Ever wonder if you're spending money on the right things or if you're stuck chasing "just a little bit more" that won't actually make your family happier?

In this conversation with John Coleman (author of Good Money: Six Steps to Building a Financial Life with Purpose), we're talking about what science says about money and happiness, why buying more stuff rarely makes us fulfilled, and what actually leads to human flourishing for your family.

John shares research from Harvard on what makes life good (spoiler: it's not more money after a certain point), the concept of "hedonic adaptation" and why we always want just a little bit more, and how to set a "financial finish line" so you stop chasing lifestyle upgrades that don't matter.

We talk about the difference between spending on stuff versus experiences, how to know when you're spending out of comparison versus genuine need, and why teaching your kids about money through "financial apprenticeship" matters more than you think.

This episode is for you if:
• You're stuck in the comparison trap (always wanting what others have)
• You feel guilty spending money on yourself or your family
• You're confused about what "enough" looks like
• You wonder if you're teaching your kids the right money habits
• You're tired of chasing things that don't actually make you happier
• You want a framework for using money as a tool, not a goal

John gives research-backed guidance on spending wisely (experiences over stuff), why normal is boring when it comes to comparison, and how creating a family mission and values can transform how you think about money.

Plus, the data on why relationships and generosity matter more than income for happiness.

Remember: Money is a tool for building a good life—not the goal itself.

📖 RESOURCE MENTIONED:
John's book: "Good Money: Six Steps to Building a Financial Life with Purpose"
https://amzn.to/477s6BM (affiliate)

🔗 CONNECT WITH JOHN:
Website: https://JohnWilliamColeman.com

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Ever feel like you should be doing "more" for God or your family, but you're already maxed out and can't imagine adding one more thing?

In this conversation with Cynthia Yanof (author of How'd I Miss That?), we're talking about why we stay on the bench instead of taking the ride, how to know if God is really calling you or if it's just guilt, and what it looks like to say yes when you feel completely unprepared.

Cynthia shares her story of fostering when life was already chaotic (spoiler: her kids turned out better because of it, not despite it), the "age 25 question" that helped her let go of perfectionism, and why saying yes to God doesn't mean piling more on your plate—it means letting go of what doesn't matter so you can focus on what does.

We talk about discerning between "bless the mess" chaos and "I actually need to fix this" chaos, how to get over the fear of saying yes (spoiler: you don't get over it, you obey anyway), and the whiteboard story that will change how you think about whose story you're writing with your life.

This episode is for you if:
• You're afraid you'll look back someday with regrets
• You feel called to something bigger but you're paralyzed by fear
• You're exhausted and can't imagine adding one more thing
• You need permission to let some things be messy while you obey
• You're worried about what saying yes will cost your family

JOIN THE RISE UP CHRISTIAN PARENTING CONFERENCE!

If you're looking for more encouragement and practical help in this area, I'd love to invite you to the Rise Up Christian Parenting Conference—a free, live virtual event designed to help you focus on what truly matters. You'll hear from trusted Christian leaders who will help you raise kids who genuinely love God, navigate the real challenges of parenting today, and let go of the pressure to do it all perfectly.

Get your free ticket at https://equippinggodlywomen.com/2026-parenting-conference/

📖 RESOURCE MENTIONED:
Cynthia's book: "How'd I Miss That?"
https://amzn.to/4kEi6FA (affiliate)

🔗 CONNECT WITH CYNTHIA:
Website: https://CynthiaYanof.com

📖 RESOURCE MENTIONED:
Cynthia's book: "How'd I Miss That?"
https://amzn.to/4kEi6FA (affiliate)

🔗 CONNECT WITH CYNTHIA:
Website: https://CynthiaYanof.com

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Want to pray together as a couple but don't know how to start? Feel awkward even bringing it up? You're not alone: 95% of couples (even ministry couples!) don't pray together.

In this conversation with Brad and Heidi Mitchell (married 42 years, authors of Build Your Marriage with Prayer), we're talking about why praying together feels so awkward, how to start even if your spouse isn't interested, and the shocking statistic that should make every couple pay attention: couples who pray together have a divorce rate of 1 in 1,152 (compared to the national average of 40-50%).

Brad and Heidi share how they started praying together (hint: it wasn't always this way), what to do when you disagree on major decisions, and how to pray together without praying "at" each other (using prayer as a weapon to change your spouse).

We talk about practical ways to start (even if it's awkward at first), what to pray when you don't know what to say, and when to pray alone vs. together as a couple.

This episode is for you if:
• You want to pray together but don't know how to start
• It feels awkward or "too spiritual" to pray with your spouse
• One of you wants to pray together but the other doesn't
• You're trapped in the same conflicts and need God's help
• You've been "meaning to start" but keep putting it off
• You use prayer as a weapon (praying "at" your spouse instead of together)
• You feel distant from your spouse and want deeper connection
• You're terrified your marriage won't survive without God's intervention

Brad and Heidi give honest, practical guidance on starting with thank-you prayers only (to avoid conflict), the "help me understand" question that changes everything, and why sometimes you need to pray alone before praying together.

Plus, the beach ball analogy that perfectly explains why avoiding small conflicts leads to huge explosions.

Remember: Just start. It's going to be awkward at first (like anything new), but you don't need to be perfect; you just need to start.

📖 RESOURCE MENTIONED:
Brad and Heidi's book: "Build Your Marriage with Prayer"
https://amzn.to/4s0K414 (affiliate)

🔗 CONNECT WITH BRAD AND HEIDI MITCHELL:
Website: https://buildyourmarriage.org

Support the show