How does someone survive the overwhelmingly HARD? How does someone trust God in life AND death? With miracles AND tragedies? With the wonderful AND excruciating?

Emily Freeman is a wife (to her pastor-husband Jeremy Freeman) and mama of seven, who—despite having to bury her precious 7-year-old son, as well as fight for the life of her teenage son—can still proclaim, “The Lord was with us, one day at a time.”

No matter what type of “hard” you’re facing at this exact moment (and we KNOW there’s plenty to choose from), we could all use reminders of God’s nearness and love. We’d love for you to join us at The Messy Table.

Pray for Caleb Facebook Page | Caleb’s Hope | #ButGod | FBC Newcastle

Experiencing God Bible Study by Henry and Richard Blackaby | Praying Like Paul by Jonathan Graf

Heaven, 90 Days of God’s Goodness, and Eternal Perspective Ministries with Randy Alcorn

Heaven, A Place of Healing, and other books by Joni Eareckson Tada

Bible | YouVersion Bible App | Life.Church | Life.Church Sisters

For more on child loss, check out Ep. 49 with Jennie Lusko and Ep. 52 with Kate Merrick

The post EP. 79 | Emily Freeman [Trusting God in Life and Death] appeared first on Jenn Jewell.

How would you like to sip socially-distanced coffee with a faith-filled woman of God WHILE soaking up years of her hard-earned wisdom? You too? Well, today is our lucky day.

Robin Meadows is a wife of over four decades, homeschooling mama of SEVEN for over three decades, grandmother of 22 (!!!), and a heartfelt writer for the YouVersion Bible App.

In this episode at The Messy Table, Robin is chatting with Jenn Jewell and Amy Groeschel about finding herself OVERWHELMED BY HER BLESSINGS. You too? Well, today is our lucky day.

Robin has trudged through some tough teen-parenting years, learned to unclench legalistic fists, and found a genuine relationship with our gracious Savior. This is one conversation you don’t want to miss!

Overwhelmed By My Blessings by Robin Meadows: Bible Plan | Book | Blog

Life.Church | Life.Church Sisters | YouVersion Bible App

Victory Over the Darkness + Bondage Breaker by Neil T. Anderson

Instruments in the Redeemer’s Hands + Parenting by Paul David Tripp

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey

Creative Mama Podcast | Axis Podcast | Craig Groeschel Leadership Podcast

The Ransomed Heart Podcast | The Passion Translation | Corrie Ten Boom

Want to hear more conversations like this one? Check out Ep. 50 with Julie Richard [Fearless Mom]

The post EP. 78 | Robin Meadows [Overwhelmed By My Blessings] appeared first on Jenn Jewell.

Mother’s Day Weekend is here! Which is exactly why we’re airing this week’s episode at The Messy Table a few days early. Because, sometimes? MOTHER’S DAY HURTS.

Caley Porter knows ALL about the tension, the heartache, and the blindsiding triggers that can accompany such bittersweet holidays, having dealt with both primary and secondary infertility herself—for over a combined 7 years.

A pastor’s wife, host of the Joy + Infertility podcast, and an eventual mama of two, Caley is passionate about encouraging couples who’ve found themselves in the trenches of infertility.

In today’s conversation, Caley is sharing her powerful journey with Jenn Jewell, Cindy Beall, and (as always) YOU. Join us!

Joy + Infertility Podcast | More About Caley | The Porter Box

Life.Church | Life.Church Sisters | YouVersion Bible App

Infant Loss – EP. 42: Rachel Leslie | EP. 70: Keri Young

Child Loss – EP. 49: Jennie Lusko | EP. 52: Kate Merrick

Parent Loss – EP. 1: LaTonya Pratt | EP. 63: Jennifer Cantrell

Encouragement for Stepmoms – EP. 66: Kim Duncan

Hope After Abortion – EP. 54: Toni McFadden

Grace for Broken Relationships – EP. 65: Jessica Laure’l Hall

The post EP. 77 | Caley Porter [When Mother’s Day Hurts] appeared first on Jenn Jewell.

You know what takes extraordinary faith? Sticking with a marriage for 24 years. Raising kids to adulthood—one ordinary moment at a time. Braving uncharted waters to start a new business. Uprooting one’s family for a God-sized dream.

You know who’s lived extraordinary faith? Mel Hill, that’s who! Mel is a pastor’s wife, mama of two (plus one son-in-law), and the mastermind behind a gorgeous event venue, The Barn On a Hill.

Today at The Messy Table Podcast, LaTonya Pratt and I are chatting with Mel about her powerful journey of faith. And, HELLO, who couldn’t use an extra dose of faith right about now?! We pray that Mel’s story will encourage you, inspire you, and give you the boldness to trust His hand.

The Barn on a Hill | More About Mel | Life.Church | YouVersion Bible App

Dangerous Prayers | The Craig Groeschel Leadership Podcast

It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way | Seamless Bible Study | The Circle Maker

Life.Church Worship | Hillsong United | Bethel Music | Elevation Worship

Want more? Check out Episode 47 with Lysa Terkeurst: It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way

The post EP. 76 | Mel Hill [Ordinary Steps of Extraordinary Faith] appeared first on Jenn Jewell.

One thing that’s become undeniably clear during this COVID-19 pandemic is the fact that WE NEED EACH OTHER.

In today’s episode at The Messy Table, Holly Furtick is chatting with Amy Groeschel and Jenn Jewell (remote, of course) about her deep-rooted passion to fight for genuine friendships.

Holly is a wife, mama of three, book connoisseur, and the co-founder of Elevation Church—alongside her husband Steven.

Whether face-to-face or social-distancing, we are better together! Don’t miss this conversation at The Messy Table Podcast.

Holly Furtick | Elevation Church | Building Friendships that Fit

Nightingale | The Broken Way | The Psalms: Poetry on Fire | SONG: The Blessing

Life.Church | Life.Church Sisters | YouVersion Bible App | Church Online Platform

Philippians 2:3 | Proverbs 17:17 | 1 Thessalonians 5:18 | Psalm 23

The post EP. 75 | Holly Furtick [Fighting for Your Friendships] appeared first on Jenn Jewell.

It’s unsettling times like these that nudge us to consider what matters most. Life, death, purpose, faith. One conversation that’s especially relevant to this generation involves the perceived tension between science and faith.

Here to broaden our perspectives at The Messy Table is astronomer, astrophysicist, and the founder/president of Reasons to Believe, Dr. Hugh Ross. If you’ve ever felt pushed into a corner—to choose science OR faith—this episode is for you. Join us!

Reasons to Believe: Home | Dr. Hugh Ross | Fine-Tuning | Today’s New Reason to Believe

Dr. Ross’ Books: The Creator and the Cosmos | A Matter of Days | Improbable Planet

Navigating Genesis | Who Was Adam? | Always Be Ready | Beyond the Cosmos

“But set Christ apart as Lord in your hearts and always be ready to give an answer to anyone who asks about the hope you possess. Yet do it with courtesy and respect, keeping a good conscience…” 1 Peter 3:15-16

Other Resources: Life.Church | FREE YouVersion Bible App | FREE Bible App for Kids

Indescribable and How Great is Our God [Devotions for Kids About God and Science] by Louie Giglio

The post EP. 74 | Dr. Hugh Ross [Science, Faith, & Reasons to Believe] appeared first on Jenn Jewell.

Nope, it is not Tuesday, friends. But desperate times call for desperate measures… of hope.

That’s right, a BONUS episode is now LIVE at The Messy Table Podcast: Fighting Fear + Covid-19. It’s 8 short minutes—packed with scripture, prayer, and critical reminders for this unprecedented time.

Wherever you find yourself today (likely “social distancing” in your home or office), I’d love for you to join me!

The post BONUS Episode: Fighting Fear + Covid-19 appeared first on Jenn Jewell.

Hi, friend. As we continue maneuvering our way through this ever-changing situation regarding COVID-19—with as much grace and patience as we can possible muster—how about a meaningful conversation to help ease the isolation?

Today at The Messy Table, we’re chatting about: The familiar obsession with people-pleasing. The blaring addiction to approval. The endless pursuit of perfection. Ringing any bells?

As a former professional model, as well as a wife, girl-mom, ministry leader, and author, Katrina McCain has reached the bold conclusion: “You cannot create your own perfection and lay it at Jesus’ feet.”

This episode is for ALL OF US. For those who want more than a superficial faith; for those who want more than a surface-level life. Join us!

Katrina McCain | Katrina’s Book: Beyond Being Good | Katrina’s Blog on Faith + Fashion + Eats

“…He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 1:6

Life.Church | Life.Church Sisters | YouVersion Bible App | Bible App for Kids

The post EP. 73 | Katrina McCain [People-Pleasing, Performing for Approval, and the Endless Pursuit of Perfection] appeared first on Jenn Jewell.

Can life be both bitter and sweet? Can you experience chaos and peace at the very same time? Can your heart break and simultaneously overflow with compassion, endurance, and love?

Raised by her grandparents, faced with an unexpected divorce, stirred to adopt two additional children as a single mom fighting to keep the lights on, Stefannie Powell knows firsthand that GOD SHOWS UP IN THE GLORIOUSLY HARD.

Today at The Messy Table, Stefannie is candidly sharing her powerful story with Amy Groeschel and me. Stefannie is the Executive Director at Branch15 (a transitional housing ministry), a biological + adoptive mama, and a woman who’s not afraid to risk for the name of Christ. Join us!

Branch15 | Life.Church | Life.Church Sisters

YouVersion Bible App | Bible App for Kids

“And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” 1 Peter 5:10

For more on walking through difficult circumstances, such as divorce and parenting challenges, check out Ep. 28 | Trish Helsel [Authenticity + Courage].

For more on God’s wildly unstoppable redemption, check out Ep. 23 | Shanna Crawford [Scandelous Grace].

The post EP. 72 | Stefannie Powell [God in the Gloriously Hard] appeared first on Jenn Jewell.

What’s holding you back? Weighing you down? Do you continue in a circle of defeat regarding things that have prevented you from living free?

God is ALL ABOUT our freedom—and joy! But we can easily find ourselves distracted, discouraged, or feeling downright defeated. We know we’re supposed to live a life that’s free in Christ, but is it really possible? Can we truly walk in freedom from the things that consistently trip us up?

Today at The Messy Table, the incredible Allyson Evans is chatting with Cindy Beall and me about BREAKING THE CHAINS that hold us back.

Ally is a wife, empty-nester mama, pastor, leader, and podcast host who’s unveiling her journey to health and freedom. In this episode, she’s sharing her mishaps and her successes, her joys and her sorrows. We’d love for you to join us!

Life.Church | Life.Church Parents Podcast | Life.Church Sisters

YouVersion Bible App | The Bible App for Kids

Words to Live By | Craig Groeschel Leadership Podcast

YouVersion Bible Plans:

Thirty-One Truths: Who I Am in Christ | 10 Things to Abandon for Spiritual Growth

The post EP. 71 | Allyson Evans [Breaking the Chains] appeared first on Jenn Jewell.