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

Christian Parenting
  • 4.8 (29)
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Whether you seek to add to your family through foster care, private domestic adoption or you are called to travel internationally, every adoption story is uniquely beautiful. Yet, each shares a common language of calling, loss, and hardship. As Christian parents we have a deep desire to love and shepherd our children well, but it can be challenging to navigate loss, trauma and how to best love and guide our adopted children. One thing is for sure, adoption is more than a process, it is an invitation to go on a holy journey with the Lord and with your family. Like any journey, there will be valleys along with mountain tops and battles along with the beauty. The good news is, what the Lord calls you to, He will equip you for. Wherever you are in your journey, Called to Love is here to bring you a weekly dose of encouragement from the practical, clinical, and Biblical perspective along with personal stories from adoptive parents, adult adoptees and advice from various experts to help your family thrive in your journey and continue to say “yes” to your own call to love. Called to Love is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org

  1. 13H AGO

    Learning How to Pray as Foster and Adoptive Mother

    Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast!  In this episode, my special guest is so full of energy and passion for uplighting you as a prayer warrior: Shellie Rushing Tomlinson! Shellie is a multi-published author, speaker, and farmer’s wife known for saying “Life can be hard when it’s good, but it’s always better when you’re laughing.” She joins me today for a conversation about prayer, and specifically Shellie says, “Don’t pray like her!” It is easy to compare ourselves to others at church, in bible studies and such, thinking “Oh, she’s got it all together, her prayers are so nice and she knows what she’s doing” but Shellie reminds us that no one can pray like we can to our Father in Heaven!  Shellie encourages us to embrace what makes us unique and our season of life. Instead of obsessing over “quiet time,” just pray right then and there when you feel led to do it. Don’t wait for an opportunity to pray - just talk to God! Shellie also gets into other practical tips and advice she has learned over the years on her walk with God and hopes you feel empowered to pray. It is especially important as foster and adoptive parents in this calling to be rooted in God as we face so many challenges.  Connect more with Shellie on her website, Instagram, and Facebook.  Click here to buy her book!  Christian Parenting resource for you: Morning Minute Subscribe now at MorningMinute.org  to receive each weekday morning a verse to strengthen your spirit, one parenting insight grounded in Christ-like wisdom, one short action item to guide your heart and your kids’ and one resource to help you go deeper. To submit your prayer requests, use this form by clicking here!  You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at somercolbert@gmail.com.  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!

    40 min

  2. MAR 3

    Overcoming Lies with Truth for Our Kids and Ourselves

    Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast!  In this episode, my special guest is a children's book author, public speaker, and a busy biological, adoptive and foster mom: Beth Guckenberger. Beth is someone I have seen speak in sessions at Christian conferences and my daughter loves her latest book! I am so grateful she is my guest today to speak into the lies our kids believe and even ourselves, and how we can combat this with God’s truth to build emotionally stable homes.  Deception, manipulation, triangulation, aggression, even violence, these are just some of the challenging and problematic behaviors we may experience with our foster and adoptive kiddos but what if I told you these were symptoms? These behaviors come from a child’s fear and insecurity, and not knowing how to deal with it in a healthy way. Often these kids have needs which are unmet, and when you grow up not having your needs met by parental figures, it develops these unhealthy coping mechanisms or methods of getting what you want. While this is frustrating for us as the parents trying to love our kids (and then to feel like they’re angry at us or lying to us all the time) it is important to remember this is coming from a place of fear, insecurity, and not knowing any difference. This is the key to breakthroughs - addressing the roots and not the symptoms: overcoming lies with truth.  Here are a few key takeaways:  Understanding children’s emotions and thoughtsHow challenging and problematic behaviors are often symptoms to a child’s inner identity and thought-process, and that’s the root which should be addressed. Identifying lies and intrusive thoughtsRecognizing behavioral signs of struggleCreating emotional safety in chaotic environmentsMarriage as the concrete foundation for the home and how to protect itBalance between child’s needs and parent’s needs Understanding spiritual warfare in your homeEmpowering children with tools against the lies of the enemy  Connect more with Beth on her website and Instagram!  Check out her children’s book series, StrongHeart Series:  The BRAND NEW addition to the series, “The Heart Who Wanted to Lasso Thoughts (A story about turning bad thoughts to good with prayers of gratitude) The Heart Who Wanted to Be Free (A story about finding freedom through admitting our wrongs) The Heart Who Wanted to Find a Way (A story about calming anxiety through resting in God) The Heart Who Wanted to Be Whole (A story about healing from negative talk through God's truth) Christian Parenting resource for you: Morning Minute Subscribe now at MorningMinute.org  to receive each weekday morning a verse to strengthen your spirit, one parenting insight grounded in Christ-like wisdom, one short action item to guide your heart and your kids’ and one resource to help you go deeper. To submit your prayer requests, use this form by clicking here!  You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at somercolbert@gmail.com.  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!

    37 min

  3. FEB 24

    Equipping Men to Lead Well in the Adoption and Foster Care Calling

    Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast!  In this episode, my special guest is an unusual one for this show but still speaks relevant truth to us as adoptive and foster parents–especially fathers. My guest is Trey Tucker, the founder and owner of Rugged Counseling, known for providing therapy without the fluff. He is a mental health expert and social media influencer, specifically targeting young men to help them live out their God given purpose. His counseling and videos resonate because they challenge passive, surface level advice and speak honestly about responsibility, identity, boundaries, and purpose. He is also now an author with a book titled, “Tough Enough: Hone Your Habits, Cultivate Purpose, and Forge Genuine Strength.”  Our conversation today stems around how fathers can step up in their role with foster and adoptive children, and how mothers can support their husbands, too. I ask Trey a lot of questions around the husband and father’s experience, their mental health journey, and some of it parallels what we know traumatized kids experience: feeling isolated, purposeless, and unseen. Fathers are vital in the household but can be often misunderstood. This conversation benefits both husband and wife, father and mother, as they are united in this calling.  Here are a few key takeaways:  Defining Biblical manhoodThe insecurities many men face and don’t voice How men can be resilient and possess emotional strengthWhat wives can do to support their husbands  Trey Tucker’s new book: “Tough Enough: Hone Your Habits, Cultivate Purpose, and Forge Genuine Strength.”  Trey Tucker’s website Trey Tucker on YouTube Trey Tucker on Instagram  Christian Parenting resource for you: Morning Minute Subscribe now at MorningMinute.org  to receive each weekday morning a verse to strengthen your spirit, one parenting insight grounded in Christ-like wisdom, one short action item to guide your heart and your kids’ and one resource to help you go deeper. To submit your prayer requests, use this form by clicking here!  You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at somercolbert@gmail.com.  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!

    33 min

  4. FEB 17

    A Miraculous Adoption Story (Part 2)

    Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast! This is part two to an incredible conversation… In this episode, my special guest is an adult adoptee named Niemah Scherlacher. Niemah is currently working on a book detailing her incredible adoption story, but we are honored to hear her share pieces of this story on the podcast. She is now a retired and happy grandma, but her story begins in Israel, after being born to a fifteen year old Palestinian girl. As Niemah describes, God protected her mother and her during this tumultuous time between Israel, Palestine and even the United States, and He orchestrated everything so Niemah would be adopted at the age of two and brought over to the states.  Niemah also shares her experience as an adopted child in her family, how the church community interacted with her, and the secular world. Niemah encourages parents to talk with their children about the child’s story because the child is always wondering those questions but might be afraid to ask them. Niemah had an unusual experience when compared to other adoptees because she primarily wrestled with God in her later years after more information was revealed about her birth mother…  Here are a few key takeaways: ●     Naima's story is a testament to God's divine intervention. ●     Adoption can be a celebrated aspect of a child's identity. ●     Open communication about adoption is crucial for children. ●     Children often think about their adoption, even if they don't express it. ●     It's important for adoptive parents to initiate conversations about identity. ●     Healing from adoption-related trauma can be a lifelong journey. ●     Understanding a child's background helps in parenting. ●     Adoptive parents should not be too hard on themselves. ●     Children's struggles can be transformed into hope for others. ●     God's purpose is at work in the lives of adopted children.   Niemah is still working on her book so follow her on Facebook and Instagram to stay connected! Christian Parenting resource for you: Morning Minute Subscribe now at MorningMinute.org to receive each weekday morning a verse to strengthen your spirit, one parenting insight grounded in Christ-like wisdom, one short action item to guide your heart and your kids’ and one resource to help you go deeper.  To submit your prayer requests, use this form by clicking here!  You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at somercolbert@gmail.com.  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!

    24 min

  5. FEB 10

    A Miraculous Adoption Story (Part 1)

    Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast! This is part one to an incredible conversation… In this episode, my special guest is an adult adoptee named Niemah Scherlacher. Niemah is currently working on a book detailing her incredible adoption story, but we are honored to hear her share pieces of this story on the podcast. She is now a retired and happy grandma, but her story begins in Israel, after being born to a fifteen year old Palestinian girl. As Niemah describes, God protected her mother and her during this tumultuous time between Israel, Palestine and even the United States, and He orchestrated everything so Niemah would be adopted at the age of two and brought over to the states.  Niemah also shares her experience as an adopted child in her family, how the church community interacted with her, and the secular world. Niemah encourages parents to talk with their children about the child’s story because the child is always wondering those questions but might be afraid to ask them. Niemah had an unusual experience when compared to other adoptees because she primarily wrestled with God in her later years after more information was revealed about her birth mother…  Here are a few key takeaways:  Naima's story is a testament to God's divine intervention.Adoption can be a celebrated aspect of a child's identity.Open communication about adoption is crucial for children.Children often think about their adoption, even if they don't express it.It's important for adoptive parents to initiate conversations about identity.Healing from adoption-related trauma can be a lifelong journey.Understanding a child's background helps in parenting.Adoptive parents should not be too hard on themselves.Children's struggles can be transformed into hope for others.God's purpose is at work in the lives of adopted children. Niemah is still working on her book so follow her on Facebook and Instagram to stay connected!  Christian Parenting resource for you: Morning Minute Subscribe now at MorningMinute.org  to receive each weekday morning a verse to strengthen your spirit, one parenting insight grounded in Christ-like wisdom, one short action item to guide your heart and your kids’ and one resource to help you go deeper. To submit your prayer requests, use this form by clicking here!  You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at somercolbert@gmail.com.  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!

    27 min

  6. FEB 3

    Figuring Out What Really Matters in Adoption & Fostering

    Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast!  In this episode, my special guest and friend is Cynthia Yanof, who has been featured on this podcast before. Cynthia is the biological mother to two kids who have flown the nest, one graduated from college and one just starting, and her family also adopted a son who is in third grade. Cynthia stays busy not just as a mom but as a podcaster, speaker, and author. Her latest book, “How’d I Miss That?” sparks a lot of today’s conversation.  It is so easy to get distracted as a foster or adoptive parent by all the busyness and urgent tasks of life, and I wanted to take a minute with Cynthia to focus on what really matters in this calling. A lot happens in life, a lot of distractions or even too much information, so let’s get back to the basics. Somewhere along our journeys, God opened our eyes to loving children who are not our own. How do we do this well? Cynthia offers advice gained from her own experience, along with humor and gut-punches (the good kind!). Here are a few key takeaways:  Understanding what really matters as parents is crucial.Little differences in our actions can lead to significant impacts.The urgent tasks in life often don’t have an eternal impact.Finding humor in parenting challenges can ease stress.If you’re going to laugh about it later, laugh about it nowCommunity and support are essential for foster and adoptive parents.Being a 'namer' helps children understand their identity in Christ.A reluctant 'yes' to God's calling can still lead to great things.The Lord is faithful and will reveal Himself in our journeys.Life is short; we must not miss the opportunities God gives us. You can learn more about Cynthia Yanof on her website You can follow her on Instagram You can check out MESSmerized with Cynthia Yanof click here You can find her book on Amazon or wherever you shop for books! It is called, “How’d I Miss That?: Gas Pump Confessions, Drive-Thru Obsessions, and Figuring Out What Really Matters” Christian Parenting resource for you: Morning Minute Subscribe now at MorningMinute.org  to receive each weekday morning a verse to strengthen your spirit, one parenting insight grounded in Christ-like wisdom, one short action item to guide your heart and your kids’ and one resource to help you go deeper. To submit your prayer requests, use this form by clicking here!  You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at somercolbert@gmail.com.  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!

    34 min

  7. JAN 27

    The Eternal Impact of a Middle Mom

    Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast!  In this episode, my special guest and friend is Christie Erwin! Christie is an author, adoptive and biological mother, and Founder and current Executive Director of Project Zero. Christie’s deep love for children led her and husband, Jeff, to become foster parents in 1993, for a private, non-profit adoption agency. It was there that the foundation for Christie’s passion and driving concern for children in foster care was laid. After fostering for eleven years with the private agency, the Erwin’s became foster parents for the Arkansas Department of Children and Family Services in 2004. They fostered over fifty children during their twenty years of fostering. She wrote the book, “The Middle Mom –How to Grow Your Heart by Giving it Away.”  In our conversation today, Christie shares part of her story in adoption and foster care. There is so much to tell, we couldn’t go over everything, but we covered a lot. Christie also offers advice for you if you’re saying “Yes!” to this calling.  Here are a few key takeaways:  Christie's journey into foster care began with a powerful calling from God.Maintaining a healthy marriage is crucial when navigating the challenges of foster care.The concept of being a 'middle mom' emphasizes the importance of loving children unconditionally.Grief is a part of the sacrifice when fostering and adopting children.Understanding a child's past is essential for effective parenting in adoption.Preparation for adoption includes understanding trauma and its effects on children.It's important to make God's voice the loudest in your calling.Community support and resources are vital for foster and adoptive families. You can learn more about Project Zero and Christie Erwin!  Christian Parenting resource for you: Morning Minute Subscribe now at MorningMinute.org  to receive each weekday morning a verse to strengthen your spirit, one parenting insight grounded in Christ-like wisdom, one short action item to guide your heart and your kids’ and one resource to help you go deeper. To submit your prayer requests, use this form by clicking here!  You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at somercolbert@gmail.com.  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!

    44 min

  8. JAN 20

    Building Your Family Through Adoption

    Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast!  In this episode, my guest is Pastor Andrew Hopper. Andrew serves as the lead pastor of Mercy Hill Church, launched in 2012. He is the father of three biological children and one adopted daughter with downs syndrome. He is also a recently published author of the book, “Chosen: Building Your Family the Way God Builds His.”  In our conversation, we talked about the theological foundation of adoption. We, as Christians, are intimately connected to adoption because God has adopted us. This should highly motivate us, if not compel us, to support adoption or even pursue adoption ourselves. Andrew talked about how churches can support members who are pursuing adoption and how the calling may have its challenges but is also rewarding. He also shares his personal story going through the adoption of his special needs daughter.  Here are a few key takeaways:  There is no love without sacrifice.Cute pictures and sad stories are good reasons to adopt, but the great reason is that we were chosen.No one should adopt alone.Chosen people choose people.The enemy hates Christian adoption.The deepest things come from the most sacrifice.Adoption is the single greatest metaphor for what God has done in our life on the planet.We have to prepare people for the spiritual war that comes with adoption. You can learn more about Pastor Andrew Hopper and his new book on his website.  Christian Parenting resource for you: Morning Minute Subscribe now at MorningMinute.org  to receive each weekday morning a verse to strengthen your spirit, one parenting insight grounded in Christ-like wisdom, one short action item to guide your heart and your kids’ and one resource to help you go deeper. To submit your prayer requests, use this form by clicking here!  You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at somercolbert@gmail.com.  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!

    40 min
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About

Whether you seek to add to your family through foster care, private domestic adoption or you are called to travel internationally, every adoption story is uniquely beautiful. Yet, each shares a common language of calling, loss, and hardship. As Christian parents we have a deep desire to love and shepherd our children well, but it can be challenging to navigate loss, trauma and how to best love and guide our adopted children. One thing is for sure, adoption is more than a process, it is an invitation to go on a holy journey with the Lord and with your family. Like any journey, there will be valleys along with mountain tops and battles along with the beauty. The good news is, what the Lord calls you to, He will equip you for. Wherever you are in your journey, Called to Love is here to bring you a weekly dose of encouragement from the practical, clinical, and Biblical perspective along with personal stories from adoptive parents, adult adoptees and advice from various experts to help your family thrive in your journey and continue to say “yes” to your own call to love. Called to Love is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org

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