Ever feel like you should be doing something to help people struggling with anxiety and depression... but you're not a counselor, so what can you actually do?

In this conversation with Shaunti Feldhahn (social researcher and author of "When Hurting People Come to Church"), we're talking about the mental health crisis overwhelming our communities, and why YOU are part of the solution (yes, even without a counseling degree).

Shaunti shares shocking statistics: 60 million Americans have diagnosed mental health disorders, and 30 million of them aren't getting any help. Counselors are overwhelmed. Pastors are maxed out. But there's a church on every corner with caring people who could step in—if they just knew how.

We talk about what it actually looks like to help (hint: it's simpler than you think), how to be vulnerable so others feel safe opening up, and how to know when God is tapping you on the shoulder versus when it's guilt driving you.

This episode is for you if:
• You want to help hurting people but feel unqualified or untrained
• You're overwhelmed by all the needs and don't know where to start
• Someone in your life is struggling and you don't know what to say
• You're too busy for "one more thing" but feel guilty about it
• You want to make a difference but think that's someone else's job

Shaunti gives practical guidance on starting simple (just listening matters!), being vulnerable first to create safe spaces, and recognizing when God is calling you to set aside your to-do list.

Plus, we tackle the reality that God will never give you more than 24 hours worth of tasks in a day so if you're constantly overwhelmed, you might be doing things He hasn't actually called you to.

If you've ever thought "I wish I could help but I don't know how," this conversation is for you.

📖 RESOURCE MENTIONED:
Shaunti's book: "When Hurting People Come to Church: How People of Faith Can Help Solve the Mental Health Crisis" https://amzn.to/4qTRliH (affiliate)

🔗 CONNECT WITH SHAUNTI & GET FREE RESOURCES:
Website: https://Shaunti.com
Free Church Cares Kit (listening training, intake forms, workbooks): https://TheChurchCares.com

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Ever feel like you're trying so hard to be more patient, more joyful, more loving... and you just keep failing?

In this conversation with Ava Pennington (author of "Flourish"), we're talking about the fruit of the Spirit, but not in the way you learned it in Sunday School. Because here's the thing: you can't force spiritual fruit by trying harder.

Ava explains why love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control aren't items on your to-do list. They're the natural result of surrendering to the Holy Spirit moment by moment.

We talk about the difference between striving and surrendering, why God's definition of these fruits might be different than yours (wait until you hear what she says about kindness!), and how to actually cooperate with what the Holy Spirit is already doing in your life.

This episode is for you if:
• You're exhausted from trying harder to be a better Christian.
• You keep failing at patience, peace, or self-control and feel defeated.
• You want to teach your kids about spiritual fruit without it becoming legalistic.
• You struggle with anxiety, impatience, or lack of joy.
• You're ready to stop striving and start surrendering.

Ava gives practical guidance on identifying which fruit you're struggling with most, recognizing the temptations and distractions that work against it, and learning to surrender in the moment instead of white-knuckling your way through.

Plus, we tackle how to model these fruits for your kids in a way that's authentic and grace-filled.

If you're tired of the try-harder message, this conversation is for you.

📖 RESOURCE MENTIONED:
Ava's book: "Flourish: Grace-Centered Practices to Protect and Grow a Fruitful Life in Christ" https://amzn.to/3YkWoMF (affiliate)

🔗 CONNECT WITH AVA:
Website: https://AvaPennington.com/

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In a difficult, divided world, or when going through challenges, it can be hard to lift our heads and hearts. 

But God promises all people great joy. It s a promise for us no matter our circumstances! But how do we get there?

In this 60-day devotional, social researcher and best-selling author Shaunti Feldhahn focuses on eight key elements of finding joy truths that shine out from both science and scripture.

Shaunti's website: https://shaunti.com/

Find Joy: A Devotional Journey To Unshakable Wonder in an Uncertain World: https://amzn.to/2JltsRO (affiliate)

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Hey moms!

Do you ever feel stuck in a fog or feel so exhausted that you just can't think straight or even function?

Hannah is here to remind you that you are not alone.

And better yet, she has solutions!

As America's top, Christian mom coach, Hannah gets to the root of what it is to be "mom tired" and offers a step-by-step process to help moms be in-control, rested, and productive women God created them to be.

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Do the unrealistic posts you see on social media leave you feeling as though you need to be doing better at everything?

Do you find yourself comparing your home to a neighbor's, or yourself to that amazing mom or that beautiful model?

If so, get ready to take notes!

In today's podcast episode, Heather and I talk about comparison in two ways. 

1. How dangerous it is when we compare our lives to other peoples' (and we all do this more than we realize!)
2. How dangerous it is when we compare our current lives to an "idealized" (unrealistic) version of ourselves. 

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Do you feel like the spark in your marriage is gone? Like a critical spirit has invaded is just gets in the way of everything?

Come join us as Jill Savage takes us through her personal journey of her own marriage struggles. You will definitely want to take notes! 

Jill will teach us how to:

* Detect and correct the Seven Slow Fades
* Set and communicate realistic expectations
* What to do if your spouse won't change
* How to guard your marriage for good

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Do you ever worry you're not enough? Maybe you have doubts, fears, or worries.

Alli Worthington explains how to embrace God’s callings for you without fear or doubt or any other negative thought as she discusses her new book, “Standing Strong: A Woman's Guide to Overcoming Adversity and Living with Confidence.” https://amzn.to/3kDGvLy (affiliate)

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Are you an introvert? Or perhaps you are completely extroverted? Whether you are an introvert yourself, or you love an introvert, you'll love today's conversation with Holley Gerth, author and co-founder of (in)courage. She is giving us tons of practical tips and tricks for introverts to live to be the person God created them to be all the more fully. If you are interested in finding out how to best love the introverts in your life, you'll want to stay tuned as well!

Want to dive into this topic even further? Be sure to check out Holley's brand new book, "The Powerful Purpose of Introverts: Why the World Needs You to Be You" here:  https://amzn.to/34TC7mT (affiliate) 

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Are you someone who feels "All the Feels?" Or perhaps you'd prefer to not have to bother with emotions at all? Either way - you'll love today's conversation with Elizabeth Laing Thompson where we talk about why emotions are so wonderful, how we can use them for good, and what to do when our emotions try to lead us astray. 

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On today's podcast, we are talking about leadership. Author Ronne Rock shares about how you can use the influence and impact that you have RIGHT where you are, whether that’s as a mother or a friend, or wherever God has placed you. 

 So if this sounds like something that you would like to learn more about to be all-in in your faith, I hope you will listen in to today's episode!

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As Christian moms, we know that we are called to help our kids be strong in the faith. That's why today, I am so excited to speak with my good friend Lee Nienhuis, author of the brand new book Counter-Cultural Parenting.

In today's interview, we are talking about how to teach your kids good character, how to help them follow Jesus in the day-to-day, and just sharing a TON of practical tips and strategies that work for us on how we raise our kids to love Jesus. 

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Today we are talking with Daniel Grothe, teaching pastor at the influential New Life Church in Colorado Springs, Colorado all about his new book Chasing Wisdom, the Lifelong Pursuit of Living Well.

In this interview, Daniel shares a TON of super practical tips for how you can live a life of wisdom and how you can teach your children to live a life of wisdom as well.

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Ever feel like making friends as an adult is somehow harder than it was in high school?

In this conversation with Natalie Runion (author of the USA Today bestseller "I Don't Even Like Women"), we're getting real about why female friendships can feel so complicated and what to do about it.

Natalie shares her own journey from literally telling her pastor "I don't even like women" when asked to lead women's ministry, to discovering the lies we believe that keep us isolated. (Spoiler: those old scripts from the junior high lunch table are still playing in our heads.)

We talk about the fear of rejection, what to do when someone says "no thanks, I have enough friends" (yes, that actually happened to Natalie), and how to keep putting yourself out there even when it's scary.

This episode is for you if:
• You want close friendships but don't know how to find them.
• You've been rejected and aren't sure you can try again.
• You feel awkward at church gatherings or mom groups.
• You're in a new season of life and need to rebuild community.
• You're tired of surface-level relationships and want something real.

Natalie gives practical advice on starting small (like $5.99 wildflower bouquets for neighbors), knowing when rejection is actually about the other person's capacity, and why being what you need for someone else might be the secret to finding the friendship you're looking for.

Plus, we tackle the question: how do you know if the problem is them... or you?

If you've ever felt lonely in a room full of people, this conversation is for you.

📖 RESOURCE MENTIONED:
Natalie's book: "I Don't Even Like Women and Other Lies That Get in the Way of Sacred Sisterhood" https://amzn.to/4qDr8oo (affiliate)

🔗 CONNECT WITH NATALIE:
Website: https://NatalieRunion.com/

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Do you ever struggle with intimacy in your marriage? 

In this episode, I talk with Shannon Ethridge, a bestselling author and speaker, about healthy sexuality and intimacy.  She shares some AWESOME tips on how to grow closer to your spouse and how to overcome some personal obstacles that often get in the way of our marital relationship.  

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Today on the Equipping Godly Women podcast, we’re talking with Sharon Jaynes, author of the new book, The Power of a Woman's Words: How the Words You Speak Shape the Lives of Others.

In this interview, we're sharing tons of practical tips and encouragement to help you use words that encourage your children and help build them up, rather than tearing them down.  

And while we mostly talk about the words we share with our children, this conversation applies just as much to our conversations with our husbands, friends and other family members as well. 

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Have you ever felt a calling to make a bigger difference in the world, but you're not sure how you can? In today's podcast interview, we're talking to author Sarah Bowling about a trip that would change her life forever, and how she stepped up to help a very vulnerable group of people when no one else would.

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As Christians, we know that one of the greatest calls on our lives (other than loving God Himself), is to love others. But how do we do that, and how we can create diverse relationships with people who think, look, believe and act differently than us without putting our own faith or families at risk in the process? 

Today on the Equipping Godly Women podcast, we’re talking with Lauren Casper, author of the new book, “Loving Well in a Broken World: Discover the Hidden Power of Empathy” about all this and more. 

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Do you ever feel so consumed by all your daily responsibilities of being a wife, being a mom and taking care of a home that you feel like you’ve lost yourself? If so, today’s podcast episode is one you’ll definitely want to listen to. 

In it, we’re talking with Laynie Travis, author of the Bible Study, “Do You See This Woman?: Six Women Who Encountered Jesus Face-To-Face” all about why Christian women often feel unseen and invisible, and how God sees us and cares about us right where we are. 

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Today on the Equipping Godly Women Podcast, we’re talking with Sharon Risher, author of the book “For Such a Time as This: Hope and Healing after the Charleston Massacre” all about the events of that horrible night as well as the racial inequalities that still happen every day in America. 

It’s such an interesting topic and something we don’t talk about nearly enough as Christian Americans. I hope you find this conversation as interesting as I did!

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Does your children's constant grumbling and complaining drive you crazy? If so, you aren't alone. That's why today we're talking with Tricia Goyer, author of the book "The Grumble Free year" that just released this week. 

She was willing to take the time to share how she challenged her family to quit the constant grumbling, and how you can too!

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We all go through trials and tough seasons sometimes. The only question: How will they impact your faith? 

In this podcast episode, author Michele Cushatt is sharing how finding “12 stones” can help you cling to your faith and God’s promises, even when it feels like everything around you is crumbling, as well as why we need to find our 12 stones NOW… before the trials hit. 

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In today's episode, I'm interviewing author and parent, Debra Moerke, who has fostered an astounding 145 children.  Debra has a lot of great wisdom to share with us about foster care. She also has an INCREDIBLE story to share with us that had me on the edge of my seat wanting to know more.

I just know you're going to love this interview, especially if you're interested in being a foster parent someday, interested in getting involved with your community, or even interested in true crime stories - this episode is for you!

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As Christian women, we also have a serious responsibility to share the love of God with those in need as well -- whether that's by sharing the Gospel or helping meet the physical, mental or emotional needs of others. 

This is a topic I spoke on at the recent Equipping Godly Women Online Conference, and today, I'd like to share the recording with you as well. 

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What if the thing you're most afraid to say out loud is exactly what could set you free?

In this conversation with Pastor Mike Novotny, we're talking about the taboo topics nobody wants to bring up: secret sins, struggling marriages, addiction, and those really hard conversations you know you need to have but keep avoiding.

Pastor Mike shares why confession isn't just good theology; it's actually the path to healing. (Spoiler: trying to pray your way out of a problem without ever talking about it? That's not working.)

We also talk about the other side of the equation: what do you do when you need to confront someone else? How do you know if it's your place to say something? And how do you start that conversation without destroying the relationship?

This episode is for you if:
• You're carrying secret shame about something you can't seem to overcome.
• You see something concerning in someone you love but don't know how to bring it up.
• You've been hurt by bad confrontation and need a biblical framework for doing it better.
• You're tired of surface-level Christian community and want real, healing connection.
• You need permission to finally talk about the thing you've been hiding.

Pastor Mike gives us practical wisdom on knowing who's safe to confess to, when you actually need to speak up about someone else's sin, and what to do when confrontation doesn't go well.

Plus, he shares his own story of struggling with pornography addiction and why keeping it secret only made things worse.

This is the conversation about confession and confrontation that the church desperately needs.

📖 RESOURCE MENTIONED:
Pastor Mike's book: "How to Talk Taboo" https://amzn.to/49gxN0y (affiliate)

🔗 CONNECT WITH PASTOR MIKE:
Website: https://TimeofGrace.org

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Today I'm talking with Jennifer Greenberg, a Christian woman who was abused by her church-going father for years, yet still managed to find hope and healing in the darkest of situations​. 

In this heartbreaking interview, Jennifer is sharing more of her story, as well as lots of practical advice for how to overcome past trauma, as well as a few steps we can take to help protect the vulnerable women around us. 

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Do you ever feel like you have SO many things competing for your time and attention on a daily basis that you just cannot keep up with them all?

We ALL have things we NEED to get done on a daily basis as well as things we WANT to do on a daily basis. It can be really easy to feel overwhelmed, like there are too many things and we'll never get caught up.  

If that sounds like you, you'll DEFINITELY want to check out today's interview!  In it, we're talking with Morgan Tyree about her new book and her three-color system to help you take back your time with energy and enthusiasm.

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Whether you're a brand new Christian, or you've been a Christian for a while, it can be really difficult to fully live out your faith when your friends and family aren't believers as well. 

The good news is, you can thrive as a Christian -- even when your friends and family aren't supportive -- and in today's podcast, I'm going to show you how to do just that!

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Has your children's behavior ever totally embarrassed you or made you wonder where you went wrong as a mother? Welcome to the club! The truth is, as embarrassing or as frustrating as it can be, it happens to ALL of us at some point or another.

That's why today, I'm sharing 8 things you need to do when your children's constant bad behavior is driving you crazy. 

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Unfortunately many Christian women are stuck dealing with hurts and traumas way beyond the scope of what I personally am qualified to give advice on.  That's why today, we're talking to Dr. Barbara Lowe. She's a Licensed Psychologist, Life Coach, Somatic Experiencing Practitioner & Owner Greenleaf Psychological & Support Services. 

Dr. Barbara is sharing some of the tools and techniques she uses with her clients at her practice, in hopes that this information will help you out as well. So if you're really struggling with past trauma and hurt you can't seem to get past, today's podcast episode is one you won't want to miss!

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Do you ever wish that you could read your Bible more but you feel a little intimidated, you are worried you're not going to understand it, or you don't know where to start?

Today I'm going to share with you a real easy way to get started reading the Bible, whether you are just out of habit or even if you've never really read it before!

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I'll be the first one to admit. I'm definitely a perfectionist.  I want to do ALL THE THINGS and I want to do them well.

Well, if you can relate, today's podcast is one you won't want to miss. In it, we're talking to Colleen Carroll Campbell, author of the book, "The Heart of Perfection, How the Saints Taught Me to Trade My Dream of Perfection for God's."

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Do you ever struggle with fear, hopeless thoughts, or feeling like you're not good enough?

If so, today's podcast is absolutely for you!  I'm talking with Kelly Balarie, author of "Battle Ready" and "Fear Fighting," about how to recognize our negative thought patterns.  

Kelly shares her own stories and insights into what it means to be "battle ready" and about how fear often gets in the way of our Christian lives.

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For many parents, the teen years are something to be dreaded... After all, we all know that parenting teenagers is not always easy.  But what if you could actually really enjoy the teen years, as you raise your kids into the amazing individuals God has created them to be?

The good news is: You can.  This week, I'm interviewing author Connie Albers. As the mother of 5 children, Connie has a lot of great wisdom and advice for parents of teens, tweens and soon-to-be teens.

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As Christian women, we're REALLY good at taking care of the people around us.  But what happens when we spend SO much of our time and energy caring for the people around us who need us that we fail to take care of ourselves in the process?

As someone who has spent YEARS caring for others, Sarah Forgrave knows just how draining Caregiving can be.  So if you're in a season of life right now where you're responsible for caring for someone else, and it's taking a serious toll on you, this is one podcast episode I really hope you'll check out!

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After this interview, we hope that you will see that even if you are a busy, working mom, and you have a whole lot going on, that it doesn't have to prevent you from having that quality, personal time with God in His Word.

​

Some of the things we talk about today will help you figure out:

1. How can I make these tips and strategies work for me in my own busy life?
2. How can I manage my time better so that I have more of it for my family and myself?
3. What easy and practical changes can I make so that I have more time for God?
4. Is it really possible to figure all of this out and without going crazy?

​

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We've all been hurt in the past, and most of the time, it isn't a huge deal. But what happens when the hurt is so bad we can't just move on? When we begin to carry that hurt around with us and allow it to affect us even after the situation has passed?

In this episode, I'm talking to Jill Monaco, author of the book "The Freedom Coach Model" about how we can use prayer and Scripture to overcome all the hurts and hang-ups that still hold us back. 

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Want to be more bold in sharing the Gospel with others... without coming across as weird or pushy? Sharing your faith doesn't have to be scary or awkward. Here's what you need to know!

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Do you ever feel like you have to put on a "happy face" as a Christian and pretend everything is fine when it's not? It's time to stop pretending. 

In this interview, we're talking about how Lisa overcame the shame surrounding her past; the reasons we Christians women NEED to start having REAL, deeper conversations; and how we can start forming more safe, authentic, vulnerable friendships around ourselves.

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According to statistics, an incredible 60-75% of children walk away from their Christian faith upon high school graduation.

Want to give your kids a faith that lasts? The video has 5 ways you can do just that!

Whether your kids are still little (mine are!) or almost grown, it's not too late.

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Do you constantly correct your husband or insist on having things your own way?  If you know you can be a bit controlling, but it's always out of love, and you're not sure how to stop...This is a podcast you won't want to miss!

In this week's podcast, we're talking with author Shannon Popkin all about the real reason we're so controlling, 4 warning signs, what fear/anxiety tell us about the need for control, how to respond to family members WITHOUT being overly controlling, and some practical advice for how to stop being so controlling.

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Do you have friends or family who are making choices you don't agree with? When this happens, it can be so difficult to know what to do. 

Thankfully, today's podcast episode will help. In it you'll learn 6 questions you should ALWAYS ask yourself before confronting friends and family members who are making poor choices, as well as the 5 different options you have for how to respond. 

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With Christmas only weeks away, are we doing anything to prepare our hearts for the real reason for the season--celebrating Christ's birth? 

In this episode, we're talking to Asheritah Ciuciu, author of the book, "Unwrapping the Names of Jesus: An Advent Devotional." She's sharing what Advent is, why we should be celebrating it, as well as tons of really practical, hands-on ways we can celebrate.

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We've all seen them -- those Christian inspirational images, encouraging messages, Christian memes and Christian blog posts that say "You're amazing! You're doing such a great job!"  They're so kind and encouraging, but could they actually be HURTING you more than helping? 

Today you'll learn how Christian images, messages and blog posts like these, while sometimes encouraging, can actually be used as a coping mechanism that just puts a bandaid on your problems... instead of actually helping you deal with them through the power of the Gospel. 

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You asked -- I answered! In today's podcast we're talking about dealing with worry, fear and anxiety; how to find good Christian friends; how to bring others to Jesus; my testimony; responding to LGBTQ friends/family members as a Christian; responding to other believers who don't share your same convictions; and how to get in the habit of praying with your husband. 

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Do you ever wish you could change something about yourself? Do you struggle with body image issues? In this vulnerable and honest interview, Heather Creekmore talks about why Christian women struggle with discontentment with their physical appearances - and how we can find victory in this area of our lives.

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"Have I settled for less than everything God has for me?"

As a lifelong follower of Jesus, Jeannie Cunnion wrestled with this very question and was surprised to realize that she'd been missing out on so many amazing things in life. That is until she discovered the power of the Holy Spirit.

Join us today as Jeannie and I invite you to discover who the Holy Spirit is, what exactly He does, and why it matters SO much.

Grab a notebook and pen and "Don't Miss Out"! 

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Is making time for God a struggle for you? The good news is -- it doesn't have to be! You can find time for daily Bible reading and lots of ways to make God the #1 priority in your life -- you just have to prioritize actually DOING them -- and this video will show you how to do just that! 

After all, of alllll the things you can do with your 24-hour day, making time for God is absolutely the one you DON'T want to leave off the list!

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