LIKING the people you LOVE

When life gets confusing or overwhelming, it's always good to go back to the basics, and make sure the most important things are taken care of first.

The same is true in parenting. When things get confusing or overwhelming and you don't know what to do, it may be time to take a break from all the correcting you're trying to do and go back to the basics.

How is your connection with that child? Is your relationship good enough that their heart is open to your help?

Today I'm sharing a few things that have been helpful for me in improving my relationships with kids in difficult stages.

Book I reference: The Power of Moments

Today I'm sharing a less-than-stellar parenting moment I had recently.

I'm also sharing the tool that I use to turn those moments into valuable, relationship building moments.

HOPE day tickets here

As covenant women and mothers in Zion, we have an important work to do.

And though our work can sometimes be exhausting and discouraging, we know that our efforts really matter.

Today I'm sharing three bits of advice to you as you evaluate how you are spending your time and energy.

1. Don't judge your success by your children's behavior
2. Don't believe the adversary when he tries to get you down
3. Some efforts are more important than others

Links that I mentioned in the episode:

HOPE day  Oct. 12, 2024

"The Power of a Faithful Mother" by Christi Davis 

Today I'm talking about what I consider a perfect combination for teenagers to grow and thrive: doing hard things while having a close relationship with a parent who acts as a mentor.

If that isn't the kind of relationship you have, I'll offer you three tips to improve your connection:

1. Have confidence in them
2. Give less advice and ask more questions
3. Be more fun!

Here are the links to ALL the things I mentioned in the episode:

HOPE day  code: CHRISTI

Amplify Through Christ retreat

"A Million Miles in a Thousand Years" by Donald Miller

"Hold on to Your Kids" by Gordon Neufeld

My website :)

Just hopping on to give you a quick update on what's going on in my life right now, and to explain why I'm taking August off of podcasting.

I also share an experience I had recently that was a reminder that Heavenly Father cares about the details of our lives.

If you're interested in either of the retreats I mentioned, here are the links to check them out:

Hope Day- Oct. 12th, Logan, UT

Amplify Through Christ- Oct. 24-26, Kansas City, MO

Just in case you have a large family gathering coming up...

Today I'm sharing a few tips to help you not just endure your reunions, but actually enjoy them.

Details about the HOPE DAY retreat here.

In honor of my 28th anniversary, today I'm sharing ten things I've learned about marriage.

I'm also sharing some reasons I love being married to Jeff.

My hope is that this episode will invite you to think about all the good things in your own marriage! 

This is unusual for me. 

I almost never feel the need to talk publicly about issues that feel political or contentious.

But today I feel inspired to share my thoughts about Pride month, and the way we think about LGBTQ issues.

I hope this episode will inspire more love and understanding in our family relationships, as well as our church community.

Here are the resources I mention in the episode:

Listen, Learn and Love by Richard Ostler

Without the Mask by Charlie Bird

When I suggest acceptance, sometimes clients think I mean that they should just give up and allow any and all behaviors.

That is not at all what I'm suggesting!

Listen in today to figure out why learning to accept our present reality is the first step toward creating the result you want.

If you want a review of "the Model," you can listen to episode 26.

Today I have a big announcement, and a sweet reminder for you.

The talk I reference was "Jesus Christ is the Strength of Parents" by Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf.