Heroes For Her

“God made her and God is going to take care of her.”   My guest for today’s episode is Jenny Rapson. Married to her high school sweetheart, Jenny is the mom of two boys and a girl and a life-long Ohioan.  That means she’s from Ohio. J   She loves Jesus, family, coupons, Veronica Mars, chewy sweet tarts, and writing her bio (A girl after my own heart!). She curates and edits the content of one of my favorite sites, ForEveryMom.com, a place where all moms can come for daily encouragement, laughs, and inspiration.   Jenny’s heart for moms shines through during this episode as she shares about how she and her cousin Emily started Mommin’ It Up, their first creative space on the internet. We talked about how Jenny made the Switch to For Every Mom and how the content has blessed her own mothering journey.   Don’t miss this week’s episode, “Mom Enough,” and rest in the truth that even the whole motherhood thing is hard, God had it handled when He picked you for the job. 

“You’ll only pass this way once.”   My guest today is Courtney DeFeo. Courtney is a popular blogger and the author of a book we LOVE so much, In This House, We Will Giggle. She’s a graduate of Auburn University with a background in marketing and public relations. In 2011, she started her company, Lil Light O’ Mine, and you can find her two products, ABC Scripture Cards and Conversation Cups, in stores all over the country. Courtney and her husband, Ron, are the parents of two young girls, Ella and Larson.    In today’s episode, Courtney talks seasons: binge watching episodes of Friday Night Lights (Best show ever) and her early days in PR before passing the CIA-style interview process to become part of the Chik-fil-A marketing team (Chicken sandwiches!). The company was beyond supportive when she told them she was leaving to stay home and raise her kids. She continued consulting for Chik-fil-A and also launched her own company, Lil Light O’ Mine, in 2011. She launched with two products and a blog and, as they say, the rest is history. Well, her story.  :) Don’t miss today’s episode, “Riggins Forever,” and be encouraged that you can experience joy, no matter what season of life you find yourself in.

“To live life authentically, you don’t have to share everything. Just live in a way that you are true to who you are and true to who God is in you.”   My guest today is Lynn Cowell. Lynn is a national conference speaker who is passionate about helping women of all ages understand the importance of Christ confidence. She is the author of several books including her newest for girls ages 8 – 12, Brave Beauty: Finding the Fearless You and for women Make Your Move: Finding Unshakable Confidence Despite Your Fears and Failures. As a Proverbs 31 Ministries author and speaker, Lynn helps moms become wise women so they can raise wiser daughters.    In today’s episode, Lynn discusses helpful tips and tools for helping girls navigate the current of culture regarding body image, physical attractiveness, and sexuality. When a girl feels like she can’t meet the standards set by her peers, imagine how this affects her confidence. And if she’s not confident, how will she ever find the boldness to do what God calls her to do in life? We all want to help our girls gain confidence and understand how their unique qualities can work for them and not against them.    Don’t miss Episode 49, “Brave Beauty,” and learn how God’s words and your support can help your little belle become the brave and beautiful young woman God created her to be.  

"Take risks."  My guest today is Jordan Lee. Jordan blogs at Soulscripts and is the creator of The Sisterhood: the only exclusive, online community for SoulSisters who are looking to dig deeper into the Word and who want to learn more about Christian blogging and business. There you can find a ton of awesome resources including monthly Bible Study tutorials, lessons on Christian blogging/business, business tips, discounts on apparel, and tons more. Mainly, it’s a chance to connect with sisters around the globe AND in your city to grow, wrestle and learn together how to shine a light in the world.  I loved that Jordan’s list of favorite things is basically my list too: Jesus, sweatpants, flowy dresses (cuz it’s like pajamas), popcorn, confetti cupcakes, rainbow sprinkles, and messy hair. I mean, seriously, I could not love those things more.  Don’t miss today’s episode, “Of Souls and Sisterhood” and hear more about how stepping out in faith gives God the chance to do what He does best. 

“Push through and persevere.”    Today’s guest is Monica Zuniga. Monica is the founder of We Are Unveiled, a ministry whose sole mission is to remove the veil for all women by creating a space for them to feel seen, known, and understood. They do this by capturing authentic stories of women all over the world and sharing them through a wide variety of outlets. Monica is a native of Dallas TX where she grew up with her mom, dad, older sister, and younger brother.    On today’s episode, Monica shares how travel, work in the corporate world, and launching a non-profit changed her perspective and ignited in her a fire for full time ministry. In 2014 she started We Are Unveiled to give capture and share powerful stories, giving women a platform and a safe place for them to connect grow and be discipled.    Don’t miss today’s episode, “Hero, Unveiled”, and hear the story of one young woman’s journey to discover that God is able to work his biggest miracles through you when you step out in obedience.

“As our kids get older, the stakes get higher.”  Our guest today is Teri Lynne Underwood.  Teri Lynne leads Prayers for Girls, a popular online community for mothers, grandmothers, aunts, and anyone else who wants to invest in praying for the girls in their lives. A writer, ministry speaker, and Bible study teacher, she is a frequent contributor to parenting blogs and is constantly on the hunt for ways to communicate truth with grace and, if possible, humor. Teri Lynne and her husband live in northern Alabama with their teenage daughter. 
 In today’s episode, Teri Lynne shares a little bit about the early days: what she initially set out to accomplish with Prayers for Girls and how it has grown to be a place where moms of daughters can go for encouragement and resources that will help them ask God for the things their girls need most. In her book, she outlines simple principles that moms can use to craft an approach to prayer that works, no matter if their girls are toddlers (like mine!) or teens.    Highlights include: .        Her identity—finding her security and strength in God’s love and acceptance 
 .        Her heart—pursuing a life of purity and devotion to the Lord 
 .        Her mind—committing to growing in wisdom and discernment regardless of her 
circumstances 
 .        Her relationships—developing skills and attitudes to foster healthy relationships with others 
 .        Her purpose—trusting God with her life, gifts, and passions 
   Don’t miss today’s episode, “Praying for Girls,” and find out how to start praying over your daughter with confidence and power.

“To thine own self be true.”    You know I love a good Shakespeare reference! We switched things up a bit for today’s show. Since we started the Heroes For Her podcast last year, we’ve had only two male guests: Joel Smallbone from for KING & Country and the amazing other half of the Bible Belles founder team, Brent Weidemann. Our #3 is Pastor Van Moody!   As a pastor, speaker, and leadership trainer, Van Moody’s voice has been heard around the world at the 30th Anniversary of the March on Washington, with Pope John Paul II and his Pontifical Council in Rome, Italy,  and in Tokyo, Japan as an Associate Trainer for Dr. John Maxwell’s leadership organization, EQUIP. Most recently, he became a member of Dr. Oz’s Core Team and is featured on the Dr. Oz Show on ABC. He lives in Birmingham, Alabama with his wife, Dr. Ty, and their two children, Eden Sydney and Ethan Isaiah.    Van Moody has a passion for healthy transformation in individuals, organizations and the world. In today’s episode, he breaks down The I Factor: the three dynamics that are essential to understanding ourselves and discovering what God has for all of us. He talks about how identity significance, and perspective are the keys to managing yourself – your whole life – well. We talked about how these ideas apply to parenting and helping our children live healthy, purpose-filled lives from the inside out.    Don’t miss today’s episode, “Intentional Parenting: The I Factor”, and find out more about how to help our kids know who they are, see purpose and greatness in what they were created for, and view the problems they face as stepping stones rather than stumbling blocks.

“Life is messy.” Our guest for today’s podcast is Jenny Dean Schmidt. Jenny is a wife and mom and has served as Host of ChannelMom on Denver radio and national podcast for 6 years. She also serves as Executive Director of ChannelMom Media & Outreach. She met her husband Mike in nursery school and vowed she’d marry him one day. Jenny and Mike have two teen children, Otis and Georgia. Before ChannelMom, Jenny worked as a TV News reporter, writer and producer for both network TV and network affiliates. She covered high-profile news stories and even interviewed two presidents. Wow! On today’s episode, Jenny shares how she started and built ChannelMom when she was at home full time with her kids. Since those early years, it has grown and expanded to support moms through media and on the ground through ChannelMom Outreach. Check out episode 44, “Mom in the Mess,” and hear how one mom embraced the mess so she could reach moms by the masses.

“Enjoy the journey.” Our guest today is Sue Detweiler. Sue is a wife, mother of six, author, radio host, and pastor with over 25 years of experience in leadership, ministry, and education. She is also a
popular speaker who shares her heart and wisdom internationally on issues related to marriage, family, women, prayer, leadership, and ministry.  Sue and her husband Wayne live in Frisco, Texas and pastor Life Bridge Church. Sue's heart beats to encourage women. She knows so well that, amid our packed schedules and the curveballs life throws our way, our hearts long for more. We want to live and love well; we want to be a source of joy and life. During today's episode, Sue breaks down the good news: we can, and the secret is found in the simple act of prayer. Prayer was never meant to be a recitation of requests, but rather a drawing close to the heart of God. When we learn to exchange the obstacles of life for the promises of God, we will pray with passion and confidence rather than fear or insecurity. From this place of surrender and intimacy, we can truly discover what it means to become women who moves mountains -- women whose lives overflows with powerful prayers that transform not only ourselves, but the world around us.  Don't miss today's episode, "Mountains Will Move", and learn how you can turn obstacles into real opportunities for growth: to pray with confidence, boldness, and grace to become women who move mountains.

Our guest today is Melissa Hinnant, co-founder and president of Grace and Lace. Melissa lives in Austin, Texas with her husband Rick and their three children – Sienna, Jett, and Livia. In 2010, five months pregnant with a little girl, Melissa and Rick received devastating news that without surgical intervention, Melissa would give birth to their daughter within 24 hours and she would not survive.  Melissa was rushed into emergency surgery, and she spent the remainder of her pregnancy on strict horizontal bed rest. The days were long, she couldn’t sit up, and she needed something to do with her hands. She began crocheting a tiny baby blanket, spurring in her a desire to sew, sew, sew! For two weeks Melissa lived in the hospital until doctors could no longer stop the labor. Her very tiny, but oh-so-perfect, baby girl was born. With lungs not yet developed enough to survive on her own, the Lord took her straight to Heaven. Though heart-wrenching and devastating, Melissa believes that out of this great tragedy has come her greatest victory.
 Melissa’s love for sewing and all things knit continued to grow. Late in the fall of 2011, she made her first pair of lacey leg warmers. Everywhere she went, people would stop and ask her where she got them. She put them up for sale online and in a matter of days was overwhelmed with orders she could not possibly fulfill on her own!  Now, just a few years later, Grace and Lace has become a full-blown women’s apparel company with trademarked designs, a full studio and warehouse, and friends and family as staff. A portion of every sale goes toward building orphanages in India! Check out today’s episode, “Grace, Lace, and Creative Space”, and hear the story of an incredible mama who knows that beautiful things come together one stitch at a time.