It’s hard to believe we’ve reached 40 episodes of Everything Made Beautiful. This one feels different—because it is.

In today’s episode, I’m sharing a personal update and reflecting on what it looks like to intentionally press pause. Lately, the Lord has been inviting me to slow down, to be fully present for the season I’m in, and to make space for rest, reflection, and renewal.

I talk about the significance of the numbers 7 and 40 in scripture, why I’m stepping back from the podcast for a little while, and how I’m leaning into a quieter rhythm—both for my family and for my soul. I also share where I’ll still be writing during this time and how you can stay connected.

This isn’t goodbye—it’s just a sacred pause. And maybe, just maybe, it’s an invitation for you too.

If you’ve been feeling the pull to breathe, recalibrate, or listen for God’s leading in a noisy world, I hope this episode encourages you to do just that.

Let’s embrace intentional presence together.

In this episode of Everything Made Beautiful, I had the absolute joy of sitting down with author, speaker, and all-around kindred spirit, Rebecca George. From the moment I picked up her book Do the Thing, I knew we shared the same heartbeat for helping women discern God’s calling and walk it out with bold, gospel-centered obedience.

Rebecca shares how her life mission—to leave people better than she found them and help them know Jesus more fully—shapes every part of her ministry. We talk about her newest book You're Not Too Late (and the surprising backstory behind that powerful title), what it looks like to pursue our God-given callings without shame or hesitation, and how to navigate the “meanwhile” seasons of life—those liminal spaces of waiting, longing, and not-yet.

We also explore how unmet desires can either drive us to resentment or draw us closer to God, and how things like envy and comparison often creep in when we’re longing for what we see others receive. Rebecca offers practical wisdom on pre-deciding how we’ll respond in those moments, and we even talk about the necessity of “chill hours”—those hard, cold seasons that actually prepare us to bear fruit.

Whether you’re just starting to sense a nudge from God or you’ve been sitting on a dream for years, this episode is for you. It’s a tender, hope-filled conversation about obedience, timing, and the truth that you are not too late for the good works God prepared in advance for you.

Rebecca's Books

• (NEW!) You're Not Too Late: Trusting God's Timing in a Hurry-Up World
• Before Dawn: Knowing God's Presence in the Dark Seasons of Life
• Do the Thing: Gospel-Centered Goals, Gumption, and Grace for the Go-Getter Girl
• Prepare Him Room: Radical Radiance Interactive Advent Devotional
• Passionate Prayer: Radical Radiance Podcast Companion Guide

Connect with Rebecca:

Speaking

Creative Business Coaching

Camp for Creatives

Listen to Radical Radiance on Apple Podcasts

Listen to Radical Radiance on Spotify

Take the FREE Waiting Personality Quiz

Take the Why are you stuck in your calling? Quiz

Friend, if you’ve ever felt like your story was too broken, too messy, or too far gone to be made whole again—this episode is for you.

I had the absolute joy of sitting down with my friend Meshali Mitchell, a gifted photographer, writer, and storyteller whose heart beats with hope and healing. Her book Restored: Partnering With God In Transforming Our Broken Places is more than just a story about renovating an old Texas farmhouse—it’s about the slow, sacred, sometimes painful process of partnering with God as He restores what’s been lost, broken, or buried deep within us.

Meshali shares so honestly about the wounds she carried from childhood, the fear and perfectionism that shaped her early years, and the lies she once believed about herself and her story. But she also shares how God, in His kindness, began to rebuild her life piece by piece—teaching her that restoration isn’t just possible, it’s promised.

This conversation felt like balm to my own soul, and I pray it will feel the same for you. So wherever you are—driving, walking, folding laundry, or curled up on the couch—I hope you’ll join us. Because restoration is real. It’s happening. And yes, it’s for you too.

Meshali's Website: https://www.meshali.co/
Meshali's Book: https://www.meshali.co/restored
Meshali's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meshali/

In this episode of Everything Made Beautiful, I sit down with my longtime friend, David Nasser — a powerful communicator, gifted evangelist, and someone whose personal journey has impacted thousands. David shares his compelling story of fleeing Iran as a child, finding faith in Jesus at 18, and discovering that pastoring wasn't just a profession, but a natural extension of who he is.

We talk about what it means to live on mission, no matter your vocation, and the importance of embracing how God uniquely hardwires each of us for Kingdom work. David reflects on his years leading the world’s largest collegiate ministry and how young adults are uniquely positioned to discover their calling.

We also dive into the brand-new From Grief to Glory Holy Week video series we recorded together with QAVA — a journey through the final days of Jesus' life, one day at a time. David shares what surprised him most as he revisited these familiar stories, how his personal grief brought new depth to Silent Saturday, and why we can't afford to skip over the harder moments on our way to resurrection.

This conversation is real, rich, and rooted in the reminder that we are resurrection people — not just on Easter Sunday, but every day. I can’t wait for you to hear it.

David's Website: https://www.davidnasser.com/
David's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidnasser/
David's Resources: https://www.davidnasser.com/#books
From Grief to Glory Holy Week Series: https://qava.tv/from-grief-to-glory-david-nasser/

In this episode, Maggie and Ali take over the podcast to kick off something new—our very first “Surprise Guest” episode—and they couldn’t have picked a more perfect guest than our dear friend (and ride-or-die) Kasey Ridling.

Kasey has been part of our family for 15 years. From helping build a children’s ministry from the ground up to Braves games and breakups, she’s been right in the middle of it all with us. She’s not just someone we know—she’s family.

In this episode, we talk about:

• How Kasey became such a pivotal part of our lives
• Her honest and beautiful reflections on singleness and the church
• What teenage girls are really struggling with (and what moms need to hear)
• Why social media is shaping—and shaking—the next generation
• The deep grief of losing her mom, and how God is still making that part of her story beautiful

We also laugh a lot. (Like, a lot.) And if you're a Braves fan, you’ll want to hear the story of the once-in-a-lifetime night we got to watch a World Series grand slam in person. Pure magic.

Kasey is one of the most thoughtful, wise, and hilarious people I know, and I’m so glad she’s part of my girls' lives—and mine. Whether you're a mama, a mentor, or navigating your own season of waiting, I think you’ll find something special in this conversation.

In this episode, I sit down with my 22-year-old daughter Maggie to talk about something so many of us have experienced—heartbreak. Maggie recently walked through her first serious breakup, and we had an honest, emotional, and surprisingly hopeful conversation about what that process looked like for her.

We talk about why Jeffrey and I chose to hold off on dating during our kids’ high school years, what Maggie learned as she navigated her first relationship as a young adult, and how deeply painful and disorienting it was when it ended. Maggie shares how she processed the grief (spoiler: video diaries and lots of tears), how God showed up for her in unexpected ways, and what healing has looked like on the other side.

If you're a mom walking through something similar with your daughter—or you're someone healing from heartbreak yourself—this conversation is for you. We hope it brings you comfort, encouragement, and maybe even a few laughs. Hearts may not be built to be borrowed, but I believe God meets us right in the middle of the breaking. And He’s always making something beautiful, even here.

Chapters

00:00 | Navigating Breakups: An Introduction

03:58 | The Impact of High School Dating Restrictions

06:46 | First Love: The Significance of Maggie's Relationship

10:00 | Realizations and Challenges in the Relationship

12:51 | The Breakup: A Sudden Shift

15:54 | Processing Grief and Emotions

18:50 | Finding Healing and Moving Forward

28:29 | Navigating Heartbreak Together

33:11 | The Role of Faith in Healing

38:06 | Emotional Growth Through Breakups

40:07 | Advice for First-Time Heartbreakers

44:40 | Supporting Daughters Through Heartbreak

47:02 | Setting Standards in Relationships

48:59 | Reflections on Maturity and Growth

Grief is not something we would ever choose, and yet, at some point, we all find ourselves walking through it. Maybe it’s the loss of a loved one, the shattering of a dream, a shift in relationships, or even the realization that life doesn’t look the way we thought it would. Grief comes in many forms, and sometimes, we don’t even recognize we’re grieving.

In this episode, I want to have an honest conversation about grief—what it is, what it isn’t, and how, in the hands of our Shepherd, it can actually be a gift. I know, that may sound impossible, especially if you’re in the middle of deep sorrow. But grief invites us to know God in ways we never would otherwise. It teaches us to lament, to remember, to heal, and ultimately, to trust that even in our pain, God is present and at work.

If you’re carrying grief today—whether it’s fresh or something that’s been with you for a long time—I hope this episode reminds you that you are not alone. The Shepherd walks with you through the valley, and even when you can’t see it, He is making all things beautiful in His time.

• Grief can be a gift that reveals God's character.
• Lament is an essential part of processing grief.
• Grief is not just about loss; it's about love and value.
• Grief can transform us and deepen our relationship with God.
• God's comfort is most profound in our moments of grief.
• Grief allows us to remember and honor what we've lost.
• Healing comes from engaging with our grief.
• Grief can lead to personal transformation and growth.
• We are invited to grieve together as a community.
• Grief ultimately points us to hope and redemption.

Chapters

00:00 | Understanding Grief as a Gift

07:02 | The Pain of Grief

16:47 | Grief as a Sacred Tool

27:02 | Grief: A Tool for Healing and Transformation

Today’s episode of Everything Made Beautiful might wreck you in the best way. I’m joined by two of my dear friends, Malorie Elrod and Katelyn Duckworth, who are on a mission to love on adoptive families and birth moms through Funding Love. And before you think, "Well, I don’t have an adoption story, so this episode isn’t for me," let me stop you—because, as believers, our whole story is one of adoption into God’s family.

Mal and Kate are here to share about the heart behind Funding Love, an organization that provides all-expenses-paid Disney vacations to adoptive families and birth moms. But this isn’t just about Mickey ears and fireworks—it’s about creating space for healing, bonding, and community for people navigating the complexities of adoption.

We get honest about the unspoken struggles—the loneliness that can follow adoption, the misconceptions about birth moms, and why the enemy loves to isolate us when we’re most vulnerable. You’ll hear powerful stories, laugh, and maybe even consider how you can step into the adoption space somehow.

Also, if you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to have your heart entirely undone by the love of God, imagine being a birth mom who has spent years feeling unseen—only to be lavishly loved, with no strings attached. That’s what Funding Love is doing, and I can’t wait for you to hear about it.

By the end of this episode, you might just be looking up flights to Orlando for the Funding Love Gala at the Four Seasons in April—because, listen, we are all about this sweet organization. If you’re looking for a way to love on families, support women, and be a part of something beautiful, this is it.

keywords

adoption, birth moms, Funding Love, community support, open adoption, Disney World, post-adoption support, family bonding, motherhood, emotional healing

takeaways

• Adoption is a calling that can transform lives.
• Open adoption allows for ongoing relationships with birth families.
• Birth moms deserve support and recognition in the adoption process.
• Funding Love provides unique experiences for adoptive families and birth moms.
• Shared experiences can foster deep connections and healing.
• Disney World serves as a magical backdrop for family bonding.
• Post-adoption support is crucial for families adjusting to new dynamics.
• Community is essential for both adoptive families and birth moms.
• Every adoption story is unique and deserves to be heard.
• Love and support can come from unexpected places.

Chapters
00:00 | Introduction to Adoption and Its Importance

07:03 | Understanding Open Adoption

10:00 | The Birth Mom Perspective

13:03 | Introducing Funding Love

15:59 | Challenges Faced by Adoptive Families

19:07 | The Role of Birth Moms in Adoption

23:02 | The Burden of Shame and Guilt

24:02 | The Power of Community for Birth Moms

25:19 | Understanding the Purpose of Disney Trips

26:53 | Creating Magical Experiences for Adoptive Families

31:16 | The Role of Magic Makers in the Experience

33:03 | Lavishing Love on Adoptive Families

34:16 | Pampering Birth Moms with Unique Experiences

38:58 | Stories of Transformation from the Trips

41:14 | The Power of Shared Experiences

43:02 | Full Circle Moments in Adoption

45:19 | Building Trust Through Fun

47:10 | The Importance of Support for Birth Moms

49:27 | Imagining a Perfect Day

53:25 | The Call to Action for Supporting Adoption

58:31 | New Chapter

Links:
Funding Love Website: https://www.fundinglove.com/
Funding Love Donations: https://www.fundinglove.com/donate
Funding Love Gala: https://www.fundinglove.com/funding-love-gala
Funding Love Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fundinglove/
Malorie's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/malyourpal/
Katelyn's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katedawnduck/

Everything Made Beautiful is shaking things up! In this episode, we kick off something brand new—introducing my daughters, Maggie and Ali, as occasional recurring co-hosts! We dive into girl talk, covering everything from Maggie’s dream of swimming with sharks to Ali’s rekindled love for reading. We laugh about my not-so-secret pedestrian rage (yes, I have opinions on slow walkers), get real about the misconceptions of growing up in a ministry home, and share what it looks like to take ownership of our own faith. And because we’re not about pretending life is perfect, we also open up about lessons learned the hard way—mistakes, growth, and God’s grace in the middle of it all. This is the start of something special, and we can’t wait to take you along for the ride. So grab your coffee, settle in, and join us for this honest, hilarious, and heartfelt conversation.

takeaways

• Maggie is an event producer at Walt Disney World.
• Ali is a senior in high school and aspires to be a cosmetologist.
• Family quirks can be both funny and cringe-worthy.
• Growing up in a Christian family comes with misconceptions.
• Finding personal faith is a journey for both Maggie and Ali.
• Mistakes can lead to valuable lessons and personal growth.
• Guilt is often unhelpful and can hinder progress.
• High school drama fades in importance over time.
• Friendships remain strong despite physical absence.
• Advice to younger selves emphasizes perspective and self-worth.

Chapters

00:00 | Introducing the New Co-Hosts

04:07 | Life Updates from Maggie and Allie

05:58 | The Decision to Co-Host

08:45 | Surprising Facts About Each Other

11:37 | Misconceptions of Growing Up in a Christian Family

14:32 | Personal Faith Journeys

17:18 | Navigating Church Life as Kids

20:16 | Awkward Church Kid Moments

24:48 | Navigating Guilt and Responsibility

28:01 | Lessons from the Past

31:13 | Advice to Our Younger Selves

32:44 | Fun Rapid Fire Questions

34:22 | Closing Thoughts and Future Conversations

35:12 | New Chapter

In this episode of the Everything Made Beautiful podcast, Shannon interviews author Krystal Ribble about her book 'Love Me in the Waiting.' They discuss the challenges and lessons learned during seasons of waiting, particularly in the context of faith and adoption. Krystal shares her personal experiences with loss and the importance of trusting God's timing, emphasizing that waiting is not a passive experience but a time filled with purpose. The conversation highlights biblical examples of waiting, the intimacy that can be developed with God during these times, and the legacy that can be left for others through how we navigate our waiting seasons.

takeaways

• Waiting seasons can deepen our faith and trust in God.
• God's timing is often protective and purposeful.
• We can find purpose in our waiting by shifting our perspective.
• Biblical characters provide examples of enduring waiting.
• Intimacy with God grows through honest communication during waiting.
• Our experiences in waiting can help us support others.
• God's plans are ultimately for our good and His glory.
• We should remember the lessons learned during waiting.
• Waiting is not a passive experience; it is filled with purpose.
• The legacy we leave can inspire others in their waiting.

Chapters
00:00 | Introduction and Background

05:43 | The Journey of Waiting

08:55 | Understanding the Purpose of Waiting

11:54 | Biblical Examples of Waiting

14:58 | The Impact of Waiting on Trust

18:02 | Intimacy with God Through Waiting

25:26 | Authenticity in Spirituality

28:07 | Understanding Self-Love and God's Unconditional Love

32:30 | The Voice of God vs. Negative Thoughts

35:00 | Trusting God's Timing

40:13 | Lessons from Waiting Seasons

Links
Krystal's Website: https://www.krystalribble.com/
Krystal's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/krystalribble/
Krystal's Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deposit-your-doubt/id1783612184
Buy Krystal's Book: https://a.co/d/6JuBYJU