In this episode, Briana and Megan discuss the significance of Lent, sharing personal stories and reflections on their experiences with the season. They explore the origins of Lent, the three pillars of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, and the importance of self-examination and spiritual growth during this time. The conversation emphasizes the need to draw closer to God and the transformative power of Lent in their lives and families.

takeaways

Lent is a time for self-examination and reflection.

The three pillars of Lent are prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.

Personal experiences shape our understanding of Lent.

Lent is not just about giving up something, but about drawing closer to God.

Fasting should be about denying the flesh and feeding the spirit.

Lent can be a family activity that fosters spiritual growth.

Understanding the origins of Lent can enhance its significance.

It's important to approach Lent with intentionality and purpose.

Lent serves as a reminder of Jesus' sacrifice and resurrection.

We can grow spiritually during Lent by focusing on our relationship with God.

keywords

Lent, Christian faith, fasting, prayer, almsgiving, personal growth, spiritual journey, Easter, traditions, family activities

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Lent and Personal Messy Moments

07:29 Understanding Lent: Background and Personal Experiences

15:00 The Three Pillars of Lent: Prayer, Almsgiving, and Fasting

24:16 The Significance of Lent: Trials and Symbolism

27:26 The Purpose of Lent: Intentionality and Reflection

29:55 Understanding the Weight of Sacrifice

36:10 Denying the Flesh: Strengthening the Spirit

39:02 Personal Practices for Lent: Humility and Growth

43:28 Reframing Lent: Moving Beyond Guilt

47:55 Visual Reminders: The Passion of the Christ

52:44 Family Engagement: Teaching Kids About Lent

Summary

In this conversation, Megan and Briana explore the challenges of parenting, particularly the need to adapt to changing plans and the importance of maintaining a positive mindset. They discuss personal experiences with messy moments, the struggle to let go of control, and the significance of trusting in God's plan. The conversation emphasizes the value of gratitude, resilience, and aligning personal desires with God's purpose, ultimately leading to a deeper understanding of hope and faith amidst life's uncertainties.

Takeaways:

It's easy to get blinded by the moment you're in.

Plans inevitably change, and that's a part of life.

Teaching kids to pivot helps them handle disappointment.

Trusting God's plan can alleviate anxiety and worry.

Gratitude for small blessings is essential.

Hope should not be confused with control.

Aligning our plans with God's purpose is crucial.

Letting go of control can lead to freedom.

Recognizing God's provision in our lives is important.

We often miss God's presence when we focus on our own plans.

Keywords:

parenting, plans changing, trust, hope, gratitude, God's plan, faith, resilience, letting go, control

In this episode, Briana and Megan explore the theme of answered prayers, discussing the importance of recognizing when God answers our prayers and how to navigate the expectations that come with it. They emphasize the significance of childlike faith, gratitude, and understanding God's will in prayer. The conversation also touches on the challenges of setting expectations and reframing disappointment into gratitude, ultimately highlighting the need for effective communication with God.

Takeaways:

We often focus on unanswered prayers, but God does answer them.

Navigating expectations with faith can be challenging.

Childlike faith is essential in our relationship with God.

We should not set worldly expectations on God.

Gratitude is crucial when prayers are answered.

Unanswered prayers can be a form of protection.

Setting clear expectations can lead to disappointment.

Reframing disappointment into gratitude is important.

Effective prayer involves two-way communication with God.

Trusting God's plan is vital for spiritual growth.

Keywords

answered prayers, faith, expectations, gratitude, childlike faith, God's will, prayer, spiritual growth, trust, protection

It's our first Met in the Margins Book Club Episode!

In this episode of Met in the Margins, Briana and Megan dive into the first book of their faith-based book club, A Lineage of Grace by Francine Rivers. They explore the story of Tamar, a woman in the Bible whose actions and faith lead to significant outcomes in the lineage of Christ. The conversation highlights the importance of community in reading, the cultural context of biblical narratives, and the themes of redemption and grace that permeate the story. Through their discussion, they emphasize how God uses unlikely people and the messiness of life to fulfill His purposes.

Keywords:

book club, faith, biblical fiction, Tamar, Judah, redemption, Francine Rivers, A Lineage of Grace, women's stories, Old Testament

In this episode of Met in the Mess, hosts Megan and Briana discuss body positivity and the journey of loving one's body, especially postpartum. They are joined by their first guest, Julia, who shares her experiences with nutrition, fitness, and the challenges of body image. The conversation delves into the importance of self-worth, the impact of faith, and the realities of motherhood, emphasizing that every woman's journey is unique and deserving of love and respect. Julia offers valuable advice for new moms and highlights the significance of finding affirmation in scripture.

Takeaways:

Body positivity is essential in every season of life.

Self-worth should not be tied to appearance.

Motherhood brings unique challenges to body image.

Faith plays a crucial role in self-acceptance.

Eating disorders are a common struggle for many women.

Empathy grows through shared experiences of motherhood.

Postpartum challenges can arise at any time, not just immediately after birth.

It's important to reach out for help when needed.

Scars from childbirth are marks of love and sacrifice.

Rebranding oneself as a mom can be empowering.

Keywords:

body positivity, postpartum, self-worth, motherhood, nutrition, faith, eating disorders, body image, women empowerment, mental health

In this episode of 'Met in the Mess', hosts Briana and Megan explore the lessons they wish they had learned in their 20s. They discuss the importance of understanding anxiety as unbelief, the power of thoughts, and the necessity of self-care. The conversation also touches on the significance of finding a supportive community, the courage to say no, and the value of trusting one's gut feelings. They emphasize that it's okay not to have everything figured out and that sharing the gospel can be transformative. The episode is filled with personal anecdotes and insights aimed at helping listeners navigate their own journeys.

Takeaways:

Anxiety and worry stem from unbelief.

It's essential to take time for self-care.

You have the power to control your thoughts.

Finding a supportive community is crucial.

Don't be afraid to say no to things that don't serve you.

Trust your gut; it's often the Holy Spirit guiding you.

You don't have to have everything figured out right now.

It's okay to prioritize your own happiness.

You can't make everyone happy; focus on what matters to you.

Sharing the gospel can change lives.

Keywords

life lessons, twenties, anxiety, self-care, community, decision making, personal growth, faith, mental health, self-discovery

In this episode of the Met in the Mess Podcast, hosts Megan and Briana return to their regular format after a series of special episodes. They share personal stories about the challenges of motherhood, including dealing with sick children and the chaos that ensues. The conversation transitions into a deeper discussion about identity, focusing on the contrast between finding one's identity in Christ versus the world. They emphasize the importance of nurturing a relationship with God and how it can transform one's self-perception and daily life. The hosts encourage listeners to reflect on their identities and the impact of societal expectations, ultimately advocating for a Christ-centered approach to life and motherhood.

Takeaways:

You are where you spend your time.

It's easy to fall into worldly expectations as a mom.

Building a relationship with Christ requires active effort.

You are not your past mistakes; you are made new in Christ.

Self-control is essential for spiritual growth.

Keywords:

identity in Christ, motherhood, Christian podcast, self-worth, personal growth, faith, parenting challenges, spiritual journey, self-control, relationship with God

Welcome to Met in the Margins!!

We are starting a Book Club and we want you to join us!

We both love reading and thought it would be fun to start a faith-based book club to give us another opportunity to connect with each other and Christ.

Every month we'll chose a book and then pick a day to discuss it together!

Our first book is A Lineage of Grace by Francine Rivers.

As this is a compilation of 5 smaller novellas within a book, we are going to focus on the first novella for the first month. That means, we will be reading the first section about Tamar's story, which is roughly the first 100 pages of the book.

So grab a copy (we'll link below, but check your local library first!) and we'll meet back here on February 5th to talk about Tamar!

Link to book: https://www.amazon.com/Lineage-Grace-Stories-Unlikely-Eternity/dp/0842356320