With labor on the horizon, we want to do everything we can to prepare for a safe, healthy and stress-free delivery. But what starts as good desires for well-laid plans, can quickly become an unhealthy idol of control. We start to think that if we just get the right method, the right classes, the right scents, the right sounds, the right environment and the right helpers, then we are nearly guaranteed the birth of our dreams. In this episode, Emily and Laura share their high expectations from previous pregnancies, seeking to understand how our good desires intersect with hope in God's good plans. Because ultimately, our identities aren't wrapped up in how we gave birth, but to whom we belong.

When the days are long, the tantrums are continuous, the sleep is lacking, and the mess abounds; the call to motherhood can feel daunting. Maybe we are completing our tasks, but having joy in the midst of them feels impossible. As time passes, we find ourselves more familiar with a tone of bitterness than a heart of rejoicing. In this episode, Emily and Laura discuss the difference between momentary joy and biblical joy, and the common reasons why it's hard to experience. The good news is, joy is available despite our circumstances, because Jesus offers an unchanging hope.

In this special episode, you’ll hear two moms share their stories of loss and healing. While they are different women with different stories, they both experienced multiple miscarriages before the birth of their first child* in their arms. They both felt tempted to despair and withdrawal as they walked through the grief. But they both found deep comfort and hope in the promises of God as they trusted him, despite the pain.

So whether you have experienced a miscarriage, you know someone who has experienced a miscarriage, or you are just walking through really hard circumstances as a mom, this episode was recorded with you in mind. Our prayer is that these stories would leave you more in awe of God’s love, with a deep desire to hope in Jesus, even in the hard places.

In motherhood, we all value different things. Whether it's a clean house, a well-kept schedule, a rockin' postpartum body, a perfectly balanced work/home life, an easy day, an obedient child, a certain type of diet, a frugal budget, or praise for your hard work, all moms have preferences and desires. The problem isn't necessarily with our ideals, but with our hearts. In this episode, Emily and Laura discuss the common idols in motherhood (including their own). While we can sometimes be guilty of making good things too important, in Christ we are cleansed from all of our idols, and are set free to worship God.

Maybe you have kiddos that nap for hours on end, giving you time to balance numerous responsibilities. Or maybe, you go to battle everyday just to get 30 minutes of peace and quiet. Whatever your circumstances, Jesus understands what it's like to be needed, and he also understands laying it all down for the sake of those he loves. On today's episode, Emily and Laura discuss the common challenges of naptime and how to make the most of the situation. Because ultimately, all of our time belongs to the Lord, and no amount of peace and quiet will provide the lasting peace we crave.

So you tried all the juice boxes, sticker charts, boot camps, and Pinterest parenting articles and your child still isn't potty trained? Well, you're not alone. While potty training is easy for some, for others, it can mean weeks, months or dare I say,years, of accidents and reminders. This type of frustration has more spiritual significance than we give it credit for, because it's the daily struggles that reveal what's really lurking in our mommy-heart. In this episode, Emily and Laura discuss their potty training setbacks, and the opportunity for growth God has given them along the way.

Even when it seems like you've done everything right as a mom, inevitably, things still don't go your way. Someone disobeys, comes down with a fever, talks back or leaves their toy on the ground for you to step on, and in no time...you blow it. Your hopes for being a perfectly pulled-together mom are dashed for the day, leaving you wondering if there's even any point in trying. On today's episode, Emily and Laura talk about those bad moments that we let define and dominate our whole day. But we don't have to get stuck there, because our identity in Christ means we can keep pursuing holiness. When we finally stop believing that we are "bad mom" or "blow-up mom" or "can't get it together mom" but are "God's beloved daughter, fully redeemed," we can move on with bold purpose. Momma, will you join us?

As moms, we love practical help. Tips, checklists, and "how-to" articles seem to promise that we're finally going to get something right. But when we bypass dependence on God and decide to just model our lives after the mom down the street, we've missed the point. We weren't created to reflect each other, but to reflect Christ in ways that are unique to the skills, abilities and life circumstances he's given us. In this episode, Emily and Laura encourage moms to understand how the gospel frees us from adopting one style of "perfect" mothering. God wants our whole lives to be a living sacrifice, so we can be free to glorify him in all we do (even when that looks different from our friends).

Momma, you know that time of the day, because it's marked by a series of recurring events. If you have a baby, they start fussing. If you have toddlers, they start begging for snacks and clinging to your legs. If you have a preschooler, they are bored with all the toys in the whole house. And you? You're exhausted! Oh yeah, and there is still food that needs to be made, a bunch of stuff to clean up, and several hours before bedtime. It's this time of day where most of us crumble (even those of us who were previously in a great mood). But do we have to respond this way? What if our hope in Jesus transformed our response? In today's episode, Emily and Laura talk about how a mom can do more than "just survive" until the end of the day! Because our hope isn't in a peaceful house, but in a person.

While motherhood brings us great joy, it also elevates our deepest fears to sometimes irrationally high levels. We go from mama cub to mama bear after a few Facebook articles or moments spent reading the latest news. God gives us a healthy awareness of the risks our children face, but he doesn't want us to live in chronic fear or anxiety over those risks. In today's episode, Emily and Laura discuss common fear triggers moms face, and what to do when we get stuck in a cycle of worry, worry, worry. Jesus gives us a solid foundation, future hope, and promises that will never change. Because momma, God has good plans and he can be trusted in all circumstances!

Motherhood is loud. With days full of urgent needs, it can be difficult to complete any task, not to mention the challenge of finding a time to be alone with God. But this is exactly what moms really need! Moments to linger over a refreshing truth or be reminded of who they really are in God's eyes. In this episode, Emily and Laura discuss the importance of "making time" for our most important relationship, including practical tips for getting in God's word (even when it's noisy or chaotic). Listen in, and be encouraged to drop your shame and run back to the Father who loves you.

* In this show we talk about our new jingle. We've since updated all shows for consistency. 

God has given so much responsibility to Dads to lead and invest in their family's faith. As a wife and a mom, we can and should come alongside them in this task, offering our gifts, talents, skills, intelligence and creativity to help them thrive in this calling. But how does that look practically? In today's episode, Emily and Laura talk about how a wife can help and equip her husband to lead the family spiritually. Not through manipulation, nagging, eye-rolling, or shaming; but by believing the best in him and being his biggest supporter.