Wire Talk with Karen Stubbs

We’re kicking off a brand-new summer series today! All month long, we’ll be talking about how to make the most of the new rhythm summer brings to your home. In this episode, we’re talking about simple, practical ways moms can grow spiritually alongside their kids. We hope this conversation encourages you that you don’t have to do this perfectly to take meaningful steps of growth toward Jesus together as a family.

Episode Recap:

• Whether you look forward to summer or dread it, try to enjoy it! (2:00)
• You do not have to entertain your child all summer long (4:14)
• Which kind of summer mom are you? (7:15)
• You want your kids to see Jesus shining through you to your kids (11:35)
• Let your kids see your real struggles (appropriately) (14:00)
• Pray BIG with your kids (17:00)
• Walk your kids through unanswered prayers when you are praying together (20:31)
• Model humility and repentance (22:00)
• What does this look like at different ages? (25:30)

Scripture: Deuteronomy 6:6-7(NIV)
“These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”

Discussion Questions: 

1. Which part of this conversation felt most challenging to you: praying big, modeling repentance, letting your kids see your struggles, or something else?
2. Which one of these do you feel like you’re already doing? 
3. How can you create small, intentional spiritual rhythms in your home this summer without putting pressure on yourself to “do it perfectly”?
4. What is one practical step you could take this week to help your kids see authentic faith lived out in everyday life?

Resources:

• Pick up a copy of Karen’s devotional to read this summer
• Register for the SOAR Conference today. 
• Snag How to Teach Your Kids the Bible and work through it with your kids this summer! 
• Become a WT+ Insider today! boaw.mom/insider

Want More of This Conversation?
During Wire Talk+, Karen and Emily answer listener questions about kids pushing back against going to church and asking big questions about God.

Head HERE and join us for the full conversation.

As we wrap up our Mothers of the Bible series, we’re looking at one of the most complicated and heartbreaking stories in Scripture: Bathsheba. Her life was marked by loss, pain, shame, and circumstances she never would have chosen, yet God was still at work redeeming her story. In this episode, Karen and Emily talk about how our worst moments do not define us, how God meets us in brokenness, and why it’s never too late for redemption.

Episode Recap:

• Soar is coming up in September - join us and see Karen live! (4:00)
• What we know of Bathsheba’s story begins with David’s lust (6:54)
• Bathsheba becomes the mother of Solomon (11:12)
• Bathsheba was not in control of what was happening to her (12:35)
• God is in the business of redemption (14:00)
• Our worst days or seasons do not define our identity (16:00)
• No one is too far gone for God to use in His story (18:19)
• Do not let Satan convince you that you are unworthy (19:20)

Scripture: Matthew 1:6 (NIV)
“David was the father of Solomon, whose mother had been Uriah’s wife…”

Discussion Questions: 

1. Have you ever felt defined by a mistake or painful season in your life?
2. What parts of Bathsheba’s story stand out to you the most, why?
3. Is there an area of your life where you struggle to believe God can bring redemption?
4. What does it practically look like to separate your identity from your past?

Resources:

• Register for the SOAR Conference today. 
• Snag How to Teach Your Kids the Bible and work through it with your kids this summer! 
• Become a WT+ Insider today! boaw.mom/insider

Want More of This Conversation?
During Wire Talk+, Karen and Emily share a family story that illustrates the importance of bringing our sin into the light and allowing Christ to redeem our past.

Head HERE and join us for the full conversation.

Naomi’s story is one of grief and disappointment, but ultimately, it’s about redemption. Today on Wire Talk, Karen and Emily continue our Mothers of the Bible series by looking at how God was working behind the scenes even when Naomi felt abandoned and bitter. If you’re walking through loss, broken relationships, or a season that feels nothing like the life you imagined, we hope this look at the life of Naomi reminds you that God is not absent and He is still writing your story.

Episode Recap:

• This week we’re looking at Naomi’s story (1:26)
• When this story begins, Naomi is living through one crisis after another (3:00)
• Naomi’s outlook on her future was bleak (7:30)
• God works to weave a thread of redemption through Naomi’s life (13:42)
• God never abandons us even when it feels like He has (15:33)
• We are not writing our own stories (18:19)

Scripture: 
Ruth 4:14 (NASB) “Then the women said to Naomi, “Blessed is the Lord who has not left you without a redeemer today, and may his name become famous in Israel.”

Discussion Questions: 

1. Have you ever gone through a season where disappointment or grief changed the way you viewed your life or even God?
2. Are there losses or disappointments you’ve tried to “move past” without honestly grieving them?
3. Is there a story you’re currently telling yourself that may not actually be true? (“God has forgotten me,” “Things will never change,” etc.)
4. Which truth from Naomi’s story do you most need to hold onto right now:

• It’s okay to grieve
• Your perspective isn’t always accurate
• God is still writing your story

Resources:

• Register for the SOAR Conference today. 
• Become a WT+ Insider today! boaw.mom/insider
• Snag How to Teach Your Kids the Bible and work through it with your kids this summer! 

Want More of This Conversation?
During Wire Talk+, Karen shares more personally about seasons in her own life that didn’t turn out the way she expected and how God redeemed her disappointment.

Head HERE and join us for the full conversation.

Today we’re continuing our Mothers of the Bible series by looking at Hannah’s story in 1 Samuel. Hannah was a woman who longed for a child and wrestled with seasons of waiting and disappointment. Listen as Karen teaches through this story, reminding us that God invites us to trust Him, even when our prayers feel unanswered. If you’ve ever waited on God for something close to your heart, we hope you are encouraged to persevere today.

Episode Recap:

• This week we’re looking at Hannah’s story (0:43)
• Don’t miss the BOAW birthday party after the Soar Conference this year! (2:30)
• Hannah is where, “...for this child I have prayed.” comes from (5:00)
• Hannah had dealt with infertility for years (7:00)
• Your pain may be different from Hannah’s but we can learn from her response (11:03)
• Hannah and Jochebed both had hearts that were surrendered to the Lord (12:40)
• Hannah recognized that it was the Lord who made her strong (16:00) 
• Like sheep, we need to follow first (17:28)
• We must continually remind ourselves that God is good (19:06)

Scripture: 1 Samuel 2:1-2 (NIV) 
“Then Hannah prayed and said:

“My heart rejoices in the Lord;
    in the Lord my horn is lifted high.
My mouth boasts over my enemies,
    for I delight in your deliverance.

“There is no one holy like the Lord;
    there is no one besides you;
    there is no Rock like our God.”

Discussion Questions: 

1. What is something in your life that feels like a “waiting season” right now?
2. How do you typically respond when God doesn’t answer a prayer in your timing?
3. What would it look like to surrender that situation fully to God, like Hannah did?
4. Where are you tempted to compare your life to others, and how is that affecting your heart?
5. How can you remind yourself daily that “God is good” even when life feels hard?
6. Practically speaking, what does it look like for you to let God be your strength instead of trying to do it all yourself?

Resources:

• Register for the SOAR Conference today. 
• Become a WT+ Insider today! boaw.mom/insider
• Pick up Karen’s Prayer Journal in the BOAW Store

Want More of This Conversation?

Insiders will hear Karen share a personal story of a season of waiting in her own life and what God taught her through it. Head HERE and join us for the full conversation.

This week, we kick off our month of celebrating moms with a new series: “Mothers of the Bible.” Today we’re looking at the life of Jochebed, a woman who faced unimaginable fear and made an unthinkable choice to save her son. Through her story, Karen and Emily unpack what it looks like to do our best for our kids and trust God with the rest. If you’ve ever struggled to let go, this conversation will meet you right where you are. 

Episode Recap:

• We’re kicking off a new series by looking at the lives of some mothers in the Bible (0:49)
• Jochebed was Moses’ mom (2:00)
• She did everything in her power to keep Moses alive (4:10)
• God enabled Jochebed to nurse Moses after his adoption by Pharoah’s daughter (8:00)
• Jochebed did everything she could and left the rest up to God (9:50)
• Jochebed was not Moses’ savior (10:20)
• Only God can reach our children’s hearts (10:55)
• Let go of your need to be a perfect parent (11:35) 
• Children are a blessing - try not to hoard the blessing (15:05)

Scripture: Psalm 56:3 (NIV) “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.”

Discussion Questions: 

1. Where in your parenting are you trying to “be the savior” instead of trusting God?
2. What does it look like practically to “open your hands” and give your children back to God each day?
3. How can you balance doing your part as a parent while still surrendering outcomes to the Lord?
4. In what ways might striving for “perfect parenting” be keeping you from trusting God more deeply?

Resources:

• Register for the SOAR Conference today. 
• Become a WT+ Insider today! boaw.mom/insider
• Pick up Karen’s Prayer Journal in the BOAW Store

Want More of This Conversation?
In Wire Talk+, Karen and Emily go deeper into real-life parenting moments, sharing honest stories about when letting go has been hardest for them and how they navigated situations they couldn’t fix for their kids.

Head HERE and join us for the full conversation.

Are you trusting your mom gut or Googling yourself into anxiety?

In this episode, pediatrician Dr. Laura Bleekrode shares wisdom from nearly 40 years of experience to help moms cut through the noise and parent with confidence. We talk about how social media and constant information can erode your instincts and how to get back to trusting yourself. You’ll be reminded that you know your child better than anyone and that matters!

Episode Recap:

• Dr. Bleekrode is a mom of 8 who owns a pediatric practice and has been practicing medicine for 36 years (1:11)
• How does Dr. Bleekrode “do it all”?  (4:36)
• What are you seeing in today’s families that moms didn’t face 20 years ago? (6:15)
• Our “social networks” used to be personal (6:30)
• God gave mom’s intuition for a reason! (8:53)
• What symptoms require immediate medical or psychological attention? (12:13)
• My toddler is not sleeping for hours at a time, multiple times a month (15:55)
• What does a healthy sleep routine look like for a toddler? (20:06) 
• Have you noticed parents trying to control all outcomes for their children? (27:20)
• How does your faith shape the way you counsel your patients? (28:13)

Scripture:
Isaiah 26:3 (NIV) "You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”

Discussion Questions: 

1. When you feel anxious about your child, where do you tend to turn first; your friends, your instincts, or Google?
2. Can you think of a time your “mom gut” was right? What helped you trust it (or ignore it)?
3. What outside influences (social media, advice, comparison) tend to shake your confidence as a mom?
4. How can you create stronger, real-life support systems instead of relying on online answers?
5. What is one area where you can release perfection and trust God more in your parenting this week?

Resources:

• Become a WT+ Insider today! boaw.mom/insider
• Pick up Karen’s Prayer Journal in the BOAW Store

Want More of This Conversation?
WT+ Insiders will hear Dr. Bleekrode share 4 things she wishes all her patients knew!

Head HERE and join us for the full conversation.

May can feel overwhelming for moms, filled with endless events, expectations, and emotional moments.Today Karen offers practical wisdom to help you navigate the busyness without losing your joy (or your mind.) From setting realistic expectations to prioritizing what truly matters, this conversation is full of encouragement.

Episode Recap:

• May is just December with sunscreen! (0:30)
• May feels chaotic with elementary schoolers - how do I get through? (4:40)
• Sit down with your high schooler and help them prioritize (9:10)
• Don’t be a wet blanket on your high schooler’s parade (10:15)
• Working mom here struggling with school events - help!  (11:15)
• This season has me emotionally up and down with my Senior(14:35) 

Scripture:
Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NIV) “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.”

Discussion Questions: 

1. What part of May feels the most overwhelming for you right now?
2. Are you trying to attend everything? What might you need to let go of?
3. How can you involve your kids in deciding what matters most this month?
4. Where are you feeling guilt, and is it justified or self-imposed?
5. What is one small way you can slow down and enjoy this season?

Resources:

• Become a WT+ Insider today! boaw.mom/insider
• Pick up Karen’s Prayer Journal in the BOAW Store

Want More of This Conversation?
In the extended WT+ conversation, Karen and Emily get even more practical. Karen shares her system for breaking down exactly how to prioritize without feeling overwhelmed or stretched too thin. If you’re craving less stress and more clarity this month, don’t miss this part of the conversation!

Head HERE and join us for the full conversation.

Mom guilt can make even the best moms feel like they’re falling short. In this episode, Karen and Emily talk through the pressures we carry and the expectations we place on ourselves. They offer a practical, biblical perspective to help you recognize what’s true and what isn’t. We hope you walk away encouraged and ready to let go of unnecessary guilt! 

Episode Recap:

• Supermoms are a modern day myth (2:00)
• Stay tuned after the show for Wire Talk+ (6:20)
• I have been pregnant or postpartum for the past 4 years, everything feels uphill from here. How does anyone do this? (7:04)
• How do I make the transition to being a stay at home mom? (12:42)
• My 6 yr old’s incessant talking overwhelms me, help! (15:19)
• My fuse is pretty short these days, how do I work on this? (19:20)
• Join us for more questions on WT+ - link in show notes! (26:29) 

Scripture: Isaiah 40:11 (NIV)
“He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.”

Discussion Questions: 

1. When do you tend to feel mom guilt the most, and what usually triggers it?
2. What expectations are you placing on yourself right now that aren’t  necessary or realistic?
3. How can you distinguish between conviction from the Holy Spirit and unnecessary guilt?
4. What is one practical way you can “let go” of guilt this week and focus on what truly matters?

Resources:

• Become a WT+ Insider today! boaw.mom/insider
• Go through our Mom Core curriculum with friends or on your own
• Pick up Karen’s Prayer Journal in the BOAW Store

Want More of This Conversation?

On WT+ today we are answering more questions about guilt, including questions about love languages and dealing with in-laws. Don’t miss it, subscribe today!

Head HERE and join us for the full conversation.

Family dynamics can get complicated quickly, especially when expectations, boundaries, and communication styles start to clash. Today we’re talking about how to navigate tension with extended family without losing your peace (or your voice.) We hope you’ll walk away with practical ways to communicate clearly, pursue peace, and love your extended family well.

Episode Recap:

• Moms can easily get stuck in the middle of family conflicts (1:59)
• I’m stuck in the middle of conflicts between my mom and my husband, help! (4:02)
• My MIL is extremely difficult, even mean and petty toward me (7:47)
• How can I be good friends with my mother in law and still have boundaries? (11:30)
• How can grandparents be closer to the grandchildren of divorced parents? (14:33)
• Join us for more questions on WT+ - link in show notes! (18:00) 

Scripture: Romans 12:18 (NIV)
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”

Discussion Questions: 

1. Where do you feel the most tension right now with extended family or in-laws? What makes that situation difficult?
2. Do you tend to avoid conflict or confront it quickly? How does your temperament affect the way you handle family tension?
3. Are you currently acting as a “middleman” in any relationships? What would it look like to step out of that role in a healthy way?
4. What does it look like to “live at peace…as far as it depends on you” in your current situation?
5. What is one practical step you can take this week to improve communication or reduce tension in a family relationship?

Resources:

• Become a WT+ Insider today! boaw.mom/insider
• Check out Boundaries by Dr. Henry Cloud & Dr. John Townsend
• Listen to a past episode on boundaries with family
• Download our FREE temperaments packet

Want More of This Conversation?
On WT+ today we are answering more questions about extended family - how to make vacations and extended time together work well - and Karen shares her insights on keeping family connected and what to do when someone pulls away.

Head HERE and join us for the full conversation.

Ever find yourself second guessing your parenting decisions? You’re not alone. In this episode, Karen answers questions from moms navigating school struggles, motivation, and knowing when to step back. We hope you walk away feeling encouraged to trust God with the parenting choices you are making.

Episode Recap:

• One parenting decision won’t make or break your child (1:50)
• My 1st grader doesn’t work hard in school and I can’t make her care! (2:30)
• How do I motivate my 10 year old yellow/green son? (5:00)
• My son is reluctant to participate in extracurriculars, how should I handle this? (11:42)
• Don’t project your fears and anxieties onto your child (14:15)
• Ask God for the wisdom you need to make parenting decisions today (15:00)

Scripture: James 1:5 (NASB)
“But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach and it will be given to him”

Discussion Questions: 

1. When do you find yourself second guessing your parenting the most? What tends to be the trigger?
2. Are there areas where you might be over-helping (or enabling) instead of allowing natural consequences to teach your child?
3. What practical systems (routines, checklists etc.) could help your child take more ownership?
4. Are you projecting fears about your child’s future instead of focusing on what’s true today?
5. What would it look like to release your parenting decisions to God and trust Him with the outcome?

Resources:

• Listen to the rest of our conversation on WT+: boaw.mom/insider
• Use A Grown Up’s Guide to Kids’ Wiring to become a better student of your child
• Check out our BRAND NEW Bible study: How To Teach Your Kids the Bible
• Download our FREE temperaments packet

Want More of This Conversation?
In WT+, we dive into tougher parenting moments: attachment struggles, discipline that isn’t working, and navigating disagreements with your spouse. Plus, you’ll hear Karen’s practical ways to stay consistent when it feels like nothing is sticking.

Head HERE and join us for the full conversation.