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

First of all, we've had a bit of a "situation" over here, and I’ll share all the details in today’s intro. But here’s a little teaser: neighbors, overgrown shrubs, and me sneaking out in the cloak of darkness. If that doesn’t paint a picture that’ll make you want to listen, I don’t know what will! 😂😂😂   Today, I’m thrilled to have Lanier Ivester on the show, and we’re talking all things Christmas—decor, 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." It’s such a powerful reminder to shift our focus from the never-ending to-do lists to God’s love.   The title of Lanier’s 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 Christ’s coming. Today’s conversation really reminded me that Christmas doesn’t have to be perfect to be beautiful. It’s about slowing down, creating space for rest, and anchoring our hearts in the joy of Christ’s birth.   I hope you’ll 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

We’re just a couple of weeks out from Christmas 🎄🎄🎄 and it feels like there’s 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 mom’s 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 he’s 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 God’s grace, reflect His glory, and trust in His goodness—even when life feels really, really hard. Pastor Louie offers a fresh perspective on God’s grace, showing us it’s not just for salvation—it’s for the carpool lines, parent-teacher conferences, and every messy moment of life. He also discusses why living for God’s glory can flip the script on how we see ourselves, our work, and our calling. If you’re struggling to see God’s 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 Louie’s 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

Brace yourselves!   I cannot even begin to tell you how excited I am about today’s 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. That’s 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 wasn’t exactly rolling out the red carpet for him. Spoiler alert: God had other plans.   But here’s the thing: A few years ago, I was in a rough spot—one of those times when you're questioning everything God’s doing in your life. I heard Dallas speak at an event, and he said, “God does impossible math.” 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., and—of course—loaves and fish. God showed Dallas (and now us) that our job isn’t to perform miracles; it’s simply to show up with whatever we have and trust God to do the rest.   So whether you’re a The Chosen fan, invested in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, or someone needing a reminder that God works best when we’re at our weakest—this episode is for you.     All things Cynthia Yanof The Best Christmas Pageant Ever  

Happy Thanksgiving Eve! 🦃🦃🦃     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. 😂     One of my favorite things about Thanksgiving Day (thanks for asking) is the Macy’s Day Parade. Back in the day, I’d watch the parade and pore over all the Black Friday ads in the paper before the day’s festivities began. I’ve never sounded older, right? And another fun fact: I’ve ALWAYS wanted to go to the parade in NYC, but that hasn’t happened yet (and it’s fully discussed on today’s show). I’m 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 don’t think for a minute that I didn’t 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 it’s possible to balance joy with the realities of what’s difficult, experiencing both simultaneously. I love the message and powerful reminder in Nicole’s new book not to not dwell on our fears and anxieties, but instead to ask ourselves, “What if it’s wonderful?” There’s no promise that your turkey will be wonderful tomorrow or that your husband will help with the dishes instead of watching football—but 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 it’s Wonderful by Nicole Zasowski

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. You’re welcome!   But seriously, it’s the week before Thanksgiving 🦃🦃, and today’s show is an invitation to take a deep breath as we reflect on God’s goodness. We’re diving into Psalm 23 and what it really means to have God as our Good Shepherd—the One who takes care of us, provides for us, and leads us when we don’t even know which way is up.   Here’s the thing about shepherds—they’re not just hanging out, petting sheep all day. They’re out there protecting, guiding, and making sure the sheep are safe and cared for. It’s such a perfect picture of how God watches over us. Ruth reminds us that nothing in our lives is wasted—not the hard stuff, the waiting, or even the complete disasters.   Psalm 23 ends with this beautiful promise that God’s goodness and mercy chase after us every single day. How freeing is that? We can lean into His care, knowing He’s got us covered even when it feels like everything is falling apart.    Ruth’s latest children’s book, Home is Right Where You Are, is incredible. It’s all about being present and leaning into God’s faithfulness in the here and now. Whether you’re a mom, a grandma, or just someone who needs a reminder that God’s got this, it’s such an encouraging read.   So, let’s take a deep breath and remember that the Good Shepherd is leading us, protecting us, and providing for us—and that’s 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

With Thanksgiving around the corner, many of us are thinking about what we’re thankful for, what we might be taking for granted, and what gratitude really looks like. Today’s 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 “change your pace and place to change your perspective.” Sometimes, to wake up to wonder, we need to step outside our routines—whether that’s by taking a walk or going on a “two-foot field trip,” like moving from the living room to the backyard, to see God’s 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 “forgive reality” for not lining up with our plans. But Mark reminds us that even though life here can be hard, it doesn’t mean we’re forgotten or forsaken. We have a God who is with us and conquers all things—even the grave. So, whether you’re feeling a million miles away from a miracle or right in the middle of one, today’s conversation with Mark Batterson will give you hope and renewed reason to be thankful. Miracles may not always be big and flashy; often, they’re just one of those “million little miracles” happening all around us.   All things Cynthia Yanof A Million Little Miracles by Mark Batterson

Remember how I’ve been having lunch every Wednesday with a wonderful group of friends for the last 15+ years? Today’s show is inspired by those lunches—because 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, I’m thrilled to bring in a true expert: Dr. Mikala Albertson. We’re 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.    Don’t worry, we cover all the symptoms we're dealing with—hot 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. Albertson’s new book, Everything I Wish I Could Tell You About Midlife, is out now. And exciting news: she’s coming back on the show in the New Year! If you have questions you’d 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!

Today’s my birthday… so there’s that! 🎉🎂 And it’s totally not too late to get me a gift—I’ll be accepting food-chain gift cards for Diet Dr. Pepper all week long. 😂 In honor of my birthday, I’m kicking off MESSmerized with a little segment I call “Things I Know for Sure” after celebrating 50+ birthdays. Really rolls off the tongue, right? But there’s more! Megan Fate Marshman joins us on the show for the first time ever. 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. 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 you’ll leave encouraged.   All things Cynthia Yanof  Relaxed: Walking with the One Who is Not Worried About A Thing by Megan Fate Marshman

Today I had the absolute pleasure of chatting with Jon Acuff! If you don’t know Jon, he’s 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 doesn’t 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 kid’s path is different. As parents, it’s easy to think there’s 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 that’s 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 kindness—because kindness isn’t just a cute personality trait, it’s 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, it’s all about learning to function well even when life feels chaotic—which, let’s be real, describes parenting perfectly. He reminded me that it’s okay to embrace the craziness and find small ways to move forward. No need to have it all figured out today—or 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, you’re going to love it—and 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  

We’ve got a new show out today, and I’m so excited for you to hear this important conversation with Natalie Runion. We’re going deep into the messy but important topic of church life and the realities of church hurt, how to spot an unhealthy church, and when it might be time to walk away—or stick around. We also explored the idea that ministry isn’t just for pastors and church staff. Every believer has a ministry! Whether it’s through serving, worshiping, or simply being a witness in your community, you’re making an impact. And if you’re raising kids, it’s crucial to show them the importance of the church by staying involved—whether it’s through serving or just building friendships within the church community. What we do now can have a big impact on their views of church, and how it is incorporated in their lives as adults.  This episode is for anyone who’s felt the sting of church hurt or struggled with whether it’s time to leave a church that no longer feels like home. It’s a reminder that God calls us to obedience, even when things get messy. If you need some encouragement to keep showing up—or if you're figuring out how to walk away without bitterness—this one’s for you. Make sure to listen, share with a friend, and leave a review if this resonated with you! Let’s keep these conversations going because the church matters—and so do you.   All things Cynthia Yanof The House That Jesus Built by Natalie Runion

Today on MESSmerized I’m hanging out with the amazing Ellie Holcomb, who’s fresh off a tour with none other than Lauren Daigle. Ellie gives us the scoop on life on the road—think tight spaces, late-night chats, and the wild sense of community that comes with sharing a bus. She also gives us an insider peek on her friendship with Lauren, how they ended up collaborating on a song, and their favorite moments on tour (spoiler: their song Be Okay will give you all the feels). But it’s not all music and fun—Ellie opens up about the tough stuff too, like balancing the chaos of tour life with family time, and how we moms are out here carrying some heavy loads. She shares a heartfelt story about her daughter’s medical journey and how she juggled being on tour while caring for her little one. Trust me, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss. Ellie’s new book Fighting Words (the expanded version of her devotional) and her album All of My Days talk about Ellie’s journey of battling anxiety, finding hope, and the power of God’s Word to lift us up when life feels impossible. Vulnerability, repentance, grace—it’s all here.  If you’re looking for a reminder that you’re not alone in the highs and lows, this episode’s for you. I can’t wait for you to listen!   PS. If you haven’t listened to my podcast with Heather MacFadyen of Don’t Mom Alone, it’s time! The show is called Sidetracked and we talk about family, faith, and basically anything else that comes to our minds in the moment (hence the name Sidetracked). I promise you will laugh! Listen here or wherever you catch podcasts.   All things Cynthia Ellie’s new book Fighting Words Ellie’s All of My Days Album  

"If politics is robbing you of peace, you might have misplaced your trust." Mic drop please for the quote above from today’s show.  Today the Pastor of my church Bent Tree Bible, Libin Abraham, joins us to dive into the tricky (but important) topic of Christians engaging in politics. We talk about how it's not just about showing up—it's about being prayerful, peaceful, prophetic, powerful, and purposeful. But the big reminder here? Our top loyalty is to Jesus, not any political party. We’re here to make disciples, not stir up more division. Aside from talking about Christians engaging in politics, Libin also encourages us to trust in God’s faithfulness, and that stepping out in faith is key as we do that—I love how Libin says that God moves at the pace of our next “yes.” So if you’re feeling pulled to act, trust that God’s right there with you. And don’t let politics, fear, or anything else get in the way of your gospel influence.  I can’t wait for you to hear today’s show and I’d love for you to share it with friends.   All things Cynthia Yanof Bent Tree Bible Fellowship   Libin Abraham’s sermons on Christians engaging in politics:  Jesus and Politics: The Way of the Cross Jesus and Politics: The Way of the Church Jesus and Politics: Rules for Engagement    

It’s starting to get embarrassing how much I gush each time I interview Pastor Max Lucado. But my goodness, after today’s show I promise you’ll understand why he’s often referred to as “America’s Pastor.” He has the kindest, most relatable presence even when he’s tackling something as complex as the end times in his new book What Happens Next.    If you are like me and grew up a little bit nervous thinking about the end times and what it might look like when Jesus returns, please grab a latte and get ready for a new perspective. I think you’ll feel differently after you hear us talk about whether this is the end times we’re living in, the biblical signs of the end times, how we should view the rapture, and even whether the antichrist is alive today. I mean, we cover it all people, and it’s enlightening and reassuring.    But I must say one of my favorite parts of our conversation is when I ask him to share how he tends to hear from God in his own life. It’s a sweet story with a critical reminder that God is still moving, speaking, and working in our lives. And yes, the end times can be scary if we don’t center it on God’s word, but when we do we know how the story ends—and it’s a good one.    Can’t wait for you to listen today! Be sure to share it with your friends please.      All things cynthia What Happens Next by Max Lucado

    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