More To Be Podcast

Do you feel like you are the only one whose life does not look perfect?Maybe all you can see is the wreck in your home and in your relationships. Maybe all you feel is distracted and exhausted.While 2020 was tough for everyone, it did not stop the barrage of social media highlights, comparison traps, and endless cycles of saying you'll stop scrolling social media and then being sucked right back in.So what does it look like to live beyond the highlight reel? It's gritty and tough. Yes, it is still full of overflowing kitchen sinks and the same squabble over and over with your spouse. But it can also be about uncovering old hurts and finally putting a name to the anxiety you have always felt. And it starts by being honest.On this episode of the More to Be Podcast, Meredith Boggs and I talked about marriage, parenting, mental health, and everything in between. Together we explore how to break out of the highlight reel mindset so that we can live free and find the life God intended for us to live -- a life align

What is that one thing . . . that one hurt . . . that one disappointment . . .that one habit . . . that continues to rob your life of joy and holds you back from the life you know God wants you live?More importantly, what would it take to finally experience breakthrough in that area of your life?Are you hoping that God would simply sweep in and break the stronghold? Would you like Him to relieve you from the guilt or shame, anxiety or fear, like a fairy godmother waving her wand? Maybe you think that a breakthough looks less like what God might do for you and more of what you need to do for yourself?Well, sister, how about we find out this year? Rather than simply imagining a different life -- a different way of being -- what if we actually did something about it?It's time to align our lives with God's best through a fresh encounter with God and in His Word.Sure, that's what we've always been about at More to Be, but this year, we're diving in even deeper with the Let Go & Live Bible study, jointly h

When you are stressed, tired, or needing to just block out the world, what do you turn to?Is it social media? Food? People?The reality is that none of these will ever satisfy. We will be left wanting more, continuously coming back to find an inkling of joy and escape. Wendy Speake joined me again on the More to Be Podcast to talk about her latest book, The 40-Day Social Media Fast, and how important it is for our relationship with the Lord and the people in our lives, to fast from distractions and be present in the every day.So often it is easy to hide or find something to numb the pain, but surrendering our addictions allows us to be consumed by the only thing that will ever satisfy us is Jesus.If you're looking to minimize the distractions and increase your devotion to Jesus so that your life may align with His best, listen to this episode on More to Be Podcast. You'll be challenged and encouraged to press into the life God made you for. Mentions | Links | ResourcesMeet Wendy Speake at wendyspeake.comT

Do you feel bogged down, unable to break out of harmful thought patterns?Are you quick to believe lies instead of the truth?Are you longing for healing and transformation?If you answered yes, or know of someone who would answer yes to the questions above, then this podcast episode is for you. On this episode of the More to Be Podcast, I sat down (virtually of course) with author and speaker Stacee Carr to talk about who God says that we are and trusting the truth of His Word. We talk about how God doesn't waste anything, even our weaknesses and that living in Truth will set us free.Mentions | Links | ResourcesI Am by Stacee P CarrMeet the New You by Elisa PulliamLife Coach Training CourseLearn More about Life CoachingBook a Discovery SessionEquine-Assisted CoachingSisterhood MembershipMatthew 6:1-4 CSB Romans 12:2 CSBDeuteronomy 6:6-9 CSB 1 Peter 2:9 CSB Support the More to Be PodcastIf you are blessed by our podcast and ministry, we invite you to become a Sisterhood Member 

It is without a doubt that the 2020 holiday season is going to look different than most. The normal chaos that comes with planning meals, decorating houses, going to holiday gatherings, and buying Christmas gifts becomes all the more complicated in the middle of a global pandemic. How can you walk through this sacred season with grace?What are ways for you to build margin into your life so that you can enjoy time with your community and spend time in worship of the King of Kings?On this episode of the More to Be Podcast, I chat with Dawn Sadler and Leisa Short, two of our More to Be Coaches about preparing for the upcoming holiday season. We discuss how past hurt gets in the way of celebration, ideas for creating new traditions, and how to make time to rest amidst the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season.This is an episode that will equip you to navigate this holiday season with grace and purpose. Be sure to check out our curated Christmas resources to help bring sacred and simplicity back into your

Are you a planner, mapping everything out on your calendar with color-coded labels and all?Or are you more of a laid back, take it as it comes type of gal?Regardless of which camp you find yourself in, as the year comes to a close (and boy I am happy about that), I have started to think about how I want to intentionally plan for 2021! I am asking myself the question "Am I still pursuing God in my everyday life and if not, what changes do I need to make?"In this episode of the More to Be Podcast, I change gears and decided to use this time to share with you how I go about planning for the coming year while reflecting on God's faithfulness in the past. The Equipped: Life on Purpose resource was something I created for myself nearly a decade ago, and this year, in the midst of all the craziness of life, God's prompted me to pull it out, put it to work, and encourage you to do the same. You can grab it here. If you're craving some structure seasoned with a whole lot of grace for living intentionally in the year t

Are you at a crossroads in your relationships, your career, or your ministry?Does quitting feel like the best option, but you do not want to feel like you have failed?On this episode of the More to Be Podcast, I chat with some of the More to Be Coaches about times when quitting was the best option. From stories of divorce to leaving a life long career to stepping away from ministry, we covered it all, along with how the Lord continued to be faithful each step of the way. If you're in need of encouragement, then this latest podcast is for you!Meet Carly Weber! Life thrown you a curveball? Me too. In the span of a year, I found myself divorced and raising children with special needs. It left me feeling like I was sitting on the sidelines while everyone else lived on. I struggled to figure out where I fit now, both in life and in church. But I’ve discovered there is joy and good, even on the sidelines, and I want you to know it too. Whether you are feeling emotionally or practically stuck, I would love to h

Are you feeling stuck in the season you are in?Do you have dreams and goals you'd like to pursue, but life just seems to get in the way?Maybe you're feeling unequipped for what the Lord has put in front of you?On this episode of the More to Be Podcast, I connected with one of my dear friends, Mari Hernandez-Tuten to discuss her latest bible study released this fall, Proverbs 31 in 5 Minutes a Day, and to talk about how our passions and callings can still fit into our lives regardless of the season we are in. If you find yourself identifying with any of the aforementioned questions, then this podcast is for you.Mari Hernandez-Tuten is a speaker, writer, family life coach, mom and wife. She is a mom to 3 boys and is married to Mr. Blue Eyes, her college sweetheart. She has a background in women's ministry, life coaching, and counseling. She has organized and led studies, workshops, and retreats for women in the church, home, internationally, and parachurch organizations. She regularly encourages women at i

Are you a tired mom, feeling like you are running on empty?Does the comparison game of parenting styles or cute family pictures on Facebook eat at your core?Do you feel like you are just not the right mom for the job?This week on the More to Be Podcast, I chatted with Becky Keife, about her debut book, No Better Mom for the Job, and what she has learned through the sanctifying role of being a mother. If you are in need of some encouragement and food for the soul, then this latest episode is for you.Becky Keife is the Community Manager for DaySpring’s (in)courage, a widely followed online community where authentic, brave women connect deeply with God and others. She is a popular speaker for MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) groups and other women’s events. She is a huge fan of Voxer, Instagram, Sunday naps, and imperfect moms leaning on Jesus. She and her husband live near Los Angeles, where they enjoy hiking sunny trails with their three spirited sons.Mentions | Links | ResourcesNo Better Mom for the J

Comfortable is probably the last word that anyone would use to describe the year 2020. It has been unpredictable, heartbreaking, confusing, and all around uncomfortable. While we have learned how to navigate life with masks and social distancing, embracing the new and the uncomfortable is not something that many, myself included, have done easily.In the latest episode of the More to Be Podcast, I had the opportunity to connect with Dr. Deb Gorton, a clinical psychologist and and graduate school program director, to discuss her latest book “Embracing Uncomfortable: Facing our Fears while Pursuing our Purpose" and how in a pre- and post-covid world we can embrace God's purpose for our lives.For over 14 years, Dr. Deb Gorton has been practicing, directing, building, developing, equipping, and partnering. As a clinical psychologist, she is fascinated by what drives decision-making and change. She is in constant pursuit of awareness and big picture perspective. What it all comes down to – navigating our purpo

Have you ever heard of Life Coaching?Do you want to learn more about the core principles and how it can benefit you?Maybe you have experience life coaching and want to know how you can become a coach! This podcast is for you!In case you had not yet realized, Life Coaching is a core part of the More to Be Ministry. As a certified Life Coach and Life Coach Trainer, I can attest to the life changing benefits it has brought to my life and so many others.In the final episode of Season 5 of the More to Be Podcast, I sat down (virtually) with fellow Life Coach and dear sister in Christ, Kalie Kelch, to talk about what Life Coaching has meant to us and the ways we use the principles in our day to day lives.Kalie Kelch has a passion for youth ministry and helping teens find their true identity in Jesus and develop a lasting relationship with Him. What began as a God-sized dream to minister to youth in an official capacity, culminated when she was offered the position of assistant chaplain at a Christian boarding high

Do you find reading your Bible to be a chore?Is being honest with your community about your relationship with Jesus a challenge?Do you struggle with what good God intended for your life?In the latest episode of the More to Be Podcast with author, speaker, and ministry leader, Megan Fate Marshman, we unpack what it looks like to change our perspective and ask new questions when it comes to studying Scripture. We also consider the importance of living in honest community and how to embrace "the good that we were meant for."If you are looking for advice on how to study Scripture and how to understand God's Word in its intended context, then this podcast is for you.Mentions | Links | ResourcesMeant for Good by Megan Fate MarshmanPIVOT ChallengeEncounter God Bible StudyEquine-Assisted CoachingLife Coach Training CourseSisterhood MembershipSupport the More to Be PodcastIf you are blessed by our podcast and ministry, we invite you to become a Sisterhood Member as a way of supporting our work. You

What is kindness? Is it something we do? Something we feel?How do we extend authentic kindness to others?In this episode of the More to Be Podcast, I'm joined by long-term friend and mentor, Lucinda Secrest McDowell, for a chat over coffee (from a virtual distance) to discuss kindness, passing on wisdom, and her latest book, Soul Strong: 7 Keys to a Vibrant Life.We discussed the seven core principles in her book, which Lucinda has learned throughout her life, and the advice she wished she had known earlier on.If you want to sit under some Godly teaching and wisdom and learn more about extending kindness to yourself and to others, then this podcast episode is for you.Mentions | Links | ResourcesSoul Strong: 7 Keys to a Vibrant Life by Lucinda Secrest McDowellLetting Go and Living Like Jesus with Barb RooseGrace and Truth: Conservations about Race with Barb RooseEverybody, Always by Bob GoffPIVOT ChallengeEncounter God Bible StudyEquine-Assisted CoachingLife Coach Training CourseSisterhood MembershipSupport the

Abba, Father. Is that who God is to you? Or do you find that think of Him as your eternal Father is challenging in like of your experience with your earthly father. It's understandable, of course, when the very human that is supposed to model for us unconditional love and protection and provision fails in any regard.Whether our daddy's ability fell short of our expectations and needs . . .Whether our daddy's intentions were marred by abuse, neglect, or abandonment . . .Whether our daddy's example conveyed Christ-with-skin-on love and grace and kindness.One thing is true: Our earthly dad is not a full representation of our heavenly one.God has a significant fatherly role to play in all our lives, when He adopts us into His family by our faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.It is a role defined by His love and protection, provision and purpose.Continue reading this devotional and watch the video teaching for this episode in the Encounter God Bible Study. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out in

Have you ever noticed how God will bring something up again and again when He wants you to learn something?So if you find it strange that we're studying about Jesus as our Messiah this week, compared to Him being our Savior last week, you might be feeling like this is a bit redundant. I challenge you, however, to take a pause and consider what more God would like to speak to you about as you reflect on who Jesus is to you.Is Jesus your Messiah . . . your deliverer . . . the one who preserves you? Continue reading this devotional and watch the video teaching for this episode in the Encounter God Bible Study. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Are you struggling to understand the season you are in, especially as your faith matures and your life priorities shift?Do you wonder what steps to take next or what to turn to as you navigate midlife?While it is easy to find books and blogs and podcasts focusing on parenting tips, marriage, addictions, and hangups, it is noticeably lacking in resources for those entering their second half of life.On the latest More to Be Podcast Episode, we're joined by Michelle Van Loon, who gives us context for understanding the different stages of life, especially in terms of spiritual growth, and how to seek out Biblical wisdom for even the most confusing and challenging circumstances.If you find yourself wondering how to persevere, questioning what comes next, or wondering what Scripture says about your current stage of life, then this latest podcast is for you.Since coming to faith in Christ at the tail end of the Jesus Movement, Michelle Van Loon's Jewish heritage, spiritual hunger, and storyteller's sensibilities hav

Who is your savior? Is your Savior the Son of God, sent into this world to rescue you and set you apart and redeem your life for His glory?Or do you function as your own savior, taking upon yourself every problem and issue and need, believing it is all up to you?If we are struggling to yield our life to the Savior of the world, we've got to take a holy pause to consider why? Is it because we don't know how to release the tension and anxiety we feel in us without trying to be in control of everyone and everything?Continue reading this devotional and watch the video teaching for this episode in the Encounter God Bible Study. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

What is your source of hope? Do you turn to your accomplishments or the things you feel like you can control? Do you look for hope in the people you do life with? Or is God your source of hope?As we consider God being our source of hope, there's more to this attribute than we might realize.Hope doesn't stand alone.Hope delivers more of what we crave . . . maybe more so than anything else. Continue reading this devotional and watch the video teaching for this episode in the Encounter God Bible Study. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Do you find yourself constantly comparing yourself to the people around you?Are you always wishing to have a more put-together life, be more in shape, or friendlier like the women you see on your Facebook feed?Does the comparison trap leave you feeling exhausted and self-loathing?If your answer to any of these questions is yes, then listening to the latest More to Be Podcast is a must. Our guest, Richella Parham, removes the shame of comparison by exposing what causes it in the first place. With tenderness and truth, she shares her personal struggle with comparison and how she's navigated out of the trap and into true joy. You'll be inspired and equipped by her biblically-steeped insights and application steps.Richella Parham is a writer, speaker, and the author of Mythical Me: Finding Freedom from Constant Comparison and A Spiritual Formation Primer. She serves as vice-chair on the board of directors at Renovaré, and she is also the worship coordinator at The Gathering Church and a member of the Redbud

Do you really believe that the Lord is good? Or do you find yourself in a situation in which you question God's goodness because of your circumstances or past experiences?It is all too easy to judge God through the lens of our feelings and experiences. We evaluate His goodness based on the way He answers our prayers instead of recognizing how He can still keep His promises even when the outcome doesn't match the one we had designed in our head.A cancer diagnosis . . . and we wonder if God is still good.A failed relationship . . . and we wonder if God is still good.A rejected proposal or job application . . . and we wonder f God is still good.A misunderstood intention . . . and we wonder if God is still good.Maybe we wonder if He was ever good.Continue reading this devotional and watch the video teaching for this episode in the Encounter God Bible Study. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.