Creation Refined Podcast

There seems to be two views of self-worth that are fighting for our attention. One view is based on what we can or can't achieve and the views of others. The other view is that we are completely unworthy because we are sinners. Today's guest, Brittany Estes, invites us to the middle ground where there is humility in knowing we aren't worthy of God's love, but also knowing that because of His love, we are created with good and perfect gifts and purposes.    Links: Brittany - Instagram | Website  Monica - Instagram | Facebook | The Sisterhood Effect Community Subscribe: iTunes | Stitcher | Google Play | Spotify

Today's guest is Andrea Bourgeois and we are chatting about Revival. What is it, really? Where can we find it in the Bible and how do we experience it for ourselves? If 2020 did anything for us it was to show us our desperate need for an intimate relationship with Jesus. My chat with Andrea will encourage you in your personal walk with the Lord, equip you to pursue revival and so much more.    Links:  Andrea - Instagram | Website | Preorder, Just Breath: A Modern Exodus Journey to Revive Your Soul Monica - Instagram | Facebook | The Sisterhood Effect Community Subscribe: iTunes | Stitcher | Google Play | Spotify

Today's guest is Kristen LaValley and we are chatting about how  to develop the skill of critical thinking. Kristen's insight in developing this skill and voicing our opinions will leave you feeling equipped in having conversations that are respectful to others and honoring to God.  Kristen is our first return guest. You can find our discussion about Anxiety and Faith in episode 6. Links: Kristen - No Fruitless Words - Book | Instagram | Website Monica - Instagram | Facebook | The Sisterhood Effect Community Subscribe: iTunes | Stitcher | Google Play | Spotify

Today's guest, Latonya Garth, encourages us in how to seek our God-given purposes in our everyday lives and our big audacious dreams. She reminds us to step outside of our comfort zone, ask for help, and to seek new opportunities. She also reminds us to learn everything we can in our current roles and responsibilities, because God uses these to equip us for his good plan for us.    Links:  Latonya - Instagram | Website Monica - Instagram | Facebook | The Sisterhood Effect Community  

In today’s episode Hollie Golden shares her wisdom about what it actually means to abide in Christ and she provides tangible tools we can use to cultivate this practice in our lives.  Connect:  Hollie - Instagram | Website | Receive a list of Hollie's favorite books on Abiding in Christ here. Monica - Instagram | Facebook | The Sisterhood Effect Community Join The Sisterhood Effect's semi-weekly email newsletter to receive encouragement for your everyday life, here.  Subscribe: iTunes | Stitcher | Google Play | Spotify  

Is God leading you down a path that is completely out of your comfort zone? You’re probably having thoughts of whether you are qualified or equipped to navigate this new task, and everything inside of you is saying no. But, what if you said “yes” instead? In today’s episode, Breanna Ellison and Monica Harris chat about a time in Breanna’s life when she could have said “no.” Instead, she said “yes” to God’s good plan and shares how that one “yes” changed her life for the better. Socials: Breanna - Instagram | Facebook | Website  Download Breanna's free Heart Check Journaling Prompts Monica - Instagram | Facebook | The Sisterhood Effect Community Subscribe:  iTunes | Stitcher | Google Play | Spotify

On Today’s episode Libbie Hall uses the five women of Jesus’s genealogy and their sorted past to remind us that no matter what we have done or has been done to us, God will use it to impact his kingdom for good.  Links: Libbie - Instagram | Facebook | Website Monica - Instagram | Facebook | The Sisterhood Effect Community Libbie's Books: Five - The Women in the Genealogy of Jesus |  Daily Hope - 31 Day Devotional | Hope Against Hope 

Sometimes we do things in our faith because we know were are supposed to do them, but we don't have a very clear understanding of the "why" behind the act. For example, why do we partake in communion? Is there a right way or wrong way to take it? Who should be taking it?  After watching my friend, Sarah Martin, invite individuals to join her in communion on a live video on Instagram, I decided we needed her wisdom on the podcast! Today, we discuss the importance of communion, how often we should partake in it, if there is a wrong or a right way to take it and so much more.  Socials: Sarah - Instagram, Website Monica - Instagram | Facebook | The Sisterhood Effect Community Join here to receive the semi-monthly newsletter. In it you will find encouragement and scripture to encourage you as you navigate life.  Download Sarah's prayer guide here.

Cultivating community can be hard & little intimidating, but God never intended for us to live this life alone.  Today’s guest, LaRonda Murphy, shares how in spite of believing she didn’t need anyone, she found herself attending a women’s small group, and how God used that community to change her life. She also shares tips on how to grow in community as a leader and attendee.   Connect with us! LaRonda - Instagram, Twitter, Facebook Monica - Instagram, Facebook  To be encouraged and connect with a diverse group of women of faith join our private facebook group, The Sisterhood Effect. Signup here for our weekly newsletter to receive bite-size encouragement, Biblical teachings, discounts on our services, and to be the first to know what's coming up next with The Sisterhood Effect!  

* There is a brief mention of addiction. Please protect young ears* Since God knows our needs and wants, what's the point of prayer? In Today’s episode, Brittany Rust shares her wisdom on why prayer is an integral part of the cultivating a relationship with God and if there is a correct or wrong way to pray. Social Links: Brittany - Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Website Monica - Instagram | Facebook | The Sisterhood Effect Community Subscribe: iTunes | Stitcher | Google Play | Spotify Books Mentioned:  Purpose in Payer - EM Bounds

Lily Janney joins Monica Harris to share her wisdom on how to navigate conflict, gossip and boundaries with our friends, so we can cultivate deep connection with our them. Social Links: Monica - Instagram | Facebook | The Sisterhood Effect Community Subscribe: iTunes | Stitcher | Google Play | Spotify

Today's guest is Amy Carroll and she shares her wisdom on developing the skill of listening and how to put it into practice as an act of love to others.  Links: Amy - Instagram | Facebook | Website Monica - Instagram | Facebook | The Sisterhood Effect Community Remembering Me - a virtual workshop for the woman who is wondering where she is headed, who she is and what she really wants. In this 7 week workshop Monica will guide you to remember who you were created to be and your God-given gifts, dreams and purposes, so you can experience abundance in your life and relationships. Sign up now for 25% off until August 7th, 2020

Have you ever really thought about what worship is and why we do it? In this week's episode, Payton Keller and Monica chat about what worship is, why we do it, and if there is a wrong or a right way to worship. Social Links:  Payton - @paytonkellermusic on all social and music media platforms Monica - Instagram | Facebook | The Sisterhood Effect Community Subscribe: iTunes | Stitcher | Google Play | Spotify

Today’s guest is Dorina Lazo Gilmore-Young and we are chatting about her recent post on the blog “(in)courage,” where she discussed the Bible’s story of Esther and how she stood up to racism. After reading her post and talking with her about it, I feel so encouraged, and better equipped, to link arms with People Of Color and take the needed steps to achieve equality. I know you will too! Socials: Dorina -  Pinterest | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Website  Monica - Instagram | Facebook | The Sisterhood Effect Community Books Mentioned: Raise Your Voice by Kathy Khang  

Have you ever wondered how to know when the Holy Spirit is leading you? Girl, you're not alone! Today, Angela Cross - speaker, blogger and CEO of Fierce and Fearless Living, shares her wisdom about how and when The Spirit leads.  Through specific tips, personal experiences and biblical references, she helps us learn how to grow, and be confident in, our relationship with the Holy Spirit. Socials: Angela: Website |  Instagram | Fierce & Fearless Sisterhood Monica : Instagram | Facebook | The Sisterhood Effect Community Books Mentioned: Good Morning, Holy Spirit by Benny Hinn

Most of us have heard the word Holy in church, but if you’re like me, you’ve struggled with conceptualizing it. What does it really mean?  Who is Holy? Are there levels of Holiness?  Today, Lacey Rabalais joins me to chat about what Holiness is and whether we can ever achieve it.  Connect with us: Lacey - Instagram | Facebook | Website Monica - Instagram | Facebook  The Sisterhood Effect - Join our Sisterhood now! Honorable Mentions: In His Image by Jen Wilkens Women of the Word by Jen Wilkens Holoman Illistrated Bible Dictionary  

This week is of part two of Monica's chat with Sharon Hodde Miller, and they are digging into the difference between Agency and control.   What did God give us agency over? Why do we grasp for control? Sharon provides insight into these questions, along with biblical references that demonstrate  the consequences for those who tried to take control. Follow Us: Sharon - Website | Instagram | Facebook Monica - Instagram | Facebook The Sisterhood Effect - Free Facebook Group  Subscribe: iTunes | Stitcher | Google Play | Spotify

Have you ever thought about how God delights in humor and celebrations? In today's episode (Part 1 of 2), Sharon Hodde Miller shares a message she’s preparing for her church on God’s teachings about celebration.  She points to how and when Jesus celebrated in his ministry, along with 3 steps to developing this discipline in our own lives.  Although this was not the originally planned topic, Monica hopes you’ll be as intrigued as she was when she invited Sharon to switch topics for this first part of their conversation. Social: Sharon - Instagram | Facebook Monica - Instagram | Facebook Join The Sisterhood Effect community where women links arms to inspire, affirm, listen and encourage one another in a judgement free space.  Subscribe: iTunes | Stitcher | Google Play | Spotify  

Monica hosts an Ask Me Anything session in The Sisterhood Effect community and she answers those questions here. She shares how she knew her husband was the "one", how she became a christian, her dream job and what God is teaching her in this season of her life.  Join The Sisterhood Effect community here.  Connect with Monica on Instagram & Facebook Subscribe: iTunes | Stitcher | Google Play | Spotify

“I’m not worthy.”  “I’m not qualified.”  “I’m too fat, dumb or old.”  Today, Jessica Hottle joins Monica to chat about these and the million other lies we are told and tell ourselves, as well as how God’s truth exposes the deceptions and our true value.  Social Links: Jessica - Website, Instagram Monica - Instagram, Facebook The Sisterhood Effect community here.  

Anjuli Paschall joins Monica to chat about the importance of choosing to stay in our emotions and being vulnerable in growing the deepest relationships with others,  ourselves  and God. Learn tips on embracing moments we'd like to resist,  achieving authenticity and how these influence our children and are key to experiencing the fullness of love.    Social & Website Links: Anjuli - Instagram, Facebook, buy Anjuli's book Stay here. Monica - Instagram & Facebook Join over 580 women in The Sisterhood Effect community here. all women are welcome and we would love for you to join our sisterhood! We are women choosing to link arms to inspire, encourage and affirm one another in a judgment free and safe space. 

This week, Monica talks with Mikella Van Dyke about the importance of considering context in understanding scripture.  Mikella explains how things like cultural influences, clues in surrounding scripture and varying literary structures give us greater insight into a verse’s  meaning. You’ll also learn some commonly quoted verses that are frequently misused when taken out of context.   Social & Website links: Mikella - Instagram, Facebook, Website Chasing Sacred devotional app for women on IOS & Android Monica - Instagram, Facebook Join over 550 women in The Sisterhood Effect community where women choose to link arms to encourage, inspire, and affirm each other. All women are welcome!!

Becky Leach joins Monica to chat about what it means to find freedom in Christ. Years after her own trauma, symptoms arose that set Becky on the path to breaking the bondage of her past. She tells what that journey looked like, reminds us that stumbling on the path is normal, and shares how God is using her story and the #FREETOO community to help others. Social & Website Links: Becky - Instagram, Website Free Too - Instagram , Website Monica - Instagram, Facebook, The Sisterhood Effect Community  Subscribe: iTunes | Stitcher | Google Play | Spotify

On today’s episode, Olivia Alnes joins Monica to chat about shame and why it’s at the root of so many of our struggles. Olivia shares encouragement and practical tips for identifying shame, defusing its power, practicing vulnerability with God and finding the right people to share your struggles with.  Get Olivia's 10 Practical Tips For Breaking Off Shame here. Social and Website Links for Olivia: Instagram, Facebook, Website, Pinterest. Social links for Monica: Instagram, Facebook, The Sisterhood Effect Community. Subscribe: iTunes|Stitcher| Google Play| Spotify

Kristen LaValley joins Monica to chat about anxiety & faith and how those two things are not mutually exclusive. She shares her wisdom on how to support those who are navigating mental illness, references individuals in the Bible who also dealt with anxiety, and she also shares the tools and resources that supported her through her own experience. Whether you are struggling with mental health issues or learning how to support others, this chat is so full of hope and soul healing truth. Connect with Monica on Instagram and Facebook. Join The Sisterhood Effect community here. Connect with Kristen on Instagram. Books mentioned: The Emotionally Healthy Woman by Geri Scazzero  Without Rival by Lisa Bevere  Lioness Arising by Lisa Bevere *Some links are affiliated.

What does it mean to surrender our lives to God? What does that actually look like? Today, Monica and Natasha Hemmingway chat about Natasha's personal story of surrender. She’s going to remind us that surrender and obedience can feel like the hardest thing to do, yet it is also one of the most freeing and faith growing things we can do. Connect with Monica on Instagram, Facebook, and The Sisterhood Effect Community. Connect with Natasha on Instagram, Facebook, Website, Linkedin, Pinterest, YouTube.  

Today, on the podcast my friend Stephanie Bagley joins me to chat about the Holy Spirit and the role he has in our lives. How do we know when he is leading us?  How can we recognize our own ideas from God’s?  How can we get better at receiving and understanding the Holy Spirit’s guidance? Join us as Stephanie and I discuss how to do all this, especially when we’re in the midst of trying times. Connect with Stephanie on Instagram and her website here. Connect with Monica on Instagram, Facebook, and join The Sisterhood Effect community! 

On Today's episode Monica and Alexis Busetti chat about who Jesus is. Alexis Busetti is a personal finance coach, co-author of Entrusted With Money: A 90 Day Workbook for Building a Healthy Relationship With Your Finances, host of the podcast That Makes Total Sense! and a wife and mom to four littles in Houston, TX. In our chat, she explains how Jesus is the image of the invisible God, and if we have any questions about who God is, what He is like, how He feels about us, or what He would do in a given situation, the Gospels should be our first place to look. Join us as we discuss all this and more. Connect with Alexis: Instagram, Facebook and listen to her podcast That Makes Total Sense!   Connect with Monica: Instagram, Facebook and join The Sisterhood Effect community  

Today's guest is Morgan May. Morgan works full-time on staff at The Fellowship Church in Round Rock, TX as the Women’s Ministry & Small Groups Director. Reading the Bible can be difficult and overwhelming at times. Do you just grab the nearest copy and start at Genesis, or are there ways to make it a little easier? Today, Monica and Morgan chat about how the Bible is a narrative, ways to prepare ourselves to read it, the tools and resources to use alongside the text and so much more! Resources mentioned: Christina Beliefs: Twenty Basics Every Christian Should Know - Wayne Grudem How To Read the Bible Book By Book: A Guided Tour - Gordan D. Fee The King In His Beauty: A Biblical Theology of the Old and New Testaments - Thomas R. Schreiner The Drama of Scripture: Finding Our Place in the Biblical Story - Craig G. Bartholomew & Michael W. Goheen Connect: Monica Instagram & Facebook Morgan May - Instagram  Join The Sisterhood Effect Community here.

On Today's episode, Monica and Sarah Delamarter discuss that age-old question, “Who is God?”  They’ll explore how we can see him in our everyday life, hear his guidance and grow to better know him.   Sarah is currently enrolled in the Masters of Biblical Exposition program at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago and will graduate in May 2020. Driven by her passion for pointing women and girls to Jesus through the truth of God’s word, she has also founded #ragtagwarriors, an online community of women doing life together, authentically, and with grit and God.  Home, for Sarah, is in the Pacific Northwest where she’s raising her three kids and three dogs. While her children describe her as “always singing and dancing,” Sarah self-identifies as “somewhat  organized” and someone that enjoys all kinds of music, most kinds of fitness, bible study, reading, Netflix comedy specials, strong coffee and a bold glass of wine.  Connect with Sarah on Instagram & Facebook Connect with Monica on Instagram & Facebook Join over 550 women in The Sisterhood Effect community here

Monica shares the heart behind the podcast and why it's for you.