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

Carol Roper
  • 5.0 (55)
  • Christianity
  • Updated Bimonthly

Welcome to Building Strong Homes, the podcast where faith meets family in the most practical and powerful ways. I'm your host, Carol Roper, wife, mom and former home designer who used to spend my days drafting floor plans and designing details, but now I help wives and moms design lives based on God's word. This podcast is for women who want more than survival mode. You want clarity. You want purpose. You want a home that stands strong—not just physically, but spiritually. Inside each episode, you'll find practical tools that include: *How to strengthen your marriage and motherhood through biblical truth *Candid conversations with men and women who've faced real challenges and found God's grace *Encouragement to stand firm, even when culture says otherwise *Actionable ways to bless your home and influence your community If you've ever wondered how your ordinary days could build something extraordinary, you're in the right place. Discover biblical blueprints for shaping a legacy that reflects God's design—one brick of faith at a time.

  1. Giddy Up, Eunice: Because Women Need Each Other with Sophie Hudson Ep. 168 Summer Throwback

    Jun 2

    Giddy Up, Eunice: Because Women Need Each Other with Sophie Hudson Ep. 168 Summer Throwback

    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 reminding us that women need each other — not in a Pinterest‑perfect, "let's all match our coffee mugs" kind of way, but in the real, everyday, "I see you, I'm with you, and you don't have to walk this alone" kind of way. This conversation is one of my all‑time favorites because it's honest, it's hilarious, and it's full of the kind of wisdom that stays with you. And honestly? It's the perfect way to start a summer where so many of us are craving connection, encouragement, and a reminder that God weaves women together on purpose. So, grab your iced tea, settle in, and let's revisit this gem with Sophie Hudson — and her beautiful reminder that we need the Marys, the Elizabeths, and the Eunices in our lives more than ever. Watch on YouTube Giddy Up, Eunice: Because Women Need Each Other with Sophie Hudson Sign up for The Flourish Retreat waitlist to find out when doors open, early-bird pricing and special bonuses

    58 min
  2. Is Comfort Killing Your Calling? One Brave Step Could Open the Door to Your Dream with Carol Roper Ep. 167

    May 19

    Is Comfort Killing Your Calling? One Brave Step Could Open the Door to Your Dream with Carol Roper Ep. 167

    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 wasn't alone. That one decision not to quit changed the trajectory of my life. In this episode, I share: • how God used a friend's unexpected encouragement to confirm my calling  • the embarrassing moment that almost ended my writing journey  • the divine appointments that kept me from giving up  • the surprising ways God has opened doors over the years  • why stepping out of what's familiar is essential to stepping into your calling  • how obedience—even when you're scared—leads to blessing, purpose, and impact From winning writing awards to being published in Guideposts and Chicken Soup for the Soul, to flying alone to retreats and building a thriving podcast ministry, I reflect on all I would have missed if I had let fear win. This episode is for the woman who feels a dream stirring but isn't sure she's capable… the woman in a transition season wondering what's next… the woman who needs a reminder that God meets us in the places that stretch us. If God is nudging you toward something new, this story will remind you: Your calling won't grow where fear keeps you standing still. Say yes—and watch what God does. Watch on YouTube Is Comfort Killing Your Calling? One Brave Step Could Open the Door to Your Dream with Carol Roper If you're standing on the edge of a new season and longing for clarity, courage, and connection, join The Flourish Retreat waitlist. Your next step might begin here.

    15 min
  3. How a Single Mom Paid Off $64,000: Creative Debt Hacks from a Financial Coach with Tiffany Miliander Ep. 166

    May 5

    How a Single Mom Paid Off $64,000: Creative Debt Hacks from a Financial Coach with Tiffany Miliander Ep. 166

    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 feel ready. She took one creative step, then another, and those steps added up to freedom. And that same freedom is possible for you. If you're tired of feeling weighed down by bills, shame, or the fear that things will never change, let this episode be your turning point. Tiffany explains how you don't have to overhaul your whole life overnight. Just choose one small, doable action this week. One shift. One idea. One brave yes. Because financial freedom isn't just about money—it's about peace, confidence, and the kind of stability that blesses your whole home. To learn more about Tiffany go to Blessed Beyond the Stress Watch on YouTube: How a Single Mom Paid Off $64,000: Creative Debt Hacks from a Financial Coach with Tiffany Miliander Ep. 166

    58 min
  4. A Wake Up Call for Wives: Don't Let Fear Steal Your Yes with Carol Roper Ep. 165

    Apr 21

    A Wake Up Call for Wives: Don't Let Fear Steal Your Yes with Carol Roper Ep. 165

    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. If fear, comfort, or "maybe later" has ever held you back from stepping into something meaningful with your husband or family, this episode will encourage you to choose courage, connection, and love that lasts. In this episode: • Why comfort can quietly steal your yes • How regret grows when we avoid what stretches us • What The Madison reminded me about loving well • A personal story about saying yes when it mattered • How to choose courage in your marriage today If this encourages you, share it with a friend who needs the reminder too. If you'd like to see some fun photos watch on YouTube A Wake Up Call for Wives: Don't Let Fear Steal Your Yes with Carol Roper Ep. 165 Lysa TerKuerst's book Capture His Heart: Becoming the Godly Wife Your Husband Desires

    12 min
  5. Finding Hope in the Unknown: Tommy Jennings' Fight with Cancer Ep. 164

    Apr 7

    Finding Hope in the Unknown: Tommy Jennings' Fight with Cancer Ep. 164

    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 battles. In this conversation, we talk about: What faith looks like when the prognosis isn't what you hoped for How to cling to God when you're waiting for answers Finding peace in the middle of fear, suffering, and the unknown The hope of Jesus when life doesn't make sense Why Tommy refuses to feel sorry for himself — and how his perspective can reshape your own Whether you're walking through illness, fear, or a difficult season, this episode will remind you that God is near, God is faithful, and God is still writing your story.  Watch on YouTube: Finding Hope in the Unknown: Tommy Jennings' Fight with Cancer Ep. 164 Contact Carol at CarolRoper.org/contact

    1h 7m
  6. I Almost Walked Away: How Questioning God Led to a Stronger Belief Ep. 163

    Mar 31

    I Almost Walked Away: How Questioning God Led to a Stronger Belief Ep. 163

    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 Sign up for my monthly newsletter The Keeping Room: Faith, Favorites and a Little Southern Soul

    9 min
  7. A Blueprint for Raising Gender-Confident Kids: What Parents Need to Know with Dr. Jeff Myers EP. 162

    Mar 24

    A Blueprint for Raising Gender-Confident Kids: What Parents Need to Know with Dr. Jeff Myers EP. 162

    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 children with a biblical worldview? In today's eye-opening conversation, I sit down with Dr. Jeff Myers, president of Summit Ministries and co-author of Raising Gender-Confident Kids, to unpack the cultural forces influencing our sons and daughters. With clarity and compassion, Dr. Myers explains how gender ideology took root, why it's accelerating so quickly, and what parents can do to protect their children while raising gender‑confident kids who embrace their God-given design. What you'll learn: How gender confusion went mainstream — and why What's really being taught in your child's school (even in conservative states) Why 1 in 1,000 kids has true gender dysphoria — and what's driving the rest Practical steps to raise kids who are confident in how God made them Raising Gender-Confident Kids Protecting Parental Rights: Combating Gender Ideology & Child Sexualization with Erin Lee Watch on YouTube A Blueprint for Raising Gender-Confident Kids: What Parents Need to Know with Dr. Jeff Myers Sign up for my monthly newsletter The Keeping Room: Faith, Favorites and a Little Southern Soul

    44 min
  8. Ep. 161: Rediscovering the Front Porch: Why It Still Builds Family and Community with Carol Roper

    Feb 10

    Ep. 161: Rediscovering the Front Porch: Why It Still Builds Family and Community with Carol Roper

    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 Building Your Spiritual Dream Home series. If you've missed any of the previous episodes, I hope you'll take the time to go back and listen, starting in your podcast app with How to Build a Godly Home: Choosing the Right Location. But the very first episode, Open Your Blueprint, can only be found on my website at CarolRoper.org. Today I'll share about one of my favorite amenities a house can have—the front porch, and why it can be one of the most important rooms of your home. Watch on YouTube Rediscovering the Front Porch: Why It Still Builds Family and Community with Carol Roper https://youtu.be/6Z2MJOzaMj0 Listen to the first episode in the Blueprints for Building Your Spiritual Dream Home series Open Your Blueprint Listen to the second episode in the Blueprints for Building Your Spiritual Dream Home series How to Build a Godly Home: Choosing the Right Location Listen to the third episode in the Blueprints for Building Your Spiritual Dream Home series Envision Your Dream Home Listen to the fourth episode in the Blueprints for Building Your Spiritual Dream Home series How Building a Dream Home Tests your Marriage-and Your Faith Listen to the fifth episode in the Blueprints for Building Your Spiritual Dream Home series The Secret Behind a Strong Spiritual Home (Hint: It's Not Being Pinterest Perfect) Listen to the sixth episode in the Blueprints for Building Your Spiritual Dream Home series Why You Matter: The Hidden Strength in Every Home Listen to the seventh episode in the Blueprints for Building Your Spiritual Dream Home series The Power of Light: Becoming a Spiritual Lamplighter Listen to the eight episode in the Blueprints for Building Your Spiritual Dream Home series Oaks of Righteousness: Raising Families with Deep Roots  Listen to the ninth episode in the Blueprints for Building Your Spiritual Dream Home series Your Scars Tell Your Story with Carol Roper

    8 min
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5
out of 5
55 Ratings

About

Welcome to Building Strong Homes, the podcast where faith meets family in the most practical and powerful ways. I'm your host, Carol Roper, wife, mom and former home designer who used to spend my days drafting floor plans and designing details, but now I help wives and moms design lives based on God's word. This podcast is for women who want more than survival mode. You want clarity. You want purpose. You want a home that stands strong—not just physically, but spiritually. Inside each episode, you'll find practical tools that include: *How to strengthen your marriage and motherhood through biblical truth *Candid conversations with men and women who've faced real challenges and found God's grace *Encouragement to stand firm, even when culture says otherwise *Actionable ways to bless your home and influence your community If you've ever wondered how your ordinary days could build something extraordinary, you're in the right place. Discover biblical blueprints for shaping a legacy that reflects God's design—one brick of faith at a time.

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