Is there a business dream you want to bring to life but can’t figure out where to start? 

I know that pursuing a side hustle or a full-fledged business can feel daunting, to say the least. When money gets funny and support is hard to find, the temptation to quit on your dreams becomes all too real. 

In the latest episode of The Sister Circle Podcast, I caught up with Lavida Samuel, founder and owner of Elle Vie Body Products. We had an honest conversation about the highs and lows of business ownership and the importance of perseverance.

Highlights from Today’s Episode

• Learning as you grow in business.
• Trusting in your process.
• Checking in with yourself.

Related Resources

• Support Lavida Samuel’s Elle Vie Body Products on Instagram or Facebook.
• Use our special discount code, “sistercircle”, to get 20% off your order and shop for Elle Vie Body Products, like her moisturizing body butters, oils, and scrubs
• Learn more about How to Plan Time Away as a leader
• Listen to Episode 302-Divine Disruption for help with persevering through tough times
• Better yet, pick up a copy of Divine Disruption for even more encouragement

CLICK HERE FOR FULL SHOW NOTES

The post #477 – Lavida Samuel – How to Succeed in Business first appeared on Chrystal Evans Hurst.

Do you remember when God’s voice was the loudest voice in your life? 

The privilege to connect with God on an intimate level can be easy to overlook in busy seasons of life. Slow seasons offer the margin needed to discern the voice of God, but when the noise and distraction increase, it doesn’t take long for time with God to decrease.

It’s important to take the steps to get still and quiet the noise in your life. Be sure you’re ready to listen when God speaks.

Highlights from Today’s Episode

• Get quiet and get still
• Pay attention when God speaks
• Share your thoughts with God

Related Resources

• Need more advice for hearing God’s voice? Watch my video about How to Hear God’s Voice
• Want to find more ways to quiet the noise in your life? Check out Episode #441: It’s Time to Get Quiet
• Explore more practical ways for discerning the voice of God in Episode #443: The Power of Drawing Close
• Unlock the next level of your prayer life with my book, The 28 Day Prayer Journey

CLICK HERE FOR FULL SHOW NOTES

The post #476 – How to Create Intimacy with God first appeared on Chrystal Evans Hurst.

Have you become comfortable with doing just enough to get by? What would it look like for you to go beyond what’s expected of you? 

We have the power to leave our homes, our jobs, and public spaces better than we found them when we do more than what’s required of us. Renowned author and speaker Devi Titus called this the “Also Principle,” and she modeled it in how she lived her life. 

As you focus on the Lord and build a habit of applying the “Also Principle” to your life, it will become a part of your character. You will shift the atmosphere just by asking “what more can I do?”

Highlights from Today’s Episode

• Understanding God’s call for more
• Applying the “Also Principle” in life
• Leaving a legacy of love

Related Resources

• Follow Devi Titus’ legacy on Instagram, Twitter, or YouTube.
• Keep up with Devi’s ministry on The Home Experience website
• Read The Home Experience by Devi Titus (book where she talks about the “Also Principle”)
• Enjoy this The Sister Circle Show conversation on mother/daughter relationships with Devi Titus and Lois Evans
• Watch The Also Principle from The Home Experience by Devi Titus and Trina Titus Lozano

CLICK HERE FOR FULL SHOW NOTES

The post #475 – Devi Titus – How to Exceed Expectations first appeared on Chrystal Evans Hurst.

How do you hold on to hope in moments of suffering?

Dr. Curt Thompson joined me to dive deeper into the believer’s relationship with suffering and hope. In his latest book, “The Deepest Place: Suffering and the Formation of Hope,” Dr. Thompson pairs his clinical knowledge as a psychiatrist with his own life experience, allowing him to engage with his patients and readers of his books with empathy.

What would happen if you, too, leaned into moments of suffering and supported your fellow brothers and sisters in Christ? When you use tough moments as opportunities to lean on others in the faith, you can experience the glory and the goodness of God.

Highlights from Today’s Episode

• Stop suffering in silence
• Connect with community
• Deal with disappointment and shame 
• Have the courage to hope again

Related Resources

• Connect with Dr. Curt Thompson on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook.
• Grab Dr. Thompson’s latest book, The Deepest Place: Suffering and the Formation of Hope
• Listen to Dr. Curt Thompson on the Being Known Podcast with Curt Thompson, MD 
• Visit his website here:  Dr. Curt Thompson
• Check out my previous conversation with Dr. Curt Thompson, Episode #399, “Let’s Talk About Shame.”
• Join the Inner Circle and prioritize community in your life

CLICK HERE FOR FULL SHOW NOTES

The post #474 – Dr. Curt Thompson – How to Stop Silencing Your Suffering first appeared on Chrystal Evans Hurst.

Have you ever had someone go above and beyond for you? From as small as an extra smile during an exchange with a stranger to someone showing up in a big way when they didn’t have to, when people go the extra mile, it leaves an impression. 

I like to call this the “also principle.”  The “also principle” is the concept of going over and above as a way to live. It’s asking the right questions at the right time. It’s noticing what people need and volunteering to give it even when they don’t ask.

The “Also Principle” seeks to do more when more is within reach. It’s as if you are willing to say, “I’ve done my duty, but ALSO, what else can I do to go above and beyond what’s required?” 

You only get this one life, and the only thing that will be here after you’re done is the impression you left.

So, if you are going to leave an impression, sprinkle a little “also” on it so that it’s a good one.

Highlights from Today’s Episode

• Allowing the Lord to establish your steps
• Going above and beyond
• Recalling Jesus example
• Acknowledging that your “also” isn’t about you.
• Remembering only what is done for Christ will last.

Related Resources

• Read The Home Experience by Devi Titus (book where she talks about the “Also Principle”)
• Watch The Also Principle from The Home Experience by Devi Titus and Trina Titus Lozano
• Read the poem “Only One Life” by C.T. Studd

CLICK HERE FOR FULL SHOW NOTES

The post #473 – The Power of Your “Also” first appeared on Chrystal Evans Hurst.

The busyness of life can often blind you to the very things God is trying to reveal to you. 

My daughter, Kariss Farris, sat down with me to talk about her new devotional, “Jesus Everywhere: 60 Days of Encountering God in Unexpected Places,” and what happens when we pay attention to the hand of God in our lives.

I pray that you experience Jesus in a way that causes you to love your life, even the parts that seem ordinary at first glance.

Highlights from Today’s Episode

• Looking for Jesus in everyday moments
• Following where He leads you
• Trusting Him to exceed your expectations

Related Resources

• Connect with Kariss Farris on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook.
• Grab a copy of Kariss’ book: Jesus Everywhere: 60 Days of Encountering God in Unexpected Places
• Check out Kariss’ website
• Watch the “Write It Down” YouTube video

CLICK HERE FOR FULL SHOW NOTES

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Are your feelings trying to tell you something? As someone who feels deeply, I can assure you that the feelings you express (intentionally or unintentionally) are often an outworking of what is going on in your heart. (Luke 6:45)

When you keep your feelings inside, you might also be setting yourself up for them to come out in harmful ways or cause damage underneath the surface. Whether your emotions cause you to implode or explode, ignoring your feelings can be detrimental to you and your loved ones.

Honor your feelings by acknowledging your feelings, naming your emotions, and doing the work to repair the soil of your heart.

My prayer is that you live a thriving life, and that if you are not experiencing that life currently, that God will break up the dry soil in your life so that you can thrive again.

Highlights from Today’s Episode

• Acknowledging your feelings
• Naming your emotions
• Doing the work to repair the soil of your heart

Related Resources

• Write down your feelings in The Full Circle Planner –  90-Day planner designed to help you thrive as you get things done.
• Grab “The Garden Within” by Dr. Anita Phillips
• Discover the power of morning pages in The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron
• Join me at the Leader’s Retreat!

CLICK HERE FOR FULL SHOW NOTES

The post #471 – How to Manage Your Emotions first appeared on Chrystal Evans Hurst.

Why are adult friendships so complicated? If you’ve ever wondered why making and maintaining friends is difficult the older you get, trust me, you’re not alone. 

In my own life, my friendships have shifted in different seasons. What I know for sure is that it was worth the fight. On the other side of hard conversations is support, love, and true connection.

Proverbs 27:17 puts it this way, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”

You were made for connection. When you take the time to cultivate your circle of friends, you will surely reap the benefits. But you have to be intentional and prayerful in the process.

Highlights from Today’s Episode

• Making friends
• Maintaining friendships
• Moving on from friendships

Related Resources

• Ready to take your friendships to the next level? Watch Episode #455 – How to Make Room for Friends in Busy Seasons
• Join the Inner Circle to connect with women of similar interests.
• Use the questions at the end of each podcast blog to facilitate conversations with your friends.

CLICK HERE FOR FULL SHOW NOTES

The post #470 – How to Cultivate Friendships first appeared on Chrystal Evans Hurst.

Are you a good steward of your relationships? Do you make time for your spouse? Do you encourage your children? 

If you struggle to answer any of these questions, know that you will have a tough time pouring into others if you don’t first pour into yourself.

In this episode, Michael Todd and I chat about his latest book, “A Cup of Love: Relationship Goals for Kids,” and the importance of pouring into our loved ones.

When your cup runs over with God’s love, you are able to love your people well.

Highlights from Today’s Episode

• Taking care of yourself
• Making time for your spouse
• Cultivating the gifts in your children

Related Resources

• Connect with Michael Todd on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook.
• Grab a copy of Michael Todd’s book: A Cup of Love: Relationship Goals for Kids
• Check out Michael’s other books: Damaged but Not Destroyed: From Trauma to Triumph
• Relationship Goals: How to Win at Dating, Marriage, and Sex
• Visit Michael’s website: iammiketodd.com

CLICK HERE FOR FULL SHOW NOTES

The post #469 – Michael Todd – Living in the Overflow of Love first appeared on Chrystal Evans Hurst.

Life can throw so much at you that before long, you can find yourself completely stressed out and overwhelmed. It can be hard to rest in the promises of God when anxiety is weighing you down, but don’t give up. Things will begin to move in the right direction when you let go and let God. You’ll want to watch this video until the end. I pray it encourages you to let go of the stress and find rest in God. Highlights from Today’s Episode

• Noticing the signs of stress
• Getting to the root of stress
• Responding with rest

Related Resources

• Watch the “Write It Down” YouTube video
• Take note of all of your priorities in the 90-day planner
• Grab “The Garden Within” by Dr. Anita Phillips

CLICK HERE FOR FULL SHOW NOTES

The post #468 – How to Manage Stress first appeared on Chrystal Evans Hurst.

Are you showing up authentically? 

My longtime friend Jada Edwards joined me during this year’s Sister Circle Live event to chat about how she embraces her authenticity. She encouraged the ladies (and myself) to get clear about what is true about our design and to walk freely in it.

Trust me, I know that living authentically is a process. There might be parts of your story that require you to seek outside support for healing. But the work is worth it.

Learning how to show up authentically in your life looks different for everyone. Spend some time learning what works for you and lean into who you truly are.

Highlights from today’s episode

• Discerning when to be vulnerable
• Answering the call to discipleship
• Uprooting old beliefs

Related Resources

• Connect with Jada Edwards on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, or YouTube
• Grab a copy of Jada’s Bible study, “Galatians: Accepted & Free”
• Check out Jada’s website
• Listen to Jada on The Jada Edwards Podcast
• Check out her church, One Community Church, on YouTube

CLICK HERE for full Show Notes!

The post #467 – Jada Edwards – Building an Authentic Life first appeared on Chrystal Evans Hurst.