Dear Daughters

Understanding that we don’t need as much stuff as we think we need is freeing. God has given us what we need and more than we know. Kathi used to be buried in clutter. She wouldn’t let friends into her home, she wasn’t doing the things she needed to do … she was living half a life. But she began to live in a new way and found freedom in a clutter-free life. Through that journey, she also learned that God has given her everything she needs. Kathi Lipp is a speaker, a podcast host, the coordinator of The Clutter-Free Academy on Facebook, and the author of 20 books including her most recent, The Clutter-Free Home: Making Room for Your Life, and coming soon, Ready for Anything: Preparing Your Heart and Home for Any Crisis Big or Small. Kathi says these four things about herself: “I absolutely adore my husband, Roger, like I have a deep crush on him it’s not even funny.” "We have a knock-off Puggle. We think she’s actually a Boxer Chiweenie. But we also say she’s part Velociraptor.” “My dad was a hoarder so this

One of my favorite things over the last year on the Dear Daughters Podcast was listening to my guests read a letter to their younger selves. In celebration of my new book, The Grace Guide: Live Your One Beautiful Life, I am featuring five of my favorite letters in BONUS episodes starting with the one and only, Pam Tebow. In DD Episode 93 , Pam Tebow and I talked about the value of looking back and writing a younger self letter. Listen in to this woman of wisdom and amazing spiritual mama as she shares her letter to her younger self. So a question for you: What would you like to say to your younger self? That God loves you. To love the woman you are becoming. To not be so hard on yourself and others. My new book, The Grace Guide: Live Your One Beautiful Life, is a book designed to help to experience the grace upon grace God has for you by reflecting on your life and your memories. I hope you’ll pick up a copy. SHOW NOTES Read Pam’s book, Ripple Effects: Discover the Miraculous Motivating Power of a Woman’s

Where is God when things go terribly wrong? John Ray has been my friend for a very long time. He is the pastor of Grace Church of Northwest Arkansas in Fayetteville, a missionary and a spiritual director … and he knows firsthand about suffering. John says these four things about himself: “I’m adopted, which has been one of the forming experiences of my life.” “I am married to a phenomenal introvert. Jane Ray is a fantastic woman.”  “I’m the dad of four daughters who are all radically different, one of whom we lost when she was 10 years old.”  “I feel like I won the lottery and didn’t buy a ticket by getting to do what I do.” John was in the eighth-grade classroom with me when our classmate and friend walked in with a rifle and shot and killed our teacher. His mother attempted suicide not long after. He struggled with the reality of being adopted. And he lost his daughter, Olivia. But John says this: “If I really find the courage and grace to go into the deepest wounds that I have … God is there. He has neve

What happens when you take the time to take care of yourself? What happens when you give yourself grace? This week, I interviewed five women to talk about what happens when you take time for soul care. Are you ready for their stories? Melissa Tate is a food writer who lives with her husband on their family horse and cattle ranch in Rockwall, TX. Her primary life roles include: mother, step-mom, daughter, sister, and friend. Melissa came to Soul Care Saturday because she longs for rest in her life…and she learned that she deserves and needs soul care. Melissa says, “I can be confident in what I’m doing because I am where God wants me to be.“ Cheyenne Kizer is a dental hygienist and women’s leader at her church, Coryell Community Church in Gatesville, TX. She is married to her high school sweetheart and mother to two children, and she is also helping to build a mentor program as a member of the school board. She made the time in her busy schedule to come to Austin for Soul Care Saturday, where she realized a li

Have you given all your dreams and desires to God? He wants to do more than you can imagine.  In December of 2010, Whitney Runyon felt a stirring in her spirit that began an amazing journey for her and her husband … and for so many orphans and adoptive families. Whitney Runyon was a wedding photographer. And her husband, Nick, was an airline pilot. But after seeing the impact of photos she took of an adoption in 2011, they formed a orphan care advocacy 501c-3 and named it after the little Bulgarian boy who’s adoption started it all, Archibald. In 2014 they quit their jobs to run The Archibald Project full time. The Archibald Project produces stories that are helping to bring an end to the orphan crisis by inspiring new people to get involved in orphan care.  Whitney says these four things about herself: “I am obsessed with history…like kings and queens.” “Nick and I only watch TV together. We don’t really ever separate.”  “I love the color black. Way before it got popular these days. I used to want to be Wed

There is so much more good in the world than there is bad. Let’s find the bright side.  Melanie Shankle thought she was too far gone. She wasn’t shown the grace and mercy aspect of being a Christian, so by the time she got to college she felt like there was no hope and no going back. Then God met her in a bar in a bathroom, and he pursued her patiently and faithfully and showed her that no daughter of his has ever too far gone…and how to look on the bright side. Melanie is a speaker, the author of four New York Times bestselling books, and the creator of The Big Mama Blog. She lives in San Antonio with her husband, Perry, and daughter, Caroline. In 2006, she felt God’s call on her to be a full-time writer after pouring over parenting blogs and starting her own while on maternity leave. Her newest book, On the Bright Side: Stories About Friendship, Love, and Being True To Yourself, is described as “the ultimate guide to help you discover the power of relationships, the unchanging truths of life, and importance

We want to leave our kids with more than just memories, we want to leave them with a legacy.   Rodney and Michelle Gage have always been all about family. When their oldest was 6 or 7 years old, they had a family pow-wow to decide what their family would be all about…and they want you to know it’s never too late to do that with your family, too. Rodney and Michelle are the founding and lead pastors of ReThink Life Church in Orlando, FL. They have been married for over 28 years and have devoted more than 25 years to full-time ministry. They co-authored a new book, Family Shift: The 5-Step Plan to Stop Drifting and Start Living with Greater Intention that seeks to help families find God’s best possible life for them and get back to the basics of what’s really important. Michelle tells us these four things about herself: “I grew up in Oklahoma. I’ve got roots where I’ve loved riding horses…cowboy-cowgirl back roots.” “I’m the oldest of four girls and I love the position of being the oldest.”  “We moved to Orlan

What if our eyes shifted from what we need to what we already hold in our hands? Meredith McDaniel is all about experiencing the hope and peace of God here and now by looking for the manna in her life and being a “manna maker” for others. Meredith is a licensed professional counselor in Davidson, NC, and owner of her private practice Milk + Honey. She just wrote her first book, In Want + Plenty: Waking Up to God’s Provision in a Land of Longing. Inside the pages, she takes us alongside God’s people as they escape from Egypt and wake up each morning to manna, God’s provision for them in desert places. Meredith tells us these four things about herself: “I love music. It is a daily part of my life.” “I really love Havarti dill cheese.”  “Right now I have a thing for blue leather.”  “Books have always been something I’m really drawn to…because of the stories that are inside.” Meredith and I talk about the longing that everyone feels and how it can unravel us, but that God is always pouring out abundance on our

You have been given a gift and it’s up to you to decide how you use it. And if you decide to use it to love on others and to be present with others, that matters. Morgan Harper Nichols has loved making art since she was five-years-old. From an early age, her parents encouraged her that she was created to create, but it took much longer to feel like she had permission to share her art with the world … and now she uses it to bring encouragement and extend grace to others. Morgan is a writer, artist, and musician. All of the work she creates is inspired by people and their stories … how  is that? Her new book, All Along You Were Blooming: Thoughts for Boundless Living, is a gorgeous collection of illustrations, poetry, and prose meant to share hope, grace, restoration, and freedom. Morgan says these four things about herself: “I’m sarcastic which tends to surprise people.” “Most of the movies and TV shows I consume are super light-hearted.”  “I love cheese. I’m a huge cheese fan. All the kinds. My mom loves sha

The start of healing is embracing it is a process and experiencing God through that process. We get to participate with God in writing a new story. He is the author of all our healing. Aundi Kolber grew up walking on eggshells and white-knuckling her way through life. She never imagined as a twenty-year-old that she would be the person she is now … free, healthy, healing. Aundi is a new author and seasoned licensed professional counselor (MA, LPC) in Castle Rock, CO. She specializes in trauma and body-centered therapy and is passionate about the integration of faith and psychology. Her first book, Try Softer: A Fresh Approach to Move Us Out of Anxiety, Stress, and Survival Mode—and into a Life of Connection and Joy, helps equip people like you and me to stop pushing through feelings and start understanding and processing emotions in healthy ways. In her own words, Aundi says these four things about herself: “I’m only 5’4″ but I played college basketball and I’m still the leading scorer at my high school and

Your God-given identity is the truest thing about you. No matter your past, God has a new name for you. It’s deeply personal and it’s beautiful, better than any name you could choose for yourself. What is it?  Esther Fleece Allen hid a deep, dark, painful past and lived out so much trauma. God was the only constant in her life…so she hung on to Him and lives out her new name. Esther is an author, speaker, millennial leader, and Founder & CEO of L&L Consulting, Inc., where she helps Christian ministries develop innovative strategies for sustainability, development, outreach, and marketing. She also is a graduate of the Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics Business Program, has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communications from Oakland University, and is currently in Seminary studying Women’s Leadership. In her own words, she says these four things about herself: “I’m probably more serious than I should be. I really do study the Bible in my free time. I really do love it.” “I have laugh attacks. I jus

Who are you comparing yourself to and what kind of heartache is it creating in your life? Richella Parham is a spiritual mama with all kinds of hard-earned wisdom on learning how to be free from the comparison trap that wrecks so many lives.  Richella is an author, on the Board of Directors  at Renovaré and is a member of Redbud Writers Guild.  In her own words, she had these four things to say about herself: “I am one of three sisters. And I have three sons.” “I am a military trivia/history nerd.” “My oldest son is a naval aviator.” “My home is neat but my desk is a mess and my closet is a catastrophe.” Today, Richella and I talk about finding freedom from constant comparison in real and practical ways based on her new book, Mythical Me. I think you’ll be challenged and encouraged by her wisdom.  SHOW NOTES Discover more about Austin Christian Fellowship Wind River Ministry Getaway Info Wind River Family Camp Richella’s Website Her new book, Mythical Me: Finding Freedom from Constant Comparison   The Art

“I’ve done something terrible.” Becky Powell faced the unthinkable on May 16, 2013, when her husband Mark called and confessed he’d done something awful. Within hours, she learned that he had taken his own life and, over a period of several years, millions of dollars from friends and colleagues. Everything she believed to be true, the very fiber of her marriage, was called into question. Within a week, rather than planning carpool runs and volunteer fundraisers, she owed almost one hundred creditors millions of dollars and had her own team of ten lawyers. She was also the subject of open FBI, SEC and DOJ investigations-and faced potential criminal charges. And, although she instantly denounced every cent of Mark’s $15M in life insurance and promised to repay every penny taken, her lawyers knew that in reality she faced years of court battles and lawsuits, and possible jail time. Yet from that first horrific moment, God was there. He showed up in his Word, in Becky’s friends, in her lawyers and in the generosi

Do you need some rest for your weary soul? Taking time for yourself, even a few days, can make a big difference in your life. Find the clarity you’re looking for and the rest your soul craves. Reclaim your God-given vision and live your one beautiful life!⁠  Last weekend, I hosted a dozen women in my home for the very first Soul Care Weekend. You might think, “Yes, I need rest for my soul … but what exactly does Soul Care Weekend look like?” Good news, Maddie Dyess is here today to talk about what SCW did for her as a busy college student – and what it can do for you. We talk about what soul care looks like in a practical way and Maddie talks vulnerably about how Soul Care Weekend helped her and her mom connect in a deeper way. Here are four interesting things about Maddie: “I’m a college student at Ole Miss.” “I’m the oldest of four siblings.” “I like flowers and taking care of plants.” “I’m in a sorority and that’s a big part of my life.” I know you’ll love meeting Maddie and you’ll be so encouraged by ou

Throughout our busy and distracted days we hear so many different voices. What would happen if we slowed down, and listened to what God is saying to us? Leighton Ford describes himself as an “artist of the soul and a friend on the journey.” Leighton is an author, evangelist, mentor to emerging Christian leaders across the world, President of Leighton Ford Ministries, and in his own words, these four things: “I have a very long name.” “I have very long legs.” “I’ve lived a very long life.” “We haven’t known each other for very long.” Today, Leighton and I talk about his passion for mentoring and his new book “A Life of Listening: Discerning God’s Voice and Discovering Our Own”. I think you’ll be smiling through tears just like me, as you hear stories from his beautiful life. I’m so thankful for my conversation with Leighton, and I know you’ll be so encouraged by his message. SHOW NOTES Leighton’s Website Leighton Ford Ministries Whole Life Mentoring His New Book A Life of Listening: Discerning God’s Voice a

Are there wounds or losses from your past that seem too big or too complicated to be healed? Are there difficult people in your life that continue to create drama and pain? What if healing could be possible? Sarah Mae’s passion is to encourage women to walk in healing and freedom, even when the wounds are still open. Sarah Mae is a mom, teacher, author, podcaster, and in her own words, these four things: “I can tie my hair in a knot with one hand.” “I have a motorcycle license.” “I was never the cool girl.” “I have two puppies – a yellow lab and an elkhound husky.” Today, Sarah and I talk about her newest book, The Complicated Heart: Loving Even When It Hurts. Sarah shares her story of learning to love and forgive her alcoholic mother, and her journey of healing and grieving the wounds from her childhood.  SHOW NOTES Sarah’s Website Her New Book The Complicated Heart: Loving Even When It Hurts The Complicated Heart Podcast Sarah’s book: Having a Martha Home the Mary Way: 31 Days to a Clean House and a Sati

Do you feel like it’s a struggle sometimes to see God in the everyday, ordinary moments? How could we be transformed if we took a breath of fresh air and lingered a little longer in the Scriptures? Ruth Chou Simons shares her journey of God’s grace intersecting daily life with word and paintbrush. Ruth and her husband, Troy, are grateful parents to six boys—their greatest adventure. Ruth is a mom, artist, author, speaker, and entrepreneur and in her own words, these four things: “I was born in Taiwan and immigrated to the U.S. when I was three years old. So, English is my second language (Mandarin is my first language).” “I was a biochemistry major before I studied art.” “I never intended on having six children, and I never thought I could be a mom to boys.” “I love all weird and ethnic food. I love to try any food – the strangest food possible.” Today, Ruth and I talk about the importance of community and doing life together. Ruth also shares how we can find beauty in the everyday moments, and the ways we

What do you do when fatigue or discouragement creeps in your life? Or what about when anxiety hits? How do you find and sustain emotional, relational and spiritual health? An old soul with a contemporary, honest voice, Rebekah Lyons revealed some of her own battles to overcome anxiety and depression—and invites us to discover and boldly pursue own God-given purpose from a place of freedom. Rebekah Lyons is a mom, teacher, author and in her own words, these four things: “I LOVE starting the day with a walk outside.” “I have been on a journey working on my energy level for the last couple of years.” “I don’t really watch TV.” “I grew up in Florida, St. Petersburg, and I love going to the beach.” Today, we’re talking about her latest book, Rhythms of Renewal: Trading Stress and Anxiety for a Life of Peace and Purpose.  Rebekah vulnerably shares how she purposefully took time to seek rest and respite in her professional and personal life. I just loved my time with her, and I know you will love her too! SUBSCRIB

We are called to do everything to the glory of Christ, including friendship.  Meet Kelly Needham. She’s a mom, author and in her own words, these four things: “I’m a classically trained violinist and that’s how my husband and I met.” “I love jigsaw puzzles.” “We had a jigsaw puzzle table growing up – and I have one in my home today.” “I love making Indian food.” Her short online bio reads like this: Kelly Needham is an author, speaker, and blogger and hopes to convince as many people as possible that nothing compares to knowing Jesus. Today, we’re also talking about her latest book, Friendish. I’m grateful for Kelly’s insightful words and encouragement to make our friendships God-honoring relationships. I’m sure you will feel grateful too! SHOW NOTES Kelly’s website here. Her new book, Friendish: Reclaiming Real Friendship in a Culture of Confusion. The interview with my daughter, Emily Boone. New music on the podcast via my own daughter, Sara Regan Davis Want to find a mentor? Sign up here for The Mentor

Never for a moment think that God has forgotten you.  Meet Lisa-Jo Baker. She’s a mom, author and in her own words, these four things: “I am a motherless daughter. I am always on the lookout for mother nourishment.” “God who loved me through the dark seasons and filled the motherly role.” “I swore I would never have children and yet I am a mother to three children.” “I’m originally from South Africa which explains the accent.” Regarding this interview she also said, “Scooch up a little closer friends, if your mom passed away or left or is emotionally unavailable or in whatever way possible has left a mom-shaped hole in your heart. Here’s the thing —we have a father God who also beautifully and tenderly and wholly mothers us. This has been my story. He has mothered me and then also consistently brought women into my life who fill that mom hole in so many different ways. With their laughter and their questions and their caring and their gift packages and the way they help with my kids and champion my work. I