Welcome to the Be Encouraged! Podcast, This is our first episode in the Chosen Series which is anchored on Ephesians 1:4 which says, “For he chose us in him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and blamless in love before him.”  

This means He chose us even knowing that as a believer or not, we would face hardships, fail, try again, and again, to have a relationship with God, even if life has it’s ups and downs or you’re somewhere in between. 

Today, I am so honored to introduce our special guest, Shalene Roberts, author of When Mothering Is Hard and No One Sees: Where Gritty Meets Glorious in God’s Eternal Plans for Moms.

Shalene is also the voice behind a beloved blog that has encouraged thousands of moms who are walking through the beautiful, messy, stretching, and often hidden realities of motherhood.

And today, she’s here to unpack what it means to be chosen in the hard, hidden seasons of life.

Because sometimes the very season that feels like it’s taking everything out of you is the season God is using to shape something eternal within you. Perhaps it will become your testimony of God’s goodness and faithfulness! 

Shalene is going to remind us that the hidden places are not wasted places. The hard days are not forgotten days. And motherhood, even when no one sees the sacrifice, the tears, the faithfulness, or the grit, is still deeply seen by God.

I know this conversation is going to encourage you, inspire you, and spark something in you that may have felt dormant for a long time. My prayer is that it will ignite hope in your heart again and remind you that God is not finished with your story.

So, wherever you are today—whether you’re in the middle of a beautiful season, a brutally hard one, or somewhere in between—take a deep breath, lean in, — grab your cup of coffee/tea, get on your walk or run/ and wherever you are let’s be encouraged.

--- Jackie 

Resources: 

• Learn more about Shalene Roberts by clicking here! 

• Download the You Version Bible App and check out her 7-day FREE devotional reading plan based on her new book, “When Mothering is Hard and No One Sees”. https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/70045

• Order “When Mothering is Hard and No One Sees” by Shalene Roberts https://a.co/d/0eybxQxz 

• Follow on social media 

• Instagram: @shalenerobertsblog

Enjoyed this episode!?

Share it on Instagram and tag @be_encouraged_podcast,  send your friend a text with the link to the podcast, or write a raving review on Apple Podcast or Spotify to encourage more people, just like you! :) 

Bible Reflections: 

Ephesians 1 and 2

Psalm 139

Heyyy there Encouragers! I hope you’ve loved journeying through the Achieve Series with us—because we’ve officially reached the FINAL episode! 🎉

Before we wrap, here’s a quick recap of where we’ve been:
We started with learning how to trade perfection for peace, moved into living intentionally with the time God has given us, and were reminded to keep Jesus at the center of every decision. Along the way, we leaned into obedience in the small moments, embraced humility over pride, and found hope in life’s setbacks—trusting God to turn them into setups. And most recently, we were encouraged to get up, go, and do the next thing God is calling us to.

Now for Episode 8… the grand finale!
Shellie Tomlinson brings this entire series home by pointing us to one of the most powerful ways we achieve anything good—from God and for God: prayer.

Prayer isn’t just a box to check—it’s our lifeline. It’s how we stay connected to God, grounded in truth, and strengthened for everything we’re called to do. In this episode, Shellie beautifully simplifies prayer, helping us experience a deeper, richer, and more authentic relationship with God through it.

I pray you encounter God's steadfast love as you pray and turn your heart to God in all that you are achieving today!

So grab your coffee, head out for a walk or run, and get ready to Believe, Receive, and Achieve all that God has for you.

Be encouraged! 💛

Jackie

More Resources:

Click on the link below to learn more about Shellie Tomlinson or to preorder her book, "Don't Try to Pray Like Her"

https://belleofallthingssouthern.com/

Bible Verses:

Psalm 129, Psalm 118:1-29

Social Media

Follow the Be Encouraged! Podcast on Instagram

@be_encouraged_podcast

Welcome to the Be Encouraged! Podcast!
This is Season 4, Episode 7 in the Achieve series.

Have you ever known you should do something—but didn’t want to?
Have you ever felt like running from the very thing you know you’re called to do?

Maybe you’ve grown comfortable in your current season, yet you feel a gentle tug on your heart—God prompting you to step out and do what He’s been stirring in you.

I’ve been there too—trying to hide, relying on my own strength, my own timing, and my own way. And honestly, that never works out well for me either.

Recently, God placed it on my heart to read the book of Jonah. He didn’t feel like doing what God asked him to do either. But even then, God was faithful—to redirect him, prepare hearts, and make a way to still use him.

If that sounds like you, I believe this episode will encourage you as you pursue all that God is calling you to do—both in the small steps and the significant moments of life.

Press play—and be encouraged! :)

Jackie

Resources:

link to sermon from Micah Marshall on Jonah

Bible Devotions:

Read Jonah 1-4

Isaiah 40:23-30

Welcome to the BE ENCOURAGED! Podcast!  We are in Season 4 - the Achieve series and now you are listening to Episode 6 called: "Setback to Set Up."

If you’re walking through a setback right now — this is for you 🤍

A setback can feel like defeat.

A delay.

A door closing.

A hurdle.

An obstacle.

A retreat back to home base or square one.

A diagnosis.

A missed opportunity.

Or simply the weight of feeling “behind.”

In this week’s Setback or Setup episode, I share how one of my own unexpected setbacks — an injury that forced me to slow down — became the very place God grew my faith the most.

In the middle of sleepless nights and frustration, He met me. Not with instant healing — but with deeper intimacy. I learned who God is, who I am to Him, and the incredible importance of God's anchoring word in my life.

Through the honesty of Psalms, the endurance of Job, the faithfulness of Ruth, and the perseverance of Joseph, I was reminded:

God is not absent in your setback. He is active in it.

God is setting you up!

He is constant. He is not panicked, He is not surprised, He is not hurried to finish His divine work, because good plans take time!

The process to trust Him, maybe hard. That's true about life --- it can be hard. But I also know another truth about your life.

God loves you.

This episode will encourage you to: • See your disappointment through God’s lens • Lament honestly — and still trust • Believe that your setback is preparing your comeback. Receive hope anchored in the light of His word.

You are not behind. You are being prepared - refined - and are in the process of God reframing your setback to the BEST- set up! 

God is not finished with your "setback" to "set up" story🤍

Be encouraged!

Jackie

Bible readings that will encourage you for the week!

Psalm 34

Psalm 16

Psalm 46:10

John 1:1-5

Welcome back, Encouragers, to the Be Encouraged Podcast!

I’m so grateful you’re here for Season 4: The Achieve Series. 🎉

In today’s episode, I’m speaking to all of us who wrestle with discerning God’s voice, His way, and His plan over our own. Even with the best intentions, following the tune of “me” doesn’t always lead to God’s glory. In fact, it can lead to burnout, striving in the wrong direction, and falling into traps like gossip and comparison.

Daniel 4 and 5 highlight two different kings who have two very different outcomes. One king learns that a heart turned towards God is greater, than if they follow their own heart.

Time and time again, I’m reminded that there is no greater plan for my life than the one designed by Jesus.

My prayer is that this episode refocuses your heart and eyes on the One who knows you intimately, cares deeply about your life, and holds it all in His hands. May you be encouraged to walk in humility, surrender, and trust.

With love and encouragement,
Jackie

#BeEncouragedPodcast #Season4 #AchieveSeries #FaithOverFear #GodsPlan #WalkInHumility #TrustGod #ChristianPodcast #Surrender #PurposeDrivenLife #Daniel4&5

Welcome back to the Be Encouraged! Podcast! - ENCOURAGERS! 💛

This is episode 4 in Season 4 - in the Achieve Series! This one is extra special as we dive into the beauty of small beginnings and the power God's faithfulness in everyday moments.

I’ve been so encouraged by your messages about past episodes — from “New Age to New in Christ” to the BELIEVE & RECEIVE Series! I am hearing how you can't get enough!

Thank you so much!!

Hearing how these conversations are impacting your lives reminds me that this podcast will always be for the one who needs it-- on that one day, they chose to press play!

Today, we’re talking about the small, often overlooked moments — the motherhood tasks, the quiet obedience, the unseen work. The moments that don’t feel big… but shape us in the biggest ways. Perhaps you are going through a season right now, where you wonder ---- is this time wasted time? Do these small odd jobs have any purpose? Do the little things we do in motherhood seem to have a purpose?

If you are feeling that wave of discouragment ---- get ready --- because the amazing Lauren Gaines is here to encourage you onward!

Lauren is the author of Unshakeable Kids, host of Fully Immersed Podcast, and an inspiring voice equipping women in parenting and faith. She’s bringing encouragement and truth to help us embrace, not resent, the small moments God uses to grow us.

So grab your coffee, head out for that walk, and be encouraged. - Jackie

#BeEncouragedPodcast #ChristianPodcast #FaithInTheEveryday #ChristianWomen #PodcastForWomen

Learn more about Lauren Gaines :

Website

Follow on social media: @inspired.motherhood

Learn more about host: Jackie

Follow on social media: @be_encouraged_podcast

Welcome to the BE ENCOURAGED! Podcast! You’re listening to Season 4, Episode 3 in our Achieve Series. I’m so grateful you’re here today—and truly, I just love you all. Thank you for tuning in episode after episode and for sharing this podcast with the people you love. And a special thank-you for every review left on Apple Podcasts—it helps even more people be encouraged, just like you.

Is there something you’re believing God to help you achieve? Maybe much of what you’re hoping for is already happening—behind the scenes, in your prayers, and in the daily decisions you’re making. Whenever we set goals and step out in faith, challenges are sure to come.

Today’s guest is Bethany Marshall, joining us for Episode 3 of the Achieve Series. Bethany is an author, speaker, a member of PennDel’s Women’s Ministry Dream Team, Lead Director of the Daughters’ Conference, and Assistant Director of Refuge Youth Network—serving alongside her husband.

Bethany is passionate about building connections across generations and has a heart to see all of God’s daughters lifted up and empowered to reach their full potential.

In this episode, Bethany reminds us that persistence in pursuing God’s heart, consistency in abiding in His Word, and walking with expectation will draw us closer to what God desires to achieve through you.

This isn’t a self-help or self-improvement plan. This is a faith-centered, Jesus-centered conversation filled with practical wisdom, Scripture, and—yes—a whole heap of encouragement to help you move forward in the goals set before you.

Girl, this conversation had me excited to hope again—with expectancy! It will fire you up to finish your race with endurance.

So grab your cup of coffee, head out for your walk or run, and BE ENCOURAGED! 💛

Jackie

For more information about our guest speaker today:

Follow Bethany Marshall on Instagram @mrsbmarshall

Bible Devotions:

John 15

Welcome back to the BE ENCOURAGED! Podcast 

You are listening to the Achieve Series! Season 4 - Episode 2! I am your host - Jackie!

I appreciate you coming alongside and encouraging me with your DMs in Instagram World @ be_encouraged_podcast. You know this encouragement spreads when you share with a friend, tag the podcast in your stories, and most importantly, when you leave a positive review; more people get to be encouraged — just like YOU!  

So please, take 2 minutes and share this encouragement with your sister, mom, neighbor, roommate, or anyone you know! We share al the good stuff with the people we love — so thank you from the bottom of my heart for doing that here. 

Now, let’s talk about our guest speaker today. Kim Grant is well known for mentoring moms, building a community and a home you want to live in, as well as being the writer and speaker of Intentional Moms Course - which is made specifically for women who are journeying through motherhood and need practical tips and prayer to do all that God is calling them to do right now. 

In this episode, Kim and I discuss how valuable our time is! How we spend it is even more valuable. Being intentional to holding onto faith, achieving more through being still and listening to God, building routines that work, and analyzing life choices so that we don’t get burnt out. 

If you need a breath of fresh air, especially those of us journeying through motherhood, being an aunt, spiritual mother, or needing a reminder that the time we have here is ultimately God's. So the big question is: how can we honor God and glorify Him with our God-given time? 

Want to achieve more —maybe this is your encouragement that less is more! 

Get ready, encouragers, for a conversation that will fill your cup with encouragement! 

So grab your cup of coffee, get on your walk or run, and wherever you are —- BE ENCOURAGED! 

Jackie

Follow the link below for more information about Kim Grant

Click here

Welcome, Encouragers, to a NEW year and a BRAND NEW series on the Be Encouraged! Podcast. I’m your host, Jackie Brindle, and I am so excited to step into this next season with you as we begin the Achieve series.

Over the past seasons, we have listened to powerful testimonies, biblical truth, expert insight, and real, authentic life experiences—all pointing us toward deeper belief in who God is and who we are in Him. We’ve talked about receiving all that God has for us as we build a daily foundation of belief, keeping Jesus at the center of our journey. Each day, God offers us gifts to receive when our hearts remain anchored in Him.

Now, we turn our focus to the word “achieve.” Not achievement as the world defines it, but achieving God’s purposes for our lives. Achieve is a reminder to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus as we walk into the plans He has already purposed for us, just as Ephesians 1:11 tells us. This series is about living with intention, obedience, and trust—allowing God’s will to unfold in both everyday moments and milestone seasons.

Throughout the Achieve series, we’ll unpack meaningful conversations around what people have achieved, the obstacles that stand in the way, and how we can maintain an eternal perspective when life pulls us toward pressure, comparison, or control. We’ll talk honestly about what it looks like to fix our eyes on the One who formed us, guiding our steps with His purpose and peace.

Season 3, Episode 1 is all about peace over perfectionism. This is an obstacle I know all too well—sometimes facing it multiple times in a single day. That tension between not wanting to return to patterns we know don’t work, yet striving so hard to get everything just right, only to find ourselves circling the same mountain again. The lesson is often a hard one: controlling all the pieces never brings the peace we’re searching for.

I am so grateful to welcome Heather O’Brien to the show. Heather is a licensed minister with a heart for helping others heal with God—whether from anxiety, perfectionism, addiction, or any negative cycle that requires both heart work and holy work. You may already know her from her podcast, "Heal with God: Find God’s Peace by Hearing His Voice," read her book called, " Author of No Fear Allowed, Supernatural Weight Loss, & But How? A Cookbook for Christian Solutions", or through her coaching ministry. And if you don’t know her yet, she may soon become a familiar and trusted voice in your home.

Heather brings a wave of strong, gentle wisdom and encouragement to this conversation! Heather reminds us that peace is the goal, that “good” can sometimes truly be good enough, and that each of us can learn to hear God’s voice for ourselves. When we do, healing follows—and so does that deep, steady peace we all long for.

I can't promise it will happen overnight, but I can promise that God, who gives peace in the obstacles that aren't so perfect, will be with you!

I can't wait for you to listen and to achieve all that God has chosen and purposed you to do -today and every day!

Be encouraged!!

Jackie

-------

Learn more about our guest speaker by clicking the link below:

https://heatherobrien.net/

Follow on Social media Instagram: @healwithgodpodcast

Study Bible Verses for Episode 1:

Ephesians 1:11

Philippians 4:7

John 14:27

Welcome to the Be Encouraged Podcast! You are listening to Season 3 - The Receive Series, Episode 6 called, “Receive Blessings,” which closes out both our Receive series and the year 2025! I’ll be taking a short break before we dive into the final series, “Achieve.”

During this holiday season, we’ll receive all kinds of gifts. Some will be returned, regifted, forgotten, or used until they can’t be used anymore. But there is one gift that never fades, never runs out, and continually satisfies the soul.

You can’t return it. You don’t have to earn it. It’s given freely — and nothing compares to the blessings that flow from the gift of salvation in Christ.

As you move through this season, I encourage you to hold that truth close. Even after many years of walking with Christ, I still can’t fully grasp the depths of this gift. Day by day, year by year, I’m learning and growing. I hope this episode encourages you to step into the next level of your faith journey — and if you’re new to faith, that it helps you understand just how precious this gift truly is.

Be encouraged to receive all the blessings God has in store for you: grace, mercy, love, belonging, provision, and peace that surpasses understanding. 

Nothing compares to the gift of our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ.

Be encouraged!

Jackie

Follow on Instagram:

@be_encouraged_podcast

DM me and tell me what stuck with you! OR write a raving review on Apple Podcast so that more people can be encouraged just like you! --- THANK YOU!

Verses to mentioned and to study:

Psalm 62:1

Ephesians 1:9-23

Colossians 1: 9-11 (keep going if you'd like --- it's all so GOOD!)