Sparking Everyday Discipleship

Summary In this episode, Terrie Hellard-Brown shares practical advice on teaching apologetics to young children, evaluating parenting effectiveness, and supporting homeschooling families. She emphasizes the importance of understanding truth, addressing sibling rivalry, and praying for your children's spiritual growth. Key Topics

• Teaching apologetics to young children
• How to evaluate if you're doing enough as a parent
• Supporting children with learning disabilities in homeschooling
• Addressing sibling rivalry and conflict
• Praying for children's spiritual and emotional well-being

Sound Bites

• "Check out Foundation Worldview for great resources"
• "If you're asking, most likely you're doing a good job"
• "Pray for your children in every area of life"

Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 00:31 Teaching Apologetics to Toddlers with Foundation Worldview 01:54 Resources and Discounts for Apologetics Education 02:51 How to Know if You're Doing Enough as a Parent 04:20 Signs of Thriving Children and Parental Evaluation 05:42 Addressing Sibling Rivalry and Conflict Resolution 07:37 Setting Respectful Boundaries and Family Rules 10:30 Recognizing When You're a Good Parent 12:21 Understanding Children's Needs and Love Languages 14:19 Praying for Wisdom and Family Peace 15:17 Supporting Children with Learning Difficulties 16:40 Using Audiobooks and Creative Learning Strategies 19:50 Handling High School Subjects and External Help 21:14 Parenting Challenges and Resilience 22:38 Daily Prayer for Children's Spiritual and Emotional Needs 23:33 Encouragement and Invitation for Listener Questions Resources

• Foundation Worldview
• You Can Homeschool by Nathan Ritter

Summary

In this insightful interview, Gaylyn Williams shares practical stress management principles rooted in faith, addressing how parents and caregivers can handle stress, grief, and anxiety, especially in challenging family situations. Discover actionable tips to transform stress into spiritual growth and resilience.

Key Topics

Stress and internal triggers Impact of grief and unmet expectations Helping children with stress and anxiety Spiritual focus and turning eyes on Jesus

Sound Bites

"Focusing on Jesus makes problems seem smaller" "His peace surpasses all understanding" "Sign up for 52 free stress management tips"

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Galen Williams and His Work 02:33 Understanding Stress and Its Impact 10:44 The Role of Grief in Stress Management 15:37 Helping Children Manage Stress 20:25 Workshops and Resources for Stress Management 22:41 Focusing on God Amidst Stress

Resources

RelationshipResources.org - https://relationshipresources.org All Stressed Up and Everywhere to Go (Book) - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C7F4XYZ Stress Management Tips Sign-Up - https://relationshipresources.org/stress-tips Website - https://relationshipresources.org

Summary This episode provides an inside look at a creative retreat for children's writers and illustrators, highlighting planning, activities, and the transformative potential of the event. Key Topics

• Retreat planning and logistics
• Activities for writers and illustrators
• Inspiration and creative growth

Takeaways

• A well-planned retreat can spark creativity and community.
• Choosing a unique venue like a castle enhances inspiration.
• Structured activities like scavenger hunts and pitch parties foster growth.

Sound Bites

• "God led us to do this retreat."
• "Come join us and spark your creativity."
• "Pitch your story idea to an agent or publisher."

Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Everyday Discipleship 01:28 The Purpose of the Retreat 02:58 Planning the Retreat: Challenges and Changes 03:56 Exciting Venue: The Castle Retreat 05:23 Activities and Events Overview 11:44 Daily Schedule and Sessions 15:30 Pitch Party and Closing Events

Summary In this episode, Terrie Hellard-Brown explores the various motivations behind writing, from legacy and calling to therapy and personal healing. She offers practical advice on publishing options, the importance of healing before sharing traumatic stories, and how to navigate the publishing industry, including traditional, indie, and hybrid routes. Plus, details about an upcoming retreat for Christian children's book writers and illustrators in Oklahoma.

Key Topics Motivations for writing: legacy, calling, therapy Publishing options: traditional, indie, hybrid, vanity Importance of healing before sharing traumatic stories How critique groups and editors improve your manuscript Details about the 2026 children's book writers retreat in Oklahoma

Sound Bites

• "Heal first before sharing traumatic stories."
• "Patience is key in the publishing process."
• "Critique groups are invaluable for growth."

Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Everyday Discipleship 00:28 The Call to Write 05:00 Writing for Family and Legacy 11:20 Writing as Therapy 16:40 Navigating Publishing Options 20:50 The Traditional Publishing Journey 25:33 Learning the Publishing Business 32:00 Upcoming Retreat Announcement 39:32 Encouragement for Parents and Writers HypurpleyPublishing.com TerrieHellardBrown.com

This special episode is for those who are writers and illustrators or who want to become writers and illustrators. We will have our regular episode again at the beginning of June.

Summary

This episode explores the journey of Christian writers, addressing fears and procrastination that hinder writing, and promoting a transformative writing retreat in a castle in Oklahoma. Host Terrie Hellard-Brown shares insights on overcoming obstacles, the importance of faith, and how to turn writing dreams into reality.

Key Topics

Fear as a barrier to writing

Procrastination and prioritization

The spiritual calling of writing

Details of the upcoming castle retreat in Oklahoma

Strategies for overcoming writer's block and fear

Takeaways

Fear of judgment cripples many Christian writers, but faith can overcome it.

Procrastination often stems from feeling overwhelmed; prioritizing writing is essential.

Writing retreats provide clarity, community, and spiritual renewal.

Getting started is the hardest part; write even if it's terrible at first.

God's calling is bigger than our fears; stepping out in faith is crucial.

Sound Bites

"You're afraid they'll laugh at you."

"Fear not, over 300 times in the Bible."

"Write even if it's absolutely terrible."

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to Sparking Everyday Discipleship

00:30 The Calling to Write and Share Stories

01:55 The Excitement of the Upcoming Retreat

03:20 Overcoming Fear in Writing

06:44 The Importance of Perspective in Writing

09:36 Confronting Procrastination

12:54 Embracing the Writing Process

13:59 The Retreat Experience and Writing Goals

15:23 Logistics and Final Thoughts on the Retreat

Summary

In this engaging conversation, Elisha Lee discusses her new children's book, 'Patricia Learns Patience,' exploring the challenges of writing for children and the deeper meanings of patience and love. She emphasizes the importance of understanding these concepts before teaching them to children, drawing from her Christian faith. The discussion also covers how parents and educators can use the book to foster meaningful conversations about faith and patience, as well as Elisha's work in counseling and her podcast that integrates mental health with Christian principles.

Takeaways

Writing for children requires deep self-reflection. Patience is about enjoying the journey, not rushing it. Roadblocks are part of the journey, not the end. Love is the catalyst for change in relationships. Children need to learn patience through relatable stories. Early intervention is crucial for children's development. Parents should be honest about their need for help. Integrating faith with mental health can provide hope. Teaching children about love and patience is essential. Elisha's journey as an author has transformed her personally.

Sound Bites

00:00 "Jesus spoke in parables to explain things."

07:30 "We want to enjoy the journey, not rush it."

11:39 "You do not start where you stay."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Elisha Lee and Her New Book

02:55 The Challenge of Writing for Children

06:10 Understanding Patience and Long-Suffering

08:49 The Importance of the Journey

12:04 Patricia Learns Patience: A Christian Perspective

15:02 Using the Book for Teaching and Conversations

17:54 Elisha's Counseling Practice and Podcast

Summary Join us as we explore how children's books about the resurrection can teach young children about faith, Jesus' resurrection, and how to introduce spiritual concepts in an age-appropriate way. Laura Sassi shares insights on faith development, storytelling, and practical tips for parents and educators. Sound Bites

• "Use bright colors to symbolize the joy of Easter."
• "Avoid graphic depictions to prevent scaring children."
• "Children's faith development is a lifelong journey."

Chapters 00:00Introduction to Laura Sassi's New Book 04:04Exploring the Themes of Resurrection in Children's Literature 06:33Navigating Difficult Conversations with Young Children 09:11The Role of Parents in Faith Development 11:44Personal Stories of Faith and Teaching 14:11The Importance of Prayer and Spiritual Growth 16:44Encouraging Early Exposure to the Gospel 19:22Conclusion and Call to Action 19:52Introduction and Engagement 20:14Encouragement and Empowerment for Discipleship Resources

• Laura Sassi's Website
• Easter Activity Kit by Laura Sassi

Summary

In this conversation, Glenys Nellist and Terrie Hellard-Brown discuss the significance of children's books that focus on blessings, love, and peace. They explore how these themes are woven into Glenys's book series, emphasizing the importance of positive reinforcement in children's lives. The discussion also touches on the creative process behind writing children's literature and the resources available for parents and educators to enhance the reading experience.

Takeaways

Children need to hear positive affirmations of love. Books can reinforce the idea that nothing can separate them from God's love. Illustrations play a crucial role in engaging children. Each book in the series has a unique theme and animal representation. Blessings can be personalized with a child's name. The power of words shapes children's self-perception. Blessings should be a lifelong practice, not just for children. Creativity in writing often leads to unexpected outcomes. Resources are available to support the themes of the books. The conversation highlights the importance of community in nurturing children.

Sound Bites

"Books are not just for children."

"You are a blessing and I love you."

"Our words have power."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Bedtime Blessings Series

05:22 Exploring God's Great Love

07:54 The Importance of Blessings in Children's Lives

10:45 Differentiating the Books in the Series

13:23 The Power of Words and Affirmations

16:03 The Role of Blessings Beyond Bedtime

18:47 Future of the Bedtime Blessings Series

21:39 Exploring Bedtime Blessings with Glenys Nellist

Summary In this episode of Sparking Everyday Discipleship, host Terrie Hellard-Brown discusses her journey in podcasting, focusing on the unique challenges faced by mixed needs families. She shares her favorite Bible recommendations for children and older kids, emphasizing the importance of quality translations and resources for spiritual growth. The episode concludes with encouragement for parents to remain steadfast in their discipleship efforts. Takeaways

• Terrie is transitioning the podcast to focus on mixed needs families.
• The new podcast is titled 'Mixed Needs Mama'.
• Sparking Everyday Discipleship will now be released once a month.
• Terrie shares her favorite storybook Bibles for children.
• The Kingdom and the King's Storybook Bible is highly recommended.
• The Biggest Bible Storybook offers a more comprehensive narrative.
• The Biggest Story Holy Bible is suitable for older children.
• Quality study Bibles enhance group Bible study experiences.
• Choosing a good Bible translation is crucial for understanding scripture.
• Parents are encouraged to remain diligent in their discipleship efforts.

Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Sparking Everyday Discipleship 01:55 Focus on Mixed Needs Families 03:41 Exploring Bible Resources for Families 08:58 Choosing the Right Bible for Different Ages 16:23 The Importance of Solid Bible Translations