In the last episode of our spring break series, Chris interviews national speaker, author, and comedian Amberly Neese about her new book The Belonging Project. Get ready--you're going to laugh.

Show Notes & Links

-Find out how Amberly got interested in comedy. What are the hardest and best things about using comedy to teach the Bible.

-What inspired Amberly to write her latest Bible study, The Belonging Project?

-Find out how you can be a dongle for Jesus.

-A look at the four "one-another" scriptures the book is based on.

-Why making new friends can be hard work and why we need to persevere.

-If building friendships is a challenge for you, Amberly has some specific words of encouragement for you.

Links: (click 'em, they're live)

Amberly's website and contact information here.

Find out more about Aspire women's events here.

Find out more about Marriage Date Night events here.

Get your copy of our latest Bible study, The Mary Answer-embracing God's disruptions and detours, by clicking here.

This week in our spring break series we look back at another "best of the best." This episode is part two of our interview with Dr. Maggie Syme on how to navigate life changes that relate to aging. In this episode we'll talk about the practical "how-to." There is a link in the show notes to listen to part one of this interview you won't want to miss!

Show Notes & Links

• Why we need people around us when changes comes at us unexpectedly.
• Why understanding your own strengths in a challenge is important.
• Have friends facing sudden change? Just show up. Remember their tangible needs too.
• How to instigate "what if" conversations with loved ones about matters like end-of-life care. (Hint: it's okay to admit it is awkward) Tips you can use:
  1. Be compassionate to yourself!
  2. Find success stories in your social circle (your squad) for inspiration.
  3. Celebrate your little wins.

• Link to part one of this interview here.
• Five Wishes organization and end of life documents.
• Starting the conversation on end-of-life care (from AARP)

What are your tips for handling changes that want to throw you off track? Join us on Facebook and jump into the conversation! Click here.

In this episode of our Spring Break series, Chris and Diane interview longtime friend Dona Kabeary about how a devastating life change brought a new focus in her journey to serve God and finish well.

• How God turned a tragic loss into a new path Dona never thought was possible.
• Why we should never limit how God can use us--He is able!
• What happened when God asked Dona to put down her Bible, her journal, and her pen and just listen.
• Special encouragement for those going through changing times and wondering what's next.

–Join our Facebook community here.

–Get your copy of the Women Finishing Well Bible study here.

In this episode, Chris interviews professor Dr. Amy Hanson about how our churches can empower the growing Baby Boomer generation to help reach the world for Jesus.

• Meet Dr. Amy Hanson, author and gerontology professor at the University of Nebraska with a heart for the church.
• What's the reality? Amy shares some key data about the Baby Boomer generation.
• How the largest generation in history has already changed history--and wants to continue to make a difference.
• Why we need to revamp the old "Senior Ministry" model.
• How to approach your church leadership to help.
• The big picture: the largest generation includes large numbers of people that need to know Jesus.
• Why multi-generational ministry is a key to bringing the church together.
• Final words: Stay connected to God, be willing to step out and take a risk on your dream. Where do you want to leave your heart?

• Baby Boomers and Beyond (Amy's book)
• Amy Hanson's website
• Link to the Women Finishing Well Facebook page

In this next episode of our Spring Break series, we have an honest conversation with two young women about why we need friends from different generations. Chris and Diane interview two Millennial women who give their take on why younger and older women need each other. You'll want to share this episode for sure.

Meet Becca Syme and Lauren Gelman

Becca is a full-time writer and writing coach, and also has a side gig as the worship director at her church. She holds a master's degree in Transformational Leadership from Bethel Seminary. She is also Chris' daughter.

Lauren is the Associate Director of Foursquare Multiply, a church planting organization through the Foursquare denomination that serves eleven states in the West Coast region. She holds a master's degree in Strategic Leadership from Life Pacific University. She and Diane work together.

• How important is it to have friendships in other age groups?
• How diversity broadens our scope.
• Advice for women who want to build friendships outside their own generation?
• Why mentoring programs are struggling.
• The best advice we all had: don't be afraid to ask women of other ages to get together. You have to be intentional.
• Advice to all generations: We all approach life differently. Be open to difference and establish a relationship based on trust.
• Tip: if you're looking for a place to start, look for a volunteer opportunity where women of multiple generations take part.

-Go to our Facebook page and give us your best tips for developing multi-generational friendships. How have they enriched your life? https://www.facebook.com/womenfinishingwell/

-Here's a link to share this episode with friends: https://womenfinishingwell.com/episode112/

In this episode Chris interviews blogger Melanie Davis Porter about her journey through grief after losing family members in a tragedy.

• Defining grief as a season and how God brings balance to our seasons.
• How the enemy of your heart can complicate your grief.
• Defining your season of mourning and its purpose for the healing journey.
• How to share your grief with others.
• How looking back at God's faithfulness helps us deal with our present hurt.
• Why you should keep an inventory (journal) on how God shows up in your grief.
• Andrew Murray prayer for troubled times: "In time of trouble, say, First, He brought me here. It is by His will I am in this strait place; in that I will rest. Next, He will keep me here in his love, and give me grace in this trial to behave as his child. Then say, He will make the trial a blessing, teaching me lessons he intends me to learn, and working in me the grace he means to bestow. And last, say, In his good time he can bring me out again. How and when, he knows. Therefore, say, I am here (1) by God's appointment, (2) in His keeping, (3) under His training, (4) for His time."

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MelanieDavisPorter/
• Twitter & Instagram: @melaniedavisporter
• Blog & website: https://melaniedavisporter.com/

In this first edition of our spring break series, we visit with Cathy Lamb about how she handled some unexpected detours in her journey to serve God in full-time ministry. Sometimes a change of direction is the best thing that can happen to us.

Show Notes & Links:

• Meet Cathy Lamb and follow her unexpected journey when she was called into full-time ministry at age 50.
• The challenges of being a woman in church leadership.
• How to recalibrate when God closes a door.
• Listening to God when you're navigating hurt.
• God's faithfulness and our call to be the best we can be.
• Cling to the One who calls and let go of the calling.

(Correction: Cathy Lamb has a master's degree in Transformational Leadership from Bethel Seminary.)

• We'd love to connect with you on our Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/womenfinishingwell/
• If you've read The Mary Answer, would you be willing to post a review on Amazon? Click on the "ratings" right under the title of the book on this page: https://bit.ly/maryanswer

What has the call of God looked like in your life? Let us know in the comments.

Don't forget to join us next week in our new series, Spring Break: The Best of Friends and Family.

In this episode Chris interviews podcast host Michelle Nezat about how to develop a personal worship habit that will take you deeper in your relationship with God in 2021.

Show Notes & Links:

-Hear the story of how Michelle started her podcast, More Than A Song.

-The difference between corporate worship (in a group) and personal worship and why both are important.

-Personal worship needs to be part of our everyday time with God. And the form can vary.

-Our tips for a deeper personal worship experience. Michelle shares her worship tools.

-How to make Christian music part of your daily time with God.

Links:

Where to find Michelle's podcasts and website:

Subscribe to her podcast on your favorite player: http://michellenezat.com/starthere/

-Check out her new videocast and YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6ywEchlFvrKZdZjXlVoqVA

-Michelle's website: http://michellenezat.com/

Don't forget to stay tuned for our Spring Break series starting next week: interviews with women who are finishing well in their everyday lives! Tell a friend!

Does prayer seem complicated or cumbersome to you? In this episode Chris interviews devotional author Chris Baxter about how to revitalize and simplify your prayer life. Part of our Digger Deeper With God series.

Show Notes & Links:

-Chris' unique devotional writing style comes from her deep search for God that produced a heart change of her understanding of God's love.

-Understanding and knowing the width of God's character produces a more personal prayer/conversation with God.

-"It's okay to bring all my struggles and heart's desires to Him knowing He's going to listen." He is never too busy for us.

-Using God's Word in our prayers makes them powerful.

-Writing out our prayers helps cement them into our hearts.

-"Prayer is a gift from God and it's our choice to open it."

-Sometimes we overrate the difficulty of prayer. It's not difficult, it's just a choice.

-Pray specifically and boldly as a child of God. Know the One we are praying to knows how to answer with His very best.

-Chris answers the question: "what if you're not sure prayer is worth the effort?"

Links (click 'em, they're live):

Be sure and check out Chris' new book, A 40-Day Journey of Prayer: A daily choice to talk to God. It's available on her website, Respite For The Weary, here.

Find Chris here:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RespitefortheWeary

Soul Sisters Ministry: https://www.soulsistersministry.com/

In this episode Chris offers listeners a free tool to get a daily time with God's Word established--guaranteed. This is the first in a mini series on Digging Deeper with God in 2021.

Show Notes & Links:

-Building a strong foundation is the first step to leaving a lasting legacy of faith. And that strong foundation has some key elements.

-Why a daily time with God in His Word is essential to building that legacy.

-Today's free tool will guide you step-by-step through the process of getting a morning routine going with God no matter what your day looks like.

- The 5-day study is downloadable and includes a 30-day challenge to help you establish your daily routine.

Links:

Click here to download your free five-day Bible study and tool kit.

Join us on Facebook. Click here.

Have you got a copy of our new Bible study, The Mary Answer: Embracing God's Disruptions and Detours? Click to get yours here.