• Why are we always surprised when the holidays arrive—and when our kids (and us!) aren't at our best?
• How can you protect your child's nervous system when literally everything about their routine is changing?

Children who thrive on rhythms and routines can't suddenly keep it together when everything changes. In this episode, you'll learn practical strategies for transitioning to holiday rhythms, protecting your child's sensory needs, preparing for meltdowns, and navigating food challenges. Most importantly, you'll receive permission to do the holidays differently in a way that honors your family's values and preserves everyone's nervous system.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU'LL LEARN:*

• Why our neurodivergent kids aren't being difficult—they're having difficulty when their entire world feels out of control

• How to transition your rhythms BEFORE the chaos hits (your child's nervous system needs a runway, not a cliff)

• The power of "sensory deposits"—heavy work and regulation strategies to use before and during holiday events

• Why you need an exit strategy and code word with your spouse for when it's time to leave

• How to handle the food dilemma without compromising your values or spending weeks dealing with the aftermath

• The crucial strategy nobody talks about: building in recovery time after the holidays

• What Scripture teaches us about carrying burdens Jesus never asked us to carry

• Why protecting your child's needs isn't selfish—it's stewardship of what God has given you

Need prayers? Have a topic you'd like to be discussed? Send us a text!

While you're here, please leave a quick rating or review! I pray this episode blesses you! Remember, you don't just have to survive mama- you can thrive!

Connect with the host: Elyse Scheeler

• Subscribe: Speaking Life Into Motherhood
• Website: www.speakinglife.co/motherhood
• Email: hello@speakinglife.co
• Facebook Group: Speaking Life Into Motherhood
• Email Newsletter: https://speakinglife.co/subscribe/
• Essential Oils: my.doterra.com/speakinglife

Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the guests and hosts and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Speaking Life Into Motherhood. None of the advice or discussion on the podcast is medical advice. Always consult with your medical provider before using any supplements, essential oils, or therapy methods.

Do you know taking care of yourself is important but find yourself the first one to neglect it?

What if you could create personal rhythms that align with your God-given mission instead of just adding more to your to-do list?

Are you exhausted from parenting kids with additional needs and feeling like you have nothing left to pour into your marriage?

In this conversation, I had so much fun sitting down with my personal coach Aubree Felderhoff to discuss creating personal rhythms for yourself and marriage. This is Part 4 of the Mission-Plan-Rhythms series, completing the framework for moving from survival mode to thriving.

I'm being really vulnerable in this episode because while I can create beautiful rhythms for my family, in that past, I've been the first one to neglect taking care of myself and my marriage. Aubree walks me (and you!) through practical strategies for building rhythms that align with your mission, strengthening your marriage, and preventing burnout. From the "brain dump" strategy to weekly marriage meetings, this episode is packed with actionable tools for exhausted moms.

Connect with Aubree:

• Podcast: Mom Intentional
• Website: www.momintentional.com

Take Action:

1. Do a brain dump - Write down everything you need to do this week
2. Identify your mission - What is God calling you to as a mother?
3. Start with God - Establish one rhythm for connecting with Him
4. Schedule a marriage meeting - Pick a weekly time and protect it
5. Create a shared list with your spouse - Add items throughout the week
6. Ask yourself: What would make my life more breathable if I fixed it first?
7. Get support - Consider coaching, connect with your pastor, or join community

Need prayers? Have a topic you'd like to be discussed? Send us a text!

Get the FREE PEACE Decision Making Guide when you sign up for our newsletter! Never miss an episode and be supported through a devotional and prayer that follow along with the weeks theme!

www.speakinglife.co/peace

While you're here, please leave a quick rating or review! I pray this episode blesses you! Remember, you don't just have to survive mama- you can thrive!

Connect with the host: Elyse Scheeler

• Subscribe: Speaking Life Into Motherhood
• Website: www.speakinglife.co/motherhood
• Email: hello@speakinglife.co
• Facebook Group: Speaking Life Into Motherhood
• Email Newsletter: https://speakinglife.co/subscribe/
• Essential Oils: my.doterra.com/speakinglife

Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the guests and hosts and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Speaking Life Into Motherhood. None of the advice or discussion on the podcast is medical advice. Always consult with your medical provider before using any supplements, essential oils, or therapy methods.

Are you exhausted from trying to keep up with rigid schedules that fall apart the moment life doesn't cooperate?

What if your ADHD or autistic child could have the predictability they need WITHOUT the stress of time-blocked schedules?

Have you ever had a day so hard you just wanted to quit - but somehow you made it through smoothly? What if you could create THAT feeling on purpose?

After saying goodbye to our beloved dog, I woke up ready to give up on the day - but rhythms carried our family through peacefully. Learn the crucial difference between rigid schedules and flexible rhythms, why all kids thrive with rhythms, and practical examples for both homeschool AND traditional school families.

This completes the trilogy:

• Mission = WHY you do this
• R.E.S.T. Framework = WHAT to do on hard days
• Rhythms = HOW to make it all sustainable

Resources Mentioned:

• Previous Episode: How To Use Visuals in Your Home Episode 26
• Previous Episode: Why You Need A Mission Statement Episode 34
• Previous Episode: R.E.S.T. Framework Episode 35

Need prayers? Have a topic you'd like to be discussed? Send us a text!

Get the FREE PEACE Decision Making Guide when you sign up for our newsletter! Never miss an episode and be supported through a devotional and prayer that follow along with the weeks theme!

www.speakinglife.co/peace

While you're here, please leave a quick rating or review! I pray this episode blesses you! Remember, you don't just have to survive mama- you can thrive!

Connect with the host: Elyse Scheeler

• Subscribe: Speaking Life Into Motherhood
• Website: www.speakinglife.co/motherhood
• Email: hello@speakinglife.co
• Facebook Group: Speaking Life Into Motherhood
• Email Newsletter: https://speakinglife.co/subscribe/
• Essential Oils: my.doterra.com/speakinglife

Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the guests and hosts and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Speaking Life Into Motherhood. None of the advice or discussion on the podcast is medical advice. Always consult with your medical provider before using any supplements, essential oils, or therapy methods.

Have you ever had a day where you're just barely getting by - trying not to fall apart while every little thing your kids say feels like nails on a chalkboard?

What if you could have a simple plan for those hard days that's easy enough to remember even when your brain is foggy, but practical enough that it actually works?

Are you tired of white-knuckling your way to bedtime and wondering why you can't just handle the "smaller" struggles better?

In this episode, I share my own recent struggle with a hard day and walk you through the R.E.S.T. Framework - a simple acronym to help you move from survival mode to actually making it through without regrets.

You'll learn how to recognize your warning signs before you break, why routine actually helps when you're falling apart, practical tools to calm your nervous system in minutes, and how to release the guilt around needing rest and respite. This episode is for every mama who's tired of just surviving and ready to have a plan for her hardest days.

Need prayers? Have a topic you'd like to be discussed? Send us a text!

While you're here, please leave a quick rating or review! I pray this episode blesses you! Remember, you don't just have to survive mama- you can thrive!

Connect with the host: Elyse Scheeler

• Subscribe: Speaking Life Into Motherhood
• Website: www.speakinglife.co/motherhood
• Email: hello@speakinglife.co
• Facebook Group: Speaking Life Into Motherhood
• Email Newsletter: https://speakinglife.co/subscribe/
• Essential Oils: my.doterra.com/speakinglife

Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the guests and hosts and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Speaking Life Into Motherhood. None of the advice or discussion on the podcast is medical advice. Always consult with your medical provider before using any supplements, essential oils, or therapy methods.

Are you constantly overwhelmed by decisions and drowning in the chaos of special needs motherhood? What if one simple tool could help you find clarity and purpose on even your hardest days? Could having a mission statement be the anchor you've been searching for?

In this episode, I'm getting vulnerable about my journey from infertility and miscarriage to discovering my God-given mission as a mom. I share how that moment of surrender in the shower changed everything and how advocating for my son's dismissed difficulties led me to the work I do today. More importantly, I'm walking you through the exact five steps to create YOUR own mission statement—one that will filter your decisions, give you grace on hard days, and help you move from survival mode to purposeful living.

Five Steps to Create Your Mission Statement:

1. Pray and ask God for clarity about what He's calling you to in this season
2. Identify your 3-5 core values as a mom
3. Think about your unique calling and what you're passionate about
4. Consider what your family needs from you right now
5. Write your 1-3 sentence mission statement that's clear, specific, and meaningful

Need prayers? Have a topic you'd like to be discussed? Send us a text!

While you're here, please leave a quick rating or review! I pray this episode blesses you! Remember, you don't just have to survive mama- you can thrive!

Connect with the host: Elyse Scheeler

• Subscribe: Speaking Life Into Motherhood
• Website: www.speakinglife.co/motherhood
• Email: hello@speakinglife.co
• Facebook Group: Speaking Life Into Motherhood
• Email Newsletter: https://speakinglife.co/subscribe/
• Essential Oils: my.doterra.com/speakinglife

Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the guests and hosts and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Speaking Life Into Motherhood. None of the advice or discussion on the podcast is medical advice. Always consult with your medical provider before using any supplements, essential oils, or therapy methods.

• Are you running on empty, trying to care for everyone else while your own tank is bone dry?
• Do you feel like you know what Scripture says but can't seem to make it move from your head to your heart?
• What if the answer to having more energy for your kids isn't another therapy to add to the schedule—but actually learning to nourish and rest your own body first?

In this episode, Bethany Thomson, a registered dietitian, certified Christian life coach, and soul care practitioner, shares her powerful journey from complete burnout to restored wholeness. Through walking her own stormy seasons of caregiving, trauma healing, and physical depletion, Bethany discovered that true sustainable health requires addressing the whole person—body, mind, and spirit—all from a foundation of rest, not hustle.

Connect with Bethany:

• Website: ingrainedliving.com
• Instagram: @ingrainedliving
• Facebook: Ingrained Living
• Podcast: Nourishing Her Midlife Rest: Body and Soul* Bethany has updated her podcast title since we recorded the episode this summer.

Resources Mentioned:

• Bethany's list of quality multivitamins (available on her website)
• Her "Planting Trio" approach: three intentional daily actions for sustainable momentum
• Immune calming program based on food sensitivities testing
• Group coaching on "Rooting Ourselves in Rhythms of Grace"

Need prayers? Have a topic you'd like to be discussed? Send us a text!

Get the FREE PEACE Decision Making Guide when you sign up for our newsletter! Never miss an episode and be supported through a devotional and prayer that follow along with the weeks theme!

www.speakinglife.co/peace

While you're here, please leave a quick rating or review! I pray this episode blesses you! Remember, you don't just have to survive mama- you can thrive!

Connect with the host: Elyse Scheeler

• Subscribe: Speaking Life Into Motherhood
• Website: www.speakinglife.co/motherhood
• Email: hello@speakinglife.co
• Facebook Group: Speaking Life Into Motherhood
• Email Newsletter: https://speakinglife.co/subscribe/
• Essential Oils: my.doterra.com/speakinglife

Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the guests and hosts and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Speaking Life Into Motherhood. None of the advice or discussion on the podcast is medical advice. Always consult with your medical provider before using any supplements, essential oils, or therapy methods.

• Are you struggling to understand why you're grieving so deeply for someone you've never met personally?
• Do you feel angry that you have to explain violence and tragedy to your children when they should be innocent?
• Are you wondering how to help your family process unexpected loss while maintaining their sense of safety and faith?

Episode Overview

In this raw episode, I address the profound impact of Charlie Kirk's tragic death on our Christian community and share practical guidance for supporting yourself and your children through unexpected tragedy. I explore the concept of "symbolic loss" and offer faith-based strategies for processing grief while maintaining hope. I share specific approaches for children of different ages and developmental needs, emphasizing the importance of allowing various forms of emotional expression - including my own raw experience of having to explain to my 5-year-old why mommy and daddy were crying.

Scripture References:

• Exodus 14 - Moses encourages the Israelites not to fear
• Galatians 6:9 - "Let us not become weary in doing good..."
• 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 - Paul's words about being hard pressed but not crushed

Practical Tools:

• Drawing supplies, playdough, blocks for non-verbal emotional expression
• Visual supports for children on the autism spectrum
• Progressive muscle relaxation techniques for children with ADHD
• Routine maintenance strategies during crisis

Professional Note: If you or your family are experiencing depression or other significant psychological needs, please seek professional clinical support.

Need prayers? Have a topic you'd like to be discussed? Send us a text!

While you're here, please leave a quick rating or review! I pray this episode blesses you! Remember, you don't just have to survive mama- you can thrive!

Connect with the host: Elyse Scheeler

• Subscribe: Speaking Life Into Motherhood
• Website: www.speakinglife.co/motherhood
• Email: hello@speakinglife.co
• Facebook Group: Speaking Life Into Motherhood
• Email Newsletter: https://speakinglife.co/subscribe/
• Essential Oils: my.doterra.com/speakinglife

Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the guests and hosts and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Speaking Life Into Motherhood. None of the advice or discussion on the podcast is medical advice. Always consult with your medical provider before using any supplements, essential oils, or therapy methods.

Are you exhausted from feeling like your special needs child is stuck in perpetual elementary school because they don't read, write, speak, or do math?

Do you wonder if God has abandoned you when your child faces constant rejection and you're drowning in decision paralysis about what they really need?

What if there was a Biblical foundation that could give you direction for homeschooling any child - regardless of their abilities or disabilities?

In this deeply encouraging episode, I sit down with veteran homeschool mom Stephanie Buckwalter, who has over 20 years of experience homeschooling five children across the spectrum from gifted to moderate special needs.

After hitting rock bottom with her nonverbal daughter in sixth grade, Stephanie discovered a life-changing truth in Genesis 2 that transformed her approach to education and gave her hope for her daughter's future. She shares her innovative ELARP method of homeschooling and her journey through public school IEPs, alternative therapies, and ultimately finding breakthrough communication methods.

This conversation offers practical hope for exhausted moms who feel stuck between survival mode and actually helping their children thrive, especially those navigating autism, ADHD, and severe learning struggles.

Connect with Stephanie Buckwalter:

• Website: adaptedhomeed.com
• Facebook: Adapted Home Education (search by name)

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

• Teaching A Child With Special Needs At Home and At School: Judith Munday
• ELARP Method: Explore, Label, Apply, Reason, Produce - available as adapted unit studies

Need prayers? Have a topic you'd like to be discussed? Send us a text!

Get the FREE PEACE Decision Making Guide when you sign up for our newsletter! Never miss an episode and be supported through a devotional and prayer that follow along with the weeks theme!

www.speakinglife.co/peace

While you're here, please leave a quick rating or review! I pray this episode blesses you! Remember, you don't just have to survive mama- you can thrive!

Connect with the host: Elyse Scheeler

• Subscribe: Speaking Life Into Motherhood
• Website: www.speakinglife.co/motherhood
• Email: hello@speakinglife.co
• Facebook Group: Speaking Life Into Motherhood
• Email Newsletter: https://speakinglife.co/subscribe/
• Essential Oils: my.doterra.com/speakinglife

Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the guests and hosts and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Speaking Life Into Motherhood. None of the advice or discussion on the podcast is medical advice. Always consult with your medical provider before using any supplements, essential oils, or therapy methods.