The Mom Village Podcast

TMV Episode 85 - Back to Basics: The Value of Life Skills Pt. 1 The life skills we are sharing in this series are so fundamental to our lives as moms, that we have created a four-part series to make sure we cover them all. Today we discuss the importance of Christ-centred parenting and its role in teaching our children essential life skills. Join us as we define life skills that we as Christian mothers should possess and teach to our children, and hear from Kristin, Jismarie, and Kirra about the house rules that form the foundation for life in their homes. We touch on teaching manners, implementing rules, and more. We also share parenting goals and what it really looks like to teach our children to honor the Lord and be a blessing to others. Key Points From This Episode: Life skills Christian mothers should possess and teach to our children. Kristin and Jimmy’s three house rules for their eight children: honor authority, tell the truth, and think of others. The importance of kids having other voices in their lives. Our responsibility to train our children to honor the Lord and be a blessing to others. The power of consistency. Parenting with the end in mind. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: The Mom Village Email The Mom Village on Instagram Kirra Kelly Jismarie Ramos Kristin Scroggins

TMV Episode 84 - Biblical Principles - Part 2 Welcome back to part two of our two-part series on Biblical Principles through books, with the amazing Dr. Kelly Rhodes. In this episode we cover how the Awana program incorporates biblical teachings to support literacy development, Kelly’s recommendations and best practices for fostering literacy skills at home, how to use secular resources to teach biblical principles, and  so much more! Key Points From This Episode: How the Awana program incorporates biblical teachings to support literacy development through the skill of memorization. Her recommendations for best practices for fostering literacy skills at home. Using secular books and resources to teach biblical principles. Recommended resources for middle-schoolers and older kids. Her thoughts on incorporating biblical principles in readying infants and toddlers for school (including reading readiness).. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Awana Program I Don’t Want To Be A Frog Daily Bible Experience for Preteen Kids App Ted Decker Who Would Win Series National Park Mystery Series Family Church The Mom Village Email The Mom Village on Instagram Kirra Kelly Jismarie Ramos Kristin Scroggins

TMV Episode 83 - Biblical Principles - Part 1 As moms, we are often our children's first teachers, guiding them from crawling to brushing their teeth and even learning to read. We are thrilled to welcome a very special guest, Mrs. Kelly Rhodes. Kelly is a reading specialist with a wealth of experience and insight, here to share valuable tips and strategies for nurturing a love for reading through the lens of Biblical principles. Join us as we dive into part one of our two-part series with Kelly and explore how you can foster a passion for literature in your home and family with a Biblical worldview. Key Points From This Episode: The Biblical principles Kelly incorporates to maintain a literature-rich home. How she’s fostered a love for reading and literature in her family. Tips and tricks to help kids learn to read. Her thoughts on audible books versus reading in hand. Kelly unpacks how biblical teachings can guide parents in supporting educators and teachers in the classroom and at home. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Who Would Win Book Series I Survived Book Series Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Family Church The Mom Village Email The Mom Village on Instagram Kirra Kelly Kirra Kelly on Twitter Jismarie Ramos Jismarie Ramos on Twitter Kristin Scroggins

TMV Episode 82 - Our Testimonies - Part 2 Today, we're diving into part two of our mini-series, Our Testimonies. Join us as we explore the challenges we've faced and conquered in our faith. We delve into the profound impact our relationships with our families have had on all of our lives and our connection with our Heavenly Father. We share our insights on navigating moments of doubt, finding them as positive motivations, and how our multicultural backgrounds and encounters have enriched our walks with Jesus. Key Points From This Episode: Kristin unpacks the challenges she has encountered on her faith journey and discusses how she has overcome them. Kirra begins our discussion on how our relationships with our fathers impact our lives; including our relationship with our Heavenly Father. Navigating moments of doubt and uncertainty in our faith. Why having doubt can be a good thing to help us draw near to God. We share stories of how our multicultural backgrounds (and encounters) have enriched our faith journeys. The importance of building your life within your community (your village!) Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Family Church The Mom Village Email The Mom Village on Instagram Kirra Kelly Kirra Kelly on Twitter Jismarie Ramos Jismarie Ramos on Twitter Kristin Scroggins

TMV Episode 81 - Our Testimonies - Part 1 Today we are recognizing the importance of sharing our personal journeys about how we’ve grown in Christ, we decided to launch a special mini-series called Our Testimonies. We are diving into the details of our unique upbringings and discuss what inspired our faith journeys. We also reflect on pivotal moments where we encountered the truth of Jesus's identity, explore how our multicultural backgrounds have shaped our understanding of Jesus and our faith, and even share our middle names! Key Points From This Episode: Jismarie, Kirra, and Kristin share their testimonies. Special moments from our journeys that made us realize Jesus truly is who He says He is. How our multicultural backgrounds have influenced our understanding of Jesus and our faith. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Family Church The Mom Village Email The Mom Village on Instagram Kirra Kelly Kirra Kelly on Twitter Jismarie Ramos Jismarie Ramos on Twitter Kristin Scroggins

TMV Episode 80 - Childlike Prayer - Part 2 Welcome to part two of our first episode of season five of The Mom Village where we welcome Jed and Melanie Coppenger back to the show. In this episode, we continue our conversation on childlike prayer as we discuss how they incorporate prayer into their house, figuring out what to pray for, and how they encourage their older children to prioritize personal prayer time. Hear all about their prioritizing and modeling prayer for their children. Finally, the Coppengers share their favorite scriptures and resources they’ve used that encourages childlike prayer. Key Points From This Episode: What Jed and Melanie do to incorporate prayer into the fabric of their home.  The beauty of the Psalms and how to pray through the scriptures.  How they impart the importance of having personal prayer time with their older children.  Why they prioritize going to church on Sunday. Their favorite resources to help inspire childlike prayer.  Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Jed Coppenger Jed Coppenger on LinkedIn Jed Coppenger on X Jed Coppenger on Instagram Melanie Coppenger on X Melanie Coppenger on Instagram 21 Days to Childlike Prayer Family Church The Mom Village Email The Mom Village on Instagram Kirra Kelly Kirra Kelly on Twitter Jismarie Ramos Jismarie Ramos on Twitter

TMV Episode 79 - Childlike Prayer - Part 1 Welcome to the first episode of season five of The Mom Village! Today we welcome the wonderful Jed and Melanie Coppenger to discuss Jed’s book, 21 Days to Childlike Prayer, and why it’s important. You’ll hear about our guests, how they met, and about their family. Jed tells us about his book and what some common prayer misconceptions are. Jed describes what childlike prayer is, the four principles of it, how it can be achieved, and how Melanie contributed to the writing of the book. Melanie then goes on to tell us how she prioritizes prayer as a busy mom and what principles of the book she applies to motherhood. The couple even discusses what their children have taught them about childlike prayer. Don’t forget to stay tuned for part two of this episode! Key Points From This Episode: Jed tells us about his book and shares some common prayer misconceptions.  What Jed means by ‘childlike prayer’ and how you can achieve it.  The four principles of childlike prayer.  What principles of the book have been most beneficial to Melanie as a mom.  How to prioritize prayer as a parent.  Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Jed Coppenger Jed Coppenger on LinkedIn Jed Coppenger on X Jed Coppenger on Instagram Melanie Coppenger on X Melanie Coppenger on Instagram 21 Days to Childlike Prayer Family Church The Mom Village Email The Mom Village on Instagram Kirra Kelly Kirra Kelly on X Jismarie Ramos Jismarie Ramos on X Kristin Scroggins

TMV Episode 78 - Budgeting Part 2 God owns everything and we are called to be His stewards. By instilling God's financial principles in our families, we help develop a lifelong understanding of stewardship and discipline. In the second part of our discussion about budgeting, our special guest Dr. Art Rainer, is back to explain God’s design for our finances. He shares practical wisdom that you can apply to your family’s finances. Art highlights how to help our kids learn about the biblical principles of handling money, why you shouldn’t catch your kids before they fall, four guiding principles about charitable giving, and tips on making giving practical. Tune in and listen! Key Points From This Episode: How to help kids learn about the biblical principles of handling money. Why letting your children make bad or unwise purchases is a great financial lesson. Charitable giving and how it is incorporated into biblical finances – four guiding principles. Tips on how to make giving (as a principle) practical. How to navigate the four different money personalities with biblical principles: the spender, the saver, the investor, and the ignorer. What happens when you start to align yourself with God’s design for money. How to go about creating a will. Tax benefits and how to navigate that through God’s design. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Art Rainer Art on LinkedIn Art on Instagram Art on X Money in the Light of Eternity: What the Bible Says about Your Financial Purpose Free Resources The Emergency Binder Family Church The Mom Village Email The Mom Village on Instagram Kirra Kelly Kirra Kelly on Twitter Jismarie Ramos Jismarie Ramos on Twitter

TMV Episode 77 - Budgeting - Part 1 We have been placed on earth and entrusted with the resources God has given us, so it's critical to learn to be good stewards of those resources. In this episode, we learn how to incorporate principles like stewardship, generosity, and trusting in God’s provision in the financial management of our family budget. Our guest is Art Rainer, a devoted father, and husband to our favorite psychologist, Sarah Rainer. He is a financial advisor and the author of a book called Money in the Light of Eternity: What the Bible Says about Your Financial Purpose. He's going to discuss how to create a family budget that aligns with your long-term financial goals, his thoughts on preparing for unexpected expenses, and the importance of having cushion (or margin) in your budget. Tune in to hear from Art and more about his passion for helping people discover and pursue God’s purpose for money. Key Points From This Episode: Creating a family budget that aligns with long-term financial goals while accounting for unexpected expenses. What to do to prepare for unexpected expenses. The importance of establishing a cushion (or margin) in your budget. Getting rid of expenses that are unnecessary. Biblically grounded principles for saving and retirement. Biblical perspective when choosing insurance and recommendations on the policies to get. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Art Rainer Art Rainer on Instagram Art Rainer on X Money in the Light of Eternity: What the Bible Says about Your Financial Purpose More Than Money Podcast Free Resources from Christian Money Solutions 8 Money Milestones Family Church The Mom Village Email The Mom Village on Instagram Kirra Kelly Kirra Kelly on Twitter Jismarie Ramos Jismarie Ramos on Twitter

TMV Episode 76 - Entrepreneur - Part 2 In this episode, we continue the conversation with Leny Fralicker, a beloved friend of the show, an entrepreneur, and the owner and CEO of Elderberry Elixir Co., an herbal supplement that supports immunity health. Check out part one, in case you missed it! In this episode, part two, we discover what Leny has learned about finding balance as an entrepreneur, a mom, and a Christian. Why you shouldn’t let society define your idea of success and why all your achievements ultimately belong to God. Leny shares how she and her husband stay grounded in their relationship and why checking in is so important. We also learn about the verses that ground her perspective in the midst of the busy day-to-day activities of being a mom, a wife, and a businesswoman. She shares that she's continuing to learn to follow God’s lead, even when things feel random and disconnected. Tune in for part two! Key Points From This Episode: How faith in Jesus guides business practices. Setting yourself free from the need to be perfect. Finding balance as an entrepreneur, a mom, and a Christian. Leny’s idea of success and why we shouldn’t let society define it for us. How the Lord uses our marriage relationship to ground us. How Leny balances her marriage with her work. Changes Leny would like to see to further Christian entrepreneurs. Leny shares what’s coming up next for her. How she is learning to follow God’s lead. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: The Mom Village Ep. 75 – Entrepreneur Part 1 Elderberry Elixir Co. Elderberry Elixir Co. on Facebook Elderberry Elixir Co. on Instagram Family Church The Mom Village Email The Mom Village on Instagram Kirra Kelly Kirra Kelly on Twitter Jismarie Ramos Jismarie Ramos on Twitter

TMV Episode 75 - Entrepreneur - Part 1 In life and in business, there will be times when things don’t go how you expect them to go. Today’s guest is Leny Fralicker, a powerhouse woman entrepreneur, a friend of the podcast, and the owner and CEO of Elderberry Elixir Co. Elderberry Elixir is an herbal supplement that supports immunity health. Leny began creating her natural elderberry syrup for her eldest son, who had developed severe allergies. She shared her remedy on social media, and within two weeks, she received 75 orders, thanks to a strong network of moms, word of mouth, and the grace of God! In today’s episode, Leny shares some highs and lows from her accidental entrepreneurial journey and highlights the important role that her family, her community, and the Lord’s guidance have played as she worked through some of her greatest business challenges. She also shares lessons learned about the value of embracing failure, learning to accept help, and more. Key Points From This Episode: What kept Elderberry Elixir afloat and what sets it apart from other natural remedies. The incredible response Leny received after an endorsement from Chip and Joanna Gaines. How facing fear and failure became an opportunity for ministry. The importance of accepting help. Ways that Leny keeps Elderberry Elixir relevant in such a competitive market. A pivotal moment in her third pregnancy that impacted the growth of the company. Lessons about mentorship that Leny has learned in her entrepreneurial journey. Her advice for other women entrepreneurs: be sensitive to setbacks and trust in God. Insight into some of the exciting things on the horizon for Elderberry Elixir. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Elderberry Elixir Co. Elderberry Elixir Co. on Facebook Elderberry Elixir Co. on Instagram Family Church The Mom Village Email The Mom Village on Instagram Kirra Kelly Kirra Kelly on Twitter Jismarie Ramos Jismarie Ramos on Twitter

TMV Episode 74 – El Buen Cactus La anfitriona, Jismarie Ramos, da la bienvenida al público oyente al emocionante segundo episodio en español de The Mom Village. Este es un podcast para mamás, donde nos reunimos para compartir historias, consejos y apoyo para todas las increíbles mamás con un fundamento Cristo-céntrico. En este episodio de The Mom Village en Español, Jismarie comienza leyendo una parte del nuevo libro de niños llamado El Buen Cactus, seguida de las locutoras Alyssa y concluyendo con Krystal. Luego, Krystal nos presenta a la autora de The Mom Village en Español y nuestra invitada, Jismarie Ramos, para una entrevista acerca de su recién publicado libro de niños llamado El Buen Cactus por Family Church Network. Key Points From This Episode: El programa comienza con una cálida bienvenida y presentaciones de las locutoras por Jismarie. Seguido de Krystal, que introduce brevemente el tema del libro El Buen Cactus y comienza con la primera pregunta a nuestra invitada y autora del libro El Buen Cactus: ¿De dónde surgió la idea? Alyssa pregunta: ¿Por qué decidiste que esos personajes en particular fueran el vehículo para contar la historia? Jismarie comparte la inspiración detrás de los personajes. Krystal comparte sus reflexiones sobre la parte más difícil de escribir el libro con la pregunta basado a la pregunta que le hace a la autora Jismarie ¿Cuál fue la parte más difícil de escribir el libro? Alyssa pregunta sobre la decisión de crear el libro en una versión bilingüe inglés/español, preguntando: ¿Qué te impulsó a hacer el libro en una versión bilingüe inglés/español? Krystal luego revela su parte favorita del libro y pregunta a la autora Jismarie Ramos: ¿Cuál es tu parte favorita del libro? Alyssa concluye la entrevista con una declaración de cierre. Se despiden las tres locutoras como siempre CIAO. Para obtener su propia copia de este libro maravilloso para niños, puedes conseguirla en Amazon escribiendo el título del libro: El Buen Cactus ó el nombre de la autora Jismarie Ramos. ¡Gracias por escuchar The Mom Village Podcast en Español! No te pierdas nuestros próximos episodios, donde compartiremos temas relevantes para todas las mamás. Si disfrutaste este episodio, asegúrate de suscribirte y dejarnos una reseña. ¡Hasta la próxima!  Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Family Church El Buen Cactus on Amazon The Mom Village Email The Mom Village on Instagram Kirra Kelly Kirra Kelly on Twitter Jismarie Ramos Jismarie Ramos on Twitter

TMV Episode 73 - Bienvenidos The Mom Village en Español La anfitriona, Jismarie Ramos nos da la bienvenida al publico oyente, al primer episodio de el popular programa de The Mom Village pero esta vez en Español. ¡Este es un podcast para Mamás, donde nos reunimos para compartir historias, consejos y apoyo para todas las increíbles mamás de cualquier temporada que nos escuchan con un fundamento Cristo-céntrico! En este primer episodio de The Mom Village en Español, las anfitrionas, Jismarie Ramos, Krystal Gutierrez y Alyssa Estornell, se presentan y comparten detalles sobre sus vidas y experiencias como madres. Discuten su origen multicultural y el enfoque cristiano en su crianza. Key Points From This Episode: Bienvenida y presentación de las anfitrionas. Cada anfitriona comparte información sobre su origen, nacionalidad y cómo llegaron a los Estados Unidos. Descripción de la preparación académica de cada anfitriona. Discusión sobre sus esposos y familias de las anfitrionas, incluyendo gustos, pasatiempos y actividades que disfrutan juntos. Como llegaron a ser parte de La iglesia Familiar. ( Family Church ). Comparten atributos/factores únicos que nuestro oyentes no saben para conocer a nuestras locutoras aún mejor. Cada una refleja y comparte su versículo bíblico favorito y como Dios lo ha usado en sus vidas como madres. Krystal comparte Proverbios 3:5-6 Jismarie Ramos Filipenses 4:13 Alyssa Estornell Filipenses 4-6-7 Cada anfitriona comparten consejos para las madres en su caminar como madre. Se despiden por primera vez CIAO ¡Gracias por escuchar The Mom Village Podcast Español! No te pierdas nuestros próximos episodios, donde compartiremos temas relevantes para todas las mamás. Si disfrutaste este episodio, asegúrate de suscribirte y dejarnos una reseña. ¡Hasta la próxima! Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Full Circle Parenting Family Church The Mom Village Email The Mom Village on Instagram Kirra Kelly Kirra Kelly on Twitter Jismarie Ramos Jismarie Ramos on Twitter

TMV Episode 72 - The Good Cactus Interview Jismarie Ramos is not only one of the co-hosts of The Mom Village Podcast – she's also the writer of a wonderful children's book, The Good Cactus! In this episode. Jismarie shares her story with us and how that led to her writing her book. She tells us about her upbringing in Puerto Rico, her journey to the United States, and learning a new culture and language – all with the support of her loving husband, Pastor Christian Ramos. She shares the inspiration behind the story and why she wanted scripture and theology included. She also talks about why she felt strongly about offering the book in both languages, in English and in Spanish. Jismarie also ties the message of the story to Christ's sacrifice for us on the cross. Tune in for an encouraging message! Don’t forget to get your copy of The Good Cactus on Amazon! Stay tuned for the audiobook (in English and Spanish). Key Points From This Episode: Jismarie tells us about her upbringing, moving to the United States, and learning the culture. How her husband helped her in her studies and her journey of learning English. What made Jismarie want to write a book and who helped her create it. The theology that’s included in her book and why every book is in both Spanish and English. The inspiration behind The Good Cactus and how her son’s drawing sparked her imagination. How Jesus’ sacrifice and what the Lord does for us is the main message of the story. Jismarie shares her favorite part of her book. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Jismarie Ramos Family Church The Mom Village Email The Mom Village on Instagram Kirra Kelly Kristin Scroggins Target

TMV Episode 71 - Parenting in the Midst of Suffering Part 2 In the midst of suffering, God is still God. This is what we need to remind ourselves of when we find ourselves in seasons of suffering. This episode is part two of a series called, Parenting in the Midst of Suffering. Our friend, Serah Thomas, joins the conversation to continue sharing her story of how she navigated the ups and downs of life. She and her husband, Todd Thomas, who serves as the Campus Pastor of Family Church Sherbrooke, held fast to the Lord, each other, and their children, as they walked through cancer, pregnancy, and chronic stress. They did it together and they did it with an eternal perspective, with their minds set on God and how suffering can conform us to the image of Christ. Key Points From This Episode: Welcoming Sarah Thomas back and quick recap of part one of this two-part series. Sarah shares the myriad of her own personal health issues. How she navigated life through the treatment of her condition. How years of chronic stress have impacted her daily life. Her thoughts on sharing and explaining her health issues with her kids. How her suffering has influenced her view of God. Where we (often) go wrong when we process suffering. Translating difficult information to our children and their hearts. Sarah tells us about life lessons she hopes her children walk away with. Why Sarah thinks suffering makes us more like Jesus.

TMV Episode 70 - Parenting in the Midst of Suffering Part 1 Parenting is an individual journey encompassing different seasons of life. There are sweet seasons and seasons where we walk through suffering. The truth is that our circumstances do not define us. We can be honest in our feelings, but in our suffering, it's important for us to stand on a firm foundation of faith and God's truth. On this episode, we begin a two-part series on the topic of parenting in the midst of suffering with Serah Thomas. In our conversation, we hear about how she, and her husband Todd, embarked on a cancer journey with their little girl. She shares how they navigated all facets of their journey, from diagnosis to treatment. As parents, they also had loved and cared for their other children. In the midst of this, Serah was pregnant. Sarah talks about how this impacted her walk with God and the scriptures she grounded herself in, to keep moving forward. Don’t miss this incredible testimony of God's faithfulness in the midst of suffering. Key Points From This Episode: We meet and get to know Serah Thomas, and her husband, Todd Thomas. Todd serves as the campus pastor of Family Church Sherbrooke. Why thinking the best of your spouse is important in a marriage. Listening to Serah and she shares her daughter's cancer journey and how they navigated it together, as a family. Sarah talks about where they are today. The impact of this experience on her marriage. Serah talks about her walk with God throughout the journey. Scriptures that Sarah grounded herself in. How the Holy Spirit worked in the midst of this journey. Serah's encouragement to other moms in our village (and outside) who are currently walking through suffering. How seeing the Holy Spirit working in her children helps solidify the whole family’s faith. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Pastor Todd Thomas on Twitter LCH Cancer Family Church The Mom Village Linktree The Mom Village on Instagram Kirra Kelly Kirra Kelly on Twitter Jismarie Ramos Jismarie Ramos on Twitter Kristin Scroggins Kristin Scroggins on Twitter

TMV Episode 69 - Discipleship at Home - Part 2 We are welcoming Megan Simpson back to The Mom Village to continue our discussion about discipleship at home! If you haven’t already listened to the first part of this conversation, do so now! In this episode, you will hear a recap of part one: Megan and her husband's goals and house rules, what spiritual disciplines she has taught her children, and how she makes discipleship fun. The holidays are a great time to come together as a family and celebrate the Lord and scripture, and today, Megan explains how her family incorporates tradition and fun activities into the holidays while not biting off more than they can chew. We delve into how her family encourages sibling bonds before discussing how they engage spiritually. Megan even shares some resources that have helped her lead her children to discipleship throughout their lives. You don’t want to miss this one, so tune in now! Key Points From This Episode: What we discussed in part one of this episode and what we will discuss today. Megan and her husband’s main goals in parenting and core house rules. The spiritual disciplines she has instilled in her kids and how she sees them displayed. How Megan includes fun into discipleship for her children. How holidays help families to weave scripture into their lives and make Jesus a priority. Why limited screen time encourages sibling relationships and servant leadership. The resources Megan recommends for moms to teach the word of God to their kids. How Megan and her family continue to engage spiritually through the busyness of life. How seeing the Holy Spirit working in her children helps solidify the whole family’s faith. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Word of Life Foundations Seeds Family Worship Full Circle Parenting Family Church The Mom Village Email The Mom Village on Instagram Kirra Kelly Kirra Kelly on Twitter Jismarie Ramos Jismarie Ramos on Twitter

TMV Episode 68 - Discipleship at Home - Part 1 Following Christ’s teachings and designing yourself in his image is of the utmost importance. Joining us today on The Mom Village is the wonderful mom of (almost) six and pastor’s wife, Megan Simpson, to talk about discipleship at home. We talk about how Megan uses her marriage to assist in teaching her children to be disciples, how she puts Jesus first and includes scripture in her busy life, and so much more. We delve into the different seasons of motherhood before Megan shares how she and her husband use the support of their church community to make parenting easier. Finally, our guest shares how the different stages of motherhood and the birth of all of her children have helped her grow both spiritually and emotionally. Thank you for listening, and stay tuned for part two! Key Points From This Episode: Introducing today’s guest, Megan Simpson, and our topic of discussion. An overview of our guest and her family. How Megan’s marriage aids the discipleship she wants to teach her children. The scripture that Megan clings to as she goes through her parenting journey. How Megan keeps Christ at the center of her The most difficult season of motherhood and how she finds time for Jesus. How Megan and her husband lean on their church family for parenting support. How the power of a church community has affected Megan’s family. How Megan has grown spiritually and emotionally through the birth of all of her children. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Family Church The Mom Village Email The Mom Village on Instagram Kirra Kelly Kirra Kelly on Twitter Jismarie Ramos Jismarie Ramos on Twitter

TMV Episode 67 - Launching Your Kids - Part 2 Today on The Mom Village we are delving into how to launch your children. Press pause and go back to part one of this episode (if you haven’t already listened to it) where we covered who our guest is and some practical things to think about when it comes to marriage, parenting, and preparing to have an empty nest. In this episode, we delve into the best season of parenthood according to Heidi, how she made sure that her family stayed close to God, the importance of communication and how cell phones affect it, and so much more! Heidi even shares her wisdom surrounding launching children as both a parent and a teacher, the importance of talking about your failures, and how to show respect from the perspective of both the child and parent in order to transition into friendship. Finally, she encourages moms who may feel despondent in their roles as a parent. You don’t want to miss out on this episode jam-packed with the most phenomenal advice so tune in now! Key Points From This Episode: Welcome back to part two of our chat with the amazing Heidi Martin! A brief summary of what we spoke about in part one. Heidi tells us about her favorite parenting moments and the best seasons of raising her kids. What Heidi’s family prioritized when her children were little to keep them close to God. The dangers of cell phones and how not being present affects communication. How Heidi’s experience of launching children has helped her talk about her failures. What kids may want parents to know about their feelings with regards to launching. A few ways that you can show your children respect as they’re launching. How not listening to your children will make a friendship transition even harder. Heidi gives some advice for kids leaving the nest about how to respect their parents. Heidi’s relationship with her children and their transition into friendship. How having children helps you affect lives. Words of encouragement for moms who may not feel up to the challenges of parenthood. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Family Church The Mom Village Email The Mom Village on Instagram Kirra Kelly Kirra Kelly on Twitter Jismarie Ramos Jismarie Ramos on Twitter

TMV Episode 66 - Launching Your Kids - Part 1 Our job as mothers is to raise children who are able to go out into the world and fulfill their purpose and we know that letting go of your children is very difficult. Today on The Mom Village, we are joined by the wonderful teacher, wife, and mother, Heidi Martin, to discuss launching your kids and letting them go so that one day they will come back. Tuning in, you’ll hear about our guest’s secret to 28 successful years of marriage, why she wishes she had been more ‘marriage-centered’ when her children were younger, and how she handled her children moving to college and even abroad. We delve into how she occupied herself once her nest was empty and rediscovering Heidi with adult children. Finally, she shares some incredible advice for moms about their purpose and how to handle the inevitable launch of their children. Thank you for listening and don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled for part two!  Key Points From This Episode: Introducing today’s guest, Heidi Martin; who she is, and a bit about her family. How Heidi met her husband, Randy, and how they have survived 28 years of marriage. The importance of being ‘marriage-centered’ and why Heidi regrets being ‘kid-centered.’ What Heidi missed when her children left for college and how she handled the transition. How Heidi dealt with her daughter moving to Taiwan. How she rediscovered herself and found hobbies as an ‘empty nester.’ Heidi shares advice for moms about focusing on their jobs and not dreading the inevitable. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: That Trip USA Family Church  The Mom Village Email The Mom Village on Instagram Kirra Kelly Kirra Kelly on Twitter Jismarie Ramos Jismarie Ramos on Twitter