Monica Swanson knows what it means to be intentional in relationships at home. She makes decisions with the end goal in mind. She wants kids who love God, like each other, and are helpful by default. Those end goals shape their daily rhythms, how they talk to each other, and even their vacations. We dive right into the Lead Your Life series talking about family relationships because if ever there was a place where we need some intention, it's with those right around us.
Monica comes to us from the Aloha state. A mom to four sons who are growing and leaving home, she is able to look back a bit and evaluate what helped their family get where it is today. There was intentional time together, both as a family, but also with siblings. Their family culture didn't just happen, she and her husband Dave made decisions on purpose. Whether you have mental roadblocks to making some changes at home or logistical ones, Monica gives us the pep talk we need to face what might be holding us back from leading our families in the way we want them to go. This is a part practical, part inspirational conversation that you don't want to miss.
Sometimes the things that matter most to us, get our leftover attention. By leftover we mean the time we have left after all of the pressing things are taken care of. The people in our homes deserve our intentional best. Monica gives us some practical next steps to lead our family relationships. And as we say on the episode, we KNOW she lives what she teaches. She gets us. She knows what it's like to lead a family with intention.
Connect with Monica
On her website, on Instagram, or on her podcast
A few things mentioned
Monica's new book Raising Amazing: Bringing Up Kids Who Love God, Like Their Family, And Do The Dishes Without Being Asked
The latest research on girls and anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation
Our 24 Family Ways: A Family Devotional Guide by Clay Clarkson
Foundations: 12 Biblical Truths to Shape a Family by Ruth Chou Simons
Krista's coaching services
We are starting a new series today called LEAD YOUR LIFE! For this first episode, Alex and Krista are diving into WHY leading our lives is better than defaulting to life – which is so easy to do.
In this episode we explore why each day is a new opportunity to lead our lives better than yesterday, how different people respond to change, and some areas we are doing well, and some not so well.
Giving some of our best resources for growth, we focus on how to take next, small steps in our actual lives. We are excited to dive into this new series with you!
SOME THINGS YOU HEARD ON THE SHOW
The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth
5 Different Kinds of Fear:
- Fear of failure
- Fear of trading security for the unknown
- Fear of being overextended financially
- Fear of what others will say or think
- Fear that success will alienate peers
BIG ANNOUNCEMENT!
We announced last week and that Alex and Krista are available to bring the magic of the Sisterhood retreats to YOUR group!
They are taking their proven strategies and are available for hire to come run a group retreat for your:
- leadership team
- work team
- donors
- executive directors
- ministry groups
- friends
If you are interested, email krista@theopendoorsisterhood.com for more information.
It only happens once a year. It’s not Christmas, but it might feel like it as Alex and Krista give you their best tips, reads, recipes, and fashion items they’ve collected over the last year.
It’s the annual Things We Love episode for the Open Door Sisterhood Podcast!
Yes, we are ready with our favorite lip gloss combo (aka “the triple threat”), our must reads, and the sneakers that make teenagers' heads turn (in a good way!) These are things we love and because we're sisters, we're sharing them with you.
We laugh at ourselves a lot in this one (because, hello, we can be ridiculous). We hope this love vibe shines through the airwaves as you push play this Valentine's Day!
Our favorite things you heard about on the show
BEAUTY
Here’s the triple threat combo from Emily Love’s sister Ashley.
-Charlotte Tilbury Hot Lips Lipstick Kim KW – Nude
-Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat Lip Liner – Iconic Nude
-Fenty Glass Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer – Fussy
Cetaphil daily oil-free facial moisturizer Spf 35
Cerave Skin renewing night cream
GIFTS TO GIVE
30 oz. Stanley Cup in cream $30
Stoneware kitchen sink caddy $15 (can put spray or dish soap and wooden scrub brush )
FAVORITE HOME ITEMS OR DECOR
Smith & Hawken Outdoor black lanterns (I use them inside and outside)
IN THE KITCHEN
Over sink roll up dish drying rack
Magnolia Clear Glass Mixing Bowls
9 x 13 ruffled ceramic baking dish by Crate and Barrel
APPS OR WEBSITES
Gametime (ticket deals for events)
Going.com (formally Scott’s Cheap Flights)
CLOTHING
Nuuly subscription – I’m trying it ($88 for 6 styles)
Costco bras – Bali
FAVORITE TIP
- Put a dash of bleach in your water for flowers to kill bacteria and they’ll last longer
- Make any drink fun with fresh berries, mint, and sparkling something
- Paint and new light fixtures changes any room
FAVORITE NETFLIX OR PRIME
Enola Holmes (Netflix)
The Swimmers (Netflix)
The Rings of Power (Prime)
FAVORITE INSTAGRAM INSPO
hidingintheclosetwithcoffee Amy Betters-Midtvet
MUST READS
The God Shot by Tara Leigh Cobble
The Culture Code: The Secrets of HIghly Successful Groups by Daniel Coyle
I Guess I Haven’t Learned that Yet by Shauna Niequist
Where’d You Go Bernadette by Maria Semple
MUST MAKE RECIPES
Italian Sausage White Bean Soup – The soup recipe I made up for my friend’s going away party that now everyone loves (Ariana’s Going Away Soup)
Rave Reviews Dip – one of my easiest apps
Almond cherry scones (Easter coming up)
Thank you to our sponsor for this episode
WE'RE ABOUT GOSPEL-CENTERED ENCOURAGEMENT
Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
Philippians 4:8
We Create Thoughtful Content, Beautifully Designed.
The Truly Co is a team of women who have purposefully declared where we put our trust as we wrestle with our faith. In a world filled with confusion, chaos, and depression, we choose to walk by faith and be led by the Holy Spirit. Jesus is our source. He is our rock. And we share our stories of the things he has done in our lives. We are friends, sisters, mothers, and daughters. We are creatives, writers, business leaders, and human-lovers who are in various life stages. We invite you to join us. We love partnering with amazing women (that’s you!) as we share our voices through writing, photography, and podcasts or video.
What if we could really discover this year what it means to live a blessed, abundant life? And not only discover it, but live it?
Kelly Minter, beloved Bible teacher and speaker, joins us this week to share what she learned about living life to the full through studying Jesus’s Sermon on the Mount. We talk about why we sometimes don’t recognize the counterfeit path to abundance the world offers, how to invest in the eternal, and what it looks like to let go of “fair” and grab on to grace.
Kelly is someone who inspires with her keen insights and deep faith. You will walk away inspired to live more abundantly in the year ahead.
The Blessed Life: A 90 Day Devotional Though The Teachings & Miracles of Jesus
Kelly Minter’s Joseph study – Finding God Faithful
Face to Face Prayer Book with Kenneth Boa
THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR – PRIMALLY PURE
Primally Pure values your health and gets you results with their line of non-toxic skincare products made with ingredients you don’t have to google. In addition to offering an incredible line of products (my favorites are the deodorant and dry shampoo ), Primally Pure takes the guesswork out of creating a skincare routine with their easy-to-use skin quiz found on their website.
Creativity can feel like something we'll get to someday. Like when the kids are grown or the kitchen is clean. If we let it, that someday can turn into delay and even never. Why are we talking about this as part of our series The Healthy Way? Because we believe actively practicing creativity helps us live out how God made us.
Founder of Coffee + Crumbs, Ashlee Gadd, talks with moms all around the world about motherhood and creativity. Our conversation focuses in on how to get started when it's been a while, why creating together is a reflection of doing life together, and how to incorporate some practices into our actual lives that will get the creative sparks going.
You don't have to consider yourself an artist to be creative. You simply need to be someone made in the image of God. You ARE creative, now let's get on with the work of recognizing when we are already practicing creativity, and intentionally adding some outlets into our everyday experiences that help to break up the monotony and see the world with new eyes.
Listen to the episode here
On iTunes or watch it here:
Connect with Ashlee
On her website, on Instagram, through Coffee + Crumbs.
A few things mentioned on the show
Ashely’s new book Create Anyway
The Power of Moments by Chip and Dan Heath
Rhythm 52 Writing Prompts by Katie Blackburn
Sign up to receive Ashlee's 5 Little Sparks to Inspire You Out of a Creative Rut
Thank you to our sponsor
At Grit and Virtue we equip women on a mission to build unstoppable momentum, become spiritually confident, and to never feel alone on the journey.
How healthy is your relationship with technology? Do you use your phone? Or does your phone use you? That is a question asked on this week’s podcast and it hits very close to home.
Too few of us ask how we are honestly doing when it comes to digital input. We see “other people’s” digital addiction, but don’t recognize it in ourselves.
Jay Kim, pastor and author, lives in the heart of the Silicon Valley and writes about how we are being formed by the input we receive. He challenges us to be formed in the ways of God rather than Tik Tok or Instagram.
If you are anything like us, you will walk away with important insights about how to better use technology in 2023.
Some Things You Heard On The Show:
Analog Christian – Cultivating Resilience and Wisdom in the Digital Age by Jay Kim
Analog Church by Jay Kim
Unoffendable by Brant Hansen
Talking to Strangers by Malcolm Gladwell
The Wisdom Pyramid by Brett McCracken
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR
Grit & Virtue Journals are for writing down thoughts, bullet journaling, note taking, business planning, writing gratitudes, pouring out prayers, and much more. The linen cover and classic design compliment any space. This is our personal journal of choice – we promise you will be thrilled with the quality and design.
They are American made and each page has a quote of wisdom and truth at the bottom. You can order a journal here and tell them you are a part of the Sisterhood!
As we look at the new year, we can set health goals for ourselves. That's good! We can also set goals for our families. But how does one do that? And what happens when kids grow (read live into their free will and have opinions of their own) and make decisions we as moms find "unhealthy"?
Jodi Mockabee has a home full of teenagers and joins the sisterhood to discuss creating an environment that values health within our homes. We talk the basics of nutrition and exercise, but we also talk about modeling healthy behaviors, how to set realistic habit goals for ourselves, and when to allow our kids to experience natural consequences. Everything from pornography to food choices, we consider both the how and the why of leading our families toward health.
Mom, if you are wondering where to start in your own life, if you feel like your kids are harder to convince to move their bodies these days as you drag them out of bed, if you have ever wondered how you should handle a repeat unhealthy choice, this episode is for you. Jodi offers practical tips to move toward health in mind, body, and soul in the new year.
Connect with Jodi
You can find Jodi through her website or on Instagram!
Listen to this episode
You can find it on iTunes or watch it here.
A few things mentioned on the show
Jodi’s new book The Whole & Healthy Family
Episode 274 of The Open Door Sisterhood Podcast with Bethany McDaniel, Primally Pure founder
Good Pictures, Bad Pictures by Kristen A. Jensen
THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR – THE AMAZING PRIMALLY PURE
Primally Pure values your health and gets you results with their line of non-toxic skincare products made with ingredients you don’t have to google. In addition to offering an incredible line of products (my favorites are the deodorant and dry shampoo ), Primally Pure takes the guesswork out of creating a skincare routine with their easy-to-use skin quiz found on their website.
The company’s Founder, Bethany, is a mom of two and farmer’s wife who truly cares about the integrity of the ingredients they use and the products they create. Primally Pure’s products are made at their headquarters in Southern California (not in a third party lab) by their team of skincare chefs for maximum freshness and purity.
Primally Pure offers a happiness guarantee and they will give you your money back if you aren’t satisfied, but I know you will be – their products are truly tr
Statistics tell us that church attendance is down, and many are leaving the traditional church. COVID also led to decreased church attendance as people got comfortable sitting in front of televised services in their pajamas. Today on The Healthy Way Series we are exploring the role of in-person church and its value in our lives.
Author and church expert, Ericka Anderson Sylvester, offers insight into how to find the right church for you or your family, what to do if your spouse or children don’t want to go with you, and why it’s never too late to return to a church body after being absent.
If you have been considering going back to church, or attending church for the first time, this episode will be encouraging. If you are a regular church attendee, this episode will help remind you why it is important to continue investing in the local church body.
We’ve never covered this topic on the podcast before and we’d love to hear your thoughts!
THINGS YOU HEARD ON THE SHOW
Ericka’s new book: Reason to Return: Why Women Need The Church and The Church Needs Women
THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR – THE AMAZING PRIMALLY PURE
Primally Pure values your health and gets you results with their line of non-toxic skincare products made with ingredients you don’t have to google. In addition to offering an incredible line of products (my favorites are the deodorant and dry shampoo ), Primally Pure takes the guesswork out of creating a skincare routine with their easy-to-use skin quiz found on their website.
Happy New Year sisters!
We are starting 2023 with our annual Healthy Way series. All things new are impacted by expectations, sometimes expectations set us up for success, and sometimes they don't. How do we move toward growth as we change the calendar page without striving? Do we put our faith in God or in ourselves to make changes? If we peel back the layers of our intentions, what do we find?
We cover all of these questions with Scarlet Hiltibidal. We also hear about how she grew up in the green room of SNL (true story) and how her early adventures impacted her view of the world. A great way to start the new year, a sister-to-sister chat that swings between childhood memories, the impact of strangers, hiding under the bed covers in China, and seeing a relationship with God as a gift.
We'd love to know what you are hoping for as you move into 2023? What are you hoping for? How do you balance the agency God's given you with knowing you don't need to do anything to earn God's love? Join the conversation!
Connect with Scarlet
On Instagram, or her website.
A few things mentioned
"Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." - Colossians 3:2
Scarlet's first book Afraid of All The Things
Scarlet's new book You're The Worst Person in the World
"Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper,
but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy." - Proverbs 28:13
The Prodigal God by Tim Keller
Hoping for Happiness by Barnabas Piper
Thank you to our sponsor
Servant Coffee is backed by the simple belief that we should always consider how we can serve others well in this world. At the intersection of innovation, creativity and unwavering drive is a coffee that focuses our passion for progress on providing quality and tasteful support to collaborators and consumers alike.
Do you feel a little bit frazzled this Christmas season? Are you wondering if you can get it all done? Maybe you don’t have to… or maybe there are options beyond those swirling in your head.
Join us as we talk to Hannah Anderson, author of the Advent book Heaven and Nature Sing. Hannah reminds us to slow down and savor the season. She also offers permission to work by our own rhythm and calendar as opposed to those around us.
If you are needing your soul to breathe a little bit today, this episode is for you.
This will be our last episode in 2022. We’ll see you for the Healthy Way Series in 2023!
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR
The Gift Calendar - ORDER HERE
Boundaries give us the protection we need to live out our priorities. They protect our energy for the things that are truly most important to us. If we can remember the benefit of boundaries, we are better able to establish and maintain them. Sounds easy, right? We know it's not. This is why we've invited Dr. Sasha Shillcutt to our series on what we really want for Christmas.
From what freaks us out about setting boundaries (psst... it's our fears of others' responses), to the ways we can even know what we want (this involves consistent alone time), we talk through why it's so hard for us to say "no" even when that is clearly our best response.
Boundaries are not selfish. They are in fact a way to ensure that we are best able to serve where and how God has called us. Jesus himself had some serious boundaries and we talk about those too on this episode.
Don't hesitate, get going on deciding what you really want the next month, and what boundaries might be needed to make those happen, and then rip off the band-aid and have a brief (maybe hard) conversation so that you can be intentional about getting what you actually want this Christmas.
Connect with Sasha
On her website or Instagram
Listen to this episode
On iTunes or watch it here:
A few things mentioned
Sasha's new book: Brave Boundaries: Strategies to Say No, Stand Strong, and Take Control of Your Life: The Key to Living Empowered
Thank you to our sponsor
Start 2023 with a Scriptural foundation to each day. This beautifully illustrated 5x7 Scripture calendar features original paintings from the "Fabric and Soul" series by ThouArtExalted Ministries founder, Annie Pajcic.
Each month features a different Bible verse and artfully designed artwork print on a 5x7 card to set the tone for the month ahead. And when that month is over, simply flip over the card to reveal another month's beautiful illustration. Pair it with the optional bamboo-style, antique gold stand for the perfect complement to your entryway, desk or counter top.
Makes a great gift for a teacher, mother in law, daughter, boss or anyone who loves Scripture and art. Also available is a bamboo-style, antique gold stand for the perfect complement to your entryway, desk or counter top, purchase both together here.
Do you have anyone in your life who is hard to buy for at Christmastime? Do you find yourself saying “I have no idea what to get him / her- they don’t need anything!” If so, this episode is for you.
Krista and Alex begin by talking about why gift giving matters and the spirit that fuels the tradition. We then give you TONS of ideas. From low cost ideas to experiences to subscriptions to tech – we’ve got you covered.
There is no question that the longer we wait to decide what we are giving, the more stress builds, adding to our holiday frenzy. Listen today – decide on your gift – then ENJOY the holiday season!
SOME THINGS YOU HEARD ON THE SHOW
Priya Parker – The Art of Gathering
BUY SERVICES THAT HELP
- housecleaning
- babysitting
- pet sitting
- dinner delivered
- tech support
- personal trainer
THINK LIKE AN AUCTION HOST – PLAN EXPERIENCES
- Trader Joe’s basket
- golf simulator time
- tickets to a show
- fly fishing guided trip
- basketball game tickets
- dinner cooked by a local chef (or you!)
- tea party for 8
- pop up picnic in the park
- red party – everything is red
- a standing date once a month
- classes
- overnight or weekend away
- dueling piano bar
- summer concert
HOMEMADE GIFTS
- art work
- poem
- macrame
- family travel maps
- recipe book
- homemade limoncello or kahlua
- bench made from railroad ties
- advent wreaths
- video of parents or grandparents talking about their lives
SUBSCRIPTIONS
Adventures in Odyssey Club for kids
Olympia Postal Previsions Club
TECH GIFTS
Portable speaker: Wonderboom 2
Portable car battery charger (for anyone who has a car)
Smart Frame: Skylight
Air tags (to find things) – this one is a car keyring
Alex and Krista offer inspiration for prayer and conversation around your Thanksgiving or Christmas gathering. Sprinkled with prayers, and even a historic Thanksgiving Day Proclamation, is a sister-to-sister conversation meant to give you the part practical, part inspirational you need to set your table and event.</p>
Whether you're trying to figure out how to get conversation flowing or you don't know how to do a prayer given the guests in attendance, we offer some ideas that might help get the creative ideas churning. We want you to be able to honor your guests and honor God by setting a spot where people feel comfortable expr essing gratitude.
This is one you might refer to again and again as you consider what it means to gather those you love. We hope you listen as you cook, clean, or drive as part of your Thanksgiving holiday prep. But most of all we hope you know we believe you are world changers for good right where you are, wherever that might be.
Listen to this episode:
You can listen on iTunes or watch it here:
A few things mentioned:
The Lord's Prayer
(Matthew 6:9-13) from The New Living Translation:
Our Father in heaven,
may your name be kept holy.
May your Kingdom come soon.
May your will be done on earth,
as it is in heaven.
Give us today the food we need,
and forgive us our sins,
as we have forgiven those who sin against us.
And don’t let us yield to temptation,
but rescue us from the evil one.
The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why It Matters by Priya Parker
Grace After Meals
From To Bless The Space Between Us: A Book of Blessings by John O'Donohue
"We end this meal with grace
For the joy and nourishment of food,
The slowed time away from the world
To come into presence with each other
And sense the subtle lives behind our faces,
The different colors of our voices,
The edges of hungers we keep private,
The circle of love that unites us.
We pray the wise spirit who keeps us
To change the structures that make others hunger
And that after such grace we might now go forth
And impart dignity wherever we partake."
Questions for the table:
1. What’s your favorite Thanksgiving or holiday memory?
2. If you could have dinner with anyone living or dead, who would it be?
3. What’s the best gift you have ever received?
4. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
5. What’s the best book you’ve read and what made it so special?
6. Share about a time when you had a need. How was it met?
7. If you could meet your great great grandchildren what wisdom would you pass on
to them? What would you want them to know?
8. If you could spend one day doing a job that you are not currently doing, what would you do?
9. What’s one thing that you would love to do in your lifetime that no one knows?
10. What’s your biggest fear?
11. If you were going to open a restaurant, what would the concept be?
12. What’s the strangest thing you believed as a child?
13. If a movie was made of your life, who would play you?
14. What was your biggest fashion faux pas ever?
15. What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?
16. If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?
Prayer cards for the dinner table
Thanksgiving Proclamation of 1789
"Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor-- and whereas both Houses of Congress have by their joint Committee requested me to recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness."
Psalm 100:
"Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.
Worship the Lord with gladness;
come before him with joyful songs.
Know that the Lord is God.
It is he who made us, and we are his[a];
we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.
For the Lord is good and his love endures forever;
his faithfulness continues through all generations."
Thank you to our sponsor
Beautiful journals for you to have as a keepsake and of course to give as a gift.
15% off your first order with promo code Sisterhood15. If you want to purchase a bulk order for your team, retreat, or women's gathering, you can do so as well. Charlena will also include a bonus Journaling Guide for your attendees. Visit: www.gritandvirtue.com to learn more and to order.
Hygge is trending, but what exactly is it? And why are we putting it in our Holiday series? Yes, today is the start of our Holiday series where we are looking at what we REALLY want for Christmas. And Hygge is one of the things we really want.
Hygge is a Danish practice that centers on slow living, shared moments, and fostered friendships. It nurtures beauty, contentment, and well being. When we cozy up to a fire with a warm drink in a mug, that is hygge. When we light candles, bake fresh bread, or gather around a wooden table for a hearty meal, that is hygge as well. Hygge is cozy. It’s home.
In this episode Jamie Erickson, author of the new book Holy Hygge, unpacks some of the tenets of this Danish practice and marries them with deep theological truths. We hear how Hygge can increase our sense of fulfillment and joy around the holidays and how we can bring this inviting concept into our daily lives.
Join us for this very interesting episode!
SOME THINGS YOU HEARD ON THE SHOW
Holy Hygge: Creating a Place to Gather and the Gospel to Grow by Jamie Erickson
Timothy Keller Christmas Advent book Hidden Christmas
Unwrapping The Names of Jesus (for kids)- Asherita Ciuciu
Unwrapping the Names of Jesus (for adults)
Tsh Oxenreider Shadow and Light – A Journey Into Advent
THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR - PRIMALLY PURE
Primally Pure values your health and gets you results with their line of non-toxic skincare products made with ingredients you don't have to google. In addition to offering an incredible line of products (my favorites are the deodorant and dry shampoo ), Primally Pure takes the guesswork out of creating a skincare routine with their easy-to-use skin quiz found on their website.
The company's Founder, Bethany, is a mom of two and farmer's wife who truly cares about the integrity of the ingredients they use and the products they create. Primally Pure's products are made at their headquarters in Southern California (not in a third party lab) by their team of skincare chefs for maximum freshness and purity.
Primally Pure offers a happiness guarantee and they will give you your money back if you aren't satisfied, but I know you will be - their products are truly transformative for the skin (perhaps touch on personal experience briefly!) and their blogis also full of information and knowledge to empower you in confidently making healthier decisions and becoming the most vibrant version of yourself.
Midlife comes with additional financial challenges. We are often paying bigger bills (think education for our kids, care for our parents, and paying of mortgages) and we are considering our financial future.
Questions like: Do we have enough coming in every month to cover what we need? Will we have enough in the future to last our lifetime? Can we give our kids a four-year college education? Can we address needs we have now while not taking away from retirement?
We bring you financial planner Kate Redden to consult us on all of the stressful questions that money and midlife bring up. She works with clients every day helping them to identify those stress points, understand where they are currently and where they want to head in coming years.
We often don't talk about money stress, but no topic is off limits for the sisterhood. This is a part practical, part inspirational conversation in that we give you both the why and the how of making a financial plan in order to relieve the stress of the unknown.
Connect with Kate
Through her website, Linkedin, or email: kredden@meritfa.com
Listen to this episode
On iTunes or watch it here:
A few things mentioned on the show
“Hot water heaters tend to blow up in mid-life for some reason.”
Thank you to our sponsor
Coffee that's crafted to serve. Servant Coffee is backed by the simple belief that we should always consider how we can serve others well in this world. At the intersection of innovation, creativity and unwavering drive is a coffee that focuses our passion for progress on providing quality and tasteful support to collaborators and consumers alike.
Subscriptions are available and they ship around the country. Why not send someone coffee on the regular as a thank you or Christmas gift? You will be a world changer for good by purchasing Servant Coffee for someone you appreciate.
Some call midlife the “sandwich season” because people in this age group are parenting young adult children while caring for aging parents.
Today we are discussing how to care well for our parents as they age, and the opportunity we have to become more Christ-like in the process.
Jane Daly, author of The Caregiving Season, is joining us to talk about her own experience caring for both of her parents. We explore the difference between “parenting” and “coaching” our parents.
We also discuss how to take away car keys, what happens if their mind fails before their body, what information we need to have on file in case of a death or injury, and how to divide up caregiving duties between siblings.
If you are nearing a caregiving season, or are in one right now, this episode will be a source of encouragement, help, and inspiration.
You can find Jane at her website
SOME THINGS YOU HEARD ON THE SHOW
The Caregiving Season by Jane Daly
If you are in midlife, likely you've walked past the mirror, or tried on a pair of pants, and wondered what in the world? Sister, you're not alone! We are talking about what is going on and how we can faithfully and appropriately respond to how our bodies (ahem...tummies) are changing.
We are bringing Alisa Keeton, Founder of Revelation Wellness, to the conversation. She knows what it is to be fit and as a woman in midlife, she also knows how bodies can change quickly. We cover three areas of change unique to this stage of life: hormones, eating, and movement. (Spoiler: we tend to eat more indulgently and move less these years.)
But there is hope! God has created us to live ALL of our years fruitfully. We can use resistance training, walking, and mindfulness to strengthen our changing bodies while giving them what they need for today. You will both learn and be inspired by this episode (remember the part practical, part inspirational we're always talking about?)
Hear how you too can love your changing body during midlife.
Connect with Alisa
On her website or on Instagram
A few things mentioned
From Strength to Strength: Finding Success, Happiness, and Deep Purpose in the Second Half of Life by Arthur C. Brooks
"The righteous will flourish like a palm tree,
they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon;
planted in the house of the Lord,
they will flourish in the courts of our God.
They will still bear fruit in old age,
they will stay fresh and green,
proclaiming, “The Lord is upright;
he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him.” -Psalm 92:12-15
Alisa's words
“To really be connected in your body means to be fully present without judgment.”
"83% of women in midlife say that their body image in midlife has to do with their midsection."
"Stop working so hard."
“God has more for us, but it’s new and everyone hates new.”
“Midlife is the time to stop thinking about what you’re eating and ask yourself why you’re eating.”
Perhaps the number one stressor listeners have expressed about the season of midlife is parenting teens and young adults. How do we maneuver these new waters when the consequences to kids' decisions seem so serious? How do we know when to step in and when to back off? And even deeper, how do we deal with our own self image when our kids make decisions we wouldn't make for them?
We are bringing you the best in Evan and Elisa Morgan. With credentials from years in ministry, decades in marriage and parenting, and their share of stressful parenting decisions, they share their wisdom in what it means to parent in midlife. We talk about the differences between parenting teens and young adults, how to move away from parenting promises and center in on parenting principles, and what to do when you are faced with two bad options as a parent.
With honesty like you've never quite heard before, the Morgans speak from experience in walking with God through painful parenting years. If you think a Christian podcast episode on parenting couldn't possibly understand YOUR depth of pain, you might be surprised by what you hear. This isn't an episode about how to get it all right in parenting. Quite the opposite. This is about how to welcome God into our process as we grow in this phase of life.
We’re half way through the “Midlife is No Joke” series and we are pausing to hear from Krista and Alex about their personal experiences in midlife.
We cover stressors, opportunities, sleep issues, trusting God in hard times, the purpose of exercise, resources, and what is saving our mid-lives right now.
Our sister straight talks are always honest, and offer a layered look at our series topic. Join us!
SOME THINGS YOU HEARD ON THE SHOW
Friendships in midlife are sometimes complicated, but they don't have to be. On the podcast today we are diving into how to be a good friend, how to neighbor well, and how to cultivate diverse relationships that add richness and texture to life.
Popular author, Shannan Martin, joins us to share her wisdom on creating community - what worked, and what didn't. You will walk away more equipped for healthy, authentic, and strong relationships after listening.
SOME THINGS YOU HEARD ON THE SHOW:
Start with Hello – Shannan Martin’s new book
Loving My Actual Neighbor: Seven Practices to Treasure The People In Front Of You – Alexandra Kuykendall’s book
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR
We believe the goal of therapy is to increase both psychological and spiritual wholeness, and this can only be accomplished in an appropriate environment.
We have also seen proven success in the affordability and convenience of online mental counseling. By bringing together a network of professional counselors who are practicing Christians online, we see unprecedented opportunity to help believers access the help they need, when and how they can best receive it.
Sign up for Faithful Counseling HERE.
When we asked you, our podcast listeners, what you'd like to hear about when it comes to midlife, one topic stood above the rest: menopause. Our bodies are changing, often in ways we never knew they could or would, and we don't know what to do. The sisterhood is the perfect place to come for questions you might not want to ask anywhere else. We bring you trusted experts and this conversation is no different.
For this widely requested topic, we couldn't ask just anyone to join us, we needed to find the best. And we did in OB-Gyn Dr. Carol Peters-Tanksley. She has lived through menopause herself and has guided women over decades through "the change." She covers everything from weight gain to mood swings, hot flashes to hormone surges. You will not only learn a ton (we did!) you will be encouraged that what you are going through is a normal part of human development.
If you are experiencing the classic signs of menopause, are wondering what's ahead, or simply want to know what the fuss about estrogen supplements is, this episode is worth your time. We can't change aging, but we can have a better sense of what's actually happening in our bodies. Dr. Carol is a knowledgeable guide who anticipates our questions before we even ask them. Nothing says sisterhood like this.
Connect with Carol
Through her website
Listen to this episode
On iTunes or watch it here:
A few things mentioned:
The Menopause Manifesto by Jennifer Gunter
Gennev online clinic
Dr. Carol's course Navigating Midlife
Dr. Carol's book Dr. Carol's Guide to Women's Health
Dr. Carol's e-book Dr. Carol's Guide to Sex and Menopause
Dr. Carol's Hormone download
Thank you to our sponsor
We believe the goal of therapy is to increase both psychological and spiritual wholeness, and this can only be accomplished in an appropriate environment.
We have also seen proven success in the affordability and convenience of online mental counseling. By bringing together a network of professional counselors who are practicing Christians online, we see unprecedented opportunity to help believers access the help they need, when and how they can best receive it.
Do you find yourself navigating a marriage in midlife? There are unique challenges that couples face in this time of life.
Maybe you’ve been married a long time and are needing a fresh way to navigate old patterns. Or maybe you are struggling to stay married and wonder about your future as a couple. Or maybe you simply desire to bring life and joy back as a couple. Wherever you find yourself, this episode is for you.
Jimmy and Irene Rollins are no strangers to difficulty in marriage. As pastors of a large church, they seemed to have it all together from the outside. But on the inside they were crumbling. Irene was battling alcohol addiction, and Jimmy was struggling with overeating and pornography. They became comfortable with disfunction.
Now healed and whole, as individuals and as a couple, Jimmy and Irene lead a couples ministry to people all over the world. They honestly share about what turned their marriage around and how each one of us can do the same. There is wisdom sprinkled all throughout this episode. Don’t miss this one!
Find out more about Jimmy and Irene at Two=One or join their online community with your spouse! or follow them on Instagram.
Follow The Open Door Sisterhood on Instagram
SOME THINGS YOU HEARD ON THE SHOW
Imago Marriage Therapy – image of familiar love
Here is what I observed…. this is what I made up about that… here is how that impacted me… would you
Quotes from the interview:
“Without affirmation, everything feels like accusation”
“Practice doesn’t make things perfect, it makes things repetitive”
“You can’t be upset about the marriage you refuse to work on”
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR: PREP DISH
The Open Door Sisterhood gets two weeks free. Just go over to prepdish.com/sisterhood to sign up.
We are kicking off a new series on the podcast this week! We are calling it Midlife is No Joke.
Because midlife brings responsibilities from many directions. It also brings lots of change. These combined can act as a pressure cooker of stress, or at least an uncharted path as we respond to changing roles, relationships, and responses (ours and others.)
Dr. Kelly Flanagan is a clinical psychologist turned fiction author who explores the big questions of life in both areas of work. His experience "sitting in the chair", as he calls it, along with his own midlife journey, offers the sisterhood insights about the common questions many of us face as we realize we are no longer young and we still have some years of life left.
Who am I as my roles change? Where am I headed? Is there pain involved in this new change? How do I discern God's path for me? These are not light questions and Dr. Kelly gives us some approaches on how to listen to our responses in our heads and bodies as we confront these bigger questions.
We've got a lot to cover about midlife over the next several weeks, and we are diving in headfirst with the big questions because we all have them.
Connect with Kelly
On Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
A few things mentioned
The first time Kelly was on the podcast: Episode 58 on Shame, Worthiness, Belonging and Purpose
Kelly's first book, Loveable: Embracing What is Truest About You, So You Can Truly Embrace Your Life
His new book, The Unhiding of Elijah Campbell: A Novel
Co-Dependent No More by Melody Beattie
The Busy Mom’s Guide is wrapping up today with a Sister Straight Talk with Krista & Alex. They open with discussing some important areas we didn’t get to yet – like time management and the strategies we’re using to plan our days.
We also talk about add on chores, the benefit of coaching, how to make time for relationships, apps that come in handy, and how God can meet us right in the middle of our stress.
Come join this discussion and let us know your thoughts!
Message us your comments on The Open Door Sisterhood Instagram page!
Follow Krista on her website or Instagram
Follow Alex on her website or Instagram
THINGS YOU HEARD ON THE SHOW
Morgan Tyree’s 10 Minute Organizing Challenge
Deep Work by Cal Newport
Kelly Minter’s Joseph Study
The Open Door Sisterhood gets two weeks free of Prep Dish. Just go over to prepdish.com/sisterhood to sign up.
She was making deodorant in her kitchen sink because she loved using natural ingredients. Seven years ago Bethany McDaniel had a dream to get natural deodorant and soaps into the hands of others. She had no idea she would soon have a warehouse, a headquarters, and a staff to help her get those products into the world.
We talk with Primally Pure natural products brand owner and founder, Bethany McDaniel, about how she started her company, how she manages motherhood and boss lady roles at the same time, and how she schedules almost everything. She remind us that hard is kind of normal when you're in charge and that instead of seeing obstacles as problems to avoid, they are opportunities to try something new.
Join us for this conversation about how motherhood and an entrepreneurial spirit can work together as we are women who are world changers for good right where we are. Being a mom can mean limitations on our time, resources, energy, and attention. It can also force us to be laser focused as we pursue the dream God has given us. And who are we kidding? He knows that dream, he can help us creatively make it happen.
Connect with Primally Pure
Find their products here and follow them on Instagram
Listen to the show
Always available on iTunes or watch on YouTube.
A few things mentioned
Thank you to our sponsor
2 Free Weeks of Meal Plans HERE~
We know that busy moms need help getting dinner on the table. This is why we've invited Prep Dish to partner with us to bring you The Busy Mom's series.
Their weekly meal plans offer you meals that are
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