Today we interview Colleen Orme.    Colleen is actually a friend from my Langley High School years in Virginia.  She is a not only a mom to 3 darling boys, now young men, she is also a talented writer and columnist for Beliefnet.  I know you are going to love her as I do after hearing her story and encouragement.

Key Ideas:

Part 1:  Interview

• Give the Hope Virus
• Chase one rabbit – how do we do that?
• We can strive to make every day joyful, not just perfect
• Some clever marketing tips

Part 2: How to “Chase One Rabbit” when everything is multiplying like…rabbits!

1. Make a master list
2. Identify the one theme or big idea that emerges
3. Pick the top 3 items, activities, elements that will drive you towards your big idea
4. Write your list the night before
5. Execute your list with a re-visiting at noon daily

Website links:

www.colleensheehyorme.com  Colleen’s website with load of great information here.

How Great Thou Part – A Catholic Girl’s musings on Love, Divorce and Life.  This is a direct link to Colleen’s columns for Beliefnet.com – which is a great resource for all things of faith – for all faiths.  You’ll love it!

Colleen’s Recommended Reading:

The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts by Gary Chapman. An excellent resource for understanding how to show your love in a way your loved one can receive best. HIGHLY recommended.

When GOD Winks: How the Power of Coincidence Guides Your Life by Squire Rushnell. One I haven’t read yet, but look forward to reading.

Encouraging Word of the Week:  Proverbs 3:5-6  “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge him and he will direct your paths.”

Question:  What was your favorite part of this interview?  Are you scattered or laser focused?  What are your trick for chasing one rabbit?  Or do you even think it’s necessary?   I’d love to hear your thoughts and suggestions.

The post #024: Colleen Sheehy Orme and How to Chase One Rabbit appeared first on Christy Largent.

Today we interview Michelle DeRusha.  I found out about Michelle when I was reading one of my favorite blogs – Lisa Jo Baker, and she did a review on Michelle’s new book, 50 Women Every Christian Should Know.  I was interested in the topic, so of course I clicked on over to Michelle’s (terrific!) website and asked her if she would be willing to share her time with us.  She graciously agreed, and so today, smack-dab in the middle of her launch week, she’s our guest.  I know you will love her transparency and willingness to share some of the hard stuff in her faith walk.  Enjoy!

Key Ideas:

Part 1:  Interview

• What to do when you are really all alone
• The power of authenticity
• The surprising message of Love and Grace
• Why we should not let roadblocks stop us

Part 2: Risking Humility: A fresh look at Authenticity

• A thought on how humility and authenticity are really 2 sides of the same coin.

Website links:

www.michellederusha.com  This is Michelle’s creative, helpful, interesting home base.  She’s got links to her books, relevant articles and fun give-aways.  It’s worth a visit for sure!

Kay’s Recommended Reading:

Spiritual Misfit: A Memoir of Uneasy Faith, by Michelle DeRusha.  An honest look at a faith journey – especially for those questioning their own beliefs.

50 Women Every Christian Should Know: Learning from Heroines of the Faith, by Michelle DeRusha.  I’m loving this book.  Very inspirational.  I’m actually using it as the recommended reading for a teen-age retreat I’m doing in October.  It’s so powerful to read about these women of faith – guess what?  They are a whole lot like you and me.

Expecting Adam: A True Story of Birth, Rebirth, and Everyday Magic, by Martha Beck.  This book looks great!  Can’t wait to read it.

Encouraging Word of the Week:  Colossians 3:12-14   (again!) “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”

Question:  What was your favorite part of this interview?  Do you get uncomfortable very often? Why/why not?  And do you risk humility?   I’d love to hear your thoughts.

The post #023: Michelle DeRusha – Spiritual Misfit and 50 Women Every Christian Should Know (Podcast) appeared first on Christy Largent.

Kelly Covert and Maggie Quinn are the founders of Strong Body Whole Heart, a company dedicated to helping women transform from the inside out – Life, Body and Mind.  You will love this honest conversation from these 2 busy moms!

Key Ideas:

Part 1:  Interview

• Best practices for how to start (and run) a business with a friend
• The importance of transparency and forgiveness
• How to tap into the power of mentorship
• Strategies for handling conflicts when they arise

Part 2:  Forgiveness

• Is a choice
• Requires action (and it’s HARD!)
• Must be practiced
• Will reach it’s conclusion

Website Links:

www.strongbodywholeheart.com

www.facebook.com/strongbodywholeheart

www.twitter.com/sbwheart

http://instagram.com/sbsheart_kelly,     http://instagram.com/sbwheart_maggie

Recommended Reading:
Forgiveness: Finding Peace Through Letting Go, by Adam Hamilton

Courage: Igniting Self-Confidence, by Debbie Ford

The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You’re Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are, by Brene Brown

Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead, by Brene Brown

Encouraging Word of the Week: Matthew 6:9-13 – The Lord’s Prayer     “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.  Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.  Give us today our daily bread.  And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.  And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.”

Question:  Have you ever thought of starting a business with a friend?  Did you do it?  Why or Why not?  What about the transparency section of this show?  Is that something you struggle with or is it more natural for you?  Finally, how have you experienced forgiveness in your life?  I’d love to read your thoughts and answers below!

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Today we interview Kay Bruner.  I found Kay when I was looking at the books available in the Christian Women Living section of Amazon.  Her beautiful book, As Soon As I Fell, caught my eye and when I read the reviews and then clicked over to her website I knew this was a woman I wanted to get to know more.  I loved talking with her and I know you will love her authentic transparency, (her book is a memoir of her breakdown, marital turmoil and recovery through the grace of God), humor and real life, down-to-earth-ness. She’s the real deal!

Key Ideas:

Part 1:  Interview

• The power of friendship
• The true nature of God – Redeemer!
• The importance of routine
• Protecting your time

Part 2:  4 Keys to Growing Friendships

1. Be Friendly
2. Be Authentic
3. Be Giving
4. Be there

Website links:

www.kaybruner.com  This is Kay’s home base and where you can find everything from her blog to her book to her favorite things.  Tons of great information and encouragement here.

Kay’s Recommended Reading:
As Soon As I Fell: A Memoir by Kay Bruner.  I had to put this at the top of the list.  Please get this to support Kay!  Fabulous!

Boundaries: When to Say Yes, How to Say No to Take Control of Your Life, by Henry Cloud and John Townsend.  A classic on how to set boundaries for yourself.  I need to get this one out and re-read it.  I love this book!

The Search For Significance: Seeing Your True Worth Through God’s Eyes, by  Robert McGee.  A classic.  Once again, so thankful to be reminded to get this back out and re-read it.  I first read it in college – ‘ya think I might have a different perspective now?

Traveling Mercies: Some Thoughts on Faith, by Anne Lamott.  I was a bit skeptical of this author…until I read her!  I would love to meet her in person.  What an honest voice.  If you have never read her personal works – by all means start here!

Abba’s Child: The Cry of the Heart for Intimate Belonging, by Brennan Manning.  New to me.  After reading about this book, I will be adding it to my “must read” list.

The Inner Voice of Love: A Journey Through Anguish to Freedom, by Henri Nouwen.  Wow!  This book looks like one we all could benefit from.  Another that’s on its way to my house.

Encouraging Word of the Week:  Colossians 3:12-14   “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”

Question:  What was your favorite part of this interview?  Did her story resonate with you like it did with me?  Which part gave you chills?  And do you live like you are “Loved, Safe and Chosen?”   I’d love to hear your thoughts.

The post #021: Kay Bruner – Authenticity and Friendship (Podcast) appeared first on Christy Largent.

Regardless of where you live, and what political system you find yourself working under, oftentimes, we find ourselves enslaved to a job we hate.  This week, in honor of the United States’ celebration of Labor Day,  we discuss some thoughts about how to find the work you love.  I’ll give 5 key action steps you can use to move yourself into living your very own “Labor of Love.”

Key Ideas:

1. What do you LOVE to do?
2. What do other people tell you you are very good at doing? (You get a ton of positive feedback when you do this thing).
3. What business opportunities could you find around this thing you love. (Get creative here and solicit ideas from others).
4. Figure out some baby steps for getting started.
5. Start doing more of what you love – for free.  Do it anywhere and everywhere you can no matter how much money you are making.  Proof of concept will come as more people realize you do this and they will ask you for it more and more.  Once you are really, really good at what you are doing, the money will follow.

Resource:

www.liveyourlegend.net – Scott Dinsmore. Scott has build his life work around helping others discover and live the the work they were born to do.  His website has tons of free resources and ideas to help you find your “what”.  I think you’ll love his passion and heart for helping.

Encouraging Words of the week:

Galatians 6:9 “And let us not grow weary in doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”

Colossians 3:23 “Whatever you do, work heartily, as unto the Lord and not for men.”

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