What has age taught you? Do you worry or stress about getting older? Maybe you have found confidence the more you age. In episode 43: Reflections on Age and Turning 40, host Sondra Doty shares how she said goodbye to her 30s this summer and welcomed a new decade. She breaks down how God opened her heart to have a time of reflections on what her 30s taught her and how to embrace the wisdom and learning that has come through the years.  You hear those sayings: "Age is just a number;" 40 is the new 30;" and "30 is the new 20." Why can't it just simply be what it is? You're getting older and that's OK; because, news flash, we are supposed to get older!  Oscar Wilde says, "I am not young enough to know everything." Age brings clarity and wisdom, but many times we are holding on to something from the past-in a time of youth-that no longer is needed in the current age. It's healthy to break free from culture pressures in trying be something that we aren't or even should have been.  Want to support Word To Your Mothers®? Kindly write a review on your podcast platform or send an email to wordmothers@gmail.com  Don't forget to follow, subscribe, rate, review and share each episode on your podcast platform.  Book Sondra to speak at your event: http://wordtoyourmothers.com/speaking/ Book a Life Doula Consulting Session: https://calendly.com/word-to-your-mothers/life-doula-consulting Support the podcast by buying WTYM® Merch: https://www.bonfire.com/store/word-to-your-mothers/

Word To Your Mothers

Ep 43: Reflections on Age and Turning 40 with Sondra Doty

Have you ever been all dressed and ready to go to work, church or an event and then your little human vomits all over you? Or maybe it's been sleep deprivation, courtesy of that same human being, that kept you up all night and then you can't move one more inch without breaking down in tears?...  Guest Kasidy Isahaq shares stories like these and more of her mothering journey in episode 42: The Calling of Motherhood. God has been teaching Kasidy about this calling and purpose; it's a calling that exists over others for a season and for those that haven't always felt that call, it can be difficult to accept that we are just as valuable in the role of motherhood. As Kasidy says, "In a motherhood perspective, running feels a lot like sitting and being still; which is no less valuable in God's eyes." Kasidy and Sondra's prayer is while you listen to this episode, you feel encouraged and that God will continue to reveal your own personal calling through the role of mothering.  Get To Know Kasidy Isahaq: Blog: http://www.cityandhill.com Book: Quarter Life: Insights on Living Out God's Best Through the Crisis and Complexities of Adulting.  Follow: @kasidyisahaq & @cityandhill  Want to support Word To Your Mothers®? Kindly write a review on your podcast platform or send an email to @wordmothers@gmail.com  Book Sondra to Speak at your event, group or conference: Click Here Book a Life Doula Consulting Session: Click Here Buy WTYM® Merch and Support the Podcast: Click Here  

Ep 42: The Calling of Motherhood with Kasidy Isahaq

Have you ever thought, what exactly does a life consultant or life coach do? Or told yourself, "I would really like to try a session with a life consultant, but I just don't know?" It's ok to wonder and ask those questions, because the reality is many are interested but just don't know where to start.  In episode 21, host Sondra Doty talks about her journey into life consulting and what a session looks like with her as your consultant/coach. She encourages you to take time to recognize a key are of focus in your own life that could benefit from life consulting. Those key areas could be work/career, self, faith, parenting, birth, or postpartum.  Sondra also shares how her consulting style is a lot like playing Tee-ball. Whereas many times in life we need that tee to give us the confidence in where we are at in life of circumstance. We need that coach to remind us not to run to third base, but to first base first. We give that learning space for children and young adults, but often don't give it to adults. Just because we are adults doesn't mean we are supposed to know everything or have everything figured out. Guidance can be a healer and bring understanding.  Do you hear yourself saying a few of these things: "I'm on empty;" "I'm done;" "I'm burnt out;" "I'll figure it out later;" or "I feel lost or stuck."? Book a session with Sondra and let her be your life doula consultant for a while. As a consultant, Sondra wants to aid in improving her clients' lives, using the heart and spirit of a doula in providing emotional, physical and spiritual support in all areas of life.  Book a Life Doula Consulting Session: https://calendly.com/word-to-your-mothers/life-doula-consulting   If you love listening to Word To Your  Mothers®, kindly write a review on your podcast platform or send an email to wordmothers@gmail.com  Don't forget to follow, subscribe, rate, review and share each episode on your podcast platform.  Book Sondra to speak at your event, group or conference: http://wordtoyourmothers.com/speaking/ Support the podcast by buying WTYM® Merch:https://www.bonfire.com/store/word-to-your-mothers/  

Ep 41: What is Life Doula Consulting? with Sondra Doty

How would you define the adventure that is traveling with children? Perhaps you call it a "trip" or is it a "vacation?" In friend circles, people have always joked that any travel that is with children is a trip and not a vacation. One thing that's most certainly true when you are done with a children's trip you almost always need a vacation to recover. I mean, I feel like I can get an "amen" on that one!  In episode 40: Summer Trip or Vacation, host Sondra Doty shares a few tips she has learned in her 12 years of traveling with her children. She also picks from a rather long list of a few stories from family traveling adventures. Now they might not be National Lampoon's-style, but you can almost always guarantee every family will have a "National Lampoon's Vacation" moment.  Don't deny it, you have all been there. It's either a blowout diaper that demands 12, 000 wipes or a TSA agent that's not the friendliest towards families traveling. There is bound to be stress when traveling, that's for sure, but Sondra wants to encourage you to not let those moments hold you back.  Take the trips and go make amazing memories! Remember, trips don't have to be long or extravagant. The simple little road trip or staycation brings so much connection as a family and there will be memories that will last a lifetime.  So, at WTYM, we hope you have a wonderful summer trip. Oh and go book your kid-free vacation, too, LOL! Episode Resource: https://www.findmeglutenfree.com/ If you love listening to Word To Your Mothers®, kindly write a review on your podcast platform or send an email to wordmothers@gmail.com  Don't forget to follow, subscribe, rate review and share each episode on your podcast platform.  Book a Life Doula Consulting Session:https://calendly.com/word-to-your-mothers/life-doula-consulting Book Sondra to speak at your event, group or conference: http://wordtoyourmothers.com/speaking/ Follow @wordtoyourmothers:  https://www.instagram.com/wordtoyourmothers/ Support the podcast by buying WTYM® Merch: https://www.bonfire.com/store/word-to-your-mothers/  

Ep 40: Summer Trip or Vacation with Sondra Doty

Do you feel like your dreams are long gone or that you've missed your moment? Does it seem overwhelming to even start pursuing a dream out of fear or failure? This week's guest Makie Bloomer states that it's #NeverTooLate to bloom. Makie hopes to inspire you to chase dreams and try new things with her new lifestyle brand, Late Bloomer Crew. Contrary to popular opinion, she chooses to think life can be long rather than short. When you look at it that way, you'll see there is a lot of life for us to live and a lot of dreams to explore no matter our age or circumstance.  In episode 39 host Sondra and Makie discuss how they shared a dream of being musical theater performers and how they became roommates in New York City 18 years ago. To now see where God has directed both of their lives in being creative dreamers today in an encouraging story!  We all have creativity inside us. As Makie says, "It's our greatest tool to problem solve and think for ourselves." So, go dust off those dreams and creative ideas and join the Late Bloomer Crew! Get to know Guest Makie Bloomer:  Makie is currently lives on the California coast and is an indie music and visual artist. She has spent her entire life going back and forth between those two mediums. She also fills many roles as a wife, mama, and bonus mom. Makie's goal is to uplift other, bring joy, be real, and embody love.  Link to...... https://makiemusic.com/ https://latebloomercrew.com/ https://makiemusic.com/art-buddies-unite/ Follow Makie Here.... https://www.instagram.com/makiebloomer/ https://www.instagram.com/latebloomercrew/ https://www.instagram.com/artbuddies.unite/ If you love listening to Word To Your Mothers®,  kindly write a review on your podcast platform or send an email to wordmothers@gmail.com  Don't forget to subscribe, rate, review and share each episode on your podcast platform.  Book a Life Doula Consulting Session: https://calendly.com/word-to-your-mothers/life-doula-consulting Book Sondra to speak at your event, group or conference: http://wordtoyourmothers.com/speaking/ Follow @wordtoyourmothers: https://www.instagram.com/wordtoyourmothers/ Support the podcast by buying WTYM® Merch: https://www.bonfire.com/store/word-to-your-mothers/    

Ep 39: Makie and the Late Bloomer Crew

Have you ever scrolled through your phone or picture album and came across a picture from the past that just hits your heart so hard and makes you think, "Wow, time is flying by?" Host  Sondra Doty saw this picture (the one you're looking at) of her oldest and herself and that's what happened. At the time of the picture being taken, Sondra was about 30 weeks pregnant with her youngest; and just recently she realized that her oldest son (pictured) was the same age as her youngest son is now. that realization brought up so many emotions and thoughts she wanted share more in this episode.  Some of you might be having that same thought that time is flying by. Perhaps you're thinking this as you are sitting in your child's high school or college graduation; or maybe even attending a preschool or Kindergarten graduation! Oh, and don't forget the eighth graders, LOL.  Sondra heard a sermon by her pastor recently where he broke down in weeks the actual time we have with our children from birth until 18 years of age: 936 weeks, folks! And from birth to 9 years-old, 468. By the time they get to 16 -years-old, we only have 104 weeks until they turn 18.  This visual really makes one think how time is so valuable and so important. It made Sondra want to go back and add more weeks! Sure, seasons can be hard, and circumstances can be challenging when raising children; but let's not wish time away. Cause here's the deal: Time is tricky and it does fly by. We are given a short window of time to influence and guide our children's lives. Parenthood is a ministry and it's one with which we are blessed.  Episode Resources:  Book a Life Doula Consulting Session or Discovery call with Sondra:  https://calendly.com/word-to-your-mothers/life-doula-consulting 936 Jellybeans Sermon by Pastor Johnathan Brozozog https://youtu.be/UQgQd1lHGdE Ep17: Simple Summer http://wordtoyourmothers.com/ep-17-simple-summer/ If you love listening to Word To Your Mothers®, kindly write a review on your podcast platform or send and email to wordmothers@gmail.com  Don't forget to subscribe, rate, review and share each episode on your podcast platform.  Book Sondra to speak at your event, group or conference: http://wordtoyourmothers.com/speaking/ Follow @wordtoyourmothers https://www.instagram.com/wordtoyourmothers/ Support the podcast by buying WTYM® Merch https://www.bonfire.com/store/word-to-your-mothers/  

Ep 38: Time is Flying by with Sondra Doty

It's the season, and what season is it you ask? No, not road construction season, but home renovations season, LOL! That got me thinking about the many renovations my husband/guest Nick Doty and I have taken on in our 16-plus years together. We started our marriage, in fact, becoming owners of a 1950s home that need a lot of renovations. That was back when we were younger and more ambitious.  In Episode 37: Home Reno Survival 101, host Sondra Doty and her husband share what they've learned along the way. Let's just say, there's been blood, tears, sweat, laughs, and screaming along the way. They've done renos with and without children and both circumstances presented challenges. The end result of a renovations can be-and often is-amazing, but it's definitely a journey.  In this episode, you will learn that communication is the key element to any-and I mean ANY-reno. Be it a big or small project, partners can come in with different ideas and strategies; and if you're not on the same page, that's usually where conflicts start to rise. Remember and know each other's strengths and  weaknesses. Help one another bring reality to suggestions. For example, you can't tile a whole bathroom in a day if you don't know how to tile.  Will Sondra and Nick be HGTV's next renovation couple? The answer to that is a hard no. Which brings up another reminder: Just because they can do it on TV doesn't mean you should do it yourself. So, find your own capacity and limits for your next reno DIY list.  If you love listening to Word To Your Mothers®, kindly write a review on your podcast platform or send an email to wordmothers@gmail.com  Don't forget to subscribe, rate, review and share each episode on your podcast platform.  Book a Life Doula Session with Sondra https://calendly.com/word-to-your-mothers/life-doula-consulting Book Sondra to speak at your event, group or conference http://wordtoyourmothers.com/speaking/ Follow @wordtoyourmothers https://www.instagram.com/wordtoyourmothers/ Support the podcast by buying WTYM® https://www.bonfire.com/store/word-to-your-mothers/

Ep 37: Home Reno Survival 101 with Sondra & Nick Doty

What role do you primarily play in relationships: The encourager or the one receiving encouragement? As parents, it can seem like encouragement is our full-time job. I mean, who knew kids needed encouragement just to put on their shoes and get out the door, LOL! As Mother's Day weekend approaches, host Sondra Doty realizes many mothers out there-specifically those who might be the main encouragers-can use a little encouragement in this season. So, in episode 36: When the Encourager Needs Encouragement, Sondra shares a few things she does when she recognizes she needs encouragement.  Ask myself whether I'm hinting or communicating that I need encouragement to my family or friends? (Don't assume people are jut going to figure it out.) Change up my normal routine and evaluate my routines. (If "I have too...") isn't working in this season, then save it for another.) Remember what has brought me encouragement in the past. (My personal list is prayer, listening to worship music, playing piano, journaling and being in silence.) Identification. Finding the root causes of what is bringing so much discouragement.  If you are mostly a person that receives encouragement, please find ways to encourage another in this season. It doesn't have to be big, small encouraging words go a long way. If you tend to be the encourager, work on finding ways to communicate to others that you could use encouragement. Also, try and find a healthy balance with seemingly always being the encourager. It is not your responsibility to fix or solve everyone's stuff. Being empathetic and compassionate is often the extent to which others want encouragement.  On this Mother's Day, Sondra wants to leave you with a prayer. I pray that you have an amazing Mother's Day, even in a season that may not feel so great. That you are honored and loved. That you can see the abundance and not the lack. I pray that your pain doesn't overshadow the good that is present right in front of you now.  If you love listening to Word To Your Mothers®, kindly write a review on your podcast platform or send an email to wordmothers@gmail.com  Don't forget to subscribe, rate, review and share each episode!  Book a Life Doula Session with Sondra https://calendly.com/word-to-your-mothers/life-doula-consulting Book Sondra to speak at your event, group or conference http://wordtoyourmothers.com/speaking/ Follow @wordtoyourmothers https://www.instagram.com/wordtoyourmothers/ Support the podcast by buying WTYM® Merch https://www.bonfire.com/store/word-to-your-mothers/ 

Ep 36: When the Encourager Needs Encouragement with Sondra Doty

Have ever thought or recognized you needed a weekend away for refreshment or rest? Whether you're in the midst of the mundane or the mountain top of life? Maybe, you have waited for an invitation to do a getaway, but that invitation has never arrived. Well, host Sondra Doty wants to welcome you with an invitation to Steadfast Retreat. The Steadfast Retreat is an all-inclusive Christian Women's Retreat at the Grand View Lodge in Nisswa, Minnesota. A weekend away to rest, restore nd remember that when our hearts are tethered to the one who knows our name, we have the assurance of a restored, strong, and steadfast heart.  In episode 35, guest Dre Barthel shares her story of how and the why she created Steadfast Retreat. The next retreat is on November 12-14, where attendees will her Steadfast speakers and storytellers share what it means to be an overcomer. Registration opens up May 1 and spots will fill quickly, so grab your girlfriends for an all-inclusive weekend away!  "May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ." 2 Thessalonians3:5  Get to know guest Drew Barthel:  An entrepreneur at heart, Dre chose to launch a boutique events business-Covey in August of 2017. Through the Covey platform she has created and produced three successful annual event series: the Momboss 5k and The Bright Side Charity Fair and the Steadfast Retreat.  Dre is a gifted entrepreneur with over 20 years of event production and marketing experience. Her passion for events, effective branding, and strategy collies here with her deepest desire to make a difference in the lives of others. Curating marketing and event campaigns with the client, brand, and key audience in  mind is the strategy. Increased visibility, and expanded network & community, and measurable impact are the results.  Follow Dre: https://www.instagram.com/coveyevents/ https://www.instagram.com/thesteadfastretreat/ Details on the Steadfast Retreat: https://www.coveyevents.com/steadfast-retreat Episode Ad/Details on Free Food For Kids https://www.freefoodforkids.com/ If you love listening to Word To Your Mothers®, kindly write a review on your podcast platform or send an email to wordmothers@gmail.com  Don't forget to subscribe, rate, review and share each episode!  Book a Life Doula Session with Sondra https://calendly.com/word-to-your-mothers/life-doula-consulting Book Sondra to speak at your event, group or conference http://wordtoyourmothers.com/speaking/ Follow @wordtoyourmothers https://www.instagram.com/wordtoyourmothers/ Support the podcast by buying WTYM® Merch https://www.bonfire.com/store/word-to-your-mothers/

Ep 35: Steadfast Retreat with Dre Barthel

Moving forward after any loss can feel like a journey with no clear direction. Sometimes the pain from a loss can feel easier to depress it than address it. Have you ever thought of turning a time of grief into a creative outlet as a way of expressing that grief or sadness? In episode 34: Moving Forward After Miscarriage, guest Kari Dobbs shares a story around how she creatively expressed her grief in a time of loss. When Kari miscarried her daughter Addie Faye in 2015 she was heartbroken, because she had always wanted a daughter. But a wise counselor encouraged Kari to express her grief instead of suppressing it. Shortly after the loss, she decided to write a book series about how she envisioned life with her little girl.  Addie Faye and the Lost Boys is Kari's attempt to breathe life into her hopes and dreams for Addie and to inspire others who have experienced miscarriage, stillbirth, or infertility; the book details how to find a creative outlet for pain and sadness.  Kari transports you back to childhood in this whimsical tale of sibling shenanigans between sweet little Addie Faye and her three crazy brothers. This is Kari's first in a children's series of Addie Faye and the Lost Boys books! So, your approach to loss might not be becoming an author or writer, but in any way Kari and Sondra want to encourage you in this episode that healing, and restoration can come while finding a creative way to express one's grief, pain and sadness. Listen to your heart and take time to discover what needs to be expressed. Your story matters in your pain and loss. People need to hear and see it.  Get to know guest Kari Dobbs: Kari lives in Dallas, Texas with her husband Jared and their four boys. The first book in the series was released in November 2017 and the second book is in the process of being illustrated and will be coming out soon! Kari and her illustrator, Matt Wiede, enjoy speaking at schools and sharing with the students about writing, editing, illustrating and publishing.  Details and Links on where to buy Addie Faye and Lost Boys https://www.karidobbs.com/ https://www.amazon.com/Addie-Faye-Lost-Boys-1/dp/1540503526?SubscriptionId=AKIAIOCEBIGP6NUBL47A&tag=&linkCode=xm2&camp=2025&creative=165953&creativeASIN=1540503526 Follow Kari on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/karidobbsbooks/ Episode Ad/Details on Free Food For Kids https://www.freefoodforkids.com/ If you love listening to Word To Your Mothers®, kindly write a review on your podcast platform or send an email to wordmothers@gmail.com Don't forget to subscribe, rate, review and share each episode!  Book a life Doula Session with Sondra https://calendly.com/word-to-your-mothers/life-doula-consulting Book Sondra to Speak at your event, group or conference http://wordtoyourmothers.com/speaking/ Follow @wordtoyourmothers https://www.instagram.com/wordtoyourmothers/ Support the podcast by buying WTYM® Merch https://www.bonfire.com/store/word-to-your-mothers/  

Ep 34: Moving Forward After Miscarriage with Kari Dobbs

During a season of loneliness or a hard circumstance have you ever wished someone would just send you a card or note to boost your day? In episode 33: Adopt-A-Grandparent, guest Hillary Kline shares how she recently started a passion project called, "Adopt-A-Grandparent."  The program is meant to help lonely seniors, many of who must socially distance and cannot necessarily visit loved ones during the pandemic. The project has taken off, with more than 1,000 cards/letters/pieces of artwork from across the globe delivered to Minnesota/Wisconsin nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Don't live in Minnesota or Wisconsin? That's OK, you don't need to to help the movement grow. How can you or your family get involved? Start writing cards, letter or make a piece of artwork. Include your address in the card if you would like to possibly build a pen-pal relationship. (There is no guarantee, but it's a possibility.) Bring this idea to your group or event. The more people involved the more joy and love will be shared. So, get your MOPS Group, book club, church small group or family gathering involved in Adopt-A-Grandparent. Send those cards, letters and artwork to Hillary Kline at PO Box 28244 Crystal, MN 55428. Please make sure you have the right amount of postage when sending. We don't want to add any extra cost onto Hillary. If you feel led to sponsor the movement, you can also send a donation to Hillary at the above address.  Hillary also shares about encouragement in tough times and what has helped her. She quotes Maya Angelou, "Try to be a rainbow in someone's cloud." Learn how to turn your heart and practice empathy and compassion, connecting to the people around you in a meaningful way.  One card, letter or artwork can be a rainbow in a cloud So, let's join the movement of Adopt-A-Grandparent!  Get to know guest Hillary Kline: Hillary Kline is a beauty and lifestyle TV expert, PR professional, social media influencer and an award-winning event personality based in Minneapolis. Whether she's interviewing A-listers on the red carpet at a star-studded event, interacting with fans at professional sporting events, recommending her favorite products or giving tips on lifestyle television shows across the country, she keeps the action flowing and the audience smiling. Hillary's work has appeared in The New York Times, Marie Claire, Forbes, Bravo, Reader's Digest, Huffington Post, BuzzFeed and more.  When she's not busy working, Hillary loves binge-watching game shows and 90s sitcoms, mural hunting around the Twin Cities, and finding the perfect red lipstick.  Follow Hillary @kilnetothetop https://www.instagram.com/klinetothetop/ Check out Hillary's website https://www.klinetothetop.com/   If you love listening to Word To Your Mothers®, kindly write a review on your podcast platform or send an email to wordmothers@gmail.com  Don't forget to subscribe, rate, review and share each episode!  Book a Life Doula Session with Sondra https://calendly.com/word-to-your-mothers/life-doula-consulting Book Sondra to speak at your event, group or conference http://wordtoyourmothers.com/speaking/ Follow @wordtoyourmothers https://www.instagram.com/wordtoyourmothers/ Support the podcast by buying WTYM® Merch https://www.bonfire.com/store/word-to-your-mothers/       

Ep 33: Adopt-A-Grandparent with Hillary Kline

There are many misconceptions about CBD. Have you thought about using CBD in your own life, but haven't been sure on where to start? Host Sondra Doty wanted to have guest Patty Gilk of Jes Naturals come on the podcast and share her story.  Patty talks about why she opened her store Jes Naturals in Excelsior, Minn., as she sought an entrepreneurial venue in the home health industry; it was this time she was sidelined by severe menopausal symptoms, including anxiety and sleep issues. Wanting something natural, she was introduced to CBD products and now is a testament to their benefits.  As a registered nurse, Patty does extensive research on CBD and has curated a selection of the safest and most effective brands in the industry. Jes Naturals perpetually researches the latest in CBD medical and technological advances so customers can be sure any CBD product sourced from Jes Naturals is the best available on the market today.  Core to her business are consultations by phone or in person and individual patient education. Having a consultation can address your specific needs and concerns. Patty's goal is to help people to feel their best and her motto is, "Be Well Naturally." So, listen in to this week's episode to hear Patty's story and learn more about using CBD in your own wellness journey.  Get to know guest Patty Gilk & Jes Naturals: Patty is a registered nurse and founder of Jes Naturals wellness in Excelsior, Minn. Patty holds a degree from Purdue University and practices in Minnesota. She has worked in the Cardiac Catheterization lab at the University of Nebraska Medical Center and telemetry in Wisconsin.  Jes Naturals is family owned and operated, having in-store, on-line ordering and shipping anywhere in the United States. Their purpose is to provide you with the latest information regarding CBD products. Patty and her team perpetually researches the latest in CBD medical and technological advances so customers can be sure any CBD product sourced from Jes Naturals is the best available on the market today.  Episode Links/Resources: Follow Jes Naturals https://www.instagram.com/jescbd/ Jes Naturals Website https://www.jesnaturals.com/s/shop Take a CBD Quiz https://www.jesnaturals.com/cbd-quiz If you love listening to Word To Your Mothers®, kindly write a review on your podcast platform or send an email to wordmothers@gmail.com  Don't forget to subscribe/rate/review and share each episode!  Book Sondra to Speak at your event, group or conference http://wordtoyourmothers.com/speaking/ Book a Life Doula Consultation Session with Sondra https://calendly.com/word-to-your-mothers/life-doula-consulting Follow @wordtoyourmothes https://www.instagram.com/wordtoyourmothers/ Support the podcast by buying WTYM®Merch https://www.bonfire.com/store/word-to-your-mothers/    

Ep 32: CBD Wellness with Patty Gilk of Jes Naturals

People often ask my husband and I how we got our boys so interested in music, instruments and singing. That question is kinda hard to answer, because it's something that happened very organically. In short, it happened through family, friends, church and more.  In episode 31: Cultivating Music in Your Home, guest Ivory Doublette shares her story around her grandmother, mother and family cultivating music interest in her. Ivory describes how her mother would take cassette tapes and record gospel quartets on their visits to Chicago and then bring them back home to Alaska to listen and practice together as a family. Now, Ivory and her family have their very own family quartet called, SeVy. As a teaching artist with the MacPhail Center for Music, Ivory gives advice to parents/caregivers on how to make music come alive in their home.  Start at any age exploring music with your child. It's never too early or too late. Lead with PLAY & FUN!  Let instruments and music be fun and don't turn it into a job/chore for children or start thinking about them getting a college scholarship. Introduce to them music/instruments from other cultures and countries. Focus on who they are right now and show as a parent/caregiver that you are invested. Ivory and Sondra want to encourage you in this episode that cultivating music in your home is not work. Music is very bonding and the power of it builds confidence and spans across many generations. Don't assume that because you aren't very musical that your child won't be, either. Right now, Ivory has a few virtual music classes for which you can sign up you little humans today! See links below to sign up now.  So, like Ivory suggests, go pull out some kitchen spoons, plastic containers, pots and pans, and start making music in your home. It doesn't have to be an expensive investment to get started making music and memories.  Get to know Guest Ivory Doublette Ivory holds a Bachelors in Theater Arts from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. She has performed regionally with MainStreet Theatre, The Marriott Theatre, Penumbra Theatre, Children's Theatre Company and many others. Ivory has been a teaching artist with MacPhail Cent for Music since 2015 primarily working in their early childhood department, Sing, Play Learn with MacPhail®. Ivory has been teaching in person and online for the past 5 years.  Get connected with Ivory:  Email-ivorydou@gmail.com  Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ivorydoublette/ https://www.instagram.com/sevygospelquartet/ Website:  https://ivorydoublette.wixsite.com/ivory http://www.sevygospelquartet.com Sign Up for Ivory's Music Classes! https://www.walkerwest.org/free-lesson/music-for-families/ https://www.macphail.org/courses/?id=17974 Episode Resources: Songs of Encouragement Ivory's- Never Lost, Tauren Wells https://youtu.be/3TOPBr8k8xY Sondra's- I Will Rise, Bethel Music & Kristene DiMarco https://youtu.be/BpyP4HR8FBQ If you love listening to Word To Your Mothers®, kindly write a review on your podcast platform or send an email to wordmothers@gmail.com  Don't forget to subscribe/rate/review! Book Sondra to speak at your event, group or conference http://wordtoyourmothers.com/speaking/ Follow @wordtoyourmothers https://www.instagram.com/wordtoyourmothers/ Support the podcast by buying WTYM® Merch https://www.bonfire.com/store/word-to-your-mothers/

Ep 31: Cultivating Music in Your Home with Ivory Doublette

Have you ever asked yourself, "How can I begin again?" In this world which we live, we can easily at every corner avoid what is going on the inside and avoid a true "begin again" moment. So, how do we stop the avoidance and as God, "What do you say of me today?" In Part 2 of The Great Unraveling with guest Abbie Johnson, we continue a conversation from the previous episode. Abbie shares her story around what God revealed to her during her time in treatment; how the meaning of her name, "joy of the father," is part of what is carrying her forward into her future and within her begin again story. As a former trauma nurse clinician Abbie also shares how she and her colleagues identify trauma in patients: Stop and pause for the cause; first you stop, then you identify the areas of pain, ask them their name and then move forward. Even though this is used for more physical pain situations, it's a simple but effective example that can be used in our everyday lives to identify internal pain or unresolved trauma from our past.  So, both Abbie and Sondra want to welcome you into a different level of healing freedom and start another chapter of Begin Again. A begin again that is actually healing pain instead of avoiding it.  Get to know guest Abbie Johnson: Abbie is a woman. She is 42 years old and identifies with many of life's unavoidable challenges and has spent her life misunderstanding the offering and beauty inside her own femininity. She is a wife to one strong husband, a mother of four strong-willed children, a new puppy owner, and a former nurse in Obstetrics, Surgical ICU, and she finished her practice as a trauma nurse clinician.  She has started and successfully managed three small businesses. She most recently worked as an interior designer for residential and commercial settings. Abbie thrives in challenges and looks to establish beauty and joy in any atmosphere in which she works. She has taken a self-driven hiatus from work outside the home to focus on maintaining sobriety and recovering from a 33-year battle with an eating disorder. She love to read, eat baked goods make by other and to write and share her words and journey on a blog: dear-life.blog. She believes wholeheartedly in the act of surrender and letting go in order to find freedom from perfectionism, perceived expectations, and the ability to give and receive love.  Read Abbile's Blog:https://dear-life.blog/ Follow Abbie :Abbie Johnson (@lifeofabbie711) • Instagram photos and videos Episode Resources:  Emily Program:  https://www.emilyprogram.com/ https://aaminneapolis.org/ https://aa.org/ https://aaminnesota.org/ If you love listening to Word To Your Mothers®, kindly write a review on your podcast platform or send an email to wordmothers@gmail.com  Don't forget to subscribe/rate/review!  Book Sondra to speak at your event, group or conference.http://wordtoyourmothers.com/speaking/ Follow @wordtoyourmothers https://www.instagram.com/wordtoyourmothers/ Support the podcast by buying WTYM® Merch https://www.bonfire.com/store/word-to-your-mothers/    

Ep 30: The Great Unraveling with Abbie Johnson-Part 2

Have you been walking down a path of showing externally that everything is OK, but internally you know you're not OK? Also, have you ever asked yourself what is stable for you or from where are you getting your stability? Host Sondra Doty realizes these are hard and honest questions to ask.  In episode 29: The Great Unraveling (Part One), guest Abbie Johnson shares her personal story of recognizing and facing these questions in her own life. She talks about how she battled an addiction in the name of gaining comfort and acceptance; this manifested into a 33-year trail with an eating disorder and the use of other coping skills to numb out the pain and squelch internal discomfort.  Abbie encourages listeners to say something if they see someone struggling; because that could be the thing, comment or sentence that is the lifeline that brings them back from the dead. People often don't realize how unhealthy coping skills have cemented in their lives, explains Abbie. "We can't do on the outside what we don't have established on the inside." Let's listen to this week's episode and see how we might discover the need for our "begin again" amid our own unraveling.  Get to know guest Abbie Johnson: Abbie is a woman. She is 42 years old and identifies with many of life's unavoidable challenges and has spent her life misunderstanding the offering and beauty inside her own femininity. She is a wife to one strong husband, a mother of four strong-willed children, a new puppy owner, and a former nurse in Obstetrics, Surgical ICU, and she finished her practice as a trauma nurse clinician.  She has started and successfully managed three small businesses. She most recently worked as an interior designer for residential and commercial settings. Abbie thrives in challenges and looks to establish beauty and joy in any atmosphere in which she works. She has taken a self-driven hiatus from work outside the home to focus on maintaining sobriety and recovering from a 33-year battle with an eating disorder. She love to read, eat baked goods make by other and to write and share her words and journey on a blog: dear-life.blog. She believes wholeheartedly in the act of surrender and letting go in order to find freedom from perfectionism, perceived expectations, and the ability to give and receive love.  Read Abbile's Blog:https://dear-life.blog/ Follow Abbie :Abbie Johnson (@lifeofabbie711) • Instagram photos and videos   Episode Resources:  Emily Program: https://www.emilyprogram.com/ https://aaminneapolis.org/ https://aa.org/ https://aaminnesota.org/   If you love listening to Word To Your Mothers®, kindly write a review on your podcast platform or send an email to wordmothers@gmail.com  Don't forget to subscribe/rate/review!  Book Sondra to speak at your event, group or conference.http://wordtoyourmothers.com/speaking/ Follow @wordtoyourmothers https://www.instagram.com/wordtoyourmothers/ Support the podcast by buying WTYM® Merch https://www.bonfire.com/store/word-to-your-mothers/  

Ep 29: The Great Unraveling with Abbie Johnson-Part 1

Growing and raising humans are some of life's greatest challenges. Word To Your Mothers meets you wherever you are at in your journey. You're not alone in facing these challenges, but sometimes it can feel like you are. Host Sondra Doty has conversations many aren't willing to have. So let's listen together and understand no one has this figured out, and we are all growing and learning together. You are more than enough for the humans you are raising.

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