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Have you ever looked back and realized comfort kept you from saying yes to something that mattered? In this episode, I'm sharing how a moment from Taylor Sheridan's new series The Madison stopped me in my tracks and reminded me what it really means to love well — especially in marriage. This isn't a review of the show, and I'm not endorsing all its content. But there's a powerful theme woven through the story that every Christian wife needs to hear. Spoiler alert: I'll be talking about the premise of the series, so listen with that in mind. If fear, comfort, or "maybe later" has ever held you back from stepping into something meaningful with your husband or family, this episode will encourage you to choose courage, connection, and love that lasts. In this episode: • Why comfort can quietly steal your yes • How regret grows when we avoid what stretches us • What The Madison reminded me about loving well • A personal story about saying yes when it mattered • How to choose courage in your marriage today If this encourages you, share it with a friend who needs the reminder too. If you'd like to see some fun photos watch on YouTube A Wake Up Call for Wives: Don't Let Fear Steal Your Yes with Carol Roper Ep. 165 Lysa TerKuerst's book Capture His Heart: Becoming the Godly Wife Your Husband Desires

When you're facing a diagnosis, a fear, or a season of waiting, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the unknown. In today's episode, Tommy Jennings shares a powerful testimony of courage, peace, and unshakable faith as he battles Hodgkin's Lymphoma — a fight he's been in for six years. Tommy's story is raw, honest, and deeply hope‑filled. After exhausting every treatment option, he now lives in the tension of uncertainty — yet his confidence in Jesus has only grown stronger. His words, "Either way it goes, I win," will challenge and inspire you to trust God in your own battles. In this conversation, we talk about: What faith looks like when the prognosis isn't what you hoped for How to cling to God when you're waiting for answers Finding peace in the middle of fear, suffering, and the unknown The hope of Jesus when life doesn't make sense Why Tommy refuses to feel sorry for himself — and how his perspective can reshape your own Whether you're walking through illness, fear, or a difficult season, this episode will remind you that God is near, God is faithful, and God is still writing your story.  Watch on YouTube: Finding Hope in the Unknown: Tommy Jennings' Fight with Cancer Ep. 164 Contact Carol at CarolRoper.org/contact

Have you ever doubted your faith? Wondered if God isn't real? I dealt with this issue a couple of decades ago and wondered how I could go on doing "all the things" while struggling with doubt. Today I want to share a fascinating story about how an elephant can be similar to testing our faith. To see photos of the bridge, watch on YouTube I Almost Walked Away Sign up for my monthly newsletter The Keeping Room: Faith, Favorites and a Little Southern Soul

Between school messaging, social media trends, and cultural pressure, it can feel like the world is speaking louder to our kids than we are. But you have more influence than you think — and today's conversation will help you use it wisely. If you're a Christian parent feeling overwhelmed by the rise in gender confusion, you're not alone. Everywhere you turn—schools, social media, even kids' friend groups—messages about gender identity and transgender ideology are shaping how teens think about themselves. But what if you could understand what's really happening and learn how to confidently guide your children with a biblical worldview? In today's eye-opening conversation, I sit down with Dr. Jeff Myers, president of Summit Ministries and co-author of Raising Gender-Confident Kids, to unpack the cultural forces influencing our sons and daughters. With clarity and compassion, Dr. Myers explains how gender ideology took root, why it's accelerating so quickly, and what parents can do to protect their children while raising gender‑confident kids who embrace their God-given design. What you'll learn: How gender confusion went mainstream — and why What's really being taught in your child's school (even in conservative states) Why 1 in 1,000 kids has true gender dysphoria — and what's driving the rest Practical steps to raise kids who are confident in how God made them Raising Gender-Confident Kids Protecting Parental Rights: Combating Gender Ideology & Child Sexualization with Erin Lee Watch on YouTube A Blueprint for Raising Gender-Confident Kids: What Parents Need to Know with Dr. Jeff Myers Sign up for my monthly newsletter The Keeping Room: Faith, Favorites and a Little Southern Soul  

Whether you call it a veranda, piazza, stoop or porch, these appendages to our homes can have a positive impact on our family and community. It doesn't have to be fancy or huge to be a welcoming respite away from the chores, homework and television. Make it as comfortable as you can and invite the kids and hubby outside for a change of scenery and a bit of togetherness. And include the neighbors of you're feeling up to having company. Let's bring back the front porch. This is the tenth and final episode in the Blueprints for Building Your Spiritual Dream Home series. If you've missed any of the previous episodes, I hope you'll take the time to go back and listen, starting in your podcast app with How to Build a Godly Home: Choosing the Right Location. But the very first episode, Open Your Blueprint, can only be found on my website at CarolRoper.org. Today I'll share about one of my favorite amenities a house can have—the front porch, and why it can be one of the most important rooms of your home. Watch on YouTube Rediscovering the Front Porch: Why It Still Builds Family and Community with Carol Roper https://youtu.be/6Z2MJOzaMj0 Listen to the first episode in the Blueprints for Building Your Spiritual Dream Home series Open Your Blueprint Listen to the second episode in the Blueprints for Building Your Spiritual Dream Home series How to Build a Godly Home: Choosing the Right Location Listen to the third episode in the Blueprints for Building Your Spiritual Dream Home series Envision Your Dream Home Listen to the fourth episode in the Blueprints for Building Your Spiritual Dream Home series How Building a Dream Home Tests your Marriage-and Your Faith Listen to the fifth episode in the Blueprints for Building Your Spiritual Dream Home series The Secret Behind a Strong Spiritual Home (Hint: It's Not Being Pinterest Perfect) Listen to the sixth episode in the Blueprints for Building Your Spiritual Dream Home series Why You Matter: The Hidden Strength in Every Home Listen to the seventh episode in the Blueprints for Building Your Spiritual Dream Home series The Power of Light: Becoming a Spiritual Lamplighter Listen to the eight episode in the Blueprints for Building Your Spiritual Dream Home series Oaks of Righteousness: Raising Families with Deep Roots  Listen to the ninth episode in the Blueprints for Building Your Spiritual Dream Home series Your Scars Tell Your Story with Carol Roper

What scars do you carry? Maybe you've had a c-section (or 3) and don't want to wear a bathing suit anymore (among other reasons). Maybe you've been injured in an accident and try to disguise the evidence. Or maybe you've suffered from cancer and now have an ugly scar as a reminder of your survival. Whatever the reason, it's natural for us to want to cover unsightly scars from public view. When I was in my mid-twenties and almost put my eye out from accidentally shoving my face into a large splinter, I didn't realize the permanent damage that could have been done until the ER sent for a plastic surgeon. He said I was too young to carry a scar like that for the rest of my life, and I'm grateful he repaired the wound. Today I can barely see the scar. But only a few short years later I would deal with so much pain that there would be a permanent scar on my soul. This time, however, I was glad to have an enduring reminder of my healing. This is the ninth episode in the Blueprints for Building Your Spiritual Dream Home series. If you've missed any of the previous episodes, I hope you'll take the time to go back and listen, starting in your podcast app with How to Build a Godly Home: Choosing the Right Location. But the very first episode, Open Your Blueprint, can only be found on my website at CarolRoper.org. Today I'll share how the scars left on historic homes after catastrophic events mirror the scars we carry from our own life storms. Watch on YouTube Your Scars Tell Your Story with Carol Roper Listen to the first episode in the Blueprints for Building Your Spiritual Dream Home series Open Your Blueprint Listen to the second episode in the Blueprints for Building Your Spiritual Dream Home series How to Build a Godly Home: Choosing the Right Location Listen to the third episode in the Blueprints for Building Your Spiritual Dream Home series Envision Your Dream Home Listen to the fourth episode in the Blueprints for Building Your Spiritual Dream Home series How Building a Dream Home Tests your Marriage-and Your Faith Listen to the fifth episode in the Blueprints for Building Your Spiritual Dream Home series The Secret Behind a Strong Spiritual Home (Hint: It's Not Being Pinterest Perfect) Listen to the sixth episode in the Blueprints for Building Your Spiritual Dream Home series Why You Matter: The Hidden Strength in Every Home Listen to the seventh episode in the Blueprints for Building Your Spiritual Dream Home series The Power of Light: Becoming a Spiritual Lamplighter Listen to the seventh episode in the Blueprints for Building Your Spiritual Dream Home series Oaks of Righteousness: Raising Families with Deep Roots

Home isn't just a place—it's a story. When my husband and I set out to build our forever home on his family's farm, we weren't just choosing land; we were choosing legacy. Every step across those pastures reminded us that roots matter—both the ones in the soil and the ones in our hearts. And as we stood beneath a solitary oak, we realized this journey was about more than a house. It was about building on a foundation that time can't shake. This is the eighth episode in the Blueprints for Building Your Spiritual Dream Home series. If you've missed any of the previous episodes, I hope you'll take the time to go back and listen, starting in your podcast app with How to Build a Godly Home: Choosing the Right Location. But the very first episode, Open Your Blueprint, can only be found on my website at CarolRoper.org. Today I'll share why cultivating strong family roots matters. Listen to the first episode in the Blueprints for Building Your Spiritual Dream Home series Open Your Blueprint Listen to the second episode in the Blueprints for Building Your Spiritual Dream Home series How to Build a Godly Home: Choosing the Right Location Listen to the third episode in the Blueprints for Building Your Spiritual Dream Home series Envision Your Dream Home Listen to the fourth episode in the Blueprints for Building Your Spiritual Dream Home series How Building a Dream Home Tests your Marriage-and Your Faith Listen to the fifth episode in the Blueprints for Building Your Spiritual Dream Home series The Secret Behind a Strong Spiritual Home (Hint: It's Not Being Pinterest Perfect) Listen to the sixth episode in the Blueprints for Building Your Spiritual Dream Home series Why You Matter: The Hidden Strength in Every Home Listen to the seventh episode in the Blueprints for Building Your Spiritual Dream Home series The Power of Light: Becoming a Spiritual Lamplighter Watch on YouTube Oaks of Righteousness: Raising Families with Deep Roots with Carol Roper

I'll leave the light on for you. Have you ever heard that line before? Motel 6 turned that phrase into a promise—but spiritually, it's a calling. Darkness is everywhere, but one light can change everything. That light is Christ in you. Just like lamplighters once walked city streets to protect their communities, you've been called to guard your home with vigilance and faith. The Proverbs 31 woman never let her lamp go out—and neither should we. In this episode, you'll learn practical ways to keep your spiritual flame burning, strengthen your connection to the Holy Spirit, and become the lamplighter your family needs. This is the seventh episode in the Blueprints for Building Your Spiritual Dream Home series. So far, we've delved into the preparation processes of designing and building your dream home. Today we're talking about the power of light. Listen to the first episode in the Blueprints for Building Your Spiritual Dream Home series Open Your Blueprint Listen to the second episode in the Blueprints for Building Your Spiritual Dream Home series How to Build a Godly Home: Choosing the Right Location Listen to the third episode in the Blueprints for Building Your Spiritual Dream Home series Envision Your Dream Home Listen to the fourth episode in the Blueprints for Building Your Spiritual Dream Home series How Building a Dream Home Tests your Marriage-and Your Faith Listen to the fifth episode in the Blueprints for Building Your Spiritual Dream Home series The Secret Behind a Strong Spiritual Home (Hint: It's Not Being Pinterest Perfect) Listen to the sixth episode in the Blueprints for Building Your Spiritual Dream Home series Why You Matter: The Hidden Strength in Every Home Watch on YouTube The Power of Light: Becoming a Spiritial Lamplighter with Carol Roper

Sometimes the most important role is the one that feels the least glamorous. We live in a world that celebrates big wins and visible achievements. But what about the quiet, everyday work—the kind that rarely gets applause? Have you ever felt unimportant in your own home, wondering if anyone notices the meals, the clean laundry, the late-night homework help? The truth is, your role isn't just important, it's essential. You are the strength that holds everything together. This is the sixth episode in the Blueprints for Building Your Spiritual Dream Home series. So far, we've seen why we need a blueprint, discovered the best location, created a vision, learned how building a dream home tests your marriage and faith and found the critical component of our dream home's foundation. Today we'll see why you, the woman of the home, matters. Listen to the first episode in the Blueprints for Building Your Spiritual Dream Home series Open Your Blueprint Listen to the second episode in the Blueprints for Building Your Spiritual Dream Home series How to Build a Godly Home: Choosing the Right Location Listen to the third episode in the Blueprints for Building Your Spiritual Dream Home series Envision Your Dream Home Listen to the fourth episode in the Blueprints for Building Your Spiritual Dream Home series How Building a Dream Home Tests your Marriage-and Your Faith Listen to the fifth episode in the Blueprints for Building Your Spiritual Dream Home series The Secret Behind a Strong Spiritual Home (Hint: It's Not Being Pinterest Perfect) Watch on YouTube Why You Matter: The Hidden Strength In Every Home with Carol Roper

Picture this: a stunning home with gleaming floors and perfect décor—but underneath, the foundation is cracked. Eventually, everything starts to tilt and crumble. The same thing happens in our spiritual lives when we focus on appearances instead of what's beneath the surface. Without a strong foundation, even the most beautiful house will eventually crack and crumble. The same is true for our spiritual homes. Discover why appearances aren't enough, how to check for cracks in your spiritual foundation, and practical ways to build a home rooted in faith and grace. Whether you're navigating marriage challenges, raising kids, or simply longing for a home filled with peace, this episode will help you dig deep and start building on bedrock that lasts. This is the fifth episode in the Blueprints for Building Your Spiritual Dream Home series. So far, we've seen why we need a blueprint, discovered the best location, created a vision and learned how building a dream home tests your marriage and faith. Today we're going to see what critical component needs to be included in your spiritual dream home, and how it changes everything. Listen to the first episode in the Blueprints for Building Your Spiritual Dream Home series Open Your Blueprint Watch on YouTube The Secret Behind a Strong Spiritual Home (Hint: It's Not Being Pinterest Perfect) with Carol Roper

What happens when building your dream home nearly breaks your marriage? In today's episode, I'm sharing a raw, honest story from my own life—a season when stress, exhaustion, and unmet expectations left me wondering if my relationship with my husband would survive. But through that struggle, I learned a powerful truth: when we try to manage everything in our own strength, we end up drained and discouraged. The good news? God is the ultimate builder and the best general contractor for your home and family. This is the fourth episode in the Blueprints for Building Your Spiritual Dream Home series. So far, we've seen why we need a blueprint, discovered the best location and created a vision for our dream home. Today we're going to talk about why God needs to be the builder of your spiritual dream home, and how surrendering control to Him changes everything. Listen to the first episode in the Blueprints for Building Your Spiritual Dream Home series Open Your Blueprint Watch on YouTube How Building a Dream Home Tests Your Marriage-and Your Faith with Carol Roper

Every great home starts with a dream—a vision for life within its walls. But before the first nail is hammered, the blueprint must be drawn. After decades of designing houses, I've learned a blueprint isn't just about rooms and square footage; it's about reflecting the heart of the family. The same is true for our spiritual homes. God, the Master Architect, has a design for each of us—a home filled with abundant living that's better than anything we could imagine. Today, we'll start by asking: What does your spiritual dream home look like? And how do we align that vision with God's perfect plan according to His Word so our homes become places where faith thrives and families flourish? Over the next couple of months I'll be sharing my Kitchen Table series. Blueprints for Building Your Spiritual Dream Home. These episodes are based on the award-winning blog series I wrote several years back that I believe are even more important in today's culture. But there's one episode that is really the starting point for this series and you'll find it on my home page when you click the Open Your Blueprint button. Watch on YouTube Envision Your Dream Home with Carol Roper

Ever feel like building a godly home is overwhelming? You're not alone. In this episode, we uncover the very first step to creating a home that stands strong—starting with the right location. Deciding where to put a dream house is the most important part of the design process. Putting so much effort into creating a great home only to realize later it was built in the wrong place can shatter any hopes we have for a strong family. This week is the first in my Kitchen Table series called Blueprints to Building Your Spiritual Dream Home. These episodes are based on the award-winning blog series I wrote several years back that I believe are even more important in today's culture. But there's one episode that is really the starting point for this series and you'll find it on my home page when you click the Open Your Blueprint button. Listen and begin your journey toward peace, purpose, and a lasting legacy. Watch on YouTube How to Build a Godly Home: Choosing the Right Location with Carol Roper  

We've all heard it before—bridging the communication gap with a teen can feel like trying to build a bridge with spaghetti. But don't worry, we've got you covered. We're diving into one of the most critical aspects of parenting: communicating with your teenager. Today's guest, Mark Gregston, a renowned expert and founder of Parenting Today's Teens, will share his invaluable insights and practical tips to help you connect with your teen in meaningful ways. Mark will guide us through the challenges and nuances of communicating with teenagers and will explore common barriers, effective strategies, and real-life examples that illustrate how to navigate those tough conversations. Whether it's dealing with a defiant teen or simply trying to understand their world, this episode is packed with actionable advice to improve your relationship with your teen. You can find out more about Mark's ministry at Parenting Today's Teens and Heartlight Ministries. Also, if you'd like to hear some of the teen's stories from Heartlight Minstries go to Heartlight Stories To find the Blueprint Tips for this episode go to CarolRoper.org/podcast Watch on YouTube Unlocking the Secrets to Effective Comminucation with Your Teen with Mark Gregston Sign up for my Keeping Room newsletter Find the first episode for the start of next week's Blueprints to Building Your Spiritual Dream Home series at the Open Your Blueprint button on my homepage at CarolRoper.org

We're celebrating five amazing years of incredible testimonies and conversations! In this special anniversary episode, we're sharing your favorite Christmas traditions, chatting with two inspiring young moms, Carli McNamara and Rebecca Edwards, about holiday memories and motherhood, and revealing the top 10 most-loved episodes of the podcast. Plus, I'll share how many countries the podcast has reached and the surprising number country where we're downloaded the most outside of the United States. We also announce the first and second place winners of our celebration giveaway! Whether you've been here since day one or just discovered us, this episode is packed with joy, nostalgia, and hope for the season ahead. Check out all of the links-including the top 10 episodes, book recommendation, The Art of Manliness Podcast, the Billy Graham Online Advent Devotional, and other shows mentioned in this episode-at CarolRoper.com