We Are Free

Allie Casazza, the life minimalist and author of Declutter Like a Mother, joins me today and we chat about getting rid of the excess stuff in our lives, homes and hearts so we can make room for what matters most. Allie and I discuss contentment vs. consumerism; what minimalism looks like as a mom; what decluttering has to do with faith; practical ways to live a simple life; and why capsule wardrobes aren't for everyone! Do you consider yourself a minimalist? Maybe you'll want to after this episode!

We know mental health is vital but how do we implement those practices and teach our kids to do the same? I chatted with Michelle Nietert about the warning signs we're not okay and what to do when our brains, bodies and hearts (and our kids') are in need of some TLC and healing.

The hard parts of our stories are more than just that; if we look close enough, we'll see there's so much beauty, strength and goodness to be discovered within ourselves. Mary Marantz, author of Dirt, joins me to chat about facing our pasts and allowing them to positively shape our futures.

Friendships are important but they're not always easy. Jeanette and I chat about honesty, intentionality, vulnerability and expectations in friendships. Isolating ourselves and thinking we can do it on our own is for the birds. We need our friends! Listen in, laugh with us and be encouraged to be a good friend and let your friends love you back, too.

We have a creative God. And artist Courtney Kibby Cooper believes the beauty and creativity He’s given us (in the world and within ourselves) can help us heal and grow our appreciation for the beauty and good gifts in our lives. 

Adoption is an incredible gift but it’s also born out of loss. Julie Zihong, an adult Chinese adoptee, shares about the common questions and emotions that come with adoption. She speaks honestly about dealing with feelings of abandonment, finding your identity in Jesus and offers encouragement for adoptive families.

How do we change our perspective on instant gratification? How do we embrace the long winter seasons of our lives? Jennifer says, “Time is our friend,” and rather than fighting it, there’s so much goodness, healing and harvest that comes from Growing Slow. Listen in as we talk all about un-hurrying our hearts.

What does it look like to have a no Plan B kind of faith? Are we really relying solely on God to make His Plan A happen? And what do you do if your Plan A falls through? Listen in as founder of Coffee + Crumbs Ashlee Gadd and I chat about faith, fears and all the good going on behind the scenes whether our plans come to fruition or not.

We know how to put physical things where they belong, like bread left out on the counter or toothpaste in the drawer, but what about the emotional and spiritual things? Are we taking time to bring those things to God? Listen in as Sonya and I chat about how to practice putting things where they belong.

Neidy Hess shares about what it was like to grow up in the United States as an undocumented citizen and the shame she carried with her because of that label. We talk about generational sin, poverty, the hardships of parenting and ultimately, how the love of Jesus can wipe clean all feelings of unworthiness, no matter what the circumstance. 

Are you spending more time on your phone than reading your Bible, talking to God or hanging out with friends and family? Do you pick up your phone every chance you have a spare second? It might be time for The 40-Day Social Media Fast. Listen in as Wendy and I chat about signs you might need a fast; the hardest about it; and the immediate and long-term effects of laying down social media for Jesus.

Why do we feel like we have to have it all under control all the time? How do we adopt a different mindset, the truth, that God has it all under control so we don’t have to? Author Jennifer Dukes Lee, a self-proclaimed recovering control freak, shares valuable and practical information on how we can let go, let God be God and make the most with what He’s given us.

Anxiety. We’ve all had it. Maybe you have it right now? It’s crippling, daunting and real. So, how do we acknowledge it, validate it but not let it rule our hearts or lives? Scarlet Hiltibidal shares how fear and anxiety played a big role in her childhood, college years and early motherhood and how she faces those things today. If you’ve ever felt anxious about anything, this one’s for you.

How do we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus in the midst of all the feelings of 2020? What is the hardest part about keeping an eternal perspective...from day-to-day challenges all the way up to the big, life-changing events? Rebecca George says we need to redirect our hearts and minds back to God and she helps us do so with scripture and practical advice.

How do we create a Christ-centered home for our children without putting unnecessary pressure on ourselves as parents? Jessica Smartt encourages us to steer clear of technology; let boredom come without trying to entertain it away; and spend time and energy creating traditions and memories with our kids.

Adventuring together with your kids builds the best kind of connections. You don’t have to climb mountains or even like camping, but Greta Eskridge is convinced we need to break free from routine and escape the comforts of our homes with our kids. Listen in as we chat about adventuring (including some unexpected ways to adventure), homeschooling and connecting with our kids.

We live a lot of our lives living in the in-between. Waiting for husbands and homes and babies and jobs and so much more. What are you waiting for right now, friend? Are you living your best life while you wait? What is God teaching you? How is He showing up? Tune in as Jess and I chat about the challenges and rewards of living in the in-between.

You might not be biracial, but I bet you know someone who is. Join me as Korean American storyteller Tasha Jun brings light and insight into what it’s like to grow up in a multicultural home; misconceptions about mixed race women; how to embrace the place where cultures collide; and how faith intersects with ethnic identity.

Maybe you’re tired of trying to be someone you’re not in this extroverted culture we live in? Maybe you need some space or solitude but you’re not giving yourself permission to take it? Maybe you’re looking for a way to make the most of who God created you to be, as an empathetic, observant introvert? Wall Street Journal bestselling author Holley Gerth joins me to talk about the powerful purpose of introverts.

What happens when we try to put on a brave face or live fearlessly? The hard stuff still comes. It’s time to get honest with ourselves about the root of our fears. It’s time to look upward and live out God’s command to “fear the Lord.” For when we do, our troubles look and feel different, knowing we can trust Him.

What is Biblical obedience? Why do we do what God says? And, how do we hear Him in the first place? Join me as Christian blogger Shanté Grossett and I chat about what obedience looks like in our own lives; when we’ve been resistant to God’s guidance; and the goodness that comes from walking in daily obedience.

How do we hold plans loosely? How do we approach God with our hopes and desires and at the same time let go of expectations of how we think things sho®®†uld go? Listen in as Brooke and I talk about what it looks like when life doesn’t go according to our plans and how those times are actually an opportunity for us to grow closer to Jesus. 

Are you taking care of yourself? Are you making time to create art, community, therapy (or anything else you know you need), or are you too busy to take the time to write, draw, process, connect and heal? Join Josefina as she shares her journey, why she believes art is so important in healing and why she’s eager to remind you that you are worthy of care.

How does raising a child with Down syndrome change you? How can we have more empathy for families who have kids with disabilities? What is a mom’s greatest fear and hope for her child who has Down syndrome? Jillian Benfield shares her family’s story and her heart on all of this in Ep. 046.

God created us all uniquely, perfectly the way He wanted. So, what does it look like to figure out, live out and celebrate our God-given design? How do we do that without fearing rejection or judgement? How do we get to that sweet spot, where our daily actions line up with who He made us to be? Listen in as Jenni Lien, creator of The Yay Project, shares her story and how she’s finding answers to these questions.

How do you go from the pain of loss and grieving to starting fresh? How to know when you’re ready for a new love after your spouse passes away? Remarried widow, Bible teacher, runner and author, Dorina shares the tragedy of her husband’s cancer diagnosis and death, the grief that followed and the peace and confidence God gave her to move forward and flourish in life, including a new marriage.

International recording and touring artist Megan Duke joins me to talk about what it’s like to have an interracial marriage; how to turn Jesus moments into Jesus movements; and her beliefs and convictions on how to move toward racial reconciliation.

Today is my 38th birthday! In this episode, I’m sharing my biggest lessons learned at the age of 37 and sharing my goals for this next year. I’m also having a little virtual party over on Instagram to say thanks for listening to We Are Free. Head over to @beckymorquecho to win a $50 Target gift card. Thank you for celebrating my birthday with me!

Why do we pray if God has a plan and already knows the outcome? What are common misconceptions about prayer? How do we make prayer a priority in our lives and why does God want us to? Val Woerner, author of Grumpy Mom Takes a Holiday and owner of Val Marie Paper, and I chat about how we can practice purposeful prayer.

Carmen and I chat about a difficult topic in Ep. 040. She shares about how she was deeply hurt by her church and was on her way out the door, but then her husband felt called to take a job at that same church. Carmen walks us through what the process of conflict resolution looked like for her and how God restored her heart and faith along the way.

You know that viral post going around Instagram...Girl, Read Your Bible. You can eat all the kale, buy all the things, etc.? Alisha wrote that. And when she realized it resonated with so many women, she wrote a book about the idea of it all: Chasing Perfect. Listen in as we chat about all of it and how we can find fulfillment in a perfect Jesus, instead of false worldly satisfaction.

Katie had three kids and thought she was done. God surprised her with two more, one in a way she definitely wasn’t expecting. She shares about what it looks like to meet the needs of five different children and how sanctifying and humbling motherhood is. If you’re in the thick of it, Katie has such good and beautiful reminders for you.

Lisa’s two-year-old daughter Grace was born with a complex congenital heart defect and spent the first 18 months of her life in the Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit. Lisa shares what that season looked like, what day-to-day life looks like now with Grace at home, and how God continues to guide her toward a posture of hope. If you’re longing for hope or the effects of it, in any category of your life, listen in.

Are you feeling weighed down by stress? Or maybe disappointment? Licensed professional counselor Mazi Robinson shares how we can best approach and move through stress and disappointment. How we can acknowledge and validate our feelings but not sit in them forever. We also chat about self-compassion, how it’s vital in the healing process and how we can retrain our brains to start showing ourselves more love and grace.

My hubby is back, once again asking me questions I didn’t hear or see before we recorded. This time, he asks some pretty personal questions. I’m totally okay sharing though. Maybe you’re feeling some of the same things? Listen in to get a peek at what life looks like being a special needs mama and to hear what I’m thinking and feeling about growing our family.

How do we create space for healing to happen? How do we know we’re healing even when it feels like we’re not? Jessica and I chat about what it looks like to partner with Jesus to move forward from our pain. Whether it’s a childhood trauma, a consequence from a choice you’ve made or a weight hanging over you, learn how to begin the healing process and continue to claim it and live it.

Paige and her husband have 4 kids under the age of 5 and are pursuing their dream of being modern homesteaders. We chat about the pressures of building a life at home, unschooling her children, how health and wellness play an important role, and most importantly, how she depends on Jesus to renew her mind daily, so she can reflect His love to her family.

Michelle lost her 14-year-old son to cancer. What an honor that she’s sharing his story with us. What do you tell a kid who has cancer? What does life look like when he’s declared “cancer free” and when that cancer comes back? What’s it like to live on borrowed time? How do you cope and surrender? Michelle talks about it all as she shares the joy and light of her son, Luke the Brave.

The Enneagram is all the rage these days. But what does it have to do with Christianity? Where does Jesus come into all this? Join me as I chat with Your Enneagram Coach, Beth McCord, about the Enneagram from a Biblical perspective. Whether you’re new to the Enneagram or have been loving it and using it for years, you won’t want to miss Ep. 031!

Maybe it’s the state of our country. Maybe it’s the state of your home or marriage. Maybe it’s the kids you’re not sure how to parent all the time. Maybe it’s the business/career you’re drowning in. No matter the circumstances, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed when we wear a lot of hats. Lauren joins us for Ep. 030 to chat about how to thrive during challenging, uncertain and heavy seasons (and, sometimes that just means everyday life).

Natalie struggled with destructive anger for years before becoming a peaceful parent. She shares what life looked like then, how she learned to process her anger, and how other moms can do the same. Whether you sometimes react irrationally, yell or are passive aggressive with your child(ren), you’ll learn some great tactics to promote healing and healthy relationships within your family.

Kat has had four pregnancies and endured two miscarriages. She shares openly about how God has worked in her life, marriage and motherhood in the last four years. Whether you’ve lived through your own miscarriage(s) or loss(es) of friends or family, recently or a long time ago, Kat’s honesty and experiences will encourage you.

Needing something a little lighter and more joyful today? Listen in as I chat with my daughter, Vera. We talk a lot about her baby Kiki, how old she is, when her birthday is, a little bit about her PKU (phenylketonuria), which Kiki has, too, and what she can eat and can’t eat because of it. If you’re a mama to a little one(s) at home, I pray God is infusing your days with beautiful, happy, silly moments just like these.

If you’re feeling stressed by the struggles of motherhood, this one’s for you. If you’re feeling inadequate, lonely, or wrongly appointed as the mom for the job, this one’s for you. If you need help identifying what’s making you feel like you’re failing at being a mama, this one’s for you. If you’re ready to gain confidence, delight and joy in your children, this one’s for you, because there’s No Better Mom for the Job.

Calling all special needs mamas! Maybe you already know the diagnosis. Maybe you’re just starting to notice something is “off” but you’re not quite sure what to do. Kristin’s been there, too. She and her husband are raising two boys with autism and she joins me to chat about the challenges and joys that go along with it.

Who and what is influencing your thoughts and beliefs? What lies are you letting seep into your mind and heart? And, most importantly, how do we stop them from separating us from the Lord? Channing joins me in the studio for a candid conversation on how to take the world’s narrative, filter it through the Holy Spirit and compare it to God’s truth.

Postpartum depression and anxiety are so common, yet many women feel inadequate or ashamed because of them. What are the symptoms? (Some of these might surprise you.) How can you heal from the hopelessness they bring? Kylee walks us through it all: What postpartum depression and anxiety looked like for her, how she got help and what she’s learned/gained from going through it all.

This time, I’m in the hot seat. I asked Jesse to interview me for this show but not to tell me his questions ahead of time. We chat about some light-hearted stuff and some really important stuff God has done in my life over the years. Ep. 022 is fun and candid and totally on the fly.

Five years ago, Ashlyn was facing anorexia but couldn’t believe it. She thought, “Problems like this don’t happen to girls like me.” By the grace of God, the faithfulness of her husband and the love of her family, she began to heal. If you’re struggling with the need to control or trying to escape the “enemy’s talons” and lies, no matter what category of your life, listen in.

What’s it like to be a woman in vocational ministry these days? How does it affect your marriage and family? How does it affect your relationship with the Lord? Tune in as I chat with Alexis Feindel about the challenges and joys of being a woman in ministry.

What’s getting you through your days? It’s so easy to turn to Starbucks, ice cream or Netflix. Wendy offers a different, more fulfilling answer to our lives. What if we gave up sugar and instead ran to Jesus? Listen in as Wendy and I chat about surrendering sugar and consuming Christ in lieu of consuming something else.