Are you a stepmom who wants to win with her new hubby and kids?

Join Barb for this week’s FB LIVE conversation with author Cheryl Shumake and learn her valuable insights and practical tips on how to protect your step-marriage, deal with difficult bio moms, and how to connect with hurting kids.

Cheryl is the author of Waiting to be Wanted and she has some incredible resources for stepmoms available at https://www.stepmomsanity.com/.

Big Ideas from Today's Show

1. Stepmoms were built to withstand the turbulence of the lives they're living.

Cheryl shared that as a stepmom, your role is to be a conduit of God's love and blessing to your bonus children and the husband that you are in covenant with. Although challenges will come and it may feel easiest to turn around and run, Cheryl encouraged us to lean on God who is able to both equip and empower us to live faithfully in our unique situations.

2. God teaches us to love hurting children who are traumatized by divorce.

Just like Jesus came to earth and loved us when we were broken and hurting children, traumatized by sin, Cheryl encouraged us to approach our hurting children who have been traumatized by divorce with humility and grace. Remember that even if there is conflict, these children are not your enemy. The devil wants to use offense to create division and destroy families, but Cheryl reminded us to not take the bait.

3. Be strong and courageous. The fruit is out on the limb.

Keep on going. Keep on investing. Keep on pressing in to your bonus children. Even if you can't see any light at the end of the tunnel, don't give up. The fruit is coming.

And remember, whether or not your relationship with your bonus child(ren) turns out the way you hope it will, the true fruit you are reaching for is the Savior's "Well done".

About Our Guest Cheryl Shumake

Cheryl Shumake deeply loves her husband, Jonathan, and their four children. She is an adventuress who enjoys travelling and subjecting family to interesting culinary concoctions. She is also an ordained minister, Bible teacher, speaker, and conference host. Cheryl has authored several books and is a stepmom educator. She finds it a privilege to lead women to faith, freedom and fruitfulness in Jesus Christ. However, what she cherishes most about her life is that she is a worshipper, daughter and friend of the Most High God. Cheryl and her family make their home in southeast Michigan.

Links from today's episode:

Cheryl's Website

stepmomsanity.com

Waiting to be Wanted

Get your copy here.

Better Together host Barb Roose is a popular speaker and author with a passion to help women live beautifully strong and courageous in Jesus' name. She's the author of multiple books and Bible studies, including Surrendered: Letting Go and Living Like Jesus and Joshua: Winning the Worry Battle. Visit Barb's online home at barbroose.com.

Join my fabulous producer, Tabitha Allman, as she hosts this all NEW episode of Better Together! In this episode, author and ministry leader, Monica Allman, will share 4 practical ways that we can know God better and how knowing God brought her through a tough season of her life.

Connect with Monica at www.womenintentionallyseekinghim.com!

4 Practical Ways To Develop An Intimate Relationship with God

1. Prayer

"Desperate times call for desperate prayers." When we are walking through tough circumstances, Monica encouraged us to run towards God in prayer, not away from Him. Even when we don't have the words to say, we can pray the Word of God back to Him!

2. Spending time in the Word of God.

God's Word reveals His character. By digging in we can see His faithfulness all throughout the pages and find true stories that speak directly to our circumstances. Some of the powerful Scriptures mentioned in today's episode were: Numbers 23:19, Psalm 56:3, Ephesians 3:20.

3. Surrender

To surrender is to yield to God. In her season of suffering, Monica realized that God was asking her to surrender her time and plans over to Him, because if she didn't, the weight of her circumstances would crush her. Oftentimes when we want to release our control, the enemy plants seeds of doubt and fear, leading us to wonder if God will automatically inflict us with pain and suffering. These fears can keep us from surrender, but we once again need to remember His character. Although at times He does allow suffering, He loves us and gives beauty for ashes.

One practical way to exercise surrender in our everyday lives is to create a surrender journal. Write out the areas that you need to give over to God and pray over them each day. Monica also recommended writing about times that you surrendered in the past and how God worked on your behalf.

4. Musical Worship

There is power in worship! If you are in a hard season, turn on some music that reminds you of who God is and how He cares for You.

About Our Guest Monica Allman

Monica Allman is the co-founder of Women Intentionally Seeking Him, a wife, mom, and nana. Her passion is to see women enjoying God’s Word and growing in Christlike character. In 2019, Monica released her first devotional “Reflections” which is available on Amazon, and is in the process of writing her second book. She currently leads a weekly Bible Study group and serves as a Sunday School teacher at her home church.

Links from today's episode:

Monica's Website

womenintentionallyseekinghim.com

Reflections: Godly Encouragement to Light Our Way

Get your copy here.

Better Together host Barb Roose is a popular speaker and author with a passion to help women live beautifully strong and courageous in Jesus' name. She's the author of multiple books and Bible studies, including Surrendered: Letting Go and Living Like Jesus and Joshua: Winning the Worry Battle. Visit Barb's online home at barbroose.com.

Do you long to break free from your fear?

Join host, Barb Roose, as she teaches about finding freedom from fear: fear of the future, fear of not being enough, fear of death, and more.

5 Verses To Help You Find Freedom From Fear

1. Freedom from fear

For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. - 2 Timothy 1:7 NLT

2. Freedom from the fear that God will give up on you

And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. - Philippians 1:6 NLT

3. Freedom from the fear of death

Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. -John 11:25 NLT

4. Freedom from the fear of not being or having enough

And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus. - Philippians 4:19 NLT

5. Freedom from fear of the future

This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” -Joshua 1:9 NLT

Links from today's episode:

Breakthrough: Finding Freedom in Christ

Get your copy here.

Better Together host Barb Roose is a popular speaker and author with a passion to help women live beautifully strong and courageous in Jesus' name. She's the author of multiple books and Bible studies, including Surrendered: Letting Go and Living Like Jesus and Joshua: Winning the Worry Battle. Visit Barb's online home at barbroose.com.

It’s no secret that women often struggle with other women. We compare ourselves, we compete against each other, but in our efforts to win the comparison game, we all come out as losers.

Join host, Barb Roose, and one of her dear friends, author, Bible teacher and comedian Amberly Neese for a powerful conversation about how to love each other better as women.

Big Ideas from Today's Show

1. Focus on the character of who God is. 

Amberly encouraged us to avoid getting caught up in the comparison trap and instead focus on the character of God. When we get stuck in the "if onlys" (if only I looked more like her, if only I had a bigger house, if only I had a flat tummy, etc.), it robs us of truly enjoying our lives and our relationships with other women. Instead we should focus our eyes on God who is good, who loves us, and who is the giver of amazing gifts. 

2. Realize that we need each other.

We were created by God for community. When we lock arms with one another despite our differences, we can accomplish amazing things for the kingdom. 

3. Practice gratitude. 

Amberly reminded us that when we practice gratitude and thankfulness to God for His provision, we start to see His presence all throughout our lives. 

About Our Guest Amberly Neese

Amberly Neese is a popular speaker/teacher, comedian, author, and all-around encourager dedicated to helping you become the joyful person you were created to be.

 She helps people like you and your group experience the freedom found in meaningful relationships with God and others. Her bible study, “The Belonging Project: Finding Your Tribe and Learning to Thrive” was released in May 2020 by Abingdon Press.  Her latest study, “Common Ground: Loving Others Despite Our Differences” and devotional “The Friendship Initiative: 31 Days of Loving and Connecting Like Jesus” are scheduled to release May 4, 2021.

 Amberly is a featured speaker for the Aspire Women’s Events and the main host and female comedian for Marriage Date Night, two popular Christian events that tour nationally.

 She and her husband have two teenagers and live in Prescott, Arizona, where they enjoy the great outdoors, the Food Network, and all things Star Wars.

Links from today's episode:

Amberly's Website

amberlyneese.com

The Friendship Initiative: 31 Days of Loving and Connecting Like Jesus

Get your copy here.

Common Ground Bible Study

Get your copy here.

Better Together host Barb Roose is a popular speaker and author with a passion to help women live beautifully strong and courageous in Jesus' name. She's the author of multiple books and Bible studies, including Surrendered: Letting Go and Living Like Jesus and Joshua: Winning the Worry Battle. Visit Barb's online home at barbroose.com.

What does it mean to be a strong woman? How do you do it?

Join host, Barb Roose, and speaker and author, Lucinda McDowell, as she talks us through the 7 keys that equip us to be soul strong in spite of our circumstances. If you need encouragement, feel lost in your life, or love to be inspired, this episode is for you!

Big Ideas from Today's Show

1. The 7 Keys

Lucinda shared the 7 keys to staying soul strong and living a vibrant life. They were:

1. Live Loved

2. Be Authentic

3. Dwell Deep

4. Pray Always

5. Overcome Pain

6. Extend Kindness

7. Share Stories

2. When we call out to God, He strengthens our soul. 

The inspiration verse for Lucinda's book, Soul Strong, was Psalm 138:3 which says, "On the day I called, you answered me; my strength of soul you increased" (ESV). This verse shows us that we have the privilege of calling out on God in our times of difficulty with hope that He will hear and answer our earnest cries.

3. True authenticity can truly transform our lives. 

Lucinda taught us that being authentic means knowing who we are and who we are not. True authenticity helps us to realize and embrace our unique calling instead of comparing and competing with others who have gifts and strengths that differ from our own. When we stop comparing ourselves, we are freed up to genuinely celebrate one another.

About Our Guest Lucinda Secrest McDowell

Lucinda McDowellis a storyteller and seasoned mentor who engages both heart and mind while “Helping You Choose a Life of Serenity & Strength.” A graduate of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and Furman University, McDowell is the author of 15 books and contributing author to 30+ books. Her award-winning books include new releases Life-Giving Choices(2019) and Soul Strong (2020), as well as Dwelling Places, Ordinary Graces, Refresh, and Live These Words.  Lucinda, a member of the Redbud Writers Guild and AWSA, received Mt. Hermon “Writer of the Year” award and guest blogs for The Write Conversation, Blue Ridge Christian Writers Blog and (in)courage. Whether co-directing “reNEW ~ retreat for New England Writing & Speaking,” pouring into young mamas, or leading a restorative day of prayer, she is energized by investing in people of all ages. Lucinda’s favorites include creative words, tea parties, good books, laughing friends, ancient prayers, country music, cozy quilts, musical theatre, and especially her family scattered around the world doing amazing things.  Known for her ability to convey deep truth in practical and winsome ways, she writes from “Sunnyside” cottage in New England and blogs regularly at LucindaSecrestMcDowell.com

Links from today's episode:

Lucinda's Website

lucindasecrestmcdowell.com

Soul Strong - 7 Keys to a Vibrant Life

Get your copy here.

Better Together host Barb Roose is a popular speaker and author with a passion to help women live beautifully strong and courageous in Jesus' name. She's the author of multiple books and Bible studies, including Surrendered: Letting Go and Living Like Jesus and Joshua: Winning the Worry Battle. Visit Barb's online home at barbroose.com.