Girl On A Hill

As we continue to think about what it means to Flourish, today we dive into the topic of Creativity - learning it's about so much more than the arts - it's about shifting your perspective, solving problems, and yes (gulp) change. We talk honestly about why we resist creativity, confronting our fear of vulnerability, our reluctance to challenge our comfort zone, and our tendency to nod along, agree that creativity matters, and then stay safely in the box. Creativity is vital - and necessary to adapt and grow. We wrap up today's episode with practical tips to step into the creative person we were designed to be, embracing the truth that creativity isn't about perfection—it's about curiosity, courage, and the willingness to ourselves to grow.

Today, we begin a brand new series - Flourish, where we work to live out the growth we've been cultivating. We're kicking things off by taking a look at the concept of Investment - the process of building your life with intention. Lasting change doesn't come from big, dramatic moves, but from daily intentional actions and choices. So in today's episode, we're focusing on how the small but consistent choices we make each day help us to establish a life that reflects what truly matters. We're working to shift from just “getting through the day” to actively creating a meaningful future. The choices we make today shape the life we experience tomorrow. Whether it's strengthening relationships, pursuing personal development, or taking small steps toward our dreams, every investment matters. Investing in what truly matters isn't extra. It's essential.

Today, we wrap up the Good to Grow series by digging deep—literally. Healthy roots are the foundation of a strong, thriving life. They keep us grounded in storms, fuel our growth, and determine the kind of fruit we produce. But strong roots don't just happen.When we don't have good roots, life shakes us too easily. We chase quick fixes, uproot ourselves at the first sign of discomfort, or resist settling in because it feels like losing control. Today we're unpacking what keeps us from becoming deeply rooted, the consequences of staying shallow, and most importantly, the truths and practical steps that help us develop roots that can withstand anything.Real growth isn't passive. It's a choice. A commitment. If we want to stand strong, we have to do the work—tending our roots, investing in what matters, and refusing to settle for shallow living. We're building a deeply rooted life that can weather any storm, anchoring ourselves in faith and in love.

Growth looks different in every season—something we often grasp more easily when comparing spring to winter. But what about in our own lives? As we continue our Good to Grow series, we're digging into the concept of Seasons of Growth, getting honest about the challenges and opportunities each season brings. Transformation isn't easy, but it's a vital part of embracing change and nurturing our potential. In today's episode, we're exploring how to embrace the changes each season brings, the importance of patience during times of dormancy, and the beauty of renewal that follows. We'll share practical strategies to cultivate awareness, celebrate the present moment, and align your goals with the natural rhythms of your life. It's time to embrace where you are and grow into the person you're meant to be.

We all want to grow, but growth often requires us to make tough decisions. Today, we're continuing our Good to Grow series by diving into the essential practice of pruning—letting go of what limits our potential so we can make space for growth. We're getting real about some of the reasons we hesitate to release what's familiar, the truths behind why pruning is essential for our development, and how acknowledging these truths can empower us to create new opportunities. We'll wrap it up with practical tips to help you confidently cut away what's draining you, allowing you to flourish and embrace the freedom that comes with stepping into a more vibrant, intentional life. It's time to trim away the excess and make room to grow.

Today's episode addresses something we're passionate about at Girl on a Hill - being the woman YOU were created to be. We're continuing our Good to Grow series by talking about what it means to be a wildflower woman- someone who truly embraces who she is - no shrinking, no conforming to someone else's ideals - just living boldly and unapologetically in the fullness of who God made you to be.We're diving into why we resist being our true selves, the cost of blending in, and the freedom that comes with stepping into our God-given identity. We wrap it up by sharing real, actionable ways to stop holding back and start showing up as your truest and most vibrant self. Stop hiding. It's time to shine.

We all love the idea of growth—until it asks something of us. Today, we're kicking off our new series, Good to Grow, with a look at what it really means to bloom where we're planted. Because let's be honest—sometimes, we don't like where we are. Sometimes, life doesn't look the way we pictured. But what if we stopped waiting for the perfect circumstances and started thriving right where we are? What if we could find joy, purpose, and peace in the middle of the mess? Today, we're breaking down the lies that keep us stuck, the sneaky ways comparison steals our contentment, and the truth that growth is possible right now—not someday. So let's dig in, get real, and learn how to fully embrace the life we have… because this is it. This is our life - and it's time to bloom.

Today, we wrap up another year of our Spring Cleaning of the Heart and Mind Series by taking an honest look at pessimism. Pessimism feels like protection—it's easier to expect the worst than to risk hoping for something better. But the truth is, it shrinks our world, keeps us from taking risks, and often comes from unhealed pain or a deep need to be seen. It's not keeping us safe—it's keeping us stuck. It's time to break free and try a new mindset. We wrap it up with lots of applicable tips—so we can stop expecting the worst, open ourselves up to joy, and finally step into a lighter, freer way of living.

We continue our Spring Cleaning of the Heart and Mind series by getting honest about our impatience—why we feel it, how it affects us, and what it's really costing us. We get real about our desire for control, the lure of immediate gratification, and our resistance to reality. We want life to move at our pace, get answers now, and skip ahead when life gets tough. But the truth is, our impatience doesn't change our circumstances - only us - keeping us from real progress, damaging our relationships, and stealing the joy from everyday life. It's time to stop rushing, so we're wrapping up today's episode with practical tips to help us slow down, embrace the wait, and live with more peace and presence.

Today, as we continue our Spring Cleaning of the Heart and Mind series, we get real about the item we all can't seem to live without—our phone. Why are we so addicted? Are we using it to avoid discomfort, numb unhealed pain, or seek validation? The truth is, our constant scrolling isn't just wasting time—it's rewiring our brains, fueling comparison, and distracting us from the life happening right in front of us. We're wrapping today's episode up with practical tips so we can put the phones down and step into a life full of true connection, real presence, and experiences that are fully lived—not just documented.

We continue our Spring Cleaning of the Heart and Mind series by getting real about Making Excuses. We all do it—but it's time to be honest about why. Are we protecting our egos? Avoiding discomfort? Seeking sympathy? The truth? Our excuses may feel safe, but in reality are only keeping us stuck - reinforcing our fears, limiting beliefs, and resistance to change. It's time to break free of our comfort zones, take full ownership of our choices, and commit to a life of progress over perfection. We're wrapping up today's episode with practical tips to break free from the excuses holding us back—so we can step into a life that embraces growth, takes risks with confidence, and moves forward with courage instead of hesitation.

We continue our Spring Cleaning of the Heart and Mind Series by taking an honest look at clutter. We're getting real about our stuff - and the mindset and habits that led us to accumulate it to begin with. We're looking beyond storage bins to real solutions - as we work to tackle things like our fear, discontent, and the overwhelm that leads to procrastination. Clutter isn't just taking up room in our closets - it's holding valuable space in our hearts and minds too. We wrap up this episode with lots of practical tips to help us tackle clutter and start creating the mental and emotional space we need to live more freely, focused, and at peace.

We continue our Spring Cleaning of the Heart and Mind Series by taking an honest look at Competition. Insecurity, comparison, and a misplaced identity feed unhealthy competition, turning relationships into rivalries and transforming opportunities for growth into a race to outdo others. And it has to stop. In today's episode, we shatter the lie of the scarcity mindset and get real about the way competition not only harms relationships but steals joy and shifts us away from purpose. And as always, we wrap it up with tips so we can start to move away from unhealthy competition into a life that focuses on self-growth, lifting others up, and being the person WE were created to be.

Today we kick off our 4th year of the Spring Cleaning of the Heart and Mind Series - a series where we tackle some of the mental and emotional habits and behaviors that weigh us down and keep us stuck. We begin our series by taking an honest look at resentment - the slow poison of unresolved hurt. We share how resentment is more than a feeling - it's a weight we carry - often without realizing how deeply it affects us. Resentment chains us to our past- preventing us from healing. And we're getting real about our need to not only heal, but to forgive, and to drop the dangerous habit of constant rumination. We're wrapping up today's episode with lots of applicable tips - so we can finally heal, let go, and live a life free from the burden of resentment.

Adventure is the spark that wakes us up, pulls us out of routine, and reminds us that life is meant to be lived. It lightens the daily grind, builds resilience, and expands our world—whether through bold leaps or small, everyday choices. Adventure isn't just found in far-off places; it's in the moments we say yes, disrupt the plan, and embrace life's unscripted beauty. And maybe, adventure is at the heart of everything we need more of—fun, risk, connection, and laughter—because when we step into adventure, we step fully into life.

We're wired for connection—but too often, we settle for surface-level interactions that leave us feeling lonelier than ever. In today's episode, we're talking about why real connection matters, why it feels so hard, and how to build it in simple, natural ways. We'll also talk about the small shifts that make a big difference—how to stop overcomplicating connection, why you should embrace your natural strengths, and how to create rhythms that bring people into your life in an authentic way. From showing up consistently to taking a genuine interest in others, we're breaking down what it takes to form true connections. True connection isn't about a perfect social life—it's about reflecting God's love by seeing, knowing, and showing up for the people He's placed in your life.

When did fun become an afterthought? We're stressed, overwhelmed, and stuck in our routines—but we need fun more than ever. In today's episode, we're talking about why fun isn't frivolous, how it helps us be more present and balanced, and how to rediscover the joy we've lost. We're sharing why we need it - and, more importantly, how to get it. From childhood favorites to new adventures, it's time to say yes to fun again. Get ready for practical ideas, fresh inspiration, and a reminder that fun isn't just for kids—it's a vital part of a life well-lived.

Stories shape us, connect us, even heal us. They build empathy, bridge divides, and help us make sense of the world. But great storytelling isn't just for writers—it's for all of us. In this episode, we explore how stories teach, inspire, and transform, and why paying attention to the small moments in life can make us better storytellers and better people. Stories are everywhere—if we're present enough to notice them and brave enough to share them.

So many of us are settling. Settling for what we know. What feels safe? What feels comfortable? Why? Because we're afraid to take a risk. Today, we're getting honest about why taking a risk may be exactly what we need.We talk about leaving our comfort zone, confronting our fears, and daring to dream about the life we truly want. We're making small changes, trying new things, and learning that failure isn't a world-ender. We can do hard things and discovering just how much growth and joy lie on the other side of fear.

Welcome to a brand-new series where we're diving into the things we all need more of in our lives – starting with laughter. We all know it feels good, but did you know that laughter isn't just a mood booster? It's also a powerful tool for improving our health, easing tension, and strengthening relationships. So why aren't we laughing more? Today, we're confronting the barriers that hold us back—our wrong beliefs, our fear of being vulnerable, and the seriousness that creeps in all too often. We'll explore how embracing playfulness and letting go of perfection can bring us back to the joy of simple moments. So, if you're ready to let loose and invite more laughter into your life, let's get started!

Today we wrap up our series on becoming a relaxed woman by digging into the concept of relaxing our mind. We may not always consider it, but our thought life is often one of the primary sources of our stress. We're getting in our own way and it's time to fix it. Today we're getting real about our issues with control, the dangers of overthinking, and why it's ok to have limitations. We cover a few more painful but necessary truths and close out the series with lots of tips as we make a conscious effort to take captive our thoughts in order to live the life we were meant to live.

In today's episode, we dig into more reasons why we struggle to relax - because this rabbit hole is deep. (And honestly, it's time to climb out of it!) Today we're taking a look at our misconceptions about relaxation and how our wrong thinking gets in our way. We're giving ourselves grace, letting go of negativity, and embracing our need for humility. And as always, we're sharing truth and tips to help us put into practice the relaxed lifestyle we're all yearning for.

We're hard on ourselves. Relentless. Unforgiving. We push past our capacity and make our to-do lists miles long. And yet we wonder why we're not relaxed. Today we're getting to the root of why it's so hard for us to ease up. We're taking a look at our expectations, getting honest about perfectionism and guilt and exploring why we've glorified exhaustion. We weren't meant to live this way, so we're sharing truth and tips to guide us out of the endless hustle and into a life full of self-compassion, mindfulness, and a pace we're able to sustain.

As a new year begins, we're starting a series about the kind of woman we want to be: relaxed. Most of us don't even know what the word means. The idea of becoming a relaxed woman may intrigue us - but it likely also scares us. Feels impossible. It may even make us feel ashamed - as though being relaxed is something we're not supposed to be. We're breaking it all down, getting honest about what gets in the way, and sharing truth and tips to help us work towards becoming the kind of woman who embraces rest, honors her limits, and lives life refreshed instead of frantic.

Hey everybody, it's Bekki. The girls and I are spending one more week resting and taking time with our families, but as I thought about starting out a brand new year, one word kept coming to mind as I thought about my desire for 2025: Peace. We spend so much time on the podcast acknowledging our stress and the chaos we find ourselves settling for. We're frantic and fearful - and yet continue to spread ourselves thin and work well beyond our capacity. What are we trying to do? To prove ourselves? To find joy and meaning? It clearly isn't working, and we need to do something different. So today, we revisit the conversation we had last year about true peace - what it is and how to get it - how to LIVE it. And if you find yourself connecting with what we're talking bout today, I urge you to listen in next week when our brand new series, The Relaxed Woman, begins. It's a 4 part series that I couldn't be more excited about (because I need it!) So, as this year comes to a close and a new year begins, I invite you to abandon anxiety, declutter your space and your heart, and replace some of that chaos with peace. Thanks for listening, and have a wonderful new year, everyone.

The expectations we place on ourselves and others loom large in our lives, creating stress, pressure, and resentment. In today's episode, we talk about the strain living with unrealistic expectations creates. We share the harm the word "should" has caused and the absolute need for grace and an acceptance of our shifting capacity. We wrap up today's podcast by sharing a few truths to help us let go of the expectations that weigh down our hearts and steal our happiness.

We all want healthy relationships - so why aren't we doing the things we need to do to protect them and keep them strong? Today, we're getting into some of the most common relationship boundaries we break and get honest about why it's hard for us to hold the line. We're digging into people-pleasing, guilt, and how old wounds continue to hurt our current relationships. We wrap up the series with truths we need to hear and a few tips as we work towards balanced life-giving relationships.

Today, we begin a two-part series on boundaries. We know we need healthy boundaries in our relationships, but what about ourselves? We're taking an honest look at internal boundaries, the guidelines we need to protect our energy and well-being. We get real about the internal boundaries we break (and break a lot) and talk about why we struggle to prioritize our needs. We're taking responsibility for our wellness and working to love ourselves enough to set and keep the internal boundaries that keep us safe, energized, and committed to growth.

We wrap up our look at the Armor of God today as we take a close look at the sword of the Spirit. This is the piece of armor that is the most tangible, so why aren't we using it more? We take a look at why we resist reading our Bibles and get honest about why it can be taught. We also get real about why we need to pick it up and how it's so much more than a book. We're sharing tips and truth about this life-changing, life-giving roadmap we've been given.

We continue our study of the Armor of God by taking a look at the helmet of salvation. Salvation is something that can be hard to wrap our minds around, so today, we're digging into what it means - not just in death - but in our right now. We talk about why the concept of salvation can be hard for us and get into why our salvation is likened to a helmet. What is the connection between salvation and our mind? We're talking about doubt, trust, and renewing our minds as we secure our helmets and become confident in our salvation.

We continue our series on the Armor of God by looking at the shield of faith. Our faith is a gift and strong protection during trials, but we fight it. We're getting real about some of the reasons it's hard to have faith and why we need to hold on to it. We have an honest conversation about doubts and fears because we've all got them. But also share ways to strengthen our faith and talk about why our faith is necessary. As always, this episode is full of tips and truth as we investigate this vital piece of our spiritual armor.

We continue our study on the armor of God by talking about the shoes of peace. Why does peace feel so elusive? And if we find ourselves craving it, why do we resist the habits and practices that bring it? We get honest about why we reject the peace available to us and dig into what peace has to do with the gospel. We're talking about trading fear and anxiety for trust and confidence so we can walk with stead feet - fully prepared to meet challenges, spread love, and experience a life filled to the brim with life-giving peace.

We continue our series on the armor of God by looking at the Breastplate of Righteousness. We don't use those words a lot - so do they really matter? Does this concept still apply? What does righteousness even mean? We answer these questions as we wrestle with the concepts of sin and grace and get honest about our tendency to try to prove our goodness. Temptation is real - but so is the absolute freedom that comes from leaning into our new life and the protection the breastplate of righteousness offers.

Today, we kick off our six-week series on the armor of God. This week, we're examining the belt of truth. Why do we resist truth? Why are some truths harder to accept? And why are lies so enticing? We answer these questions as we examine what truth is, how to wear it, and how it protects us. We talk about shame, freedom, and choosing truth over lies that make us more comfortable. We're rejecting dishonesty, embracing what God has said, and walking in security with our belts firmly in place.

We're wrapping up our series on stress by getting real about change. We fight it. Resist it. Rage against it. And it comes anyway. Change is inevitable, and learning to cope with change is vital. Today, we're getting honest about why change is so hard and how we can start to navigate change in a healthy way. This episode is jam-packed with tips as we seek to live out acceptance, trust, and a mindset that says, "I'm capable of walking through this change."

Ask anyone how they're doing and they'll likely tell you they're fine. But, do they mean it? Do you? Why are so many of us settling for an approximation of peace, going through life pretending like we're okay with the chaos and frustration? We get real today about fear, avoidance, and the need to try something different. We're sharing tips, truth, and working towards a life we love, instead of one we're settling for.

We're more connected than ever - and information is available to us 24/7 from thousands of sources. But is this always a good thing? What does non-stop information do to our brain and how does it contribute to our stress? We're tackling these questions plus diving into the concepts of screen addiction and the illusion of connection. We're over-spreading our attention, focusing on nothing, and becoming tethered to our devices. It's time to reclaim some simplicity and bask in the goodness of real life. We're here for it and we're bringing the tips and the truth as we work to put down the phone, close the tabs, and live our life to the fullest.

We've all been around people who are stressed out, but do we realize how much other people's stress affects us? When someone gets upset, we get upset. And when they're stressed, we get stressed too. What can we do about it? Can we be compassionate without absorbing someone else's negative emotions? We talk about it today as we dig into energy vampires, boundaries, and why we have to keep working on our own stress. We're getting real about empathy and working to fill our own cups so that we can protect our energy and maybe spread a little bit of calm into a stressed-out world.

It's time to think about the way we think and to get real about the way our thoughts affect how stressed we get. It's time to abandon our negative self-talk and embrace the belief that we can do hard things. We're acknowledging our capabilities, throwing out counter mindsets, and recognizing that if we want a positive life, we have to change the way we think. We're choosing our responses, looking for the good, and recognizing that changing our mindset changes everything.

Responsibilities - We've all got them, but does our daily grind really have to be so stressful? The truth...probably not. We talk about why we often take on more than we can handle, why we value being busy, and the burden of our own expectations. We're talking about capacity, fun, and leaving space for life's best stuff.

Today is the first episode in our new series - Dear Stress, Let's Break Up, and we're getting into the details. What is stress, and why are we so affected by it? We get into some of the biggest culprits behind our daily stress, but more importantly, talk about some ways we can make things better! It's Stress 101 today, and we're glad you're here as we begin to take steps towards a calmer life.

We're wrapping up our series on bible verses we get wrong with a verse you've probably heard a lot. It's the verse that hypes us up, the verse we quote before the big game or the job interview, but are we using this verse correctly? We talk about context, what Paul was really getting at, and just how incredible this verse can be when we think about it in the right way. We're digging into endurance, contentment, and the stability of Jesus Christ.

Today's verse is everywhere. We slap it on signs and say it to people who are grieving or in a new phase of life. But, do we really know what it means? We talk about the importance of context and how looking at the bigger story can help us better understand the underlying truths. We talk about our plans vs God's plans, our hyper-focus on getting our way,  and wrap it up by talking about God's unending faithfulness and the promise of redemption

We live in a debate culture and argument has become a regular part of our speech. But is debating someone the best way to spread the love of Jesus? (Spoiler alert - it's not.) Today we get honest about our need to be right and how there just might be a better way to share the hope we have.

None of us like to wait. Even a short delay at the grocery store or a red light can send us into a spiral. We want things to move forward, so why do so many of us come to the idea that waiting on God means inaction? How do we know when to act and when to pause? What does waiting on God really mean? We answer these questions, talk about fear, and contrast reality with our expectations. We're sharing truth, getting real, and learning to wait - God's way.

Today we focus our attention on what delighting in the Lord, what that means and what it doesn't. We talk about the allure of the false prosperity gospel and the beauty of what today's verse really means. We want our way and we value happiness over just about anything else, but what if there was something better? We're learning to know God, want what He wants and truly set our heart and build our life around our delight in who He is.

Today we kick of our new series talking about Bible verses we commonly get wrong. Today we're talking about the false idea that God will never give us more than we can handle. We talk about where this notion came from, why it appeals to us, and more importantly what the truth is. We're talking about challenges and temptations and facing both with God's help.

It's summer, and unfortunately, with the glorious sunshine comes many ridiculous expectations. Today, we break down some of the summer pressures we put on ourselves and talk about the importance of breaking free. We talk about why we carry these expectations and encourage one another to walk in freedom and fun as we seek to ENJOY this beautiful season.

We're wrapping up our series on emotions by talking about joy. We all want it, need more of it, yet find it elusive. Today we talk about what joy really is, how it differs from happiness, and how it changes us. We share how to find joy - and how to change some of our thought patterns and habits to increase and maintain our joy. We wrap it up by sharing some of how we get in our own way, how we think incorrectly about joy, and how we sometimes fear joy. This one is packed with truths we need to hear as we seek out this life-changing emotion.

Anxiety is a daily struggle for many, and today, we have an honest conversation about this life-interrupting emotion. We dig into anxiety's close relationship with fear and talk about he power of our thoughts. We point out some of the ways we get in our own way and increase our anxiety as we confront our discomfort with uncertainty, our love of control, and our impossible to meet expectations. We wrap up today's episode with lots of tips to help us stop anxious thoughts in their tracks and work through some of our persistent fears. We're changing our perspective, leaning into our faith, and choosing to focus on all the things that could go right.

It's the word that comes up in almost every episode, and today it's getting its own podcast - fear. It runs and ruins our life and today we're digging into why it has such a powerful stronghold over us. We get honest about what's underneath our fear and wrestle with things like our discomfort with uncertainty and our tendency to think and believe the worst. We share important truths about our comfort zones, trust, and the power the stories we tell ourselves about our fears have on our life. We wrap it up with tips to work through and overcome fear and share how inviting God into our fear can remind us that we're not in this fight alone.