5 Ways to Freshen Your Heart and Home | Interview with Tracy Steel

5 Ways to Freshen Your Heart and Home | Interview with Tracy Steel

by | Jun 13, 2019 | Uncategorized

 

What makes your home beautiful is YOU!

-Tracy Steel

Do you love design shows like "Fixer Upper" or anything else on HGTV? Most of us would love for Joanna Gaines or the Property Brothers to stop by and give our homes a fresh look! However, I'm talking with my friend and fabulous interior designer, Tracy Steel about how you can freshen up your heart and your home this summer.

Make sure to check out the photos of Tracy's beautiful home on the blog page. Not only is she a military wife, mother of two, and a talented designer, but Tracy just graduated from Phoenix Seminary with a Master's Degree in Biblical and Theological Studies in May 2019. She loves teaching God's Word and equipping people to fully embrace the space they're living in.

In today's Better Together podcast, Tracy shares five ways to freshen your heart and home by combining wisdom from God's Word with practical design advice:

  1. Look up (ceilings/Colossians 3:1-4)
  2. Clean up (declutter/Colossians 3:5-8)
  3. Brighten/Change up: (re-polish/repaint/refurbish walls/doors, change out accessories/Colossians 3:12-14)
  4. Hang up: (picture wall/ Colossians 3:15)
  5. Open up (doors/windows/Colossians 3:16)

Tracy's new book, A Redesigned Life: Uncovering God's Purpose When Life Doesn't Go As Planned releases this August 2019. Listen to the podcast to learn more about some of the free and fun giveaways Tracy will offer – like a FREE design consult!

CONNECT WITH TRACY STEEL  Website |  Facebook  |  Instagram  | Twitter

 

 

 

 

 

 

About Today's Guest Tracy Steel...

Tracy Steel graduated from Kansas State University with a BS in Interior Design in 1998. Eager to change her clients' lives by improving the interior space they occupied, she thought she had the blueprints for her future completed. In the midst of designing corporate spaces and sorting through fabric samples, Tracy fell in love with Jesus Christ and He changed everything. Since 2001 Tracy has been involved in youth and women's ministry and served as the Director of Female Students from Scottsdale Bible Church from 2005–2007. In May 2019, Tracy graduated from Phoenix Seminary with a Master's Degree in Biblical and Theological studies, and is the author of Images of His Beauty and A Redesigned Life. But Tracy is most proud of her military man and of her two spirited kiddos that call her mama. To learn more about Tracy, please visit tracymsteel.com

About your Better Together Host...

Barb Roose is a popular speaker and author who is passionate about equipping women to win at life with Christ-empowered strength and dignity. Barb loves speaking at women's conference and leadership events such as the Aspire Women's Events, She Speaks Conference and the UMC Leadership Institute.

Barb is the author of multiple books and Bible studies, including her newest releases: Winning the Worry Battle: Life Lessons from the Book of Joshua and Bible study called Joshua: Winning the Worry Battle. Barb's writing has been featured in magazines or blogs such as Simple Truth Magazine, iBelieve.com, Crosswalk.com, More to Life Magazine, Just Between Us Magazine, Cherished, InCourage and Women of Faith.

An avid traveler, reader, and lover of all things chocolate-peanut butter, Barb lives in NW Ohio and she is the proud mother of three adult daughters. Visit Barb's online home at barbroose.com.

 

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How to Stay Connected to Your Faith in the Summertime

How to Stay Connected to Your Faith in the Summertime

by | Jun 7, 2019 | Uncategorized

When I first joined the staff team at my local church, I noticed a sizable drop in attendance at the beginning of summer. It was like the sun came out and captured one-third of our crowd over to the beach or some distance campground. Where’d everybody go? Over the years, I learned to take the summer drop off in stride. In fact, my boss and founding senior pastor used to say – in a non-critical voice -  “It summer so people worship the SUN versus worshiping the SON. 

Now, if you’re in a groove in life when summer time means every weekend at your cottage, multiple vacations, long road trips with your family, there’s no criticism here. BUT, you know that all of that summer fun does create an uncomfortable yuckiness in your spirit. As much as you love hanging out with family and making memories, your spirit feels the disconnection from your church family as well as the hit-n-miss feeding of your soul with God’s Word. 

So, how can you say “yes” to all that summer has to offer without sacrificing your connection to your church or relationship with God?  

I’ve got a few suggestions for you. Don’t look at these suggestions as a to-do list, rather a place for you to start praying for what God gives you the conviction to do. 

  • Join Bible Café on Facebook – If you aren’t going to check your emails to read your daily devotionals, then your best intentions will become your worst nightmare. BUT, chances are that you’ll be on Facebook, so Bible Café is a great place for you to be encouraged along with tens of thousands of other women. You can be a part of book clubs and online summer Bible studies.  Click here to find out more.  
  • First5App –First5 is hosted by Proverbs31 and I have a number of friends who write daily devotionals for them. This content is pushed to you on your device so you don’t need to forget, if you set up your notifications properly, they will make sure that you see the content. (But you still have to actually read it…) 
  • Pool Bible Study – For several years when my kids were school-age, I loved doing summer Bible study with ladies around a friend’s pond. Our kids were old enough to swim and they had fun in the sun while we did our study. To stretch out time, we’d pack lunches and snacks for the kids so they could keep themselves occupied for as long as possible. 
  • Invite friends for BBQ worship night – If you’ve got other believers at your campground, then invite folks over for dinner and include 30 minutes of worship music and ask someone to read a devotional. You can play music off Spotify or Pandora. Again, no one needs to teach or preach, but a devotional with a few follow-up questions can make for a beautiful God-honoring evening.  
  • KEEP GIVING! I know this might sound odd, but when you continue to give your tithe and/or offering while you are on the road, this keeps your heart connected to God. Jesus taught that where our treasure is, our hearts will be also. Giving is about recognizing God’s favor in our lives and the fact that we can go on vacation is proof that God has blessed us. Keep giving to God while you are away and you’ll lessen the likelihood that God will feel far away. 

 

So, those are some ideas for you. What ideas work for you? Join the conversation here and leave a comment!

Five Summer Organizing Tips for Moms | Interview with Katie M. Reid

Five Summer Organizing Tips for Moms | Interview with Katie M. Reid

by | May 31, 2019 | Uncategorized

Katie is a national speaker, singer/songwriter, and author of Made Like Martha: Good News for the Woman Who Gets Things Done.  She has been published on sites like: Focus on the Family, TODAY's Parenting Team Blog, Crosswalk, Proverbs 31, and HuffPost.  

 

"MOM! What are we going to today?"

It's summertime, mamas! Either your kids are out of school for the summer or you're counting down the days, summertime is a HUGE change for a family schedule.

If you want to have a great summer with your kids without losing your mind, join me for my conversation today with speaker, author and mom of five, Katie M. Reid. 

On today's Better Together podcast, Katie shares five fabulous tips for you can set your family up for success this summer. 

During today's conversation, Katie shares the following five ideas:

1. Choose a landing spot in the house for summertime gear

2. Create a family summer activity list

3. Give everyone a morning chore

4. Stick with summer meals

5. Participate in a family reading challenge

To help moms kick the summer off right, Katie has recently launched a new video series titled, "Stress Less, Smile More" that you can find out more about by clicking here.

CONNECT WITH KATIE     Website  |   Facebook  |  Instagram  | Twitter  |  Pinterest

 

About your Better Together Podcast host...

Barb Roose is a popular speaker and author who is passionate about equipping women to win at life with Christ-empowered strength and dignity. Barb loves speaking at women's conference and leadership events such as the Aspire Women's Events, She Speaks Conference and the UMC Leadership Institute.

Barb is the author of multiple books and Bible studies, including her newest releases: Winning the Worry Battle: Life Lessons from the Book of Joshua and Bible study called Joshua: Winning the Worry Battle. Barb's writing has been featured in magazines or blogs such as Simple Truth Magazine, iBelieve.com, Crosswalk.com, More to Life Magazine, Just Between Us Magazine, Cherished, InCourage and Women of Faith.

An avid traveler, reader, and lover of all things chocolate-peanut butter, Barb and her family live in NW Ohio. Visit Barb's online home at barbroose.com.

 

Check out this episode!

My Father-in-Law’s Final Service At Arlington National Cemetery

My Father-in-Law’s Final Service At Arlington National Cemetery

by | May 24, 2019 | Uncategorized

 

Last Thursday, I stood with family members as my father-in-law, Brent Roose was interred at Arlington National Cemetery just outside of Washington, DC.

If you’ve ever visited the final resting place of our nation’s bravest warriors, you know that words cannot capture what it’s like when your eyes sweep across the vast landscape of beauty and sacrifice. Tens of thousands of uniform, white tombstones stand sentry as individual memorials over the bodies of our bravest, most valiant warriors. Without a doubt, those rolling hills stretch across acres of hallowed ground. 

 

This is the entrance to Arlington National Cemetery. My sister works on Pennsylvania Avenue near the White House so I commuted into downtown DC with her and I took metro train to the cemetery in about 15 minutes.

 

While Brent passed away suddenly on July 19, 2018, we had a funeral in his hometown. However, we've known for decades that he would be buried at Arlington after his valor displayed while in combat during Vietnam. However, it takes 6-8 months after death for a burial service at Arlington due to high numbers of veterans passing away these days.  Brent's service took place on May 16 and his ceremony was one of over 20 on that day.

I appreciated the tender care and respect that the army staff demonstrated in every aspect of the ceremony. From the soldiers who escorted my father-in-laws remains, to the army chaplain who spoke about Brent's life and service, to the breathtaking beauty of hearing the rifle salute and taps played in Brent's honor. Tears streamed down as our hearts soared with pride.

 

It was a beautiful, solemn day for my father-in-law's burial service.

 

I've been to Arlington many times before, as a kid and as an adult. As the mother of a military officer currently on deployment in the Middle East, Arlington felt a little more personal to me this time.  I don’t just see the tombstones, but I also see the shadows of mothers and fathers sitting in chairs with their palms up to receive the flag that draped the casket of their loved one. I see families huddled together around tombstones or standing solemn during a gun salute, their faces a mixture of grief and pride.  

My father-in-law never said much about his tour in Vietnam. What he left unsaid spoke volumes. But he was proud of his service. Brent had a tremendous impact on my oldest daughter choosing to attend the United States Military Academy. He was bursting with pride her junior year when she branched to Air Defense, which was a close cousin to the branch where he served in Field Artillery. And there wasn't a dry eye in our family when Brent pinned Kate's 2nd Lieutenant bar on during her commissioning ceremony on graduation day.

 

This soldier is carrying the US flag that would be presented to my brother-in-law who was representing the Roose family.

 

Memorial Day Weekend is upon us. This year, the memories of what I’ve seen and felt the past few days will be fresh on my heart. The understanding that one person’s sacrifice can bring freedom to countless others is an explanation for why the United States is the home of the free and the land of the brave, but this concept is an echo of the gospel that Jesus’ sacrifice brings us freedom. 

I invite you to join me in considering the gift of freedom - not just the price paid for it, but also the need to never take it for granted or the importance of championing freedom for all.

On this Memorial Day weekend, perhaps you can...

  • Visit family members who’ve served, whether they are living or are in a cemetery.
  • If they are living, ask them to share their most memorable moments. Just listen to their stories of how they served to protect your freedom – even if they were stateside filling out paperwork in an air-conditioned office. Every sacrifice matters! 
  • If they’ve passed away, take a moment to plant a flag and stand in silence to honor them.  
  • Look around your communities and pay attention to where people are not experiencing the kind of freedom that you enjoy.
  • There are a lot of people who do not feel the same kind of freedom that you may feel. Don’t be afraid to ask them to share their stories so that you can learn more.

Most importantly…reflect on what Jesus did for your freedom.  He didn’t just die for you to go to heaven, but His death and resurrection brings freedom to your life every single day! Walk in freedom, my friends. Throw off the bondage of unforgiveness, bitterness, scarcity, pride, and selfishness. Freedom came at great cost to Christ for you, so honor Him by living in freedom today.

When Comfort Food Calls

When Comfort Food Calls

by | May 17, 2019 | Uncategorized

It took a lot of years for me to finally realize that cookies and chip dip weren’t to blame for the extra weight around my middle. Food wasn’t the culprit, but my unmanaged feelings were. 

Whether I was anxious about my children’s safety, overwhelmed by my non-stop schedule, or feeling lonely because I lacked meaningful friends, those feelings collided, creating a deep, aching pit in my middle. I often felt empty inside and at times, nauseous. It was an awful feeling that I wanted to make go away as much as possible. My solution? Food. More specifically, I tried to soothe my uncomfortable feelings with comfort food. However, that hole in my heart and soul was like a bottomless pit so no amount of ice cream, pizza, or any other food could satisfy the emptiness within.  

Not only did Jesus come to earth to show us what God was like, but He faced the full slate of human experiences that we struggle with today. In fact, Jesus provides a path to freedom for us when the emptiness inside screams for us to raid the refrigerator. 

In Matthew 4, Jesus faced off against Satan after 40 days and 40 nights of fasting. According to our Western-eating patterns, that Jesus meant that fasted from 120 meals. Even as Jesus was fully God, He would have experienced the same kind of emotional or spiritual stress that pushes us into our kitchen pantries for a salty-this or creamy-that to soothe our hearts and minds. 

When Satan shows up to tempt Jesus up in the wilderness, the very first tool of temptation he presented was a loaf of bread. In my imagination, I see Satan holding a platter of hot, yeasty bread under Jesus’ noses. As the melted butter drips from the side of the dish, Satan tempts Jesus to turn the stones around Him into loaves of bread. Satan wanted Jesus to use His divine nature to satisfy His human desires. However, Jesus surrenders His human desire to His divine nature.  

In the face of tremendous stress, this is how Jesus responded to Satan’s challenge: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'”  

Even as Jesus experienced tremendous physical hunger, He recognized the greater spiritual need in His life, which was total dependence on God. There’s nothing wrong with food or enjoying food. However, we will starve spiritually if we expect food to satisfy our need for peace, love, hope, forgiveness, or healing. Only God can satisfy those deep needs! 

Here’s a practical tip that you can use to help you test whether or not you’re attempting to use food to satisfy a spiritual need: Write out Matthew 4:4 on a notecard or post-it note and tape it to your favorite comfort food. The next time you reach for it, take a moment and evaluate whether or not you are truly hungry or if you need to put down the food and ask God to satisfy the spiritual hunger within. 

 

PRAYER: God, only you can satisfy the deepest needs in my life. Help me to identify the deep hunger within and to bring those deep needs to you. In Jesus’ name, Amen. 

Do you struggle with what you see in the mirror? Have you ever called yourself “fat” or “ugly”?Beautiful Already is a six-week, in-depth Bible study equipping you with God’s truth about inner and outer beauty. Here’s what one study participant said: “I have facilitated this wonderful study for 4 groups of women, and it is LIFE CHANGING! Great for all ages of women including teen girls!” –Tonya, Amazon Reviewer 

Five Lies that Single Women Believe | Interview with Kaywanda Lamb

Five Lies that Single Women Believe | Interview with Kaywanda Lamb

by | May 8, 2019 | Uncategorized

"Single women, we must refute ALL the lies that we've started to believe."

I had a sensational conversation with speaker, author, and single parent coach, Kaywanda Lamb. We met last fall while speaking at a conference in Louisiana. Within seconds of meeting Kaywanda, I knew that I'd made a new friend. She's beautiful, brilliant, authentic, and deeply wise.

A high school Spanish teacher by day, Kaywanda has raised two handsome sons on her own. She began coaching single parents while her boys were young and to support her family, Kaywanda returned to school to advance her education and obtain a Masters in Spanish.

During our conversation today, Kaywanda is going to speak right to heart of single women who are searching, wondering, and maybe afraid that they'll never find a wonderful man who'll love and cherish them. In fact, Kaywanda shares five lies that women often believe. Here they are:

Lie #1. "I don't think that anyone will ever want me."

Lie #2. "I feel like married women have it better than single women."

Lie #3. "I'll never get married because I'm too old."

Lie #4. "A guy isn't going to want me because I've been single too long."

Lie #5. "Because I have kids, no one will want to marry me."

If you are or have believed any of these lies, you MUST listen to this episode because Kaywanda walks you through these lies with God's truth and practical advice to help you walk in freedom!

In this episode, there is so much encouragement to single women who are feeling down and rejected because they are alone. Here's some of the encouragement that Kaywanda shares:

  • You have to live like what you have is enough right now;
  • You are worthy;
  • You have everything you need right now because God loves you and He is looking out for you.

CONNECT WITH KAYWANDA  Website  |  Facebook  | Instagram

Kaywanda Lamb is an author, speaker, blogger, soon to be podcaster, and The Winning Single Mom. Her journey to being a sought out speaker, encourager to single moms everywhere, and a transformational business coach began when her boys were just 2 years old and 2 months. Kaywanda had a choice to make: to stay in a relationship that didn't honor her or to raise her boys as a single mom. She decided to #doitanyway and has spent the last 16 years showing other women they too, can parent, thrive, and win. She returned to college 4 times in that span, holds a Masters in Spanish Literature, runs 3 businesses, and is a certified principal. Her motto is "do it anyway!" because you can dream about it or you can be about it. Check out her website for upcoming events and coaching information.

 

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