Love Your People Well | A Therapist’s Tips For Christian Mom Life, Marriage Help, And Family Relationships

Jessica Hayes, LPC, LMFT - Christian Marriage And Family Therapist, Pastor’s Wife, Mom of 4

Welcome to the Love Your People Well Podcast! Every week here on the show, you’ll get biblical encouragement, gospel hope, and practical tips from my work as a marriage and family therapist and my own home life as a mom of 4 littles.

Every mom can struggle with feeling distracted and discouraged. We can start to feel like we’re drowning in all the important things we want to do.

But every mom also wants to ENJOY her family. You want to find purpose in your motherhood. You want a happy marriage, quality family time, and a close family bond. You want more time with Jesus, more self care, and more joy during the hard seasons.

It is my prayer that you will find that here.

Take a deep breath, friend, and listen in for a few minutes today. You’ll get tips, you’ll get encouragement, and most of all, you’ll get God’s Word and the peace, joy, and purpose that He offers you in this crazy journey of Christian family life.

Head to www.LoveYourPeopleWell.com to grab some free resources, check out my line of devotionals, and get more support.

Hugs & blessings, friend. I’ll talk to you soon!

~ Jess

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412 episodes
Updated July 24

Episodes412

Newest first

Dec 24, 2021 · 13 min
(F3) Why do we celebrate Christmas? A quick look at the incredible claims of Jesus Christ.
Episode 58.5 (Friday Faith Follow-up) // During the Christmas services and season, we hear a lot about Jesus’ birth. But why should we care about his birth? Why did Jesus himself say that He came? Who did Jesus say that He was? In this quick bonus episode, let’s look together at the famous “I AM” declarations Jesus makes in the Gospel of John. We’ll be encouraged together about the incredible truth of Jesus Christ! Get the FULL show notes with episode highlights and recommended resources at www.LoveYourPeopleWell.com/058
Dec 21, 2021 · 26 min
9 lessons from Jesus’ life about how we can (and should!) love our people well in the modern world
Episode 58 // As we approach the Christmas holiday, we are thinking more closely about Jesus’ birth. So today, let’s keep the focus where it should be: on who Jesus is and how he loved his people during his life on earth (and continues to love us today). What does Jesus’ life teach us about Christian family relationships in the modern world? He is the only one who can love perfectly, so let’s try to follow him. In today’s episode, we’ll look at his principles, strategies, and actions for loving his people well, and apply them to our busy modern family lives today. Ready? Let’s dive in. Get the FULL show notes with episode highlights and recommended resources at www.LoveYourPeopleWell.com/058 Resources mentioned in this episode: Grab the FREE Holy Habits 45-Day Bible & Prayer Challenge. Check out my all-time favorite: The Hope Planner. Join us inside the private Facebook Group! Disclaimers: I am a licensed therapist, but this podcast is not therapy. If you’re thinking about counseling, get some helpful information at www.LoveYourPeopleWell.com/counseling. I am an affiliate for some of the resources mentioned, and may receive a small commission if you make a purchase (at no extra cost to you).
Dec 17, 2021 · 13 min
(F3) Ideas and encouragement for how this podcast can help you, a busy Christian mom, build great family relationships
Episode 57.5 (Friday Faith Follow-up) // We’re talking about my favorite books, resources, and tools this week - so today in this follow-up bonus episode, I want to share some ways that this podcast, this community, and my ministry can help YOU! Find some quick encouragement and get plugged in for a great 2022 and beyond. Get the FULL show notes with links to all of the resources mentioned at www.LoveYourPeopleWell.com/057 Disclaimers: I am a licensed therapist, but this podcast is not therapy. If you’re thinking about counseling, get some helpful information at www.LoveYourPeopleWell.com/counseling. I am an affiliate for some of the resources mentioned, as discussed in the episode.
Dec 14, 2021 · 32 min
My 10 favorite books, tools, and free resources (aka… gift ideas!) from marriage to biblical worldview and beyond
Episode 57 // As a family therapist, I often get asked about my recommendations for books, tools, or ideas to help women strengthen their family relationships. In today’s episode, I’m sharing my top 10 list of recommended resources for busy Christian moms. Most of them are free, others are definitely low-cost… and ALL will help you love your people well! I’ve got books, online resources, my favorite busy mom tools, and more. Pick your favorite, and grab it today, or add it to your Christmas wish list for your family! Let’s dive in. Get the FULL show notes with links to all of the resources mentioned at www.LoveYourPeopleWell.com/057 Disclaimers: I am a licensed therapist, but this podcast is not therapy. If you’re thinking about counseling, get some helpful information at www.LoveYourPeopleWell.com/counseling. I am an affiliate for some of the resources mentioned, as discussed in the episode.
Dec 10, 2021 · 12 min
(F3) Four things that helped me trust God during my infertility journey
Episode 56.5 (Friday Faith Follow-up) // This week, we are talking about how to “wait well” during difficult, long seasons of waiting. In this bonus follow-up episode, I’m sharing some of my personal story waiting through infertility for God to bring a miracle, to give us children. Here are 4 things I did to “wait well” during infertility. Get the FULL show notes with episode highlights and recommended resources at www.LoveYourPeopleWell.com/056 Resources mentioned in this episode: Grab the FREE Holy Habits 45-Day Bible & Prayer Challenge at www.loveyourpeoplewell.com/holy-habits Join us inside the private Facebook Group! www.facebook.com/groups/loveyourpeoplewell Disclaimers: I am a licensed therapist, but this podcast is not therapy. If you’re thinking about counseling, get some helpful information at www.LoveYourPeopleWell.com/counseling.
Dec 7, 2021 · 30 min
What to do while you’re waiting for God to do a miracle in your family, life, or church
Episode 56 // We all have seasons of waiting - but sometimes it is far more intense, important, and emotionally difficult. So how do we wait well? That’s our conversation today. My goal in today’s episode is that you will walk away feeling encouraged and strengthened in your season of waiting, with tangible action steps to help you wait well, and love your people well even during the difficult emotions that come with long seasons of waiting. Let’s dive in. Get the FULL show notes with episode highlights and recommended resources at www.LoveYourPeopleWell.com/056 Resources mentioned in this episode: Grab the FREE Holy Habits 45-Day Bible & Prayer Challenge at www.loveyourpeoplewell.com/holy-habits Join us inside the private Facebook Group! www.facebook.com/groups/loveyourpeoplewell Disclaimers: I am a licensed therapist, but this podcast is not therapy. If you’re thinking about counseling, get some helpful information at www.LoveYourPeopleWell.com/counseling.
Dec 3, 2021 · 12 min
Family worship and discipleship with triplet toddlers… it’s possible, it’s chaotic, and it’s important.
Episode 55.5 // Friday Faith Follow-up Today I’m sharing the 5 daily routines that I am using with my triplet toddlers to help them know, love, and follow God. These routines will change over time, but life is pretty crazy with triplets … and toddlers of any amount! Yet, family discipleship and intentional parenting is still a goal and is definitely possible. I hope these 5 routines are helpful, and I would love to hear what routines YOU use every day with your kids (of any age!) to be intentional in your parenting! . Get the FULL show notes with episode highlights and recommended resources at www.LoveYourPeopleWell.com/055 Join us inside the private Facebook Group! www.facebook.com/groups/loveyourpeoplewell Resources mentioned in this episode: Grab the FREE 5 Tools Every Busy Mom Needs to Move Her Family From Autopilot to Intimacy at www.LoveYourPeopleWell.com/tools Disclaimers: I am a licensed therapist, but this podcast is not therapy. If you’re thinking about counseling, get some helpful information at www.LoveYourPeopleWell.com/counseling.
Nov 30, 2021 · 23 min
7 family discipleship strategies to teach your children how to love others, give back, and make an impact
Episode 55 // Do you want to raise children who love God, help others, and make an impact in this crazy world? I am confident that your answer is YES! This is what we all want as moms. If we want this to happen, we know that we need to be intentional about how we parent our children. Family discipleship matters. Family habits, routines, values, and relationships matter. So in today’s episode (which airs on #GivingTuesday!) we will cover 7 family discipleship strategies for how we can approach our parenting today in order to see the fruit of kindness, compassion, love, and generosity in our children’s lives. Let’s dive in. . Get the FULL show notes with episode highlights and recommended resources at www.LoveYourPeopleWell.com/055 Join us inside the private Facebook Group! www.facebook.com/groups/loveyourpeoplewell Resources mentioned in this episode: Grab the FREE 5 Tools Every Busy Mom Needs to Move Her Family From Autopilot to Intimacy at www.LoveYourPeopleWell.com/tools Disclaimers: I am a licensed therapist, but this podcast is not therapy. If you’re thinking about counseling, get some helpful information at www.LoveYourPeopleWell.com/counseling.
Nov 26, 2021 · 12 min
(F3) Thoughts on finding forgiveness and reconciliation after family conflict (Friday Faith Follow-up)
Episode 54.5 (Friday Faith Follow-up) // Hopefully, at your family gatherings you have a joyful, encouraging time together. But for many of us, when conflict escalates, we walk away with some pain or grief, and forgiveness is needed. Reconciliation is needed - especially with our family! That’s why in today’s follow-up episode, we’re looking at 2 Corinthians 2:5-11 to find encouragement and action steps for how to forgive and reconcile with someone in our family who has grieved us. Forgiveness is hard stuff. But it is worthwhile. Let’s dive in, friends. . . Get the FULL show notes with episode highlights and recommended resources at www.LoveYourPeopleWell.com/054 Join us inside the private Facebook Group! www.facebook.com/groups/loveyourpeoplewell Resources mentioned in this episode: Grab the free 10-point Conflict Resolution Checklist at www.LoveYourPeopleWell.com/conflict Disclaimers: I am a licensed therapist, but this podcast is not therapy. If you’re thinking about counseling, get some helpful information at www.LoveYourPeopleWell.com/counseling.
Nov 23, 2021 · 21 min
How to enjoy a family gathering without all the family drama, anger issues, and conflict.
Episode 54 // There is something about family holiday gatherings that brings out the conflict. As you approach the holidays, or any other big family gathering, are you starting to feel stressed or worried about what’s going to come out? As a family counselor, I have heard many stories about the hurt and pain that can occur at family gatherings. Long-term damage can occur. Every family has certain hot-button topics or unresolved issues. That’s why today, as we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, I’m outlining 7 practical tips for how to avoid family drama (or resolve conflict as it starts) to help you enjoy the holidays, have a fun family gathering, and find peace as you plan for these special events. Let’s dive in! . Get the FULL show notes with episode highlights and recommended resources at www.LoveYourPeopleWell.com/054 Join us inside the private Facebook Group! www.facebook.com/groups/loveyourpeoplewell Resources mentioned in this episode: Grab the free 10-point Conflict Resolution Checklist at www.LoveYourPeopleWell.com/conflict Disclaimers: I am a licensed therapist, but this podcast is not therapy. If you’re thinking about counseling, get some helpful information at www.LoveYourPeopleWell.com/counseling.
Nov 19, 2021 · 20 min
(F3) Answering some Christianity FAQ: What is the gospel, am I really saved, and how to have spiritual growth.
Episode 53.5 (Friday Faith Follow-up) // Do you have questions about the gospel, evangelism, spiritual growth, or what it really means to follow Jesus? You are not alone! In today’s Friday Faith Follow-up episode, we are looking at 4 of the FAQs that I hear most often at church and in the counseling room. Let’s dive in. Get the full show notes at www.LoveYourPeopleWell.com/053 Resources from today’s episode: FREE Holy Habits 45-Day Bible & Prayer Challenge Join our private Facebook Group Connect with me on Instagram @loveyourpeoplewell or by email jessica@loveyourpeoplewell.com Disclaimers: I am a licensed therapist, but this podcast is not therapy. If you’re thinking about counseling, see some FAQ at www.LoveYourPeopleWell.com/Counseling
Nov 16, 2021 · 30 min
How the Gospel changes us, shapes our family life, and brings us peace and happiness.
Episode 53 // The truth of the gospel changes our lives. But how? Do you really understand it? Are you experiencing the joy and peace that Jesus promises? Today, we’re looking at the book of Colossians to better understand… what is the gospel? How is it changing me? (Is it changing me?) What does it mean for my family life? If you aren’t a Christian yet… you’ll be challenged and changed. If you already follow Christ… you’ll be so encouraged. Either way, let’s dive in! . . Get the full show notes at www.LoveYourPeopleWell.com/053 Resources from today’s episode: FREE Holy Habits 45-Day Bible & Prayer Challenge Join our private Facebook Group Connect with me on Instagram @loveyourpeoplewell or by email jessica@loveyourpeoplewell.com Disclaimers: I am a licensed therapist, but this podcast is not therapy. If you’re thinking about counseling, see some FAQ at www.LoveYourPeopleWell.com/Counseling
Nov 12, 2021 · 12 min
(F3) Who is at the center of your family’s holiday season?
Episode 52.5 // Friday Faith Follow-up // In this short devotional, we’ll dig into gift #3 that I talked about in the main episode this week: giving our families the gift of perspective. What is the spiritual truth of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and the holiday season? How do we make the holidays meaningful? Let’s dive in. Get the full show notes and resources at www.LoveYourPeopleWell.com/052. Resources mentioned in Episode 52: FREE: 5 Tools Every Busy Mom Needs to Move Her Family From Autopilot to Intimacy (www.LoveYourPeopleWell.com/Tools) Check out the Hope Planner Join us inside the private Facebook Group! Disclaimers: I am a licensed therapist, but this podcast is not therapy. If you’re thinking about counseling, see my FAQ at www.LoveYourPeopleWell.com/Counseling. Also, I may be an affiliate for some of the links above and receive a small commission if you make a purchase.
Nov 9, 2021 · 23 min
Enjoy a meaningful, low-stress holiday season by giving your family these 3 gifts… and none of it is “stuff.”
Episode 52 // I love the holiday season. Many of us do! The problem is, they sometimes get so busy, so filled with stress, so focused on the gifts and the stuff and the family obligations… we don’t get to really enjoy our people during this important time of year. No more. In today’s episode I’m sharing the 3 gifts that your family needs to have a meaningful holiday - and there’s no “stuff” involved! Let’s keep things low-stress. Let’s enjoy Thanksgiving, Christmas, and all the rest. Ready? Let’s dive in. . . . Get the full show notes and resources at www.LoveYourPeopleWell.com/052. Resources mentioned in this episode: FREE: 5 Tools Every Busy Mom Needs to Move Her Family From Autopilot to Intimacy (www.LoveYourPeopleWell.com/Tools) Check out the Hope Planner Join us inside the private Facebook Group! Disclaimers: I am a licensed therapist, but this podcast is not therapy. If you’re thinking about counseling, see my FAQ at www.LoveYourPeopleWell.com/Counseling. Also, I may be an affiliate for some of the links above and receive a small commission if you make a purchase.
Nov 5, 2021 · 12 min
(F3) Can we really give thanks in all circumstances… even when life is hard? A devotional in 1 Thessalonians.
Episode 51.5 // Friday Faith Follow-up // In this quick devotional, we’re opening God’s Word to look at 1 Thessalonians and why God calls us to be thankful in ALL circumstances. Listen in, friends, and I’d encourage you to read this short book of the Bible yourself! You can find the full show notes at www.LoveYourPeopleWell.com/051 Resources mentioned: My favorite planner helps me prioritize Bible reading, devotional time, and daily gratitude: Check out the Hope Planner. Get closer to God with my free Holy Habits 45-Day Bible & Prayer Challenge: www.LoveYourPeopleWell.com/holy-habits Disclaimers: I am a licensed therapist, but this podcast is not therapy. If you’re thinking about counseling, www.LoveYourPeopleWell.com/counseling has helpful information for you. The above resources include affiliate links. At no extra cost to you, I may receive a small commission from your purchase.
Nov 2, 2021 · 30 min
Do you have an attitude of GRATITUDE? Let’s look at 6 practical benefits of gratitude, plus 3 action steps to help you be a more thankful person.
Episode 51 // Do you have a heart of grumbling or a heart of gratitude? (Does that question make you cringe just a bit?) I don’t care if you are a pessimist or an optimist. Christians are called to be thankful people. And you know what? In God’s goodness, we experience so many benefits of cultivating a heart of gratitude! In today’s episode, we’ll look at six of those benefits. When we are thankful people, it improves our lives in so many ways. And stick around until the end to hear 3 of the most common action steps I recommend in the counseling room to help women develop a grateful heart. Having an attitude of gratitude is worth the effort. Let’s dive in, friend! . . Get the full show notes, episode highlights, & resources at www.LoveYourPeopleWell.com/051 Resources mentioned: Check out The Hope Planner, my favorite Christian planner + prayer journal Join us in the free Facebook Group! Get closer to God with my free Holy Habits 45-Day Bible & Prayer Challenge can help: www.LoveYourPeopleWell.com/holy-habits Disclaimers: I am a licensed therapist, but this podcast is not therapy. If you’re thinking about counseling, www.LoveYourPeopleWell.com/counseling has helpful information for you. The above resources include affiliate links. At no extra cost to you, I may receive a small commission from your purchase.
Oct 29, 2021 · 14 min
(F3) My experience as a Christian wife and mom seeking to do my best in these incredibly important (and sometimes difficult) roles
Episode 50.5 // Our first Friday Faith Follow-up! Today I’m sharing some of my personal experience as a wife and mom trying to live out my #1 tip shared in Episode 50. Family life is tough, and I hope that these thoughts encourage and help you in your marriage and motherhood. Get the FULL show notes with episode highlights and free resources at www.LoveYourPeopleWell.com/050 Join our Facebook Group! www.facebook.com/groups/loveyourpeoplewell Disclaimers: I am a licensed therapist, but this podcast is not therapy. If you’re thinking about counseling, see some helpful ideas at www.LoveYourPeopleWell.com/counseling.
Oct 26, 2021 · 40 min
Marriage & Motherhood... why it‘s so hard, why it matters so much, and my #1 tip for doing it all well.
Episode 50 // Has your marriage ever been a struggle? What about your motherhood? These two incredibly important relationships are sometimes much harder than we expect! We often feel alone in that struggle, but my friend, you are not alone. Today we’re being real and vulnerable together to talk about the hard parts of marriage and motherhood. But we can’t stop there! We’ll also consider together why these family relationships are so important. And I’ll share my #1 tip for engaging in and enjoying your family life, even when it’s hard. Ready? Let’s dive in, friend. . . . Get the FULL show notes with episode highlights and free resources at www.LoveYourPeopleWell.com/050 Join our Facebook Group! www.facebook.com/groups/loveyourpeoplewell Disclaimers: I am a licensed therapist, but this podcast is not therapy. If you’re thinking about counseling, see some helpful ideas at www.LoveYourPeopleWell.com/counseling.
Oct 22, 2021 · 35 min
Just say no! Some practical ways to set healthy boundaries, say NO when you need to, and stop being a people pleaser.
Episode 49 // Boundaries can be so difficult. But if we want great relationships, we need healthy boundaries! Not to mention, the huge impact they have on our mental health and emotional wellness. Yes, even as Christians… we need to feel confident in when to say no and how to say it! So today, we’ll start off with a look at what the Bible says about boundaries and then dig into practical skill-building to help you say NO when it’s necessary. It’s okay if it feels uncomfortable right now. In about 30 minutes, you’ll feel a lot better about your boundaries! Let’s dive in. . . P.S. … Our 50th Episode Celebration is in full swing! Don’t forget to enter the Podcast Review Giveaway and mark your calendar for our live, free workshop on 10/27/21 for “How to Say Calm & Connected When Life is Driving You Crazy.” . . Join our private Facebook Group! www.facebook.com/groups/loveyourpeoplewell Get the full show notes and resources at www.LoveYourPeopleWell.com/049 Grab a free copy of the 10-point Conflict Resolution Checklist at www.loveyourpeoplewell.com/conflict Disclaimer: I am a licensed therapist, but this podcast is not therapy. If you’re thinking about counseling, see some helpful thoughts at www.LoveYourPeopleWell.com/counseling.
Oct 19, 2021 · 26 min
Want more quality time with your kids? Here are my 5 secret weapons to finding those great bonding moments.
Episode 48 // You want to have great relationship with your kids. Yet sometimes it feel like a shot in the dark to enjoy real, deep quality time with our kids. We often try so hard to make it happen, and it is really frustrating when that feels like it fell short. Well, today we’re diving into 5 tips about how to get more quality time with your kids and deepen your relationship. Connect. Laugh. Have meaningful conversations. Build a bond that lasts. Let’s dive in, friend. Oh, and p.s. … Don’t forget to take part in our 50th Episode Celebration! Enter the Giveaway today! (Leave a written review, take a screenshot, post in your IG Stories at tag me @loveyourpeoplewell! I’m going LIVE in the Facebook Group each daily with a word of biblical encouragement! Join us on Wednesday, 10/27/21 at 2pm EST for a free, live workshop - How to Stay Calm & Connected When Life is Driving You a Little Bit Crazy Join the Facebook Group here: www.facebook.com/groups/loveyourpeoplewell Get the FULL show notes with episode highlights and resources at www.LoveYourPeopleWell.com/048 Sign up for the free email course 5 Tools Every Busy Mom Needs to Move Her Family From Autopilot to Intimacy: www.LoveYourPeopleWell.com/tools Disclaimers: I am a licensed therapist, but this podcast is not therapy. See my FAQ and helpful tips about starting counseling at www.LoveYourPeopleWell.com/counseling.