Building Strong Homes: Blueprints to Strengthen Your Faith and Family podcast

If you've ever wondered whether your story really matters — or questioned how your past, your personality, and your experiences fit into God's calling for your life — this episode is for you. I'm sharing the behind‑the‑scenes story of how I stepped into women's ministry, the unexpected ways God used my past to shape my purpose, and why I believe so deeply in helping women discover their own callin...

If you've been feeling stuck, restless, or unsure what God is asking of you in this season, the Flourish Retreat might be the turning point you've been praying for. This 3‑day Christian women's retreat on Kiawah Island is designed to help you find clarity, purpose, and direction through powerful teaching, personalized coaching, and deeply meaningful community. In this episode, Julie Bagwell shares...

Please be aware that this content is not suitable for young children. George Carneal grew up in the '70s, raised by a Southern Baptist minister in the ultra-conservative Bible Belt where his world revolved around the church, country fried chicken and trying to fit in with other boys. As disco music pulsated through the speakers in his bedroom, he plotted his escape from the misery and boredom of S...

Some stories don't just inspire you — they reroute your whole calling. This summer, I'm bringing back one of the episodes that changed everything for me. If you listened to  Fear Is a Liar back in June, you remember the couple whose testimony stopped me from shutting this podcast down altogether. When I was ready to pack up the mic and call it quits, their story reminded me why Building Strong Hom...

Today we're kicking off our Summer Throwback Series — a little every‑other‑week tradition where I'm pulling some of the most loved episodes from the archives, dusting them off and letting them bring encouragement to you again. And I knew exactly which one needed to go first. My conversation with Sophie Hudson , based on her book Giddy Up, Eunice , is one of those episodes that feels like a deep br...

In this deeply personal episode, I share the story of how my writing journey began—during a season when the empty nest was approaching, purpose felt uncertain, and God whispered a new calling into my heart. Fourteen years ago, I took a trembling step of faith and attended my first writers conference alone. What followed was a rollercoaster of fear, embarrassment, and a moment so humiliating I near...

If you're walking a difficult journey through what may feel like insurmountable debt right now and see no way out, my guest today will give you hope. Tiffany Miliander was a single mom who was left with $64,000 in debt when she divorced. But she was determined not to let that debt linger and paid all of it off in four short years. Debt can feel like a mountain you never asked to climb, but Tiffany...

Have you ever looked back and realized comfort kept you from saying yes to something that mattered? In this episode, I'm sharing how a moment from Taylor Sheridan's new series The Madison stopped me in my tracks and reminded me what it really means to love well — especially in marriage. This isn't a review of the show, and I'm not endorsing all its content. But there's a powerful theme woven throu...

When you're facing a diagnosis, a fear, or a season of waiting, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the unknown. In today's episode, Tommy Jennings shares a powerful testimony of courage, peace, and unshakable faith as he battles Hodgkin's Lymphoma — a fight he's been in for six years. Tommy's story is raw, honest, and deeply hope‑filled. After exhausting every treatment option, he now lives in the t...

Have you ever doubted your faith? Wondered if God isn't real? I dealt with this issue a couple of decades ago and wondered how I could go on doing "all the things" while struggling with doubt. Today I want to share a fascinating story about how an elephant can be similar to testing our faith. To see photos of the bridge, watch on YouTube I Almost Walked Away Sign up for my monthly newsletter The K...

Between school messaging, social media trends, and cultural pressure, it can feel like the world is speaking louder to our kids than we are. But you have more influence than you think — and today's conversation will help you use it wisely. If you're a Christian parent feeling overwhelmed by the rise in gender confusion , you're not alone. Everywhere you turn—schools, social media, even kids' frien...

Whether you call it a veranda, piazza, stoop or porch, these appendages to our homes can have a positive impact on our family and community. It doesn't have to be fancy or huge to be a welcoming respite away from the chores, homework and television. Make it as comfortable as you can and invite the kids and hubby outside for a change of scenery and a bit of togetherness. And include the neighbors o...

What scars do you carry? Maybe you've had a c-section (or 3) and don't want to wear a bathing suit anymore (among other reasons). Maybe you've been injured in an accident and try to disguise the evidence. Or maybe you've suffered from cancer and now have an ugly scar as a reminder of your survival. Whatever the reason, it's natural for us to want to cover unsightly scars from public view. When I w...

Home isn't just a place—it's a story. When my husband and I set out to build our forever home on his family's farm, we weren't just choosing land; we were choosing legacy. Every step across those pastures reminded us that roots matter—both the ones in the soil and the ones in our hearts. And as we stood beneath a solitary oak, we realized this journey was about more than a house. It was about buil...

I'll leave the light on for you. Have you ever heard that line before? Motel 6 turned that phrase into a promise—but spiritually, it's a calling. Darkness is everywhere, but one light can change everything. That light is Christ in you. Just like lamplighters once walked city streets to protect their communities, you've been called to guard your home with vigilance and faith. The Proverbs 31 woman...

Sometimes the most important role is the one that feels the least glamorous. We live in a world that celebrates big wins and visible achievements. But what about the quiet, everyday work—the kind that rarely gets applause? Have you ever felt unimportant in your own home, wondering if anyone notices the meals, the clean laundry, the late-night homework help? The truth is, your role isn't just impor...

Picture this: a stunning home with gleaming floors and perfect décor—but underneath, the foundation is cracked. Eventually, everything starts to tilt and crumble. The same thing happens in our spiritual lives when we focus on appearances instead of what's beneath the surface. Without a strong foundation, even the most beautiful house will eventually crack and crumble. The same is true for our spir...

What happens when building your dream home nearly breaks your marriage? In today's episode, I'm sharing a raw, honest story from my own life—a season when stress, exhaustion, and unmet expectations left me wondering if my relationship with my husband would survive. But through that struggle, I learned a powerful truth: when we try to manage everything in our own strength, we end up drained and dis...

Every great home starts with a dream—a vision for life within its walls. But before the first nail is hammered, the blueprint must be drawn. After decades of designing houses, I've learned a blueprint isn't just about rooms and square footage; it's about reflecting the heart of the family. The same is true for our spiritual homes. God, the Master Architect, has a design for each of us—a home fille...

Ever feel like building a godly home is overwhelming? You're not alone. In this episode, we uncover the very first step to creating a home that stands strong—starting with the right location. Deciding where to put a dream house is the most important part of the design process. Putting so much effort into creating a great home only to realize later it was built in the wrong place can shatter any ho...

We've all heard it before—bridging the communication gap with a teen can feel like trying to build a bridge with spaghetti. But don't worry, we've got you covered. We're diving into one of the most critical aspects of parenting: communicating with your teenager. Today's guest, Mark Gregston , a renowned expert and founder of Parenting Today's Teens, will share his invaluable insights and practical...

We're celebrating five amazing years of incredible testimonies and conversations! In this special anniversary episode, we're sharing your favorite Christmas traditions , chatting with two inspiring young moms, Carli McNamara and Rebecca Edwards , about holiday memories and motherhood, and revealing the top 10 most-loved episodes of the podcast. Plus, I'll share how many countries the podcast has r...

Heartache is something we all face—whether through loss, disappointment, or unexpected challenges. Today's guest, Kara Stout—author of An Untroubled Heart —opens up about her personal journey through grief, waiting seasons, and life's unexpected challenges. Drawing from her experiences of loss and her own medical crises, Kara shares how faith became her anchor when peace felt out of reach. Her mes...

Have you ever struggled with unforgiveness? If we're honest I believe we all have. But that's not how God wants us to live. Even though He commands us to forgive, it's not  just to let the other person off the hook. He wants us to forgive because He knows how holding onto resentment can cause a cancer to grow in our hearts, hurting us so much more than the person who caused the hurt. In this episo...

What if the way you love could change the world—starting in your own home? In a culture that feels fractured and hostile, loving others like Jesus isn't just hard—it feels impossible. But what if God gave us a blueprint for loving without limits? Author and podcaster, Rachael Adams has recently released her second book, Everyday Prayers for Love: Learning to Love God, Others and Even Yourself. We...