Making The Time

It's the very last episode. Hear about the plans for next season along with the Top 10 moments from this season. I also read some scripture and talk about serving and thankfulness before ending out the season. 

Bethany and I take some time to talk about the Thanksgiving season, and I love her take on serving family and friends within the home, both from a practical standpoint and a spiritual standpoint. We also talk a bit about perfectionism and saying no to it during the holidays.  Bethany Barendregt: Website  Women Encouraged: Website    Alex's Shawarma Recipe:  Makes enough for a crowd of 15 people  Recommend starting this a day ahead of time and marinating for a minimum of 3 hours and up to 24 hours (refrigerated). 2 1/2 Tablespoons ground cumin 2 1/2 Tablespoons turmeric powder 2 1/2 Tablespoons ground coriander 2 1/2 Tablespoons paprika 1 1/2 tsp ground cloves 3/4 tsp cayenne powder 1 tsp cinnamon 2 tsp ground black pepper 2 tsp salt 24 boneless skinless chicken thighs 8 cloves garlic, grated or very finely minced  2 large onions, thinly sliced Juice of 2 lemons 1 cup olive oil To serve: Pitas Tzatziki sauce Hummus Crispy lettuce like Romaine, chopped Pickles Kalamata olives Thinly-sliced red onion To make shawarma: 1. Mix all the spice ingredients together and set aside. 2. Pat the chicken dry, salt on both sides, and slice thinly into bite-size pieces. 3. Place chicken pieces in a large bowl, add spices, and toss to coat. 4. Add onions, lemon juice, and all of oil. Toss everything together again. Cover and refrigerate to marinate a minimum of 3 hours and up to 24 hours. (You can skip marinating time but the flavor will not be the same.) 5. When you are ready to cook, take the chicken out and let it sit at room temperature while you preheat the oven to 425°. 6. Line a baking sheet with tinfoil, spray with cooking spray then drizzle a very small amount of olive oil over it. 7. Spread the marinated chicken and onions in a single layer over the baking sheet and roast the chicken for 30 minutes in the 425 degree oven. When the chicken is fully roasted, move the pan to the top rack of the oven and broil for a few minutes (watch carefully to ensure it doesn’t burn). 8. Serve chicken immediately with tzatziki sauce, in pita pockets, or over salad. We also enjoyed it paired with a Mediterranean quinoa salad

Karen and I packed a lot into 20 minutes. Mainly, we spoke to having hearts of gratitude in all things. While it's only October, Thanksgiving will be here before we know it. And fun fact: Canadians celebrate Thanksgiving in October, so I suppose this comes right on time for them. In the last four episodes of Season 2, we'll prepare for Thanksgiving by first preparing our hearts. We hope you'll join us!   Links + Resources: Karen Gauvreau: website   Making The Time Patreon: website

Do you struggle with fear? On today's episode, I'm talking about fear regarding relationship with family and friends. I have come to find that it's in stillness with God where fears are calmed, where I can truly say "it is well with my soul," where I can walk with confidence because God is holding everything together. I don't know about you, but I don't want fear to lead to unhealthy emotions such as anger or bitterness. So I hope you'll take a listen and hear my heart, and then in the presence of God, choose faith over fear. 

In this episode, Megan and I talk about how stillness can be difficult in the busy seasons. Between children and work and projects on their fixer upper, Megan approaches this topic of stillness with honesty. She doesn't have it figured out and neither do I. Does anybody, really? Since none of us are experts when it comes to being still, maybe we can all just learn together in this episode.

Life moves way too quickly. They say the days are long but the years are short, and I wholeheartedly agree. That's why I need stillness, because I don't want to be in such a rush that I miss it all. I already know that one day I'll look back and this season of my life will be a blur, so I want to have moments where I take in this one life I'm living in the present, not somewhere down the road. I want to breath deeply, to seek the beauty of holiness, to calm the worry over things not being exactly how I'd like, and to simply "be." In this episode, I'm sharing 10 ways that I create stillness in my life. Some are ways that help bring my focus back to God, and some are ways that allow me to gain perspective to enjoy the here and now. I'd love to hear how you create stillness. Let me know in the comments!

For the month of September, we are talking all about stillness on Making the Time podcast! Making time for stillness can be so difficult. There is always so much going on, and if we're not careful, we find that from the moment we rise to the moment we lay down, we have rushed through the day and haven't made time to stop and simply 'be.' In this episode, Terri tells us about a time when her family was forced to be still and a few things she did to create stillness in her life. We also talk about a nonprofit called Door To Grace where Terri serves on their Board of Directors. Door To Grace is an aftercare organization for minor girls who have been sexually exploited in the state of Oregon. We learn from Terri the importance of cultivating stillness as well as enjoying life, and how both of those allow her to pour into this nonprofit in a way that's life-giving for all who are involved. Terri was so fun to sit and chat with, and I think you're going to love this episode! Terri Conlin: Website                    Instagram Door To Grace: Website Patreon Page: Making The Time

Life is hard. Just as we get used to life being one way, something changes. As we end out the theme of endings for the month of August, can we have hopeful vision even if we are facing an ending to one part of our lives right now? On this episode, we answer the when, why, and how on choosing hope and joy again. My husband and I talk together about the miscarriage we went through and how I found hope in such a hard ending.   Links from the show: Grace Like Scarlett: Grieving With Hope After Miscarriage And Loss by Adriel Booker How To Bless Others Even When You're Broken by Erin Whitmer

Parenting is hard and requires sacrifice. Emily Allen, podcast host for Kindred Mom and Mama to six children, talks a bit about what coming to the end of herself looks like as well as how she makes time for herself. You'll hear about how she stopped her business to focus on her children after feeling stretched too thin. I talk briefly about what the Bible teaches us about coming to the end of ourselves, but then we segue into what the Bible says about making time for ourselves as well. Grab some coffee and maybe a bible. While I didn't reference the scripture mentioned in the podcast, I've included them here in the show notes. Also, you will find a link to Kindred Mom that includes a freebie when you sign up!    Links + Resources Scripture References: 2 Timothy 4:7-8 1 Peter 5:6 Matthew 16:24-26 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 Ephesians 5:29   Emily Allen: Kindred Mom

In this episode, my husband shares the story of losing his leg to a skiing accident and his dad to cancer all within 10 years. In the continuing of life, I sometimes forget just how much my man has been through. Yet he lives without complaint, works hard, serves in our local church, and treats me and his little girls like queens. I hope you are encouraged upon hearing his testimony. Links from the show: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CLksDmiJ12Q&t=41s

Laura: "All those years in diapers and doing the menial things, which, you feel like plucking your eyes out sometimes — nothing is wasted." Our very first guest on Making The Time Podcast is Laura Thomas. She lives in Canada and is originally from the UK, the author of several books for young adults, and an almost "empty" nester. I think you'll discover that her life is far from empty. She's confident and full of wisdom, and I think you will love listening to her accent. Laura talks about the stages and phases or raising children, and how we should celebrate the little milestones. Together, we talk about how sometimes the endings we are facing are the beginning of something new. If you are in the thick of raising children, this episode is for you. If your child is about to leave the home, this episode is for you, too. And If you are facing an ending of any kind, this episode is especially for you.   Links & Resources:    Laura Thomas:  Website Instagram Facebook Making The Time Patreon Page

We are back on for season 2, and in the month of August, our theme is endings. There will be several guests on the show this season, so be sure to listen to find out what's new for Season 2! www.patreon.com/shelbyhughes

Each of us have pieces of our story that are hard to tell, pieces that we'd rather forget. But oftentimes, it's those stories that point us toward hope, toward redemption, toward peace. I don't know what pain or suffering has you feeling trapped today. It may be something present or, as presented in this podcast, it may be a story that happened years ago that continues to disrupt your life. I hope this episode reminds you that you can trust in the pieces that make up your story and entrust your story to God. For those of you who feel like God is angry with you or punishing you, this episode is especially for you. From The Podcast: Video by Chris Tomlin Amazing Grace movie The Artisan Soul by Erwin Raphael McManus *Notes: I noticed after recording this podcast that I introduced this episode as episode 12. It's 13. I also called Erwin's book "The Artisan Way." It's definitely "The Artisan Soul." My apologies. We all need a lot of grace, and this just goes to prove that I'm a better writer than speaker. *To find me outside of this podcast, visit shelbylhughes.com or find me on Facebook & Instagram @shelbyhugheswriter.

In this episode, I bring a memory from my childhood to remembrance and share it with you. I also explain how you can remember your story and why you should make the time to remember your story. This process of remembering may remain untold and hidden within you, it may reach your closest friends, or it may reach the world. Whatever your story and however you choose to tell it or not tell it, may this episode remind you that your story is unique and may be worth remembering.  From The Podcast: Living To Tell The Tale by Jane Taylor McDonnell To find me beyond this podcast, head over to shelbylhughes.com or find me on Facebook and Instagram @shelbyhugheswriter.

It's "Good" Friday today, and in this episode, I read some scripture on the care that Jesus showed his disciples when his betrayal was already in the works. I talk about how care and compassion relate to the dreams we carry, and share with you a favorite story of mine in which I recognized the compassion of many. I hope this episode reaches you as you reflect on the meaning of this weekend.  From The Podcast: Scripture taken from John 13.

In today's episode, I give you a few reasons why hobbies are good for your health, and how they contribute to your work day. You will hear about how hobbies relate to the dreams we hold, and I will also give you some scripture to think about as you choose to make the time for your hobbies. I also mention famous writers and the hobbies they held.  Links + Resources Watching TV To Relieve Stress Can Make You Feel Like A Failure by Alexandra Sifferlin 15 Famous Writers' Fascinating And Unusual Hobbies by Nicole Bianchi Ecclesiastes 2:22-24, 3:12-13, 5:18-20, 8:15

Ever wonder what the Bible really says about music? It's no wonder that there are many passionate opinions regarding music when it has the ability to evoke such emotion in just a few minutes. There is certainly music that we should listen to and music we should avoid. This podcast doesn't serve to boss your music list around, but to show you what positive music can do for your life and to show you an instance where God showed some of his glory after music was played in the Bible. While most of my episodes include quotes and stories, this episode tackles a bunch of scripture in hopes that you'll see how God views music. I briefly discuss how music helps us as we wait on our dreams for the future to unfold. I also include my top 10 list of artists that I've been listening to after facing a hard season in life.  From The Podcast Scripture: 1 Samuel 16:23 Song of Solomon Colossians 3:16 2 Chronicles 5: 13-14 Luke 1: 46-55 My Top 10 Artists: Christy Nockels Casting Crowns Libby John  Ellie Holcomb The Collingsworth Family For King And Country Bama Blu-Grace I Am They Mercy Me Ryan Stevenson

You have a dream that won't go away. It's sort of a lingering goal, one you may or may not be taking baby steps toward. In this episode, I am talking about those kinds of dreams, the ones that seem impossible or far off, but ones you can't stop thinking about. I talk about a man who won four Olympic gold medals in the 1936 Summer Olympics despite the ridicule he overcame, despite Hitler's opposition himself. I don't mention Hitler in my podcast, but you can read the whole story written by Jesse Owens, and that link is down below in the "From The Podcast" section. It's a great, easy read, and details how Jesse came to know God. In this episode, I also give my top 3 tips for writers and those who would like to start writing. From The Podcast: - Scripture from Psalm 37:3-5, KJV - Jesse, A Spiritual Autobiography by Jesse Owens (There are a few options to purchase this book used. I'd recommend checking with your local library.) - A Million Little Ways by Emily P Freeman (At this very moment, this amazing book is on sale! Hooray! Sales don't last long on Amazon, so I'd grab it on sale while you can.) - Kristin Strong: website and book. (Oh, her book is also on sale, too. It just keeps getting better!) - Carolyn Hommes: website and 10 Writing Tips For The Beginner guest post. (She doesn't have a book, but she has Instagram, and it's my favorite feed to follow.) Head to shelbylhughes.com/podcast to access links to this podcast. Find me on Facebook and Instagram @shelbyhugheswriter.

Do you ever feel like your dreams are on hold? Does it make you anxious when your dreams feel unattainable? On the podcast this month, our theme "Be A Dreamer" will take a closer look into having goals and dreams and how those are okay when we choose to have the right attitude about them.  In this episode, I talk specifically about disappointment versus contentment, how circumstances (perhaps dreams themselves) keep us from attaining other dreams, why I love to travel, the one country I've visited and how it came by surprise! Oh, and I'll also add the top 5 other places I'd love to visit one of these days that are outside of the U.S. Clearly, travelling to every state in the U.S. and seeing places like the Grand Canyon is on my much longer list of travel dreams. If you love to travel or dream of travelling, this podcast is for you. From The Podcast: P.S. I Love You by H. Jackson Brown Jr. That's What He Said: Quoting Mark Twain by Cindy Lovell on Huffington Post Össur, Life Without Limitations Scripture taken from King James Version, Philippians 4: 10-13 You can grab links and photos of Iceland at my website shelbylhughes.com/podcast. Just look for Episode 7: Travel Dreams. You can also find me on Instagram @shelbyhugheswriter.

As a child, I assumed that the friendships I held then would last forever. However, not all friendships are meant to last forever. We grow up, and then a combination of events happen. We may move away. We may get married. We may have children. And with added responsibility that comes with being an adult, we have less and less time for the friendships we once held. We grow and move on and make a few new friends in the process. However, we can still make the time for those long-distance friendships. And in this episode, I will answer these questions: How do we make the time for friends? Why is it important to cultivate our friendships? What are ways in which to make long distance friendships last? What is the difference between seasonal and forever friendships? In all the relationships we hold, there is nothing quite like friendship. We must make the time to develop them. Links and Resources: A Life For A Life by Dinah Maria Mulock Frequently Misquoted words originally penned by John Boyle O'Reilly in "Rules Of The Road," not Thoreau as mentioned in podcast. Thanks, research. *You can find this episode at shelbylhughes.com/podcast to grab the links for the resources mentioned above. *I have not yet read "A Life For A Life," but it's on my bookshelf to read next.

I don't know about you, but parenting may just be the single hardest calling I've ever taken part in. It doesn't matter the age of your children, every stage comes with difficulties. There are certainly plenty of parenting books out there and everyone has their own styles of raising children and they want to teach you how to be a better parent. In this episode, I'm not teaching you. I'm coming alongside you, hoping to encourage as you love your children well. l will talk about some of the things I've learned as a parent, and I'll give you my Top 10, but I hope as you listen, you remember that I'm a hot mess mama. I don't have this parenting thing figured out. I only know I need God's strength and the support of other parents as I walk through this amazing journey. If you are a parent or guardian, then this episode is just for you. From The Podcast: Out Of The Spin Cycle by Jen Hatmaker Merriam Webster: Despise definition Abraham Lincoln Quote Extra: I have written several blog posts on parenting. You can find those over at http://shelbylhughes.com. And because my children make up a huge portion of my day, I also have a few parenting posts over on Instragram @shelbyhugheswriter. Let's not do this parenting thing alone.

When we said "I do," we promised to have and to hold until death do us part. And we promised to do that no matter what. To have and to hold means that we cherish our spouse, and that we spend time with one another. But in the busy of life, it can be difficult to live that out sometimes, and it's not because we don't love our spouse, but because it's difficult to carve out intentional time for our spouse. In this episode, we will uncover ways to make time for our spouse and what loving them well looks like. If you want to make your marriage stronger, this episode is for you. And if you're single, there's a little word in here for you, too. From the podcast: The Art Of Marriage (Family Life Ministries) Scripture from Ephesians 5: 22-33 (King James Version) Join The Community: I write about marriage in "Conquering Change: a seven day series." Head to shelbylhughes.com and click on "Book" to receive your free copy and join the community for a letter of encouragement sent to your inbox each month.

God is ever-present. Jesus is Emmanuel (God with us). Do you ever want to know God's love and love him back but you just don't know where to start or feel sorta disconnected? In this episode, I'll talk through my favorite way to read the greatest love letter written. You'll also learn the scripture that challenged me to finally start this podcast, and to make the time for the important things, serving in love instead of stress, because we must first make the time for he who created us with the ability to create. Links + Resources in this episode: Scripture spoken in this episode taken from Luke 10. If you'd like to connect, you can reach me at shelbylhughes.com or on Instagram at #shelbyhugheswriter

Making The Time Podcast is for those who want to carve out intentional time for the things and the people they love. In this episode, I talk more about the "why" behind starting this podcast and a little on how the title came to be. Links + Resources in this episode: Emily P. Freeman (The Next Right Thing Podcast) If you'd like to connect, you can reach me at shelbylhughes.com or on Instagram at #shelbyhugheswriter

Making The Time Podcast is for those who want to carve out intentional time for the things and the people they love. In this episode, I simply talk a bit about me and my family and my choosing to be a stay-at-home mama. No shame in fellow mamas who have to work. Trust me. I get it. Links + Resources in this Episode: Wesley Hughes, my husband (TheAmp4Life YouTube Channel) Jamie Ivey (The Happy Hour Podcast, Episode 176 with Candace Cameron Bure) Find me at shelbylhughes.com or on Instragram at #shelbyhugheswriter or Facebook @shelbyhugheswriter Life is ever-changing, confusing, complicated, and cluttered. If this describes your life, you might find encouragement by joining my monthly newsletter: http://eepurl.com/cxzIdD