Building Strong Homes: Blueprints to Strengthen Your Faith and Family podcast
Every woman can make a difference for good and for God in their homes, but in a culture whose moral compass is upside-down it can be confusing to know what lines up with biblical truth. Join me in the conversations I have with guests who teach solid biblical wisdom or have faced their own struggles with faith and family. My prayer is for these stories to inspire and equip you with the blueprint you need to strengthen your faith so you in turn can strengthen your family and create a godly legacy. As Proverbs 14:1 says, "A wise woman builds her house, But the foolish tears it down with her own hands." (NASB) Let's encourage each other as we build the strong homes God desires for us.
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Redefining Priorities: Insights on Faith, Family and Purpose with Kara Stott
07/09/2024
Redefining Priorities: Insights on Faith, Family and Purpose with Kara Stott
One year ago I had the pleasure of interviewing Kara Stott, author of one of my favorite books, An Intentional Life, for the podcast. It was great meeting Kara on Zoom and hearing her story from her own voice. But this past spring my friend, Julie Bagwell, and I were able to meet her in person at her Pursuit Retreat outside of Nashville, Tennessee! She has such a heart for Jesus and ministering to women and it was evident as she served us over several days next to the beautiful lake at Wildwood Retreat. She's one of the kindest and most thoughtful people I've ever met and I loved her even more after spending a few days with her. If you missed listening to Kara's story I promise this is one that will make you understand the importance of family and how God calls us to prioritize our loved ones. She shares how she gave up a thriving ministry to have more time with her family and Jesus. Obedience isn't always easy, but God always promises to bless us through it.
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The Importance of Friendships - Still Going Strong After 30 Years with Julie Bagwell & Frieda Younts (re-release)
06/25/2024
The Importance of Friendships - Still Going Strong After 30 Years with Julie Bagwell & Frieda Younts (re-release)
Summer Throwback! My guests for the first episode of this podcast were my two very best friends, Julie Bagwell and Frieda Younts. We’ve been friends for over 30 years now! Over time we’ve experienced lots of ups and downs but have remained close through it all. How did we do it? By being honest and real with each other, for one thing, but mostly by building our friendship on the foundation of Jesus Christ. Growing up I only had one friend at a time and always felt like I never belonged. In my late 20’s I began praying for God to bring some good friends into my life and He was faithful to do just that through Julie and Frieda. Each of us has been married for at least 30 years and have grown children and now grandchildren, so we have lots of experience under our belt—some good and some bad. But we’ve held onto each other through it all and are grateful God has helped our friendship to remain strong. In this episode we talk about how hurts and jealousy, especially in a group with three friends, can be easy to fall into. But instead of letting them fester we bring it out in the open and talk about these things in the spirit of love. Friendship is work, but it’s so worth the reward. As I listened to this episode again, I thought of how much changed since our conversation. It's amazing to think we didn't know the good and the bad that were about to happen in just a few short months. But even through it all, we can still say God is good. Our desire through this conversation is to help other women experience friendship like we have, because good, godly friends can have an amazing impact on your life. But in order to make it work we must be intentional. Listen in as we discuss simple and practical ways we learned to grow and sustain our friendship. Go to CarolRoper.org/podcast to check out the shownotes
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Fear is a Liar with Carol Roper
06/11/2024
Fear is a Liar with Carol Roper
I’ve really struggled to put into words all that I wanted to say to you today because the last few months have been difficult for me as I’ve been seeking what God wants me to do with the podcast. I’ve been doing this for 3-1/2 years now and have recently been in a deep season of discouragement. As I prayed and continually asked God what my next steps should be, I only sensed silence from Him. I’ve gone through seasons of silence before, but this has been especially hard because I wanted to make sure I was being obedient to what God wanted me to do, not just put out a podcast to build my own, or anyone else’s, platform. To be honest, I’ve been so discouraged that I had pretty much decided I was going to shut it all down. And to be completely honest, podcasting can be lonely and discouraging. When I couldn’t see a direction to where God was leading, I just wanted to throw in the towel. In this episode I will share what God has been showing me recently, an update of what's going on with my family and my plans for the future of the podcast. Go to CarolRoper.org for shownotes and links to resources mentioned
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Mama Bear Apologetics: Empowering Your Kids to Challenge Cultural Lies with Julie Loos
05/28/2024
Mama Bear Apologetics: Empowering Your Kids to Challenge Cultural Lies with Julie Loos
"Mothers are a sleeping giant and when the giant awakens, take cover--things are going to change! I believe the giant is slowly stirring and beginning to wipe the sleep from its eyes." - excerpt from Your Girl by Vicki Courtney Over 15 years ago this quote stirred my soul to the point where I decided I wanted to be one of those mothers who stood up to make a difference and began a ministry for youth girls titled You-Nique Girls. God lit my soul on fire for those girls and I prayed for them and desired they know God in a real and personal way. It's still one of the reasons I do this podcast. Moms (and dads) can influence kids in such monumental ways, but we can't be afraid to take on the giant of cultural lies that invade almost every aspect of our children's lives. My guest today, Julie Loos, shares why she and Mama Bear Apologetics founder, Hillary Morgan Ferrar, share a passion for teaching moms how to equip their children to learn how to defend their faith. They saw the alarming statistics of the number of kids leaving their beliefs and wanted to take action. As Julie says in this interview, "There's a lot we can do as parents to help our kids be solid in their faith." In this episode Julie shares a wealth of information, starting with a simple definition of apologetics, weaving in her story of mistakes she made as a mom, defining the "chew and spit" method to help your kids discern what's right and wrong and ending with a plethora of resources to equip moms to learn how to teach their children how to stand up for their beliefs, including Julie and Hillary's newest book, Honest Prayers for Mama Bears. She even reads one of the powerful prayers in the book titled, Raising Dragon Slayers in an Era of Dragons that will inspire you to persevere in our post-Christian culture. This interview will give you so many practical tools to lead your kids, from preschool through college, to a stronger faith in our upside-down world. Go to CarolRoper.org/podcast for shownotes and links to resources
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Breaking the Cycle: Transforming Anger into Love in Parenting with Jennifer Sakata
05/14/2024
Breaking the Cycle: Transforming Anger into Love in Parenting with Jennifer Sakata
You can't go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending. This is a quote from C.S. Lewis my guest, Jennifer Sakata, shares that fits her own life story. Having grown up with an alcoholic mother and stepdad she didn't understand that her family life was dysfunctional. Not until she began to notice that her friends' families functioned much differently than her own. But when she became a teen, she and her little sister were removed from that environment. Unfortunately, the sisters were separated, each going to live with their respective grandparents. Only then did Jennifer begin to understand the difference between a house and a home. Because of her upbringing, the habits of her own mother began to manifest in her when Jennifer had her own children, and she made a decision not to raise her boys the same way she'd been brought up. She also shares how she finally met her biological father when she was in her forties and how God brought a wonderful relationship from that. Jennifer has lived through a lot of difficulty in her life but because she intentionally decided to break the cycle from her own childhood, she transformed her anger into love. And she shares some of the practical ways she was able to do that in this episode. Y'all are truly going to enjoy hearing Jennifer's story. Go to carolroper.org/podcast for shownotes
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Celebrating My 100th Episode with My Husband and Kids: John, Elise and Jacob
04/30/2024
Celebrating My 100th Episode with My Husband and Kids: John, Elise and Jacob
Welcome to the 100th episode of the Building Strong Homes Podcast! What an amazing ride it has been to get this far, and I want to thank all of my listeners for showing up each episode! So, I thought it would be fun to introduce you to my husband, John, and our children, Elise and Jacob, and have them share some of their stories from growing up on the farm. I ask each of them share their thoughts on what it means to build their faith and what kind of legacy they want to leave. John even shares a story I'd never heard before about being put in a police car and hauled off to be interrogated! This was while we were married, y'all! How did the kids know this story and I didn't?? I know this episode is a little different, but I hope our conversation will encourage you as you journey to build your own strong home and family. And don't forget, every episode is now on YouTube so you can see how we interact as well as listen. There's a link below that will take you to the YouTube channel. And I'd love for you to like and subscribe so you'll be updated with every episode. There are also links below to the two previous episodes Elise was on so you can hear a little more of her story. And if you don't follow me on Facebook or Instagram, I hope you'll head over there and follow Building Strong Homes. I'll be sharing more reels and fun stuff about my family over there. Once again, thanks for being a part of this podcast community and remember to keep building strong!
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Miracles in the Journey: Navigating Faith Through Four Battles with Cancer with Lori Margo
04/15/2024
Miracles in the Journey: Navigating Faith Through Four Battles with Cancer with Lori Margo
"Faith is the refusal to panic." This quote by Dennis Rainey had a profound impact on Lori Margo as she walked through her difficult journey with cancer. Because her own mother had been diagnosed with cancer at the same age Lori received her first diagnosis and passed away two short years later, she had every reason to panic. But as she walked her own path, she realized that if you're going to believe the Bible, you've got to believe the whole Bible. After Lori finally beat her cancer, she lost her dad to the same horrible disease, and even though she told others God had been with her through that hard season, she began to question if that were actually true. So, she decided to start keeping track of God's goodness in the midst of pain. When she sat down to write she immediately came up with 30 instances of how God had been with her in the loss of her father. That started her on a quest to look for God in all of the difficult seasons in her life and she began what she now calls tracking God. She not only does it in her own life, but in her children's as well. And now she teaches others how to track God through their own hard stories. Lori is an inspiration of faith and hope and I know her story will point you in the direction of finding God in the hard, too. For shownotes go to CarolRoper.org/podcast
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How One Woman's Purpose Led to Connecting Women with God with Mandy Hood
04/01/2024
How One Woman's Purpose Led to Connecting Women with God with Mandy Hood
Have you ever wondered if God had something specific for you to do? That maybe you missed your calling, or you don't know what your purpose is? I think all of us at least once in our lives have questioned, "What am I here for?" or "Is there an assignment you have for me God?" Mandy Hood, a self-described introvert, felt God calling her to become involved in helping at a crisis pregnancy center years ago and stepped into a volunteer role. Several years later she felt God leading her to leave her job as an office administrator after 24 years and took a job in that crisis pregnancy center. That career shift led to a one-third cut in her family income. Even though she was terrified, she knew she needed to be obedient. During her time and that position she learned new skills for what God had for her next: create a program to bring women together. Today, is a thriving community-based ministry designed to connect women with each other and God. They offer fun social activities, Bible studies, small groups and a mentoring program that is conducive to welcome Chrisitan women and women who may not have a relationship with God. This organization exists and impacts the lives of so many today. My prayer is that her story will encourage you to step into your calling too. Links to Resources Check out Mandy's books, and
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Hope for Widows and the People Who Love Them with Marilyn Nutter
03/19/2024
Hope for Widows and the People Who Love Them with Marilyn Nutter
Did you know the average age of a widow is 59? And there are eleven million widows in the United States with 1000 women becoming widowed every day?? This is a sobering topic none of us likes to think about, but the truth is, because it's so prevalent, we need to talk about it. Marilyn Nutter suddenly became a widow twelve years ago after 42 years of marriage and knows first-hand that widowhood is an uncomfortable the topic. But she also knows that there are many women out there, like herself, who are hurting and looking for resources to help. Because of this, she's written a book, Hope for Widows: Reflections on Mourning, Living and Change. She wrote it for two groups of people: widows and those who know and love widows. It's a valuable source of encouragement and comfort as widows adjust to their new normal and reimagine an active life with purpose in their future. She also gives practical tips on how to interact with widows in a way that lifts them up and provides much needed help. And she shares her secret to learning how to do things her husband used to take care of. We also talk a little about how to be better prepared if something does happen to your husband. Marilynn has acquired a lot of hard-earned wisdom over the last twelve years and wants to share that wisdom with you so that your load won't be quite as heavy to carry. Resources Order Marilyn's book, Find out more about Marilyn and check out additional resources at Watch on YouTube Related Episodes
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How to Welcome Others into Your Home Without Stressing Out with Sue Donaldson
03/05/2024
How to Welcome Others into Your Home Without Stressing Out with Sue Donaldson
Is hospitality something that doesn't come easy for you? Are you always worried about how clean (or messy!) your home is? Or that you can't cook? Or that you just don't know how to entertain? My guest today, Sue Donaldson, is the queen of hospitality and she's here to help. Yes, she grew up with a mother who loved welcoming people into their home, but Sue's grandmother, her mom's mom, never invited people in. In spite of that, she decided she wanted to learn how to be hospitable and did just that. Now, because of her mother's influence, Sue's gift of hospitality is second nature for her. But she's learned that it's not about a clean house or even entertaining, it's about serving others. Pinterest and Instagram have skewed our ideas of hospitality, but Sue has so many practical and creative suggestions about how to make it easy for you. She also talks about how being a mother of young children is like living on a desert island (amen!) and how important it is to have a community of other moms around you and one of the best ways to do that is by inviting those moms in. Yes, welcoming people past the threshold of your front door can be vulnerable, but it can also be very rewarding. We also talk about mentoring and a secret to make it easier for both the mentor and the mentee. And Sue has some great free resources she'll share at the end of our interview. You'll be excited to start welcoming people into your home after you listen to this episode.
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Blueprints for Raising Boys to be Godly Men with Erin and Jason Davis
02/20/2024
Blueprints for Raising Boys to be Godly Men with Erin and Jason Davis
As the mother of a son, I understand the challenges of raising boys to become good and godly men. When my son was young, I was always second guessing myself and wishing I had a blueprint to help me, and my husband know the best way to lead him down the right path towards manhood. This episode is a resource I wish was available then. My guests today, Erin and Jason Davis, parents of four boys themselves, have recently released their book, Lies Boys Believe: And the Epic Quest for Truth. In this episode they share why giving our boys a foundation based on truth will help them navigate our difficult culture, how we should encourage our sons to have hearts that please God, not just behave in a way they won't get caught, as well as developing a no-secrets family. I also asked several moms of boys if they had questions for the Davis's and they had some great ones! Erin and Jason were so gracious to answer as many as they could and so this episode is a little longer than most. But I know you're probably struggling with some of these same questions, so I wanted to make sure we addressed them. They have so many practical ideas on how to connect with boys that I know you're going to come away from this episode better equipped and more confident to be the best boy parent you can be. Check out the show notes at CarolRoper.org/podcast
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The Bright Side of Darkness with Brant Hansen
02/06/2024
The Bright Side of Darkness with Brant Hansen
Is the current status of our world, nation and maybe even your community getting you down? Do some days make you wonder if you’ll ever experience joy again because there’s so much hard in your life right now? My guest today, Brant Hansen, will help us look at the bright side of things by turning our focus to all of the good that is around us. And y’all, I can’t believe this, but I called him by the wrong name a couple of times in this interview and he wouldn’t let me edit that out! Brant has a humble and empathetic heart and an amazing sense of humor that allows him to share stories from his own life that encourage and lift people up. One of my favorite quotes from this episode is when Brant says, “Maybe we need to all learn how to be awkward. It’s not the worst thing in the world. I could survive that.” He shares many of his awkward moments to prove he knows what he’s talking about. So, let’s learn to get over ourselves and experience joy in the hard.
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Tackling Tough Topics: Mental Health, Porn and Politics with Mike Novotny
01/23/2024
Tackling Tough Topics: Mental Health, Porn and Politics with Mike Novotny
Mike Novotny is not one to run from tough topics. As a matter of fact, he's even written a book about it called Taboo: Topics Christians Should be Talking About but Don't. Sounds pretty intriguing, right? In this episode we dive into topics that deal with mental health, suicide, pornography and politics. Mike also shares some of his personal struggles as well. I appreciate the fact that Mike isn't just sharing his opinions about these hot-button issues, but that he goes straight to the Bible to share what God says about them. I hope this episode will encourage you to not shy away from tough topics and stand strong on God's word for answers to tough questions.
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How Death, Debt and Comedy Led to a Life of Faith with Molly Stillman
01/09/2024
How Death, Debt and Comedy Led to a Life of Faith with Molly Stillman
Molly Stillman has lived the type of life that when shared, people stop in their tracks and ask, “Wait, what happened?” Molly’s mother, Lynda Van Devanter Buckley served as an Army nurse during the Vietnam War and wrote the bestselling memoir, Home Before Morning. When Molly was seventeen, Lynda passed away after an eight-year battle with an autoimmune disorder due to her exposure to Agent Orange. Four years later, Molly turned twenty-one and unexpectedly inherited a quarter of a million dollars from her mother’s estranged family’s estate. Through “retail therapy” and a long series of grossly irresponsible financial decisions, Molly found herself broke with over $36,000 in credit card debt less than two years later. Shame, guilt, and embarrassment set in. Listen in as Molly shares her journey to faith as she worked her way out of debt and reveals how every messed up, broken story has a purpose. She now helps others through podcasting, speaking and her new book coming out in March, If I Don't Laugh, I'll Cry: How Death, Debt and Comedy Led to a Life of Faith, Farming and Forgetting What I Came into This Room For.
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Finding Your Purpose in the Empty Nest Years with Ruthie Gray
11/28/2023
Finding Your Purpose in the Empty Nest Years with Ruthie Gray
The empty nest years can feel like a season of losing our purpose, especially as a mom. When the kids leave home many of us are plunged into feelings of loss and grief, not knowing how to handle the extra time and conversations with our spouse. Ruthie Gray has been there and feels so passionately about ministering to women in this phase of life that she wrote a book, Empty Nest Awakening: Weaving the Threads of Your Passion into Purpose. As a mother of four adult children, Ruthie has walked her own journey through the empty nest and has learned a lot about how we can grow and be filled with purpose once the kids leave home. She also addresses the pains of being in the sandwich generation as well as ideas on how to connect with your spouse when it's just the two of you again. Ruthie is funny and practical and has a lot of great wisdom to share. You'll walk away from this conversation with a renewed perspective of the empty nest and be excited to forge ahead into the future God has for you. Find shownotes at CarolRoper.org/Podcast
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Protecting Your Marriage from an Affair with Amber Albee Swenson
11/14/2023
Protecting Your Marriage from an Affair with Amber Albee Swenson
In this episode my guest, Amber Albee Swenson, shares practical tips that are really simple to incorporate into your relationship with your spouse, as well as warning signs that show you might be in dangerous territory with someone outside of your marriage. Amber has lots of great wisdom including this: "There's a woman out there who would be thrilled with your husband. So, stop being critical [of him]. Being critical is not a spiritual gift." That's a good word we need to frequently be reminded of.
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Finding Hope After Loss with Mike Nappa
10/31/2023
Finding Hope After Loss with Mike Nappa
One of the struggles that hit every family in some way is when you lose someone you love. Today's guest, Mike Nappa, lost his beloved wife, Amy, to cancer in 2016. In the years since her passing God has helped him to learn why grieving is such an important part of losing a loved one and how He's taught him how to grieve well. This is one of the most touching and informative interviews I've done. Mike has such a heart for those who are walking their own grief journey, and he truly wants to help those who are hurting as well as those who are trying to be there for them and understand their pain and what they need. He shares what one friend does for him every year on the anniversary of his wife's death (which, by the way is September 11) and why that has helped him to not only grieve that day well but also to look forward to it. Mike also talks about how his then three-year-old granddaughter struggled with her own grief and how one teacher recognized and helped her deal with her grief in the middle of a meltdown. He also gives wise advice to someone who is in the depth of despair in their grief journey. Before I interviewed Mike, I asked my mom if she had any questions she'd like me to ask him since she's not quite three years out from losing my dad. He was genuinely happy to answer her question. Mike truly is one of the nicest guys I've ever had the pleasure of talking to and I know our conversation will be a blessing to you. For more information and resources go to CarolRoper.org/podcast Mike's book, Reflections for the Grieving Soul: Meditations and Scripture for Finding Hope After Loss
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Protecting Our Children in the Classroom from the Culture's Agenda with Katie J. Trent
10/17/2023
Protecting Our Children in the Classroom from the Culture's Agenda with Katie J. Trent
Does this sound familiar? You've been told to simply trust that the school system has your child's mental well-being covered. But what happens when that trust results in your child feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or lost in the education system? The pain of watching your child struggle while being told to just wait it out can be unbearable. It's time to take action and discover effective strategies to support your child's mental health in the school system, so they can thrive academically and emotionally. In this episode my guest, Katie J. Trent, shares why she is a passionate advocate for children's mental health in the school system. With a background in counseling and ministry, Katie brings a wealth of experience and insight to the challenges children face today. Having worked as an elementary school counselor, she witnessed firsthand the impact of the highly politicized agenda on children's well-being. Katie is dedicated to empowering parents with the knowledge and tools to navigate these challenges and create a nurturing environment for their children's mental health. Her new book, "Recipes for a Sweet Child," offers creative and Bible-based activities that foster emotional well-being. With her expertise and genuine care for children, Katie is a trusted resource for parents seeking to support their child's mental health in the school system.
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Uncovering Your Purpose: How Melissa Roberts Found Her Calling to Serve Others
10/03/2023
Uncovering Your Purpose: How Melissa Roberts Found Her Calling to Serve Others
If you're feeling frustrated and discouraged because your efforts to serve others are not producing the desired result, then you are not alone! Perhaps you have been tirelessly volunteering your time, but still witnessing little impact. Maybe you have been pouring your heart into a cause, only to face constant setbacks and obstacles. Whatever the case may be, know that many others have experienced this same pain, and there is hope for a breakthrough in your journey of serving others. Melissa Roberts is an incredible woman who has devoted her life to uplifting and nurturing others. As the founder and CEO of Rahab's Women and Children Home in Griffin, Georgia, Melissa exudes compassion and a deep desire to create a better world. She is a dedicated wife, a loving mother of six children, and a strong advocate for the importance of good family values. Through her determination and sheer will, Melissa has implemented a twelve-month program for homeless mothers, equipping them with essential life skills. Her uncompromised dedication to instilling biblical principles and creating solid foundations for these families is truly inspirational. **Since we recorded this episode Melissa has encountered an issue. They were set up by a nonprofit CEO to lease a house from him and things were going well. Then he passed away and God told Melissa it was time to find another home. Little did she know that only weeks later the new CEO would be asking them to leave so she could live in the home. She believes it is a God mission for his family to come together and help relocate the five families that live in Rahab’s. When she learned they had to move, she told God what she wanted, and He's is doing it! They immediately contacted a realtor friend in the area and two weeks later, a property surfaced that he thought would be perfect for us, and it is. It's almost 5 acres, with two houses on the property that will house their families. But the houses need some work and Melissa is working on getting supplies and things donated and volunteer labor to get it ready. So, they need financial help. Their move in cost is $4400 and, so they won’t have to deplete their account, they need to raise that amount plus moving cost and repairs in the home in order to make these homes into what they need for their Rahab families. If you feel led to give, would you please go to to donate. You will be investing in women who are willing to work hard and want to create a better life for themselves and their families.** Every individual, no matter their background or circumstances, deserves a life of abundance. We want to help shift their mindset and help them see themselves how God sees them, so they can create a sustainable lifestyle and bless the next generation. - Melissa Roberts Go to carolroper.org for show notes
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Unmasking the Transgender Agenda for Your Family with Marcia Moston
09/19/2023
Unmasking the Transgender Agenda for Your Family with Marcia Moston
In a world where children's literature seemed innocent and free from controversy, Marcia Moston's journey took an unexpected turn. As she embarked on her role as a library board member, little did she know that she would stumble upon a hidden truth. The prevalence of gender identity ideology in those beloved books shook her to the core, shattering her perception of what was safe for children. But it was a chance encounter with a frail individual who had undergone a life-altering transition that deepened her longing for answers. And now, she realizes her quest is far from over. Marcia is a dear friend with a vibrant personality who, beyond her teaching prowess and literary finesse, has delved into a realm not commonly her playing field. Fortified with years of experience as an English educator as well as a storyteller, Marcia has used her convincing wit to voice her concerns about the sweeping wave of gender identity ideologies affecting our youth. She has bravely accepted to navigate this controversial territory with the sole intent to help educate parents wading through the unsettling tide. Her empathetic nature coupled with an educator's understanding makes her a reliable compass on this voyage. Kids want help and hope. We need to be there for them, navigating through the challenges and providing support. - Marcia Moston Go to CarolRoper.org/podcast for show notes and more resources
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Purposefooled: Why Chasing Your Dreams, Finding Your Calling and Reaching for Greatness Will Never be Enough with Kelly Needham
09/05/2023
Purposefooled: Why Chasing Your Dreams, Finding Your Calling and Reaching for Greatness Will Never be Enough with Kelly Needham
In a world defined by the pursuit of greatness and recognition, one woman dared to challenge the norms. Kelly Needham's captivating journey unfolds, revealing an unexpected twist she didn't anticipate. As she grapples with her identity and insecurities amidst her husband's soaring success, an internal dialogue sparks, questioning the meaning of it all. She discovers how we as a society have been fooled into chasing meaning and purpose in all the wrong places, identifies the source of our hunger for the extraordinary and shows us the steps we can take today to build a purpose-filled reality without turning our lives upside-down. Kelly Needham, an author and Bible teacher, is an inspiring personality who lives in the bustling city of Dallas, Texas. Kelly, a mother to five wonderful children, uses her experiences to motivate others to find true contentedness beyond societal expectations. Her book, 'Purposefooled', is a testament to her realizations and learnings about how a meaningful life is not defined by external recognition but by the individual's internal sense of fulfillment. Go to CarolRoper.org/podcast for resources and free Puposefooled Going Deeper Guide
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The Life-Changing Difference Belonging Can Make with Daniel Grothe
08/22/2023
The Life-Changing Difference Belonging Can Make with Daniel Grothe
In the heartland of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Daniel Grothe grew up enveloped in the loving embrace of a pastor's home. Faith and community were his foundation, guiding him through life's ups and downs. But it was the unexpected twist that awaited him in Colorado Springs that would truly test his understanding of stability. Little did he know, the purchase of a piece of land would not only connect him to his childhood memories on his grandparents' ranch in Idaho, but it would also reveal a deeper purpose - one that would forever alter the course of his life. Daniel's narrative paints a vivid picture of connectedness, place, and stability. Taking cues from his grandparents, who lived in the same small town in Idaho for 86 years, he emphasizes the importance of belonging in a community and sustaining deep roots. He shares how location greatly impacts our sense of self-value and how living in a place for a long period allows us to forge deep relationships and develop a sense of community. This sense of belonging can tremendously enhance our self-value, reinforcing the idea that we are significant and valued members of our community. His perspectives are sure to challenge your thoughts and provide fresh insights. We are living in a human experiment for the first time in human history... living as tourists instead of as members of a place we're passing through. - Daniel Grothe Loneliness is worse for our health than smoking a pack of cigarettes a day. - Daniel Grothe
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Infertility, Quadruplets, Loss and Parenting a Special Needs Child:
08/08/2023
Infertility, Quadruplets, Loss and Parenting a Special Needs Child:
Brittany Roper is a woman of unyielding resilience and enduring faith who is an example of positivity amidst the many trying circumstances she's experienced. Her life journey, which includes triumph through fertility issues, the complex realities of raising special needs children, and the heartbreaking loss of a child, as well as her own battle with breast cancer, paints a raw and touching picture of both the adversities and joys of life. As a devoted mother, her incredible story is a testament to her unbroken spirit and steadfast faith, finding strength and gratitude amidst the chaos of everyday life.
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Embracing Joy in Life: Lessons from Carol McLeod on Finding Happiness Amidst Challenges
07/25/2023
Embracing Joy in Life: Lessons from Carol McLeod on Finding Happiness Amidst Challenges
If you're feeling overwhelmed by your suffering and finding no relief in your current efforts to overcome it, such as seeking professional help or relying solely on your own strength, then you are not alone! In this episode, you will be able to: Discover how leading with integrity trumps emotional reactions when steering the leadership helm. Adopt faith and worship as essential tools for enduring during tough times, inspired by real-life stories. Learn from Joseph and Peter's epic undertakings as chief examples of overcoming life's adversities. Realize the liberating force of the spoken word of God and ponder on its relevance in day-to-day life. Immerse yourself in the joy of classic Christian literature and embrace outdoor activities as meditations on God's creation. My special guest is Carol McLeod Step into the sphere of faith with Carol McLeod, a woman whose sole purpose lies in communicating the timeless truths of Scripture. As a mother, a grandmother, and a woman of faith, Carol has spent years finding strength and peace in the teachings of the Bible. Her drive to kindle a ray of hope in the hearts of the disheartened led her to write inspiring Bible studies. Sharing from her own experiences of pain and loss, Carol offers a powerful testimony that even on life's darkest days, God's love and faithfulness shine through. The resources mentioned in this episode are: Join Carol McLeod's Bible study: Timeless based on the book of First Peter. Visit Carol McLeod's website at Carolmcleodministries.com for more information on her books, podcasts, TV show, and blog. Email Carol at [email protected] to join the private prayer group Warrior Moms for mothers with prodigal children or those who have been cut off by their grown children. Purchase Carol McLeod's book, Meanwhile, which focuses on the life of Joseph and offers insights on living well in the midst of devastation. Explore the concept of finding purpose in pain and how God can use evil for good by reading Genesis 50:20 and reflecting on Joseph's story. Consider attending Carol Roper's retreat at The Cove, Operation Restoration, which draws inspiration from the restoration of Joseph and his family. Reflect on the hope and strength found in the Bible and seek comfort in knowing that God is with you in your deepest moments of pain. Pray for your children, especially if they have strayed from their faith, using fighting scriptures such as John's promise that God hears
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The Joys and Challenges of Raising a Special Needs Child with Lynn Blackburn
07/11/2023
The Joys and Challenges of Raising a Special Needs Child with Lynn Blackburn
If you or someone you know and love has a special needs child or adult in their life then you are going to love hearing Lynn Blackburn's story about her sweet daughter, Emma. Emma was diagnosed with Rubinstein-Taybi Syndrome when she was a baby and Lynn says that having a child with a disability rocked her world, but God was both patient and faithful as she and her husband, Brian, wrestled with their new reality. Being Emma's mom has changed her in ways she never could have imagined. On this episode Lynn shares the joys and challenges of raising a child with special needs into adulthood. Emma is now 20 years old, and Lynn tells what the next chapter of life will look like for her and their family. She also shares practical takeaways and some guilt-free advice for taking care of special needs children to adulthood and beyond. Lynn is the author of ten Christian romantic suspense books, homeschools her boys and loves sharing stories of her family life to encourage other parents navigating their own family challenges.
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Redefining Priorities: Insights on Faith, Family and Purpose with Kara Stott
06/27/2023
Redefining Priorities: Insights on Faith, Family and Purpose with Kara Stott
Today's guest is the author of one of my most favorite books, An Intentional Life: A Life-Giving Invitation to Uncover Your Passions and Unlock Your Purpose. I was so excited when Kara Stott quickly agreed to be on the podcast, and we became fast friends. She's passionate about connecting women and helping them grow in their relationship with the Lord, to understand their calling and to step out into the things God has asked them to do. But after working so hard building up her Pursuit Ministry, at what looked like the pinnacle of her success, God called her to lay it all down. Through that act of obedience, she began to understand what the really important things in life are. This book talks about her journey to live an intentional life that honors God, your family, your church, community and yourself. One of my favorite observations she talks about in this episode is when she says, "If Jesus spent 30 years in family and three years in ministry... we have this all backward." That was an eye-opening statement for me. Kara also shares her heart for the family table, her husband's struggle with PTSD and one of the fun things she and her husband do to keep their marriage fresh and focused on each other. We cover so much good stuff in this episode I know you'll walk away with lots of new ways to live an intentional life.
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Learning to Love God's Word with Erica Wiggenhorn
06/13/2023
Learning to Love God's Word with Erica Wiggenhorn
Erica Wiggenhorn used to be afraid to read her Bible. When she first became a Christian, she was told by her youth leader she needed to read her Bible in order to grow closer to Jesus. But whenever she tried reading it, she felt like she was reading a foreign language. So she avoided her Bible and Bible studies for years, until a friend drug her to a study. And it changed her life. Once she began realizing how powerful God's word is her appetite for Bible reading grew exponentially. So much so that she began teaching Bible studies and how now written numerous studies, including her most recent one Unexpected Revival: Experiencing God's Goodness Through Disappointment and Doubt, a study through the book of Ezekial. Erica says, "There is power in [the Bible]. There is power in this word. It is alive. It is active. And it does something in us when we open it." Erica's heart for Jesus and others shines bright in our conversation. Show notes: Carolroper.org/podcast Erica's website Ericawiggenhorn.com
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How to Successfully Raise a Strong-Willed Child with Cynthia Tobias
05/30/2023
How to Successfully Raise a Strong-Willed Child with Cynthia Tobias
Cynthia Tobias has been on my bucket list since before I started this podcast because of the work she's done teaching about the strong-willed child. Her book, You Can't Make Me: But I Can Be Persuaded, was a key influence in helping me raise my strong-willed daughter, Elise. Before I knew how to handle her stubborn temperament, I would frequently end up frustrated and in a puddle of tears. But once I learned some of the tools and tips Cynthia shares, it became easier for me to understand how to get Elise to cooperate more (hint: it doesn't involve getting angry or raising your voice). In this episode Cynthia shares, Three Quick Ways to Recognize and deal with Your Strong-Willed Child, Teen or Adult, as well as the magic word you can use that almost always works to get a strong-willed person to cooperate and where you can find immediate free resources like The Strong-Willed Child Emergency Kit. I know you'll be so encouraged with Cynthia's solid advice on helping guide your strong-willed child. As she states in this episode," It's a compliment that God gave us to have a strong-willed child... When they're born, they don't have any idea how to use it. It's up to us to help guide it, shape it, and form it and let God use it." You're going to want to thank Cynthia after hearing this episode.
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The Dream That Led to New Day Recovery with Heather Millsaps and Leslie Hawkins
05/16/2023
The Dream That Led to New Day Recovery with Heather Millsaps and Leslie Hawkins
Heather Millsaps and Leslie Hawkins are two of the co-founders of New Day Recovery in Fountain Inn, S.C. Both ladies and their husbands have incredible testimonies of how God delivered their husbands from drug and alcohol addiction and saved their marriages. Leslie's husband, Stephen, has epilepsy and suffered a seizure that resulted in him having brain surgery that exacerbated his existing drug and alcohol addiction. Heather's husband, Glenn, had a shoulder injury that resulted in him becoming dependent on painkillers. Both of these families walked a difficult road to recovery and, after the healing came, Leslie had a recurring dream about helping people recover from addiction. After having the dream several times, she finally shared it with her husband, who shared it with one of their church pastors, who in turn encouraged them to start a ministry. Heather, who wasn't aware of Leslie's dreams, responded in an act of obedience from a Sunday morning message saying she felt she needed to help people seeking recovery. Once these ladies and their husbands, along with two other couples, Nick and Wimberly Cox and John and Megan Phillips, got together they created New Day Recovery with the help of Capstone Church. Megan, by the way, was on episode #73 and Laura Barrineau, who is also mentioned in this episode, was my guest in episode #72. I hope you'll listen to their stories as well. You're going to love Leslie and Heather and their hearts for helping individuals and families in their recovery journey. When you're going through something hard, it's such a comfort to have someone come alongside you and say, "I understand, I've been there too. I can help." That's what this group is doing. If you or someone you love struggles with addiction, I pray this episode will give you practical ways to find hope and healing.
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From Marine to Movie Maker: The Journey to Creating the Movie, His Only Son with David Helling
05/02/2023
From Marine to Movie Maker: The Journey to Creating the Movie, His Only Son with David Helling
Today on the podcast I'm thrilled to introduce you to writer/director David Helling. David wrote and directed the recently released to theaters movie His Only Son. We had a great conversation about his journey into film making and I asked why he wanted to share this story of when God asked Abraham to sacrifice his only son, Isaac, David said when he lived in San Fransisco while attending film school that time and time again this story would be a point of contention. Not only did he see non-believers have an issue with this passage, but he also saw believers not knowing how to answer it. The movie beautifully shares Abraham and Sara's struggle through the years of longing for a son as Abraham and Isaac make the three-day journey to Mount Moriah. His only Son received a 72% rating from the Angel Guild-- the group of over 64,000 Angel Studio crowd funders who review and greenlight creator projects. This is one of the highest scores ever given. David is a U.S. Marine corp. veteran whose time in the deserts of Iraq was the impetus for the film. He shares in this interview how he'd have to spend nights in the desert near where the biblical story of Daniel took place and the effect that had on him and his relationship with God and His word. I found David to be a genuine person who loves the Lord and wants to lead others to read and study the scriptures for themselves, so they'll grow in their relationship with Christ too. I know you're going to enjoy getting to know the man behind the movie.
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