Episode Summary: This episode is inspired by something I heard Stefanie Gass say on a recent episode of her podcast. She said, “I don’t know how to play with my kids.” I thought, “Oh! I can help!” Here are a few tips I have to share: 1. Ask your kids for help 2. Just say yes 3. Keep practicing 4. Prioritize the time 5. Create something 6. Let it go! 7. Put on some music 8. Pray Verses from the episode: Deuteronomy 6:4-9 Ecclesiastes 11:8 John 10:10 Links from the episode: https://stefaniegass.com/thepodcast/ Playfully Faithful Parenting Podcast is a ministry of CreatedtoPlay.com. For more resources, tips, devotions, and tools check us out online: https://createdtoplay.com . Freebies for you: Want to work with me? Sign up for a 15-minute free coaching call: https://createdtoplay.com/free-coaching Join my free 5-day Bible Play Challenge: https://createdtoplay.com/challenge Get 17 fun, free kid’s blessings for meals: https://createdtoplay.com/kids-blessings Even though I’m an introvert, I’m social!  Let’s connect! Instagram: https://instagram.com/createdtoplay Facebook: https://facebook.com/created2play Twitter: https://twitter.com/createdtoplay Pinterest: https://pinterest.com/createdtoplay Did you enjoy the show? Subscribe and leave me a 5-star review on Apple Music and make me giddy. Music by jorikbasov from Pixabay. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/joy-wendling/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/joy-wendling/support

Episode Summary: In this episode, we talk about the history and importance of Sunday School and Children’s Ministry for your family. All of these benefits are to support and equip families as they pursue Christ every day in their homes and in their communities. Children’s ministry is not designed to be your child’s primary discipleship. We all need more than 1 hour of Jesus a week. Here are the benefits of Sunday School that we discuss: 1) Kids learn that church is a fun, safe place. 2) Children develop relationships with other trusted Christian adults. 3) Kids connect with other Christian kids. 4) Kids can learn from others’ creativity and perspective, not just mama’s. 5) Parents build relationships that can provide resources for helping minister to our kids at home. 6) It reinforces lessons kids learn at home. 7) It provides a safe place for kids to practice having faith discussions outside of the home. 8) It provides a safe place for older children, teens, and adults to express their gifts and serve God and his people. Verses from the episode: Deuteronomy 6:4-9 Links from the episode: Blog Post on Topic Playfully Faithful Parenting Podcast is a ministry of CreatedtoPlay.com. For more resources, tips, devotions, and tools check us out online: https://createdtoplay.com . Freebies for you: Want to work with me? Sign up for a 15-minute free coaching call: https://createdtoplay.com/free-coaching Join my free 5-day Bible Play Challenge: https://createdtoplay.com/challenge Get 17 fun, free kid’s blessings for meals: https://createdtoplay.com/kids-blessings Even though I’m an introvert, I’m social!  Let’s connect! Instagram: https://instagram.com/createdtoplay Facebook: https://facebook.com/created2play Twitter: https://twitter.com/createdtoplay Pinterest: https://pinterest.com/createdtoplay Did you enjoy the show? Subscribe and leave me a 5-star review on Apple Music and make me giddy. Music by jorikbasov from Pixabay. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/joy-wendling/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/joy-wendling/support

Episode Summary: In today’s episode, I talk with Christia and Kenny DeShields about playful declarations and their newest book, God Made Me Perfect. Christia and Kenny DeShields are educators, songwriters, musicians, and creatives, who carry the spirit of family everywhere they go. Parents to three boys, ages 2, 4, and 6, They enjoy family adventures, making memories and having fun. Find them on Instagram: moda_christia  + kennydeshields Verses from the episode: Deuteronomy 6:4-9 Links from the episode: DeShields’ Website DeShields’ YouTube Channel God Made Me Perfect Book Sensory Seeking Sebastian Playfully Faithful Parenting Podcast is a ministry of CreatedtoPlay.com. For more resources, tips, devotions, and tools check us out online: https://createdtoplay.com . Freebies for you: Want to work with me? Sign up for a 15-minute free coaching call: https://createdtoplay.com/free-coaching Join my free 5-day Bible Play Challenge: https://createdtoplay.com/challenge Get 17 fun, free kid’s blessings for meals: https://createdtoplay.com/kids-blessings Even though I’m an introvert, I’m social!  Let’s connect! Instagram: https://instagram.com/createdtoplay Facebook: https://facebook.com/created2play Twitter: https://twitter.com/createdtoplay Pinterest: https://pinterest.com/createdtoplay Did you enjoy the show? Subscribe and leave me a 5-star review on Apple Music and make me giddy. Music by jorikbasov from Pixabay. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/joy-wendling/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/joy-wendling/support

Episode Summary: In this episode, I share practical tips on how to incorporate play into your family’s faith and faith into your family’s play. Faith into Play: Look for and ask about: Bible Stories Characters God’s Characteristics Fruit of the Spirit/godly traits Play into Faith: Do Playful Bible Reading & Playful Prayers Use games, experiments, and object lessons to share about the character of God Sunday School Music and Worship music with hand motions Seeds Family Worship Dana Dirkson Cedarmont Kids Verses from the episode: Deuteronomy 6:4-9 Luke 13:34 Exodus Esther Links from the episode: 3 Common Mistakes We Make When Reading the Bible to Preschoolers Celebrate the Fruit of the Spirit in Your Kids Prayer Prompts Playful Bible Reading Training Playfully Faithful Parenting Podcast is a ministry of CreatedtoPlay.com. For more resources, tips, devotions, and tools check us out online: https://createdtoplay.com . Freebies for you: Want to work with me? Sign up for a 15-minute free coaching call: https://createdtoplay.com/free-coaching Join my free 5-day Bible Play Challenge: https://createdtoplay.com/challenge Get 17 fun, free kid’s blessings for meals: https://createdtoplay.com/kids-blessings Even though I’m an introvert, I’m social!  Let’s connect! Instagram: https://instagram.com/createdtoplay Facebook: https://facebook.com/created2play Twitter: https://twitter.com/createdtoplay Pinterest: https://pinterest.com/createdtoplay Did you enjoy the show? Subscribe and leave me a 5-star review on Apple Music and make me giddy. Music by jorikbasov from Pixabay. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/joy-wendling/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/joy-wendling/support

Episode Summary: Let’s talk about what play really is. We will look at it both from a scholarly and a Biblical POV. United Nation’s Committee on the Rights of the Child’s definition: “‘Play’:  Children’s play is any behaviour, activity or process initiated, controlled and structured by children themselves; it takes place whenever and wherever opportunities arise. Caregivers may contribute to the creation of environments in which play takes place, but play itself is non-compulsory, driven by intrinsic motivation and undertaken for its own sake, rather than as a means to an end. Play involves the exercise of autonomy, physical, mental or emotional activity, and has the potential to take infinite forms, either in groups or alone. These forms will change and be adapted throughout the course of childhood. The key characteristics of play are fun, uncertainty, challenge, flexibility and non-productivity. Together, these factors contribute to the enjoyment it produces and the consequent incentive to continue to play. While play is often considered non-essential, the Committee reaffirms that it is a fundamental and vital dimension of the pleasure of childhood, as well as an essential component of physical, social, cognitive, emotional and spiritual development.” (As defined in UN’s General Comment #17 on article 31) Biblically play is seen in times of peace, restoration, and celebration. It is also deeply connected to Sabbath which demonstrates trusting God to remain in control as you take time to glorify him through enjoying the life he has given you. We also look at the concepts of free-play & guided-play. Verses from the episode: 2 Samuel 6:14 Isaiah 11 Zechariah 8:5 Links from the episode: Dr. Stuart Brown’s 7 Characteristics of Play University of Cambridge’s Research Center Play in Education, Development, and Learning (PEDAL) Playfully Faithful Parenting Podcast is a ministry of CreatedtoPlay.com. For more resources, tips, devotions, and tools check us out online: https://createdtoplay.com . Freebies for you: Want to work with me? Sign up for a 15-minute free coaching call: https://createdtoplay.com/free-coaching Join my free 5-day Bible Play Challenge: https://createdtoplay.com/challenge Get 17 fun, free kid’s blessings for meals: https://createdtoplay.com/kids-blessings Even though I’m an introvert, I’m social!  Let’s connect! Instagram: https://instagram.com/createdtoplay Facebook: https://facebook.com/created2play Twitter: https://twitter.com/createdtoplay Pinterest: https://pinterest.com/createdtoplay Did you enjoy the show? Subscribe and leave me a 5-star review on Apple Music and make me giddy. Music by jorikbasov from Pixabay. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/joy-wendling/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/joy-wendling/support

Episode Summary: In this episode we look at play and the important role it plays in a child’s development. The Areas of Development: cognitive (includes language) social-emotional physical spiritual Play builds synapses between neurons in the brain, When these connections are not made they are pruned making it more difficult to build later on. If we can build our children’s brains’ connections in ways that glorify God and point them to him when they are young it will be much easier for them to continue on that path. Verses from the episode: Luke 2:52 Links from the episode: Building babies’ brains through play: Mini Parenting Master Class Playfully Faithful Parenting Podcast is a ministry of CreatedtoPlay.com. For more resources, tips, devotions, and tools check us out online: https://createdtoplay.com . Freebies for you: Want to work with me? Sign up for a 15-minute free coaching call: https://createdtoplay.com/free-coaching Join my free 5-day Bible Play Challenge: https://createdtoplay.com/challenge Get 17 fun, free kid’s blessings for meals: https://createdtoplay.com/kids-blessings Even though I’m an introvert, I’m social!  Let’s connect! Instagram: https://instagram.com/createdtoplay Facebook: https://facebook.com/created2play Twitter: https://twitter.com/createdtoplay Pinterest: https://pinterest.com/createdtoplay Did you enjoy the show? Subscribe and leave me a 5-star review on Apple Music and make me giddy. Music by jorikbasov from Pixabay. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/joy-wendling/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/joy-wendling/support

Episode Summary: In this Bonus Episode I chat with Wendy Schulz about spiritual parenting, play, and the only 4 toys you need to start Bible play, Hint, hint… you probably already have them at home! We also talk about how she encourages mamas to play through modern-day pilgrimages to Europe. It is a fun conversation that you won’t want to miss! Verses from the episode: Deuteronomy 6:4-9 Matthew 18:6 Links from the episode: (May contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase using these links. For more information, please see my disclosure policy.) Wendy’s Website Wendy’s Business Partner, Amy Carroll’s Website Amy’s Book: Exhale Playfully Faithful Parenting Podcast is a ministry of CreatedtoPlay.com. For more resources, tips, devotions, and tools check us out online: https://createdtoplay.com . Freebies for you: Want to work with me? Sign up for a 15-minute free coaching call: https://createdtoplay.com/free-coaching Join my free 5-day Bible Play Challenge: https://createdtoplay.com/challenge Get 17 fun, free kid’s blessings for meals: https://createdtoplay.com/kids-blessings Even though I’m an introvert, I’m social!  Let’s connect! Instagram: https://instagram.com/createdtoplay Facebook: https://facebook.com/created2play Twitter: https://twitter.com/createdtoplay Pinterest: https://pinterest.com/createdtoplay Did you enjoy the show? Subscribe and leave me a 5-star review on Apple Music and make me giddy. Music by jorikbasov from Pixabay. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/joy-wendling/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/joy-wendling/support

Episode Summary: As a Christian mama you have decided that you want your kids to know and love Jesus. You believe that God, through his Word, has called you to be the one to teach your children and journey with them and the Holy Spirit. So, now what? The most important first step in introducing your kids to Jesus, is you having a vibrant, life-giving relationship with Him. You must spend time with Him. You must know you are loved and you must love Him. When you are closely following Jesus, you won’t be able to stop from sharing Him with your children. Your kids deserve a mama that is in a healthy spiritual place because you will be a better mom with Jesus. But, that is a by-product! God wants a relationship with you, just to have a relationship with you. He is not merely equipping you to serve others or point them to Him. He desperately wants a deep, intimate, and authentic relationship with you, his created, chosen, and loved daughter and friend.  You can’t earn more of His love no matter how many devotionals you read, prayers you say, or your children walk with Him. In this episode we will talk about some simple ways to prioritize and nurture your faith. Verses from the episode: Deuteronomy 6:4-9 Links from the episode: Blog Post on Topic She Reads Truth Bible NLT Inspire Journaling Bible Spiritual Disciplines Handbook The Bible Recap Plan The Bible Recap Book Long Days of Small Things: Motherhood as a Spiritual Discipline Missional Motherhood: The Everyday Ministry of Motherhood in the Grand Plan of God Playfully Faithful Parenting Podcast is a ministry of CreatedtoPlay.com. For more resources, tips, devotions, and tools check us out online: https://createdtoplay.com . Freebies for you: Want to work with me? Sign up for a 15-minute free coaching call: https://createdtoplay.com/free-coaching Join my free 5-day Bible Play Challenge: https://createdtoplay.com/challenge Get 17 fun, free kid’s blessings for meals: https://createdtoplay.com/kids-blessings Even though I’m an introvert, I’m social!  Let’s connect! Instagram: https://instagram.com/createdtoplay Facebook: https://facebook.com/created2play Twitter: https://twitter.com/createdtoplay Pinterest: https://pinterest.com/createdtoplay Did you enjoy the show? Subscribe and leave me a 5-star review on Apple Music and make me giddy. Music by jorikbasov from Pixabay. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/joy-wendling/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/joy-wendling/support

Episode Summary: In this very first episode of Playfully Faithful Parenting, I share my testimony and tell you my journey so far to becoming a Playfully Faithful Parent. Stops on the journey include: Young Life Failed Mission Work Being a full-time Nanny Children’s and Youth Ministry Director Fuller Theological Seminary Running an In-home Daycare Family Ministry and Opening a Preschool Transitioning to SAHM You will also learn what Spiritual Parenting is and what the Bible says about it. Verses from the episode: Deuteronomy 6:4-9 3 John 1:4 Proverbs 22:6 Links from the episode: Blog Post on Topic Playfully Faithful Parenting Podcast is a ministry of CreatedtoPlay.com. For more resources, tips, devotions, and tools check us out online: https://createdtoplay.com . Freebies for you: Want to work with me? Sign up for a 15-minute free coaching call: https://createdtoplay.com/free-coaching Join my free 5-day Bible Play Challenge: https://createdtoplay.com/challenge Get 17 fun, free kid’s blessings for meals: https://createdtoplay.com/kids-blessings Even though I’m an introvert, I’m social!  Let’s connect! Instagram: https://instagram.com/createdtoplay Facebook: https://facebook.com/created2play Twitter: https://twitter.com/createdtoplay Pinterest: https://pinterest.com/createdtoplay Did you enjoy the show? Subscribe and leave me a 5-star review on Apple Music and make me giddy. Music by jorikbasov from Pixabay. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/joy-wendling/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/joy-wendling/support

Episode Summary: In Episode 003 we discuss 10 tips for introducing your kids to Jesus. Ultimately, it is not our responsibility whether our children choose to follow Christ or not; it is theirs. Even if we do everything right, which we won’t, our kids may choose their own path or take a few detours. Your job is to teach them well, pray for them often, and then, trust God with the rest. Here are a few tips to help you teach your kids about Christ: Keep age-appropriate Bibles and Bible Storybooks around your house. And, read them playfully! Pray with your child each night, big bold prayers and tiny little prayers! Learn fun blessings to use at mealtimes. Apologize to your kids when you make mistakes or lose your cool. Talk about God as Creator when you are outside in nature. Sing Sunday School songs from your childhood, if you know any. Listen to praise music together. Tell your kids what a great job God did when He made them! “Wow, I love how silly God made you!” Teach in your child’s Sunday School class. Have other Christian adults regularly in your child’s life. BONUS TIP!! 11. Keep faith fun! Laugh, sing, play, and celebrate every day! Links from the episode: Blog Post on Topic Blog post on Best Kid’s Bibles Children of God Storybook Bible by Archbishop Desmund Tutu The Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd-Jones Hands-On Bible NLT (ages 8and up) Blog post on blessings to use at mealtimes. Blog Post on Playful Bible Reading Playfully Faithful Parenting Podcast is a ministry of CreatedtoPlay.com. For more resources, tips, devotions, and tools check us out online: https://createdtoplay.com . Freebies for you: Want to work with me? Sign up for a 15-minute free coaching call: https://createdtoplay.com/free-coaching Join my free 5-day Bible Play Challenge: https://createdtoplay.com/challenge Get 17 fun, free kid’s blessings for meals: https://createdtoplay.com/kids-blessings Even though I’m an introvert, I’m social!  Let’s connect! Instagram: https://instagram.com/createdtoplay Facebook: https://facebook.com/created2play Twitter: https://twitter.com/createdtoplay Pinterest: https://pinterest.com/createdtoplay Did you enjoy the show? Subscribe and leave me a 5-star review on Apple Music and make me giddy. Music by jorikbasov from Pixabay. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/joy-wendling/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/joy-wendling/support