Grace Based Families Podcast

Grace Based Families Podcast

Dec 06, 2023

In this episode, we delve into the depths of toxic shame, a misunderstood and complex emotion. We explore its differences from guilt and embarrassment, drawing from Brene Brown's research, highlighting the connection between shame and detrimental behaviors such as addiction, violence, and depression.

Focusing on the impact of shame on mental health, particularly those struggling with undiagnosed ADHD, we discuss how messages from significant individuals can fuel shame. We emphasize the importance of accepting one's identity and the role of professional counseling and medication in managing ADHD symptoms. The episode concludes with a call to embrace 'neurodivergence', view it as a gift, and create safe spaces for it.

We discuss the power of parental love in disengaging from shame and how modeling vulnerability can help children grow into emotionally intelligent adults.

Grace Based Families Podcast

Nov 22, 2023

• Episode 112
• Host: Karis Murray
• Guest: Sam Melvin, Executive Director of Church and Race

Karis and Sam explore the deeply rooted issue of racism within the church. Sam shares his personal experiences as a black man attending a predominantly white church, and how his faith has guided him through these challenges. Our conversation delves into the interpretation of racism in the Bible, systemic racism ingrained in the U.S., and the role of the church during the Civil Rights Movement. In the latter part of the episode, Sam provides valuable insights on the importance of repentance, forgiveness, and open dialogue in the pursuit of racial unity and reconciliation. Through his powerful analogy of racial unity to a marriage, Sam underscores the need for mutual respect, submission, and understanding. We also reflect on the critical work done by the Church and Race ministry, emphasizing the importance of sticking to their mission to achieve racial unity. This episode serves as an eye-opening journey towards racial reconciliation in the church, and we invite you to join us in this essential conversation.

Grace Based Families Podcast

Nov 8, 2023

• Episode 111
• Host: Michelle Broek
• Guest: Dr. Tim Kimmel

Q1. How can people navigate the changes and differences that inevitably occur in marriages? Michelle asks Tim to provide insights into the common challenges couples face as they evolve over time. The discussion touches on how changes can sometimes lead to disconnect, and the host asks for practical strategies to help couples manage these differences, maintain a strong bond, and promote healing and growth in the relationship. Q2. How can parents encourage their children to take on more responsibility around the home? In this question, Michelle explores the issue of instilling responsibility in children, particularly in relation to chores. The discussion seeks to understand the best approaches for motivating children to participate in household tasks and contribute to the family unit. Q3. How can parents effectively guide their children in a world heavily influenced by digital media and potentially harmful content? Michelle raises the concern about children's exposure to potentially harmful content on digital platforms and asks Tim for advice on how to manage this. The question aims to gather strategies for parents to help their children navigate the digital world responsibly and safely.

Grace Based Families Podcast

October 25, 2023

• Episode #110
• Host: Karis Murray, Michelle Broek

Michelle delves into the personal experience of growing up in a family plagued by codependency. Primarily revolving around the struggles of her brother's mental illness, she shares her journey of misunderstanding the concept of codependency, often confusing it with mere neediness. Michelle describes how she adopted a posture of self-sufficiency and people-pleasing to alleviate her family's turmoil. Michelle's personal narrative aims to highlight the roots of codependency in fear and deep concern for others, ultimately demystifying its manifestations in various relationships. The conversation transitions into the importance of setting boundaries, stressing that it is not an act of selfishness but a necessity for personal well-being. Karis & Michelle discuss common misconceptions about boundaries and address the pressure of being constantly available for others. They emphasize the importance of establishing boundaries not just with others but also with oneself. The discussion leads into the exploration of false beliefs, fear-based emotions, and the need to please others, identifying these as potent drivers behind unhealthy codependent patterns. The episode concludes on a hopeful note, underscoring the power of taking small moments of autonomy for self-care and discovering one's identity outside the context of relationships. Putting Jesus in the center of one's life can lead to healthier thinking and behavior. This episode presents an enlightening discussion on navigating codependency and setting boundaries, aiming to provide listeners with a deeper understanding of these complex concepts and their importance in maintaining personal well-being.

Grace Based Families Podcast

September 27, 2023

• Episode 109
• Host: Karis Kimmel
• Guest: Ted Wueste, founder and director of the Spiritual Formation Society of Arizona

Karis & Ted shed light on how one can critically reassess Christian doctrine, beliefs, and practices, while still maintaining their faith. We also discuss the role of digital age in the public view of faith deconstruction, the wisdom of early church on this transformational process, and the inherent dangers and fear that come along with it. As we delve further into the conversation, we explore the challenges of parenting during faith deconstruction. Drawing from Ted's personal experiences, we discuss how to support children during their own process of deconstruction and lean on God for guidance.

Finally, we share valuable insights on maintaining relationships amid Christian faith deconstruction, creating a safe space for exploration, and celebrating the divine work happening in their lives. Whether you're wrestling with your faith or supporting someone who is, this episode offers valuable insights.

Grace Based Families Podcast

Sep 27, 2023

• Episode 108
• Host: Karis Murray
• Guest: Adrienne Gibson

In this podcast episode, host Karis shares her personal experience with divorce and the often overlooked aftermath that follows. Joined by Adrienne Gibson, a licensed counselor specializing in complex trauma, they delve into the intricacies of trauma and abuse within marriages, emphasizing the importance of support networks, therapy, and the role of the church. They explore the phenomenon of complex trauma caused by chronic stress, often unnoticed, which further adds to the harm experienced by individuals.

The episode underscores the importance of recognizing and addressing trauma and advocates for professional therapeutic help. They discuss the need for a robust support group and creating a safe space during trauma recovery. The conversation further emphasizes the importance of mindful emotional processing, even when challenging, and the continuous evolution of healing. This episode is a candid exploration of the commonality of divorce, its profound impact, and the need for improved understanding and support in communities.

Grace Based Families Podcast

September 13, 2023

• Episode 107
• Host: Karis Murray & Michelle Broek
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Karis and Michelle address the modern trend of prolonged adolescence and how to navigate the fine balance between preserving childhood innocence and instilling financial responsibility. The episode provides practical strategies and insights on helping children understand the value of money, manage it wisely, and learn the difference between a helping hand and a constant handout. The importance of allowing children to fully experience their childhood while also preparing them for adulthood is also discussed. The episode is filled with advice and reassurances for parents dealing with children at different stages of maturity.

Grace Based Families Podcast

August 30, 2023

• Episode 106
• Host: Michelle Broek
• Guest: Tim Kimmel

Michelle and Tim navigate some of the most challenging aspects of Christian parenting as we discuss bedtime routines, choosing schools, and addressing the topic of alcohol in a Christian home. Q1: How can parents transform the often stressful bedtime routine into a meaningful bonding time with their children? Dr. Kimmel emphasizes the need to start winding down the household early and create a bedtime ritual that fosters an environment of love, security, and purpose. He also highlights the importance of reading to your kids and viewing bedtime as a gift from God. Q2: How can parents navigate the complex task of choosing the right school for their kids? This involves weighing the trade-offs of each educational option and considering essential questions such as which school is best for a particular child, which one fits best with the family's configuration, and if the school helps your child become a truly great person. Dr. Kimmel warns against fear-based decision making and underscores the importance of raising strong, not just safe, kids. Q3: How should parents handle the controversial topic of alcohol in the home from a Christian perspective? Dr. Kimmel advises parents to explore the biblical stance on moderation and abstention, understand the dangers of teenage drinking, and have open conversations with your children on this subject. He also emphasizes the importance of prayer and self-reflection when making decisions about alcohol in the home.

Grace Based Families Podcast

August 16, 2023

• Episode 105
• Host: Michelle Broek & Karis Kimmel

Michelle and Karis discuss strategies for preparing children for the new school year. They discuss the importance of proactive communication, balancing school with other pursuits, and nurturing individual talents. The episode also covers fostering an open dialogue with children, encouraging critical thinking skills, and supplementing school learning with real-world experiences. Chapter Summaries: (0:00:06) - Preparing Kids for the School Year (12 Minutes) Michelle and Karis discuss the emotional roller coaster that comes with the start of a new school year. They emphasize the importance of teaching kids that school is important but not the only thing that matters. (0:12:27) - Preparing Kids for School and Beyond (7 Minutes) Michelle and Karis discuss the importance of open conversations with kids where they feel that they are not being judged. They also stress the importance of teaching kids to use their imagination and critical thinking skills. (0:19:49) - Nurturing Communication With a Quiet Kindergartner (5 Minutes) Michelle and Karis discuss the importance of creating an open dialogue with kids where they feel safe to communicate their fears and doubts. (0:24:40) - Parenting Tips and Building Strong Relationships (7 Minutes) Michelle and Karis discuss how to approach sensitive topics with children, reminding them that they are loved and valued regardless of their accomplishments.

Grace Based Families Podcast

August 02, 2023

• Episode 104
• Host: Michelle Broek & Kelli Wert

Michelle and Kelli share life hacks designed to help you establish better rhythms and simplify your home life. Discover the advantages of using paper calendars, whiteboards, and setting focused intentions. We delve into the art of setting limits and embracing contentment in our family's creative projects while discussing the impact of social media on comparison. We also reveal our top home organization tips and the importance of meal planning.

Grace Based Families Podcast

July 19, 2023

• Episode 103
• Host: Michelle Broek
• Guest: Samantha Wright

In this episode, Samantha shares her heartbreaking story of loss in 2021, when she found her house engulfed in flames. Through the devastation, she shares her powerful journey of faith, perspective, and resilience in the face of immense adversity. Join us as we explore the transformative power of gratitude, the importance of trusting God through hardship, and how finding perspective in the wake of tragedy can lead to growth and maturity. Key Points: - Samantha's devastating house fire in 2021 and the loss of her beloved pets, Esther and Ella - Finding perspective after tragedy and the importance of trusting God even in moments of unbearable sorrow - The transformative power of gratitude and the importance of remaining positive and strong - Trusting God's plan and finding purpose in our darkest times Timestamps: (0:00:06) - Surviving a House Fire (0:13:44) - Finding Perspective After Tragedy (0:25:37) - Trusting God Through Hardship

Grace Based Families Podcast

July 05, 2023

• Episode 102
• Host: Michelle Broek
• Guest: Lauren Reitsema

Lauren Reitsema shares her experience of growing up with divorced parents and discusses her passion for helping families navigate divorce and preventing relationship trauma for others. She delves into the stages of grief, the challenges of adjusting to new family dynamics, and how well-intentioned optimism from those around us can actually hinder the healing process. Lauren also shares how her proactive approach to marriage and relationship education has led her and her husband to build a strong, confident partnership.

(0:00:06) - Supporting Children of Divorce (9 Minutes)

(0:09:31) - The Grief and Loss of Divorce (5 Minutes)

(0:14:32) - Stages of Grief and Blended Families (7 Minutes)

(0:21:48) - Navigating Divorce and Building Relationship Skills (12 Minutes)

Grace Based Families Podcast

June 21, 2023

• Episode 101
• Host: Michelle Broek
• Guest: Tim Kimmel

Michellle and answer questions from viewers, including:

1. Before we got married, we had a lot in common, but now we seem so different. What do we do?
2. There's just a lot of pressure to maintain a wealthy status, or at least the image of it. What can we do if we can't afford to do this, or if we can afford, but it just doesn't feel right to maintain this kind of lifestyle.
3. When my husband and I fight, it gets ugly. How do we change this pattern?
4. How can we make Valentine's Day last throughout the year?

Grace Based Families Podcast

July 07, 2023

• Episode #100
• Host: Michelle Broek
• Guest: Rustin Russello

Michellle and Rustin, a pastor at Scottsdale Bible Church, discuss his story of addiction and redemption.

• Ruston's addiction became severe and his wife turned him over to God.
• God, with the help of Alcoholics Anonymous, was able to get Rustin sober and turn his life around.
• Rustin shares about his experience with alcohol addiction and the role of his marriage in his sobriety and spiritual growth.
• Addiction is physical, emotional, relational or spiritual, or a combination of these.
• The importance of healthy boundaries and not enabling addicts is emphasized.
• Rustin shares his journey through addiction, the importance of authenticity, and doing the work to create a sober lifestyle.

Grace Based Families Podcast

May 24, 2023

• Episode #99
• Host: Michelle Broek
• Guest: Ethan Clark

In this podcast episode, Michelle interviews Ethan Clark, a youth pastor at Scottsdale Bible Church, who has over six years of ministry experience. Ethan and his wife Bethany have been married for 10 years and have two children. Ethan shares his experiences with youth ministry as a student and how he was inspired by his youth pastor to pursue vocational ministry.

Ethan talks about his role as a youth pastor and what his goals are for the ministry. Ethan shares his desire to outreach to the kids, disciple them, and build relationships with them. He also emphasizes the importance of ministering to families as a whole so that they can reinforce what the kids are learning at home.

Grace Based Families Podcast

May 10, 2023

• Episode #99
• Host: Michelle Broek
• Guest: Tim Kimmel [Tim is the founder and executive director of Grace Based Families. He develops resources for families and churches and conducts conferences across the globe on the unique pressures confronting today's families. He has authored many books and video studies including Grace Based Parenting and Grace Filled Marriage. Tim and his wife Darcy, have four kids and 10 grandkids.]

The relational dynamics in the world of grandparenting can create a lot of sticky situations that can wreak havoc and steal joy.
Grandparenthood plays a key role in the future generation but it also brings some big challenges. Sometimes the problem is the grandparent- what they are doing or are not doing that creates tension?
What if your parents are jamming Jesus and politics down your kid's throat in a disconnected way?
What do we do if the grandparents are spoiling our kids?
What if the grandparents are always intervening or not respecting our boundaries? All families have sticky situations. There are unrealistic expectations, personal agendas, and deep heartache.
Fortunately, the God who came up with grandparenthood also provides the ways and means to navigate its challenges.
God’s active grace wants to come to your rescue.

• April 26, 2023
• Hosts: Michelle Broek & Kelli Wert
• Episode #97

Michelle and Kelli discuss ways to model and teach intentional and impactful friendships, regardless of the personality type of your kid, their friend, or their friend's parents.

• Rule #1: Never Disparage Your Friends’ Parents
• Rule #2: Don’t Tease Your Friends Regarding Sensitive Topics
• Rule #3: Don't Participate in Negative Behaviors
• Rule #4: Give Each Other Space
• Rule #5: Keep Confidences Safe
• Rule #6: Encourage and Support Your Friends
• Rule #7: Help Your Friends Grow and Improve
• Rule #8: Be Loyal and Faithful
• Rule #9: Be a Fun Friend to be Around
• Rule #10: Pray for Your Friends

• April 12,2023
• Episode #96
• Host: Michelle Broek & Kelli Wert

In this episode, Michelle and Kelli are

• Exploring the true meaning of greatness, and how it can be achieved through faith in God and a heart of service. 
• Discussing the importance of instilling values such as humility, generosity, gratitude, and service to others in children 
• Providing tips and strategies for parents on how to cultivate these values in their children
• Encouraging parents to aim higher than just money, beauty, power, fame, and success for their children

Grace Based Families Podcast

March 29, 2023

• Episode #95
• Host: Michelle Broek
• Guest: Tim Kimmel [Tim is the founder and executive director of Grace Based Families. He develops resources for families and churches and conducts conferences across the globe on the unique pressures confronting today's families. He has authored many books and video studies including Grace Based Parenting and Grace Filled Marriage. Tim and his wife Darcy, have four kids and 10 grandkids.]

Michelle and Tim discuss why “Grandparent” is far more than a title, it’s a calling.

The Assets of Effective Grandparents:

1. Maturity
2. Experience
3. Perspective
4. Assistance (time, relief, sounding board, money)
5. Love

The 4 Roles of Grandparents

1. Give a blessing to our grandchildren
2. Leave a solid legacy for our grandchildren to build upon
3. Bear a torch to illuminate our grandkids' way through a dark and treacherous culture
4. Set a clear standard for our grandchildren to emulate.

• Episode #94
• Host: Michelle Broek & Kelli Wert

Nichelle and Kelli discussed wats to teach teens to develop a strong faith, including the advice to:

1. Lead by example and serve God joyfully
2. Encourage regular service and dependence on God
3. Don't solve all problems, let them turn to God
4. Don't place unrealistic expectations on youth leaders, promote positive presence in youth group
5. Allow them to process difficulties and remain calm in faith testing
6. Show daily Bible reading and action
7. Challenge them to trust and test their faith through dilemmas
8. Encourage big faith in God for needs in life
9. Inspire serving alongside others who believe in a big God
10. Share personal battles and journeys to following God.

Grace Based Families Podcast

March 01, 2023

• Episode #93
• Host: Michelle Broek
• Guest: Andrea Robinson

Michelle and Andrea discuss the process of dealing with loss, including acknowledging the loving presence of God, knowing the promises of God, seeking God in prayer, community, etc.

Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, M.D. Based on her years of working with terminal cancer patients, Kübler-Ross proposed the 5 stages many people experience:

1. Denial: “This can’t be happening to me.”
2. Anger: “Why is this happening? Who is to blame?”
3. Bargaining: “Make this not happen, and in return, I will ____.”
4. Depression: “I’m too sad to do anything.”
5. Acceptance: “I’m at peace with what has happened.”

Grace Based Families Podcast

February 15, 2023

• Episode #92
• Hosts: Michelle Broek & Kelli Wert
• The reality is that we answer hundreds of questions every week but there are questions that we need to answer to experience the vibrant life that God wants for us.

1.   Consistently read them stories at bedtime that tell about God’s mighty power and love.
2.   When a frightening or troubling situation comes up, gather them around and show them how to put themselves in God’s hands through prayer.
3.   Show them how to pray for those they love, as well as those who need God’s love, every night at bedtime.
4.   Welcome them each morning with a positive reminder of God’s love and design for their lives.
5.   Allow God’s presence to become second nature in your everyday activities (such as praying at mealtime, pointing out wonders in nature, observing how God works in people around you, singing songs to Him, etc.).
6.   Avoid evoking God’s name in an intimidating manner to express displeasure with disobedience.
7.   Make going to church and Sunday school a fun, happy and nonnegotiable part of your family life.
8.   Help your children hide God’s Word in their hearts by memorizing key Scriptures that tell of God’s love, mercy, grace, protection, and power.
9.   Make kindness, sharing, and consideration for every member of the family a neutral outgrowth of your love for God.
10. Avoid strong-arming your children to accept Christ as their Savior. Treat them the way God treats you (with grace), and let the Holy Spirit draw them to Himself on His timetable.

Grace Based Families Podcast

February 01, 2023

• Episode #91
• Host: Michelle Broek
• Guest: Marc Lucas [Marc has served as a pastor for a combined 15 years with two mega-churches in Phoenix. He has a Biblical Studies degree from Arizona Christian University. Marc is currently the Local Ministry Director at Faith Talk 1360. He has been married to his wife Tammy, for 16 years and they have 3 beautiful kids.]

The reality is that we answer hundreds of questions every week but there are questions that we need to answer to experience the vibrant life that God wants for us.

1. What is the goal of life? (The question of longing)
2. Are you living for something bigger than yourself? (The question of meaning)
3. Who are you? (The question of identity)
4. How will you grow? (The question of maturity)
5. What is your mission? (The question of purpose)