MomQ: Biblical Wisdom and Support for Christian Moms

In this episode, host Candace Nassar welcomes Stephanie Rossell, founder of Gospel Spice Ministries, for a heart-refreshing conversation about how moms can read the Bible with confidence, joy and purpose. Together they explore how prayer opens the door to truly understanding God’s Word—not just reading it, but encountering its Author. You’ll learn practical Bible study tips for busy moms, simple ways to invite the Holy Spirit into your quiet time, and how to experience Scripture as living, personal and life-changing.

Takeaways

In this inspiring episode, author and parenting coach Amber Lia opens up about her journey through motherhood and faith-based parenting. She shares how understanding emotional triggers in parenting can transform frustration and anger into opportunities for growth and connection. Amber introduces the principles of gentle, grace-filled parenting, rooted in empathy and the fruit of the Spirit, rather than punishment or control. This heartfelt conversation encourages moms to create safe, loving homes where children can thrive emotionally and spiritually. With practical wisdom and biblical insight, Amber reminds parents that with God’s guidance, patience, and intention, real change is possible—and...

What if stepping back from social media could open the door to a more peaceful, purposeful life?

Sandy Cooper joins the conversation to share her story of letting go of online pressure, leaning into God, and rediscovering creativity and joy.

This episode is a breath of fresh air for moms feeling overwhelmed by comparison and digital noise. You’ll walk away encouraged to protect your mental health, embrace rest, and find freedom outside the scroll.

Takeaways

In this heartfelt episode, Leslie Colburn opens up about her journey of motherhood after losing her mom to cancer.

She shares how her mother’s influence shaped her parenting, and the struggles of grieving while raising children. Leslie introduces her powerful GRIEF framework—Grieve, Remember, Invite, Encourage, Empathize, and Faith—as a guide for moms navigating loss. Through writing love letters to her daughters, she honors her mother’s legacy while offering hope and healing to women walking a similar path. This conversation is a reminder that even in seasons of loss, faith, community, and connection can carry yo...

In this powerful conversation, Bill High shares how he walked away from a successful law career to help families discover what it truly means to leave a legacy. Instead of focusing only on financial inheritance, he invites families to think about the values, faith, and traditions they’re passing down to their children and future generations.

Together, we explore real-life struggles like family conflict and the hard conversations every parent faces, while also unpacking biblical wisdom for communication, forgiveness, and unity at home.

Bill reminds us that community and belonging are just as essential as mo...

What happens when a young woman facing an unplanned pregnancy is met with love instead of judgment?

In this powerful episode, Amy Ford shares her deeply personal story of becoming pregnant at 19 and the emotional rollercoaster that followed—fear, shame, and the sting of rejection, even within the church. Her experience exposed a critical need for more compassionate, grace-filled responses to women in crisis, especially in faith communities.

Determined to change the narrative, Amy founded Embrace Grace, a faith-based nonprofit that offers support, community, and resources to women experiencing unplanned pregnancies. She introduces the idea of...

Have you’ve ever felt pulled in a thousand directions? This episode will meet you right in that swirl of motherhood. Abbey Wedgeworth, author, mom, and teacher, joins us to share real-life encouragement for parenting with intention—even in the middle of grocery lists, sibling arguments, and mental overload.

She introduces her "Three to Five Method"—a refreshingly simple way for busy moms to root themselves in Scripture. This isn’t another to-do list item. It’s a quiet invitation to recalibrate your soul in the Word, even when time and energy feel scarce.

We also talk...

In this episode, Candace Nassar and guest Laurie Christine, dive into the challenges and joys of raising boys in today’s culture through a biblical lens. They unpack the importance of instilling godly values, understanding gender differences by God’s design, and intentionally guiding boys into strong, courageous manhood. Laurie shares practical wisdom for all parents—including single moms—on how to provide positive male role models, celebrate key milestones, and navigate the journey from boyhood to manhood with Kingdom purpose.

Whether you're raising toddlers or teens, this episode will equip and encourage you to parent boys with fai...

In this moving episode, author Christine shares the deeply personal story behind her Bible study More Than Enough, inspired by her son’s battle with cancer and her journey through suffering and surrender. She discusses how faith can anchor us in life’s hardest moments, what it looks like to trust God when everything feels uncertain, and how to model that kind of trust for our children.

We dive into the challenges of parenting through fear, the tension of control versus surrender, and the power of reconciliation in our spiritual walk. Christine reminds us that God truly is m...

In this powerful conversation, host Candace Nassar welcomes Hillary Morgan Ferrer and Amy Davison from Mama Bear Apologetics to help moms navigate the challenges of parenting in today’s complex culture.

They discuss the importance of teaching children about God’s design for sex and setting healthy sexual boundaries rooted in a Christian worldview. This episode is essential for moms concerned about protecting their kids from confusing messages around sexuality, gender identity, and LGBTQ+ culture.

The conversation also tackles the growing problem of pornography accessibility and offers moms guidance on proactive, faith-based conversations to safeguard thei...

In this heartfelt conversation, Monica Zerwas shares her journey of motherhood, faith, and the decision to homeschool her four daughters.

She discusses the challenges of transitioning from a corporate career to a life rooted in family and faith, emphasizing the importance of simplicity and contentment in a consumer-driven society.

Monica reflects on how Hurricane Harvey shifted her values, why she stopped wearing makeup, and how she’s teaching her daughters contentment, self-worth, and the power of delayed gratification.

Takeaways

In this engaging conversation, Hannah Crews shares her journey of motherhood, emphasizing the importance of joy, resilience, and personal growth. She discusses how motherhood has refined her character and deepened her faith, while also providing practical advice on choosing joy amidst life's challenges.

The discussion touches on the significance of gratitude, the impact of mindset, and the importance of teaching children about joy and resilience. Hannah also shares her personal testimony of redemption and the difference between seeking holiness versus happiness in life. The conversation concludes with insights on confidence and the role of the Holy Spirit...

In this heartfelt conversation, Julie Busler shares her profound journey through grief, loss, and mental health struggles. From losing her mother to cancer and her father to suicide, Julie reflects on the emotional neglect she experienced and how it shaped her life. She discusses her call to the mission field in Turkey, the challenges of serving while grappling with her own trauma, and the importance of seeking help. Julie emphasizes the need for open conversations about mental health, especially with children, and offers valuable insights on healing and vulnerability.

Takeaways

In this conversation, Courtney DeFeo shares her experiences as a mother of two teenage girls, her career journey from marketing to motherhood, and the importance of instilling godly wisdom in parenting. She discusses the significance of love in family dynamics, the challenges of navigating conflicts, and the role of prayer in fostering understanding and compassion among children. The conversation emphasizes the need for parents to model conflict resolution and to take ownership of their actions while teaching their children to do the same. In this conversation, Candace Nassar and Courtney DeFeo discuss the complexities of parenting, particularly in relation...

In this enlightening conversation, Candace Nassar and Bethany Kimsey explore the profound impact of prayer in motherhood. They discuss the importance of surrendering control to God, the transformative journey from anxiety to peace through prayer, and the power of praying God's word for children. Bethany shares insights on her prayer journal designed for mothers, emphasizing the significance of praying intentionally and the unity it brings to families. The conversation concludes with practical tips for busy moms to incorporate prayer into their daily lives and resources for further support.

Takeaways

In this conversation, registered dietitian Abbie Stassior shares her journey of transforming her approach to nutrition through a faith-based lens. She discusses her past struggles with eating disorders, the importance of a healthy relationship with food, and how her faith has guided her in helping others. Abbie emphasizes the significance of meal times as moments of connection with God and offers practical tips for improving one's relationship with food, drawing on biblical principles. In this conversation, Abbie Stasior and Candace Nassar discuss the importance of consistent eating habits, the implications of intermittent fasting, and how to teach children healthy...

In this episode of the MomQ Podcast, host Candace Nassar speaks with Monica Gelinas, the Executive Director of CC4C, about her journey through motherhood, faith, and the struggles of infertility. Monica shares her powerful story of waiting, surrendering to God's will, and ultimately experiencing miraculous answers to her prayers. The conversation emphasizes the importance of faith, gratitude, and the lessons learned through difficult times, offering encouragement to those facing similar challenges.

Takeaways

In this conversation, Candace Nassar and Ashlee Carroll discuss the importance of foster care, the role of organizations like Foster Village in supporting families, and the need for community involvement. They emphasize the significance of prayer and trust in God when considering foster care, and how these experiences can lead to profound blessings and life changes for both foster families and children.

Takeaways

In this conversation, Kari Baker shares her journey of parenting a child with autism and ADHD, discussing the challenges and triumphs she faced along the way. She emphasizes the importance of understanding neurodiversity, overcoming guilt and shame, and nurturing a child's identity in Christ. Kari also highlights the significance of community support and the tools she developed to help her son manage his emotions. Ultimately, she reflects on how faith and trust in God transformed her perspective and parenting approach.

Takeaways

In this episode of the MomQ podcast, host Candace Nassar welcomes Sandra Stanley and her daughter Allie Stanley Cooney to discuss their book 'Meet Me in the Middle.' The conversation explores the importance of mother-daughter relationships, faith-based discussions, and navigating the challenges of adolescence. They emphasize the significance of identity in Christ, the dangers of comparison, and the necessity of building healthy relationships. The episode also addresses common fears faced by both mothers and daughters, encouraging open communication and vulnerability. Overall, the discussion aims to equip mothers and daughters with the tools to foster strong, God-centered relationships.

In this enlightening conversation, Heather Creekmore shares her journey of overcoming body image issues and the cultural pressures surrounding aging. She discusses the importance of recognizing body image as an idol and how it affects women's self-worth. Heather emphasizes the need for a biblical perspective on aging, encouraging women to embrace their worth beyond physical appearance. The discussion also touches on the challenges of being part of the sandwich generation, the importance of surrendering control, and how to instill a positive body image in daughters. Heather provides valuable resources for women struggling with body image issues, highlighting that true...

In this conversation, Christy Osborne shares her personal journey with alcohol, discussing the cultural narratives surrounding drinking, particularly the 'mommy wine culture.' She emphasizes the impact of alcohol on relationships and mental health, and offers insights on assessing one's relationship with alcohol. Christy encourages listeners to change their thoughts about drinking, find joy and peace without alcohol, and highlights the importance of gratitude and community support in the sobriety journey. She provides practical advice for those considering sobriety, emphasizing that it's a journey filled with growth opportunities.

Takeaways:

In this episode of the MomQ Podcast, host Candace Nassar and guest Annie Mandrala discuss the theme of renewal as they enter the new year. They explore the biblical concept of rhythms that God has established in creation, the importance of setting boundaries to maintain healthy rhythms in life, and practical steps for evaluating and renewing personal and family rhythms. The conversation emphasizes the significance of community, self-care, and prayer in nurturing a balanced and fulfilling family life.

Takeaways:

Daily rhythms are a simple way to refresh and renew our mind. As we kick off a brand new series to kick off 2024 called “Renew” we chat with Annie Mendrala about how we can renew our rhythms this new year. When we reflect on the rhythms God has created in nature and also the ones he has established in scripture, we can set boundaries to create rhythms that renew us spiritually, physically and mentally.

In this conversation, marriage coach Teri Craft shares insights on navigating the complexities of marriage, the impact of social media, and the importance of seeking help when needed. She emphasizes the significance of resilience in relationships, especially during challenging times like the holidays. Terri provides practical tips for managing stress and encourages open communication between partners. The discussion also highlights the importance of community support and the need for couples to prioritize their relationship amidst external pressures.

Takeaways:

Lindsay Mimnagh, founder of Treehouse Schoolhouse, shares her passion for homeschooling and intentional motherhood. She emphasizes the importance of spending time with children, discipleship, and creating memories. Lindsay discusses the significance of Advent and offers practical tips for celebrating it with children, including reading scripture, creating a book of the Christmas story, and engaging in hands-on activities. She also shares ideas for keeping the focus on Jesus and giving during the Christmas season, such as homemade gift exchanges and participating in charitable activities. Lindsay encourages parents to teach their children the meaning behind Christmas carols and hymns.

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In this conversation, Candace Nassar and Katie Trent discuss ways to make Christmas more meaningful for families, focusing on the significance of Advent, incorporating family traditions, and overcoming holiday overwhelm. They share practical tips for parents to engage their children in faith-building activities and emphasize the importance of building strong relationships within the family during the holiday season.

Takeaways:

In this enlightening conversation, Candace Nassar and Anita McGinnis explore the theme of generosity from a biblical perspective. They discuss the importance of giving, the misconceptions surrounding it, and how to cultivate a generous heart. Anita shares personal stories and insights on how generosity can lead to peace and fulfillment, emphasizing that giving is not just about finances but also about time and talents. The discussion also touches on tithing, the benefits of generosity, and the call to trust God in our giving.

Takeaways:

In this message, Julie Whitehurst discusses the importance of instilling character in children through meaningful gifts and teachings. She emphasizes the role of parents in shaping their children's hearts and character, using biblical principles and personal anecdotes. The conversation explores the significance of beliefs, mindset, and the need for a strong foundation in values to guide children in their growth and development.

Takeaways:

In this message, Lindsey Werner discusses the importance of resiliency in parenting, emphasizing the roles of hope, trust, and support systems. She outlines practical strategies for building resilience, including self-awareness, decision-making skills, and the significance of finding meaning in pain. The conversation highlights how parents can foster these qualities in themselves and their children to navigate challenges effectively.

Takeaways:

In this conversation, Candace Nassar and Gina Cleminson explore the themes of faith and fear, discussing how true faith involves trusting in God amidst life's challenges. Gina shares her personal journey to faith, the nature of fear, and how faith can replace fear. They delve into biblical examples of faith, the differences between little and great faith, and the importance of childlike faith. Practical tools for managing fear are also discussed, along with encouragement for mothers facing their own fears.

Takeaways:

In this message, Annie Mendrala discusses the significance of establishing healthy family rhythms that foster spiritual growth and connection within the family. She emphasizes the importance of intentional conversations, the Sabbath, bedtime routines, and mealtime as opportunities to integrate faith into daily life. By cultivating these rhythms, families can shape their children's desires towards the kingdom of God and create a nurturing environment for spiritual development.

Takeaways:

In this message, Julie Whitehurst discusses the importance of modeling a godly marriage for children and how it shapes their understanding of love, commitment, and relationships. She emphasizes that children learn from their parents' actions and behaviors, highlighting the need for parents to prioritize their marriage and demonstrate love, service, and unity. The conversation also touches on the significance of unified parenting and the lasting impact a strong marriage has on children's spiritual and emotional development.

Takeaways:

In this conversation, Candace Nassar and Annie Mendrala explore the complex relationship between faith and fear, discussing why fear is prevalent in our lives and how it can be addressed through biblical teachings. They share personal experiences with fear, particularly in the context of motherhood, and emphasize the importance of prayer and scripture in overcoming fear. The discussion highlights the need for awareness of our feelings, the role of spiritual warfare, and practical tools for managing fear in daily life.

Takeaways:

In this message, Candace Nassar explores the complex relationship between boundaries, discipline, and parenting from a biblical perspective. She discusses the necessity of rules and laws for maintaining order and safety, emphasizing that God's laws are rooted in love and designed for our benefit. Candace highlights the importance of discipline as a means of spiritual growth and maturity, both for individuals and for children. She provides practical advice for parents on establishing God-centered boundaries, balancing discipline, and implementing effective strategies to guide their children towards a loving relationship with God. The conversation underscores the long-term nature of parenting and...

In this message, Annie Mendrala discusses the complexities of parenting discipline, emphasizing the importance of understanding the nature of sin and the distinction between punishment and discipline. She advocates for a gospel-centered approach to discipline that focuses on heart transformation rather than mere behavior modification. Annie shares personal anecdotes and biblical insights to illustrate how parents can guide their children towards recognizing their sin and turning to Jesus for redemption. The conversation highlights the need for a loving relationship between parents and children, where discipline is seen as an act of grace aimed at fostering spiritual growth.

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In this conversation, Candace Nassar interviews Emily Schuch, author of 'Majoring in Motherhood'. They discuss the challenges of motherhood, the importance of living out the gospel in daily life, and the struggles of self-empowerment and mom guilt. Emily shares her personal experiences and insights on how motherhood can be a journey of faith, sacrifice, and growth. The conversation emphasizes the significance of finding peace amidst chaos and the value of being faithful in the small, everyday tasks of parenting.

Takeaways

In this message, Julie Whitehurst shares her insights on parenting, focusing on the common pitfalls that arise from fear and comparison. She emphasizes the importance of faith in God as a foundation for healthy parenting, encouraging mothers to trust in God's wisdom and grace. Through personal anecdotes and biblical references, she highlights the significance of nurturing a loving environment for children while avoiding the traps of fear and societal pressures. The discussion culminates in practical advice for parents to foster a faith-filled upbringing for their children.

In this conversation, Lindsey Werner explores the themes of joy and gratitude in parenting, emphasizing the roller coaster of emotions that come with raising children. She discusses the importance of understanding joy through a relationship with God, the neuroscience behind joy and attachment, and how parenting can shift when approached from a place of joy. Lindsey highlights the significance of gratitude in various aspects of life, including the calling of motherhood, serving others, and navigating challenges. She encourages listeners to ask for help and to express gratitude in their prayers and words, ultimately fostering a joyful environment for themselves...

In this conversation, Candace Nassar speaks with Lee Anne Mancini, author of 'Raising Kids to Follow Christ', discussing the alarming statistics regarding faith retention among children from Christian families. They explore key principles for instilling a lifelong trust in God, the importance of church involvement, character development, and the role of apologetics in parenting. Leanne emphasizes the need for parents to model biblical principles and engage in their children's spiritual education from an early age, while also addressing the significance of discipline and the impact of love and grace in parenting.

In this conversation, Candace Nassar discusses the challenges and stresses faced by parents today, emphasizing the need to redefine parenting from an ownership perspective to an ambassadorial role. She highlights the importance of understanding the purpose of parenting as a ministry and a calling from God. Throughout the discussion, she provides practical principles for effectively discipling children, focusing on self-evaluation, reflecting God's heart, and intentional teaching. Candace shares her personal journey in parenting, illustrating the sacrifices and rewards of raising children in faith. The session concludes with a prayer, reinforcing the commitment to parenting as a divine mission.

In this conversation, Candace and Annie discuss the core of the gospel message, which is love and grace. They emphasize that the gospel is not just about being saved from death, but about experiencing a life of transformation and living in a relationship centered around love. They also explore the difference between a me-centered life and a gospel-centered life, highlighting the importance of prioritizing relationships, surrendering control, and focusing on God's standards rather than comparing ourselves to others. They acknowledge the challenges of living out the gospel and encourage listeners to keep fighting the fight and training in spiritual...

In this conversation, Candace Nassar interviews Kiana Gaona, the social media manager for True Play Games, about how Christian families can navigate the complex world of tech and gaming. They discuss the impact of gaming on children, the benefits and dangers of technology, and the importance of carefully selecting age-appropriate games. Kiana shares about the content offered by True Play Games, which includes biblically-based video games, comics, and prayer videos. They emphasize the need for parents to be mindful of the content their children consume and the importance of protecting their minds and hearts.

Key Takeaways:

In this conversation, Candace and Annie discuss the love-hate relationship our culture has with busyness. They explore why we feel the need to be busy and the problems that come with it. They emphasize the importance of rest and the biblical command to prioritize it. They also discuss the concept of margin and how it allows us to slow down and create space in our lives. Practical ways to create margin include setting boundaries, saying no gracefully, and delegating tasks. They encourage listeners to trust God and surrender to Him in order to find true rest and joy.

In this conversation about Christian joy, Jenny Rodriguez, a pastor's wife and homeschool mom, shares her insights and experiences. She emphasizes that joy is not just a feeling of happiness, but an energy and strength that comes from deep within, regardless of circumstances. Jenny highlights the importance of spending time with God, practicing gratitude, and cultivating a spirit of joy in daily tasks. She also discusses the challenges she faced while living in Japan and how she found joy in the midst of loneliness and cultural differences. Jenny encourages moms to prioritize margin in their schedules and celebrate moments...

In this conversation, Candace and Annie discuss the difference between worldly joy and biblical joy. They explore how worldly joy is based on external circumstances and is temporary, while biblical joy is an internal byproduct of a relationship with Jesus Christ. They emphasize that joy is a choice and can be found by fixing our eyes on Jesus and trusting in God's goodness. They also discuss the importance of gratitude, community, and hope in cultivating joy. The principal themes of the conversation are the idea that our citizenship is in heaven and that we are not of this world...

We are continuing our month-long series on peacemaking and on this episode we chat with Donna Jones the author of the book, Healthy Conflict Peaceful life, a biblical guide for graceful communication and lasting resolution. It focuses on the important theme of constructive communication-expressing thoughts, feelings, and opinions with grace, truth, and without any regrets. I’ve read it and I think it is a book that EVERYONE should have on their shelf. In fact, I have been recommending it to all my people including my adult children. Although I have been married 33 years, I still underlined a bunch of va...

In the June version of our MomQ Mingle we are talking about peacekeeping. What does it look like and how is it different than what we see in our culture? Candace and Annie chat with Julie Whitehurst about some practical ways we can be peacemakers in our homes, particularly when the kids are home all day everyday!

“When we fix things for our kids so they don’t have to feel the intensity of their emotions, we take away the opportunity for them to learn resiliency.” We continue our mental health month series with a conversation with Lindsey Werner, LPC and one of our favorite MomQ speakers. She talks about one of the most challenging yet essential jobs as parents- helping them to establish resiliency and confidence in order to become strong and healthy adults. Lindsey shares strategies on how we can stay grounded as moms by establishing our identity in Christ and NOT in our kids and th...

It’s Mental Health month and we’re kicking off with an honest conversation about how we should navigate issues like depression, loneliness and anxiety from a biblical perspective. Candace and Annie share their own personal struggles with mental health and testimony of how God delivered them while using their experience to help others. This is a must-listen episode if you or someone you love has or is currently struggling with mental health and needs encouragement.

We are excited to have Jayme Gradwell on our show for our last episode in our spiritual growth series!

Jayme is the host of the fabulous and popular christian women’s podcast, She Speaks Life, where she gives women the space to share their stories of how God has strengthened their faith and transformed their lives.  Today we get the privilege of hearing her share her own personal journey with God and how she learned to listen to the Holy Spirit along the way. You are going to love her heart for Jesus and passion to come alo...

It's been a wonderful semester of learning how to build our homes, and our families on the rock of Christ (Matthew 7:24-27). This is a special episode as Candace summarizes our lessons with actionable points for how we can build our families on solid ground. We also get to hear from three moms from our community about how God has led them to build a strong family. I think you will be encouraged and inspired by their stories!

The Bible says we are to mature in our faith but how does that work? Is it all up to us or does God play a role? Maybe you have tried to nurture your faith but you just don’t feel like God hears your prayers. Maybe you are in a period of waiting for Him to move but he has been silent. Or maybe you are angry with Him because your life hasn’t turned out the way you wanted it to? Why would God allow hard things in our lives if he is a loving God?    In this co...

At the end of the day, we all want our home to be full of peace, love, forgiveness and joy. But what control do we have with the vibe of our household?

Annie teaches on how we can turn to scripture for instructions on using our words and actions to reflect Jesus: beneficial, honorable and encouraging. The words we chose to speak to our children, our kids, and others around us can greatly impact the culture and tone of our home.

God invites us into a deep and abiding relationship with Him. But, we often settle for mediocre, unfruitful lives because we let the cares/weeds of the world distract us. Are there areas of your spiritual life that might need attention? Maybe some dead branches need to be cleared away? Maybe the  soil needs to be activated with some new spiritual disciplines or maybe mentorship?  Spiritual growth requires intentionality but also surrender to God's work in our lives. Whatever is taking energy from us that does not honor God he will prune away. He wants our whole heart. Our full de...

"If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone." - Romans 12:18

Peace is something all of us desire. But relationships are hard. Being a mom, a wife, a spouse and friend can often lead to conflict.

How do we become peacemakers in the most challenging situations? Julie teaches on how we can build strong families by pursuing peace by turning our eyes and hearts toward God vs. our own desires.

"Where you treasure is, there your heart will be" - Matthew 6:21

God tells us that what we treasure most is directly tied to the condition of our heart. But the reality is the gods of money, achievement, possessions and success are always trying to capture our attention. How do we reframe our mindset, and the culture of our family to value what God values most?

Candace teaches on practical strategies for how we can implement rythyms in our family that point towards the treasure that lasts forever.

Do any of these scenarios sound familiar: You catch yourself scrolling through Instagram looking at other moms' seemingly perfect family vacations, immaculate playrooms or home-cooked meals and feel an overwhelming sense of inadequacy? Or do you spend hours meticulously planning every detail of your child's activities but end up being frustrated by unexpected challenges like a learning disability or just plain lack of interest? Do you have more "Why, God?" days than "Thank you God!" days? Maybe you haven’t thought about it, but all of that focus on yourself actually stems from pride? And we know that pride is th...

“The biggest battle you fight is between your two ears.” -Jennie Allen So many of us fight a battle every day with the negative, anxious and sometimes crippling thoughts that circle in our mind. But how do we break the cycle of thoughts that hold us back from our relationships with others, our kids and with God? Julie helps us answer how we get out of our own heads by fixating on Jesus and the truth of his Word verses the lies that Satan wants us to believe.

Believe it or not, it’s already Easter season! It’s March 31st! When we think of Easter and the sacrifice Jesus made for us, we are struck by the incredible humility of it; that the creator of the universe would submit to the Father’s will and die a criminal’s death to pay a debt he didn’t owe because of His amazing love for us.  So with that in mind, we’re going to be talking about humility this month. Why is humility important? Why is it so hard and how can we live it out?  In this episode w...

One of the biggest challenges of being a mom is the countless, and seemingly never ending demands on us. In this session of How to Build a Strong Family, we gather an amazing panel of mentor Moms who provide practical advice on how to keep your cool while balancing our roles as a wife, mom, friend, and follower of God.

We desire for our home to be a sanctuary. But the reality is life is hard, and every day we face stress and anxious thoughts that fill our minds and our four walls. In this next session of Building a Strong Family, Annie reminds us of the promises God gives in his Word to trade our anxiety for His peace.

This month we are talking about how God wants us to put His love into action in our relationships. Many people feel like this is the hardest with our spouses. Marriage is hard and there are some scary statistics out there that might feel daunting. But, listening to podcasts like today, show commitment to growth and a deeper relationship with your spouse, so thank you so much for being here! 

Do you ever feel like your marriage hit a rough patch you can’t seem to get out of and it's just downhill from here?  Or that you’...

It's February - the month of Love! We are kicking off a new theme on the podcast to focus on love and relationships. What we know in our culture is love is something everyone wants but has a hard time truly giving. At the same time, God is clear that we are loved to love him and love others. In this episode Candace chats with Annie Mendrala to tease out the topic of love and relationships as we discuss what the bible has to say about it. It's a fun episode full of wisdom on this topic and encourage you...

Culture says busy is good and slow is bad. A frantic pace is applauded and rewarded, and some people wear it as a badge of honor. I don't know what you've done today, but chances are, whether it was real estate or finding lost blankies, you were already busy this morning. Yet if we get down to the nitty gritty, I think we'd say at least a lot of the time that we are hurried, and frustrated, and exhausted. And what tends to be the first thing to go when that happens? Julie teaches on importance of filling our cup...

In our second session in our series of Building a Strong Family, we talk about how we can set priorities in our family according to the Bible. Once we establish that Jesus is at the center, how do we balance the craziness of life with our responsibilities as mothers and wives? Annie teaches how when we set our lives on biblical principles and unconditional love, we can put our focus where it matters most.

This week we kick off the first session of our new semester of teaching series at MomQ with the theme of Building a Strong Family. In this first teaching, Candace talks about the elements that make a strong family - most importantly an individual, authentic relationship with God.

With this episode we continue our "Renew" series with an amazing conversation with Sarah Cowan Johnson. Sarah is an author of “Teach Your Children Well”, a step by step guide for family discipleship. It was the winner of Christianity Today's 2023 best book award in the category of marriage and family. I hope this episode will encourage you to reflect on what you are currently doing to disciple your children and challenge you to be a bit more intentional about it in the coming year. In Deuteronomy 6:4-9, The Bible says that discipling our children should be a rhythm that happ...

In our second episode of our Renew series as we enter the new year discovering and reflecting on new rhythms in our life, we chat with Becky Terry from Purpose Works, formerly known as Job Seekers Network. Becky has provided guidance in career direction, job search strategies and career management for the last 25 years.

As we are thinking about goals for the new year, many people find themselves asking questions like: “Am I on the right path in life?” “Is there something God has for me to do that I am missing?” And “How can I discover my gifts a...

In this episode we have our last conversation with our MomQ leaders for our Becoming a Confident Mom series wrap up, where we are answering pre-submitted questions from our community members. So far in this series we have answered questions about marriage, spiritual growth, and holiday traditions. In today’s episode we will talk about issues pertaining to our children. like ways to disciple them at home and help them deal with anxiety.

I have Sue McAlinden and Lynette Seitzler with me, both MomQ mentor moms, who will be sharing their collective wisdom and encouragement. I’m exci...

In this episode we have a conversation with Barbara Bland and Annie Mendrala to do a deep dive into some pretty tough questions about marriage. Our answers will challenge you. I encourage you to keep an open mind as you listen. We also want to be clear that we are addressing the typical marital issues that we see and experience in our ministry. But, we are not professional counselors and there are certainly situations where their advice would be more appropriate. And of course, if you or your children are in danger, then get to a safe place as...

Today on our show, we have e two of our MomQ mentor Moms, Amy Tipps and Kendra Echols.

I’m excited about this because it will be a slightly different format for us. As you know we just wrapped up our series “Becoming a Confident Mom” and the synopsis of that is Episode 45 you guys want to check that out. That theme of that whole series is that as believers, because our identity is in Jesus, we can have peace and hope in the struggles and relationships of life.

As part of our wrap-up at our ga...

Candace shares closing things on this wonderful semester studying how to be a confident mom, from God’s perspective. She shares the key points for us to take action and meditate on as we continue to hold to Christ for our confidence, our peace, and our joy.

On this episode we have Sam Konda on the show. Sam is a former leader with MomQ and an absolutely beautiful woman of God. She always has a smile on her face and an encouraging word to share with people. She is just one of those people that when she speaks, you pay attention because you know it’s going to be words of gold. Sam grew up in India where her father was a Christian Pastor. You can imagine how rare that was and the challenges involved with being a Christian pastor’s kid in a predominantly Hindu country. But...

Happiness is something we all desire, but is it really something we can attain? Annie Mendrala teaches what the answer is from the Bible, and how when we pursue true, lasting happiness, we can have joy despite the circumstances around us.

In this episode, guest speaker Lindsey Werner, LPC-S and director of relational equipping at Hill Country Bible Church in Austin, TX, shares practical tools and spiritual wisdom on the power of forgiveness, and how to get out of being "stuck" in the pattern of bitterness and shame.

You will find this episode convicting and encouraging! To view Lindsey's entire presentation, visit our website here:

https://momq.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Unstuck-tools-to-move-through-unforgiveness-and-shame-ppt.pptx.pdf

In this episode Candace interviews Jennifer Appleton, the South Texas coordinator for Moms in Prayer. She shares about this amazing ministry and the transforming power of gathering with like minded believers to pray for our kids. For more about moms in prayer visit momsinprayer.org.

When was the last time you were offended? Chances are we all get hurt by others daily. We often hear from the culture that we need to eliminate “toxic” people or relationships, but what does God say? Candace teaches about how when we receive God’s forgiveness, it helps change our heart to forgive others, and receive blessing in the process.

In our Christian walk, there are going to be times when we mess up. Whether it’s with our kids, our spouse, at work, the moment comes when we know we were in the wrong. But then what do we do? Julie Whitehurst teaches a Godly response to our sin, which involves confessing and turning away from it without guilt or shame.

In this episode we get to chat with Melissa Workman. She is a mom of 3 and the teaching director of After School Kids in the Four Points area of Austin, Texas. In this episode, she shares the story of how God led her to launch this ministry in her community and the importance of teaching young kids to learn and LOVE studying God's Word.

Even as believers, it’s sometimes a struggle to wrap our minds around how a good and all powerful Gospel can allow bad things to happen. Annie Mendrala reminds us that in a sinful world, we should count on trouble, but expect victory. God is always with us in our suffering, He has conquered brokenness ultimately. Because of that, we have joy today because we have hope for eternity.

Most of us don’t love conflict. But, we experience different forms of conflict in all our relationships, including with our kids. In this episode we are grateful to have Lindsey Werner, Licensed Professional Counselor and director of relationship equipping at Hill Country Bible Church, speak about the importance of conflict resolution and the dangers of unresolved conflict. Alternatively, when we lean into resolution, it brings peace with each other and with God.

On this special guest episode of the podcast we are fortunate to have Christine Hoover. Christine serves as the women’s ministry associate at The Austin Stone’s Northwest congregation. She hosts the Ministry Wives podcast and has authored seven books, including Messy Beautiful Friendship, How to Thrive as a Pastor’s Wife, and From Good to Grace. Christine is married to Kyle, a pastor at The Austin Stone, and they have three boys. You can find out more about her at her website www.Christinehoover.net. In this episode, Christine chats with Candace about her own testimony about finding freedom and hope...

To continue our series in viewing relationships from a biblical perspective, Candace teaches on how we should relate to our children as Christian moms. It’s easy to wrap our identity in our role as mothers and whether or not our kids reflect the values we hold. However, our kids are a precious creation from God and they belong to Him ultimately. When we view them that way we can withhold our reigns and trust that He has their best interest in mind.

One of our MomQ teachers, Julie Whitehurst, shares wisdom from a biblical perspective about how God designed marriage and what that means for us practically as wives today. When we better understand God’s purpose and role for us as women in the context of marriage, we can build a relationship that is fulfilling, meaningful, and honoring to God. In addition, we leave a legacy to our children for their future marriages.

What a special treat we have to interview Kayla Marnach; author, child advocate, mom, grandmother, and MomQ founding leader. She shares about the journey God has taken her on to become the author of the “Can Do” kids series which is about empowering children and educating adults about starting conversations about our bodies and how to treasure them as God intended. To learn more about Kayla and the Can Do series, visit: www.kaylajmarnach.com

In week 2 in our series of “Becoming a Confident Mom,” Annie Mendrala teaches on the value of relationships from a biblical perspective. Because we serve a relational God, He uses relationships in all forms to encourage us, inspire us, and sanctify us.

We are excited to kick off a new semester of MomQ teaching! We have fresh content and a rotating team of speakers that will share from the truth of God's Word about who we are as Moms and the calling we have as the primary disciplers of our kids. In week one of the semester Candace teaches on where our identify lies as moms. Ultimately, it is not in the approval of others or even in our role as a mom and wife. It is rooted in who God says we are as believers in Christ.

We kick off a new season of the MomQ podcast with a special, in depth interview with MomQ founder and president, Candace Nassar. She shares a bit of her personal testimony and how God used a local mom community to bring her to faith. She also shares how God led her to take a leap in faith to start the ministry and bring it to where it is today. We also chat about some exciting new updates to MomQ that our podcast guests and in person members will see coming this fall!

On this episode we had the privelege to interview two special guests with me, Amanda Tipps and Staci Reichmanis. Amanda and Staci are both on the counseling staff at Hill country Bible Church in Austin, TX. Amanda works with adolescents and Staci is the Director of the Counseling Department. They have both been guest speakers at MomQ a few times and they are fantastic! They are consummate professionals who really know their stuff and they are also beautiful Godly women and mothers. They share with us some powerful, yet practical tips for finding rest in God's presence in the chaos...

On this episode of our summer series we have an amazing conversation with Teri Craft. Teri is an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor, Certified Marriage & Recovery Coach, and holds a Masters in Professional Counseling from the Townsend Institute. She has been trained in Pastoral Marriage and Family Counseling, and leads women’s groups for personal growth as well as for those who have experienced betrayal and personal loss. Teri has dedicated her life to speaking, leading, writing, and training others regarding relational and organizational health. She and her husband founded Life Unplugged which partners with couples to provide enrichment, recovery, or he...

To continue our summer series we had the opportunity to interview Amy Benchener, an amazing mom of 2, professor and community leader. She shares her journey facing some health issues with her daughter and facing the death of her father - and how she and her family experienced the power and realness of God in the middle of those situations.

We are exited to catch up with Jesica Gierke who is a MomQ mentor, mother and most of all amazing servant of Christ. She shares with us some of her story and an experience she had on a missions trip in Costa Rica where she witnessed the awe-inspiring power of God in action. You don't want to miss it!

We are thrilled to interview Tracy Higley for our second episode in our summer series on experiencing the presence of God IN the chaos of summer. Tracy is a bestselling author of twenty books and successful entrepreneur and business owner. After decades of keeping up with publishing contracts, four kids, church ministries and grad school, all the while running a million-dollar retail business, Tracy -crashed and burned.- And learned. The answer didn't come from changing her fundamental personality of achiever, but by taking those strengths and fitting them into a structure that explodes productivity while staying balanced, healthy and...

We are so excited to launch our first Summer Podcast Series with Stephanie James! We're going to be talking about practicing the presence of God IN the chaos of summer. We hope that you will be encouraged by the testimony of these women was they prioritize their relationship with Jesus in the absence of routine. We are kicking off our series with Stephanie James. Stephanie is a mom who truly follows after God's heart. She has six kids ranging from teen to toddler and is determined to prioritize faith in their family. I think you will appreciate and value the...

We wrap up this semester with some key takeaways from the lessons from this semester on Building Families of Character. Our amazing mentor moms also join us for a panel to answer any and all questions from the audience on parenting. We loved sharing in this journey with you this semester. Please stay tuned for some special episodes this summer before we kick off again in the fall!

No other relationship or situation can challenge our faith more than our marriage. So what is the secret to a satisfied marriage? Surpisingly, it has much less to do with how our husband, or even relationship needs to change. Instead, it's about focusing on how God wants to sanctify us in the process. When we exchange our character for God's character, or focus turns from ourselves, to who God wants us to be.

In this episode, guest speaker Germaine Ferreira teaches on how we can raise children with JOY in a world that seeks an empty goal of “happiness.” She shares strategies she has used when raising her two grown boys to help our kids turn to Jesus as their ultimate form of satisfaction.

Life is full of ups and downs. It's so easy to feel anxious, complain about our circumstances or experience regret from our past. Is it truly possible to feel content in this life? Paul gives us that answer in Philippians 4:12. The short answer is YES but we must align ourselves to finding our satisfaction in Christ. Zooming out to see the eternal perspective and also zooming in to examine our hearts. Candace teaches on this topic and interviews mentor mom Jessica Geirke about her experience with finding contentment as a mom.

We know that God wants our families and our kids to be marked by honesty and integrity. But, instilling these values in our kids is easier said than done! Candace teaches on strategies for building a culture of honesty and confession in our homes. When our kids see us modeling honest behavior with other adults, with them and with our spouses, and confessing when we fail, we gift them a strong foundation in this area. Our mentor mom, Kendra, also shares a personal story about her journey with honesty and how God's grace has moved in her life in a...