Raising Sinners

SUMMER is a great time to play catch, isn’t it? We can take a breath and enjoy life at a slower pace.  That’s exactly what we plan to do over the next few weeks! The Raising Sinners Podcast will be re-playing some of our favorite episodes (and yours!). Today we’re talking CHANGE. Join us for our final RE-PLAY this summer as we discuss seasons of change with our friend Debbie Stephens.  Stay cool! Lisa and Chrissie

Change is inevitable.  But all at one time? New city.  New church.  New friends.  New schools.  New home.  New dog (hey Moose!) 

The Stephens family has experienced lots of change in the couple of years and we wanted to check in with the queen of the household herself, Mrs. Debbie Stephens! Wife, mom, speaker, teacher and funny girl, Debbie shares from her heart how they’ve navigated their new normal.  

Debbie is married to Jarrett Stephens, senior pastor of Champion Forest Baptist Church in Northwest Houston, Texas.  They have 4 daughters and 2 dogs.  (Fun fact: both Jarrett and Debbie have been guests on The Wonder Podcast! ☺)

“Obedience is costly but so worth it.”  Debbie Stephens

In obedience, the Stephens family left their life in the Dallas area and embarked on a new journey, but it wasn’t easy.  

Teaching our children to be flexible is difficult on many levels because most find their security in routines and consistency.  Change is hard.  But the Stephens family has done it with grace and come out on the other side shining bright! Listen in to Debbie’s tips on communicating change with your kids and giving space to grieving, new schedules and making choices.  

As always, thanks for listening! We appreciate you! Lisa and Chrissie

Raising Sinners 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. 

Lisa Clark and Chrissie Dunham co- host Raising Sinners as well as The Wonder Podcast. Lisa is the author of the book Raising Sinners, available at Amazon and other retail outlets.  

Hit subscribe, and please tell your friends! Help us share the word! And we’d love to hear from you.  If you LOVE what you hear, please throw us some stars!!! *****

Instagram - @talkwithchrissieandlisa

www.lisaclarkspeaks.com

www.chrissiedunham.org

SUMMER is a great time to play catch, isn’t it? We can take a breath and enjoy life at a slower pace.  That’s exactly what we plan to do over the next few weeks! The Raising Sinners Podcast will be re-playing some of our favorite episodes (and yours!). This week Lauren Chandler will be joining us (again ☺) to talk about her book, PRAISE HIM! We absolutely LOVED our visit with Lauren.  Grab a coffee and enjoy this convo amongst friends.  Happy Summer! Lisa and Chrissie

Chatting with Lauren Chandler was truly like catching up with an old friend.  She is DE-LIGHTFUL!!! Lauren is an avid writer, a worship leader at her home church, The Village Church, in Flower Mound, Texas where she and her husband, Matt, have served for almost 20 years, and mom to her 3 children.  Lauren is also a Bird Lady! That’s right! She watches birds, feeds birds, and even has an app on her phone telling her what kind of bird is perched on her windowsill at any given moment…she’s legit! We just love her!

And she has a sincere and pure heart for worship. When her kids were younger, she wrote a song to help them in the highs and lows of life.  That song, became PRAISE HIM!, her new children’s book out NOW.  Lauren’s lyrical lines are accompanied by whimsical illustrations and encourage children that no matter day or night, wherever they go, they can praise God continually.  

From page to page, readers will follow a child through her day as she goes from sunny morning to stormy afternoon and then a shadowy night.  Parents can utilize this book as a great resource to remind their children that God is always there with us, even when days are hard, and that only simple words are needed to praise Him. 

Go to LaurenChandler.com to read more about Lauren, and her newest book, PRAISEHIM! It’s available everywhere books are sold.  

Connect with Lauren on Instagram @laurenchandler

We hope you enjoy our conversation with Lauren.  She’s the real deal.  Her heart for Christ and worship encouraged our hearts in many ways.  As always, thanks for listening! We are thankful for you! Lisa and Chrissie

Raising Sinners 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. 

Lisa Clark and Chrissie Dunham co- host Raising Sinners as well as The Wonder Podcast. Lisa is the author of the book Raising Sinners, available at Amazon and other retail outlets.  

Hit subscribe, and please tell your friends! Help us share the word! And we’d love to hear from you.  If you LOVE what you hear, please throw us some stars!!! *****

Instagram - @talkwithchrissieandlisa

www.lisaclarkspeaks.com

www.chrissiedunham.org

SUMMER is a great time to play catch, isn’t it? We can take a breath and enjoy life at a slower pace.  That’s exactly what we plan to do over the next few weeks! The Raising Sinners Podcast will be re-playing some of our favorite episodes (and yours!). This week, we’ll be talking FRIENDS with our friend, and mom squad member, AMY PIERSON! Don’t overthink making friends – for yourself or your kids! Enjoy! And Happy Summer! Lisa and Chrissie

Friends.  Whether you are 8 or 58, making friends can be tricky.  Especially today when we are living in a false reality world called “social” media.  We have more “friends” than ever, but are experiencing depression, loneliness, and isolation more than ever, too.  

Amy Pierson, mom to Eva, Isaac, and Benjamin, shares her personal experiences as a new mom in a big city, and how she helps her children navigate friendship.  

“Why don’t we invite someone?” These are Amy’s connection words.  Going to the park? Invite someone! Going to eat dinner after a game? Invite someone! Taking a class at the gym? Invite someone! We’re all looking for an invitation.  A simple invitation connects two people.  It’s not hard to do, but why don’t we do it? Fear.  We talk about it.  

“You have to want friendship more than you fear not having it.” 

We also discuss modeling friendship, being proactive and “helping” younger children learn how to be a friend.  Thanks Amy! As always, we LOVE having Amy on our show.  If you haven’t listened to THE WONDER PODCAST, check it out! Amy has been a frequent guest and friend.  She’s full of godly wisdom.  Thank you for listening! We appreciate you! 

Raising Sinners 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. 

Lisa Clark and Chrissie Dunham co- host Raising Sinners as well as The Wonder Podcast. Lisa is the author of the book Raising Sinners, available at Amazon and other retail outlets.  

Hit subscribe, and please tell your friends! Help us share the word! And we’d love to hear from you.  If you LOVE what you hear, please throw us some stars!!! *****

Instagram - @talkwithchrissieandlisa

www.lisaclarkspeaks.com

www.chrissiedunham.org

SUMMER is a great time to play catch, isn’t it? We can take a breath and enjoy life at a slower pace.  That’s exactly what we plan to do over the next few weeks! The Raising Sinners Podcast will be re-playing some of our favorite episodes (and yours!). First up…EXPERIENCING GOD WITH RICHARD BLACKABY! Dr. Blackaby was just incredible to talk to.  He made us feel so at ease and we loved his stories of growing up in the Blackaby household.  Enjoy and Happy Summer! Lisa and Chrissie

We have to admit it…WE ARE BIG EXPERIENCING GOD FANS!!! Dr. Henry Blackaby wrote the study 33 years ago, we have completed the study countless times over the years, and it has shaped us, encouraged us, challenged us and strengthened us! So, we were a little starstruck when Dr. Richard Blackaby joined us for this interview.

Dr. Richard Blackaby, Henry’s son and ministry partner is the General Editor of the completely revised, Christian Standard Bible (CSB) Translation of the Experiencing God Bible.  Just released, it features unique design elements and study helps including sections throughout the Bible asking, as only Henry Blackaby can do, “Did you notice?” We so often read God’s word in a hurry and miss so much truth and detail.  This Bible will help us think, study, and absorb what God would have for us each day.  And experience Him in His word.  

We talk a lot about the study that changed us in this episode.  But we also ask our guest some parenting questions.  One of our favorite quotes, “There aren’t enough rules to make your kids love Jesus.  So be so fun and full of joy that they can’t possibly NOT want to follow Christ!” AMEN!!!! As Chrissie likes to say, “THE PARTY DON’T STOP!”

We were honored Dr. Blackaby joined us, and we hope you enjoy this episode of Raising Sinners as much as we did! 

Lisa and Chrissie

Hit subscribe, and please tell your friends! Help us share the word! And we’d love to hear from you.  If you LOVE what you hear, please throw us some stars!!! *****

Instagram - @talkwithchrissieandlisa

www.lisaclarkspeaks.com

www.chrissiedunham.org

“Raising Sinners” available on Amazon and barnesandnoble.com 

(Lisa Clark and Chrissie Dunham host Raising Sinners, a podcast launched September 2021 on Christian Parenting’s Podcast Network.  Lisa is the author of the book, “Raising Sinners” and she and Chrissie co-host The Wonder Podcast, as well. Check it out!)

Raising Sinners 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

Teaching our children to be selfless and think of others first is a big parenting goal always looming in the backs of our minds, but seriously, it’s hard in the day-to-day moments of life to really instill this into our children’s minds and hearts.  Our society says worry about yourself! Focus on yourself! Take care of yourself! ME ME ME! 

But the scripture is clear, “So he answered and said, you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength, and love your neighbor as yourself.”  Luke 10:27 

Love God.  Love others.  That’s our marching orders.  

Our friend Rebecca Rapp-Salas joins us again to talk about raising children who are Kingdom minded and have a heart for serving others.  Rebecca grew up on the mission field and met her husband on the mission field.  The Salas’ love Jesus and have devoted their lives to loving Him and others.  This was an easy conversation.  Rebecca and her husband David are raising their daughters Amelie and Toni to live out Luke 10:27. They serve others well.  Rebecca gives us ideas, thoughts, and intentional ways we can raise children to think of others first and desire to serve them. 

We don’t have to teach our children to focus on their own needs.  That comes with skin. ☺ We must teach our children to see those in front of us whom God created that need our love, impact, friendship, and possibly our food, clothes, money and Jesus.  

The Raising Sinners Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Thank you for listening! We appreciate you! Lisa and Chrissie

Hit subscribe, and please tell your friends! Help us share the word! And we’d love to hear from you.  If you LOVE what you hear, please throw us some stars!!! *****

Instagram - @talkwithchrissieandlisa

www.lisaclarkspeaks.com

www.chrissiedunham.org

“Raising Sinners” available on Amazon and barnesandnoble.com 

(Lisa Clark and Chrissie Dunham host Raising Sinners, a podcast launched September 2021 on Christian Parenting’s Podcast Network.  Lisa is the author of the book, “Raising Sinners” and she and Chrissie co-host The Wonder Podcast, as well. Check it out!)

It’s May and summer is quickly approaching.  We thought it would be fun to take a minute, and a breath, and dream about having a simple summer.

Our friend Rebecca Rapp-Salas joins us and shares how her family keeps it simple.  It’s funny but keeping is simple takes planning, intentionality, and grit.  Keeping it simple isn’t that simple after all! ☺  

What is a simple summer? It’s recognizing the daily gifts of time, rest, and meals together that the school year typically doesn’t afford us.  It’s fireflies at night, walks in the neighborhood, an overnight camping trip, visiting grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, VBS, and summer camp.  It’s lists of fun activities like smores over a fire, scavenger hunts through the park, adventures in the kitchen, service projects and late-night talks.  

So many of us look up in August and wonder, “where did summer go?”  Is this because we looked forward to that grandiose trip the whole summer and forfeit the daily blessings of a simple, regular day? We want you to think ahead and plan for a simple summer.  Thank you, Rebecca, for spurring us on to do just that.  

The Raising Sinners Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Thank you for listening! We appreciate you! Lisa and Chrissie

Hit subscribe, and please tell your friends! Help us share the word! And we’d love to hear from you.  If you LOVE what you hear, please throw us some stars!!! *****

Instagram - @talkwithchrissieandlisa

www.lisaclarkspeaks.com

www.chrissiedunham.org

“Raising Sinners” available on Amazon and barnesandnoble.com 

(Lisa Clark and Chrissie Dunham host Raising Sinners, a podcast launched September 2021 on Christian Parenting’s Podcast Network.  Lisa is the author of the book, “Raising Sinners” and she and Chrissie co-host The Wonder Podcast, as well. Check it out!)

Our longtime friend Cheryl Scruggs joins us today to talk marriage, parenting and THRIVING! 

Cheryl and her husband, Jeff, are biblical counselors and founders of Hope Matters Marriage Ministry.  Their book, “I Do Again” chronicles their story of marriage, divorce, and remarriage. They are passionate about seeing marriages changed, made whole and reconciled to God’s plan.  Cheryl and Jeff have two grown daughters and 3 grandchildren.

Our discussion on this episode centers around how women can thrive in good times, hard times and everything in between. In other words, we talk about thriving in LIFE.  “Abundant life isn’t perfect circumstances, it’s perfect peace within those circumstances.”

In her new book, “Thriving Beyond Belief - Courageous, Rooted, Thriving Women,” Cheryl provides practical tools to improve every relationship, tools to know the real you, and tips on becoming more vulnerable.  

“It’s important to remember thriving doesn’t mean happy.  You can thrive in every season of life, even when you’re not necessarily happy.” 

Cheryl’s book is available everywhere you get your books! She also hosts a podcast of the same name.  ☺ Connect with Cheryl @cherylscruggs and @thrivingbeyondbeliefbook.  You can also learn more about their ministry by going to www.jeffandcherylscruggs.com.

The Raising Sinners Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Thank you for listening! We appreciate you! Lisa and Chrissie

Hit subscribe, and please tell your friends! Help us share the word! And we’d love to hear from you.  If you LOVE what you hear, please throw us some stars!!! *****

Instagram - @talkwithchrissieandlisa

www.lisaclarkspeaks.com

www.chrissiedunham.org

“Raising Sinners” available on Amazon and barnesandnoble.com 

(Lisa Clark and Chrissie Dunham host Raising Sinners, a podcast launched September 2021 on Christian Parenting’s Podcast Network.  Lisa is the author of the book, “Raising Sinners” and she and Chrissie co-host The Wonder Podcast, as well. Check it out!)

It’s Holy Week and our favorite week to talk with our friend, and resident theologian ☺, Susie Hawkins.  She co-authored the book, “Passover for Christians” and helps us understand how to “enter the story” as Believers in Christ during this week of remembrance and celebration.  

This weekend is the most momentous weekend in the history of the world.  As Christians, we commemorate Jesus’ death during HOLY WEEK. Christians only have 2 main holidays, Christmas and Easter, so it’s very important to our faith to honor these days and know why we celebrate.

Helping our children understand Easter can be hard when we’re discussing death and hard topics like crucifixion.  Most likely you’ve been asked, “Why is it called GOOD FRIDAY if Jesus died on that day?” Susie helps us understand the roots of “Good Friday” and offers ideas for allowing our children some space to be sad.  

And you’ll love all her ideas on making the story come alive at home through the Bible and activities to do as a family.  

Susie has written a devotional series for YOUVERSION Bible app called, “The Final Week of Jesus’ Life.” Subscribe today and be encouraged as you walk through Holy Week and the Scripture.  Thank you for joining us, Susie! 

The Raising Sinners Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org"

Thank you for listening! We appreciate you! 

Lisa and Chrissie

Hit subscribe, and please tell your friends! Help us share the word! And we’d love to hear from you.  If you LOVE what you hear, please throw us some stars!!! *****

Instagram - @talkwithchrissieandlisa

www.lisaclarkspeaks.com

www.chrissiedunham.org

“Raising Sinners” available on Amazon and barnesandnoble.com 

(Lisa Clark and Chrissie Dunham host Raising Sinners, a podcast launched September 2021 on Christian Parenting’s Podcast Network.  Lisa is the author of the book, “Raising Sinners” and she and Chrissie co-host The Wonder Podcast, as well. Check it out!)

Public? Private? Homeschool? What is a parent to do?

Mandy Hayes from THE MOM SQUAD joins us today.  Mom to 3 daughters, she and her husband Marcus live in the Houston area, are in ministry and are treating this decision as a yearly one.  Because they are in ministry, Marcus is lead pastor of Crossroads Baptist Church in The Woodlands, TX, they have lived in several places, and they’ve chosen schooling for their daughters that have best suited them at that time and place.  

Mandy taught in the Chicago public school system for many years.  Her daughters are in a hybrid, Christian school program now.  She has also homeschooled them in prior years.  So, her experience with each option is vast.  And she’s passionate about it.  

The thing we need to remember is that God is in it all.  As Believers, wherever we go, God goes.  So, we should not fear these decisions.  We pray, trust, and go.  

Mandy is the author of, “Promise Me You’ll Always be 3!” She has previously been a guest on The Wonder Podcast.  Thank you for joining us, Mandy! 

Thank you for listening! We appreciate you! 

Lisa and Chrissie

Hit subscribe, and please tell your friends! Help us share the word! And we’d love to hear from you.  If you LOVE what you hear, please throw us some stars!!! *****

Instagram - @talkwithchrissieandlisa

www.lisaclarkspeaks.com

www.chrissiedunham.org

“Raising Sinners” available on Amazon and barnesandnoble.com 

(Lisa Clark and Chrissie Dunham host Raising Sinners, a podcast launched September 2021 on Christian Parenting’s Podcast Network.  Lisa is the author of the book, “Raising Sinners” and she and Chrissie co-host The Wonder Podcast, as well. Check it out!)

Raising Sinners 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

Our guest today is Elizabeth Urbanowicz.  Elizabeth is a follower of Jesus Christ who is passionate about equipping kids to understand the truth of the Christian worldview. 

She holds a B.S. from Gordon College in Elementary Education and Spanish, an M.S.Ed. from Northern Illinois University in Literacy Education, and an M.A. in Christian Apologetics from Biola University. Elizabeth began her professional career as an elementary teacher in a Christian school. 

She began her professional career as an elementary teacher in a Christian school. Several years into her teaching experience, Elizabeth realized that despite being raised in Christian homes, attending a Christian school, and being active in church, her students thought more like the culture than like Christ. Elizabeth began searching for curricular materials that would equip her students to think critically, helping them discover that Christianity is the worldview that lines up with reality. After not finding any materials that met this need, she began creating a curriculum for her students. 

Elizabeth first taught Foundation Comparative Worldview Curriculum as an after-school class for third through fifth graders, and the results were incredible! Students were transformed from passive recipients of information to active evaluators of every message they receive. Parents and teachers alike noticed the impact these materials had on students’ media consumption, academic achievement, and everyday habits. This transformation lasted beyond the elementary years and guided students’ thinking in junior high and beyond. 

Elizabeth now works full-time on developing comparative worldview and apologetics resources for children. Her goal is to prepare the next generation to be lifelong critical thinkers and, most importantly, lifelong disciples of Jesus Christ. 

We thoroughly enjoyed our conversation with Elizabeth, and hope you’ll be encouraged by her drive and passion to help parents teach their children to think critically with a Biblical perspective.  Today more than ever we need this.  

For more information or to connect with Elizabeth go to www.foundationworldview.com

@foundation_worldview

Raising Sinners 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