Beautiful Humans

Beauts, meet Stephanie May Wilson. I met Stephanie through Jamie Ivey’s INCREDIBLE podcast ‘The Happy Hour’ (run, don’t walk to download it rightthissecond). Stephanie is an author, blogger, speaker, and best friend. Stephanie was so encouraging and delightful – I know you will LOVE our chat! Reading Stephanie’s first book entitled ‘The Lipstick Gospel’ (I mean how could I not with a name like that?!) about how Jesus captured her heart changed my life. I am so excited to share our conversation with you, and we are excited to give away ALL three of her books!! ‘The Lipstick Gospel’ ‘The Lipstick Gospel Devotional’ ‘The Lipstick Gospel Prayer Journal’ “I am an author, a blogger, a speaker, and a best friend.” “I write and speak about the things you would talk about with your best friend.” “My whole goal is to be a girlfriend a step or two ahead in some areas.” “I wrote the book ‘The Lipstick Gospel’ and that’s how most people know me.” “I had a lot hesitation about becoming a Christian.” “God is about all those things. He is not vanilla, and boring, and about ugly shoes.” “I ended up becoming a Christian in the Sistine Chapel.” “Girls just like me can know who God is too.” “I hate that friendships are hard in seasons of life.” “You get married, and you’re never lonely again… No!”. “Who knows the right questions to ask? Nobody knows that.” “Having people to walk through life with makes it easier and a million times more fun.” “One of the things that is a thing here is hot chicken.” “I’ve absolutely read books by Shauna Niequist. She’s probably my favourite author.” “I think comparison is a weak spot for us as women.” “They’re not eating Chik-Fil-A which is a bummer for them.” “You are chosen, worthy, loved, redeemed, secure.” “I don’t believe we can give away things we don’t have.” “I get to run my race and you get to run your race and we can cheer each other on.” “Everyday Italian food.” Stephanie’s Corner of the Internet Where to find Stephanie on social media: Stephanie on Facebook Stephanie on Twitter! Stephanie on Instagram Things we talked about on the podcast: Stephanie’s Beautiful Human Kacie

Beauts, meet Linda Seabrook. Linda is a multitasking momma/grandmomma/stepmomma and blogger, writer, and builder. I met Linda through church and she is a pure delight! We chatted about her journey with writing, her love of ministry, and her upcoming trip to Israel (we recorded this a bit ago so maybe I need to have her on again to talk all about her trip?! – that would be cool!). Cheers, and enjoy beauts! “I’m a wife, I’m a mom, I’m a stepmom. I’m a grandma. I work part-time.” “When we all get together with boys it’s very loud.” “I find myself at home alone quite a bit and I’m finding I don’t mind it at all.” “In my teens, twenties, and even in my thirties I was really involved in music.” “I’ve started seminary. I went back to seminary in my thirties.” “By 8 at night it’s bad. I have no brainpower left.” “I think to be a good writer you have to write from a place of vulnerability and authenticity.” “If you want to be a good writer you need to be a big reader.” “I went to Moody Bible Institute in Chicago for a year.” “I think God calls us to more than a quick minute devotion.” “Women are such influencers. We have so many spheres of influence in our lives.” “I was able to go to Nepal in 2011 and 2012 with a team from Harvest.” “Deep fried wontons, oh yeah.” Books we chatted about: ‘Daring Greatly’ by Brene Brown Linda’s corners on the internet: ‘Life by God’s Grace’ – Linda Seabrook ‘Life by God’s Grace’ – Linda Seabrook ~ on Facebook! Linda on Twitter

Beauts, meet Carrie Kintz. I met Carrie on twitter and boy am I glad that I did! Carrie was so nice to talk to, like eating a piece of pie – it was enjoyable down to the last word. Carrie is a digital freelancer who works in Colorado. Carrie and I share an affinity for books, and it was a pure delight talking tomes. Listen in and hear Carrie’s favourite books, podcasts, and food. “I work on my own… I’m a freelancer.” “I do strategy, help people with their websites.” “I’ve always really loved reading.” “I just want to help people communicate.” “I’m an ENFP.” “I love really deep conversations.” “I’ll read pretty much anything.” “I love to hike.” “Do you believe that what you really believe is real?” “There are so many things I love about what I do.” “I love Korean food.” Books we talked about: ‘Wild and Free’ by Jess Connolly and Hayley E. Morgan ‘Wild and Free’ by Rebekah Lyons ‘The Broken Way’ by Ann Voskamp ‘Daring Greatly’ by Brene Brown ‘Lillian Boxfish Takes A Walk’ by Kathleen Rooney ‘Pride and Prejudice’ by Jane Austen ‘Persuasion’ by Jane Austen ‘The Cost of Discipleship’ by Dietrich Bonhoeffer ‘Bird by Bird’ by Anne Lamott ‘Salt To The Sea’ by Ruda Sepetys Links we talked about Book of the Month Club ‘What Should I Read Next’ Podcast/Modern Mrs. Darcy/Our Girl Anne Bogel BBC Radio ‘In Our Time’ ‘The Popcast’ with Knox and Jamie ‘Missed in History’ Podcast ‘Unjustly Maligned’ Podcast ‘You Must Remember This’ Podcast ‘Presidential Podcast’ by The Washington Post ‘The Happy Hour’ with Jamie Ivey ‘Sorta Awesome’ by Megan Tietz ‘Monocycle’ by Leandra Medine Annie F. Downs ‘Glorious in the Mundane’ Podcast with Christy Nockels The Influence Network Podcast

Beauts, meet Sabrina Maulucci. Sabrina and I connected over social media. It was so cool to learn all about how her company naturally came to be – like all good things unfold. I cannot wait to stylishly rock an OVer cover when we have an angel baby. Enjoy our conversation where Sabrina lets us in on her momma-hood journey, how her cool company organically formed, and her favourite vacation destination. “I am the founder of the Over Company.” “We have almost 70 retailers over Canada who carry our product.” “We had a five-week stay in the NICU here in London.” “I came up with a design that worked that was the first OVer.” “I bought a couple of meters of fabric from a local fabric store and sewed it until it fit my car seat basically.” “I have a team of four actually here in London that produce them for me.” “The preemie journey is really tough.” “I am proud that our company can give back to the local NICU.” “I have 3 kids so some days our days are crazy and we have not slept the night before.” “We have a lot of people in our life who support us and help us.” “We will have only fabrics exclusive to the OVer company.” “I’m just humbled when I see all the orders come in.” “We have a really good group of core friends that we share our lives with.” “That’s also very important, setting aside time for family.” “We love Italian food.” Get social with Sabrina: The OVer.co website: The OVer Company corner on the internet the Over co on Facebook the Over co on twitter the Over co on Instagram ‘The Magnolia Story’ by Chip and Joanna Gaines with Mark Dagostino   Cheers!

Beautiful humans, meet Amanda Carpenter. I met Amanda through social media, and had a fun time chatting with her! Amanda is a writer working on getting her first book into our pretty little paws, and writes over at her corner of the internet. She and her husband Eric live in the Windy City and work side by side every day. I love Amanda’s authenticity in life and on her social media feeds. I know you will be refreshed by our conversation. Enjoy! “I live in Chicago. I write.” “We are on route to becoming more minimalist.” “We sold my car, I quit my job.” “I was a public school teacher.” “You can serve God in any field and any position.” “Everyone has a blog. Everyone’s trying to monetize.” “There’s really not a fake bone in my body. I cannot be anything but authentic.” “I was truly forgiven and grace was for everybody.” “Pizza and doughnuts.” “I could probably live and breath and never leave this apartment and be okay.” “I definitely read more to learn.” “Anything that’s chocolate I’ll take.” “I kind of geek out over time management.” “There’s so many books out there that I want to read and there’s never enough time in this world.” “I’m a dessert before dinner kind of girl.” “Definitely love dessert.” “Dessert, because I’m never going to deprive myself of God’s love for me.” “I love chocolate chip cookies and a glass of milk.” Peruse these books: ‘#Struggles: Following Jesus in a Selfie-Centred World’ by Craig Groeschel ‘Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking’ by Susan Cain ‘Falling Free: Rescue from the Life I Always Wanted’ by Shannan Martin ‘Finding God in The Waves: How I Lost My Faith and Found it Again Through Science’ by Mike McHargue ‘Present Over Perfect’ by Shauna Niequist Manda Carpenter Reads Where to get social with Amanda: Amanda on Instagram Amanda on Twitter Amanda on Facebook

Beautiful humans, meet Aubrey Blankenship. I met Aubrey on twitter years ago – how cool is that?! Aubrey is super cheery, positive, and delightful! Enjoy our conversation where we talk about her online marketing gig, her love for coffee, and how we are the same Meyers-Brigg type (so wild!). “I am in the field of online marketing.” “I am a Director of Social and Digital engagement.” “I’ve always loved writing. I was a journalism undergrad.” “Words are really important.” “How can we produce content that delights?” “I met my boyfriend online.” “I enjoy building relationships and helping other people build them.” “I read Agatha Christie for fun, to relax.” “I’m a little old lady.” “William Wilberforce, who is one of my personal heroes.” “You’re a real person who doesn’t just have an agenda you want to push on them.” “I think my number one favourite thing about volleyball students is their raw enthusiasm for the sport.” “I do love people.” “I grew up in California. It was a fantastic place to grow up.” Things we talked about in the episode: ‘Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy’ by Eric Metaxas The NYT article: ‘The End of Small Talk’ https://www.nytimes.com/2016/01/17/fashion/dating-the-end-of-small-talk.html?_r=0 Where to find Aubrey on social media: Aubrey on twitter Aubrey on Instagram

Beauts, meet my friend Miranda Niezen. Miranda is so cool! I met Miranda through my ride or die, Nick. Miranda has a wide range of interests and one thing I love about her is that she is an amazing community builder. Miranda is always creating opportunities for people engage and connect and she has a sweet natural knack for it. Enjoy our conversation as we talk about a camp for adults and why everyone should go, her Korean adventure, and her favourite year when she was 21 years old. “I’m no longer a young adult, I’m an adult.” “I feel like I’m a grown up.” “I work in an office.” “I assembled chicken cages with my roommates.” “Chickens have miserable lives.” “Being 21 I had so much energy.” “I do have strong opinions about really good literature.” “The more you travel the more you see similarities between cultures.” “I lived in a port city. There was always a ferry that came.” “There was always a water show at night with lights.” “I enjoy cooking.” “I want people to think of me as someone who is generous.” “I’m such a non-picky eater.”

Beautiful humans, meet Rebekah Korpan. I have known Rebekah for as long as I can remember. We grew up going to the same church since day one methinks! Rebekah is a wife, babe momma, and small business owner. Rebekah grew up as the only girl in a sibling group of five. Enjoy our conversation where we talk about her business, her favourite things to do with her kiddos now, and her ideal vacation time. “I am a stay at home mom but I have created a small business.” “My business is called a goose and a moose and it is named after my two oldest kids.” “I got a sewing machine when I was 16.” “I love supporting local people.” “I am a very simple person.” “Usually when I have an online order I have a cart of 50 then I have to go back.” “We’re social people.” “Growing up with the boys, I was always trying to keep up with them.” “I don’t quit.” “I don’t stop.” “I see so much value in having close relationships with family.” “We’re entrusting with these tiny beautiful humans and sometimes we forget that they are beautiful.” “I am a crazy multitasker.” “I cannot sit still.” “I’m a list person.” “It’s okay that nothing is perfect.” Cheers friends! Link to Rebekah’s Etsy shop: A Goose and A Moose Shop on Etsy Connect with Rebekah on social media: Rebekah on Instagram A Goose and A Moose Shop on Facebook

Beautiful humans, meet Laurel Coatsworth. Laurel is a joy to be friends with in real life. She is so fun and easy to be around! When I hung out with Laurel the first time (brunch at The Bag Lady? yes please!). I was struck by her authenticity and love for Jesus. She is definitely a joy-bringer to this world – a total beautiful human. Listen in as we talk about her favourite things, her most liked dreamy travel spots, her ideal job, and the magical couch. “I’m originally a small town farm girl.” “We got a Tim Horton’s 6 years ago, it was a big deal.” “I love writing, I love people, I love Jesus. I like horses” “If I pick up a book and I start reading it I have this thing where I have to finish.” “I should probably get a piece of fiction in there.” “I really like Jane Eyre for a classic novel.” “If I could do anything and not like “Oh I have to go to school and get a degree so I can do this, I would be a writer.” “I would just write all day and my mom would wonder where I was.” “I loved high school.” “I like to surprise people and I like to get surprised.” “I love music.” “I love the first snowfall.” “I want other people to know Jesus like I know Jesus.” “I don’t want my cow to moo.” Links to books we chatted about in this episode: ‘The Blessing of Humility’ by Jerry Bridges ‘Respectable Sins’ by Jerry Bridges ‘Jane Eyre’ by Charlotte Bronte Be social with Laurel: Laurel on Facebook

Beautiful humans, meet Caitie Wagenknecht. Caitie and I met through my sister (they are besties), and I am glad to have the addition of a kindred sister! I had the best time chatting with Caitie. I love her positive outlook on life and she is sweet as cherry pie. Enjoy our conversation here as we talk about her work with Fashion Takes Action, the importance of taking care of ourselves, and what her ideal day looks like. “I currently work for a jewelry company in Toronto that focuses on upcycling cool vintage jewellery.” “We come up with a cool piece based on what they’re into.” “I went to school and did more business.” “I did a fashion minor.” “They (Fashion Takes Action) are the only organization in Canada which focuses on making changes in the fashion industry.” “My first role at Fashion Takes Action was Social Media and Marketing Intern.” “Now we are starting to realize that our actions have serious consequences to the environment.” “I moved to Canada when I was four.” “I feel really grateful, happy that I grew up in Canada.” “My time in Germany was a semester abroad.” “A lot of people don’t take enough breaks.” “We definitely need more vacation time.” “It’s good to take a break and take care of yourself.” “If I wanted a little treat, I would have a little treat.” “I love to cook.” Links to great stuff we chatted about in this episode: Pumpkin Ice Cream Recipe Fashion Takes Action Bakerbots Baking Youtuber Estee Lalonde ‘Bloom’ book by Estee Lalonde ‘Overdressed: The Shockingly High Cost of Cheap Fashion’ by Elizabeth L. Cline ‘Love in Lowercase: A Novel’ by Francesc Miralles ‘Bread and Wine’ by Shauna Niequist ‘Cold Tangerines’ by Shauna Niequist ‘Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me (And Other Concerns)’ by Mindy Kaling Nazareth Restaurant Toronto Banjara Restaurant in Toronto Caitie on social media: Caitie on Instagram Caitie on Twitter

Beautiful humans, I am thrilled to introduce you to Ashley Danyew. I met Ashley via twitter, and I am so glad that we got to connect! Ashley is a music teacher and creator, and Etsy shop owner. Ashley is like honey, she is so sweet. It was a pure joy to talk to her. It was neat to learn about her path and journey she took to get to where she is now. Listen and lean in – you will not want to miss our conversation. Cheers! Notable quotes from our conversation: “I love the seasons and I love the snow.” “I sang a lot as a child.” “Music is meant to be shared. If you are too afraid to share it, what’s the point?!” “Each of the things I do is a creative outlet.” “This year I just started carrying a collection of tea towels.” “Advent is one of my favourite seasons.” “We are living in darkness and waiting for this glimmer of hope.” “Our church is actually two denominations joined together.” “I wrote a post recently about the worship order.” “You have to learn what you can say yes too and what will be too much.” “There are several different art festivals for the neighbourhoods.” “Legacy to me is something that’s really important.” “It’s not just about me and fulfilling my wants or dreams.” “Food is definitely a priority.” Links to things we chatted about: Ashley’s Etsy Shop, ‘Doxology Press’ Ashley’s Corner of the Internet ‘Bread and Wine’ by Shauna Niequist ‘Present Over Perfect’ by Shauna Niequist Helping Hounds Dog Rescue (in Syracuse) ‘The History of the Worship Order’ blog post on Ashley’s Website ‘Cold Tangerines’ by Shauna Niequist ‘Bittersweet’ by Shauna Niequist ‘Searching for Sunday: Loving, Leaving, and Finding the Church’ by Rachel Held Evans ‘Simply Tuesday: Small Moment Living in a Fast Moving World’ by Emily P. Freeman ‘A Million Little Ways: Uncover The Art You Were Made To Live’ by Emily P. Freeman ‘Dropped Threads: What We Aren’t Told’ by Carol Shields and Marjorie Anderson ‘Flash: The Homeless Donkey Who Taught Me About Life, Faith, and Second Chances’ by Rachel Anne Ridge ‘The Happy Hour’ with Jamie Ivey ‘Around The Table’ with Maggie and Jacey ‘Glorious In The Mundane’ Podcast with Christy Nockels Ashley on social media: Ashley on Twitter Ashley on Instagram

Beautiful humans, I think it is time I introduced myself. For the last 13 episodes, I have had the best time of my life getting able to chat to so many different women from all different walks of life on this podcast. People are my top favourite, and storytelling is a close second. Here are a few things I love: Sparkles Taylor Swift The colour pink A good burrito Reading. Always reading. Never last, but most important, Jesus. Notable quotes from this episode: “If you are trying to be fake, it takes so much work.” “Talking is one of my favourite things ever in life.” “I’m just gonna fight for this, I’m not a quitter.” “I’m obsessed with Toronto.” “Nick is pretty great. I love him.” “I just love people so much.” “I had a lot of desires that God needed to do ironwork in them.” “I look at the grace of God and how many gifts He has blessed me with.” “I’ve discovered that I am really passionate about raising other people’s platforms.” “I like to keep my books and hoard them. I’m not a super good sharer [with my books].” “I like how collaborative (Beautiful Humans) has been.” “I feel like I have lots of new ideas every day for things I want to do.” “I love reading too.” “I want to say I’m halfway patient.” “I love meeting new people and connecting with people.” “I am going to choose to have my hands open, whatever God brings.”   Things we chatted about in this episode: ‘Loveology’ by John Mark Comer ‘Steadfast Love’ by Lauren Chandler ‘Freefall To Fly’ by Rebekah Lyons The Story Conference ‘Women of the Word’ by Jen Wilkin The Radiant Conference Get 4Sight

Beautiful Humans, meet Melissa Sharpe. Melissa is a wife, momma to two girlies, speaker, writer, and podcast contributor. I connected to Melissa through my cousin Stephanie and I am so glad our paths crossed. Melissa has a big old heart for the Lord, and a mission to not leave any girl behind. This mission gave me goosebumps when we first chatted, and I still think about her practicing this mission to this day. Enjoy our conversation where she talks about her journey as being a fatherless daughter, her year of writing, and her favourite part of being a Canadian girl in ministry.   Notable quotes from this episode: “I felt a push from the Holy Spirit that if I didn’t use it I would lose it.” “I started this online journal of sorts.” “He had denied the very existence of his family.” “I wrote for 365 days.” “The chains weren’t gone and I hadn’t been set free.” “When you are transparent and vulnerable you are giving women permission to be transparent and vulnerable back.” “God is never in a hurry.” “Never let another child feel rejected.” “Leave no girl behind.” “If we were all doing the same thing nothing of greatness would be accomplished.” “I am a homebody.” “We’ve survived a lot with God.” “Acts of service is my love language.”   Links to things we talked about: Women Together International Elizabeth’s House Ministry Gateway Church App ‘The Mom Inspired Show’ with Amber Sandberg   Melissa on Social Media: Melissa on Twitter Melissa on Instagram

Beautiful Humans, meet Amanda  Mooney. I have known Amanda, or Amanda has known me, rather, before I knew about her. Amanda met my older sister Victoria at preschool and Amanda and I went to the same elementary school. She is delightful. Amanda has such a wonderful attitude and approach to life. She is one of the kindest, down to earth, and genuine people I know so I love when we get to talk. She just makes everyone feel like they are a part of the club: an attitude I try to fully promote. Enjoy our conversation as we talk about education, her love for Canada, and what she has been cooking lately.   “I saw this one box that said Queen’s outdoor experiential education.” “We just did everything outside which was really fun.” “I’ve been supplying almost every day in a high school.” “I like that I can have actual conversations with the kids.” “Grade 1 is like herding around zoo animals.” “Eventually what I want to do is combine special needs with outdoor ed.” “I put a lot of effort into maintaining friendship.” “Nerds are the ones that get the girls in the end.” “I feel like I’m home here and it feels great.” “I do love cooking and baking.” “I love Canada.” “Canoeing and being outside made me love Northern Ontario.”   Stuff we talked about: Rookie Magazine Issue 3 ‘Dropped Threads: What We Aren’t Told’ by Carol Shields ‘Sophie’s World’ by Josten Gaarder Goodreads ‘Bread and Wine’ by Shauna Niequist ‘Savor: Living Abundantly Where You Are, As You Are’ by Shauna Niequist ‘Flash: The Homeless Donkey Who Taught Me About Life, Faith, and Second Chances’ by Rachel Anne Ridge ‘The Looneyspoons Collection: Janet & Greta’s Greatest Recipe Hits and A Whole Lot More! by Janet and Greta Podleski’ ‘Oh She Glows Cookbook: Vegan Recipes To Glow From The Inside Out’ by Angela Liddon Ambitious Kitchen   Connect with Amanda on Social Media: Amanda on Twitter Amanda on Instagram

Beautiful humans, meet Aleah Marsden. A California girl born and raised, Aleah has a penchant for Jesus and chai tea. Join us as we chat about how we can seek the Caller, not the calling, why mugs are just the greatest, and her cross-country road trip with her tribe. Cheers!   Notable quotes from this episode: “Speaking is one of my absolute favourite things.” “I enjoy writing but writing is absolutely a lot of work.” “Serve in the small faithful ways.” “Seek the Caller, not the calling.” “We serve a God of abundance who has a purpose for all of us.” “I do love reading.” “Understanding words is really important.” “The most important thing is that there is a sense of authenticity coming across.” “The Lord is in charge of outcome, you are in charge of obedience.” “The local church makes the greatest impact on people’s lives and souls.” “We can actually celebrate one another.” “Ultimately it’s the Holy Spirit who gives those words trajectory.” “No man ever served God by doing things tomorrow.” “Hashtag mug life.”   Books Mentioned: ‘Assimilate or Go Home’ by DL Mayfield ‘Making Marriage Beautiful: Lifelong Love, Joy, and Intimacy Start with You’ by Dorothy Littell Greco ‘The Pursuit of God’ by AW Tozer ‘A Wrinkle in Time’ by Madeleine L’Engle ‘A Circle of Quiet’ by Madeleine L’Engle ‘A Severe Mercy’ by Sheldon Vanauken ‘Teach Us To Want: Longing, Ambition, and the Life of Faith’ by Jen Pollock Michel ‘Island of the Blue Dolphins’ by Scott O’Dell ‘A Diary of Private Prayer’ by John Baillie Check out this show: Rick Steve’s Europe Aleah on all the social media channels: Aleah on Twitter Aleah on Instagram Aleah on Facebook Aleah’s Internet Nook

Beautiful humans, meet Amy Kate Brown. We had one of those fantastic conversations that you cannot dream of planning. Amy is the Communications Director at IF:Gathering, a Christian ministry based out of Austin, Texas. She loves people, Jesus, sports, and queso. I had such a sweet conversation with Amy about IF and what they are all about. It was so nice to make friends with her. I love her authenticity for serving the Lord and all of the wisdom she gives us in this conversation. I will definitely be hitting up Austin for some queso on a patio with her in the future!  “No matter your income, no matter your background, no matter where you are at in life right now, you can be part of IF:Gathering for a dollar.” “When we all come together God will provide to meet our needs.” “God truly transforms lives in the context of community.” “My job is to equip over 2000 other leadership teams to host their own local events in their local cities.” “Our mission statement is to gather, equip, and unleash women to live out God’s calling on their lives.” “We desire to see women unleashed.” “Our goal is to create space in women’s lives… for women to encounter the Lord.” “We really value technology and utilizing it.” “My job is to help communicate the vision.” “Our world is in a super unique time.” “We do this because we believe this is how Jesus lived His life.” “Women need permission to be messy.” “One of the greatest ways we hold ourselves back is perfectionism.” “God does not call the equipped, He equips the called.” “I love getting to cheer on women in their places to lead.” “I have the best job in the whole world. This is awesome!.” “Sports are my thing.” “We love the city we live in.” “It is a foodie heaven. I get to eat some of the best food all the time.” “What food do I not like to eat?!” “When I reflect on my past I remember how God has been faithful.” “Step into the mess and put your voice out there.” Get social with Amy! Amy on Instagram Amy on Twitter

On the show today is Yvonne Farrow. A multitasking momma of three little angel babes, pastor’s wife, and surprising homeschool facilitator. I met Yvonne through my sister-in-law and instantly wanted to be her pal. Yvonne is not on Instagram but her home looks like it should be. In our conversation today we talk about why she loves home so much, her favourite reads, and her desired getaway location. Notable quotes from this episode: “I like food on the table.” “You don’t know when a child comes into care where they will end up.” “We have to trust God with our hearts.” “We’ve seen our girls grow a lot from our fostering experience.” “I get energy from being with people.” “I love being home.” “I dreamed of being a missionary in Africa when I was a child.” “God works all things together for good for those who are called according to His purpose.” “I started praying to God that I would have a hamburger, because if I had a hamburger I would be out of this jungle.” “That time at home refreshing and recharging equips you to go out into the world.” Books that were mentioned in this episode: ‘In The Presence of My Enemies’ – by Gracia Burnham ‘To Fly Again: Surviving The Tailspins of Life’ by Gracia Burnham ‘Kisses From Katie: A Story of Relentless Love and Redemption’ by Katie Davis and Beth Clark Christian Heroes Then and Now Amy Carmichael: Rescuer of Precious Gems Gladys Aylward: The Adventures of a Lifetime Flash: The Homeless Donkey Who Taught Me About Life, Faith, and Second Chances Stuff we talked about: Compassion Canada Yvonne on Facebook

  Beautiful humans meet another beautiful human, Rachel Anne Ridge. Rachel lives just outside the Dallas Fort Worth metroplex with her husband and donkeys, Flash and Henry. Rachel penned the brilliant novel ‘Flash: The Homeless Donkey Who Taught Me about Life, Faith, and Second Chances’ and she was so gracious to come on ‘Beautiful Humans’. I had the pleasure of chatting with her about this grace-gift that God brought her in the form of a 500-pound hay-eating donkey, her artistic endeavours, and what she has learned through living with hands wide open. “Read a book with a donkey on the cover on it.” “This one animal just took my heart.” “The last thing we thought we needed was a 500 pound hay-eating donkey.” “We ended up falling in love with him.” “The donkey is a vehicle, if you will, to a bigger story.” “God is so intrinsically a part of our everyday lives and we can often miss it. We need to connect the dots.” “I was calling myself names God has not given to us.” “We are deeply loved. We are uniquely cared for by a Heavenly Father.” “I have just done every kind of art imaginable.” “Each person has their own unique story.” “I need silence when I write.” “There is no magic to it. It requires hard work.” “A deadline is a good thing when it comes to writing.”   “If I had unlimited resources I would go to work on the refugee crisis.” Links we talked about: Sorta Awesome Podcast with Megan Tietz NPR Get social with Rachel! Rachel on Facebook Rachel on Twitter Rachel on Instagram Flash on Facebook Flash on Twitter

Friday, December 2, 2016 Friends, meet Ibbie Afolabi. Ibbie and I get to enjoy being a part of the same church family. Ibbie is a girl boss, in short. She is a wife, momma, and a business owner of a physiotherapist practice. Ibbie is SO sweet! It was our first time talking at length, and she is pure sunshine. Homegirl also has rockin’ style. Enjoy our conversation where we talk about how she met her man, why everyone should know about pelvic health and her home birth experience. Notable quotes from this episode: “I’m a pelvic floor physiotherapist.” “I say I married an adventure.” “I work in women’s health and I love it.” “It is important to take away the shame and stigma associated with pelvic health conditions.” “I have a real interest in international health.” “I got to help deliver a baby.” “Adults are babies, but we just filter way better.” “It is amazing what our body is capable of doing normally.” “When we die we are going to have to stand before God and give Him an account.” Say “hello” to Ibbie on the interwebs here: The Mama’s Physio Website The Mama’s Physio on Facebook The Mama’s Physio on Twitter info@themamasphysio.com

Saturday, November 26, 2016 “I am a teacher by trade”. “My travels have given me experiences that I would have never had in North America”. “God has brought me through things in my life to change me to be more content”. 20/20 Podcast “I want to be a wise woman”. “God has given me life experiences that have been hard”. “We are all taking different roads, but the journey ends in the same place”. “I had a concussion playing hockey and I have never recovered”. “No one listening to this podcast will be able to tell that I have had a brain injury”. “Society judges us on what we do, not who we are”. “Rather than hope for tomorrow, live for today”. “I’m wired to be independent’. “There will come a day when I am free from this. It is when I will see Jesus face to face”. “I love laughing and I love making people laugh”. “I used to do standup comedy”. “It is wonderful to be able to laugh”. “I do love the outdoors”. “I’m doing all the things I’ve dreamed of doing”.