Imperfectly Pollyanna
57 episodes - English - Latest episode: 3 months ago - ★★★★★ - 42 ratingsA faith-filled homeschool mom finding the good in life’s imperfections whether in faith, homeschool, or overall life.
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Episodes
Doing the Big Things
January 08, 2024 13:00 - 23 minutes - 21.4 MBWelcome to the Imperfectly Pollyanna Podcast. I am your host, Courtney. A faith-filled homeschool mom of 2, licensed medical professional, certified health coach, AND eternal optimist. Here at the podcast, we talk about real life, always imperfect but always finding the good. I’m so glad you’re here! Talk about a long break, right? Having not aired a new episode in almost 2 years, I’m sure many assumed I had stepped away permanently. The truth is that I always intended to return to this spa...
Taking Back the "Overwhelmed Mom" Life with Melissa Rohlfs
March 07, 2022 06:00 - 41 minutes - 38.4 MBToday I have the honor to speak with holistic health coach, Melissa Rohlfs. She is passionate about helping busy moms identify the way they were made - how God made them - with their own uniqueness, and then learn how to honor their body, finding what works for them. It is her desire to offer help and hope to the mama who feels overwhelmed, stuck and wants freedom to enjoy life AND motherhood Happy. Healthy. Free. Ready to get unstuck and find freedom so you can be calm, confident and ...
Do You Fail If You're Imperfect?
February 28, 2022 06:00 - 21 minutes - 18.9 MBThis week I had an extremely frustrating moment with one of my children while helping with the math lesson. It didn’t make sense why they couldn’t understand the concept of the question. I was even making it to the point where the answer was SO OBVIOUS that I could feel myself becoming angry when it wasn’t quickly figured out. That’s just real life, folks. And as I sat there, with my blood pressure rising and biting my tongue from saying cruel things, I felt anger toward myself for even be...
Breaking Out of the Education Mold
February 21, 2022 06:00 - 18 minutes - 16.7 MBImagine for a moment, if you will, having a child that looks forward to learning. Imagine being able to see what their passions are and build a learning environment around it! It is said that “education is more than checking off boxes or getting a grade on a test.” That would’ve made me a nervous wreck at the beginning of our journey but now? Now it is FREEING! It can be difficult to break out of the thinking that education needs to look a certain way or that there needs to be a specific amo...
You Want to Homeschool, Now What?
February 14, 2022 06:00 - 20 minutes - 18.7 MBLast week, I put up a poll on my Instagram stories to see what people would like to hear more about on the podcast. I had a GREAT response, and it really got my wheels to turning. The options I threw out were homeschool how-to, homeschool encouragement, faith, and current hot topics. The top voted was the homeschool encouragement and if you’ve listened to me for ANY amount of time, or if you know me in real life, you know I am a HUGE fan of cheering others on so you could say that’s my jam. ...
Can You Be Sad and Still Trust God
February 02, 2022 16:00 - 19 minutes - 17.5 MBI don’t really know where to begin today. I would say it’s kinda funny but it’s not really. Crazy, maybe? Scary? I don’t know. The irony of when you pray for certain things…like praying for the ability to trust God more…or to be more patient…have more courage…and especially with me lately…to have wisdom. Even this morning I prayed for wisdom even though I wasn’t sure exactly what I needed wisdom for. Like I couldn’t pinpoint one instance, but I just knew, and still know, I long for wisdom. T...
The REAL Pandemic
January 27, 2022 16:56 - 21 minutes - 18.8 MBI wanted to talk to you about something I find to quickly be gaining traction and it’s becoming a pandemic…in my opinion. Now, I’m NOT talking about covid. A pandemic is usually in reference to a disease that is prevalent over a whole country OR the world. And when we think of diseases, there’s SO many, right? From something as simple as the flu to the vast variants of cancer. But, the pandemic I am speaking on today is not something you can see…actually, that’s not true because I see it…a...
When You Fall Back
January 19, 2022 17:19 - 21 minutes - 19.3 MBThe last few weeks have been one hot mess between a broken wrist, covid, van issues and returning to work. Phew, what a time to be alive! Today, we are talking about what happens when you fall back? Whether in homeschooling, your health, or spiritual life. What do you fall back on? Find me on Facebook Find me on Instagram Email me: [email protected]
A Revolution of Resolution
December 29, 2021 12:00 - 18 minutes - 16.7 MBHere we are at the end of the year! How are you feeling about it? Are you still trying to recover from the last couple of years? Working through holiday remnants? Are you looking forward to a new year with hope or dread? After all, we all celebrated when 2020 ended and then 2021 did the thing of “hold my beer.” If there’s one thing I’ve learned about the past is that everyone deals with it differently. There are those who just live there. There are others who walk away and claim to never l...
Failed Parenting at Christmas
December 22, 2021 17:00 - 14 minutes - 13.4 MBFind me, Imperfectly Pollyanna, over on Facebook, Instagram, or send an email to [email protected] (say hi, share any prayer requests, ask questions, I would love to hear from you!) When I was growing up, our church choir always put on some sort of Christmas play, musical, presentation, what-have-you. There was one we did multiple times and I don’t remember the name of the whole thing but I DO remember a specific song that was in it and it inevitably runs through my mind eve...
Do You Have Lazy Faith?
December 15, 2021 17:51 - 20 minutes - 18.9 MBOne of my biggest pet peeves is laziness. Don’t get me wrong, I have my fair share of lazy moments. But it’s things like not throwing away trash, someone leaving trash next to the trashcan in the bathroom, my kids doing their work halfway, a coworker not taking a few extra minutes to put something away…well, these things just annoy me. Which also means I sometimes annoy myself because I can have 20 things to get done in a day and choose to sit and binge watch a show for way longer than I car...
Peace: What Does it Come Down to?
December 08, 2021 20:38 - 21 minutes - 19.9 MBFind me on Facebook, Instagram, or email to [email protected] Before we get going today, I wanted to share a very special happening coming this Sunday, December 12th at 7pm CST. I’ll be going live on YouTube with The C.R.O.S.S., which stands for “Christian Reactions on Sociable Saints.” We will be talking about our children, taking them and their education back, as well as much more. I am really excited about this opportunity and would love if you came and said hi, participa...
You Don't Need Social Media to Tell You the Truth
November 24, 2021 12:00 - 19 minutes - 18.4 MBRecently, we’ve been talking about priorities, putting on armor, and both being and raising warriors. Today is no different. However, at times it may seem questionable as to where I am going with it. As always, hang in there, I’ll connect the dots eventually. At the time I am recording this episode, the verdict in the Kyle Rittenhouse case has been given and found him not guilty. No, I am not going to talk about that case specifically, but it did get me to thinking. Well, actually, my thoug...
By Whose Standards with Lyndz Marie
November 17, 2021 12:00 - 1 hour - 47.5 MBThis week, I wanted to bring back an interview I did with my friend, Lyndz Marie, as it fits perfectly into what I've been talking about in regards to raising our children. If you are someone who has a desire to homeschool, or needs some encouragement, this will be such a good episode for you to tune into! When we first began homeschooling, I had this image in my head of what it should look like. It was very similar in how I experienced school in both a private and public setting. It wasn'...
Are You Raising Warriors?
November 10, 2021 12:00 - 33 minutes - 30.6 MBI want to ask you something. Something that I want to truly challenge you to think about before answering… When you think about your kids, what is the line that you won’t allow anyone to cross in order to protect them? Do you have an obvious blanket answer like “I won’t allow anyone to physically hurt my kid.” Or maybe “I won’t allow harm to come to my child.” Those are some pretty simple and obvious answers, right? Not that you would be wrong to say them because I completely agree with you...
What Do You Prioritize?
November 03, 2021 15:51 - 15 minutes - 13.7 MBWe are officially in the holiday season and I have to just say…this is one of my favorite times of the year. Yes, I am THAT person. Christmas more specifically. And crazy enough, I now have a child who is JUST as pumped about it as I am! He was actually asking about watching Christmas movies and decorating a few weeks ago! Now, don’t judge me if you’re one of those who would rather wait until after Thanksgiving or even closer to Christmas to begin that time of the year. It’s not even the typ...
No More Darkness with Elizabeth Verver (Part Two)
October 20, 2021 11:00 - 44 minutes - 39 MBIf you were with me last week, you heard Part 1 of my interview with author and speaker, Elizabeth Verver, as she shared just the beginning of her story navigating addiction, depression, and so much more. Today is part 2! If anything that you hear in the next few minutes touches your heart, and I am positive it will, then I want to encourage you to share it with someone else. Today, we are going to find out who Mama K is, the biggest struggle Elizabeth faced, and how she is now turning her...
No More Darkness with Elizabeth Verver (Part One)
October 13, 2021 11:00 - 31 minutes - 27.4 MBI hope that this moment finds you in a good place. Not just physically but mentally and emotionally as well. However, if by chance you are struggling. If you have had thoughts of depression, anxiety, anger, confusion, and even doubting that anyone is in your corner. If you have even found yourself questioning your purpose in life. If you are a believer and you have felt like you must be doing something wrong if you still struggle with things from your past. Today, this moment, this episode i...
BREAKING NEWS!!! Government is NOT the New Parent!
October 06, 2021 17:17 - 20 minutes - 18.5 MBFind Imperfectly Pollyanna via Facebook, Instagram, or email at [email protected] Today’s topic is NOT for the weak or closed minded. I will always, ALWAYS be open with my thoughts and do my very best to offer them in love. I will also always come back around and find the good in some way. That being said, I am flabbergasted by what I read this past week. I cannot believe anyone would say the things or think the things that I read. I happened to be on twitter and was reading...
Stink Bugs and Truth
September 29, 2021 15:58 - 24 minutes - 22.5 MBStink bugs. Seriously, did you happen to see my recent Instagram story about them? If you did, and you saw my reaction to one coming after me…well, you’re welcome for the free entertainment. I usually have a few pop up here and there every year but it’s no big deal. However this year? I know I’m not the only one but…WHERE ARE THEY ALL COMING FROM?! I thought we had just a few on our back door until I went outside this morning for a fun homeschool activity and the side of my house was COVERED...
Fear is not Mandated
September 15, 2021 16:44 - 22 minutes - 19.8 MBI have ultimately kept my mouth shut because I was afraid of saying the wrong thing. I was afraid of not speaking in love and letting my emotions get the best of me. I didn’t want to be the talking point of someone else’s passive aggressive post. So instead of saying the WRONG thing, I chose to not say anything at all! FEAR IS NOT A COMMAND. Nor is it mandated! In fact, I am 100% positive that the phrase is: FEAR NOT. Yep, that’s the one. Now, does that mean I just let my mouth run willy...
5 Healthy Habits You Can't Mess Up
September 01, 2021 11:00 - 54 minutes - 49.6 MBI don’t know about you, but there have been times in my life when I’ve been doing SO great with my health that I almost feel like a peacock walking around, showing off those beautiful feathers. Okay, I’ve never had some Victoria Secret body – nor do I want one, by the way – but I’ve had seasons of life when I felt SO great, so pumped, so full of feeling GOOD that when I have had the stumbling blocks…you know, “life happened,”…I struggled to keep my hands out in front of me and not fall. Does...
What Have We Become?
August 25, 2021 11:00 - 25 minutes - 23.9 MBI know we’ve talked several times about current events. We’ve talked about the confusion. We’ve talked about finding little bursts of joy. Today, I’m going to be super open and real with how I’m feeling. I want to preface this by saying these are MY thoughts based on what I’ve been through. Each of us have experienced life a bit differently and that has formed our views on countless topics. But frankly, I’m tired of being silent about today’s topic. I was teetering on whether to make a socia...
How to C.A.R.E. with the Joy Seeker
August 18, 2021 11:00 - 49 minutes - 44.5 MBLisa Dimino White is known as The Joy Seeker. She helps people accomplish goals, laugh more, and be happier than they ever thought possible. Lisa is all about encouraging people to find joy despite our own - and life's - imperfections. While not everyone shares her exact struggles with OCD and anxiety, we all have something that we don't like about ourselves. Lisa has created a model to help people determine which of our shortcomings need to be changed in order to be as happy as we know we c...
Where is God in the Confusion?
August 11, 2021 11:00 - 21 minutes - 19.2 MBIt's the start to SEASON THREE!! Woohoo! Fun things are ahead this season so get comfy and let's grow together, okay? I wanted to talk about something today that I think everyone can relate to. Where is God in the confusion? I don’t know about you, but with current events happening, I have found myself more anxious than not. Frankly, I know WHY and that’s because I’ve gotten in the awful habit of getting sucked into the posts on social media. You know the kind… Covid posts. Delta Variant...
The Superpower of an ADHD Child
August 04, 2021 11:00 - 49 minutes - 45 MBConnect with Tyler Dorsey at: Focus Forward (focusforwardlex.com) Connect with Courtney on Facebook, Instagram, or send her an email at [email protected] Find me on Facebook Find me on Instagram Email me: [email protected]
Misconceptions of Homeschooling - Part 1
July 28, 2021 11:00 - 24 minutes - 22.2 MBFind Imperfectly Pollyanna on: Facebook Instagram Or send me an email at [email protected] Today I want to talk about some common myths and misconceptions around homeschooling. However, I wanted to address something first. I just saw an article last week about how the American Academy of Pediatrics is recommending that schools require all students and staff members to wear masks when they return to in-person learning this fall. The reasoning was because many students are ...
What Are You Being a Witness Of?
July 21, 2021 18:49 - 26 minutes - 24.5 MBFriends, I have something that may shock you……the world will and does hate us because of Him. That is something that will not change. If anything, it will get worse. We are not called to Him in order to have an easier life. We are not called to follow Him in order to be blessed beyond measure. A life following Jesus does not guarantee anything other than eternity with Him in Heaven. Until then, we have the opportunity, and responsibility, to walk a path that is full of blessings AND heartach...
Are You Full of Excuses or Testifying?
July 21, 2021 18:49 - 26 minutes - 24.5 MBFriends, I have something that may shock you……the world will and does hate us because of Him. That is something that will not change. If anything, it will get worse. We are not called to Him in order to have an easier life. We are not called to follow Him in order to be blessed beyond measure. A life following Jesus does not guarantee anything other than eternity with Him in Heaven. Until then, we have the opportunity, and responsibility, to walk a path that is full of blessings AND heartach...
Homeschooling and the Beverly Hillbillies
July 14, 2021 14:07 - 19 minutes - 16.1 MBThis past week, I was having a chat with my son about where he was academically. He quietly asked if there were things he hadn’t learned yet that he should. My heart sank as I wondered if HE felt he was behind. Have you ever had that moment when your head said a quick, but needed, prayer for the right words? That moment held me in a place where that doubt creeped in. The inner voice of “see, you’ve failed him.” It lasted a split second until I told it to shut up and began having a conversati...
The Birds of 1995
July 07, 2021 16:00 - 19 minutes - 16.8 MBBack in September, I was removed from Facebook without warning. Mind you, I am NOT a controversial person on social media. I enjoy posting about my kids, homeschooling, faith, and just encouraging people. Obviously, someone reported me somewhere or I talked about something that offended the powers that be. There’s this line from season 1 of The Chosen that says “I was one way, and now I am completely different, and the thing that happened in between was Him.” I can’t really explain it, nor...
Are You Brave Enough to Fight?
June 30, 2021 11:00 - 18 minutes - 16.4 MBWhen reading over social media posts, I’ve noted a common thing…parents being unhappy with the things their children are having to travel through…whether it be in the current school system or exposures to current events or hot topics. The fact is, our children are confused because the world is confused! They respond based on natural instinct as well as how we have taught them by example and what they are exposed to. We cannot send our children to Caesar and be surprised when they return as ...
Trading Guilt for Grace
June 23, 2021 11:00 - 1 hour - 57.5 MBChrissie Kenaston is a military spouse, mom of 3, and author of "What if I Name Her Grace." Life has not been perfect and her marriage has seen more than it's share of difficult moments. Addiction, lack of faith, different paths than her spouse, moving, being alone....Time after time, when there have been moments of desperation, Chrissie found herself in front of the answer she had needed all along. Today I am speaking about the story behind the book, navigating imperfections as a wife and...
The Truth About Emotional Eating
June 16, 2021 11:00 - 1 hour - 54.5 MBEver struggled with yo-yo dieting, bingeing, or emotional eating? What about struggled to really know who you were or how to stop beating yourself up all the time for every mistake you make? My guest today is Cat Sharp, Life Coach for Christian Women, and she is sharing her own personal story of losing over 100 pounds, battling the fight with sugar, and even sharing simple strategies for working through it all no matter where you are - no special equipment needed! Find Cat online: Website...
Encore: Is there Good in Grief?
June 09, 2021 11:00 - 14 minutes - 12.9 MBThis week, my family and I are on a much needed vacation. However, I couldn't leave you hanging for the next episode! Without further ado, I am doing an encore presentation of not only one of my favorites but also one of the top episodes downloaded. I'll see you next week! Find me on: Facebook Instagram Or email me with questions, thoughts, feedback at [email protected] Find me on Facebook Find me on Instagram Email me: [email protected]
Joy in Learning?
June 02, 2021 11:00 - 29 minutes - 27.3 MBI've been thinking about learning as a child vs learning as an adult. Are the things I'm hearing and learning about now things I actually learned as a kid and forgotten OR did I never learn them? I was guilty of memorizing things to pass a test or a class. Now I'm walking with my children and questioning things I was taught, never heard of, and relearning all at the same time! The question is...are you living in a state of "this is how I'm destined to live" or "this is my life now because ...
Mental Health Makes a Ministry
May 26, 2021 11:00 - 46 minutes - 42.1 MBHave you ever experienced anxiety or other mental health concerns and felt ashamed, guilty, or as if it was destined to control your life? Perhaps you've struggled with the idea of talking about those "weaknessess" in the fear others would judge you? Have you wondered if God could ever use someone like you? Today I am talking with Megan Carter, a Digital Engagement Pastor at Church Anywhere. She works with the Church Anywhere team to help people find and follow Jesus on digital platforms. ...
Not a Pinterest Mom
May 19, 2021 11:00 - 28 minutes - 25.3 MBI will NEVER be the Pinterest mom. I just won’t. I can save all the things to all the boards. I can listen to podcasts. I can make lists. I can talk with friends about all the ideas we have. But when it comes down to it, that just isn’t me! Does this mean it’s ok to not try and be better every day? NO. We should not compare ourselves but we should also always strive to live the life we have been called to live. It doesn’t mean our life will look like the girl next door. Or the family on Ins...
By Who's Standards
May 12, 2021 20:51 - 1 hour - 55.8 MBToday I am interviewing my good friend, Lyndz Marie, as she shares her journey to the decision of homeschooling. It didn't come without second-guessing, bumps, fighting against her own expections as well as undoing damage to her son that was caused by the school system. This episode will challenge how you approach raising your family, following convictions, and rising above the standard that is set by either you or the world. Warning, you will likely have your toes stepped on a bit but we...
To the Child-less Woman on Mother's Day (and beyond)
May 08, 2021 21:34 - 6 minutes - 6.11 MBTo the child-less woman on Mother’s Day: I see you. When the world around you is smiling and full of flowers, hugs, celebration, gifts. I see you. When the church service speaks of something that brings others joy and only brings sadness and pain for you. I see you. I have sat in the pew, forcing an exhausted smile having other’s say, “don’t worry, one day it’ll be your turn.” Only for them to not know I was carrying life already that I unknowingly would soon lose. I have held the pai...
When One Door Closes
May 05, 2021 11:00 - 12 minutes - 9.83 MBAnd how many doors have to close? This week I am sharing about several things that have happened in a short amount of time. Some good, some not-so-great. But out of the mouth of babes, my children keep bringing me back to a place of realization in one way or another. World Homeschooler's Day is June 4th, 2021. Make sure to share far and wide! Join our private Facebook group: Finding the Good Find me at Imperfectly Pollyanna on Facebook and Instagram as well as feel free to send me a qui...
Simple Spring Gardening for Families
April 28, 2021 11:00 - 37 minutes - 33.5 MBToday I have the privilege of interviewing someone who I just happened to have met on the interwebs. You may find this becoming a pattern because believe it or not there ARE still cool people that grace the internet with their goodness and I seem to keep finding them! With spring finally arriving, I always feel so inspired by the outdoors. I remember my grandmother always sitting out in her garden, pulling weeds, planting new bulbs, and simply looking so elegant even in the dirt. While I’v...
Season 2 Trailer
April 26, 2021 23:28 - 3 minutes - 3.53 MBIf you look for the bad, you'll find it. If you look for the good, you'll find that. This season, I invite you to come along with me as we explore ways to homeschool with simplicity, develop ideas and habits that improve our family’s health, address struggles and build our faith. One thing that will be new this season will be one-on-one interviews with people who will share valuable information surrounding the reasons we are here. It is my hope that throughout our time together, you find...
Excuses Over Convictions
April 07, 2021 21:18 - 20 minutes - 16.9 MBI recently posted a video on Instagram that stated 3 things I believe. Kids learn in different ways Parents should get a say in education You can homeschool if given resources I got a comment on it that said “a lot of people have jobs and that’s why they can’t” to which I let them know I understood since I work 24 hour shifts myself. It takes maneuvering and learning but it can work! Today is Episode 12 and I am so very grateful that you have taken time out of your life to listen to thi...
How to Find the Good
March 31, 2021 20:55 - 18 minutes - 16 MBThe definition of a “Pollyanna” is: a person characterized by irrepressible optimism and a tendency to find good in everything. It doesn’t mean never being sad, angry, or anything other less-than-sweet emotion. It means acknowledging the negative while having the ability to still see something positive. So, how do you become a Pollyanna? Is it something that is naturally within some people or can it be taught? I have 10 steps to keep you in tip top shape, as good ol’ Mary Poppins would p...
10 Steps to Being Pollyanna
March 31, 2021 20:55 - 18 minutes - 16 MBThe definition of a “Pollyanna” is: a person characterized by irrepressible optimism and a tendency to find good in everything. It doesn’t mean never being sad, angry, or anything other less-than-sweet emotion. It means acknowledging the negative while having the ability to still see something positive. So, how do you become a Pollyanna? Is it something that is naturally within some people or can it be taught? I have 10 steps to keep you in tip top shape, as good ol’ Mary Poppins would p...
Healthy Brain Connections, Brain Boosting Foods, and Tricks for Kids
March 24, 2021 11:00 - 16 minutes - 15.4 MBFood affects the brain the most, for better or worse. Choosing foods that support optimal brain health is key to overall wellness. It will help your brain grow healthy cells, make healthy connections and operate calmly and efficiently. As a mom, I truly want the best for my kids. I want them to be able to focus on schoolwork, grow a healthy brain, and feel good overall. However, we all know it’s not always that simple, right? Healthy connections are how the brain makes sense of information...
Functioning with Anxiety
March 17, 2021 11:00 - 19 minutes - 17.5 MBFear breeds anxiety. Anxiety and fear go hand in hand with traumas and not always just one but years of various types. Who knows when it began for me, but after a tornado, a car accident, miscarriages, and homeschooling stress...suffice it to say, I have had my share of overwhelming anxiety! While the panic attacks are no longer a part of my life, anxiety didn’t just disappear. It just found new ways of showing itself. It came in broken sleep, heart flutters, waking in a sweat or short of ...
When You're Too Old for a Calling
March 10, 2021 12:00 - 19 minutes - 15.7 MBThis past week, we have been to a gymnastics competition taken both dogs (at the same time) to the vet - which was, entertaining looked at a few houses and land and officially completed an almost year-long task (our special announcement) I've also been told I am old. Not in those exact words, but that was the bottom line. I still have dreams of living in the country, expanding our family, and in the mean time I'm trying not to compare myself to other people in the podcasting industry....
Who Do Our Kids Belong To?
March 03, 2021 13:00 - 21 minutes - 17.9 MBWhen I was young, I remember coming home from school every day and sitting down with a lemon and salt in front of the tv. I could eat one right after the other if allowed. I had a whole process to eating them and it was delicious. I mean, what could be better than lemons and Saved by the Bell?! My dad would tell me not to eat too many or it would ruin the enamel on my teeth. I would roll my eyes because surely it wasn’t that dramatic and who cared about enamel anyway? In recent news, there ...