When might the statement, "I just want God's will for my life," serve as a convenient evasion?

We continue last week's exploration of four crucial, courageous questions necessary for all of life. In Episode 159 we unpacked, "What do I want?" Today we look at "Why do I want this?"

Not only does this inquiry aid in uncovering the motivations behind our desires but also dismantles the shame that often inhibits our growth. By addressing these questions with curiosity rather than judgment, we allow ourselves to engage in a transformative process that fosters empowerment and intentionality in our lives.

Understanding our desires and motivations requires courage and humility, particularly when confronting the possibility of self-serving reasons. Often, however, we realize the "why's" behind our "wants" may be shackling us to self-limiting beliefs that aren't based on truth. Also, cultivating curiosity in our relationships enables deeper connections and insights into the values and motivations of those around us.

Listeners are encouraged to get curious this week with two of their own "wants" and "why's" and with one "want" and "why" with their family members. It can be surprising and revealing what answers turn up!

Visit Stephanie Presents for resources, to book speaking engagements, and get the weekly newsletter, Hi(Impact)!

Click here to order your copy of The Great Brain Remodel of Adolescence or purchase from Amazon

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#emotionallyhealthy

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#lifeskey3

#smartrelationships

#parenting

#raisinggodlykids

#raisingadults

#bible

#faith

#truth

#biblestudy

#christianfaith

#christianwomen

#christianity

"What do you want?"

These four words compose one of life's scariest questions. But it's a crucial and ongoing inquiry for those courageously committed to earthly excellence and eternal significance.

Two brothers made a request of Jesus who responded by asking, "What do you want?" They got a "no" and a heart check.

A blind man came to Jesus who questioned, "What do you want?" He got a yes -- and a life transformed!

A lady in Aisle 13 was willing to answer, "What do you want?" and it became an opportunity for ministry both to her and the stranger who asked.

Listen in to discover why asking yourself this question is critical.

Visit Stephanie Presents for resources, to book speaking engagements, and get the weekly newsletter, Hi(Impact)!

Click here to order your copy of The Great Brain Remodel of Adolescence or purchase from Amazon

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#raisingadults

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#christianity

Intentional remembrance is a power tool for times of stress, fear, and conflict. It helps us refocus, refuel, and refuse damaging relationship cycles.

God made remembering a big deal in the Old Testament, and Jesus made it a priority in the New Testament.

Intentional remembering help us:

• refocus from our circumstances to God's capacities when we're anxious and afraid
• refuel with confidence when facing discouragement or difficult decisions
• refuse to get caught in "last situation finality" cycles in relationships

When used to process, not prosecute -- ourselves or someone else -- intentional remembering is one of the most powerful tools we have that's always ready to pick up and use!

Visit Stephanie Presents for resources, to book speaking engagements, and get the weekly newsletter, Hi(Impact)!

Click here to order your copy of The Great Brain Remodel of Adolescence or purchase from Amazon

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#emotionallyhealthy

#relationships

#lifeskey3

#smartrelationships

#parenting

#raisinggodlykids

#raisingadults

#bible

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#truth

#biblestudy

#christianfaith

#christianwomen

#christianity

If “God has given me everything I need to raise my kid,” as I’ve often heard, I have a question. “Where’d he put it?”

While I understand the good intentions behind this statement and others like it, this mindset does more harm than good.

Parenting is relationship work at its most complex, mysterious, and difficult. We know every other relationship arena – from marriage to business – requires actively acquiring knowledge and skills for success. Yet the shaping of human beings is supposed to somehow be innate – especially for moms. But this false narrative has a high cost.

Defensiveness and/or deep insecurity can result that leads to all kinds of missed opportunities, regrets, and adults in need of significant repair.

Innate capacity, desire, and protectiveness do not automatically produce knowledge and wisdom. If only it were that simple!

We can stop depriving parents, especially moms, of the keys they need to open doors of success with a new attitude!

Visit Stephanie Presents for resources, to book speaking engagements, and get the weekly newsletter, Hi(Impact)!

Click here to order your copy of The Great Brain Remodel of Adolescence or purchase from Amazon

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#mom

#biblicalparenting

Principles that forge a meaningful life during the “empty nest” years are the same ones needed in other seasons. Ruthie Gray, “juggler of generations,” shares how the application changes, but not the foundational truths. The author of Empty Nest Awakening: Weaving the Threads of Your Passions into Purpose discusses some of these key principles in the second part of our conversation.

She shares about:·      

• how to find support from people who understand where you are;
• being strategic about your “yes” and “no;”
• the power of journaling
• making plans and holding them with open hands in prayer;

Ruthie encourages moms to view their God-given desires and interests not as selfish indulgences but ways to serve. “If God is calling you to something, he’s calling you to someone.”

As a Gen X mom, 15-year caregiver, and self-proclaimed juggler of generations, Ruthie believes her God-given purpose is to impart peace, joy, and wisdom to moms managing the demands of multiple age groups. Ruthie is the host of the Sandwich Season Sanity podcast and the Next Steps Retreat for Empty Nest Entrepreneurs. Her blog for moms offers help that has no expiration date!

Visit Ruthie's website at: https://www.ruthiegray.com/

Order her book for yourself or a bundle and start a conversation with other moms who want to live every season of life well.

Visit Stephanie Presents for resources, to book speaking engagements, and get the weekly newsletter, Hi(Impact)!

Click here to order your copy of The Great Brain Remodel of Adolescence or purchase from Amazon

#spirituallystrong

#emotionallyhealthy

#relationships

#lifeskey3

#smartrelationships

#parenting

#raisinggodlykids

#raisingadults

#bible

#faith

#truth

#biblestudy

#christianfaith

#christianwomen

#christianity

#caregiving

#sandwichgeneration

#momblog

Parent well, and you'll work yourself out of a job. Then what?

Ruthie Gray, author of Empty Nest Awakening: Weaving the Threads of Your Passions into Purpose speaks hope and wisdom into moms of every season in the first part of our conversation. Among other points, we discuss:

*misconceptions younger moms can have about the "empty nest" years

*the grief that can accompany children growing up

*the vital importance of moving from connections to community

*practical steps to discover, or rediscover, your passions

*moving forward with purpose

Visit Ruthie's website at: https://authenticonlinemarketing.com/

Visit Stephanie Presents for resources, to book speaking engagements, and get the weekly newsletter, Hi(Impact)!

Click here to order your copy of The Great Brain Remodel of Adolescence or purchase from Amazon

#spirituallystrong

#emotionallyhealthy

#relationships

#lifeskey3

#smartrelationships

#parenting

#raisinggodlykids

#raisingadults

#bible

#faith

#truth

#biblestudy

#christianfaith

#christianwomen

#christianity

#emptynest

What happens to the brain during adolescence?

No, it doesn't shut down or go off-line, although it can sometimes seem that way.

Rather, it goes through an astounding remodel. When parents, educators, and mentors understand this physical process, they can be empowered with confidence, effectiveness, and empathy.

Understanding our biology is a critical part of the journey to spiritual strength, emotional health, and relational wisdom. Learn how the brain remodels itself over a ten-year period, approximately ages 12-24, and why this knowledge is critical.

Click here to order your copy of The Great Brain Remodel of Adolescence or purchase from Amazon

Visit Stephanie Presents for resources, to book speaking engagements, and get the weekly newsletter, Hi(Impact)!

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#raisingadults

Artist, author, and speaker Cindy Egger continues to encourage and equip listeners to share their story of faith. She reminds us there's not one "right way" to introduce people to Jesus and we're not responsible for outcomes, only faithfulness.

Small acts of kindness, striking up simple conversations, meeting for coffee, and opening one's home can have a more profound impact on someone than we may know!

Cindy is the author and illustrator of the 31 Day interactive devotional journal, "Time with the Lord," available here:

https://www.amazon.com/Time-Lord-Every-Day-Devotions/dp/B0DNWN4TKS?sr=8-1&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl

Connect with Cindy to learn more about her speaking, classes, and resources at:

https://cindymortonegger.com/

Visit Stephanie Presents for resources, to book speaking engagements, and get the weekly newsletter, Hi(Impact)!

Click here to order your copy of The Great Brain Remodel of Adolescence or purchase from Amazon

#spirituallystrong

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#lifeskey3

#smartrelationships

#parenting

#raisinggodlykids

#raisingadults

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#faith

#truth

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#cindymortonegger

#devotionals

#interactivedevotional

Links referenced in this episode:

• stephaniepresents.com
• cindy morton egger.com

"You just can't live without Jesus!" Well, "Yes, you can," thought Cindy Egger, and she had been doing a "good" job of it for 30 years.

Raised in a good home and living a good life, Cindy wasn't resistant to the Gospel as much as she didn't see the need for it. Yet eventually she came to see her need for Jesus was much more about a changing internally than externally.

After coming to faith as an adult, God brought art back into Cindy's life, and this grew into a business and ministry which opened doors for sharing the "Good News" to thousands of individuals. Today she equips other women to share their faith as a natural part of their life, using their unique abilities.

She encourages us to remember that we're not responsible for outcomes but for actions of faithfulness, as we never know the full impact of sharing even one time with an individual, whether a child or adult.

Connect with Cindy and discover her work as an artist, speaker, and author at:

https://cindymortonegger.com/

Order her beautifully illustrated devotional journal at:

 https://amzn.to/3WTSOsG

Visit Stephanie Presents for resources, to book speaking engagements, and get the weekly newsletter, Hi(Impact)!

Click here to order your copy of The Great Brain Remodel of Adolescence or purchase from Amazon

#spirituallystrong

#emotionallyhealthy

#relationships

#lifeskey3

#smartrelationships

#parenting

#raisinggodlykids

#raisingadults

#bible

#faith

#truth

#biblestudy

#christianfaith

#christianwomen

#christianity

#evangelism

#sharingyourfaith

#sharingJesus

What should a person say and not say, do and not do, when someone else is deeply hurting over a severe loss?

Michelle Ruddell offers practical help and gentle reminders in the second part of our conversation about the co-existence of joy and sorrow. Michelle's son was killed in a car wreck at age 5, and Michelle determined she would not allow grief to turn into bitterness.

She courageously shares her journey to empower others through writing and speaking.

You'll want more than one copy of Michelle's book, Welcome to the Club -- I'm Sorry You're Here. This is a great resource to keep on hand for when the world comes crashing down.

Invite Michelle to speak! Your audience will absolutely come away hope-filled!

https://michelleruddell.com/

https://www.amazon.com/Welcome-Club-Im-Sorry-Youre-Here/dp/1795239204/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0

Visit Stephanie Presents for resources, to book speaking engagements, and get the weekly newsletter, Hi(Impact)!

Click here to order your copy of The Great Brain Remodel of Adolescence or purchase from Amazon

#hope

#loss

#grief

#helpingothersgrieve

#spirituallystrong

#emotionallyhealthy

#relationships

#lifeskey3

#smartrelationships

#parenting

#raisinggodlykids

#raisingadults

#bible

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#truth

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#christianfaith

#christianwomen

#christianity