Your Confidence Compass: Navigating From Self-Doubt to God-Given Boldness | Interview with Lisa Allen

Your Confidence Compass: Navigating From Self-Doubt to God-Given Boldness | Interview with Lisa Allen

by | Oct 6, 2025 | Uncategorized

What do you wish you could do, but lack the confidence to do it? Do you wish that you were more like the women who get out there and get things done even when the odds seem against them?

Join Barb on this new episode of The Bold, Brave and Beautiful Podcast as she talks to confidence expert and her personal leadership coach, Lisa Allen. With over 20 years of coaching experience, Lisa has helped women collect the confidence God has for them and create action steps for their season ahead. Lisa is the author of the brand new book, Your Confidence Compass....From Self-Doubt to Self-Leadership, and will show us how confidence is not dependent on our circumstances, but on the God who holds all things together.

 

RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE

Connect with Lisa on Instagram

Connect with Lisa on Facebook

Your Confidence Compass....From Self-Doubt to Self-Leadership

Visit Lisa's Website

 

ABOUT OUR SPECIAL GUEST

Lisa Allen is a Jesus-loving, coffee-loving, leopard-print loving woman. She has a passion for and connection to women and uses this passion as a speaker, coach and ministry leader. She comes with a combined two decades of non-profit leadership as an Executive Director at Proverbs 31 Ministries and as Women’s/Life Group Director of Forest Hill Church. These 20 years of experience give her a unique connection to and understanding of women of faith, women pursuing faith and women desiring to walk out their faith authentically.

Her experience as a board-certified life coach, author and speaker has uniquely prepared her as a popular keynote speaker, conference speaker or workshop facilitator. She has served on the Proverbs 31 Ministries Speaker Team for over a decade.

Her engaging messages leave her audience with a renewed passion, calling and confidence. Anyone who spends any time with Lisa can attest that she enjoys the certifications she’s received for Enneagram Training, Team Coaching, DISC Personality Profile and Gallup Clifton Strengths. Her book “Your Confidence Compass … From Self-Doubt to Self-Leadership” was released in April, 2025 and has helped women collect the confidence God is providing for them as they create action steps for their season ahead. Lisa lives in Charlotte, NC with her husband and has two grown, married children, a darling Yorkie, PJ and her first grandchild, Noah.

Experience Life-Transforming Power of Prayer

Pray Like This Bible Study by Barb Roose

 

As a Christian, you know you’re supposed to pray. But do you ever find yourself wrestling with any of these questions related to prayer?

Do I have to pray the right way for God to answer my prayer?

Do I have to pray the right way for God to answer my prayer?

Am I still praying if I read pre-written prayers?

If you’ve pondered these questions or others about prayer, my Pray Like Bible Study is for you.

Even if you're a prayer warrior, Pray Like This sharpens your prayer focus and is a great resource for you to teach others about prayer.There's a reason why Jesus was passionate about prayer and I want to show you how!

Click Here
Mom Guilt & Meltdowns: Breaking Free from Anger, One Trigger at a Time | Interview with Amber Lia

Mom Guilt & Meltdowns: Breaking Free from Anger, One Trigger at a Time | Interview with Amber Lia

by | Sep 15, 2025 | Uncategorized

Moms don’t like to talk about the moments when they lose it on their kids. I’ve been there, and felt heaps of guilt. Yet, moms who struggle with anger don’t have to struggle alone.

Join me and best-selling author, Amber Lia, for an important conversation about her new devotional, Untriggered: 60 Days of Transformation for Moms Who Struggle with Anger. Amber shares encouragement for every mom longing for freedom from anger and the self-condemnation that often accompanies it. We’ll talk about how to invite God to help us parent with tenderness and patience. Amber will offer practical help and hope to you!

 

RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE

Connect with Amber on Instagram

Connect with Amber on Facebook

UnTriggered: 60 Days of Transformation for Moms Who Struggle with Anger

Visit Amber's Website

 

ABOUT OUR SPECIAL GUEST

AMBER LIA, a former English teacher, has authored multiple bestselling books, including Food Triggers and Parenting Scripts. In her popular book, Triggers: Exchanging Parents' Angry Reactions for Gentle Biblical Responses, Amber, and coauthor Wendy Speake guide parents toward peaceful parenting. She and her husband own a production company in Chattanooga, TN, and are parents to four boys ages 8 to 18. A certified independent health coach, Amber helps clients looking to live life to the full! When she's not searching for Nerf darts around her house, you can find Amber writing to encourage families on her website at AmberLia.com.

Experience Life-Transforming Power of Prayer

Pray Like This Bible Study by Barb Roose

 

As a Christian, you know you’re supposed to pray. But do you ever find yourself wrestling with any of these questions related to prayer?

Do I have to pray the right way for God to answer my prayer?

Do I have to pray the right way for God to answer my prayer?

Am I still praying if I read pre-written prayers?

If you’ve pondered these questions or others about prayer, my Pray Like Bible Study is for you.

Even if you're a prayer warrior, Pray Like This sharpens your prayer focus and is a great resource for you to teach others about prayer.There's a reason why Jesus was passionate about prayer and I want to show you how!

Click Here
I opened a 5-year time capsule last week…

I opened a 5-year time capsule last week…

by | Sep 1, 2025 | Uncategorized

Hi Friends!
 
Today is an exciting day! I want to extend a big Happy Monday welcome to our newest friends. Ladies, if this is your first Happy Monday email, I'm so glad you're here. This is one of my favorite times of the week—gathering together with you. My hope in each devotion is to help you kick off your week with Jesus and, hopefully, a smile.
 
Here in our Happy Monday community, we dig into Scripture and talk about real-life things: letting go of control, overcoming worry, breaking free from stress and overwhelm, and stepping into God's great adventure of faith and purpose for our lives.
 
Today's devotional has a little bit of everything! I'm excited to share a five-year update on a special project I started during the pandemic.
Last Thursday, I opened my five-year gratitude time capsule. You might be wondering, what's a gratitude time capsule?
 
Here's the story: In Summer 2020, life felt upside down. I was healing from the trauma of our family's addiction crisis and divorce as well as adjusting to an empty nest while living alone during the pandemic. My faith was strong, but my mental health was struggling. I was surviving each day, but needed something to look forward to.
 
Back in 2011, I read Ann Voskamp's One Thousand Gifts, where she wrote, “Gratitude is the birthplace of joy.” In Summer 2020, God brought that line back to me, sparking the idea for my time capsule.
 
I went to Dollar Tree, bought a pretty box for $5.00 and a big jar for $3.50. Then, I drove home and cut scrapbook paper into little squares. I made myself a promise: I'd write down at least one gratitude a day and place it into the jar. Then, I'd open the capsule in five years. 
 
During that long summer of uncertainty, I was able to see where God was working because I was intentionally looking for His hand moving in my life. One day at a time, I was reminded that He was taking care of me. I had no idea what the future would hold, but as my jar filled up on my kitchen table, my heart filled up with hope, too.
 
I shared my new gratitude project at my church in June 2020. During my message, I called this goal of looking for where God was at work in my life “Putting on Gratitude Glasses.”  One of our graphic designers made these glasses (see picture) for my message - I still have them in my home office!
The big idea from my message was simple: We practice giving thanks to God in everyday things so we will learn to give Him thanks in all things.
 
Here are a few of the gratitudes I tucked into my time capsule. You'll notice they aren't big or grand, but small, meaningful moments I recognized as God's grace and blessing. Taking time to write down these simple gratitudes added up to growing my joy, because I had a visible record of God's faithfulness right in front of me. Even though so much of my life had changed, I could see God's care for me.
That practice of gratitude later inspired a chapter in my Stronger Than Stress book (see pg. 184)  and Bible study. The scriptural foundation for that chapter is Psalm 100, a reminder that gratitude is like oxygen for our souls. I love sharing Eugene Peterson's interpretation of Psalm 100:
 
On your feet now—applaud God!
    Bring a gift of laughter,
    sing yourselves into his presence.
 
Know this: God is God, and God, God.
    He made us; we didn't make him.
    We're his people, his well-tended sheep.
 
 Enter with the password: “Thank you!”
    Make yourselves at home, talking praise.
    Thank him. Worship him.
 
 For God is sheer beauty,
    all-generous in love,
    loyal always and ever. -Psalm 100 (The Message)
 
Can we say AMEN to this? Yes! 
 
Friends, thank you for joining me and letting me share about my gratitude time capsule. Here's a link to the Instagram post I shared on Thursday.
 
An Invitation for You
If you've been feeling negative, hopeless, or spiritually “meh,” can I encourage you to create a gratitude time capsule? You can do it on your own or with your family. Place the jar somewhere you'll see it often (like the kitchen table), so you'll be reminded to use it.
 
Or maybe you already have another gratitude practice, like journaling. If you have a creative idea, I'd love to hear about it! I'll share some of the most creative ones in next week's devotion.
 
Imperfect but Invited: How God Welcomes the Undeserving | Interview with Oghosa Iyamu

Imperfect but Invited: How God Welcomes the Undeserving | Interview with Oghosa Iyamu

by | Sep 1, 2025 | Uncategorized

Do you sometimes feel like an outsider in the Christian life? You may show up at church but you worry that you don’t always belong. Perhaps you’ve made mistakes in your past or you have secret struggles or problems that you don’t want to tell anyone about. Unfortunately, church has a reputation for condemning and kicking out instead of coming alongside those who have fallen down. 

Join me and author Oghosa Iyamu as we discuss God’s radical and generous hospitality to the undeserving regardless of our past, position or power. We discuss her new 6-week Bible study, Forever Welcomed: A Study on God’s Impartial Love for All. Our conversation will call all believers to reflect God’s vision and His kingdom, where all who come are forever welcomed.

RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE

Connect with Oghosa on Instagram

Connect with Oghosa on LinkedIn

Forever Welcomed: A Study on God’s Impartial Love for All

Visit Oghosa's Website

 

ABOUT OUR SPECIAL GUEST

Oghosa Iyamu, the daughter of Nigerian parents, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and author who is passionate about testifying to God's greatness. She is the host of the teaching podcast, Forever Welcomed, releasing this Fall. In addition to over twelve years in full-time ministry, Oghosa has studied at Dallas Theological Seminary, later graduating from Southwestern Theological Seminary, where she earned her Master of Divinity degree. She has written for YouVersion, She Reads Truth, Lifeway, Radical (a ministry by David Platt), Lies Young Women Believe, and many other platforms. Oghosa resides in Atlanta, GA

Experience Life-Transforming Power of Prayer

Pray Like This Bible Study by Barb Roose

 

As a Christian, you know you’re supposed to pray. But do you ever find yourself wrestling with any of these questions related to prayer?

Do I have to pray the right way for God to answer my prayer?

Do I have to pray the right way for God to answer my prayer?

Am I still praying if I read pre-written prayers?

If you’ve pondered these questions or others about prayer, my Pray Like Bible Study is for you.

Even if you're a prayer warrior, Pray Like This sharpens your prayer focus and is a great resource for you to teach others about prayer.There's a reason why Jesus was passionate about prayer and I want to show you how!

Click Here
Summer Strong Series Part 5: Letting God Pick You Up When Your Life Falls Apart

Summer Strong Series Part 5: Letting God Pick You Up When Your Life Falls Apart

by | Aug 18, 2025 | Uncategorized

Life can be messy—and sometimes, it feels like the floor drops right out from under us. Bestselling author Tracie Miles calls these moments “lifequakes”—those unexpected, painful events that shake our world and leave us feeling lost, stuck, or wondering where God is in the chaos.

In this encouraging episode, Barb sits down with Tracie to talk about her powerful book, God’s Got You: Embracing New Beginnings with Courage and Confidence. Tracie opens up about the personal lifequake that turned her world upside down, and shares practical steps and biblical truths that helped her move from heartbreak to hope, and from fear to faith.

If you—or someone you love—are facing a season of uncertainty, grief, or change, this conversation will remind you that new beginnings are possible, and that God hasn’t left your side for a moment.

 

RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE

Connect with Tracie on Instagram

God’s Got You: Embracing New Beginnings with Courage and Confidence

Visit Tracie's Website

ABOUT OUR SPECIAL GUEST

 
Tracie Miles is the bestselling author of seven books, director of COMPEL Pro Writers Training at Proverbs 31 Ministries, and the founder of the Living Unbroken Divorce Recovery program. She has three grown children, a son and daughter in law, and lives in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Experience Life-Transforming Power of Prayer

Pray Like This Bible Study by Barb Roose

 

As a Christian, you know you’re supposed to pray. But do you ever find yourself wrestling with any of these questions related to prayer?

Do I have to pray the right way for God to answer my prayer?

Do I have to pray the right way for God to answer my prayer?

Am I still praying if I read pre-written prayers?

If you’ve pondered these questions or others about prayer, my Pray Like Bible Study is for you.

Even if you're a prayer warrior, Pray Like This sharpens your prayer focus and is a great resource for you to teach others about prayer.There's a reason why Jesus was passionate about prayer and I want to show you how!

Click Here
Summer Strong Series Part 4: Finding Strength in a Life You Didn’t Sign Up For

Summer Strong Series Part 4: Finding Strength in a Life You Didn’t Sign Up For

by | Aug 4, 2025 | Uncategorized

Have you ever looked around at your life and thought, “This is not what I signed up for”? The plans you had, the peace you hoped for, the answers you expected—none of it looks the way you imagined. Instead, you’re navigating unexpected struggles, heartbreak, or detours you never saw coming.

In this hope-filled episode, Barb sits down with author, counselor, and Bible teacher Nicole Unice to talk about her new book, Not What I Signed Up For: Finding the Strength, Purpose, and Faith to Get Through a Season You Didn't Expect. Together, they unpack the disorienting seasons of life that leave us feeling spiritually disappointed, emotionally exhausted, and desperately searching for answers. With real-life stories, biblical wisdom, and plenty of grace, Barb and Nicole explore how to stay grounded in your faith even when your circumstances don’t make sense.

Whether you're walking through a tough season or supporting someone who is, this conversation will encourage you to embrace honesty with God, lean into His presence, and rediscover a hope that holds—even when life looks nothing like you planned.

RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE

Connect with Nicole on Instagram

Check out Nicole's book, Not What I Signed Up For.

Visit Nicole's Website

ABOUT OUR SPECIAL GUEST

Nicole Unice is a pastor and leadership coach who facilitates environments of safety and vulnerability so that leaders and teams can courageously identify obstacles keeping them from their maximum potential. As a sought-after speaker, Nicole has a down-to-earth style that allows even the largest gathering to feel conversational. Nicole is the author of several books focused on spiritual transformation and is a featured speaker through RightNow Media and Punchline. She holds degrees from the College of William and Mary and from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. Nicole and her husband, Dave, live in Richmond, Virginia, with their three children and two pups. 

As a pastor and community leader, Nicole is the author of several books on healthy faith, honing in on the connection between our emotional and spiritual life. Nicole’s books come to life through her popular video curriculum series found on RightNow Media, and she preaches frequently for conferences, churches, and organizations. In addition, She’s the host of How to Study the Bible, a popular weekly podcast that has reached people in 188 different countries in the last year alone. Find out more at nicoleunice.com.

Experience Life-Transforming Power of Prayer

Pray Like This Bible Study by Barb Roose

 

As a Christian, you know you’re supposed to pray. But do you ever find yourself wrestling with any of these questions related to prayer?

Do I have to pray the right way for God to answer my prayer?

Do I have to pray the right way for God to answer my prayer?

Am I still praying if I read pre-written prayers?

If you’ve pondered these questions or others about prayer, my Pray Like Bible Study is for you.

Even if you're a prayer warrior, Pray Like This sharpens your prayer focus and is a great resource for you to teach others about prayer.There's a reason why Jesus was passionate about prayer and I want to show you how!

Click Here
Summer Strong Series Part 3: “Get Off the Cross Honey, Somebody Needs the Wood”

Summer Strong Series Part 3: “Get Off the Cross Honey, Somebody Needs the Wood”

by | Jul 21, 2025 | Uncategorized

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the weight of life’s responsibilities? Do you find yourself running on empty, trying to keep up with the constant demands of work, family, and faith—only to end each day feeling exhausted and unseen? You’re not alone.

In this week’s episode, Barb sits down with author and speaker Ashley Morgan Jackson for an honest conversation about the toll that burnout takes on our minds, bodies, and spirits. Together, they explore what it means to live under the crushing pressure of performance and expectation, and how God's grace meets us in our most depleted moments.

Whether you're in a season of waiting, wondering if God still sees you, or simply trying to make it through the day, this episode offers hope, compassion, and practical truth for finding peace in the middle of the pressure. Tune in and discover how to let go of what’s crushing you—and receive the gentle strength of the One who holds you together.

RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE

ashleymorganjackson.com

Tired of Trying: How to Hold On to God When You're Frustrated, Fed Up, and Feeling Forgotten

Stronger Than Stress: 10 Spiritual Practices to Win the Battle of Overwhelm

Stronger than Stress Bible Study

Connect with Ashley on IG!

Connect with Ashley on FB!

ABOUT OUR SPECIAL GUEST

Ashley Morgan Jackson is an author, speaker, and social media expert. She formerly worked full-time for Proverbs 31 Ministries and has ministered to her online community for ten years. She is passionate about women learning to let go of the lie that they have to perform for God’s love and instead realize they can receive His love, just as they are. Ashley is a wife of fourteen years to her wonderful husband, Daniel, and a mom to two growing boys. The family lives in Charlotte, NC.

Experience Life-Transforming Power of Prayer

Pray Like This Bible Study by Barb Roose

 

As a Christian, you know you’re supposed to pray. But do you ever find yourself wrestling with any of these questions related to prayer?

Do I have to pray the right way for God to answer my prayer?

Do I have to pray the right way for God to answer my prayer?

Am I still praying if I read pre-written prayers?

If you’ve pondered these questions or others about prayer, my Pray Like Bible Study is for you.

Even if you're a prayer warrior, Pray Like This sharpens your prayer focus and is a great resource for you to teach others about prayer.There's a reason why Jesus was passionate about prayer and I want to show you how!

Click Here
Summer Strong Series Part 2: Holy Care for Your Mental Health

Summer Strong Series Part 2: Holy Care for Your Mental Health

by | Jul 7, 2025 | Uncategorized

We are back with part 2 of Summer Strong, our new series created to equip you with what you need to find rest amongst the busyness that this season brings!

In this powerful and heartfelt episode, we’re diving into a conversation that has gone unspoken in faith communities for too long — mental health. As Christian women, we’re taught to be strong, to serve others, and to keep pressing on… but what happens when our minds feel overwhelmed, anxious, or weary?

Join Barb and special guest Laura L. Smith for a powerful yet practical conversation about how you can develop God-honoring, effective mental health care strategies in your life, starting today! Laura shares the tools that you need to rest in God's unconditional love and to find your strength and peace in Him.

Whether you're walking through a hard season or simply need encouragement for your journey, this episode is a reminder that you're not alone — and that healing and hope are possible in Jesus.

 

RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE

laurasmithauthor.com

Holy Care for the Whole Self: Biblical Wisdom for Mental and Spiritual Well-Being

Connect with Laura on Instagram!

ABOUT OUR SPECIAL GUEST

Laura L. Smith is a popular speaker, best-selling author, and Bible teacher leading women to tear down lies so they can live in truth. Holy Care for the Whole Self is her thirteenth book.

Most recently she is known for Restore My Soul: The Power and Promise of 30 Psalms and How Sweet the Sound: The Power and Promise of 30 Beloved Hymns (which sold more than 130,000 copies).

A fan of Jesus, her prince charming of a husband, their four kids, almond milk mochas, dark chocolate, music, books, and travel. Smith describes her work this way: “I tell stories (through writing and speaking) in hopes of helping others discover what took me so long to see: God’s amazing grace is abundant and free for the taking. We can’t earn it. We don’t have to. All we have to do is accept it. And when we do, surely goodness and mercy will follow us all the days of our lives.”

Laura lives in the picturesque college town of Oxford, Ohio. There you’ll find her running the wooded trails, strolling the brick streets, teaching a local Bible study, shopping at the Saturday morning farmer’s market, or going on a sunset walk with her family.

Experience Life-Transforming Power of Prayer

Pray Like This Bible Study by Barb Roose

 

As a Christian, you know you’re supposed to pray. But do you ever find yourself wrestling with any of these questions related to prayer?

Do I have to pray the right way for God to answer my prayer?

Do I have to pray the right way for God to answer my prayer?

Am I still praying if I read pre-written prayers?

If you’ve pondered these questions or others about prayer, my Pray Like Bible Study is for you.

Even if you're a prayer warrior, Pray Like This sharpens your prayer focus and is a great resource for you to teach others about prayer.There's a reason why Jesus was passionate about prayer and I want to show you how!

Click Here
Summer Strong Series Part 1: Too Blessed to be Stressed

Summer Strong Series Part 1: Too Blessed to be Stressed

by | Jun 16, 2025 | Uncategorized

Welcome to Summer Strong, our new series created to equip you with what you need to find rest amongst the busyness that this season brings!

Whether you're juggling kids, calendars, or career goals, each episode offers practical tools, honest conversations, and soul-deep encouragement to help you stay grounded and whole. For the next five episodes, we will be revisiting some of our top conversations from the past about finding hope and strength in challenging times. 

Today, Barb will share how God taught her to turn stress into strength, and how you can become an overcomer too! 

Let’s make this summer your strongest one yet—mind, body, and soul.

 

RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE

Connect with Barb on Instagram

Connect with Barb on Facebook

Trusting God with Your Loved Ones Free Resource

Stronger Than Stress Bible Study

Matthew: Pray Like This Bible Study

Visit Barb's Website

Listen to Previous Podcast Episodes!

Experience Life-Transforming Power of Prayer

Pray Like This Bible Study by Barb Roose

 

As a Christian, you know you’re supposed to pray. But do you ever find yourself wrestling with any of these questions related to prayer?

Do I have to pray the right way for God to answer my prayer?

Do I have to pray the right way for God to answer my prayer?

Am I still praying if I read pre-written prayers?

If you’ve pondered these questions or others about prayer, my Pray Like Bible Study is for you.

Even if you're a prayer warrior, Pray Like This sharpens your prayer focus and is a great resource for you to teach others about prayer.There's a reason why Jesus was passionate about prayer and I want to show you how!

Click Here
Keeping Your Eyes on Your Own Hula Hoop!

Keeping Your Eyes on Your Own Hula Hoop!

by | Jun 9, 2025 | Uncategorized

Today's post invites you to explore a sensitive topic because our spiritual and relational well-being depends on it: the importance of minding our own business!

This topic came up as I was reading 2 Chronicles two weeks ago. As a setup for King Josiah's story, I'd like to share some Bible nerd stuff and provide some background context, as I thoroughly enjoy it. If you want to skip this part, scroll down to where you see the "TL/DR." This stands for "Too Long, Didn't Read," and it's a way of letting people know you've summarized information if they don't have a lot of time to read.

Bible Nerd Stuff: The Old Testament book of 2 Chronicles covers the kings of Judah. The book is similar to 1 and 2 Kings, but it provides a wealth of information about the priests in 2 Chronicles. When a king is introduced, there's a repeating cadence: his name, his age, how long he reigned, and whether he did what was pleasing or evil in God's sight. Unfortunately, there were many evil kings. Bummer.

Some kings did what was pleasing in God's sight, like Judah's King Hezekiah. He began his reign at twenty-five years old and sat on the throne for twenty-nine years. His story is told in 2 Chronicles 29-32 (also 2 Kings 16:20-20:21). If you've been longing for revival and would love to read about what a revival could look like, read Hezekiah's story in 2 Chronicles 29-31. I was so inspired!

Another king, Josiah, came to the throne at the age of eight. If you're familiar with the Old Testament, you might be thinking, "What? Wasn't there another young king of Judah?" Yes. King Joash was seven years old when he came to the throne. (He'd been hidden away as an infant because his grandmother, Queen Athaliah, killed all of the other family members. She might be the Bible's only mention of a toxic grandma.) King Joash ruled from 835 to 796 BC. We're discussing King Josiah, who ruled 150 years later, from 640 to 609 B.C.

King Josiah's story is introduced in 2 Chronicles 22 (also 2 Kings 22). He reigned for 31 years and did what was pleasing to God. He reintroduced the Book of the Law to the Israelites, actually reading it to them himself. If you read both accounts of his reign, Josiah also brought revival to God's people, which was truly remarkable.

Then, something unfortunate happens. In 2 Chronicles 35:20, King Josiah and his army march out to fight King Neco of Egypt. Wars between countries were as common as mosquitoes in summer; however, King Neco was on his way to fight another nation, not Judah. Here's what he said:

"What do you want with me, King of Judah? I have not quarreled with you today! I am on my way to fight another nation, and God has told me to hurry! Do not interfere with God, who is with me, or he will destroy you." - 2 Chronicles 35:21 NLT

Now, this should have been over. King Josiah should have been relieved. "Whew! Not my circus, not my monkeys. Since, this problem doesn't have my name on it, I should go home and leave this alone."

Unfortunately, King Josiah does not listen. 2 Chronicles 35:22-23 confirms King Neco was speaking the truth. God told him to tell King Josiah to mind his own business. Still, Josiah ignored the Egyptian king. Then, he goes one step further. King Josiah disguised himself and led his army into battle. An arrow hits him, and he dies back in Jerusalem.

Now, that's tragic. A good king who lived a life pleasing to God ended up dying because he inserted himself where he had no business.

That'll preach, won't it?

Has anyone ever said to you, "Hey, mind your own business!" or "Can you please stay out of this and let me handle it?"

Maybe it's just me, but I felt an unsettling chill prickling down my spine as I read that story. I remembered times when someone said "Back off, Barb," and I was so sure that I was right, so I kept making my case or pleading my opinion. I may not have physically died as a consequence, but there were relational wounds that I felt deep in my soul. Some of those healed scars still ache from time to time, even now.

TL/DR:  How can we avoid King Josiah's mistake? I want to share one practical takeaway for today. If you've read Stronger Than Stress or done my Surrendered Bible study, this will be a great reminder! Here we go:

Keep Your Eyes On Your Own Hula Hoop

Only one person can fit inside a hula hoop. If there is more than one, the hula hoop won't work. You can't work someone else's hula hoop, only yours. I'm not talking about children under 18 years old; I'm referring to adults who should be responsible for themselves. If they aren't being accountable for themselves, it's not your job to fix that. Remember: Jesus saves; we can't.

Your job is to keep your eyes on your own hula hoop. Frankly, some of us aren't hula-hooping well. Your hula hoop is your time with God, your spiritual discipline, and your stewardship of your body (including sleeping, healthy eating, and exercise). Our hands are full just managing ourselves, so we're messing up ourselves and someone else when we're minding their business instead of ours.

Let's pray this together: God, today, help me keep my eyes on my own hula hoop. I surrender the situations that I can't change or control. I trust You have everything and everyone under your control. Amen.

I'D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU: This one may have stepped on some toes, but I pray that you receive this with all of the love and care that I have for you. Let me know if God used today's blog to minister to you. If this post was for you, comment and say, "Hula hoop." 

Making Wise Decisions in Uncertain Times | Interview with Katie M. Reid

Making Wise Decisions in Uncertain Times | Interview with Katie M. Reid

by | Jun 2, 2025 | Uncategorized

Have you ever prayed, “God, what do I do?” These days, our struggle with uncertainty can stop us from making important decisions or cause us to second-guess the decisions we do make. It’s stressful trying to figure out what’s right and the fear of what will happen if we are wrong. 

Join Barb and her longtime friend, author Katie M. Reid, to discuss Katie’s new Bible study, God, What Do I Do? They will discuss how to make wise decisions, step into the kingdom calling God has for you, and the importance of trusting in our never changing God.

 

RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE

Connect with Katie on Instagram

Connect with Katie on Facebook

God, What Do I Do? - A Bible Study on James 1-5 About Making Wise Decisions in Uncertain Times

Visit Katie's Website

 

ABOUT OUR SPECIAL GUEST

Katie M. Reid is a Bible teacher, author, and podcaster. Trained in education, Katie teaches around her kitchen table, in the classroom, and around the country. She cohosts The Martha + Mary Show and runs the Martha + Mary Show Sisterhood group on Facebook. Katie is a pastor’s wife and worship leader. Through her Bible Study, "God, What Do I Do?" Katie inspires women to make wise decisions in uncertain times. Following Jesus, marrying her husband, and being a mom to five are the best decisions she's made. Connect with Katie at katiemreid.com

Experience Life-Transforming Power of Prayer

Pray Like This Bible Study by Barb Roose

 

As a Christian, you know you’re supposed to pray. But do you ever find yourself wrestling with any of these questions related to prayer?

Do I have to pray the right way for God to answer my prayer?

Do I have to pray the right way for God to answer my prayer?

Am I still praying if I read pre-written prayers?

If you’ve pondered these questions or others about prayer, my Pray Like Bible Study is for you.

Even if you're a prayer warrior, Pray Like This sharpens your prayer focus and is a great resource for you to teach others about prayer.There's a reason why Jesus was passionate about prayer and I want to show you how!

Click Here
PODCAST | Special Release: Ask Barb Anything!

PODCAST | Special Release: Ask Barb Anything!

by | May 20, 2025 | Uncategorized

For the first time ever, Barb’s answering audience questions!

Join Barb and her fabulous podcast producer, Tabitha for all the inside scoop! Barb’s telling us who her favorite child is, which Bible study she’s most proud of and answering spicy questions about how to help friends far from Jesus and which body part is her favorite. Tucked into all of Barb’s answers are plenty encouraging words for you!

 

RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE

Connect with Barb on Instagram

Connect with Barb on Facebook

Trusting God with Your Loved Ones Free Resource

Stronger Than Stress Bible Study

Matthew: Pray Like This Bible Study

Visit Barb's Website

Listen to Previous Podcast Episodes!

Experience Life-Transforming Power of Prayer

Pray Like This Bible Study by Barb Roose

 

As a Christian, you know you’re supposed to pray. But do you ever find yourself wrestling with any of these questions related to prayer?

Do I have to pray the right way for God to answer my prayer?

Do I have to pray the right way for God to answer my prayer?

Am I still praying if I read pre-written prayers?

If you’ve pondered these questions or others about prayer, my Pray Like Bible Study is for you.

Even if you're a prayer warrior, Pray Like This sharpens your prayer focus and is a great resource for you to teach others about prayer.There's a reason why Jesus was passionate about prayer and I want to show you how!

Click Here

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