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In this episode: What do we do when life has so many uncertainties, when scary diagnoses threaten our peace, or when everything feels upside down? My guest Nancy Kay Grace knows, and she runs to God. This week, we talk about her recurring diagnosis of tongue cancer and how God has taught her to pursue his grace above all.   (Article contains affiliate links. This means that when you click a link and make a purchase, I might receive a small commission from that purchase.) Inspired Life Nancy talked about her 18-year journey with recurring tongue cancer and what it means for her to trust God amid the fear. After years of remission, she recently experienced a reoccurrence and had to lean even more on God’s strength.   About Nancy: Nancy Kay Grace is a speaker and award-winning author of The Grace Impact, a devotional about God’s grace. She has written for The Upper Room magazine, Chicken Soup for the Soul books, and other print and digital publications. She loves to inspire others about living in God’s grace.   On her faith journey, Nancy has learned to trust God in deeper ways as she’s coped with challenges of raising a family as a pastor’s wife. She’s lived through the unexpected detours of tongue cancer several times.   Nancy lives in central Illinois with her husband Rick, where they serve in ministry to encourage pastors across the country. They have 2 adult children and six grandchildren.  For relaxation, Nancy enjoys hugs from grandchildren, playing piano, hiking, and travel.    Life, Repurposed Nancy shared a verse that meant a lot to her when fear tried to fill her mind:  “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Don’t let your heart be troubled or fearful.” John 14:27 (CSB) Nancy also shared this verse that inspired her book:    “And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.” 2 Corinthians 9:8 (ESV)  Recommended Resources The Grace Impact     In this book, Nancy Kay Grace gives us a closer glimpse of God’s character. In all things at all times, His grace covers every detail of life, not just the good things, but the difficult, sad, and complicated things. That knowledge can give us the ability to walk confidently through life knowing our heavenly Father is with us every step of the way.        Sign up for Nancy’s "GraceNotes" newsletter and blog at http://www.nancykaygrace.com/  Also find Nancy on these platforms: Facebook Instagram Twitter  Consider joining our Life, Repurposed Facebook community to build connections and engage in conversation about topics from each episode.  (Please note: books posted here on my blog are purely because I want to share them. Sometimes I receive free copies for review, and other times I purchase the books. Some I get from the library. Either way, any endorsement I offer here on the blog is simply because I want to talk about the book. ) Michelle Rayburn is the author of The Repurposed and Upcycled Life: When God Turns Trash to Treasure, as well as a small group Bible study to accompany the book. Learn more about these and her other books here. A sample chapter of the book and Bible study are available for free download. Subscribe and receive an email notice each time a new blog is posted. You can also subscribe on iTunes or on YouTube All blog content copyright MichelleRayburn.com This post contains affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, if you click through and make a purchase, I may receive a commission. I sell my ebook via Amazon but I’m also a part of their “Associates” (i.e. affiliate) program which pays a commission on books and any other Amazon products people purchase via my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. The post The Impact of Grace: Hope Holds Strong first appeared on Michelle Rayburn.

In this episode: How do you achieve balance in life while also reaching your big goals? Sometimes it takes an intense sprint and a lot of hustle. But with a solid action plan, focused efforts, and a commitment to stay charged, you’ll be ready to go the distance.   (Article contains affiliate links. This means that when you click a link and make a purchase, I might receive a small commission from that purchase.) Inspired Life I’m in a season. Maybe you can relate. It involves long hours and little time left for relaxation or recreation. Sometimes we look for a balanced life. But I also know that a lot of sacrifice goes into accomplishing goals, so that means we need to know what our priorities are.   There was a time when I had a notebook with a master list of tasks grouped by urgent, coming soon, long-range, wishful thinking, etc. I’d copy my lists over each day but add five more things for every three I crossed off.   Can you relate?  Too much on the list.  So many tasks that all seem important. Interruptions lead to incompletion. Forgetting something important. A feeling like there is no time to relax.   The problem with this system was the feeling of overwhelm and looking at that list every day. I was using something similar to a bullet journal, but it was so overwhelming. And each morning, I’d have to look through the list to figure out what was important that day.   Sometimes I was paralyzed by not knowing where to start. Often, that meant scrapping the list and starting some sort of organizing project or something creative. But that’s about as satisfying as eating a pan of brownies when you want to lose weight. It adds a lot of guilt and no progress.  Over time, I’ve assimilated a variety of methods into what works for me. I’ll share some tips with you here and you can sort through and decide what works for you. Life, Repurposed I’ve learned these five things along the way that have kept me both productive and fulfilled in what I set out to do.  Know your target outcome.  Eliminate everything that isn’t necessary.  Identify the one thing I will accomplish each day, and two small items that I’d be tempted to procrastinate.   Make room for creativity.   Celebrate wins  You don’t have to start something on a calendar quarter. You can start 90 days of goals on any day, so why not now?    Recommended Resources 1-2-3 Ideas and Progress Journal: For Achievers & List Lovers (A 3-month journal for people who don't love journaling)   This 90-day journal was made for achievers who love to check boxes yet need to think outside of the box. It’s set up for creating one big goal and two smaller ones Monday through Friday and a separate weekend plan.   The 1–2–3 method includes one main goal, two smaller goals, and three things that bring you joy. Reverse the process on the weekends and choose three goals, celebrate two wins, and note one creative solution from the week.  See some sample pages and learn more about the journal designs.         Need a little more inspiration?  Another helpful resource is Michael Hyatt on Lead to Win podcast: Resetting After a Busy Season. He talked about having seasons where things are out of balance because we’re launching something or managing a big project. But he has intentional down-time after that to recharge.   Consider joining our Life, Repurposed Facebook community to build connections and engage in conversation about topics from each episode.  (Please note: books posted here on my blog are purely because I want to share them. Sometimes I receive free copies for review, and other times I purchase the books. Some I get from the library. Either way, any endorsement I offer here on the blog is simply because I want to talk about the book. ) Michelle Rayburn is the author of The Repurposed and Upcycled Life: When God Turns Trash to Treasure, as well as a small group Bible study to accompany the book. Learn more about these and her other books here. A sample chapter of the book and Bible study are available for free download. Subscribe and receive an email notice each time a new blog is posted. You can also subscribe on iTunes or on YouTube All blog content copyright MichelleRayburn.com This post contains affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, if you click through and make a purchase, I may receive a commission. I sell my ebook via Amazon but I’m also a part of their “Associates” (i.e. affiliate) program which pays a commission on books and any other Amazon products people purchase via my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. The post Five Tips for Accomplishing Goals and Balance first appeared on Michelle Rayburn.

In this episode: Rosie Williams was serving in Christian ministry and working herself to the breaking point while unraveling on the inside. When she promised to spend a minimum of 10 minutes a day for the rest of her life in prayer and Bible study, it changed everything.  (Article contains affiliate links. This means that when you click a link and make a purchase, I might receive a small commission from that purchase.) Inspired Life What started as the treasure of trusting Christ completely in her early years looked more like trash when dealing with difficult life challenges such as secondary PTSD from her Nam vet husband, job stress, and family members who struggled with issues of faith. Rosie was serving in Christian ministry and working herself to the breaking point while unraveling on the inside. A walk down a very long aisle and a promise she made to God changed everything!  Some listeners might ask this question that Rosie mentions in her book:  “I fully believed that God worked in the lives of others, but I didn’t truly believe that God had a purpose and direction for me.”  About Rosie:  Rosie Williams is a Christian author, military non-profit administrator and antique booth owner from Tecumseh, Kansas. She and her Nam vet husband have six grandchildren. Rosie is passionate about teaching women how to study and apply the Bible in order to know Christ in a personal and vibrant way.  Life, Repurposed Rosie learned how giving 110% wasn’t healthy for her. She didn’t know how to give only 100%, as her counselor suggested. The idea of cutting back to giving 80% and making some margin was foreign to her.   A seminar by Becky Tirabassi, author of Let Prayer Change Your Life, did change Rosie’s life. When she promised to spend a minimum of 10 minutes a day for the rest of her life in prayer and Bible study, it changed everything. Scripture has applied to her life in so many unexpected ways.  “That quiet time should be a shame-free zone. That should be a safe zone.” She said it isn’t something we’re obligated to do to check off a list but something we’re eager to do because we can spend time with God.” —Rosie Williams   I love Rosie’s tip to write a verse that means something to you on a particular day and file that in a box but to also write out a second one to take with you for the day and to share it with someone else when God prompts.     Recommended Resources Repurposed Faith: Breathing New Life Into Your Quiet Time What happened? Life has a way of shaking us up, cluttering our priorities, and shifting our focus. When this occurs, our walk with the Lord is often disrupted. One morning, you wake up and realize there are only embers where once a spiritual fire roared. If you’ve found yourself in this place, don’t be discouraged! Repurposed Faith is designed to refresh and redirect your priorities back to Christ and His Word. Through intentionally-written daily devotions, you will be prompted to search your heart for the “roadblocks” that have come between you and meaningful time with the Lord. From there, you will be guided back to a place where you connect and glorify God.     Running Away and Finding Home Nine Pairs of Boots in Vietnam: Steps to Healing Every Veteran Needs to Know   Nine Paris of Boots in Vietnam is a sobering reminder of the internal damage often suffered by combat veterans and others with PTSD. The real life stories told by the authors, along with the "After Action Review" with nine steps to healing provide practical tools for veterans and family members dealing with PTSD and transitions from military to civilian life.         Learn more about these books at www.rosiejwilliams.com and also discover Rosie’s YouVersion devotions.  Rosie has a free resource: “Has the Pandemic Wrecked Your Quiet Time? Three Tips to Get Back on Track.” Request it by email.  Find Rosie on social media: Author Page Military Ministry Page Antique Booth Page   Consider joining our Life, Repurposed Facebook community to build connections and engage in conversation about topics from each episode.  (Please note: books posted here on my blog are purely because I want to share them. Sometimes I receive free copies for review, and other times I purchase the books. Some I get from the library. Either way, any endorsement I offer here on the blog is simply because I want to talk about the book. ) Michelle Rayburn is the author of The Repurposed and Upcycled Life: When God Turns Trash to Treasure, as well as a small group Bible study to accompany the book. Learn more about these and her other books here. A sample chapter of the book and Bible study are available for free download. Subscribe and receive an email notice each time a new blog is posted. You can also subscribe on iTunes or on YouTube All blog content copyright MichelleRayburn.com This post contains affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, if you click through and make a purchase, I may receive a commission. I sell my ebook via Amazon but I’m also a part of their “Associates” (i.e. affiliate) program which pays a commission on books and any other Amazon products people purchase via my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. The post Intentional Faith and Creative Ways to Meet with God first appeared on Michelle Rayburn.

In this episode: There is so much we can learn from someone else’s story! I’m excited to introduce a new project featuring the stories of 34 amazing women who have seen God at work in their lives. Hear the introduction to the book Life, Repurposed in this podcast episode.  (Article contains affiliate links. This means that when you click a link and make a purchase, I might receive a small commission from that purchase.) Inspired Life In 2020, I had this idea to create compilation book featuring the stories of women who have experienced God’s power and grace and found hope in the midst of life’s challenges. When I put out a call for submissions, I had no idea where it would go, but now I’m excited to introduce the book Life, Repurposed: Stories of Grace, Hope, and Restored Faith I also wanted to make this a project that could give back to impact the next generation of women. A portion of the royalties from the book goes to Destiny Rescue, an organization that is committed to rescuing kids from sexual exploitation and helping them stay free. Since 2001, this organization has rescued more than 5900 individuals enslaved around the world, helped keep hundreds more from entering the sex trade through various human trafficking prevention programs, ensured justice for those who have been wronged, and raised awareness. (Readers are welcome to make additional donations or help to spread the word about the fundraiser.)  Life, Repurposed In this episode, I read the introduction to the book. I hope you’ll listen in to hear more about how the project got started and learn more about the mission to change women’s lives!  We’re having a virtual launch party that you don’t want to miss on April 12. Giveaways, video interviews and more from the authors!  Join the Party!  Over the coming months, you’ll hear many of their stories on the podcast.     Recommended Resources Life, Repurposed: Stories of Grace, Hope, and Restored Faith   You’ll find comfort, inspiration, and wisdom in these 34 stories from women just like you. Every encouraging account shows hope and renewed faith as they have come through trials and tough times, including family struggles, infertility, health challenges, doubt, fear, human trafficking, depression, heartbreak, loss, and more.  In these examples of forgiveness, starting over, renewed joy, fresh faith, love, healing, acceptance, and refined hope, you’ll be inspired to experience your own story of transformation.  Plus, thought-provoking questions to use on your own for reflection or for group discussion.  Learn more about the authors and the book at: liferepurposedbook.com      Authors: Amy Marcoux, Amy Moin, Annette Warsaw, Becky Hofstad, Betty Predmore, Christina Ryan Claypool, Daphne Tarango, Darla S. Grieco, Diana Leagh Matthews, Dr. Marlene Carson, Alba Corva, Joanie Shawhan, Jodie Cooper, Kathy Carlton Willis, Kolleen Lucariello, Linda L. Kruschke, Maureen Cresencia Kambarami, Maureen Hager, Meaghan Jackson, Meg Glesener, Michele Morin, Nancy Graves, Natalie Lavelock, Ree Boado, RLSeaton, Robyn Mulder, Ruth Black, Sarah Buckland, Shannon Anderson, Sue Donaldson, Susan Macias, Teresa Janzen, Terri Prahl, Tracey Russell  Consider joining our Life, Repurposed Facebook community to build connections and engage in conversation about topics from each episode.  (Please note: books posted here on my blog are purely because I want to share them. Sometimes I receive free copies for review, and other times I purchase the books. Some I get from the library. Either way, any endorsement I offer here on the blog is simply because I want to talk about the book. ) Michelle Rayburn is the author of The Repurposed and Upcycled Life: When God Turns Trash to Treasure, as well as a small group Bible study to accompany the book. Learn more about these and her other books here. A sample chapter of the book and Bible study are available for free download. Subscribe and receive an email notice each time a new blog is posted. You can also subscribe on iTunes or on YouTube All blog content copyright MichelleRayburn.com This post contains affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, if you click through and make a purchase, I may receive a commission. I sell my ebook via Amazon but I’m also a part of their “Associates” (i.e. affiliate) program which pays a commission on books and any other Amazon products people purchase via my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. The post Repurposed Faith and Amazing Stories from Everyday Women first appeared on Michelle Rayburn.

In this episode: When life feels like a crisis overload, God is still there. That’s what Grace Fox has learned from her years of trusting God through hardships. In this episode, we talked about where God has been faithful, and she shares about her new book, Finding Hope in Crisis.  (Article contains affiliate links. This means that when you click a link and make a purchase, I might receive a small commission from that purchase.) Inspired Life In this episode, Grace Fox shared about where her second child was born while she and her husband were missionaries in Nepal. Her daughter was born with hydrocephalus and the doctors there told them they had to return to the US immediately so she could have life-saving surgery. Grace had to remain behind because the airlines refused to issue her a ticket because she was considered a medical high-risk. Imagine watching your husband board a plane with your newborn baby!  About Grace Fox:  Grace has been a career global worker for nearly 30 years. She's the author of ten books, a member of the First 5 writing team for Proverbs 31 Ministries, and a regular contributor to "Mornings with Jesus"--an annual devotional published by Guideposts.  Grace and her husband have been married nearly 39 years. They celebrate three married kids and nine grandchildren. They live on a sailboat near Vancouver, British Columbia.  Life, Repurposed From her experience and others after, Grace learned the importance of living out the truth of who God is. This changed her entire life, she says. By seeing God’s faithfulness in our stories, others can learn how to trust him too.      “We can hang on to hope, even in our darkest days. Hope is more than an optimistic outlook. For the believer, hope is a whole attitude of expectant anticipation of a good outcome, because that outcome is in the hands of God. It might not be the outcome we would like to see, but it’s still good in the overall picture because God is good by nature.” —Grace Fox            Recommended Resources Grace leads online Bible studies. For more info about her latest study, see her website at Grace Fox.  Finding Hope in Crisis: Devotions for Calm in Chaos A diagnosis. Death of a loved one. A layoff. A broken relationship. Life changes in a nanosecond when storms sweep in, often without warning. With minds barely able to think clearly, we often set our Bible aside. However, in reality, that's when we need its comfort and strength most. This devotional is written for those longing for hope, but are lacking the ability to focus on a lengthy Scripture passage. Enjoy having a devotional that will help you: Tap into inner strength and wisdom with short reflections Make the best of your day without shame or guilt, using encouragement from God's Word Find comfort in routine in meeting with the Lord daily And much more   Other books by Grace Fox: Peaceful Moments to Begin Your Day: Devotions for Busy Women Morning Moments with God: Devotions for the Busy Woman Moving from Fear to Freedom: A Woman's Guide to Peace in Every Situation Consider joining our Life, Repurposed Facebook community to build connections and engage in conversation about topics from each episode.  (Please note: books posted here on my blog are purely because I want to share them. Sometimes I receive free copies for review, and other times I purchase the books. Some I get from the library. Either way, any endorsement I offer here on the blog is simply because I want to talk about the book. ) Michelle Rayburn is the author of The Repurposed and Upcycled Life: When God Turns Trash to Treasure, as well as a small group Bible study to accompany the book. Learn more about these and her other books here. A sample chapter of the book and Bible study are available for free download. Subscribe and receive an email notice each time a new blog is posted. You can also subscribe on iTunes or on YouTube All blog content copyright MichelleRayburn.com This post contains affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, if you click through and make a purchase, I may receive a commission. I sell my ebook via Amazon but I’m also a part of their “Associates” (i.e. affiliate) program which pays a commission on books and any other Amazon products people purchase via my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. The post Waiting for God to Come Through first appeared on Michelle Rayburn.

In this episode: Do you ever feel spiritually numb, as if you’re overloaded on crisis and you’re done with it? Does it feel as though the darkness is too much, and self-preservation is your only hope? This week, I want to talk about how we might be faith sleepwalkers when life stresses us out. Let’s flip on the light and wake up to what we might be missing.  (Article contains affiliate links. This means that when you click a link and make a purchase, I might receive a small commission from that purchase.) Inspired Life The podcast episode began with one of my sleepwalking stories, so you’ll want to tune in on the audio to get the full effect.   My troubles with sleepwalking and talking in my sleep started when I was a child. As an adult, the trouble shows up whenever I am under a lot of stress or when I’m wrestling with a big decision.   Have you ever had a similar hazy feeling to sleepwalking? Not in the sense of actual sleepwalking—although you may be a kindred sleepwalker—but a spiritual sense. Have you felt as though you were groping in confusion hoping someone would turn on a light?  When the everyday stuff consumes us and zaps our spiritual and physical energy, we become spiritually narcoleptic, dozing off without noticing exactly when it was that God faded into the background. Our conscience numbs.   I’ve had some sleepwalking seasons spiritually. I talk about that in chapter 14 of The Repurposed and Upcycled Life if you want to read the rest of that story (see link below)  Life, Repurposed There isn’t a magic formula for reawakening faith. There aren’t five, or eight, or ten surefire steps. It’s different for every one of us. The common factor is that it takes a conscious choice.   Sometimes our choice comes on the heels of a wake-up call from God.  Wake-up calls come in many forms. Health crisis. Family stress. Work situations. Loss. Years like 2020 and COVID-19. These are the shouting kind of wake-up calls.   Other times, the wake-up call comes more gently—like a whisper and a tender shake of the shoulder. It could be a sermon, or a speaker at a conference, or a book that gets us thinking and makes us notice that God is still there. It might be that we notice something in a new way.  When I’m sleepwalking or dreaming, I often have a sense that if I just turn on the light, I can wake up and the dream will end. I’ll walk down the hall to the bathroom in my sleep and turn on the light. It’s such a relief when that light comes on. Even in my sleeping state, it takes a deliberate decision to seek that light.  That’s how it is with spiritual sleepwalking too. We have to be deliberate about waking up. We need to turn on the light and look around us.  This week, I challenge us all to be more awake. (Listen to the episode for challenges questions.) Ask the Holy Spirit to tap you on the shoulder when you almost miss a light-switch moment.  Recommended Resources The Repurposed and Upcycled Life: When God Turns Trash to Treasure  Are there experiences you'd rather toss in the dumpster?   Discover the repurposed and upcycled life. With her laugh-out-loud way of looking at life, Michelle will help you see how some of your greatest disappointments, mistakes, and hurts can be beautiful treasures from God. Part memoir, part inspiration and self-help, this book will help you:   Unpack emotional baggage and deal with the past  Confront perfectionism and negative attitudes  Change your perspective on your circumstances  Let go of regret and shame  Build positive healthy relationships  Dream big and live with purpose  Through inspiration from God's Word and examples from everyday life, you'll discover the joy-filled, hope-rich way of viewing your past, present, and future.  Get a sample chapter and learn about the small group Bible study workbook.  Note: Sound effects track in this episode from Pixabay.  (TimMoor from Pixabay) Consider joining our Life, Repurposed Facebook community to build connections and engage in conversation about topics from each episode.  (Please note: books posted here on my blog are purely because I want to share them. Sometimes I receive free copies for review, and other times I purchase the books. Some I get from the library. Either way, any endorsement I offer here on the blog is simply because I want to talk about the book. ) Michelle Rayburn is the author of The Repurposed and Upcycled Life: When God Turns Trash to Treasure, as well as a small group Bible study to accompany the book. Learn more about these and her other books here. A sample chapter of the book and Bible study are available for free download. Subscribe and receive an email notice each time a new blog is posted. You can also subscribe on iTunes or on YouTube All blog content copyright MichelleRayburn.com This post contains affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, if you click through and make a purchase, I may receive a commission. I sell my ebook via Amazon but I’m also a part of their “Associates” (i.e. affiliate) program which pays a commission on books and any other Amazon products people purchase via my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. The post Flipping on the Light on Spiritual Sleepwalking first appeared on Michelle Rayburn.

In this episode: This week’s guest, Eric Nevins, was miserable working in a call center for nothing but a paycheck. Or was that all? It turns out, God used his time to give him the skills he would eventually need for his true passion. (Article contains affiliate links. This means that when you click a link and make a purchase, I might receive a small commission from that purchase.) Inspired Life This week’s guest, Eric Nevins, talked about how God used his time in a call center to give him the skills he would eventually need for podcasting. He was miserable and never thought anything but a paycheck would come from that season of his life. But God had other plans.   Eric says one thing leads to another. Each step takes us closer to where God is leading. Taking the leap from the call center to a calling was terrifying. He wondered if anyone would listen to the show. There were so many uncertainties.    Eric said, “I did all this work. I went to school. I thought that was where you were leading me God and then nothing happened. It didn’t matter how many resumes I sent out or where I sent them. Nothing worked. I look at that now, and think that that was probably God’s provision.  “I wrote in my journal that I thought God might have an unconventional ministry for me. And then I spent the next 15 years trying to have a what I thought was a conventional church-style ministry…He was leading me there that whole time.”  Eric shared a quote from Biz Stone, one of the founders of Twitter. “Timing, perseverance, and ten years of trying will eventually make you look like an overnight success.”  About Eric:  Eric Nevins is the Host of Halfway There podcast and founder of Christian Podcasters Association, Eric Nevins loves helping people discover their gifts and uses them. He lives in Denver, CO with his wife of 23 years, their four kids, and a wonder dog.  Life, Repurposed Eric talked about how he is inspired by stories in the Bible and from other Christians. “Christian community is so important. This is what Scripture is for,” he said. “It’s more about telling how the people of God interact with him. Look at the stories. Go read through the Old Testament.”  “Wherever you are, it’s ok to be there,” he said. “Never stop pursuing new things if you’re not happy where you are, but trust that God is going to lead you to find yourself. Sometimes that takes suffering. Sometimes that takes hardship. But he will show you who you are in Christ. That is what unleashes the power of being a disciple of Christ.”  Recommended Resources Halfway There is a podcast about honest conversations with ordinary Christians about today's Christian experience. It’s one of my favorites to listen to! www.HalfwayTherePodcast.com    In this episode, Eric mentioned his favorite interview on Halfway There, one he did with John Swanger.  Plus, be sure to check out my own appearance on Halfway There where I talked about my faith journey.   Are you a podcaster? Check out the Christian Podcasters Association Eric Nevins in the founder of the group, and I love the weekly masterminds with other hosts. Want to know more about membership? Send me a message!   Also mentioned in this episode: AW Tozer Pursuit of God    Consider joining our Life, Repurposed Facebook community to build connections and engage in conversation about topics from each episode.  (Please note: books posted here on my blog are purely because I want to share them. Sometimes I receive free copies for review, and other times I purchase the books. Some I get from the library. Either way, any endorsement I offer here on the blog is simply because I want to talk about the book. ) Michelle Rayburn is the author of The Repurposed and Upcycled Life: When God Turns Trash to Treasure, as well as a small group Bible study to accompany the book. Learn more about these and her other books here. A sample chapter of the book and Bible study are available for free download. Subscribe and receive an email notice each time a new blog is posted. You can also subscribe on iTunes or on YouTube All blog content copyright MichelleRayburn.com This post contains affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, if you click through and make a purchase, I may receive a commission. I sell my ebook via Amazon but I’m also a part of their “Associates” (i.e. affiliate) program which pays a commission on books and any other Amazon products people purchase via my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. The post Purpose Grows in the Waiting first appeared on Michelle Rayburn.

In this episode: What if saying no more often isn’t the answer? Maybe we just need a better yes. If you’re ready to say no to things that someone needs FROM you and yes to better opportunities FOR you, this is episode is for you. Stop closing the wrong doors and discover a more hopeful future.  (Article contains affiliate links. This means that when you click a link and make a purchase, I might receive a small commission from that purchase.) Inspired Life In last week’s episode with Daniel Darling, he said that part of how he got to where he is right now is that he says yes to every opportunity. I know Daniel didn’t mean this to imply he says yes to everything, even if it isn’t part of his calling of gifting. I took it to mean that whenever God opens a door, he walks through it.   Several times in the last few weeks I’ve been reminded that a yes to one thing is a no to something else. I think many of us understand the concept, but in practice, not so much.   I’ve talked about this concept in the framework of time management before, but let’s frame it a little different this time. Let’s look at it in relation to what we do when opportunities come regarding where God might lead us if we stopped getting in his way.   Often, when I talk about learning to say no, it’s in relation to things that someone needs FROM me. Chairing a committee, leading an event, donating time, etc. But what if the real problem is not saying yes to the right things that are great openings FOR me?   If I said yes to all the right things, I’d never have room to take on the wrong things.   What if we stay small, but God opened the door to go big?  What if multiple opportunities come along, and we keep brushing them off?   What if insecurity blocks us from taking the leap and saying yes to the best way to use our talents and gifts?  Discouragement and disappointment live in the place where we say no to the best options FOR us and we settle for everything that sucks the life FROM us.   Let’s change it up.  Life, Repurposed Wherever you are right now, I want you to pause. We’re going to have some thinking time. First, I want you to think about your big dream. Let’s look at the next 5 years.  What would you be doing in 5 years that you aren’t doing today if you had it your way? This might be related to your work, it might a writing goal, speaking, a hobby, a business, a project, a fitness goal, anything.   Now, think about the last few months. When has a door of opportunity edged open a crack and you were too afraid to widen the gap and look inside?   An invitation to speak  A writing mentor or webinar opportunity comes along  A fitness trainer wants to work with you  A great idea popped into your mind  What was your response? Refusing to look inside the cracked door sounds like this:   I can’t afford it.   I’m not good enough. I’m not disciplined enough. I don’t have time.   It’s too good to be true.  Do you see how those are all no’s? It’s self-sabotage. What would happen if you said yes by opening the door and changing the script? That sounds like this:  I’ll find a way to pay for this.  I’m as good as anyone else who is willing to learn.  I’m willing to apply new self-discipline habits.  I’m going to make the time.   It’s wonderfully exciting.   Let’s practice saying yes to the right things!   Recommended Resources   If you’re looking for ways to track your daily progress and work on setting yourself up for the right yesses, I invite you to check out a quarterly goals planner that I created. You can find a sample of it on my website here: 1–2–3 Ideas and Progress Journal   This is created with a daily place to write one big goal and two smaller ones. There is also space to write notes about what brings you joy, create ideas for projects, and celebrate your wins. If you would commit 90 days to saying yes to the right things, I have a feeling you will be amazed at what can happen.       You might also like the time-claiming resources I posted about before.  The Best Yes: Making Wise Decisions in the Midst of Endless Demands by Lysa TerKeurst. She talks about how to say no to in order to overcome the stress of an overwhelmed schedule and the sadness of an underwhelmed soul.  Overwhelmed: How to Quiet the Chaos and Restore Your Sanityby Kathi Lipp and Cheri Gregory. You can simplify and savor your life—guilt free! Clutter, tasks, and relationships may overwhelm you now, but God can help you overcome with grace. Uncluttered: Free Your Space, Free Your Schedule, Free Your Soul by Courtney Ellis. You'll learn tips for paring down your possessions, simplifying your schedule, and practicing the ancient art of Sabbath.  Would you like to be part of our monthly group coaching? Check out the link for membership on the Buy Me a Coffee graphic below to learn more.   Consider joining our Life, Repurposed Facebook community to build connections and engage in conversation about topics from each episode.  (Please note: books posted here on my blog are purely because I want to share them. Sometimes I receive free copies for review, and other times I purchase the books. Some I get from the library. Either way, any endorsement I offer here on the blog is simply because I want to talk about the book. ) Michelle Rayburn is the author of The Repurposed and Upcycled Life: When God Turns Trash to Treasure, as well as a small group Bible study to accompany the book. Learn more about these and her other books here. A sample chapter of the book and Bible study are available for free download. Subscribe and receive an email notice each time a new blog is posted. You can also subscribe on iTunes or on YouTube All blog content copyright MichelleRayburn.com This post contains affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, if you click through and make a purchase, I may receive a commission. I sell my ebook via Amazon but I’m also a part of their “Associates” (i.e. affiliate) program which pays a commission on books and any other Amazon products people purchase via my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. The post Saying Yes Could Change Your Life first appeared on Michelle Rayburn.

In this episode: Could you use a little more kindness on social media? Would you appreciate less arguing and more objectivity? Daniel Darling talks this week about how we use our words in the digital space and how we can change our own behavior to make a difference. (Article contains affiliate links. This means that when you click a link and make a purchase, I might receive a small commission from that purchase.) Inspired Life Dan and I talked about the biggest traps we can fall into on social media these days and how we can avoid them. We discussed navigating the digital world with grace and what that looks like in real life. We discussed the idea of sharing truth in the way that isn’t destructive or attacking.    Quote from Daniel’s Facebook:   “Rule of thumb for politics (and life): don't be so zealous to criticize vulgar talk/ behavior from politicians on the other side if you are unable to muster up criticism when someone on your side exhibits the same behavior.” —Daniel Darling  Daniel mentioned a book by Dave Zahl called Seculosity: How Career, Parenting, Technology, Food, Politics, and Romance Became Our New Religion and What to Do about It (New and Revised) . Zahl said the online shame culture is “Christianity with all of the forgiveness sucked out.”  Daniel said, “It’s ok to wait to comment on something for 24 hours to get the whole story.”     When thinking about the passage in James 1:19 that says let everyone be quick to listen, slow speak, and slow to anger. Daniel Darling says in this day and age, we can be “Quick to read, slow to post, slow to wrath, slow to digital rage.”  He also said, “The quality of your offline life determines the quality of your online life.” He shared how accountability softens the edges for him as he runs things by his confidants before posting.   About Daniel:  Daniel Darling is the Senior Vice President for Communications at  NRB (National Religious Broadcasters). Former Vice President for Communications for the ERLC (Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission), an entity of the Southern Baptist Convention, America’s largest Protestant denomination. Dan is a bestselling author of several books, including Teen People of the Bible, Crash Course, iFaith, Real, Activist Faith, The Original Jesus, The Dignity Revolution, The Characters of Christmas,  A Way With Words, which released in August, 2020, and The Characters of Easter, which just released.  Dan is a prolific writer for a wide variety of publications. More than we can list here! He is the host of a popular weekly podcast, The Way Home, where he interviews Christian leaders, politicians, and journalists.   Life, Repurposed Daniel said, “Social media is here to stay. It’s not going away. We’re not going to suddenly all become Amish. We’re not going to go back to the 1950s. This is where conversations are happening. So, we have to ask ourselves, how do we steward our words on here?” The solution? “Let’s try to be countercultural in the way that we use social media,” he said.  Dan has a free download of a chapter from his book available on his website. In it, he gives 6 tips on how to read the news:  Do I have the whole story?  Is the writer and the media outlet trustworthy?  Am I willing to read news from a variety of sources?  Am I willing to hear bad news about my own tribe?  Am I qualified to comment on this issue?  Can I say something constructive that will evoke a healthy conversation?   Grab that download to get all the text that goes with this list! Download it here  Recommended Resources A Way with Words: Using Our Online Conversations for Good by Daniel Darling    About the book:  Social media was made to bring us together. But few things have driven us further apart.   Sadly, many Christians are fueling online incivility. Others, exhausted by perpetual outrage and shame-filled from constant comparison, are leaving social media altogether. So, how should Christians behave in this digital age? Is there a better way?   Daniel Darling believes we need an approach that applies biblical wisdom to our engagement with social media, an approach that neither retreats from modern technology nor ignores the harmful ways in which Christians often engage publicly.     In short, he believes that we can and should use our online conversations for good.  Dan has some fantastic images on the Way With Words book page on his website that you can post to social media. Other Resources:  Daniel is the hose of The Way Home, a weekly podcast featuring conversations with key Christian leaders on church, community, and culture.  Dan’s newly released book about the characters of Easter: The Characters of Easter: The Villains, Heroes, Cowards, and Crooks Who Witnessed History's Biggest Miracle Consider joining our Life, Repurposed Facebook community to build connections and engage in conversation about topics from each episode.  (Please note: books posted here on my blog are purely because I want to share them. Sometimes I receive free copies for review, and other times I purchase the books. Some I get from the library. Either way, any endorsement I offer here on the blog is simply because I want to talk about the book. ) Michelle Rayburn is the author of The Repurposed and Upcycled Life: When God Turns Trash to Treasure, as well as a small group Bible study to accompany the book. Learn more about these and her other books here. A sample chapter of the book and Bible study are available for free download. Subscribe and receive an email notice each time a new blog is posted. You can also subscribe on iTunes or on YouTube All blog content copyright MichelleRayburn.com This post contains affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, if you click through and make a purchase, I may receive a commission. I sell my ebook via Amazon but I’m also a part of their “Associates” (i.e. affiliate) program which pays a commission on books and any other Amazon products people purchase via my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. The post Using Online Conversations for Good—It’s Possible! first appeared on Michelle Rayburn.

In this episode: If we go through life reacting to circumstances like emotional babies, drama will follow us wherever we go. In this episode, we explore ways to change from being highly reactive into people who can cope using emotional maturity and self-control.  (Article contains affiliate links. This means that when you click a link and make a purchase, I might receive a small commission from that purchase.) Inspired Life I was recently watching my granddaughter as her mommy and daddy played with her. How quickly her face could change from a lit-up smile combined with a belly laugh to a pout and a whimper. It took literally seconds for her to react and change from happy to sad.    With her immature emotions, she’s naturally affected by what goes on in the room. If the adults sound happy, she plays happily on the floor, but if our tone escalates in a serious conversation her reaction, reflects that tone. Because she’s emotionally immature, she’s highly sensitive to being reactive.    She doesn’t have the ability to ration or reason. She doesn’t talk herself into a different state of mind. It’s all reactionary. As long as one of the adults offered a toy, made a funny noise, sang a song, or tickled her tummy, she stayed happy. She could be diverted by a noise or a smile in a positive way. Or diverted by irritation in a negative way.  Have you ever stopped to notice how often adults still react as if they have the emotional control of a 5-month-old baby? I say we, but I mean me. How quickly do we flip to drama mode?   Examples:  Triggered by something on social media to tap out an angry or insulting reply Suddenly crying because someone frustrates me (raising my hand here)   Socially overwhelmed and either withdraw or lash out  Overcome by someone else’s drama and make it worse by joining  Fight or flight takes over with any hint of vulnerability  Feeling unsafe about someone else’s tone and fighting back   While some of this is rooted in past emotional pain that could require the help of a therapist, I think some is just because we chose to be emotionally immature. So, let’s talk about how we can get in a better place.   Life, Repurposed Let’s walk through a couple of simple steps that can help us process.   Name and recognize feelings. I struggle with this more than I once thought. When someone says, “What are you feeling right now?” I’m not always able to answer that well.   Practice being other-centered. It’s natural to talk on and on about ourselves. When someone asks about something, we might give a long answer. But what would happen if I spent a whole phone call with a friend talking about me? What if I missed something in her voice that sounded as if she were about to cry? I try to think of a way to volley the conversation, like tossing a ball back and forth, where I ask a question to learn how the other person is doing.   Exercise a pause. When scrolling social media, I sometimes want to post right away. What I will do is type a reply in the notes app on my computer or phone. I’ll leave that reply there for a bit and read it over. I might adjust some things. I might delete it. But when I post it, I’ve had some time to think about the tone. I’ve tried to do this with emails and letters too. I recently left one for several days before editing it a bit and then sending it to customer service at the organization that had disappointed me.  Learn how my past affects my reactions. It might mean seeing a counselor. It might mean journaling. Self-analysis or professional help, either way, it’s important to know our triggers. My perfectionism makes me put undue burdens on others. I react when they don’t meet my standards. It makes me impatient. But because I’m aware of it, I’m practicing a few questions: Does it matter that much if someone else does something my way? Am I being overly critical? Is this reaction necessary? Is it helping?  Notice when I act like a victim. If I quickly react and blame someone else, I don’t take control of my actions. I ignore my responsibility. Being a victim is like a crying baby. It will gain a lot of attention and perhaps power, but is it healthy?  Delay defensiveness. Emotionally mature people know their strengths and weaknesses and they don’t see constructive criticism as an attack. I don’t love criticism. But this is an area where God is stretching me to receive it better when it can help me learn and grow.   Which of these will you practice this week?   What technique will you use to redirect your attention to something better when you’re triggered?  Recommended Resources I have a couple of resources to recommend today if you’d like to explore the idea of emotional maturity more. Also, I wondered, would you like to buy me a coffee? I’m serious!  If you’ve enjoyed the content and would like to contribute a small amount to support my work, I’d be honored if you use the link. There are several options:  A one-time contribution to say thanks. Enough to buy a cup of my favorite iced mocha with dark chocolate.  A coaching call. Publishing advice for aspiring independent authors or life coaching advice on the kinds of topics featured on the Life Repurposed podcast.   A monthly membership. Members get access to a monthly group coaching call where we will cover personal growth topics.    See the “Buy Me a Coffee” link below for more info!  Emotional Intelligence 2.0 by Travis Bradberry  Emotional Intelligence 2.0 delivers a step-by-step program for increasing your EQ via four, core EQ skills that enable you to achieve your fullest potential: Self-Awareness, Self-Management, Social Awareness, Relationship Management.    Emotionally Healthy Spirituality: It's Impossible to Be Spiritually Mature, While Remaining Emotionally Immature by Peter Scazzero  Peter Scazzero outlines a roadmap for discipleship with Jesus that is powerfully transformative. He unveils what's wrong with our current definition of "spiritual growth" and offers not only a model of spirituality that actually works, but seven steps to change that will help you experience authentic faith and hunger for God.    Consider joining our Life, Repurposed Facebook community to build connections and engage in conversation about topics from each episode.  (Please note: books posted here on my blog are purely because I want to share them. Sometimes I receive free copies for review, and other times I purchase the books. Some I get from the library. Either way, any endorsement I offer here on the blog is simply because I want to talk about the book. ) Michelle Rayburn is the author of The Repurposed and Upcycled Life: When God Turns Trash to Treasure, as well as a small group Bible study to accompany the book. Learn more about these and her other books here. A sample chapter of the book and Bible study are available for free download. Subscribe and receive an email notice each time a new blog is posted. You can also subscribe on iTunes or on YouTube All blog content copyright MichelleRayburn.com This post contains affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, if you click through and make a purchase, I may receive a commission. I sell my ebook via Amazon but I’m also a part of their “Associates” (i.e. affiliate) program which pays a commission on books and any other Amazon products people purchase via my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. The post How to Increase Self-Control and Emotional Maturity first appeared on Michelle Rayburn.

In this episode: Kevin White found himself in a performance trap in bondage to the fear of failure. Fired from the ministry, this painful experience afforded him the freedom to live generously. He asked God to give his family food so that others could eat. In one year, they went from a family needing food to sharing food with over 500 families per month. (Article contains affiliate links. This means that when you click a link and make a purchase, I might receive a small commission from that purchase.) Inspired Life In our interview, Kevin talked about being a pastor and having such an unhealthy focus on work that he lost his job. Their process of surviving financially led to founding a ministry and a whole movement of generosity. Almost broke, God led him to feed others while trying to figure out how to feed his own family. Kevin also talked about what it was like to be caught in a performance trap and trying to measure up to an impossible standard. About Kevin White: As an author, speaker, and leader, Kevin White, is convinced that audacious generosity transforms the world. Kevin’s on a mission to empower a culture of generosity throughout the world with his book, Audacious Generosity, and his annual campaign, Generosity Award. A seasoned pastor and entrepreneur, Kevin founded With Love From Jesus Ministries in 1999 to distribute essential resources to high-need populations. The organization continues to carry out its original mission by distributing millions of dollars in resources each year to those who need it most. In 2003, Kevin founded Global Hope India, and he continues to lead the mission-minded organization focused on Indian Nationals as its executive director. Kevin has traveled to India over 50 times taking one thousand people on short-term mission trips to India. Outside of building successful nonprofits with world-changing impact, Kevin has started churches and businesses. He speaks internationally and hosts three podcast shows in the USA. An ordained minister, Kevin received his undergraduate degree in 1989 from Southern Wesleyan University. Kevin and his wife, Shelly, have been married 33 years. They have three adult children and one grandchild. Kevin and Shelly live in Cary, North Carolina. Life, Repurposed Kevin said PushPay Research found of families that make $75,000+, only 1 percent donated a tenth if their income. PushPay Research also found that giving to mission is down 50% since 1990. We talked about God’s principles of generosity. This isn’t prosperity gospel. This is about trusting that if we return a portion of what God gives us back to him, he will provide for our needs in unexpected ways. “Generosity is something that happens long before you crack open your wallet or you write a check…If you’re not generous with kindness, if you’re not generous with compassion, you’ll never be generous monetarily.” — Kevin White “We think when we get blessed then we will be generous. God says generosity is your path to blessing. Jesus flips God’s blessings upside down! It’s more blessed to give than to receive. Generous then blessed. God has never asked anyone for something he himself hadn’t already given them in advance.” —Kevin White   Recommended Resources Audacious Generosity: How to Experience, Receive, and Give More Than You Ever Thought Possible From the back cover: WHERE GOD IS THE GIVER AND GIVING DEPENDS ON WHAT GOD PUTS UNTO YOUR HANDS. Given the choice, every one of us wants to be more generous, but fear holds us back. Audacious Generosity shows you how to exchange any sense of pressure and regret about giving for genuine confidence and satisfaction. Gone are the days where you feel pressured to be the giver. Instead, Audacious Generosity will empower you to give limitlessly—as God gives through you. By reading this book, you will learn to enjoy a loving relationship with God that’s fueled by courage, characterized by freedom, and overflowing with audacious generosity. As God combines courage and freedom in your life, you will experience, receive, and give more than you ever thought possible. See what happens when you open your hands to God and commit in advance to use what He puts into our hands to fulfill His mission. Consider joining our Life, Repurposed Facebook community to build connections and engage in conversation about topics from each episode.  (Please note: books posted here on my blog are purely because I want to share them. Sometimes I receive free copies for review, and other times I purchase the books. Some I get from the library. Either way, any endorsement I offer here on the blog is simply because I want to talk about the book. ) Michelle Rayburn is the author of The Repurposed and Upcycled Life: When God Turns Trash to Treasure, as well as a small group Bible study to accompany the book. Learn more about these and her other books here. A sample chapter of the book and Bible study are available for free download. Subscribe and receive an email notice each time a new blog is posted. You can also subscribe on iTunes or on YouTube All blog content copyright MichelleRayburn.com This post contains affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, if you click through and make a purchase, I may receive a commission. I sell my ebook via Amazon but I’m also a part of their “Associates” (i.e. affiliate) program which pays a commission on books and any other Amazon products people purchase via my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. The post The Practice of Audacious Generosity first appeared on Michelle Rayburn.

In this episode: Has comparison kept you from fulfilling the purpose God intended for you? Do you experience highs and lows in your positive outlook based on appearance or body or image? This week, we continue from last week with talking about how to break the chains of unhealthy comparison and experience God’s best for us. (Article contains affiliate links. This means that when you click a link and make a purchase, I might receive a small commission from that purchase.) Inspired Life Last week, I talked with Heather Creekmore about comparison and about how she overcame a constant struggle with body image. This week, let’s continue that conversation with some thoughts about how comparison affects everyday life and how we can change our mindset. I’m not sure we ever really get over comparison. But I’m in a better place than I was at one point. I want to share some of the dangers that I talked about in the opening chapters of my book, The Repurposed and Upcycled Life. The dangers come when our mindset centers around our physical appearance or even our body health and not the other way around. If I believe that I can only smile if I am thin, or if I have lost my joy, what happens if my body changes? When I think other people have something that God forgot to give me, comparison has gone awry. If I lose weight and people tell me I look great and then I gain some, or all of it, back, what do I now believe about myself? See episode 8  where I talked about how we can start to make this part of our self-worth. When I long for someone else’s life, body, job, talents, success, etc. and I don’t see what I already have, this is dangerous. If my insecurity about my body, my image, abilities, or anything else causes me to withdraw from participating in life or from volunteering or serving, comparison has frozen me. Let’s look for some ways we can move past comparison to a healthy place of living out what God has designed for each of us. Life, Repurposed I’m not a perfect body weight. I have extra chins. But long ago I broke out of the chains of bondage that said I wasn’t good enough, qualified enough, or skinny enough to pursue the big audacious opportunities God provided. Guess what happens? When we say yes to a small opportunity, God keeps opening up more. When I stopped waiting to be a certain size to pursue writing and speaking, I put it all out there on stage. Sometimes literally. There was the time where I spoke for a group of bankers at their Christmas party and on my way to my car, I discovered my slip had not only bumped down below my belly roll (I could feel it while I was speaking), but it had slid right down my thighs. I didn’t know it had gone that far, But as I paced back and forth on that stage with complete confidence, I can only be thankful that perhaps with a few Christmas cocktails in them, they didn’t notice the weird lace-trimmed satin that had slid low enough to practically make a maxi dress out of my knee-length one. As I schlepped my tote bag and purse to the car, I felt its restriction around my legs. I’ve discovered there is a spiritual root, not a physical one, that keeps me from freedom. It isn’t my body size that restricts me from full-on living, it’s my mindset. Pride. I know the thoughts of people. I know how they criticize people on the stage or in the photo shoot. I’ve seen the comments about news anchors and Hollywood stars. But God didn’t call me to live for the approval of those people. He called me to live for his approval. Pride goes both ways. It can also lead me to believe I’m better than someone else. Shame. When stuck in unhealthy comparison, we live in a place of constant shame, thinking we don’t measure up. Envy. This causes us to dislike people who have something we want. It might make us angry when they achieve something we wanted to achieve. Their happiness might irritate us. I wanted to bring another voice into this episode and have my friend Amber Cullum share a few words about comparison. Amber is the host of the Grace Enough podcast, and she was a guest on episode 71. Listen as Amber Cullum tells us about how there is a difference between healthy and unhealthy comparison. Amber cautioned against two things we might say: I am better than I don’t measure up She also mentioned Galatians 6:3–6 “Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, for each one should carry their own load. Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word should share all good things with their instructor” (NIV). I love Amber’s questions: Why am I comparing? Is the comparison breeding sinful behavior or motivating me toward godliness? Is this fulfilling my purpose to glorify God? Recommended Resources If you want to continue thinking about this topic, I encourage you to check out my book and companion Bible study book: The Repurposed and Upcycled Life: When God Turns Trash to Treasure. You can get info and learn how you can sign up for a download of a sample of the first chapter on my website.   Consider joining our Life, Repurposed Facebook community to build connections and engage in conversation about topics from each episode.  (Please note: books posted here on my blog are purely because I want to share them. Sometimes I receive free copies for review, and other times I purchase the books. Some I get from the library. Either way, any endorsement I offer here on the blog is simply because I want to talk about the book. )   Michelle Rayburn is the author of The Repurposed and Upcycled Life: When God Turns Trash to Treasure, as well as a small group Bible study to accompany the book. Learn more about these and her other books here. A sample chapter of the book and Bible study are available for free download. Subscribe and receive an email notice each time a new blog is posted. You can also subscribe on iTunes or on YouTube All blog content copyright MichelleRayburn.com This post contains affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, if you click through and make a purchase, I may receive a commission. I sell my ebook via Amazon but I’m also a part of their “Associates” (i.e. affiliate) program which pays a commission on books and any other Amazon products people purchase via my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. The post End Negative Comparison and Experience New Purpose first appeared on Michelle Rayburn.

Get to know Heather Creekmore, a writer, podcaster, and former contestant on the Netflix show Nailed It! Heather shared about how she overcame her own struggles and now encourages other women as they wrestle with body image and comparison.  The post Let Go of Struggles with Body Image and Comparison first appeared on Michelle Rayburn.

Let's launch this year well! Sometimes, we start out with great plans, but they get off track quickly. In this episode, Michelle talks about the art of setting goals, negotiating time, and getting things done. Don't miss info about a brand new productivity planner too! The post Expectations and Productivity: New Method for a New Year first appeared on Michelle Rayburn.

Michelle talks with her husband, Phil, about the different types of laugh languages spouses might have. Phil brings his usual dry humor as they chat on their anniversary about how laughter has helped them keep their relationship strong for three decades.  The post What Is Your Laugh Language? Humor in Marriage first appeared on Michelle Rayburn.

This week, it's a Christmas variety show with some of my friends from the Christian Podcasters Association. Several friends have each put together a 5-minute Christmas episode for my listeners. Enjoy the music, radio theatre, and Christmas reflections. The post Podcast Christmas Party: A Variety Show first appeared on Michelle Rayburn.

How can we respond when we're at a crossroads, unsure of what to do next? What if we cave to stress or mess up? In this episode, guest Amber Cullum talks with me about how she found that God's grace was enough when she could never be enough. And she shared how a gratitude list helps to keep her in the right mindset. The post Grace Enough and Daily Gratitude first appeared on Michelle Rayburn.

Very little about this year has been easy. But it can still be good. What if it is all an opportunity to become better people? What if the fire is what refines us? In this episode, I talk through options for how we can respond, and I leave you with a resource about going through trials. The post How the Fire Refines Us: Five Ways to Look at 2020 first appeared on Michelle Rayburn.

In this episode, I sit down with Dena Dyer, author of Wounded Women of the Bible: Finding Hope When Life Hurts. She shares her journey through postpartum depression and is so vulnerable in telling her story. Listen in to learn how to find hope and healing in the midst of depression and anxiety. The post From Depression and Anxiety to Hope and Healing first appeared on Michelle Rayburn.

This episode is packed with ideas for fun and creative things you can do with friends and family from a distance. If your pandemic holiday needs something a lot more interesting than a video chat, you'll want to check it out. Plus, an Advent resource from author Jane Rubietta, and a secret discount offer on one of my books hidden in the episode. It's a must-listen episode! The post Reclaiming Christmas: Ways to Make the Holidays Special in a Pandemic first appeared on Michelle Rayburn.