Treasuring Your Mother-Daughter Relationship - An Interview w/ Kristin Reiss
We had the opportunity to sit down and chat with Kristin Reiss, the speaker at Forest Springs’ Heart-to-Heart Mother/Daughter Retreat – coming up April 15-17. She’s a mom to three children under 10, and has a tremendous heart for ministering to young people – including those outside her family!
Learn more about Kristin’s passion for parenting, laser tag, sour watermelon candy, and Jesus in our latest blog conversation.
1. Tell us a little bit about yourself/your family.
I’ve been married to Josh for 11 years and we have three crazy kids Abby (8), Josiah (6), and Matty (5). I love the stage we’re in as we are so mobile! We can decide to go for a hike or go to the beach, then pile in the car and be there in a few minutes! I also love how we can have great conversations with the kids. They are big helpers around the house and garden, and they’re so stinkin’ funny! They just keep us laughing.
2. Do you have a favorite Bible passage you can share with us?
The verses I live by are John 3:30, “He must become greater and I must become less” and 2 Corinthians 12:15, “So I will very gladly spend for you everything I have and expend myself as well.” No matter where God has called me to be, I strive to give it all for HIS glory. I want to stand before Jesus someday just exhausted from making Him known among the nations.
3. Why are you passionate about youth ministry? Why do you believe it’s important?
I love student ministry! I love broomball and laser tag tournaments and two-hour long prayer concerts. I love crying with and then encouraging students who’ve been bullied by the mean girls and celebrating the courage of students who pray with their athletic teams before a game.
I love the honesty and openness that students possess. I was first introduced to Jesus when I was a student. Jesus truly changed my life, giving it meaning and purpose to go out into the world with courage and boldness to confidently be who He created me to be. In our world of broken homes and busyness, students are hungry to learn how they can make changes in their lives that will leave a legacy of faith.
4. What are some of the biggest issues that are threatening the mother/daughter relationship in our culture?
Time, technology, and parents wanting to befriend their daughter before parenting their daughter. We’ll talk more about this at the retreat!
5. What will you be speaking about at Heart-to-Heart?
I’m so excited about all the sessions. We’ll be discussing the Battlefield of the Mind, tips and tricks to better love your mom/daughter, and the power of a mother’s influence. Women will walk away with tangible tools to strengthen the relationship to love each other well.
6. Why is it important for mothers to get away with their daughters?
The mother-daughter relationship is one of the most precious and unique relationships a person can have. When all your friends are gone, it’s your mother that is still there, supporting you, encouraging you and truly wanting the best for you. This is perhaps one of the most honest relationships you’ll have because you’ve been together for like…ever! A retreat together is a really special way to bond, strengthen that love and devotion, and just HAVE FUN!! Shared experiences, memories and inside jokes go a LONG way!
7. Talk about an event, activity, etc. that you and your daughter do to bond/build your relationship.
My daughter’s love language is quality time. Since May, we have been reading through the Little House on the Prairie books. She loves having that undivided attention that she craves in the midst of our busy schedules. One of her other faves…sitting at the table and coloring or creating notes for others that we mail out and encourage them with. Bless her heart!
8. What are you looking most forward to doing at Forest Springs?
Laughing with Karen Petkau (Forest Springs’ Women’s Ministry Coordinator)!!
9. Finally, a very important question. You are stuck on a deserted island, and you can only bring three items. What would you bring and why?
Sour patch watermelons (my FAVE), my mouth guard (can’t sleep without it!), and a Bethel Worship CD (my fave worship group right now!)
Learn more about Kristin, while building a great relationship with your daughter, at Heart-to-Heart – April 15-17 at Forest Springs. Register today!
