Afleveringen
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Letās be realāthereās a long list of things Iād rather do than have āthe talkā with my kids. Root canal? Yes. DMV with a missing document? Absolutely.
But since itās apparently poor form to let TikTok raise our children, I guess itās time to step up. Enter Jim Burns, who has spent years helping parents navigate the minefield of talking to their kids about relationships, faith andābrace yourselfāsex. Heās here to tell us why we need to make these conversations less awkward and more ongoing, why a relaxed approach is better than a full-blown TED Talk, and how to teach kids to guard their hearts without scarring them with the purity culture we grew up with.
Jim reminds us that parenting in the digital age is next-level complicated, and the internet is shaping kidsā views on sex way before we even think to address it. The good news? We can be the safe place they come to with their questions. Weāll talk about the importance of sexual integrity, biblical wisdom, and even touch on dating relationships.
So, if youāve been dreading these conversations, take a deep breathāweāve got this. And as Jim says, sometimes āNoā is the most loving word we can say.
P.S. If you could leave a review here to help others find us, we would SO appreciate that!!
A Studentās Guide to Sexual Integrity by Jim Burns
HomeWord and all things Jim Burns
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Dr. Mikala Albertson is back, and weāre diving into all the fun midlife surprisesāstress, anxiety, preventative health, and why our bodies suddenly have a mind of their own. Weāre breaking down the difference between normal stress and full-blown anxiety, and whether medication is the right move. If youāve ever found yourself Googling āAm I dying, or is this just midlife?āāthis episode is for you.
We also get into the stuff we love to avoid: preventive health. Turns out, regular check-ups and blood work actually matter (who knew?!). Mikala shares what we need to be monitoring and why taking care of ourselves now saves a lot of stress later. Plus, we talk about the midlife bodyāhow itās changing, why thatās okay, and how to shift our focus from unrealistic expectations to real health and self-acceptance.
And because no midlife conversation is complete without discussing food and sleep, we unpack intuitive eating, the dangers of disordered eating, and why freedom in our choices matters. Plus, if your sleep is suddenly a disaster, youāre not aloneātune in for ideas on what might help.
This episode is full of laughs, real talk, and practical advice to help us navigate midlife without losing our minds (or at least, not completely). So grab your coffee, your reading glasses and letās figure this out together.
All things Cynthia Yanof
Everything I Wish I Could Tell You About Midlife by Mikala Albertson, MD
MESSmerized with Mikala Albertson Episode 76
Dr. Albertsonās Website
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Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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In todayās episode, I chat with Dr. Mikala Albertson about menopause, hormone therapy, and all the things we need to know to feel better in midlife. We kick things off by debunking some common myths around hormone replacement therapy and why it's not as scary as we once thought. Mikala explains how estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone affect our bodies and what happens when we lose them. And as a girl who is fighting some serious night sweats, you better believe I was tuned in.
We also dive into supplements, with Mikala sharing the four key ones she recommends. (I take the sum total of zero supplements, so this part was particularly interesting to me.) We discuss how to navigate the overwhelming supplement market and what to avoid. Spoiler: Not all supplements are created equal!
Then, we talk about ADHD in adultsāthe struggle is real. Dr. Mikala breaks down how many women might mistake stress for ADHD and how to figure out whatās really going on. We also touch on the decision fatigue we face as we juggle midlife responsibilities.
If youāre feeling overwhelmed by all the changes happening in your body and mind, this episode is for you. Itās full of practical tips, real talk, and a little humor to help you manage the chaos of midlife.
Donāt forget to tune in next week as we continue talking to Dr. Mikala about stress vs. anxiety, preventative care, and loving our bodies in midlife.
Thanks for listening!
All things Cynthia Yanof
Everything I Wish I Could Tell You About Midlife by Mikala Albertson, MD
MESSmerized with Mikala Albertson Episode 76
Dr. Albertsonās Website
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Hey Friends!
Today we kick-off week number two with Kari Kampakis, and if you missed last week, youāll definitely want to go back and listen. Today, Kari and I dive into everything from teenage relationships to exploring how crucial it is for our kids to know who they are before stepping into college life.
Kari also shares a much-needed reminder about how social media, friendships, and even a dash of loneliness can fuel resilienceāall wrapped up in the broader mission of instilling strong faith, family values, and personal growth.
So whether youāre the household cop for a little one, playing coach to a high schooler, or even wearing the consultant hat for a college kid, remember: our commitment to raising healthy, compassionate, and resilient kids is at the heart of it all.
I canāt wait for you to listen!
All things Cynthia
Yours Not Hers: 40 Devotions to Stop Comparison and Love Your Life by Kari Kampakis
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Iām so excited to kick off a two-week series with Kari Kampakis on raising girls! We dive into everything from the drama of friendship struggles and those classic mean girl moments to the surprisingly powerful role that loneliness plays in building resilience. These topics are just a few highlights from her new girlsā devotional, Yours Not Hersāan absolute must-have for girls from junior high through college!
I couldnāt help but laugh (and sometimes cringe) as we unpacked how social media has turned even the simplest interactions into epic battlegrounds of comparison and envy. I shared my own struggles with setting boundariesānot just for our kids, but for myselfāand we both agreed that teaching our daughters to be kind, resilient, and open about their feelings is more crucial now than ever.
Todayās conversation with Kari is equal parts funny, heartfelt, and downright honestāreminding us that while the digital age may complicate parenting, our commitment to nurturing strong, compassionate girls remains timeless. Enjoy the episode!
All things Cynthia
Yours Not Hers: 40 Devotions to Stop Comparison and Love Your Life by Kari Kampakis
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Happy Valentineās Week! ššššš
First, I want to say thank you for the kind words and incredible response to last weekās episode, where I went rogue with a solo show. Iām so glad it encouraged you! Yes, Iām hoping to do more episodes like this after I finish the book Iām currently working on.
Iām excited for our show today, because Iām chatting with Jess Johnston and Amy Weatherly about a topic that hits home for so many of usāperfectionism, vulnerability, and the beauty of authentic friendships. We talk about the impossible standards we set for ourselves, the way societal expectations can warp our self-worth, and how true growth happens when we stop pretending and start being real.
Jess and Amy open up about their own struggles with perfectionism and how learning to embrace imperfection has led to deeper, more meaningful relationships. We dive into the importance of community and why letting people ināeven when it feels messyācan be the most freeing thing we do. If you've ever found yourself exhausted from trying to have it all together, this episode is for you.
So, take a deep breath, let go of the need to be perfect, and join us for a conversation that just might change the way you approach your friendships, identity, and lots more!
All things Cynthia
Perfect is Boring (And it Tastes Like Kale) by Jess Johnston
Amy Weatherlyās books: Iāll Be There and Here for It
Follow Amy on Facebook at Sister I am With You and @Amy Weatherly
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Hey Friends,
Itās February, which means Valentineās Day is upon usābut more importantly, it marks the one-year anniversary of my first book, Life is Messy, God is Good!
Looking back over the past year, Iām overwhelmed with gratitude for the friends and family who have walked this journey with me. Whether you bought the book, shared it with a friend, left a review, hosted a book launch party, or prayed for my words to make an impactāyouāve been part of this crazy adventure, and I couldnāt be more thankful.
Maybe itās the nostalgia of this milestone, or maybe itās just menopause brain fog (letās be honest, probably both), but Iām feeling all the feels. So, this week on MESSmerized, Iām doing something a little differentāno guest, just me and the mic! Thatās right, Iāll be having a conversation (with myself, as one does) about three key areas where I believe we need to give ourselves permission to pivot.
These thoughts stem from a womenās leadership conference where I recently spoke about the importance of:
ā Redefining success
ā Reprioritizing our days
ā Doing things that donāt always make senseAnd since weāre celebrating my bookās anniversary, Iāll also share a few stories straight from its pagesābecause what better time to reflect on this wild ride?
So, tune in, laugh with me, and letās get personal. And if this episode speaks to you, Iād love for you to share it with a friend.
Thanks for showing up each week and walking this road with me. Iām in it with you!
All things Cynthia Yanof
Grab your copy of Life is Messy, God is Good!
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Happy Wednesday!
Is it just me, or did January last six months? I cannot handle one more school holiday, winter illness, or Ā¼ inch of snow canceling school. But I digress.
Iām thrilled to round out this month with an amazing conversation featuring Melanie Shankle. And yes, Amy Weatherly is still co-hosting with me, and I couldnāt be more grateful!
To know me is to know that Iāve been a huge fan of Melanieās books for years. I was so excited to hear she has a new one coming out, andāspoiler alertāit might just be my favorite yet! Today, weāre covering topics like parenting teenage daughters, the insights we gain through years of motherhood, and the importance of teaching our kids resilience. Melanie also opens up about her strained relationship with her mother and her decision to end generational trauma.
Melanieās book releases on February 18th, and now is the perfect time to pre-order it. Iāve read it cover to cover, and trust meāthereās something for everyone in this book.
I canāt wait for you to hear this conversation... and I really canāt wait for January to finally end. ššš
All things Cynthia Yanof
Amy Weatherlyās books: Iāll Be There and Here for It
Follow Amy on Facebook at Sister I am With You and @Amy Weatherly
Here be Dragons by Melanie Shankel
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Iām thrilled to have Amy Weatherly back co-hosting MESSmerized with me for this exciting episode, because weāre chatting with the incredible Annie F. Downs!
Annie is living the dream (and the hustle) part-time in New York City, and let me tell you, sheās not just surviving; sheās thriving. For those of us whoāve dreamed of moving to NYC but stayed safely tucked away in places like North Dallas (okay, maybe that's just me), Annie made it happen. And Iām so excited to share her journey with you!
On a more serious note, we dive into body image, health, and unresolutions. Annie shares how her perspective on health shifted from trying to shrink her body to focusing on living a long, full life. We also talk about her deeply personal new book, Where Did TJ Go?, co-written with her sister. This book is a beautiful resource for families grieving the loss of a child. Inspired by the life and passing of her nephew TJ, it offers gentle hope and reminds us of the faith we hold onto, even in our hardest moments. Raw, redemptive, and a testament to Godās goodness in every circumstance.
If thereās one takeaway from Annieās journey, itās this: Donāt shy away from doing the big, scary, or hard things. Whether itās moving to a new city, embracing your body as it is, or walking through grief, the Lord shows up every step of the way. Annie is living proof that even in the hardest moments, thereās beauty and joy in the unexpected.
Canāt wait for you to listen! š
All things Cynthia Yanof
Amy Weatherlyās books: Iāll Be There and Here for It
Follow Amy on Facebook at Sister I am With You and @Amy Weatherly
All things Annie F. Downs
Where did TJ Go? A book for kids on grief and loss (By Annie F. Downs and Tatum Green)
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Just in case you missed the announcement last week, Amy Weatherly is co-hosting MESSmerized with me this month, and gosh, sheās so much fun. Today, weāre continuing our commitment to un-resolutions by chatting with the amazing Kendra Adachi about time management.
This conversation is absolutely not what you think itās going to be because Kendra is flipping time management on its head. Apparently, weāve been doing it all wrongāwho knew? She talks about creating systems that actually make sense for women. This includes recognizing the beauty of both proactive and reactive time managementābasically, having a plan but also being cool with the fact that life is messy and plans sometimes (okay, often) fall apart.
What really struck me, though, was our chat about self-compassion. Why are we so hard on ourselves? We talked about living in the moment, starting small, and letting go of this pressure to do everything perfectly. Spoiler: you donāt have to color-code your planner to be a successful human.
So, if youāre like meājuggling a million things, tired of feeling like youāre never doing enough, and low-key fantasizing about running away to a quiet cabin somewhereāthis episode is for you. Letās ditch the guilt, embrace the chaos, and redefine what success looks like for us.
All things Cynthia Yanof
The Plan: Manage Your Time Like a Lazy Genius by Kendra Adachi
The Lazy Genius Podcast
Amy Weatherlyās books: Iāll Be There and Here for It
Follow Amy on Facebook at Sister I am With You and @Amy Weatherly
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New year, new resolutionsā¦ right? Nope, not this year!
I hope you had a wonderful Christmas filled with fun memories! At the beginning of todayās show, Iāll be sharing some of my favorite holiday moments, gifts, and God-moments. But Iām also super excited to let you know that the fabulous Amy Weatherly is co-hosting with me all through January, and we are going to have so much fun!
Amy is a wife, mother, author, and the founder of a huge Facebook community focused on friendship, faith, and loving ourselves well. It seemed only fitting that, in our first episode together, Amy and I are taking a refreshing break from the usual goal-setting chaos. Instead of striving for perfection or adding more to our already overflowing plates, weāre talking about slowing down, embracing who we really are, and focusing on what truly matters.
I think you're going to find todayās show to be the perfect blend of humor, honesty, and relatable moments. Weāll discuss how to find joy in simply being who the Lord created us to be. Whether you're tired of the typical "new year, new me" hustle or you just need permission to take things at your own pace, this episode is for you. So, grab your favorite drink, get comfy, and letās kick off 2025 with a fresh perspective. I canāt wait for you to meet Amy!
All things Cynthia Yanof
Amy Weatherlyās books: Iāll Be There and Here for It
Follow Amy on Facebook at Sister I am With You and @Amy Weatherly
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First of all, we've had a bit of a "situation" over here, and Iāll share all the details in todayās intro. But hereās a little teaser: neighbors, overgrown shrubs, and me sneaking out in the cloak of darkness. If that doesnāt paint a picture thatāll make you want to listen, I donāt know what will! ššš
Today, Iām thrilled to have Lanier Ivester on the show, and weāre talking all things Christmasādecor, recipes, and hosting. Lanier reminds us that the holiday season can feel both joyful and overwhelming. In fact, nine out of ten people experience both emotions during this time of year. Her advice? Acknowledge the tension and remember that Christmas is about rest, not busyness. I loved it when she said, "We work from a place of rest." Itās such a powerful reminder to shift our focus from the never-ending to-do lists to Godās love.
The title of Lanierās new Christmas book, Glad & Golden Hours, comes from a verse in It Came Upon a Midnight Clear that beautifully captures the hope and peace of Christās coming. Todayās conversation really reminded me that Christmas doesnāt have to be perfect to be beautiful. Itās about slowing down, creating space for rest, and anchoring our hearts in the joy of Christās birth.
I hope youāll take a few minutes to listen today and embrace the final days before we celebrate Jesus' birth!
All things Cynthia
Glad & Golden Hours by Lanier Ivester
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Weāre just a couple of weeks out from Christmas ššš and it feels like thereās more to be done than hours in the day. Yet, I often find myself on Instagram cracking up at all the random Christmas humor. Last week, I came across this little gem that made me laugh much harder than it probably should have:
"I accidentally used momās fabric scissors to cut wrapping paper, and now the cops are here." - Unknown Author
But I digress.
Today on MESSmerized, we get to hear from Pastor Louie Giglio (and you guys know how much I love Pastor Louie and the impact heās had on my life since I was in college a million years ago).
We have such a great conversation about the powerful truths in Psalm 84:11 and what it really means to walk in Godās grace, reflect His glory, and trust in His goodnessāeven when life feels really, really hard.
Pastor Louie offers a fresh perspective on Godās grace, showing us itās not just for salvationāitās for the carpool lines, parent-teacher conferences, and every messy moment of life. He also discusses why living for Godās glory can flip the script on how we see ourselves, our work, and our calling.
If youāre struggling to see Godās goodness in the hard seasons or wrestling with what it means to truly live for His glory, this episode is for you. I believe Pastor Louieās words will inspire, challenge, and encourage you to live differently, wherever God has placed you. And as an added bonus, this conversation is perfect entertainment for those long hours of present wrapping.
All things Cynthia Yanof
Grace and Glory by Louie Giglio
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Brace yourselves!
I cannot even begin to tell you how excited I am about todayās show with Dallas Jenkins. Dallas is the genius behind The Chosen and now The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. And let me just say, after this conversation, I walked away ready to ugly cry in a theater over the cigar-smoking Herdman kids finding Jesus. Thatās exactly what happened over Thanksgiving, and the movie was a huge hit with our crew.
So how does Dallas go from The Chosen to a story about the most chaotic, snack-loving kids hijacking a Christmas play? Well, it turns out this book has been a part of his Christmas tradition for 20 years. Dallas told me he had to make this movie, even though Hollywood wasnāt exactly rolling out the red carpet for him. Spoiler alert: God had other plans.
But hereās the thing: A few years ago, I was in a rough spotāone of those times when you're questioning everything Godās doing in your life. I heard Dallas speak at an event, and he said, āGod does impossible math.ā It was like a lightning bolt. Fast forward to this interview, and I got him to retell the full story behind that phrase. It involves failure, Romanian Facebook DMs at 4 a.m., andāof courseāloaves and fish. God showed Dallas (and now us) that our job isnāt to perform miracles; itās simply to show up with whatever we have and trust God to do the rest.
So whether youāre a The Chosen fan, invested in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, or someone needing a reminder that God works best when weāre at our weakestāthis episode is for you.
All things Cynthia Yanof
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
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Happy Thanksgiving Eve! š¦š¦š¦
Are you hosting?
Are you roasting a turkey in the oven or deep frying it?
Do you call it stuffing or dressing?
Will you use china or paper products?
Is your weird aunt bringing a gelatin dish?
Canned or homemade cranberries?
Are you a pecan or pumpkin pie kind of girl?
I have so many pressing questions. š
One of my favorite things about Thanksgiving Day (thanks for asking) is the Macyās Day Parade. Back in the day, Iād watch the parade and pore over all the Black Friday ads in the paper before the dayās festivities began. Iāve never sounded older, right? And another fun fact: Iāve ALWAYS wanted to go to the parade in NYC, but that hasnāt happened yet (and itās fully discussed on todayās show).
Iām so thrilled to have Nicole Zasowski with us on MESSmerized today. Not only is she a marriage and family therapist, but she also lives in Connecticut and has been to the parade several times. (Somehow, that seemed more relevant than it probably is, and donāt think for a minute that I didnāt grill her about the parade and cover that in depth.)
Nicole and I also dive into the intersection of mental health, identity, and the holiday season. We all know that the holidays have the potential to put us on the struggle bus emotionally, but Nicole reminds us that itās possible to balance joy with the realities of whatās difficult, experiencing both simultaneously. I love the message and powerful reminder in Nicoleās new book not to not dwell on our fears and anxieties, but instead to ask ourselves, āWhat if itās wonderful?ā
Thereās no promise that your turkey will be wonderful tomorrow or that your husband will help with the dishes instead of watching footballābut I do know that we have so much to be thankful for, and I pray you have plenty of time to reflect on that.
All things Cynthia Yanof
What if itās Wonderful by Nicole Zasowski
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Ruth Chou Simons is with us this week, and trust me, I got down to the real investigative questions like how she manages hotel rooms with six kids and what it was like being on *Good Morning America* earlier this year. Youāre welcome!
But seriously, itās the week before Thanksgiving š¦š¦, and todayās show is an invitation to take a deep breath as we reflect on Godās goodness. Weāre diving into Psalm 23 and what it really means to have God as our Good Shepherdāthe One who takes care of us, provides for us, and leads us when we donāt even know which way is up.
Hereās the thing about shepherdsātheyāre not just hanging out, petting sheep all day. Theyāre out there protecting, guiding, and making sure the sheep are safe and cared for. Itās such a perfect picture of how God watches over us. Ruth reminds us that nothing in our lives is wastedānot the hard stuff, the waiting, or even the complete disasters.
Psalm 23 ends with this beautiful promise that Godās goodness and mercy chase after us every single day. How freeing is that? We can lean into His care, knowing Heās got us covered even when it feels like everything is falling apart.
Ruthās latest childrenās book, Home is Right Where You Are, is incredible. Itās all about being present and leaning into Godās faithfulness in the here and now. Whether youāre a mom, a grandma, or just someone who needs a reminder that Godās got this, itās such an encouraging read.
So, letās take a deep breath and remember that the Good Shepherd is leading us, protecting us, and providing for usāand thatās reason enough to be thankful this week!
All things Cynthia Yanof
Home is Right Where You Are by Ruth Chou Simons
Now and Not Yet by Ruth Chou Simons
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With Thanksgiving around the corner, many of us are thinking about what weāre thankful for, what we might be taking for granted, and what gratitude really looks like. Todayās show comes at the perfect time, as Mark Batterson helps us reframe everyday miracles and see God in the midst of our daily lives.
Mark encourages us to āchange your pace and place to change your perspective.ā Sometimes, to wake up to wonder, we need to step outside our routinesāwhether thatās by taking a walk or going on a ātwo-foot field trip,ā like moving from the living room to the backyard, to see Godās creation from a fresh angle.
Mark also gets real about the hardships of life. His wife, Laura, has faced her two bouts with cancer. I love how he says that sometimes we have to āforgive realityā for not lining up with our plans. But Mark reminds us that even though life here can be hard, it doesnāt mean weāre forgotten or forsaken. We have a God who is with us and conquers all thingsāeven the grave.
So, whether youāre feeling a million miles away from a miracle or right in the middle of one, todayās conversation with Mark Batterson will give you hope and renewed reason to be thankful. Miracles may not always be big and flashy; often, theyāre just one of those āmillion little miraclesā happening all around us.
All things Cynthia Yanof
A Million Little Miracles by Mark Batterson
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Remember how Iāve been having lunch every Wednesday with a wonderful group of friends for the last 15+ years? Todayās show is inspired by those lunchesābecause lately, all we seem to talk about is midlife and menopause. It's a season, let me tell you!
To help us all navigate this wild ride, Iām thrilled to bring in a true expert: Dr. Mikala Albertson. Weāre diving deep into everything you never thought you'd need to know about menopause, perimenopause, and all the hormonal roller coasters that come with them. Dr. Albertson has a brilliant way of describing menopause as "puberty in reverse," and her perspective on it is so insightful.
Donāt worry, we cover all the symptoms we're dealing withāhot flashes, mood swings, anxiety, weight gain, brain fog, and more. This episode is packed with practical tips, a few laughs, and hopefully, some perspective on not just surviving but thriving in this season of life.
Dr. Albertsonās new book, Everything I Wish I Could Tell You About Midlife, is out now. And exciting news: sheās coming back on the show in the New Year! If you have questions youād like us to cover next time, email them to me!
All things Cynthia Yanof
Everything I Wish I Could Tell You About Midlife by Dr. Mikala Albertson
Follow Dr. Albertson on Instagram here!
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Todayās my birthdayā¦ so thereās that! šš And itās totally not too late to get me a giftāIāll be accepting food-chain gift cards for Diet Dr. Pepper all week long. š
In honor of my birthday, Iām kicking off MESSmerized with a little segment I call āThings I Know for Sureā after celebrating 50+ birthdays. Really rolls off the tongue, right?
But thereās more! Megan Fate Marshman joins us on the show for the first time ever. Sheās amazing, and we cover everything from parenting fails to perfecting the elusive messy bun. We even had a little fun comparing stereotypes about Texas and Californiaābecause apparently, people think Texans ride horses everywhere.
Megan also shared about the sudden loss of her husband and how she has leaned into prayer through her grief and raising their two small children. We talked about those āWhat now, God?ā momentsāwhen life takes an unexpected turn and youāre not sure how to move forward. Megan reminds us that prayer doesnāt have to be perfect; itās about being honest and vulnerable with God, even if your mind wanders halfway through. (You know the drill: āDear Godā¦ wait, did I leave the laundry in the washer?ā)
We also dug into Romans 8:28 and how Godās goodness doesnāt always look the way we expect. Itās not always easy, but knowing that God works for the good in all things gives us hope. Heās not just with us in the good timesāHeās right there in the mess, using every struggle to grow us and draw us closer to Him.
Whether youāre navigating the chaos of parenting, dealing with grief, or just trying to survive the day with the help of a few hits of caffeine, God is at work in your life.
So, grab a Diet Dr. Pepper in honor of my birthday and join me for this heartfelt, hope-filled chat with Megan Fate Marshman. I promise youāll leave encouraged.
All things Cynthia Yanof
Relaxed: Walking with the One Who is Not Worried About A Thing by Megan Fate Marshman
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Today I had the absolute pleasure of chatting with Jon Acuff! If you donāt know Jon, heās like the fun friend who makes you laugh but also slips in the kind of wisdom that makes you go, "Huh... I really needed to hear that." We covered everything from goal-setting and personal development to parenting in a way that doesnāt drive us or our kids completely nuts. But what really hit home was our conversation about helping our teens win in life.
Jon had a lot to say about recognizing that every kidās path is different. As parents, itās easy to think thereās one formula to follow, but Jon reminds us that sometimes our job is simply to help our teens define their own version of success. Whether thatās landing a part-time job or surviving Algebra 2, the goal is to meet them where they are and celebrate the small wins. He also emphasized the importance of creating space for kindnessābecause kindness isnāt just a cute personality trait, itās a skill. And if we want to raise kind adults, we need to teach kindness now, even when it feels inconvenient (like when your teen is being throwing it down while unloading the dishwasher).
Jon also introduced me to something he calls "performance zones." Basically, itās all about learning to function well even when life feels chaoticāwhich, letās be real, describes parenting perfectly. He reminded me that itās okay to embrace the craziness and find small ways to move forward. No need to have it all figured out todayāor any day, really. And as parents, showing our kids how to handle that kind of chaos with grace is a huge part of preparing them for life.
Whether you're looking to grow as a parent or just as a person, this episode is packed with insights you can use. Trust me, youāre going to love itāand who knows? You might even feel a little more prepared to help your teen win at life, one messy, beautiful day at a time.
Cynthia Yanof
Jon Acuff
How Teens Win by Jon Acuff
Molly Stillman Podcast
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