#159: All the Things We Say to God: A Conversation with Tanner Olson on Prayer, Parenting, and Poetry

What if prayer wasn't about getting the words right, but about being real? In this tender and honest conversation, Janet and Doug sit down with poet and author Tanner Olson, whose new children's book All the Things I Say to God is helping families make prayer a natural part of everyday life. They explore Tanner and his wife's journey through infertility and adoption, the power of surrender, and what it means to live a creative life anchored in faith, family, and honest conversations with God. You're in the Right Place If… You want to raise kids who feel safe enough to talk to God about anything. You're in a season of waiting, wondering where God is in the silence. You've ever wrestled with not being in control, but longed to feel secure anyway. Highlights from the Conversation: Prayer as Presence – How Tanner's book models that sitting quietly with God is just as valid as speaking out loud. Love in the Waiting – Their shared experience of waiting for children—and discovering that grief and joy often share the same space. Peace Over Performance – Why surrender isn't giving up, but choosing safety in God instead of control. Creative Callings – Tanner's story of becoming a poet, the faith of his parents, and the courage it takes to follow a different path. Key Takeaways: Children don't need perfect prayers. They need permission to speak to God like they speak to someone who loves them. Surrendered doesn't mean powerless. It means safe and secure in the hands of a faithful God—even when you don't have all the answers. Waiting can be formative. Love, art, and spiritual maturity often grow in the in-between spaces. We are receivers first. God is the initiator, and our job is to remain open—to receive, respond, and create from love. Mentioned in this Episode: All the Things I Say to God by Tanner Olson  Tanner's website:  writtentospeak.com Follow Tanner on Instagram: @writtentospeak Help Us Share the Good News: If this episode encouraged you, please share it with a friend—or post it on social media and tag @john15academy and @writtentospeak. Together, there is great hope.