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In this episode of LDS Missionary Moms, Michelle Evans shares insights on navigating the emotional and spiritual transitions of missionary life—both for missionaries and their families. Drawing on her brother’s military experience, Michelle explains how structured transitions can reduce the challenges when missionaries leave home and return after service.

With practical tips for preparing families, staying connected during the mission, and easing the re-entry process, Michelle offers valuable advice for creating smoother transitions. Featuring quotes from Elder David A. Bednar, President Thomas S. Monson, and Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, this episode provides faith-based strategies for navigating these pivotal moments.

Key Takeaways:

• How structured transitions can ease emotional strain
• Preparing for departure and welcoming missionaries home
• Staying spiritually connected throughout the mission journey

Share your missionary stories where you agree to allow me to share them:
michellesevans.coach@gmail.com

Missionary Mom Journal: https://www.amazon.com/Missionary-Mom-Chronicles-Michelle-Evans/dp/B0CFZ9GZS8/ref=sr_1_4?crid=2FMSPY3SBZMDG&keywords=missionary+mom+journal&qid=1704483351&sprefix=missionary+mom+journa%2Caps%2C181&sr=8-4

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In this episode, I discuss a challenge many missionary moms face: learning to distinguish between spiritual promptings and the fear responses from our nervous systems. I share a personal story about watching my son get trampled during a rodeo and how my instinct to gather my kids in safety was driven by my nervous system’s need to protect, not necessarily by the Spirit.

Joined by my brother Travis, we talk about how our emotions, especially fear and anxiety, can sometimes feel like spiritual promptings when, in reality, they’re just part of our natural, protective instincts. We discuss how embracing all emotions—fear, joy, sadness—is key to managing these experiences with resilience. We’ll explore practical tools for calming your nervous system and understanding when it’s the Spirit guiding you versus your body reacting to stress.

Key Takeaways:

• Embracing your emotions instead of resisting them can help you discern between fear and spiritual guidance.
• Tools to calm your mind and body during emotionally intense moments.
• How to lean into the discomfort of letting go while trusting the Spirit.

Share your missionary stories where you agree to allow me to share them:
michellesevans.coach@gmail.com

Missionary Mom Journal: https://www.amazon.com/Missionary-Mom-Chronicles-Michelle-Evans/dp/B0CFZ9GZS8/ref=sr_1_4?crid=2FMSPY3SBZMDG&keywords=missionary+mom+journal&qid=1704483351&sprefix=missionary+mom+journa%2Caps%2C181&sr=8-4

Trying to decide if working with me would be a good idea? Sign up for a free one-hour consultation: https://calendly.com/michellesevans-coach/missionary-mom

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In this episode, I’m diving into the emotional rollercoaster of sending a missionary into the field and handling the stress that follows. We’ll explore how our nervous system can sometimes confuse minor issues with major crises, leaving us feeling overwhelmed and anxious.

I’ll break down the basics of the nervous system, including the "fight or flight" and "rest and digest" responses. Plus, I’ll share expert insights and practical techniques to help you calm your nerves when everything feels like it’s on fire.

By the end of this episode, you’ll know how to tell the difference between “burned toast” moments and real emergencies, and you’ll have some simple tools to manage your stress and anxiety.

Key Takeaways:

• The nervous system’s role in stress and how it affects you.
• How to distinguish between minor stressors and real challenges.
• Techniques for calming your nerves during tough times.
• Building a support system to help you cope.

Share your missionary stories where you agree to allow me to share them:
michellesevans.coach@gmail.com

Missionary Mom Journal: https://www.amazon.com/Missionary-Mom-Chronicles-Michelle-Evans/dp/B0CFZ9GZS8/ref=sr_1_4?crid=2FMSPY3SBZMDG&keywords=missionary+mom+journal&qid=1704483351&sprefix=missionary+mom+journa%2Caps%2C181&sr=8-4

Trying to decide if working with me would be a good idea? Sign up for a free one-hour consultation: https://calendly.com/michellesevans-coach/missionary-mom

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In this episode, guest Travis Stephensen dive into the unspoken challenges missionaries face, from being taken advantage of by companions to navigating the pressures of obedience. Travis shares personal stories from his mission in Brazil and offers valuable insights on teaching your children to stand up for themselves, set boundaries, and develop essential negotiation skills. Learn how to prepare your missionary to handle real-life conflicts with confidence and resilience. This conversation is a must-listen for any parent wanting to equip their missionary for the unexpected.

Highlights:

• The importance of teaching missionaries to advocate for themselves
• Real stories of mission challenges and how to overcome them
• Practical tips for parents to help their kids set boundaries and navigate conflict
• How to empower missionaries to avoid people-pleasing and stand strong

Don't forget to submit your questions for the upcoming 50th episode Q&A session! https://forms.gle/d37oXkFMfFmpSXSPA

Share your missionary stories where you agree to allow me to share them:
michellesevans.coach@gmail.com

Missionary Mom Journal: https://www.amazon.com/Missionary-Mom-Chronicles-Michelle-Evans/dp/B0CFZ9GZS8/ref=sr_1_4?crid=2FMSPY3SBZMDG&keywords=missionary+mom+journal&qid=1704483351&sprefix=missionary+mom+journa%2Caps%2C181&sr=8-4

Trying to decide if working with me would be a good idea? Sign up for a free one-hour consultation: https://calendly.com/michellesevans-coach/missionary-mom

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Ever found yourself thinking, “Missions suck”? You’re not alone. When the challenges pile up, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and tired. But those feelings don’t have to define your journey—or your missionary’s.

Episode Overview: In today’s episode, we explore the topic of feeling jaded about missions. Whether it’s unmet expectations, hearing about your missionary’s struggles, or the exhaustion, these emotions are more common than you might think. I share my own story of struggling with these feelings and offer practical steps to help you reconnect with your purpose, support your missionary with renewed energy, and find joy in the journey again.

What You’ll Learn:

• The root causes of feeling jaded about missions and how to address them.
• Practical ways to reignite your passion for missionary work.
• Tips for managing emotional and physical exhaustion as a missionary mom.
• How to create a supportive network and take care of your own well-being.
• Strategies for shifting your mindset and finding a renewed sense of purpose.

Why It Matters: Feeling jaded is a natural part of the missionary mom journey, but it doesn’t have to be the end of the story. By understanding and addressing these feelings, you can continue to support your missionary with love, enthusiasm, and resilience.

Call to Action: If this episode resonates with you, please share it with other missionary moms who might be struggling too. And don’t forget to leave a review—your feedback helps us reach more moms and build a supportive community together.

Stay Connected: Have a story or question you’d like to share? Reach out to me via email or join the conversation in our upcoming Q&A episode! All the details are in the show notes.

Submit your episode 50 Q&A here: https://forms.gle/EfLvqUfa4UBrbi9i8

Share your missionary stories where you agree to allow me to share them:
michellesevans.coach@gmail.com

Missionary Mom Journal: https://www.amazon.com/Missionary-Mom-Chronicles-Michelle-Evans/dp/B0CFZ9GZS8/ref=sr_1_4?crid=2FMSPY3SBZMDG&keywords=missionary+mom+journal&qid=1704483351&sprefix=missionary+mom+journa%2Caps%2C181&sr=8-4

Trying to decide if working with me would be a good idea? Sign up for a free one-hour consultation: https://calendly.com/michellesevans-coach/missionary-mom

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In this episode of LDS Missionary Moms, Michelle Evans delves into the topic of managing the constant mental chatter that can affect both moms and their missionaries. Michelle shares insights on how our brains can play dirty by feeding us negative thoughts and comparisons, and provides practical strategies to help our missionaries—and ourselves—reframe these thoughts. This episode is packed with personal stories, helpful questions, and empowering tips to support your missionary in navigating their mental challenges.

Key Points Discussed:

1. Introduction to Mental Chatter:
   • The concept of mental chatter as constant traffic in our minds.
   • How our brains pick thoughts to dwell on and build cases to prove them right.
2. Brain Playing Dirty:
   • Understanding how our brains default to negative patterns.
   • Examples of negative self-talk and comparisons.
   • Personal story about how attributing these thoughts to Satan can create feelings of powerlessness.
3. Empowerment and Taking Control:
   • Reclaiming power by taking responsibility for our thoughts.
   • Strategies to challenge and interrupt negative thought patterns.
4. Supporting Your Missionary:
   • Recognizing when your missionary's brain is playing dirty.
   • Example of Michelle's son struggling with language skills on his mission.
   • Questions to help your missionary reframe their thoughts:
     • Why is it a problem?
     • Why are you thinking about that?
     • Why do you think your brain wants to believe that so much?
     • What could also be true?
     • Let’s say what you are sharing is true, now what?

Submit your Q&A questions for episode 50 here: https://forms.gle/EfLvqUfa4UBrbi9i8

Share your missionary stories where you agree to allow me to share them:
michellesevans.coach@gmail.com

Missionary Mom Journal: https://www.amazon.com/Missionary-Mom-Chronicles-Michelle-Evans/dp/B0CFZ9GZS8/ref=sr_1_4?crid=2FMSPY3SBZMDG&keywords=missionary+mom+journal&qid=1704483351&sprefix=missionary+mom+journa%2Caps%2C181&sr=8-4

Trying to decide if working with me would be a good idea? Sign up for a free one-hour consultation: https://calendly.com/michellesevans-coach/missionary-mom

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In this compelling episode, host Michelle Evans welcomes her brother, Jed Stephensen, to share an intimate and honest account of his missionary experience. Jed served in Honduras Tegucigalpa from 2002 to 2004, navigating a profound faith crisis before stepping into the mission field. Michelle and Jed delve into the pressures and expectations faced by missionaries, the social and familial influences shaping their journeys, and the importance of authenticity and honesty in faith.

Key Takeaways:

• Jed's early faith crisis and the impact of losing his wallet at BYU Idaho.
• The social pressures and expectations that led Jed to serve a mission despite his doubts.
• The intense emotional and mental challenges Jed faced throughout his mission.
• The significance of listening to and supporting our missionaries' unique spiritual journeys.
• The power of honesty, both with oneself and with God, in navigating faith and doubt.
• Encourage parents to cultivate open, judgment-free conversations with their missionaries.

Share your missionary stories where you agree to allow me to share them:
michellesevans.coach@gmail.com

Missionary Mom Journal: https://www.amazon.com/Missionary-Mom-Chronicles-Michelle-Evans/dp/B0CFZ9GZS8/ref=sr_1_4?crid=2FMSPY3SBZMDG&keywords=missionary+mom+journal&qid=1704483351&sprefix=missionary+mom+journa%2Caps%2C181&sr=8-4

Trying to decide if working with me would be a good idea? Sign up for a free one-hour consultation: https://calendly.com/michellesevans-coach/missionary-mom

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This episode is about recognizing if you have an agenda for your missionary (or any loved one) and how to clean that up. This is such a critical topic because our expectations can often shape our experiences—and more importantly, the experience of our missionary with their interactions with us.

So, let’s get started by recognizing those sneaky agendas. We’ll talk about how to spot them, why they pop up, and, most importantly, how to let go of them. I’ll share some personal stories and practical tips to help you support your missionary with an open heart, no matter their journey.

Key Takeaways:

1. Recognizing Agendas:
   • Signs You Have an Agenda: Feeling disappointed in your missionary’s choices, comparing them to others, or setting unrealistic expectations.
   • Emotional Reactions: If you feel anxious, frustrated, or overly worried about mission details, it might be time to check your agenda.
2. Cleaning Up Your Agendas:
   • Self-Reflection: Take some time to understand why you have certain expectations. Are they based on your experiences, fears, or societal pressures?
   • Open Communication: Have honest conversations with your missionary about their goals and desires. Listen without judgment and validate their feelings.
   • Setting Realistic Expectations: Understand that their mission is their journey. Embrace the unpredictability and appreciate the lessons they’re learning.
3. Providing Unconditional Support:
   • Celebrate Small Wins: Every achievement is worth celebrating, no matter how small.
   • Be a Safe Haven: Let your missionary know they can share their struggles and successes without fear of judgment.
   • Stay Positive: Maintain a positive attitude and share uplifting and funny stories to keep their spirits high.
   • Trust Their Journey: Have faith in their ability to navigate their mission and trust that they are in the right place, learning what they need to learn.
4. Self-Care for Moms:
   • Practice Letting Go: Engage in activities that help you relax and release control.
   • Build a Support System: Surround yourself with other missionary moms or friends who understand what you’re going through.
   • Stay Engaged in Your Interests: Find hobbies and activities that bring you joy outside your mom role.

Share your missionary stories where you agree to allow me to share them:
michellesevans.coach@gmail.com

Missionary Mom Journal: https://www.amazon.com/Missionary-Mom-Chronicles-Michelle-Evans/dp/B0CFZ9GZS8/ref=sr_1_4?crid=2FMSPY3SBZMDG&keywords=missionary+mom+journal&qid=1704483351&sprefix=missionary+mom+journa%2Caps%2C181&sr=8-4

Trying to decide if working with me would be a good idea? Sign up for a free one-hour consultation: https://calendly.com/michellesevans-coach/missionary-mom

Follow me on social media:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/michelle_evans.life/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100082926154445