Joyful Creations

It's time for a new series! Often, Christians use phrases that we and others don't fully understand.  It's time to start changing that. Rachel put up an Instagram story asking what phrases you think are most commonly misunderstood, and a couple of you mentioned "being saved."  Today, Rachel takes a deep dive into what the gospel really is, what "being saved" means Biblically, and how those things affect our lives.  Resources and Links How to Enjoy Prayer Falling Away From Christ vs. Continuing in His Kindness Is God’s Grace Really Free?

Today's Question "How can you stay content with where God has you in life now? It seems like I'm always looking ahead to the next big milestone, like driving, graduating, and dating." Are you happy where God has you?  Or are you living life just looking ahead to the next big milestone or event? If so, I can relate 1000%, and you'll love this short and sweet podcast episode. Today, I sat down with Megan from Not So Perfect to discuss contentment, staying in the present, and trusting God. She is such a sweet, insightful person, and I can't wait for you to hear her.  After our amazing Instagram Live interview on the love of God, I knew I wanted to have her on the podcast too, and I'm so excited to finally release the episode! For Further Reading... Beauty, Insecurities, and Contentment Stop Waiting for the Future The Place for Joy in a Crisis If you enjoyed today's episode, be sure to follow and share!  Visit joyfulcreationsblog.com for a bunch more content like this:)

Today's Question "How do you handle the stress of life and school as well as how do you stay motivated to accomplish the things that need to be done?" This time of year hits many of us like a ton of bricks. The last, long stretch before summer fills us with anxiety and stress, and it seems like everyone is asking us to do something. But in these busy seasons, I've found simple, practical ways to reduce stress and thrive. Today, I sat down with Kristen from The Care Cafe to discuss how to handle the stress of school and life without letting it get the best of you. We talked about taking steps to make goals, stay organized, and ENJOY LIFE:) I'm so excited for you to listen in! Listen to Kristen's podcast here or connect with her on Instagram @thecarecafe. Blog posts mentioned/related for more encouragment: Surviving vs. Thriving (combating winter gloom) How I Schedule My Day and Stay Dilligent Stop Waiting for the Future

Today's Question "I'm facing big decisions... how do I know whether to go to college to 'be prepared' if my dream is to be a homemaker, mother, wife, etc…?" Have you ever worried about the future?  Is it your dream to have a family but you wonder if a career and college are what God has for you?  Have you ever wished for a career option that could ebb and flow along with your different seasons of life?  Do you have an interest in writing, web design, graphic design, logos, coding, photography, or art? If you answered yes to any of those questions, I'm really excited for you to listen to today's episode.  I talked to Shana Anderson about freelancing and content creation: how you can adapt it to fit your life, how much it pays, how to prepare, and even how you can get started on this career path right now as a teenager.

Today's Question: How do I not compare myself to other girls? It seems like everyone out there is so much prettier than me. Do you ever feel that everyone else has it all together and you don't?  Do you gloat when you feel you have more to offer than others?  Do you beat yourself up when you feel less valuable than others? If so, today's episode will be encouraging to you. Today, I have Nikki Neu on the podcast to talk about comparison: what it comes from, how to identify it, and how to take steps toward freedom.  Mrs. Neu is a gifted speaker and mom to 7, and she filled our conversation with truth and encouragement. Resource Mentioned: "Why Her?" by Nicki Koziarz Bible Verse Mentioned: 2 Corinthians 10:12 If you enjoyed today's episode, be sure to follow and share!  Visit joyfulcreationsblog.com for a bunch more content like this:)

Today’s Question “What are some ways that you encourage others?” Have you ever wanted to encourage a friend going through a hard time, but you didn’t know how? Have you ever wanted to ”be there” for someone, but didn’t know where to start? Today, I had my good friend Grace on the the podcast to talk about how to be a lasting encouragement to your friends. 🤗 We talked about our unusual friendship story and then shared practical ideas from our own lives of how to encourage your friends, especially highlighting one key element. I can’t wait to share it with you! If you enjoyed today's episode, be sure to follow and share!  Visit joyfulcreationsblog.com for a bunch more content like this:)

Today’s Question “After some friend drama, I realized how true it is that my sister is my best friend, but because she's my sister I often don't view my relationship with her as a friendship that needs growth and nurturing. Do you have any suggestions for fun things I can do to help our relationship grow?” Today, I had my own little sister on to have a fun discussion on practical ways we like to invest in our relationship. It took her a bit to warm up to the mic, but it got funny once she did. Also- please note that when I interrupt my sister, there are no hard feelings between us. That’s just the way we banter and tell stories. 😊 😂 If you enjoyed today's episode, be sure to follow and share!  Visit joyfulcreationsblog.com for a bunch more content like this:) Games Mentioned Wooden Puzzle Mastermind Labyrinth Other Posts with Bekah My Sister Has a Blog! (+ other blogs you should follow) How to Make a Rainbow-Layered Cake

Today's Questions How can we be excited to pray and read the Bible? Thoughts on consistency and motivation? How do you prioritize bible reading every day with a really busy schedule? Also, what time do you like to wake up in the mornings? How do you stay consistent with Bible reading and prayer when you don't have the "feelings" of being a good Christian? As promised, here is the bonus launch week episode for you to enjoy! Today, I invited my mom to talk with me about Bible reading and prayer, and I came away encouraged, refreshed, and excited to spend more time with God. If you enjoyed today's episode, be sure to follow and share!  Visit joyfulcreationsblog.com for a bunch more content like this:) Resources Mentioned Praying Through the Bible by Donald Whitney "Growing the Hunger" with Gretchen Saffles on Revive Our Hearts Related Blog Articles 10 Practical Tips for Reading God’s Word Consistently How to Enjoy Prayer

Today's Question: Can you talk about friendships? I have so many friends that I have no BFF, no one who truly knows me and my hopes and my fears. I really, really want the kind of friendship so many books describe, but I don't know how to get it. How can I become that close with my friends? How can I do that without excluding others? Do I actually need a super close friend like that? I got together with two of my friends, Haven and Marie, to discuss friendship.  Lots of thoughts and lots of laughs -- I hope you enjoy this episode as much as we did! If you enjoyed today's episode, be sure to follow and share!  Visit joyfulcreationsblog.com for a bunch more content like this:)

Let's get this thing started!!