Called to Love: An Adoption Podcast for Christian Parents - Christian Adoption, Trauma and Healing, Foster Care, Parenting Ad

Afleveringen

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  Understanding and Caring for Children With Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorders 11.08.2026 1u 13min

  Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast! For this episode, I am joined by Sandra Flach. After adopting her youngest son in 2010, Sandra co-founded Justice For Orphans and started The Adoption & Foster Care Journey Podcast. She is dedicated to equipping foster and adoptive families. As a trauma-informed educator and certified FASCETS facilitator, she specializes in Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD), blending professional training with personal lived experience to provide practical, strength-based strategies for caregivers and churches. Author of Orphans No More and Soul Care Saturday, she regularly speaks at national conferences and co-leads the Hope for the FASD Journey virtual support community. She lives in upstate New York with her husband of over 30 years, Wayne, with whom she has raised eight children—five through adoption—and remains passionate about ensuring caregivers never walk their journey alone.In this conversation, Sandra shares her personal journey to adoption, the mistakes made along the way, and how she learned about FASD and became such an advocate. She provides valuable information – she is a wealth of knowledge! – and also provides so much hope for us. Let’s dive in! Key topics in this episode: What is fetal alcohol spectrum disorder and its prevalenceThe impact of prenatal alcohol exposure on brain developmentRecognizing symptoms and behaviors associated with FASDThe importance of connection and support in parenting FASD childrenResources and training available for parents and professionalsThe role of diagnosis and how to pursue itStrategies for accommodations and loving supportHope and neuroplasticity in healing and growthLearn more about Sandra with her website. Check out her memoir, “Orphans No More: A Journey Back to the Father”Check out her devotional, “Soul Care Saturday: 52 Devotions for Foster & Adoptive Moms” To submit your prayer requests, use this form by clicking here! You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at somercolbert@gmail.com. I would love to connect with you on Instagram or send you my monthly newsletter with free resources and first access to episodes and more!Called to Love is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To learn more, check out their other shows or resources, head to their website: https://www.christianparenting.org/ 
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  A Birth Mother's Story and Why We Need to Pray for the Mom of Our Kids 04.08.2026 46min

  Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast! For this episode, I am joined by a mom who is on fire for the Lord: Kat McBride. Kat is a podcaster, writer, speaker, and she passionate about celebrating the peace beyond the valleys, and Kat has walked through some valleys as a birthmother herself. Present day, Kat is married and has two young daughters, but when she was fifteen she found out she was pregnant while alone in a WalMart parking lot and overwhelmed with shame. God filled Kat with peace and the clarity to make the choice for life and adoption for her unborn child but even though this was the best option, it still came with sacrifice and heartache. Kat shares her story and also provides incredible insight for us as the foster and adoptive parents for what the other side of this family looks like - the emotional rollercoaster, some practical advice for navigating open adoptions and boundaries, and how you need to be praying for the birth mother. I am so glad you’ve joined me for this episode. Let’s dive in! Key topics in this episode: Kat’s story as a birth mom at sixteen years old The feelings of shame, anger, bitterness that can develop when giving up your child even if it was the right decisionAfter maturing, Kat realized the adoptive parents of her child didn’t just save her daughter, but they saved 16 year old Kat as well. Two futures were changed by this choice. You, as the adoptive parent, are impacting more than just the child. A biological mother is looking for parents that love each other and have stability, not perfection. The biological mother, with this wound in her heart, could try to fill it with unhealthy things so pray that God fills it instead. Don’t stop praying for this mother. Open adoptions or relationships with biological parents can be great and look different over the years – careful discernment is needed and boundaries. Learn more about Kat’s podcast by finding “Peace Beyond” wherever you listen to podcasts and follow her on Facebook! To submit your prayer requests, use this form by clicking here! You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at somercolbert@gmail.com. I would love to connect with you on Instagram or send you my monthly newsletter with free resources and first access to episodes and more!Called to Love is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To learn more, check out their other shows or resources, head to their website: https://www.christianparenting.org/ 
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  Your Child is From Two Worlds: How to Bridge Resilience 28.07.2026 39min

  Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast! For this episode, I am joined by Dr. Mary Ann McMillan. Mary Ann is a former foster youth and adoptee whose life has been shaped by family separation, identity, and the search for belonging. Guided by her Christian faith, she is a writer, professor, and global advocate working at the intersection of trauma, justice, and healing. She holds a doctorate and teaches international relations, human rights, and criminal justice. Her perspective bridges lived experience, scholarship, and global practice, with a focus on vulnerable children in the United States and globally. In this conversation, Mary Ann shares some of her story and experiences as a former foster youth and adoptee who did have an open-adoption with her family, but still struggled immensely with her identity, a sense of belonging, and why she was even adopted. Mary Ann describes how things changed after coming to Christ and her identity was shaped by who God says she is, but she still needed to unpack more of who God created her to be. She encourages parents to invite a child’s heritage and culture into their life and reminds us that our child is from two worlds - their biological one and the adopted one - and they can’t choose either of them, they are a part of them both, so it is our job to bridge those gaps to help our child develop a healthy and positive self-identity. I am so glad you’ve joined me for this episode. Let’s dive in! Key topics in this episode: Questions around identity and belongingMaking your child’s heritage and culture part of their life Have the hard conversations sooner rather than laterBe open and always willing to learn Take care of yourself, as the adoptive parentTo learn more about Mary Ann McMillan check her out on Instagram or buy her new book, “Bridging Resilience: A Guide to Healing for Adoptees and Former Foster Youth, Families, and the Leaders Who Walk with Them”To submit your prayer requests, use this form by clicking here! You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at somercolbert@gmail.com. I would love to connect with you on Instagram or send you my monthly newsletter with free resources and first access to episodes and more!Called to Love is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To learn more, check out their other shows or resources, head to their website: https://www.christianparenting.org/ 
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  Going From 2 Kids to 5: Adopting Sibling Sets 21.07.2026 42min

  Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast! For this episode, I am joined by Greg and Hannah East who are both bio parents and adopted a sibling set of three boys from foster care. Greg and Hannah’s story follows a lot of the similar experiences other foster-adoptive parents have: one parent is more interested than the other, the emotional ups and downs of fostering and saying goodbye, and having to navigate new life as a family with two kids to five! Greg and Hannah offer support, encouragement, and hope their story helps other parents see they don’t have to be superhuman to do this calling. God knows we are human and being human is okay! I am so glad you’ve joined me for this episode. Let’s dive in! Key topics in this episode: The family's background and motivation for foster care and adoptionOvercoming fears and hesitations before saying “yes”The process of fostering and adopting sibling groupsDealing with grief and loss in foster careThe importance of church and community supportBalancing love and pain in foster and adoptive parentingGod's faithfulness through challenging seasonsPractical ways to support foster familiesTo submit your prayer requests, use this form by clicking here! You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at somercolbert@gmail.com. I would love to connect with you on Instagram or send you my monthly newsletter with free resources and first access to episodes and more!Called to Love is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To learn more, check out their other shows or resources, head to their website: https://www.christianparenting.org/ 
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  From Pain to Purpose with Kim Patton Part 2 14.07.2026 31min

  Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast! This episode is a part 2 to an incredible conversation with the author, foster and adoptive mom: Kim Patton. What if the door that seems permanently closed is actually leading somewhere beautiful? Kim’s decade-long infertility journey became the unexpected pathway to adopting two biological sisters and working with teenage girls in foster care. Additionally, she writes and speaks about her experiences, showcasing how pain can be used for purpose. I am so glad you’ve joined me for this episode. Let’s dive in! Key topics in this episode: Journey from infertility to adoptionThe emotional process of adoption and open relationshipsThe importance of vulnerability and honesty in parentingTrust and boundaries in open adoption relationshipsGod's provision and purpose through pain and hardshipThe role of faith and dependence on God in difficult seasonsLessons learned from fostering teenage girls from hard placesBalancing relationship and boundaries with birth familiesThe significance of grace and healing in the journey of motherhoodTo learn more about Kim, check out her website! To learn more about her book, “Nothing Wasted: Struggling Well Through Difficult Seasons” click here! To submit your prayer requests, use this form by clicking here! You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at somercolbert@gmail.com. I would love to connect with you on Instagram or send you my monthly newsletter with free resources and first access to episodes and more!Called to Love is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To learn more, check out their other shows or resources, head to their website: https://www.christianparenting.org/ 
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  From Pain to Purpose with Kim Patton Part 1 07.07.2026 32min

  Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast! This is a part 1 of an amazing conversation with my special guest. She is an author, foster and adoptive mom: Kim Patton. What if the door that seems permanently closed is actually leading somewhere beautiful? Kim’s decade-long infertility journey became the unexpected pathway to adopting two biological sisters and working with teenage girls in foster care. Additionally, she writes and speaks about her experiences, showcasing how pain can be used for purpose. I am so glad you’ve joined me for this episode. Let’s dive in! Key topics in this episode: Journey from infertility to adoptionThe emotional process of adoption and open relationshipsThe importance of vulnerability and honesty in parentingTrust and boundaries in open adoption relationshipsGod's provision and purpose through pain and hardshipThe role of faith and dependence on God in difficult seasonsLessons learned from fostering teenage girls from hard placesBalancing relationship and boundaries with birth familiesThe significance of grace and healing in the journey of motherhoodTo learn more about Kim, check out her website! To learn more about her book, “Nothing Wasted: Struggling Well Through Difficult Seasons” click here! To submit your prayer requests, use this form by clicking here! You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at somercolbert@gmail.com. I would love to connect with you on Instagram or send you my monthly newsletter with free resources and first access to episodes and more!Called to Love is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To learn more, check out their other shows or resources, head to their website: https://www.christianparenting.org/ 
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  Helping Our Kids Heal From Life's Deepest Hurts 30.06.2026 44min

  Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast! For this episode, I am joined with an incredible guest who offers us a lot of hope as adoptive and foster parents, trying to help our kids heal from trauma… but this story does come with a trigger warning for those who’ve experienced domestic violence or assault, and this is not an episode for little ears. However, it is an episode of hope! These events did not define my incredible guest: Kimberly Haar. Kimberly said what the enemy meant for evil, God used for good! Kimberly is a writer, speaker, co-host on a radio show, licensed therapist and podcaster herself. Her private practice is based out of Tulsa, Oklahoma and its called “There’s Hope! Counseling.” Her new book is titled, “Healing from Life's Deepest Hurts: Reclaiming Your Life After Grief, Loss, or Trauma” and it centers on why our good God lets bad things happen. It inspires today’s conversation, shifting focus to specifically how we can help our kids process their trauma. I am so glad you’ve joined me for this episode. Let’s dive in! Key topics in this episode: Kimberly Haar's personal story of domestic violence and recoveryThe impact of trauma on the brain and bodyPractical steps for caregivers to support trauma healingThe importance of emotional safety and consistency for childrenThe role of faith and God's presence in healingUnderstanding triggers and the long-term healing processThe significance of patience and layered healingHow to foster a safe environment for emotional expressionTo learn more about Kimberly, check out her website! Learn more about her book, “Healing from Life's Deepest Hurts: Reclaiming Your Life After Grief, Loss, or Trauma”Follow her on Facebook or Instagram To submit your prayer requests, use this form by clicking here! You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at somercolbert@gmail.com. I would love to connect with you on Instagram or send you my monthly newsletter with free resources and first access to episodes and more!Called to Love is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To learn more, check out their other shows or resources, head to their website: https://www.christianparenting.org/ 
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  How to Unlearn Habits of Anxiety, Fear and Urgency 23.06.2026 29min

  Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast! My special guest is a recent author: Bethaney Wilkinson. Bethany is a coach, spiritual director, and passionate about holding spaces and creating experiences to nourish the inner lives of everyday people, leaders, and organizations. She experienced immense healing and transformation when people held sacred and thoughtful space for her evolution. She wants to do the same for others. In our conversation, Bethaney discusses ways for us as busy and overwhelmed foster and adoptive parents to slow down and enjoy life more beautifully.  I am so glad you’ve joined me for this episode. Let’s dive in! Key topics in this episode: Practices to unlearn habits of anxiety, fear, and urgencyListening to your body and confronting painThe role of community and support in healingLiving seasonally and embracing different life rhythmsThe significance of being rooted in God's love and identityFind Bethaney’s book, “A More Beautiful Way to Live” and order online! Learn more about Bethaney on her website by clicking here. Follow her on social media! To submit your prayer requests, use this form by clicking here! You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at somercolbert@gmail.com. I would love to connect with you on Instagram or send you my monthly newsletter with free resources and first access to episodes and more!
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  How Should Adoptive and Foster Parents Deal with Depression? 16.06.2026 34min

  Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast! In this episode, I am joined by Pastor Steve Larson. Steve is the author of a new book about mental health, a book where he shares his story as a pastor who struggled with depression and felt utterly alone. As an adoptive mom, this felt incredibly relevant to me. After I brought home my adopted daughter, I struggled with post-adoption depression and immense shame from this. How could I feel like this when I was doing God’s calling? A lot of us in the foster and adoption calling can struggle with mental health and also our kids, too. That’s why I invited Steve for this honest and vulnerable conversation.  I am so glad you’ve joined me for this episode. Let’s dive in! Key topics in this episode: Biblical examples of mental health strugglesThe four keys to mental health: physical, mental, spiritual, relationalThe importance of vulnerability and seeking helpPractical self-care and supporting loved onesCheck out Steve’s book, “The Four Keys to Mental Health: How to Feel Better, Think Clearly, and Enjoy Life Again” Learn more about Pastor Steve on his website by clicking here. To submit your prayer requests, use this form by clicking here! You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at somercolbert@gmail.com. I would love to connect with you on Instagram or send you my monthly newsletter with free resources and first access to episodes and more!
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  Understanding Trauma and Resilience 09.06.2026 52min

  Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast! In this episode, I am joined by Dr. Evan Marbury for a conversation about trauma. Our foster and adoptive children have all experienced some level of trauma – yes, even if we adopted our children from birth! Believe me, I am speaking from experience there. All children separated from their biological families, whether permanently or temporarily, are experiencing a trauma which we should aim to understand. We are not the healers of their trauma – God is – but by understanding trauma, we are better equipped to love and serve these kids. Dr. Evan breaks down trauma, separating it from the other “hurts” we can experience simply from being a broken world, and how trauma changes a person. Dr. Evan also explains how we need to provide safety for these traumatized children and boundaries are crucial to healing. He also shares ways the Gospel can influence us in this process. The same power which rose Jesus from the grave and saved us is the same power living inside us! God has chosen you to be the guardian of this child. Please be encouraged that He will equip you and be there with you in this. Let’s dive in! Key topics in this episode: Definition of trauma and its scopeFaces and symptoms of trauma in childrenThe importance of safety and boundaries in healingThe role of faith and gospel in resiliencePractical steps for caregivers to foster resilienceLearn more about Dr. Evan Marbury on his website by clicking here. Order his book, “Understanding Trauma and Resilience: A Guide for Counselors, Caregivers, and Ministers“ by clicking here. To submit your prayer requests, use this form by clicking here! You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at somercolbert@gmail.com. I would love to connect with you on Instagram or send you my monthly newsletter with free resources and first access to episodes and more!Christian Parenting resource for you: Moms, Dads, and Grads Gift Guide!And this year's edition is our best one yet! Whether you're honoring a loving mom, adevoted dad, or an inspiring grad, we've got you covered with meaningful gifts they'lltruly love. From Bibles and study tools to encouraging books, you're guaranteed to find something special for everyone on your gift lists this spring. Visit christianparenting.org/gifts to explore the 2026 Moms, Dads, and Grads Gift Guide today!
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  Creating Supportive Environments for Kids in Foster Care 02.06.2026 38min

  Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast! Callie Priest is the director of strategic partnerships at WinShape Homes, a foster agency and resource based in Georgia that partners with churches to help foster parents. WinShape Homes was established more than 35 years ago by S. Truett Cathy and his wife, Jeannette. They place hundreds of children in need with families who are guided by Christ. WinShape families are connected to an unparalleled network of care designed to ensure that children are restored in mind, body and spirit.In my conversation with Callie, we discuss ways churches can be more equipped to build up parents who receive this calling - help them be trauma informed and accessible. We also discuss practical ways for foster parents to ask for help from their churches and how this benefits the whole community. I am so glad you’ve joined me for this episode. Let’s dive in! Key topics in this episode: The role of the church in foster careTrauma-informed care and biblical principlesPractical steps for creating supportive environmentsThe impact of community and one anothering in foster careResources and training for churches and familiesLearn more about WinShape Homes on their website by clicking here. Learn more about their podcast by clicking here. Follow them on Instagram!Follow them on Facebook!Subscribe to them on YouTube!To submit your prayer requests, use this form by clicking here! You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at somercolbert@gmail.com. I would love to connect with you on Instagram or send you my monthly newsletter with free resources and first access to episodes and more!Christian Parenting resource for you: Moms, Dads, and Grads Gift Guide!And this year's edition is our best one yet! Whether you're honoring a loving mom, adevoted dad, or an inspiring grad, we've got you covered with meaningful gifts they'lltruly love. From Bibles and study tools to encouraging books, you're guaranteed to find something special for everyone on your gift lists this spring. Visit christianparenting.org/gifts to explore the 2026 Moms, Dads, and Grads Gift Guide today!
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  How to Love and Pray for Your Prodigal Child 26.05.2026 37min

  Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast! As adoptive and foster parents, we know our child faces many emotional hurdles and these can often lead them down some dark paths towards unhealthy coping mechanisms, finding worth and validation in the wrong places, and even succumbing to addiction or other destructive life choices. It isn’t just adoptive and foster kids who experience this but we know because of the trauma they endured, it happens often. Even if we did “everything right” by bringing them to church every Sunday, praying over them every night, and talking to them about God, they might still choose another path… And that’s what brings us to today’s episode about the Prodigal. Joining me for this conversation and to share their personal story of their son, Zach Williams, are Steve and Jenia. They recently published a book called, “God’s Heart For the Prodigal," which is a devotional to help parents navigate this difficult season of uncertainty with their children – it is a season Steve and Jenia know well. I am so grateful for their honesty, openness and vulnerability as we talk about loving and praying for our children. I am so glad you’ve joined me for this episode. Let’s dive in! Key topics in this episode: The journey through a prodigal seasonThe role of faith and prayer in healingGod’s promises and long-term hopeTo buy Steve and Jenia’s book, “God’s Heart For the Prodigal", find it at most major retailers like Amazon, Mardel and Christian Books. To submit your prayer requests, use this form by clicking here! You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at somercolbert@gmail.com. I would love to connect with you on Instagram or send you my monthly newsletter with free resources and first access to episodes and more!Christian Parenting resource for you: Moms, Dads, and Grads Gift Guide!And this year's edition is our best one yet! Whether you're honoring a loving mom, adevoted dad, or an inspiring grad, we've got you covered with meaningful gifts they'lltruly love. From Bibles and study tools to encouraging books, you're guaranteed to find something special for everyone on your gift lists this spring. Visit christianparenting.org/gifts to explore the 2026 Moms, Dads, and Grads Gift Guide today!
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  Care Portal: Caring For Kids and Families in a God-Sized Way 19.05.2026 38min

  Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast! My special guest today is someone who I respect and admire a lot in the foster and adoption advocacy space, as he is the Founder and President of CarePortal. CarePortal is an app and online resource designed to, “help mobilize action neighbor-to-neighbor; to connect vulnerable children and families with caring neighbors in their own community. For both prevention and protection, the ultimate goal is for children and families to build a meaningful connection that can lead to on-going supportive relationships.” On the app, as someone who wants to help those in crisis, you are able to see real, tangible needs of those in your own zipcode. If you’re someone who is in crisis, it is a place to share your needs and see God on the move. In our conversation, Adrien shares some of his story - how God led him to where he is today, and also how important it is for the church to look like Jesus in loving “the least of these.” He also shares how little he understood about foster care and how proper resources, support, and love can actually prevent kids from entering the broken system. When we come together as a body, amazing things happen! I am so glad you’ve joined me for this episode! Let’s dive in! Key topics in this episode: The call to serve vulnerable childrenThe importance of community and church involvementStories of life transformation through servicePractical steps to get involved in foster care supportLearn more about the CarePortal and sign up! Connect with the mission online on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook. To submit your prayer requests, use this form by clicking here! You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at somercolbert@gmail.com. I would love to connect with you on Instagram or send you my monthly newsletter with free resources and first access to episodes and more!Christian Parenting resource for you: Moms, Dads, and Grads Gift Guide!And this year's edition is our best one yet! Whether you're honoring a loving mom, adevoted dad, or an inspiring grad, we've got you covered with meaningful gifts they'lltruly love. From Bibles and study tools to encouraging books, you're guaranteed to find something special for everyone on your gift lists this spring. Visit christianparenting.org/gifts to explore the 2026 Moms, Dads, and Grads Gift Guide today!
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  Offering A Second Childhood to Kids from Hard Places: Part 2 12.05.2026 28min

  Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast! Welcome to part two of this amazing conversation! We are continuing where we left off, talking with the amazing couple: Michael and Kimberly Klokus. Both having lost a parent as children and a child as parents, they gained a unique insight into grief. Their shared experiences fueled a commitment to dedicating their lives to providing hope and a second chance at childhood for children whose futures would otherwise be uncertain. That is the topic of our conversation today: offering a second childhood to these kids from hard places. Over the past two decades, Mike and Kim have cared for more than 25 kids in the past two decades. Currently, they have 13 children, a mix of international adoptions, state adoptions, and biological children. Their story showcases the transformative impact of compassion and commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of vulnerable children and their mission is to equip more families to foster and adopt. They created The River’s Run County Cottage Home - a fully staffed home for children ages 0-12 waiting for placement for long term foster homes or adoption. Mike and Kim also connect churches and communities with foster children and families for support and relationships. If you wish to donate to their mission or learn more, check out their website: https://www.riversruncottage.com/ I am so glad you’ve joined me for this episode! Let’s dive in! Key topics in this episode: Their foster care and adoption journeyGod's sovereignty and plan in family lifeHealing trauma and providing stability for childrenConnect with Mike and Kim on Instagram and Facebook. To submit your prayer requests, use this form by clicking here! You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at somercolbert@gmail.com. I would love to connect with you on Instagram or send you my monthly newsletter with free resources and first access to episodes and more!Christian Parenting resource for you: Moms, Dads, and Grads Gift Guide!And this year's edition is our best one yet! Whether you're honoring a loving mom, adevoted dad, or an inspiring grad, we've got you covered with meaningful gifts they'lltruly love. From Bibles and study tools to encouraging books, you're guaranteed to find something special for everyone on your gift lists this spring. Visit christianparenting.org/gifts to explore the 2026 Moms, Dads, and Grads Gift Guide today!
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  Offering A Second Childhood to Kids from Hard Places: Part 1 05.05.2026 40min

  Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast! In this episode, I was joined by an amazing couple: Michael and Kimberly Klokus. Both having lost a parent as children and a child as parents, they gained a unique insight into grief. Their shared experiences fueled a commitment to dedicating their lives to providing hope and a second chance at childhood for children whose futures would otherwise be uncertain. That is the topic of our conversation today: offering a second childhood to these kids from hard places. Over the past two decades, Mike and Kim have cared for more than 25 kids in the past two decades. Currently, they have 13 children, a mix of international adoptions, state adoptions, and biological children. Their story showcases the transformative impact of compassion and commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of vulnerable children and their mission is to equip more families to foster and adopt. They created The River’s Run County Cottage Home - a fully staffed home for children ages 0-12 waiting for placement for long term foster homes or adoption. Mike and Kim also connect churches and communities with foster children and families for support and relationships. If you wish to donate to their mission or learn more, check out their website: https://www.riversruncottage.com/ I am so glad you’ve joined me for this episode! Let’s dive in! Key topics in this episode: Their foster care and adoption journeyGod's sovereignty and plan in family lifeHealing trauma and providing stability for childrenConnect with Mike and Kim on Instagram and Facebook. To submit your prayer requests, use this form by clicking here! You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at somercolbert@gmail.com. I would love to connect with you on Instagram or send you my monthly newsletter with free resources and first access to episodes and more!Christian Parenting resource for you: Moms, Dads, and Grads Gift Guide!And this year's edition is our best one yet! Whether you're honoring a loving mom, adevoted dad, or an inspiring grad, we've got you covered with meaningful gifts they'lltruly love. From Bibles and study tools to encouraging books, you're guaranteed to find something special for everyone on your gift lists this spring. Visit christianparenting.org/gifts to explore the 2026 Moms, Dads, and Grads Gift Guide today!
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  The Healing Power of Laughter 28.04.2026 36min

  Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast! In this episode, I was joined by the amazing comedian, Tim Hawkins. Tim Hawkins is a big name in my household! In case you have never heard of him, he is a Christian family-man who does clean, family-friendly comedy shows and tours across the country. We have loved and enjoyed his comedy specials and songs as a family for years, so this is a special gift to have him on the podcast. Together, we are talking about the healing power of laughter. Family is not easy but laughter can get you through the tough times, as Tim himself explains with his own experiences. I am so glad you’ve joined me for this episode! Let’s dive in! Key topics in this episode: Healing power of laughterFamily life and parentingStaying true to faith and valuesConnect with Tim Hawkins on Facebook or check out his website to learn more. Watch his brand new comedy special, Fist Bump, on Amazon! To submit your prayer requests, use this form by clicking here! You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at somercolbert@gmail.com. I would love to connect with you on Instagram or send you my monthly newsletter with free resources and first access to episodes and more!Christian Parenting resource for you: Moms, Dads, and Grads Gift Guide!And this year's edition is our best one yet! Whether you're honoring a loving mom, adevoted dad, or an inspiring grad, we've got you covered with meaningful gifts they'lltruly love. From Bibles and study tools to encouraging books, you're guaranteed to find something special for everyone on your gift lists this spring. Visit christianparenting.org/gifts to explore the 2026 Moms, Dads, and Grads Gift Guide today!
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  How to Stop Yelling at Your Kids 21.04.2026 48min

  Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast! In this episode, I was joined by a woman who I wish I knew 20 years ago - or at least, had her book 20 years ago! Her name is Janel Breitenstein and she’s the author of, “How to Stop Yelling Up the Stairs: Keeping Your Cool While Raising Your Kids” which is the topic of this episode. Long-time listeners may know some of my story and how I truly struggled as a mom with my littles and especially after adopting my precious little girl. The adoption-reality was completely different from the adoption-dream I had - countless sleepless nights and a traumatized baby who would not sleep and wouldn’t accept anyone but me. The external triggers were intense, but I realized many years later there were also things in my heart, too. I still carry guilt over how I yelled at my kids which is also a part of today’s conversation with Janel. I am so glad you’ve joined me for this episode! Let’s dive in! Key topics in this episode: Managing anger in parentingModeling emotional health for childrenCreating a gospel-centered home amidst chaosConnect with Janel on her website and blog: https://www.janelbreitenstein.com/ Buy her book, “How to Stop Yelling up the Stairs” by clicking here! To submit your prayer requests, use this form by clicking here! You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at somercolbert@gmail.com. I would love to connect with you on Instagram or send you my monthly newsletter with free resources and first access to episodes and more!Christian Parenting resource for you: Moms, Dads, and Grads Gift Guide!And this year's edition is our best one yet! Whether you're honoring a loving mom, adevoted dad, or an inspiring grad, we've got you covered with meaningful gifts they'lltruly love. From Bibles and study tools to encouraging books, you're guaranteed to find something special for everyone on your gift lists this spring. Visit christianparenting.org/gifts to explore the 2026 Moms, Dads, and Grads Gift Guide today!
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  Parenting a “Spicy” Child 14.04.2026 40min

  Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast! In this episode, I was joined by the amazing author and parenting coach, Mary Van Geffen. Since 2011, Mary has coached over 1,700 moms of “Spicy Ones”, walking with them through the same struggles she once thought would break her. She now has a book titled, “Parenting a Spicy One: A Compassionate Guide for Raising a Deep-Feeling and Wonderfully Strong-Willed Kid” which prompts today’s conversation. As parents of foster and adoptive kids, sometimes we have a “spicy” child - a child who is very emotional, passionate, strongwilled, and maybe labeled as “challenging, difficult, stubborn” and any other descriptors. It can be extremely taxing and difficult navigating this relationship - what do you do when the kid refuses to brush their teeth or change out of their pajamas? It feels like one battle after another, and it can send our nervous systems into overdrive and survival mode, hijacking us into an overly reactive state because we are at our limit. Mary offers a ton of practical advice throughout this conversation – it’s almost like she’s an amazing coach! She has a lot of great insight for shifting our perspective on this “spicy” little one of ours and how to truly connect with them. I am so glad you’ve joined me for this episode! Let’s dive in! Key topics in this episode: Defining a spicy child and their temperamentThe importance of communication and connectionPractical tools for daily parenting challengesThe power of repair and forgiveness in relationshipsShifting mindset from control to compassionConnect with Mary on her website or Instagram, and get a copy of her book! To submit your prayer requests, use this form by clicking here! You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at somercolbert@gmail.com. I would love to connect with you on Instagram or send you my monthly newsletter with free resources and first access to episodes and more!Christian Parenting resource for you: Morning MinuteSubscribe now at MorningMinute.org to receive each weekday morning a verse to strengthen your spirit, one parenting insight grounded in Christ-like wisdom, one short action item to guide your heart and your kids’ and one resource to help you go deeper.
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  Encouragement for the Overwhelmed Foster Adoptive and Foster Mom 07.04.2026 34min

  Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast! In this episode, I was joined by a mom who’s message spoke near to my heart and I believe many parents in this calling: Jamie Erickson. Jamie is the busy mama of five kiddos, ages ranging from college to 8th grade, and she also homeschools. She is also an author with a recent book that speaks to my heart, “Overwhelmed Mom: Quiet the Chaos, Mind What Matters, and Enjoy Your Life Again.” As adoptive and foster parents (and even just biological parents, of course!), we are carrying a very heavy load and I feel overwhelmed. Jamie’s book comes at a perfect time in my life and I hope you will also find it encouraging and practical. Key topics in this episode: Types of overwhelm: circumstantial, emotional, and self-inflictedThe importance of managing priorities and setting boundariesPractical tips for reducing overwhelm: analog life, digital detox, and community supportThe role of faith and trusting God in overcoming stressRecognizing physical and emotional signs of overwhelmConnect more with Jamie on her website. And check out new book and topic of today’s episode, Overwhelmed Mom: Quiet the Chaos, Mind What Matters, and Enjoy Your Life AgainTo submit your prayer requests, use this form by clicking here! You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at somercolbert@gmail.com. I would love to connect with you on Instagram or send you my monthly newsletter with free resources and first access to episodes and more!Christian Parenting resource for you: Morning MinuteSubscribe now at MorningMinute.org  to receive each weekday morning a verse to strengthen your spirit, one parenting insight grounded in Christ-like wisdom, one short action item to guide your heart and your kids’ and one resource to help you go deeper.
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  How to Live Less Triggered As Adoptive and Foster Families 31.03.2026 37min

  Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast! In this episode, I was joined by Dr. Kelly Flanagan. Dr. Kelly Flanagan is an award-winning author, international speaker, personal and relationship coach, and licensed clinical psychologist with two decades of expertise in interpersonal relationships. His thought leadership has been featured in The 5 Love Languages, the TODAY Show, Reader’s Digest, HuffPost, and Success Magazine. Kelly’s two non-fiction books, Loveable and True Companions.He has recently released The Road Less Triggered which is the topic of our discussion as foster and adoptive parents. Dr. Kelly discusses what it means to be triggered in the clinical sense and how we as parents can experience it and our children - biological, adoptive or foster. He also shares his own personal journey and how he overcame his own triggers which were causing destruction in his relationships. This is a great and practical conversation to help us in any stage of this calling. Key topics in this episode: Understanding the clinical and broad definition of triggersPhysiological signs of being triggered and interoceptionBalancing regulation and recognition in emotional responsesEmpathy and boundaries in trauma-informed carePractical steps for owning moments and teaching childrenConnect more with Dr. Kelly on his website. And check out his book, The Road Less Triggered. To submit your prayer requests, use this form by clicking here! You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at somercolbert@gmail.com. I would love to connect with you on Instagram or send you my monthly newsletter with free resources and first access to episodes and more!Christian Parenting resource for you: Morning MinuteSubscribe now at MorningMinute.org  to receive each weekday morning a verse to strengthen your spirit, one parenting insight grounded in Christ-like wisdom, one short action item to guide your heart and your kids’ and one resource to help you go deeper.