Letting the Light In

Back with my favorite person, doing one of my favorite things: reflecting on the year. I truly do love taking the time to look back on a month, year, or season and recount all the Lord has done. Bonus that it was with my person, taking each month of 2018 and breaking down some of the things that lit up our year. We talk trips, special visitors, new jobs, moving cities, and ways we've seen the Lord move. Listen all the way until the end to hear something we are especially excited for in 2019! Happy listening!

You have to be incredibly special to be invited on this podcast as a male, and Calvin exceeds the criteria. A new friend, I met Calvin early this fall when he joined one of my husbands Young Life Leader teams. Tay kept raving about him, and it didn't take me long to realize why! Calvin is a friend, mentor, star wars fanatic, podcaster, and former soccer star. In this episode we talk about Shepherds Way, the non-profit he works for, living with two special needs men, leading high school freshmen, soccer, and of course, he enlightens me on the best star wars movie. I'm thankful for this conversation, and I hope you'll understand why after listening!

Hey Hey!

Ten things again for you this week - I'm beginning to think its my magic number. As I mention in the beginning, I hope yalls Thanksgiving weeks were full of hope, quality time, and the chance to look around and truly be thankful for what you have. Happy Listening!

10. Marriage is Funny podcast

9. Showering at the YMCA

8. Chandler Grace Photography

7. Coco (the movie)

6. Praise Before My Breakthrough (song and EP by Bryan and Katie Torwalt)

5. Fossy's Shots

4. Mudbound by Hillary Jordan

3. Letting my yes be yes

2. Making due with what I've got

1. The Dance of Life by Henri Nouwen

Hey y'all!

There are so many words that come to mind when I think of Carson. Vibrant, faithful, deeply empathetic, and as buzz wordy as this adjective has become, intentional. I can't help but use the latter because of how perfectly it describes Carson. She does everything with purpose, especially friendship. I met Carson my sophomore year at Carolina, and it has been one of my most cherished friendships yet. We talk big city livin (specifically NYC), having sisters, how long finding a community takes, and comparison. I love this woman, and after listening, I think you'll want a "Carson" of your own!

I can't believe its been nearly 3 months since this rendition of the podcast! I've missed sharing these sources of light, so I hope most of what I share finds its way into your week, and lights you up, too. 10 things, counting down!

10. Magnolia Table Cookbook by Joanna Gaines

9. "Slow Burn" a podcast covering Watergate and Bill Clinton's impeachment

8. "Good to Me" by Audrey Assad

7. Honey-crisp Apple season

6. Creative baking

5. Basketball season

4. Forgiving myself

3. "Things Above" podcast with James Bryan Smith

2. Sheree, a cashier at our local grocery store

1. Saying "Yes" to interruption

Happy listening :)

Here it is - the continuation of part 1! Part 2 contains loads of goodness, including when I met Tay and how he's played a healing role, how it manifested in my first job, pregnancy, and an update on how everything is now. I've been so overwhelmed by yalls comments, both through social media, and in person. It is truly an answered prayer for it to mean something to some of yall. Like I say at the end, if any of this resonates, or if you are struggling in the dark, let someone know. Bring it to the light. I think a lot of the things I talk about are normal in our culture and easy to hide behind. It'll feel scary initially, but I promise you won't regret it (I would be happy to listen if you want someone to empathize). Some of my richest friendships to date are because of this shared struggle. Thank you again for listening and showing up every Tuesday. Every single download is a gift! Happy listening!!

Hey Hey!

It was time. If you have known me closely for the past several years, you've probably heard me openly talk about it, but might not have ever heard the whole story. I've referenced it in enough episodes, and so many guests (Tay, Kate Strickler, Kathryn Archer, Shelton Current, Caitlin Ball, Haley Rhyne, my parents, Kylie Mitchel, and Robyn Nohling) have played a part in my freedom and recovery. Planning for this episode was surprisingly cathartic; allowing me to pinpoint things that had never cemented in my memory previously, and giving me hope that He will continue to set my feet on solid ground. I also realized that the journey has been longgggggg: hence the need for two parts! Like I share in the beginning, my prayer is that you'd hear His glory and light all over what I share. It isn't my story of triumph (because, lets be honest, I have not arrived!), but rather His of redemption. Even if you don't struggle with this specific sin, I hope me sharing will allow us to connect in some way. Maybe its just the simple fact that none of us have it all together, despite what outward appearances convey!! Happy listening!

Hey Y'all!

I recorded this episode over a year ago with my dear friend Kate, and as I was thinking about past episodes I'd love to highlight, this was the first that came to mind. As I said in the first show description, no one has had a more profound spiritual impact on me, aside from my husband. She is all things wonderful; a precious wife, mama, friend, daughter, sister and mastermind in the kitchen. Kate is ALWAYS who she is, which I admire more than words can articulate. FYI - Towards the beginning, Kate's very lively dog goes a little crazy when an Amazon delivery man comes, so be prepared. I know you'll add this episode to your favorites list!

Margaret Kazibwe - Episode 55 by Kamri Phillippi

All I wanted for my birthday was to podcast with my people, and they made my dreams come true!! I rang in 27 years of life with my husband, brother, mama and daddy, talking all things fortnite, family, race, and honoring the memory of someone we all miss desperately. I love these people, and I am certain I wouldn't be who I am at 27 without their love. Happy listening!