be bringing you 13 parenting experts who are going to give you so much encouragement, biblical wisdom, advice, and very practical tips to help you do this parenting thing well. 

Tickets are free, but you do need to register in advance. Go to https://equippinggodlywomen.com/rise-up to learn more.

Support the show

Same fight. Different day. You try to connect, he shuts down. He withdraws, you feel abandoned. Round and round you go and you're starting to wonder if your marriage can survive this.

In this conversation with Dr. Emerson Eggerichs (author of Love and Respect and the brand new Light Bulb Moments), we're talking about the "crazy cycle" destroying marriages and the simple insights that can help you get off it before it's too late.

Dr. Eggerichs shares research from the University of Washington's "love laboratory" (they studied 2,000 couples for 20 years), why 83% of men feel disrespected during conflict while 72% of women feel unloved, and the one reframe that can shift everything: you're not miles apart, you're inches apart.

We talk about why he shuts down when you just want to talk (it's not hostility, it's honor), why she criticizes when she's actually seeking reassurance (it's not contempt, it's care), and the "not wrong, just different" principle that stops the finger-pointing.

This episode is for you if:

• You're trapped in the same argument over and over (the "crazy cycle")

• You try to connect but he withdraws and you feel abandoned

• You're exhausted from trying everything and nothing works

• You wonder if your marriage is in serious trouble or if this is "normal"

• You feel completely misunderstood by your spouse

• You're scared your fundamental differences mean you're incompatible

• You need one key insight to help everything finally make sense

Dr. Eggerichs gives practical guidance on realistic vs. unrealistic expectations, how to communicate needs without depriving your spouse of theirs, and why most couples think they have major problems when they actually just need a perspective shift.

Plus, the critical question: Is this contempt or care? Hostility or honor? The answer changes everything.

Remember: You're not miles apart; you're inches apart. One insight, one reframe, one small shift can turn your marriage around faster than you think.

📖 RESOURCES MENTIONED:
Dr. Eggerichs' books:
"Light Bulb Moments: 12 Biblical Perspectives for Successful and Satisfied Couples" https://amzn.to/3MAXu4D (affiliate)
 "Love and Respect" https://amzn.to/46JmFbZ (affiliate)

🔗 CONNECT WITH DR. EMERSON EGGERICHS: 

Website: https://loveandrespect.com

Join the Rise Up Christian Parenting Conference!

This March 17–19, I’m hosting the Rise Up Christian Parenting Conference, a free 3-day live online event where I'll be bringing you 13 parenting experts who are going to give you so much encouragement, biblical wisdom, advice, and very practical tips to help you do this parenting thing well. 

Tickets are free, but you do need to register in advance. Go to https://equippinggodlywomen.com/rise-up to learn more.

Support the show

Your kids are hearing messages about sex, sexuality, and gender, whether you talk to them about it or not. And the messages they're getting from the world couldn't be further from God's truth.

In this conversation with Elizabeth Urbanowicz (author of "Helping Your Kids Know God's Good Design" and founder of Foundation Worldview), we're talking about how to have these sometimes awkward conversations with your kids and when to start (hint: way earlier than you think).

Elizabeth taught elementary school for 10 years and brings such a practical, age-appropriate approach to breaking down these topics. She shares exactly what to say, how to say it, and how to make it a natural ongoing conversation instead of one terrifying "big talk."

We talk about the foundational conversations to have starting at age 4, how to correct messaging your kids have already heard, and what to do when you feel like you're already behind.

CONTENT WARNING: This episode uses correct anatomical language and discusses sex/sexuality topics. If you have young kids with you and aren't ready for them to hear these conversations yet, please listen to this episode first before playing it around them.

This episode is for you if:
• You know you need to talk to your kids about sex/gender but feel completely overwhelmed.
• You're worried your kids have already heard confusing or wrong messages.
• You don't know what's age-appropriate to share at different stages.
• You want to be the first voice your kids hear on these topics (not the world).
• You feel awkward and don't know how to make these conversations natural.
• You think your kids are too young but want to know when to start.

Elizabeth gives step-by-step guidance on the foundational truths to establish first, how to answer tough questions without oversharing, and how to build a biblical framework that will protect your kids as they grow.

Plus, practical tips on starting small, using available resources, and keeping the door open for ongoing conversations.

Remember: Preparation is protection. When we equip our kids with God's truth, we're not just protecting them from lies; we're helping them live with confidence in who God created them to be.

📖 RESOURCE MENTIONED:
Elizabeth's book: "Helping Your Kids Know God's Good Design: 40 Questions and Answers on Sexuality and Gender"
https://amzn.to/4be5diQ (affiliate)

🔗 CONNECT WITH ELIZABETH:
Foundation Worldview: https://FoundationWorldview.com

Join the Rise Up Christian Parenting Conference!

This March 17–19, I’m hosting the Rise Up Christian Parenting Conference, a free 3-day live online event where I'll be bringing you 13 parenting experts who are going to give you so much encouragement, biblical wisdom, advice, and very practical tips to help you do this parenting thing well. 

Tickets are free, but you do need to register in advance. Go to https://equippinggodlywomen.com/rise-up to learn more.

Support the show

Ever notice how all those "motivational" messages on social media somehow make you feel worse about yourself?

In this conversation with Erica Gwynn (author of "That's Just Not True"), we're talking about the 17 lies you're probably believing without even realizing it, including popular phrases like "I can do anything," "I am enough," and "If I'm not hustling, I'm lazy."

Erica breaks down why these half-truths (which are still whole lies) are crushing you with pressure to be everything for everyone, and what God's actual truth says instead.

We talk about how to recognize when you're believing a lie, why "positive thinking" can actually be harmful, the difference between what you logically know and what your heart believes, and how to start replacing lies with truth (spoiler: it's a process, not a quick fix).

This episode is for you if:
• You're exhausted from trying to "do it all" and never feeling like enough.
• Motivational messages make you feel worse instead of better.
• You struggle with negative thought patterns but don't know how to break free.
• You can't tell if thoughts in your head are truth or lies.
• You're overwhelmed by the pressure to be perfect at everything.
• You believe "I am enough" but still feel inadequate.
• You're hustling constantly and feel guilty when you rest.

Erica gives practical guidance on how to spot lies (hint: verbal acrobatics are a red flag), why acknowledging your limits isn't failure, and the scientific reason rest isn't optional.

Plus, why taking ownership of things that aren't yours to own (being limitless, being enough) actually sets you up to fail.

Remember: And if not, He is still good. God's goodness isn't conditional on your circumstances—or your performance.

📖 RESOURCE MENTIONED:
Erica's book: "That's Just Not True: How to Replace the Lies You Didn't Know You Believed with God's Unchanging Truth"
https://amzn.to/4srOE9y (affiliate)

🔗 CONNECT WITH ERICA:
Website: https://EricaGwynn.com

Join the Rise Up Christian Parenting Conference!

This March 17–19, I’m hosting the Rise Up Christian Parenting Conference, a free 3-day live online event where I'll be bringing you 13 parenting experts who are going to give you so much encouragement, biblical wisdom, advice, and very practical tips to help you do this parenting thing well. 

Tickets are free, but you do need to register in advance. Go to https://equippinggodlywomen.com/rise-up to learn more.

Support the show

Ever feel torn between wanting to serve God and being completely buried in mom responsibilities?

In this conversation with Rachael Groll (author of "Knowing God's Voice", podcaster, and former global orphan care director), we're talking about how to have a vibrant faith life and raise kids who love Jesus, without abandoning your actual family to do it.

Rachael shares her journey from running a neighborhood ministry to directing spiritual care across 5 countries in the Caribbean and Africa all while raising three daughters. And here's the thing: she didn't choose between motherhood and ministry. She brought her kids along.

We talk about taking kids on mission trips at 14, the powerful story of Jochebed releasing Moses (and what that meant when Rachel released her daughter for 9 months of missions), and the asphalt miracle that taught Rachel God cares about even the smallest desperate prayers.

This episode is for you if:
• You want to do more for God but feel trapped by mom responsibilities.
• You're waiting for the "perfect call" while needs pile up around you.
• You want your kids to have real faith experiences, not just church attendance.
• You feel like you missed the boat on the miraculous faith life.
• You're paralyzed between "I should do something" and "I don't know what."
• You think ministry is for other people, not busy moms.

Rachel gives practical guidance on integrating ministry into family life (food pantry with kids in tow, letter-writing campaigns, local needs), recognizing when God is calling you to a specific need, and raising kids who aren't afraid to trust God in scary situations.

Plus, we tackle the truth that the safest place to be is in the center of God's will, even when it looks terrifying from the outside.

If you've ever thought "I want to serve God but I have kids," this conversation is for you.

📖 RESOURCE MENTIONED:
Rachel's book: "Knowing God's Voice: What Female Prophets of the Bible Teach Us About Recognizing, Trusting, and Obeying God"
https://amzn.to/4bcPMYb (affiliate)

🔗 CONNECT WITH RACHEL:
Website: https://RachaelGroll.com

Join the Rise Up Christian Parenting Conference!

This March 17–19, I’m hosting the Rise Up Christian Parenting Conference, a free 3-day live online event where I'll be bringing you 13 parenting experts who are going to give you so much encouragement, biblical wisdom, advice, and very practical tips to help you do this parenting thing well. 

Tickets are free, but you do need to register in advance. Go to https://equippinggodlywomen.com/rise-up to learn more.

Support the show

Your kids are going to hear messages about gender, sexuality, and progressive Christianity—whether you talk to them about it or not. The question is: Will you be the one who teaches them first?

In this conversation with Alisa Childers (author of "Another Gospel" and former member of ZoeGirl), we're talking about what progressive Christianity actually is, why it's not just "minor differences in details," and how to prepare your kids to recognize false teaching when they hear it.

Alisa shares her own faith crisis story (spoiler: it started in a Bible Belt church with a deconstructed pastor), what makes progressive Christianity a different gospel entirely, and the specific conversations you need to have with your kids starting younger than you probably want to.

We talk about the two critical areas to get right (truth and sexuality), how to teach your kids to disagree with people and still love them, and why modeling matters more than lectures when it comes to LGBTQ friends and family.

This episode is for you if:
•You're worried your kids will lose their faith in college or the "real world"
•You don't feel equipped to teach theology to your kids
•You need to know how to talk about gender/sexuality without teaching hate
•You're concerned about what your kids are learning at church without you there
•You want to prepare your kids but don't know where to start
•You're confused about what progressive Christianity is and why it matters

Alisa gives practical guidance on starting conversations early (younger than you want to!), being the expert your kids turn to instead of Google, and why you can't assume Christian colleges are safe anymore.

Plus, the critical distinction between progressive revelation and progressive Christianity that changes everything.

Remember: Read the Bible and live by the Bible. When you ground your family in God's Word, you're giving them the foundation they need to stand firm.

📖 RESOURCE MENTIONED:
• Alisa's book: Another Gospel: A Lifelong Christian Seeks Truth in Response to Progressive Christianity: https://amzn.to/3LJeaXe 
• Student Edition: Another Gospel Student Edition: https://amzn.to/3LqWAqX
• Mama Bear Apologetics by Hillary Morgan Ferrer: https://amzn.to/3Nko9Tu

🔗 CONNECT WITH ALISA: 
• Website: https://alisachilders.com 
• Podcast: https://alisachilders.com/podcast/

Affiliate links mentioned. 

Join the Rise Up Christian Parenting Conference!

This March 17–19, I’m hosting the Rise Up Christian Parenting Conference, a free 3-day live online event where I'll be bringing you 13 parenting experts who are going to give you so much encouragement, biblical wisdom, advice, and very practical tips to help you do this parenting thing well. 

Tickets are free, but you do need to register in advance. Go to https://equippinggodlywomen.com/rise-up to learn more.

Support the show

Ever feel like you should be doing something to help people struggling with anxiety and depression... but you're not a counselor, so what can you actually do?

In this conversation with Shaunti Feldhahn (social researcher and author of "When Hurting People Come to Church"), we're talking about the mental health crisis overwhelming our communities, and why YOU are part of the solution (yes, even without a counseling degree).

Shaunti shares shocking statistics: 60 million Americans have diagnosed mental health disorders, and 30 million of them aren't getting any help. Counselors are overwhelmed. Pastors are maxed out. But there's a church on every corner with caring people who could step in—if they just knew how.

We talk about what it actually looks like to help (hint: it's simpler than you think), how to be vulnerable so others feel safe opening up, and how to know when God is tapping you on the shoulder versus when it's guilt driving you.

This episode is for you if:
• You want to help hurting people but feel unqualified or untrained
• You're overwhelmed by all the needs and don't know where to start
• Someone in your life is struggling and you don't know what to say
• You're too busy for "one more thing" but feel guilty about it
• You want to make a difference but think that's someone else's job

Shaunti gives practical guidance on starting simple (just listening matters!), being vulnerable first to create safe spaces, and recognizing when God is calling you to set aside your to-do list.

Plus, we tackle the reality that God will never give you more than 24 hours worth of tasks in a day so if you're constantly overwhelmed, you might be doing things He hasn't actually called you to.

If you've ever thought "I wish I could help but I don't know how," this conversation is for you.

📖 RESOURCE MENTIONED:
Shaunti's book: "When Hurting People Come to Church: How People of Faith Can Help Solve the Mental Health Crisis" https://amzn.to/4qTRliH (affiliate)

🔗 CONNECT WITH SHAUNTI & GET FREE RESOURCES:
Website: https://Shaunti.com
Free Church Cares Kit (listening training, intake forms, workbooks): https://TheChurchCares.com

Join the Rise Up Christian Parenting Conference!

This March 17–19, I’m hosting the Rise Up Christian Parenting Conference, a free 3-day live online event where I'll be bringing you 13 parenting experts who are going to give you so much encouragement, biblical wisdom, advice, and very practical tips to help you do this parenting thing well. 

Tickets are free, but you do need to register in advance. Go to https://equippinggodlywomen.com/rise-up to learn more.

Support the show