Risen Motherhood

From diaper choices and sleep methods to snack options and schooling methods, we make many decisions throughout our years of mothering. We research, we pray, we talk with our husbands, and we come to what feels like our “final” decision. But what about when we need to or want to change? In this episode, Emily and Laura talk about changing our minds on the little things and the big things. While we will never be perfect in decision-making, we serve a God who is wise, all-knowing, and in perfect control of all things. Momma, let’s be faithful in our limitations while trusting our limitless God to bring all things to fruition for his glory and our good.   RM APPLY QUESTIONS   VIEW TRANSCRIPT   Articles, Resources and Related Content: Sign up for our First Friday Newsletter “The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps.” - Prov. 16:9 “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God

Scroll through Pinterest or eavesdrop in a coffee shop and you might see or hear something along the lines of, “All I need is a whole lotta of Jesus and a little bit of coffee/tacos/Netflix/sleep.” While it’s usually said in jest, we all have little crutches that we rely on when we feel like we’re survival mode. In this episode, Laura and Emily talk about the potential crutches in motherhood like wine, shopping, or social media. While they may make us feel a little good for a little while, only Christ is the source of our greatest joy for the longest time. So momma, let’s go back to the cross and fix our eyes on the only one able to sustain, encourage, grow, and help us in every situation – Jesus.   RM APPLY QUESTIONS VIEW TRANSCRIPT   Articles, Resources and Related Content: “This presence of inconsolable things reminds us that healing is not the same as heaven. Miracles are real and powerful, but they do not remove the inconsolable things.” - Zack Eswine, Sayable Ep. 62: When Your Hus

Parenting alongside your husband can sometimes feel overwhelming. We want to be intentional, but it can seem like we have wildly different plans than our spouses! In this episode, Emily and Laura give a nod to Valentine’s Day by diving into a marriage topic: unity with our husbands. Even though we have differences, God has joined us in marriage for his mission in our homes and has equipped us to do it together. Through Christ’s perfect record, we can humbly forgive one another, refocus on our mission, and live in unity with our husbands every day. RM APPLY QUESTIONS   VIEW TRANSCRIPT   Articles, Resources and Related Content: Ep. 28: On the Same Team: Getting on the Same Page as Parents - Risen Motherhood Ep. 46: Intentional Motherhood: Communicating Your Family’s Mission - Risen Motherhood  Ep. 68: How Can Mom Support Dad Spiritually?: An Interview with Jerrad Lopes - Risen Motherhood Deuteronomy 6 “When You Want to Change Your Husband” - Jen Wilkin, Nancy Guthrie, & Jackie Hill Perr

Kids say the darndest things sometimes, don’t they? Maybe it’s a comment about someone’s hair while you’re in line at the grocery store or they ask a question about someone’s dialect when you have a neighbor over for dinner, but no matter where it happens, it’s normal for children to show curiosity about God’s diverse design. In this episode, Trillia Newbell joins Emily and Laura to share practical ways we can explain God’s very good idea to our children, exposing them to different people with joy and transparency. The gospel speaks a better word than our culture — affirming that all people are made in the image of God and deserve to be loved as such.   RM APPLY QUESTIONS   VIEW TRANSCRIPT   Articles, Resources and Related Content: Trillia Newbell's Website Follow Trillia on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter Enjoy: Finding the Freedom to Delight Daily in God's Good Gifts - Trillia Newbell  God's Very Good Idea: A True Story of God's Delightfully Different Family - Trillia Newbell  United: Ca

As moms, we spend a lot of time thinking about sleep, like, “Will I get to have it?” and “I can’t sleep – I have too much to do!” From tiny baby bellies to late-night toddler questions, we sacrifice our sleep out of love and service to Christ through caring for our families. In this episode, Laura and Emily discuss how the gospel gives hope to the weary, sleepy mom (most of us, right?). In light of God’s promises to us, we no longer worship sleep as an idol or ignore our need for rest. Instead, Christ has freed us from either extreme, offering us true rest and hope in himself. We may be tired, but we can trust him with our needs.   RM APPLY QUESTIONS VIEW TRANSCRIPT   Articles, Resources and Related Content: Momma, Jesus Invites You to Come and Rest - Liz Wann, RM Blog The Sovereign Hand of Sleeplessness - Kristin Tabb, Desiring God 3 Truths for the Tired Mom - Elisha Galotti, Revive Our Hearts I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead - Mary C. Wiley, Everyday Theology  Self-Care in the Busyness of Mothe

As mommas, we all fall short of the glory of God. What we need when that happens is to preach the gospel to ourselves again and again. But how do we actually do that? In this episode, Emily and Laura share how reminding yourself of the gospel is an important part of the Christian walk – but it requires some practice. To preach the gospel, we have to know the gospel. It’s the only thing that keeps us from being defined by the time we yelled in the car or hid in the pantry stress-eating dark chocolate. Momma, your true identity is secure in Christ – offering peace, hope, and joy in every moment. RM APPLY QUESTIONS VIEW TRANSCRIPT   Articles, Resources and Related Content: There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. (Romans 8:1) As far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us. (Psalm 103:12) “Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are re

We were created to work and to rest, but sometimes it feels like our to-do list never ends. But we were not created to carry the burdens of “doing it all” or to indulge in copious amounts of “me time.” So, when and how are we supposed to rest amidst the busyness of motherhood? In this episode, Laura and Emily get to the heart of self-care for mommas. While we do need practical things like sleep, food, and a shower, what our hearts most desperately need is the refreshing truth of the gospel. We weren’t made to be limitless, so our limitations are actually a gift that draws us into the rest offered by Christ in every situation.   RM APPLY QUESTIONS VIEW TRANSCRIPT   Articles, Resources and Related Content: RM | Equipping Ep. 2: Motherhood & Self-Care Ep. 66: Hannah Anderson: How Humility Nourishes a Weary Mom’s Soul  Refresh: Embracing a Grace-Paced Life in a World of Endless Demands - Shona & David Murray Humble Roots: How Humility Grounds and Nourishes Your Soul - Hannah Anders

We’re excited to be back and set the course for our 2018 theme: unity in the gospel! While moms may look and act differently than one another, we find common ground in being followers of Christ. In this episode, Laura and Emily share the heartbeat behind this year’s theme by looking at the letter to the Ephesians. Much like Paul’s audience of Jews and Gentiles, we’re moms of different races, backgrounds, giftings, and more. But being heirs of Christ gives us all the same foundation. So let’s spend the year learning what it means to be united as the body of Christ as we seek to glorify God in our lives. We’re grateful to journey together with you! _______ Also in this episode, Emily and Laura share about a new endeavor RM is embarking on, and you can be apart of it! Find out the details at the beginning of this show! RM APPLY QUESTIONS   VIEW TRANSCRIPT   Articles, Resources and Related Content: Risen Motherhood on Patreon GRACE: A Bible Study for Women on Ephesians - Keri Folmar “What is Chris

What a year 2017 has been – God is so good! Whether you’ve been with us for awhile or just recently started listening, we’re grateful to have spent the year learning to deeply study scripture together! It takes practice to grow in biblical literacy, but our prayer is that we would all find our truest delight in knowing God through his word. In this episode, Emily and Laura wrap up the year by looking back at our 2017 theme, lessons learned, and favorite shows. We also share our 2018 theme! Let’s finish this year well mamas, and head into the next year with our feet firmly planted in the gospel as we bring grace into our homes and our children’s lives!   RM APPLY QUESTIONS VIEW TRANSCRIPT   Articles, Resources and Related Content: The Abide Method RM Podcast Archives RM Resources Page Ep. 51 - Family Devotions in the Season of Young Children Ep. 53 - Discerning Truth in a World Full of Mom Advice Ep. 63 - Jen Wilkin: Growing in God’s Word as a Mom of Little Ones Ep. 65 - Finding Your T

All moms are working moms. We’ve each been called by God to love our families, train up our children, and use our gifts and abilities to glorify him in our unique situations. For some moms, this means they work exclusively in the home. For other moms, this means they work in and out of the home. In this episode, Nikki Daniels, wife, mom of three, and Assistant Headmaster of Advancement at Monte Vista Christian School, reminds us that God values us in every role he calls us to. No matter where we spend our days, our call is to be faithful with what he’s given us. The gospel will always meet a mom where she’s at and offer her the sweet freedom of a woman – not just a mom – rooted in Christ.   RM APPLY QUESTIONS VIEW TRANSCRIPT   Articles, Resources and Related Content: Having It All at Work and Home - Nikki Daniels, TGC Every Woman’s Call to Work - Abigail Dodds, Desiring God Women, Work, and Our Crisis of Identity - Carolyn McCulley, Desiring God  Will You Still Work When the Baby Is Born?

Most of us know that good storytelling captures our attention and impresses lessons on our hearts. The same is true for our children! The adventures, battles, victories, and resolutions whisper biblical truths that impact our children, often without them fully understanding how or why. In this episode, Emily and Laura share how stories can help us pass along the gospel and give examples of godly character to our children. A good story represents the Great Story, and wonderful tales laced with hope invite our children to know the greatest storyteller of all–God himself.     RM APPLY QUESTIONS VIEW TRANSCRIPT   Related Content: The Story of the Bible: How the Good News About Jesus Is Essential - Tim Keller, TGC Are Fairy Tales Just for Children? - Joe Rigney, Desiring God Finding the Gems Among the Rubbish: A Guide To Selecting Quality Children’s Literature, Part I - Laura Wifler: RM Co-Founder & Co-Host, Twin Cities Mom Blog Seeds of Faith, Awe and Wonder - Autumn Kern: RM Blog Editor

One of the most exciting things we can teach our children is that Jesus came to earth as a tiny baby and that he’s coming back as the King. This past-and-future perspective is at the heart of the Advent season as we celebrate what has happened and wait expectantly for what is to come. On this episode, Emily and Laura explain the meaning of advent, sharing ways to celebrate, and encourage moms to find freedom in the Christmas season. Instead of running into the holidays with added pressure of one more thing, we can look to Christ and celebrate the gospel story in our homes from an overflow of joy.   RM APPLY QUESTIONS VIEW TRANSCRIPT   Related Content: Why We Celebrate Advent - Timothy Paul Jones, TGC Celebrating Advent: Looking Back and Looking Forward - Melissa Kruger, TGC Christmas is a Mystery - Michael Douglas, TGC Jesse Tree Devotions - RCA Advent Begins Today - David Mathis, Desiring God Advent is for Adoring Jesus - Desiring God  Good News of Great Joy - John Piper, Desiring God 

From the rude friend in the neighborhood to the scary show at Grandma’s house, our children will face negative influences. Even more so, their own hearts will lead them to worship the wrong things. So what do we do as moms to train our children in godliness? In this episode, Laura and Emily talk about building a gospel culture within our homes by offering grace, not guilt, to our children. By creating an environment of conversation, repentance, and joy, we can extend the welcoming attitude of Christ towards our children as they learn to live like Jesus. Our children are not the things they see or do, and we have the privilege of teaching them to look towards Jesus, again and again.     RM APPLY QUESTIONS   VIEW TRANSCRIPT   Articles, Resources and Related Content: Mothering a Rebellious Heart - Courtney Reissig  Parenting: 14 Gospel Principles That Can Radically Change Your Family - Paul David Tripp Parenting with a Big Gospel Picture - Mitch Chase, The Gospel Coalition  A Practical Guide

In the years of little ones, it seems almost impossible to carve out a quiet moment to read our Bibles and pray intentionally. Most moms want to be in the word amidst the busyness, but we just need a little help. This is why founders, Raechel and Amanda, started She Reads Truth – to see women get in the word of God everyday. In this episode, Raechel and Amanda, wives, mothers, and authors, discuss how women need to be rooted in God’s word, taking the first step by just getting started. By changing our expectations of “quiet times” and studying with other women, we can find the refreshing hope of the gospel in the Bible that has relevant application in each season of life. She Reads Truth has kindly offered all Risen Motherhood listeners 10% of anything in the shop (except the auto-ship subscriptions) – from 11/1-11/8 with the code RISEN10. Go check it out! DISCUSSION QUESTIONS VIEW TRANSCRIPT   Articles, Resources and Related Content: She Reads Truth She Reads Truth Advent St

From elaborate, Pinterest-worthy birthday bashes to simple celebrations with donuts and family, birthday parties can look wildly different in every family. But for moms today, planning a birthday party can feel a little like a competition against online strangers, our friends, and even ourselves. One thing all parties do is reveal a mom’s heart. In this episode, Emily and Laura discuss birthday parties and ask, “What’s our heart motivation?” Since our worth is secure with Christ, moms can stop chasing perfection, even in something like party planning. The gospel invites us to see each birthday as pause for a yearly celebration of God’s work in our children’s lives.     VIEW TRANSCRIPT   We want to recognize that birthdays can be hard for moms who have lost a child too soon, either inside or outside of the womb. Moms who have experienced miscarriage and infant loss can also glorify God as they mourn and celebrate what God did in and through that child’s life, even if it was short. Even though w

We’ve had many questions from listeners about all things motherhood, ranging from the super practical to the thought-provoking theological. We tackled many of those last spring, but it’s time to answer a new list of frequently asked questions! In this special one-hour episode, Laura and Emily laugh and talk about lessons learned, their friendship, what they’re currently reading, personal testimonies, and so much more. We hope that as you listen in, you’ll pick up a few ideas about how the gospel impacts every aspect of motherhood! Questions & Resources Mentioned (In the order of the show):  Meet the New RM Team  About Laura & Emily and Risen Motherhood:  What are you currently reading? The Imperfect Disciple - Jared C. Wilson Hillbilly Elegy - J.D. Vance The Wingfeather Saga - Andrew Peterson Good & Angry - David Powlison Ordinary - Michael Horton Divided by Faith: Evangilical Religion and the Problem of Race in America - Michael O. Emerson & Christian Smith Grace: A Bible Study on Ephesi

The idea of eating around the table with little ones may bring to mind little tea cups in front of stuffed animal friends or fidgeting children and food-covered floors. No matter what mealtimes look like in our homes, each meal is a chance to share how God’s love impacts our children’s lives. In this episode, Sally Clarkson, wife, mother of four, and prolific author, offers her wealth of experience and insight on sharing Christ with your children around the family table. By making our times at the table something special and an opportunity for training, moms can tackle the hard work of sharing gospel truths in a natural way within the daily rhythm of mealtimes.   VIEW TRANSCRIPT   Articles, Resources and Related Content: The Lifegiving Table - Sally Clarkson The Mission of Motherhood  - Sally Clarkson The Ministry of Motherhood - Sally Clarkson The Lifegiving Home - Sally Clarkson At Home with Sally Clarkson and Friends - Sally Clarkson's Podcast  Meal Time Prayers - John Piper (Desiring God)

Interactions with the grandparents in your life may leave you feeling thankful and energized, but they may also leave you feeling frustrated or misunderstood. One thing that all moms need in both easy and hard relationships is grace. In the second episode of our “Grandparents & The Gospel” series, Laura and Emily focus on how we can be the instruments of the gospel in our interactions with our children’s grandparents. When we understand how Jesus extends the most grace to us, we are free to offer unconditional love to some of our very closest neighbors, Grandpa and Grandma.   VIEW TRANSCRIPT   Articles, Resources and Related Content: Loving Difficult People – Stacy Reaoch (Desiring God) Organic Food, Essential Oils, and the Gospel of Grace – Stacy Reaoch (Desiring God) Loving Someone in Their Mess – Colleen Chao (Revive Our Hearts) 10 Common Mistakes in Difficult Relationships – Lina Abujamra (Revive Our Hearts) Simple Advice about Mommy Advice – Jasmine Holmes (Desiring God) FAQ: Sh

Grandparents can be some of the most loving and helpful relationships in the lives of our children, but they can also be some of the most complicated. Navigating different expectations, values, and family cultures can cause miscommunication and even estrangement. In this episode, Emily and Laura ask the question, “Why do Grandma and Grandpa get under our skin sometimes?” which is really a way of examining our own hearts in light of the gospel. What we worship determines how we respond to happy and hard relationships, and only when we reorient our eyes to Christ’s sacrifice can we approach these issues with grace.   VIEW TRANSCRIPT    Articles, Resources and Related Content:  X-Ray Questions: Drawing Out the Whys and Wherefores of Human Behavior – David Powlison Loving Difficult People – Stacy Reaoch (Desiring God) Loving Someone in Their Mess – Colleen Chao (Revive Our Hearts) 10 Common Mistakes in Difficult Relationships – Lina Abujamra (Revive Our Hearts) Simple Advice about Mommy Advice – J

In the little years, it’s easy to grow weary from sowing seeds without seeing much fruit. When the discouragement bears down, we wonder, “Does this even matter? Would another investment be more worthwhile?” In this episode, Ruth Chou Simons, author, artist and founder of Gracelaced, pours out gospel-rich wisdom from her years of parenting six boys. She discusses how she manages her dreams and motherhood, how she keeps her priorities straight with a blooming business, and offers practical wisdom for a busy mom to grow in her relationship with God. Through years of humble faithfulness, a mom can hope in Christ, even when she can’t see the outcome of her story.  VIEW TRANSCRIPT Articles, Resources and Related Content: Gracelaced Book – Ruth’s new book including beautiful artwork & devotionals* Gracelaced Journal – Includes 8 pieces of art by Ruth & inviting journal to use* Gracelaced.com - Ruth Chou Simons’ website Gracelaced on Instagram – Follow Ruth on Instagram Each Person Has Their Own Stor