We’re continuing to unpack Luke’s account of the Christmas story today in chapter 1 of Luke. As Karen breaks down the angel Gabriel’s visit to Mary and her response to him she  draws out beautiful and practical truths we can learn from this section of Scripture.

Mentioned on today’s episode:

Wire Talk series on James

Luke 1:26-38 (NLT version)

Life Application Study Bible

2 Samuel 7 - God’s promise to David that his kingdom will never end

It’s easy as a mom to spend all of your time leading up to Christmas morning checking off a giant to-do list and completely neglect to set aside any time to focus your heart on what the point of all this fuss is - JESUS’s arrival! That’s why, over the next 4 weeks Karen is going to walk us through the Christmas story as recorded by Luke, and give you a slice of time that is just for your spirit. Today we are getting started in Luke 1 with the story of Zechariah and his wife, Elizabeth.

Mentioned on this episode:

Wire Talk James study - Week 1

Luke 1:1-25 NLT version

Life Application Study Bible

Pre-order Survival Guide to Motherhood!

The holidays are a special time of year but they can be extremely tricky for families. Whether you're traveling or staying home, struggling with your mother-in-law or your own mom, there’s lots of family time involved and that often leads to tension. Today Karen gives moms tips for having tactful conversations with grandparents, preparing our kids for situations that are outside the everyday, and being especially proactive as we parent at this time of year. 

Mentioned on the episode:

Pre-order Survival Guide to Motherhood today!

Find resources for educating grandparents or other family members about your child's personality color HERE. 

What topics aren’t sensitive when you’re talking to a teenager! Today Karen is tackling tricky questions, from how to talk about health issues and personality differences to sneaky behavior and dealing with aging parents. As always, Karen doles out her trademark practical wisdom with some gems for the teenage years!

Mentioned on today’s episode:

Karen’s new book is available for pre-order!

Take Birds on a Wire’s personality colors quiz HERE

Find more BOAW personality resources HERE.

Kathleen Edelman’s A Grown Up’s Guide to Kids’ Wiring

Technology is increasingly a part of every aspect of today's world and there is so much to navigate! From gaming to social media to smartphones and everything in between, today Karen is answering questions about how to set boundaries and how to think about the technology we allow into our homes and into our kids' lives.

Mentioned on today’s episode:

GABB Wireless - safe phones for kids

Wire Talk episode 116 with expert Tom Shefchunas

Circle internet filtering

Right Now Media - video library for kids

Good Pictures, Bad Pictures (book about pornography for ages 6-11)

Good Pictures, Bad Pictures JR. (ages 3-6)

Toni Collier, founder of the women’s ministry, Broken Crayons Still Color, joins Karen today to talk about the message of her brand new book - Brave Enough to be Broken. We know you’ll enjoy hearing Toni’s personal story and resonate with the message that God uses all of our brokenness for His glory.

Be sure to grab a copy of Toni’s brand new book and share this episode with a woman in your life who needs some encouragement today!

Mentioned on today’s episode:

Toni’s ministry

Get the book: Brave Enough to be Broken

Connect with Toni on social media

If you have toddlers in the house, you know nap time is a BIG deal! Today Karen is fielding questions from moms desperate for a little afternoon peace. Listen in for tips on how to create a “quiet time” for your kiddo and how to navigate the tricky in-between season when they still need sleep, but just won’t surrender! 

Disagreement is inevitable in any relationship and marriage is no exception. When you’re parenting together, and your husband has his own way of doing things, disagreements cause even greater tension. Today we’re answering your questions about conflict with your husband, everything from planning date nights and handling criticism to riding motorcycles with the kids!

Mentioned on today’s episode:

Wild At Heart

WT 197: Creative Date Nights

Survival Guide to Motherhood (ages 0-5)

There's a reason they're called the 'Terrible Twos' friends! Whether it's daycare drop-off, not wanting to share, or just not getting their way, it can take us by surprise when our little angels find their voice and use it in a big way. If there's a toddler in your home, today's questions will probably sound familiar, so listen for a pep talk from Karen to stay the course, not give in, and keep up the good work, mom! 

When you have elementary and middle school aged kids, the pressure and the busy schedule that come with pursuing athletics or the arts can really stress a mom out! Whether it’s pushback from your kids, or a strain on your schedule and your finances, today Karen gives advice on how to juggle it all and keep the most important things central in your world during this season of life.

Check out today's shownotes and find all things BOAW at: birdsonawiremoms.com