Struggle Well School

Dr. Kelly Flanagan is a licensed clinical psychologist and prolific writer. He began writing in 2012 via his blog, UnTangled and recently published his first full-length book, Loveable. Kelly is often known for a blog posts he wrote as letters to his daughters about their true worth. He currently works at Artisan Clinical Associates with a wide range of individuals in various treatment contexts.

Dana Jones is a wife and mother of two who is living her dream by using her talent as an artist to create encouraging hand-painted signs. Over the past fourteen years, Dana's signs have evolved, using different kinds of materials and color palettes, as well as layouts and design concepts. She paints what's going on inside her heart, which she says is often inspired by music, encouragement, and God's grace story in her own life. 

Sara Hagerty is a wife, mother and writer - in that order. Like many of us, she grew up dreaming of being a mom. But after having her heart broken again and again by negative pregnancy tests, she accepted that God's path for her life didn't look much like what she had envisioned. Sara and her husband are now the adoptive parents of four African children, as well as two biological children. Her journey has lead her not only to the family God has designed for her, but into a closer relationship with Him and a search to see herself through His eyes.

Meet Erin: You may know Erin Odom as The Humbled Homemaker; an author, wife and mother of four who runs a blog sharing the moniker. And while it may look like she has it all together, she openly admits that she too struggles to find time to effectively care for her family, spend time with the Lord and run a full-time business. In the episode, she shares her story of how God used her writing talents to help pull her family out of a very challenging time and what she learned about herself in the process.

Lee Blum is an author and Mental Health Practitioner whose story has become a testimony of how God can use the ugliest parts of your life and turn them into something beautiful. For much of her youth, Lee lived with deep depression and a life-threatening eating disorder. After being hospitalized, and by God’s grace, she made the decision to begin the brave journey to choose a different life - not a perfect life, but one defined by bravery, strength and brokenness. 

Once upon a time, there was a guy named Nehemiah. He had a really cushy life and no major problems that we know about.  He had a heart for others which is the reason we know about him today.  Lots to learn from this guy and I outlined my favorites in this mini-episode today. 

Megan is a wife, mother of two young boys, and a self-taught metalsmith and jewelry designer of 15 years. Her passion for creating lead her to become the owner and maker behind New Eve Jewelry in 2012. But there's more behind this company than beautiful hand-made pieces - Megan is using her talents to benefit the needy and send a message of hope to her clients. Each piece of New Eve Jewelry, handcrafted with repurposed materials and semiprecious gemstones, serves as a reminder of God's ability and desire to restore us. 

Stacey is a wife and proud girl mom who began blogging after choosing to be open-handed with her story - one that includes a child with a chronic illness and a husband who is still recovering from a life-threatening cardiac event. Self-described as "a believer and writer who loves God’s Word and connecting with women," Stacey has written several books and hundreds of blog posts to encourage other weary moms with the message that God never wastes our pain; He is always working for our good.

So this week Problem Solved got a song written about it!  It is based on some of the shenanigans that have happened on this segment of the show.  Songfinch (see below) incorporated parts of tons of details I gave them about the things Rebecca and I have discussed on the show and a very talented musician crafted an original song!  I spring it on Rebecca and record what happened so enjoy that!

About 5 years ago I moved into my neighborhood. We liked that the house was near family and that it had a courtyard.  What we did NOT know was that I was about to meet some of my closest friends- my new neighbors! Throughout the years we have had countless events ranging from very meaningful to remarkably silly;we have laughed, cried and everything in between.