Our Time to Rise in Midlife

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Ep.161: Shopping With A Purpose: Bethany Tran and Sabrina Dorman-Andrew Dec 11, 2018

Show notes

We know you are looking for meaningful gifts this time of year and so we want to introduce you to some sisters who will not only help you find beautiful, handcrafted items, they will also allow you to be a world changer for good right where you are. This episode features two women who are using retail as a way to employ others and then giving us the chance to partner with them by creating a market for these items that we can participate in.

Bethany Tran is the founder of The Root Collective, a custom shoe company with shoes made in Guatemala. Her travels five years ago led her to the slums in Guatemala City. Bethany knew people there needed jobs and wished someone would do something about creating them. She realized her passion for this issue was part of God's prompting to use her connections and talent to create a marketplace in the U.S. for Guatemalan made shoes.

Sabrina Dorman-Andrew was working fulltime and parenting her two three-year old daughters when her husband heard a woman at their church speak about sex trafficking in Uganda. Sabrina's efforts to sell Ugandan-made beads to support women leaving the sex trade opened her eyes to the world of trafficking. She now has two storefronts and an online store that carry fair trade products and products made by women at risk of being trafficked. From buying her first building (a story you shouldn't miss) to her new connections in Maldova, Sabrina continues to be surprised at God's provision and faithful leading.

If you want a little inspiration this holiday season, this is the episode for you. And if you want some tips on where to shop you came to the right place too.

Ep.160: Less Stuff, More Memories - Part #2 Dec 04, 2018

Show notes

In our efforts to make this holiday season more meaningful, we want less stuff, more memories. We think there's a good chance you do too! In the second part of our two-part Christmas series, Less Stuff, More Memories, we asked some of our friends to share their stories and tips on making more memories. Our guests share stories about what it means to create meaningful memories and sustainable traditions with their families. From serving others, to realistic holiday parties, to Christ-centered moments, this episode is a group round-up of stories and tips. Part practical and part inspirational in true Open Door Sisterhood Christmas style.

Alex and Krista also cover some of the tensions of Christmas and ensuring the memories we're making are positive ones. They also talk about how books can help make holiday memories, what a desire to serve together as a family during the holiday season could be prompting your family for the long term, and how gifts can help make memories. Everything conveyed in this episode is intended to offer you freedom sister. Freedom to not do more right now, in a memory making frenzy. Freedom to enjoy simple, slow tools that extend memories past now and into the new year. Freedom from pressure to do things perfectly as you focus in on the people right in front of you.

If you like this topic, we recommend you head over to Episodes 31 through 33 of the podcast for some of our best takes on Less Stuff, More Memories. Power to Christmas sisters when done sisterhood style.

Ep.159: Less Stuff, More Memories - Part #1 Nov 27, 2018

Show notes

No matter how hard we try, most of us struggle to make the Christmas season what we hope it will be. If you are like us, you may be resolving to make it better than last year. To do this, we must re-center on what makes Christmas fun and meaningful? That is why we are doing our signature series called Less Stuff, More Memories.

In this two-part conversation, we have rounded up some experts to share with you their best tips in two categories: less stuff & more memories.This first part airing today is all about how we can reduce the clutter surrounding the holidays, covering topics such as organization, budgeting, decorating, generosity, and gift giving.

Today's experts will give you ideas and tools on reducing the "stuff" of Christmas. The goal here is LESS STRESS, and who doesn't need more of that?

If you are reaching for a healthier and happier Christmas this year, you've come to the right place.

Ep.158: Anne Bogel Nov 20, 2018

Show notes

Anne Bogel is a woman who lives the literary life. In fact she hosts the popular podcast What Should I Read Next? where guests talk through books they've loved and Anne makes recommendations on, you guessed it, what they should read next. Her equally popular website, Modern Mrs. Darcy, echoes her literary tendencies, while giving readers a taste of the practical along with the books.

In this episode of The Open Door Sisterhood Podcast, Anne catches us up on her new book, how she came into blogging, and of course some reading recommendations. We learn how to pronounce her hometown of Louisville, KY, how to fit reading into a busy life, and how one idea to led to another and another to give her blogs, books and a podcast for readers. A gracious, entertaining, and lovely new friend, you'd expect nothing else from the woman so many turn to as their personal book club consultant.

If you are a bibliophile, look no further, Anne is a kindred spirit (all of you Anne of Green Gables fans caught that didn't you?) If you find learning imperative, this is your friend. If you simply want to know what someone who reads books a week considers her favorites, listen in too. You may just find your next request for your own Christmas list or library hold.

Ep.157: Hayley Morgan Nov 13, 2018

Show notes

We know Christ came to speak life, but then how come our inner critic keeps showing up and stealing the mic? If we're honest, she's a harsh one, saying things we'd never dream of saying to others: You'll never measure up, you'll fail again tomorrow, you just can't get it right.

Our guest Hayley Morgan joins the sisterhood to teach us how to talk back to ourselves in ways that promote truth, grace, and love. We can learn to turn down the volume on the negative loops we run through our brains, and train ourselves to believe better, and therefore think better.

If you've ever struggled to quiet the inner voice of negativity and doubt, this interview will be an encouragement and source of hope!

Ep.156: Candace Cameron Bure Nov 06, 2018

Show notes

Candace Cameron Bure has been in the spotlight since she was a girl, but no one could be more down to earth than this mom of three. From her early days on Full House to her spot as a host on The View, fans have been following Candace through every phase of her life. In recent years she has been a voice promoting kindness and civility in all situations. After speaking with her we can see why. Everything about this woman is simultaneously thoughtful and bold. A true sister to watch and learn from.

In our hour with Candace we hear why parenting teenagers has been her favorite, how she fits fitness into a very busy schedule (it involves an electric toothbrush), deciding when to say "yes" to hard things, and the power of going first in kindness. We hear how she met her husband (and how he learned English in part by watching Full House reruns), about her new children's book, and when making a way into new territory often is simple obedience to God's call.

We recorded our conversation with Candace while she was in Canada taping a Christmas special for the Hallmark Channel. In the midst of long taping days, she made time for the sisterhood. We get the sense that's how she operates. Get your favorite cozy drink, put the Hallmark Channel on pause, and settle in for a great episode of The Open Door Sisterhood Podcast. You will feel you have a new friend in Candace Cameron Bure.

Ep.155: The World Changer Quest with Sarah Quezada, Krisi Sonneland, and Grace Patterson Oct 30, 2018

Show notes

When we hear the phrase "world changer" we often think of someone doing something big and crazy to make a difference in the world. While those words definitely include those kinds of influencers, "world changer' can also be the everyday person faithfully showing up in small ways for those around her.

Welcome to the Sisterhood's 2nd Annual World Changer Quest. In the fall we go looking for every day difference makers . You nominate them. We choose them. Today we are featuring three of these women on the podcast. This year our focus was on people who are making small investments of their time for big impact on their worlds.

The first world changer is Sarah Quezada. Sarah is passionate about bringing people to the table surrounding the topic of immigration. We talk about what opened her eyes to this issue, how we can foster difficult conversations, whether we find ourselves in agreement or not, and how we can treat all people with dignity, no matter their situation.

The second world changer is Krisi Sonneland. An everyday mom of five, Krisi spends much of her time investing in Fellowship of Christian Athletes at her son's middle school, and volunteering with the high school youth group at her church. We were both inspired and touched by Krisi's heart for today's youth, and found her words to be full of truth and love.

The third world changer is Grace Patterson. Grace uses her work in an underserved elementary school to bring hope to children and glory to God. At the young age of 25, Grace is committed to using her position to practically help children, and give them places to be equipped and encouraged.

You will be inspired by these three women who have one thing in common: they've decided to change their worlds for good. And the good news? You can too.

Ep.154: Renee Swope Oct 23, 2018

Show notes

Renee Swope doesn't want to let women's self-doubts have the final word. Rather she wants the world to experience all women have to offer when they hear God's call and step into what he has for them. Popular writer and speaker, Renee shares her own struggles with self-doubt and some practical tools she has to fight them as unwelcome thoughts and feelings creep in to her head and heart.

In this conversation we hear about Renee's 20-year tenure on staff with Proverbs 31 Ministries. A journey that started with her volunteering when Proverbs 31 was simply a newsletter for stay-at-home moms, to growing with the organization. From overseeing the speaking team to the radio programming, Renee loved the opportunity to try new things and make existing elements better. It was her need for friendship that brought her to Proverbs 31 and in the process she learned about her own wiring, what she needs to live a healthy life, and how even at the height of all that fun where and how self-doubt played in.

If you find yourself comparing a part of your life to others', if you wonder if you're the right person for the job, if you think you don't have what it takes, self-doubt might be your battleground. Join us for this honest conversation as we examine the common struggle for all of us: believing what God says about us is actually true.

Ep.153: All You Need to Know About Essential Oils with Edie Wadsworth Oct 16, 2018

Show notes

Essential oils have been around since the beginning of time, but they have not come center stage until recent years. The craze has begun. Popular in creating a spa-like atmosphere, essential oils are used for aromatherapy. However, they don't just smell good, they also boast medicinal affects that many say help heal the body.

Edie Wadsworth, a physician, was once skeptical about these oils and doubted they could make much of a difference. But after experiencing the powerful affects of the oils personally, she went to work full time helping people get well using essential oils (and other healthy habits).

In this episode we talk about why essential oils work, where to start, what oils are the most effective, and how to begin incorporating them into daily life. If you've ever wondered what all the fuss is about, or if you just want to have a deeper understanding of essential oil use, this episode is for you!

Ep.152: Myquillyn Smith Oct 09, 2018

Show notes

Her name is Myquillyn, but she is known to many online as "The Nester". She helps us create cozy spaces in our homes, often with items we already own, can find outside, or can salvage on the cheap. For those of us challenged in creating spaces that speak, she gives us tips, and for those who are already in a constant state of furniture rearranging, she encourages us to keep feathering the nest. Her new book Cozy Minimalist Home tells us the why and how of creating an inviting space without all of the stuff.

In this interview we hear how Myquillyn now waits for the "right" item when decorating a room before running out and buying the cheapest she can find, how she works with what she has while in the waiting, and how she pairs back rather than adds more to create a cozy space. We learn some design tips that are hidden in her new book from choosing the right sofa to sizing an area rug to a room, the practical in us can't stop. If you want to know why you should buy a houseplant or a larger throw pillow, this is the conversation for you.

Just in time for fall and cozy weather, get your cozy minimalist self going with this fun, inspiring, and practical episode with The Nester. You'll hear one of our favorite family traditions ever, one you could start with your family in preparation for Christmas. In the meantime, take ten items out of a room and see how it feels.

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