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

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  When Living in God's Yes Is Harder Than You Expected 22.09.2026 36min

  Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast! For this episode, I am joined by Melissa Miller. Melissa is the mom to five kids, biological and adopted, and she is an advocate for vulnerable children in foster care. Besides being a busy mom, Melissa is also a Reboot Retreat facilitator in her home state Tennessee, the author of “But I Prayed for This” and a contributor to sites such as Mother.ly, Her View from Home, and the YouVersion Bible app.In our conversation today, we unpack all the emotional complexities that come with this calling. This is something we prayed for and yet there is so much pain and grief when the child finally enters our home, and it is hard to wrestle with. It can be hard to share those feelings with others, thinking they will say, “But you prayed for this. This is what you wanted.” The guilt and shame that can come with this feeling, thinking we should be grateful and happy God answered the prayer, but it feels nothing like we imagined. We get into all of this as Melissa shares her story and elaborates more on how we can walk this out in our families. Let’s dive in! Key topics in this episode: Constant changes can cause fatigue and impact familiesThe importance of validation and compassionBalancing grief and gratitude in difficult seasonsBuilding rhythms and routines for stabilityThe role of faith and God's sovereignty in healingLearn more about “But I Prayed for This: What to Do When Living in God's Yes Is Harder Than You Expected” by going to Amazon https://www.amazon.com/But-Prayed-This-Living-Expected-ebook/dp/B0G1K3WXLQ/?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_w=8RtdU&content-id=amzn1.sym.171c1bd3-e559-4de5-8b1c-2e86c02e2e84&pf_rd_p=171c1bd3-e559-4de5-8b1c-2e86c02e2e84&pf_rd_r=134-3507095-9710632&pd_rd_wg=82bqN&pd_rd_r=6756e9e7-82c9-47ee-aae0-a6813988647b Or Mellisa’s website: https://www.melissamillerwriter.com/ To submit your prayer requests, use this form by clicking here! You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at [email protected]. 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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  When Open Adoption Becomes Family Part 2 15.09.2026 46min

  Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast! For this episode, I am joined by an incredible family – incredible because this open adoption led to a family growing in a unique way! The three voices joining me on this episode are adoptive parents, Nick and Kelsey Lebos, and the biological mother of their adopted son, Mikayla Little. The three of them bonded immediately when meeting during Mikayla’s pregnancy as she was pursuing the open adoption of her unborn son, Shepherd. God brought them together for a unique purpose and to grow their family in this unconventional way. Mikayla is not only a part of Shepherd’s life but she is also a part of the broader Lebos family. There is so much redemption found in her story because of their love, generosity, obedience to God, and intentionality to build this relationship. In this two-part conversation, they share their story and I ask questions about navigating the hard parts of adoption. It is never easy for a mother to make this decision and it was something Mikayla did with a lot of prayer and preparation and love for her son. There are a lot of assumptions or misconceptions about biological mothers which is so disheartening because we have the opportunity as adoptive parents to love them both: child and mother. Not every open adoption is going to look like this – this is their story – but it is good to know what is possible thanks to our amazing God, and what happens when we are faithful in this calling. Let’s dive in! Key topics in this episode: The emotional journey of adoption: both joy and grief. The role of faith and prayer in family decisionsThe importance of openness and transparency in adoptionThe significance of intentional relationship-building in open adoptions and maintaining relationshipsThe role of faith and prayer during emotional momentsBuilding a family through love and intentionalityThe importance of community and extended family in adoptionTo submit your prayer requests, use this form by clicking here! You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at [email protected]. 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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  When Open Adoption Becomes Family Part 1 08.09.2026 52min

  Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast! For this episode, I am joined by an incredible family – incredible because this open adoption led to a family growing in a unique way! The three voices joining me on this episode are adoptive parents, Nick and Kelsey Lebos, and the biological mother of their adopted son, Mikayla Little. The three of them bonded immediately when meeting during Mikayla’s pregnancy as she was pursuing the open adoption of her unborn son, Shepherd. God brought them together for a unique purpose and to grow their family in this unconventional way. Mikayla is not only a part of Shepherd’s life but she is also a part of the broader Lebos family. There is so much redemption found in her story because of their love, generosity, obedience to God, and intentionality to build this relationship. In this two-part conversation, they share their story and I ask questions about navigating the hard parts of adoption. It is never easy for a mother to make this decision and it was something Mikayla did with a lot of prayer and preparation and love for her son. There are a lot of assumptions or misconceptions about biological mothers which is so disheartening because we have the opportunity as adoptive parents to love them both: child and mother. Not every open adoption is going to look like this – this is their story – but it is good to know what is possible thanks to our amazing God, and what happens when we are faithful in this calling. Let’s dive in! Key topics in this episode: The emotional journey of adoption: both joy and grief. The role of faith and prayer in family decisionsThe importance of openness and transparency in adoptionThe significance of intentional relationship-building in open adoptions and maintaining relationshipsThe role of faith and prayer during emotional momentsBuilding a family through love and intentionalityThe importance of community and extended family in adoptionTo submit your prayer requests, use this form by clicking here! You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at [email protected]. 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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  Teaching Our Kids and Ourselves That We Are Capable 31.08.2026 42min

  Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast! For this episode, I am joined by the amazing Dr. David Thomas, co-author of the book, “Capable: How to Teach Your Kids the Strengths, Skills, and Strategies to Build Resilience” and I am so excited to learn with you from this wealth of knowledge! Dr. David and his co-author, Sissy Goff, are therapists at Daystar Counseling Ministries. Through their counseling, podcast, and books and speaking, they've made it their life’s work to offer practical help and hope to families through their resources and experience. In our conversation today, Dr. David unpacks the anxiety crisis in our children across the country. Dr. David shares a brutal statistic that roughly 1 in 4 kids struggle with anxiety, but also 1 in 3 adults also struggle with anxiety as well! Dr. David and Sissy keep finding children in their counseling sessions saying they aren’t capable, but what’s worse is they actually don’t want to be. These kids are incredibly risk adverse, but healthy risk is a huge part of building that confidence and capability in life. Life is hard but it is also full of “good stories” as Dr. David puts it. Dr. David shares practical information to equip us as parents for not only how to better help our kids but to help ourselves too. We are capable of this calling God has given us! Let’s dive in! Key topics in this episode: The capability crisis among children and teensThe impact of anxiety and trauma on resilienceThe importance of pacing in child developmentBuilding independence through chores and risk-takingThe unique needs of foster and adoptive childrenThe role of parental confidence and authorityPractical tools for teaching emotional regulationThe significance of experiential learning and hard thingsThe influence of culture and technology on capabilityResources for supporting resilient familiesLearn more about Raising Boys and Girls on their website and purchase their new book and resource, “Capable: How to Teach Your Kids the Strengths, Skills, and Strategies to Build Resilience” https://www.raisingboysandgirls.com/capablebook?srsltid=AfmBOoprP_aLWKPGFOynb8NdMiZ6wfHbAWaYy8tzk28GbW5HEEfWs6r4 To submit your prayer requests, use this form by clicking here! You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at [email protected]. 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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  Bringing Comfort and Dignity to Kids Coming From Hard Places 25.08.2026 39min

  Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast! For this episode, I am joined with the founder of Lily Pad: Jennifer Tice. Jennifer worked for fourteen years as a labor and delivery nurse and her husband worked for two decades in law enforcement. Together, they decided they would open their home to foster kids. It began with infants, since that was Jennifer’s background, but then they made the pivotal switch to teenagers… and it sparked Lily Pad. When they welcomed their first teenager, Jennifer and her husband realized these kids sleep in cubicles or cold office spaces while waiting for placement. While we can’t change what has happened to these kids, we can try to minimize more harm by treating them with dignity, care, and providing comfort. That is how Lily Pad was born. Jennifer and her husband began creating spaces for these kids, a space that looks and feels like a home living room, so there’s just a little bit more comfort in these dark moments between the police station and DSS offices. In our conversation today, Jennifer shares her story, the origins and mission of Lily Pad, but also how we as foster and adoptive parents can bring comfort and dignity to these kids coming from hard places. Let’s dive in! Key topics in this episode: The origin and mission of Lily PadThe impact of creating comfortable spaces for children in careThe importance of dignity and love in foster careStories of connection and healing in Lily Pad roomsExpanding support to law enforcement and beyondPractical advice for prospective foster familiesWays you can make your own space at home filled with comfort and dignityLily Pad’s website: https://www.lilypadinc.org/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lily.pad.inc/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LilyPadInc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LilyPad.ASoftPlacetoLand To submit your prayer requests, use this form by clicking here! You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at [email protected]. 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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  I Need a Do-Over: Giving Our Children Tools for Communication 18.08.2026 41min

  Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast! For this episode, I am joined by a father and daughter duo! Dr. Emerson Eggerichs and his daughter, Joy Eggerichs Reed, have written a book together called, “Beega Gets a Do-Over: A Gigglies Adventure About Communication.” Dr. Emerson is a bestselling author on the New York Times list and has a PhD in child and family ecology. The new book was inspired from a bedtime story Dr. Emerson told Joy as a child. Now, Joy is a mother of three, and together they brought this book to life to help kids communicate. In the context of adoption and foster care, we as parents can struggle with helping our kiddos communicate. This fun, upbeat, imaginative story paints a picture for how kids can apologize by asking for a “do over.” In our conversation, Joy and Dr. Emerson share more practical information about forgiveness, relationship repair, emotional vocabulary, nonverbal cues, and teaching our kids empathy among all those other social skills. Let’s dive in! Key topics in this episode: The concept of 'do-over' as a tool for teaching forgiveness and repairThe importance of emotional vocabulary and reading nonverbal cuesBalancing consequences with repair in disciplineTeaching empathy to children operating in survival modeThe role of intentional questions in fostering curiosity and understandingLearn more about the Land of Nuf on their website https://www.loveandrespectacademy.com/land-of-nuf And pre-order the book, “Beega Gets a Do-Over: A Gigglies Adventure About Communication” https://www.amazon.com/Beega-Gets-Do-Over-Adventure-Communication/dp/1400257697 To submit your prayer requests, use this form by clicking here! You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at [email protected]. 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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  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 [email protected]. 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 [email protected]. 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 [email protected]. 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 [email protected]. 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 [email protected]. 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 [email protected]. 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 [email protected]. 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 [email protected]. 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 [email protected]. 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 [email protected]. 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 [email protected]. 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 [email protected]. 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 [email protected]. 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 [email protected]. 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!