Wire Talk With Karen Stubbs

We’re continuing to unpack Luke’s account of the Christmas story today in chapter 1 of Luke. As Karen breaks down the angel Gabriel’s visit to Mary and her response to him she  draws out beautiful and practical truths we can learn from this section of Scripture. Mentioned on today’s episode: Wire Talk series on James Luke 1:26-38 (NLT version) Life Application Study Bible 2 Samuel 7 - God’s promise to David that his kingdom will never end

It’s easy as a mom to spend all of your time leading up to Christmas morning checking off a giant to-do list and completely neglect to set aside any time to focus your heart on what the point of all this fuss is - JESUS’s arrival! That’s why, over the next 4 weeks Karen is going to walk us through the Christmas story as recorded by Luke, and give you a slice of time that is just for your spirit. Today we are getting started in Luke 1 with the story of Zechariah and his wife, Elizabeth. Mentioned on this episode: Wire Talk James study - Week 1 Luke 1:1-25 NLT version Life Application Study Bible Pre-order Survival Guide to Motherhood!

The holidays are a special time of year but they can be extremely tricky for families. Whether you're traveling or staying home, struggling with your mother-in-law or your own mom, there’s lots of family time involved and that often leads to tension. Today Karen gives moms tips for having tactful conversations with grandparents, preparing our kids for situations that are outside the everyday, and being especially proactive as we parent at this time of year.  Mentioned on the episode: Pre-order Survival Guide to Motherhood today! Find resources for educating grandparents or other family members about your child's personality color HERE. 

What topics aren’t sensitive when you’re talking to a teenager! Today Karen is tackling tricky questions, from how to talk about health issues and personality differences to sneaky behavior and dealing with aging parents. As always, Karen doles out her trademark practical wisdom with some gems for the teenage years! Mentioned on today’s episode: Karen’s new book is available for pre-order! Take Birds on a Wire’s personality colors quiz HERE Find more BOAW personality resources HERE. Kathleen Edelman’s A Grown Up’s Guide to Kids’ Wiring

Technology is increasingly a part of every aspect of today's world and there is so much to navigate! From gaming to social media to smartphones and everything in between, today Karen is answering questions about how to set boundaries and how to think about the technology we allow into our homes and into our kids' lives. Mentioned on today’s episode: GABB Wireless - safe phones for kids Wire Talk episode 116 with expert Tom Shefchunas Circle internet filtering Right Now Media - video library for kids Good Pictures, Bad Pictures (book about pornography for ages 6-11) Good Pictures, Bad Pictures JR. (ages 3-6)

Toni Collier, founder of the women’s ministry, Broken Crayons Still Color, joins Karen today to talk about the message of her brand new book - Brave Enough to be Broken. We know you’ll enjoy hearing Toni’s personal story and resonate with the message that God uses all of our brokenness for His glory. Be sure to grab a copy of Toni’s brand new book and share this episode with a woman in your life who needs some encouragement today! Mentioned on today’s episode: Toni’s ministry Get the book: Brave Enough to be Broken Connect with Toni on social media

If you have toddlers in the house, you know nap time is a BIG deal! Today Karen is fielding questions from moms desperate for a little afternoon peace. Listen in for tips on how to create a “quiet time” for your kiddo and how to navigate the tricky in-between season when they still need sleep, but just won’t surrender! 

Disagreement is inevitable in any relationship and marriage is no exception. When you’re parenting together, and your husband has his own way of doing things, disagreements cause even greater tension. Today we’re answering your questions about conflict with your husband, everything from planning date nights and handling criticism to riding motorcycles with the kids! Mentioned on today’s episode: Wild At Heart WT 197: Creative Date Nights Survival Guide to Motherhood (ages 0-5)

There's a reason they're called the 'Terrible Twos' friends! Whether it's daycare drop-off, not wanting to share, or just not getting their way, it can take us by surprise when our little angels find their voice and use it in a big way. If there's a toddler in your home, today's questions will probably sound familiar, so listen for a pep talk from Karen to stay the course, not give in, and keep up the good work, mom! 

When you have elementary and middle school aged kids, the pressure and the busy schedule that come with pursuing athletics or the arts can really stress a mom out! Whether it’s pushback from your kids, or a strain on your schedule and your finances, today Karen gives advice on how to juggle it all and keep the most important things central in your world during this season of life. Check out today's shownotes and find all things BOAW at: birdsonawiremoms.com

Megan and Leigh join us in the studio today to share how they see the world through the lens of a GREEN MOM. They'll talk about what makes motherhood easy for greens and how it challenges their temperaments; if you're a green, we think you'll hear a bit of your own experience in this conversation and if you're not green, we think it will give you valuable insights into the green moms in your world. Not sure your color? Don't forget to take our quiz at BOAW.MOM/QUIZ Mentioned on the show: Personality Plus for Parents I Said This, You Heard That by Kathleen Edelman

Today Ashley and Anisa join us in the studio to share how they see the world through the lens of a BLUE MOM. They'll talk about how blues thrive in mom world and what doesn't come easily to them as blues. If you're a blue, we think you'll hear a bit of your own experience in this conversation and if you're not blue, we think it will give you valuable insights into the blue moms in your world. Not sure your color? Don't forget to take our quiz at BOAW.MOM/QUIZ

Mandee and Erin join us in the studio today to share how they see the world through the lens of a YELLOW MOM. You know Karen is yellow, so this is one FUN conversation! We'll hear what these yellows love about mom life, but also how it refines them. If you're a yellow, we think you'll hear a bit of your own experience in this conversation and if you're not yellow, we think it will give you valuable insights into the yellow moms in your world. Not sure your color? Don't forget to take our quiz at BOAW.MOM/QUIZ

Today Katie and Kelly join us in the studio to share how they see life and parenting through the lens of being a "red". They'll talk about working life, home life, and everything in between. If you're a red, we think you'll hear a bit of your own experience in this conversation and if you're not red, we think it will give you valuable insights into the red moms in your world. Not sure your color? Don't forget to take our colors quiz at BOAW.MOM/QUIZ Mentioned on today's episode: Personality Plus for Parents I Said This, You Heard That

This episode kicks off 5 weeks of a new Personality Colors series! We're going to share what the colors are, where the concept comes from, how to find out your color, and why it’s a helpful tool for families. Then, week by week we're bringing you interviews with moms of each color to help you understand how this temperament plays out in motherhood. We hope you come away encouraged and equipped to use the colors in your family! Mentioned on the show: The BOAW Colors Quiz Personality Plus for Parents I Said This, You Heard That by Kathleen Edelman A Grown Up's Guide to Kids' Wiring 

We all know focusing on a healthy marriage should be a priority while you raise kids, but sometimes your kids are the source of conflict in your marriage! Today Karen and Sunny are answering your questions about how to navigate the inevitable disagreements that go hand in hand with parenting together. Links from today's show: Parenting Together curriculum Our newest study: Survival Guide to Motherhoood (ages 0-5)

Have you ever been taken aback by the BIG feelings coming out of your child's small body? Today we're talking about angry outbursts, emotional meltdowns, sibling jealousy, and a crippling fear of failure. Listen and learn from Karen's wisdom so you can equip your kids to handle big emotions. Mentioned on today’s episode: A Grown Up’s Guide to Kids’ Wiring The Anger Iceberg blog post Snag Karen’s devotional and start the school year off right: Moments with God for Moms

Moms often feel like we work all day—either at an office or at home—and then we start a second shift in the evening: dinner, dishes, bathtime, etc. Sometimes it can feel like we do it all alone! Today, we're answering questions about spouses who don't carry half the weight, kids who are perpetual mess-makers, and how to motivate your family to pitch in and help a mom out!  Mentioned on today's episode: Elizabeth Pehrson's ministry (mom of 8 who gives lots of chores!!): The Exchange Moms on Call sleep training program YouVersion plan: 10 Days to a Better Back to School Snag Karen’s devotional and start the school year off right: Moments with God for Moms

August is basically another New Year for moms, right? New schools, new teachers, new schedules, everything starts over and we get a chance for a fresh start. Listen in today for Karen's tips on hitting the reset button and starting off on the right foot this school year. Mentioned on today's episode: YouVersion reading plan - 10 Days to a Better Back to School Karen's daily devotional - Moments with God for Moms   

The feelings of guilt are REAL in a mom’s world. Today Karen talks about how she's experienced mom guilt in the past and how she manages it in the present. She also offers advice on asking for help, dropping kids off at child care, and what to do when guilt creeps in. Tune in and be encouraged today! Mentioned on today’s episode: Moms of Teens! Register for the SURVIVE retreat today! Get on Karen’s monthly email list Share Your Thoughts about BOAW with us!