My three-part interview airs this week–Monday, Tuesday AND Wednesday.
Pretty cool, right?
There are some days I get to do things that are just plain fun.
Last April I had one of those days.
Like all cool, fun days go– it began with a Vente nonfat vanilla latte and a plane ride far, far away from a sink full of dishes. 
But, like most fun things–fear usually leads the way. Which is why my reading material on the flight was an adorable lime green and hot pink book about parenting because even an author needs to make sure they know better than anyone what they wrote in their book.
I was invited back to Family Life Today in Little Rock, Arkansas to interview for my latest book, The Mean Mom’s Guide to Raising Great Kids.
Except, this time I didn’t bring my my kids with me like I did last time.
What? An author who wrote a new book about “great kids” but doesn’t bring her “great kids” along with her?
That’s exactly right.
Because even a parent of “great kids” regrets taking them to an interview.
I discovered quickly the last time, that bringing a group of teenagers, (translated: my oldest son) was a BIG mistake. (See happy photo.)
When I interviewed in 2012 for my Just Too Busy book, like any mom, I warned my kids with their last breath to be on their best behavior.
But, it was only a matter of time before the amazing-super-got-it-together family melted like wax before a flame. That’s what happens when you bring Kraft kids who are old enough to talk.
I may tell you someday about the story my teenage son shared with his new best friend, Bob Lepine. I should’ve known better than to let David sit anywhere but next to his father.
Some day, I may even share that moment my eyes opened wide and my heart stopped beating and how Bob Lepine graciously started cracking up…another reason I love Bob Lepine.
But, today is not that day.
This time I caught a plane and went solo.
I didn’t want to have to worry about my “great” kid saying something stupid foolish ridiculous.
You’d think I would’ve been less nervous this time–but I wasn’t. I spent the evening in my hotel room pouring over notes and scripture and on my knees praying for wisdom.
Did I mention that Francis Chan was scheduled to have lunch with Dennis Rainey, Bob Lepine and I?
Yeah, THE Francis Chan.
I made a handful of calls to girlfriends. Women I could count on to fast and pray and fast some more so THE Francis Chan wouldn’t ask me important questions about predestination, end times prophecies, or the fact that I’d only partially read his Crazy Love book.
Thank God for the power of prayer and girlfriends.
The day was incredibly lovely and uneventful.
Once I arrived at the Family Life Today offices I felt alot better. Seeing precious people like Tonda and Keith and Christy just made things alot easier.
THE Francis Chan had some connecting flight trouble so it was just me and Dennis and Bob for lunch. They are just the sweetest and funniest guys–seriously, I could’ve just spent all day chatting with them.
Which is actually what I did.
Once lunch was over we headed into the studio where I visited a bit with Keith their ahmazzing producer/editor extraordinaire.
My one request “Keith, please make me sound thin and super smart. No pressure.”
Then, it was time.
I sat down around the high-gloss oak table , my headset on so I could hear Keith in the sound booth–along with a table microphone in front of me.
Dangerous for a chatty gal like myself.
Dennis Rainey led us in prayer before we began. He prayed for my ministry, the book and all who would hear this interview to be encouraged.
Praying with Bob and Dennis? The coolest thing ever.
Bob gave the intro and we were being taped…my heart beat fast and hard. I couldn’t help but think about all the years I spent listening to their program while I fed babies and cleaned up around the house. Or, the times I drove kids to practices and had their show on in the car for some Holy Spirit-encouragement.
I’ll never get over the fact that God has given me such a beautiful spot to see His hand at work. I’m awestruck–at a God who blesses and gives favor and uses the least of His kids to play a tiny part in His Kingdom work.
Dennis and Bob work together so well. After hundreds of interviews they know exactly where to pick up where the other left off. They peppered questions my way in between hours of comfortable conversation.
It felt like an afternoon with friends. We chatted enough to tape three interviews, which is great because I want The Mean Mom’s Guide to be launched far and wide for His glory.
Download a FREE Leader’s Guide and invite your friends to read through The Mean Mom’s Guide to Raising Great Kids together.
And, just like the last time I was on their show, they brought me to tears.
You’ll have to listen to the very end of Wednesday’s interview to hear what I’m talking about.
When we were done it was early evening. THE Francis Chan arrived with his wife Lisa. I tried to sneak out the other door and Bob made me come in to meet them. Nice people. I loved watching Dennis Rainey in his button up shirt and sports coat shake hands with Chan and his California style v-neck tshirt and tennis shoes. Two evangelical powerhouses, each with their own different preacher-style being used to minister to so many in the world.
But, no matter how many times I get to sit and interview with people like Dennis Rainey and Bob Lepine, I take a second and close my eyes thanking God that a woman like me gets to encourage women like you.
God loves to redeem and restore His broken kids for miraculous kingdom work. – Joanne Kraft
Wherever your heart is today, I pray you give it wholly to Him. Jesus has made my life new and whole and beautiful.
As long as there is breath in my body I will be reaching up to Him and reaching out to YOU.
If God let’s someone like me do fun stuff like this–what in the world does He have in store for you?
I promise it’s exceedingly, abundantly more than you can ask or think.
Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen. – Ephesians 3:20-21
Enjoy your Saturday morning vanilla latte with Joanne. A weekly resource of amazing links to mom-stuff around the web.
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