M Is for Mama Podcast Abbie Halberstadt

Every year, somewhere between October 1st and December 25, I start getting the same question on repeat: “Does your family ‘do Santa?’ Why or why not?”

I tackle this question, and the why behind our answer, in this episode. As always, the goal in every discussion of whether or not to adhere to a particular tradition must be: Does it bring glory to God in the way that we practice it (if we do)? 

I also discuss three biblically sound questions to ask yourself as you approach the Santa conversation that may help clarify how you approach your family’s take on this.

I hope you find this way of addressing “the Santa talk” edifying, encouraging, and helpful!



Bible References:

Colossians 3:17

Deuteronomy 6:6-8

John 1:1

James 1:6

Genesis 3:1

James 4:17

Exodus 32

Matthew 10:28

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Have you ever felt like you have nothing to be grateful for? That your circumstances are too miserable to bear and that any attempt at thankfulness would be faking it?

The Bible makes it clear that it is God’s will for us to practice continual thankfulness, and yet it also gives us lots of room for grief and sadness when life is so hard. 

Be encouraged that it is really is possible to honor God with our gratitude, even when we feel too weak to praise Him and even when our emotions feel the opposite of thankful. 

In this episode, we talk about a perspective shift that helps us to view gratitude rightly and to view even the most frustrating people in our lives through a lens of thankfulness. 

Praise God that He honors even our stumbling toward obedience in this area with the ability to keep going on the narrow path, even when we don’t feel like we have the strength to take another step. 



Bible References:

Psalm 127:3

Lamentations 3:22-23

Romans 6:1-2

Ephesians 4:2

2 Corinthians 10:5

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

1 Peter 2:23

Deuteronomy 31:6

2 Corinthians 9:11

Romans 7:19-25

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None of us have endless wells of energy. We all hit walls (of exhaustion or burnout or overwhelm) during certain seasons. Sometimes, it can be hard to know where our limited resources are best spent in particularly busy periods.

Thankfully, we can turn to God for wisdom and rely on biblical principles to help us navigate the tricky waters of time management, learning to say no, and leaning into challenging seasons with the knowledge that we are right where God wants us to be!

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Bible References:

Matthew 5:37

Judges 11:38-40

James 1:5

2 Corinthians 12:9-11

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In a culture that assures us that the only way to be an “authentic” mom is to focus almost exclusively on the challenges and negative aspects of motherhood, it’s easy to fall into the trap of being afraid to speak out about the flip side of the coin: the truth that the joys and benefits of motherhood abound if only we have eyes to see them and the courage to proclaim them. 

Be encouraged, friends, that there is so much good in being thankful (just as we’re exhorted by Scripture), even in the midst of trials, and that rejoicing in good mothering days, far from being inauthentic, can be a beacon of light for other moms doing their best to keep their heads above water in the stormy seas of mothering struggles shared in the name of “telling it straight.”


Bible References:

Galatians 6:9

Philippians 4:4

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Last week, we talked about the view of motherhood that posits that the only way to be “real” is to expose the hard parts of being a mom and name them one-by-one. This week, we talk about how motherhood, far from stripping us of our true selves or primary identity, can be a wonderful avenue for helping us exercise our God-given talents + abilities in ways that honor Him, serve our families, and bring us great fulfillment as well. 

I share examples from my own journey as a mother, but as always, the goal is never to do things “Abbie-style” (or insert any other name) but instead to ground everything we do in the Word of God and His principles for life that will never change or lead us astray.



Bible References:

2 Corinthians 10:5

Proverbs 16:9

Proverbs 31

Philippians 4:13

Matthew 11:28

John 16:33

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Have you ever encountered a social media post that assures you that, unlike all the "other moms," they are going to tell you the truth about motherhood--and the truth is that "it sucks" and robs you of your identity?

Maybe you've felt a tug of relatability? Or maybe you've felt your spirit revolt against what seems to be hopelessness and despair?

No matter your response, be encouraged that God is not surprised by your struggles in motherhood (or anything else), and there IS always hope in Christ and a purpose in the growing pains we all experience as moms--even if only to draw us closer to the one who never leaves us or forsakes us.


Bible References:

Jeremiah 17:9

2 Peter 1:3

2 Corinthians 5:17

John 1:12

Philippians 4:13

Job 13:15-18

Job 1:21

Psalm 127:13

1 Corinthians 10:31

Matthew 16:24

John 16:33

James 1:17

Hebrews 13:8

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