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Episodes
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Do you need a reminder that hoping in Jesus is an active practice?
Advent is a time of expectant hope, and it’s an invitation to increase our focus on our Savior in preparation for the celebration of Christmas.
While part of hoping is waiting, we don’t wait passively.
My guest, Jen Ludwig, and I are talking all about holding on to the hope we have in Jesus and intentionally embracing Advent this season.
You’ll hear us talk about…
Actively waiting with hope
Hoping with other people
Where we go to find hope
Longing for holiness at Christmastime
Jen Ludwig is a Jesus-follower, writer, and worship leader. After attending Pepperdine University and finishing her graduate studies at UCLA, she settled in Southern California, where she currently resides with her husband. They are recent empty-nesters, daily discovering what God has in store for them in this new season.
Her devotional book, Embracing Advent, encourages us to focus on the hope, peace, joy and love that Jesus offers at Christmas, and every day of the year.
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Are you grieving a loss?
You likely are. We experience loss every day. Sometimes, it’s smaller, like moving away from a friend or a city you loved, and sometimes, it’s extremely significant, like the death of a family member.
But through it all, we can be looking for God’s glory. And when we search for it, we will see it.
My guest, Dorina Lazo Gilmore-Young, is sharing her personal story of loss and the miraculous gift God gave her family through it. She’s encouraging us to chase God’s glory through our grief, too.
You’ll hear us talk about…
Navigating everyday grief
Using God’s Word to help process grief
How good things can come from loss
Supporting others on their grief journey
Dorina Lazo Gilmore-Young is a multi-published author, speaker, podcaster, former news reporter, and writing coach. She is passionate about helping women discover God’s glory on life’s unexpected paths and flourish in their God-given callings.
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Do you want more of Jesus? Do you desire a deeper life with God?
The depth of intimacy is determined by you.
God has already restored the relationship by sending Jesus. He is already pursuing us. It’s up to us to intentionally pursue Him. Jeannie Cunnion, today’s guest and author of Closer to God, says “we will not grow closer to Him on accident.”
So how do we deepen our relationship with God? Listen in!
You’ll hear us talk about…
How to experience more of God in your daily life
What going deeper has looked like for Jeannie
How you know you're growing in intimacy
What holds us back
Where to start
Jeannie Cunnion is a bestselling author and speaker whose most recent books and Bible studies include Mom Set Free, Don't Miss Out, and Never Alone. Her work has been featured on outlets such as the TODAY show, Fox News, CBN, and a host of popular podcasts.
Jeannie holds a master's degree in social work, and she is the co-founder of The 509 Foundation. She and her husband, Mike, live in Greenwich, Connecticut, with their five boys.
GET ALL THE SHOW NOTES CONNECT WITH JEANNIEInstagram | Website
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Abide: Come Practice Being with Jesus
Presented by Sarah at Love Well LLC.
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A discussion about engaging in the political conversation, making biblical-based decisions and practically preparing to go to the polls.
MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODEvote411.org
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Are the one-size-fits-all parenting techniques falling short for your family?
Maybe it’s time to parent using the Enneagram as your guide.
Beth McCord, also known as Your Enneagram Coach, joins me to help us use the Enneagram to better understand ourselves first, and then better understand how God uniquely created our kids.
You’ll hear us talk about…
becoming a self-aware mom how and when we can discover our kids’ types choosing connection over behavior modification noticing our kids’ strengths (even when they don’t seem like strengths)Beth is the heart and mind behind Your Enneagram Coach. With a rich background spanning over two decades as an Enneagram speaker, coach, bestselling author, and dedicated educator, Beth has devoted herself to empowering others through the transformative lens of the Enneagram from a faith-based perspective.
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Hide and Seek Scriptures Devotional
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Do you feel defeated when it comes to parenting or do you parent with a victory mindset?
I’m talking with Victoria Riollano about how to equip ourselves to fight for our families, as our kids get ready to go back to school and every day. It starts with us.
But today’s show isn’t just for moms. It’s for any woman in a position to fight for the kids they love.
You’ll hear us talk about…
defeated thinking vs. victory-minded how we equip our hearts to fight having a war plan for our children prayers for our kids as they go back to schoolVictoria Riollano is a mother of eight, military spouse, and Psychology professor at three universities. Victoria holds an MA in child psychology and is currently a doctoral student of Social Psychology at Liberty University. Her ultimate passion is to write and speak to inspire others to know Christ more.
GET ALL THE SHOW NOTES CONNECT WITH VICTORIAInstagram | Website
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Dream Believers Community
Hide and Seek Scriptures Devotional
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Have you ever wondered how to actually follow Jesus in your real life?
Do you know if you're following Christ or following the culture?
Does discipleship sound way too hard?
Yolanda Solomon, author of Discipleship as Holy Collaboration: Helping Others Follow Jesus in Real Life, is on the show today to help us answer some of these questions.
You’ll hear us talk about…
Following Jesus without being a weirdo Discipleship as a group project – holy collaboration Following culture or following ChristYolanda M. Solomon is the director of discipleship at Epiphany Church in Brooklyn, New York, where she teaches and creates discipleship curriculum and resources. She has also worked in campus ministry at Columbia University in New York, where she was blessed to serve undergraduate students for seven years.
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What are you consuming? What are you filling up on? Is it adding to your anxiety?
We are revisiting a popular episode from the series Overcoming Anxiety.
Amy Seiffert joins me for a conversation about nourishing ourselves with the things our souls need to be fulfilled.
You’ll hear us talk about…
Spiritual junk food we’re consuming Amy’s story of overwhelm and her new book Starved Techniques to ground us in peaceAmy is also the author of Grace Looks Amazing on You and is on the teaching team at Brookside Church. She is an affiliate Cru staff member and a regular YouVersion Bible teacher. She loves to travel and speak (and try new foods on all of her adventures!). Amy is married to her college sweetheart, Rob, and they live in Bowling Green, Ohio, with their three kids.
(This episode was originally released in March of 2023.)
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Are you ready to shift into a slower gear?
Let’s take advantage of this season and create some intentional rhythms that allow us to slow down, and connect with God and with people.
My friend Jodi Grubbs is on the show gently guiding us into slower living and sharing some practices to help us be unhurried.
You’ll hear us talk about…
Creating slow-living rhythms for summer
Slowing down to deepen friendships
How Jesus modeled slowness
Finding your Soul Care Sanctuary
Jodi H. Grubbs is the podcast host of Our Island in the City and a slow-living advocate. She is the author of a children’s book, The Island Adventures of Lili and Oliver, and coauthor of a Bible study called The Friendship Café. Jodi, her husband, Dean, and their daughter, Lili, live in outside Raleigh, North Carolina.
GET ALL THE SHOW NOTES CONNECT WITH JODIInstagram | Facebook | Website
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Girls Talking Life is all about cultivating community and creating meaningful connections. In pursuit of that mission, I’m launching Girls Talking Life Groups. It’s like a book club but for the podcast.
You listen to an episode then get together with friends to discuss, reflect, and apply it to your life.
Grab the Girls Talking Life Group Quick Start Guide. I outline a couple of simple steps, answer a few questions you may have, and tell you exactly how I’d start, if I were starting a group.
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Do you have a heart for healing and restoration?
Confronting systemic racism feels overwhelming, but you and I can help dismantle it one small step at a time.
Latasha Morrison, founder of Be the Bridge, is on the show today sharing a little of her story and walking us through why this should be a priority, especially in the life of a believer, and what we can do to make a difference.
You’ll hear us talk about…
How understanding culture lessens our biases Prioritizing relationships with people who are different from us Scripture’s instruction for justice and unity Steps of action toward transformationLatasha is a distinguished author, renowned for her transformative work in fostering racial reconciliation and unity.
As a New York Times best-selling author, she has captured the hearts and minds of readers worldwide with her powerful words and insightful perspectives. Her influential book, "Be the Bridge," has become a beacon of hope, guiding individuals and communities towards a future free from racial division.
GET ALL THE SHOW NOTES CONNECT WITH LATASHAInstagram | Facebook | Website
GET THE QUICKSTART GUIDE
Girls Talking Life is all about cultivating community and creating meaningful connections. In pursuit of that mission, I’m launching Girls Talking Life Groups. It’s like a book club but for the podcast.
You listen to an episode then get together with friends to discuss, reflect, and apply it to your life.
Grab the Girls Talking Life Group Quick Start Guide. I outline a couple of simple steps, answer a few questions you may have, and tell you exactly how I’d start, if I were starting a group.
CONNECT WITH GIRLS TALKING LIFE
Get the GTL Newsletter | Instagram | Facebook
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When was the last time you experienced authentic connection?
It’s becoming more and more rare as our country faces an epidemic of loneliness.
But it doesn’t have to be that way. There is power in authentic connection and you have the ability to create it.
Nancy Lindgren in on the show today to tell us how. She has over 35 years of mentoring experience and she’s sharing how simple it can be to come alongside someone, and also how powerful those connections can be with Jesus at the center.
GET ALL THE SHOW NOTES CONNECT WITH NANCYInstagram | Facebook | Website
GET THE QUICKSTART GUIDE
Girls Talking Life is all about cultivating community and creating meaningful connections. In pursuit of that mission, I’m launching Girls Talking Life Groups. It’s like a book club but for the podcast.
You listen to an episode then get together with friends to discuss, reflect, and apply it to your life.
Grab the Girls Talking Life Group Quick Start Guide. I outline a couple of simple steps, answer a few questions you may have, and tell you exactly how I’d start, if I were starting a group.
CONNECT WITH GIRLS TALKING LIFE
Get the GTL Newsletter | Instagram | Facebook
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Welcome to another Girls Talking Life Extra. It’s not a full show, just a short chat with a past guest to let you know what she’s up to now. I’m talking with Sarah E. Westfall.
Sarah joined me way, way back on episode 17 where she shared her story of motherhood and heartbreak and seeking God’s goodness. She was also my guest host for the Summer of Friendship in 2022 where she talked about barriers to belonging, showing up when life gets hard, and celebration over comparison.
Sarah is a writer, speaker, and host of the Human Together podcast. Her previous work includes serving as director of community for online writing groups and as a student development professional on college campuses. She has been published in RELEVANT, Fathom Mag, and (in)courage. Sarah lives in Indiana with her husband, Ben, and four sons.
Today we are talking about her new book, The Way of Belonging: Reimagining Who We Are and How We Relate, releasing on June 11th. This topic is so close to my heart and the mission of Girls Talking Life.
MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
Preorder The Way of Belonging
Use code IVPPOD20 for 20% off plus free shipping
I’ll be giving a copy of her book away to a GTL newsletter subscriber. Be sure you are on my mailing list for a chance to win!
Sarah on episode 17 [Sacrificial Motherhood]
Sarah as Guest Host for the Summer of Friendship
CONNECT WITH SARAH
Website | Instagram
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We’ve all experienced a friendship breakup.
Maybe you were able to reconcile, maybe you’re in the middle of friendship turmoil right now, or maybe your friendship has distinctly ended.
Relationships are hard and not all of them are for the long haul which is why I’m so grate to my guest, Elizabeth Laing Thompson, for walking us through what to do when a friendship falls apart.
You’ll hear us talk about…
Why friendships fall apart
Navigating the pain of broken friendships
Keeping your hurt from affecting other relationships
Taking steps toward healing
Why it’s important to God
Elizabeth is the author of many books for women and teens, including All the Feels, All the Feels for Teens, and the When God Says series. She writes at ElizabethLaingThompson.com about clinging to Christ through the chaos of daily life. As a speaker and novelist, Elizabeth loves finding humor in holiness and hope in heartache. She lives in North Carolina with her preacher husband and four spunky kids.
GET ALL THE SHOW NOTES CONNECT WITH ELIZABETHInstagram | Facebook | Website
GET THE QUICKSTART GUIDE
Girls Talking Life is all about cultivating community and creating meaningful connections. In pursuit of that mission, I’m launching Girls Talking Life Groups. It’s like a book club but for the podcast.
You listen to an episode then get together with friends to discuss, reflect, and apply it to your life.
Grab the Girls Talking Life Group Quick Start Guide. I outline a couple of simple steps, answer a few questions you may have, and tell you exactly how I’d start, if I were starting a group.
CONNECT WITH GIRLS TALKING LIFE
Get the GTL Newsletter | Instagram | Facebook
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Welcome to a Girls Talking Life Extra. It’s not a full show, just a short chat – usually with a past guest – but today I’m introducing you to a new friend. New to the show that is! You may be familiar with Myquillyn Smith, also known as "The Nester.”
She is the New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of Welcome Home and Cozy Minimalist Home. For the past 15 years, she has been encouraging women to embrace their space--imperfections and all--and make it their own.
Her home in North Carolina has been featured in Better Homes & Gardens, Ladies' Home Journal, and Cottages & Bungalows. She's never met a home she didn't love.
Today Myquillyn and I are talking about her new book HOUSE RULES. You’ll hear her talk about how perfection is not the goal. The goal is for you to love your home and invite people in. Rule #1: learn the rules and then break them beautifully.
RELATED EPISODES
If you’d like to hear more on hospitality and inviting people in, I encourage you to check out episodes #74 [A Warm and Welcoming Home for the Holidays] with Alieta Casey and #133 [Love Your Neighbors] with Twyla Franz.
SUPPORT THE SHOW
After listening, tell me what you thought! Did this episode resonate with you? I would love your feedback.
On Apple Podcasts, tap the three dots in the upper right corner, choose Go to Show, scroll down, and under Ratings and Reviews, tap Write a Review. It’s quick and easy!
CONNECT WITH MYQUILLYN
Find her online at TheNester.com and on Instagram @TheNester.
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Do you feel intimidated when it comes to opening your Bible? Do you read your Bible but feel like you don’t get much out of it? Do you need something to freshen up your current Bible-studying routine?
My guest today is the lovely Portia Collins, a Christian Bible teacher, writer, and podcaster with a passion for sharing God’s Word. But it hasn’t always been that way. Portia shares her story of struggle, of turning to the Bible in desperation, and how when she did, she was changed.
You’ll hear us talk about…
Why we need to study the Word for ourselves
Reading vs. studying
Getting started with Bible study
Fresh ideas for experienced bible-studiers
Portia is the founder of She Shall Be Called, a nonprofit women’s ministry focused on Bible literacy. You can also catch her hosting two weekly podcasts: Grounded—a podcast/videocast from Revive Our Hearts—and Sweet Tea with Jasmine & Portia.
GET ALL THE SHOW NOTES CONNECT WITH PORTIAInstagram | Facebook | Website
SUPPORT THE SHOW
After listening, tell me what you thought! Did this episode resonate with you? I would love your feedback.
On Apple Podcasts, tap the three dots in the upper right corner, choose Go to Show, scroll down, and under Ratings and Reviews, tap Write a Review. It’s quick and easy!
CONNECT WITH GIRLS TALKING LIFE
Get the GTL Newsletter | Instagram | Facebook
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Are you going through a big change right now? Or maybe lots of little ones?
Change is inevitable and even good change can be hard.
Author Andi Andrew joins me to chat about how we show amid of the changes we face, how it’s okay to grieve the losses, show gratitude for what’s next, and how through the transition we can grow to be more like Christ.
You’ll hear us talk about…
The grief of letting go Change that molds us Avoiding vs. welcoming Processing change with integrity Friendship through transition GET ALL THE SHOW NOTES CONNECT WITH ANDIInstagram | Facebook | Website
SUPPORT THE SHOW
If you’re listening in real time, my birthday is in two weeks! As a gift to me would you be willing to support the show by leaving a rating or review?
If you are listening on Apple Podcasts just scroll to the bottom of the show and there it is. Quick and easy!
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OUR SPONSORCustom art by Connie Lawson
Weeds Seeds and Beautiful Things
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How do you interact with people who are different than you?
If someone has different beliefs or political associations, do you automatically dismiss them?
What if your actions of friendship could save the world?
Author and speaker Carrie Stephens is on the show talking about the power of a diverse community, how we can move toward people who are different than us, and how we show up in the world as followers of Jesus first.
You’ll hear us talk about…
The Book of Ruth
Why we need diverse friendships
Forgiveness and redemption
Law, love, and politics
Carrie Stephens is the author of Holy Guacamole: A Glorious Discovery of your Undeniable Worth (Shiloh, February 2020), Jesus, Love, & Tacos: A Spicy Take on Lordship, Community, and Mission (Leafwood, October 2022), and co-author of Friendship Can Save the World: The Book of Ruth and the Power of Diverse Community (Leafwood, September 2023).
Carrie and her husband, Morgan, live in Austin, Texas, and have four incredible kids. After serving as campus ministers for ten years at the University of Texas, Carrie and Morgan have led Mosaic Church, a richly diverse community of faith in Austin, since 2009. They are passionate about reaching lives and transforming cities through church planting, campus ministry, and missional work.
GET ALL THE SHOW NOTES CONNECT WITH CARRIEInstagram | Facebook | Website
EPISODE REFLECTION GUIDE
Grab your free Reflection Guide for this episode. It highlights key points and gives you the chance to take what you heard, reflect on it, and apply it to your life.
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OUR SPONSORCustom art by Connie Lawson - Weeds Seeds and Beautiful Things
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How well do you know the people who live close to you? How well do you love them?
Jesus tells us to love our neighbor as ourselves, but how do we actually do that?
Missional neighboring advocate Twyla Franz is on the show today helping us get closer to Jesus and grow deep, missional friendships with our neighbors.
You’ll hear us talk about…
What missional living is
What it means to be visible and interruptible
How humility and curiosity can deepen friendships
Overcoming the obstacles to missional neighboring
Twyla Franz is a big believer in baby steps and ripple-effect living. An Enneagram 9 learning to live open. She loves front-yard conversations with neighbors, chalk-painted furniture, and Yogi’s blueberry tea. As a missional neighboring guide, she helps others get close to Jesus and grow deep, missional friendships with neighbors.
Find her words (written and recorded) on twylafranz.com. Other places Twyla writes include (in)courage, Relevant, Her View From Home, and The Grit and Grace Project. She also hosts Begin Within: A Gratitude Series to encourage year-round gratitude (because gratitude, she says, has a ripple effect).
GET ALL THE SHOW NOTES CONNECT WITH TWYLAInstagram | Facebook | Website
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OUR SPONSORCustom art by Connie Lawson - Weeds Seeds and Beautiful Things
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As you begin to settle into 2024 are you wondering how to make the most of this year? How to make the most of your life?
As you look at your goals and intentions for the year are they pointing you toward your purpose or are they all about performance?
Shawna Sullivan joins me to chat about how we can view our lives through a new lens, not living for achievements and accolades but taking small, practical steps toward the purposes God has for us.
You’ll hear us talk about…
Shawna’s story of performance to purpose
5 focus areas to help you live with purpose
Pursuing authentic relationships
5 prayers to create space for God to move this year
Shawna Sullivan is a mother and home educator to four children. After 13 years, she traded the hustle and bustle of New York City for the suburbs of north Texas. She will never take a backyard, time with family, air conditioning, or her own laundry room for granted. Shawna writes regularly for Family Christian and Christian Parenting online. Her passion for living faithfully, not perfectly, informs her words and ministry.
MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODEA Practical Guide for a Purposeful Life
The Bible Recap
5 Prayers to Create Space for God to Move This Year
GET ALL THE SHOW NOTES CONNECT WITH SHAWNAInstagram | Facebook | Website
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Do you feel prompted to be in God’s word more or in a different way this year?
I have two ideas for you.
The beginning of the year, for most of us, is a time to reflect on the past year and plan for the year to come. I have several categories I try to take inventory in. Areas like my marriage, parenting, health, friendships, money, and one is always spiritual growth. What am I going to do this year to grow in my relationship with Jesus?
One of my answers to that question is by being in God’s Word. Opening my bible and reading it for myself has greatly deepened my faith.
So as you plan for the year ahead, I want to offer two ways for you to open your bible, be in God’s word, and grow in your relationship with Jesus this year.
A Bible Reading Plan A Word of the Year Word StudyI've also invited a special guest to join us. My friend Megan Ericson – also a guest on episode 16 - joined me in 2023 and read the bible using this plan. She is here to share her experience.
Megan is the CEO of The Yoga Abbey, an online Christian yoga community. She lives in the Columbus, Ohio, area with her husband and three teenage kids.
CONNECT WITH MEGANMegan on IG | The Yoga Abbey on IG
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![#146 [Hold on to Hope this Advent] with Jen Ludwig](https://is1-ssl.mzstatic.com/image/thumb/Podcasts115/v4/a2/88/f0/a288f092-d2f6-d77d-8403-1dafcafb0d38/mza_12791431000264642023.jpg/80x80bb.jpg)