Ignite Podcast

Let's Talk Homeschool

Homeschooling isn't just an educational choice — it's a way of doing life together. This conversation brings together two homeschool moms at different stages of the journey, reflecting honestly on what homeschooling is, what it isn't and how it shifts across seasons. From early uncertainty and learning curves to freedom, flexibility, and the confidence that comes with time, Ashley Grant and Sabrina Sinks center their discussion on listening to God, knowing your limits, and responding to what your children actually need. They talk through practical realities — laws, structure, cost, socialization, working while homeschooling — but always return to the deeper question: What is God asking our family to do in this season? With Grace and clarity, they name that homeschooling is not the "better" choice for every family, nor is public or private school a failure. Faithfulness sometimes looks like holding on and sometimes letting go. For parents considering homeschooling, currently in it, or discerning a transition, these reflections offer reassurance, wisdom, and permission to pivot — without guilt. ---------------------------------------------- TIME STAMPS: 00:00:00 Welcome & Why Homeschooling Feels Overwhelming at First 00:03:00 Laws, Flexibility, and Finding State-Specific Guidance 00:05:30 Curriculum, Structure, & the Freedom to Pivot 00:08:00 Knowing When You're Called — and When You're Not 00:10:30 Academic Struggles, One-on-One Learning & Prayerful Goals 00:12:30 Socialization, Community, and the Role of the Church 00:16:00 Cost, Budgeting, & Creative Approaches to Learning 00:18:30 Multiple Ages, Independence & Shared Learning 00:22:00 Redefining "School" through Everyday Life 00:26:00 Working Parents, Single Parents & Making it Workable 00:31:00 When Homeschooling Isn't the Right Fit 00:35:00 Prayer for Families Discerning Their Next Steps ---------------------------------------------- Follow Ignite Parenting Instagram | @Ignite.Parenting Facebook | Ignite Parenting Website | www.igniteparenting.com [https://www.igniteparenting.com]

Parenting in the First Year

A year ago, there was anticipation. Now there's a baby crawling across the floor and a mom reflecting on what she didn't see coming. In this conversation Amy Flattery sits back down with Emmy Nolasco for a one-year follow-up after welcoming baby Ezra. They talk honestly about the emotional whiplash of the first year — how big joy and big overwhelm can exist in the same moment. The newborn trenches. The guilt. The sleep deprivation. The realization that asking for help isn't weakness — it's wisdom. Emmy shares the rhythms she's built into her days: intentional family time, slow showers without guilt, calling grandparents, and praying over Ezra each morning—even before he can fully understand words. There's something powerful about speaking identity and fruit of the Spirit over a child from the very beginning. They talk about daycare guilt, teamwork in marriage, learning to communicate differently as parents, and the importance of taking care of your own soul so you can pour from something healthy. There's practical wisdom here too—baby proof earlier than you think, stop comparing milestones, and let the dishes wait if it means you get one more moment on the floor with your baby. The first year is exhausting. It stretches you. It exposes insecurities. It teaches you to release your child to the Lord again and again. But when Jesus is invited into the process, survival slowly becomes something closer to thriving. ---------------------------------------------- TIME STAMPS: 00:00:00 Welcome Back One Year Later 00:02:30 Asking for Help & Releasing Guilt 00:04:00 Family Rhythms & Praying Over Your Baby 00:08:00 Daycare Guilt & Trusting God 00:09:00 Marriage Shifts & Teamwork 00:12:00 Milestones & Comparison Pressure 00:14:00 Boy Mom Emotions & Trusting the Lord 00:15:00 Self-care Without Guilt 00:16:30 Calling Grandparents & Building Support 00:19:00 Scriptures for the Newborn Trenches 00:22:00 Letting the Dishes Wait & Being Present 00:25:00 Final Encouragement ---------------------------------------------- Follow Ignite Parenting Instagram | @Ignite.Parenting Facebook | Ignite Parenting Website | www.igniteparenting.com [http://www.igniteparenting.com]

The Power of Spiritual Families

Not everyone has biological family close by—emotionally, physically, or spiritually. And even when we do, sometimes there are gaps. In this episode, Elly Marroquin sits down with Ecclesia Weltman to talk about building spiritual family—the kind that shows up, speaks life into your kids, answers late-night calls, and becomes "aunties," mentors, and spiritual grandparents along the way. Ecclesia shares from personal experience of moving often, navigating relational rifts, and intentionally planting roots in new church communities. They talk about starting with one person, asking for help, protecting your children with wisdom and discernment, and healing from church hurt so it doesn't define your future relationships. Community doesn't form overnight. It takes initiative. It takes patience. It takes courage. It's hard work to build. But it's worth it. ---------------------------------------------- TIME STAMPS: 00:00:00 Welcome & Meeting Ecclesia Weltman 00:04:00 Starting Over in New Places 00:08:30 Building Connection One Person at a Time 00:13:00 When Family Isn't Spiritually Present 00:17:30 Why Kids Need a Village 00:22:00 Spiritual "Grandparents" 00:26:00 Safety, Boundaries & Discernment 00:31:00 Finding the Right Church Fit 00:37:00 Healing from Church Hurt 00:42:00 Closing Prayer ---------------------------------------------- Follow Ignite Parenting Instagram | @Ignite.Parenting Facebook | Ignite Parenting Website | www.igniteparenting.com [http://www.igniteparenting.com]

Who Shapes Them?

Parenting moves in seasons. Some arrive gently. Others come with disruption, questions, and a quiet sense of letting go. Holly Davis joins Pastors Rick and Susan Ross to reflect on what it means to parent through change—when routines shift, roles evolve, and children step into new stages before we feel ready. Drawing from decades in ministry, 46 years of marriage, and life with adult children and grandchildren, they speak with honesty about releasing control, trusting God's timing, and staying anchored in faith. Whether the next transition is approaching or already unfolding, these reflections offer steadiness, perspective, and reassurance that grace meets us in every season. ---------------------------------------------- TIME STAMPS: 00:00:00 Welcome & Meet Rick & Susan 00:03:45 Parenting Through Seasons of Change 00:07:20 Releasing Children and Trusting God with Transition 00:12:05 Scripture, Discipline, & Teaching Responsibility 00:18:20 Pray, Mentors, & the Role of Spiritual Community 00:25:00 Marriage, Parenting Styles, & Navigating Tension 00:31:10 Supporting Single Parents & Non-Traditional Families 00:35:15 Loving Well through Presence, Conversation & Play 00:38:40 Prayer for Families Facing Transition & Closing Thoughts ---------------------------------------------- Follow Ignite Parenting Instagram | @Ignite.Parenting Facebook | Ignite Parenting Website | www.igniteparenting.com [http://www.igniteparenting.com]

In the Everyday Moments — The Heart of Intentional Parenting

Parenting comes with pressure—from culture, from comparison, and from our own expectations. In this episode, Josh Wellborn, National Director of Young Adults, sits down with John, National Director of Called, and Alicia Zick for an honest conversation about what intentional, Holy Spirit guided parenting really looks like. Together they share the joys and challenges of becoming young parents, navigating school choices and discipline, finding identity in "the hidden years," and building real community—especially for moms and families far from home. Their stories highlight the beauty of small, everyday moments and the importance of praying through decisions unique to each child. If you've ever wondered whether you're doing enough, this episode is a reminder that God leads, equips, and fills in every gap. ---------------------------------------------- TIME STAMPS: 00:00:00 Welcome & Meet John and Alicia 00:01:15 Becoming Young Parents & Feeling Unprepared 00:03:40 Marriage, Moves, & the Early Years 00:05:18 "My Life Is Over?" — Honest First-Time Parent Feelings 00:07:20 Identity, Motherhood, & Beauty of "Hidden Years" 00:10:15 Cultural Pressure vs. Holy Spirit-Led Parenting 00:11:55 School Choices: Public, Homeschool, Christian 00:13:55: Discipline, Consistency, & Prayer Led Decisions 00:18:15 Finding Community as a Young or Single Parent 00:22:50 Mom Groups, Vulnerability & Building Deep Friendships 00:25:35 Daily Rhythms: High/Lows & Ignite Conversation Cards 00:27:58 Modeling Ministry & Encouragement for Other Moms 00:29:55 Fighting for Community in a Post-COVID World 00:31:30 Connecting with your Kids After School & At Bedtime 00:34:00 Small Moments, Big Conversations 00:36:10 Each Child is Unique: Parenting with Sensitivity 00:37:55 Overstimulation, Teamwork & Encouraging Each Other 00:38:55 Prayer as the Foundation of Parenting 00:40:45 Closing Thoughts & Authenticity in Parenting ---------------------------------------------- Follow Ignite Parenting Instagram | @Ignite.Parenting Facebook | Ignite Parenting Website | www.igniteparenting.com [http://www.igniteparenting.com] Follow Called Instagram | @Called.AG Facebook | Called—AG Website | www.called.ag.org [http://www.called.ag.org] Follow Young Adults Instagram | @YoungAdults.AG