45. Oaks of Righteousness: A Growth System with God

Welcome back to the kitchen table. As parents, what do we do when our children grapple with fear and anxiety at bedtime? When anxious thoughts cloud their minds and disrupt their peace, it can be challenging to navigate. We've all experienced seasons where bedtime feels like a battleground, where fear and worry threaten to overshadow the bedtime routines. 

Bedtime struggles are not just about getting children to sleep; they are about helping them confront and conquer their fears. It's about equipping them with tools to navigate the anxious thoughts that creep in. For some parents, this battle might seem impossible to overcome, but every struggle presents an opportunity for redemption and restoration. Bethany shares her Fearless Pillowcase and how it became a tangible reminder that when we walk with Jesus, fear has no power over us.

By incorporating these scriptures into their bedtime routine, we not only equip our children with the tools to combat fear but also instill within them a deep-rooted faith in God's love and provision. We teach them to pray God's words for themselves, to express their worries, fears, and concerns, knowing that God meets them in their vulnerability.

As we transition from bedtime worries to bedtime blessings, let us remember the foundation of it all—our reliance on God's word. Through prayer and scripture, we invite God into our children's nighttime routines, allowing His peace to permeate every corner of their hearts and minds. 

Anchoring Scriptures:
Psalm 56:11
Philippians 4:6-7
Isaiah 43:9
Hebrews 13:6
Psalm 91:11
Psalm 4:8
Isaiah 41:10

The Fearless Pillowcase

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Welcome back to the kitchen table. In motherhood we face challenges, triumph, and a struggle with perfectionism and comparison. In today’s episode Bethany guides listeners to shift their perspective to see motherhood as a process of growth, much like the difference between an oak tree and a Bradford pear. Bethany brings listeners into a story of transformation guided by a metaphor used by the Lord.

Bethany's journey to freedom in motherhood began with a shift in perspective by embracing imperfections and relying on God's guidance. Growth is abundant and consistent, much like the slow and steady development of an oak tree. Instead of looking at other children, focus on the  journey of your own. Your intimacy with the Lord will grow, and you'll witness the flourishing of your own root system.

Our identity is secure in Christ. He is building us up, grounding us in his word, and securing us in his truth. With roots deep in Christ, we can navigate the journey of motherhood with grace, knowing that God is actively working in our lives, building us up one day at a time.

Anchoring Scriptures:

Matthew 11:28
Isaiah 61:3
Colossians 2:6-7

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Welcome back to the kitchen table. As women, we often find ourselves loaded down with expectations, performance pressures, and the weight of our identities. In today’s episode Bethany welcomes you to open and explore the baggage that you are holding onto. And, she welcomes you to explore the great exchange offered by the gospel and learn how to pour our hearts into the hands of God.

The pressure to perform can weigh heavily on our shoulders. And, our identities are often shaped by various roles—daughter, friend, career woman. These roles are not inherently burdensome, but societal expectations attached to them can become heavy. Bethany reminds listeners how it’s essential to recognize that we aren't designed to carry this baggage. God created us to reflect his image. 

God beckons us to run to Him. At the heart of the gospel lies a beautiful truth: the great exchange. God asks us to give him all of ourselves, and in return, he promises to do the same. It's an invitation to lay down our burdens and receive his grace, love, and mercy in abundance.

Bethany encourages listeners to lay down our burdens, embrace the great exchange, and find rest in Jesus. We are not alone in this journey, and he invites us to respond with worship, letting go of the pressure to perform.

Anchoring Scriptures:
Matthew 11:28
Romans 5:8

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Welcome back to the kitchen table. In today’s episode, Bethany welcomes Rachael Elmore, author, speaker, and licensed therapist, for a beautiful conversation that mothers of young and old children can relate to. Motherhood marks the beginning of a transformative journey. Bethany and Rachel acknowledge the emotional intricacies of this role, emphasizing the need for understanding and navigating through these emotions.

In the midst of this whirlwind, it's crucial for mothers to prioritize their mental and emotional well-being, not just for themselves but also for their children. Mental health in motherhood is a topic often overlooked, yet it is of paramount importance. The emotional rollercoaster of motherhood can sometimes lead to feelings of inadequacy, guilt, and shame. Bethany and Rachael unpack these emotions with biblical truth.

Caught in the trap of perfectionism, mothers often berate themselves for perceived failures and shortcomings. The relentless cycle of "could have done it better" becomes a burden too heavy to bear. Yet, as Bethany and Rachel reminded each other of the redemption God offers.. Our mistakes do not define us; rather, it's how we respond to them that matters most.

Bethany and Rachel's conversation serves as a reminder that mistakes are inevitable, but what truly matters is the commitment to repair and the recognition that, as mothers, they are fearfully and wonderfully made in the image of a loving God.

Connect with Rachael at https://www.rachaelelmore.com/home

Purchase her book A Mom is Born

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Welcome back to the kitchen table Bethany sits down with Christian life coach Alicia about the relentless pressure of perfectionism and the profound impact it has on our lives, particularly in the realm of motherhood. In a world that often sets unattainable standards, both Bethany and Alicia’s experiences resonate with many mothers who feel the weight of perfectionism.

Alicia and Bethany’s conversation guides listeners beyond the surface of perfectionism. It's not just about doing everything perfect; it's about the heavy load of meeting unattainable expectations and maintaining control over every aspect of our lives as mothers. Alicia shares her wisdom on how these challenges affect us, especially when navigating the dynamics of motherhood.

We are reminded to lay down our imperfections before God, acknowledging that we were never asked to do it with perfection, understanding that not every responsibility needs to rest solely on our shoulders.

Bethany and Alicia extend an invitation to peel back the layers of perfectionism, revealing a conversation rich in encouragement, recognition, and wisdom. This conversation serves as a source of inspiration for mothers, reminding them that their worth is firmly anchored in Christ, allowing them to navigate the intricacies of motherhood with grace, excellence, and freedom from the burden of perfectionism.

More About Alicia:

Alicia is a Christian Mindset Coach for Women at VibrantChristianLiving.com Certified NeuroCoach™, Certified Professional Life Coach, Speaker, Bible Teacher, Author (Fall 2024, Baker Books) She empowers women with brain science and faith-based tools to break free from negative thought patterns for more peace and confidence.

@aliciamichellecoach

Listen to The Christian Mindset Coach with Alicia Michelle here 

Download my free mindset workshop on how to break free from feeling “never enough”-- based on brain science and the Bible —https://vibrantchristianliving.com/mind 

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Join us in the Warrior Motherhood Community and learn how to take hold of the Gospel and confidently apply it to your motherhood as you parent your children

https://www.warriormotherhood.org/

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In our role as parents, we deeply cherish and protect the little ones entrusted to us, acknowledging that they are gifts from God. Guided by the wisdom found in 1 Peter 5:2-4, we recognize our duty as shepherds to guide and nurture our children, pointing them towards God who is at work in their lives.

Amidst the challenges we face, it's essential not to minimize our responsibilities or view them as mere inconveniences. Every moment holds significance, and what we do matters, resonating far beyond a passing season. Even on days when we may falter or feel resentful, our commitment is to exemplify kindness, walking with our flock in a way that mirrors the attributes of God.

Our ultimate goal is to unveil the attributes of God and bring the gospel to life for our children. 

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Join us in the Warrior Motherhood Community and learn how to take hold of the Gospel and confidently apply it to your motherhood as you parent your children

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As we conclude the snapshot series, we reflect on the words from 1 Thessalonians 5:14, emphasizing the importance of taking God along with us throughout our day. Bethany provides guidance on how to integrate God into our daily lives and conversations, focusing on grace and the gospel. 

By seeing our children through God's eyes, we discern their needs—whether they are struggling with idols, faint-heartedness, or weakness. This perspective prompts us to embody God's attributes in our interactions, adapting our approach based on the specific needs of our children. 

Ultimately, our interactions with our children serve as a mirror, reflecting how we engage with God's attributes and prompting us to seek guidance in navigating these conversations.

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Welcome to our snapshot series, where we delve into the essence of who God is. In this journey, we will explore these foundational truths about God's character, aiming to impart them in a way that allows us to speak these profound aspects into the lives of our children.

Our God is a promise keeper. His identity is deeply rooted in His faithfulness as a promise keeper. Scriptures like Joshua 21:45, Ephesians 1, and Hebrews 6:19 emphasize His unwavering commitment to fulfill every promise.

God's attributes are the foundation for the assurance that He will fulfill His promises. In a world designed to convey independence from God, these reflections serve as a reminder of the fundamental nature of God as the ultimate promise keeper.

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Welcome to our snapshot series, where we delve into the essence of who God is. In this journey, we will explore these foundational truths about God's character, aiming to impart them in a way that allows us to speak these profound aspects into the lives of our children.

God is consistent and unchanging. In a world where circumstances and perspectives are varied, God's nature is constant, providing reliable and unwavering truth. God is not only the source of all truth but also consistent in every aspect of His character, as shown in Numbers 23:19 and John 14:6.

Jesus is the embodiment of truth, and we are called to trust Him, aligning our lives with the principles of truth as seen in John 8:32. In a world where not everything is rooted in truth, the affirmation that God is truth becomes a grounding and guiding principle as we walk out our faith with Him.

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Welcome to our snapshot series, where we delve into the essence of who God is. In this journey, we will explore these foundational truths about God's character, aiming to impart them in a way that allows us to speak these profound aspects into the lives of our children.

Our God is a Living God, in Psalm 118:46, 2nd Corinthians 3:3, and 1 Timothy 3:15, the recurring theme emphasizes the belief in a living and active God. The profound truth that our God is not distant or passive but actively involved in our lives.

Bethany employs a vivid word picture to illustrate the concept that we don't merely adhere to a set of beliefs but actively worship a living God. Embracing the notion that our God is alive becomes a source of perpetual good news, bringing hope and assurance to our spiritual walk with the Lord. 

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