Mess Makes Meaning

<p>Caring for young children's spirituality is a delicate balance and can often be made more difficult when we grown-ups don't care for ourselves. Struggling through religious or church related trauma or even feelings of inadequacy when it comes to answering our children's big questions. At Mess Makes Meaning we are here to equip the parents/caregivers to remind them and their children they are deeply loved by interviewing some guests who are professionals in this vital work. With relatable humor from hosts and guests alike, this podcast is for you and created by Godly Play®  </p>

Gentle Parenting, Permissive, or Authoritarian With Rev. Harrison Litzell

Rev. Harrison Litzell brings his gifts and insights into this episode, focusing on parenting styles, Gentle Parenting, Permissive Parenting, and Authoritarian Parenting, and we have a FREE webinar for any and all to join on October 28th, 1 p.m. EST. Click HERE to register yourself or friends in your community for this special event!

10-01
36:05

Family Liturgy---- Part 1

This episode is a sneak peek into the Family Liturgy created by the Everyday Godly Play Project. More information will be coming soon. Enjoy!

09-01
06:19

Passive Technology

Karen-Marie Yust talks to us about "Passive Technology" and the band-aid to boredom it can be. We are incredibly grateful for the ideas and concepts she shares, as well as the thought process that perhaps Passive Technology isn't a bad thing sometimes.

08-01
27:41

Healthy Sports Parents with Jonathan Carone

Being a parent with children in todays very active and demanding world of athletics can be overwhelming. Jonathan Carone, creator of the "Healthy Sports Parents" is making sense out of this time of life. Come have a listen and soak in this reminder that we are not alone in the messy yet meaningful aspects of parenting today. Healthy Sports Parents

06-01
01:10:14

Parenting: The Complex and Beautiful Vocation of Raising Children by Holly Taylor Coolman

Holly Taylor Coolman gifts us with insights in this theologically rich conversation on parenting now and her book Parenting: The Complex and Beautiful Vocation of Raising Children.

05-01
46:07

Bless This Mess with Rev. Molly Baskette and Ellen O’Donnnell

Rev. Molly Baskette and child psychologist Ellen O’Donnnell, the co-authors of Bless This Mess, A Modern Guide to Faith and Parenting in a Chaotic World For a relatable, at many times humorous, and helpful guide this episode takes pieces of the book, Bless This Mess, and addresses some of the parenting concerns at the forefront of our minds. Enjoy!

04-01
46:29

The Book of Belonging with author Mariko Clark and illustrator Rachel Eleanor

Incredible creators of the Book of Belonging, author Mariko Clark and illustrator Rachel Eleanor. "The Book of Belonging is designed for families seeking a Bible storybook that reflects the diversity of God’s people and for every reader seeking a more expansive and wondrous view of God. The thoughtful text and rich illustrations present some of Scripture’s most important and overlooked stories—including many female-centered ones—alongside old favorites reimagined to convey greater inclusivity...

03-01
01:34:13

Rage Prayers with author Rev. Elizabeth Riley

RAGE PRAYERS originally came out of an off-handed tiktok - inviting people to reject toxic positivity in faith. Christianity is full of practices focused on positivity. Rage prayer is anything but that. Our relationship with God is not hindered but deepened when we bring our whole selves: gratitude and sorrow, joy and rage, and everything in between. Dive into a fun and very real episode with Joy, Raenelle, and the Reverend Elizabeth Riley! Learn more about Rage Prayers HERE

02-01
33:02

Spiritual Conversations with Children with Lacy Finn Borgo

In this episode we hear from Lacy Finn Borgo, who dives into her insights on spiritual conversations with children. What better time to discuss as we enter into the mystery of Christmas. Click HERE to learn more about Lacy and her work.

12-01
36:25

How to "see" our Teens, Dr. Chan

Dr. Michael Chan talks to us about the importance of walking alongside Youth as they navigate their faith journey during a time of life that can be challenging. How do we honor their stories? Dr. Chan gives beautiful insights into this discussion on letting your light shine. Dr. Chan joined the Concordia College community in June 2022 as the executive director for faith and learning. Prior to that, he was associate professor of Old Testament at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota. H...

01-01
21:18

Sacred Spaces within the Home with Jill Gidlund

Godly Play Trainer, Jill Gidlund, talks to us about sacred spaces within the home. Details on how to make home altars and a reminder to be present. Enjoy this gift of an episode!

11-01
33:36

Grief with Jessica Field

*Warning: This episode can be triggering. Grief. This topic can be taboo with kids, but that doesn't mean it isn't real. Join us as we get emotional talking with our expert guest Jessica Field and find out what we as the parents/caregivers who treasure our children can do when it comes to grief. Guest: Jessica Field MPS, is a Spiritual Wellness Coach for individuals and groups. She builds off of her diverse experience in trauma, mental health, social services, and spiritual care to walk wit...

10-01
31:40

Family Rhythms with Godly Play Staff

Join the Godly Play Foundation staff as they talk about the ups and downs of leaving summer, greeting fall, and implementing family rhythms to have their kids feel as supported as they can be during this change of season. Stay tuned for the blessing at the end of each episode because that is especially for you, the parents/caregivers listening. You are enough. You are loved. For Wondering prompts to do with your family at the table, bedtime, or in the car, text "WONDER" to (833)359-748...

09-01
34:51

Power in Silence with Melinda Wenner Bradley

On this episode we talk with Melinda Wenner Bradley (she/her) about the importance of silence. Melinda is a licensed Godly Play Trainer and the Director of Communications and Training for Faith & Play Stories. Since 2005, she has been sharing Godly Play and Faith & Play stories in children's programs, intergenerational worship, school classrooms, teacher workshops, and international travel in the ministry among Quakers. Her teaching ministry weaves together interests in children’s spi...

08-01
31:44

Five Love Languages of Children with Dr. Jennifer Thomas

5 Love Languages of Children expert Dr. Jennifer Thomas dives deep into the possible love languages of children and how we can apply this knowledge as the parents and caregivers.

06-01
40:17

Church Hurt and Mental Health with Dr. Jessica Young Brown

As we step into Mental Health Awareness Month, we're thrilled to have Dr. Jessica Young Brown join us on the podcast! 🌟 We're talking about important topics like mental health in the church and religious-related trauma. You won't want to miss this insightful conversation! Dr. Jessica is a licensed clinical psychologist and Assistant Professor of Psychology at Virginia Commonwealth University. Her passion lies in making mental health accessible and equitable, especially for marginalized commun...

05-01
31:12

Science and Spirituality with Daniel Wolpert

During this episode, Daniel Wolpert talks through Christianity in an Age of Science and the road blocks Christians can some times go up against around this topic. Dan is the Executive Director and co-founder of MICAH, the Minnesota Institute for Contemplation and Healing, he is a spouse, partner, ally, activist, and dad. Dan has been a student of the spiritual life since age 21 and has taught in the fields of psychology and spiritual formation in numerous settings. In addition to his re...

03-01
43:08

Woven in Trust with Meredith Miller

Godly Play Foundation brings us an heart-opening interview full of aha moments with the incredible Pastor Meredith Miller, author of "Woven: Nurturing a Faith your Kid Doesn't Have to Heal From." Meredith offers us a different way of looking at strengthening our relationship and our children's relationships with God. Find more of Meredith's resources on here website: https://meredithannemiller.com/

02-01
33:28

Fresh Starts with Ellie Roscher

HAPPY NEW YEAR! Now is the time of fresh starts, but also, how do we honor where we are? We were honored to speak with our guest Ellie Roscher. Ellie is the author of Remarkable Rose, The Embodied Path, 12 Tiny Things, Play Like a Girl and How Coffee Saved My Life. Her writing also appears in the Baltimore Review, Eunoia Review, Mothering Spirit, Inscape Magazine, and elsewhere. Ellie teaches yoga and writing in Minneapolis. She holds an MFA in Writing from Sarah Lawrence Co...

01-01
38:30

Presence over Presents with Cynthia Williams Insko

In our first episode we dive into the busy holiday season and how the Reverend Cynthia Williams Insko offers tips and tricks for being present with our children in the mess of it all. From practical tips to AHA moments, Joy and Raenelle truly soaked up this information and can't wait to implement these ideas in our own households.

11-10
25:57

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