Keeping My Sanity

E32: Mission-minded for busy moms: Being intentional in the home with Rivers Partin

I often think of missions as serving in a remote jungle village, translating the Bible on a life-long calling. While there are certainly those scenarios, missions is so much more than that. As our guest Rivers Partin put it, "Missions is ordinary people, putting their 'yes' on the table and desiring to see God worshipped for who He is."
 
Rivers and her husband Dave planted Neighborhood Church in Overland Park, KS five years ago. Before that, they ministered is Budapest, Hungary for four years. Rivers and Dave have four children, aged 9 to 15. In addition to being a busy mom of four, she works full-time with pastors' wives--most in the midst of a church plant themselves.
 
I was refreshed with Rivers' first-hand perspective. I pray you will be also.
 
If you like today's episode, maybe you'd like to get in on my weekly Coffee Chat email. Each Wednesday, I like to share a few paragraphs of encouragement or a challenge that I've been working through. I'd love to chat with you there. Sign up at keepingmysanity.com.

E31: Moms teach practical theology to kiddos every day

Theology is defined as the study of the nature of God and religious belief.
When I think about the word 'theology', my mind doesn't immediately go to a mom teaching her kids Biblical truth. Instead, I picture seminary students paging through stacks of dusty commentaries.
But, if we look carefully, every day is packed with countless opportunities to teach our kids practical, life-changing truths about God. Isn't that the goal of parenting after all? Teaching our children to love God?
As a mother of three very busy boys, I constantly have the temptation to look for a quick, simple solution for my daily chaos. In the past I have worked through books like Treasuring Christ when Your Hands Are Full, The End of Me,  How to Really Love Your Child, Beholding and Becoming: The Art of Everyday Worship, and The Strong-Willed Child. Recently I’m reading books like Mama Bear Apologetics, Not From Around Here, and Glory in the Ordinary. But as helpful as these books can be for practical use, the words are quickly forgotten and usually apply only to specific situations.
Theology, on the other hand, is eternal for it is the study of our eternal God. What I learn about Him through His Word today not only applied 9 years ago when we started parenting but will apply to all stages of life and parenting.
While there are many more lessons, I want to focus on four practical theological ideas I can pass to my kiddos daily.
Forgiveness
When my boys hurt each other, whether intentional or careless, my husband and I explain the need for an apology, request for forgiveness, then an extension of forgiveness. Although the children didn't understand it 5 years ago, they were learning about God. They are admitting wrongdoing, that they sinned against someone else and that they need to be forgiven for that sin. The need for forgiveness becomes a natural part of life. Oh, and, by the way, moms need forgiveness, too!
Patience
Forgiveness and patience are connected. The more aware I am of my sinfulness and of God’s ability and willingness to forgive me, the better I understand patience and how perfectly God displays it toward me. With Christ as my example, I can acknowledge my sons’ sin nature and grant patience to them as they grow in their own understanding of God and how they should act. It is good for them to know this, too. It’s not an excuse for sin, but an understanding that can grow into greater dependence on God.
Reliance
It was at times comical to watch our two-year-old attempt to do something on his own. He is still very independent. When told what to do, he tends to try to find his own way to accomplish the task. As frustrating as this can be, the study of God and my relationship with Him reveals I do the same thing as my toddler did. The Bible tells me that I can do nothing without God allowing me to do it, yet I think that I know best. I try to live life my way, which usually includes stress and worry, instead of trusting what God can do and acknowledging His hand. I should be using difficult situations to teach my sons about my God who provides.
Kindness
God showed relentless kindness in the Old Testament. He would have been justified in turning His back on Israel, but he continually showed kindness toward them. Christ was kindness in human form. Through all of the bombardment of crowds and hate, he loved his enemies and showed kindness. To me, kindness is Christianity simplified.
If you like today's episode, maybe you'd like to get in on my weekly Coffee Chat email. Each Wednesday, I like to share a few paragraphs of encouragement or a challenge that I've been working through. I'd love to chat with you there. Sign up at keepingmysanity.com.
Book Links (affiliate)
Treasuring Christ when Your Hands Are Full
The End of Me
How to Really Love Your Child
Beholding and Becoming: The Art of Everyday Worship
Mama Bear Apologetics
Glory in the Ordinary

E30: 💃🏻 Get on that dance floor, mom!

As moms, we like to maintain an image of dignity and "togetherness". We like our comfort zone, and stepping outside of it could allow for unbearable judgment. But sometimes, we need to stop overthinking and be the mom our kids need us to be.
Since childhood, music has been a huge part of my life. Our home is constantly filled with music of all varieties—from classic hymns to Broadway hits, and everything in between. I love it so much!
It's neat to see my love of music passed down my kids. If you ever come over, just be warned that random dance parties break out on a regular basis. Disney and Broadway just bring it out in all of us. It may not be pretty all of the time, but it's great!
Our middle son is especially into music and dancing. He hears a beat and there's no question in his mind—he's going to dance.
This past summer, we attended a wedding with a dance. As the tables and chairs cleared the dance floor, our son was already moving—itching to get out there and show off his moves. After the agonizing wait through the Bride-Groom, Father-Daughter, and Mother-Groom dances, the DJ welcomed everyone to the dance floor.
The joy on his face as he danced to the beat of his own imagination was indescribable. It's like he had been training his entire life for that moment—and he was going to seize that opportunity.
It wasn't long before he locked eyes with me, as I was contentedly sipping my punch from the comfort of my chair on the side of the dance floor. I knew exactly what he was thinking.
"Mom, come dance with me!"
Now, I dance with my boys several times a day. A good song comes on, and we go to town. But, as much as I love music and dancing, public humiliation is not my jam. That was exactly what was going through my head. "If I get out there, I'm going to look like an idiot and everyone will judge me."
I looked again into my son's eyes—seeing how much he wanted me to experience the joy he was feeling out there. To me, I was saving my dignity. To him, I was missing out on something amazing that he wanted to share with me.
So, swallowing my pride, I decided to join him on the dance floor. We spun and swayed to song after song—probably looking ridiculous. But, I was being the mom he needed me to be. Looking back, we made some remarkable memories that night.
The fear of judgement didn't distract him at all. He was more than happy to be present in the moment.
Be the mom they need
Just remember that you're only going to experience some of these special moments once. Be careful that you're not too distracted by a fear of judgement that you miss out on being Mom. Your kids want you to enjoy life with them. Please do.
---
If you've enjoyed today's episode, you may want to sign up for my Coffee Chat email. Every Wednesday morning, I send out a few paragraphs of encouragement, and I'd love to talk to you there!
Sign up at keepingmysanity.com.

E29: I did a really hard thing this fall 🏃🏻‍♀️

After some much-needed time away from the microphone, it's so good to be back in the studio! A lot has happened over the several months since season one closed out, and I wanted to take a couple of minutes to share some of those changes. 
Foster Care
Perhaps the biggest change for our family was accepting a foster care placement for a 2-year-old girl at the beginning of June. We were able to share our lives with her for nearly five months before recently moving to a more permanent home that is such a great fit for her. Though sadness always follows separation, we are so happy to see her grow into her new family. Despite the unforeseen struggles our experience presented, we feel richly blessed to be used by God in her little life—if only for a few months. 
Foster care will definitely be an episode all on its own in Season 2. There is just too much to cover in a 2-minute update. In short, Season 2 was supposed to kick off in September...
Marathon
One of my first episodes in Season 1 referenced my disappointment in my first Marathon being canceled due to COVID. Well, I was able to run that very same Marathon in October and it was one of the highlights of my life—honestly. 
This is actually where I want to dwell for a few minutes in today's episode. 
Growing up in a Christian home, I've heard the Christian life paralleled with running a race hundreds of times. I'm familiar with all of the scripture passages that compare the two. While I never doubted the comparison, I gained so much more perspective over the last six months. 
What's Next?
I'm really excited for this season! I've been reading so many excellent books over the last months and I can't wait to talk to some of those authors on the show. I've also been spending a lot of time in my kitchen. We're still working through some ways to bring the kitchen to the podcast. 
There is a lot to be excited about. I'm so grateful to you for spending a few minutes with me this week.
Coffee Thoughts
Each week this season, I'm going to send out Coffee Thoughts—a few words of encouragement or a challenge for wives and mothers who need some love. I hope you'll join us for a minute every Wednesday. To sign up, head over to https://keepingmysanity.com.

E28: Thank you for an incredible first season! 🙌

This has been an amazing first season of the Keeping My Sanity podcast. I didn't know what I was getting myself into when I started, but the last several months have been incredible.
In this last episode of the season, I wanted to take some time to thank those who have been such an important part in this journey. First, thank you to you, my listeners. Your feedback and support has kept me going when stopping seemed easy.
To my guests, thank you for donating your precious time to talk. I left each conversation so encouraged by your counsel and insight. I know the listeners were blessed from your insight as well.
I also wanted to recap some of this season's guest highlights. If you haven't listened to these episodes, I'd encourage you to do so. If you already have, you can probably learn something else from these godly women.
Episode 8: Finding Balance as a Mompreneur- Ashley Adkerson
Episode 11: Speak Well of Your Husband - Ginny Packa
Episode 15: Serving God Where You Are with Michelle Triebold
Episode 17: Practical steps toward a healthy lifestyle with guest, Dr. Jess Cummings
Episode 18: Where is that picture-perfect motherhood I once imagined? - Liz Wann
Episode 21: God Chooses Creativity: The Value of Diversity and the Gospel - Trillia Newbell
Episode 23: Sometimes, a chat with another mom is exactly what you need - Missy Beohmer
Episode 26: Finding Hope in a world of anxiety - Helen Thorne
Episode 27: Being willing is where serving God begins - Jennifer Green
Favorite Season One Resources
I made a list of several of the various resources referenced in the season. Episode 18 featured Liz Wann's upcoming release of 'The End of Me'. That book is now out and you can order it here. Helen Thorne's book will be release June 1st, but you can pre-order your copy today.
Everything else we reference can be found on this list.
I’ll be back next fall. I'm already planning some exciting things with some incredible guests for season two, and season one has barely finished.
Until then, keep an eye on my social media and website at KeepingMySanity.com. for more recipes and posts throughout the break.

E27: Being willing is where serving God begins

How often does God call you to serve where you are completely comfortable? Many times, God uses our own discomfort as a tool to draw us closer to Him. When we need to rely on His strength alone, we grow.
Did you know that God doesn't always call us to do exactly what we want to do? It's true. Did you further know that He sometimes has greater things in store for us if we just trust and follow Him? Being willing to be used by God can be the biggest obstacle in spiritual growth.
My guest on today's episode has served the Lord in many capacities over the last several years. I brought her on this week to talk about being willing to serve.

E26: Finding Hope in a world of anxiety with author Helen Thorne

If you're anything like me, this past year has pushed all of the anxiety buttons. It can be crippling and, at times, downright terrifying. Even when we know the answer to our anxiety is Jesus, it can still be difficult to get through each day.
I so appreciated the chance to sit down with Helen Thorne, author of the soon-to-be-released book, Hope in an Anxious World: 6 Truths for When Things Feel Overwhelming.
Helen is Director of Training and Resources at Biblical Counselling UK and an experienced counsellor. She formerly worked with London City Mission and has written Purity is Possible, Walking with Domestic Abuse Suffers and 5 Things to Pray for Your City. She attends Dundonald Church in Raynes Park, London.
She does a great job connecting with the reader. The easy-to-read book is helpful to anyone in the midst of the struggle of anxiety or to those seeking how to better understand anxiety and encourage others.
LINKS
Pre-order Hope in an Anxious World today!
Follow Helen on Twitter and Instagram.
Helen has also written Purity is Possible: How to live free of the fantasy trap and 5 Things to Pray for Your City.

E25: My super-short change-of-plans episode

It's National Gardening Day! (and I'm sort of freaking out about it!) Today's episode was going to be all about gardening--how relaxing and rewarding it is and all of the other feels. 
But...
We were placed with some foster kiddos last week, and podcast production time plummeted. Pretty much time for anything plummeted. We are so happy to foster, but it can occasionally change well-intentioned plans. 
So, take the time you'd normally spend listening to the episode to spread love and kindness with someone. Buy coffee for a stranger. Text someone at the bottom of your recent conversations list. Take a meal to a friend.
Go out of your way to do something for someone. It will change your day and their day. 

E24: Self-care is not selfish, it’s biblical

When we are so busy being moms and wives, sometimes the term 'self care' can be a laughable concept.  Even if we had the time for such nonsense, there's an enormous amount of guilt around that selfish term. 
It's absolutely true that Christians can find all of the rest we need in Christ. But, let's not forget that God can provide that refreshment and rest through things we enjoy. What an awesome God He is! Even Jesus took times of rest away from the business of ministry.
When we neglect caring for ourselves, we're not serving to our greatest capacity. Make a decision today to care four your wellbeing—physically and emotionally.

E23: Sometimes, a chat with another mom is exactly what you need

There are definitely times as a mom that you feel like you're doing it all alone. Whether it's the kids fighting, the messy house, or simply the lack of any sort of calmness in your day—it's easy to overload yourself with guilt and stress.
In times like these, it can be a sweet refreshment to chat with another mom. I'm so excited to sit down for a few minutes with my dear friend, Missy, on today's episode. We've been trying to find a time to reconnect, and I asked if we could share our chat with others as well.
Missy has been a friend and mentor in my life for several years now. I always walk away from our conversations uplifted and refreshed. I hope her kindness, wisdom, and humor were able to encourage you today as much as they did me.