Every Mom Needs a Friend

Ever found yourself knee-deep in unfinished tasks, feeling like a browser with far too many tabs open? My latest heart-to-heart explores the amusing irony of my struggle with 'closing the loop,' where I take you through the winding paths of a year's worth of thoughts and the pivotal role of completion in our multifarious lives.

Now switch gears with me to the profound impact of communication and the fruits of the Spirit on marriage—an intertwining of personal anecdotes and spiritual guidance. Grasp how a simple act like holding hands amidst discord can be a lifeline of understanding, and get a glimpse of what's brewing with an upcoming series on the transformative power of perspective. So, let's raise our coffee cups to the art of reconnection and the anticipation of where we might be led next; this conversation is one you'll want to circle back to time and again.

Even though If Gathering celebrated a decade of uplifting women in faith, I have to say it was the tapestry of friendships that shone brightest in my heart. As always the worship and speakers were superb, but it was the fellowship that flourished among old friends and new that I'll remember most.

I'm super sad that we won't be able to get together in 2025, but rest assured, 2026 we will be back together and I hope all y'all join me!

Love y'all deep xoxoxoxo

Even as a self-proclaimed extrovert, I confess to moments of hesitation in my ability to converse effectively, and together, we'll unpack the strategies to not only improve our chit-chat but turn it into an art form.

Ready to disarm social anxiety and prepare like a pro for any interaction? We're breaking down the Christopher technique of inquiry, a method designed to peel back the layers of one's experiences and forge genuine connections that go beyond surface-level exchanges. From the historical significance of the 'gift of gab' to the contemporary need for finding common ground, our conversation is a treasure chest of anecdotes, humor, and the shared pleasure of human connection. Whether you consider yourself a social butterfly or someone looking to spread their conversational wings, this episode offers insights and techniques that promise to revitalize how you engage with the world around you.

Have you ever found yourself nodding along in agreement, your lips saying 'yes' when your heart screamed 'no'? Join me as I peel back the layers of my own 'yes' habit, revealing the raw struggle of a chronic people pleaser. Together, we embark on a personal odyssey to understand the why's and how's of setting boundaries and the transformative potential of learning to say 'no'. Our conversation leads us down the path of introspection, examining not only my quest for external validation but the deeper spiritual implications that influence our need to be accepted. We strip away the facade of selflessness, bringing to light the true nature of people pleasing – a pursuit often rooted in avoiding conflict and the discomfort that accompanies being authentic.

Hear me that I am totally working through this alongside you. And I share with you vulnerably how I have struggled bad with this in the past and how there has to be an end at some point. Especially with kids and a marriage at stake.

So let's chat about people pleasing! What are your thoughts? Head over to the instagram after today's episode to talk about it with me!

xoxoxo love y'all deep!

Feeling overwhelmed by life's relentless pressures, I found myself at a crossroads, questioning the joy in recording our conversations and sharing my journey with you. The raw truth is, like many of you, I've been running through dreamlike mud, feeling stuck, and at times, losing my grip on the spiritual grounding that has always anchored me. Today, I open up about those intimate struggles, the mental barriers, and the transformative power of faith that guides us through. As we discuss the resilience symbolized by a cherished willow tree angel and the Japanese art of kintsugi, I invite you to find solace in the idea that our brokenness can pave the way to a more precious existence, enriched by divine grace.

This episode also captures the palpable excitement from the annual IF Gathering, an event that never fails to enrich my spirit with insightful wisdom. As I recount the moments that struck a chord with me, I extend an invitation for you to accompany me on this enlightening journey over the coming weeks. We'll navigate the complexities of life's trials together, celebrating small victories and seeking the peace that faith assures us, even when the path ahead seems daunting. Join me, and let's uplift each other with stories of strength, healing, and the shared anticipation of growth that lies within our community.

Love y'all DEEP oxoxoxoxox

Life's curveballs have a way of testing our mettle, and this past week was no exception. Join me as I recount the rollercoaster of events that began with the excitement of my lifelong best friend's visit, and quickly escalated into a maelstrom of weather woes, household disasters, and health scares. From the laughter-filled anticipation of snow tubing and attending BSF, to the unexpected burst pipe and school cancellations, to my youngest daughter Poppy's alarming illness—this episode is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. As I share our family's journey through these trials, culminating in a contagious bug that swept through the household, you'll hear how we embraced the chaos, finding strength and humor in the face of adversity.

Looking beyond the tumult, there's a smorgasbord of joy on the horizon. My taste buds are tingling at the thought of bringing Ina Garten's mouthwatering tomato crostata to a gathering of fellow food aficionados. The weeks ahead are brimming with promise—a family reunion of sorts at my cousin's performance in "Frozen," an invitation to don my detective hat at a murder mystery party, and the delights of a Galentine's celebration clashing with Super Bowl Sunday. And let's not forget the warm, engaging discussions to come at the women's conference in Dallas and the personal growth I'm ready to embrace. So, pour yourself a comforting cup and join me in savoring not just the culinary concoctions inspired by the Barefoot Contessa, but the rich tapestry of experiences and changes that lie ahead, all shared with heartfelt gratitude for your companionship on this journey.

It was during one of those quiet moments of reflection that the "maybe" story was shared in BSF, unexpectedly anchoring itself in my heart. I'm thrilled to bring that same epiphany to you, as we explore the art of finding joy and peace in the whirlwind of life's ever-changing scenarios. Throughout our discussion, I weave in the tranquility and steadfast faith I've found in Jesus, a theme that took root in my soul during the previous year's If Gathering. Together, we ponder Psalm 23, considering how our individual journeys through life's peaks and valleys can transform our understanding of this scripture's eternal comfort.

As sunlight breaks through the dawn, we're reminded in 'Morning Rest' of the fresh hope each new day brings, much like the promise found in Lamentations 3:22-23. These verses have been a lighthouse to me amidst the storms, offering clarity and solace when I've needed it most. I invite you into this intimate space where we appreciate the constancy of the Lord's love and the importance of greeting each day as a clean slate. Share in this heartfelt exchange and carry the conversation over to Instagram, where our community continues to grow. Until we meet again next week, may you bask in the assurance of God's unwavering faithfulness and may our shared stories fill you with anticipation for the journey ahead.

Have you ever felt the slow build-up of resentment in your relationship, like a silent tide rising between you and your partner? Christopher and I confront this head-on in our latest heart-to-heart discussion, revealing the emotional challenges that external pressures and frequent work travel can impose on our family life. Together, we peel back the layers of these complex feelings, unearthing the strategies that help us maintain a vibrant connection amidst the everyday trials of marriage. Our conversation is an open book, showcasing the importance of tackling discontentment and cherishing the joy found in the day-to-day moments we share.

Navigating the delicate interplay of love and respect in a marriage isn't just about knowing the steps; it's about feeling the rhythm of your partner's needs. We challenge the conventional wisdom served up in traditional counseling, introducing a fresh perspective with our quadrant system to help visualize the balance of love and respect needed in effective communication. Delving into how shared traumas can forge deeper bonds and the role personality types play in our interactions, our discussion is a dance of empathy and understanding, offering a new beat for couples to move to.

Ever noticed how a change in tone can transform a simple request from nagging to nurturing? In this candid exploration, I share how the nuances of our voices are like punctuation in our spoken words, dramatically altering the meaning behind them. Through laughter and lighthearted examples, we demonstrate the astonishing impact tone has on preventing negative spirals and encouraging mutual understanding. As we close this episode, I invite you to join me in a pledge to self-reflect, to minimize resentment, and to embrace the enriching connections that make life truly worth living.

As the new year unfolds, I find myself standing at a crossroads of self-improvement, carrying a heart full of resolutions and a mind brimming with strategies for intentional living. Join me as we navigate the art of planning for a future that cherishes our well-being and the precious moments with our loved ones. We'll explore how to tackle the silent battles against negative thoughts and the emotional baggage that can impede our growth. This candid conversation isn't just about setting goals; it's about facing our innermost fears, choosing empathy over judgment, and making peace with the echoes of our past.

Every year brings its own set of challenges and learnings, and this time, I'm eager to share a transformative tale of resilience borrowed from my father's wisdom—a guiding light through professional storms. The episode is a tapestry of heartfelt stories, biblical inspirations, and the quest for a guiding word that anchors us through the year's ebbs and flows. As I reveal "home" as my personal beacon, I invite you to find solace in your chosen word, fostering connections and planting seeds for a future where opportunities blossom not just for us, but for the generations to come. Let’s raise a toast to personal milestones and the collective journey ahead, one story at a time.

Every Christmas, my family gathers around, each taking a turn to stumble through the grand words of Luke 2, etching a tradition that's as much about laughter as it is about the miraculous tale it tells. This Christmas Day, as I cozy up with a heart brimming with joy, I'm inviting you into that precious circle. Let's share the deep-seated warmth and love that only this time of year can bring, reflecting on the true meaning of our celebrations—the birth of our Savior. Picture us together, you in your festive jammies, coffee in hand, surrounded by love, as we give thanks and revel in the hope of promises yet to come.

Today's episode is a heartfelt journey through memory lane, sprinkled with chuckles at Christmases past, and a reading from Luke 2 that might just bring a tear to your eye or a smile to your face. It's a story that never grows old, no matter the occasional trip over a word or two. You'll hear the echoes of a heavenly chorus and feel the peace and joy of a narrative that has stood the test of time. So, settle in for a tale that's been told for millennia, and let's celebrate the Christmas story together. Merry Christmas to each of you, dear listeners, and may your day be as splendid as the story we cherish.