Fear and anxiety among moms today is rampant. In the emails we receive, the churches we visit, and with the moms Karen speaks to- fear is a big deal. Today Karen teaches us a powerful verse and reminds us to fight fear with the truth of God’s Word.

Episode Recap:

5:32 - Generally speaking, moms these days are incredibly fearful

6:23 - If fear does not come from God, where is it coming from?

8:27 - I want to trust my family to watch my kids, but feel like I should be scared of letting others watch them based on what I hear in society

12:12 - Help! I worry about all the “what ifs” in life

16:23 - Every evening my anxiety spikes and fear persists

19:33 - My son struggles with fear and I find it hard to understand or be compassionate

Questions for Discussion:

1. Do you struggle with fear in your life? Have you ever contemplated 2 Timothy 1:7 “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”?
2. Do you truly believe that God loves your child and is actively pursuing your child’s heart?
3. How can you fight fear with the Word of God this week? Some ideas: memorize it, write it out and post it around your home, play worship music, etc.
4. How are you praying for your child and your home this week?

Resources:

• 2 Timothy 1:7: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+tim+1%3A7&version=ESV
• Sissy Goff’s The Worry-Free Parent: https://amzn.to/3QcTp5e
• Want to bring Karen to speak in your community? Reach out: www.birdsonwiremoms.com/invite

Connect with Birds on a Wire Moms on Instagram: www.instagram.com/birdsonawiremoms and Facebook: www.facebook.com/birdsonawiremoms

May is coming moms - and it’s full of school commitments, parties, end of year events and more. Today we’re talking about what you can do before the chaos begins to prepare yourself and your family for a more peaceful May.

Episode Recap:

7:36 - You can’t do everything for everybody

10:58 - Find the beauty in letting your Senior go

12:50 - Stay present and enjoy it!

16:25 - Find time for self-care

18:53 - Involve your husband in the to-do list

Questions for Discussion:

1. What does your calendar look like as you look ahead to May? What can you do this week to protect your time and account for the busyness ahead?
2. From 0-10, how are you doing with self-care right now? What little things can you incorporate into your day and week that help you feel like you?
3. When was the last time you spent time alone praying and reading your Bible or just connecting with God? Can you make time for that this week?

Resources:

• Karen’s 365 day devotional for moms: https://store.birdsonawiremoms.com/collections/accessories/products/copy-of-moments-with-god-for-moms-daily-devotional-faux-leather
• Related episode: Preparing Your Senior for College - https://birdsonawiremoms.com/podcast/episode158
• Want to bring Karen to speak in your community? Reach out: www.birdsonwiremoms.com/invite
• Connect with Birds on a Wire Moms on Instagram: www.instagram.com/birdsonawiremoms and Facebook: www.facebook.com/birdsonawiremoms

Today Courtney DeFeo, host of the Pardon the Mess podcast and a dear friend of Karen’s joins us to talk about raising her daughters. They talk about the season when Courtney felt God calling her to take a break from the professional world - which turned into a 3 year pause. Courtney shares what God did in her world during those years and the new season she is moving into now. She and Karen also share how motherhood uncovered their deep-seated selfishness and how the Lord has worked in their hearts to enable them to celebrate their husband’s successes. We know Courtney’s story will encourage you today!

Episode Recap:

2:40 - How Courtney and Karen know one another

4:25 - Courtney’s family and work history

9:55 - God called Courtney to take a complete break from work

13:53 - Just as He told her when to get out, He told her when to get back in

15:58 - Motherhood taught them how selfish they were

21:20- Being jealous of their husbands’ careers and successes

24:19 - Separating her children’s struggles from her responsibilities

30:45 - Pause and pray when you are tempted to jump in and fix the situation

32:58 - Learning not to overcommit

34:17 - Seeing how God has been faithful and brought women into her children’s lives to encourage their faith

Questions for Discussion:

1. Have you ever felt God calling you to a season of rest?
2. Is there any tension in your relationship with work right now?
3. Do you feel like you compete with your husband when it comes to your career or your success in life?
4. Do you struggle with feeling guilty or responsible for the struggles your children are going through?
5. What is something God has taught you through your journey of motherhood?

Resources:

• Courtney’s podcast: Pardon the Mess: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pardon-the-mess-with-courtney-defeo/id1424241361
• Ephesians 3:18: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians%203%3A18&version=NIV
• Want Karen to speak to the moms in your community? Reach out: www.birdsonwiremoms.com/invite
• Connect with Birds on a Wire Moms on Instagram: www.instagram.com/birdsonawiremoms and Facebook: www.facebook.com/birdsonawiremoms