You Were Made for More

Today, we’re going to have a conversation with Precious Grieco about relationships, joy, and faithfulness, as well as where the Lord is leading her currently (trust me, I love her story and we can all learn something from her joy!). Cessie is 24 years old and she’s currently working at an elementary school while completing her masters in elementary education at Western Governors University. She also loves videography and is so creative behind the camera. Cessie and I went to the same high school, and although we weren’t friends, we did have mutual friends, which is how I know her and why I asked her to be on the podcast. I was scrolling through Instagram one say and saw that she had created an Instagram called “milknhoneystateofmind” - an Instagram that is all about living in the fullness & freedom of God’s promises and making that known to other people. That’s when I knew I had to ask her to be on this podcast. There are so many times that I’ve been so encouraged by other people’s stories, and that’s exactly what this is - I hope our conversation serves as an encouragement to you to lean in, listen, and seek what God has for you, no matter what season you’re in. 

Here are some things we mention in this episode:

• Milknhoney Instagram

Be sure to stay up to date with Abundant Life: You Were Made for More by visiting our blog - and if you're loving the podcast, send guest recommendations to us or leave us a star-rating/review on your favorite listening platform to spread the word about the you were made for more message.

You Were Made for More Social Media: 

• Facebook
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• Instagram

Today, we’re going to have a really important conversation - a conversation about depression, faith, coping, counseling, and so much more. I really believe that this conversation is for everyone, whether you have personally struggled with depression or not, I bet that you are close to somebody who has. I never really had real experience with depression until I was in my early 20’s - my first real exposure to it was when I was still dating my husband. He shared with me that he has struggled with depression for the majority of his life, and we spent the better half of our dating relationship and engagement navigating what that looked like for us. My second exposure to depression was more first-hand, when I struggled with depression as a result of birth control that I went on after we got married. It really seeped into every part of my life - especially my marriage. Thankfully for me, it was hormonally-based, so after I went off of the birth control, my mood and brain activity returned to normal - but, it did give me an inside look at the difficulty of dealing with depression. 

I’ve become even more convinced since then that this conversation, whether you are a parent, teen, or youth leader, is so, so important. Nobody is immune to depression, anxiety, or loneliness, especially in these season of isolation that so many in our society are experiencing. I’m thankful that today, my friend Kristen is joining us to share her testimony and experience with depression and what her journey has looked like throughout that season and beyond. Kristen is a 2018 graduate of Waynesburg University, where she earned a bachelor's degree in psychology. She now lives in Waynesburg and is a homeowner in the town she has come to love. She also serves on the admissions team at Waynesburg University. Let’s jump into my convo with her! 

Here are some things we mentioned in this episode: 

• National Suicide Prevention Line 

Be sure to stay up to date with Abundant Life: You Were Made for More by visiting our blog - and if you're loving the podcast, send guest recommendations to us or leave us a star-rating/review on your favorite listening platform to spread the word about the you were made for more message.

You Were Made for More Social Media: 

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Hey guys! I am so excited to be back with you for season 3 of the You Were Made for More podcast… this time with some exciting news to share & some big changes happening in the Gallo household over the past 6 weeks! My husband Juan and I welcomed out sweet baby girl, Ofelia Esther into the world on August 24, 2020 at 5:17 PM and she truly is the perfect addition to our family that we didn’t even know we needed. We're just in awe with her and so thankful that the Lord has allowed us to be her parents on this side of Heaven.

Throughout my postpartum season and adjusting to my new life and our new life as a family, the Lord has been teaching me a lot of lessons. In this episode, I wanted to share with you some of those lessons - we talk about repentance, refreshment, and humility over stubbornness through looking at the book of Judges. I really believe this is such a timely message not only for me personally, but also for our nation, our society, and the world. 

Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord. Acts 3:19

Let's lean in together and trust that through everything, if we lean in and take a posture of repentance, we’ll come out of it with purity of heart - refreshed and aware that the Spirit is working wonders in our lives.

Be sure to stay up to date with Abundant Life: You Were Made for More by visiting our blog - and if you're loving the podcast, send guest recommendations to us or leave us a star-rating/review on your favorite listening platform to spread the word about the you were made for more message.

You Were Made for More Social Media: 

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We can't believe season 2 of the podcast has come to an end! To wrap up the season, we're talking about launching into the next season of life unafraid, learning (and relearning) what is looks like to follow and trust God, and we're updating you about Sammie's life and all the exciting things to come not only for her family, but also for the You Were Made for More Podcast! We hope you'll join us in trusting that the best is yet to come & we hope you know that we are so thankful to our listeners for all of the love, support, and prayers!

Here are some things that Sammie's loving currently that we mentioned in the episode: 

• "Stepping Out When You Are Afraid" (You Were Made for More Blog)
• Rhythms of Renewal by Rebekah Lyons

Be sure to stay up to date with Abundant Life: You Were Made for More by visiting our blog - and if you're loving the podcast, send guest recommendations to us or leave us a star-rating/review on your favorite listening platform to spread the word about the you were made for more message.

You Were Made for More Social Media: 

• Facebook
• Twitter
• Instagram

Today, we have the opportunity to hear from Frederica Mathewes-Green on the subject of feminism, its history, and how it has impacted our current culture, especially as we talk about the sexual revolution and women. Frederica Mathewes-Green is an American author and speaker in the national forum on topics related to Eastern Orthodox belief and practice. She holds a degree in theological studies from Virginia Theological Seminary. She lives with her husband, the Rev. Gregory Mathewes-Green, in Johnson City, TN. Their three children are grown and married, and they have fourteen grandchildren.

Here are some things we mentioned in this episode: 

• The Jesus Prayer by Frederica Mathewes-Green 

Be sure to stay up to date with Abundant Life: You Were Made for More by visiting our blog - and if you're loving the podcast, send guest recommendations to us or leave us a star-rating/review on your favorite listening platform to spread the word about the you were made for more message.

You Were Made for More Social Media: 

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Disclaimer:
This episode contains an abortion testimony and description that may be triggering to some women or men who have not went through healing. For more information on abortion recovery and finding resources near you, please visit https://anglicansforlife.org/2018/05/10/anglicans-action-abortion-healing/, or reach out to Toni personally as she invites you to do in the episode.

Today, we’re going to have the opportunity to hear a conversation that I had with Toni McFadden. Toni is someone who believes in the power of relationships, and is passionate about sharing that with the next generation. She is vulnerable and real when sharing her own story of relationships, sex, and how God has redeemed her past - but something I love about her story is the fact that she doesn’t overlook the hard work of the healing that she needed to put in to set a new foundation for herself. Toni first and foremost wants to make sure that every person knows how to handle forgiveness, receive redemption, and look mistakes in the face without allowing them to hold us back. I’m excited for you to hear my conversation with Toni - give the episode a listen and let us know how her story has encouraged you!

Here are some things we mentioned in this episode: 

• Relationships Matter
• Toni's Testimony

Be sure to stay up to date with Abundant Life: You Were Made for More by visiting our blog - and if you're loving the podcast, send guest recommendations to us or leave us a star-rating/review on your favorite listening platform to spread the word about the you were made for more message.

You Were Made for More Social Media: 

• Facebook
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• Instagram

In part 2 of this series on "Why Talking With Your Kids About Sex Is So Important & How To Do It," we are going to hit on some practical "how to" tips of having "the talk" with your children and students. The sex talk is something every parent dreads at one point or another, but the truth is, it needs to be an ongoing conversation and not a one-time "let's get this over with" conversation.

I'll tell some personal stories I have of work in youth ministry and I'll also give five suggestions that you can start TODAY and hopefully will make the whole process less intimidating for you.

Here are some things we mentioned in this episode: 

• HARVEST USA Resources

Be sure to stay up to date with Abundant Life: You Were Made for More by visiting our blog - and if you're loving the podcast, send guest recommendations to us or leave us a star-rating/review on your favorite listening platform to spread the word about the you were made for more message.

You Were Made for More Social Media: 

• Facebook
• Twitter
• Instagram

Most importantly, remember that the Holy Spirit is alive and active and will send a profound and wonderful message to your children, despite you feeling like you did a good enough job or not. Be encouraged by that today! 

In part 1 of this series on "Why Talking With Your Kids About Sex Is So Important & How To Do It," we are going to hit on the "why" of having "the talk" with your children and students. The sex talk is something every parent dreads at one point or another, but the truth is, it needs to be an ongoing conversation and not a one-time "let's get this over with" conversation.

On today’s podcast episode, we’re going to cover first why it’s important to have these conversations with your children in the first place and why we should all care about them deeply. Part two of the podcast will be more about the practical application of HOW to have those conversations and what they look like, so stay tuned for that! 

Here are some things we mentioned in this episode: 

• HARVEST USA Resources

Be sure to stay up to date with Abundant Life: You Were Made for More by visiting our blog - and if you're loving the podcast, send guest recommendations to us or leave us a star-rating/review on your favorite listening platform to spread the word about the you were made for more message.

You Were Made for More Social Media: 

• Facebook
• Twitter
• Instagram

Today, we’re going to get a special treat of chatting with Laura Perry. Laura is someone who knows firsthand what it’s like to struggle with gender identity. Some of her childhood and teenage experiences molded her as a young woman, just like they do for all of us - but in her case, she began to believe it was a disgusting, filthy, worthless thing to be a female - so, the logical option for her was to begin the journey of “transitioning” into a man. 

She spent nine years as a transgender, but after years of hormone therapies, a double mastectomy/chest reconstruction, the removal of all female organs, and all of the legal name and gender status changes, she was empty and broken. During this time, she was invited to a bible study and ended up giving her life to Jesus, and after that, she really became aware with and started to wrestle with who God had made her to be.

Today, Laura will tell you that she’s been transformed, and for the first time in her life, because of her IDENTITY in Christy, she loves being a woman. Laura is the author of a book called Transgender to Transformed where she testifies through raw, honest emotion, about the common deceptions of the transgender lifestyle. She exposes the frustration and hopelessness of living with a self-created identity that so many others shy away from admitting, let alone talking about. In her book, you’ll find practical insights into the mind of a transgender that will help you understand how to better love them, how to handle loved ones who are transitioning, and hope for those who are struggling with gender dysphoria. I’m excited for you to hear Laura’s story from her words, so let's dive in!

Here are some things we mentioned in this episode: 

• First Stone Ministries
• Laura's Website
• Walt Heyer's Book, Trans Life Survivors
• Matthew 16:24-26

Be sure to stay up to date with Abundant Life: You Were Made for More by visiting our blog - and if you're loving the podcast, send guest recommendations to us or leave us a star-rating/review on your favorite listening platform to spread the word about the you were made for more message.

You Were Made for More Social Media: 

• Facebook
• Twitter
• Instagram

Today, we’re going to have the opportunity to hear a conversation that I had with Robin Turner, who serves as the director of children’s ministry at St. Stephen’s Church in Sewickley, PA, about birth control, alternatives to traditional birth control, and what her husband and she have implemented in their own marriage.

I think this is an important conversation to have because women's health is an important topic to be informed on and testimonies can be powerful! Women’s health is so important, and unfortunately, we are getting a wide variety of messages about what is “best” when it comes to our bodies. If you’ve never heard of natural family planning, or you’ve heard of it and you feel like it’s some outdated idea where you just count the days between your menstrual cycles, this episode is for you! Natural family planning is proven to be a great alternative to hormonal birth control, involves putting no chemicals and hormones in your body, and doesn’t interrupt the natural work of ovulation that God has created our bodies to do. Women’s health is a complex arena, but the earlier you get informed about what’s out there, the sooner you can start praying and discerning about what is best for you! If you've had issues with hormonal birth control like many women have, and you feel like there is no real option, there is - and that’s what today’s episode is all about.

Here are some things we mentioned in this episode: 

• Blog, Fertility Awareness & Women's Health: What You Should Know About The Birth Control Pill
• Basal Body Thermometer
• Taking Charge of Your Fertility Book
• Episode 14 Lila Rose Show
• FACTS Website

Be sure to stay up to date with Abundant Life: You Were Made for More by visiting our blog - and if you're loving the podcast, send guest recommendations to us or leave us a star-rating/review on your favorite listening platform to spread the word about the you were made for more message.

You Were Made for More Social Media: 

• Facebook
• Twitter
• Instagram