Join us as we tackle the tricky topic of grief and children.
A few weeks ago, a reader whose husband had died under tragic circumstances asked for resources on how to navigate grief with her four children.
So I invited my pastor Wit (Rick Witmer) on to share from the perspective of a biblical counselor.
In this episode, he introduces the idea of “trellissing” grief in a way that helps our kids make sense of it biblically. We also chat about more practical tools (like using the acronym GRIEFS) to guide our interactions with our kids as they are mourning.
The biblical principles we discuss in this episode are helpful for any parent navigating grief with their children, but they also apply to numerous other aspects of parenting. So even if you’re not dealing with this exact topic, I encourage you to listen in.
Guest Info:
Rick Witmer: Sylvania Church Pastor
Go Buy His Book: Walking With God When I'm Afraid
Don't Forget to Use the Code: ABBIE25 For 25% Off At Checkout!
Mentions:
Caring For the Souls of Children - A biblical counselor's manual for walking with children through struggles.
Sponsor Info:
Voetberg Music Academy provides online, at home, shareable lessons so that your kids can pursue their musical passions without stress or hassle.
Use Code: MISFORMAMA20 For 20% Off Of Each Month That You're Enrolled!
Bible References:
Matthew 5:17
1 Corinthians 15:54-55
Revelation 21
1 Thessalonians 4:13
Hebrews 6:19
Matthew 20:18
Hebrews 13:5
2 Corinthians 2
Romans 5:3-5
1 Peter 1:3-9
2 Timothy 3:16-17
2 Corinthians 12:9
Psalm 112:6-7
Matthew 6:33
John 16:33
Psalm 34:18
Romans 8:28
Psalm 56:3
Psalm 42:5
Psalm 74
2 Corinthians 1
1 Corinthians 15:26
2 Corinthians 4:17
Psalm 46:1
Romans 15:14
1 Thessalonians 5:17
Galatians 6:2
Links:
The Gentleness Challenge
Penny Reward System
Whether you have personal experience with a child asking questions about gender or are nervous about how to address issues that might arise from exposure to media or peers, this episode is for you!
Dr. Jeff Meyers breaks down the importance of emphasizing God’s good design for gender and why it matters that male and female remain distinct.
We also dive into the science behind gender as well as the devastating consequences of going against God’s plan for boys and girls.
Be confident that, with Christ’s help, you can raise gender-confident kids who know their worth and their identity are rooted in who God says they are, not what the world says.
Guest Info:
Dr. Jeff Myers
Jeff Myers is the president of Summit Ministries and teaches apologetics at Summit's conferences.
Get His New Book For Free Here
Sponsor Info:
Give your kids a stronger foundation to embrace a biblical worldview and learn to navigate complex topics, such as abortion, doubts, evolution, gender identity, God’s existence, homosexuality, marriage and family, pornography, reliability of scripture, and much more.
Use Code: MAMA26 For $250 Off Of Early Bird Pricing
King’s Ridge, works hard to grow and harvest high quality fresh frozen elderberries and elderberry products from their family to yours. When you buy from the King's Ridge you are supporting small American business and sustainable agriculture.Use Code: MAMA10 For 10% Off Of Your Order
Voetberg Music Academy provides online, at home, shareable lessons so that your kids can pursue their musical passions without stress or hassle.
Use Code: MISFORMAMA20 For 20% Off Of Each Month That You're Enrolled!
Bible References:
Ephesians 6:4
Psalm 139:13-14
John 8:44
Genesis 1
1 Peter 4:13
Romans 5:3-5
Proverbs 27:17
Links:
The Gentleness Challenge
Penny Reward System
My friend, Alisa Childers, is back on the podcast to talk about how we can help the next generation—middle schoolers through young adults—to spot and refute the lies of progressive Christianity.
We talk about how politics and culture are always downstream from theology and ways we can prepare ourselves and our children to stand on historical Christianity in the face of an onslaught of secular ideologies.
Share this resource with every parent you know!
Guest Info:
Alisa Childers
Check out Her Site Here
Go Listen To the Unshaken Faith Podcast Here
Go Listen To the Alisa Childers Podcast Here
Check Alisa Out On YouTube And Instagram
Sponsor Info:
Give your kids a stronger foundation to embrace a biblical worldview and learn to navigate complex topics, such as abortion, doubts, evolution, gender identity, God’s existence, homosexuality, marriage and family, pornography, reliability of scripture, and much more.
Use Code: MAMA26 For $250 Off Of Enrollment
Bible References:
James 1:8
1 Corinthians 9:22
Philippians 1:18
1 Corinthians 12:23-27
Philippians 2:6
Matthew 22:36-40
1 Peter 4:13
Philippians 2
Ephesians 2:8-9
John 8:44
Links:
The Gentleness Challenge
Penny Reward System
Come along for the ride as I tell you all about the ways my family made my 43rd birthday a magical experience.
I pray you’ll be encouraged to press into whatever season you find yourself in, knowing that, regardless of your family’s response, the Lord sees and honors your efforts to invest well in your husband and children.
Sponsor Info:
King’s Ridge Elderberries
Fresh, cold-pressed elderberry from a family-owned farm!
Visit Their Site Here
Don't forget to use the code: MAMA10 at checkout for 10% off!
Bible References:
James 1:27
Galatians 6:9
Links:
The Gentleness Challenge
Penny Reward System
This week’s episode is all about Share the Arrows—a conservative Christian women’s event in Dallas, Tx.
I’ve had the honor of being invited to speak and represent the motherhood perspective from a biblical standpoint for 2024 (the year of its inception) and 2025. And both times were utterly surreal experiences in sheer scope of number of attendees (4,000 the first year and 6,700 the next) and the work involved to prep/run our booth Paint and Prose booth to serve a never-ending stream of customers and moms who stopped by to say hi.
I’m sharing my thoughts and reactions to the event (spoiler: You should definitely come to the next one!) and why this is one women’s conference I’ll gladly say yes to.
Enjoy!
Mentions:
Ep. 53: A Conversation About Deconstruction With Alisa Childers
Sponsor Info:
King’s Ridge Elderberries
Fresh, cold-pressed elderberry from a family-owned farm!
Visit Their Site Here
Don't forget to use the code: MAMA10 at checkout for 10% off!
Bible References:
Psalm 127:4
1 Peter 3:15
Matthew 10:26-28
Romans 12:15
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
Links:
The Gentleness Challenge
Penny Reward System
We’re back with another episode of Whaddya Wanna Know Wednesday in long/form podcast answers.
In this show, we tackle everything from toddler expectations to dating guidelines for teens and lots of things in between!
As always, my goal is to approach each topic from a biblical perspective while encouraging you to seek the Lord for wisdom in how to apply His Word to your specific circumstances.
Enjoy!
Mentions:
What Are Mouths For by Abbey Wedgeworth
Podcast Episode - Talking Toddlers Part 1
Podcast Episode - Talking Toddlers Part 2
Bible References:
Ephesians 6:4
Proverbs 22:6
Romans 5:12
Genesis 1:28
Philippians 4:8
1 Corinthians 12
Links:
The Gentleness Challenge
Penny Reward System
Today, we’re tackling the hot button topic of whether women should be pastors with my own pastor’s wife, Jenn Witmer.
As female pastors and clerics become more common, it’s inevitable that even the most traditional minds will start to question or at least reconsider the historical church’s position on the subject.
The real question is: Should we?
In this episode, Jenn and I approach the topic with the view of scripture, not culture, as our guide.
We hope this episode provides clarity and direction for everyone who listens and gives food for thought as we engage with the hierarchy of responsibility and giftings the Lord has blessed both men and women in ministry with.
Guest Info:
Jenn Witmer
Sponsor Info:
King’s Ridge Elderberries
Fresh, cold-pressed elderberry from a family-owned farm!
Visit Their Site Here
Don't forget to use the code: MAMA10 at checkout for 10% off!
Bible References:
1 Timothy 2:10-12
James 3:1
2 Timothy 3:16
1 Peter 3:7
Romans 5:12
Isaiah 55:8-9
1 Corinthians 3:19
Jeremiah 17:9
Philippians 2:12
1 Corinthians 11
1 Corinthians 14
Romans 6:1-2
1 Timothy 3:2
Links:
The Gentleness Challenge
Penny Reward System
This show tackles such a timely topic for children and parents alike: how to approach anxiety from a biblical perspective.
My pastor, Rick Witmer, unpacks his very personal story of struggling with crippling anxiety and how the Lord lead him to write a book for children called Walking With God When I’m Afraid.
The impetus for this book was one of his children’s anxious tendencies, but everyone who listens will find useful/practical/biblically sound strategies for moments of stress, anxiety, and fear.
Be encouraged, friends, that the Lord never leaves us to grapple with our anxiety alone.
Guest Info:
Rick Witmer: Sylvania Church Pastor
Go Buy His Book: Walking With God When I'm Afraid
Don't Forget to Use the Code: ABBI25 For 25% Off At Checkout!
Bible References:
1 Peter 1:3
2 Timothy 3:16-17
2 Corinthians 12:9
2 Corinthians 10:5
Romans 12:15
Proverbs 4:23
Matthew 15:19
Deuteronomy 6:6-8
Matthew 6:25-34
2 Corinthians 10:4
Philippians 4:4-7
Isaiah 26:3
Links:
The Gentleness Challenge
Penny Reward System
On September 10, all of America (and the western world, at large) was shocked by the violent assassination of Charlie Kirk.
Since then, more words and social media posts have been dedicated to his murder than to any other subject in recent history—prompting a wide range of responses.
This episode is mine—an attempt to respond to the violent, senseless death of a non-violent man with wisdom that only comes from God’s Word.
I pray this episode encourages and challenges you to double down on your commitment to Jesus.
Sponsor Info:
Fresh, cold-pressed elderberry from a family-owned farm!
Visit Their Site Here
Don't forget to use the code: MAMA10 at checkout for 10% off!
Bible References:
1 Thessalonians 5:17
Romans 12:15
Proverbs 2
Matthew 25:14-30
Jeremiah 17:9
Matthew 24:12
Ecclesiastes 1:9
1 Timothy 6:12
Proverbs 2:1-15
Genesis 4
Mark 13:11
Luke 23:24
Romans 12:19
1 Corinthians 5:12
James 4:12-13
John 8:11
Matthew 23:27-28
Mark 3:1-6
Ephesians 6:12
John 16:33
John 15:8-25
1 Peter 4:13
James 4:10
Philippians 2:8
Romans 8:28
Psalm 116:15
1 Peter 3:15
Ephesians 6:4
James 1:5
1 Thessalonians 5:17
Romans 5:8
2 Corinthians 5:21
1 Corinthians 3:6-9
Philippians 1:21
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
Hebrews 13:14
1 Corinthians 2:16
2 Corinthians 5:17
Philippians 4:7
Matthew 5:13-16
Links:
The Gentleness Challenge
Penny Reward System
This episode is a must listen for anyone who’s found themselves looking for answers to questions about the connection between nutrition and our brains, hormones, and overall well-being.
Erin Kerry is holistic health coach (and personal friend) who’s passionate about equipping and helping you to “live beyond your label.”
After being given multiple discouraging mental diagnoses beginning at age 18, Erin is now symptom-free and sharing what she’s learned along the way to help others understand how to overcome labels and make actionable improvements in every aspect of their health.
Erin’s new book, Live Beyond Your Label, is full of practical advice and science-backed methods and is available for purchase anywhere books are sold.
Guest Info:
Erin Kerry
Buy Her Book "Live Beyond Your Label" Wherever Books Are Sold!
Check Out Her Bible App Devo: Reset Your Stress Response With Scripture!
Listen to Her Podcast! (Available Also On Your Favorite Podcasting Service)
Sponsor Info:
Online music lessons your family will love.
Use Code: MISFORMAMA20 For 20% Off Each Month That You're Enrolled!
Bible References:
2 Corinthians 5:17
1 Corinthians 2:16
Hebrews 4:12
Deuteronomy 6:5
John 1:2
Links:
The Gentleness Challenge
Penny Reward System
Shoowee! Friends! This is not an episode I ever expected to record.
In this show, I tell the story of a health scare I experienced the week before You Bet Your Stretch Marks came out—during our first week back to homeschooling and while my husband was out of town.
Throughout the ordeal as it developed, it was so evident the Lord’s care and provision was going before me every step of the way.
I hope you’ll be encouraged that the Lord cares about the details of your life and truly does work all things together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.
Christianbook.com has an incredible deal for you with 40% off plus free shipping on my new book, and you can receive a scripture freebie from me called The Well-Versed Mama when you submit your pre-order number! (https://misformama.net/you-bet-your-stretch-marks)
Sponsor Info:
Fresh, cold-pressed elderberry from a family-owned farm!
Visit Their Site Here
Don't forget to use the code: MAMA10 at checkout for 10% off!
Online music lessons your family will love.Visit Their Site Here!
Use Code: MISFORMAMA20 For 20% Off Each Month That You're Enrolled!
Bible References:
Philippians 4:4
Links:
The Gentleness Challenge
Penny Reward System
Join my dear friend and mentor Jennifer Flanders and me as we dive into all things motherhood encouragement.
Whether you’re struggling with encouraging camaraderie between your children, drowning in unhelpful comparison to other moms, or failing to find the joy in the every day, we have a bit of hope for you!
Jennifer is one of my favorite people, not simply because she edits my books, has birthed amazing humans who are some of my kids’ best friends, and tirelessly speaks words of life over everyone she meets but also because she just “gets it,” and she’s for sure “been there” at some point or another with her 12 children, ages 15 to upper 30s.
She is the embodiment of the Titus II, “gone-before” mama friend we all crave, and I know you will be so blessed by this conversation!
If you have not yet pre-ordered You Bet Your Stretch Marks, you can do it today through 9/1 (it releases on 9/2!).
Christianbook.com has an incredible deal for you with 40% off plus free shipping on my new book, and you can receive a scripture freebie from me called The Well-Versed Mama when you submit your pre-order number! (https://misformama.net/you-bet-your-stretch-marks)
Guest Info:
Jennifer Flanders
Mentions:
Ep. 62: Is the Child Free Movement Biblical? (With Jennifer Flanders)
Sponsor Info:
Fresh, cold-pressed elderberry from a family-owned farm!
Visit Their Site Here
Don't forget to use the code: MAMA10 at checkout for 10% off!
Elevate your skincare routine with A'del's toxin-free cosmetics. Experience the difference in quality and purity.
Use Code MISFORMAMA at Checkout For 25% Off of Your First Order!
Bible References:
Proverbs 22:6
Acts 1:15-26
2 Corinthians 12:9
1 Corinthians 1:27
1 Corinthians 3:6-9
John 16:33
Psalm 46:1
Links:
The Gentleness Challenge
Penny Reward System
Join us as we unpack foundational and practical helps for how to face “mom rage” head on.
Whether you’re dealing with irritability as the result of wonky hormones after having babies, a colicky baby who’s shredding your last nerve, or just discovering that you’re not as patient as you thought you were before you had kids, this conversation is full of hope for every mom who’s ever struggled with losing her temper.
We tackle how to get out of the house with small children without losing your mind, what “quiet time” really looks like with kids at home, and what to do when you’ve lost your cool and screamed at your kids.
Be encouraged that you are not alone when you struggle–not merely because so many other moms do the same but because your heavenly Father always stands by your side, never leaving or forsaking you.
Angry mom, you are not a lost cause. The Lord is not done with you yet!
Guest Info:
Elizabeth Andreyevskey
Elizabeth is an anger management coach for Christian moms struggling with rage. She has a podcast and a practical course to help mothers.
Check Out Her Site Here!
Want to Listen to Her Podcast? It's Here
Mentions:
The Gentleness Challenge Ebook
Sponsor Info:
King’s Ridge Elderberries
Fresh, cold-pressed elderberry from a family-owned farm!
Visit Their Site Here
Don't forget to use the code: MAMA10 at checkout for 10% off!
Elevate your skincare routine with A'del's toxin-free cosmetics. Experience the difference in quality and purity.
Use Code MISFORMAMA at Checkout For 25% Off of Your First Order!
Bible References:
Titus 2
Hebrews 12:6
Galatians 6:2
Romans 12:2
2 Corinthians 10:5
Links:
The Gentleness Challenge
Penny Reward System
Come along for the ride on our first WWKW since our sabbatical this summer. We’re tackling: How to store kids' clothing for hand-me-downs, what to do if you miss your life before becoming a mom, homeschool curricula recap, and so much more!
Enjoy!
Sponsor Info:
King’s Ridge Elderberries
Fresh, cold-pressed elderberry from a family-owned farm!
Visit Their Site Here
Don't forget to use the code: MAMA10 at checkout!
Elevate your skincare routine with A'del's toxin-free cosmetics. Experience the difference in quality and purity.
Use Code MISFORMAMA at Checkout For 25% Off of Your First Order!
Want To Submit Your Own Question? Email Me at abbie@misformama.net
Bible References:
Philippians 4:11-13
Philippians 2:6-11
Mark 10:45
1 Corinthians 10:31
Romans 12:2
Matthew 5:28
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Jeremiah 18:6
Romans 8:28
Psalm 27:13
Genesis 19:26
Psalm 34:18
Psalm 46:1
1 Peter 5:7
John 4:24
2 Corinthians 10:5
Links:
The Gentleness Challenge
Penny Reward System
We are back with season 3 of the M is for Mama Podcast and kicking it off with a great podcast full of helpful tips with KyAnn Molina from Simple Rhythms for Busy Moms.
Whether you have a good routine that could use a few tweaks or feel like you’re drowning in daily tasks with no rescue in sight, we’ve got encouragement for you!
We chat gospel-centered encouragement and vision as well as doable, boots-on the-ground ideas that can help you move from operating in burnout to feeling confident that you’re moving forward with purpose.
Enjoy!
Guest Info:
Kyann Molina
Kyann helps busy moms simplify their daily routines so they have more time with their family.
Visit Her Site here!
Check Out Her Podcast: Simple Rhythms for Busy Moms
Follow Along With Her On Instagram!
Sponsor Info:
King’s Ridge Elderberries
Fresh, cold-pressed elderberry from a family-owned farm!
Visit Their Site Here
Don't forget to use the code: MAMA10 at checkout!
Bible References:
Galatians 5:1
Luke 6:45
Links:
The Gentleness Challenge
Penny Reward System
In our last show before we take a break for summer 2025, we chat about the final book in the M Is for Mama trilogy: You Bet Your Stretch Marks.
I reveal where the title came from, why it’s countercultural to the common narrative about “worth it” in motherhood and flesh out what it means to have a “tiger-striped soul.”
Be sure to pre-order You Bet Your Stretch Marks (link below) for all the stories, Scripture, and lessons learned. But in the meantime, enjoy this preview + pep talk all rolled into one!
Sponsor Info:
Voetberg Music Academy
Check Out Voetberg Music Academy Here
Code: misformama20
Mentions:
Podcast Episode With Jennifer Flanders
Tools Not Treasures Podcast Episode
The Truth About Honest Motherhood Series Episode 1, Episode 2, Episode 3
Pre-order You Bet Your Stretch Marks!
Bible References:
1 Corinthians 3:19
Philippians 2:6-11
Luke 9:23
Romans 6:6
2 Corinthians 4:8-9
Galatians 6:9
Matthew 6:25-34
Links:
The Gentleness Challenge
Penny Reward System
Welcome to our monthly installment of me answering your burning questions on long-form here on the podcast.
Today’s episode tackles topics I get asked about every single week (like prepping for adding a new baby to your clan and how to talk to your children about sex) and one I’ve NEVER received (“should I attend a divorce party?”).
As always, the goal is the ground every answer in God’s Word (and common sense: NO divorce parties).
Enjoy!
Want to Submit a Question? Email Me at abbie@misformama.net
Sponsor Info:
Voetberg Music Academy
Check Out Voetberg Music Academy Here
Code: misformama20
Mentions:
It's Time to Talk to Your Kids About Porn by Greta Eskridge
Bible References:
Malachi 2:16
Hebrews 4:12
Isaiah 55:11
2 Peter 1:3
James 1:5
Genesis 34
Deuteronomy 6:6-8
Mark 10:45
Romans 12:1
Links:
The Gentleness Challenge
Penny Reward System
We are in a whirlwind season of finishing school, taking trips, meeting deadlines, and transitioning to different vehicles.
It’s good stuff, but it can feel like a lot all at once. So today, we’re doing a good ol’ brain dump of all things life lately in the Halberstadt household to get you up to speed.
Enjoy!
Sponsor Info:
Voetberg Music Academy
Check Out Voetberg Music Academy Here
Code: misformama20
Mentions:
Mother's Day Eclairs (We Substitute Normal Flour For the Gluten Free and It Works Great)
Bible References:
Matthew 6:26-30
1 Corinthians 10:31
Links:
The Gentleness Challenge
Penny Reward System
Paint & Prose
In this episode, my friend and fellow mom + author, Laura Wifler, and I dig into a plethora of motherhood topics from a biblical perspective—listening to the Lord for direction in our callings, grief in unmet expectations, struggles which are hard but not bad, and even those which are hard and bad.
Through it all, a central theme emerges: We are not victims of our circumstances, and Christ did not rise from the dead for us to wallow in our troubles—real and heavy though they are.
Or, to put it more succinctly: Jesus > pity parties.
Make no mistake, though, Laura knows whereof she speaks as she has walked a challenging road as a mom to a child with significant disabilities due to a rare condition. And yet, her hope is in the Lord, Maker of heaven and earth—and yours can be too, my friend.
After all, as Corrie ten Boom put it, “There is no pit so deep that God's love is not deeper still.”
Sponsor Info:
Voetberg Music Academy
Check Out Voetberg Music Academy Here
Code: misformama20
Guest Info:
Laura Wifler
Instagram - laurawifler
Site - laurawifler.com
Check Out kidlitlab.com If You Want To Write Books With Her!
Bible References:
Matthew 22:36-40
Hebrews 12:2
Psalm 23
2 Corinthians 12:7-10
1 Thessalonians 5:16-17
Matthew 5:10-12
Nehemiah 8:10
Psalm 34:8
Matthew 10:29-31
Psalm 27:13
1 Peter 2:23
Philippians 2:6-12
Luke 11:2-4
James 2:14-26
Hebrews 4:15
Isaiah 53:3
Matthew 28:20
1 Peter 5:7
Jeremiah 17:9
Romans 8:37
Links:
The Gentleness Challenge
Penny Reward System
Paint & Prose
We’re back with the fan-favorite monthly install of Whaddya Wanna Know Wednesday in which listeners submit questions, and I answer in longer form than my usual WWKW slides on Instagram allow.
Today’s show centers around 2 themes that emerged from the questions submitted: outward appearance and earning an income from home.
As always, I strive to approach every topic from a “what does the Bible say” approach, and neither of this week’s topics is an exception.
God’s Word has plenty to say about both how we are to cultivate beauty and how we are to steward resources like jobs and money.
Be encouraged that, no matter the topic, the Bible has principles which can guide us as we seek to honor God and follow His will in the daily details of our lives.
Sponsor Info:
Voetberg Music Academy
Check Out Voetberg Music Academy Here
Code: misformama20
Mentions:
Bible References:
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Colossians 3:23-24
1 Peter 3:3
Proverbs 31
Proverbs 4:7
2 Chronicles 7:14
James 4:17
1 Timothy 5:18
Links:
The Gentleness Challenge
Penny Reward System
Paint & Prose