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  • Do you ever feel stuck in a reactive cycle as a parent — responding in ways you wish you wouldn't, again and again? Like Paul in Romans 7:15, you might find yourself saying, “I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.”

    Here’s the good news: you’re not broken — you’re patterned. And patterns can be healed.

    In this episode, we unpack what it means to be shaped by behavioral patterns, where they come from, and how they show up in our parenting and marriage. We explore the early steps toward recognizing and healing these patterns, and how God’s redemptive work can bring real change.

    Through scripture, personal stories, and practical steps, we guide you toward deeper awareness — and point you to the healing that leads to freedom and greater connection in your home.

    We also make an exciting announcement on the podcast today: Intentional Fatherhood is officially launching on Friday, June 13! In the meantime, visit the website, follow @intentionalfatherhood_ on Instagram, and subscribe to the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

    Steps for Experiencing Healing From Patterns:

    1. Name the story

    2. Grieve the loss of what should have been but wasn’t

    3. Invite Jesus into that wound

    4. Practice new patterns

    Reflection:

    Reflect on one pattern that shows up often in your marriage, parenting or friendship

    Question:

    What is that pattern protecting you from and what is it trying to say?

    Prayer:

    Ask Jesus to help you be curious and kind about your story.

    Scripture Mentioned: Romans 7:15, 1 Corinthians 11:1, 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, Romans 7:14-18, Romans 7:22-25, James 1:19-20 + Isaiah 53:3

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  • This week, we’re getting honest about our inadequacies as parents — when all we can say is, “I can’t.”

    Inspired by The Fellowship of the Withered Hand, a concept from John Ortberg’s Steps, we explore how embracing our weaknesses can actually be a gateway to deeper healing and growth. Rather than hiding our shortcomings, what if we brought them into the light — to both God and to trusted community — and found strength in surrender?

    Rooted in the story from Mark 3 where Jesus heals a man’s withered hand, we talk about the courage it takes to stretch out the broken parts of ourselves. As parents, that might mean owning our impatience, our fears, or the lies we tell ourselves about needing to have it all together.

    Because the truth is, we all have withered hands. The question isn’t if we’re broken — it’s whether we’re willing to hold out our hands for healing.

    Steps to Addressing Our Inadequacies:

    Admit: Acknowledge that you have “withered hands” and name what they are.Invite: Ask God for help in your weaknesses.Release: Let go of control over your shortcomings and the outcomes of them.Remember: You are not alone in this journey!

    Questions to Ask Yourself:

    Where in my parenting do I say, “God, I can’t?”What would it look like to make prayer my first parenting move — not my last?

    Prayers to Pray:

    God, what keeps me from admitting my weaknesses? What shame is hurting me and keeping me from admitting?God, point me to the books, podcasts, teachings and people you want to use to speak into my life.

    Books Mentioned: Steps: A Guide to Transforming Your Life When Willpower Isn’t Enough by John Ortberg + Soul Keeping: Caring For the Most Important Part of You by John Ortberg

    Scripture Mentioned: Mark 3:1-6, Matthew 5:3, 1 Corinthians 10:12, Isaiah 66:1-2, Psalm 8:4, Mark 5:25-34, Matthew 8:23-27, Hebrews 4:14-16, 2 Corinthians 12:10, Matthew 7:7, 2 Corinthians 12:5, 2 Corinthians 12:9 + James 5:16

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  • This week, all four of us sit down for a meaningful conversation about everyday forgiveness — small, often-overlooked moments of hurt that show up in our closest relationships and call for repair. Whether it's with a spouse, parent, friend, or coworker, these minor offenses can quietly accumulate and widen the distance between us — unless we learn to close the gap before it becomes a chasm.

    Diane shares a personal story of a generational pattern of unforgiveness in her family of origin and how it shapes the way she responds to hurt. We each reflect on how unforgiveness can quietly manifest in our lives — as self-pity, hopelessness, bitterness, simmering resentment, passive-aggressiveness, or even “scanning for rejection.”

    Turning to Scripture, we explore powerful examples of radical forgiveness — including some of Jesus’ final words on the cross — and what it means to forgive not just once, but “seventy times seven.”

    Drawing from our own relationships, we talk about why forgiveness becomes easier when we understand a loved one’s story and emotional triggers. We also offer three practical ways to express everyday forgiveness and return to a truth we’ve seen time and again: rupture and repair build resilience.

    Forgiveness isn’t a one-time act — it’s ongoing, relational, and essential. Tune in to discover how you can begin practicing this spiritual rhythm in your daily life.

    Scripture Mentioned: Ephesians 4:32, Psalm 23, Matthew 6:9-13, Philippians 4:6, Psalm 119:11, Hebrews 12:15, Matthew 18:21-22, Luke 23:34, Acts 7:54-60, 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, Romans 12:18

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  • This week, we’re thrilled to welcome back our dear friend A.J. Swoboda — author, professor, theologian, lay pastor, and fellow podcaster — for an honest conversation about what it means to parent while carrying our own scars. Like physical ones, emotional scars tell the story of pain endured and healing found.

    We talk about the reality that many of us are giving our kids something we never received — emotional health, spiritual guidance, or intentional presence. While that’s a beautiful gift, it can also bring up unexpected feelings of shame or even jealousy as we confront the gaps in our own stories.

    We discuss some practical tools for parenting with scars, including Jon Tyson’s Primal Path, a discipleship program for fathers and sons. We also reflect on how our children often become the ones who draw our scars into the light, asking questions that push us to face painful parts of our past.

    Ultimately, we highlight the fact that healing is a slow, intentional process — and how parenting through our scars invites both challenge and redemption. We found our conversation with A.J. to be rich, emotional, and full of hope — and we think you will too.

    Book Mentioned: His Face like Mine: Finding God's Love in Our Wounds by Russell W. Joyce

    Previous Episode Mentioned: Procedural Memory: How God Redeems Reflexes, Rewrites Patterns and Renews the Mind (Spotify + Apple Podcasts)

    Scripture Mentioned: Genesis 2:24

    A.J. Swoboda:

    A Teachable Spirit

    Subversive Sabbath

    Other Books

    Website

    Slow Theology Podcast

    Newsletter

    Instagram

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  • Do you ever catch yourself wishing away the ordinary, mundane days of parenting — those moments that feel repetitive, exhausting, or spiritually dry? Maybe you carry guilt for not “praying enough,” or wonder when you’ll ever have space for deep spiritual encounters again.

    In this week’s episode, Brook and Elizabeth invite you to reimagine what prayer looks like in the midst of diapers, dishes, and daily routines. They explore the idea of praying the ordinary — cultivating an inner posture of attentiveness, availability, and surrender in even the most mundane moments.

    Drawing from real-time personal experiences, they share how to incorporate breath prayers into your day, practical ways to invite God into the small things, common obstacles to practicing ordinary prayer — and how to overcome them.

    With honesty and hope, Brook and Elizabeth remind us that you are never too ordinary for the presence of God. He delights in showing up in the unnoticed spaces, and there is a heavenly reward for living in righteousness and rejoicing in the ordinary.

    Breath Prayers You Can Borrow:

    Inhale: “Lord, you’re my strength.” Exhale: “Help me love with patience.”Inhale: “You know my child.” Exhale: “Better than I do.”Inhale: “Father, shape my heart
” Exhale: “
to reflect yours”Inhale: “I surrender control.” Exhale: “I trust your care.”Inhale: “Come, Holy Spirit.” Exhale: “Guide my parenting today.”

    Scripture Mentioned: Colossians 3:17, Genesis 1:26-28, Revelation 3:19-20, Psalm 23 + Romans 12:1

    Books Mentioned: Prayer by Richard Foster, Domestic Monastery: Creating Spiritual Life at Home by Ronald Rolheiser, The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence + Liturgy of the Ordinary: Sacred Practices in Everyday Life by Tish Harrison Warren

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  • This week, Brook sits down once again with author, professor, theologian, lay pastor, and podcaster A.J. Swoboda to talk about the importance of having a teachable spirit in today’s world. Centered around his latest book, A Teachable Spirit, this episode invites listeners to see teachability not just as a personality trait, but as a deeply spiritual discipline.

    We begin by naming a sobering truth: “We have become a culture that demands repentance but shames people who actually do it.” In response, A.J. points us to a better way — the way of Jesus — urging us to become teachable people rooted in humility and grace.

    Starting with the definition of a teachable spirit, we explore the role of humility, the difference between teachability and impressionability, how we remain teachable in marriage and parenting, the value of repair with our kids, and the gift of childlike faith — pointing out the countercultural idea that “things are better when kids are in the room.” A.J. also previews the groups in his book that we must learn how to learn from: experts, the dead, strangers, culture, children, and more — even when it's uncomfortable for us as Christians.

    Ultimately, we land on the “why” behind it all: why is this posture essential to the mission of the Church? A.J. ends with a moving picture of extreme humility and teachability — carried all the way to our last dying breath.

    Our conversation is full of humor, vulnerability, depth, insight, and, of course, humility. If you’re longing to grow — or simply wondering what it means to become a more teachable person — don’t miss this one.

    A.J. Swoboda:

    A Teachable Spirit,

    Subversive Sabbath

    Other Books,

    Website,

    Slow Theology Podcast,

    Newsletter

    Instagram

    Scripture Mentioned: 2 Peter 3:16, Daniel 1, Genesis 2:20-24, Matthew 19:13-15, Luke 6, John 7 + Matthew 16

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  • Do you ever find yourself at a loss when it comes to disciplining your children as they move beyond the toddler years? Do you wish you could instantly curb the pushback, mood swings, and moments of disrespect?

    This week, we discuss our Bottom-Up vs. Top-Down Parenting resource, which reframes how we respond to our children’s behaviors by emphasizing both correction and connection.

    After all, God has hard-wired us all for connection — and this should dictate how we relate to our kids, no matter the circumstances. Looking to Jesus as the model for demonstrating both kindness and firmness, we emphasize not only the importance of each, but also the order in which we respond to outbursts or misbehavior.

    We explore the two extremes we often see in parenting: 1) the authoritarian, emotionless “because I said so” style focused solely on squashing the behavior and 2) the overemphasis on emotional validation without any sense of firm boundaries or consequences.

    So how do we strike that balance? Tune in to find out!

    Scripture Mentioned: Romans 11:22, Romans 2:4, Proverbs 3:11-12, Proverbs 22:6, John 1:14, Psalm 94:19, Proverbs 15:1 + 4, Proverbs 29:17 + Matthew 11:28

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    Forest Home Family Camp: Week 6 (All four of us are speaking!)

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  • This week, Brook sits down with actor, author, and producer Kirk Cameron for a powerful conversation about faith, marriage, and what it means to live as a man of God.

    While many remember Kirk from his prominent roles in the Growing Pains TV series and the Left Behind films, his story goes far beyond the screen. He shares how a shift from atheism to Christianity as a teenager altered the trajectory of his life, leading him to become a devoted husband, father of six, and now a grandfather.

    We talk about Kirk’s new kids’ show, Iggy and Mr. Kirk, streaming on BRAVE+, created to offer low-stimulation, character-focused content in a world full of noise.

    Kirk also shares rich wisdom on marriage, describing it as “a school you enroll in to learn how to die to yourself.” He challenges the cultural narrative that marriage is about happiness, reframing it as a path to holiness and covenantal love. Kirk dropped this memorable alliteration when it comes to marriage: “If you focus on rights, you’ll promote rebellion. But if you focus on responsibilities, you create the conditions for revival.”

    The episode closes with a meaningful reflection on biblical manhood — how to model it for our sons, even if we didn’t have it modeled for us. Kirk points to meekness as a defining trait: strength and power, willingly submitted to the authority of God.

    This episode is packed with truth, encouragement, and clarity for anyone striving to live and lead with purpose. Don’t miss it!

    Kirk Cameron Resources: Iggy and Mr. Kirk, BRAVE+ Streaming Platform + Website

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  • This week, we explore procedural memory — the unconscious, long-term memory that drives us to perform actions automatically. Shaped by childhood experiences and behaviors modeled by our parents, procedural memory often feels like running on autopilot or slipping into default mode, especially in how we respond under pressure. It’s that reflexive reaction, internal or external, that surfaces when we’re provoked — sometimes leading to an action you once promised yourself you’d never repeat, perhaps because it’s something you watched your parents do.

    Once we define the concept, we unpack how to break harmful procedural memory patterns and how, in turn, we can form healthier reflexive habits. While acknowledging our shortcomings and the reality that we will inevitably pass down some forms of negative behavior to our children, we quickly reach a place of incredible hope.

    We examine the process of transformation and redemption outlined in Scripture, drawing from the hopeful call in Romans 12:1-2 to offer ourselves as living sacrifices and be transformed by the renewing of our minds.

    By sharing personal stories of generational healing and redemption within our own family, we testify to the ways God has reshaped our hearts and minds, unveiling His power, patience, and grace in the process.

    This episode is packed with practical tips, scriptural truths, raw vulnerability, and radical hope.

    Prayers to Pray:

    “God, help us unlearn what hurt us and relearn what heals us.”

    “Help us live in ways that our bodies, our families and our children will remember as love.”

    Scripture Mentioned: Romans 12:1-2, Hebrews 5:14, 2 Corinthians 4:16-18, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Galatians 1:17, Romans 5:8, Psalm 118:27, 1 Corinthians 11:1, Philippians 4:9, Matthew 12:34, Romans 7:15-20, 1 John 3:19-20, Romans 8:1, Romans 8:6, Genesis 50:15-21, Romans 5:10,

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  • This week, Elizabeth and Diane make an exciting announcement: The Intentional Motherhood Retreat is BACK for 2025 — this time, in Portland, Oregon from October 23-25! They discuss what the retreat is all about, why you should come, and what to expect if you haven’t been before.

    As retreat speakers and hosts, Elizabeth and Diane reflect on the deep connections, vulnerability, and transformation experienced in past years — building anticipation for what’s to come in 2025.

    This retreat is for women who desire to be mothers some day, all the way to grandmothers, and everyone in between — mothers of babies, toddlers, young children, teenagers, and adult children. This intergenerational gathering is a chance for all ages and stages of mothers to learn from one another, encourage each other, and simply be together. Because motherhood isn’t meant to be done alone.

    The late Dallas Willard said “Spiritual formation
can’t be a private thing
 It is a matter of whole-life transformation. You need to seek out others in your community who are pursuing the renovation of the heart.”

    And that is exactly what we are going to do together. So come join us October 23rd through 25th for the Intentional Motherhood Retreat in Portland. We can’t wait to see you!

    Scripture Mentioned: Colossians 2:2-3

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  • This week, we’re diving into the topic of emotional intelligence — the ability to recognize, understand, and manage emotions in both ourselves and those around us. Developing emotional intelligence helps us navigate life with maturity and stability, while also equipping us to guide our children in naming and managing their emotions with confidence and care.

    At its core, emotional intelligence is built on four key components: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management. These elements work together to shape how we understand ourselves, navigate our emotions, and connect with others.

    In this episode, we explore each of these components, acknowledging that some may come more naturally than others. We also take a closer look at generational differences in emotional intelligence and how we can break unhealthy patterns to cultivate emotional well-being for both ourselves and our kids.

    Join us for a candid and thought-provoking conversation filled with wisdom, reflection, encouragement, and scripture!

    Book Mentioned: Emotional Intelligence 2.0 by Jean Greaves, Travis Bradberry and Patrick M. Lencioni

    Scripture Mentioned: 2 Corinthians 7:10, Ephesians 4:26, Genesis 4:6, Ephesians 4:25-32, Jonah 4, Psalm 4:4, Proverbs 16:32, Proverbs 17:22, Psalm 32:3-5, Psalm 19:11, Psalm 19:14, Philippians 2:3-4, Galatians 4:19 + Romans 13:8-10

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  • This week, the entire Intentional team sits down to respond to your questions, covering a range of topics, including emotional availability, attachment, overstimulation with kids, physical intimacy in marriage, and navigating emotional pain with our children.

    We discuss the difficult task of staying emotionally present with toddlers while tending to household responsibilities. Elizabeth unpacks common misconceptions about attachment, explaining that secure attachment isn’t about being constantly available but is instead about a continued pattern of relating and knowing how to repair when we inevitably fall short.

    We delve into the reality of overstimulation and feeling “touched out” with kids — and how that may dissuade us from desiring physical intimacy with our spouse. We discuss practical ways to navigate this challenge, including clear communication and strategies for regulating your nervous system. We also acknowledge that while this season of parenting young children is emotionally, physically, mentally, and spiritually demanding, it also strengthens our resilience, helping us build tolerance for life’s everyday stresses.

    Finally, we tackle the question “Can we shield our children from emotional pain?” Instead of striving to protect them from every hardship, we discuss the importance of naming and acknowledging their pain, equipping them with tools to process their emotions, and ultimately pointing them to their heavenly Father as their true source of comfort and strength.

    Tune in for an honest, encouraging conversation about the complexities of parenting — and the grace we need to navigate it all.

    Scripture Mentioned: Luke 8:1-3, Luke 9:1-2, Psalm 32:7, Genesis 50:20, Genesis 39:21, Romans 8 + Psalm 91

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  • In this episode, the whole Intentional team comes together to unpack five essential practices for maintaining calm and regulation as parents — even in the midst of chaos. We explore how our response to our children must be rooted in humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness, and contentment.

    We discuss the fleshly desire to respond to heightened emotions and dysregulation in our kids by matching their intensity — and how that never works out well in the long run. Instead, we look to Jesus’ words in the Sermon on the Mount, where meekness is not weakness but strength under control, and ultimately, how “humility is the beginning of usability.”

    This scripture-rich conversation offers both a framework for responding when your child acts out and a way to proactively cultivate peace in your home. It’s a reminder that none of us parent perfectly — but by continually reorienting ourselves toward the words and ways of Jesus, we can navigate even the most intense moments with grace.

    Scripture Mentioned: Matthew 5:5, Romans 7:15-20, Proverbs 15:1+4, Ephesians 4:2, Matthew 11:28-30, Numbers 12:3, 1 Peter 5:5, Proverbs 24:16-18, John 8, 2 Peter 3:9, James 5:7, 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 + Matthew 18:21-22

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  • This week, we welcomed Sally Lemos, MS, LPC back on the show for a continued conversation around generational trauma, this time focused on the path to healing.

    Drawing from her own history of significant childhood trauma, Sally walked us through what it can look like to find healing and restoration, offering a raw account of her transition from denial and blame to naming and claiming. Sally’s healing process didn’t involve a clean, step-by-step checklist, but rather an openness to the One who saves — the One who provided resources and people to sit with her in the pain. We delve into the crucial aspects of healing, emphasizing the importance of recognizing when professional intervention is necessary and the need to avoid spiritual bypassing. Sally stresses that genuine healing demands personal transformation before one can effectively support others, and that it is a lifelong process. Together, we looked to heaven as the ultimate source of comfort, knowing that keeping an eternal perspective will give us strength in the midst of present struggles.

    Our conversation with Sally was raw, vulnerable and filled with hope — as again and again, we returned to the comforting reality: “But God.”

    NOTE: Please be advised the topics discussed in this show may not be suitable for younger audiences; please use your discretion when watching or listening.

    Listen to Part 1: “Generational Trauma, Wounded Parts and How Trauma is Passed Down (Interview with Sally Lemos, MS, LPC)”

    Sally Lemos, MS, LPC: New Bloom Therapy, Instagram

    Books Mentioned: “Heaven” and “Heaven for Kids” by Randy Alcorn

    Scripture Mentioned: Ephesians 1:5, Matthew 3:17, Philippians 4:4-7 + Exodus 20:3-6

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  • Have you ever felt stuck in your decisions, as if changing your mind would mean admitting defeat? This week, we’re talking about the beauty and bravery of pivoting, whether it’s within your marriage, the way you parent your children, or other areas of life. We unpack the reasons we may have trouble granting ourselves permission to change, whether that’s worry, fear, pride, ignorance, identity, or even dynamics within our family of origin.

    Sometimes, the ideals we held before marriage or parenthood no longer fit the reality of our lives. Maybe your spouse or kids don’t match the expectations you once had — or maybe you have changed. And that’s okay! A willingness to adjust requires humility and a deep dependence on God, acknowledging that we are “poor in spirit” (Matthew 5:3) and are in need of His guidance to discern what needs to shift.

    In this episode, we explore practical ways to zoom out, reflect, and ask God, “Is this actually working?” We discuss tools like scripture, prayer, and the wisdom of community to navigate these changes. Plus, we share our own stories of moments, both big and small, where we’ve had to change course — and how those shifts brought unexpected peace and growth.

    If you’ve been waiting for permission to pivot, this is it. Join us for an encouraging, hope-filled conversation about embracing change with grace and courage.

    Scripture Mentioned: Proverbs 16:9, Genesis 18:22-33, Acts 27 + 28, Matthew 5-7, John 8:29, Daniel 1:8-10 + Ephesians 5:21-33

    Book Mentioned: “Searching for and Maintaining Peace: A Small Treatise on Peace of Heart” by Jacques Philippe

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  • This week, we welcomed author, speaker, fellow podcaster, and overall inspiring, vibrant and magnetic human Annie F. Downs to the show.

    First, we highlighted the children’s book Annie co-wrote with her sister, ”Where Did TJ Go?”, which helps kids navigate grief and loss. The story was born from personal tragedy. After her sister’s family lost a baby, Annie wrote it for her nephew, Sam, to help him understand where his baby brother, TJ, had gone. What began as a heartfelt story for one child became a beautiful illustrated book that offers comfort to many.

    Annie wrote the book her family needed at the time but couldn’t find — a visual story that kids can connect to, pointing them to heaven, while acknowledging the deep sorrow they feel here on earth. Our conversation was hopeful yet honest, embracing the tension of holding both joy and suffering at once. We found comfort in the truth that “there is good news even in sad stories.”

    We also discussed singleness in the church, a topic Annie is passionate about through her work in the Single Purpose League as well as within her own personal life. She instilled wisdom on ways to bridge the gap between single people and married couples within the church, emphasizing the pressing need for increased communication across the board. While acknowledging the church’s shortcomings in embracing and empowering single people, Annie continually returns to grace.

    It was an absolute joy to have Annie F. Downs on the show — and we have a feeling this won’t be our last conversation!

    Materials + Resources Mentioned:

    Where Did TJ Go? (Released February 18, 2025)

    Pastoring Singles: A Free Resource for Church Leadership

    Single Purpose League

    Annie F. Downs: Website, That Sounds Fun Podcast, Books, Instagram

    Scripture Mentioned: Romans 5:3-5, 1 Peter 1:6, Hebrews 11:6 + Hebrews 11:1

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  • This week on the podcast, all four of us (Brook, Elizabeth, Phil and Diane) sat down to respond to some questions centered on avoiding bitterness in your marriage while dealing with sickness and the unique challenges of parenting neurodiverse children alongside neurotypical children.

    We discussed the reality of living out the marriage vow, “in sickness and in health,” and how it requires a deep loyalty to one another, a shared sense of suffering and oneness, and a desperate dependence on God. We addressed how to avoid bitterness towards your spouse suffering from sickness, which demands honesty about the situation, acceptance that this is your reality, and understanding that faith is not a “fix-it” system.

    We also responded to two related questions about parenting children with neurodiversity — 1) How do you parent both neurodiverse and neurotypical children in a way that is God-honoring and full of compassion, grace and truth towards each individual child and their needs? And 2) How do you work through disagreements and differences with your spouse in how you parent neurodiverse children? Drawing from our own experiences happening in real time, we talked about our unrelenting reliance on God, our larger family system, our community, and each other — as well as many other helpful strategies, such as getting on the same page AND staying on the same page.

    This episode is packed with scripture references, personal examples, and lots of light and hope — even amidst some heavy, complex questions.

    Poem by Jane Kenyon: Otherwise

    “The cross means the acceptance of limitation on desire.” — Dallas Willard

    Scripture Mentioned:

    Hebrews 12:15, Matthew 5:3, Genesis 2:24, Lamentations 3:1, Romans 12:15, Romans 8:22, and Philippians 2

    Marriage Retreat: SOLD OUT

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    Raising Passionate Jesus Followers (Now available in audiobook!)

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  • This week on the podcast, we welcomed back Ruth Chou Simons — author, artist, podcaster, and mom of six(!) boys — for an inspiring conversation about nurturing relationships with our kids.

    Ruth shared her wisdom on fighting for connection, especially during the teenage years, emphasizing the importance of leading with vulnerability. We explored the idea of viewing parenting as a journey rather than a destination, the importance of feeling empowered in our role as parents, the art of consistently pursuing our kids at every stage, and so much more.

    We also discussed Ruth’s beautiful new children’s book, Home Is Right Where You Are, inspired by Psalm 23. Ruth shared how a personal, unexpected challenge solidified the very message of her book — that God, as our Shepherd, calls us to abide in Him. This truth has transformed how she entrusts her kids to His care, realizing that home isn’t a place but a posture of resting in God’s presence.

    Ruth’s Books:

    Previous Podcast with Ruth Chou Simons

    Ruth’s Podcast with her son’s story:

    The Ruth Chou Simons Podcast

    Marriage Retreat

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  • In this episode, we take a heartfelt and insightful dive into the unique challenges and profound joys of parenting neurodivergent children. We acknowledge the emotional, spiritual, and practical complexities that come with raising children who experience the world differently, while also embracing the beauty and growth that can emerge from these experiences. Throughout our discussion, we explore how faith plays a vital role in navigating the uncertainties and trials that parents often face, offering a source of strength and hope amid moments of grief and self-doubt.

    Parenting children with special needs demands an extraordinary level of humility, adaptability, and grace. It requires a willingness to learn, unlearn, and continuously evolve as both a caregiver and an advocate. In this episode, we address some deeply personal and thought-provoking questions from our listeners—questions about how to cultivate a spirit of gratitude even in the midst of struggle, how to deepen trust in God during challenging times, and how to effectively communicate with family, friends, and the broader community to foster understanding and support. Whether you are a parent, a loved one, or simply someone looking to better understand the experiences of neurodivergent families, we invite you to join us in this enriching conversation. Enjoy!

    Birdies Story

    Tim Keller Book

    Scripture Mentioned:

    Romans (I will boast in my weakness
)

    Joshua 1

    Psalm 26

    Marriage Retreat

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  • Today on the show, Brook+Elizabeth and Phil+Diane answer your marriage-related questions, offering practical strategies and heartfelt wisdom for navigating the challenges and celebrations of married life. They tackle everything from difficult in-law dynamics and moments of overstimulation to prioritizing your spouse during the busiest or most exhausting seasons. With a focus on communication, respect, and prayer, this discussion is packed with advice, encouragement, laughter, and essential tools to help you build a stronger, more resilient relationship. Don’t miss it!

    Scripture Mentioned:

    1 Peter 3

    Psalm 34

    Marriage Retreat - SOLD OUT

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    Follow us on Instagram:

    @intentional_parents

    @brook_mosser

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    FREE TEXT Message Daily Devotional

    MERCH:

    Gear for the journey

    Grab a copy of our book:

    Raising Passionate Jesus Followers (Now available in audiobook!)

    Website:

    Blogs

    The Intentional Film Series