Girls Talking Life

Today on the show I'm chatting with Amanda Warfield—simplicity lover, time management coach, and host of The Chasing Simple Podcast. Her mission is to help overwhelmed creative entrepreneurs simplify and get organized in order to take back their time — because time is the one resource we can't make more of. Amanda is passionate about helping women stop feeling like they are just getting by, and instead, guiding them in creating space for what matters most in their life.

Today on the show Amanda and I talk about implementing change into our schedules and routines. Amanda tells us that now is a good time to make a change because ANY TIME is a good time to make a change if you're feeling stuck.

Amanda shares her story of overwhelm and how she was burnt out by her schedule and doing ALL the things. She decided to simplify and said, "if I'm putting something on my to do list, it needs to have a legitimate purpose in my life." She started by decluttering her home, then her schedule and putting boundaries into place.

Amanda and I chat about the concept of work/life balance and how it's not about equally dividing your time, but giving the correct level of care to each area our lives. Amanda tells us that when you find an area that needs more care, we shouldn't overdo it. Just take one small action step. We also talk about honoring God with our time. Amanda reminds us that if we're so busy trying to do everything, God's voice, where he's calling us, could get shut out.

I loved talking with Amanda. She gives high level ideas and really practical things we can implement today to simply our lives and take back our time.

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Powersheets by Cultivate What Matters

Trello

The Chasing Simple Podcast

AMANDA'S FAVORITE 5

Good Reads

Proverbs 31 Experience Guides

The Sim's 2

Disney Movie Date Night

Enjoying Summer!

CONNECT WITH AMANDA

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SUMMER SURVEY

I would love to get to know YOU better and hear YOUR ideas for the show! Would you take just a few minutes to tell me a little about yourself and share your thoughts! Take the Survey!

Faster Way to Fat Loss Join the next round with Abby Miller starting soon! https://www.fasterwaycoach.com/#girlstalkinglife

Chelsey and I are talking about how God pursued her in the midst of her rebellion. Chelsey shares about her upbringing and how, when she didn't want to go to church anymore, her parents let make her own decision and faithfully put her in the Lord's hands. She tells us that for a season her life was "fueled by lust and rebellion and secrecy." She was caught in a cycle of making poor decisions and covering them up. But then God intervened.

Chelsey shares a story of God interrupting her in the middle of her mess to remind her she was loved and that he was pursuing her heart. She says that things didn't turn around for her right away, but that that was the beginning of her living her life for Jesus. She's says, "I've seen him turn me into this woman who wants nothing more than to be like him."

Get All the Show Notes! Mentioned in this episode ibelieve.com

crosswalk.com

The Living with Less Podcast

Soul Tie Healing Prayer

John 3:30 – He must become greater; I must become less.

The Bible Recap

Chelsey's Favorite 5

Lululemon High Rise Align Leggings

Costco's Jack Cantina's Salsa

Getting Outside

The Naked Marriage Podcast

Royalty by London Gatch

Connect with Chelsey

Instagram |Pinterest | Website

Summer Survey

I would love to get to know YOU better and hear YOUR ideas for the show! Would you take just a few minutes to tell me a little about yourself and share your thoughts! Take the Survey!

Faster Way to Fat Loss Join the next round with Abby Miller starting soon! https://www.fasterwaycoach.com/#girlstalkinglife

Today I'm talking with Gem Fadling, founding Partner of Unhurried Living, Inc. and author of What Does Your Soul Love? Eight Questions That Reveal God's Work in You. Gem begins by explaining the difference between busy and hurry. She says, "busy is more external and hurry is more about your heart, your soul." She talks about being reintroduced to Jesus, putting him back at the center, and how that changed the trajectory of the rest her life.

Gem and I go on to talk about her book, where she came up with the questions that make up each chapter and how sitting in the questions can actually bring about transformation. Gem shares that this journey started by her asking the question, "how did I get here?" and prompts us to ask questions like, "where am I?", "am "I enjoying this?", "am I happy with the progress I've made?" She tells us that by asking questions like these, she started to experience God in new ways.

Gem and I talk about soul focus and what it means to pay attention to our souls. Gem shares about the practice of Silence and Solitude and how that practice has made a space in her soul she considers to be an unhurried space. Gem talks about spiritual direction and when we might need someone else to help us process through our feelings and when it might be time to go deeper. Gems says God is the one initiating our transformation and "it's a joy to cooperate."

Gem Fadling is a founding partner of Unhurried Living, Inc., a non-profit that resources and trains Christian leaders to rest deeper, live fuller, and lead better. A trained spiritual director, speaker and podcaster, Gem is the author of What Does Your Soul Love? Eight Questions That Reveal God's Work in You. Gem is a lover of Jesus and her mission is working with women in helping them see how Jesus is working in their lives.

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

What Does Your Soul Love? Eight Questions That Reveal God's Work in You

Unhurried Living

Solitude and Silence

GEM'S FAVORITE 5

Saturday Walk and Talk

Trader Joe's

Amazon Prime Music

Pray as You Go App

Instagram

CONNECT WITH GEM

Instagram | Facebook | Website

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Connect with Laura and pre-order your copy of How Sweet the Sound: https://www.laurasmithauthor.com/

How Sweet the Sound Playlists: https://open.spotify.com/user/laurasmithauthor

Connect with Girls Talking Life: Instagram | Facebook

It is officially summer and I'm taking a break from releasing new episodes during the month of July, but I'm re-releasing some TOP shows from 2019. This story of radical transformation is sure to stir your soul:

Jessica is a work-from-home mom and wife, with three beautiful little girls. She is passionate about empowering families to live well, fueled by her faith in the God who created her. As an Ambassador with Pure Haven she is able to live out her passion, connecting with women from coast-to-coast, building relationships and helping others to live a life of faith, wellness and fulfillment.

PURE HAVEN SUMMER PARTY I've teamed up with Jessica and will be hosting a Summer Pure Haven Party on Facebook! It's a pop-up group meaning it will only be around for a few days. During that time, we'll be sharing some great info to help bring awareness of the toxins lurking in our everyday products, answering questions about reading product labels, and sharing some amazing toxin-free products that I use in my own home. You'll also have the opportunity to purchase from Pure Haven in support of this show. Join the Party! CONNECT WITH JESSICA

On her website www.PureByJessica.com and on Facebook.

It is officially summer and I'm taking a break from releasing new episodes during the month of July, but I'm re-releasing some top shows from 2019. This story of radical transformation is sure to stir your soul:

Hollie is a human trafficking survivor. Hollie starts out by describing her childhood and painting of picture of how a little girl could travel a path that leads to drug use at the age of 11 and prostitution by the age of 15. She talks me through what it was like to live as someone else's property and to be so deep into that existence that it felt like there was no hope. Hollie shares how God broke through to her heart and changed it.

Connect with Hollie and get all the Show Notes!

Have you ever questioned God about a setback in your life? Do you struggle with the stigma that often surrounds mental illness?

Emma Sievers is a 22-year-old blogger, speaker and school psychology graduate student from Wisconsin. Her goal is to tell the stories that God has put on her heart so that other people can find hope and encouragement from them. She firmly believes in the power of shared experiences and telling people your story.

Today on the show Emma walks us through not one, but two nearly fatal car accidents she was involved in. The second causing a brain injury that led Emma to suffer from anxiety, depression and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Emma shares that she had a hard time understanding why God would allow this to happen twice, but she as time passes she's able to look back and say, "something good has come out of every situation that God has put me in. I hope and pray you can trust that the setbacks God has put in your life are there for good."

Emma talks about how she had a strong relationship with God, but how she was made to feel like her mental illness was a result of not having enough faith or because she had done something wrong. She tells us it took her a while to stop feeling shame about her situation. Her main message for anyone with similar struggles is that your illness is not a sin and that it is okay to get help. Emma credits her heavenly father, counseling and medication for the progress she's made and for how much better she's feeling.

EMMA'S FAVORITE 5

Brooks Running Shoes

Culver's Custard

Dunkin Donuts Iced Coffee

Elevated Faith Clothing

Sour Gummy Worms

CONNECT WITH EMMA

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SUPPORT THE SHOW

Pure Haven is the maker of fresh, safe, personal and home care products. Their mission is to educate consumers about pure, safe, alternative personal care choices that empower people to live the healthiest lifestyle possible. Their products are 100% free of toxins. Guaranteed.

Do you have a passion you haven't pursued? Do you feel God nudging you toward something? Ever feel guilty for wanting to go after your dream?

On the show today, you're going to hear why you should step into what God's calling you to now. I'm talking with Alana Dawson. She's a military spouse, a mama and a podcast coach for busy women with a mission. She's the founder of the Mom Wants More Podcast and The Podcasting Party.

Alana and I chat about what it's been like for her to raise her girls, often solo-parenting when her husband is deployed.

Alana shares her near-death experience and how when she survived her pulmonary embolism, she viewed her life differently. She reevaluated and wanted to be more intentional with her time and wanted to be a good steward of her gifts. She wanted to leave a legacy she was proud of.

Alana tells us she decided to say no to all the things she had been doing to find the few, meaningful things that were her yeses. We talk about naming the gifts in others because a lot of times you can't ready your own label or you think that because you're good at something everyone else must be good at it too.

Alana's decision to follow pursue her passion led her to encourage other women to do the same, first as a writer and now as a podcaster. No more waiting until you have more time, more money or your kids are older. She says, it's our "responsibility to step into these gifts and talents and use them wisely." Go after your dream now! Take the first step!

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

The Mom Wants More Podcast

The Best Yes by Lysa Turkhurst

The Podcasting Party

Ephesians 3:20 – God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams!

ALANA'S FAVORITE 5

Book of the Month Club

Daily Prayer App

Ethic Goods Earrings

Boom Chicka Pop Kettle Corn

Peloton

CONNECT WITH ALANA

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GET YOUR CONVERSATION CARDS

Don't let the conversation stop when the show is over. Sign up to stay up to date on episodes and receive free downloadable conversation cards to share your stories and start your own conversations with the girls in your life.

Shamyra Parker's passion is teaching educators, leaders, and women how to implement self-care as a non-negotiable priority in order to transform their mindset and habits in order to reshape their lives. Shamyra provides habit development and resilience training; seminars on the importance of developing UNCOMPROMISING SELF-CARE as a habit for mental and physical health. Shamyra looks forward to empowering and equipping her clients with the tools they need to implement sustainable lifestyle changes.

Today on the show, Shamyra and I dig in to her story of pursuing God's call on her life and how she didn't jump right into obedience, but how she learned along the way that if he calls you, he'll equip you. She tells us about a trauma she endured and how she could feel God's presence surrounding her through it and the "God-fidence" it gave her to move forward.

Shamyra and I talk about what it means to be born boundless and to live a life fully expressed. She says, "living your life fully expressed, is not only a form of freedom, but it is a form of worship for God."

Shamyra calls herself a catalyst for transformation, and she says our mindset can either facilitate or hinder that transformation. Shamyra walks us through some steps she might take with a client in order to shift a mindset. We also talk about breaking bad habits, how to say no and what uncompromising self-care is all about.

We also specifically talk about self-care during the pandemic and Shamyra gives some fantastic ideas for restorative breathing, taking time at beginning or end of our days to be still, to mediate, to pray.

Shamyra is a powerhouse of energy and confidence and ideas. She is spirit-led and it comes through in our conversation.

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Boundless by Birthright

Breaking Bad: 21 Day to Break a Habit

I Quit by Geri Scazzero

Self-care Slumber Party

SHAMYRA'S FAVORITE 5

Self Care Matters: A Revolutionary's Approach

Online Yoga Class

Cooking New Things

Board Games with Her Boys

Writing Her New Book

CONNECT WITH SHAMYRA

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CONNECT WITH GIRLS TALKING LIFE

Show Notes for this Episode | Instagram | Facebook

Ruth Schwenk is the founder of the popular blog, The Better Mom, where she inspires moms to become better by becoming more like Jesus. She is the trusted author of several books with Harper Collins and is a 2020 Christian Book Award Winner. Ruth is a Michigan football super fan, a self-proclaimed "foodie," and lover of all things HGTV. But her greatest joy is her family. She lives with her husband, four children in the beautiful, college town of Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Here are some of the things Ruth and I chat about:

How Her Blog Got Started and How We Shape Who We're Becoming

Ruth and I talk about her blog, The Better Mom, and how it's not about doing, it's about becoming. Ruth says, "We become better parents because we are becoming better ourselves by becoming more like Jesus."

Not a Message of Perfection

I love Ruth's approach to teach what you know, what has worked and what hasn't. She says she doesn't really struggle with impostor syndrome because she's not trying to look like she has it all together.

The Better Mom Devotional

Ruth tells us about her devotional and how it's a practical tool pointing women to the heart of her message of learning, growing and putting God at the center of our lives.

Getting Things Done/Every Season is Different

As a busy mama of four kids in full-time ministry, she's got so much (good!) stuff going on. We talk about how she actually gets things done. She says focuses on the things she likes to do, the things she good at and delegates the rest. Ruth says it's also about the season you're in. Some season will allow for things that others won't.

Prayer During the Pandemic and Everyday

Ruth shares her thoughts on knowing when to pray, especially during anxious times, but also everyday.

Having a God-Centered Home/Parenting

We talk a lot about parenting throughout our conversation, but Ruth's overarching message is that it doesn't have to be perfect and it doesn't have to be grand, spiritual activities. She says, "it's being faithful day in and day out and over the years, those things add up to a faithful life that I think has an impact on our kids that we don't even realize."

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

The Better Mom

The Better Mom Devotional

For the Family

Weekend Reset

Faith Forward Family Devotional

RUTH'S FAVORITE 5 (6)

Everything from Madewell

Trader Joe's Strawberry Lemonade Kombucha

Growth Roots Journal

Time for Organization

Her New Pug Puppy!

Live In Hoop Earrings

CONNECT WITH RUTH

Instagram | Facebook | Website

CONNECT WITH GIRLS TALKING LIFE

Show Notes for this Episode | Instagram | Facebook