Playfully Faithful Parenting: Encouraging Christian Mamas to Disciple & Discipline with Play & Joy - podcast cover

Playfully Faithful Parenting: Encouraging Christian Mamas to Disciple & Discipline with Play & Joy

Joy Wendling, MA | Certified Christian Parent Coachplayfullyfaithfulparenting.com
Are you a Christian mama who wants your kids to fall in love with Jesus? Me too, friend! I'm Joy Wendling: friend of Jesus, wife, seminary grad, and Children’s and Family Minister turned Stay-at-Home Mom to 5 girls. Join me as we explore our calling to introduce our kids to Jesus and watch as the Holy Spirit transforms their lives. We call this privilege Spiritual Parenting. Every day God wants to partner with us as he pursues a relationship with our kids. And, because research shows God created our kids to learn best through play, we might just have a little bit of fun while we are at it.
Last refreshed:
Follow this podcast in the Metacast mobile app to refresh it and see new episodes.
Download Metacast podcast app
Podcasts are better in Metacast mobile app
Don't just listen to podcasts. Learn from them with transcripts, summaries, and chapters for every episode. Skim, search, and bookmark insights. Learn more

Episodes

Ep 88: Romans 15:13-14 Theology Thursday | Uncontainable Joy and Radiating Hope | Empowered to Effectively Instruct Our Kids

Episode Summary: This Theology Thursday we look at Romans 15:13-14. The Passion Translation of these verses is so beautiful and really speaks to the heart of motherhood. It is a prayer of strength, hope, peace, and purpose for us as we seek him and point our kids to him. Your Turn to Play: Pray these verses to yourself as you look in the mirror. You can do it, mama! Verses from the episode: Romans 15:13-14 Links: Redeemed for Motherhood Journal Discipling Kids with Purpose and Play Facebook Grou...

Aug 11, 202217 minEp. 88

Ep 87. Fight, Flight, Freeze, or Fawn in Our Kids and the Bible | Are We Making Our Children Feel Unsafe?

Episode Summary: Have you ever used fear to get your kids to obey? I have! Our kids’ bodies respond to threats and presumed danger in 4 common ways: fight, flight, freeze, and fear. When I look at the times when my kids’ bodies have told them that I am unsafe, I feel compelled to change and grow. I want to reflect God in my discipline of them. I know you do, too. Let’s explore these responses our kids have to fear and look at some biblical examples, as well. Your Turn to Play: Teach your kids th...

Aug 08, 202222 minEp. 87

Ep 86: 1 Year Anniversary | Discipleship through Discipline | Peaceful, Purposeful, and Playful Parents

Episode Summary: 1 YEAR OF PLAYFULLY FAITHFUL PARENTING! Thank you listeners! What a year! In this episode, I share some of the things God has been teaching me through recording the podcast and where I feel God calling me for the future. Verses from the episode: Deuteronomy 6:4-9 Links from the episode: (This may contain some affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase using these links . For more information, please see my disclosur...

Aug 04, 202217 minEp. 86

Ep 85: Interview with Bronwyn Mullen | Author of Little Miss Muffin Books | Being a Disciple to Disciple Our Kids

Episode Summary: Today I am chatting with an incredible Christian mama, Bronwyn Mullen, that I met through a reel on Instagram. She has written the sweetest little book called Little Miss Muffin. My girls adore it and I think your kids will enjoy it, too! Just for my listeners: If you send a DM to @littlemissmuffinbooks on Instagram to directly order a book, she will ship it for free. 😁 Verses from the episode: Deuteronomy 6:4-9 Links from the episode: (This may contain some affiliate links, wh...

Aug 01, 202225 minEp. 85

Ep 84: Zechariah 4:6 Theology Thursday | Being a Spirit-Empowered Mama

Episode Summary: This Theology Thursday we look at Zechariah 4:6. This verse encourages us that we can not parent in our own strength, but we need to be Spirit-empowered mamas working in the strength of God. Your Turn to Play: Celebrate a weakness this week! You can do it, mama! Verses from the episode: Zechariah 4:6 2 Corinthians 12:8-10 Links: (This may contain some affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase using these links . Fo...

Jul 28, 202211 minEp. 84

Ep 83: Threats, Yelling, and Body Language, Oh My! | Should We Use Fear to Gain Obedience? | Reflecting God in Discipline

Episode Summary: Do you encounter God in the little everyday moments of life that bring you joy? If you aren’t, you may be missing the fullness of joy from that moment. In today’s episode, I highlight ways that my mama friends encounter God through play and what that might mean for you. Verses from the episode: Deuteronomy 6:4-9 Deuteronomy 31:6 Matthew 5:37 Hebrews 13:8 Romans 2:4 Isaiah 40:11 Lamentations 3:22-23 Matthew 5:48 Luke 15:20 John 1:14 Galatians 6:1 Links from the episode: (This may...

Jul 25, 202222 minEp. 83

Ep 82: 2 Thessalonians 3:16 Theology Thursday | Experiencing Jesus' Peace in ALL Situations

Episode Summary: This Theology Thursday we look at 2 Thessalonians 3:16 through a parenting lens. It is a reminder that because Jesus is with us, we can experience his peace in ALL situations. Your Turn to Play: Next time you are feeling triggered or anxious, as Jesus to make his presence known and his peace felt. You can do it, mama! Verses from the episode: 2 Thessalonians 3:16 Links: (This may contain some affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if ...

Jul 21, 202211 minEp. 82

Ep 81: Inviting God in Your Play | How Real Christian Mamas Encounter God in Play

Episode Summary: Do you encounter God in the little everyday moments of life that bring you joy? If you aren’t, you may be missing the fullness of joy from that moment. In today’s episode, I highlight ways that my mama friends encounter God through play and what that might mean for you. Verses from the episode: Deuteronomy 6:4-9 Psalm 16:11 Links from the episode: (This may contain some affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase usi...

Jul 18, 202225 minEp. 81

Ep 80: Philippians 4:8 Theology Thursday | Focusing on What is True, Right, and Noble in our Kids and Ourselves

Episode Summary: This Theology Thursday we look at a Connected Families favorite verse, Philippians 4:8. I share how our focus directs our actions and our kids’ identity. Your Turn to Play: Create an image or list of the true, noble, right, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy things about each of your kids. You can do it, mama! Verses from the episode: Philippians 4:8 John 4 Links: (This may contain some affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if yo...

Jul 14, 202212 minEp. 80

Ep 79: Finding God in Play | A Theological Look at the 7 Properties of Play | Play as Worship

Episode Summary: In his work on play, Dr. Stuart Brown describes the 7 properties true play must include: purposelessness, voluntary nature, inherent attraction, freedom from time, diminished self-consciousness, improvisational potential, and continuation desire. In today’s episode, I look at these 7 properties theologically and how embracing them could help us more fully reflect and worship God. Your Turn to Play: Reflect on the 7 properties of play and consider these questions: Which would be ...

Jul 11, 202223 minEp. 79

Ep 78: Revelation 19:1 Theology Thursday | What Belongs to God | Calling as a Christian Parent

Episode Summary: This Theology Thursday we look at Revelation 19:1. We have the freedom to enjoy life and enjoy parenting because “Salvation and glory and power belong to God” and not to us! Hallelujah! Your Turn to Play: Play without worrying about those things that do not belong to you! You can do it, mama! Verses from the episode: Revelation 19:1 Revelation 5:9-12 Matthew 5:16 Ephesians 3:20 2 Corinthians 12:9 Links: (This may contain some affiliate links, which means I receive a small commis...

Jul 07, 202215 minEp. 78

Ep 77: Playfully Faithful Family Experience | Personalizing Your Family's Discipleship in Playful and Meaningful Ways

Episode Summary: Today I am excited to invite you to a Discipleship Parent Coaching Program that God has been working on for years with me. Through my seminary experience, certifications, walking with families in churches, coming alongside my friends, and my own parenting journey God has laid out an amazing family discipleship plan that will help you use your gifts, talents, personality, and authentic faith to introduce your children to an abundant life with the Lord in ways that speak to them u...

Jul 04, 202221 minEp. 77

Ep 76: Luke 10:41-42 Theology Thursday | A Prayer for Overwhelmed Mamas

Episode Summary: This Theology Thursday we look at Luke 10: 41- 42. This comes from the well-known story of Mary and Martha. I also read a prayer from To Light Their Way. Your Turn to Play: Embrace Jesus’ peace and play. You can do it, mama! Verses from the episode: Luke 10:41-42 Links: (This may contain some affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase using these links . For more information, please see my disclosure policy .) Redee...

Jun 30, 20227 minEp. 76

Ep 75: Preparing the Soil and Planting Seeds with Lee Ann Mancini

Episode Summary: This episode is our fourth and final episode of Interview June. I chat with Lee Ann Mancini. I contacted Lee Ann about being on the podcast because my kiddos love Sea Kids and I thought a producer of a show would have some great insight into how to wisely use shows in discipleship. I love Lee Ann’s passion for helping kids know Jesus and helping families to know how to help that happen. In this conversation, we chat about making discipleship a daily practice and how starting you...

Jun 27, 202232 minEp. 75

Ep 74: Acts 16:14 Theology Thursday | Creating an Environment for Kids to Listen | Praying for the Lord to Open Our Children's Hearts

Episode Summary: This Theology Thursday we look at Acts 16:14. In this verse, we are introduced to Lydia. I love that she sells purple cloth. Are you a purple girl, too? We focus on the phrase, “the Lord opened her heart.” We get to create an environment and relationship with our kids where they want to listen, but God opens their hearts. Your Turn to Play: Pray God would open your child’s heart to him. You can do it, mama! Verses from the episode: Acts 16:14 Links: Redeemed for Motherhood Journ...

Jun 23, 202218 minEp. 74

Ep 73: Kids and Worship with Yancy

Episode Summary: This episode is the third of Interview June. This was a bold ask for me, y’all but she said yes! It’s Yancy!! I used her music in my first full-time church position. If you don’t know her, check out her music online, on Amazon Music, on Apple Music, on Right Now Media, or wherever! Your kiddos will love it. Mine think I am a total rockstar just by association now. Yancy’s Bio: Yancy Wideman Richmond is a worship leader, songwriter and producer of hundreds of songs that make Jesu...

Jun 20, 202239 minEp. 73

Ep 72: Ecclesiastes 11:8 Theology Thursday | Enjoying Life as a Mom | Play as an Adult

Episode Summary: This Theology Thursday we look at one of my favorite play verses, Ecclesiastes 11:8. We read a quote from The Screwtape Letters of how the enemy wants to steal us away from abundant life with Jesus through the mundane, but we can battle that and disciple our kids through living life to the full. Your Turn to Play: Do something YOU enjoy with God. You can do it, mama! Verses from the episode: Ecclesiastes 11:8-9 John 10:10 John 16:33 Links: (This may contain some affiliate links,...

Jun 16, 202223 minEp. 72

Ep 71: Stages of Spiritual Development with Dr. Milton Uecker | Play as Processing | Creating a Culture of Play

Episode Summary: This episode is the second of Interview June. I have been looking forward to sharing this for months. I talk with Dr. Milton Uecker about creating a culture of play and the different stages of spiritual development. He shares with us how kids of different ages grow in faith and what we can do to help them. Verses from the episode: Deuteronomy 6:4-9 Links from the episode: Dr. Uecker’s Website Dr. Uecker’s Books Dr. Uecker’s Email Fighter Verses Playfully Faithful Parenting Podca...

Jun 13, 202241 minEp. 71

Ep 70: Hebrews 12:1 Theology Thursday | Letting God of What is Weighing You Down | Endurance in Parenting

Episode Summary: This Theology Thursday we look at Hebrews 12:1. It encourages us to let go of the things that weigh us down and let God prune our sins, so we can have the endurance to run our race. Your Turn to Play: Race your kids with a heavy backpack, then do it again after letting go of the things that weigh you down. You can do it, mama! Verses from the episode: Hebrews 12:1 Links: Redeemed for Motherhood Journal Discipling Kids with Purpose and Play Facebook Group Playfully Faithful Paren...

Jun 09, 202215 minEp. 70

Ep 69: Playful Picture Books with Valerie Ellis of Our Everyday Parables

Episode Summary: This episode kicks off a month of interviews each Monday: Interview June, as my oldest calls it. Valerie Ellis is our first guest and it is a fantastic conversation about play and children’s books. Valerie could not be a more perfect Playfully Faithful Parenting guest. She shares amazing book resources and brings a beautiful freshness to reading picture books. Valerie’s Bio: Valerie Ellis is a children’s book writer, speaker, and co-founder of the multi-author blog Our Everyday ...

Jun 06, 202237 minEp. 69

Ep 68: 1 Timothy 4:16 Theology Thursday | Model and Teach | Being Your Kid's Children's Pastor

Episode Summary: This Theology Thursday we look at 1 Timothy 4:16. This verse teaches us the importance of modeling and teaching our kids. We need both! And, we cannot neglect our own faith to focus on our kids’ faith lives. Your Turn to Play: Do something YOU love to do with God and invite your kids along. You can do it, mama! Verses from the episode: 1 Timothy 4:16 1 Timothy 4:12-15 Links: Redeemed for Motherhood Journal Discipling Kids with Purpose and Play Facebook Group Episode 61: Creating...

Jun 02, 202222 minEp. 68

Ep 67: Surfing the Waves | Coming Alongside Your Child's Spiritual Interests | Parenting for Faith's 5 Key Tools Part 4

Episode Summary: This is the last in a 4-part episode on Parenting for Faith’s 5 Key Tools. This week we look at Surfing the Waves. This is looking for what your child is interested in coming alongside them in that spiritual interest or finding ways to include non-spiritual interests in discipleship. Your Turn to Play: Be a student of your child and add faith to their play and play to their faith. Verses from the episode: Deuteronomy 6:4-9 Links from the episode: (This may contain some affiliate...

May 30, 202222 minEp. 67

Ep 66: We Play in the Darkness | John 8:12

Episode Summary: This Theology Thursday I share a poem I wrote in response to the shooting this week and share John 8:12. Your Turn to Play: Play in the darkness and hug your babies tight. You can do it, mama! Verses from the episode: John 8:12 Links: Redeemed for Motherhood Journal Christian Motherhood with Purpose and Play Facebook Group Playfully Faithful Parenting Podcast is a ministry of CreatedtoPlay.com. For more resources, tips, devotions, and tools check us out online: https://createdto...

May 26, 20226 minEp. 66

Ep 65: Chatting and Catching | Teaching Meaningful Prayer to Kids | Listening to God for Children | Parenting for Faith's 5 Key Tools Part 3

Episode Summary: This is the third in a 4-part episode on Parenting for Faith’s 5 Key Tools. This week we look at Chatting and Catching. This is basically prayer, but by not calling it prayer we can help kids get to the heart of it, instead of what they think prayer is supposed to be or what they are supposed to do. Parenting for Faith also has some really beautiful and practical ways to teach kids to hear from God. Your Turn to Play: Practice having your kids chat with God, by offering topics t...

May 23, 202221 minEp. 65

Ep 64: Philippians 1:6 Theology Thursday | Encouragement for Moms | The Good Work has Already Begun

Episode Summary: This Theology Thursday we look at Philippians 1.6. This is an encouragement for you mama, that God’s good work in you is not something just to hope for in the future, it has already begun. You already have beauty and goodness in you at play. Lean into that with the help of the Holy Spirit. Your Turn to Play: Make a self-portrait and consider the good work that is already in you. You can do it, mama! Verses from the episode: Philippians 1:6 Links: Redeemed for Motherhood Journal ...

May 19, 202211 minEp. 64

Ep 63: Unwinding our Children's Wrong Views of God | Parenting for Faith's 5 Key Tools Part 2

Episode Summary: This is the second in a 4-part episode on Parenting for Faith’s 5 Key Tools. This week we look at Unwinding. Unwind is about discovering the ways your children have mistaken views of God and his character, and then helping to gently correct these viewpoints into a more biblical and balanced understanding of God. Your Turn to Play: Have your kids draw a picture of God and themselves. Verses from the episode: Deuteronomy 6:4-9 Psalm 63 Colossians 1:15 Links from the episode: (This...

May 16, 202222 minEp. 63

Ep 62: Luke 11:23 | Parenting WITH Jesus instead of FOR Jesus

Episode Summary: This Theology Thursday we look at Luke 11:23. This verse tells us that if we aren’t working WITH Jesus, we are working against him. I know we, as busy mamas with the best of intentions, can easily slip from parenting WITH Jesus to parenting FOR Jesus. Your Turn to Play: Use a playful prayer to invite God into your day and play! You can do it, mama! Verses from the episode: Luke 11:23 Links: Redeemed for Motherhood Journal Christian Motherhood with Purpose and Play Facebook Group...

May 12, 202210 minEp. 62

Ep 61: Creating a Window into Your Faith for Your Kids | Explaining God in the World to Children | Parenting for Faith's 5 Key Tools Part 1

Episode Summary: This is the first in a 4-part episode on Parenting for Faith’s 5 Tools. This week we look at creating windows and framing. A simple, but an intentional way to create an environment where your children can see what a daily walk with Christ looks like and begin to acknowledge God’s presence and power in the world . Your Turn to Play: Playfully (with their own books, crayons, and a hot chocolate) invite your child to join your quiet time. Verses from the episode: Deuteronomy 6:4-9 ...

May 09, 202221 minEp. 61

Ep 60: 2 Corinthians 2:14-17 Theology Thursday | Christian Motherhood as a Victory Parade with Jesus | Being the Sweet Aroma of Christ for Your Kids

Episode Summary: This Theology Thursday we look at 2 Corinthians 2:14-17. Mamas, invite you to listen to these verses over and over through various translations and allow the Holy Spirit to speak truth and life into you today. Your Turn to Play: Have a parade with your kids! You can do it, mama! Verses from the episode: 2 Corinthians 2:15 John 14:15 Links: Redeemed for Motherhood Journal Christian Motherhood with Purpose and Play Facebook Group Babies and Toddlers Workshop Playfully Faithful Par...

May 05, 202218 minEp. 60

Ep 59: Having a Family Verse with Sasha Star Robertson | Intentional Parenting | Speaking the Fruit of the Spirit over Your Child

Episode Summary: Today I am sharing a conversation with Sasha Star Robertson. We met through podcasting and she’s become one of my Connected Families Parent Coaching clients. In this conversation, we chat about the fruit of the spirit, intentional parenting, and of course, play. Sasha’s Bio: Sasha Star Robertson is an Intentional Living & Biblical Mindset Coach for moms, wife of 12 years to her best friend, boy mom (blessed by adoption), travel addict, and Jesus freak. She is the founder of ...

May 02, 202238 minEp. 59
For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android