What do we do when God’s calling for our child’s life looks nothing like we expected? This week’s episode is such a gift. I’m joined by Katie Davis Majors, a mom, missionary, and founder of Amazima Ministries who shares her journey from a planned gap year to a lifelong mission in Uganda. Her story will stretch your perspective on calling, parenting, and what it means to truly trust God with your kids.

Here are four key takeaways from our conversation:

• God’s plans often surprise us. Katie's “one-year” mission trip became a lifelong ministry and calling.
• Katie talks about raising kids who care deeply for others and reflect the love of Jesus.
• Letting go is part of faithful parenting. We don't need to control the outcome, but we do need to walk in trust.
• Sustainable service requires surrender; serving others shouldn’t lead to burnout when it’s done from a place of abiding in Christ.

Katie is the founder of Amazima Ministries in Uganda, a mother of fifteen through adoption and birth, and the author of multiple books including Kisses from Katie and Safe All Along. She lives in Uganda with her family, where she continues to serve and write about faith, motherhood, and surrender.

This conversation will remind you that the bravest thing we can do as parents is trust God with the story he’s writing in our kids’ lives.

Resources Mentioned:

A Great Cloud of Witnesses Prayer Journal

Christian Parenting resources

(00:00) Katie's Journey to Uganda and Amazima

(05:51) The Impact of Compassionate Parenting

(11:57) Letting Go of Control in Parenting and Ministry

(18:13) Amazima's Mission and Future Goals

The Christian Parenting Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org

We’ve reached the final week of our school choice series, and I’m so excited for you to hear this conversation. Today, I’m chatting with my friend, Brittaney Devane about what it looks like to choose online school even when it wasn’t the original plan. Her family made a big pivot, and what followed was growth, flexibility, and a deeper sense of purpose in their schooling journey.

Here are four key takeaways from our conversation:

1. Online school brings unexpected flexibility for schedules, learning styles, and family time.
2. Decision-making is a team effort. Brittaney shares how she and her husband stayed united in prayer and discernment.
3. Community still matters. Even with online learning, finding support and social outlets is possible and vital.
4. It’s okay to change course. God can lead you to something better than you planned.

Whether you’re curious about online school or just love hearing real stories from fellow parents, this episode is full of wisdom and grace.

(01:59) Navigating Schooling Choices

(05:55) The Benefits of Online School

(12:01) Socialization and Community Support

(17:57) Academic Structure and Flexibility

(23:49) Decision-Making and Family Dynamics

(29:49) Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Connect with Brittaney

Instagram

Resources Mentioned

Liberty University Online Academy

Support Christian Parenting

The Christian Parenting Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org

We’re continuing our school choice series, and today’s episode is such a thoughtful one. I’m joined by Ashley Grutzmacher—a public school teacher, mom, and passionate advocate for loving your neighbor and showing up well in your community. Ashley offers such a grounded and honest look into the public school experience, and I think this conversation will leave you feeling both encouraged and equipped.

Whether public school is your current path or you're simply exploring options, Ashley brings clarity and hope to the decision-making process.

Here’s what you’ll hear in today's conversation:

• Public schools offer unique opportunities to build relationships, engage with diversity, and reflect Christ in a natural way.
• Faith and public education can coexist. With intentionality, families can stay grounded in their values while fully participating in the public system.
• Challenges will come, but so will growth. Ashley shares practical ways to prepare your kids spiritually for real-world experiences.
• You don’t do this alone. Community, church, and family rhythms all help support your child’s faith, wherever they attend school.

Ashley is a seasoned public school teacher and mom who brings a front-row perspective to the joys and challenges of raising Christian kids in a public school setting. Her heart for students and her passion for faithful parenting make her a trusted voice in this important conversation.

I hope this episode reminds you that with prayer, wisdom, and support, you can thrive wherever God calls your family.

With grace,

Steph

(00:00) Introduction to Public Education and Personal Background

(15:08) Benefits of Public Schooling

(29:53) Challenges in Public Schooling for Believers

(24:06) Misconceptions About Public Schools

(31:48) Navigating School Choices as Parents

(36:42) Core Values in Education

Resources Mentioned

NIV Application Bible

Support Christian Parenting

The Christian Parenting Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org