A while ago I heard a sermon titled “Are you humble enough to be carefree?” Honestly, my answer was a resounding “no”. I’m not carefree, I’m careful because I’m prideful. Instead of taking my feelings to God and allowing Him to help me process them, I find myself choosing to numb out.  Isaiah 26:3 (MSG) says, “People with their minds set on you, you keep completely whole, Steady on their feet because they keep at it and don't quit.” We can trust God; He is a sure thing. When we take what we’re feeling to Him, He is faithful to make us whole. When allow ourselves to experience negative emotions without numbing them, we won’t get stuck in them. Over time, feeling becomes easier and we can become fully ourselves allowing us to be present with the people around us. #219: Try Softer with Aundi Kolber Action Steps: Be on the lookout for an uncomfortable feeling to surface, decide ahead of time to stay present with it and see what changes Sponsors: Get 15% off OneSkin with the code STRUGGLEWELL at https://www.oneskin.co/ This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/STRUGGLEWELL and get on your way to being your best self. Connect with Emily: website | Instagram | Facebook

Are you a Harry Potter fan? I'll admit, most days I relate most with the house elf Dobby cleaning up after everyone, but this episode is going to focus on the dragon-loving groundskeeper, Hagrid. You see, Hagrid was so obsessed with dragons that it was apparent to everyone but him that keeping one in his wooden house was a bad idea. So often we keep destructive things in our lives because we love them. But the truth is that if we don't get those things out, they will destroy our lives. It's time to kick the dragons out of the house. #261: The Alcohol Experiment with Annie Grace #284: A Sober-Minded Sisterhood with Jenn Kautsch Action Steps: Take time to determine what dragons you're keeping in your wooden house. Where are you blinded by things you know are not the right choice?  Admit to God that you've made wrong choices and ask Him to help evict your dragons. Share your decision with a trusted friend. Sign up for my mailing list at StruggleWellSchool.com and get the free download to help you determine what you’re thinking. Then follow the prompts to determine your thoughts, feelings, and actions on both the struggle and wellness cycle. Sponsors: Get 15% off OneSkin with the code STRUGGLEWELL at https://www.oneskin.co/ This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/STRUGGLEWELL and get on your way to being your best self. Connect with Emily: website | Instagram | Facebook

In this episode, we going to focus on two different versions of the same thought - "I'm stronger than I think" and "I can do hard things".  How do I know you can do hard things? 2 Corinthians 9:8 tells us, "God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work." That's a lot of "all"s. So the next time you're having a long day then remember you still have to cook dinner and you're sure it's going to be terrible, remember that we get to choose our thoughts. You are stronger than you think you are. And who knows, perhaps some kids who are bad a potato peeling will join you in turning your brined chicken dinner into something divine. Action Steps: Go to Instagram and get the"I can do hard things" lock screen. Sign up for my mailing list at StruggleWellSchool.com and get the free download to help you determine what you’re thinking. Then follow the prompts to determine your thoughts, feelings, and actions on both the struggle and wellness cycle. Journal about hard things you've already done as a reminder that you're stronger than you think you are. Connect with Emily: website | Instagram | Facebook

If you're a Christian, you're probably familiar with the line of thinking, "All will be well." While some see this perspective as toxic positivity, the truth is that it's a promise from God. Romans 8:28 reminds us, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." The blunt truth is that God is smarter than you and He knows what you need more than you do. For instance, God knew that we needed "Florida Grandma" and He also knew that she needed us; He found fit to connect us through a frustrating broken fence. Action Steps: What is the one thing you keep thinking about over and over? Apply this thought – "Everything will soon be well." Go to Instagram and get the"All will be well" lock screen Journal about the ways God has turned hard things for good Share the goodness of God to those around you Sponsor: Take your free in-depth hair consultation and get 15% off your first order when you visit prose.com/strugglewell This episode is sponsored by/brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/strugglewell and get on your way to being your best self! Connect with Emily: website | Instagram | Facebook

In this episode, we're practicing the thought, "I highly regard my neighbor." The goal is to get us out of thinking of ourselves and to start thinking of others.  Proverbs 3:27 reminds us, "Do not withhold good from those who deserve it when it is in your power to act."  We all encounter situations where we could easily give our neighbor something that could bless them, but we either can’t be bothered or we keep it to ourselves out of spite. Often the "paddles" we're withholding cost us nothing - eye contact, a smile, kind words, our time. Our withholding isn't always intentional, it could be that we're just trying to get things done. But because of this, we view others as an obstacle, not a person who is loved by God.  God's second greatest commandment is to love others as we love ourselves. The good news is that it doesn’t take any preparation to begin handing out "paddles," it begins with shifting your thought to, "I highly regard my neighbor." Action Steps: Consider where in the past has someone kept a "paddle" from you. How did it feel? Put the thought, "I highly regard my neighbor" somewhere that you will see it often, like the lock screen on your phone. (Head to my Instagram to get a free lock screen graphic.) Start by highly regarding the neighbor(s) you live with. Sign up for my mailing list at StruggleWellSchool.com and get the free download to help you determine what you’re thinking. Then follow the prompts to determine your thoughts, feelings, and actions on both the struggle and wellness cycle. Sponsor: Control Body Odor ANYWHERE with @lumedeodorant and get $5 off your Starter Pack (that’s over 40% off) with promo code STRUGGLEWELL at lumepodcast.com! #lumepod Connect with Emily: website | Instagram | Facebook

The brain can be very confusing, but luckily, I’ve done some studying so you don’t have to. In this episode, I’m sharing some fascinating things I’ve learned about the brain that I hope will encourage you to embrace God's complex and amazing design. One advantage we have is that we have the ability to choose what we focus on - what we focus on determines our actions which directs our life. What a beautiful gift from our loving Creator! Action Steps: Do a daily thought download. Be honest. Understand the overview of the brain well enough that you can explain it to others. Write "Every coin has two sides" as a reminder that there is another, better perspective you can choose to believe. Sign up for my mailing list at StruggleWellSchool.com and get the free download to help you determine what you’re thinking. Then follow the prompts to determine your thoughts, feelings, and actions on both the struggle and wellness cycle. Connect with Emily: website | Instagram | Facebook

Well, hello there! There have been a few changes since I last chatted with you, but what remains the same is my love of encouraging women to seek God more, my passion for struggling well, and my desire to seek new ways to grow.  With that in mind, it’s my joy to launch Struggle Well School, a podcast with the same heart as Moms Struggling Well, but with a reach that extends to all women who want to focus on growing in the mental health space.  In this episode, I want to focus on renewing our minds by taking our thoughts captive. If you’re a Christian, you’re probably familiar with that instruction given in 2 Corinthians, but what does it look like to practically put this into action? Our thoughts become our feelings, our feelings become our actions, our actions become our habits, and our habits become our lives. So, if we want to change our lives, we must start by examining our thoughts. Are they true? No really, are they? Are you 100% sure?  Action Steps: Sign up for my mailing list at StruggleWellSchool.com and you'll get a free download to help you determine what you’re thinking. Then follow the prompts to determine your thoughts, feelings, and actions on both the struggle and wellness cycle. Connect with Emily: website | Instagram | Facebook

What can we say? We just loved making this podcast so much. Thank you for listening and for making this such a sweet ending.! CONNECT WITH REBECCA: website | instagram | patreon CONNECT WITH KATE: instagram | website | patreon CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: Storyworth: Save 10% with code MSW KiwiCo: Follow the link to get your first month of any crate line FREE Chime Financial Inc: Get started today Thrive Causemetics: Follow the link to shop their holiday sets SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here! LINKS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon THE HIGHLIGHT EPISODES: Just Em | Meet Rebecca | Problem Solved | Meet Kate | A Celebration | Moms Struggling Well *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 

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Why can’t I get on the same love-language page as my spouse? How can I Struggle WELL when my husband comes home from long work trips? What podcast will I listen to now that MSW is ending?! Em is getting one step closer to beekeeping, Kate has a cleaning service problem to solve and Rebecca is having junk drawer issues. We hope you love this very last problem solved episode as much as you loved the first!  PODCAST LINKS MENTIONED: The Big Boo | The Popcast | The Happy Hour | Pantsuit Politics | Graceland Moments | That Sounds Fun | Therapy & Theology | Risen Motherhood | She Reads Truth | Sorta Awesome | Coffee + Crumbs | The Lazy Genius | Intentional Parents | Don’t Mom Alone | Out of the Ordinary | Walk in Love | The Vibe | Feeding the Mouth that Bites You | 3 For 30 | Currently Reading | The Holy Post | Raising Good Humans | Heavyweight | My Favorite Murder | Armchair Expert | Social Studies | This American Life  CONNECT WITH REBECCA: website | instagram | patreon CONNECT WITH KATE: instagram | website | patreon CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: Moink: Follow the link for free filet mignon for a year with your subscription KiwiCo: Follow the link to get your first month of any crate line FREE Chime Financial Inc: Get started today SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here! LINKS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon THE HIGHLIGHT EPISODES: Just Em | Meet Rebecca | Problem Solved | Meet Kate | A Celebration | Moms Struggling Well *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 

This week we have a little meeting with the Struggs to talk about another pivot for the pod. LINKS MENTIONED: Delikate moisturizer Personal Microderm Tool Shape Wear Thong

This episode may bring up some feelings! We are announcing the final pivot for the Moms Struggling Well podcast and then we will help you identify your feelings WELL so that you can understand yourself and your kiddos a little better. But then what? Listen to find out! WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: Feelings Wheel Magnet CONNECT WITH REBECCA: website | instagram | patreon CONNECT WITH KATE: instagram | website | patreon CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: Moink: Follow the link for free filet mignon for a year with your subscription KiwiCo: Follow the link and get 50% off your first month + free shipping with code MSW Olive & June: Follow the link for 20% off your first mani system SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here! LINKS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon THE HIGHLIGHT EPISODES: Just Em | Meet Rebecca | Problem Solved | Meet Kate | A Celebration | Moms Struggling Well *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 

It’s the shows 7th Birthday! Struggs wrote in with interview questions for us to answer. We are so thankful for our relationship with each other and for the relationship with have with you all! We hope you love this one as much and we loved recording it.  WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: Em’s Birkenstocks | Kate’s Birkenstocks | Rebecca’s Birkenstocks Rothy's The candy bra CONNECT WITH REBECCA: website | instagram | patreon CONNECT WITH KATE: instagram | website | patreon CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: Prose: Follow the link to get 15% off your first order Chime Financial Inc: Get started today SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here! LINKS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon THE HIGHLIGHT EPISODES: Just Em | Meet Rebecca | Problem Solved | Meet Kate | A Celebration | Moms Struggling Well *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 

What you are hearing right now is a clip from one of our Patreon episodes. If you want to join the Patreon community, head on over here to receive this episode and many many more! You can also get the unedited video version of each Patreon episode if you want to see all of the bloopers before your very eyes. You won't regret it, see you soon! We are so lucky to have such fun listeners! This week we are sharing a segment we recorded from our last live event with the Patreon Struggs.  WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: Pop on over to the Patreon Episode Shownotes Prep Dish: get a free 2 week trial at prepdish.com/swp

This week we are talking about the stressors of going back to work, kids growing up and getting their own jobs, family dinners morphing into a less cute situation and what it’s like not being able to share as much about our not-so-little-ones as they become more independent. Don’t worry, it’s not a huge downer. We have strategies to struggle well when entering back into the workforce and Struggs do too! WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones Adult Children of Alcoholics/Dysfunctional Families by Adult Children of Alcoholics World Service Organization Shady Rays  CONNECT WITH REBECCA: website | instagram | patreon CONNECT WITH KATE: instagram | website | patreon CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: Moink: Follow the link for free filet mignon for a year with your subscription KiwiCo: Follow the link and get 50% off your first month + free shipping with code MSW Athletic Greens: Follow the link for 5 free travel packs and free Vitamin D Storyworth: Everyone has a story worth sharing SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here! LINKS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon THE HIGHLIGHT EPISODES: Just Em | Meet Rebecca | Problem Solved | Meet Kate | A Celebration | Moms Struggling Well *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 

What you are hearing right now is a clip from one of our Patreon episodes. If you want to join the Patreon community, head on over here to receive this episode and many many more! You can also get the unedited video version of each Patreon episode if you want to see all of the bloopers before your very eyes. You won't regret it, see you soon! We are happy to be back with you this week! We’ve got lots of new foods to try (some that your kids will love you for) plus book suggestions that will keep you entertained AND make you feel like a great mom! WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT:  Pop on over to the Patreon Episode Shownotes

Rebecca loves making small adjustments toward a better life but recently felt that she had too many plates spinning, none of which she could put down. An Instagram friend of hers wrote a book perfect for a perspective shift on this predicament! Meet Whitney English! She has a beautiful planner business and is now bucking the traditional goal setting process with her own HEART approach. Focusing on aligning your goals with where you want to go in life, her method doesn’t require you to completely change who you are to get what you want. No more deadlines. No more tracking. No more nonsense. WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: Perspective shift on priorities Creating vs. consuming The benefits and struggles that entrepreneurs face  A More Beautiful Life: A Simple Five-Step Approach to Living Balanced Goals with HEART by Whitney English CONNECT WITH REBECCA: website | instagram | patreon CONNECT WITH WHITNEY: instagram | website | YouTube  EPISODE SPONSORS: Prose: Follow the link to get 15% off all custom hair products Chime: Follow the link to continue your credit journey  SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here! LINKS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon THE HIGHLIGHT EPISODES: Just Em | Meet Rebecca | Problem Solved | Meet Kate | A Celebration | Moms Struggling Well *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 

Communicating WELL feels impossible when tempers are high. This week we are talking brain science and it will help you understand why your kiddos act the way they do. Turns out, we have picked up some pretty great techniques over the years! This episode is all out strategies to struggle well when deescalating fights between siblings, grounding techniques for our fight or flight kiddos and ways to regulate ourselves before engaging. Follow our show’s Instagram for more resources throughout the week! WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: Fire Daniel Tiger bops about anger: 1 & 2 HAULT, HAULT baby!  Connected Families  The Feelings Wheel Episode #55: Protecting Our Kids from Our Baggage with Jim and Lynne Jackson Episode #92: Sibling Conflict: From Bickering to Bonding with Jim and Lynne Jackson  Episode #226: Practical Parenting with Jim and Lynne Jackson What Happened to You?: Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and Healing by Oprah Braving the Wilderness: The Quest for True Belonging and the Courage to Stand Alone by Brene Brown Podcast & Show rec (explicit) The Ballad of Mount Doogie Dowler | Loot Picmonkey Mood Board Maker CONNECT WITH REBECCA: website | instagram | patreon CONNECT WITH KATE: instagram | website | patreon CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: Moink: Follow the link for free filet mignon for a year with your subscription Thrive Causemetics: get 15% off your first purchase when you use promo code MSW at thrivecausemetics.com/msw Olive & June: Follow the link for 20% off your first mani system KiwiCo: Code MSW 30% your first month + FREE Shipping SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here! LINKS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon THE HIGHLIGHT EPISODES: Just Em | Meet Rebecca | Problem Solved | Meet Kate | A Celebration | Moms Struggling Well *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.   Tagged: brain science, mom anger, mental health resources

What you are hearing right now is a clip from one of our Patreon episodes. If you want to join the Patreon community, head on over here to receive this episode and many many more! You can also get the unedited video version of each Patreon episode if you want to see all of the bloopers before your very eyes. You won't regret it, see you soon! We start out talking about whats in our pantries then we all took it in a very different direction. Rebecca is feeling a bit morbid, Kate is grieving an extremity and Emily is launching a kid well.  WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: Pop on over to the Patreon Episode Shownotes

If you lay your head down at night and all you can think of are the things that went wrong that day, you are not alone. This week we hear a perspective shift on reviewing your day that will help you pack a little lighter for tomorrow. Meet Rob Finkle. He is a Dad Struggling Well who found a new way to move through the world and we are so excited that he was willing to share his story with you! Rob is a dad to two teenagers and has spent a lot of intentional time thinking about his purpose. He has developed a passion for community that he is putting into practice every day that inspires us like crazy. WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: Perspective shift on viewing our children as obstacles  A Daily Inventory App What did you pack into the stream of life? What does self medicating look like for you? How were you kind and loving today? CONNECT WITH REBECCA: website | instagram | patreon CONNECT WITH KATE: instagram | website | patreon CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: Prose: Follow the link to get 15% off all custom hair supplements Chime: Follow the link to continue your credit journey  SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here! LINKS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon THE HIGHLIGHT EPISODES: Just Em | Meet Rebecca | Problem Solved | Meet Kate | A Celebration | Moms Struggling Well *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 

What you are hearing right now is a clip from one of our Patreon episodes. If you want to join the Patreon community, head on over here to receive this episode and many many more! You can also get the unedited video version of each Patreon episode if you want to see all of the bloopers before your very eyes. You won't regret it, see you soon! We start out talking about whats in our pantries then we all took it in a very different direction. Rebecca is feeling a bit morbid, Kate is grieving an extremity and Emily is launching a kid well.  WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: Pop on over to the Patreon Episode Shownotes CONNECT WITH REBECCA: website | instagram | patreon CONNECT WITH KATE: instagram | website | patreon CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here! LINKS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.  THE HIGHLIGHT EPISODES: Just Em | Meet Rebecca | Problem Solved | Meet Kate | A Celebration | Moms Struggling Well

Does everything fall apart in the evenings at your house? This week, we talk about the most difficult time of day and Struggs come through with strategies to struggle WELL through the dreaded witching hour. Did you know it’s not only for babies and toddlers? We get a glimpse into how evenings look different with older kiddos and for working moms and as always, we are reminded that we’re not alone in these struggles and that there really is some sweetness to be found there! WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: The Wonder Weeks App HAULT: Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired GL: Good timing on a grad school decision, Lulu Jr. Illustory Book Making Kit, Bare Republic Sunscreen, Michigan sweet cherry tree surprise KS: Bathroom facelift, apricot thief, a warning about discord CONNECT WITH REBECCA: website | instagram | patreon CONNECT WITH KATE: instagram | website | patreon CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: Athletic Greens: Follow the link for 5 free travel packs and free Vitamin D KiwiCo: Follow the link for 50% off and free shipping on your first month with code MSW Olive & June: Follow the link for 20% your first mani system Chime: Follow the link to continue your credit journey  SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here! LINKS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon THE HIGHLIGHT EPISODES: Just Em | Meet Rebecca | Problem Solved | Meet Kate | A Celebration | Moms Struggling Well *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 

What you are hearing right now is a clip from one of our Patreon episodes. If you want to join the Patreon community, head on over here to receive this episode and many many more! You can also get the unedited video version of each Patreon episode if you want to see all of the bloopers before your very eyes. You won't regret it, see you soon! This week we play a round of Would You Rather and rack up some legit mean points. We have a few podcast, TV show and product recommendations + share what we're looking forward to doing for the rest of the summer. Make sure you mark your calendar for the live event, we can't wait to see your faces! WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: Would You Rather: Homeless/Prison, Bubble/Tree, Yoda/Sir Live Event! Friday July 22 at 8 PM Central Ear Hustle Podcast GL: The Summer I Turned Pretty & Only Murders in the Building, Adult Children: Alcoholic / Dysfunctional Families, LuvUrSelf curl products KS: Army ruining vacation plans, video game rage update, YMCA refunds CONNECT WITH REBECCA: website | instagram | patreon CONNECT WITH KATE: instagram | website | patreon CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here! LINKS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.  THE HIGHLIGHT EPISODES: Just Em | Meet Rebecca | Problem Solved | Meet Kate | A Celebration | Moms Struggling Well

This week we hear a story about walking through a difficult diagnosis and strategies to struggle well while raising a child with developmental disabilities.  Meet Amanda Cunningham, founder of The Glory Days Co., a company that provides organizational tools for parents and caregivers of special needs children. Amanda’s daughter Aurora “Rory” was born with an unexpected diagnosis of Down Syndrome. When looking for tools to support her in this new role as a special needs parent, she found nothing. Desperate, Amanda created an organizational system that is now The Glory Days Daily Planner - the first daily planner for children with special needs. This planner launched an entire line of products which serve parents who are living the day-to-day with a special needs child in their home. Amanda and her husband live in West Virginia with their three kids.  WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: The day to day of one special needs mom Ways to serve special needs families well The period of grief after receiving a shocking diagnosis Supportive Instagram communities for down syndrome families: #nothingdownaboutit | #upsyndrome | #t21 Inclusive book ideas to add to your home library: Eli, Included | Different--A Great Thing to Be! | Leo and the Octopus | More The Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network CONNECT WITH AMANDA: website | instagram | facebook | planner CONNECT WITH REBECCA: website | instagram | patreon CONNECT WITH KATE: instagram | website | patreon CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: Moink: Follow the link for free filet mignon for a year with your subscription Prose: Follow the link to get 15% off all custom hair supplements SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here! LINKS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon THE HIGHLIGHT EPISODES: Just Em | Meet Rebecca | Problem Solved | Meet Kate | A Celebration | Moms Struggling Well *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 

What you are hearing right now is a clip from one of our Patreon episodes. If you want to join the Patreon community, head on over here to receive this episode and many many more! You can also get the unedited video version of each Patreon episode if you want to see all of the bloopers before your very eyes. You won't regret it, see you soon!

This episode is packed with vacation perspective shifts and hacks! Listen to find out how we solve listener problems like how to experience a bougie beach vacation on a budget, how to end vacation WELL, and what to do with a grumpy husband and large families with significant age gaps.  WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: Grumpy vacation husbands Setting expectations and rebranding “vacation” Stay-cation ideas Perspective shift on reaching goals when you’re overwhelmed KS: Krav Maga failure, poisonous kombucha, self tanning ventures GL: Arizona Birkenstocks, Natural Life dresses, A More Beautiful Life by Whitney English CONNECT WITH REBECCA: website | instagram | patreon CONNECT WITH KATE: instagram | website | patreon CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: Chime Financial Inc: Get started today Olive & June: Follow the link for 20% off your first mani system KiwiCo: follow the link for 50% off your first month with code MSW Thrive Causemetics: follow this link for 15% off your first order SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend. The struggle is real. We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here! LINKS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon THE HIGHLIGHT EPISODES: Just Em | Meet Rebecca | Problem Solved | Meet Kate | A Celebration | Moms Struggling Well *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Meal plans and exercise routines can be difficult to stick to. This week we share a few different strategies we are using to Struggle Well when it comes to prioritizing our health. Kate clears the air about some embarrassing thoughts she has been having, Rebecca fulfills one of her I’ve Always Wanted dreams on the mic and Emily sings more than usual. What you are hearing right now is a clip from one of our Patreon episodes. If you want to join the Patreon community, head on over here to receive this episode and many many more! You can also get the unedited video version of each Patreon episode if you want to see all of the bloopers before your very eyes. You won't regret it, see you soon!  WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: Mariachi music really hits an emotional chord for these AZ girls Dreams and plans for becoming multi-lingual  Dreams (only) of becoming a runner Third Love T-Shirt Bra | Wacoal Bras | Racerback bra clips | Free People Bralette Plenity  CONNECT WITH REBECCA: website | instagram | patreon CONNECT WITH KATE: instagram | website | patreon CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here! LINKS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.  THE HIGHLIGHT EPISODES: Just Em | Meet Rebecca | Problem Solved | Meet Kate | A Celebration | Moms Struggling Well

Making magical moments for your kids (that are fun for you too) is actually just a perspective shift away. Today Rebecca talks to the Fairy Godmother of Instagram who cares deeply about celebrating friends, community and Love WELL. She shares some low-pressure ways to mom hack enjoying the small things. Spoiler alert: It’s a lot more about making mom happy than we realize. Meet Kelle Hampton. She is the New York Times Best-Selling author of Bloom. Kelle has also created several online courses and guides, which have served thousands of students and readers. She’s Vice President of the non-profit Ruby’s Rainbow. WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: Every mom has “their thing” that they can lean into Simple ways to elevate a moment  Strategy for inspiration when you’re not feeling motivated to be the fun mom Pinhole Press yearly photo books Mrs. Muddle’s Holidays children’s book CONNECT WITH KELLE: website | instagram | facebook | book CONNECT WITH REBECCA: website | instagram | patreon CONNECT WITH KATE: instagram | website | patreon CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: Moink: Follow the link for free filet mignon for a year with your subscription Prose: Follow the link to get 15% off all custom hair supplements SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here! LINKS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon THE HIGHLIGHT EPISODES: Just Em | Meet Rebecca | Problem Solved | Meet Kate | A Celebration | Moms Struggling Well *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 

What you are hearing right now is a clip from one of our Patreon episodes. If you want to join the Patreon community, head on over here to receive this episode and many many more! You can also get the unedited video version of each Patreon episode if you want to see all of the bloopers before your very eyes. You won't regret it, see you soon! Have you found success with false eyelashes? We explore this phenomenon on camera today… better late than never, right?! We also discuss how involved should you get in your kid’s relationships, consequences of trying to save a buck on Groupon and fun ways to stay connected during periods of family separation.  WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: Stash it or Trash it: Lanvier Reusable 3D Magnetic False Eyelashes Stash it or Trash it follow up: The Brow Trio Our makeup brush cleaning “routines” KS: Groupon Chiropractor, scary parking lot meetings, curly hair cuts GL: lessons in keeping in touch during military deployment, Mrs. Grossman’s Sticker Club, Small kindness can make a huge difference  CONNECT WITH REBECCA: website | instagram | patreon CONNECT WITH KATE: instagram | website | patreon CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here! LINKS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.  THE HIGHLIGHT EPISODES: Just Em | Meet Rebecca | Problem Solved | Meet Kate | A Celebration | Moms Struggling Well

What you are hearing right now is a clip from one of our Patreon episodes. If you want to join the Patreon community, head on over here to receive this episode and many many more! You can also get the unedited video version of each Patreon episode if you want to see all of the bloopers before your very eyes. You won't regret it, see you soon! WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: Voop Necks, sneakers + dresses, cloud slides, dressy slides, fuzzy watermelon, Evereden Safe Skincare for Baby & Kids  A little article on grounding  Over engineering your life with Eric Thomas: Video coming soon! KS: Going back to work, human growth hormone GL: Parents moving near by, new yard blooming with flowering trees, first earthquake & internship, CostPlus Drug Company CONNECT WITH REBECCA: website | instagram | patreon CONNECT WITH KATE: instagram | website | patreon CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here! LINKS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.  THE HIGHLIGHT EPISODES: Just Em | Meet Rebecca | Problem Solved | Meet Kate | A Celebration | Moms Struggling Well

What does it mean to be a working mom? Work is definitely a source of guilt for many moms we know. This conversation is helpful for any phase of momming and for every type of mom out there. Meet Michelle Myers of She Works His Way: A discipleship community for women who love Jesus. Whether you’re the only Christian where you work or running a business out of your home while raising young kids, She Works HIS Way exists to kick feeling isolated and misunderstood to the curb. WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: Personal development half-truths Redefining “work” How to make decisions about what work looks like in your life right now  Getting behind the why of your yes The difference between guilt and conviction She Works His Way: A Practical Guide for Doing What Matters Most in a Get-Things-Done World Ideas for closing ceremonies for your work day  Perspective shift on tough evening routines CONNECT WITH MICHELLE: website | instagram | book CONNECT WITH REBECCA: website | instagram | patreon CONNECT WITH KATE: instagram | website | patreon CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: KiwiCo: Use code MSW for 30% off your first month plus FREE shipping on ANY crate line Thrive Causemetics: Follow the link for 15% off your first order. SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here! LINKS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon THE HIGHLIGHT EPISODES: Just Em | Meet Rebecca | Problem Solved | Meet Kate | A Celebration | Moms Struggling Well *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 

What you are hearing right now is a clip from one of our Patreon episodes. If you want to join the Patreon community, head on over here to receive this episode and many many more! You can also get the unedited video version of each Patreon episode if you want to see all of the bloopers before your very eyes. You won't regret it, see you soon! WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: Em’s perfect chicken  Rebecca’s literal pantry update: color matching Kate’s Optavia experience and her own Optavia knock off meal plan RxSugar | The best foot powder  Letting people in on your embarrassing stuff and the relief of having backup KS: Video game raging, puppy training, kiddo stinky feet  GL: Quirk pool drinks, HIIT Down Dog App, Stanley water bottle baby CONNECT WITH REBECCA: website | instagram | patreon CONNECT WITH KATE: instagram | website | patreon CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here! LINKS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.  THE HIGHLIGHT EPISODES: Just Em | Meet Rebecca | Problem Solved | Meet Kate | A Celebration | Moms Struggling Well

Today we are celebrating 300 episodes! We walk down memory lane and share some of our favorite moments from the show and Strugg’s favorite Strategies to Struggle Well. This episode is strangely patriotic, full of laughs, life updates and you ladies asked for more crying so we delivered! WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: The story behind Giving Me Life & Killing Me Softly Update on Rocket Man & Rebecca’s jumping eggs Story behind how Emily and Rebecca met Update on Indigo Design Co. EPISODE’S MENTIONED: #127: Remembering Everett with Laura Kelley #240: No Better Mom for the Job with Becky Keife #77: Lay Your Worry Down and Sing a Song Instead with Ellie Holcomb #153: Cultivating What You're Given with Ellie Holcomb #271: Grieving Well #282: Aging WELL with Lana Murphy Katie’s Crepe story video clip & full episode Em’s work wedgie episode Em’s eyebrow fail video clip & full episode  CONNECT WITH REBECCA: website | instagram | patreon CONNECT WITH KATE: instagram | website | patreon CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: Moink:  Use this link to get free filet mignon added to your box for a year Prose: Follow the link to get 15% off your first order Chime Financial Inc: Get started today Olive & June: Follow the link for 20% off your first mani system SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here! LINKS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon THE HIGHLIGHT EPISODES: Just Em | Meet Rebecca | Problem Solved | Meet Kate | A Celebration | Moms Struggling Well *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 

What you are hearing right now is a clip from one of our Patreon episodes. If you want to join the Patreon community, head on over here to receive this episode and many many more! You can also get the unedited video version of each Patreon episode if you want to see all of the bloopers before your very eyes. You won't regret it, see you soon! CONNECT WITH REBECCA: website | instagram | patreon CONNECT WITH KATE: instagram | website | patreon CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here! LINKS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.  THE HIGHLIGHT EPISODES: Just Em | Meet Rebecca | Problem Solved | Meet Kate | A Celebration | Moms Struggling Well

How can we compete with technology? Connecting kids to the world around them can be a challenge! Today’s guest is simplifying adventuring with our kids so that we can show them what true relationship looks like. She’s also helping us understand when to talk to them about pornography, how to do it and why it’s never too late to get invested in a tech-healthy relationship!  Greta Eskridge is a second-generation home-schooling mom of 4, a wife of 23 years to Aaron, and an author and speaker. She is a nature lover, book reader, and coffee drinker. Greta cares deeply about creating connection, preserving childhood, and chasing adventure. WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: How to talk to your kids about pornography Long term benefits of side by side time Pursuing connection with kids to fight the lure of pornography  Hope in the reversal of the ill effects that pornography can have  Fighting Porn Resource Guide 100 Days of Adventure: Nature Activities, Creative Projects, and Field Trips for Every Season Pre-order bonus content CONNECT WITH GRETA: website | instagram | CONNECT WITH KATE: instagram | website | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: KiwiCo: Use code MSW for 30% off your first month plus FREE shipping on ANY crate line Thrive Causemetics: Follow the link for 15% off your first order. SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here! LINKS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon THE HIGHLIGHT EPISODES: Just Em | Meet Rebecca | Problem Solved | Meet Kate | A Celebration | Moms Struggling Well *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 

What you are hearing right now is a clip from one of our Patreon episodes. If you want to join the Patreon community, head on over here to receive this episode and many many more! You can also get the unedited video version of each Patreon episode if you want to see all of the bloopers before your very eyes. You won't regret it, see you soon! CONNECT WITH REBECCA: website | instagram | patreon CONNECT WITH KATE: instagram | website | patreon CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here! LINKS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.  THE HIGHLIGHT EPISODES: Just Em | Meet Rebecca | Problem Solved | Meet Kate | A Celebration | Moms Struggling Well

How do you decide how many activities your kids should be in? Need screen time suggestions and age-appropriate chores to dole out? Have you ever considered an Uber service for kids? We have that all planned out. Listen for strategies to struggle well with kid activities and laugh along the way! WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: Free walking on the ceiling activity AllTrails and Camelbacks for easy hikes Activities for younger kids from our Entertainment Episode Zipline & Ninja Course that Rebecca is using to compete with screens Balancing pushing your kids to complete things and letting them choose their activities Raising Them Ready by Jonathan Catherman to help temper expectations for chores by age The best party punch (found at Em’s parties) KS: Fortnite llama cake pressure, Is your husband home?, city life security issues GL: courtyard gardening, erasable highlighters, more wallpaper from Indigo Design Co. CONNECT WITH REBECCA: website | instagram | patreon CONNECT WITH KATE: instagram | website | patreon CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: Moink:  Use this link to get free filet mignon added to your box for a year Prose: Follow the link to get 15% off your first order Chime Financial Inc: Get started today Olive & June: Follow the link for 20% off your first mani system SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here! LINKS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon THE HIGHLIGHT EPISODES: Just Em | Meet Rebecca | Problem Solved | Meet Kate | A Celebration | Moms Struggling Well *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 

What you are hearing right now is a clip from one of our Patreon episodes. If you want to join the Patreon community, head on over here to receive this episode and many many more! You can also get the unedited video version of each Patreon episode if you want to see all of the bloopers before your very eyes. You won't regret it, see you soon! CONNECT WITH REBECCA: website | instagram | patreon CONNECT WITH KATE: instagram | website | patreon CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here! LINKS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.  THE HIGHLIGHT EPISODES: Just Em | Meet Rebecca | Problem Solved | Meet Kate | A Celebration | Moms Struggling Well

Parenting is difficult and hormones can make it feel dang near impossible. But today we are offering this perspective shift: What would it look like if you got SO in tune with your cycle that you gained knowledge to help inform your parenting decisions?  Meet Mary! She’s the international parenting coach for moms of Spicy Children™️.  Since 2011, Mary has worked with over one thousand parents to help transform how they show up for their kids, and for themselves. She’s all about helping you practice the spiritual discipline of staying calm, kind, and firm with your spirited powerhouse of a kid, even when they don’t deserve it and she’s a firm believer that you don’t have to parent without a map. WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: Parenting while keeping the season of your cycle in mind Setting reasonable expectations for yourself  Journaling printable for MSW listeners In the Flo  by Alisa Vitti Don’t miss the live event this weekend for Mothership Patrons. Become a Patron here! CONNECT WITH MARY: website | instagram | facebook | newsletter  CONNECT WITH REBECCA: website | instagram | patreon CONNECT WITH KATE: instagram | website | patreon CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: KiwiCo: Use code MSW for 30% off your first month plus FREE shipping on ANY crate line Prose: Use code MSW for 15% off custom hair supplements SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here! LINKS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon THE HIGHLIGHT EPISODES: Just Em | Meet Rebecca | Problem Solved | Meet Kate | A Celebration | Moms Struggling Well *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 

This week we play what turned into a very adult game of are you into that and spoke candidly on some of the toughest relationships we are in right now. Thanks for joining us again as we find new ways to Struggle Well and keep things spicy! CONNECT WITH REBECCA: website | instagram | patreon CONNECT WITH KATE: instagram | website | patreon CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here! LINKS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. THE HIGHLIGHT EPISODES: Just Em | Meet Rebecca | Problem Solved | Meet Kate | A Celebration | Moms Struggling Well

What happens when your people are not what you expected or when your family plan isn’t panning out? Do you struggle with adult friendships or have disappointment surrounding loss? Big and small Strugg disappointments are discussed this week and we share some perspective shifts that are bringing us peace.  WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: One Thousand Gifts : A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are     Toxic positivity + giving yourself time “Not yet” perspective shift Wound visual and a prompt to talk it out KS: Stress incontinence, gas, solo parenting GL: The Maid: A Novel, Anxiety medication review, Rebecca’s new house! CONNECT WITH REBECCA: website | instagram | patreon CONNECT WITH KATE: instagram | website | patreon CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: Moms Into Fitness: Use code MSW for 50% off 3 months Prose: Follow the link to get 15% off your first order Chime Financial Inc: Get started today Lumineux: Get $7 off today! SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here! LINKS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon THE HIGHLIGHT EPISODES: Just Em | Meet Rebecca | Problem Solved | Meet Kate | A Celebration | Moms Struggling Well *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 

This week we stashed a product that is easily accessible and is sure to send you down a dark path… quite literally. We also dig in to some book and podcast suggestions we are loving and share the things that are less than idea in our lives. This episode comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee! What you are hearing right now is a clip from one of our Patreon episodes. If you want to join the Patreon community, head on over here to receive this episode and many many more! You can also get the unedited video version of each Patreon episode if you want to see all of the bloopers before your very eyes. You won't regret it, see you soon! CONNECT WITH REBECCA: website | instagram | patreon CONNECT WITH KATE: instagram | website | patreon CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here! LINKS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.  THE HIGHLIGHT EPISODES: Just Em | Meet Rebecca | Problem Solved | Meet Kate | A Celebration | Moms Struggling Well

Loving teenagers well requires grace upon grace. This week we cover teens but we also touch on transitioning well into new seasons as an adult.  Sophie Hudson loves to laugh more than just about anything. She began writing her blog, BooMama.net, in November 2005, and much to her surprise, she's stuck with it. Sophie hopes that through her stories, women find encouragement and hope in the everyday, joy-filled moments of life. In addition to her blog, Sophie speaks regularly to groups across the country and co-hosts The Big Boo Cast. A graduate of Mississippi State University and the author of four books, Sophie loves cheering like crazy at college football games and watching entire seasons of TV shows in record time. She lives with her husband and son in Birmingham, Alabama. WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: The pressures that teenagers are under Transitioning - how do you know when it’s time to let go? Grace Upon Grace Journaling Devotional: Trusting God No Matter What CONNECT WITH SOPHIE: website | instagram | blog | podcast  CONNECT WITH REBECCA: website | instagram | patreon CONNECT WITH KATE: instagram | website | patreon CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: Outschool Inc: Follow the link and use code MSW for 15% off your first class Moms Into Fitness: Use code MSW for 50% off 3 months SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here! LINKS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon THE HIGHLIGHT EPISODES: Just Em | Meet Rebecca | Problem Solved | Meet Kate | A Celebration | Moms Struggling Well *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 

Have you ever tried making a switch on staple pantry items and your kids caught on to you? Today we talk about what’s going on in our pantry because we know it’s easy to get stuck in a kitchen rut.  What you are hearing right now is a clip from one of our Patreon episodes. If you want to join the Patreon community, head on over here to receive this episode and many many more! You can also get the unedited video version of each Patreon episode if you want to see all of the bloopers before your very eyes. You won't regret it, see you soon! KS: Deployments, play date bad connection, work training has ended GL: Rebecca moved in to a new house, Kate found a new church, Em testing to be a Nurse 4 CONNECT WITH REBECCA: website | instagram | patreon CONNECT WITH KATE: instagram | website | patreon CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here! LINKS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.  THE HIGHLIGHT EPISODES: Just Em | Meet Rebecca | Problem Solved | Meet Kate | A Celebration | Moms Struggling Well

Do you fall short in the same ways we do when loving your kiddos, spouse and self well? Over here we don’t only talk about the things that are going perfectly in our homes. In fact, we share ways in which we fail pretty routinely in this one. We are thankful that the Strugg’s wrote in with such practical tips for Loving WELL and yep, we sure do talk about sex in this one. Oh, and screen time. It’s killing us softly. WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: Loving kids well by setting boundaries and sticking to them Ways we are taking care of ourselves so we have margin to love others A Strugg’s awesome advice: Connect before correct Advocating for our kids  Matching your teens conflict style to see if it deescalates interactions Using code words or colors to describe feelings Perspective shift on intimacy vs duty and one on screen time too Love language quiz  One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp Movies: Ghostbusters: Afterlife, Get Back, Yellowjackets, Unforgivable  KS: No margin, can’t keep up with kids hygiene, solo parenting realizations GL: Walking inside to get steps in during the winter, focusing on giving thanks in prayer CONNECT WITH REBECCA: website | instagram | patreon CONNECT WITH KATE: instagram | website | patreon CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: Moms Into Fitness: Use code MSW for 50% off 3 months Prose: Follow the link to get 15% off your first order Chime Financial Inc: Get started today KiwiCo: Code MSW for 50% off your first month + free shipping SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here! LINKS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon THE HIGHLIGHT EPISODES: Just Em | Meet Rebecca | Problem Solved | Meet Kate | A Celebration | Moms Struggling Well *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 

Today we talk about winding down; What has given us life and what kills us softly in that area. Then we ventured into an extremely candid conversation about substance addiction and habits. We also played a round of Would You Rather: Live on an RV or a boat? Lose all of your valuables or photos? Pit stop as a fly on the wall or just head right to heaven?  What you are hearing right now is a clip from one of our Patreon episodes. If you want to join the Patreon community, head on over here to receive this episode and many many more! You can also get the unedited video version of each Patreon episode if you want to see all of the bloopers before your very eyes. You won't regret it, see you soon! KS: CBD, patio flooring, trying to diversify outfits GL: Update on Rebecca’s new house, AirPod Pro, Em’s new dog Scout Weasley CONNECT WITH REBECCA: website | instagram | patreon CONNECT WITH KATE: instagram | website | patreon CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here! LINKS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.  THE HIGHLIGHT EPISODES: Just Em | Meet Rebecca | Problem Solved | Meet Kate | A Celebration | Moms Struggling Well

Is picky eating a part of your day to day? Are you seeing food anxiety at your dinner table? Boy, have we got some resources for you. Today Kate is introducing you to a mom who struggled with meal time so hard that she turned feeding her kids into an experiment… and it worked!  Meet Jennifer Anderson! A mom, wife, registered dietitian, and the founder of Kids Eat in Color. When she was a new mom, she learned (as we all do) that feeding kids is tricky. Her first kid fell off the growth chart, and she realized how much effort can go into feeding a child. She took her angst and specialized in feeding children and picky eating. After months of research, she formulated an approach started making small, evidence-based tweaks at mealtimes hoping to end the food battles. She built Kids Eat In Color to be the resource she wished she had when searching for ways to feed her kids.  WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: Ways to keep it positive when talking about food Talking about nutrition in a way that kids understand Feeling overwhelmed? Out of capacity? Read this! Simple ways to keep it fun at dinnertime with food picks and shapes Affordable Flavors - healthy meal planning on a budget Donate meal plans through the Community Hardship Program BetterBites Picky Eating Course CONNECT WITH JENNIFER: website | instagram | blog | pinterest | tiktok CONNECT WITH REBECCA: website | instagram | patreon CONNECT WITH KATE: instagram | website | patreon CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: Lumineux: Use code MSW for 15% off your order today! Moms Into Fitness: Use code MSW for 50% off 3 months SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here! LINKS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon THE HIGHLIGHT EPISODES: Just Em | Meet Rebecca | Problem Solved | Meet Kate | A Celebration | Moms Struggling Well *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 

 What do you adore the most about God? Do you struggle with pride? Are you like us and end up washing your note cards filled with scripture... the ones that you forgot to read during the day anyhow? We shared things that are going WELL in our faith journeys and some convictions that hurt like the dickens. We really did Frank it up this week! What you are hearing right now is a clip from one of our Patreon episodes. If you want to join the Patreon community, head on over here to receive this episode and many many more! You can also get the unedited video version of each Patreon episode if you want to see all of the bloopers before your very eyes. You won't regret it, see you soon! WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT:   The Bible Project - Movements Every Little Thing - Public Toilet Seats Disposable Shewee TIGI Curl Black / Blue + DevaCurl Defining Gel KS: COVID, mental health whiplash from adolescents, curly girl method GL: House husband of the year, lap desks, Harry Potter World CONNECT WITH REBECCA: website | instagram | patreon CONNECT WITH KATE: instagram | website | patreon CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here! LINKS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 

Do you set the bar too high for yourself daily? Could you use some diversity in your conversations with God? Have you already made questionable parenting decisions this year? We can relate! This week, Rebecca is sharing tangible items to start WELL in the bedroom, Emily has helpful tips for your mindset when beginning something new and Kate has a few golden examples of what NOT to do this year. WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: Taking stock of what you do know when you begin something new to you Being patient with yourself as you find your rhythm in the new year Things we are letting go of so we don’t feel like failures 1 Second Every Day App The Whole Life: 52 Weeks of Biblical Self-Care The uncalendar Returning to prayer prompts like ACTS to diversify those conversations with God  Adore by Sara Hagerty  Rebecca’s fancy bedsheets CONNECT WITH REBECCA: website | instagram | patreon CONNECT WITH KATE: instagram | website | patreon CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: Moink: Join the Moink movement today Outschool Inc: Use code MSW for 15% off your first class Chime Financial Inc: Get started today KiwiCo: Use code MSW for 50% off your first month + free shipping SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here! LINKS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon THE HIGHLIGHT EPISODES: Just Em | Meet Rebecca | Problem Solved | Meet Kate | A Celebration | Moms Struggling Well *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 

What you are hearing right now is a clip from one of our Patreon episodes. If you want to join the Patreon community, head on over here to receive this episode and many many more! You can also get the unedited video version of each Patreon episode if you want to see all of the bloopers before your very eyes. You won't regret it, see you soon! SHOW SPONSOR: PrepDish: Use code MSW for 2 free weeks of meal planning CONNECT WITH REBECCA: website | instagram | patreon CONNECT WITH KATE: instagram | website | patreon CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here! LINKS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 

What will you bring with you into 2022 and what will you leave behind? This week we have a quick look back and focus on finishing 2021 well! WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: Journal prompts on Finishing Well CONNECT WITH REBECCA: website | instagram | patreon CONNECT WITH KATE: instagram | website | patreon CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here! LINKS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 

This week we are bringing you a blast from the past with the very first Problem Solved episode! Emily and Rebecca hadn’t met in real life yet (way back in 2016) and it was the beginning of a less lonely podcasting career for Em + You'll hear a partial Patreon episode that went out just this week. If you want to join the Patreon community, head on over here to receive this full episode and many many more! You'll also get the unedited video version of each Patreon episode if you want to see all of the bloopers before your very eyes. You won't regret it, see you soon! CONNECT WITH REBECCA: website | instagram | patreon CONNECT WITH KATE: instagram | website | patreon CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here! LINKS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 

Do you care about clean skincare brands? Where do you draw the line with anti-aging procedures and surgeries? We get into the products we love, the routines we have (or lack thereof) and deep dive skincare influencers; what we love about them and what seems untrustworthy. WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: Places to watch for sales: The Dermstore & Zulilly Strugg favorites: Dime, Tula, Curology Our favorite brands: Avène eye cream, Obagi, Drunk Elephant, DHC Oil Cleanse, Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen, Hero Mighty Patch  The Budget Dermatologist GL: PrepDish, Trade-in computer, NyQuil dreams KS: Rebecca’s sexual energy, effortless screen casting, tiki masala sickness CONNECT WITH REBECCA: website | instagram | patreon CONNECT WITH KATE: instagram | website | patreon CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: Ana Luisa: Treat yourself and your loved ones and use code MSW to get 10% off Moink: Follow the link for free ground beef for a year with your subscription Prose: Follow the link to get 15% off your first order Rothy’s: Follow the link for $20 off your first purchase SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here! LINKS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 

Have you ever discovered things you wish you hadn't via the dreaded parent portal? Em has been there. Katie brought some show suggestions that aren't for the faint of heart and shed some tears. We mix all of those ingredients with a good amount of the usual oversharing and this episode really sent! This was the last ever Struggling Sisters episode, right before we became a trio with Rebecky! This was originally released over on Patreon (hence the oversharing and tears) + you'll hear a partial Patreon episode that went out just this week. If you want to join the Patreon community, head on over here to receive this full episode and many many more! You'll also get the unedited video version of each Patreon episode if you want to see all of the bloopers before your very eyes. You won't regret it, see you soon!  CONNECT WITH REBECCA: website | instagram | patreon CONNECT WITH KATE: instagram | website | patreon CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here! LINKS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon

You guys, we jack up all of the time. We often get off topic, catch a case of the giggles and/or get interrupted by our kids when we are working. Sound familiar?! If you want to hear what it’s like behind the scenes over here, you’re going to love the blooper reel from the entire year of 2021. CONNECT WITH REBECCA: website | instagram | patreon CONNECT WITH KATE: instagram | website | patreon CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: Ana Luisa: Treat yourself and your loved ones and use code MSW to get 10% off Kiwi Co: use code MSW for 50% off your first month plus FREE shipping on ANY crate line SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here! LINKS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 

What you are hearing right now is a FULL Patreon episode that went out this week. If you want to join the Patreon community, head on over here to receive this episode and many many more! You'll also get the unedited video version of each Patreon episode if you want to see all of the bloopers before your very eyes. You won't regret it, see you soon!  WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT:  Are you into That: curly hair extensions, the nap dress, wonderskin lip color Peter Thomas Roth Exfoliating Peel Gel Kate reliving her most embarrassing moment KS: Kids waking up early, IG’s link sharing, licking crepes GL: twenty one pilots: Heathens, Alexa for kids bedtime routines, vinyl plank flooring tips *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.  CONNECT WITH REBECCA: website | instagram | patreon CONNECT WITH KATE: instagram | website | patreon CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: Simply Be Box: Use Code MSW10 to receive $10 off your purchase SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here! LINKS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 

You Sruggs wrote in with your family dynamic problems to solve and we workshop lots of ways that you can struggle WELL this Thanksgiving with your people. Kate brings the tough love on your hard to love in-laws and Em shares some REAL news articles of Thanksgivings gone wrong that are sure to make you feel better about your family dynamic. Oh, and the pressure of having the perfect Thanksgiving prayer? That’s something we help you let go of. Rebecca shares her family prayer and it was…unique!  WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: A peek into our family dynamics (P.S. they aren’t perfect) Perspective shift on reinventing the holidays  When you have to skip out on a holiday for your own mental health and why it’s OK What can you overlook this year so that you can love past an issue and enjoy your in-laws? How do you handle your child favoring one parent over another? What do you give to the family member who is impossible to please? Workshop on how to confront someone who likes to gossip Don’t be a WEINI! Which are you: withdrawn, escalator, negative interpreter or invalidator? Join our gift exchange on Patreon! KS: More home construction, car towing, Silk and Sonder planner pressure GS: Botox, skipping a family event for a self-care night, finding a good babysitter *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.  CONNECT WITH REBECCA: website | instagram | patreon CONNECT WITH KATE: instagram | website | patreon CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: Moink: Follow the link and get free ground beef for a year Prose: Follow the link for your free in-depth hair consultation and 15% off supplements Rothy’s: Follow the link for $20 off your first purchase MamaZen: Follow the link and use code MSW to unlock your free trial SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here! LINKS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon | Instagram *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 

What you are hearing right now is a small portion from our Patreon episode that went out this week. If you want to join the Patreon community, head on over here to receive this full episode and many many more! You'll also get the unedited video version of each Patreon episode if you want to see all of the bloopers before your very eyes. You won't regret it, see you soon! + Encore Episode: Tricia Goyer is a busy mom of ten, doting grandma, and wife to John. A USA Today  bestselling author, Tricia has published seventy books and is a  two-time Carol Award winner, as well as a Christy and ECPA Award  Finalist. She is also on the blogging team at TheBetterMom.com  and other homeschooling and Christian sites. Tricia is the founder of  Hope Pregnancy Ministries and currently leads a teen MOPS Group in  Little Rock, Arkansas.  WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT:  why Tricia became passionate about getting her family to try being grumble-free controlling your anger when your kids get angry making Bible learning a priority letting kids learn responsibility by earning privileges choosing when to let your kids wear makeup helping kids with trauma become vulnerable by drawing close how God used Tricia’s grandma’s injury to teach the family about the power of praise a story about flat Build-a-Bears and how practicing going grumble-free has changed her kids  LINKS MENTIONED  Calming Angry Kids   The Grumble-Free Year  Vanstek erasable gel pens *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.   CONNECT WITH TRICIA:  website | instagram | facebook | pinterest CONNECT WITH REBECCA: website | instagram | patreon CONNECT WITH KATE: instagram | website | patreon CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon SPONSORS: iD Tech: use code MSW to save $150 dollars on weekly, small-group Semesters Kiwi Co: use code MSW for 50% off your first month plus FREE shipping on ANY crate line Abide: follow the link to download the Abide app and get 25% off your premium subscription SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here! LINKS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 

We deep dive into purchasing ant farms, open Pandora's box on instragram filters, share about anxiety and medications, oh, and bring you our gift ideas for Christmas 2021! Rebecca shares that she has never had a fig or even heard the name James Taylor before, Emily shares a perspective shift on the phrase “the grass is always greener” and Kate has some spicy bartering deals going on down in Mexico.  WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: Remember to shop through the Amazon Shop! Don’t miss out on our Gift Exchange! Sign up here for Struggapalooza 2021! Would you enjoy a surprise vacation planner? Olive and June: Code MSW for 20% off your first mani system Rothy’s: Follow the link for $20 off your first purchase Uncommon Goods: Follow the link to get 15% off your next gift For Spouse: Bombas Socks, local maker spaces For Yourself: Treat Yo’ Elf, fancy skincare For Kids: overpriced surprise balls + paleontology balls, ant farm, HugglePod, Zulily books For teachers & friends: Anthropology sale section, macrame plant holder + plant, beach safe,  magnetic levitating speaker Stocking stuffers from our entertainment episode Account to follow for additional gift ideas: Kelle Hampton & Tara Thueson Mental health help right now: National Hopeline Network: 1-800-784-2433 + Lifeline Crisis Chat  KS: Anxiety, Mental Health, Perspective shift on the grass always being greener GL: Fig tree starter, garage sale friends *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.  CONNECT WITH REBECCA: website | instagram | patreon CONNECT WITH KATE: instagram | website | patreon CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: Ana Luisa: Treat yourself and your loved ones and use code MSW to get 10% off MamaZen: Follow the link and use code MSW to unlock your free trial SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here! LINKS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 

We are coming back with interviews again, every other Monday beginning in the New Year. As we ramp up on fresh interviews, we are rebroadcasting listener favorites.  In this encore episode, I discovered something I liked on Instagram and Rebecca let me know it's been around for ages.  We talked about  whether or not we feel like devil raves are good events for our children  to attend.  I insulted dresses she likes on accident and she took a  firm stand against people trying to bully her into taking an oily  journey.  WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT ON PATREON: The Brow Trio *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.  CONNECT WITH REBECCA: website | instagram | patreon CONNECT WITH KATE: instagram | website | patreon CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: Abide: Download the Abide app and get 25% off your premium subscription KiwiCo: Use code MSW for 50% off your first month + FREE shipping Ladder Financial: Visit and see if you’re instantly approved SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here! LINKS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 

Do you feel a shift in Christianity today? Do you ever wish Jesus had a PR representative? It’s really fun to share our different takes on stories from the bible and this week we Frank Faith it up for an entire hour! We brought questions that our kids are struggling with and resources we are using right now along our faith journeys.  WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: The beautiful parts of having a church community  The hard parts of loving children of God that you don’t agree with  The Holy Post Podcast  The helpful visual of drawing circles around ourselves and fixing whats inside The Bible Recap Podcast + Audible Bible App The Bible Project Resource to help kids understand the Bible: Meredith Miller Honey Mustard Pistachios Parental control resources: Circle, Pinwheel Phone, Greta Eskridge, Protect Young Eyes, Birds_Bees KS: Smokehouse Almonds, doors in the house that don’t shut, phones for pre-teens GL: Haunted by Mom (Day-o), two new kittens, Pura scents Beach Glow & Havana Vanilla *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.  CONNECT WITH REBECCA: website | instagram | patreon CONNECT WITH KATE: instagram | website | patreon CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: MamaZen: Follow the link and use code MSW to unlock your free trial Prose: Visit prose.com/MSW for 15% off all custom hair supplements Moink: Follow the link to get free bacon for a year with your first box Rothy’s: Visit rothys.com/msw for $20 off your first purchase SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here! LINKS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 

This week we are letting you in on the latest trick up our sleeves! We are coming back with interviews again, every other Monday. As we ramp up on fresh interviews, we are rebroadcasting listener favorites.  As a trained actress and heartfelt Bible teacher, Wendy Speake ministers to women’s hearts through storytelling and Biblical life application. During her career in Hollywood, Wendy found herself longing to tell stories that edify and encourage women. Today she does just that, writing books about mommy anger and gentle parenting and performing dramatic Bible lessons for women’s groups, taking every opportunity to point audiences to Jesus. WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: how Wendy's passion for storytelling led her to become an actress and author finding margin in your life internal and external triggers defining what triggers you and finding coping mechanisms Deuteronomy 11 sharing your triggers with your spouse CONNECT WITH WENDY: website // instagram // facebook // twitter //  pinterest *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.  CONNECT WITH REBECCA: website | instagram | patreon CONNECT WITH KATE: instagram | website | patreon CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: Bookmark: Use Code MSW to get 15% off yearly or monthly business or pro SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here! LINKS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 

Introducing... Who, When, Wow! A new Tinkercast original podcast from the creators of the #1 kids & family podcast, Wow in the World. Join host Rebecca Sheir on auditory journeys into the lives of history's unsung heroes and amazing humans who make us say "WOW!" This is just a preview of Who, When, Wow! But you can listen to the full episode at https://wondery.com/shows/who-when-wow/

We are so excited for you! After listening to this episode you will have plenty of fresh ideas for how to keep yourself and the kids entertained. With cooler weather coming and gift-buying on the brain, this topic is perfect for the turn of the season. Emily has a suggestion for how you can be Fun Mom for about $15 with a yes moment vs. yes day, Kate has a free-ninety free activity that can keep you busy for hours and Rebecca brings it with book suggestions (from her fictional genre “page-turner”) that will eliminate decision fatigue for you.  WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: TV Suggestions: Monk, Psych, The Mysterious Benedict Society, Tiny Desk, Mark Rober Our ideas for getting kids off screens: Diamond painting, custom paint by numbers,  parent/child coloring book, What Do You Meme (Family Edition), Pictureka!  Ideas for getting outside: Throw Throw Burrito, Yardzee, Spike Ball Grab and go for your purse: Spot it, Play-doh, Slime, Uno, Uno Flip!, Dos Magazines we like: Cooks Illustrated, Clubhouse, National Geographic Kids, Highlights, Highlights High Five, Sports Illustrated Kids, Real Simple, People & Cooking Light Books we like: The Penderwick Series, Joyce Maynard books, You, Murder in the Yoga Store Gift idea for parents: StoryWorth + Rebecca’s experience with it Helping your kids navigate cell phones in a healthy way with Pinwheel  Ways to create space in your house for non-screen activities KS: Bible and a Bag, Home Decorating, Front Door Fails GL: Being a COVID nurse, enneagram 2 best friends, organizing during stress *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.  CONNECT WITH REBECCA: website | instagram | patreon CONNECT WITH KATE: instagram | website | patreon CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: Uncommon Goods: Follow the link to get 15% off your next gift KiwiCo: Use code MSW for 50% off your first month + FREE shipping MamaZen: Follow the link and use code MSW to unlock your free trial PrepDish: Follow the link and use code MSW for two FREE weeks of meal planning SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here! LINKS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 

What you are hearing right now is a small portion from our Patreon episode that went out this week. If you want to join the Patreon community, head on over here to receive this full episode and many many more! You'll also get the unedited video version of each Patreon episode if you want to see all of the bloopers before your very eyes. You won't regret it, see you soon! WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: Eat to Evolve Code: BECCAS20 for 20% off Hello Fresh oven ready meals Target meal kits Bobo’s Oat Bars KS: Home improvements gone wrong, Bloody Mary GL:Drip systems, Zillow dream-house, self-care *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. CONNECT WITH REBECCA: website | instagram | patreon CONNECT WITH KATE: instagram | website | patreon CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend. The struggle is real. We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here! LINKS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

If you have wondered if you are drinking too much or if you are finding that your relationship with alcohol is taking up too much headspace, you are not alone. We tell our kids that they can do anything but when we think about ourselves, we apply the old dog new tricks scenario. If you want to show up differently in your relationship with alcohol, this is a pretty incredible resource for you. Jenn is sharing about the freedom she is feeling from her grey area drinking and how she went about it. It’s not about perfection, it about the practice. Jenn is a new emptynester who is passionate about making it safe for women to have a conversation about alcohol without judgment, labels or rules. She has encouraged more than 20,000 women all over the globe to pursue being present and sober-minded. WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: Sober October is coming up, here is a resource!  Way’s to adjust misalignment in your relationship with alcohol Grey area drinking - what is it and who does it apply to? Alcohol marketing awareness The 21 Day Reset Challenge Need help not drinking tonight? Here is a free guide Shame surrounding sober-curiosity in the Christian community CONNECT WITH JEN: website | instagram | facebook CONNECT WITH REBECCA: website | instagram | patreon CONNECT WITH KATE: instagram | website | patreon CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: Prose: Visit prose.com/MSW for 15% off all custom hair supplements Olive & June: Use code MSW for 20% off your first mani system Moink: Follow the link to get free ground beef for a year Rothy’s: Visit rothys.com/msw for $20 off your first purchase SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here! LINKS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon

What you are hearing right now is a small portion from our Patreon episode that went out this week. If you want to join the Patreon community, head on over here to receive this full episode and many many more! You'll also get the unedited video version of each Patreon episode if you want to see all of the bloopers before your very eyes. You won't regret it, see you soon! WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: Are you into That: curly hair extensions, the nap dress, wonderskin lip color Peter Thomas Roth Exfoliating Peel Gel Kate reliving her most embarrassing moment KS: Kids waking up early, IG’s link sharing, licking crepes  GL: twenty one pilots: Heathens, Alexa for kids bedtime routines, vinyl plank flooring tips *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.  CONNECT WITH REBECCA: website | instagram | patreon CONNECT WITH KATE: instagram | website | patreon CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here! LINKS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 

Does it sound appealing to be let off the hook for some mom-related responsibilities? This is the episode for you. Struggs have so many concerns this week and the general theme is burnout. There is a whole lot going on in the world right now and Struggs asked us to ‘go there” so we did! Rebecca is feeling outraged regarding news but shares her own solution with listeners, Em shares the latest way she is Struggling Well with a teenage daughter and Kate is just straight struggling with grief so the ladies gracefully meet her where she’s at. We have THE way to simplify the after school routine, we solved your husbands snoring and we discuss this question: can you be friends with your kids? WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: Kanye West’s name change Should you be friends with your kids? Solving the problem of snoring: SnoreRx Grieving the loss of a parent  Creative ways to say no Pantsuit Politics podcast & Sharon McMahon as non-biased news sources Em is trying not to be sarcastic and it’s very similar to this Friends episode Tips to simplify the after school routine Family dinner, it’s not important if it’s not important to you! KS: Cheese grating toes, non-returnable clown shoes, black-bottomed feet GL: The Good Daughters by Joyce Maynard, The Chair, becoming a COVID travel nurse *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.  CONNECT WITH REBECCA: website | instagram | patreon CONNECT WITH KATE: instagram | website | patreon CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: KiwiCo: 50% off your first month with promo code MSW Trust & Will: Estate planning made easy. Follow the link for 10% off + free shipping PrepDish: Follow the link for 2 free weeks of meal planning! Olive & June: Get 20% off your first mani system with code MSW SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here! LINKS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 

What you are hearing right now is a small portion from our Patreon episode that went out this week. If you want to join the Patreon community, head on over here to receive this full episode and many many more! You'll also get the unedited video version of each Patreon episode if you want to see all of the bloopers before your very eyes. You won't regret it, see you soon! WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: Stash it or Trash it: Lemon Creme Pie + Peach Cobbler Pop Tarts The Unexpected Joy of Being Sober: Discovering a Happy, Healthy, Wealthy Alcohol-Free Life by Catherine Gray Blackout: Remembering the Things I Drank to Forget by Sarah Hepola We Are the Luckiest: The Surprising Magic of a Sober Life  by Laura McKowen and New World Library Drinking: A Love Story by Caroline Knapp KS: Being sick as a working mom + hope for moms with chronically sick kids, knowing too much with Ring Video Doorbells, emergency tetanus shots  GL: The Sober Sis, Batumi Mama, Formula 10.0.6 Dry Body Oil, Sun Bum Cool Down Aloe Lotion *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.  CONNECT WITH REBECCA: website | instagram | patreon CONNECT WITH KATE: instagram | website | patreon CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here! LINKS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 

Aging is natural and purposeful but it can also feel scary and hard to process. In this episode we talked with Lana Murphy on the topic of aging well. We share some of our fears, perspective shifts and practical things we are implementing to age well. WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: Frownies, not brownies Proverbs 17:6 “Grandchildren are the crown of the aged, and the glory of children is their fathers.” Eyecream TikTok Old age Face App  KS: Losing bladder control, nanny moving on, IRS audit GL: Kids going to sleep away camp, motivational water bottles *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.  CONNECT WITH REBECCA: website | instagram | patreon CONNECT WITH KATE: instagram | website | patreon CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: Prose: Visit prose.com/MSW for 15% off your first order Pit Liquor Natural Deodorant: Use code MSW for 15% off your first order Uncommon Goods: Visit to get 15% off your next gift SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here! LINKS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 

What you are hearing right now is a small portion from our Patreon episode that went out this week. If you want to join the Patreon community, head on over here to receive this full episode and many many more! You'll also get the unedited video version of each Patreon episode if you want to see all of the bloopers before your very eyes. You won't regret it, see you soon! CONNECT WITH REBECCA: website | instagram | patreon CONNECT WITH KATE: instagram | website | patreon CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here! LINKS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon

Loving people well whether you agree with their choices or not… that’s a part of our calling as Christ followers. Thank you guys for trusting us with your problems! This week we had some hard ones to solve! We also solve fun ones like how to pray with your little littles, whether you should send your hard kids to a deserted island or not, and how to connect with unfriendly neighbors. WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: How to connect with an unfriendly neighbor Tips for praying with young kiddos Loving people well and the topic of gender dysphoria  Theology in the Raw #881 -  From Trans to Detrans: Daisy Chadra Feeling a pull towards being more vulnerable  Flo Vitamins 60 songs that explain the 90s KS: finances, bad listeners, general motherhood fatigue GL: Baby Girl, John Mayer and his hands, deserted island article *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.  CONNECT WITH REBECCA: website | instagram | patreon CONNECT WITH KATE: instagram | website | patreon CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: KiwiCo: Get your first month free on select crates PrepDish: Try two free weeks of meal planning SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here! LINKS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 

What you are hearing right now is a small portion from our Patreon episode that went out this week. If you want to join the Patreon community, head on over here to receive this full episode and many many more! You'll also get the unedited video version of each Patreon episode if you want to see all of the bloopers before your very eyes. You won't regret it, see you soon! WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: Em’s shift in alcohol use explained in a Just Em coming soon Stephanie’s phrase “Not what if but whatever is” from Philippians 4:8 Longing for a church community in an incredibly difficult season of parenting Gabb Phones  KS: Dogs ruining carpet via licking, managing cell phone use for older kids GL: Matcha recipe from Starbucks, Tinkle razors, Super Target salads *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.  CONNECT WITH REBECCA: website | instagram | patreon CONNECT WITH KATE: instagram | website | patreon CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here! LINKS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 

Need some summer activity inspiration? This one is guaranteed to help you mix it up with the kids. We share what we do to keep our kids busy and the Struggs wrote in with excellent ideas as well. We have a few huge activity fails that we suggest you stay away from + we take a minute to demystify Patreon. WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: Patreon, what is it? Jen Fulwiler on IG KS: Uber Eats fees, Kate’s dogs, dealing with baby helmets GL: Kiddo’s traveling alone on an airplane, navigating adult friendships. BLB storefront opening *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.  CONNECT WITH REBECCA: website | instagram | patreon CONNECT WITH KATE: instagram | website | patreon CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: Trust & Will: Visit for 10% off plus free shipping  Olive and June: Code MSW for 20% off your first mani system SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here! LINKS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 

What you are hearing right now is a small portion from our Patreon episode that went out this week. If you want to join the Patreon community, head on over here to receive this full episode and many many more! You'll also get the unedited video version of each Patreon episode if you want to see all of the bloopers before your very eyes. You won't regret it, see you soon! WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: Process of plopping curly hair  Are you into: Clockwork robot nails, pants + socks while you sleep, fake lashes Thrive Causemetics mascara & No. 7 tubing mascara KS: Troublesome washcloth use, nanny found the top drawer sensitive items, husband clutter GL: Counseling, Beat Saber on Oculus VR headset, navigating dating teenagers *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.  CONNECT WITH REBECCA: website | instagram | patreon CONNECT WITH KATE: instagram | website | patreon CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here! LINKS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 

Need some summer meal inspiration? Is your favorite summer meal delivered by DoorDash? No matter what your situation is, ya gotta eat. This particular episode is like an audio version of a Pinterest scroll but with friends and lots of laughter. The Strugg community shares so many creative ways to feed your people this summer you’re going to want to listen to this before your next grocery trip. WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: Suggested follow for simple food ideas @kids.eat.in.color Cook books: From Freezer to Table, Sandra Lee Semi-Homemade, Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Solving Dinnertime Drama with Polly Conner Family style meal ideas Buffet style meal ideas One pot/one pan meal ideas Pre-made meal ideas Santa Fe Chicken + Change Your Life Chicken NoseFreida & the Windi Gas Reliever Propagation Decor New plan! Look for the Big Sister Question of the Week in the FB Group KS: Construction in the home, traveling eye fungus (psoriasis), nurturing sick kids GL: The blessing that other adults can be for your kids, blessings at Kate & Rebecca’s homes *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.  CONNECT WITH REBECCA: website | instagram | patreon CONNECT WITH KATE: instagram | website | patreon CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: Prose: Use this link for a free in-dept hair consultation + 15% off your first order Olive and June: Code MSW for 20% off your first mani system KiwiCo: Code MSW gets your first month FREE on select crates Puridy Debt Solutions: Use this link to take back your financial freedom SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here! LINKS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 

What you are hearing right now is a small portion from our Patreon episode that went out this week. If you want to join the Patreon community, head on over here to receive this full episode and many many more! You'll also get the unedited video version of each Patreon episode if you want to see all of the bloopers before your very eyes. You won't regret it, see you soon! WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: Pool owning perspective shift Personalized bra fitting experiences Plans to visit the first Starbucks in Seattle KS: House hunting, leaking roofs, Em’s never ending job + shoulder surgery GL: Pit Liquor Deodorant, Neil is coming home, stay-cation date ideas *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.  CONNECT WITH REBECCA: website | instagram | patreon CONNECT WITH KATE: instagram | website | patreon CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon BIG SISTER VOICEMAIL LINE: If you are a mom of older kids and have wisdom to share, call us! 203.871.1683 SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here! LINKS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 

Have you ever heard directly from God? How is reemerging back into public going where you are? Those two things are not related but are equally interesting and they are both covered in this chat! Strugg problems are solved a mile a minute in this episode. Problems like: kids eating non-stop now that they’re home more, piles everywhere, how to gracefully embrace new family members & the dreaded late summer bedtimes. WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: Struggs solved brushing teeth at night with bathtubs + a toothpaste dispenser How to stay cool this summer Solutions for those awful late summertime bedtimes Tips for embracing new family members KS: June/July confusion, the military family experience surrounding reenlistment  GL: Hearing from God about a new career idea, Mojo’s went to an actual farm *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.  CONNECT WITH REBECCA: website | instagram | patreon CONNECT WITH KATE: instagram | website | patreon CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon BIG SISTER VOICEMAIL LINE: If you are a mom of older kids and have wisdom to share, call us! 203.871.1683 EPISODE SPONSORS: Olive and June: Code MSW for 20% off your first mani system Brightbox: Code msw to get a free add-on in your box Puridy Debt Solutions: Take back your financial freedom + $25 gift card for qualified listeners Trust & Will: Visit for 10% off plus free shipping  SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here! LINKS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 

What you are hearing right now is a small portion from our Patreon episode that went out this week. If you want to join the Patreon community, head on over here to receive this full episode and many many more! You'll also get the unedited video version of each Patreon episode if you want to see all of the bloopers before your very eyes. You won't regret it, see you soon! WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: Sweet Strugg Saranne Sanders sent us a Stash It or Trash It box from Australia!  We got to try: Tim Tam, Cadbury Dairy Milk Marvelous Creations, & Vegemite Rebecca is having pregnancy nightmares + we thought that she killed her dog Big Sister advice from Katie Harvey KS: Rebecca’s lip fire, The Crown, gaming kids = screaming kids GL: Optavia, The Who Was Show, brown sugar espresso, kombucha, purging clothes *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.  CONNECT WITH REBECCA: website | instagram | patreon CONNECT WITH KATE: instagram | website | patreon CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon BIG SISTER VOICEMAIL LINE: If you are a mom of older kids and have wisdom to share, call us! 203.871.1683 SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here! LINKS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 

Rhythms and Routines are not one size fits all. We share what work for us, how Struggs are killing it with their rhythms and what we are dropping from our routines that is giving us life! WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: Once-a-day brushers + an embarrassing story about Emily’s teeth in China  Tiny Habits: The Small Changes That Change Everything by BJ Fogg Ph.D  Pairing activities and starting small to easily add things you want to do into your routine What we are taking out of our routines that is giving us life More controversial laundry talk Prompt: Think about what your safe place would look like, how can you add this to your every day? Rebecca’s tip for bringing a little bit of your vacation home to your daily life Bluebirds, bluejays, random stories about turtles Shows that we watch with our kids as a nighttime rhythm: AFV, Pushing Daisies, Psych, The Chosen, Wandavision, Disney Remakes  Strugg suggestions: pairing scripture with a constant routine, blocking time for yourself, prepping the night before KS: Work meetings, Friends teaser, quitting breast pumping + nursing strikes GL: Apple pencil for lowering the barrier to art, 60 songs that explain the 90s, making a landing into a hang out room for kiddos *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.  CONNECT WITH REBECCA: website | instagram | patreon CONNECT WITH KATE: instagram | website | patreon CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon BIG SISTER VOICEMAIL LINE: If you are a mom of older kids and have wisdom to share, call us! 203.871.1683 EPISODE SPONSORS: iD Tech: Code MSW for $100 off CuboAi: Code MSW for $10 off KiwiCo: Code MSW 30% your first month + FREE Shipping PrepDish: Use this link for two free weeks of meal plans SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here! LINKS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 

What you are hearing right now is a small portion from our Patreon episode that went out this week. If you want to join the Patreon community, head on over here to receive this full episode and many many more! You'll also get the unedited video version of each Patreon episode if you want to see all of the bloopers before your very eyes. You won't regret it, see you soon! WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: Are you into: body suits (shirt thongs), shoulder pads & gummy candies. Adventuring Together: How to Create Connections and Make Lasting Memories with Your Kids by Greta Eskridge Good Pictures Bad Pictures: Porn-Proofing Today's Young Kids by Kristen A Jenson What's the Big Deal?: Why God Cares About Sex (God's Design for Sex) by Stan Jones We Should Pray Podcast KS: Solo parenting, the movie The Father, kids making bad choices with electronics  GL: Rebecca’s new internet crush @amandavernonmusic, the perfect s’mores, Mitchell’s vs. the Machines *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.  CONNECT WITH REBECCA: website | instagram | patreon CONNECT WITH KATE: instagram | website | patreon CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon BIG SISTER VOICEMAIL LINE: If you are a mom of older kids and have wisdom to share, call us! 203.871.1683 SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here! LINKS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 

Why is it so hard to find lyrically appropriate music for kids that has beats they actually like? How can I navigate a relationship with a suicidal friend? How can I help my kiddo struggle well through a huge disappointment? Help me through the intense energy shift (which is just a nice phrase for total meltdown) at certain times of day.  We solve these and so many more listener problems in this episode. We couldn’t get to all of them, but there were so many relatable ones! We decided we want to bring this segment back every month and start bringing on experts to help us solve them. If you have problems you want solved, email [email protected] and we may get to yours on the next Problem Solved! WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: Insight Development Plan for kiddos to build character through journal prompts We created a collaborative playlist on Spotify: Beats for Young Girls! Advice for having a healthy relationship with a suicidal person in your life National suicide prevention lifeline: 800.273.8255 Boundaries: When to Say Yes, How to Say No To Take Control of Your Life by Henry Cloud Encouragement for a young Strugg who is disappointed with the part they got in a play Em is bringing back fake news segments per Strugg request  Possible solutions for nail biting Practical tip to Struggle Well through grief Embracing (not avoiding) the after school meltdown How to Do the Work: Recognize Your Patterns, Heal from Your Past, and Create Your Self by Dr. Nicole LePera KS: Rebecca is not moving as soon as she hoped, Emily has too much junk food in her face at work, Kate wants to burn Big Boy’s sweat pants GL: Rebecca’s depression & anxiety meds are kicking in, Em is using insight development plans as a consequence, Kate is loving the book How to do the Work *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.  CONNECT WITH REBECCA: website | instagram | patreon CONNECT WITH KATE: instagram | website | patreon CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon BIG SISTER VOICEMAIL LINE: If you are a mom of older kids and have wisdom to share, call us! 203.871.1683 EPISODE SPONSORS: Trust & Will: get 10% plus FREE SHIPPING of your customized legal documents Cubo Ai: use code MSW for $10 off your purchase Songfinch: use code MSW for a total of $70 off the perfect gift Brightbox: use code MSW to get a free add on in your box! SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here! LINKS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 

What you are hearing right now is a small portion from our Patreon episode that went out this week. If you want to join the Patreon community, head on over here to receive this full episode and many many more! You'll also get the unedited video version of each Patreon episode if you want to see all of the bloopers before your very eyes. You won't regret it, see you soon! WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: Bringing back the faith chats with a new segment called Frank Faith Rebecca is deconstructing her faith and separating it from religion Bottom line: she wants her kids to grow to live Jesus like she does. The Chosen series Em is talking through her own struggles with her kids to model how God had provided before and will again Kate fesses up that she doesn’t pray with her kids normally but it happened on accident and it actually worked! We share our own concerns about taking verses from the Bible out of context Rebecca has a new girl crush on a new Lindsey @createdcolorful KS: Rebecca wants to know her season, Kate stuck to her parenting guns, Em resigned from her management position GL: Rebecca is loving the podcast under the influence, Kate is loving yard work, Em is loving her patio time *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.  CONNECT WITH REBECCA: website | instagram | patreon CONNECT WITH KATE: instagram | website | patreon CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon BIG SISTER VOICEMAIL LINE: If you are a mom of older kids and have wisdom to share, call us! 203.871.1683 SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here! LINKS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 

What is self-care and who decides? Some people know exactly what they need and others feel lost. This week we are talking about the things we do to help us not run away from home. Next time you are feeling pressure building, use this tip! Imagine changing your struggle switch to a struggle dial. Ask yourself what you would need to turn your struggle down to a more manageable level and voila, you know what self-care will look like for you today. WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: Strugg suggestions for self-care What we do to help us not run away from home Rookyloo, wind sock, air pillow (lounge pillow) Homemade iced coffee maker we love Kate has doctor-dysphoria and Rebecca has doctor-phobia  KS: Parent involved swim lessons, jiu jitsu + switch standoff,  kid electronic chords GL: Rebecca’s quiet afternoon, Em’s dry spiritual time ending, Kate’s new counselor *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.  CONNECT WITH REBECCA: website | instagram | patreon CONNECT WITH KATE: instagram | website | patreon CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon BIG SISTER VOICEMAIL LINE: If you are a mom of older kids and have wisdom to share, call us! 203.871.1683 EPISODE SPONSORS: iD Tech: Code MSW for $100 off CuboAi: Code MSW for $10 off KiwiCo: Code MSW 30% your first month + FREE Shipping SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here! LINKS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 

What you are hearing right now is a small portion from our Patreon episode that went out this week. If you want to join the Patreon community, head on over here to receive this full episode and many many more! You'll also get the unedited video version of each Patreon episode if you want to see all of the bloopers before your very eyes. You won't regret it, see you soon! WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: Save the date for our live event Sunday May 16th at 8PM Central! Rebecca’s ring light failed her multiple times during this episode  Would you rather: Wake up in undies at work or naked in the woods 20 miles from home? Would you rather: Watch a scary movie or go to a haunted house? Would you rather: Feel like you have to pee all the time or not know when you’re peeing? Family counseling to help with day-to-day communications with Connected Families  Em’s upcoming surgery and recovery concerns  Rebecca is getting mental health help! Kate is taking lots of trips this summer, beginning with a stop at Sandwich Lot’s of revelations on cussing Big Sister Voicemails from Emily Laker and Stephanie Ackerman  CONNECT WITH REBECCA: website | instagram | patreon CONNECT WITH KATE: instagram | website | patreon CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon BIG SISTER VOICEMAIL LINE: If you are a mom of older kids and have wisdom to share, call us! 203.871.1683 SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here! LINKS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 

The Struggs came through again by sharing some of the best mom hacks we have ever heard! We share our own hacks like how to remind yourself that your kids are new to this earth, how to manage household chores and what you should hide in your bedroom to stretch your quiet time in the morning to its max capacity. Make sure to listen to end, we may be taking MSW in a new direction and the bloopers can not be missed! WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: Save the date for our Mother’s Day Live Event! 5.16.21 8PM Central Rebecca’s hacks: Wallpaper (surprisingly) from Rifle Paper Co, Swedish ladders, chore sticks Em’s hacks: Calling your kids on the phone, sticking to your guns for consequences Kate’s hacks: Bulk peanut butter & jelly prep, Keurig in your bedroom Making things easy: Mini-fridge for your personal snacks, pizza cutters for kiddo food, sort laundry by person not color, frisbees for kids eating in the car, keeping crib mattresses under your bed for easy access & no PJ’s ever! Making things fun: Picnics, shaving cream on tin foil outside, glow sticks for road trips Making thing safe: Parental controls on your router KS: 3AM purchases, returning clothes all weekend, mental health struggles GL: Verb bars, breeo smokeless fire pit, big boy love & Disney trips *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.  CONNECT WITH REBECKY: website | instagram | patreon CONNECT WITH KATE: instagram | website | patreon CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon BIG SISTER VOICEMAIL LINE: If you are a mom of older kids and have wisdom to share, call us! 203.871.1683 EPISODE SPONSORS: PrepDish: Use this link for two free weeks of meal plans Chime: Apply now! Prose: Use this link for a free in-depth hair quiz + 15% off SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here! LINKS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 

What you are hearing right now is a small portion from our Patreon episode that went out this week. If you want to join the Patreon community, head on over here to receive this full episode and many many more! You'll also get the unedited video version of each Patreon episode if you want to see all of the bloopers before your very eyes. You won't regret it, see you soon! WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: I’ve always wanted: To be called Amile, get a bracelet tattoo & float on a lazy river Commiserating with Rebecca on how parenting can feel like a prison sentence  Poor communication with the professionals in our lives Update on the MSW theme song writer (originally from songfinch) Katie Rose Stump Lattes that are giving us life: Rose flavored + at-home mochas Big Sister’s Jeanie Russell-Dahl and Beth Tessier speak to parenting siblings Doing Life with Your Adult Children by Jim Burns *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.  CONNECT WITH REBECCA: website | instagram | patreon CONNECT WITH KATE: instagram | website | patreon CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here! LINKS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 

When it comes to your clothes, what’s your hangup? Can’t find a style that feels authentic to you? Do you have pieces in your closet that you love but never wear? Find out why in this episode + hear a fashion expert answer relatable style issues that Struggs wrote in with! Meet Lindsey: She’s been every size from an 8 to a 22. She’s a working professional, a stay-at-home mom, and now a self-employed entrepreneur and creator of Fashion Fix who has experienced it all and has the wonderful ability to relate to women, no matter where they are in life! Her experience and journey with body image and style have given her the tools that will empower ladies and give them the confidence they want in their wardrobe! When she’s not styling or shopping with clients, you can find her spending too much time at the Mall of America, chasing toddlers, and looking for the next best lipstick to add to her arsenal! WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: Lindsey’s advice to change your clothes, not your body Identifying how to shop for fit, not size Rebecca’s experience with Lindsey’s virtual style consultation How to find your body shape How to create a comfortable wardrobe for the new mom Old Navy Leggings What to look for in tops for everyday casual wear: slub, vintage or boyfriend. What to avoid: perfect, classic or everyday Quick way to find your complimentary colors  How to avoid over spending and under buying   *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.  CONNECT WITH LINDSEY: website | instagram | facebook CONNECT WITH REBECKY: website | instagram | patreon CONNECT WITH KATE: instagram | website | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: KiwiCo:  30% off your first month plus FREE shipping on ANY crate line with code MSW Bulldog Yoga: Try for your first 30 days free with code MSW Coastal: 30% off your first pair of glasses + FREE shipping with code MSW30 iD Tech Camps: Use this link for $100 off iD Tech’s Virtual Tech Camps with code MSW  SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here! LINKS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 

What you are hearing right now is a small portion from our Patreon episode that went out this week. If you want to join the Patreon community, head on over here to receive this full episode and many many more! You'll also get the unedited video version of each Patreon episode if you want to see all of the bloopers before your very eyes. You won't regret it, see you soon!   WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: Are You Into That: What the gush & yes day Gas station fears revealed Have you tried Guava Sao Paulo, black razzberry or orange vanilla seltzers? Navigating as a military spouse Shout out to Singleton Tattoo, Texas Reminiscing on Boyz II Men + Jem and the Holograms Can we stop talking about the bunny butt cake now? GL: Our text threads, Kate’s trampoline, Em’s succulent sleeve KS: Shoe size charts, co-parenting, Em’s sweet MIL heading to heaven *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.  CONNECT WITH REBECCA: website | instagram | patreon CONNECT WITH KATE: instagram | website | patreon CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here! LINKS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 

Do you march in the moment your kids start fighting and control the situation? Maybe you play it cool and slowly simmer until you explode like a momster. Newsflash: we do some version of this too. In this episode we share our own shortcomings and listener problems so that you know you’re not alone in the struggle with siblings. Listen for perspective shifts on how to parent siblings well + reminders of the beautiful parts of our jobs as Mamas.  WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: Stash It or Trash It: Peeps Delights + KitKat Lemon Crisps We share where we think we fall short when it comes to parenting siblings We have tips on: tattling, taunting & teen tudes Reminder to meet your kids where they are developmentally The beauty in seeing your kids as individual subjects of study + figuring out how to parent them uniquely  Team building ideas for your sibling children The new “go to your room!” from Jim and Lynn Jackson of Connected Families Paul David Tripp: 14 Gospel Principles That Can Radically Change Your Family The Parent Cue Workbooks Struggs suggest following @ourmamavillage on IG If you have walked this road before us, call the Mom Struggling Well Line at 203.871.1683 and leave us a tip so that we can all learn from you Big Sisters! KS: Rebecca’s still I will praise you potty plunging, Kate’s toe tumor, Em’s misshapen feet GL: Rebecca’s Casely phone case, Kate loves Sara Bareilles, Em is getting a Peloton *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.  CONNECT WITH REBECKY: website | instagram | patreon CONNECT WITH KATE: instagram | website | patreon CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: PrepDish: Use this link for two free weeks of meal plans Bulldog Yoga: Try for your first 30 days free with code MSW Coastal: 30% off your first pair of glasses + FREE shipping with code MSW30 MoinkBox: Use this link to get FREE ground Beef for a Year SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here! LINKS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 

What you are hearing right now is a small portion from our Patreon episode that went out this week. If you want to join the Patreon community, head on over here to receive this full episode and many many more! You'll also get the unedited video version of each Patreon episode if you want to see all of the bloopers before your very eyes. You won't regret it, see you soon!   WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: MSW Boutique coming soon! Vinny Thomas on IG for laughs The Whole Cook on IG for quick easy recipes Em & Kate’s experience with Whole30 The story of Em’s husband “Pie” Rebecca’s fridge is overflowing with breast milk Depression and a serious conversation about suicide and PMDD  Rebecky is mad about ads and is taking her Au Pair to Carolina  Kate is loving hemp hearts + Em is working on her patio in a healthy way Yuliya announced the Strugg of the week *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.  CONNECT WITH REBECCA: website | instagram | patreon CONNECT WITH KATE: instagram | website | patreon CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here! LINKS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 

There are no magical phrases that smooth the rough edges of grief so how can you help a friend grieve well? If you’ve lost someone you love, this one will make you feel seen. If you happen to be in a season of grief yourself,  grab some tissues and settle in. Rebecca asks us about our recent experience and we give you our very raw version. Listen for perspective shifts on how to grieve well and keep your eyes open to see the sweetness God provides in the darkest times. WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: Leave a review in March and you will be entered to win a Stash it or Trash it item to try with us! The new Better Life Bags embossed leather  Jennifer, Sarah and Katherine’s are topping the Patreon Strugg charts The importance of understanding that all grief counts The different roles we play in the grieving process Kate is working on creating a corner of the internet where those grieving can place messages that they would send to their loved ones. Stay tuned! How to take advantage of moments with those you know you will lose Grieving complicated relationships  How to plan for the eventual grief How to help a friend grieve well + things to avoid The number one tip to help someone you know grieve well The importance of exploring your strengths and weaknesses in grief How to love your family well when it comes to diving up sentimental belongings   How to share your story of grief while being thoughtful of others grieving with you Hope in the Dark: Believing God Is Good When Life Is Not by Craig Groeschel Ways God was sweet to us in our grief Peloton app and hashtag #strugglingwell Killing us softly: Rebecca’s passwords, Em’s career choice, Kate’s volunteering Giving us life: Rebecca is loving her body + exercise, Em loves the show Psych,  Kate is feeling empowerment in grief *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.  CONNECT WITH REBECKY: website | instagram | patreon CONNECT WITH KATE: instagram | website | patreon CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: Ana Luisa: Treat yourself and your loved ones with a unique gift. Use this link and get 10% off Barber Mom: Use this link and promo code MSW for $10 off a Lifetime Membership KiwiCo: Get 30% off your first month with promo code MSW Chime: Use this link to apply now and join the millions on Chime SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here! LINKS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 

What you are hearing right now is a small portion from our Patreon episode that went out this week. If you want to join the Patreon community, head on over here to receive this full episode and many many more! You'll also get the unedited video version of each Patreon episode if you want to see all of the bloopers before your very eyes. You won't regret it, see you soon! WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: Are you into listening to pods and books on 1.5 speed? Are you into a long shower pre-game? Em is adding rain to her prayer list + rainwater catchers look like this Are you into the #freebritney movement? NYTimes Documentary Kate has baby-fever because of listening to Maisy every week Rebecky’s upcoming science experiment with measuring cups Emily has to end her ninja shoe tiek kick Rebecky shares an amazing Olive Garden chicken recipe Barber Mom classes have improved Kate’s hair cutting skills (use code MSW for $10 off) Women of the Word: How to Study the Bible with Both Our Hearts and Our Minds by Jen Wilkin  *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.  CONNECT WITH REBECKY: website | instagram | patreon CONNECT WITH KATE: instagram | website | patreon CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here! LINKS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 

We talked about doing the grownup this week, guys. You asked for it and we finally delivered with a Problem Solved: Marriage. Was this uncomfortable? Sure was! Do we KNOW that it will serve you well to hear from other moms struggling well on the topic? One hundred percent! Here are some of the things we were asked. “I’ve been married forever and I don’t like my spouse anymore, what should I do?” Rebecky has an amazing perspective shift to share on this.  “How do I handle the wildly different parenting style of my partner?” Emily nailed this one. “How can I make the grownup more enjoyable? Kate took this one (thank goodness) and it’s quite clever. WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: Rebecky did her first ever intro to the show! This episode marks the birth of the “boop” How to find a middle ground on how often to do the “grownup” The pressure of your release after the 6 week postpartum appointment What does marriage look like after baby? Things to make the grownup more enjoyable: lube and heated blankets How to serve a spouse well who has high expectations If you are the spouse with high expectations, how to temper them Writing contracts as a family What if I don’t like my spouse anymore? + Rebecky’s perspective shift on this. Date night ideas: Virtual concerts Do teenagers = no sex? How do I handle wildly different parenting styles with my spouse? How do you decide on division of labor? Rebecky is anti-breakfast smells Dogs and red onions don’t mix Em’s new office is visually upsetting Sharon says so Show and movie suggestions: Selena, Firefly Lane, Badla *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.  CONNECT WITH REBECKY: website | instagram | patreon CONNECT WITH KATE: instagram | website | patreon CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: Ana Luisa: Treat yourself and your loved ones with a unique gift. Use this link and get 10% off. Prose: Visit prose.com/MSW for 15% off your first order today. Stamps.com: Use code MSW for a 4 week trial + free postage + digital scale. PrepDish: Visit PrepDish.com/MSW for two free weeks of meal planning. SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here! LINKS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 

What you are hearing right now is a small portion from our Patreon episode that went out this week. If you want to join the Patreon community, head on over here to receive this full episode and many many more! You'll also get the unedited video version of each Patreon episode if you want to see all of the bloopers before your very eyes. You won't regret it, see you soon! WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: Honest reviews of Stitch Fix boxes  Stash it or Trash it: “Shitake” Mushroom Candy Canes  + Nature Valley Coconut Butter Biscuit Em & Kate on day 12 of a Whole 30 Beware of apple in-app purchases via touch ID  Kate wants her husbands seabag to be a no-see bag Em’s roomba named Fran is in trouble with Priscilla Macabee  Rebecca’s roomba Rosie may be renamed to Herb Kate is loving her free 10 minute workouts  Ways we help our kids that struggle with anger  Fran’s virtual wall boundaries  *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.  CONNECT WITH REBECKY: website | instagram | patreon CONNECT WITH KATE: instagram | website | patreon CONNECT WITH EMILY website | instagram | facebook | patreon SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here! LINKS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 

How can I trust that the bible is true? What do you do when you’re doubting your faith? What does it look like when your kids come to you with hard questions regarding religion? These are actual questions that came up in an especially candid episode released today. We didn’t know exactly where this conversation would take us and you may very well find parts of it that you disagree with. The great thing is, we are loved by a Father that welcomes the wrestling. The messiness is dialed up to about an 11 on this one! We are just three moms struggling (mostly) well through this hard and honest conversation. We invite you to listen through to the end and pray through the parts that you find uncomfortable, keeping in mind that we are clearly not pursuing perfection over here. WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: Huge thank you to the Strugg community for helping us grieve WELL Our three minute faith journeys  Kate’s full episode on feeling behind as a Christian When your spouse does not share faith with you What to do when your faith is rocked by hard questions Homosexuality in our lives and in the Bible What quiet time looks like in our real lives Seamless bible study Cultivate What Matters journals  New Morning Mercies devotional Streams in the Desert devotional  Paul’s Leather Company Em’s simple tip for modeling Bible reading for your children Mildliners highlighters The painful sound of YouTubers Cabaret mascara and primer Peter Thomas Roth moisturizer for your declot The overwhelming feelings that come with a new job Kate’s bad cholesterol and an upcoming visit to a magician  Rebecky’s suggestion to shop around for car insurance companies Tieks Understanding the Gorilla Glue mishap *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.  CONNECT WITH REBECKY: website | instagram | patreon CONNECT WITH KATIE: instagram | website | patreon CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: Birchbox Inc: Use code “MSW” for 50% off your first box when you subscribe for 3 months NuCalm: Click for 30-day subscription + their money back guarantee PlushCare: Click to start your free 30-day trial KiwiCo: Use promo code MSW for 30% off your first month + FREE shipping SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here! LINKS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 

What you are hearing right now is a small portion from our Patreon episode that went out this week. If you want to join the Patreon community, head on over here to receive this full episode and many many more! You'll also get the unedited video version of each Patreon episode if you want to see all of the bloopers before your very eyes. You won't regret it, see you soon! WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: Would you rather be covered in fur or covered in scales? Sweet chili garlic hummus Rebecky is looking into ear-igation for hearing loss Exploring: Does old age cause eyelashes to straighten? Emily and Rebecky have both broken their cars Rebecky is loving the Queens Gambit because it’s clean and interesting  Kate and Em share tricks to drink more water Em is getting a new luxurious bathtub & her kids are over it *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.  CONNECT WITH REBECKY: website | instagram | patreon CONNECT WITH KATIE: instagram | website | patreon CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here! LINKS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 

Would you like to have an approach to cleaning that and will keep your mind calm, give your kids freedom to play AND teach them responsibility? Well, I am so excited for you to listen to this episode then!  The three of us have such different ways that we manage cleaning the house. I am in the ABC (always be cleaning) camp which is downright exhausting. Rebecca has genius tips about zoning your home that could not be more simple and Kate has a tip that will put a stop to the constantly-giving-direction-to-family-members fatigue. P.S. We FINALLY nailed down meta in this one! WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: Scrub Daddy and Scrub Mommmy How to manage the division of labor Using kid’s reward-time space for their to-do item storage Using timers for progress bursts Laundry episodes from the Lazy Genius 1 & 2 Follows: @gocleanco & @house.peace Our favorites: Mrs. Meyers, Barkeepers & Thieves No shade to Goldie Hawn, just to her photographer Who What Wear crop pants Lume deodorant commercial *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.  CONNECT WITH REBECKY: website | instagram | patreon CONNECT WITH KATIE: instagram | website | patreon CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: Stamps.com: Use code MSW for a 4 week trial + free postage + digital scale Birchbox: Use promo code MSW for 50% off your first box when you subscribe for 3+ months Trust & Will: Use this link and get 10% off + free shipping of your legal documents Ana Luisa: Use this link and get 15% off. Order by 2/10 for guaranteed standard shipping before v-day. SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here! LINKS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 

What you are hearing right now is a small portion from our Patreon episode that went out this week. If you want to join the Patreon community, head on over here to receive this full episode and many many more! You'll also get the unedited video version of each Patreon episode if you want to see all of the bloopers before your very eyes. You won't regret it, see you soon! WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: Are you into that: spam sandwiches, double islands, among us! That wonderful toddler phase: dumping Katie’s power ranger beauty routine Em’s COVID vaccine experience  Zillow browsing: Fun or painful? Em is exploring Campral and continuing her alcohol experiment  *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.  CONNECT WITH REBECKY: website | instagram | patreon CONNECT WITH KATIE: instagram | website | patreon CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here! LINKS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW Patreon | Amazon *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 

What do you wish you knew before heading to the hospital to have a baby? What invaluable nuggets did you learn when you had your little nugget? Since our sweet Rebecky had her fifth baby Smith this week it was the perfect time to talk about how to Struggle WELL with bebes. We shared our personal stories with adoption and childbirth and our amazing Strugg community came with crucial advice for what NOT to do after baby comes! WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: The joy of dermoplast and the practicality of depends Our adoption, breastfeeding and childbirth stories The upcoming birth of Rebecky’s fifth baby Smith Baby names for adopted children Childbirth during the pandemic  Gifts to bring for nurses: Black pens and office supplies   Abdominal binders for after a cesarean section White noise in headphones to help moms multi-task Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah Rebecky’s review of her Cinemood Emily’s promotion to Nurse Manager Seamless bible study by Angie Smith Growth Book from Growth Roots Co. *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.  CONNECT WITH REBECKY: website | instagram | patreon CONNECT WITH KATIE: instagram | website | patreon CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: PrepDish: Visit PrepDish.com/MSW for two free weeks of meal planning Sakara: Visit Sakara.com/MSW or use code MSW to get 20% off your first order NuCalm: Visit MSWNuCalm.com for 50% off your 30 day subsciption SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here! LINKS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 

What you are hearing right now is a small portion from our Patreon episode that went out this week. If you want to join the Patreon community, head on over here to receive this full episode and many many more! You'll also get the unedited video version of each Patreon episode if you want to see all of the bloopers before your very eyes. You won't regret it, see you soon! *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.  CONNECT WITH REBECKY: website | instagram | patreon CONNECT WITH KATIE: instagram | website | patreon CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here! LINKS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 

What will you leave behind in 2020? What will you bring with you into the New Year? Join us as we talk about Struggling WELL in 2021! WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT:  The Anti-Anxiety Notebook Printique  *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.  CONNECT WITH REBECKY: website | instagram | patreon CONNECT WITH KATIE: instagram | website | patreon CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: Sakara: 20% off your first order Prose: Visit prose.com/MSW for 15% off your first order Stamps.com: Promo code MSW for  a 4-week trial PLUS free postage and a digital scale Plush Care: Visit plushcare.com/MSW for a free 30-day trial SHARE THE STRUGGLE If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here! LINKS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 

This week we are talking about what is giving us life with the segment What’s in Your Pantry? Some of the ways we are struggling WELL in the kitchen: Rebecky put all those kids of hers to good use and started a meal planning committee at her house. Emily has been eating raw fish and suggests spicing up sandwiches with a panini press and Katie feels strongly about the phrase “pop a broccoli”.  What you are hearing right now is a small portion from our Patreon episode this week. If you want to join the Patreon community, head on over here to receive this full episode and nearly 100 more! You won’t regret it. WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: Whats in  our pantry? Lox, freezer foods, sandwiches & chaffles Emily really sells the moms on her panini press Em’s husband is into woodworking via Rex figures it out A Slob Comes Clean podcast lovin Aveda foot relief  Rebecky has met her clutter threshold How we handle Christmas morning wrapping paper  *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.  CONNECT WITH REBECKY: website | instagram | patreon CONNECT WITH KATIE: instagram | website | patreon CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here! LINKS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 

We are sharing a full episode this week that the Struggs loved over on Patreon earlier this year. Since it’s the holidays and our personal lives are a bit turned upside down, we knew that you all would understand us taking a breather! We can’t wait to return with a new episode in two weeks on how we plan to Struggle WELL in 2021!  Rebroadcast from October 19, 2020 Patreon Episode: Few cool things happening around here! This is the first episode with our new segment songs from the one and only Katie Stump. We begged her to sing more songs for us like her Problem Solved ditty and this episode has the debut jingle. We played a game of Would You Rather and laughed until we cried. We even did a little bit of regular crying too because real life is pretty dang difficult some days. We wrapped up by announcing the first Better Life Bags gift card winner! Was it you?! It's all too exciting! CONNECT WITH REBECKY: website | instagram | patreon CONNECT WITH KATIE: instagram | website | patreon CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: Homeschool Magnet: Go to homeschoolmagnet.com to learn more about their student experience Green Chef: use code MSW90 to get $90 off including free shipping SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here! LINKS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 

This is another off-week for the main show but we laughed so hard we had to share with you! Christmas is just around the corner. If you're not hanging out with us on Patreon, treat yourself this season! What you are hearing right now is a small portion from our Patreon episode this week. If you want to join the Patreon community, head on over here to receive this full episode and many many more! You won’t regret it. 

How do YOU Struggle Well with music? Are there misheard lyrics that you just can’t unhear? Have you ever played the Mooshi music game? Join us and learn about all three! WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: Struggling Well with music for moms Struggling Well with music for kiddos Our Spotify Playlist created by Struggs Misheard Lyrics Rebecca’s Mooshi game *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.  CONNECT WITH REBECKY: website | instagram | patreon CONNECT WITH KATIE: instagram | website | patreon CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: Noom: Visit noom.com/MSW to start your trial today Prose: Visit prose.com/MSW for 15% off your first order ThirdLove: get 10% off your first purchase with code: MSW Plush Care: Visit plushcare.com/MSW for a free 30-day trial SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here! LINKS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 

This week we are talking about all of the Secret Santa fun and playing a Christmas round of Stash It or Trash It?! We accidentally left Rebecky out of the conversation and then eventually had to call PETA on her. We spilled the tea on tea and wrapped it up with an announcement regarding Honeybee!  What you are hearing right now is a small portion from our Patreon episode this week. If you want to join the Patreon community, head on over here to receive this full episode and many many more! You won’t regret it. WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: Stash it or Trash it? Gingerbread Oreos & Sugar Cookie M&Ms Emily’s floors are being demolished over Christmas Rebecky is loving David’s North African Mint tea Emily is loving Trader Joe’s maple espresso tea Katie is killing her plants and rhyming too much Rebecky is excited about making her end-of-year family photo book Emily recommends the show Dr. Pol the vet *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.  CONNECT WITH REBECKY: website | instagram | patreon CONNECT WITH KATIE: instagram | website | patreon CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here! LINKS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 

Do you know what you’re getting your people this Christmas? We are offering up all of our best ideas for this cyber Monday and some sweet coupons too! WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: Digital picture frames (like Nixplay) for grandparents Masterclass buy one get one memberships Photography classes and a digital camera for tech-curious kiddos Outschool if you want to hide educational value in a gift KiwiCo box subscriptions to keep those kids busy Oral-B toothbrushes with a timer MiiCreative paint by numbers - Use code “MSW15” for 15% off  Cinemood projector Arttly custom art - Use code “MSW” for 20% off  Seriously Shannon Christmas cards with matte card stock photos Prep-Dish meal plans are 50% off - Use code “MSW5020”  Plan to Eat meal plans are also 50% off Let’s Make Art watercolor subscription box Robot vacuums  Disney: Storybook Collection Advent Calendar Animal advent calendars from Trader Joe’s Heavyweight the podcast Blended strawberry lemonade phase at Rebecky’s house Katie still processing thoughts on faith and feelings of inadequacy Rebecky’s close call with COVID exposure Emily’s experience with heartbreak at work *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.  CONNECT WITH REBECKY: website | instagram | patreon CONNECT WITH KATIE: instagram | website | patreon CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: KiwiCo: get 50% off your first month + free shipping with promo code: MSW Pipette: get 30% off with code: MSW ThirdLove: get 10% off your first purchase with code: MSW Sakara: get 25% off with code: MSWEARLYACCESS SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here! LINKS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 

This time we played a round of are you into that and we talked about the fashion choices we are willing to make this coming winter. Spoiler alert: not many! Rebecky is sleep training, Katie had some tears and Emily has strong feeling about snacks. We laughed endlessly in this episode and we hope you love it! What you are hearing right now is a small portion from our Patreon episode this week. If you want to join the Patreon community, head on over here to receive this full episode and many many more! You won’t regret it. WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: Are you into that: Wide legs pants in boots Are you into that: Shoulder pads Are you into that: Velvet & buttery leather Emily shares her love hate relationship with small bags of trail mix Rebecky is sleep training with popcorn Katie is pro pie and anti Thanksgiving *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.  CONNECT WITH REBECKY: website | instagram | patreon CONNECT WITH KATIE: instagram | website | patreon CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here! LINKS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 

Thanksgiving might not go the way you want. This whole year hasn’t gone as planned. Let’s struggle well this Thanksgiving by blessing our mother-in-laws and our difficult cousins and our rude grandpas by JUST being happy to be there. Or maybe you are skipping Thanksgiving this year or turning it on it’s head and ordering Domino’s. Struggle well through that!  Consider yourself challenged, friend. In response to every Thanksgiving decision or plan change or food mishap; have a perspective shift towards grace. Practice in the mirror responding “That’s perfect“ to anything that you think might be coming your way. Let’s make it a year to remember! WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: How our families are handling Thanksgiving during COVID Emily’s mother-in-law thinks everything she does is “just perfect” Costco is taking a stand on monkey labor Does anyone even like turkey? Katie’s in-law turkey noodle tradition Rebecky has been challenged to make a turkey this year Permission has been granted to veer from traditional food + decorate for Christmas Our favorite desserts: apple pie, sweet potato pie and sweet potato casserole Solving the problem: cousin awkwardness at the holidays with a phone jail Blessing your mother-in-law with a perspective shift Random problem solved for a listener on kids watching scary movies Katie’s entrance into the Better Life cult Rebecky’s open curtain policy  Emily moving towards being a home-school mom again The curse of the West Elm couch *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.  CONNECT WITH REBECKY: website | instagram | patreon CONNECT WITH KATIE: instagram | website | patreon CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: jonas paul eyewear: save up to 30% off at jonaspauleyewear.com/momstrugglingwell pipette: get 30% off with code MSW KiwiCo: get 50% off your first month + free shipping with code MSW Sakara LLC: get 25% off your entire order with code MSWEARLYACCESS SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here! LINKS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 

Sometimes when there isn't a perspective shift in sight, you have to take another route.  This week one of the Moms shared something that you probably have experience with as well: A breakup with a friend. The kind that impacts the whole family. It's the worst!  This week we also stashed/trashed some fall treats that got a 10 out of 10 from all three Moms! Em tells the tale of her four-flood-wood-floors and Rebecky announced that she is begrudgingly giving up her clown car to perfect-picker, better-meal-Neal! Thanks for hanging out with us again this week! If you want to join the Patreon community, head on over here to receive this full episode and many many more! WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: Stash it or trash it: Maple Oreos & Pumpkin Pie Jelly Belly Em’s Pottery Barn table woes Rebeky’s Pura for Mojo (Use code REBECCASMITH3449 for discount!) Kate’s pod nook Sequin snake pens Em’s flooded wooden floors Rebecky’s car giveaway to Better-Meal-Neal Kate’s breakup with her neighbor over COVID *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.  CONNECT WITH REBECKY: website | instagram | patreon CONNECT WITH KATIE: instagram | website | patreon CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here! LINKS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 

Overwhelmed with the pressure of providing healthy meals as a working mom? Maybe you’re in the pantry quite a bit these days since you’re home with kids. We want to know: Whats in your pantry? WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: Self-care is for everyone shirts Em likes Rebecky’s Stitch Fix $25 off coupon In Motion Jacket with go go gadget arms Puss Caterpillars and Tussock Moth Caterpillar Rotating Meals for easy planning The complicated nature of food and burden of healthy eating Rebecky’s meal kit comparison: EveryPlate vs. Hello Fresh Katie’s fancy Gobble week with Big Boy Trader Joe’s cinnamon bun spread Franks RedHot seasoning  Against All Grain granola  Perfect Bars Shortage of Tapioca for the best Peach Cobbler Recipe  *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.  CONNECT WITH REBECKY: website | instagram | patreon CONNECT WITH KATIE: instagram | website | patreon CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: Nutrafol: get 20% off + free shipping with promo code: MSW Noom: sign up to start your trial today at noom.com/msw Jonas Paul Eyewear: save up to 30% off at jonaspauleyewear.com/momstrugglingwell Pipette: get 30% off with code: MSW SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here! LINKS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon *Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 

I’m sick of thinking about alcohol! I wonder if I could have fun socializing without it. Do I even enjoy drinking anymore? If any of this struck a nerve with you, you are not alone! These are things I wrestle with and I have just recently started sharing my struggles with this particular topic on the podcast. With the help of Annie Grace and the Alcohol Experiment, I have been exploring my relationship with Alcohol and I can feel a shift in my perspective. In this episode, you’ll hear more about that and about how Annie’s personal journaling transitioned into an excellent resource and free program that could change your life. WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: how growing up in a remote cabin gave Annie a high tolerance for discomfort her experience of finding Jesus, escaping a bad relationship, and attending college how Annie’s drinking escalated from work happy hours to alcoholism dispelling the myth of addictive personalities and genetic alcoholism weighing the cost vs. benefit of drinking the trauma from the inner conflict of wanting to stop drinking while continuing to drink the change that occurred when Annie stopped asking “what’s wrong with me?” and started asking “what changed?” how putting down the weapons of shame and blame and instead investigating the “why” without judgment gave her hope how the journey of finding absolute radical grace for yourself will give you a bigger capacity to give grace to others LINKS MENTIONED: This Naked Mind: Control Alcohol, Find Freedom, Discover Happiness & Change Your Life The Alcohol Experiment 6 Things About Moderation The Path Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.  CONNECT WITH ANNIE: website | instagram | facebook | podcast CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: Cove: get 50% off your first month of medication + free 2-day shipping when you visit withcove.com/msw Jonas Paul Eyewear: visit jonaspauleyewear.com/momstrugglingwell for a discount code and you’ll get 15% off your next order Azlo: try Azlo Pro free for 14-days and get the free small business starter guide when you visit azlo.com/msw Pipette: get 25% off your order at pipettebaby.com using promo code MSW SUPPORT THE SHOW: Patreon  SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here!

We tend to make Christianity complicated. Our relationship with God can feel rigid or only surface-deep. This week my friend Anjuli talks to us about the gift of resistance. Paying attention to the things that you’re trying your best to ignore; the things that feel like the scary deep end of the pool. But what if that deep end part of your story was the way to true intimacy with your Creator? Anjuli Paschall is the founder of The Moms We Love Club and writes regularly for (in)courage, a widely followed online community of Christian women. She grew up encircled by an orange grove in San Diego. After graduating from Point Loma Nazarene University, she earned a master's degree in spiritual formation and soul care from Talbot Seminary. She currently lives in Southern California with her husband, Sam, and five children. Sam is a pastor at Mission Hills Church in San Marcos. They enjoy renovating their fixer-upper and spending weekends at the ocean. WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: Anjuli’s Instagram transition and the struggle to actually be authentic vs. faking authenticity how vulnerability and growing her trust in God has reduced her mom guilt creating a genogram to help identify and break generational sins the importance of dealing with our own personal pain so that our kids don’t feel the need to try to fix it for us the gift of resistance - the deep end of your story is the way to true intimacy what it looks like to abide with God in your everyday life over complicating Christianity when all we need is the faith of a child the continued resistance Anjuli feels about being honest wrestling with the truth of God’s love for us building spiritual rhythms into your daily habits different phases of parenting happening simultaneously LINKS MENTIONED: Embracing Holland podcast Stay Awake to Love course Poldark Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.  CONNECT WITH ANJULI: website | instagram | facebook CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: Prose: take your free in-depth hair quiz and get 15% off your first order today when you visit prose.com/msw PlushCare: make your appointment today at plushcare.com/msw Jonas Paul Eyewear: visit jonaspauleyewear.com/momstrugglingwell for a discount code and you’ll get 15% off your next order SUPPORT THE SHOW: Patreon  SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here!

This week is all about re-introductions plus another BIG announcement that Better Life Bags fans and long-time listeners of the show will LOVE! As we transition the show we thought it would be nice to have a refresher and find out: Who even are these Moms Struggling Well? We struggle hard in this episode and laughed so much that Rebecky’s sweet baby girl will probably never forgive us for the disturbance. WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: getting to know all about Emily, Rebecca, and Kate - where we live, our families, enneagram numbers, first CDs, first jobs, and irrational fears misconceptions people have about us what’s giving us life what’s killing us softly CONNECT WITH REBECKY: website | instagram CONNECT WITH KATIE: instagram | website  CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: World Vision: visit worldvision.org/msw and sponsor a child now Azlo: sign up today with no minimum deposit at azlo.com/msw and get the free small business starter guide Noom: sign up to start your trial today at noom.com/msw SUPPORT THE SHOW: Patreon  SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here!

Did you know there are practices that can actually help you slow your thoughts? Doesn’t seem like something you would need to practice but I sure do crave a calm mind. My guest today is a big fan of slowing it on down and bringing rest and togetherness back into the human experience. We talked some about our perspectives as working moms and some about ways to create mutually beneficial and empowering relationships with the POC in your life. You’re going to love Ashlee Eiland for her wisdom, grace, and her adorable laugh! Ashlee is a leader, pastor, writer, and Bible teacher who exists to join God in His redemptive work here on Earth. Her work has one purpose: to help humanity build bridges back to the Truth of who God is and between one another in redemptive, healing relationship. Her passion for Scripture, family, writing, elevating women in the Church, and the holy journey of adoption are core to who she is. Ashlee serves as Formation & Preaching Pastor at Mars Hill Bible Church in Grand Rapids. She and her husband, Delwin, have three kids, Brooklyn, Myles, and Journey. WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: Ashlee’s 3 kids who Ninja Warrior everywhere and create paint masterpieces on her carpet being intentional with your time, but holding it loosely seeing interruptions as opportunities to practice internal peace vs. external contentment slowing down with Ignatian spirituality and breath prayer the example Ashlee’s mom set as a working mom encouragement for working moms about changing your mind taking a break vs. doing something life-giving when you feel frayed Ashlee’s work with juveniles being tried as adults persisting when your efforts to show kindness don’t go the way you want them to being faithful in the small things that over time create progress creating mutually beneficial and empowering relationships with the POC in your life LINKS MENTIONED: Domestic Monastery Practicing the Presence of God Invitations from God Spiritual Disciplines Handbook Instagram - @liturgiesforparents Human(Kind) Hamilton Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.  CONNECT WITH ASHLEE: website | instagram CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: Lost Stock: visit LostStock.com/MSW and do some good by buying a box of clothes and supporting a family in Bangladesh at the same time Will You Be My Friend? - check out the sequel to Guess How Much I Love You, available now wherever books are sold Prep Dish: try it free for 2 weeks when you visit prepdish.com/msw SUPPORT THE SHOW: Patreon  SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here!

How do you start the conversation with your spouse when you suspect that pornography is a problem in your marriage? Yep, we’re going there today! We're shedding some light on this dark subject and talking practical tips that you can implement when there is a hole in the boat. My guest Rosie gives us hope that it is attainable to have a porn-free marriage if addressed properly and shares all of the right steps to take. Rosie Makinney is a writer, speaker, and podcaster, who ten years ago entered the fight against her husband’s compulsive porn use. Through her faithful and uncompromising stance and his repentance, counseling, and group work, their marriage is now porn-free. From the very beginning of her journey, Rosie has been bold and relentless about reaching other wives struggling with porn-invaded marriages. There is now a thriving recovery community on the central coast of California, supervised by her husband, Mark, a certified sexual addiction therapist. Rosie is the founder of Fight For Love Ministries, which empowers women with both the facts and the faith to fight against porn addiction and its effects on them, their spouses, and their families.

Ever feel like one day you’re flying high and the next you’re requesting a leave of absence from your motherly duties? Us too. Hormones, amiright? Today listeners share their hormone problems and we give it our best go. Oh yea, and there are THREE Moms Struggling Well now! We’ll get you all caught up in this episode about the new things happening around here at MSW. Thanks for coming along on our maiden voyage!  WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: the big show changes coming in November our upcoming MSW trip to Ohio Rebecky crying over potato wedges syncing cycles with the teen in your house different hormone seasons PMDD vs. depression Tear-jerker movies for when you need a good cry Rebecky’s strong feelings for Train’s “Drops of Jupiter” feeling guilty when you’re hormonal and need a break letting yourself feel anger without assigning blame to things going on around you giving yourself grace and reaching out when you’re lonely and hormonal tips from fellow struggs about what’s been helping manage their hormones what’s giving us life and what’s killing us softly LINKS MENTIONED: #253: Bloom Where You’re Planted with Tina Prenzi #254: Hormones Reframed with Dr. Heather Rhodes This is Your Period in 2 Minutes Calm magnesium Lemon Balm Women Are Sharing The Most Obscene Things They’ve Done While ‘Under The Influence Of Hormones’ Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine: A Novel HelloFresh Every Plate Gobble Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.  CONNECT WITH REBECKY: website | instagram CONNECT WITH KATIE: instagram | website  CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: Aurate: get 15% off your first purchase when you visit auratenewyork.com/msw and use promo code MSW at checkout Jenny Life: get your free life insurance quote today at jennylife.com/msw SUPPORT THE SHOW: Patreon  SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here!

What do you say when someone you love experiences loss? How is even possible to find the blessings when the pain of losing a loved one is your own? If you haven’t experienced grief yourself, you’re likely to have a friend who has and you’ll feel that urge to come alongside them. Today I brought on a listener who helped my sister Katie when she was blindsided with grief and I wanted her to come to share her insight. Emily Honea rides a pony. Not really, but Honea rhymes with pony, so now you might be able to remember how to say her last name. Emily is a regular mom who lives just outside of Dallas, Texas and spends most of her days wrangling her two young boys. She has been married for eleven years and is thankful every day for God’s provision for her through her husband Jeremy. Emily works part-time from home as an online adjunct professor of Communication Studies, and recently started a podcast. It is called Uniquely You Podcast which looks at how God created us each uniquely using the Bible as well as the enneagram. WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: how motherhood revealed Emily’s selfishness dealing with postpartum anxiety after the traumatic birth of her son  navigating a house with high energy people when you like peace and quiet encouragement for moms with kids in the potty training phase the loss of Emily’s father to a brain tumor and what that experience has taught her about grief the six stages of grief the difference between moving on and moving forward how to help friends who are grieving LINKS MENTIONED: Grumpy Mom Takes a Holiday Grief Share That Discomfort You’re Feeling is Grief Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.  CONNECT WITH EMILY: instagram | podcast  CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: Azlo: sign up today with no minimum deposit at azlo.com/msw and get the free small business starter guide Noom: sign up to start your trial today at noom.com/msw Third Love: get 15% off your first purchase when you visit thirdlove.com/msw SUPPORT THE SHOW: Patreon  SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here!

Hormones feel too complicated to understand and I don’t have the confidence to know where to begin when I’m feeling off. Heck, I can still be completely surprised by my cycle and I’m 40 years old! Whether you’re caught off guard like me or have a nagging feeling something isn’t quite right, you’re going to get something out of this chat.  Dr. Heather Rhodes is a holistic pharmacist with a passion for women's health. She makes understanding your hormones simple and teaches you practical steps for maintaining hormone balance. Her natural approach to healing creates lasting results and symptom relief with ease for busy women. You’re going to love this cross-fit instructor, adoption advocate, ice cream addicted mother of two! WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: hormone issues that are often swept under the rug why Heather has chosen a middle ground between Western and holistic medicine the difference between PMDD, PMS, and PCOS and some clues to look for how stress affects our hormones how cycle journaling can help find hormonal patterns strategizing your workouts to keep stress levels down signs of orthorexia and the guilt Heather felt during recovery how she recovered by reframing, seeking counseling, and changing what she took in on social media what she uses as a guide for her health now vs. her past indulging in diet culture two things she can’t stop talking about LINKS MENTIONED: Heather’s free guides Finding Your Weight Loss Equation free webinar Hormones Simplified. Facebook group Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.  CONNECT WITH HEATHER: website | instagram | facebook  CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: Plushcare: get a free 30-day trial membership when you visit plushcare.com/msw SUPPORT THE SHOW: Patreon  SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here!

You know those people that are so full of life and easy to be around that you just feel lighter after spending time with them? That’s my neighbor Tina. And dang it, I miss her! We talk a lot in this episode about what it has done to our friendship to be on opposite sides of the spectrum when it comes to sheltering in place. You’re going to love her and her stories about the foot she was going to use for Christmas and the finger she lost in menopause.  You can find Tina @themightydandelion on Instagram. The story behind this name and Tina’s bloom where you are planted theory is this: The dandelion has grit, grows with just a little piece of dirt, rain, and a bit of sunshine. The mighty dandelion can bloom just about anywhere! Then, just when you think its life is finished;  the seeds fly all over the world and begin again. Just like us. We are dandelions too. And we are MIGHTY.  WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: what our friendship looks like with different perspectives on COVID the gifts Tina is finding during her shelter-in-place time  what she wants to bring into her life when she heads back to work being true to your own convictions without judging others how going through instapause and having a broken foot shifted Tina’s identity what helped Tina get her hormones balanced after menopause her conscious, daily decision to grow where she is planted how Tina maintains her joy and love for life regardless of circumstances the different type of grief she’s experiencing after the loss of her father LINKS MENTIONED: “Call It Dreaming” Iron & Wine Lean for Life Get Out of Your Head Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.  CONNECT WITH TINA: instagram | facebook  CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon SUPPORT THE SHOW: Patreon  SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here!

Whether you’re overwhelmed with all of the change in your life or you’re sick of the monotony, we are here to empathize! Emily is in a big season of change with a new job and a new house and frankly, too many new things to keep up with! Katie has nothing but groundhogs days so she has been forced to find ways to make things new again. WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: what our kid's schooling looks like right now Emily prepping her new condo in the woods Katie making fancy coffees from home the books that Emily and her family have been listening to new summer hair colors at Katie’s house Emily’s new job what’s giving us life and what’s killing us softly LINKS MENTIONED: Ruggable Starbucks Verismo Milk Frother Audible Beezus and Ramona series Stuck Wishes and Wellingtons All the Light We Cannot See The Alice Network The Things We Cannot Say Cardi B hair mask Prose Arctic Fox Hair Color StitchFix Nordstrom Trunk Club Democracy “Ab”solution Jeans ADAY clothing Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.  CONNECT WITH KATIE: instagram | website  CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: Prep Dish: try it free for 2 weeks when you visit prepdish.com/msw SUPPORT THE SHOW: Patreon  SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here!

I don’t like it when people make me feel like I need to be more, buy more, or accomplish more. I also don’t like feeling out of control or like I’m falling behind. I am SUCH a fan of Kendra’s concept: Be a genius about the things that matter and lazy about the things that don’t. Striving towards movement vs. racing to achievement is the perspective shift we are talking about today. Kendra Adachi went to college to become a high school English teacher but instead became the Lazy Genius, passionately and candidly sharing how to stop doing it all for the sake of doing what matters. Her work includes hosting The Lazy Genius Podcast, cooking dinner on  Instagram, and convincing her three young kids that talking on the phone is Mommy’s job. She and her husband love raising their family in the same North Carolina city they both grew up in. WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: the difficulty of launching a book in the middle of 2020 Kendra’s love for her whiteboard card games she’s loving during the pandemic Kendra’s life before she developed The Lazy Genius concept doing things because of their importance to you, not someone else simplifying your life by deciding once accomplishing your long-term goals by thinking smaller developing one new ridiculously new habit at a time becoming comfortable with failure Kendra’s new hobby LINKS MENTIONED: Middleditch & Schwartz Thinkboard Skip-Bo Monopoly Deal Horseopoloy We Wonder podcast Olive & June nail polish Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.  CONNECT WITH KENDRA: website | instagram | facebook | podcast CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: Third Love: get 15% off your first purchase when you visit thirdlove.com/msw Homeschool Buyers Co-Op: sign up for your free membership at homeschoolbuyersco-op.org and use code MSW to get 5,000 smart points SUPPORT THE SHOW: Patreon  SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here!

250 episodes were just begging to be celebrated this week! The three of us got together to bring back the popular “Favorite Things” episode, and to be honest, we really had to dig for things that we are absolutely loving in this wacky season. We hope you guys get a chuckle out of this one because we laughed the entire time! There is a special unedited video version of this episode over on Patreon for those Struggs who support the show. Thank you ladies for listening and being here to celebrate the pod today! WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: clearing up some misconceptions about the 3 of us a walk down memory lane of the Favorite Things episode with Rebecky our favorite kitchen things our favorite kid things our favorite things for ourselves a surprise for Rebecky from the Strugg community a mad-lib letter to Emily from Rebecky and Katie LINKS MENTIONED: Problem Solved: Favorite Things Takeya pitcher Caraway cookware Ninja Foodi 5-in-1 Indoor Grill 77 Fairly Safe Science Activities for Illustrating Bible Lessons Cinemood Portable Movie Theater Growth Book Juice Beauty Stem Cellular Exfoliating Peel Spray Shady Rays sunglasses Prose Ethique sample pack Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.  CONNECT WITH REBECKY: website | instagram CONNECT WITH KATIE: instagram | website  CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: Homeschool Buyers Co-Op: sign up for your free membership at homeschoolbuyersco-op.org and use code MSW to get 5,000 smart points SUPPORT THE SHOW: Patreon  SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here!

It can be so gratifying to look at yourself/family/spouse through God’s eyes. But the truth is, it’s really hard to let go of what you’ve envisioned for your life. Sara talks with us about the huge shift she has seen over the past few years while focusing on adoration and aligning herself with the Word.  We talk a lot about idealism and perfectionism in this one which is something that I really struggle with. What’s the difference between the two, and what’s the big deal?   Sara Hagerty is a lover of God, a wife to Nate, and a mother of seven-four adopted from Africa and then more through miracle pregnancies. She's also a bestselling author and speaker. As a lifelong admirer of words, Sara has experienced their power to revive. Raw words written in tearful honesty and shared with her readers. Words whispered in hidden places as conversation with God and worship to Him. Today  Sara's words offer God's hope to readers facing unexpected life circumstances. WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: feeling the effects of aging what Sara’s life looks like with a large, mixed-race family in a word that has been turned upside down the effects of trauma across a lifetime and can be vastly different for each child how trusting that her kid’s pain is real has affected the way Sara’s children respond what Sara’s family has been doing for their mental health perfectionism vs. idealism the trap of idealism the grace of God Sara sees in her 4 adopted children how letting go of her vision for her family and seeing it through God’s eyes is slowly changing Sara as a mom, leader, and wife a shift in perspective about kids’ emotional teenage years adoration bringing our thoughts in alignment with God’s thoughts what Sara has learned about herself after a decade of being intentional about adoration LINKS MENTIONED: Ransomed Heart (Wild at Heart) The Soul of Shame Anatomy of the Soul Growth Book  Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.  CONNECT WITH SARA: website | instagram | facebook CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: Homeschool Buyers Co-Op: sign up for your free membership at homeschoolbuyersco-op.org and use code MSW to get 5,000 smart points SUPPORT THE SHOW: Patreon  SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here!

Have you ever heard of the game: Thousand Ball Soccer? Are you looking for ways to keep kids off screens this summer or just looking to feel less awful when they are? Just listen to this episode here and you’re going to feel loads less alone!  I am so proud of you ladies! Here in the middle of Endless Summer 2020 we asked for some problems and we were flooded with solutions you’ve already come up with. Could we be struggling any well-er? Any more well? Anyway…  This time you all solved how to add more reading into your days and discovered we can all be the kind of mom that names the days of the week with a cute theme. Here at MSW we are starting with Tired Tuesday and Rebecky’s favorite day of the week: Super Sick With a Surprise Baby Saturday. WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: Rebecky’s struggle to trust God to give her another daughter (spoiler alert: God is good and she is having a girl) the gender reveal of Rebecky’s surprise baby Rebecky proves that she really does listen to the show by using Katie’s code word Emily discomfort with having less to accomplish defamation proclamations about a Rugable that shan’t be vacuumed an update on Rebecky’s Peleton purchase Rebecky’s tips and rules for building indoor forts summer bridge learning for your kids theming days of the week - Trail Tuesday… or Tired Tuesday what does the school year even look like this semester ideas to keep your kids off screens our special upcoming 250th episode celebration LINKS MENTIONED: Wooden fort clips Duolingo Trello Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.  CONNECT WITH REBECKY: website | instagram CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: Azlo: sign up today with no minimum deposit at azlo.com/msw and get the free small business starter guide Homeschool Buyers Co-Op: sign up for your free membership at homeschoolbuyersco-op.org and use code MSW to get 5,000 smart points SUPPORT THE SHOW: Patreon  SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here!

Do you ever feel lost as a Mom, like you can’t remember what your assignment is? Are you digging deep right now deciding how you will respond to racial inequality?  Throughout this chat we hit on the ever-evolving nature of our relationships with our children, being a part of a blended family and even share what may be unpopular opinions on some hot topics but with each subject that comes up, Rachel keeps reminding me to self-reflect and get to the root. I am so thankful for my sweet friend's positive biblical perspective when it feels like a minefield to bring up race. Rachel G. Scott is an author, speaker, and business/branding consultant. She has built several companies and her passion is to help aspiring and current business owners build, brand (or re-brand), and launch their business while providing them with tools to overcome hurdles along the way. Rachel has a unique ability to help individuals define what they do, who they do it for, and how they can present it to the world.  Her knowledge and love for business and branding is evident whether she is consulting, mentoring, or speaking to a room full of people.   WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: relationships with adult stepchildren the difference in the connection between Rachel and her biological kids vs. stepkids adjusting how you run your household as children move out the importance of self-reflection Rachel’s thoughts on oppression from a Christian perspective and recognizing that racism is still a problem getting to the root of why we stick to comfortable cliques taking the risk to grow your sphere of connection with diversity the story behind Rachel’s ministry I Can’t Come Down your purpose vs. your assignment - we all have the same purpose; the assignment is how we do it juggling multiple assignments and identifying what to let go of LINKS MENTIONED: Try Softer #90: Better Than Blended with Rachel Scott Better Than Blended I Can’t Come Down White Fragility Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.  CONNECT WITH RACHEL: website | facebook | instagram CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: Third Love: get 15% off your first purchase when you visit thirdlove.com/msw Homeschool Buyers Co-Op: sign up for your free membership at homeschoolbuyersco-op.org and use code MSW to get 5,000 smart points SUPPORT THE SHOW: Patreon  SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here!

Think back to your earliest summer memory. Was it something sweet like picking strawberries in a straw hat or was it more like hot lava seat belts and CDs melting to your dashboard?  We’ve all made it to July! This week we celebrate that by reminiscing about scorching Arizona summers and squash some myths about the Southwest. We also share summer recipe ideas, dunk on our Mom a bit, reveal a code word (shhhh, don’t tell Rebecky) and Emily re-imagines her life as Foop founder, Claire.  WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: the story of Emily’s new “Almond Butter is My Jam” shirt myths about Arizona memories of our summers in Arizona summer fragrances nearly sending the kids to camp with large trash cans summer road trip plans Rebecky’s code word why Emily’s new dust buster and fountain giving her life Katie’s fun final summer classes Emily’s attempt at teaching her dog to fetch Katie’s near death-by-healthy-cookie experience movie night snack ideas LINKS MENTIONED: Snap Kitchen Lake & Skye 11 11 perfume Burberry perfume Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.  CONNECT WITH KATIE: instagram | website  CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: Azlo: sign up today with no minimum deposit at azlo.com/msw and get the free small business starter guide Homeschool Buyers Co-Op: sign up for your free membership at homeschoolbuyersco-op.org and use code MSW to get 5,000 smart points Prose: take the free in-depth hair quiz and get 15% off your order when you visit prose.com/msw SUPPORT THE SHOW: Patreon  SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here!

Greta Eskridge is a homeschooling mom of 4. She loves to fill her family’s days with reading, making art, and being outside as much as possible. Her favorite places to be are on a hiking trail or at the tide pools--preferably with a La Croix or iced coffee in hand. Greta loves laughing, having adventures, and talking about the things that really matter. She and her husband, Aaron, have been married for 22 years and make their home in sunny southern California. Greta is also an author and speaker. Her first book releases July of 2020 with Thomas Nelson. Greta travels the country speaking and sharing her message of joyful, connected parenting. She’s passionate about equipping parents with tools to protect their kids from the damaging effects of pornography and to help them cultivate a healthy sexual culture in their home. Greta strives to bring a voice of hope, encouragement, and inspiration wherever she goes. WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: Greta’s experience of being homeschooled and why she chose to homeschool her children hormone imbalance and mom anger Greta’s trial and error with medical options before discovering bioidentical hormone therapy protecting kids from pornography by giving them a healthy sexual outlook creating a healthy sexual culture in your home early by using medical names for body parts defining pornography for your kids so they’ll know to look away and report it the addictive and destructive nature of porn simplifying adventuring with your family how adventuring with her family has helped her and her spouse grow together allowing your teen to bring a friend on family adventures finding empathy for your kids who are constantly dealing with hard things what Greta can’t stop talking about LINKS MENTIONED: 3 Reasons Why Parents Don’t Want to Talk to Their Kids About Porn and 3 Reasons They Should Adventuring Together: How to Create Connections and Make Lasting Memories with Your Kids CONNECT WITH GRETA: website | instagram | pinterest CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: Homeschool Buyers Co-Op: sign up for a free membership at homeschoolbuyersco-op.org and use promo code MSW to get 5,000 smart points toward your first purchase SUPPORT THE SHOW: Patreon  SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here!

Yep, there are large problems in the world. And while we educate ourselves and our families on how to help with those problems (more on that in this episode), these pesky non-problem problems are still creeping up. People wrote in and asked things like: How often should I be practicing “bland face” for when my teenager tells me shocking things and How naked is TOO naked when pelotoning with friends? WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: Emily enjoying her kid-free 2 weeks various and assorted mask problems how we’re approaching speaking about racial equality on social media our thoughts on sending kids back to school this fall helping anxious kids cope with COVID concerns ways to enjoy your family on road trips setting boundaries to find time to relax using reflective questioning with teens that struggle with deception practicing “bland face” in preparation for your kid’s teen years giving your kids space to let their energy out Rebecky’s new alter ego, Francesca giving disrespectful kids the opportunity to try again (and again) staying active while sheltering Rebecky teases some news for next month’s Problem Solved episode LINKS MENTIONED: Between the World and Me White FragilityPhil Vischer - Race in America CONNECT WITH REBECKY: website | instagram CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls: a fairytale podcast for kids about extraordinary women from all over the world Little Spoon: get 20% off your first 3 orders when you visit littlespoon.com/msw SUPPORT THE SHOW: Patreon  SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here!

Do you feel like your life is on hold as you raise small children? Might you spend too much time idolizing the wrong things? Find yourself fixating on a clean house? Maybe pointing out imperfections in others? You will never want this episode to end! Ruth shares with us what she has ascertained as a parent to SIX boys over the past 18 years. We talk: resolving conflict, the actual purpose, and the importance of memorizing scripture, why your job is so important, and an overall reminder of where our eyes should be as we train our young ones. Ruth Chou Simons is an entrepreneur, speaker, and bestselling author of Beholding and Becoming and GraceLaced. She shares her journey of God’s grace intersecting daily life with word and paintbrush through an online shop at GraceLaced.com and her Instagram community of more than a hundred thousand. Ruth and her husband, Troy, are grateful parents to six boys—their greatest adventure. WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: social distancing with 7 guys in the house normalizing conflict resolution the power of preaching to ourselves to control our inner narrative applying the gospel to your day-to-day life embracing your parenting years as an opportunity to grow the biblical foundations for a healthy family taking the pressure off family devotions self-check - are we praying about it more than we’re complaining about it? LINKS MENTIONED: Beholding and Becoming Foundations: 12 Biblical Truths to Shape a Healthy Family CONNECT WITH RUTH: website | instagram | facebook CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: Little Passports: get 15% off any subscription when you visit littlepassports.com and use promo code MSW Everlywell: get 20% off an at-home lab test when you visit everlywell.com/msw and use promo code MSW Noom: sign up to start your trial today at noom.com/msw SUPPORT THE SHOW: Patreon  SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here!

Are you watching your adolescent struggle with mental health? Are you ever torn between faith and your own mental health recovery? Matt Stanford works right at that intersection. He reminds those of us who have adolescents dealing with mental and emotional health issues to check our preconceived notions at the door. Forgetting where they should be and helping them recover gracefully. Matthew S. Stanford (PhD, Baylor University) is CEO of the Hope and Healing Center & Institute in Houston, Texas, and adjunct professor of psychiatry at Baylor College. A Fellow of the Association for Psychological Science, he is the author of several books including Grace for the Afflicted: A Clinical and Biblical Perspective on Mental Illness and Grace for the Children: Finding Hope in the Midst of Child and Adolescent Mental Illness. WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: the church’s response to assisting with mental health issues over-spiritualizing mental health identifying when your child needs outside help steps to getting an accurate diagnosis encouragement for moms who have received a hard diagnosis removing the stigma of a mental health diagnosis how to talk to your child about their diagnosis good mental health practices while sheltering in place LINKS MENTIONED: Between the World and MeWhite FragilityGrace for the ChildrenGrace for the Afflicted CONNECT WITH MATT: website CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls: a fairytale podcast for kids about extraordinary women from all over the world Everlywell: get 20% off an at-home lab test when you visit everlywell.com/msw and use promo code MSW Little Spoon: get 20% off your first 3 orders when you visit littlespoon.com/msw SUPPORT THE SHOW: Patreon  SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here!

Where do you feel like you fall short? Just a little honest conversation about comparison going on over here today. It only makes sense to get into a rousing game of Would you Rather during our comparison chat and boy, it’s a tough one. Emily praises Katie for being a sandwich artist and Katie encourages Em to become a plant artist… because she has always wanted to be one. WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: the ways we struggle with comparison how celebrating others helps us understand our own value things we don’t care about comparing stop comparing - we can’t all have a face as symmetrical as Denzel would you rather… what’s killing us softly and what’s giving us life LINKS MENTIONED: Kindle Where the Crawdads Sing Little Fires Everywhere Papermate Ink Joy Gel Pens Staedtler Marker Pens Sun Bum CONNECT WITH KATIE: instagram | website  CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls: a fairytale podcast for kids about extraordinary women from all over the world Storyworth: visit storyworth.com/msw and get $10 off your first purchase SUPPORT THE SHOW: Patreon  SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here!

You know, I don’t feel like I’m cut out for this Mom thing. I am angry ALL the time and it can feel completely overwhelming to be in charge sometimes. But the truth is, we have been chosen to be the mothers of our children. The perspective shift for today is to stop thinking about all of the ways you are falling short and to start focusing on how you have already been equipped for this job. Becky Keife is the Community Manager for DaySpring’s (in)courage, a widely followed online community where authentic women connect deeply with God and others. She is also a popular speaker for MOPS groups and other women’s events, and is the author of the new book, No Better Mom for the Job: Parenting with Confidence (Even When You Don't Feel Cut Out for It.) Becky is a huge fan of Voxer, Sunday naps, and moms in the thick of it. She and her husband live near Los Angeles where they enjoy hiking sunny trails with their three spirited sons. WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: enjoying different seasons of motherhood when the people you love the most bring out the worst in you how vulnerability has helped Becky overcome the shame of being an angry mom feeling completely inadequate as a mom shifting our perspective from our inadequacies to how God has uniquely equipped us for motherhood standing on the promise of 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.” what God is teaching Becky about being present in the moment with her kids resisting the temptation to put productivity on a pedestal making a list of the mundane things you’re good at - those are strengths calling out the strengths in the moms around you LINKS MENTIONED: #45: The One Where We Model the Awkward Race Conversation in Hopes that You Will Have One Too #144: White Girls and Diversity with Nika SpauldingNo Better Mom for the JobNo Better Mom for the Job 5-Day YouVersion devotional CONNECT WITH BECKY: website | instagram | facebook CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: Prep Dish: try it free for 2 weeks when you visit prepdish.com/msw Little Passports: get 15% off any subscription when you visit littlepassports.com and use promo code MSW Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls: a fairytale podcast for kids about extraordinary women from all over the world SUPPORT THE SHOW: Patreon  SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here!

Are you racing towards your goals? Running away every chance you can? I sure do. We could all use a gentle reminder to slow down and listen to what God may be telling us. This week we are bringing you an exclusive interview with our very own Rebecky! There are no problems this month as we celebrate Rebecca Smith’s vulnerable and sweet page-turner that launched this week. In A Better Life: Slowing Down to Get Ahead, Rebecca tells us many personal stories of how she took baby steps and followed God’s lead to find her purpose. Even though she is one of my dearest friends, I didn’t know the sweet story behind Better Life Bags before reading. I loved each chapter more than the last and I’m so happy she shared her heart with all of us. Rebecca Smith lives in a low-income area of Detroit, Michigan with her husband, four children, and many miscellaneous pets. She started a custom handbag company in her basement with a mission to hire women who have various barriers to employment. These women are adopted into the Better Life family and given a chance to succeed in life, family, and friendship.  WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: an update on Better Life Bags Rebecca and Katie - who’s Emily’s sister? Emily new home decor Rebecky’s southern, tea-drinking grandma alter ego, Honey Bee launching a book during a pandemic letting your dreams simmer avoiding comparison feeling like a fraud (it’s not just you) God’s “special stickers” LINKS MENTIONED: Milk & Honey Tees Ruggable #38: Starting Small and Saying “Hello” with Rebecca Smith CONNECT WITH REBECKY: website | instagram CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: Noom: sign up to start your trial today at noom.com/msw Purple Mattress: visit purple.com/msw and use promo code MSW to get $150 off any mattress order over $1500 (terms apply) Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls: a fairytale podcast for kids about extraordinary women from all over the world SUPPORT THE SHOW: Patreon  SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here!

It’s every young parent's nightmare and it’s some parents' reality. My guest this week shares with us her family’s story through her son's addiction, overdose, and recovery. She describes what it looks like through the eyes of a faithful mother who did all of the right things but still found herself in the middle of a war. We talk about her struggles with bipolar disorder and her husband's experience with Coronavirus. She has sweet encouragement for all of us moms - we are not alone in these struggles! Katherine James attended Columbia University, where she also taught undergraduate fiction. Her debut novel, Can You See Anything Now?, won Christianity Today's 2018 Fiction Book award and was a semifinalist for the Doris Bakwin Award. Her new book A Prayer for Orion is out now and is very beautifully written. She lives in West Chester, PA with her writer-philosopher-preacher husband, they have three adult children who are more awesome than everyone else in the world and she prays for them every night. WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: coping with the pandemic with your family geologically spread out Kate’s husband’s battle with COVID-19, recovery, and what God taught them through it Kate’s bipolar diagnosis and journey the “shoulds” while going through with depression altering the definition of joy from feeling to faith how medication has helped Kate the misconceptions and guilt of having a child who’s an addict predispositions for addiction how Kate’s son’s addiction both strained and grew her faith the use, shame, repeat cycle resources for parents helping a child with drug addiction LINKS MENTIONED: HopeForHurtingParents.com Clean by David Sheff You Are Not Alone by Dena Yohe CONNECT WITH KATE: website | instagram | facebook CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: Purple Mattress: visit purple.com/msw and use promo code MSW to get $150 off any mattress order over $1500 (terms apply) Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls: a fairytale podcast for kids about extraordinary women from all over the world Hope Writers: take the 30-second quiz for writers today at hopewriters.com/msw SUPPORT THE SHOW: Patreon  SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here!

Will the pools be open? What about the beaches? What are we going to DO this summer!? We found ourselves asking all of these questions so we decided to get on the mic and talk through it like sisters do! We tried out two new recipes with our kids to pass some time and learned more than expected in that experience. We also talked about what swimsuit trends we may be rocking in our back yards this year and how to make limoncello like the Italians do. This episode was magnifico! WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: how Katie’s messy ice cream in a bag experiment lead to the fulfillment of a 10-year dream Emily making bread in a bag… without the bag dividing chores the possibility of summer without pools and beaches investing in your outdoor space summer swimwear trends what’s giving us life and what’s killing us softly LINKS MENTIONED: Unlocking Us podcast Ice Cream in a Bag recipe Bread in a Bag recipe Stitch Witchery CONNECT WITH KATIE: instagram | website  CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: Purple Mattress: visit purple.com/msw and use promo code MSW to get $150 off any mattress order over $1500 (terms apply) Barefoot Scientist: visit barefootscientist.com and use promo code MSW to get 20% off your first order + free shipping Little Passports: get 15% off any subscription when you visit littlepassports.com and use promo code MSW SUPPORT THE SHOW: Patreon  SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here!

Are you homeschooling by choice or by force? What “counts” as school, anyway? Maybe you just need some basic guidelines to keep your sanity. Erin shares with us 5 things that you can do right now to improve your homeschool experience plus ways to re-frame this unique situation to find the good. One of my favorite parts of this chat is where she shares the practice of placing value on “unique ability time” and I know it got me thinking of ways to switch things up at home for my kiddos.  Erin Weidemann is the founder of Truth Becomes Her, a brand that equips moms and women with resources to help them step into their unique leadership roles. A sought-after homeschool consultant, certified teacher, coach, and nationally-recognized speaker, Erin’s personal mission is to shift the conversation around feminine values from being beauty-driven, to a focus on inherent worth. As an on-air personality for Air1 Radio as well as host of the Heroes For Her Podcast where she interviews positive female role models who are living out their passions in-line with their personal values. Erin has written eight (wow!) books, is a five-time cancer survivor, and lives and homeschools in San Diego, CA with her husband, Brent, and their daughter, Rooney. WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: the goal of Erin’s ministry Truth Becomes Her over complicating finding purpose 5 things that will help newly homeschooling moms why it’s vital to embrace a flexible schedule setting boundaries with your kids to help protect your time tips for making the most of school time with kids in different grades valuing this unique time with our families LINKS MENTIONED: Adore by Sara Hagerty Free online Brave Moms conference Heroic Homeschooler Masterclass CONNECT WITH ERIN: website | instagram | facebook CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: Embr Wave: get $70 off when you visit embrwave.com/msw Barefoot Scientist: get 20% off your first order when you visit barefootscientist.com and use code MSW Prep Dish: try it free for 2 weeks when you visit prepdish.com/msw SUPPORT THE SHOW: Patreon  SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here!

Emily doesn’t look forward to grandchildren and Rebecky has started cussing during quarantine. These are just the down and dirty facts, and we can’t hide them any longer. We talk about conflicting opinions on arugula, the good and bad days during a pandemic, and jaw-dropping chalk art. I would like to formally thank Rebecky for our shiny new explicit rating and for keeping things… fresh around here. WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: when the pandemic became real for Rebecky and how she’s handling it the confusing line between being cautious and being too cautious being a medical health care professional during an outbreak how routine has been helping Rebecky shelter-in-place well everyone but Emily being obsessed with having grandkids how COVID-19 is impacting small businesses, including Better Life Bags spending less time on Instagram and more time cooking LINKS MENTIONED: Every Plate Change-Your-Life Chicken recipe CONNECT WITH REBECKY: website | instagram CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: Noom: sign up to start your trial today at noom.com/msw Embr Wave: get $50 off your Embr Wave bracelet when you visit embrwave.com/msw Invisawear: get $10 off your first order when you visit invisawear.com/msw SUPPORT THE SHOW: Patreon  SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here!

Does someone in your family have a chronic illness? Could you use a perspective shift towards grace when it comes to your children? I was so happy to hear from my guest today because she has practical ways to get in the bible no matter what your spiritual maturity and that was just the motivation I needed. She shares with us her wisdom on the subject of grace and her family’s journey navigating Crohn’s disease. Amy Seiffert is an author, writer, and teacher. She currently is on the teaching team at her church, where she directs community groups and team cohesion. Weaving biblical wisdom through her presentations, Amy inspires, teaches, and humbly invites any willing spiritual pilgrim to walk alongside her in the pursuit of truth and the knowledge of God. Amy is married to Rob, and they live in Bowling Green, Ohio, with their three kids. WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: the need for parenting skills and relational help Amy sees in her community what our kids are doing that is driving us crazy while we shelter in place how grace allows us to be honest and allows others to be honest with us “gift” and “grace” are synonymous with one another how acceptance of grace has affected her parenting what we gain by seeing from our child’s perspective the fear of grace leading to a lack of authority how extending freedom can lead to a better connection with our kids tips for getting into the Bible no matter your spiritual maturity four writing prompts - God, I feel…; God, I need…; God, You are…; and God, thank you… the diet that’s been helping Amy’s family navigate life with a child with Crohn’s Disease LINKS MENTIONED: Jesus Storybook Bible Feeding the Mouth That Bites YouNordace backpacks Grace Looks Amazing on You CONNECT WITH AMY: website | instagram | facebook CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: Beekeepers Naturals: get 15% off your 1st order when you visit beekeepersnaturals.com/msw and use promo code MSW SUPPORT THE SHOW: Patreon  SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here!

Friendship is hard in quarantine! How are other people connecting right now? Should I change my face to a potato on a Zoom call? Before we ever got to the actual subject of friendship we found out that Emily has experienced Tiger King’s property first hand and how Katie’s at-home art class became more educational than planned. We also did stash it or trash it on Aha Black Cherry + Coffee Sparkling Water and Caramel Coconut Oreos. WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: Katie Roadrunner-legging right out of work why Emily told a client to “kick themselves out” Emily’s raging UTI Emily recaps her trip to Joe Exotic’s G.W. Zoo Zoom call mishaps what Katie is loving about this weird time Em is incorporating Bible study back into the family’s routine Katie explains why you maybe shouldn’t tell Alexa to play James Brown while your kids are in the room shelter-in-place family movie suggestions being an enneagram 2 during a pandemic how our kids are coping with the new normal staying connected with friends stash it or trash it turning Em’s wet bar into an entertainment center LINKS MENTIONED: Marco Polo Zoom CONNECT WITH KATIE: instagram CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: Laurel Springs: get your registration fee waived when you visit laurelsprings.com/msw SUPPORT THE SHOW: Patreon  SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here!

Raising daughters is amazing/overwhelming. Today we are focusing on pre-teen girls but we also touch on the general wellness that all of us mothers are trying to maintain over here. In Courtney’s experience, our girls turn a corner around first and second grade - when things aren’t just about cool tutus and everyone being friends. Courtney is really passionate about this time in life, so with her girls, she tackles 6 subjects: identity, friendship, body, emotions, and technology in a fun and interactive way. Courtney DeFeo is most known for being a factory of ideas for families. It’s her desire to lead a life that radiates God’s love in action and His grace along the way. As a former marketing professional for Chick-fil-A, Courtney has a history of creating memorable programs and ideas that motivate others to action. She is the author of In This House, We Will Giggle, creator of ABC Scripture Cards and the kindness movement Light ‘Em Up Acts. Recently, Courtney launched a new study in collaboration with Parent Cue entitled Treasured designed for tween girls and their moms. Courtney’s most honorable mention is her husband Ron and their two wildly creative girls (Ella, 13 and Larson, 10). WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: how Courtney’s faith has been tested while living away from her family sacrificing for your spouse without holding resentment not feeling well due to neglecting self needs where to start when you’re trying to get well not letting your children’s emotions pull down your emotional state helping your pre-teen/teen girl navigate emotions how finding a community and being vulnerable unites us Courtney’s passion for teaching 9-12 year-old-girls LINKS MENTIONED: Treasured Journal: An Interactive Experience for a Tween Girl & Her Mom Treasured Podcast Down Dog Yoga app CONNECT WITH COURTNEY: website | instagram | facebook CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: Beekeepers Naturals: get 15% off your 1st order when you visit beekeepersnaturals.com/msw and use promo code MSW Embr Wave: get $60 off your Embr Wave bracelet when you visit embrwave.com/msw YogaSleep: get 20% off a sound machine when you visit yogasleep.com/msw Abide app: get 25% off a premium subscription when you visit abide.co/msw SUPPORT THE SHOW: Patreon  SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here!

WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: how putting down our phones can help us stop overthinking not letting our disappointments turn into comparisons that lead to shame how Anne is helping guide her family through quarantine Anne’s struggle with overthinking the link between perfectionism and overthinking determining when you’re giving something the attention it deserves vs. overthinking it ways to stop overthinking values-driven decision making mental tricks to help you make decisions stopping the overthinking spiral adopting an attitude of experimentation LINKS MENTIONED: What Should I Read Next? podcast One Great Book podcast Don’t Overthink ItLibro.fm CONNECT WITH ANNE: website | instagram | facebook CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: Noom: sign up to start your trial today at noom.com/msw Grove Collaborative: visit grove.co/msw and get a free 5-piece cleaning set from Mrs. Myers Hands-On Bibles: get 35% off the purchase of deluxe editions of the Hands-On Bible through 4/12/20 SUPPORT THE SHOW: Patreon  SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here!

Waiting well through the adoption process, working towards financial freedom for your family and battling comparison as a parent of a child with delays are just a few of the topics we hit on today with my guest Alison Storm. She talks to us about her season of waiting and her distaste for the phrase “it happens in God’s time”. Alison saw child slavery first hand on a trip and it started a fire in her to change her parenting to battle entitlement. She founded an organization that can get your kids involved and feeling empowered too! Alison Storm calls the south home and began her career as a television reporter working in newsrooms around the country. Alison was a part of HIS Morning Crew which airs on HIS Radio across the Carolinas and coastal Georgia, serves as the features editor of Belle magazine and facilitates Financial Peace University at her church. In 2018 she founded Crowdsourcing Kids, an organization that taps into the entrepreneurial spirits of young people to fund wells in India and support children rescued from slavery. Alison and her husband Tim have two little world changers, Sammy and Phani. WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: Alison’s experience with Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University being married to an Italian immigrant why Alison chose to adopt and the long process of finding her daughter how she has learned how to have grace for herself while raising a son with medical needs what she learned in retrospect from the adoption process Alison’s struggle with choosing her comfort over her children’s needs how being debt-free allowed her to not to return to work after the adoption how Alison’s work to provide clean water changed her life how she’s helping kids in America spread hope in India advice for listeners who may have something on their heart, but are afraid to begin the work LINKS MENTIONED: Are You Humble Enough to Be Carefree? All God’s Children Financial Peace University Set Free Alliance Crowdsourcing Kids CONNECT WITH ALISON: website | Instagram | facebook  CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: Hands-On Bibles: get 35% off the purchase of deluxe editions of the Hands-On Bible through 4/12/20 YogaSleep: get 20% off a sound machine when you visit yogasleep.com/msw Third Love: get 15% off your first order when you visit thirdlove.com/msw SUPPORT THE SHOW: Patreon  SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here!

WHAT I CHAT ABOUT: giving your anxiety to the Lord; He is near finding things to be grateful for waiting well - be aware of what you look to for comfort while you wait expecting well - trust that God is working all things for our good looking again - find opportunities to share hope leaning in - make the next right choice moment by moment and embrace the opportunities God is providing LINKS MENTIONED: Every Moment Holy CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: Beekeepers Naturals: get 15% off your 1st order when you visit beekeepersnaturals.com/msw and use promo code MSW Laurel Springs: get your registration fee waived when you visit laurelsprings.com/msw Hands-On Bible: get 35% off when you use code MSW at TheHandsOnBible.com (valid thru 4/12/20) Abide app: get 25% off a premium subscription when you visit abide.co/msw SUPPORT THE SHOW: Patreon  SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here!

Have you ever wondered if you may have a substance dependence issue? Maybe you have a child or loved one dealing with substance abuse and could use some advice on how to love them well through that. My friend and neighbor Liz came to sit with me on my bedroom floor and tells us about her journey through alcohol use and rehabilitation. She shares when she came to faith and the conditions she made up to help keep her sober. We talk about pride, abortion, neglect, and denial in this bittersweet story. Liz is a mom to three, a wife to a Richard and is in recovery. She believes that God can make a message out of all of her messes and she loves the idea of Struggling WELL vs. plain ole’ struggling. Gratitude is her superpower and I’m so glad to call her a friend! WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: how Liz’s kids are teaching her to be present taking our kids’ actions less personally Liz’s journey with drugs, alcoholism, abortion, recovery, and relapse setting healthy boundaries with loved ones dealing with addiction the moment God met Liz in her darkest place and changed her heart facing an addiction as a Christian how God has helped Liz strive less and struggle well recognizing when you have a problem encouragement for listeners struggling with addiction LINKS MENTIONED: The Naked Mind Podcast The Alcohol Experiment CONNECT WITH LIZ: Instagram CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: Yoga Sleep: get 20% off a sound machine when you visit yogasleep.com/msw Everlywell: get 15% off an at-home lab test when you visit everlywell.com/msw and use promo code MSW Abide app: get 25% off a premium subscription when you visit abide.co/msw SUPPORT THE SHOW: Patreon  SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here!

Thank you to each and every one of you that wrote in with your vulnerable and funny problems to solve surrounding love and marriage. Rebecky and I had to take this one in a different direction because it turns out as we have been solving YOUR problems, OUR problems had been stacking up! WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: what’s going on with Rebecky and Emily if Emily should haze the new patients at her job solving Rebecky’s pet problem canceling Emily’s double gym membership Rebecky’s new vs. used car dilemma caring for sick kids Emily’s daughter’s dentist anxiety CONNECT WITH REBECKY: website | instagram CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: Beekeepers Naturals: get 15% off your 1st order when you visit beekeepersnaturals.com/msw Prep Dish: get two-weeks free when you visit PrepDish.com/msw Noom: start your trial today at noom.com/msw Grove Collaborative: get a free 5-piece Meyers cleaning set when you visit grove.co/msw SUPPORT THE SHOW: Patreon  SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here!

You guys, we just scored some sound advice on bedtime problems, sibling rivalries, and technology + teens. These two have a framework that has really shaped my parenting and now they have even more resources for us to enjoy! Jim & Lynne LOVE making God’s grace and truth practical for parents. Their combination of experience at home with three wired kids, and in careers helping kids and parents, have uniquely prepared them to give parents tools they can use right away, supported by memorable principles that will last a lifetime. Since we talked last, Jim and Lynne have started their own Connected Families podcast! You can visit their website at connectedfamilies.org to learn more. WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: the framework of parenting - foundation, connect, coach, correct how our relationship with parental figures influences our foundation becoming a coach, facilitator, and encourager in sibling conflict how to intervene in sibling conflict to break the pattern of aggressor and victim getting your kids to bed without the struggle kids and technology LINKS MENTIONED: Connected Families podcast Screenagers Framework magnet Sibling Conflict Online Course The Entitlement Fix Course Discipline That Connects Online Gaming Addiction CONNECT WITH JIM AND LYNN: website | instagram | facebook CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: Yoga Sleep: get 20% off when you visit yogasleep.com/msw Mejuri: get 10% off your first order when you visit mejuri.com/msw Everyplate: get 3-weeks for $2.99 per meal when you use promo code MSW3 at everyplate.com SUPPORT THE SHOW: Patreon  SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here!

WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: Kirsten’s story changing the language we use about our bodies how working through non-sexual trauma affected Kirsten’s sex life taking control of your energy for yourself changing the negative connotation of pleasure deciding what you want your sex life to look like the mind, body and spiritual connection of sex LINKS MENTIONED: It’s So Amazing Another Name for Everything with Richard Rohr Morgan Day Cecil Instagram Mating in Captivity Where Should We Begin? with Esther Perel The Forgotten Feminine Pure: Inside the Evangelical Movement That Shamed a Generation of Young Women and How I Broke Free CONNECT WITH KIRSTEN: instagram CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: BeeKeepers Naturals: save 15% on your first order when you visit beekeepersnautrals.com/msw or use promo code MSW at checkout Laurel Springs: get your registry fee waived when you visit laurelsprings.com/msw Third Love: get 15% off your first order when you visit thirdlove.com/msw Clearly Filtered: get 20% off when you visit clearlyfiltered.com/msw and use promo code MSW SUPPORT THE SHOW: Patreon  SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here!

If you want to feel normal about marriage, please listen to this episode. Huge shout out to the listeners who wrote in! We all have conflict and it was so fun to hear about your most ridiculous fights and how you all have learned to conflict well. We shared a good amount of personal information on behalf of our “big boys” and we are hoping this podcast never makes its way to their phones! WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: sharing your (and our) ridiculous spouse fight stories conflict resolution strategies from our fellow struggs arguing in front of your kids well understanding your partner’s expectations tips for marital bliss from getting a king-sized bed to discussing emotional topics through texts what’s giving us life and what’s killing us softly LINKS MENTIONED: Ripple Dairy-Free Milk Third Love: get 15% off your first order when you visit thirdlove.com/msw CONNECT WITH KATIE: instagram CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: Prep Dish: get 2 weeks free when you visit prepdish.com/msw Clearly Filtered: get 20% off when you visit clearlyfiltered.com/msw and use promo code MSW Mejuri: get 10% off your first order when you visit mejuri.com/msw SUPPORT THE SHOW: Patreon  SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here!

Do you love to storm out when you’re fighting with your spouse? Maybe get a good door slam in and draw things out a bit? Conflict happens. Especially with those partners we love so much and that’s exactly what we’re talking about today with The Peppers. Gerard Brown and Jessie Artigue launched the now popular ‘Marriage is Funny’ podcast just two days after a serious discussion about divorce. Four years later, they credit the health of their connection to a podcast community that developed in response to the radical vulnerability they bring to their listeners each week. They refuse to claim the title of “RELATIONSHIP EXPERTS” because they continue to figure things out just like everybody else. Residing in sunny Long Beach, CA, Gerard and Jessie believe that talking things out and tight bear hugs fix (almost) anything, have committed to what they call ‘Great Love,’ and strive to find the humor in every mess.  As a special gift, Jessie and Gerard are sharing their free video series about the three “marriage myths” that nearly ruined their relationship with MSW listeners at meetthepeppers.com/momstrugglingwell! WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: how Jessie and Gerard’s struggling marriage lead them to start their podcast how we can grow in relationships through conflict having conflicts well better communication by changing the language around your internal story reframing marital myths grieving unmet expectations advice for making friends as a couple supporting a partner with an anxiety disorder LINKS MENTIONED: Brene Brown: The Call to Courage Three “Marriage Myths” video series MarriageHelp.org CONNECT WITH THE PEPPERS: website | instagram | podcast | twitter CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: BeeKeepers Naturals: save 15% on your first order when you visit beekeepersnautrals.com/msw or use promo code MSW at checkout Invisawear: get $10 off your first purchase + free 2-day shipping when you visit invisawear.com/msw Noom: start your free trial today at noom.com/msw Baked by Melissa: get 15% off your order when you visit bakedbymelissa.com and use promo code MSW at checkout SUPPORT THE SHOW: Patreon  SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here!

We solved it all this week. How do you plan for a day out and about without breaking the bank to feed your crew on the way home? Solved. What to do when your friends are shaming you for living paycheck to paycheck? Solved! Is meal planning non-existent in your home and you think it’s breaking the bank? SOLVED! Listeners not only wrote with their problems, they told us what makes them feel like winners at saving and we shared all of their tips with you. P.S. USB ports are going away and Weight Watchers changed their name. We aren’t happy about it either. Enjoy saving WELL! WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: an update on Em’s decision to get bangs and how 40 is going so far the beginning of Rebecky’s WW journey (and all the things that are messing up her routine) ideas for last-minute meals that don’t break the bank differentiating want vs. need solving your meal prep probs saving when you live paycheck to paycheck tips from listeners on what’s been saving them money LINKS MENTIONED: Diet Bet Dave Ramsey YNAB Mo’ Money Podcast ChooseFI Her Money Amazon warehouse Your Money or Your Life CONNECT WITH REBECKY: website | instagram CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: Invisawear: get $10 off your first order when you visit invisawear.com/msw SUPPORT THE SHOW: Patreon  SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here!

Are you a workin’ lady? Maybe you’ll be returning to work in the near future. Maybe you don’t work outside of the home but some friends that you love do. This week I wanted to share a conversation that I had with the women over on the Mom to Mom Podcast. We talk about tips for working moms and also I share a very raw description of what it looks like in the Thomas house now that I’m back to work. Spoiler alert: It’s not magazine perfect. Kate Battistelli, September McCarthy & Jamie Erickson are three generations of moms who have experienced nearly every season of motherhood. They don’t have all the answers, but you can be sure that they’ll always point you to the One who does. WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: learning to pivot when the thing you thought would work isn’t yielding the desired results accepting help in order to better balance your life learning and prioritizing self-care why Emily stopped homeschooling and has no regrets tips for helping manage your home when you work full-time finding space for time with the Lord in the midst of a busy schedule the power of in-person community alleviating mom guilt encouraging words for working moms CONNECT WITH THE MOM TO MOM PODCAST: website | Kate Battistelli | September McCarthy CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: Third Love: get 15% off your first order when you visit thirdlove.com/msw Zola: get 50% off Save the Dates when you use promo code SAVE50 at zola.com/struggling Thrive Causemetics: get 15% off your first purchase when you use promo code MSW at thrivecausemetics.com/msw SUPPORT THE SHOW: Patreon  SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here!

Are you a saver or a spender? Do you have a joint bank account or are they separate? Oh, and do you still tuck in the front of your shirt or is that over now? This week we are talking finances and saving well. Emily brought some really simple saving tips and Katie sends out a siren call for large thongs. We establish that money can be difficult and Em stumbled upon some helpful sermons to ponder this month as we think about our finances. Please send your finance problems to [email protected] for Rebecky and Emily to solve later on this month. Biyeee! WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: Katie the saver and Emily the spender joint vs. separate bank accounts our personal struggles with saving and what’s been working for us simple saving tips from taping reminders to your credit cards to swapping clothes with a friend (no underwear, please) the importance of stewarding money well the connection between loving money and loving people what’s killing us softly and what’s giving us life LINKS MENTIONED: Mint America Saves Stewardship sermon Mo Money, Mo Problems sermon Down Dog app CONNECT WITH KATIE: instagram CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: Future: get 50% off your first month when you visit tryfuture.com/msw LOLA: get 30% off your first-month subscription when you use promo code MSW30 at mylola.com SUPPORT THE SHOW: Patreon  SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here!

What should you do when you feel yourself losing your cool? How do you know if you’ve experienced trauma? My guest this week is as wise as the day is long and gives us practical tips to help us stay in the moment, honor the pace of our healing, and work our patience like a muscle. We are talking: trauma, shame and the price we pay living in a society that values overachieving. If you don’t already know Aundi, please change that now! Aundi Kolber is a licensed professional counselor (MA, LPC), an author, and a speaker living in Castle Rock, Colorado. She has received additional training in her specialization of trauma- and body-centered therapies and is passionate about the integration of faith and psychology. She has written for Relevant, CT Women, and (in)courage. As a survivor of trauma, Aundi brings hard-won knowledge about the work of change, the power of redemption, and the beauty of experiencing God in our pain. Aundi is happily married to her best friend, Brendan, and is the proud mom of Matia and Jude. WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: recognizing trauma and its effects on the body the trauma spectrum how to notice and interpret to what our bodies are telling us the window of tolerance the power of experiencing and working through pain grounding yourself in the present while addressing the past reparenting yourself LINKS MENTIONED: Try Softer: A Fresh Approach to Move Us out of Anxiety, Stress, and Survival Mode--and into a Life of Connection and Joy CONNECT WITH AUNDI: website | instagram | facebook | twitter CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: Stitch Fix Kids: visit stitchfix.com/kids/swp and get an extra 25% off when you keep everything in your box PLUS use promo code SWP at checkout to waive your $20 styling fee Prep Dish: get 2 weeks free when you visit prepdish.com/msw SUPPORT THE SHOW: Patreon  SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here!

WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: what it’s like for Ashley as an only child now raising four kids how learning to play with her kids and appreciating the moment has become a spiritual discipline what helped Ashley embrace her life as a mom letting go of expectations and embracing the things that are important to you the emphasis Ashley places on getting to know her kids and how she does that letting your overwhelm spill onto your kids learning to use your quiet time well what inspired Ashley to write her book how Ashley’s concept of Jesus different than most because of her experience as a church planter four idols of the suburbs the power of wanting and waiting LINKS MENTIONED: Finding Holy in the SuburbsSara Groves “This Cup” CONNECT WITH ASHLEY: website | instagram | facebook | podcast CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: Polar Ignite Fitness Watch: visit polar.com/momstrugglingwell to get yours now Care Of: get 50% off your first order when you visit takecareof.com and use promo code MSW50 at checkout SUPPORT THE SHOW: Patreon  SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here!

We are right back at it solving your problems this week! We discuss homeschooling vs. public school, ethical dilemmas at the goodwill checkout stand and kids that easily get bent out of shape (that’s right, we’re talking about all of them!). Keep writing in with your problems (and yo, we’ll solve ‘em) at [email protected]. WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: how much Emily is loving Rebecky’s upcoming book Rebecky’s side of the #defamationproclamation prank call problem-solving your homeschool vs. public school dilemma helping a fun-loving mom with a kid that loves to push her buttons allowing kids to choose their own clothes an idea to help you finish the year well LINKS MENTIONED: A Better Life: Slowing Down to Get Ahead pre-order CONNECT WITH REBECKY: website | instagram CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: Polar Ignite Fitness Watch: visit polar.com/momstrugglingwell to get yours now Blume: get 25% off your first stick + free shipping when you visit blume.com/swp Yumi: get $60 your first month with promo code MSW at helloyumi.com SUPPORT THE SHOW: Patreon  SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here!

I met Jesus. And meeting Him changed everything. Sarah Mae is a nationally known speaker, the host of The Complicated Heart Podcast, and co-author of the bestselling book, Desperate: Hope for the Mom Who Needs to Breathe. She loves traveling all over the country, speaking at conferences and events, encouraging women to walk in freedom. She makes her home in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, with her woodworker husband, three spunky kiddos, and a naughty yellow lab named Memphis. WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: Sarah’s complicated family story why Sarah decided to include portions of her mother’s journals in her book and what those journals meant to her personally defining gaslighting Sarah’s abortion story how the hope and kindness of God transformed Sarah’s life replacing core lies with God’s truth learning how to set boundaries accepting reality and letting go of expectations how doing the work of our own healing impacts legacy of our family stopping generations of unhealthy patterns LINKS MENTIONED: Annie F. Down’s EnneaSummer The Place We Find Ourselves Surrendering the SecretForgiven and Set FreeHer Choice to Heal: Finding Spiritual and Emotional Peace After AbortionWorthy of Love: A Journey of Hope and Healing After AbortionBetter Help: get 10% off your first month when you visit betterhelp.com/msw CONNECT WITH SARAH MAE: website | instagram | facebook | twitter CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: Polar Ignite Fitness Watch: visit polar.com/momstrugglingwell to get yours now Stitch Fix Kids: visit stitchfix.com/kids/swp and get an extra 25% off when you keep everything in your box PLUS use promo code SWP at checkout to waive your $20 styling fee Minno: get a free 7-day trial when you visit gominno.com and use promo code STRUGGLEWELL SUPPORT THE SHOW: Patreon  SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here!

What does it mean to finish well? This week I break it down real simple-like and give you 4 steps to help you reflect on 2019. But don’t worry! It’s not scary and at the end of this exercise, there will be plenty of encouragement. That’s just my style! There is even a printable so dive in with us in this last month of the year as we discuss finishing well. WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: what’s new and noteworthy in our lives including Em’s therapy cat and Katie’s double A semester would you rather start every sentence with “hey idiot” or end every sentence with “just kidding”? the stories you sent us about how you’re finishing well 4 tips for finishing well 3 questions to ask yourself daily to access your higher thinking brain encouragement from 1 Peter about finishing well LINKS MENTIONED: Finish WELL printable CONNECT WITH KATIE: instagram CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: Yumi: get $60 your first month with promo code MSW at helloyumi.com Third Love: get 15% off your first order when you visit thirdlove.com/swp Hands-On Bible: get 35% off when you use code MSW at TheHandsOnBible.com (valid thru 12/23/19) SUPPORT THE SHOW: Patreon  SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here!

How can I talk to my kids about sexual abuse? How do I know if what I encountered is abuse? Is my church a safe place for my kids? All of these are important questions and we talk about the hard stuff today with my guest Mary DeMuth. Her best advice for us? Speak up, and persevere anyway. If you met Mary DeMuth today, her joy might confuse you. Who she has become in light of tragedy is a testimony of Jesus’s ability to transform a broken life. A child of three divorces, a victim of repeated sexual assault at five-years-old, with a father who died when she was ten, Mary wanted to end her life in her teens. In the tenth grade, she heard about Jesus, and she knew she wanted to chase after Him for the rest of her life. Thankfully, He chased her. Mary is the author of forty books, including her latest: We Too: How the Church Can Respond Redemptively to the Sexual Abuse Crisis. She has spoken around the world about God’s ability to transform a life and planted a church with her family in southern France. Her best work? Being a mom to three amazing young adults and the wife of 28 years to Patrick. She makes her home in Dallas alongside her husband, an energetic chocolate lab, and a fuzzy black cat. WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: ​Mary’s history of sexual abuse and finding Christ how Mary reconciles her faith in a good God who allowed her to be abused how Mary’s experiences have affected her parenting what lead Mary to focus on the abuse happening in the church how Mary is using the stories of other survivors to help fuel her advocacy the power of sharing your story key factors of a safe church how to recognize when you’ve been abused and how to begin to heal Mary’s encouragement for survivors about the process of healing confronting your abuser educating your kids about sex and abuse what Christians can do to help bring justice for victims LINKS MENTIONED: 21 Days of Healing The Child Safeguarding Policy for Churches and MinistriesGod Made All of Me: A Book to Help Children Protect Their BodiesLifeIsBroken.com CONNECT WITH MARY: website | instagram | facebook CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: Blume: get 25% off your first stick + free shipping when you visit blume.com/swp Prep Dish: get 2 weeks free when you visit prepdish.com/msw Embr Wave: get $60 off your Embr Wave bracelet when you visit embrwave.com/msw SUPPORT THE SHOW: Patreon  SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here!

WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: encouragement if you’re grieving this holiday season letting your kids have all the toys (even if they clutter your house) dealing with dirty floors what to do with all the kids at parties so you don’t get stuck babysitting helping kids with sensory needs during loud family get-togethers how to enjoy hosting holidays with divorced parents throwing a post-Christmas birthday party that people will want to attend politely shutting down unwanted questions about foster kids Christmas tree alternatives celebrating kids birthdays close to Christmas LINKS MENTIONED: Care.com Meg Duerksen CONNECT WITH REBECKY: website | instagram CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: Zola: build your free wedding website + $50 toward your registry at zola.com/struggling Canvas People: text MSW to 484848 and get a free 11x14 photo canvas (+ shipping & handling) Minno: get a free 7-day trial when you visit gominno.com and use promo code STRUGGLEWELL SUPPORT THE SHOW: Patreon  SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here!

Sheridan Voysey is a writer, speaker, and broadcaster on faith and spirituality. His other books include Resurrection Year: Turning Broken Dreams into New Beginnings, Resilient, and the award-winning Unseen Footprints . Sheridan is a regular contributor to BBC Radio 2 and other international networks, and has featured on BBC Breakfast, BBC News, Day of Discovery, and 100 Huntley Street. He is married to Merryn and lives and travels from Oxford, United Kingdom. WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: Sheridan and his wife’s struggle with infertility and how it lead to a change in perspective about identity why Sheridan decided to take a 116-mile pilgrimage to Lindisfarne Island —the place where the Gospel first took root and spread our character being our legacy breaking the fear of wrong decision making closing the door on your dreams and grieving the loss how taking your own pilgrimage can grow your relationship with God CONNECT WITH SHERIDAN: website | instagram | facebook CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: Third Love: get 15% your first purchase when you visit thirdlove.com/swp Stitch Fix Kids: get the $20 styling fee waived on your first box when you visit stitchfix.com/kids/swp Minno: get a free 7-day trial when you visit gominno.com and use promo code STRUGGLEWELL SUPPORT THE SHOW: Patreon  SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here!

It just seems like when we are celebrating we should actually be having FUN! This week, we talk about how to celebrate WELL. WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: Celebrating the holidays using the WELL framework - Wait, Expect, Listen, Lean In 7 steps to help you enjoy holiday parties Rules for throwing a crappy house party (and why you should try it) Your Chrismas strugg stories including everything from trash bag diapers and turkey carving wet suits to allowing yourself grace to grieve Katie’s favorite Christmas memory Stash It or Trash It - Pumpkin Spice Spam and Zombie Skittles What’s giving us life and what’s killing us softly LINKS MENTIONED: Jimmy Fallon “Ew!” Company is Coming video Grief Share U of A No Doubt tribute CONNECT WITH KATIE: instagram CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: Embr Wave: get $30 off your Embr Wave bracelet when you visit embrwave.com/msw Care Of: get 25% off your first order when you visit takecareof.com and use promo code MSW Polar Ignite Fitness Watch SUPPORT THE SHOW: Patreon  SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here!

Tricia Goyer is a busy mom of ten, doting grandma, and wife to John. A USA Today bestselling author, Tricia has published seventy books and is a two-time Carol Award winner, as well as a Christy and ECPA Award Finalist. She is also on the blogging team at TheBetterMom.com and other homeschooling and Christian sites. Tricia is the founder of Hope Pregnancy Ministries and currently leads a teen MOPS Group in Little Rock, Arkansas. WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: why Tricia became passionate about getting her family to try being grumble-free controlling your anger when your kids get angry making Bible learning a priority letting kids learn responsibility by earning privileges choosing when to let your kids wear makeup helping kids with trauma become vulnerable by drawing close how God used Tricia’s grandma’s injury to teach the family about the power of praise a story about flat Build-a-Bears and how practicing going grumble-free has changed her kids LINKS MENTIONED Calming Angry Kids The Grumble-Free YearVanstek erasable gel pens CONNECT WITH TRICIA: website | instagram | facebook | pinterest CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: Prep Dish: get 2 weeks free when you visit prepdish.com/msw Blume: get 25% off your first stick + free shipping when you visit blume.com/swp Everlywell: 15% off any at-home lab test when you visit everlywell.com/msw and use promo code MSW at checkout SUPPORT THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon *As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I am going to buy a yacht any day now. SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here!

This month we tackle business problems! We talk about budgeting, saving for college, and loans. Rebecky was also on the cusp of a citizens arrest AND a drug intervention in the parking lot she was recording in. We caught up on Jonah’s Bigfoot hunt and Em apologized for bringing a ghost child on the podcast last week. Look for us on Instagram this coming month as we ask for questions you need to be solved! WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: an update on Rebecky’s bigfoot party the struggle for self-control with sweets in the house family budgeting and saving for college affordable gift ideas for co-workers an alternative to small business loans the value and price of hand-made products how to establish a mastermind group offering family discounts how to quit your job LINKS MENTIONED: Mint PayPal Working Capital Loan Shopify Capital Loan CONNECT WITH REBECKY: website | instagram CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: Homer: try Homer Reading for 30 days free when you visit LearnWithHomer.com/msw Kiwi Co.: visit kiwico.com/msw and get your first box free Get the Laugh and Learn Bible today by visiting LaughAndLearnBible.com SUPPORT THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon *As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I am going to buy a yacht any day now. SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here!

This is part 2 of a great conversation with Sarabeth Kapusta. Even though she has experienced countless reasons to distrust, and even flee Christianity, God has given her a deep love for His Church, His Word, and making known to as many as possible that God is not an abuser. She is an attorney and a generally free-spirited person. She is also a violinist, runner, writer, wannabe chef, and farm girl. She is a survivor of 25 years of abuse in a cult masquerading as a Baptist Church and is passionate about studying Scripture and sharing the truth and freedom found there. She is an advocate for those in the seasons of doubt and desires to give a voice to the voiceless among us. WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: what happened after Sarabeth left the cult how God’s goodness helped Sarabeth to reconcile her anger toward Him holding on to pain to validate our trauma depression, anxiety and mental health attempting to visit her sister in the cult finding a church she trusts how God is slowly reuniting and healing her family how you can help reach someone in a cult LINKS MENTIONED The Next Right Thing podcast 9 Marks Acts 29 CONNECT WITH SARABETH: instagram CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: Canvas People: text MSW to 484848 and get a free 11x14 photo canvas (+ shipping & handling) Everlywell: get 15% off your lab test when you visit everlywell.com/msw and use promo code MSW SUPPORT THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon *As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I am going to buy a yacht any day now. SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here!

This month was brought to you by the letter: M. We had all kinds of things to tell you! We had a mosquito moment, a mobster moment and a moronic moment. We also talked about new music we like, an update on Em’s mattress saga and more on mental health. We touched base on where we’re at with the Magnolia marathon and some memorable massages we had recently. WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: Mosquito Minute: Katie fills us in on the latest terrifying mosquito virus Mobster Minute: Emily shares about Crimetown - a podcast about mobsters in Providence, Rhode Island Montana Minute: Montana just had their first snow, officially ushering in the holiday season Moronic Minute: how Emily got burned steaming her clothes - while she was wearing them Music Minute: two songs Katie’s loving right now Mental Health Minute: an update on Emily’s medicine saga Marathon Minute: Katie & Em catch up on marathon training progress Massage Minute: a tale of two masseuses Magic Kingdom Minute: Emily discusses her vacation plans and reveals her dislike of Mickey Mouse shirts what’s killing us softly and what’s giving us life LINKS MENTIONED: Crimetown Post Malone “Sunflower” Post Malone “Circles” Office Ladies podcast Every Little Thing CONNECT WITH KATIE: instagram CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS:   SUPPORT THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon *As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I am going to buy a yacht any day now. SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here!

You know that nagging feeling you get when something feels off? That feeling turned into a storm inside this girl and it changed the course of her life forever. Meet Sarabeth Kapusta. Even though she has experienced countless reasons to distrust, and even flee Christianity, God has given her a deep love for His Church, His Word, and making known to as many as possible that God is not an abuser. She is an attorney and a generally free-spirited person. She is also a violinist, runner, writer, wannabe chef, and farm girl. She is a survivor of 25 years of abuse in a cult masquerading as a Baptist Church and is passionate about studying Scripture and sharing the truth and freedom found there. She is an advocate for those in the seasons of doubt and desires to give a voice to the voiceless among us. WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: why Sarabeth made the decision to live in a camper full-time what she has learned from going minimalist the abuse Sarahbeth suffered as part of a cult disguised as the church the events that finally lead to Sarabeth leaving the cult LINKS MENTIONED National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 CONNECT WITH SARABETH: instagram CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: Prep Dish: get your first 2 weeks free when you visit prepdish.com/msw Blume: get 25% off + free shipping on your first stick of Hug Me deodorant when you text SWP to 797979 SUPPORT THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon *As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I am going to buy a yacht any day now. SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here!

WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: Gavin’s successful sleep training the full-circle story of Rebecky’s new dog, Mojo what to do when your neighbor’s dog won’t stop barking pro tips on how to entertain your toddler when breastfeeding a baby how Emily’s counselor finally convinced her that she’s overcommitting solving your sex problems… very awkwardly solving all of Rebecky’s husband’s problems from empty water pitchers to vacationing with a dog meal prep for busy moms LINKS MENTIONED: Flight of the Conchords “Business Time” Anatomy of Marriage podcast Prep Dish (use the link to start your 2-week free trial) Better Life Bags Fanny Pack CONNECT WITH REBECKY: website | instagram CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: Kiwi Co.: visit kiwico.com/msw and get your first box free Get Planty Course: get 10% off when you use promo code MSW at getplantycourse.com SUPPORT THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon *As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I am going to buy a yacht any day now. SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here!

Have you ever felt called to do something for your community? Whether it’s cultivating a craft weekend with strangers or caring for tiny sweet foster babies, Meg Duerksen is the hostess with the mostess. Meg is a girl who turned “you know what would be a good idea” into an adult Barbie dream house and boy are we glad she did! She is the creator of Camp Create at the Whatever Craft House in Newton, Kansas and the keeper of the instagram famous rainbow stairs. Meg doesn’t just keep a great house and whip up killer margaritas, she has a HUGE heart and shared with us why being a foster parent was a great fit for her family. WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: how and why Meg opened the Whatever Craft House how God is using Meg’s love and talent for crafting in a way she never expected Meg’s experience with and heart for foster care CONNECT WITH MEG: website | instagram CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: Better Help: get 10% off your first month when you visit betterhelp.com/msw Lola: get 40% off your first month subscription when you visit mylola.com and use promo code MSW SUPPORT THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here!

How do you know if you have depression or anxiety? At what point do you seek help? Rebekah came on this week to share her story and we talk a lot about fear, lies, mental health and faith. When your identity is tied to your accomplishments it’s easy to start to feel like you’re drowning. So, what has to change? What does God say about rest, food, connection, creativity? Rebekah shares with us a lot of her ah-ha moments in her new book, Rhythms of Renewal: Trading Stress and Anxiety for a Life of Peace and Purpose, Lyons pulls from her own journey with anxiety and depression to guide readers through four life-giving rhythms to overcome fear and live an abundant, vibrant life. Rebekah Lyons is a national speaker and bestselling author of You Are Free: Be Who You Already Are and Freefall to Fly: A Breathtaking Journey Toward a Life of Meaning. An old soul with a contemporary, honest voice, Rebekah reveals her own battles to overcome anxiety and depression—and invites others to discover and boldly pursue their God-given purpose. Alongside her husband, Gabe, Rebekah finds joy in raising four children, two of whom have Down syndrome. She wears her heart on her sleeve, a benefit to friends and readers alike. Her work has been featured on Good Morning America, CNN, Huffington Post, The Tennessean, Publisher’s Weekly, and more. WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: how stress can lead to anxiety and build into depression knowing when it’s time to get outside help battling the lies of depression with the truth of Christ what it actually means to “take your thoughts captive” the power of speaking the truth about your friends never allowing our label or diagnosis to be our identity a few practical ways to guard our rest CONNECT WITH REBEKAH: website | instagram | facebook | twitter CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: Third Love: get 15% off when you visit thirdlove.com/swp Care Of: get 25% off your first order when you visit takecareof.com and use promo code MSW SUPPORT THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here!

This month it was decided that we need to have a catch up session BUT that we would keep it purposeful. Here’s what we covered: Important dates in September (there are a surprising amount of things to celebrate), glitter cuticles and back to school. Em talks openly about “breaking her brain” while trying to switch medications and we deep dive mascara. You know, the ushe. WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: Katie’s “the kids are at school” body glow Emily’s teacher’s anxiety producing email requirements all things September Emily’s secret guacamole ingredient Starbucks fall drink ordering pro tips the mystery of why Emily’s new meds are making her both nauseous and crave bean burritos why Emily has made the very difficult decision to not make her daughter clean her room anymore how Emily is struggling well by watching 5 minute craft and funny cat videos with her kids what’s giving us life + what’s killing us softly LINKS MENTIONED: Boots No. 7 Stay Perfect Mascara Origins GenZing mascara CONNECT WITH KATIE: instagram CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: Brooklinen: get 10% off + free shipping when you use promo code SWP at brooklinen.com Birch Box: get $5 off your first box when you visit birchbox.com/msw and use code MSW at checkout SUPPORT THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here!

Do you ever feel like an outsider no matter where you are? Do you need motivation to be courageous and talk to the people that could be "your people”? Rachel lives and writes in Djibouti, a small country in the Horn of Africa. Her family has learned (is still learning) how to struggle well while living as cultural and spiritual outsiders in this Muslim country. She has published a book about raising kids abroad: Finding Home: Third Culture Kids in the World and has a book coming out in October. It’s a biography of "Somalia's Mother Teresa", a woman who also struggled well in Djibouti, fighting against terrorism, disease, and fundamentalism. Rachel writes about life at the crossroads of faith and culture (for places from the New York Times to Christianity Today) and loves encouraging others to live with love and courage. She is also the runner that I want to become! I know you're going to love hearing from this inspiring lady! WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: the culture of Djibouti what led Rachel and her family to move to Djibouti what it’s like for Rachel to be an outsider both culturally and spiritually what Rachel has learned from about faith in a primarily Muslim country what Americans misunderstand about Muslims starting a conversation with someone from another culture the pros and cons of raising kids in a foreign culture why Rachel and her husband decided to send their kids to boarding school how living in Africa has changed the way Rachel sees God how the African culture honors the connection between our spiritual and physical lives LINKS MENTIONED: Altra running shoes CONNECT WITH RACHEL: website | instagram | facebook | twitter CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: Better Help: get 10% off your first month when you visit betterhelp.com/msw Prep Dish: start your 2-week free trial when you visit prepdish.com/msw SUPPORT THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here!

This week for our 200th episode celebration Rebecky and Katie combined forces to surprise Emily with sweet sentiments, cutting sarcasm and a little bit of encouragement. It was so fun to celebrate and take some time to reflect on the past 4 years. Thank you all for being here and I’m so glad you get to celebrate with us! WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: facts involving the number 200 (because Emily knows that you love facts) Emily answers Patreon questions: her favorite episodes, who she would love to interview and the hardest topics for her to discuss the transition from having to seek out guests to people asking to be on the show the anxiety of releasing episode one an introduction to Rebecky’s new dog, Mojo Rebecky and Katie’s favorite episodes looking back on some changes from episode 1 to episode 200 meeting MSW listeners in real life Rebecky’s favorite parts of the show a homework assignment for MSW listeners LINKS MENTIONED: Better Life Bag Fanny Pack Episode 1: Breena Holt #47: Surrendering All and Bad Burritos with Nicole DeFord #28: Exercise, Monsters, and NO MORE BROCCOLI with Layne and Porter Problem Solved: the Maiden Voyage #38: Starting Small and Saying "Hello" with Rebecca Smith Diva Cup #32: You Are Loved and Worth Loving with Brandi Lea #58: Journey Toward Healing with Brandi Lea #43: Viewing Inadequacies as Gifts with Anjuli Paschall #100: The People In My Neighborhood #77: Lay Your Worry Down and Sing a Song Instead with Ellie Holcomb #153: Cultivating What You're Given with Ellie Holcomb CONNECT WITH REBECKY: website | instagram CONNECT WITH KATIE: instagram CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: Better Help: get 10% off your first month when you visit betterhelp.com/swpHomer: visit LearnWithHomer.com/msw to start your free 30-day trial   SUPPORT THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here!

Have you ever made the connection between the growth of a plant and the growth in your faith? Have you ever encountered a communicative plant? If you’re a plant lover, buckle in! If you aren’t YET, you're going to learn about totipotent nodes. I mean, that's just going to happen. But you're also going to hear a beautiful story about rising up through the soil in a broken home, battling depression/anxiety and flourishing. You see what I did there? Dusty Hegee is a coffee-obsessed houseplant educator, wife and mother living in the Pacific Northwest. She can’t help but see the incredible parallels between plant growth and the way God brings us through seasons in our lives. It is her goal is to equip people with the tools needed to navigate those seasons WELL, keep their houseplants alive, and learn to enjoy the growth process along the way. WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: how and why Dusty decided to make houseplant education her career Dusty’s houseplant recommendations for the plant challenged - Golden Pothos and the Snake plant simplifying potted plants different types of plant propagation and how they work Dusty’s journey with anxiety and depression and what’s been helping her cope the traumatic birth story of Dusty’s first child and what she’s learned about God in the process of healing LINKS MENTIONED: Get Planty waitlist CONNECT WITH DUSTY: website | instagram CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: Third Love: get 15% off your first order when you visit thirdlove.com/swp SUPPORT THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here!

Have you ever heard of a vampire facial? Ever considered a fanny pack for fashionable bike riding emergencies? This month we talk about the importance of treating yourself, or, as Tom and Donna from Parks and Rec say, “Treat Yo Self!”. This doesn’t have to be fancy or extravagant. We all need a little something fun to celebrate our fantastical selves every now and again. Listen to hear some of our tips and let us know what you like to do to treat yo self! WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: Treat Yo Self stories gone wrong vampire facials Treat Yo Self spending limits ideas for cheap ways to Treat Yo Self our first Mom Struggling Well mug winner what’s killing us softly and what’s giving us life LINKS MENTIONED: Better Life Bags Figs scrubs Hello Fresh: get $20 off your first 3 boxes when you visit HelloFresh.com/SWP60 and use promo code SWP60 CONNECT WITH KATIE: instagram CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: Canvas People: text MSW to 484848 and get a free 11x14 photo canvas (+ shipping & handling) Better Help: get 10% off your first month when you visit betterhelp.com/swp SUPPORT THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here!

What is a God Dare? Will it be scary? How can I be sure that it’s actually God speaking to me? I can’t WAIT for you to get to know Kate. She speaks to us today about letting Jesus pick your future and what that looks like. She’s down to earth and blows her own cover on some pretty personal things along her journey. Kate wrote her book, The God Dare, for anyone who feels they have lost their purpose. She hopes that readers will be reminded that all God ever needs are willing vessels. Kate Battistelli is an author, speaker, former actress/singer and mother of Contemporary Christian recording artist Francesca Battistelli. Kate’s goal is to see you be all God has created you to be, and she truly believes each of us is here to change the world. She is a natural encourager and believes in your ability to change the world, even if you don’t! She lives in Franklin, she’s been married to her husband Mike for thirty-four years and loves being near her family. CONNECT WITH KATE: website | instagram | facebook | twitter CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: Prep Dish: start your 2-week free trial when you visit prepdish.com/msw Homer: get a free 30-day trial when you visit learnwithhomer.com/msw SUPPORT THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here!

WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: Rebecky’s decision to stop homeschooling her kids (and she doesn’t care if you like it or not) Emily’s marathon training and what inspired her to try something she didn’t even think was possible saving up for our son’s weddings - is that a thing now? how FaceApp is making us all fear turkey necks and wrinkles with its age filter date night ideas for staying in or going out weighing the pros and cons of changing jobs CONNECT WITH REBECKY: website | instagram CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: Brooklinen: get 10% off + free shipping when you use promo code SWP at Brooklinen.com Jelly Telly: pre-order the Laugh & Learn Bible for 50% off at laughandlearnbible.com with the promo code STRUGGLEWELL SUPPORT THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love the Struggle Well Project? Please leave a review here!

I don’t want to abuse food. I workout, but nothing changes. I try hard and then I fail hard. You are not alone, sweet girl! Alisa came on the show to talk to all of us about the lies we are telling ourselves when it comes to wellness. She is packed full of knowledge and hits us with some incredible science that links our brains and our bodies. You can’t help but feel motivated when you hear from her and she makes you think deeper about what truly motivates you, specifically. Alisa is the founder and C.E.O. of Revelation Wellness and the author of The Wellness Revelation. As a twenty-five plus year fitness professional, Alisa feels called to convey the message of wholeness as it pertains to health and well-being of the soul and body. She believes that the Gospel is a wholistic message of heart, mind, soul, and strength and each body holds a story that must be told. I double-dog dare you to check her out and get free! WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: dispelling the lie that wellness isn’t for you how traumas can impact our ability to pursue wellness in a healthy way your limbic brain and how it impacts your wellness changing your perspective on vulnerability 4 exercises to help you reconnect with your body holding your peace trying softer, not harder embracing and appreciating the ways our bodies change details on Revelation Wellness’ upcoming 21-day sugar fast LINKS MENTIONED: Revelation Wellness Podcast Body Scan episode CONNECT WITH ALISA: website | instagram | facebook | podcast CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: Jelly Telly: pre-order the Laugh & Learn Bible for 50% off at laughandlearnbible.com with the promo code STRUGGLEWELL Third Love: get 15% off your first order when you visit thirdlove.com/swp SUPPORT THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love the Struggle Well Project? Please leave a review here.

Really? My pants are tight again? I need a plan and some wellness motivation, stat! The Struggling Sisters just had this conversation in real life and it got us thinking about a wellness plan. We will share what it is and why it’s working for us. Em also shares that she has always wanted to run a marathon and how she plans to train for her first one ever! Katie pours out her heart as Yuliya in a poem about a recent trip to the Whatever Craft House and so much more. Enjoy! WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: the struggle to eat healthily tips for keeping healthy eating simple Emily’s marathon prep plan the return of Stash It or Trash It crazy news headlines Katie shares a poem she wrote about the Whatever Craft House (in a Russian accent) what’s killing us softly and what’s giving us life LINKS MENTIONED: Better Help Stephanie Ackerman Noom Revelation Wellness Podcast Eat Your Coffee Confronting: OJ Simpson CONNECT WITH KATIE: instagram CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: Brooklinen: get 10% off + free shipping when you use promo code SWP at Brooklinen.com Daily Harvest: get 3 free cups in your first order when you use promo code SWP at Daily-Harvest.com SUPPORT THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love the Struggle Well Project? Please leave a review here.

“Would you just help me trust you, Lord? I want to want to give it all up to you.” If you’ve prayed these prayers, you’re not alone. We know that the center of God's will is the best place to be, but surrender is easier said than done. A host of hurdles, from busyness and bitterness to complacency and control, can prevent us from moving where He directs. In her latest book, Vivian Mabuni provides an authentic look at what it means to willingly risk saying yes to whatever God asks--and highlights a practical path to the deeper joy of a yielded life. Vivian Mabuni is a national speaker and author with a passion to share the hope and life found through intimacy with God. With 30 years of ministry experience on staff w/ Cru, she loves teaching about the Bible and providing practical applications. Author of Warrior In Pink and Open Hands, Willing Heart, she lives in Southern California with her husband, Darrin, and their kids. She loves coffee, post-its, sushi and shoes. WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: God’s example of rest and the importance of rest in our lives what it actually means to “Sabbath” true surrender to Christ’s will the grace of God’s preparation for the hard times in our lives lessons learned from suffering Vivian’s struggle with imposter syndrome and scarcity mentality LINKS MENTIONED: Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Choosing Rest Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership Africa New Life Ministries Noonday Rustic Leather Wallet CONNECT WITH VIVIAN: website | instagram | facebook | twitter CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: Jelly Telly: pre-order the Laugh & Learn Bible for 50% off at laughandlearnbible.com with the promo code STRUGGLEWELL LOLA: get 40% off your subscription when you visit mylola.com and use the promo code SWP at checkout SUPPORT THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend. The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love Mom Struggling Well? Please leave a review here.

Are you losing hope? Working through trauma? Man. Lora shared with us her journey of finding the other side of a horrible situation, and I’m so thankful for her wisdom and perspective. Lora talks to us about why it’s OK to question God and shares the story that lead her to a crossroads in her faith. Lora Jones graduated from Kansas State University with a degree in Accounting and from Midwestern Theological Seminary with a Master’s in Religious Education. She married J.L. Jones during college and their family became complete with the birth of two children, Janessa and Jayden. J.L. and Lora served the Lord in full-time ministry for nearly 20 years until the family was involved in an automobile accident. Lora alone survived. Currently, Lora is an inspirational speaker sharing her story across the country since 2006. Speaking to audiences of all sizes, her storytelling style enables her to communicate with Christians of differing backgrounds and denominations. Lora is a rock and this one heck of a heavy conversation but it’s a great one! WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: the story of a horrific automobile accident that claimed the lives of Lora’s husband and children the lasting triggers of Lora’s experience how God used the shock of what had happened as protection against the weight of grief how Lora’s community supported her in the wake of the accident why Lora decided not to move back home after the accident how we can help others grieve the comfort Lora found in teenagers and college students how God restored joy and purpose in Lora’s life what Lora’s relationship with God looks like now encouragement to live in the present LINKS MENTIONED: Bible Reading Plan Song of a Wounded Heart Spiritual Prepper CONNECT WITH LORA: website | facebook CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: Prep Dish: get 2 weeks free when you visit prepdish.com/swp Jelly Telly: pre-order the Laugh & Learn Bible for 50% off at laughandlearnbible.com with the promo code STRUGGLEWELL SUPPORT THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love the Struggle Well Project? Please leave a review here!

If someone asked you “Do you know your number?”, would you know what they mean? They’re talking about the enneagram, of course! If you like personality tests, you’ll love this episode! Rebecky brought on the first ever Problem Solved guest, Lauren, who is an enneagram coach. She typed Rebecky live on the pod and helped us understand other enneagram numbers in the process. Rebecky can’t decide how she feels about her number, but thinks that it’s probably the worst-case scenario. Emily gets some clarification on EXACTLY what her number is because finding out her perfect number is the right thing to do. Any guesses on what numbers they are?! WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: how the enneagram affected Lauren’s marriage and other relationships tips for identifying your enneagram type Lauren helps identify what enneagram type Rebecky is a brief history of the Enneagram Emily confirms that she is an enneagram 1 and tells us about her inner critic, “Maude” how our need for God is reflected through our enneagram numbers LINKS MENTIONED: The Enneagram Institute The Road Back to You CONNECT WITH LAUREN: instagram | website CONNECT WITH REBECKY: website | instagram CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: Blume: text SWP to 797979 to get 25% off your first stick of Hug Me deodorant SUPPORT THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love the Struggle Well Project? Please leave a review here!

Do you think if you were diagnosed with cancer that you’d think things like “This is a blessing” or “I was chosen for this mission!“? I know that I would NOT be that insightful. It is my pleasure to introduce you to Ali Christian, a wife, mom and business owner born and raised in upstate New York. She was recently diagnosed with stage four cancer, uprooted her family from NY and moved to CA to get treatment. She and her husband are passionate about sharing the story God is writing for them with full transparency & (attempted) full surrender. She shares with us what it looks like when your life stops and you begin a new life as a full-time cancer fighter. She is the definition of a Mom Struggling Well and I am so pleased that she came to share her joy with all of us. WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: Ali’s cancer diagnosis story living with stage 4 cancer how Ali’s perspective on her diagnosis shifted from one of doom to an opportunity to minister what it looks like to keep Ali’s family running during her treatment being intentional with her husband two things you shouldn’t say to people battling cancer how Ali’s cancer has affected her relationship with her kids the biggest thing God has taught Ali through her battle with cancer stories of how God has very practically shown up for Ali and her family CONNECT WITH ALI: website | instagram | gofundme CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: Daily Harvest: get 3 cups free in your first box using promo code SWP Brooklinen: get 10% off your first order plus free shipping when you use promo code SWP SUPPORT THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love the Struggle Well Project? Please leave a review here!

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the beginning of summer? Do you have any major plans? We shared a little bit of both + some of our favorite summer things and, as always, what is killing us softly. For Katie, the ticks are killing her and her family softly and the Penderwick series is giving the Thomas crew life. In this episode, you’ll understand why Em’s boss is constantly considering firing her and learn about two new summer drinks we love. Fake news is Em’s favorite and she really brought it this time. Thanks for listening to this summer-y summer episode, we hope you love it! WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: Emily and Katie’s summer plans all the things giving us life this summer from deodorant to sparkling water strange news stories the incredible story that earned Katie the nickname “Crash” what’s killing us softly LINKS MENTIONED: VISA Greenlight Glossier Boy Brow Schmidt’s Rose + Vanilla deodorant The Penderwicsk 4-Book Boxed Set 1 Second Everyday Chatbooks The Shrink Next Door Ear Hustle All Birds Starbucks Espresso Con Panna Seven drinks CONNECT WITH KATIE: instagram CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: Better Help: get 10% off your first month when you visit betterhelp.com/swp SUPPORT THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love the Struggle Well Project? Please leave a review here.

Tara Bremer is the founder of House Peace and has been bringing peace into homes for over fifteen years. She holds a BA in Psychology from Purdue University and a Master's in Counseling from Moravian Theological Seminary. She brings this knowledge of the human condition, behavioral psychologies, and habit formations to every home she visits, all with a judgment-free mentality. Whether she's helping you formulate a plan to maximize closet space, or cleaning out your laundry room, Tara and her team love every aspect of the brain puzzle that is organizing and simplifying a home. In addition to being Birmingham's most trusted and respected home simplifier, Tara puts her experience to the test every day with her own family, as a wife and mother of three. WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: why Tara became passionate about helping others organize their homes Emily’s therapeutic closet cleaning experience how having an organized home relates to living a productive Christian life keeping your mornings organized with a checklist for your kids decluttering with your kids… or not how Tara has learned to struggle well by developing structure for her kids LINKS MENTIONED: Atypical Jasmine Rae Hair Co. L’ange Le Vite Brush CONNECT WITH TARA: website | instagram | facebook CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: Better Help: get 10% off your first month when you visit betterhelp.com/swp Prep Dish: get 2 weeks free when you visit prepdish.com/swp SUPPORT THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love the Struggle Well Project? Please leave a review here!

Do you think you’re hard to work with? Do you think you come on too strong? We talk through a few of these things and share some friendship and workplace insecurities. We also talk about the loveliness of Emilio Gavin and Rebecky’s pause from her million-dollar corporation + her new stay-at-home status. Rebecky shares more about her workout routine and why it’s working for her right now. It’s great! We had too many problems to solve and they ranged from morning sickness to dog issues. We loved this one and we’re so happy to share it with you! WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: Rebecky’s current life as a SAHM how Rebecky’s 4-minute workouts are changing her life tips for dealing with morning sickness advice on working with a boss with poor communication skills Rebecky shares her insecurities as a boss and a friend camping with dogs confronting nosey neighbors testing out a minimalist kitchen deciding when you’re done having children CONNECT WITH REBECKY: website | instagram CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: Third Love: get 15% off your first order when you visit thirdlove.com/swp Robin Hood: sign up now at struggle.robinhood.com and start your portfolio with a free stock SUPPORT THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love the Struggle Well Project? Please leave a review here!

How do you know if you’re struggling well or just plain struggling? Just Em is back again with part three of a four-part series on what it means to Struggle WELL. This week we deep dive on the second L of WELL. L is for LEAN IN. TOPICS: what happens when you stop cursing your situation and get curious about it instead two things to ask yourself - What if I did something different here? What is God trying to teach me in this situation? focusing on fixing ourselves rather than trying to change others seeing the fork in the road as an opportunity modeling the person we want our children to be the struggle to stop “kicking the goads” LINKS MENTIONED: Download your Struggle WELL printable Part One: Wait Part Two: Expect Part Three: Look Again Daring Greatly CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: Daily Harvest: get 3 cups free in your first box using promo code SWP Brooklinen: get 10% off your first order plus free shipping when you use promo code SWP SUPPORT THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love the Struggle Well Project? Please leave a review here!

What are the signs YOU show when you need a mental health break? Do you think you could benefit from counseling but need some real-life details about it? We get deep about our own experiences with counseling and mental health issues but we also share some fun facts about some pretty outrageous arrests lately. Balance, right? From Justin Bieber to the Judds, we cover quite a lot in this episode. WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: how Justin Bieber inspired our mental health topic mental health arrest stories how we know when it’s time to work on our mental health how we’ve been struggling well since April’s episode how the Struggs in our community have been struggling well by changing their perspectives we try pancake and maple flavored Peeps in our new segment that we need your help naming why body scrubber ads are killing Katie softly and a potential tattoo is giving Emily life LINKS MENTIONED: Re:generation Celebrate Recovery Boie Body Scrubber CONNECT WITH KATIE: instagram CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: BioClarity: save 40% on your skincare routine + get 15% off any product when you use promo code SWP Care Of: get 30% off your first order with promo code SWP30 SUPPORT THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love the Struggle Well Project? Please leave a review here.

There is so much to know about foster care. Hallie has a ton of knowledge and such a beautiful perspective on parenting. You guys are going to LOVE her. Hallie Graves is a 30-something from the great Austin, Texas. Not a fan of the linear life, Hallie’s a speaker and writer, a lawyer with a boutique law firm, a foster care activist, and a #singlefostermom with infant and toddlers, and is overly interested in just about everything. Hallie is passionate about encouraging people to live fully in light of the grace and freedom of Jesus and to use every ounce of all they’ve been given in this life. She loves the Austin library, Broadway shows, queso, yoga, words, traveling, and her people. Hallie’s involved in the Austin Stone Community Church, Foster Village, and The Archibald Project, and has degrees in voice, physics, and law. WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: how Hallie became involved in the foster care system a real look at what it’s like for a child to be removed from their family and placed into the foster care system things everyone should know about foster care how Hallie remains positive in the midst of heartbreaking work choosing our words carefully when we speak about our children when we’re stressed handling the trauma of attaching to foster children that are later removed the importance of mental health for foster parents how we can better support foster parents LINKS MENTIONED: Starbucks Medicine Ball (aka Honey Citrus Mint Tea) The Real Mom Podcast Foster the Family CASA Poshmark CONNECT WITH HALLIE GRAVES: website | instagram | facebook | twitter CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: Third Love: get 15% off your first purchase when you visit thirdlove.com/swp Baked by Melissa: get 15% off your next order using promo code SWP SUPPORT THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love the Struggle Well Project? Please leave a review here!

How do you know if you’re struggling well or just plain struggling? Just Em is back again with part three of a four-part series on what it means to Struggle WELL. This week we deep dive on the first L of WELL. L is for LOOK AGAIN. TOPICS: remembering that there are two sides to every situation two different perspectives for struggling moms embracing the hard times as a chance to grow how Emily is flipping her perspective on two of her own personal struggles LINKS MENTIONED: Download your Struggle WELL printable Part One: Wait Part Two: Expect CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: Blume: text SWP to 797979 to get 25% off your first stick of Hug Me deodorant Noom: start your free trial today at noom.com/swp SUPPORT THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love the Struggle Well Project? Please leave a review here!  

Do you have ten million pictures on your phone and need a plan? When is a good time to let your children have access to the cyberspace? How can you stay the heck off your phone? There is lot’s of talk about technology boundaries with kids and Emily’s favorite subject comes up: appropriateness! Rebecky and Emily both realize they are placing non-technology items out to be shared and discovered by the kids, and it’s working! Tech facts gave Em life and Rebecky shares how she likes to decompress in non-tech fashion. WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: Rebecky moonlighting on other podcasts how a Diva cup story lead to a beautiful friendship how Rebecky is struggling well with 4-minute workouts how Emily is struggling well by buying pre-packaged healthy meals for herself and hiring a housekeeper, even if she does feel guilty about it when to get your child a smartphone how to deal with awkward mom social media comments disconnecting from social media solutions for photo storage Links Mentioned: Snap Kitchen No Such Thing As a Fish Criminal podcast The Anatomy of Marriage The Minimalish Podcast Google Photos Shutterfly CONNECT WITH REBECKY: website | instagram CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: Daily Harvest: use promo code SWP and get 3 free cups in your first box Canvas People: get an 11 x 14 photo canvas for free + shipping & handling by texting SWP to 484848 SUPPORT THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love the Struggle Well Project? Please leave a review here!

How do you know if you’re struggling well or just plain struggling? Just Em is back again with part two of a four-part series on what it means to Struggle WELL. This week we deep dive on the E portion of WELL. E is for Expect. Topics: Emily clears up why she decided to go back to work full-time how expectations have got a bad rap, but expecting God to do things is the same as faith knowing that God is always on the move, but He’s not a genie managing self-expectations letting go of perfection breaking the chains of bondage by expecting God to help us through our sin struggles LINKS MENTIONED: Part One: Wait CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: Bioclarity: get 40% off skincare routine + 15% everything else on Bioclarity.com when you use promo code SWP at checkout Brooklinen: get 10% off your first order + free shipping when you use promo code SWP at checkout SUPPORT THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love the Struggle Well Project? Please leave a review here!

Do your kids tell you they want a new Mom? Us too. Do you like peeps? Your mouth must be broken. There are new flavors out so try them and report back. We don’t think we have it in us. This week the Struggling Sisters talk spring. Find out what we found in our planters and what we’re planting next. Some spring blooms have brought up past trauma for Em and there is a little update on the new jobs. Em springs some spring facts on us and Katie discovers what spring fever is. This summer we urge you to join us a Jesus craft camp! Details below, you will LOVE IT! WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: planting for spring an update on Katie’s career as a barista and Emily’s school Emily’s traumatic junior high memory interesting spring facts defining spring fever Katie’s daughter’s Ulta escape why are there so many Peep flavors?! the Struggs Jesus Craft Camp takeover LINKS MENTIONED: dahlias holly fern Creative Soul Camp (aka Jesus Craft Camp) Stephanie Ackerman Noodle Meg Duerksen Dermablend Jelly Face Primer Dermablend Compact Setting Powder CONNECT WITH KATIE: instagram CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: Third Love: get 15% off your first order by visiting thirdlove.com/swp Butcher Box: get the Ultimate Breakfast Bundle free + $20 off your first box by visiting butcherbox.com/swp or using promo code swp SUPPORT THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love the Struggle Well Project? Please leave a review here.

How can you live your life more fully YOU? Do you need permission to take a hot minute to check in with yourself? This week we meet Emily, a grad student and a mom in a busy season of life who has practical advice on how we can connect with ourselves and our Father. We talk about creativity and all of the different shapes it can come in. Did you know you can be creative and connect with God without buying the entire contents of aisle 10 at Michaels? Emily P. Freeman is the Wall Street Journal bestselling author of Simply Tuesday and A Million Little Ways. As host of The Next Right Thing podcast, she helps create space for the soul to breathe, offering a fresh perspective on the sacredness of our inner life with God. Emily and her husband live in North Carolina with their three children. WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: how Emily’s book idea turned into a podcast, then back into the book The Next Right Thing the power of indecision defining soul care and where to start how being creative is a part of soul transformation ways to find creativity in things you’re already doing LINKS MENTIONED: The Next Right Thing podcast Super Size Me Pucker Up Thread Up CONNECT WITH EMILY P. FREEMAN: website | instagram | facebook CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: Prep Dish: get 2 weeks free by visiting prepdish.com/swp Robin Hood: start building your portfolio with free stock by visiting struggle.robinhood.com SUPPORT THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love the Struggle Well Project? Please leave a review here!

We answer all of the tough birthday questions this month, like: What do you do when you forget a birthday? What’s the deal with gift bags? Do you do the party drop-off move with your kids? Rebecky has had a celebration breakthrough this year! She shared with us why it’s so important to celebrate yourself and how to not be weird about it. Em shares her go-to gift for girlfriends. Also, Rebecky got some fly electronic accessories and we find out why Em is giving away her designer dog. WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: why Emily’s dog is up for grabs a simple, quick way to let your friend’s know you’re thinking of them to give or not to give gift bags at kid’s parties inexpensive gift ideas our favorite ways to celebrate birthdays enjoying birthdays as adults making birthdays near holidays special without a lot of prep hacks on getting thoughtful gifts for loved ones (and Emily) the proper way to wish someone happy birthday in the social media age CONNECT WITH REBECKY: website | instagram CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: Noom: start your trial today at noom.com/swp Daily Harvest: use promo code SWP and get 3 free cups in your first box SUPPORT THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love the Struggle Well Project? Please leave a review here!

How do you know if you’re struggling well or just plain struggling? Just Em is back with a four-part series on what it means to Struggle WELL. This week we deep dive on the W portion of WELL. W is for Wait. WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: how can we tell when we’re struggling well how our society has eliminated waiting, to our own detriment reminding yourself that waiting is an option heartbreak in the midst of waiting on a faithful God verses about waiting: James 5:7-8, Romans 5:3-4, Psalm 130:5-6 LINKS MENTIONED: “WELL” printable CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: Handy: get your first 3 hour cleaning for $39 when you sign up for a plan at handy.com/swp and use promo code SWP at checkout Simple Health: get your $20 prescription fee waived by visiting simplehealth.com/swp or use promo code SWP at checkout SUPPORT THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love the Struggle Well Project? Please leave a review here.

Do you need a laugh break? Have you always wanted to know the truth about St. Patrick’s Day? This week we give you a quick rundown of St. Patrick’s day history (as we understand it) and we explore some Irish phrases and accents that we enjoy. The original plan was to focus on community, so Emily shared her normal community “fake news”. A quick round of Are You into That? helped us determine we aren’t scrunchie girls anymore, even if it’s cool. WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: in honor of St. Patrick’s day, Emily dares Katie to the Irish slang challenge Irish phrases (read in a very poor Irish accent) the history of St. Patrick Would You Rather - St. Patrick’s edition finding friends with similar niche interests what’s giving us life and what’s killing us softly LINKS MENTIONED: Jason Momoa’s pink scrunchie Not Your Mother’s Beach Babe Dry Shampoo CONNECT WITH KATIE: instagram CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: Brooklinen: get 10% off your first order + free shipping with promo code SWP Butcher Box: get $20 off your first box and 2 lbs. of free ground beef in every box for the life of your subscription by visiting butcherbox.com/swp and entering promo code SWP SUPPORT THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love the Struggle Well Project? Please leave a review here.  

Would you like to be released from the pressure to be perfect? Meet Dr. Barbara! Her job is to help people love the life they have and I’m so excited to share her with you! Dr. Barbara Lowe is a licensed psychologist who founded and owns her own practice in Durham, NC. She is also a Board Certified Life Coach, Somatic Experiencing practitioner, Speaker, Author, and Lay Minister. She is a wife, mother, and step-mother, and has used her training and the wounds of her past to minister professionally and personally to women for many years. Dr. Barbara has created the Hearts Returning Home method for overcoming difficult childhood experiences and messages, to help women move from "Where's the Life I Dreamed Of?" to real soul satisfaction and kick-butt success in life! She offers blogs, vlogs, podcasts, courses, intensives, and retreats at in order to move women into "Finally, here is the life I dreamed of." WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: the power of striving to be average the loneliness of raising kids parenting a child with special needs that are not visible being conscious about how you narrate your life making yourself a soft place for your kids when they make poor choices Barbara’s experience walking through addiction with her son how to detach with love grieving in motherhood the strength of community LINKS MENTIONED: TedX talk with Lynette Lewis Boundaries Connect with Dr. Barbara: website | instagram | facebook | youtube CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: Prep Dish: get your first two weeks free go to prepdish.com/swp Care Of: get 50% off your first month with coupon code SWP50 SUPPORT THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love the Struggle Well Project? Please leave a review here!

WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: how we’re struggling not very well at the moment where to start when you’re overwhelmed with clutter how to enjoy your sanctuary, even when the kids keep destroying it identifying your non-negotiable clean spots the two types of people - clean, but cluttered and tidy, but dirty the frustration of unfinished projects which Girl Scout cookie is the best Girl Scout cookie tip for finding cute, affordable house decor LINKS MENTIONED: Ep. 173: Working Through the Clutter with Dana White Rebecca’s Instagram home tour story (start with “Home Tour 1”) CONNECT WITH REBECKY: website | instagram CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: Blinds Chalet: get an exclusive discount when you use promo code STRUGGLEWELL at checkout Daily Harvest: use promo code SWP and get 3 free cups in your first box SUPPORT THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love the Struggle Well Project? Please leave a review here!

I feel overwhelmed by housework. My brain can’t seem to process monotonous tasks like de-cluttering. There is a HUGE difference between how I want my house to look and how it looks right now. Dana K. White is an author, podcaster, speaker, and (much to her own surprise) a decluttering expert. In a desperate attempt to get her own home under control, Dana started blogging as "Nony" (short for anonymous) at A Slob Comes Clean in 2009. Today, Dana shares realistic home management strategies and a message of hope for the hopelessly messy in her books: Decluttering at the Speed of Life and How to Manage Your Home Without Losing Your Mind. Dana lives with her husband and three kids just outside of Dallas, Texas. Oh, and she's funny. WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: our fascinating backstory how Dana’s life changed when she came clean about her biggest shame what has changed in Dana’s life and in her spirit since decluttering the difference between a person with clutter and a hoarder a practical solution to your Tupperware lid dilemma LINKS MENTIONED: How to Manage Your Home Without Losing Your Mind Decluttering at the Speed of Life A Slob Comes Clean podcast Cascade dishwasher pods Broken Harts podcast CONNECT WITH Dana: website | instagram | facebook CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: Noom: visit noom.com/SWP to start your trial today BioClarity: get 40% off a skin care routine + 15% off other items using promo code SWP at checkout Branch Basics: get your free trial kit for only $5 shipping using promo code SWP5 at checkout Zola: sign up for your free wedding website and get $50 off your registry by visiting zola.com/SWP SUPPORT THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love the Struggle Well Project? Please leave a review here!

I don’t even have a place to BE in this house! What am I even going for design-wise? These are valid and we are here to help! Struggling Sisters are at it again talking about how to make your house into a sanctuary with our organization tips plus ideas on how to make your very own most-favorite spot. Em shares how hard it is to wake up in the mornings and how she likes to live by lamp light most hours of the day. Katie makes fun of Emily accordingly and all is right in the land of the Struggling Sisters. Enjoy! WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: clarification about the future of the podcast and an update on Emily’s job search Katie’s plan to become both a Starbucks Grand Master Coffee Ninja AND a college graduate cheap ways to improve your home our favorite spots in our homes the non-negotiables of house cleaning our design styles according to HGTV tips to keep clutter from piling up LINKS MENTIONED: Cozy Minimalist Home HGTV Design Personality Quiz CONNECT WITH KATIE: instagram CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: Brooklinen: get $20 off + free shipping with promo code SWP Butcher Box: get 2 free filet mignons, free bacon and $20 off your order by visiting butcherbox.com/swp and entering promo code SWP Blinds Chalet: get an exclusive discount when you use promo code STRUGGLEWELL at checkout Lasting: unlock the premium content and get your first month for $.99 by visiting getlasting.com/swp and using promo code SWP SUPPORT THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love the Struggle Well Project? Please leave a review here.

Sarah Bragg is a popular host and communicator. You can find her on iTunes hosting the podcasts Are My Kids On Track and Surviving Sarah. Her book titled Body. Beauty. Boys. The Truth About Girls and How We See Ourselves helps young women find their value in the One who made them. Sarah has a long career of working in ministry and has helped launch several ministry curriculums for Orange during that time. And while she seems to be a master at brewing coffee, cheering for others and surviving life, she has an actual masters degree in Biblical Studies from Dallas Theological Seminary. Sarah and her husband, Scott, and their daughters, Sinclair and Rory, reside in Marietta, Georgia. WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: what it’s been like for Sarah to be the wife of an entrepreneur “selective hearing” when it comes to your husband’s barrage of ideas coping with the loss of a friendship making your house a home, even if it’s temporary not allowing our identity and self-worth to be tethered to people’s opinions self-acceptance and the acceptance of others LINKS MENTIONED: Rising Strong Oprah’s Master Class podcast What About Bob?Lion Coffee CONNECT WITH SARAH: website | instagram | facebook | youtube CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: Robin Hood: sign up at struggle.robinhood.com and get free stock Prep Dish: get a free 3 week trial at prepdish.com/swp Lola: get 40% off any subscription when you use SWP at checkout Blinkist: get a free 7-day trial at blinkist.com/swp SUPPORT THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love the Struggle Well Project? Please leave a review here!

Do you worry that you’re messing your kids up when it comes to body image? Maybe YOU feel a little messed up when it comes to body image. That’s where Rebecky and I come in. We are here to solve all of the body problems and let you know that we feel a little messed up too. These are the things we are sure of: nakedness can be used to repel children when you need a moment alone, “boring” meal preps are some peoples bag and finally, this is 100% the best episode we’ve recorded yet. WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: when should you stop being naked in front of your children ways to help instill a healthy body image for your daughter tips on how to feel more confident in a bathing suit the never-ending struggle to find time and motivation to work out Rebecky’s solution to her Double Stuffed Oreo cravings easy, portable healthy lunches LINKS MENTIONED: Lime Ricki maddy_gutierrez_ ashley_dorough CONNECT WITH REBECKY: website | instagram CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: Branch Basics: get 15% off your starter kit using promo code SWP at checkout Carma Project: join the project now at joincarma.com/swp Daily Harvest: use promo code SWP and get 3 free cups in your first box Prep Dish: get a free 2 week trial at prepdish.com/swp SUPPORT THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love the Struggle Well Project? Please leave a review here!

Have you been caught up comparing yourself to others? Are you finding LITTLE imperfections in yourself and feeling inadequate in a BIG way? Shoot girl, you forgot your worth AGAIN! Body image is tri-cky and you are not alone in this struggle. Meet Kara. She is the mastermind behind Wellness Witness, a program that helps women on their journey towards better health: physically, emotionally, and spiritually. She is a gifted champion for wellness who married her best friend and became a Mama to two. She’s also got a WILD golden doodle puppy named Boone and a 4-year old rescue dog named Bailey. As a Cancer Survivor, Kara wants to do everything she can to take care of her body so that she never has to hear the words “You have Cancer” again. She plays the bass guitar, sings in a worship band at church and used to work as a school counselor. God has called Kara into leading ministry full-time at Wellness Witness and as a certified Revelation Wellness Instructor. Kara is wise beyond her years in the wellness field and has a lot to offer us in this short chat. Let’s not chase after that perfect body every day. It’s a mirage creating exhausted and discontent. Let’s LOVE the body we have been given and have a little fun with wellness along the way! WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: the story behind Wellness Witness and how it’s evolved measuring results by obedience how God has used Kara’s “mess” to meet other women where they are the truth that you don’t have to have it figured out, you just have to keep trying LINKS MENTIONED: The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up Tidying Up with Marie Kondo CONNECT WITH KARA: website | instagram | facebook | twitter | youtube CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: BioClarity: get a free clarity mask when you purchase a routine using promo code SWP at checkout Zola: sign up for your free wedding website and get $50 off your registry by visiting zola.com/SWP Branch Basics: get 15% off your starter kit using promo code SWP at checkout Noom: visit noom.com/SWP to start your trial today SUPPORT THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love the Struggle Well Project? Please leave a review here!

It’s body month (Have you downloaded the printable yet?) and in this episode, Katie and I are talking all things kitchen including our kitchen irritations and habits as well as tips and tricks for getting our kids involved in the kitchen. We also share a few of our favorite recipes and stories from our childhood. WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT: music we like to listen to while we’re in the kitchen things we do to keep our kids involved in the kitchen tips for hosting dinner parties our favorite kitchen memories what we dislike about being in the kitchen LINKS MENTIONED: Egg Slicer Nom Nom Paleo Instant Pot Carnitas Emily’s Party Punch Sonoma Chicken Salad Whole Foods Market Cookbook CONNECT WITH KATIE: instagram CONNECT WITH EMILY: website | instagram | facebook | patreon EPISODE SPONSORS: Branch Basics: get 15% off your starter kit using promo code SWP at checkout Carma Project: join the project now at joincarma.com/swp Brooklinen: get $20 off + free shipping with promo code SWP Prep Dish: get a free 2 week trial at prepdish.com/swp SUPPORT THE SHOW: Patreon | Amazon SHARE THE STRUGGLE! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love the Struggle Well Project? Please leave a review here.

It’s not called the “witching hour” for no reason. Dinnertime comes to the Thomas house daily and with it comes crying and drama (and sometimes my kids are upset too…). I got a lot out of this chat and I hope you do as well! Polly is a wife, mother, blogger, foodie, money-saver, animal-lover, and freezer cooking evangelist. She has a heart for equipping and encouraging young moms and women to thrive in their homes. Her blogging journey began when she and Rachel Tiemeyer founded Thrivinghomeblog.com and found that blogging and writing has not only kept her mind sharp during these foggy-sleep-deprived years but has also served as a much-needed creative outlet. Polly is a go-getter, project manager, sometimes a bit too honest, hard-working mom who enjoys a challenge... and a strong mocha with extra whip on the hard days. What we chat about: the story behind Polly and Rachel’s freezer cookbook, From Freezer to Table building community while meal prepping letting go of the expectations you had for your kids and embracing who they are how nurturing her child’s ADHD has affected their relationship Links mentioned: Thriving Home From Freezer to TableLoving the Little YearsShoe DogHellbound on His TrailLibby Thriving Home recipe tester team Connect with Polly: website | instagram | facebook | pinterest Connect with Emily: website | instagram | facebook | patreon Episode Sponsors: Daily Harvest: use promo code SWP and get 3 free cups in your first box Noom: visit noom.com/SWP to start your trial today Care Of: get 20% off your first month with code SWP Blinkist: visit blinkist.com/SWP to start you free 7-day trial Support the show: Patreon | Amazon Share the Struggle! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love the Struggle Well Project? Please leave a review here!

“It’s impossible to connect with my teenager!” “My child is only 9, we aren’t battling teen issues yet.” “My relationship with the Father doesn’t REALLY impact my relationship with my kids.” In the words of the great Dwight Schrute: FALSE! In this chat, Drew helps us understand how to approach hurdles with the teens we love. Drew Hill is the author of Alongside: Loving Teenagers with the Gospel. He is also a pastor in Greensboro, NC and serves on the mission-wide leadership team for Young Life. Drew received his BA in Communications from UNC-Chapel Hill and a Master of Divinity from Denver Seminary. He is married to Natalie and they have three children: Honey, Hutch, and Macy Heart. What we chat about: Drew’s book Alongside: Loving Teenagers with the Gospel and his heart to connect teens and parents what Drew learned through the book writing process making sure our teens understand loving them is not contractual extending grace and not projecting our fear of failure on our teens’ behavior the myth that sharing with our mistakes with our teens will break their trust care vs. cure mindset practical ways to connect with your teens Links mentioned: It’s Not About the Nail The Tech-Wise Family Connect with Drew: website | twitter Connect with Emily: website | instagram | facebook | patreon Episode Sponsors: Health, Hope & Inspiration podcast: get 3 free downloads by visiting HHIdownload.com Lasting: unlock the premium content and get your first month for $.99 by visiting getlasting.com/swp and using promo code SWP Zola: sign up for your free wedding website and registry by visiting zola.com/SWP Blinds Chalet: get an exclusive discount when you use promo code STRUGGLE WELL Support the show: Patreon | Amazon Share the Struggle! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love the Struggle Well Project? Please leave a review here!

Christmas is just a week away - are you feeling frazzled? Don’t worry, we are too. Fortunately, we’re here to solve your holiday problems from contentious in-laws to all those annoying toys your kids will get this year. We also weigh the pros and cons or real vs. artificial Christmas trees and tackle the age-old question - what do you do when your mom won’t let you stop delivering angel food cake to strangers? It’s a real conundrum. What we chat about: feeling frazzled Rebecky’s first real Christmas tree what to do when your mom won’t let you stop delivering angel food cake to strangers navigating holidays with your in-laws when your kids get unnecessary/annoying toys how to approach your family about changing tradition confronting your family when sarcasm becomes hurtful splitting time between families Links mentioned: Sleeping at Last Enneagram songsThe Road Back to You Connect with Rebecky: website | instagram Connect with Emily: website | instagram | facebook | patreon Episode Sponsors: Canvas People: get an 11x14 canvas free + shipping by texting “SWP” to 484848 Butcher Box: get free bacon and $20 off your first box at butcherbox.com/SWP with code SWP BioClarity: get your first month 1/2 off + free shipping with code SWP Lasting: unlock the premium version and get your first month for $.99 by visiting getlasting.com/swp and using promo code SWP Support the show: Patreon | Amazon Share the Struggle! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love the Struggle Well Project? Please leave a review here!

Is your family weird/amazing/loud/embarrassing/picky? Or at least one of those things? Us too! The Struggling Sisters talk about strange (and accidentally true crime) family traditions that Em found on the interwebs and we divulge the traditions we have started with our own families. We also did an extensive quiz to find out which Disney family we are. These are the facts: Katie’s family yells, Emily’s family can’t stand DiGiorno and hearing about serial killer families just plain makes us feel better about our own family situations. What we chat about: Katie’s Russian accent tips unusual family traditions Thomas family traditions including movie nights, Family Day and Emily making her daughter do math for Valentine’s Day Katie’s Elf on the Shelf adventures some things we’re starting, some we’re stopping and some things we’re going to keep doing Links mentioned: 120-Year-Old Wedding Dress Milestone Blessing Bowl Mom and Dad are Fighting podcast The Wondering Years Bananagrams Guess Who Story Cubes Jenga Farkle Uno Attack Giant Uno Playing Card Holder Connect with Katie: instagram Connect with Emily: website | instagram | facebook | patreon Episode Sponsors: Canvas People: get an 11x14 canvas free + shipping by texting “SWP” to 484848 Prep Dish: get a free 2 week trial at prepdish.com/swp Brooklinen: get $20 off + free shipping with code SWP Lasting: unlock the premium version and get your first month for $.99 by visiting getlasting.com/swp and using promo code SWP Support the show: Patreon | Amazon Share the Struggle! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love the Struggle Well Project? Please leave a review here!

Do you frequent the parenting shame cycle? Could you use tips on how to genuinely engage with teenagers? How can you help your children choose quality friendships? Kimberly Stuart grew up in Des Moines, Iowa, where she learned to be snobbish about corn on the cob and good storytelling. She earned degrees at St. Olaf College and the University of Iowa, both fine institutions that did very little to prepare her for the lethal cocktail of parenting and writing. Kim is the author of eight novels, including the Heidi Elliott series and her most recent book, Heart Land. She has a passion to write chemistry-driven, smart, romance that requires a reader neither to leave her brain at the door nor to visit a confessional after turning the last page. Kim has made her home in Minneapolis, Houston, Chicago, Costa Rica, Nebraska, and Iowa, where she now lives with her brave husband and three wily children. What we chat about: how to help your kids when they’re choosing friends using empathy to help create a safe space for your kids how to extend grace to yourself when you’ve said way too much weird things we’ve done when we’ve met famous people super niche documentaries Links mentioned: Pucker UpHeart LandI’ll Be Your Blue Sky Binnie’s Butter Connect with Kim Stuart: website | instagram | facebook Connect with Emily: website I instagram I facebook I patreon Episode Sponsors: Natural Red: get 15% off your order with code SWP Prep Dish: get a free 2 week trial at prepdish.com/swp Canvas People: get an 11x14 canvas free + shipping by texting “SWP” to 484848 Brooklinen: get $20 off + free shipping with code SWP Support the show: Patreon | Amazon Share the Struggle! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love the Struggle Well Project? Please leave a review here!

Could you use practical tips on how to find your identity outside of motherhood? What can you do to not feel old or out of touch with your ideal style? Are there things you had to put down because of adulting but would like to rediscover? Identity can be a complex and vast concept, but we actually managed to come up with some great tips! What we chat about: Rebecky’s birth story and an update on her ill-timed bathroom remodel maintaining an identity separate from motherhood Emily reveals she’s the Al Bundy of pianists Tips to help us all feel less haggish Making a “you” journal to help you figure out what you actually like Purpose vs. identity Connect with Rebecky: website | instagram Connect with Emily: website I instagram I facebook I patreon Episode Sponsors: Tommy John: visit tommyjohn.com/swp for 20% off your first order Canvas People: get an 11x14 canvas free + shipping by texting “SWP” to 484848 BioClarity: get your first month 1/2 off + free shipping with code SWP Natural Red: get 15% off your order + free shipping on orders over $50 with code SWP Support the show: Patreon | Amazon Share the Struggle! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love the Struggle Well Project? Please leave a review here!

“Passionate Patience” and “Financial Foreplay” are coming up today, so buckle up! Have you ever considered how intertwined sex and money are in your marriage? This fascinating conversation Cherie Lowe outlines how to save money and improve your love life. This conversation is jam-packed with info you’re going to want to put in place! What we chat about: You’re bringing a covered dish to a party. Is it a potluck? A pitch-in? A “pot blessing”? (I may have made up that last one.) Finding some wiggle room in your budget Cherie’s journey to be debt-free How paying off debt has affected her children Forming a healthy relationship with money How learning to manage money can lead to better intimacy in your marriage (a.k.a. “financial foreplay”) Cheap and practical date nights The VND (values, needs, dreams) approach to your social calendar Attaching money to our identity Embracing each other’s strengths when it comes to budgeting Shopping strategies and couponing Links mentioned: Your Money, Your Marriage YourMoneyYourMarriage.com QueenOfFree.net HotWire.com BetterBidding.com Ebates Swagbucks Cartwheel Meijer Perks Walmart Savings Catcher Shopkick Formula 10.0.06 Connect with Cherie: website | instagram | facebook | pinterest | youtube Connect with Emily: website | instagram | facebook | patreon Episode Sponsors: Perfect Keto: get 20% off all products by visiting perfectketo.com/swp using code SWP Care Of: get 20% off your first month with code SWP Lola: get 40% off your any subscription with code SWP Hint: get 36 bottles for $36 by visiting drinkhint.com/swp using code SWP Support the show: Patreon | Amazon Share the Struggle! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love the Struggle Well Project? Please leave a review here!

Do you ever feel inadequate because you don’t know enough? Do you tell yourself you’re too behind to ever catch up? In this episode with Katie, we discuss her recent decision to follow Jesus and the identity questions she still wrestles with. We do official internet “research” (via online quizzes) to drill down to our true identities as well. What we discovered is: the concept of identity is a hard one to wrangle and we all wonder if we’re on the right track from time to time. What we chat about: defining true identity what it really means to “find our identity in Christ” how to believe the truth in what God says about us instead of the lies we tell ourselves Links mentioned: Bripe Baked in Vermont Bee onesie Connect with Katie: instagram Connect with Emily: website I instagram I facebook I patreon Episode Sponsors: Canvas People: get an 11x14 canvas free + shipping by texting “SWP” to 484848 Natural Red: get 15% off your order + free shipping on orders over $50 with code SWP Zip Recruiter: try it for free at ZipRecruiter.com/SWP Prep Dish: get a free 2 week trial at prepdish.com/swp Support the show: Patreon | Amazon Share the Struggle! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love the Struggle Well Project? Please leave a review here!

Family time while driving can be a challenge. I wanted to share a family-friendly new podcast with you that will have everyone engaged.  Give it a listen and subscribe here!

Do you think you might need counseling, but don’t know where to start or even if it’s okay to get help? Ann has got answers. Ann Taylor McNiece is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, a wife, a mom, a daughter, and a friend. Over the past few years, she has worked in the schools with kids of all ages, in private practice with individuals and couples, and in a community mental health agency where she served low-income clients and family reunifying after problems with child abuse. Her passion is to help women understand the truth about their hearts and souls and to help couples get to the heart of their marriages.  What we chat about: signs that it’s time to seek a professional counselor dispelling the stigma that it’s not okay for Christians to get counseling and/or medication how to find a counselor that is the right fit for you identifying issues with food obsession and body issues what to say to a friend who you believe would benefit from counseling Links mentioned: Postpartum network Psychology Today The Intentional Family Connect with Ann: website | facebook Connect with Emily: website I instagram I facebook I patreon Episode Sponsors: Brooklinen: get $20 off + free shipping with code SWP Prep Dish: get a free 2 week trial at prepdish.com/swp Audible: start your 30-day trial + 1 free book using the link or text “SWP” to 500500 BioClarity: get your first month 1/2 off + free shipping with code SWP Support the show: Patreon | Amazon Share the Struggle! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love the Struggle Well Project? Please leave a review here!

Excited to kick off our first-ever Struggle Well Project Focus! Interestingly, as I studied the concept of identity, I got very involved in the study of icebergs…I know. It’s odd. Just stay with me here. I promise it is interesting. Connect with Emily: website I instagram I facebook I patreon

I enjoy pop culture AND Christianity. Did you know this can be a thing? Knox McCoy loves laughing and making people laugh. Really anything that’s laughter-adjacent, he’s into. He’s also super into the word “swashbuckling” and his dream is to one day use it in a bio. Knox began podcasting in 2011 as a way to talk more about popular culture, and to his extreme surprise, he’s still doing it every week on The Popcast with Knox and Jamie. As a resident of the South, Knox’s heritage is to enjoy football and barbecue, and he does so with great passion. He also enjoys zombie movies, police procedurals, and a good Netflix binge. Knox lives with his wife and three kids in Birmingham, Alabama where he works as a screenwriter and as the swashbuckling co-founder of The Popcast Media Group. (Dreams really can come true.) What we chat about: learning from uncomfortable conversations how pop culture informs Knox’s faith teaching kids the gospel with care questioning God Links mentioned: The Popcast with Knox & Jamie The Bible Binge The Wondering Years Shoe DogSuccessionKilling Eve Connect with Knox: website | instagram | twitter Connect with Emily: website I instagram I facebook I patreon Episode Sponsors: Daily Harvest: get three free cups in your first box with code SWP Tommy John: use the link for 20% off your first order Perfect Keto: get 20% off your order using link and promo code SWP Support the show: Patreon | Amazon Share the Struggle! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love the Struggle Well Project? Please leave a review here!

Amanda Bible Williams likes words and books more than just about anything. She holds bachelor’s degrees in psychology and English, nearly a master’s in religion, and a deep love for a farmhouse east of Nashville, Tennessee, where she lives with her husband and their four children. Chief Content Officer of She Reads Truth, Amanda spends her days happily rearranging sentences and explaining that her maiden name really is Bible. She is the co-author of She Reads Truth: Holding Tight to Permanent in a World That’s Passing Away and a general editor of the newly released She Reads Truth Bible.  What we chat about: how Amanda is struggling well through a very difficult season why you should read the Bible how She Reads Truth is different than your typical Bible study Links mentioned: She Reads Truth Lauren Daigle Look Up Child Connect with Amanda: instagram | facebook | twitter Connect with Emily: website I instagram I facebook I patreon Episode Sponsors: Perfect Keto: get 20% off your order using link and promo code SWP Zip Recruiter: try it for free at ZipRecruiter.com/SWP Simple Contacts: get $20 with promo code SWP Natural Red: get 15% off your order + free shipping on orders over $50 with code SWP Support the show: Patreon | Amazon Share the Struggle! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love the Struggle Well Project? Please leave a review here!

Fall is here are we’re solving all of your Halloween headaches like picking a couples costume, appropriate trick or treat age limits and handing out candy. We also determine when it’s appropriate to start watching Hallmark Christmas movies and tackle the challenge of getting your kids to wear winter clothes. And our friendship is tested when Rebecky reveals she doesn't like pumpkin spice flavored anything. WHAT?! Ways to support the show: Patreon Amazon Share the Struggle! Find me on Instagram because I want to hear YOUR thoughts!  If you've been encouraged, share the episode with another mom.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together!

Hayley Morgan is a writer, speaker, and social entrepreneur who inspires women to know what is true about God and themselves. Her first book called Wild and Free, co-written with Jess Connolly, was published in May 2016 and quickly became a USA Today Bestseller. She currently runs the women's boutique Nellie Taft, named after an American First Lady and featuring all Made in the USA products. You can often find her cross-legged on the floor of an art supply store debating between the merits of five different shades of green paint. What we chat about: how pivots are not failures the story of Hayley’s two companies - Nellie Taft and Wildly Co. creating a hospitable environment to get her adolescent boys to open up identifying the bad news you tell yourself and silencing it Links mentioned: Nellie Taft Wildly Co. Cup of Jo Preach to Yourself Connect with Hayley: website | instagram | twitter Connect with Emily: website I instagram I facebook I patreon Episode Sponsors: BioClarity: get your first month 1/2 off + free shipping with code SWP My Light Still Shines: get your spot in her new course! Prep Dish: get a free 2 week trial at prepdish.com/swp Canvas People: get an 11x14 canvas free + shipping with code SWP Support the show: Patreon | Amazon Share the Struggle! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love the Struggle Well Project? Please leave a review here!

Sarah Clarkson is an author, a blogger, and a student of theology. She's the author of Read for the Heart, Caught Up in a Story, and Journeys of Faithfulness, as well as her latest titled, Book Girl (a Woman's Guide to the Reading Life). Through blogs, books, and her current research, she explores the theological significance of story, the intersection of theology and imagination, and the formative power of beauty. She writes regularly about her adventures at sarahclarkson.com and is at slow work on a novel. She can often be found with a cup of good coffee in one of the many quaint corners amid Oxford's "dreaming spires," where she lives in a red-doored cottage with her husband, Thomas and their daughter, Lilian. What we chat about: how studying theology and theodicy has affected Sarah’s faith believing that God is still good when circumstances are bad battling to take every thought captive when dealing with OCD the power of words and encouragement for new readers God’s faithfulness in the valley of loneliness Links mentioned: The Great Divorce J.R.R. Tolkien Elizabeth Goudge Pilgrim’s Inn Wendell Barry Hannah Coulter Clark’s Shoes Connect with Sarah: website | instagram | facebook | twitter Connect with Emily: website I instagram I facebook I patreon Episode Sponsors: Brooklinen: get $20 off + free shipping with code SWP Prep Dish: get a free 2 week trial at prepdish.com/swp Audible: start your 30 day trial + 1 free book using the link or text “SWP” to 500500 Natural Red: get 15% off your order + free shipping on orders over $50 with code SWP Support the show: Patreon | Amazon Share the Struggle! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love the Struggle Well Project? Please leave a review here!

Wouldn’t it be amazing if life didn’t include loss? Sometimes we love things so much the idea of letting them go feels like it might be the end of us. If you are walking through a season of surrender (voluntary or forced) or if this season has been one of suffering for you, you’re going to find comfort in Shannan’s story. If you long for a community but don’t know how to get it, you are in for a treat with this episode as well! Shannan has a compelling story of how she has formed a ragtag group of family-turned-friends. I got so much out of this conversation and I know you will too! What we chat about: when struggles with infertility don’t result in the birth of a child Shannan’s story of how God rescued her from the life she wanted building community with people who are unlike you why we should make being around people who make us uncomfortable a priority maintaining hope when you see people in your community repeat harmful patterns the power of simply showing up Links mentioned: The Ministry of Ordinary Places Falling Free Ugly Delicious Connect with Shannan: website | instagram | facebook | twitter | pinterest Connect with Emily: website I instagram I facebook I patreon Episode Sponsors: Perfect Keto: get 20% off your order using link and promo code SWP Tommy John: use the link for 20% off your first order Myro: get started for $5 + 50% off your first order using the link and promo code SWP Daily Harvest: get three free cups in your first box with code SWP support the show: Patreon | Amazon Share the Struggle! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend. The struggle is real. We might as well do this together! Do you love the Struggle Well Project? Please leave a review here!

Happy September! This month we’re solving everything from coping with your kids growing out of the baby phase to wishing your kids would grow up. Also binge eating, high school hazing, closet organization, and farting Birkenstocks. Trust us. We’re experts (basically). Links mentioned: Wellness Revelation Alisa Keeton Revelation Wellness Podcast House Peace Ways to support the show: Patreon Amazon Share the Struggle! Find me on Instagram because I want to hear YOUR thoughts!  If you've been encouraged, share the episode with another mom.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together!

Chantel Runnels is a wife to one and a mom to three. Her leadership path runs from the halls of hospitals, through offices of higher education and to the arenas of television networks and studios. She is currently a home educator, a consultant, and a doula. What we chat about: how and why Chantel lived on the road with her family of 5 challenging social and religious constructs what keeps her grounded in her faith how she responds to criticism of her out-of-the-box thinking the value in listening to our elders grieving the loss of your life before motherhood letting go of perfection and letting God change us Connect with Chantel: instagram | twitter Connect with Emily: website I instagram I facebook I patreon Episode Sponsors: Zip Recruiter: try it for free at ZipRecruiter.com/SWP Hello Fresh: get $20 off your first 3 boxes using the link and promo code SWP60 Handy: get your first 3 hour cleaning for $39 by visiting the link and using promo code SWP support the show: Patreon | Amazon Share the Struggle! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love the Struggle Well Project? Please leave a review here!

Teresa Swanstrom Anderson is living the life she thought she never wanted. With an art history degree and dreams of living in Europe as a curator, Teresa had big plans for herself. After a decision to lay her exciting plans at the feet of Christ, God began changing her heart little by little and began dating the man who eventually became her husband. Teresa’s life is a series of redirected dreams, stumbling, falling, getting up, and wondering if she is investing her time where it matters most. Through it all, she aims to see beauty everywhere and grasp joy tightly. And some days she actually manages to pull it off. What we chat about: Teresa's complicated and miraculous adoption story making your home a sanctuary finding your hygge not letting your passion define your purpose creating community learning to wait well Links mentioned: Beautifully Interrupted Connect with Teresa: website | instagram | facebook | pinterest Connect with Emily: website I instagram I facebook I patreon Episode Sponsors: Canvas People: get an 11x14 canvas free + shipping with code MSW Prep Dish: get a free 2 week trial at prepdish.com/swp Brooklinen: get $20 off + free shipping with code SWP Better Life Bags: get 10% off with code SWP support the show: Patreon | Amazon Share the Struggle! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Do you love the Struggle Well Project? Please leave a review here!

Jamie Golden has been co-hosting The Popcast with Knox McCoy since August 2013. It is a nationally ranked, weekly pop culture podcast that’s part deep dive, mostly shallow end. Jamie and Knox also launched their newest podcast, The Bible Binge, in February of 2018. Season 1 wrapped in the top 3% of all podcasts. She makes her home in Birmingham, Alabama where she advocates for foster and adopted children serving as a volunteer for Heart Gallery Alabama and CASA. Jamie also helps people tell their own stories better by serving with Arc Stories, a local nonprofit. What we chat about: using humor as an evangelical tool how enneagrams can help us better understand ourselves, others and our faith managing ADD Jamie's life as a full-time podcaster skin care Links mentioned: Enneagram test Asana Cerave The Road Back to You The Path Between Us Switch on Your Brain Connect with Jamie: website | instagram | facebook | twitter | pinterest Episode Sponsors: Tommy John: use the link for 20% off your first order BioClarity: get your first month for 1/2 off + free shipping with code SWP Butcher Box: get $20 off your first box + 2 lbs. of ground beef free using the link and code SWP Daily Harvest: get three free cups in your first box with code SWP Ways to support the show: Patreon Amazon Share the Struggle! Find me on Instagram because I want to hear YOUR thoughts!  If you've been encouraged, share the episode with another mom.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together!

This month we're tackling all the problems from picking out the perfect stroller to extreme wedding party expenses. Plus, Emily explains why you need to have a Newfie Poo and we've got an exciting update on Rebecky's book deal! Links mentioned: Common Sense Media VidAngel Ways to support the show: Patreon Amazon Share the Struggle! Find me on Instagram because I want to hear YOUR thoughts! If you've been encouraged, share the episode with another mom. The struggle is real. We might as well do this together!

Krystel Acevedo is a wife, mom, writer, and speaker.  She is an introvert who loves people and encourages them to take bold steps in their lives for Christ's sake.  She is, admittedly, still working out what that means in her life as well. What we chat about: dispelling stereotypes about immigrants talking with your kids about difficult subjects psychology and Christianity Links mentioned: How to Talk to Kids About Difficult Subjects Switch on Your Brain Enneagram test The Road Back to You The Road Back to You Podcast Typology Podcast The Path Between Us Connect with KRYSTEL: website | instagram | facebook | twitter Episode Sponsors: ThredUp: get 25% off any item $50 and under with the code SWP Green Chef: get $50 off your first box using the link Ways to support the show: Patreon Amazon Share the Struggle! Find me on Instagram because I want to hear YOUR thoughts!  If you've been encouraged, share the episode with another mom.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together!

Jess Connolly is a woman who wants to leave her generation more in awe of God than she found it. She is passionate about family, God's Word, and seeing women take their place in the Kingdom. She loves communicating, coffee, color, and the local church. She and her husband Nick live in Charleston, SC where they've planted Bright City Church. They have four wild and hilarious kids: Elias, Gloriana, Benjamin, and Cannon. They also have an unruly dog named Deacon. What we chat about: how her gift of being a prophet affects the way she teaches why she and her husband felt called to start a church Jess' struggle with being an intense person the transition from your kids feeling like work to feeling like family the benefits of allowing your kids to experience some of the darkness in the world being available for your children without prying into their lives the freedom of accepting that you are not enough to raise your children a different perspective on the Kardashians Links mentioned: All Good Things Collective Enneagram test The Five-Fold Ministry Test Connect with Jess: website | instagram | facebook | twitter | pinterest Episode Sponsors: Liquid IV: get 20% off any item using code STRUGGLE Prep Dish: get 2 weeks free by visiting PrepDish.com/msw Zip Recruiter: try it for free at ZipRecruiter.com/MSW Phulr: get 20% a three-fragrance sample set with code MSW Ways to support the show: Patreon Amazon Share the Struggle! Find me on Instagram because I want to hear YOUR thoughts! If you've been encouraged, share the episode with another mom. The struggle is real. We might as well do this together!

Jessica Honegger is a pioneer. As founder and co-CEO of Noonday Collection, the world’s largest fair-trade jewelry company, she has created a new breed of social entrepreneurship that empowers women, connects cultures, and celebrates handmade beauty. Her path to award-winning business leader was anything but traditional: from serving as a midwife in Bolivia, to earning her Master’s degree in Education, to renovating and selling houses in Austin, Texas, Jessica has followed her heart down several paths, gaining once-in-a-lifetime experiences that all still guide her decisions today. A mom to three, she is also a passionate adoption advocate who initially launched Noonday Collection to help raise the needed funds to bring her and her husband’s third child home. Jessica shares her story, along with heartening encouragement, in her compelling new book, Imperfect Courage: Live a Life of Purpose by Leaving Comfort and Going Scared, available August 14, 2018. What we chat about: Jessica's calling and struggle to adopt her son from Rwanda the beginnings of Noonday how to let your calling spur you to action instead of causing shame shifting your focus from what the world owes you to what you can offer to the world how Jessica has seen lives changed at home and abroad through Noonday tips on organizing jewelry  the power of shared experiences with your family Links mentioned: Ep. 117: Unshakeable with Christine Caine Going Scared Podcast The Anatomy of the Soul The Soul of Shame The Giving Keys Hotel Rwanda MyFitnessPal Noonday Imperfect Courage: Live a Life of Purpose by Leaving Comfort and Going Scared Connect with Jessica: website | instagram | facebook | twitter Episode Sponsors: BioClarity: 50% off your first month + free shipping with code MSW Prep Dish: get 2 weeks free by visiting PrepDish.com/msw Brooklinen: $20 + free shipping with code MSW Easy Kicks: join the sneaker club today at easykicks.com/joinnow Ways to support the show: Patreon Amazon Share the Struggle! Find me on Instagram because I want to hear YOUR thoughts!  If you've been encouraged, share the episode with another mom.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together!

Kelly Sites is a wife and mom to 19-year-old twins who she homeschooled all the way through high school. She has been a registered nurse for 20 years and has worked as an international disaster response nurse with Samaritan's Purse since 2010. She has deployed over 13 times to disasters around the world, including the Cholera outbreak in Haiti, tsunamis, earthquakes, and hurricanes.  She deployed twice to Liberia to care for Ebola patients, Iraq twice to work in a mobile field hospital outside of Mosul where they cared for trauma patients including ISIS soldiers. Most recently she was in Bangladesh for a diphtheria outbreak in a refugee camp filled with close to a million Rohingya refugees. What we chat about: advice for moms of twins how and why Kelly decided to become an international disaster response nurse how her work schedule has taught her to be more intentional with her time recognizing if the cost of your career on your family is too high how being in disaster areas abroad has changed her perspective on "need" at home how her experiences have helped shape her family what it looks like to be a disaster response nurse adjusting to everyday life after experiencing trauma responding to criticism that she's away too often Resources on suffering: A Path Through Suffering by Elisabeth Elliot The Hardest Peace: Expecting Grace in the Midst of Life's Hard by Kara Tippetts Walking with God Through Pain and Suffering by Tim Keller A Place of Healing: Wrestling with the Mysteries of Suffering, Pain, and God's Sovereignty by Joni Eareckson Tada How God Can Allow So Much Evil and Suffering from Focus on the Family The Truth about Suffering and the Believer (video sermon) Links mentioned: Samaritan's Purse The Happy Hour with Jamie  Ivey The Popcast with Knox and Jamie Serial Dirty John Episode Sponsors: Canvas People: get an 11x14 canvas for free + shipping & handling with code MSW Daily Harvest: use promo code MSW and get 3 free cups with your first order Nutrafol: subscribe using the promo code MSW to get your first month for $10 Tommy John: use the link and get 20% off your first order Ways to support the show: Patreon Amazon Share the Struggle! Find me on Instagram because I want to hear YOUR thoughts!  If you've been encouraged, share the episode with another mom.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together!

This girl is authentic. She is honest and not afraid to speak up about her struggles because she knows that's how others can know they are not alone. She's my kind of girl. You're going to love hearing her share her heart towards mothering in particular and life in general. I know I did! What We Chat About: the difference between willfulness, willlessness, and willingness how sometimes going to the park is the very WORST how she combats loneliness in motherhood practical steps to make home a safe place Connect with Anjuli: instagram  Episode Sponsors: Phulr: get 20% a three-fragrance sample set with code MSW Care Of: 25% off your first month using code MSW Liquid IV: get 20% off any item using code STRUGGLE Easy Kicks: join the sneaker club today at easykicks.com/joinnow Ways to support the show: Patreon Amazon Share the Struggle! Find me on Instagram because I want to hear YOUR thoughts! If you've been encouraged, share the episode with another mom. The struggle is real. We might as well do this together!

Some of us are able to tell stories eloquently. Some of our stories have rough places that can seem too dark to overcome. My friend Amber's story is both; incredibly difficult AND beautifully told. She is a gifted storyteller with a story of forgiveness and grace that will knock your socks off. Or, since it's summer, maybe just knock your flip-flops across the room. What We Chat About: What it's like when no one believes your story Grieving abortion Practically taking thoughts captive Amber's 5 minute "Hey Jesus" time-out sessions Links Mentioned: Save the Storks Amber's Save the Storks Video Scripture Doodle Connect with Amber:  shop // instagram // facebook // twitter Episode Sponsors: BioClarity: 50% off your first month + free shipping with code MSW Zip Recruiter: try it for free at ZipRecruiter.com/MSW RX Bar: 25% off your first order using the link with code MSW Prep Dish: get 2 weeks free by visiting PrepDish.com/msw Ways to support the show: Patreon Amazon Share the Struggle! Find me on Instagram because I want to hear YOUR thoughts!  If you've been encouraged, share the episode with another mom.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together!

Jim and Lynne have worked in the trenches with parents of all kinds – single parents, adoptive parents, parents of teens, parents of kids with intense behavior challenges, parents in blended families, parents of wealth and parents in poverty, and any other kind of parent you can think of. In other words, they have a lot of experience!  You're going to get a lot out of this chat. Grab a pen and paper! What We Chat About: The result of believing half-truths How to make a plan to deal with the problem behavior The identity messages we accidentally communicate to our kids Links Mentioned: 12 Misbehaviors and the God-given Gifts Beneath ThemDiscipline that Connects Parenting Course  Discipline that Connects Book Connect with Jim and Lynne: Connected Families // Instagram // Facebook Episode Sponsors: FabFitFun: get $10 off your first box when you use promo code STRUGGLE Prep Dish: get your first two weeks free by visiting prepdish.com/msw Easy Kicks: join the sneaker club now at EasyKicks.com Brooklinen: $20 + free shipping with code MSW Ways to support the show: Patreon Amazon Share the Struggle! Find me on Instagram because I want to hear YOUR thoughts!  If you've been encouraged, share the episode with another mom.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! ***Some links above take you to Amazon.  When you click through, anything you purchase there will help offset the costs associated with producing the show. It doesn't cost you any extra, and it helps me out.  Everybody wins! Thank you for your support!

Loss, disappointment, and fear of the unknown have marked Ellie's journey of wrestling through and coming to firmly believe in God’s faithfulness. Her new album Red Sea Road is clearly written as an act of obedience to sing in the middle of the heartbreak.  I loved the heart behind this album so much I wanted to share Ellie with you guys today! What we chat about: The benefits and most of working in the music industry When you SWEAR you won't do something but God has other plans Sorting out your first identity in Christ Offering repentance to your kids Links mentioned: Red Sea Road Album Rising Strong by Brene Brown Wondering in Wandering by Sarah Gilmore Too Good by Jess Rae Connect with Ellie: website // instagram // facebook // twitter Episode Sponsors: Daily Harvest: use promo code MSW and get 3 free cups with your first order Tommy John: use the link and get 20% off your first order FabFitFun: get $10 off your first box when you use promo code STRUGGLE Phlur: get 20% off 3 sample scents using the code MSW Ways to support the show: Patreon Amazon Share the Struggle! Find me on Instagram because I want to hear YOUR thoughts! If you've been encouraged, share the episode with another mom. The struggle is real. We might as well do this together!

Brandi is a single mom who was just sure God wouldn't use her after she was divorced. She wanted to help people but kept being told her usefulness had ended. She believed it until she sold some cows on Facebook. You'll just have to listen to the rest to believe this amazing story! What We Chat About: How she ended up starting a nonprofit despite her best efforts NOT to How she healed from a broken marriage and the loss of other significant relationships How she walks traumatized women through healing prayer Links Mentioned: Turn My Mourning into Dancing Half the Sky Connect with Brandi: blog | instagram | facebook Episode Sponsors: BioClarity: get your first month 1/2 off + free shipping with code MSW FabFitFun: get $10 off your first box using promo code STRUGGLE Canvas People: get an 11x14 print for free + shipping & handling - text MSW to 484848 Easy Kicks: join the sneaker club at easykicks.com/joinnow Ways to support the show: Patreon Amazon Share the Struggle! Find me on Instagram because I want to hear YOUR thoughts!  If you've been encouraged, share the episode with another mom.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together!

In this life-changing episode we chat about vegetables, small-group struggles, and Rebecca's dirty fingernails.  There's also a moment where we thought she might be getting mugged but (spoiler alert) it was just a misunderstanding.   Then in the end we busted out with some news that we hadn't shared before which was fun and also nerve-wracking!  Hope you enjoy it!

This week we're reading John 5:1-9. Read along at Bible.com or download the free YouVersion Bible app. How can we learn to struggle well based on this passage? Ask yourself if you truly want God to change you. Ask God why you're alone. Is this for just a season or are you not making an effort? Episode Sponsor: Fabletics: get two pairs of leggings for just $24 when you become a VIP member

Originally an East Coast native, Heather Creekmore is a church planter/pastor’s wife living in the suburbs of Dallas, Texas. Through her ministry, Compared to Who?, Heather speaks and writes to encourage Christian women who struggle with body image and comparison. Heather’s passion is seeing women set free from all that holds them back from finding their true purpose in Christ. In her free time, Heather homeschools their four children—ages 6 to 11, drives the soccer practice shuttle, competes on Netflix reality baking shows, and breaks grammar rules. What we chat about: why Heather changed her mind about homeschooling her appearance on the Netflix series Nailed It mom hacks for family road trips what lead Heather to write a book about comparisons, body image, and self-esteem how our innate need for acceptance can become an unhealthy addiction what most people miss about the story of Rachel and Leah understanding that God designed our appearance to suit our calling reconciling the adages of being beautiful because we're beautiful in God's eyes and that it's what on the inside that counts the power in identifying and acknowledging sin as sin Links mentioned: Nailed It Dr. Axe Multi Collagen Protein Dang Coconut Chips The Greatest Showman Soundtrack Connect with Heather: website | instagram | facebook | pinterest | youtube Episode Sponsors: FabFitFun: get $10 off your first box using promo code STRUGGLE Hello Fresh: $30 off your first week using the link with promo code MSW30 Ways to support the show: Patreon Amazon Share the Struggle! Find me on Instagram because I want to hear YOUR thoughts!  If you've been encouraged, share the episode with another mom.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together!

Meet Nika Spaulding, a dynamic force with boundless energy. As the Director of Women’s Equipping and Curriculum at Watermark Community Church in Dallas, Nika produces the curriculum for her Bible studies for women of all ages. She successfully balances her love of shepherding women with her love of theology. Her classes of more than 500 women are centered around God’s Word, which is sure to transform and inspire those in her care. What we chat about: why diversity is so important to Nika and to God starting hard conversations with people of color awareness of the racial injustices in the system how white people can advocate for minorities why is knowing Theology important the definition of "apologetics" Links mentioned: Divided by Faith Be the Bridge Whiteness 101 Truth's Table Podcast Sandra Glahn's  Coffee Cup series New Morning Mercies The Village Church podcast Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) Black Panther Connect with Nika: instagram | twitter  Episode Sponsors: Brooklinen: $20 + free shipping using promo code MSW Care.com: use the link and save 30% off premium membership Fabletics: get two pairs of leggings for just $24 when you become a VIP member Ways to support the show: Patreon Amazon Share the Struggle! Find me on Instagram because I want to hear YOUR thoughts!  If you've been encouraged, share the episode with another mom.   The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together!

This week we're reading John 4:46-54. Read along at Bible.com or download the free YouVersion Bible app. How can we learn to struggle well based on this passage? Reading Everybody, Always by Bob Goff Taking God at His word, without asking for proof Examing what  you truly believe about God's capabilities and His heart attitude towards you Speaking out loud the things that you're believing God to provide

Kevin Madsen and his wife Trisha are the team behind HeyDad, a new subscription box for Dads and kids. Kevin attended UCLA and has spent most of his career in the tech world. He is married to his best friend Trisha, and they have three wonderful psychotic children, Gideon (6), Julien (4), and Josie (almost 2). Kevin also hosts a podcast about Dad life (The HeyDad Podcast) with his two brothers and their best friend. Get $10 off your first HeyDad box using the promo code MSW What we chat about: what lead Kevin to start HeyDad  orienting activities with your kids that keep you engaged how HeyDad boxes help create quality time with your kids without having to do a lot of planning creating a healthy work/life balance by publically setting work boundaries debunking the myth that there's a certain "formula" for dealing with our kids' struggles the inspiration behind the HeyDad podcast Links mentioned: Sara Groves "Setting Up the Pins" Google Duplex Demo Ugly Delicious The Greatest ShowmanRed Rising Connect with Kevin: website // podcast // instagram // twitter Episode Sponsors: Tommy John: use the link and get 20% off your first order BioClarity: get your first month half off + free shipping with code MSW Prep Dish: get two weeks free by visiting prepdish.com/msw  Ways to support the show: Patreon Amazon Share the Struggle! Find me on Instagram because I want to hear YOUR thoughts!  If you've been encouraged, share the episode with another mom.   The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together!

Crystal has a heart for encouraging women to live authentic lives, online and in real life and offers a unique perspective as a small-town writer who has learned from her internet community how to build real-life community. Her heart is to encourage, equip and inspire women of all ages to embrace a work hard, rest well lifestyle that honors God with their every day, small moment obedience. Her first book, Holy Hustle: Embracing a Work Hard, Rest Well Lifestyle releases June 5th.  What we chat about: what it was like for Crystal to have a miscarriage after being undecided on having children mourning the loss, not only of a child, but the future plans you had for that child how to embrace the work God's given you without feeling guilty the importance of resting in a way that actually refreshes you Links mentioned: LoveGodGreatly.com Connect with Crystal: website // facebook // instagram // twitter // pinterest Episode Sponsors: Brooklinen: $20 off + free shipping with promo code MSW Canvas People: get a 11x14 print for free (+shipping & handling) using promo code MSW ModCloth: get 15% off your purchase of $100 or more using promo code MSW (expires 9/1/18) Daily Harvest: get 3 cups free in your first box using promo code MSW Ways to support the show: Patreon Amazon Share the Struggle! Find me on Instagram because I want to hear YOUR thoughts!  If you've been encouraged, share the episode with another mom.   The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together!  

This week we're reading John 4:31-35. Read along at Bible.com or download the free YouVersion Bible app. How can we learn to struggle well based on this passage? Being patient with our kids by explaining things to them twice, patiently and from an angle that they can understand Planting seeds in our children's lives is important, even if we're not the ones who reap the harvest The difference between believing a story that you've heard and following the one the story is about Embracing where you are Episode Sponsor: Phonics Museum: get a two-week free trial by visiting phonicsmuseum.com/msw

Jennie Allen is a passionate leader following God's call on her life to catalyze this generation to live what they believe. She is the author of Anything and the Bible studies Stuck and Chase, and is the founder and visionary of IF: Gathering. Jennie is married to her best friend, Zac, and they have been blessed with four children, the youngest of whom was adopted from Rwanda. What we chat about: how Jennie's older children are handling the transition of moving to a new city navigating bullying building relationships when dealing with strong emotions and loss how to study the Bible + resources designing a personalized schedule that allows you to be the most productive how Jennie chooses the theme for IF: Gathering  encouragement for moms with babies being intentional about connecting with your family members individually the difference between resting and being refreshed Links mentioned: IF:Gathering The New Strong's Guide to Bible Words: An English Index to Hebrew and Greek Words Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine Precept Austin Logos Connect with Jennie: website // instagram // facebook // twitter // pinterest // youtube Episode Sponsors: Fabletics: get two pairs of leggings for just $24 when you become a VIP member RX Bar: 25% off your first order using promo code MSW Care Of: 25% off your first month with promo code MSW Thread Up: 25% off your first order with promo code WellMoms25 Ways to support the show: Patreon Amazon Share the Struggle! Find me on Instagram because I want to hear YOUR thoughts!  If you've been encouraged, share the episode with another mom.   The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together!

In this monthly chat we talk about sneezing, ultrasounds, the Olsen twins, and what to do when you've forgotten a new friend's name.  You will leave changed.

Beth McCord is the founder of  Your Enneagram Coach and has been an Enneagram speaker, coach, and teacher for over 15 years. She is passionate about coming alongside individuals and helping them re-write their story, allowing them to see that lasting change, meaningful relationships, and a life of deep purpose is possible.  Beth is currently offering MSW listeners $10 off either Discovering You or Exploring You* using the coupon code 10OFF *The Discovering You course is included in Exploring You. So if you order Exploring You, you'll receive both courses. What we chat about: what an Enneagram is the origin of Enneagrams the different perspectives of various Enneagram types how Ennegrams can help identify weaknesses and turn them into strengths how Beth has been able to use the Enneagram to help explore God's grace in a very personal way to each type determining your child's Enneagram Links mentioned: The Enneagram Made Easy: Discover the 9 Types of People Connect with Beth: website // instagram // facebook // twitter Episode Sponsors: Zip Recruiter: try it for free at ziprecruiter.com/MSW Molekule: get $75 off your first order with coupon code MSW BioClarity: get your first month half off + free shipping with code MSW Brooklinen:  $20 off + free shipping with code MSW Ways to support the show: Patreon Amazon Share the Struggle! Find me on Instagram because I want to hear YOUR thoughts!  If you've been encouraged, share the episode with another mom.   The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together!

This week we're reading John 4:16-30. How can we learn to struggle well based on this passage? Getting honest with God about the state of our lives Assessing the heart of our worship Determining what we need to leave behind in order to lead others to Jesus Read along at Bible.com or download the free YouVersion Bible app. Episode Sponsor: Phonics Museum: get a two-week free trial by visiting phonicsmuseum.com/msw

Lynn and her husband, Greg, have been married for over 30 years and are the parents of three young adults. They enjoy spending time together, especially when it combines the mountains, well-worn sweatshirts, and anything with chocolate and peanut butter. Lynn, her family, and the occasional backyard deer, live near Charlotte, North Carolina. What we chat about: how being empty-nesters has affected Lynn's marriage seeking purpose outside of your children helping your kids find their identity in their pre-teens changing the expectations we often place on our children what to do when you receive conflicting advice protecting your children's privacy on your social media accounts advice for parents who think their child might suffer from a mental illness how Lynn's daughter's diagnosis has drawn her closer to Christ balancing your relationship with your kids after they've left home Links mentioned: Brave Beauty: Finding the Fearless YouCultivate: A Grace-Filled Guide to Growing an Intentional Life 5 Days to Unshakable Confidence Grounded: Standing Firm in a Roller Coaster World Connect with Lynn: website // facebook // instagram // twitter // pinterest Episode Sponsors: An Intentional Life: A Life-Giving Invitation to Uncover Your Passions and Unlock Your Purpose Daily Harvest: 3 free cups using promo code MSW Tommy John: use the link and get 20% off your first order Teami Blends: get 15% off of orders of $29.99 or more using the promo code MSW15 Ways to support the show: Patreon Amazon Share the Struggle! Find me on Instagram because I want to hear YOUR thoughts!  If you've been encouraged, share the episode with another mom.   The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together!

Sally Clarkson is the beloved author of multiple bestselling books including Own Your Life, The Lifegiving Home and Desperate. As a mother of four, she has inspired thousands of women through conferences, resources, and books with Whole Heart Ministries. She has also advocated relentlessly for the power of motherhood and the influence of home through her Mom Heart conferences, speaking to audiences on several continents. What we chat about: the unlikely series of events that led to Sally's eye injury choosing to believe in God's goodness at all times building solid foundations and community being intentional about directing your children to Christ the "8 heartbeats" discussed in The Lifegiving Parent what concerns Sally about the new generation of parents how to correct without criticizing Links mentioned: The Lifegiving Parent: Giving Your Child a Life Worth Living for Christ Yorkshire Gold Tea Connect with Sally: website // podcast // facebook // instagram // twitter // youtube // pinterest Episode Sponsors: Secret Prep Dish: get two weeks free by visiting prepdish.com/msw Care Of: 25% off your first month with promo code MSW An Intentional Life: A Life-Giving Invitation to Uncover Your Passions and Unlock Your Purpose Ways to support the show: Patreon Amazon Share the Struggle! Find me on Instagram because I want to hear YOUR thoughts!  If you've been encouraged, share the episode with another mom.   The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together!

This week we're reading John 4:1-15. When was the last time you were compelled by God to do something? When we're obedient to His cues, He can use us to impact lives both directly and indirectly - even if all we're actually doing is giving a bowl of stinky tofu to a homeless woman.  For those of you who are "weary from the journey," take some time today to rest. Jesus gives you permission - He did it Himself.  And lastly, if you're feeling lonely, rejected or left out, know that you're in good company. Jesus often felt the same way and He is near. You don't have to go it alone.   Read along at Bible.com or download the free YouVersion Bible app. Episode Sponsor: Phonics Museum: get a two-week free trial by visiting phonicsmuseum.com/msw

This month we talk about Emilio Smith, the dog I once took back to a shelter, what to do about biting kids and the world of car seat dilemmas. I also tried to intimidate Rebecca into sending me some Better Life Bags product ASAP but it remains to be seen if that worked. 

As a trained actress and heartfelt Bible teacher, Wendy Speake ministers to women’s hearts through storytelling and Biblical life application. During her career in Hollywood, Wendy found herself longing to tell stories that edify and encourage women. Today she does just that, writing books about mommy anger and gentle parenting and performing dramatic Bible lessons for women’s groups, taking every opportunity to point audiences to Jesus. What we chat about: how Wendy's passion for storytelling led her to become an actress and author finding margin in your life internal and external triggers defining what triggers you and finding coping mechanisms Deuteronomy 11 sharing your triggers with your spouse Connect with Wendy: website // instagram // facebook // twitter // pinterest Episode Sponsors: ProFlowers: get 100 blooms with a free glass vase for just $19.99 by clicking the blue mic in the top right corner of ProFlowers.com using the promo code MSW Canvas People: get a free 11x14 canvas free using promo code MSW An Intentional Life: A Life-Giving Invitation to Uncover Your Passions and Unlock Your PurposebioClarity: get your first month for $9.95 + free shipping with coupon code MSW Ways to support the show: Patreon Amazon Share the Struggle! Find me on Instagram because I want to hear YOUR thoughts!  If you've been encouraged, share the episode with another mom.   The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together!

Known by millions as a long-time Contributing Editor for Guideposts magazine, Kathryn “Kitty” Slattery has written hundreds of stories of hope and inspiration for a wide variety of publications, including Parent Life, Today’s Christian Woman, and Angels on Earth magazines.  Kathryn resides in beautiful New Hampshire with her husband Tom, and they are the parents of two grown children.   What we chat about: what appeals to Kitty about being a ghostwriter how sharing other people's stories has strengthened her faith God's awesome ability to redeem the worst things in life how God used Kitty's interest in fortune telling to lead her to Him what she learned from talking with Fred Rogers (and his puppets) why we should all be asking questions the strength that's built by going through pain and struggles Links mentioned: If I Could Ask God Anything: Awesome Bible Answers for Curious Kids 365 Bible Answers for Curious Kids: An If I Could Ask God Anything Devotional Connect with Kitty: website // facebook Episode Sponsors: Canvas People: get a free 11x14 canvas free using promo code MSW Butcher Box: free bacon and $20 off your first order using promo code MSW ProFlowers: get 100 blooms with a free glass vase starting at $19.99 by clicking the blue mic in the top right corner of ProFlowers.com and use the promo code MSW Teami Blends: get 15% off on orders of $29.99 or more using the promo code MSW15 Ways to support the show: Patreon Amazon Share the Struggle! Find me on Instagram because I want to hear YOUR thoughts!  If you've been encouraged, share the episode with another mom.   The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together!

This week we're reading John 3:31 -3:35. Have you ever received a letter with one of those wax seals? It seems so fancy and official; it also authenticates who sent it. That's what we are to Christ - his wax seal. Each day we should be living in a way that authenticates Him, His nature, and His love for us.  Read along at Bible.com or download the free YouVersion Bible app. Episode Sponsor: Phonics Museum: get a two-week free trial by visiting phonicsmuseum.com/msw

Amber Runyon is hospice nurse who became a social entrepreneur.  She founded Legacy and Eleventh Candle Co. out of the desire to bring hope to women both in the United States and in Ethiopia who’ve been vulnerable to human trafficking, abuse, exploitation, and addiction, focusing on providing a therapeutic work setting that allows all women a fair chance and opportunity to grow. The bottom line: Amber believes that if we teach little girls to dream, they will the force that changes this world. But more than that, if we can teach broken women to dream like little girls again, it will be a force that the world has yet to see. Get 25% off your order from Eleventh Candle Co. using the coupon code strugglingwell! What we chat about: what lead Amber to start a candle company how Eleventh Candle Co. is helping women who have been exploited, part of sex trafficking, or have struggled with addiction identifying women who genuinely want help EMDR therapy how Amber has seen God change the lives of the women she employs extending grace without enabling why Amber celebrates failures encouragement for women who feel overwhelmed by their calling Links mentioned: Ep. 32: You Are Loved and Worth Loving with Brandi Lea Ep. 58: Journey Toward Healing with Brandi Lea The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of TraumaStop Teaching Our Kids to Kill: A Call to Action Against TV, Movie & Video Game Violence   Connect with Amber: website // instagram // facebook // twitter Episode Sponsors: Pursuit Community: get $325 off registration for the Mastermind Retreat in Nashville, TN using promo code MSW Daily Harvest: 3 free cups using promo code MSW Tommy John: use the link and get 20% off your first order Ways to support the show: Patreon Amazon Share the Struggle! Find me on Instagram because I want to hear YOUR thoughts!  If you've been encouraged, share the episode with another mom.   The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together!

For the last decade, Jen Schmidt has been encouraging, challenging, and cheering on women to embrace both the beauty and bedlam of their everyday lives on her popular lifestyle blog, Balancing Beauty and Bedlam. With a variety of topics—from easy dinner ideas and personal finance to leaving a legacy—Jen equips others to live life to its fullest, reminding them it's the little things that really are the big things in life. A popular speaker, worship leader and founder/host of the annual Becoming Conference, Jen shares with humor and authenticity as she invites others to join her on this bumpy, beautiful life journey. She lives in North Carolina with her husband, five children, a few too many animals, and an available sofa for anyone who needs it. What we chat about: giving her newly married son and daughter-in-law space intentional decisions for building family relationships making your home a safe place for your children's friends the importance of preserving quality family time  breaking generational parenting patterns allowing insecurities prevent us from building community Links mentioned: Just Open the Door: How One Invitation Can Change a Generation Becoming ConferenceGather and Love Tour with Kristen Schell (Turquoise Table) Connect with Jen: website // instagram // facebook // twitter // pinterest Episode Sponsors: Pursuit Community: get $325 off registration for the Mastermind Retreat in Nashville, TN using promo code MSW Prep Dish: get two weeks free by visiting prepdish.com/msw GLAM: GodLovesallOfMe.org/resources Ways to support the show: Patreon Amazon Share the Struggle! Find me on Instagram because I want to hear YOUR thoughts!  If you've been encouraged, share the episode with another mom.   The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together!

Kat Lee is passionate about teaching others how to jump-start each day with a grace-filled, life-giving morning routine. She is a writer, speaker, podcaster and founder of HelloMornings.org. She and her husband, Jimmy, live in Waco, Texas, with their three children. What we chat about: the joy of having older kids (that you can watch Hallmark movies with) why Kat has chosen to use homeschool, provate school and public school to educate her kids Kat's yearly family road trip adventures tactics for limiting your children's screen time how narrowing your focus will help you accomplish more the importance of starting your day with healthy choices Links mentioned: Episode 7: On Building an Impressive Eulogy with Kat Lee Circle Go Unoffendable: How Just One Change Can Make All of Life Better Connect with Kat: podcast // website // instagram // facebook // twitter // pinterest Episode Sponsors: Pursuit Community: get $325 off registration for the Mastermind Retreat in Nashville, TN using promo code MSW Care Of: 25% off your first month with promo code MSW Daily Harvest: 3 free cups using promo code MSW Ways to support the show: Patreon Amazon Share the Struggle! Find me on Instagram because I want to hear YOUR thoughts!  If you've been encouraged, share the episode with another mom.   The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together!

This week we're reading John 3:22 -3:30. When was the last time you saw someone create a Pinterest board with ideas to be the perfect bridesmaid? Maybe it's time to change our perspective. 

What we chat about: conflict as part of a healthy relationship striving for oneness with your spouse four different ways we handle conflict the importance of being heard when and how to confront a friend teaching your kids to take responsibility Links mentioned: Ep. 99: Fired Up About 40 with Leslie Barry The Search For Significance: Seeing Your True Worth Through God's EyesLove & Respect: The Love She Most Desires; The Respect He Desperately NeedsSheet Music: Uncovering the Secrets of Sexual Intimacy in Marriage Episode Sponsors: AdventuresWithArcher.com Canvas People: get a free 11x14 canvas free using promo code MSW Support the show: Shop Amazon Affiliate Link Share the Struggle! Find me on Instagram or Facebook because I want to hear YOUR thoughts on this episode!  If you've been encouraged by the show, please share it with another mom.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together!

Listen. Rebecky (as she likes to be called) has some big news and she decided to reveal it on this nationally-beloved segment of the podcast.  She has some excitement and ambivalence that she works through.  As always, I am a source of wisdom for her.  Besides her amazing news, we talked about my obsessive signing-up of my children for summer camps, how to keep kids from being naked in public, and how to prepare yourself for special "grown up" time with your husband.  Buuuut then that got awkward for me so I got off that topic real quick.  I don't remember what happened after that. I blacked out from embarrassment.   

Carissa is wife to Phillip and mother to Eleanor. She's an adoptive mama, painter, Bible teacher, gardener and avid learner. She is the co-founder and co-director of McKinney Roots, a non-profit 100% food donation garden that supplies organic, fresh picked fruits, veggies, herbs and eggs to the food insecure in McKinney, TX.  If you would like to volunteer with McKinney Roots or help support them financially, visit mckinneyroots.org and click donate. For $30 a month, you can sponsor a raised bed in the garden. The funds cover the cost of planting and harvesting that bed and their general operating budget. What we chat about: trusting God and finding contentment during a season of waiting learning to grieve with your spouse  the joys of being a mother the amazing story of how God lead Carissa to start McKinney Roots advice for women who are called to do something big, but feel overwhelmed Links mentioned: BraveLove Connect with Carissa: website // instagram // facebook Episode Sponsors: Daily Harvest: 3 free cups using promo code MSW Zip Recruiter: try it for free by visiting ziprecruiter.com/msw Pursuit Community: get $325 off registration for the Mastermind Retreat in Nashville, TN using promo code MSW at checkout Support the show: Shop Amazon Affiliate Link Share the Struggle! Find me on Instagram or Facebook because I want to hear YOUR thoughts on this episode!  If you've been encouraged by the show, please share it with another mom.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together!

This week we're reading through John 3:16 - 21. Now, we all know John 3:16, but when was the last time you really sat down and thought about what it says? We are so loved. We'll also see what this passage says about the power of talking about things that we really wish we didn't have to... like eating too much guacamole. Seriously. It's a problem.    

Jessica Kastner is a journalist and author who serves as CT Coordinator for Straight Ahead Ministries, a non-profit working to see Jesus Christ transform the lives of juvenile offenders. She's also a single boy mom who has chosen to share her difficulty fitting the motherhood mold and everyday struggles. What we chat about: Owning the things about motherhood that make you happy The importance of pretend play and what to do when you hate it The guilt that can come with being a working mom Dealing with a teen that lacks motivation How Jessica has seen her honesty help other women Unrealistic expectations for Christian mothers Walking the line between honesty and complaining Misconceptions about single mothers Avoiding comparison by embracing what makes you unique Links mentioned: Hiding from the Kids in My Prayer Closet: Finding Grace and Laughter When Motherhood Gets Real Episode #86: Taco Tuesdays with Shontell Brewer Connect with Jessica: website // facebook // twitter Episode Sponsors: HelloFresh: $30 off your first week using promo code MSW30 RX Bar: 25% off your first order using promo code MSW Butcher Box: free bacon and $20 off your first order using promo code MSW Support the show: Shop Amazon Affiliate Link Share the Struggle! Find me on Instagram or Facebook because I want to hear YOUR thoughts on this episode!  If you've been encouraged by the show, please share it with another mom.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together!

Jinger and Jessica Lord are a mother and daughter pair whom I have watched and admired first hand. They share a closeness that is often not present between a mom and her 19-year-old daughter.  Jinger is on staff at my church in charge of our children’s and family ministries.  She is highly organized and administrative with a passion for excellence and the discipleship of children and parents. Jessica is her second-born (in between two boys) and, in contrast to her mother, is a creative, random-thinker who is more passionate about relationships than tasks. We chat about the ups and downs of their relationship and the fruit of intentional discipleship in their home. What we chat about: Expectation vs. reality of what  it's like to have a daughter Letting your kids learn by suffering the consequences of their actions Deciphering when to intervene in your children's lives Making sure your children feel like they're being heard Being intentional about spending time together and being quick to forgive Advice for young moms Fitting meaningful moments in everyday life How Jinger modeled contentment and health to Jessica Links mentioned: Family Nights Tool Chest (There are several books in this series. This link is for the introduction.) At Home with Sally Clarkson & Friends podcast God-Centered Mom podcast Marriage Revolution Episode Sponsors: Pursuit Community: get $325 off registration for the Mastermind Retreat in Nashville, TN using promo code MSW at checkout Prep Dish: get two weeks free by visiting prepdish.com/msw Support the show: Shop Amazon Affiliate Link Share the Struggle! Find me on Instagram or Facebook because I want to hear YOUR thoughts on this episode!  If you've been encouraged by the show, please share it with another mom.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together!

Hey ladies! Wanted to let you know there's a new podcast segment around the Mom Struggling Well Empire. It is coming out weekly exclusively for supporters of the show.  I think you're gonna LOVE my little sister as much as I do! If the Mom Struggling Well podcast is a project you'd like to support and you'd like to hear this segment weekly, head to patreon.com/momstrugglingwell and join us!  

Rebecca wants to ruin the show's theme song by changing her name to Becky.  Please send her messages on Instagram letting her know this is the wrong choice. Rebecca went on vacation (again) to visit her parents who are not (but actually are) Snowbirds. I stopped homeschooling this week and made some people mad.  We also solved multiple listener problems. Listen and be changed forever.

Wynter Pitts is the founder of For Girls Like You, a resource ministry for tween girls and their parents. She is the author of several books, including You’re God’s Girl!: A Devotional for Tweens and She is Yours: Trusting God As You Raise The Girl He Gave You. The mother of four girls herself, Wynter's mission is to empower and equip women of all ages to walk boldly into becoming who God has created them to be and to provide parents with the resources and support needed to raise strong Christ followers.  What we chat about: How God changed Wynter's perspective of motherhood Getting your kids to spend time with God Handling teenage hormones Helping your children find the truth through their feelings How her daughter, Alena, got a role in the movie War Room and how her siblings responded Why Wynter decided to homeschool after being firmly set against it Breaking the cycle of poverty in your childhood Links mentioned: Electric blanket Connect with Wynter: website // facebook // instagram // twitter // pinterest Episode Sponsors: Ora Organic: 15% off your first order using promo code MSW Buy Josh Lovelace's new album Young Folk Support the show: Shop Amazon Affiliate Link Share the Struggle! Find me on Instagram or Facebook because I want to hear YOUR thoughts on this episode!  If you've been encouraged by the show, please share it with another mom.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together!

Laura Kelley is a mom of five through birth, adoption, and fostering. She's also is no stranger to sorrow. Last year, Laura and her husband Josh accepted God's call to adopt a 3-year-old boy from China named Everett. Tragically, Everett was born with a congenital heart defect leaving his new parents with some very difficult decisions to make about his medical care. He passed away just days before his fourth birthday. Laura is now courageously navigating through her grief one day at a time and sharing her journey publically on social media. What we chat about: What prompted Laura to adopt a child with medical needs The self-inflicted guilt that accompanies the loss of a child The importance of finding moments of joy in times of deep pain Why Laura has chosen to share her grief so transparently Dealing with criticism on social media What daily life looks life for Laura's family now How losing Everett has affected her relationship with God Suggestions on how to support the people around you who are grieving Links mentioned: Episode #61: Breaking the Rules We Made Up with Laura Kelley Connect with Laura: website // instagram // facebook // twitter // pinterest Episode Sponsors: Canvas People: get a free 11x14 canvas free using promo code MSW Daily Harvest: 3 free cups using promo code MSW Ora Organic: 15% off your first order using promo code MSW Support the show: Shop Amazon Affiliate Link Share the Struggle! Find me on Instagram or Facebook because I want to hear YOUR thoughts on this episode!  If you've been encouraged by the show, please share it with another mom.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together!

Kristen Hatton is the author of Face Time: Your Identity in a Selfie World for teen girls and the teen devotional Get Your Story Straight. A third book, The Gospel-Centered Life in Exodus for Students, is coming this summer. Kristen is also a blogger, Bible study teacher and speaker for groups of parents, women, and teens. In addition to her own blog, she contributes frequently to the Rooted Ministry blog and enCourage women’s blog. She resides in Edmond, Oklahoma, with her pastor husband, and they have three teenagers. What we chat about: Kristen's idea to start a Bible study with her daughter and her friends Walking through the season of her daughter's eating disorder How to have a friend and be a friend Understanding teens and empathizing with them Talking with teens about idolatry Teens and technology Laying a foundation for the teen years Links mentioned: Face Time: Your Identity in a Selfie World DIY bath bombs Connect with Kristen: website // facebook // instagram // twitter // pinterest Episode Sponsors: RX Bar: get 25% off your first order using the promo code MSW Support the show: Shop Amazon Affiliate Link Share the Struggle! Find me on Instagram or Facebook because I want to hear YOUR thoughts on this episode!  If you've been encouraged by the show, please share it with another mom.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together!

This week we look at John 3:1-15 and a guy named Nicodemus.  And then we ask some hard questions about our own lives.  Ouch.  That's the part we don't like.  Let's do it anyway!

Micah Maddox is a women’s conference speaker, Bible teacher, writer, blogger, and author of Anchored In: Experience a Power-Full Life in a Problem-Filled World. She is passionate about helping women find purpose, peace, and calm in our chaotic world. As a pastor’s wife and mother of three, she contributes her time to MOPS and her local church – including serving as a women’s ministry leader. What we chat about: The complicated journey of finding closure Knowing when it's time to walk away from a relationship Why Micah chose to become a foster parent How having foster children has affected her biological children Setting healthy boundaries Connect with Micah: website // facebook // instagram // twitter // pinterest Episode Sponsors: Tula: 20% off + free shipping Prep Dish: free two-week trial Support the show: Shop Amazon Affiliate Link Share the Struggle! Find me on Instagram or Facebook because I want to hear YOUR thoughts on this episode!  If you've been encouraged by the show, please share it with another mom.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together!

Tabitha Panariso is a devoted wife, mom of two (almost three) and a very wordy, typically unfiltered, writer of life and faith. She spends the majority of her days at home with her kids taking advantage of any other free time by pouring into her friendships and community. Over and over again, Tabitha is relearning that her worth has nothing to do with her doing and all to do with her being — His.  What we chat about: The grief process Tabitha walked through after leaving the workforce How we misinterpret the way God handles us Becoming passionate about finding your identity Staying present with your kids What is actually required to be healthy   Links mentioned: Letterboard Connect with Tabitha: website // instagram // facebook Episode Sponsors: Daily Harvest: enter promo code MSW to get three items FREE in your first box Fabletics: get two pairs of leggings for just $24 when you become a VIP member Support the show: Shop Amazon Affiliate Link Share the Struggle! Find me on Instagram or Facebook because I want to hear YOUR thoughts on this episode!  If you've been encouraged by the show, please share it with another mom.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together!

Stephanie Ackerman is an ordinary girl living an extraordinary life where she gets to do what she loves for a living. Her purpose is to create, inspire, teach, and encourage others through creative arts. At any given moment she might be praying, doodling, running, baking chocolate chip cookies, doing laundry, trying to match socks, doing more laundry, organizing piles, at the airport or coming home from the airport, stitching, taking a nap or all of the above. What we chat about: Divorce - knowing when to walk away Hormonal changes Confronting self-doubt Embracing your own creativity Pushing your children to overcome their fears Fear of praying out loud Links mentioned: Faith Journaling for the Inspired ArtistMarriage Health Connect with Stephanie: website // instagram // vimeo Episode Sponsors: Prep Dish - free two-week trial Tula - 20% off + free shipping Support the show: Shop Amazon Affiliate Link Share the Struggle! Find me on Instagram or Facebook because I want to hear YOUR thoughts on this episode!  If you've been encouraged by the show, please share it with another mom.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together!

Join me as I look at the end of John 2 this week! Hope you learn as much as I did!

Things got interesting this month, friends.  We changed up the format slightly and simplified it. Basically so Rebecca wouldn't quit.  Please feel free to send her mean messages about even considering it!  Thank you in advance. There's no theme this month which is fun because it left us open for even more shenanigans.  Enjoy.

Elise Hurd is a faith coach, wife to her best friend, Jason, and mom of 5 wildly exuberant kids. Her passion is to help believers remember, record, and relay their personal experiences of Jesus. Her goal is to equip Jesus-followers to "Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have." (1 Peter 3:15). Elise and Jason are completing their RV renovation and plan to hit the road full time in their tiny home by the summer of 2018. What we chat about: Elise's story of modeling, abortion, attempted suicide and the hope she found in Christ A creative way she's using her limitations to teach her children to rely on Christ How parents can love/help their prodigal kids What is a Jesus Story Box?  The remarkable connection remembering and our spiritual lives  Isaiah 40:6 and dialogue with God Links mentioned: Jesus, the One and Only Schmidt's Natural Deodorant Where to find Elise: website // instagram // facebook Episode Sponsors: Zip Recruiter - Start posting jobs for free Butcher Box - Place your first order at ButcherBox.com/MSW with the promo code MSW and get $20 off and free bacon  Fabletics - Go to Fabletics.com/MSW today and get TWO pairs of their amazing leggings for just $24 when you become a VIP member Support the show: Shop Amazon Affiliate Link Share the Struggle! Find me on Instagram or Facebook because I want to hear YOUR thoughts on this episode!  If you've been encouraged by the show, please share it with another mom.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together!

Today we look at John 2:13-17 where Jesus did some things that don't seem very Jesus-y.  We know though that he never makes a mistake and is always working for our good so it's worth taking a deeper look into this interesting scene.  

Jamie Ivey is a podcaster, writer, and speaker from Austin, Texas. She is the proud mama to four kids and the wife to Aaron, worship pastor of The Austin Stone Community Church. Jamie loves to encourage women to passionately follow Jesus through whatever stage of life. She does this through writing and her weekly podcast, The Happy Hour with Jamie Ivey. Jamie's debut book If You Only Knew: My Unlikely, Unavoidable Story of Becoming Free, releases January 2018.  What we chat about: Identity and actually believing what you say you believe How Jamie's life has changed as a result of sharing her story Learning to take a backseat to the Holy Spirit Watching God draw her children's heart closer to Him Building relationships through service Links mentioned: If You Only Knew: My Unlikely, Unavoidable Story of Becoming Free Orange Theory Slow North candles Where to find Jamie: website // instagram // facebook // twitter // pinterest Episode Sponsors: Fabletics - Go to Fabletics.com/MSW today and get TWO pairs of their amazing leggings for just $24 when you become a VIP member Wellness Witness - Join the At-Home Tribe through January 14, 2018, for just $12/mo by visiting athometribe.com and clicking the Mom Struggling Well discount box Prep Dish - Get a free two-week trial now by visiting PrepDish.com/MSW Support the show: Shop Amazon Affiliate Link Share the Struggle! Find me on Instagram or Facebook because I want to hear YOUR thoughts on this episode!  If you've been encouraged by the show, please share it with another mom.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together!

What we chat about: Defining your family's culture How to respond to warranted criticism from your children The story of Stacey's husband's financial betrayal  Stacey's walk through the healing and grieving process   How God has used her husband's mistakes to change her  Links mentioned: Stacey's husband's testimony Ep. 92 - Sibling Conflict: From Bickering to Bonding with Jim and Lynne Jackson Native deodorant Ep. 70 - Rebuilding a Marriage after Betrayal with Lynn Cherry Keep Walking: 40 Days To Hope And Freedom After Betrayal Episode Sponsors: Hello Fresh - Get $30 off your first meal by using the promo code MSW30 at checkout RX Bar - Get 25% off your first order using the promo code MSW  Fabletics - Get two pairs of leggings for $24 when you sign up to become a VIP member Support the show: Shop Amazon Affiliate Link Share the Struggle! Find me on Instagram or Facebook because I want to hear YOUR thoughts on this episode!  If you've been encouraged by the show, please share it with another mom.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together!

Jesus is an amazing wine maker.  He makes large batches in a flash.  That's not the point of this passage in John but it is definitely something we learn about Jesus in John 2. 

Alexandra Hoover is a wife, mother of three, daughter, friend, dreamer, reader & writer. She works as a full-time Ministry Assistant, and spends the rest of her time, loving her crew, her friends, and pouring her everything into being present. Her story is a story of redemption by Grace. Ransomed, Rescued and Redeemed. She loves to share Gods continuous faithfulness in her life, and how He has an abundant life waiting for us right now, in it all. She is for the women of this generation, and the next. Empowering and Encouraging them in Christ Jesus, and the truth of who they are, and who's they are. What we chat about: The difference between self-care and resting in Christ Responding when God's answer to a prayer is "not now" The blessing of walking in obedience, even when that means saying no to people How changing her "heart posture" changed her life The on-going restoration of Alex's relationship with her parents The difference between needing space from a person vs. withdrawing from them How extending love to others has helped her better understand God's unfailing love Links mentioned: GT's (Synergy) kombucha tea - Lavender Love Where to find Alex: website // instagram // facebook Episode Sponsors: Rebecca Renfrow - Tell Rebecca you heard about her on the show and get 10% off Wearthy Anchor of Hope Box - Use coupon code MSW at checkout for 15% off Support the show: Shop Amazon Affiliate Link Share the Struggle! Find me on Instagram or Facebook because I want to hear YOUR thoughts on this episode!  If you've been encouraged by the show, please share it with another mom.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together!

This passage messed me up in a good way this week.  We get caught up in lies about whether or not we are invited and start putting our expectations on the wrong people.  At least I do! I learned so much from this passage and I pray you do too!

Alison Stooksbury lives in Knoxville, TN and is a stay-at-home mom to two. Her husband Brandon builds houses and at the time of this interview, he was over a year into building their dream house - by himself.  Find out more about my visit to Glamour Shots and see some of my favorite shots from our family photo session now at GlamourShots.com. What we chat about: How her husband working on their dream home affected their marriage and what they've done to stay connected Struggling through the adjustment of becoming a full-time stay-at-home mom Battling the lies that can pull her into depression How God has worked in her life as she has become increasingly honest with Him A practical way she's made reading the Bible a priority in her life Links mentioned: YouVersion Bible App Yeti Rambler None Like Him: 10 Ways God Is Different from Us (and Why That's a Good Thing) Where to find Alison: instagram // twitter Episode Sponsors:  Canvas People  Get an 11x14 canvas FREE + shipping by using the promo code MSW at checkout (for a limited time)! Bark Box Get an extra month free when you visit BarkBox.com/MSW! Queen Bee Market Support the show: Shop Amazon Affiliate Link Share the Struggle! Find me on Instagram or Facebook because I want to hear YOUR thoughts on this episode!  If you've been encouraged by the show, please share it with another mom.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together!

More great examples from John the Baptist about what to do when we are not chosen.  Way to go, John!

Christine Caine is an Australian-born, Greek-blooded lover of Jesus. She's an activist, author and international speaker with an incredible ability to speak hard truths in a disarming way. In a culture that is compromising in all directions, Christine stands firm and powerfully proclaims the Gospel in word and in deed. What we chat about: Her new devotional, Unshakeable Her work with A21, an anti-human trafficking organization Christine's intensely broken backstory Strategies for opening doors to minister The truth about the hard road to recovery A practical solution for moms overwhelmed with their kid's sports schedules Non-negotiable connecting points with her family Being selective about the things we allow into our brains  Links mentioned: A21 Unshakeable: 365 Devotions for Finding Unwavering Strength in God’s Word Where to find Christine: website // facebook // twitter // youtube // instagram // pinterest Episode Sponsors:  PreluviUse coupon code MSW for free shipping on all orders of $15 or more Canvas PeopleGet an 11x14 canvas FREE + shipping by using the promo code MSW at checkout (for a limited time) RX BarGet 25% off your first order using the promo code MSW Support the show: Shop Amazon Affiliate Link Share the Struggle! Find me on Instagram or Facebook because I want to hear YOUR thoughts on this episode!  If you've been encouraged by the show, please share it with another mom.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together!

In this short little segment I start going through the beginning of the book of John.  It would be great if you could read the short passage before you start.  Hope you love it!

Kate works with Youth With A Mission (YWAM) in the Cook Islands alongside her husband and 3 children. She is a mom on mission, training young adults to share the gospel as well as having her own unique mission field (her children). Kate is passionate about knowing God and pointing her children toward Him. She also encourages other moms to do the same on her blog missionmumma.com. What we chat about: Communicating your specific needs and concerns to your husband Keeping expectations realistic when working with your spouse How constant reassessment helps make sure your family remains your top priority The value of consistently praying and reading the Bible with your children Creating a prayer journal for your kids The struggle of disciplining a child who is your mini-me Staying present with a transition ahead Links mentioned: The Jesus Storybook Bible: Every Story Whispers His Name Grammarly Where to find Kate: website // facebook // instagram // pinterest Episode Sponsors: Rebecca Renfrow - Tell Rebecca you heard about her on the show and get 10% off Lovepop - Unlock special pricing on 5 Lovepops plus free shipping by visiting LovepopCards.com/MSW  CanvasPeople - Get an 11x14 canvas FREE + shipping by using the promo code MSW at checkout (for a limited time) Support the show: Shop Amazon Affiliate Link Share the Struggle! Find me on Instagram or Facebook because I want to hear YOUR thoughts on this episode!  If you've been encouraged by the show, please share it with another mom.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together!

In this riveting episode Rebecca and I start off by sharing what we've been up to lately.  I shared a little about my experience at Revelation Wellness Instructor Training and how I recently went to Glamour Shots with my family for family portraits.   Rebecca shared that she's been struggling with being a homeschool mom and me and everyone else on the live Instagram video gave our hearty agreement that being a mom of any kind can be a stinking beating at points. So here are our favorite things for this year: Clothed in Victory: Promo Code MOMSTRUGGLINGWELL for 20% off your order of $50 or more! Revelation Wellness Instructor Training Glamour Shots Write the Word Journals Powersheets  Lidded Jar Container Candle  Trader Joes Cedar Balsam Candle Mercy Candle Company  ESV Single Column Journaling Bible ESV Single Column Journaling Bible Large Print  A Gracious Space: Fall: Daily Reflections to Sustain Your Homeschooling Commitment (Volume 1) New Morning Mercies Parenting: 14 Gospel Principles That Can Radically Change Your Family Teleties Rad Joy "Quiet Time" Box Armed with Truth Temporary Scripture Tattoos  Qalo Men's Functional Silicone Wedding Rings, Athletics Collection Montessori Toys @thehomeedit instagram account  Seinfeld Documentary Long Story Short Old Story New Sticky Situations Instant Pot Macarons

KariAnne writes the decorating and lifestyle blog, Thistlewood Farms from the back porch of her vintage farmhouse in the rolling hills of Kentucky. She followed God's call for her heart and jumped with her family from the busy Dallas metroplex to the middle of the country where she lives with her husband and four children.  If you turn down the winding country road to KariAnne's farmhouse you might find her painting mismatched chairs, listening to the music of the crickets singing in the pasture, singing scripture or walking hand-in-hand with her knight-in-shining-armor husband as the sun sets over the river. She loves sweet tea with lime, thunderstorms, good books, milk glass, yard sales and she is an imperfect DIYer saved by grace. What we chat about: Technology and teens The relationship with teens and their siblings The challenge of setting rules for kids at different ages Giving consequences that fit the crime Learning to speak "teenager" Modeling the behavior you want to see in your kids The story behind KariAnne's new book Links mentioned: So Close to Amazing: Stories of a DIY Life Gone Wrong . . . and Learning to Find the Beauty in Every Imperfection Parenting with Love and Logic Where to find KariAnne: website // facebook // instagram // twitter // pinterest Episode Sponsors: Queen Bee Market  Lovepop: Enter 2018 Lovepop Birthday Sweepstakes and win 50 Lovepops by visiting LovepopCards.com/MSW!  CanvasPeople: Get an 11x14 canvas FREE + shipping by using the promo code GONE at checkout (for a limited time)! Support the show: Shop Amazon Affiliate Link Share the Struggle! Find me on Instagram or Facebook because I want to hear YOUR thoughts on this episode!  If you've been encouraged by the show, please share it with another mom.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! ***Some links above take you to Amazon.  When you click through, anything you purchase there will help offset the costs associated with producing the show. It doesn't cost you any extra, and it helps me out.  Everybody wins! Thank you for your support!***    

Deana is a wife and mama with a heart for helping women stay anchored in God's Word. She is the founder of Anchored Press and the creator of the Anchored Press Devotional Planner. Her heart's mission is to help you make time for God daily so you reap all He has planned for you. When she's not pouring into her family, friends or Anchored Press, you will likely find her at the beach soaking in God's creation. Anchored Press gave me a special code to share with you that gives you a free Quiet Time Journal when you order your 2018 Devotional Planner before December 1st. Enter code STRUGGLINGWELL at checkout and be sure to put a Quiet Time Journal AND a 2018 Planner in your cart to redeem the offer.  What we chat about: Deep things Deana has learned in seasons of waiting The story behind Anchored Press A time Deana prayed a huge prayer and watched God do the impossible How Deana quiets herself enough to hear from God The importance of finding a group that can support and encourage you Links mentioned: Inspired Retreat Invitation to Solitude and Silence: Experiencing God's Transforming Presence Revlon Salon One-Step Hair Dryer & Volumizer Revelation Wellness Podcast Where to find Deana: website // facebook // instagram // twitter // pinterest  Episode Sponsors:  Queen Bee Market  CanvasPeopleGet an 11x14 canvas FREE + shipping by using the promo code GONE at checkout (for a limited time) Free Day Popcorn  Get 20% off your purchase when you use the coupon code STRUGGLEWELL thru December 15, 2017 Support the show: Shop Amazon Affiliate Link Share the Struggle! Find me on Instagram or Facebook because I want to hear YOUR thoughts on this episode!  If you've been encouraged by the show, please share it with another mom.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together!

Sally Clarkson is the beloved author of multiple bestselling books including Own Your Life,The Lifegiving Home and Desperate with her daughter Sarah, and most recently, Different with her son Nathan. As a mother of four, she has inspired thousands of women through conferences, resources, and books with Whole Heart Ministries. She has also advocated relentlessly for the power of motherhood and the influence of home through her Mom Heart conferences, speaking to audiences on several continents. What we chat about: How to build a Biblical family culture Simple ways to encourage others  Understanding the different seasons of motherhood How to best love your difficult child The ways your children benefit when you find grace for yourself Starting conversations around the table Making your home the "it" place to be for your kid's friends Thrifty ways to make your house feel like a home   Links mentioned: The Lifegiving Table: Nurturing Faith through Feasting, One Meal at a Time The Lifegiving Home: Creating a Place of Belonging and Becoming Different: The Story of an Outside-the-Box Kid and the Mom Who Loved Him Where to find Sally: website // podcast // facebook // instagram // twitter // youtube // pinterest Episode Sponsors: Preluvi -Free shipping on all orders of $15 or more with coupon code MSW  Hello Fresh - $30 off your first meal by using the promo code MSW30 at checkout Free Day Popcorn - Get 20% off your purchase when you use the coupon code STRUGGLEWELL thru December 15, 2017 Support the show: Shop Amazon Affiliate Link Share the Struggle! Find me on Instagram or Facebook because I want to hear YOUR thoughts on this episode!  If you've been encouraged by the show, please share it with another mom.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together!    

September McCarthy is the Founder and Hostess of the non-profit, Raising Generations Today; an author; wife to her "builder" and the mother of ten children.  Although as a parent she considers her primary responsibility to raise kingdom builders and world changers, as an individual God has called her "to encourage all women to be brave and to embrace the gifts that God has placed upon them to hand the torch of the Gospel to their family and those around them." What we chat about: What sparked her to start Raising Generations Today The crux of motherhood - catch and release Championing other mothers The importance of filling your cup before it's empty Recognizing your focus and determining if it matches your vision for motherhood Understanding your children's love languages Exposing your kids to your weaknesses The differences in being purposeful and being consumed Rules for communication during family meetings How to struggle well with your kids when they refuse to listen Links mentioned: Why Motherhood Matters: An Invitation to Purposeful Parenting {Why} Motherhood Matters Journal: Taking The Steps Where to find September: website // facebook // twitter // instagram // pinterest Episode Sponsors:  Free Day Popcorn  Get 20% off your purchase when you use the coupon code STRUGGLEWELL thru December 15, 2017 Daily HarvestGet 3 items FREE  when you use the promo code MSW Support the show: Shop Amazon Affiliate Link Share the Struggle! Find me on Instagram or Facebook because I want to hear YOUR thoughts on this episode!  If you've been encouraged by the show, please share it with another mom.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together!

In this episode I discovered something I liked on Instagram and Rebecca let me know it's been around for ages.  We talked about whether or not we feel like devil raves are good events for our children to attend.  I insulted dresses she likes on accident and she took a firm stand against people trying to bully her into taking an oily journey. 

Lara Casey is a believer in the “impossible,” helping women to live on purpose through the many hats she wears in her parent company, Lara Casey Media. She founded Southern Weddings magazine a decade ago and is the CEO of Cultivate What Matters. Lara is also the founder of the Making Things Happen movement, a nationally-acclaimed workshop that has been sold out for the last eight years and has toured over 40 cities. Lara frequently speaks on goal-setting, faith, mission-centered business, and is the creator of the PowerSheets Goal Planner. As if all that wasn't enough, Lara is also an author, wife, and mother of three. What we chat about: Finding worth, not in accomplishments, but in your identity in Christ Practical ways to slow down and take a step back Setting goals that truly matter How tending an orchid became a symbol of revival in Lara's life Cultivated dreaming and what you can do today to start accomplishing your goals Setting goals seasonally and celebrating progress Getting unstuck by acknowledging where you are Using your love languages to stay connected with your spouse  Links mentioned: Make it Happen: Surrender Your Fear. Take the Leap. Live On Purpose. Cultivate: A Grace-Filled Guide to Growing an Intentional Life What's Best Next: How the Gospel Transforms the Way You Get Things Done Where to find Lara: website //  facebook // instagram //  pinterest // twitter Episode Sponsors: Free Day Popcorn 20% off your purchase with the code STRUGGLEWELL thru December 15, 2017 RXBAR25% off your first order using the promo code MSW Support the show: Shop Amazon Affiliate Link Share the Struggle! Find me on Instagram or Facebook because I want to hear YOUR thoughts on this episode!  If you've been encouraged by the show, please share it with another mom.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together!

Elizabeth Quintal spent over a decade working with homeless children before making the decision to stay at home full time with her "cheeky" son, to keep writing and styling on her blog Cheeky Days, and to start a subscription box business called Outside The Box.  Outside The Box is a subscription box by a family for families inspiring connection, creativity and community. Elizabeth's goal is to provide families a simple and meaningful way to give back to the community by delivering a curated box every month with a new theme always focused on sharing the value of dreaming big and giving back. Get 20% off any Outside the Box purchase using the coupon code: Mom Struggling Well What we chat about: Elizabeth's (then) upcoming move to Madrid and the motivation behind her life-altering decision How working with homeless families taught her to love, show compassion, and stop judging others The life-changing power of treating all people with love and understanding,regardless of status Balancing truth and grace Avoiding being overwhelmed through hope and faith How Elizabeth's passion for teaching kids kindness, empathy, diversity and building community inspired her business The importance of having hard, honest conversations with our children Putting an emphasis on teaching empathy and community rather than allowing society to fill in the blanks Links mentioned: Braving the Wilderness: The Quest for True Belonging and the Courage to Stand Alone Rising Strong: How the Ability to Reset Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead Where to find Elizabeth: website // facebook // instagram // pinterest // twitter Episode Sponsor: Rebecca Renfrow & Anchored Press You can thrive as a business owner and as a mom, merging the two God given roles with grace and ease. Struggling with self doubt and fear?  And guilt? Rebecca's job is to help you get out of the rut you are in and move forward in your business, while thriving as a mom. You can do this. I can't wait to help you reach your goals, grow a business you are proud of, make more money, and LIVE YOUR LIFE ON PURPOSE as a mom and an entrepreneur! Because you CAN do both...well! Head to rebeccarenfrow.com to sign up for your coaching package! Anchored Press is a Christian planner that keeps you focused on God as you organize your day.  It's got everything you need for your time with God, keeping track of which meals your kids actually will eat and what's happening in your schedule this week.  Try them out if you haven't already.  You'll love your planner!  Support the show: Shop Amazon Affiliate Link Share the Struggle! Find me on Instagram or Facebook because I want to hear YOUR thoughts on this episode!  If you've been encouraged by the show, please share it with another mom.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together!

Nichole Nordeman is a recording artist and songwriter with numerous #1 and top 10 singles to her credit and cumulative album sales of over one million. A two-time Gospel Music Association winner for Female Vocalist Of The Year, she has won a total of nine Dove Awards. Nichole is also a single mother who recently publish the book Slow Down that encourages moms to celebrate the every day moments of motherhood.  What we chat about: How Nichole tackles being an extreme introvert who lives in the spotlight The story behind her song "Slow Down" and its very personal music video Coping with life when you find yourself somewhere you never planned on being The perception of working moms vs. stay at home moms The shame of divorce, especially within the church The importance of connecting with women in different phases of their journey Struggling to let go of people pleasing How restoration often doesn't look the way we think it should Becoming comfortable with not having all the answers Tips on how to make awkward conversations with your teens less intimidating Equating exhaustion with being a good parent and self care Links mentioned: Slow Down (book) Slow Down (song) What the Health? Where to find Nichole: website // facebook // twitter // instagram Episode Sponsor: Anchored Press & Daily Harvest Anchored Press is a Christian planner that keeps you focused on God as you organize your day. It's got everything you need for your time with God, keeping track of which meals your kids actually will eat and what's happening in your schedule this week.  Try them out if you haven't already.  You'll love your planner!  Daily Harvest is on a mission to make fresh, organic ingredients in innovative forms accessible and convenient to everyone in America. By tapping into a new kind of frozen technology, they're able to offer customers what they like to think is an invaluable ‘life hack’ ready in 30 seconds, saving you time, stress and money - and it’s all without having to feel like you are trading anything out.  Get 3 items FREE  when you use the promo code MSW! Support the show: Shop Amazon Affiliate Link Share the Struggle! Find me on Instagram or Facebook because I want to hear YOUR thoughts on this episode!  If you've been encouraged by the show, please share it with another mom.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together!

Melanie Shankle is a public speaker and the author of three New York Times bestselling books - Sparkly Green Earrings, The Antelope in the Living Room, and Nobody’s Cuter Than You. Her new book, Church of the Small Things, released on October 3, 2017. Formerly a pharmaceutical sales rep, Melanie started The Big Mama Blog in July 2006 and is the co-host of The Big Boo Cast with fellow author/speaker Sophie Hudson. What we chat about: Dealing with the perception of having one child Finding contentment in small moments Being consistent with who we are in front of our kids and with our outside lives How spreading ourselves too thin affects our family  Navigating the emotions of a teenage daughter Trusting your teen Thoughts on when to give your child a cell phone The basics of football - clear eyes, full hearts, can't lose Where to find Melanie: website // facebook // twitter // instagram // podcast Episode Sponsor: Preluvi // Code: MSW Support the show: Shop Amazon Affiliate Link Share the Struggle! Find me on Instagram or Facebook because I want to hear YOUR thoughts on this episode!  If you've been encouraged by the show, please share it with another mom.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together!

We may have accidentally solved real friendship problems this month! We also cover the history of friendship, Rebecca talked about a public naked experience she had yesterday and we even talked about conflict we have had. AND we sang several times.

Dr. Kelly Flanagan is a licensed clinical psychologist and prolific writer. He began writing in 2012 via his blog, UnTangled and recently published his first full-length book, Loveable. Kelly is often known for a blog posts he wrote as letters to his daughters about their true worth. He currently works at Artisan Clinical Associates with a wide range of individuals in various treatment contexts. What we chat about: The definition of loveable The shame cycle Two necessary steps to finding your purpose Seeking worth through relationships and accomplishments How to respond to our children's bad choices that will help them grow The beauty of being ordinary Preparing for your inciting incident The importance of setting boundries Links mentioned: Loveable: Embracing What Is Truest About You, So You Can Truly Embrace Your Life Where to find Kelly: website // twitter // facebook // pinterest Episode Sponsors: Anchored Press & Hello Fresh Support the show: Shop Amazon Affiliate Link Share the Struggle! Find me on Instagram or Facebook because I want to hear YOUR thoughts on this episode!  If you've been encouraged by the show, please share it with another mom.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together!

Dana Jones is a wife and mother of two who is living her dream by using her talent as an artist to create encouraging hand-painted signs. Over the past fourteen years, Dana's signs have evolved, using different kinds of materials and color palettes, as well as layouts and design concepts. She paints what's going on inside her heart, which she says is often inspired by music, encouragement, and God's grace story in her own life.  What we chat about: How she's encouraging women to embrace their "okayness" Two things that can heal your marriage - trust in God and willingness to grow The realization that God can make a redemption story for you, regardless of your spouse Creating a space that allows failure and forgiveness The power of helping your child find their passion and the importance of finding your own passion outside of your family Advice about encouraging a positive self-image to our daughters Where to find Dana: website // instagram // facebook // pinterest Episode Sponsor: Opinion Outpost A successful company’s most important consultant is you, the consumer! Companies rely on your feedback to produce new and improved products and services. Opinion Outpost bridges the gap between your opinions and the companies who need them. You can earn cash and rewards for the time you spend taking online surveys with points you can redeem for cash or gift vouchers to popular brands. Not only is it easy to sign up, but it’s also free. Support the show: Shop Amazon Affiliate Link Share the Struggle! Find me on Instagram or Facebook because I want to hear YOUR thoughts on this episode!  If you've been encouraged by the show, please share it with another mom.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together!

Sara Hagerty is a wife, mother and writer - in that order. Like many of us, she grew up dreaming of being a mom. But after having her heart broken again and again by negative pregnancy tests, she accepted that God's path for her life didn't look much like what she had envisioned. Sara and her husband are now the adoptive parents of four African children, as well as two biological children. Her journey has lead her not only to the family God has designed for her, but into a closer relationship with Him and a search to see herself through His eyes. What we chat about: How social media feeds into our innate need to be seen and validated Finding value in the mundane moments of your life The importance of being vulnerable with God What God truly thinks about us and why we have such a hard time believing it Using brokenness as an antidote to shame Practical ways to create margin time with your family Links mentioned: Unseen: The Gift of Being Hidden in a World That Loves to Be Noticed Every Bitter Thing Is Sweet: Tasting the Goodness of God in All Things Baron Fig - Confidant Book Darts Where to find Sara: website // twitter // facebook // instagram // pinterest Episode Sponsor: New Eve Jewelry New Eve Jewelry got its name from Eve in the Bible – God’s first woman. She gets a bad rap, but the truth is that God redeemed her, sending Jesus to bear the punishment for her rebellion. From the moment Eve ran back to God, He made her new. Each piece of New Eve Jewelry, handcrafted with repurposed materials and semiprecious gemstones, serves as a reminder of this. No matter what we’ve done or what our circumstances look like, rich new life can always be found in Jesus. Support the show: Shop Amazon Affiliate Link Share the Struggle! Find me on Instagram or Facebook because I want to hear YOUR thoughts on this episode!  If you've been encouraged by the show, please share it with another mom.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together!

Meet Erin: You may know Erin Odom as The Humbled Homemaker; an author, wife and mother of four who runs a blog sharing the moniker. And while it may look like she has it all together, she openly admits that she too struggles to find time to effectively care for her family, spend time with the Lord and run a full-time business. In the episode, she shares her story of how God used her writing talents to help pull her family out of a very challenging time and what she learned about herself in the process. What we chat about: Keeping faith in your calling, even if you're told it's impossible How being bombarded with trials lead Erin to a closer relationship with and deeper trust in Christ The importance of identifying an income problem verses a spending problem Three ways to help you identify your passion and better understand yourself How living with less can provide you with better contentment Steps on maintaining a thankful mindset, regardless of your status Links mentioned: More Than Just Making It: Hope for the Heart of the Financially Frustrated 16Personalities.com StrenghtsFinder.com Your Retreat: A Guide to Giving Yourself a Personal Planning Day Better Life Bag Where to find Erin: website // facebook // instagram // pinterest Episode Sponsor: Preluvi Preluvi is a family owned, holistic skin care company. Their mission is to provide the whole family with safe, toxic-free skin care products that actually nourish your skin. Co-created by a nutritionist, they believe if it's not pure enough to eat, it shouldn't be going on your skin. With that in mind, they have crafted an incredible line of body butters, face butters, lip balms, and soaps. Use coupon code MSW for free shipping on all orders of $15 or more! Support the show: Shop Amazon Affiliate Link Share the Struggle! Find me on Instagram or Facebook because I want to hear YOUR thoughts on this episode!  If you've been encouraged by the show, please share it with another mom.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together!

Lee Blum is an author and Mental Health Practitioner whose story has become a testimony of how God can use the ugliest parts of your life and turn them into something beautiful. For much of her youth, Lee lived with deep depression and a life-threatening eating disorder. After being hospitalized, and by God’s grace, she made the decision to begin the brave journey to choose a different life - not a perfect life, but one defined by bravery, strength and brokenness.  What we chat about: Accepting that God's plan for our lives is likely different than our own Understanding the factors that can lead to eating disorders A healthier way of speaking about food to our children Building community through transparency The struggle to see ourselves through God's eyes  Links mentioned: Table in the Darkness: A Healing Journey Through an Eating Disorder Brave Is the New Beautiful: Finding the Courage to Be the Real You Life of the Beloved: Spiritual Living in a Secular World Compared to Who?: A Proven Path to Improve Your Body Image Where to find Lee: website // facebook // twitter Episode Sponsor: Cultivate What Matters Shop by Lara Casey The Write the Word Bible journal is unique. With my small business, and three littles running under the same roof, my "quiet time" each day is pretty loud! I prayed one morning for God to give me a simple way to connect with Him, right in the thick of it, and the Write the Word journal was born. On each page, you'll get a selection of specially-selected key verses to write out, along with space to write your thoughts, prayers, or whatever God places on your heart. Use your Write the Word Bible journal in whatever ways you wish! These journals are all about grace and digging into God's life-giving truth. Buy yours today! Save 15% off Write the Word journals through October 24 with code MOMSTRUGGLINGWELL Support the show: Shop Amazon Affiliate Link Share the Struggle! Find me on Instagram or Facebook because I want to hear YOUR thoughts on this episode!  If you've been encouraged by the show, please share it with another mom.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together!

Once upon a time, there was a guy named Nehemiah. He had a really cushy life and no major problems that we know about.  He had a heart for others which is the reason we know about him today.  Lots to learn from this guy and I outlined my favorites in this mini-episode today.  Honestly, posting just ME talking is scary. It's scary because I feel like my words alone don't matter. That you only listen to hear my guests. I feel like I need to apologize for it or tell you it's short so you'll consider tuning in. I don't tell you all that so you'll encourage me. I tell you so it will encourage YOU. You might not think you have enough of an influence where you are to make even the tiniest difference and because of that, you never try. Listen sisters, I have a nationally ranked podcast and I STILL don't think my voice matters. The same liar talks to both of us. And if we give him the time of day, he can be pretty convincing! I read some things in Nehemiah this morning and felt prompted to share them with you. So I stepped out and did a weird thing. I hope it encourages you in your own weirdness!

Megan is a wife, mother of two young boys, and a self-taught metalsmith and jewelry designer of 15 years. Her passion for creating lead her to become the owner and maker behind New Eve Jewelry in 2012. But there's more behind this company than beautiful hand-made pieces - Megan is using her talents to benefit the needy and send a message of hope to her clients. Each piece of New Eve Jewelry, handcrafted with repurposed materials and semiprecious gemstones, serves as a reminder of God's ability and desire to restore us.  What we chat about: How God can be good and bad things can still happen God's power to restore us and make us into something beautiful The importance of not minimizing our own experiences Recognizing and addressing childhood depression Practical ways to battle the lies in our own minds Goat yoga (Yes, that's a real thing.) Links mentioned: Elegantees The Girl on the Train LeVar Burton Reads Beautiful & Beloved Where to find Megan: website // instagram // facebook Episode Sponsor: Queen Bee Market Queen Bee Market, San Diego’s original urban-style, artisan market features over 100 local and national vendors specializing in handmade and vintage accessories, clothing, home décor, furniture, paper arts and more. Walking into each booth at the Queen Bee Market is like walking into a small handmade shop. Through each show, Queen Bee Market has made charitable donations to Operation Smile, Children of the Nations, Ronald McDonald House of Southern California and the North Coast Auxiliary Unit of Rady Children’s Hospital. Support the show: Shop Amazon Affiliate Link Share the Struggle! Find me on Instagram or Facebook because I want to hear YOUR thoughts on this episode!  If you've been encouraged by the show, please share it with another mom.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together!

Stacey is a wife and proud girl mom who began blogging after choosing to be open-handed with her story - one that includes a child with a chronic illness and a husband who is still recovering from a life-threatening cardiac event. Self-described as "a believer and writer who loves God’s Word and connecting with women," Stacey has written several books and hundreds of blog posts to encourage other weary moms with the message that God never wastes our pain; He is always working for our good. What we chat about: What lead Stacey to stop hiding behind the "veil of fine" and start being transparent Finding hope by letting go of control How living in the moment helps prepare us for a marathon of struggles The importance of allowing ourselves the time and space to heal Speaking honestly with our children about life-altering events Changing the "why me?" perspective Blessing others by sharing your story while still in progress Links mentioned: Fresh Out of Amazing: Opening Your Heart to God's Unexpected Invitation Hope for the Weary Mom: Let God Meet You in the Mess Lark Rise to Candleford Struck: One Christian's Reflections on Encountering Death Where to find Stacey: website // instagram // facebook // twitter // pinterest Episode Sponsor: Love Justly Love Justly makes buying ethical fashion affordable. When you purchase anything from Love Justly (e.g. handmade jewelry, a clutch purse, a handcrafted shirt, or a dress), you're not only buying something you'll love, but you're also helping to provide hope, dignified employment, and a better life for artisans around the world. Support the show: Shop Amazon Affiliate Link Share the Struggle! Find me on Instagram or Facebook because I want to hear YOUR thoughts on this episode!  If you've been encouraged by the show, please share it with another mom. The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together!

So this week Problem Solved got a song written about it!  It is based on some of the shenanigans that have happened on this segment of the show.  Songfinch (see below) incorporated parts of tons of details I gave them about the things Rebecca and I have discussed on the show and a very talented musician crafted an original song!  I spring it on Rebecca and record what happened so enjoy that! Also- we recorded this while live streaming on Instagram so we periodically stop and read questions from people who are watching.  Just incase you're wondering why we keep interrupting ourselves with random questions. Most of us are heading back into the daily grind of the new school year. I personally am thrilled.I messed up the time zones (again) and almost didn't get this recorded.  But we persevered and made it through that hurdle.  Rebecca's kids are going to do a hybrid homeschool situation (because she wants to be like me) but she didn't know you couldn't put nut products in school lunches and she doesn't know if they school requires a uniform.  Rebecca has some things to sort out before school starts. Rebecca has broken up with her grocery delivery company and gives us the dirt on that situation. I reveal that I am working with a detective to uncover the criminal child who draw a Harry Potter lighting scar on my new kitchen eating area.  I also reported my favorite crayon color.  I know.  Exciting. Episode Sponsor: Songfinch Songfinch is a personalized gifting company that makes one-of-a-kind songs from scratch. Everything from the lyrics, melodies and instrumentals are hand-crafted and influenced by your feelings, memories and stories. Support the show: Shop Amazon Affiliate Link Share the Struggle! Find me on Instagram or Facebook because I want to hear YOUR thoughts on this episode!  If you've been encouraged by the show, please share it with another mom.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! ***Some links above take you to Amazon.  When you click through, anything you purchase there will help offset the costs associated with producing the show. It doesn't cost you any extra, and it helps me out.  Everybody wins! Thank you for your support!***  

About 5 years ago I moved into my neighborhood. We liked that the house was near family and that it had a courtyard.  What we did NOT know was that I was about to meet some of my closest friends- my new neighbors! Throughout the years we have had countless events ranging from very meaningful to remarkably silly;we have laughed, cried and everything in between. Whenever I share about them I get so many questions from you. How did we meet? How do we plan all the parties? What makes our friendships work? There's clearly some interest around how 5 random ladies became such good friends so I wanted to bring them on and answer all your questions.  We put our hearts into this and we hope it helps you build your own neighborhood friendships! What we chat about: How first impressions aren't always accurate; sometimes it's worth taking a risk to get to know someone Embracing the beauty in our differences and seeking out people who are different than you Being the one to initiate communication with a potential group or supportive community Tips on how to build drama-free relationships Saying yes to creative get togethers, like a crepes and Zumba party. Why not? How to be a blessing to your friends while still maintaining loose expectations Links mentioned: Episode #93: Hospitality Made Ridiculously Simple with Kristin Schell The Turquoise Table: Finding Community and Connection in Your Own Front Yard  Episode Sponsor: Rebecca Renfrow Do you feel overwhelmed with trying to "do it all" in your business while striving to be the best mom you can be? Are you unhappy with the results you are getting and are frustrated because you aren't reaching your goals? Do you wake up stressed and go to bed stressed? Are you considering throwing in the towel because you wonder if you have what it takes to be successful as both a business owner and a mom? Struggling with self doubt and fear?  And guilt?  Rebecca's job is to help you get out of the rut you are in and move forward in your business, while thriving as a mom. You can do this. I can't wait to help you reach your goals, grow a business you are proud of, make more money, and LIVE YOUR LIFE ON PURPOSE as a mom and an entrepreneur! Because you CAN do both...well! You can thrive as a business owner and as a mom, merging the two God given roles with grace and ease. Head to rebeccarenfrow.com to sign up for your coaching package! Support the show: Shop Amazon Affiliate Link Share the Struggle! Find me on Instagramor Facebook because I want to hear YOUR thoughts on this episode!  If you've been encouraged by the show, please share it with another mom. The struggle is real. We might as well do this together!

Leslie Barry is my friend in real life.  She is high-energy and very passionate about people.  She is also refreshingly authentic and has such a tender heart.  I have learned a lot from her example and I wanted you to hear from her as well!  What we chat about: Adjusting to married life and striking a balance in the home How communicating with her spouse lead to a fantastic 40th birthday surprise Why Leslie says turning 40 gave her a new lease on life The exploration of finding out who you are and importance of knowing yourself The struggle and reward of being obedient to God How to cultivate contentment in your life The steps Leslie has taken to get past her people pleasing tendencies The healthy side of comparing yourself to others Links mentioned: So Long Insecurity: You've Been a Bad Friend to Us by Beth Moore StrengthsFinder.com Pure Pleasure: Why Do Christians Feel So Bad about Feeling Good? by Gary Thomas Noosa Yoghurt I'm Happy for You (Sort of... Not Really): Finding Contentment in a Culture of Comparison by Kay Wyma The Nightingale: A Novel by Kristin Hannah   Episode Sponsor: JellyTelly Did you know today our kids are consuming more media than ever before? On average more than 5 hours a day!  For most kids, this means watching shows where God doesn’t even show up in them at all! As a mom, I want my kids to enjoy shows and movies, but I also want those things to point them to Jesus!  Which is why I’m excited to tell you about JellyTelly. Head over to jellytelly.com and use coupon code MSW for a free week and a coloring book download! Support the show: Shop Amazon Affiliate Link Share the Struggle! Find me on Instagram or Facebook because I want to hear YOUR thoughts on this episode!  If you've been encouraged by the show, please share it with another mom. The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together!

Elizabeth considers herself "a poster child for children from divorced families." Experiencing divorce at three different ages and stages while growing up, she regularly witnessed marital strife that came from addiction, abuse, abandonment, and general dysfunction. Now a mother of five (three biological, one adopted, and one foster child), Elizabeth has made it her life mission to mend the broken branches of her own family tree through God's redemption, while equipping and encouraging other mothers in the areas of marriage, foster care, and faith. What we chat about: Some unique challenges of raising foster or adopted children Creative ways to deal with tattling kids The story of how Elizabeth's mother's three divorces at various stages in life affected her Managing motherhood as a natural overachiever Creating a mission statement to help evaluate the best places to focus your energy Advice for those considering becoming a foster parent How her new book, Mending Broken Branches (releasing October 24, 2017), equips and encourages women born into dysfunctional families who want something different for their own families  Links mentioned: Mending Broken Branches: When God Reclaims Your Dysfunctional Family Tree The Road Back to You: An Enneagram Journey to Self-Discovery L'Oreal Voluminous Original Where to find Elizabeth: website // Instagram // Twitter // Facebook // Pinterest Episode Sponsor: JellyTelly Did you know today our kids are consuming more media than ever before? - On average more than 5 hours a day!  For most kids, this means watching shows where God doesn’t even show up in them at all! As a mom, I want my kids to enjoy shows and movies, but I also want those things to point them to Jesus! Which is why I’m excited to tell you about JellyTelly. Head over to jellytelly.com and use coupon code MSW for a free week and a coloring book download! Support the show: Shop Amazon Affiliate Link Share the Struggle! Find me on Instagram or Facebook because I want to hear YOUR thoughts on this episode!  If you've been encouraged by the show, please share it with another mom.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together!

The biggest fear for any parent is the death of a child. Tragically, Amy has experienced this twice, first with her son Simon in May of 2014, then again in November 2014 with her son Thomas. Now, Amy is using her experience to help other moms who are struggling with the loss of their babies during pregnancy or infancy through the You Made Me Mom support group. She is also the mother of three earthly children - Teddy, Peter, and her fifth child, due this fall. What we chat about: How to graciously respond to awkward questions from well-meaning strangers Amy's emotional story about the passing of her second son, Simon Adam, who was diagnosed with full Trisomy 13; as well as her third son, Thomas Job, who passed after 13-weeks gestation Ways to feel connected to your heavenly child The You Made Me Mom support group that Amy created to help other bereaved mothers How losing two children affected Amy's relationship with God and her husband, Adam Options available to mom's who are facing the birth of a child with a life-limiting diagnosis Links mentioned: I Will Carry You: The Sacred Dance of Grief and Joy You Made Me Mom Facebook Group Where to find Amy: website // blog Episode Sponsor: JellyTelly Did you know today our kids are consuming more media than ever before? - On average more than 5 hours a day!  For most kids, this means watching shows where God doesn’t even show up in them at all! As a mom, I want my kids to enjoy shows and movies, but I also want those things to point them to Jesus!  Which is why I’m excited to tell you about JellyTelly. Head over to jellytelly.com and use coupon code MSW for a free week and a coloring book download! Support the show: Shop Amazon Affiliate Link Share the Struggle! Find me on Instagram or Facebook because I want to hear YOUR thoughts on this episode!  If you've been encouraged by the show, please share it with another mom.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together!

We are so glad you're tuning into this episode.  These will be moments well-spent as we cover armadillo safety, how Rebecca thinks she's scored more points with God than I have, and how woefully behind I am when it comes to pop-culture and social media.  We also delve into some ways to survive summer with your kids, the top 10 summer vacation destinations in the world and random other summer facts that you need to know to be a contributing member of society. Episode Sponsor: Persimmon Prints Support the show: Shop Amazon Affiliate Link Share the Struggle! Find me on Instagram or Facebook because I want to hear YOUR thoughts on this episode!  If you've been encouraged by the show, please share it with another mom.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together!  

Mandy never saw herself as a designer, but when a homemade t-shirt started getting attention from friends, it became clear that God had other plans for her. She now operates Milk and Honey Tees, a home-based business that creates stylish, comfortable tees with meaningful messages. A portion of every Milk and Honey Tees sale supports Africa New Life's Dream Beauty Academy - a program that offers job training, childcare, and discipleship to vulnerable women in Rwanda. What we chat about: How an accidental business turned into a purposeful ministry The struggles and joys of working for yourself The difference between guilt and conviction Ways to cut down on the noise in your household Embracing life as a boy mom Links mentioned: Africa New Life's Dream Beauty Academy Tan Towels  New Morning Mercies Devotional Where to find Mandy: website // instagram Episode Sponsor: Jelly Telly Support the show: Shop Amazon Affiliate Link Share the Struggle! Find me on Instagram or Facebook because I want to hear YOUR thoughts on this episode!  If you've been encouraged by the show, please share it with another mom.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together!

Brandy is a girl who experienced the unthinkable as a 10 year old girl.  She has labored on behalf of the loved ones of the roughly 117 people who die by suicide each day in the United States.  She wrote the resource she wished she had when her mom died.  Her story is hard but God has proven himself to be a Healer in the midst of so many broken hearts.   What we chat about: The shame encountered by suicide survivors The unique grief and trauma of loved ones who are left behind Some of the typical questions asked by survivors and how she helps them know they are not alone Episode Sponsor: Jelly Telly  Support the show: Shop Amazon Affiliate Link Share the Struggle! Find me on Instagram or Facebook because I want to hear YOUR thoughts on this episode!  If you've been encouraged by the show, please share it with another mom.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together!  

Heather's goal is to equip parents in the pursuit of intentional parenting.  She knows learning is really fun and wants others to get that too!  Her wants to raise world changers who passionately love God, love others, and delight in the adventure of learning.  She recently created a resource you'll love for your boys on the topic of chivalry! What we chat about: Why we don't want to raise a "typical boy" The importance of parenting with an eye to the future Why it is imperative that you teach your children to follow you Links mentioned: Knights in Training (Heather's Book) Bringing Up Boys Bringing Up Girls Playsilks Touchable Bubbles  Episode Sponsor: Prep Dish Support the show: Shop Amazon Affiliate Link Share the Struggle! Find me on Instagram or Facebook because I want to hear YOUR thoughts on this episode!  If you've been encouraged by the show, please share it with another mom.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together!

This girl is just so much fun! She led out and started something years ago the rest of us (and the rest of her neighborhood) "meant" to do and just never found the time for.  Well, once Kristin prioritized hospitality and getting to know her neighbors, lives started being impacted in a big way.  You're going to learn so many practical hospitality tips that prove, once again, that having people over doesn't have to freak you out.  Friendly warning: you're probably going to want a picnic table at the end of this episode. What we chat about: The dos and don'ts of parenting teens How and why Kristin became a front yard person Some amazing hospitality hacks you'll want to try  Episode Sponsor: Prepdish  Support the show: Shop Amazon Affiliate Link Share the Struggle! Find me on Instagram or Facebook because I want to hear YOUR thoughts on this episode!  If you've been encouraged by the show, please share it with another mom.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together!  

In this Episode we discover Rebecca is kind of a big deal in the decorating world. We also know she doesn't like mid-century decor but she doesn't mind if YOU do. I talk about a decorating fail I had where a sweet sentiment turned inappropriate in an instant. I enjoy buying things off Craigslist and Rebecca sometimes takes things out of dumpsters.  Rebecca loves white couches and gets quite distraught at the thought of them ever going out of style.  Please consider sending her an encouraging message if you think of it.  She is bracing herself for a rough season. Also, you'll be blessed to hear us try to sort out the meanings of multiple words (such as Cape and Cod) and reach deep into our brains to find the right words we are TRYING to say.  We have basically put our intellect on display for you.   You are quite welcome. And happy decorating.  

Meet Jim and Lynne:  Jim and Lynne are hands down my favorite parenting resources.  They offer tried and true tips that are also logical and hope-filled.  I just love hearing their perspective and the research-based care they apply to all our parenting puzzlers.  You all absolutely raved about Jim and Lynne the first time they were on the show and you are going to love them this time as well!! What we chat about: The typical ways parents engage sibling conflicts A new 4 step process that will change that way your family has conflict How to get angry siblings to calm down How to build understanding among siblings Why celebrating progress is important  Links mentioned: Sibling Conflict Course  Discipline That Connects Book Episode Sponsor: Prep Dish  Support the podcast: Shop Amazon Affiliate Link Share the Struggle! Find me on Instagram or Facebook because I want to hear YOUR thoughts on this episode!  If you've been encouraged by the show, please share it with another mom.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together!  

Alisa Keeton has been involved in the fitness world her whole life.  Once God got a hold of her heart she answered the call to create a space and train others to connect faith and fitness- in a way that was not cheesy and gross.  This conversation is about way more than fitness though, so stick around even if you don't consider yourself an athlete. What we chat about:  How Alisa, once repulsed by the idea of "Christian Aerobics," ended up with a fitness ministry What it is like to walk with God when your husband does not How to spot misplaced worship  Links mentioned:  Sibling Conflict Class  Episode Sponsor: Prep Dish  Support the podcast: Shop Amazon Affiliate Link Share the Struggle! Find me on Instagram or Facebook because I want to hear YOUR thoughts on this episode!  If you've been encouraged by the show, please share it with another mom.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together!

Rachel is the co-founder of a ministry called Better Than Blended that is is dedicated to building blended families that thrive.  Through a marriage, Rachel took on the role of mother to 7 children ranging from infant to adult. With wisdom well beyond their years, Rachel and her husband's goal is to encourage, mentor and equip blended families to become pillars of strength and an awesome testimony of the sustaining power of God’s truth. What we chat about: Unique challenges blended families face How to make sure you're a "good step-mom" How to wisely navigate ex-spouses Planning an escape from an abusive relationship  Episode Sponsor:Revelation Wellness  Support the show: Shop Amazon Affiliate Link Share the Struggle! Find me on Instagram or Facebook because I want to hear YOUR thoughts on this episode!  If you've been encouraged by the show, please share it with another mom.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together!  

Lauren is a wife, mom of two, and a podcast host as well! She came to know God as a young adult and clearly articulates what changed for her after she began to read God's word.  She is so interesting to talk to and I loved hearing all her stories.  I know you will as well! What we chat about:   A simple, memorable way to have a meaningful time with God How a serious medical condition and a huge fear of death came together to strengthen her faith How Lauren overcomes anxiety What her family devotionals look like  Episode Sponsor: Revelation Wellness  Support the show: Shop Amazon Affiliate Link Share the Struggle! Find me on Instagram or Facebook because I want to hear YOUR thoughts on this episode!  If you've been encouraged by the show, please share it with another mom.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together!  

In this episode Rebecca and I do our very best to solve all your fitness problems.  We give some fitness history and discuss current trends.  You are sure to find a new way to move your body from all the wacky ideas we share. In this episode we cover everything from the detail of Rebecca's very important healthy shake, Emily's ground rules surrounding workouts and kids, and our favorite underwear. You are sure to be blessed.

Sallie Dean is a wife, mom of twins, an artist and, most importantly, my friend.  ;) Sallie has a steadiness about her that I'm drawn to and I was eager to ask her how she walked (and is currently still walking through) a rough season.  The topic is infertility but what she has learned can be broadly applied to anything we are going through.  There were so many important truths shared.  You're going to want to have a pen and paper! What we chat about: Her process of letting God lead instead of chasing what she wanted. Hanging onto the truth that SHE is not broken even though she is dealing with infertility A marriage tool for decision-making that is pure gold Episode Sponsor: Revelation Wellness  Support the show: Shop Amazon Affiliate Link Share the Struggle! Find me on Instagram or Facebook because I want to hear YOUR thoughts on this episode!  If you've been encouraged by the show, please share it with another mom.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! ***Some links above take you to Amazon.  When you click through, anything you purchase there will help offset the costs associated with producing the show. It doesn't cost you any extra, and it helps me out.  Everybody wins! Thank you for your support!***

What we chat about: the four types of anxiety what she's learning about the effects of daily quality time with each child  the science behind the benefits of coloring Links mentioned: Big and Little Coloring Devotional Safe House: How Emotional Safety Is the Key to Raising Kids Who Live, Love, and Lead Well Experiencing God: Knowing and Doing the Will of God Where to find Rachel: blog // instagram // facebook // twitter Episode Sponsor: Revelation Wellness  Support the show: Shop Amazon Affiliate Link Share the Struggle! Find me on Instagram or Facebook because I want to hear YOUR thoughts on this episode!  If you've been encouraged by the show, please share it with another mom.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together!

Shontell is busy.  When she told me all she has going on, I had to sit down.  She has a passel of kids, is a teacher at heart but also a student right now.  She is hysterical and wise and all the things you want in a friend you've never actually met.  Can't wait to share her with you! What we chat about: when you follow God and your husband doesn't breaking past needing your family to "look" a certain way setting your husband up for success her very easy, football-inspired way to stay connected to God in an extremely busy season  Episode Sponsor:Revelation Wellness  Support the show: Shop Amazon Affiliate Link Share the Struggle! Find me on Instagram or Facebook because I want to hear YOUR thoughts on this episode!  If you've been encouraged by the show, please share it with another mom.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together!  

The fact of the matter is we don't know a lot about personality tests.  You'll know pretty quick here when you listen.  The bonus about this is that we discovered a lot of interesting things while recording.  I will list them out with bullet points because that makes them seem very important. I am having construction in my kitchen and it turns out it doesn't happen as fast as it does on television.  I made a terrible TERRIBLE mistake with my daughter's schooling but I'm fixing it so calm down. Rebecca has some concerning people in history who share her same personality. The people who share my personality are largely delightful.  Especially when compared to Rebecca's.  Yikes. Rebecca is going to Costa Rica for selling lipstick and I am pretty sure she is taking me.  Unicorns do not exist even if you can find one on the internet. Rebecca and I have the same spirit animal BUT we couldn't be more different. 

Christy is a mom I met several years ago.  Since then she has continued to be a source of encouragement and wisdom to me.  She has two older daughters and I love asking her questions about what I need to expect here in the next couple years.  You're really going to be encouraged to keep a realistic perspective on the shenanigans your kids are up to.  I know I was!  What we chat about: Being aware of behind the scenes grooming through social media The importance of tightening your "share circle" and make sure they are godly women. The three types of friends a mom needs Creative ways to get kids off their screens How to make your kids want to bring their friends home  Episode Sponsor: Milk And Honey Tees Support the show: Shop Amazon Affiliate Link Share the Struggle! Find me on Instagram or Facebook because I want to hear YOUR thoughts on this episode!  If you've been encouraged by the show, please share it with another mom.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! ***Some links above take you to Amazon.  When you click through, anything you purchase there will help offset the costs associated with producing the show. It doesn't cost you any extra, and it helps me out.  Everybody wins! Thank you for your support!***

Anna is a mom of five who also happens to have a story of escape from a violent, polygamist cult. She endured horrific abuses for years.  While her experiences are not typical, her journey will help you realize that no matter what you’ve faced, you can live a life of wholeness. What we chat about: The very real fear of messing you kids up when you didn't have a typical childhood yourself Fighting for health for the good of your children Grace for yourself and your limitations in your mothering When she realized life could be dirty and that's ok.     Episode Sponsor: Sheep Farm Felt  Support the show: Shop Amazon Affiliate Link Share the Struggle! Find me on Instagram or Facebook because I want to hear YOUR thoughts on this episode!  If you've been encouraged by the show, please share it with another mom.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! ***Some links above take you to Amazon.  When you click through, anything you purchase there will help offset the costs associated with producing the show. It doesn't cost you any extra, and it helps me out.  Everybody wins! Thank you for your support!***  

Jen is a wife, mom, author and conference hostess.  She consistently finds herself up before the sun to write out words of hope to encourage women how strong and capable they are even when they feel just the opposite.  She just created a new resource and I couldn't wait to share it with you! What we chat about: teaching your kids to make their own fun how to keep your identity within marriage how to get past "if only my husband would..." navigating a relational winter Links mentioned: A Wife's Secret to Happiness Harney and Sons Hot Cinnamon Spice Tea Support the show: Shop Amazon Affiliate Link Share the Struggle! Find me on Instagram or Facebook because I want to hear YOUR thoughts on this episode!  If you've been encouraged by the show, please share it with another mom.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! ***Some links above take you to Amazon.  When you click through, anything you purchase there will help offset the costs associated with producing the show. It doesn't cost you any extra, and it helps me out.  Everybody wins! Thank you for your support!***

Melinda is a wife, mom to three and a worship leader.  She enjoys using humor and the gracious love of God to navigate her crazy, beautiful life.  She's learning how to step into scary things she'd rather not do.  Like this interview.  She didn't want to do this interview.  What we chat about: trusting God is at work in you even when you're questioning yourself breath prayers how she's learning to fight her tendency to run when she's scared  Links mentioned: After All These Years by Brian and Jenn Johnson The Broken Way by Ann Voskamp Tessemae's Dressing Support the show: Shop Amazon Affiliate Link Share the Struggle! Find me on Instagram or Facebook because I want to hear YOUR thoughts on this episode!  If you've been encouraged by the show, please share it with another mom.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! ***Some links above take you to Amazon.  When you click through, anything you purchase there will help offset the costs associated with producing the show. It doesn't cost you any extra, and it helps me out.  Everybody wins! Thank you for your support!***  Episode sponsor: World Vision Global 6k for Water

Lindsay is a mom who was blindsided by a situation that affects 1 in 5 women after childbirth.  After the birth of her son, she struggled for 6 years through postpartum depression.  She bravely stared in and co-produced a riveting documentary called When The Bough Breaks that you need to watch even if you're not a new mom. What we chat about: The importance of getting a good doctor and continuing on until you find treatment that works for you. What postpartum depression can look like. How the Gerszt's preserved their marriage through it all. How the spouse of a woman with a perinatal mood disorder also is enduring a trial.    Show Sponsor: The Easter Story Egg™ is a tradition that celebrates the true meaning of Easter. This family activity includes a hardcover book and 7 wooden nesting Eggs. The Story Egg™ book begins on Palm Sunday and ends on Easter Sunday. Each Egg within the set of nesting Eggs has a story that relates to a particular day in Holy Week, leading up to Easter Sunday. As the children open each Egg they will discover the Easter story and the journey of Jesus through Holy week.   Support the show: Shop Amazon Affiliate Link   Share the Struggle! Find me on Instagram or Facebook because I want to hear YOUR thoughts on this episode!  If you've been encouraged by the show, please share it with another mom.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! ***Some links above take you to Amazon.  When you click through, anything you purchase there will help offset the costs associated with producing the show. It doesn't cost you any extra, and it helps me out.  Everybody wins! Thank you for your support!***

Though not originally setting out to adopt a child with special needs, when opportunity presented itself to adopt Macyn, they put their trust in God and took a leap of faith. Macyn was born with with Down syndrome, something a lot of people don’t understand and fear.  Shortly thereafter, in 2011, they adopted their second daughter, Truly. and in 2013, their son August was born. August is their second child with Down syndrome. Passionate to share her message of how God has used these three precious children to bring joy to both she and her husband’s lives and the lives of so many others, Heather founded her hit Instagram account @macymakesmyday, which currently has more than 68 thousand followers.  The Lucky Few: Finding God’s Best In The Most Unlikely Places her first book which details her family’s story, hits shelves March 21.   What we chat about: Heather's infertility journey When your heart is drawn to something you didn't mean to want What happens if you don't always like your child How to handle being a unique family WELL    Links mentioned: The Lucky Few: Finding God's Best in the Most Unlikely Places Tuft and Needle Alexa    Show Sponsor: JellyTelly is the only streaming video app designed specifically for kids where God is real and His Word is true. JellyTelly was co-developed by the creator of VeggieTales, Phil Visher. With the app, you can instantly stream hundred of hours of safe, affirming videos and movies for kids about God, the Bible and faith. It’s a great way for parents and kids to spend time together watching and learning, and then talking together about Jesus and their faith. The app is currently available on iOS, Android and Kindle, and includes shows like VeggieTales, Hillsong Kids, the Jesus Storybook Bible and many more! It’s entertainment you can trust, and shows that your kids will love! Make sure to check visit jellytelly.com today and use the special coupon code STRUGGLEWELL to get $5 off – or your first month of JellyTelly free!   Support the Show! Shop Amazon Affiliate Link    Share the Struggle! Find me on Instagram or Facebook because I want to hear YOUR thoughts on this episode!  If you've been encouraged by the show, please share it with another mom.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! ***Some links above take you to Amazon.  When you click through, anything you purchase there will help offset the costs associated with producing the show. It doesn't cost you any extra, and it helps me out.  Everybody wins! Thank you for your support!***    

We cover both beauty AND fashion in this Problem Solved episode only because we miscommunicated on the topic.  Thankfully, the two topics went together well so we have a (somewhat) cohesive episode for you. We hope it solves all your fashion and beauty needs...  

Debbie is one of the most encouraging women I know.  She is a work at home mom who lives where I've always wanted to live: Washington. She makes girly crafts and sells them on Instagram to overcome all the manliness in a house with a husband and three boys! What we chat about: When your marriage is not what you expected When homeschooling is NOT the best fit How to navigate seasons that seem difficult from every direction How Debbie ended her search for a satisfying deodorant   Links Mentioned: Farmgirl Paints Happy Homestead Botanicals   Find Debbie: shop // instagram   Episode Sponsor JellyTelly is the only streaming video app designed specifically for kids where God is real and His Word is true. JellyTelly was co-developed by the creator of VeggieTales, Phil Visher. With the app, you can instantly stream hundred of hours of safe, affirming videos and movies for kids about God, the Bible and faith. It’s a great way for parents and kids to spend time together watching and learning, and then talking together about Jesus and their faith. The app is currently available on iOS, Android and Kindle, and includes shows like VeggieTales, Hillsong Kids, the Jesus Storybook Bible and many more! It’s entertainment you can trust, and shows that your kids will love! Make sure to check visit jellytelly.com today and use the special coupon code STRUGGLEWELL to get $5 off – or your first month of JellyTelly free!   Support the Show: Shop Amazon Affiliate Link   Share the Struggle! Find me on Instagram or Facebook because I want to hear YOUR thoughts on this episode!  If you've been encouraged by the show, please share it with another mom.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! ***Some links above take you to Amazon.  When you click through, anything you purchase there will help offset the costs associated with producing the show. It doesn't cost you any extra, and it helps me out.  Everybody wins! Thank you for your support!***

Hey guys! Here's something I learned this morning that I really wanted to share! I'd be very interested in knowing if this was at all helpful.  Support the show: Shop Amazon Affiliate Link Share the Struggle! Find me on Instagram or Facebook because I want to hear YOUR thoughts on this episode!  If you've been encouraged by the show, please share it with another mom.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! ***Some links above take you to Amazon.  When you click through, anything you purchase there will help offset the costs associated with producing the show. It doesn't cost you any extra, and it helps me out.  Everybody wins! Thank you for your support!***

Jennifer is a farmer's wife and mom to two girls.  She is also a former award-winning news reporter who covered crime, politics and natural disasters for several newspapers.  Now she uses her reporting skills to chase after the biggest story ever: the redemptive story of Christ.     What we chat about: Exploring the Bible to see if God even cares about our happiness Happiness has a bad reputation.  Is it ACTUALLY the 'evil twin' of joy like we sometimes think? Is God a happy God?   Links Mentioned: The Happiness Dare Find your happiness style Lipsense Lipstick ViBella Jewelery    Show Sponsor: JellyTelly is the only streaming video app designed specifically for kids where God is real and His Word is true. Make sure to check visit jellytelly.com today and use the special coupon code STRUGGLEWELL to get $5 off – or your first month of JellyTelly free! Support the show: Shop Amazon Affiliate Link   Share the Struggle! Find me on Instagram or Facebook because I want to hear YOUR thoughts on this episode!  If you've been encouraged by the show, please share it with another mom.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! ***Some links above take you to Amazon.  When you click through, anything you purchase there will help offset the costs associated with producing the show. It doesn't cost you any extra, and it helps me out.  Everybody wins! Thank you for your support!***

Loss, disappointment, and fear of the unknown have marked Ellie's journey of wrestling through and coming to firmly believe in God’s faithfulness. Her new album Red Sea Road is clearly written as an act of obedience to sing in the middle of the heartbreak.  I loved the heart behind this album so much I wanted to share Ellie with you guys today!   WHAT WE CHAT ABOUT  The benefits and most of working in the music industry When you SWEAR you won't do something but God has other plans Sorting out your first identity in Christ Offering repentance to your kids   LINKS MENTIONED Red Sea Road Album Rising Strong by Brene Brown Wondering in Wandering by Sarah Gilmore Too Good by Jess Rae    SUPPORT THE SHOW Shop Amazon Affiliate Link   SHARE THE STRUGGLE! Find me on Instagram or Facebook because I want to hear YOUR thoughts on this episode!  If you've been encouraged by the show, please share it with another mom.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! ***Some links above take you to Amazon.  When you click through, anything you purchase there will help offset the costs associated with producing the show. It doesn't cost you any extra, and it helps me out.  Everybody wins! Thank you for your support!***  

Kayla is a wife and mom to 4 kids through adoption as well as biologically.  Before kids she was a journalist and even did some improv acting!  You're going to be encouraged by the way she shares about some intense situations in her life with such joy and hope. What we chat about:  Managing the craziness during ice/snow days When adoption doesn't go as planned How she learned to advocate for the voiceless What she does to keep her marriage strong in the midst of a very busy schedule Links mentioned: Upside Down Podcast Just Really Joseph The Man in the High Castle Find Kayla: Blog // Instagram Support the show: Shop Amazon Affiliate Link Share the Struggle! Find me on Instagram or Facebook because I want to hear YOUR thoughts on this episode!  If you've been encouraged by the show, please share it with another mom.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! ***Some links above take you to Amazon.  When you click through, anything you purchase there will help offset the costs associated with producing the show. It doesn't cost you any extra, and it helps me out.  Everybody wins! Thank you for your support!***  

In this segment we impress one another with our Valentine's Day trivia.  We also recount what it was like when we were dating our husbands. Rebecca admits that it's harder to find money laying on the street than she thought, and Emily admits she is too germaphobic to sit on the comfy chairs at Starbucks. Also, Rebecca schedules her groceries to be delivered to her house during her talk with Emily just to rub it in that she gets her groceries delivered since Emily is on a budget.  This part is purely conjecture, but I (Emily) am the one writing these words so I'm just gonna pretend that this is a fact. The episode concludes when our kids interrupt us both at precisely the same time. Enough with the grown up conversation already. All in all, it's a pretty life-changing conversation that you won't want to miss... Follow along: Instagram // Facebook Support us: Shop // Amazon

Charity is a wife, adoptive and biological mom and an entrepreneur. She is a spunky, artistic lady who, as she says, is living proof that Christian women do not have to be cookie cutter.  Regardless of your motherhood journey. I am confident you will love her perspective and insight! We chat about how to be 100% sure of your calling, what Charity has learned about glorifying God in who she IS more than what she DOES, and the criteria she uses to know which of her activities to keep and which to let go. Find entire show notes at momstrugglingwell.com! Follow along: Instagram // Facebook Support us: Shop // Amazon

Love this girl.  I've met her in real life just the once but she's an absolute gem.  And her laugh- it's the BEST! She authentically and endearingly shares the rockier parts of her story in this chat and I just KNOW you're gonna be so thankful you listened. What we chat about: Making and keeping good friendships Building community into our family rhythm When you prepare for marriage and it still fails Tough parts of co-parenting Follow along: Instagram // Facebook Support us: Shop // Amazon

Having been raised on a farm, Kris knows the life of the American farmer first-hand. Living in the city, however, she sees a large gap between farm culture and urban life.  Her unique perspective has changed the way I grocery shop and I really felt strongly that you would be encouraged by her insights as well!  What we chat about:    When home schooling isn't the best fit for your child How to be overcome by God's sovereignty instead of overwhelmed by our inability What Kris learned in researching and interacting with farmers about organic food  Head to momstrugglingwell.com for entire show notes! Follow along: Instagram // Facebook Support us: Shop // Amazon

Have you ever realized how sometimes dinner is stressful? Oh all the time? Yeah. Us too. To help out, Rebecca and I tackled and resolved ALL of the meal-related issues you had... not really. But we sure tried. Rebecca doesn't like cooking and I am just basically overwhelmed trying to stretch my grocery budget farther because my dear daughter recently spent thousands when she broke our friend's wiener dog so... Listen in to get the full scoop on the dog, how Rebecca plans to make an extra $4 and a cookbook we are launching! Head to momstrugglingwell.com for entire show notes! Follow along: Instagram // Facebook Support us: Shop // Amazon

Laura is a wife and mom of three kids.  Her and her youth director husband wound up in a career they were not expecting (or previously prepared for).  Their journey, while not like any of ours at first glance, is rich with lessons for us all regardless of our situations.  It was a treat for me to hear more of her story and I know you will agree! What we chat about:  How God did something big with their  "humble stepping in." The wisdom behind considering your pace of life. The concept that your kids have a Good Shepherd, and it's not you. The 2 things that shape a child.  Head to momstrugglingwell.com for entire show notes! Follow along: Instagram // Facebook Support us: Shop // Amazon

I met Jordan last year and really loved her heart and her message.  I knew I wanted to share her with you all! She is authentic and honest and encourages women to come before the Lord in the same way.   What we chat about: Teaching our kids to know and follow God's voice The important difference between striving for God's love and responding to it. The idea of depression and misery as gifts Curly-haired people's dilemmas Head to momstrugglingwell.com for entire show notes! Follow along: Instagram // Facebook Support us: Shop // Amazon

Like so many of us, Lynn ended up being an expert in an area she never hoped to know about. Pornography invaded her marriage and caused lasting pain for everyone involved.  Thankfully, her story is one of healing and she has become a resource for the rest of us.   What we chat about: the brain science behind pornography the importance of presenting yourself as your children's best source of information the definition of "affair"  struggling with control after a betrayal   Share the struggle! I want to hear YOUR thoughts on this episode so find me on Instagram!  If you've been encouraged by the show, please share it with another mom.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Head to momstrugglingwell.com for entire show notes! Follow along: Instagram // Facebook Support us: Shop // Amazon

Karen is a visionary wife and mom who LOVES encouraging and spurring on other women.  She loves it so much she started what is now a thriving community to do just that.  I wanted to bring her on to share with you her amazing story of an unhealthy church situation and how she rebuilt her life and her understanding of who God is. what we chat about: how to know if you're in an unhealthy church situation what Karen does to cope with chronic pain the idea of calling versus hobby and how to know which is which how to encourage your kids in their special giftings Share the struggle! I want to hear YOUR thoughts on this episode!  If you've been encouraged by the show, please share it with another mom.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Head to momstrugglingwell.com for entire show notes! Follow along: Instagram // Facebook Support us: Shop // Amazon  

Rissa is my funny/wise/lovely gem of a friend.  You are going to love hearing her heart on mothering and just life in general. Authentic people are all kinds of refreshing and this girl brings all the realness to her relationships.  Can't wait for you to hear it! What we chat about: you worship what you fear quitting birthdays seeking God on our kid's behalf teaching our kids to celebrate the everyday Share the struggle! I want to hear YOUR thoughts on this episode!  If you've been encouraged by the show, please share it with another mom.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Head to momstrugglingwell.com for entire show notes! Follow along: Instagram // Facebook Support us: Shop // Amazon

Well, there is so much richness here it's hard to know where to start.  We talk about the history of resolutions, some ideas of how to be successful and some ways we have destroyed dinner in the past which should make you feel better about your own endeavors in the kitchen. We also talk about how unruly I was in college and how I repeatedly turned myself in and Rebecca admits that she thinks people in the North are smarter than everyone else. All in all, this episode is a marvel of human effort and achievement. Enjoy!  Share the struggle! I want to hear YOUR thoughts on this episode!  If you've been encouraged by the show, please share it with another mom.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Head to momstrugglingwell.com for entire show notes! Follow along: Instagram // Facebook Support us: Shop // Amazon

Vanessa aspired to be a singer, dancer and actress but God had better plans!  She faithfully walked through 9 years of infertility trusting God had other things for her to do in the mean time.  I personally wish I would have done more trusting and less freaking out when I was dealing with infertility myself!  If you're in a place where you're considering adoption, you're going to be very encouraged to remember how well God builds families.  If you're not, you're still going to love this story.  Vanessa talks candidly about the various issues and joys that surround adopting an older child and how far her sweet daughter has come once she was provided a stable, loving home. What we chat about: walking through infertility WELL when God shifts gears on a career path adopting an older child resources for foster children Share the struggle! I want to hear YOUR thoughts on this episode!  If you've been encouraged by the show, please share it with another mom.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Head to momstrugglingwell.com for entire show notes! Follow along: Instagram // Facebook Support us: Shop // Amazon

I'm excited to share with you my chat with Meggan of Lily Jade! Her diaper bags are AMAZING but her heart for women is what I needed to highlight today.  She candidly shares what it has been like to get out of her comfort zone and trust that God has a plan to use her despite her fears and insecurities.  You're going to be so encouraged.  I know I was! What we chat about: growing up with adopted siblings balancing life as a working mom who travels how she helps her children avoid "crowded loneliness"  Share the struggle! I want to hear YOUR thoughts on this episode!  If you've been encouraged by the show, please share it with another mom.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Head to momstrugglingwell.com for entire show notes! Follow along: Instagram // Facebook Support us: Shop // Amazon

Watching someone walk out their passion using their unique giftings is inspiring.  One of my favorite parts of having this podcast is finding those people and sharing them with you, the listener! Today's guest is Natalie Ard who is a mom who loves being creative.  She found she had left that behind when she became a mom but, when finding a solution to her daughter's fear of Elf on the Shelf, hit on a new tradition that has expanded from just her house to homes all over the world!  You're going to love this product but even more, you'll love hearing the story and the heart behind it. what we chat about: the (sometimes) difficult transition from staying home to working again what Natalie does to refocus when she's lost sight of why she's doing her ministry an easy way to discern which opportunities to take and which ones to skip some ways she's finding more time to be with her family in this transition season Share the struggle! I want to hear YOUR thoughts on this episode!  If you've been encouraged by the show, please share it with another mom.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Head to momstrugglingwell.com for entire show notes! Follow along: Instagram // Facebook Support us: Shop // Amazon  

I'm excited to share my real-life friend Jackie with you.  Her and her husband found themselves in need of an income and took the leap into an unknown ministry opportunity.  Hear from Jackie as she tells what God did to provide them everything they needed exactly when they needed it.  Her story will definitely encourage you to trust God more. What we chat about: how a job loss launched their family into a new ministry practically laying down our burdens  the difference between a hobby and a calling  Share the struggle! I want to hear YOUR thoughts on this episode!  If you've been encouraged by the show, please share it with another mom.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Head to momstrugglingwell.com for entire show notes! Follow along: Instagram // Facebook Support us: Shop // Amazon

Tune in for the solution to all your thanksgiving issues.   We discuss menarche, monkey hats, oyster casserole and other nonsense.  Share the struggle! I want to hear YOUR thoughts on this episode!  If you've been encouraged by the show, please share it with another mom.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Head to momstrugglingwell.com for entire show notes! Follow along: Instagram // Facebook Support us: Shop // Amazon

Kaylie is a mom to 5 (bio and adopted) who lives in a small town and loves on her neighbors.  She is a great example to me that busy moms can creatively find ways to serve others alongside their kids.  She's a really fun girl with some very useful ideas.  You're going to love our chat! What we chat about: what she did to overcome an addiction to approval what she does to regain perspective in the hard moments the importance of nailing down your family's mission Share the struggle! I want to hear YOUR thoughts on this episode!  If you've been encouraged by the show, please share it with another mom.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Head to momstrugglingwell.com for entire show notes! Follow along: Instagram // Facebook Support us: Shop // Amazon

Jenna is a wife of twelve years and mama to four seriously incredible kids. She is a slightly crunchy, homeschooling, native Californian living on the prairie in Idaho. Jenna loves things that are homemade, be it bread, a pillowcase or a dress, and is an admirer of old books & the sea. She taught herself how to sew in 2009 and absolutely loves when she's inspired by different materials to create something unique. You're going to love her story of redemption and hope! What we chat about: the experience of living in two opposite homes as a child depression and how to cope working hard to be loved and then realizing you already are  Share the struggle! I want to hear YOUR thoughts on this episode!  If you've been encouraged by the show, please share it with another mom.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Head to momstrugglingwell.com for entire show notes! Follow along: Instagram // Facebook Support us: Shop // Amazon

Laura is a mom of 5 through birth, adoption, and fostering.  She's an artist from Nashville (because that's where the artistic people are, right?) and I wanted to talk to her because of the amazing way I see her love her community with her kids. She's got some important wisdom regarding simplifying kindness and doing few things really well.  What we chat about: family reunification feeling like your not smart enough to read the Bible talking to kids about their adoption quitting extra things to focus on what matters  Share the struggle! I want to hear YOUR thoughts on this episode!  If you've been encouraged by the show, please share it with another mom.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Head to momstrugglingwell.com for entire show notes! Follow along: Instagram // Facebook Support us: Shop // Amazon

There are no show notes for this.  Just Rebecca and I talking about cats, AARP, millennials, and how Rebecca isn't as good at sewing as she used to be... Share the struggle! I want to hear YOUR thoughts on this episode!  If you've been encouraged by the show, please share it with another mom.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! Head to momstrugglingwell.com for entire show notes! Follow along: Instagram // Facebook Support us: Shop // Amazon

Nancy Ray is a ridiculously talented photographer, wife and mom.  She started something called a contentment challenge that I really didn't want to talk to her about because I knew it would cause me to make a change.  Whether you admit it or not, you need this chat too. You're gonna love/hate this conversation. what we chat about: the important difference between good stress and bad stress defining yourself with one word how she found herself a "real" hobby a family tradition she will continue

This sweet mother of six babies has a lot going on!  She has gleaned a lot of wisdom that we get to benefit from today.  She speaks today about adoption, being a bi-racial family, how to not completely break the bank every Christmas and what she does to survive summer break.  What we talk about: the importance of taking conscious breaks throughout the day how she intentionally makes each kid feel special in a large family fun ways to add structure to breaks with kids the balance between celebrating your children's stories publicly and letting them tell them at their own pace

Back by popular demand, we are talking to the lovely Brandi Lea about...trauma. Yours, your friend's, your family's.  This is a jam-packed episode full of so many valuable insights.  I said, "so good" so many times during this episode, I annoyed myself.  Don't worry, I edited most of them out. what we chat about: why it matters that we get healthy what our freedom exposes in other people the importance of validation in healing her one piece of advice for walking through trauma with someone

I'm excited to share the wisdom of my friend Debi Chapman with you!  She is a writer, a speaker and a mother to eleven!! She believes our homes are battlefields and she loves encouraging moms to press on in their vitally important role. What we chat about: The teenage years Creative ways to encourage kids to help around the house How to live within the limits of what we have to offer

"Freakishly transparent" is one way people have described my guest this week.  She spent so long hiding the truth about her past that when she finally started being honest, she just couldn't stop!  This episode is full of SO many big ideas and truths.  Her words are sure to challenge you to step out of darkness and into the light.  What we chat about: What to do when motherhood doesn't feel natural How running from your past only makes it devour you instead How to mend betrayal and shame in a relationship How God wants your healing more than you do

Jim and Lynne have worked in the trenches with parents of all kinds – single parents, adoptive parents, parents of teens, parents of kids with intense behavior challenges, parents in blended families, parents of wealth and parents in poverty, and any other kind of parent you can think of. In other words, they have a lot of experience!  You're going to get a lot out of this chat.  Grab a pen and paper! What we chat about: The result of believing half-truths How to make a plan to deal with the problem behavior The identity messages we accidentally communicate to our kids

Today's guest is one of my favorite ladies around.  She is a dear friend of mine who I have seen fight for healing with amazing focus and determination.  You are going to be heartbroken and then so encouraged by her story! What we chat about: Some of the traumatic effects of childhood sexual abuse and emotional neglect What it was like to feel normal for the first time in her life How she got to the point of confessing infidelity Her process of forgiving her mom

Laurie is a wife and mom who grew up in a strong Christian home.  She comes from a large and impressive family and went on to do impressive things for God because she was trying really hard to sort out how to be "Christian enough" to stop being attracted to other women.  This conversation is something the church needs to hear.  I know I needed to hear it.  She tells her story with gut wrenching honesty but also so much grace.  I think you'll be surprised to discover how similar your story is to hers!

My friend Grace is a wife, mom and author.  She writes in an effort to encourage people to know Jesus for real and to get her readers moving toward the things He has made them to be.  This conversation covered so many great topics, I had a really difficult time giving it a title.  Just know there's something in it for everyone! What We Chat About: Portraying a better picture of parenting Unpacking the living out of 'unforced rhythms of grace' A discussion on the nuts and bolts of supper club

Amy Carroll is an author, speaker, and a recovering perfectionist.  She is also (joyfully) and empty-nester who has lots of wisdom to share with us regarding how to best enjoy your teens.  You're really going to get a lot out of this chat.  I know I did! What we chat about: how to make grace the headliner in your house why all of us moms need to perfect our "bland face" how to practically walk a child through anxiety

This sweet friend of mine is a wife and mom of 4 boys.  She is also the host of the wildly popular God Centered Mom podcast.  She is a source of wisdom, encouragement and lots of laughs for me and I think she will be for you too! what we chat about: encouragement for first generation Christian moms how she helps her boys make amends with one another how our identity affects our parenting

Kara-Kae is a mom of 4 who co-founded the well-known site Thrive Moms. She loves real conversations, sweet tea and believes anything can be cured with a plate of bacon and a good cup of coffee.  She's a lovely girl and I think you're going to be encouraged by her words!    what we talk about: discovering the difference between good work and God's work the orphan crisis in America what she does to celebrate the little things

I'm betting you know who this lovely lady is but in case you don't, here goes: She is a wife and mom, a writer and a podcaster.  She is also a "fake counselor" as she says at a girls school which could not be a more perfect job for her.  She's one of my personal favorites so I had to try really hard not to be super gushy about that during the interview.  Don't worry though, I let all my awkward out as soon as we weren'trecording. what we chat about:  the concept of gleaning in our everyday moments things that will leave a relationship dead in the water what makes relationships thrive how service looks different than you might think

Nicole is a sign maker from Southern California.  She and her husband are raising two kids and running a wildly successful small business!  This girl is funny and honest and really loves God.  Hope you laugh as loud as I did during this conversation! what we chat about: what to do INSTEAD of comparing ourselves to other moms how a traumatic event launched her into working from home what happened when she finally tried talking to God

She is a wife and mom from central Indiana who lives in a 100 year old house she hopes to renovate soon.  She runs a stationary shop and intentionally creates space for quiet in her life.  In fact, she wants to be Amish "while still enjoying the modern comforts of electricity and deodorant." Ha!  I think that sounds fair.   What we chat about: how prenatal and postpartum depression are very real things learning to say "no" her routine of a morning prayer to-do list what she is doing to leave a legacy for her grandchildren

So today's conversation is a little different. In light of this week's events in our great land, some friends and I decided (really THEY decided and I couldn't think of a good reason to get out of it) we should model an honest conversation on the topic of race because we were already having them.   My friends and I are all podcasters and each come to the topic of race with different perspectives.  Retha of Journey to Balance is black and Tiffany of  A Mom's Mission Field is white and has two adopted boys who are black.  I have received feed back from multiple friends of mine (who I was talking about this with while trying to get out of having to have this conversation!) who told me a conversation like this is EXACTLY what they need to see modeled right now.   So here you go.  It is a little long but it WAS 2 hours.  I got it down to 51 minutes which was evidence of the Lord's hand at work.  I am super pleased with how it turned out and know you will find yourself somewhere along the continuum of ideas expressed.   You very well may disagree with some of the ideas.  You will most likely feel uncomfortable.  I encourage you to stay in it to the end and pray through the parts that make you cringe.  Ask God to tell you what you need to take away from the conversation.  I am ridiculously thankful for these ladies and the way they have lovingly challenged me and I look forward to sharing this with you as well.

Lindsy is a mom of 4 who has recently moved across the country from KY to FL to live out the good news of Jesus among the poor with both their words and their actions.  They are with an organization that sends families to marginalized neighborhoods, you know, the ones most people try to avoid and ignore.  You're going to love and be challenged by this conversation! what we chat about: calling forth the good God has placed in our kids  doing the brave thing scared how to keep perspective when all the needs around her seem overwhelming

This girl is authentic.  She is honest and not afraid to speak up about her struggles because she knows that's how others can know they are not alone.  She's my kind of girl.  You're going to love hearing her share her heart towards mothering in particular and life in general.  I know I did! What we chat about: The difference between willfulness, willlessness, and willingness how sometimes going to the park is the very WORST how she combats loneliness in motherhood practical steps to make home a safe place

Some of us are able to tell stories eloquently.  Some of our stories have rough places that can seem too dark to overcome.  My friend Amber's story is both; incredibly difficult AND beautifully told.  She is a gifted storyteller with a story of forgiveness and grace that will knock your socks off.  Or, since it's summer, maybe just knock your flip flops across the room. what we chat about: What it's like when no one believes your story Grieving abortion Practically taking thoughts captive Amber's 5 minute "Hey Jesus" time-out sessions

This girl.  Some people seem to live so much life in so few years. Her story has twists and turns that will leave you wide-eyed and the perspective she has gained is one we can all benefit from.   What we chat about: when cancer comes as a relief that changing direction is not failure but growth what to do when "the American dream" is not actually YOUR dream

Christie is a wife to a cop, a mom to three, a newspaper columnist and novice farmer.  What I love about her is how honest she is about the difficult moments but that she won't stay there.  She actively seeks opportunities to turn bad situations in to good ones and we all could use more of that in our lives, yes? what we chat about: What to do when you're not super thrilled about where you live What she does on Friday night to ensure she gets to sleep in on Saturday morning How she found the perfect mentor for her The importance of our role as moms of setting the tone of our home

Joleen has been a mother to twenty one children over the years.  Twenty one!  She is also a woman who cares deeply for the "least of these" and loves to help women through traumatic or difficult situations through a tool she's created called Unleash. what we chat about: Finding God in the midst of intense trials EMDR Taking incremental steps toward enjoying life

Rebecca is a wife, mom, and (accidentally) a business owner!  She started Better Life Bags which is a company that, besides making adorable bags, provides employment for women who could not be successful in traditional employment.  You're gonna love this episode! What we chat about: the lovely mission of Better Life Bags putting 'working-mom guilt' to rest prioritizing travel as a family lessons from Jonah

This girl is a joy to me and a serious source of encouragement.  She is always cheering me on but isn't afraid to get onto me when I'm heading down the wrong path.  She's been through a serious valley and you're going to benefit greatly from the wisdom she brings to this chat.  Get your paper and pen ready. What we chat about: What Retha hopes her kids learn by watching her Her advice to wives after becoming a widow Being a light vs. being the head of the household  

Wynne is a mama and wife striving to live in deep and authentic community in Bryan, Texas. She's passionate about connecting and knowing people [and being known], and creating spaces of belonging.  She's been married to her guy for 9+ years and together they are living this wild + glorious life that Jesus gave them with our kiddos Camp and Asher. What we talk about: Infertility and becoming a "real" mom How to make friends when you're isolated A simple yet meaningful tradition her mom started

Stephanie is a book editor by trade who has recently hopped over to the other side of the fence and wrote a book herself!  Her book chronicles her adventures in blind dating while waiting for a husband.  I wanted to talk about this topic of waiting well because even if you're already married, we're all waiting for something.   What we chat about: Waiting well for things that seem to come so easily for others How she navigated cross-life-stage relationships Trading prayers when you can't pray for yourself anymore How she learned God loved not the "theoretical" her but her personally

Christa is a wife and mom of four who enjoys yoga, creating in her Etsy shop and learning about better health through a holistic diet. Part of her story includes serious anxiety that made daily tasks difficult.  I know you'll enjoy her insights as much as I did! What we chat about: Her journey toward overcoming paralyzing anxiety Asking the question: what are you partnering with? Praying to "see the choice" Navigating special diets and kid's birthday parties

Brandi is a single mom who was just sure God wouldn't use her after she was divorced.  She wanted to help people but kept being told her usefulness had ended.  She believed it until she sold some cows on Facebook.  You'll just have to listen to the rest to believe this amazing story! What we chat about: How she ended up starting a nonprofit despite her best efforts NOT to How she healed from a broken marriage and the loss of other significant relationships How she walks traumatized women through healing prayer Where to find Brandi: Beauty for Ashes Uganda

I first met Caroline through the interwebs a few years ago because we both had small businesses.  She sews like a champ and makes many adorable items you'll love.  She is also a mom of three small kids who lives in the Pacific Northwest.  She's a mom in the thick of it who lets us in on the ways she manages all that's on her plate. What we chat about: starting a small business how she creates margin what she does to avoid being the "mom who yells" the perils of tiny ear holes what to do when noise hurts

Rachel is a daughter of the King, wife to a pastor, mother to five (almost six) children, underdog cheerleader, special needs parent, adoption advocate, hope-spreader, writer and lover of a good party.  Simply said, she is a messy mama being made beautiful by a good God. What we chat about:  Curly hair trauma Mom guilt vs. mom conviction Caring for orphans in ways other than adoption Discontent in motherhood and how she overcomes it Find me on Instagram, twitter or facebook because I want to hear YOUR thoughts on this episode!  If you've been encouraged by the show, please share it with another mom.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together!

Lauren is a girl who is walking the delicate balance of absolute truth and overwhelming grace.  She is also a girl with a life so wildly interesting people wonder if it's true!  Lauren and her family currently live in South East Asia and she works tirelessly to create jobs for women seeking safe work.  Her perspective on motherhood is unique and I can't wait for you to hear it! What we chat about: the importance of loving people even when they continue to mess up how to stop hating who you are two amazing questions to decide what's most important the importance of Sabbath

I came across a great resource recently and wanted to share it with you!  My church has some questions they encourage us to ask our kids each year in an effort to gauge the opinions of our kids about how we are doing as a family unit and how they feel we are doing as parents. Head to Momstrugglingwell.com for links to the lists of questions!

Logan Wolfram would give you full access to her pantry if you lived next door. She is a plate-juggling mom and interior decorator turned writer, speaker, and host of the Allume Conference. She is a passionate leader who desires to see women live fully in Christ.  We chat about: Her new book Curious Faith How she handled a surprising piece of mail Her brother's Chinese wedding How she is maintaining perspective in the face of a medical diagnosis

Thanks to the thunderstorm we ended up with a part two to this conversation!  She had so many good things to say I just had to keep asking questions! What we chat about: her strategy to leave a tangible legacy for her daughters her most important ministry when you feel mad at God for messing up a good thing getting with God before getting on the internet

There are a handful of people whose social media posts grab my attention every time.  Stephanie "Honey" Holden is one of them.  She is funny, encouraging, and really convicting all at once.  I was selfishly looking forward to recording an interview because I knew I would learn a lot and I DID until a thunderstorm knocked my power out...  It was great while it lasted though and we'll catch the rest of it next week.  Enjoy the first part today!      

meet melody: Oh friends I have a treat for you today!  I'm so pleased to share with you the spunky mom, artist, and small business owner Melody Joy!  She is the artist behind Melody Joy Designs and you're going to love hearing her story! what we chat about: the importance of doing things that "don't compute" daily her super cape and how every woman needs one how homeschooling isn't for everyone discovering post-weaning depression the hard way  shopmelodyjoy.com

My friend Jenny is a source of wisdom and encouragement to me personally.  She has experience loving overseas which has given her a great deal of compassion for refugees and she has worked tirelessly with her daughter who has autism.  Her gentle patient spirit is amazing to me and I know the only way to explain it is to look where she's looking: Jesus. We chat about unusual ways to engage with robbers, creating visual schedules for anxious kids, and gratefulness as an antidote to comparison.  You're gonna get so much out of listening to Jenny's perspective.  Can't wait to hear what your plan to struggle well will be!

I love Jill's story.  She was a mom who (like all of us) wanted to take better pictures of her kids.  She got a nice camera and made her husband PROMISE he wouldn't let her think she was now a professional photographer just because she had a nice camera.  Well, a few months later, she took some photos of a friend's kids and it turned out she was pretty good at it!  The other part of her story that I love is how God-directed it has been.  I have had a tendency to want to force things (I've gotten in loads of trouble that way) and I appreciate seeing people who do the opposite of me.  Her goal in her words: "He sees the beauty worth loving in all of us, so I’m doing my best to use the gift He’s graciously given me to capture that beauty while serving and inspiring others. We chat about what it looks like to let God lead, how she fights perfectionism, what it's been like to go back to work after 8 years out of the workforce, and her serious love of foam.

So thankful to bring you some insight this week from my friend Kristin.  She's a mom of 6 kids (plus 1 in heaven) who has learned the importance of facing lies head-on with a plan.  She's passionate about helping moms be brave and seeing the importance of being the one to reach out to other moms instead of waiting for them to come to you.  We talk about the journey through the grief of miscarriage, how to make new mom friends after you move, taking thoughts captive and how you'll hear the lies first, and the importance of prioritizing time with God even when you're exhausted.

This girl.  She's the spunky southern California artist behind HEart by CC.  She is a wife and the mom of 3 boys too!  She is a girl whose message of freedom and acceptance has been hard-won through many years of overcoming obstacles.  You're gonna love this conversation! What we talk about: Trying to read your Bible when you're dyslexic, believing in your kids when no one else does, walking with kids with "unique needs," and what it's ok to be honestly disappointed in your current situation.  

My friend Katie Orr is a girl who is passionate about teaching people how to read and understand God's word. She recently wrote some Bible studies you need to hear about.  They can take as little as 15 minutes to complete and are accessible even if you don't know a blessed thing about the Bible!  The best part: she's graciously giving two copies away to Mom Struggling Well listeners!  Follow @momstrugglingwell on Instagram for details! We talk about how she has grieved the loss of her brother with small kids around, her strategy for diffusing drama in her house, and what her time with God looks like.  If you've been encouraged by the show, please share it with another mom.  Tell them to head to momstrugglingwell.com/itunes to subscribe to the show!  The struggle is real.  Let's do it together!

(If THAT title doesn't make you need to know more, you're dead inside.) Megan Burns is a remarkable mom of 5 who is passionate about being an advocate for those who need one.  Her goal is to show those in need that they are both known and loved.  She is the owner of She Does Justice which is a shop that gives back a portion of their profit to a cause of YOUR choice.  Her story has lots of unexpected twists and turns (like all of ours) and I'm excited to share it with you! What we chat about: Her journey to find her birth mother Her road toward adopting their daughter How and why her business started How she attempts to maintain balance being a working mom Find all the links mentioned and how to find Megan at momstrugglingwell.com Share the struggle! If you liked this episode- tell your friends! Subscribe to the show and leave a review because it helps other moms find the show more easily.  You're the best!  

Do you have those people in your life who give off a calming presence and just being around them makes you feel like everything is going to work out in the end?  My friend Rachel is like that.  She is an artist who can also say has written a book about her stray donkey.  Now not many people can say that. What we chat about: Her grown children and her perspective looking back An unexpected way she shows love to her husband A practical way in which they have been a neighbor to someone who needed it A glimpse into life with small kids and a small business How the quote "opportunity favors the prepared" has proven true in her life     Strategy to Struggle Well Remember: you're more likely to succeed at your plan if you make it small and actionable AND if you choose when this week you'll do it. How can you show your husband (or a friend) that you care in an unexpected way this week? Is there a neighbor that comes to mind who could use some tangible assistance this week? What project has been weighing on you that you need to just start? My plan: I'm going to cook a nice meal with my husband because he REALLY loves that and we will discuss Tsh's questions and celebrate his new job.   What about you?  Find me on your favorite social media channel and tell me about it!  

May I please introduce you to my darling friend Eryn?  She's one of those gems who doesn't know how great she is.  She's all about encouraging women to be more healthy both spiritually and physically.  In this interview she shares with us a journey she hasn't talked about much; her nearly decade-long battle with anorexia.  Listen, if you're like me and don't have an eating disorder, I bet you still have an issue (or seven) with food.  Regardless, I know you'll get a lot out of this chat.  I certainly did. What we chat about: The one word she needed for her new tattoo Her journey toward heath How she deals with her tendency to want to over-protect her kids Her cute new boots!    Share the Struggle! Find me on Instagram, twitter or facebook because I want to hear YOUR thoughts on this episode!  If you've been encouraged by the show, please share it with another mom.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together!

For the mom who longs to see long-dead dreams resurrected... For the mom who is learning to replace lies about herself with Truth from God's word... For the mom who wants to run a half-marathon purely so she can eat more McDonalds... If any of these describe you, you're going to love my chat with my friend Kathy! Can't wait to share our conversation with you.   Go ahead and share the show with your mom friends who would benefit from it.  Let them know they are not alone in the struggle!  Head to Momstrugglingwell.com for the show notes from this episode!

For the mom who wants to mourn well with hurting friends...   For the mom who isn't good at cooking and cleaning... For the mom who is afraid of wind chimes... Victoria and I had such a great time talking about all manner of things.  She is a work at home mom who is into writing, being a doula and at this point, sneaking as much sleep in as possible as a mom of two very young kids. Hope you love the interview! Go ahead and share the show with your mom friends who would benefit from it.  Let them know they are not alone in the struggle!  Head to Momstrugglingwell.com for the show notes from this episode!

One of the things that first drew me to Becki was the awesome pictures of her house that I kept seeing on Instagram.  She has this funky, cozy, artistic house that makes you want to have a mug of tea and chat all day in.  The NEXT (and way more important thing) that made me need to talk to this girl is the way she talks about grace and praying for her children.  What we talk about: (We actually forgot to talk about this but you need to know about) Her small business How to wisely play to your strengths in parenting The Cha-Cha dance of raising teenagers What she needs her kids to know before they move out Share the struggle! Find me on Instagram, twitter or facebook because I want to hear YOUR thoughts on this episode!  If you've been encouraged by the show, share it with another mom.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together!

All I can say is I'm so THANKFUL God made such a wide variety of people.  If we were all the same we'd all be bored to tears.  My friend Kristen Kill is a breath of fresh air to me for a variety of reasons one of which is that we are so different.  She has a freedom and grace about her and I could only dream of.  I could talk to her all day long and learn completely new ways of doing things.  The OTHER reason she's so special to me is her deep understanding of truth and God's character.  She's a gem and I'm thrilled to share her with you. What we chat about: obedience and what we need to do to get a "well done" at the end of our days the idea and importance of Legacy the importance of cultivating our souls and those of our children The Hidden Art by Edith Schaffer Share the Struggle! Please find me on instagram, twitter and facebook so we can chat about YOUR thoughts on this episode! If you have a second, it would really help other struggling moms find us if you review the podcast on iTunes. The struggle is real.  We might as well do it together!

Some topics in life are just difficult to talk about.  I would say human trafficking is definitely one of them. It is an issue that is dear to my heart but in all the conversations and sermons I've heard on the topic, I haven't heard someone speak with as much hope and compassion as Corinne.   The other amazing piece of this puzzle is the extraordinary way God has prepared their family to go.  They have been having unreal experiences with people in their own town all related to the same topic.  You wouldn't believe it if I told you so you might as well just listen. What we cover: // Exodus Road and their counter-trafficking work // How Easter may NOT be the best time to tell your kids they are moving to Asia // The hard/good road of trusting God to provide in lean times // God's ability to use our regular jobs to accomplish remarkable things

Hey friends!  Today I am happy to bring you the story of my friend Brooke!  She and her husband live in Poland and work to rescue the forgotten populations of society.  What I love about her story is that she wasn't that excited to get involved with it at first.  Sometimes we think people who do amazing things are different than us in that theyalways like serving others.  Her story is proof that God can use us even if we aren't 100% excited at first. What we discuss:  how one cup of tea turned into a foundation to rescue the forgotten the road to building a family (that is sometimes rocky and heartbreaking) an unbelievable story about how her baby almost died in a foreign hospital the importance of surrender Please find me on instagram, facebook and twitter and tell me your thoughts on this episode!  Don't forget to tell a friend who you think would like the show as well.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do it together!

In this episode we talk about how to use your interests as a bridge for discussing spiritual topics with your kids.  We also talk about how sometimes in 2015 it can still be impossible to obtain the internet even when living in a very populated location.   The reason I needed to share Amanda with you NOW is because of her wonderful Christmas ebook that takes you through how to share the Christmas story with your kids in a way they will love.  I am not a big fan of all the crafts and all the mess that creates but even I found it to be very fun and enjoyable so we go through her book every year. Please find me on instagram, twitter and facebook so we can chat about YOUR thoughts on this episode! If you have a second, it would really help other struggling moms find us if you review the podcast on iTunes. The struggle is real.  We might as well do it together!

Episode 8 here and I'm talking with my friend Kris Camealy.  She is a wife, mother of 4, a writer, speaker and the founder of Grace Table. In other words, she's got a lot going on! In this interview we chat about  the struggle against transferring our fears onto our kids how God intervened in Kris' life through an elementary school teacher how she cultivates a daily habit of listening to God Please share the struggle! Find me on instagram, twitter and facebook so we can chat about YOUR thoughts on this episode! If you have a second, it would really help other struggling moms find us if you review the podcast on iTunes. The struggle is real.  We might as well do it together!

If you listen to podcasts, you know who Kat Lee is.  She is a mom who is passionate about motherhood and encouraging other moms.  She has made it her business to build a wealth of resources to equip moms like you to do this huge job well. The goal is an impressive eulogy over an impressive resume. Focus on what matters forever. In this episode we chat about: how to be a "jello wall" for your kids emotions sanity pointers from a road trip expert how personality tests can improve your parenting statistical proof of our unique giftedness for our role as a mom Kat's planner Please find me on instagram, twitter and facebook so we can chat about YOUR thoughts on this episode! If you have a second, it would really help other struggling moms find us if you review the podcast on iTunes. The struggle is real.  We might as well do it together!

Crystal is a coffee-loving, word girl who is big on helping women find community.  She is passionate about encouraging and equipping women to enjoy their current season and chase what brings them joy.  Most recently, she's been on a fitness journey that is changing her mothering.  Can't wait for you to hear our chat! In this episode we discuss the painful effects of hurtful relationships, the importance of engaging in community despite past hurts, and how Crystal stopped being a 'sideline mom.' Please find me on instagram, twitter and facebook so we can chat about YOUR thoughts on this episode! If you have a second, it would really help other struggling moms find us if you review the podcast on iTunes. The struggle is real.  We might as well do it together!  

Please allow me to introduce you to my friend Joanna.  There are SO many reasons I needed you to meet this girl.  First, her "little skill of sewing" as she calls it, is not little.  It is actually making a huge impact in her town and around the world. Second, she has overcome some poor choices in her own life (we all make them!) and has witnessed first hand God's amazing promise to work all things out for good. You wouldn't believe the story if I told you so you might as well hear it from her.   In our chat we cover how single parenting is hard and how waiting for your adoptive child is hard too!  We talk about her new job with Project Free 2 Fly and her work with No. 41. Find me on your favorite social media channel so we can chat about YOUR thoughts on this episode! If you have a second, it would really help other struggling moms find us if you review the podcast on iTunes. The struggle is real.  We might as well do it together!

Today's guest is my friend Sarah of Sariko Designs.  She is a creative girl with lots of initiative.  She started an Etsy shop to raise funds in order to adopt two kids from the foster care system.  She kinds makes the rest of us look like slackers.   I like to think I have played a part in her success (I didn't) because I have quite the collection of her signs around my house.  And I give them as gifts.  I basically have a sign buying problem.  This is precisely why Sarah likes me and agreed to be interviewed. In this episode we talk about preparing kids for an expanding family, how to start an Etsy shop, maternal instincts and adopted kids and Bravelove.com. Please find me on instagram, twitter and facebook so we can chat about YOUR thoughts on this episode! If you have a second, it would really help other struggling moms find us if you review the podcast on iTunes. The struggle is real.  We might as well do it together!

I just had to share my sweet friend, Lara Williams with you all. She is a wife, a mom, an author and a speaker.  What I love about her is that she does all of these things with grace and humility.  She will be the first to tell you that she messes up all the time which allows the rest of us to exhale and know we're in good company. Share the Struggle! Please find me on instagram, twitter or facebook so we can chat about YOUR thoughts on this episode! Also, please take 3 seconds and help another struggling mom find the show by leaving a review on Itunes. The struggle is real.  We might as well do it together!

This girl right here: she's a joy! I can see why she was a cheerleader in high school because every time I finish talking to her I'm pretty sure I can do anything.  {Emily, Emily, she's our man, if she can't do it , no one can.} In this episode we talk about everything from encouraging your neighbors and discipleship to the importance of the therapeutic Slurpee and the Fall issue of Southern Living.   Share the Struggle! Please find me on instagram, twitter and facebook so we can chat about YOUR thoughts on this episode! Also, please take 3 seconds and help another struggling mom find the show by leaving a review on Itunes. The struggle is real.  We might as well do it together!

Warning: You will probably feel some feelings here. This podcast covers a topic we as moms would rather just not think about- the loss of a child.  Wait though!  Before you decide to move on to watching I Love Lucy re-runs, I assure you this story is worth a listen!  My friend Bree walked through the valley but she has a story of hope you NEED to hear.  Please find me on instagram, twitter and facebook so we can chat about YOUR thoughts on this episode! Also, please take 3 seconds and help another struggling mom find the show by leaving a review on Itunes. The struggle is real.  We might as well do it together!