The Messy Table with Jenn Jewell

Latest Episodes:

EP. 139 | Lindsay Johnson [A Mother’s Strength] May 09, 2023

Show notes

Mother’s Day week can bring all the feels—joy, sadness, gratefulness, longing, and other conflicting emotions. But our guest today at The Messy Table is no stranger to such tension.

Lindsay Johnson battled infertility for four years AND she’s experienced a surprise pregnancy. She’s known the delight of watching her kids grow AND the heartache of losing her precious baby girl. She’s felt the unconditional love of an amazing mother AND she’s carrying on the legacy of her mama’s relentless strength.

“The Lord will restore things—whether it’s here or in heaven.” Lindsay Johnson

Lindsay is a wife, mom of four (1 in heaven + 3 on earth), pharmaceutical sales rep, and the founder of an incredible nonprofit called Aspyn Arrows. You might want to grab a tissue as you pull up a chair and join us at The Messy Table.

Listen HERE.

CONVERSATION NOTES

Aspyn Arrows: Website | Facebook | Instagram

Watch Lindsay’s 4-minute segment about Aspyn Arrows on Fox23 News

Through the Eyes of a Lion by Levi Lusko | Fresh Life Church

I Will Carry You by Angie Smith | Bridget’s Cradles with Ashley Opliger

Atomic Habits by James Clear | The Power to Change by Craig Groeschel

No One Ever Cared for Me Like Jesus by Steffany Gretzinger

Life.Church | Life.Church Sisters | YouVersion

CONNECT WITH LINDSAY, JENN, AND THE MESSY TABLE PODCAST ON INSTAGRAM

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EP. 138 | Amy Williams [The Shock of Her Life] Apr 25, 2023

Show notes

Can you imagine taking a seemingly harmless DNA test (for fun!) only to discover that you’re not exactly who you thought you were? And there are strangers out there who share your genetic makeup?

Amy Williams was in her mid-40s when she received the shock of her life. But even when life gets wild, messy, and unpredictable, God is never surprised. In fact, He’s mysteriously able to work all things together for His people and His glory.

“When I remember who God is, I know everything else is going to be okay.” Amy Williams

Amy is a wife, boy-mom, author, and a writer/storyteller for an advertising agency called Idea Ranch. Since breaking a dysfunctional pattern of nine failed marriages between her mother and grandmothers, Amy’s also ignited a passion to help marriages thrive.

There’s a TON of great stuff in this episode, y’all. So grab your coffee, pull up a chair, and join Jenn Jewell and Kristin Gibson for a chat with Amy at The Messy Table.

Listen HERE.

RESOURCES

Why Is She Smiling by Amy Williams | She Reads Truth

Idea Ranch | Amy’s Spotify Playlist | Facebook Support Group: DNA Surprises

Life.Church | Life.Church Sisters | YouVersion

CONNECT WITH AMY, KRISTIN, JENN, AND THE MESSY TABLE PODCAST ON INSTAGRAM

Interested in more powerful stories? Check out Ep. 66 with Kim Duncan [Embracing the Untraditional], Ep. 89 with Lis Marin [God Doesn’t Make Mistakes], and Ep. 128 with Dr. Amy Newberry [Defying the Odds].

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EP. 137 | Jana Findlay [Lost and Found] Apr 11, 2023

Show notes

Jana Findlay grew up on the wrong side of the tracks. Her dad was an alcoholic who died in her teens and her mom was a single woman who struggled to make ends meet. Jana numbed the pain with drugs, alcohol, and dysfunctional relationships—eventually winding up pregnant.

But Jana knew there had to be something more. She knew there had to be something better. She felt an emptiness in her soul that couldn’t seem to be filled. She was completely and utterly lost—until, that is, she was found.

“I never really thought that my story of brokenness would lead people to Jesus.” Jana Findlay

Now, Jana is the proud mama to 11-year-old Laila, a survivor and overcomer, a fierce lover of people, and the Product Support Director for YouVersion—where she leads a global team, solves problems like a boss, and helps others fall in love with the God who changed her life.

So grab your coffee, pull up a chair, and join Cindy Beall and Jenn Jewell for a chat with Jana at The Messy Table.

Listen HERE.

CONVERSATION NOTES

Life.Church | Life.Church Sisters | YouVersion

“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9

Interested in more overcoming episodes like this one? Check out Ep. 23 with Shanna Crawford [Scandalous Grace], Ep. 85 with Cheryl Meares [Hope in the Meantime], and Ep. 117 with Toni Collier [Broken Crayons Still Color].

CONNECT WITH JANA, CINDY, JENN, AND THE MESSY TABLE PODCAST ON INSTAGRAM

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EP. 136 | Lydia Laird [When You’re Not Okay] Mar 28, 2023

Show notes

When you’re not okay, where do you turn? When you’re not okay, can you dare to admit it? When you’re not okay, it’s okay—but you don’t have to stay that way.

Today’s guest at The Messy Table is the beautiful and talented Lydia Laird—a Jesus follower, music maker, and mental health advocate who grew up as a pastor’s kid, missionary’s kid, and one of ten siblings.

Despite being a gifted singer-songwriter and having a loving family, Lydia still knows what it feels like to struggle—to not be okay. And because she’s been there, she is armed with some powerful truths:

“Sometimes the strongest thing you can do is ask for help.”
“Life is a tension, and Jesus sits in that tension with us.”
“Our feelings do not always tell us the truth, but our faith tells us that we can trust God.”
“I’ll tell you, there is power in worship. If you sing when you’re depressed, things change.”
“God takes what the enemy means for evil and He turns it into good.”

If you could use an extra dose of encouragement or simply an understanding voice, join Amy Groeschel and Jenn Jewell for a chat with Lydia at The Messy Table Podcast.

Listen HERE.

CONVERSATION NOTES

Lydia Laird | Lydia’s Favorite Mental Health Resources

Songs: To Be Loved and I’ll Be Okay by Lydia Laird

You Are Special by Max Lucado | The Still Small Voice by Tim Keller

C.S. Lewis: The Chronicles of Narnia | The Screwtape Letters | The Space Trilogy

Life.Church | Life.Church Sisters | Branch 15 | YouVersion

CONNECT WITH LYDIA, AMY, JENN, AND THE MESSY TABLE PODCAST

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EP. 135 | Ashley Robbins [Hope for a Hard Season] Mar 07, 2023

Show notes

Some seasons are harder than others. Have you been there? Are you currently there? Maybe it’s not one massive thing (or maybe it is), but you’ve found yourself feeling discouraged, disheartened, or simply down.

Being human can be hard, living on this earth can be messy, and navigating this good-yet-fallen world can be incredibly overwhelming. But today’s guest at The Messy Table understands such tension, offering real-time encouragement from the hard + holy trenches of motherhood and ministry.

Ashley Robbins is wife to Shay—who’s a Director at Kanakuk Kamps (a Christian summer camp in Missouri), mama to six awesome kiddos ranging from teens to toddlers, and a woman of God who pours herself out both at home and at kamp–serving as the K-2 Director of Operations during summer months.

“Nothing about a hard season is new to the Father, who knows all about the season you’re in.” Ashley Robbins

If, like Ashley, you’ve wondered, “Lord, how do I not lose heart–that You have overcome all this?” If you could use an understanding voice, truth-filled reminders, or a gentle nudge of encouragement, join Jenn Jewell and Ashley Robbins at The Messy Table Podcast.

Listen HERE.

CONVERSATION NOTES

Kanakuk Kamps | Kanakuk: K-2 | Woodland Hills Family Church

Psalm 100 | Psalm 23 | Psalm 42

Life.Church | Life.Church Sisters | YouVersion

CONNECT WITH THE MESSY TABLE PODCAST ON INSTAGRAM

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EP. 134 | Amy Seiffert [Starving for More] Feb 21, 2023

Show notes

It’s one thing to feel physically depleted, but another thing entirely to be spiritually malnourished. Yet, too many of us live there—functioning on a steady diet of empty calories when our souls are starving for more.

Thankfully, today’s guest at The Messy Table is Amy Seiffert—a wife and mom, author and speaker, podcaster and Bible teacher who’s warm, down to earth, and a spark of truth + encouragement.

Years ago, Amy’s son was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease that sent her world spinning. This prompted a massive shift in both his diet and her perspective, begging the question: “What does it look like to make a plan to nourish our souls?”

“I felt like God said: I’m running the world—rest in me.” Amy Seiffert

In her forthcoming book, Starved (coming March 21st), Amy shares how to stop ingesting spiritual junk food and offers simple and replenishing practices that can bring us closer to Jesus.

If space-making and soul-replenishment sounds like a slice of heaven, join Jenn Jewell for a chat with Amy Seiffert at The Messy Table!

Listen HERE.

CONVERSATION NOTES

Preorder the Starved Book and Bible Study by Amy Seiffert

Amy’s Website | The Good and Beautiful Series by James Bryan Smith

The Cost of Control by Sharon Hodde Miller | Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster

Psalm 23 | Isaiah 55:2 | Life.Church | Life.Church Sisters | YouVersion

CONNECT WITH AMY, JENN, AND THE MESSY TABLE PODCAST ON INSTAGRAM

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EP. 133 | Leanna Romoser [Choosing to Trust God] Feb 07, 2023

Show notes

Leanna Romoser had a growing belly, a decorated nursery, a detailed birth plan, and high expectations.

But she didn’t expect to be diagnosed with severe preeclampsia, restricted to hospital bed rest, or for her baby to arrive 7 weeks early. She didn’t anticipate spending weeks in the NICU, struggling to bond with her newborn, or that her daughter’s failed hearing test would change her family’s life.

In the midst of it all, Leanna made a choice:

“Jesus, I’m going to trust you with this burden that I’m holding. I’m going to lay it at your feet—because this is too heavy for me.” Leanna Romoser

Join Amy Groeschel and Jenn Jewell for a chat with the lovely Leanna at The Messy Table!

Listen HERE.

CONVERSATION NOTES

Lives Changed: When Your Birth Story Didn’t Go As Expected [A 7-Day Bible Plan from Changed Women’s Ministries]

Try Softer by Aundi Kolber | Breaking Free From Body Shame by Jess Connolly

Life.Church | Life.Church Sisters | YouVersion

CONNECT WITH LEANNA, AMY, JENN, AND THE MESSY TABLE PODCAST ON INSTAGRAM

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EP. 132 | Claire Westbrook [An Invitation to Freedom] Jan 24, 2023

Show notes

What if the warning flags in your mind or the signals from your body are also invitations—to come close to God? To step into the grace and freedom that’s already yours?

After a series of unsettling panic attacks and a spike in anxiety that was spinning out of control, Claire Westbrook—a wife, mom, worship pastor, and singer/songwriter—began to look beyond the symptoms.

Through that challenging season, Claire has learned to pay attention when things feel off, discern between God’s “voice” and her own inner critic, fight spiraling thoughts, choose surrender instead of control, and keep looking for God—no matter what.

“A life in step with the Holy Spirit is a constant invitation into new things, because there’s always more—there’s life abundant.” Claire Westbrook

Want to learn more from Claire? We’d love for you to join us at The Messy Table!

Listen HERE.

CONVERSATION NOTES

More from Claire Westbrook | You Know Me by Claire Westbrook (Releasing Soon on Spotify)

Lectio 365 App | A Praying Life by Paul E. Miller | Bridgetown Church + Podcast

The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry + Garden City by John Mark Comer

The Village Church | Upper Room | Sara Groves (Floodplain Album)

Life.Church | Life.Church Sisters | YouVersion | Bible App for Kids

Edited by Glacier Rock Media | Social Images by Jas Reynolds

CONNECT WITH CLAIRE, JENN, AND THE MESSY TABLE PODCAST ON INSTAGRAM

“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” 2 Corinthians 3:17

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EP. 131 | Arlene Pellicane [Prioritizing Digital Boundaries] Jan 10, 2023

Show notes

As you think about how to honor God in this new year, you might focus on your physical health, your spiritual health, or even your mental health. But what about your digital health?

Today at The Messy Table, author, speaker, podcaster, and masterclass host, Arlene Pellicane, is chatting with Amy Groeschel and Jenn Jewell about setting ourselves up to honor God (and simultaneously thrive!) by prioritizing digital boundaries and “happy homes.”

“A happy home is where the presence of God is welcome—because, in His presence, there is fullness of joy.” Arlene Pellicane

If you could use a nudge of empowerment to get proactive, live with intention, and “go online with purpose,” we’d love for you to join us at The Messy Table Podcast!

Listen HERE.

CONVERSATION NOTES

Arlene’s Website | Arlene’s (amazing!) Books

Happy Home University | Screen Kids: In Their Own Words

The Happy Home Podcast with Arlene Pellicane

Life.Church | Life.Church Sisters | YouVersion

CONNECT WITH ARLENE, AMY, JENN, AND THE MESSY TABLE PODCAST ON INSTAGRAM

Interested in more empowering episodes? Check out Ep. 92 with Tara-Leigh Cobble [The Bible Recap], Ep. 114 with Rachel Cruze [Stewarding Our Lives], or Ep. 68 with Emily P. Freeman [The Next Right Thing].

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EP. 130 | Grace Whitnah [Hope for a Weary World] Nov 29, 2022

Show notes

As we move into the Christmas season, there is SO MUCH JOY to be found. But for those who simply cannot escape what’s difficult or broken or painful or devastating, there’s also a place at this table for you.

Today at The Messy Table, Amy Groeschel and Jenn Jewell are chatting with Grace Whitnah—a wife and mother of five who’s lived through a parent’s worst nightmare… twice. A vibrant teenage son who, suddenly and unexpectedly, took his own life. Then, years later, another wave of tragedy that came crashing in.

And yet, Grace and her husband, Reed, are still clinging to their Savior. Together they offer hope to the weary by leading a While We’re Waiting support group for bereaved parents. Grace explained…

“I can either wallow in the pain of what’s happened, or I can think about how I can honor my boys and glorify God.” Grace Whitnah

If you’ve known the gut-wrenching sting of loss, you’re not alone. If the holidays are hard for you, you’re in good company. And if you’ve ached for a world without sorrow, pull up a chair. We’re honored to have you at The Messy Table.