MESSmerized - Funny and faith based encouragement in marriage , family , Christian parenting , and finding purpose

This week we’re back with part two of my conversation with my friend Natalie Runion, and if you missed part one—go listen first! In this episode we get practical about raising kind daughters, building sacred sisterhood, and navigating the everyday challenges that get in the way of healthy friendships.Natalie and I laughed about our own high school mean-girl days (yes, we both had them!) and how God redeems even that, teaching us to champion one another instead of competing. We also talked about why women need a why-to more than a how-to when it comes to friendship, and Natalie explained her vision of creating a “sanctuary of sisterhood”—not a sorority or social club, but a safe place where women can be real, messy, and vulnerable together.She also addressed some of the lies from her new book—like “women are so emotional” or “women are drama queens”—and how those labels keep us from truly listening to each other’s stories. Natalie challenged us to dig deeper, do the spiritual work in our own lives, and be the kind of safe sisters other women need.We wrapped up with one of the hardest parts of friendship: conflict. Natalie reminded us that communication is kindness, and that God Himself is a God of reconciliation. Avoiding conflict may feel easier, but real peace comes when we’re brave enough to resolve it with honesty and love.Her new book I Don’t Even Like Women and Other Lies That Get in the Way of Sacred Sisterhood is out now, and it’s such an important word for all of us. If you’ve ever wrestled with comparison, conflict, or just figuring out how to do real friendship in the middle of messy life, this conversation is for you.All things CynthiaI Don't Even Like Women and Other Lies That Get in the Way of Sacred Sisterhood by Natalie RunionRaised to Stay by Natalie RunionOur Sponsors:* Check out Mr. Pen and use my code MESSMERIZED10 for a great deal: https://mrpen.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

I had the best time sitting down with my friend Natalie Runion again on the podcast. We met years ago as brand-new authors, and it’s been such a gift to watch the Lord expand her voice and ministry since then. She’s now the author of three books in just two years—including her latest, I Don’t Even Like Women and Other Lies That Get in the Way of Sacred Sisterhood. Only Natalie could title a book like that and actually pull it off, and I’m so glad she did.This is part one of a two-part conversation, and in this first half we talk about what it looks like to stay obedient to God even when criticism comes, the lies women believe about themselves and each other, and how those scripts often keep us competing instead of collaborating. We laughed about the stereotypes we grew up with in sitcoms and movies, but we also dug deep into how much identity shapes our ability to form healthy friendships and truly cheer each other on.I shared some of my own wounds from being hurt by other women, and Natalie reminded us that we’re only one word or one conversation away from either derailing someone’s calling or breathing life into it. She pointed us back to the examples in Scripture—Mary and Elizabeth, Ruth and Naomi, Deborah and Jael—that show the power of collaboration over competition.This episode is for anyone who’s wrestled with comparison, struggled with belonging, or felt the sting of another woman’s words. Natalie’s message is bold and freeing: God didn’t make a mistake when He made you a woman, and you are worthy of community, love, and friendship.All things CynthiaI Don't Even Like Women and Other Lies That Get in the Way of Sacred Sisterhood by Natalie RunionRaised to Stay by Natalie RunionOur Sponsors:* Check out Mr. Pen and use my code MESSMERIZED10 for a great deal: https://mrpen.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Happy Wednesday!! This week I sat down with my friend Lauren Chandler—worship leader, author, speaker, and wife to Matt Chandler of The Village Church—for a conversation that covered just about everything: parenting adult-ish kids, people-pleasing tendencies, and the messy-but-beautiful parts of marriage.We laughed about what it’s like when your kids are technically grown but you still think about them 24/7. Spoiler: the “what’s my role now?” question doesn’t magically disappear when they start driving or head off to college. I told my story about begging my son for vacation updates on his trip with friends and getting…a picture of a map. Not exactly the update I was hoping for.Lauren and I also dug into brave prayers—the kind that feel a little terrifying, like asking God to help us not get in His way when it comes to our kids. We talked about wrestling with perfectionism and people-pleasing, and how freeing it is to remember that our identity isn’t wrapped up in performance.And of course, we went there with marriage too—the brutal early years, the baggage we all bring, what it looked like to face brain cancer as a couple, and why pursuing intimacy on purpose matters more than ever.Oh, and before you go, make sure to also check out Matt’s podcast, Overcomers—because Lauren just signed on as his co-host. It’s officially a Chandler team effort now, and you’ll want to be listening in.All things CynthiaThe Village ChurchLauren Chandler’s WebsiteThe Overcomers Podcast Awake and Alive Devotional by Matt ChandlerOur Sponsors:* Check out Mr. Pen and use my code MESSMERIZED10 for a great deal: https://mrpen.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

You are going to love today’s conversation. First of all, my guest has an Irish accent, which already makes him sound way smarter and more trustworthy than me. But you’ll also leave saying “faith” like “fifth” and telling everyone not to have a “car” (which, in case you’re wondering, is actually a cow).I’m thrilled to introduce you to Jonathan Murphy, the senior pastor of Stonebriar Community Church and the author of a new book called The Story of God and Us: Finding Our Place and Purpose in God’s Plan for the World.What I loved about this conversation is how Jonathan reminds us that we can be people who “know” the Bible without actually knowing the Bible. I confessed that for too long I had more of a Vacation Bible School knowledge—great at flannel board stories, not so great at seeing the whole arc of God’s redemption story. Thankfully, Jonathan has a gift for connecting the dots, showing us how books like Esther and Philippians are not random stand-alone pieces but part of God’s grand narrative—and how that changes how we live today. If you’ve ever flipped through your Bible looking for a verse to make you feel better (guilty) or wondered how the bigger story all fits together, Jonathan will give you both conviction and encouragement. Don’t miss this one. And grab Jonathan’s book while you’re at it—I’ll link it in the show notes.All things Cynthia The Story of God and Us: Finding Our Place and Purpose in God's Plan for the World by Jonathan MurphyStonebriar Community ChurchOur Sponsors:* Check out Mr. Pen and use my code MESSMERIZED10 for a great deal: https://mrpen.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Let’s play a little did-you-know game:Did you know the Secret Service protects every foreign diplomat who steps foot in the U.S.?Did you know they send motorcades around the world every single time the president travels?Did you know that today’s guest, Darin Kinder, has one of the most jaw-dropping survival stories you’ll ever hear—and he’s right here on MESSmerized?Today is extra special because I’m bringing back my very first podcast guest ever, former Secret Service agent Darin Kinder. If you know me, you already know there are very few stories—aside from the Bible itself—that have shaped my faith more than Darin’s survival story from the 9/11 attacks.And this week, Darin’s powerful new book just released: Bury Me in a Dirty Suit: Discovering Man’s Valiant Purpose in the Aftermath of 9/11. I got to read it early, and let me tell you—it will completely shift how you think about living courageously, walking out your faith boldly, and doing the hard things while there’s still time.So here’s my plea: Don’t just listen to today’s show—share it. With your friends, your husband, your kids, your neighbor who thinks faith is boring. We all need the reminder to stay in the game, lean into courage, and live with eternity in mind.Darin’s new book is available now, and I’d be so grateful if you’d grab a copy (or three).Our Sponsors:* Check out Mr. Pen and use my code MESSMERIZED10 for a great deal: https://mrpen.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

School starts this week!! School starts this week!!Yes, JB starts third grade—which means I owe his teachers and the entire school staff a formal apology. This summer we let him stay up too late, live on popsicles, talk back like he’s got a Netflix special, and basically roam the house like a frat boy on summer break. I hand him over to you now, untrained and feral. Godspeed, and may your patience be as great as your need for dry erase markers.As for the podcast, this week we’re joined by the one and only Toni Collier — and unsurprisingly, she really brought it with wisdom and perspective in the midst of her own trials. We start by talking about how some of the moments that shake you to your core can actually lead to unexpected growth and purpose.We dive into the hard stuff: the sting of infidelity, the identity-shaking weight of shame, and the courage it takes to ask for help. Toni shares how leaning into community—especially a safe, confessional one—has been essential to her healing. She’s learned the value of surrounding yourself with the right people, and why sometimes the best way to figure out where you belong is to first figure out where you don’t.We also talk about the power of vulnerability, how God can use even our messiest chapters for something beautiful, and why it matters to recognize the goodness that can come out of pain. Toni’s conversation with us today is honest, raw, and full of hope for anyone walking through their own unexpected storm.All things CynthiaLife is Messy, God is Good by Cynthia Yanof All things ToniPre-Order Don’t Try This Alone by Toni Collier Toni’s Podcast Still ColoringOur Sponsors:* Check out Mr. Pen and use my code MESSMERIZED10 for a great deal: https://mrpen.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Happy Wednesday—and happy “last week of summer” to so many of us!Today wraps up our Know Before You Go summer series, where we’ve been hearing straight from the source—students graduating from college and high school—about what they’ve learned and what they wish parents knew.But this week, we’re switching gears. We’re talking all things junior high with one of my dearest friends, Stephanie Martin. And trust me: if you’ve ever survived (or are bracing yourself for) the middle school years, you’re going to want to hear this.Stephanie is wise, funny, and full of perspective from walking this road with three kids of her own. We talk about:What to do with kids who insist on “learning from experience” 🙃Why middle schoolers are not the final product (thank you, Lord)How God uses these in-between years to shape both them and usBut here’s the real reason to listen: this episode includes one of the most powerful parenting takeaways I’ve heard in a long time. It’s simple, convicting, and might just reframe the way you approach parenting in any season.Even if you’re not currently raising a junior high student, this conversation will speak to the heart of what it means to be a parent—showing up, holding things loosely, and trusting God with the in-between.I hope you’ll listen and also share with a friend. If you missed Know Before You Go: College Edition listen here If you missed Know Before You Go: High School Edition listen here All things CynthiaOur Sponsors:* Check out Mr. Pen and use my code MESSMERIZED10 for a great deal: https://mrpen.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Another week, another Yanof kid takes the mic alongside a few of their friends. 🤪🤪🤪This week, we’ve got three freshly graduated high schoolers joining us: Brett, Ella, and Riley. They have lots of great insight from their four years of high school, including some pitfalls to avoid and many lessons they learned along the way.We get real about friendship drama, comparison on social media, and how to find your people in a world that makes that feel harder than ever. We also talked about what it looks like to keep our faith front and center, and ways for parents to be a safe place when everything feels a little shaky. If you’ve got a teen in your house, or will eventually be dealing with the good, the bad, and the ugly of parenting high schoolers—this episode is for you!Cynthia YanofIf you missed Know Before You Go: College Edition listen here Our Sponsors:* Check out Mr. Pen and use my code MESSMERIZED10 for a great deal: https://mrpen.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Well, the day has finally come. After months—okay, years—of BEGGING to be on the podcast, I’ve caved. Today’s guests on MESSmerized are none other than my daughter Kate and her college best friend, Molly. That’s right, I’ve handed over the mic (reluctantly and with mild supervision) to two Gen Z girls who know a thing or two about the college experience.This kicks off our back-to-school series I’m calling “Know Before You Go.” We're starting with college this week, then moving down the academic food chain to high school and junior high. Pray for me.Kate and Molly dish on what it’s really like to head off to college—like discovering your family does weird things you assumed were normal (shoutout to ripping your credit card receipts at restaurants). They talk about finding your people (spoiler: it takes time and that’s okay), navigating faith in environments that don’t always make space for it, and the weird pressure to look like you’re thriving 24/7 on social media.They also get honest about what shifts in family dynamics—what changes, what stays the same, and how to keep communication healthy when everyone's adjusting to a new normal. Oh, and yes, they’ll remind you that joining things matters (from sororities, churches, and intramural sports). It’s about finding your spot, your people, and maybe even a free t-shirt or two.So whether you're about to pack up a kid and ship them off to college, or you have a friend who is, this is a must-listen episode for anyone navigating this wild season. Oh, and please do me a huge favor and share today’s show with other families who might need a little encouragement and a good laugh as we figure out the college journey together.All things CynthiaOur Sponsors:* Check out Mr. Pen and use my code MESSMERIZED10 for a great deal: https://mrpen.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In the wake of heartbreaking news in Texas, I am talking with psychologist Dr. Ken Wilgus about how to walk our kids—and ourselves—through tragedy, fear, and anxiety. We will discuss: When it’s okay to “look away” from constant newsHow to know if your child needs help processing traumaWhat to say when teens ask hard questions about faith in the sufferingThe pressure today’s parents feel to get it all rightWhy anxiety in kids is normal—and how to respond calmlyDr. Ken also talks about the need for a reality check on today’s overanxious, over-informed moms and dads. He reminds us: You’re only a parent. It’s not all up to you. And sometimes the most faithful thing you can do is simply show up, listen, and offer perspective in your children’s lives. I can't wait for you to hear today's show! All things CynthiaDr. Ken Wilgus WebsiteFocus on the FamilyFeeding the Mouth that Bites You: A Complete Guide to Parenting Adolescents and Launching Them Into the World by Ken WilgusOur Sponsors:* Check out Mr. Pen and use my code MESSMERIZED10 for a great deal: https://mrpen.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Let's just start by saying this is not a topic we've talked extensively about on this podcast, but I think it is more relevant now than ever. So let's focus on the important things...Are people really falling in love with AI chatbots?! Yes. Yes, they are. And that’s where we’re starting on today’s episode. I’m joined by my friend and licensed therapist Kristen Hatton, and we’re diving into the very real (and slightly surreal) ways technology is reshaping our relationships, parenting, and emotional health.We’re talking about how AI is creeping into everything from therapy to our kids’ social lives. It’s weird and wild—but underneath it all, it points to something we all crave: real connection.Kristen shares from her perspective as a counselor and mom, and we get into the loneliness so many people are facing, how vulnerability feels risky (but is totally worth it), and why choosing real relationships matters.We also talk about parenting from a place of trust rather than fear—easier said than done for sure. But Kristen brings wisdom and practical encouragement for those of us trying to raise emotionally healthy kids in a world that wants to offer them a chatbot instead of a friend.Whether you’re parenting teens, navigating friendship in a digital world, or you accidentally fell in love with Alexa (JK)—this episode is full of important reminders that human connection is still worth fighting for.All things CynthiaKristen Hatton WebsiteRedemptive ParentingOur Sponsors:* Check out Mr. Pen and use my code MESSMERIZED10 for a great deal: https://mrpen.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

RERELEASE! What does faithfulness to Jesus look like in this season of life? We're kicking it off with that question on today's show and then moving on to a powerful interview with Megan Fate Marshman. She’s 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 California—because 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 “What now, God?” moments—when life takes an unexpected turn and you’re not sure how to move forward. Megan reminds us that prayer doesn’t have to be perfect; it’s about being honest and vulnerable with God, even if your mind wanders halfway through. (You know the drill: “Dear God… wait, did I leave the laundry in the washer?”)We also dug into Romans 8:28 and how God’s goodness doesn’t always look the way we expect. It’s not always easy, but knowing that God works for the good in all things gives us hope. He’s not just with us in the good times—He’s right there in the mess, using every struggle to grow us and draw us closer to Him.Whether you’re 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. All things Cynthia Yanof Relaxed: Walking with the One Who is Not Worried About A Thing by Megan Fate MarshmanOur Sponsors:* Check out Mr. Pen and use my code MESSMERIZED10 for a great deal: https://mrpen.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Just back from Switzerland and Italy (I apologize for the #HumbleBrag) and let me say this: the scenery is gorgeous, the bread is holy, and breakfast is a situation. I also learned the hard way that when you ask for the “bathroom” in Europe, you're really just asking for confusion—and coins. Yes, they refer to bathrooms as “toilets” and for the first time ever I paid to pee. Add that (and the abundance of ice) to the list of reasons I’m grateful for Chick-fil-A.Our youngest, JB, made the trip especially memorable. When our flight hit some serious turbulence, he looked at me with total confidence and said, “Moms never get scared.” I didn’t have the heart to tell him I was gripping the armrest and whispering Psalms under my breath. A few days later, we were on a boat off the Amalfi coast when the waves got wild again. It reminded me of Matthew 8, where Jesus is asleep during a storm and the disciples are panicking. Their first reaction? “He doesn’t care.” Sound familiar? I’ve said the same thing in my own storms—about parenting, health scares, and even podcast deadlines.But Jesus is Lord over wind, waves, sickness, and our most chaotic days. His peace is ours for the taking. We don’t need calm seas to trust a faithful Savior. He’s in the boat. And He’s not panicked. On today’s show I’m talking about vacation, life’s storms, and reminders for the times when even Mom’s get scared. Tune in and also please share this with a friend! I’d be so grateful! All things CynthiaSidetracked PodcastOur Sponsors:* Check out Mr. Pen and use my code MESSMERIZED10 for a great deal: https://mrpen.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This week, I’m joined by my dear friend and Sidetracked co-host, Heather MacFadyen. We’re talking all things summer—from the ADHD interventions I swear she’s staging, to her full-on Enneagram 4 vibes. We laugh, we cry (okay, not really), and we keep it super honest.But we also get into the deeper stuff—the lessons we’ve both learned this past year and the surprising ways God shows up in the ordinary, often overlooked moments. Heather shares how heartache has a way of rewriting our theology… while somehow also confirming everything we’ve believed all along.We talk about hope, parenting, trusting God to show up right on time (and not a minute earlier), and how grief doesn’t get to cancel our hope.So if you’re parenting through a hard season, needing a reminder that God still has good plans for you, or just trying to survive summer break with all the snacks and your sanity intact—this one’s for you.Oh, if you need even more laughter and even less structure (if that’s possible), check out our other podcast, Sidetracked, where we talk every other week about everything and absolutely nothing.All things Cynthia Sidetracked PodcastDon’t Mom Alone PodcastOur Sponsors:* Check out Mr. Pen and use my code MESSMERIZED10 for a great deal: https://mrpen.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This week’s episode is a really special one — and kind of a full-circle moment for me — because Chip Waggoner and his son Benjamin were actually my very first podcast guests ever! I still remember that very first recording, and now here we are, years later, sitting down again to reflect on their incredible journey and how God has continued to show up in big and small ways.You may know Chip as the Fox 4 News Anchor, but today, he’s not here to talk headlines. He shares the powerful story of his son Benjamin, who was born with a rare and complex medical condition that changed the course of their family’s life. We talk about what it’s like to watch your hopes and dreams shift in ways you never expected, and how even when life looks completely different than what you pictured, God’s purpose remains steady and unshakable.We also dive deep into the emotional side of parenting through difficult seasons — those moments when you feel isolated, overwhelmed, and maybe even a little forgotten. Chip opens up about how those seasons, while incredibly hard, are often where the most unexpected miracles show up. One of my favorite parts of our conversation was hearing Chip talk about re-centering his life on Christ — especially during those times when faith felt like a struggle. His words are a powerful reminder that it’s okay to not have it all together, and the most important thing we can do is keep turning back toward Jesus.Chip has a new book out called MIP: Discovering the Wonder of God’s Perfect Plan for Our Lives and I highly recommend it.  Whether you’re walking through a hard season with your child, your spouse, your faith — or just feeling like life isn’t quite what you thought it would be — this episode and Chips book is for you. And hey — if this episode spoke to you, would you do me a favor? Send it to a friend who might need some encouragement, and leave a review wherever you listen. It helps more people find us, and I’d be so grateful. 💛All things CynthiaM.I.P.: Discovering the Wonder of God’s Perfect Plan for Our Lives by Chip Waggoner Our Sponsors:* Check out Mr. Pen and use my code MESSMERIZED10 for a great deal: https://mrpen.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

When Melissa Radke shows up, you know it’s going to be real, hilarious, and completely unforgettable. If you know Melissa, you already know you're in for laughs, real talk, and probably a few “Did she just say that?” moments (the answer is yes, and we love her for it).Melissa and I are diving into all the things: podcasting behind the scenes, the chaos of book launches, and what it really looks like to blend two very different family cultures in marriage. She shares some hilarious parenting stories, and we both talk about what we learned growing up that shaped how we raise our own kids.We also talk about the challenge of writing authentic dialogue, how her ‘Swim Gym’ water aerobics sessions became comedy gold, and the raw truth behind body image, weight loss, and wellness. Melissa opens up about what self-care actually looks like when life is busy and unpredictable, and why laughter and honesty are so important.I recently read Melissa’s book, Chicken-Fried Women: Friendship, Kinship, and the Women Who Made Us This Way. Let me just tell y’all it is one of the few books written in the past century that I laughed out loud many times while reading. If you haven’t already, you need to order Melissa’s book TODAY.This episode is packed with honesty, humor, and so many “me too” moments. Melissa brings the kind of real talk that reminds us we’re not alone—and that it’s okay to laugh while we figure it all out.All things CynthiaMelissa’s WebsiteChicken-Fried Women: Friendship, Kinship, and the Women Who Made Us This Way by Melissa RadkeThe Chicken-Fried Women PodcastOur Sponsors:* Check out Mr. Pen and use my code MESSMERIZED10 for a great deal: https://mrpen.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

We’re kicking off this week’s episode with part two of Sappy Cynthia—my newest segment, where I share a little more of the real-life stuff going on over here. This week, I’m talking about my daughter’s college graduation and what made me cry (which was basically most things). Then we jump into another great conversation with my pastor and friend, Libin Abraham. I’ve absolutely loved learning more about the Holy Spirit through these conversations, and Libin has such a gift for making it practical and approachable. This week, we’re talking all about spiritual gifts—from hospitality to healing, administration to prophecy—and how the Holy Spirit equips us for the exact places and purposes where we’ve been planted.We also get into:Whether your gifts can shift over timeWhy spiritual maturity isn’t measured by your gifts The difference between residential gifts (the ones wired into your bones) and circumstantial gifts (the ones that show up when needed most)Why not using your gift might actually rob someone else of what they needHow walking in your gifting makes the yoke easier and the burden lighter—even in ministryWe also get some practical tips on how to know if you’re hearing from the Holy Spirit. It’s such a rich and encouraging conversation today—so listen in and be sure to share it with someone who needs the reminder that the Holy Spirit is powerful and available for our everyday lives. All things CynthiaBent Tree BibleOur Sponsors:* Check out Mr. Pen and use my code MESSMERIZED10 for a great deal: https://mrpen.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Well, we’re starting the show today with a segment I’m calling “sappy Cynthia.” Graduating two kids in the next 10 days has brought out all the feels, and last night was Brett’s last baseball game—talk about full-on nostalgia (alongside a stomach bug I’m currently fighting).But on today’s show, I’m joined by Libin Abraham, the pastor of my church, Bent Tree Bible. I recently heard Libin preach a powerful sermon series on the Holy Spirit, and it really impacted me. As soon as I heard it, I knew I had to share it with all of you.This week we dive into the topic of living a Spirit-filled life. Libin breaks down who the Holy Spirit is and how He works in our everyday lives. Practically speaking, Libin talks about how the Holy Spirit changes our desires, moves us to pray for others when we don’t even know how, and equips us to do things we’d never imagine ourselves doing—like stepping into foster care when it wasn’t even on our radar.Next week, Libin will be back, and we’ll talk about how to know if it’s the Holy Spirit speaking to you or just your dinner from the night before. Make sure you tune in over the next two weeks for these powerful and practical insights on living in the Spirit.All things CynthiaBent Tree Bible Our Sponsors:* Check out Mr. Pen and use my code MESSMERIZED10 for a great deal: https://mrpen.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This week on MESSmerized, I have the dream team—David Thomas and Sissy Goff. We’re talking all things parenting, and if you’ve ever tried to have a deep conversation with your teenage son and got nothing but a grunt and a request for bacon, this episode is for you.We tackled the big stuff: anxiety in kids, the social chaos our girls are navigating, and why boys apparently need a full workout and a snack before they can form a complete sentence. We talked about how resilience doesn’t come from bubble-wrapping our kids but from letting them do hard things—and maybe doing a few hard things ourselves (like ignoring the mean mom at soccer).Sissy reminded us that trust, not courage, is the real anxiety buster. And David explained why experiential learning is key for boys (translation: turn that lecture into a walk with a basketball). So if you’re feeling like you’re one carpool drive away from losing it, take a deep breath and join us. You’re not alone, and trust me—this episode will make you laugh!All Things Cynthia Lucy Learns to Be Brave: A Lesson in Courage by Sissy Goff Owen Learns He Has What It Takes: by David Thomas Register for the Raising Capable Kids Conference with David Thomas and Sissy Goff Our Sponsors:* Check out Mr. Pen and use my code MESSMERIZED10 for a great deal: https://mrpen.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Rebecca George is joining me today to tackle the tricky art of waiting—something that feels way longer than it should in a world that’s constantly rushing forward. We dive into how trusting God's timing (even when it feels like everyone else is ahead) can turn waiting into a season of personal growth and even joy (yes, joy, during the waiting!).We chat about the dangers of turning desires into idols (oops, we’ve all done it), the importance of gratitude to fight off bitterness, and why comparison is a total thief. Plus, we share how the writing journey is basically the same as waiting for anything else—full of growth, setbacks, and plenty of moments where you just need to trust God.Here’s a few takeaways from today’s show: Trusting God’s timing is key in a world that thrives on instant everything.Waiting doesn’t have to be wasted time—it can be a period of growth.Gratitude is the secret weapon against jealousy and bitterness.Focusing on God’s character, not your circumstances, will help you wait well.Join us for a laugh and some real talk about waiting well—and don’t forget to share this episode with someone who needs a little reminder that God’s got this (even when it feels like everyone else is moving faster!).All things CynthiaYou’re Not Too Late: Trusting God’s Timing in a Hurry Up World by Rebecca George Our Sponsors:* Check out Mr. Pen and use my code MESSMERIZED10 for a great deal: https://mrpen.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy