The Perfectionist's Guide to Mothering with Andrea Fortenberry

Welcome to Episode 88 of The Perfectionist’s Guide to Mothering! Today I’m sharing my conversation with Jodi Kinasewitz. Jodi is a previous guest of the podcast, you can check our conversation on Navigating Mental Health Issues in Episode 31.

She is the author of Soulful Surrender: Learning to Do Less So God Can Do More*, which we chat about in this episode. We also talk about how to stop striving and hustling through our days, and how to to slow down to enjoy the holidays.

Some of the resources we mention include:

• Called Creatives
• Thrivers by Michele Borba, Ed.D.*
• "All the Light We Cannot See" on Netflix

You can connect with Jodi on:

• ⁠Instagram @jkinasewitz⁠
• ⁠Her website

Just a reminder that you can connect with me via:

• Instagram @andreafortenberry
• My website

⁠⁠Subscribe to my monthly magazine, Restore.⁠⁠ Issues will hit your inbox the first Friday of every month.

*Affiliate Link

Welcome to Episode 87 of The Perfectionist’s Guide to Mothering! Today I’m sharing my conversation with Laura Haver, author of Play Together: Games & Activities for the Whole Family to Boost Creativity, Connection & Mindfulness.*

Laura Haver is obsessed with uncovering the secrets of how to live an unstoppable and joyful life. She is a mom, life coach, author, speaker and athlete. She has helped hundreds of individuals to experience more play, adventure, growth and inspiration in their lives and businesses. She has been featured on the Today Show, CBS, Fox, Parents and more. Laura holds a master’s degree in International Communication and has been coaching for over 25 years in leadership, life design and tennis.

Some of the resources we mention in this episode include:

• Play Together: Games & Activities for the Whole Family to Boost Creativity, Connection & Mindfulness.*
• Growing Up in Public: Coming of Age in a Digital World by Dr. Devorah Heitner*
• The Calm App

You can connect with Laura via:

• Her website: laurahaver.com
• Instagram: @lauramhaver
• Author Mom Community

Just a reminder that you can connect with me via:

• My website: andreafortenberry
• Instagram: @andreafortenberry

⁠⁠Subscribe to my monthlyish magazine,Restore here.⁠⁠ 

*Affiliate Link

• The Global Leadership Summit
• Soundtracks by Jon Acuff*
• On Writing Well by William Zinsser*
• "1,000 Names" by Phil Wickham
• The Microdelivery Vitamin C Resurfacing Peek Kit by Philosophy*
• The MomCo by MOPS International

Just a reminder that you can connect with me via:

• Instagram: @andreafortenberry
• Facebook: @andreabfortenberry
• My website: andreafortenberry.com

⁠⁠Subscribe to my monthlyish magazine, Restore.⁠⁠ Yay for happy email!

*Affiliate Link

In case you don’t know her, Noelle Rhodes is a comedian, a pastor, and a previous guest of the podcast. We chatted all about Trusting God’s Timing in Episode 28 and she was also on Episode 65, Five Loaves and Two Fish. Some of the resources we mention in the episode include:

• Voxer
• doTERRA Purify essential oil for stinky sports equipment.
• Gear you need: visit my Amazon store* where I have links for the wagon that saves my life, stadium chairs for bleachers, a canopy for outdoor shade, a first-aid kid, and instant ice packs.

You can connect with Noelle on:

• Instagram @yourfriendnoelle
• Tik Tok @noellephrhodes
• Her website: noelleprhodes.com

Just a reminder that you can connect with me via:

• Instagram: @andreafortenberry
• My website: andreafortenberry.com

⁠⁠Subscribe to my monthly magazine, Restore.⁠⁠ Issues will hit your inbox the first Friday of every month. Yay for happy email!

*Affiliate Link

Welcome to Episode 84 of The Perfectionist’s Guide to Mothering! Today I’m sharing my conversation with Molly DeFrank, author of Digital Detox: The Two Week Tech Reset for Kids.* Molly is a mom to six children, three boys and three girls, ages six to thirteen. She spends most of her time telling them to put on their shoes. She helps parents get back in the driver’s seat to better navigate the stress of screen time in the home.

We chat all about her book and I share my experience with our family's digital detox we implemented over the summer.

You can connect with Molly via:

• Her website, where she has some amazing goodies that complement her book: mollydefrank.com
• Instagram: @mollydefrank

Just a reminder that you can connect with me via:

• Instagram: @andreafortenberry
• My website: andreafortenberry.com

⁠⁠Subscribe to my monthly magazine, Restore.⁠⁠ Issues will hit your inbox the first Friday of every month.

*Affiliate Link

·       Hawaii by James A. Michener*

·       John Grisham Novels

You can connect with Mr. Cole via email: rtcoleclan at msn.com

Just a reminder that you can connect with me via:

• Instagram: @andreafortenberry
• My website: andreafortenberry.com

⁠⁠Subscribe to my monthly magazine, Restore.⁠⁠ Issues will hit your inbox the first Friday of every month.

*Affiliate Link

Welcome to Episode 82 of The Perfectionist's Guide to Mothering! Today I'm so excited to welcome my mentor and friend, Alli Worthington, back to the podcast.⁠ (You can listen to Episode 9: Standing Strong with Alli here.) ⁠

This time, we're chatting all about her new book, ⁠Remaining You While Raising Them.* ⁠ We talk about how modern motherhood is broken, mom guilt, the greatest gift a mom can give her kids, and more.

Some of the resources we mention in this episode include:

• ⁠Remaining You While Raising Them*⁠
• ⁠Happier Hour by Cassie Holmes, PhD*⁠
• ⁠Epionce Daily Shield Tinted SPF 50 Moisturizer*⁠

You can connect with Alli through:

• ⁠alliworthington.com⁠, where you can take her "What's Your Superpower?" Quiz
• ⁠Instagram @alliworthington⁠
• ⁠The Alli Worthington Show⁠

Just a reminder that you can connect with me via:

• ⁠⁠Instagram: @andreafortenberry⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠My website: andreafortenberry.com⁠⁠

⁠⁠Subscribe to my monthly magazine, Restore.⁠⁠ Issues will hit your inbox the first Friday of every month.

*Affiliate Link

• Psalm 23:1-4 NASB
• 2 Corinthians 9:8
• God Knows by Lisa Whittle*
• The Hard Good by Lisa Whittle*
• Called Creatives*
• The Craig Groeschel Leadership Podcast
• Lead Like It Matters by Craig Groeschel*
• The Grove Collaborative*: Get a free gift set with my link.
• Kitch Satin Sleep Scrunchies

Just a reminder that you can connect with me via:

• ⁠Instagram: @andreafortenberry⁠
• ⁠My website: andreafortenberry.com⁠

⁠Subscribe to my monthly magazine, Restore.⁠ Issues will hit your inbox the first Friday of every month.

*Affiliate Link

• Beach Read by Emily Henry*

You can connect with Dr. Kate via:

• Instagram: @flourishconciergept
• Facebook: @flourishconciergept

Just a reminder that you can connect with me via:

• Instagram: @andreafortenberry
• My website: andreafortenberry.com

Subscribe to my monthly magazine, Restore. Issues will hit your inbox the first Friday of every month.

*Affiliate Link

Welcome to Episode 79 of The Perfectionist’s Guide to Mothering! Today I’m chatting with Sarah Hauser. She is a writer, speaker, mom of four, and a very loud rescue dog. She is the author of All Who Are Weary: Finding True Rest by Letting Go of the Burdens You Were Never Meant to Carry.*

We chat about some of the soul-crushing burdens Sarah mentions in her book, one of which is perfectionism. We also chat about how unpacking the things we carry can help us be better moms and how we can let go of our burdens to carry something better instead.

Some of the resources we mention include:

• Bearing God's Name by Carmen Joy Imes*
• Bearing God's Image by Carmen Joy Imes*
• Kendra Adachi, The Lazy Genius
• Focus on the Family: Counseling
• Biblical Hope Counseling: Arizona
• Living Hope Counseling: Arizona

You can connect with Sarah via:

• Instagram: @sarah.j.hauser
• Her website
• Her newsletter

Just a reminder that you can connect with me via:

• ⁠⁠Instagram @andreafortenberry⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠My website⁠

⁠Subscribe to my free monthly magazine, Restore. New issues come out the first Friday of every month.⁠

*Affiliate Link

Courtney is a wife, mom, speaker and podcast host. Because she believes that everyone has an absolute need for discipleship and mentorship, Courtney created The Journey of Ruth Discipleship Podcast where episodes reflect her mission to help women Love Jesus, Read His Work, and Reach Others. Alongside serving her global audience, Courtney enjoys living out her mission closer to home as a volunteer alongside her husband in their church’s college ministry, as a speaker, and as a discipler of young women. 

Some of the resources we mention in this episode include:

• Wake Up Light for Kids*
• So Much More: Creating Space for God (Lectio Divina and Scripture Meditation) Podcast
• Lectio 365 App
• The Bible Journal for Busy Women
• Jesus Calling for Kids by Sarah Young*
• Indescribable: 100 Devotions for Kids About God and Science by Louie Giglio*
• The Gospel Comes with a Housekey by Rosaria Butterfield*
• Smart Money Happy Hour
• Courtney's Favorite Milk Frother*
• Growing Slow by Jennifer Dukes Lee*

You can connect with Courtney via:

• The Journey of Ruth Podcast
• journeyofruth.com
• Instagram @journeyofruth

Just a reminder that you can connect with me via:

• ⁠Instagram @andreafortenberry⁠
• ⁠My website

Subscribe to my free monthly magazine, Restore. New issues come out the first Friday of every month.

*Affiliate Link

• Episode 6 of The Perfectionist's Guide to Mothering with Jess
• Psalm 139
• Body Image Study

• I Mom So Hard: I Swimsuit Season So Hard
• Buzz Feed: Photoshopping Real Women Into Cover Model
• Try Softer by Aundi Kolber*
• Tarte Shape Tape Concealer
• Tarte Pressed Setting Powder

You can connect with Jess via:

• Her website: jessicacarey.co, where she has a Five Quick Habits to Build Body Confidence video series
• Instagram @jess_careyaz

Just a reminder that you can connect with me via:

• ⁠Instagram @andreafortenberry⁠
• ⁠My website

Subscribe to my free monthly magazine, Restore. New issues come out the first Friday of every month.

*Affiliate Link

• Restore Magazine: May 2022 Issue with Mother's Day Gift Ideas
• Episode 4 with Amy Carney
• Dangerous Prayers by Craig Groeschel*
• Call the Midwife
• YouVersion Bible App
• Greenlight App: Earn $30 when you sign up for Greenlight with this link. With the money app and debit card for kids and teens, you can send your kids money instantly, assign chores, and teach them to earn, save, and invest.*
• Sign up for Restore Magazine here. New issues will hit your inbox on the first Friday of every month. Yay for happy email!

Just a reminder that you can connect with me via:

• Instagram @andreafortenberry
• My website
  

• “Nobody wants to show you the hours and hours of becoming. They’d rather show the highlight of what they’ve become.” - Angela Duckworth
• Galatians 6:9: “Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we don’t give up.”
• Zechariah 4:10: “Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin.”
• Psalm 1:1-3 says, “How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, Nor stand in the path of sinners, Nor sit in the seat of scoffers, But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night, And he will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season, And its leaf does not wither; And in whatever he does, he prospers.”
• “Don’t waste the waiting. A waiting season isn’t a wasted season if you continue to seek and push into God.” - Pastor Craig Groeschel
• Marmee by Sarah Miller*
• Next Level Chef and Farmer Wants a Wife
• Jireh by Elevation Worship & Maverick City Music
• Calendly
• Episode 20, Rest for Weary Moms, of The Perfectionist's Guide to Mothering
• Julie and Julia

Just a reminder that you can connect with me via:

• Instagram @andreafortenberry
• My website

You can support this podcast financially by clicking here. 

*Affiliate Link

In this episode, we talk about the inspiration for Rebecca's new book, Do the Thing: Gospel-Centered Goals, Gumption, and Grace for the Go-Getter Girl*, striving, how to say no, and the pace of grace.

Some of the resources we mention include:

• James 1:5
• Called Creatives
• Full Focus Planner

You can connect with Rebecca via:

• Her website
• The Radical Radiance Podcast
• Instagram @rebeccageorgeauthor

Just a reminder that you can connect with me via:

• Instagram @andreafortenberry
• My website

You can support this podcast financially by clicking here. *Affiliate Link

• Hot Date Night on Instagram: @hotdatenight
• Oh Crap Potty Training*
• MinimaList
• Aqua Notes*

You can connect with Jackie via:

• Instagram: @stayathomejackie
• Hot Date Night on Instagram: @hotdatenight

You can support this podcast financially by clicking here.

*Affiliate Link

Amberly is a featured speaker for the Aspire Women’s Events and the main host and female comedian for Marriage Date Night, two popular Christian events that tour nationally.

She and her husband have two adult children and live in Prescott, Arizona, where they enjoy the great outdoors, the Food Network, and all things Star Wars. She is also a previous guest of the podcast in Episode 50, What I Wish I’d Thought Of.

In this episode, we chat about untangling our faith, holy uncertainty, and how our struggles and questions about faith can actually draw us closer to God.

Some of the resources we mention include:

• Amberly's new Bible study, Untangling Faith, which releases April 18th. When you pre-order you get amazing bonuses!
• Jeremiah 29:13
• 1 Peter 5:10
• James 1:2-5
• Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers*
• Google Calendar
• Miss Jessie's Hair Products

You can connect with Amberly via:

• Her website: amberlyneese.com
• Her free newsletter: amberlyneese.com/join
• Instagram @amberlyneese_comedian

*Affiliate Link

We chat all about her new book, The Time-Saving Mom, which releases on March 7th.* In this episode shares her four-step system, her time-blocked to-do list, and many other great time-saving tips!

Some of the resources we mention include:

• Off the Clock by Laura Vanderkam*
• 168 Hours: You Have More Time Than You Think by Laura Vanderkam*
• Mind Your Mindset by Meghan Hyatt Miller and Michael Hyatt*
• Soundtracks by John Acuff*
• Libby App
• Hoopla App
• The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson*
• Clean Angel Miraculous Cleaner*
• Nothing to Prove by Jennie Allen*

You can connect with Crystal through:

• Her website: moneysavingmom.com
• Her podcast: The Crystal Paine Show
• Instagram: @themoneysavingmom
• The new book: The Time-Saving Mom

*Affiliate Link

Kelli Jordan is a mom, grandma, mentor and MOPS International staffer living in the Kansas City area. She loves a good story, especially the stories of real people doing good things in the world every single day. She is committed to helping others find and share the hope of Jesus and embrace the good all around them. Read more from her at kellijordan.blog.

In this episode, we talk all about decision fatigue. As moms, we make so many decisions daily! Kelli shares these amazing tips and much more on how to handle decision fatigue:

1. Make your most important decisions earlier in the day
2. Set up some routines
3. Simplify
4. Focus on momentum
5. Know when it’s time to stop
6. Set a deadline

Some of the resources we mention:

• God Has a Name by John Mark Comer*
• The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer*
• Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus*
• Air Fryer Toaster Oven Combo*

• Lain's book, Start Small: Tiny Shifts to Boost Your Relationships, Simplify Your Day, and Life a Happier Life*
• The True Vine by Andrew Murray*
• Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader Documentary
• Scribd*: Use Lain's link to get two months free
• Subscribe to my digital magazine, Restore
• Support the podcast here
• Send me an email or DM me on Instagram

You can connect with Lain through:

• Her website: fastlain.com
• Instagram: @ lain.ehmann

• Matthew 11:28-30 MSG
• Episode 20 of The Perfectionist's Guide to Mothering: Rest for Weary Moms
• Growing Slow by Jennifer Dukes Lee*
• Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life by Anne Lamott*
• Soundtracks by Jon Acuff*
• Citrus Pear
• Subscribe to my digital magazine, Restore
• Support the podcast here
• Send me an email or DM me on Instagram

*Affiliate Link

Ginger is a dear friend, she’s a speaker, author and a previous guest of the podcast. You can find our previous conversation about Remembering God’s Faithfulness in Episode 7.

Last thing: If your church is interested in bringing Restore: Soul Care for Moms to your church in 2023, let me know! I can produce the event at virtually cost to your organization.

Contact me here:

• Website Contact Form
• DM on Instagram

If case you don’t know her, Noelle Rhodes is a comedian, a pastor, and a previous guest of the podcast. We chatted all about Trusting God’s Timing in Episode 28. She is truly one of my favorite people on Instagram, so go find her! Be prepared to laugh and be encouraged by my very funny friend, Noelle Rhodes.

• Website Contact Form
• DM on Instagram

Today I’m talking with Lisa Appelo. Lisa Appelo is a speaker inspiring women to cultivate faith in life’s storms and author of Life Can Be Good Again: Putting Your World Back Together After It All Falls Apart. When life shatters and you're navigating a life you didn't sign up for, Lisa provides compassionate, Biblical insight to help you find your footing, process raw emotion, and anchor your threadbare hope to see you won’t merely survive this, but that life can be good again.

A former litigating attorney, Lisa is passionate about rich Bible teaching. She writes at the popular site LisaAppelo.com, founded a team of writers at hopeingrief.com, administers the Facebook group Widow Mama Collective, and serves on the Executive Team for COMPEL with Proverbs31Ministries. As a single mom of seven, Lisa’s days are filled with parenting, ministry, and long walks to justify lots of dark chocolate.

In this episode, we talk about Lisa's story of loss, what has helped her and her family grieve, how we can help others going through grief, and how we can find hope that life will be good again despite our circumstances. 

You can connect with Lisa through:

• LisaAppelo.com

Jennifer Iverson is a speaker, wife, mom and efficiency expert. With over 20 years of experience, Jennifer loves helping women develop as leaders and accomplish their goals. She believes that communication is the key that unlocks healthy relationships and that anything can be accomplished with a good cup of coffee. Jennifer is mom to six children, now ages 16-26, and truly does organize closets for fun. Find her at jenniferiverson.com and on Instagram @ivymamma.

In this episode we dive into the practical: activities and traditions, gift giving, budgeting and saving money, food, and some of our favorite holiday hacks. 

Some of the resources we mention include:

• Advent cards: I've searched and can't find the pin or the file on my computer. :( I'll keep looking and will update when I find it.
• Board Games: Qwirkle, Azul, Pass the Pigs, Throw Throw Burrito, Killer Bunnies*
• Kiwi Co. Subscriptions*
• Soundtracks by Jon Acuff*
• Your New Playlist: The Student's Guide to Tapping into the Power of Mindset by John Acuff with L.E. Acuff and McRae Acuff*
• Domino Masters Show

*Affiliate Links

Jennifer Iverson is a speaker, wife, mom and efficiency expert. With over 20 years of experience, Jennifer loves helping women develop as leaders and accomplish their goals. She believes that communication is the key that unlocks healthy relationships and that anything can be accomplished with a good cup of coffee. Jennifer is mom to six children, now ages 16-26, and truly does organize closets for fun. Find her at jenniferiverson.com and on Instagram @ivymamma.

We chat about holiday expectations, travel, balancing family plans, grief, boundaries, and more! Be sure to tune in for our next episode where we share practical tips, tricks, and hacks for the upcoming holiday season.

Today I’m talking with Scott and Vanessa Martindale. The Martindales founded Blended Kingdom Families (BKF) in 2020 with a passionate desire to equip and encourage blended families and married couples as well as to help the local church cultivate community among blended families. Through faith and radical obedience, Scott and Vanessa have partnered with God to better equip the local church to reach blended families. BKF exists to break the generational cycle of divorce by equipping marriages and uniting blended families with the truth of God’s Word.

In this episode we chat about their story of being a blended family, how we can come alongside and support blended families, some of their best tips for a thriving marriage and family, and more!

Some of the resources we mention include:

• Blended Kingdom Families Website
• Blended Kingdom Families Podcast
• BKF Podcast Episode with Andrea Fortenberry
• Blended and Redeemed
• The Creative Marriage by Ed and Lisa Young*
• Victory in Spiritual Warfare by Tony Evans*
• The Craig Groeschel Leadership Podcast

*Affiliate Link

Today I’m talking with Brittany Ann, who is a repeat guest of the podcast. If you want to hear our previous episode, it’s Episode 18.

Brittany Ann is an ECPA bestselling author of Fall in Love with God’s Word* and Follow God’s Will* and the founder of EquippingGodlyWomen.com, a popular Christian-living website dedicated to helping busy Christian moms find practical ways to go "all in" in faith and family. Her work has been featured on CBN, The Christian Post, Crosswalk, and more.

In this episode we talk about if God has a specific plan for your life, common myths we have about God's will, the checklist mentality, and more.

Some of the resources we mention include:

• "Jireh" by Maverick City Music
• Dangerous Prayers* by Craig Groeschel

You can connect with Brittany Ann through EquippingGodlyWomen.com

*Affiliate Link

Although this series is over, we’d still love to continue the conversation with you! Send us a DM on Instagram @andreafortenberry and @staceymorgan2000.

We'd also love for you to share this episode with your friends and rate and review the podcast wherever you listen. Our hope is that you take what you learned this summer and go out and invest in yourself and in your friendships. 

~xoxo

We'd love to continue the conversation with you! Send us a DM on Instagram with your friendship questions and quandaries you want us to talk about this summer. Find me @andreafortenberry and @staceymorgan2000.

We'd also love for you to share this episode with your friends! We hope our episodes will be a conversation starter and a catalyst for you to develop and deepen friendships.

We'd love to continue the conversation with you! Send us a DM on Instagram with your friendship questions and quandaries you want us to talk about this summer. Find me @andreafortenberry and @staceymorgan2000.

We'd also love for you to share this episode with your friends! We hope our episodes will be a conversation starter and a catalyst for you to develop and deepen friendships.

We'd love to continue the conversation with you! Send us a DM on Instagram with your friendship questions and quandaries you want us to talk about this summer. Find me @andreafortenberry and @staceymorgan2000.

We'd also love for you to share this episode with your friends! We hope our episodes will be a conversation starter and a catalyst for you to develop and deepen friendships.

We'd love to continue the conversation with you! Send us a DM on Instagram with your friendship questions and quandaries you want us to talk about this summer. Find me @andreafortenberry and @staceymorgan2000.

We'd also love for you to share this episode with your friends! We hope our episodes will be a conversation starter and a catalyst for you to develop and deepen friendships.

We'd love to continue the conversation with you! Send us a DM on Instagram with your friendship questions and quandaries you want us to talk about this summer. Find me @andreafortenberry and @staceymorgan2000.

We'd also love for you to share this episode with your friends! We hope our episodes will be a conversation starter and a catalyst for you to develop and deepen friendships.

We'd love to continue the conversation with you! Send us a DM on Instagram with your friendship questions and quandaries you want us to talk about this summer. Find me @andreafortenberry and @staceymorgan2000.

We'd also love for you to share this episode with your friends! We hope our episodes will be a conversation starter and a catalyst for you to develop and deepen friendships.

We'd love to continue the conversation with you! Send us a DM on Instagram with your friendship questions and quandaries you want us to talk about this summer. Find me @andreafortenberry and @staceymorgan2000. 

We'd also love for you to share this episode with your friends! We hope our episodes will be a conversation starter and a catalyst for you to develop and deepen friendships.

We also mention in this episode that we work for MOPS, one of the greatest places a mom can make friends. Find a group near you here. 

Also, my event, Restore: Soul Care for Moms, is coming up on June 21st in Arizona! I'd love to see you there! Get your tickets here. 

2. Just a reminder that Restore: Soul Care for Moms is coming to Arizona on Tuesday, June 21st at Rock Point Church, 6:30-9 PM. Tickets are on sale now, link is in the show notes. I really hope to see you there!

Now, on to today’s episode:

Today I’m talking with Amberly Neese. I met Amberly earlier this year at an event here in Arizona and she’s amazing. Amberly Neese is a popular speaker/teacher, comedian, author, and all-around encourager dedicated to helping you become the joyful person you were created to be.

Amberly is a featured speaker for the Aspire Women’s Events and the main host and female comedian for Marriage Date Night, two popular Christian events that tour nationally. She is the author of The Belonging Project: Finding Your Tribe and Learning to Thrive*, Common Ground: Loving Others Despite Our Differences*, and The Friendship Initiative: Connecting and Loving Like Jesus.*

She and her husband have two teenagers and live in Prescott, Arizona, where they enjoy the great outdoors, the Food Network, and all things Star Wars.

Some of the resources we mention include:

• Deva Curl
• Hero on a Mission by Donald Miller*
• The Bible Binge Podcast
• Atlas of the Heart by Brene Brown*
• M*A*S*H
• The Lazy Genius by Kendra Adachi*

You can connect with Amberly via:

• Her website: amberlyneese.com
• Her free newsletter: amberlyneese.com/join
• Instagram @amberlyneese_comedian

*Affiliate Link

1. I have a new digital magazine, Restore. You can subscribe here. 

2. Get your tickets to Restore: Soul Care for Moms in Arizona on Tuesday, June 21st

Now, on to today’s conversation:

Today I’m talking with Jaclyn Weidner. Jaclyn is the self-proclaimed former president of the Hot Mess Mom's Club. After God pulled her out of a pit of anxiety and depression she has been on a mission to help other overwhelmed moms thrive! She lives just outside of Vancouver Canada with her husband Brendan and their 3 talkative girls. She hosts the Ready to Thrive Podcast and is the author of Tangled: A Soul Care Revival Guide. She loves creating content that helps women experience transformation in her life and she started the Ready to Thrive school where she hosts e-courses for women to get the tools they need to thrive.

Some of the resources we mention include:

• Jaclyn's Instagram post about Mother's Day
• Jaclyn's Course: Mama Get Your Life Back. Use coupon code MAMA50 for 50% off! 
• Waymaker by Ann Voskmap*
• Baby Steps Millionaires by Dave Ramsey*

You can connect with Jaclyn via: 

• Her website: jaclynweidner.com
• Instagram: @jaclyn.weidner
• Her Mama Get Your Life Back course: Use coupon code MAMA50 for 50% off! 

*Affiliate Link

Today I’m talking with Renee Swope. Renee is an award-winning author, a popular national conference speaker, and a former radio cohost and executive director with Proverbs 31 Ministries. Her most recent book is A Confident Mom: Simple Ways to Give Your Child What They Need Most.* Renee and her husband, J.J., have been married for 29 years and have three children ranging from middle school to married + two daughter-in-loves and two fur babies.

Some of the resources we mention include:

• Renee's new book: A Confident Mom: Simple Ways to Give Your Child What They Need Most*
• This is Us
• Waymaker by Ann Voskamp
• Thistle Farm Lip Smoothie
• Psalm 25:4-5

You can connect with Renee through:

• Her website: reneeswope.com
• Instagram: @reneeswope

*Affiliate Link

Today I’m talking with Caris Snider. Caris is a Christian Communicator who shares the hope of God through speaking and leading worship. She is the best-selling author of Anxiety Elephants: A 31 Day Devotional and Anxiety Elephants for Tween Girls and Boys*. Her passion for the Lord comes through as she shares her experiences of overcoming depression and anxiety. Her desire is to help women of all ages with their faith and mental health journey.

We chat about how to detect symptoms of anxiety in our tweens and how to help them. We also chat through tips for us as moms navigating anxiety and our favorite Bible verses that help us. 

Some of the resources we mention include: 

• Psalm 94:19
• 1 Peter 5:7
• Philippians 4:8
• Psalm 91:11
• Philippians 4:4-6
• Matthew 6:25-34
• Follow Me by David Platt*
• Rewire Your Anxious Brain by Catherine Pittman*
• The Tattooist of Auschwitz and Cilka's Journey by Heather Morris*
• Batiste Dry Shampoo*
• GroupMe App

You can connect with Caris via:

• Her website: carissnider.com
• Instagram @carissnider
• Her books: Anxiety Elephants: A 30 Day Devotional to Help Stomp Out Your Anxiety*, Anxiety Elephants for Tween Girls* and Anxiety Elephants for Tween Boys*

*Affiliate Link

Today I’m talking with Becky Kopitzke. She is a wife, mom of two, author, speaker, and writing coach. She’s the author of three books including The Cranky MomFix: How to Get a Happier, More Peaceful Home by Slaying the "Momster" in All of Us.* Becky and her family are living the dream in northeast Wisconsin, where they share precious space with two lazy dogs, and tables stacked with homework and craft supplies.

I loved this conversation with Becky, we are kindred spirits! We talked about crankiness triggers, how to handle blunders that happen despite our best intentions, Becky's three family rules, and more. 

Some of the resources we mention include:

• Becky's Book, The Cranky Mom Fix*
• All Creatures Great and Small on PBS
• A Woman of No Importance by Sonia Purnell*

You can connect with Becky via her:

• Website: beckykopitzke.com
• Instagram @beckykopitzke

*Affiliate Link

1. Subscribe to my email list! I recently refreshed the format of my monthly emails to a new monthly magazine, Restore, and I think you’re going to love it! New issues will appear in your inbox every first Friday of the month.
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Some of my recommendations in this episode include:

• The Dream Giver by Bruce Wilkinson
• Growing Slow by Jennifer Dukes Lee
• The Most Excellent Way to Lead by Perry Noble
• The Celebrations Passport
• Uncommon Perks Membership

Welcome to Episode 44 of The Perfectionist’s Guide to Mothering! Today’s guest is a familiar friend, Nicole Zasowski, who was with us for Episode 13. She is a licensed marriage and family therapist and the author of two books, including What If It’s Wonderful?*, which releases on March 8th. She lives in Connecticut with her husband and three young children.

Some of the resources we mention include:

• Nicole's new book, What If It's Wonderful?*
• The Way of the Heart by Henry Nouwen*
• The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray*
• Eucalyptus Shower Steamers*

You can connect with Nicole through:

• Her website: nicolezasowski.com
• Instagram @nicolezasowski

*Affiliate Link

• On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WillFortenberryRealtor
• On his websites: https://willfortenberry.exprealty.com and https://willfortenberry.exprealty.careers

Welcome to today’s episode, friends, you’re in for a treat! My friend and MOPS coworker, the amazing Stacey Morgan, is back with us today. We recorded Episode 19 together on friendship and it is still my most listened to episode. If you’ve not listened, I encourage you to do that, just click here. 

Today we’re going to hear all about Stacey’s book, The Astronaut’s Wife*, which launches into the world on February 22nd! (There has been a supply chain issue, so the book will launch a few weeks later than we mentioned in the episode.)

Some of the things we talk about include:

• Adele's new album, 30
• That Sounds Fun Podcast
• Storytellers Live Podcast
• Masterpiece Mystery
• Poldark on Masterpiece
• Poldark Novels by Winston Graham*
• Stacey's favorite face masks: No 7 Protect and Perfect Intense*

You can connect with Stacey on Instagram at @staceymorgan2000 or her website staceymorgan2000.com. Find out all about her book at theastronautswife.com.

*Affiliate Link

Today I’m talking with Amy Debrucque. Amy is a wife, mom of four, cancer survivor, and co-author of Embolden.* She is the founder of the Life On Purpose Movement and host of the Life On Purpose Podcast where she encourages women to live on purpose instead of fear. 

We talk about how to embolden our daughters, differences in raising daughters and sons, how to care for yourself, and much more! 

Some of the resources we mention include: 

• The Hard Good by Lisa Whittle*
• Advent 2021 from She Reads Truth
• Elemis Pro Collagen Rose Cleansing Balm

You can connect with Amy via:

• Her website: https://www.amydebrucque.com/
• Instagram: @amydebrucque
• Her podcast: Life on Purpose
• Her book, Embolden*

*Affiliate Link

Today I’m talking with Karen Ehman. Karen is a Proverbs 31 Ministries speaker and the author of 17 books and Bible studies. You may also know her from the popular First 5 app or Encouragement for Today online devotionals from Proverbs 31 Ministries. She is married to her college sweetheart Todd. They are the parents of five adult children, three biological and two in-laws by marriage, although she forgets which are which. Her passion is to help women to live their priorities and love their lives as they serve God and others.

We chat all about her new book, When Making People Happy is Making You Miserable: How to Break the Pattern of People Pleasing and Confidently Live Your Life*. You're going to love what Karen shares about how to say yes to relationships and no to requests, how to establish and maintain boundaries, and much more!

Some of the resources we mention include:

• The Unsolved Mysteries Podcast
• Picture This App for Plants

You can connect with Karen through:

• Instagram: @karenehman
• Her website: karenehman.com
• Her new book: When Making People Happy is Making You Miserable: How to Break the Pattern of People Pleasing and Confidently Live Your Life*

*Affiliate Link

Today I’m talking with Kathy Howard. Kathy is a treasure hunter. She hunts for the creamiest chocolate and richest coffee. She searches for cherished stories of faith that still impact hearts. And, she digs deep into God’s Word, mining His eternal truths for herself and to share with others. She is the author of 10 books, including the Deep Rooted devotional series and her latest book, Heirloom: Living and Leaving a Legacy of Faith (October 2021). 

We talk about her what is means to leave a spiritual legacy and what the Bible has to say about it. Kathy gives practical tips on how busy moms can incorporate faith for their family into everyday life and during the holiday season. 

In this episode we mention:

• Kathy's latest book: Heirloom: Living and Leaving a Legacy of Faith
• Deuteronomy 6
• Psalm 78 
• Episode 7 of The Perfectionist's Guide to Mothering with Ginger Ciminello
• Operation Christmas Child
• The World and Everything In It Podcast

You can connect with Kathy via:

• Instagram: @kathyhhoward
• Facebook: @kathyhowardunshakeablefaith
• Her Website: kathyhoward.org