Our Time to Rise in Midlife

Latest Episodes:

Ep.201: Fall Kitchen Series: Everyday Table Sep 24, 2019

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Abby and April, as they're known at The Open Door Sisterhood, know a thing or two about getting dinner on the table. Both working moms with lots of mouths at home to feed, they both love to cook and have a realistic approach to what actually works. From meal planning to trying new recipes, these two real-life sisters give us practical tips to everyday cooking.

These ladies are the chefs at The Open Door Sisterhood annual Mastermind Retreat. We have tasted their food (and experienced their low-stress approach in the kitchen) and can fully vouch for their expertise. Delicious, healthy, and simple food is what they focus on in their own homes and they bring that to their readers at their Everyday Table blog. Rightly named they are speaking to the man or woman who may not have experience or time to do something fancy, but still want to cook delicious food.

This is the first of a two-part series on getting dinner on the table. We know fall is the time families are getting back in their routines, and you sister, are trying to figure out what's for dinner. Listen to our friends talk about the simplicity of meal planning and how it can save you time, money, and stress. And who doesn't want that?!

Ep.200: You Asked. We Answered. with Krista & Alex Sep 17, 2019

Show notes

We are celebrating our 200th episode on The Open Door Sisterhood Podcast! To celebrate we thought it would be fun to answer questions from our listeners. So…. you asked and we answered.

In this episode you will hear about our childhoods, how we came to faith, what jobs we had before podcasting, and who influenced our lives growing up. You will also get a peek into what episodes impacted us personally of the last one hundred.

Sister, we want to express our deep gratitude for joining us every week and for becoming a part of our Sisterhood tribe. We are continually impacted by the people we encounter through this podcast, including YOU and our guests.

Thank you for taking that next step, for doing that hard thing, and for being a world changer for good right where you are! #powertothesisterhood

Ep.199: Ruth Chou Simons Sep 10, 2019

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"You become what you behold" -William Blake

Ruth Chou Simons looks for God's beauty all around her. Whether out her back door in Durango, CO, or in the faces of her six sons, or the leaf of a plant in her living room, beholding what God creates reminds her that she is not in charge. It also helps shape her into a woman more aware of God's purposes.

In this conversation we talk to Ruth about her love of art, her very long "overnight success", how Instagram gave her a push toward making her art public, and how she chose to live where she does. A homeschooling mom, business owner, author, and artist, Ruth is very down to earth despite her Renaissance woman credentials. You will find a friend in her as you listen.

For the woman who wonders if her ordinary circumstances matter. For the one who wishes she was doing something fabulous. For the sister in need of a reminder that her one life is surrounded by beauty. Do not miss this Open Door Sisterhood conversation.

Ep.198: How to Have Hard Conversations with Scott Vaudrey Sep 03, 2019

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Why can't all of our relationships be easy? And why is it that some are harder than others? This week's episode explores difficult relationship patterns and the skills needed to have hard conversations.

Scott Vaudrey, retired ER physician, pastor, and executive coach, teaches us how to talk through a difficult conversation, and what work we need to do in our own heart beforehand.

The tools offered in this episode could dramatically change your important relationships.

Ep.197: Christina Meredith Aug 27, 2019

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Christina Meredith went from homeless foster youth to Ms. California to an active member of the U.S. Army. An unlikely path, yet when you hear this interview you will find Christina to be a likely heroine when it comes to overcoming. Her fortitude and clarity of thought are evident. From childhood abuse to foster care to homelessness, Christina found God in the middle of her most difficult circumstances and credits her healing to his power.

In this episode we hear some about Christina's childhood, how ROTC gave her the structure and discipline she needed as a teenager, how she advocates for foster youth today, and her suprising entry into the pageant world (it started in a Whole Foods!) From confusion as a child to feeling like an outsider as a young woman, Christina's resilience is remarkable and her reliance on God is inspiring.

Not your typical soldier, Christina defies "typical" in all areas. Fighting against statistics of where she "should" be, Christina believes God has her where she is on purpose. You won't want to miss this Sister Interview.

Ep.196: Book Club Episode - Reclaiming Home with Krista Gilbert Aug 20, 2019

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The Open Door Sisterhood's First Ever Book Club Episode!

Do you feel like your family is spinning out of control? Do you sometimes wish you were closer and more unified with those living under your same roof? Or maybe you're a parent who does a lot for your children, but you lack real connection & relationship.

You're not alone. Every parent struggles to live intentionally, and every family must learn that foundations are built moment by moment over a long period of time.

If you are ready to kick your fall off with greater purpose and deeper relationships, this episode (and bookclub) is for you! Beginning September 1st, we will be exploring what it practically looks like to reclaim your home, one action at a time.

BONUS: In today's episode Krista also gives her "top 5 tips" in various areas of Reclaiming Home. You won't want to miss it!

Ep.195: Belinda Bauman Aug 13, 2019

Show notes

"If the world is full of suffering, it is also full of overcoming it."

Belinda Bauman believes we have capacity to hold each other's pain. She is a woman who has witnessed the consequences of war, has listened to horrific stories, and has wondered what she is to do with the grief she is holding as a result of bearing witness. A conversation that highlights Belinda's adventurous life path while taking us on the journey of what it means to practice empathy.

It was the story of one woman on the other side of the world that changed Belinda's perspective and gave her eyes to see empathy in a new way. In this conversation we hear about their friendship, about Belinda's mandate to tell her friend's story, and how that developed into One Million Thumbprints, an effort to raise awareness about violence against women in war torn countries.

Both practical and inspirational, you won't want to miss this beautiful message of incarnational love. From sister to sister, around the world and back, we can practice our empathy muscle by listening, changing our perspectives, and actively peacemaking in our world. No better way to be world changers for good right where we are.

Ep.194: Healthy Relationships 101 with Dr. John Townsend Aug 06, 2019

Show notes

Is there anything more powerful in our lives than relationships? They can bring us to the heights of happiness and also to the pit of despair. Some are simple, some are very complicated. Every one of us must navigate our way through these rough relationship waters our entire life journey.

John Townsend, a nationally recognized expert and voice in this arena, joins The Sisterhood to offer his expertise on how we can do relationships better. From creating a life team, to discerning if a person is trustworthy, to learning how to ask for what we need, Dr. Townsend offers solid navigation principles.

This interview hits hard on the practical - - you will walk away with helpful ideas you can implement immediately with the people right around you.

Ep.193: Vivian Mabuni Jul 31, 2019

Show notes

After deciding to follow Jesus, Vivian Mabuni believes the most important question in our lives is "Who is in control?" In this conversation we hear from the the themes of her new book Open Hands, Willing Heart. Vivian points us back to surrender, a process that isn't done just once in the Christian life, but over and over. We know you will find Vivian as warm and inspiring as we did. This episode is full of gems. From her new podcast idea to the value of learning from voices with diverse cultural, ethnic, and life experiences. She shares about assumptions she's made about people and times she's doubted that God would provide. A fellow journeyer, Vivian speaks truth grounded in her own struggles. Sisters you won't want to miss this episode. We felt like we made a new friend (and we actually did!) Vivian's desire to live with open hands and a willing heart to serve God however and wherever he calls is just what the sisterhood is about. As you prepare to walk through the door God has opened in front of you, grab your earbuds and listen.

Ep.192: Must Have Conversations With Your Son or Daughter with Vicki Courtney Jul 23, 2019

Show notes

Generation Z is the first group in history to grow up in post-Christian America. They are also considered the first "digital natives." This influences culture, and culture influences our children. As parents it is vital that we learn how to communicate and walk alongside in a way that equips and empowers.

Eight years ago Vicki Courtney released two wildly successful books that handed parents five conversations they needed to have with their son or daughter. What Vicki didn't know is how quickly culture would evolve. She was recently asked to revise the books and proceeded to add sixty percent new material. She shares with the sisterhood what she learned about our children's generation.

Whether your child is five or fifteen, you will greatly benefit from the wisdom discussed in this episode. A must listen for every parent!

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