Building Strong Homes: Blueprints to Strengthen Your Faith and Family podcast

In this first Kitchen Table episode of the fall season, we ask a question that reframes how we look at every closed door and hard season: what if the obstacle isn't blocking your dream — what if it is the dream?

Through a personal story of chasing a dream career, hitting financial hardship building a small business, and crying out to God for a way out, this episode explores what happens when an answered prayer doesn't look like relief — and how perseverance, faith, and trust can turn a struggling season into the very...

There's a moment in every woman's story where she wonders if she's lost her way — where the calling she once felt so clearly suddenly feels confusing, heavy, or out of reach. I know that moment well. In fact, when I first met today's guest, I was standing right in the middle of it. I was discouraged, frustrated, and honestly ready to give up on the dream God had put in my heart.

But God met me through a woman who has walked her own winding path of obedience, surrender, and calling — Brittany Bruce. She...

In this special live episode, retired NYC firefighter Niels Jorgensen shares his firsthand account of serving at Ground Zero on 9/11. Niels reflects on the courage of first responders, the loss of nearly 3,000 innocent lives, and his own battle with a rare leukemia caused by toxin exposure during the recovery efforts.

Recorded in front of a live audience, this conversation also honors our local Fountain Inn fire, police, and EMS departments, who attended in their Class A uniforms. You'll hear powerful stories of sacrifice, resilience, and faith — and why remembering 9/11 matters for the next generation.

Watch th...

She grew up in a home marked by addiction, instability, and zero faith influence. When a friend invited her to church at fifteen, everything changed — except her parents' response. They kicked her out, leaving her alone on the streets with nowhere to go.

But God wasn't done writing her story.

With the help of a local church who gave her a place to live, she finished high school, went to college, and built a life rooted in faith, stability, and purpose. Today, she's a homeschooling mom of four, married for fifteen years, and walking in a...

In this powerful episode, Phyllis Robertson Thomas — daughter of Phil Robertson from Duck Dynasty — shares the incredible story of discovering her biological father through a DNA test, a revelation that led her into a family she never knew she had and a redemption story only God could write.

Phyllis opens up about navigating identity, healing from long‑buried wounds, and experiencing God's grace in the most unexpected places. Her testimony is honest, hope‑filled, and deeply encouraging for anyone walking through seasons of uncertainty, transition, or restoration and proves God can turn our painful past into a beautifu...

Liz Cobo says that nothing has deepened her faith and changed her walk with Jesus like studying the Bible. Studying God's Word literally changed her life. Things that were once important priorities aren't anymore. Things that were once afterthoughts are now at the top of her list. 

Scripture is God's self-revelation and is available to anyone willing to take the time and make the effort to read and study. Liz understands that now. God promises in his Word that he will give us greater understanding of His Word when we read it. 

Liz always...

In this episode of Carol sits down with Christy Braddock to share a powerful redemption story that proves no mistake is too big for God's grace. At just 15 years old, Christy discovered she was pregnant and spent years carrying the weight of shame, believing she had permanently disqualified herself from a blessed life and a strong family. But God had a completely different plan for her future.

If you've ever struggled with shame from your past, wondered whether God can redeem your story, or are parenting a child who feels broken by their...

Mary Marantz knows how fear can hold us back. Even though she was able to leave the musty single-wide trailer of her childhood in West Virginia and make her way to Yale Law School, she always carried the fear that she would be found out. Even though she had worked hard and earned every grade and scholarship she received she thought others saw her as an imposter. So, she strove to be the best at everything she did, and she was.

But the life of perfection has a way of draining the joy out of you. Mary...

If you've ever wondered whether your story really matters — or questioned how your past, your personality, and your experiences fit into God's calling for your life — this episode is for you.

I'm sharing the behind‑the‑scenes story of how I stepped into women's ministry, the unexpected ways God used my past to shape my purpose, and why I believe so deeply in helping women discover their own calling.

Many Christian women love God, love their families, and genuinely want to be obedient… but still feel unsure, unqualified, or unclear ab...

If you've been feeling stuck, restless, or unsure what God is asking of you in this season, the Flourish Retreat might be the turning point you've been praying for. This 3‑day Christian women's retreat on Kiawah Island is designed to help you find clarity, purpose, and direction through powerful teaching, personalized coaching, and deeply meaningful community.

In this episode, Julie Bagwell shares what she'll be teaching at the retreat — including discovering your God‑given wiring, understanding your strengths through a full DISC assessment, and learning how to step confidently into your next c...

Please be aware that this content is not suitable for young children.

George Carneal grew up in the '70s, raised by a Southern Baptist minister in the ultra-conservative Bible Belt where his world revolved around the church, country fried chicken and trying to fit in with other boys. As disco music pulsated through the speakers in his bedroom, he plotted his escape from the misery and boredom of Southern suburbia before landing in Los Angeles; a city of glitz and hedonism. Much like Alice as she traveled through the looking glass, this is George's journey through...

Some stories don't just inspire you — they reroute your whole calling.

This summer, I'm bringing back one of the episodes that changed everything for me. If you listened to Fear Is a Liar back in June, you remember the couple whose testimony stopped me from shutting this podcast down altogether. When I was ready to pack up the mic and call it quits, their story reminded me why Building Strong Homes exists in the first place — so real people can share real God stories that strengthen all of us.

Today we're revisiting Glen and Kelly Daigl...

Today we're kicking off our Summer Throwback Series — a little every‑other‑week tradition where I'm pulling some of the most loved episodes from the archives, dusting them off and letting them bring encouragement to you again.

And I knew exactly which one needed to go first.

My conversation with Sophie Hudson, based on her book Giddy Up, Eunice, is one of those episodes that feels like a deep breath and a belly laugh all at once.

If you've read any of her books, you already know Sophie has this uncanny way of remind...

In this deeply personal episode, I share the story of how my writing journey began—during a season when the empty nest was approaching, purpose felt uncertain, and God whispered a new calling into my heart.

Fourteen years ago, I took a trembling step of faith and attended my first writers conference alone. What followed was a rollercoaster of fear, embarrassment, and a moment so humiliating I nearly packed my bags and drove home. But God intervened through two women—Celeste and LaTan—who showed up at the exact moments I needed courage, belonging, and a reminder that I...

If you're walking a difficult journey through what may feel like insurmountable debt right now and see no way out, my guest today will give you hope. Tiffany Miliander was a single mom who was left with $64,000 in debt when she divorced. But she was determined not to let that debt linger and paid all of it off in four short years.

Debt can feel like a mountain you never asked to climb, but Tiffany stood exactly where you might be standing—and refused to stay there. She didn't wait for perfect circumstances. She didn't wait to fe...

Have you ever looked back and realized comfort kept you from saying yes to something that mattered? In this episode, I'm sharing how a moment from Taylor Sheridan's new series The Madison stopped me in my tracks and reminded me what it really means to love well — especially in marriage.

This isn't a review of the show, and I'm not endorsing all its content. But there's a powerful theme woven through the story that every Christian wife needs to hear. Spoiler alert: I'll be talking about the premise of the series, so listen with that in mind.

When you're facing a diagnosis, a fear, or a season of waiting, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the unknown. In today's episode, Tommy Jennings shares a powerful testimony of courage, peace, and unshakable faith as he battles Hodgkin's Lymphoma — a fight he's been in for six years.

Tommy's story is raw, honest, and deeply hope‑filled. After exhausting every treatment option, he now lives in the tension of uncertainty — yet his confidence in Jesus has only grown stronger. His words, "Either way it goes, I win," will challenge and inspire you to trust God in your own ba...

Have you ever doubted your faith? Wondered if God isn't real? I dealt with this issue a couple of decades ago and wondered how I could go on doing "all the things" while struggling with doubt. Today I want to share a fascinating story about how an elephant can be similar to testing our faith.

To see photos of the bridge, watch on YouTube I Almost Walked Away

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Between school messaging, social media trends, and cultural pressure, it can feel like the world is speaking louder to our kids than we are. But you have more influence than you think — and today's conversation will help you use it wisely.

If you're a Christian parent feeling overwhelmed by the rise in gender confusion, you're not alone. Everywhere you turn—schools, social media, even kids' friend groups—messages about gender identity and transgender ideology are shaping how teens think about themselves. But what if you could understand what's really happening and learn how to confidently guide your childr...

Whether you call it a veranda, piazza, stoop or porch, these appendages to our homes can have a positive impact on our family and community. It doesn't have to be fancy or huge to be a welcoming respite away from the chores, homework and television. Make it as comfortable as you can and invite the kids and hubby outside for a change of scenery and a bit of togetherness. And include the neighbors of you're feeling up to having company. Let's bring back the front porch.

This is the tenth and final episode in the Blueprints for...

What scars do you carry? Maybe you've had a c-section (or 3) and don't want to wear a bathing suit anymore (among other reasons). Maybe you've been injured in an accident and try to disguise the evidence. Or maybe you've suffered from cancer and now have an ugly scar as a reminder of your survival. Whatever the reason, it's natural for us to want to cover unsightly scars from public view. When I was in my mid-twenties and almost put my eye out from accidentally shoving my face into a large splinter, I didn't realize the permanent damage...

Home isn't just a place—it's a story. When my husband and I set out to build our forever home on his family's farm, we weren't just choosing land; we were choosing legacy. Every step across those pastures reminded us that roots matter—both the ones in the soil and the ones in our hearts. And as we stood beneath a solitary oak, we realized this journey was about more than a house. It was about building on a foundation that time can't shake.

This is the eighth episode in the Blueprints for Building Your Spiritual Dream Home...

I'll leave the light on for you. Have you ever heard that line before? Motel 6 turned that phrase into a promise—but spiritually, it's a calling. Darkness is everywhere, but one light can change everything. That light is Christ in you.

Just like lamplighters once walked city streets to protect their communities, you've been called to guard your home with vigilance and faith. The Proverbs 31 woman never let her lamp go out—and neither should we. In this episode, you'll learn practical ways to keep your spiritual flame burning, strengthen your connection to the...

Sometimes the most important role is the one that feels the least glamorous.

We live in a world that celebrates big wins and visible achievements. But what about the quiet, everyday work—the kind that rarely gets applause? Have you ever felt unimportant in your own home, wondering if anyone notices the meals, the clean laundry, the late-night homework help? The truth is, your role isn't just important, it's essential. You are the strength that holds everything together.

This is the sixth episode in the Blueprints for Building Your Spiritual Dream Home series. So far, we...

Picture this: a stunning home with gleaming floors and perfect décor—but underneath, the foundation is cracked. Eventually, everything starts to tilt and crumble. The same thing happens in our spiritual lives when we focus on appearances instead of what's beneath the surface. Without a strong foundation, even the most beautiful house will eventually crack and crumble. The same is true for our spiritual homes.

Discover why appearances aren't enough, how to check for cracks in your spiritual foundation, and practical ways to build a home rooted in faith and grace. Whether you're navigating marriage challenges, rai...

What happens when building your dream home nearly breaks your marriage? In today's episode, I'm sharing a raw, honest story from my own life—a season when stress, exhaustion, and unmet expectations left me wondering if my relationship with my husband would survive. But through that struggle, I learned a powerful truth: when we try to manage everything in our own strength, we end up drained and discouraged. The good news? God is the ultimate builder and the best general contractor for your home and family.

This is the fourth episode in the Blueprints for Building Your Sp...

Every great home starts with a dream—a vision for life within its walls. But before the first nail is hammered, the blueprint must be drawn. After decades of designing houses, I've learned a blueprint isn't just about rooms and square footage; it's about reflecting the heart of the family. The same is true for our spiritual homes. God, the Master Architect, has a design for each of us—a home filled with abundant living that's better than anything we could imagine. Today, we'll start by asking: What does your spiritual dream home look like? And how do we alig...

Ever feel like building a godly home is overwhelming? You're not alone. In this episode, we uncover the very first step to creating a home that stands strong—starting with the right location. Deciding where to put a dream house is the most important part of the design process. Putting so much effort into creating a great home only to realize later it was built in the wrong place can shatter any hopes we have for a strong family.

This week is the first in my Kitchen Table series called Blueprints to Building Yo...

We've all heard it before—bridging the communication gap with a teen can feel like trying to build a bridge with spaghetti. But don't worry, we've got you covered. We're diving into one of the most critical aspects of parenting: communicating with your teenager. Today's guest, Mark Gregston, a renowned expert and founder of Parenting Today's Teens, will share his invaluable insights and practical tips to help you connect with your teen in meaningful ways. Mark will guide us through the challenges and nuances of communicating with teenagers and will explore common barriers, effective strategies, and real-life examples that illu...

We're celebrating five amazing years of incredible testimonies and conversations! In this special anniversary episode, we're sharing your favorite Christmas traditions, chatting with two inspiring young moms, Carli McNamara and Rebecca Edwards, about holiday memories and motherhood, and revealing the top 10 most-loved episodes of the podcast. Plus, I'll share how many countries the podcast has reached and the surprising number country where we're downloaded the most outside of the United States. We also announce the first and second place winners of our celebration giveaway! Whether you've been here since day one or just discovered us, this episode is packed...

Heartache is something we all face—whether through loss, disappointment, or unexpected challenges.

Today's guest, Kara Stout—author of An Untroubled Heart—opens up about her personal journey through grief, waiting seasons, and life's unexpected challenges. Drawing from her experiences of loss and her own medical crises, Kara shares how faith became her anchor when peace felt out of reach. Her message is clear: even in the darkest valleys, God's presence offers comfort, strength, and hope.

Her story reminds us that hope is not the absence of heartache but the as...

Have you ever struggled with unforgiveness? If we're honest I believe we all have. But that's not how God wants us to live. Even though He commands us to forgive, it's not  just to let the other person off the hook. He wants us to forgive because He knows how holding onto resentment can cause a cancer to grow in our hearts, hurting us so much more than the person who caused the hurt. In this episode I'll share several instances where God convicted me of my unforgiving heart as well as a parable where Jesus shows us how u...

What if the way you love could change the world—starting in your own home? In a culture that feels fractured and hostile, loving others like Jesus isn't just hard—it feels impossible. But what if God gave us a blueprint for loving without limits?

Author and podcaster, Rachael Adams has recently released her second book, Everyday Prayers for Love: Learning to Love God, Others and Even Yourself. We are often told the Bible is God's love letter to us, yet we struggle to comprehend the height, width, and depth that this eternal God...

We all walk through seasons that feel like a desert—lonely, exhausting, and full of questions for God. In this episode, I open up about my own painful wilderness years—struggling with infertility, chronic illness, and depression—and how I eventually discovered that God hadn't abandoned me after all.

Through my story, you'll see that the desert isn't a place of punishment but preparation. It's where God strips away our dependence on everything else so we can truly know Him as our provider. If you've ever wondered where God is when life feels dry, t...

Every marriage goes through seasons—some filled with laughter and connection, and others that feel dry, distant, or lonely. Maybe you've found yourself wondering, "What happened to us? Why can't we enjoy doing things together like we used to?" The feelings you once had faded, and no matter how hard you try, it feels like you're just going through the motions.

If that sounds familiar, you are not alone.

Dan and Danielle Macaulay, founders of MarriedUp.net and authors of The Triangle Effect, talk about what to do when love feels more like effort than emo...

What dream have you had that you feel is too big to pursue? One of my big dreams has always been to go to England, the country my maternal grandmother was from. But I don't like to fly, I was worried I couldn't do that much walking, didn't know how to figure out all of the planes, trains, underground, taxis and Uber logistics, etc. etc. I decided not to give into those fears, however, when my husband, John, offered to take me on the trip of a lifetime to England and Scotland to celebrate my 60th birthday and our 40...

Did your motherhood story turn out the way you hoped? Even if it didn't, God is still writing something beautiful. Motherhood is both messy and miraculous. Even the president of MOPS faced heartbreak in motherhood.

When Elisa Morgan led MOPS, she encouraged millions of moms — but behind the scenes, her own motherhood journey was far from perfect. In this candid conversation, Elisa shares the struggles and blessings of parenting, how she found God's faithfulness in the hard seasons, and why she believes mentoring younger women is one of the most powerful ways to bu...

In this heartfelt episode I sit down with my mom and sister to share a legacy of faith, resilience, and family love.

My mom's story begins with her mom, an English war bride, who left everything familiar behind to start a new life in America. Later, mom had her own military journey after she married my dad who was stationed at first in Germany and eventually was deployed to Vietnam. Even though it was difficult, mom learned how to make anywhere feel like home.

Through frequent moves, a long...

What does it take to break free from a lifetime of pain and abuse? Ruth Valor's story is a powerful Christian testimony of how God can heal even the deepest wounds.

From the time she was just three years old, Ruth endured sexual abuse, physical abuse, and emotional neglect. Her father battled alcoholism and carried his own scars from an abusive childhood, leaving Ruth desperate for love and acceptance. That search often led her into destructive relationships—what she now calls having a "broken picker."

But God had a gr...

Before the Israelites could enter the Promised Land, they had to stand at the edge of the Jordan River — and trust God to make a way. At a retreat diving deep into the book of Joshua, the leader God appointed after Moses died, I found myself at my own river's edge, staring at something God was asking me to let go of. But I wasn't ready. This is the story of how He met me there — in my fear, in my wrestling — and how crossing over became more than just a metaphor.

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