We homeschool, but even if we didn’t, we are learning what education is and how we as parents, like it or not, set the course for our child’s education.

So, I don’t want to be controlled by anxiety, but I also don’t want to be dumb to it - How then do I build rhythms in my life to grow my ability of handling stress, develop peace in my home and love challenges?

Perhaps perhaps perhaps; we do not know the future or how we will rise or fall under the pressure of the present, but the unrelenting thought of “perhaps” can crush our actual reality. Gwen is a licensed and practicing counselor and I am so blessed for you to be in on this conversation. Maybe get some pen and paper ready, I for one was taking notes.

Marilyn’s been working in Haiti via Apparent Project and Market Haiti for over a decade alongside family, putting her skills developed during motherhood, toward an unanticipated and incredible vision. We hope this conversation encourages and challenges you to realize the skills you are putting into motherhood will have their after-effects. https://apparentproject.org/. https://markethaiti.com/

Joanna is back and we talk a little more about the effects of her child’s autism on her own person. The weights of the world placed upon us can seem nonsensical, until we listen to the Joannas and realize there is purpose and beauty in struggle.

I need to hear the stories of my friends who have been handed heavy loads and have said, “yes - now stand back.” Joanna is a working mom of two beautiful kids, her eldest having autism, a diagnosis which has no doubt felt overwhelming at times. Yet this family is not only surviving, but they have their heads up and are looking around to bless their community. Enjoy part 1.

In talking with my friend Stephanie Lewis, the delight she has found in becoming a mom and then how motherhood is currently changing her was something worth sharing. It’s not so much about maintaining a sense of self as it is grabbing on for the ride Christ has in store. And with that, Happy Mother’s Day.

Cultivating friendships outside of my immediate life stage has been one thing I can say I’ve done right for awhile. This conversation is with my neighbor, who has known me since I was ten and gladly welcomed our crew to her neighborhood three years ago. Besides rocket science, I’m pretty sure Diane can tackle whatever she puts her mind to, and having such a person with actual answers in such close proximity is the most welcome breeze in the middle of mothering so many people with so many questions.

My friend Katie Krieg has a passion for Christ which she is excited to share with teen moms and those who will come alongside. Katie and I look at how Young Lives developed in her hometown of Columbus, Ga and do a little brain storming about what could be.

I was given the gold standard in baby food recipe, my first go round and it’s pretty inexcusable it’s taken me this long to share. I cannot think of a better way which will better encourage a family to keep growing and keep loving, then the practical adjustment of training kids ready to eat when they come to the table If you’re here in or out of baby food season, take a listen and be ready to hit share.

Old bread and beer for breakfast, weapons for craft, crispy pork and potato for the main meal, today is an east win for this family of adventurers.

We had the best day marrying French pastry with Vietnamese coffee, making pho for the first, but certainly not the last time and all around enjoying our day in Vietnam.

England has profoundly shaped not only the U.S, but the world, so it’s a great way to start off with something “less unfamiliar?” Spending the day knowing her culture is full of pleasant surprise. We had a great day and thanks to Martha, you can too.

Touring from our kitchen tables to cultures unknown, Ethiopia made a distinct impression on my kids and I’m so pleased to share my friend’s love for this country as we pray for it in current political upheaval.

Alicia walks us through an introduction into the colorful resilient beauty which is Peruvian culture. If this is a stop on your kitchen table cruise itinerary, you won’t be disappointed.

This was our kick off culture last year for our first kitchen table cruise and without friends like Marina, I would have missed some obvious and fun ways to present Russian culture to my family. So thankful for this opportunity to hear more about my friend, her life growing up in Russia and her heart for sharing her heritage with her family. https://petersfoodadventures.com/category/russian-recipes/

Japanese culture is fascinating and beautiful, and not by accident. The Idea of design and balance flows into every aspect of the culture and while that may feel a bit intimidating, it is an exposure which calls us to know God as the great Designer and Artist and Architect. We hope you consider visiting Japan from your kitchen table, if not making the trip in person.

Al and Jo have been bringing encouragement, supplies to and awareness of the persecuted church for years. Connecting to ministries such as OpenDoors and Voice of the Martyrs is a great way to cement the “why” of traveling into other cultures. Christ is so necessary to each of His beloved as He unifies the church body.

Wanting our families to have a mind and heart to see God’s creation can seem like a back burner dream when so much is telling us to stay home. Well home just got a lot more interesting thanks to my friend Teresa and her family’s lock-down imaginary world cruise. I hope you love this series which will set you up for success, as you and your family experience different cultures and create a memory that will last a life time.

Thriving in a life rooted in change requires the Ultimate in Stability. The podcast’s first requested topic, Elizabeth and I look at life as military spouses and raising families; identifying the challenges and the blessings of this life and how we must be reliant upon Christ and thus the community He provides. If you are interested in joining the military, or just wondering should I get involved with possible friends who will move too quickly, let this conversation sift your thoughts.