More To Be Podcast

Could you imagine spending 40 days fasting from sugar while feasting on Jesus?Maybe you've never fasted before.Maybe feasting on Jesus sounds a little weird.Maybe you're not sure that you can say no to sugar much less anything else that has a stronghold over you.Well, sister, you're not alone. That's where I was 365 days ago. But God allowed me to get so desperate with my health in order to discover an area of my heart that needed grave attention. In July 2018, I dove into a Whole30 journey to get to the root cause of my health issues, only to discover that behind the health was a heart desperately in need of attention. I was addicted to sugar and comfort food was my idol of security. As the truth burst forth, I knew there was no going back.Six months later, I'm not only 25 pounds lighter, but I'm also spiritually and emotionally freer -- and that by-product is worth the journey. My sugar dragon still wants to dominate, but in Christ, I've found the power to say no. I've found the strength and motivation

Would you count yourself as someone who wants to live intentionally?Are you a "one-word" girl, taking the time to pick a word for the year?Maybe the idea of being thoughtful about your priorities, purposes, and values feels a bit daunting?No matter how you've approached the stewardship of your time, talents, and resources in the past, this episode on the More to Be Podcast will help you step into the future with purpose.Intentional living opens our eyes to see God's faithfulness.After more than a decade of living intentionally using the Equipped workbook, I've discovered the beauty of taking time to think about the next year and set forth intentions as well as measurable goals for living according to God-given priorities and values. You might be wondering how?This episode is all about helping you step into the process with ease, as I unpack the way I use the Equipped resource with my co-host, Kalie Kelch. Together we consider the beauty of pursuing a God-infused perspective for the year ahead with a

Do you feel like you're made more like Martha than Mary, meaning you just can't sit down until everything is done . . . and everything is never done?Maybe you're more of a Mary personality, but leaning into God's love still doesn't come naturally to you. Well, whether you're a Mary or a Martha, this episode is for you because it really comes down to leaning into Jesus and His love. On this episode of the More to Be Podcast, I'm joined by friend and fellow "Martha," Katie M. Reid. She is a pastor's wife and mom to five children (ages two to fourteen). She is a homeschooling mom, singer, bible study facilitator, and author of Made Like Martha: Good News for the Woman Who Gets Things Done. She is a fan of musicals and cut-to-the-chase conversation over tea. Katie encourages others to find grace in the unraveling at katiemreid.com.Through our time together chatting about everything from birth order to home-keeping, Katie helps Marthas and Marys alike to see how love into the solution

Do you sometimes wonder why God is allowing all the obstacles that are coming your way?Maybe you're even in a season of wondering if you heard from God correctly, as it feels like everything is going wrong.Maybe the journey simply feels harder than you ever expected.Well, sister, you're not alone.Chances are you might be on a divinely appointed roundabout.Join me on this episode of the More to Be Podcast as I chat with my friend and regular co-host, Kalie Kelch, about what to do when life isn't going your way and the back-t0-back challenges are overwhelming. We're all over the Scriptures in this episode, as the lessons in real life come to bear in our conversation. It's definitely a processing-out-loud study from Exodus to Matthew, as we identify with the Israelites all the way to Jesus. Listen in for truth bombs that will change the way you think about unexpected detours in life.Scripture FocusExodus 13Matthew 9Hosea 6:6Notable Links & MentionsGrab the R.A.W. Scripture Study Method and join us

Do you face the holiday season with joy in your heart?Or are you like me, with more of a grumbling spirit that doesn't quite fit what everyone expects of you?Maybe the holidays are hard for you because expectations abound and grace seems lacking.No matter how you feel about holidays, this More to Be Podcast episode with Angela Sackett is one that will set you free and spur you on.Angela is gifted at bringing the Scriptures into focus to shift our thinking about how we care for our hearts and homes especially in the holiday season. She takes us through some of the feasts and festivities found in the Word to inspire us toward a new way of thinking about celebrating Thanksgiving and Christmas with our neighbors, friends, and family. As always, our episodes together are filled with lots of story-telling! So tune into this episode in your favorite listening app and get your heart in gear just in time for the holidays.Scripture FocusExodus 12Deuteronomy 16:19-12John 2:1-11Notable Links & MentionsGrab the R

What makes fear rise up in you, threatening to steal all joy?Is it the kind of fear linked with anxiety, especially when life feels out of control?Is it the fear that floods your emotions when you think about your loved ones getting hurt?Maybe you're greatest fears are directly tied to what others think of you, like the fear of rejection or criticism.On this episode of the More to Be Podcast, Kalie and I chatted about our personal struggle with fear and the way God calls us to step out of our comfort zones, not in a risky and irresponsible way, but in response to God's perfect love. You'll find this episode packed with biblical application and a fresh perspective on how God's love really does expel fear.  Stop borrowing trouble from tomorrow. Live in the moment. - ElisaWe might know the truth but hearing it from someone else. - KalieYou don't have fear without anxiety. You don't have anxiety without fear. But you can bully the lies back with the truth. - ElisaPain shared is pain divid

Are you the mamma of angry kids?Maybe you knew this was coming, as you recognized the trauma they have been through.Or maybe you have been completely blindsided, wondering what in the world has caused this.Either way, we're here to help you find a soft heart toward your angry kid. On this episode of the More to Be Podcast,  I had the privilege of chatting with author, mother, and Christ-follower, Tricia Goyer about walking in faith through adoption and navigating the road of being a mom of angry kids. As you might imagine, there's no mom that wants to label her child "angry" much less carry that label for herself. Yet the reality is that angry is a part of our in-the-flesh experience.Knowing what to do with the anger that rises up in our kids as well as in ourselves is vital to the emotional and spiritual health of our families. On this episode of the More to Be Podcast,  I had the privilege of chatting with author, mother, and Christ-follower, Tricia Goyer about w

Is it easy for you to count your blessings?Or could you use some help in cultivating an attitude of gratitude all year long? There are certain seasons when everyday challenges make being thankful feel like an impossible feat. And for some of us, thankfulness isn't quite our personality bent. No matter how you're wired or what situation you find yourself in, this episode on Counting Your Blessings will be sure to inspire you as we focus on the gift of God's grace upon grace. On this episode of the More to Be Podcast, Kalie and I dig into the Word, turning to John 1 as the launching point for our chat about counting our blessings. I know that might not seem like a logical place to start, but it turns out to be a wonderful place to land as we ponder the abundance we find in Christ. Our conversation weaves in and out of ideas for how to practice gratitude in your life, specifically pointing to God's provisions and praising Him for them. You'll be inspired to count your blessings througho

Join us on this week's episode of the More to Be Podcast for to hear from our special guest, Jessica Smartt, a fellow author, blogger, and homeschooling mama, who has learned to cling to Jesus through her struggle with anxiety. Jessica and I chat about what that looks like to deal with anxiety with a wholly committed faith. She shared how her mom's response enabled her to see her need to get help as well as how her Bible-steeped upbringing has benefited her on this journey.It was interesting to be on the other side of her story, as I completely identified with Jessica's mom, feeling ill-equipped to help my daughter, Leah, in her struggles with anxiety, long before we knew that is what it was. By the way, Leah gives her full blessing for me to share her story.Before we dive into Jessica's story, we chat about homeschooling and curriculum. For those interested in what we mentioned, I included the links below. Scripture FocusRomans 8John 6Notable Links & Mentions40 Bible Verses to Ca

Are you tired? Weary of doing good? Ready to quit because the effort doesn't seem worth it?Sister, don't quit.God is not yet done in your story. He's not ignoring your perseverance. In fact, you are growing this very minute.  Join us on this week's episode of the More to Be Podcast for a chat on what it means to continue to "do good" even when the results don't seem to come quickly. With Kalie Kelch joining again for our discussion on this month's R.A.W. Scripture Study, we open up to Galatians 6 to uncover what a harvest can look like as we persevere in our faith. We talk about everything from camping to motherhood to not becoming the "savior" and fighting the comparison trap. It's an episode full of stories and searching the Scripture for practical life application. Scripture FocusGalatians 6Luke 5:31-32Notable Links & MentionsGrab the R.A.W. Scripture Study Method and join us in the More to Be Tribe Facebook Group.Use the More to Be Podcast Reflection Guide to tu

Who is the boss of your mornings? Do you drag yourself out of bed, running late before you even started? Do you wake up to the demands of your kids or work? Are you scrambling to get everything done before you head out the door?It's time to take back your mornings!In this episode of the More to Be Podcast, we're excited to bring you mornings expert Kat Lee! Kat is passionate about teaching others how to jump-start each day with a grace-filled, life-giving morning routine. She is the author of the Hello Mornings book, a speaker, podcaster, and the founder of HelloMornings.org. She and her husband, Jimmy, live in Waco, Texas, with their three children.We kick off the episode chatting about how to remodel our morning routines with the simple three-step Hello Mornings plan followed by digging into Psalm 143. That passage opened up all sorts of conversation about what to do when we're struggling in our faith and routines. Kat brings us examples filled with Biblical truth and hope.You'll notice this

What is your natural response when you've prayed and prayed and waited and waited, but God's ways don't match your wants?Do you struggle to surrender to the Lord's plans for your life?In this episode of the More to Be Podcast, we're joined by former co-host and dear friend, Angela Sackett for a chat about surrendering to the Lord's plans. We do spend a good time talking about releasing our adult children to the Lord, since we've already experienced releasing our dreams, our homes, our careers, and callings. But this episode isn't just for moms! It's for all of us to lean into God's purposes and join together in the journey of trusting God with our best.Just a head's up that this one is a long one, as you know what happens when Angela and I get together! There just was no breaking point, especially as around the 28-minute mark, I dove right into sharing my struggle with anger and how I've found hope in God's redemptive hand. And, in case you want to see our dogs, you'll have to check o

The founder of More to Be and your host of the podcast, Elisa Pulliam, is joined by friend and co-host, Kalie Kelch, for an episode steeped in Scripture study and application using the R.A.W. Scripture Study Method. Together, they dig into the Word to uncover what God has to say about our longing for more and what it looks like to search for contentment instead.Part one kicks off with Kalie and Elisa confessing their own struggles with trusting God for the desires tucked away in their hearts. The consider King Solomon's wisdom and peer into Hannah's surrender of her son to the Lord. Part 2 begins with looking at what Paul has to say about contentment to the Philippians . . . and us.These two episodes will encourage you to not give up searching for contentment, for when you find it you're bound to experience unexpected blessings from the Lord. Notable Links & MentionsWant to gain insight about how God has wired you? The Highlands Ability Battery is one of the best life assessments you can us

The founder of More to Be and your host of the podcast, Elisa Pulliam, is joined by friend and co-host, Kalie Kelch, for an episode steeped in Scripture study and application using the R.A.W. Scripture Study Method. Together, they dig into the Word to uncover what God has to say about our longing for more and what it looks like to search for contentment instead.Part one kicks off with Kalie and Elisa confessing their own struggles with trusting God for the desires tucked away in their hearts. The consider King Solomon's wisdom and peer into Hannah's surrender of her son to the Lord. Part 2 begins with looking at what Paul has to say about contentment to the Philippians . . . and us.These two episodes will encourage you to not give up searching for contentment, for when you find it you're bound to experience unexpected blessings from the Lord. Notable Links & MentionsWant to gain insight about how God has wired you? The Highlands Ability Battery is one of the best life assessments you can us

The founder of More to Be and your host of the podcast, Elisa Pulliam, is joined by friend and special guest, Jennifer Dukes Lee, for a power-packed discussion about our identity in Christ. They wind their way through the Scriptures, looking at what it means to be "the one whom Jesus keeps on loving" and how that changes everything about how we live and trust God more. This episode is packed with hope, wisdom, and a good laugh about mammograms . . .There's not an off-ramp for metrics. You're groomed on the on-ramp. - ElisaMaybe your 40s is your off-ramp season . . . when you come to terms with the answer, "no." - ElisaJesus was the defining relationship in John's life. - JenniferWe will always surrender our lives to the defining love or influence in our life. - JenniferWhat is the defining love and influence in your life? - JenniferIf we love anyone or anything more than God, then that is our idol . . . that is what we are a "disciple" to. - ElisaAre we going to sit next to Jesus, secure i

The founder of More to Be and your host of the podcast, Elisa Pulliam, is joined by friend and co-host, Kalie Kelch, for the kickoff of Season 2. They unpack the principles found in Proverbs 31 as an overarching theme for the upcoming episodes.Together, they debunk some of the myths of the Proverbs 31 woman and uncover a source of inspiration and motivation to be the women God intended -- whether single or married, divorced or widowed, working or retired, mothering or empty-nesting.Scripture FocusProverbs 31:10-31Proverbs 30:8-9Links & MentionsWant to gain insight about how God has wired you? The Highlands Ability Battery is one of the best life assessments you can use, especially with Elisa's insights and personalized coaching approach.Learn how to manage your finances through Dave Ramsey's, Financial Peace University.Grab theR.A.W. Scripture Study Method and join us in the More to Be Tribe Facebook Group.Use the More to Be Podcast Reflection Guide to turn this episode into your

The founder of More to Be and your host of the podcast, Elisa Pulliam, is joined by friend and co-host, Kalie Kelch, for the kickoff of Season 2. They unpack the principles found in Proverbs 31 as an overarching theme for the upcoming episodes.Together, they debunk some of the myths of the Proverbs 31 woman and uncover a source of inspiration and motivation to be the women God intended -- whether single or married, divorced or widowed, working or retired, mothering or empty-nesting.Scripture FocusProverbs 31:10-31Proverbs 30:8-9Links & MentionsWant to gain insight about how God has wired you? The Highlands Ability Battery is one of the best life assessments you can use, especially with Elisa's insights and personalized coaching approach.Learn how to manage your finances through Dave Ramsey's, Financial Peace University.Grab theR.A.W. Scripture Study Method and join us in the More to Be Tribe Facebook Group.Use the More to Be Podcast Reflection Guide to turn this episode into your

Have you missed the More to Be Podcast since the ending of Season 1? We've missed it too! So we're happy to be back praying, planning, and recording! While you wait for Season 2 to air in September, we thought you'd enjoy this second bonus episode. On this EpisodeThe founder of More to Be and your host of the podcast, Elisa Pulliam, is joined by friend and More to Be co-laborer, Kalie Kelch, for a chat about how to know what to charge when your work is also ministry and your ministry is also your work. Elisa's brings to this discussion more than decade experience not only as a business owner but as a speaker at women's events. She shares how to she learned to value her time while stewarding her gifting and the role a contract plays in the process when it comes to events. She also dives into portions of 2 Corinthians, describing how she came upon creating the Message Bearer Manifesto and coining the term "missional work" to describe how she approaches her work and ministry as one whole mission. 

The In-Between Season . . . A Bonus EpisodeHave you missed the More to Be Podcast since the ending of Season 1?We've missed it too! So we're happy to be back praying, planning, and recording! Season 2 will officially air in September, so count this episode as a bonus one to fill your soul tank full!On this EpisodeThe founder of More to Be and your host of the podcast, Elisa Pulliam is joined by friend and More to Be co-laborer, Kalie Kelch, for a chat about finding new soul strength through a deeper relationship with God and cultivating an abiding trust in His promises. Together, they unpack portions of Isaiah 40 and 1 Chronicles 11, which are two key verses in the July R.A.W. Scripture Study Method.Download the More to Be Podcast Reflection Guide to turn this episode into your own personal Bible study.Join us in the More to Be Tribe Facebook group for fellowship with sisters seeking to experience a fresh encounter with God and His Word everyday.If you've been blessed by this podcast, we'd love for

On this episode of the More to Be Podcast, Angela and Elisa reunite for the closing episode of season one, focusing on Being a Woman of Wisdom. Together, they "meet wisdom" in Proverbs, specifically digging into chapter 8. They cover everything from raising sons and daughters to nurturing marriages to being women walking in wisdom, passionate about pursuing cross-wired, multi-generational relationships.HighlightsHow do we lovingly engage with those who don't yet know Him? - AngelaAre we seeking wisdom to put it into action or simply saying we're pursuing wisdom? - AngelaWe need the generations cross-wired together because we need wisdom from the older generation. - ElisaWe have to be careful we're not pursuing what "feels good" but returning to the wisdom of God. - AngelaWisdom . . . it is about learning how to go search for it. - AngelaBefore the creation of the world, He created wisdom. What does this even mean? - ElisaWisdom doesn't mince words. - ElisaIf you are hopeless, helpless, downcast