Catch our full Podcast Playlist here on YouTube Here

There are moments in life when you meet someone and realize you’re witnessing the fruit of faithful parenting. That was exactly how I felt during my recent conversation with author, poet, and advocate Sydney Ann Johnson.

As Sydney shared stories about growing up, one theme became unmistakably clear: the woman she is today was profoundly shaped by a mother who loved God, nurtured her gifts, and intentionally poured into her children. Long before Sydney became a published author or saw her work featured in Chicken Soup for the Soul, she was a little girl whose creativity was encouraged at home. Her mother listened to sermons while taking daily walks, then came back eager to share what God was teaching her with her children. She reminded Sydney to trust God’s timing during seasons of uncertainty and modeled what it looked like to build a life centered on faith.

Today, those seeds continue to bear fruit. Through her writing, Sydney is now encouraging families around the world and pointing children toward their identity in Jesus Christ. It’s a beautiful reminder that we often won’t see the full impact of our parenting until years later, when those quiet, ordinary investments begin blessing generations beyond our own family.

That truth alone made this conversation worth having.

Meet Sydney Ann Johnson

Sydney Ann Johnson is an author, poet, and writer from Long Island, New York, deeply committed to faith, community, and advocacy. Her work spans poetry collections, cultural articles on faith and mental health in the Black community, and a feature in Chicken Soup for the Soul: I’m Speaking Now. Her debut children’s book, God, The Great I AM, published by Our Daily Bread, is a beautiful message of identity and belonging in Christ — written to help children from all backgrounds understand their immense value in God’s eyes.

The Lasting Influence of a Mother’s Words

As mothers, we sometimes wonder whether the little things we do every day really matter. We repeat ourselves, help with homework, pray over our children, read bedtime stories, and try our best to point them toward Jesus. It can feel ordinary—sometimes even unnoticed.

But Sydney’s story reminds us that those seemingly small moments become part of a child’s foundation.

One memory she shared particularly stood out to me. After graduating from college, Sydney found herself in a season of depression and uncertainty. Like many young adults, she desperately wanted to understand God’s plan for her life. Her mother gently reminded her that God rarely reveals the entire journey at once. Instead, He gives us enough light for the next step.

If we could see everything ahead, she explained, we would likely become overwhelmed. God’s wisdom is found in leading us one step at a time.

That encouragement stayed with Sydney. Looking back now, she can see how God used even that difficult season to prepare her for opportunities she never could have imagined.

As moms, we often want certainty—not only for ourselves but for our children. We want to know they’re making the right choices and that we’re leading them well. Yet this conversation reminded me that our calling isn’t to have all the answers. It’s to faithfully trust God while teaching our children to do the same.

Helping Children Discover Their Identity

One of the central themes of our conversation was identity.

Sydney’s debut children’s book, God, The Great I AM, was inspired by God’s declaration to Moses in Exodus 3:14: “I AM WHO I AM.” She wanted children to understand not only who God is but also who they are because of Him.

When children understand that they are created by a loving, eternal God, they begin building an identity that isn’t dependent on achievement, appearance, popularity, or comparison. Instead, they learn to anchor their worth in the One who created them.

That foundation becomes increasingly important in today’s world, where children are constantly receiving messages about who they should be.

Our role as parents is to make sure God’s voice is the loudest one they hear.

Why Representation Matters

Another meaningful part of our conversation centered on representation in Christian children’s books.

Sydney shared that one of her motivations for writing was her desire for Black and Brown children to see themselves reflected in faith-based literature. Every child deserves to open a book and recognize that they, too, are wonderfully made in God’s image.

She recounted a touching encounter with a young boy who noticed her natural hair while she was picking up takeout. His father explained that his son simply wanted to tell her he liked her hair. That simple interaction reinforced something Sydney already believed: children notice when they see someone who looks like them.

Representation isn’t about elevating one group over another. It’s about communicating a biblical truth—that every child is intentionally created by God, deeply loved by Him, and has a place in His story.

Christian books have a unique opportunity to reinforce that message, helping children from every background see themselves as valuable members of God’s family.

Finding God in the Ordinary

Although we spent time talking about books and writing, one of my favorite parts of our conversation was the encouragement Sydney offered to mothers who feel overwhelmed.

She remembered watching her own mother intentionally create space to spend time with God. Often, that meant taking a simple walk while listening to biblical teaching. Those quiet moments refreshed her spiritually, and what she learned overflowed naturally into conversations with her children.

That picture resonated with me because motherhood often feels like a constant outpouring. We care for everyone else, solve problems, answer questions, and carry responsibilities that rarely slow down.

But we cannot continually pour from an empty cup.

Like Jesus, who regularly withdrew to spend time with His Father, we also need moments to step away, breathe deeply, and allow God to refill our hearts.

Sometimes that looks like taking a walk. Other times it may simply mean reading one chapter of Scripture before the day begins or spending a few quiet moments in prayer before everyone else wakes up.

The goal isn’t perfection.

It’s connection.

Encouragement for the Weary Mom

Toward the end of our conversation, Sydney shared one of her favorite verses: “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7).

Those words felt like the perfect conclusion to our discussion.

As mothers, we often carry burdens that no one else sees. We worry about our children’s future, question whether we’re doing enough, and sometimes feel overwhelmed by everything resting on our shoulders.

Yet God never intended for us to carry those burdens alone.

He invites us to bring every fear, every disappointment, every unanswered question, and every hope to Him.

If there’s one takeaway I hope you’ll remember from this conversation, it’s this: the faith you model today may become the legacy your children carry tomorrow.

Sydney Ann Johnson is living proof of that.

Her mother’s quiet faithfulness didn’t just shape one little girl. It helped shape an author who is now encouraging families around the world to know the God who calls Himself the Great I AM.

What an incredible reminder that our ordinary faithfulness can have an extraordinary impact.

So keep praying.

Keep speaking life.

Keep reading God’s Word.

Keep pointing your children to Jesus.

You may never fully realize how far those seeds will grow, but God does—and He is faithful to bring a harvest in His perfect time.

How to Connect with Sydney Ann

Learn more about Sydney Ann’s books and more…

Website: https://sydneyannjohnson.com/

The post CMC194:What Every Child (& Mom) Needs to Hear About God appeared first on Christian Homeschool Moms™ - Homeschool Podcast.

Catch our full Podcast Playlist here on YouTube Here

Have you ever wondered if you missed your opportunity to start something new? Maybe life took an unexpected turn, your plans fell apart, or you’ve spent years putting everyone else’s needs ahead of your own. If so, you’re not alone. In this episode of the Christian Moms Cafe Podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with entrepreneur, self-taught coder, and founder Sharen Eddings, whose story is a powerful reminder that it is never too late to learn, grow, pivot, and create a new future.

Meet Sharon Eddings

Sharen Eddings is a self-taught coder, entrepreneur, and educator from Detroit whose career journey is nothing short of inspiring. After teaching herself how to code in just eight months, she landed a position in automotive software development, where she helped develop innovative features such as Blind Spot Detection technology. Within a year and a half, she was managing two teams in a connected cars department.

Motivated by the lack of accessible coding education for students, Sharen began volunteering at her son’s school. That experience sparked the creation of Code with Sharen, a STEM-focused e-learning platform designed to bring coding education to underserved communities.

Like many entrepreneurs, Sharen faced significant challenges during the pandemic, forcing her to pivot once again. Today, she is the founder of Rapido Spanish, an innovative language-learning platform designed to help learners become multilingual through immersive and engaging experiences. Her journey demonstrates resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to lifelong learning.

When Hard Times Become Turning Points

One of the most compelling parts of our conversation was hearing how many of Sharen’s biggest breakthroughs emerged from difficult seasons.

Many people assume successful entrepreneurs follow a straight path. The reality is often much messier. Economic downturns, personal hardships, family responsibilities, and unexpected setbacks can derail even the most carefully planned goals.

Sharen shared how financial challenges pushed her to explore coding as a career path. Faced with uncertainty and the need to provide for her family, she made a decision that would ultimately change the trajectory of her life. Rather than allowing difficult circumstances to define her future, she used them as motivation to learn a new skill.

Her story serves as an important reminder that sometimes the very thing we view as an obstacle becomes the catalyst for our next opportunity.

Learning New Skills at Any Age

One of the biggest myths many women believe is that learning complex new skills is reserved for younger people. Sharen’s experience completely challenges that idea.

Without a formal computer science degree, she taught herself coding and entered a highly technical industry. Her success demonstrates that determination, consistency, and curiosity can often matter more than traditional credentials.

For moms especially, learning something new can feel intimidating. Between family responsibilities, work obligations, and everyday life, it’s easy to assume there simply isn’t enough time.

Yet Sharen’s journey illustrates that growth doesn’t require perfection. It requires willingness.

Sometimes the first step is simply believing that you’re capable of learning something you’ve never done before.

Why We Need to Rethink Learning

One of the most fascinating parts of our discussion centered around Sharen’s perspective on education and how people learn best.

Through her experiences teaching coding and later building Rapido Spanish, she noticed a common pattern. Many adults become anxious the moment they hear the word “learning.” Traditional educational environments often create pressure, fear, and self-doubt.

Instead, Sharen began thinking about learning more like job training.

When someone starts a new job, they don’t expect to know everything immediately. They learn through doing. They gain confidence through repetition. They make mistakes and improve over time.

This insight became the foundation of her teaching philosophy.

Rather than focusing on memorization, she emphasizes immersion, practice, and real-world application. Whether learning code or learning a new language, people often learn best when they are actively engaged instead of passively absorbing information.

The “One Line at a Time” Philosophy

Perhaps the most memorable lesson from our conversation was Sharen’s approach to tackling big goals.

As a software developer, she understands that even the most sophisticated programs are built one line of code at a time.

That same principle applies to life.

Many of us become overwhelmed because we’re constantly looking at the entire journey ahead. We focus on how far we have left to go instead of the next step directly in front of us.

Sharen encourages people to stop trying to solve everything at once.

Want to start a business? Focus on the next step.

Want to learn a new skill? Focus on today’s lesson.

Want to recover from a setback? Focus on today’s healing.

The future is built one small action at a time.

This mindset shift can dramatically reduce overwhelm and help us make consistent progress.

Healing Through Growth

Another powerful theme that emerged throughout our conversation was the connection between healing and personal growth.

Sharen shared how learning new things became part of her own healing journey during difficult seasons of life.

Instead of allowing painful experiences to consume all her attention, she intentionally directed her energy toward growth. Learning Spanish became one way of keeping her mind engaged while giving herself space to process life’s challenges.

While personal development is not a replacement for counseling, therapy, or professional support, it can become an important part of recovery and resilience.

When we invest in ourselves, we often discover strengths we didn’t know we possessed.

You’re Not Behind

So many women quietly carry the fear that they’re behind everyone else.

Maybe you started your career later than planned.

Maybe you took years off to raise children.

Maybe you’re rebuilding after divorce, loss, illness, or financial hardship.

Maybe you’re entering a completely new chapter and feel like you’re starting from scratch.

Sharen’s message is simple but powerful: You are not behind.

Life isn’t a race against other people.

Everyone’s timeline is different.

Some people discover their purpose at twenty-five. Others find it at fifty-five.

What matters isn’t where you start. What matters is that you keep moving forward.

The Importance of Telling a Good Story

One of my favorite moments from the interview was when Sharen talked about the importance of having a good story to tell.

She reflected on conversations with elderly individuals she met while working in a nursing home. Many carried regrets centered around what they wished they had done.

The lesson she took away was clear: don’t spend your life trapped in “would have,” “could have,” and “should have.”

• Take the trip.
• Learn the skill.
• Start the business.
• Write the book.
• Have the conversation.
• Pursue the dream.

None of us know exactly how much time we have, but we can choose to make the most of the time we’ve been given.

Final Encouragement

If you’re walking through a difficult season, considering a career change, starting over after disappointment, or wondering whether it’s too late to pursue something meaningful, let Sharen’s story encourage you.

You don’t need to have everything figured out today.

You don’t need a perfect roadmap.

You don’t need to know every step ahead.

Just focus on the next line.

One line of code.

One lesson.

One conversation.

One act of courage.

One step of faith.

The path often becomes visible only after we begin walking it.

Your story is still being written.

And perhaps your most meaningful chapter is still ahead.

How to Connect with Sharen Eddings

Learn more about Sharen and explore her language-learning platform:

Website: https://tryrapidospanish.com/

Be sure to listen to the full episode of the Christian Moms Cafe Podcast for more of Sharen’s inspiring story and practical encouragement for navigating life’s transitions with resilience, hope, and purpose.

The post CMC192: Finding Purpose After Pain with Sharen Eddings appeared first on Christian Homeschool Moms™ - Homeschool Podcast.

Catch our full Podcast Playlist here on YouTube Here

There’s a conversation that more mothers need to have honestly, openly, and without shame: many moms are completely burned out.

Not because they’re weak. Not because they’re failing. And not because they “can’t handle motherhood.” They’re burned out because modern motherhood often requires women to carry an overwhelming amount of emotional, mental, spiritual, and physical responsibility all at once.

In my recent conversation with educator, consultant, and homeschool mom Jenna Myers, we talked about something that I think resonates deeply with women right now: the feeling of constantly running on empty while trying to hold everything together for everyone else.

What made this conversation so refreshing was that it wasn’t overly polished or filled with unrealistic advice. It was grounded in real life. Jenna shared her own experience of trying to juggle homeschooling, work, family responsibilities, caregiving, and the daily emotional demands of motherhood while slowly realizing that her nervous system was completely overwhelmed.

And honestly, I think a lot of women are living in that exact place without realizing it.

Meet Jenna Myers

Jenna Lynn Myers is the author of Homeschooling With Purpose, Biblical Encouragement for Moms, owner of The Sophisticated Teacher, former classroom educator turned homeschool mom to three boys

The Stress of Modern Motherhood

One of the most important things we discussed was how normalized stress has become for mothers. So many women wake up already mentally overloaded before the day even begins. There are schedules to manage, meals to prepare, messages to answer, emotional needs to tend to, and an endless stream of decisions to make. Add in social media, work responsibilities, family obligations, and the pressure to “do it all well,” and many moms are functioning in a constant state of overstimulation.

The problem is that when chronic stress becomes normal, women stop recognizing how deeply exhausted they actually are.

Jenna talked about reaching a point where everyone in her household seemed dysregulated. The kids were overwhelmed, emotions were high, and tension was constantly present in the home. At first, it felt like everyone else was struggling. But eventually she realized something difficult but powerful: her own stress and exhaustion were affecting the emotional atmosphere of the family.

That insight is important because mothers often set the emotional tone of the home, whether they realize it or not. When a mom is constantly anxious, rushed, emotionally reactive, or mentally scattered, children tend to absorb that energy. It doesn’t mean moms need to be perfect or emotionally calm at all times. But it does mean that a mother’s wellbeing matters far more than many women have been taught to believe.

What Nervous System Regulation Really Means

We also talked about the phrase “nervous system regulation,” which has become more common recently, but at its core simply means helping the body return to a state of calm instead of constantly operating in survival mode.

Many women have spent so long multitasking and pushing through stress that they no longer know what genuine rest feels like. Even moments of silence can feel uncomfortable because their minds have adapted to constant stimulation.

Burnout does not always look dramatic. Sometimes it looks like irritability, brain fog, emotional numbness, snapping at your kids more easily, or feeling overwhelmed by small tasks. Sometimes it looks like never fully relaxing, even when there’s technically time to rest.

Jenna shared how health struggles eventually forced her to confront the reality that the pace she was living at was not sustainable. And unfortunately, many women don’t stop until their bodies force them to.

Why Moms Need More White Space

One thing Jenna shared that really stood out to me was her intentional decision to create “white space” in her family life. Instead of filling every day with activities, commitments, errands, or productivity, she began protecting certain pockets of time for rest, slower rhythms, and simply being present at home.

At first, she admitted that slowing down felt uncomfortable. And I think many women can relate to that. We live in a culture that often ties worth to productivity. A packed schedule can make us feel important, responsible, or successful. Meanwhile, rest can almost feel irresponsible. There’s this underlying fear that if we slow down, we are somehow falling behind.

But one of the most interesting parts of our conversation was the idea that constant busyness does not automatically create stronger families. In fact, many families are emotionally disconnected precisely because they are always rushing from one thing to the next. There’s very little room left for reflection, conversation, quietness, or meaningful connection.

Jenna talked about protecting slower days in her week, limiting distractions from her phone, and intentionally creating moments where her family could simply exist together without being pulled in ten different directions. And what she discovered was that peace often grows in the spaces where urgency is removed.

That really stayed with me.

Because many mothers are not lacking effort. They are lacking margin.

Rest Is Not Laziness

There’s also an important spiritual component to this conversation. As Christian women especially, many of us have learned how to serve others well, but we have not always learned how to care for ourselves in healthy ways.

Somewhere along the line, exhaustion became associated with faithfulness. The more depleted we are, the more devoted we must be.

But burnout is not a spiritual achievement.

Rest was never meant to be optional. God designed human beings with limits. Sabbath exists for a reason. Jesus Himself regularly withdrew from crowds, rested, prayed, and stepped away from constant demands. Yet many women carry guilt anytime they pause long enough to recover emotionally or physically.

What I appreciated about Jenna’s perspective was that she made rest feel practical and necessary instead of indulgent. Whether it was going on walks, muting social media, reading quietly, or protecting slower days at home, she emphasized the importance of creating rhythms that allow women to emotionally recover instead of constantly running on adrenaline.

Creating a More Peaceful Family Culture

Another meaningful part of the conversation centered around family vision and intentional family culture. Jenna shared how her family creates a simple family vision each year where they talk together about what matters most, what feels disconnected, and what they want more of in their family life.

Sometimes it’s as simple as wanting more family walks, more game nights, or more quiet evenings together.

That may sound small, but those intentional choices shape the emotional climate of a family over time.

Children don’t primarily remember whether every detail of life was optimized perfectly. They remember how home felt. They remember whether there was peace, emotional safety, connection, laughter, and presence.

And honestly, I think many women are craving that kind of peace again.

Not performative peace for social media. Real peace.

The kind that comes from slowing down enough to breathe, reconnect with God, and stop measuring your worth by how exhausted you are.

A Reminder for the Overwhelmed Mom

Toward the end of the episode, we talked about what we would say to the mom who feels like she cannot keep up anymore. And I loved Jenna’s answer because it was simple and compassionate. She said the first thing she would tell that mom to do is pause. Breathe. Pray. Sit quietly for a moment before trying to solve everything.

That sounds so simple, but for overwhelmed moms, even stopping can feel unfamiliar.

Sometimes women are so used to surviving that they don’t realize how deeply they need restoration.

This conversation was such an important reminder that motherhood was never supposed to be lived in constant survival mode. Women need support. They need community. They need healthy rhythms. They need rest. And they need spaces where they can be honest about how hard certain seasons can feel without immediately being met with guilt or unrealistic expectations.

Most importantly, they need to know that their value does not come from how much they can carry before collapsing.

Peace, margin, and emotional health are not luxuries for mothers. They are necessities.

Ways to Reach Jenna

Website: The Sophisticated Teacher

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesophisticatedteacher/

The post CMC190:The Burned-Out Mom Conversation We Need to Have, with Homeschool Mom, Jenna Myers appeared first on Christian Homeschool Moms™ - Homeschool Podcast.

You Can Also Watch the Podcast on YouTube Here

There’s something deeply comforting about knowing that God is not distant.

He’s not hiding from us.
He’s not only speaking through dramatic moments or perfect spiritual routines.
And He’s not waiting for us to “get everything together” before He draws near.

In this episode of the Christian Moms Cafe podcast, I had the joy of sitting down with author, worship leader, educator, and voice teacher Sylvia Ledon for a beautiful conversation about learning to recognize the voice of God in our everyday lives.

And honestly? It felt less like an interview and more like sitting together over coffee talking about faith, motherhood, curiosity, and the gentle ways God meets us right where we are.

Sylvia shared stories from her childhood in Ecuador, her journey to faith, her work in ministry, and the inspiration behind her children’s book, The Voice of God. But more than anything, this conversation reminded me that hearing God’s voice is often much simpler—and much more relational—than we make it.

Meet Silvia Ledon

Silvia Ledon is a Cuban-born, Ecuador-raised author, speaker, worship leader, and educator with over 40 years of ministry experience. An award-winning children’s book author, Silvia weaves together her love for music, storytelling, and spiritual formation to guide people of all ages toward discovering God’s presence in everyday life.
A graduate of the Renovaré Institute for Christian Spiritual Formation, she serves alongside her husband, Juan, as a missionary in Richmond, Virginia, working with immigrant communities. Bilingual in English and Spanish, Silvia has released her children’s book The Voice of God in both languages, extending its message of God’s nearness to an even wider audience.​
Silvia’s passion is to help people move from a performative and exhausting version of faith into a life of joy, rest, and spiritual depth that is rooted in God’s love and presence.

God Was Speaking Before She Even Knew His Name

One of the most powerful parts of our conversation was hearing Sylvia describe how she sensed God’s presence as a very young child—even before she had ever heard about Jesus.

Raised in Ecuador and coming from a nonreligious background, Sylvia recalled how a childhood friend would talk to her about God through nature: the mountains, the beauty of the earth, the world around them. And somehow, even as a little girl, she felt connected to the Creator through those conversations.

Later, when she learned about Jesus as a teenager, everything suddenly made sense.

She described it so beautifully: she realized this was the One she had been searching for all along.

I think that’s such an encouraging reminder for moms. God is already pursuing our children. He’s already drawing near to them in ways we may not even fully see or understand. Yes, we teach. Yes, we guide. Yes, we disciple intentionally. But God’s love and presence are not limited to our methods.

He is always reaching.

We Don’t Always Leave Space for God to Speak

Sylvia also shared a story that I think so many of us can relate to.

She was walking through a difficult season as a mother, carrying deep concern for one of her daughters. During a walk outside, she poured out her heart to God—praying, crying, asking questions, releasing her burdens.

And then… she mentally moved on.

She started thinking about dinner. Laundry. Everyday responsibilities.

But in that moment, she sensed the Holy Spirit gently asking:

“Do you want to hear what I have to say?”

That question stopped her in her tracks.

And honestly, I think many of us need that reminder.

As moms, we spend so much time talking, planning, managing, teaching, helping, serving, and processing that we sometimes forget to become still enough to listen.

Not because we don’t love God.
Not because we lack faith.
But because life is loud.

Sylvia talked about how important it is to cultivate curiosity and openness with God instead of trying to control exactly how or when He speaks.

And that really stayed with me.

Sometimes we want God to speak:

• during our devotional time,
• through a specific scripture,
• or according to a certain spiritual formula.

But God is relational, not mechanical.

He may speak through:

• nature,
• silence,
• scripture suddenly coming alive,
• a conversation,
• peace,
• conviction,
• beauty,
• or even a moment we almost missed because we were distracted.

Curiosity Instead of Performance

One of the biggest themes in our conversation was the idea of curiosity.

Sylvia spoke about how children naturally live with wonder and openness—and how adults often lose that somewhere along the way.

And isn’t that true spiritually, too?

Sometimes our faith becomes overly rigid, overly performative, or driven by pressure instead of relationship.

We think:

• I need to wake up earlier.
• I need to pray longer.
• I need to do more.
• I need to “hear God correctly.”

Meanwhile, God may simply be inviting us into deeper awareness of His presence.

Jesus said in Matthew 18:3:

“Unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”

Children are curious. Open. Honest. Receptive.

And Sylvia encouraged moms to cultivate that same posture—not only for ourselves, but alongside our children.

Not forcing perfection.
Not forcing performance.
But inviting our families into genuine connection with God.

Helping Our Children Know God Personally

As moms, one of our deepest desires is often to help our children develop authentic faith.

But how do we do that without making faith feel cold, rigid, or purely religious?

This part of our conversation felt especially important.

Sylvia reminded us that we cannot force faith onto our children. We can guide them, model it, and create space for spiritual conversations—but ultimately, relationship with God is personal.

And often, children experience God differently than we do.

That truth especially resonated when Sylvia shared about parenting her autistic son. She spoke with such tenderness about learning to trust that God communicates uniquely with each individual child.

That perspective was so freeing.

God knows how to reach our children.
He created them intentionally.
And He is not limited by personality, learning style, neurodiversity, or human expectations.

Sometimes, faith grows most deeply through:

• honest conversations,
• shared curiosity,
• storytelling,
• prayer,
• worship,
• beauty,
• and simply living authentically before our children.

Not through pressure.

Not through perfection.

Making Faith Come Alive at Home

One thing I loved discussing was the importance of making faith feel alive and relational inside our homes.

Not just checking spiritual boxes.

Not just “getting through” Bible reading plans.

But slowing down enough to really engage with truth together.

Sometimes one meaningful verse discussed deeply can impact a child far more than rushing through large amounts of scripture without connection or understanding.

Faith was never meant to be reduced to performance.

It’s meant to transform how we live, love, listen, and see the world.

And honestly, I think many moms need permission to simplify.

You do not have to create a perfect spiritual atmosphere every day.

You do not have to be a flawless example.

You simply need to keep inviting God into your real life—and let your children witness that relationship.

Sylvia’s Beautiful Children’s Book: The Voice of God

During our conversation, Sylvia also shared about her beautifully illustrated children’s book, The Voice of God.

The book explores how children can recognize God’s love and presence through everyday experiences, connection, peace, beauty, and affirmation.

It’s gentle, imaginative, and deeply rooted in the truth that God is always speaking love over His children.

The illustrations—created by artist Diana Canales Rojas—are absolutely beautiful and perfectly capture the warmth and wonder of the message.

The book also includes discussion prompts and conversation starters, making it a wonderful resource for families, homeschoolers, grandparents, and anyone wanting to nurture meaningful spiritual conversations with children.

You can learn more through Sylvia Ledon’s official website or As I Grow Publishing.

Final Encouragement for Moms

One sentence Sylvia shared at the end of the episode has stayed with me ever since:

“Stay open and curious. God loves you and is always speaking to you.”

What a beautiful reminder.

Mama, you do not have to strive your way into God’s presence.

You do not have to perform your way into hearing His voice.

You can slow down.
You can listen.
You can remain curious.

And even in the middle of dishes, laundry, parenting stress, uncertainty, and ordinary life…

God is still near.

He is still speaking.

And His voice is rooted in love.

The post CMC188:How To Hear God’s Voice as a Busy Mom with Silvia Ledon appeared first on Christian Homeschool Moms™ - Homeschool Podcast.

You Can Also Watch the Podcast on YouTube Here

Every now and then, God brings a story across your path that hits your spirit in a way you can’t ignore — a story that makes you pause, breathe a little deeper, and remember who’s really writing the chapters of our lives. That’s exactly what happened when I sat down with Brittney Proctor for this week’s episode of the Christian Homeschool Moms Podcast.

Her journey is raw, honest, and full of the kind of hope you can’t manufacture. It’s the kind that grows only after you’ve walked through the fire and somehow come out standing on the other side, steadier than anyone expected. Brittney’s story is powerful because it’s not neatly packaged. It’s lived-in, battle-tested, and overflowing with God’s fingerprints.

Today, I want to extend the conversation beyond the mic and bring her story to the blog — because more moms need to hear what God has done in her life.

Meet Brittney Proctor

Brittney is a powerful evangelist, spoken word poet, and homeschool mom to an energetic, Spirit-filled kindergartener. With over 15 years of experience working with vulnerable populations, she is trained in trauma-informed care and deeply committed to helping others heal and grow. Her work is fueled by compassion, creativity, and a call to ignite transformation in others.

A Beginning Marked by Hardship

When you hear the phrase “from homeless to healed,” you might assume this is simply a story about survival. And yes, survival is part of it. But Brittney’s journey goes deeper than that. She wasn’t just trying to keep a roof over her head — she was fighting for stability, identity, safety, and hope during a season when everything around her felt unstable.

There’s a moment she talks about in the episode — that lonely in-between space where she knew something had to change, but she didn’t yet have the resources or clarity to take the next steps. Many moms listening know that season all too well. The nights spent praying for a breakthrough. The mornings where you push yourself to get up anyway because little eyes are watching.

What struck me most is how she described God meeting her in those low places — not in the “everything is fixed” moments but in the slow, steady, rebuilding ones. The moments where progress didn’t look exciting or Instagram-worthy, but it was progress nonetheless.

Finding Healing in the Middle of the Hard

One of the most refreshing things about Brittney is how open she is about the healing process. She didn’t gloss over the struggles. She didn’t pretend like the “before” didn’t exist. She also didn’t claim that healing happened overnight.

She talked about the small, often hidden victories:

• Learning to trust God with the pieces of her story she didn’t want to revisit
• Facing the emotional wounds she carried from her past
• Making decisions out of faith instead of fear
• Letting herself be loved and supported again

For anyone who’s ever walked through trauma, instability, or a difficult chapter, her honesty feels like a breath of fresh air. Healing isn’t linear. Some days you feel strong and grounded. Other days you feel like you’re back at square one. Brittney gets that.

And that’s part of what makes her story such a powerful testament — not that she never struggled, but that she kept showing up for her life, her healing, and her children.

Stepping Into Homeschooling: A Leap of Faith

Homeschooling isn’t a simple decision even in the best of circumstances. It comes with fears, doubts, second-guessing, and the infamous late-night Googling sessions. But imagine stepping into homeschooling after years of instability and survival-mode living. It requires a different level of courage.

For Brittney, homeschooling didn’t come wrapped in perfect conditions. She didn’t wait until her life was “completely together.” She didn’t wait for someone to validate her. She didn’t wait for the perfect schedule or the perfect curriculum or the perfect plan.

She followed God’s nudge.

She chose to create a stable, faith-centered environment for her children right where she was — not where she hoped to be someday, but in the present moment. And that’s huge. Because so many moms believe they need to hit a certain lifestyle benchmark before they can homeschool, and Brittney’s living proof that God equips you in the season you’re in.

When God calls you to it, He walks with you through it.

The Real Lessons Behind Her Homeschooling Journey

Talking to Brittney reminded me that homeschooling is more than academics. It’s discipleship. It’s healing. It’s rebuilding. It’s reclaiming what was stolen.

Here are a few lessons that stood out from her story:

1. Stability Isn’t External — It’s Rooted in God

Whatever your circumstances look like, your home can still be a place of peace and learning. Brittney learned to build stability not through perfect conditions but through consistent faith and intentional rhythms.

2. Healing Often Happens Through Motherhood

As she showed up for her children, God showed up for her. Some pieces of her own heart began to mend simply because she was nurturing the hearts of her little ones.

3. You Don’t Have to Be an Expert to Start

Brittney didn’t have a “teacher background.” What she had was a willingness to learn. And honestly? That’s enough. Homeschooling is a journey you grow into.

4. Your Past Doesn’t Disqualify You

This might be the most powerful part of her testimony. The enemy loves to whisper that we’re too broken, too late, too flawed. Brittney’s life is the evidence that God can turn a painful chapter into a platform of grace.

A Story That Calls Us Higher

As I talked with Brittney, I realized her story isn’t just inspiring — it’s convicting in the best way. It pushes all of us to stop waiting for perfect moments before walking in our purpose. It challenges us to look at our own lives and ask, “Am I letting fear or past wounds hold me back from what God is calling me to do?”

Her journey is a reminder that healing and calling often unfold at the same time. God doesn’t wait for our lives to be polished before He uses us. He works right in the middle of the mess — and He brings beauty from places we thought were ruined.

Encouragement for the Mom Who’s Still in the Hard Season

If you happen to be in a season like the one Brittney walked through — whether emotionally, financially, spiritually, or physically — I want you to hear this clearly:

You are not behind.
You are not forgotten.
Your story is not over.

God specializes in redemption. He has a track record of using the most unlikely beginnings to create the most breathtaking testimonies.

And just like Brittney, you can step into healing. You can step into hope. You can step into something new for your family, even if the world says your past should hold you back.

You’re not disqualified. You’re being prepared.

Behind the Mic: Why This Episode Matters

Hosting Brittney on the Christian Homeschool Moms Podcast wasn’t just another interview — it was a sacred conversation. A reminder of why this community exists in the first place.

We aren’t here to pretend life is perfect. We’re here to walk through real motherhood, real faith, and real homeschooling — with grace, vulnerability, and the confidence that God can meet us in any chapter.

My hope is that her story speaks to your heart the way it spoke to mine.

Want to Hear Brittney’s Full Story?

You can listen to our entire conversation on the podcast (embedded at the top of this page) — and trust me, you’ll want to hear it from her own voice. She brings a tenderness and courage that will stay with you long after the episode ends. Also, don’t forget to reach out to her and find out more about her non-profit organization at Unstuck and Free- https://www.amazon.com/s?me=A3F9IO9NDKIHF2&marketplaceID=ATVPDKIKX0DER

The post CHM182:From Homeless to Healed & Homeschooling, with Brittney Proctor appeared first on Christian Homeschool Moms™ - Homeschool Podcast.

You Can Also Watch the Podcast on YouTube Here

There’s something about the phrase “homeschooling through high school” that can rattle even the most confident homeschool parent. It feels like the stakes get higher, the expectations get heavier, and suddenly everyone thinks they need to become a guidance counselor, math tutor, and life coach all rolled into one. But here’s the truth: homeschooling high school isn’t the monster it’s made out to be, and in my conversation with CJ, that became clearer than ever. What we shared wasn’t expert theory or a list of curriculum hacks — it was real, lived experience from two moms who are doing this right now, with real teens in their homes, learning and growing day by day.

Meet CJ

CJ is a wife & homeschool mom to three kids. She enjoys sharing encouragement about the tween & teen years of homeschooling, educational reviews & a li’l fun day-to-day activities, all with Christ at the center. Oh! And coffee is a must. 🙂

What surprised me most in our conversation was how little of high school homeschooling is about curriculum. Not because academics don’t matter, but because they aren’t the heart of this season. What matters most is the relationship you’re building with your teenager and the new role you step into as they gain independence. Instead of focusing on what program to use for chemistry or how to build the “perfect” transcript, we talked about helping teens become responsible, self-motived, and capable — the kinds of young adults who understand how to manage their time, communicate well, and navigate real life with confidence. Those are skills that can’t be bought in a boxed curriculum, and they matter long after high school is over.

A big theme in our conversation was independence — not as something to fear, but as an essential part of the process. High school is the season where your teen starts becoming their own person. They think differently. They process differently. They approach work differently. As homeschool moms, our job is to support that shift instead of fighting it. CJ talked about giving her teens more responsibility over their own schedules and assignments, letting them feel the weight of planning and managing their own work, and giving them space to struggle and figure things out. That kind of independence doesn’t happen by accident; it’s intentionally cultivated. And the beauty of homeschooling is that your teen gets to practice independence in a safe environment where they’re still supported, encouraged, and guided.

Something we also emphasized — and something many moms forget — is that you don’t need to know everything to homeschool high school. You don’t have to be a math expert or remember every detail from grammar school. Homeschooling high school is less about what you personally know and more about modeling how to learn. If you don’t remember algebra, you don’t pretend — you look it up, you outsource help, or you learn alongside your child. And believe it or not, teens respect that far more than the illusion of perfection. When you show your teen that learning is lifelong and that adults don’t have all the answers either, you’re teaching them something far more valuable than an equation: you’re teaching them how to think, how to ask questions, and how to problem-solve.

We also talked about preparing teens for real life — not just college, but adulthood. Homeschooling naturally creates space to teach everyday skills that matter just as much as academics. Whether it’s managing chores, learning to budget, cooking meals, communicating respectfully, or handling commitments, your home already offers countless opportunities to prepare your teen for the real world. And because you’re living life together, you’re shaping character and work ethic in ways that traditional schooling simply can’t replicate. High school at home isn’t about creating mini scholars who can recite facts on command. It’s about raising capable, grounded young adults who understand responsibility, initiative, and integrity.

One thing CJ reminded me of is that homeschooling high school isn’t a brand-new mountain to climb; it’s a continuation of what you’ve already built. If you’ve homeschooled through middle school, you’re already equipped for high school. You know your child’s strengths and weaknesses. You understand how they learn and what motivates them. You’ve built rhythms, values, and habits over years. High school simply builds on that foundation. And the good news? You don’t have to have the next four years mapped out with perfect clarity. CJ is homeschooling three high schoolers right now, and she’s still figuring it out as she goes — and doing it beautifully.

If you’re worried that you need to be exceptional to homeschool high school, let me ease that pressure: you don’t. You don’t need a flawless schedule, a fancy homeschool room, or a transcript that reads like a college admissions brochure. What you need is consistency. Show up. Guide your teen. Talk with them. Listen to them. Support them. That’s the work that truly matters. Homeschooling high school is far less about academic perfection and far more about intentional parenting and mentorship.

So if you’re feeling intimidated or unsure whether you’re capable of homeschooling through high school, hear this clearly: you are absolutely capable. You don’t need to know everything. You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to be present. The high school years are rich, meaningful, and full of opportunities to grow closer to your teen, prepare them for adulthood, and watch them step into who they’re becoming. And if moms like CJ — with three teens at home — can do it while still learning every day, you can too.

Follow CJ on Socials & Reach out for Support

Stay encouraged throughout the week by following CJ across her social platforms:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homeschoolingthroughhighschool/
• YouTube: https://youtu.be/EQn6HUvfnzM

The post CHM181: Homeschooling Through High School: Real Talk with CJ appeared first on Christian Homeschool Moms™ - Homeschool Podcast.

You Can Also Watch the Podcast on YouTube Here

Meet Sharon Jaynes

Sharon Jaynes is a conference speaker and author of 26 books including When You Don’t Like Your Story: What if Your Worst Chapter Could Become Your Greatest Victories, The Power of a Woman’s Words, Praying for Your Child and Praying for Your Husband from Head to Toe, and Enough: Silencing the Lies that Steal Your Confidence. She is past Veep. and radio co-host for Proverbs 31 Ministries and avid blogger. Sharon is a storyteller who loves weaving story and Biblical principles to encourage and empower women to walk in courage and confidence as they grasp their true identity as a child of God and a co-heir with Christ. She can often be spotted at Chick-fil-a drinking sweet tea or Starbucks ordering a skinny latte with whip cream. She and her husband, Steve, call NC home. They have one adult son who lives 767.5 miles away. Yes, she’s counted them.

A conversation with Sharon Jaynes that every Christian homeschool mom needs to hear

Motherhood is beautiful, but let’s be honest—it can also hit hard. Some days you’re thriving, teaching lessons with joy, praying over your kids with confidence, and feeling God’s presence guiding your every move. Other days? You’re wondering why no one told you you’d be refereeing arguments before breakfast, Googling how to teach long division for the tenth time, and trying not to compare your real life to someone’s perfect Instagram reel.

If that’s you, I want you to breathe for a moment. You’re in the right place.

In this week’s Christian Homeschool Moms Podcast, I sat down with the amazing Sharon Jaynes—author, storyteller, and longtime voice of encouragement for women. And let me tell you… our conversation took me to church. Sharon has this gift of speaking truth in a way that lands right where you need it: in your heart, your spirit, and that tired part of you that just wants to know you’re doing enough.

We talked about motherhood, faith, insecurity, comparison, loneliness, spiritual growth, and the silent battles moms fight behind closed doors. And most of all, we talked about the God who shows up in every one of those places.

This blog post pulls together the heart of our conversation—because what Sharon shared is too good not to linger on.

The Stories That Shape Us

Sharon opened up about her childhood in a way that stopped me in my tracks. She didn’t grow up in a Christian home. Her family went to church, but behind the scenes there was struggle, brokenness, and fear. She saw and heard things no little girl should ever have to experience. She grew up insecure, unsure of herself, convinced something must be “wrong” with her.

And yet—God sent someone.

Her best friend’s mom lived out her faith so naturally, so joyfully, so consistently that Sharon couldn’t help but be drawn in. This woman didn’t sit her down for formal Bible lessons. She just talked about Jesus like she actually knew Him. (Imagine that!) She invited Sharon into her life, answered her questions, and loved her without making a big announcement about it.

One small seed of faith planted in a hurting teenager turned into her entire family coming to Christ—mom, dad, all of them—within six years.

That hit me.

Because how often do we underestimate the quiet faithfulness of just being ourselves? Just loving the kids in our home and neighborhood? Just showing up for our children the best we can, even when we feel like our story is too messy or too complicated or too unfinished?

Sharon’s whole ministry is living proof that God can do something powerful with a story that once felt broken beyond repair.

If you’re carrying pieces of your past into motherhood, hear me clearly:
God is not done redeeming your story. In fact, He plans to use every bit of it.

The Pressure to Get Motherhood “Right”

We moved into a topic that every mom knows too well—the weight of feeling like you should have it all together by now.

We want to be the mom who always responds gently.
The mom who prays consistently.
The mom who knows exactly how to guide each child’s strengths.
The mom who doesn’t lose her cool over the spilled cereal or the unfinished math worksheet.

But real life doesn’t operate that neatly.

Sharon told a story about teaching her son to ride his bike without training wheels. He fell over and over again, finally threw the bike down, and declared, “This is NOT fun and it will NEVER be fun.”

Every homeschool mom felt that in her spirit.

Sometimes motherhood feels exactly like that bicycle—wobbly, frustrating, and absolutely nothing like the joyful picture you thought it would be.

But here’s the kicker:
The very next day, Sharon’s son got up, walked outside in his pajamas, and rode that bike perfectly.

Just like that.

Sometimes our kids seem to show no progress for months, then suddenly—growth.

Sometimes we feel like we’re failing every day, but God is working underneath the surface in ways we cannot see.

And that’s where Sharon dropped one of my favorite illustrations:
The story of how bamboo grows.

You water the bamboo seed for one year—nothing.
Two years—nothing.
Three years—nothing.
Four years—still nothing.
But in the fifth year? It shoots up 90 feet in six weeks.

Did it grow 90 feet in six weeks?
Or did it grow 90 feet in five years and six weeks?

Motherhood is that bamboo.

We’re pouring in lessons, prayers, corrections, conversations, Scripture, patience, tears, and hope.
Most days, nothing seems to be changing.

But underground, God is building roots that will eventually support something beautiful.

The Comparison Trap: Why It Eats Moms Alive

Let’s talk about the monster that steals joy faster than anything else: comparison.

Sharon reminded me that this is nothing new. Comparison has been happening since Cain and Abel, Moses and Aaron, Peter and John. And Jesus Himself shut it down with one line:
“What is that to you?”

In other words:
Stay in your lane.

But here’s the twist: moms today aren’t just comparing themselves to the ladies down the street. We’re comparing ourselves to mothers across the entire planet, 24/7, thanks to social media.

We forget that someone’s pretty little moment online is their highlight reel—while we’re standing in our messy kitchen staring at the behind-the-scenes chaos of our real life.

It’s a setup.
A guaranteed way to feel like you’re falling short.

And our kids? They’re learning this comparison game too.
So the way we model confidence, grace, and stability matters more than we think.

Sharon’s line sticks with me:
“The measuring stick will get you stuck.”

If you’re constantly checking your motherhood against someone else’s, you’ll stay discouraged and stuck. And worst of all, you’ll miss the unique, God-designed story unfolding right in front of you.

When You Feel Spiritually or Emotionally Alone

Homeschooling moms carry a special kind of loneliness sometimes. We’re not standing at the school pickup line swapping stories. We’re not chatting with teachers or other parents daily. Sometimes it’s just us, the kids, and whatever lesson is on the docket for the day.

Sharon offered such practical, heartfelt advice for this:

• Build community intentionally, even if it feels inconvenient at first.
• Connect with moms in your church, not just homeschool circles.
• Don’t only seek friends your age—include women who have already survived the season you’re in.
• Pray with other moms (even two or three makes a huge difference).
• Have fun—yes, fun. Coffee, dinner, walks, whatever fills you up.

We need each other. Even Jesus had His close circle.

And if you’re introverted or hesitant? Start small. One friend. One meetup. Let God grow that community at the pace He knows you need.

Praying Through the Struggle

One powerful moment from our talk was Sharon’s approach to prayer for her son. She didn’t spend her energy begging God to shield him from every struggle. She knew struggle is where growth happens—where faith becomes personal, not borrowed.

She prayed instead that:

• he would learn what he needed to learn,
• grow through the challenge, and
• stay rooted in God even when life was messy.

And honestly, that convicted me in the best way.

We want our kids’ lives to be easy. But if we look at our own stories, the deepest spiritual growth didn’t happen during ease—it happened during pressure.

Our job isn’t to eliminate their struggle.
It’s to walk beside them and point them to the God who never wastes it.

The Melody Around Our “Chopsticks”

Sharon told a story that brought tears to my eyes—about a little boy who snuck onto a stage and started pounding out “Chopsticks” on a grand piano. The famous pianist Paderewski walked out, wrapped his arms around the child, and started playing a beautiful melody around the simple, clumsy notes.

All the while he whispered:
“Don’t stop. Never quit.”

That image is motherhood.

We’re over here tapping out the spiritual equivalent of Chopsticks. We’re trying our best, messing up sometimes, and feeling like what we’re doing is painfully unimpressive.

But Jesus comes alongside us.
He wraps His arms around our efforts.
And He makes something beautiful out of the simple, shaky notes we’re offering.

He whispers to us too:
“Don’t stop. Never quit.”

Because He knows what’s growing.
Even when we can’t see it yet.

God Loves Mothers More Than You Realize

Sharon pointed out something I’d honestly never slowed down to notice:
Jesus repeatedly went out of His way to minister to mothers.

He comforted the grieving mom following her son’s funeral.
He healed the daughter of the Syrophoenician woman.
He spoke dignity, honor, and encouragement to women who felt overlooked.
And even in His final breaths on the cross, He made sure His own mother would be cared for.

Jesus sees mothers.
He honors mothers.
He loves mothers.

And He sees you.

You’re Doing Better Than You Think

If motherhood has been heavy lately, hear me:

You are not behind.
You are not failing.
Your story is not too messy for God to redeem.
Your efforts are not wasted.
Your prayers are not unheard.
Your kids are growing in places you cannot see yet.

Your motherhood matters more than you know.

And as Sharon beautifully reminded us:
God is playing a melody around your chopsticks.

Don’t stop.
Never quit.
God is writing something beautiful in your home.

How to Connect With Sharon Jaynes

If this conversation stirred something in your heart—and let’s be honest, how could it not?—you’re going to want to stay connected with Sharon. She pours out so much wisdom, Scripture, and godly encouragement for women, moms, and anyone walking through a season of growth or healing.

Here’s where you can find her:

Visit SharonJaynes.com for weekly devotions, free resources, speaking info, and all her books in one place.
Website: https://sharonjaynes.com

Books Mentioned & More

All of Sharon’s books are available on Amazon, ChristianBook, and through links on her website. Here are a few highlighted titles from our conversation:

• Mama Moments With God
• When You Don’t Like Your Story
• Praying for Your Child From Head to Toe
• The Power of a Woman’s Words

You can browse her full library here: https://sharonjaynes.com/product-category/books/

Follow Sharon on Socials

Stay encouraged throughout the week by following Sharon across her social platforms:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sharonejaynes/
• YouTube: https://youtube.com/@SharonJaynes

She posts devotionals, Scripture-based encouragement, behind-the-scenes life, and wisdom for Christian women at every stage of motherhood.

The post CHM180:Don’t Quit, Mama: God’s Not Done with Sharon Jaynes appeared first on Christian Homeschool Moms™ - Homeschool Podcast.

You Can Also Watch the Podcast on YouTube Here

Motherhood can feel like a never-ending game of catch-up. Lessons to teach. Laundry that multiplies like rabbits. Tiny humans who need snacks every 4.2 minutes. Homeschooling adds a whole new layer of pressure: now you are responsible not only for raising your children but for educating them too.

Some days, survival feels like the ultimate goal.

Yet deep inside, there is still a fire. Call it passion, calling, gifting, or simply that divine spark. You know there is something God planted in you that goes beyond grading math and refereeing sibling squabbles.

So what happens when a mother wants both?
What if she wants to raise a powerful family and fulfill her life’s mission?

This is where today’s guest, Audrey Rindlisbacher, speaks directly to the heart.

Meet Audrey Rindlisbacher: A Mission-Driven Mom

Audrey Rindlisbacher is many things:
• A mother of six
• A homeschool veteran of more than 20 years
• A classical liberal arts scholar
• A nationally respected speaker and educator
• Author of The Mission Driven Life
• Host of The Mission Driven Mom Podcast
• Creator of The Mission Driven Mom and Mission Driven Teen Academies

In other words, she has walked the demanding road of motherhood and education, and she refused to abandon her calling along the way. Her journey through hundreds of the greatest books ever written ignited a question:

How do great men and women become who they are?
What patterns do they follow?
How do they hear God’s direction?
How do they create lasting influence, beginning within their own families?

The answers led her to discover the Seven Laws of Life Mission.
And she is passionate about passing this roadmap on to women who feel stuck in overwhelm and self-doubt.

The Hidden Crisis Among Homeschool Moms

Let’s be honest.
Homeschool moms have become experts at self-neglect.

We will bend over backward to meet everyone else’s needs. Yet we rarely ask:
What do I need so I can show up with joy, intention, and strength?

Too many women say:
“This is my kids’ time. My gifts can wait.”

Except here is the truth:
Kids do not learn purpose by watching a mother shrink.
They learn courage by watching a mother move.

Audrey puts it plainly.
Self-neglect is not holiness. It is burnout in slow motion.

Motherhood is a calling. Absolutely.
Yet it is not the extinction of your personal mission.

Your Calling Is Not Cancelled. It Is Evolving.

Your God-given gifts are still breathing, even if ignored.
The creative desire inside you is not selfish.
The yearning to contribute beyond your home is not rebellion.

It is stewardship.

Audrey challenges women to pay attention to that spark:
• Always wanted to learn guitar? Go rent one.
• Wanted to write a book? Start a simple weekly writing ritual.
• Longed to volunteer or serve your community? Take one small step.

No perfection required.
No audience needed.

Your children must witness your growth.
They need to see you try, struggle, fail, adjust, and rise again.

Because one day, they will do the same.

The First Step: Love God and Love Yourself (Yes, Yourself)

It may sound counterintuitive, but Audrey insists:

You cannot pursue the mission God has for you if you are spiritually numb, emotionally drained, and physically depleted.

Loving yourself means:
• Meeting your real needs
• Managing your thoughts and emotions
• Honoring the gifts God wove into your identity

Real needs are not pedicures and girls’ trips (though those are fun).
Real needs sound like:
• Water instead of soda
• Sleep instead of scrolling
• Nourishing food instead of sugar spikes
• Quiet with God instead of noise on demand
• Community instead of isolation
• Learning instead of stagnation

This is self-leadership.
This is spiritual resilience.
This is how you say “yes” when God calls you to something bigger.

Mission Begins Right Where You Stand

Here is what sets Audrey’s message apart from the usual “self-care” narrative.

She does not call women to chase status or hustle culture.
She calls women to meaningful contribution.

A mission-driven mom does not abandon her home.
She elevates it. She leads it. She models it.

Your influence does not begin on a stage.
It begins at the kitchen table where little eyes study how you live.

Your children are not the reason you cannot pursue your calling.
They are the reason you must.

Stop Believing These Lies

There are three common myths that keep moms small:

Lie #1: “I must wait until the kids are older.”
No. Growth can happen in tiny pockets of time.
Even thirty minutes a day builds momentum.

Lie #2: “I do not know enough to do anything significant.”
Audrey reminds us: Greatness is developed, not downloaded.
You uncover your strengths by using them.

Lie #3: “It is selfish to invest in my gifts.”
Nothing could be more generous than giving the world the woman God created.

Imagine telling your child:
“Be everything God designed you to be… later.”
You would never say that to them.
Do not say it to yourself.

Your Children Need a Mission-Driven Mother

Little hearts crave leadership.
They crave examples of faith acted out loud.

When they watch you step into your purpose:
• They learn courage
• They learn to steward their gifts
• They learn resilience
• They learn what calling looks like in real life

They stop believing adulthood is joyless duty.
They start believing adulthood is holy opportunity.

That belief shapes their future more than any textbook ever could.

A New Vision for Homeschool Motherhood

Homeschooling is not only about academic instruction.
It is about legacy.

You are raising future leaders while becoming one yourself.
You are not simply running a household.
You are building a life that reflects God’s intentions for your family.

Imagine a community of moms who:
• Know their gifts and use them boldly
• Model curiosity, devotion, and lifelong learning
• Pursue purpose without apology
• Show their children what strength and faith look like in motion

That is the Mission Driven Mom vision.

Where to Begin: Start Your Mission Today

Audrey has created resources that help mothers take ownership of their purpose:

The Mission Driven Life (book)
A short, story-rich guide revealing the Seven Laws of Life Mission through the lens of the Ten Boom family.

The Mission Driven Mom Podcast
Weekly encouragement, teaching, and real examples of mission-driven living.

The Mission Driven Mom Academy
A powerful community and curriculum that helps women discover and develop the gifts God has placed within them.
Thirty minutes a day, real change for a lifetime.

Check out Audrey’s resources here.

There is no more waiting for “someday.”
Someday is not on the calendar.

Final Word: Step Out. God Is Already There.

Your life is not small.
Your motherhood is leadership.
Your gifts are needed in this world.

There will come a day when your children step boldly into their futures.
When they do, they will look back to see how you stepped into yours.

Do not shrink.
Do not silence the mission inside you.

You were made to shine where God plants you.
Homeschool motherhood is not the end of your calling.
It is the soil where your mission can finally take root.

The post CHM178: Your Gifts Are Not on Hold: Motherhood and Mission Can Coexist appeared first on Christian Homeschool Moms™ - Homeschool Podcast.

You Can Also Watch the Podcast on YouTube Here

Hey friends — welcome back to the Christian Homeschool Moms Podcast Blog!

Today, we’re diving into a topic that either lights you up… or makes you cringe a little: math. But before you run, stay with me — because this conversation with my guest, Margaret Shawver, will completely change how you see it.

Margaret is an engineer, educator, wife, mom, and woman of faith who sees mathematics as the language of God’s creation. She’s also the creator of a beautifully simple tool — differentiated graph paper — designed to help students (and moms!) make sense of those tricky X and Y coordinates. But beyond her creative resources, what stood out most in our interview is how she weaves faith and math together in a way that feels deeply integrated and practical.

If you’ve ever wrestled with teaching math at home, wondering whether you’re “doing it right,” this episode is for you.

About Margaret

Maggie Shawver is a mom, wife, engineer, educator, and enterpreneur. She has loved
God and math since she was small, and she has been blessed to have a chance to
practice those loves her whole life. She tries to demonstrate both in a way that will
add to God’s world and the body of Christ.

God’s Order Written in Numbers

From the moment Margaret started sharing, it was clear she doesn’t see math as abstract theory. She sees it as art. Creation. Worship.

When she talks about tulips growing in a parabolic curve, or bees building hexagons because they’re the strongest shape in geometry, you can hear her awe. She explained how even these tiny patterns in nature reflect the divine structure of God’s world.

“Math is the language of the universe,” Margaret said. “When I look at a flower or a honeycomb, I see God’s fingerprints in the numbers.”

And really, that’s what makes her teaching approach so powerful. She doesn’t separate faith and learning — she integrates them, just like God intended.

It reminded me of how our kids naturally see patterns and wonder. They’re not born dreading fractions or formulas. Somewhere along the way, that fear creeps in. Margaret’s mission is to bring back the wonder — to help kids (and parents) see that learning math is learning about God’s creation itself.

From Boeing to the Blackboard

Margaret’s story is just as inspiring as her insights. She’s an engineer by training who built planes for Boeing. But, as she shared, God had other plans.

After years in the corporate world, she began tutoring, and eventually teaching full-time — first at a small private school and now at a Christian K–12 academy. This fall, she’ll even be teaching at the same school her son attends.

That transition wasn’t just a career move; it was a calling.

“God really had me on a single path,” she said. “But then He just came down with a bolt of lightning one day and said, ‘Take a left.’”

That “left turn” led her to see that math education wasn’t just about equations — it was about discipleship. It was about helping young people understand how deeply spiritual the act of learning can be.

Teaching Math as Relationship

One of my favorite parts of our conversation was how Margaret compares equations to relationships.

She shared that when she teaches variables, she uses real-world analogies — even relationships between people — to help her students understand how X and Y interact.

“Everyone knows a high school couple,” she joked. “When the girl does something, the boy spirals around her — that’s your dependent and independent variable!”

It’s a lighthearted example, but it gets the point across: math isn’t just about memorizing steps. It’s about understanding relationships — how numbers and forces depend on each other, just as we depend on God and one another.

That relational view of math is what makes her approach click for students who might otherwise tune out.

For the Homeschool Mom Who Feels Overwhelmed

Let’s be honest: homeschooling math can feel like trudging through mud.

Margaret gets that. And she doesn’t sugarcoat it.

Even as a certified teacher with an engineering background, she admitted that staying on track while also nurturing curiosity is hard. That’s why her first piece of advice to homeschool moms is this: give yourself grace.

“Even professional teachers struggle with this,” she said. “Don’t beat yourself up if you can’t do it all. You’re doing more than you think.”

She encouraged moms to embrace flexibility and creativity — to remember that homeschool, by its nature, is already beautifully integrated.

That means you can talk about math and art in the same breath, or geometry and God’s creation in the same lesson. You don’t need to follow the rigid school model.

As Margaret said, “Maybe what moms should do is give themselves a break, because certified teachers struggle too.”

Amen to that.

Simple Ways to Integrate Math and Faith at Home

Margaret offered some really practical examples for how moms can integrate math naturally into everyday life.

Here are a few gems that stood out:

• Cooking – Turn meal prep into a lesson on fractions and conversions.
• Building projects – From measuring wood to calculating surface area, it’s all math in action.
• Nature walks – Spot symmetry, patterns, or parabolas in trees, leaves, and flowers.
• Bible projects – Build a model of the Ark of the Covenant using biblical measurements.

The point isn’t to “do math” for math’s sake — it’s to show your kids that God’s order and logic are present everywhere.

Even when you’re driving and your child asks, “Why did you turn left?” — that’s an opportunity to talk about reasoning, decisions, and systems.

Margaret reminded us that if your home is functioning — if your roof isn’t leaking, your fridge is stocked, and your family’s getting fed — then you’re already using math every day. You just might not be calling it that.

The Story Behind Her Differentiated Graph Paper

Now, let’s talk about the resource that started turning heads — Margaret’s color-differentiated graph paper.

It’s such a simple yet brilliant idea: she designed graph paper where the X-axis lines are blue and the Y-axis lines are red.

Why? Because students constantly mix up their coordinates. That confusion leads to frustration, fatigue, and wrong answers — especially for kids with dysgraphia or dyscalculia.

“This visual cue — X is blue, Y is red — helps them make the right connections,” she explained.

It’s subtle enough not to distract, but powerful enough to rewire how kids approach graphing.

And she’s right: no one else has done it before.

You can find her paper on Walmart.com and through her Etsy shop, Working Mom Labs.

This is what innovation looks like when it’s driven by compassion and a calling. Margaret didn’t create this to make a quick sale; she created it to help kids understand. That’s what sets her apart.

Faith, Fire, and Finding Balance

As our conversation wrapped up, Margaret got real about the daily struggle of balance — being a mom, wife, teacher, engineer, and believer.

She quoted My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers, sharing a devotional that says:

“It’s in the fire that we find ourselves.”

That line hit me hard — because it’s true.

Homeschool moms, we’re not called to live easy lives. We’re called to live refined ones. And that refining often happens in the chaos — when the baby’s crying, the lesson plan falls apart, and the algebra book is missing a page.

Margaret reminded us that even when we don’t feel like we’re performing at our best, God is still in control.

“It’s God’s problem how we perform,” she said. “If we can’t, He’ll take the reins.”

That’s the kind of faith perspective we all need to cling to when homeschooling feels like walking through fire.

Bringing the Joy Back

So how do we bring the joy back into teaching math — or any subject that feels heavy?

Margaret’s advice was simple: try new things.

Don’t be afraid to outsource. Find co-ops. Ask for help. Use resources that fit your child’s learning style. There’s no shame in not knowing everything — that’s why we’re a body, not a solo act.

“It took hundreds of years for Jerusalem to rebuild,” she reminded us. “Your homeschool doesn’t need to be perfect by Friday.”

That perspective changes everything.

We don’t need to rush learning. We need to nurture it. And that happens through patience, curiosity, and connection — the same things God shows us every day.

Final Thoughts

Talking with Margaret Shawver reminded me why I started this podcast in the first place.

Homeschooling isn’t about perfection. It’s about partnership — with God, with our kids, and with the learning process itself.

Math doesn’t have to be a mountain we dread climbing. It can be a daily act of worship, a reminder that every number, every pattern, every formula points back to a God of incredible order and beauty.

So next time your child groans about math, remind them (and yourself):
This isn’t just arithmetic. It’s everyday math, everyday faith.

Connect with Margaret Shawver:

TikTok – @workingmomlabs (math demos + tips)

Walmart.com – Search for “Differentiated Graph Paper”

Etsy – search for “Working Mom Labs”

Website- https://website.beacons.ai/workingmomlabs

The post CHM176:Everyday Math, Everyday Faith with Margaret Shawver appeared first on Christian Homeschool Moms™ - Homeschool Podcast.

You Can Also Watch the Podcast on YouTube Here

Meet Dana Roefer

How one mom is revolutionizing entrepreneurship education for Christian teens through her powerful “Called to Create” course

As Christian parents, we often wonder how to prepare our children for a rapidly changing world while keeping their faith at the center of everything they do. What if I told you there’s a way to nurture your teen’s entrepreneurial spirit while simultaneously deepening their relationship with God? That’s exactly what Dana Roefer, Vice President of Faith Driven Entrepreneur for Teens, is helping families accomplish through her groundbreaking approach to teen entrepreneurship education.

The Journey from Austin to Entrepreneurship

Dana’s story begins in an unexpected place. Growing up, she knew nothing about entrepreneurship. But when she and her husband moved to Austin, Texas, early in their marriage, God placed her “by His grace” right in the epicenter of the entrepreneurial world. Through her early career experiences, Dana fell in love with what she describes as “the energy of creation”—watching people recognize needs around them and courageously step up to meet those needs, even when it’s really hard.

This passion for entrepreneurship eventually intersected with another deep calling: her heart for young people. As a homeschool mom of two boys (ages 12 and 10), Dana began connecting the dots between her entrepreneurial experience and her desire to pour into the next generation. The result? A revolutionary approach to teen entrepreneurship that’s changing how Christian families think about business, money, and calling.

Beyond “Someday You’ll Get There”

One of the most powerful insights Dana shares is her challenge to the typical “someday” mentality we often have with our teens. “I think there’s this sense with young people of like, someday you’ll get there, right? Or you will eventually figure out what you want to do,” she explains. “True. Like that is all true. But there’s also this very real of like, what about right now? And they’re capable of so much right now.”

This perspective shift is crucial for parents who want to nurture their teen’s entrepreneurial gifts. Instead of waiting for our children to “grow up” and figure things out, Dana encourages us to recognize and develop their capabilities in the present moment.

The “Called to Create” Course: Faith Meets Business

Dana’s signature program, “Called to Create,” is a 12-session course that brings together some of the most recognizable names in Christian entrepreneurship. Students learn from Grammy-winning rapper Lecrae, former NBA star Jeremy Lin, Dude Perfect’s Coby Cotton, and VeggieTales creator Phil Vischer—among others. But this isn’t just about celebrity stories; it’s about showing teens how faith intersects with real business challenges.

The course structure is brilliantly designed for busy families. Each session includes:

• A 15-20 minute video sharing an entrepreneur’s story
• An additional segment on practical application
• A workbook with 1-3 pages of activities that help teens process and apply what they’ve learned

What makes this course particularly powerful is its flexibility. Families can work through it at their own pace, and Dana recommends making it a family experience. “We’ve basically just projected it up on our TV and we’ve gone through it together as a family because sure, it’s my kids are going to grow from it, but so am I,” she shares.

Tackling the Hard Topics

Unlike many entrepreneurship programs that shy away from difficult subjects, “Called to Create” dives deep into the real challenges Christian entrepreneurs face. The course addresses:

• Money and stewardship: Is money good or bad? How do we view wealth through a biblical lens?
• Pride and humility: How do we handle success without losing sight of God’s role in our achievements?
• Fear and anxiety: Even NBA star Jeremy Lin shares about struggling with anxiety at the height of his career during “Linsanity”
• Relationships and partnerships: How do you run a business with friends? What happens when communication breaks down?
• Purpose and calling: How do we use our platforms and businesses to serve others?

The course doesn’t present entrepreneurship as a get-rich-quick scheme but as a calling to serve others with the gifts God has given us. As Dana explains, “It’s how might I serve these people around me with the gifts that I have?”

The Engaging Factor: When Kids Ask for More

Perhaps the most compelling evidence of the course’s effectiveness came during Dana’s content review process. While she was checking the material for quality, her boys wandered into her room and asked what she was doing. When she explained she was reviewing content, they asked to watch—and ended up staying for six episodes because they were so drawn in.

“That’s so important to me as a mom, where they want to do it. You know, it’s not just me saying, hey, we have to do this thing. They’re like, no, can we watch the next one?” Dana reflects. This organic engagement speaks volumes about the course’s ability to capture and maintain teen interest.

Supporting Your Teen Without a Business Background

One of the most common concerns Dana hears from parents is, “I don’t have a business background. How can I support my teen’s entrepreneurial journey?” Her answer is beautifully simple: “Curiosity is a superpower.”

You don’t need to be a business expert to encourage your teen’s entrepreneurial spirit. Instead, Dana suggests asking questions like:

• “How did you come up with this idea?”
• “What was your thought process?”
• “Who do you think might benefit from this?”
• “Where might you be able to share or sell this?”

The goal isn’t to have all the answers but to learn alongside your child. This approach not only supports their entrepreneurial development but also strengthens your relationship as you explore their interests together.

The Heart Behind the Business

What sets Dana’s approach apart is her emphasis on the “why” behind entrepreneurship. The course is built on the foundational truth that God is the ultimate Creator, and we are made in His image. This means we are naturally creators too—whether or not we ever start a company.

“Whether that means that you ever create a company or anything like that, like you are made in his image. And so we are creators,” Dana explains. “So then how might we step into the world looking for opportunities?”

This perspective transforms entrepreneurship from a self-centered pursuit of profit into a God-centered opportunity to serve others and steward the gifts we’ve been given.

Practical Steps for Parents

Based on Dana’s insights, here are practical ways you can nurture your teen’s entrepreneurial spirit:

1. Be curious about their interests: When your teen shows passion for something, dig deeper. Ask questions and show genuine interest in learning more.
2. Create a safe space for exploration: Allow your teens to experiment and even fail in a supportive environment.
3. Help them identify their gifts: As parents, we have a front-row seat to watch our children develop. Help them recognize their unique talents and abilities.
4. Speak life over them: Regularly affirm what you see in your child and encourage them to pursue their interests.
5. Connect their interests to service: Help them see how their passions could serve others and meet real needs.

The Bigger Picture

Dana’s work isn’t just about creating young entrepreneurs; it’s about raising a generation of young people who understand their identity as image-bearers of God and who are equipped to create positive change in the world. Whether or not they ever start a business, they’ll develop an entrepreneurial mindset that will serve them throughout their lives.

As Dana beautifully puts it in her encouragement to homeschool parents: “What an incredible gift to be there front row with your kids as they are growing, as they are developing, as they are finding out and discovering these gifts within themselves that you can then help to steward.”

Getting Started

If you’re ready to explore entrepreneurship education for your teen, Dana’s “Called to Create” course is currently available at a founding member price of $99 (regularly $199) for the first 500 users. The course can be found at faithdrivenentrepreneur.org, along with information about upcoming initiatives including a virtual conference planned for April 2026.

The journey of raising faith-driven entrepreneurs isn’t just about business skills—it’s about helping our children discover their God-given gifts and learn to use them in service to others. In a world that desperately needs young people who can create solutions while maintaining their faith, Dana’s approach offers exactly the kind of foundation our teens need to thrive.

Ready to nurture your teen’s entrepreneurial spirit while keeping faith at the center? Visit faithdrivenentrepreneur.org to learn more about the “Called to Create” course and join a community of parents raising the next generation of faith-driven entrepreneurs.

The post CHM175: Faith Driven Entrepreneur with Dana Roefer appeared first on Christian Homeschool Moms™ - Homeschool Podcast.