A Few Closing Thoughts.

My goodness, I can be so forgetful. I easily get caught up in my worries, fears, and longings that my mind goes in a downhill spiral fast. I am suddenly filled with fear and anxiety. My joy is gone and I forget the goodness of God.  I must pause and remember. I must pause and reflect. I must pause and contemplate the goodness of God. It takes a conscious effort and mental discipline. But wow, when I do...my joy is found. Have my circumstances changed? Nope. But I remember the goodness of God and then I remember He is with me and that can change everything.  If you can relate, I pray you are encouraged during this episode. And I pray you take a moment to pause and remember His goodness. I pray that moment turns into many moments. And I pray it changes your life. 

I love a lot of things. I love Jesus, and I love having fun and talking about fun things.  This episode is supposed to make you smile and also give you some practical ideas for Christmas-I hope it does both! I hope you also pause and reflect on how God has made you. He made you creatively different and unique and that is on purpose! I hope you remember that you can use your unique personality and wiring to give God glory and experience maximum joy! That's what this podcast is for me-at least that is my prayer! Love y'all!

What are you waiting for? Waiting can be brutal and beautiful. I know it has been for me.  "If you're waiting, you're grieving." -Anonymous  I am in an intense season of waiting right now that is paired with intense grief. It has been a million times harder than I ever thought. But it has also been a really sweet season where God has met me in the midst of the unknown and in the middle of my grief.  The waiting is never wasted. There is joy to be found in the middle of the waiting. There is comfort in the waiting. I am seeing over and over again, there is so much to learn on the journey even when the future is completely unknown.  This is what I feel like God spoke to me this week, and I feel it is also for you:  He sees you. He knows your longings & pain. And He cares.  I pray you, and I, believe it today.  This Advent season, two of my favorite people to follow on Instagram are Sara Hagerty & Jodie Berndt. I  hope you will be encouraged as you follow along as they reflect on this season of waiting called Advent.

We all have strong feelings when it comes to social media. I would bet many of us have a love/hate relationship with it. I know I do. I have experienced all the pro’s and con’s and I am constantly evaluating how to navigate it all. Here are just a few thoughts that I hope are helpful as we all try to be good stewards of this crazy thing called social media. Set a guidelines & set timer. Follow people and accounts that inspire you. Unfollow the ones that cause anxiety & comparison. Do it on purpose. Use your voice for good and be intentional. Use comments to encourage, not just flatter. Don’t be rude. Don’t be the person who’s always distracted by scrolling.

The tension of living in joy and grief can be extremely hard. But that is the reality for all of us. Every single one of us is experiencing a season of joy or a season of grief, on varying levels. We all go through times of great celebration and great sorrow-sometimes at the same time. Longings fulfilled, or longings unfulfilled. My hope is that we can learn to be present in both. That we can also learn how to love and serve people who are in a different season than we are. To comfort those who are mourning, and to celebrate with those who are rejoicing. I pray this encourages you to know you are seen and loved by God, no matter what season you’re in. And I pray this gives you eyes to see & love people who are in a different place than you. To have compassion and empathy the way Christ does for you. My favorite exercise bands: https://amzn.to/3hWmyTZ

This is a special episode for the new mama. It is also for the husband, sister, daughter, friend, or grandmother to a new mom.  There is nothing like being a new mom. In my opinion, it is the most tender and vulnerable time in a woman’s life. It can be beautiful and brutal all in the same breath. I have 5 kiddos and each new baby brought with them so many emotions. I have such a soft spot in my heart for moms with newborns.  My hope is for you to feel seen and not alone after listening. My other hope is to help your loved ones know how to love you well during this time. You are amazing, mama.  To the loved ones of a new mom, thank you for taking the time to listen. I pray you will be encouraged with new ways to love and care for the special mama in your life.  If you want to show a new mama some love, here are some ideas below: Lip mask https://amzn.to/3G2K6Ri Perfect Candle https://amzn.to/3NNCbZT Flameless Candle https://amzn.to/3TmkwcI  The most cozy Ugg Slippers https://amzn.to/3NUiaAL Cutest Blanket https://amzn.to/3UmtN65 My Favorite Devotional https://amzn.to/3fTcpXG

Welcome back, I am so excited for season 3! I have been on a long break from the podcast and am so excited to share with you all the things I have learned in the past few months.  During my time away, my husband and I were praying and processing through some HUGE life decisions. God taught me SO much about trusting Him, and about how to make big decisions or discerning His will. I am so excited to share with you what I have learned, and I pray you are encouraged!  Of course, I have to share one of my favorite things- these Scrub Daddy sponges! They will change your life in the kitchen, trust me! Get one for you, your mom, your friend, your sister and everyone in between! Link below! https://amzn.to/3NEUG2I

What journey it has been. This podcast has been such a fun adventure. Thank you for tuning in!  I will be taking a short break as I spend some intentional, extended time with my family over the next several weeks. What a gift.  But before I go, here are a few final thoughts. I hope and pray you are encouraged. I pray you are mostly encouraged to sit at the feet of Jesus. HE CHANGES EVERYTHING.  Love y'all! I'm just getting started. See you in Season 3! Launch date TBD. 

EPISODE 50! I cannot believe it.  I have been reflecting on all the things I have learned (AND have changed my life) through starting this podcast. What a ride. I am so thankful and truly feel these lessons will encourage you as you face whatever your next adventure is ahead.  My biggest hope is that fear will not get in the way of you saying "YES" to something new. You can do hard things. Don't wait for all the answers before you take a risk. There is probably joy and courage right around the corner of your "yes".

I am deeply encouraged and impacted by leaders, authors, and pastors all over the world (thanks to internet!). I wanted to take one episode just to do some shoutouts for people I love and am deeply encouraged by. I think you should follow them on social media, read their books or blogs, and listen to their podcasts- I know you will be encouraged! I could have listened 50 more, but here are the names of people I talked about on this episode: Jess Connolly, Francie Winslow, Alisa Keeton, Christine Caine, Anjuli Paschall, Katia Adams, Maverick City Music, Derwin Gray, & Jackie Hill Perry.  And here is the link for the tanning drops I can't stop taking about:  https://amzn.to/3NZqLSs