Perfectly Un-Perfect

After spending the last three weeks looking at the Proverbs 31 woman's relationship with God, her husband, and her children, today we get to see what her relationship looks like with everyone else.  

The children of the Proverbs 31 woman rise up and call her blessed. What does that mean for you and me? What does that kind of relationship with our children look like? In today's episode, Marina walks us through practical ways to love, respect, discipline, and train up our children so that we too can be called blessed by them. You are not going to want to miss all that she unpacks for us.   

One of my favorite parts about the Proverbs 31 wife is the beautiful description of her relationship with her husband. It's through this passage of scripture that we see how she treats her husband and how he feels about her in response. So, in today's episode, Marina walks us through practical ways in which we too can walk in the likeness of this woman and see our marriages transformed. 

I've got something important to share with you. We've been lied to.Let me explain. Throughout my entire Christian walk– I've been told (as I know many of you have been told) that the Proverbs 31 wife isn't real.  That she's just a figment of our imagination and some lofty ideal that is impossible to become.  But girl, that's not true. I met her. I've been mentored by her. And by the grace of God, I am becoming her.  Now, I've always been super transparent with you all about my walk and how God is speaking to me before speaking through me and I just didn't feel right talking about the Proverbs 31 woman knowing where I am right now in my own journey to become her. So, I thought what better way than to bring back my spiritual mentor, Marina Parker so that she can teach through this series from a place that is much more seasoned than I could offer you.

I am so excited about today's testimony episode. I've invited my dear friend, Amber Schumacher on the show to share with us a little bit about her journey from feeling like the woman at the well to becoming a disciple of Jesus and what that has looked like for her throughout her life.  Amber is a licensed grit & grace coach with Go + Tell Gals. She believes in the power of our stories and deeply rooted relationships. Every story matters and she loves that we get to use them to empower others, offer hope and encourage people to grow. She is passionate about experiencing the extraordinary in the most ordinary moments of life & pursuing growth by uncovering the catalyst God wants to use in the midst of our actual stories. Her journey in ADHD parenting radically transformed her storyline as she has navigated motherhood, passion, purpose, calling & church leadership. She knows what it's like to need to access both grit and grace to build kingdom resilience in every area of life. With 15 years of experience in women's ministry, she's stepped into new ways to continue supporting women and helping them step into their unique passion & calling with hope and peace. She believes that your story matters and can't wait to jump into yours and help you uncover the catalyst God is ready to use to help you shift from a ho-hum life to an abundant life.  

Have you ever stopped and thought about how whatever you are going through– God is going through as well? Have you ever stopped and that about how God is so connected to you that there's nothing that you feel that He doesn't feel alongside you?Or that  God FEELS the weight that you carry from your burdens in the literal emotional sense?In this episode, we unpack the truth that whatever is on your mind is on God's heart…because you are His heart. 

Are you are sick and tired of the schemes of the enemy?  Are you ready to fight back, ready to rise up and take back what is rightfully yours, ready to disrupt the plans of the enemy? Well if so, then this episode for you. I see way too many Christians put up with way too much crap from the enemy. He's just one big bully who habitually seeks to harm or intimidate those whom he perceives to be vulnerable.But the thing is you aren't vulnerable. He doesn't get to bully you.  He who is in you, CHRIST who is in you, is GREATER than he who is of this world.  And as soon as you figure out what that really means and truly understand all the gifts that are available to you through salvation- it will be game over.  

Have you ever experienced being rejected by others? Well, did you know that rejection is just a weapon that the enemy uses to distance us from God and change the way we interact with Him and the people around us?If you have ever found yourself wondering if God made a mistake when it came to you, your family, or your environment then this episode is for YOU.  It will encourage you to take back your identity and embrace the truth of God's word.   Through the life and testimony of the "Woman at the Well" we will explore all the ways that she was rejected and exploited but how one encounter with Jesus changed it all. We will talk about how His opinion of her was very different from the opinions that others had of her and what that means for us as we walk through life.    

Hey Girl! Welcome back to Season Three of the Perfectly Un-perfect Podcast. In today's episode, I'll be telling you about the 5 things I wish I would have done differently before quitting my job to follow God. As well as giving you a look at what you can expect this season on the podcast.   There are a couple of changes for season three. The major one is that the podcast episodes are moving from Mondays to Wednesdays. Make sure to subscribe to the monthly newsletter to have access to the resources, devotionals, journaling prompts, and more!  RESOURCES:Subscribe to the monthly newsletter (click subscribe on the website)Follow Marina Parker 

In today's episode, we are going to be talking about how joy can still exist even after incredible pain and heartache. If you have ever experienced a pain so deep that you didn't know how you were going to move on from it, then this episode is specifically for you. Like Job, today's guest is no stranger to the overwhelming grief that pain can cause. But through the power of the Holy Spirit, she has learned how to have joy once again. Several years ago, Mary's son, Scotty, committed suicide. His loss left a gaping hole in her heart that only God could heal. Her life is a profound testimony of Christ's love and mercy as she continues to radiate joy in everything that she does despite the pain that she went through. 

In today's episode, Marina talks about the reward behind the pain. At the end of Job's story, God restored everything to Job. However, Job's biggest reward wasn't in his wealth, his position, or even in being able to be a father again. His biggest reward was in spirit. 

In today's episode, we talk about how your pain is not pointless. In the final chapters of Job, God shows up, and even though he doesn't answer the questions that Job wants, He does something so much better. This episode is hope for anyone that is looking for the promise that is right on the other side of pain.  

In today's episode, Marina coaches us through how to acknowledge and name our pain. When we choose to give our pain a name, we are choosing to honor it. This allows us to get through the pain and let God in.

In today's episode, we talk about how Job's pain was not the final product of his life. Oftentimes, when our pain and suffering are great, it can feel as though it is always going to be there.  In some ways that's true; there are some things in life that we experience that we will forever be a part of our story-- but the pain does not have to finish that story because I promise you that pain is not the final product.

In today's episode, Marina coaches through how to treat your pain as sacred. Just like we guard our hearts and our minds, we have to guard who we share our pain with as well. Walking through the book of Job, we look at how each of his friends only added to Job's suffering. Dealing with pain is already hard enough without adding in the emotions and opinions of others.  

In today's episode, we talk about how pain isn't always a penalty for our sin. When Job's friends saw his suffering they automatically assumed that his suffering was caused by his own sin. However, Job's friends could not have been further the truth. God was not displeased with Job because Job was innocent.  Job's pain was not his penalty...it was his promotion. 

In today's episode, Marina coaches us through how to view pain as your teacher instead of as your punishment. When dealing with pain, it can be tempting to avoid it and/or numb it. However, if you are ever going to get through it, you'll need to invite God in to help you face it. Through practical application and real-life stories, we will break down exactly how to begin to transform your thinking when it comes to this complex topic.  

Welcome to part one of a brand new series, The Promises in Pain. During this series, we will be exploring the life of Job and learning biblical truths about what pain is and is not. Part one deals with the fact that God doesn't use pain to punish us. The Bible clearly states in Job chapter one that God was extremely pleased with Job's character and integrity. So much so that He trusted Job to be tested. But how do we reconcile our pain with the truth of God's Word? How do we see beyond what is right in front of us to gain a heavenly perspective? 

In today's episode we are going to be taking a closer look at what it takes to engage the call that God has upon our lives. If you have ever felt dissatisfied and like you were meant for something more, destined even-- like God was inviting you to participate in something bigger, then this episode is the episode for you. Now today's guest is no stranger to actively engaging the call that God has on his life and taking big leaps of faith in order to pursue all that God has planned for him. I'm honored and beyond excited to welcome Banning Liebscher.  Banning along with his wife SeaJay are the founding pastors of Jesus Culture out in Sacramento, California. Together they are committed to seeing people encounter the transforming love and power of God while being rooted in His Word, His presence and His community so that they can be empowered to go out and engage their city as leaders. Banning is the author of one of my absolute favorite books, The Three Mile Walk-- which explores the three key ingredients for engaging in the call that God has upon your life. Pulling from the story of-- you guessed it-- Jonathan. Banning took Jonathan's journey and created a playbook for believers who are wanting to step out in courage and faith to follow God.  We talk about everything from friendship, faith, courage and holiness and how each of those things is a key ingredient for engaging our purpose.  Connect with Banning:Jesus Culture:  https://jesusculture.comInstagram: https://instagram.com/thebanningPurchase The 3-Mile Walk

In today's episode, Marina coaches through how to become a better listener in order to improve your relationships.  Through practical application and real-life stories, you'll learn how to improve this critical life skill.  

In today's episode, we explore a conversation that Jonathan had with David through the lens of their age difference in order to discover ways that we can be better friends to our children. By learning from the way that Jonathan listened, reacted, and believed in David, we will learn how to implement those same principles with our children.  

In today's episode, Marina talks about how to be true friend to others.  Have you ever been nervous to tell your friend something that may hurt their feelings but help their soul?  Have you ever not said anything when you knew your friend's behavior was destructive to her and to others? If you have ever been afraid to engage in healthy conflict for the sake of helping your friend spiritually level up-- then this episode is for you.  Using practical real life examples and biblical application, we explore exactly what it means to lay down our life for our friends.  

In today's episode we are looking at how Jonathan handled a conflict that arose between his father, King Saul, and his friend, David.  Through his example, we will learn how to be a godly friend in peculiar situations and what it truly means to lay down our life for our friends.  

In today's episode, Marina coaches through how to be free from spiritual immaturity.  She talks about the spiritual characteristics of Jonathan and how to grow into mature Christian women whose desire is all about building God's kingdom.  Jonathan was a remarkable to friend to King David. His life legacy leaves us with beautiful lessons in humility, strength, and integrity.  So, join us as we talk through these spiritual truths found in his story. 

Welcome to a brand new series that we are calling, Hear Me Roar. In today's episode, we will be exploring what it looks to cultivate meaningful and long-lasting friendships with other women. In a world that prioritizes the individual, this episode will take a look at what it means to live for others.  In a world where the spotlight is coveted, we will see what it means to give it all up out of a love for the Lord.  Through the life of Jonathan, we will see what it truly means to be a friend of the Lord.  

In today's episode, Marina is answering questions that were sent in from our listeners about the application tools given throughout Samson's Be Free series. Tune in to hear practical advice for everyday situations from how to pray for a long list of people to how to renew your mind.  This episode is jam packed with information so you'll want to have your notepad ready! Also, if you would like to submit questions to be answered on the show, you can send them to us at hello@perfectlyunperfectpodcast.com or DM us on Instagram.  

In today's episode, we are talking to Aliyah Charles about how the courage and faith of just one person can change the trajectory of an entire family line.  At the age of 15 years old, Aliyah found out that man who had raised her was not her biological dad. Completely shocked and blindsided by the news, Aliyah felt as if her entire world got turned upside down.  Through a series of events and divine interventions, Aliyah learned how to set boundaries and begin the fight towards freeing her family from the destructive cycles of her past. 

In today's episode, Marina coaches through how to be free from being self-absorbed.  She talks about the power of prayer, how to develop your discernment, and how to fight the good fight of faith.   Samson in all his faults & failures still got something right to end up in the Hebrew 11 Hall of Faith.  His desire to keep fighting and calling out to God are some of the best lessons that we can learn from his life.  So, join us as we talk through these important life lessons. 

In today's episode we are finally going to talk about Samson and Delilah. However,  we will soon discover that she is not the main character of this story. In fact, there is someone greater and more important that we need to be looking for woven throughout Samson's entire life.  Someone who can take the broken pieces of a failed life and turn it into something beautiful. So, join us as we wrap up with the final teaching of this series. 

In today's episode, Marina and Marcella talk in depth about how dangerous it is when lies become our truth, destructive generational cycles, and the effects of pride on our lives.  Using Samson's life as a guide we dig deep into these issues to get to the root of the problems we face today in our lives.  The Perfectly Un-Perfect "Be Free" series exists to give you life application tools that will set you free from the patterns of this world.  Marina Parker is a certified life coach who helps people apply the bible to their lives in a way that is easy to understand and practical to implement. 

In today's episode we explore what Samson's life looked like prior to meeting Delilah.  We get to see the patterns and behaviors that he was prone to and get to the very root of Samson's problems.  Oftentimes, the problems in our own life are not what they seem to be on the surface.  Like Samson, the problem itself and its root can be very different.  But how do we begin to see past our problems and get to the heart of what will make the transformative changes that we desire?  Well, for starters, it begins with setting aside our magnifying glasses and picking up a mirror in order to see the areas that God is trying to show us our own reflection.  And we will be going over all of that and more during today's episode.  Theological References are from: Make Your Mark by Brad Grey

In today's episode, Marina and Marcella talk in depth about three powerful lessons that we learned from episode one of Samson's Mirror, Mirror.  We discuss how the path to freedom starts with awareness.   Awareness about ourselves, awareness about how God sees us and an awareness of what it takes to move forward. The Perfectly Un-Perfect "Be Free" series exists to give you life application tools that will set you free from the patterns of this world.  Marina Parker is a certified life coach who helps people apply the bible to their lives in a way that is easy to understand and practical to implement. 

Welcome back to the official start of Season TWO!  In today's episode we are going to be beginning our journey through the study of Samson found in Judges 13.  Now, before there was Delilah-- there was an angel that gave a very special promise to a barren couple that would shape the destiny of Samson's life.  This promise was to begin to save the Israelites from the oppression of the Philistines and just like Samson-- oftentimes, we are given a promise to begin to save our own family lines as well.  But how do we deal with a call to begin and not finish? How do we begin to unravel years and years of idolatrous living and generational strongholds? What does it mean to begin and is it even worth it?  Well, let's find out! 

BIG Announcement for Season Two!!We have added a new co-host to the show, Marina Parker.  Marina is a highly sought after certified coach, business owner of several 7-figure companies and is a Proverbs 31 wife to her husband Bill and mother to two beautiful teenage children.   Marina uses her God-given wisdom and influence to set women free from their strongholds and awakens them to take back their life for the glory of God.  I can honestly say that I would not be where I am today as a person, a wife or a mother if it were not for her.  So, take a moment to get to know Marina before her brand new segment, BE FREE, launches on September 8th.  

In today's episode, Elaine Romero from the "LOVE IS IN THE AIR" podcast shares with us her testimony of life after a divorce.  Elaine found herself in a situation where like Abigail she had to make a decision about her situation in order to protect her household.  She openly shares with us how God was faithful to her and her children throughout that entire season of her life and how life can be beautiful even after the loss of a marriage.  Since then, Elaine has remarried and her and her husband Abe are the hosts of an incredible podcast supporting other couples that find themselves in "communter marriages".  You can find Elaine here:Safe Harbor Counseling: http://www.shcounseling.orgInstagram: @shcounselingPodcast Instagram: @commutermarriagesupport 

In today's episode, we will be looking at Abigail and how her faithful stewardship over her gifts saved her foolish husband Nabal and their entire household.  Today's episode is really about encouraging every woman who has ever fell into the trap of reduce her value in her home to a long task list of mundane and menial chores.  It's to encourage faithful leadership as the women of our  homes and to learn how to place value there before anywhere else.  

In today's episode,  we are taking a closer look at how to steward over our gifting, how to recognize the attacks of the enemy on our gifting so that we can be faithful with our gifting and ultimately the call upon our lives.  By taking a look at David's role in the situation with Nabal and Abigail, we will learn how God will never abandon us even if we folly His gifts to us.  David's anger with Nabal almost cost him everything but with the help of God and a courageous woman named Abigail, David was able to stop before he did anything that he would regret.  

In today's episode, we will be taking a look at the story of  Nabal, Abigail and David and the lessons that we can learn from them about stewarding over the gifts that God has given to us.  I am a firm believer that we all lead with our strengths.  It is unnatural for people to unwittingly do things that they aren't good at.  We will inadvertently fall into patterns or behaviors that we're comfortable in even if those patterns or behaviors aren't necessarily producing desirable results.   Through this series we will learn that the very weapon that God gave to us to use against the enemy-- will be the very weapon that the enemy will try to use against us.  Our gifts are a double edge sword and the enemy will try and tempt us to use them for OUR purpose instead of for God's purpose and girl, that right there will be the thing that keeps us out of purpose.

In today's episode my husband, Kevin Caldwell, interviews me for part 2 of our testimony series.  During this interview we will walk back through his testimony (be sure to listen to part 1) but this time from my point of view.  In this interview, I address exactly how I was feeling throughout his journey and how God was able to deliver us from the clutches of addiction. 

In today's episode my husband, Kevin Caldwell, shares his testimony on his struggle with addiction early on in our marriage.  Kevin was introduced to drugs and alcohol at the age of 12 years old and his addiction with substances followed him into adulthood.  In this interview, Kevin is vulnerable, transparent and open about his life and how God delivered him.  Kevin has been sober for the last 13 years of our 17 year marriage and is an incredible husband, father, and friend.  His testimony has been used to help countless people and our prayer is that through is story you would see the power that forgiveness can have.

In today's episode we take a look at God's big picture plan through the life of Joseph and his family in relation to the nation of Israel.  Here we will look at the tension between two polarities of truth.  Pain and power.  Fear and faith.  Good and bad and how both can coexist in our complex relationship with God.  

In today's episode we take a look at what happens when you read through Joseph's story and see all of the wonderful things that God for Joseph but realize that you aren't Joseph but his brothers.   What happens when you're not the one that needs to forgive but the one that needs to BE forgiven?  Like what if you're the one that had the affair?What if you're the one that had the addiction that broke up your family?What if you're the one that broke the relationship?What does forgiveness look like then? Well, to answer those questions and more we will take a look at Genesis 37-50 from the perspective of Joseph's older brother Judah to learn how God's grace extends to all of us.  

In today's episode we will be looking at the power of forgiveness through the story of Joseph.  We will see how God was able to use the forgiveness of one person to create a nation.  We will discover how even though we chose to forgive it doesn't make what the offender did to you okay.  We will how to trust in God even when we are in seasons of hardship and how God will use every part of your testimony for good.  

In today's episode we welcome my dear friend Ashley.  Ashley courageously shares her testimony of childhood abuse and how God pursued her in order to help release her from the clutches of shame and embarrassment.  She shares about how God is working in her life to heal her and how she hopes to help others.  

In today's episode we look at just how much Jesus values us.  The devil may use the people around you to tell you otherwise but God tells us a different story.  Through the lens of this passage Jesus tells us that He will leave Capernaum for us.  He will leave the 99 for us. Through the lens of this passage Jesus tells us that He will fight through a storm to get to us. Through the lens of this passage Jesus tells us that He will confront our demons to us and tell them to get out. Through the lens of this passage Jesus tells us that He will place more value on us than what the world does.  The way way Jesus found this man in the tombs and the way Jesus left him were totally different and that is exactly what He wants to do for you.  

Restored is dedicated to any woman who has experienced the physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual effects of sexual assault.  It's a message of hope and healing through the redemptive powers of Jesus Christ as seen through the life of the man living in the tombs.  In today's episode we will look at the condition of the man in tombs and discuss everything that he was up against and how Jesus was the key to his freedom. 

Restored is dedicated to any woman who has experienced the physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual effects of sexual assault.  It's a message of hope and healing through the redemptive powers of Jesus Christ as seen through the life of the man living in the tombs.  In today's episode we will take a look at how much one demon possessed man meant to Jesus.   A man who didn't have it all together.  A man whose life was a complicated hot-mess at best.  A man who spent his days crying and cutting himself with stones.  A man who other people would probably call crazy, messed up and troubled.  A man who was lonely, rejected, mistreated and abused by others.  Jesus went out of His way to rescue this one man whose life from the outside looking in didn't seem like it mattered much to everyone around Him. It was this one man that was so important to Jesus that He was willing to go through all that trouble for.  It was for this one man that Jesus came to the region of the Gerasenes.  

In today's episode Jen Mejares Pham shares her testimony on what life has been like since her husband Joel passed away.  The day before he passed away, God sent her a command through her spiritual mentor telling her the surrender to God.  Little did she know how important that command would become over the next 24-hours.  Jen's testimony is powerful, inspiring and such a testament of God's faithfulness.  

The widow of Zarephath was quick to tell Elijah that she didn't have any bread. She quickly stated that she only had a handful of flour and a little oil and that she was getting ready to die.  But in reality, this widow had more than she needed for God to perform a miracle.   I bet when God commanded her to feed Elijah, He didn't want her to be looking for the manifestation of the things that she already had.  The manifestation of what flour and oil could become.  No, God wanted her to use the ingredients that she held in her hands, in their rawest from, and allow Him to create what she needed from them.  Girl, what are the things that God has already given to you that you are underestimating.  Things that you are putting a limit on because it hasn't manifested itself into what it is supposed to be just yet.What are the raw ingredients that you already have?What are the things that come naturally to you that just may be underdeveloped or in flour and oil form?

In today's episode we talk about how God does not desire for us to live spiritually emaciated. Starving for passion and purpose.  Walking through life sluggish. Eyes sullen and defeated.  Starving for God's word.  Starving for truth.  Living our lives trying to satiate the pain of our hunger with things that will never satisfy.  Jumping from one thing to the next.  Searching for clarity and wisdom in people, places and things that leave us feeling empty and broken.   God wants to feed us. Just like He wanted to feed Elijah, the widow of Zarephath, and her son.  We don't have to live life like we are in a famine.  

Your choices are going to determine whether or not you get to experience all that God has planned for you.  Because the thing about choices is that we aren't choosing between what we think. Banning Liebscher says in his book, The three-mile walk,” Life is not a choice between a safe and easy path and a hard and dangerous path.  It is a choice between trusting God or trusting anything or anyone else.  Both are risky. Both are dangerous. Both are difficult.  Both are costly.  But one path--partnering with God and becoming who we were created to be-- leads us to the greatest prize in the universe, while the other leads to destruction.”   Yes, marriage is hard. But so is divorce.  Yes, working out is hard. But so is being unhealthy.  Yes, paying off debt is hard but so is living paycheck to paycheck.  Yes, following God is hard but so is living without Him guiding your steps.  We are not choosing between easy and hard.   We are choosing between life and death.  And the death may be the death of a relationship, the death of our spiritual walk, the death of our purpose, it doesn't have to be physical.  Isn't that exactly what the widow of Zarephath was choosing between, even if she didn't know it?