You Don't Have To Be Perfect Podcast with Vanessa Luu

Have you ever been through a hardship? Besides our conversation about why she goes to church, my guest Blair Curtis can relate. She’s just released her debut book, Shipwrecker, A chilling true story of betrayal and how a brave young woman found her way out of the storm. 

Her goal with this book is to encourage others to navigate life’s storms with God, even if they've previously walked away from Him.

More about Blair:

Blair Curtis, M.Ed. is a combat veteran of the United States Navy. She is a Certified Veterans Yoga Project Teacher and published author of the book Shipwrecker. She is also a Special Education Teacher in Minnesota and loves helping children thrive. She and her husband have three small children and one on the way. She continues to serve The Kingdom as an ordained minister officiating weddings throughout the United States.

Inside today’s podcast, I have back with me Jennifer Kosuda. Jen is the founder of The Art of a Messy House, and is a wife, mom, teacher, author, and now podcaster. After thirty years of battling depression, anxiety, disordered eating, and other battles such as PTSD, she was set free. At that moment, she promised never to stop sharing about God’s love and Truths. The Art of a Messy House four-part book series, blog, and podcast is her journey to do just that. She's with us today to answer the question: why do you go to church?

Connect with Jen!

My guest today is Tricia Wahr.

Tricia Wahr is a long-time friend, wife, and mom of 7 kids who works in the financial sector! She enjoys coffee, spending time with her family, and being on the worship team at her church.

Questions: 1. What do you believe about Jesus? 

I believe Jesus is the Son of God. He is the way, the truth, and the life, and no one can come to the Father except through Jesus. He is the reason I live, and I want to honor and glorify Him in all I do. He loves greater than anyone I've ever known, and all His ways are good. He's the Creator of the Universe and everything in it. He's all-knowing, all-powerful, the forever high priest who has taken away the world's sins for those who accept Him. He's even more than everything I just said.

2. How long have you been attending church? I've been attending church since I was an infant. I loved growing up in the church; I felt surrounded by love and beauty. But that changed for me in my adult years. And it's one of the reasons I pose this question today. Why do you go to church? I'm excited to hear everyone's answers who are willing to speak up. I've wanted to ask this for a long time because I believe there are many who show up to church out of habit but don't really have an intentional reason for being there.

3. Why do you go to church? I used to go to church because I loved the people, the music and the teachings. Now I go to church out of obedience. Yes, I'm being very candid here because this podcast is about authenticity. I believe Christians today are doing church wrong. They are not meeting with the intentions that God laid out for us in the New Testament. I believe God is using me to help the church return to its intended purpose.

4. Do you enjoy attending? I used to, and hopefully I will enjoy it again.

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Questions: 1. What do you believe about Jesus? 

I believe Jesus is the Son of God. He is the way, the truth, and the life, and no one can come to the Father except through Jesus. He is the reason I live, and I want to honor and glorify Him in all I do. He loves greater than anyone I've ever known, and all His ways are good. He's the Creator of the Universe and everything in it. He's all-knowing, all-powerful, the forever high priest who has taken away the world's sins for those who accept Him. He's even more than everything I just said.

2. How long have you been attending church? I've been attending church since I was an infant. I loved growing up in the church; I felt surrounded by love and beauty. But that changed for me in my adult years. And it's one of the reasons I pose this question today. Why do you go to church? I'm excited to hear everyone's answers who are willing to speak up. I've wanted to ask this for a long time because I believe there are many who show up to church out of habit but don't really have an intentional reason for being there.

3. Why do you go to church? I used to go to church because I loved the people, the music and the teachings. Now I go to church out of obedience. Yes, I'm being very candid here because this podcast is about authenticity. I believe Christians today are doing church wrong. They are not meeting with the intentions that God laid out for us in the New Testament. I believe God is using me to help the church return to its intended purpose.

4. Do you enjoy attending? I used to, and hopefully I will enjoy it again.

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Inside today’s podcast I am thrilled to interview my favorite fiction author, Danielle Harrington. 

Danielle Harrington is a stay-at-home mom, award-winning author, and hardcore science nerd. She earned her undergraduate degree in chemistry from Biola University and taught high school chemistry for five years before becoming a full-time writer. Her inner fangirl perks up at the mention of Quidditch, BookTok, Middle Earth, and the perfect hand-crafted chai tea latte.

Danielle lives in Idaho with her husband, daughter, and three cats. Her current mission: Give readers twists they don't see coming and imaginings that keep them thinking long after the story

ends.

Danielle, I am THRILLED to have you with me today. Thank you so much for agreeing to come back to the podcast.

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Pretend you are not about to read a chapter of one of the most famous Bible stories. I'm inviting you to read Chapter 5 with fresh eyes. As I read through the story again, I was amused. The words and actions of each person are so telling. If you get intentional, you can look at your life and plot in these characters.

Pharaoh- The threatened leader.

Moses- The obedient yet concerned servant.

Aaron- The helper.

Hebrew servants- The majority of the population.

God- The all-knowing, all-powerful being. 

Have you ever witnessed a threatened leader? I'm sure you have! Might you have one in your family or at your job? Maybe this character is in your church. At the very least, you've witnessed a threatened leader in a movie or television show. The threatened leader is motivated by fear. Everything they do directly responds to the fear of losing their power.

Do you have a Moses in your life? A person who is obedient to God but also gets confused and concerned when things don't seem to be going too well. Perhaps, in your story, you are Moses?

If you are Moses, who is your Aaron? Who is that person in your life that isn't perfect but does their best to have your back?

We are the Hebrew people/slaves/servants in this story. Believe it.

Most of our discontent with painful circumstances or unmet expectations involves timing. We view life much differently than God. He has the pleasure and the privilege to live outside of time while we don't. This truth has caused me to become angry more times than I can count, but the discrepancy between our timelines is an opportunity to grow in faith and trust Him.

Moses obeyed God even though he felt unqualified; what God asked of him was no small feat. God called Moses to deliver the Hebrew people from Egypt! Moses didn't go to school for this. He didn't study ancient texts and uncover some secret missions to carry out. He had run away from a murder he had committed and was content to live under the radar as a shepherd among the Midians.

God promised Moses that He would be with him, but Moses counted it a failure when Pharaoh increased the labor for the Hebrew people. He asked God, why did you do this to your people!? This a valid question and one I can relate to well. Here's what I noticed, though, in chapter 3, verse 12, God says, "Certainly I will be with you, and this shall be the sign to you that it is I who have sent you: when you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall worship God at this mountain."

God's promise, in chapter 3, does not include multiple victories but one victory at the end. This means God will be with Moses throughout the entirety of the deliverance. God even told Moses precisely what would happen with Pharoah. Moses knew that Pharoah would not accept his terms immediately because God told him so in chapter 4, verses 21-23. But when the opposition took place, Moses freaked. To this, I reply, "Same."

Freaking out at the first site of opposition is my norm. You think I would have learned by now, but like Moses, I am drawn to ask God why?

Thoughtful Pause

Do you trust God even when things get scary? Spend time in prayer now and be honest with God about your insecurities.

God is trustworthy, and He’s also gracious with our insecurities. As you close this chapter today, remember all the ways that God has come through for you in His perfect timing and ask Him to help you remember those the next time things get scary.

You can use the Exodus story to help strengthen your faith. God does exactly what He promises to do every time.

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Inside today's podcast, we have Dawn Michelle Michals returning! Michelle and I have a deep Spirit-filled conversation.

Our chat was so long that I broke it up into two episodes, and I know you'll love them both. Today we cover what God does with our desires as well as Michelle's devotional of Matthew chapter 6. Grab your copy!

6 Days with Matthew 6: A six-day journey through Matthew 6 

The ebook is currently available. Please leave a review!

Inside today’s podcast, I have with me Katie Ruga. Katie is a Christian wife and an elementary educator who turned homeschool mama to her 3 children. She’s passionate about encouraging other mamas to pursue biblical motherhood and is working on her own exciting project to accomplish just that.

Questions we discussed

What's the first step in trading toxic motherhood for biblical motherhood?

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Inside today's podcast, I have with me Leslie Moore. Leslie is joining our conversation on what to do when you're tired.

Do you feel like you have to earn your rest?

We are supposed to do the work God has called us to do but is the work that consumes your day the work that God has called you to do??

Good question, right? We discuss this question in an upcoming episode of the What To Do When You’re Tired series on the podcast. I hope you’ll tune in and join the conversation.

Our belief about rest needs to be rewritten. For as long as I've been alive, it's been ingrained into my mind that rest needs to be earned. God does not teach this. He commands that rest be a necessity throughout the course of our lives. It will take some time, but we can rewrite this destructive belief and practice one that aligns with our creator.

More about Leslie:

Leslie is a full-time homemaker by day and an aspiring writer by night. Though a teacher by trade, Leslie has the privilege of serving her family in their home in Mississippi. Leslie, her husband, John, and their two children are active in their local church, where she serves in a small missions position within their Bible Fellowship class. When the household sleeps, Leslie enjoys bringing historical fiction characters and time periods to life through the prayerful lens of a Christian mind.

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Many of us are vacillating between exhaustion and overwhelm as a way of life. We do this because of the unwritten standards we have spoken to ourselves over our lifetime. The good news is we can rewrite those standards and line them up with Gods. If you're like me, you've been living by standards that you thought were God's, but it's because you misinterpreted the true intention they were given in. 

More about Roberta!

Roberta is a freelance editor and proofreader living in Northern California. She and her husband have been married 38 years and have three children and three grandchildren...so far! When Roberta isn't reading (for business or pleasure) she enjoys playing cribbage with her husband, spending time with her kids and grandkids, working in the yard, crocheting, studying the Bible, and going on day hikes. You can follow her on Instagram @joyful_one_editing.

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A little bit about Jen Kosuda:

While I have been writing my entire life, I started to work on this four-part series, The Art of a Messy House, eight years ago. Then, after a time of fasting in 2019, I was prompted to let go of the past and “become who I needed when I was younger.” This turned my childhood wishes into my work, and I started publishing. In addition to this, being a middle school English Language Arts teacher adds experience to not only my writing but also my passion for my purpose. My main mission in life is serving God. Inspired by my faith and love for my family and friends, I now live to bring positivity to others each day. So far, I have published How to Be Kind and How to Be Fearless, two books in The Art of the Messy House children’s part of the series. The Art of a Messy House is part of my mission to mainstream faith in a way that brings hope to others. After I was set free from decades of battling anxiety, anorexia nervosa, and depression, I promised never to stop sharing this joy and love with others as I learn to love my mess.

Questions for you!

1. Let’s talk about your relationship with rest. When your body is getting heavy and your attitude snippy, do you realize it might be time for a break?

2. How often do you feel tired or worn out?

3. Does feeling tired frustrate you?

4. Do you believe God wants you to press on and persevere even when you’re tired and need a break?

Jen's books!

Inside today’s podcast, I’m bringing back one of my favorite guests to discuss the topic of being tired. I wonder if you can guess who my guest is? She’s a writer who has published two books, and she shares her life in authenticity to encourage others who struggle with OCD and perfectionism. (Among other things). She has a pilot husband she adores along with her two dogs and she's always looking for the next great coffee shop! Can you guess who it is?

It's Peyton Garland!

Questions you can ask yourself.

1. Let’s talk about your relationship with rest. When your body is getting heavy and your attitude snippy, do you realize it might be time for a break?

2. How often do you feel tired or worn out?

3. Does feeling tired frustrate you?

4. Do you believe God wants you to press on and persevere even when you’re tired and need a break? Don’t give up in what? Persevere in what?

5. Does your belief about rest need an adjustment?

Peyton's books!

You can find Not So By Myself and Tired, Hungry and Kind of Faithful here:

Inside today's podcast, I have with me, Clarissa Moll. 

More about Clarissa:

If you have struggled with any mental health issues you will LOVE this episode!

Inside today's podcast, I have with me Brandi Kepley. Brandi is a wife, dog mom, Arbonne consultant, blogger, and podcaster. When she isn’t working, you can find her reading at a local coffee shop, hiking with her husband and dogs, or working in the garden. 

Her ministry, the Unfinished Grace community, exists to identify with and encourage those struggling with mental health issues and stigmas. She is passionate about stigmas within family units and within the church, ending the cycle of burnout, and promoting a healthy lifestyle with natural products.

Today's episode is my meditation on Psalms 103:13-14

As a father has compassion on his children,

so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him;

for he knows how we are formed,

he remembers that we are dust.

Today we discuss the power of prayer and focused time with God.  If you're looking for some helpful tips in your walk with God this is a great episode to tune into!

Inside today’s podcast, I have with me, Angela Jasper. Angela is a daughter of God and a follower of Jesus as well as a wife and homeschooling mother. She is called to speak truth boldly in a world full of lies trusting that God will use her for His glory. In a self-focused, self-care, self-worshipping, you do you kinda world, she wants to encourage sisters in Christ to live Radiant, Extraordinary lives Doing the will of God, not their own.

We are talking about abortion today, a topic I have never talked about publicly before but God nudged me, and I knew it was time.

Things we discussed:

Connect with Angela!

God has not called me only to work for His kingdom., but to peace, rest, refreshment, and delight in Him.

A somewhat new realization on my journey. I always think that only my work counts in the eyes of God.

Do you feel like that too?

Ephesians 2:10 tells us, “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.” So in my mind, that means getting to work so that I can honor God and fulfill my purpose!

Recently, the Holy Spirit has been showing me that His call to rest, stillness, and beauty is just as important as the work He’s called me to do.

I’ve been practicing rest, stillness, and embracing God’s beauty for quite a while now, but I didn’t count it in the way I count work.

While I know everything God calls us to is good I didn’t realize that I was placing different values on them.

God has not called us only to work for His kingdom. He calls us to delight in Him. I’m so tough on myself that I think delighting in the Lord is a nice gift that I shouldn’t expect. But it’s more than that.

“Delight yourself in the LORD;

And He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD,

Trust also in Him, and He will do it.” -Psalms 37:4-5

Our delight in the Lord goes both ways.

“The steps of a man are established by the LORD, And He delights in his way.” -Psalms 37:23

“I delight greatly in the LORD;

my soul rejoices in my God.

For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of his righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.” -Isaiah 61:10

The meaning of delight in all of these verses is either jubilant exhortation over God or good pleasure. Either way, you slice it, delight is a desirable experience.

I know it will take some time to correct my habit of placing more value on work than on delighting in God and His word, but the Spirit is leading me, and I will follow.

Rest, pleasure, stillness, and works, are all gifts from God, and they are all found in Him. They all matter to God, and God gave them to all of us.

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If you feel overwhelmed and pressured often, you'll want to listen.

If you're a lover of God's word, then you'll want to listen.

Either way, you will be blessed, encouraged, and empowered by this episode!

We talked about: 

-Focusing on feelings versus truth.

-What does God say about self-love?

-How to understand the Bible better.

-Tips on how to study the Bible.

-How easy it is to be deceived, and even so much more.

More about Tina:

Inside today’s podcast, I have with me Jen Croce. Jen is a wife and mother and church administrator who loves singing, writing, reading, humor, design, and more.

What a wonderful time we had talking about how we prioritize all the good godly things in our lives, how to stop overthinking, and finding strength in God's living Word. There were many other juicy morsels I know you'll enjoy so tune in and join the conversation!

More about Jen:

Jennifer Croce was born and raised in Southern California, God and family are the most important to her. She has been married for 15 years to her Navy Veteran husband Chris and loves spending time with her buddy (only child) Gwyneth.  Jen is involved in her church, Adonai Worship Ministries, and loves to sing and play the piano there. She obtained her Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Phoenix in Information Technology - Visual Communication and studied Computer Science at San Diego State University. While at San Diego State University she was a part of the Scholars Without Borders Honor Society. Jen believes in lifelong learning and continues to pursue educational goals for her ministry. She enjoys writing and encouraging others through her blog and social media sites. Her hobbies include reading, writing, music, volunteering, traveling, humor, tea, design, and tech.

Connect with Jen!

Inside today's podcast, I have with me, Rachael Groll. Rachael is Ordained pastor, author, wife, mother and missionary. She has written her new Bible study, She Hears: Learning to Listen to Jesus, to help women grow in their understanding of how God sees them to discover the purpose He has for their lives.

We talk about:

This episode is jam-packed with goodness! I love it!

Truth Bombs!

We avoid vulnerability for at least two reasons. 1. We fear facing our true self. 2 We fear the rejection of others. But if you can't be honest with yourself and before God, nothing will change.

"If Jesus validates me, it doesn't matter what anyone else says. I can walk in the confidence of what Jesus says!" -Rachael Groll

Connect with Rachael!

  Website: Shehears.org
Apple Podcast: She Hears Podcast Instagram: she_hears
Facebook: She Hears
Email: Rachael@shehears.org

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Courtnaye and I love reading the Bible, not because there is something extra special about us, but because we've experienced the transforming power of God's written word! Some have claimed that reading the Bible comes easier to me than it does to them, but in truth, it has nothing to do with me! It's not about what I'm good at or what you're good at its about this: Who do you love, who do you want to hear from, how do you want to live, who do you want to love?

IF you are seeking your Creator He's not going to hide from you. But I find that 'we' spend so much time and energy trying to find our own way. We spend decades on it and all the while God has it all figured out.

More about Courtnaye:

Have you ever tried to read the Bible but get discouraged (or uninterested) because you don't understand it?  Chelle and I have experience this before, but now we can't get enough of God's Word!  Want to know how that happened??

Tune into today's episode!

“The Bible is the only book you'll ever read where you will always always always learn something new.” -Dawn Michelle Michals

I loved this interview! There are so many golden nuggets inside!

Two of my favorite nuggets were: Why is it so hard to trust God? & God’s time is not my time, but He's at work every minute.

More about Chelle:

Dawn Michelle Michals is a Christian author, freelance writer, and musician based in Central Texas. She’s been a homeschooling mom for eight years and now has tasted freedom as her daughter has returned to public school. Chelle writes regularly about Jesus, the Christian path and in support of social justice and economic and food security for all people. Her focus: To show God’s love to the world.

Connect with Dawn (Chelle)!

Is God’s Word Offensive?

In this episode, we are picking up where we left off last week. We discuss spiritual maturity, the offensiveness of the Bible, judgement, fully relying on Jesus, persecution, and more.

Join in on the conversation!

Dawn is a speaker, writer and blogger. She is the founder of The Faith to Flourish, a ministry that equips women to thrive by providing inspiring teaching, coaching and biblical resources to help them cultivate resilient faith, grow through adversity and live transformed lives.

As part of the mission of The Faith to Flourish, she also ministers to women with loved ones struggling with addiction, mental health issues and life-destructive behaviors. Dawn is the co-author of the book “Still Standing After All the Tears Workbook: Faith in the Battle Edition. She has been married to her husband, Steve, for over forty years and is mom to three adult children. It is her passion to help all women grow in their faith as they learn to better understand the Bible and how to apply it to their lives.

Connect with Dawn Ward

Did you know that the Holy Spirit is your teacher?

You don’t need to be intimidated by God’s word. If you are willing, the Holy Spirit will guide to through it with understanding!

God will not hide Himself from you.

We will be students for the rest of our lives. You don’t need to worry about understanding everything right away. Take a step with God day by day.

Inside today’s podcast, I have with me, Dawn Ward. Dawn is a speaker, writer, and blogger. She is the founder of The Faith to Flourish, a ministry that equips women to thrive by providing inspiring teaching, coaching, and biblical resources to help them cultivate resilient faith, grow through adversity, and live transformed lives.

As part of the mission of The Faith to Flourish, she also ministers to women with loved ones struggling with addiction, mental health issues, and life-destructive behaviors. Dawn is the co-author of the book “Still Standing After All the Tears Workbook: Faith in the Battle Edition. She has been married to her husband, Steve, for over forty years and is mom to three adult children. It is her passion to help all women grow in their faith as they learn to better understand the Bible and how to apply it to their lives.

Connect with Dawn Here!

Inside today’s podcast, I have invited back Melissa Robinson. Melissa is a wife & stay-at-home mom of two boys. She enjoys gardening, nature photography & spending time with her family. She also loves to write & encourages others to grow in their faith through her blog, my hills, and valleys.

Have you felt disconnected from God's Joy?

Tune into this episode for a rich and nourishing conversation in truth and love.

We deal with hormones, depression, feeling emotional, anxiety, but God.

Choosing joy and choosing truth is an option for every believer. It's not easy at times, but we can make it a choice.

Why Melissa Reads the Bible:

Connect with Melissa here!

Inside today’s podcast, I have with me Bianca. Bianca is a busy Mom. She teaches, plays with her kids as well as coaches football! She codes (and has created a really stellar app), posts amusing reels on Instagram rooted in truth, disciples women, and runs a home church.

If you have often wondered how necessary it is to read the Bible tune into this episode!

On a scale of 1-10 Bianca considers the Bible a 14 on the importance scale! So yeah, she definitely knows that the Bible is essential!

Even hormones make their way into this conversation. If you’re a woman and a believer you’ll definitely want to tune in!

Connect with Bianca here!

Join the conversation with me and my guest, author Anna Hawkes Cabral as we discuss the importance of reading your Bible.

If you think you don’t have time to read your Bible, you misunderstand something vital.

Reading your Bible doesn’t take time out of your day. It adds life to your day!

If you’ve attempted to read your Bible several times and can’t get into it because it doesn’t make sense, then I wrote The Relevant Old Testament specifically for you!! Truly!

How can we begin to normalize mental health in the church? Today’s episode is near and dear to my heart. I believe it to be so very important. Do you?

If you pay attention you’ll notice when it’s hard to me to spit my thoughts out. After ending the interview Katie and I talked and agreed that this happened because there are mental health issues in my life that challenge me in the church. I will need to address these issues in God’s perfect timing.

5 tips on normalizing mental health in the church.

Listen in your favorite podcasting platform. (Direct link in bio and one in today’s story.)

Step 1- Pray

Step 2- Don’t go it alone.

Step 3- Talk with your Pastor

Step 4-Compassion & Grace

Step 5- Read and suggest materials in which the authors have an open positive attitude towards neuro-atypical diseases or disorders.

Connect with Katie!

Katie and I share an open and authentic conversation about normalizing mental health in the church. 

How does normalizing mental health help us?

Inside today's podcast, I have with me Katie McConnell. After getting a master's in Human Service marriage and family counseling, Katie went on to be a chaplain with Marketplace Chaplains. Her heart has been for helping others through difficult circumstances. Her passion for sharing the love of Jesus and advocating for others grew out of her own struggles living with ADHD, anxiety and migraines. In the last few years she has been working to cultivate a blog and podcast aimed at helping people walk through life and difficult circumstances all infused with the consistency of Jesus.

Connect with Katie on Instagram!

Congratulations! It's time to celebrate because you have just finished studying the book of Genesis! And if you did the work and didn't skim, I know you now have a deeper and more intimate understanding of your Creator.

Be honest with me, did the Bible liven up for you as you went through this study? Did you feel more connected to the characters on the pages? Personal connection is a powerful tool, so making sure you could resonate or relate to the characters was really important to me.

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Inside today’s podcast, I have with me, Laurie Meek Watkins. Laurie spends her time writing a column for the local newspaper, writing on her blog, singing, dancing, and digging in the dirt! She loves to help hurting people find peace and meaning in their struggle like she has with God.

We talked a lot about how God even uses our ugly times in life and redeems them!

Laurie’s message for you:

“Precious one.  Please remember you are loved with an everlasting love. Jesus wants you to fall fully and completely into His arms.  Jesus has already won your battle for you.  He calls you to come to Him and REST.  Let go. REST.  This road may be hard - But you are never alone when you give everything to your Savior.  YOU are Loved.  YOU have a purpose. Choose Jesus and be FREE.

More about Laurie:

Laurie Meek Watkins has always referred to herself as an imperfect “Type A” Lady and a “Cracked Pot” .  —Little did she know she’d become...shattered.  Laurie shares her journey through healing and humor in her blog, www.typeachecklist.com,  her Instagram @typeachecklist, and Facebook: Type A Checklist.

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God restores people! 

Have you been waiting for God to bring restoration to your life?

Look at Joseph's story! His story has become one of my favorites. It shows me that God never rushes a good thing, but the good He brings is sweeter than anything.

Join me in the closing of chapter 9 in The Relevant Old Testament! Share this free audio version with your friends!

God Restores Relationships. Joseph wanted his family back. He missed them even though they sold him into slavery and never liked him to begin with.

See what God does to restore this family in part 2 of Chapter 9 (on the You Don’t Have to Be Perfect podcast).

Enjoy this free Audio version of The Relevant Old Testament! It is still recommended to sit down and go through this book as it involves a lot of one-on-one writing time with God, but I believe you will still find this audio version helpful as you get started.

Please utilize this great resource and share the listening links with your friends!

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“Joseph has become one of my favorite characters of the Bible and not until fairly recently. Hopefully, you have been able to feel my excitement for God’s word throughout this book so far; the story of Joseph convinces me that the plans of God are indeed good and inspire me to stand firm in the Lord. No doubt, no fear, no complaining, just trust.” -The Relevant Old Testament vol. 1

Chapter 39 of Genesis offers me a very great encouragement. “We will go through ugly periods and some that are very beautiful, but through it all, God is there, providing us with the strength we need to persevere to the end of our story.”

After talking to one of my best friends I was inspired to create my own audio version of my book, The Relevant Old Testament for people who want to listen during their commute, or while doing the dishes.😉

It is still recommended to sit down and go through this book as it involves a lot of one-on-one writing time with God, but I believe you will still find this audio version helpful as you get started.

Each chapter will be recorded as its own episode. I hope you will utilize this great resource and share the listening links with your friends!

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Wilma Hollis and I had a wonderful conversation about our lives with God. My favorite part was when she compared living and a child of God requires that we speak a different language to overcome adversity! She said what I've felt for so long. Not in just speaking differently but living differently. I feel like she does. So many take Salvation, but that's it! "...When we're believers, and we're excited, but we only take salvation. We don't realize that we're supposed to change our language to a different kingdom. Moving to a different country requires a different language."

Three ways that Wilma knows God is calling her:

1. What's asked feels "too big"

2. The nudge won't stop

3. Will address a negative experience from the past.

Wilma Hollis is an author, speaker, and encourager from the core of her being. Her mission is to empower every woman on the planet with —the practical application of —the Word of God.
She equips women of faith to align their words with God’s word, overcome adversity and live victoriously.
Her new book, LifeSpeak 101: Speak Life and Win! will empower you to activate the promises of God through the method of a trademarked language she calls, “LifeSpeaking”.
As Wilma always says, “God has already declared you a winner. Now, it’s time for you to speak like one.”
Wilma is a Chicago native, wife, and mother of 3 children.

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I’m welcoming back Peyton Garland. I love this girl! I finally finished reading her book and it was spectacular. I devoured every page and I wanted to dive deep with her and let you listen in. If you struggle with loneliness, perfectionism, or OCD, you will get so much out of this episode!

GIVEAWAY ALERT

We've read a lot about Jacob, but as we wrap up his story I was reminded once again that we don't have to be perfect to be used by Him.  Jacob is improving and growing in the ways of the Lord, and that's what's important. Personally, I was disappointed that after all these years he was still showing favoritism to Rachel; It frustrated me. But Jacob doesn't need to meet my expectations. He is complete in the Lord!

I pray that you enjoy this FREE audio version of The Relevant Old Testament.

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Jen and I have a good healthy dose of REAL TALK in this episode.  We talked about how unrealistic expectations hold you back, feeling unworthy, anxiety, disordered eating, the perks of self-publishing, the benefit of a healthy perspective, and our relationship with Christ! There is something for everyone in this episode. Jen said something during the interview that I felt fit all of these topics under one umbrella, and it was the concept of already being seen, and being known.

Whether we acknowledge it or not there is a strong desire in each of us to be known. I know I have felt it and still do, but the truth is we are already known. We are already seen by our creator, and this is good news!  Holding this healthy perspective helps us to battle and conquer all of our struggles.

Jen says:

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