Constantly Under Construction with Donna Harris

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Episode 68 is going to open your eyes to the beauty that is already in front of you. You'll learn a new term, Placmaking, as a way to embrace beauty, even in the middle of mess. Christie Purifoy, the author of Placemaker, invites you to use the places and spaces of your life as a way of connection with God. You'll be surprised to learn that Placemaking might call you to buy all new pillows for your living room or build a flower garden that you insisted was frivolous….but it certainly never requires it. Peacemaking is a method that will bring you closer to discovering yourself and loving others by enjoying the beauty of life that God provides. My time with Christie was filled thoughts on cultivating our spaces so that they can teach us…and we can love others in that process. Friends, I invite you to grab a copy of Placemaker for yourself or as a gift for someone who enjoys the lyrical pacing of being swept away on a journey of loving and learning about the beauty around them. Christie's Website http://www.christiepurifoy.com Buy the Book, Placemaker https://www.amazon.com/Placemaker-Cultivating-Places-Comfort-Beauty/dp/031035224X Christie's Instagram https://www.instagram.com/christiepurifoy/ MapleHurst Gardens: https://www.instagram.com/maplehurstgardens/

Episode 67 will remind you why laughing through hard times is beneficial. My guest Melanie Dale is an author and podcaster that takes the hard things seriously but with a spin of approachable, quirky humor that makes her so relatable. She wrote a book called Infreakinfertiltiiy: It's a survival guide for those attempting pregnancy with a ton of Melanie's real-life experiences from her own infertility journey. Melanie and I had fun talking about a variety of things that will amuse you and make you think : From sex in your 40s to Nerdy TV shows and Books, and finally Melanie's one weird trick she does to connect with Jesus. I hope you'll enjoy our conversation. You can find all things Melanie Dale on her website: Connect with Melanie on Instagram: Buy her newest book Infreakinfertiliy: Fun Stuff to Share - Link to her Middle Aged Sexy time post: Neil Gaiman Books:

Episode 66 will leave you feeling like you've just wrapped yourself in your favorite cozy blanket and settled down for some peaceful 'me' time.

Kaitlin Wernet is a professional writer and editor which is why I love hearing her geek-out about the oxford comma! We share an intrigue toward Taylor Swift's many transformations and we both love Gilmore Girls. My favorite thing about Kaitlin is her desire to abide in honest thoughts, even when they are hard. She and I share a specific loss: We've both lost our brothers. While we are similar in losses, we agree that the grief is unique and our relationship to God is special and intimate. This special place that God has shown up in Kaitlin's life created words of Comfort through her new book, The book of comforts. You'll enjoy Kaitlin's sweet voice as she walks us through the depths of God's goodness and promises, even when things are difficult. It is a joy to hear from Kaitlin. My takeaway was how she was basically saved during her lowest moments by being at a job that forced her to read God's word everyday. It really reminds me that the Bible is our lifeline. Go to the show notes to connect with Kaitlin and purchase The Book of Comforts. Give it as a gift to a friend or an opportunity to practice a bit of self-love when you're in need of His comfort.

Justine Froelker is a powerhouse that stares down grief in the face, says thank you, while simultaneously hanging onto hope. She suffered through the heart-wrenching fate of infertility and her encouraging story isn't one that looks like most. She wants to empower you to reject shame and encourage you to thrive EVEN when life doesn't turn out how you hope, dream, or plan. Friends, I just love Justine's rawness and authenticity. Go to the show notes at constantly under construction dot com to find While you're still listening, can I ask a quick favor? If you listen on your phone in Apple Podcasts, I would love it if you'd scroll down to the reviews section of the podcast and click on the stars to rate it. This is a tremendous help in getting the word out about the podcast and it costs absolutely nothing!

Before she curated successful magazines for women, Angie was a woman in desperate need of freedom. Caught in the crossfire of two dysfunctional relationships, Angie didn't know her self-worth and was repeatedly told how to think, feel, or behave. Her church did not encourage healthy behavior and relationships and her marriage was a prison of being controlled and emotionally abused. Her deliverance from an abusive mindset began when Angie launched her magazine. Angelia walks us through the miraculous journey of launching her magazine from literally nothing. God was near each and every moment as opportunities to start the magazine unfolded quickly and successfully. Her small steps of faith boosted her self-confidence and showed her that He had great things in store for her life. We'll also dive into culture and race (in and outside of the church) and how these issues were tied to Angelia's abuse. Where she was once taught to be strong through the pain and handle difficult times silently, Angelia broke free from isolation by finding freedom in meeting women who were free. These women of the Lord spoke truth into her life and gave her the confidence to walk away from a flawed mindset and controlling people. Get encouraged when you hear how God proved bigger than any opposition. No individual that desired their own power or control over Angelia could match up to the All encompassing power of our Creator.

Episode 63 is full of hope from brokenness but also encouragement on ministry and mission no matter where you live in the world!

Friends, I'm super excited for you to meet my guest Rachel Linden - she's an author with a world of experiences. One includes working in Budapest with women who are victims of sex trafficking. As an author, Rachel's fictional stories are purposeful and thoughtful. She weaves together wonderfully captivating stories of hope and courage that are based off of her own experiences; her miscarriage, her travels around the world and human trafficking. We discuss the conviction that every hurting person is valid and deserves the dignity of healing… no matter what social status or living situation. Rachel recounts her own trauma when she was molested by a childhood friend. She has great advice for anyone who is stuck in the middle of healing from a horrific experience. It's what makes her so great at ministering to women and children that are victims of sex trafficking.

We talk about Rachel's learning and unlearning about doctrine and theology. Her revelation in learning that ministry and secular living can go hand in hand: How it can be a simple but compelling way to live out the gospel freely. It was her miscarriage that kickstarted her unlearning of fear in her relationship with God. Find freedom in understanding that God isn't looking for a purely transactional relationship that is based only on fear but also out of willing dependence. As heavy as our time may seem, it was full of much hope and peace that Rachel has experienced throughout the journey. I am certain you'll walk away from our time together feeling this same peace, hope and freedom.

From the ability to love people near and far, to healing from brokenness, and seeing freedom in our practices of our faith and our relationship with God. Rachel's character's in her book aren't the only ones that exhibit courage, hope, and connection. Follow Rachel on Instagram

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Thank you so much for listening. Please be sure to subscribe to the podcast in Apple Podcasts or your podcast app. And let me know what you think of today's episode by connecting with me on Instagram!

Episode 62 with Jamie McLaughlin is one that will empower you!

Jaime McLaughlin is a seasoned and skilled makeup artist that took her career into a whole new arena by teaching moms about the application of make up and the importance of self-care. For a makeup junkie like me, the attraction to this subject was intense: How can we satisfy the idea that makeup isn't frivolous? I've wrestled with this for many years. You'll enjoy hearing from Jaime and her take on self-care and how we address this question.

Makeup or not, she's ready to equip you with what you need to show up and take on the day. When it comes to self care, it's more than just makeup but a mindset of honoring what God has given you to steward, from your body, your face, your mind, to your kids, your work, and your belongings. You're gonna love Jaime's focus on real, natural beauty that you can't replicate from a trendy unreachable youtube tutorial. And as Jaime shares some of her own personal struggles, you'll see that nothing is more beautiful than a heart for the Lord.

I hope you are just as fascinated with Jaime's take on jumpstarting your day with an element of self-care. I've got a special offer for you, friends! For listening to the podcast today, Jaime is offering a SPECIAL PRICE for her Complete Guide to Beauty. You'll get The Complete Guide to Beauty for nearly 25% off when you go the themachouseblog.com and enter CUC at checkout. This Complete Guide to beauty gives you all the recommended products, all the recommended tools, all the application techniques plus an online community filled with beauty tips and bonuses. Enter CUC at checkout when you go the themachouseblog.com to order the The Complete Guide to Beauty.

Follow Jaime on Instagram

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Thank you so much for listening. Please be sure to subscribe to the podcast in Apple Podcasts or your podcast app. And let me know what you think of today's episode by connecting with me on Instagram!

If you caught last week's episode with Teeba, you'll love hearing from Barbara Marlowe, Teeba's "American Mom".

On today's episode, you'll be intrigued to hear how a woman in her 50's became a first-time mother to a 4-year-old Iraqi burn victim. Barbara Marlowe was a woman who had given up the hope of ever becoming a mother until one day a deep and instant connection happened with a girl across the globe. Teeba Furat Fadhil whose face hands and head were severely burned during a roadside bombing, had her photo featured in a US newspaper. When Barbara saw the soulful eyes of Teeba's, her life was forever changed. Learn of all the times that Barbara experienced supernatural events that she can only describe as "God moments" since Teeba has joined her family. Friends, have you had times in your life that you just cannot deny are God moments? It's so important to cherish those as reminders that our God is living and active in our lives TODAY. I also loved Barbara's thoughts on God's perfect timing in her life. I encourage you to find thankfulness in your current situation. Just like Barbara, you never know what God could be preparing you for…it could be to fulfill the desires of your heart in a way you never imagined. Continue to hope, continue to trust and remain steadfast. He is with you. You'll want grab a copy of Barbara and Teeba's book, a brave face. Written with material from Teeba, her Iraqi mom Dunya and Barbara, you'll enjoy this inspirational story. It's filled with all the details of how they connected, it travels through the refining moments of marrying two cultures and two families together and it's a story of hope and sacrificial love. Order Barbara and Teeba's Book, A Brave Face Thank you so much for listening. Please be sure to subscribe to the podcast in Apple Podcasts or your podcast app. And let me know what you think of today's episode by connecting with me on Instagram! *Constantly Under Construction has affiliate recommendations in the show notes and blog and on the podcast.

When she wasn't even 2 years old, Teeba was a victim of a roadside car bombing that took place in the Diyala Province of Iraq. Teeba recounts the events of the bombing that disfigured her face, head, hands and legs and took her brother's life. This incredible story begins in Iraq but travels to the United States when a woman, Barbara Marlowe, was captivated by Teeba's story and photograph in the newspaper. Wanting to supply a wig for Teeba, events quickly escalated and soon Barbara welcomed Teeba into her family.

In my time with Teeba, you'll learn of her perseverance through the hard times in Iraq, her family's insistence to do whatever it took to help Teeba gain a functional life, and the love between two families of two different cultures that surpasses ignorance and prejudice. Teeba's story is inspiring as it is educational. I can't wait for you to hear from this insanely intelligent and mature 16 year old about the incredible lessons that life has given to her. Pre-Order Teeba's Book, A Brave Face Thank you so much for listening. Please be sure to subscribe to the podcast in Apple Podcasts or your podcast app. And let me know what you think of today's episode by connecting with me on Instagram!