Kindness is a virtue we recognize immediately. It warms the soul, refreshes the heart, and provides solace. We love to be on the receiving end of kindness, but it is equally important to be on the giving end. Today Kendra Roehl, Julie Fisk, and Kristin Demery and I discuss why practicing kindness is not only good for our children, but for our own hearts as well. We get very practical on how we can incorporate this virtue into the life we are already living, with the people right in front of us.
Whether you are hosting a big family gathering, serving at church, or simply spending time with your kids at home, Christmas is a perfect time to incorporate intentional acts of kindness into your life. This episode will inspire and encourage as you round the corner toward December 25th.
Although mom pressure is not a new concept, our generation of mothers seems to be suffering from it more than our mothers or grandmothers did. We feel responsible for everything: do my kids go to the right schools? Are their friends good influences? Is my food clean and organic enough to not cause cancer? Am I teaching my children enough about faith? Am I doing enough to build my child's self-concept? If they don't make this team will they ever be able to play again? If we can think it up, we'll worry about it.
Jeannie Cunnion, author of Mom Set Free, is on the show today talking about how we can learn to recognize our tendencies and then set ourselves free from anxious thinking, mom-guilt, and the burden of having to do life perfectly for our families. If you've ever been kept awake at night worrying about your children for any reason, this podcast is for you!
Jerusalem, her husband Nathan, and their two boys Wylie and Miles, live in rural Arkansas where they are attempting to live a slower version of modern life. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. From farm life to being outside, to exploring the liturgical calendar, we hear how Jerusalem lives her days.
A girlfriend's conversation about her crazy name (you won't believe the family history on this one!), how she started into blogging, what makes for a good scrambled egg, and how to slow down and enjoy today are all covered. We hear about Jerusalem's Advent wreath, Sabbath bags, and what makes for a good pair of scissors. Part practical, part inspirational, this conversation won't disappoint as we live full swing in the Advent season.
As we talk through what it means to practice faith in our everyday experiences, we pray this episode is an encouragement during a busy time of year. As you do your daily tasks, know that God is present. When we slow down we are able to notice his beauty. That is our prayer for you, a bit of slowing and noticing.
Serena Thompson is a part farm girl, part entrepreneur, part chef, part decorator. You may know her as the trusted voice and CEO behind the nationally acclaimed Farm Chicks Vintage and Handmade Fair held in Spokane, Washington. People are struck by her artistic talent, but just as equally touched by her childhood story of growing up without electricity or running water in the woods of Northern California, and how that has shaped her signature style.
If you are looking for direction on how to create a down home Christmas, look no further than Serena. From foraging in the woods for evergreen boughs, to homemade pies, to porch decorating tips, to how to make a natural Christmas tree look beautiful, we talk about the elements that create a Farm Chicks' holiday.
Don't miss this insider peek into Serena's life during this special and meaningful time of year. She is full of helpful tips and ideas, including the secret trick to a good fruit pie!
Kate Merrick's life on a small ranch in California where she home schools and surfs sounds idyllic from the outside. And yet tucked in her story is heart wrenching grief of losing her daughter, Daisy, to cancer. Her journey has led her from bitterness to joy in the midst of her reality.
In this conversation we hear about Kate's journey as a mother with a sick child, how she married into a surfing family, the church she is part of and it's global growth. A true sisterhood interview we cover the practical to the inspirational and back again. Kate is one you want to sit with (preferably on the beach) and cover all the topics. Her combination of intensity and abandon confirm the title of her new book, and Still She Laughs.
This is one Open Door Sisterhood Podcast episode you won't want to miss. This surfer girl turned pastor's wife is genuine and resilient, curious and lovely, wild and free. We welcome her to the sisterhood and we welcome you as well.