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Send us Fan Mail Are you protecting your kids from struggle—or preparing them to face it? As moms, we want to protect our children from disappointment, failure, pain, and hardship. But what if some of the struggles we’re trying to prevent are actually essential to helping our kids grow? In this episode of the MomQ Podcast, Candace talks with Erin Kunkle, co-founder of Maven, about Christian parenting, raising resilient kids, and why children need opportunities to experience struggle, responsibility, and failure. Erin shares her own unexpected journey into motherhood and faith and explains how those experiences shaped her passion for equipping young people and their parents. Together, they explore how overprotective parenting can unintentionally hinder resilience and character, why struggle is an important part of growing up, and how parents can help their children learn perseverance instead of always stepping in to make things easier. Erin also shares practical insights on how team sports, chores, responsibility, obedience, and everyday challenges can help children develop character and independence. Most importantly, she reminds parents that our goal isn't simply to raise kids who can avoid hardship—but kids who know how to walk through hardship with God. You'll discover: Why kids need struggle to develop resilience and character How overprotective parenting can hold children back Why resilience is a “muscle” that must be developed How sports, chores, and responsibility build character How parents shape their children's relationship with God Why children need to learn to see God in their struggles How obedience in childhood can help shape faith How to know when to step in—and when to let your child struggle Why parents need to seek God's wisdom instead of relying only on cultural parenting advice If you've ever wondered whether you're protecting your kids too much, this conversation will challenge and encourage you to see struggle differently—and trust God as you equip your children to become resilient, responsible, and faithful adults. Timestamps  00:00 Erin Kunkle’s Journey to Motherhood, Faith, and Ministry 12:36 Are You Overprotecting Your Kids? The Hidden Cost of Overprotective Parenting 18:42 How Do Kids Build Resilience? Why Struggle Matters 24:30 Can Team Sports Build Character in Kids? 25:11 How Do Parents Shape Their Children’s Faith? 28:37 How Can You Build Strong Faith Habits in Your Kids? 30:16 How Can We Help Kids See God in Their Struggles? 36:56 Why Do Kids Need Struggle to Grow in Faith and Character? 45:51 How Can Christian Parents Navigate Today’s Parenting Challenges? Resources Maven Ministry Website Interested in leading a MomQ group? Learn more Support the show Discover more about MomQ

Send us Fan Mail Can you actually delight in God—not just obey Him, but genuinely enjoy Him?  In this conversation, Stephanie Rousselle joins Candace to unpack what it really means to delight in the Lord, starting with her own journey from atheism to faith. Together they dig into Psalm 37:4 (and why it's so often misread), why knowing God's attributes deepens our joy in Him, and how counterfeit spiritual experiences can quietly derail our walk with Him. They also tackle identity—why who we are should be rooted in who God says we are, not in culture, feelings, or performance—and how delight in God isn't reserved for the mountaintop moments. It can exist right alongside hardship, fueling the kind of resilience that outlasts circumstances. Stephanie closes with a powerful reminder: God delights in you. This episode is an invitation to stop performing for God's love and start actually enjoying Him. In this episode: Stephanie's journey from atheism to faith What Psalm 37:4 really promises (hint: it's not what you think) Why God's attributes matter for genuine delight Spotting counterfeit spiritual experiences Identity: God's definition vs. culture's definition How to delight in God during hardship Why community helps sustain resilience and joy Timestamps 00:00 Introduction: From Atheism to Faith and Finding God 02:56 What Does It Mean to Delight in God? 05:51 Psalm 37:4 Explained: What Are the Desires of Your Heart? 09:00 How Do We Experience God and Truly Delight in Him? 11:56 Real Faith vs. Fake Spiritual Fulfillment: What Are We Really Seeking? 14:59 Are You Performing for God or Resting in His Acceptance? 17:56 The Gospel Truth: God’s Love Isn’t Based on Your Performance 20:49 Who Defines Your Identity: God or Culture? 23:04 Can You Delight in God When Life Is Hard? 30:26 How an Eternal Perspective Builds Spiritual Resilience 35:37 Does God Delight in You? Closing Prayer Resources Free MomQ Emotional Health Quiz Gospel Spice Ministry Resources Awaken Delight Book Interstered in leading a MomQ Gathering? Learn more Support the show Discover more about MomQ

Send us Fan Mail Do you feel unqualified to disciple your own kids? You're not alone — and you're more ready than you think. In this episode, Candace talks with Christie Thomas, a former children's ministry director and creator of Little Shoots Deep Roots, about why family discipleship and faith formation happen most powerfully at home — not just at church. Christie shares a striking contrast: a widely cited 2007 LifeWay study suggesting only about one third of kids stay in the faith, versus a National Study of Youth and Religion finding that 82% of kids with spiritually active parents remain active in their faith as young adults. The difference? Parents who walk the walk, not just show up on Sundays. Christie opens up about the imposter syndrome so many moms feel when it comes to discipling their children, what it actually means to feel "equipped," and why the answer isn't more knowledge — it's open hands, honest prayer, and consistency over perfection. She also shares practical wisdom for what to do when your child asks a faith question you can't answer, plus real stories of kids memorizing Scripture, overcoming nighttime fears through prayer, and families building a spiritual culture one small, imperfect habit at a time. If you've ever wondered how to raise faith-filled kids, build a Christian home, or simply want practical Christian parenting encouragement, this conversation will leave you feeling equipped, not overwhelmed. In this episode: Why home shapes a child's faith more than church programs alone The surprising stats behind faith retention in kids How to overcome fear and imposter syndrome as a discipling parent What to do when your kid asks a hard spiritual question Small, consistent habits that build lasting family faith culture Timestamps 00:00 — Family Discipleship: Why Faith Starts at Home 00:30 — What Can Children’s Ministry Teach Us About Discipling Kids? 00:59 — Why Does Your Child’s Faith Start at Home? 01:29 — What Research Says About Parents and Children’s Faith 02:07 — Can Parents Really Influence Their Child’s Faith? 03:09 — How Did Christie Discover Family Discipleship? 03:43 — Finding Your Calling in Family Ministry 04:13 — Do You Feel Unequipped to Disciple Your Kids? 04:47 — What Does It Mean to Be Equipped? 04:59 — Christian Parenting and the Fear of Not Knowing Enough 06:06 — What If You Don’t Know the Answer to Your Child’s Faith Questions? 06:51 — Can Small Habits Build Strong Faith at Home? 07:06 — How Scripture and Prayer Shape Your Child’s Faith 07:36 — How Can You Create a Culture of Faith at Home? 08:24 — Can Family Discipleship Work in Busy Seasons? 08:51 — What Is the Heart of Christian Discipleship? 11:30 — How Can You Integrate Faith Into Daily Family Life? 14:21 — How Can You Make Faith Engaging for Kids? 17:07 — Why Does Gentleness Matter in Parenting and Discipleship? 20:00 — How Does Redemption Transform Christian Parenting? 22:25 — How Can Moms Lead Their Families Spiritually? 25:18 — Family Discipleship Resources for Christian Parents Resources Interested in leading a MomQ group? Click Here Little Shoots Deep Roots Website Get "Little Habits, Big Faith" Book Support the show Discover more about MomQ

Send us Fan Mail How do you raise boys with strong character, genuine faith, confidence, and a healthy sense of identity? In this episode, Monica shares lessons from raising four boys and opens up about the joys, challenges, and unexpected moments of parenting sons. Inspired by her book Boy Mom, she shares practical wisdom for parents who want to raise children who know who they are, respect authority, develop strong character, and build a lasting faith. We explore parenting boys, raising sons, faith-based parenting, character development, identity, teenage years, prayer, social media, and meaningful conversations with children. Monica explains why parents—not just friends—must be willing to lead, why setting high standards can strengthen a child's character, and how humor and authority can work together in a healthy parent-child relationship. We also dive into the spiritual side of parenting: how to help children develop genuine faith, why parents must model their beliefs authentically, how prayer can become a natural part of family life, and what to do when teenagers begin to experience spiritual drift. You'll also hear about the importance of: Creating intentional family rhythmsMaking dinner-table conversations meaningfulHaving deeper conversations during the teenage yearsProtecting children from unhealthy influencesHelping children develop a strong sense of identityIncluding fathers in conversations about parenting and faithModeling the faith and character we want our children to developMaking difficult parenting decisions when necessaryRemembering that it's never too late to start overWhether you're a boy mom, boy dad, parent of teenagers, Christian parent, or simply trying to become a more intentional parent, this conversation offers encouragement, practical wisdom, and a reminder that the way we live may be one of the most powerful lessons our children ever receive. Timestamps 00:00 — How Do You Raise Boys With Strong Character? 02:48 — Monica’s Journey to Writing Boy Mom 06:01 — The Boy Mom Manifesto: A Guide to Raising Sons 09:00 — How Do You Balance Humor, Authority, and Parenting? 11:56 — Helping Boys Discover Their God-Given Potential 14:58 — Why Is Identity So Important for Boys? 17:59 — What Can Parents Learn About Raising Daughters? 20:59 — How Can Parents Have More Meaningful Conversations With Kids? 23:18 — How Do You Build Genuine Faith in Your Children? 29:49 — Why Is Prayer So Important in Parenting? 32:48 — How Can Parents Recognize and Address Spiritual Drift in Teens? 37:12 — Why Fathers Matter in Raising Children With Faith and Character 40:37 — How Intentional Family Rhythms Shape Character and Faith Resources View the interview at MomQ Youtube channel  Discover more of Monica Swanson Here! Get Monica's Books: Boy Mom and Raising Amazing Interested in Leading a MomQ group, Learn more Support the show Discover more about MomQ

Send us Fan Mail Feeling overwhelmed, invisible, or like you're not doing enough as a mom? You're not alone — and you're not imagining the battle. In this episode, former magazine editor turned homeschooling mom of five, Shalene Roberts, joins Candace Nassar for an honest conversation about the weight of motherhood — the anxiety, the exhaustion, and the quiet feeling that no one sees the work you do. Shalene shares the story behind her viral blog post, "When Mothering Is Hard and No One Sees," and how it struck a nerve with mothers everywhere. Together, they dig into the deeper spiritual reality behind the struggle: that motherhood isn't just physically and emotionally demanding — it's a spiritual battleground, and the enemy targets moms to disrupt generational faith. You'll learn how to recognize the lies you're believing, replace them with God's truth, and lean into His grace instead of striving for perfection. This episode will help you: Reframe the mundane, thankless tasks of motherhood as sacred work Identify the specific lies that fuel mom guilt and anxiety Use scripture and prayer as daily weapons, not just occasional habits Understand your identity as a daughter of the King — and how that changes everything Find rest in God's grace instead of pressure to perform Whether you're in the trenches of toddlerhood or watching your kids grow into their own faith, this conversation is a reminder: your calling is high, your work is holy, and you are not doing this alone. Timestamps 00:00 – What Does Motherhood Really Look Like? A Personal Journey 04:55 – How Does God See You as a Mother? 10:00 – Finding the Sacred in Everyday Motherhood Tasks 14:53 – Why Is Motherhood So Hard? Facing the Challenges and Tensions 19:50 – What Are the Deeper Struggles Every Mom Faces? 28:54 – Experiencing God's Grace in the Chaos of Motherhood 34:06 – Who Am I? Understanding Your Identity as a Daughter of the King Resources Interested in leading a MomQ group? Learn more Discover more of Shalene Roberts Here "When Mothering is Hard and No one Sees" Book Support the show Discover more about MomQ

Send us Fan Mail What do you do when motherhood, grief, and life's chaos leave you too overwhelmed to even form the words to pray?  In this episode, author and speaker Rachel Wojo opens up about her personal journey through loss and motherhood, and how "desperate prayer" became her lifeline back to God. We talk about why prayer works better as a relationship than a checklist, how surrender is a daily (not a one-time) decision, and why waiting on God can actually deepen your faith instead of weakening it. Rachel shares practical, real-life tools — like three-word prayers and prayer journaling — for building a consistent prayer life even when you're running on empty. If you've ever struggled to pray during hard seasons, grief, or the overwhelm of motherhood, this conversation will meet you right where you are. In this episode: Why prayer is a relationship, not a religious routine What "desperate prayer" is and why it matters most in our hardest moments How to practice surrender when life feels out of control Finding God in the waiting — and why it builds trust Simple prayer journaling tips to track your spiritual growth How three-word prayers can simplify prayer when you don't have the words Discovering God's presence in the mundane, everyday moments of motherhood and grief Timestamps 00:00 Rachel Wojo's Story: Faith, Grief & Hope 03:12 How Can Prayer Help Moms Through Grief? 06:01 What Is Desperate Prayer? Finding God in Difficult Seasons 09:03 Are You Struggling with Prayer Perfectionism? 12:00 Three-Word Prayers Every Christian Mom Needs 15:00 How Do You Wait on God When Answers Don't Come? 19:56 What Do You Do When God Says "No" to Your Prayer? 26:11 Encouragement for Moms Trusting God Through Hard Times Resources Discover more of MomQ Desperate Prayers Resources Here Rachel Wojo Resources Here  Interested in Leading a MomQ Group? Find More Support the show Discover more about MomQ

Send us Fan Mail Can love really heal trauma? In this deeply moving conversation, Becca Stevens, founder of Thistle Farms, shares how childhood trauma shaped her life's work of helping women survivors of abuse, addiction, exploitation, and human trafficking reclaim their freedom. Becca opens up about the personal experiences that inspired her to create Thistle Farms—a global nonprofit providing safe housing, meaningful employment, trauma-informed care, and lifelong community for women rebuilding their lives after unimaginable hardship. Together, we explore what healing truly looks like, why forgiveness is a lifelong practice, the critical role of economic empowerment in breaking cycles of abuse, and how simple acts of love can transform lives. Becca also reflects on motherhood, resilience, faith, and why community is one of the most powerful forces for lasting recovery. Whether you're navigating your own healing journey, supporting someone you love, or simply looking for a story that restores hope, this episode offers wisdom, compassion, and practical insight into the power of love and human connection. In this episode, you'll learn: How childhood trauma shaped Becca Stevens' life and mission The inspiring story behind Thistle Farms Why healing requires both emotional support and economic opportunity How women survivors of abuse and human trafficking rebuild their lives Why forgiveness is a daily practice—not a one-time decision The importance of community, belonging, and unconditional love Lessons on resilience, motherhood, purpose, and hope If this conversation resonates with you, be sure to follow the podcast, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who could use a reminder that healing is possible. Chapters 00:00 – Who Is Becca Stevens? Meet the Founder of Thistle Farms 02:59 – How Did Motherhood Shape Becca Stevens' Mission? 06:06 – Healing from Trauma: Breaking Common Misconceptions 09:09 – Inside "Love Heals": What the Book Is Really About 11:57 – Real Stories of Transformation at Thistle Farms 15:07 – Why Community Is Essential to the Healing Process 18:04 – Can Forgiveness Be Practiced? A Daily Approach to Letting Go 20:47 – Why Economic Empowerment Matters for Recovery 24:00 – How Do You Overcome Mom Guilt and Comparison? 27:00 – The Power of Simple Acts of Love (And Why They Matter) 30:04 – What Role Does God Play in the Healing Journey? 33:00 – Final Thoughts and How You Can Take Action Today Resources Free: How Emotionally Healthy am I? Self-assessment Checklist Interested in leading a MomQ gathering? Click here Thistle Farms Website Find TF Bug Repellent Here Support the show Discover more about MomQ

Send us Fan Mail How do you raise children who love Jesus while juggling the demands of everyday motherhood?  In this encouraging episode, Candace welcomes author Abbey Wedgeworth to share practical, biblical wisdom for Christian moms who want to parent with purpose. Abbey introduces her simple Three to Five Method, a realistic approach to consistent Bible study for busy moms, showing how just a few minutes in God's Word can strengthen your faith and transform your parenting. She also shares practical ways to disciple your children through everyday conversations, use five intentional questions to develop wisdom and discernment, and guide siblings through conflict with empathy and grace. You'll discover why heart-focused parenting matters more than behavior management, how to help your children build a Christ-centered identity, and practical tools for teaching healthy communication that will serve them for a lifetime. Abbey also offers encouragement for moms who feel overwhelmed, reminding us that the Holy Spirit equips us to stay present with our children and faithfully disciple them in the ordinary moments of life. If you're looking for biblical parenting encouragement, practical discipleship strategies, and simple ways to grow in your own walk with God while raising your family, this episode will leave you inspired, equipped, and encouraged. In this episode you'll learn: A simple Bible study routine for busy moms How to disciple your children in everyday moments Practical ways to resolve sibling conflict with grace Why parenting the heart matters more than changing behavior How to raise wise, confident kids with a Christ-centered identity Encouragement to rely on the Holy Spirit in your parenting journey Chapters 00:00 Meet Abbey Wedgeworth 02:51 How Can Busy Moms Study the Bible? 05:34 Discipling Kids Every Day 07:44 5 Questions to Raise Wise Kids 10:08 Teaching Kids Healthy Communication 12:55 How Should Siblings Handle Conflict? 15:49 Raising Confident Problem Solvers 18:30 Parenting Their Heart, Not Behavior 21:15 Are You Present or Distracted? Resources Abbey Wedgeworth Website Training Young Hearts Book Series Interested in leading a MomQ group? Learn more Am I Emotionally Healthy? Free assessment Click Here Support the show Discover more about MomQ

Send us Fan Mail What can the mothers of the Bible teach us about raising godly children and leaving a legacy of faith that lasts for generations? In this inspiring episode, Candace sits down with author, speaker, and mentor Rhonda Stoppe to explore the powerful lessons we can learn from biblical mothers and how their stories still impact Christian moms today. Through personal stories of marriage struggles, postpartum challenges, and spiritual growth, Rhonda shares how God uses both our victories and our hardships to shape the next generation. From Naomi's influence to the faithfulness of unnamed mothers throughout Scripture, this conversation reveals how ordinary women can have an extraordinary impact when they trust God and remain faithful in motherhood. You'll discover practical encouragement for raising children who love Jesus, building a Christ-centered home, and creating a spiritual legacy that extends to your children and grandchildren. Whether you're a new mom navigating the early years, a seasoned mother seeking renewed purpose, or a woman longing to leave a lasting legacy of faith, this episode will inspire you to embrace God's calling for your life and family. In this episode, you'll learn: • Lessons from biblical mothers that apply to Christian parenting today • How to raise godly children in a culture that pulls them away from faith • Why your struggles can strengthen your children's spiritual foundation • The importance of mentorship, community, and passing faith to the next generation • How to leave a lasting legacy of faith for your children and grandchildren • Practical ways to build a Christ-centered marriage and home If you've ever wondered whether your daily faithfulness matters, this episode is a powerful reminder that God can use your life to impact generations to come. Chapters 00:00 Rhonda Stoppe: Living a No Regrets Life of Faith & Purpose 02:58 What Does a “No Regrets Life” Really Mean for Christian Moms? 05:53 Marriage, Faith & Staying Committed Through Every Season 09:03 How to Navigate Hard Seasons in Marriage Without Giving Up 11:55 Why Seeking Help in Marriage Is a Sign of Strength, Not Failure 14:56 Moms of the Bible: Timeless Lessons for Today’s Mothers 18:33 Naomi’s Story: Grief, Loss, and Unshakable Faith in God 21:09 Trials, Transformation & How God Redeems Painful Seasons 24:40 Lessons from Lot’s Wife: Obedience, Trust, and Looking Forward 30:30 The Unnamed Mothers of the Bible and Their Lasting Legacy Resources Am I Emotionally Healthy? Free Self Assessment Here! Watch the Interview: MomQ Youtube Channel Interested in Leading a MomQ group? more info here No Regrets Woman Ministries Rhonda Stoppe Book: Moms of the Bible, Fearless, Flawed and Faithful Support the show Discover more about MomQ

Send us Fan Mail Have you ever found yourself lying awake at 2am, mind racing through every "what if" scenario imaginable? You're not alone — and this episode might be exactly what you needed to hear today. Heidi Anderson was just 23 years old when a cancer diagnosis turned her world upside down. As a mom of four miracle children, she knows firsthand what it feels like when life spins completely out of your control — and she knows what it takes to come out the other side with faith still intact. In this powerful conversation, Heidi gets honest about: Why "what if" thinking is stealing your peace — and the one mindset shift that changes everything How to talk to your kids about fear and anxiety in a way that builds trust instead of worry The biblical truth that anchors you when circumstances feel impossible Why sharing your struggles with other moms is one of the most faith-filled things you can do How to trade anxious lies for truth — a practical tool you can use starting today Whether you're navigating a health scare, a hard season in marriage, a parenting challenge, or just the daily mental load of motherhood — this episode will remind you that God's promises don't expire, your struggles are not wasted, and you were never meant to carry this alone. This one is for every mom who is tired of being afraid. Chapters 00:00 – Meet Heidi: Mom, Cancer Survivor, and Woman of Faith 02:38 – Diagnosed at 23: How a Cancer Scare Changed Everything 06:19 – What Does Healing Really Look Like? Faith in the Middle of the Unknown 09:21 – Are You a "What If" Mom? Why Anxiety Feels So Hard to Escape 15:42 – What the Bible Says About Fear (And Why It Actually Works) 18:10 – Can You Really Trust God When Life Falls Apart? 22:31 – How Do You Talk to Your Kids About Worry Without Scaring Them? 24:54 – Practical Tools to Stop the Anxiety Spiral Before It Starts 26:39 – Trading Anxious Lies for Truth: A Practice Every Mom Needs 29:47 – You Were Never Meant to Carry This Alone Resources Free MomQ Resource! Here : Am I Emotionally Healthy? -Self assessment checklist  Heidi Lee Anderson's Ministry Website "PS It's Going To Be Good" Book Interested in Leading a MomQ group? Learn more Support the show Discover more about MomQ

Send us Fan Mail Have you ever caught yourself reacting in marriage the same way your parents did — even when you promised yourself you never would? In this powerful episode, Candace sits down with marriage authors and relationship speakers David Willis and Ashley Willis to talk about how childhood wounds, family patterns, and emotional baggage can quietly shape your marriage, communication, and parenting. Together, they unpack how couples can stop repeating unhealthy relationship cycles, heal from the past, and build a healthier, Christ-centered marriage rooted in grace, connection, and intentionality. Dave and Ashley share practical Christian marriage advice for moms and couples navigating conflict, emotional distance, burnout, stress, and the pressures of family life. You’ll hear honest conversations about communication in marriage, breaking generational patterns, emotional healing, finding rest in Christ, and why investing in your marriage deeply impacts your children and home. They also discuss the importance of prayer, community support, gratitude, counseling, and creating margin in busy family life. If you’re a mom wondering how to create a healthier marriage and family than the one you grew up with, this episode will encourage you with practical tools, biblical wisdom, and hope that change is possible. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: How childhood trauma and family patterns affect marriage Why couples often repeat unhealthy relationship habits from childhood Practical ways to stop repeating your parents’ mistakes in marriage How to improve communication and emotional connection in marriage How prayer, gratitude, and faith can strengthen your relationship Ways to prevent burnout and create healthier rhythms in family life Why community support and counseling can help marriages thrive Encouragement for moms seeking peace, healing, and a stronger marriage Chapters 00:00 Why Marriage Ministry Matters 03:04 What Makes a Healthy Marriage? 05:59 Are You Repeating Your Parents’ Patterns? 08:50 Early Marriage Struggles Couples Face 12:01 Why Community Helps Marriages Thrive 14:48 Heart Change vs Behavior Change 18:00 Finding Rest in Christ 19:46 Creating Margin and Avoiding Burnout 22:45 How to Handle Marriage Conflict 29:36 How Marriage Impacts Your Children 33:34 Encouragement for Overwhelmed Moms Resources Dave and Ashley Website The Naked Marriage Podcast Do Marriage Better Book MomQ Free Resource "Emotional Health Quiz" Download Interested in Leading a MomQ group? Learn More Support the show Discover more about MomQ

Send us Fan Mail Have you ever felt let down by your church — and wondered how to protect your kids' faith in the process?  In this powerful episode, Candace Nassar sits down with author, high school English teacher, and mom of four boys Courtney Reissig to talk about her new book Someone to Believe In and what the Gospel of John teaches us about finding real hope when people and institutions disappoint us. Courtney gets honest about navigating church hurt, the weight of broken trust in ministry, and how she kept pointing her kids to Jesus — even when faith felt hard. Together, they unpack why confession matters, how God meets us in our most broken moments, and why our children are more resilient than we think.  If you're a mom trying to raise kids with deep, lasting faith in a world full of disappointment, this episode is for you. You'll walk away encouraged to anchor your family's trust in God's Word — not in people — and reminded that Jesus is always, always faithful. Chapters 00:00 Meet Courtney Reissig: Faith, Motherhood & Ministry  02:11 Why Someone to Believe In Was Written for Hurting Christians  05:49 Why the Gospel of John Feels So Personal in Hard Seasons  09:52 How Do You Keep Trusting God When Faith Feels Hard?  14:54 Healing from Church Hurt: What Do You Do After Betrayal?  19:35 Where Is Jesus When Life Feels Unfair?  20:12 Why Does God Allow Pain, Brokenness & Suffering?  24:26 How to Raise Resilient Kids in a Broken World  28:05 Helping Your Kids Keep Their Faith After Church Hurt  32:18 Finding Hope in Jesus When Life Feels Heavy Resources Interested on Leading a MomQ Gathering? Learn more MomQ 5-Minute Bible Habit Free Resource Get Courtney's Book "Someone to Believe In" : Amazon, Christian Books, lifeway Courtney Reissig resources Support the show Discover more about MomQ

Send us Fan Mail Wondering if what you're doing in motherhood really matters? Motherhood is beautiful—but it can also feel exhausting, lonely, and full of pressure. If you're a Christian mom juggling kids, faith, and everyday life, this episode will meet you right where you are. In this powerful conversation, Candace sits down with Ashlee Kasten—homeschooling mom of five—to talk about the true purpose of motherhood and how to find peace in the middle of mom life. Together, they reframe motherhood as more than daily survival—it’s a God-given calling and mission field with eternal impact. In this episode, you’ll learn: A fresh perspective on why motherhood is one of the most powerful callings of your generationSimple, realistic ways to build prayer into your already-packed daily routineHow to ditch the "perfect mom" myth and show up authentically for your kidsEncouragement for the Christian mom who feels spiritually behindAshlee also shares Flourish: A 30-Day Reset for Moms—a practical, faith-based resource to help you grow spiritually, create a peaceful home, and move from burnout to purpose. Perfect for moms who want to build a faith-filled home and grow deeper in their walk with God. Chapters 0:00 – Why Motherhood Has a Greater Purpose Than You Think 03:10 Homeschool Mom Life: Balancing Kids, Faith, and Daily Responsibilities 05:59 What Is the Purpose of Motherhood? A Biblical Perspective for Moms 12:00 – Letting Go of the Perfect Mom Myth 14:58 – When Real Mom Life Gets Messy (And What to Do About It) 18:10 A Mom’s Faith Journey: How Your Walk with God Shapes Your Family? 21:04 – How to Build a Family Prayer Routine That Actually Sticks 23:45 Modern Motherhood Challenges  30:01 – Flourish: The 30-Day Faith Reset Every Mom Needs Resources Ashlee Kasten: The Purpose of Motherhood Website MomQ 5 Minutes Bible Habit for busy moms Free resource Lead a MomQ group- Learn more on being a  Mentor  Support the show Discover more about MomQ

Send us Fan Mail Feeling like you need more support in your motherhood? If this episode resonates with you, you don’t have to just keep listening and trying harder. momQ is a small group experience where you can grow in your faith, be encouraged in real life, and walk alongside other moms who understand what this season actually feels like. And if you don’t have something like this where you are…this might be your invitation to start it. 👉 Learn more: https://momq.org 👉 Start simple with our 5-Minute Bible Habit Having a Hard Time Letting Go of Control as a Mom?  You're not alone. In this episode, author and writing coach Abby McDonald opens up about her own journey through postpartum depression, the exhausting pressure to be in control, and what finally brought her peace. Drawing from her book Surrendering Certainty, Abby speaks directly to the anxious, overwhelmed mom who's quietly wrestling with faith, identity, and the fear of the unknown. If you've ever felt like trusting God is easier said than done — especially in the messy, sleepless, beautiful chaos of motherhood — this episode is for you. Abby shares how surrendering control isn't weakness; it's the breakthrough so many moms are desperately searching for. Whether you're in the newborn fog, navigating toddler tantrums, or rediscovering who you are after kids, this honest conversation will remind you that you don't have to figure it all out. In this episode you will learn: How to find peace when motherhood feels overwhelming and uncertainAbby's real story of postpartum depression and how faith helped her healPractical mindset shifts for anxious moms who struggle to let go of controlWhy surrendering to God's promises is the antidote to mom anxietyChapters 00:00 Meet Abby McDonald: Letting Go of Control in Motherhood 06:34 Struggling After Baby? Postpartum Depression & Losing Your Identity as a                Mom 16:54 Why Do Moms Struggle with Fear? How Fear Affects Your Decisions in                       Motherhood 27:02 How Can Moms Let Go of Control? Clinging to God’s Promises in Uncertain               Seasons Resources Surrendering Certainty Book Abby McDonald Website 5-Minutes Bible Habit for Busy Moms Free Devotional Interested in Being a Mentor? Find more Support the show Discover more about MomQ

Send us Fan Mail If you’re feeling overwhelmed but want to reconnect with God in the middle of motherhood, we created a free 5-Minute Bible Habit Guide to help you start right where you are. 👉 Access it here Are you a mom running on empty? You're not alone. In this episode, Candace sits down with Kim Anderson — licensed therapist and founder of Elevate Moms — to have the honest conversation every exhausted mom needs to hear. Kim breaks down why mom burnout goes so much deeper than just being tired. It's the bone-deep depletion, the emotional disconnection from the people you love most, and the sneaky ways society's "do it all" expectations — combined with our own people-pleasing tendencies — quietly drain us dry. In this episode, you'll learn: How to spot the early warning signs of burnout before it hits rock bottomWhy setting boundaries isn't selfish — it's survivalHow finding the right mom community can be a total game-changerWhat EMDR therapy is and how healing old wounds can make you a more present, peaceful momWhether you're in the thick of the chaos or just starting to feel the cracks, this episode meets you where you are — with zero judgment and real tools you can actually use.Chapters 00:00 Feeling Overwhelmed as a Mom? Let’s Talk Burnout 02:40 What Does Burnout Actually Look Like in Motherhood? 05:15 Is Society Setting Moms Up to Fail? 07:52 Early Warning Signs of Burnout Every Mom Should Know 10:46 What Actually Works for Managing Mom Burnout? 12:54 Is Comparison Stealing Your Joy in Motherhood? 15:17 Can Childhood Trauma Affect Your Parenting Today? 23:40 Simple, Practical Ways to Fight Mom Burnout Today Resources  Elevate Moms Website Elevate Moms Burnout guide Interested on Being a Mentor Mom? Mentor page Support the show Discover more about MomQ