Gather Moms

Where did the summer go! Are ready for fall? Don’t worry moms, transition always brings friction and we will be school pros again in no time! Today, let’s relive our jam-packed summers, filled with laughter, parenting challenges, and those all-too-relatable swimsuit shopping mishaps. As summer transitions to fall, we discuss new routines, practical tips for easing into the school year, and the importance of extending grace to ourselves and our families. Tune in for a treasure trove of heartfelt stories, laughter, and practical advice to navigate this new season of motherhood.Join us!Starting August 26th we are uniting for 30 days of prayer. Don’t miss it! Connect with Us: Gather Moms: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook Kate Henderson: Instagram | Facebook Rebecca Bradford: Instagram | Facebook

If bad karaoke sounds like a good time to you, you’re gonna love this episode! We start off talking about classic summer songs, the kind you might sing along to on a road trip. Let’s hope if Kate and Rebecca are in the car with you, the music is turned WAY UP to drown out their voices. Bless their hearts. One of the fun things about summer is getting to take a trip. Whether it’s a big one out of state or a smaller one close by, many of the same truths apply: something will be forgotten, something will go wrong and someone will ask: Are we there yet? This episode is all about tips and tricks to make your summer trips the best ever! Let’s go make some memories with our families, mamas. Travel Tips: Teach kids how to pack themselves Use packing cubes for each kid Each kid packs their travel bag (snacks, water bottle, books, blankie) Have a new book, coloring book, movie for your kids to watch or play with that they’ll be excited about (check out books from the library to save money) Make sure you have wipes Give everyone a job Go over the trip with your kids Accept that something will go wrong Airplane tips: Mentally think through the logistics of suitcases, carseats, strollers and what all you will need BEFORE you get to the airport Drink or sucker at take off for popping ears Road trip tips: Pack snacks-one gallon bag for each kid filled with snacks (saves money at gas stations) Incentivize good behavior (money for prizes, pick where you eat, reward tickets) License plate game, road sign alphabet, I spy My biggest tip is that travel is an opportunity to make God bigger for your kids. They get to see a new part of the world, new people and get the blessing of a zoom out-a new understanding of who their God is. Take the opportunity to help your kids be in awe of God. When they see a mountain, the ocean, beautiful flowers, a people group that looks and speaks differently than you do. Psalm 19 For the director of music. A psalm of David. 1 The heavens declare the glory of God;    the skies proclaim the work of his hands.2 Day after day they pour forth speech;    night after night they reveal knowledge.3 They have no speech, they use no words;    no sound is heard from them.4 Yet their voice[b] goes out into all the earth,    their words to the ends of the world.In the heavens God has pitched a tent for the sun.5     It is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber,    like a champion rejoicing to run his course.6 It rises at one end of the heavens    and makes its circuit to the other;    nothing is deprived of its warmth. We can get so used to the beauty of our daily surroundings that we forget to marvel at them. We have a fresh opportunity to marvel at the goodness of our God, His creativity, his beauty in a new place. Help your children see him and worship him. We love you. We’re taking a little summer break to be present with our families. Stay tuned on Gather Moms Instagram and Facebook as we continue to provide resources and encouragement for you throughout the summer. Love you, moms! Connect with Us: Gather Moms: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook Kate Henderson: Instagram | Facebook Rebecca Bradford: Instagram | Facebook

Ladies, it’s that time of year when the flowers are blooming and our motherhood adventures take on a whole new level of crazy, right? We’re all feeling the heat as the days get longer and our to-do lists get even more outrageous. From dealing with daylight savings (we all know that’s basically Satan’s way of stealing our precious sleep) to those sneaky allergies that just won’t quit, we’re in it together, mamas. But you know what? It’s not just about the hustle. We’re diving deep into those tricky issues, like how we’re shaping our kids’ self-esteem and dealing with our own body image. We’re the first to admit that we’ve got to be super careful with the words we choose, especially when squeezing into those swimsuits. So, what’s the secret sauce to finding that peace amidst the pandemonium of parenting? We’re leaning hard into our faith, asking God to show us where we’ve gotten our priorities all twisted and to help us realign our hearts with what truly matters. Heavenly treasures aren’t found on a shelf at Target. Our next ONLINE GATHER GROUP meeting is coming up on April 18th at 7 pm. The group is hosted on our Gather Moms Patreon. Join us HERE.Get Mom Struggles on Amazon Support Us: Monthly Donation | One-Time Donation Connect with Us: Gather Moms: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook Kate Henderson: Instagram | Facebook Rebecca Bradford: Instagram | Facebook Email: podcast@gathermoms.com

Who am I NOW? In this episode, we’re sharing our stories and struggles with keeping a grip on who we are while we’re drowning in diapers and drool, carpool and homework. Where do I end and Mom-me begins? How do we fight the whole pressure to be the picture-perfect parent? We’re opening up about how our faith grounds us, reminding us that our worth isn’t about how many Pinterest-worthy lunches we make. It’s about being loved by God, no matter what. So, join us as we stumble through this journey together with loads of grace, laughs, and maybe a few tears (the happy kind, we promise). Our next ONLINE GATHER GROUP meeting is coming up on April 4th at 7 pm. The group is hosted on our Gather Moms Patreon. Join us HERE.Get Mom Struggles on Amazon Support Us: Monthly Donation | One-Time Donation Connect with Us: Gather Moms: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook Kate Henderson: Instagram | Facebook Rebecca Bradford: Instagram | Facebook Email: podcast@gathermoms.com

Finding and keeping mom friends can be a STRUGGLE. You had baked in friends during your school and college days but as an adult and a busy mom, finding your people can be a struggle. Kate and Rebecca both get it and share how they became friends. Rebecca’s courage to introduce herself to Kate created a 15 year friendship that is still going strong. We need courage, moms! Courage to step into rooms where we don’t know anyone and courage to introduce ourselves. Join us as we discuss how to find and keep moms friends and what that community should look like for you. Don’t mom alone! Join our online group: Join Kate and Rebecca’s online group starting Thurs, 3/21 at 7 pm CST Get Mom Struggles on Amazon Support Us: Monthly Donation | One-Time Donation Connect with Us: Gather Moms: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook Kate Henderson: Instagram | Facebook Rebecca Bradford: Instagram | Facebook Email: podcast@gathermoms.com

No one has this mom thing completely figured out. We’re all struggling with something. You know what gets us help faster than anything else? OTHER MOMS. They remind us we’re not alone, share what helped them, and point us back to Jesus. Don’t be deceived into thinking that the *perfect* mom you see at school pick up every day isn’t struggling. She is. She needs you to be a safe space for her to be real and share where she needs help. That’s what we want to here on the podcast this season. We want to create a safe space where we can authenticaly share our struggles so we can get the help we need. You aren’t alone, mama. Come grab a seat on the mama struggle bus. It’s gonna be a wild ride! Get Connected to Mom Community: Find a Gather Group Start a Gather Group Join Kate and Rebecca’s online group starting Thurs, 3/21 at 7 pm CST Get Mom Struggles on Amazon Support Us: Monthly Donation | One-Time Donation Connect with Us: Gather Moms: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook Kate Henderson: Instagram | Facebook Rebecca Bradford: Instagram | Facebook Email: podcast@gathermoms.com

What a JOY grandparents can be in the lives of their children and grandchildren. Our dear friend, Marsha Mason, lives out grand parenting well and we are so honored that she took the time to be with us and share her wisdom for this episode. In the same way she wanted to be an intentional mom, she has continued that as an intentional grandparent. We get to learn from her the balance of being the fun grand parent while honoring the boundaries of the parent. She also teaches us how to show up for one another. If you’re in the grandparenting season, this episode is for YOU. For those of us that will someday be grand parents, this is an episode we all need to store up a special vision for that future. Complete the Mama Check-In HERE Sponsored By: T3 Chiropractic Call (972) 895-4655 to book your diagnostic appointment. Mention the Gather Moms podcast to receive the discounted visit. Sponsored By: The Flat Downtown Support Us: Monthly Donation | One-Time Donation Connect with Us: Gather Moms: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook Kate Henderson: Instagram | Facebook Rebecca Bradford: Instagram | Facebook Email: podcast@gathermoms.com

ARE THEY READY? Senior year of high school, this is what moms are asking. Have I done enough? Do they know what to do? As we launch our kids to college and adulthood, we can struggle as moms to know where we fit. Our relationship with our kids changes once again as we move from walking beside them to walking behind them as they lead the way. We continue to cheer on and offer support but they become the leader. As Susan says in this episode, “Our kids don’t need us less, they need us differently.” Connect with Susan on INSTAGRAM or on her WEBSITE Sponsored By: T3 Chiropractic Call (972) 895-4655 to book your diagnostic appointment. Mention the Gather Moms podcast to receive the discounted visit. Sponsored By: The Flat Downtown Support Us: Monthly Donation | One-Time Donation Connect with Us: Gather Moms: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook Kate Henderson: Instagram | Facebook Rebecca Bradford: Instagram | Facebook Email: podcast@gathermoms.com

Technology is the topic moms most ask us to cover. Why? Because we are pioneer parenting here. We are the first ones to navigate smart phones, streaming services and social media. We are not going to get it perfect BUT we can listen to experts, share wisdom we’ve learned and ask God to help us. Screens are not new to God–he knew they were coming and he is giving us the tools to have victory over them and even use them for GOOD. STATS YOU NEED: Americans check their phones an average of 144 times a day, which is a 58% decrease from their last cell phone usage survey published in January 2022. However, we’re also spending an average of four hours and 25 minutes each day on our phones, up 30% from last year. From Raising Boys and Girls Podcast Bark Interview: On average, children ages 8-12 in the United States spend 4-6 hours a day watching or using screens, and teens spend up to 9 hours. With regards to sexual content, 70% of tweens and 91% of teens encountered nudity or content of a sexual nature 75% tweens and 93% of teens engaged in conversations about drugs and alcohol 72% tweens and 85% experienced bullying as a bully, victim or witness 10% tweens and 21% teens experienced predators 97.5% increase in online enticement reports You may have some great ideas of your own. Here are a few suggestions to keep them safe: All phones, laptops, tablets must be used in a common area (living room, kitchen, family room, etc.) Daily/weekly time limits Seek permission before using a device Seek permission before installing any new apps All devices get turned in/off at bedtime Your device is a privilege not a right Do not share any personal information online Do not enter chats with unknows individuals online A few suggestions to help with moderation: Set limits on apps Set downtime Have screen free zones Consider a tech sabbath TRUTH: 2 Peter 1:3 His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness Ephesians 6:10-11 “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” 1 Peter 5:8-9 “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.” Romans 8:37-39 “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[a] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” RESOURCES: Qustudio Net Nanny Bark Sponsored By: T3 Chiropractic Call (972) 895-4655 to book your diagnostic appointment. Mention the Gather Moms podcast to receive the discounted visit. Support Us: Monthly Donation | One-Time Donation Connect with Us: Gather Moms: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook Kate Henderson: Instagram | Facebook Rebecca Bradford: Instagram | Facebook Email: podcast@gathermoms.com

We’ve heard from lots of our MAMAS that they’ve been interrupted by a sickness in their homes. It got us thinking that no matter your season of motherhood, we all face interruptions – unexpected surprises that can wreak chaos on our best-laid plans. Today we’re going to talk about how to see interruptions as opportunities for God to do something only he can do. We all get interrupted. In fact, you might say that life is a series of interruptions. Our natural response it to see them as negative and frustrating, but maybe they’re an opportunity to trust and ask for God’s help. Jesus was the master of holy interruptions. Rebecca shares one examples from scripture in Luke 8:40-56. Interruptions give us the opportunity to pull close to God. We can panic or we can pray. Philippians 4:6, “but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” Interruptions give us the opportunity to release our time and plans to God. Am I working for my kingdom or God’s kingdom? Proverbs 19:21, “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” Interruptions give us the opportunity to be PRESENT with today. Presence over perfection – perfection tells me to perform faster, push harder, and produce more. Presence tells me that today is mine to embrace and enjoy – Matthew 6:34, “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.” Sponsored By: T3 Chiropractic Call (972) 895-4655 to book your diagnostic appointment. Mention the Gather Moms podcast to receive the discounted visit. Support Us: Monthly Donation | One-Time Donation Connect with Us: Gather Moms: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook Kate Henderson: Instagram | Facebook Rebecca Bradford: Instagram | Facebook Email: podcast@gathermoms.com

If we want insight into teens, who better to ask than a high school teacher?! They see it ALL. We loved having Kelly Cavin on this episode as she tells us all about what she sees in her high school classroom. She shares with us what this generation is really good at, where they need the most help and how we, as their moms and adults in their life, can VALUE them. Kelly does such a good job of enjoying teens, valuing what they have to say and how they think, and teaches us how to do the same. “I’ve come to a frightening conclusion that I am the decisive element in the classroom. It’s my personal approach that creates the climate. It’s my daily mood that makes the weather. As a teacher, I possess a tremendous power to make a child’s life miserable or joyous. I can be a tool of torture or an instrument of inspiration. I can humiliate or heal. In all situations, it is my response that decides whether a crisis will be escalated or de-escalated and a child humanized or dehumanized.” ― Haim Ginott Support Us: Monthly Donation | One-Time Donation Connect with Us: Gather Moms: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook Kate Henderson: Instagram | Facebook Rebecca Bradford: Instagram | Facebook Email: podcast@gathermoms.com

Bro! Teenagers. This season of their lives can feel like riding a rollercoaster. They’re also making so many steps toward becoming their adult self like getting their first job, driving and working to make grades that will serve their future well. They are becoming who they will be as adults. As their moms, we want to be their safe place. We want to cheer them on, offer appropriate boundaries and offer coaching at the right times. We’re discussing all of those things in this episode! Here’s what we hope to remember while raising teens: Loosen your control (1 Cor 3:5-9) Be a safe place (Hebrews 4:14-16) Get help (Proverbs 15:22) Support Us: Monthly Donation | One-Time Donation Connect with Us: Gather Moms: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook Kate Henderson: Instagram | Facebook Rebecca Bradford: Instagram | Facebook Email: podcast@gathermoms.com

First podcast of 2024! We want to ask the question, “What’s a mom to do in the new year?” Our special guest, Shawna Richardson, cofounder of First Things First Ministries, helps us answer that. She and her husband, David, love to help people spend wisely, be generous, and manage their time for the glory of God. Shawna is also a mom of 4 and homeschools. Well, she calls it hybrid school, because some days they attend classes with other students and teachers. It’s the best of both worlds for their family! Starting a new year can be overwhelming with all the hype around picking a word and resolutions. Sometimes, as a mom, you just want to continue creating healthy habits and rhythms for your family. Shawna helps us do just that! She encourages us to pick just one thing to focus our mind and energy. There are too many good things out here to tackle them all at once. Ask God to reveal what is most needed for you and your family. Some of the things we discussed today are: Do find your filter, don’t say yes to every good thing. Do celebrate your limitations, don’t use comparison as a measure of success.  Do stay awake, don’t get distracted. Shawna’s list includes ‘7 Do’s and Don’ts for your Time and Money in the New Year’ and you can find the rest here! You can also find more of Shawna’s resources at www.shawnasullivan.com and on social media @shawnasullivan where she often posts ideas and short videos to encourage you in being an intentional mom. Thank you, Shawna, for your practical wisdom on making realistic changes for 2024! Support Us: Monthly Donation | One-Time Donation Connect with Us: Gather Moms: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook Kate Henderson: Instagram | Facebook Rebecca Bradford: Instagram | Facebook Email: podcast@gathermoms.com

When I (Rebecca) was young, I remember my dad reading us the Christmas story from the book of Luke but I also remember him reading us another great Christmas classic called The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson. Today I share an excerpt from it that makes me laugh but also reminds me of the first to hear the news of Jesus’ birth…the shepherds. I have heard mixed reviews on this group of people. Some say they are outcasts and rejected by society. It was a dirty job tending sheep, spending your days and nights out in the fields and always on the lookout for predators. But then you see God use the metaphor of a ‘shepherd’ throughout scripture. In fact, some of the great heroes of the Bible were shepherds – Moses and King David. There were female shepherdesses too – Rachel (wife of Jacob) and Zipporah (Moses’ wife). There are more than 90 references to a shepherd in the OT and another 23 in the New Testament. I’m asking all the questions of this amazing moment in history found in Luke 2:8-20. How many angels were there in the sky? Could there have been thousands upon thousands? The light must have been blinding – did it light up the sky so much that Mary and Joseph saw it? I wonder if not only the shepherds, but other townspeople heard the praise of the angels? It must have been loud! Why shepherds? Billy Graham says he believes that God chose to announce Christ’s arrival to shepherds in order to show His great love for everyone. Alfred Edersheim said God had a divine purpose announcing Christ’s coming to shepherds first because they were caring for the sheep used in sacrifice at the temple. Another sacrificial lamb would come from this town and he would take away the sins of the world. I believe God saw their humble state and knew they would receive the news with joy and trust. They had nothing to bring, they were poor and dirty. They believed what the angel said and went, without questions. They shared with everyone they met…no overthinking or social fear. They were the kindest first visitors to welcome infant Jesus and his parents. We may feel like shepherds sometimes. Working day and night without much praise or acknowledgement. Leading sheep…I mean, kids, to food and water and keeping them safe from harm. We are tired of doing the same thing day after day and wonder if there is more to life for us. God has a special message just for you because what you do and who you are matters to God. He loves you so much, MAMA. Isaiah 40:11, “He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.” Join us for Advent! Find LOOKING FOR JESUS on Gather Moms Patreon. Each day, we’ll release a short episode to help focus our eyes and hearts on Jesus this Christmas season. ADVENT ON GATHER MOMS PATREON Support Us: Monthly Donation | One-Time Donation Connect with Us: Gather Moms: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook Kate Henderson: Instagram | Facebook Rebecca Bradford: Instagram | Facebook Email us: podcast@gathermoms.com

Christmas in today’s world has become a machine that cranks out sales, stress and stuff. I love December and the holiday season and every year I wish I had less to do and more time to focus on the important stuff. I almost want to hide away in my house. As we look at Christmas through their eyes today there is someone who did just that, Elizabeth, mother of John the Baptist. Elizabeth and her husband, Zechariah, were very old and childless. Zach heads to Jerusalem to serve in the temple and gets a visit from Gabe. Gosh, this angel has the coolest job – I think we could give him the title of Gender Reveal Angel. Zach questions the angel and is unable to speak until the baby is born. He somehow conveys the message to Elizabeth and scripture says this, “How kind the Lord is!” she exclaimed. “He has taken away my disgrace of having no children.” (Luke 1:25) What might have Liz felt in these 5 months of silence and seclusion? Relief Elation Fear Awe In the 6th month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, Gabe visits Mary and shares her miracle pregnancy along with her cousin Elizabeth’s miracle baby. Mary heads to visit Liz and we see an incredible moment of generosity from these 2 women. Don’t miss the beauty of this Christmas moment – 2 women, one very old and one very young. Both are pregnant with baby boys, but one would serve the other. Both women would never have grandchildren from these sons and both men would give their lives for the gospel. Both mamas would lose something most precious to them and mourn their firstborn sons. Elizabeth could’ve been jealous of Mary’s opportunity to experience motherhood early on, but she didn’t. What do we learn from this part of the Christmas story for our lives today? Waiting is worth it. There is always an opportunity for envy (desiring what someone else has or does), but instead we can choose generosity. Personal reflection is worth it. Silence can prepare and heal us for the calling God has given us. We also consider the traveling mamas on this episode. I don’t believe Mary and Joseph traveled alone to Bethlehem for the census. Others had to go too and I’m sure they went in groups because it was safer. What if there were other mamas on the journey with Mary who saw her pregnant state and extended small bits of kindness? It made me consider myself and our lives today. How often are we bustling around, bumping into people, that may have something incredibly significant happening? Do we pass them by because we’re too self-involved or do we stop to take notice of others and help when we can? What can our small tokens of help mean to someone in need? I think Mary experienced some on her journey and she would encourage us to do the same today! Galatians 6:2, “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Join us for Advent! Find LOOKING FOR JESUS on Gather Moms Patreon. Each day, we’ll release a short episode to help focus our eyes and hearts on Jesus this Christmas seaosn. ADVENT ON GATHER MOMS PATREON Support Us: Monthly Donation | One-Time Donation Connect with Us: Gather Moms: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook Kate Henderson: Instagram | Facebook Rebecca Bradford: Instagram | Facebook