Only Love Today-Testimonies and Resources for Christian Moms

Megan Estes-Expert Encourager, Author of "Loving the Mom God Created You to Be"

Only Love Today exists to encourage Christian moms to "live like Christ" in their context by sharing testimonies, tips, tools, and resources to encourage Christian parents. Whether you're a stay at home mom, working mom, homeschooling mom, or all of the above, you'll be challenged and inspired to keep pursuing Christ in every season of Christian parenting.

  1. 2D AGO

    047- Cammy Barnes-Standing Firm: Journey of Faith and Activism at Turning Point USA at CSU

    In this inspiring interview, Cammy Barnes, VP of Turning Point USA at Colorado State University, shares her journey of faith, courage, and standing firm in her values in a challenging college environment. From facing opposition and vandalism to experiencing revival and community, Cammy’s story highlights how God is moving even in difficult spaces. You’ll hear how her faith shapes her leadership, how she navigates fear and hostility, and how young people can boldly live out their beliefs with truth and love. This conversation will encourage you to raise confident, faith-filled kids who stand strong in their identity and convictions. -------------------- Want to better understand how God uniquely designed you?💫🎁Take my Spiritual Gifts Quiz and discover how to walk confidently in your calling as a mom: If this episode encouraged you, make sure to: Follow the podcast so you never miss an episodeWatch full conversations on YouTube👉 [@onlylovetodaymom]Cammy Barnes is the Vice President of Turning Point USA at Colorado State University. She is passionate about equipping students to stand firm in their faith and values while engaging culture with truth and grace. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tpusacsu/Turning Point USA – https://www.tpusa.comCSU Turning Point Chapter – https://www.instagram.com/tpusacsu/ Takeaways You can stand firm in your faith even when culture pushes backSpeaking truth with love is both powerful and necessaryCommunity is essential for staying strong in challenging environmentsFear doesn’t have to control your decisionsGod is working even in places that feel chaotic or hostileFaith and activism on college campusesChallenges faced by Christian studentsTeaching values to the next generationNavigating fear, hostility, and oppositionTimestamps00:00 Prayer for Protection and Growth04:51 Introduction to Cammy Barnes07:29 Understanding Turning Point USA on Campus10:12 Facing Adversity and Vandalism12:40 Reactions to Cultural Tensions15:17 Navigating Fear and Threats17:52 Misconceptions and Hostility20:32 The Importance of Healthy Conflict23:10 Cammy’s Faith Journey25:04 Transitioning to a Supportive Environment28:57 Experiencing Revival29:53 Guiding the Next Generation37:04 Engagement and Community43:13 Closing Thoughts Other Episodes You Might Like! [Episode 16- Michelle Anthony, Becoming a Spiritually Healthy Family][Episode 10- Chris Coursey-The 4 Habits of Raising Joy-Filled Kids]Turning Point USA, college activism, faith, conservative values, Christian youth, campus safety, free speech, Christian testimony, political science, Christian leadership

    44 min
  2. APR 20

    046 - Anne Farrens - Conceived Through Rape: A Pro-Life Story of Hope, Healing, and Purpose | Anne Farrens

    Before we dive in, don’t forget to download our FREE Spiritual Gifts Quiz to help you discover how God uniquely wired you to live out your calling:👉 [onlylovetoday.com/resources] If this episode encourages you, make sure to:• Follow the podcast so you never miss an episode• Watch this conversation on YouTube for the full experience👉 [https://www.youtube.com/@onlylovetodaymom] SUMMARY In this powerful and deeply moving conversation, I sit down with Anne Farrens, a pro-life speaker and advocate whose life began in trauma after being conceived through rape. Anne shares her story with honesty and courage, walking us through:• The moment she discovered the truth about her conception at age 12• Years of hidden shame, identity struggles, and destructive coping cycles• Her turning point of surrender to God after reaching “rock top”• The healing process of confronting lies and embracing truth in Christ• How God is now using her story to advocate for life and bring hope to others This episode tackles one of the most emotionally charged cultural conversations with both truth and compassion, reminding us that no human life is a mistake and that healing is possible through Christ. Anne also shares insight into:• The difference between numbing pain and true healing• How silence and isolation deepen trauma• Why abortion does not resolve trauma, but often adds to it• What it looks like to find your identity in Christ, even after deep brokenness This is a story of redemption, courage, and the transforming power of surrender. Follow Anne and learn more about her work:• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annefarrens_official• YouTube: Anne Farrens testimony + Q&A with her parents RELATED EPISODES YOU MIGHT LIKE: • [Ep. 42- Abby Johnson]- God Forgives Abortions• [Ep. 11-Elizabeth Mmbone] -Built From the Ashes of Adversity• [BONUS Episode- Megan Estes] Stepping Out of Shame Other Takeaways: • Your identity is not defined by your past, but by who you are in Christ• Unhealed trauma often shows up as distraction, addiction, or achievement• Silence and isolation deepen shame, but truth brings freedom• God can redeem even the most painful parts of your story• Healing requires intentional work, honesty, and surrender• You don’t need to have it all figured out for God to use you• Every life has inherent value and purpose Timstamps 00:00 – Sponsor: Woven In Life01:16 – Episode introduction + Anne’s story begins03:51 – Family life and leaving corporate career08:10 – Entering pro-life advocacy09:18 – The truth about her conception12:13 – Rock bottom vs. “rock top”13:14 – Discovering the truth at age 1220:21 – Living with hidden shame and identity struggle25:40 – Cycles of trauma and distraction28:27 – Steps toward healing and doing the work31:42 – God using your hardest story32:45 – Responding to pro-choice arguments36:03 – Does a child remind a mother of trauma?38:45 – Why abortion doesn’t heal trauma40:26 – Healing her relationship with her mom42:09 – Finding identity in Christ45:52 – Where to connect with Anne48:10 – God using imperfect people Christian motherhood, identity in Christ, pro-life testimony, healing from trauma, shame and identity, redemption story, abortion conversation, faith and healing, overcoming trauma, Christian podcast for moms, purpose in pain, pro-life advocacy

    51 min
  3. APR 6

    045 - Julie Fowler- Infertility, Miscarriage & Faith: Trusting God Through Loss

    If this episode meets you in a tender place 🤍, I want to invite you to take my free Spiritual Gifts Quiz. When you’re walking through infertility, miscarriage, or unanswered prayers, it’s easy to forget how God uniquely wired you. This quiz helps you rediscover your gifts so you can live with clarity and confidence, even in uncertain seasons. 👉 Take the Spiritual Gifts Quiz here: [onlylovetoday.com] And if you’re ready to go deeper into healing, identity, and trusting God in hard seasons, my Only Love Today course walks you step by step through biblical encouragement and practical faith rhythms for everyday motherhood. 🌿 👉 Learn more about the course here: [onlylovetoday.com] If this conversation encourages you, be sure to subscribe on YouTube, like the episode 👍, and share it with a friend who needs hope. Your support helps more women find faith-filled encouragement in difficult seasons. 👉 Watch the full episode here: [Only Love Today Mom] In this heartfelt interview 💛, Julie Fowler shares her journey through infertility, miscarriage, and loss, and how God used her pain to birth a ministry of hope and biblical support for women walking similar paths. Julie speaks candidly about wrestling with purpose, grief, and unanswered questions while learning to trust God’s character in the middle of uncertainty. We talk about widening your community, drawing strength from biblical stories of infertility, and allowing yourself to wrestle honestly with God. Her story reminds us that trusting God’s timing does not mean suppressing grief. It means anchoring ourselves to who He is. ✨ This conversation covers: Infertility and miscarriage Grief and healing Biblical support for women Trusting God’s character Finding purpose in pain Community and hope 📚 Resources Mentioned Treasures in Waiting Bible Study Navigating Infertility and Loss with Strength Julie Fowler Ministrieshttps://www.juliefowlerministries.com/⁠ Free Resource: 5 Ways to Strengthen Friendships During Infertilityhttps://juliefowlerministries.myflodesk.com/friendship 🌿 Connect with Julie Fowler Websitehttps://www.juliefowlerministries.com/ Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/juliefowlerministries/ 🎧 Related Only Love Today Episodes [Episode 20, Unbeaten with Lindsey Bell ] [Episode 29- Healing Your Marriage with Cara Nitz] [Episode 42 - God Forgives Abortions with Abby Johnson] ✨ Key Takeaways God uses pain and loss to call us into ministry and purpose Widening your community brings healing and support 🤝 Biblical stories of infertility provide hope and perspective It is okay to wrestle with questions and doubts Trusting God’s character brings peace in uncertainty Grief and faith can coexist Community strengthens us in seasons of loss ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 Julie’s family and journey to parenthood10:00 Experiencing loss and finding hope11:23 Wrestling with purpose and infertility18:46 Finding community in grief23:56 The call to ministry in pain30:06 Understanding God’s character in suffering33:11 Faith and trust in God’s plan34:19 Understanding loss and grief36:34 The journey of parenthood41:28 Navigating through heartache46:33 Finding hope amidst loss51:07 Stewarding life’s challenges55:52 Outro 🔑 KeywordsInfertility, Loss, Hope, Faith, Biblical Support, Ministry, Pregnancy, Adoption, Grief, Trust in God

    56 min
  4. MAR 23

    044 - Dr. Carolyn Wiley - From LGBTQ to Faith: Dr. Carolyn Wiley’s Journey of Prayer, Restoration, and Identity in Christ

    🎁 Free Resource for You If this episode resonates with you as a mom navigating faith, identity, or hard conversations with your kids, I want to invite you to take my free Spiritual Gifts Quiz. It helps you understand how God uniquely wired you so you can parent and live from clarity! And if you’re longing to go deeper into identity, healing, and walking confidently in who God created you to be, my Only Love Today course walks you step by step through Scripture-based truth and encouragement for this season. 👉 Learn more about the course here: [https://www.onlylovetoday.com/loving-the-mom-god-created-you-to-be] If this conversation encouraged you, make sure to subscribe on YouTube, like the video, and share it with another mom who needs hope. Your engagement helps more women find stories of restoration and truth. 👉 Watch the full episode here: [https://www.youtube.com/@onlylovetodaymom] SUMMARY In this powerful and deeply honest conversation, Dr. Carolyn Wiley shares her personal testimony of living 14 years in the LGBTQ lifestyle before returning to her Christian faith. She walks us through her early spiritual experiences, the influence of secular ideas during college, her emotional attachments and relationships, and the internal struggle surrounding identity and obedience. Dr. Wiley speaks candidly about the turning point when she chose to obey God, the process of leaving her lifestyle, and the restoration that followed. She emphasizes the transformative power of prayer, especially the persistent prayers of her mother, and how open, loving conversations within families matter deeply. We discuss motherhood, identity, shame, obedience, and the hope of restoration. Dr. Wiley reminds parents that they are not responsible for their children’s choices, but they are called to love them without judgment. Her story highlights that there is no condemnation in Christ and that God’s grace restores what feels impossible. Dr. Carolyn Wiley Contact: Website: [https://roseandpearl.net/about]Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/carolynwileywrites/]Facebook: [https://www.facebook.com/carolynwileywrites] You may also enjoy: [Episode 39 - Standing Firm in Faith When Your Child Identifies as Transgender] [Episode 37 -Raising Kids Who Love Jesus and the Church] [Episode 16 - Becoming a Spiritually Healthy Family] Dr. Wiley shares her journey of faith and identity after 14 years in the LGBTQ lifestyle Prayer played a central role in her return to Christ Her mother’s unwavering prayers were instrumental in her transformation Open conversations about faith and identity matter deeply within families Restoration is possible through God’s grace Parents are not responsible for their children’s choices Loving without judgment reflects the heart of Christ Sharing testimonies brings healing and hope There is no condemnation for those in Christ God’s grace is available regardless of past decisions Timestamps04:26 Faith journey and early experiences06:51 Navigating college and secular ideas09:34 Struggles with identity and relationships12:20 The shift to a homosexual lifestyle14:52 Emotional attachments and idolatry17:30 The journey back to faith20:09 Divorce and new beginnings22:05 Family dynamics and acceptance25:15 The journey of obedience28:33 Understanding God’s love and restoration30:13 The power of a mother’s prayer34:53 Sharing stories with the next generation37:57 Overcoming shame and embracing truth46:37 Only Love Today course segment faith, LGBTQ, prayer, motherhood, identity, restoration, family, testimony, Christian, healing

    47 min
  5. MAR 9

    043 - Kristen Miele - How to Talk to Your Kids About Sex Without Fear or Shame

    Before we jump in, if you’re a parent who wants to better understand how God has uniquely wired you to disciple your kids, be sure to grab my free Spiritual Gifts Quiz. It’s a simple way to discover how the Holy Spirit has equipped you for conversations just like these, as well as how you can engage with the people around you to lead them to Christ! We’re all called to make disciples but how we go about doing that is going to look very different, as we’re each uniquely and wonderfully made! --------- In this episode of the Only Love Today podcast, I sit down with Kristen Miele, a sex educator with more than 15 years of experience walking alongside families. Together, we talk honestly about sex education, sexual discipleship, and why parents cannot afford to stay silent when it comes to shaping their children’s understanding of sexuality, identity, and relationships. Kristen shares how she found her way into sex education and why so many parents feel unqualified or fearful when these topics come up. She gently reframes the conversation, reminding parents that talking about sex is not sinful or shameful, but a sacred opportunity for discipleship. Throughout the episode, she offers practical wisdom for being proactive rather than reactive, staying age appropriate, addressing consent and boundaries early, and trusting the Holy Spirit to guide difficult conversations. This conversation is deeply encouraging for parents who want to lead with truth, grace, and confidence in a culture full of noise regarding sex. If this episode encourages you, make sure to follow the podcast and watch the full conversation on YouTube, and would you consider sharing this episode with a friend? Thank you! You can learn more about Kristen and her work here:Website and resources: [Sex Ed Reclaimed]Instagram: [SexEdReclaimed] If you enjoyed this conversation, you may also want to listen to related episodes from Only Love Today that explore discipleship in the home, parenting through cultural pressure, and raising kids with a grounded identity in Christ. -Episode 39 - Standing Firm in Faith When Your Child Identifies as Transgender with Debra McNinch -Episode 28 - Raising Boys with Grit, Grace, and Laughter with Ashley White -Episode 26 - Intentional Parenting: Building Self-Worth, Resilience, and Connection with Nellie Harden Key takeaways from this episode: Parents often feel unqualified, but God still calls them to leadYou want to be the first voice your child hears about sexSilence creates space for shame and misinformationKids are exposed to sexual content earlier than most parents realizeConversations about sexuality should be ongoing, not one timeAge appropriate dialogue builds trust and safetyThe Holy Spirit actively helps parents navigate these momentsConsent and boundaries matter from a young ageParents model healthy relationships whether they realize it or notTimestamps:00:00 Introduction to sex education conversations02:49 Kristen’s journey into sex education10:59 Navigating conversations about sex with kids14:13 Reframing fear and discomfort16:23 Why open dialogue matters17:18 Understanding cultural narratives around sexuality20:49 Seeing beyond labels24:32 Love, acceptance, and truth26:06 Practical tips for parents35:33 Addressing hard topics with honesty37:57 Conversations about abortion and pregnancy39:11 Talking about sexuality and virginity42:38 Sharing personal sexual history wisely44:19 Building a culture of communication at home50:59 Addressing pornography and its impact56:36 Helpful resources for parents Keywords:sex education, parenting, sexual discipleship, conversations with kids, Kristen Meehl, Only Love Today podcast, Christian parenting, sexual identity, healthy relationships, family discussions

    59 min
  6. FEB 23

    042- Abby Johnson - From Planned Parenthood to Pro-Life: Abby’s Story of Mercy, Healing, and Helping Women Pre and Post-Abortion

    If you’ve ever carried shame you cannot shake, or wondered how the church can better support women after abortion with compassion and practical care, this conversation will encourage you deeply. 💫💫Before you listen, take my Spiritual Gifts Quiz made JUST for moms, to discover how God uniquely wired you to serve and bring hope right where you are. 💕If this episode blesses you, could you please leave a review and follow the Only Love Today Podcast and share it with a friend? Thank you!!! 📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube @onlylovetodaymom SUMMARY Megan sits down with Abby Johnson, wife and mom of eight, to talk about the long road from deception and spiritual darkness to freedom, mercy, and redemption. Abby shares how she once believed she was helping women while working at Planned Parenthood, and how the enemy can twist compassion into something distorted, eventually hardening the heart with resentment. Abby opens up about the inner conflict she carried, the mental shifts that kept her entrenched, and the moment she asked herself a haunting question: If I died today, would I go to hell? From there, the conversation moves into the hope of the gospel, the reality of forgiveness, and why believing your sin is “too big” for God to forgive can actually be pride that keeps you stuck. Abby also describes how her ministry intentionally pursues abortion workers with love and persistence, including letters, postcards, flowers, and a Christmas outreach where convents of nuns write handwritten notes to abortion clinics across the country. Finally, Abby shares practical, creative ways churches can become visibly and safely pro-life, not just in what they believe but in how they care for moms, babies, and families in tangible ways. Abby’s website: abbyj.com Help for moms (case management, financial literacy, Mama Scholar): loveline.com Help for abortion workers to leave the industry and find healing: abortionworker.com Social: https://www.instagram.com/prolifeabbyjohnson/ RELATED EPISODES YOU'LL LOVE! [Ep. 15 - Lisa Steven - Former Teen Mom to Founder of Hope House--A Non-Profit Teen Mom Support Center] [Ep. 34 - Megan Estes - Loving the Mom God Created You To Be] [Ep. 14 - Heather Stringer - Teen Mom, Abuse Survivor, Founder of Recovery 828] Takeaways The enemy can twist compassion into misguided compassion and eventually into resentment. When people do not feel valued, it becomes easier to devalue others, especially the vulnerable. Shame can keep you in bondage, but the gospel invites real freedom and healing. Believing your sin is too great for God’s forgiveness can be pride that keeps you stuck. God speaks through Scripture daily, and healing often involves returning to His Word consistently. Churches can create a true culture of life through visible, practical support that removes fear and stigma. Timestamps 00:00 Prayer and welcome 01:45 Abby introduces her family and eight children 06:40 Adoption story and God opening doors in two weeks 13:30 Abby’s Planned Parenthood background and distorted compassion 18:00 The “scapegoat” dynamic and hardening of the heart 21:30 “If I died today, would I go to hell?” 22:35 How Abby’s ministry pursues abortion workers with love 24:20 Why culture devalues the vulnerable 26:10 Shame, forgiveness, and why “too big to forgive” can be pride 30:55 Daily Scripture as a pathway to freedom 33:00 Practical ways churches can support post-abortive women 39:30 How to connect with Abby and her resources 41:25 Closing encouragement and blessings Abby Johnson, Planned Parenthood testimony, healing after abortion, post-abortive support, shame and forgiveness, pro-life church, abortion worker outreach, Christian motherhood encouragement, valuing the vulnerable, spiritual gifts quiz

    39 min
  7. FEB 9

    041- Riaan Swiegelaar - Spiritual Awakening and Deliverance After an Encounter with Jesus | Riaan Swiegelaar

    ✝️💕If this episode stirred questions about your faith, calling, or how God uniquely wired you, I invite you to start with my free Spiritual Gifts Quiz. It’s a simple way to gain clarity on how God has gifted you and how those gifts show up in your everyday life as a mom. ☺️📈If you’re longing to go deeper into healing, identity, and spiritual growth, my Only Love Today course walks alongside you through Scripture and truth, helping you reconnect with who God created you to be while leading you through several discovery tools to map out where the Lord is leading you next. ------------- In this powerful conversation, Riaan Swiegelaar shares his personal testimony of a profound spiritual encounter with a figure claiming to be Yeshua of Nazareth. What began as skepticism quickly became a moment of clarity that exposed a deep spiritual void he had been carrying for years. Riaan opens up about sin, spiritual warfare, deliverance, and the unexpected ways faith can emerge when we are searching for meaning. We also talk about the role of parents in spiritual protection, the importance of discerning God’s voice, and how prayer and community play a vital role in healing and freedom. This episode invites honest reflection on where we may be compromised, numb, or unaware, and how God meets us with truth and hope even in dark places. You can follow Riaan and learn more about his story here:Website: [https://www.deliverance4me.org/]Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/riaan_swiegelaar/] If this conversation resonated with you, you may also enjoy these related episodes from the Only Love Today podcast: [Ep. 37 - Raising Kids Who Love Jesus and Won't Leave the Church] [Ep. 16 - Becoming a Spiritually Healthy Family - Dr. Michelle Anthony] [Ep. 36 - Standing Firm in Faith When Your Child Identifies as Transgender] 00:00 Introduction and background03:42 Riaan’s journey into darkness06:24 The encounter with Jesus08:58 Understanding spiritual warfare11:38 The role of parents in spiritual warfare14:17 The importance of knowing God’s voice16:51 The process of deliverance19:26 The power of prayer and community22:02 Identifying compromise and blindness24:42 Conclusion and hope for the future28:01 Spiritual warfare continued31:16 Parents protecting their children spiritually34:09 The importance of sharing the gospel37:56 Navigating darkness and deliverance44:25 Empowering others through prayer and support This episode is also available on YouTube. Be sure to subscribe, like, and share so more moms can encounter stories of redemption, truth, and transformation. 👉 Watch the full episode here: @onlylovetodaymom

    53 min
  8. JAN 26

    040- Jamie Erickson - Holy Hygge: Christian Hospitality, Homeschooling, and Creating a Cozy Faith-Filled Home

    🎁 Looking for encouragement in your motherhood journey?👉 Download my free Only Love Today resources designed to help you step out of shame, reconnect with God’s truth, and walk confidently in your calling as a mom.  Summary In this engaging conversation, me and Jamie Erickson explore the idea of Holy Hygge—a Christ-centered approach to the Danish concept of comfort, coziness, and intentional community. Jamie shares how Hygge can become a practical tool for Christian moms to create welcoming spaces that foster meaningful relationships and open doors for sharing the Gospel. Together, we talk honestly about the pressures many moms feel to have a “put-together” home, especially in seasons of homeschooling and motherhood that feel overwhelming or chaotic. Jamie reminds listeners that biblical hospitality is not about perfection but about invitation—welcoming others into our real lives, mess and all, as a reflection of Christ’s love. The conversation also encourages homeschooling moms who may wrestle with fear, guilt, or feelings of inadequacy. Jamie points listeners back to trusting God’s provision, embracing long-term faithfulness, and remembering that love and presence matter far more than doing everything “right.” This episode is full of encouragement and practical wisdom for every mom in every season. ▶️ Watch on YouTube This episode is also available on YouTube @onlylovetodaymomSubscribe and watch for more conversations that encourage Christian moms to live faithfully and freely in everyday life. 🔗 Guest Links Jamie Erickson Website: [https://jamieerickson.com/] Social Media:  Facebook: TheUnlikelyHomeschool     Instagram: TheUnlikelyHomeschool 🎧 Related Only Love Today Episodes Small Yeses That Change Everything - Episode #38, Kristen Christy Nurturing God-Given Gifts and Entrepreneurship in Kids - Episode #31, Jenn Wright Bonus Episode: Lesson 1 of Loving the Mom God Created You to Be - Episode #34, Megan Estes ✨ Key Takeaways Hygge is a lifestyle concept that promotes comfort, coziness, and presence.True Christian hospitality invites others into our imperfect lives.Moms can create welcoming spaces even in seasons of chaos.Trusting God’s provision is essential, especially in homeschooling.Hygge-inspired rhythms can help foster deeper community and connection.Homeschool does not save our children, it is simply a schooling choice ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 Introduction and background 02:42 Understanding Hygge and why it matters 05:54 Hygge as a tool for Christians 09:23 Parenting, community, and connection 13:08 Embracing imperfection in hospitality 18:22 Practical tips for cultivating Hygge in winter 24:51 Dignity and invitation at the heart of hospitality 32:07 Recognizing shame and guilt 33:21 Playing the long game of education 34:41 Seasons of parenting and homeschooling 37:23 Releasing control and trusting God 39:01 The power of choice in education 45:31 Encouragement for new homeschoolers 🗝️ Keywords Holy Hygge, Jamie Erickson, motherhood, homeschooling, Christian hospitality, community, comfort, coziness, faith, parenting

    51 min
5
out of 5
26 Ratings

About

Only Love Today exists to encourage Christian moms to "live like Christ" in their context by sharing testimonies, tips, tools, and resources to encourage Christian parents. Whether you're a stay at home mom, working mom, homeschooling mom, or all of the above, you'll be challenged and inspired to keep pursuing Christ in every season of Christian parenting.

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