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

    First of all, look at all the amazing guests coming our way this fall on MESSmerized! Seriously, the Lord has been so good to provide opportunities to talk with so many of my personal heroes of our faith and hear their words of encouragement. So, if you’re not subscribed to MESSmerized, will you do so today? Also, will you consider sharing your favorite episode(s) with your friends, your small group, and even on social media? What a blessing it would be to have your help getting this show out to more and more people.    Today Emily Freeman joins us to discuss her new book, How to Walk Into a Room. She is a New York Times bestselling author of six books with a masters degree in Spiritual Formation and Leadership. She has a true passion for teaching us how to listen well and hold grief and silence with those who need it most. I love how Emily says that silence can teach us a lot about ourselves—it can uncover fears we need to deal with or be aware of. (I’m not very good at silence, so perhaps this was intended just for me. 😊) This is a big day for Sidetracked because we officially announce our new home and tell you all the details on following us there. So listen today for a great word from Emily Freeman and also lots of Sidetracked laughs.       Connect with Emily Freeman:  Website:  Emily P. Freeman (emilypfreeman.com) Facebook: Emily P. Freeman | Facebook Instagram:  Emily P. Freeman | Spiritual Director (@emilypfreeman) Links Mentioned:   Feastables MrBeast Original Chocolate Bars How to Walk into a Room: by Emily P. Freeman The Next Right Thing: by Emily P. Freeman NEW HOME for Sidetracked! Follow along!  

  I know, I know. You’ve read the title of today’s show, and you’re thinking there ain’t a one of us who really wants to think about how much time we are spending on our various forms of technology. Myself included.    True story, recently I was considering ways I could spend more time in prayer, and I literally convinced myself that I had not one spare second in my day. As if the Holy Spirit worked for Apple, at that exact moment a notification popped up on my phone with my average screen time for the week before. And let’s just say I apparently have plenty of time to pray based on the time I spend on my phone.    Darren Whitehead is the Pastor of Church of the City in Nashville, and his church did a collective digital fast that was incredibly impactful. He’s talking about it on today’s show, and I love how he suggests a course correction is in order now that we know the impact of excessive technology use. After all, we would do that with anything else in our life.    His approach isn’t to just throw our phones out the window, but to remove the “distraction” apps and leave only the utility apps. You’ve got to listen today to fully appreciate this concept, but I know for me personally it sounds like exactly what needs to happen this fall.    Listen today, pray about it, and join me in reading and implementing The Digital Fast.  Okay, on another note—in case you missed it, Heather MacFadyen and I launched a new show, Sidetracked, many months ago as a part of Don’t Mom Alone. Since that time, it’s gained in popularity and now has a new home with the Converge podcast network as its own show. Do me a huge favor and go listen to the show here, and subscribe and even leave a review pretty please. This is a huge help as we get this new project launched. And you don’t want to miss my Buc-ees story.     The Digital Fast by Darren Whitehead All things Cynthia Yanof Sidetracked with Heather MacFadyen and Cynthia Yanof

It was hard to figure out how to title today’s show because we cover so much ground. If you are not yet familiar with Pastor Matt Chandler, today is going to be a good day for you!    Matt Chandler is the Pastor of The Village Church in Dallas, and today he’s bringing the much-needed reminder that we were created for this exact time in human history. That matters because if we were created for the here and now, we can have confidence in God’s plan even when we feel anxious, ill-equipped, or exhausted.    Not only do we talk about being Overcomers (the title of his new book), but we also talk about parenting, comparison, and the real-life stuff that happens in the midst of suffering. The part of today’s show that I think I’ll always remember is how Pastor Matt talks about having a seizure on Thanksgiving morning many years ago, and later being diagnosed with a brain tumor. I was blown away with his encouragement and hope that’s found only in Jesus even when the bottom falls out.    Last thing—one of my favorite parenting quotes comes from the last time I interviewed Pastor Matt on the show, and he said these words: we’re working for a thank you at 18, not 15. I go back to that often when the parenting decisions that Mike and I make aren’t popular with our kids. I love how he follows up those words today as we talk about his grown kids and finally seeing the fruits of the labor.    Take a few minutes to listen and please forward to your friends. So grateful for each of you!   The Overcomers by Matt Chandler  The Village Church All things Cynthia Yanof  

With all the kids heading back to school, there’s always the anxiety that goes with unknowns and new beginnings. And that’s just for us as parents! Joking.    Sissy Goff and David Thomas from Daystar Counseling are with me today, and they are bringing the heat. They are literally the wisest, kindest, and dearest people you’ll ever meet. I could go on and on, but instead I’m giving you a few of the topics we cover today: What your kids wish you knew How anxiety presents in girls vs. boys  Thoughts on teenage dating Kids friendships and the value that can come from loneliness   Sit back and take a deep breath as Sissy and David answer our back-to-school questions while simultaneously bringing us peace and perspective. And do yourself a favor, if you don’t listen to Raising Boys and Girls (their podcast), do that ASAP. Fun fact, they were unbelievably kind to allow me to be a guest on their podcast last spring—and that may have been my life highlight! 😊      All things Cynthia Yanof Daystar Counseling Raising Boys and Girls   

It’s August, and Heather and I are still on our summer quest to surprise each other with cool guests on Sidetracked. Today is no exception as Heather comes in hot, surprising me with the one and the only Jess Connolly.  Let’s be honest, it’s the end of summer and I’m guessing there’s some portion of you that’s tired physically, spiritually, or emotionally trying to do it all? Jess Connolly addresses just that as we talk about her new book and all the research behind the how, where, and why of rest. Jess’s life is full with her being an author, Bible teacher, podcaster, and coach, so she knows the challenges of finding pockets of rest in a full schedule.  I love how we discuss that there is no one-size-fits-all formula for resting, and we are all made differently by our Creator with unique ways to recharge.  Jess reminds us that Jesus has true rest for us even in busy seasons, leading us to be more awake, alive, and present in our families, ministries, and careers.  We end the podcast by getting sidetracked and talk about everything from theology books to ice machines—join us for tons of truth and fun.     All things Cynthia Connect with Jess Connolly:  Website:  Jess Connolly Facebook: Jess Connolly Instagram:  Jess Connolly | Author + Bible Teacher (@jessaconnolly) Links Mentioned:   Quiz — Jess Connolly Tired of Being Tired: By Jess Connolly Breaking Free from Body Shame: By Jess Connolly You Are the Girl for the Job: By Jess Connolly Dance, Stand, Run: By Jess Connolly From Pentecost to Patmos: by Craig Blomberg Nobody's Mother: By Sandra Glahn Paul Behaving Badly: by E. Randolph Richards Nugget Countertop Ice Maker with Soft Chewable Pellet Ice Sun Visor Hats for Women Wide Brim Straw Roll-Up    

I dropped JB off for his first day of second grade yesterday. He’s still at the age where he’s super excited to go back to school. I’m currently at the age where I’m happy to drop him off. Will I miss him? Absolutely. Does he need the structure? 100%. Do I pray like crazy for him to be seen, loved, and have good friends this school year? Daily.    Going back to school always brings lots of emotions, but especially for our neurodivergent kiddos. As parents, we pray they can learn effectively, that they are seen for the incredible kids they are, and that they have friends who are kind to them (quirks and all).    Today author, podcaster, and adoptive mom Somer Colbert is joining me to talk about how to best support our neurodivergent kids. I want to assure you that even if your kids don’t have neurodivergent struggles, there are kids all around us who need support and love as they (and their parents) try to best navigate their uniqueness. Somer challenges us with practical tips for establishing healthy expectations, building up our parenting toolbox, and finding ways to become a student of your child.    Would you take a minute with me today to pray for all of our kiddos who struggle socially, academically, or emotionally? Pray with me that they will be valued, loved, and have a great school year academically. Can I also encourage you to talk to your kids about how to love kids who might be different from them? It might be that one of the kindest things your family can do this school year is to notice and love the kids you encounter who are working through unique struggles.    Please listen to today’s show and even share it with some friends. There’s so much great information on supporting your kids, neurodivergent or not.   All things Cynthia Somer Colbert  Somer’s podcast TBRI Method and Karyn Purvis

Oh my goodness, I can’t wait for you to hear today's show with Billy Rodgers! And despite the weird wording of the title of this show, we're talking about sharing our faith with friends and family (and not just sharing our faith with Billy Rodgers. ha!)    Billy and his wife, Brandie, are some of our very dearest friends in the world. They are amazing people with a heart for evangelism. When Billy recently shared the statistic with me below, I knew we had to have a conversation on MESSmerized about it:   It’s estimated that 95% of believers go through their life without sharing their faith even one time.    Heartbreaking yet not hard to believe, because so many of us (myself included) feel so inadequate and ill-prepared to share our faith with a culture desperately seeking hope.    Because I REALLY want you to tune in to today’s show, I’m giving you a sneak peek of some of the top five tips today so you can see how do-able this is:    Speak of God’s goodness Pray not just for people, but WITH people Simply be willing and ready to share why you believe what you do   Let’s not be a part of the 95% who never share their faith. As we start a new school year, it’s a perfect time to start thinking and praying about who we’re being led to have faith conversations with in the coming months.   All things Cynthia Billy Rodgers You Have Purpose videos  Case for Christ by Lee Strobel Find an Alpha group in your area

I’ll never forget the time in high school when Kate and I had a disagreement, and she threw down these inflammatory words: “welllll I am 18 years old.” I believe my response was something like, “yes dear one, you’re an 18-year-old that drives our car, uses our cell phone, lives in our house, wears our clothes, and exists on our money.” (Perhaps I should have paused a bit before responding.)    Nonetheless, if you have older kids, you’ve probably had similar moments of trying to adjust to kids reaching adulthood-ish while they are still financially dependent and oftentimes making questionable decisions. Thank goodness Lisa Clark is here today!   Lisa is an author, mother, grandmother, and incredible lady who is giving some much-needed advice on parenting our adult-ish children. Some of the topics we cover include:  Best advice on sending a kid to college How to respect our child’s independence while also giving them important advice  Practical ways to connect with older kids Recognizing they are adults even when they don’t act like it   Even if you don’t have older kids yet, the day is coming, so tune in for some great wisdom from precious Lisa Clark!     All things Cynthia Yanof  Lisa Clark Raising Sinners by Lisa Clark   

My family is on vacation this week, and in honor of family trips gone wrong, here’s a little summer travel excerpt from Life is Messy, God is Good:   I appreciate how Home Alone completely lowered the bar on family travel expectations after the parents left Kevin at home TWICE. Not to mention that biblically speaking, Jesus’ parents lost Him for more than three days while returning home from Jerusalem.   I’m encouraged that if Joseph and Mary had a parenting fail and lost the Messiah, I can calm the heck down about the Colorado trip where we lost all of our groceries (and most of our hanging clothes) out the back of our car in the middle of the Breckenridge roundabout. And then several days later, my husband went all Evel Knievel off a bike jump, which landed him in the ER with broken ribs and a punctured lung (all of which I weirdly got on video in slow motion).    Good memories, that trip, but may it never be called a vacation.  As much as I love a good family trip, it’s DEFINITELY not a vacation when the kids are involved. (Oh, and if you want to see the cringy bike accident video, follow me on Instagram and shoot me a DM.)   But I digress.    On today’s show we’re talking with Molly Stillman about why laughter matters. Molly’s a podcaster, author, wife, mother, and just a hilarious individual. She has a great reminder on the physical and spiritual benefits of laughter. If you’re anything like me, this is a much-needed message as summer continues to go on (and on and on and on).      All things Cynthia Check out Molly’s new book, If I Don’t Laugh, I’ll Cry: How Death, Debt, and Comedy Led to a Life of Faith, Farming, and Forgetting What I Came into This Room For.

This week we have a fun show as Heather and I continue surprising each other with guests on Sidetracked. I was in charge of our guest today and I’m so excited for you to hear our conversation with Makayla Noble. If you don’t know Makayla, here’s a little background: On September 20, 2021, Makayla Noble, a world-champion cheerleader, suffered an injury that resulted in a severe spinal cord injury. People from all over the world joined together to pray for  her life and follow alongside her healing journey. Makayla has overcome almost impossible odds and has an amazing story of faith on the other side of her accident.  Today Makayla shares how from the moment of the accident she felt the overwhelming peace of God, that He was going to take care of her and had a plan. She has mourned her physical body and what she thought the future would look like but remains in the truth that “God is not done with me yet”.   This is an awesome conversation today and it’s always super fun when Heather and I get Sidetracked with you!   All things Cynthia Connect with Makayla Noble:  Website:  Makayla Noble | Mak's Warriors Youtube: Makayla Noble - YouTube Instagram:  Makayla Noble (@makaylamnoble) Links Mentioned:   Joni and Friends | Sharing Hope Through Hardship ATF Official Home Page | AdaptiveTrainingFoundation.org The Chosen TV Series  

I’ve been trying to slow down and enjoy the “moments” this summer with my family. It slips by so quickly if we aren’t careful, and that seems especially true now that we have one in college (and another one going away in a year).    Tonight we played pickle ball and let’s be clear, my kids get their athletic ability from Mike. But we laughed, watched the sunset, and ended with homemade ice cream. It feels like the perfect night full of pure joy.    Speaking of joy (how about that transition, right?) . . . ., we’re talking with Jenna Griffith today about finding joy even when it feels elusive. Jenna is the host of the popular Joy Filled Podcast, and has five great tips that you don’t want to miss today. I think one of my favorite things we talk about is figuring out how we best connect with God, because it’s not one size fits all.    Enjoy every second of time with your people this week. And remember, joy is most often found in the small things!     All things Cynthia Keep up with Jenna Griffith   

Happy 4th of July week! I’m hoping you have big plans with friends and family to celebrate our country’s Independence Day. I found a new homemade ice cream recipe this summer that’s super easy and has been a fan favorite. I’m linking it here in case you're feeling ambitious and want to give it a whirl.   In continuing our “how do I series,” we have Jessica Hurlbut joining us today talking about the fear and disappointment of facing our kids' unexpected diagnosis. Jessica is a mom, podcaster, author, speaker, and avid runner. Fun fact: she was a contestant on Season 8 of American Ninja Warrior and had the opportunity to share her heart for adoption.   As a mother of five children, several of which have special needs, Jessica has amazing advice on how to walk through the many emotions that come with a diagnosis of ADHD, autism, or any other unexpected diagnosis.  There’s so much great wisdom today, but I think one of my favorite things she says is this: When God doesn’t change our circumstances, he desires to change our perspective.    I promise you don’t want to miss her five tips today. Also, I would be so grateful if you would send this to a friend or two that could benefit from some encouragement on their parenting journey.   All things Cynthia Connect with Jessica Hurlbut Unlimited Motherhood by Jessica Hurlbut

“There’s no fast-tracking the grief process.” - Abby Rike   My good friend Abby is with us today talking about grief and the many forms it takes. Grief is most often associated with death, but it’s also important to acknowledge the grief we face in the loss of a dream, relationships, health, and so much more. Abby reminds us that there is hope in the midst of our deepest grief, and she tackles some of the lies we are tempted to believe when we’re struggling through the hard stuff.    Interesting facts about Abby include that our dog is named after her, she’s been on The Biggest Loser, and she has walked a near-impossible road the last 20 years. That being said, she’s a beacon of encouragement on days that feel impossible with her message that with Christ as our anchor, we can move forward (not move on) with hope.    I’m praying today’s show will encourage not just you, but that you will share it with others around you who are walking through grief in their own lives.     All things Cynthia Keep up with Abby Rike Abby’s book: Working it Out: A Journey of Loss, Love, and Hope

I mentioned it last month, but as a little reminder, Heather MacFadyen of the Don’t Mom Alone podcast and I have a super fun show we do together called Sidetracked. As a part of this little venture, this summer we’ve decided to surprise each other with a guest and then release the episode on both of our shows. It’s been super fun so far, and we’d love to know how you’re liking it and if you want more of these shows!    On today’s Sidetracked episode, Heather surprises me with author, speaker, teacher, podcaster, and enneagram expert . . . Beth McCord. We love Beth because she approaches the enneagram from a biblical perspective and helps us learn how to better navigate our personalities and figure out what makes us tick.    I think you’ll especially love the real-life example at the beginning of our conversation about Heather firing off a frustrated email to Beth, and how their enneagram knowledge facilitated healthy conflict resolution. We also discuss how the enneagram intersects with our parenting, and the reasons not to “guess” your kids’ number and instead have your older kids take the test themselves. (Which I’m so going to have my older kids do sometime this summer!)    Can’t wait for you to hear today’s show! Leave a review and share it with a friend pretty please.   All things Cynthia Yanof Connect with Beth McCord:  Website:  Your Enneagram Coach | Free Enneagram Test, Courses, and Coaching Facebook: Your Enneagram Coach Instagram: Beth McCord | (@yourenneagramcoach)

Summer . . . I love you, but you’re chaotic and expensive.  Kids . . . I love you, but you’re chaotic and expensive.  Vacation . . . I love you, but you’re chaotic and expensive.    Feel free to join in on my mindless chants of summer.    I’m super excited about today’s show and talking about ways to save a little money. To be clear, I’m not talking about it from the 401K and investment perspective for the long-haul, but literally what can I do TODAY to get the budget back on the rails.    Crystal Paine is with us, and she has some GREAT advice today. She’s built an entire brand called The Money Saving Mom and has the best tricks and tips for making ends meet. Her suggestions are so great that I wanted to give you a few of her points as a sneak-peak:   Your income is not your biggest issue; it’s your mindset Your grocery budget is the best place to start saving money   There’s a lot more coming your way for saving money and changing our perspective, and it’s so so practical and necessary.    Take a minute to listen today, and please please share the show with a friend. Heck, get crazy and even take a minute and leave a review. I’ll be forever grateful.  

Today we’re talking about body image, learning to love our body, and calling out the false narratives we’ve bought into from culture and other places relating to our physical body.    Talking about body image kinda feels like no-man's land, and I’m thinking I might as well hit politics and money while I’m at it. Joking. But having a discussion around how to love our body is something that is important, and I believe it is not discussed enough in Christian circles. So we’re doing it here today!    Liz Rodriguez and Rebecca Carrell from the Honestly, Though podcast are with us today. Liz is currently on her own personal health journey after receiving some tough diagnoses a few years ago. She speaks honestly about the physiological aspects of losing weight and working through the well-intentioned but hard comments she receives from others.    Rebecca is healed from an eating disorder that she struggled with for many years. She has a great word on loving and accepting our God-given bodies while also raising daughters who can hopefully do the same.    I understand this can be a touchy topic, and I assure you that we will do our very best to encourage you wherever you are in your health journey. Take a minute to listen and also share with your friends.   Also, if you enjoy MESSmerized will you please consider rating and reviewing the show? This helps others find us and hopefully encourage people to chase after Jesus even when everything around us.    Sign-up for the Life is Messy, God is Good summer book club!   All things Cynthia Yanof For more of their discussion on body image listen to Honestly, Though here. The Body Project by Joan Jacobs Brumberg   Catch up with Rebecca and Liz below: Rebecca Carrell IG: @RebeccaCarrell  Twitter: @RebeccaACarrell  FB: Rebecca Ashbrook Carrell   Liz Rodriguez IG: @lizannrodriguez  FB:  Liz Rodriguez  

I’m going to keep this short because, well, listen to the intro and you’ll understand. But somewhere between trying out a new spray tan and finding our trampoline in our front yard after a storm—it’s gotten kinda weird over here.    But thankfully, on the show is one of our faves, Dr. Ken Wilgus. We’re talking about how we survive summer with teens, and below is a preview of a few points that are coming your way:  Set absolute limits on screens in advance  Establish household expectations Require some level of outside activity   And this is just the tip of the iceberg on the wisdom coming your way on today’s show.    Thanks for being a part of the MESSmerized community, and PLEASE take a minute and leave a review so more folks can find us.     All things Cynthia Feeding the Mouth that Bites you by Ken Wilgus Ken Wilgus' Podcast  

Here’s a fun little podcast update for you.    As most of you (hopefully) know, Heather MacFadyen of the Don’t Mom Alone podcast and I have a little sideshow we do once a month called Sidetracked. Basically, it’s an unfiltered conversation between the two of us discussing life’s goings on, parenting, faith, etc. It comes out the first Friday of the month on Don’t Mom Alone, and It’s been a big hit.    So, spinning off from that concept this week, we’re doing a second episode of Sidetracked in the summer months that includes a surprise guest aired on both of our shows. And today is the day we kick it off with our friend Toni Collier. Please hear me:  You do not want to miss a second of this conversation.    If you don’t know Toni, she’s  the author of Broken Crayons Still Color as well as a podcaster, speaker, and mom of two sweet kiddos. Toni chats with us about everything from getting tattoos with Ann Voskamp to seeing God show up through “God winks.” 😜   Next week we will be back to our “How do I _____” series that will continue through the summer. But once a month I hope you enjoy these little editions of Sidetracked with various surprise guests!   All things Cynthia Life is Messy, God is Good My Amazon Must Haves   Connect with Toni Collier:  Website:  HOME | Toni Collier Facebook: Toni J Collier  Instagram:  Toni Collier (@tonijcollier) PODCAST | Toni Collier Brave Enough to Be Broken: by Toni Collier Broken Crayons Still Color: by Toni Collier Ironman movie  

We’re answering “how to” questions these days on MESSmerized, and today we’re tackling the awesome yet complex topic of friendships. I think of all the things I’m asked to talk about from my book, most often I’m asked about the topic of friendships and how to cultivate the really deep, meaningful ones.    Thankfully the queen of friendships (I made that up on the spot by the way) is with us today. Amy Weatherly is covering the good, bad, and ugly of doing life with others, and why it’s so important we prioritize friendships.    Amy gives us five great take-aways on friendship today, but I’m going to give you just a few below and let you listen to the rest on the show: Deep friendships require time Deep friendships mean creating rituals and traditions (DO NOT MISS the rest of her amazing points)   I also want to mention that summer is a GREAT time to show some intentionality by gathering friends and strengthening relationships. I’ve done several book clubs in the past and always been grateful I put myself out there.     If you’re interested in a book club this summer with friends, I’ve got an amazing idea for you. My publisher, Esther Press, has named Life is Messy, God is Good as their summer book club book, and you can join today and receive book club questions, videos for each chapter, and lots of other fun things.    This is a great way to do a book club with either an online community, or with friends in your neighborhood that you hope to bond with this summer. So jump in today and listen to Amy’s friendship fine points today and then consider who might want to join you for a summer book club on Life is Messy, God is Good.    So grateful for you guys!     Sign-up for the Life is Messy, God is Good summer book club!   All things Cynthia Yanof Here for it by Amy Weatherly and Jess Johnston

It’s week two of our new series asking “how do I _____” questions. Each week we’re bringing in amazing guests with practical advice for all areas of life. If you missed last week with Courtney DeFeo, we talked about cheering on other women, and you definitely need to go back and listen if you missed it. So so good. 🎉   This week we are tackling marriage, and I’m so excited for you to meet Dave and Ann Wilson. They are pastors, speakers, and hosts of the nationally syndicated radio show Family Life Today. But more than that, they are hilariously honest and real as they talk about marriage and how they’ve gotten it wrong over the years, and the lessons they’ve  learned along the way.    Today Dave and Ann are giving us five tips for improving our marriage, and you don’t want to miss them. I’ll give you two of them to peak your interest (but definitely go listen to the show for all five points and lots of fun discussion around them):  Don’t run away from conflict Deal with your family of origin baggage   Yep, that’s just the beginning, and I promise you will leave encouraged and full of practical ways to work on your marriage this week.    So grateful for you guys and I would be incredibly grateful if you would leave a review for the show so that others can find us!   Have a great week!   All things Cynthia Yanof Life is Messy, God is Good Dave and Ann Wilson Art of Marriage by Family Life