Our Time to Rise in Midlife

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Ep.31: Less Stuff, More Memories - GIFTS Dec 06, 2016

Show notes

Christmas is known for its magic. It is also known for spending, stuff and stress. Why not recenter on what makes Christmas fun and meaningful? That is why we are doing a series on Less Stuff, More Memories. In this series we break down topics of gifts, traditions and the spirit of Christmas so we can focus on making memories with those we love. This holiday season doesn't have to be about the stuff, it can be about the memories and the people who share them and ultimately the person. Jesus who came as a baby because God so loved the world.

This first in our three-part series covers gift giving. How can we give less stuff? And when we do give tangible items, how can we make them meaningful? Krista and Alex talk through how to give gifts that show love, alternatives to tangible things, and making gifts memorable and unique to the recipient.

No matter your Christmas budget you'll find this episode to be full of different ideas for the kids and grown-ups on your shopping list.

Ep.30: Hey Sister! How to Journey Through Grief and Loss Dec 01, 2016

Show notes

Linda Lawrence Hunt is no stranger to loss. After two bouts of breast cancer, losing her brother and parents, and walking through the loss of her daughter, Krista, in a tragic accident in Bolivia, Linda has known the pain that most only fear. Linda herself went on a journey, desperate to discover how to find hope in the midst of such sorrow.

Springing out of the place rose The Krista Foundation for Global Citizenship, a tribute to her daughter's work and heart for people around the world, and her recent book, Pilgrimage Through Loss: Pathways to Strength and Renewal After the Death of a Child.

But even if you or a loved one haven't suffered a loss to that degree, this interview is for anyone who has experienced a loss of any kind - from a death, to a loss of health, to a loss of a relationship, or the loss of financial stability.

Linda offers hope, light, and strength to anyone traveling through the dark valley of loss.

Ep.29: Tricia Goyer Nov 29, 2016

Show notes

We recorded this episode with Tricia Goyer while she had fourteen people in her home. So if it sounds like she is hiding in the bathroom, it's because she is. But this is the norm for this mom of ten who manages to feed people one soup pot at a time. Where her approach is an open-handed one trusting God to provide food, space and energy to love those under her roof.

You'll hear how Tricia's family grew from an unplanned pregnancy when she was 17-years old to the large family she has today, what adopting children with past trauma is like, and how homeschooling fits into it all. Her honesty about how she manages this whirlwind of a very full life reminds us that perfection is not the goal, obedience to God's prompting is.

Tricia is a true inspiration to us as she uses prayer and creative time management to write, parent and run a huge household.

Ep.28: Katelyn Beaty Nov 22, 2016

Show notes

Katelyn Beaty has recently taken a big step. Into what...she is still waiting to find out. As the youngest and first female managing editor of Christianity Today magazine, Katelyn was doing work she found meaningful and interesting. And yet she sensed God calling her to a new season. And so she quit. With no backup plan. No "next" in order. Because sometimes that open door is very much into the unknown.

It seems fitting that this major work change would all be happening after the release of her first book on women, vocation and the Church (see below). We talk to Katelyn about her process to sense God's change for her next, what it looks like for women to use their gifts freely and how this presidential election has offered her opportunities to speak in venues like CNN and The Washington Post.

We recorded this interview the morning after the presidential election. Though the nation had only known the results a few hours, we could tell the divisiveness from the election cycle wasn't going away anytime soon. Listen to our conversation with Katelyn about how women in the Church can move toward unity despite political differences.

An insightful and inspiring sister interview that reminds us all that God's spirit is one of dignity as we do our work in the world.

Ep.27: Hey Sister! How to Make Holiday Mealtime Meaningful & Conflict-Free Nov 17, 2016

Show notes

How-to guides about how to plan well for big holiday meals abound, but food preparation is not the only piece of the pie in making our Thanksgiving or Christmas meal tradition meaningful and fun. Along with meal planning, it is helpful to think through how to set the table for connection (even before we sit down to eat), how to proactively avoid family conflicts, and how to use mealtime to build relationships and deeper bonds.

Ep.26: Emily Ley Nov 15, 2016

Show notes

Emily Ley is a woman who understands busy. As the founder of Emily Ley Paper, Inc. and The Simplified Planner, she runs a business while parenting three children under five. And she recently released her first book, Grace Not Perfection: Embracing Simplicity, Celebrating Joy. It helps that her business is centered around women simplifiying their lives, she knows the systems that work.

A jam packed episode of helpful tips, from Sunday night routines to saying "no" to good things, Emily tells us how she developed a planner with the busy woman in mind. She doesn't over-complicate the life management tool, she (no surprise) keeps it simple. And as a busy woman she practices what she preaches.

You are sure to find Emily charming, inspirational and full of ideas on how to live with a posture of grace over a posture of perfection.

Ep.25: Hey Sister! Creating a Family Mission Statement Nov 10, 2016

Show notes

Every group, big or small, has a culture. If you've visited another country, you've seen the way people act and how they feel about being a part of that nation. There are certain norms, behaviors, and rituals that shape the people in that environment.

Companies also have cultures. Think of Nike. It is the innovator of athletic wear, and its brand communicates what they value: sports, comfort, trends, pro sports, female athletes, and working out...hard.

Every company has a mission statement that drives their company culture. Likewise, we as families also have a culture. If we create a family mission statement, it helps drive that culture that we are creating in our homes.

Listen to this episode to help you create a family mission statement for your family.

Go to theopendoorsisterhood.com to download a template for your mission statement.

Ep.24: Jeannie Cunnion Nov 08, 2016

Show notes

This episode of The Open Door Sisterhood is close to our hearts because it talks about two things we can't escape: parenting and grace. Mom of four boys and author Jeannie Cunnion joins us as she talks through what parenting with grace looks like in her life. A fresh conversation on a classic subject, you will be sure to be encouraged and inspired to love others and yourself through the lens of acceptance and love.

Jeannie gives us great book suggestions, tells what it's like bringing a new baby into a house already filled to the rim with boys, and how parenting her fourth is different from parenting her first. Jeannie's warmth and genuine care for other moms is evident in this interview. We are sure you will feel the same care we did as she talked us through the good news that every day offers us new opportunities as parents to love our kids with grace.

Please join us for this conversation with our friend Jeannie, a trusted voice to learn from in a time when encouragement might feel rare. Airing on this historic election day, give yourself a gift of warmth and allow this new friend to remind you of God's love and acceptance for you as you stumble through the hard days.

Ep.23: Francie Winslow Nov 01, 2016

Show notes

Francie Winslow has a special place in our hearts. A woman of the Spirit, she humbly speaks wisdom to us at every turn. Whether her earnest prayers or gentle approach to guiding her children's hearts, we are always encouraged to take that next step, do that next thing.

As a homeschooling mom who tries to simplify her life in order to keep quiet and restful rhythms, she often goes against the grain, or at least the typical. She has been speaking and writing often these days on intimacy in marriage, but this episode centers on her family rhythms and her intentionally minimal use of technology in her daily life so that she might make space for God to speak to her heart and for her to respond.

In this episode you will learn how their family creates and practices daily declarations about the truth of who they are, how she is keeping multiple journals at once, and the power of words to build people up or tear them down. Like all of our conversations with Francie, you will leave feeling inspired to focus with more intentionality on the parts of your life and the relationships that matter most. Please listen to our precious sister!

Ep.22: Annie Pajcic Oct 27, 2016

Show notes

Annie Pajcic's last name rhymes with magic. That's no surprise to us because she is pure magic and joy. in fact we think the expression "she lights up a room" was created with Annie in mind. She radiates Jesus with her every fiber. She is a joy because she overflows with joy.

In this episode, Annie talks with us from her home and studio in Jacksonville, FL the week following Hurricane Matthew. A mom of four, the hurricane might be a good analogy for how life feels sometimes. But Annie's joy prevails. An artist, Annie creates Bible studies for teen and tween girls and women that incorporate art making. Her ministry Thou Art Exalted Ministries, Inc., is a valued resource for parents and youth group leaders looking for creative ways to engage their daughters in God's word. In fact the aim of Thou Art Exalted Ministries is to equip this generation to know Christ through the creative expression of God's Word.

We promise you'll love this conversation about following dreams, making art and watching God do things you never thought possible. In true sisterhood fashion we hear everything from Annie's prayer life to her favorite chapstick. From using art as a conversation starter to why you must only use low temp glue guns when working with kids. An episode of fun and inspiration all wrapped up into one package. Kind of like our friend Annie.

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