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Taylor Turner, a ninth-grade science teacher and mother of three, shares her transformative journey from struggling with family Bible reading to creating a comprehensive family Bible study. What began as a simple tradition of reading a chapter of Luke daily during December evolved into something much more profound when Taylor realized her family was merely going through the motions without meaningful engagement.

"We'd read the Bible and it felt like we got nothing out of it," Taylor explains, describing how her young daughter would focus more on the advent calendar reward than the scripture itself. This disconnect prompted Taylor to develop a resource that transforms Bible reading into genuine family conversations about faith.

Her Bible study stands apart through its accessibility and practical design. Understanding the intimidation many parents feel about leading spiritual discussions, Taylor incorporated parent tips, conversation starters, and background information using simple Bible translations. "I try to come about it in a perspective of a parent who doesn't really read the Bible as much," she shares. Each chapter includes fill-in-the-blank summaries, memory verses, and family activities—from themed snacks to games that reinforce biblical concepts.

Beyond scripture comprehension, Taylor's study teaches families how to pray meaningfully, moving beyond formulaic approaches to develop authentic communication with God. "I think there's so much hate in this world that if I could choose anything to stand for, it would be love in every situation," Taylor reflects, explaining how her own faith journey informs her approach to teaching children about God's love.

The Bible study represents more than just a published work—it embodies Taylor's passion for breaking generational curses through intentional faith development. As she powerfully states, "We have to train up our kids in the way of the Lord, and it's nobody else's job." Whether you're looking to strengthen your family's faith conversations or begin a new tradition this Christmas season, Taylor's Bible study offers a fresh approach to experiencing scripture together as a family.

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What does it mean to truly stand in your truth? In this deeply personal conversation, host Yanni welcomes Kelci for an exploration of self-worth, boundaries, and authentic connection that will resonate with anyone who's ever struggled to put themselves first.

The raw vulnerability begins immediately as Kelci admits how seeing others succeed serves as her primary motivation—a confession that opens the door to discussing deeper issues of self-confidence and people-pleasing tendencies. "I have all these things that I want to do, and I have it all written down," she shares, "and then I just close the notebook and put it back on my desk." This moment of honesty captures what so many of us experience: the gap between our dreams and our courage to pursue them.

Through a thoughtful game of "Not Really Strangers," the conversation flows naturally through topics that matter—protecting mental health, setting boundaries, and the challenge of answering honestly when someone asks "How are you?" Both women reveal their experiences carrying others' emotional burdens while neglecting their own needs, particularly as oldest siblings who learned early to care for everyone else. When asked what advice she'd give her younger self, Kelci doesn't hesitate: "Put yourself first all the time."

The most powerful moments come when discussing personal growth through life's challenges, including Kelci's journey through. Her story of finding the strength to leave reveals how self-advocacy develops over time—sometimes through painful experiences that ultimately lead to freedom. Whether you're working on establishing boundaries, finding your voice, or reconnecting with your worth, this conversation offers both comfort and courage for the journey ahead.

Ready to start prioritizing yourself without guilt? Listen now and discover what might be possible when you finally put yourself at the top of your own list.

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What happens when life's disappointments lead to unexpected blessings? Lupita Navarrete never imagined she'd make history as Ector County's first Hispanic District Clerk, but her journey through divorce, single motherhood, and professional setbacks prepared her for exactly this role.

The conversation begins with Lupita sharing how her nine-year-old son motivates everything she does, though "he has no idea the impact he's made in my life." As a recovering people-pleaser, she discusses her ongoing struggle with boundaries and how running serves as her primary form of self-care. When faced with rejection, Lupita has learned to look for the lesson rather than dwell on disappointment – a mindset that proved crucial throughout her life.

Divorce became the defining turning point in Lupita's story. Married at 19 to her high school sweetheart, she found herself divorced at 25 and navigating life as a single mother. The experience brought shame in her traditional Hispanic community but ultimately shaped her into who she is today. "I wouldn't be who I am without it," she reflects with surprising gratitude. Through therapy and personal growth, she transformed self-destructive coping mechanisms into resilience.

Her professional journey contains equally powerful lessons. After years working in the legal field, previous career disappointments suddenly made sense when the District Clerk position opened. Initial self-doubt nearly stopped her – "I'm Hispanic, I'm little, I'm a single mom" – until she recognized the opportunity as an answer to prayers she didn't even know she had. Now making history in her county, she sees how God's plan exceeded anything she could have envisioned for herself.

Whether you're facing divorce, career uncertainty, or any significant life transition, Lupita's story reminds us that closed doors often lead to better opportunities. Sometimes the puzzle pieces of our lives only make sense in retrospect, revealing a picture more beautiful than we could have imagined.

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Breaking free from people pleasing isn't just about learning to say no—it's about reclaiming your authentic self after years of self-abandonment. As someone who recently emerged from the clutches of prioritizing everyone else's needs and opinions, I've discovered that the journey doesn't end when you make the decision to change.

The residue of people pleasing lingers in unexpected ways. You might still shrink yourself even when you have valuable insights to share. You could feel responsible for emotions that aren't yours to carry. You might replay conversations wondering if you disappointed someone. These thought patterns don't disappear overnight, but recognizing them is the first step toward washing them away for good.

What I've learned most profoundly is that healing takes time, but every act of self-honor moves you forward. When you say no without explaining, when you rest instead of performing, when you express your true feelings without apology—you're reclaiming pieces of yourself that were lost in the pursuit of others' approval. The beautiful outcome? Rediscovered confidence, authentic relationships that survive your boundaries, and the profound self-respect that comes from no longer abandoning yourself to be liked. Yes, some people won't understand your transformation. Yes, you might face temporary loneliness before finding alignment. But the freedom waiting on the other side is worth every uncomfortable moment of growth. Remember, you're never truly alone on this journey—God walks beside you, and authentic connections await when you show up as your true self.

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What does motherhood really mean when you don't have children of your own? I'm diving into this question from my personal perspective as a married woman without kids who's still figuring out if biological parenthood is part of my journey.

The biblical instruction to "be fruitful and multiply" often gets brought up in conversations about having children. But looking deeper, I've found powerful meaning by breaking it down: "be" (to exist), "fruitful" (exhibiting the fruits of the spirit like love, joy, peace), and "multiply" (to increase). This reframing has shown me that nurturing the next generation extends far beyond having biological children.

Through my experience mentoring with Big Brothers Big Sisters, I've discovered the profound connection that forms when you consistently show up for a child who isn't biologically yours. Despite knowing my "little sister" for just over a year, I find myself deeply invested in her wellbeing – attending her events, responding when her mother needs help, and including her in my daily prayers. This relationship has taught me that motherhood isn't confined to biological connections – it's about the heart's capacity to nurture and champion a young person's growth.

For those longing for children but still waiting, I encourage you to start mothering now. Volunteer, mentor, or invest in the children already in your life. Every child I've connected with has drawn something out of me I didn't know I needed or possessed. They've helped me heal and grow in unexpected ways. We all have something inside us that this world needs – don't let fear stop you from sharing it. Whether you're a biological mother, aunt, godmother, teacher, or mentor, your contribution to raising the next generation matters profoundly. You're seen, you're heard, and you're an essential part of the village.

Follow us on Facebook at Standing in your Truth Podcast with Yanni and on Instagram at Talks with Yanni to join our community of truth-seekers and nurturers.

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What happens when a mother who was told she'd never conceive defies the odds, only to face the devastating loss of a pregnancy and spiral into addiction? In this heart-wrenching yet hopeful episode, guest April Morales bares her soul about her complex journey through motherhood.

April's story begins with a PCOS diagnosis and doctors telling her childbearing would be impossible. When she miraculously conceived at 25, one year into sobriety, it seemed life had turned around. But after having three beautiful children, tragedy struck when she lost a pregnancy at five-and-a-half months. This loss triggered overwhelming grief that led to relapse and separation from her children.

"I thought I did something wrong," April reveals, describing how depression and addiction took everything from her. But this isn't where her story ends. Through raw vulnerability, she shares how therapy, spiritual reconnection, and the unwavering love of her children guided her through recovery and reunion with her family.

What makes this conversation particularly powerful is April's ability to find meaning in her darkest moments. Now, she uses her experiences to support others facing similar struggles. "If you're hearing this for a reason, make contact," she urges listeners who might feel invisible or alone in their pain.

The episode offers profound reflections on community, divine timing, and how being seen can change someone's entire day. April's perspective on motherhood extends beyond biological children to nurturing anyone who crosses our path—a reminder that we all have opportunities to make meaningful connections daily.

Whether you've experienced loss, addiction, or simply moments of feeling completely alone, this conversation offers both comfort and courage. April's journey proves that healing is possible, and sometimes our most painful chapters become the source of hope for others walking similar paths.

Leave a comment sharing how this episode impacted you or reach out if you need prayer or support. Remember: you are loved, you are seen, you are enough.

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When Savannah Woodward met her firefighter husband nine years ago, she never imagined how deeply his profession would shape their family life. From navigating 48-hour shifts to explaining daddy's absence to their curious 4-year-old son, the challenges of a first responder family require constant adaptation and unwavering faith.

Savannah's journey took an unexpected turn when they relocated to West Texas with their one-year-old son. "I was so against moving here," she admits, fearing the loss of her entire support system. Yet this leap into the unknown transformed their lives completely. "I attribute one of our greatest successes as a family to moving out here," she shares, highlighting how the community's entrepreneurial spirit and accessibility created opportunities they never would have found in their hometown.

Throughout our conversation, Savannah candidly discusses her struggle with postpartum depression, the resentment she initially felt toward her husband's absences, and the evolution of her priorities from career advancement to finding balance. "I'm motivated by making sure I'm not in burnout constantly anymore," she explains, reflecting on her journey toward intentional self-care and setting boundaries between work and home life.

Perhaps most powerful is Savannah's perspective on the values her son gains from being raised in a first responder family. From compassion and selflessness to gratitude and consideration for others, these lessons provide a silver lining to the missed birthdays and rearranged holidays. "He admires Justin so much," she says of her son's relationship with his father, "and Justin is teaching him incredible values he wouldn't have gotten if he wasn't in a first responder family."

For anyone navigating the complexities of parenthood while supporting a partner with demanding responsibilities, Savannah offers a simple yet profound message: "Give grace. We're all just trying to figure it out." Her story reminds us that behind every hero in uniform stands a family making countless sacrifices, finding strength through faith, and building their village wherever life takes them.

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The journey of motherhood doesn't come with an instruction manual, but it does come with guides along the way. In this heartwarming conversation, host Yanni welcomes her great-aunt Mari Spivey Willis to share wisdom gleaned from raising two daughters and now cherishing five grandchildren.

Mari opens her heart about becoming a mother at 35, when she brought home her first daughter and thought, "Now what?" With disarming honesty, she reveals how she navigated the uncertainties of parenthood without a roadmap, relying instead on prayer, community support, and the examples set by her own parents. Her journey from business professional to educator—ultimately finding her calling teaching pregnant and parenting teens—prepared her uniquely to understand the challenges mothers face across different circumstances.

What shines throughout Mari's story is her unwavering belief in the power of the "village." In an age when parents often feel isolated, she reminds us how crucial extended family, teachers, church members, and neighbors are in raising children. "If they did it, you saw it, you disciplined it," she explains, describing a community where everyone took responsibility for guiding children without fear of parental backlash—a stark contrast to today's individualistic approach to child-rearing.

Her perspective on transitioning from motherhood to grandmotherhood offers particular delight. While she admits her concern for her adult daughters never diminishes, she's embraced the joy of being "Grammy"—the one who offers every flavor of Oreos, fruit snacks, and boundless love. For those beginning their motherhood journey, Mari offers gentle advice: be patient, protect your children fiercely, and cherish each fleeting season. And for those still waiting or unable to become biological mothers, she provides heartfelt encouragement to mother those who need additional love and guidance.

Listen in as Mari shares how faith deepened her mothering, how closed doors led to better opportunities, and why finding something to smile about every day matters—even during life's most challenging seasons. Whether you're a new mother, a seasoned grandmother, or simply someone who values the wisdom of those who've walked before you, this conversation will leave you feeling seen, encouraged, and inspired to stand in your own truth.

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Autism doesn't come with a handbook. When Lexi first noticed her son Alexander spinning repetitively at six months old, she had no idea she was witnessing early signs of autism. Despite mentioning these behaviors to doctors, it would be months before medical professionals validated her concerns.

Today, Lexi opens her heart about raising Alexander (affectionately called "Brother"), a non-verbal kindergartner on the autism spectrum, alongside her daughter Adeline, who faced her own medical challenges with a club foot requiring multiple surgeries and treatments. Through these unexpected journeys, Lexi has discovered strength she never knew she possessed.

"Some things Alexander likes – tight hugs or pressure. One thing we learned in occupational therapy is if he's having a meltdown in public, to just start applying pressure from head to toe," Lexi shares, offering a glimpse into the practical strategies that help her son navigate a world that can feel overwhelming to his senses. She explains how common environments like grocery stores can become sensory battlegrounds, with sounds and lights amplified tenfold for those on the spectrum.

This conversation transforms our understanding of autism beyond stereotypes. Alexander might not speak, but he communicates brilliantly by guiding people's hands to what he wants. He experiences joy through repetitive movements that bring him comfort. His sister has become his fiercest advocate, explaining autism to friends with remarkable compassion.

Whether you're raising a child with special needs or simply want to better understand autism, this episode provides profound insights into creating a more inclusive world. As Lexi powerfully states, "I don't need to fix Alexander to fit in. We just need to figure out how to fix those around us to accommodate him better."

Ready to become a more compassionate, informed member of your community? Listen now, and join us in standing for inclusivity and understanding during National Autism Awareness Month and beyond.

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Aaron Thomas joins Yanni for a profoundly honest conversation about living authentically and protecting your mental health. The episode opens with Aaron sharing his unique perspective on motivation—acknowledging life's finite nature pushes him to maximize each day and fulfill his purpose. "My motivation comes from my fear of dying and not doing all that God has called me to do," he reveals, setting the tone for a discussion that moves beyond surface-level advice.

The conversation takes a deep dive into mental wellbeing as Aaron explains the importance of surrounding yourself with people who genuinely see you while distancing from those who consistently drain your energy without replenishing it. This philosophy extends to his approach to relationships, where he presents the thought-provoking concept of "mutual using"—the idea that healthy relationships involve reciprocal exchange that benefits both parties.

At the heart of the episode is Aaron's transformative life motto: "Do not hide, protect, defend or prove who you are to anyone." This powerful statement becomes a framework for authentic living that has freed him from exhausting cycles of people-pleasing and seeking external validation. Aaron and Yanni explore how this mindset has strengthened their marriage, improved their mental health, and deepened their faith by allowing genuine vulnerability and growth.

The discussion culminates with Aaron's compelling work mentoring at-risk youth and his passionate encouragement to stop running from difficult emotions. "It's okay to not be okay," he reminds listeners, emphasizing that true healing begins with sitting with uncomfortable feelings rather than avoiding them. Whether you're struggling with boundary-setting, searching for purpose, or working to build authentic relationships, this episode offers wisdom that will resonate long after you finish listening.

Subscribe now for more conversations that blend practical advice, spiritual insights, and authentic stories that remind us of the power of standing in our truth.

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