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Our Time to Rise In Midlife

Together we are rising to meet midlife's challenges, seasons, opportunities, and changes with strength, courage, optimism, and faith. From the heavy and hard to the light-hearted and fun, popular podcast hosts and leadership mentors Krista Gilbert and Alexandra Kuykendall bring you honest and hopeful conversations for this moment in your life. We are intentional here. We are hopeful. We are courageous. We are honest. We are realistic. We are for each other. We are God fearing and Holy Spirit welcoming. We are joyful. We are generous. We are capable. We are rising together. It is our time to meet the moment. It is OUR TIME TO RISE.
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Now displaying: 2023
Dec 19, 2023

What is the "wilderness"? It's when our understanding of God does not match our experience.

Let that sink in for a minute.

Faith Eury Cho talks about the raw honesty we can have with God and how that plants roots for friendship. 

As we look ahead to the new year we want to be considering how to live a faithful life, how to rise to meet the moments in front of us, even when we're not FEELING our faith. Gratitude. Curiosity. Thanksgiving. These are practices we can use to remember who God is, invite him into our daily minutia of life, and thank him for what he has already done and has yet to do.

If you're wondering how to face the next few weeks or next year, we invite you to listen in to this conversation and tell us how you are cultivating a real friendship with the living God.

 

Connect with Faith

On her website or Instagram

 

Mentioned on the show

Faith's new book Experiencing Friendship with God: How the Wilderness Draws Us to His Presence

Questions for reflection

-How do you see God drawing near to you?

- In what ways can you be more honest with him as you end this year?

-How can you live in expectation that he will be with you, no matter what you're facing, in 2024?

Dec 12, 2023

Christmas doesn't arrive on our terms. Whether we are ready for a party or not, the holiday is still here. It's okay to be sad (and if you are, it's okay to give yourself permission to be sad.) It's also okay to have grief and joy at the same time or on different days. There is no right way to feel this Christmas.

Our guest for this episode, Jami Nato, knows a few things about grief during the holidays. Her life as she knew it fell apart nearly a decade ago - right between Thanksgiving and New Year's. For years to follow she couldn't figure out why she wasn't better able to welcome the holiday season. She needed to give herself permission to grieve. From infidelity to addiction to that missing person at the table, we cover how heartbreak can feel acute this time of year.

And yet....we also know the very holiday we are celebrating right now is our reminder that God comes near to us because he loves us. He doesn't come because we have put together lives, just the opposite, he comes because we need him. If you are feeling low today, or you love someone who is, this is a great listen to remind us all that God loves the sinners - that's all of us - and he is with us no matter what.

Connect with Jami

On Instagram, or Facebook

A few things mentioned

Jami's book This Must Be the Place: Following the Breadcrumbs of Your Past to Discover Your Purpose Today

Breathing Through Grief: A Devotional Journal for Seasons of Loss by Dorina Gilmore-Young

Some questions for reflection

-How are you going to make sure you take care of yourself in your grief?

-How are you going to reach out to a friend who may be hurting?

-How might you hold on to the hope that is Christmas?

Dec 5, 2023

To all of the Christmas movie buffs in the world, this episode is for YOU. In this fun episode Alex and Krista list their top ten holiday movies to watch PLUS snack ideas to go with each one.

With winter comes cozy movie time and snuggling up on the sofa. We list some classics that are in the must-watch category and a few new feel-good films.

Let’s get in the holiday spirit together!

GET THE FREE 10 HOLIDAY SNACK AND MOVIE IDEAS BOOKLET  HERE

 
Nov 28, 2023

As we enter this Advent season, we may be faced with a new way of doing things, new circumstances, or even new grief. Sometimes the words and structure of others can help bring new life to our prayers and spiritual practices. Sometimes liturgy, the set form of a religious experience, can offer a scaffolding we didn't even know we needed.

We invited Kayla Craig into our conversation about the power of borrowed prayers. When someone else's words speak to our spirits, we can experience the Body of Christ in a powerful way. This time of year, Advent, lends itself especially well to introducing "borrowed prayers" into our rhythms. We remember the saints before us and those who celebrate and remember Christ's first arrival still today.

As you consider what it means to introduce liturgy into your season, we pray that it gives you a rich connection to the Church and to your own practices of remembering the birth of Christ as we wait for his return.

Connect with Kayla

On Instagram here and here. This is her substack and her website.

 

A few things mentioned

Kayla's new book for families, Every Season Sacred: Reflections, Prayers, and to Nourish Your Soul and Nurture Your Family Throughout the Year

From Strength to Strength by Arthur Brooks

Great Prayer of Thanksgiving based on Luke 1:46-55

Submitted by Rev. Nathan Williams , Covenant Presbyterian Church, West Des Moines, IA

liturgylink 

We praise your greatness, O Lord,
and our spirits rejoice in you, our Savior.
You looked with favor on your unlikely servant Mary,
and she delivered a blessing for all generations.
You, the Almighty, have done great things, and your name is ever holy.

From the depth of your compassion,
you gave life to Jesus, your Son,
who came to show mercy on those who need you most,
from generation to generation.
His perfect love showed your strength,
and his humility made the proud stumble.
His death cast down from their thrones the powers of death,
and his resurrection lifted humanity up from the lowliness of the grave.

Come upon us now with your Holy Spirit,
and let your power overshadow this meal, O Most High.
As we share this bread and cup,
fill us with the life of Jesus Christ.
May we bear him into the world once again,
so that we may empty ourselves of unjust wealth
and fill the hungry with good things.

Make us your servant people,
signs of your promise of mercy,
in the name of the coming Christ.
We pray in his name, saying…

(The Lord’s Prayer)

Our Father in heaven,

hallowed be your name,

your kingdom come,

your will be done,

on earth as in heaven.

Give us today our daily bread.

Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.

Save us from the time of trial, and deliver us from evil.

For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours,

now and forever. Amen.

 

Every Moment Holy A Liturgy for the Christmas Season

 

Questions to consider

Are borrowed prayers helpful for me? Do they feel comforting? Do they give words to my feelings and experiences?

How might I experience a liturgical church service in a way that brings me closer to the saints around the world?

How does my own faith story impact my worship style?

Nov 21, 2023

Today we are diving into holiday planning dynamics.  

Talking about specific scenarios and comments from listeners, we discuss issues such as what happens when roles shift, or need to shift, how to have productive conversations that honor people, and what it looks like to put your own spin on old favorites.  

Whether you are happy holiday roles are shifting, or you are mourning a loss or change, this episode is for you!  

SCRIPT FOR CONVERSATIONS:

 “It would be a gift and blessing to me if….”

 “Would you be willing to meet with me about Christmas? I have some ideas I’d love your input on.”  

“I would really love to ___________________.  I realize this is breaking from tradition and I want to honor how you feel about that.  Can you tell me your thoughts?”

QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU RISE UP

  1. Who do you need to switch seats with to become the holiday pilot?
  2. Who do you need to have a conversation with about the holidays?
  3. How can you better honor the people involved in your holiday gathering?
  4. What does it mean for you to be the adult this year for the holidays?

“RECLAIMING HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS” – A FREE HOLIDAY PLANNING EBOOK

SCRIPTURE

“Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that. Don’t be impressed with yourself. Don’t compare yourself with others. Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life.” Galatians 6:4 (The Message)

 

LET’S CONNECT FRIENDS!

Did you like this episode? Let us know and leave a review on itunes or share it with a friend.

Or message us on Instagram – we’d love to hear from you!

Nov 14, 2023

It's that time of year - when we look at calendars and either get excited or feel overwhelmed. Anna Watson Carl, people gatherer extraordinaire, walks us through the why of holiday gathering and how to take the pressure off of ourselves.

As a woman who loves a good dinner party, Anna tells us some of her past holiday mistakes and how she learned from them. As a trained chef, she gives us actual food ideas for both a sit down event or a mingle and snack kind of party. (See below for recipes.) If rosemary, garlic, fig sauce, and lemon curd sound like your kinds of holiday foods, you are going to love Anna's recipes from her blog and cookbook, The Yellow Table.

Holiday gathering is meant to be fun. Whether you're a host or a guest at an event, you will walk away from this conversation with both practical ideas and inspiration. It is the science and the art of holiday gathering.

Connect with Anna

Blog: https://www.theyellowtable.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annawatsoncarl/

Newsletter: https://substack.com/@annawatsoncarl

Cookbook: https://www.amazon.com/The-Yellow-Table-Celebration-Gatherings/dp/1454917652

Listen to this episode

On iTunes or watch it here:

https://youtu.be/22the4UQcZc

Mentioned on the show

Anna's cookbook The Yellow Table: A Celebration of Everyday Gatherings: 110 Simple and Seasonal Recipes

The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker

Dishes to Bring to a Party: 

Fall Quinoa Salad with Brussels Sprouts & Delicata Squash
Kale Salad with Winter Squash and Pine Nuts
Rosemary Shortbread Pecan Squares

Festive Holiday Menu:
Prosciutto-Wrapped Pork Loin with Rosemary Fig Butter

Crispy New Potatoes with Rosemary

Haricots Verts with Dijon Shallot Vinaigrette
Gingerbread Bundt Cake with Lemon Curd

Homemade Hostess Gifts: 

Spicy Rosemary Cocktail Nuts
Maple Pecan Granola

Dorina Gilmore-Young’s French toast casserole

 

Some questions for reflection

What are your priorities this season?

How do you want your guests to feel after a gathering?

How do YOU want to feel this season?

Nov 7, 2023

Christmas decorations have already been in the stores for months, but now it's time to get serious about holiday shopping. Why? Because we want to make the most of our time and money, and we want to be thoughtful gift givers.

Alex and Krista lay out seven people you may have on your shopping list and some ideas on what to get for them. From husbands to teenagers, parents to coworkers, we've got you covered. Some principles on what to consider when selecting a gift and some detailed suggestions on what might be the perfect idea.

This is heavy on the practical as we offer a few episodes in the coming weeks on preparing for the Christmas season. Your December self will thank your November self as you check things off of your to-do list like shopping and wrapping.

Merry Christmas!

 

A few things mentioned:

FOR TEENS/YOUNG ADULTS

TSA pre-check

Nail gel kit with light

Custom Converse

Portable speakers

Spike ball

 

FOR HUSBANDS

Pizza oven: Ooni or a little less expensive Solo brand

Outdoor Weber gas griddle or grill cover

ABC dates

 

FOR FRIENDS

Kate Bowler and Jessica Richie’s book of prayers

 

FOR TEACHERS

Krista’s soft peanut brittle

 

FOR BUSINESS PARTNERS

Crate + Barrel white bakeware

 

FOR YOU

Coaching with Krista

Some questions to consider

Who is on your list? What is your budget? When is your deadline for shopping done? When is your deadline for wrapping?

Oct 31, 2023

The DISC is one of the leading assessments to help people learn to communicate better in the workplace and in relationships. In Part 1 last week we broke down what the letters stand for, and how we can learn to self identify our natural tendencies in conflict, pacing, processes, interpersonal relationships and decision making.

In Part 2 this week we’re looking at how the types interact and what potential sticking points may surface because of our style. We also discuss each type in leadership positions and what the potential strengths and pitfalls may be as they lead.

Join us as we interview DISC coach Krista Gilbert on how to be more self aware and insightful about the way you work with others in any arena.

SOME THINGS YOU HEARD ON THE SHOW

TO TAKE THE DISC ASSESSMENT AS AN INDIVIDUAL, A COUPLE, OR A GROUP SIGN UP HERE.

 

“Every human interaction offers you the chance to make things better or to make things worse.”
― Barbara Brown Taylor

QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU RISE

  • How do you see your DISC type conflicting with another DISC type?
  • How can you adjust your communication style to work more effectively with that person?
  • What is your one BIG takeaway from the DISC assessment information?

LET’S CONNECT FRIENDS!

Did you like this episode? Let us know and leave a review on itunes or share it with a friend.

Or message us on Instagram – we’d love to hear from you!

Oct 24, 2023

DiSC® is a personal assessment tool used by more than one million people every year to help improve teamwork, communication, and productivity, especially in the workplace, though there are also tremendous personal benefits when using the DISC.

DISC provides a common language people can use to better understand themselves and those they interact with—and then use this knowledge to reduce conflict and improve working relationships.

In this episode DISC coach, Krista Gilbert, shares about the four D-I-S-C types: Dominance, Influence, Steadiness and Compliance or Conscientiousness. We dive into why t’s so important for leaders to be self aware and how they can use this insight to better relate to those around them.

If you want a powerful new tool for your relational and work tool box, this episode is for you!

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO TAKE THE DISC

Krista can help you if you would like to take the DISC assessment and receive a comprehensive report and debrief. SIGN UP HERE.

SOME THINGS YOU HEARD ON THE SHOW

D – DOMINANT

Seeks control
Decisive
Direct
Results oriented

I- INTERPERSONAL

Persuasive
Spontaneous
Friendly
Doesn’t mind the spotlight

S- STEADY

Team oriented
Follows through
Stays loyal
Accepting of others

C-COMLIANT

Compliant
Analytical
Planner
Needs Accuracy

QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU GROW

  • What type do you most identify with – the D, I, S, or C?
  • What is one of the greatest strengths of that type that you embody?
  • What is one growth area you know you need to work on?
  • How can you use this tool to help you become a better family member? a better colleague? a better friend and neighbor?

LET’S CONNECT!

Did you like this episode? Let us know and leave a review on itunes or share it with a friend.

Or message us on Instagram – we’d love to hear from you!

Oct 10, 2023

Every once in a while we release an episode called Fun + Fire.  

Sometimes it's lighthearted and sometimes we delve into something hard.  Today we are camping on the lighter side, discussing what we are loving and also drawing attention to a big problem for all of womankind.  

You'll have to listen to see what it is.  

If you want some practical ideas for the season and also want to laugh a little, join us for this fun conversation.  

SOME THINGS YOU HEARD ON THE SHOW:

Krista's 10 Days of Fall Vibes on Instagram.

Here are the categories:

DAY 1: DÉCOR SWAPPING IN THE FALL

DAY 2: FALL MEAL PLANNING

DAY 3: A FALL TABLESCAPE

DAY 4: RE-SETTING A MORNING ROUTINE IN THE FALL

DAY 5: THE VERY BEST AMISH ZUCCHINI BREAD

DAY 6: HARNESS FALL TO MAKE MEMORIES

DAY 7: THE BEST ITALIAN SOUP RECIPE

DAY 8: HUNT THE GOOD – PRACTICING GRATITUDE

Day 9: OUR EASY  FALL CANDY MIX

Day 10: DECORATING YOUR FRONT PORCH FOR FALL

Coach Prime

Ugg platform boots

Free people platform boots

New balance sneakers

Edda Knee High Boot by Naturalizer

 

Oct 3, 2023

Life is changing. What we used to be responsible for, may no longer be in our charge. Whether it's work-related, a parenting dynamic, or caring for parents who used to care for us, when our purpose shifts we may start to wonder who we even are anymore.

Enter Rachel Joy to the conversation. As someone who coaches women on their identity and purpose, Rachel gives us some practical ways to think about changing "assignments" throughout life. Our identity, who God says we are, does not change, but our purpose - or assignment of what we're in charge of - might. We cover grief when things change when we don't want them to, transitions as times when old lies might resurface, and the importance of trusted friends to challenge wrong thinking and celebrate our victories.

If you are in a season of shift, we encourage you to remember who God is. And if you aren't really sure, this is a great time to seek him out. His love for you defines you. No matter your boundaries and allotments - your larger purpose is to walk this life with him.

 

Follow Rachel

On her websites:

www.s-coaching.org
www.sparrowcollective.org

On Instagram:

@rachelrjoy

@_sparrowcollective

@_s_coaching

A few things mentioned on the show

Sparrow Collective

Identity Course

Identity Sheets

Questions for reflection

What are the lies I’m believing?
What are the fears around the lies that I’m believing?
Are their idols that I’m worshipping other than God?

Questions for reflection
What passions has God given you?
What burdens has he given you?
What are the gifts he has given you?
What are the spheres of influence he has given you?

Sep 26, 2023

In part two of our series on parenting teens and young adults, today we once again join with therapist and author Kristen Hatton to discuss the realities of raising this generation.

Using a hot seat format, we hit some of the most challenging topics. From vaping to bullying to eating disorders to sex, we’re “going there” in this episode.

If you want a refreshingly honest, faith-informed perspective on teen parenting, this conversation is for you.

**If you didn’t listen to part 1, be sure to listen here.

SOME THINGS YOU HEARD ON THE SHOW

Birds and Bees Ministry

The Power of a Praying Parent by Stormie Omartian

The Power of Praying for Your Adult Children by Stormie Omartian

QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU RISE

Take some time to journal or talk through these.

  • Be a student of your teen or young adult – what do you notice?
  • Are you under or over parenting? What evidence is there of this?
  • How can you love your child’s friends well?
  • What can you do to address the heart of your child (rather than focusing on behavior modification)?
  • Who could help you navigate this season with your teen / young adult?
  • What activity can you do with your teen / young adult to connect right now?

Did you like this episode? Let us know and leave a review on itunes or share it with a friend.

Or message us on Instagram – we’d love to hear from you!

Sep 19, 2023

Are you raising teens or young adults? Then these next two episodes are just for you. In part one of this two part series, we are talking about rising to meet this specific season of parenting.

Therapist, author and parent Kristen Hatton joins us to discuss over and under parenting (and how to not do either), how to live with the uncertainty of not knowing a child’s future and how to avoid the trap of codependency.

We know this is a tricky time in life. We’re WITH you in it! Let’s rise together.

Find Kristen Hatton on her website.

SOME THINGS YOU HEARD ON THE SHOW

Kristen’s new book – Parenting Ahead

Our interview with Curt Thompson – neurologist and expert in the integration of neuroscience and faith

Adam Young, the YOU diagram

Codependent No More

LET’S CONNECT!

Did you like this episode? Let us know and leave a review on itunes or share it with a friend.

Or message us on Instagram – we’d love to hear from you!

Sep 12, 2023

Friendship is intentional. If you want depth to this lifeline of a relationship, you need to make it a priority. In our second part of our conversation around healthy friendships, Krista and Alex continue with their discussion of attributes they've noticed about each other that have strengthened their relationship over three decades.

From humility to honesty a friendship requires trust - often over time. It also requires the kind of commitment that creates safety. But how do we incorporate these building blocks into our everyday interactions? How do we have the kinds of relationships that are both encouraging and challenging us to growth in the very best ways?

We hope this conversation inspires some reflection on your own friendships and encourages you to consider where you want to invest your time and energy this year. We all want friends. We all want to be good friends. We don't often pause to consider how we are doing in this arena. This series is intended to help us do just that.

I few things mentioned

Boundaries and Safe People by Drs. Henry Cloud and John Townsend

Reflection questions

When was a time a friend believed the best in you? How did that feel?

How well do you keep confidences? Who can you trust to keep things confidential?

Who is within arm's reach that you would like to become better friends with? What can you do with intention this week to reach out to that friend?

 

Sep 5, 2023

The podcast co-hosts, Krista Gilbert and Alexandra Kuykendall, have been friends for over 30 years. Because of this, they have observed qualities and behaviors in each other that make the other person an especially good friend. Podcast listeners often ask about their friendship, but they've never talked about it at length on the show...until now.

Using what they notice in each other as friends, Krista and Alex, are able to talk through what makes a good friend. Some of the things they highlight are personal qualities or character attributes, and some are how those qualities play out practically.

Quality friendship is critical to a healthy and thriving life. If other relationships in your life are changing, or if you simply want to be a better friend, focusing in on the kinds of friendships you are working toward can improve your overall health. It is our time to rise and be the kinds of friends we'd like to have.

A few things mentioned on the show

The Good Life: Lessons From the World's Longest Scientific Study on Happiness

Loving My Actual Neighbor: 7 Practices to Treasure the People Right in Front of You

The Lives We Actually Have: 100 Blessings for Imperfect Days

 

Questions for reflection

How would you like to be a better friend to others?

How can you give a long-term friendship new priority?

What practical things can you do to ask better questions? Be a more active listener?

How can you be intentional about checking in on a friend's milestones and important moments?

Aug 29, 2023

It’s time to reset our homes for fall! Do you want to create warm and cozy for the season? We’ve got a few decorating and styling tips for you in this episode.

Join our conversation with Anh Lin, designer and host of the popular blog Girl and the Word, as we discuss creating places of joy, peace and hope. She also gets very practical, telling us what lightbulbs to get for the best ambient lighting.

Our exterior impacts our interior. Anh is a great example of someone who used design and space to help heal trauma in her life. She helps people discover how they can do the same.

This is a great episode to usher in September this year.

Follow Anh Lin on Instagram

SOME THINGS YOU HEARD ON THE SHOW

Astronaut Star Galaxy Projector Light

3 SPACES TO HAVE IN YOUR HOME:

a place of joy (Anh’s plant wall)

a place of peace (Anh’s tea corner)

a place of hope (see Anh’s cross altar)

QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU RISE

  • What is one change I can make to create more “cozy” in my home this fall?
  • Where is my place of joy, my place of peace and my place of hope?
  • Is there a place of my home that isn’t serving me?
  • What can I do differently in that space?

Let us know on Instagram how you liked this episode!

Aug 22, 2023

As summer comes to a close we know you are getting back into your fall routines. This likely means you are busier and you still need to make dinner.

The problem is what to make? Amiright?

Krista and Alex talk through their own pantry staples, what they consider a great weeknight meal, and then ten actual dinner ideas that are healthy, taste good, and most of all SIMPLE!

Listen in to get ideas going and find recipe links below. Because dinner should be nourishing for those who eat it and enjoyable for those who make it.

IDEAS, RECIPES AND SUCH MENTIONED ON THE EPISODE:

1. Garlic Spinach Shrimp (with or without Orzo)

2. Killer Flank Steak

3. “Healing Chicken Noodle Soup” from Food Family Style: Simple and Tasty Recipes for Everyday Life by Leigh Vickery

2 Tbs. olive oil

3/4 cup celery, diced

1 – 1 1/4 cups carrots, diced

1 cup yellow onion, diced

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. black pepper

2 qts. chicken stock

2 1/2 cups wide egg noodles

3 cups cooked chicken, shredded

1 tsp. fresh thyme

Heat oil in large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add celery, carrots, onion, salt, and pepper. Stir and cook until vegetables are softened, about 10 minutes. Slowly pour in chicken stock. Bring to a boil, and add egg noodles. Stir once, and allow noodles to cook 10 minutes (do not overcook). Add chicken and thyme and heat through. Serve hot.

Miracle noodles

4. Lemon Garlic Salmon or Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon

Half-baked harvest salmon bowls recipe

5. Taco Salad (old school, but customizable and really can be yummy also back to what we always have in stock)

6. Sheet pan lemon chicken or sheet pan Kielbasa with roasted vegetables 

7. Mediterranean Plate (olives, hummus, pita, gyros meat or prosciutto, cheeses, crackers, fruit)

Homemade hummus recipe

Trader Joe’s tahini

8. Meatball Soup or meatball Subs or Spag and meatballs

9. The formula = protein + carb + veggies allows for mix and match anything (pork chops, chicken, sausage, steak) (quinoa, potatoes, cous cous, rice, and BREAD), salad / veggies (just don’t forget to use them!)

10. Zucchini boat pizzas (can do homemade pizzas on premade crusts or TJ flatbread pizzas)

BONUS:  CURRY! 

Episode 201 Fall Kitchen Series: The Everyday Table with Abby and April

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER:

-What are three staples you can add to your pantry that you can always have on hand?

-What are three go-to meals you can use in a pinch?

-What are three new recipes you’d like to try?

Aug 15, 2023

The start of the new school year also signals each of us to get back to our routines. Whether we have kids in school or not, it’s a natural time to hit the reset button.

In this episode we talk about getting one percent better, how to make our brain work for us rather than against us, what daily habits matter and how we can cast a vote towards who we want to become.

We learn to boss our brains and make pre-decisions that help us get to where we want to go. If you are wanting to reset your mind and systems this fall, you’ll love this conversation.

SOME THINGS YOU HEARD ON THE SHOW:

Atomic Habits by James Clear

The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg

Krista’s Daily Dozen Checklist

Kelly Minter’s podcast episode

Dr. Saundra Dalton Smith’s podcast episode on rest

QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU RISE

Take some time to journal or talk through these.

  • What is one area where you are 2 degrees off?
  • How can you course correct in this area?
  • What pre-decisions or pre-decision do you need to make?
  • In what area do you need to boss your brain?
  • What is the one change you want above all others in your routine this fall?

LET’S CONNECT!

Did you like this episode? Let us know and leave a review on itunes or share it with a friend.

Or message us on Instagram – we’d love to hear from you!

Aug 8, 2023

Sometimes the signs of a growing season are not exactly what we're looking for.

When we think growth we don't always think discomfort, but the term "growing pains" exists for a reason.

In this episode we talk through disappointment, feeling stuck, frustration, loneliness, and letting go.

Whew! That's quite a list.

It's also an opportunity to check your circumstances and ask if there is an opportunity for growth.

As we talk about rising up to meet life's challenges, this episode names the what and the how of that process which in the end can result in personal growth.

And isn't that what we want? To grow to be the best version of ourselves that God is calling forward when we meet these uncomfortable circumstances.

It is our time to rise.

Follow Ashley

On Instagram, TikTok, or check out her website

Listen to this episode

On iTunes or watch it here:

 

Things mentioned on this episode

Proverbs 31 Ministries

Ashley's new book Tired of Trying: How to Hold On To God When You're Frustrated, Fed Up, and Feeling Forgotten

Questions for reflection

  1. Are you feeling frustrated, forgotten, or lonely? What circumstances have led to those feelings? Where might there be a place for you to rise up and grow?
  2. Has God hurt your feelings recently? Write out a prayer that tells him with full honesty how you are feeling.
  3. Where is one area of your life where you are letting go? How does it offer new space for something new?

 

Aug 1, 2023

We are back after a month off talking about how to create a culture of joy with author and leader Jen Jones.

In this episode we discuss what joy is, how to tap into it, and what it looks like to build culture around it, in our families and in the workplace.

As we turn the corner into a new upcoming school year, let’s lead with joy!

SOME THINGS YOU HEARD ON THE SHOW

Joy is an elevated perspective

Galatians 5:22- being connected to God results in abounding JOY

The Gap and The Gain

Home with Havila Podcast

QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU RISE UP

  1. What circumstance is robbing your joy?
  2. How would your perspective change if you made a decision to focus on God in the midst of this circumstance, rather than focusing on the circumstance itself?
  3. What is something practical you can do to help create a culture of joy in your home?
  4. What is something practical you can do to help create a culture of joy in your workplace?
  5. How can you remind yourself daily to hold onto an “elevated perspective?”
Jun 27, 2023

Embracing change. It can hurt.

It can be awkward. And it often doesn't come naturally, but embracing the prickly reality of change is the best tactic when dealing with a change we can't avoid.

This week Alex and Krista talk about facing change. In so many ways we know that change is inevitable, and yet we try to avoid it. We fight against it. But what's the point of fighting it if we know it's coming?

Let's embrace it!

This can feel like hugging a cactus.

Why would we want to embrace something so difficult? Because it's better to accept it and move forward, than resist the inevitable. Living with a lens of opportunity gives change a new purpose. It means we can grow! With God's help we can hug that cactus!

Don't miss the conversation between Alex and Krista as they talk about how they are facing changes today.

 

Mentioned on this show

Interior Freedom by Jacques Philippe

From Strength to Strength: Finding Success, Happiness, and Deep Purpose in the Second Half of Life by Arthur Brooks

 

Questions for Reflection

  • How are you facing change right now?
  • How are you feeling about the change
  • Is there an opportunity for growth for you in your current change?

Jun 20, 2023

Do you struggle with caring too little about clothes?
Do you stand in front of your closet and say “I have nothing to wear!”?
Do you keep clothes that are two sizes too small in hopes that you will one day fit in them again?
Do you not know what to buy for your wardrobe so all of your clothes will go together?

If you’ve ever asked any of these questions, this episode is for you! Come learn about how to navigate the world of fashion from a healthy, faith-centered perspective.

Jammie Baker, a professional stylist, joins us today to give us her best tips and tricks.

SOME THINGS YOU HEARD ON THE SHOW

Spanx undetectable underwear

Know your body shape + bring in your natural waist

Madewell

Evereve

Nordstrom

Sam Ettelman – Oatmeal suede heel

Heel inserts – Dr. Sholls or Vivian Lu

Veha Sneaker

Nordstrom Black Maxi

Trouser pant with elastic waist

Tuckernuck

New Balance 327

How to create an intermixable wardrobe:  4 core neutrals + 3-4 colors + a couple of prints

Tennis Dress

QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU RISE:

  1. How can you better dress for your body type?
  2. What “weight” can you let go of when it comes to your closet?
  3. How can you be more strategic about putting your closet together?
  4. How can you change your mindset to be more positive when it comes to your body and clothes? Be specific and create mantras you can tell yourself!

“One of the biggest problems is that women don’t transition our closet when our life or body transitions.” – Jammie Baker

Jun 13, 2023

We all do it. We look at someone else and bring out the mental measuring stick.

We also know it's not good for us. So what is a woman to do?

In this episode of Our Time to Rise, Sarah Hauser talks about the burden of comparison and why we pick it up and carry it. In some ways we can't prevent those feelings from bubbling up, but we can address them early so they don't grow into something bigger and more toxic.

Whether it's body image, tax bracket, title and position, or family dynamics, we can all do a little assessment of where we tend to compare and how we can flip that behavior to celebrating someone else's good fortune and accomplishment.

This conversation goes deeper than "just don't do it". Sarah gives us real, practical approaches to how we can move away from comparison.

 

Connect with Sarah

On her website, on Instagram, or sign up for her monthly newsletter here.

Sarah's New Book

All Who Are Weary: Finding True Rest By Letting Go of the Burdens You Were Never Meant to Carry

Questions for Reflection to Help You Rise

  1. What burdens am I carrying that I was not meant to carry?
  2. In what area am I experiencing grief that I need to let go of?
  3. In what area am I experiencing comparison? And how can I let go of that?

 

Jun 6, 2023

Life is full of both good and grief. Play and pain. Laughter and tears.

As part of our new podcast format, we will occasionally bring you an episode we call Fun & Fire. Where we talk about one light-hearted thing we are loving these days, which is bringing fun to our actual lives, and one thing that is keeping us up at night and maybe motivating us toward change or at least getting the fire going.

We are airing our first Fun & Fire episode this week where we are literally talking about fun (party tips) and fire (gunfire in schools.) We won't always be so literal in these themes of fun and fire, but this round we are. Our Time to Rise brings with it intentionality and responsibility. This is meant to give you a little more insight into how we're approaching our days, what is silly and sad in our everyday.These are what fuel the topics we select. We hope you enjoy our first ever Fun & Fire.

We'd love to hear what YOUR fun and fires are right now? What is keeping you up at night? What is making your day more enjoyable?

Give us your fun and fire.

A few things mentioned on the show:

Balloon arch form

Disposable adult bibs

The Onsite Foundation

Sandy Hook Promise

Reflection questions to help you rise:

Fun:

  1. What makes a party enjoyable for you as a guest? As a host?
  2. Who can you recruit to co-host your next event?
  3. What can you keep as a fun task for yourself and what can you outsource?

Fire:

  1. Where do you feel the impact of gun violence in your life?
  2. What can YOU do to make kids safer in your community?
  3. Who is already doing something to make a change that you believe in that you can join?

 

May 30, 2023

We are stepping off of Memorial Day and into SUMMER!

Who's ready?! 

If you're waving your hand in the air, then this episode is for you.

If you're slowly lifting your hand because you're not sure if you're ready, then this episode is for you.

If you are shaking your head, wondering how you are so unprepared, then this episode is for you.

Shawna Sullivan is back to continue the conversation about being intentional with our time in the summer months with kids at home. We pick up right where we ended in the Part 1 episode, so go listen to that first if you haven't already.

In this episode we talk about:

-Life lesson benefits of side-by-side time

-How to create alone time for everyone in your home

-Shawna's summer rhythm of rotating through the different types of time

-Inviting friends, for both moms and kids, along on your activities

-The concept of easy plus one to add the "special" to any part of your day

-Offering kids loose structure as a jumping off point for their creativity

-Using summer as a time to recalibrate to our family's values

If summer feels overwhelming, this episode will give you the confidence to know that it's your time to rise. You can meet the new challenges that summer months bring, and not only  meet them, but see them as opportunities for new ways to connect and grow. We are so glad you are joining us in this conversation about smart strategies for summer.

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