Ever feel that tug-of-war between wanting to open your home and also just wanting a quiet, clean space? Us too.

Summer has this way of stirring things up — kids are out of school, the backyard suddenly becomes the neighborhood hotspot, and somehow your house turns into the unofficial sleepover headquarters. So how do we prepare our homes and hearts for hospitality?

In this episode, we’re taking an honest look at the mess and the ministry of hospitality. We’re sharing five simple things that have helped us over the years — things like keeping popsicles and extra toothbrushes on hand, teaching our kids to help make the home feel welcoming, and how setting boundaries actually makes our house more of a place kids want to be.

But we’re also talking about the why behind it all — because creating a safe, fun, loving space for kids to hang out? That’s more than just being the ‘cool house’. That’s kingdom work. And bonus: you know exactly who your kids are with and what they’re doing when they’re right under your roof.

You don’t need to have it all together to be the house where kids feel welcome. This episode is full of practical ideas and gentle encouragement to help you open your home with purpose and peace.

Let’s do this together — hit play and let’s chat about what it really looks like to open your doors and your heart this summer.

Episode Highlights:

• 5 Practical Ways to Prep Your House for Hosting Kids
• Think about your household goals.
• What example are you setting?

Links Mentioned in Episode/Find More on A Force to Be Reckoned With:

• Jointheforce.us
• Follow Bethany on Instagram @bethanyadkins
• Follow Corey on Instagram @mrcoreyadkins
• Find us on Youtube!
• Email Bethany at bethany@adkinsmedia.co

This show has been produced by Adkins Media Co.

When is the last time you have invited someone into your home to sit down and dive into the parts of life that go deeper than everyday conversation?

If this isn’t something that you do, or have done recently, what’s holding you back? Is it space? Is it clutter? Is it fear of what people might see when you let your walls down?

For me, at one point or another it’s been all of those things, and I know I’m not alone in that. That’s why I’m so excited to share today’s conversation with Victoria Duerstock.

Victoria Duerstock is a creative, an author of multiple books, and has over 20 years of experience in interior design. Today we are talking about the richness that letting our walls down and literally opening up our doors has on our lives---despite what they look like, how big they are, how much laundry we have piled up, or how our kids behave.

This conversation has come at such a perfect time because over the last year or so, Corey and I have chosen to finally get rooted in a town and intentionally dive deep into the relationships around us. We desired to find a community that we could do life with, and go beyond simple conversation and small talk. God has been so good in blessing us with that in His timing, and honestly none of these deep relationships would exist if our friends had not let their walls down, and invited us into their worlds and their homes.

The richer our relationships get, the more I see this lacking in our generation as a whole and it’s something I truly believe we desperately need. I can only say this because I went years believing that growing roots in a community and connecting deeper with other people outside of my immediate family had no value. How wrong I was!

Victoria is so full of wisdom even in this short conversation. Not only does she share truths about the importance of getting past trying to “appear” a certain way, but she gives tactical tips on how to style our homes and make them more inviting.

I hope you leave this conversation today feeling inspired to invite others into your world, and make your home a mission field.

Episode Highlights:

• Victoria’s journey to where she is now.
• The heart behind her new book
• Making your Home a Place of Mission with Victoria Duerstock.
• How to be more mission-minded when it comes to our homes.
• Things we can do to become more connected in this crazy world.
• Simple ways to re-decorate with what you already have!

More on Guest:

• Victoria’s Website
• Get Guard Your Heart and Home HERE
• Connect with Victoria on Instagram

Links Mentioned in Episode/Find More on A Force to Be Reckoned With:

• Jointheforce.us
• Follow Bethany on Instagram @bethanyadkins
• Follow Corey on Instagram @mrcoreyadkins
• Find us on Youtube!
• Email Bethany at bethany@adkinsmedia.co

This show has been produced by Adkins Media Co.

What if paying off debt didn’t mean putting life on hold?

This month we knocked out some debt, paid off a line of credit, and finally feel the snowball rolling. It’s gonna take a few years—and that's okay. We’re in it for the long haul without putting life on hold.

Instead of extreme cuts that leave us burned out, we're learning to be intentional: letting the kids play sports (no $6 concession stand nachos for us), fixing up the backyard, and choosing joy where we can.

Funny thing—getting serious about money has actually made our marriage stronger too. Turns out a little margin (and a hot cup of coffee) can change everything.

You don't have to pick between financial freedom and a full life. You can have both. One small step at a time.

Episode Highlights:

• Neighborhood mailbox drama.
• Finding margin.
• Morning coffee and words of affirmation.
• Debt update.

Links Mentioned in Episode/Find More on A Force to Be Reckoned With:

• Jointheforce.us
• Follow Bethany on Instagram @bethanyadkins
• Follow Corey on Instagram @mrcoreyadkins
• Find us on Youtube!
• Email Bethany at bethany@adkinsmedia.co

This show has been produced by Adkins Media Co.