A Force To Be Reckoned With.Life is full of hardships and trials. It’s easy to feel defeated, broken, lost, and weary—which is exactly where the enemy wants you. Each of us are called to fight our own battles, and we have to choose how we will respond when things get hard. Will you wave a white flag in surrender, or will you press on and let battle scars be part of your legacy?We are choosing to rise up and not go down without a fight. We are A Force to Be Reckoned With.Will you join us?
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Is the growing polarization of today’s political climate a reflection of a deeper spiritual struggle? In this episode, we dig into how faith and politics intersect, especially during election season. We share our journey of moving from loyalty to political parties toward a focus on biblical principles, urging listeners to keep Christ at the center.…
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212. Jaliyah's Story Pt 2: This Is Just the Beginning
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Have you ever considered the impact that foster parents can make not only on the children in their care, but also in the bio parents? Through the raw and emotional recounting of her experiences, Jaliyah emphasizes the importance of empathy, understanding, and the human element often overlooked in these life-altering situations that lead to foster c…
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211. A Peek Behind the Curtain: Jaliyah’s Story - Part 1
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Have you ever wondered what our foster kiddo's bio mom's story might be? Jaliyah's journey is nothing short of inspiring. Raised in Cleveland, Ohio, she recounts her challenging childhood, marked by separation from her siblings and parents due to addiction and imprisonment. Her grandfather's unwavering support and teachings provided a beacon of str…
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210. This is Only The Beginning (and we need your help): Our Foster Care Journey Part 3
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Did you know that the goal of foster care is reunification? Join us as we share our deeply personal journey through the foster care system. We'll capture the pivotal moments of hope when the kids' mother entered rehab, sparking hope of reunification. We'll recount the unexpected bonds formed and many impactful moments in between. If you've ever won…
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209. The Gut Wrenching Reality: Our Foster Care Journey - Part 2
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Can you imagine leaving a child you've grown to love in an unfamiliar place, not knowing if you'll ever see them again? This episode takes you through the gut-wrenching experience we faced on July 28th, 2023. We also share how prayer became our lifeline during these heart-shattering moments and how community support played a crucial role. Listen as…
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208. Thank You For Your Support: Behind the Scenes of Our Foster Care Journey - Part 1
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This week on the podcast we are sharing about our foster care journey. So many of you have been deeply invested through prayer, lending a helping hand, and checking in. We know that so much of our story has been fragmented due to the rollercoaster of it all and also privacy. With that, we are finally ready to share a 3 episode series covering our p…
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207. Struggling to Read Your Bible? Listen to This
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Do you ever struggle to find time to read the Bible? Have you ever felt intimidated by it or like you don't know where to start? Join us for an enlightening conversation with Kristin Nave, a powerful voice on social media dedicated to studying God's Word. Kristin shares her journey from a childhood enriched by her mother's persistent teachings to a…
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206. Life Update: We Think We Might Like Each Other
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Have you ever felt God nudge you to do something challenging? We're back with another life update. From high stakes to minor conflicts, we dig deep into the real battles that test our resilience every day. Despite the chaos, we find strength in our unity and ability to laugh even sometimes when we probably shouldn't. As you may remember, we recentl…
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205. When God Says ‘Go!’ with Wendi Cross
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Are you willing to step into the unknown with God at the reigns? Meet Wendi Cross, our remarkable guest whose story of adopting her son from Ethiopia is a beacon of hope and resilience. Wendi sheds light on the trials and victories her family faced. Her powerful journey, detailed in her book "Not Forgotten," is a moving testament to the strength an…
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Do you often wake up feeling exhausted, battling brain fog, or dealing with chronic sinus infections without knowing what's causing it? Join us in our enlightening discussion with Traci Zizza as we explore common culprits that could be silently wreaking havoc on your health. Traci unpacks the effects of these invisible threats, particularly focusin…
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203. Practical Things You Can Do TODAY To Move Toward a Healthier Life
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Ever wonder why focusing on just one aspect of health doesn’t seem to cut it? Traci Zizza sheds light on her seven essential health pillars—rest, nutrition, body connection, detoxing, stress management, movement, and life peace—and reveals how achieving balance across these areas is the key to overall well-being. Struggling to maintain a healthy di…
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What happens when our fast-paced, convenience-driven lifestyles begin to take a toll on our health? Join us for a compelling conversation with Traci Zizza, a functional and holistic nutrition practitioner who reveals the hidden battles we face every day. Traci shares her own journey to health, shedding light on the challenges posed by modern living…
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201. Don’t Let This One Slip Through the Cracks
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What if the true battles we face aren't the ones staring right at us but the invisible forces that shape our daily lives? Join us on a reflective journey as we explore how to make the most of summer. We'll share our excitement for the official start of the season and some of our plans for creating unforgettable experiences for our families. Through…
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Ever wondered how we've managed to keep the podcast fire burning for 200 episodes? Let's take you on a nostalgic journey from our humble beginnings as the Adkins Highlight Reel to becoming a steadfast voice in the podcasting realm. In this milestone episode, we reflect on our mission of bringing real-life stories that resonate deeply with our audie…
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Remember the raw, unfiltered conversations we used to have in the early days of our podcast? That's where Corey and I begin this heart-to-heart episode, reflecting on how our discussions have matured alongside our audience's growth. As we've welcomed more listeners into our fold, the balance between honesty and discretion has become a dance we cons…
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Have you ever pulled off a prank that left everyone better off than before? Join us as we recount our weekend filled with 'kindness pranks', a unique way of spreading joy and laughter to our friends. This episode is full of parenting, friendship, and a whole lot of love rolled into a series of heartwarming stories that affirm the beauty of giving b…
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Ever found yourself in an argument with your spouse over something trivial and wondered how it escalated so quickly? We, the Adkins, open up about those little marital tiffs that can teach us a lot about the bigger battles within ourselves. Our latest episode peels back the curtain on navigating disagreements with humor and grace, and we're letting…
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Have you ever flown a kite? Let's take a moment to appreciate the simple joy of watching a kite dance in the sky. There's something magical about it, right? It's like a metaphor for life itself – a delicate balance between control and letting go. We'll share personal stories like our son's leap into independence, his challenges grasping the strings…
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195. Let’s Catch Up: Is Anyone Else Feeling This Way?
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How do you process your emotions? Amid the predictability of daily chores, we find a treasure trove of life lessons and laughter. We chat about transitioning back to a family of five, invoking both humor and heart in the routine of life. This episode is a reminder to cherish the moments with loved ones and a nod to the swift passage of time we all …
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194. Our Kids' Thoughts On Our Foster Care Journey
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How has foster care affected our kids and our family as a whole? Join us as we sit down with our kids, Carter and Liberty, as they open up about the rollercoaster of emotions and the surprising ways in which fostering has reshaped our lives. This isn't just about the love we share; it's a raw and authentic look into the real-life effects of opening…
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193. Overconnected World, Disconnected Families
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Have you spent quality time with your loved ones this week? This week, we're unraveling the importance of being intentional with our family time, especially during transitions and the regular evolution of our home dynamics. We explore the power of everyday moments, like dinner around the table and car rides without the radio, to foster deeper bonds…
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192. Life Update: Has Our Foster Care Journey Ended?
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Ever accidentally shatter a full glass bottle of kombucha in Marshall's? We have! In today's episode, we take you through life's everyday laughter and trials, swapping tales from bathroom disasters to the quirks of marriage. As we navigate the tender complexities of fostering, parenting, and the relentless passage of time, we invite you to join our…
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What are your thoughts on bell-bottoms and landline phones? Get ready to laugh and nod along as we unveil our "Parents Google Everything" segment, where we dive headfirst into the quirkiest corners of the internet. It's a weird world we live in.. with Gen Z dialing up on landlines and sporting mullets and people smuggling snakes across the border i…
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190. Christians, Kids, and Sports - Can They Coexist?
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What role do sports play in your family? In this episode, we lace up our cleats for an in-depth exploration of youth sports, family life, and living out Christian values in modern society. We're not just talking about juggling schedules; we're diving deep into how these elements weave together, shaping lives and strengthening families. From coachin…
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How do you handle disagreements in your marriage? In this episode, we explore the intricate dynamics of managing disagreements within our marriage while maintaining a cohesive partnership. Anchored by prayer as our guiding principle, we examine our strategies and techniques to find common ground amidst differing viewpoints. By prioritizing open com…
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188. Life Update: How Will Foster Care Affect My Biological Kids?
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Are you aware of the calling God has on your life? Our family's dance with the unpredictable rhythms of foster care has been nothing short of a transformative adventure. As we open the doors of our home and hearts, we've been graced with bonds that weave us into the fabric of our community like never before. In this episode, we take an honest look …
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187. We're Back!!! What We're Up to in 2024
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As we shift into 2024, what is your focus? We hope you had a great holiday season and are settling nicely into the new year. This year, we're embracing the guiding theme of 'Nourish,' focusing on the wisdom of cultivating what's already in our care. We've all had moments of biting off more than we could chew, and in this episode, we recount those p…
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186. Remember When Christmas Used to Feel Warm and Cozy?
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Do you remember when you were a kid and Christmas felt all warm and cozy? Sometimes, as adults, we can get so wrapped up in the hustle & bustle that we forget to slow down and just be present. When you think back to your favorite Christmas memories growing up, are they of big extravagant gifts? Or are they memories of traditions enjoyed with family…
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Have you ever witnessed a crime? As just a young teen, not only had Ronald Olivier witnessed crime, but he had been convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison. He was a product of a broken home, a crack epidemic, and a society that had turned its back on him. This harsh lifestyle ultimately resulted in Ronald killing another young man on C…
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184. Feel Like Your Story Is Over? Trust the Author with Lisa Robertson
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Do you have someone in your circle who inspires you by the way they live their life? When we think of heroes, we often picture individuals in capes saving the world, but my friend and inspiration, Lisa Robertson, is a hero in her own right. For nearly a decade, Lisa and her husband opened their hearts and their home to foster children, impacting co…
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183. Be Careful What You Pray For: Meet the Adkins Media Co. Team
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Have you ever felt like God put a desire on your heart that you just couldn't ignore? Here at Adkins Media Co., each of us have had that undeniable nudge on our hearts. We've navigated the rough waters of juggling our professional aspirations and raising our families, but all throughout our journeys, there was a fire on the inside that just couldn'…
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Would you believe it if we told you our family has grown since the last episode? We now have 8 kids in our home. You heard right... EIGHT! In this episode, we take a trip down memory lane, filled with funny stories, including the surprising moment we found out we were expecting our first child. Ever wondered how this family handles bedtime, meeting…
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Do you believe in miracles? From four kids to six in just 45 days, it's been an overwhelming and yet deeply humbling experience. But how did we cope with such a radical change? As we share these stories, we hope you, too, can recognize the divine interventions in your life and appreciate the magnitude of miracles God is capable of. Things happen in…
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Can you imagine a fourth quarter so intentionally planned that it catapults you into a successful new year? That's what we're bringing you in our latest episode. Ahead of the curve, we discuss our own financial journey, sharing updates on our debt and offering insights into effectively managing time and money. As the holiday season approaches, the …
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179. A Convo on Prayer: Does it Really Matter?
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What if you could tap into an unseen power that provides comfort, guidance, and wisdom at any given moment? What would happen if you began to understand prayer not just as a passive act, but as a life-altering resource? Today, we pull back the curtain on the power and importance of prayer, sharing insights from our own spiritual journeys. We discus…
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178. Where Does The American Dream Fit Into Today’s Culture?
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Have you ever pondered the fact that we are all born with an innate moral code? Even before we learn about the Bible and other religions, there is a moral standard woven within our inmost being. We're peeling back the layers of how this gift serves as our compass in a world spinning in chaos. Be prepared to deep dive into the concept of the America…
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177. Foster Care Trials & Triumphs: A Conversation with Kristen Andrus
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Ever wonder what it's like to be a foster parent? Join us on a transformational journey as we converse with Kristen Andrus about our personal experiences and heartfelt lessons learned from being foster parents. We recount the trials and triumphs we've encountered, dissecting misconceptions and challenging societal norms surrounding foster care. We …
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176. Turning Chaos into Order: Navigating Back-to-School Season Successfully
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Are you ready to conquer the back-to-school chaos? We've got you covered! From parents preparing their kids for the new school year, to college students setting themselves up for success, or simply anyone trying to break free from the summer groove, we're sharing our top five tips to establish effective routines. Get ready to experience a smoother …
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175. Small Talk and Changing Seasons with the Adkins
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How is your summer going? While we often anticipate summer to be a little more slow-paced, sometimes it's just the opposite. There is always something to do, whether it's spending time with friends or going to events - it's easy to get wrapped up in saying 'yes' to so many things that we get overwhelmed. In our episode today, we're sharing about wh…
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Have you ever felt like you were stuck in a hard place and couldn't see your way out? We're excited to share our recent conversation with author Ashley Jackson, a woman who's turned her faith journey into inspiration for others. Ashley vulnerably shares her personal struggles with postpartum depression and how she navigated through the pressure of …
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Have you ever felt the weight of life bearing down? Life, as we all know, is like a battlefield. It's heavy, it's daunting, and sometimes, it feels like we're at war. That's because - we are. The enemy prowls around like roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. But the beauty is - we are not alone. We'll explore the powerful story of Shadrach, …
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172. Reinforcing the Awe of God’s Creation with Hannah Anderson
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Have you ever thought about the journey an author takes in bringing a book to life? In this special episode, we sit down with Hannah Anderson, the mind behind the children's book "The World God Made," and learn about her unexpected journey to authorship, motherhood, and the delicate art of balancing both. Brought to light is Hannah's compelling sto…
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171. Proactive Parenting: Equipping Our Kids for Success
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Are you finding yourself in reactive mode when it comes to your kid's behavior? Do you want to be more proactive but don't know where to start? We've been there. Join us as we share our stories of parenting challenges and how we learned to shift our perspective from reactive to proactive. We'll discuss the mistakes we've made, the lessons we've lea…
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170. You Should Call Your Parents (Part 2)
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Have you told someone you love them today? Last week, we talked with my parents about many aspects of life and the lessons they’ve learned over the years. We also told you that my dad had a significant health scare and nearly died. Today, we are back to discuss this unexpected crisis that our family found ourselves in. To give you a little backgrou…
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169. You Should Call Your Parents (Part 1)
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Have you called your parents lately? It’s easy to take your parents for granted, but the wisdom and guidance they can provide is so invaluable. Today we are chatting with my parents, Ken and Denise Karmie about parenting, faith, family, and friendship. Ken and Denise have 7 kids - 5 of which are biological and 2 adopted, they’ve worked in foster ca…
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We all have an idea of what summer should look like. Sometimes we envision taking trips, having cookouts, and organizing special activities for our kids, but then summer comes, and we feel so overwhelmed that we end up wishing it away. We feel this immense pressure to construct the perfect summer for our kids when all they really want is us and our…
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167. When You’re Brought to the End of Yourself
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Do you like to have control over everything? We all want to have some level of control over our lives, but sometimes it’s when we reach the end of ourselves that we can truly experience the fullness of God’s goodness & redemptive power. We grasp for control as we struggle through situations, and it’s often when we hit rock bottom and there is nowhe…
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166. Standing in the Gap for Families with Jillana Goble
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How comfortable is your life? Sometimes we get so comfortable and inward-focused in our own lives that we fail to see the people in need around us. The truth is, there are children in need of safe and loving homes, and there are parents who are lost and stuck in addictions and other hardships all around us. So what can we do about it? We know not e…
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165. Grace in Parenting with Judy McClintock
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Parenting can be hard. If we are in a constant tug-of-war with our kids, we will never be able to truly enjoy our time together. At the same time, if we let go completely while they are pulling, they have no tension to keep themselves from falling. So how do we meet each other in the middle? Today, we are discussing the intricate dance of parenting…
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164. Caught Up in the Chaos: Ways to Automate Your Life
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It’s so easy to get caught up in the chaos of everyday life that we get overwhelmed, let things slip that need to be done, and we lack the quality time that our families need in order to thrive. So what can we do to automate some of the things that eat up our time and as a result, leave space for what matters most? Today, we are sharing some practi…
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