Grief is something we don't choose. It arrives and we have to decide how we are going to deal with it. In midlife we can be faced with new types of grief. We want to live with it and move through it with health. The question is how?

Our guest, Mattie Jackson understands deep grief. The loss of her husband in an accident less than one year after they were married took her to her deepest pain. She talks us through her own healing and how her friends supported her. The wisdom she shares is valuable for anyone who wants to stand with those they love.

If you are experiencing grief, know someone who is, or want to be prepared when the unexpected happens, this conversation is for you. Truly, you don't want to miss Mattie's insights. You will be better for it.

FIND MORE ABOUT MATTIE JACKSON

Mattie Jackson - Website and Instagram

Mattie Jackson's Book- Through the Valley of Grief

A FEW THINGS MENTIONED

"When grief opens a door it yells out to all the past griefs to come and get through that door with it" Dr Curt Thompson

Happiness co-exists with unhappiness.

QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU RISE

1. How can you lean into God with your grief, rather than avoiding it?
2. When have you felt grief's door open and all of the past griefs come running?
3. When have you been given an identity that fear said would define you the rest of your life?
4. What is the one most important takeaway for you in the interview today?

LET’S CONNECT!

Did you like this episode? Let us know and leave a review on itunes or share it with a friend.

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

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The mother-daughter relationship can be one of the richest and most rewarding bonds we get to experience here on earth. It can also be one of the most complicated, especially in the teen and young adult years.

Today we are thrilled to have Sandra Stanley and Allie Stanley Cooney, authors of Meet Me in the Middle, discussing the importance of foundations in the mother-daughter relationship. They emphasize the need to root our identity in faith and how it affects every aspect of life.

We also discuss the significance of pursuing and valuing the relationship a mother has with her daughter, even during times of tension and conflict, and what it looks like to become students of our daughters. We also cover forgiveness, and the importance of allowing time for healing, not dictating when forgiveness should occur.

This episode is unique because we get to hear from a mother's AND a daughter's perspective. If you are looking to improve your relationship with your daughter, this episode is for you!

FIND MORE ABOUT SANDRA STANLEY & ALLIE STANLEY

Sandra Stanley's- Website and Instagram

Allie Stanley's -  Instagram

Sandra & Allie's book- Meet Me in the Middle

A FEW THINGS MENTIONED

Galatians 6:7-9

3 Superpowers

-Forgiveness

-Gentleness

-Appreciation

QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU RISE

1. Was there anything from the interview you really want to adopt or take with you, maybe it was a phrase, a prayer, or a concept?
2. What is one way you can get healthier as a mom?
3. In the interview Sandra & Allie talked about appreciation, forgiveness and gentleness as a superpower, which one do you most need in your relationship with your daughter right now?
4. How can you continue to pursue your daughter in this stage of your relationship?
5. How could you incorporate more fun into your time with your daughter?

LET’S CONNECT!

Did you like this episode? Let us know and leave a review on itunes or share it with a friend.

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

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The final episode in our ELECTION READY series, today Krista Gilbert is interviewing Alexandra Kuykendall about how we love our neighbor in the midst of an election season.

Seeking out goodness when life is great is easy, but when we have political disagreements or challenges that come our way, this is when it becomes really hard. In today's episode, Alex explores how to maintain a positive outlook, the role of prayer, and the significance of self-awareness and emotional regulation.

She also emphasizes the need for intentionality in finding goodness in others and the importance of loving neighbors, regardless of political differences.

We can feel so helpless when it comes to election season. This is one thing we can control: focusing on God's goodness and drawing close to others as a result. Listen in and be encouraged!

QUESTION TO HELP YOU RISE

1. Who has seen the best in you and made you feel loved, and what did they do to make you feel that way, and how can you mirror those behaviors?
2. What is one thing you can pre-decide about how you want to have election related conversations or just political conversation?
3. How can you pray for the presidential candidates that we have this year and local leaders?
4. Who is one neighbor you can care for this month?
5. In what area do you mostly need a reframe to seek out goodness?

A FEW THINGS MENTIONED

Episode 299 Original Episode on Seeking Out Goodness

Philippians 4:8

James 1:27

Colossians 1:16-17

Fruits of the spirit

• Love
• joy
• peace
• Patience
• kindness
• Goodness
• Faithfulness
• Gentleness
• Self-control

LET’S CONNECT!

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

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Continuing our “Election Ready” series, we are talking today about the importance of bridge building and having conversations around faith and politics - especially during an election year. If this idea seems impossible to you, it’s even more important to listen in on our discussion.

Joining us is Lindsey Medenwaldt. Lindsey is the Director of Operations at Mama Bear Apologetics, holds a masters in apologetics from Denver Seminary, a JD from St. Mary’s School of Law, and another master’s degree in public administration. Her varied background gives her a unique lens for political conversations.

In this episode we talk about why it’s important for Christians to articulate their beliefs and engage in conversations with gentleness and respect. We also highlight the importance of keeping the gospel as the anchor, and focusing on Christ amidst political disagreements.

Lindsey shares insights on bridge building, including the importance of truth and genuine friendship. But we don’t just talk about these ideas, we also offer practical tips for navigating challenging political conversations.

In the heat of this election season, you’ll be so glad you turned in!

FIND MORE ABOUT LINDSEY MEDENWALDT

Lindsey Medenwaldt- Website and Instagram

Lindsey Medenwaldt- Bridge-Building Apologetics: How to Get Along Even When We Disagree

A FEW THINGS MENTIONED

-1 Peter 3:15

QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU RISE

1. Is there an area of my life where I want people to think like me, if so why is this so important to me?
2. What is God prompting me to let go?
3. In what relationship can I work on listening for understanding?

LET’S CONNECT!

Did you like this episode? Let us know and leave a review on itunes or share it with a friend.

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

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Have you noticed? There is an election coming up.

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

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

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

FIND MORE ABOUT KAITLYN SCHEISS

Kaitlyn Scheiss- Website and Instagram

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

A FEW THINGS MENTIONED

Vote411

League of Women Voters

QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU RISE

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

LET’S CONNECT!

Did you like this episode? Let us know and leave a review on itunes or share it with a friend.

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

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

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

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

FIND MORE ABOUT TRACIE MILES

Tracie's- Website and Instagram

Tracie's Book- God’s Got You

A FEW THINGS MENTIONED

Living Unbroken– Tracie’s other book

Tracie's Mantras that helped her navigate her situation

-You've got this.

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

QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU RISE

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

LET’S CONNECT!

Did you like this episode? Let us know and leave a review on itunes or share it with a friend.

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

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

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

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

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

FIND MORE ABOUT KENDALL VANDERSLICE

Kendall's -Website and Instagram

Kendall's Book- Bake & Pray

A FEW THINGS MENTIONED

Alex's book- Loving My Actual Neighbor

Types of bread mentioned:

Moravian sugar cake

Stollen Bread

QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU RISE

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

LET’S CONNECT!

Did you like this episode? Let us know and leave a review on itunes or share it with a friend.

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

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

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

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

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

SOME THINGS YOU HEARD ON THE SHOW

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

-The AndyStanley Leadership Podcast

-Hidden Potential Book

 

QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU RISE

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

LET’S CONNECT!

Did you like this episode? Let us know and leave a review on itunes or share it with a friend.

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

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

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

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

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

FIND MORE ABOUT BEN LOCKE

Ben Locke's -Website and Instagram

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

A FEW THINGS MENTIONED

-On Fire- Book

-Helplessness produces rage

-Anger is Sad's bodyguard

QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU RISE

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

LET’S CONNECT!

Did you like this episode? Let us know and leave a review on itunes or share it with a friend.

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

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

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

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

FIND MORE ABOUT KRISI MONSIVIAZ

 Krisi Monsiviaz- Website and Instagram

A FEW THINGS MENTIONED

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

–Silly String

–Hand Slap Game

-INFO for Families

 

QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU RISE

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

LET’S CONNECT!

Did you like this episode? Let us know and leave a review on itunes or share it with a friend.

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

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

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

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

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

FIND MORE ABOUT KRISI MONSIVIAZ 

 Krisi Monsiviaz- Website and Instagram

A FEW THINGS MENTIONED

-Team spirit bags

-Team Breakfast

-Post game pizza with the team

-Create Lyniads

-Bring speakers to talk to the teams

-Parents pray for the team young adults

QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU RISE

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

LET’S CONNECT!

Did you like this episode? Let us know and leave a review on itunes or share it with a friend.

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

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