What if you could repurpose family conflicts into personal growth, even if the relationships won’t ever be perfect? This week, Kolleen Lucariello talks about how she learned to see with eyes of grace. She also shares how she’s discovered a secure identity after struggling to find purpose. Show notes and resources This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit michellerayburn.substack.com...
Jun 10, 2021•39 min
There was a time when Teresa Janzen thought she was disqualified from serving God. Until she realized we’re all flawed people, and God can repurpose our mistakes and set us on a new path when we surrender to him. Now she’s helping others find grace. eresa talked about how she struggled to restart her life with four small children after going through a divorce. She wondered if God would be able to use her in service to fulfill her lifelong dream to be in ministry. When she realized that we all ha...
Jun 03, 2021•35 min
Your version of creativity might not include paint, glue, or words on paper, but I believe you have imagination waiting to be tapped somewhere. This episode contains 10 ideas for how to wake it up. Show notes and resources This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit michellerayburn.substack.com...
May 27, 2021•20 min
Linda Kruschke lived trapped in fear because of the trauma she’d experienced in the past. But when she let the secrets out and spoke freely, she started hearing “me too” long before #MeToo was a hashtag. This week, she talks about her journey to living fearlessly. Linda let fear hold her back from experiencing life for so many years. But then she decided to live fearlessly. We chatted about how God has helped her to overcome her fears and trust him. She opened up and shared so many aspects of he...
May 20, 2021•30 min
Have you ever stopped to think about what you’ll need to accomplish your goals and dreams? This week’s podcast covers how to work through the factors that could stand in the way. And there’s a custom free resource to help you work on your goals! Time Money Skills Focus Control Habits Mindset Show notes and resources This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit michellerayburn.substack.com...
May 13, 2021•25 min
When we surrender our failures to him, God can bring out the best in us! If you’ve ever felt less-than because of failure, be sure to tune in for wise words from Wendy Pope to discover your hidden potential. What a delight to sit down and chat with Wendy Pope! In this episode, Wendy talked about learning to celebrate the successes of others while she waited for God to fulfill her dream. While she watched him fulfill that dream in others, it was painful to wait. But God taught her to rejoice with...
May 06, 2021•42 min
You probably have an inner circle of close friends, but have you paused to think of what qualities make your dearest friendships work? In this episode, you’ll be encouraged to reflect on those relationships and look for ways to become a better friend as well. Friends come and go. I’ve had more than one falling out, a change of direction in life (we don’t work together anymore), moving away, fading connection, and different goals in life that have come between relationships. Then there are some t...
Apr 29, 2021•24 min
What would happen if we made it our goal to be the exception when it comes to negative opinions about Christians? That’s exactly what Chris Staron does. He’s also living out his faith as he studies history for his podcast episodes while trusting God for his future steps. This week, Chris Staron shared his story of coming to know Christ at the age of 10 and diving into reading the New Testament. He said his faith is what carried him through some challenges in high school and eventually led him to...
Apr 22, 2021•45 min
Can you imagine how wonderful our world would be if we intentionally looked for creative ways to bless someone else? The ideas in this episode give you a starting place to be deliberate about encouragement. Even the strongest of people need encouragement! Not too long ago I had a couple of weeks of really wrestling with whether or not the time I pour into creating podcasts every week, writing books, and hosting a Facebook community were really making a difference for anyone. I was bone-weary fro...
Apr 15, 2021•20 min
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. Show notes and resources This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit michellerayburn.substack.com...
Apr 08, 2021•43 min
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. Show notes and resources This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit michellerayburn.substack.com...
Apr 01, 2021•31 min
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. 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 i...
Mar 25, 2021•36 min
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. Show notes and resources This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit michellerayburn.substack.com...
Mar 18, 2021•12 min
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. 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 immedia...
Mar 11, 2021•36 min
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. 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 a...
Mar 04, 2021•16 min
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 uncer...
Feb 25, 2021•31 min
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. Show notes and resources This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit michellerayburn.substack.com...
Feb 18, 2021•14 min
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. 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 ...
Feb 11, 2021•39 min
In this episode, we explore ways to change from being highly reactive into people who can cope using emotional maturity and self-control. 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...
Feb 04, 2021•20 min
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. 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 abou...
Jan 21, 2021•18 min
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. Heather Creekmore is known for being bad at decorating cakes—at least from her TV appearance on Nailed It! But she is no failure when it comes to real life. We had a conversation about how she turned body image into an idol and how she broke that down through ...
Jan 14, 2021•40 min
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. Show notes and resources This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit michellerayburn.substack.com...
Dec 31, 2020•36 min
In this episode: 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. Show notes and resources This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit michellerayburn.su...
Dec 17, 2020•33 min
In this episode: 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. Show notes and resources This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit michellerayburn.substack.com...
Dec 10, 2020•16 min
In this episode: 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. In her late 20's, Dena Dyer experienced severe post-partum depression, anxiety, and panic attacks. In this episode, we chatted about how she found hope and healing in that difficult experience. She shared that through the wisdom of a godly counselor, supportive family and fr...
Dec 03, 2020•32 min
In this episode: This is my story of pursuing biblical truth but getting sidetracked by legalism and pride along the way. Discover how God revealed my heart condition to me and began his process of transforming me into a more compassionate and graceful human. —Michelle Show notes and resources This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit michellerayburn.substack.com...
Nov 12, 2020•26 min
In this episode: How do we move forward in a culture where we disagree, where we are deeply discouraged, and where tension is off the charts? We have choice in how we contribute to conversations and in how we adjust our own attitudes. Also, you don't want to miss this week's resource that asks the question: what if Jesus was serious in what he taught? Show notes and resources This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit...
Nov 05, 2020•23 min
Sue Donaldson says, "Surrender every day. We have disappointments, but we surrender over and over." On this week's episode, we talked about how she walked through a period of doubt and how God brought her through that in steps that surprised her. We also talked about how taking the next step is where faith comes in. Show notes and resources This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit michellerayburn.substack.com...
Oct 22, 2020•31 min
In this episode: When we pause to think about it, having "just enough" is actually an abundance. Scarcity says there isn't enough, but even with a very little, God can provide even more than we really need when we practice generosity and faith. Growing up, I learned that we had to wear it out or outgrow something before we bought a new one. When I was in elementary school, I was hard on boots. Sometimes boots were hand-me-downs that had already had some wear! When the soles started cracking, the...
Oct 15, 2020•16 min
In this episode: From blue light specials to garage sales, I've enjoyed making the most of living on a budget! Sometimes, life's challenges have hidden fun and joy. There is no second best when we embrace our present circumstances as part of the adventure! Show notes and resources This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit michellerayburn.substack.com...
Oct 08, 2020•14 min
