Sandra Stanley and her daughter, Allie Stanley Cooney, discuss their new book, Meet Me in the Middle, which focuses on mother-daughter conversations about life and faith. They emphasize the importance of open and honest communication between mothers and daughters, especially before crises occur. The book provides activities and conversation prompts to facilitate these discussions. Sandra and Allie also address the challenges of comparison and offer advice on how to break free from the comparison trap. They encourage mothers and daughters to approach their relationship with humility, forgiveness, and gentleness. The book is designed to strengthen the bond between mothers and daughters and promote unity in the family.

Keywords

Sandra Stanley, Allie Stanley Cooney, Meet Me in the Middle, mother-daughter conversations, life, faith, open communication, crises, comparison, comparison trap, humility, forgiveness, gentleness, unity

Takeaways

• Open and honest communication is crucial in mother-daughter relationships.
• The book Meet Me in the Middle provides activities and conversation prompts to facilitate meaningful discussions between mothers and daughters.
• Breaking free from the comparison trap involves celebrating others and leveraging one's own gifts.
• Mothers and daughters should approach their relationship with humility, forgiveness, and gentleness.
• The book is designed to strengthen the bond between mothers and daughters and promote unity in the family.

Sound Bites

• "Sometimes parent-child conversations can feel forced or awkward."
• "Comparison is a universal struggle, but fixing our eyes on Jesus can help us break free."
• "No family is perfect, but humility and forgiveness can strengthen relationships."

Chapters

00:00 | Introduction and Personal Connections

05:26 | The Importance of Open Conversations

08:38 | Creating a Resource for Spiritual Growth

11:29 | Breaking Free from the Comparison Trap

14:28 | Advice for Moms and Daughters

20:28 | Navigating Difficult Relationships

26:30 | Initiating Conversations and Building Autonomy

30:28 | Designing the Perfect Beautiful Day

34:44 | Closing

35:39 | New Chapter

Book Website: https://www.zondervan.com/p/meet-me-in-the-middle/

Sandra Stanley

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sandrawstanley 
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sandra.w.stanley/  
• X: https://twitter.com/sandrawstanley  
• Website: https://www.sandrastanley.com/ 

Allie Stanley Cooney

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alliekaycooney  
• X: https://twitter.com/alliekaystanley 

In this podcast episode, Shannon reflects on a principle her father shared with her: that everything in life is preparation for the next thing. She discusses how God uses both the good and the bad experiences to shape and refine us for what's to come. Shannon shares her personal experience of leaving a successful ministry job to prioritize her children, and how that seemingly detour led to significant growth and preparation for her future. She emphasizes that God is always at work, even in the difficult and confusing moments, and that everything is part of His preparation process.

Keywords

preparation, God's sovereignty, challenges, growth, refinement

Takeaways

• Everything in life is preparation for the next thing, and God uses both the good and the bad experiences to shape and refine us.
• Even in the difficult and confusing moments, God is always at work and nothing is wasted.
• Sometimes we can only see the purpose and preparation in hindsight.
• Challenges and trials are crucial parts of God's preparation process, molding and refining us for what's to come.
• God's preparation often involves growth, maturity, and learning important lessons.
• Ministry can happen anywhere, not just in a church building.
• God is a God of details and order, and there is no plan B or second best in His sovereign plan.
• Trust that God is always preparing you for the next thing, and look for the ways He has prepared you in the past.

Chapters

00:00 | Introduction: Everything is Preparation for the Next Thing

02:19 | God's Work in the Good and the Bad

07:56 | Growth and Maturity in God's Preparation

09:33 | Ministry Beyond the Church Building

14:02 | No Plan B in God's Sovereign Plan

17:18 | Trusting God's Preparation for the Future

When we let go of the relentless pursuit of approval and the pressure to meet impossible standards, we open our hearts to the grace and freedom that God offers. In Christ, we find our worth, not in our achievements or how others perceive us, but in being loved unconditionally. Living out this true identity means resting in His love, trusting in His plan, and allowing His peace to replace the anxiety of striving. It's in this surrender that we discover the profound beauty of being who God created us to be—imperfect, yet perfectly loved.

Keywords

faith, childhood, high achiever, perfectionism, legalism, marriage, ministry, postpartum depression, friendship, faith, Celebrate Recovery, brain cancer, hope, strength, wilderness, children's books, Bible study, Numbers, healing

Takeaways

• Growing up in a believing home can have a profound impact on one's faith journey.
• High achievers and perfectionists may struggle with legalism and finding grace.
• Postpartum depression is a real and challenging experience for many new mothers.
• Authentic friendships and support can make a significant difference in navigating life's challenges.
• It's important to find and embrace one's own voice and not compare oneself to others. Celebrate Recovery can provide a supportive community for sharing struggles and finding hope.
• In the midst of the wilderness, it is important to lean on God's grace and continue to seek Him.
• Asking God for healing and claiming His promises is not a lack of faith, but a demonstration of trust in His character.
• The book of Numbers in the Bible contains meaningful narratives that can deepen our understanding of God's character and our own journey of faith.

Chapters

00:00 | The Beginning

02:54 | Navigating High Achiever Tendencies and Legalism

08:55 | The Challenges of Postpartum Depression

19:04 | Friendship and Support in Life's Challenges

30:00 | Finding and Embracing Your Own Voice

33:45 | Finding Hope in Celebrate Recovery

38:12 | Experiencing Surrender and Healing in Celebrate Recovery

43:53 | Walking Through the Wilderness of Brain Cancer

57:06 | Writing Children's Books and a Bible Study on Numbers

01:08:07 | Crafting the Perfect Beautiful Day

Links
Lauren's Website: www.laurenchandler.com
With Us In The Wilderness Bible Study: https://shorturl.at/nwnaW
Steadfast Love Book: https://shorturl.at/zQbZN
Praise Him! Book: https://www.bhpublishinggroup.com/praise-him/
Goodbye to Goodbyes Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1784983772/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_ep_dp_T-n3BbA3GXZPN
Lauren's Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/lauren-chandler/292705910

In this episode, Shannon discusses the concept of Everything Made Beautiful and how it relates to combating the schemes of the enemy. She emphasizes that living a life devoted to Christ is not easy, but God is making everything beautiful in its time. Shannon introduces the mantra 'It's a trap' and explores different traps set by the enemy, including deception, fear, doubt, temptation, and despair. She encourages listeners to rely on God's truth and promises to overcome these traps.

Keywords

Everything Made Beautiful, combatting the schemes of the enemy, difficulty of living a Christian life, traps set by the enemy, deception, fear, doubt, temptation, despair

Takeaways

• Living a life devoted to Christ is not easy, but God is making everything beautiful in its time.
• The enemy sets traps to deceive, instill fear, create doubt, tempt, and cause despair.
• To overcome these traps, rely on God's truth and promises, seek support from others, and name the traps out loud to frustrate the schemes of the enemy.
• Knowing and understanding Scripture is crucial in recognizing and avoiding the traps set by the enemy.

Chapters

00:00 | Introduction to Everything Made Beautiful

02:08 | The Mantra: It's a Trap

09:41 | Traps Set by the Enemy: Deception and Fear

12:35 | Traps Set by the Enemy: Doubt and Temptation

15:50 | Traps Set by the Enemy: Despair

19:03 | Relying on God's Truth and Promises

Links:
Dr. David Jeremiah article: https://davidjeremiah.blog/satans-strategies-revealed/

Brandy shares her personal journey of faith, marriage, betrayal, and redemption. She grew up in poverty in South Mississippi, but had a strong faith in God. She felt called to ministry at a young age and eventually became a pastor. Brandy and her husband, Michael, moved to Franklin, Tennessee, where their marriage began to deteriorate. Despite the challenges, Brandy found strength in her faith and the support of her community. She shares how her prayer life changed and how her focus shifted from saving the marriage to wanting her husband to be a whole, healthy person. Brandy emphasizes the importance of surrendering to God and trusting Him with the outcome, even when trust is difficult.

Faith, marriage, betrayal, redemption, poverty, ministry, love, forgiveness, prayer life, focus shift, brokenness, compassion, grace, surrender, trust, counsel, forgiveness, repentance

Takeaways

• Faith in God can sustain and guide us through the most difficult times in life.
• Marriage requires constant effort, communication, and forgiveness.
• Betrayal and forgiveness are complex emotions that can be difficult to navigate.
• Community and support from loved ones are crucial during times of crisis.
• God can bring beauty and redemption out of the most painful situations. Shift your focus from saving the marriage to wanting your partner to be a whole, healthy person.
• See the brokenness and sin in a tender way, replacing bitterness and anger with compassion and grace.
• Surrender to God and trust Him with the outcome, even when trust is difficult.
• Offer counsel and support to those who have experienced infidelity, regardless of the outcome of the marriage.
• Practice forgiveness and repentance, recognizing that our own sin is no different from others'.

Chapters

00:00 | Introduction and Background

02:18 | Growing Up in Poverty and Discovering Faith

03:39 | Moving to Franklin and Struggles in Marriage

09:32 | Betrayal and Acceptance

12:34 | Separation and Unexpected Pregnancy

17:01 | Navigating the Challenges and Finding Support

24:00 | Redemption and Healing

24:28 | A Shift in Focus: From Saving the Marriage to Wanting Wholeness

25:23 | Seeing Brokenness with Compassion and Grace

35:16 | Surrendering and Trusting God with the Outcome

41:04 | Counseling and Supporting Those Affected by Infidelity

42:29 | The Power of Forgiveness and Repentance

Links

Brandy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandynovoa/
Church of the City Women's Ministry: https://cotc.com/franklin/women/

In this episode, Shannon unpacks the concept of considering the upstream. She shares a personal experience where her husband encouraged her to consider what might be in someone's upstream to understand their behavior. Shannon emphasizes the importance of understanding our own upstream and how it shapes our responses and relationships. She encourages listeners to plot their life experiences and identify patterns to gain a deeper understanding of their upstream. By considering the upstream of others and ourselves, we can develop empathy, compassion, and healthier ways of relating to one another.

Keywords

upstream principle, understanding, behavior, responses, relationships, plot life experiences, patterns, empathy, compassion

Takeaways

• Consider the upstream principle to understand the behavior and responses of others.
• Plot your life experiences and identify patterns to gain a deeper understanding of your own upstream.
• Develop empathy and compassion by considering the upstream of others.
• Our past does not have to define us; we can choose to move forward with hope and confidence.
• Our experiences, both good and bad, shape us and can be used by God to refine and transform us.m

Chapters
00:00 | Introduction and Gratitude

01:29 | The Upstream Principle: A Personal Experience

06:12 | Understanding Our Upstream

09:44 | Choosing to Be Informed, Not Defined, by the Past

15:17 | The Potential Wounding of What We Love

19:00 | Developing Empathy and Compassion Through Upstream Consideration

21:40 | Embracing Our History and Moving Forward

23:27 | EMB Close

In this conversation, Kristi McLelland shares her background growing up in rural Mississippi and her journey of faith. She talks about her passion for teaching the Bible and the importance of experiencing it in community. Kristi also discusses the impact of losing her father and the significance of finding and nurturing a supportive community. She shares the story of how Mandisa, a dear friend, played a pivotal role in getting her Bible study, Jesus and Women, published. Kristi and Shannon discuss the importance of finding sacred rhythms in life, making decisions based on the grace of God, and getting in the flow of the river of God's work. They emphasize the need to pay attention to the seasons and eras of life and to be generous with saying no to opportunities that are not aligned with God's leading. They also talk about the beauty of the kingdom of God and the renewal and beauty that God is constantly bringing. 

Keywords
faith, Bible teaching, community, loss, father, Mandisa, Jesus and Women, sacred rhythms, grace of God, seasons of life, saying no, kingdom of God, renewal, beauty, Israel

Takeaways

• Growing up in rural Mississippi, Kristi McLelland had a hunger for the Word of God but had no outlet for teaching it as a woman in her church.
• Kristi emphasizes the importance of experiencing the Bible in community, just as Jesus did in the synagogues, and the richness that comes from feasting on the Word together.
• Kristi's community of friends, whom she met through church and serving together, has been a source of support and love throughout her life.
• When making decisions, it is important to consider whether the grace to do something has lifted, indicating a transition or a new season.
• Being generous with saying no to opportunities that are not aligned with God's leading can help us stay focused and avoid spreading ourselves too thin.
• The kingdom of God is constantly moving and growing, and we are called to get in the flow of God's work.
• There is beauty and renewal happening in the world, and when we ask to see it, we can experience it in a deeper way.

Sound Bites

• "The Bible moved from something to know as a way to experience someone."
• "The Word of God is like a table set for us."
• "We got to know each other through serving together."
• "It has become my most sacred spiritual rhythm."
• "God, has the grace to do this lifted?"
• "Transition is just as much a part of the spiritual journey as the Genesis and the journey itself."

Chapters

00:00 | Welcome to the Everything Made Beautiful Podcast

12:27 | Feasting on the Scriptures and Finding Community

20:43 | The Impact of Loss and the Legacy of Loved Ones

27:34 | The Power of True Friendship and Support

31:19 | Honoring Mandisa: A Catalyst for 'Jesus and Women'

34:37 | The Joy and Companionship of Chester

35:30 | Finding Sacred Rhythms and Spiritual Practices

41:30 | Discerning the Grace to Do Something

45:08 | Embracing Transitions and Seasons

57:19 | Getting in the River of God's Movement

01:06:41 | EMB Close

Links:
Kristi's website: https://www.newlensbiblicalstudies.com/
Kristi's books & Bible studies: https://shorturl.at/BtmXK
Kristi's podcast: https://www.accessmore.com/pd/Pearls-with-Kristi-McLelland
Kristi's online courses: https://www.newlensbiblicalstudies.com/onlinecourses/
Kristi's upcoming Israel trip: https://www.inspirationtravel.com/event/experience-israel-kristi-mclelland

Jeannie shares her journey from being a preacher's kid to becoming a writer and speaker. She talks about her accidental entry into writing and how she felt called to share her experiences as a mom who felt like she was failing. Jeannie discusses her book 'Mom Set Free' and the importance of understanding God's grace in parenting. She also shares the story of how she adopted her son Andre from Haiti and the foundation they co-founded to create opportunities for Haitian students. Jeannie shares her personal journey of shame, grace, and freedom, and how it has impacted her parenting. She talks about the pressure to please God and make Him proud, and how it led to self-righteousness and a performance-based mindset. Jeannie emphasizes the importance of understanding God's grace and the sufficiency of His love, and how it transforms us and enables us to parent in a new way. She also discusses the power of the Word of God and the pursuit of holiness in experiencing God's presence and freedom.

Links
Jeannie's Website - https://www.jeanniecunnion.com/
Books & Bible Studies - https://www.jeanniecunnion.com/all-books-bible-studies
The 509 Foundation - https://www.the509foundation.org/

Keywords

preacher's kid, writing, accidental writer, adoption social worker, parenting, God's grace, freedom in Christ, sovereignty of God, Haiti, adoption, shame, divorce, redemption, shame, grace, freedom, parenting, pressure, performance, God's love, sufficiency, transformation, Word of God, pursuit of holiness, God's presence

Takeaways

• Jeannie's journey from being a preacher's kid to becoming a writer and speaker
• The importance of understanding God's grace in parenting and letting go of the pressure to be a perfect mom
• The story of Jeannie's adoption of her son Andre from Haiti and the foundation they co-founded to create opportunities for Haitian students
• The power of redemption and how God can make beautiful things out of painful experiences Shame can be carried into different areas of our lives, including parenting.
• The pressure to please God and make Him proud can lead to self-righteousness and a performance-based mindset.
• Understanding God's grace and the sufficiency of His love is transformative and enables us to parent in a new way.
• The Word of God and the pursuit of holiness are powerful in experiencing God's presence and freedom.

Sound Bites

• "I felt the Lord leading me to start writing about what he was teaching me about his love for me as a mom who felt like she was always failing him."
• "We are significant, but we are not sovereign. We do not control the outcome."
• "I met my son by sharing the gospel together."
• "I was more determined than ever to make the Lord proud of me."
• "His grace is sufficient. His grace is made perfect. His strength is made perfect in my weakness."

Chapters

00:00 | Introduction and Friendship

03:44 | Trusting in God's Sovereignty in Parenting

11:42 | Adoption and Creating Opportunities in Haiti

18:33 | Finding Beauty in Painful Experiences

26:38 | Shame and the Pressure to Perform

28:19 | Parenting and the Desire to Please God

29:45 | Freedom from Shame and the New Birth

33:08 | Understanding Grace and Repentance

37:14 | Intimacy with God and Experiencing His Presence

42:08 | Introduction to 'Closer to God' Devotional

49:29 | EMB Close

In this episode, Shannon discusses four absolutes that govern her life and the scriptural support for them. The first absolute is that God is sovereign over every season, meaning He is fully in control. The second absolute is that nothing touches us in any season that is not first sifted through God's hand. The third absolute is that everything in our seasons can be used for our good and God's glory. The fourth absolute is that God uses our seasons to sanctify us and make us more like Jesus. Shannon shares personal examples and encourages listeners to trust in God's sovereignty.

Keywords

Sovereignty of God, seasons, sanctification, trust, God's glory

Takeaways

• Our theology of God’s sovereignty is important and will impact how we respond in difficult seasons.
• God is fully sovereign and in control of every season of our lives.
• Nothing touches us in any season that is not first sifted through God's hand.
• Everything in our seasons can be used for our good and God's glory.
• God uses our seasons to sanctify us and make us more like Jesus.

Chapters

00:00 | Introduction

06:12 | God's Sovereignty in Our Seasons

09:32 | Trusting God's Hand in Every Circumstance

17:02 |Finding Beauty in Every Season

19:26 | Becoming More Like Jesus Through Our Seasons

26:52 | Conclusion and Encouragement

Scriptural Support

God is sovereign over my season

I Chronicles 29:11-12, Psalm 115:3, Proverbs 16:9, Isaiah 46:9-10, Romans 9:21, Ephesians 1:11

Nothing touches me in any season that is not first sifted through His hand.

Jeremiah 1:5, Psalm 139:1-6, Job 23:10, Psalm 135:6, Daniel 4:35, Romans 9:19-21

Everything in my season can be used for my good and His glory.

Romans 8:28, Proverbs 30:5, Psalm 112:7, John 15:16, 2 Corinthians 4:17, Hebrews 12:11

God uses my seasons to sanctify me and make me more like Jesus.

Psalm 17:15, Romans 6:4, Romans 8:29, I John 2:6, I Peter 2:15-21, Ephesians 4:22-24

Allison Allen shares her journey from growing up in Texas and North Carolina to pursuing a career in theater and eventually meeting her husband Jonathan. She emphasizes the importance of surrendering to God's plan and trusting in His timing, sharing her own experiences of infertility and the birth of her two sons. Allison encourages listeners to embrace their current season and trust that God is working all things together for their good. In this part of the conversation, Allison Allen shares how the waiting process and hidden seasons can be a time of preparation for what is to come. She emphasizes the importance of surrendering to the season we're in and trusting that God is working behind the scenes. Allison also discusses her involvement in the Back Porch Theology podcast with Lisa Harper and the impact it has had on her life. She talks about her books, 'Hidden' and 'Seen. Secure. Free.', which explore the hidden characters of scripture and finding beauty in hiddenness along with inviting listeners to join the Faith Gateway online Bible study for ‘Hidden.’

Keywords:

Allison Allen, journey, surrender, timing, infertility, motherhood, seasons, trust, God's plan, hidden seasons, preparation, surrender, Back Porch Theology, podcast, books, Hidden, Seen. Secure. Free., Faith Gateway, Bible study, hidden characters, beauty in hiddenness, faith conversations.

Takeaways:

• Surrendering to God's plan and trusting in His timing is key in navigating life's journey.
• Difficult seasons and experiences can shape and mold us into who we are meant to be.
• God specializes in spiritual late bloomers and can use anyone, regardless of age or circumstances.
• Embracing our current season and finding joy in it is a powerful way to live.
• God's purposes and dreams for our lives may look different than what we initially imagined, but they are perfectly suited to who we are. Hidden seasons and waiting periods can be a time of preparation for what is to come.
• Trusting in God's timing and surrendering to the season we're in is important.
• The Back Porch Theology podcast with Lisa Harper explores deep theological topics in a relatable and humorous way.
• The books 'Hidden' and 'Seen. Secure. Free.' by Allison Allen delve into the stories of hidden characters in scripture and finding beauty in hiddenness.
• Join the Faith Gateway online Bible study for 'Hidden' to explore the themes of the book in a community setting.
• Engage in faith conversations with your children and explore the hidden characters of scripture together.
• Create your own perfect beautiful day by envisioning activities that bring you joy and fulfillment.

Sound Bites:

"I could not work my way into a new season. I could only surrender my way into a new season."

"You're not too young. You're not too old. God's plan for you has not passed you by because of a clock."

"The trajectory of my life is one far more suited to my gifts, far more suited to my temperament, and far more suited to delight."

"God is preparing you in that hidden season."

"He's never caught off guard by our season.”

Links:

Allison’s Website: https://www.allisonallen.net/

Allison’s Books: https://www.allisonallen.net/books

Back Porch Theology: https://www.accessmore.com/pd/Lisa-Harpers-Back-Porch-Theology

Faith Gateway Free Bible Study: https://pages.faithgateway.com/hidden-allison-allen-obs-registration/