Join host Anna McLaughlin in this heartfelt conversation with Joy Johnson, founder of The Joyful Fit Life and host of The Journey to Becoming Podcast. As we enter the busiest season of the year, this episode is a timely invitation to pause, breathe, and choose being over doing.

Joy and Anna explore the hidden costs of over-functioning, the power of emotional health, and how to create a "to-be list" instead of just another to-do list. With vulnerability and wisdom, they share personal stories of loss, healing, and the transformative freedom that comes from laying down the burdens we were never meant to carry.

If you're feeling the weight of the holidays approaching—juggling expectations, managing relationships, and trying to do it all—this conversation will meet you exactly where you are. You'll discover practical strategies for pre-deciding your priorities, having honest conversations, and making room for Emmanuel, God with us, this Christmas season.

Key Points

• Creating a To-Be List vs. a To-Do List

• The Unforced Rhythms of Grace

• Over-Functioning as Emotional Masking

• Transgenerational Trauma and Emotional Health

• The Difference Between Emotional and Mental Health

• Pre-Deciding Your Holiday Season

• The Gift of Honest Conversations

• The Lie That "It Only Hurts Me"

• Making Room for Emmanuel

• The Question That Changes Everything

Scriptures Mentioned

• Matthew 11:28–30 (The Message)

• John 15 – Abiding in Christ, pruning, remaining in Him

• Romans 12 – Offering ourselves as living sacrifices

• Out of the Heart, the Mouth Speaks – Principle from Scripture

Books & Resources Mentioned

"The Emotionally Healthy Woman: Eight Things You Have to Quit to Change Your Life" by Geri Scazzero - https://a.co/d/iTXRjvD

• Joy credits this book with changing her life by giving her language for unhealthy emotional patterns

• Addresses issues like creating false narratives, over-functioning, and people-pleasing

The 5 AM Club (Referenced/Critiqued) - https://a.co/d/99MBRTI

Discussion about the pressure to wake up at 5am and how it's become another "should" rather than a personal choice

• Reminder that what works in one season may not work in another

Love Languages Resources

• The Love Languages Quiz - https://5lovelanguages.com/quizzes/love-language

Ready to get unstuck and start living out your God-given purpose and dreams?

Join Joy for a FREE Live Workshop designed to help women of faith move from overwhelm to clarity and take practical steps toward the abundant life God created for them.

Register here:https://www.thejourneytobecomingpod.com/shop/becomingher2025

Connect with Joy Johnson

• Website & Podcast: https://www.thejourneytobecomingpod.com/

• Community: The Joyful Fit Life : https://joyful-fit-life.mn.co/

Be a Guest on the Show

Want to be a guest on Overwhelmed to Overcomer? Send Anna McLaughlin a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/overwhelmedtoovercomer

Free Resource: Thrive Through the Holidays The holidays shouldn't just happen to you. Take a moment to cast vision for a season that reflects your family's values and makes room for Emmanuel — God with us.

[Click here to get your free guide]

Let's Keep in Touch!

IG: @‌sheconsidersafield

Ready to dive deeper into recovery and faith? Click here for your free guide and to join my e-mail list: https://subscribepage.io/overwhelmed_to_overcomer_welcome

If you're craving some rest and renewal, why not escape to Just Like Paradise—our serene vacation rental on Oak Island? Rentals at our Beach House are currently 20% off, and our house is better than ever after coming under new management. ➡️ Book your stay here: https://justlikeparadiseoki.com

The show notes above may contain affiliate links, meaning if you decide to make a purchase via my links, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Please contact me with questions.The show notes above may contain affiliate links, meaning if you decide to make a purchase via my links, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Please contact me with questions.

MUSIC CREDITS

Theme music: Brave New World

ASLC-1BEF9A9E-9E9D609662

Artist: Fantoms

Inspiring Hopeful

Audio source: Jamendo

Artist: Aliaksei Yukhnevich

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In this heartfelt Thanksgiving episode, Anna invites listeners to embrace the imperfect beauty of holiday gatherings with family and friends. Drawing from her personal experiences and her father's love of the Beatles, she explores the profound simplicity of the phrase "let it be" as a spiritual practice. Anna shares vulnerable stories about family dynamics, culinary disasters, and the precious nature of fleeting moments, encouraging listeners to hold their imperfect celebrations close and find Christ's presence in the midst of it all. Whether you're navigating difficult family relationships, managing expectations, or simply feeling overwhelmed by the holiday season, this episode offers a tender reminder to be fully present and count each moment as a gift from the Father.

Key Points

• Let It Be: Embrace the imperfection of holiday moments rather than trying to control or fix everything

• Release Expectations: Allow family members to be who they are without needing them to change or meet your expectations

• Finite Time: Remember that we don't know which gathering will be our last with loved ones—treasure the present moment

• Choose Presence Over Perfection: Be fully present with God and others rather than caught up in the details

• Gratitude for Imperfection: Thank God for imperfect moments and ask Him to help you see His love and grace within them

• Christ is Present: God is with you in YOUR moment, not in someone else's picture-perfect celebration

• Let Them: Release the need to control others' behavior, opinions, or choices

Scriptures Mentioned

• James 1:17 - "Father of heavenly lights who does not change like shifting shadows"

• Hymn Reference: "It Is Well With My Soul" - "Whatever my lot, You have taught me to say, it is well, it is well with my soul"

Books and Resources Mentioned

• "Let Them" by Mel Robbins - Referenced for the concept of releasing control over others' choices and behaviors

• The Beatles' "Let It Be" - Song that inspired Anna's personal phrase and approach to presence

Be a Guest on the Show

Want to be a guest on Overwhelmed to Overcomer? Send Anna McLaughlin a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/overwhelmedtoovercomer

Free Resource:

Ready to go from Overwhelmed to Overcomer? Click here for your free guide, and to join my e-mail list

Let's Keep in Touch!

http://sheconsidersafield.com

IG: @‌sheconsidersafield

Ready to dive deeper into recovery and faith? Click here for your free guide and to join my e-mail list: https://subscribepage.io/overwhelmed_to_overcomer_welcome

If you're craving some rest and renewal, why not escape to Just Like Paradise—our serene vacation rental on Oak Island? Rentals at our Beach House are currently 20% off, and our house is better than ever after coming under new management. ➡️ Book your stay here: https://justlikeparadiseoki.com

The show notes above may contain affiliate links, meaning if you decide to make a purchase via my links, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Please contact me with questions.The show notes above may contain affiliate links, meaning if you decide to make a purchase via my links, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Please contact me with questions.

MUSIC CREDITS

Theme music: Brave New World

ASLC-1BEF9A9E-9E9D609662

Artist: Fantoms

Inspiring Hopeful

Audio source: Jamendo

Artist: Aliaksei Yukhnevich

ASLC-2B505EF3-E9CD4817A6

In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Anna tackles an uncomfortable but transformative topic: the imperative necessity of obedience in our walk with Christ. Drawing from Andrew Murray's profound work "The True Vine" (Chapter 27, p. 128—from which this episode's title is directly quoted) and the biblical account of David and the Ark of the Covenant, Anna challenges listeners to examine whether they're truly living as friends of Christ or merely skating by on cheap grace.

This raw, honest conversation addresses the temptation to elevate our privileges as children of God above our responsibilities, and how our relationship with Christ has become "clouded and lowered" when we fail to take His commands seriously. Anna vulnerably shares her own struggle with distraction during quiet time and the practical steps she took to return to genuine, obedient devotion.

If you've been feeling spiritually distant, distracted, or like something is missing in your faith walk, this episode will convict, encourage, and inspire you to say "Yea, Lord" to whatever He commands—no turning back.

Key Points

• Obedience comes first: We cannot expect intimacy with Christ while treating His commands as optional

• The danger of "soft gospel": We've elevated privilege over duty, thinking grace means God doesn't really expect obedience

• Pruning is necessary for fruitfulness: Just as a vine must be cut back to bear fruit, we must be willing to let God remove even good things that hinder maximum fruitfulness

• Justice, mercy, AND grace: The gospel uniquely provides all three—justice fully satisfied, mercy freely given, grace abundantly poured out

• Practical obedience starts with time: Getting into God's Word and prayer is the foundation for hearing and following His voice

• Remove distractions intentionally: Identify what keeps you from reverent, focused time with God and make practical changes (phone, notifications, etc.)

• "If" matters: "You are my friends IF you do whatever I command you"—the conditional nature of friendship with Christ

• God enables us to stand: When we fall, He is able to make us stand again; obedience isn't perfection but persistent pursuit

Scriptures Mentioned

• John 15 (entire passage on the Vine and the Branches)

• John 15:14 - "You are my friends if you do whatever I command you"

• 2 Samuel 6:5-11 - The account of Uzzah and the Ark of God

• 1 Chronicles 15 - David learning to carry the Ark properly according to God's commands

• Romans 14:1-4 - "He will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand"

• References to Moses and the cleft of the rock (Exodus 33-34)

• David dancing before the Lord in worship

Books and Resources Mentioned

• "The True Vine" by Andrew Murray - https://a.co/d/7y1CE2w

Be a Guest on the Show Want to be a guest on Overwhelmed to Overcomer? Send Anna McLaughlin a message on PodMatch : Click Here Free Resource:

Ready to go from Overwhelmed to Overcomer? Click here for your free guide, and to join my e-mail list

Let's Keep in Touch!

http://sheconsidersafield.com

IG: @‌sheconsidersafield

Ready to dive deeper into recovery and faith? Click here for your free guide and to join my e-mail list: https://subscribepage.io/overwhelmed_to_overcomer_welcome

If you're craving some rest and renewal, why not escape to Just Like Paradise—our serene vacation rental on Oak Island? Rentals at our Beach House are currently 20% off, and our house is better than ever after coming under new management. ➡️ Book your stay here: https://justlikeparadiseoki.com

The show notes above may contain affiliate links, meaning if you decide to make a purchase via my links, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Please contact me with questions.The show notes above may contain affiliate links, meaning if you decide to make a purchase via my links, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Please contact me with questions.

MUSIC CREDITS

Theme music: Brave New World

ASLC-1BEF9A9E-9E9D609662

Artist: Fantoms

Inspiring Hopeful

Audio source: Jamendo

Artist: Aliaksei Yukhnevich

ASLC-2B505EF3-E9CD4817A6

In this powerful conversation, Anna McLaughlin sits down with Dan Nichols to discuss intentional discipleship in the home. Dan Nichols is a follower of Jesus, married to his best friend Joy, and father to Landon and Declan. He serves as Lead Pastor of Grace Christian Fellowship in Cortland, NY, and is the Founder/President of Northeast Collaborative, a regional church network. Dan holds a Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) degree from Clarks Summit University where he served as an adjunct professor. Dan shares his heart behind creating the "Making Scripture Simple" book series, designed to help upper elementary students engage with God's Word in language they can understand. This episode explores the daily rhythms of parenting with purpose, the importance of family values, and how to persevere through the long journey of raising children who follow Jesus. Whether you're homeschooling, parenting young children, or simply seeking to be more intentional in your faith at home, this conversation offers practical encouragement and biblical wisdom for the journey.

Key Points & Timestamps

• Making Scripture Simple – Inspired by Dan's 8-year-old son's honesty; fills the gap between picture Bibles and standard translations with paraphrase, questions, and coloring pages.

• Intentional Family Rhythms – Pray immediately after reading; let truth sink in; Scripture must be actionable, not just informational.

• Family Goals – Live for God, Love others, Learn always, Laugh often, Lead with vision, Listen to the wise, Labor for what matters (taught with hand motions).

• Feelings vs. Truth – Feelings are real but can lie; truth sets us free (John 8:32); parents should balance comfort with correction and model repentance.

• Phone Accountability – Children can take phones from parents during family time; open conversations about phone use and impulse control.

• Parenting for Kingdom Impact – A vision bigger than your lifetime; example of Wilberforce; teach children as you live (Deuteronomy 6).

• Little Wins Matter – Small encouragements (like children's prayers or comments) are signs of God's work; look for the "small cloud" of His movement.

• Presence Over Productivity – Choosing presence with children over outside work; wrestling with identity; seeing children as God's sanctifying gift; drawing them close when they act out.

Scriptures Mentioned

• Acts 16 - Paul's connection with the church in Philippi

• Philippians 1:1-5 - Opening greeting and thanksgiving (read in paraphrase form)

• Philippians 4:8 - "Whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable - think about such things" (Paraphrased as: "Choose to think thoughts that are true, noble, right, pure, beautiful, and respectable")

• Deuteronomy 6 - Teaching children as you live life (sitting, walking, going through daily activities)

• 1 Corinthians 15:58 - "Stand firm, let nothing move you, always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain"

• 1 Kings 18 (Elijah and the prophets of Baal story with the cloud the size of a man's hand)

• John 8:32 - "The truth will set you free"

• Ephesians 5 - Husbands washing wives with the water of the Word

Books & Resources Mentioned By Dan Nichols:

• Making Scripture Simple: Philippians - https://a.co/d/3yXzwsv

• Making Scripture Simple: Colossians and Philemon - https://a.co/d/5nv7HhZ

• Making Scripture Simple: 1st, 2nd, 3rd John and Jude (releasing Christmas 2025)

Other Resources:

• Little Pilgrim's Progress - mentioned as part of Anna's morning time routine - https://a.co/d/iYckMGF

• Loving the Little Years by Rachel Jankovic - https://a.co/d/cggZHrG

• Corrie ten Boom testimony interview - both of Dan's sons were riveted watching this - https://www.sermonaudio.com/gb/sermons/130231919195552

• "Dents in the Darkness" podcast - https://www.necollaborative.com/dentsinthedarkness

Contact Information

Website: https://danandjoy.com/ Email: [email protected]

Be a Guest on the Show

Want to be a guest on Overwhelmed to Overcomer? Send Anna McLaughlin a message on PodMatch: Click Here

Free Resource:

Ready to go from Overwhelmed to Overcomer? Click here for your free guide, and to join my e-mail list

Let's Keep in Touch!

http://sheconsidersafield.com

IG: @‌sheconsidersafield

Ready to dive deeper into recovery and faith? Click here for your free guide and to join my e-mail list: https://subscribepage.io/overwhelmed_to_overcomer_welcome

If you're craving some rest and renewal, why not escape to Just Like Paradise—our serene vacation rental on Oak Island? Rentals at our Beach House are currently 20% off, and our house is better than ever after coming under new management. ➡️ Book your stay here: https://justlikeparadiseoki.com

The show notes above may contain affiliate links, meaning if you decide to make a purchase via my links, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Please contact me with questions. The show notes above may contain affiliate links, meaning if you decide to make a purchase via my links, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Please contact me with questions.

MUSIC CREDITS

Theme music: Brave New World

ASLC-1BEF9A9E-9E9D609662

Artist: Fantoms

Inspiring Hopeful

Audio source: Jamendo

Artist: Aliaksei Yukhnevich

ASLC-2B505EF3-E9CD4817A6

In this powerful episode, Anna McLaughlin tackles one of the most painful human experiences: betrayal. Drawing from Malcolm Gladwell's book "Talking to Strangers" and Psalm 73, Anna explores why we often feel we "should have known" when someone betrays our trust, and why that belief is both psychologically understandable and untrue. She offers deep healing and hope for anyone carrying the weight of betrayal, explaining how our capacity to trust—the very thing that made us vulnerable—is actually one of our greatest strengths. This episode is for anyone who has experienced the heartbreak of betrayal and needs to hear three powerful words: "It's not your fault."

Key Points

• Default to Truth: Humans are wired to trust and believe people are telling the truth until there is overwhelming evidence to the contrary

• The "Should Have Known" Trap: Betrayal often comes with shame and self-blame, but hindsight creates a false sense that warning signs were obvious

• The Marble Analogy: Evidence accumulates gradually like marbles on a scale until enough weight tips us to see the truth—but we weren't wrong to explain away earlier signs

• The Cost of Losing Trust: While betrayal is painful, becoming unable to trust (like Harry Markopolos in the Madoff case) leads to isolation, paranoia, and loss of joy

• Your Tenderness is Strength: The same quality that left you vulnerable to betrayal is what enables you to experience love, connection, and joy

• Taking it to the Father: Rather than armoring up, we're called to bring our pain to God, trust Him with justice, and choose to remain tender-hearted

• Abide and Bear: By staying close to God through the healing process, we gain the wisdom and compassion to help others through their own betrayals

Scriptures Mentioned

• Psalm 73 - The psalmist's struggle with seeing the wicked prosper and finding peace in God's sanctuary

  • Key verse: "Nevertheless, I am continually with you; you hold my right hand" (v. 23)

  • "God is the rock of my heart and my portion forever" (v. 26)

• John 15 - Abiding in the vine and bearing fruit

• John 20:29 - "Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe" (Jesus to Thomas)

Books and Resources Mentioned

• "Talking to Strangers: What We Should Know About the People We Don't Know" by Malcolm Gladwell - https://a.co/d/8cYcDRt

• "The True Vine" by Andrew Murray - https://a.co/d/hK0zBRB

Be a Guest on the Show

Want to be a guest on Overwhelmed to Overcomer? Send Anna McLaughlin a message on PodMatch: Click Here

Free Resource:

Ready to go from Overwhelmed to Overcomer? Click here for your free guide, and to join my e-mail list

Let's Keep in Touch!

http://sheconsidersafield.com

IG: @‌sheconsidersafield

Ready to dive deeper into recovery and faith? Click here for your free guide and to join my e-mail list: https://subscribepage.io/overwhelmed_to_overcomer_welcome

If you're craving some rest and renewal, why not escape to Just Like Paradise—our serene vacation rental on Oak Island? Rentals at our Beach House are currently 20% off, and our house is better than ever after coming under new management. ➡️ Book your stay here: https://justlikeparadiseoki.com

The show notes above may contain affiliate links, meaning if you decide to make a purchase via my links, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Please contact me with questions.The show notes above may contain affiliate links, meaning if you decide to make a purchase via my links, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Please contact me with questions.

MUSIC CREDITS

Theme music: Brave New World

ASLC-1BEF9A9E-9E9D609662

Artist: Fantoms

Inspiring Hopeful

Audio source: Jamendo

Artist: Aliaksei Yukhnevich

ASLC-2B505EF3-E9CD4817A6

What do you do when the worst thing you can imagine actually happens? When prayers go unanswered and the pain feels unbearable? In this raw and powerful conversation, Anna sits down with JoBeth Polley, who was widowed at 32 and left to navigate grief while raising two adopted children and running a 120-acre cattle farm and construction company.

JoBeth doesn't sugarcoat the journey—grief is dark, physically debilitating, and requires serious work. But she also brings hope: joy is attainable, healing is possible, and the only way out is through. This episode is for anyone navigating fresh grief, carrying unresolved pain from years past, or wanting to better support someone who's hurting. JoBeth shares practical strategies for "treating grief like a business," the danger of stuffing emotions, and why anger at God doesn't mean your faith is over—it means you're still in relationship.

If you've been sitting in your pain too long, or you're afraid to open the door to grief because you think it has no bottom, this conversation will challenge you to move your feet and do the hard work that leads to freedom.

Key Points

• Harmful Platitudes – Well-meaning phrases ("God needed another angel") can wound and push people away from God.

• Anger at God = Relationship – Anger doesn't end faith; it shows you're still engaged with Him.

• Holding Two Emotions – You can grieve deeply and still be thankful at the same time.

• Grief in the Body – Unresolved grief can show up as illness, even long-term health issues.

• The "Poopy Diaper" Analogy – Staying stuck in grief without working through it drains you and your relationships.

• Treat Grief Like Work – Commit to therapy, safe spaces, crying sessions—don't stuff emotions for later.

• Find Safe People – Share with those who can handle raw grief without judgment.

• Validation Over Advice – Say "Of course you feel that way" instead of trying to fix or minimize.

• Download Before Organizing – Let people tell their story often before moving into solutions.

• No Set Timeline – Grief doesn't vanish after a year; sometimes later milestones feel harder.

• Gratitude Heals – Shifting thoughts toward thankfulness helps reframe pain.

• The Only Way Out is Through – Healing comes from walking through grief, not avoiding it.

Scriptures Mentioned

• Lamentations 3:21-23 (New Living Translation): "Yet I still dare to hope when I remember this: The faithful love of the LORD never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning." (Paraphrased in conversation as "I will never forget this awful time as I grieve over my loss. But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope. Because of the Lord's great love, we are not consumed. His mercies are new every morning. Great is thy faithfulness.")

• Call to love one another: Referenced in discussing how grief gives us greater capacity to love and show up for others

• Be perfect as your Heavenly Father is perfect: Mentioned in the context that perfection/completeness comes through love, not performance

• Give thanks in everything: Referenced as God's call to gratitude even while mourning

Connect with JoBeth Polley

• Free 30-minute consultation call: JoBeth offers a no-obligation conversation where she can assess where you are and what kind of support would be most beneficial (grief group, one-on-one coaching, therapy, etc.) - https://auroranetwork.life/connect-with-coach-jobeth

• Grief Groups: 8-week evidence-based program using the Grief Recovery Method for those who need community and shared understanding - https://auroranetwork.life/coach-jobeth-grief-recovery-group

• Contact: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/jobeth.polley/

If you're feeling that burning inside—that knowing that it's time to deal with your grief—don't wait for the perfect moment or the perfect person. Move your feet. Reach out to JoBeth or another professional. The only way out is through, and peace and joy are waiting on the other side.

Be a Guest on the Show

Want to be a guest on Overwhelmed to Overcomer? Send Anna McLaughlin a message on PodMatch: Click Here

Free Resource:

Ready to go from Overwhelmed to Overcomer? Click here for your free guide, and to join my e-mail list

Let's Keep in Touch!

http://sheconsidersafield.com

IG: @‌sheconsidersafield

Ready to dive deeper into recovery and faith? Click here for your free guide and to join my e-mail list: https://subscribepage.io/overwhelmed_to_overcomer_welcome

If you're craving some rest and renewal, why not escape to Just Like Paradise—our serene vacation rental on Oak Island? Rentals at our Beach House are currently 20% off, and our house is better than ever after coming under new management. ➡️ Book your stay here: https://justlikeparadiseoki.com

The show notes above may contain affiliate links, meaning if you decide to make a purchase via my links, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Please contact me with questions.The show notes above may contain affiliate links, meaning if you decide to make a purchase via my links, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Please contact me with questions.

MUSIC CREDITS

Theme music: Brave New World

ASLC-1BEF9A9E-9E9D609662

Artist: Fantoms

Inspiring Hopeful

Audio source: Jamendo

Artist: Aliaksei Yukhnevich

ASLC-2B505EF3-E9CD4817A6

In this heartfelt anniversary special, Anna celebrates 15 years of marriage by sharing honest reflections on her journey from a wounded young woman with broken templates for love to building a thriving covenant marriage. With vulnerability and humor, she recounts early marriage mishaps (including a thrown suitcase and the "cuddling crisis"), and offers practical wisdom for navigating conflict, staying unified, and allowing marriage to do its sanctifying work. Whether you're married, engaged, or single, Anna's transparency about her struggles and breakthroughs will encourage you that love can grow deeper through challenge—and that God's grace is big enough for all our messy moments.

Key Points

• Prayer is the primary work of marriage - Your role as a wife includes powerful intercessory prayer for your husband, creating shifts in the spiritual realm and transforming your own posture

• Remember you're on the same team - Fight the problem, not each other; see your spouse as your ally, not your adversary

• Marriage represents Christ and the Church - Your union is an earthly picture of a heavenly reality, making it a primary target for spiritual attack

• Recognize your husband's unseen contributions - Like Dwight in The Office, there are countless ways your spouse serves that go unnoticed until they're gone

• Embrace the "other" - You don't need another version of yourself; you need the complement your spouse provides

• Marriage is about sanctification, not just happiness - It's "open heart surgery" meant to transform you, not just a fairy tale ending

• Stay in the conversation - Address issues in the moment, look for the stories underneath the conflict, and break unhealthy dance patterns

• Use love languages as bridges - Knowing and meeting your spouse's love language can rapidly de-escalate conflict

Scriptures Referenced

• Westminster Shorter Catechism (not Scripture but referenced): "Man's chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever"

Books & Resources Mentioned

• Vision Driven Marriage podcast by Leslie & Doug Davis: https://thevisiondrivenmarriage.com/podcast-library/

• Derek Prince's teachings on prayer and marriage: https://www.derekprince.com/radio/456

• Brené Brown's work on shame and vulnerability, including:

  • Listening to shame - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=psN1DORYYV0

  • The Power Of Vulnerability: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iCvmsMzlF7o

Movies Referenced

• Sleepless in Seattle - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0108160/

• Jerry Maguire - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0116695/

• Still Breathing (with Brendan Fraser): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120211/

Connect with Anna at the Overwhelmed to Overcomer podcast for more honest conversations about faith, family, and freedom in Christ.

Be a Guest on the Show

Want to be a guest on Overwhelmed to Overcomer? Send Anna McLaughlin a message on PodMatch: Click Here

Free Resource:

Ready to go from Overwhelmed to Overcomer? Click here for your free guide, and to join my e-mail list

Let's Keep in Touch!

http://sheconsidersafield.com

IG: @‌sheconsidersafield

Ready to dive deeper into recovery and faith? Click here for your free guide and to join my e-mail list: https://subscribepage.io/overwhelmed_to_overcomer_welcome

If you're craving some rest and renewal, why not escape to Just Like Paradise—our serene vacation rental on Oak Island? Rentals at our Beach House are currently 20% off, and our house is better than ever after coming under new management. ➡️ Book your stay here: https://justlikeparadiseoki.com

The show notes above may contain affiliate links, meaning if you decide to make a purchase via my links, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Please contact me with questions. The show notes above may contain affiliate links, meaning if you decide to make a purchase via my links, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Please contact me with questions.

MUSIC CREDITS

Theme music: Brave New World

ASLC-1BEF9A9E-9E9D609662

Artist: Fantoms

Inspiring Hopeful

Audio source: Jamendo

Artist: Aliaksei Yukhnevich

ASLC-2B505EF3-E9CD4817A6

Join host Anna McLaughlin in this inspiring conversation with Jennifer Bosma, author, podcaster, and former educator, who radiates joy and encouragement. Jennifer shares her powerful journey of pursuing God-given dreams despite delays, rejections, and life's busy seasons. From waiting 26 years to publish her first children's book to stepping into ministry through pregnancy centers and podcasting, Jennifer's story reminds us that God never forgets the blueprints He places in our hearts.

In this episode, you'll discover practical ways to integrate prayer into daily life, the importance of surrendering control to God, and why "true success flows from surrender." Jennifer introduces her "Front Parking Spot" philosophy—a reminder that God wants to do exceedingly, abundantly more than we can imagine when we dare to ask boldly and step out in faith. Whether you're a mom with dreams tucked away in a drawer or someone seeking to deepen your prayer life, this conversation will inspire you to take courageous steps of obedience.

Key Points

• Dreams Don't Die – God-given ideas keep returning; honor them with 15–30 minutes a day.

• Seasons Matter – Motherhood or busyness doesn't cancel your dreams—it just pauses them.

• God Equips – He provides what's needed, even when you feel inadequate.

• Surrender Control – Success flows from yielding to God's will, not trying to be in charge.

• Prayer = Surrender – Prayer draws you close to God and releases control back to Him.

• Prayer Habits – Pray immediately, use reminders, pray Scripture with kids, and model prayer openly.

• Bold Asking – Dare to "go for the front parking spot"; God can do more than we imagine (Eph. 3:20).

• Marriage & Obedience – Respect and pray for your husband, nurture not nag, and take small faithful steps.

Scriptures Mentioned

• Jeremiah 29:11 - "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future"

• Jeremiah 1:5 - God knew us before we were formed (foundation for "The Baby Garden")

• Psalm 23:6 - "Surely goodness and love will follow you all the days of your life, and you will dwell in the house of the Lord forever"

• Ephesians 3:20 - God can do exceedingly, abundantly more than we can desire or imagine

• 2 Kings (Hezekiah laying the letter before the Lord in the temple)

• James 4:2 - "You do not have because you do not ask"

• James 4:6-8 - God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble; come near to God and He will come near to you

• Luke 15 - The parable of the prodigal son and the elder brother

• Jeremiah 10:23 - A man tries to discern his steps, but the Lord knows where he's going

• John 3:16 - Referenced in "God is Three in One"

Books and Resources Mentioned

Jennifer Bosma's Children's Books:

1. "The Baby Garden" - Explains where babies come from based on Jeremiah 1:5; used in pregnancy centers - https://a.co/d/4I6AKw9

2. "I Know the Plans" - Scriptures prayed over children, written in rhyme with animal families representing seven continents; coming out in board book format - https://a.co/d/cNu6IaB

3. "God is Three in One" - Award-winning book explaining the Trinity to children ages 3+; winner of Nonfiction Book of the Year - https://a.co/d/alySZus

Other Books Referenced:

• "The Slight Edge" by Jeff Olson - About consistent small actions leading to success - https://a.co/d/hNycNm1

• "Atomic Habits" by James Clear - About building better habits through small changes - https://a.co/d/fxaCVho

• "Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing" by Judy Blume - Inspired Jennifer's love of writing - https://a.co/d/iNg72co

Podcasts:

• Front Parking Spot Podcast - Jennifer's podcast, ranked in top 100 Christian podcasts for moms and families - https://jenniferbosma.com/podcast

Where to Find Jennifer Bosma

• Website:http://www.jenniferbosma.com

"Be obedient to what God calls you to do. He gets all the glory—it's not through me, it's through Him." - Jennifer Bosma

Be a Guest on the Show

Want to be a guest on Overwhelmed to Overcomer? Send Anna McLaughlin a message on PodMatch: Click Here

Free Resource:

Ready to go from Overwhelmed to Overcomer? Click here for your free guide, and to join my e-mail list

Let's Keep in Touch!

http://sheconsidersafield.com

IG: @‌sheconsidersafield

Ready to dive deeper into recovery and faith? Click here for your free guide and to join my e-mail list: https://subscribepage.io/overwhelmed_to_overcomer_welcome

If you're craving some rest and renewal, why not escape to Just Like Paradise—our serene vacation rental on Oak Island? Rentals at our Beach House are currently 20% off, and our house is better than ever after coming under new management. ➡️ Book your stay here: https://justlikeparadiseoki.com

The show notes above may contain affiliate links, meaning if you decide to make a purchase via my links, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Please contact me with questions. The show notes above may contain affiliate links, meaning if you decide to make a purchase via my links, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Please contact me with questions.

MUSIC CREDITS

Theme music: Brave New World

ASLC-1BEF9A9E-9E9D609662

Artist: Fantoms

Inspiring Hopeful

Audio source: Jamendo

Artist: Aliaksei Yukhnevich

ASLC-2B505EF3-E9CD4817A6

In the wake of tragedy and loss, how do we move forward with purpose? This episode explores the profound gift of individual life and calling, especially during seasons of uncertainty and grief. Anna reflects on the recent assassination of Charlie Kirk and wrestles with questions of impact, comparison, and faithful stewardship. Through the lens of Mary Oliver's poetry, the parable of the talents, and stories of "small" faithfulness with generational impact, this conversation invites you to consider: What will you do with your one wild and precious life? The answer might be simpler—and more profound—than you think.

Key Points

• Everyone Gets Their Own Life: The realization that each person receives their own unique life as a generous gift from God—to steward, build, or waste as they choose

• The Danger of Comparison and Judgment: How both comparison (feeling inadequate) and judgment (criticizing others) rob us of power and keep us from our calling

• Abiding Over Striving: True fruitfulness comes only from abiding in Christ, not from our own efforts or productivity

• The Right Face on God: Like the one-talent servant, having a distorted view of God's character leads to fear, hiding, and ineffectiveness

• Small Faithfulness, Generational Impact: Examples of "ordinary" faithfulness (the mother who packed the loaves and fishes, Susanna Wesley) that echoed through generations

• The Point of Redemption: You may be the turning point in your family line—and healing may take decades, but it impacts thousands of generations

• Belonging, Stewardship, and Courage: The three core values that undergird purposeful living and kingdom impact

• Daring Greatly: The courage to step into the arena of your own life rather than standing on the outside looking in

Scriptures Referenced

• John 15 (entire chapter): The Parable of the Vine and the Branches—on abiding in Christ

• John 15:9: "As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Continue ye in my love"

• Matthew 25:14-30: The Parable of the Talents

• Deuteronomy 6: Teaching children "on the way, walking on the road, when we rise and when we sleep"

• Westminster Catechism: "Man's chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever."

Books and Resources Mentioned

• "The Summer Day" by Mary Oliver (poem)

• "The True Vine" by Andrew Murray: 31 chapters, three pages each, a deep dive into John 15 and abiding in Christ

• "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus" (hymn): "Look full in His wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace"

• "Step by Step" by Rich Mullins (song)

• Westminster Catechism (set to music on Amazon Music)

• "Daring Greatly" speech by Theodore Roosevelt (April 23, 1910)

• "Daring Greatly" by Brené Brown (quote about vulnerability and courage)

• Les Misérables (1990s film with Uma Thurman and Claire Danes): The redemption story of Jean Valjean and the line "I've ransomed you from evil"

• Susanna Wesley: Mother of John and Charles Wesley, founders of the Methodist Church

• Previous podcast episode with Andrea Johnson on core values - Watch the episode : https://youtu.be/fzQZ2aVJink Listen to the Episode - https://sheconsidersafield.com/knowing-and-operating-in-your-core-values-with-andrea-johnson/

Be a Guest on the Show

Want to be a guest on Overwhelmed to Overcomer? Send Anna McLaughlin a message on PodMatch: Click Here

Free Resource:

Ready to go from Overwhelmed to Overcomer? Click here for your free guide, and to join my e-mail list

Let's Keep in Touch!

http://sheconsidersafield.com

IG: @‌sheconsidersafield

Ready to dive deeper into recovery and faith? Click here for your free guide and to join my e-mail list: https://subscribepage.io/overwhelmed_to_overcomer_welcome

If you're craving some rest and renewal, why not escape to Just Like Paradise—our serene vacation rental on Oak Island? Rentals at our Beach House are currently 20% off, and our house is better than ever after coming under new management. ➡️ Book your stay here: https://justlikeparadiseoki.com

The show notes above may contain affiliate links, meaning if you decide to make a purchase via my links, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Please contact me with questions. The show notes above may contain affiliate links, meaning if you decide to make a purchase via my links, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Please contact me with questions.

MUSIC CREDITS

Theme music: Brave New World

ASLC-1BEF9A9E-9E9D609662

Artist: Fantoms

Inspiring Hopeful

Audio source: Jamendo

Artist: Aliaksei Yukhnevich

ASLC-2B505EF3-E9CD4817A6

In this powerful episode, Anna sits down with Matt Morizio, a financial advisor, entrepreneur, father of seven, and former professional athlete who launched his own wealth management firm at age 40. Matt shares his transformative journey from living in financial fear to discovering true stewardship through faith. This conversation breaks down the taboos around money in the church and provides practical insights on how to align your finances with your faith and calling.

Matt opens up about his own financial struggles, including accumulating over $300,000 in credit card debt while building his business, and how tithing transformed his relationship with money even when his financial picture got worse on paper. This vulnerable and authentic discussion will encourage anyone feeling overwhelmed by their finances to take that first step toward healthy stewardship.

Key Topics Covered

• God's Leading and Obedience

• Transforming Your Relationship with Money

• Financial Stewardship in Marriage

• Breaking Money Taboos in the Church

• Practical Financial Advice

• Matt's Valley Testimony

Resources Mentioned

Books:

• "Dancing with the Analysts" by David A. Mallach - The book that transformed Matt's understanding of financial advising and led him to his current approach (Matt offers to mail free copies to interested listeners)

Resources:

• Matt's Website: http://reconstructingwealth.com (features a live counter showing total dollars given by clients)

• Instagram: @‌mattmorizio (for financial education content and personal insights)

• Free Course: Available through Instagram DM - 3-video series covering mindset, personal finance nuts and bolts, and transforming your relationship with money

Be a Guest on the Show

Want to be a guest on Overwhelmed to Overcomer? Send Anna McLaughlin a message on PodMatch: Click Here

Free Resource:

Ready to go from Overwhelmed to Overcomer? Click here for your free guide, and to join my e-mail list

Let's Keep in Touch!

http://sheconsidersafield.com

IG: @‌sheconsidersafield

Ready to dive deeper into recovery and faith? Click here for your free guide and to join my e-mail list: https://subscribepage.io/overwhelmed_to_overcomer_welcome

If you're craving some rest and renewal, why not escape to Just Like Paradise—our serene vacation rental on Oak Island? Rentals at our Beach House are currently 20% off, and our house is better than ever after coming under new management. ➡️ Book your stay here: https://justlikeparadiseoki.com

The show notes above may contain affiliate links, meaning if you decide to make a purchase via my links, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Please contact me with questions.The show notes above may contain affiliate links, meaning if you decide to make a purchase via my links, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Please contact me with questions.

MUSIC CREDITS

Theme music: Brave New World

ASLC-1BEF9A9E-9E9D609662

Artist: Fantoms

Inspiring Hopeful

Audio source: Jamendo

Artist: Aliaksei Yukhnevich

ASLC-2B505EF3-E9CD4817A6