Dear Daughters

The start of healing is embracing it is a process and experiencing God through that process. We get to participate with God in writing a new story. He is the author of all our healing.

Aundi Kolber grew up walking on eggshells and white-knuckling her way through life. She never imagined as a twenty-year-old that she would be the person she is now … free, healthy, healing.

Aundi is a new author and seasoned licensed professional counselor (MA, LPC) in Castle Rock, CO. She specializes in trauma and body-centered therapy and is passionate about the integration of faith and psychology.

Her first book, Try Softer: A Fresh Approach to Move Us Out of Anxiety, Stress, and Survival Mode—and into a Life of Connection and Joy, helps equip people like you and me to stop pushing through feelings and start understanding and processing emotions in healthy ways.

In her own words, Aundi says these four things about herself:

1. "I'm only 5'4″ but I played college basketball and I'm still the leading scorer at my high school and was actually inducted into the hall of fame this past February."
2. "I have the weirdest and goofiest nicknames for my kids."
3. "I absolutely love water. I grew up right next to the Pacific Ocean."
4. "I love Disney stuff. I never thought I would be a Disney Mom."

Today, Aundi and I talk about how God designed our bodies and minds to work together to process our stories and work through obstacles, and the importance of what she calls "paying compassionate attention" to all parts of ourselves: body, mind, and soul. I am so thankful for my time with Aundi. I think our conversation will help encourage you in your own process of healing … and maybe even help you start it.

• Aundi's Website
• Aundi's book: Try Softer
• Aundi's Instagram
• Stop by my church Austin Christian Fellowship if you're in Austin
• Wind River Healing Warriors Ministry Scholarship Info
• Learn more about Wind River Family Camp and book your trip for this summer!
• The Grace Guide: Live Your One Beautiful Life
• Want to find a mentor? Sign up here for The Mentor Map here.
• Music by Sara Davis Regan
• Keep in the know: Sign up for my newsletter here!

• Coffee & Conversation with Melanie Shankle
• Here's the info on Soul Care Saturday!!

Find my book, Dear Daughters: Love Letters to the Next Generation here!

Your God-given identity is the truest thing about you. No matter your past, God has a new name for you. It's deeply personal and it's beautiful, better than any name you could choose for yourself. What is it?

Esther Fleece Allen hid a deep, dark, painful past and lived out so much trauma. God was the only constant in her life…so she hung on to Him and lives out her new name.

Esther is an author, speaker, millennial leader, and Founder & CEO of L&L Consulting, Inc., where she helps Christian ministries develop innovative strategies for sustainability, development, outreach, and marketing. She also is a graduate of the Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics Business Program, has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communications from Oakland University, and is currently in Seminary studying Women's Leadership.

In her own words, she says these four things about herself:

1. "I'm probably more serious than I should be. I really do study the Bible in my free time. I really do love it."
2. "I have laugh attacks. I just can't stop."
3. "I love shopping. I feel the Lord when I shop."
4. "I love mountain climbing. I love hiking. I've climbed several 14ers."

Today, Esther and I talk about her story and how God meets in us in lament, and the freedom we can have living out the name God gives us. I think you'll be smiling through tears just like me, as you hear stories from her beautiful life. I'm so grateful for my conversation with Esther, and I know you'll find encouragement and freedom from her message.

• Esther's Website
• Esther's new book: Your New Name: Saying Goodbye to the Labels That Limit
• Her first book: No More Faking Fine: Ending the Pretending
• Want to find a mentor? Sign up here for The Mentor Map here.
• Stop by my church Austin Christian Fellowship if you're in Austin
• Wind River Ministry getaway info
• Learn more about Wind River Family Camp and book your trip for this summer!
• The Grace Guide: Live Your One Beautiful Life
• Music by Sara Davis Regan
• Keep in the know: Sign up for my newsletter here!

• Coffee & Conversation with Melanie Shankle
• Here's the info on Soul Care Saturday!!

Find my newest book, Dear Daughters: Love Letters to the Next Generation here!

Dear Daughters is a template for those multi-generational conversations and relationships you're craving.

Who are you comparing yourself to and what kind of heartache is it creating in your life?

Richella Parham is a spiritual mama with all kinds of hard-earned wisdom on learning how to be free from the comparison trap that wrecks so many lives.

Richella is an author, on the Board of Directors at Renovaré and is a member of Redbud Writers Guild.

In her own words, she had these four things to say about herself:

1. "I am one of three sisters. And I have three sons."
2. "I am a military trivia/history nerd."
3. "My oldest son is a naval aviator."
4. "My home is neat but my desk is a mess and my closet is a catastrophe."

Today, Richella and I talk about finding freedom from constant comparison in real and practical ways based on her new book, Mythical Me. I think you'll be challenged and encouraged by her wisdom.

• Discover more about Austin Christian Fellowship
• Wind River Ministry Getaway Info
• Wind River Family Camp
• Richella's Website
• Her new book, Mythical Me: Finding Freedom from Constant Comparison
• The Art of Divine Contentment by Thomas Watson
• The Power of Habits by Charles Duhigg
• The Grace Guide: Live Your One Beautiful Life
• Music by Sara Davis Regan
• Keep in the know: Sign up for my newsletter here!

• Here's the info on Soul Care Saturday!!
• Coffee & Conversation with Melanie Shankle
• Want to find a mentor? Sign up here for The Mentor Map here.

Find my newest book, Dear Daughters: Love Letters to the Next Generation here!

"I've done something terrible."

Becky Powell faced the unthinkable on May 16, 2013, when her husband Mark called and confessed he'd done something awful. Within hours, she learned that he had taken his own life and, over a period of several years, millions of dollars from friends and colleagues. Everything she believed to be true, the very fiber of her marriage, was called into question.

Within a week, rather than planning carpool runs and volunteer fundraisers, she owed almost one hundred creditors millions of dollars and had her own team of ten lawyers. She was also the subject of open FBI, SEC and DOJ investigations-and faced potential criminal charges. And, although she instantly denounced every cent of Mark's $15M in life insurance and promised to repay every penny taken, her lawyers knew that in reality she faced years of court battles and lawsuits, and possible jail time.

Yet from that first horrific moment, God was there. He showed up in his Word, in Becky's friends, in her lawyers and in the generosity of those around her. He worked miracles. MSNBC, the Wall Street Journal, Forbes and others covered the first moment, but what about the last? What about the story in which God gives your next breath because you can't find it on your own? What about the story of a mom and three kids trying to make sense of their pasts, present and future while living under a microscope?

Awful Beautiful Life is Becky's journey through the two years surrounding Mark's death and how she overcame. It came down to a loving God who surrounded her, a present and dedicated family, and friends, who made her life, offered her sanctuary and showed up for her and her kids in tangible ways. This is a story of remarkable grit, strength and what the Body of Christ in action looks like.

I'm excited for you to meet my friend, Becky, and hear her story.

• Join the weekly-ish newsletter! That's where you'll hear first about events / gatherings plus get a short encouraging note from me.
• Want to find a mentor? Sign up here for The Mentor Map here.
• Stop by my church if you're in Austin at Austin Christian Fellowship
• Join the waitlist for Soul Care Weekend next Spring in Austin!

Find my newest book, Dear Daughters: Love Letters to the Next Generation here!

Dear Daughters is a template for those multi-generational conversations and relationships you're craving.

Dear Daughters is meant to be a bridge between two groups of women–dear daughters and spiritual mamas. Dear daughters are young women in search of spiritual guidance and spiritual mamas are women just a little further down the road with age-old wisdom to share. Each group has valuable insight for the other and the hope is that the reader will invite someone to come alongside them, pore over the included letters together, and pass along wisdom and advice that will make both lives more beautiful, wherever they are in their God story.

Do you need some rest for your weary soul? Taking time for yourself, even a few days, can make a big difference in your life. Find the clarity you're looking for and the rest your soul craves. Reclaim your God-given vision and live your one beautiful life!⁠

Last weekend, I hosted a dozen women in my home for the very first Soul Care Weekend. You might think, "Yes, I need rest for my soul … but what exactly does Soul Care Weekend look like?" Good news, Maddie Dyess is here today to talk about what SCW did for her as a busy college student – and what it can do for you.

We talk about what soul care looks like in a practical way and Maddie talks vulnerably about how Soul Care Weekend helped her and her mom connect in a deeper way.

Here are four interesting things about Maddie:

1. "I'm a college student at Ole Miss."
2. "I'm the oldest of four siblings."
3. "I like flowers and taking care of plants."
4. "I'm in a sorority and that's a big part of my life."

I know you'll love meeting Maddie and you'll be so encouraged by our conversation.

• Join the weekly-ish newsletter! That's where you'll hear first about events / gatherings plus get a short encouraging note from me.
• Want to find a mentor? Sign up here for The Mentor Map here.
• Stop by my church if you're in Austin at Austin Christian Fellowship
• Join me for Coffee & Conversation with Becky Powell – just ONE spot left!
• Join the waitlist for Soul Care Weekend next Spring in Austin!

Throughout our busy and distracted days we hear so many different voices. What would happen if we slowed down, and listened to what God is saying to us?

Leighton Ford describes himself as an "artist of the soul and a friend on the journey."

Leighton is an author, evangelist, mentor to emerging Christian leaders across the world, President of Leighton Ford Ministries, and in his own words, these four things:

1. "I have a very long name."
2. "I have very long legs."
3. "I've lived a very long life."
4. "We haven't known each other for very long."

Today, Leighton and I talk about his passion for mentoring and his new book "A Life of Listening: Discerning God's Voice and Discovering Our Own". I think you'll be smiling through tears just like me, as you hear stories from his beautiful life. I'm so thankful for my conversation with Leighton, and I know you'll be so encouraged by his message.

• Leighton's Website
• Leighton Ford Ministries Whole Life Mentoring
• His New Book A Life of Listening: Discerning God's Voice and Discovering Our Own
• Want to find a mentor? Sign up here for The Mentor Map here.
• Stop by my church if you're in Austin at Austin Christian Fellowship
• Join me for Coffee & Conversation with Becky Powell – just ONE spot left!
• Join the waitlist for Soul Care Weekend at my home next Spring in Austin!

Find my newest book, Dear Daughters: Love Letters to the Next Generation here!

Dear Daughters is a template for those multi-generational conversations and relationships you're craving.

Dear Daughters is meant to be a bridge between two groups of women–dear daughters and spiritual mamas. Dear daughters are young women in search of spiritual guidance and spiritual mamas are women just a little further down the road with age-old wisdom to share. Each group has valuable insight for the other and the hope is that the reader will invite someone to come alongside them, pore over the included letters together, and pass along wisdom and advice that will make both lives more beautiful, wherever they are in their God story.

This book, ideal for a gift, is a casebound hardcover with ribbon.

Are there wounds or losses from your past that seem too big or too complicated to be healed? Are there difficult people in your life that continue to create drama and pain? What if healing could be possible?

Sarah Mae's passion is to encourage women to walk in healing and freedom, even when the wounds are still open.

Sarah Mae is a mom, teacher, author, podcaster, and in her own words, these four things:

1. "I can tie my hair in a knot with one hand."
2. "I have a motorcycle license."
3. "I was never the cool girl."
4. "I have two puppies – a yellow lab and an elkhound husky."

Today, Sarah and I talk about her newest book, The Complicated Heart: Loving Even When It Hurts. Sarah shares her story of learning to love and forgive her alcoholic mother, and her journey of healing and grieving the wounds from her childhood.

• Sarah's Website
• Her New Book The Complicated Heart: Loving Even When It Hurts
• The Complicated Heart Podcast
• Sarah's book: Having a Martha Home the Mary Way: 31 Days to a Clean House and a Satisfied Soul
• Sarah's Facebook post: Eve Didn't Have a Mother
• Sarah's blog post: Women, Let's Get To It (On Mentoring in the Church)
• Boundaries by Henry Cloud and John Townsend
• Follow her wood-working husband on Instagram!
• Want to find a mentor? Sign up here for The Mentor Map here.
• My church: Austin Christian Fellowship
• Speaking of rest and renewal, there is ONE spot left for Soul Care Weekend at my home October 18-19th in Austin!

Find my newest book, Dear Daughters: Love Letters to the Next Generation here!

Do you feel like it's a struggle sometimes to see God in the everyday, ordinary moments? How could we be transformed if we took a breath of fresh air and lingered a little longer in the Scriptures?

Ruth Chou Simons shares her journey of God's grace intersecting daily life with word and paintbrush. Ruth and her husband, Troy, are grateful parents to six boys—their greatest adventure.

Ruth is a mom, artist, author, speaker, and entrepreneur and in her own words, these four things:

1. "I was born in Taiwan and immigrated to the U.S. when I was three years old. So, English is my second language (Mandarin is my first language)."
2. "I was a biochemistry major before I studied art."
3. "I never intended on having six children, and I never thought I could be a mom to boys."
4. "I love all weird and ethnic food. I love to try any food – the strangest food possible."

Today, Ruth and I talk about the importance of community and doing life together. Ruth also shares how we can find beauty in the everyday moments, and the ways we can worship and experience God, even as we do such tasks like folding laundry!

• Ruth's website
• Ruth's new book: Becoming and Beholding: The Art of Everyday Worship
• Ruth's Shoppe: Gracelaced
• Ruth's blog post: "Advice I Would Have Given Myself 16 Years Ago"
• Book-signing at Fabled Bookshop & Cafe in Waco, TX, November 1
• Book-signing at Barnes and Noble in Austin, TX, November 2
• Find Ruth on Instagram
• Want to find a mentor? Sign up here for The Mentor Map here.
• My church: Austin Christian Fellowship
• Here is the info on Soul Care Weekend at my home October 18-19th in Austin! There are just a few spots left.

Find my newest book, Dear Daughters: Love Letters to the Next Generation here!

What do you do when fatigue or discouragement creeps in your life? Or what about when anxiety hits? How do you find and sustain emotional, relational and spiritual health?

An old soul with a contemporary, honest voice, Rebekah Lyons revealed some of her own battles to overcome anxiety and depression—and invites us to discover and boldly pursue own God-given purpose from a place of freedom.

Rebekah Lyons is a mom, teacher, author and in her own words, these four things:

1. "I LOVE starting the day with a walk outside."
2. "I have been on a journey working on my energy level for the last couple of years."
3. "I don't really watch TV."
4. "I grew up in Florida, St. Petersburg, and I love going to the beach."

Today, we're talking about her latest book, Rhythms of Renewal: Trading Stress and Anxiety for a Life of Peace and Purpose. Rebekah vulnerably shares how she purposefully took time to seek rest and respite in her professional and personal life. I just loved my time with her, and I know you will love her too!

• Rebekah's Website
• Her New Book Rhythms of Renewal: Trading Stress and Anxiety for a Life of Peace and Purpose and she also has a Study Guide.
• The Body Keeps Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma
• Parker Palmer's Let Your Life Speak: Listening for the Voice of Vocation
• Viktor Frankl's Man's Search for Meaning
• New music on the podcast via my own daughter, Sara Regan Davis.
• Want to find a mentor? Sign up here for The Mentor Map here.
• My church: Austin Christian Fellowship
• Speaking of rest and renewal, join me for Soul Care Weekend at my home October 18-19th in Austin!

Find my newest book, Dear Daughters: Love Letters to the Next Generation here!

Dear Daughters is meant to be a bridge between two groups of women–dear daughters and spiritual mamas. Dear daughters are young women in search of spiritual guidance and spiritual mamas are women just a little further down the road with age-old wisdom to share. Each group has valuable insight for the other and the hope is that the reader will invite someone to come alongside them, pore over the included letters together, and pass along wisdom and advice that will make both lives more beautiful, wherever they are in their God story.

This book, ideal for a gift, is a casebound hardcover with ribbon.

We are called to do everything to the glory of Christ, including friendship.

Meet Kelly Needham. She's a mom, author and in her own words, these four things:

1. "I'm a classically trained violinist and that's how my husband and I met."
2. "I love jigsaw puzzles."
3. "We had a jigsaw puzzle table growing up – and I have one in my home today."
4. "I love making Indian food."

Her short online bio reads like this: Kelly Needham is an author, speaker, and blogger and hopes to convince as many people as possible that nothing compares to knowing Jesus.

Today, we're also talking about her latest book, Friendish. I'm grateful for Kelly's insightful words and encouragement to make our friendships God-honoring relationships. I'm sure you will feel grateful too!

• Kelly's website here.
• Her new book, Friendish: Reclaiming Real Friendship in a Culture of Confusion.
• The interview with my daughter, Emily Boone.
• New music on the podcast via my own daughter, Sara Regan Davis
• Want to find a mentor? Sign up here for The Mentor Map here.
• My church: Austin Christian Fellowship
• Now here is the info on Soul Care Weekend at my home October 18-19th in Austin! There are just a few spots left.

Find my newest book, Dear Daughters: Love Letters to the Next Generation here!

Dear Daughters is a template for those multi-generational conversations and relationships you're craving.

Dear Daughters is meant to be a bridge between two groups of women–dear daughters and spiritual mamas. Dear daughters are young women in search of spiritual guidance and spiritual mamas are women just a little further down the road with age-old wisdom to share. Each group has valuable insight for the other and the hope is that the reader will invite someone to come alongside them, pore over the included letters together, and pass along wisdom and advice that will make both lives more beautiful, wherever they are in their God story.

This book, ideal for a gift, is a casebound hardcover with ribbon.