Where Faith Grows

This episode of Where Faith Grows is all about Simple Purposeful Living. I was absolutely pumped to chat with Erin Port, the owner and founder of Simple Purposeful Living, a lifestyle brand that helps women simplify and organize their daily rhythms in an effort to prioritize and focus on what is truly important to them in life.  This episode is one of my favorites because Erin gives SO MANY practical tips that can be implemented today to start your journey to simple purposeful living. One of my favorite things she mentions in this episode is her 4 "D"'s to simple purposeful living: The 4 D's of Simple Purposeful Living:  Declutter Delegate Do it. Daily Rhythm  She goes into detail in the episode about what each of these means and how to start implementing, but I love the concept that making big changes in our lives doesn't have to feel like a ton of work. Erin does a great job simplifying and breaking down everything into manageable tasks that can be achieved in just a few minutes a day. If you want proof of her expertise at work, go grab her meal planner and try it for a week. I promise you'll notice a difference!  This episode is great for the week following Mother's Day, is it not? We can all use a hand adding simplicity and purpose to our very busy lives and rhythms. You definitely don't want to miss this one to kick off summer with some routines and tips that will work hard for you through this next season. Most importantly, Erin points out that simple purposeful living allows us to spend our mental and physical energy on the priorities that truly matter to us at our core. No matter what that is for you, this episode will help you cut through the clutter (figuratively and literally!) to hone in on what matters to you - that way you can get on with a life that feels full of the things that matter most to you! Don't forget to subscribe to Where Faith Grows wherever you listen to podcasts and share it with a friend if you love it! If you share about this episode on social media, be sure to use #wherefaithgrowspodcast so I can see what you are learning and loving! Support this podcast

This episode of Where Faith Grows is all about finding beauty in brokenness. Today, I had the opportunity to sit down and chat with Faithful Biz Builder, Liana Danielle. She is equal parts joyful and wise and, if you're anything like me, you're going to feel like she is an instant bestie once you hear from her in this episode! While Liana specializes in supporting Christian women as they build their faithful businesses and helping them market their gifts to the world, we decided to focus in on the topic of finding beauty in brokenness today. As we all know, we live in a fallen world. Brokenness is inevitable - however, it can often be hard to find beauty when we are living in the midst of brokenness. It's much easier to find that beauty once we are on the other side of whatever broken situation we are facing! Without spoiling the episode for you, Liana shares her personal experiences with brokenness, from childhood experiences to dating to her current life situations. She shares with such transparency and yet such joy and hope for the bright future God promises us all. Her strength and wisdom will no doubt inspire you, but her insights into God's love and His ability to provide beauty in even the darkest situations will give you strength to face whatever lies ahead. We can all relate to feelings of brokenness, no matter where they come from. I can assure you that this episode will leave you feeling stronger, wiser, and incredibly inspired! Don't forget to subscribe to Where Faith Grows wherever you listen to podcasts and share it with a friend if you love it! If you share about this episode on social media, be sure to use #wherefaithgrowspodcast so I can see what you are learning and loving! Follow along on Instagram: @wherefaithgrows.podcast Support this podcast

This episode of Where Faith Grows is all about being firmly planted in Christ. Mikella Van Dyke has such a beautiful story of continually being transplanted both physically and spiritually throughout her life. She shares it all today on the show and shares how these experiences shaped her view about being planted in Christ, and about how to actually achieve that firm planting in our own faith. I was so excited to chat with Mikella today, because I love her ministry, Chasing Sacred! She teaches women to study the Bible through inductive Bible study, and you will definitely hear that teacher side of her today as she walks us through key verses and passages about being firmly planted in our walks of faith. You're going to love it! I learned so much today and I just know you will as well.  No matter what you are walking through or what you have walked through, I think we can all relate to the feeling of being transplanted or replanted in our lives, whether in a physical, emotional, or spiritual way. Change in our lives is inevitable, and Mikella covers these feelings too with such honesty and joy. Mikella has such a beautiful story of being transplanted over and over again, only to find that her true identity never shifted from its core in Christ. She sheds so much wisdom on the word of God in this episode - you're going to feel like you're getting a really good sermon out of this one!  Don't forget to subscribe to Where Faith Grows wherever you listen to podcasts and share it with a friend if you love it! If you share about this episode on social media, be sure to use #wherefaithgrowspodcast so I can see what you are learning and loving! Support this podcast

This episode of Where Faith Grows is all about being uniquely, bravely you!  This week, I got to sit down and chat with Brittany Wynne - she is a creative force who turned custom painted jackets she created as Christmas gifts into a business that allows people to, quite literally, put on the armor of God and wear beautifully hand-painted truths that speak to who God is calling them to be.  In this episode, Brittany and I cover a lot! We talk about finding our unique identities, the struggle and pressure to conform and fit in, owning who we are in Christ, and we even chat a little about Christian rap music (ha!). As Christian women, we all sometimes struggle to "be uniquely you". Brittany speaks from her own experience with such wisdom and clarity, that I know you will leave feeling inspired to root your identity in Christ and live out all you were made to be, while being uniquely, bravely you!  There is so much goodness packed into this episode, I wish I could cover it all here just to tell you how great it is! Let me know once you listen what your favorite part was, and don't forget to check out Brave Witness Clothing too to snag one of Brittany's custom-painted beauties! Don't forget to subscribe to Where Faith Grows wherever you listen to podcasts and share it with a friend if you love it! If you share about this episode on social media, be sure to use #wherefaithgrowspodcast so I can see what you are learning and loving! Support this podcast

This episode of Where Faith Grows is all about seasons of waiting and running for Christ.  I was so thrilled to sit down with Crown of Beauty media founder, Livy Lynn, today and cover this topic. From running women's conferences to creating and producing a magazine to writing books for Christian young women, Livy has done it all! She draws from her vast array of experiences to give such wisdom on seasons of waiting and running, and how we can glean lessons and truth from God from each. Livy and I talk about seasons of waiting and running in her own life, and also about practical tips to tune into whatever season God is calling us towards. Livy gives tips to grow in all seasons, including how to pursue a relationship with God over everything in else in order to know what kind of season we are being called towards in the moment. She also encourages us to live in the moment, pursuing joy and gleaning lessons from our current season, even if it's not what we imagined.  With joy, sincerity, and truth, Livy shares her story today along with practical tips and tools to walk boldly in seasons of waiting and running in your own life. I just know you're going to love it as much as I did! Don't forget to subscribe to Where Faith Grows wherever you listen to podcasts and share it with a friend if you love it! If you share about this episode on social media, be sure to use #wherefaithgrowspodcast so I can see what you are learning and loving! Support this podcast

This episode of Where Faith Grows is all about beauty for ashes - I sit down with the amazing Allix Rawls and we talk about how God can take any ashes (even the ones we create ourselves!) and turn them into absolute beauty for His glory. Allix's story is absolutely incredible. Her heart for the Lord shines through in every word as she speaks about God's everlasting faithfulness even in the most painful and broken parts of her story. Allix's personality is infectious - even in the most challenging parts of her story, Allix finds humor, laughter, and joy. I truly felt like I was sitting down with an old girlfriend and catching up on life! I know you will feel the same as she shares how God took her ashes and turned them into a beautiful story of redemption and wholeness. Allix reminds us in this episode that beauty for ashes means ANY ashes can be turned into beauty, even the ones that are of our own making. She shares her story with transparency, honesty, light, and love - I know you will leave this episode inspired and enriched. It's truly a great one! Don't forget to subscribe to Where Faith Grows wherever you listen to podcasts and share it with a friend if you love it! If you share about this episode on social media, be sure to use #wherefaithgrowspodcast so I can see what you are learning and loving! Support this podcast

This episode of Where Faith Grows is all about finding balance in life and in faith. I had such a wonderful time sitting down (virtually, of course!) with Angela Lyons all the way from Ontario, Canada! Angela is a former classroom teacher turned entrepreneur who has walked the hard road of finding balance in her life. She discusses her experiences with teaching in the classroom, what that experience was like for her, and the ultimate realization that she needed to pursue a career path that allowed her to foster a better work-life balance for her mental, physical, and spiritual health. This episode is fantastic because Angela discusses finding balance from the perspective of someone who has very recently walked the road of a life that is totally out of balance to one that allows her more freedom in all aspects of her life and faith. Angela advocates beautifully for the importance of balance and holistic well-being, while also providing practical tips and resources to start that pursuit, no matter where you are in life. Whether just starting in a career, or looking to make a change, this episode will give you tons of tools and ideas to start making your own self care a priority - finding balance should always be prioritized, because it allows us the ability to give our everything to God in all circumstances, and frees up our minds to pursue all that God calls us to on a daily basis. I can't wait for you to hear this episode! I know you'll love it and love Angela as much as I did - she is a true gem! Don't forget to subscribe to Where Faith Grows wherever you listen to podcasts and share it with a friend if you love it! If you share about this episode on social media, be sure to use #wherefaithgrowspodcast so I can see what you are learning and loving! Support this podcast

This episode of Where Faith Grows is all about the 2021 vision and goals for the podcast and the blog! I'm so excited to host this special episode and really share with you guys my heart for this year. I'l be honest, this is a very scary year for me! Matt and I decided jointly that I would step back from my other responsibilities and devote all my energy this year to being a mom and furthering the mission of Where Faith Grows, which is to equip women to find their voice, worth, and legacy in Christ. While I am excited to take this step, I'm also really nervous! Previously, I've always been able to hide behind my own excuse that I don't have time to devote to Where Faith Grows because of my other responsibilities - now, there's no more hiding, friends! So, let me start off by saying thank you - thank you for all your support and for going on this journey with me! Here are a few things I would love to see accomplished this year: More blog posts! This year, I'm using some of this extra time to create more blog content and topics that matter to you - I'll be covering motherhood, my own real life, products I'm loving and, of course, faith inspiration. Let me know Start a Facebook group for LEAP - for anyone who has downloaded my free Bible Study, LEAP, I'll be creating an online community just for you! Still haven't taken the LEAP?https://awesome-knitter-8953.ck.page/3c8b5dd2c6 ( Download it free here). I've started a TikTok! I had a pretty fun experience over the holidays making videos for my Cricut crafts and watching one get over 75k views! I'll be channeling this energy in to more Christian-centered TikToks, as well as more content about crafing and parenting. Stay tuned for some fun 1 minute devotionals too! My Etsy shop will be getting a makeover this year too - I'll be adding more downloadable content like devotional pages, prayer pages, scripture logs, planning pages, and more. Stay tuned! Don't forget to subscribe to Where Faith Grows wherever you listen to podcasts and share it with a friend if you love it! If you share about this episode on social media, be sure to use #wherefaithgrowspodcast so I can see what you are learning and loving! Support this podcast

This episode of Where Faith Grows is all about following God's call and starting a podcast. This episode is a continuation of a series meant to equip you with practical resources and skills to chase your passions that will ultimately leave a legacy for God's Kingdom. I was beyond excited to chat with Alison Elizabeth, founder of the My Morning Devo podcast - today, we talk all about Alison's experience starting her business, following God's call, and ultimately leading her into the world of podcasting. I love this episode, because Alison's story is just so real. She starts off by sharing her testimony, then she shares about her own dreams to start a cookie company, how that happened and how it's going, and finally she shares how she was pivoted into podcasting during the pandemic in 2020. She shares her success with such humility, while also giving very real and practical advice to anyone out there looking to launch their own podcast this year. If you have goals to venture out on your own this year in business or in starting a podcast, Alison shares some great tidbits for you! Alison's journey to starting a podcast is anything but linear - I love how she shares this part of her story with such transparency and honesty. I think we can all relate to the feeling of just doing the next right thing! You're going to love all she has to say in this one! Don't forget to subscribe to Where Faith Grows wherever you listen to podcasts and share it with a friend if you love it! If you share about this episode on social media, be sure to use #wherefaithgrowspodcast so I can see what you are learning and loving! Support this podcast

This episode of Where Faith Grows is all finding healing and hope in Christ. This week, I got to chat with Chystal Gaunt. She is the fearless leader of Healing and Hope, a nonprofit organization and yoga studio dedicated to helping women find hope and freedom, no matter what they are currently walking through. I'm so excited for this episode, because it's the first in a series called Kingdom Influencers - this series shares stories of women making real change in the world through their passions, business ventures, and mission fields. If you've ever wondered about starting a nonprofit of your own, today's episode is going to be great for you! Today, Chystal walks us through her own story of starting Healing and Hope - she shares how our callings from God don't always take us on the most linear of paths, and she shares how anyone can get started doing God's work if they only have faith. I love Chystal's story, because it is so real. She shares her victories as well as her hard moments on this journey, and you are sure to be so inpisred by all the wisdom she has to share. Don't forget to subscribe to Where Faith Grows wherever you listen to podcasts and share it with a friend if you love it! If you share about this episode on social media, be sure to use #wherefaithgrowspodcast so I can see what you are learning and loving! Support this podcast

This episode of Where Faith Grows is all about the feeling we've all had of feeling behind in life.  I have been chatting with Kohlie Browning online for months and was so excited to finally have the opportunity to interview her for today's show! Kohlie is a podcaster herself and is the host of the podcast, Still With You.  Kohlie and I cover a lot in this episode! First, we talk all about Kohlie's last few years, graduating from college, getting married, and moving to Florida with her husband. We talk about military life, about Kohlie's goals and dreams, about believing in God's promises, about looking for His hand in our lives, and ultimately about feeling behind in life and how we can combat that feeling. I love this episode because I believe it's so relatable for all of us. I think, at one time or another in our lives, we have all felt behind. We may look at siblings, friends, or just our own plans for where we thought we'd be, and we feel let down by the reality of where we are in our life. Kohlie breaks this feeling down so well and even provides amazing practical advice for getting to the root cause of these feelings and overcoming them with grace, strength, and transparency. You're going to love this one! Don't forget to subscribe to Where Faith Grows wherever you listen to podcasts and share it with a friend if you love it! If you share about this episode on social media, be sure to use #wherefaithgrowspodcast so I can see what you are learning and loving! Support this podcast

This episode of Where Faith Grows is all about God's plan, our plans, and ultimately the realization that "this is better". I don't want to spoil this one for you too much, because Sara just says it all so well! I was so excited to chat virtually with Sara Littlefield all the way from San Diego, California. Sara works on the front line in life affirming ministries, and I cannot wait for you guys to hear her testimony of hope. In this epiosde, Sara shares all about her plans for her, a pivotal conversation with God that opened her heart to anything God's plan brought her way, and the wild ride that ensued from that conversation. Sara and I talk about the crazy journey God called her to, and what that meant and felt like for her life's story. Sara shares the truth that, as long as we are remaining open to the things God is calling us to, that life is always better. Again and again, Sarah shares examples from her real life where she can look back and say "this is better" when it comes to God's plan for her, and she shares these stories with such honestly and transparency. I know you will love it! I think we can all relate to the feeling that God's plan for us isn't exactly lining up with what he had hoped and dreamed for ourselves. If that's you too, then this episode is for you. This message of trust in God's plan is one you should share and spread to all your friends too! The wisdom from Sara in this episode is something we can all apply to our daily lives. Don't forget to subscribe to Where Faith Grows wherever you listen to podcasts and share it with a friend if you love it! If you share about this episode on social media, be sure to use #wherefaithgrowspodcast so I can see what you are learning and loving! Support this podcast

This episode of Where Faith Grows is a very special one! After so many of you asked me questions about podcasting, I decided to get right down to it in an episode all about how to start a podcast. To keep these show notes simple, here is what I cover in this episode: How I started Where Faith Grows Creating graphics for your show - (I use Canva!) Deciding on a show format, length for your show, and frequency of episodes Planning out your first 10 episodes Learning to edit and tips for getting started editing your podcast Show music Show notes Hosting your podcast ...and other tips and tricks I've learned in the last 6 months of podcasting! Happy 6 month birthday to the Where Faith Grows podcast! I'm using this special time to reflect on my journey and help you learn how to start a podcast too! Enjoy this episode that is FULL of reflection, inspiration, and tips and tricks vital to starting and launching your own podcast. Don't forget to check out the links from today's show in the show notes (https://itslauralambert.com/category/podcast/) so you can utilize all the resources I talk about in today's episode!  Don't forget to subscribe to Where Faith Grows wherever you listen to podcasts and share it with a friend if you love it! If you share about this episode on social media, be sure to use #wherefaithgrowspodcast so I can see what you are learning and loving! Support this podcast

This episode of Where Faith Grows is about grief, mental health, addiction, and our ultimate hope in Jesus. I was so honored to chat virtually with Alex Johnson, an entrepreneur, designer, and Youtuber. She is brilliant, joyful, creative, passionate, ambitious, and so much more!  In this episode, Alex shares her own journey and story with addiction, grief, and ultimately finding hope in Jesus. Her story will awe you, inspire you, and give you renewed faith that God exists in every moment and that He is a part of your story even in your darkest moments. I am so excited to share this story with you! Thank you Alex for your honesty and transparency - your story is beautiful and powerful.  Alex and I talk all about spreading a message of hope in Jesus, but we also talk about the realities of mental health and grief. We discuss practical, Biblically-based tips and tools to help you through whatever season you are facing, and Alex draws from her personal experiences to provide a real message of hope that is rooted both in Christian truths and practical application. This episode is for sure a special one, friends!  Whether you are currently grieving or going through a tough season or you are grappling with moments from your past (aren't we all???), this episode is for you. This message of hope in Jesus is one you should share and spread to all your friends too! The wisdom from Alex in this episode is something we can all apply to our daily lives. Don't forget to subscribe to Where Faith Grows wherever you listen to podcasts and share it with a friend if you love it! If you share about this episode on social media, be sure to use #wherefaithgrowspodcast so I can see what you are learning and loving! Support this podcast

This episode of Where Faith Grows is about miracles. I was so thrilled to sit down with a gal I have admired for a few years now, Ebie Hepworth. Ebie is a passionate, freedom fighting, courageous mama. I have followed her on Instagram for a few years and have always been inspired by her passion to share the love of Christ, and her abundant hope that miracles are always around the corner.  In this episode, Ebie and I chat all about the adoption of her two oldest children, her journey with infertility, and ultimately, the miracle of her twins who are due early in 2021. Ebie's philosophy on miracles is simple: You will find miracles in your life and faith journey if you live your life as if everything is a miracle from God. She is truly passionate about helping women understand and live out this truth to transform their own faith, and it's evident in the way she shares in this episode. You are going to LOVE IT!  No matter where you are in life and in faith, I promise you - there is more. Ebie's life is a beautiful and poignant reminder that miracles are everywhere and there is more out there for us to experience, learn, and absorb about the love of Christ and the kind of life He offers us. I can't wait for you to hear this one! Don't forget to subscribe to Where Faith Grows wherever you listen to podcasts and share it with a friend if you love it! If you share about this episode on social media, be sure to use #wherefaithgrowspodcast so I can see what you are learning and loving! Follow along on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itslauralambert/ Support this podcast

This episode of Where Faith Grows is all about international adoption! I was so honored to sit down with Jennie Mayes (virtually!) and talk all about her journey adopting internationally so far - we talk all about moments of waiting, hills and valleys, and the process of being in the messy middle with God.  Jennie shares her family's story with such refreshing transparency. We all have seasons that feel like "the messy middle", and this story of international adoption is no exception. Jennie talks all about how this experience has caused her faith to grow, how it has helped her realize faith she didn't know she even had, and also how God gives us strength to live moment by moment in the times when we feel like we have nothing left to give.  Jennie and I also end up talking about the burden of overwhelm and feeling like we have to take the weight of our experiences all on our own shoulders. I love Jennie's advice for all of us that walk through these seasons - without ruining it for you, I'll just tell you it's a must-listen!  Whether you are pursuing international adoption or just in a season of "the messy middle" in your life, I know this episode will encourage and inspire you! Jennie, I love your story! Thanks for sharing with us. Don't forget to subscribe to Where Faith Grows wherever you listen to podcasts and share it with a friend if you love it! If you share about this episode on social media, be sure to use #wherefaithgrowspodcast so I can see what you are learning and loving!  Support this podcast

This episode of Where Faith Grows is all about redemption and restoration. I sit down with Gabrielle Wescoe of Inspiring Honey Ministries and I'm so excited to share it with you guys!  Gabrielle tells her incredible story of God's redemption in her own life. From walking through childhood cancer, to starting her own business, to other surprises along the way, Gabrielle talks with wisdom and clarity about how God can turn any ashes we have into beauty for His kingdom. I don't want to spoil her incredible testimony of redemption for you ladies, so you'll just have to listen to get the full story! But what I will tell you is this:  Gabrielle tells her story beautifully and confidently. The love of Christ shines through her with each word, and with great joy she shares all about how God can redeem and restore anything we place in His hands.  Gabrielle and I also talk all about the value of transparency in our own stories, how we can't control how people will perceive them, but how important it is to give them completely over for God to use for His glory. Gabrielle is such a wonderful example of living these concepts out in her own life.  I know you will love this episode - we all have broken moments in our lives that we want to see God redeem. Gabrielle brings hope and vision to these moments in our lives. You are sure to be so encouraged! Don't forget to subscribe to Where Faith Grows wherever you listen to podcasts and share it with a friend if you love it! If you share about this episode on social media, be sure to use #wherefaithgrowspodcast so I can see what you are learning and loving!  Support this podcast

This episode of Where Faith Grows is all about uncertainty. Today, I sit down with Grace Hazar, a music educator based near Nashville, Tennessee. Grace and I start out by discussing her upbringing in the Greek Orthodox church. We also have a very embarrassing moment for me when everyone gets to hear that I know nothing about New York state geography (ha!). Grace talks about how her culture heavily influenced her faith as a young child. She talks about growing up with uncertainty about faith and God, sometimes questioning whether He existed at all.  Grace then talks about a few experiences in life where she doubted God's presence and He still came through for her - I won't spoil this story for you, but I will tell you it's nothing short of miraculous. You're going to love it!  Grace and I discuss how God sometimes allows us to feel uncertain about Him and yet He still continues to plan good for us. We also talk about how moments of uncertainty give us opportunity to grow to new depths in our faith. This episode is a true gem. Grace speaks of her faith journey with radical transparency - you are sure to relate to her moments of uncertainty while also feeling inspired by how God met her in those moments. With all the uncertainty in our world today, you are sure to be inspired with this one! Don't forget to subscribe to Where Faith Grows wherever you listen to podcasts and share it with a friend if you love it! If you share about this episode on social media, be sure to use #wherefaithgrowspodcast so I can see what you are learning and loving!  Support this podcast

This episode of Where Faith Grows is all about dreaming big. Today, I sit down with Charlotte Lawson, who is a soon-to-be college freshman!  Charlotte and I start our discussion by covering her college application process, from finding her big dream of attending Princeton University to chasing it wholeheartedly. I won't spoil the story for you, but know that Charlotte's wisdom about God's will as it pertains to the outcome of this story is truly inspiring!  Then, Charlotte and I talk about what happens when our plans don't align with what God sees for us. We discuss questioning God, and how that affects our faith. We also discuss relying on God, regardless of the outcome. Charlotte then uses her own personal experience to talk about how God works in our dreaming big and teaches us lasting lessons about His faithfulness and love for us, even when the outcome isn't what we would have planned at all. She explains that God often uses the process of dreaming big to draw us closer to Him and His ultimate plans for our lives. Charlotte also leaves us with some beautiful advice for anyone out there looking to start dreaming big too. She discusses why this matters to God and how chasing dreams can transform our faith from the inside out. This episode is truly amazing. Charlotte's wisdom speaks well beyond her years, and you are sure to relate to her personal experience of dreaming big with God. Whether you are heading off to college yourself or just taking a big leap of faith, this episode is sure to leave you motivated and inspired in your walk with God. When you listen, don't forget to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and share it with a friend if you love it! If you share about this episode on social media, be sure to use #wherefaithgrowspodcast so I can see what you are learning and loving!  Support this podcast

This episode of Where Faith Grows is all about just saying yes. Annie Moss is the creator and founder of jewelry company, the Vintage Sparrow. Today, we sit down and discuss her journey starting the Vintage Sparrow and how day-by-day decisions to surrender her walk to God and just say yes to His will for her life have led her to this very moment. Annie and I start off by discussing her story of starting the Vintage Sparrow. I loved when she said that she felt like God honored her small "yes", then used her gifts and passions to grow that flame into something bigger than she could have imagined. Then, Annie and I talk about the mission of the Vintage Sparrow to awaken courage in the heart of women. We discuss knowing our purpose and identity as women in Christ, and how to live that purpose out in every day. Annie also talks about the process of taking the Vintage Sparrow from a hobby to a business. Annie then describes how starting the Vintage Sparrow taught her beautiful lessons of faith, from surrender, to just saying yes, to trusting God's process even when we can't see the final product. Annie beautifully points out that God doesn't give a blueprint, but He does give us glimpses into what potential He sees for our lives. Finally, Annie and I talk about having faith to take the next right step with God and living that lifestyle of surrender with Him that allows Him to move mightily in us and our dreams. Annie closes with wonderful advice to any of you out there looking to start something new with Jesus - Just say yes. This episode cannot be missed! Annie's heart to awaken courage in women is so evident - you are sure to be inspired by her words and advice to say yes and surrender to all God has planned for you. When you listen, don't forget to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and share it with a friend if you love it! If you share about this episode on social media, be sure to use #wherefaithgrowspodcast so I can see what you are learning and loving!  Support this podcast

This episode of Where Faith Grows is all about missions. My view of missions before meeting Simone Ilia was pretty "in the box". If someone brought up being called into missions, my mind immediately went to a third world country, living in a hut, and telling people about Jesus. Today, Simone and I sit down and talk about the many facets of true mission work, including where you can start if you feel this is a calling for you!  To start, Simone and I chat about her last few years. We talk about her journey through medical school and what even led her to medical school in the first place. We talk about the ups and downs of that process, how she got where she is, and how she KNEW medical school was the place she needed to be.  Then, we get real about some tough stuff in our faith walks. We talk about what to do when God closes a door that you were SURE was the path you should be on. We talk about persevering and feeling confident in your faith as you follow the path you are passionate about, even when it isn't easy or straightforward. We then discuss Simone's beautiful heart for missions. We talk about where it comes from for her, and how God lit a fire in her to help those less fortunate through her pursuit of medicine. We talk about how missions can look different for each person, then we get practical and talk about where you can start if you feel this is a calling for you.  I love Simone's heart to help people and her genuine compassion for others. I know it will shine through for you as you listen to this episode too.  This conversation truly changed my view on missions. I now see the broader scope of what is possible and how even I can start today to "flex my mission muscles" as Simone would say! Don't forget to subscribe and share this episode if you love it!  Support this podcast

This episode of Where Faith Grows is all about mental health. Lexie and I recorded this one a while ago, but oh I cannot WAIT to share it with you now! Lexie and I start by discussing her last few years. She is in her internship year of a graduate program in clinical mental health counseling at Auburn University. We discuss Lexie's experience as a Christian in a secular mental health program, including the challenges and benefits that go along with that.  Then, Lexie and I talk about the concept of "leaving your views at the door". We discuss how the church has dealt with mental health in recent years, and how Lexie sees room for improvement.  Lexie and I dive deep into the ways we potentially damage the healing of people in mental health crisis, from the concept of "just praying about it" to the idea that everything happens for a reason. We talk about finding a healthy balance between portraying Jesus' love while also giving tangible resources to promote a more positive mental health experience.  Finally, Lexie and I talk about how Jesus fits into true mental health healing, and Lexie gives real and practical resources to take your next step if you are finding yourself in need of support. This episode means so much to me - to hear about Lexie's firsthand experience with mental health and to hear her story of overcoming moved me. I also am learning to think differently about how we, as Christians, deal with mental health. I can't wait for you to join us! Don't forget to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and share it with a friend if you love it! If you share about this episode on social media, be sure to use #wherefaithgrowspodcast so I can see what you are learning and loving! You can also check out thehttps://laura.1stfaith.com/?p=946 ( full show notes for this episode here.) Support this podcast

This episode of Where Faith Grows is all about fear and is part of a special series called Family Style. In this series, I sit down with my family and we talk candidly about all things Faith - the big, the small, the difficult, and the challenging. We cover it all! And we never share our thoughts ahead of time, so you are getting are real thoughts...in real time!  Today's episode is myself, my sister Lexie, and my mom Jenn. and today, it's all about fear. In this season of life, fear is all around us. We are in the midst of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, so we thought this would be a perfect time to sit down together and talk about the different causes of fear, how fear has a different type of impact on each of us in our different phases of life, and how we can beat it once and for all. First, we talk about how we all would define fear in the context of faith. Then, we dive straight in and talk about how fear can be both good and bad. We then talk about what the Bible says about fear. We discuss this season specifically, and how each of us are personally responding to fear, then we talk all about what we are even supposed to do with fear in our lives. We also give real and tangible tips for tackling fear day by day if you feel like it has a hold on you. This episode is incredibly real and vulnerable for each of us. We get real about the ways fear grips us, how we deal with it, and where it comes from for us all. We even dive into how we, as Christians, often see fear as a sinful feeling and how we can combat that thinking. I know this episode will provide you encouragement, insight, and comfort no matter what season of life you are in. I can't wait for you to join us as we uncover fear and tackle it head on.  Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss a new episode and share it if you love it!  Support this podcast

This episode of Where Faith Grows is all about your calling. As Christians, I think it's very easy to get bogged down and stressed out wondering if we are adequately living out God's calling for our lives. So, today Sydney and I sat down and hashed it out! This episode was originally supposed to be just one episode on this topic. But as Sydney and I started discussing your calling, we both quickly realized there was a lot to say. So, you'll notice this is a part 2 of 2! Don't forget to go back and listen to part 1 if you haven't already. It will give you some amazing insight into the backstory of Sydney's life and in it we start discussing the leaps of faith required to step out into your calling. Today though, Sydney and I start off with talking about Sydney's childhood and growing up around music. We talk about how it quickly became more than a hobby and how she discovered music was in fact a major calling in her life from God.  We then discuss why music is important to faith. This is a big one! Here, Sydney said a lot that opened my eyes to thinking about music and worship in a totally different way. You'll love this part! Sydney dives into the chemistry of our brains, how music moves us, and how worship opens up communication lines with God in a unique way.  Finally, we wrap up our conversation with some advice straight from Sydney to you as you search for your calling. She gives some tangible advice and tips for people looking to make a change in life. This conversation truly rocked my world - I am now looking at music and worship with totally new eyes. I know you will feel the same when you listen! Remember, this is part 2 of our 2-part series, so don't forget to click go back and listen to part 1 as well! And don't forget to subscribe and share it if you love it!  Support this podcast

This episode of Where Faith Grows is all about your calling. As Christians, I think it's very easy to get bogged down and stressed out wondering if we are adequately living out God's calling for our lives. So, today Sydney and I sat down and hashed it out! This episode was originally supposed to be just one episode on this topic. But as Sydney and I started discussing your calling, we both quickly realized there was a lot to say. So, you'll notice this is a part 1 of 2! Stay tuned - the next part releases in 2 weeks! Sydney and I start off with a fun discussion about Google maps and a game I LOVE to play, Geoguessr. Then, we dive into the main topic of convo, your calling and God's plan for our lives. Sydney and I discuss the challenges associated with moving away from home (especially when you're the first one to do so!). We then talk about her recent history, moving to the Nashville area and meeting and marrying her husband, Ryan. Then, we dive into the stigma of breakups in Christian culture before talking about her time as a teacher. Next, we chat about making changes in occupation. In this case, we discuss making moves in occupation when you feel like where you are is not your calling, which can be a major step of faith for people. We discuss the discernment required of decisions like this and how they can cause our faith to grow tremendously. Finally, we wrap up with a fun conversation about the Enneagram!  I LOVED this conversation with Sydney. And, as you know, this is just part 1! Next time, we continue our discussion about your calling as we dive into music and how Sydney began pursuing this passion. Don't forget to subscribe so you don't miss the next episode. And don't forget to share it if you love it!  Support this podcast

This episode of Where Faith Grows is all about shame. What a fun topic! (ha!) Jenn and I start by defining what shame is. We talk about the difference between guilt and shame, and how both are a constant struggle for Christians, as we identify ourselves as sinners in need of grace. We talk about why the concept of shame is so important, and we discuss where it comes from, whether our shame is something we heap on ourselves, or whether it was placed on us by a situation in our lives.  Jenn and I then talk about how we can overcome shame, and how it truly isn't helpful to us as we try to proclaim the gospel and share the good news of Jesus. We talk about instances of shame in the Bible too. Finally, we talk about something that touched my heart in such a special way - we talk about giving other people space to relinquish their shame with us. We talk about how important it is to allow people to open up and be vulnerable, to let go of the shame and guilt they feel by showing their truest self to us. This one is just beautiful - if you're anything like me, you too have struggled with guilt and shame in your life. Let's tackle it together with Jenn. ABOUT JENN: Jenn Walden is a blogger and speaker who can be found at Jenn's Closet, her on-line home where she is passionate about building a sisterhood of fashionable faith. She was a high school teacher for fifteen years, and is now a homeschool mom actively involved in local homeschool co-ops and tutorials with her two youngest boys. We'll be talking today about one of Jenn's greatest passions--bringing hope to women who suffer from shame from episodes and experiences over which they had no control. Jenn has some powerful insights into why and how shame engulfs us. And, she brings to us a faith-driven path to victory over these feelings. Jenn and her husband Kirk live just outside of Nashville, Tennessee. They have five children, one grandchild, and a faithful dachshund named Aubie. Support this podcast

It's the very first episode of Where Faith Grows! I'm so happy you found your way here.  I LEFT RELIGION BEHIND AND FOUND FAITH.  Let me go ahead and tell you that this story isn't perfect. I'm in no way sitting on my podium or high horse and telling you what you should do or what will work for you, but I am inspired to share my own journey with you and, in a lot of ways, I'm asking you to go on a journey with me. In this episode, I tackle explaining how the shackles of my religion started to take a toll on me. I was so caught up in checking the boxes of religion and doing and saying all the right things, that I lost track of my faith somewhere along the way.  I had religion, and I was really good at it, but somewhere along the way, I lost the heart of it all. I lost faith. and so I left it all behind...but let me share with you what I FOUND in the process. I FOUND RICHNESS OF FAITH I found faith in my everyday life in a new, vibrant, radical, and life-changing way that I KNOW is out there for each and every one of us. I found faith running at the park with my brother. I found faith in deep talks with friends and strangers alike. I found faith cooking. I found faith laughing with a stranger at the grocery store. I found faith looking into the eyes of people and listening to the hearts of people I would have IGNORED before. I found faith on my yoga mat, in music I never would have allowed myself to listen to before, in books that I read for pleasure and not out of obligation, in pews and chairs in churches all over my area, and everywhere in between. I'M ON A MISSION So, I'm going on a mission and I want you to join me. Where Faith Grows is all about finding all the places and spaces in life where faith can grow. Im sitting down with women from all over the country and I'm sharing their stories with you. Their stories of joy, of sadness, of heartache, of victory, of adventure, of passion, of learning, and so much more. Together, we are going to look near and far for faith in every nook and cranny. Together we are going to share their stories of faith found in the every day, faith found in the big moments, the small moments, and the totally unexpected ones. Because where faith is found, more faith can be cultivated, and even more faith can be shared and grown all over again. YOU'RE INVITED I want to know where faith can grow. And I want you to join me. I'm learning something beautiful. God grants us the richness of faith and his presence ANYWHERE we choose to look for it.  This episode is raw, real, and vulnerable for me. But it's important for me to share it because it's my honest story and I want you to join me on this incredible adventure as we find Where Faith Grows. So give it a listen and don't forget to share it if you love it!  Support this podcast