Wire Talk with Karen Stubbs

In the final episode of our 3-part series on Ephesians 6:14-18, we're taking an in-depth look at verse 18 and Paul's call to pray in the Spirit on all occasions. Karen and Emily explore what it means to be vigilant in prayer and the different types of prayers we should keep in mind. They also dive into how we, as moms, can cultivate a consistent and effective prayer life and teach our kids to pray. This conversation is rich with wisdom and Scripture, so pull up a chair and have your Bible nearby as we close out this powerful series!

Episode Recap:

5:55 Ephesians 6:18- Paul’s admonition to the church to pray in the spirit on all occasions

8:54 What are the different types of prayers we need to keep in mind? 

13:20 How can we develop a consistent and effective prayer life as moms?

14:41 How do we teach our kids to pray?  

17:47 Putting on the armor of God empowers us

21:30 Karen shares various times from her life when she depended on prayer

Scripture for Reflection:

Ephesians 6:18 (NIV): “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.”

Questions for Discussion:

1. Reflecting on Ephesians 6:18, how do you personally practice "praying in the Spirit on all occasions"? What are some specific ways you integrate prayer into your daily routine, and how has that impacted your spiritual life?
2. Karen and Emily discussed different types of prayers we should keep in mind.
   Which type of prayer do you find yourself leaning on the most, and why? Are there any types of prayers you feel you could focus on more in your life?
3. Can you recall a time in your own life when prayer was essential in getting through a difficult situation? How did that experience strengthen your faith?
4. What challenges have you faced in maintaining a regular prayer practice? What strategies have you found helpful in overcoming these obstacles?
5. How have you approached teaching prayer to your children? What methods or practices have you found effective in helping them develop their own prayer lives?

Resources:

• Check out BOAW’s 52 week prayer journal: https://store.birdsonawiremoms.com/collections/accessories/products/moments-in-prayer-52-week-prayer-journal
• Come hear Karen teach at an event near you: https://birdsonawiremoms.com/events
• Join our private BOAW Moms FB group for community and collective wisdom: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BOAWmoms

Today we're diving deep into Ephesians 6:14-18, exploring how to equip ourselves with spiritual armor needed for the daily battles we face. Karen and Emily discuss the practical steps to "put on" the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, and the gospel of peace, empowering you to stand firm against the challenges of life. This conversation is chock full of Scripture, so grab your Bible and follow along as we discover how to stand firm, knowing that God is with us in every fight.

Episode Recap:

4:19 Today we’re looking at Ephesians 6:14-18 together 

6:54 We have to strap on the truth of Jesus Christ. We have to know what He says, which means reading our Bibles

7:58 Use Scripture to combat the lies we face in our daily lives

15:10 How do we practically put on the belt of truth? 

17:39 What is the breastplate of righteousness and how do we “put it on” practically speaking?

22:43 Let’s break down what it means to “have your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace”

26:00 We can’t hold it all together, we have to open up our hands and trust that God has us and our kids

34:20 Stand firm and fight, prepared with these spiritual weapons, because God is with you

Scripture for Reflection:

Ephesians 6:14-18 (NIV): “Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”

Questions for Discussion:

1. How can we practically "put on" the belt of truth in our daily lives as mothers?
   Consider specific ways you can incorporate Scripture into your daily routine to combat the lies and doubts you might face.
2. What does it mean to wear the breastplate of righteousness as a mom?
   Discuss how living righteously affects your parenting and the example it sets for your children. How can you model this for them?
3. In what areas of your life do you need to trust that God "has you and your kids"?
   Reflect on situations where you may be trying to control too much. How can you release those burdens and trust in God's provision?
4. How can being rooted in the gospel of peace help you navigate the challenges of motherhood? Discuss how staying grounded in God's peace can shape your reactions to stressful situations and bring a calming influence to your family.

Resources:

• Grab Karen’s 365 day devotional Moments with God for Moms: https://store.birdsonawiremoms.com/collections/accessories/products/copy-of-moments-with-god-for-moms-daily-devotional-faux-leather
• Check out BOAW’s 52 week prayer journal: https://store.birdsonawiremoms.com/collections/accessories/products/moments-in-prayer-52-week-prayer-journal
• Come hear Karen teach at an event near you: https://birdsonawiremoms.com/events
• Join our private BOAW Moms FB group for community and collective wisdom: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BOAWmoms

Back-to-school feels like the start of a new year for moms, so it’s a perfect time to prepare our hearts and minds. Over the next three weeks, we're diving into Ephesians to explore the armor of God, a biblical metaphor Paul uses to remind us that we are in a spiritual battle every day. This isn't about fear—it's about living a victorious life through Christ.

Join us as we encourage you to wake up, equip yourself with God’s truth, and get ready to stand strong in this new season. You’ve got this, and with God’s help, it’s going to be an amazing school year!

Episode Recap:

4:30 Karen recaps upcoming speaking events and her travel calendar 

6:00 The new school year as the real "new year" for moms

9:11 Why is the armor of God crucial for spiritual battles?

12:32 We don’t think about the fact that we are in a spiritual battle everyday

16:43 How do we practically apply this in our families? Karen offers tangible examples

22:14 ‘Stand firm’ means we have to be ready. Wake up! Expect the battles to come and be prepared.

24:23 We have to retrain ourselves to see the spiritual battles around us and plug into God’s power

Scripture for Reflection:

Ephesians 6:10-13 (NIV):  “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.”

Questions for Discussion:

1. Why do you think Paul chose the metaphor of the armor of God to describe our spiritual battles? How does this imagery resonate with your own experiences as a mom?
2. Karen emphasized the importance of 'standing firm' and being prepared for spiritual battles. In what areas of your life do you feel the most unprepared, and how can you start to equip yourself spiritually?
3. In the episode, Emily mentions that we often don’t realize we’re even in a spiritual battle. What are some practical ways you can remind yourself to stay aware of this reality?
4. How do you see the devil’s schemes manifesting in your daily life, particularly in your role as a mom? How can you counteract these schemes with the truths from Ephesians 6?
5. Karen talks about the need to retrain ourselves to see spiritual battles and plug into God’s power. What steps can you take this week to start viewing challenges from a spiritual perspective rather than just a physical one?

Resources:

• Grab a copy of Karen’s all-new Survival Guide to Motherhood: https://amzn.to/4dxAL1o
• Come hear Karen teach at an event near you: https://birdsonawiremoms.com/events
• Connect with Birds on a Wire Moms on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/birdsonawiremoms  and Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/birdsonawiremoms

What does God say about you? Do you know?! It is all too easy to get caught up in who the world says you are, so today Karen and Emily remind us the truth of what God says. They talk about identity, the phrase “just a mom,” and fighting against comparison. We hope today’s conversation encourages you to celebrate your unique gifts and talents and focus on the truth that you are fearfully and wonderfully made!

Episode Recap:
3:45 Survival Guide to Motherhood releases today! 

6:30 Karen’s purpose at BOAW Moms is to be your biggest cheerleader

11:50 It is critical that we base our identity and find our worth in who we are in Christ

16:40 Get off social media and stay in your lane if you struggle with this! 

21:15 You are fearfully and wonderfully made, start out each day by meditating on that truth

Scripture for Reflection:

Psalm 139:14 (NIV): “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”

Questions for Discussion:

1. Are there specific areas where you’ve struggled to see yourself the way God sees you? How has your understanding of your identity in Christ changed after listening to this episode? 
2. Karen and Emily talked about the phrase “just a mom.” Have you ever told anyone you are “just a mom”? Has this episode helped you reframe that mindset?
3. Social media can lead to feelings of inadequacy and comparison. What steps can you take to "stay in your lane" and avoid comparing yourself to others? How can focusing on your unique gifts help with this?
4. Karen shared that her purpose in starting BOAW Moms was to be a cheerleader for other moms. How can you encourage and support other women in your community to see their worth and celebrate their unique gifts?

Resources:

• Karen’s all-new Survival Guide to Motherhood is available now! https://amzn.to/3Vr7LlD
• Connect with Birds on a Wire Moms on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/birdsonawiremoms  and Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/birdsonawiremoms

Are you raising confident kids? Today Karen encourages moms to take a step back so our kids can step up. She and Emily discuss the pitfalls of doing things for our kids and the reasons we often fall into that trap. They also talk about the difference between nurturing and enabling and share the critical connection between kids who take ownership and confident kids!

Episode Recap:

6:40 Why is there a whole chapter on confidence in this book? 

8:32 Where are moms missing the mark when it comes to raising confident kids?

12:56 What role do chores play in confidence? 

14:04 Small, practical ways you can allow your children to grow in confidence

Scripture for Reflection:

Galatians 6:5 (NIV): "For each one should carry their own load."

Questions for Discussion:

1. Can you identify any specific behaviors or actions where you might be enabling your child rather than nurturing their independence? What changes could you make to shift from enabling to nurturing?
2. Reflect on a recent situation where you stepped back and allowed your child to handle something on their own. How did it go, and what did you learn from the experience?
3. How do you incorporate chores into your child's routine? How have you seen chores impact your child's sense of responsibility and confidence?
4. What are some small, practical steps you can take to help your child grow in confidence? How can you implement these steps in your daily routine?

Resources:

- Pre-order Karen’s all-new Survival Guide to Motherhood today! Orders ship July 30th: https://amzn.to/3Vr7LlD
- Connect with Birds on a Wire Moms on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/birdsonawiremoms  and Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/birdsonawiremoms

In this third part of our series on Karen's new book, "Survival Guide to Motherhood," Karen and Emily discuss the importance of raising kids with a strong foundation in biblical principles, even when it goes against the grain of today's world. They chat about how teaching kids to obey their parents leads to a more peaceful home in the long run. Don’t miss Karen’s prayer at the end of the episode asking for wisdom, courage, and blessings for all the families tuning in! 

Episode Recap:

6:29 Discipline is hard and different for every child and in every season

7:43 Discipline has to be taught - it does not come naturally to children

11:42 Discipline has to be consistent.

13:00 The 3 stages of discipline each require a different focus from parents 

17:07 The “B”s of discipline are: Be Consistent, Be United, Be Clear

18:08 In the later years, we have to give our kids the “why” behind the no

Scripture for Reflection:

Hebrews 12:11 “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.”

James 1:5 “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”

Questions for Discussion:

1. Are there any negative behaviors you see in your child now that you are tempted to ignore, thinking they will grow out of it? 
2. Karen mentioned the idea that "pain now will equal peace later" when it comes to parenting. Have you experienced this in your own life? How have you seen this in your parenting journey? 
3. Which stage of discipline are you in right now? (Laying the Foundation, Teaching the ‘Whys’, The Coaching Years)
4. Do you think the pace of your life is preventing you from disciplining effectively? How so? 
5. Of the three “B”s (Be Consistent, Be United, Be Clear), which do you struggle with most? 
6. Have you ever prayed and asked for wisdom to know how to discipline your child? Pray together as a group today for the wisdom to discipline effectively. 

Resources:

• Pre-order Karen’s all-new Survival Guide to Motherhood today! Orders ship July 30th: https://amzn.to/3Vr7LlD
• More Wire Talk episodes on discipline: Laying the Foundation, The Middle Years, The Coaching Years
• Find ALL the episodes we’ve ever recorded on discipline HERE. 
• Connect with Birds on a Wire Moms on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/birdsonawiremoms  and Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/birdsonawiremoms

How do you make sacrifices for your kids without sacrificing yourself in the process? In today’s conversation, Karen and Emily explore this question and Karen offers wisdom on knowing when it’s time to prioritize yourself. We'll dig into taking care of your mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual health because a healthy mom equals healthy kids! 

Episode Recap:

(3:31) There is a difference between sacrificing for others and sacrificing yourself in the process

(5:42) Surround yourself with the wise counsel of those who are ahead of you on the journey

(10:19) Good emotional health for a mom results in good emotional health for her children

(15:26) Take care of your spiritual health and invest in a resource to help you

Questions for Discussion:

1. Can you share a time when you felt you were sacrificing too much of yourself for your children? How did you recognize this, and what steps did you take to find a better balance? If you’re in the middle of this right now, can you share more about what’s going on?
2. Karen mentions the importance of surrounding yourself with wise counsel. Who are the people in your life that provide you with wisdom and support, and how have they helped you navigate motherhood?
3. Karen shares that emotional health is passed from parent to child. What was the emotional climate in your home growing up? What effect did that climate have on you and the way you respond emotionally now? How do you want to change or maintain that climate in your home now as a parent?
4. On a scale of 1 (not at all) to 10 (all of the time) how well do you think you are prioritizing your physical health? What changes if any do you need to make in this area?
5. How are you nurturing your faith right now, and what resources or practices have you found most beneficial in staying connected to God during this season of life?

Resources:

• Pre-order Karen’s all-new Survival Guide to Motherhood today! Orders ship July 30th: https://amzn.to/3Vr7LlD
• Grab a copy of Karen’s Six Truths of Motherhood and use code WTSix for free shipping
• Pick up the Moments with God for Moms daily devotional or Karen’s weekly prayer journal for your quiet time. 
• Connect with Birds on a Wire Moms on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/birdsonawiremoms  and Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/birdsonawiremoms

Today we’re cracking the spine of Karen’s newest book, Survival Guide to Motherhood. Karen shares insightful excerpts from the opening chapters, exploring the ideas that kids develop like Crock-Pots, joy is a choice, and moms are the CEOs of their homes. Grab your copy of Survival Guide today. Check the show notes for the link.

Episode Recap:

3:17 Survival Guide to Motherhood is available for pre-order

9:58 Process of recording the audiobook version

13:25 Moms all want to “get it right” and we all want someone to walk alongside us

16:43 Kids are like Crock-Pots

21:19 Joy is a choice

24:20 Moms, you are the boss of your home

26:25 You’re not in control (God is!) but you can control the atmosphere in your home

Questions for Discussion:

1. Reflecting on Karen's analogy that kids are like crock pots, how have you seen your child's growth and maturity reflect the concept that progress takes time, much like a slow-cooked meal? Is there something going on right now with a child where you are finding it hard to be patient with their slow maturation process? 
2. Is it easy for you to “choose joy” in your day to day situation right now? Can you share a time when choosing joy made a difference in your approach to a difficult situation with your children or spouse?
3. In what ways do you see yourself as the "boss" of your home, and how does this influence your daily decision-making?
4. Can you share an example of a time when taking charge in your household led to a positive outcome for your family?

Resources:

• Pre-order Karen’s all-new Survival Guide to Motherhood today! Orders ship July 30th: https://amzn.to/3Vr7LlD
• Want to bring Karen to speak in your community? Reach out: https://www.birdsonwiremoms.com/invite 
• Connect with Birds on a Wire Moms on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/birdsonawiremoms  and Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/birdsonawiremoms

In this episode, we're tackling one of the biggest challenges moms face: determining when to address a child's behavior and when to let things slide. Today Karen is answering your questions about managing high expectations, handling stress-induced blow-ups, guiding toddlers through tantrums, fostering honesty in kids, and navigating family dynamics with your less disciplined relatives. We hope today’s encouragement helps you find the balance between leaning in and letting go!

Episode Recap:

4:20 Are my expectations for my 5 year old too high? 

8:06 Help! I have zero patience for my energetic kiddo right now! 

12:28 You don’t have time “not have time” for your daily quiet time with God.

14:45 How do I handle a toddler who won’t stop crying? 

18:53 I always have to fact-check my child. How do we stop the habit of lying?

21:09 My siblings’ children are wild at family functions and it sucks the joy out of our time together. What can I do? 

Questions for Discussion:

1. How do you decide when to address your child's behavior and when to let things go?
2. Do you turn to prayer during challenging parenting moments, and can you share a time when it made a difference for you or your child? 
3. Did you relate to the question about the toddler who won’t stop crying? Are any of your children especially sensitive or outwardly emotional? How do you help your child learn to express their emotions in a healthy way?
4. Do you have any relatives or close friends who have different parenting styles from you? Does it make those interactions challenging or have you found effective ways to handle those relationships?

Resources:

• Pre-order Karen’s all-new Survival Guide to Motherhood today! Orders ship July 30th: https://amzn.to/3Vr7LlD
• Want to bring Karen to speak in your community? Reach out: https://www.birdsonwiremoms.com/invite 
• Connect with Birds on a Wire Moms on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/birdsonawiremoms  and Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/birdsonawiremoms

Want to know the secret to being happily married for 37 years? Listen and learn from Karen in today’s episode! We’re exploring how to navigate differences, keep the love alive, and build the strong, united front that benefits your kids. With personal stories, practical tips, and plenty of laughs, this episode is all about celebrating the joys and quirks of married life. Tune in and learn from the best. :) 

Episode Recap:

5:21 A strong marriage brings security to children

7:53 Principle #1- Be United

10:14 How to actively listen to your spouse

17:05 Strategies to navigate and embrace differences

21:39 Principle #2- Be FOR one another 

27:01 Be your spouse’s #1 cheerleader

Questions for Discussion:

1. What shared values are most important in your marriage, and how do you reinforce them?
2. How do you and your partner handle differences in parenting styles?
3. What are some ways you keep the romance alive amidst the chaos of family life?
4. Can you share a time when overcoming a challenge together strengthened your relationship?
5. How do you celebrate the small, everyday moments in your marriage?

Resources:

• Pre-order Karen’s all-new Survival Guide to Motherhood today! Orders ship July 30th: https://amzn.to/3Vr7LlD
• Want to bring Karen to speak in your community? Reach out: https://www.birdsonwiremoms.com/invite 
• Connect with Birds on a Wire Moms on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/birdsonawiremoms  and Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/birdsonawiremoms