Send me a text to ask a question or share a thought! Do you wonder how to find time for God when your schedule is bursting at the seams? If you're a mom, this question might hit close to home. Melanie and Heidi, two moms who've been there, understand the struggle all too well. Tune into this podcast episode, where Melanie and Heidi come together to explore this common dilemma. They'll delve into their own experiences, provide relatable stories, and present down-to-earth advice on discovering and...
Oct 29, 2023•27 min•Ep. 43
Send me a text to ask a question or share a thought! Ready to explore how AI (Artificial intelligence) could transform everyday life? With a focus on biblical parenting, this conversation with data engineer and architect, Christopher King, will definitely expand your horizons. Uncover the creative potential of generative AI, a technology capable of producing text, poetry, songs, and images from limited input and grasp the implications to for your family and your children's futures. Chris, our gu...
Oct 15, 2023•27 min•Ep. 42
Send me a text to ask a question or share a thought! I love asking parents, "What do you desire for your child?" I frequently hear words like happiness, generous heart, and courageous. Thinking about these responses, I find this quote from my pastor so interesting. "One of the things that hinders us from living courageously is a lack of purpose and calling?" I would wager that happiness and generosity would fit into this sentence as well. Could it be that we are focused on character when we real...
Oct 01, 2023•30 min•Ep. 41
Send me a text to ask a question or share a thought! Join us for an honest and heartfelt discussion on parenting and grace as we delve into the important topic of talking to our children about sex. In this podcast episode, we reflect on our own experiences, acknowledging the missteps and fears we've faced. But we also explore the transformative power of approaching this conversation from a biblical perspective. Tune in as Melanie and Heidi share valuable insights, lessons learned, and the wisdom...
Sep 17, 2023•31 min•Ep. 40
Send me a text to ask a question or share a thought! When questioned about the most valuable asset in my parenting arsenal, my immediate answer would undoubtedly be 'One-Liners.' These succinct, pre-scripted parenting phrases, often referred to as 'broken records,' have played a pivotal role in shaping my children's behavior. Moreover, fellow parents and educators resonate with my experiences, witnessing these concise expressions work wonders in their own homes and classrooms. Join us in Episode...
Sep 04, 2023•12 min•Ep. 39
Send me a text to ask a question or share a thought! Have you ever asked more seasoned parents about the aspects of parenting they might have reconsidered if they possessed the knowledge they do today? And what about the boundaries they are grateful for having upheld? As we embark on the parenting journey, we often carry certain expectations of how things will unfold. However, sooner or later, unforeseen challenges arise. Continuing our series, the subject of discipline is particularly riddled w...
Aug 20, 2023•19 min•Ep. 38
Send me a text to ask a question or share a thought! In a world where 70% of individuals find themselves living from one paycheck to the next, where 2/3 of the population lacks a structured spending plan, and where a significant majority is unprepared for emergencies exceeding $1000, the concept of giving and tithing may seem challenging. However, in the culminating episode of our enlightening series on "Hope in Christian Finances," we delve into the realms of tithing and generosity alongside Co...
May 15, 2023•17 min•Ep. 37
Send me a text to ask a question or share a thought! TR Laughlin of Freedom 5:One ministry says, "The enemy has found a way into the In the words of TR Laughlin from Freedom 5:One ministry, "The enemy has discovered an entryway into Christian homes through the realm of personal finances." This vulnerable area is causing rifts in marriages and families. Join us in exploring how parents can become wise financial mentors to steer their children away from the financial challenges that plague many ad...
May 14, 2023•15 min•Ep. 36
Send me a text to ask a question or share a thought! TR Laughlin of Freedom 5:One ministry says, "The enemy has found a way into the Christian home through the backdoor of personal finances." It is through finances that marriages and families are being torn apart. With six different money personalities is there any hope of a Christian couple getting on the same page? Discover in this 3-Part series why financial conflict occurs and how a married couple can get on the same page and develop a God-c...
Apr 30, 2023•22 min•Ep. 35
Send me a text to ask a question or share a thought! Continuing our "Blind Spots in Parenting" series, today's topic is going to hit on the controversial topic of holidays. Some believe that widely accepted holidays like Easter and Christmas have pagan roots making it wrong for Christians to celebrate. Is this correct? Join the Parenting to Impress duo as they look at what the Scriptures have to say (or not say) about holidays and how a family can decide what is best for them. Helpful Links from...
Apr 16, 2023•19 min•Ep. 34
Send me a text to ask a question or share a thought! Many of us embark on the journey of parenthood without a clear direction, allowing the tides of exhaustion and societal pressures to shape our parenting objectives. However, Melanie and Heidi advocate for a different approach. They believe that God offers a more profound path in His Word, one that transcends mere morality. Join the Parenting to Impress duo as they share their insights from their own parenting journey, unveiling the potential h...
Apr 02, 2023•25 min•Ep. 33
Send me a text to ask a question or share a thought! Does the title of this episode make your heart race? None of us want to raise self-centered children, but the reality is that many parents unknowingly do. In the ongoing Blind Spots in Parenting series, Heidi and Melanie delve into the inadvertent ways we might be fostering selfishness in our kids. Drawing from their own personal experiences and viewpoints, this dynamic podcasting duo also seeks wisdom from God and His Word. Tune in to find in...
Mar 20, 2023•30 min•Ep. 32
Send me a text to ask a question or share a thought! Society pushes academics, but college professors tell parents and students that there are more factors to success. Listen as Melanie and Heidi talk through one professor's tips and how you can begin working on these aspects even in the preschool years. Helpful Links from this Episode: ABCJesusLovesMe.com - Comprehensive Learning for the Foundational Years Age-Appropriate Chores and Responsibilities for Kids Favorite Children's Bibles Fun Bible...
Feb 26, 2023•20 min•Ep. 31
Send me a text to ask a question or share a thought! A favorite phrase of this ministry's is "Begin with the end in mind." It's far easier to make parental decisions if you know where you desire to end up! But what about in the realm of technology? How do we allow our children to use technology for good while training them to stay away from the evil, such as pornography or unhealthy use? Join Melanie and Heidi as they warn about the dangers of technology, seek wisdom from the Bible, and share pe...
Feb 12, 2023•35 min•Ep. 30
Send me a text to ask a question or share a thought! Does the Bible have anything to say about technology? The short answer is yes! Discover biblical wisdom, learn what professionals are suggesting, and glean ideas from what Heidi and Melanie do in their homes as gatekeepers of technology for their kids. You'll be inspired and encouraged, and as always, get to learn from the mistakes Melanie and Heidi made along the way. Helpful Links from this Episode: ABCJesusLovesMe.com - Learning for the Fou...
Feb 05, 2023•28 min
Send me a text to ask a question or share a thought! There is something about turning the calendar page to the first day of a new year that feels fresh and invigorating. Many of us plan and dream, set goals and draw up plans to help us achieve those goals. And many of us fail or fail to plan at all. Listen in as Heidi and Melanie share how they view goals and planning, what God says about goals, and discover encouragement along the way. And as a bonus, discover the podcast team's goals for 2023!...
Jan 22, 2023•24 min•Ep. 28
Send me a text to ask a question or share a thought! As Heidi and Melanie talked about loneliness as moms they realized seasons of loneliness didn't just happen when their kids were little. As mommas of tweens and teens, loneliness had crept in and would likely occur again when their kids leave the house. So how can moms of older kids navigate loneliness? Listen in as Heidi and Melanie get real about friendships, time management and what they did to move beyond feeling lonely. Helpful Links from...
Jan 08, 2023•15 min•Ep. 27
Send me a text to ask a question or share a thought! It's time! Finally, the day has come to share the exciting news. Listen as Melanie and Heidi share all the details. Then use the links below to get started on this amazing journey. Helpful Links from this Episode: ~ Intentional Journey https://abcjesuslovesme.com/intentional-journey Episode Sponsor: ABCJesusLovesMe.com , an educational ministry that equips adults with the materials needed to be intentional in educating children. Facebook Group...
Dec 04, 2022•23 min•Season 1Ep. 26
Send me a text to ask a question or share a thought! How are you feeling as you head into this Christmas season? Frazzled and scattered or calm and cozy? For either of those and for everyone in between, this episode is for you. Heidi and Melanie chat about how to be intentional with your kids this year so that Jesus remains the focus of Christmas. They also get into traditions, expectations and how to be both holy and happy as you celebrate the Jesus' birth. Christmas Countdown Activities Happy ...
Nov 27, 2022•22 min•Ep. 25
Send me a text to ask a question or share a thought! A momma asked Melanie and Heidi the question, "How do you deal with loneliness?" We think all moms can relate to this question. With honesty and transparency, the Parenting to Impress duo share how they overcame loneliness and what God taught them through the journey. Helpful Links from this Episode: What Lies Are You Believing? What is Causing Your Parenting Exhaustion? Having a Daily Quiet Time with God Welcome to Parenting to Impress Traile...
Nov 13, 2022•19 min•Ep. 24
Send me a text to ask a question or share a thought! Do you know how to keep Christ the center of Christmas? Heidi and Melanie discuss a brand new ABCJesusLovesMe product that will empower you to do just that. You will love the simplicity of the ideas as you use them with your family or as an outreach with friends, neighbors, your students, or even in your church. Helpful Links from this Episode: Happy Birthday Jesus Workbook Thanksgiving Activity Workbook Christmas Activity Workbook What's a Ch...
Oct 30, 2022•23 min•Ep. 23
Send me a text to ask a question or share a thought! As Christians we know being grateful is more than just a certain month set aside to be thankful . But do we really know how to live that way? Let's consider what it means to live gratefully and pick up some tips for how we can teach thanksgiving to our children. Helpful Links from this Episode: Thanksgiving Activity Workbook Sign Language (Thank you) Videos Teaching Your Child to Pray PK Hallinan's Let's Be Thankful and I'm Thankful Each Day! ...
Oct 16, 2022•19 min•Ep. 22
Send me a text to ask a question or share a thought! Have you ever wondered how some parents can take ordinary moments and turn them into God-moments that impact children's hearts for eternity? Around Parenting to Impress and ABCJesusLovesMe we call these " Teachable Moments ." And with just a few tips, Melanie and Heidi believe you will be able to have multiple God-moments with your kiddos too! Helpful Links from this Episode: How to Use Teachable Moments Every Day for Maximum Learning How to H...
Oct 03, 2022•14 min•Season 1Ep. 21
Send me a text to ask a question or share a thought! In the final episode of this series, we wrap up our fantastic conversation with Scott. We also get an answer to the cliff-hanger question Heidi left us on in Part 2 ! We have both been challenged and encouraged by Scott's observations about the attributes and rhythms he's noticed in God-focused families. We have some great take-aways to process through and implement in our own families, particularly around the way we steward time. Helpful Link...
Sep 18, 2022•14 min•Season 1Ep. 20
Send me a text to ask a question or share a thought! The world tells us our feelings are our truth. Emotions or circumstance defines you...in that moment. But feelings and circumstances change leaving an unstable foundation of beliefs. Friends, this is one of the biggest issues facing our tweens and teens today. Two others are busyness and a cultural value of specialization. We invite you to dig deeper into these three issues in the 2nd of the 3-part podcast series Heidi and Melanie recorded wit...
Sep 12, 2022•20 min•Season 1Ep. 19
Send me a text to ask a question or share a thought! We live in a microwave society where everything happens at breakneck speed! Social media would have us believe that unless our calendars are full of activities we must be failing our kids. I mean, what kind of horrible mom would let her kid be bored ??? But is this best for our children? Will it reap the God-centered families that we desire? Today begins a 3-part series where Heidi and Melanie sit with a local youth pastor, Scott Jones. We ask...
Sep 05, 2022•15 min•Season 1Ep. 18
Send me a text to ask a question or share a thought! Is it true that God won't give believers more than they can handle? Heidi and Melanie invite you to listen to their journeys to find out if this common saying is even Biblical. Discover the circumstances that caused them to let go of control, trust God, and believe that even when things get really hard, God never leaves nor forsakes us. Helpful Links from this Episode: What Lies Are You Believing? Episode Sponsor: The Be Intentional Planner - ...
Jul 18, 2022•19 min•Ep. 17
Send me a text to ask a question or share a thought! Being a mom is hard work, but what do we do when it just feels like too much? When you are overwhelmed, hate being a parent, and dread getting up each morning? Be encouraged as Heidi and Melanie open up about their own struggles with this issue and how they have found hope in the exhaustion. Helpful Links from this Episode: Training Your Child to Sleep In How to Set Up an Afternoon Quiet Time for Preschoolers Parenting Toolbox Video Series Wha...
Jul 03, 2022•24 min•Ep. 16
Send me a text to ask a question or share a thought! In this second episode about teaching our kids the value and purpose of work, Heidi and Melanie get into the nitty gritty of dealing with older kids, defiant kids, and kiddos with disabilities. As always, there are practical ideas with lots of love and grace to cover it all! Join the discussion about chores and work and be encouraged to parent your kids with the end in mind. Helpful Links from this Episode: Part 1 of this Series: Should Childr...
Jun 26, 2022•21 min•Ep. 15
Send me a text to ask a question or share a thought! In this episode, join the Parenting to Impress team as they delve into the concept of work through a biblical lens. Discover what the Bible has to say about work and responsibilities, especially when it comes to children. Always grounded in scripture, Melanie and Heidi share the principles they've integrated into their family lives to teach their kids the value of hard work. They also reflect on the gratifying results of their early years' tra...
Jun 05, 2022•23 min•Ep. 14
