Live Only True Stories

If “God has given me everything I need to raise my kid,” as I’ve often heard, I have a question. “Where’d he put it?”

While I understand the good intentions behind this statement and others like it, this mindset does more harm than good.

Parenting is relationship work at its most complex, mysterious, and difficult. We know every other relationship arena – from marriage to business – requires actively acquiring knowledge and skills for success. Yet the shaping of human beings is supposed to somehow be innate – especially for moms. But this false narrative has a high cost.

Defensiveness and/or deep insecurity can result that leads to all kinds of missed opportunities, regrets, and adults in need of significant repair.

Innate capacity, desire, and protectiveness do not automatically produce knowledge and wisdom. If only it were that simple!

We can stop depriving parents, especially moms, of the keys they need to open doors of success with a new attitude!

Visit Stephanie Presents for resources, to book speaking engagements, and get the weekly newsletter, Hi(Impact)!

Click here to order your copy of The Great Brain Remodel of Adolescence or purchase from Amazon

#spirituallystrong

#emotionallyhealthy

#relationships

#lifeskey3

#smartrelationships

#parenting

#raisinggodlykids

#raisingadults

#mom

#biblicalparenting

Principles that forge a meaningful life during the “empty nest” years are the same ones needed in other seasons. Ruthie Gray, “juggler of generations,” shares how the application changes, but not the foundational truths. The author of Empty Nest Awakening: Weaving the Threads of Your Passions into Purpose discusses some of these key principles in the second part of our conversation.

She shares about:·      

• how to find support from people who understand where you are;
• being strategic about your “yes” and “no;”
• the power of journaling
• making plans and holding them with open hands in prayer;

Ruthie encourages moms to view their God-given desires and interests not as selfish indulgences but ways to serve. “If God is calling you to something, he’s calling you to someone.”

As a Gen X mom, 15-year caregiver, and self-proclaimed juggler of generations, Ruthie believes her God-given purpose is to impart peace, joy, and wisdom to moms managing the demands of multiple age groups. Ruthie is the host of the Sandwich Season Sanity podcast and the Next Steps Retreat for Empty Nest Entrepreneurs. Her blog for moms offers help that has no expiration date!

Visit Ruthie's website at: https://www.ruthiegray.com/

Order her book for yourself or a bundle and start a conversation with other moms who want to live every season of life well.

Visit Stephanie Presents for resources, to book speaking engagements, and get the weekly newsletter, Hi(Impact)!

Click here to order your copy of The Great Brain Remodel of Adolescence or purchase from Amazon

#spirituallystrong

#emotionallyhealthy

#relationships

#lifeskey3

#smartrelationships

#parenting

#raisinggodlykids

#raisingadults

#bible

#faith

#truth

#biblestudy

#christianfaith

#christianwomen

#christianity

#caregiving

#sandwichgeneration

#momblog

Parent well, and you'll work yourself out of a job. Then what?

Ruthie Gray, author of Empty Nest Awakening: Weaving the Threads of Your Passions into Purpose speaks hope and wisdom into moms of every season in the first part of our conversation. Among other points, we discuss:

*misconceptions younger moms can have about the "empty nest" years

*the grief that can accompany children growing up

*the vital importance of moving from connections to community

*practical steps to discover, or rediscover, your passions

*moving forward with purpose

Visit Ruthie's website at: https://authenticonlinemarketing.com/

Visit Stephanie Presents for resources, to book speaking engagements, and get the weekly newsletter, Hi(Impact)!

Click here to order your copy of The Great Brain Remodel of Adolescence or purchase from Amazon

#spirituallystrong

#emotionallyhealthy

#relationships

#lifeskey3

#smartrelationships

#parenting

#raisinggodlykids

#raisingadults

#bible

#faith

#truth

#biblestudy

#christianfaith

#christianwomen

#christianity

#emptynest

What happens to the brain during adolescence?

No, it doesn't shut down or go off-line, although it can sometimes seem that way.

Rather, it goes through an astounding remodel. When parents, educators, and mentors understand this physical process, they can be empowered with confidence, effectiveness, and empathy.

Understanding our biology is a critical part of the journey to spiritual strength, emotional health, and relational wisdom. Learn how the brain remodels itself over a ten-year period, approximately ages 12-24, and why this knowledge is critical.

Click here to order your copy of The Great Brain Remodel of Adolescence or purchase from Amazon

Visit Stephanie Presents for resources, to book speaking engagements, and get the weekly newsletter, Hi(Impact)!

#adolescence

#teenyears

#teenager

#brainremodel

#spirituallystrong

#emotionallyhealthy

#relationships

#lifeskey3

#smartrelationships

#parenting

#raisinggodlykids

#raisingadults

Artist, author, and speaker Cindy Egger continues to encourage and equip listeners to share their story of faith. She reminds us there's not one "right way" to introduce people to Jesus and we're not responsible for outcomes, only faithfulness.

Small acts of kindness, striking up simple conversations, meeting for coffee, and opening one's home can have a more profound impact on someone than we may know!

Cindy is the author and illustrator of the 31 Day interactive devotional journal, "Time with the Lord," available here:

https://www.amazon.com/Time-Lord-Every-Day-Devotions/dp/B0DNWN4TKS?sr=8-1&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl

Connect with Cindy to learn more about her speaking, classes, and resources at:

https://cindymortonegger.com/

Visit Stephanie Presents for resources, to book speaking engagements, and get the weekly newsletter, Hi(Impact)!

Click here to order your copy of The Great Brain Remodel of Adolescence or purchase from Amazon

#spirituallystrong

#emotionallyhealthy

#relationships

#lifeskey3

#smartrelationships

#parenting

#raisinggodlykids

#raisingadults

#bible

#faith

#truth

#biblestudy

#christianfaith

#christianwomen

#christianity

#cindymortonegger

#devotionals

#interactivedevotional

Links referenced in this episode:

• stephaniepresents.com
• cindy morton egger.com

"You just can't live without Jesus!" Well, "Yes, you can," thought Cindy Egger, and she had been doing a "good" job of it for 30 years.

Raised in a good home and living a good life, Cindy wasn't resistant to the Gospel as much as she didn't see the need for it. Yet eventually she came to see her need for Jesus was much more about a changing internally than externally.

After coming to faith as an adult, God brought art back into Cindy's life, and this grew into a business and ministry which opened doors for sharing the "Good News" to thousands of individuals. Today she equips other women to share their faith as a natural part of their life, using their unique abilities.

She encourages us to remember that we're not responsible for outcomes but for actions of faithfulness, as we never know the full impact of sharing even one time with an individual, whether a child or adult.

Connect with Cindy and discover her work as an artist, speaker, and author at:

https://cindymortonegger.com/

Order her beautifully illustrated devotional journal at:

 https://amzn.to/3WTSOsG

Visit Stephanie Presents for resources, to book speaking engagements, and get the weekly newsletter, Hi(Impact)!

Click here to order your copy of The Great Brain Remodel of Adolescence or purchase from Amazon

#spirituallystrong

#emotionallyhealthy

#relationships

#lifeskey3

#smartrelationships

#parenting

#raisinggodlykids

#raisingadults

#bible

#faith

#truth

#biblestudy

#christianfaith

#christianwomen

#christianity

#evangelism

#sharingyourfaith

#sharingJesus

What should a person say and not say, do and not do, when someone else is deeply hurting over a severe loss?

Michelle Ruddell offers practical help and gentle reminders in the second part of our conversation about the co-existence of joy and sorrow. Michelle's son was killed in a car wreck at age 5, and Michelle determined she would not allow grief to turn into bitterness.

She courageously shares her journey to empower others through writing and speaking.

You'll want more than one copy of Michelle's book, Welcome to the Club -- I'm Sorry You're Here. This is a great resource to keep on hand for when the world comes crashing down.

Invite Michelle to speak! Your audience will absolutely come away hope-filled!

https://michelleruddell.com/

https://www.amazon.com/Welcome-Club-Im-Sorry-Youre-Here/dp/1795239204/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0

Visit Stephanie Presents for resources, to book speaking engagements, and get the weekly newsletter, Hi(Impact)!

Click here to order your copy of The Great Brain Remodel of Adolescence or purchase from Amazon

#hope

#loss

#grief

#helpingothersgrieve

#spirituallystrong

#emotionallyhealthy

#relationships

#lifeskey3

#smartrelationships

#parenting

#raisinggodlykids

#raisingadults

#bible

#faith

#truth

#biblestudy

#christianfaith

#christianwomen

#christianity

Is experiencing or expressing joy in the midst of great loss and grief a betrayal? A sign of denial? An unhealthy coping mechanism?

Author and speaker Michelle Ruddell knows joy and sorrow not only can co-exist but must if loss and grief aren't allowed to turn into bitterness. Losing her five-year-old son in a car accident while 12 weeks pregnant with her daughter, Michelle rejected the debilitating words spoken to her. Instead, she determined with God's help to not become a broken and bitter person.

In Part 1 of our conversation, Michelle shares her journey of facing her "new normal," with candor. She gives practical wisdom for the person in the midst of loss, grief, and suffering and for those who want to help. Whether it's "Don't say this" or "Do this," Michelle speaks with a rare blend of authority and tenderness.

You'll want more than one copy of Michelle's book, Welcome to the Club -- I'm Sorry You're Here. This is a great resource to keep on hand for when someone else's world comes crashing down.

Invite Michelle to speak! Your audience will absolutely come away hope-filled!

https://michelleruddell.com/

https://www.amazon.com/Welcome-Club-Im-Sorry-Youre-Here/dp/1795239204/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0

Visit Stephanie Presents for resources, to book speaking engagements, and get the weekly newsletter, Hi(Impact)!

Click here to order your copy of The Great Brain Remodel of Adolescence or purchase from Amazon

#joy

#grief

#loss

#hope

#hopeduringgrief

#losingachild

#grievingachild

#spirituallystrong

#emotionallyhealthy

#relationships

#lifeskey3

#smartrelationships

#parenting

#raisinggodlykids

#raisingadults

#bible

#faith

#truth

#biblestudy

#christianfaith

#christianwomen

#christianity

Ever had somebody drop TMI (too much information!) on you when you weren't expecting it? Not fun!

While much of the world has unlimited information available at one's fingertips, TMI can be a serious problem. A warning in 2 Timothy clues us in, and we look at four specific dangers in today's episode:

1. Distraction
2. Diversion
3. Deterrent
4. Disguise

While God desires us to be people of knowledge and wisdom, this doesn't automatically mean we will be people who know or follow the truth. Learn how these four dangers are ever present and how to avoid them without going to the other extreme of TLI -- too little information!

Visit Stephanie Presents for resources, to book speaking engagements, and get the weekly newsletter, Hi(Impact)!

Click here to order your copy of The Great Brain Remodel of Adolescence or purchase from Amazon

#spirituallystrong

#emotionallyhealthy

#relationships

#lifeskey3

#smartrelationships

#parenting

#raisinggodlykids

#raisingadults

#bible

#faith

#truth

#biblestudy

#christianfaith

#christianwomen

#christianity

If you don't want to live ruled by fear, anxiety, or insecurity, you're going to have to fight. Each person's battles are specific and unique and may change over time. But not fighting won't keep you safe; it will only keep you hidden and ineffective.

Kim Hardy shares how we can fight , not alone, but with God on our side! Kim uses her own journey to teach women and youth how aligning our thoughts with God's truth is key to transformation and this opens the door to hope.

Kim speaks about practical steps on taking control of one's thoughts to powerful reminders about not allowing the good in life to be a replacement for anchoring one's identity in Christ.

Order Kim's book, Fighting My Battles With God On My Side, and visit with her about speaking engagements, especially for teens!

Connect with Kim at:

Website: https://www.sunflowersofhope.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hardykim82

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hardyk82/

Email: [email protected].

Amazon book link:

https://www.amazon.com/Fighting-My-Battles-God-Side/dp/1951350979/ref=sr_1_1?sr=8-1

Empower yourself and your family to engage fully in God’s grand story. Subscribe to Hi(Impact) at Stephanie Presents for insights, encouragement, and practical resources!

Book Stephanie to speak to your women, parents, Christian educators, and students.

#hope

#spiritualbattle

#spirituallystrong

#emotionalhealth

#relationships

#bible

#faith

#truth

#biblestudy

#christianfaith

#christianwomen

#christianity

#lifeskey3

#kimhardy

#sunflowersofhope