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
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?
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
- Who do you need to switch seats with to become the holiday pilot?
- Who do you need to have a conversation with about the holidays?
- How can you better honor the people involved in your holiday gathering?
- 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!
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:
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?
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
FOR HUSBANDS
Pizza oven: Ooni or a little less expensive Solo brand
Outdoor Weber gas griddle or grill cover
FOR FRIENDS
Kate Bowler and Jessica Richie’s book of prayers
FOR TEACHERS
FOR BUSINESS PARTNERS
Crate + Barrel white bakeware
FOR YOU
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?
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!
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!
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
Edda Knee High Boot by Naturalizer
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:
A few things mentioned on the show
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?
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.
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!
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
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!
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?
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?
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!
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)
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.
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
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?
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!
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
- 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?
- Has God hurt your feelings recently? Write out a prayer that tells him with full honesty how you are feeling.
- Where is one area of your life where you are letting go? How does it offer new space for something new?
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
QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU RISE UP
- What circumstance is robbing your joy?
- 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?
- What is something practical you can do to help create a culture of joy in your home?
- What is something practical you can do to help create a culture of joy in your workplace?
- How can you remind yourself daily to hold onto an “elevated perspective?”
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?
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
Know your body shape + bring in your natural waist
Sam Ettelman – Oatmeal suede heel
Heel inserts – Dr. Sholls or Vivian Lu
Trouser pant with elastic waist
How to create an intermixable wardrobe: 4 core neutrals + 3-4 colors + a couple of prints
QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU RISE:
- How can you better dress for your body type?
- What “weight” can you let go of when it comes to your closet?
- How can you be more strategic about putting your closet together?
- 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
We all do it. We look at someone else and bring out the mental measuring stick.
Connect with Sarah
Sarah's New Book
Questions for Reflection to Help You Rise
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
Reflection questions to help you rise:
Fun:
- What makes a party enjoyable for you as a guest? As a host?
- Who can you recruit to co-host your next event?
- What can you keep as a fun task for yourself and what can you outsource?
Fire:
- Where do you feel the impact of gun violence in your life?
- What can YOU do to make kids safer in your community?
- Who is already doing something to make a change that you believe in that you can join?
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.
Summer's coming.
And it's coming fast.
Moms need some smart strategies to get us through. Why? Because summer has different rhythms, expectations, and needs. And every summer our kids are different ages than they were in summers past. The old ways may no longer work. It's our time to rise.
In this two-episode conversation, we invite Shawna Sullivan to share her strategies for getting things done while also enjoying her kids. We cover:
-Family principles to fall back on when planning
-How summer offers a reset for time together
-Planning with the end goal in mind
-Doing a family inventory of what an "enjoyable summer" looks like
-On days and off days during summer months
-Face-to-face vs. side-by-side vs. alone time for moms and kids
We are having this conversation NOW, before summer has completely snuck up on us. And the great news is there will be more next week with Part Two!
Get Shawna's free download
As mentioned on the show, Shawna has created a resource for Our Time to Rise podcast listeners. Grab her Ten Simple Strategies to help you enjoy summer rather than dread it or regret it. You can download the here.
Connect with Shawna
Listen here
On iTunes
Questions to help you rise up
For journaling or reflecting with friends, here are some questions to help you rise up to meet what summer presents.
- What do I have time for that I haven’t had time for in the last season?
2. What could I focus on with my kids this summer?
3. At the end of the summer when someone asks me how my summer was, how would I like to answer?
4. What are the principles that
In part two of Rising to Reinvention, Alex and Krista dive right into what keeps us stuck, naming the role of fear in shackling progress. They also give practical tips and tricks to utilize when approaching new or challenging circumstances or situations.
As they explore the process of reinvention, they reveal when transformation happens, how long it takes, and what it requires.
And who needs to stop overthinking and overanalyzing decisions? Yeah, they tackle that too.
If you missed part one, be sure to go back and listen. We can all benefit from some reinvention!
SOME THINGS YOU HEARD ON THE SHOW
Podcast episode with Crystal Woodman Miller Columbine Survivor
Dr. Amy Cuddy Power Pose Ted Talk
Spokane Pivot (Moth storyslam)
“The good work of change happens while we are in motion. It’s a process that we go through. Reinvention is a series of small steps that reinvigorates our internal life.” — Krista Gilbert
QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU RISE UP – ANSWER THESE IN A JOURNAL OR WITH A FRIEND.
- In what area is fear making your decision for you?
- Where are you in “the gap?” How can you shift your thinking to be in “the gain?”
- What area could you focus on for twelve weeks and who could help you get “in motion?”
LET’S CONNECT!
CONNECT WITH US ON INSTAGRAM AND BE SURE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER TO STAY IN THE LOOP.
We are kicking off the rebranded podcast, Our Time to Rise, talking about REINVENTION.
With change come opportunity.
We get to evaluate where we are, where we want to be, and figure out how to move forward with hope, optimism, courage, and faith.
This is part one of a two part mini-series on how we reinvent ourselves, what stops us from doing so, and how we overcome obstacles and rise to the moment we are given.
You are going to love this topic – dive in with us and let’s rise together!
SOME THINGS YOU HEARD ON THE SHOW
Ken Wytsma podcast interview on Create vs. Copy
Isaiah 43:19: "See I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland."
From Psychology Today: On Women and Anger
Blue Like Jazz by Donald Miller
Dr. Sasha Shillcut interview on boundaries
“We undertake all things as if we were establishing immortality for ourselves on earth. If we see a dead body, we may philosophize briefly about the fleeting nature of life, but the moment we turn away from the sight the thought of our own perpetuity remains fixed in our minds. Death is an abstraction to us, something technically true but unimaginable as a personal reality.”
16th-century Protestant theologian, John Calvin
Questions to Help Us RISE UP
(answer these in a journal or with a friend)
- Do an evaluation: where are you? your age, your situation, your stage, your marital status, your job, your kids, your general well being? How do you feel about where you are? Is this where you want to be?
- In what area do you want to move off autopilot and do something differently? What is that area? How can you get uncomfortable and get in a new space?
- Where are you overwhelmed by your reinvention and how can you pick one thing to focus on for 90 days.