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The Polished Podcast

Christian working women, the Polished Podcast is for you. Our show will encourage and equip you to navigate the workplace and explore your faith in authentic community. Kat Armstrong, host of the Polished Podcast, amplifies diverse female voices in career-focused, Christ-centered conversations.
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Now displaying: Page 4
Apr 24, 2020

In our latest episode of our “Sheroes of the Faith series,” Jo Saxton shares about her favorite woman in the Bible, Deborah. And let us tell you. Jo absolutely makes her story come alive. Honestly, Deborah’s story couldn’t be more timely. Her courageous leadership during an extremely devastating and difficult time in history provides us with the example we all need for how to boldly lead during the Covid-19 crisis and its aftermath. In a world that often puts us into prescribed boxes, Jo’s wisdom on how we can break free of stereotypes we might feel trapped in and confidently embrace our God-given gifts is a treasure. And if that’s not enough, Kat and Jo also discuss Jo’s latest book, Ready to Rise. Regardless of wherever you find yourself in life right now, you will find courage and freedom in today’s episode.

Jo Saxton, a Londoner born to Nigerian immigrants, is an author, speaker, podcast host, and leadership coach. After founding an initiative supporting women who lead, Jo now coaches female leaders around the world through her online leadership development program and advises organizations on how to develop and support women in leadership. Jo has written books on leadership, identity, and legacy, including The Dream of You. She lives in Minneapolis with her husband, Chris, and their two daughters.

Connect with Jo

Instagram: @josaxton

Website: josaxton.com

Links from the Show:

Ready to Rise: Own Your Voice, Gather Your Community, Step into Your Influence by Jo Saxton 

Vindicating the Vixens: Revisiting Sexualized, Vilified and Marginalized Women of the Bible 

No More Holding Back by Kat Armstrong 

Verses:

Judges 4 

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Apr 10, 2020

In the latest episode of our “Sheroes of the Faith'' Series, our host, Kat Armstrong, talks with Judy Dominick about her experience as an Asian American woman during the Covid-19 crisis and her two favorite women in the Bible. You’ll love hearing Judy share the stories of her two sheroes of the Bible and how their courageous approaches to difficult situations has impacted her. 

Connect with Judy

Instagram: @judy.dominick

Website: lifeconsidered.com

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Apr 3, 2020

In light of the devastating Covid-19 situation and it’s significant impact on each of our lives, we can’t think of a more fitting woman to kick off our “Sheroes of the Faith” series than with THE Beth Moore. Having dedicated herself to the study and practice of God’s word for decades, Beth Moore is the older sister in the faith we all need right now. Let us tell you. If you need to be reminded that reading the Scriptures really is worth it and that the God of the Bible is who He says He is, then this episode is for you. In today’s episode, Beth Moore shares about how she came to love the Scriptures, what it looks like to dedicate herself to her craft while prioritizing her family and the story behind her latest book, Chasing Vines. While this episode was recorded before the start of the pandemic, Beth Moore’s discussion with our host, Kat Armstrong, is so timely in this moment and full of the hope we need right now. We are so thankful to Beth for sharing her story and about the ways God continues to work in her life. We hope that Kat’s conversation with Beth Moore brings hope and a renewed curiosity for Scriptures to you wherever you are in your faith today. 

Connect with Beth

Instagram: @bethmoorelpm

Facebook: Living Proof Ministries with Beth Moore

Links from the show:

Breaking Free by Beth Moore

Chasing Vines: Finding Your Way to an Immensely Fruitful Life by Beth Moore

Verses:

1 John 5:12-13 "Now this is the confidence we have before Him: Whenever we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. 15 And if we know that He hears whatever we ask, we know that we have what we have asked Him for."

Acts 16:11-15 "We boarded a boat at Troas and sailed straight across to the island of Samothrace, and the next day we landed at Neapolis. 12 From there we reached Philippi, a major city of that district of Macedonia and a Roman colony. And we stayed there several days.

13 On the Sabbath we went a little way outside the city to a riverbank, where we thought people would be meeting for prayer, and we sat down to speak with some women who had gathered there. 14 One of them was Lydia from Thyatira, a merchant of expensive purple cloth, who worshiped God. As she listened to us, the Lord opened her heart, and she accepted what Paul was saying. 15 She and her household were baptized, and she asked us to be her guests. “If you agree that I am a true believer in the Lord,” she said, “come and stay at my home.” And she urged us until we agreed."

Luke 8:1-3 "Soon afterward Jesus began a tour of the nearby towns and villages, preaching and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom of God. He took his twelve disciples with him, along with some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases. Among them were Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons; Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod’s business manager; Susanna; and many others who were contributing from their own resources to support Jesus and his disciples."

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Mar 25, 2020

In the final episode of our series, Breaking the Glass Ceiling, Kat Armstrong chats with the brilliant and creative Debora Annino. Debora’s story of creativity, faith and bravery is the inspiration we all need right now. 

Spending more than twenty-five years in the fashion apparel and textile industry, Debora led design, merchandising and sourcing teams developing national and international brands. No longer content to use business solely for profit, Debora returned to school earning an M.A. in Cross-Cultural Ministry from Dallas Theological Seminary. Now, she passionately pursues opportunities to use creativity for positive impact in the lives of others. Her creative enterprises include Common Project Artisan Market, a pop-up market showcasing a curated collection of local and global artisan brands that use the power of business for transformation, and Casita No. 8, a collection of unique, hand-embroidered home décor and textiles created by the indigenous Otomi women and men in Central Mexico. 
 
After her husband was diagnosed with terminal cancer, it was Barry’s last wish, and her last gift to him, to launch the Little Things Matter Foundation, which serves individuals, families and communities through small-scale, project-based investment, transforming communities and connecting lives. As the foundation’s executive director, Debora seeks investment opportunities that generate long-term impact and economic empowerment for marginalized people in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. Her foundation’s key contributions include sponsorship of a week-long  children’s camp that engages creativity, outdoor activities, creation science and spiritual formation; a women’s cooperative teaching creative and providing marketplace opportunities; and funding for organic gardens and chicken farming to provide nutritious food in addition to economic opportunities. 

Connect With Debora

Instagram: @debora_annino

Website: littlethingsmatter.net

Book: Little Things Matter by Debora and Barry Annino

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Mar 25, 2020

We know we are still living in an unprecedented time of uncertainty and that we are all doing our best to navigate this time well. You all loved our last episode with Tiffany Ashenfelter so much that the amazing Feleceia Benton teamed up with Tiffany to co-create a super thoughtful and practical digital guide on how we can find peace during this time of uncertainty. The guide is filled with practical tips, calming scripture and thoughtful prompts for journaling. In light of the current situation, our host, Kat Armstrong, and National Director, Feleceia Benton, recorded a special bonus episode to discuss this exclusive digital download, help you find peace and focus on stories of hope during this time. 

Get the Guide!

Connect With Kat and Feleceia 

Instagram: @heyfeleceia & @katarmstrong1

Verses

Psalm 77

James 1:2-5 " Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you." 

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Mar 18, 2020

Are you wondering how to adjust in these uncertain times? We know our all of our lives look very different then they did even just a week ago leaving us with a lot of thoughts, fears and emotions. All of us at Polished are right there with you. We are trying to learn how to cope in the midst of this extremely hard time which is why  our co-founder, Kat Armstrong, talked with Tiffany Ashenfelter, a licensed professional counselor and Polished leader, to talk about mental wellbeing during a crisis. In the episode, Tiffany helps us to understand our different reactions to the current situation and gives several incredibly helpful tips for staying emotionally healthy during this crisis. 

Tiffany is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Supervisor in Dallas TX specializing in helping individual's whose lives are screaming something's gotta give. She is partnered with her husband Michael, who specializes in helping couples identify and overcome the conflict cycles that leads to disconnection.

Connect With Tiffany 

Instagram: @tiffanyashenfelter

Website: Ashenfeltercounseling.com

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Mar 12, 2020

We know. There is a lot going on in our world right now. Whether you need a short distraction to give your mind a break or need some company while you clorox your house for the millionth time, we are so excited to share the latest episode in our Breaking the Glass Ceiling series with you. In today’s episode, Kat chats with Chong-Ae Shah about the importance of always having a desire to learn from colleagues and the joy that comes with investing in others. Let us tell you. Chong-Ae is the real deal. Throughout her career, she has worked for General Motors, AARP, International Justice Mission and currently serves as the Associate Director of DTS-DC. And she has absolutely broken glass ceilings every step of the way. Chong-Ae’s gratitude for and tenacity to learn from those who have gone before her will inspire you no matter where you are in your career. 

Connect With Chong Ae Shah

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Mar 5, 2020

Did you hear that? It’s the guests for our March episodes shattering the glass ceiling. This month, we’ll learn from the stories women who are breaking into boardrooms, C-Suites, and partner roles normally filled by men. We’re confident you’ll be encouraged hearing from women who have entered into professional settings where no women had gone before.

To kick off our new series, Kat chats with Gaylan Hendricks, the founder and CEO of Senior Security Benefits. In today's episode, Gaylan shares about she persevered in her career despite several difficult disruptions throughout her life. Her courage and tenacity to go where God called her is inspiring. No matter where you are in your professional and personal life, we know you'll be encouraged by Gaylan's story today. 

Connect With Gaylan  

Instagram: @hendricksgaylan

Verses:

Romans 8:26 "In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans."

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Feb 26, 2020
They say it takes 10 years to be an overnight sensation…"If that’s the case, then ShySpeaks is right on the verge of you knowing her name. Shy is a hip hop and spoken word artist, poet and speaker who has shared the stage with so many greats — Tye Tribbett, Torey Lanez, Mail Music…the list goes on and on. She’s even been on songs and albums with the likes of Kirk Franklin and Lecrae. 

She’s also a leader who often finds herself on the frontlines of education and literacy advocacy work.

Christened as a quintessential renaissance voice, Shy is sought after by some of today’s top recording artists and organizations for her songwriting, custom poetry, and speaking skills. 

In this conversation, you’ll learn about: 
  • How Shy learned about not needing outside validation to know her worth in her space
  • How creatives can add value to your industry 
  • The importance of relating with the people at your job before you trying to share the Gospel 

Connect With ShySpeaks

Instagram: @shyspeaks

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Feb 19, 2020

Devika Kornbacher is a brilliant technology attorney and partner in Houston, Texas.  She started her career working in ministry serving teens and young adults after graduating Cum Laude with a B.S. in Engineering.  Devika later successfully transitioned into the field of engineering.  While working as an engineer she was reminded of her childhood dream to be an attorney and went on to receive her J.D. from Harvard Law School.  Devika is a remarkable actress and entertainer, a thoughtful and incredibly generous sister and friend.  I see her as brave and fearless in the pursuit to be obedient to the places and spaces where God has called her.

Connect With Devika

Instagram: @Devikakornbacher

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Feb 5, 2020
Celebrate Black History Month with us as we highlight stories of black women in our series, She’s the First!  In today’s episode you’re going to meet Ashley Williams.

Ashley shares about taking a leap of faith during her successful career as an Investment Banking Analyst in NYC, after graduating with a Finance and International Business degree from the University of Texas at Austin.  Listen in as she breaks down one of my favorite phrases, Do it Afraid.

Ashley brings strategic systems to help dreams become ventures that soar through, Bird Williams Consulting, and on her podcast, Bird Means Business she shares practical tips from her 7-year journey in entrepreneurship.  Ashley is owner of The League, a warehouse gym in Houston.  She’s an investor, wife and mom to two ridiculously adorable sons.

Ashley Williams helps entrepreneurs launch and grow their businesses. Through Bird Williams Consulting, she brings strategic systems to help dreams become ventures that soar. Through her podcast, Bird Means Business, Ashley shares practical tips from her 7-year journey in entrepreneurship. In Ashley's first business, The League, a warehouse gym in Houston, TX, she handles business operations and strategic planning for their growing fitness community. Before pursuing entrepreneurship, Ashley worked in business development with start-up companies. Ashley began her career as an Investment Banking Analyst in New York City, executing 15 equity transactions for global clients. Ashley graduated with a Finance and International Business degree from the University of Texas at Austin. She recently invested in Five Central, a restaurant concept with a unique dining experience in Houston's Upper Kirby Area. Ashley has two ridiculously adorable sons, Terry and Trenton, who bring her so much joy. She's involved in her church and community and enjoys gathering friends and connecting people.

Connect With Ashley

Instagram: @ashleymonee

Website: birdwilliamsconsulting.com

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Jan 30, 2020

As professional women with full lives, we know how out of control we can feel with packed schedules and no room for what we love most. We have some good news though! Our lives don’t have to be this way. We know. This doesn’t even seem remotely possible to many of us. But trust us, it is. The best part is YOU have the power to ignite the change in your life.Sometimes we need a loving friend to share the hard truth with us and Tonya Dalton is that woman for all of us today. In the latest episode, Tonya graciously reminds us of the importance of taking ownership of our choices in our lives and guides us in how to break down our choices that are keeping us from making the changes we want to see in our lives. Hopefully you’ll let out a sigh of relief after listening to today’s episode and find freedom in owning the choices that affect your daily life. 

Tonya Dalton is a productivity expert, author, speaker and founder of inkWELL Press Productivity Co, a company centered around productivity tools and training. She released her book, The Joy of Missing Out, with Harper Collins in the fall of 2019, which has been named a top ten business book of the year by Fortune Magazine.

Tonya’s messages about business management, productivity, and the pursuit of passion have impacted thousands and inspired her to launch her podcast, Productivity Paradox which has surpassed more than a million downloads. Her podcast regularly ranks in the top 50 of all business management podcasts on Apple Podcasts.

Tonya has been featured on Real Simple, Entrepreneur, Inc., Apartment Therapy, Lauren Conrad, and Fast Company among other places. Tonya has received the  Enterprising Woman of the Year Award and has been named North Carolina's Female Entrepreneur to Watch by The Ladders. 

Connect With Tonya

Instagram: @tonya.i.dalton

Facebook: Tonya Dalton 

Website: www.joyofmissingout.com

Links from the Show:

The Joy of Missing Out By Tonya Dalton 

Follow inkWELL on Facebook and Instagram 

Verses:

2 Corinthians 12:9 "But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me."

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Jan 22, 2020

Season 4 is here! When it was time to celebrate a decade of Polished Ministries, we called our friend @marshawnevans. Like no other, she's able to help women make a shift in life. The women of Polished are discussing why we can't change. You know the feeling. Your goals are set, intentions made, dreams solidified. But actual change is elusive. That's why we invited Marshawn onto the Polished Podcast to talk about making shift. In Marshawn’s book, Believe Bigger: Discover the Path to Your Life Purpose, she encourages her readers to embrace the new opportunities God places before them without fear. She offers tools for pushing past barriers, discovering our dreams, and stepping away from confusion and toward clarity. Our Co-Founder, @katarmstrong1, spends some time with Marshawn talking about practical tools for embracing change and moving forward in boldness.

Connect With Marshawn

Instagram: @marshawnevans

Website: Marshawn.com

Verses:

Romans 12:2 "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind."

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Dec 12, 2019

Teri Ijeoma began her professional career working in education and non-profits. When she started trading stocks nine years ago, she initially saw it as an opportunity to simply supplement her income. However, she was so successful with this side hustle that in 2017, she decided to quit her job, travel the world, and begin trading full-time. While traveling, Teri was constantly asked to show others how she was successfully trading in the stock market. She set up and taught her first class in Thailand, her second in Vietnam, and had a fully-fledged curriculum created by the time she returned to the States. Teri now offers an online curriculum that shares her investing strategies with people all over the world. She also partners with organizations and companies to train and empower individuals to achieve financial freedom and build wealth through investing.

Teri received her Bachelors degree in Management Science from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and her Masters in Media and Communications from Dallas Theological Seminary. She was named 2018 Entrepreneur of the Year by National Black MBA Association, and was the Grand Champion of Teachable’s 2019 Creator Challenge. You can reach her on instagram at @imaninvestor , or online at itradeandtravel.com.

Connect With Teri 

Instagram: @imaninvestor 

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Dec 12, 2019

Have you ever struggled to reconcile parts of your faith? This time of year tends to bring up all of the feelings about church and our own relationship with God, which can leave us feeling lost in the questions. If you can relate, there’s no need to feel alone! In today’s episode, Taylor shares how she has learned to reconcile her faith when she doesn’t see the world or her faith  in black and white.

Taylor Nichols is a podcaster, speaker and the chief vision office at Nichols Construction.  

Connect With Taylor  

Instagram: @nichols_taylor

Verses:

Proverbs 15:4 "Gentle words are a tree of life"

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Dec 10, 2019

Cheryl Luke is committed to helping people connect with their God-given purpose and challenges them to embrace the story of their lives. With over 35 years in ministry, Cheryl's goal is to equip and inspire others to acknowledge Christ’s unyielding love and share it with those around them. Her warmth and wisdom resonate as she delivers God’s message of restoration and hope. Cheryl lives in Austin, Texas and works at Shoreline Church.

Connect With Cheryl

Instagram: @cherylluke

Website: Cherylluke.com

Verses:

Galatians 5:1 " It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery."

Hebrews 12:1-2 "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."

Romans 15:13 " May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."

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Dec 10, 2019

Mary Amoedo is a lover of Jesus, wife of Richard, and proud mother of Brittany, Vyvien and Zachary (in that order)!

Mary is a former engineer whose passion for personal growth combined with her love of people has helped her and her husband, Richard, to become one of the most successful couples in direct sales. They are currently top income earners with Ambit Energy, the largest direct seller of energy in the world. It’s their passion to help others achieve their dreams that has catapulted them to their current level of success.

In 1998 while in her young 20s, she was introduced to the concept of personal growth and development and it radically changed her life. Since then, she has been on the never-ending journey to be everything that God created her to be.

Mary leads as a servant leader and has a calling to coach and train other women in having it all without sacrificing anything. She has found a powerful way to intentionally integrate her faith, family and business. Her desire is to help as many people as she can to become free – financially, emotionally, and spiritually.

She was born as the 6th of 7 children of immigrant parents. She was born as they were emigrating from Vietnam and spent the early days of her life in a cradle made from a cardboard box. She never forgets the humble beginnings she came from and uses that to help others know that their future is never dictated by their past.

Mary's Life Verse
Matthew 5:16
16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that[a] they may see your good works andgive glory to your Father who is in heaven.

Connect With Mary

Instagram: @maryamoedo

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Dec 5, 2019

Sheila Walls has been described as a calm yet strategic influencer positioned to ignite and cultivate positive change in individuals, teams, and organizations. She is a wife, mother, inspirational speaker, teacher, preacher, pastor, and leader who passionately pursues purpose and Kingdom impact.

Sheila has been married to her best friend and her partner for life, Christopher Walls, for 24 fruitful years. They have been blessed with four amazing miracles: Ernest, Christopher II, Evan, and Kiersten.

Sheila is Associate Pastor of Life Community Church-Collin County in McKinney, Texas under the leadership of her husband who serves as Senior Pastor; is the founder and overseer of Faith Empowered Women - a ministry that equips women to be empowered by their faith, to live life victoriously, laugh contagiously, and love willingly. She is employed by State Farm Insurance Companies where she leads and develops people, builds highly productive teams, and together with her team achieves remarkable results.

When asked what do you really want others to remember about you, Sheila responds "that I am completely in love with Jesus Christ and above all else, my desire is simply to please Him."

Today's episode is sponsored by Dyan Elizabeth Photography.

Connect With Sheila 

Instagram: @sdeewalls

Links From The Show

Life Community Church 

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Nov 29, 2019

Stephanie Allen works as a trust officer for Argent Trust Company, assisting individuals as they navigate the issues surrounding inherited wealth. Prior to joining Argent, Stephanie was a trust officer/assistant vice president at Frost Wealth Advisors in Austin beginning in 2015, but started her career in private law practice as an estate planning and probate attorney. Stephanie earned her law degree from Regent University in Virginia Beach, Virginia, and a Bachelor of Science from Southwestern Assemblies of God University in Waxahachie, Texas. Additionally, she holds a Master of Laws in Taxation from the University of Alabama. Stephanie is a member of the State Bar of Texas, a member of the Estate Planning Council of Central Texas, serves on the board of the Estate Planning and Probate Section of the Austin Bar Association as its President-Elect, and previously served on the boards of Travis County Women Lawyers and AGE of Central Texas.

Stephanie is one of those unicorns who grew up in Austin and still calls it “home”. She has served as part of the leadership team for Polished-Austin and in various volunteer capacities at her church. An INFP and Enneagram 4w5 (tritype 4-7-1), Stephanie is “all the feels, all the time”, loves all things creative, can overthink and over-research almost anything, is an extroverted-introvert, and an idealist to boot. She enjoys cooking, traveling, reading, singing, collecting craft supplies, playing board/card games with her family, and most of all spending time with her husband of 15 years, Mark, and their two dogs, Mozart and Gretchen.

Connect With Stephanie 

Instagram: @stephillyalongtheway

Vereses

Philippians 4:6-7 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

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Nov 29, 2019

Morgan Eseke is passionate about helping all ages of women experience a deep, meaningful relationship with Jesus Christ and to fall in love with God’s Word. She writes about faith, relationships and career at morganeseke.com. Morgan works as a marketing professional and organizational health consultant, helping businesses simplify strategy and craft compelling messages. In 2009, Morgan founded CoffeeTalk in Norman, Oklahoma, a multigenerational mentorship ministry focused on providing biblical wisdom and leadership development for all ages of women. She is currently pursuing a Masters in Christian Education at Dallas Theological Seminary. She and her husband, David, live in Dallas with their two daughters. They are active members of Watermark Community Church.

Connect With Morgan

Instagram: @morganeseke

Website: morganeseke.com

Links From The Show

Margin: Restoring Emotional, Physical, Financial, and Time Reserves to Overloaded Lives

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Nov 26, 2019

Nicole Clark is a Texas native who loves Jesus and spends her days as a servant leader. A former back-up dancer, she now uses her experiences in a service environment. Founder of a 501(c)(3) women’s ministry and children's ministry director, Nicole enjoys spending time with her family, reading and learning more about the bible. Nicole lives in Plano, TX with her husband Darren and daughter Delanie.

Connect With Nicole 

Instagram: @nicolehillclark

Links from the Show 

Twelve 12 Ministries

Vereses

Ephesians 2:8-10 "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."

Romans 12:12 "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer."

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Nov 21, 2019

One way we can push back against consuming chaos is to be there for those close to us who are in the midst of pain and loss. In today’s episode, Kimberly Alexander shares how the presence of her family and friends following her husband’s death was crucial for helping her remain unmoved in the face of devastating loss. Now, Kimberly spends much of her time rallying for others though her cancer awareness advocacy work. Her example shows us that we can use our past trials to comfort others who may be going through similar circumstances. Let’s be women who come together for our friends, families and communities when chaos and loss hits.

Kimberly Alexander is a speaker, cancer advocate, radio show co-host, experience coordinator and author. After losing her husband, NFL linebacker Elijah Alexander to complications due to multiple myeloma in 2010, she decided to dedicate her time to raising awareness about the disease, fundraise for cancer research and serve as a resource for cancer patients and their caregivers.
Alexander was featured on Dateline NBC with Tom Brokaw discussing her life as a cancer caregiver as Brokaw shared his experience with myeloma. She narrated the award-winning health video “Multiple Myeloma in the African American Community”, hosted the Cancer Patient Survival Dinner during the American Society of Hematology convention and has served as a guest panelist for both the Society of Oncology Social Workers, and the Lone Star Blood Cancer Conference. She recently sat on a panel during the National Black Caucus of State Legislators discussing the importance of diversity in clinical trials and in 2014 penned, “Fairytales, Fate and Fortitude” in Dare to be A Difference Maker, a story that chronicles her family’s experience during her husband’s fight with cancer.
With a degree in broadcast journalism from the University of Colorado at Boulder, Alexander is certified in non-profit management and owns a boutique consulting firm called KimCONNECTS. She co-hosts The G.A.M.E. (Golf & More Experience) on 105.3 The Fan, in Dallas, Texas. As a member of the board of trustees for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of North Texas, she serves as the Vice-Chair of Communications. In addition to that role, she is a founding board member of Off the Field, Player’s Wives Association, a non-profit comprised of active and retired NFL wives, where she coordinated projects with Habitat for Humanity, The Salvation Army, and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. She also serves on the family advisory board of The Football Players Health Study at Harvard University, which focuses on improving the health of football players after leaving the NFL.

Connect With Kimberly

Instagram: @thekimalexander

Vereses

2 Corinthians 1:2-5 "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ."

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Nov 19, 2019

Embodying home cooking at its finest, Melissa d’Arabian
naturally connects with today’s diverse families to offer
unique yet relatable food and lifestyle solutions that are
part of a bigger story about how to eat well, be a mindful
consumer, and spend with purpose. d’Arabian won
season 5 of “The Next Food Network Star”, subsequently
hosted “Ten Dollar Dinners”, and is the New York Times
bestselling author of Ten Dollar Dinners: 140 Recipes and
Tips to Elevate Simple, Fresh Meals Any Night of the Week.
Melissa and her family live just outside San Diego.

Connect With Melissa 

Instagram: @melissadarabian

Links from the Show 

Buy Melissa's new book! 

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Nov 14, 2019

Have you ever been angry with God or felt beyond frustrated that you couldn’t control a painful situation? Nothing can make us feel more chaotic than when we are totally unable to control a specific situation, person or even what’s happening to our own bodies. In today’s episode, Bren shares about how she learned to totally relinquish control to God when faced with difficult circumstances in her life including cancer and infertility.

Born and raised here in Dallas, Bren has never had to stray far from her hometown to find God’s plans for her. Her very favorite “things” big D has brought her are her husband of 25 years, Greg, and their daughter Jordan who attends TCU in Ft Worth. Bren graduated from SMU with a degree in music & vocal performance. Her musical background spans several genres and has allowed her to share the stage with everyone from local radio personalities, to Tony nominated artists, to Bob Hope, and LeAnn Rimes.

Bren’s early music career was heavily focused in Regional Theater, where she performed roles such as Christine in Phantom, Mary in Jesus Christ Super Star, Magnolia in Showboat and Marion in The Music Man.

Along the way, Bren has had her share of heartaches and challenges; from infertility and miscarriages, to a long battle with cancer. The Lord, however, has been gracious to give her many avenues to use her gifts to share of His faithfulness. While she has a deep love for musical theater, Bren could never escape her love for singing other genres and for leading worship. Those loves paired with her desire to encourage, shepherd and lead others inspired her to branch out into teaching, speaking, leading worship, and performing other events.

Bren has been a private vocal coach for 24 years, teaching students ranging in age from 6 to 66. She has served as a speaker or worship leader for events at Highland Park Presbyterian Church, Park Cities Presbyterian Church, Northwest Bible Church, UT Southwestern Medical School, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Trinity Christian Academy, Leadership Formation International, Fellowship of Christian Women, & Dallas Theological Seminary.

She served at Northwest Bible Church as a Worship Leader for 13 years and served as the Choir and Vocal Director there for 6 of those years.

While Bren continues to enjoy speaking and singing at different events, as well as teaching voice lessons, she has added yet another title to her list! She is enjoying her 9th season as a Personal Cabi Stylist. As you’ll hear from her, she never dreamed that “personal stylist” would be a title on her resume, but she is so grateful she followed the Lord’s nudging to say yes to that. She is enjoying every moment of this unexpected, soul-filling, joy-giving opportunity to connect with and serve women right where they are.

Bren’s story is one of enduring sickness and health, experiencing heartache and joy, and facing uncertainty with an unchanging, unmovable, FAITHFUL God. Whether it’s through her music, her words, or her cabi clothing, Bren’s mission is to help women to find joy, beauty and strength not only in WHO they are, but also in WHOSE they are… peace by piece.

Connect With Bren 

Instagram:@peace.by.piece

Website: Bren Jones Cabi 

Verses

Psalm 40:1-4 "I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in him. Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods."

2 Corinthians 10:5 "We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ."

Isaiah 55:11 "so My word that comes from My mouth will not return to Me empty, but it will accomplish what I please and will prosper in what I send it to do.” 

2 Timothy 1:7 "For God has not given us a spirit of fearfulness, but one of power, love, and sound judgment"

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Nov 12, 2019

Sometimes chaos comes into our lives in the form of a sudden and devastating event. We know a heartbreaking event can throw a life into chaos in an instant. Maybe you lost your job, your home or a loved one. It looks different for each of us, but we have all experienced some kind of tragedy in our lives. Neisha Byrd is no stranger to heartbreak as she has lost both of her husband and son. In today’s episode, Neisha shares her story of loss and how she chooses to continue to live a full life despite her pain. We can all learn something about how to navigate the chaos of loss through Neisha’s story. We know loss can feel so isolating, but know you aren’t alone.

Neisha Byrd was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin lived there for nine years. Then moved to Illinois for seven years.  In 1983 with her parents she moved to Dallas, Texas. Where she attended College and worked alongside her parents in their family business.

Neisha has a divine gift of nurturing and has spent the last 19 years supporting the staff and being “School Mom” to the students, as Administrative Assistant at Trinity Christian School in Cedar Hill, Texas for nineteen years.

Neisha is a champion for Transformation and works tirelessly to be an example on how to live out the Word of God on a daily basis. Her mission is to empower others  to see themselves loved by the Father and walk out their full potential in God. She has traveled as far as Scotland and India sharing her life story.

Neisha was the devoted wife of Wendell Byrd(2018) for over 26 years and loving mother of  Cameron(2015) and Cailyn her 23 year old daughter ACU graduate She currently resides in DeSoto, Texas.

Connect With Neisha

Instagram: @mabyrd17

Website: www.neishabyrd.com

Links From The Show 

Hope Mansion Dancing with the Stars 

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