Embracing the uniqueness of each child with Jessica Hurlbut
Apr 23 • 37:28
Embracing the uniqueness of each child with Jessica Hurlbut
Episode:

Embracing the uniqueness of each child with Jessica Hurlbut

April 23, 2024 • 37:28 • Steph Thurling

In todays conversation, I'm joined by Jessica Hurlbut, who is co-host of Full Spectrum Parent, alongside her husband. Full Spectrum Parent is the only faith-based podcast focused on parenting kids on the autism spectrum and is proudly hosted on The Christian Parenting Podcast Network. Today she offers encouragement and hope in the beautiful, sometimes chaotic parenting journey.

Heres what we cover in our chat:

  • Jessica discusses the importance of recognizing and nurturing each childs unique qualities.
  • She shares how letting go of our own expectations and trusting God can transform our parenting approach.
  • We get practical advice for managing the limits and distractions mothers face while prioritizing spiritual growth.

Jessica is a podcast host, dedicated pastor, and author. She is passionate about empowering parents to embrace their childrens individual paths. Her book, Unlimited Motherhood, explores the joys and challenges of parenting with faith and flexibility.

Jessica's insights are inspiring and deeply relevant, and her message will leave you feeling a bit lighter and more hopeful.

00:00 Introduction and Family Description

01:33 Every Child is Different

05:41 The Importance of Surrender

08:30 Being is Better than Seeming

10:53 The Power of Vulnerability

14:37 Unexpected Gifts from Letting Go

22:26 Releasing Limitations and Trusting God

26:06 The Limitations Moms Face

29:31 Seeking God First

Resources mentioned:

Moms, Dads, and Grads Gift Guide

The Christian Parenting Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org

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Podcast:

The Christian Parenting Podcast

With Steph Thurling
As believing parents, we know how important it is to raise our kids with love and intentionality. We want to give our kids a full picture of God's love for them every day! But some days, it's really hard! We are stretched thin, tired, and often feel unequipped. The Christian Parenting Podcast gives parents the space and resources to set aside perfection and grow into the perfectly imperfect parents God made them to be. Join host Steph Thurling and her guests as they discuss practical tips and spiritual guidance for your parenting journey.
All Episodes:
Sep 3 • 34:53
How to help your kids build faith habits with Christie Thomas

If you're looking for practical ways to incorporate faith into your familys daily life, you wont want to miss this episode! I had the pleasure of sitting down with Christie Thomas, and we explored the power of small habits in building a strong faith foundation for our kids.

Heres what youll learn in todays episode:

  • Christie discusses the importance of starting with tiny habits and gradually growing in faith as a family.
  • Find moments in your daily routine that can be redeemed for spiritual growth.
  • Ideas for incorporating small faith habits include practicing Bible memory verses, praying blessings, and listening to worship music.
  • Christie shares insights from her book Little Habits, Big Faith and other resources she offers to help parents nurture their children's faith.

Christie Thomas is passionate about helping parents build faith-filled homes. She is the author of Little Habits, Big Faith and provides practical resources for incorporating faith habits into their everyday lives. Christies approach is about making small, consistent changes that lead to significant spiritual growth.

Join us for this encouraging conversation, and discover how you can start building your family's faith one small habit at a time.

6:47 The inspiration behind 'Little Habits, Big Faith'

10:23 The Faith Growth Cycle: starting with a seed

26:45 Examples of tiny habits for parents

31:19 Christie Thomas' book and resources for parents

Politics Simplified free digital download!

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Aug 27 • 34:12
How to put Jesus first with Gretchen Saffles

If youre anything like me, the busyness of life sometimes causes priorities to get mixed up, and I find myself not in the Word as much as Id like to be. If you can relate, youre going to love todays guest. Im sitting down with Gretchen Saffles, the founder of Well-Watered Women and author of Word Before World, a devotional that helps us keep Jesus at the center of our lives.

Heres what youll learn in todays episode:

  • Gretchen shares her journey of realizing the impact of starting her day on social media and how she made a deliberate shift to put Jesus first.
  • Encouragement to trust Gods plan and rely on him in our weaknesses.
  • Practical tips for evaluating your daily habits and making intentional changes to prioritize your time with God.

Gretchen Saffles is the founder of Well-Watered Women, a ministry dedicated to encouraging women to find their identity and purpose in Christ. Shes also the author of Word Before World, a devotional designed to help women prioritize their relationship with Jesus. Gretchens heart for guiding women back to the word shines through in her writing and in todays conversation.

Join us for this grace-filled discussion that will inspire you to re-evaluate your habits and put Jesus first, right where he needs to be.

Timestamps

03:01 Prioritizing God's word: A key to spiritual growth

07:50 Parenting with imperfections: trusting in God's plan

13:06 Moving from reading God's word because we have to, to delighting in it

18:47 Overcoming challenges: creating a Bible reading plan

29:10 Community and accountability: encouragement in prioritizing time with God

32:05 Delighting in God's word: experiencing its transformative power

Resources Mentioned

Connect with Gretchen here

Or connect with her on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/gretchensaffles/

Get Word Before World

Get your copy of A Life of Faith prayer journal!

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Aug 20 • 31:11
Supporting First-Time Voters with Conner Jones

Hey Friends!

Were continuing our meaningful conversations on navigating politics, and this week, were adding a fun twist! 

Heres what youll learn in todays episode:

  • Conner Jones shares practical steps for supporting first-time voters, from understanding what the Bible says about critical issues to finding trustworthy news sources.
  • Tips on having open-minded and respectful conversations with teenagers about politics, encouraging them to form their own informed opinions.
  • How to approach social media cautiously and make the most of political podcasts and debates for informed decision-making.

Conner Jones is a colleague and friend who brings insightful perspectives to our discussions on politics and faith. Conner is the director of performance marketing at Denison Ministries, where he works on publishing all of our fantastic content throughout all of the different avenues Denison ministers to others. His experience guiding young voters and fostering civil conversations makes him a valuable voice in this episode. Conner's passion for encouraging informed and thoughtful participation in the political process shines through in our discussion.

Join us for this lively and informative discussion, and learn how you can support the first-time voters in your life while navigating the political season with grace and wisdom.

If you want more resources to guide you through this political season, dont miss our Christian Parenting Politics Simplified digital guide. Its packed with answers to many of the questions we, as parents, face during election season.

Don't miss our Politics Simplified digital download www.Christianparenting.org/store

With love,

Steph Thurling

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Aug 13 • 42:14
Faith and politics with Dr. Mark Turman

Were continuing our timely conversations focused on politics, the election, and how to engage in civil discussionstopics at the top of our minds as we move through this election cycle. Today I am joined by Dr. Mark Turman, who is the Executive Director of Denison Ministries and Vice President of Denison Ministries.

Remember, if you're looking for more resources on navigating this season, don't miss our Politics Simplified digital download. Its a free guide designed to help families approach this political season with wisdom and grace. 

Heres what Dr. Turman and I discuss in todays episode:

  • The importance of character in political leaders and why it matters to us as believers.
  • Keeping faith and love at the center of our interactions, even in politically charged conversations.
  • Tips for discussing politics with loved ones and strangers online, emphasizing grace and kindness.
  • The importance of infusing our conversations with the fruit of the Spirit and approaching others respectfully.

Dr. Mark Turman is the Executive Director of Denison Forum and Vice President of Denison Ministries. With a deep commitment to faith and leadership, Dr. Turman offers valuable insights into the intersection of character, politics, and our Christian beliefs. 

This conversation is a powerful reminder for all of us to keep our faith and love front and center during this election season. I think youll find it both helpful and encouraging.

P.S Don't miss our Politics Simplified digital download

Timestamps

02:17 Denison Ministries and Christian Parenting

11:36 The Importance of Character in Politics

16:06 Engaging in Political Discussions with Grace and Kindness

29:19 Faith, Hope, and Love in the Midst of Politics

36:20 Seeking Reliable News Sources

39:44 Conclusion and Resources

Resources Mentioned

A Life of Faith Prayer Journal

Denison Forum

Denison Forum Podcast

AllSides

The Trinity Forum

Redeeming Babel

Christianity Today-The Bulletin

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Aug 6 • 36:19
Navigating tough conversations with grace with Lindsey Medenwaldt

With election season upon us, the next few weeks on the podcast will touch on politics and the election, especially on how to engage in tough conversations with those around us. This theme is at the heart of today's episode.

We have the incredibly wise and kind Lindsey Medenwaldt joining us. Lindsey is the Director of Ministry Operations at Mama Bear Apologetics, and our conversation is both fun and insightful. 

Heres what youll learn in todays episode:

  • We dive into Lindseys new book, Bridge Building Apologetics, and discuss what this concept means.
  • Humility and Respect in Conversations: It is important to approach discussions about faith and worldview with humility and respect.
  • How to create genuine connections and the impact of planting little seeds through everyday interactions.

Lindsey Medenwaldt is the Director of Ministry Operations at Mama Bear Apologetics, an organization dedicated to equipping parents with tools to defend their faith. She is also the author of Bridge Building Apologetics, a book that fosters meaningful conversations about faith and worldview with kindness and respect. 

Join us for a truly helpful conversation that will encourage you and better equip you to navigate challenging discussions with grace and wisdom.

Time stamps

00:00 Introduction and Family Dynamics

03:11 Educational and Career Choices

05:59 Bridge Building Apologetics

07:55 Modeling Humility and Respect

14:58 Maintaining Genuine Friendships

22:11 Genuine Connections: The Value of Missional Friendships

28:49 Planting Seeds: Sharing Faith in Everyday Interactions

Connect with Lindsey

Grab Lindseys book here

Mama Bear Apologetics

Lindseys Website

Or connect with her on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lmedenwaldt/

Resources Mentioned

Get your 2024-2025 prayer journal, A Life of Faith

The Christian Parenting Podcast is part of The Christian Parenting Podcast Network. As a donor funded ministry, we rely on generous supporters like you to keep this show going. If you enjoy this podcast, please consider giving a gift today. Join the Christian Parenting Legacy Builders community

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About the Host

Steph Thurling

Steph Thurling is Executive Director of Christian Parenting and host of The Christian Parenting Podcast.

Steph has her master’s in youth, family, and culture from Fuller Theological Seminary and has a background in youth and children’s ministry. She is co-author of Raising Prayerful Kids, a book that shares easy, life-giving, and fun ways to teach kids to pray. She loves helping families grow closer to each other and to God through meaningful experiences and conversations. Steph is a frequent speaker at churches and mom groups and is known for her relatable stories, practical ideas, and gentle encouragement.

Steph lives in Minnesota with her husband and three amazing and hilarious kids. When she is not hanging out with her family, you can probably find her on a walk with a friend, organizing things that won’t stay organized, or somewhere cozy reading a book.

More from Steph →

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