Our Time to Rise in Midlife

Latest Episodes:

Ep.141: The Two Ingredients to Effective Prayer with Elisa Morgan Jul 24, 2018

Show notes

The Bible tells us to pray, and we also seem to know that language intuitively in our spirits. When something bad happens, what is the first thing most of us do? Pray. But what really is prayer? And does it make a difference to God when we pray? Also, does it matter HOW we pray? What does prayer really do?

These are some of the questions we tackle in today's episode with Elisa Morgan, author of The Prayer Coin. Elisa lets us in on a little secret about the two essential ingredients to prayer, modeled by Jesus himself. They are simple, yet have the power to transform our prayer lives.

If you've been feeling stuck or stale in your prayer life, this interview will help. If you want more authentic communication with God, this will lead you there. If you want to know why prayer matters, this episode will answer that question.

Join us for this rich discussion on an important topic.

Ep.140: Katie Westenberg Jul 17, 2018

Show notes

Fear God, Live Brave. These are the principles that guide Katie Westenberg's daily decisions. What does it mean to have courage? Is it the absence of fear? How about the fear of God? What does that look like? Though heavy questions, Katie examines them within the context of her smalltown, mom of four life which not only helps us understand the concepts, but shows us how she is living them out. Author of the popular blog, I Choose Brave, our conversation with Katie is one you won't want to miss.

We hear about Katie's loss of a child in utero, how grief played out in the months that followed, what it's like to live in the same small town where she grew up, why she chose to homeschool her kids, and the life she imagined as a high school student. From book recommendations to her family's favorite summer cake recipe (sure to be a kid favorite since soda pop is involved) to how she schedules her homeschooling days, this episode is full of both the practical and the inspirational.

We are always looking for sisters to spur us on. Katie has been one of those women in our lives and we are thrilled to share her with the larger sisterhood. If you are looking for inspiration to do a hard thing and next steps for moving toward courage, this is the interview for you.

Ep.139: How to Incorporate Meaningful Rituals Into Milestone Birthdays with Krista Gilbert Jul 10, 2018

Show notes

Using meaningful rituals is one of the best ways to celebrate those milestone birthdays that mark a coming of age or "set apart" occasion. In this interview, Krista explains how her extended family uses rituals to mark two very special birthdays.

This episode will spark your creativity and help you think through how you can incorporate meaningful traditions into your family or community for birthday celebrations. Krista discusses the importance of ritual and how it deepens connections and provides a sense of belonging. She then moves to the practical application of what her family does to mark the 13th and 18th birthdays of all of the children in her family.

Whether planning a child's birthday or an adult's, you will be inspired to think of your own unique way of incorporating ritual and tradition to elevate important moments and transform them into unforgettable occasions.

Ep.138: Kayla Aimee Jul 03, 2018

Show notes

From motherhood to work life, Kayla Aimee has had to adapt to unexpected turns the last decade. Her first child arrived very early, a micro-preemie throwing her into the world of NICU mothering. Now a mom to two, Kayla and her husband recently switched roles in the work/home life and Kayla has gone from stay at home mom to family breadwinner. We hear how the transition has gone for her and her husband as they've swapped major roles in the home. In all seasons of family life adaptability has been key.

In this Sister Interview we talk about comparison, how to recognize it when it's happening, and when needed how to shut it down. Now a fulltime, professional social media manager, we hear Kayla's take on social media consumption, when to take breaks, and the importance of remembering no one's feed gives the full picture of a life or situation. A great reminder for all of us.

Kayla's latest book, In Bloom: Trading Restless Insecurity for Abiding Confidence is now available. The perfect companion to our conversation with Kayla about avoiding comparisons and living into the life God has given you with confidence, no matter the unexpected turns.

Ep.137: How to Have Healthy Conversations About Sexuality with Our Family & Others with Rodney Wright Jun 26, 2018

Show notes

Do you ever wonder how the next generation is going to grow up with a healthy view of sexuality? Do you struggle talking about sexuality yourself? Sometimes we want to start conversations with those we love, but we just don't have the words. On this podcast we dive into the important and vulnerable topic of healthy sexuality with honesty and candor.

Pastor and Pure Desire speaker Rodney Wright joins us to help clarify shame vs. guilt, what intimacy really is and how we move toward it in relationships, and how an understanding of neuroscience matters when it comes to pornography and addiction. We also talk about why early intervention is critical, when a behavior is a problem rather than a pattern.

If you are a parent, you can't miss this episode. But really, don't we all need it? Any human who struggles in big or small ways in the area of healthy sexuality will benefit from this discussion. Let's learn how to talk about this together and how we can foster helpful and faith-filled conversations in our homes and relationships.

Ep.136: Jamie Ivey Jun 19, 2018

Show notes

Jamie Ivey is a woman on the go. Fellow mom of four, wife to worship pastor Aaron, creator and host of the very popular podcast, The Happy Hour With Jamie Ivey, it's no surprise she has lots of energy. She also has a refreshing honesty as she talks about her own journey, her struggles (both past and current), and her faith. There is no pretense here, simply a woman who shares her story so others can see Jesus in the redemption.

We laughed a good deal, we covered some tough stuff, and we get great podcast recommendations from the podcast master herself. From traveling for work, to grandparents stepping in, to her husband's cooking, to pornography, we cover A to Z and back again. No topic is off limits, no question too personal. An encouraging word on how to be a safe person for other women when they confess sin and loving God more than pleasing people.

The perfect episode to listen to as you go about your actual life. Part practical, part inspirational, Jamie is the quintessential sister. We think you'll agree that this is one conversation that will go down in sisterhood history as we talk about the freedom offered through Jesus alone.

Ep.135: Summer Essentials - Let's Talk Schedule, Activities, Products, Reading, & Food Jun 12, 2018

Show notes

S-U-M-M-E-R T-I-M-E! It's what we wait for all year long. We often have high hopes and big dreams for our summer months, yet the reality of unscheduled days can hit hard. If you have kids at home this summer and want some help figuring out how to do the daily schedule well, we're here to help. Or if you want tips and ideas on what to read, what to eat, and what to wear this season, this episode is for you too!

Krista and Alex tackle all things summer. From designating a day of the week for baking, to the best porch swing to purchase, to how to get your kids off their screens, to the best bag for travel, they help you think through these fun and important months that break up the school year.

Ep.134: Jackie Green and Lauren Green McAfee Jun 05, 2018

Show notes

What does it mean to be a woman of legacy? To have an impact beyond today? The Open Door Sisterhood is set to equip women to do just that, design a life that has an eternal imprint. And mother/daughter duo Jackie Green and Lauren Green McAfee, of the Hobby Lobby Green family, are on a similar mission to inspire women to think past today. Their new book Only One Life features women throughout history who have followed God's call to live with legacy in mind.

Our conversation with Jackie and Lauren covers stories from their own family and decisions to women featured in the book. We talk through generosity, specific callings, what is eternal, and how we can discern where God has placed us for influence. Nothing could reflect the spirit of The Open Door Sisterhood more than this conversation with two women walking through the doors God is opening to act as world changers right where they are.

From fighting busyness to the discipline of saying "no" we hear how these two women discern the opportunities in front of them. A multi-generational message that rings true no matter your stage of life, we can be sowing into what will last for eternity. An inspiring conversation that pushed us to once again consider this one life we've been given and how we are spending it.

Ep.133: Camping & Backpacking: Why It's Good For You {and some tips!} May 30, 2018

Show notes

Summer is the perfect time to break out the fishing poles, pop the tent, and hit the trails. It's a chance to put the electronics away and open ourselves up to good conversation and creative thinking. For the first time in Open Door history, Krista's husband, Erik, an avid outdoorsman, joins her to talk about camping, backpacking, and mountain climbing.

If you are wanting more connection with your family, if you are tired of feeling pulled apart or distracted by the pace of modern life, or if you want to break through barriers in a relationship with someone close, this may be one way to do that.

Join in the conversation and be inspired to plan your next adventure in the outdoors!

Ep.132: Hannah Brencher May 22, 2018

Show notes

Hannah Brencher didn't aim to create a global love letter writing campaign. A recent college graduate, she was living in New York City and feeling isolated. She realized writing letters to strangers helped her take her focus off of herself. In her struggle with depression, this focus switch helped her mental health. But when she started sharing about her letter writing, her services were requested and before she knew it people around the world were writing their own love letters.

In our conversation we hear Hannah's TED Talk story, what her parents said when she told them she was quitting her job to write letters, and how she met her now husband after ten days on a dating site. Hannah talks about her depression, how a major setback in her mental health prompted the writing of her second book, and how routines help her stay healthy. Hannah's story is almost unbelievable and yet it's real. One letter on a subway has turned into an international movement to encourage strangers through words.

Hannah tells a story about one letter campaign recipient who said the letters "restored his faith in humanity." If you are needing a little good news today, listen to this episode. It's about looking beyond ourselves to see the people right in front of us.

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