Wire Talk with Karen Stubbs

Description: As we step into a new year, Karen and Emily are here to help you start fresh. In this episode, they discuss practical tips for breaking bad habits, finding contentment in your current season, and making space for your own growth as a mom. If you’re ready to embrace 2025 with renewed purpose and encouragement, you’re in the right place.Episode Recap:2:30 - Jumping into the New Year, what are your New Year’s resolutions? 9:02 - My childrens’ bad moods put me in a bad mood! What can I do about this? 13:34 - How do I prioritize my spiritual growth with 3 under 3 in my home? 17:15 - How do I break the habit of having my 5 year old share the bed with us? 20:50 - I’m struggling with contentment because I want another child but my husband and I both feel like we can’t afford another one, help! Scripture for Reflection:2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV): “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”Questions for Discussion:Does your child’s behavior affect your own emotions? Practically speaking, how can you disconnect your emotions from your child’s behavior?What strategies or tools have helped you find time for spiritual growth during a busy season of motherhood?Are there any bad habits you’ve developed when it comes to behavior or situations in your home (like the mom who was bed sharing longer than she wanted to)? What are they and are you ready to work to break them this year?Do you struggle with contentment? Maybe it’s the size of your family or your financial situation…how can you practice contentment while trusting God with your family’s future?Resources:Register for SOAR 2025 in the BOAW Moms app today [App Store] [Google Play]Grab a copy of Karen’s devotional: Moments with God for Moms

Today Karen and Emily sit down with Elizabeth Pehrson to discuss how moms can parent with purpose by focusing on the long game. In this conversation, Elizabeth shares her no-nonsense approach to raising independent, contributing adults. Whether you’re navigating the pressures of parenting littles or wondering how to prepare your teens for the real world, this episode will leave you inspired and equipped. Don’t miss the rest of the interview over on Patreon! Episode Recap:2:09 - Elizabeth is a long time friend of BOAW Moms and a breakout speaker at Soar 20253:36 - She is mom to 8 and founder of The Exchange8:08 - Most women live a Groundhog Day kind of life, but they don’t have to10:32 - We can’t love others when we’re not loving ourselves well12:37 - How did The Exchange come about? 18:25 - We need to raise adults who are contributors, not consumers21:00 - We are overprotecting and under preparing our kids for the real world 24:00 - Young adults today do not know how to problem solve on their own25:01 - We run a race differently when the length of the race changes - keep the long game in mind! Scripture for Reflection:Proverbs 22:6 (ESV) Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old, he will not depart from it."Questions for Discussion:What areas of parenting do you feel pressured to “do more,” and how might adopting a “do less” mindset bring freedom to your family?How are you currently preparing your children for independence, and what’s one practical step you can take to help them contribute more?Elizabeth emphasizes the importance of rediscovering yourself as a mom. What’s something you used to enjoy that you can reintroduce into your life?How can shifting your focus from short-term achievements to long-term character development change the way you approach parenting?Resources:Register for SOAR 2025 in the BOAW Moms app today [App Store] [Google Play]Become a Patreon member and listen to the rest of the interview with ElizabethCheck out Elizabeth’s organization, The ExchangeHow Do I Get Some Help Around the House? previous WT episode with Elizabeth

As we wrap up Wire Talk for 2024, we’re diving into practical ways to connect with your spouse during busy seasons. From showing appreciation in small ways to navigating family expectations and finding joy in spontaneity, Karen has got wisdom and real-life practical tips for you! Whether you’re balancing the holidays, family dynamics, or simply trying to plan a date night, we hope this conversation inspires you to be intentional in your marriage.Episode Recap:5:30 - How can I show my spouse they matter in small, but meaningful ways?9:00 - How can I accommodate my in-laws' tendency to plan way ahead? 11:45 - Communicating clearly is gracious, even if it disappoints others13:30 - I don’t feel lovey-dovey when we’re travelling, but my husband does. How do we navigate this dynamic? 16:50 - Did your yellow ever rub your blue husband the wrong way? How do I be more spontaneous to accommodate him? 23:00 - Thank you for all of your support this year! Sign up for SOAR in 2025Scripture for Reflection:1 Corinthians 16:14 (NIV) "Do everything in love." Questions for Discussion:What are some small but meaningful ways you can show your spouse they are appreciated during busy seasons?How can you find balance between accommodating family expectations and maintaining boundaries for your immediate family?Have you experienced differences in how you and your spouse handle travel or holiday dynamics? How do you navigate those differences?How can you practice flexibility in your plans while still honoring your own needs and personality?What’s one new date-night idea you’d like to try with your spouse?Resources:Register for SOAR 2025 in the BOAW Moms app today [App Store] [Google Play]Give today to support BOAW Moms and our plans in 2025: boaw.mom/donate

Today Karen and Emily are diving into what it means to love like Jesus, even when it’s difficult. They cover preparing your heart, navigating tricky relationships, and approaching family gatherings with humility. You’ll learn how to manage expectations and hear practical ways we can love others like Christ loves us. Whether you’re juggling in-laws, extended family, or just trying to survive the season, this episode is packed with encouragement and wisdom for the holidays.Episode Recap:5:41 - Why is it so challenging to love our extended family like Jesus?10:26 - How can we shift our mindset and love family when it feels impossible? 12:33 - You can’t ignore your feelings, but you don’t have to act on your feelings. 13:30 - What are some practical ways we can prepare our hearts before family gatherings?16:00 - Pray and ask God to show you what He loves about hard to love people23:44 - The holidays can bring joy, but they can bring a lot of trigger points as wellScripture for Reflection: John 13:34-35 (NIV)"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."Questions for Discussion:How can you demonstrate love to family members who may be difficult to connect with during the holidays?What practical steps can you take to prepare your heart to approach family gatherings with humility and grace?How does Jesus’ example of unconditional love challenge the way you interact with extended family or in-laws?What boundaries could you set to help maintain peace and joy during the holiday season, while still showing Christ-like love?Resources:Give today to support BOAW Moms and our plans in 2025: boaw.mom/donateRegister for SOAR 2025 in the BOAW Moms app today [App Store] [Google Play]