The Happy Hour with Jamie Ivey

My guest for The Happy Hour # 266 is Jaci Velasquez. Jaci released her first album at just 16 years old and is a multi-platinum selling, Grammy nominated artist as well as author, actress, wife, and momma to two boys, Zealand and Soren. Her newest book When God Rescripts Your life: Seeing Value, Beauty, and Purpose When Life is Interrupted releases this week! Jaci and I start off the show talking about what makes us nervous, and Jaci shares how she has learned to pause, let go of control, and ask the Holy Spirit to do the work. You'll also hear how much Jaci loves being involved at her boys' schools because you guys, she was always on the road and never got to experience it! Jaci opens up about what it was like to start recording so young, and reaching her darkest place where she felt the only option was to run away. I think we can all relate when Jaci speaks about God rescripting life in ways we hadn't planned or expected such as learning what were God dreams vs. "me" dreams. In the last part of the show we talk about trust, and I know you will love and be so, so encouraged that God cares about the big things and the small things when you hear her story of the bus driver Mr. Fred. Connect with Jamie Facebook // Twitter // Instagram // YouTube Sponsors STUNN - get 20% off your first order with code HAPPY Greenlight ThirdLove - get 15% off your first order IF:Gathering 2020 - get your tickets a day early! GET ALL THE LINKS FROM THE SHOW HERE

My guest for The Happy Hour # 265 is Latasha Morrison. Latasha is a bridge-builder, reconciler, and a compelling voice in the fight for racial justice. She is the founder of Be the Bridge, a non-profit organization equipping people to serve as ambassadors of racial reconciliation. LaTasha has been recognized as a leading social justice advocate by organizations such as Facebook’s Community Leadership Program, Forbes, and EBONY magazine. You guys, Latasha is my real life friend and she challenges, encourages, and inspires me. Our topics of conversation today are ones that are important to me and should matter to us all. As Latasha says, "if we are followers of Jesus Christ, then we have skin in the game." Latasha and I start off the show talking about how she started Be the Bridge with just 8 people and her Latasha vision. She talks about the need to create "brave spaces" for conversation and how humility, listening, and leveraging privilege are critical. We also discuss how racial reconciliation is about having a Kingdom perspective on dignity and humanity. I loved how Latasha said, "we all have to be teachable", and that means opening our hearts, learning the historical context, and taking this on as all of our responsibility. In the last part of the show, Latasha and I discuss feeling marginalized as a single in church. She speaks of the need to create "brave spaces" in churches as well to have real, non-traditional conversations about singleness. Friends, I could talk with Latasha for hours, and I hope you'll check out the links from the show to learn more about how to continue this conversation. Connect with Jamie Facebook // Twitter // Instagram // YouTube Sponsors Bona Rothy's Flamingo - Get the Flamingo Shave Set, a $22 value for only $16! IF Gathering February 7-8, 2020 - Get your tickets a day early on October 14! GET ALL THE LINKS FROM THE SHOW HERE

My guest for The Happy Hour # 264 is Rebekah Lyons. Rebekah is a national speaker, bestselling author, and podcaster. Rebekah is as an old soul with an honest, contemporary voice, and she invites others to discover and boldly pursue their God-given purpose. Alongside her husband, Gabe, Rebekah finds joy in raising four children, two of whom have Down syndrome. Friends, I'm so happy to welcome back my friend Rebekah to the show. She is wise, funny, and always points me to Jesus, and I know you're going to love our conversation. We start off the show talking about the amazing story of how God brought their youngest daughter, Joy, to their family through adoption. Rebekah then shares openly about her struggle with anxiety and depression. I appreciated her honesty so much when she tells us how after years of no panic attacks, she had her worst one yet and then felt such shame from it. Rebekah offers wisdom and encouragement as she speaks of God's reminder that when fear comes knocking, He will always be with us and He will always provide a way out. Rebekah also shares how from this experience she realized areas of her life that needed renewal and you'll hear how she's changed rhythms in her life to prioritize time to rest and restore. Connect with Jamie Facebook // Twitter // Instagram // YouTube GET ALL THE LINKS FROM THE SHOW HERE

My guest for The Happy Hour # 263 is Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith. Saundra is an author, speaker, and board-certified internal medicine physician with an active medical practice near Birmingham, AL. Saundra has been featured in many media outlets including Redbook, Daystar, Women's Day, Prevention, and MSNBC. Her newest release is Sacred Rest: Recover Your Life, Renew Your Energy, Restore Your Sanity. A little note for the show today: at the end of our conversation we talk about how rest impacts marriage and sex. It's all appropriate (and encouraging!), but just a heads up in case little ears are listening. Saundra starts off stating the importance of being aware of our mental health. Saundra shares the story of laying on her kitchen floor when she hit complete burn out. Saundra tells us how she realized her perspective on rest needed to change, and we must fight against what our culture promotes. You guys, we don't need to earn rest, we need to work from rest. I'm still thinking about the different ways Saundra finds rest now, including social rest. Saundra also explains how much sensory overload impacts us (including becoming a barrier in the bedroom!), and offers suggestions for how to manage it. Friends, I'm pretty sure we all need to learn how to rest better and I'm thankful for Saundra's perspective and encouragement! Connect with Jamie Facebook // Twitter // Instagram // YouTube GET ALL THE LINKS FROM THE SHOW HERE

My guest for The Happy Hour # 262 is Sarah Mae. Sarah is the author of The Complicated Heart: Loving Even When it Hurts, the story of how Sarah learned to love and forgive her alcoholic mother. She also hosts The Complicated Heart podcast, and speaks all over the country encouraging women to walk in freedom. Sarah lives in Lancaster, PA with her woodworker husband, Jesse, three kids, and two new puppies. On today's show you'll get to hear the incredible story of what God has done in the lives of Sarah and her mother. Sarah shares when she learned her mom was an alcoholic, and how the wounds of their relationship left her searching for love, affection, and security. Sarah tells us about her pregnancy and abortion at 16, and the moment she knew she had to get out of that destructive environment. You'll hear Sarah speak of how she came to know Jesus at 19, and I loved hearing how she saw God pursuing her throughout her life. We then discuss what it looked like for Sarah to confront her pain and grief, uncover the lies she believed, and learn to love and forgive her mother. You guys, Sarah so graciously and openly lets us into her story, and she speaks such encouragement and hope that God is always there waiting, even in the pit. Connect with Jamie Facebook // Twitter // Instagram // YouTube Sponsors Beholding and Becoming by Ruth Chou Simons Visit Ruth Chou Simon's Website Greenlight ZipRecruiter - Try for Free! GET ALL THE LINKS FROM THE SHOW HERE

My guest for The Happy Hour # 261 is Kat Armstrong. Kat is a ministry leader, speaker, and author of No More Holding Back. She has a Master's from Dallas Seminary, and is also the co-founder and Executive Director of Polished Ministries. She and her husband Aaron live in Dallas, TX with their son Caleb. Friends, one note about the beginning of our conversation. Kat and I talk about losing her dad to suicide and her walk through grief. If this topic could be a trigger for you, we only mention it in the early part of our conversation so feel free to skip over or wait another day to listen. I appreciate Kat's honesty in sharing how this loss has changed her and how she also has become an advocate to encourage women to "get all the helps" when we need them. Kat and I then dive into talking about what I love, which is encouraging women in their faith and giftings, and running with it! Kat tells us how she kept hearing women struggle with finding their place in the world, and friends, you are going to be so encouraged as you hear Kat remind us of who God says we are and what we are called to do. Kat also shares important messages of how we speak about a woman's value, and how she’s heard women say they feel left out of the Scriptures. In the last part of the show we talk about the enormous impact that you, me, all of us can have on someone's life. As you hear her story of being discipled at 18 by a friend who was 20 and how it literally changed her life, I hope you are encouraged and inspired to go anywhere in your influence. As Kat says, "we can have such a radical impact on someone's life." Connect with Jamie Facebook // Twitter // Instagram // YouTube Sponsors Panama City Beach LOLA - get 40% off your first month's subscription with code HAPPYHOUR40 Beholding and Becoming by Ruth Chou Simons Ruth Chou Simon's Website GET ALL THE LINKS FROM THE SHOW HERE

My guest for The Happy Hour # 260 is Tess Clarke. Tess is the co-founder of Seek the Peace and the Director of We Welcome Refugees. She has a passion to see refugee and immigrant women protected and empowered along with helping the American church recognize and revere the image of God in these women. Friends, if you hear the topic of this show and think this episode might be a political one, let me just tell you it isn't. Through our conversation I know you will see Jesus in the stories Tess shares, and the ways she encourages us to find the humanity in one another. Tess starts off telling us how she and her husband began working with refugees. We get to hear some of their stories, what they've been through, and how "refugees are ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances." We also learn about Tess' ministry Project Shine that equips pre-teen and teen refugee girls to understand their own worth, strength, and purpose. I know that these stories of suffering can be hard to listen to, but Tess describes how every single one of us can participate in the ministry of presence. She encourages us to go and find those who look, live, and sound different than you and to challenge our own bias. Tess says, God is calling us is step in and listen, and we are all invited to "come and be." Connect with Jamie Facebook // Twitter // Instagram // YouTube Sponsors Beholding and Becoming by Ruth Chou Simons Third Love - get 15% off your first order! Panama City Beach thredUp - get 50% off your first order (on select items) GET ALL THE LINKS FROM THE SHOW HERE

My guest for The Happy Hour # 259 is Bianca Olthoff. Bianca describes herself as a passionate Jesus-loving, Bible-teaching, book-writing MexiRican who loves to help people navigate life, connect in community, and live significantly. Bianca's new book, How to Have Your Life Not Suck: Becoming Today Who You Want to be Tomorrowcomes out August 27. I always love a chance to talk with my friend Bianca, and I know you're going to love this show. Bianca starts off telling us some crazy stories about being a twin - including a time she pretended to be her sister! Bianca and I discuss some of the amazing women out there who we'd love to be taken under their wing, and about building up the future generation of leaders. We then talk about one of Bianca's passions: prison ministry. You guys, Bianca shares that the next campus of their church will be at a prison! As you hear her speak about all that they're doing, I know you're going to get goosebumps just like I did. In the last part of the show, we talk about the current dating culture, and how many people are living with sexually transmitted demons (yes, you read that right!). I could talk to Bianca for hours and I hope you were as fired up and encouraged as I was by our conversation! Connect with Jamie Facebook // Twitter // Instagram // YouTube Sponsors Beholding and Becoming by Ruth Chou Simons Rothy's Panama City Beach GET ALL THE LINKS FROM THE SHOW HERE

My guest for The Happy Hour # 258 is Emily Maynard Johnson. While many of you may know Emily from The Bachelor and Bachelorette, Emily is an author, mom and wife to Tyler. Emily and her husband Tyler are parents to four children, Ricki, Jennings, Gibson, and Gatlin. Emily and I start off talking about how her friend's nomination helped land her a spot as a contestant on The Bachelor. Emily also shares how she said no the first time they asked her to be The Bachelorette! We then get to hear Emily and her husband's Tyler love story and the different peace she felt about him that she hadn't experienced before. Emily and I chat about what it's like to be in the crazy season of life with three littles under the age of 4 and a teenager. I loved hearing her speak about how she's come to embrace the season of life she's in and have peace about how God uses us in different seasons and life experiences. And you guys, I didn't get a pregnancy announcement on the show, but Emily did share with us how she'd love to have more kids! Connect with Jamie Facebook // Twitter // Instagram // YouTube Sponsors Panama City Beach ZipRecruiter - Try for free! Butcher Box - use code HAPPYHOUR and get 2 pounds of ground beef and 2 packs of bacon AND $20 off your first box! The Long Walk Home by Matt Carter GET ALL THE LINKS FROM THE SHOW HERE

My guest for The Happy Hour # 257 is Becca Matimba. Becca is a visual storyteller and captures and creates honest, compelling narrative through her work in production, photography and acting. Becca describes herself as a lover of film, people, and culture and currently resides in Austin. You guys, I loved having my friend Becca on the show today! Becca and I talk about what it was like to grow up in Texas as a first generation daughter to parents from Zimbabwe. Becca then shares about the years of pain and sadness she experienced after her parents divorced when she was 13. Becca tells us how she didn't realize that depression was even part of her story, nor that she had so much unforgiveness inside. I loved hearing her speak of how the Lord showed how much He saw her and loves her as she navigated finding healing and the ability to forgive. In the last part of the show, Becca opens up about her experience being black in predominately white churches and culture. I appreciate so much Becca's willingness to honestly share her journey and the encouragement she brings when she reminds us that we all are first a child of God. Connect with Jamie Facebook // Twitter // Instagram // YouTube GET ALL THE LINKS FROM THE SHOW HERE

My guest for The Happy Hour # 256 is Kim Lewis. Kim is a "Little lady with Big ideas!" and is best known for her work as the Lead Designer behind ABC’s “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” and Founder of Kim Lewis Designs. Kim's work has been featured on ABC, HGTV, TLC, National Geographic, Spike TV and FYI's "Tiny House Nation." Most recently she designs restaurants, boutiques, and hotels around the world, but Kim's passion is in building therapeutic art centers for rescued children in Ghana, Cambodia,Thailand and Honduras. Kim and I start off talking about how the job offer call she received on her wedding day led her to design over 120 homes in 43 states on the show Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. Kim shares some of the hard places she's walked through, including the loss of her mom and the end of her first marriage. Friends, Kim has gone through difficult suffering throughout her life, but you'll hear tell story after story that will give you the chills of how God showed up, and when Kim leaned in and listened, He answered. I was so inspired hearing her talk about how in the midst of hardships she would ask "how can God be glorified in this valley?" At the end of the show we get to hear about Kim's design business, her growing family, and the creative and fun ways she and her husband Joey are sharing their stories on their YouTube channel. Connect with Jamie Facebook // Twitter // Instagram // YouTube Sponsors Panama City Beach Rothy's Zip Recruiter - try for free! GET ALL THE LINKS FROM THE SHOW HERE

My guest for The Happy Hour # 255 is Lauren Eberspacher. Lauren is a wife to her farmer husband Eric and mom to her three farm babies. They live in Milford, Nebraska where they own and operate a fifth generation grain farm. When Lauren isn't busy doing all things farming, she is a blogger and speaker, and author of her first devotional, Midnight Lullabies - Moments of Peace for Moms. Lauren and I start off the show chatting about how she went from city girl to farm wife, where she says her life "is kind of like a country song". Lauren opens up about post partum depression that she experienced with her third child, and that the lack of desire to dwell with the Lord was one of the biggest red flags that something wasn't right. We also talk about the importance in investing in friendships built on truth and trust. Lauren and I then discuss fighting for contentment in all circumstances, including fear, suffering, and when things aren't going our way. In the last part of the show, we get a little spicy and talk about sex and finding redemption in the bedroom. Nothing we discuss is inappropriate, but this is an episode you may want to save and listen to when little ears aren't around. Connect with Jamie Facebook // Twitter // Instagram // YouTube GET ALL THE LINKS FROM THE SHOW HERE

My guest for The Happy Hour # 254 is Dr. Andrea Holman. Andrea serves as an Associate Professor of Psychology at Huston-Tillotson University where she teaches, conducts research, and gives talks and trainings around the city about race, racism and privilege and their impact on interpersonal relations. She also uses her expertise to assist foster/adoptive parents pursuing interracial adoption through the local foster agency through which she and her husband are currently licensed foster parents. Friends, get out the pen and paper now because I'm telling you there are so many things you're going to want to write down from the show today! Andrea and I start off talking about foster care and "naive altruism". Andrea shares some research findings including what foster/adoptive kids say they needed most in their homes but often didn't receive. We then dive into the subject of beauty, and the value and standard that is pervasive in our culture. Andrea tells us how the words we use often communicate a person's worth with the lens of beauty, and it's so normal that we don't even realize we're doing it. You'll hear Andrea take this a step further and show us how the language we use with relationships can convey someone's value as the relationship instead of their true value a child of God. You guys, I'm still thinking about so many things from my conversation with Andrea. I'm convicted and encouraged by what Andrea's pointed out, and thankful for her wisdom and practical steps we can take to start making changes. Connect with Jamie Facebook // Twitter // Instagram // YouTube Sponsors Kendra Scott - Use code HAPPYHOUR online or in-store for 20% off, valid until 9/1 Rothy's Third Love - get 15% off your first purchase GET ALL THE LINKS FROM THE SHOW HERE

My guest for The Happy Hour # 253 is Stevie of Built by Stevie. Stevie was born and raised in South Florida and describes herself as a long, windy road Christ follower. Stevie now lives in Nashville where she is a #carpentHER and designs and makes furniture full time through her all female run company, Built By Stevie. Stevie and I start off the show talking about how learning to install a ceiling fan led Stevie later create her woodworking business, Built By Stevie. Woodworking started out as just something on the side, but after some unexpected and tough situations, God nudged her through a good friend to start Built by Stevie. Please note in the second half of the show, Stevie and I talk about sexual abuse which I want to be sure I warn you about in case it could be a trigger point for you. No details of the abuse are shared, but Stevie honestly shares her journey of the road of healing from the sexual abuse that she endured as a child. I am so thankful to Stevie for her vulnerability and how she points to the hope we have with Jesus in the midst of suffering and when life is messy and hard. Connect with Jamie Facebook // Twitter // Instagram // YouTube Sponsors Just. You. Wait. by Tricia Lott Williford LOLA - use code HAPPYHOUR40 get 40% off all subscriptions Zip Recruiter - try for free! Life is Good Ping Podcast GET ALL THE LINKS FROM THE SHOW HERE

My guest for The Happy Hour # 252 is Darbie Angell. Darbie describes herself as a confident girl entertaining with style and consumed with wanderlust. At 20 weeks pregnant and put on bed rest, Darbie started her luxury dinnerware business. Darbie's products can be found in Macy's, Bed Bath and Beyond, Dillard's, Bloomies, Kendra Scott stores, Amazon, and many more. Darbie's company also employs 3,000 women artisans in underdeveloped countries, and her main goal is to impact the world one plate at a time! Have you ever asked yourself the question, "how do I invest in what God's given me?" You're going to be inspired to dig into that question after you hear Darbie's story. Darbie starts off telling us how she made the decision to start her business when she was 20 weeks pregnant and put on bed rest. You'll hear her talk about her side hustle selling diamonds that provided the capital she needed to ramp up her business. With a legal pad, tenacity, and following the path God was calling her to, Darbie (still on bed rest!) got her business off the ground. Darbie openly shares how the road hasn't been easy, and there have been roadblocks and challenges. We also get to hear about the impact she's making in Bangladesh at her factory through providing employment for women, access to healthcare, and creating a safe home/orphanage to help children escape from exploitation at brothels. You guys, Darbie didn't start her business when everything was "perfect", and I hope after hearing her story you're inpsired to ask God what you can start doing now with what's He's given you! Connect with Jamie Facebook // Twitter // Instagram // YouTube Sponsors Unum - check out Unum's free parental leave guide! Rothy's Away - use code HAPPYHOUR for $20 off a suitcase Life is Good Ping Podcast GET ALL THE LINKS FROM THE SHOW HERE

My guest for The Happy Hour # 251 is Vivian Mabuni. Vivian is a national speaker and writer with a passion to share the hope and life found through intimacy with God. With 30 years of ministry experience on staff with Cru (formerly known as Campus Crusade for Christ), she loves teaching about the Bible and providing practical applications. I'm so happy to welcome my friend Vivian back to the show! Vivian starts off telling us about when she became a Christian, and how she thought it might be just a phase of her teenage years. Obviously, it was not a phase and Vivian shares how the phrase, Open Hands, Willing Heart has become almost like a mantra in her life (and is the title of her newest book!). I loved hearing her speak about the freedom we experience when we loosen our grip on self-reliance and control, and instead practice obedience, dependence and surrendering to God. Vivian also opens up about what it's looked like embracing when God says "no." She reminds us, "No" is not an absence of love." Lastly, Vivian makes my momma heart weepy when she describes motherhood as "just one long goodbye", but I loved hearing her wise words about sending off our children well. Connect with Jamie Facebook // Twitter // Instagram // YouTube Sponsors Kendra Scott - use code HAPPYHOUR for 20% off any full price item online or mention code in store, valid until 9/1/2019 Stamps.com - get a 4-week free trial by clicking the microphone on top of the homepage and type in HAPPYHOUR Third Love - get 15% off your first order Life is Good Ping Podcast GET ALL THE LINKS FROM THE SHOW HERE

My guest for The Happy Hour # 250 is Elisabeth Hasselbeck. Elisabeth is an Emmy Award–winning talk show host, former broadcaster, and New York Times best-selling author of The G-Free Diet and Deliciously G-Free, and her latest book Point of View. Elisabeth is married to former NFL quarterback and current ESPN NFL analyst Tim Hasselbeck, and they have three children—Grace, Taylor, and Isaiah. You guys, I am so excited about today's show! We are celebrating the 250th episode of The Happy Hour, and I got to interview one of my dream guests. I'm just plain giddy about it! Elisabeth and I start off the show talking about how we can fall into the trap of attaching to jobs, things, and/or roles as our identity, instead of remembering who God says we are. Elisabeth shares stories from her twenty years in broadcasting including those hard topics that came up on her shows. I loved hearing her speak about how she learned that these hard topics are really heart topics, and God cares more about relationship than us proving ourselves right. In the last part of the show, Elisabeth lets us in on what God taught her through her transition from The View, to Fox, and then to stay home with her family. I could have talked with Elisabeth for hours, and I know you're going to love our conversation. Connect with Jamie Facebook // Twitter // Instagram // YouTube Sponsors Nations Photo Lab: use code HAPPYHOUR15 for 15% off Zip Recruiter Job Search App thredUp - get an extra 30% off GET ALL THE LINKS FROM THE SHOW HERE

My guest for The Happy Hour # 249 is Allie Casazza. Allie is the host of The Purpose Show podcast, course creator & world-renowned mom inspirer. Allie spends her days working from home with her husband, Brian, playing Super Nintendo with their four kids, and reading loads of books. She's been featured for her realistic philosophy of minimalism on popular media like Good Morning America, ABC News, and The Jenny McCarthy Show. Allie and I start off the show talking about decluttering! You are not only going to love hearing Allie's tips for simplifying dishes and laundry, but we also discuss how decluttering your life physically can impact your life spiritually, emotionally, and mentally. You'll be so inspired hearing her own story of how decluttering didn't just make her house neater, but created more space and time for the things that truly matter. After hearing the stories she shared of the impact of delcluttering on her clients' marriages, careers, and joy in the everyday, I pretty much told Allie she must come hold my hand to do all these things! Allie then opens up about her struggle with post partum depression and how she worked through it. I am so thankful to Allie for sharing her story and her important message that we need to talk about post partum depression and how we can check in with the new mommas in our lives. Connect with Jamie Facebook // Twitter // Instagram // YouTube Sponsors Kendra Scott - use code HAPPYHOUR for 20% off (online and in-store) until 9.1.19 Molekule - use code JAMIE and get $75 off your first order Butcher Box - use code HAPPYHOUR for $20 off your first box and free bacon for the life of your subscription! Life is Good Ping Podcast GET ALL THE LINKS FROM THE SHOW HERE

My guest for The Happy Hour # 248 is Pam Tebow. Pam encourages women to use the incredible influence God has given them to eternally impact their world. She has appeared on Good Morning America and has won national awards for her ministry work, including Commission for Women's Inspiring Woman of the Year in 2013, Extraordinary Woman of the Year in 2015, and the National Pro-Life Advocate of the Year in 2017. Pam and her husband, Bob, live in Florida; they have five grown children and eight grandchildren. On the show today, Pam shares amazing God stories from her life, and I know you'll be inspired, like I was, to know Scripture better because of Pam's infectious love of the Word. Pam starts off telling us about her family's time in the Phillipines and how they navigated fear through the power of Scripture. You are going to love, love, love the story of how a tune she made up for her kids using Psalm 56 has made a ripple effect in her family's next generation. Pam and I talk about how our children and people we interact with are looking at how we trust God in the situations we face. Pam then shares the story of how she and her family prayed for their fifth child, the doctor's advice to terminate the pregnancy, and how the decision to continue the pregnancy altered the trajectory of so many areas in her life. In the last part of the show, we talk about spheres of influence, and Pam encourages all of us that God will provide what you need to make an impact where He's called you. Connect with Jamie Facebook // Twitter // Instagram // YouTube Sponsors Unum - Check out their parental leave guide Rothy's Third Love - Get 15% off your first order GET ALL THE LINKS FROM THE SHOW HERE

My guest for The Happy Hour # 247 is Alia Joy. Alia is an author and speaker who believes the darkness is illuminated when we grasp each other's hand and walk into the night together. Alia writes poignantly about her life with bipolar disorder as well as grief, faith, marriage, poverty, race, embodiment, and keeping fluent in the language of hope. She lives in Oregon with her husband, her mother, her three kids, a dog, a bunny, and a bunch of chickens. In Alia's book, Glorious Weakness, she puts forth the question, "What if weakness was a spiritual gift?" and you guys, I am so thankful to Alia for coming on the show. Her message is so important and brings great insight into mental illness. Alia shares her story that includes dark places such as abuse, leukemia at age 5, her brother's attempted suicide and her own struggle with suicidal ideation, and her diagnosis with bipolar disorder at age 30. Alia tells us how God made Himself known to her during thoughts of suicide and how He brings hope amidst the struggles she still deals with today. We also talk about when the church treats mental illness as sin and how it can push people to feel as though they must keep it private and alone. I appreciated hearing Alia speak about specific ways we can ask how to best walk alongside those living with mental illness, and that we need to start with having compassion built into mental illness like we have compassion for other illnesses. We also discuss what it's been like parenting her children, and that God loves us in our weakness, meets us in our brokenness, and how that's taught her and her children that "no one is going to meet them the way God can." Connect with Jamie Facebook // Twitter // Instagram // YouTube Sponsors Nations Photo Lab - use code HAPPYHOUR for 15% off your order Bolster Sleep Company - use code HAPPYHOUR for 10% off Stamps.com - Click on the microphone at the top and enter code HAPPYHOUR to get a 4 week free trial plus free postage, and a digital scale. GET ALL THE LINKS FROM THE SHOW HERE

My guest for The Happy Hour # 246 is Jordan Lee Dooley. Jordan is an author, podcaster, and lifestyle entrepreneur whose mission is to equip women with the tools they need to show up for what they’re made to do. Jordan's first book, Own Your Everyday, released last week and is a great encouragement for women to find purpose in their everyday, right where they are. Jordan is happily married to her college sweetheart, Matt, and they are now business partners who work side by side from their farmhouse in the Indiana countryside — and raise chickens in their free time. Jordan and I start off the show talking about being coachable and that no matter what your age, we always have something to learn. Jordan tells the story of how winning her third grade handwriting contest provided the inspiration for her hand-lettering business in college. It was this side hustle that led to many late nights packaging up her products with her sorority sisters talking about the big and small things in life. Jordan shares that these conversations helped her realize the opportunity to connect her passion for ministry and business. No matter how small what you're doing may feel like, God can use your voice and skills for great things. Jordan describes how we can change our perspective on failure, prepare strategically, and "take a leap with faith". We also dive into those uncomfortable feelings such as jealousy and insecurity. But, you guys Jordan is about action. She tells us how we can equip ourselves with the tools we need to fight it by identifying and owning the root cause of these feelings. Connect with Jamie Facebook // Twitter // Instagram // YouTube Sponsors Movement Watches Zip Recruiter - Try for free! Thred Up - get 30% off your first order GET ALL THE LINKS FROM THE SHOW HERE

My guest for The Happy Hour # 245 is Jasmine Star. Jasmine is a photographer and business strategist who dropped out of law school to pursue her dreams. Jasmine built an internationally recognized and award-winning photography business, and also founded Social Curator. Through Social Curator, Jasmine empowers entrepreneurs to build a brand, market it on social media, and create a life they love. Some days you'll find her featured in Forbes, Entrepreneur, and INC magazine, but her favorite days are spent with her dog and her high-school sweetheart, eating tacos. Jasmine and I start off the show talking about her family which of course includes some stories of her twin sister Bianca Oltoff. I was cracking up hearing the story of how they said they'd never go to the same college and the crazy way they ended up as roommates! Jasmine then opens up about her journey with depression and the importance of getting help and support. May is Mental Health Month and I am so thankful to Jasmine for sharing honestly about what it's been like for her, and her encouragement that it is okay and necessary to talk about it. Jasmine also describes how the shift from asking "Why is this happening tome" to thinking "this is happening for me" was a game changer especially in her darkest times. In the last part of the show we talk about social media, and I loved, loved, loved her analogy of treating social media like we treat fire - we have to be intentional, aware, and careful of how we interact with it. Jasmine also gives an update about her journey to adoption including the ups and downs, the long wait, and how the bumps in the road have taught her so much. Connect with Jamie Facebook // Twitter // Instagram // YouTube GET ALL THE LINKS FROM THE SHOW HERE

On today's show, Episode #244, I'm celebrating the 5th birthday of The Happy Hour! My guests for this special show are two of my team members: Amanda Brown and Lyndsey Sweeney. My team and I thought what better way to celebrate five years of The Happy Hour than to answer questions from you! You guys sent in some really great ones, and we tried to cover it all. On the show today you'll hear us chat about The Happy Hour team and what everyone does, and get some behind the scenes details on what it looks like to get one of these shows into your earbuds each week. I answer questions on how we choose guests, why I decided to start recording only in-person, and how I prepare for shows. Be sure to check out all the links for this week's show because we also talk about favorite podcasts, what we're loving, and of course our favorite episodes of The Happy Hour. Friends, when I started this show five years ago I couldn't imagine where it would take me and I want to express my sincere thank you for listening each week, and allowing me the opportunity to share the stories of so many incredible women. I am truly honored to do this job, and my hope is that each show will inspire, encourage, and point you to Jesus. Connect with Jamie Facebook // Twitter // Instagram // YouTube Sponsors hope*writers - Take the free 30 second writing journey quiz! Rothy's Flamingo - Get a $22 shave set for $16 with free shipping! GET ALL THE LINKS FROM THE SHOW HERE

My guest for The Happy Hour # 243 is Kate Merrick. Kate is an author, speaker, mom of three, and the cofounder of the Reality family of churches with her husband Britt. She also specializes in making up dances to The Greatest Showman soundtrack, riding a surfboard, horse, or roller skates, and adding more butter to pretty much everything. She lives in Carpinteria, California with her family, five chickens, two goats, and two miniature donkeys. I'm so happy to welcome Kate back to the show this week. If you missed her the first time she was on The Happy Hour, you definitely need to take a listen. On that show, Kate and I talked through what it was like losing her daughter Daisy in 2013. On today's show, we dive into what she learned about being fully present while in Israel for treatments for Daisy. Kate shares why she and her family are not on social media, and why they left their smart phones in America when they traveled to Israel. Kate brings up such good questions to consider when she encourages us to look at life as a collection of moments instead of focusing only on the "big" things. When we think of life as a collection of moments, then how should we spend our time? I loved talking with Kate about the importance of reflecting on how we spend our time and honestly asking ourselves if it drains us or lifts us up. I am such a big fan of Kate's and I know you will be encouraged by our conversation today. Connect with Jamie Facebook // Twitter // Instagram // YouTube Sponsors Nations Photo Lab - Get 10 Free 5x7 prints using the Nations Photo Lab App Molekule - Use code JAMIE for $75 off Away luggage - Use code HAPPYHOUR for $20 off a suitcase GET ALL THE LINKS FROM THE SHOW HERE

My guest for The Happy Hour # 242 is Lincee Ray. Lincee is an author, speaker, and accidental blogger from Texas who now writes for Entertainment Weekly and the Associated Press. She can be found at her popular website iHateGreenBeans.com, where she makes it clear that she believes it's important to tell your story -- even if it makes you seem a little crazy. Lincee and I start off the show chatting about how she started writing recaps of The Bachelor. What she thought was just an email to a few friends quickly grew to a list of 1,000 people! Lincee explains how those emails landed her a job writing for Entertainment Weekly and the Associated Press - I mean, can we say coolest jobs ever? Lincee shares that she started writing the show recaps as she was going through the hardest time in her life, and I loved hearing her speak about how God used this crazy tv show in her story. It is such an encouragement of how God can use all things for His purpose. Lincee and I also talk about dealing with that feeling of "something's missing". In the last part of the show, we get to hear about the Bible study Lincee leads, her newest book It's A Love Story, and the little ways she finds to point people to Jesus. I had so much fun with Lincee today and I know you're going to enjoy this show! Connect with Jamie Facebook // Twitter // Instagram // YouTube Sponsors Bona Premium Spray Mop Third Love - get 15% off your first purchase Zip Recruiter - Try for Free! GET ALL THE LINKS FROM THE SHOW HERE

My guest for The Happy Hour # 241 is Jada Edwards. Jada is a Bible teacher and discipler. She has committed her life to equipping women of all ages, at all stages, with practical, biblical truth to help them live authentic and transparent lives. Jada currently serves as the Creative Services Director and the Women's Director for One Community Church, where her husband Conway serves as the Lead Pastor. Jada and I start off the show talking about what reconciliation looks like when things are messy. We also dig into something we all need to examine in our hearts - are we maximizing someone else's sin and minimizing our own? I loved hearing Jada's story of how she asked God simply "show me how do I do this", and the changes she saw happen in her life. We then dive into discussing how we "set up people for failure, when we're waiting for them to be something they're not". Lastly, we talk about what it looks like to truly live the Gospel and have it influence everything you do. As Jada stated so well, "your job doesn't have to be in ministry, but ministry needs to be in every job." Connect with Jamie Facebook // Twitter // Instagram // YouTube Sponsors Bona Premium Spray Mop Zip Recruiter - Try for free! Thomas' English Muffins - Try the Tex Mex English Muffin GET ALL THE LINKS FROM THE SHOW HERE

My guest for The Happy Hour # 240 is Nicole Unice. Nicole is a Bible teacher, author, and passionate communicator who delights in bringing God’s Word to life in a personal and relevant way. Her training as a counselor informs her work, as she emphasizes the importance of facing our own reality and embracing the transforming power of God’s grace. Nicole serves as a pastor on staff at Hope Church. Nicole and I start off the show chatting about kids starting to drive and I just loved Nicole's idea of how to use the family car. We then dive into talking about the struggles with contentment. She describes how we are so often trying to get to the next thing that we don't see what God has put in front of us today. I loved hearing her prayer to live each day as an adventure that God is partnering and leading us on. Nicole then speaks of how the past can impact our present reality, but it does not have to define it. She encourages us to stop saying "but, it's not a big deal", and instead confront the past to allow opportunity for healing and true freedom in Christ. Lastly, we chat about leadership, and no matter what your sphere of influence looks like, we can all be conduits for reconciliation for others. Connect with Jamie Facebook // Twitter // Instagram // YouTube Sponsors Podcast Survey Bona Premium Spray Mop Thomas' English Muffins - Tex-Mex English Muffin recipe (add Mayo like I do, if you want!) GET ALL THE LINKS FROM THE SHOW HERE

My guest for The Happy Hour # 239 is Audrey Roloff. Audrey is passionate about motivating women to always believe in the more that is within them through Christ. She spreads this mission through her devotionals, Always More clothing line, and blog. Audrey is also the co-founder of beating50percent.com, a marriage ministry, with her husband Jeremy. The couple also hosts the top-rated Behind the Scenes podcast. She’s an 8 on the Enneagram, mom to Ember, drinks her coffee beige, loves all things floral and the Pacific Northwest. Audrey and I start off the show talking about she and her husband's love story through 3 years of long distance, writing love letters, to deciding it was time to step away from the reality show, Little People, Big World. Audrey shares why she and Jeremy are so passionate about marriage, and the motivation and hope behind their book, marriage journal, and ministry. Audrey also tells us how writing the phrase "Always More" on her arm during her time as a track runner, led to her create her business Always More. Audrey and I also talk Enneagram, and she shares something I never had heard about it! Lastly, Audrey opens up about learning what she needs in a community and how it can be difficult to find or create that community in different seasons of life. Connect with Jamie Facebook // Twitter // Instagram // YouTube Sponsors Panama City Beach Thomas' English Muffins Third Love - Get 15% off your first purchase! GET ALL THE LINKS FROM THE SHOW HERE

My guest for The Happy Hour # 238 is Jennifer Welker. Jennifer is a former Neonatal ICU nurse turned founder and designer of the jewelry brand, Golden Thread. Golden Thread is a luxe line of personalized and dainty jewelry that's been featured in magazines like Vogue, In Style, & People Style Watch, and is a celebrity favorite. Jennifer and her husband Ellis reside in Houston with their three children (and one on the way!) Jennifer and I start off the show talking about how her business Golden Thread started out as an outlet to deal with the grief she encountered while working in the NICU. Jennifer then opens up to share how deep wounds in her childhood led her to live life with a self savior mentality - one where on the outside everything looked "normal", but on the inside she was empty. She tells us how this spiraled downhill fast as she entered into an affair that would last years. I appreciated so much that Jennifer gives us the raw truth about the darkness, codependency, and toxic addiction that the affair was. I know you will be so moved as you hear Jennifer speak of when she hit her lowest, and the moment she tangibly felt God remove the scales from her eyes. Infidelity is not something that is often openly talked about, but friends, let us not get trapped in the lie that it only happens to "those" people. We are all in this boat together, and Jennifer's story is one we can all relate to, because her story speaks the truth that we are all in need of our savior, Jesus. Connect with Jamie Facebook // Twitter // Instagram // YouTube Sponsors Thomas' English Muffins Bolster Sleep - Use code HAPPYHOUR for 10% off your purchase Zip Recruiter - try for Free! GET ALL THE LINKS FROM THE SHOW HERE

My guest for The Happy Hour # 237 is Lara Casey. Lara is a mom to 3, a grateful wife, and an unlikely gardener. She's the creator of PowerSheets goal planner, founder of Southern Weddings magazine, and author of Make It Happen and Cultivate. If you are part of our Happy Hour Party on Patreon, you heard Lara's amazing episode in our mini-series about dreams and goals. Today, I am so thankful to have Lara on the show as she shares her journey of faith and how God has changed her life in so many ways. Lara and I start off talking about taking the time to really slow down. She tells us about a recent neck injury that has brought about suffering, but God has shown her how it is an opportunity to live each moment well. Lara then shares the story of how she and her husband struggled and fought for their marriage through deployment, infidelity, differing faiths, and more. You will absolutely see God's hand all over her story, and how He made what seemed impossible, possible. Lara also talks about people who bore witness to what God could do when she couldn't believe it, and it renewed in me the commitment to seek out others and ask about their heart. Connect with Jamie Facebook // Twitter // Instagram // YouTube Sponsors Panama City Beach LOLA - use code HAPPYHOUR40 get 40% off all subscriptions Thomas' English Muffins - Check out the Tex-Mex English Muffin Recipe GET ALL THE LINKS FROM THE SHOW HERE

My guest for The Happy Hour # 236 is Shruthi Parker. Shruthi is a professional blogger and event host. Shruthi recently hosted Keep Austin Warm in December 2018 which benefited three Austin nonprofits. Shruthi is passionate about connecting people together and sharing different perspectives with different crowds. Shruthi and her husband live in Austin along with their two rascal dogs. Whether you love it or hate it, social media can bring people together. I met Shruthi through social media and it turns out we go to the same church and live in the same city! After having coffee, I knew I wanted to bring her on the show to share her story. Shruthi and I start off talking about her conversion from Hindu to Christianity that started with a friend named Faye in the 8th grade who invited her to small group. Shruthi shares how this started her down a path that, years later, would bring her to praying "who is God? I need to know who you are, and I need you to be over my life". I got tears in my eyes as Shruthi told me how God revealed His truth while she listened to her boyfriend recite Romans in a Barnes and Noble. She tells us how she hid her faith from her family for fear of disapproval, and how the secret was finally revealed and caused a deep divide. You'll also get to hear about Shruthi's blog and how God used a job that fell through for an even better plan that He had for her. Connect with Jamie Facebook // Twitter // Instagram // YouTube GET ALL THE LINKS FROM THE SHOW HERE

My guest for The Happy Hour # 235 is Emily P. Freeman. Emily is the Wall Street Journal bestselling author of Simply Tuesday and A Million Little Ways, and her newest book, The Next Right Thing. As host of The Next Right Thing podcast, she helps create space for the soul to breathe, offering fresh perspective on the sacredness of our inner life with God. Emily and her husband live in North Carolina with their three children. I am so happy to welcome Emily back to the show today! Emily and I jump right in to discuss how unmade decisions can hold so much power in our lives, but Emily offers a game-changer. Emily describes how we can develop spiritual routines and habits that put ourselves in God's path - intentionally and on purpose! - every single day. When these become part of our days, it helps us see unmade decisions as hopeful opportunities to interact with God and our communities. Emily and I also chat about parenting teenagers and how we react when they make mistakes. Emily shares about her passion of encouraging women to go after their dreams, and you'll get hear about the amazing writing community, hope*writers, that she co-founded. CONNECT WITH JAMIE Facebook // Twitter // Instagram // YouTube SPONSORS Bona Premium Spray Mop Smilo - use code HAPPYHOUR for 20% off Thomas' English Muffins - try out the Tex-Mex English Muffin recipe! GET ALL THE LINKS FROM THE SHOW HERE

My guest for The Happy Hour # 234 is Scarlet Hiltibidal. Scarlet is a wife, mother, and author of Afraid of All the Things and He Numbered the Pores on My Face. She also writes a regular column for ParentLife Magazine. Scarlet loves sign language with her daughters, nachos by herself, writing for her friends, and learning how to be a pretend-farmer with her husband in Middle Tennessee. Scarlet and I start off the show talking about anxiety. We discuss how it can sometimes be glossed over, how some don't even realize they struggle with it, and how anxiety can be absolutely debilitating. You'll hear Scarlet share how she realized she was afraid of all the things which led to an eating disorder, declining health, secrets, and living a life she was praying God would heal. Scarlet's story of how God called her to bring her secret into the light gives such encouragement to anyone feeling shame or hiding something you think could never be told. Scarlet then tells us how she began to truly rest in Jesus and realize that instead of focusing on all the things, she needed to look up, at God. Scarlet says, "if we are looking at Him, we see life, and hope and love." In the last part of the show, Scarlet shares with us the story of the adoption of her daughter Joy. You guys, adoption was one of the things Scarlet had always been afraid of, and you're going to love hearing her speak of the incredible things God did through their adoption journey. Connect with Jamie Facebook // Twitter // Instagram // YouTube Sponsors Panama City Beach Smilo Baby - use code HAPPYHOUR for 20% off Bolster Sleep - use code HAPPYHOUR for 12% off Zip Recruiter - try for FREE GET ALL THE LINKS FROM THE SHOW HERE

My guest for The Happy Hour # 233 is Lisa Leonard. Lisa is a momma, author, and business owner. Together with her husband Steve, they built a thriving jewelry business, Lisa Leonard Designs. Lisa and Steve have been married 20 years, and have two boys, David and Matthias. Steve and Lisa live in California and her first book, Brave Love, came out in January! Lisa and I start off the show talking about how she started her business. Lisa then opens up about how she felt like the true Lisa was disappearing in efforts to accommodate others. I appreciated her honesty when she spoke about the fear of rejection she felt when she decided that she wouldn't hide the true Lisa anymore. Lisa and I then talk about what it's been like parenting a special needs child. You will love hearing her story of how God prepared her heart for having a special needs child in the most incredible way through a non-verbal second grader. Lisa also shares about the grief she's been through. I think we can all relate when you hear her speak of the struggle of confronting dark places of grief instead of putting on a happy face and pretending we're okay. At the end of the show, I had Lisa do something I've never done on my show - read aloud from her book! I loved hearing her words, and I know you'll be encouraged to live life with Brave Love. Connect with Jamie Facebook // Twitter // Instagram // YouTube Sponsors Bolster Sleep - use code HAPPYHOUR for 10% off Joy Bird - use code HAPPYHOUR for 25% off Third Love - get 15% off your first order GET ALL THE LINKS FROM THE SHOW HERE

My guest for The Happy Hour # 232 is Jonathan Pitts. Jonathan is the Executive Pastor at Church of the City and husband to my friend Wynter Pitts, who God called home July 24, 2018. Jonathan and Wynter have four daughters, and on the show today I had the honor to talk with Jonathan about what life has looked like since her passing. Jonathan starts off sharing how the ministry Wynter started, For Girls Like You, is continuing and growing. We then get to hear so many incredible stories of how God has shown Jonathan and his family that He's always been with them as they've walked this road. He talks about learning how God is with us in the present, and because of this truth it is possible to grieve and experience joy in the same space. My faith was so encouraged listening to Jonathan speak about hope amidst suffering. I was reminded that even when there is pain now, it is not wasted. God can use all things for His good and His glory, and there is joy coming in the end because of the cross. Friends, I loved Wynter and am so honored to get to share Wynter's life. If you aren't familiar with her and her ministry, please check out the links from the show - I know you will be encouraged, inspired, and pointed to Jesus. Connect with Jamie Facebook // Twitter // Instagram // YouTube Sponsors Nations Photo Lab Prints use code HAPPYHOUR15 for 15 free prints thredUP - get 30% off your first order ButcherBox - get 2 free filet mignons, free bacon, and $20 off your order with code HAPPYHOUR GET ALL THE LINKS FROM THE SHOW HERE

My guest for The Happy Hour # 231 is Nicole Walters. Nicole is a former six-figure corporate executive who woke up every morning feeling stuck in the life she built for herself. Using her corporate skills, she took to the internet and built a multi-seven figure business showing others how they can build a life they love. Nicole and her husband reside in Atlanta and are parents to their beautiful girls. You guys, Nicole is a rock star with her business, but what I think you're going to love about our conversation today is her encouragement that we can let our light shine no matter where God has placed us. Nicole and I start off the show talking about her first side hustle that began with shaving her head, plus more side hustles all leading to a live stream of her quitting her corporate job. Nicole also shares how in the midst of all of that craziness, she and her husband came to adopt their three daughters. Nicole then opens up about her faith journey and what it's been like to be a "faith-forward" business owner. I loved hearing her speak about how her faith is simply how she does business. In our culture where we may feel uncertain how to share our faith, Nicole encourages authenticity, honesty, and vulnerability. I think she summed it up pretty well when she said, "If I can tell you what type of undies I wear, why can't I tell you I pray." Connect with Jamie Facebook // Twitter // Instagram // YouTube Sponsors Nations Photo Lab Prints - Get 15 Free Square Prints with code HAPPYHOUR15 Bolster Sleep Company use code HAPPYHOUR for 10% off Prep Dish - $4 for a Month-long trial GET ALL THE LINKS FROM THE SHOW HERE!

My guest for The Happy Hour # 230 is Margaret Feinberg. Margaret is a Bible teacher, speaker, author, and leader at conferences such as Catalyst, Thrive, and Women of Joy. Her books, including The Organic God, The Sacred Echo, Scouting the Divine, Wonderstruck, Fight Back With Joy, and their corresponding Bible studies, have sold more than one million copies and received critical acclaim. Margaret lives in Salt Lake City, Utah with her husband, Leif, and their superpup, Hershey. You guys, I learned so much from my conversation with Margaret that I just can't stop thinking about! On the show today, Margaret and I talk about her journey across the world as she dove into learning about certain foods from the Bible and examining them in light of Scripture. Margaret shares so many amazing stories, each of which opened up the Scripture to me in a brand new way. I especially loved hearing her tell how the Lord led her to fish in the Galilee. What began as a short trip to find a fisherman, turned into spending Passover with the fisherman's entire extended family! In every one of her stories, the insight she learned about these different foods provides even more insight into the Bible and what God is teaching us. It's truly amazing, and I know you will be as blown away as I was. Connect with Jamie Facebook // Twitter // Instagram // YouTube Sponsors Nations Photo Lab - use code HAPPYHOUR15 for 15 free square prints! Zola - $50 off wedding registry Third Love - get 15% off your first order Click HERE to Get All the Links from the Show!

My guest for The Happy Hour # 229 is Susan Seay. Susan is a wife and mom of 7 who is fiercely committed to being a voice of encouragement to moms in all stages of motherhood. She and her family make their home in Austin Texas, but her message reaches all across the country and internationally through her podcast, speaking, book, and coaching. You guys, I could have talked to Susan for hours, and I know you’re going to love our conversation no matter what season of life you’re in. Click HERE to read more and get all the links from the show! Connect with Jamie Facebook // Twitter // Instagram // YouTube

My guest for The Happy Hour # 228 is Jen Wise. Jen holds an MA in Theology from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and serves as a child advocate with Compassion International as a part of their Artist and Speaker Team. Jen is happy to spend most days rotating between friends, family, writing, cooking, her neighborhood yoga studio, and being an active part of her home church. Jen and I start off the show talking about how we're all walking around exhausted! It doesn't have to be this way, and Jen gives us practical tips on how we can lessen the weight we all feel, all the time. I loved hearing her share about how her own process of letting things go, and fully resting in the grace God has provided. We also chat about friendships, and how in different seasons it can be hard to prioritize, but that it's possible to continue to nurture those relationships. In the second half of the show, the topic of control takes center stage, and we also talk about eating right, getting enough sleep, and all those "taking care of yourself" things that we tend to push to the side. Don't worry friends, our conversation isn't about shaming - it's just the opposite. Jen encourages us that loosening our grip, trusting God more, and taking care of ourselves, helps us live the meaningful life God intends. Links from the Show Jen's Website Jen's Book: The Bright Life Voxer The Quest by Beth Moore Seamless Bible Study by Angie Smith What Jen's loving: Cam & Jeff, Fordite nail polish, Keds by Kate Spade, everything at Madewell What Jen's reading: Awed to Heaven, Rooted in Earth: Prayers of Walter Brueggemann, It's Not Supposed To Be This Way by Lysa Terkeurst, and Thoughts to Make Your Heart Sing by Sally Lloyd-Jones Lysa Terkeurst on The Happy Hour Sally Lloyd-Jones on The Happy Hour The Story of God's Love for You by Sally Lloyd-Jones Come join The Happy Hour on Patreon If You Only Knew Connect with Jen Twitter// Instagram // Facebook Connect with Jamie + The Happy Hour Twitter // YouTube // Instagram // Facebook See all the links from the show HERE

My guest for The Happy Hour # 227 is Rachel Joy. Rachel is a pastor's wife, mom to four and the Founder & Executive Director of Sparrow Women. Sparrow Women exists to catalyze the next generation of reconcilers. Rachel is a believer in strong coffee, long dinners, and spontaneous dance parties. On today's show Rachel shares the story of how she came to start Sparrow Women and the Sparrow Conference. Rachel and I talk about what it was like for her when she first started to dig deep and ask questions about racial equality, reflect on her own privilege, and examine how the world is truly set up. I love how Rachel says we are all Kingdom Cultivators, but to do the work, we must first understand what God's kingdom is. Rachel and I discuss how the topic of racial harmony and reconciliation can seem overwhelming at first, and she provides some first steps to take. Rachel also honestly shares how the walk can be messy, the conversations difficult, and we're not promised that it will be easy. But, we are called to be peacemakers and reconcilers, and with Christ, it is possible. Connect with Jamie Facebook // Twitter // Instagram // YouTube GET ALL THE LINKS FROM THE SHOW HERE!

My guest for The Happy Hour #226 is Lysa TerKeurst. Lysa is a #1 New York Times bestselling author of over twenty books, international speaker, and the president of Proverbs 31 Ministries. Her passion is teaching the Bible in vulnerably realistic ways that help others personally engage with God by connecting His truth to their everyday lives. You can find her most days writing from her sticky farm table in Charlotte, NC and enjoying life with her husband Art and the families of her 5 grown children. You guys, I cannot think of a better way to start off The Happy Hour in 2019 than this episode. Get your tissues and your pen and paper ready for this one. Lysa and I start off the show talking about how she began working with Proverbs 31 Ministries. Lysa tells us about writing her latest book in real-time as her world was turned upside down by a marital affair, and being diagnosed with significant medical issues. We talk about being in the "messy middle" place of life, and the importance of creating safe spaces and community to discuss disappointment in our lives. Lysa speaks about how God helped her hear His truth so she could face her fears, leaning on friends' faith when we feel so shaken, and the struggle of when our feelings and faith come in conflict. Lysa tells us how it wasn't clear to her how this story would end, but she realized redemption is available now, whether there's reconciliation or not. She speaks such encouragement to us when she says, "Redemption is based on my choices - I can choose to have redemption with God today." Connect with Jamie Facebook // Twitter // Instagram // YouTube GET ALL THE LINKS FROM THE SHOW HERE!

My guest for The Happy Hour # 225 is my man, Aaron Ivey. On this week’s show, we look back and chat about some of the highlights of 2018, including the launch of my book If You Only Knew! Aaron and I talk about how we’ve done our best to manage family, work, marriage and everything in between as this year has been the busiest for us travel-wise. Aaron shares about getting shingles, and we give updates on our kids’ latest adventures. We also fill you in with more information about our new Patreon community. I am so excited about this and can’t wait for you to join the party! It’s been a phenomenal year, and I’m so thankful for all of it and for all of you! Here’s to 2018 and I wish each of you a Happy New Year! Connect with Jamie Facebook // Twitter // Instagram // YouTube GET ALL THE LINKS FROM THE SHOW HERE!

My guest for The Happy Hour # 224 is Amy Wolff. Amy is a TEDx Speaker Coach and Executive Coach for a consulting company she co-owns with her father in Portland, OR. She accidentally started a global movement in 2017 through simple yard signs. But what currently thrills Amy the most is engaging in difficult conversations with unlikely friends and leading teams to Rwanda to experience the global family of God. Amy and I start off talking about jealousy and how this show almost didn't even happen. Amy gives us some great tips about speaking, whether that's at Sunday School, at the PTA, or in front of a large crowd. We then talk about grief and the loss of her brother Jeremy. Amy talks about how it has influenced her life, and the peace and wrestling with God she has experienced. In the second half of the show, Amy tells us how she and her family decided to take action using yard signs when they learned of the suicide rate in their area. What began with driving around asking neighbors if they could place a sign in their yard, has turned into a global movement. We also learn about an unexpected friendship with a witch (yes friends, a witch) that has provided the opportunity to have difficult conversations publicly, but done so in love. And lastly - because we discussed all the things on this show! - we talk about sin, looking at our own sin, and how it influences how we love people. Connect with Jamie Facebook // Twitter // Instagram // YouTube GET ALL THE LINKS FROM THE SHOW HERE!

My guest for The Happy Hour # 223 is Julianna Zobrist. Julianna is an author, speaker, music artist, fashion muse, social media influencer, and wife of Chicago Cubs World Series MVP Ben Zobrist. Zobrist has performed at numerous charity and professional events nationwide, and has been featured in Forbes, PARADE, CBS, and Sports Illustrated. She divides her time between Nashville and Chicago, traveling through life with her husband and three kids. Julianna starts off telling us the crazy (and I mean crazy!) story of how her husband's team won the World Series, they unexpectedly had to move, she released a single, and her baby was born pretty much all at the same time. We talk about her journey of discovering what it truly means to be created in the image of God, and how that has transformed her entire perspective on life. Julianna and I then talk about how we all have the tendency to deny or hide who we are, and can tie our identity to something or someone. I loved hearing her speak about how we need to stop apologizing for who we are, and stand confidently in our identity in God. In the last part of the show, we get to hear about life on the road for Julianna and her family, and how they set boundaries and fight for quality time. Connect with Jamie Facebook // Twitter // Instagram // YouTube GET ALL THE LINKS FROM THE SHOW HERE!

My guest for The Happy Hour # 222 is Mary Beth Chapman. Mary Beth is President and Co-Founder of Show Hope, wife to Steven Curtis Chapman, a New York Times Best Selling author, speaker, advocate, and momma. Steven and Mary Beth reside in Tennessee and have six children: Emily, Caleb, Will Franklin, Shaoey, Stevey Joy, and Maria. Mary Beth and I start off the show talking about Mary Beth's current season of life and she is living my dream - her kids and grandkids all live in the same city as her! Mary Beth shares the story of how they came to adopt three of their children as well as creating Show Hope, a non-profit that seeks to care for orphans by engaging the church and reducing barriers to adoption. In the second half of the show Mary Beth opens up about the pain and grief she and her family have walked through in losing their daughter Maria. I appreciated her honesty so much as she described her relationship with God as knowing she fully trusts Him while simultaneously having the emotions, questions for God, and pain. Mary Beth and her family have endured a terrible tragedy, but amidst the pain, you'll hear Mary Beth describe so many ways God has continued to pursue them, shown such kindness, and brought hope and encouragement. Connect with Jamie Facebook // Twitter // Instagram // YouTube GET ALL THE LINKS FROM THE SHOW HERE!

My guest for The Happy Hour # 221 is Melissa Radke. Melissa is a singer, speaker, author, and momma. Melissa and her family will soon be featured on a reality show that, in her words, "will probably horrify her mother". Melissa and her husband David live in Lufkin, Texas with their two kids, Remi Hope and Rocco Cooper who they fought so hard for during 12 years of infertility. Friends, get ready because on today's show you're going to laugh, cry, and love hearing my conversation with Melissa! We start off the show talking about being brave while also feeling anxiety and fear. Melissa discusses how we learn so much through taking self-inventory and fighting the urge to point the finger outward instead of looking within ourselves. She also talks about how the reality tv show came to be and never in a million years did she think this would be part of God's plan! Melissa then shares the story of how she and her husband started out in Nashville and wound up in Texas, and faced infertility, loss of dreams, miscarriages, and broken trust in their marriage. She tells us how vulnerably sharing both sides of the story of her marriage brought healing. She says, "our most vulnerable stories are our most powerful thing", and I couldn't agree more. Hearing her story brought me to tears, but Melissa brings such encouragement as she talks about how our God is always faithful, and how He is constantly, always working for our good. Connect with Jamie Facebook // Twitter // Instagram // YouTube GET ALL THE LINKS FROM THE SHOW HERE!

The Holiday Gift Guide is always one of my favorite shows, and this year did not disappoint! Amy and I had so much fun chatting about these fabulous companies and products and I'm pretty sure we'll help you knock out some of your Christmas shopping. All the company info, links, and special offer codes are listed out for you down below, so enjoy and happy shopping! ABLE ABLE is a lifestyle brand on a mission to end generational poverty by providing economic opportunity for women. Their product line of jewelry, apparel, shoes, and leather goods are made locally in Nashville and globally in partnership with entrepreneurs in Ethiopia, Mexico, Peru, and Brazil. In August 2018, ABLE became the first company to publish their lowest wages because they believe complete transparency is the only way to protect and empower the industry's vulnerable workers, most of whom are women. Use code HAPPYHOUR for 30% off, valid through 11/30 The Shop Forward/Espwa The Shop Forward® is a way to get all your holiday shopping done with fun + unique gifts while knowing that you are paying-it-forward with each purchase. Since launching a few years ago, The Shop Forward has partnered with various causes to raise over $2.7 million dollars. The Shop Forward is the home of the CHOOSE JOY tees + hoodies that support cancer care, 'mama.' tees that help out moms-in-need, and Espwa® products that spread hope in Haiti including our Born Year hats or custom 4 Things® Tote bags (w/ YOUR favorite 4 things on them!). The iconic #4ThingsTote has become our most in-demand item & most fun gift-giving item! Shop + Pay-It-Forward! Euna Mae's Euna Mae’s is the retail expression of Amy Hannon’s biblical hospitality brand. Euna Mae’s, a one-of-a-kind kitchen-y boutique, came into being following Amy’s growing awareness that women had gotten away from opening their homes and hearts to others. She felt the Lord stir her to encourage and equip women to embrace the simple-yet-significant hospitality commands of 1 Peter 4:8-11 - Love. Welcome. Serve. The Euna Mae’s store features pretty and purposeful kitchen and home goods with a select few best-sellers featured online, including Amy’s comfort food cookbook “Love Welcome Serve”! Amy uses every opportunity — whether hosting events, speaking to groups, visiting inside her store, in her cookbook or on social media — to share her Love Welcome Serve ™ message of intentional kitchening so that in all things God may be praised. Waterloo Style At Waterloo Style we love our products and know that once you put our earrings on and feel how comfortable they are, it's hard to wear anything else! Our earrings are made from top quality leather and they come in a variety of styles and colors. We make it easy for you to rock yoga pants and a baseball cap, your favorite jeans and boots, or a dressed up evening out on the town. We also have a heart to cheer our tribe on to see beauty in yourself and in others...and to speak that truth to each other. Whether it is how we feel physically or how we see people & circumstances in our lives, we have a choice to make... we can choose to see BEAUTIFUL! We hope as your wear your Waterloo Style earrings, you are reminded of your beauty and you take courageous adventure to see BEAUTIFUL in your own life and those around you! #adventuresinbeautiful Use code HAPPYHOUR for 15% off Scout & Cellar Scout & Cellar offers clean-crafted, organic, bio-dynamic, vegan, no sugar added wine hand picked by a Level 3 sommelier. The wine is sourced from boutique wineries around the world and have been tested to ensure no pesticides or chemicals have been added. The wine is clean and you can truly tell the difference. It's a great gift for those who have everything, for clients, and for lovers of all things organic! Holiday packages, gifting options and gift cards are available as well as wine clubs or individual bottle purchase. Club members receive 5% off their purchase Cultivate What Matters With an ever-growing list of to-dos, it's easy to feel overwhelmed and dispassionate by the tasks on your plate and disappointed you're not spending enough time doing the things you love and caring for the people you love. The ladies at Cultivate What Matters want to press the reset button! For seven years, the PowerSheets(R) Intentional Goal Planner and their best-selling tools have helped thousands of women across the world live the life they want and can help you do the same, too! Cultivate What Matters was created to give you the community, resources, and encouragement to realize that you can make great things—big or small—happen! Check out their website on Black Friday to see their special deal! Primally Pure Primally Pure handcrafts skincare products that are truly natural and non-toxic, using ingredients like tallow from grass-fed cows, organic and fair trade coconut oil and organic essential oils. In addition to being safe to use, their products also provide users with real, noticeable results. Primally Pur

My guest for The Happy Hour # 220 is Tara-Leigh Cobble. Tara-Leigh is the founder of D-Group, an international network of weekly Bible studies that meet in homes and churches around the world. Today she is launching a short, daily podcast called The Bible Recap to help people not only READ the Bible but LOVE reading it! On today's show, I'm catching up with Tara-Leigh since she last visited The Happy Hour in 2016. One thing I hear from so many listeners is how they were encouraged to read their Bible after listening to Tara-Leigh on the show. Well, you're going to love this news, Tara-Leigh is launching a new podcast called The Bible Recap where she will take listeners chronologically through the Bible, and summarize and highlight the day's reading. And you guys, Tara-Leigh is about to celebrate 10 years of D-Group! Tara-Leigh then opens up about the suffering and trauma she's been through in the last few years including emotional and physical wounds. She shares how God has been faithful and kind and stayed so near even when she withdrew. Tara-Leigh also talks about how she's heard God call her to lay down her dream of marriage, and how she has changed her perspective to actively pursue singleness - including her Nunnymoon! Connect with Jamie Facebook // Twitter // Instagram // YouTube GET ALL THE LINKS FROM THE SHOW HERE!

My guest for The Happy Hour #219 is Blythe Hill. Blythe is the CEO/Founder of the Dressember Foundation and is passionate about ending human trafficking. What started as a personal style challenge in 2009 to wear a dress each day for a month, Dressember grew beyond her immediate circle and five years later, thousands of people across the world have helped raise over $5M toward the fight to end human trafficking. Blythe and I start off the show talking about how Blythe's eyes were opened to human trafficking. She describes how she felt an overwhelming sense of urgency to do something combined with an overwhelming feeling of powerlessness. Blythe describes how she even considered going against her internal "wiring" to start a new career in hopes to make a difference. But, instead she put the talents God gifted her with to use and started Dressember. I loved hearing Blythe talk about how Dressember took off. Her first campaign goal in 2013 was $25k, but you guys they reached that in just 3 days! And now Dressember 2018 hopes to raise $3 million to fight human trafficking - how incredible is that? We get to hear about the amazing partners she works with and how they fight trafficking from so many angles. Blythe also shares her own story of abuse and how Dressember and #metoo has all intersected for her. I really appreciated hearing her discuss the spectrum of consent, the shame women feel, and how we have to be women who believe and trust each other and not be afraid to get help. Friends, I loved my conversation with Blythe for so many reasons, and I am so proud of the work she's doing. I've included resources below that can help in educating yourself more about human trafficking - it truly happens everywhere. And there are so many ways to be involved with Dressember - join a team, wear a dress, raise awareness, and more! I also hope that if you have an idea or feel God nudging you in a direction, you feel encouraged to follow that nudge - God can do so much more than we could ever imagine. Connect with Jamie Facebook // Twitter // Instagram // YouTube GET ALL THE LINKS FROM THE SHOW HERE!

My guest for The Happy Hour #218 is Myquillyn Smith. Myquillyn, also known as the “The Nester,” has been encouraging women to embrace their home—imperfections and all. Her home has been featured in Better Homes & Gardens, Cottages & Bungalows and Ladies’ Home Journal. She’s the author of The Nesting Place and was chosen by Christianity Today as one of the top twenty creatives in 2016. Myquillyn lives in a fixer-upper on 12 acres with her husband Chad, their three teenage boys, two cats, a dog and a rooster. Friends, it's time to get cozy! Myquillyn and I start off the show discussing imperfect hospitality, and how we get so stuck on our homes being "perfect", that we never even invite anyone in. Myquillyn sums it up so well when she says if we instead "set up our houses to foster connection, perfection isn't even part of the story." Myquillyn then shares how she started inviting hundreds of people to her home through Nest Fest - even though she's an introvert! We also talk about saying 'no' at the right time. Myquillyn suggests finding a "no" mentor to help us see what it looks like to say "no", so that we can say "yes" to others. In the last part of the show, Myquillyn tells us how moving so much (13 times!) taught her so much about design. Money, time, creativity, and limitations are the most common barriers she hears from women. But, instead of waiting until we have it all, she says, focus on what you have the most of, and go for it! Friends, I just loved my conversation with Myquillyn. I hope you feel encouraged that your home doesn't have to be "perfect", but that it's the imperfect hospitality that brings people together. And you guys, I had never thought of having a "no" mentor before, but I love the perspective that can bring! Connect with Jamie Facebook // Twitter // Instagram // YouTube GET ALL THE LINKS FROM THE SHOW HERE!