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If perfection keeps stealing your peace, this episode hands it back. In this season finale, we look at a year of growth in the real world — inside homes full of schedules, emotions, and people we love. We talk about the shift that’s changing everything for our families: saying less, being clear, and repairing quickly when we miss the mark. We also offer a simple way to reframe those “I’m failing” spirals — because most moms who feel behind are actually giving more than they can see.

You’ll walk away with practical rhythms to protect margin during the holidays, a kinder way to measure progress, and permission to simplify the parts of life that don’t matter as much as connection does. You’re doing better than you think. Let’s celebrate the wins, widen the gap between stumbles, and choose joy in the season we once prayed for.

If this encouraged you, share it with a friend who tries so hard too — and subscribe so you don’t miss what’s ahead in Season Three!

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When the calendar starts sprinting and the afternoons turn dark way too early, we get the chance to slow everything down. We can take a deep breath, look back on the year, and see it through three lenses that matter—gratitude, growth, and grace. Not to hustle harder or create picture-perfect plans, but to walk into 2026 with steadiness, a little more peace, and a whole lot more awareness of God’s goodness.

We talk about gratitude in the real, everyday ways—celebrating a daughter stepping into her calling, quiet nights by the tree and fireplace, and those little moments at home that shift the whole atmosphere. Then we dig into growth without the pressure—the boundaries we learned to set, the ways parenting older kids stretches us, the wisdom in saying no so our yes actually means something, and the practical helps (like a meal service) that make survival season feel a bit lighter. And woven through all of it is grace… grace for the losses, the weariness, the prayers whispered in the dark, and the strength God provided exactly when we needed it most.

You’ll also get reflection questions for adults and kids—easy prompts for a date night, a drive with your teen, or a few minutes around the dinner table. We’ll talk about why rhythms always outlast resolutions, how 10–15 minutes a day can reshape your spiritual life, and how choosing one simple word for the year can anchor your heart. And if you’re walking into this season feeling behind or tired, hear this: you don’t need to reinvent yourself. You need the daily mercies He’s already offering and the courage to take small, faithful steps forward.

If this episode encourages you, I’d love for you to tap follow, share it with a friend who needs a gentle landing place, and leave a quick review so more families can find their way here.

Episode 6 - Am I Good Medicine for My Family - Do I Pass The Joy Test?

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/6-am-i-good-medicine-for-my-family-do-i-pass-the-joy-test/id1719372285?i=1000645426505

Episode 9 - Reclaim Your Calendar: Does Our Family Calendar Reflect Our Values?

 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/9-streamline-your-life-series-week-1-reclaim-your-calendar/id1719372285?i=1000648329013

Books By Justin Whitmel Earley:

Habits of The Household - 

https://amzn.to/4nOrlTT

The Body Teaches The Soul- 

https://amzn.to/3WSQlOI

5 Year Prayer Journal:

https://www.dayspring.com/hosanna-revival-one-thing-i-ask-5-year-prayer-journal-edinburgh-theme?ne_ppc_id=21066640061&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21059800542&gbraid=0AAAAAD3t-bW-euiPYlgCwBm3Ry1bFz9ro&gclid=CjwKCAiA_dDIBhB6EiwAvzc1cC4tviyipz95tl-tJRV2QC9hcpWHNPJ1klpv_Yfj7xL91YWIEsj85RoCIDcQAvD_BwE

Reflection Questions for 2025:

Adults -  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_luDmtk8hdLhpFFd4as7vsNqtpFYQmHf/view?usp=drive_link

Kids- 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GcFg-pFWh06xSOwybvMj3MaFIA-N_vbj/view?usp=drive_link

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In this podcast episode, Nikki welcomes Natalie Abbott, co-founder of Dwell Differently, a ministry dedicated to helping people memorize scripture. 

Natalie discusses her life as a wife, mom of five, and author. She shares her personal journey to faith, which started with reading various religious texts, including the Bible given to her by her great-grandmother. Through scripture, she discovered the transformative power of God's word. 

Natalie explains how Dwell Differently began, recounting her sister Vera's story of overcoming anxiety through memorizing Bible verses. 

Nikki and Natalie talk about balancing ministry, family life, and how integrating scripture into daily routines can provide strength and wisdom. Natalie emphasizes the importance of grace and finding small ways to engage with God’s word. 

The episode concludes with practical advice for parents and Christians seeking to deepen their faith.

Dwell Differently: 

Website: 

https://dwelldifferently.com

Instagram: 

https://www.instagram.com/dwelldifferently

Podcast: 

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dwell-differently/id1485331979

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In this engaging conversation, Nikki Smith interviews Justin Whitmel Earley, exploring the profound connection between our physical habits and spiritual lives. Justin shares his personal journey from a crisis in mental health to discovering the importance of habits in shaping our souls. They discuss the impact of technology in parenting, the significance of instilling healthy habits in children, and the grace that allows for growth and change. The conversation emphasizes the importance of community and shared practices in navigating the challenges of modern life, particularly in relation to technology and mental health.

Takeaways:

• The Christian life is about what we practice, not just what we know.
• Physical habits significantly impact mental health and spiritual well-being.
• Grace allows us to approach our habits without fear of failure.
• Instilling healthy habits in children creates a positive legacy.
• Technology can be both a blessing and a challenge for families.
• Small changes in habits can lead to significant improvements over time.
• Community support is crucial in maintaining healthy practices.
• Understanding the connection between biology and theology is essential.
• Parents should model healthy technology use for their children.
• Every small habit contributes to a larger narrative of growth and redemption.

Books by Justin Whitmel Earley:

Habits of the Household: https://amzn.to/48UjVum

The Common Rule: https://amzn.to/47Ef6mS

Made for People: https://amzn.to/4oezeTx

The Body Teaches the Soul: https://amzn.to/4qzCRVu

The Big Mess (Childrens Book): https://amzn.to/4343LLi

Connect With Justin:

Justin’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/justinwhitmelearleyauthor/

Justin’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justinwhitmelearley/

Justin’s X: https://x.com/Justin_W_Earley

Justin’s YouTube: www.youtube.com/@justinwhitmelearley1630

Justin’s Website: https://www.justinwhitmelearley.com/

Hang 10 Movement:

https://www.hangtenmovement.com/

Resources Mentioned in Show: 

The Anxious Generation: 

https://amzn.to/3LbS92F

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Today I get to sit down with a dear friend of mine, Debbie Neal.

For years, I’ve known Debbie as a woman of incredible drive and determination — a true leader, a go-getter, and someone who has inspired so many through her work and her example. But today’s conversation isn’t about her professional achievements. It’s about something far more personal — the way God has been working in her home and heart over the past several years.

Debbie and Scott are parents to four children. Several years ago, their marriage hit a breaking point, and they ended up divorcing. For a while, it seemed like the story had reached its end. But somewhere in the middle of all that pain and searching, Debbie encountered Jesus in a way that completely changed her life.

What followed is nothing short of a redemption story — one that only God could write. Over time, He began softening hearts, healing wounds, and restoring what was broken. Debbie and Scott not only found forgiveness but found their way back to one another. And now, years later, they’re preparing to remarry — a beautiful symbol of God’s grace and restoration.

We talk about what led to that season of separation, how Debbie found Jesus in the middle of it, what reconciliation looked like, and how her obedience to God has rippled through her family.

And we’ll end by talking about what success looks like now — not in terms of accomplishments or titles, but in the peace and purpose that come from walking in step with God.

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What happens when your “forever home” isn’t forever after all? We sit down with Lindsay Parks—wife, mom of five, creator, and co-host of Built for More—to unpack the surprising decision to sell the dream house she built in public, and the freedom that followed. This isn’t a story about loss; it’s a story about listening. Lindsay shares how a quiet nudge became a clear call, how she navigated pride and fear, and why obedience sometimes looks like doing less instead of doing more.

We dig into the messy middle of online life and real family. Lindsay explains how she and her husband Eric (a physician and seminary grad) sought margin—financially and emotionally. 

Along the way, we talk about what home truly is: not square footage, but a place where burdens come off at the door. Lindsay offers encouragement for moms of littles to find community and swap support, and practical wisdom for parenting teens—know their friends, keep the conversation open, and expect beauty alongside the bumps. She also shares the simple marriage rhythms that sustain big decisions: midweek day-dates, evening walks that double as check-ins, and a yearly getaway that flexes with the season.

If you’ve been feeling a nudge to simplify, to create margin, or to choose peace over optics, this conversation will meet you where you are. Listen, share it with someone who needs courage for a hard choice, and if it resonates, subscribe, leave a review, and pass it on so more families can find practical hope.

Follow Lindsay at: 

https://www.instagram.com/thehousetheparksbuilt?igsh=YjB3bHo5eHgzd2R5

Built for More Podcast:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/built-for-more/id1815081511

Comparison Trap - Land of Er:

https://youtu.be/3_IAvk1qgfY?si=kN5N4rqkgb37uy66

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What if the season you’re calling a drought is actually sacred training? I sat down with actress and creator Masey McLain for a candid, deeply encouraging conversation about conviction, calling, and the new feature film Soul on Fire—where she portrays Beth O’Leary. From growing up a pastor’s kid to turning down roles that crossed personal lines, Masey traces the steady thread of choosing God first and letting the work follow. 

We go behind the scenes on The Baxters and the serendipity that landed her favorite character at exactly the right time. Then we step into Soul on Fire: why this story of resilience, faith, and purpose feels urgent right now, and how set life was shaped by a real soul on fire—John O’Leary—who sees people, not flash. Masey unpacks agape love in action, the power of words that speak life, and a richer meaning of “helper” from Genesis—a fierce battle partner who pushes back darkness and brings in the light. It’s practical for marriage, friendship, and parenting, and it’s a blueprint for how to show up in life.

You’ll hear why opening weekend truly matters for impact and distribution, and you’ll leave with a renewed sense of purpose you can act on today. Bring your family, invite a friend who needs hope, and “vote with your dollars” to keep stories like this on the big screen. If this conversation sparks something in you, subscribe, share it with someone who needs the reminder, and leave a review—then grab your tickets to Soul on Fire and tell us who you’re bringing.

You can follow Masey at:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maseymclain

Website: https://www.maseymclainofficial.com/

Tickets for Soul On Fire:

https://soulonfiremovie.com/

Karen Kingsbury - The Baxter Family:

https://amzn.to/47flYrz

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Some days the kitchen sparkles; an hour later, it’s crumbs and cups and quiet frustration. I share candid stories from 23 years of motherhood and 26 years of marriage, the Scriptures that steady me, and the simple habits that reset a house’s tone when everyone feels stretched thin.

We unpack the honesty of “I want to grow but I’m busy,” then map desire to obstacles we can actually change: screen and sleep hygiene, thin spiritual rhythms, and scorekeeping that poisons connection. From Colossians 3:23’s call to work as unto the Lord to Galatians’ sober truth about sowing and reaping, we explore how our words and pace shape the harvest we’ll see in our kids. We talk about choosing people over productivity, embracing motherhood as a sacred calling, and why the “thermostat” of a home is often the posture of a mother’s heart.

There’s practical help too: device-free zones and bedtimes, a 30-day praise-only playlist, five-minute eye-contact check-ins with kids, and clear, calm contribution for older children so the load is shared without turning home into a barracks. We also look at marriage as a refuge you build together—how encouragement fuels hard work, why respect and warmth travel both ways, and how a peaceful house strengthens everyone’s calling outside its walls.

If this encouraged you, share it with a mom who needs a nudge of hope today, and leave a rating or review so more families can find these conversations. Subscribe for more real talk about faith, family, and the everyday rhythms that form a life.

Worship/Praise Playlist:

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0pXcmurNF8r4Z13y2G5Jpx?si=Ve8mnf5DRHWGE5zgTerung&pi=Upsk39ITTp-k2

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/15rCrBDEOAqYEsRFLrCE3y?si=GwRz_80qQIeUfH4OreSwyQ&pi=HZlXhbxqQ8S9Q

Seeds Family Worship:

https://seedskidsworship.com/

Seeds Playlist:

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7F2pPY7F8St3bIC30dgDfO?si=v67FaCp0S1-1xls8DlnTMQ&pi=C56YfpseRS2I0

She Works His Ways Book:

https://amzn.to/4mNzzLkhttps://amzn.to/4mNzzLk

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What happens when you lose everything but discover what truly matters? In this deeply moving conversation, Andrea Hryszczuk shares the harrowing yet hope-filled story of watching her family home burn completely to the ground in May 2020.

The fire began unexpectedly in their garage during pandemic lockdown, with the family unaware for crucial minutes as flames engulfed their truck and spread toward the house. Andrea recounts the terrifying moments of uncertainty, not knowing if everyone had escaped safely, followed by overwhelming joy when the family reunited on their front lawn. While firefighters battled the blaze that would ultimately destroy their home entirely, the Hryszczuk's experienced a profound shift in perspective – they were alive, they were together, and nothing else mattered.

What followed was nothing short of extraordinary. Despite losing all identification, credit cards, photographs, and possessions, the family witnessed God's provision in remarkable ways. A neighbor offered their vacant house before they even needed to ask. Envelopes of cash miraculously survived the inferno when their fireproof safe did not. Small treasures emerged from the ashes that felt like personal messages – a singed paper reading "To God be the glory" and a necklace with the words "Where your treasure is, your heart will be also."

Andrea reveals the intentional strategies she and her husband employed to guide their family through trauma – what she calls "good defense and good offense." They refused to let their minds dwell on devastating what-ifs, instead taking those thoughts captive and deliberately practicing gratitude at every turn. When painful losses surfaced, they attached new, hope-filled meanings: "We're alive to make new memories" became their response to losing irreplaceable family photos.

Five years later, having rebuilt on the same property, Andrea's definition of home has been forever transformed. "Home is just where my family is. It's not a building anymore," she explains. The experience deepened her longing for her eternal home while strengthening her conviction that God remains sovereign and good regardless of circumstances.

Whether you're navigating your own tragedy or simply seeking perspective on what truly matters, this conversation will challenge your thinking about possessions, faith, and finding beauty in life's most devastating moments. As Andrea reminds us, "He brings beauty always through the ashes – sometimes in the physical realm, but always in the spiritual realm."

Episode 10 - Preserving Precious Memories 

https://www.buzzsprout.com/admin/2232091/episodes/14598639-10-streamline-your-life-series-week-2-organizing-your-photos-and-memorabilia-creating-a-legacy-of-cherished-memories-with-sheri-meissner

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What if your darkest moment became the spark that illuminated your greatest purpose? John O'Leary was just nine years old when curiosity led to catastrophe – an explosion that left him with burns on 100% of his body and a 1% chance of survival. Yet from those ashes rose an extraordinary story of resilience, purpose, and profound gratitude that now touches millions.

In this deeply moving conversation, John takes us beyond the headlines of his remarkable survival to explore the transformative lessons forged in fire. With raw vulnerability, he reveals how his mother's tough love – leaving him to figure out how to eat without fingers and insisting he continue piano lessons despite his amputations – wasn't cruelty but a profound gift that enabled his independence. "When we snowplow, when we mow down all the weeds, when we roll out the red carpet so our children can fall in line right behind us, we do so at a disservice," John explains. "Resistance is what makes your muscles strong and your life good."

Through poignant stories, John illuminates how ordinary people become extraordinary through simple acts of presence. He shares how an English teacher quietly graded papers in the hospital waiting room night after night, becoming his mother's greatest comfort not through profound words but through consistent presence. These "mundane heroes" remind us that sometimes the most powerful way to help isn't with perfect advice but by simply showing up.

Perhaps most powerful is John's perspective on finding gratitude within suffering, learned from his father who battled Parkinson's disease for decades yet maintained his joy. "My dad died well because he lived that way," John reflects. "He died in joy because he chose gratitude." This radical reframing of the question "why me?" – from anger to curiosity – offers a transformative path through our darkest valleys.

As John's remarkable journey comes to life in the upcoming film "Soul on Fire," his message transcends his personal story: our scars aren't weaknesses to hide but strengths to celebrate. "They are darkened when covered," he writes, "illuminated when exposed." What struggles might you transform by bringing them into the light?

SOUL ON FIRE MOVIE INFO:

https://soulonfiremovie.com/

LIVE INSPIRED POSCAST:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/live-inspired-podcast-with-john-oleary/id1166682012

GRAB A COPY OF JOHNS BOOKS: 

ON FIRE-

https://amzn.to/4nAn7iT

IN AWE-

https://amzn.to/46a56SF

FOLLOW JOHN ON SOCIAL: 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnoleary.inspires?igsh=MTEwZzluZmJlbmtybQ==

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/share/17FZhbdKJx/?mibextid=wwXIfr

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