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Today's guest is Joanna Nelson. Joanna is a wife and momma of 5, and step-mom of 3. She tells her story of following God in the middle of a broken marriage, living life as a single mom, finding peace in the middle of a divorce, and finding joy in Christ in the middle of it all. Thanks for joining us for this episode where you will be encouraged as you hear about Joanna’s faith to trust in the Lord through some difficult life circumstances. Maybe you’ve found yourself in a place where you’re trying to be obedient to God through a difficult season. We hope this episode encourages you to hold tight to God and His Word, even when it’s hard, especially when life feels out of control. If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to share it with a friend. You can find us on Instagram @517lifepodcast and use the hashtag #517lifepodcast when you share this episode with other women in your life! Follow The Exchange on Instagram @theexchange_, Facebook, or on our website www.theexchange.cc. Watch The Exchange gatherings LIVE on our website or Facebook every Sunday at 9:30 AM & 11 AM CT.  Make sure you subscribe to The 5:17 LIFE Podcast so you don't miss a minute of LIFE!

On this episode, you’ll hear from Lexie Polzin. She shares  her very transparent story about her recent experience with postpartum depression after the birth of her third child. This episode mentions postpartum depression, as well as intrusive and suicidal thoughts. If hearing about these topics may be distressing to you, you may want to save this episode to listen to at a later date. Also, we don’t recommend this episode for little ears. This conversation was rich with real-life topics but also a message of hope. Lexie shares how she has let the Good Shepherd lead her through what felt like the valley of death, just like Psalm 23 says. Recommended Resources from this episode: Get Out of Your Head  Get Out of Your Head Study Guide  The Bible Recap Gentle and Lowly: The Heart of Christ for Sinners and Sufferers This Isn't What I Expected: Overcoming Postpartum Depression  Watershed Counseling Burt's Bees Hydrating Lip Oil Thanks for listening to this episode of The 5:17 LIFE Podcast. We are grateful for Lexie’s willingness to share the real and painful parts of her story in the battle for her mind after giving birth. Post Partum Depression is more common than you might think, and if you or someone you know is struggling, we hope you heard from Lexie today about the importance of reaching out to someone to get help. We’re here for you if you don’t have anyone else you can turn to. You can find us on FB or Instagram or through email at podcast@theexchange.cc. Thanks so much for letting us be a part of your week, and don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss a minute of LIFE!  Follow The Exchange on Instagram  @theexchange_, Facebook, or on our website www.theexchange.cc. Watch The Exchange gatherings LIVE on our website or Facebook every Sunday at 9:30 AM and 11 AM.  Make sure you subscribe to The 5:17 LIFE Podcast so you don't miss a minute of LIFE!

We are excited to bring you an amazing story of God’s pursuit as you hear from Haley Deen. Haley is a mama to Addyson and Brantley and is currently in school to become a nurse. In this episode, Haley shares part of her story where she found herself in jail because of her own life decisions, and I can’t wait for you to hear how God worked through some major life setbacks to bring salvation and restoration to Haley and her family.  We’re thankful to Haley for her willingness to share her story so that God can continued to get the glory from it! If you want to let Haley know how her story encouraged you, you can send an email to podcast@theexchange.cc. If you’d like to find out more about serving women in jail in Rankin County, let us know! We’d love to connect you with Haley and help equip you to get involved.  You can find us on Instagram @517lifepodcast and use the hashtag #517lifepodcast when you share this episode with other women in your life! You can also email us at podcast@theexchange.cc. We'd love to hear from you!Follow The Exchange on Instagram @theexchange_, Facebook, or on our website www.theexchange.cc. Watch The Exchange gatherings LIVE on our website or Facebook every Sunday at 9:30 & 11 AM CT.  Make sure you subscribe to The 5:17 LIFE Podcast so you don't miss a minute of LIFE!

We're back for Season 3!! This season will highlight stories of women just like you who have surrendered their lives to Jesus and are seeking to follow Him daily. To kick off this season, we get to share with you our interview with Kim Nelson.  Kim is a wife and mother of 3 who finds her identity as a daughter of the Most High God.In this episode, we talk about:  Finding identity as women of God Worshipping in the mundane What a romance with God looks like How to go on adventures with God How to mentor and walk through life with other women The Takeaway: God is calling his children to a grand adventure with Him and for His glory! Will you be a part of it or will you miss it and settle for religion? Resources: Bible Reading Plans with TipsThe Bible Recap Podcast (a daily 8 minute podcast that explains the Bible)Check out the resources at She Reads TruthBook recommendation from Kim: Captivating: Unveiling the Mystery of a Woman's Soul by Stasi Eldredge  You can find us on Instagram @517lifepodcast and use the hashtag #517lifepodcast when you share this episode with other women in your life! You can also email us at podcast@theexchange.cc. We'd love to hear from you! Follow The Exchange on Instagram @theexchange_, Facebook, or on our website www.theexchange.cc. Watch The Exchange gatherings LIVE on our website or Facebook every Sunday at 9:30 & 11 AM CT.   Make sure you subscribe to The 5:17 LIFE Podcast so you don't miss a minute of LIFE!

Meet Dana Phillips! Dana is a pastor's wife, mama to two boys, and queen of organizing and decluttering spaces. She and her husband Bryant live in Clinton, MS with their boys, Luke and Ben. In this episode, we talk about: How God called Dana and her family to move to Mississippi without promise of a job Tips and tricks for organizing spaces When and how to declutter areas of your home Family vision statement and values Parenting principles for teaching kids responsibility at an early age The Takeaway: You can organize your spaces, but let God organize your life!Resources:The Minimal Mom on YouTubeReminders:  You can find us on Instagram @517lifepodcast and Facebook. Use the hashtag #517lifepodcast when you share this episode with other women in your life!  Follow The Exchange on Instagram @theexchange_, Facebook, or on our website www.theexchange.cc. Watch The Exchange gatherings LIVE on our website or Facebook every Sunday at 9:30 & 11 AM CT.   Make sure you subscribe to The 5:17 LIFE Podcast so you don't miss a minute of LIFE!

Meet Celeste Jordan! Celeste is a wife, mom, and occupational therapist. She and her husband Josh lead worship at The Exchange in Pearl, MS. They have three children, Piper (7), Judah (6), and Brooks (almost 3). With 3 kiddos, and being in ministry, they like to say they have front row tickets to the circus, and it's the best show on earth! In this episode, we talk about: How God used an entire soccer team's love for Jesus to call Celeste to live for Him The amazing journey of faith Celeste has been on for the last 2 years  Why comfort and faith are often in opposition to each other Speaking the truth in love to friends who are living in opposition to God's Word The importance of Sabbath and rest in Scripture and how that applies to our lives today The Takeaway: You can believe He is able and cease striving. Resources:Ten Words to Live By by Jen Wilkin (recommended by Celeste, not mentioned in final edit)Jen Wilkin (recommended by Celeste, not mentioned in final edit)The Glow Wand by Tarte The Chosen SeriesReminders:  You can find us on Instagram @517lifepodcast and Facebook. Use the hashtag #517lifepodcast when you share this episode with other women in your life!  Follow The Exchange on Instagram @theexchange_, Facebook, or on our website www.theexchange.cc. Watch The Exchange gatherings LIVE on our website or Facebook every Sunday at 9:30 & 11 AM CT.   Make sure you subscribe to The 5:17 LIFE Podcast so you don't miss a minute of LIFE!

Meet Lauren Compere. Lauren is an advocate for those with disabilities. She is also one of the founders of One Shred of Hope, a non-profit ministry in Clinton, MS that provides jobs and housing communities for people with disabilities. Most importantly, Lauren does not let her circumstances define her, but she shares her faith and sets out to glorify God with her life, no matter her limitations. In this episode, we talk about:  What it's like to have a physical disability Being creative when sharing the gospel with those with disabilities Not being defined by any disability or limitation Understanding the gospel, and not adding to it How to build community among those with physical disabilities and those without within the church How you can be a part of Team LC The Takeaway: We all have some kind of disability, but that doesn't define who we are.Reminders:  If you're interested in being a part of Team LC, learn more here.  To support or promote One Shred of Hope, click here! If you'd like to connect with Lauren, you can find her on Instagram.  You can find us on Instagram @517lifepodcast and use the hashtag #517lifepodcast when you share this episode with other women in your life! Follow The Exchange on Instagram @theexchange_, Facebook, or on our website www.theexchange.cc. Watch The Exchange gatherings LIVE on our website or Facebook every Sunday at 9:30 & 11 AM CT.   Make sure you subscribe to The 5:17 LIFE Podcast so you don't miss a minute of LIFE!

Meet Shelby Hennessy! She's a baker turned entrepreneur, owner of The Blue Feather in Pearl, MS. She is married to Joseph, and they have two children, Hawkins and Annie. In this episode, we talk about:  Starting a business during the COVID-19 pandemic Juggling being a mom and a business owner How to know if you're depressed and what to do about it Communication in relationships How every Jesus-follower  has a God-story of being brought from death to life The Takeaway: Life can be difficult, but that doesn't mean you give up.Reminders:  Check out The Blue Feather here! You can find us on Instagram @517lifepodcast and use the hashtag #517lifepodcast when you share this episode with other women in your life!  Follow The Exchange on Instagram @theexchange_, Facebook, or on our website www.theexchange.cc. Watch The Exchange gatherings LIVE on our website or Facebook every Sunday at 10 AM CT.   Make sure you subscribe to The 5:17 LIFE Podcast so you don't miss a minute of LIFE!

Meet Lively Hawkins! She's a Chicago-native who made her way to Mississippi in an unlikely way, but that's where she met her husband Joe. They live in Byram, Mississippi with their 3 children, Asher, Joyous, & Josiah. In this episode, we talk about:  How God orchestrates the details of our life before we even know He's at work God's Word being the primary way He speaks to us How and why we should hide God's Word in your heart Why every word in the Bible matters Where you can find cute jeans - Adeline Clothing The Takeaway: God's Word matters for your lifeReminders:  You can find us on Instagram and Facebook. Use the hashtag #517lifepodcast when you share this episode with other women in your life! Follow The Exchange on Instagram @theexchange_, Facebook, or on our website www.theexchange.cc. Watch The Exchange gatherings LIVE on our website or Facebook every Sunday at 9:30 & 11 AM CT.  Make sure you subscribe to The 5:17 LIFE Podcast so you don't miss a minute of LIFE!

Meet Trina Urbina! She is a wife, mom, and owner of Sweet Bliss Cakes! You can find her delicious treats at The Market House in Pearl, MS or special order through her website sweetblisscakes.com. More than her amazing baking and decorating skills, we want you to hear the WHY behind her WHAT. In this episode, we talk about:  How she got into the cake business How difficult it was to leave her full-time job to pursue her passion Her foster care journey of faith How everyone can care for orphans through fostering or supporting families who foster Her dream to own bakery with a purpose The Takeaway: Give God your "Yes" and watch Him do the rest!Reminders: You can find us on Instagram and Facebook. Use the hashtag #517lifepodcast when you share this episode with other women in your life! Follow The Exchange on Instagram @theexchange_, Facebook, or on our website www.theexchange.cc. Watch The Exchange gatherings LIVE on our website or Facebook every Sunday at 9:30 & 11 AM CT.  Make sure you subscribe to The 5:17 LIFE Podcast so you don't miss a minute of LIFE!

Meet Morgan Stevens! She is passionate about LIFE! She is passionate about her career as a preschool teacher, and about living her life in genuine worship to God. In this episode, we talk about: What preschoolers can teach us about approaching God and His Word Ways comparison and insecurities can keep us from being obedience to God's calling How to make everything we do an act of worship to God Why our perspective on any situation can be a game changer The Takeaway: Don't let insecurities and comparison keep you from being used by God!Resources:The Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd JonesAnn VoskampAcme Oyster House in New Orleans, LADrago's Seafood Restaurant in Jackson, MSReminders:  If anyone you know is looking to make a move to Clarke County in Mississippi, send us a DM! We'd love to introduce you to Morgan's home for sale. You can find us on Instagram @517lifepodcast and Facebook. Use the hashtag #517lifepodcast when you share this episode with other women in your life!  Follow The Exchange on Instagram @theexchange_, Facebook, or on our website www.theexchange.cc. Watch The Exchange gatherings LIVE on our website or Facebook every Sunday at 9:30 & 11 AM CT.   Make sure you subscribe to The 5:17 LIFE Podcast so you don't miss a minute of LIFE!

Woo Hoo! We're excited to kickoff season 2 of The 5:17 LIFE Podcast! In today's episode, you'll hear some of what's planned for season 2 (without any spoilers!) and Virginia, Heather, & Kerri share about some resources that are helping them draw closer to God in 2021. We want to hear from you! Send us a DM on Instagram or Facebook and let us know:   Who do you know with a God story to share? (Even if she doesn't think she has a story to share!) What are some resources you're loving that are helping you connect with God? Here are links to resources discussed in today's episode: Val Marie Paper Prayer JournalThe Simple Study Binder by @writercarolineThe Bible RecapThe Life Journal Reading Plans Follow The Exchange on Instagram @theexchange_, Facebook, or on our website www.theexchange.cc. Watch The Exchange gatherings LIVE on our website or Facebook every Sunday at 9:30 AM & 11 AM CST.  Use the hashtag #517lifepodcast when you share this episode with other women in your life!Make sure you subscribe to The 5:17 LIFE Podcast so you don't miss a minute of LIFE!

Today's guest on the podcast is Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Rebecca Turner. Author of two books, Mind Over Fork, and Enjoy Good Health, Rebecca's mission is to challenge the world's view of wellness, and to beg women to let go of superficial numbers that don't define their self-worth or their salvation. We think you'll love Rebecca's no-nonsense approach to food, and we pray you'll be able to surrender your disordered eating to the Lord and exchange it for freedom and joy found in Jesus!You can also listen to Rebecca each week on her SuperTalk Mississippi  show, Good Things with Rebecca Turner,  and on her podcast, Rebecca Turner Nutrition. Follow Rebecca on Instagram and Facebook, and on her website. You can find us on Instagram @517lifepodcast and Facebook. Remember to use the hashtag #517lifepodcast when you share this episode with other women in your life! Follow The Exchange on Instagram @theexchange_, Facebook, or on our website www.theexchange.cc. Watch The Exchange gatherings LIVE on our website or Facebook every Sunday at 10 AM CT.   Make sure you subscribe to The 5:17 LIFE Podcast so you don't miss a minute of LIFE!

In today's episode, we’re talking about waiting on God and we get to hear from Sherilyn Marks, LittleLIFE Director at The Exchange, about a season of her life where she had to wait on God and it ended up changing the course of her whole life. If you’re in a season of waiting right now - waiting on anything - you are going to be encouraged by this episode! If you’re in a season of waiting on God right now, find someone you trust to walk through this season with you. We all need encouragement, especially in times of waiting and when life doesn’t make sense. When we surrender our desires to the Lord, we can live in peace knowing that He is working things out for our good and for HIs glory. If this episode encouraged you, let us know! You can find us on Instagram @517lifepodcast and use the hashtag #517lifepodcast when you share this episode with other women in your life! We’d also like to ask you to take 2 minutes and rate this podcast on iTunes. Of course, we’d love for you to give us 5 stars - and leave a review letting people know why you enjoy the show!  Follow The Exchange on Instagram @theexchange_, Facebook, or on our website www.theexchange.cc. Watch The Exchange gatherings LIVE on our website, YouTube, or Facebook every Sunday at 9:30 & 11 AM CT.   Make sure you subscribe to The 5:17 LIFE Podcast so you don't miss a minute of LIFE!

On today’s episode we’re excited to bring you the wisdom of one of our mentors, Linda Ray. If you’ve wished for the chance to sit with a mentor, this is your chance. She is a passionate Jesus follower who spent 20 years serving the Lord on the mission field in the Ukraine, where she and her husband, Mike raised two daughters while serving church planters in the Ukraine. Since moving back to the States, Linda serves as a mentor to many women in her local church and community and is passionate about prayer, including leading prayer walks and teaching women to how to pray. She is also a servant, and you’ll hear her share how simple it can be to make a difference in someone else’s life in this conversation with Linda Ray. Sometimes we make serving Jesus really complicated, and it doesn’t have to be! It’s about daily doing the things He puts in front of us to do and loving the people He puts in front of us to love. It really can be THAT simple. We are so grateful for women like Linda who are daily serving the Lord in those ways, by spending time with and praying for other women. We hope you are encouraged today to start right where you are and let the Lord use you in someone else’s life today!  You can find us on Instagram @517lifepodcast and use the hashtag #517lifepodcast when you share this episode with other women in your life! Follow The Exchange on Instagram @theexchange_, Facebook, or on our website www.theexchange.cc. Watch The Exchange gatherings LIVE on our website or Facebook every Sunday at 9:30 & 11 AM CT. COOL NEWS! Thanks to you sharing with your friends, as of this episode, we have reached over 3,000 downloads!! We continue to hear stories of how God is using this podcast to not only encourage women in their walks with the Lord, but also minister to women who aren’t connected to a relationship with God. Here are some ways you can help this podcast reach more women: leave us a rating and review on iTunes and let people know why you love this podcast! Make sure you are subscribed to the podcast, and share the episodes on your social channels and with your friends! We’re excited to be sharing LIFE with you!

Our guest on episode 15 is Abby Landis. Abby is a witty, down to earth, lighthearted friend who will make you laugh if you’re with her for any length of time. Today, she shares about her life of running away from God and about God’s constant pursuit of her through addiction, cancer, failed marriage, and shame. Lean in for this conversation full of God’s grace and kindness AND a BIG announcement...(listen to find out!)We know you'll be encouraged by Abby's story knowing there’s nowhere you can hide from God’s love, no matter what you’ve done or how far you’ve run, He’s constantly pursuing His children. You can find us on Instagram @517lifepodcast and on Facebook. Use the hashtag #517lifepodcast when you share this episode with other women in your life! Follow The Exchange on Instagram @theexchange_, Facebook, or on our website www.theexchange.cc. Watch The Exchange gatherings LIVE on our website or Facebook every Sunday at 9:30 and 11 AM CT.Please leave us a review on iTunes, and make sure to share and subscribe so you don’t miss a minute of LIFE! 

If you've ever hid pain and brokenness behind a smile, then you'll relate to some of Natalie's story she shares on this episode! Her story is one of pain, being a teenage mother, addiction, infidelity, divorce, and of Jesus meeting her in the middle of her greatest heartbreak. Natalie shares candidly about her journey, about being honest with God, and about how she surrendered to God a life that looked nothing like what she had planned.Natalie is passionate about serving God and leading other single women to love and follow God more intimately. If you would like to connect with Natalie, or if you are interested in joining her online Bible study, you can email her at hispurpose0314@gmail.com. You can find us on Instagram @517lifepodcast and use the hashtag #517lifepodcast when you share this episode with other women in your life! Follow The Exchange on Instagram @theexchange_, Facebook, or on our website www.theexchange.cc. Watch The Exchange gatherings LIVE on our website or Facebook every Sunday at 9:30 AM and 11 AM CT.   Make sure you subscribe to The 5:17 LIFE Podcast so you don't miss a minute of LIFE!

Have you ever been on course to do one thing in life and God changed those plans to look much different than you could have imagined? Co-Host Kerri Puckett has experienced that in her own life, and in this episode, she tells us all about that journey! She also talks about meeting her high school sweetheart, their long-distance relationship of five years, and what it's like to be a med school spouse. She also talks about how counseling has shaped her life and what motivated her to enroll in grad school in her late twenties. Here's the link to Kerri's favorite NEW thing! Zebella Vintage Vegan Leather Laptop Backpack You can find us on Instagram @517lifepodcast and use the hashtag #517lifepodcast when you share this episode with other women in your life! Follow The Exchange on Instagram @theexchange_, Facebook, or on our website www.theexchange.cc. Watch The Exchange gatherings LIVE on our website or Facebook every Sunday at 10 AM CT.   Make sure you subscribe to The 5:17 LIFE Podcast so you don't miss a minute of LIFE!

Meet Carrie Wassilak, a financial coach who loves Jesus and is passionate about helping women, men, and families find financial freedom and live obediently with their money. In this episode, Carrie shares about her journey into debt and financial chaos, and how God set her on a new path toward managing money God's way. She also gives great wisdom and resources for women who feel shame, guilt, and stress when looking at their bank account. If you've been feeling overwhelmed by your financial situation, it's never too late to reach out for help. You can contact Carrie by email at carriewassilak@gmail.com or by phone 601-932-0122. You can follow her on Instagram @carriewassilak. You can find The 5:17 LIFE Podcast on Instagram @517lifepodcast and use the hashtag #517lifepodcast when you share this episode with other women in your life! Follow The Exchange on Instagram @theexchange_, Facebook, or on our website www.theexchange.cc. Watch The Exchange gatherings LIVE on our website or Facebook every Sunday at 10 AM CT.   Make sure you subscribe to The 5:17 LIFE Podcast so you don't miss a minute of LIFE!

Graduating high school in a global pandemic is the story of all 2020 graduates, including Anna-Claire Cochran. But not even a global pandemic could take away this girl's God-given joy and passion for Jesus and others! Anna-Claire Cochran recently graduated from Park Place Christian Academy in Pearl, Mississippi and will be attending college this fall. In this episode, we chat about what it was like to graduate in the midst of COVID-19, what it's like to be a follower of Jesus in high school, the power of positivity, and advice for teenagers entering their senior year of high school. Anna-Claire also shared how her parents and other leaders in her life were intentional about pointing her to Jesus, her passion for ministry right now, and she even shares about some of her social media influencers like Paul & Morgan and Girl Defined!Maybe you're a mom, grandmother, aunt, or sister of a teenager, or maybe you're a teenager listening to this podcast. Either way, we know you'll love hearing how God is using Anna-Claire to change the world one smile at a time : )You can find us on Instagram @517lifepodcast and use the hashtag #517lifepodcast when you share this episode with other women in your life! Follow The Exchange on Instagram @theexchange_, Facebook, or on our website www.theexchange.cc. Watch The Exchange gatherings LIVE on our website or Facebook every Sunday at 10 AM CT.    Make sure you subscribe to The 5:17 LIFE Podcast so you don't miss a minute of LIFE!