136 | Selflessly Celebrating Your People + Men and Friendship | A Conversation with Jesse Maestas

The difficulties of life are easy to see when they're right in front of us. They're even easier to see when it's all that we're looking for. I recently heard a podcast episode that shifted my entire perspective on how I view the difficult moments of life. After a season of much difficulty, a lot of complaining, and a lot of stress, I realized that I needed a perspective shift and a heart change. Life is really tough. It's such an interesting experience to walk through life; it's deeply sweet and beautiful but equally confusing and painful.  I believe that our faith and our minds shape the way that we live. I pray that this brief episode helps you to navigate the hard moments of life and want to leave you with the question, "Would you take away all of the hard if it meant that you also had to take away the good?"  The Living Easy Podcast will be taking a break after this episode so that I can focus on some family time and will be back in mid-June. We are, as always, praying that you will still be here when we get back! 

On today's conversation with Sarah Bragg, Lindsey Maestas delves into the complexities of aging as a woman and self-reflection at the age of 30+. Sarah shares insights on navigating feelings of invisibility, reflecting on the past years lived, and finding ways to actually appreciate getting older while not allowing yourself to feel invisible. They discuss the importance of noticing the good, reassessing priorities, and addressing the unique dynamics of parenting teenage daughters. 

In today's honest conversation, Lindsey Maestas talks with Pastor Paul Daugherty about his personal struggles with failure, depression, and suicidal thoughts as a Christian. He discusses candidly the struggle that Christians often face with shame and masking emotions when it comes to genuine mental health struggles. He shares his story of attempting to take his life, how suicide is often misperceived as a selfish tendency, and the importance of community and accountability for mental health healing.  Pastor Paul shares practical and spiritual ways to work through personal mental health battles and his own story of grief, failure, and moving forward. Follow along with Pastor Paul on Instagram: @pauldaugherty Follow along with Lindsey on IG: @livingeasywithlindsey Get Paul's book today: Mind Games: Winning the Battle for Your Mental and Emotional Health  

This slightly untraditional Valentine's Day episode is as heart-challenging as it gets. I had the incredible opportunity to speak with Delilah, long-time radio host, who I grew up listening to from childhood into my adult years. She speaks about the only kind of love that Jesus showed in His lifetime: unconditional love.  As an adoptive mom of twelve children, Delilah touches on topics that challenge the way that we unconditionally love: how we love on the widows and the orphans, the way we share and gather stories, the way we speak to our children, how we love Christians, sinners and unbelievers, and how we connect in friendship and in community. As Delilah says, "The only kind of love that exists is unconditional love".  Happy Valentine’s Day! 

"Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep" (Romans 12:9). In today's conversation, Lindsey and Jesse Maestas discuss friendship, their different perspectives on 'showing up' for people, and Jesse candidly reveals his own struggle with the temptation to navigate life independently. He addresses men who grapple with discomfort in seeking help, supporting, or expressing love for their friends. Silently battling financial burdens and parenting stresses, these men often confront a sense of fear or pride surrounding their vulnerabilities. Within this discussion, the episode explores the misconception that friendship requires sacrificing the greatest things in life. Contrary to this, scripture teaches the integral role of friendship within the church, the body, and fellowship.  Lindsey shares insights into managing expectations surrounding others' involvement in her greatest achievements, shedding light on the emptiness and loneliness that can arise from unhealthy expectations.  Don't forget to click SUBSCRIBE for new episodes every Tuesday. Follow along with Lindsey on IG @livingeasywithlindsey and Jesse @nashvillehomeshq.  

In today's heartfelt conversation, Lindsey Maestas speaks with Havilah Cunnington about hearing God's voice -- and what that really means.  She talks about victim mentality, ownership, and partnering with God in our walk as a Christian. She shares about how we try to be so low-maintenance toward God that we then limit our own relationships with Him.  Lindsey and Havilah discuss the controversy around the words often heard in the church, such as, "God told me" or "God changed his mind" which has created bitterness or indignance toward God speaking to Christians.  They discuss life experiences, such as their bonded experience of facing postpartum depression as Christians, how Christians experience God, and how to love our friends and family better as we learn more about how they experience God in their faith walk.  Get Havilah's book today!  Follow along with Havilah on Instagram: @havilahcunnington  Hang out with Lindsey on Instagram: @livingeasywithlindsey 

In today's episode with author Ann White, we discuss practical ways to study the bible more in 2024. Courage, love, and power pour into every area of our lives when we are faithful to read God's word and to choose presence with Him. Ann and Lindsey Maestas discuss important topics like: -Common lies we believe about reading the Bible and how to overcome them -Books of the Bible you can start reading right away -The best ways to understand and retain what you read -The danger of the all-or-nothing mindset when reading your Bible  -The primary reasons why we stop reading the Bible, even when we're well-meaning -Practical ways to implement Bible reading as a busy parent or person -The importance of reading the Bible with your children and raising them in a godly home -Why courage matters as a parent, spouse, and Christian  Follow along with Lindsey on IG @livingeasywithlindsey Learn more about Ann White here! Get your Bible today. 

I told Jesse, "Sometimes I just miss being LINDSEY. I miss the things that I used to love. I miss the person that I used to be - without any roles or responsibilities." If you're a mom who misses a piece of who you used to be, there is no shame in that feeling. And this episode is for you. In today's episode, I'm diving deep into the challenges many women face when juggling various roles in life, from being a mom to a spouse and business owner. I am sharing my personal experience and the experiences of friends close to me, prompting an important discussion on the common struggle of reconciling personal identity with responsibilities and expectations. I discuss the impact of motherhood on self-perception, highlighting the importance of making time for yourself, maintaining your appearance (not always for vanity purposes), avoiding isolation, and reframing negative thoughts. I share practical insights on regaining a sense of identity by initiating change, communicating needs, and embracing a mindset shift. Whether you're a new mom or navigating the challenges of parenthood, this episode provides valuable perspectives on rediscovering and balancing your identity amid life's seasons. Find me on Instagram @livingeasywithlindsey Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE for new episodes every week! 

Jami Nato opens up about healing through infidelity after discovering that her husband had engaged in multiple affairs as a Christian. She discusses the important realizations that she had as she began to heal - like divorcing herself from the outcome and not putting any blame on herself for her husband's decisions. In today's conversation with Lindsey Maestas, Jami directly addresses the moments where she realized her marriage was broken and how her perspective of control and of God helped her to come to a place of forgiveness and understanding. Get Jami's book: This Must Be the Place and follow Jami on IG @jaminato.  Follow along with Lindsey on Instagram: @livingeasywithlindsey

Let's get uncomfortable. ;-) In today's episode, I am discussing the often tricky topic of talking to your children about sex, drugs, and alcohol. From the importance of starting early, communicating about sex and sin consistently, and staying proactive with phones and social media. I am sharing real-life scenarios and age-appropriate strategies, encouraging you to be transparent about your own past and present mistakes with a focus on the Gospel.  The love you have for your child is a higher priority than your comfort. Oral sex, sex, masturbation, drugs, and alcohol should be regular discussion topics within your home to remove the shock factor and to solidify your children's understanding of God's intention and plan for these things.  Follow along with Lindsey Maestas on IG: @livingeasywithlindsey