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Do people still say “carpe diem” or is it merely an overused cliché? Darlene Brock and Julie Bender think it’s a relevant phrase, especially now. In this episode, they are inviting you to embrace its meaning for 2021. Who knows what tomorrow brings, today is what you have. The unexpected twists and turns from last year reminded us that life can change in an instant. It’s grit and grace that will help you seize the day; this episode will tell you how to do so while inspiring you to take hold of every moment 2021 brings. Viewing in an app? Full show notes here!   Articles We Mentioned or Know You’ll Love How to Pick the Perfect Shade of Red for Every Skin Tone I work part-time at a clothing store and when I use the word “red” with “shirt” or “dress” in the Read more How to Have Your Own Coffee + Bible Time If you follow me on social media (you should, by the way) you likely see me post on Facebook Read more There’s No One Right Way to Feed Your Faith Spring is in the air, at least that’s what the retailers have told us with their chocolate bunnies and Read more This Is My New Exercise Regimen (for My Faith) I love new beginnings. I’m a girl who enjoys looking back, reflecting, evaluating, and dreaming for the future. For Read more Quote of the episode: “Forever – is composed of Nows.” -Emily Dickinson Check out these episodes we mentioned: Now Is the Time for a Reset – 152 and If You Want To Grow in Faith, Try These Simple Things – 144 Be sure to follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest #gritandgracelife

The fresh start of a new year often causes us to evaluate many areas of our lives, including personal finances. With that in mind, Darlene Brock and Julie Bender brought Rachel Cruze (two-time #1 national best-selling author and financial expert) to the show to share a whole new framework we can use! She’s taking us all the way back to our childhood to consider how we were taught about money and what that says about how we use it. You’ll love how Rachel’s concepts will improve your relationships, your confidence, and your ability to know yourself and your money! We’re confident this episode will pay you back! Rachel Cruze is a two-time #1 national best-selling author, financial expert and host of The Rachel Cruze Show. Since 2010, Rachel has served at Ramsey Solutions, where she teaches people to avoid debt, save money, budget and how to win with money at any stage in life. She’s authored three best-selling books, including Love Your Life, Not Theirs and Smart Money Smart Kids, which she co-wrote with her father, Dave Ramsey. Her latest book Know Yourself, Know Your Money: Discover WHY You Handle Money the Way You Do and WHAT to Do About It will release in January 2021. Follow Rachel on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube or online at rachelcruze.com. Viewing in an app? Full show notes here! Articles We Mentioned or Know You’ll Love Managing Your Money So It Doesn’t Manage You There are a few things that seem to drive us all crazy, for me some days there may be Read more This Is How to Balance Money and Marriage Like a Pro When you made vows “for richer or poorer” to your sweetheart, you probably didn’t realize the role that money Read more The 7 Ways I Paid off Student Loans Do you know what the three scariest words are in the English language? Student… Loan… Debt! For something as Read more Quote of the episode: “You can’t let fear be your financial advisor.” -Rachel Cruze   Be sure to follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest #gritandgracelife

There’s probably no better time for a reset than now! Closing the curtain on 2020 seems like the best idea we’ve heard. But, a grit and grace woman knows that no matter how challenging her circumstances are, she finds strength by going through them, not around them. So, this year deserves a proper send-off. And since it was such a tough one, we’re probably all due for a massive shakeup. This week, co-hosts Darlene Brock and Julie Bender offer suggestions on exactly how to do that. Do you feel stuck? Is there a relationship that is off? Are you in the right job? What a perfect time to consider what you might want to change and evaluate how you’re spending your time, energy, and influence. If you’ve felt stalled out (as most of us have), take a hard look at your priorities to figure out where you want to go. Don’t let the frustrations of this year carry you into the next. Press play and choose to start fresh. Viewing in an app? Full show notes here! Articles We Mentioned or Know You’ll Love Why You Need to Forgive When Forgiveness Seems Impossible If you aren’t sure of what a charged word looks like, consider the word forgiveness. If forgiveness was a Read more Stuck In a Rut? Here’s How to Get Some Perspective A Chick-Fil-A commercial caught my eye the other day. The company is advertising chicken for breakfast. Now I’m not Read more Now Is the Time To Release 2020 Back in December 2019, I was on maternity leave taking care of my three-month-old son, Read more Is There Any Good 2020? If You Say “Yes,” Don’t Feel Guilty When my son died by suicide back in 2015, I was halfway through a four-year Read more 5 Slogans From AA That Will Make Every Woman Wiser My former chosen method of numbing pain included self-medicating with pills and toxic relationships. It’s taken years, open sharing Read more What Happens When You Welcome God Into Your Recovery My breathing is shallow before I step into the stale, dimly lit room. I take a seat, nodding a Read more Why It’s So Important to Have a Mentor and to Be One Too For 12 years (or more) we are taught. Being enrolled in school gives us structure and a guidebook to Read more Quote of the episode: “For last year’s words belong to last year’s language. And next year’s words await another voice. And to make an end is to make a beginning.” -T.S. Eliot Check out these episodes we mentioned: The Complicated Heart – Loving When It Hurts With Sarah Mae – 149, How to Get Over the Pandemic That’s Not Over – 139, and New Year, Strong You! How to Reflect on Your Year in a Helpful Way – 114 Be sure to follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest #gritandgracelife

It’s the end of the year, and we’re wondering if it’s genuinely possible to balance all the parts of our life. Especially after 2020! Are we able to do everything that demands our attention, with the hope of enjoying it, too? Heather Brown, creator of the lifestyle blog My Life Well Loved, joins Darlene Brock and Julie Bender for this very conversation. When you listen, you’ll gather tips from this inspiring lady on how to grow your faith, keep your marriage thriving, and avoid mommy guilt. Heather’s hack for getting her picky toddler to try new things truly surprised us! You’ll appreciate the ladies’ different opinions in this conversation (unique to their personalities, experiences, and generation). But they all agree that self-care cannot be the last thing on our growing lists. This podcast is the perfect listen if you need a recharge and want to be present and enjoy the holidays with those you love. Heather Brown is the creator and editor at My Life Well Loved born of her passion to empower women, inspire confidence, and elevate living a life well loved. She’s a mom to three-year-old, Leyton, and 10 month old, Finn, wife to Eric, and a healthy lifestyle advocate! She’s defined by her faith in Jesus, her Southern roots, and a deep love for people. MLWL is a destination for fitness, fashion, mom hacks, wellness tips, and most importantly, fun! Find and follow along with her on Instagram here. Get Heather’s post about the Enneagram here. Grab her meal planning eBook here. And read more about picky eaters and food therapy with tips from a dietician here. Get the Marco Polo app we talked about here! Viewing in an app? Full show notes here! Articles We Mentioned or Know You’ll Love This Is How a Good Friend Prays There’s a story in the Bible about four men who brought their paralytic friend to Jesus to be healed. Read more How to Use The 5 Love Languages for Strong Friendships A few years ago, I read Gary Chapman’s book, The 5 Love Languages, and have viewed Read more 7 Simple and Memorable Valentine’s Day Date Ideas Because we don’t all have a budget like The Bachelor to take a Maserati to a private jet plane that lands Read more Why You Need to Support Other Women and 5 Ways to Start She sat across from me on the floor, on a multi-colored pillow. We were in a room full of Read more Quote of the episode: “Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.” -Maya Angelou Check out these episodes we mentioned: How Strong Women Can Have Healthy Friendships – 150, If You Want To Grow in Faith, Try These Simple Things – 144, and Rest Easy Moms, Here Are the Things That Matter – 102 Be sure to follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest #gritandgracelife

Do women really need friends? Do they need female friendships? What does it take to create a bond that flourishes? How do you know when a friendship should end because the harm outweighs the good, bringing hurt instead of joy? Can women have long-term friendships? Can they be “just friends” with men? These are just a few of the issues that co-hosts Darlene Brock and Julie Bender consider while unpacking how to deepen relationships with friends who are safe, those you can trust. Also, they’ll discuss how to cut off a bond that has turned toxic. It takes both grit and grace to have quality friendships, and we encourage those! Strong women surround themselves with other strong women—those who can inspire, love, and do this #gritandgracelife together! Viewing in an app? Full show notes here! Articles We Mentioned or Know You’ll Love Why You Should Just Have That Hard Conversation (And How to Do It) Have you ever had that sick, anxious feeling in the pit of your stomach? The one that occurs when you know there’s a conversation you need to have with someone you don’t want to have it with? Or maybe Read more How Friendship Changes as an Adult After graduating college and getting married one month later, I really struggled with making and maintaining friendships. I’m finding that being an adult and experiencing difficulty/disappointments in friendship isn’t a coincidence—though it did leave me bitter in the beginning. Here Read more How Self-Awareness Will Make You Successful “What do you want, Jen?” I thought it was a dumb question. I didn’t have time to think about what I wanted. I was leading a rapidly growing organization, overseeing a multi-million dollar building project, and writing my first book. Read more People Are Becoming Increasingly Lonely: Here’s How to Fight It As I sat down with my second cup of coffee to follow my morning ritual, I scanned my emails when an article caught my attention: Study Reveals Loneliness at Epidemic Levels in America. The results of the study conducted Read more When Your Best Friend Breaks Up With You Friendship is a true gift and a unique relationship, unlike any other I’ve experienced. We don’t talk about friendships breaking up as much as we talk about our romantic relationships; maybe it’s because the unique relationship between girlfriends is Read more 5 Words All Good Friends Need to Know How to Say If I asked you to describe a good friend, I bet the answer your picture would paint would look a lot like mine. The canvas would fill with kindness and caring. We would see laughter and loyalty. There would Read more This Is How a Good Friend Prays There’s a story in the Bible about four men who brought their paralytic friend to Jesus to be healed. So many people were gathered to listen to Jesus teach that the men could not get their friend into the Read more In Need of Mom Friends? 7 Ways to Reach Out Like a deer caught in headlights, I was blindsided when I became a mom. I found myself in the throes of mommyhood right after my husband and I moved from Honolulu to the heart of Dallas. It took months to Read more Establishing Healthy Boundaries in the Grit and Grace Life Healthy personal boundaries are the key to healthy relationships. Without them, healthy relationships are impossible. Yes, you heard that right. Impossible. That is because boundaries provide a necessary and very important distinction between yourself and Read more Quote of the episode: “My best friend is the one who brings out the best in me.” Henry Ford Check out these episodes we mentioned: Grit, Grace & Girlfriends: How to Make Healthy Relationships – 003, Great Friends: 9 Qualities to Be One and Find One – 031 Be sure to follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest #gritandgracelife

Sometimes the people who are supposed to love us the most hurt us the deepest. Wounds from dysfunctional relationships left untreated can cripple us for a lifetime. Sarah Mae, author of The Complicated Heart: Loving Even When It Hurts, joins Darlene Brock and Julie Bender to talk about healing. Having learned how to break the chains of hurt, she shares the complicated relationship she had with her mom, her pain after an abortion, and steps to finding lasting hope and change. In Sarah’s words: “If you’ve struggled with a difficult relationship, if you’ve felt torn-up and crazy and confused because of it, if you just want to know how to move forward and be okay, this story is for you.“ This episode is a must-listen, and we encourage you to share it with someone you know might need it, too. Sarah Mae is a nationally known speaker, the host of The Complicated Heart Podcast, and author of several books, including The Complicated Heart: Loving Even When It Hurts. She loves to travel all over the country speaking at events and encouraging women to walk in freedom. She also has the privilege of sharing beautiful and meaningful products on QVC. She makes her home in Lancaster County Pennsylvania with her woodworker husband, three spunky kiddos, and a naughty yellow lab named Memphis. You can follow her on Instagram or visit her site, here. To learn more about the core lies Sarah talks about on the episode, click here. Viewing in an app? Full show notes here! As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.   Articles We Mentioned or Know You’ll Love Is Your Anger Holding You Hostage? Freedom Can Be Found The assault stole more than my innocence: it also taught me how to withhold forgiveness. As time marched on, that Read more Establishing Healthy Boundaries in the Grit and Grace Life Healthy personal boundaries are the key to healthy relationships. Without them, healthy relationships are impossible. Read more When Dreams Die… Grieving What Should Have Been When we speak of grief it’s normally in the context of losing someone we love, Read more Can You Forgive When There’s No Apology? It can be hard to forgive sometimes, especially when the hurt is great or when the offender doesn’t even Read more Why It’s So Important to Have a Mentor and to Be One Too For 12 years (or more) we are taught. Being enrolled in school gives us structure and a guidebook to Read more Quote of the episode: “She broke me, but He found me and after He bound up my wounds He taught me to love her because she was broken too.” Sarah Mae Check out these episodes we mentioned: Want to Be a Strong Woman? Set Healthy Boundaries – 103 and This Is How to Handle a Hard Relationship With Your Mom – 089 Don’t miss this advice from Dr. Zoe! Ask Dr. Zoe – In Love with a Narcissist, Ask Dr. Zoe – How Do I Leave the Past Behind? Watch the full series of “Would You Rather” videos on our YouTube channel here! Like what you find at Grit + Grace? Support our mission here: Donate Be sure to follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest #gritandgracelife

We women possess innate qualities that make us strong. But did you know that we can do things to grow the power we have within us? Co-hosts Darlene Brock and Julie Bender share seven ways to do so, whether you’re starting now or simply need a reminder. Here are just a few they discuss that we all need to master: respect yourself (and others) go with the flow trust your gut Viewing in an app? Full show notes here!   Articles We Mentioned or Know You’ll Love How to Have a Beautiful Wedding on a Budget Did the new year bring you a new ring? Or, maybe your Valentine surprised you with a proposal for life-long love. No Read more 6 Things to Treasure About Pandemic Life I’ve learned in life that it is really important to look back. To reflect. To pay attention. While COVID-19 Read more 5 Slogans From AA That Will Make Every Woman Wiser My former chosen method of numbing pain included self-medicating with pills and toxic relationships. It’s taken years, open sharing Read more What Does It Take to Be a Strong Woman of Grit and Grace? What defines a strong woman? Can I become strong? How do I find my purpose? Do I have to Read more Quote of the episode: “You see I am neither as good as I want to be or as bad as I could be. I am still a work in progress, growing in grace.” – Darlene Brock Check out these episodes we mentioned: Darlene and Julie Chat Balancing Adulting, Barbells and Booties – 109, Get It Girl! How Self-Respect Can Change Your Life – 097, 7 Things You Can Stop Doing To Be a Strong Woman – 147, and You Are More Inspiring Than You Think – 141 Be sure to follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest #gritandgracelife

We know that a strong woman has a lot of things she has to do. But did you know that there are some things a woman should NOT do in order to be her strongest self? For most of us, it’s hard to identify what those actions and behaviors are, and it’s even more challenging to stop doing them. So, what are the items that you need to erase from your to-do list in life? Co-hosts Darlene Brock and Julie (Graham) Bender offer a little help by suggesting a few ways you can set your course to becoming a stronger you. Here are a few of the don’ts they discuss—things you can stop doing right now: Listening to your negative self-talk Saying yes to everything Sweating the small stuff Join us in this conversation, one for all grit and grace women. We’re here to help you erase these burdens from your list, set them aside, and feel the weight lift off of you, friend. Viewing in an app? Full show notes here. Articles We Mentioned or Know You’ll Love When a Strong Woman Is Quitting, But Not Failing You’re reading this because there is something in your life that you have an inkling you need to let Read more He Brings Me Flowers, but Is That Enough? I have watched as so many women compromise on what they will accept from a man, especially the man Read more 13 Things I Need to Quit For Good, Right Now I need to quit thinking I’m not enough. Because I am. I am a person of value and have Read more How Do I Know What Defines Me? I am single. I am widowed. I am married. I am divorced. I am a mom. I have no Read more 5 Things You Need to Quit Right Now I was scrolling through Instagram the other day and came across a quote Read more If Your Man Didn’t Propose (But Should Have) Read This To the girl who didn’t get the engagement you were expecting, this is what you need to do to Read more This Is How You Protect Your Worth, Girl Honesty is always the best policy… until you are under the fire of pressure and then it looks like Read more To the Mom Terrified of Homeschooling Through the Pandemic I’m a homeschool mom, but don’t write me off as not understanding your situation. Although I’ve homeschooled four out Read more Quote of the episode: “Things to let go at the end of the day: Perfectionism. Limiting beliefs. Toxic people. Bras and pants.” Check out these episodes we mentioned: 7 Things Women Need to Quit Right Now – 010 and Why Hasn’t Your Boyfriend Proposed or Set a Date? With Dr. Zoe Shaw – 140! Don’t miss this advice from Dr. Zoe! Ask Dr. Zoe – Is It My Fault He Hasn’t Proposed?, Ask Dr. Zoe – How Do I Progress in a Relationship From Girlfriend to Wife?, and Ask Dr. Zoe – Why Do Strong Independent Women Scare Men?! Be sure to follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest #gritandgracelife

Single ladies, this one is for you! It seems that a lot of the content out there is focused on finding you a man! But we know that a strong woman doesn’t need to be in a relationship to have value. A healthy relationship can be a significant part of your life, but it’s not essential to living a full and rich life. So, we invited Jessica Hutton, author of Own Your Singleness, to bring a little insight into going beyond simply surviving your singleness, but thriving in it. Jessica introduces us to the 6-single-lady typologies and explains how you can practice active contentment and avoid the pitfalls of frustration and disappointment. She will encourage you to live as a happy, healthy, and prosperous individual who may then attract a happy, healthy, prosperous relationship (if you want one). She’s single, thriving, and living into her purpose, and she will help you realize you can, too. Jessica Hutton is a Licensed Master Social Worker, Life Coach, and author who works with singles and couples to create a life they love, unlearn toxic relationship behaviors, and develop skills that will help them nurture stable, satisfying, and sustainable relationships that last a lifetime. Visit her site, Live and Love Enriched, and follow her on Facebook or Instagram. Read Don’t Become A Bitter Single Christian Woman, from Jessica’s blog, now. Viewing in an app? Full show notes here! Articles We Mentioned or Know You’ll Love 5 Ways to Love Your Single Life So a large majority of your friends are married and you are not. Do you celebrate because you dodged Read more Grit and Grace for All the Single Ladies Relationships and their various roles can be a challenge. Relationships with men… even more challenging.  As women, it’s so Read more This Will Make You Rethink Your Singleness I am engulfed in a society where some of the best things this world has to offer come in Read more If Your Man Didn’t Propose (But Should Have) Read This To the girl who didn’t get the engagement you were expecting, this is what you need to do to Read more Is Marriage Just a Piece of Paper? Or Is It Something More? It appears a lot of women are waiting for their man to propose. They have been a couple for Read more Quote of the episode: “If you’re not happy being single then you’ll never be happy in a relationship. Get your own life first, then share it.” Be sure to follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest #gritandgracelife

This one gets personal. Co-host Julie Graham has already shared a bit of her story—a difficult childhood, married at 21, widowed at 33, and spending the last three years as a single, working mom to her spunky little boy. Back in the dating world, she discovered a gap. There wasn’t much for single Christian women wanting to date online, much less for moms. It seemed like the message was that it was wrong or unsafe, to be avoided at all costs. But, she found her way, employing the advice of a friend of the show and Licensed Therapist, Dr. Zoe Shaw. Now, she’s preparing to become Mrs. Julie Bender, marrying the newly found love of her life during a pandemic in front of their closest family and friends. In this episode, she shares this part of her story, how she met “D” and when she knew he was “the one.” Darlene explores the pitfalls she faced while dating and how they’ve grown as a couple as they become not just husband and wife, but also a family of three. Whether you’ve experienced divorce or widowhood, you’ll find nuggets of truth in this episode—a testimony of how our very own Julie Graham found redemptive love. It just might be there for you, too. Viewing in an app? Full show notes here!   Articles We Mentioned or Know You’ll Love When Will I Be Ready to Date After My Husband’s Death? When my husband passed away suddenly, I knew fairly quickly I would want to date again. For some, that Read more This Is a Window Into My Widowhood I remember getting the call. “Paul has had an accident and it’s not good. We need to get over Read more Is Marriage Just a Piece of Paper? Or Is It Something More? It appears a lot of women are waiting for their man to propose. They have been a couple for Read more When a Strong Woman Is Quitting, But Not Failing You’re reading this because there is something in your life that you have an inkling you need to let Read more 10 Things You Need to Know Before You Try Online Dating Let’s be realistic. I’d love to sit here and write about how to avoid the nightmare of online dating. Read more From a Therapist: This Is Why Your Self-Talk Matters Most people get it wrong when they think about who their greatest influence is. It’s not your mom, your Read more Quote of the episode: “I don’t know exactly what the future holds, but I’m stepping forward with grit, anchored in grace.” -Julie Graham Check out the episode we mentioned: Can You Really Leave Your Past Behind You? – 028, What Today’s Dating Scene is Really Like – 094, Julie Graham’s Untold Story of Heartbreak, Healing and Hope – 101 and Single? How to Thrive in the Online Dating World with Kristin Fry – 037! Be sure to follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest #gritandgracelife

You’ve probably thought about investing in your family’s future. Perhaps you’ve already created plans and budgets, but you may not have considered what your family’s real priorities should be. This episode’s guest, Deborah Meyer, CPA/PFS, CFP®, and Amazon bestselling author of Redefining Family Wealth, brings a fresh look at creating a plan unique to your family. She tells Darlene and Julie that building real wealth is about so much more than money. If the word “budget” makes you break into a cold sweat and a five-year plan (in any area of your life) feels overwhelming, this episode is for you. You’ll discover the intersection of money/finance and your family’s dreams, which should be part of your budget—offering the steps needed to realize them. Don’t stress your bank account or procrastinate these plans any further, just press play. Deborah L. Meyer, CPA/PFS, CFP® and AFCPE® Member, is the Amazon bestselling author of Redefining Family Wealth: A Parent’s Guide to Purposeful Living. Deborah owns Worthy Nest®, a virtual fee-only financial planning and investment advisory firm that helps parents build wealth, and SV CPA Services, an accounting and tax firm for impact-oriented small business owners. You can follow Deb on Facebook and learn more in her article 5 Steps To Build Wealth Without Comprising Your Values. Viewing in an app? Full show notes here!   Articles We Mentioned or Know You’ll Love This Is How to Balance Money and Marriage Like a Pro When you made vows “for richer or poorer” to your sweetheart, you probably didn’t realize the role that money Read more A Girl’s Guide to Smart Spending Almost nine years ago, I was 24 years old and four months pregnant with my little girl. I was Read more 5 Questions to Make the Most of Couple’s Counseling Going into a counseling session by yourself can be intimidating. The idea of opening up to someone you have Read more How to Declutter the Chaos in Your Home and Get Organized I am one of those crazy-productive, ultra-organized people you love to hate. Yep, I Read more We Moved 1,138 Miles to Save Our Marriage Over the holidays, my family of five relocated from a suburb in Saint Louis, Missouri, to a small town Read more Quote of the episode: “Don’t tell me where your priorities are. Show me where you spend your money and I’ll tell you what they are.” -James W. Frick Check out the episode we mentioned: Darlene and Julie Chat Balancing Adulting, Barbells and Booties – 109! Be sure to follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest #gritandgracelife

2020—the year none of us expected. The fear, isolation, and division created have left us feeling lost and even hopeless. But we don’t have to stay here. At Grit and Grace Life, we believe in community, we believe in us. In this episode, Julie and Darlene step back to revisit the things that will sustain us—rebuilding a community of women who value one another and believe in unity, removing fear, and replacing it with hope. If we could look you in the eyes (over your mask), we would encourage you to remove yourself from the news of today, embracing hope for the future. We’d also remind you that to make that future bright, it takes every one of us. You are the one who can change the world; you can be a light in these dark times. Your life matters. Be part of a community of women who can turn the tide, even in the waves that feel insurmountable. We are stronger together as we choose not only to live this 2020 Grit and Grace Life but also to make it count. Viewing in an app? Full show notes here! Articles We Mentioned or Know You’ll Love 4 Surprising Things That Make a Virtuous Woman Working on the back end of Grit and Grace Life has lots of perks. I get to Read more 6 Things to Treasure About Pandemic Life I’ve learned in life that it is really important to look back. To reflect. To pay attention. While COVID-19 Read more My Faith Was Rocked by My Son’s Suicide The world as I knew it ended on July 19, 2015. It was a day that shook my faith Read more How to Become a Better Listener in 5 Simple Steps I am a mom of three children under the age of 10, so I’ve seen pretty much every animated Read more 7 Castles That Will Make Your Fairy-Tale Wedding Dreams Come True Have you always dreamed of tying the knot in a fairy-tale castle? Perhaps the current situation with traveling restrictions Read more Quote of the episode: “Living a life of grace takes an enormous amount of strength and a boatload of tenacity.” Darlene Brock Check out these episodes we mentioned: 4 Realistic Ways to Shift Your Mindset in 2020 – 115, You Are More Inspiring Than You Think – 141, and How to Get Over the Pandemic That’s Not Over – 139 Want to help us grow our community? Share this show, (and/or the articles from Grit and Grace Life that you love) with your community! As more women lock arms with us, we will change the world together. Stay tuned for more tangible ways you can help us expand our reach! Get a preview of this episode, here! Be sure to follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest #gritandgracelife

Every woman has a story. You may not think so but, whether you’re a stay-at-home mom or have all the letters behind your name, your journey can always impact someone else. We need each other. When we share life by telling our story, we’re offering our hard-earned wisdom to uplift each other. It is in these moments when our grit radiates grace. Your past struggles are precisely what another woman is going through today. It is you she can look to right now in the difficulty; it is your journey that will help her believe she can and will get to the other side, stronger. But before you can inspire someone else, you need to know this is true! Darlene Brock and Julie Graham discuss this life reality, stressing the importance of self-love, and share how you can start believing in yourself. This episode will unpack why these tenants of grit and grace allow every woman’s life to inspire others. Don’t miss Julie’s video on self-love: Viewing in an app? Full show notes here! Articles We Mentioned or Know You’ll Love Why I Started Praying for Your Husband Daily I have a heart for marriage. Always have. Since I was a little girl (without a mom, dad, or Read more Every Woman Is Unique, but This Is What We All Struggle With I have spent the last four years of my career mentoring women through online health groups and business coaching. Read more How to Stay Fit (Mind, Body and Soul) While Staying Put I’m writing this from inside the back hatch of my SUV inside my garage. My son is playing in Read more From a Therapist: This Is Why Your Self-Talk Matters Most people get it wrong when they think about who their greatest influence is. It’s not your mom, your Read more Quote of the episode: “Tell the story of the mountain you climbed. Your words could become a page in someone else’s survival guide.”-Morgan Harper Nichols Check out these episodes we mentioned: About Us – 000 and Women and Judgment: Why We Do It and How to Stop – 057 Watch this short preview for this episode, now: Be sure to follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest #gritandgracelife

You’ve been dating your boyfriend forever, and it doesn’t look like he’s ever going to propose. You’re ready to take the next step, but what if he’s not? He may tell you there’s no rush, you love each other, and everything is good just like it is. Or, that your relationship doesn’t need that piece of paper to be a real commitment. Maybe you are engaged, but that wedding date remains in the elusive distant future. You’re not alone! So, how long should you wait? Dr. Zoe Shaw joins co-hosts, Darlene Brock and Julie Graham, to answer these questions and more. She offers us six signs that he’s not ready to take the next step and advice on how to make an ultimatum (and walk away if that time comes). You have every right to want to be married. We hope that this episode will give you the encouragement and confidence you or someone you know needs to leave the never-fiancée or forever-fiancée status behind. You can follow Dr. Zoe by visiting her site, or finding her on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter as well as her podcast, Redefining Your Superwoman. Viewing in an app? Full show notes here! You can also watch her discuss this further in this video! Articles We Mentioned or Know You’ll Love Is Marriage Just a Piece of Paper? Or Is It Something More? It appears a lot of women are waiting for their man to propose. They have been a couple for Read more From a Therapist: This Is Why Your Self-Talk Matters Most people get it wrong when they think about who their greatest influence is. It’s not your mom, your Read more These 10 Red Flags in Dating Should Make You Run Listen, I know it’s 2020. But the other day, I started watching The Hills. Before you click off, let Read more If You Wait for Marriage, Will Your Sex Life Be Boring? So, a client got me thinking. He was discussing waiting until marriage to have sex. He expressed his respect for Read more Quote of the episode: “Love is no good reason to get married. Lack of love is no good reason to get divorced.” -Dr. Zoe Shaw Check out these episodes we mentioned: How to Embrace Love in Every Season With Debra Fileta – 123 and 3 Real Struggles Women Face With Dr. Zoe Shaw – 107! Don’t miss this advice from Dr. Zoe! Ask Dr. Zoe – How Do I Progress in a Relationship From Girlfriend to Wife? and Ask Dr. Zoe – Is It My Fault He Hasn’t Proposed? Watch this short episode preview, now! Be sure to follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest #gritandgracelife

2020 has not gone as hoped. We anticipated “clear vision” and big revelations…not fear, isolation, and a complete disruption of life as we know it. Even though we have to stay stuck in this rut a little longer, there is a way to let this modern-day plague propel us forward. Taking with us the lessons we can learn and blessings to gleaned from this unprecedented time in history. If we look to the bright side, the quarantine did give us all a forced fresh-start. Perhaps through deepened relationships, or finally having time to recognize what part of life was draining. You’ve come to realize the importance of what you miss the most, as well as recognize those things that this season freed you from. It’s time to reset, deciding how to fill our lives and schedules going forward. We can even say “no” to what wasn’t serving our family or us well. But to do that, resist the temptation to feel guilty for not going back to everything you did before. Darlene and Julie offer simple tools to help adjust to the new “almost post-pandemic” normal, even if it’s not over yet. Let’s take this slow ramp-up to feel the losses we’ve experienced while embracing our new balanced grit and grace life when we reach the other side of Covid19. Listen in, get ready to release some of the stress, and find joy again. Viewing in an app? Full show notes here! Articles We Mentioned or Know You’ll Love How to Feel Your Emotions in a Healthy Way With Dr. Zoe Shaw We’re likely to bounce between feelings of happiness, sadness, anger, excitement, exhaustion or any number of other emotions every Read more 5 Slogans From AA That Will Make Every Woman Wiser My former chosen method of numbing pain included self-medicating with pills and toxic relationships. It’s taken years, open sharing Read more How to Create More Balance in Your Life “Finding more balance” didn’t make it on my list of goals last year, but it’s near the top of Read more 4 Reasons Why Being Selfish Is Best for Everyone I was silent as the impassioned tone on the other end of the phone grew in volume. She named Read more How to Stay Fit (Mind, Body and Soul) While Staying Put I’m writing this from inside the back hatch of my SUV inside my garage. My son is playing in Read more 3 Ways to Adjust to a New Normal in the Pandemic Today is a new day, a gift. A blessing and an opportunity to share my story with other women Read more What If? It seems that every conversation I find myself in has this sentiment as part of the discussion: “It’s been Read more Tired? Overwhelmed? 4 Guilt-Free Reasons to Say “No” Tired? Distracted? Disappointed in yourself? Feeling used and used up? There is a good chance you’re saying “yes” to Read more Let Go of Perfection and You’ll Make More Progress “Strive for progress, not perfection” has been something of a motto for me over the past year. I spent Read more Is Your Anger Holding You Hostage? Freedom Can Be Found The assault stole more than my innocence: it also taught me how to withhold forgiveness. As time marched on, that Read more Busyness: Is It Really Your Badge of Honor? As much as I look forward to the autumn season after a laid-back Read more Quote of the episode: “The toughest chapters shape the strongest characters.” -S.R.W poetry Check out these episodes we mentioned: How to Feel Your Emotions in a Healthy Way With Dr. Zoe Shaw – 075, Is the Coronavirus Pandemic Causing Fear? How to Find Hope – 126, and Get It Girl! How Self-Respect Can Change Your Life – 097 Don’t miss this advice from Dr. Zoe! Ask Dr. Zoe – In Love with a Narcissist, Ask Dr. Zoe – How Do I Leave the Past Behind? Get a preview of this episode in this video! Be sure to follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest #gritandgracelife

We don’t often choose the cards life deals us, but we always get to play the hand. At some point, every woman finds herself in a place she didn’t plan to be. Youthful dreams and expectations are often interrupted by challenging circumstances, blindsiding you with realities you never saw coming. Inspired by International Widows Day, co-hosts Julie Graham (widowed boy mom from a very dysfunctional childhood) and Darlene Brock (having already played a lot of life’s hands) talk about how they’ve learned to take what life gives you. They discuss how tough hands build strong women and the necessity of applying grit and grace to every experience, because each one prepares you for the next. You’ll be encouraged as they confess that yes, unexpected life changes can be painful, but they are not always bad. Sometimes, they open up doors and opportunities that never would have come any other way. So, whatever hand you’re holding, we are here to say it will not defeat or define you. Instead, get your game face on, because this is going to make you a strong woman of grit and grace. Viewing in an app? Full show notes here! Articles We Mentioned or Know You’ll Love When You’re Desperate to Know the Reason for Your Pain Friends. I write this with a very heavy heart. Pain. Confusion. Rejection. I want to talk about all of Read more TobyMac’s Son’s Cause of Death Reminds Us That Faith Doesn’t Protect Us From Pain I just read an article that made the cause of TobyMac’s son’s death public. Read more Here Are 5 Ways to Ease Tension in the Midst of a Pandemic “I have too many emotions to count,” I told my therapist a few days ago as we sat looking Read more This Is a Window Into My Widowhood I remember getting the call. “Paul has had an accident and it’s not good. We need to get over Read more Divorce Was Not in the Plan I have walked alongside two ladies I dearly love as they were suffering the heartbreak of divorce. Their disappointment, Read more 4 Surprising Things That Make a Virtuous Woman Working on the back end of Grit and Grace Life has lots of perks. I get to Read more Post-traumatic Growth: Finding Meaning in the Pain Post-traumatic Growth sounds like an oxymoron; growth after trauma. But after talking with some childhood

Have you ever heard it said, “Life imitates art?” American Idol’s Colton Dixon might tell you, “Life creates art.” He and his wife, Annie, join Darlene and Julie for a casual chat about how much of his new music was inspired by life, their experiences as a couple, and the challenges they have faced. You will hear how they met, how they rely on each other during changes in his career, and the most terrifying—being pregnant with twins during a pandemic. The couple shares the personal stories that inspired the music on his new self-titled EP Colton Dixon—including chart-topper, Miracles and why his first love song, Can’t Quit You, finally made it on one of his albums. Annie gives us a glimpse from her perspective behind the scenes of the challenging road as a musician’s wife, applying both grit and grace. Her words are timely in this uncertain season. You’ll fall in love with this couple just like we did, so listen now and be sure to get the music wherever you find your tunes! Be sure to follow them both on social media. Find Colton here: Twitter: https://twitter.com/coltondixon Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coltondixonmusic YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/ColtonDixonMusicVEVO Instagram: https://instagram.com/coltondixonmusic/ And Annie here: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anniecog Twitter: https://twitter.com/MrsAnnieDixon Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrsanniedixon/ Blog:  boldlips.org   And don’t miss the video for Miracles: Viewing in an app? Full show notes here! Articles We Mentioned or Know You’ll Love TobyMac’s Son’s Cause of Death Reminds Us That Faith Doesn’t Protect Us From Pain I just read an article that made the cause of TobyMac’s son’s death public. Read more Skillet’s Korey Cooper Talks Music, Faith and Family A multi-platinum record-selling, international touring rock band is hardly the first place one would look to discover the formula Read more Quote of the episode: “What if your setback is actually a setup for what God is going to do in your life?” -Annie Dixon Check out this episode, too: Skillet’s Jen Ledger Shares Her Faith, Her Fear and Her Strength – 044 Get a preview of this episode in this video! Be sure to follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest #gritandgracelife

Everything we do at This Grit and Grace Life is seeking to understand. It is our goal to humble ourselves and listen, to be able to view the world through others’ eyes, all eyes. We wanted to hear a voice from the black community and have a conversation allowing us to learn and understand what we may not. We feel we are in a land of emotional minefields; we want to know why and even more than that as women of faith, learn what we can do to become instruments of racial reconciliation. We are speaking to Dr. Zoe Shaw, a black woman, who is also a psychologist. In this episode she is not here in her professional capacity, but as a woman telling a personal story, her life experience, that of her family and her community. We believe it will be one to gain an honest life view for all who listen. It was for us. Darlene and Julie Viewing in an app? Full show notes here! You can follow Dr. Zoe by visiting her site, or finding her on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter as well as her podcast, Redefining Your Superwoman. Once her Instagram Live for mothers is available, we will link it here! Zoe recommended you visit brownicity.com for their anti-racism course. She also suggested you visit Right Now Media and look for resources from T.D. Jakes and Tony Evans. We also highly recommend Dorena Williamson’s book ColorFull to read with your children. Quote of the episode: “When the body of Christ comes together with one common purpose, we can change the world. We must work together across racial, cultural and socio-economical boundaries to spread the love and hope of Jesus Christ to a dying world.”  Tony Evans Get a preview of this episode in this video! Be sure to follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest #gritandgracelife

It’s time to get “down and dirty,” or, in other words, have an honest discussion about sex! We’ve brought Dr. Holly Miller (board-certified OB-GYN) back to the show for a real conversation about sexual and reproductive health. Darlene and Julie ask questions you might secretly be wondering and are perhaps even afraid to ask your GYN. So, ladies, we’re “going there,” with questions like: -How do you know if you’re ready to have sex with your partner? -How do you talk about his (or your) STI? -Should intercourse have pain? What do you do if it does? -How do different contraceptives work? -Do you have low libido? What’s normal? -What long-term side effects could you experience after an abortion? We realize that sex is an integral and satisfying part of a healthy relationship, and we believe this episode will answer questions you may not even know you have. Listen in and share it with your friends (they may not say it, but they are asking the same questions, too) you’ll all be glad you did! Find more from Dr. Holly Miller by visiting her practice website here. Viewing in an app? Full show notes here! Articles We Mentioned or Know You’ll Love Great Sex—What Is It? There seems to be an unending list of articles on the subject of sex, from espousing general attitudes to Read more If You Wait for Marriage, Will Your Sex Life Be Boring? So, a client got me thinking. He was discussing waiting until marriage to have sex. He expressed his respect for Read more Why You Need to Talk to Your Teen Girl About Sex and How to Do It Are you that mom who would rather stick an icepick through your eye than talk to your teen daughter Read more He Brings Me Flowers, but Is That Enough? I have watched as so many women compromise on what they will accept from a man, especially the man Read more 4 Truths About Being Friends With Benefits Before I was married I was FWB (friends with benefits) with a few guys and here’s why: I liked them, Read more Natural Items for the Crunchy Girl (in the Bedroom) Ladies. Let’s be real. Talking about the bedroom and sex can be uncomfortable and funny and Read more This Is Why Choosing Life Was Hard On June 20th, the most heartbreaking thing happened in my state. Rhode Island state senator, Gina Raimondo, passed an Read more On Sex and Faith and Marriage Jamus and Annie sitting in a tree K-I-S-S-I-N-G. Jamus, (my husband) and I started dating in college and I thought Read more The Good Christian Girl Who Struggled With Porn I was 13 when I found pornography. Understand my family was super conservative. I was raised in the church. My mom Read more The Reality of STDs: Hard Conversations You Need to Have There truly are some conversations we would much rather avoid. The ones that create angst in both the discussion Read more How to Get Your Hormones in Check Let me start by saying I am not an expert in balanced hormones. I Read more How to Flip the Script on Your Infertility Journey A quick Google search will tell you that one in eight couples struggles with infertility. I never imagined we Read more Quote of the episode: “A satisfying sex life is based upon sharing your life and your heart, not just your bed.” – Darlene Brock Check out these episodes we mentioned: Questions You’re Too Embarrassed to Ask Your OB-GYN Answered by Dr. Holly Miller – 119, How to Make Decisions (Even the Hard Ones) – 076, and What I Learned From Making the Hardest Choice with Shannon Barbosa – 110! Don’t miss this advice from Dr. Zoe: Ask Dr. Zoe – I Have an STI, When and How Do I Tell My Man? Be sure to follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest #gritandgracelife

Motherhood has all the feels: pride, joy, fear, accomplishment, worry, and overwhelm (often with a hefty side of mom-guilt). Juggling these terrifying and satisfying waters can be challenging, especially if you want to master motherhood with both Grit and Grace. Real-life moms, Darlene Brock (who’s raised two daughters, now upgraded to Nonie—her fancy title for grandmother) and Julie Graham (widowed boymom in the trenches of single motherhood like many of you) share practical tips to do this. Strong Mama, don’t worry that you’re messing up or that you’re alone. In this episode, Julie and Darlene share hands-on advice on parenting techniques that they learned and have or are using themselves. Things like making quality time with your kids, establishing healthy boundaries, using discipline, and implementing rules and chores (suggested by age groups from toddlers to teens)! Take heart, Mama, we may not have all the answers, but we have several that might help. If you know another mama who needs encouragement, share this show. We’re mommin’ it together with both grit and grace. Viewing in an app? Full show notes here!   Articles We Mentioned or Know You’ll Love Do You Have to Break the Glass Ceiling to Be Strong? “This isn’t what we fought so hard for when we finally broke the glass ceiling, is it?” I heard Read more 50+ Activities for Kids That Are Free or Really Cheap Does anyone else feel like they are spinning in circles in place during this coronavirus Read more When You Want to Completely Change Your Parenting Style When my husband and I became parents, we had big plans about how we were going to mold and Read more Your Bad Kid Doesn’t Make You a Bad Mom You have just received your first phone call, the one every mother dreads and hopes to never receive. The Read more What Your Kids Get When You Let Them Fail I am not letting you off the hook as parents, but we seriously work way too hard sometimes. I’m Read more How to Raise Strong, Confident Daughters With Darlene Brock In episode 63, These Strategies Will Help You Raise Great Kids, of our podcast, This Read more Why You Need to Let Your Teenager Go My daughter’s middle school recently held a parent meeting for students interested in its biennial trip Read more Quote of the episode: “Breathe. The moments matter. Not the perfect ones, but the every single day nitty gritty showing up moments of motherhood. Your kids don’t need perfection, just you. Loving, giving, trying, and simply being their mom. Breathe.” Rachel Marie Martin Check out these episodes we mentioned: Rest Easy Moms, Here Are the Things That Matter – 102 and Stop the Mommy Wars: Every Mom Is Doing Something Right – 045 Don’t miss this advice from Dr. Zoe! Ask Dr. Zoe – Help! I Can’t Do It All! Be sure to follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest #gritandgracelife