Unexpected with Hannah Love

“The deepest thing is having a life partner.”In this episode, Shay and I sat down for something a little different — a rapid fire Q&A (that turned into a heartfelt conversation, of course).We talk about the funny, the messy, and the meaningful — from who takes longer to get ready, to what marriage has really taught us about love, faith, and vulnerability.In this episode, you’ll hear us talk about:• Our love story (and how we knew)• What freedom in marriage really means• Strength through vulnerability• Building a marriage rooted in faith and grace• The beauty of growing together — not apartScriptures we’re reminded of:• Ecclesiastes 4:9–12 – “Two are better than one…”• Ephesians 5:25 – “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church…”I hope this one reminds you that love — real, lasting love — takes faith, friendship, and a lot of grace.Hannah’s Social Media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unexpected.hannahlove/Instagram (Personal): https://www.instagram.com/hannah.billingsley/Website: https://unexpectedwithhannahlove.com/Shay’s Social Media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shaymooney/Website: https://www.danandshay.com/

“I didn’t find God. He found me.”That simple, beautiful truth was the moment everything changed for Ben Fuller.In this episode, I sit down with Ben to walk through pain, addiction, music, and what it looks like when Jesus meets you in the mess.In this conversation we talk about:• Growing up on a dairy farm in Vermont• Struggles with drugs, alcohol & loss• The pivotal moment of surrender• How faith reshaped his identity and music• What it means to walk in freedom dailyScripture that shaped our talk:• 2 Corinthians 12:9 — “My grace is sufficient for you…”• Psalm 34:18 — “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted…”Connect with Ben Fuller:Website: https://www.benfullerofficial.com/  Instagram: [@benfullerofficial]My links:Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/unexpected.hannahlove/Instagram (Personal): https://www.instagram.com/hannah.billingsley/Website: https://unexpectedwithhannahlove.com/If Jesus has ever met you in your darkest place … this one’s for you.#FaithJourney #GraceInTheMess #UnexpectedPodcast

Friends, this episode is such a special one for me—I get to sit down with my husband, Shay Mooney, and share some of the most unexpected moments that have shaped our lives.We talk about:• The power of words spoken over us and how they shape identity (Proverbs 18:21)• Pivotal life decisions that seemed small at the time but changed everything• The importance of speaking life over our children, our marriage, and our community• Finding God’s faithfulness even in seasons of uncertaintyShay and I both share personal stories—his journey from small-town Arkansas to music, and mine from Miss Arkansas to meeting him. Looking back, we see God’s hand orchestrating every step, even the detours.One of my favorite reminders from this episode comes from 1 Timothy 1:18—Paul tells Timothy to “remember the words spoken over you and use them as a weapon.” Words matter. What we say to each other and to our children can change the course of a life.I hope this conversation encourages you to look at your own story and see God’s fingerprints in the unexpected.Hannah’s Social Media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unexpected.hannahlove/Instagram (Personal): https://www.instagram.com/hannah.billingsley/Website: https://unexpectedwithhannahlove.com/#FaithJourney #ChristianPodcast #UnexpectedPodcast

Welcome back, friends! Season 2 is here, and I couldn’t be more excited to start it off with a conversation that is so close to my heart—family culture.In this episode, I sit down with my sister, Erica Bankston, to talk about how we each began shaping the culture of our homes—long before kids came along. We share real stories from marriage, raising little ones, and finding unity even when our backgrounds were very different.We cover:• Why your family culture starts with communication• The importance of finding a church home together• Traditions that shape peace and belonging for your kids• How God leads us in building something new and beautiful in our homesOne of my favorite moments in this conversation is remembering that the children who come back home are the ones who grew up seeing it as a place of peace, not chaos. That is my prayer for each of us—that our homes would reflect God’s heart of love, stability, and grace.Scripture reminds us: “Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain.” – Psalm 127:1I hope this conversation encourages you to prayerfully shape your own family culture, no matter where you are starting.Guest Social Media:https://www.instagram.com/ericabankston_/Hannah’s Social Media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unexpected.hannahlove/Instagram (Personal): https://www.instagram.com/hannah.billingsley/Website: https://unexpectedwithhannahlove.com/#FaithJourney #ChristianPodcast #UnexpectedPodcast

Welcome back to Unexpected with Hannah Love!Today I’m joined by my sweet friend, Meshali Mitchell — photographer, author, and powerful voice for healing and restoration.💛 Meshali shares her personal journey through brokenness, how pain demanded to be felt in her life, and how God began a slow, beautiful restoration work — not just in her home, but in her heart. We talk about the importance of surrender, confronting the tapes playing in our minds, and allowing the Holy Spirit to lead us into true healing.This conversation is full of honesty, hope, and encouragement for anyone walking through hard seasons. Remember: nothing is too broken for God’s hands to restore.Scriptures Mentioned: • 2 Corinthians 10:4–5 (Taking thoughts captive) • Matthew 6:26 (Consider the sparrows) • Romans 8:28 (All things work together for good)📖 Meshali’s New Book: Restored: A Modern-Day Parable of Hope and HealingGet your copy here: https://www.meshali.co/Guest Social Media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meshali/Hannah’s Social Media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unexpected.hannahlove/Instagram (Personal): https://www.instagram.com/hannah.billingsley/Website: https://unexpectedwithhannahlove.com/⸻

Throughout this week, I’ve touched on foundations and the importance of having them. In relation to pain, fear, uncertainty, and surrender… having a solid foundation in God’s word is key. But today, I wanted to add one final encouragement. Even if you didn't grow up in a home that knew God..or even if you don’t know how to begin laying foundations in your own home.. that is no reason to be disheartened. God’s mercies are new every morning…meaning every day you wake up is a new beginning. A new chance to start building yourself up in Christ. Open your Bible and read. It doesn’t matter where you start or how much you take on…the important part is to just start. One step, one page, one brick at a time. And the further down the road you get, you’ll realize you weren’t just building for you, but for your children and their children. A couple of years ago I was late to a women’s prayer group. It was early in the morning and I had to arrange childcare before dashing off. I remember praying that I wouldn’t miss the thing God needed me to hear that day. I pulled in and power-walked into a house full of women and community leaders. I was the youngest one there. As I settled in with pen and Bible, a woman finished up her word and a new woman came to the front. Her name was Kate. She gave her testimony.. she spoke of her life on Broadway in New York, how she met her husband there….and how they didn’t know God. As she continued, she recalled how God, through friends, was so gracious to keep pursuing her and her husband. They ended up coming to know Christ. Her story continued… and maybe one day I’ll invite her on to tell you the rest! At the end of her story, though, I remember her saying something so impactful, I had to write it down. I didn’t have any paper so I opened the front cover of my Bible and made the note, “Your ceiling becomes your child’s floor”. It’s still the first thing I see when I pull open my Bible. The reminder that the work we do now isn’t just for us…but for the generations to come. Laying foundations. Kate became the mother of Francesca. You may know her music today on Christian radio. Francesca Battistelli. An anointed voice that brings hope to millions around the world. Songs like “Holy Spirit”, “If We’re Honest”, and “Write Your Story”, release truth. And all because SHE was given a foundation that began with her parents. Today, I’m praying this is just one of many stories to encourage your heart. I pray that this week has you thinking about where you are in the build. And more so, where you want to be. Foundations are pivotal and alive. Growing stronger as you mature in your spiritual walk. I’m praying you’re encouraged just to start… ... Thank you to our sponsors! Anchor: Download the free Anchor app or go to Anchor.fm to get started.

I’ve always loved working with my hands. I suppose it’s second nature because I grew up on a farm. I’d rake hay in the summers and haul loads of wood in the fall. In college, I worked in a frame shop/fine art gallery building picture frames. I loved it. It was instant gratification to measure and cut and build something that resulted in a custom finish. I think, too, that is why God so often speaks to me through the work of my hands. Recently, I came across someone’s account who strips furniture. We’ve all seen those transformation pieces floating around on our social media feeds. In seconds, we watch as an ugly old thrifted item is transformed into something new and beautiful. I was so inspired by her furniture flips, I immediately set out looking for thrifted wooden pieces. From GoodWills to Facebook Marketplace, I was on the hunt! It didn’t take me long to snag an entire bedroom set. The style was as dated as the stain color itself, but it was all solid. Within the week I had studied up on tools and techniques and purchased all that I needed. I discovered immediately I had bitten off more than I could chew for a nap time project. (That’s what I call my window of productive time while the boys nap). This was going to be a labor of love. On every tutorial video I watched, the first recommended step was an all-over washing. Once the pieces are dusted and rinsed off, it’s time to strip the stain. I coated the wood with a thick sticky product that needed hours to set in. This was going to take time… Next, I started scraping away the layers of gunk. I scraped. I wiped. I scrubbed. All to remove the thin top layer of finish that protected the stain and wood itself. Some of the stain came up, too. But not so much that I wouldn’t have to repeat this step a time or two. I then realized, I’d have to mix water and soap and maybe even some tougher solutions just to get the rest of the the gunky residue off. I borrowed a pressure washer and set to work. Keep in mind, I had to sit this thing out in the sun to dry after EVERY step. It had to be dry before moving on to the next. Well, a week’s worth of naps later, I finally got to bust out the sander. Honestly, this was the moment I’d been waiting for. The moment I could see immediate results in the wood color. I sanded until my hands hurt. Under all of the stuff, I finally saw the beautiful white oak. The raw wood grain was more beautiful than any stain… As I sat back and thought about HOW much time and HOW much work it had taken just to get to that raw woodgrain, I marveled. A lot of furniture flippers strip it all down just to paint over it again. I didn’t want to. THAT wood was perfect in its raw state. It was beautiful to me. Right then, I felt God saying, “It’s the same with My children. The value is in what’s underneath.” It was enough to bring tears. I reeled it back in my mind. All of the things we put on ourselves… isn’t that just like the stain of the world? Dressing up our life based on what the world asks or expects us to look like. I’m sure the original stain on my furniture piece was one of the most popular choices in it’s time! But, now, the color is dated. The wood beneath, however, is timeless. And that top clear coat? The one it was SO hard to scrub away? Isn’t that just like the protective coating we wrap around our hearts? Defenses we can’t see but we all have. Built from experience in a world that loves to wound. Maybe you feel like life has left you used and purposeless. Like a Goodwill piece of furniture whose best days are in the past. But that’s not how God sees you. ... Thank you to our sponsors! Anchor: Download the free Anchor app or go to Anchor.fm to get started.

Do you ever feel like that thing you are called to do in life is so vastly different than anything anyone around you is doing? Maybe it feels unimportant by the world standard. Maybe your friends don’t get it. Maybe it even makes you feel like you don’t fit in. But still, you hear His voice calling you to chase after that stirring. I know I do. This week, I read a verse that reminded me that God must have known we would feel this way at times. That we needed the encouragement to stand firm and pursue Him regardless of what the world insists on. 1 Peter 5:6-7 (The Passion Translation) says: “So be content with who you are, and don’t put on airs. God’s strong hand is on you; He’ll promote you at the right time. Live carefree before God; He is most careful with you.” I don’t know about you but hearing those words is like receiving a personal memo directly from Him saying “It’s okay to look different. It’s okay to see the world through my eyes and chase MY will for your life! Rejoice in it and live carefree, because My hand is on you!” I wish someone had pulled me aside years ago with this encouragement. Though, at that time, I likely wouldn’t have believed it. My young heart was full of such hesitancy and rejection. In fact, It had less to do with how I felt about myself than how others were beginning to make me feel. I never seemed to belong. I was picked on and bullied for years growing up. And the greatest point of mockery was always because I didn’t go along. I didn’t make fun of other kids, I always included everyone, and I was.. to the best of my ability, a good kid. And that’s not to say those other kids weren’t good or wouldn’t turn out to be.. but a child can only endure so many names and so much exclusion before they begin to wonder what IS so wrong with them. I never understood it. All these years later, I can see how God was positioning me. Unexpectedly. He was building my foundation; piece by piece. I remember coming home in tears one day. One of the girls sent a mutual friend to tell me that her birthday party got cancelled. I heard them all snickering nearby.. as the birthday girl told the others her mother MADE her invite me. And I knew the party wasn’t cancelled. They just didn’t want me there. I was probably around 12 years old. This was just one of many such incidents. But it was enough to break my heart. That night, mom sat me down and shared scripture with me. I’ll never forget. She showed me where in the Bible it says to turn the other cheek. At the time, I didn’t understand how she could tell me these things and not come to my defense… but looking back I’m so thankful she did what she did. She did not make me a victim or enable similar behavior. She pointed me to Truth in that moment. And every moment before and since. It was all a part of my foundation. One built on the Word of God and not on the acceptance of man. (Or in my case, all the other girls). So, when I came across this translation of this verse, it resonated all the way down into the heart of that little girl in me. “Be content with who you are, and don’t put on airs. God’s strong hand is on you; He’ll promote you at the right time. Live carefree before God; He is most careful with you.” That little-girl-me feels God’s promise in that. His strong hand is on me. And on you, too. He’ll promote you at the right time. And, sweet friends, God doesn’t lie. He is most careful with you. This promise was just as relevant then as it is now, in adulthood. As a woman surrounded by the noise and distraction and demands of this broken world, this is the perfect soothing reminder to a tired heart. It is a reminder to be content. Be authentic. Live life based on the foundation of Biblical Truth and you will be carefree. ... Thank you to our sponsors! Anchor: Download the free Anchor app or go to Anchor.fm to get started.

I sat down the morning after Asher’s 5th birthday with coffee in hand. He had a birthday party over the weekend. His birthday was on a Monday, though, so Shay and I took him to the movies to celebrate. We watched Sing 2. He’s seen it a half dozen times already but that is what he chose. We were the only ones in the whole theater, too, because it was a Monday afternoon. In the middle of one of the songs, Asher turned to me and asked…”But mama? Why does it say there are bad things in the world?”. It took a moment for me to realize he was referring to a lyric in the song. I’m not the best at correctly hearing song lyrics so the fact that his little 5 year old ears picked up this bit surprised me. It shouldn’t have, though. Children do that. They pick up what we think they don’t and they ask questions we never would. I almost cried right there on the spot because this was the thing I’d spent the whole day dwelling on. Five years. It’s hard to explain, but there’s a shift. The year they enter school. The year they are exposed to SO much more. The year the world’s voice gets louder. All these things were fresh on my mind when he asked it. A question that will be the forerunner to all other questions about the world and our God who holds it all. Thankfully, he turned his attention back to the movie rather than expecting an answer right there. But, the truth of it remains. It has started. The really in depth part of parenting that isn’t about just keeping them happy and healthy. Later that night, I told Shay what he had asked. We watched old video clips of the last 5 years with our sweet baby turned boy. We cried at the seasons behind and before us. Then, we cried even harder when we heard a line in a show we were watching. In the show, the mother looks into the hopeful yet defiant face of her daughter and, with tear filled eyes, says “Just once I’d love to see the world through your eyes. One day you’ll see it through mine though and it breaks my heart”. I mean. I can hardly say it now without crying. It wrecked us. The truth of it is their innocence will eventually wear away. Enough life will do that. But there is a fine and delicate balance to life. The trick is to meet life’s experience with God’s perspective. That’s what I find so beautiful about the Bible. It is our foundation to stand on. Not only is the Bible full of Truth, but it is full of examples. And who better to learn from than the men and women who stood before us? Unexpectedly called and chosen by God to do things they could never do in their own power. Yes, it was a different time and culture and world… but the condition of humanity has been the same since the fall of man. All broken. All searching for meaning. All ultimately longing for something that brings wholeness, healing, and divine purpose. And that something is found in a relationship with God. So, when my five year old begins to recognize the brokenness and asks the questions… I’ll turn to my foundation to start building his. And when he turns into a young man who questions more and more, I’ll keep pouring in and pointing towards the One who gives us truth to stand on. I’ll read The Word over his life and declare Truth in the face of the unexpected questions. The Bible is the living breathing answer to questions bout right and wrong. The Bible tells us who we are. The Bible tells us what God says about us. It is our jobs as parents and mentors to fortify our own foundations so we can lay the groundwork for the generations to come.. ... Thank you to our sponsors! Anchor: Download the free Anchor app or go to Anchor.fm to get started.

Rock Bottom. Isn’t it funny that we have to get here to begin again? When people talk about rock bottom, it carries a connotation of failure. But I feel the beauty in it. There was a season for me, as I’m sure for many of you, where I fell to me knees at rock bottom. I remember thinking, “there’s no place to look now but up”. In fact, that became my posture. Knees to the ground, face to the heavens, tears streaming down… crying out, “Take it. Please, just take it.” I wasn’t eloquent or even polite in my request. It was more like a sob. I was broken and defeated and more than anything, I was just tired. I was SO tired of trying to make life work in my own strength. Isn’t it just like God to be so poetic? We have to reach our rock bottom so we are ready to receive His help. He’s been there all along, but it’s like we HAVE to try life on our own before we recognize the weakness of our own humanity. And like the patient Father that He is, He waits. He waits until we have tried every other avenue the world could offer. He waits until we have exhausted every resource. And finally, He waits until we are broken enough to surrender our lives back to the One who gave it. And this is the place we begin again. Building foundation on the rock we cry to. The truth is, many of us have had to sit in our weakness before we’re ready to cry out to God. And the thing is, I think He loves to meet us here. At the end of ourselves. Surrendered. We call it rock bottom, but the moment we ask God to meet us there, He begins clearing the rubble. He uses that moment and that brokenness as His starting point. As we cling to Him, He begins building up His love and truth within us. Foundation. You know I love to talk about the beauty in the brokenness. After all, isn’t that the power of the unexpected? We don’t ask for these moments or even want them…but God works all things to the good! He displays His mercy and Grace through our broken bits. Throughout this podcast I hope you’ll pick up on this theme. It is the place we meet so many characters in the Bible. We will see our stories in their lives. And much like them, we will also have the opportunity to honor God in our weakest seasons. Today, I want to encourage you. If you have been in a rock bottom season, I hope you’ll look for God’s blessing through it. I hope you’ll see how it created a beautiful dependence on Him. And if you are currently in that place right now, just know it’s okay to hit your knees and look up. I hope you will. And I hope you’ll allow God to establish your foundation on Him because of the pain. Because of the failure. Because of the shame. Because of the weariness. He’s waiting for you. He always has been. To all those listening, I pray you’ll see God in the unexpected. I pray you’ll look back and see how He was working in every unexpected moment and will continue to work through those ahead. If you choose to do this, you’ll be amazed at what you discover. You WILL see Him when you search for Him. And your perspective will never be the same again. You’ll start seeing God’s hand in every place you thought He was absent. You’ll see life moments turn into strands on a tapestry. Woven together into a pattern much bigger than you. You’ll see how your threads intertwine with lives around the world. Forming God’s greatest masterpiece. Starting with the unexpected. ... Thank you to our sponsors! Anchor: Download the free Anchor app or go to Anchor.fm to get started.

As we are about to enter Holy Week, I wanted to share a prayer of encouragement. My hope is that it places our hearts in a posture of hearing from God and receiving what He has in store for us in the days to come. Welcome to Unexpected with Hannah Love. Starting next Monday, Unexpected will release five episodes each day as we observe Holy Week. Join us. ...  Thank you to our sponsor!  Anchor: Download the free Anchor app or go to Anchor.fm to get started.

Welcome to Unexpected with Hannah Love, a brand new podcast show on the That Sounds Fun Network! Have you ever spent much time thinking about the events that led you to where you are? Have you ever noticed, too, that some of the most unexpected moments are very ones that God used in the biggest ways? I have. Not only did I notice this theme in my own life but I also saw it all over the Bible. From Moses and Gideon, to David and Esther and Nehemiah, God seems to call the most unqualified people to do the most unexpected things. When God put this podcast on my heart, He gave me the name and I knew this was a universal theme that He has used from the beginning of time. My hope is that as you listen to stories - both biblical and present day - and to the lives of some incredible guests along the way, we all gain a new perspective of how God loves us enough to call us to the things we couldn't have imagined for ourselves . This is Unexpected. Hannah Love Mooney formerly held the title of Miss Arkansas USA in 2013. She has years of experience as a freelance writer for online publications and has been featured in national magazines, music videos, and podcasts. Hannah is a seasoned painter and writer. She is now married to Shay Mooney of country duo Dan + Shay. The couple have two sweet boys. ... Thank you to our sponsor! Anchor: Download the free Anchor app or go to Anchor.fm to get started.

We’re back for part two of the postpartum conversation, because let’s be honest—there’s a lot to unpack. In this episode, I dive even deeper into the emotional and physical shifts that come after having a baby, the things that caught me off guard, and what’s helped me the most in this season.From the highs to the really tough moments, I want this to be a space where we can talk openly and honestly about postpartum—the parts we celebrate and the parts that feel heavy. If you’re navigating this season or just want to better understand it, I hope this episode makes you feel seen, supported, and a little less alone.

I’m getting real about postpartum — the beautiful, messy, and often overwhelming side of new motherhood. I’ll share my own experience, from the emotional rollercoaster to the physical recovery (hello, C-section life) and what it was really like navigating life as now a mom of 4!I know firsthand how isolating postpartum can feel, and my hope is that by opening up, you’ll feel a little less alone and a lot more understood. We’ll talk about giving yourself grace, leaning on your people, and finding the strength you didn’t know you had. So, if you’re in the thick of it, preparing for it, or just curious about what postpartum is really like, this one’s for you. Let’s have an honest conversation — because you’re not alone.

Among the most defining artists in Christian music history, GRAMMY®-winning singer/songwriter, best-selling author, speaker and actress Rebecca St. James catapulted into the global spotlight following the release of her self-titled Forefront Records debut in 1994. The Australian native’s modern pop sensibilities and uncompromising lyrics set a benchmark in Christian music, leading a new generation of artistry in the genre. St. James has earned multiple Dove Awards, nine #1 Christian radio singles and two GOLD®-certified recordings, and her discography includes such iconic albums as Pray, God and Transform. Author of the best-selling titles Wait For Me (Thomas Nelson) and Pure (Hachette/Faithwords), among others, she starred in the 2009 film Sarah’s Choice; portrayed Mary Magdalene in the groundbreaking rock opera !Hero; and voiced ‘Hope, The Angel’ in VeggieTales’ best-selling The Easter Carol, in addition to other diverse roles.Following a hiatus from recording and touring—during which time she married and started a family—St. James returned to the stage in 2018 to perform with her brothers, multi-GRAMMY® and Dove Award winning duo for KING & COUNTRY. In 2022, she released Kingdom Come, her first full-length studio album in 11 years, featuring collaborations with Bethel Music’s Brandon Lake and Josh Baldwin, artist Kalley Heiligenthal, and her brothers from for KING & COUNTRY. The album’s lead single “Kingdom Come” peaked at #8 on Billboard’s Christian Digital Song Sales chart.Most recently, St. James’ family story is being brought to the big screen in the upcoming 2024 film “Unsung Hero,” distributed by Lionsgate. The faith-based feature tells the story of the Smallbone family’s journey from Australia to America and particularly highlights Helen Smallbone, the family matriarch whose faith helped guide her family of nine through various struggles. The film, produced in conjunction with Kingdom Story Company and Candace Cameron Bure’s Candy Rock Entertainment, is set to release on April 26, 2024. Adding to her literary accomplishments, St. James and her husband Cubbie Fink are co-authoring a new book titled “Lasting Ever,” which aims to share insights and wisdom about building a strong, lasting marriage.

Finally got the chance to sit down and answer some of the questions you left for us!

Rachel Cruze is a two-time #1 national bestselling author, financial expert, host of The Rachel Cruze Show and co-host of Smart Money Happy Hour. Since 2010, Rachel has served at Ramsey Solutions, where she teaches people how to avoid debt, budget and win with money at any stage in life. She's an energetic and thought-provoking speaker and has been speaking to audiences as large as 10,000 since the age of 15 when she began making appearances with her father, Dave Ramsey. She has appeared on Good Morning America, Today, Live With Kelly and Ryan, CNN Tonight, Fox and Friends and the Rachael Ray Show and has been featured in the Woman’s Day, Success and Real Simple magazines. Rachel believes it’s possible for anyone to turn around their finances, win with money, and build a life they love. Check out her new children's book called "I'm Glad When I Can Share" - https://ter.li/5vu95p

Boy, pregnancy really has a way of working muscles you don’t love working. I mean that in every way… physically AND spiritually. Don’t get me wrong, everything about pregnancy is miraculous…it is a gift and a privilege. BUT, it is also a lot of work. The thing about that work is most of it is unseen or unnoticed.  The first trimester is just waiting… feeling horribly sick and more tired than words can describe. Honestly, it can be a frustrating time! Nobody knows you’re expecting yet. Even if they do know, it doesn’t appear evident. But day in and day out, you’re reminded. Your body is changing and preparing and the ONLY ONE who feels it is YOU.  Isn’t that the way it is, though? Before we birth something new? There is always a process God takes us through. You’ll never meet a speaker who just walked onto stage one day in front of an audience of thousands. Not without years in the trenches of preparation. You’ll never meet a singer who wakes up to fame one day without putting in the years of behind the scenes work, songwriting and performing. You’ll never meet a famous athlete, an incredible author, a gifted chef, an acclaimed artist, an incredible parent, or a successful business owner who just made it without going through the preparation. And the thing about all of it is, once again, the world doesn’t see that part. Rather, the person living it is the one. They feel every failure, endure every “no”, defeat, or setback… and they are the ones with the choice to keep going or give up. Anyway, the real kicker, and the original connection I had never made (until our pastor pointed it out), was the REASON. The reason behind the wait. He went on to explain that during that time, culturally, Rome began conquering all. With this came the expansion of the roman kingdom and roman roads. Really, these roads were the catalyst for world-change: in communication, in transportation, in economy and culture and kingdom growth! These roads are still in existence. They were so well-constructed… and that work was done by nameless and countless people over the course of hundreds of years. No, we don’t know their names. No, we don’t know the amount of hours and sweat and backbreaking work that went into this preparation… but because of the efforts..because of this time of laborous preparation the whole world would be affected. Including, the new Testament church and the spread of the Gospel all over the world. The great commissioning.  When you put it in these terms, its kind of mind blowing. God orchestrated it in such a way that one man would conquer a vast portion of the known world, and that man would construct and orchestrate one of the most world-changing infrastructures ever known. Now, I’m certain Alexander the Great wasn’t doing this to spread the gospel. BUT, God did know. Just as He knew he could use man to bring out His divine plan: part of which was to prepare the way for the coming One. The Messiah. The man who changed the history of the world beyond it… And THAT is where the new testament begins. 400 years later.  Yes, its easy for me to say as a heavily pregnant woman. The womb is the sacred space for waiting. In darkness. Protected. Alive and growing. And trust me when I say, its hard, too. Hard not to know what the future will hold. The details feel blurred. How will delivery go? Who will this child be and what, even, will they look like. There is expectation but also the unknown. But can I tell you this? Nothing is unknown to God. He knows the promise at the other end. He knows the purpose in the wait, even if we cant see it yet. This instant gratification world we live in makes it even harder, I suspect, to wait with patience. 

Hi friends! I've been wanting to make this episode for quite some time now. Today, I'm going to be reading you a book, a children's book. It is written by Max Lucado, who's a pastor, author, and speaker.  I highly suggest getting this one if you have little ones and are looking for a sweet book.  You Are Special by Max Lucado

We are back with part 2! Karen Kingsbury, #1 New York Times bestselling novelist, is America’s favorite inspirational storyteller, with more than twenty-five million copies of her award-winning books in print. Her last dozen titles have topped bestseller lists and many of her novels are under development as major motion pictures. Karen recently opened her own film company called Karen Kingsbury Productions. The company’s first theatrical movie, Someone Like You, is considered one of the most anticipated movies of the year. For more information visit SomeoneLikeYou.movie. Also, the first three seasons of Karen’s Baxter Family books are now an original series called The Baxters on Prime Video. Karen and her husband, Donald, live in Tennessee near their children and grandchildren.