Have you noticed? There is an election coming up.

For this reason we are going to be talking about how to get through the election season with intention and grace the next few weeks. We are kicking off this little mini series with the best of the best: Kaitlyn Scheiss. She has her MDiv from Dallas Theological Seminary, is now getting her doctorate from Duke Divinity School and has written two books on how to engage with political life as a Christian.

This is not a conversation about who to vote for. This is a conversation about how to approach the election: the questions we can ask to be informed, the questions we can ask that shape the posture of our hearts, and the questions we can ask of each other to learn from one another.

Likely you are ready for this election season to be over. Here is a little motivation to stay in the conversations (especially the local ones!) and consider how to love your neighbors and honor God with your vote.

FIND MORE ABOUT KAITLYN SCHEISS

Kaitlyn Scheiss- Website and Instagram

Kaitlyn Books- The Ballot and the Bible & The Liturgy of Politics

A FEW THINGS MENTIONED

Vote411

League of Women Voters

QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU RISE

1. What issues are you caring the most about this election, how can you inform yourself about these issues from multiple sources?
2. How can you look to the expertise of others on issues you don't know much about?
3. How can you be a good winner this election?
4. How about a good loser?
5. What work can you do locally that will contribute to the flourishing of your community?

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!

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If you’ve ever been on the other side of divorce, or if someone close to you is navigating divorce, you know the ‘life quake’ that follows. In today’s episode, we are diving into enabling behaviors, financial fears, loneliness, and the ripple effect divorce has on relationships.

Joining us for this conversation is writer and speaker, Tracie Miles, who founded the Living Unbroken Divorce Recovery Program. Tracie shares her personal journey through divorce and how she overcame shame, shifted her mindset, and embraced support from family and friends.

If divorce has become a part of your story, this episode is for you.

FIND MORE ABOUT TRACIE MILES

Tracie's- Website and Instagram

Tracie's Book- God’s Got You

A FEW THINGS MENTIONED

Living Unbroken– Tracie’s other book

Tracie's Mantras that helped her navigate her situation

-You've got this.

-The end of your marriage is not the end of you.

QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU RISE

1. How has divorce intersected with your life?
2. If you've been through a divorce are there thoughts that are not serving you?
3. How can you reframe those thoughts?
4. If you are walking alongside someone who is experiencing divorce, how can you intentionally reach out to them this week?
5. Is there a mantra you can adopt that would help navigate this situation?

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!

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Jesus is the bread of life. But what about the bread at our table? Is there any connection?

Kendall Vanderslice, baker and theologian, sees a direct connection between the making and consuming of bread with the good news that God is present and working. A conversation like no other - Kendall walks us through the value of eating together, the bread making process, and how we can love our neighbors through simple acts like offering some homemade bread.

You may be surprised how much this conversation brings you to some deeper spiritual longings and reminds you that the tangible of today can be a great metaphor for the intangible hope of heaven.

FIND MORE ABOUT KENDALL VANDERSLICE

Kendall's -Website and Instagram

Kendall's Book- Bake & Pray

A FEW THINGS MENTIONED

Alex's book- Loving My Actual Neighbor

Types of bread mentioned:

Moravian sugar cake

Stollen Bread

QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU RISE

1. What rhythm of food prep can you incorporate into your routine that will help you slow down?
2. How can prayer be part of this rhythm?
3. How has food helped you feel more connected to others in the past?
4. What cultural bread would you like to learn to make this year?
5. How can you love your neighbors through baking this fall and holiday season?

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!

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We all hit life seasons or situations that strip us of an identity or reality we once had, and we find ourselves asking, “Who am I if ________________?” Fill in the blank.

Who am I if I don’t look the way I used to?
Who am I if my kids are leaving home?
Who am I if I have limitations?
Who am I if my relationship failed?

In this episode we talk about these questions and much more. Leading with scripture, we turn to God to discover what He has to say about each of the “What if” statements.  We also get real about change, transition, and struggle.  

If you’ve ever said, “It’s not supposed to be this way,” this episode is for you!

SOME THINGS YOU HEARD ON THE SHOW

• Ecclesiastes 3:1-5
• 2 Corinthians 4:16
• Isaiah 46:4
• 1 Peter 3:4
• Romans 12:1
• Philippians 1:20
• Psalms 32:8
• Isaiah 30:21
• Isaiah 43:19
• Psalms 28:2
• Philippians 4:6-7
• Isaiah 40:29-31
• Psalms 23:4
• Isaiah 46:4
• Isaiah 54:5-6
• Psalms 34:18
• Jeremiah 29:11
• John 14:17

-The AndyStanley Leadership Podcast

-Hidden Potential Book

QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU RISE

1. Which Who am I question resonated with you, have you been wrestling with it lately?
2. Do you feel untethered or disoriented in any part of you life, how is God meeting you there?
3. What can you reframe today?
4. Is there an arrow God is offering that is pointing you in a given direction?

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!

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Sometimes a story comes to us that we know will offer our podcast listeners an important perspective on the world - that will help us all rise - to meet life's challenges. Ben's story of mental health struggles and sexual abuse is one of those. We invited him on to share so we as parents of young adults can gain insights, empathy, and better understand what it is to live through these specific challenges as a young person today.

Ben Locke graduated early from high school to start his college soccer career, but was quickly injured and unable to play. He found himself at the mercy of a school trainer who sexually abused him while he was in a vulnerable position desperate to get back on the field. Ben's story highlights how power differentials can fog decision making and influence behaviors in ways we wouldn't choose. Ben's opportunity to transfer schools was his eventual ticket out.

But from there the disbelief, anger, and eventually grief were challenging. Ben's ability to articulate his experience, including his feelings at every step of the process, is helpful for those of us who want to care for victims, prevent abuse, and understand depression. This is an episode worth listening to as you care for young people around you.

FIND MORE ABOUT BEN LOCKE

Ben Locke's -Website and Instagram

Ben Locke's Book- In Our Suffering, Lord Be Near: Prayers of Hope for the Hurting

A FEW THINGS MENTIONED

-On Fire- Book

-Helplessness produces rage

-Anger is Sad's bodyguard

QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU RISE

1. Think about a part of Ben's story that moved you, consider why that Part of his story resonated so deeply.
2. How can you respond differently to other peoples behavior or anger knowing there may be some deeper issues underneath?
3. How can you invite God to be with you or your child in the suffering in this moment?

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!

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Do you have a college student who could use a care package from home right about now? In this Back to School series we are talking about practical ways to support our teens and young adults, and care packages are a fantastic way to do that.

Krisi Monsiviaz is joining us to talk about why college care packages matter, what to put in them, and what the favorite item is every time (according to her kids). Krista Gilbert shares her approach to putting together these boxes of love from home and some of her favorite go-to items.

Staying connected to our college students while they are away from home matters. This episode will inspire you to get something in the mail!

FIND MORE ABOUT KRISI MONSIVIAZ

 Krisi Monsiviaz- Website and Instagram

A FEW THINGS MENTIONED

-Krista's College Care Package Group Blog Post with pictures and ideas

–Silly String

–Hand Slap Game

-INFO for Families

QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU RISE

1. In thinking about college care packages, what scaffolding can you implement for yourself to make sure they happen this year?
2. Who can you involve in this process with you?
3. Who else can you encourage through a care package this year? Is there another college student who could use some care package love from you?

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!

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We are in a back to school series for moms in midlife. Gone are the days of crayons and kid-sized scissors, and on are the days of cheering for our high schoolers and their friends with creativity and intentionality. There is no better mom to lead us in this conversation than Krisi Monsiviaz. Her creative flare combined with her organized execution gives her ideas that can be scaled up to serve an entire team, plus families, and friends.

Perhaps you are planning to be Team Mom and carry an official role in organized support. Or maybe you have a few free hours in your schedule and want to use them with purpose to support your high school student and his teammates or cast mates. Maybe your daughter wants to host a dinner at your house or make gift bags for her squad. The principles laid out in this conversation can be applied and tweaked to meet the needs of the kids right around you.

We know the high school years are busy. Let's not let the busy of practices, homework, and jobs get in the way of intentional gathering, gifts, and grub. Teenagers like all three of those.

FIND MORE ABOUT KRISI MONSIVIAZ 

 Krisi Monsiviaz- Website and Instagram

A FEW THINGS MENTIONED

-Team spirit bags

-Team Breakfast

-Post game pizza with the team

-Create Lyniads

-Bring speakers to talk to the teams

-Parents pray for the team young adults

QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU RISE

1. What team or community group can you bless this year?
2. What was your favorite idea from the episode?
3. What do you need to make your idea for your group or team a reality?

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!

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High school senior year is a special time for teens and for their parents. For many moms, the beginning of senior year means the beginning of the lasts. There is some grief there. How do we balance the end of one phase of a young person's life with the celebration of this transition? Both Krista and Alex just finished a senior year and they invited their friend Courtney DeFeo to talk about her experience facing her first senior year as a mom.

This episode touches on topics like college deadlines, getting a job, and navigating parties and substances. From prom to graduation, there are so many special markers of transitioning out of the childhood school years and into adulthood. We cover how each one of us tries to be open with ongoing communication with our children, setting boundaries, and being realistic about the challenges they may face. They also highlight the need to tailor experiences and celebrations to each child's preferences and personality.

Courtney DeFeo is the host of the Pardon the Mess podcast and lives in the Dallas area with her husband Ron and their two high school-aged daughters. We know you'll appreciate her honesty and sense of humor as she approaches what can be a scary time for a mom.

FIND MORE ABOUT COURTNEY DEFEO

Courtney Defeo's - Website and Instagram

Podcast: Pardon the Mess

A FEW THINGS MENTIONED

• Pay attention to where the child gravitates
• Tailor the party to the child

QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU RISE

1. What is a conversations or what are some multiple conversations you need to have with your senior?
2. In what way can you offer more independence to your child this year?
3. What needs to go on your calendar now to make sure you make the most of your child's senior year?
4. How can you encourage your senior and call out all of the good things you see in him or her?
5. What skills or experience can you help your child with in order to set him or her up for the next season of their life?

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!

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Do you have a milestone birthday coming up? Or does your child? Milestone birthdays are an opportunity to celebrate and mark significant moments and we want to make the most of them.

Sometimes these special occasions spark joy and excitement, other times they signal grief or loss. In this episode we talk about learning to embrace both ends of the spectrum. We also discuss why it's important to pause and make space for celebrating well in the midst of busy and full lives.

But you know us, we also go practical. Grab a pen because we offer many ideas you can implement with yourself, your family, or your friends for their special day. From text bombs to concerts to lottery tickets to cooking classes, we will get your creative juices flowing as you come up with your best idea for the celebration.

This is part of what a full life is made of... join us!

Some Things You Heard On The Show

Leavenworth, Washington

The Post Hotel

Turning 13: A meaningful way to celebrate your child

16 surprises for a sweet sixteen

Psalms 139

Questions to Help You Rise

1. What milestone birthday is coming up that you can celebrate well?

2. Are there any grief points that you anticipate as a part of this milestone birthday?  

3. What is the opportunity in this milestone birthday?

4. How would you or the birthday person most like to be celebrated? 

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!

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Do you find yourself wishing you had deeper friendships? Or maybe you long for those deeper ties with your own children.

In this episode we're talking specifically about relationships in this middle season of life. Our guest, Billie Jauss, podcast host, writer, and wife of a Major League Baseball coach, guides us through four different kinds of relationships. She uses this framework to help us adjust our expectations of those in our circles.

We talk about painful experiences, human connection, Uber drivers, teens and young adult children, and how to use positive virtues for growth.

If you want to relationship better, this will help.

FIND MORE ABOUT BILLIE JAUSS

Website: Billie Jauss

Instagram: billie_jauss

Podcast: Family Room

Billie's Book: Baseball Family

Some Things You Heard On the Show:

John 13:34-35- Love command

Four Levels of Relationship

1. Accidental acquaintances
2. Social circle
3. Kindred spirit
4. Forever family

The 9 core qualities

1. selflessness
2. compassionate
3. respectful
4. trustworthy
5. generous
6. inclusion
7. support
8. peacemaking
9. encouraging

-Mindful Christianity- Instagram account

-Read the Bible

-Marriage course- Alpha course based of UK

Questions to help you rise:

1. What relationship needs to be put in another category than it's currently in?
2. In what places can you be more aware of meeting those accidental acquaintances?
3. What would it look like to be more selfless in your current relationships?
4. How can you show gratitude today for those people in your forever family?

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!

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Alex and Krista bring the Fun & Fire format back for a little summer inspiration. Though summer feels like it is starting to wind down. What?! Already?! They are not ignoring those things they still want to happen. From the whimsical to the practical, hear what summer items are still on their to-do lists!

And what's getting them fired up? Prices these days! Are you feeling the pinch of the pocketbook? We feel your pain and we give you some of the ways we're making our dollars stretch right now. From travel savings to back to school shopping, we put some of our tried and true savings ideas to work.

What is left on your summer list? And how are YOU making your dollar stretch these days?

A FEW THINGS MENTIONED

Matthew 6:28-29

Code for ThredUp thrifting: 45% off plus free shipping on your first order: Referral link

QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU RISE

1. What is one thing you can put on the summer calendar that you have not yet done this summer?
2. Where has God provided in the past for you?
3. Where do you need for Him to provide right now?
4. How can you walk and trust that He will meet your needs in the future?
5. What are some practical steps you can take right now that will help stretch you dollar?

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!

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If you've ever wondered, 'Help! What is my young adult going to do with the rest of their life?' then you're in the right place. Or maybe you ARE the young adult asking, "How do I figure out what to choose for a career when I can't even decide what to have for breakfast!?"

Rest easy, today we are diving into the exciting and sometimes overwhelming journey of helping you or your young adult discover their future path.

Our guest is Tyler Lafferty, author and co-founder of Seven2, 14Four and Strategy Labs, as well as an educational non-profit called Slingshot. For more than twenty five years he has been following his passion of helping students dream big and discover new opportunities.

The episode explores the journey of career discovery and mentorship, emphasizing the importance of dreaming big, introspection, and taking risks. It addresses the challenges faced by young adults and parents in navigating career paths and provides practical guidance for self-discovery and pursuing passion and purpose.

If you are wondering where to go on this career path journey, either as a young adult or the parent of a young adult...this will help you take the first step. You will want to share this episode with the young people in your life!

Find out more about Tyler or Slingshot

Tyler's website: Slingshot
Tyler's book: Be More Like You Book

A FEW THINGS MENTIONED

-Build a network of people to help you in your career path.

-IDEAS Framework is an acronym;

I- Introspection- Better understanding who you are as a human.

D- Design- Design a plan of the job type, the people, and company that you need to learn more about.

E- Exploration- Go & Do( Having the information interviews, Job shadows, & internships)

A- Adaptability- Understanding if you are on the right path, can be done through journaling your experience.

S- Service- Value of finding your connection to the community Be in the Service of Others(BISTO)

QUESTION TO HELP YOU RISE

1. How could you open up conversation around your child's interest and talents?
2. How can you help your child better understand their personality, and what strengths come with that type?
3. How can you indicate to your child or the young person in your life that it's okay to not have answers, how can we take some pressure off as we have this conversations?

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!

Get the Daily Dozen Checklist -12 habits that will immediately make you happier and healthier

If you've ever wondered, 'Help! What is my young adult going to do with the rest of their life?' then you're in the right place. Or maybe you ARE the young adult asking, "How do I figure out what to choose for a career when I can't even decide what to have for breakfast!?"

Rest easy, today we are diving into the exciting and sometimes overwhelming journey of helping you or your young adult discover their future path.

Our guest is Tyler Lafferty, author and co-founder of Seven2, 14Four and Strategy Labs, as well as an educational non-profit called Slingshot. For more than twenty five years he has been following his passion of helping students dream big and discover new opportunities.

The episode explores the journey of career discovery and mentorship, emphasizing the importance of dreaming big, introspection, and taking risks. It addresses the challenges faced by young adults and parents in navigating career paths and provides practical guidance for self-discovery and pursuing passion and purpose.

If you are wondering where to go on this career path journey, either as a young adult or the parent of a young adult...this will help you take the first step. You will want to share this episode with the young people in your life!

Find out more about Tyler or Slingshot

Tyler's website: Slingshot
Tyler's book: Be More Like You Book

A FEW THINGS MENTIONED

Build a network of people to help you in your career path.

QUESTION TO HELP YOU RISE

1. How can you open up your thinking about your child's career path?
2. Who are some other people in your child's life, who they can have a meaningful conversation with?
3. What assumptions do you hold about your child's career path journey?

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!

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What does the Gospel, the big message of who God is in the world, have to do with the here and now? Everything.

Midlife is a time of transition, often unexpected change, and trusting that God is with us every turn and upheaval is a gift that stabilizes us in a season that can feel anything but stable.

Courtney Doctor is the perfect person to be with us in this conversation. Through her work as the Director of Women's Initiatives at The Gospel Coalition, Courtney speaks with women of all life stages about how God's big story right sizes our current stress. When we remember who God IS and what he PROMISES, we can feel a little more sure that we will get through the day. No amount of midlife stress will change God's nature or plan for the world.

This is an episode about God meeting us where we are right now at this very moment. We hope it meets you in your deepest need - he can and he does.

FIND MORE ABOUT COURTNEY

Courtney's Website and Instagram

Courtneys book- From Garden to Glory

A FEW THINGS MENTIONED

Other books mentioned:

Prayers in the night by Tish Harrison Warren

Growing Together by Melissa Kruger

One to One Bible Reading by David Helm

Even Better than Eden by Nancy Guthrie

Scriptures mentioned:

Exodus 34

Matthew 26

Psalms 23

John 17

Genesis 3

QUESTIONS TO MAKE YOU RISE

1. What small part of your life feels mundane that could be a place where you see God today?
2. How does knowing that God is reconciling all things to himself bring you peace?
3. Is God answering a prayer in a way that you are not seeing?

Why does abandonment cut so deep? Our guest, Dieula Previlon, reminds us that we are hardwired for relationships and when that need is threatened, we feel pain. Abandonment can be the threat or the actual experience of being left, excluded, rejected, unseen, or uncared for. We can carry this wound from childhood or we can be experiencing it now in midlife. Whether through a divorce, a friendship loss, or even a child growing up and leaving, abandonment can leave wounds that need tending.

Dieula reminds us to stay present for each other. Our emotional availability is the counter to abandonment. She also covers how we can work through our feelings of abandonment from God. As both a trained therapist and ordained pastor - Dieula offers us a wholistic roadmap for healing.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT DIEULA

Dieula's website

Dieula's Book- Does God see me?

A FEW THINGS MENTIONED

-Genesis 2:18

-Sweet magnolia- On Netflix

QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU RISE

1. Where have you felt the deep cut of Abandonment?
2. How has Abandonment impacted your attachment style?
3. Who can you go to for support as you face your feelings?
4. What would it look like to invite God into your plan?

LET’S CONNECT!

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

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Summer is already fun, but here's a few ideas to add to your list! The more intentional we can be about planning ahead, the more likely it will be that room will be made for those moments that make summer special.

In this episode we talk about outdoor summer concerts, pool time, picnic chicken, fresh flowers, charcuterie boards, frozen treats, some favorite makeup finds, and more.

Join us and let's get in the mood for S-U-M-M-A-H!

Takeaways

• Don't forget about free concerts in the park as a fun and free entertainment option during the summer.
• Invest in a portable picnic table for convenient outdoor dining experiences.
• Try making picnic chicken in a sourdough bowl for a delicious and unique meal.
• Consider buying paper bouquets as a creative and long-lasting alternative to fresh flowers.
• Experiment with frozen fruit treats like frozen grapes soaked in Prosecco or frozen watermelon and bananas.
• Explore the Starbucks spicy refreshers for a refreshing and less sweet summer drink.
• opt for comfortable wedge sandals for a stylish and comfortable summer footwear option.
• Host summer charcuterie parties with themed boards like breakfast, birthday, chocolate, fruit and cheese, or s'mores.
• Use lip pencils for a more defined and put-together look during the summer season.

A FEW THINGS MENTIONED

• Wild Card Podcast with Rachael Martin
• Trader Joe's- Fresh flowers
• Fresh Cut Paper- Paper flowers
• J.crew- swim wear
• Volatile- Wedge Flipflops
• Rebecca Reid Podcast episode #445
• Steve Madden- Parra wedge sandals

QUESTION TO HELP YOU RISE

1. What can you schedule or put on your calendar now to make summer more fun?

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!

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Rick and Diane Thomas, also known as Krista's parents, have so much wisdom we couldn't limit our conversation with them to one episode, so we are bringing you part two. You don't want to miss what these two wise people have to say about creating a legacy - something that will last past their time here on earth.

They are an inspiration around living with intention as they share how they maintain fun in their daily experiences, continue to model open communication within their family, and how to embrace the season you are still in!! In this episode we cover how to welcome others into a growing family, how we can support our aging parents, and what faithful participation in a church community can look like.

These two are a treasure. In fact, Alex decided we should dub them "America's grandparents"! They are kind, funny, generous, and continue to live a life of curiosity, adventure, and investment in people. They are a model for us to rise and meet the moments of today, even if those moments are different than those of yesterday.

A FEW THINGS MENTIONED

"Legacy is not something we leave for people, but it is something we leave in people".

QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU RISE

1. What are you doing to cultivate fun and growth in your life?
2. How can you show practical love and presence to the older people in your life?
3. How could you move more fluidly through this season?
4. How can you better embrace other peoples passions and personalities

LET’S CONNECT!

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

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Creating a legacy in this world is something that is hard to measure, but easy to identify.  Legacy is not something we leave for people, it’s something we leave IN people.  The impact is profound, and the ripple effect lives far beyond us. 

Legacy is something we all want to leave, but how do we do it? 

Today on the podcast we are diving into this very topic with two of the most qualified people on the subject:  Rick and Diane Thomas – otherwise known as Krista’s parents.  They live out legacy better than anyone else we personally know, and we wanted to share their hard-won wisdom with you. 

We talk about the importance of intentional legacies, the impact of strong family values, and the significance of building relationships across generations. Rick and Diane share their experiences of creating a close-knit family, fostering a sense of community, and continuing to grow and explore new adventures in their own lives. 

They emphasize the importance of faith, generosity, and being present in the lives of the people closest to them.  You will walk away from this episode inspired to create a legacy that lasts in your own life

QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU RISE

1. How does your family story impact your legacy?
2. What are some small actions you are taking to build the legacy of your family?
3. How can you invest in new relationships and maintain long standing ones at this stage of your life?
4. How are you continuing to open your world?

LET’S CONNECT!

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

Get the Daily Dozen Checklist -12 habits that will immediately make you happier and healthier

Conflict...it's something we all come up against and many of us shy away from it as soon as there is any hint of it. We forget that disagreement itself is not bad; as people we are not always going to agree on everything. Then we throw in some misplaced expectations and some big emotions and conflict can suddenly move from a natural part of a relationship to something destructive. We can quickly move into unhealthy patterns and hurtful words, actions, or tones...and this is why we shy away.

But our guest Donna Jones, reassures us that conflict doesn't have to be awful. In fact healthy conflict is actually possible! Through listening with intent to understand, deciding what is ours to carry and taking responsibility for that, and recognizing how our personality responds to potential conflict, we can approach conflict with confidence rather than fear. We can talk about the problem at hand rather than each other. We can work toward common ground while believing the best in each other.

Conflict is unavoidable. Let's not make it terrible. Let's decide to face disagreement, knowing we can be respectful and kind with intention.

FIND OUT ABOUT DONNA JONES

Website: Donna Jones

Instagram: donnaajones

Donna Jones Book: Healthy Conflict, Peaceful Life

A FEW THINGS MENTIONED

James 1:19

QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU RISE

-Do you tend to push into conflict? Or pull away from it? How has your personality impacted how you view conflict?

-Who can you listen to this week with the intent of better understanding this person?

-Are there things you are carrying that you shouldn't be?

-How can you take responsibility for what is yours to own in a conflict? And allow others to carry what is theirs?

Do you have a high school graduate this year? Or does someone you know? In this episode Alex is interviewing Krista, asking questions such as:

-How do you celebrate a high school senior well?
-How do you help them practically prepare for college?
-How do you say goodbye when it’s time for them to leave (nooooooo… I’m not ready!)?
-And what do you do about this grief over the loss?

In this conversation, you will find practical advice and helpful questions to ask. Krista emphasizes the importance of communication, setting expectations, and planning ahead. She also discusses ways to make graduation and the moment of departure feel special and recognized.

No matter where you find yourself – fully party planned or not even started, happy or sad, prepared or completely unprepared, this episode is for you!

A FEW THINGS MENTIONED

HOW WE SAY GOODBYE BEFORE OUR CHILDREN GO TO COLLEGE

Takeaways

• Communicate with your child about their expectations and what success looks like to them
• Plan and budget for the expenses of launching a child to college
• Make graduation and the moment of departure feel special and recognized
• Acknowledge and cope with the emotions and grief that may arise during this transition
• Find joy in the journey and embrace the new chapter

Before College weekend questions

• What will make this fun for you?
• What will make this feel special for you?
• What does support look like to you during this time?

QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU RISE

1. What conversation do you need to have with your child now about graduation coming up?
2. What is important to you as you mark this transition?
3. What can you do now to practically prepare for fall?
4. How can you have that significant conversation with your child before he/she leaves?

What if instead of fighting our family, we fought FOR our family? This is the charge Chris and Julie Bennett are putting in front of us. That sounds like something we want to do, but how do we practically implement it?

The Bennetts give us practical ways to implement grace, forgiveness, and hope into our relationships with our children, our spouse, and those we bring into our family fold. Family is about belonging - so our aim is to create a place of honesty, safety, and grace. Chris and Julie speak from a lifetime of fighting for their family together.

If you are needing both some inspiration and practical help today, this conversation is for you. The world hands us a lot to deal with, especially in midlife. We don't have to fight with those we love, as much as we have to fight for a family culture that demonstrates wild love.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT CHRIS & JULIE BENNETT

Chris & Julie's - website

Chris Bennett's - Instagram

Julie Bennett's - Instagram

Chris and Julie's book- Fighting For Family

A FEW THINGS MENTIONED

The chosen - Tv show

1 peter 1:23- Imperishable seed

QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU RISE

1. What would it look like to fight for your family in this season, rather than fight with your family?
2. Think of someone in your life who seems particularly complicated, how can you embrace them in their complexity?
3. Who or what do you need to forgive?
4. What prayer can you craft for your children to pray over them consistently?

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!

Get the Daily Dozen Checklist -12 habits that will immediately make you happier and healthier

Have you ever asked the question, "Does anyone like me?" Maybe people used to like you, but you are wondering if they do now. Or maybe your son or daughter is asking that question.

Few admit they have these thoughts, and even less talk about them out loud. We're changing that! Today on the podcast we are discussing the topic of feeling liked and building friendships. We explore the middle school mentality that often resurfaces in adulthood, the impact of transitions on confidence, and the transfer of insecurities from failed relationships.

You will learn how many hours it takes to build a new friendship and what we can do to open ourselves up to new relationships.

Midlife can shift our friendships - we're here to help!

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT SARAH

Website: sarahbragg.com 
Instagram: sarahwbragg

Sarah's Book- Is Everyone Happier Than Me?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• The middle school mentality of questioning whether people like us often resurfaces in adulthood, especially during times of transition.
•  
• Being introspective and self-aware can help us recognize and address our insecurities and negative patterns of thinking.
•  
• Building friendships takes time, with casual friendships requiring 40-60 hours, and deeper friendships requiring over 200 hours of quality time together.
•  
• Being open to new friendships, even on a casual level, can lead to meaningful connections and a sense of belonging.
•  
• Noticing the good in ourselves and approaching relationships with curiosity and compassion can enhance our ability to build and maintain friendships.

QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU RISE

1. Has there been a season or circumstance where you have been more prone to feeling like no one likes you?
2. How could you focus on showing how much you enjoy others around you today, rather than focus on how others feel about you?
3. What are some qualities you have that make you a good friend?
4. How could you convey a posture of openness to others around you today as you are out in the world?

Molly Stillman's story is not all laughter and fun. She lost her mother at an early age. But it was watching her parents maneuver through hardship with levity and humor that modeled to her that life is always a combination of good and hard. Through their story and her own - Molly offers concrete examples of how taking ourselves and our circumstances too seriously can rob of us the joy that is also available.

In this episode, Molly emphasizes the importance of the human experience in balancing joy and pain. Whether it's cracking a joke to break tension in a moment or realigning what is important when details of life surprise us, you will be encouraged that in your disappointment, frustration, or grief, you can have a lens of holding everything with lightness. God's plan is always at work. We can allow laughter and levity in to places and moments that need the reminder that there is still good news and goodness in our days.

Connect with Molly

Molly's website and Instagram

Molly's Book: If I don't laugh, I will cry

A few things mentioned on the show

China Beach Tv show

Airplane movie

Questions to Help You Rise

1. What kind of humor do yo enjoy?
2. What is your natural response when faced with a stressful situation?
3. How could you add some levity to your responses?
4. What could you incorporate to your life to bring more lightness?
5. In what relationship do you need to add some humor, some play, or levity?

Do you fear artificial intelligence (AI)? or augmented reality (AR)? Do you wonder what is going to happen if we, as a culture, transition to using these technologies more and more?

We wonder that too. That's why we decided to have Jen Richey on the podcast. Jen is the Chief Strategy Officer of Gravity Jack, Inc. an augmented and virtual reality company. She is also a committed Christian who is striving to use their technology to further the gospel message in the world.

In this conversation, Jen helps us define artificial intelligence (AI) and augmented reality (AR) and how they can be used as tools. Most notably, she emphasizes the importance of understanding the limitations and biases of AI and the need to be discerning when using AI tools (this was an especially surprising part).

Jen also shares her personal journey with technology and how her faith has influenced her work in the tech industry. She encourages all of us to approach technology with wisdom and to find ways to do our creative best to use it for the Kingdom purposes.

You will walk away from this episode less fearful of technology and more inspired to use it for good!

Find out more about Jen Richey

on LinkedIn
follow on Instagram
or check out her website gravityjack.com

SOME THINGS YOU HEARD ON THE SHOW

ChatGPT

Bible GPT

War Tribe of Benyamin AR game

QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU RISE

What new insight did you discover about AI or AR after listening to this episode? 

In what way have you allowed fear to root inside of you surrounding technology? 

What action do you feel led to take after listening to this episode?

What good could you bring to the world using technology? 

Our bodies are changing...and well...that means our bodies are changing ;).

Our trusted, go-to OBGYN, Dr. Carol Tanksle,y is back on the show to remind us that as our bodies change our need for intimacy does not. In fact, midlife can be a time of great emotional upheaval, or at least of emotional awareness, which can then impact how we experience sex. The combination of physical changes with all of the other external life circumstance changes, it's no surprise our bodies don't respond like they did twenty or even ten years ago.

After decades of working as a physician and speaking with thousands of women, Dr. Carol gives incredible advice to both married and single women about the need for intimacy and self-care during midlife. As whole people, we must address all areas of ourselves in order to be fully healthy.

No topic is off limits and we know this is one you want to talk about, so here we are. Sex in midlife. It's a thing. Let's make it a very good thing as God intended.

Connect with Dr. Carol

On her website

A few things mentioned on the shoe

Dr. Carol's new book Sexpectations: Reframing Your Good and Not-So-Good Stories About God, Love, and Relationships

Good Clean Love personal lubricant

Geneev.com

Dr. Carol's Guide to Women's Health

Dr. Carol's episode with us on menopause

Dr. Juli Slattery's episode on Difficult Conversations: Talking About Sexuality

Questions to Help You Rise

• How is midlife impacting your body?
•  
• How are you feeling about sex these days?
•  
• If you are married, how can you talk to your spouse about sex and what you would like?
•  
• What is one thing you can do today to "deal with your stuff" as Dr. Carol mentions at the end of the episode?