More to Be Podcast

Would you love to be able to say YES to slowed-down life? Are you over the hurry and hustle? Maybe you are simply burned out. Maybe you are at the stage of life in which you've discovered the gift of sabbath and joy of stillness and don't want to live a life that doesn't value both.No matter where you find yourself today, this episode is for you. Join me as I unpack the journey I've been on over the last ten years of leading More to Be, resulting in my decision to say YES to a slowed-down life and embrace this new season the Lord has ushered in. You won't want to miss hearing quite a few announcements about the future of More to Be and the More to Be Podcast. Plus, I share a pretty life-changing list of 10 Things I've Learned from Leading More to Be. If you are leading a ministry, launching a business, or laying the foundation for a future dream, you'll want to take note of these timeless biblically-steeped lessons.Listen on iTunes, Stitcher, and SpotifyIf you've been blessed by this podcast, we hope you'll show your support by sharing it with your friends and family as well as take a moment to rate and review it in your listening app!Helpful LinksLisaPulliam.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Are you having trouble keeping it together? Does it feel like you're being overwhelmed by daily life, never mind facing unexpected circumstances with any kind of grace and poise? Oh, sister, you're not alone. Life ain't easy. But that doesn't mean you have to live without hope. Nor do you have to face the daily and the unexpected from a place of overwhelm. There is more for you in Jesus. Join me for an honest and faith-inspiring conversation with bible study teacher and faith-in-the-trenches sister, Wendy Pope, as we unpack biblical principles that you can stand upon confidently. We chat about Wendy's latest book, Jesus Everlasting, and navigating through the trials of COVID, the grief that comes when we lose loved ones and discovering how to live life with confidence that God is still on His throne. Listen on iTunes, Stitcher, and SpotifyIf you've been blessed by this podcast, we hope you'll show your support by sharing it with your friends and family as well as take a moment to rate and review it in your listening app!Helpful LinksConnect with Wendy PopeJesus Everlasting: Leaning on Our Counselor, Defender, Father, and Friend by Wendy Pope2 Corinthians 3:16-18 See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

If you stopped for a moment and reflected on the last 24 hours, would you be able to recognize the hand of God moving in your life? Could you see the lessons He has for you in the mundane and chaos? His provisions in the hardships and abundance? His extravagant race and radical mercy in the middle of a life you didn't plan but know deeply that it is divinely ordained?Maybe you can raise your hands in a hearty, "Absolutely!" knowing God is in the details of your life. Or maybe you find yourself in a season of suffering, and the pain clouds your vision of His work.No matter where you find yourself today, this episode with Caitlin Henderson is bound to give you a fresh perspective on the presence of God in your story. Caitlin comes to us as an unexpected farmer's wife, who is still learning to trust God with "everything from wayward tractors to watching a marriage grow from surviving to flourishing." This time with Caitlin is precious as we explore timeless truths about God's faithfulness. she reminds us to see the redemption in our own stories.Helpful LinksFaith, Farming, and Family: Cultivating Hope and Harvesting Joy Wherever You Are by Caitlin HendersonEmbrace the benefits of Life Coaching, starting with a Discovery Session!James 1:2-3Become a More to Be Podcast Community MemberThe More to Be Podcast is supported by our Patreon Podcast Community. You can become a valuable member and get access to exclusive downloadable resources, courses, coaching, and more at patreon.com/moretobe/. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

What would your life look like if you were deeply rooted in your faith and equally established by the love of God?Maybe you've not thought about these two aspects as it pertains to your emotional and relational health before, presuming that simply having faith is enough? Or that knowing God can be enough, evening if you don't personally feel a manifestation of His love. On this episode of the More to Be Podcast, I am joined by Mazi Robison, a woman passionate about God's purposes and presence in our lives. She is equally committed to helping women uncover emotional wellness and the ability to grow relationally, with the confidence of the Lord and filling of His love as a guiding force. So if you're ready to grow as a woman of God, listen in to discover ways that you may be ready to experience wholehearted breakthrough and authentic life transformation!Helpful LinksEmbrace the benefits of Life Coaching, starting with a Discovery Session!Meet Mazi Robinson Learn more about the Uncomplicating Love CourseCultivate AtlantaI Thought It Was Just Me (but it isn't): Making the Journey from "What Will People Think?" to "I Am Enough by Brene BrownAnatomy of the Soul by Dr. Curt ThompsonFind a Counselor OnlineListen to this episode on Debunking the Myths of CounselingBible References: Ephesians 3:17-19, Romans 8, 2 Corinthians 12:9Become a More to Be Podcast Community MemberThe More to Be Podcast is supported by our Patreon Podcast Community. You can become a valuable member and get access to exclusive downloadable resources, courses, coaching, and more at patreon.com/moretobe/. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Do you remember where you were when you learned of the brutal terrorist attacks on 9/11? For Christina Ray Stanton, that day will forever be imprinted upon her heart and mind in a way that many of us could not even imagine. It is for that reason, I count it a privilege and honor to have Christina on the podcast during the 20th anniversary of 9/11. Living only six blocks from the Twin Towers, Christina and her husband Brian, as well as their dog, felt and saw the attack first hand. Not only did they endure a harrowing escape from Manhattan by boat to New Jersey, they found themselves homeless and desperately in need of the kind of volunteerism and generosity in which they would have normally been on the other side.Christina's testimony of God's provisions and faithfulness will not only encourage you but also challenge you to see life from a new perspective. Her accounts of the kindness of strangers and friends alike, will inspire you to live more intentionally, compassionately, and courageously. Christina Ray Stanton is an award-winning author and licensed NYC tour guide, and has been featured in print and TV many times in her 25-year career. For a decade she worked as Redeemer Presbyterian's short-term missions director, and she is the founder of the nonprofit organization Loving All Nations (lovingallnations.org). She and her husband, Brian, still live within blocks of the World Trade Center. To learn more about Christina, please visit christinaraystanton.com.Helpful LinksOut of the Shadow of 9/11: An Inspiring Tale of Escape and Transformation by Christina Ray StantonLoving All Nations Embrace the benefits of Life Coaching, starting with a Discovery Session!Become a More to Be Podcast Community MemberThe More to Be Podcast is supported by our Patreon Podcast Community. You can become a valuable member and get access to exclusive downloadable resources, courses, coaching, and more at patreon.com/moretobe/. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Can you believe that in September 2011, More to Be was launched with a vision to impact teenage girls by equipping their moms and mentors . . .Yep, teenage girls.So what happened to that vision to pivot into where we find ourselves today . . . helping women, just like you, experience wholehearted breakthrough and authentic life transformation?It really is a story of God's faithfulness in how He directed my steps even when I didn't know where He was taking me nor our community of More to Be sisters.Join me and my dear friend, Kalie, as we recount God's hand of provision and reflect on His purposes prevailing in our latest episode of the More to Be Podcast, Reflecting on God's FaithfulnessWe not only take a trip down memory lane, but we dig into Psalm 37 and close with Psalm 23 as we consider what it looks like to walk in step with our Savior. It is my prayer that this episode will fill your heart and mind with hope and renew your passion for walking in step with the Lord as you turn your attention to His presence even as His purposes may feel unknown.I am so grateful to be on this journey with you, which is why we're taking this month to celebrate YOU as we reflect on God's faithfulness to the ministry of More to Be with a 10th Anniversary MONTH-LONG Giveaway!You can win:Coaching Session with a More to Be CoachMembership to the M2B SisterhoodInfuse Life Transformation CourseSigned Copy of Meet the New YouSigned Copy of Unblinded FaithBe sure to head over here to enter the 10th Anniversary Giveaway! Winners will be drawn weekly through September 30, 2021.Helpful LinksNecessary Endings, New Beginnings Podcast Episode #801Walnut Hill Flower FarmEmbrace the benefits of Life Coaching, starting with a Discovery Session!Psalm 37Psalm 23Become a More to Be Podcast Community MemberThe More to Be Podcast is supported by our Patreon Podcast Community. You can become a valuable member and get access to exclusive downloadable resources, courses, coaching, and more at patreon.com/moretobe/. Each Sister Member receives a monthly coaching session while space is available. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

What matters more than love?Have you thought about that question, especially in light of your relationships? Maybe you find yourself more concerned with being right, or not being wrong, than you are with how love is impacting your relationship with God, others, and even yourself?Yes, it is possible to be more passionate about truth and being the "good girl" than it is about receiving and giving love the way God has laid out for us in the Scriptures.Not sure what I mean about that? Then join me for this episode of the More to Be Podcast for a thoughtful conversation with Jared Byas, author of Love Matters More. We explore the biblical call to love well without using truth as a weapon and consider how we can become aware of what is motivating our actions and hindering our ability to love God and others well. You'll be encouraged and challenged to love more intentionally!Helpful LinksLove Matters More: How Fighting to Be Right Keeps Us from Loving Like Jesus by Jared ByasEmbrace the benefits of Life Coaching, starting with a Discovery Session!Become a More to Be Podcast Community MemberThe More to Be Podcast is supported by our Patreon Podcast Community. You can become a valuable member and get access to exclusive downloadable resources, courses, coaching, and more at patreon.com/moretobe/. Become a More to Be Podcast Community Member! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Smiling through change and uncertainty is never easy. Wouldn't you agree? No matter what our age, the "what ifs" and the "how comes" never go away. It can be fear-inducing, emotionally overwhelming, and even crippling to face the unknown, especially when everything familiar seems to be falling apart.On the latest episode of the More to Be Podcast, I had the privilege of connecting with author Katy McCown about learning how to smile through fear. Now your story of growing through change and learning to find joy in the midst of struggle might not include moving across the country multiple times following your husband's NFL career, like Katy's does, but chances are you are familiar with starting fresh, building new relationships, getting comfortable in a new community, and the many emotions that come with.Change is inevitable and we are always going through new seasons in life. If you need encouragement on how to smile without fear for where you are right now or for where your life is going, then this podcast episode is for you.Helpful LinksKaty McCown and She Smiles Without Fear Bible StudyLearn More about Life CoachingJoin the SisterhoodIf you are blessed by our podcast and ministry, we invite you to become a Sisterhood Member as a way of supporting our work. You'll gain access to our digital library full of resources that will help you have a fresh encounter with God and His Word. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Pruning. It is a remarkable task that leads to growth, yet it is so hard to do. Wouldn't you agree?Recently, the Lord reminded me of the pruning I went through 12 years ago when He led me to shut down my blog and ministry dreams right when they were taking off. I was sitting in the middle of my rose garden, tending to a dozen bushes. The Lord said, “Lis, you can have lots of bushes with hardly any blooms or a few bushes with lots of blooms.” I tearfully obeyed and I am so glad because the blooms have been beautiful in the last decade.Ironically, I am in a different house now with one pathetic-looking rose bush that the pup keeps trying to steal petals off of on the way out to the yard. I can't help but see how this bush has been an annoying yet welcomed reminder of the timeless lesson of pruning. Yes, it is time for me to prune again, even though so much appears to be thriving, for the sake of the whole bush.Simply put, it is time for necessary endings and new beginnings in order to embrace whole-hearted breakthrough and authentic life transformation that results in aligning with God's best. Yes, this requires a mindset shift away from what the world values compared to what is required of us to steward our heart, mind, body, and soul needs in order to love the Lord, ourselves, and others well. What does this process look like in your life? Join me, and my treasured co-host and friend, Kalie Kelch, on this episode of the More to Be Podcast where we dive into John 15 as well as Joshua 3 and 4 to explore what God's work looks like in our everyday lives and how to join Him in it by faith.Helpful LinksNecessary Endings by Dr. Henry CloudCore Values AssessmentLearn about EMDR Learn More about Life CoachingJoin the SisterhoodIf you are blessed by our podcast and ministry, we invite you to become a Sisterhood Member as a way of supporting our work. You'll gain access to our digital library full of resources that will help you have a fresh encounter with God and His Word. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

How often do we make our plans only to have them suddenly come crumbling down. But what if our crashing plans is part of God's purposes to direct us onto the path He has for us? Certainly that is one perspective if we look at our life through the lens of Proverbs 16:9, which states that "We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps."Nothing could ring truer of this verse than Richard Stearns' life, which is truly a classic story of man's big plans being rerouted by God's bigger blessings.On this episode of the More to Be Podcast, I chat with Richard Stearns, President Emeritus of World Vision USA about the way God took him as young man determined to get into an Ivy League college and corporate success story to a man committed to Jesus, his wife, and twenty years of advocating for the orphaned, the widowed, the sick, and the hungry. His story will renew your hope in God's transforming work and fill you afresh with a sense of awe at how He works. Yes, my friend, God isn't done in our stories and has not quit working in the lives of those we deeply love.Richard Stearns currently serves as President Emeritus for World Vision U.S. after retiring at the end of 2018. He was the longest-serving president of World Vision. Stearns is the second of two children of working-class parents in Syracuse, New York. He worked his way through Cornell University, earning a bachelor's degree in neurobiology in 1973. After receiving a master's degree in business administration from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, Stearns began a career in marketing for several Fortune 500 companies. In 1998, Stearns accepted the role of President at World Vision US. He has traveled to more than 40 of the nearly 100 countries where World Vision works. His wife Renee, a lawyer by training, also travels and speaks on behalf of World Vision. The couple has five children. In 2021 he published his latest book, Lead Like it Matters to God: Values-Driven Leadership in a Success-Driven World.Helpful LinksLead Like it Matters to God by Richard SternsLearn More about Life CoachingJoin the SisterhoodIf you are blessed by our podcast and ministry, we invite you to become a Sisterhood Member as a way of supporting our work. You'll gain access to our digital library full of resources that will help you have a fresh encounter with God and His Word. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Do you feel like God has called you to biblically mentor the next generation, yet you're not quite sure you are qualified, equipped, or worthy of the role?The good news is that God doesn't look at our past to determine our future impact, especially when it comes to mentoring.His call is always fresh. He invites us to live out the Word day-by-day, and from that overflow, impact the lives around us in an intentional way.Yes, biblical mentoring comes from the overflow of our relationship with Christ as we seek to pour into the lives of those God has placed into our homes, places of work, church families, and the community at large. So what does that look like for you? Well, it starts with understanding the call to biblical mentoring, which is what we're doing in this month's Let Go & Live Bible Study and on this episode of the More to Be Podcast.To get full access to all the content in the Bible study, you can become a More to Be Sisterhood member, which also includes a special discount code to access the Impact Mentoring Course at half-off!If you're ready to see God work in a might way through you, I pray you'll join in this study of Titus 2 to uncover how answering the call to mentor biblically will radically impact with kingdom purpose.Growth LinksTitus 2Exodus 18Impact Together: Biblical Mentoring Simplified (book)Impact Mentoring Course (save $10 or join the Sisterhood and save $19)Let Go and Live Bible Study in the Sisterhood {Save Here}Life Coach Training CourseLearn More about Life CoachingFind a Christian CounselorShould you see a counselor or a coach? Take this quiz.Join the SisterhoodIf you are blessed by our podcast and ministry, we invite you to become a Sisterhood Member as a way of supporting our work. You’ll gain access to our digital library full of resources that will help you have a fresh encounter with God and His Word. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

How many times have you asked God "why?" "Why me? Why now? Why this?"Whether you are 18, 88, or somewhere in between you've likely faced something that made you feel out of place, alone, and uncertain. What has been your response? Do you walk in faith or question God's plan? Maybe you experience both those emotions? As children of God, our lives have been perfectly orchestrated by our Creator. With every challenging "why," we can trust that His intended plan is not ruined.On this episode of the More to Be Podcast, join me as I chat with Kristen Humiston and Jennifer Booth, both More to Be trained coaches, as we explore what it means to find our place in the midst of uncertainty. As we have discovered throughout the ups and downs of our journeys, figuring out who we are and what we're supposed to be doing with our time, talents, and passions, can be answered by aligning our lives with God's best. Tune in to this episode to discover what the looks like in a practical and hopeful way. Helpful LinksLet Go and Live Bible Study in the Sisterhood {Save Here}Life Coach Training CourseLearn More about Life CoachingMeet Kristen Joy HumistonMeet Jennifer Booth Join the SisterhoodIf you are blessed by our podcast and ministry, we invite you to become a Sisterhood Member as a way of supporting our work. You’ll gain access to our digital library full of resources that will help you have a fresh encounter with God and His Word. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

What if your hurry came to a screeching halt and you discovered in the process that the race to the never-ending, always-moving finish was actually doing you harm? Would you take that as a wake-up and choose to live life differently? Or would you grumble and complain, fighting against the pressure to be still and slow down?Well, for some of us, an abrupt change in the way we do life is simply hypothetical. For others, it has been a firsthand experience, where the unexpected diagnosis, unwanted betrayal, and unanticipated season of change forced our hand at evaluating priorities and redefining values.For Jennifer Dukes Lee, her experience necessitated such a shift in thinking and living on more than one occasion, leading her to discover the beauty of growing slow. On this episode, I am thrilled to have Jennifer join us again (yes, she's a favorite returning guest) to share her wisdom captured in her latest book Growing Slow (releasing May 2021). No matter what season you find yourself in today, this episode will cause you to hit pause, take notes, and soak in the hope of what is to come when God's works in the slow growing of your life.Jennifer Dukes Lee lives on the fifth-generation Lee family farm in Iowa, where she and her husband are raising crops, pigs, and two beautiful humans. She writes books, loves queso, and enjoys singing too loudly to songs with great harmony. Once upon a time, she didn’t believe in Jesus; now he’s her CEO. Find Jennifer at www.JenniferDukesLee.com and on Instagram at @JenniferDukesLee.Helpful LinksGrowing Slow by Jennifer Dukes LeeLet Go and Live Bible Study in the Sisterhood {Save Here}Life Coach Training CourseLearn More about Life CoachingJoin the SisterhoodIf you are blessed by our podcast and ministry, we invite you to become a Sisterhood Member as a way of supporting our work. You’ll gain access to our digital library full of resources that will help you have a fresh encounter with God and His Word. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

What is the heart work, and hard work, God wants to accomplish in your life?Yes, heart work and hard work are often synonymous. Becoming more like Christ, and uncovering the life God intended for us to live, doesn't happen by doing the same thing over and over again. That would be the definition of insanity, right?Wholehearted breakthrough and authentic life transformation are accomplished place when we embrace a new way of thinking and living that aligns with God's best.On this episode of the More to Be Podcast, I’m joined by Kalie Kelch for the next part in our Let Go & Live: A Vision for Breakthrough Bible study picking up where we left off in Hebrews 12. It's a heart-work and hard-work chapter, for sure! First, we have to get our mind around the promise of becoming God's adopted children of God by faith in Jesus Christ. And then, we're invited to embrace that new identity and the prospect of being disciplined because of God's love for us and desire to make us more like Jesus. Finally, as His children, we're called to live differently . . . to live in peace, if at all possible.Wouldn't you agree that peace would be nice -- whether it is peace with God, in our families and friendships, in our workplaces and community, in our country and world? But to get to the place of peace, we must first shift our thinking from "What is good for me?" to "What is good for us?" If you're ready to consider that challenge, this episode is perfect for you. And if you're a bit hesitant, that's okay. Consider this promise from Hebrew 12 instead: We serve an unshakeable God!Growth LinksHoly Whole Bible StudyMeet Teddy and watch equine-assisted coaching in the Sisterhood (part 1 and part 2)Let Go and Live Bible Study in the Sisterhood {Save Here}Life Coach Training CourseLearn More about Life CoachingFind a Christian CounselorShould you see a counselor or a coach? Take this quiz.Join the SisterhoodIf you are blessed by our podcast and ministry, we invite you to become a Sisterhood Member as a way of supporting our work. You’ll gain access to our digital library full of resources that will help you have a fresh encounter with God and His Word. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Have you ever gone through a "friendship breakup"? Maybe you're at a crossroads with a friend with no end in sight. Or maybe it is time to re-evaluate whether you are allowing safe people into your life. Whatever the situation may be, we all known that friendships can sometimes bring rocky territory and heartbreak.On this episode of the More to Be Podcast, I had the chance to talk with Hannah Brencher, about the beauty from ashes that God can bring out of broken relationships. We talked about "fighting forward" for our friendships and making wise choices about who we allow into our inner circle. Yes, God will rebuild on the ruins and make a path in the wilderness.If any of this resonates with you and you are in need of some encouragement as you navigate friendships, then this episode is for you.Helpful LinksHannah Brencher CreativeFighting Forward by Hannah BrencherLet Go and Live Bible Study in the Sisterhood {Save Here}Jeremiah 30:18Isaiah 43:19Life Coach Training CourseLearn More about Life CoachingJoin the SisterhoodIf you are blessed by our podcast and ministry, we invite you to become a Sisterhood Member as a way of supporting our work. You’ll gain access to our digital library full of resources that will help you have a fresh encounter with God and His Word. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Are you ready to experience the kind of breakthrough with God that leads to wholehearted healing and well-being? Wouldn't that be remarkable -- to be free of the habits and hang-ups that hold you back from aligning with His best?If you answered yes, like most of us, then it is time to discover what is standing in the way of experiencing the emotional and spiritual healing you crave.On this episode of the More to Be Podcast, I'm joined by Kalie Kelch as we embrace a deep journey into the first part of Hebrews 12, where God invites us once again to see Him as our loving Father and embrace the work He desires to accomplish in our life. It is a perfect continuation of our Let Go & Live: A Vision for Breakthrough Bible study, as this passage not only challenges us to embrace our position as adopted children of God by faith in Jesus Christ but also to understand the nuances of being trained up through discipline. You might be wondering, but what does this have to do with healing? Well, sisters, grab your Bible and carve out space to study God's Word with us and you'll find out.Yes, God is eager to meet you right where you are and bring about a radical transformation in your heart and mind that will result in a different way of thinking and living . . . an ultimately aligning with His best for your life.Growth LinksLet Go and Live Bible Study in the Sisterhood {Save Here}Hebrews 11I Thought It Was Just Me (but it isn't): Making the Journey from "What Will People Think?" to "I Am Enough" by Brene BrownLife Coach Training CourseLearn More about Life CoachingFind more links and resources, especially about attachment, within the Let Go & Live Bible StudyFind a Christian CounselorShould you see a counselor or a coach? Take this quiz.Join the SisterhoodIf you are blessed by our podcast and ministry, we invite you to become a Sisterhood Member as a way of supporting our work. You’ll gain access to our digital library full of resources that will help you have a fresh encounter with God and His Word. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Home.That word can elicit a range of different emotions. For some, the idea of home brings about feelings of family traditions, loved ones, or the place they always want to come back to. For others, the thought of home simply hurts, with disappointments, heartbreaks, and unattainable expectations.There is something in all of us that longs for that sense of comfort and stability . . . that is the hope for home.I have uncovered that hope again, thanks to the inspiration of a long-known of, but new to me friend, Ruth Mckeaney, who is also the author of Hungry for Home, a book that brings to life the sacredness of connections, the power of traditions, and the importance of family culture. If you are searching for home with a longing to recenter yourself and your family culture, then this episode is for you.I have uncovered it again, thanks to the inspiration of a long-known of, but new to me friend, Ruth Mckeaney, who is also the author of Hungry for Home, a book that brings to life the sacredness of connections, the power of traditions, and the importance of family culture. If you are searching for home with a longing to recenter yourself and your family culture, then this episode is for you.Helpful LinksHungry for Home by Ruth McKeaneyRuth McKeany at hungry4home.comCore Values AssessmentLet Go and Live Bible Study in the Sisterhood {Save Here}Life Coach Training CourseLearn More about Life CoachingJoin the SisterhoodIf you are blessed by our podcast and ministry, we invite you to become a Sisterhood Member as a way of supporting our work. You’ll gain access to our digital library full of resources that will help you have a fresh encounter with God and His Word. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

If all your thoughts on any given day were recorded and transcribed, how would it read?More importantly, how would those thoughts line up with Scripture? Would you be able to flip open your Bible and say, "Yep, this is a truth!" or would you more likely struggle to find a biblical principle that supports that way of thinking?With as much time as I spend teaching the Word, it really is amazing how often I find my thoughts filled with shame messages shaping a twisted perspective about who I am in Christ and how God's promises are as true for me as they are for you. Maybe you feel the same way too.Well, friend, it's time to circle the wagons on our thought life and carve out a new way of thinking and therefore living. Join me for this episode of the More to Be Podcast as we study Romans 8 together. This powerful chapter paints a picture of what it means to think biblically and live transformed as an overflow of belonging to Christ. Sister, we don't have to be dominated by the flesh, for the invitation stands before us to be led by the Spirit, embracing our full identity as God's beloved child and experiencing the overwhelming victory secured for us by Christ.By the way, this episode is part of the Let Go and Live: A Vision for Breakthrough Bible study, which you can get access to as a member of the Sisterhood. If you would prefer to watch a video of this episode instead of listening to it (hello, learning styles) and download all the related study resources, join us in the Sisterhood.Growth LinksLet Go and Live Bible Study in the Sisterhood {Save Here}Romans 8Life Coach Training CourseLearn More about Life CoachingJoin the SisterhoodIf you are blessed by our podcast and ministry, we invite you to become a Sisterhood Member as a way of supporting our work. You’ll gain access to our digital library full of resources that will help you have a fresh encounter with God and His Word.Show Your SupportWe hope you’ll show your support for our ministry by sharing the More to Be Podcast it with your friends and family as well as take a moment to rate and review it in your listening app. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Have you ever said, “If only I could go back and tell myself ______”?Or thought to yourself, “If only I had known!”?Well, you’re not alone, sister.Far too often we find ourselves wondering if things would be different today if we had made different choices twenty years ago. We see our children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews growing up and wishing we could shake them into not making the same mistakes that we did. However, looking back on what feels like regrets can also be an outlet for praising God for the work he had done in our lives and just how far we’ve come.That’s exactly what happened on this episode of the More to Be Podcast. I sat down with Perry Ashley and Lavonda McCullough to talk about what we wish we knew when. We reflected on the lies we believed, the sin that kept us trapped, and the insecurities that kept us from living the life God intended for us. The best part of the conversation — it allowed us to be full of gratitude for how far the Lord has carried us.If you are feeling discouraged and in need of a reminder of the Father’s immense love and grace, then this episode is for you.Helpful LinksLet Go and Live Bible Study in the Sisterhood {Save Here}Life Coach Training CourseLearn More about Life CoachingJoin the SisterhoodIf you are blessed by our podcast and ministry, we invite you to become a Sisterhood Member as a way of supporting our work. You’ll gain access to our digital library full of resources that will help you have a fresh encounter with God and His Word. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

If you hit pause to reflect on the state of your life right now, what is the first word that comes to mind that best describes how you feel?I can only imagine some of the words that might slip off your lips and out of your heart . . .overwhelmedanxioussadconfusedfrustrateddefeatedlonelyIf this is you, you're not alone. Between the state of the world amidst COVID and all the turmoil in politics, the culture, and the economy, it is no surprise. But sister, there is another way to live, even when everything around us -- including those we're in a relationship with -- is in chaos. We can thrive when we're connected to the One who sustains us. What does that look like exactly? Well, Paul has a distinctly refreshing perspective in his letter to the Philippians. Join me for this episode of the More to Be Podcast to unpack chapter 3 with my dear friend and cohost, Kalie Kelch. We consider what a biblical definition of well-being truly looks like and the importance of remembering that we're simply here on work visas. What do I mean by that? Well, you'll have to listen to this episode to find out.By the way, this episode is part of the Let Go and Live: A Vision for Breakthrough Bible study, which you can get access to as a member of the Sisterhood. If you would prefer to watch a video of this episode instead of listening to it (hello, learning styles) and download all the related study resources, join us in the Sisterhood. Growth LinksLet Go and Live Bible Study in the Sisterhood {Save Here}Philippians 3Meet the New YouHow Trauma Impacts Your Brain, Part 1 and 2 {Available in the Sisterhood)MakeItOk.org {understanding mental health}Life Coach Training CourseLearn More about Life CoachingJoin the SisterhoodIf you are blessed by our podcast and ministry, we invite you to become a Sisterhood Member as a way of supporting our work. You’ll gain access to our digital library full of resources that will help you have a fresh encounter with God and His Word. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Do you feel like you are the only one whose life does not look perfect?Maybe all you can see is the wreck in your home and in your relationships. Maybe all you feel is distracted and exhausted.While 2020 was tough for everyone, it did not stop the barrage of social media highlights, comparison traps, and endless cycles of saying you'll stop scrolling social media and then being sucked right back in.So what does it look like to live beyond the highlight reel? It's gritty and tough. Yes, it is still full of overflowing kitchen sinks and the same squabble over and over with your spouse. But it can also be about uncovering old hurts and finally putting a name to the anxiety you have always felt. And it starts by being honest.On this episode of the More to Be Podcast, Meredith Boggs and I talked about marriage, parenting, mental health, and everything in between. Together we explore how to break out of the highlight reel mindset so that we can live free and find the life God intended for us to live -- a life aligned with His best. Helpful LinksMeredith BoggsLet Go and Live Bible Study in the Sisterhood {Save Here}Isaiah 612 Corinthians 3:16Life Coach Training CourseLearn More about Life CoachingJoin the SisterhoodIf you are blessed by our podcast and ministry, we invite you to become a Sisterhood Member as a way of supporting our work. You’ll gain access to our digital library full of resources that will help you have a fresh encounter with God and His Word. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

What is that one thing . . . that one hurt . . . that one disappointment . . .that one habit . . . that continues to rob your life of joy and holds you back from the life you know God wants you live?More importantly, what would it take to finally experience breakthrough in that area of your life?Are you hoping that God would simply sweep in and break the stronghold? Would you like Him to relieve you from the guilt or shame, anxiety or fear, like a fairy godmother waving her wand? Maybe you think that a breakthough looks less like what God might do for you and more of what you need to do for yourself?Well, sister, how about we find out this year? Rather than simply imagining a different life -- a different way of being -- what if we actually did something about it?It's time to align our lives with God's best through a fresh encounter with God and in His Word.Sure, that's what we've always been about at More to Be, but this year, we're diving in even deeper with the Let Go & Live Bible study, jointly hosted on the More to Be Podcast and the More to Be Sisterhood. The Let Go & Live Bible study is designed to help you discover how to apply biblical principles alongside practical tips for addressing emotional wellbeing so that you can show up in your relationships, work, and ministry without the triggers getting the best of you. Each month you can listen to the Let Go and Live episode on the More to Be Podcast or watch the teaching video in the Sisterhood, and then use the resources (accessible exclusively in the Sisterhood) to dive deeper into Scripture and to help you apply the principles to your relationship with God and others. You might be wondering how this study could fit into your life? ​It's as flexible as it can be. At the beginning of each month, you'll get the content through the Sisterhood and then you can set aside a few hours a month (yep, a month, not a week) to study the key passage and embrace the process of Scripture memory, prayer, and reflection. So what are you waiting for?This is the year, sister, to let go of whatever is holding you back from the life God designed for you to live -- a life in which you become brighter and more beautiful, more like Jesus, through a fresh encounter with Him and His Word.Growth LinksLet Go and Live Bible Study in the Sisterhood {Save Here}Isaiah 612 Corinthians 3:16Life Coach Training CourseLearn More about Life CoachingJoin the SisterhoodIf you are blessed by our podcast and ministry, we invite you to become a Sisterhood Member as a way of supporting our work. You’ll gain access to our digital library full of resources that will help you have a fresh encounter with God and His Word. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

When you are stressed, tired, or needing to just block out the world, what do you turn to?Is it social media? Food? People?The reality is that none of these will ever satisfy. We will be left wanting more, continuously coming back to find an inkling of joy and escape. Wendy Speake joined me again on the More to Be Podcast to talk about her latest book, The 40-Day Social Media Fast, and how important it is for our relationship with the Lord and the people in our lives, to fast from distractions and be present in the every day.So often it is easy to hide or find something to numb the pain, but surrendering our addictions allows us to be consumed by the only thing that will ever satisfy us is Jesus.If you're looking to minimize the distractions and increase your devotion to Jesus so that your life may align with His best, listen to this episode on More to Be Podcast. You'll be challenged and encouraged to press into the life God made you for. Mentions | Links | ResourcesMeet Wendy Speake at wendyspeake.comThe 40 Day Social Media Fast by Wendy SpeakeThe 40 Day Sugar Fast by Wendy SpeakeFasting from Sugar, Feasting on Jesus, Podcast #216Life Coach Training CourseBook a Discovery SessionEquine-Assisted CoachingSisterhood MembershipSupport the More to Be PodcastIf you are blessed by our podcast and ministry, we invite you to become a Sisterhood Member as a way of supporting our work. You’ll gain access to our digital library full of resources that will help you have a fresh encounter with God and His Word. Join Now and SAVE!!! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Do you feel bogged down, unable to break out of harmful thought patterns?Are you quick to believe lies instead of the truth?Are you longing for healing and transformation?If you answered yes, or know of someone who would answer yes to the questions above, then this podcast episode is for you. On this episode of the More to Be Podcast, I sat down (virtually of course) with author and speaker Stacee Carr to talk about who God says that we are and trusting the truth of His Word. We talk about how God doesn't waste anything, even our weaknesses and that living in Truth will set us free.Mentions | Links | ResourcesI Am by Stacee P CarrMeet the New You by Elisa PulliamLife Coach Training CourseLearn More about Life CoachingBook a Discovery SessionEquine-Assisted CoachingSisterhood MembershipMatthew 6:1-4 CSB Romans 12:2 CSBDeuteronomy 6:6-9 CSB 1 Peter 2:9 CSB Support the More to Be PodcastIf you are blessed by our podcast and ministry, we invite you to become a Sisterhood Member as a way of supporting our work. You’ll gain access to our digital library full of resources that will help you have a fresh encounter with God and His Word. Join Now and SAVE!!! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

It is without a doubt that the 2020 holiday season is going to look different than most. The normal chaos that comes with planning meals, decorating houses, going to holiday gatherings, and buying Christmas gifts becomes all the more complicated in the middle of a global pandemic. How can you walk through this sacred season with grace?What are ways for you to build margin into your life so that you can enjoy time with your community and spend time in worship of the King of Kings?On this episode of the More to Be Podcast, I chat with Dawn Sadler and Leisa Short, two of our More to Be Coaches about preparing for the upcoming holiday season. We discuss how past hurt gets in the way of celebration, ideas for creating new traditions, and how to make time to rest amidst the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season.This is an episode that will equip you to navigate this holiday season with grace and purpose. Be sure to check out our curated Christmas resources to help bring sacred and simplicity back into your holiday. Of course, if you still feel overwhelmed, you can always book a Discovery Appointment with one of our coaches to get the support you need during a time when everything feels out of the ordinary. Mentions | Links | ResourcesChristmas ResourcesLife Coach Training CourseLearn More about Life CoachingBook a Discovery SessionEquine-Assisted CoachingSisterhood MembershipMatthew 6:1-4 CSB Romans 12:2 CSBDeuteronomy 6:6-9 CSB 1 Peter 2:9 CSB Support the More to Be PodcastIf you are blessed by our podcast and ministry, we invite you to become a Sisterhood Member as a way of supporting our work. You’ll gain access to our digital library full of resources that will help you have a fresh encounter with God and His Word. Join Now and SAVE!!! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Are you a planner, mapping everything out on your calendar with color-coded labels and all?Or are you more of a laid back, take it as it comes type of gal?Regardless of which camp you find yourself in, as the year comes to a close (and boy I am happy about that), I have started to think about how I want to intentionally plan for 2021! I am asking myself the question "Am I still pursuing God in my everyday life and if not, what changes do I need to make?"In this episode of the More to Be Podcast, I change gears and decided to use this time to share with you how I go about planning for the coming year while reflecting on God's faithfulness in the past. The Equipped: Life on Purpose resource was something I created for myself nearly a decade ago, and this year, in the midst of all the craziness of life, God's prompted me to pull it out, put it to work, and encourage you to do the same. You can grab it here. If you're craving some structure seasoned with a whole lot of grace for living intentionally in the year to come, this episode is for you. Mentions | Links | ResourcesEquipped: Life on PurposeLife Coach Training CourseLearn More about Life CoachingBook a Discovery SessionEquine-Assisted CoachingSisterhood MembershipMeet the New You: A 21-Day Plan for Embracing Fresh Attitudes and Focused Habits for Real Life Change Unblinded Faith: Gaining Spiritual Sight Through Believing God's WordSupport the More to Be PodcastIf you are blessed by our podcast and ministry, we invite you to become a Sisterhood Member as a way of supporting our work. You’ll gain access to our digital library full of resources that will help you have a fresh encounter with God and His Word. Join Now and SAVE!!! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Are you at a crossroads in your relationships, your career, or your ministry?Does quitting feel like the best option, but you do not want to feel like you have failed?On this episode of the More to Be Podcast, I chat with some of the More to Be Coaches about times when quitting was the best option. From stories of divorce to leaving a life long career to stepping away from ministry, we covered it all, along with how the Lord continued to be faithful each step of the way. If you're in need of encouragement, then this latest podcast is for you!Meet Carly Weber! Life thrown you a curveball? Me too. In the span of a year, I found myself divorced and raising children with special needs. It left me feeling like I was sitting on the sidelines while everyone else lived on. I struggled to figure out where I fit now, both in life and in church. But I’ve discovered there is joy and good, even on the sidelines, and I want you to know it too. Whether you are feeling emotionally or practically stuck, I would love to help you discover hope and joy again, wherever life’s circumstances have taken you. I am remarried now with an additional little bundle, bringing my total to four children. One of which is adopted. I love adoption and foster care and helping walk families through that process as well. Meet Kimberly Dunham! Kimberly enjoys helping women find peace, direction, and forgiveness on the other side of difficult life situations. Finding your healing and identity in Christ and joy in the Word equals victory by living your best life ever according to God’s plan for your life.Meet Monajean Rose! Changes, expected or not, Monajean is passionate about helping you find growth and “silver linings” in life transitions. She’s had a few unexpected changes in her own life. An avid outdoor adventurer, she will help you journey toward physical wellness and explore your unknown territory. Trying something new can be scary but also empowering! Growing in relationships, with others or with God, takes work. Monajean will encourage you and walk with you toward your goal. Mentions | Links | ResourcesLife Coach Training CourseLearn More about Life CoachingBook a Discovery SessionEquine-Assisted CoachingSisterhood MembershipSupport the More to Be PodcastIf you are blessed by our podcast and ministry, we invite you to become a Sisterhood Member as a way of supporting our work. You’ll gain access to our digital library full of resources that will help you have a fresh encounter with God and His Word. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Are you feeling stuck in the season you are in?Do you have dreams and goals you'd like to pursue, but life just seems to get in the way?Maybe you're feeling unequipped for what the Lord has put in front of you?On this episode of the More to Be Podcast, I connected with one of my dear friends, Mari Hernandez-Tuten to discuss her latest bible study released this fall, Proverbs 31 in 5 Minutes a Day, and to talk about how our passions and callings can still fit into our lives regardless of the season we are in. If you find yourself identifying with any of the aforementioned questions, then this podcast is for you.Mari Hernandez-Tuten is a speaker, writer, family life coach, mom and wife. She is a mom to 3 boys and is married to Mr. Blue Eyes, her college sweetheart. She has a background in women's ministry, life coaching, and counseling. She has organized and led studies, workshops, and retreats for women in the church, home, internationally, and parachurch organizations. She regularly encourages women at inspiredbyfamilymag.com where she shares her journey of God's grace and hope in motherhood and womanhood. Her heart desire is for women to see how there common and ordinary tasks, in the hands of a loving God, becomes something more. Mari is passionate about helping women find hope in God's Word and to encourage women to use the influence God has given them to make an eternal difference right where they are--even in the mundane.Mentions | Links | ResourcesProverbs 31 in 5 Minutes a Day by Mari Hernandez-TutenGrab Mari's free download here!Life Coach Training CourseLearn More about Life CoachingBook a Discovery SessionEquine-Assisted CoachingSisterhood MembershipSupport the More to Be PodcastIf you are blessed by our podcast and ministry, we invite you to become a Sisterhood Member as a way of supporting our work. You’ll gain access to our digital library full of resources that will help you have a fresh encounter with God and His Word. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Are you a tired mom, feeling like you are running on empty?Does the comparison game of parenting styles or cute family pictures on Facebook eat at your core?Do you feel like you are just not the right mom for the job?This week on the More to Be Podcast, I chatted with Becky Keife, about her debut book, No Better Mom for the Job, and what she has learned through the sanctifying role of being a mother. If you are in need of some encouragement and food for the soul, then this latest episode is for you.Becky Keife is the Community Manager for DaySpring’s (in)courage, a widely followed online community where authentic, brave women connect deeply with God and others. She is a popular speaker for MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) groups and other women’s events. She is a huge fan of Voxer, Instagram, Sunday naps, and imperfect moms leaning on Jesus. She and her husband live near Los Angeles, where they enjoy hiking sunny trails with their three spirited sons.Mentions | Links | ResourcesNo Better Mom for the Job, by Becky KeifeLife Coach Training CourseLearn More about Life CoachingBook a Discovery SessionEquine-Assisted CoachingSisterhood MembershipMatthew 14:13-21Support the More to Be PodcastIf you are blessed by our podcast and ministry, we invite you to become a Sisterhood Member as a way of supporting our work. You’ll gain access to our digital library full of resources that will help you have a fresh encounter with God and His Word. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Comfortable is probably the last word that anyone would use to describe the year 2020. It has been unpredictable, heartbreaking, confusing, and all around uncomfortable. While we have learned how to navigate life with masks and social distancing, embracing the new and the uncomfortable is not something that many, myself included, have done easily.In the latest episode of the More to Be Podcast, I had the opportunity to connect with Dr. Deb Gorton, a clinical psychologist and and graduate school program director, to discuss her latest book “Embracing Uncomfortable: Facing our Fears while Pursuing our Purpose" and how in a pre- and post-covid world we can embrace God's purpose for our lives.For over 14 years, Dr. Deb Gorton has been practicing, directing, building, developing, equipping, and partnering. As a clinical psychologist, she is fascinated by what drives decision-making and change. She is in constant pursuit of awareness and big picture perspective. What it all comes down to – navigating our purpose requires creating a bridge between our head and the heart. She loves creating bridges, inspiring courage in others to make the journey across and then leading others to do the same.Dr. Gorton earned both her MA in Psychology and her PhD in Clinical Psychology from Fuller Graduate School of Psychology in Pasadena, CA. Additionally, she holds an MA in Theology from Fuller Theological Seminary. Presently, she serves as the Director of Moody Theological Seminary’s Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program as well as Moody's Counseling Center. She is also the founding president of Siv Consultation (where she really gets to do all the fun stuff listed above).Dr. Gorton currently resides in Chicago, loves the Cubs, Chicago architecture, and, believe it or not, public transportation. If she’s not home in the city or traveling for work, you’re likely to find her with family in Colorado, Oregon, or Oklahoma (family never makes it easy, do they!?).Mentions | Links | ResourcesEmbracing Uncomfortable: Facing our Fears while Pursuing our Purpose by Dr. Deb GortonLife Coach Training CourseLearn More about Life CoachingBook a Discovery SessionEquine-Assisted CoachingSisterhood Membership2 Corinthians 1:3-4Support the More to Be PodcastIf you are blessed by our podcast and ministry, we invite you to become a Sisterhood Member as a way of supporting our work. You’ll gain access to our digital library full of resources that will help you have a fresh encounter with God and His Word. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Have you ever heard of Life Coaching?Do you want to learn more about the core principles and how it can benefit you?Maybe you have experience life coaching and want to know how you can become a coach! This podcast is for you!In case you had not yet realized, Life Coaching is a core part of the More to Be Ministry. As a certified Life Coach and Life Coach Trainer, I can attest to the life changing benefits it has brought to my life and so many others.In the final episode of Season 5 of the More to Be Podcast, I sat down (virtually) with fellow Life Coach and dear sister in Christ, Kalie Kelch, to talk about what Life Coaching has meant to us and the ways we use the principles in our day to day lives.Kalie Kelch has a passion for youth ministry and helping teens find their true identity in Jesus and develop a lasting relationship with Him. What began as a God-sized dream to minister to youth in an official capacity, culminated when she was offered the position of assistant chaplain at a Christian boarding high school. Before jumping in youth ministry, Kalie worked as a freelance Christian book editor and a public relations professional. She is also a certified Christian life coach and the author of Grab Your Boarding Pass, a tween devotional.In addition to spending time with God and nurturing those He puts in her path, Kalie has a variety of interests outside of ministry, including reading, cycling, traveling, playing the piano, woodworking, and gardening. A perfect day for her is spending time with her family or students playing together or engaging in meaningful conversations. Kalie is married to her best friend, and together they have two teenage children. Connect with Kalie on Facebook and Instagram. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Do you find reading your Bible to be a chore?Is being honest with your community about your relationship with Jesus a challenge?Do you struggle with what good God intended for your life?In the latest episode of the More to Be Podcast with author, speaker, and ministry leader, Megan Fate Marshman, we unpack what it looks like to change our perspective and ask new questions when it comes to studying Scripture. We also consider the importance of living in honest community and how to embrace "the good that we were meant for."If you are looking for advice on how to study Scripture and how to understand God's Word in its intended context, then this podcast is for you.Mentions | Links | ResourcesMeant for Good by Megan Fate MarshmanPIVOT ChallengeEncounter God Bible StudyEquine-Assisted CoachingLife Coach Training CourseSisterhood MembershipSupport the More to Be PodcastIf you are blessed by our podcast and ministry, we invite you to become a Sisterhood Member as a way of supporting our work. You’ll gain access to our digital library full of resources that will help you have a fresh encounter with God and His Word. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

What is kindness? Is it something we do? Something we feel?How do we extend authentic kindness to others?In this episode of the More to Be Podcast, I'm joined by long-term friend and mentor, Lucinda Secrest McDowell, for a chat over coffee (from a virtual distance) to discuss kindness, passing on wisdom, and her latest book, Soul Strong: 7 Keys to a Vibrant Life.We discussed the seven core principles in her book, which Lucinda has learned throughout her life, and the advice she wished she had known earlier on.If you want to sit under some Godly teaching and wisdom and learn more about extending kindness to yourself and to others, then this podcast episode is for you.Mentions | Links | ResourcesSoul Strong: 7 Keys to a Vibrant Life by Lucinda Secrest McDowellLetting Go and Living Like Jesus with Barb RooseGrace and Truth: Conservations about Race with Barb RooseEverybody, Always by Bob GoffPIVOT ChallengeEncounter God Bible StudyEquine-Assisted CoachingLife Coach Training CourseSisterhood MembershipSupport the More to Be PodcastIf you are blessed by our podcast and ministry, we invite you to become a Sisterhood Member as a way of supporting our work. You’ll gain access to our digital library full of resources that will help you have a fresh encounter with God and His Word. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Abba, Father. Is that who God is to you? Or do you find that think of Him as your eternal Father is challenging in like of your experience with your earthly father. It's understandable, of course, when the very human that is supposed to model for us unconditional love and protection and provision fails in any regard.Whether our daddy's ability fell short of our expectations and needs . . .Whether our daddy's intentions were marred by abuse, neglect, or abandonment . . .Whether our daddy's example conveyed Christ-with-skin-on love and grace and kindness.One thing is true: Our earthly dad is not a full representation of our heavenly one.God has a significant fatherly role to play in all our lives, when He adopts us into His family by our faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.It is a role defined by His love and protection, provision and purpose.Continue reading this devotional and watch the video teaching for this episode in the Encounter God Bible Study. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Have you ever noticed how God will bring something up again and again when He wants you to learn something?So if you find it strange that we're studying about Jesus as our Messiah this week, compared to Him being our Savior last week, you might be feeling like this is a bit redundant. I challenge you, however, to take a pause and consider what more God would like to speak to you about as you reflect on who Jesus is to you.Is Jesus your Messiah . . . your deliverer . . . the one who preserves you? Continue reading this devotional and watch the video teaching for this episode in the Encounter God Bible Study. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Are you struggling to understand the season you are in, especially as your faith matures and your life priorities shift?Do you wonder what steps to take next or what to turn to as you navigate midlife?While it is easy to find books and blogs and podcasts focusing on parenting tips, marriage, addictions, and hangups, it is noticeably lacking in resources for those entering their second half of life.On the latest More to Be Podcast Episode, we're joined by Michelle Van Loon, who gives us context for understanding the different stages of life, especially in terms of spiritual growth, and how to seek out Biblical wisdom for even the most confusing and challenging circumstances.If you find yourself wondering how to persevere, questioning what comes next, or wondering what Scripture says about your current stage of life, then this latest podcast is for you.Since coming to faith in Christ at the tail end of the Jesus Movement, Michelle Van Loon's Jewish heritage, spiritual hunger, and storyteller's sensibilities have shaped her faith journey and informed her writing. She is the author of six books, including If Only: Letting Go of Regret, Moments & Days: How Our Holy Celebrations Shape Our Faith, Born to Wander: Recovering the Value of Our Pilgrim Identity and Becoming Sage: Cultivating Maturity, Purpose, and Spirituality at Midlife. Michelle is a regular contributor at ChristianityToday.com and In Touch magazine, and is the co-founder of ThePerennialGen.com, a website for midlife women and men. She's married to Bill, and is mother of three and grandmother of two. Learn more about her writing and speaking ministry by visiting her website, MichelleVanLoon.com. Mentions | Links | ResourcesBecoming Sage: Cultivating Meaning, Purpose, & Spirituality in Mid-life by Michelle Van LoonPIVOT ChallengeEncounter God Bible StudyEquine-Assisted CoachingLife Coach Training CourseSisterhood MembershipSupport the More to Be PodcastIf you are blessed by our podcast and ministry, we invite you to become a Sisterhood Member as a way of supporting our work. You’ll gain access to our digital library full of resources that will help you have a fresh encounter with God and His Word. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Who is your savior? Is your Savior the Son of God, sent into this world to rescue you and set you apart and redeem your life for His glory?Or do you function as your own savior, taking upon yourself every problem and issue and need, believing it is all up to you?If we are struggling to yield our life to the Savior of the world, we've got to take a holy pause to consider why? Is it because we don't know how to release the tension and anxiety we feel in us without trying to be in control of everyone and everything?Continue reading this devotional and watch the video teaching for this episode in the Encounter God Bible Study. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

What is your source of hope? Do you turn to your accomplishments or the things you feel like you can control? Do you look for hope in the people you do life with? Or is God your source of hope?As we consider God being our source of hope, there's more to this attribute than we might realize.Hope doesn't stand alone.Hope delivers more of what we crave . . . maybe more so than anything else. Continue reading this devotional and watch the video teaching for this episode in the Encounter God Bible Study. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Do you find yourself constantly comparing yourself to the people around you?Are you always wishing to have a more put-together life, be more in shape, or friendlier like the women you see on your Facebook feed?Does the comparison trap leave you feeling exhausted and self-loathing?If your answer to any of these questions is yes, then listening to the latest More to Be Podcast is a must. Our guest, Richella Parham, removes the shame of comparison by exposing what causes it in the first place. With tenderness and truth, she shares her personal struggle with comparison and how she's navigated out of the trap and into true joy. You'll be inspired and equipped by her biblically-steeped insights and application steps.Richella Parham is a writer, speaker, and the author of Mythical Me: Finding Freedom from Constant Comparison and A Spiritual Formation Primer. She serves as vice-chair on the board of directors at Renovaré, and she is also the worship coordinator at The Gathering Church and a member of the Redbud Writers Guild. Richella lives in Durham, North Carolina, with her husband, Jack.Mentions | Links | ResourcesMythical Me: Finding Freedom from Constant Comparison by Richella ParhamPIVOT ChallengeEncounter God Bible StudyEquine-Assisted CoachingLife Coach Training CourseSisterhood MembershipSupport the More to Be PodcastIf you are blessed by our podcast and ministry, we invite you to become a Sisterhood Member as a way of supporting our work. You’ll gain access to our digital library full of resources that will help you have a fresh encounter with God and His Word. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Do you really believe that the Lord is good? Or do you find yourself in a situation in which you question God's goodness because of your circumstances or past experiences?It is all too easy to judge God through the lens of our feelings and experiences. We evaluate His goodness based on the way He answers our prayers instead of recognizing how He can still keep His promises even when the outcome doesn't match the one we had designed in our head.A cancer diagnosis . . . and we wonder if God is still good.A failed relationship . . . and we wonder if God is still good.A rejected proposal or job application . . . and we wonder f God is still good.A misunderstood intention . . . and we wonder if God is still good.Maybe we wonder if He was ever good.Continue reading this devotional and watch the video teaching for this episode in the Encounter God Bible Study. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Does it feel like God is merciful and compassionate as you look around our world? Or do you find yourself questioning who God is? And what He allows?It is understandable, in light of the chaos we find ourselves in. It is not just COVID-19 that has sent our world into a tailspin, but the aftermath of George Floyd's death and the peaceful protests against racism, which have turned into riots and violence throughout the United States.If you've listened to the More to Be Podcast episode with Barb Roose on Grace and Truth, you know that what is missing from our world is deeply rooted in our self-focus and neglect to pursue loving one another as made in the image of God. That kind of love oozes mercy and compassion. Continue reading this devotional and watch the video teaching for this episode in the Encounter God Bible Study. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Ahmaud Arbery.Breanna Taylor.George Floyd.Maybe you're well-acquainted with these names. Maybe you are not, because you're like me and tend to shelter yourself from the painful realities in this world, overwhelmed by what you can't do to solve the greatest atrocities. But something in me has flipped in the last few weeks.Silence is no longer an acceptable response.Maybe it's because I'm learning how to step out of my fear and willing to be more vulnerable, admitting what I do not know and what I can not solve.These three names represent three human beings made in the image of God, murdered in the United States in the last three months, because of the color of their skin. Yes, racism still exists.In this special release More to Be Podcast, I invited my friend Barb Roose to join me to begin the conversation. It's time we learn, as believers, how to respond as to these horrific events and moreover, how to bring an end to racism. The conversation was inspired by one of Barb's recent blog posts "From a Black Friend to My White Friends," providing a launching pad for the questions we should be asking of ourselves and of our community.This conversation was raw, real, and necessary. It's an honor and privilege to have Barb speak so honestly and frankly about the racism issues still evident around us. Mentions | Links | ResourcesSurrendered: Letting Go and Living for Jesus by Barb RooseConnect with Barb Roose at barbroose.com.From a Black Friend to My White FriendsSystemic Racism ExplainedEncounter God Bible StudyEquine-Assisted CoachingLife Coach Training CourseSisterhood Membership See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Do you wonder about the purpose of the journey you are on?Are you struggling to understand why you feel the way that you do?Do you feel like you are stuck in a wilderness, with no clear way out?On the latest episode of the More to Be Podcast, we hear from writer and speaker Barb Roose and chat about walking with Jesus, surrendering in the struggle, and finding healing as well as direction through connection with Jesus and with others. As we reflect on the state of our world during a global pandemic, we consider the challenge to be still and confident in Jesus and in His purpose for us. Barb gives listeners further insight into her life story and what the Lord has taught her about surrendering her identity to Him, particularly through her latest Bible Study, Surrendered: Letting Go and Living for Jesus.Barb Roose is a popular speaker and author who is passionate about equipping women to win at life with Christ-empowered strength and dignity. Since 2005, Barb has been speaking to audiences in the US and abroad, including national tours like the Aspire Women's Events. She's a Bible teacher who loves following God more than anything else in life. Barb is a real woman who has experienced God's power and presence during battles with depression and anxiety, parenting challenges and family addiction trauma. Rather than teaching audiences to follow God to get what they want, Barb inspires audiences to discover that God is all that they truly need! Barb is the proud mother of three adult daughters. A perfect day for Barb includes a long walk, finding a sale on fabulous shoes and enjoying a bowl of chocolate peanut butter ice cream. Visit Barb's online home at barbroose.com.Mentions | Links | ResourcesSurrendered: Letting Go and Living for Jesus by Barb RooseConnect with Barb Roose at barbroose.com.Connection: 5 Ways to Improve Every RelationshipPIVOT ChallengeEncounter God Bible StudyEquine-Assisted CoachingLife Coach Training CourseSisterhood MembershipSupport the More to Be PodcastIf you are blessed by our podcast and ministry, we invite you to become a Sisterhood Member as a way of supporting our work. You’ll gain access to our digital library full of resources that will help you have a fresh encounter with God and His Word. Join Now & SAVE!!! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Have you ever thought of God as the Holy One of Israel? Can you think of any time this name of God was used in prayer with other believers or even in a modern-day worship song?Wouldn't you agree that the Holy One of Israel is a name that has special meaning to God's people of long ago but may feel foreign to us?We're out of touch with this side of God's character and nature, as we don't identify as the people of Israel. We're not wandering through physical deserts, following a pillar of cloud by day and fire by night, even though there isn't a soul among us who hasn't experienced their one spiritual, emotional, or physical wilderness season.When we journey through hardships, it is not likely that we'll call upon the Holy One of Israel. Continue reading this devotional and watch the video teaching for this episode in the Encounter God Bible Study. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Do you see God as your Father and Defender?Or do you resist thinking of God in this way as the example that has been set for you in regards to Fatherhood -- even manhood -- has not been positive?Continue reading this devotional and watch the video teaching for this episode in the Encounter God Bible Study. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Have you ever noticed that eye-rolling isn't something reserved just for a teen?Oh yes, all you have to do is mention parenting teens and you'll see plenty of eye-rolling from moms and dads alike. It's certainly not an easy task, but does it warrant such a negative response?Is there a way to enjoy parenting through the teen years?On this episode of the More to Be Podcast, I'm joined by boy mom, Monica Swanson, for a candid discussion about raising not only teens and sons but also daughters. Our conversation weaves in and out of parenting insights and biblical principles as we consider the importance of raising our children for their teen years without fear fueling the process. True to the promises found in her book, Boy Mom: What Your Son Needs Most from You, Monica brings us wisdom, practical advice, resources, and encouragement.Monica Swanson and her husband, Dave (a hospital physician), are raising four sons on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii. They have graduated one son, and homeschool the other three, and they spend much of their free time supporting their sons' competitive surfing and enjoying all that Hawaii has to offer. Monica's background is in sports medicine and fitness, and she shares inspiration for balanced living, as well as recipes, stories, and a ton of encouragement for families on her blog at MonicaSwanson.com.Mentions | Links | ResourcesPsalm 119, Ephesians 5Connect with Monica at monicaswanson.comBoy Mom: What Your Son Needs Most from You by Monica SwansonRelationship & Dating Guide for Teens21 Questions for Moms of TeensEquine-Assisted CoachingLife Coach Training CourseBiblical Mentor Training CourseSisterhood MembershipSupport the More to Be PodcastIf you are blessed by our podcast and ministry, we invite you to become a Sisterhood Member as a way of supporting our work. You’ll gain access to our digital library full of resources that will help you have a fresh encounter with God and His Word. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

How well do you know the story of God?Is your understanding of Scripture a high-level view, where you get the gist of who God is and what He has done?Or do you understand the context where His character is revealed personally, His commands are relevant to your life today, and His promises carry hope for what is to come?It is too easy to pick and choose what we want to know and believe about God. But in doing so, we forsake knowing the richness of the God who made us in His image and ordained our lives with a glorious purpose. We miss out on the fuel that ignites our faith in times of suffering and trial. Continue reading and watch the video teaching for not only this episode but for all in this series in the Encounter God Bible StudyUse this link for a special discount! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Do we not trust that God is who He says He is because we've never experienced His fullness in the flesh?Yes, we know God's promises. Yes, we can think about who He is and what He does, but how much do we fall into doubt because the fullness of God can't be contained in the flesh? So we turn to the things of this world for our security. We turn from God into worshipping our accomplishments and make idols of people who can actually see and touch.But where does that land us? We only become more and more distance from God, stepping deeper and deeper into rebellion, just like the Israelites.Continue reading and watch the video teaching for not only this episode but for all in this series in the Encounter God Bible StudyUse this link for a special discount! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Have you spent far too long trying to do it all, only to end up exhausted and overwhelmed?Does the idea of rest and refueling sound wonderful but impossible at the same time?Might it be safe to say that if you continue at this speed, you'll be destined for burnout . . . emotionally, spiritually, physically, relationally, and professionally?If your answer to any of these questions is yes, you'll want to hit pause on whatever you're doing and listen to this episode on the More to Be Podcast. Actually, even if you're not sure you're exactly headed for burnout, you'll want to bend an ear to hear what Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith has to say to us about the importance of sacred rest and the road it took her to find it. She is no stranger to over-achieving, burned-out living. Yet she found another way as God revealed to her that we are to work from a place of rest, and not rest only after we've finished our work. Yes, this episode is not only inspirational, it is practical for all of us seeking to embrace the gift of rest that God has given us.Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith is an author, speaker, and board-certified internal medicine physician near Birmingham, Alabama. She received her B.S. in Biochemistry at the University of Georgia and graduated with honors from Meharry Medical College in Nashville. She has been an adjunct faculty member at Baker College and Davenport University in Michigan teaching courses on health, nutrition, and disease progression. Dr. Dalton-Smith is a national and international media resource on the mind, body, spirit connection. Her newest release is Sacred Rest: Recover Your Life, Renew Your Energy, Restore Your Sanity, includes ground-breaking insight on the seven types of rest needed to optimize your productivity, increase your overall happiness and live your best life.Mentions | Links | ResourcesConnect with Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith at ichoosemybestlife.comSacred Rest: Recover Your Life, Renew Your Energy, Restore Your Sanity by Dr. Saundra Dalton-SmithConnection: 5 Ways to Improve Every RelationshipPIVOT ChallengeEncounter God Bible StudyExperience a Taste of Heaven Through Sabbath, Podcast #514Equine-Assisted CoachingLife Coach Training CourseSisterhood MembershipSupport the More to Be PodcastIf you are blessed by our podcast and ministry, we invite you to become a Sisterhood Member as a way of supporting our work. You’ll gain access to our digital library full of resources that will help you have a fresh encounter with God and His Word. Enter coupon code “Podcast” at checkout to save an additional $20. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

What comes to mind when you consider that God is your strength and your shield?Do you see a mighty warrior and defender before you, standing in front of you and protecting you from the onslaught of harm? Or does it feel like God is out there, somewhere, maybe strong and fierce against the attacks, but He has somehow overlooked that you need protecting?It's natural for us to perceive God through our circumstances, questioning His character and doubting His promises. But isn't that why we're studying the names and attributes of God so that our experiences do not define our faith but rather Truth becomes our plumbline.Continue reading and watch the video teaching for not only this episode but for all in this series in the Encounter God Bible StudyUse this link for a special discount! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Does it feel like God is with you right now? Or do you feel like you're all on your own?It's fair to wonder anytime we walk through a crisis, whether that is the Coronavirus Pandemic or any other change in life circumstances. We live in a culture that says "do this and you'll get what you want, strive harder and you'll reap the reward." So when life doesn't turn out as we expect, it is natural to feel like we did something wrong . . . that God has somehow abandoned us. But that's not the way God works.Continue reading and watch the video teaching for not only this episode but for all in this series in the Encounter God Bible StudyUse this link for a special discount! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.