You’re Not That Special: Recent Episodes
Emily Dean & Kim Hyland
Embracing the wonder and joy of your everyday life.
Mother and daughter conversations hosted by Emily Dean and Kim Hyland.
Continuing our practice of Surrender for this Easter season. Surrender applies to the major life events, but also (and quite likely more so) to the daily habits and practices of our lives. Join us as we delve into sleep deprivation, our reluctance to turn to Him first in times of need, and experiencing peace no matter your circumstance.
Quote- “In this moment He is accomplishing something unique and unrepeatable. The Lord has only given us this moment.” ~Fr. Luke
“Every personal weakness is a near occasion of communion.” ~Fr. Boniface
In this episode we discuss observation of liturgical calendars, our need for seasons, and re-cap Kim’s Lenten lessons. So good to be back with a new, tiny guest in tow! Listen in.
What would you say if we told you that Christmas lasts much longer than one day? And, what might you say if your Christmas has been less than, well “Christmasy?” The good news for those of us who’ve had a hard season is that Christ came for just this sort of thing. Our weakness draws Him to us. Our embrace of this weak place makes fertile soil for our Savior to come and do some saving. Listen in.
In this, the week before Christmas, we’re talking about the necessity of advent. Whether you’re working, a stay at home mom, or both, properly ordering our days for prayer is vital to Christian life. Listen in as we discuss the American mindset and work ethic in light of being “truly human” by ordering our days to serve our souls first.
How advent captures us beyond, “Jesus is the reason for the season.” Developing a heart posture of waiting for His kingdom, while simultaneously participating in Immanuel, “God with us” is a tension we don’t often acknowledge. How do we wait in expectation with the hurts and troubles of our current state? Listen in.
Have you ever felt like the things you’re teaching your children are falling on unappreciative ears? Kim and Em dive into the reality of sharing rich and beautiful academia and planting seeds as an arduous, trusting work. We don’t know what is sticking and what is not. A child, being made in the image of God, is a unique and independent vessel, ultimately under our jurisdiction, but not under our control. We’re also answering a few questions that came in from listeners:-What is something that surprised you about homeschooling?-How to fight the “I’m not doing enough” lie.-How to assess yourself and your kids with honesty and clarity.Surrender in our homeschooling looks like setting a feast and coming back over and over to the table. So, how do we do that? Listen in.
In her season, Emily feels responsible to do what she sees needs done. In her season, Kim is learning to let go of what she knows and sees, even when saying something might help. For both of us, we’re learning the opportunity in surrender through the daily practices of homeschooling, teaching, and getting enough protein. Does taking care of yourself sometimes feel “selfish?” Then this conversation is for you.
After discussing the “why” for our homeschooling we now dive into the “what and the how.” Tailor-made for each family, this portion of your homeschooling venture deals with the unique circumstances of your family. Finances, preferences, time, health, all play into this journey, and we’re here to tell you that exactly where you are is where the Lord is, too. We do not walk alone. This is not a solo trip. Listen in. TOH article- https://theologyofhome.com/blogs/in-place-in-person/i-ve-been-asked-to-make-a-list-lessons-on-homeschooling?mc_cid=dda9a9998b&mc_eid=2642049b4a
Today we’re talking about why our “Why” matters in homeschooling, and the possible fall out of going at this without one. Listen in. Teaching From Rest by, Sarah Mackenzie: Teaching from Rest: A Homeschooler's Guide to Unshakable Peace https://a.co/d/7Iw8Dwr
This is a much-anticipated series. We love to talk about this subject, as we’re both homeschooling, one of us was a homeschooler, and both of us have seen incredible freedom in this form of education. While there’s no one right way to homeschool, there’s a right way for you and your family. Join us as veteran and newly-initiated homeschool mothers share our insights on best-laid-plans, ideals versus reality, and the “secret ingredient” to being a great homeschooler.
Parenthood is a calling. In this six-part series we’ve run the gamut of this rarely explored topic. Parenthood is messy, but there’s abundant grace that (quite frankly) we’re banking on. Honoring your parent is messy, but again grace plays a pivotal role in this nuanced relationship. Grace truly is the cornerstone for health in all our relationships.
Today we’re revisiting an older episode entitled, “Family Friendships.” This conversation fits snuggly with all our conversation over the last couple weeks about adult children and parents and how they relate. We hope this will encourage you, as it has us!
Something we don’t think about: The majority of our relationships with our children will be while they’re adults. How does that inform our parenting in the formative years? How does that change the adult child’s response to their parents? How can a parent love their adult child well? Listen in.
True love is love that, when tested, keeps loving. This relationship certainly presents that opportunity. How can a parent love their adult child well? How can an adult child love their parents well? Listen in.
You’d still take a bullet for your child, but they’re an adult. How do you respect them as an individual, while also sharing the valuable instruction you’ve garnered over the years? What does prayer look like on both sides of the adult child/parent relationship? How do we use this intimate relationship to best serve the other? For that matter, why do we even need to? Listen in.
We’re starting at the beginning. Humans, sin, and the institution of the family seemed appropriate for this first conversation about the delicate relationship between adult children and their parents. The Lord thought the family was worth saving. We do, too. Listen in.
Today we’re answering two questions that came in: 1. First time mom tips 2. How to get through long, hard days with littles. Em can empathize, Kim can remember. Listen in.
Today we’re discussing a quote from St. Francis De Sales, the temptation to define our lives by circumstances, and fail-proof ways to discover abundance in our weakness. God is a Father and He truly delights to give us our best. Listen in.
Welcome to out first Q&A episode where we answer questions directly from you! This is so exciting, as hearing directly from you helps us understand our audience better, and also pursue conversation avenues we might not have otherwise thought of. This conversation was fun, we hope it blesses you!Questions discussed in this episode: How do you balance future dreams with contentment and treasuring the present? How to tackle/adjust marriage life with a new baby in the picture?How to get around fear of taking kids in public?
As we enter part three of our marriage series, we’ve barely scratched the surface. We’re sharing some of the places that have recently challenged us in our own marriages. It’s going to be a hot one! Are we turning amoral issues moral? Maybe our conflicts aren’t always court room moments, but are opportunities to overlook an offense. “Taking offense” is a choice and it’s not always (usually) worth it. Listen in. Appaloosa Festival: https://appaloosafestival.com/ticket-info
Are we doing the enemy’s work for him? In marriage we have a choice, always. Join us as we explore our agency, our ability for extreme action, and the places we get so easily confused in thinking we’re doing our spouse’s “best.” Marriage reveals the hidden ugliness in all of us, but what if this vantage point was designed on purpose for the spousal relationship? Listen in. Andrew Peterson- https://genius.com/Andrew-peterson-hold-up-my-arms-lyrics
The first in our marriage series, Kim shares difficulties in marriage now as an almost empty nester, while Emily shares from her perspective with littles at home. Kim shares from 36 years experience, Em from 10, but most of the answers to the questions of “how to have a good marriage” seem pretty much the same, with a few slight variations. The best things in life are also the hardest won. Perhaps the tenants of a strong, loving marriage are “simple,” just not easy. Listen in.
While it’s good in theory, “dependency” is a hard-won lesson. We are proud and prone to shame, but God offers a kind and gracious route to being conformed to His image. Emily shares a personal Lenten breakthrough and Kim warns against Christian scrupulosity. Ultimately, we want deeper healing and intimacy with Jesus. Listen in.
We give up all kinds of comforts to attain physical prowess. Whether it’s a sculpted body, strength for extreme physical feats, or simply to wake up in the morning with more energy, most of us have given up some small measure of comfort to attain an elevated physical status. When it comes to the matter of our souls, do we recognize this same approach as an option? Whether we’re brought there by our own means or by life’s circumstances we will all encounter desert seasons. This lent we’re inviting the opportunity for growth, even a plan for growth as we enter into small hardship on purpose to be drawn into conversation with our Lord. Listen in.
Could lent, like advent, be the thing that pulls us out of the inertia of our everyday lives? We are leaning into this liturgical season and asking God to show us what He has to offer. When our relationship with Christ suffers, do we point first to good things that may have overcrowded our time and space? What is standing in the way between me and Jesus? For me, it could be Pinterest and thin mints. Bitter and Sweet by, Tsh Oxenreider: https://www.amazon.com/Bitter-Sweet-Journey-into-Easter/dp/0736985530/ref=nodl_?dplnkId=f16fbb96-3aca-4a50-b840-b35a75b9cd0c
We are discussing the image of God in man, the thing that makes us human, and the uncanny ability we have to talk about the same things over and over. Summit Ministries, The Sexual Revolution and Its Victims – John Stonestreet: https://www.summit.org/programs/basecamp/jan-2019/
Join us as we discuss whether we are “word of the year people,” what God is calling each of us towards in a new year, and how to face another year if your previous year was hard or challenging. So good to be back!
Whether you’ve put every last bit of tinsel away, or you’re celebrating all the way to Candlemas, there can be a bit of let-down once family gatherings and community parties start to quiet. The separation and quiet of winter comes right on the heels of what is (for most of us) the busiest season of the year. How do we take the lessons of Christmas into our hopeful new year’s stance? Listen in.
Whether this Christmas has been all that you prayed for, or much less than, we are afforded unspeakable joy and amazing peace through Christ, our Lord. How do we curate joy in the midst of our less-than-perfect lives? Listen in. Scythian Christmas Album: https://www.scythianmusic.com/product/856134
If we believe in God, what do we know about His character? Looking into the meta narrative of scripture, what can we learn in this last week of advent anticipation? We serve a God who created and sustains our world. In the midst of busyness and family, join us as God calls our hearts back to love, back to Jesus. Listen in.
Throughout advent we have different themes we’re meant to focus on as we light our candles, say prayers, and endeavor to turn our hearts back over and over to baby Jesus. The third week of advent is joy and we’re diving into what exactly that is. How does joy sustain us in the horrible and just hard? We want to stay rooted and joy can help us to do so.
In this season of advent we are finding purposeful ways to fight “business compulsion,” prepare physically and spiritually for winter, and prepare ultimately for the second coming of our Savior!
We are welcoming this anticipatory season with ideas for how to tap the breaks, reflections on past advent observations, and a discussion on the importance of advent before our Christmas.
To kick off our new series, “Peace in the Holidays,” we invite you to reflect on your favorite Thanksgiving memories, trouble-shoot potential peace-stealing, or stress-inducing areas, and practice a stubborn rebellion to keep the peace of Christ in your homes and your holidays. Christy Beasley- https://www.christybeasleycreative.com/
We’re discussing what we’ve learned in the crazy blur between summer and the beginning of the school year. With our well-laid plans there is so much more at work. Listen in as we discuss the epic adventure that is the Christian life.
From conflict to simply keeping the spark in your friendship, we’re talking about the ins and outs of “staying” friends.
Once we’ve done the hard work of finding a friend how do we be a good friend? From conflict to distance to lack or change in mutual interests, there’s a lot to unpack here. Listen in.
Finding friends and having friends is easier said than done. How can we make friends when we’re already vulnerable? How do we reach out when we’re feeling timid? How do we deal with past friendship wounds? What do we do if the other person doesn’t reciprocate? Listen in.
Today we’re speaking specifically on the challenge of adding a new baby to the family dynamic and how that changes both the family and the mother. However, we’re also (always) talking about the general raising of children and it’s difficulties, specifically as it pertains to being a mother who is ever-aware of her own flaws.
We’re continuing the conversation about balancing taking care of all your people…yourself included.
How do we balance taking care of those entrusted to our love and care while also taking care of ourselves? We’re sharing our very different perspectives and differentiated between our ideals and what care we truly need. Listen in.
Welcome to part two of the conversation! Conflict is inevitable, but a fight is not. We’re discussing our relationship and how we’ve weathered conflict over the years. An Imperfect Woman by, Kim Hyland- Imperfect Woman: Letting Go of the Need to Have It All Together https://www.amazon.com/dp/0801075165/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_022A6DZG2SQS04VJH2DQ
Conflict is inevitable, but a fight is not. We’re discussing our relationship and how we’ve weathered conflict over the years. An Imperfect Woman by, Kim Hyland- Imperfect Woman: Letting Go of the Need to Have It All Together https://www.amazon.com/dp/0801075165/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_022A6DZG2SQS04VJH2DQ
If we’re “alright” is that alright? We want beauty, comfort, productivity, in our days, who doesn’t? However, not every day brings all of this and some days we don’t get any of it. What should we think about days that are just alright and what place do they have in the Christian sojourn? Listen in.
How does observing Holy Week contextualize and help us understand the daily intersection of Easter into our everyday lives? Outside of one exceptional day-the Easter Sunday celebration-what does this mean for us in our day to day, and especially in our mundane? Links: Changing the Conversation- https://worldviewacademy.square.site/product/changing-the-conversation/116
Where we’re finding inspiration can often be a calling card for grace or encouragement we didn’t know we needed. Join us as we speak on gardens, a recent gardening favorite (Garden Maker by, Christie Purifoy- https://www.amazon.com/Garden-Maker-Growing-Beauty-Flowers/dp/0736982140 ), and what has been generally inspiring us during the slow, rainy wake of spring here in the Virginia countryside. Links: Chosen Candles-https://www.chosencandle.com/
Today we’re sharing about a particularly frustrating or aggravating season and what exactly our “disturbance” may have in store for us. Trading well-meaning plans for the kind lessons of a loving Father. Emily shares about this pregnancy and how her lack is ultimately showing her a better, fuller way to live.
How can a season of penitence and fasting answer a deep longing in us? To “give up and take up” means the Lenten season is about more than just what is lacking. Listen in.
When we have a string of hard days, or a season of hard we have to learn (before we can embrace it) to find the wonder and joy in our everyday lives. We want to become a people of advent, where our hearts and minds are believing and rehearsing the truth of our coming savior. The beautiful repetition of birth and death illustrated in springtime growth points us to our very own domestic lives. During this tumultuous sojourn we take comfort in a Savior who is growing good things both in us and for us. What a hope! Three Books We Should Read: Our Bodies Tell God’s Story- https://www.amazon.com/Our-Bodies-Tell-Gods-Story/dp/158743427X/ref=nodl_ A Severe Mercy- https://www.amazon.com/Severe-Mercy-Sheldon-Vanauken/dp/0060688246/ref=asc_df_0060688246_nodl?tag=bngsmtphsnus-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=80195746822995&hvnetw=s&hvqmt=e&hvbmt=be&hvdev=m&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=&hvtargid=pla-4583795274118132&psc=1 Chance or the Dance- https://www.amazon.com/Chance-Dance-Critique-Modern-Secularism/dp/0898702291/ref=nodl_
As winter is roughly 20 years of the average lifespan we’re diving into winter for all it has to offer. Enjoying this season for what it is and not forcing our agenda onto a season has incredible benefits, not just for our bodies, but also for our spiritual lives. Heavenly Gluten Free Galette: https://www.kingarthurbaking.com/recipes/gluten-free-almond-galette-recipe
How setting goals from a place of humility and contentment may be the game changer we need to succeed in a deeper way this year.
TWELVE days of Christmas? Sounds nice, but who can handle that much celebration? Maybe we’re missing something. Listen in to this brief explanation of the practical role of humility in our celebration of Christ’s incarnation.
It’s the Christmas season! (Season, not day, just in case you missed it.) Good news for those who mourn just one singular day of Christmas and good news for those who are exhausted after one jam-packed family-filled day. We talk about the “after Christmas lull” that typically comes after day 1, the reflective choices that make this season double-y sweet as we practice thanksgiving, and the inevitable reflection on a full year of blessings and hard. How do we sit with this season longer and enjoy the celebration at our own pace? Listen in.
As we await the first day of Christmas we are reflecting on how we’ve pushed things off our full plates in order to make room for a practice of advent. Conversely, we’re talking about the unavoidable fullness of a mother with child and what we can glean from the true events surrounding this time. In particular we focus on a young woman with child who, though her circumstances were less than idyllic, held fast to the peace of Christ
Here we share about the beautiful and true things to be gleaned from advent and how we can go about the gleaning part of it all. Aside from early mornings and slow coffee (praise the Lord for those moments), how can we cultivate a spirit of advent in our day to day this month of December? Free Live Zoom Teaching from Nick Leibish on the Advent of Jesus TONIGHT 12/13/21 at 7pm EST: https://www.scriptureandtradition.com/
Amidst the bustle of Christmas preparations and family gatherings how will we cultivate a spirit of advent? More than simply having it all (i.e. the clean house, the fun memories, the beautiful parties, and our daily advent devotions), we’re endeavoring to embrace the humility and posture apropos to the season. Advent means “waiting.” We invite you to wait with us! Advent Playlists: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1mdsKdSxeRUXs1vlllpBdY?si=JRy9w_OTSTKFIIhTEP12mA https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3AiO8GJ6Cf8lNyQ0rXz6kX?si=EZfFDTgJRvqti0qWJdQeXQ https://open.spotify.com/album/0q3YflR2DQiPytrpHx7lAA?si=K7fQJ9LjTVmwhxy_ZRINxQ Handel’s Messiah book- Hallelujah: Cultivating Advent Traditions With Handel's Messiah https://www.amazon.com/dp/1944435077/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_41864XQ8F5YNVE2GM0XR
Practicing thanksgiving as a life-changing commandment. Thanksgiving week is upon us…our hearts and minds (may be) completely full of family, work to be done, and the subsequent highs and lows that can bring. Join us as we explore the practical application of daily thanksgiving and how it benefits us to obey our Heavenly Father in this commandment of living.
How a spirit of advent can inform our approach to family and the holidays. What if we took to the very roots of these holidays we’re celebrating and let the love of Christ inform how we go about actually living them?
In the midst of the all together wonderful and often break-neck pace of the holidays we are gearing up to practice accepting grace and even looking for it on purpose. The excitement and anticipation of the pre-holiday season can reach a fever pitch for those typically in the role of organizing and orchestrating the affairs. “Hello, it’s us!” While we know there is work and blessing in the abundance, we also need practical tips for how to manage and how to let go of what we can’t. Words from Kim- https://www.instagram.com/p/CV0SlsvrNr-/?utm_medium=copy_link
“A society without mothers would be an inhumane society.” Today we finish our series on womanhood, discussing the power and maternity of all women (both biological mothers and none). From the over-sentimentalized, to completely denied, we look at the extreme responses from our culture and offer a truth we all need to understand. Because of mothers our society endures, and not just in the physical and reproductive sense. We have all needed motherhood and in our greatest strength that is what all women have to offer. Listen in.
On femininity-what it is and what it isn’t. Today’s conversation is inspired by words from Emily Stimpson Chapman. Her words- https://www.instagram.com/p/CVNwa17rUl6/?utm_medium=copy_link
From extreme October schedules, to holiday prep, to emptying oneself, we’re talking about the maternity of all women and how to use it for others. Yes, maternity is something mothers have, but it is also a gift of all women; this gift can be weaponized and used to our purposes, or given away as an emptying of self for those we love most. Listen in. Ultimate Makeover by, Carrie Gress- https://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Makeover-Transforming-Power-Motherhood/dp/1942611722/ref=nodl_
What if, on our ordinary, planned, task-filled days we asked the Lord to guide the day with the trust of a child?
Following up on our conversation from the week prior (where we discussed difficult circumstances and the grace to accept our weakness in tandem with God’s kindness), we find that when things get worse there is still grace, maybe even more. Join us for a conversation about redemption of even the simplest inconveniences. We keep finding grace, more and more, as long as we’re looking. Links: Taylor Leonhardt- https://www.taylorleonhardt.com/
Welcome back to the conversation and the transition into fall! This conversation happened just on the cusp of the fall season, as we shared God’s grace and kindness in the midst of our (surprising to us) imminent weakness. Fr. Mike Schmitz- https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=cU8stlV0DLg Sarah Clarkson- https://sarahclarkson.com/thisbeautifultruth Chance or the Dance- https://www.amazon.com/Chance-Dance-Critique-Modern-Secularism/dp/0898702291/ref=nodl_
For the ones making end-of-summer lists and looking forward to fall. With just weeks left of summer and lots more to prep. For the external processors. For the avid writers. Sharing a literal page from Emily’s book. In this discussion we’re sharing what we’re learning right here in the thick of it.
In the midst of much activity we can often encounter activity-induced stress. The classic summer storm comes after a hot, sunny day full of fun. Join us for a conversation about what to do when summer storms hit.
Join us for drum roll please Season 2 of the You're Not That Special podcast! We can hardly believe we've had a year of conversations, laughing and crying through dishes, flowers, conflict in friendship, and all the everyday wonder of our "not-so-special" lives. Today we're talking about working with what you've got, starting from our lack, and trusting God to lead us gently.
We are also sharing about our favorite band, Scythian! When discussing the topic of "working with what you've got" these guys certainly fit the bill. Growing their audience exponentially in 2020 when many bands were throwing in the towel, these guys managed to keep a captive audience via live-streaming from their living room and releasing two albums in the middle of what seemed to be a career-killing year. They're a party wherever they go, sharing authentic moments of joy and humor from the stage. And their bassist, Ethan Dean, is Emily's husband... in case we needed one more reason to love these guys!
We would like to use this awesome opportunity to invite you to the in-person festival in Front Royal, VA this summer! We'll unofficially claim this as the YNTS birthday party and have a blast, we hope to see you there!
Tickets & Info: https://appaloosafestival.com/
Whether you’re tackling a to-do list that hinges on warm weather, or all eyes on vacation, we are each of us on some level affected by our season. While we’ve moved away from an agricultural mindset that depends on and works with the seasons, what practices might we need to rekindle to regain that sense of rhythm and place?
Whether you’re packing your bags, still planning your getaway, or staying put, we think there’s something valuable in the art of vacation for all of us.
Whether you’re a young mother, empty nester, single, or newly married we can all count on this same thing: change. With change comes opportunity, but also worry, fear, and doubt. Join us for a conversation near and dear to our current lives. Book- https://www.amazon.com/dp/0800722914/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_imm_QYXJS37XQWNT6345DFGH Poem-
“No felt evil or defect becomes divine until it is inevitable; and only when resistence to it is exhausted and hope has fled, does surrender cease to be premature. The hardness of our task lies here; that we have to strive against the grievous things of life, while hope remains, as if they were evil; and then, when the stroke has fallen, to accept them from the hand of God, and doubt not they are good. But to the loving, trusting heart, all things are possible; and even this instant change, from overstrained will to sorrowful repose, from fullest resistance to complete surrender is realized without convulsion.” ~J. Martineau
Join us: How humility can help you live your dream life. Clarifying our days. Pride comes in many shapes. How smallness is vast.
Inspired by J. Augustine Wetta’s book “Humility Rules,” we’re embarking on a new series to unpack a lifestyle of humility and the treasure of embracing this particularly counter cultural virtue. Book-https://www.amazon.com/Humility-Rules-Benedicts-Twelve-Step-Self-Esteem/dp/162164149X/ref=nodl_ Tim Keller-https://www.amazon.com/dp/1906173419/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_imm_8YTF0JFTCK1GG359V4H0_nodl “In most discussions, each man has some point to maintain and his object is to justify his own thesis and disprove his neighbors. He may have originally adopted his thesis because of some sign of truth in it, but his mode of supporting it is generally to block up every cranny in his soul at which more truth might enter.” -George MacDonald
“Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it's thinking of yourself less.” -C.S. Lewis
Our homes are precious, the very tangible examples of our forever homes in eternity. Among the daily practical tasks that must take place, the home is hinting forward to the end of our earthly race and the new beginning of life itself. Join us for our final discussion in the home series!
Whether it’s a well-loved garden, a front stoop, or even a back windowsill, the outdoor scenes of our lives yield much for beauty, truth, and edification. Join us for a conversation about the magical and ever changing space that is the outdoors.
What do most of us long for in a bedroom? A place for rest, ideally a clean, beautiful space. As much as we try and desire the bedroom to be restful, we all know too well how the bedroom often becomes the laundry room. Why is that? The bedroom is also a place we maybe wish to sleep, but don’t always get it. We’re talking all about this sacred space-the functions and the functions of our hearts when we need Christ for rest and sanctuary.
Taken quite literally-this is the room for living! We’re sharing our couch testimonies (how just the right couch came into each of our lives), how God cares about where we live, and what a living room might look like in different seasons.
First room in the home series! Because we are discussing the home-it’s importance both practically and the deeper spiritual implications, it seemed only appropriate to start with the heart of the home. Welcome to the kitchen. Links: https://instagram.com/everyday_mamas?igshid=rckzezotv11n
It’s the place we eat, drink, and sleep, but it’s also the place we celebrate, apologize, and make room. These potentially restorative places have suffered the neglect and idealism of generations. Let’s put home in her proper place and learn what the Lord would like to teach us about Himself as we lean into these sacred spaces. Links: https://www.amazon.com/Restoration-House-Creating-Space-Connection/dp/031009206X/ref=nodl_ https://theologyofhome.com/ https://www.amazon.com/Homebody-Guide-Creating-Spaces-Never/dp/006280197X/ref=nodl_ https://instagram.com/everyday_mamas?igshid=huys4arw2xi6
It sure is Comfortable. Complaining may not seem like a life sucker, but it truly is. The opposite is also true-thanksgiving literally restores us to the full and faithful life God desires for us, and if that wasn’t incentive enough, it brings us into deeper connection with Himself. We’ve got a lot of experience in this area...the complaining part we mean. Buckle up, we’re ready for a change!
We’re talking about real life: the kids, the family, the tired days, and how we get through it all.
Our weakness provides us many an impediment, but what if this is also fertile ground for the Lord to do something unexpected? Join us for an episode about the regenerative work of our God and our happy part in it.
In the past year we were hit with almost unavoidable boundaries living life at a slower pace. Now, we explore how to create and keep new boundaries of our own, why they are necessary, and the freedom found in these places.
We've all had great experiences and not so great experiences with social media. Over the last few years Instagram has grown into a place to connect, learn new info, be encouraged, and more. Just like a car, social media is potentially very useful, but also potentially dangerous. Join us for a conversation about the good, the bad, and the ugly of social media, and how we're wrestling with this topic ourselves.
Join us for part 2 of our discussion about the beauty and freedom of rhythms, restraint, and the order of the seasons.
Join us for Part 1 of our discussion about the beauty and freedom of rhythms, restraint, and the order of the seasons.
Join us for a special episode featuring guest host, Ethan Dean! As the lenten season unrolls Emy and Ethan share the ways God has made His kindness evident and uses even our smallest sacrifices to show us His plans for fullness and provision.
Whether you love getting cozy indoors or you’d rather be barefoot outside, winter can be a long season for all of us. Join us for a conversation about weathering winter well.
Today we're inspired by the quote from St. John Chrysostom, "The bee is more honored than other animals, not because she labors, but because she labors for others."
This is a conversation about serving.
One month into the new year, it’s likely that not everything has gone to plan and that we’ve already encountered some hard things. Our trust is not in circumstances, nor our hope in predictability. When life yields uncertainty we’re resolved, as St. Padre Pio encourages to, “Pray, hope, and don’t worry.” Deuteronomy 23:5 “The Lord your God loves you.”
The first month of the first year is well upon us, so we're discussing today what inspires us.
Everything from home decor, to a single day, we're finding inspiration in the best places it can be found, right in the middle of our every day, "not so special," wonder-filled lives. Listen in.
Continuing our conversation on marriage, we’ll chat about the little hacks that make marriage strong and the bad habits that make it harder than necessary. We often talk about “troubling our own trouble,” which is the last thing we want to do, especially with our chosen partners for this life. Listen in!
In an age of cancel culture and self serving, we're going there. We've heard it said that marriage is the closest thing to heaven or hell on earth. We've also asked listeners to write in and tell us what they'd like to hear conversation on and this is by far our most requested topic! It's not easy, but it's the discussion we need. Join us for a discussion on marriage!
As we head out of the year 2020 and into 2021 many of us are tired, weary. In the same breath, it would be wonderful to walk into the new year with resolve for something we can actually achieve. Enter: "imperfect resolutions." Kim shares a devotional from her book "An Imperfect Woman" and offers us hope for the year to come.
Kim Hyland's 5 Days of Imperfect Resolutions- https://bit.ly/3nSA1dL
Tinsel, turkeys, and toys oh my! How do we keep the main thing the main thing in the busiest season of the year? Listen in.
Today we’re discussing best traditions. From the ones we grew up with, to the ones we are creating now, traditions ground and anchor us in the beautiful celebrations of every season! Links|| Jody’s Instagram https://instagram.com/jody_lee_collins?igshid=1vn6rkfw9ll4q Jody’s Book https://www.amazon.com/Living-Season-Well-Reclaiming-Christmas-dp-0578403625/dp/0578403625/ref=dp_ob_title_bk_nodl
How do we give gifts when we’re afraid there’s not enough in the first place? How do we go from a scarcity mindset to a “wealth management” mindset? Listen in.
The holidays can be so full and expectations can be so high! Join us for a conversation about the life and true peace to be found in the advent season. Helpful Resources: O Come, Emmanuel- https://www.amazon.com/dp/1645850765/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_api_fabc_zyuVFb6CWX8FS. Shadow and Light: A Journey into Advent- https://www.amazon.com/dp/0736980601/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_api_fabc_XyuVFb4Z1GSA8. The Greatest Gift: Unwrapping the Full Love Story of Christmas- https://www.amazon.com/dp/1414387083/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_api_fabc_czuVFbTX9229M?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1 Come, Lord Jesus: The Weight of Waiting- https://www.amazon.com/dp/1536951285/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_api_fabc_wzuVFbQ5S66A0.
Perspective is almost everything. As we venture into the holidays let us all choose a healthy, right perspective and glean from the grace and beauty of God in our celebrations! Chosen Candle- https://www.chosencandle.com Everyday Mama- https://everydaymamas.com
After all this year has held, not to mention the normal pace and potential strain of the holidays, it just might be time for a full reset. Listen in.
We might be at a deficit, we might even really need a nap, but we also might not get the nourishment we’re looking for right away. There’s hope for us. Listen in.
This week the Dean family lost their puppy, Penny. God inhabits the love we express to one another, and informs how we love even (especially) in a world of loss and hurt. Listen in.
“Bad times, hard times, this is a what people keep saying; but let us live we’ll, and times shall be good. We are the times: Such as we are, such are the times.” ~ St. Augustine of Hippo Join us for an episode especially for “the times.”
Whether we feel "too much" or "not enough" we all know the feeling of not being quite right. Such is the human condition: imperfect. Join us for a conversation about dealing with our shortcomings and the God who offers freedom from self.
Whether you’re used to feeling “not enough” or are more accustomed to feeling “too much,” I’m sure we can all relate to a feeling of inadequacy in one form or another. Join us for an episode about feeling less than or more than your people, your circumstances, or your season of life can handle. We’ll share where we land and what we believe is at the heart of it all. Part 1 of a 2 part conversation!
We've all done it. Comparison takes no prisoners, and we're all left lacking. Join us for a discussion on the simplest ways we tend to compare, the freedom of forgetting oneself, and the true desire at the heart of our comparison games.
Links||
The Freedom of Self Forgetfulness by, Tim Keller https://www.amazon.com/Freedom-Self-Forgetfulness-Path-Christian/dp/1906173419
Dream Big by, Bob Goff https://www.amazon.com/Dream-Big-Youre-Going-About/dp/1400219493/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1UKY8AF1249B1&dchild=1&keywords=dream+big+bob+goff&qid=1601875473&s=books&sprefix=drea%2Cstripbooks%2C143&sr=1-1
Bouquets of freshly sharpened pencils, crisp autumn air, and cozy sweaters are just a few of the things we're thanking God for this fall season! With any change or transition there's always fresh perspective on God's consistency and kindness to us. Join us as we share what we're up to this fall, how we're letting go of summer, and how God gently leads us with nature notes of His loving kindness.
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God, You Make Me Feel Special by Katie Phillips
https://www.amazon.com/God-You-Make-Feel-Special/dp/1734048662/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=3537DAEE484S4&dchild=1&keywords=god+you+make+me+feel+special+katie+phillips&qid=1601293872&sprefix=God+Makes+me+feel+%2Cinstant-video%2C144&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyOUw4NlBIN0lLOVNGJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwNDYyMTE1MzlHWjVYVTVXUFNENyZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwOTExMDEwMVAyTjFNNjIzWlFKVyZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=
Whether big or small, we all have dreams for our lives. Join us as we discuss the shift of our dreams from stage to stage, the myth of "settling" (specifically in marriage and motherhood), dreaming "in and out of season," and the difference between a dream or ambition!
In these unprecedented times... We want to share some life hacks that have worked well for us in our differing seasons. From easy home practices with young children, to cleaning up house, to engaging your spouse in conflict. Listen in!
What is a mentor? Mentorships come in all shapes and sizes and often provide the insight we need to weather important seasons of our lives. But, how does one become/find a mentor? Join us for a discussion about all of the above!
Whether you’re homeschooling by choice or by necessity, there are many hurdles to make in this area! Both personally and practically, homeschooling can be a draining and fearful endeavor, or it can be fulfilling and expectant.
The joys of learning at home are simply that-of making your home a place you learn.
Join us for this listener-suggested episode on Homeschooling!
Family! The best of times, the worst of times. While family relationships can be some of the most difficult to maintain, they also hold opportunity and understanding that can’t be found many place else. Join us for a discussion about why family relationships can be some of the hardest and most rewarding friendships we have.
Links: Boundaries- https://www.amazon.com/Boundaries-When-Take-Control-Your/dp/0310247454/ref=nodl_
The beginnings of a friendship are often easy conversation and lots of admiration, but what about that first disagreement with a friend? Conflict is inevitable in long lasting, strong relationships. Join us as we talk about navigating conflict, leaning in, and when to walk away. Links: When to Walk Away-https://www.christianbook.com/when-to-walk-away/gary-thomas/9780310346760/pd/346762?en=bing-pla&event=SHOP&kw=family-0-20%7C346762&p=1179517&dv=m&msclkid=a5d35dfe11e412cb172502c48a853ac1&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Shopping%20Main&utm_term=4580565442052542&utm_content=s-family
In this episode we take a moment to introduce ourselves and tell you a little bit about life in our shoes. Nice to meet you!
Being a friend can be easy and rewarding, but it can also be trying. When being a certain kind of friend becomes our only way offering friendship, what do we do? Perhaps our desire to be a particularly helpful, generous, or other kind of friend exposes a selfish or insecure motive. Join us as we discuss being the best friend we can be in any given season!
Join us for a conversation on friendship! Specifically, on being a friend. Friendships can be tricky, especially when it requires of us to give the type of friendship we hope to receive.
Human trafficking is one of the greatest atrocities of our day. As this dark evil increasingly comes to light, we want to offer you a means of practical engagement and advocacy. Please listen. Links: Five Fifteen-http://www.five-fifteen.org
Christmas, birthdays, all manner of occasions for celebration grace us year after year. Some of us love to pull out all the bells and whistles, and some of us get overwhelmed at the prospect. No matter where you land on the party planning side of things celebration is an important and declarative moment in our wonder-filled, ordinary lives. Join us for a conversation about formal celebrations! || Links: Bread & Wine by, Shauna Niequist- https://www.amazon.com/dp/0310345316/ref=nodl_?tag=duckduckgo-d-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1
Celebrating the sunny days is easy, but what about the gray days? How do we celebrate the seasons that hold more uncertainty and sadness than happiness and levity? Join us for a discussion about the inevitable hard days and the rebellious freedom of celebrating in their midst.
Birthdays, holidays, anniversaries! Celebration is an important and special part of life. In this episode, we talk about how to make the wonder and joy of celebration a part of our everyday! || Links: “Chance or the Dance” by, Thomas Howard- https://www.amazon.com/Chance-Dance-Critique-Modern-Secularism/dp/0898702291 || Mother Theresa quote- https://bustedhalo.com/jolt/wash-plate-not-dirty-told-wash-love-person-will-use-next-st-teresa-calcutta
Welcome to our first episode of You’re Not that Special!
Join us as we discuss “why you’re not that special,” the freeing and clarifying role of love in our lives as opposed to affirmation, and the vision we have for our time together!