The Living Room with Joanna Weaver

"Prayer looks different for each one of us..." When it comes to prayer, It isn't the method that matters as much as connecting with God. In this episode of The Living Room, Suzie Eller talks about her latest book, Prayer Starters: Talking With God About Hard Times. Whether you've enjoyed a vibrant prayer life or don't know where to begin, Suzie offers tips on how to get honest with God despite what we might be feeling. For when we pour out our hearts to Him, He pours in the grace and peace we so desperately need. But more importantly, our relationship with Him deepens. All because we've taken time to connect with Him in prayer. Links from Show Suzie’s Book: Prayer Starters: Talking With God About Hard Times. Suzie's Podcast: Prayer Starters Podcast Joanna’s New Book: Embracing Trust: The Art of Letting Go and Holding On to a Forever-Faithful God Joanna’s Youtube Channel [Disclosure: I make a small commission from affiliate links used in this post.] Connect with Suzanne Eller Website |Facebook | Instagram | Podcast

What if the unexpected is a pathway to becoming who you were always meant to be? Your unexpected circumstances may not "be" good, my friend. But God can make good come from them. In today's episode, Jillian Benfield shares from her book The Gift of the Unexpected: Discovering Who You Were Meant to Be When Life Goes Off Plan. A former TV journalist, Jillian learned the gifts found in having her plans derailed and her agenda dismantled when she found out she was pregnant with a son who had Downs Syndrome. This book - and conversation! - is for anyone whose life has taken a wide left turn and is looking to find meaning through it. Need a Deeper Trust in God? You could be five days away from a closer, deeper trust in God than ever before. The email challenge and companion videos can be done anytime and anywhere. GET THE CHALLENGE! Whether you do it in five days or over five weeks, as you take time to live in the truths of Proverbs 3:5-6, I believe they will transform your life! Links from Show Jillian's New Book: The Gift of the Unexpected: Discovering Who You Were Meant to Be When Life Goes Off Plan Joanna’s New Book: Embracing Trust: The Art of Letting Go and Holding On to a Forever-Faithful God [Disclosure: I make a small commission from affiliate links used in this post.] Connect with Jillian Benfield Website | Instagram | Facebook

So when you hear the word “theology,” what comes to mind? Does it inspire mental images of dusty libraries filled with massive books about God? Perhaps it makes you thing of grey-haired scholars using big, multi-syllabled words as they tryt to describe the Almighty? Well, I believe my conversation with Jenny Randle is going to change all that! The best type of theology doesn't leave a mental fog - instead, it helps us gain a greater understand of who God really is. Rather than bringing God down to our level, theology opens our hearts and elevates our minds so we come up to His. Our discussion about Jenny's new book, Flash Theology is anything but dry, my friend! It’s downright fire! PODCAST: Listen @ Apple or Spotify or any podcast player. YOUTUBE: This interview will air on YouTube Thursday, May 4 @ 11:30 am. If you subscribe to my channel and hit the notification bell, you'll be automatically notified each time a new video is posted. || WATCH JENNY & JOANNA || Links from Show Jenny Randle's Book: Flash Theology Jenny's Other Books: Amazon Jenny's Podcast: Shut the Should Up Jenny's Community: Freedom Creatives Joanna’s Newest Book: Embracing Trust: The Art of Letting Go and Holding On to a Forever-Faithful God [Disclosure: I make a small commission from affiliate links used in this post.] Connect with Jenny Randle Website | Instagram | Facebook

Are you feeling spiritually lethargic? You may need a diet change... Sadly, we can stuff ourselves so full of things of this world, we nearly starve to death when it comes to our spiritual life with God. But Amy Seiffert offers a new way to live in her new book, Starved: Why We Need a Spiritual Diet Change to Move Us from Tired, Anxious, and Overwhelmed to Fulfilled, Whole and Free. Our conversation covers so much ground, you guys! From the importance of silence and gratitude to our deep need to shed our shame so God can give us a new story. This is a powerful episode! I hope you'll share it with a friend. The Living Room on YouTube You can watch this episode with Amy on YouTube as well! You'll love her gentle heart and gracious beauty. If you'd like to automatically subscribe to my channel, just HIT THIS LINK! Links from Show Amy's New Book: Starved: Why We Need a Spiritual Diet Change to Move Us from Tired, Anxious, and Overwhelmed to Fulfilled, Whole and Free Amy's FREE Bible Study for Starved Amy's FREE Printables Joanna's New Book: Embracing Trust: The Art of Letting Go and Holding On to a Forever-Faithful God Joanna's Youtube Channel [Disclosure: I make a small commission from affiliate links used in this post.] Connect with Amy Seiffert Website | Instagram | YouTube

Do you feel inadequate when it comes to answering hard questions of faith? In this episode of The Living Room, I have the privilege of interviewing theology professor and author, Mary Jo Sharp about Dark Room Faith - a video curriculum designed to address the objections many young people have about the Christian faith. This free curriculum can be used by youth leaders but also parents to help them talk through the questions teens often face. But we also talk about how many millenials are leaving the faith because of hypocrisy in the church and her book, Why I Still Believe: A Former Atheist's Reckoning with the Bad Reptutation Christians Give a Good God. I hope you'll check out all of Mary Jo's excellent material - and share this episode with a friend. Watch on YouTube My interview with Mary Jo Sharp is also available on YouTube (Wednesday @ 3:00pm)! Subscribe and hit the notification bell to be notified each time a video goes live. https://youtu.be/YYNcvnTFnVM Embracing Trust Challenge - Also on YouTube! I have so enjoyed hearing from people who are doing the Embracing Trust Challenge! And it's not too late to start because it can be done anytime and anywhere. All five days of the challenge have been uploaded to YouTube - but you definitely want to sign up to receive the FREE worksheets and daily emails before you start. Resist the impulse to watch all five days at once, because the best way to get the most out of the challenge, is to live in each truth for awhile. In fact, you may want to do it over five weeks rather than five days! Because each one of the truths from Proverbs 3:5-6 have the power to transform your life. GET THE CHALLENGE! Links from Show Mary Jo's Curriculum: Dark Room Faith Mary Jo's Book: Why I Still Believe: A Former Atheist's Reckoning with the Bad Reptutation Christians Give a Good God Joanna’s New Book: Embracing Trust: The Art of Letting Go and Holding On to a Forever-Faithful God [Disclosure: I make a small commission from affiliate links used in this post.] Connect with Mary Jo Sharp Website | Instagram | Facebook

Are there things in your past that you’d like to forget? Do you struggle with lingering shame over things done to you or done by you? Regret over past mistakes or old wounds that just don't seem to heal? In this episode of The Living Room Podcast, author and teaching pastor, Alli Patterson, shares how God helped her break free of shame and invites us to do the same. For when we come to Jesus, He not only forgives our sin and heals our soul, He takes the worst parts of our story and turns it into a display case for God's glory! Check Out The Living Room on YouTube! It's seriously so fun to chat with my guests face to face! And even more fun to share that experience with you. Be sure to check out Alli's interview on YouTube! She is so passionate for Jesus that you can't help but have some of that passion rub off on you. Embracing Trust Challenge - Also on YouTube! I have so enjoyed hearing from people who are doing the Embracing Trust Challenge! And it's not too late to start because it can be done anytime and anywhere. All five days of the challenge have been uploaded to YouTube - but you definitely want to sign up to receive the FREE worksheets and daily emails before you start. Resist the impulse to watch all five days at once, because the best way to get the most out of the challenge, is to live in each truth for awhile. In fact, you may want to do it over five weeks rather than five days! Because each one of the truths from Proverbs 3:5-6 have the power to transform your life. GET THE CHALLENGE! Links from Show Alli's New Book: How to Stay Standing: 3 Essential Practices to Build a Faith That Lasts Joanna's New Book: Embracing Trust: The Art of Letting Go and Holding On to a Forever-Faithful God [Disclosure: I make a small commission from affiliate links used in this post.] Connect with Alli Patterson Website | Instagram | Facebook

God never asks us to give something up unless He wants to give us something better - Himself! For most of us, fasting seems a little out of reach. Something we've tried to do and failed - or have felt too weak to even attempt. But fasting isn't as hard as it seems. In today's episode, best-selling author Wendy Speake talks about how fasting leads to feasting on the goodness of God. We trade stories of how fasting the things that have stolen our attention and affection from God has led to freedom - not only in our relationship with the Lord but in our very lives. This is a great conversation! Hope you'll share it with a friend. The Living Room is Available on YouTube! I'm so excited to announce that you can not only listen but also WATCH the Living Room Podcast on YouTube! It's so fun to see my guest's face as we talk, and now you get to see them too! Every other Wednesday, I post a shorter video ike this one: "How to Draw Close to God." It's my prayer that both formats bless and encourage you - but more importantly, equip you for a victorious life in Christ!  Embracing Trust 5-Day Challenge is Coming Soon! A deeper trust in God might be closer than you think! Join me on March 1, 2023 for the launch of the Embracing Trust 5-Day Challenge. Just click on the button to learn more about it! LEARN MORE! Links from Show Wendy's New Book: The 40-Day Feast: Taste and See the Goodness of God The 40-Day Feast Online Study (starts February 22, 2023) Wendy's Other Books: The 40-Day Sugar Fast | The 40-Day Social Media Fast Joanna's New Book: Embracing Trust: The Art of Letting Go and Holding On to a Forever-Faithful God [Disclosure: I make a small commission from affiliate links used in this post.] Connect with Wendy Speake Website | Instagram | Facebook

" Those who are the most broken are the most ripe for Jesus' message of true blessing.” What does it mean to live a blessed life? Best-selling author and Bible teacher, Kelly Minter joins us today to talk about the Sermon on the Mount and Jesus' definition of true blessing. Her new devotional, The Blessed Life: A 90-Day Journey Through The Teachings And Healings Of Jesus, helps us reshape our thinking to the specifications of the Word. For we were all created to experience God's true blessing. The Living Room on YouTube! Hey, did you know that I'm posting regularly over at YouTube? I'm so excited about the opportunity to reach new people with the Good News of the Gospel - but also to encourage believers to go deeper and farther in their faith. Each Wednesday, I post a new video - and this week features my conversation with Kelly. If you'd like to automatically subscribe, just HIT THIS LINK! In This Show We Talk About: 1:35 The definition of a blessed life 5:36 Kelly shares how she breaks down Jesus' Sermon on the Mount in her book 11:02 Coming to the end of ourselves 13:55 Learning how to let go of our "to-do list" and partner with the Holy Spirit 20:04 How God changes our hearts 21:42 The process of sanctification 23:29 The calling to wholeness in the Sermon on the Mount 27:03 How Kelly's experiences in other countries put her idea of "blessing" into perspective Links from Show Kelly Minter's New Book: The Blessed Life: A 90-Day Devotional through the Teachings and Miracles of Jesus Joanna's New Book: Embracing Trust: The Art of Letting Go and Holding On to a Forever-Faithful God Joanna's Youtube Channel [Disclosure: I make a small commission from affiliate links used in this post.] Connect with Kelly Minter Website | Facebook | Instagram | Podcast

"When we renew our minds, truth actually changes our desires. It changes both our desires and our negative emotions. ” For many of us, this month means reigning in our eating habits as we recover from the holidays. But how to we truly gain victory when emotional eating controls our lives? Barb Raveling and I sit down to discuss her journey in overcoming emotional eating and how we can turn to the only one who can truly satisfy our hunger for more. In This Show We Talk About: 2:03 Barb shares about her new book "Say Goodbye to Emotional Eating" and her own journey in overcoming emotional eating. 4:30 The format and interactive exercises included in Barb's book, 7:03 What is emotional eating? 8:55 Joanna shares her own journey through emotional eating 10:12 Barb talks about how to renewing our minds and letting the truth inform our thinking can change the way we view food. 11:53 The life changes Barb has experienced in her ministry to other women. 14:35 How to renew our minds concerning food and emotional eating on a practical level. 20:29 Practical tools that can help us in our everyday struggles with overeating. 22:36 How to navigate the benefits and dangers of diets. 27:38 How our relationship with food impacts or relationship with God. 29:41 Barb talks about the power of "Truth Journaling". Links from Show Barb Raveling's New Book: Say Goodbye to Emotional Eating: 100 Renewing Exercises to Help You Break Free From the Control of Food Joanna's New Book: Embracing Trust: The Art of Letting Go and Holding On to a Forever-Faithful God [Disclosure: I make a small commission from affiliate links used in this post.] Connect with Barb Raveling Website | Facebook | Instagram | Podcast

How do we keep going when everything inside shouts to give up? In this episode, I share some important lessons I've learned about persevering over the past five years of writing. Whether you're in the middle of a huge project that feels overwhelming, or in a difficult season that seems like it will never end, God wants to give you the stick-to-itiveness to press on and push through. For the Bible promises a "harvest of blessings if we don't give up" (Galatians 6:9). FIVE THINGS TO REMEMBER IN THE DIFFICULT MIDDLE: 1. You are not alone The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. (Deuteronomy 31:8) 2. You aren't doing it wrong So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. (Galatians 6:9) 3. Find a sustainable pace Throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us... (Hebrews 12:1) 4. Don't be afraid to ask for help Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me...and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11;28-29) 5. Keep on keeping on Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. (James 1:2-4) MORE ENCOURAGEMENT FOR YOUR HEART Here are some other posts you might find helpful for persevering in and through your situation: 7 Verses for When You Are Weary Why Doing Less Could Be Doing More (Really!) TLR 095: Overcoming Anxiety with Amy Sieffert And of course, I'd love to have you check out my new BOOK and VIDEO BIBLE STUDY - Embracing Trust! It's all about learning to trust God in the difficult parts of life as well as the good times. Here's the 10-Week Study Promo... LEARN MORE ABOUT STUDY

"If nothing was too insignificant for the Savior of the world, then nothing is too insignificant for me and you.” Are you feeling the pressure to make your life bigger, brighter and more significant? In this episode Rachael Adams and I talk about "the power of small" and how God makes a little go a long way. Rachael and I talk about the significance of the small moments, and how we can follow Jesus' example by being faithful in the everyday and mundane. In This Show We Talk About: 1:40 Rachael talks about what led her to write "A Little Goes A Long Way: 52 Days to a Significant Life" 5:27 Balancing the tension between being satisfied with what we have and the longing for significance and purpose. 7:28 How we often see God as a taskmaster instead of a loving Father. 8:27 Rachael's desire for the woman discouraged in the seemingly insignificant daily duties of life. 11:00 How to get our eyes off what we thought our life would be like and onto what God has for us today. 13:50 The paradigm shift that helps us embrace the "little" things. 15:41 The power of being available. 19:55 How God uses the unlikely and ordinary. 20:34 Listening when God calls us to step out of our comfort zone into something bigger. 26:07 Learning to overcome our fears and insecurity and encouraging others in the faith. 30:18 Rachael shares what she and her family learned from living a simpler life in an RV. Links from Show Rachael Adams' Book: A Little Goes A Long Way: 52 Days to a Significant Life Embracing Trust 10-week Video Bible Study Joanna's New Book: Embracing Trust: The Art of Letting Go and Holding On to a Forever-Faithful God [Disclosure: I make a small commission from affiliate links used in this post.] Connect with Rachael Adams Website | Facebook | Instagram | Podcast

"Every day we are given the opportunity to either accuse God or to trust Him” Do you constantly feel crippled by fear or disappointment, wondering where God is in the midst of your suffering? In this 100th episode of The Living Room, Susie Larson shares from her new book Soul Care for the Battle. We discuss the fears that pull us away from peace with God and how to learn to trust God's goodness during life's trials. In This Show We Talk About: 2:45 Susie shares the story behind her new book "Soul Care for the Battle". 8:19 Learning to discern the difference between a warning from the Holy Spirit and fear from the enemy. 12:18 How to respond to fear and intense emotion in a godly way. 13:54 When fear turns into rebellion, and how to prepare for hard times as a believer. 20:40 Susie reads a poem the Lord inspired her to write during a time of intense suffering. 24:09 Susie shares the verse that has proven true to her in the midst of life's worst storms. 25:42 Joanna and Susie discuss the ability to accept both God's blessings and the trials of life in tandem. 28:25 Why we shouldn't move past the "Why me?" question too quickly. 31:43 How we miss God's goodness by looking for the good. 44:01 The difference between holy lament, honest before God and self-pity. Links from Show Susie Larson's Book: Soul Care for the Battle Embracing Trust 10-week Video Bible Study Joanna's New Book: Embracing Trust: The Art of Letting Go and Holding On to a Forever-Faithful God [Disclosure: I make a small commission from affiliate links used in this post.] Connect with Susie Larson Website | Facebook | Instagram | Podcast

"It's not so much about having the longing for success or significance, but where we turn in the midst of that longing.” Do you have big dreams and callings from the Lord, but feel held back by fear of failure, or even fear of success? I sit down with my dear friend Rebecca George as we discuss her new book Do the Thing: Gospel-Centered Goals, Gumption, and Grace for the Go-Getter Girl. Rebecca and I talk about trusting God during rejection and disappointment, and how to follow our dreams in a way that glorifies Him. In This Show We Talk About: 2:39 Rebecca shares the inspiration and heart behind writing her book Do the Thing. 5:46 Learning to step out in faith and overcome fear, both of failure and success. 7:40 Viewing our desires, gifts and calling through a Gospel-centered lens. 9:53 How both rejection and success can refine and sanctify us. 12:24 Joanna and Rebecca share about following God in Ministry and avoiding getting caught in comparison. 18:25 Learning to bring our sinful hearts to the Lord in the moment instead of hiding in shame. 21:41 Allowing God to use the season and circumstances He's placed you in. 29:02 How to step into what we sense God calling us to do. 29:02 Rebecca shares the strength that keeps her going during times of weariness. 43:40 How to connect with Rebecca, plus how to access Rebecca's FREE Light of the World Advent Devotional Links from Show Preorder Rebecca's New Book: Do the Thing: Gospel-Centered Goals, Gumption, and Grace for the Go-Getter Girl Rebecca's Free Gift to Living Room Listeners: Light of the World: 21-Day Advent Devotional Joanna's New Book: Embracing Trust: The Art of Letting Go and Holding On to a Forever-Faithful God [Disclosure: I make a small commission from affiliate links used in this post.] Connect with Rebecca George Website | Facebook | Instagram | Podcast

“Trust is the key that takes us back to the Garden - back to intimate friendship with God.” How can we lay down our fear and hold on in faith amidst the ups and downs of marriage and parenting? In this episode of the Moms in Prayer podcast, Joanna shares the journey God took her on while writing Embracing Trust: Letting Go and Holding on to a Forever Faithful God. Joanna and Stacy discuss laying down our control, insecurities and expectations in exchange for intimacy with God. Important Takeaways from the Show When dealing with out "Flesh Woman", it's not a sin to doubt or be tempted, but what we do with doubt temptation that matters. Just as distrust led us out of the garden, key is the trust back into intimacy with God. As moms, we can easily hide from God using modern day "fig leaves" like our children, a beautiful home, the perfect marriage or worldly success. When we turn our convictions into criticism rather than intercession, we are harming rather than helping. It's easy to put our faith in an outcome rather than faith in our God. Childlike faith asks big things of God, and trusts Him with the outcome. We often forfeit God-given peace when we do not give our burdens to the Lord. We often have a problem with God's sovereignty because we have a problem with trust. God wants to show us His faithfulness, but we miss out on His blessings when we choose control over trust. Links from Show The Life of Trust: Being a Narrative of the Lord's Dealings by George Mueller Joanna's New Book: Embracing Trust: The Art of Letting Go and Holding On to a Forever-Faithful God [Disclosure: I make a small commission from affiliate links used in this post.] Connect with Moms in Prayer Website | Facebook | Instagram | Podcast

“The goal of Christian fiction is to stir the reader's curiosity and send them to the Bible for more.” In this episode Mesu Andrew talks with us about bringing the Bible alive and truly loving the word of God. Mesu has written 13 Biblical novels, her newest being Miriam: A Treasures of the Nile Novel. In today's podcast we discuss the power of Christian fiction to sanctify our imagination and out us in the shoes of Biblical characters. Mesu shares her approach to writing Biblical fiction, the Biblical accounts that have impacted her the most while writing, and how the story of scripture changed her relationship with Jesus. Important Takeaways from the Show Mesu's three layered approach to Biblical fiction: combining the unchangeable truth of scripture, historical research (debatable facts), and fill in with fiction to create a novel that feels real and believable. Mesu's goal in Christian fiction is to stir the curiosity of the reader and have them end up delving into scripture for answers. It's important to have a "sanctified imagination". Biblical fiction helps us to approach the Bible with more imagination, and put ourselves in the Biblical figure's shoes. Mesu's battle with chronic pain - finding God in the journey. God welcomes our "why" questions, but He answers with "who" He is instead. When we know "who", the "why" doesn't matter. Scripture tells us we can receive the limits God puts on our life as a gift instead of a punishment. It is in our suffering that we become more accurate reflections of our Savior. Journalling can be a concrete, tangible reminder of our conversations with God that we can look back on as reminders of His faithfulness. Links from Show Mesu Andrew's Christian Fiction Books ESV Illuminated Bible Journals Joanna's New Book: Embracing Trust: The Art of Letting Go and Holding On to a Forever-Faithful God [Disclosure: I make a small commission from affiliate links used in this post.] Connect with Mesu Andrews Website | Facebook | Instagram

“Spiritual depth and personal transformation are more important than impacting others.” In the age of YouTube stars and social media influencers, it's easy to find our identity in our online presence. You may find things that temporarily fill your spiritual buckets, but are left once again dry, anxious, and weary. In today's podcast, author Katelyn Beatty and Joanna talk about dangers to avoid surrounding celebrity, social media and public ministry. Katelyn shares common pitfalls that arise for church leaders in today's fame-obsessed culture. Join us as we dive into a deeper understanding of the troubles the church is facing today and how we can navigate the current age by holding on to God's sovereignty. Important Takeaways from the Show We can get so wrapped up in our visibility that we abandon our real life relationships that are more authentic. Sometimes accountability can be a name-only thing. Leaders must be willing to ask those around them to comment on their character. Don't confuse numerical growth on social platforms with God's blessing or the validity of the message. It's easy for us to set up today's Christian leaders on pedestals and over-prioritize public gifts over more private ones like hospitality. All spiritual gifts are needed in the body of Christ. When a leader falls, it's an opportunity for us to examine our own hearts and uphold them in prayer. We must resist our negative impulses to become contentious and backbiting on online social platforms. We are living an a time of profound loss of trust in institutions. We can't solve the deep divides in our culture without viewing our neighbors as made in the image of God. How we do things is as important as what things we do. God is sovereign over our current cultural climate. Links from Show Katelyn Beatty's New Book: Celebrities for Jesus: How Personas, Platforms and Profits Are Hurting the Church Joanna's New Book: Embracing Trust: The Art of Letting Go and Holding On to a Forever-Faithful God [Disclosure: I make a small commission from affiliate links used in this post.] Connect with Katelyn Beatty Website | Instagram

“Trust God's future promises because of His past faithfulness” Do you find yourself in a routine of casting your cares upon the Lord, only to take them back again? You may find things that temporarily fill your spiritual buckets, but are left once again dry, anxious, and weary. In today's podcast, author and speaker, Amy Seiffert and Joanna talk about tips fo overcoming anxiety. Amy shares powerful tools to help to name our feelings, be honest with ourselves and God, and allow Him to align ourselves to His great plan for us. As we allow these things to draw us closer to Jesus, anxiety and worry can be replaced with peace and God's abundant goodness. Join us as we dive into a deeper understanding of true freedom, and find rest for your anxious souls. Important Takeaways from Show Our feet can be in one space, but our minds can be somewhere else. As we let go of what we try to control, giving it to Jesus, our minds can be realigned in the calling He has for us. As we journal our feelings, we find the root of where they came from and identify them by name. Trusting God with our children means parenting from our knees, and surrendering our treasures to Him. Journaling can help us connect our hearts and thoughts back onto Jesus. Being honest ties our feelings together and readies our hearts for a conversation with God. The same grace that saves us is the same grace that changes us. Make a set time in the day to take your worries to God, not allowing them to consume every part of the day. Remember the goodness of God, the faithful times, and the answered prayers. "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7 Links from Show Amy Seiffert's New Pre-Order Book: Starved: Why We Need a Spiritual Diet Change to Move Us from Tired, Anxious, and Overwhelmed to Fulfilled, Whole, and Free Amy Seiffert's Starved Bible Study: Starved Bible Study: A Six-Week Guided Journey James Bryan Smith- The Good and Beautiful God: Falling in Love with the God Jesus Knows Joanna's New Book: Embracing Trust: The Art of Letting Go and Holding On to a Forever-Faithful God [Disclosure: I make a small commission from affiliate links used in this post.] Connect with Amy Seiffert Website | Instagram | Facebook

"If you are not working on your recovery, you are working on your relapse." Do you feel the weight of shame pulling you down? Weaknesses that feel too deep and shameful to admit? In today's episode, author, speaker and life coach, Irene Rollins, shares from her newest book, Reframe Your Shame: Experience Freedom from What Holds You Back. With beautiful vulnerability, Irene shares her struggle with alcoholism, and how she overcame the battle of addiction and shame. If we'll be honest, do the work, and trust God and His unfailing love, we too can walk in freedom and light. This is such a rich episode, you won't want to miss it. Important Takeaways from Show Rock bottom can become the foundation that the rest of our lives are built on. God can reframe our shame- as our greatest pain turns into our greatest ministry. It is time to give ourselves permission to be honest and bring the things that are in the dark into the light. When we admit our weakness, we are a witness of the power of Christ in us. I am enough because God says I am enough. We are temples of the Holy Spirit and freedom is on the other side of denial. "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." Romans 12:2 Let us know the goodness of God, not through the lens of shame, but for who He truly is and His reckless love for us. Admit it. Accept it. Apply it. "But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weakness, so that Christ's power may rest on me." 2 Corinthians 12:9 Links from Show Irene's New Book: Reframe Your Shame: Experience Freedom from What Holds You Back Sign-Up for Tool Kit: Reframe Your Shame ToolKit Jimmy and Irene Rollins Marriage Ministry: Two Equals One Joanna's New Book: Embracing Trust: The Art of Letting Go and Holding On to a Forever-Faithful God [Disclosure: I make a small commission from affiliate links used in this post.] Connect with Irene Rollins Website | Instagram | Facebook

“If God can create His proudest creation from mud, what can He do with the mud in our lives?” Have you ever felt disqualified by your origin story? Or perhaps driven to prove that you're better than your past? In today's episode, Mary Marantz shares how God has helped her navigate the broken pieces of her story and to approach it with compassion rather than judgment or bitterness, resentment or regret. We dive into her memoir, Dirt: Growing Strong Roots in What Makes the Broken Beautiful, but also her newest book, Slow Growth Equals Strong Roots: Finding Grace, Freedom and Purpose in an Over-Achieving World. No matter what your story has been, God wants to redeem it for your good and His glory. There is so much good stuff in this episode. I hope you'll share it with a friend. Important Takeaways from Show In making peace with our pasts, we take the muddy, the hard, the broken, and the beautiful and ask God to help us see it through the lens of grace. We can stop holding our present prisoner to the things we think we must do in order to count. Generational chains can break without the severing of ties as we honor the roots, strengthen them, and grow new fruit. The things you thought were shattered are mere reflections of light, love, and beauty. Achieving can start to feel like oxygen, it is something we feel like we need in order to survive. If we try to rush the process that God is taking us through, we only produce shallow roots that easily break-the slower growth equals the strongest roots. Significance is not about us; it is simply taking the gifts God has given us to serve and love others. We often think, “if I don’t work for it, I don’t deserve it,” but God’s love says “let it be easy, let it be light” “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 Links from Show Dirt: Growing Strong Roots in What Makes the Broken Beautiful Mary's Newest Book: Slow Growth Equals Strong Roots: Finding Grace, Freedom and Purpose in an Over-Achieving World Justin Kendrick - "The Spirit-Led Life" Joanna's New Book: Embracing Trust: The Art of Letting Go and Holding On to a Forever-Faithful God [Disclosure: I make a small commission from affiliate links used in this post.] Connect with Mary Marantz Website | Instagram | Facebook

We've never been in control, but God always has... The tables have turned in this week's episode, and my friend, Kelly Balarie, interviews ME about my new book, Embracing Trust: The Art of Letting Go and Holding On to a Forever-Faithful God. It's easy to walk in our Christian faith thinking everything is okay, until it's not. When the hard comes, and people wound us, we slowly take a step backward out of trust and are left wondering why we feel empty. I share some of things I learned during the writing process, the incredible joy of deepening our understanding of who God really is and His heart toward us. As we surrender to His way and trust Him in all situations, joy and peace is the outcome. So what's holding you back? Let's dive all-in and choose His way above our own. For when we embrace trust, we embrace God. Hope you enjoy! Important Takeaways from Show When we embrace trust, we take a leap of “all in” and surrender our everything to God. Jesus may have our hearts, but do we take control of everything else? Give God all the pieces of our life, and let Him do something beautiful in the surrender. In the obstacle is the opportunity to go deeper with the Lord. There is a period of exponential growth that is being offered if we just begin. Let us not hold on to faith for an outcome, but believe our faithful God will do what is best. When the promise is delayed, are we going to trust the Lord? Our questions and demands of God can become a wedge, instead of something that draws us closer to Him. God wants to build an unshakable faith in His people for these times. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6 Links from Show Pre-Order Bonuses have been extended until Friday, August 19 - Learn more HERE! Joanna's Book: Embracing Trust: The Art of Letting Go and Holding On to a Forever-Faithful God Kelly's Book: Battle Ready: Train Your Mind to Conquer Challenges, Defeat Doubt, and Live Victoriously Kelly's Book: Take Every Thought Captive: Exchange Lies of the Enemy for the Mind of Christ [Disclosure: I make a small commission from affiliate links used in this post.] Connect with Joanna Weaver Facebook | Instagram