Heather MacFadyen, mother of four boys, interviews guests discussing the topic of staying God-centered...both replacing "me" with "He" and remembering we are centered in Him. /

Heather MacFadyen, mother of four boys, interviews guests discussing the topic of staying God-centered...both replacing "me" with "He" and remembering we are centered in Him. /

I don’t know about you, but how I rate myself in the “mom department” varies greatly day by day, minute by minute. A wave of feeling pretty awesome can be quickly followed by feelings of failure. When I’m at a low point, it is nice to call a mom with older children and get encouragement, perspective and wisdom.

Because sometimes my feelings are based on a true problem and I need a little guidance on how to approach my boys differently.

Sometimes my feelings are based on lies and I need a little truth-telling to get my eyes refocused.

For today’s podcast I’ve invited Leslie Johnson (SurseeGal.com) back for a group pep talk. Leslie is the lovely mom to four grown boys. She speaks life and truth. I’m so thankful for her consistent investment in my mothering.

I wanted y’all to listen in on one of our typical conversations. Get a taste of what a phone call would sound like (except in this case we know you are listening and may even refer to you as “listeners”…besides that). And just like a real phone call with Leslie, I’m all over the board asking a variety of questions.

Today we cover three main topics (with the occasional rabbit trail…):

• Tips for the mom who gets angry with her kids (amen.)
• Ideas for reading aloud books–the “when”, “where”, “how”, and “what”
• How to handle the feeling of everyone needing you at once

Show Notes:

• September McCarthy-Hope for the Struggling Mom Podcast
• Kat Lee’s interview with Chrystal Evans Hurst
• Life in a Medieval Castle and Village Coloring Book (Dover History Coloring Book)(after our talk about Dover coloring books, I realized I’ve bought lots of these from Whole Earth Provision. I’m sure they are at your local book store. Or click the link and check some out on Amazon).
• Colossians 3

Leslie’s suggested read-aloud books *:

• Anne of Green Gables, A Little Princess, The Secret Garden (yes, for boys, too!)
• Caddie Woodlawn
   
• Usborne picture books-The Usborne Book of Knowledge (Children’s World), The Usborne Book of World History (Picture World), The Usborne Science Encyclopedia
  
• Lloyd Alexander The Chronicles of Prydain Boxed Set
  

   
  –High King, Black Cauldron, Castle of Llyr
• Gone-Away Lake (Gone-Away Lake Booksby Elizabeth Enright (we’ve read The Saturdays by E. Enright & it was wonderful!).
• Read Aloud Bible Stories: Volume 1
  by E. Lindvell
• Billy And Blaze
  by C.W. Anderson (there is a series of these books)

*If reading via email, click to blog post to get book links (amazon affiliate).

**For those of you who struggle with anger/yelling and want to focus on getting it under control, the MOB Society just launched a new private FB group called “No More Angry MOB”. It’s a place for moms to gather and know they are not alone and for strategies to change habits, be encouraged, etc. Within the first 24 hours of launching, 1,000 moms had signed up. You are not alone. You can find me there!

Also, last week September McCarthy wrote a couple of great posts on the topic of anger. Find them here:

• The Crazy Lunatic Yeller Mom
• There is Hope for the Yelling Mom

If you could talk to Leslie on the phone, what would you ask her?

(may even be used on a future podcast. . . wink wink).

God kinda rocks my world. In a good way.

Here’s where I get bossy . . . –> Do. not. miss. today’s podcast seriously.

To back up a second. . . I first met Julie in college. We weren’t besties, but at a small Christian school, ya kinda “know” everyone. Especially since we graduated the same year and had a common friend.

Fast forward to last November (2013) when I saw Julie’s face in my Instagram feed and I asked the question, “Did you go to Taylor University?” That simple comment was one stone in the path God took Julie, releasing her from the spiritual desert she found herself.

Only God.

In this episode listen to:

• Julie share about serving in a church for over a decade eventually leading to burn out.
• How she cried out, “God, I don’t know what you’re doing? Have you forgotten about me?”
• How God used a creative season & a craft show to connect she and I
• How Julie found godly, authentic community via social media
• What happened when she waited for God to reveal His perfect plan to use her gifts
• The exciting creative discipleship retreats Julie is facilitating for young women

Connect with Julie:

Twitter :: Instagram :: Facebook

Check out Julie’s amazing Breathe Retreat (and register) –> Click Here 

Check out Julie’s awesome Etsy shop (paper flowers) :: Julie Lynn Design –> Click Here

Check out the incredible Creative Discipleship Kits :: $20/each :: Ephesians Devotional (Identity in Christ), creative swag & instructions :: Follow Julie on social media for more details or Email her at julielynndesign@gmail.com .

Show Notes:

• Taylor University (servant leadership)
• Mike Romero Music
• “Spiritual Depression” by David Martyn Lloyd-Jones 
• “When Darkness will not lift” by John Piper
• “A million little ways” by Emily Freeman
• Lara Casey  :: Power Sheets

Questions to consider:

Have you ever been burnt out from ministry? Had a “desert” experience?

What activities bring you joy?

Have you considered using those gifts/talents/joys in a unique way to minister to others?

Please share your story of discovering joy through a ministry sweet spot in the comments below!

(for real)