“Our culture is moving further and further away from principles and truth. What we really ultimately hope to give you, and to build and create, is a community that has the power to shift the culture. We do that by beginning with shifting the culture in our homes and raising principle-centered children. But we also do that by reaching out into our communities and building bridges through emphasizing that there are fundamental truths that can unify us all. 

And all of that begins with empowering every mom with a clear understanding of true principles and how to apply them in her life.” ~Audrey Rindlisbacher
Are you ready for the fast track to a principled life?! HERE IT IS!

This fall you have the opportunity to gather in Dallas, TX with other moms just like you--truth seekers who want to build a strong family culture centered on principles--and spend an entire day gleaning all the most important concepts, ideas, and tools that Audrey and her team have gathered in over 20 years of research, study, and teaching!

Do NOT pass up this unique and one-time chance to be mentored, inspired, and trained in the ability to pierce the confusion and identify the principles. Not only that, you'll be armed with skills for implementing those principles in your daily life and enjoying the abundant blessings that always follow principles.



Listener's Guide:
Use the time stamps below to skip to any part of the podcast. 


1:16 - Welcome and introduction of Julie, Tracie, Lindsey, and Audrey
2:17 - When, how, why did you begin learning about principles?
12:57 - How have principles changed your life?
23:05 - What insights have you had as you've been preparing for the event?
30:43 - What would you tell someone who thinks this is too hard, too intellectual, or too abstract?
35:40 - What excited you the most about this event?






Quotes from this episode:
“We make rules, but we don’t make principles.” ~ Lindsey Wright
“His settled convictions were as a dike against those invading waters of novel opinion - social, political, and otherwise - which carried away, as in a torrent, no few minds, in those days; minds by nature not inferior to his own.” ~ Herman Melville, Billie Bud
“I realized that I was lacking something, I just didn’t know how to think when I was confronted with different ideas and different opinions. I just wanted a way to find a way through that and I knew I desperately needed it.” ~ Tracie Hyde
“Natural law is a way to bring people together; to connect us at our core.” ~ Audrey Rindlisbacher
“It’s been  my passion to try to govern my life according to principles. I wanted to discover what they are and build a framework that can be communicated clearly to give other people tools for the discovery and utilization of true principles at the most basic, easiest level possible.” ~ Audrey Rindlisbacher
“I got so much clarity by asking better questions and focusing on the outcome that I want and then connecting that to some p

The Quickest Shortcut to Principle Centered Living You’re Ever Going To Get!

"I feel the sustaining presence of the Savior and a deep sense of calm." ~Sharidean Flint
One year ago, my sister was healthy and happy —as a wife, mother, grandmother, sister, friend, neighbor, and community leader.  If you were part of our community then you probably watched or listened to an interview I did with her about her childhood, motherhood, and path to becoming the first woman mayor of Hyde Park city. We discussed her challenges, hardships, and the difficulties she’d overcome in her life. I also made sure to highlight how she lived the 7 Laws of Life Mission and the way in which they prepared her to become an amazing source of love and inspiration to those around her. 
Since our interview, Sharidean had continued to do all the good of which she was capable, serving others in her fun-loving way. Then, at the end of January, intense migraines began. Within two weeks she had brain surgery and was diagnosed with glioblastoma.
Almost from the moment she was diagnosed I felt that I needed to share with you what I saw, heard, and experienced, so that, along with her family, friends, and community, you could be lifted by the legacy she has left.
This podcast is the rest of her story.
(P.S. When I went in to create the image for the podcast, I was going to post a picture of us together or of her with her family. But then I visited her Facebook page and noticed that I hadn't seen her newest profile picture. I've used that picture here. The image and words are what she created -- a powerful, faithful message which demonstrates all she stood for.)



Listener's Guide:
Use the time stamps below to skip to any part of the podcast. 


1:20 - MDM Updates
6:30 - Sharidean Update
15:39 - Sharidean's fear is replaced with profound peace
29:30 - Love between Sharidean & her husband Kevin
31:13 - Outpouring of love from the community 
38:47 - Sharidean's letter to the city







Quotes from this episode:
"She went through a lot of really hard things in her life. And she used those hard things to drive her faith deeper." ~Audrey Rindlisbacher
"I feel the sustaining presence of the Savior and a deep sense of calm. I feel His love and your love."  ~Sharidean Flint



Links from this episode:
  

The Rest of Her Story: Sharidean Flint

“There is an exhilaration in knowing who you are.” ~Audrey Rindlisbacher

The first time I learned about "The Hero's Journey" by Joseph Campbell, I was blown away. It was everywhere! The idea that there was a form for the way the best stories are told - across time and culture - spoke to how similar we really are as humans. 

But for me, it was much bigger than that. My question was: WHY? Why do we tell the same kinds of stories, century after century, and why are these stories made up of the same components? Why do our best stories talk of "calls," "departures," "trials," and "treasures"? What is it about these kinds of stories that evoke our imagination and resonate with us so much? 

I believe it is because we are identifying with the Adventure of Self-Discovery. Deep down inside all of us want to grow and learn and become more than we are. "The Hero's Journey" reminds us of what that path looks like, that we need to say "Yes" to the call in order to begin the growth process, and that although the way will be full of obstacles and hardships the pay-off will be well worth the struggle. 

In this podcast, I explore "The Hero's Journey" using stories of those who have rejected and those who have accepted the call. I look at why we reject the call and remind us all of some of the treasures we can obtain if we accept it. I also encourage you, if you've heard the call of self-discovery - through an MDM program or other opportunity - and you've rejected the call, or you've hesitated on your journey, to ask yourself "Why"? And begin again on the adventure of your own self-discovery, knowing you won't be disappointed. 



Listener's Guide:
Use the time stamps below to skip to any part of the podcast. 

2:39           Introduction to Andrew Young
4:38           The Heor's Journey/The Adventure of Self-Discovery
10:00         The turning Point
13:51          Leadership, Martin Luther King, and Non-violence
14:44         A New Chapter in Life
18:11          A Changed Man and Politics
21:53         Your Call to Self-discovery
30:10         Why Do We Do It
34:48         If You Are Stuck...




Quotes from this episode:
“Andrew, if you ever forget that under that sheet is a child of God you need to quit preaching.” ~Jean Childs Young
“We are like any growing thing, going to experience resistance, pain, trials, and tests. A flower has to burst out of its seed, push against the soil, and spring up above the earth. It has to put down roots, weather the rain and storms. It is always pushing, that's what makes it strong. It grows by pushing through the resistance. That is how we are fashioned, it's what we are meant to do.” ~Audrey Rindlisbacher
“Why do we do it? Partly because that is what we are made to do. Partly because it is what makes life worth living. Partly because that's the only way we're really going to know ourselves. But mostly, we do it for the reward, the pay off - of who we will bec

Stuck In Your Hero’s Journey?

“Whatever is at the center of a person's life forms the fabric of his conscience. The conscience must be educated from divine sources in order for it to be keen and sharp, responsive and sensitive to God. ” ~Stephen Covey

The rights of life, liberty, and property seem pretty straight-forward and self-explanatory, but the right of conscience?! What does that mean? And more importantly, why does it matter? 

In this podcast, Audrey and Lindsey explore the 2 Consciences taught by Stephen Covey and why understanding them is so critical. With so much confusion in the world around rights and entitlement, absolute or relative truth, and the nature of the conscience, this podcast is a MUST LISTEN for those who want to better understand the proper role of government in society. 



Listener's Guide:
Use the time stamps below to skip to any part of the podcast. 

0:45            Summary - Principles of Government Part 1
3:30v         Understanding the Significance of Basic Rights
8:11            Conscience - What is It
18:30         Understanding Conscience and How it Affects Us
20:55         Shinichi Suzuki
23:26         James Madison
27:03         Albert Schweitzer
27:40         Immaculée Ilibagiza
28:05         Your Center is Your conscience
29:50         Recognising the Difference in the Two Consciences
38:40         Government and conscience




Quotes from this episode:
“The conscience is the internal voice, our sensitivity or awareness, our sense of right and wrong. This is why we can say we are all born with a conscience because on some level we have a sense that there is a right and there is a wrong and that we ought to choose the right.” ~Stephen Covey
“We basically have two consciences. We have a divine conscience and a social conscience. The divine one is the true one. It is the light God has given every man who comes into the world. The second one is also given to us but this one comes from our human experiences - from our upbringing, the culture around us, the norms, the mores, the traditions, values, and beliefs, and from the level of our obedience to the divine conscience.” ~Stephen Covey
“The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide.” ~Holy Bible, Psalm 37:31
“ We must educate our conscience. Once a person is true to the light he has received he is then capable of receiving more light and obeying it. Until he is true to the light already given additional light would only condemn him for he is capable neither of understanding it nor appreciating it. He would fall into the trap of being given a gift and being unable to receive it. The Lord gives to his children what they are able to receive and no more. If they are true to that he will give them more. ” ~Stephen Covey

“The voice of your conscience is the voice of God.” ~Leo Tolstoy

“Do the next right thing.” ~Audrey Rindlisbacher

“You can speed up your own personal growth by d

Principles of Government Part 2: Rights of Life, Liberty, Property, and Conscience

“MDM has quenched a thirst to really be consistent in applying principles. It has broken open the doors of empowerment, freedom, and joy by helping me apply principles daily.” ~Leanna Irving 
"Understanding principles fundamentally changes you." ~Lindsey Wright
“Permanent change is hard but living principles is the road to permanent change.” ~Audrey Rindlisbacher
“When you are a Mother of Principle you no longer are so easily deceived.” ~Kim Miner 


Listener's Guide:
Use the time stamps below to skip to any part of the podcast. 

5:25           Audrey Rindlisbacher-My introduction to the Law of Nature and Principles
13:18        LeeAnna Irving-My introduction to the Law of Nature and Principles
17:00        Kim Miner-My introduction to the Law of Nature and Principles
18:43        Lindsey Wright-My introduction to the Law of Nature and Principles
20:50        The Impact of Understanding and Living Laws and Principles
27:24         Understanding and Living Principles Isn't Easy
36:09        Other Qualities of a Mother of Principle




Quotes from this episode:
“ The state of nature has a law of nature to govern it, which obliges every one: and reason, which is that law, teaches all mankind, who will but consult it, that being all equal and independent, no one ought to harm another in his life, health, liberty, or possessions… ” ~John Locke

“For he has so intimately connected, so inseparably interwoven the laws of eternal justice with the happiness of each individual, that the latter cannot be attained but by observing the former; and, if the former be punctually obeyed, it cannot but induce the latter. The truth is that right actions done for the wrong reason do not help to build the internal quality or character called a virtue.” ~William Blackstone

“MDM has quenched a thirst to really be consistent in applying principles. It has broken open the doors of empowerment, freedom, and joy by helping me apply principles daily.” ~LeeAnna Irving

“It is satisfying to understand principles and then see them in current articles and in the classics. Understanding principles fundamentally changes you.” ~Lindsey Wright

“In the world of memes and self-help, there is a lot of the application of principles. Applications of principle are a dime a dozen but it is digging into the root, the core that empowers us to handle anything.” ~LeeAnna Irving

“That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive...” ~Holy Bible, Ephesians 4: 14

“It is interesting the things I have had to unlearn, especially from graduate school, that aren't rooted in true principles but that sound good. ” ~Kim Miner
“ ...truth seldom is sweet; it is almost invariably bitter.” ~Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn
“It's hard work to identify false beliefs and put principles into ac

What Is A Mother of Principle?

“Moral philosophy is the science of virtue and vice and therefore the true doctrine of the Laws of Nature is the true moral philosophy.” ~Thomas Hobbes

After sharing a difficult situation we are facing with a friend, and coming to the conclusion that there's nothing more we can do but wait, one of us will often finish the conversation with, "Well...patience is a virtue!" But what does it mean to say that patience is A virtue? Isn't virtue just "virtue"?

Over the last few weeks, as Audrey was studying patience, she was intrigued by this idea that it is "a virtue." So, she did what she always does - she studied virtue in more depth. Guess what she uncovered? A wealth of knowledge about how human beings have been talking about good and bad and right and wrong since the beginning of written history, and what they have been saying about them. 

It turns out that the greatest leaders and thinkers from all cultures, races and civilizations have universally agreed that not only are virtue and vice an integral part of the human experience, but we should all choose to be virtuous. In fact, Audrey learned that although being "virtuous" is a desired state of being, she also discovered that there are actually several different types of virtues that have been taught for centuries. 

Join her this week as she introduces you to "The Virtues", helping you understand what the virtues are and how they are connected to finding happiness here on earth and in the life to come!
Listener's Guide:
Use the time stamps below to skip to any part of the podcast. 

3:47           Introduction to the Series
7:41           Why We Think The Way We Do
20:23        The Natural Virtues or Cardinal Virtues
22:47         Intellectual Virtues
25:42         The Theological Virtues or Supernatural Virtues
31:30         How Do We Become Virtuous
33:37         What is the Good of Virtue
45:13         The Culminating Point




Quotes from this episode:
“ The implication is simply that man may be good as a scientist or good as an artist by the acquisition of these virtues. But he is not made good as a man by these virtues, nor do they enable him to lead a good life and achieve happiness, as do the moral virtues accompanied by prudence.” ~Mortimer Adler

“The truth is that right actions done for the wrong reason do not help to build the internal quality or character called a virtue.” ~CS Lewis

“Morality is not properly the doctrine of how we should make ourselves happy, but how we should become worthy of happiness.” ~Immanuel Kant

“We do not acquire or preserve virtue by the help of external goods but external goods by the help of virtue. ” ~Aristotle

“Moral philosophy is the science of virtue and vice and therefore the true doctrine of the Laws of Nature is the true moral philosophy.” ~Thomas Hobbes

“Virtue is its own reward.” ~Marcus Aurelius

“That virtue is good and vice evil seems to go undisputed in the tr

The Virtues Series Pt. 1: Introduction to the 3 Types of Virtues

“What is the difference between my books and those of other writers, is that I prefer to describe and perpetuate the best I have known in life." ~Gene Stratton-Porter 

As a young girl growing up on a farm in Indiana, Gene had the idyllic life. The youngest of 12 children, Gene was given free-range of her large farm to fall in love with nature - her lifelong passion. Sadly, while she was still in her formative years, tragedy struck when the accidental deaths of her brother and sister were followed closely by the death of her mother. Yet, with the help of a loving, supportive father and siblings, she overcame her heartache and poured her heart into her self-education. 

Eventually, as her calling became clear, she determined to use her gifts to glorify God and inspire what is most noble and elevated in human life. Amidst rejection from editors and resistance from publishers, she insisted that her nature books and stories would be accepted and become well-loved by individuals and families around the globe. 

She was right. Even in her own day she sold over 30 million books worldwide - a very rare accomplishment for any author. Of course today the legacy of her in-depth nature work and enriching, inspiring stories lives on, continuing to bless millions of lives. Join Audrey to hear the amazing true story of Gene Stratton-Porter's hard work and sacrifice to bring beauty and truth to the world. 



Listener's Guide:
Use the time stamps below to skip to any part of the podcast. 

4:18           Laddie - an Autobiography
6:12           Her Parents and Family
17:24         Her Relationship to God
20:53        List of Principles Taught in The Stratton-Porter Home
21:25         Self-Care and Self-Discovery
25:00        A Tribute to Her Father and Family Tragedies
29:33        The Math Paper and an Affirmation of Talent
34:16         Leaving School for Six Months
36:24         A Father Assists in Learning
39:49         Her Own Family and Developing Her Talents
53:20         The Limberlost
58:16          A Commitment to Excellence
1:01:29       A Noble Purpose




Quotes from this episode:
“All [my father's] ideas were clear cut. No man could influence him against his better judgment. He believed in God, in courtesy, in honor, and cleanliness, in beauty, and in education. ” ~Gene Stratton-Porter
“[My father] would often say, "I would rather see my child the author of a book of which I could be proud than on the throne of England," which was the strongest way he knew to express himself.” ~Gene Stratton-Porter
“[My father's] very first earnings were spent for a book and when other men rested he read. All his life he was a student of extraordinary, tenacious memory.” ~Gene Stratton-Porter
“ All his life, with no thought of fatigue or inconvenience to himself, Mark Stratton, traveled miles uncounted to share what he had learned with those less fortunately situated by delivering se

Mission Driven Stories: Gene Stratton-Porter

“It is the lack of knowledge of natural law and principles over the last century that has gotten us to where we are now.” ~Audrey Rindlisbacher

In this time of great civil unrest, do you know the principles of government that can save us? Do you have a clear understanding of the natural laws and fundamental ideas that shaped the first American documents? Do you know for yourself how these principles, ideas and documents led to the greatest amount of freedom for the largest number of people than ever before in history?

Most importantly, do you know how important all of this is -- for you, for your family, for your community and for the world?

Join Audrey and Lindsey this week as they begin a discussion about the natural laws, rights and duties that lay the foundation of proper thinking about ourselves, our communities and our government. As we learn these truths and put our own lives in line with them, and then share them with others, we can correct what's going wrong!



Listener's Guide:
Use the time stamps below to skip to any part of the podcast. 

1:33          Begin at the Beginning - Aristotle
3:46          The State of All Men - Locke
12:01        The Beginning of Society
14:23        Natural Rights
23:50        Worldviews
29:53        The Four Natural Rights vs. Entitlement
32:32        Maintaining Natural Rights
40:25        Duty/Responsibility
46:19         Natural Law-Now and in the Future




Quotes from this episode:
“Of all the things that I know, what I know best is what goes on inside of me.” ~C.S. Lewis
“The better you understand your home life, the interactions in your family, and the interactions in your neighborhood, and how these interactions work, the better you understand government.” ~Audrey Rindlisbacher
“It all begins with the individual.” ~Aristotle
“ ...it is impossible that the rulers now on earth should make any benefit, or derive the least shadow of authority from that, which is held to be the fountain of all power...” ~John Locke

“To understand political power, and derive it from its original, we must consider, what state all men are naturally in, and that is, a state of perfect freedom to order their actions, and dispose of their possessions and persons, as they think fit, within the bounds of the law of nature, without asking leave, or depending upon the will of any other man.” ~John Locke

“A state also of equality, wherein all the power and jurisdiction is reciprocal, no one having more than another; there being nothing more evident, than that creatures of the same species and rank, promiscuously born to all the same advantages of nature, and the use of the same faculties, should also be equal one amongst another without subordination or subjection, unless the lord and master of them all should, by any manifest declaration of his will, set one above another, and confer on him, by an evident and clear appointment, an undoubted right to domini

Principles of Government Part 1: Natural Law, Rights, and Duties

“Telling myself the truth was my guiding light." ~Heidi Mathews

At The Mission Driven Mom, we make a big deal about principles. We know that principles are timeless, absolute truths that can guide us through hard times, show us how to change for the better, and make our way in life a little bit smoother. We work hard to make the concepts of natural law, first principles, and principles as clear as possible. We know that one of the key reasons we are floundering as individuals, as families, as communities, and as a nation is precisely because we have lost touch with true principles and their enlightening and healing power. 

In this podcast, Audrey and a few of the MDM Clapham Leadership Team members look back at the principles that came to their rescue in 2020. Join them as they share how truths they learned through The Mission Driven Mom programs and courses empowered them to overcome the trials they faced--bringing them the peace of mind and heart they so desperately needed. 

As you listen, ponder the principles in your life own that aid you in times of trouble and consider what new truths you could learn and live in 2021 that would make it your best year yet!



Listener's Guide:
Use the time stamps below to skip to any part of the podcast. 

2:15           Introduction of Ashley Mecham, member of the Leadership Team
3:31          Introduction of Heidi Mathews, member of the Leadership Team
7:16          What to Expect in the Facebook Group in 2021
12:30       How Truth Statements Conquered Negativity and Lightened the Load - Audrey Rindlisbacher
16:41       How Habit, Routine, and Structure Rescued the Family - Ashley Mecham
18:26       How Telling Ourselves the Truth Set the Tone for the Year - Heidi Mathews
22:06       The Power of Remembering Truth - Audrey Rindlisbacher
24:1 1       Super Woman vs Values and What is Essential 



Quotes from this episode:
“... where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty." 2 Corinthians 3:17 Holy Bible

“The truth shall make you free.” ~Audrey Rindlisbacher's Family Mission Statement 

“I made it a priority to do truth statements every single day...What I didn't expect was that eventually, I didn't have to lean so heavily on them. Over time the burden [of negativity] got lighter and lighter and the truth became louder than the lies. It was liberating!" ~Audrey Rindlisbacher

“The fact that we had routines already in place and that we could keep these routines and habits saved our sanity. The structure helped us not spiral down into negativity.” ~Ashley Mecham 

“Telling myself the truth was my guiding light. We do need to help each other and I am worthy of help. Telling the truth rescued me." ~Heidi Mathews

“I had to cut some big things out of my life to make room for myself because I had nothing left to give. Choosing between two really good things, those are the hardest choices. But I needed to get to the essential things I needed to

Principles that Rescued Us in 2020

At the end of a tough Covid-19 year, we have all struggled with things that feel out of our control. Societal issues like quarantines, riots, illness, contentious debates, and even fraud have caused even the best of us frustration and heartache. Often these were compounded by personal challenges such as job loss, struggling children, and lack of community connection. Unfortunately, most of these trials have felt like they were imposed on us by others. We didn't ask for these troubles! It can feel so unfair and overwhelming. 

When we face situations like these, that bring us pain or frustration and seem as though there is nothing we can do about them, is there anything we can do?

Join Audrey this week as she shares what she does when there's nothing she can do. Listen to the daily practices which nourish her hope, courage, and faith. Learn with her those actions you can begin taking now which will empower you to move forward with increased optimism and love as you face your own personal challenges.  



Listener's Guide:
Use the time stamps below to skip to any part of the podcast. 

5:07        What the Title Means
9:12        What Doesn't Work
9:55        The Time Required
11:12        Responses Can be a Lesson
13:17       Prayer, Written Prayers, Prayer Journal
22:31      Positive Images in Our Minds
26:52      Watch Your Language
28:01      Truth Statements
28:44      Daily Gratitude
29:18       Scripture Reading
30:19       Listen To/Read Faith building Content
31:23       Remember You Can Only Control You
31:39       Work on Your Way of Being
31:53       Remember It's Not About You
32:44      Focus on your Goals and Dreams
35:27       Visualize
37:33       Voice Memos
38:05      Meet Your Needs
39:00      Success Story 1
45:03       Success Story 2



Quotes from this episode:
“Your expectation must have a clearly defined objective. Lot's of people get nowhere simply because they do not know where they want to go. They have no clear cut, precisely defined purpose. You cannot expect the best if you think aimlessly." ~Norman Vincent Peale

“I believe that if you want to get somewhere, you must decide definitely where you want to be or what you want to accomplish. Be sure it is a right objective, then photograph this objective on your mind and hold it there. Work hard, believe in it, and the thought will become so powerful that it will tend to assure success. There is a deep tendency to become what your mind pictures, provided you hold the mental picture, and if the objective is sound.” ~Norman Vincent Peale



Books from this episode:
  



Links from this episode:

What I Do When There Is Nothing I Can Do

“I'm 100% certain that Becky is called to Africa. And I am called to her.” ~Tom Rogers

Meet Becky Rogers, mother of 10, music major, and violin teacher. Although she used to live a typical American family life, through her vigilance in the 7 Laws of Life Mission, she prepared herself and eventually heard the call to become a passionate advocate for African women. She now lives full-time in Ghana. Since arriving three years ago, she and her husband have founded Family Literacy Centers in several African countries and are finishing up the first Family Restoration Center in Ghana.  

This week join Becky Rogers and Audrey Rindlisbacher as they explore Becky's journey. Learn about her childhood, her self-education and self-discovery, and the steps that led to her call to Africa. Be inspired by the courage and faith she and her husband exercised to get there. Best of all, listen to the miracles that are taking place as a result of the relationship she so vigilantly built with God. 





Listener's Guide:
Use the time stamps below to skip to any part of the podcast. 

1:15      Becky's Childhood
3:58          Family Culture and Priorities
6:26          Investing in Children
7:05          Religion and Music
9:09          Work Ethic and Discipline
10:31        Beginning a Family and Going Large
15:54        The Perfect Storm for Homeschooling
19:17        What to Teach
25:13        What Does God Need Me to Know?
33:17        Moving Towards Africa
46:55        "We could Always Move to Africa!"
50:12        Leaving the USA and God Links
54:42        Arrival in Ghana
1:00:39     Her Husband and the Greatest Blessing
1:02:14     The Story Refelcts the Outcome of Spiritual Preparation
1:06:09     The Projects in Ghana
1:18:01     The Objective of the Family Restoration Center
1:22:32     Safety and the Dog
1:25:55     How This Has Influenced Becky's Children




Quotes from this episode:
“If we moved to Ghana we would have to learn to live so radically differently that we would actually have time to be a family.” ~Tom Rogers
“We got an impression every day of two things to do and we didn't get the next piece until we did them.” ~Becky Rogers
“One day I prayed, "I'm totally good in the space of not knowing but if there is anything that is OK for us to know then that would also be cool.” ~Becky Rogers
“Sometimes the mercy is the not knowing.” ~Becky Rogers

“I'm 100% certain that Becky is called to Africa. And I am called to her.” ~Tom Rogers

“We are wholly dependent on the paycheck from God.” ~Becky rogers




Links from this episode:
FMF Family Literacy Center

Family Restoration Introduction

Mission Driven Moms: Becky Rogers

By the time Audrey Rindlisbacher was 19 years old, her father and two close friends had passed away unexpectedly. Through these trials Audrey learned for herself that life is very fragile. She knew that we have to make the most of the day we are in, because we never know when it might be the last day for us or someone we love.  
"Many people live as if someday they’ll arrive at “happiness” like one arrives at a bus stop. They figure that someday everything will fall into place, they will take a deep breath and say, 'Here I am at last…happy!' Hence their life story is one of 'I’ll be happy when…'" ~Andrew Matthews
When we relegate our happiness to the future, we rob ourselves and others of the chance for deeper connection, joyful moments, and greater fulfillment. The mindset of waiting to be happy keeps us from seeing all the beautiful things in our lives right now. When we realize that happiness is a choice, that it is, "something we make inside ourselves," we are able to shift our focus from all the things that are making us unhappy, to all the things that can bring us happiness and fulfillment every day.



Listener's Guide:
Use the time stamps below to skip to any part of the podcast. 

2:29        Why We Are Unhappy
3:22        Happiness is a Decision
4:45        Audrey's Story
5:55         "Learning in Wartime"
7:37         I Made a Decision-Andrew Matthews
10:23      From The Hiding Place
13:54      How Can I Be Happy Today? 
15:38      Sharing Gratitude




Quotes from this episode:
“Truth seldom is sweet; it is almost invariably bitter." ~Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn 

“Being happy can be one of the greatest challenges that we face and can sometimes take all the determination, persistence, and self-discipline we can muster. ” ~Audrey Rindlisbacher

“If we’re unhappy, it’s because life is not as we want it. Life is not matching our expectations of how it ‘ought’ to be. We want the future, not 'the now'. We don’t want what is, we want what isn’t. Too much of this and you go crazy.” ~Andrew Matthews

“Life is not perfect. Life is about being exhilarated, frustrated, sometimes achieving, and sometimes missing out. So long as we say “I’ll be happy when…” we’re deluding ourselves.” ~Andrew Matthews

“Happiness is a decision. Many people live as if someday they’ll arrive at “happiness” like one arrives at a bus stop. They figure that someday everything will fall into place, they will take a deep breath and say, “Here I am at last…happy!” Hence their life story is one of “I’ll be happy when…” ~Andrew Matthews

“Each one of us has a decision to make. Are we prepared to daily remind ourselves that we have only a limited time to make the most of what we’ve got, or will we while away the present, hoping for a better future?” ~Andrew Matthews

“The world is not perfect. The degree of our unhappiness is the distance between the way things are and

Choose to Be Happy!

"That is what you had to do to live in the camp: be engaged, not live for yourself alone. The self-centered life has no place in the world of the deported. You must go beyond it. Lay hold on something outside yourself.”~Jacques Lusseyran
Born to loving, devoted, faithful parents, Jacques Lusseyran had a very happy childhood. Even the accident that stole his sight at age 7 couldn't dampen the joy and wonder he experienced as a boy. A loyal friend, a serious scholar, a faithful Christian, Jacques loved every element of life...until the occupation of France by the Nazis. Dedicated to truth and freedom, Jacques determined to do something about it. 

Join Audrey this week as she tells the inspiring and miraculous story of Jacques Lusseyran, blind resistance hero of WWII who risked everything for what he knew to be right. 



Listener's Guide:
Use the time stamps below to skip to any part of the podcast. 

3:34        Introduction to Jacques Lusseyran
5:10        My Parents
7:02        Blindness
9:10        Experiencing Light
12:00     Fear Made Me Blind
14:19      Discerning Character through Voices
16:06      Friendship   
17:03      Education
19:15       Independence, War, Speaking Out
23:00     Looking For Answers
27:37      An Incredible Teacher
29:36     Illness, Spiritual Experience, Resolve, the Responsible Ones
36:00     Recruiting  
39:00     Elio, Betrayal, Democracy and Christian Morality       
49:40     Robert and Clinging to Christ
52:38     Letting Fear Go and Living On Hope



Quotes from this episode:
“My parents spoke to me about God, but only later. I had no name for Him. He was just there and it was better so. Behind my parents there was Someone, and my father and mother were simply the people responsible for passing along the gift. My religion began like this, which I think explains why I have never known doubt.” ~Jacques Lusseyran

“What the loss of my eyes had not accomplished was brought about by fear. It made me blind. Anger and impatience had the same effect, throwing everything into confusion. The minute before I knew just where everything in the room was, but if I got angry, things got angrier than I. They went and hid in the most unlikely corners, mixed themselves up, turned turtle, muttered like crazy men, and looked wild. As for me, I no longer knew where to put hand or foot. Everything hurt me. This mechanism worked so well that I became cautious.” ~Jacques Lusseyran
“For our part, we wanted to learn how to live, and that was a much more serious matter....Unless we were up to making a better life than the life of our elders, the orgy of stupidity and killing would go on till the end of the world. Let people be silent if they were able to go on living without speaking out. We were incapable of it. As for that fear of theirs, it was indecent and made us feel sick. We had no forbearance toward the philosophers, our teachers, or our families. It was

Mission Driven Stories: Jacques Lusseyran

“All you have to give is what you’ve been given to give.” ~Max Lucado

Years ago a trusted mentor challenged Audrey when she was ready to give up her studies. With four small children and many demands on her time, Audrey felt it might be best to put off her online courses and focus more on her family. But this mentor knew how long and hard Audrey had searched for this educational opportunity, she also knew the spiritual conviction about its importance that Audrey had expressed when she had begun mentoring.  

The problem was that not only did Audrey want to make space for all the good things that were crowding her life, she wanted to do them all with precision and excellence, every time. This seemed not only a noble goal but an achievable one, if only she could get herself together! 

What was Audrey to do when it felt like she couldn't do it all? 

Join her this week as she challenges you with the same questions she was challenged with: Are you a perfectionist? If so, what if perfectionism is a sin? 



Listener's Guide:
Use the time stamps below to skip to any part of the podcast. 

1:32         My First Experience With Perfectionism
8:55        What Are You Giving Up For Perfection
14:03      Perfectionism Reframed
21:00     Understanding the Word 'Perfect'
24:23     Three Keys to Mastering Perfectionism
25:10      Self-Nurturing   
30:27     Focus On Strength
35:08     Give the Rest to God
40:56     The Challenge




Quotes from this episode:
“There are important things and then there are more important things. A perfectionist says, "If I can't do it perfectly, then I'm going to cut out things, even if they are the more important things.” ~Audrey Rindlisbacher
“What are you willing to sacrifice so that you can do the most important things? How can you make space so you can do the most important things?” ~Audrey Rindlisbacher
“The Greek word for perfect is 'whole'. From the Greek - téleios, tel'-i-os; complete: in various applications of labor, growth, mental and moral character, etc. ~From The New Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible

"We become perfect and complete by coming to God in a partnership. We are complete with Him.” ~Audrey Rindlisbacher

“Perfectionism is a sin because it pulls us away from God as we try to do everything ourselves.” ~Audrey Rindlisbacher
“I'm just delighted to be part of God's work because I know that he delights in using small and simple things.” ~Corrie ten Boom
“Live your life or it won’t be lived. If you aren’t you, we don’t get you. The world misses out.” ~Max Lucado     

“Building your strengths forces you to overcome your weakness but it’s exciting and motivating, not drudgery.” ~Audrey Rindlisbacher
“Focusing on your strengths is self-affirming, highly motivating, draws you closer to God and the people around you, and you also overcome your weaknesses in the process.” ~Audrey Rindlisbacher
“You can only contr

Is Perfectionism a Sin?

“If all you do is give your kids a desire to keep learning you have done your job.”~Marlene Peterson

Meet Marlene Peterson, the founder of Libraries of Hope and finder of the Well-Educated Heart pattern for learning.  She and her husband Brent have raised eight daughters and one son and are thoroughly enjoying the grand-parenting stage of their lives. Although she has a degree in Child Development and Family Relations from Brigham Young University, her real learning took place in the laboratory of her own home. She currently lives in the beautiful countryside of Appomattox, Virginia, blissfully surrounded by the stories of history.

Join Marlene and Audrey Rindlisbacher in one of Marlene's only live interviews, as they discuss Marlene's life, education, and current projects. Be inspired and motivated by their shared vision of how mothers are a powerful force for good in the world. 



Listener's Guide:
Use the time stamps below to skip to any part of the podcast. 

2:41          Marlene's Childhood
8:35          Her Most Important Lesson
13:19        Willing vs Willful
15:21        College
19:04       Children - A Let go and Reach Up Moment
23:09       Advice for Young Mom's
26:04       What I Discovered About Myself
29:21        How I Discovered the Principles of Education
31:25        Libraries of Hope
33:56       Gathering Stories
39:20       Family culture
41:13        The Well Educated Heart
45:22       Simple Joy Art
50:33       The Connection Between Mind and Heart
55:00       Rewarding Experiences
56:20       How to Engage Boys in Heart-Style Learning
58:44       The Statuary Garden Metaphor
1:02:36    Leading and Peace
1:03:43    Why Have Historical Figures for Heroes
1:09:09   How Has Your Work Changed You Personally




Quotes from this episode:
“God cannot steer a parked car and we have to be moving if we want him to guide us.” ~John Bytheway
“We keep holding on to what we can see but the Lord says, "Let go and reach up. I've got you.” ~Marlene Peterson
“Women can have it all, just not at the same time.” ~Phyllis Schlafly
“Every child deserves to have someone who is wild, crazy, in love with them.” ~Marlene Peterson

“Well Educated Heart is all about helping us, as moms, give our children eyes to see and hearts to feel.” ~Marlene Peterson

“As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he...” ~The Holy Bible, Proverbs 23: 7

“Our heart is in the driver's seat. That is why we need to tend to the heart.” ~Marlene Peterson

“Reading about great people teaches me how to do life. Good stories get you through.” ~Marlene Peterson

“Heart education is more concerned with truth rather than what is true. So if a story of a historical figure teaches truth, then it will resonate with you.” ~Marlene Peterson  

“If all you do is give your kids a desire to keep learning you have done your job.” ~Marlene Peterson  

“Opinions

Mission Driven Moms: Marlene Peterson

“Life is difficult. This is a great truth, one of the greatest truths. What makes life difficult is that the process of confronting and solving problems is a painful one.” ~M. Scott Peck
So often in life we face problems that bring feelings of overwhelm, confusion, frustration or anger. What do we choose to do when we feel these uncomfortable emotions? 

In this podcast you'll learn about four stay-at-home moms just like you. Women who are smart, pretty, and gifted. Women who love their children and what to be good moms. Unfortunately, though, when life got challenging, they chose to run away, rather than face their problems head-on. This habit of running away, chosen over and over again, created lives for them that were even worse than the original problems they ran away from. 

In our modern, face-paced world there are countless escapes we can choose rather than searching for solutions, conquering our challenges and becoming the heroes of our own stories. Yet, feeling proud of who we are and the life we've lived is how we all want to feel. 

Join Audrey this week as she shares the stories of these moms who chose to run away and the disastrous effects for them and their families. Consider with her how even the seemingly innocent behaviors--reading, vacationing, watching TV, social media--can easily become distractions that keep us stuck. Then look closely at the truth about problems and how they can actually become great blessings--giving our lives real meaning and deep purpose. 



Listener's Guide:
Use the time stamps below to skip to any part of the podcast. 

3:45        We are All Tempted to Run Away - Three Stories
4:26        Story One - Alice
9:08        Story Two - Felice
13:25       Story Three - Jennie Lee
17:32      Are You Running Away with an Emotional Distraction
21:32      Problems = Pain and Problem Solving
23:51      A Helpful Way to Think About Problems   
28:13     A Final Message and Challenge
29:19     Tiffany - Facing Our Problems




Quotes from this episode:
“Life is difficult. This is a great truth, one of the greatest truths. It is a great truth because once we truly see this truth, we transcend it. Once we truly know that life is difficult-once we truly understand and accept it-then life is no longer difficult. Because once it is accepted, the fact that life is difficult no longer matters.” ~M. Scott Peck, M.D.
“Life is a series of problems. Do we want to moan about them or solve them? Discipline is the basic set of tools we require to solve life's problems. Without discipline, we can solve nothing. With only some discipline we can solve only some problems. With total discipline, we can solve all problems.” ~M. Scott Peck, M.D.
“What makes life difficult is that the process of confronting and solving problems is a painful one. Problems, depending upon their nature, evoke in us frustration or grief or sadness or loneliness or guilt or regret or anger or fear or anxiety o

Are You Running Away?

“Every worldview requires a healthy amount of faith to believe it, because no one has all the evidence yet.” ~Audrey Rindlisbacher
Now that you have been introduced to what worldviews are and why they matter (Intro to Worldviews, pt. 1), it's time to learn how to begin evaluating them. In this podcast Audrey shares 10 areas where all worldviews attempt to answer the fundamental questions of life and provide answers to how people ought to live. 

Using this 10 areas, Audrey then compares two hugely influential worldviews: Biblical Christianity and Secular Humanism. Join her as she deconstructs them and shows how they have impacted our government, educational systems, and moral values.



Listener's Guide:
Use the time stamps below to skip to any part of the podcast. 

1:48       Why Study Worldviews
3:24       What is a Worldview
5:35       10 Areas of Reference
6:25       Theology-Philosophy
13:22     Ethics-Biology-Psychology-    
15:01      Sociology-Law-Politics
18:40     Economics-History
25:16     Terms and Comparisons of Worldviews
36:53     Following the Logical Path of a WorldView
41:08     The Individual vs The Family
43:42     Equality vs Sameness
45:10     The Lens of Evolution   




Quotes from this episode:
“A worldview is the lens through which we see the world.” ~Audrey Rindlisbacher
“Worldviews answer important questions - where do I come from, why am I on earth, what is the role of human beings, what happens when I die, how should we respond to each other, how do we care for the earth, what kind of society should we have, what should the government look like, etc.” ~Audrey Rindlisbacher
“There are dominant, overarching worldviews, but each individual creates their own worldview.” ~Audrey Rindlisbacher

“A worldview informs your decisions.” ~Audrey Rindlisbacher

“Worldviews seem to have a common goal - To achieve the best human society possible.” ~Audrey Rindlisbacher

“Sometimes we see people as radical, but they are just following the logical path of where their worldview takes them.” ~Audrey Rindlisbacher

“Every worldview requires a healthy amount of faith to believe and sustain. Each individual goes out and looks for evidence that sustains and upholds their worldview.” ~Audrey Rindlisbacher
“Truth seekers look for where the evidence doesn't fit, is flawed, or doesn't make sense.” ~Audrey Rindlisbacher




Books from this episode:
  



Links from this episode:

Intro to Worldviews, Pt. 2: 10 Areas of Reference

"William Wilberforce knew if he discovered a truth to his satisfaction he would have no choice but to embrace it and act upon it.” ~Eric Metaxas
William Wilberforce began life as the son of wealthy merchants. Attractive, charming, funny and sweet, he was the favorite of all who knew him. As a youth he experienced a short conversion and attempted to live as a Christian. But when all those around him discouraged and dissuaded him from following the faithful path, he eventually put religion behind him and learned to enjoy all the luxuries wealth and position could buy him. 

Yet, because of his commitment to complete intellectual honesty, when the opportunity opened to him several years later to learn thoroughly about the tenets, principles and governing values of Christianity, he took it. The result was a deep and permanent conversion, and a commitment to living fully as he believed a faithful Christian should. For the rest of his life, he would give all he had--his wealth, his time, his gifts, his money and his love--to the "two great objects" God had placed on his heart: the suppression of the slave trade and the reformation of manners.

Although most popularly known for his abolition of the slave trade and slavery, and eventually the complete emancipation of all British slaves, the "reformation of manners" was an even greater legacy. In fact, it is not commonly known that the way people in the West today think and believe about philanthropy and charity can be traced directly back to Wilberforce and his group of fellow Christians.  

Join Audrey this week as she shares the power of the Bible and Christian living, and its ability to not only change one man but to empowered him change the society in which he lived.



Listener's Guide:
Use the time stamps below to skip to any part of the podcast. 

6:32        The Most Important Thing Wilberforce Did
8:01        The Importance of the Bible for Wilberforce
10:00     The Character of Wilberforce
11:37       Early Life - Wealth, Health, Temperament
14:37      Father's Death-His Uncle and Aunt-The Problem of Religion
20:14      College and the Wasted Years
22:47      William Pitt and Politics     
25:08     Conversion
28:05     What to Do Next
30:35      Do I Stay in Parliament
33:05      Living a Principled Life
39:11       Turning His Will to God and Moving Forward
42:13      How to Love God
43:16      Advancing Philanthropy    
48:10     Gratitude in All Circumstances   
50:25     Cheddar Gorge



Quotes from this episode:
“Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit..” ~The Holy Bible, John 15: 2 
Of his years to maintain his faith in his youth: “The religious impressions which I gained at Wimbledon continued for a considerable time, but my friends spared no pains to stifle them. I might say that no pious parent ever labored m

Mission Driven Stories: William Wilberforce

"But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive anything of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.” ~The Holy Bible, James 1:6-8
When Audrey found herself struggling with deep self-doubts, she assumed that these doubts were valid. She spent lots of time listening to them, evaluating them and striving to consider how much truth was in them. She wanted to be humble, self-evaluating and honest with herself. She was willing to change herself and try to be better, if only she could figure out how! 

She spent countless hours pondering, journaling and praying. She read books, talked to friends and family and tried to get to the bottom of things. No matter what she tried, though, nothing seemed to help. As time went on and her doubts didn't go away, she became even more self-critical and confused. 

And then, through a scripture verse and some insights from God, what was really happening to her became perfectly clear! 

Join Audrey as she sheds light on what it means to waver, doubt, and be double minded. In this podcast, she clarifies what faith is and how it helps us form a partnership with God. She also gives suggestions that enable you to take control of your thinking and become a more confident woman today!



Listener's Guide:
Use the time stamps below to skip to any part of the podcast. 

3:27       Introduction to Self-doubt
5:01       Scripture Insight - James 1: 6-8
5:52       Wavering
8:36      Doubt and Faith
14:04    If We Doubt We Cannot Be Blessed
17:37     Two kinds of Self-doubt and How They Are Destructive
26:39    Norman Vincent Peale Quote     
32:47    Norman Vincent Peale Story




Quotes from this episode:
“I've been through some terrible things in my life, some of which actually happened.” ~Mark Twain
“God cannot help you until you decide what you're about.” ~Audrey Rindlisbacher
“When I look at my current circumstances and begin to doubt my past experiences I make it impossible for myself to have confidence in the present.” ~Audrey Rindlisbacher
“If it's in the past and you knew better, then fix it and forgive yourself. If it's in the present and you're doubting yourself, pay a price to know and follow the truth.” ~Audrey Rindlisbacher

“You cannot live an intentional and envisioning life and continue to move toward with the righteous desires God has for you unless you have a healthy amount of confidence in your ability to work with God.” ~Audrey Rindlisbacher

“Self-doubt is an enemy because it prevents us from confidently partnering with God in moving forward in our lives.” ~Audrey Rindlisbacher

“Faith is something you have to actively work at.” ~Audrey Rindlisbacher

"But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that

The Enemy of Self-doubt

“Leadership is a gift. You can’t buy it, you can’t sell it, you can’t trade it. You either have it or you don’t. It is the most valuable commodity on the planet, and it is the rarest commodity we have. But it’s not just any type of leadership, it’s leadership without ego. It’s servant-leadership.” ~Bob Davids
As moms, we often practice principles of servant-leadership without realizing it. But what if we better understood this most powerful leadership style? What if we began practicing it more in our homes and gradually gained the knowledge and skills to more effectively practice it in our communities as well? 

Think of the powerful force for good we could be as we learn to become the influential servant-leaders God intends us to be!

Join Audrey as she outlines the characteristics of servant-leadership. You'll be encouraged by examples of how ordinary people who become servant-leaders have impacted the world for good. And you'll see how nurturing these characteristics in yourself can improve you and your family immensely!



Listener's Guide:
Use the time stamps below to skip to any part of the podcast. 

1:40       An Introduction to Servant-Leadership
4:12       Birth of the Term Servant-Leadership
8:13       Authority is Not Leadership
9:28      Characteristics of Servants
10:37    Characteristics of Leaders
15:14     Servant-Leaders Love Self first
17:59     Vision, Values, Competence     
19:50    Judgement, a Sustaining Spirit, Goals
22:11     Listening, Language, Resources, Study, Regular Renewal, Institutions for Service
24:50    How We See Problems
25:53    The Great Impediment to Leadership
26:35    Example of Servant-Leadership




Quotes from this episode:
“Leadership is a gift. You can’t buy it, you can’t sell it, you can’t trade it. You either have it or you don’t. It is the most valuable commodity on the planet, and it is the rarest commodity we have. But it’s not just any type of leadership, it’s leadership without ego. It’s servant leadership.” ~Bob Davids
“...the great leader is seen as servant first, and that simple fact is the key to his greatness...His servant nature—his desire to help others—was a part of his character, and it could not be taken away. That’s why he was a servant first, a servant at heart.” ~ Robert K. Greenleaf
“You're only a leader when people decide to follow you. They follow you because they can see that you are worthy of being followed, that you are going somewhere they want to go.” ~Audrey Rindlisbacher
“Servant-leadership begins with the natural feeling that one wants to serve, to serve first. Then conscious choice brings one to aspire to lead. ” ~Robert K. Greenleaf

“Authority or positions of authority are not the same as leadership.” ~Robert K. Greenleaf

“Leadership is about influence rather than power and control. It's about inspiration rather than position and title. It's about focusing on others s

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