The Savvy Sauce

Latest Episodes:

86 Four Personality Types with Dale Wilsher Jan 21, 2020

Show notes

86. Four Personality Types with Dale Wilsher

“But earnestly desire and strive for the greater gifts [if acquiring them is going to be your goal]. And yet I will show you a still more excellent way [one of the choicest graces and the highest of them all: unselfish love].”

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭12:31‬ ‭(Amp)

Dale Wilsher is a professional life and strength coach, a DISC personality trainer, and the author of What’s Your Mom Type? Discovering God’s Design for You. She’s the parent of four daughters, ranging in age from 16-23, and newly married to her husband, Jeff. You can find her at www.DaleWilsher.com , www.YourAuthenticPersonality.com , and www.DaleWilsherConsulting.com

At The Savvy Sauce, we will only recommend resources we believe in! We also want you to be aware: We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

What’s Your Mom Type? by Dale Wilsher

Previous Podcast Episodes with Jeff Henderson:

Being Intentional with Marriage, Parenting, Rest, Personal Development, and Leadership with Pastor, Podcaster, and Author, Jeff Henderson

How 2 Questions Can Grow Your Business and Change Your Life with Author, Pastor, and Podcaster, Jeff Henderson

Thank You to Our Sponsor: Sam Leman Eureka

Connect with The Savvy Sauce on Facebook or Instagram or Our Website

Please help us out by sharing this episode with a friend, leaving a 5-star rating and review, and subscribing to this podcast!

Gospel Scripture: (all NIV)

Romans 3:23 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”

Romans 3:24 “and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”

Romans 3:25 (a) “God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood.”

Hebrews 9:22 (b) “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.”

Romans 5:8 “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

Romans 5:11 “Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.”

John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

Romans 10:9 “That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”

Luke 15:10 says “In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

Romans 8:1 “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus”

Ephesians 1:13–14 “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession- to the praise of his glory.”

Ephesians 1:15–23 “For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.”

Ephesians 2:8–10 “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God‘s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.“

Ephesians 2:13 “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.“

Philippians 1:6 “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

85 Five Love Languages with Dr. Gary Chapman Jan 14, 2020

Show notes

85. Five Love Languages with Dr. Gary Chapman **Transcription Below** 1 Corinthians 13:13 (NIV) “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” Gary Chapman, Ph.D.—author, speaker, pastor, and counselor—has a passion for people, and for helping them form lasting relationships. Chapman is a well-known marriage counselor and director of marriage seminars. The 5 Love Languages® is one of Chapman’s most popular titles, topping various bestseller charts for years, selling over twelve million copies and has been on the the NewYork Times best-sellers list continuously since 2007. Chapman has been directly involved in real-life family counseling since the beginning of his ministry years, and his nationally-syndicated radio programs air nationally on Moody Radio Network and over 400 affiliate stations. For more information visit www.5lovelanguages.com Thank You to Our Sponsor: Leman Property Management Company At The Savvy Sauce, we will only recommend resources we believe in! We also want you to be aware: We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Dr. Gary Chapman’s 5 Love Languages Website 5 Love Languages Book The 5 Love Languages of Children 5 Love Languages Quiz (FREE) 5 Love Languages Conferences Dr. Gary Chapman’s Podcast Connect with The Savvy Sauce on Facebook or Instagram or Our Website Please help us out by sharing this episode with a friend, leaving a 5-star rating and review, and subscribing to this podcast! Gospel Scripture: (all NIV) Romans 3:23 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” Romans 3:24 “and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” Romans 3:25 (a) “God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood.” Hebrews 9:22 (b) “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.” Romans 5:8 “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:11 “Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.” John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” Romans 10:9 “That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Luke 15:10 says “In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” Romans 8:1 “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” Ephesians 1:13–14 “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession- to the praise of his glory.” Ephesians 1:15–23 “For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.” Ephesians 2:8–10 “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God‘s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.“ Ephesians 2:13 “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.“ Philippians 1:6 “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” **Transcription** [00:00:00] <music> Laura Dugger: Welcome to The Savvy Sauce, where we have practical chats for intentional living. I'm your host Laura Dugger, and I'm so glad you're here. [00:00:17] <music> Laura Dugger: Leman Property Management Company has the apartment you will be able to call home with over 1,600 apartment units available in Central Illinois. Visit them today at MidwestShelters.com or visit them on Facebook. Well, this is an extra special episode because I've hoped for an opportunity to chat with this guest for decades now. Dr. Gary Chapman is the New York Times bestselling author of The 5 Love Languages, in addition to so many other wonderful books. Today we're going to discuss what a marriage can look like for couples who actually speak each other's primary love language and how we can do that. Here's our chat. Welcome to the Savvy Sauce, Dr. Chapman. Dr. Gary Chapman: Well, it's great to be with you. Laura Dugger: Your work has impacted millions of people, and I would love to just start by having you take us back to where this idea originated for the 5 love languages. [00:01:23] So will you just share that journey with us? Dr. Gary Chapman: Well, that goes way back. I remember, I don't know how many years ago it was, but pretty early in my counseling, a couple came in and she said, "I just feel like he doesn't love me." And he said, "I don't understand that. I do everything I can to show her that I love her. I don't understand why she wouldn't feel loved." So after that, I heard similar stories over and over again, where one of them didn't feel love and the other thought, Well, I'm loving you. Why wouldn't you feel loved? It was 12 years I heard these kind of stories and I knew there was a pattern to it but I didn't know what it was. Eventually, I took time to sit down and read several years of notes that I made when I was counseling people and asked myself the question: when someone sat in my office and said, I feel like my spouse doesn't love me, what did they want? [00:02:24] What were they complaining about? And their answers fell into five categories, and I later called them the 5 love languages. So I started using that concept in marriage counseling that if you want her to feel love, you've got to speak love in her love language. And if you want him to feel love, you've got to speak love in his love language. So I would help them discover their language and then challenge them to go home and try it. And sometimes, Laura, they would come back in three weeks and say, Gary, this is changing everything. The whole climate's different. Then I started using the same concept in small groups of couples and the same thing would happen. And probably five years later, I thought, you know, if I could put this concept in a book, and write it in the language of the common person so people could understand it, maybe I could help a lot of couples I would never have time to see in my office. Of course, little did I know the book would sell now over 13 million copies in English and be translated in over 50 languages around the world. So that's where it came from, out of my counseling over a number of years. [00:03:27] Laura Dugger: That's incredible. And yeah, I believe the book came out in 1992 and last I checked, it is still on the New York Times bestselling list. Dr. Gary Chapman: Yes, it has been for a number of years now. You're right. Laura Dugger: Taking it back even further, is it right that you studied anthropological studies? Dr. Gary Chapman: I did. I did an undergrad and a master's degree in anthropology, the study of cultures. That really surprised me when other cultures wanted to translate this because I was very sensitive to cultural differences. I think the Spanish was the first ones. And I said to my publisher, I said, "I don't know, does this work in Spanish?" And they say, "Well, they've read it and they want to publish it." So we gave them the rights. Last I heard, they'd sold over three million copies in Spanish. Laura Dugger: One of the many things I appreciate about your book is that it is full of God's timeless truth. Whether this is a new concept or someone just needs a reminder, what are the five love languages and how can we identify which is our main one? [00:04:32] Dr. Gary Chapman: Well, let me just go through them quickly. Number one is, in no particular order, but number one is words of affirmation — using words to affirm the other person. You look nice in that outfit. I appreciate what you did. There's an ancient Hebrew proverb that says life and death is in the power of the tongue. So words of affirmation bring life to people. Another love language is gifts. It's universal to give gifts as an expression of love. My anthropology studies have found that we've never discovered a culture anywhere in the world where gift-giving is not an expression of love. It's universal to give gifts. Then there's quality time — giving the person your undivided attention. I do not mean husband and wife sitting on the couch watching television. Someone else has your attention. I'm talking about sitting on the couch with the TV off, looking at each other, talking to each other, or taking a walk down the road and talking to each other. [00:05:30] Then there's acts of service —doing something for the other person that you know they would like for you to do. In a marriage, that would be such things as cooking meals, washing dishes, vacuuming floors, washing cars, mowing grass, walking the dog, changing the baby's diaper, anything that you know the other person would like for you to do. You remember the old saying, Actions speak louder than words. It's true for these people. If this is your love language, actions will speak louder than words. Then number five is physical touch. We've long known the emotional power of physical touch. That's why we pick up babies and hold them and kiss them and cuddle them. Long before the baby understands the meaning of the word love, the baby feels love by physical touch. So the basic idea is that out of those five, each of us has a primary love language. One of them speaks more deeply to us emotionally than the other four. And if you don't speak the person's primary language, they won't feel loved, even though you may be speaking some of the other languages. [00:06:35] So how do you discover your primary love language? Well, you can go online and take a free quiz at 5lovelanguages.com. You answer 30 questions. It will tell you what your primary love language is, your secondary, and right down the line. So that's one option. But here are three informal ways to discover a person's love language. First of all, observe their behavior. How do they typically respond to other people? If they're always giving people pats on the back or high-fives, physical touch is probably their language. They're touching others because they want to be touched. Or if they're always giving gifts, then that's a clue. That's probably what they want. A second question is, what do they complain about most often? If your spouse continues to say periodically, "I just wish we had more time together," they're telling you, they're complaining that we don't have enough time. They're complaining about quality time. [00:07:31] Or if you go on a business trip and you come home and they say, "You didn't bring me anything?" they're telling you gifts is their language. So what do they complain about? And the third question, what do they request most often? If they're saying periodically, honey, can we take a walk after dinner? They're asking you for quality time. Or if they say before you go on the business trip, be sure and bring me a surprise, they're telling you that gifts is their language. Or if they say, Honey, could you give me a back rub? They're asking you for physical touch. You put those three together and you can pretty well figure out a person's primary love language and your own love language by asking those same three questions about yourself. Laura Dugger: You teach this with such clarity. But I know I've met people who have asked what their love language is. So how do you answer people who can't identify their main language, especially if they think that they're all of them? [00:08:29] Dr. Gary Chapman: Well, first of all, I ask them, have you taken the quiz? Sometimes they have, sometimes they haven't. And I say it's free, okay? 5lovelanguages.com, go take the quiz. But if they take the quiz and say they all came out even, there's two kinds of people that have difficulty discovering their primary love language and all of them are just about even to them. One is the individual who grew up in a home where they always felt loved. From childhood, they felt loved. Their parents spoke all five of these languages. And then later on, they got to be adults, they got married, and their spouse spoke all these languages. So they've just always felt loved. And they don't know which one is more important than the other, because they feel loved. To those people, I say, don't worry about it. As long as you feel love, don't worry about it. If you ever begin to feel like, no, they don't really love me like I wish they did, now you need to discover what is it that's missing, okay? [00:09:28] But then the other extreme is the person who never felt loved. They didn't feel love growing up. They went through a lot of emotional struggles as teenagers. As adults, they don't feel loved in any of their relationships. And they're not even quite sure what it means to feel love, because they've never felt love. This is more difficult, of course, because it's an emotional scar coming from their past. Can they come to feel love? Yes, I think they can, if they will open their hearts. And if someone chooses to genuinely love them, even though their love might be rejected from time to time, that person can be healed from that. And especially the healing of God can bring healing to the person who's never felt love. But for most people, they can pretty well figure out what their primary language is. Now, some people do tell me that two of those are equal for them. And my response to that is, fine, we'll give you two love languages. We'll call you bilingual, okay? [00:10:28] Either one of those is gonna speak deeply to you. So whatever your... if it's marriage, whatever your spouse does, which of those two, you're gonna feel loved. Laura Dugger: Which might be great, because then their spouse has two different ways that they could show them their love. Dr. Gary Chapman: That's right. Laura Dugger: I'm curious, have people ever told you that their love language changes in different seasons, or does it stay the same throughout life, typically? Dr. Gary Chapman: Once in a while, people do…

Full show notes at the publisher

84 Ordering Your Priorities with Kat Lee Jan 06, 2020

Show notes

84. Ordering Your Priorities with Kat Lee **Transcription Below** “Now you [collectively] are Christ’s body, and individually [you are] members of it [each with his own special purpose and function].” ‭‭1 CORINTHIANS‬ ‭12:27‬ ‭AMP‬‬ Kat Lee is passionate about teaching others how to jump-start each day with a grace-filled, life-giving morning routine. She is the author of the Hello Mornings book (published by Thomas Nelson), a speaker, podcaster, and the founder of HelloMornings.org. She and her husband, Jimmy, live in Waco, Texas, with their three children. At The Savvy Sauce, we will only recommend resources we believe in! We also want you to be aware: We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Hello, Mornings by Kat Lee Strengths Finder Circle App Kat Lee’s Website: Hello Mornings Forrest App Books by Laura Vanderkam: What the Most Successful People Do Before Breakfast What the Most Successful People Do on the Weekend What the Most Successful People Do at Work 168 Hours: You Have More Time Than You Think Off The Clock I Know How She Does It All the Money in the World Thank You to Our Sponsor: Jane Connect with The Savvy Sauce on Facebook or Instagram or Our Website Please help us out by sharing this episode with a friend, leaving a 5-star rating and review, and subscribing to this podcast! Gospel Scripture: (all NIV) Romans 3:23 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” Romans 3:24 “and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” Romans 3:25 (a) “God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood.” Hebrews 9:22 (b) “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.” Romans 5:8 “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:11 “Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.” John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” Romans 10:9 “That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Luke 15:10 says “In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” Romans 8:1 “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” Ephesians 1:13–14 “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession- to the praise of his glory.” Ephesians 1:15–23 “For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.” Ephesians 2:8–10 “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God‘s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.“ Ephesians 2:13 “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.“ Philippians 1:6 “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” **Transcription** [00:00:01] <music> Laura Dugger: Welcome to The Savvy Sauce, where we have practical chats for intentional living. I'm your host Laura Dugger, and I'm so glad you're here. [00:00:17] <music> Laura Dugger: Thank you to our sponsor, Jane, for making this episode possible. Make sure you visit jane.com/SavvySauce and save up to 65% on women's fashion, home decor, and more fun finds. I want to share a quick announcement with you. Beginning next week, we plan to release all of our episodes on Tuesdays rather than Mondays. Kat Lee was a popular guest our first time around, so we've invited her back today to speak on God's unique design for your life, how you can discover this plan, and how you can step into it with faith. Also, be prepared to learn what a schmoozle is. Here's our chat. Welcome back to The Savvy Sauce, Kat. Kat Lee: Yay, I'm happy to be back, Laura. Laura Dugger: Well, it's great to have you join us again. Just in case listeners missed our previous episode, will you catch us up on who you are and what you do? [00:01:21] Kat Lee: Absolutely. My name is Kat Lee, and I'm over at hellomornings.org, where I have a podcast and a book and an online academy. I live in what is actually now the thriving metropolis of Waco, Texas. I used to say that and it was kind of a joke. Now it's for real. I'm with my husband and we've been married 21 years. Then we have three kids, 16, 14, and 12. Laura Dugger: That's an awesome full life. You definitely have a gift for encouragement. I love how you explain in your book, Hello Mornings, about this term called a "schmoozle." So, can you tell listeners what this word means and why it's so fascinating? Kat Lee: Absolutely. It comes from my lack of mathematics knowledge. I actually was in a book club with some friends and we did the StrengthsFinders book. I don't know if you're familiar with that. But it's like a personality... It's not really a personality assessment. It's like a strengths assessment. So it's done by the folks at Gallup. [00:02:22] They've done literally millions of surveys around the world. And from all the information that they've gathered, they've determined that there are 34 different strengths that any one person can have. When I did this book club, they brought in a StrengthsFinders coach, and he started sharing this statistic. And I'm normally not awed by statistics, but this one just made my brain explode. So he was telling us how, you know, out of all those different strengths, the odds of anyone... To clarify, the order of the strengths that you get from the test impact how you use them. So if like connectedness is your top one, and then, I don't remember all the different ones, but then if like detail is your next one, you're gonna behave differently than the person next to you, even if connectedness is their top one, and then detail is their bottom one, if that makes sense. So the order that they're in impacts things as well. So he was saying how the odds of anybody having the same top five strengths as you is one in 275,000 people. [00:03:29] And living in Waco, Texas, that would mean to me that there's nobody in Waco, Texas that has the same top five strengths as I do. And I was like, Oh, that's pretty cool. That makes me feel super unique. Then he said the odds of anybody having the same top five strengths in the same order is one in 33.4 million. So there's probably not anybody in Texas that has the same top five strengths in the same order as me. Now the odds of anybody having all the strengths in the same order as me is one in three times ten to the 38th power. So this is where the word schmoozle comes in because I was like, "I don't even know the name for that." So I'm just calling it a schmoozle. I have since learned, I think it's something like undecillion is the name of that number. But I was just like, that is such a huge number. 1 in 3 times 10 to the 38th power. My brain can't quite wrap itself around how big that was. [00:04:33] I can be a little bit nerdy. So I went home and I just did a little Googling, a little researching, because I'd already established, okay, well, if nobody has the same top five strengths as me in my city or my state, what does this big number represent? And I learned that according to the Population Research Bureau, there have only ever been maybe 100 billion people on planet earth from the beginning of time until now. That's the general estimate. Then I was researching a little bit more, and according to scientists, they generally believe that the earth is a little bit past its half-life. Now, when I say that, I just have to put in the qualifier. This isn't a statement on the return of Christ or on creation versus whatever. It's just kind of to numerically demonstrate the size of this number. So if there have ever been 100 billion people on planet Earth and the earth is past its half-life, then there's probably not going to be another 100 billion. [00:05:32] So probably there's never going to be more than 200 billion people on planet Earth. But just, you know, to throw in for crazy circumstances or whatever, let's say that maybe over the existence of planet Earth, there are maybe 1 trillion people ever. We're just putting in tons of buffer there. 1 trillion has 12 zeros in it. A schmoozle has 38 zeros in it. So it's like infinitely more massive. Just the realization that I came to from all these numbers, I know some people are listening and they're like, "Stop. Stop, Kat. Stop with the numbers. My brain is exploding." Ultimately, if I could just bring this down, it's just to say that from the beginning of time until now, and really until the end of time, there never has been and there never will be anyone quite like you. Whatever you're doing right now, whoever you're with, whatever role you have in life, however important or unimportant you feel like you are, [00:06:36] however influential or uninfluential you feel like you are, however equipped or unequipped you feel like you are, there has never, ever, and never will be anyone, even remotely, like you. So that means out of all the people that God ever decided would be on planet Earth, He specifically chose you and the way that you're made for the people in your life and have a certain impact and imprint on the history of mankind. And we need you. And you might feel like there are other people who are more qualified or more talented or more impressive, but we need you and no one can take your place because there never has been and never will be anyone like you. That just fires me up because I see so many people going through life feeling unworthy, feeling like they're less than. But really, no, we need you. We need you exactly like you are and exactly whatever your story is, whatever your experiences are. [00:07:41] God made you and He put you where He put you to live life in a certain way. And it's just my heart to help people own that and to step out and start each day and say, "Okay, God, you made me like no one else in the world. I have a specific thing to do. I want to follow you. Show me what it is. Help me to live with you today." Laura Dugger: You articulate that so well. If somebody is inspired, how can a listener take a next step to walk into the unique plans that God has for them or the next role He's designed for them to play and that He's equipped them to fulfill? Kat Lee: You know, it's really simple, honestly. Just meet with Jesus. Connect with Him. If He made us so specifically and intricately and uniquely, then He is the only one that needs to impact how we live fundamentally. If we can start our day connected to Him and saying, Okay, God, you made me, you put me here for a reason. What is it? I want to follow you. I want to live out the story that you've written for me." [00:08:48] And if there's any next step that anyone takes, it would just be to spend time with Him and start your day with Him. And then build that habit so that you're increasingly just walking with Him throughout the day. Kind of like the scripture says that we abide in Him so that the words that we speak, the decisions that we make, the things that we do are all filtered through Him and for His glory and for the purposes that He made for us. Laura Dugger: I think that's a great place to start. That it does begin with Him. I'm sure that you've heard this so many times before, but actually, you, Kat, are one of the people that God used in my own life to encourage and prompt me to launch The Savvy Sauce with our team with Natalie and Lauren. Kat Lee: Aw. Laura Dugger: But it's because you were the host of a podcast that I related to the most, and I witnessed all of the blessings that God even showered just on me due to your obedience to Him. [00:09:47] And I was so appreciative that you were doing that important work. Then reading your book, on page 59, I'll just read something because there was more encouragement from it. We talked about this briefly in our last time together, but on page 59 you said, "You will find a few example in scripture of anyone waiting until they were perfect to act. In fact, most move before they were ready. People or things seems to make sense. They stepped out in faith. My challenge to you is to step out in faith too. Believe that God can handle your baby steps. That He can turn your fish and loaves into something so much greater than you could ever dream up on your own." So I hope that that's encouraging to somebody else listening today to take the next step in faith for what God has planned for them, because they don't know what blessing it will be on the other side for somebody else. Kat Lee: Oh, I love that. The thing about stepping out in faith is that it's not about what we can do, it's about what He can do. It's truly a step of faith. So we might not feel qualified, we might not feel like it's something we can do, but as we're abiding in Him, and we feel that prompt from Him, and we step out with Him, then He's going to equip us to do whatever it is that we're called to do. [00:11:04] And there's grace for whatever the results look like. And however easy or hard it is, He is with us. It's so fun to hear stories of how it's encouraged other people. Laura Dugger: Yes. So really, truly, thank you for your obedience. Kat Lee: I just want to say to you, well done for taking action on what you felt like God was leading you to do. It's not always easy to do that. I'm proud of you that you did it. Especially starting a podcast. That can feel very daunting. Laura Dugger: Yes, so much more work goes into it than you'd think, but it has been so life-giving. Thinking now of your own audience, do you have any stories from them of how somebody applied this encouragement to their own life? Kat Lee: You know, it's been neat to see a lot of mothers, honestly, that have just really owned their role so much more and realize that, Okay, I'm not, quote-unquote, "just a mom". But really seeing…

Full show notes at the publisher

Bonus Episode! Fruitful in 2020 with Laura Dugger Dec 31, 2019

Show notes

Fruitful in 2020 with Laura Dugger

John 15:2 (NIV) “He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.”

Laura Dugger married her best friend, Mark, 10 years ago and they have 4 beloved daughters. Laura is a marriage and family therapist and her graduate school specialization was Christian sex therapy. She believes this podcast was an idea from the Lord and she prays to obediently follow God’s direction and bring Him glory.

Additional Questions to Consider:

What are you uniquely positioned to do?

What are your unique strengths/passions/knowledge?

What do you feel like you are created to do?

How does your unique personality or temperament play into this?

What do you love to do?

What brings you joy?

How is this beneficial to others? How will it help people?

What would it look like to be even more fruitful?

What gifts has He given you?

What seeds are you sowing right now?

What fruit do you want to see in 2020?

Are you willing?

Now is the time to write down what you want from Jesus in 2020. What is it that you want?

What changes would need to take place so you could be even more fruitful?

Will you invite Him to prune you now in 2020?

Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown

This One Thing by Andy Stanley

These Savvy Sauce Episodes:

Episode 32 on 12.24.18 Spiritual Maturity with Ministry Leader, Jonna Harkness

Episode 37 on 1.28.19 Being Intentional with Marriage, Parenting, Rest, Personal development, and Leadership with Pastor, Podcaster, and Author, Jeff Henderson

Episode 57 on 6.10.19 Implementing Bite-Size Habits That Will Change Your Life with Author, Blogger, Podcaster, and Speaker, Kat Lee

Episode 70 on 9.2.19 Energy to Spark Success in Your Business with Best-Selling Author, Speaker, and Podcaster, Christy Wright

Scripture that informs this talk:

Genesis 1:27 (ESV) “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.”

Galatians 5:22+23 (NIV) “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”

Matthew 6:33 (KJV) “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

Hebrews 12:9-11 (NIV) “Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! Or fathers disciplined us for a little while as the thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.”

Galatians 6:9+10 (NKJV) “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith."

1 Corinthians 12:7 says (ESV) “To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.”

John 14:26 (AMP) “But the Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. and He will help you remember everything that I have told you,”

Ephesians 3:20+21 (NIV) “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”

2 Timothy 1:6 (NIV) “For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands."

James 1:5 (NIV) “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should as God, who gives generously to all, without finding fault, and it will be given to him.”

Proverbs 14:8 (NIV) “The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways, but the folly of fools is deception.”

Genesis 3:9 (NIV) “But the LORD God called to the man, “Where are you?”

Mark 10:52a (ESV) “And Jesus said to him, “What do you want me to do for you?”

1 Timothy 4:14a (NIV) “Do not neglect your gift"

Nehemiah 6:3 middle (ESV) “I am doing a great work and I cannot come down."

John 15: 1-11 (multiple versions)