Ditching Perfection

Mike and I are also chatting about:

Mike and I are also chatting about:

Mike and I are also chatting about:

The podcast is back! Today Mike and I are chatting about what we've been up to the last few months. We are also talking about:

Today is our final conversation in the Caring for Creation series! I trust that you have been encouraged, challenged, stretched, and inspired by J.D. and David! Please reach out to them and let them know how much you've appreciated their insights and passion for this topic. You can email them at dhille@nnu.edu and chaplain.j.d.henry@icloud.com. — If there is any way that I can support you in your ditching perfection journey, please reach out to me at carlycommunicates.com or on instagram at @carlycommunicates. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/carly-bartlett/support

Do you want to learn about practical ways to make changes that will help care for creation? J.D. and David have great ideas for you (and me)! Join us for part 3 of our September series and learn how you can help preserve the earth's resources through simple in your homes, in the grocery store, and in your landscaping.

In part two of our Sept series, J.D. and David share with us about:

We are kicking off our new four part series today! Each week in September, we will be unpacking the idea of caring for creation. We will be talking about how to partner with our Creator God to take care of the creation around us. We will looking at this topic from a theological and scientific lens. My friends, Dr. David Hille & J.D. Henry are going to guide us through these inspiring and important conversations this month. Today, in part 1 of the series, we are going to hear from David and J.D. about what has led them to be passionate about this topic, why this is a significant conversation for Jesus followers, and how caring for the earth and caring for people are intertwined. Let me tell you about my friends, David and J.D…. Dr. David Hille completed a Masters in Biology and PhD in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from the University of Oklahoma, during which he studied the populations and conservation issues of parrots in the Central American country of Nicaragua and co-authored a field guide to the birds of Nicaragua. David is now a professor in the Biology Department at NNU where he teaches Wildlife Biology and Ecology. David is married to Sarah, and they have two wonderful kids. J.D. Henry received his Mdiv. From George Fox Evangelical Seminary (now Portland Seminary). He served as a youth pastor for 15 years in Phoenix and Portland. His family moved back to his hometown in Idaho, where J.D. now serves as the lead chaplain for Keystone Hospice. J.D. is married to his wife, Alaina, and they have three awesome kids. If you'd like to reach out to David or J.D. to let them know how much you appreciated what they shared, you can email them at dhille@nnu.edu and chaplain.j.d.henry@icloud.com. — If there is any way that I can support you in your ditching perfection journey, please reach out to me at carlycommunicates.com or on instagram at @carlycommunicates. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/carly-bartlett/support

When is too much of a good thing no longer a good thing? Us perfectionist and people-pleasing types have a tendency to take on too much. We're afraid to let others down or we don't want to miss out on significant opportunities so we keep saying yes… to the point that we're left exhausted and overwhelmed. Proverbs 2:1-11 helps us reframe the way that we view success and reminds us that the fulfillment we long for comes from God's wisdom — not earthly successes. God's wisdom is “pleasant to our souls” (Prov. 2:10), so in order to experience the health rhythms that God has for us, we have to determine when our yeses are wise and when they are not. Through the lens of Proverbs 2:1-11, I am sharing four key questions that I am learning to ask before I say “yes.” I hope you find these questions helpful too. — To learn more about Carly's preaching ministry & Bible study resources, visit carlycommunicates.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/carly-bartlett/support

I am no stranger to anxiety. Anxiety has been a part of my story, but God has also helped equip me to recognize and respond to anxiety differently when it comes knockin' on my door. Today, I want to share with you why Philippians 4:8 has been pivotal on my journey and how from that Scripture, I have come up with five steps that have shift my perspective when I am anxious. I believe the bite-sized Bible study will help you, just as it helps me. I don't promise that these tools will defeat anxiety once-and-for-all, but I do believe they will help you as you walk through waves of worry when they come. The key is to root ourselves in WHAT IS so that we can approach WHAT IF questions differently. I am cheering for you, my friend, as you pursue wholeness in Jesus rather than trying to have it all together!

For years I have found this passage about Jesus' experience in the wilderness perplexing. Why would the Spirit purposefully send Jesus into the wilderness, where He would be tempted by the devil? In today's bite-sized Bible study, we will look at this passage from a different perspective. What if it was in the wilderness where Jesus was most prepared to face the enemy with strength and confidence? What if the times of solitude gave him opportunities to hear the voice of God more clearly? In our fast-paced world, we don't often experience the quiet, and when we do, it is uncomfortable and disorienting. But what if God is purposefully inviting us into the wilderness, too, so that we can tune our hearts to the Spirit and grow in our trust and courage? * In today's episode, I mention that John Mark Comer's insights in his book, “The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry” helped form my perspectives on Luke 4:1-15. I highly recommend the book, if you haven't read it already!

Sometimes we feel like we shouldn't doubt or ask questions. We feel like we have to have all the answers. We don't want to offend Jesus with doubts, or we wonder if can truly follow Jesus if we still have some loose ends that haven't been tied up when it comes to our faith. Unfortunately, I think that doubt has gotten tangled up in shame—but that is not Jesus' intention for us. In Matthew 28:16-20, we are told that some of the disciples struggled with doubt, and instead of trying scolding them, or telling them to get lost, Jesus came close. He met them in the midst of their concerns and confusion… and then He empowered them to “go and make disciples of all the nations.” This passage reminds us that sifting through questions doesn't disqualify you; sifting through questions is a healthy part of discipleship. —— For more resources to help you grow in your discipleship journey, visit carlycommunicates.com/resources --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/carly-bartlett/support

This week, we are talking about how to embody God's compassion when we see others walking down a road of destruction. Sometimes, it is easy for us to not say anything because we don't want to come across as rude, judgemental, or hypocritical. On the opposite side of things, it may be tempting to say something harsh or biting because we are disgusted, disappointed or hurt by others' choices. Thankfully, there are other options in addition to these extremes. There are healthy and holistic ways to handle these types of relationships. Jude reminds us to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus and root ourselves in God as we navigate how to deal with people who have disappointed or hurt us. — For more resources to help you grow in your discipleship journey, visit carlycommunicates.com/resources --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/carly-bartlett/support

Episode 115: Bite-Sized Bible Study | Reading Passages on Judgement with a Lens of Compassion | Jude Part 1 The Bible is jam-packed with stories of restoration, incredible miracles, and displays of God's compassion… but there are also writings about judgement and punishment. So, what do we do with those? It is easy to want to skip those or allow those passages to fuel our own judgement toward others… but is there another way to read those passages and apply them to our lives? As we look at the book of Jude, we will read it with this question in mind: “How can I read this through the lens of God's compassion?” My seminary professor, Dr. Doug Hardy, says that God is the “Capital C Compassionate God.” So, even in the seemingly harsh words in Scripture, how do we see God's compassion and how we can be driven by God's compassion? These questions have shaped the way that I read the Bible and I hope they help you as well. —— I'd love to connect with you on instagram. You can find me @carlycommunicates. Are you looking for a speaker or preacher for your upcoming event? If so, I'd love to hear your vision and chat with you about how we could partner together! Let's start the conversation & dream together: carlycommunicates.com/contact --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/carly-bartlett/support

Waiting isn't easy. When we have a dream or desire, it is tempting to kick doors down and make something happen. But what if, just like Moses, Elijah, and the early disciples of Jesus, God has us in a season of preparation for a purpose? —— Are you looking for a speaker or preacher for your upcoming event? If so, I'd love to hear your vision and chat with you about how we could partner together! Let's start the conversation & dream together. You can reach out to me at carlycommunicates.com/contact. If there is any way I can cheer you on in your ditching perfection journey, reach out to me on instagram @carlycommunicates. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/carly-bartlett/support

What if we use the seasons as a lens to look at our spiritual lives?  The Scriptures were rooted in societies that were dependent upon agriculture. All their food and sustenance were dependent upon farming and proper rhythms of cultivating the land. Farmers had to be aware of what their purposes were in each season. In the spring, if they didn't plant, they wouldn't have a harvest in the fall. If they tried to harvest in the winter, there would be nothing there. Understanding the seasons was vital, and continues to be vital now. I think identifying your spiritual season will be helpful for you. Knowing your season can help bring clarity to what God purposes for you are in this season, and what they are not. So, this is what we're unpacking in our bite-sized Bible study today. In today's episode, I reference two podcasts that helped me start thinking about the concept of a spiritual season. You can hear those podcast episodes here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/that-sounds-fun-with-annie-f-downs/id944925529?i=1000640880111 & https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/that-sounds-fun-with-annie-f-downs/id944925529?i=1000641684822 Are you looking for a Bible study resource with daily readings & reflections? If so, check out my eight-week Bible study on the life of Elijah called “The Gift of the Unexpected.” You can learn more about carlycommunicates.com/resources. If there is any way I can cheer you on in your ditching perfection journey, reach out to me on instagram @carlycommunicates. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/carly-bartlett/support

For our last Europe trip recap, you get to hear from my daughter, Lulu, about her experience. She shares about:

Join Mike and me as we reflect on the last leg of our trip—three weeks in England! We spent a week in the lovely city of London and then two weeks in the picturesque rural countryside, the Cotswolds. If you haven't seen photos, google “Cotswolds” ASAP and you will see baby sheep that will make you weep with joy.

This week, Mike and I share about the third portion of our trip in Germany & France, including these memorable experiences: ⚽️ Watching a rowdy professional soccer game,

Highlights of our second leg of our European adventure was full of fairy tale vibes… and a few mishaps.

This week, Mike and I are talking about the three weeks that our family spent in Italy! We are reflecting on:

Hope can feel elusive. Sometimes we chase after it, only to feel like it is out of our reach. Other times, we feel like we have a little hope, but we don't feel like we can share it. What if there isn't enough hope to go around? In this sermon from Ezekiel 37, we will be reminded today that God's hope is most clearly experienced in community. God's hope is for the whole neighborhood. This sermon was originally preached at Nampa College Church in the summer of 2023. —— I'd love to connect with you throughout the week on instagram @carlycommunicates. If you'd like to learn more about my speaking ministry or access my Bible study resources, visit carlycommunicates.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/carly-bartlett/support

I am convinced that security and joy are connected. So, what do I mean by joy? From my perspective, joy is a SETTLED GLADNESS— rooted in finding our security and our identity in God, who is trustworthy, faithful and unchanging. But this whole thing isn't easy right? So, in today's sermon, we are talking about the invitation to travel light so that we can make room for God to bring deliverance, peace, righteousness, justice, light and joy in ways we don't expect. This sermon was originally preached at Northwest Nazarene University in the winter of 2022 as a part of their Advent series. —— I'd love to connect with you throughout the week on instagram @carlycommunicates. If you'd like to learn more about my speaking ministry or access my Bible study resources, visit carlycommunicates.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/carly-bartlett/support

In today's day and age, a teeter-totter mentality dominates our culture and can even weave its way into our closest relationships. We buy the lie that “when I go up, you go down” and “there can only be one winner.” This breeds habits of hostility, but when we follow the example of Jesus, we are empowered by the Spirit to cultivate habits of humility. When we live that way, we move from self-promotion to asking the question, “How can I lift others up?” This sermon was originally preached at Eagle Nazarene Church in the fall of 2018. —— I'd love to connect with you throughout the week on instagram Carlycommunicates. If you'd like to learn more about my speaking ministry or access my Bible study resources, visit carlycommunicates.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/carly-bartlett/support

Kids ask questions... all the time. They wonder why the sky is blue, they want to know the story behind their middle name, and they want to know what is on the agenda after dinner. Unfortunately, as we grow up we lose our sense of curiosity. We feel like asking questions is wrong, and instead we feel like we have to have it all figured out. We establish rhythms, routines, and habits that make us feel established… and secure… but in the process we lose our wonder. As we dive into this sermon today, I believe that God is inviting us to take on the posture of an inquisitive six year old. As we grow deeper in our relationship with Jesus, I believe a sign of spiritual maturity is curiosity. God is inviting us to choose curiosity over comfort. This sermon was originally preached at Eagle Nazarene Church in the spring of 2021. —— I'd love to connect with you throughout the week on instagram @carlycommunicates. If you'd like to learn more about my speaking ministry or access my Bible study resources, visit carlycommunicates.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/carly-bartlett/support

We all long for peace… especially in times of uncertainty and waiting… but what if what our heart longs for isn't found in convenience and comfort zones? What if true peace is found not in spectating… but through fully participating in the new thing that God is doing? This sermon was originally preached in December 2023 as a part of the Advent series at Nampa College Church. —— I'd love to connect with you throughout the week on instagram @carlycommunicates. If you'd like to learn more about my speaking ministry or access my Bible study resources, visit carlycommunicates.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/carly-bartlett/support

We live in a culture where trying hard, climbing the corporate ladder, working, checking off boxes, and abiding by the rules are celebrated and rewarded. Is it overachieving really that harmful? To us? To the people around us? Often the very hands that God invites us to raise in joyful, peaceful, surrender, end up being the instruments for our striving. But the good news is that we don't have to chase sufficiency. Instead of trying to be good enough, Paul's words in Galatians 2 will remind us to trust in the sufficient grace of Jesus. This sermon was preached at Nampa College Church in the summer of 2023. —— I'd love to connect with you throughout the week on instagram @carlycommunicates. If you'd like to learn more about my speaking ministry or access my Bible study resources, visit carlycommunicates.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/carly-bartlett/support

Whether we like to admit it or not, we often judge a book by its cover right? From these preconceived ideas, we decide if we can risk trusting someone. But what if God is inviting us to uproot those deep, preconceived ideas and see the fingerprints of God in everyone around us? What if we were to call out the goodness in others so that they can see it in themselves? Today we are unpacking the story of “The Good Samaritan.” As we dive in today, I believe that Jesus' words are inviting us to see not only the Samaritan as good, but another unlikely character as good. In the process, I believe that Jesus is inviting us to 1) shatter our stereotypes, 2) take risks to trust, and 3) to shuffle along with unlikely, misfit world changers in our midst. The world is waiting for wildly generous compassion! This sermon was originally preached at Nampa College Church in the summer of 2022. —— I'd love to connect with you throughout the week on instagram @carlycommunicates. If you'd like to learn more about my speaking ministry or access my Bible study resources, visit carlycommunicates.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/carly-bartlett/support

We all wear labels. Some of the labels we are proud of, and others bring us a lot of shame. Because of the labels we try to hide, we are quick to put labels on other people. In the parable of the prodigal son, the father invites both brothers—the rebellious younger child and the performance-driven child to see themselves as beloved. Jesus invites us to see ourselves as beloved too. When we understand how loved we are, we are able to walk through the doors of grace and forgiveness… and then extend that grace and forgiveness to others. This sermon was originally preached at MidAmerica Nazarene University in the fall of 2023 as part of their series on the Lord's Prayer. —— I'd love to connect with you throughout the week on instagram Carlycommunicates. If you'd like to learn more about my speaking ministry or access my Bible study resources, visit carlycommunicates.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/carly-bartlett/support

Hearing confirms what we think. Seeing challenges us to think differently.

We want to feel our worth. We want to know that we are loved, significant, and valued. We desire this, but because there are so many messages competing for our attention, we can easily forget that we are worthy of love. In this unexpected passage in Matthew, we will realize that Jesus invites us to be a part of the family, frees us from what is holding us back, and gives us hope for the future. Through all of this, Jesus will remind us that we have great worth. This sermon was originally preached at Northwest Nazarene University in December of 2023, as part of their Advent series. —— I'd love to connect with you throughout the week on instagram @carlycommunicates. If you'd like to learn more about my speaking ministry or access my Bible study resources, visit carlycommunicates.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/carly-bartlett/support

Our family is preparing for a trip of a lifetime. We are going to explore the different places with no agenda except a plan to rest, enjoy each other's company, and learn from people in cultures different than ours. In this episode, Mike and I share a glimpse of our travel plans, how we packed for ten weeks in one carry-on each (truly miraculous), and what we believe that God is going to teach during our time away. Also, we want to give a special shout out to our dear friends and family who are caring for our house and our dog, Shirley, while we are away! If you're interested in following along on our travels, connect with me on instagram @carlycommunicates. I will be sharing updates there! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/carly-bartlett/support

Do you ever feel like you're spinning your wheels, but not necessarily moving forward? What if rest is actually the answer? In today's episode, my friend and colleague, Pastor Ryan Gage, is here to reflect with us about his recent sabbatical and what God taught him through his season of rest. He will share with us:

This week on the podcast, my friend, Tone Marshall, is here to share with us about:

Do have dreams or a vision to make a difference in the world, but you feel like your perfectionism and fear of failure is holding you back? If so, this episode is for you! My friend, Liza Chitwood, is here to share with us: ✨how a “performance fast” helped her ditch perfectionism, ✨how understanding her identity as beloved by God freed her to adventure with God, and ✨how that freedom led her to spend three years in Lebanon, where she watched God heal Syrian refugees through art workshops that she led alongside Lebanese and Syrian friends. Liza founded a social enterprise, called the Art of Hoping, that provides economic empowerment and emotional healing for refugee women. You can check out the amazing stories and handmade textiles from the Art of Hoping by visiting https://artofhoping.com/ or connecting with Liza on instagram @artofhoping. Liza Chitwood hales from the Midwest, lives in Idaho with her husband Matt where they enjoy fry sauce on their potatoes and hot springs on the weekends. —— I'd love to connect with you throughout the week on instagram @carlycommunicates. If you'd like to learn more about my speaking ministry and access my Bible study resources, visit carlycommunicates.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/carly-bartlett/support

What do you love about your faith community, and how can you make that experience something others can stumble upon? In part 2 of our conversation with Danny Atkins, he will remind us that missional living looks like taking the rhythms of what we already do in our faith communities and making them public. Relocating, rather than re-strategizing, will bring us into friendship with others who can experience the hope of the Jesus through our lives together. —— Danny Atkins currently serves as an executive pastor at Nampa College Church and as a part-time professor at Northwest Nazarene University. He is currently working on a PhD at Nazarene Theological College, studying Paul's theology of mission. Prior to his current ministry context in Nampa, he served for five years in Germany as a missionary with the Church of the Nazarene. That experience helped shape his calling to help the church be a missionary in its own context. Danny loves to spend time with his wife and daughter, and together they love to be outdoors and travel to new places. If you'd like to talk with Danny about living on mission, feel free to reach out to him at datkins@nampaccn.com —— I'd love to connect with you throughout the week on instagram @carlycommunicates. If you'd like to learn more about my speaking ministry and access my Bible study resources, visit carlycommunicates.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/carly-bartlett/support

For those of us who are Jesus followers, we often hear the call to share the Gospel and to live on mission, but we may ask ourselves, “How do we do that?” In this 2 part conversation that we're starting today, my good friend, Pastor Danny Atkins is here to remind us that “we're not trying to take something from God to people. Instead we're trying to put flesh on what God is already doing.” So, friends. You can throw your check-lists and attempts at strategic plans out the window. God isn't asking for our plans. God is inviting us to participate. I think that is pretty exciting and freeing… and I can't wait to hear all of the insights and encouragement that Danny has to share with us. —— Danny Atkins currently serves as an executive pastor at Nampa College Church and as a part-time professor at Northwest Nazarene University. He is currently working on a PhD at Nazarene Theological College, studying Paul's theology of mission. Prior to his current ministry context in Nampa, he served for five years in Germany as a missionary with the Church of the Nazarene. That experience helped shape his calling to help the church be a missionary in its own context. Danny loves to spend time with his wife and daughter, and together they love to be outdoors and travel to new places. If you'd like to talk with Danny about living on mission, feel free to reach out to him at datkins@nampaccn.com —— I'd love to connect with you throughout the week on instagram @carlycommunicates. If you'd like to learn more about my speaking ministry and access my Bible study resources, visit carlycommunicates.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/carly-bartlett/support

Episode 91: The Surprising Inbreaking of God | Reading Matthew 2 with Garret Shelsta My friend, Garret Shelsta is here to remind us to: ✨ Choose to stay curious rather than feel threatened when something new arises ✨ Look for God's fingerprints in the most unexpected places and most unexpected people ✨ Recognize that Jesus, who is the perfect combination of both truth and love, disrupts faulty systems of this world and faulty systems we've constructed in our own lives. We also talk about the fact that God doesn't look for particular boxes to be checked, or for things to be nice and neat in order to pursue us. The God meets us right where we are — no matter how broken, messy, or confused we may be. God's desire is always for us to respond to God's invitation to holy and holistic restoration. —— If you'd like to connect with my guest, Garret Shelsta, you can find him on instagram @gshelsta. You can also check out the devotional book he wrote here: https://www.amazon.com/Over-Top-Devotional-Generous-Teenagers/dp/B0CGLCCSVL/ref=sr_1_12?crid=50IVUCCXLB1O&keywords=stuff+you+can+use&qid=1702941328&s=books&sprefix=stuff+you+can+us%2Cstripbooks%2C171&sr=1-12 —— I'd love to connect with you throughout the week on instagram @carlycommunictes. If you'd like to learn more about my speaking ministry and access my Bible study resources, visit carlycommunicates.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/carly-bartlett/support

The weeks leading up to Christmas can be wild, chaotic, and full. Even if our schedules are full of good things, this season can still be exhausting. So, this conversation today with my friend, Bri Johns, is timely. As we look at Mary's life in Scripture, Bri reminds us of God's beautiful invitation to JUST BE. Bri also helps us think about how to: ✨intentionally & consistently connect with our neighbors, ✨check our motivations as a means of ditching perfection, & ✨measure our bandwidth and know it is okay to say “this is too much.” If you're feeling exhausted or weary for any and every reason… this episode is for you! ____ Thanks to Bri Johns for being my guest today. If you'd like to chat with Bri further about anything she mentioned in the episode, you can reach out to her on instagram at _brijohns. ——— I'd love to connect with you throughout the week on instagram @carlycommunicates. If you'd like to learn more about my speaking ministry or access my Bible study resources, visit carlycommunicates.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/carly-bartlett/support

Are you in a season of waiting? Are you wondering how to move forward out of a painful situation? Are you doubting if God can ever bring good out of sadness or hurt? God doesn't cause the pain or hurt we experience, but Pastor Shane Lima reminds us that “God's grace can weave together pain into triumph, and trauma into testimony.” As we unpack Matthew 1 together, and look at the women in the genealogy of Jesus, we can see great hope come out of devastation. This Advent season, as we sit in waiting, may hope be the fuel that carries us forward. The light will break forth. God is with us. —— I'd love to connect with you throughout the week on instagram @carlycommunicates. If you'd like to learn more about my speaking ministry or access my Bible study resources, visit carlycommunicates.com - --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/carly-bartlett/support

We are in our final week of our fall series called “In This Together.” We've talked about how to cultivate healthy relationships with others, but it is also so important to talk about how to care well for yourself. I am thrilled that psychologist and theologian, Dr. Karen Hurula, is here to lead us through this valuable discussion. Dr. Hurula is the Director of the Center for Counseling at Wheaton College, and in this episode, she shares with us: ✨ how she is helping the church have more holistic conversations about mental health, ✨ why not neglecting our basic physical needs is of utmost importance, & ✨ the three questions we need to ask in order to foster healthy inner dialogue. You can learn more about Dr. Hurula and her ministry at https://drkarenhurula.com/. —— I'd love to connect with you throughout the week on instagram @carlycommunicates. If you'd like to learn more about my speaking ministry or access my Bible study resources, visit carlycommunicates.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/carly-bartlett/support

Stop and think about five people outside of your family who have impacted your life the most. Are they all in the same age range as you? My guess is that those people represent a wide range of ages. Intergenerational connections are vital to our growth as individuals and the health of our communities. In a world that is fractured and compartmentalized, we can uniquely grow through relationships with people in different phases of life. I asked my friend, Dr. Michael Johnson, to come and share with us about intergenerational connections. Michael has been serving at Trevecca Nazarene University for thirty-four years, and through his experience in higher education and deep investment in the Church, Michael has valued and prioritized intergenerational relationships. I met Michael and his wife, Sarah, when I was in college. They became cheerleaders for me and I know that they've done this for countless others. I couldn't think of a better person to help us lean into a conversation about the gift of intergenerational connections. —— I'd love to connect with you throughout the week on instagram @carlycommunicates. If you'd like to learn more about my speaking ministry or access my Bible study resources, visit carlycommunicates.com. I send out a FREE weekly devotional on Fridays, so make sure to sign up for that as well!

Today is our (Mike & Carly's) 14th wedding anniversary. So, we hopped into the podcast studio to chat all about our relationship and some fun memories. In this episode, we talk about: ❤️ how we knew (and how soon we knew) we wanted to get married, ❤️ how asking questions & staying curious has been an integral part of our marriage, and ❤️ how we've learned more about God from one another. We also talk about how we've learned to appreciate each other's hobbies… and Mike quizzes me on NBA players and their respective teams…

You're in for a treat today, my friends! Brothers and collegiate basketball teammates, Gabe and Aaron Murphy are here to share with us about their relationship. They are truly “in this together,” as they do life together both on and off the court. In today's episode, Gabe and Aaron share with us about:

Rick and Nancy are celebrating 50 years of marriage this year. These two love each other well and love their community well. I am grateful to have learned from them for the past several years, and I can't wait for you to learn from them today. They will be talking with us about how challenging seasons can bring you together, the power of an apology, and how they have nurtured a sweet friendship in their marriage. Whether you are married or hope to be married someday, these relational words of wisdom will be applicable to you. —— I'd love to connect with you throughout the week on instagram @carlycommunicates. If you'd like to learn more about my speaking ministry or access my Bible study resources, visit carlycommunicates.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/carly-bartlett/support

College and young adult years are some of the most formational times of life . . . so the friendships we make during that time are formational too! Today, Keziah, Kendrey, and Shelby are here to talk about finding quality friends in college, how social media both helps & hinders friendships, the importance of praying for friendship, and they teach me about beige flags… Have you heard about this before? I am such a millennial apparently. HA! If you find this episode encouraging, please share it with a friend or family member. If there is any way I can cheer you on in your ditching perfection journey, reach out to me on instagram @carlycommunicates. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/carly-bartlett/support

Here is the episode so many of you requested... a conversation about adult friendships. Finding and maintaining friends can be really hard. The truth is, many of us are lonely, isolated, and not sure how to make friends when we are juggling work, families, and paying the bills. So, my friend, Elise Snowden is here to 1) normalize the fact that adulting and friendship can be challenging, 2) share some of her experience with friendships in this phase, and 3) help us look to Jesus' friendships as an inspiration for our own relationships.  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/carly-bartlett/support

Several years ago, Cherie asked Joy to be her mentor, not just for a season, but for LIFE. The consistency, intentionality, and vulnerability that these two cultivate is inspiring and encouraging. Everyone needs someone who is investing in them, and everyone needs to be investing in someone else. Mentoring matters. Cherie Reiter is an avid God-chaser, wife to Chris, mom to four kids, and co-pastor of The Connection Church of the Nazarene in Castle Rock, Colorado. Cherie is a singer/songwriter and has written and recorded music with a new album releasing soon. J Joy Streight is married to Dave, mom to three adult children, and grandmother to three young grandchildren. She is the lead pastor of Boise Castle Hills Church of the Nazarene, and she enjoys painting, singing, reading, and writing. You can reach Cherie at pastorcherie@connectionnaz.org and Joy at joy@castlehillsnaz.com. I'd love to hear how you're ditching perfection in your season of life! Let's connect on instagram. You can find me at @carlycommunicates. To learn more about my speaking ministry, visit http://carlycommunicates.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/carly-bartlett/support

We are kicking off our relationships series today, "In This Together," with a darling mother-daughter duo... Sandy and McKenna Kipp! We chat about how they navigated through the almost-always-challenging middle school years, how intentional time together during Covid deepened their friendship, and how they prepared for McKenna to go away to college. Whether you are a teenager or young adult at home, or a parent of a kid at any age, this episode will encourage you and serve as a reminder to give yourself lots of grace. Perfection doesn't exist in parenting or growing up... but intentionality, kindness, and healthy conflict resolution can. /// Sandy Kipp is a Christian humbly attempting to serve God and seek His direction in her life. She is the proud wife of an incredible man, Mike, and mom of two great kids, Spencer and McKenna (now both in college!). Her passion for nutrition has found her a career and ministry as a dietitian nutritionist helping individuals navigate health issues through diet and lifestyle changes. She  loves exploring both nationally and internationally and during the warm weather enjoys lake surfing with friends and family and getting lost out in the garden especially when she is  joined by their frolicking kitties, DJ and Zoe. But her happiest place is sitting around a table for hours with family and friends, enjoying delicious food and great company. /// McKenna Kipp is a freshman in college at Point Loma Nazarene University, studying graphic design. She is originally from Nampa, Idaho, where she was raised by two amazing parents, Mike and Sandy, and with an older brother, Spencer. She's passionate about the Lord and helping bring the good news of Christ to others. When she's not doing homework, McKenna loves to play volleyball, go on hikes, and go to the beach! /// I'd love to hear how you're ditching perfection in your season of life! Let's connect on instagram. You can find me at @carlycommunicates. To learn more about my ministry, visit http://carlycommunicates.com.  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/carly-bartlett/support

Going it alone is really tempting, right? We want to prove ourselves, show that we're capable, and not appear weak... but in today's conversation with my new friend, Danielle Zapchenk, she and I are chatting about why inviting others in can truly transform us and those around us. Danielle is a mom, wife, speaker, ministry leader, and the host of two podcasts: The Parable Podcast & Together We Rise. You can learn more about her ministry at https://www.daniellezapchenk.com/.------I'd love to hear how you're ditching perfection in your season of life! Let's connect on instagram. You can find me at @carlycommunicates. To learn more about my ministry, visit http://carlycommunicates.com.  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/carly-bartlett/support

Today, we are diving into a back-to-school conversation with my dear friend, Jamie Lubiens, who is an extraordinary and dedicated educator. We talk all about the challenges and joys of being a teacher… especially in the last few years! Jamie also shares with us a bit about her family's adoption stories, how she is learning to deal with people pleasing in healthy ways, and… you have to wait until the end to hear two epic facepalm moments—and they both have to do with elementary school gymnastics. Just wait.  ------- Jamie is a wife to an imaginative dreamer and continual reformer, mom to two amazing kids, and a Student-Centered Learning Coach in Boise, ID.  She is passionate about empowering students to break cycles of poverty through education.  Jamie is also a committed follower of Jesus, and along with her husband, Trevor, is part of a team helping to launch Midtown Church, a new church plant in Boise.  When she is not working in the public school system, Jamie loves to sing, bake, and play golf. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/carly-bartlett/support