Well.
From what I can tell, y’all are fans of the “That’s Me” concept!
Many of you reached out to me with great ideas for future shows. And I’ve conducted several interviews already.
My goal is to publish one new “That’s Me” episode a month. But given the initial enthusiasm, I have another episode for you this week!
I did something a little different this time around. Instead of sharing one interview in it’s entirety and then the next. . .I’ve mashed and mingled the two together.
Our guests today are Jenny from Chicago and Kristen Strong from ChasingBlueSkies.net. We talk about overcoming the challenges of recurring change.
Both come from small town, close extended family backgrounds. And both ladies, as adults, have moved several times.
We chat a lot about how change can impact our kids–for good and bad. How to provide stability and a firm foundation in the midst of transitions.
Love the conversation I had with each of them about making new friends. Because Jenny is an extrovert and Kristen is an introvert, they provide unique tips and perspective.
Even if you aren’t moving or haven’t moved. . .I think you will love this episode. Both ladies share info/insight for anyone going through a life change or transition.
And Jenny and Kristen are precious. I’d be thrilled if either one moved to Dallas!
(If you are in the midst of a new season, definitely check out Kristen’s new book: Girl Meets Change).
Connect with Kristen Strong:
Site :: Facebook :: Twitter :: Instagram
This week’s episode sponsor:
Picturing Scripture— an elegant hardbound book full of Bible art and inspiring devotionals that is perfect for holiday gifts or your very own coffee table.
Each piece of art was created by the design team at Faithlife Corporation, and paired with a devotional. The result is a stunning collection of art and inspiration that illuminates the words of Scripture.
Reserve your copy today, and a few more for holiday gifts, on Kickstarter by searching for Picturing Scripture. These books will arrive on your doorstep in time for Christmas.
What we chat about:
Jenny’s Questions:
- How can I embrace that tension of not giving my children the life I grew up with?
- What are some ways to create a sense of home and stability?
- What does it look like to give your kids a solid foundation when you are the midst of transition?
Kristen’s Answers:
- The unique benefits of growing up in a place where you don’t know everyone.
- The empathy and larger worldview children gain from being outside comfort zone.
- Having a deep gratitude for family can be expressed in different ways.
- Traditions can travel. Traditions ease transitions.
- Great ideas for daily and seasonal traditions (LOVE what they do for birthdays).
- How children take cues from the parents on the tone in their home.
- Being a safe place for our kids to share the emotions they are experiencing.
- Pointing our children to Christ reminding them His desire is for us not against us.
- Great tip of giving kids control by investigating and learning about the new place you are moving.
Other topics we cover:
- The difference between an extrovert (Jenny) and an introvert (Kristen) making friends in a new place.
- Learning to discover who you are and how God wired you.
- Practical tips for the moving process.
Links Mentioned:
- Enneagram
- StrengthsFinder
- Girl Meets Change by Kristen Strong
How to listen to the podcast:
1.Listen on the blog. Click through to GodCenteredMom.com and click the play button at the beginning of this post.
2. Listen on your smartphone, iPad or iPod Touch – There are a lot of great podcasting apps. Apple has a free one (that I mentioned) in the app store, there is also one called Downcast. It allows you to search for shows, subscribe to them and even speed up the audio. If you don’t have an iDevice, you can listen via Stitcher.
I listened to this episode this morning and just wanted to say thank you! I can resonate SO much with what was said. I have been married for 7.5 years and my husband and I have lived in 7 different places in those years! We just recently (3 weeks ago) moved…again. While we live in the same town (basically) moving is difficult. It seems each time we do it I am pregnant…expecting #3 this time with a 4 and 2 year old already. Its a huge time of transition and change for us. My husband has been on staff at our church for the last 18 months and that is getting ready to come to an end with no other job in the foreseeable future. We KNOW God is working something amazing for our family…we just don’t know what that is yet. Its been a season where I easily become anxious about the future and feel tempted to covet and be jealous of those who are “settled” because we aren’t settled by worldly standards. But God is our foundation and our forever home. Sorry to ramble, but I just wanted you to know how much it encouraged me to hear Jenny’s story and the advice Kristen gave this morning!
I listen every week and am always encouraged! 🙂
Thank you so much for this! I’ve been married 11 yrs, 3 kids – 5, 3 & 1. We’ve lived in 3 different towns, in 9 different homes. My husband and I were both raised in Texas and moved 3 yrs ago to rural Illinois. I went from being a working mom to a SAHM. Our experience has been so good, yet not easy. We’ve built amazing friendships here. But missing family this holiday season, I needed this encouragement.
I loved this episode! So much wisdom and encouragement. We moved our family 2 years ago and might move again in the next year or so. It was so encouraging to be reminded that when we are in God’s will, moving is better than staying put. I had the same concerns about my children moving a lot and how that would affect them, since I grew up in the same small town my entire life. Thanks for what you do through your podcast.
I just started listening to God Centered mom and even though I’m not a mom a lot of what is being said by these wonderful women are what I need to hear every single morning I’m driving to work.