Real Talk with Rachel Awtrey

Friend, let me tell you! There are so many things I remember experiencing and thinking “why did no one tell me about this part??” They’re not in movies, you don’t hear about them in birth classes, from friends until you experience them first hand. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t think it’s malicious and people mean to not tell you - I just think we all forget about those small details after the fact but they don’t seem so “small” when they’re happening to us. So, I asked my sister-friends on Instagram to share something they wish they had known before it happened to them and I’m rounding up the responses here! Just to preface, this is not a “lady-like” episode… we’re going there! Then again, what are big sisters for? Also, don’t fear these things happening! I didn’t experience every single one of them, just a few! But, I hope you read this and feel a bit more “normal” and kind to yourself than before :) we’re in this together! Shownotes: behindtheblisspodcast.com/shownotes/151 Instagram: instagram.com/rachel.awtrey instagram.com/behindtheblisspodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I love how this community has brought so many friends together - we can’t do this alone! Being able to connect with listeners and gusts is the highest honor to me. Today, Jillian Edwards joins us again to talk about all things community. What does it look like to practically support one another? Do we actually need help like we always hear? How do we do it together and encourage one another? Jill is helping me answer all of these questions today by sharing how she linked arms with Ellie Holcomb and live out this idea of the community so well in their new project together, “The Dailys.” Shownotes: behindtheblisspodcast.com/shownotes/150 BTB on Instagram: instagram.com/behindtheblisspodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever felt a little "blah" when it comes to your prayer time? You feel like you're throwing up the same requests and aren't sure if they're being heard. Or maybe, you know and trust the truth that God is in that conversation with us but it feels distant and not exactly the "thriving" relationship with God you hoped for? Then, this episode is for you! Valerie Woerner of Val Marie Paper (and my favorite prayer journal) is joining us to chat about reinvigorating your prayer life, the privilege it is, and how we can change our perspective to get excited about talking to God. Shownotes: behindtheblisspodcast.com/shownotes/148 BTB on Instagram: instagram.com/behindtheblisspodcast Val on Instagram: instagram.com/valmariepaper Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you made mistakes in the past that continually haunt you? Maybe you're afraid of making similar mistakes in the future and it's all too consuming. At some point, the weight of these mistakes begins to weigh on how we view ourselves and the worth we find within. The all-too-familiar feeling of unworthiness becomes prominent, causing us to live from a place of fear and despair. But what if it chose to talk about it, rather than push it down? Today's guest, Eryn Eddy, gets it. In today's conversation, she shares with us how to trade this feeling for the truth that changes everything: you are valuable. In her new book, So Worth Loving: How Discovering Your True Value Changes Everything, Eryn shares her stories and revelations, honest insights, and the struggles she encountered in her pursuit to discover her worth. Shownotes: behindtheblisspodcast.com/shownotes/147 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

He's here! Baby Maddex joined the Awtrey family on March 14th and boy oh boy! We have a story to tell! What started out as a normal appointment turned into a crazy next few weeks. Listen to our funny moments, the moments Rachel got sassy with her doctor on accident, things we didn't know about labor beforehand that we wish we would have known and how Maddex came into the world. We're sharing the deets! Shownotes: behindtheblisspodcast.com/shownotes/146 Rachel on Instagram: instagram.com/rachel.awtrey BTB on Instagram: instagram.com/behindtheblisspodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I hear ya... there's a lot in the world you'd probably like to change and this past year brought many of these needed changes to our attention. But, how do we help? Like actually, practically help. Big ways or small, we're called to step in and offer hope, peace, and kindness to the world around us as Jesus did. Need a "next step" or some inspiration on how to? Meet my friend Amy Wolff in today's episode. Amy Wolff, a busy mom, and small business owner, often felt this way--and didn't feel qualified to connect and uplift others. But one day, after hearing about several suicides and suicide attempts in her community, she printed 20 yard signs with hopeful messages and anonymously placed them throughout her city. This small action sparked a global movement of encouragement which lead to her new book, "Signs of Hope: How Small Acts of Love Can Change Your World." Show notes: behindtheblisspodcast.com/shownotes/145 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Home. It is an elegant word, at once both simple and far-reaching. Home is a place to live in and feel comfortable, but it is much more than that. Hey mama! Do you find yourself slightly cringing when someone asks what you do and you respond with "stay at home mom" or "homemaker"? We get it and are happy to have Carrie Gress on the show to hype you up, lift your spirits and give you a glimpse into why homemakers are the actual heroes. In this inspiring conversation about home, life, and family, Carrie wraps her arms around you, helps you re-establish your purpose in your home, and route you in the direction to create a safe and abundant space for you and your family. Carrie and two other wives and mothers wrote an incredible book, Theology of Home, as a simple guide to help reorient all of us toward our true home, allowing us to think purposefully about how to make our own homes on earth better equipped to get all those living in them to the Father’s house. More on all of this in today's episode! Show notes: behindtheblisspodcast.com/shownotes/144 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This one is for the girls that find themselves struggling with purpose. It's easier to "go through the motions" and not think critically about our next step, letting God speak into our moments and search for Him in everything we do. "We have enough on our plates, already? Right?" What if I told you that life could actually be easier, more full, and abundant when we lean into the intentional?! Today's conversation with Bethany Adkins opens up this idea. Bethany offers up the idea that when we walk in the intentional, make time for life-giving conversations and sit down and process, we can find a freshness to life. Bethany is the author of "My Why Journal" that you need to get your hands on if you're a mama! Show notes: behindtheblisspodcast.com/shownotes/143 BTB on Instagram: instagram.com/behindtheblisspodcast Purchase a "My Why Journal": https://www.bethanyadkins.com/mywhyjournal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Recently, I've caught myself saying "I just want to get back to feeling like 'me' again." You may be in this same boat with me! And if you are, today's episode is for you! Today my new friend Christy Wright is joining us to chat all about her new devotional, Living True: 40 Days to Get Back to You. Let me tell you - it is full of practical wisdom! Christy is a mama, a wife, works closely with Dave Ramsey, has written one of my other favorite books, "Business Boutique." Today, we're talking all about the truth about who God is, who you are, the truth about the season you're in right now, and why your future is hopeful. I feel like the word "hope" may be foreign to many of us because we've been "let down" recently. But, today's the day that we get our hopes up and cling to the truth to knowing who God is so that in return, we can know ourselves better and start feeling like ourselves again. Show notes: behindthebliss.com/shownotes/142 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you close to giving up on that person, that dream, the goal, the idea that God placed on your heart? Friend, hold tight. This episode will bring fresh perspective and vision, I promise! Emily Lex joins me in a conversation all about where our identity can be found, how to practically work our way back to finding this part of ourselves, leaning into God in a new way, and encountering Him in our everyday life. Shownotes: behindthebliss.com/shownotes/141 BTB Instagram: instagram.com/behindtheblisspodcast Emily's Book, "Freely and Lightly": https://rstyle.me/+zlRTdf6gFH5JPNmFsPXWEQ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Most who have experience will readily agree: marriage is hard. But is it worth it? In a country where marriage gets a bad rap, it seems as though an exciting, loving, satisfying, Christ-honoring, lasting marital relationship is unattainable. But what if it doesn’t have to be that way? What if marriage was fun? Adventurous? Meaningful? Jamie Ivey joins us again to give her insight into these questions about marriage. Hey! Fun news! She and her husband, Aaron, just released a new Bible study, Complement: Seeing the Beauty of Marriage Through Scripture, and book duo, Complement: The Surprising Beauty of Choosing Together Over Separate in Marriage that you can now get your hands on! There’s so much more available to us in a marriage relationship than culture would have us believe. Jamie encourages us in today's episode to build a satisfying and lasting marriage by centering it around Christ, uniting with your spouse, cheering each other on, responding the right way when they fail each other, and serving one another well. Shownotes: behindthebliss.com/shownotes/140 BTB on Instagram: instagram.com/behindtheblisspodcast Rachel on Instagram: instagram.com/rachel.awtrey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Struggle with perfection? Do you find yourself striving to make pieces of your life, your body, or your relationships "ideal"? Do you find yourself comparing your reality to someone else's perceived reality? If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, today's episode is for you! Cambria Joy joins us today to chat about how to take pride in their God-given bodies and live more fully. She shares with us her story of transformation after struggling with body image and perfectionism and how she has come to enjoy how God has designed her uniquely. Shownotes: behindtheblisspodcast.com/shownotes/139 BTB on Instagram: instagram.com/behindtheblisspodcast.com Cambria on Instagram: instagram.com/cambriajoy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s time to rethink rejection! Popular dating coach and host of The Heart of Dating podcast Kait Warman has reckoned with rejection to find a life of freedom, wholeness, and purpose, and wants deep down for others to do the same. In her new book, Thank You for Rejecting Me: Transform Pain into Purpose and Learn to Fight for Yourself, Kait vulnerably shares how she grew through her deepest, darkest rejections and offers readers the tools to heal from the past, take back their power, and walk in strength, victory, and love into their future and she's sharing more about it and this idea with us in today's episode! Show notes: behindtheblisspodcast.com/shownotes/138 BTB on Instagram: instagram.com/behindtheblisspodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ever wanted to dive into the enneagram and understand what your type may say about your relationship with God? How does the Enneagram fit in when it comes to advancing one’s walk with God? This episode is just that! Expert of the Enneagram, Jackie Brewster, and author, Eve Annunziato, joined together to answer this question in their devotional, Hearing God Speak: A 52-Week Interactive Enneagram Devotional. Today's guests combine the Enneagram with biblical truth in order to help readers better understand themselves and other people while guiding them toward a deeper relationship with God. Shownotes: behindtheblisspodcast.com/shownotes/137 BTB on Instagram: instagram.com/behindtheblisspodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do you want to know why I love this podcast and you guys and this whole community?! It’s because we’re about real authentic connection. And I know “connection” is such a trendy word these days - it’s the word everyone’s using. But for real! How do you feel whenever you stop scrolling on Instagram? How do you feel when you get off the phone with a friend? And what are the differences between those two feelings? Today’s conversation is all about this: connection and sharing our story with today’s guest, Laura Tremaine. Laura wrote a book, “Share Your Stuff I’ll Go First: 10 Questions to Take Your Friendships to the Next Level.” But this book is really part guidebook-part memoir of her own framework for cultivating intimate and authentic connections with others by sharing her stories. Show notes: behindtheblisspodcast.com/shownotes/136 BTB on Instagram: Instagram.com/behindtheblisspodcast Laura on Instagram: instagram.com/laura.tremaine Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Did you know that January is National Human Trafficking Awareness Month? It's one mission we can all link arms with and fight together! "How," you ask? Today's episode answers this question and more with human trafficking survivor, Rebecca Bender. For nearly six years, Rebecca was trapped in the dark, violent world of sex trafficking. When she escaped her trafficker, she knew she wanted to fight to change the culture and offer hope to survivors. Listen in to hear her story, how she escaped, and the mission she's calling us to join her on to end Human Trafficking for good. Spoiler alert: it's much more simple than what you're thinking. Shownotes: behindtheblisspodcast.com/shownotes/135 BTB on Instagram: instagram.com/behindtheblisspodcast Rachel on Instagram: instagram.com/rachel.awtrey Rebecca on Instagram: instagram.com/imrebeccabender Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I'm so excited to share 10 resources to up your prayer walk, faith journey, and make life fun! From journals to planners, tips for life, playlists, and more! I think you're going to love at least one thing shared! Shownotes: behindtheblisspodcast.com/shownotes/134 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you’re feeling stuck, or that things don’t look according to plan, this episode is for you! Have you felt called to start something big or small or change directions? I’m so glad you’re here! We’re covering that in today’s episode with Mack Brock. Mack is a worship leader and singer walking through uncertainty, too, but his posture is inspiring to me and I wanted to share this perspective with you! He just released a new album, “SPACE".” This special live album was recorded during this year's pandemic at Brock's home base of Charlotte, NC surrounded by musicians, crew, and family that have walked through life with him and his wife, Meredith. SPACE is filled with songs that are reminders that Jesus always creates space for us - no matter our surroundings, past, season, faults, or failures. Mack and his wife Meredith recently walked through the foster care process and today, Mack shares his experience with us and some encouragement for any person or family considering the same. Show notes: behindtheblisspodcast.com/shownotes/133 BTB on Instagram: instagram.com/behindtheblisspodcast Listen to SPACE: https://open.spotify.com/album/7KVDtC0WmoOSK97hXOlJaw?si=4ushgNdLQD-03uzmN-9wkg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by your money situation? Maybe you're not sure how to manage it, maybe every season has been looking different (looking at you, 2020). Maybe you're in a paycheck-to-paycheck situation and you just want to feel financially FREEEE. Oh, sis, this episode will do you good! Rachel Cruze joins Rachel for a conversation all about why we make the moves with money we make, how we can get out of the hole of shame and guilt around money, ways to identify how we view money, and how we can change our view to a healthy one and that one makeup/skincare product you need in your makeup bag! Shownotes: behindtheblisspodcast.com/shownotes/132 BTB on Instagram: Instagram.com/behindtheblisspodcast Rachel Cruze on Instagram: instagram.com/rachelcruze/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you're excited about a fresh start with this new year, this episode is for you! Hannah Brencher joins us once again to drop some truth bombs that a new year does *not* actually equal a "new you." We're diving into discipline, routines, and structure you can set up in your life to give yourself a fresh start (whether that's on NYE or in the middle of May!). Hannah's new book "Fighting Forward" explains this! It's a guide to beating the lies that may be holding you back. If you're scared of failure or commitment, listen on! Show notes: behindtheblisspodcast.com/shownotes/131 BTB on Instagram: instagram.com/behindtheblisspodcast Hannah on Instagram: instagram.com/hannahbrencher Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You guessed it - we're talking Christmas again! From our holiday Starbucks orders to more Christmas list ideas, traditions, and how they change with time, Bachelorette. I mean, we talk it all! And who better to join me for this girl chat than one of my besties, Mary Scott Mercer! You may remember Mary Scott if you're an OG BTB fan - she used to host the show with me! What a fun conversation to have her back for. Grab some cocoa, go through the Starbucks line, press play, and join us for this giggly conversation! Shownotes: behindtheblisspodcast.com/shownotes/130 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Need gift ideas for yourself or for others? We're giving you good ideas, talking through our favorite traditions, and funny memories and stories! Need a fun Christmas girl chat?! Look no further! All of the gifts we talked about in today's episode are linked in our show notes: Show notes: behindtheblisspodcast.com/shownotes/129 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rebekah Lyons joins this conversation to talk through rhythms in life and why they’re so necessary! They not only allow us to have a “beat” to life but they create the margin for us to focus on Kingdom-minded things. If you haven’t already, grab Rebekah’s book, “Rhythms of Renewal: Trading Stress and Anxiety for a Life of Peace and Purpose” where she chats about the 4 rhythms we can adopt and have in our lives today! She goes into each of these in today’s episode while also giving insight into why she values rhythms, her new journal that guides us through 90 days of rhythm, and more! Show notes: behindtheblisspodcast.com/shownotes/128 This episode is sponsored by Helix Sleep: Helix is offering up to $200 off ALL mattress orders for Behind the Bliss listeners at HelixSleep.com/BLISS. Head to that link for up to $200 off and to take your two-minute, customizing quiz. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What does that even mean: "the best version of you"? If you were to ask me, I'd say it's the version of me that has seen my faults and flaws and chooses to turn away and choose joy and grace and other fruits. It might mean something completely different to you! But, we can all agree that it's the version of us that feels free, that is constantly learning and growing, that feels like the "best version." Today, Adrienne Camp joins us for a girl talk to chat through all of the things she's learning and growing through in life. Her journey of becoming the best version of herself has been inspiring and encouraging to me. The way she lives life on display, laughing at her mistakes, owning her identity in Christ, and honoring the people around her - you'll hear about it all! You may have heard me talk about the movie "I Still Believe" which highlights a few moments of Adrienne's husband, Jeremy's, life. If you haven't watched this movie, add it to the list! The Camp family has also been up to a lot of other creating and crafting this past year and she shares all about it in today's episode! Shownotes: behindtheblisspodcast.com/shownotes/127 BTB on Instagram: instagram.com/behindtheblisspodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever felt like you’ve been inside of an impossible situation? Maybe this situation was one that you stepped into on purpose, knowing this big God size dream. Maybe, however, the situation was something that you feel was pressed upon you. But regardless, do you feel stuck in an impossible situation? Hear me out on this one: if you don’t find yourself in an impossible situation now, I pray you find yourself in an impossible situation soon! Now, here’s what I mean by that: I think we’re putting impossible situations God is given an extremely cool opportunity to show up and do what he does best. My friend joining me on today’s episode knows the story super well. Kari Jobe joins us in today’s episode to tell us her impossibly awesome story. She’s stealing all the details on her new album “The Blessing” that you might actually be well acquainted with. We laugh, she sings a little bit with us, she shares some fun facts about things going on in her life and I really hope you are encouraged by this conversation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever wondered where God is in your life? Wanted more intimacy in your life with Jesus? Know that God hears you, sees you, and knows you! He knows the places in your heart that you need to be healed, promises you're wanting to see fulfilled, and all of your little quirks. Love that! How do we cultivate a relationship with Him to where we can identify where He is in our life? Eryn Eddy and Elisa Morgan join me for this conversation! Together, they host a podcast "God Hears Her" and have written a 365-day devotional that helps answer all of these questions! They are so much fun and we had a blast on today's episode! Shownotes: behindtheblisspodcast.com/shownotes/125 This episode is sponsored by Helix Sleep: Helix is offering up to $200 off ALL mattress orders for Behind the Bliss listeners at HelixSleep.com/BLISS. Head to that link for up to $200 off and to take your two-minute, customizing quiz. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With the holidays coming up, winter coming in full swing, and this OMG year of 2020, we really could use a reminder about what true rest is! Chances are, you clicked play on this episode because you’re feeling tired, exhausted, and burnt out. Or, you’re close to it and you can tell somethings not right. Well, you’re in luck because today’s episode is going all in to the idea of rest: why we need it, how do we accomplish it and how do we combat burn out when it actually happens. Who better to have a conversation with me than Dr. Saundra Dalton Smith?! She is incredible. She’s a scientist. Today, she’s giving us the ins and outs about how we were created and wired and why we need rest. this message is a lot different than the one that I feel like mainstream media is preaching to us today: get 8 hours of sleep, etc. Dr. Saundra actually shares with us that there are seven different types of rest, not just “physical rest”. She shares the difference between laziness and rests and she also gives us some ideas about how we can find rest in our everyday lives. If you are curious about knowing your mind, your body, and your spirit better, how to honor all three to find rest so that you can be the best version of you that you’ve been called and commanded to be, this episode is for you! IChooseMyBestLife.com Take the Rest Quiz to identify where your rest deficit is! : https://www.restquiz.com/quiz/rest-quiz-test/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What is faith? The more I lean back and think about it I can come up with so many different definitions of what it is and what it means to me personally. In today’s episode, we’re really diving into what is authentic faith and how does it present itself? We answer these questions by comparing it to a metal called “platinum.” Today’s gas or two besties, Michelle and Bethany. They have so much enthusiasm for helping women including other writers and encouraging everyone that they encounter (especially you as a listener today). They join forces and wrote a book together called Platinum Faith.” They joined forces and wrote a book together called “Platinum Faith.” Each chapter outlines a platinum property, a promise, and a prayer for readers. The authors include relatable stories, biblical perspectives, and personal applications to help readers define and pursue a platinum faith. This parallel will blow your mind! If you’re in a season of struggle, trying to identify the real from the counterfeit, and could use a virtual hug from these amazing women, this episode is for you. Shownotes: behindtheblisspodcast.com/shownotes/123 BTB on Instagram: instagram.com/behindtheblisspodcast Order “Platinum Faith” by Bethany and Michelle - https://bit.ly/3oW1I65 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One of my favorite topics to chat about is marriage! Here's why: there's a lot of messages that the world is screaming at us and there are not many places these false narratives are being combatted. Today we're talking fighting, sex, how to be invested and involved in one another, bad habits that you may be operating in. Today's guest, Jessica Hottle, is helping me tackle this conversation. I was recently on Jessica's podcast, "What's The Truth Podcast," where we talked a bit about Thomas and my story, what we struggled with, how we encourage others to beat the struggle of the first few years of marriage. This episode is almost a Part 2 to that episode. We dive a little deeper into things that Jessica and I wish we would have known in our first few years of marriage. If you're a bit curious about the nitty-gritty of marriage, funny stories, and "oh good, that's me too" moments, click play! Text "MARRIAGE" to 33777 for a free marriage resource from today's episode! Shownotes + where to find the questionnaire download: https://www.behindtheblisspodcast.com/shownotes/122 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's society has helped us perfect the art of false guilt, and particularly as women, we have a tendency to guilt ourselves over so many things. Valorie Burton's message and new book, Let Go of The Guilt, helps to identify false guilt and gives practical advice and tools on how to free yourself from this trap, allowing us to live a more joy-filled and fulfilling life. So today, we're diving a bit deeper into where guilt comes from, particularly for women, and how it can plague our lives, leaving us feeling empty and unfulfilled. We unpack some of the contents of Valorie's book, pointing to a strong female voice who is hoping to leave you feeling empowered and seeking out change, breaking free from your own guilt. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you've listened to a few episodes, you may have heard me mention Passion (the conference I attended in ATL at the very beginning of the year). Passion City Church has always been close to my heart, especially their music. And today's conversation is with a powerhouse of a woman and is a female worship leader with Passion Music. You may have heard her in some of our favorites, "Build My Life," "Glorious Day" and more. In today's episode, we discover how to find true freedom from comparison. She has a special message crafted to the friends that want to honor God with your "right here, right now" moments rather than look to her, or their, moments. She gives amazing practical advice of drawing near to God in these moments and how to fix our eyes on the Giver instead of the gift. This episode is sponsored by Helix Sleep: Helix is offering up to $200 off ALL mattress orders for Behind the Bliss listeners at HelixSleep.com/BLISS. Head to that link for up to $200 off and to take your two minute, customizing quiz. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We all have something that we're overcoming at the moment - are we not? If it's not something specific, maybe it's the year 2020, in general, 😂 There are a lot of well-intentioned messages out there that are meant to encourage us but still leave us feeling a bit overwhelmed in the adversity. Alli Worthington joins us for this conversation today: how do we draw strength from our God-given identities, to overcome the obstacles that keep us from reaching our full potential and living out our dreams. And how do we walk confidently in the direction of our calling? We're chatting about all of this and more in today's episode. Show notes: behindtheblisspodcast.com/shownotes/119 BTB on Instagram: instagram.com/behindtheblisspodcast Alli on Instagram: instagram.com/alliworthington Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With people posting the "best" and sharing the "highlight reel" of their life, it makes it pretty easy for us to think for a quick second that their life is better or as people say "the grass is greener on the other side." And on top of that, we're getting messages thrown at us to hustle and we might have the life they have or the one we want, if we work hard enough, if we do enough then we'll be enough. Today's guest, Jamie Ivey tackles these thoughts, messages and offers us something better. Jamie is also a podcast host of "The Happy Hour with Jamie Ivey", and in today's episode, she encourages us to turn to God and away from our feeds, if we really want to discover our purpose and direction. And good news! Her new book, "You Be You" is out for you today! We'll talk about that, too! Show note: behindtheblisspodcast.com/shownotes/118 BTB on Instagram: instagram.com/behindtheblisspodcast Jamie on Instagram: Instagram.com/jamieivey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Happy Second Day of Fall! If you're like me, you've been chatting about all of the seasonal things now that we're ushering in Autumn! Thomas and I are also settling into our new home and from what I've heard from you all, a lot of you are in rentals or temporary houses, too! This week's episode with The Nester is perfect timing! We have all been spending A LOT of time in our homes, and with today's guest's, Myquillyn Smith, help we can have a cozy, festive house this fall that can easily transition to winter and the holidays – without tons of stuff. It doesn’t have to complicated to be festive! Myquillyn shares her practical tips on decorating, how to get the most out of your styled home, and 3 things you need to know to have a home you've dreamt of. Plus! She just released her new book, "Welcome Home" with beautiful pictures, lots of good tips and tricks and more info from today's episode! Show notes: behindtheblisspodcast.com/shownotes/117 BTB on Instagram: instagram.com/behindtheblisspodcast The Nester on Instagram: instagram.com/thenester Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From growing up in a single-wide trailer in the mountains of rural West Virginia to the halls of Yale Law School, Mary Marantz’s story is one of remembering our roots while turning our faces to the sky. How do we hold both (honor for our past but excitement for what's to come)? There's a way! And Mary shares how in today's episode through some amazing exercises, questions for you to ponder, and funny stories of her own. Hey! It's okay to change your mind in life. We talk about this, too :) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever felt "benched"? You're asked to sit on the sidelines rather than hop in the game. You start feeling comparison creep in because you're watching others living "their moment" while you're waiting for yours? Today's guest, Hope Darst, knows the feeling. After desiring a music career, she took God's closed-door as a sign to seek Him, pray for timing, and find freedom for herself. Little did she know, God's "no" was just really a "not right now" and she'd be called back tot he music scene years later to produce a hit album for others that need hope. Hope shares about this album, "Peace Be Still," the journey God took her on to produce it and delivers an encouraging message for others in the "not right now" moments. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re pregnant! After a journey, lots of questions, and few answers and prayer, we can finally announce this super fun news! We’re answering lots of fun questions, how we found out, how we told our family and friends, a few God-winks we’ve gotten along the way, and more funny stories. Shownotes: behindtheblisspodcast.com/shownotes/114 BTB on Instagram: instagram.com/behindtheblisspodcast Rachel on Instagram: instagram.com/rachel.awtrey This episode is sponsored by Helix Sleep Helix is offering up to $200 off ALL mattress orders for Behind the Bliss listeners at HelixSleep.com/BLISS. Head to that link for up to $200 off and to take your two minute, customizing quiz. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if the struggles of life aren’t a barrier to thriving but an invitation into your most vibrant days? Whether you feel weighed down by never-ending tasks, or you find yourself walking through your most difficult days, you might be left wondering if a vibrant life will ever be in your future. In today’s episode, Jennie Lusko, wife, mom, and author, shares part of her story filled with darkness and how God came in and invited her to flourish in the midst of the pain. When Jennie's five-year-old daughter, Lenya, died from an asthma attack five days before Christmas, Jennie didn’t know how she could keep going—in parenting, in leading, in faith. Her new book, The Fight to Flourish, uses her powerful story to show us that flourishing is not a far-off hope, but a very near reality. Jennie leads us to discover that true transformation comes not in spite of our struggles but because of them. They are the very ingredient God loves to use. You don’t have to have it all together for God to work. He just wants you. Shownotes: behindtheblisspodcast.com/shownotes/113 BTB on Instagram: instagram.com/behindtheblisspodcast Jennie on Instagram: instagram.com/jennielusko This episode is sponsored by Helix Sleep: Helix is offering up to $200 off ALL mattress orders for Behind the Bliss listeners at HelixSleep.com/BLISS. Head to that link for up to $200 off and to take your two minute, customizing quiz. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s often said that prayer changes everything but it’s hard to believe this truth or see it happen if prayer isn’t a part of your every day. Don’t fret and no conviction because Chrystal Evans Hurst takes us through some simple truths she clings to, drops some truth bombs and midshifts that we could all hear right now, and her practical steps in moving towards a conversational relationship with God. It’s a good one! If you wanted to get your hands on her mentioned prayer guide, head to the show notes for a link! Show notes: behindtheblisspodcast.com/shownotes/112 BTB on Instagram: instagram.com/behindtheblisspodcast Chrystal on Instagram: instagram.com/chrystalhurst Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, we’re spilling the tea on womanhood! There’s a lot of opinions about what a woman should be, coming from all angles: the church, the world, and everything in between. Today, author, Lauren Crews sits with us to break these stereotypes given by both the church and the media and busts myths based on biblical principles. What does God have to say about womanhood? Specifically, what can we find out about the Proverbs 31 woman that we may not already know? It’s time to take this old version of the Proverbs 31 woman, get to the good stuff, and find your true identity as a woman in Christ. Shownotes: behindtheblisspodcast.com/shownotes/111 BTB on Instagram: instagram.com/behindtheblisspodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Business coach and genius, Jennifer Allwood, points out that one thing that’s holding you back from seeing your greatest success in business: fear. If we’ve learned anything about business these past few months, it’s that online business is where it’s at. Jennifer shares her 3 tips to getting started with your next best idea, busts some myths that you may be believing about business, and give you a good kick in the booty and high five along the way! Show notes: behindtheblisspodcast.com/shownotes/103 BTB on Instagram: instagram.com/behindtheblisspodcast Jennifer on Instagram: instagram.com/jenniferallwood Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Angie Smith, author of one of Rachel’s favorite devotionals shares her story of falling in love with the Bible and how you can lean in and get more out of your time in the Word. Rachel and Angie talk through why it’s important to read scripture, how it all intertwines together, and is actually one big story and how it all tells us one big truth about who God is from Genesis to Revelation. Shownotes: behindtheblisspodcast.com/shownotes/109 BTB on Instagram: instagram.com/behindtheblisspodcast Pre-order Angie's new study, "Matchless": https://glnk.io/nkxj/rachelawtrey Today's sponsor: I have something for you! It’s called Faithful Counseling and they happen to be today’s podcast sponsor. Faithful Counseling is a solution for people seeking traditional mental health counseling who would prefer hearing from the perspective of a Christian. If you are seeking a mental health professional who is a practicing Christian, Faithful Counseling may be a great option for you The service is available for clients worldwide, you can log in to your account anytime and send a message to your counselor. You’ll get timely and thoughtful responses plus you can schedule weekly video or phone sessions. Right now, more than ever, I pray you’re investing in your emotional health, growing and learning and counseling is an amazing resource for this growth process. You can’t do life alone! Visit GetFaithful.com/btb - join the over 500,000 people taking charge of their mental health with the help of an experienced professional. Special offer for Behind the Bliss listeners get 10% off your first month at GetFaithful.com/btb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you’ve survived sorrow, have felt the pain of grief and know what it’s like to lose something: a dream, a loved one, etc, this episode is for you. Kim Erickson joins us in today’s episode to chat through practical ways to survive sorrow, seek God in the middle of it and move urgently in obedience through the grieving process. Kim speaks to the one that wants to share their story of sorrow, how to share it well, and what her process looked like to share her grief and story. Shownotes: behindtheblisspodcast.com/shownotes/108 BTB on Instagram: www.instagram.com/behindtheblisspodcast Today's sponsor: I have something for you! It’s called Faithful Counseling and they happen to be today’s podcast sponsor. Faithful Counseling is a solution for people seeking traditional mental health counseling who would prefer hearing from the perspective of a Christian. If you are seeking a mental health professional who is a practicing Christian, Faithful Counseling may be a great option for you The service is available for clients worldwide, you can log in to your account anytime and send a message to your counselor. You’ll get timely and thoughtful responses plus you can schedule weekly video or phone sessions. Right now, more than ever, I pray you’re investing in your emotional health, growing and learning and counseling is an amazing resource for this growth process. You can’t do life alone! Visit GetFaithful.com/btb - join the over 500,000 people taking charge of their mental health with the help of an experienced professional. Special offer for Behind the Bliss listeners get 10% off your first month at GetFaithful.com/btb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I cannot wait for you to dive into today’s conversation with Diane Jago! She’s written a book called “A Holy Pursuit: How the Gospel Frees us to Follow and Lay Down Our Dreams” I don’t know about you but I feel like the world has thrown so many messages at me through Pinterest and Facebook and random jargon in the media. “Follow your heart.” “Follow your dreams.” While, yes, I want to agree with the message, I also have to know that my heart is fleeting. These desires of my heart have been given to me by the Lord first before I could have thought them up. What does the Bible have to say about this? Dianne Jago knows lots about this topic, has written a book about this topic, and has had a few dreams shifted in her own heart as well that’s lead her to be a chief editor of a magazine, Deeply Rooted Magazine. She shares her journey of how she got to this destination. She was okay with the Lord doing something different with her life than what she would have planned for herself. Show notes: behindtheblisspodcast.com/shownotes/107 BTB Instagram: instagram.com/behindtheblisspodcast Dianne on Instagram: instagram.com/aholypursuit/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode is for someone that has a passion and wants to make a profit but ditch the Pinterest mentality and really get after it. We can dream with God, really get after it and see some incredible things come to fruition. Today’s guest, Stefanie Gass talks through this idea and shares how she shifted her mindset, got real with God (and herself) about her goals and ambitions and how she champions women today to do the same. If you have a passion and want to figure out how to profit from it, this episode is for you! Show notes: behindtheblisspodcast.com/shownotes/106 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’ve all faced that moment: feeling called to something, have a desire for something, and thinking “nah, that can’t be for me it’s too _____.” We’ve been there. The crazy difficult or different calling. “Why would God choose me to do that?” “What would people think?” Today, Angela Braniff joins us to chat through her calling, how it’s crazy different, unique and beautiful all at the same time and how her bold “yes” changed everything. It’s easy to opt out, say “ehh” or pass it off to someone else. But, what could happen, what would you learn, how much goodness would you see if you said “yes?” Angela Braniff is the founder of the popular YouTube channel, This Gathered Nest. She is an adoption advocate, home school mom, content creator, podcast host, and adventure seeker. Angela is married to her high-school sweetheart and together they have a full house: Kennedy (12) - their biological daughter, Shelby (10) - their 2nd biological daughter, Rosie (7) - adopted from China, Noah (7) - adopted from Congo, Jonah (5) - adopted domestically, and finally, Ivy + Amelia (18-month old twins) - adopted as embryos—Angela gave birth to them! Adding to their family of seven kids, after the book was finished, Angela and CR welcomed their eighth child, Benjamin, through adoption. Angela lives in North Carolina and has been featured in People, Today, UPTV, BuzzFeed, etc. Show notes: behindtheblisspodcast.com/shownotes/105 This episode is sponsored by Helix Sleep. To get up to $200 your Helix mattress and to take the free customizing quiz, head to helixsleep.com/bliss. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever been surrounded by people but still feel lonely? Maybe you've had a hard time making friends that last that you could count on during a hard time. Or, you can easily convince yourself that you can do this life thing alone. In this episode, we chat all through these thoughts. What is a "healthy community," how do we find belonging and why is it important to be a part of something bigger than you? We're confronting this idea of isolation and combating loneliness. Ready?! LET'S GO! Show notes: behindtheblisspodcast.com/shownotes/104 50% off Honeybook: http://share.honeybook.com/h9ZHfhon Natalie on Instagram: instagram.com/nataliefranke Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I’m sure with recent events your heart may be heavy. Mine is. It’s heavy from receiving feedback, instruction, conviction, a pandemic, loneliness, pivoting, all the things. I invited my new friend, Brittney Moses to join me for a conversation to answer the question “what do we do with all of this heaviness” and she has some beautiful answers! Brittney is a mental health professional and loves to find the intersection between faith and mental and emotional health and it’s something you need to hear if you’re feeling a heaviness in your spirit today. Show notes: behindtheblisspodcast.com/shownotes/103 BTB on Instagram: instagram.com/behindtheblisspodcast Brittney on Instagram: instagram.com/brittneymoses Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's episode, Rachel sits down with Dani Coke and they have a conversation about race, where to start when taking action and how to posture your heart before starting the work. If you struggle to know what to say, what not to say, not quite sure what move to make, today's episode is for you! Show notes: behindtheblisspodcast.com/shownotes/102 BTB on Instagram: instagram.com/behindtheblisspodcast Dani on Instagram: instagram.com/ohhappydani Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, singer/songwriter Jillian Edwards joins Rachel to talk all about her newest album, Meadow, how do you know when you have the “green light” to “shoot your shot,” how do we take refuge in God’s approval instead of the world’s? What songs is this songwriter loving that aren’t her own and where did the inspiration behind her latest album come from? We answer all of that and more on today’s episode on Behind the Bliss! Show notes: behindtheblisspodcast.com/shownotes/101 BTB on Instagram: instagram.com/behindthebliss Jillian on Instagram: instagram.com/jillian_edwards Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices