Elevate Motherhood Podcast

#45: Travel Tips for Young Families with Melissa Harms from Everyday Family Travel Blog

In this episode of the Elevate Motherhood podcast, Courtney Lundeen speaks with Melissa Harms, a mom of four and the creator of the Everyday Family Travel blog. They discuss the importance of family travel, how to plan vacations with kids, budgeting tips, and the mindset needed for successful trips. Melissa shares her personal experiences and insights on making travel enjoyable and educational for children, emphasizing flexibility and realistic expectations. The conversation also includes the role of faith in parenting and travel, and how to create lasting memories as a family.     Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Everyday Family Travel 01:29 The Spark of Travel Passion 02:21 Planning Family Vacations 05:19 Mindset and Expectations for Traveling with Kids 08:25 Budgeting for Travel 10:59 Tips for Long Road Trips 17:01 Overcoming Travel Logistics 20:02 Lessons Learned from Travel 22:30 The Role of Faith in Travel and Family Life     Links:    Everyday Family Travel Blog [https://everydayfamilytravel.blog/] Everyday Family Travel Resource Hub [https://everydayfamilytravel.blog/everything/]- Free Printable Travel Goodies, access to Free Facebook Groups, Top Travel Booking Tools.  18 Road Trip Hacks for Kids [https://everydayfamilytravel.blog/road-trip-hacks-for-kids/] Everyday Family Travel Blog on Instagram   Click here for the transcript from this episode.

#44: Raising a Child with Differences - with Jenn Klaus

Join Courtney and Jenn Klaus for a conversation between friends about raising a child with differences. Jenn is the best mom to her 3 children - Willie, Blaiklee, and Bailor. Her son Willie has Down syndrome and autism. Courtney and Jenn discuss advice for moms raising children with differences, tips Jenn has learned over the years, ways for all moms to be inclusive and good friends, and how to teach our kids to do the same!   Follow Jenn on Instagram @Jenn.Lee.Klaus [https://www.instagram.com/jenn.lee.klaus/] Follow Jenn's cute business on Instagram @JennBroidery_  [https://www.instagram.com/jennbroidery_/] The Gift Shop at Sara Kay Art Studio 3825 NW 166th St. C9-10 Edmond, OK Tuesday & Thursday 10am - 2pm or By Appointment The Gift Shop at Abide Interiors 14 S Broadway, Edmond, OK 73034 Follow @ElevateMotherhood [https://www.instagram.com/elevatemotherhood/] on Instagram

#43: How to Fight Anxiety as a Christian Mom

Anxiety is something so many of us face, but as Christian moms, how do we navigate it in a way that strengthens our faith rather than shakes it? This episode isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about an honest conversation, sharing wisdom, and learning how to take responsibility for our mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. We’ll talk about: -Shifting from "I have anxiety" to "I am overcoming anxiety" -Why a relationship with God—not just quoting verses—brings true peace -Taking ownership over triggers and avoiding what fuels anxiety -Doom scrolling, caffeine overload, and the everyday habits that make anxiety worse -The power of movement, rest, and choosing thoughts that bring life -How to trust God deeply—even when worst-case scenarios creep in This is the pep talk we all need—a reminder that while anxiety is real, it doesn’t have to rule our lives. You are not alone, and you CAN experience freedom. Let’s dive in together! Follow @ElevateMotherhood on instagram!

#42: Known By Your Fruit: How Christian Women Can Change The World

What if the most powerful way to change the world is simply by staying rooted in Christ? In this episode, we’re talking about the impact of Christian women who live out their calling with confidence, love, and the Fruit of the Spirit. Jesus said, “You will know them by their fruits” (Matthew 7:16), and today we’re reflecting on what that means for our daily lives. We’ll dive into: What it looks like to live with the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control Why our daily interactions—big and small—are opportunities to reflect Christ How to be unoffendable and stay the course, even when faced with criticism or negativity How being a fruit-filled mom and wife transforms our families and communities Why Christian women walking confidently in their faith is exactly what the world needs Key Scriptures: Matthew 7:16-20 – “You will know them by their fruits…” John 15:5-8 – “I am the vine, you are the branches…” James 3:17 – “The wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.” Challenge for the Week: Take a moment to reflect—what do people see in you? Are you living out the fruit of the Spirit? Ask God to help you stay connected to Him and let your life overflow with His fruit! If this episode encouraged you, I’d love to hear from you! Subscribe & leave a review—it helps spread the message to other moms just like you! Get more Elevate Motherhood:  Click here for the full show notes, links, and transcript. [https://www.courtneylundeen.com/blog/42] Click here to follow @ElevateMotherhood on Instagram. [https://www.instagram.com/elevatemotherhood/] FREE instant download Bible Verses for Moms. [https://www.courtneylundeen.com/email-sign-up] FREE instant download Simple Life Starter Pack. [https://www.courtneylundeen.com/simplelife] Thanks for being here, friend! Until next time, let's Elevate Motherhood! *Sorry for the bad audio on this one! I'll get it fixed before the next episode! :)

#41: Half Birthdays - a Special Family Tradition

Celebrating your kids' half-birthdays can be an easy and fun family tradition. We love thinking of ways to make childhood (and motherhood) filled with happy memories. In this episode, you'll get lots of fun and easy ideas for how and why to make this a fun part of your family's traditions. Get more Elevate Motherhood:  Click here for the full show notes, links, and transcript. [https://www.courtneylundeen.com/blog/41] Click here to follow @ElevateMotherhood on Instagram. [https://www.instagram.com/elevatemotherhood/] FREE instant download Bible Verses for Moms. [https://www.courtneylundeen.com/email-sign-up] FREE instant download Simple Life Starter Pack. [https://www.courtneylundeen.com/simplelife] Thanks for being here, friend! Until next time, let's Elevate Motherhood!