Deconstructing The Faith: Most of us have heard the term, but what does it really mean? What's the difference between sifting through the religion we were raised in and deconstructing in our faith altogether? Is all deconstructing inherently bad? Is the movement we see happening today led by the Holy Spirit or the enemy? What if I don't know? What if I'm scared of being led down the wrong path? 

With so much unknown, friend, how can we possibly be expected to navigate this situation with the utmost love and compassion (for ourselves and others)? It's hard, right? And in that space of unfamiliarity, it's insanely easy to fall into the categories of "group think," avoidance, and/or judgement - with devastating results! Flashing warning signs here!! Whew. That's a lot to unpack. 

So where do we start? May I make a suggestion? Right here. Having the conversation. Listening with love and compassion. And walking through the process together AND with the Holy Spirit.

In this episode, I get the huge privilege of introducing you to my friend, author, and pastor, Mrs. Jennifer Layte. Jennifer's life work, tender heart, and commitment to God's whispers and nudges has led her to this place of working directly with those that are in this process of deconstruction, or sifting, through their faith. Her experience in this space has given her unique insights that will greatly help us unpack this topic further, no matter which side of the situation you find yourself on. 

This episode is for the person that is actively unpacking their faith and needing some encouragement, love, validation, and affirmation. It's also for those that are on the other side of the situation, watching someone you care about, or love, go through the journey of deconstructing and/or unpacking right now. 

My prayer for this episode: May we all hear the Holy Spirit speak to us through these words and may the journey of love, discovery, and communication continue to grow. "Above all, love Me and love one another." Matthew 22:37-39

*This episode is part of our new "Loving Well" series, where we are actively seeking God's discernment and direction in His second most important commandment - to love others well. This series is aiming to be 100% God led, seeking the lenses of Jesus, the heart of the Father, and the words of the Holy Spirit in every space and situation. Cherished & Challenged, Always!

What would you say? That was the question I asked myself this morning. If today was your last day, Shannon, did you leave it all on the table? Did you share, without reservation, the things that you felt Him pressing on your heart? Did you hold back or lean in? Did you tell them about the God that met you on your living room floor only a few weeks back? What would you say?

This podcast episode is like none I've ever recorded before, my friend. I have given you my whole heart. I have shared things in here that I've never spoken to anyone else outside my home... until now. There's an inexplainable God experience in this episode that may leave you hungering for more. I pray it does. Because here's the thing I want to ask: Who told you that, my friend? Who told you that God doesn't do that anymore? Who told you that He isn't the same? Don't stop where the crowd stops. Press in until you touch the feet of Jesus. Your life will never be the same. 

I love you.

(TRIGGER WARNING: SUICIDE) Have you ever faced a season of debilitating depression that left you in bed for days? Have you ever had thoughts of walking away, or worse, ending your life? Have you ever watched a family member or friend struggle in the space of depression and had no real insights as to how to help them through it? In this episode, my beautiful friend, Mrs. Melissa Flaugh gives us some of the most precious gifts that one can give another: Love, grace, understanding, and hope. Through her willingness to be transparent, vulnerable, and deeply authentic, Melissa's story will leave you both inspired and encouraged. I am so grateful that she is here today, friends. She is a blessing and a gift to us all. You do not want to miss this episode and her story! You will be blessed!

When I met Kelly, God woke me up in the middle of the night and gave me a message for her and a small gift to share. What seemed like simple Divine direction and obedience over coffee the next morning, ended up being the tipping point for a But-God story that took us both on a wild ride through His utter faithfulness and goodness!! You see, unbeknownst to me at the time, Kelly was working two jobs while trying to step fully into her dreams of selling real estate. She held onto one job for financial safety, while her heart deeply yearned for the other. A terrible experience early on had put her dreams in total limbo. But God saw her struggle and He knew her dreams. And what transpired next continues to leave us both without adequate words to explain. Where God guides, He provides, and friend, I pray our story deeply blesses you! All my love, Shannon

"You Cannot Mess Up What God Has For You." We've all heard it shared, but is it fully His truth? In this episode, I set out to explore the complex nature of this rather over-simplified statement (including the dangers). I dug through scripture and prayed for discernment. And while I admit to still learning how God moves in this space, I definitely felt the Holy Spirit revealing some reassurances and also some really hard truths. Note: There is a differentiation between salvation and your walk or calling. Salvation is never achieved by works. It is a gift freely given to all who reach out and accept it. Your calling, however, is different, as we will explore more deeply here. Please understand that my goal in this podcast episode is not to disprove the statement, but rather, to use it as a catalyst to dig deep into the Father's heart on the subject. I have felt a stir on this topic for a long time and I knew there must be a reason why. I pray that it touches you and launches you. All my love! - Shannon

Welcome to our first guest episode of 2025! I am so delighted to introduce you to my beautiful, inspirational, one-of-a-kind friend and powerhouse sister, Kayla Judd!

I reached out to Kayla late last year because I was finally ready to admit to myself that I was allowing physical insecurities (and the mental battle that plays into them) to hold me back from the dreams on my heart. Now, I'm a big fan of pray through it until you break through it, but sometimes a girl could really use someone who's been down that road to encourage her heart and give her some tools for the journey. Insert my beautiful friend, Kayla.

This girl has been on a 3-year health journey that she has shared on her social media platform - and has lost almost 200lbs. to-date. BUT what inspires me the most about Kayla is that she NEVER let some number on a scale or a "perceived flaw" she saw in the mirror HOLD HER BACK or DICTATE HER WORTHINESS to launch fully into her dreams and gifts! She started that journey long before she lost the weight. And friend, that's a superpower that your girl (me!) needs more of today. 

Yes, walking in our gifts is not about what's on the outside, but if I'm being honest, I still get stuck in that headspace from time to time! And it can get really, really messy. So, if you are struggling in the same space, my friend, this episode was recorded for you! We are going to take back our power, walk in our identity, and change this internal narrative, together! With all my love, I pray this episode encourages you deeply. Have a beautiful and blessed day! -Shannon

In our once-a-month "Real Talk" episodes, I aim to share with you from a space of raw vulnerability and transparency. My hope is that when we share in our own struggles and strongholds, we can uplift and encourage one another in that space. We are all imperfect people on a beautifully imperfect journey. You are seen and known and completely, wholly, and unconditionally loved. In this "Real Talk" episode, I share with you my own (current) struggles with imposter syndrome and feelings of insignificance and unworthiness. These are unedited raw episodes, imperfect and flawed in many ways, I'm sure, but honest and real, as well. I pray that hearing my story as I pray through my breakthrough helps you find your breakthrough, too, my friend! Always shared in love, Shannon. 

Please Note: This podcast episode may not be appropriate for children. Please pre-screen or use headphones when listening.

For many of us, we came to our belief system about God first through the eyes, ears, experiences, or words of another - likely someone we trust, someone of authority, or someone we look up to – and we then accepted their experiences or words as truths and it became a part of our belief system as well. This is called second-hand religion, and it's not inherently wrong, as you'll see me explore. But what happens when we come into our own relationship with God? Does the second-hand religion aspect disappear entirely? Well, yes... and no... because sneaky "pockets" of second-hand religion may still remain in your spirit, deeply rooted in the influence of others. And these little pockets of core beliefs that are based on the words or belief systems of others could be holding you back from all that God is calling you into. In this podcast episode, we will explore some BOLD examples of this (hence the screening warning before) and then we will dive deeper into some more commonly held "pockets" and examples and their possible effect on you and your journey. Buckle up, friends... this one is a little bit wild, but I hope it helps you grow in your relationship with Him. Seek first His discernment, wisdom, and heart. My heart posture is always to share with love! -Shannon

No matter where January 1st found you, my friend, 2025 can be the year that changes your life forever! One promise has always, and will always, be true: God will never leave us where He found us. He will hold us, heal us, push us, grow us, and challenge us. So don't go home in the boat, my friend. Don't ride it out comfortably (or uncomfortably) on cruise control. Let God absolutely blow your mind this year! We don't have to know the how. We just have to know the Who. Get ready for 32 minutes that will encourage and inspire you, today! Love you, always, friend! 

If you've ever been in a space where you're leading your family spiritually (speaking to the mama's out there) and your husband is not meeting you in that place, you know that it may come with a lot of mixed emotions. Fear over the future, judgement from others, questions (so many questions), frustration, and possibly resentment. I know that not everyone out there will feel this way, but this podcast is for those that do... BECAUSE today we are going to flip the script, encourage and empower you, and give you an entirely new perspective. DO NOT miss this podcast episode if you are ever feeling like your family is somehow broken if you are the one carrying the torch, mama... God's got a message for you: You were made for such a time as this! Big hugs and big love, friends! Have a beautiful and blessed week!