Afleveringen
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Have you ever felt that quiet nudge from God to change something in your life, but convinced yourself it wasn't the right time?
Maybe you've been waiting for a new year, a different season, or for life to finally calm down before taking the first step.
In this special conversation, I'm joined by my friend and fellow Catholic coach, Denise Jelinek, to talk about what it really means to pursue the goals God places on your heart.
Together, we unpack why lasting change isn't about willpower or perfection, but listening to God and inviting the Holy Spirit into the places where you've been striving on your own.
Whether you're struggling with yelling, emotional eating, disorganization, discouragement, or simply sensing that God is calling you to something more, we hope this episode will encourage you to stop waiting and begin with one small, grace-filled step (and we'll share what our favorite first steps are!).
Grab your earbuds and join us if you've been longing for more peace, more freedom, and more confidence in following God's call in: Goal Setting with the Holy Spirit and Denise Jelinek.
Get your free Homeschool Blueprint here!
Work with Emily in the Happy, Holy Mama Membership here!
Listen to Denise Jelinek's podcast, Weightloss with the Holy Spirit here: https://weightlosswiththeholyspirit.com/
Free Catholic Weight Loss workshop (July 7th): https://weightlosswiththeholyspirit.com/catholic-way-workshop/ -
You've explained it. You've reminded them. You've shown them what to do. And yet somehow you're still repeating yourself, chasing people down, and ultimately wondering why simple things feel so hard.
Whether it's chores, schoolwork, attitudes, or just getting out the door on time, unmet expectations can quickly turn an ordinary day into a frustrating one.
And, if you're not careful, they can turn into a life that feels overwhelming and defeating.
But what if the problem isn't that your expectations are too high?
What if the real issue is something deeper?
In this episode, I'm unpacking why expectations so often steal our peace as homeschool moms.
We're not stopping there, though.
Today, I'm explaining how to tell the difference between expectations that help your family grow and expectations that are making your motherhood harder than it needs to be.
We'll talk about the hidden desires behind our expectations, why some frustrations keep showing up again and again, and a simple shift that can help you focus on who your children are becoming, instead of getting stuck on what isn't happening fast enough.
If you've been feeling discouraged, impatient, or exhausted by the gap between what you hoped would happen and what's actually happening, grab your earbuds and join me for: The Unmet Expectations That Are Stealing Your Peace, and What to Do About Them.
Plan your year with the Holy Spirit HERE
Come work with me HERE!
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Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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Sometimes even rest feels like one more thing you're getting wrong.
You finally have a quiet moment, the kids are occupied, the house settles down, but instead of feeling peaceful, you feel frozen.
You spend your precious rest time wondering what you should be doing, worrying that you're wasting it, or getting caught in the endless loop of "I don't know."
I don't know how to rest.
I don't know where to start.
I don't know what to do.
In this episode, I'm talking about why those three little words can quietly steal your peace, drain your energy, and keep you stuck in overwhelm long after the school year ends.
Today, I'm diving into:
Why "I don't know" creates more stress than clarity, and how to recognize you're stuck in it.
How learned helplessness doesn't just show up in your kids.
The connection between rest, decision fatigue, and overwhelm, and what to trade it for.
Five simple beliefs that can help you move forward with more confidence, hope, and trust in God, and uproot discouragement and even despair.
My sister in Christ, the goal isn't to have everything figured out every day, so that you can have peace.
The goal is to become the woman, the mother, the homeschooler whose peace is rooted in trust, faith, hope, and gratitude.
If you've been feeling discouraged, exhausted, or unsure of how to truly rest this summer, this episode will help you replace confusion with clarity, despair with hope, and self-doubt with faith.
Grab your earbuds and join me for: I'm Worried That I'm Not Resting Right (and What to Do About It).
Get your FREE Happy, Holy Homeschool Blueprint HERE
Get the details to come work with me HERE!
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Something that caught me off guard last year was how hard it hit me that my oldest was graduating from our homeschool and would be leaving in a matter of days, instead of years.
Whether your kids are still little, about to start high school, or if graduation is right around the corner, the thought of your baby leaving is likely something that tugs on your heart strings and, if you're not careful, can threaten to steal your peace.
As a mom who is currently standing in that strange space between "done with school" and actually launching into the world with my second oldest now, I have caught myself wondering if he's really ready.
And the answer is that, he's as already as I've been able to make him.
And now with two boys leaving my home, what I've come to realize is that the real question is…am I ready?
Preparing your child, and yourself, for their eventual "launching" into adulthood is what I'm diving into in this week's Happy, Holy Mama Podcast episode.
Because, one of the hardest parts of homeschooling isn't teaching our children. It's learning how to gradually let them go.
The truth is, they will have gaps.
We all have them.
And thankfully God is not asking you to create a flawless adult before graduation.
He's asking you to prepare them to the best of your ability, and then trust HIM with your child when you can no longer be there for every moment.
We'll talk about:
The evolution of your relationship with your graduating teen How to stop letting fear about the future steal the time you still have together today The shift from teaching to mentoring/consulting as your children become young adults How to support your teen without over-coaching, over-planning, or taking responsibility for choices that belong to themIf you're navigating the emotions of raising teens, preparing a graduate for the next chapter, or simply wondering how to hold both sadness and hope at the same time, then grab your earbuds and join me for this honest conversation about trusting God, releasing control, and preparing both your child and yourself for the beautiful, and exciting, next season ahead!
Join me here for: Getting Your Child (and Yourself) Ready to Launch After Graduation.
Then come work with me HERE!
Get your FREE Happy, Holy Homeschool Blueprint HERE!
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Sometimes at the end of the school year I feel completely drained.
Sometimes in a good way, because we've done everything I wanted to get to. But sometimes I'm drained because we were so focused on the work that we didn't fit enough of the rest or play that we needed.
And honestly, that's completely normal.
You've spent months pouring yourself out for your family, checking all the boxes, managing all the schedules, and carrying all the responsibilities, if rest and fun aren't on your check-list, then of course they won't get done!
Unfortunately what can happen is that when summer finally arrives, it can feel tempting to swing from one extreme to the other and you might end up spending the entire summer putting off anything that feels like work, because your brain doesn't want to go back there.
It can feel tempting to think in all-or-nothing terms.
I'm either working all the time, or I'm getting nothing done. Most of us don't live in the balanced middle.
Which is why, this summer, I want to invite you to practice living in the balanced middle to create your And Life.
A life that includes rest and productivity. Fun and purpose. Peace and progress.
In today's episode of the Happy, Holy Mama Podcast, I'm sharing why having an And Life doesn't require more energy from you, it actually gives you more energy.
It simply comes down to:
Managing your negative, squirrely thought patterns
Creating a doable routine that includes what you have desire for
And building trust with yourself to do what you say you're going to do.
Simple? Yes.
Easy? Not necessarily. But, it is significantly easier, and more enjoyable, with a mentor and friends keeping you company!
If you're ready to stop bouncing between guilt, overwhelm, and distraction and to make room for the kind of summer break that feels balanced and fruitful, grab your earbuds to join me for: What You Need for a Life-Giving Summer.
Join Summer Lovin' HERE - it's not too late, we start this week!
Grab your FREE Happy, Holy Homeschool Blueprint here!
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As a homeschooling mom of seven, one of the things I coach on most often is setting healthy boundaries with your children to protect your peace.
So many parents are afraid of their children's push back and negative reactions, so you hesitate to create rules and enforce boundaries.
But that only leaves you feeling stuck, trapped, and at the mercy of your children.
In this episode, I'm going to teach you how to stop letting your child's potential reaction manage your parenting.
I'm sharing four real-life examples of boundaries that come up frequently in parenting, covering issues like repetitive asking, responding to disrespect, and enforcing rules about chores and assignments.
I rarely give out scripts, but I'm giving you the exact dialogue I use in my own home so you can hear my tone and tweak the wording to feel natural and right for your family.
Grab your earbuds and join me to learn how to calmly, respectfully, and confidently step into your role as the leader and maintain a peaceful inner dialogue in: The Boundary Scripts That Stop Your Child's Emotions From Running the House.
Grab your free Happy, Holy Homeschool Blueprint to plan your year with the Lord Here!
Get the details for the new pricing structure of Happy, Holy Mama MEMBERSHIP here!
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I used to feel exasperated, frustrated, and utterly exhausted almost every time we had to do anything outside of the house.
Everything from getting coats and shoes on to finding the Mass bag was a complete production.
Even transitioning from one task to another within our home felt like herding cats! I was stuck in a cycle of overwhelm, spinning my wheels trying to keep our day flowing and feeling like I could never get to the things I wanted to do.
That is, until one day I discovered a simple truth: the joy and peace I craved would come from intentionally slowing down to teach my kids the foundational life skills I wanted them to have…not from pushing harder or doing more.
In this week's episode of the podcast, I'm making the argument that skill-building is not an extra task—it is a worthwhile and vital role of a homeschooler.
Grab your earbuds and join me to learn how to stop trying to just survive a homeschool day, but to truly enjoy your life and your family in: The "Summer School" That Will Change Everything
Grab your free Happy, Holy Homeschool Blueprint to plan your year with the Lord here!
Get the details for the new pricing structure for the Happy, Holy Mama MEMBERSHIP here!
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My son, Noah, is graduating from our homeschool this week and I thought it would be super fun to have him on the podcast to talk about his journey!
In today's very special episode, we talk honestly about the fears, freedom, challenges, and beautiful growth that came from homeschooling through the teen years…for both of us!
We share what it looked like to pull him out of traditional school in middle school, how homeschooling helped him discover his passions and independence, and why high school became less about checking boxes and more about helping him become the person God created him to be.
This conversation is full of encouragement for homeschool moms who are wondering:
Am I doing enough?
What if my teen lacks motivation?
How do I prepare them for adulthood?
Can homeschooling really work in high school?
Noah also shares his perspective as a homeschooled teen—what helped him thrive, how he found friendships and leadership opportunities, and why learning to follow God's voice mattered more than having everything figured out.
If you've ever felt nervous about homeschooling through high school, this episode will leave you feeling encouraged, hopeful, and reminded that you do not have to do this perfectly to do it well.
You'll hear:
Why homeschooling high school can actually strengthen your relationship with your teen
The shift from "teacher" to mentor during the high school years
How interest-led learning builds confidence and independence
Practical encouragement for creating transcripts around your teen's real interests and skills
Noah's advice for teens who feel nervous about homeschooling
How discernment and prayer shaped his college decision
This episode is a beautiful reminder that homeschooling is not just about academics—it's about helping your children become who God created them to be.
Grab your earbuds to join Noah and me for: Homeschooling High School with Confidence!
Get your FREE Happy, Holy Homeschool Blueprint here!
Get the details for the Happy, Holy Mama Membership HERE!
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Mother's Day is coming… and if I'm being honest, it can feel a little complicated.
Maybe part of you hopes it will be beautiful and life-giving…
And another part of you is already bracing for disappointment.In today's podcast, I want to meet you in the middle.
Because here's the truth: your happiness this Mother's Day doesn't have to depend on everything going "just right."
You can have whatever kind of Mother's Day experience you want to have, regardless of what your family does or doesn't do for you.
Today I'm talking about how and I'm sharing:
Why it's so important to ask for what you need (instead of hoping they'll guess)
How to receive what your family gives, even when it's not what you expected
And the powerful shift that happens when you choose your thoughts on purpose
This episode is a little love letter to your mother's heart as you prepare for Mother's Day (and which you can apply everyday)!
Grab your earbuds and join me for more peace, more intention, and more grace this week in: How to Prepare Your Heart for Mother's Day.
Take advantage of the BRAND NEW Pricing Structure for Happy, Holy Mama HERE!
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Sometimes everything just feels… heavy. Especially at the end of the school year.
You're exhausted, you've been up all night, taking care of everyone else all day, and when you finally have a chance to look up all you see are the problems.
The house feels out of control, you feel hopelessly behind, and you realize that you're not sure you have the energy for this today (like, any of it).
Here's the thing… when you recognize that feeling of being surrounded by a thick, heavy, wanna quit fog, that's not the time to make decisions.
Unfortunately, that's the time when it feels the most tempting to throw in the towel for the day (or even for the year) and look for a way out.
In this episode, I'm talking about these moments of desolation and why, as homeschool moms, we have to be so careful not to make big changes when we're tired, overwhelmed, or emotionally drained.
Not only because it's nearly impossible to think clearly and logically when you feel like this, but also because you just don't make great decisions from those emotions.
So what do you do instead?
Today, I'll walk you through what it looks like to continue the path you've already chosen with the Lord, with less pressure, less perfection, and more peace while you wait for the fog to lift.
Grab your earbuds and join me for this short, sweet, and to the point episode for your busy end of school season: When to Make Changes (and When NOT to!)
Get the details for Happy, Holy Mama here!
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Today I'm opening up a much-needed, hope-filled conversation about neurodivergence in Catholic families with Ginny Kochis, author of Quirky Catholic Kids.
Because here's the truth so many moms need to hear:
Your child isn't broken.
And neither are you.In today's episode we talk about:
What neurodivergence actually means (in real life, not just labels)
Why behavior is communication—not defiance
The difference between tantrums and meltdowns (and why it matters so much)
How to discipline with both clarity and compassion
Practical ways to navigate things like screens, routines, and overwhelm
And how to help your child experience God's love in a way that fits how they're uniquely wired
This conversation is full of both deep encouragement and real, practical tools you can start using right away!
Because holiness doesn't look one way and "typical" isn't the goal.
And your beautifully unique, unrepeatable child is fully capable of becoming a saint exactly as they are.
If you've ever felt alone, overwhelmed, or unsure how to support your child grab your earbuds and join me for: Raising Quirky Catholic Kids with Ginny Kochis.
Get Ginny's Book Quirky Catholic Kids HERE
Happy, Holy Mama Membership
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Have you ever caught yourself silently keeping score as your husband sits down while you're still going>
That quiet resentment starts to rise with every icky thought…
"That must be nice…"
"I never get a break…"You know it doesn't feel good.
You know it's not what you want in your marriage.But you're not sure how to stop.
In today's episode, I'm gently unpacking what's really happening beneath that frustration, and why it has less to do with your husband and more to do with what's going on inside your own heart and mind.
We'll talk about:
Why "keeping score" is so common (and so draining)
The hidden thoughts that create resentment
How to give yourself permission to rest (without guilt)
Simple, practical ways to ask for help with clarity and peace
And how to shift your home from tension… to connection
Because here's the truth:
You don't have to earn your rest.
You're not alone.
And your marriage was never meant to feel like a competition.Grab your earbuds and I'll walk you through how to lay down the scorecard and step into a more peaceful, life-giving way of loving your family, starting with your marriage in: How to Stop Keeping Score.
Come work with me > here!
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Have you ever felt like you're a completely different mom depending on the day?
One day patient and present…
The next day overwhelmed, overstimulated, and wondering what's wrong with you?Here's the thing: nothing is wrong with you.
Today, I'm joined by Elissa Miller, Catholic homeschool mom and hormone coach, and we're talking about something that so many of us experience… but rarely understand: our cycles.
We're making sense of:
Why your energy shifts from day to day.
Why your emotions feel different week to week.
Why homeschooling can feel easy one day…and impossible the next.And instead of fighting your body, what if you could actually work with it?
We talk about:
The 4 "genius phases" of your cycle (yes—even your period has a purpose)
How your hormones impact your thoughts, patience, and reactions
Simple, practical ways to align your homeschool with your energy
And how to stop beating yourself up for being human
Because you're not inconsistent.
You're not broken.
And you're not failing.
You're beautifully designed.When you start to understand your body, then you can show up with more peace, more compassion, and more grace for yourself and your family.
Grab your earbuds and join me and Elissa for: Hormones, Homeschooling, and Hope!
Come work with us in Happy, Holy Mama!
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As a mother, you are incredibly capable of handling "BIG suffering," from growing and birthing a human, to major tragedy or life-threatening illnesses.
But if you're constantly feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, and that you've hit your limit with all the 'little' moments of suffering each day, then I've got a special podcast episode for you.
Because it's not the big events, but the daily, hidden crosses that truly steal your peace.
Whether you are enduring:
A season of endless sleepless nights with a colicky infant,
A screaming toddler getting teeth,
A disengaged teenager pushing-back,
The gnawing fear that you'll "ruin your children"
…there is likely one thought rolling through your mind that makes all this feel impossible…
"I can't handle this."
The solution is not more discipline, more motivation, or even more planning.
The solution is more love.
Love of God, love of self, love of your children…and expanding what you can handle, with love.
In today's podcast, I'm talking about why, and how, expanding your capacity for LOVE is the answer to expanding your capacity for all these moments of daily suffering that steal your joy.
Grab your earbuds and join me for a Holy Week deep dive into: How to Expand Your Capacity.
Get access to The Self-Coaching Toolbox Live in Happy, Holy Mama HERE!
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Sometimes the thing God is asking of you feels… big, scary, or even a little impossible. And it can be really tempting to listen to the fear, especially if you're not sure how to distinguish between God's voice and your own.
In this episode, I'm sharing how I've learned to recognize God's voice through the many "calls within a call" in my life.
From widowhood, to motherhood, to homeschooling, to coaching, every one of those yeses have led somewhere I never could have planned.
Today, I'm finally sharing a special announcement that's been unfolding behind the scenes! This feels like the next step in that same invitation to trust Him more deeply and I want to bring you along the discernment journey with me.
And, because I'm a life coach, I'll also walk you through simple, practical ways for you to practice discerning God's voice with more clarity and peace.
If you've been wondering, "Is this God… or is this just me?" grab your earbuds and join me for: Discerning God's Voice: Answering a Call Within a Call
Because He is speaking, and every fiat (yes!) matters!
Click here to come work with me in Happy, Holy Mama!
Click here to learn more about Homeschool Better Together!
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Over the past few weeks I have been talking with so many mamas who are teetering on the edge of giving up on homeschooling.
They are feeling discouraged and defeated, wondering if their kids would be better off somewhere else.
Not necessarily because it's what is best for the kids, but because they are tired.
Tired of fighting with their kids about sitting still or staying focused.
Tired of no one listening, and constantly being interrupted.
Tired of making all the decisions, just to have their plans thwarted.
Tired of trying all day, day after day, and not seeing the progress they'd hoped for by now.
In today's episode I'm sharing some of the coaching I've been offering these mamas who actually want to keep homeschooling, but don't want to keep dealing with all the hard stuff.
We're focusing on progress over perfection.
A rule for making decisions when you're feeling down.
How to evaluate calmly and fairly so you don't quit on a bad day.
And I'm going to share with you my prayer to filter your decisions during this season through the Holy Spirit.
If you've been feeling discouraged in your homeschooling journey lately and need a little reset for your heart, some tools to keep on keeping on, and process to know if it's time to end this season of your life, please grab your earbuds and join me for: When to Quit, Make a Change, or Stay the Course.
Grab your free resource here: 30 New Thoughts to Think (to Put a Bad Homeschool Day in Right Order)
Come work with me in the Happy, Holy Mama Membership!
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This week my oldest child turns 19 and I am truly marveling at the man he is becoming.
But it didn't always feel like a sigh of relief.
I used to lie awake at night worrying that I was messing up my kids.
I used to worry if they weren't learning what they needed, if their behavior meant I had made the wrong choices, or too many mistakes.
I would dread the day and would look back and blame me for all of their stress, lack of preparation, and pain that I was sure they would have in the future.
And it would all be my fault.
But that's not where we actually are all these years later!
In today's podcast episode, I'm reflecting on the journey of how I have worked on giving up control over other people's behavior, and really stepping up into the identity of the happier, holier mama that I always dreamed of being.
It doesn't mean I have it all figured out. It just means that I have learned how to fall in love with the journey, even when it's hard (which it often still is!). And I want to share some of that knowledge with you!
If you've ever felt like your peace depends on your child's behavior, or gotten stuck second-guessing your decision to homeschool because of it, grab your earbuds and join me for: The Idol of Control: Behavior and the Three Rs of Surrender and Unconditional Love.
Happy, Holy Mama is OPEN FOR ENROLLMENT AGAIN!
Click here to join in time for this week's Stop Yelling Refresh Workshop!
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As a homeschool mom it can feel like everything in your home rests on your shoulders.
The meals.
The lessons.
The messes.
The schedule.
The spiritual atmosphere.It's easy to slip into the belief that if you don't manage everything perfectly, it will all fall apart.
In this week's episode, I'm sharing a gentle invitation for the homeschool mom who feels stretched thin and responsible for everything.
I'm talking about what it looks like to move from pressure and self-reliance into peace and true stewardship of what the Lord gives you, including the work He is asking you to do.
If you've been craving more calm…
More clarity…
More connection with God in the middle of your very full days…Then grab your earbuds and let's talk about: The Idol of Control: Time and Self-Reliance.
The Happy, Holy Mama Membership is OPEN for enrollment! Get the details HERE
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Why is it so hard to choose what to do for Lent?
Why do we (me included!) put so much pressure on ourselves to pick the perfect sacrifice… the one thing that will finally move the needle… the one decision that will change everything?
If you're a homeschool mama who finds herself stuck in indecision, or piling on five spiritual (or non spiritual!) goals because you're afraid one won't be "enough," this episode is for you.
Today, I'm talking about the hidden idol of getting it right.
The subtle fear that if we choose wrong, it won't count.
The quiet pressure to optimize our holiness, our motherhood, even our Lent.But what if the deeper invitation isn't about choosing the perfect sacrifice?
What if it's about slowing down… noticing the common thread beneath all your goals… and learning to trust God more than you distrust yourself?
In this episode, you'll learn:
Why you struggle to follow through (even with good, holy goals)
How to identify the deeper "why" beneath your long list of improvements
The spiritual shift from striving to surrender
Simple thoughts you can practice to build trust with God
How presence and surrender, not perfection, draws you closer to Him
Lent isn't about misery.
It isn't about proving yourself.
It isn't about finally becoming the flawless version of you.It's about union.
Trust.
Surrender.
And setting down the idols that stand between you and the Lord.If you struggle with keeping Lent simple, doable, and sustainable, grab your earbuds and join me for: The Idol of Getting It Right: Lent, Homeschooling, and Trusting God.
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The busyness of the semester is in full swing and, frankly, I'm tired!
Not the kind of tired I was when our first six kids were eight and under, but still feeling pretty exhausted.
I know I'm not the only one.
There are days when we can absolutely pull ourselves up by the bootstraps and get the things done. And then there are days when everything just feels nearly impossible.
Yes, it might have to do with how much sleep you're getting, but it also might have a lot to do with how you're talking to yourself.
What I've learned, and what I'm talking about in today's podcast episode, is that there is a major difference between being physically tired and emotionally tired.
If you catch yourself saying, "I can't handle this. I don't wanna do this anymore. This is too much," then, maybe the thing you're actually tired of is feeling incapable and inadequate to handle the life God is giving you.
My sisters in Christ, here's the truth: God does not give you more than you can handle, especially when you lean into Him for strength.
If that feels hard, please grab your earbuds and let's talk about what's really wearing you down, and how to lay it at the foot of the Cross in: Physical vs Emotional Exhaustion.
Join my Beloved Lent Study HERE! The doors close this Friday, February 20, 2026 at midnigth Eastern time!
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