If you’ve ever promised yourself, “Okay, today I will NOT lose my cool… for real this time,” only to lose your cool before breakfast, hi. You’re in good company.

Most of us assume patience, peace, and kindness come from trying harder, doing better, or magically waking up as a brand-new woman who suddenly loves chaos and sticky floors. (Spoiler: she doesn’t exist.)

That's why, in today’s episode, I’m talking with author Ava Pennington about why “trying harder” actually works against us, and why the Holy Spirit’s way is so much better.

We dig into the Fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—and how these traits were never meant to be produced by white-knuckling your way through motherhood.

Instead, they’re the natural result of walking with the Holy Spirit… who (good news!) actually wants to carry the weight you keep trying to shoulder yourself.

In this conversation, we’ll talk about:
• why moms default to “do better, try harder” (and why it backfires)
• how to recognize the real obstacles beneath your impatience and overwhelm
• what it looks like to partner with the Holy Spirit instead of performing for Him
• practical ways to nurture peace, patience, and joy in the middle of normal, messy days
• how to help your kids grow these traits too—without preaching or pretending

If you’re tired of beating yourself up, tired of trying harder, and tired of feeling like you should be “more patient by now”… take a breath and listen in.

There’s a much gentler, kinder, more effective way forward, and you don’t have to do it alone.

Support the show

Have you ever walked into a room full of women and suddenly felt overwhelmed and insecure, like you're fourteen all over again? Overthinking everything, replaying old “you can’t sit here” scripts, wondering why this feels harder than it should...? If so, this one's for you.

In today’s episode, I’m talking with USA Today bestselling author Natalie Runion about her newest book, I Don’t Even Like Women, and the real, often unspoken reasons some Christian women find friendship confusing, complicated, or emotionally exhausting at times.

Together, we dig into:

• Why female friendships can feel complex (even inside the church)
• The insecurities and old “scripts” that quietly shape how we connect
• How to reach out with courage… without spiraling when it gets awkward
• What to do when you risk vulnerability and someone shuts you down
• How to start small and build genuine community in your real life
• When to self-reflect, when to extend grace, and when to simply move on

You’ll walk away with less pressure, more perspective, and a renewed confidence that you actually can build healthy community right where you are.

If you enjoy this episode, be sure to check out Natalie’s book I Don’t Even Like Women and connect with her ministry, Raised to Stay, on Instagram.

Find "I Don’t Even Like Women" here: https://amzn.to/3KPzBpc (affiliate)

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raisedtostay/

Support the show

What do you do when someone you love is clearly struggling… but you're not sure if you should say something? Alternately, what if you’re the one quietly falling apart, but you’re afraid to admit it out loud?

In today’s episode, Pastor Mike Novotny and I are talking about how to have the hard conversations most of us avoid — whether you need to confess something yourself or lovingly confront someone else.

In this episode, we discuss:

• When staying quiet actually makes things worse
• How to know if it’s time to speak up (or let it go)
• What makes someone a safe person to open up to
• How to confront with truth and grace
• What to do when you’ve tried… and nothing changes

If you enjoy our conversation, be sure to check out Pastor Mike's new book, How to Talk Taboo (affiliate link) and visit his website at timeofgrace.org.

Support the show

After this interview, we hope that you will see that even if you are a busy, working mom, and you have a whole lot going on, that it doesn't have to prevent you from having that quality, personal time with God in His Word.

​

Some of the things we talk about today will help you figure out:

1. How can I make these tips and strategies work for me in my own busy life?
2. How can I manage my time better so that I have more of it for my family and myself?
3. What easy and practical changes can I make so that I have more time for God?
4. Is it really possible to figure all of this out and without going crazy?

​

Support the show

"Have I settled for less than everything God has for me?"

As a lifelong follower of Jesus, Jeannie Cunnion wrestled with this very question and was surprised to realize that she'd been missing out on so many amazing things in life. That is until she discovered the power of the Holy Spirit.

Join us today as Jeannie and I invite you to discover who the Holy Spirit is, what exactly He does, and why it matters SO much.

Grab a notebook and pen and "Don't Miss Out"!

Support the show

Like most women, you want to open your home or your heart (or both) and connect with others. But you don't think you have the time or ability.

Through devotionals and practical tips, New York Times bestselling author Karen Ehman will inspire you to put love into action.

You will want to take notes as Karen talks about the difference between entertaining and what the Bible says is hospitality.

She will also dive into to just a few of her tips and tricks to simple hospitality from her companion book, "Make Their Day" -- (fancy house not necessary!)

Support the show

Based on a groundbreaking, in-depth survey of 22,000 Christian women, "The Great Sex Rescue" unlocks the secrets to what makes some marriages red hot while others fizzle out.

Join Sheila as she pulls back the curtain on what is happening in Christian bedrooms and exposes the problematic teachings that wreck sex for so many couples -- and the good teachings that leave others breathless.

Support the show

Support the show