Welcome to the Love Where You Are podcast! 

In today’s episode I am joined with Elizabeth Laing Thompson.

Elizabeth is a pastor’s wife, mother of four and author of the new book  When a Friendship Falls Apart. She has also written other amazing books like All the Feels, When God Says No, and When God Says Go. 

In this episode, Elizabeth and I dive deep into friendships and when they fall apart. God has designed us for community and relationships but thanks to sin, those relationships sometimes end in “break-up” and it can be hard to navigate. It can be hard to even maintain healthy relationships, period!  

Elizabeth and I talk about the importance of communication skills, spiritual skills, and self-control so that we can be prepared for not if something goes wrong but when it goes wrong in our relationships. We also talk about examples in scripture of broken relationships, forgiveness, and mismatched expectations. 

There is a lot to unpack, so let’s dive in!

 

You can connect with Elizabeth through Facebook, Instagram, and her website.

You can also order her new book! 

 

FAVORITE TAKE-AWAYS:

-There is a need here, to discuss broken relationships. 

-We need to learn how to exercise our spiritual muscles, self control, and communication skills. 

-Another person's response is not in our control but it is our responsibility to address problems when they arise. 

 

REMEMBER:

-It's okay and actually important to grieve the loss of a friendship. 

-It is hard to let people go but sometimes we have to. 

-There are examples in the Bible of people in broken relationships (they weren't perfect either!) 

 

 

Connect with Somer! 

Stay connected to Somer and the Love Where You Are podcast through her Facebook & Instagram!

Love Where You Are is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Welcome to the Love Where You Are podcast! 

In today’s episode I am joined with Alejandro Monteverde.

Alejandro Monteverde is a Mexican filmmaker, best known for his work as a director, writer, and producer on award winning films. Alejandro’s work is known for its focus on family and faith, and he has been vocal about his Catholic beliefs. In addition to his film work, he has also been involved in philanthropic efforts, including the founding of the nonprofit organization Esperanza para los Niños (Hope for Children) in 2010, which provides education and support to underprivileged children in Mexico.

Coming to theatres this Fourth of July is Alejandro’s film The Sound of Freedom which tells the incredible true story of a former government agent turned freedom fighter who embarks on a dangerous mission to rescue dozens of children from human trafficking.

In this episode, Alejandro and I discuss the importance of this topic, bringing it more into the conversation, spreading awareness and shining light on this massive underground slavery that is robbing children in plain sight. It is not an easy thing to talk about but as Alejandro says, "the problem is when good people do nothing." 

Thank you for being here today. Now, let's dive into the conversation! 

You can connect with Alejandro and the film through Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and their website. 

You can watch the film's trailer! 

 

FAVORITE TAKE-AWAYS:

 -Alejandro had a shift in his life. He likes to call it "turning 10 degrees." It was a small shift but led to a huge change in his life. It was the way he saw making films--making them for God instead of himself. 

-Alejandro loves telling stories but more than that he is telling stories that are important. We need to be sharing these stories that are important too. 

-The film covers a dark, serious and real issue in our world but it also beautiful and inspiring. Alejandro wants viewers to get a meaningful but entertaining experience. 

 

REMEMBER:

-Parents want to protect their kids but they don't realize that the greatest danger to a child is in the palm of their hand--it's the iPhone, the iPad, the laptop, whatever device it is. There are far more damanging things on those devices than outside the child's house. 

-The real problem is when good people do nothing. 

-Age appropriate conversations are important. The film is rated PG-13, that is Alejandro's personal recommendation as well, but every family is different. Make sure to have meaningful conversations with your children about what is happening in our world. 

 

Connect with Somer! 

Stay connected to Somer and the Love Where You Are podcast through her Facebook & Instagram!

Love Where You Are is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org

 

Welcome to the Love Where You Are podcast! 

In today’s episode I am joined with Sam Black. 

Sam Black is a renowned author and expert in the field of pornography recovery. As the Director of Recovery Education at Covenant Eyes, he brings a wealth of experience to his work, having joined the organization in 2007 after a distinguished 18-year career as an award-winning journalist. 

Sam is the author of two groundbreaking books: "The Healing Church: What Churches Get Wrong About Pornography and How to Fix It" and "The Porn Circuit: Understand Your Brain and Break Porn Habits." Sam's deep knowledge and compassionate approach have helped countless individuals and families find healing and hope.

In today’s conversation, Somer and Sam dive into the serious abyss that is pornography in our modern era. Thanks to smart phones and iPads, kids as young as seven and eight years old are being exposed to pornography and pornography today has changed too, becoming more violent and extreme. This is not an easy conversation but a critical one. As Sam explains, it’s not a matter of if your child is exposed, it’s a matter of when. 

Sam and Somer help equip you with the knowledge and tools you need to prepare your child to protect themselves and even be a light to others, and there is still hope if you feel it’s too late.  

Thank you for being here today. Now, let's dive into the conversation! 

Here is the book "The Healing Church" online resource. 

 

FAVORITE TAKE-AWAYS:

*Four Myths Parents Say to Themselves according to Sam: (Sam debunks each of these) 

-My kid is a good kid. They would never be curious. They're innocent. 

-My kid would look away! They're respectful. 

-The measures I have in place are enough. (such as occassionally looking over a child's shoulder) 

-Only boys struggle with this, not girls. 

*Turn, Run, Tell. Teach your child to turn away when they see something inappropriate, run away from the situation, and tell an adult or the parent immediately. 

*Pornography affects the heart, body, and spirit; and healing should address all of those areas. 

 

REMEMBER:

*Pornography is a real threat in all ministries: mens, womens, and childrens. Sobering statistics show that two thirds of men and one third of women in the church secretly struggle with pornography; fifty-two percent of teens are exposed to violent pornography; and the ages for exposure reach as young as eight years old. 

*This exposure and repeated pornographic viewing is happening in living rooms, at kitchen counters, and during car rides. 

*There is a ton of brain chemistry that goes into why pornography becomes so addictive, how the cycles of shame make it worse, and how trauma or family drama can influence the behavior. 

 

Connect with Somer! 

Stay connected to Somer and the Love Where You Are podcast through her Facebook & Instagram!

Love Where You Are is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org

 

Welcome to the Love Where You Are podcast! 

In today's episode, I am joined with Eric Swithin. 

Eric Swithin is the Executive Director and Founder of The Alliance for Ending the Fatherless Epidemic. THE FATHERLESS EPIDEMIC strives to encourage viewers that the epidemic can be solved and we can present the love of God to youth in desperate need of a Godly father figure. 

In today’s conversation, Somer and Eric discuss the harsh statistics of broken homes and how it leads boys and girls into brokenness and a pursuit to fill a hole in their heart that they can never fill.

Eric shares how one of the most important and best things the Church can do is care for the widow and the orphan, and in today’s modern world, that means the single moms and fatherless kids. 

He also provides practical ways for us to be involved, blend missionary work with daily life, and reflect God as the true loving Father.

Thank you for being here today. Now, let's dive into the conversation! 

You can connect with Eric by watching his film and checking out his website! 

 

FAVORITE TAKE-AWAYS:

-Fatherlessness causes wounds that a person is constantly trying to fill, usually with a pursuit of sexual desires, money, finding a sense of belonging by joining gangs or the military. But these pursuits are empty, and the cycle continues. 

-Fatherlessness and broken homes lead to some staggering statistics. 

*85% of youth and adult me in prison come from fatherless homes

*Fatherless girls are 900% more likely to be sexually abused or assaulted 

*Fatherless boys are 14 times more likely to commit sexual abuse or sexual crimes

Other issues are rampant, such as poverty. 

-The Church is at its best when it mobilizes to fight against the enemy who works to destroy The Home. 

 

REMEMBER:

-Meditate on John 16 & 17

-Learn to be aware of the fatherless youth and single moms in your church. See how you can fill a need in their life. 

-You can incorporate ministry and mission work into your daily life. These people only add value, not take away time. 

 

Connect with Somer! 

Stay connected to Somer and the Love Where You Are podcast through her Facebook & Instagram!

Love Where You Are is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org

 

Welcome to the Love Where You Are podcast! 

In today’s episode I am joined with Brent Dusing. 

Brent Dusing created TruPlay to bring beautiful and biblically authentic entertainment to audiences worldwide. Brent is a pioneering, Harvard graduate, entrepreneur with a heart for creating games with God at the center, giving kids and parents an experience that is safe and fun! He has led an exceptional career and God continues to bless his team’s efforts to bring TruPlay as an alternative on kid’s devices. 

In today’s conversation, Brent and Somer talk about why a safe, Christian gaming alternative is so critical right now. Kids will spend on average fifty-two and a half hours per week on a device, while kids may only go to church with their parents once a week that lasts about an hour. Our culture is quickly crumbling, and parents should be equipped with the best tools and alternatives to build a stable and strong foundation for their families, so they want to learn more about God and be closer to Him.

Thank you for being here today. Now, let's dive into the conversation! 

Check out TruPlay! 

 

FAVORITE TAKE-AWAYS:

*Kids are on devices on average fifty-two and a half hours per week. What are they doing on those devices? Playing videogames, watching Netflix and YouTube. What kind of content is on Netflix and YouTube, is it godly content, is it instilling healthy values and lessons? Usually not. 

*We are in a culture crisis right now as the family is being stripped apart. Roughly 50% of Americans do not attend church, which is at a shocking low. There is still hope, however. God is the God of transformation and redemption. 

*If your child has been exposed to inappropriate content online (which is happening at younger ages than ever before) there is still hope for your child. 

 

REMEMBER:

*Videogames are not the problem. Videogames are a tool which we as Christians can use to help instill these lessons and values to our kids. It's a matter of what the content is and how much. 

*We are not a Christian nation anymore. Our kids need Christian support and resources just as much as other nations who receive missionaries. 

*This resource isn't just for Christians. ALL people right now are looking for hope and light in this dark time. We have the ability to share that hope. 

 

Connect with Somer! 

Stay connected to Somer and the Love Where You Are podcast through her Facebook & Instagram! Now, go love where you are and live on mission for Jesus today. 

 

Welcome to the Love Where You Are podcast! 

In today’s episode I am joined with Jennifer Pepito.

Jennifer is the proud mom of seven children and she has been homeschooling for over twenty-five years and it’s something she’s passionate about. When Jennifer discovered that her second daughter had learning disabilities, Jennifer became an avid student of child development.

After learning from innovators and researchers in the field, Jennifer created her own resource for parents called The Peaceful Press, to help parents enjoy homeschooling, feel equipped for the task, and to develop healthy meaningful relationships with their children. 

In today’s conversation, Somer and Jennifer talk about the fears of parenthood.

Fear, grief, bitterness, control, manipulation - all of it is broken by the power of Jesus when we trust in Him and learn to forgive. 

Thank you for being here today. Now, let's dive into the conversation! 

You can connect with Jennifer through Instagram, her website, and you can also order her new book! 

 

FAVORITE TAKE-AWAYS:

-When you mess up as a parent, ask for forgiveness from your kids. 

-The dream we have for our kid's childhood is not always what God has in store for them, and that's okay. 

-There is frustrating when a need in our life is not met. The frustration can quickly turn to resentment, bitterness, and anger, and we can lash out at our kids or husband. We have to get unstuck. 

 

REMEMBER:

-Seek help when you need it, like your pastor, a friend, or trusted family member. Do not unload all of your burdens onto your child. 

-Think about your own childhood. Is there something in your childhood that could be impacting how you parent? 

-Forgiveness is not the same as justice. Forgiveness is when we let go of the poison in our hearts, and God alone can fully serve justice. We have to trust Him that it will be served. 

 

Connect with Somer! 

Stay connected to Somer and the Love Where You Are podcast through her Facebook & Instagram!

 

Now, go love where you are and live on mission for Jesus today. 

Welcome to the Love Where You Are podcast! 

In today’s episode I am joined with Mary DeMuth

She’s been writing for 30+ years with over 45 published books, translated into five languages. She has mentored writers all this time and continues through the Rockwall Christian Writers group. Mary also pioneered a literacy agency in 2022 called Mary DeMuth Literary, where she shepherds writers towards traditional publishing. Mary has lived a full life, loves Jesus, and wants to share that power of redemption with others.

In today’s conversation, Somer and Mary get real about the heartbreak parents face as their children enter adulthood and make decisions which can cause division. Things like children leaving the faith, choosing opposite political views, or even “coming out” with a sexual or gender identity. As Christian parents, it is easy to feel shame and guilt when our kids choose these paths, wondering where we went wrong, how it makes us look, and how to "fix" our kids. This is a very important topic, as more division increases in our culture and raising our kids in the faith isn’t easy. Mary encourages us to love, pray, and listen, and to know God the Father deals with this too… his children have also turned astray, and He can help us get through these challenges.

Thank you for being here today. Now, let's dive into the conversation! 

You can connect with Mary through Facebook, Instagram, and her website. 

You can also order her new book! And listen to her podcast. 

Special resource! 52 special prayers for your child from Mary DeMuth. 

 

FAVORITE TAKE-AWAYS:

 *It can be really scary watching our kids start to make choices--especially if they are bad choices! We have to let them, especially if they are a full grown adult. 

*Our relationship with our child, if its healthy, changes over the years. We go from parent to coach to friend, but yes, we'll always be their parent too. It's just a change in role shift.

*When you find division and conflict with your grown child, here are some steps to help:

-Ask why, don't assume bad intentions 

-Find common ground 

-Seek reconciliation 

 

REMEMBER:

*As parents, it is our job to train up our kids for success as adults. That means easing them into this new phase of life, not dropping them into it. Gradually granting freedom over time as they grow. 

*Love, Pray, and Listen! Your children need to know you love them, not judge them. Your children need your prayers. Your children need you to listen. Even if you don't understand why they're making choices, listening is crucial to keeping the door open to conversations. 

*Your identity is not in your children. Yes, you are a parent and have a responsibility to raise them, but their choices do not make up who you are. And, it is okay to grieve a child who's gone astray. 

 

Connect with Somer! 

Stay connected to Somer and the Love Where You Are podcast through her Facebook & Instagram! Now, go love where you are and live on mission for Jesus today. 

 

Welcome to the Love Where You Are podcast! 

In today’s episode I am joined with Julie Thomas.

Julie Thomas is a wife, mother of two, life coach and author. After the birth of her second son, Julie battled a severe case of postpartum depression. For years, emotions of anxiety, confusion and shame consumed her life, leading to isolation and suicidal thoughts. In her darkest hour, she felt God’s undeniable call to share her story with others. With the release of her novel, HOPE Inside Out, and her willingness to be open and transparent, Julie was able to find healing for herself and help others do the same.

In this episode, Somer and Julie get real about postpartum depression, the symptoms, the daily live experiences with it, and how to get help. Maybe you’re experiencing postpartum depression right now or know someone who is, this is an important conversation to have so we are equipped to handle this mental health issues which impacts so many women.

This episode is about loving where you are even in the midst of postpartum depression, facing those realities with the strength of Christ, and equipping us with the information to love new mommas better as they face this. 

Thank you for being here today. Now, let's dive into the conversation! 

You can connect with Julie through Facebook, Instagram, and her website.  

You can also order her new book! And watch her short film. 

 

FAVORITE TAKE-AWAYS:

 - 1 in 8 women will experience postpartum depression, and 9% will have PTSD from their birth experience. More information is known about it today and resources to help mothers. 

-Postpartum depression can look like you're lost in reality, not connected to time, feeling the loss of the child even if there was no loss. Julie couldn't recognize her own children at times. Confusion, fear, and anxiety levels are high, it is very disorienting. 

-The church tells us to rejoice in suffering and choose joy, be a happy perfect Christian. This message comes in complete conflict with the reality of postpartum depression and the daily struggles. It is easy to feel forsaken and abandoned by God. 

REMEMBER:

-Symptoms of Postpartum depression include loss of appetite, disinterest in usual things, self-isolation. 

-Find help. Counseling and community may lead to faster healing. There is no shame in needing help. You are not alone. 

-God is always present even if we don't come to Him. 

 

Connect with Somer! 

Stay connected to Somer and the Love Where You Are podcast through her Facebook & Instagram! Now, go love where you are and live on mission for Jesus today. 

Welcome to the Love Where You Are podcast! 

In today’s episode I am joined with Abbie Halberstadt.

Abbie is a busy full time homeschooling mom with ten kiddos and one amazing husband. Blogger and author of the book M is for Mama, Abbie is passionate about helping mamas claim their identities and find simple, doable rhythms for their days that allow them to create an environment of realistic joy and peace. 

In today’s conversation, Somer and Abbie dive into the battle we face as mothers in our culture, how there is a disdain towards taking care of your kids and building a home, how being a mother somehow robs us from our life or that doing the job of a mom like changing diapers and cleaning up cheerios, is somehow less than. Abbie also covers the motherhood martyrdom and mom guilt, as well as the angry mom, ways to avoid these common pitfalls and how to realize both the joy and weight of being a mom. There is a lot to unpack!

Thank you for being here today. Now, let's dive into the conversation! 

You can connect with Abbie through Facebook, Instagram, and her website.

 You can also order her new book! 

 

FAVORITE TAKE-AWAYS:

 -There is a false narrative in our culture is that motherhood is something which gets in our way, takes us away from living our life. 

-We are battling a culture of busyness and motherhood martyrdom. 

-Lie: Just existing as a mom is enough. You know there are plenty of moms who weren't good moms. It takes work and effort to be a good mom but you are capable.  

-There is a big difference between "mom guilt", lies from the enemy, and the Holy Spirit convicting you. 

 

REMEMBER:

-Satan has come to destroy families, the heart of spirituality. He is divorcing the concept of marriage and sex away from family, motherhood, and raising children as God designed.  

-There is a huge lack of Biblical literacy in America right now, despite the fact there is constant bombardment of information around us. Getting in the word is the best way to know how God wants us to live our lives! 

-There are a lot of things labeled as "self care" that are not fulfilling. Yes, take care of yourself, but don't constantly pursue that self-care like an idol above caring for your home. Instead build an infrastructure for your family to keep everyone happy and functioning. 

 

SCRIPTURE: 

Galatians 6:9

Connect with Somer! 

Stay connected to Somer and the Love Where You Are podcast through her Facebook & Instagram! Now, go love where you are and live on mission for Jesus today. 

Welcome to the Love Where You Are podcast! 

In today’s episode I am joined with Tori Hope Petersen.

Tori Hope Petersen is a former foster youth letting her Abba be known. She is passionate about foster care reform, adoption advocacy, vulnerable populations, and seeing the love of God change people's lives! Tori speaks across the nation sharing her powerful story, but her favorite form of art and communication is writing. 

After a faith-filled track coach invested and mentored Tori in high school, she went on to not only become a Track and Field All-American, but also to join the 3% of foster youth who graduate from college and be crowned Mrs. Universe. Today, Tori is a foster mom, adoptive mom, and biological mom, and works with nonprofits, ministries, and beyond advocating for foster care reform, adoption awareness, and help for vulnerable populations.

In this episode, Somer and Tori dive deep into the experiences of foster kids. 

Thank you for being here today. Now, let's dive into the conversation! 

You can connect with Tori through Instagram, and her website. 

You can also order her new book! 

 

FAVORITE TAKE-AWAYS:

 -Foster kids feel so lonely, unwanted, and hopeless. The odds are stacked against them and they need us. 

-The Bible tells us to love the orphans, and there are different types of orphans, not just the ones whose parents have died. We should love all the children who need stability and hope in their life. 

-There is backlash against adopted parents and people who foster but don't let it stop you from fulfilling God's calling in your life. 

 

REMEMBER:

-Foster kids are not stereotypes or statistics, they are real people who need love and support.

-Hurt people hurt people. We need love to break the cycle and begin the healing. 

-You don't have to dive into the deep end with fostercare. You can start by supporting a ministry, bringing a meal, being restbit, and finding out more. There are plenty of ways to help. 

 

Connect with Somer! 

Stay connected to Somer and the Love Where You Are podcast through her Facebook & Instagram! Now, go love where you are and live on mission for Jesus today.