Podcast appearances and mentions of cynthia yanof

It's easy for us to drown in the messy problems we're facing each day, but if we stop and remember where God has shown up for us before, we may discover that laughter and even joy are hiding in the mud. Today, Paige welcomes Cynthia Yanof. Cynthia is a wife, mother, podcast host of the show MESSmerized, blogger, and author of Life is Messy God is Good - the topic of today's episode. Cynthia looks at life and all its hardships with the deep understanding that God is sovereign AND He is good - and that if we take the time to look back at all the ways He has come through for us before (especially in ways we didn't expect), we can move through life's difficulties with a little less heaviness on our shoulders and a little more laughter in our hearts. Paige's TakeawaysValue the quality of your friendships, not the quantity. Cherish the ones who point you back to Jesus.Stones of Remembrance: Remember where God has been in your life! Write down what God is doing in this moment and season, so you can stand against the seasons of despair where the enemy will want to come in and lie to you!Give “Easy Yeses” wherever you can! Let your kids have some (safe) autonomy. Allow them easy yeses so that they can learn, grow, and gain confidence. Paige ClingenpeelQuestions About the Podcast? Email: paigeclingenpeel@gmail.comFacebook: @Paige ClingenpeelInstagram: @paigeclingenpeelYouTube: Embracing Your Season Sponsored by HomeWordHomeWordBook: Life is Messy, God is Good: Sanity for the Chaos of Everyday LifeConnecting with Cynthia Yanofhttps://cynthiayanof.com/Facebook: @cynthia.yanofInstagram: @cynthiayanofKeywords/Hashtags#embracingyourseason #mentalhealth #podcast #podcastcommunity #paigeclingenpeel #homeword #cynthiayanof #family #fostercare #lifeismessy #Godisgood #messmerized #laughter #author #stonesofremembrance #friendship #pfcaudiovideo Send us a text

In this episode, Upper School Bible Teacher and Community Time Coordinator Jeremy Gregory talks about Upper School Bible classes, Chapel, apologetics and spiritual formation. As part of the new academic schedule for the 2025-26 school year, TCA is adding stand-alone Bible classes for freshmen and sophomores to go along with the existing Bible classes in other grade levels. Mr. Gregory explains how the new class sequence will teach students the entire Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, over the course of three years. For senior year, students will be prepared to engage with others in college and the future by learning about different worldviews and apologetics. Mr. Gregory also talks about Upper School Chapel and the changes that already been implemented during community time this school year. Finally, Mr. Gregory and host Cynthia Yanof discuss how parents can respond when kids ask hard questions about theology, faith or life in general.

Author and podcaster Cynthia Yanof joins us for a conversation about how even when life is messy, God is still good. Our time with her is full of laughter, truth, and encouragement!ResourcesLife is Messy, God Is Good by Cynthia Yanof

Hey Friends!   Today we kick-off week number two with Kari Kampakis, and if you missed last week, you'll definitely want to go back and listen. Today, Kari and I dive into everything from teenage relationships to exploring how crucial it is for our kids to know who they are before stepping into college life.   Kari also shares a much-needed reminder about how social media, friendships, and even a dash of loneliness can fuel resilience—all wrapped up in the broader mission of instilling strong faith, family values, and personal growth.   So whether you're the household cop for a little one, playing coach to a high schooler, or even wearing the consultant hat for a college kid, remember: our commitment to raising healthy, compassionate, and resilient kids is at the heart of it all.   I can't wait for you to listen!   All things Cynthia  Yours Not Hers: 40 Devotions to Stop Comparison and Love Your Life by Kari Kampakis   

I'm so excited to kick off a two-week series with Kari Kampakis on raising girls! We dive into everything from the drama of friendship struggles and those classic mean girl moments to the surprisingly powerful role that loneliness plays in building resilience. These topics are just a few highlights from her new girls' devotional, Yours Not Hers—an absolute must-have for girls from junior high through college!   I couldn't help but laugh (and sometimes cringe) as we unpacked how social media has turned even the simplest interactions into epic battlegrounds of comparison and envy. I shared my own struggles with setting boundaries—not just for our kids, but for myself—and we both agreed that teaching our daughters to be kind, resilient, and open about their feelings is more crucial now than ever.   Today's conversation with Kari is equal parts funny, heartfelt, and downright honest—reminding us that while the digital age may complicate parenting, our commitment to nurturing strong, compassionate girls remains timeless. Enjoy the episode!   All things Cynthia Yours Not Hers: 40 Devotions to Stop Comparison and Love Your Life by Kari Kampakis  

It may still officially be winter, but preparations for the upcoming summer are in full swing at TCA. In this episode, Director of Auxiliary Programs Justin Zappia joins host Cynthia Yanof to talk about the many different classes and camps available at TCA this summer. Listen to learn about the Summer@TCA options for 2025. From flying drones to flying discs, from playing board games to playing sports, and from taking classes for fun to classes for credit, there is something for every child from kindergarten through senior year. You can get all the details in our Summer@TCA catalog. 

Happy Valentine's Week!

Hey Friends,   It's February, which means Valentine's Day is upon us—but more importantly, it marks the one-year anniversary of my first book, Life is Messy, God is Good!   Looking back over the past year, I'm overwhelmed with gratitude for the friends and family who have walked this journey with me. Whether you bought the book, shared it with a friend, left a review, hosted a book launch party, or prayed for my words to make an impact—you've been part of this crazy adventure, and I couldn't be more thankful.   Maybe it's the nostalgia of this milestone, or maybe it's just menopause brain fog (let's be honest, probably both), but I'm feeling all the feels. So, this week on MESSmerized, I'm doing something a little different—no guest, just me and the mic! That's right, I'll be having a conversation (with myself, as one does) about three key areas where I believe we need to give ourselves permission to pivot.   These thoughts stem from a women's leadership conference where I recently spoke about the importance of: ✅ Redefining success ✅ Reprioritizing our days ✅ Doing things that don't always make sense   And since we're celebrating my book's anniversary, I'll also share a few stories straight from its pages—because what better time to reflect on this wild ride?   So, tune in, laugh with me, and let's get personal. And if this episode speaks to you, I'd love for you to share it with a friend.   Thanks for showing up each week and walking this road with me. I'm in it with you!     All things Cynthia Yanof Grab your copy of Life is Messy, God is Good!

Happy Wednesday!   Is it just me, or did January last six months? I cannot handle one more school holiday, winter illness, or ¼ inch of snow canceling school. But I digress. I'm thrilled to round out this month with an amazing conversation featuring Melanie Shankle. And yes, Amy Weatherly is still co-hosting with me, and I couldn't be more grateful! To know me is to know that I've been a huge fan of Melanie's books for years. I was so excited to hear she has a new one coming out, and—spoiler alert—it might just be my favorite yet! Today, we're covering topics like parenting teenage daughters, the insights we gain through years of motherhood, and the importance of teaching our kids resilience. Melanie also opens up about her strained relationship with her mother and her decision to end generational trauma. Melanie's book releases on February 18th, and now is the perfect time to pre-order it. I've read it cover to cover, and trust me—there's something for everyone in this book. I can't wait for you to hear this conversation... and I really can't wait for January to finally end.

Mike "C-Roc" sits down with Cynthia Yanof, a wife, mother, blogger, podcaster, and self-proclaimed everyday girl who is deeply committed to embracing life's messy yet meaningful journey. Cynthia, the host of the popular MESSmerized Podcast, shares her faith-driven perspective and the transformative moments that have shaped her life. Cynthia opens up about growing up in a strong Christian home and the journey from knowing about God to truly living out her faith. She reflects on the importance of aligning theology with reality, especially during life's toughest challenges, and reveals the personal growth that comes from stepping into life's messiness rather than avoiding it. Through powerful stories, including one about a Secret Service agent on 9/11 and his commitment to living life "in a dirty suit," Cynthia explores the idea of embracing a purpose-driven life, even when it feels anything but favorable in the moment. She also discusses her decision to leave a career in law to pursue a path more aligned with her values and passions. This episode will inspire you to dig deeper into your own "What Are You Made Of" journey, reminding you to embrace challenges, live with intention, and make an impact in a way that truly matters. Whether you're navigating faith, career transitions, or simply seeking inspiration, this conversation is a must-listen. Website-www.cynthiayanof.com Social Media Links/Handles- https://www.facebook.com/cynthia.yanof https://www.instagram.com/cynthiayanof/

Just in case you missed the announcement last week, Amy Weatherly is co-hosting MESSmerized with me this month, and gosh, she's so much fun. Today, we're continuing our commitment to un-resolutions by chatting with the amazing Kendra Adachi about time management.   This conversation is absolutely not what you think it's going to be because Kendra is flipping time management on its head. Apparently, we've been doing it all wrong—who knew? She talks about creating systems that actually make sense for women. This includes recognizing the beauty of both proactive and reactive time management—basically, having a plan but also being cool with the fact that life is messy and plans sometimes (okay, often) fall apart.   What really struck me, though, was our chat about self-compassion. Why are we so hard on ourselves? We talked about living in the moment, starting small, and letting go of this pressure to do everything perfectly. Spoiler: you don't have to color-code your planner to be a successful human.   So, if you're like me—juggling a million things, tired of feeling like you're never doing enough, and low-key fantasizing about running away to a quiet cabin somewhere—this episode is for you. Let's ditch the guilt, embrace the chaos, and redefine what success looks like for us.     All things Cynthia Yanof  The Plan: Manage Your Time Like a Lazy Genius by Kendra Adachi   The Lazy Genius Podcast Amy Weatherly's books: I'll Be There and Here for It  Follow Amy on Facebook at Sister I am With You and @Amy Weatherly 

Mike" C-Roc" welcomes Melanie Benson, an authority amplifier for expert entrepreneurs. Melanie shares her inspiring journey from a corporate job that drained her to becoming a successful entrepreneur and coach, helping others amplify their message and build their authority. She reveals the resilience and perseverance it took to navigate three major economic downturns, starting with the dot-com bubble and 9/11, and how these challenges shaped her approach to business. Melanie also dives into the importance of clarity and leverage in achieving big goals and how shifting her mindset and embracing new strategies like group coaching transformed her business. Tune in for valuable insights on overcoming adversity and becoming a ripple maker in your industry. Website-www.cynthiayanof.com Social Media Links/Handles: https://www.facebook.com/cynthia.yanof https://www.instagram.com/cynthiayanof/

New year, new resolutions… right? Nope, not this year! I hope you had a wonderful Christmas filled with fun memories! At the beginning of today's show, I'll be sharing some of my favorite holiday moments, gifts, and God-moments. But I'm also super excited to let you know that the fabulous Amy Weatherly is co-hosting with me all through January, and we are going to have so much fun! Amy is a wife, mother, author, and the founder of a huge Facebook community focused on friendship, faith, and loving ourselves well. It seemed only fitting that, in our first episode together, Amy and I are taking a refreshing break from the usual goal-setting chaos. Instead of striving for perfection or adding more to our already overflowing plates, we're talking about slowing down, embracing who we really are, and focusing on what truly matters. I think you're going to find today's show to be the perfect blend of humor, honesty, and relatable moments. We'll discuss how to find joy in simply being who the Lord created us to be. Whether you're tired of the typical "new year, new me" hustle or you just need permission to take things at your own pace, this episode is for you. So, grab your favorite drink, get comfy, and let's kick off 2025 with a fresh perspective. I can't wait for you to meet Amy!   All things Cynthia Yanof Amy Weatherly's books: I'll Be There and Here for It  Follow Amy on Facebook at Sister I am With You and @Amy Weatherly 

First of all, we've had a bit of a "situation" over here, and I'll share all the details in today's intro. But here's a little teaser: neighbors, overgrown shrubs, and me sneaking out in the cloak of darkness. If that doesn't paint a picture that'll make you want to listen, I don't know what will!

We're just a couple of weeks out from Christmas

TCA's Lower School Counselor Emily Eyre joins host Cynthia Yanof to talk about how families can set their own holiday traditions. Christmas is a popular time for setting family traditions, but you can have traditions around any holiday, as well as having traditions that do not focus on any holiday at all. Emily and Cynthia talk about why we have traditions, the benefits of keeping traditions simple and the importance of emotional memories. They discuss how to think through the messages that you are communicating to your family through your traditions. Since holidays are not always happy times for everyone, they also talk about what to do if a holiday is hard for you and how to start new patterns for your family when old ones aren't working.

Brace yourselves!   I cannot even begin to tell you how excited I am about today's show with Dallas Jenkins. Dallas is the genius behind The Chosen and now The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. And let me just say, after this conversation, I walked away ready to ugly cry in a theater over the cigar-smoking Herdman kids finding Jesus. That's exactly what happened over Thanksgiving, and the movie was a huge hit with our crew.   So how does Dallas go from The Chosen to a story about the most chaotic, snack-loving kids hijacking a Christmas play? Well, it turns out this book has been a part of his Christmas tradition for 20 years. Dallas told me he had to make this movie, even though Hollywood wasn't exactly rolling out the red carpet for him. Spoiler alert: God had other plans.   But here's the thing: A few years ago, I was in a rough spot—one of those times when you're questioning everything God's doing in your life. I heard Dallas speak at an event, and he said, “God does impossible math.” It was like a lightning bolt. Fast forward to this interview, and I got him to retell the full story behind that phrase. It involves failure, Romanian Facebook DMs at 4 a.m., and—of course—loaves and fish. God showed Dallas (and now us) that our job isn't to perform miracles; it's simply to show up with whatever we have and trust God to do the rest.   So whether you're a The Chosen fan, invested in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, or someone needing a reminder that God works best when we're at our weakest—this episode is for you.     All things Cynthia Yanof The Best Christmas Pageant Ever  

Happy Thanksgiving Eve!

Ruth Chou Simons is with us this week, and trust me, I got down to the real investigative questions like how she manages hotel rooms with six kids and what it was like being on *Good Morning America* earlier this year. You're welcome!   But seriously, it's the week before Thanksgiving

With Thanksgiving around the corner, many of us are thinking about what we're thankful for, what we might be taking for granted, and what gratitude really looks like. Today's show comes at the perfect time, as Mark Batterson helps us reframe everyday miracles and see God in the midst of our daily lives. Mark encourages us to “change your pace and place to change your perspective.” Sometimes, to wake up to wonder, we need to step outside our routines—whether that's by taking a walk or going on a “two-foot field trip,” like moving from the living room to the backyard, to see God's creation from a fresh angle. Mark also gets real about the hardships of life. His wife, Laura, has faced her two bouts with cancer. I love how he says that sometimes we have to “forgive reality” for not lining up with our plans. But Mark reminds us that even though life here can be hard, it doesn't mean we're forgotten or forsaken. We have a God who is with us and conquers all things—even the grave. So, whether you're feeling a million miles away from a miracle or right in the middle of one, today's conversation with Mark Batterson will give you hope and renewed reason to be thankful. Miracles may not always be big and flashy; often, they're just one of those “million little miracles” happening all around us.   All things Cynthia Yanof A Million Little Miracles by Mark Batterson

Remember how I've been having lunch every Wednesday with a wonderful group of friends for the last 15+ years? Today's show is inspired by those lunches—because lately, all we seem to talk about is midlife and menopause. It's a season, let me tell you!   To help us all navigate this wild ride, I'm thrilled to bring in a true expert: Dr. Mikala Albertson. We're diving deep into everything you never thought you'd need to know about menopause, perimenopause, and all the hormonal roller coasters that come with them. Dr. Albertson has a brilliant way of describing menopause as "puberty in reverse," and her perspective on it is so insightful.    Don't worry, we cover all the symptoms we're dealing with—hot flashes, mood swings, anxiety, weight gain, brain fog, and more. This episode is packed with practical tips, a few laughs, and hopefully, some perspective on not just surviving but thriving in this season of life.   Dr. Albertson's new book, Everything I Wish I Could Tell You About Midlife, is out now. And exciting news: she's coming back on the show in the New Year! If you have questions you'd like us to cover next time, email them to me!     All things Cynthia Yanof Everything I Wish I Could Tell You About Midlife by Dr. Mikala Albertson  Follow Dr. Albertson on Instagram here!

Today's my birthday… so there's that!

We've got a new show out today, and I'm so excited for you to hear this important conversation with Natalie Runion. We're going deep into the messy but important topic of church life and the realities of church hurt, how to spot an unhealthy church, and when it might be time to walk away—or stick around. We also explored the idea that ministry isn't just for pastors and church staff. Every believer has a ministry! Whether it's through serving, worshiping, or simply being a witness in your community, you're making an impact. And if you're raising kids, it's crucial to show them the importance of the church by staying involved—whether it's through serving or just building friendships within the church community. What we do now can have a big impact on their views of church, and how it is incorporated in their lives as adults.  This episode is for anyone who's felt the sting of church hurt or struggled with whether it's time to leave a church that no longer feels like home. It's a reminder that God calls us to obedience, even when things get messy. If you need some encouragement to keep showing up—or if you're figuring out how to walk away without bitterness—this one's for you. Make sure to listen, share with a friend, and leave a review if this resonated with you! Let's keep these conversations going because the church matters—and so do you.   All things Cynthia Yanof The House That Jesus Built by Natalie Runion

Today on MESSmerized I'm hanging out with the amazing Ellie Holcomb, who's fresh off a tour with none other than Lauren Daigle. Ellie gives us the scoop on life on the road—think tight spaces, late-night chats, and the wild sense of community that comes with sharing a bus. She also gives us an insider peek on her friendship with Lauren, how they ended up collaborating on a song, and their favorite moments on tour (spoiler: their song Be Okay will give you all the feels). But it's not all music and fun—Ellie opens up about the tough stuff too, like balancing the chaos of tour life with family time, and how we moms are out here carrying some heavy loads. She shares a heartfelt story about her daughter's medical journey and how she juggled being on tour while caring for her little one. Trust me, this is a conversation you don't want to miss. Ellie's new book Fighting Words (the expanded version of her devotional) and her album All of My Days talk about Ellie's journey of battling anxiety, finding hope, and the power of God's Word to lift us up when life feels impossible. Vulnerability, repentance, grace—it's all here.  If you're looking for a reminder that you're not alone in the highs and lows, this episode's for you. I can't wait for you to listen!   PS. If you haven't listened to my podcast with Heather MacFadyen of Don't Mom Alone, it's time! The show is called Sidetracked and we talk about family, faith, and basically anything else that comes to our minds in the moment (hence the name Sidetracked). I promise you will laugh! Listen here or wherever you catch podcasts.   All things Cynthia Ellie's new book Fighting Words Ellie's All of My Days Album  

"If politics is robbing you of peace, you might have misplaced your trust." Mic drop please for the quote above from today's show.  Today the Pastor of my church Bent Tree Bible, Libin Abraham, joins us to dive into the tricky (but important) topic of Christians engaging in politics. We talk about how it's not just about showing up—it's about being prayerful, peaceful, prophetic, powerful, and purposeful. But the big reminder here? Our top loyalty is to Jesus, not any political party. We're here to make disciples, not stir up more division. Aside from talking about Christians engaging in politics, Libin also encourages us to trust in God's faithfulness, and that stepping out in faith is key as we do that—I love how Libin says that God moves at the pace of our next “yes.” So if you're feeling pulled to act, trust that God's right there with you. And don't let politics, fear, or anything else get in the way of your gospel influence.  I can't wait for you to hear today's show and I'd love for you to share it with friends.   All things Cynthia Yanof Bent Tree Bible Fellowship   Libin Abraham's sermons on Christians engaging in politics:  Jesus and Politics: The Way of the Cross Jesus and Politics: The Way of the Church Jesus and Politics: Rules for Engagement    

It's starting to get embarrassing how much I gush each time I interview Pastor Max Lucado. But my goodness, after today's show I promise you'll understand why he's often referred to as “America's Pastor.” He has the kindest, most relatable presence even when he's tackling something as complex as the end times in his new book What Happens Next.    If you are like me and grew up a little bit nervous thinking about the end times and what it might look like when Jesus returns, please grab a latte and get ready for a new perspective. I think you'll feel differently after you hear us talk about whether this is the end times we're living in, the biblical signs of the end times, how we should view the rapture, and even whether the antichrist is alive today. I mean, we cover it all people, and it's enlightening and reassuring.    But I must say one of my favorite parts of our conversation is when I ask him to share how he tends to hear from God in his own life. It's a sweet story with a critical reminder that God is still moving, speaking, and working in our lives. And yes, the end times can be scary if we don't center it on God's word, but when we do we know how the story ends—and it's a good one.    Can't wait for you to listen today! Be sure to share it with your friends please.      All things cynthia What Happens Next by Max Lucado

    First of all, look at all the amazing guests coming our way this fall on MESSmerized! Seriously, the Lord has been so good to provide opportunities to talk with so many of my personal heroes of our faith and hear their words of encouragement. So, if you're not subscribed to MESSmerized, will you do so today? Also, will you consider sharing your favorite episode(s) with your friends, your small group, and even on social media? What a blessing it would be to have your help getting this show out to more and more people.    Today Emily Freeman joins us to discuss her new book, How to Walk Into a Room. She is a New York Times bestselling author of six books with a masters degree in Spiritual Formation and Leadership. She has a true passion for teaching us how to listen well and hold grief and silence with those who need it most. I love how Emily says that silence can teach us a lot about ourselves—it can uncover fears we need to deal with or be aware of. (I'm not very good at silence, so perhaps this was intended just for me.

  I know, I know. You've read the title of today's show, and you're thinking there ain't a one of us who really wants to think about how much time we are spending on our various forms of technology. Myself included.    True story, recently I was considering ways I could spend more time in prayer, and I literally convinced myself that I had not one spare second in my day. As if the Holy Spirit worked for Apple, at that exact moment a notification popped up on my phone with my average screen time for the week before. And let's just say I apparently have plenty of time to pray based on the time I spend on my phone.    Darren Whitehead is the Pastor of Church of the City in Nashville, and his church did a collective digital fast that was incredibly impactful. He's talking about it on today's show, and I love how he suggests a course correction is in order now that we know the impact of excessive technology use. After all, we would do that with anything else in our life.    His approach isn't to just throw our phones out the window, but to remove the “distraction” apps and leave only the utility apps. You've got to listen today to fully appreciate this concept, but I know for me personally it sounds like exactly what needs to happen this fall.    Listen today, pray about it, and join me in reading and implementing The Digital Fast.  Okay, on another note—in case you missed it, Heather MacFadyen and I launched a new show, Sidetracked, many months ago as a part of Don't Mom Alone. Since that time, it's gained in popularity and now has a new home with the Converge podcast network as its own show. Do me a huge favor and go listen to the show here, and subscribe and even leave a review pretty please. This is a huge help as we get this new project launched. And you don't want to miss my Buc-ees story.     The Digital Fast by Darren Whitehead All things Cynthia Yanof Sidetracked with Heather MacFadyen and Cynthia Yanof

It was hard to figure out how to title today's show because we cover so much ground. If you are not yet familiar with Pastor Matt Chandler, today is going to be a good day for you!    Matt Chandler is the Pastor of The Village Church in Dallas, and today he's bringing the much-needed reminder that we were created for this exact time in human history. That matters because if we were created for the here and now, we can have confidence in God's plan even when we feel anxious, ill-equipped, or exhausted.    Not only do we talk about being Overcomers (the title of his new book), but we also talk about parenting, comparison, and the real-life stuff that happens in the midst of suffering. The part of today's show that I think I'll always remember is how Pastor Matt talks about having a seizure on Thanksgiving morning many years ago, and later being diagnosed with a brain tumor. I was blown away with his encouragement and hope that's found only in Jesus even when the bottom falls out.    Last thing—one of my favorite parenting quotes comes from the last time I interviewed Pastor Matt on the show, and he said these words: we're working for a thank you at 18, not 15. I go back to that often when the parenting decisions that Mike and I make aren't popular with our kids. I love how he follows up those words today as we talk about his grown kids and finally seeing the fruits of the labor.    Take a few minutes to listen and please forward to your friends. So grateful for each of you!   The Overcomers by Matt Chandler  The Village Church All things Cynthia Yanof  

With all the kids heading back to school, there's always the anxiety that goes with unknowns and new beginnings. And that's just for us as parents! Joking.    Sissy Goff and David Thomas from Daystar Counseling are with me today, and they are bringing the heat. They are literally the wisest, kindest, and dearest people you'll ever meet. I could go on and on, but instead I'm giving you a few of the topics we cover today: What your kids wish you knew How anxiety presents in girls vs. boys  Thoughts on teenage dating Kids friendships and the value that can come from loneliness   Sit back and take a deep breath as Sissy and David answer our back-to-school questions while simultaneously bringing us peace and perspective. And do yourself a favor, if you don't listen to Raising Boys and Girls (their podcast), do that ASAP. Fun fact, they were unbelievably kind to allow me to be a guest on their podcast last spring—and that may have been my life highlight!

It's August, and Heather and I are still on our summer quest to surprise each other with cool guests on Sidetracked. Today is no exception as Heather comes in hot, surprising me with the one and the only Jess Connolly.  Let's be honest, it's the end of summer and I'm guessing there's some portion of you that's tired physically, spiritually, or emotionally trying to do it all? Jess Connolly addresses just that as we talk about her new book and all the research behind the how, where, and why of rest. Jess's life is full with her being an author, Bible teacher, podcaster, and coach, so she knows the challenges of finding pockets of rest in a full schedule.  I love how we discuss that there is no one-size-fits-all formula for resting, and we are all made differently by our Creator with unique ways to recharge.  Jess reminds us that Jesus has true rest for us even in busy seasons, leading us to be more awake, alive, and present in our families, ministries, and careers.  We end the podcast by getting sidetracked and talk about everything from theology books to ice machines—join us for tons of truth and fun.     All things Cynthia Connect with Jess Connolly:  Website:  Jess Connolly Facebook: Jess Connolly Instagram:  Jess Connolly | Author + Bible Teacher (@jessaconnolly) Links Mentioned:   Quiz — Jess Connolly Tired of Being Tired: By Jess Connolly Breaking Free from Body Shame: By Jess Connolly You Are the Girl for the Job: By Jess Connolly Dance, Stand, Run: By Jess Connolly From Pentecost to Patmos: by Craig Blomberg Nobody's Mother: By Sandra Glahn Paul Behaving Badly: by E. Randolph Richards Nugget Countertop Ice Maker with Soft Chewable Pellet Ice Sun Visor Hats for Women Wide Brim Straw Roll-Up    

You are in for a treat this week! My guest is the hilarious and inspiring Cynthia Yanof. Cynthia is a wife, mom of 3, podcaster, blogger, and everyday girl who believes in embracing life's messiness with a sense of humor and a whole lot of faith. She spends most of her days hoping her kids won't embarrass her in public while praying they chase after God-sized dreams. After meeting her husband, Mike, in law school, she swapped legal aspirations for a simpler life (though that only lasted about a day). Now, Cynthia is the host of the popular MESSmerized podcast, a speaker, writer, and a passionate advocate for foster care. We laughed, we got deep, and we covered it all in this episode. Cynthia's first book, Life Is Messy, God Is Good, is available now, and this conversation is a perfect reflection of that message. Tune in for a fun and relatable chat that reminds us all that while life may be messy, God is always good. 2:13 – Dance Parties in Nursing Homes Embracing 40 Having fun at every life stage Reminiscing about prom music 11:20 – Cynthia 101 Married for 22 years with 3 kids A foster parent Author of Life Is Messy, God Is Good Leaving law to become a podcaster 16:21 – Redefining Success + Aligning With Your Calling Being outside of your gifting What narratives are you listening to? Measuring success by God's truth God wastes nothing 24:46 – The Foundational Things The story of the thigh master Learning to hear the voice of God The ordinary stuff is important Deepening your relationship with God in hard seasons 36:42 – Embracing The Mess Questioning God's timing and methodology God is God Connecting with Cynthia FEATURED QUOTES "When you're doing something outside of your gifting, you know." “If you're sitting in a space where you're like, I feel like there might be something next the Lord's calling me into something next…. it takes the most reluctant ‘yes,' and the Lord will take that and run with it.” " You've got to be putting foundational things in place in your life in order to hear from God.” " Don't buy into the lie that the ordinary stuff isn't significant because it is.”   Learn more about Cynthia: https://cynthiayanof.com/ Get Your Copy of Life Is Messy God Is Good https://www.amazon.com/Life-Messy-God-Good-Everyday/dp/0830785337 MESSmerized Podcast https://cynthiayanof.com/episodes/ Cynthia on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/cynthia.yanof Cynthia on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/cynthiayanof/ Connect with me:  http://www.stillbeingmolly.com http://instagram.com/stillbeingmolly http://instagram.com/canilaughpod http://twitter.com/stillbeingmolly http://facebook.com/stillbeingmolly http://facebook.com/canilaughpod http://tiktok.com/@stillbeingmolly   GET YOUR COPY of ‘IF I DON'T LAUGH, I'LL CRY” TODAY: Barnes & Noble: https://bit.ly/IIDLICbn Amazon: https://amzn.to/48VYFkG ChristianBook: https://bit.ly/IIDLICcb Target: https://bit.ly/3Shh3Q2 Walmart: https://bit.ly/3MmGVpJ Indie Bound: https://bit.ly/IIDLICib Audible: https://amzn.to/3ITcdm8 Kindle: https://amzn.to/3ITaSvv     About Can I Laugh On Your Shoulder?   Can I Laugh On Your Shoulder? Podcast is a weekly podcast where we have honest conversations about faith, business, life, and everything in between. Hosted by speaker and author, Molly Stillman, her mission is to make you laugh, cry, and laugh till you cry. She wants to create a community of people who are unafraid to be themselves and have honest conversations about the things that matter most. Her vision is to create a safe space for people to explore their faith and share their stories and gifts with the world.                                  

Oh my goodness, I can't wait for you to hear today's show with Billy Rodgers! And despite the weird wording of the title of this show, we're talking about sharing our faith with friends and family (and not just sharing our faith with Billy Rodgers. ha!)    Billy and his wife, Brandie, are some of our very dearest friends in the world. They are amazing people with a heart for evangelism. When Billy recently shared the statistic with me below, I knew we had to have a conversation on MESSmerized about it:   It's estimated that 95% of believers go through their life without sharing their faith even one time.    Heartbreaking yet not hard to believe, because so many of us (myself included) feel so inadequate and ill-prepared to share our faith with a culture desperately seeking hope.    Because I REALLY want you to tune in to today's show, I'm giving you a sneak peek of some of the top five tips today so you can see how do-able this is:    Speak of God's goodness Pray not just for people, but WITH people Simply be willing and ready to share why you believe what you do   Let's not be a part of the 95% who never share their faith. As we start a new school year, it's a perfect time to start thinking and praying about who we're being led to have faith conversations with in the coming months.   All things Cynthia Billy Rodgers You Have Purpose videos  Case for Christ by Lee Strobel Find an Alpha group in your area

I'll never forget the time in high school when Kate and I had a disagreement, and she threw down these inflammatory words: “welllll I am 18 years old.” I believe my response was something like, “yes dear one, you're an 18-year-old that drives our car, uses our cell phone, lives in our house, wears our clothes, and exists on our money.” (Perhaps I should have paused a bit before responding.)    Nonetheless, if you have older kids, you've probably had similar moments of trying to adjust to kids reaching adulthood-ish while they are still financially dependent and oftentimes making questionable decisions. Thank goodness Lisa Clark is here today!   Lisa is an author, mother, grandmother, and incredible lady who is giving some much-needed advice on parenting our adult-ish children. Some of the topics we cover include:  Best advice on sending a kid to college How to respect our child's independence while also giving them important advice  Practical ways to connect with older kids Recognizing they are adults even when they don't act like it   Even if you don't have older kids yet, the day is coming, so tune in for some great wisdom from precious Lisa Clark!     All things Cynthia Yanof  Lisa Clark Raising Sinners by Lisa Clark   

My family is on vacation this week, and in honor of family trips gone wrong, here's a little summer travel excerpt from Life is Messy, God is Good:   I appreciate how Home Alone completely lowered the bar on family travel expectations after the parents left Kevin at home TWICE. Not to mention that biblically speaking, Jesus' parents lost Him for more than three days while returning home from Jerusalem.   I'm encouraged that if Joseph and Mary had a parenting fail and lost the Messiah, I can calm the heck down about the Colorado trip where we lost all of our groceries (and most of our hanging clothes) out the back of our car in the middle of the Breckenridge roundabout. And then several days later, my husband went all Evel Knievel off a bike jump, which landed him in the ER with broken ribs and a punctured lung (all of which I weirdly got on video in slow motion).    Good memories, that trip, but may it never be called a vacation.  As much as I love a good family trip, it's DEFINITELY not a vacation when the kids are involved. (Oh, and if you want to see the cringy bike accident video, follow me on Instagram and shoot me a DM.)   But I digress.    On today's show we're talking with Molly Stillman about why laughter matters. Molly's a podcaster, author, wife, mother, and just a hilarious individual. She has a great reminder on the physical and spiritual benefits of laughter. If you're anything like me, this is a much-needed message as summer continues to go on (and on and on and on).      All things Cynthia Check out Molly's new book, If I Don't Laugh, I'll Cry: How Death, Debt, and Comedy Led to a Life of Faith, Farming, and Forgetting What I Came into This Room For.

Life Is Messy, God Is GoodEach day we are given the opportunity to live with meaning and significance as we acknowledge our struggles and then surrender them to Jesus. My guest today, Cynthia Yanof, knows how sloppy, slippery, and downright hard life can be. But as she reminds us, God's not surprised when we drop the ball, lose our cool, or struggle to put our Spanx on in the morning. He can use our ridiculous messes and even the really difficult I-didn't-sign-up-for-this losses to shape us. Lean in and listen as we dive into this great conversation. Connect with Cynthia Yanof at https://cynthiayanof.com/ Email: carolmcleod@carolmcleodministries.comHttps://carolmcleodministries.comFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/carolmcleodministriesInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/carolmcleodministriesYoutube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQE6z9U5VR9tjoJB1NAsgMw

Happy 4th of July week! I'm hoping you have big plans with friends and family to celebrate our country's Independence Day. I found a new homemade ice cream recipe this summer that's super easy and has been a fan favorite. I'm linking it here in case you're feeling ambitious and want to give it a whirl.   In continuing our “how do I series,” we have Jessica Hurlbut joining us today talking about the fear and disappointment of facing our kids' unexpected diagnosis. Jessica is a mom, podcaster, author, speaker, and avid runner. Fun fact: she was a contestant on Season 8 of American Ninja Warrior and had the opportunity to share her heart for adoption.   As a mother of five children, several of which have special needs, Jessica has amazing advice on how to walk through the many emotions that come with a diagnosis of ADHD, autism, or any other unexpected diagnosis.  There's so much great wisdom today, but I think one of my favorite things she says is this: When God doesn't change our circumstances, he desires to change our perspective.    I promise you don't want to miss her five tips today. Also, I would be so grateful if you would send this to a friend or two that could benefit from some encouragement on their parenting journey.   All things Cynthia Connect with Jessica Hurlbut Unlimited Motherhood by Jessica Hurlbut

Are you addicted to your phone? As parents, how should we be thinking about smartphone use? In this episode, host Cynthia Yanof talks with Joey Odom, co-founder of technology company Aro, about how to build a healthy relationship with your smartphone. Many of us often find ourselves distracted by our phones, focused on social media or other apps instead of interacting with the people around us. Phones can take our attention away from being present with our spouse or kids, and our kids themselves run the danger of being the first generation to die with more of other people's memories than memories of their own. We may think we are addicted to our phones, but this is not an addiction we are powerless over; it is a habit that we can change. Mr. Odom talks about the importance of modeling healthy smartphone use for our children, as well as the realization that smartphone use can take away from the limited and precious time we have with our kids before they are grown. When you change your relationship with your phone, you change your relationship with everyone around you, including yourself. Mr. Odom lays out four simple ways to change your relationship with your phone: 1. Start with yourself and what you are modeling for others. 2. Spend one hour a day physically distant from your phone. 3. Establish sacred times and spaces that are phone-free. 4. Search for moments of connection with your family or friends. Joey Odom's company, Aro, helps people change phone habits throught the use of an app and a device that stores and charges your phone. You can learn more about it at goaro.com.

“There's no fast-tracking the grief process.” - Abby Rike   My good friend Abby is with us today talking about grief and the many forms it takes. Grief is most often associated with death, but it's also important to acknowledge the grief we face in the loss of a dream, relationships, health, and so much more. Abby reminds us that there is hope in the midst of our deepest grief, and she tackles some of the lies we are tempted to believe when we're struggling through the hard stuff.    Interesting facts about Abby include that our dog is named after her, she's been on The Biggest Loser, and she has walked a near-impossible road the last 20 years. That being said, she's a beacon of encouragement on days that feel impossible with her message that with Christ as our anchor, we can move forward (not move on) with hope.    I'm praying today's show will encourage not just you, but that you will share it with others around you who are walking through grief in their own lives.     All things Cynthia Keep up with Abby Rike Abby's book: Working it Out: A Journey of Loss, Love, and Hope

I mentioned it last month, but as a little reminder, Heather MacFadyen of the Don't Mom Alone podcast and I have a super fun show we do together called Sidetracked. As a part of this little venture, this summer we've decided to surprise each other with a guest and then release the episode on both of our shows. It's been super fun so far, and we'd love to know how you're liking it and if you want more of these shows!    On today's Sidetracked episode, Heather surprises me with author, speaker, teacher, podcaster, and enneagram expert . . . Beth McCord. We love Beth because she approaches the enneagram from a biblical perspective and helps us learn how to better navigate our personalities and figure out what makes us tick.    I think you'll especially love the real-life example at the beginning of our conversation about Heather firing off a frustrated email to Beth, and how their enneagram knowledge facilitated healthy conflict resolution. We also discuss how the enneagram intersects with our parenting, and the reasons not to “guess” your kids' number and instead have your older kids take the test themselves. (Which I'm so going to have my older kids do sometime this summer!)    Can't wait for you to hear today's show! Leave a review and share it with a friend pretty please.   All things Cynthia Yanof Connect with Beth McCord:  Website:  Your Enneagram Coach | Free Enneagram Test, Courses, and Coaching Facebook: Your Enneagram Coach Instagram: Beth McCord | (@yourenneagramcoach)

Today we're talking about body image, learning to love our body, and calling out the false narratives we've bought into from culture and other places relating to our physical body.    Talking about body image kinda feels like no-man's land, and I'm thinking I might as well hit politics and money while I'm at it. Joking. But having a discussion around how to love our body is something that is important, and I believe it is not discussed enough in Christian circles. So we're doing it here today!    Liz Rodriguez and Rebecca Carrell from the Honestly, Though podcast are with us today. Liz is currently on her own personal health journey after receiving some tough diagnoses a few years ago. She speaks honestly about the physiological aspects of losing weight and working through the well-intentioned but hard comments she receives from others.    Rebecca is healed from an eating disorder that she struggled with for many years. She has a great word on loving and accepting our God-given bodies while also raising daughters who can hopefully do the same.    I understand this can be a touchy topic, and I assure you that we will do our very best to encourage you wherever you are in your health journey. Take a minute to listen and also share with your friends.   Also, if you enjoy MESSmerized will you please consider rating and reviewing the show? This helps others find us and hopefully encourage people to chase after Jesus even when everything around us.    Sign-up for the Life is Messy, God is Good summer book club!   All things Cynthia Yanof For more of their discussion on body image listen to Honestly, Though here. The Body Project by Joan Jacobs Brumberg   Catch up with Rebecca and Liz below: Rebecca Carrell IG: @RebeccaCarrell  Twitter: @RebeccaACarrell  FB: Rebecca Ashbrook Carrell   Liz Rodriguez IG: @lizannrodriguez  FB:  Liz Rodriguez  

Top Ten from 2023 #10 Cultivating Character in Our Children with Cynthia Yanof   Luke 16:10a (NLT) If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones.   Questions and Topics We Discuss: As a working mom, what perspective and wisdom can you offer us parents? What are a few core values or prayers that you find to be helpful as a parent? Will you speak to the importance of independent play?   Cynthia Yanof is an author, blogger, and host of MESSmerized Podcast. She loves Jesus, her family, foster care, and having as many friends around her as possible. She is married to Mike, and together they have three kids ranging from college age all the way down to first grade. (No, that's not a typo.)     She's excited to introduce her debut book, Life is Messy, God is Good.. You can follow her on social media @CynthiaYanof, and the Pardon the Mess podcast is available on iTunes, Spotify, and all the usual places.   Cynthia strives to be authentic, vulnerable, and full of laughter as she encourages people on the messy roads of life.   Connect with Cynthia: Cynthia's Website Pardon the Mess Podcast @cynthiayanof   Thank You to Our Sponsor: Spark Academy (Mention The Savvy Sauce to Unlock Your Special Discount!)   Connect with The Savvy Sauce through Our Website   Please help us out by sharing this episode with a friend, leaving a 5-star rating and review, and subscribing to this podcast!   Gospel Scripture: (all NIV)   Romans 3:23 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”   Romans 3:24 “and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”   Romans 3:25 (a) “God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood.”    Hebrews 9:22 (b) “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.”    Romans 5:8 “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”    Romans 5:11 “Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.”    John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”   Romans 10:9 “That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”    Luke 15:10 says “In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”   Romans 8:1 “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus”   Ephesians 1:13–14 “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession- to the praise of his glory.”   Ephesians 1:15–23 “For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.”   Ephesians 2:8–10 “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God‘s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.“   Ephesians 2:13 “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.“   Philippians 1:6 “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

I'm going to keep this short because, well, listen to the intro and you'll understand. But somewhere between trying out a new spray tan and finding our trampoline in our front yard after a storm—it's gotten kinda weird over here.    But thankfully, on the show is one of our faves, Dr. Ken Wilgus. We're talking about how we survive summer with teens, and below is a preview of a few points that are coming your way:  Set absolute limits on screens in advance  Establish household expectations Require some level of outside activity   And this is just the tip of the iceberg on the wisdom coming your way on today's show.    Thanks for being a part of the MESSmerized community, and PLEASE take a minute and leave a review so more folks can find us.     All things Cynthia Feeding the Mouth that Bites you by Ken Wilgus Ken Wilgus' Podcast  

Here's a fun little podcast update for you.    As most of you (hopefully) know, Heather MacFadyen of the Don't Mom Alone podcast and I have a little sideshow we do once a month called Sidetracked. Basically, it's an unfiltered conversation between the two of us discussing life's goings on, parenting, faith, etc. It comes out the first Friday of the month on Don't Mom Alone, and It's been a big hit.    So, spinning off from that concept this week, we're doing a second episode of Sidetracked in the summer months that includes a surprise guest aired on both of our shows. And today is the day we kick it off with our friend Toni Collier. Please hear me:  You do not want to miss a second of this conversation.    If you don't know Toni, she's  the author of Broken Crayons Still Color as well as a podcaster, speaker, and mom of two sweet kiddos. Toni chats with us about everything from getting tattoos with Ann Voskamp to seeing God show up through “God winks.”

How many of you are nervous about teens and screens this summer? Well, we have we got the podcast for you! We're so grateful for the wisdom and leadership of Dr. Darren and Brandy Whitehead, from Church of the City, in our community! They are changing lives in so many ways every single day! In this episode, we talk about taking a Digital Fast for the summer—what that looks like and how to get your kids on board. AND, we talk about the importance of fostering…the difference it makes in the life of a child and the difference you can make today! The Digital Fast Tennessee Kids Belong For a deeper dive into technology and family, go listen to Episode 157: Changing Our Families' Relationships with Technology. If you enjoyed this conversation about foster care, go listen to Episode 166: Life is Messy, God is Good with Cynthia Yanof. . . . . . Raising Boys and Girls Courses are now available! More info here! Sign up to receive the monthly newsletter to keep up to date with where David and Sissy are speaking, where they are taco'ing, PLUS conversation starters for you and your family to share! Go behind the scenes and watch our podcast on YouTube! Download a copy of the Raising Boys and Girls Feelings Chart. Connect with David, Sissy, and Melissa at raisingboysandgirls.com. . . . . . If you would like to partner with Raising Boys and Girls as a podcast sponsor, fill out our Advertise with us form. . . . . . A special thank you to our sponsors: Hiya Health: Go to hiyahealth.com/RBG and receive 50% off your first order! Listen & subscribe to Wear We Are! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're answering “how to” questions these days on MESSmerized, and today we're tackling the awesome yet complex topic of friendships. I think of all the things I'm asked to talk about from my book, most often I'm asked about the topic of friendships and how to cultivate the really deep, meaningful ones.    Thankfully the queen of friendships (I made that up on the spot by the way) is with us today. Amy Weatherly is covering the good, bad, and ugly of doing life with others, and why it's so important we prioritize friendships.    Amy gives us five great take-aways on friendship today, but I'm going to give you just a few below and let you listen to the rest on the show: Deep friendships require time Deep friendships mean creating rituals and traditions (DO NOT MISS the rest of her amazing points)   I also want to mention that summer is a GREAT time to show some intentionality by gathering friends and strengthening relationships. I've done several book clubs in the past and always been grateful I put myself out there.     If you're interested in a book club this summer with friends, I've got an amazing idea for you. My publisher, Esther Press, has named Life is Messy, God is Good as their summer book club book, and you can join today and receive book club questions, videos for each chapter, and lots of other fun things.    This is a great way to do a book club with either an online community, or with friends in your neighborhood that you hope to bond with this summer. So jump in today and listen to Amy's friendship fine points today and then consider who might want to join you for a summer book club on Life is Messy, God is Good.    So grateful for you guys!     Sign-up for the Life is Messy, God is Good summer book club!   All things Cynthia Yanof Here for it by Amy Weatherly and Jess Johnston

It's week two of our new series asking “how do I _____” questions. Each week we're bringing in amazing guests with practical advice for all areas of life. If you missed last week with Courtney DeFeo, we talked about cheering on other women, and you definitely need to go back and listen if you missed it. So so good.

Have I told you this week how much my family loved Duck Dynasty? It was/is such a genius way to get people laughing while still instilling biblical truth and good old fashioned family values. The prayers around the table at the end of each show still get me.    Today I have the privilege of chatting with Willie Robertson about all things Duck Dynasty, and it's far past due since I've interviewed basically everyone in his family except for him.    Willie's stories are amazing, including how he tried to fire Cy, how Duck Dynasty got started, and how he got Phil signed on to the idea of reality TV.     But Willie is really passionate about sharing his faith, and that's a big part of our conversation today. He talks about how his parents instilled this in his life, and how he's trying to do that for his children as well. Willie's new book Gospeler (which I mispronounced all throughout the show

We have both had the honor of being interviewed by the kind and hilarious Cynthia Yanof several times for her podcast and, this week, get to turn the tables on her. She has a new book out called Life is Messy, God is Good. We couldn't agree more! We're excited for you to listen in on this real, heartfelt and hopeful conversation with our friend Cynthia. . . . . . Discussion Guides to download for each stage of the Raising Boys and Girls series are located on our website here. Order The Worry-Free Parent or The Worry-Free Parent Workbook today! Sign up to receive the RBG monthly newsletter to keep up to date with where David and Sissy are speaking, where they are taco'ing, PLUS conversation starters for you and your family to share!  Find us on YouTube! Download a copy of the Raising Boys and Girls Feelings Chart. Connect with David, Sissy, and Melissa at raisingboysandgirls.com. . . . . . If you would like to partner with Raising Boys and Girls as a podcast sponsor, fill out our Advertise with us form. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ever found yourself knee-deep in the chaos of everyday life, juggling parenting, work, and what seems like a million little mess-ups? You're not alone! Join me and the hilariously insightful Cynthia Yanof, author of "Life is Messy, God is Good: Sanity for the Chaos of Everyday Life," as we navigate the joyous battlefield of life with a healthy dose of humor. Get ready to laugh at our blunders, nod in agreement with our parenting foibles, and get a fresh perspective on how embracing the mess can draw us closer to an authentic Christian experience.This episode isn't just about chuckles though; it's also an invitation to ponder the footprints we leave in the lives of others. Through personal reflections and the heartfelt story of a friend's anointing, we unpack how small acts of intentionality can ripple into waves of influence. Discover how answering that 'God-sized' call, like opening your heart to foster care, can reshape not just your world, but the world of those around you. It's a powerful reminder that our influence isn't measured by our audience's size but by the depth of our impact.And let's get real about the high-wire act of parenting, shall we? We strip away the glossy filters of social media success and have a heart-to-heart on recognizing the divine beauty in our children's quirks and challenges. This conversation goes beyond the surface, as we embrace vulnerability and build a stronger community within our churches and personal lives. There's strength in showing up as we are – imperfect, but together. So tune in, grab a coffee, and join us for a conversation that promises to uplift, inspire, and perhaps even laugh.Book: Life Is Messy, God Is GoodBible: NIV Life Application5-Year JournalFavorite App/Website: Dwell AppAlabaster Beautiful individual Books of the Bible Support the showCheck out our website for more ways to fully connect to God's Word. There you'll find: Coffee and Bible Time Prayer Journals Coffee and Bible Time Courses Coffee and Bible Time Membership (weekly devotionals sent right to your inbox!) Find more great content on our YouTube channel: Coffee and Bible Time Our most popular video is “How I Study My Bible + In-Depth Bible Study!” with over 2M views! Follow us on InstagramVisit our Amazon ShopLearn more about the host Ellen KrauseEmail us at podcast@coffeeandbibletime.comThanks for listening to Coffee and Bible Time, where our goal is to help people delight in God's Word and thrive in Christian living!