Our Time to Rise

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 A FEW THINGS MENTIONED Wild Card Podcast with Rachael MartinFresh Cut PaperJ.crewVolatile Rebecca Reid Podcast episode #445 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! Get the Daily Dozen Checklist -12 habits that will immediately make you happier and healthier

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 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

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 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

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 Before College weekend questions QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU RISE

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 What would it look like to fight for your family in this season, rather than fight with your family? Think of someone in your life who seems particularly complicated, how can you embrace them in their complexity? Who or what do you need to forgive? 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: QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU RISE

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

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

Do you struggle with aging? Do you look in the mirror and wonder where the person you used to be went? Or maybe you are even having a hard time reading this description because your eye sight is changing but you don’t want to get glasses. In this conversation, Heather Creekmore, author and coach, discusses the fear of aging otherwise known as Gerascophobia – yes, there is really a name for it. She highlights the cultural shifts and ageism that contribute to this fear, as well as the pressure to conform to societal beauty standards. Heather emphasizes the importance of settling the heart issue and finding contentment in our identity, rather than relying on external validation. She also addresses the personal choices we make regarding our appearance and the need to avoid judgment towards others. This episode explores the challenges and questions that arise with aging, particularly in relation to physical appearance and body changes. It delves into topics such as dealing with gray hair, struggling with body changes and weight gain, settling identity, and embracing aging gracefully and gratefully. Let’s be people at Our Time To Rise who get BETTER with age! Find out more about Heather Creekmore: On her website OR Instagram SOMETHINGS YOU HEARD IN THE SHOW Netflix show: Nailed it Heather’s book: The 40 Day Body Image Workbook “Do we want to believe the word or do we want to believe the world?” “Who do I want to become? and how do I become that person now?” QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU RISE In what area are you most struggling with aging? What does God want you to know about this area of your life? What is unique about the age you are right now that you don’t want to miss? Who do you want to become? 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

Just because we are middle-aged doesn't mean we need to look frumpy. In fact, fashion stylists and Instagram duo Julie Powell and Krista Olufson teach us just the opposite. This is a time in our lives when we want to feel good. How we dress in the morning can help with that. On their Instagram profile @lastseenwearing, Julie and Krista teach us how to style clothes instead of just wearing them. From accessories (hello belts are a big deal!) to the cut of a jean, we talk through how we can look fresh and up to date as our bodies and styles change. It's the small things that make us look put together and then we feel our best as we walk through our days. If you are looking for some practical help in how to be age-appropriate in your fashion (we do not need to dress like our daughters) while also current, this episode is for you. Because as we rise to meet life's challenges we want to look and feel our best. Connect with Krista and Julie on Instagram and website Some things mentioned Comfortable shoe brands: -Dolce vita -Birken stock- Sandals -Dr scholl's -Mephisto- Sandals -Sam Edelman Jewellery: -Miranda Frye -Maggie bracelet -Risen Jewellery- Christian Jewellery -Kinsley Armelle Some questions to help you rise 1. Do you feel tension between your faith and an interest in fashion? 2. What action step could you take to organize your current clothes into styled outfits? 3. When you do an inventory of your clothes, what do you have enough of and need to stop buying? 4. What can you purchase to make more styled outfits with what you already have? 5. How could you use accessories to spice up your current outfit?

Do you want to make the most of your natural beauty? Do you want to feel good in the clothes you are wearing? In this conversation, Rebecca Reid, a certified personal color analyst, discusses the power of color analysis and how it can enhance personal style and beauty. She explains that each person is unique and their coloring should be reflected in their color palette. Rebecca also discusses the comeback color analysis is making in the world and the benefits it offers, such as simplifying decision-making and saving time and money. We camp in the idea of "harmony" in color choices and how it be a game changer as we consider how to look our best. We define such terms as undertone, value range, and chroma and why these matter. You will be happy to also know that the colors that looks best on you also apply to make up. Yes ladies, we get to simplify our make-up drawers in this episode also (BIG win)! If you are curious about how color can help you feel and look your best, this episode is for you. Find Rebecca Rebecca's: website and Instagram Some Things You Heard on the Show: Jewish Matchmaking on Netflix The Munsell System (color analysis) True Color International Question to help you rise: 1. When you heard Rebecca talking about how God made your coloring uniquely and intentionally, how did that make you feel? 2. When have you felt “in harmony” with your coloring? 3. How could you cultivate more peace with how God made you? 4. How could you simplify your closet and make up drawer based on what you learned today?

Parenting young adults is no joke. We have all of the same love for them and yet little control. We watch them make decisions and wonder where we fit in their lives these days. We invited author and mom Mary Demuth to the show to discuss challenges parents face when their children become adults. Mary reminds us that parenting is an ongoing journey, and parents still have a mission once their children leave home. Mary provides practical advice on how to love, listen, and pray for adult children, and how important it is for a parent to be authentic and vulnerable in sharing their stories as a way of helping their children transition to adulthood. Mary emphasizes the importance of being an active listener in maintaining a strong relationship with the children while setting boundaries and practicing independence. This can be a lonely time for parents and we want to face these challenges together! Find Mary Mary’s book- Love, Pray, Listen: Parenting Your Wayward Adult Kids with Joy Mary’s website and Instagram What you heard on the show Mary’s 52 weekly prayer pdf Romans 12:1-2: Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Isaiah 41:10: So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Questions to help you Rise What is your mission as you parent right now? How are you being authentic and vulnerable as you share your own stories with others? How can you better participate in active listening with your adult children Are your prayers focusing on expressing love and support, or are they attempts at controlling your kids? How can you pray towards God’s heart for them this week?

Buckle up Enneagram lovers – we’re diving into your favorite topic in light of marriage today. If you want to be more self aware, and improve how you operate in your most primary relationship, this episode is for you. Joining us is Christa Hardin, therapist and Enneagram expert. She is host of the popular Enneagram + Marriage podcast. Today she helps us understand why understanding our Instincts within each number of the Enneagram is important, why knowing where we are in the Conflict Triad matters, and how we can be more whole and balanced as a couple using the strengths of each group. From self-soothing techniques to language we can use for greater connection, Christa illuminates how this tool can help us in growing and deepening love. CHRISTA’S BOOK The Enneagram in Marriage PREVIOUS ENNEAGRAM EPISODES TO LISTEN TO What’s your number? Understanding the Enneagram 101 with Suzanne Stabile The Enneagram and Spiritual Health with Doug and Adele Calhoun The Enneagram and Your Authentic Self with Marilyn Vancil A QUICK RUN DOWN DESCRIPTION OF EACH NUMBER Type 1 – The Improver Type 2- The Giver Type 3 – The Achiever Type 4 – The Individualist Type 5- The Observer Type 6- The Trust Builder Type 7- The Enthusiast Type 8- The Protector Type 9- The Peace Maker UNDERSTANDING INSTINCTS WITHIN EACH NUMBER Self Preserving Instinct – take care of you and your family using security measures Sexual Instinct – the desire to create together; to merge and attract Social Instinct – the desire for social connection and purpose CONFLICT TRIADS (HARMONIC GROUP) – KNOWING HOW YOU CAN WORK THROUGH CONFLICT Types 2, 7, + 9 – Positivity types – think in ideals, comfort, love Types 1, 3, + 5 – Linear and logical types in conflict Types 6, 8, + 4 – Emotional reactivity and passion types – deeper and more passionate care- OK putting cards on the table and showing how they really feel. The best is when we can combine positivity, depth / passion, and maintain logic. When couples do all three, they start to argue in ways that get traction. “Where there is life, there’s hope.” SELF SOOTHING TECHNIQUES “Focus on what you are together as a couple instead of what you aren’t.” QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU RISE WE LOVE OUR SPONSOR - LEGACY CHANGER

It's one of our favorite episodes of the year. Word has it, it's one of yours too. In honor of Valentine's Day here are a few things we are "loving" right now. From our favorite boots to our must have nail polish, this episode settles in on the practical. It is THINGS we love after all. This is the one time each year we give it to you sister to sister, the things that are making our life work, or at least a little more enjoyable. Click on this link to get the e-booklet with all of the links to the items we talk about. You. Do. Not. Want. To. Miss. This.

Do you ever feel you are living in a world gone mad? Do you question whether peace is really possible? Brant Hansen, author and popular radio host, joins us for this important conversation with his quick wit and thoughtful ideas. We talk about being unoffendable and choosing peace, what it looks like to outsource our worries to God, and how we can trust God's plan, even when life spins out of control. Brant also explores the beauty of the Kingdom of God and the transformative power of focusing on what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable. He encourages us to memorize scripture as a way to combat anxiety and replace negative thoughts with God’s truth. If you want more freedom, gratitude, and joy in your life, tune in. SOME THINGS YOU HEARD ON THE SHOW Life is Hard, God is Good, Let’s Dance by Brant Hansen Unoffendable by Brant Hansen Unoffendable Study Guide with DVD Dallas Willard “Joy is a pervasive sense of well being regardless of circumstances.” Patriots Super Bowl Comeback Game Highlights This Cultural Moment Podcast Episode – Resilient Faith with New Testament Scholar Dr. Jerry Sittser (we are not the only Christians in history who have struggled) Tim Ferris QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU RISE WE LOVE OUR SPONSOR! Check out the Legacy Changer book by Kristen Hallinan. 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

You know the moment. You've said "Hello", but don't know what to say next? Yeah, we know that moment too. Which is why we are doing an episode on what to say when you've forgotten someone's name and you really feel like you should know it. Or you run into somebody at the grocery store and don't want to get into the hard details of how life has actually been going. We are all human. We don't always have the perfect response or eloquent conversation starter. This episode won't change that, but it might get you thinking about how to handle the most common moments in your own life when you feel a bit tongue-tied. We are here to think ahead together so that we can be intentional in those slightly awkward moments with people we know and those we don't. How do we operate in the world when we want to be kind, honest, and also curious...and are just at a loss for words? This episode is meant to give some practical suggestions from our podcast hosts Krista and Alex AND is meant to get a conversation started. Comment below on what you say, when you have forgotten somebody's name. A few things mentioned in this episode: Knowing What to Say: Finding the words to fit any situation by American Girl Harvard's blog about The FORD Method The Art of Neighboring by Jay Pathak and Dave Runyon Sharon McMahon aka @sharonsaysso on Instagram The Gottman Institute Some questions for reflection -How do you want people to feel as you are having a conversation? -Where do you tend to get stuck in small talk? -How can you be prepared before you go into a situation so that you can avoid some conflict? -What are some scripts you can have ready?

Are you someone who wants change but is afraid of the unknown? Do you ever wonder what would be on the other side of making a move that feels uncomfortable? Joining us today is best selling author, speaker, TV personality, and coach Michelle McKinney Hammond. Splitting time between Ghana and Chicago, Michelle is no stranger to change and innovation. She has moved from writing to speaking to singing to fashion designing to conference hosting… and more. At every stage Michelle evolves and creates, and she encourages us to do the same. We also dive into the topic of mindset and why this is vital for the health and thriving of our lives. In this interview you will laugh, be inspired, and sharpened. If you want to get better at embracing change, listen in! FIND OUT MORE ABOUT MICHELLE Book: When Shift Happens Visit her website to learn more SOME THINGS YOU HEARD ON THE SHOW The Design Lab -Stanford Genesis 2 Rock for the Rock – Michelle and Relevance (music) JOIN THE 7 DAY MASTER YOUR MINDSET CHALLENGE! QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU RISE What do I really want? What change in my life can I embrace as a pathway to new opportunity? What part of my mindset needs to shift so I can see the change in my life differently? How can I invite God into the change happening in my life? What would that look like? 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!

There's no kinda stress like money stress. The good news is the new year offers an opportunity to examine our spending habits and their root causes. We didn't want this new year marker to pass without looking at how we can evaluate our tendencies and be intentional with how and where we spend. We brought you the best for this conversation. Shawna and David Sullivan discuss the importance of addressing money issues in the new year with honesty and no judgement. They highlight the three primary mistakes people make with money: overspending, mindless spending, and oversaving. They emphasize the need to address the heart issues behind these mistakes and approach money as a reflection of values and priorities. Shawna and David also share their personal experiences in navigating money differences in their 20-year marriage. They offer a great reminder that this conversation around money decisions is bathed in grace. Jesus is better than anything money can buy. We can encourage each other in that good news as we make daily decisions with our money. Connect with David and Shawna Through Shawna's website or Instagram A few things mentioned mint.com ynab.com (You Need A Budget) The Treasure Principle by Randy Alcorn Don't Waste Your Life by John Piper Shawna's download 7 Do's and Don'ts for Your Time and Money in the New Year Some questions for reflection (from Shawna's download) When thinking of spending, ask yourself: Head over to Shawna's website to find more thoughtful questions to get your spending lined up with your priorities.