The Excellence Collective: Recent Episodes
Jonna Packer
Despite what #hotmessmom culture has sold you on, God didn’t make a mess, He made a masterpiece. As a community we are on mission to advance the Gospel by providing women with practical ways to intentionally steward every aspect of their lives. Yes, life, marriage, and motherhood is messy but, we don’t have to accept Satan’s lies of defeat and desperation by labeling ourselves hot messes. What a blow to our awesome Creator. We are daughters of the King. We are saved by grace. We are deeply loved and deeply known.Scripture tells us, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any EXCELLENCE, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”So tune and celebrate! Receive His JOY and His PURPOSE for as we seek to multiply all He has blessed us with! He has called you to have life and have it ABUNDANTLY!!!
In this episode, Jonna talks about seasons of walking in the desert, how to stay faithful, how to grow and seven verses to keep on your heart for encouragement.
Isaiah 26:3 - You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.
John 16:33 - “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Psalms 32:8 - I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.
2 Corinthians 12:9-10 - But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for 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. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Isaiah 40:31 - but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Philippians 4:6-9 - Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
James 1:2-3 - Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.
Everywhere we turn, we are faced with hot mess mom culture. Celebrating the messier the more “mom” you are. And while yes, motherhood is messy and full of labor and love, I am here to bring light to the claim Satan’s has on our lives as mothers. We are not messes. We are masterpieces designed by God, on purpose for a purpose. So join me for a conversation about stewardship as we seek to intentionally multiply all God has blessed us with in motherhood, marriage, life and faith.
Visit me for more stewardship conversations at https://www.theexcellencecollective.co AND subscribe to my YouTube Channel!
In this episode, Jonna recommends books of all kinds from 365 devotionals, topical devotionals, Christian encouragement, business support and obviously motherhood help! There is no shortage of wonderful books out there but these are great places to start a new year!
Everywhere we turn, we are faced with hot mess mom culture. Celebrating the messier the more “mom” you are. And while yes, motherhood is messy and full of labor and love, I am here to bring light to the claim Satan’s has on our lives as mothers. We are not messes. We are masterpieces designed by God, on purpose for a purpose. So join me for a conversation about stewardship as we seek to intentionally multiply all God has blessed us with in motherhood, marriage, life and faith.
Visit me for more stewardship conversations at https://www.theexcellencecollective.co AND subscribe to my YouTube Channel!
Have you ever found yourself thinking geez I am overwhelmed, stressed out, lonely, depressed, and just flat out over it?
Do you feel it more around the holidays? You aren’t alone!
In this episode, we focus on how to flip the script we are thinking! We talk about using an attitude of gratitude and taking our thoughts captive to fight the despair Satan wants us trapped in!
I challenge you to listen and take action! This isn’t a pep talk. This is a rally cry to live a more grateful life!
Everywhere we turn, we are faced with hot mess mom culture. Celebrating the messier the more “mom” you are. And while yes, motherhood is messy and full of labor and love, I am here to bring light to the claim Satan’s has on our lives as mothers. We are not messes. We are masterpieces designed by God, on purpose for a purpose. So join me for a conversation about stewardship as we seek to intentionally multiply all God has blessed us with in motherhood, marriage, life and faith.
Visit me for more stewardship conversations at https://www.theexcellencecollective.co AND subscribe to my YouTube Channel!
On this episode Jonna offer 5 tips to keep you thriving this holiday season! This is a great listen to get you prepared for the holiday hustle!
Visit me for more stewardship conversations at https://www.theexcellencecollective.co AND subscribe to my YouTube Channel!
Its never the flashy or fancy stuff that leads to winning. It’s the day in and day out choice of discipline, consistency and self-control that lead to a life full and multiplied!
In this episode, we discuss how to take what God has entrusted to you… wellness, jobs, motherhood, fitness, prayer, marriage… and steward it well. It’s one choice of discipline at a time!
If the thought of that is absolutely overwhelming, I understand! That’s why I’m making it simple, sensible and sustainable to build a morning rhythm with my course Harvesting Healthy Habits.
Enroll here: https://www.theexcellencecollective.co/courses
I promise I will take the time you give me and multiply it with God’s help!
Visit me for more stewardship conversations at https://www.theexcellencecollective.co
In this episode, Jonna looks at the Enneagram and how it is controversial in the church. She offers insight into how some believers may choose to use it or discern that it isn't a tool The Lord wants them to use. It is a topic worth discussing with wisdom and grace.
Don't know what the enneagram is?
Check out this free quiz: https://assessment.yourenneagramcoach.com
At the end of the day, there will be things we can agree on and may choose to disagree on in the Church. This is one of those things.
But as always, the Gospel of Jesus changes us, what we see and how we act. Using the enneagram is one of those things that we need to view in light of the Gospel.
Here's what it boils down to:
Romans 14:14-27
As for the [a]one whose faith is weak, accept him [into your fellowship], but not for [the purpose of] quarreling over his opinions. 2 One man’s faith permits him to eat everything, while the weak believer eats only vegetables [to avoid eating ritually unclean meat or something previously considered unclean]. 3 The one who eats [everything] is not to look down on the one who does not eat, and the one who does not eat must not criticize orpass judgment on the one who eats [everything], for God has accepted him. 4 Who are you to judge the servant of another? Before his own master he stands [approved] or falls [out of favor]. And he [who serves the Master—the Lord] will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand.
5 One person regards one day as better [or more important] than another, while another regards every day [the same as any other]. Let everyone be fully convinced (assured, satisfied) in his own mind. 6 He who observes the day, observes it for the Lord. He who eats, eats for the Lord, since he gives thanks to God; while he who abstains, abstains for the Lord and gives thanks to God. 7 None of us lives for himself [for his own benefit, but for the Lord], and none of us dies for himself [but for the Lord]. 8 If we live, we live for the Lord, and if we die, we die for the Lord. So then, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s. 9 For Christ died and lived again for this reason, that He might be Lord of both the dead and the living.
10 But you, why do you criticize your brother? Or you again, why do you look down on your [believing] brother or regard him with contempt? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God [who alone is judge]. 11 For it is written [in Scripture],
“As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to Me,
And every tongue shall give praise to God.”
12 So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God.
13 Then let us not criticize one another anymore, but rather determine this—not to put an obstacle or a stumbling block or a source of temptation in another believer’s way. 14 I know and am convinced [as one] in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean [ritually defiled, and unholy] in itself; but [nonetheless] it is unclean to anyone who thinks it is unclean. 15 If your brother is being hurt or offended because of food [that you insist on eating], you are no longer walking in love [toward him]. Do not let what you eat destroy and spiritually harm one for whom Christ died. 16 Therefore do not let what is a good thing for you [because of your freedom to choose] be spoken of as evil [by someone else]; 17 for the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking [what one likes], but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. 18 For the one who serves Christ in this way [recognizing that food choice is secondary] is acceptable to God and is approv
Hard to define but we know it when we experience it. It might feel clumsy for some of us but there is no getting around the fact that sometimes we just “click” with with people. It exists where there is love and compassion and affection and trust and encouragement. As I often say, “Lone Rangers are dead rangers.” In large part because we were made in the image of a triune God. He always has and always will exist in perfect community. And as His image hearers, it is imperative that when it comes to friendship, Christians be the very best kind of friend.
But life is busy. Especially in certain seasons of motherhood. How do you love and serve other well when you are constantly darting from one soccer practice to the next piano lesson. How do we connect when there are 9000 loads of laundry to do, sippy cups to find and wash, toys to tidy and husbands who also need our attention. How do we build friendship on the playground with patchwork conversation between squabbles and whining for snacks?
I often find that moms, although constantly surrounded, feel very very lonely. Can we just admit there is a difference between alone and lonely? So let’s talk today about friendship. How we find them, how we grown them, and how we steward them well in light of the Gospel.
I get it... it is a very full and busy season, motherhood. So let's wrap up this conversation focusing on what and how we want to grow. I even offer a little challenge at the end. Love you, friend!
Tune in to hear why the friendship episode with Jonna's friend, Maggie, is so tender. It's basically a love letter to a good friend. Praise God for friendship. Praise the Lord we don't have to do life alone!
It is my favorite season… well one of my favorites… Back to school! I’ve been looking forward to this day as a mama for a long time! I stinking LOVE school supply shopping. But with back to school shopping and celebration also comes the onset of allllllllll the activities… scouts, dance, baseball, piano, youth group… tack on fun activities like football games, corn mazes, fall birthday parties and autumn cookouts and you have a HUGE recipe for overwhelm.
And while all those things are super fun, and God absolutely intended for us to work, often Satan uses this hustle and bustle to distract and defeat many of us. Time is a gift. In fact, it’s the most valuable resource we will ever have. The way we use it will influence our income, the way we spend our money, the quality of our relationships, and our overall health. Time is also the ultimate equalizer – no matter who you are or where you were born, you have the exact same 24 hours each day and the freedom to decide how you’re going to use them. So how to do we make wise choices in a sea of endless options and demands? How do we protect our families and calendars from the rat race Satan wants us trapped in? How do we focus on what matters most and keep our loved ones from the sadness of overwhelm?
I found a book that has been incredibly helpful to me as I seek to give my best Yes and best No to activities and events that come our way! I'm so excited to share!
I reference Lysa Terkeurst's book, The Best Yes, in this episode. You can grab a copy here!
Other books that have helped me be more effective in making decisions regarding my schedule are Own Your Everyday by Jordan Lee Dooley (here) and The Slight Edge by Jeff Olson (here).
I would love to hear from you! How do you steward your calendar?
The Bible is very clear, our words have power. They have the power to give life and death. In this episode Jonna discusses 5 ways the Bible tells us to use our words and also 5 prayers we can pray today to start stewarding our words in an excellent way!
In this episode, Jonna chats with friend and personal financial advisor, Sarah Sanderson about ways we can all impact the stewardship of our finances as moms.
We talk about several resources but these are apps Sarah mentioned.
EveryDollar
Mint
Mvelopes
Some of your questions related to finances might actually require more in-depth counseling or services. If so, email me and I'll connect you with the right professionals!
This was a very rich discussion, thanks for coming back for Part 2!
In this episode, Jonna chats with friend and personal financial advisor, Sarah Sanderson about ways we can all impact the stewardship of our finances as moms.
We talk about several resources but these are apps Sarah mentioned.
EveryDollar
Mint
Mvelopes
Some of your questions related to finances might actually require more in-depth counseling or services. If so, email me and I'll connect you with the right professionals!
This was a very rich discussion so come back for part 2!
In this episode Jonna starts a conversation with her good friend Colleen, mama of 2 under 2 and Physician Assistant about Postpartum Depression and Anxiety (PPD/PPA). While the spectrum of PPD/PPA can't possibly be covered in 15 to 30 minutes, they talk about the grace required to steward a PPD/PPA journey and the spectrum of symptoms mamas might experience.
Stay tuned for Part 2 where Jonna and Colleen get more into the meat of how to take action in your PPD/PPA journey. And how to fight the shame and lies Satan can throw your way.
Check out these resources mentioned in today's episode:
One helpful resource is Postpartum Support International. They offer emotional support resources both during and after pregnancy. Reach out to their helpline via phone call or text (800-944-4773). They host online support group meetings and weekly Chat With an Expert phone sessions on Wednesdays. You also can contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 or use their live online chat.
In this episode Jonna finishes a conversation with her good friend Colleen, mama of 2 under 2 and Physician Assistant about Postpartum Depression and Anxiety (PPD/PPA). While the spectrum of PPD/PPA can't possibly be covered in 15 to 30 minutes, they talk about the grace required to steward a PPD/PPA journey and the spectrum of symptoms mamas might experience.
In Part 2 Jonna and Colleen get more into the meat of how to take action in your PPD/PPA journey. And how to fight the shame and lies Satan can throw your way.
Check out these resources mentioned in today's episode:
One helpful resource is Postpartum Support International. They offer emotional support resources both during and after pregnancy. Reach out to their helpline via phone call or text (800-944-4773). They host online support group meetings and weekly Chat With an Expert phone sessions on Wednesdays. You also can contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 or use their live online chat.
First, we can’t possibly cover everything in this episode! Health can apply to mental, postpartum mental, spiritual, physical, nutritional, relational... the list goes on! But we have to start somewhere!
In this episode I might step on your toes. But you and I were made for more than to be stuck in a vicious cycle of defeat. As Deuteronomy 2:3 says, "You have circled this mountain long enough. Now turn north."
Join me for a conversation on overcoming Satan lies and distractions with regard to our health and get 4 practical steps to start stewarding your health well. After all, we all start somewhere!
Then fill out this form. I'll email you a FREE resource to help you apply Truth in your health journey. I've never given this to anyone except my Fit Flock!
https://form.jotform.com/221006176221138
I'm cheering for you!
In this episode, Jonna dives straight in to how the Gospel calls us to live excellently and why stewarding our lives matters. Tune in for encouragement and practical steps to begin stewarding your journey today!