The Messy Table with Jenn Jewell

In honor of Mother's Day week, Amy Groeschel and Jenn Jewell are joined by a special guest at The Messy Table—the beautiful and refreshing Korie Robertson! You might know her as the calm to the colorful Duck Dynasty crew, but Korie is also wife to Willie, mama to six, “Kmama” to seven—as well as [...] The post EP. 149 | Korie Robertson [Everyday Faithfulness] appeared first on Jenn Jewell.

We get it—we're all busy. Life is full with work and family, with hard and good things. And we don't always make space to intentionally process the important stuff, like faith. Like eternity. But if Christianity is true, shouldn't we carefully consider its significance? If Jesus really lived and died and rose again, what [...] The post EP. 148 | Jennifer Cantrell & Jenn Jewell [Resurrection Power] appeared first on Jenn Jewell.

Have you ever felt the sting of rejection? And maybe it was more than mere feelings—you were legitimately abandoned, unwanted, dismissed, or devalued. But did you also know there's a flip side to rejection? Our fabulous guest for today's episode at The Messy Table wears all the hats and does all the things. Nona [...] The post EP. 147 | Nona Jones [The Flip Side of Rejection] appeared first on Jenn Jewell.

Isn't it wild that—no matter what kind of messes we face, cause, or stumble into—we serve a God who's always close? Jamie Landers is a misplaced Texan living in Tulsa, as well as a wife and mother of four who loves to remind women who and whose they are—whether that's in churches or strip [...] The post EP. 146 | Jamie Landers [The One Who's Always Close] appeared first on Jenn Jewell.

How do you keep moving forward when life isn't going as planned? According to Michelle Meisner—a wife, boy mom, and long-time staff member at Life.Church who loves Crossfit and poetry; who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in her mid 20s—you must "embrace the traction." Michelle has faced some significant challenges in her adult [...] The post EP. 145 | Michelle Meisner [Embrace the Traction] appeared first on Jenn Jewell.

Ever since she was a little girl, Heather Miller dreamed of becoming a wife and a mother. But only three years into a thriving marriage, her plans were shattered by tragedy and—at 21 years old—she became a widow. But even the darkest nights can be overwhelmed with light. Even Jesus came into the world [...] The post EP. 144 | Heather Miller [A Tragedy Redeemed] appeared first on Jenn Jewell.

Could you use a dose of inspiration? Whether you'd love to renovate a space in your home, parent your children with fresh wisdom, or even set some life-giving boundaries so that everyone around you might thrive—it takes intention to cultivate a meaningful life. So let us introduce you to the darling and creative Lesley [...] The post EP. 143 | Lesley Graham [Nurturing Your Life] appeared first on Jenn Jewell.

Tori Hope Petersen bounced around twelve foster homes until she emancipated or "aged out" of the system at 18 years old. But even in the middle of a rollercoaster childhood, God met her in her mess. Despite the odds being stacked against her, Tori became a 4x State Champion and All American in track [...] The post EP. 142 | Tori Hope Petersen [Fostering Hope] appeared first on Jenn Jewell.

Friends!!! Welcome back to The Messy Table! YAY!! And sorry for all the exclamation marks, but we've missed you, missed these conversations, missed these powerful stories, and are so thankful to be back in this intentional space. Kicking off our fall episodes is the darling, strong, and faith-filled Brandi Wilson. Brandi is a boy [...] The post EP. 141 | Brandi Wilson [Better Than Okay] appeared first on Jenn Jewell.

God cares deeply about the details of our individual stories. But we can't forget that we're also a part of a bigger, overarching story. From beginning to forever, this is God's story and it's our story and it's the greatest story on earth. Here to share a piece of her personal journey, as well as [...] The post EP. 140 | Elizabeth Woodson [From Beginning to Forever] appeared first on Jenn Jewell.

Mother's Day week can bring all the feels—joy, sadness, gratefulness, longing, and other conflicting emotions. But our guest today at The Messy Table is no stranger to such tension. Lindsay Johnson battled infertility for four years AND she's experienced a surprise pregnancy. She's known the delight of watching her kids grow AND the heartache of [...] The post EP. 139 | Lindsay Johnson [A Mother's Strength] appeared first on Jenn Jewell.

Can you imagine taking a seemingly harmless DNA test (for fun!) only to discover that you're not exactly who you thought you were? And there are strangers out there who share your genetic makeup? Amy Williams was in her mid-40s when she received the shock of her life. But even when life gets wild, messy, [...] The post EP. 138 | Amy Williams [The Shock of Her Life] appeared first on Jenn Jewell.

Jana Findlay grew up on the wrong side of the tracks. Her dad was an alcoholic who died in her teens and her mom was a single woman who struggled to make ends meet. Jana numbed the pain with drugs, alcohol, and dysfunctional relationships—eventually winding up pregnant. But Jana knew there had to be something [...] The post EP. 137 | Jana Findlay [Lost and Found] appeared first on Jenn Jewell.

When you're not okay, where do you turn? When you're not okay, can you dare to admit it? When you're not okay, it's okay—but you don't have to stay that way. Today's guest at The Messy Table is the beautiful and talented Lydia Laird—a Jesus follower, music maker, and mental health advocate who grew up as [...] The post EP. 136 | Lydia Laird [When You're Not Okay] appeared first on Jenn Jewell.

Some seasons are harder than others. Have you been there? Are you currently there? Maybe it's not one massive thing (or maybe it is), but you've found yourself feeling discouraged, disheartened, or simply down. Being human can be hard, living on this earth can be messy, and navigating this good-yet-fallen world can be incredibly overwhelming. [...] The post EP. 135 | Ashley Robbins [Hope for a Hard Season] appeared first on Jenn Jewell.

It's one thing to feel physically depleted, but another thing entirely to be spiritually malnourished. Yet, too many of us live there—functioning on a steady diet of empty calories when our souls are starving for more. Thankfully, today's guest at The Messy Table is Amy Seiffert—a wife and mom, author and speaker, podcaster and Bible [...] The post EP. 134 | Amy Seiffert [Starving for More] appeared first on Jenn Jewell.

Leanna Romoser had a growing belly, a decorated nursery, a detailed birth plan, and high expectations. But she didn't expect to be diagnosed with severe preeclampsia, restricted to hospital bed rest, or for her baby to arrive 7 weeks early. She didn't anticipate spending weeks in the NICU, struggling to bond with her newborn, or [...] The post EP. 133 | Leanna Romoser [Choosing to Trust God] appeared first on Jenn Jewell.

What if the warning flags in your mind or the signals from your body are also invitations—to come close to God? To step into the grace and freedom that's already yours? After a series of unsettling panic attacks and a spike in anxiety that was spinning out of control, Claire Westbrook—a wife, mom, worship pastor, [...] The post EP. 132 | Claire Westbrook [An Invitation to Freedom] appeared first on Jenn Jewell.

As you think about how to honor God in this new year, you might focus on your physical health, your spiritual health, or even your mental health. But what about your digital health? Today at The Messy Table, author, speaker, podcaster, and masterclass host, Arlene Pellicane, is chatting with Amy Groeschel and Jenn Jewell about setting [...] The post EP. 131 | Arlene Pellicane [Prioritizing Digital Boundaries] appeared first on Jenn Jewell.

As we move into the Christmas season, there is SO MUCH JOY to be found. But for those who simply cannot escape what's difficult or broken or painful or devastating, there's also a place at this table for you. Today at The Messy Table, Amy Groeschel and Jenn Jewell are chatting with Grace Whitnah—a wife [...] The post EP. 130 | Grace Whitnah [Hope for a Weary World] appeared first on Jenn Jewell.

Have you ever been shocked by the unexpected? Rattled by the unplanned? Panicked by the uncertain? Or simply disappointed by unmet expectations? Amanda Wright has been there—stunned by two pink lines (at a time when she wasn't expecting them). As a college student and preacher's daughter who was unmarried and unprepared, Amanda felt embarrassed, unworthy, [...] The post EP. 129 | Amanda Wright [Unplanned Mercies] appeared first on Jenn Jewell.

From dropping out of high school to earning her doctorate in psychology, from living on the streets to helping others in hard places, from being stuck in a cycle of dysfunction to defying the odds stacked against her... Dr. Amy Newberry is a wife, mom of four, licensed professional counselor, the owner of Restore Family [...] The post EP. 128 | Dr. Amy Newberry [Defying the Odds] appeared first on Jenn Jewell.

Who's tired of rushing around? Who's exhausted from trying to keep up? Who's not the best at setting healthy boundaries? Who could use a little more (okay, a LOT more) rest? Our guest today at The Messy Table is Christina Patterson—a wife and mom, author and speaker, Bible teacher and devotional writer. Christina founded Beloved Women, [...] The post EP. 127 | Christina Patterson [Resisting the Rush] appeared first on Jenn Jewell.

We all need mentors who've gone before us—to guide us, to stretch us, to encourage us. We've also been empowered by the King of kings Himself to pass along the wisdom we've gleaned to those who are coming after us. Today at The Messy Table, Cynthia Huffmyer is chatting with Amy Groeschel and Jenn Jewell [...] The post EP. 126 | Cynthia Huffmyer [Breaking Through Bitterness] appeared first on Jenn Jewell.

If you've ever had a God-sized dream, a quiet nudge of vision, or even a teeny-tiny idea planted in your heart, this episode could be the breath of encouragement you need! Today at The Messy Table, Heather Turner is chatting with Jenn Jewell about dreaming big and trading up. About paying attention to whispers, stepping out [...] The post EP. 125 | Heather Turner [Dreaming Big and Trading Up] appeared first on Jenn Jewell.

Look at us, back together again! Happy September and welcome back to The Messy Table—an ordinary space for us to slow down and remember that GOD IS AT WORK IN OUR MESS. Kicking off the 2022 fall season here at The Messy Table is Ginger Ward—a fantastic mama, an intentional leader, everybody's favorite cheerleader, and [...] The post EP. 124 | Ginger Ward [Revived by God] appeared first on Jenn Jewell.

Have your plans ever been derailed? Has a dream ever quietly died? Have you thought God was leading you one way, but, turns out, you were wrong? Carrie McCarty has known disappointment: She thought she'd marry her high school/college sweetheart, but that relationship ended. She thought she'd be a biological mom, but those two pink [...] The post EP. 123 | Carrie McCarty [Sacred Detours] appeared first on Jenn Jewell.

It's May, y'all! AND Mother's Day week. AND Foster Care Awareness Month. AND we're nearing the sun-soaked days of summer—which often means extra time with the younger humans in our lives. And that's why we're THRILLED to have Amanda Torres as our guest today at The Messy Table. Sharing the unexpected messes and mercies of [...] The post EP. 122 | Amanda Torres [Unexpected Mercies] appeared first on Jenn Jewell.

Jen Lake never expected her pastor-husband to die—in front of her eyes or in front of their church. She never planned to be a young widow with three small children. And she never anticipated finding love again … Today at The Messy Table, Jen is sharing her unexpected journey with grief, as well as a [...] The post EP. 121 | Jen Lake [Life After Loss] appeared first on Jenn Jewell.

We don't always notice God's fingerprints—until we look back. But He's constantly working and continuously present, even when we fail to see it. Jas Reynolds is a New Yorker transplanted in Oklahoma, as well as a wife, mama, and pastor/communicator at Life.Church. Today at The Messy Table, Jas is chatting with Amy Groeschel and Jenn [...] The post EP. 120 | Jas Reynolds [God Is Not Done] appeared first on Jenn Jewell.

Have you ever wanted to quit something good? Our guest today at The Messy Table has been there. Renee Swope was ready to resign from motherhood—after desperately longing to become a mom. Overwhelmed by the job, deflated by insecurity, and enamored with guilt, the thought of giving up (at least for a few days) sounded [...] The post EP. 119 | Renee Swope [Becoming a Confident Mom] appeared first on Jenn Jewell.

God designed this incredible world to teach us, stretch us, and shape us. The challenge is pausing long enough to notice how He's working, and acknowledge how we're growing. Here to chat with Amy Groeschel and Jenn Jewell today at The Messy Table is Donna Stuart—a Texan transplanted to Washington DC, where she and her [...] The post EP. 118 | Donna Stuart [Seasons of Growth] appeared first on Jenn Jewell.

If you've ever felt too wounded, too shattered, or too terribly far from God, this episode is for you. Yes, you. And today's guest at The Messy Table Podcast is poised to remind you that (spoiler!) "broken crayons still color." With a delicious mix of fire and charm, Toni Collier is sharing her redemption story. [...] The post EP. 117 | Toni Collier [Broken Crayons Still Color] appeared first on Jenn Jewell.

In a performance-driven, goal-oriented, success-obsessed world, is it possible for an overachiever to find rest? Is it realistic to value meaningful work AND healthy boundaries? Here to share a bit of her story at The Messy Table is Ashley Clinesmith—a wife, girl mom, business professional, lifelong learner, and recovering overachiever. As a naturally independent and [...] The post EP. 116 | Ashley Clinesmith [Rest for the Overachiever] appeared first on Jenn Jewell.

Two best friends. Two separate pregnancies. Two heartbreaking losses within two short weeks of time. Here to share their tragically sacred stories at The Messy Table are Alyson Brown and Kelsi Cole—cofounders of Foreknown Ministries, re-definers of joy, and mamas to little ones on earth and in heaven. Now, a big part of their calling [...] The post EP. 115 | Alyson Brown + Kelsi Cole [A Tragic Honor] appeared first on Jenn Jewell.

Happy January, friends! We can't think of a better way to kick off the 2022 season than a conversation with Rachel Cruze at The Messy Table! In today's episode, Amy Groeschel and Jenn Jewell are chatting with Rachel about stewarding our lives—our money, our time, our relationships—to magnify God. We're covering topics like: Shifting seasons [...] The post EP. 114 | Rachel Cruze [Stewarding Our Lives] appeared first on Jenn Jewell.

Right in the middle of this holiday madness (the wonderful, the challenging, and the complicated), guess what we have for you?! A special BONUS EPISODE at The Messy Table Podcast! It's easy to get wrapped up in it all—the gifts, meals, programs, parties, chaos, and fun. But what if we pause long enough to consider [...] The post EP. 113 | Divina Bruss, Shanna Crawford, & Jenn Jewell [A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Christmas] appeared first on Jenn Jewell.

Why would someone purposefully step into heartbreak? Why would they intentionally sacrifice time, money, and emotional/physical margin to care for strangers in need? Sharing a piece of her unconventionally beautiful story at The Messy Table, as well as reminding us of true things, is Heather Van Wormer—a wife, foster mama (with a biological sweetie on [...] The post EP. 112 | Heather Van Wormer [Love Does Hard Things] appeared first on Jenn Jewell.

If you've ever tried to carry the weight of the world, you know, it's an exhausting attempt. But the good news is... Our guest today at The Messy Table is the incredible Hosanna Wong—author, speaker, and spoken word artist who grew up "doing church" on the streets of San Francisco, and happens to be an [...] The post EP. 111 | Hosanna Wong [How (Not) to Save the World] appeared first on Jenn Jewell.

For nearly 6 years, Rebecca Bender was trapped in the dark and violent world of sex trafficking. When she finally escaped, she knew she wanted to fight to change culture and offer hope to other survivors. Rebecca is not only a human-trafficking survivor, but also a wife, mother of 4, speaker, author, thought leader, educator, [...] The post EP. 110 | Rebecca Bender [Escaping the Darkness of Sex Trafficking] appeared first on Jenn Jewell.

Though we each have uniquely individual journeys, there's still so much that's universal—joys and struggles and the curious provision of God. And today's guest at The Messy Table Podcast exemplifies no exception... "Kate" is a physician assistant, doctor's wife, and homeschooling mama of 4 who's currently serving alongside her family as missionaries in the mountains of [...] The post EP. 109 | “Kate” [Knowing God as Defender] appeared first on Jenn Jewell.

20 years ago, Cindy Beall's marriage was dangling by a thread. Betrayal had shattered her reality and uncertainty was threatening her future. 10 years ago, Cindy published a book—divulging how she and her husband, Chris, experienced healing after trust was broken; offering hope to those following in their footsteps. Today, we're celebrating! The sweetness of [...] The post EP. 108 | Cindy Beall [Still Better Than New] appeared first on Jenn Jewell.

We all want to thrive, don't we? We'd rather not waste our time and energy on fruitless endeavors. Yet, still, we can find ourselves merely surviving this beautiful thing called life. In today's episode at The Messy Table, Kristen Campbell is chatting with Kat Robinson and Jenn Jewell about the significance of thriving where you're [...] The post EP. 107 | Kristen Campbell [Thrive Where You're Planted] appeared first on Jenn Jewell.

Does God really work ALL things together for good, like it says in Romans 8? And do "all things" include those mysteriously jagged pieces that don't make perfect sense? Y'all, our guest today at The Messy Table is ridiculously FUN and deeply COMPASSIONATE. Heather Brower serves on the Content Development Team at Life.Church, is parenting two [...] The post EP. 106 | Heather Brower [Does God Really Work All Things Together for Good?] appeared first on Jenn Jewell.

Oh happy day! After a brief summer break (WE MISSED YOU!), The Messy Table Podcast is all cued up and ready to be back in your earbuds... And guess what? We're kicking off the season with a guest we deeply respect—a truth-telling, boy-raising, Kingdom-advancing, example-setting, life-speaking WOMAN OF GOD. Y'all, Priscilla Shirer is in the [...] The post EP. 105 | Priscilla Shirer [A Timeless Reset] appeared first on Jenn Jewell.

Before taking a short summer break here at The Messy Table Podcast (don't worry, we'll be back mid-August), we want to leave you with the powerful reminder that, no matter your situation, you are hard-wired for hope. Our guest today, Kim Heinecke, has navigated a series of relationship status shifts: single, married, divorced, a single [...] The post EP. 104 | Kim Heinecke [Hard-Wired for Hope] appeared first on Jenn Jewell.

At 7 years old, Mayci Baker jotted scribbly words onto a sticky note and placed it in her kitchen—where she knew her mama spent hours preparing specially-made, allergy-friendly food. "Work hard for me today,"  the note read. "Love, Mayci." Caressa Baker's days are marked with the quiet strength of sacrifice. Along with being a pastor's [...] The post EP. 103 | Caressa Baker [The Quiet Strength of Sacrifice] appeared first on Jenn Jewell.

Imagine you're reclining on a velvet couch with a fluffy pillow under your neck while a professional helps you untangle the complexities swirling through your mind. Well, guess what? It doesn't have to be a dream! (Just use your own couch.) Robin May is a seasoned wife, girl-mom of three, church leader, licensed mental health [...] The post EP. 102 | Robin May [Paying Attention to Your Soul] appeared first on Jenn Jewell.

Everyday heroes. They sometimes fly under the radar and often avoid recognition, but if you're willing to take a closer look, you'll find them—serving on the fringes and fighting for what matters. Jesus, of course, is our ultimate Hero. But He's dispatched an army of everyday heroes to flood the darkness with light. And Dr. [...] The post EP. 101 | Dr. Deb Shropshire [The Impact of Everyday Heroes] appeared first on Jenn Jewell.

Friends!!! We cannot even believe that TODAY marks the 100th episode at The Messy Table Podcast! And that's exactly why there's zero shame in using a ridiculous amount of exclamation points!! We VALUE the courageous women (and a few brave men!) who have dared to offer a piece of their stories. We HONOR those who [...] The post EP. 100 | Vivi Rivers [Unfulfilled Longings + Upside-Down Grace] appeared first on Jenn Jewell.

What if, every morning, you could wake up with a "get to" perspective instead of a "have to" attitude? I GET TO shine light into my workplace vs. I HAVE TO earn a living. I GET TO love the kids that God has entrusted to me vs. I HAVE TO feed these people, change a [...] The post EP. 99 | Jill Donovan [Finding Your “Get To” with the CEO of Rustic Cuff] appeared first on Jenn Jewell.