Solo Parent

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Solo Parent episodes

May 26, 2020 Relational Growth
Let’s face it - a soured relationship is what put us in this difficult situation we are in. As Solo Parents many of us have experienced betrayal, rejection and we are very aware that we have failed at successful marriage relationships. The idea of thinking about working on ‘relational growth’ may bring feelings of ‘I've seen that movie before, no thanks’. We can tend to resist anything that requires trust, extensive time and ‘putting ourselves out there’ to potentially get hurt again.
The problem is that we are made for community. As tempting as it is to isolate and keep the walls up it is critical to grow healthy relationships. Growing healthy authentic relationships are a cornerstone to a healthily Single Parent.
To read all the show notes and insights from this week's podcast go to https://soloparentsociety.com/2020/05/26/relational-growth/
35 min
May 25, 2020 Relational Growth
Let's face it - a soured relationship is what put us in this difficult situation we are in. As Solo Parents many of us have experienced betrayal, rejection and we are very aware that we have failed at successful marriage relationships. The idea of thinking about working on 'relational growth' may bring feelings of 'I've seen that movie before, no thanks'. We can tend to resist anything that requires trust, extensive time and 'putting ourselves out there' to potentially get hurt again.
The problem is that we are made for community. As tempting as it is to isolate and keep the walls up it is critical to grow healthy relationships. Growing healthy authentic relationships are a cornerstone to a healthily Single Parent.
To read all the show notes and insights from this week's podcast go to SoloParentSociety.com
35 min
May 17, 2020 DAVE RAMSEY - Personal Growth
On today’s episode, hosts Robert Beeson and Kimberley Mitchell, talk with financial expert, Dave Ramsey about personal growth. Personal growth can seem like a far-off goal when our lives have been turned upside down. Dave shares what personal growth looks like for him and what it can look like for solo parents too.
Dave went through his own “shattered season” when his business went bankrupt, but he allowed that to shape his future. Now, he's on over 500 radio stations, he’s a bestselling author, and he’s a household name. Yes, our lives can feel shattered, “But,” Dave reminds us, “good things can come out of manure”. Things like bankruptcy and divorce are an ending but they are also a beginning. “You can’t go back, so all you can do is learn, get better, and go forward.”
Dave says personal growth is about using the rear-view mirror to glance behind us we don’t make the same mistakes again, but to use the windshield more, so we can move toward new things intentionally. We can’t always choose our circumstances, but we can choose what we put into our spirits and brains. “These things aren’t likely found on TV or Instagram but instead in a book, in a Bible Study, in a Sunday school class”, Dave emphasized. And making personal growth a priority is essential, “...just like you would with exercise and brushing your teeth”.
Dave also shared another key to personal growth is “naming the enemy to take his power away”. It’s easy to blame other people, play the victim card and get stuck. Dave has been there. Proverbs 13:12 says, “Hope deferred makes the heart sick.” “That’s human”, says Dave, “we get to have those moments, but we can’t stay there.” Instead, we must move toward the second part of that verse, “When desire comes, it is the tree of life.” “We need hopefulness instead of hopelessness”, says Dave, and “Nobody can steal our hope, we have to surrender it.” So, it’s also up to us to take it back. We can do this by naming blame and hopelessness and identifying a third enemy, fatigue. “It is emotionally expensive to be shattered”, says Dave. “We feel like we’ve been hit by a train, but we have to say, I’m not going to become a victim. I’m not going to surrender my hope. I'm going to rest, lick my wounds, and fill up the glass with something good.” “That”, Dave says, “is the personal growth part.”
In the shattered spaces of our lives, terrible things do happen, but we must be careful not to focus only on those things. We must be deliberate about naming the good things in our lives. Dave said, “Get up every morning and make a blessings list. Gratitude is a powerful emotion and grateful people are highly attractive.”
And who doesn’t want to be attractive? Personal growth isn't easy, but it’s necessary and empowering. When we come through a difficult season, we are no longer under the illusion of having it all together. We can surrender to not being perfect and realize God loves us anyway, just as we are. He forgives us and we can forgive ourselves too with hearts full of gratitude. Then we can move forward into new things and greater personal growth.
Don’t miss the rest of Dave’s insights on personal growth! Follow Solo Parent Society on Facebook and on Instagram (@soloparentsociety) Learn more at www.soloparentsociety.com.
You can also download the free Solo Parent Society app for iPhones or Androids from your app store.
To learn more about Financial Peace University, visit Ramsey Solutions.
31 min
May 17, 2020 DAVE RAMSEY - Personal Growth
On today's episode, hosts Robert Beeson and Kimberley Mitchell, talk with financial expert, Dave Ramsey about personal growth. Personal growth can seem like a far-off goal when our lives have been turned upside down. Dave shares what personal growth looks like for him and what it can look like for solo parents too.
Dave went through his own "shattered season" when his business went bankrupt, but he allowed that to shape his future. Now, he's on over 500 radio stations, he's a bestselling author, and he's a household name. Yes, our lives can feel shattered, "But," Dave reminds us, "good things can come out of manure". Things like bankruptcy and divorce are an ending but they are also a beginning. "You can't go back, so all you can do is learn, get better, and go forward."
Dave says personal growth is about using the rear-view mirror to glance behind us we don't make the same mistakes again, but to use the windshield more, so we can move toward new things intentionally. We can't always choose our circumstances, but we can choose what we put into our spirits and brains. "These things aren't likely found on TV or Instagram but instead in a book, in a Bible Study, in a Sunday school class", Dave emphasized. And making personal growth a priority is essential, "...just like you would with exercise and brushing your teeth".
Dave also shared another key to personal growth is "naming the enemy to take his power away". It's easy to blame other people, play the victim card and get stuck. Dave has been there. Proverbs 13:12 says, "Hope deferred makes the heart sick." "That's human", says Dave, "we get to have those moments, but we can't stay there." Instead, we must move toward the second part of that verse, "When desire comes, it is the tree of life." "We need hopefulness instead of hopelessness", says Dave, and "Nobody can steal our hope, we have to surrender it." So, it's also up to us to take it back. We can do this by naming blame and hopelessness and identifying a third enemy, fatigue. "It is emotionally expensive to be shattered", says Dave. "We feel like we've been hit by a train, but we have to say, I'm not going to become a victim. I'm not going to surrender my hope. I'm going to rest, lick my wounds, and fill up the glass with something good." "That", Dave says, "is the personal growth part."
In the shattered spaces of our lives, terrible things do happen, but we must be careful not to focus only on those things. We must be deliberate about naming the good things in our lives. Dave said, "Get up every morning and make a blessings list. Gratitude is a powerful emotion and grateful people are highly attractive."
And who doesn't want to be attractive? Personal growth isn't easy, but it's necessary and empowering. When we come through a difficult season, we are no longer under the illusion of having it all together. We can surrender to not being perfect and realize God loves us anyway, just as we are. He forgives us and we can forgive ourselves too with hearts full of gratitude. Then we can move forward into new things and greater personal growth.
Don't miss the rest of Dave's insights on personal growth! Follow Solo Parent Society on Facebook and on Instagram (@soloparentsociety) Learn more at www.soloparentsociety.com.
You can also download the free Solo Parent Society app for iPhones or Androids from your app store.
To learn more about Financial Peace University, visit Ramsey Solutions.
31 min
May 05, 2020 Big Announcement
We've got big news!
14 min
May 05, 2020 Big Announcement
We've got big news!
14 min
April 21, 2020 HELEN SMALLBONE - HOMESCHOOLING IN THE PANDEMIC
A COVID-19 CRISIS EPISODE
38 min
April 07, 2020 3 STEPS TO FINANCIAL STABILITY
Single parents often face financial insecurity. Finding a place of stability takes time, especially after divorce or other unforeseen circumstances. In today's podcast, Robert Beeson and Kimberley Mitchell talk about ways solo parents can find financial stability. For solo parents around the country, finances are a huge stressor. Paying the rent and bills is a struggle complicated by child support or the lack of it. Sometimes we rob Peter to pay Paul and the unknowns can be terrifying. Our security isn't found in money, but money issues can cause us to feel insecure. Ultimately, God is our Provider but being wise about money is essential. So how can we, as solo parents, move toward greater financial stability?
There are three ways.
1. Budgeting:
You can't spend what you don't have. The principles from Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University are a terrific framework for greater financial health. Creating a zero-based budget is the first step. A zero-based budget means you only spend what you earn so start by calculating your total income each month. Then, write down everything you spend money on. This is eye-opening and can help you find hidden areas of expense. Putting it down in black and white is an empowering exercise. Knowing what you earn and what you spend gives you a sense of control. Budgeting doesn't limit what you spend; it tells you what you can spend! Spending more than you earn isn't freedom. It's bondage. Getting into debt is a trap. Having a clear written budget gives you freedom because you can move ahead and spend with confidence.
2. Create an Emergency Fund:
For solo parents, building an emergency fund is crucial because unforeseen expenses can be especially devastating for those on limited incomes. Saving money for emergencies can seem overwhelming when you are barely making enough to cover macaroni and cheese and gasoline, but it's a key to financial health. If you don't have a fund to lean on, you will find yourself using a credit card. So how can we create an emergency fund? One tip is to look for things you have around your home that you can sell on eBay, Buy Sell Trade, or at a yard sale. Get creative because this step is so important!
3. Accountability:
It can be scary to disclose your budget to another person, but it's important to find someone to share this with. While difficult, it's important to know that you are not doing this alone. It's helpful to have another person you share honestly with about what you choose to spend on. Making responsible choices is important for our financial stability, but it's also important because we are teaching our kids how to handle money too. Finally, part of honoring God is honoring him with our finances. As we are faithful with our budget, being generous is also important. It reveals trust in God and His provision.
While these principles aren't easy to apply, especially on a limited and sometimes inconsistent income, they are valuable. Even if you need to take baby steps, move toward these principles, one step at a time. God is our Provider and our source of security, but, over time, these steps will lead to greater stability for you and your kids. The effort and commitment are worth it.
For more financial health resources, check out Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University.
To connect with other solo parents, find us on Facebook, Instagram, and at www.soloparentsociety.com.
31 min
April 06, 2020 3 STEPS TO FINANCIAL STABILITY
Single parents often face financial insecurity. Finding a place of stability takes time, especially after divorce or other unforeseen circumstances. In today's podcast, Robert Beeson and Kimberley Mitchell talk about ways solo parents can find financial stability. For solo parents around the country, finances are a huge stressor. Paying the rent and bills is a struggle complicated by child support or the lack of it. Sometimes we rob Peter to pay Paul and the unknowns can be terrifying. Our security isn't found in money, but money issues can cause us to feel insecure. Ultimately, God is our Provider but being wise about money is essential. So how can we, as solo parents, move toward greater financial stability?
There are three ways.
1. Budgeting:
You can't spend what you don't have. The principles from Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University are a terrific framework for greater financial health. Creating a zero-based budget is the first step. A zero-based budget means you only spend what you earn so start by calculating your total income each month. Then, write down everything you spend money on. This is eye-opening and can help you find hidden areas of expense. Putting it down in black and white is an empowering exercise. Knowing what you earn and what you spend gives you a sense of control. Budgeting doesn't limit what you spend; it tells you what you can spend! Spending more than you earn isn't freedom. It's bondage. Getting into debt is a trap. Having a clear written budget gives you freedom because you can move ahead and spend with confidence.
2. Create an Emergency Fund:
For solo parents, building an emergency fund is crucial because unforeseen expenses can be especially devastating for those on limited incomes. Saving money for emergencies can seem overwhelming when you are barely making enough to cover macaroni and cheese and gasoline, but it's a key to financial health. If you don't have a fund to lean on, you will find yourself using a credit card. So how can we create an emergency fund? One tip is to look for things you have around your home that you can sell on eBay, Buy Sell Trade, or at a yard sale. Get creative because this step is so important!
3. Accountability:
It can be scary to disclose your budget to another person, but it's important to find someone to share this with. While difficult, it's important to know that you are not doing this alone. It's helpful to have another person you share honestly with about what you choose to spend on. Making responsible choices is important for our financial stability, but it's also important because we are teaching our kids how to handle money too. Finally, part of honoring God is honoring him with our finances. As we are faithful with our budget, being generous is also important. It reveals trust in God and His provision.
While these principles aren't easy to apply, especially on a limited and sometimes inconsistent income, they are valuable. Even if you need to take baby steps, move toward these principles, one step at a time. God is our Provider and our source of security, but, over time, these steps will lead to greater stability for you and your kids. The effort and commitment are worth it.
For more financial health resources, check out Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University.
To connect with other solo parents, find us on Facebook, Instagram, and at www.soloparentsociety.com.
31 min
March 31, 2020 DISCOVERING WHOLENESS
In today's podcast, we deal with the topic of wholeness as part of our stability as single parents. Wholeness is defined as the state of being unbroken or undamaged but being a single parent can leave us feeling devastated and less than whole. It's especially challenging after some of our experiences and while feeling added pressure to have it all together for our kids. On today's podcast, Solo Parent Society founder, Robert Beeson, podcast co-host, Kimberley Mitchell, and single mom, Marissa Lee, discuss wholeness as something we find not in spite of brokenness but because of it. This may seem counterintuitive but brokenness can actually serve us well when we let God transform us through it. How do we do that? We need to anchor ourselves to Him and then wait for Him to repair and transform us.
Anchoring:
The act of dropping an anchor is an active process that requires knowing where you are. You can't lower an anchor in mud. It has to be dropped somewhere it will actually hold. As solo parents, we may find ourselves wanting to escape the storm of our brokenness but we cant. Instead, God promises to be with us in it so don't despise the storm. Embrace it as the place where God will meet you and anchor yourself to Him in the midst of it. How do we do this?
Specific ways to anchor:
Know where you are. Before you drop your anchor, assess your situation honestly. You can't go back to the shore you came from and you may not know where you are going. Instead, accept where you and then you can drop your anchor.
Anchor yourself in God's Word. Single parents need to be equipped. We need truth and hope. Surround yourself with it. Play worship music. Find a key verse and use it as a screensaver, memorize it. Especially as solo parents, we cannot be self-reliant. We have to let the anchor of truth hold us firm.
Once we are anchored in truth, then what? Well, then we wait.
Waiting:
Waiting isn't passive. It requires focus and determination to wait when we would rather run from our brokenness. Instead, we must accept where we are, lower our anchor and wait on God to repair us and see us through.
Specific ways to wait:
Take our thoughts captive. As we wait for God to open the next door and show us next steps, we must take every thought captive and make it obedient to Christ. Our thoughts are powerful and 70% of them are negative. We have to identify these negative thoughts as lies and speak back to them with truth. We have to be careful which voices we listen to. We need to remember we have a God who saved us! He wins in the end and He is with us in the wait.
Be present. While we wait, we need to be present. Be present with your kids, with yourself and with God. Get quiet and still. Allow space for God to speak. Accept what is and find the beauty in it. Be patient with yourself, with your circumstances and with God. Let go of the past and the future. What matters today is what you do right now. Just do the next right thing.
Remember, wholeness is not a destination but confidence in the One who created us. So, don't run from brokenness God is at work in it. Be expectant. Be patient Look for God in your brokenness and you will find Him. Anchor yourself to Him and wait. You are closer to wholeness than you ever thought.
Find us on Facebook and on Instagram and at www.SoloParentSociety.com.
38 min