Have you ever found yourself in a season that feels both exhausting and unexpectedly beautiful?

In our heartfelt reflections on fostering, we explore the emotional journey of welcoming two sweet little ones into our family. We share the joys and challenges of fostering, emphasizing how community support and a shift in perspective through prayer and gratitude have enriched our lives.

Fostering isn’t easy. It comes with lots of unknowns and emotional wrestling. But we’re also learning that the kind of peace that comes with saying “yes” is worth every second. We talk about challenges with mental health and why a shift in perspective can be such a powerful tool in helping us embrace each part of the journey.

Thank you to everyone who’s supported us along the way—whether you’re a foster parent or just curious, your messages mean so much. Join us for a journey packed with humor, inspiration, and a reminder of the profound difference that love and gratitude can make in navigating life’s changes.

Episode Highlights:

• Overcoming caffeine addiction.
• Kid count update.
• Allowing God to shift your perspective.
• The power of discipline.

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

• Jointheforce.us
• Follow us on Instagram @bethanyadkins
• Find us on Youtube!

This show has been produced by Adkins Media Co.

Is the growing polarization of today’s political climate a reflection of a deeper spiritual struggle?

In this episode, we dig into how faith and politics intersect, especially during election season. We share our journey of moving from loyalty to political parties toward a focus on biblical principles, urging listeners to keep Christ at the center. As Christians, we’re called to engage thoughtfully in politics, ensuring no party or leader becomes an idol.

We discuss the importance of voting in line with biblical values, recognizing that while no politician is perfect, some align more closely with teachings on issues like the sanctity of life. Inspired by Reagan's vision of America as a "shining city on a hill," we close with a call for unity and peace, reminding our listeners to trust in God's sovereign plan.

We invite you to listen with an open mind as we dive into this important conversation. Join us as we journey through these complex times together, finding strength and renewed faith along the way!


Episode Highlights:

• Today’s political climate.
• We have a real enemy at play.
• Where our loyalty lies.
• Corruption in politics.
• Voting with Christian values.
• God is on the throne.
• United we stand, divided we fall.

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

• Jointheforce.us
• Follow us on Instagram @bethanyadkins
• Find us on Youtube!

This show has been produced by Adkins Media Co.

Have you ever considered the impact that foster parents can make not only on the children in their care, but also in the bio parents?

Through the raw and emotional recounting of her experiences, Jaliyah emphasizes the importance of empathy, understanding, and the human element often overlooked in these life-altering situations that lead to foster care. Together, we explore the intricate dynamics between CPS, foster parents, and biological parents, navigating the challenges foster parents face in preserving a child's identity while fostering mutual respect and trust with biological families.

We also confront the stigmas surrounding addiction and motherhood, revealing how foster parents can be pivotal in the recovery and reunification process by cultivating healthy relationships and providing a stable, nurturing environment.

Jaliyah shares about how devastating loss of her sister triggered a relapse, but her resilience and dedication to sobriety remained unwavering. This episode highlights the power of a strong support system and the transformative impact of compassion in helping families achieve lasting recovery and success.

Episode Highlights:

• The day the kids were removed.
• Connections between foster parents and biological parents.
• The goal is reunification.
• Tragedy after recovery & the impact it has.
• Unity between foster parents & bio parents.

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

• Jointheforce.us
• Follow us on Instagram @bethanyadkins
• Find us on Youtube!

This show has been produced by Adkins Media Co.

Have you ever wondered what our foster kiddo's bio mom's story might be?

Jaliyah's journey is nothing short of inspiring. Raised in Cleveland, Ohio, she recounts her challenging childhood, marked by separation from her siblings and parents due to addiction and imprisonment. Her grandfather's unwavering support and teachings provided a beacon of strength amidst the turmoil, instilling values of hard work and resilience. Jaliyah's story offers a fresh perspective on the backgrounds of biological parents involved in foster care, breaking down stigmas and shedding light on the complexities of her upbringing.

Jaliyah's strength and perseverance through unimaginable hardships are a testament to her faith and resilience. She details the profound impact of her mother's tragic death, the support she found in her college gospel choir, and the sheer determination it took to graduate and raise her children. Her narrative is a compelling reminder of the power of hope and the relentless pursuit of purpose despite life's setbacks.

But Jaliyah's journey doesn't end in despair. It evolves into a powerful message of resilience and the importance of feeling loved and valued. Through her story, we are reminded that no matter how deep the suffering, there's always a chance for redemption and the courage to share one's story can inspire others to keep going.

Episode Highlights:

• Meet Jaliyah.
• Jaliyah’s childhood & her knight in shining armor.
• A journey of faith.
• The birth of her first child.
• Going to college as a young mother.
• Overcoming tragedy.
• Navigating new relationships after unhealthy past relationships.

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

• Jointheforce.us
• Follow us on Instagram @bethanyadkins
• Find us on Youtube!

This show has been produced by Adkins Media Co.

Did you know that the goal of foster care is reunification?

Join us as we share our deeply personal journey through the foster care system. We'll capture the pivotal moments of hope when the kids' mother entered rehab, sparking hope of reunification. We'll recount the unexpected bonds formed and many impactful moments in between.

If you've ever wondered about the true impact of community involvement in foster care, our experiences will shed light on the pivotal role it plays. When our family grew from four members to eight nearly overnight, we set our minds to the fact that we were going to maintain our active involvement in the community. In this episode, we reflect on the support we received from friends, sports teams, and school communities, which proved crucial in creating a nurturing environment for the children. We also delve into the complexities we faced during this transition and emphasize the importance of expanding your support network to raise awareness and inspire others.

Whether you're considering fostering or looking for ways to support those who do, this episode offers heartwarming stories and invaluable insights that you won't want to miss.

Episode Highlights:

• A new chance of hope.
• Your obedience impacts others.
• Doing what’s right despite what others might think.
• The support of community.
• A full-circle God moment.

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

• Jointheforce.us
• Follow us on Instagram @bethanyadkins
• Find us on Youtube!

This show has been produced by Adkins Media Co.

Can you imagine leaving a child you've grown to love in an unfamiliar place, not knowing if you'll ever see them again?

This episode takes you through the gut-wrenching experience we faced on July 28th, 2023. We also share how prayer became our lifeline during these heart-shattering moments and how community support played a crucial role. Listen as we recount welcoming a new placement, a four-year-old boy, and the profound sense of urgency within the foster care system.

We open up about our own struggles and heartbreak, highlighting the feelings of helplessness and grief when children are abruptly taken away. The challenges we faced within the system, the emotional and physical toll it took on us, and the critical importance of self-care are laid bare in this chapter. Personal stories bring to life the rollercoaster of emotions—both the crushing lows and the triumphant highs—that come with fostering.

We explore the emotional complexities of fostering. From supporting the biological mother to the unexpected call to take back her other child we had previously cared for, the twists and turns are both heartwarming and heartbreaking. We also delve into the mixed emotions of reconnecting with a child after separation, the role of faith, and the comforting power of music. Don't miss this part of our three-part series, where we'll unravel even more of this intricate journey.

Episode Highlights:

• The long drive home.
• Things weren’t going well.
• Prayer is the most powerful thing.
• The tides started to turn.
• Storming the gates of hell.

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

• Jointheforce.us
• Follow us on Instagram @bethanyadkins
• Find us on Youtube!
• Listen to our Spotify Playlist!
• Listen to our Apple Music Playlist!
• Psalm 46 by Shane & Shane
• Though You Slay Me by Shane & Shane

This show has been produced by Adkins Media Co.

This week on the podcast we are sharing about our foster care journey. So many of you have been deeply invested through prayer, lending a helping hand, and checking in. We know that so much of our story has been fragmented due to the rollercoaster of it all and also privacy.

With that, we are finally ready to share a 3 episode series covering our podcast journey from the call to start all the way to where we are two years later.

Thank you to those of you who have invested in us. We are so appreciative!

Episode Highlights:

• The move back to Ohio.
• Praying for community & a home church.
• Following God's lead.
• Our introduction to Foster Care.
• Building a relationship with the bio family.
• The goal is reunification.
• Doing what’s right despite what others think.

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

• Jointheforce.us
• Follow us on Instagram @bethanyadkins
• Find us on Youtube!

This show has been produced by Adkins Media Co.

Do you ever struggle to find time to read the Bible? Have you ever felt intimidated by it or like you don't know where to start?

Join us for an enlightening conversation with Kristin Nave, a powerful voice on social media dedicated to studying God's Word. Kristin shares her journey from a childhood enriched by her mother's persistent teachings to a slightly distant relationship with Christianity in her early adulthood. A life-changing moment at a conference revealed to her that a Christian life is about experiencing an abundant life, sparking her profound and fulfilling relationship with God.

This episode is packed with practical insights for busy parents to integrate scripture into their daily lives. From giving ourselves grace to accept that our time with God may look different across various seasons to creative ways of consuming scripture, we explore how to stay connected to God's Word even when life gets hectic.

We discuss practical tips like using a study Bible, studying in a community, and taking the journey slowly. Plus, don’t miss the exciting announcement about Kristin’s upcoming "Love the Bible" podcast and the new, vibrant Bible journaling kit created in collaboration with Mr. Pen. Tune in for a fresh, engaging approach to deepening your relationship with God.

Episode Highlights:

• Kristin’s background of faith.
• Making time for God’s Word.
• Understanding God’s Word.

Find More on Kristin:

• Follow Kristin on Instagram
• Listen to Love the Bible Podcast launching in August 2024!
• Find Kristin’s Bible Journaling Kits on Amazon

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

• Jointheforce.us
• Follow us on Instagram @bethanyadkins
• Find us on Youtube!

This show has been produced by Adkins Media Co.