A Force To Be Reckoned With - podcast cover

A Force To Be Reckoned With

Bethany and Corey Adkins / Adkins Media Co.theadkinshighlightreal.libsyn.com
A Force To Be Reckoned With.Life is full of hardships and trials. It’s easy to feel defeated, broken, lost, and weary—which is exactly where the enemy wants you. Each of us are called to fight our own battles, and we have to choose how we will respond when things get hard. Will you wave a white flag in surrender, or will you press on and let battle scars be part of your legacy?We are choosing to rise up and not go down without a fight. We are A Force to Be Reckoned With.Will you join us?
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Episodes

234. Summer’s Coming- Will Your Kids Want to Be Around? 5 Practical Ways to Prep Your House for Hosting Kids

Ever feel that tug-of-war between wanting to open your home and also just wanting a quiet, clean space? Us too. Summer has this way of stirring things up — kids are out of school, the backyard suddenly becomes the neighborhood hotspot, and somehow your house turns into the unofficial sleepover headquarters. So how do we prepare our homes and hearts for hospitality? In this episode, we’re taking an honest look at the mess and the ministry of hospitality. We’re sharing five simple things that have...

May 13, 202537 min

233. Replay: Making your Home a Place of Mission with Victoria Duerstock

When is the last time you have invited someone into your home to sit down and dive into the parts of life that go deeper than everyday conversation? If this isn’t something that you do, or have done recently, what’s holding you back? Is it space? Is it clutter? Is it fear of what people might see when you let your walls down? For me, at one point or another it’s been all of those things, and I know I’m not alone in that. That’s why I’m so excited to share today’s conversation with Victoria Duers...

May 07, 202533 min

232. Debt, Marriage, and Morning Coffee: Small Acts, Big Impacts

What if paying off debt didn’t mean putting life on hold? This month we knocked out some debt, paid off a line of credit, and finally feel the snowball rolling. It’s gonna take a few years—and that's okay. We’re in it for the long haul without putting life on hold. Instead of extreme cuts that leave us burned out, we're learning to be intentional : letting the kids play sports (no $6 concession stand nachos for us), fixing up the backyard, and choosing joy where we can. Funny thing—getting serio...

Apr 29, 202537 min

231. When Motherhood Brings You to the End of Yourself with Whitney Newby

What if the hardest moments of motherhood weren’t something to escape—but a holy invitation? In this episode, we sit down with Whitney Newby, the heart behind Brighter Day Press, who opens up about the messy, beautiful collision of motherhood and faith. A former nurse turned homeschooling mama of four, Whitney shares how an early, overwhelming moment with her newborn led her to a deep realization: her own love and strength would never be enough—but God’s grace would be. With wisdom forged in the...

Apr 22, 202537 min

230. We Should Talk More - On Not Raising Socially Awkward Kids

Remember when eye contact, please-and-thank-you, and real conversations were just... normal? These days, it feels like we’re raising kids in a world that’s slowly forgetting how to be human. We see it everywhere—from the cashier who barely looks up, to parents missing “watch me!” moments at the playground because they're glued to their phones. It’s not just about manners—it’s about teaching our kids how to truly connect. The good news? It doesn’t take much to turn the tide. Let your kid order th...

Apr 08, 202531 min

229. On Suffering and Hard Things

What if the struggle you're avoiding is the very thing meant to make you stronger? Across the pages of the Bible, scripture doesn’t shy away from suffering. Instead, it calls us to embrace it, learn from it, and find joy in the middle of it. Because maybe pain isn’t punishment—it’s preparation. Jesus didn’t promise a trouble-free life. He promised victory through the struggle. And when He said, “Take up your cross and follow me,” he wasn’t inviting us to a life of ease. He was inviting us to a l...

Apr 01, 202546 min

228. Whatchu Doin’ With That Tax Return? - Debt Update

What are you doing with your tax refund this year? In this episode, we’re getting real about our financial journey—how small, consistent habits have helped us make meaningful progress in paying down debt. We kick things off with a fun game (yes, it involves singing—and no, we’re not auditioning for American Idol). Expect a few missed notes and a lot of laughs along the way. We also talk about the curveball we got during tax season when our refund didn’t come through as expected, reminding us tha...

Mar 25, 202532 min

227. PGE: Peeing In The Shower (Spoiler Alert- We All Do It)

Be honest… Do you pee in the shower? Or are you now questioning every shared shower you’ve ever stepped foot in? This time on Parents Google Everything , we dive into some highly scientific research (aka Google) to uncover the surprising truth about bathroom habits across generations. But that’s just the beginning. We’re also talking about the unexpected yet powerful Brandon Lake and Jelly Roll collab on Hard Fought Hallelujah —why it matters, how it’s pushing Christians outside their comfort zo...

Mar 11, 202543 min

226. Why We Stepped Into Foster Care

What would happen if we stopped seeing foster care as someone else’s problem? Right now, there are nearly 400,000 children in the foster care system, and behind each number is a real child, a real family, a real story. In this episode, we’re sharing a bit about our own journey into foster care—what led us to say “yes” when so many step back, and why the fight for families is more urgent than ever. We dig into the hard truths about why families are struggling, the ripple effects on communities, a...

Mar 04, 202551 min

225. Money and Marriage: Failure is Not an Option

How would you define your relationship with money in your marriage—a seamless partnership, a constant tug-of-war, or something you avoid talking about altogether? In this episode, we’re getting real about marriage and money—because if there’s one thing that can test a relationship, it’s finances. We’re pulling back the curtain on our own experiences, sharing the lessons we’ve learned (sometimes the hard way) about handling bank accounts, tackling debt, and navigating different spending styles wi...

Feb 25, 202532 min

224. Lies From the Enemy: I Can Walk This Road Alone

Do you have a friend you can be completely real with, no masks, no pretending—just you? This episode is all about the power of deep, intentional relationships—whether in marriage, friendship, or community. We talk about what it means to truly show up for one another, the messy beauty of loving people well, and how Christ-centered connections can change everything. Inspired by Bonhoeffer’s wisdom on agape love, we dig into why choosing love daily—especially when it’s hard—is what builds the kind ...

Feb 11, 202548 min

223. Life Update: Honest Feedback, Healthy Conflict, and Spiritual Warfare in Relationships

Anyone else wondering how we’re already in February? Feels like we were just ringing in the new year, and now we’re knee-deep in real life. This episode, we’re hitting pause to reflect, laugh at the messiness, and talk about what’s actually helping us grow right now. We’re also sharing what’s been shaping us lately—what we’re learning, reading, and listening to, plus our monthly Bible verse. And since iron sharpens iron (Proverbs 27:17), we’re talking about the power of community and how the rig...

Feb 04, 202550 min

222. Healing Through Adversity: The Story Behind The Bohemian Mama

Have you ever thought about how the hardest moments in life can become the foundation for something beautiful? In this episode, we chat with Vivian Brinkman, the force behind The Bohemian Mama, a natural skincare brand with a heart for community and authenticity. Vivian shares how growing up in a traditional Greek immigrant family shaped her values, how she and her husband turned challenges into creativity, and how parenting—especially raising a son with learning differences—taught her resilienc...

Jan 28, 202551 min

221. Money and Marriage

What do car payments, surprise home repairs, and clashing love languages have in common? They’ve all put our marriage to the test—and taught us some unforgettable lessons. In this episode, we’re spilling the tea (and maybe a few tears) about the current state of our consumer debt. From auto loans that have stretched our budget to gut-punch experiences like unexpected mold remediation, we’re diving into the realities of budgeting, debt, and finding financial harmony in marriage. We’ll share what ...

Jan 21, 202540 min

220. Lies From the Enemy: Did God REALLY Say That?

How do you discern the voice of God when life feels overwhelming? In today’s episode, we’re cutting through the noise to expose the lies of the enemy and uncover the truth about the spiritual battlefield we all face. From the very beginning—starting in the Garden of Eden—doubt and confusion have been tools of the enemy. But here’s the good news: God’s Word provides the clarity we need. We’ll dive into Proverbs 3:5-6 to explore how trusting Him can guide us through life’s toughest decisions and m...

Jan 14, 202528 min

219. 2025 is Gonna ...SUCK!

How can we turn the twists and turns of last year into opportunities for growth? As we step into 2025, we’re taking a moment to reflect on the past year—the resolutions that got derailed, the unexpected messes, and the lessons learned. This year, we’re focusing on what matters: setting boundaries, unplugging from distractions, and reconnecting with creativity and family. A holiday screen time detox reminded us of the power of being present, and our “State of the Union” talks inspired fresh ideas...

Jan 07, 202548 min

218. Lacking Peace?

Ever feel like you're just stuck in a funk? In this episode, we dive into finding peace in the middle of life’s chaos. If you’ve ever felt lost or uncertain about your path, you’re not alone. We chat about how doubt can sneak into our minds and how taking a step back to connect with God can help bring peace. With the holidays fast approaching, we know the stress is real, especially with tricky family dynamics. We talk about how leaning on God can help carry those heavy loads, especially for guys...

Dec 17, 202436 min

217. Family Meetings

Do you have family meetings at your house? It might seem like a small thing, but these casual hangouts can actually be a game-changer when it comes to staying organized and keeping everyone connected. We chat about how weekly family meetings help us stay on top of schedules, responsibilities, and avoid those little misunderstandings that pop up. In this episode, we share how we keep things running smoothly at home, from organizing kids’ stuff to setting up clear expectations and consequences. Pl...

Dec 10, 202436 min

216. Thanksgiving Traditions: Connection Over Perfection

Ever wondered what it truly means to be thankful without the pressure of perfection? With a healthy dose of humor and a pinch of nostalgia, we’re hitting pause to reflect on what truly matters: family, home, and the incredible community that shapes our lives. Because sometimes, it’s the little things—like snuggling up under twinkling lights by a cozy Christmas tree—that help us slow down and savor the season. We’re also getting real about the pressures of social media’s perfectly curated holiday...

Nov 26, 202428 min

215. The Fight for Balance: Faith, Rest, and Family

Have you ever felt like you're doing lots of 'good things', but not doing any of them 'well'? Join us for a candid discussion on the challenge of balancing multiple roles and commitments, especially when trying to uphold Christian values as parents. We talk about being intentional with our time, questioning the motivations behind the endless activities we sign up for. Together, we explore strategies for slowing down, prioritizing meaningful family interactions, and breaking free from the frantic...

Nov 19, 202432 min

214. Life Update: Your Coffee Goes Where?!

Have you ever found yourself in a season that feels both exhausting and unexpectedly beautiful? In our heartfelt reflections on fostering, we explore the emotional journey of welcoming two sweet little ones into our family. We share the joys and challenges of fostering, emphasizing how community support and a shift in perspective through prayer and gratitude have enriched our lives. Fostering isn’t easy. It comes with lots of unknowns and emotional wrestling. But we’re also learning that the kin...

Nov 12, 202435 min

213. United We Stand, Divided We Fall

Is the growing polarization of today’s political climate a reflection of a deeper spiritual struggle? In this episode, we dig into how faith and politics intersect, especially during election season. We share our journey of moving from loyalty to political parties toward a focus on biblical principles, urging listeners to keep Christ at the center. As Christians, we’re called to engage thoughtfully in politics, ensuring no party or leader becomes an idol. We discuss the importance of voting in l...

Nov 05, 202446 min

212. Jaliyah's Story Pt 2: This Is Just the Beginning

Have you ever considered the impact that foster parents can make not only on the children in their care, but also in the bio parents? Through the raw and emotional recounting of her experiences, Jaliyah emphasizes the importance of empathy, understanding, and the human element often overlooked in these life-altering situations that lead to foster care. Together, we explore the intricate dynamics between CPS, foster parents, and biological parents, navigating the challenges foster parents face in...

Sep 10, 202456 min

211. A Peek Behind the Curtain: Jaliyah’s Story - Part 1

Have you ever wondered what our foster kiddo's bio mom's story might be? Jaliyah's journey is nothing short of inspiring. Raised in Cleveland, Ohio, she recounts her challenging childhood, marked by separation from her siblings and parents due to addiction and imprisonment. Her grandfather's unwavering support and teachings provided a beacon of strength amidst the turmoil, instilling values of hard work and resilience. Jaliyah's story offers a fresh perspective on the backgrounds of biological p...

Sep 05, 20241 hr 1 min

210. This is Only The Beginning (and we need your help): Our Foster Care Journey Part 3

Did you know that the goal of foster care is reunification? Join us as we share our deeply personal journey through the foster care system. We'll capture the pivotal moments of hope when the kids' mother entered rehab, sparking hope of reunification. We'll recount the unexpected bonds formed and many impactful moments in between. If you've ever wondered about the true impact of community involvement in foster care, our experiences will shed light on the pivotal role it plays. When our family gre...

Sep 03, 202440 min

209. The Gut Wrenching Reality: Our Foster Care Journey - Part 2

Can you imagine leaving a child you've grown to love in an unfamiliar place, not knowing if you'll ever see them again? This episode takes you through the gut-wrenching experience we faced on July 28th, 2023. We also share how prayer became our lifeline during these heart-shattering moments and how community support played a crucial role. Listen as we recount welcoming a new placement, a four-year-old boy, and the profound sense of urgency within the foster care system. We open up about our own ...

Aug 29, 202438 min

208. Thank You For Your Support: Behind the Scenes of Our Foster Care Journey - Part 1

This week on the podcast we are sharing about our foster care journey. So many of you have been deeply invested through prayer, lending a helping hand, and checking in. We know that so much of our story has been fragmented due to the rollercoaster of it all and also privacy. With that, we are finally ready to share a 3 episode series covering our podcast journey from the call to start all the way to where we are two years later. Thank you to those of you who have invested in us. We are so apprec...

Aug 27, 202459 min

207. Struggling to Read Your Bible? Listen to This

Do you ever struggle to find time to read the Bible? Have you ever felt intimidated by it or like you don't know where to start? Join us for an enlightening conversation with Kristin Nave, a powerful voice on social media dedicated to studying God's Word. Kristin shares her journey from a childhood enriched by her mother's persistent teachings to a slightly distant relationship with Christianity in her early adulthood. A life-changing moment at a conference revealed to her that a Christian life ...

Aug 13, 202439 min

206. Life Update: We Think We Might Like Each Other

Have you ever felt God nudge you to do something challenging? We're back with another life update. From high stakes to minor conflicts, we dig deep into the real battles that test our resilience every day. Despite the chaos, we find strength in our unity and ability to laugh even sometimes when we probably shouldn't. As you may remember, we recently found mold in our home, leading to an exhaustive (and expensive!) remediation process. We open up about the significant toll it took but also celebr...

Aug 06, 202435 min

205. When God Says ‘Go!’ with Wendi Cross

Are you willing to step into the unknown with God at the reigns? Meet Wendi Cross, our remarkable guest whose story of adopting her son from Ethiopia is a beacon of hope and resilience. Wendi sheds light on the trials and victories her family faced. Her powerful journey, detailed in her book "Not Forgotten," is a moving testament to the strength and determination required to finish strong as parents despite the odds. Have you ever felt a calling that others couldn't understand? Wendi shares abou...

Jul 02, 202447 min
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