Mary Marantz's Blog: Slow Growth Equals Strong Roots, page 3

EP. 153: When Life Is More Than You Can Handle with Nicole Jacobsmeyer

APPLE PODCAST | SPOTIFY | STITCHER SUBSCRIBE HERE LEAVE A REVIEW “The Good Ol Days are still ahead.”  I saw this written on a sign at Magnolia Table when my friend Erin and I visited in Waco, Texas not too long ago. The sign made me stop and ask myself, ‘Do I actually believe this?’ I mean, life seems to just get harder each year – especially the last 2.5 years! What already felt hard before 2020, just seemed to get compounded in the years following. It’s this exact reason that I couldn’t be more grateful that my path crossed with Nicole Jacobsmeyer. Nicole is someone who I feel like I have known for years – even though we really have only conversed on the DMs. (THIS is the side of socials I am SO grateful for.) Nicole wrote a book on finding the joy in our lives. It’s called Take Back Your Joy, and she shares 10 steps that grew her from defeated and ill-prepared for relentless trials, to living as a joy-filled reflection of God’s faithfulness. So inviting her on the podcast was, of course, a no brainer. And, as I do, I dove right into our conversation with a hard question and I asked her about her feelings on the sign at Magnolia Market. I was curious if she hesitated to agree with the sentiment, too. The honesty in her response both surprised me – and comforted me- at the same time. She said she didn’t used to believe the words on that sign. But she had to LEARN how to be excited about the future again because of the sufferings in her life. And that she focuses on just TODAY and cherishes what is in front of her.  Mary’s new book, slow growth equals strong Roots is HERE! Click HERE to Order your copy today! And then the thought came to me:  What do you do when the joy of life is gone? We know life isn’t always going to be rainbows and butterflies, but what happens when the pain feels insurmountable? We have the opportunity to define what is ‘good’ within the saying ‘The Good Ol Days.’  “Because ‘good’ isn’t just ‘getting’ the good thing but also BECOMING the good thing.” [image error]

I get a bit vulnerable later in the episode too, and I wonder if you can relate to this, but I bring up what scares me about Moses. Because think about it: Moses doesn’t get to see the Promised Land. Moses is a HERO in the Bible, but he didn’t see the biggest thing in his life come to pass in his lifetime. 

As an achiever, I’m like, ‘Wait a minute. How do I make sense of that?’ Nicole had such a beautiful answer. She said: “[When suffering is so great], and you ask those questions, it almost gets you so low that you get to understand the Biblical foundation and relationship with Christ of how our sufferings are correlated to his sufferings and joy and peace. And the promises He has for us aren’t big houses and fame and goals checked off, that this not a part of His Promises. The Promiser is the Promise, Jesus Christ.” I mean, won’t that preach.

We chat about this and SO much more in our conversation. We hit some hard topics like: The difference between happiness and joy,What it looks like to run after the Promiser, not just His Promises,The privilege of suffering for Jesus,Why God is rarely on our timeline, andHow to feel God’s presence even when He’s not movingI really hope your heart is as touched as mine was from this conversation.

 

May this episode be your reminder:  

“We are all carrying heavy things in our lives. But there is hope in Jesus. And sometimes it looks different in different seasons how we are able to find and uncover that…but it is within reach.”

I can’t wait for you to take a listen! And if you are looking to give up comparing, performing, and achieving for your worth, I think you’ll LOVE my new book Slow Growth Equals Strong Roots! Available now everywhere books are sold! And while you’re at it, take our Achiever Quiz to see which of the 5 Achiever Types you are….

More From This Episode: 

Connect with Nicole on Instagram and be sure to pick up her new book, “Take Back Your Joy: Fighting for Purpose When Life Is More Than You Can Handle” wherever books are sold.

Subscribe to the Mary Marantz Show weekly email and get a weekly dose of inspiration and grit delivered right to your inbox

  You May Also Like: Healing > Hiding: How to Show Up as The Best You with Dr. Alison CookHow to Stand in Confidence with Amanda PittmanThe God of the Way with Kathie Lee GiffordLearning To Love Who God Made You To Be With Lauren AlainaFinding Strength To Take Back Your Story With Desiree Siegfried SUBSCRIBE TO THE
EMAIL LIST JOIN THE INSIDER COMMUNITY

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EP. 152: Healing > Hiding: How to Show Up as the Best You w/ Dr. Alison Cook

APPLE PODCAST | SPOTIFY | STITCHER SUBSCRIBE HERE LEAVE A REVIEW What do you want? What do you WANT? (Anyone else thinking about The Notebook scene here?!) Or better yet, when was the last time you even asked yourself that question?  For a lot of us, myself included, the immediate questions that follow after we ask ourselves a question like this, are: Am I just being selfish?Does anybody ever really get what they want?Who even has time to think about it? As the seasons change, I often find myself asking the big questions, like: What is my role in my own life and my own healing? What is my role in the lives of others? How do I both serve God and also pursue my own dreams? What does it mean to love others above ourselves? Like I said… BIG questions. If those questions have your head spinning too, you are going to LOVE this week’s episode! I absolutely loved getting to sit down and chat with Dr. Alison Cook about all of this. We dove into the content of her book and addressed all of these questions head on. As we did, I was struck by this truth: “In order to love my neighbor as myself well…that means I must first be willing to love myself. ” But why do we struggle with this so much… Mary’s new book, slow growth equals strong Roots is HERE! Click HERE to Order your copy today! Alison points to three major reasons why we are so quick to address everyone else’s needs and not our own. 1.) Childhood wounds – Family dynamics play a large role in our formation and often lead to us prioritizing the needs of others over our own.2.) Confusing church messages – What does it really mean to take up my cross? To deny myself? Does that mean that every desire and hope that I have for my life must be squashed? 3.) Cultural conditioning of women – Women, more than men, are often told to play small and not make waves. So maybe the question isn’t “Am I being selfish?”…  Maybe the question is “How can I love myself more in order to love others more? How can I love myself in order to be more like Jesus?” [image error] It feels radical, friends!  However, it is necessary.  Alison talks about both “Big T” trauma and “little T” trauma, and how no matter the type, trauma leaves wounds that must heal.  In today’s episode, Mary chats with Dr. Alison Cook – therapist and author of the new book “The Best of You: Break Free from Painful Patterns, Mend Your Past, and Discover Your True Self in God.”  They discuss how exactly to show up as the Best of YOU, things like:Making (and keeping!) small commitments to build trust with yourselfThe fight, flight, fawn, freeze responses and how to stop hidingExtending compassion to your inner criticListen and be encouraged by her wisdom!  May this episode be your reminder to ask one of the BIGGEST questions of all:  “How would your life change if you could show up as your truest self? “

I can’t wait for you to take a listen! And if you are looking to give up hiding, comparing, people pleasing, performing, and achieving for your worth, I think you’ll LOVE my new book Slow Growth Equals Strong Roots! Available now everywhere books are sold! And while you’re at it, take our Achiever Quiz to see which of the 5 Achiever Types you are….The

More From This Episode: 

Connect with Dr. Alison Cook on Instagram and be sure to pick up her new book, “The Best of You: Break Free from Painful Patterns, Mend Your Past, and Discover Your True Self in God.” wherever books are sold.

Subscribe to the Mary Marantz Show weekly email and get a weekly dose of inspiration and grit delivered right to your inbox

  You May Also Like: How to Stand in Confidence with Amanda PittmanThe God of the Way with Kathie Lee GiffordLearning To Love Who God Made You To Be With Lauren AlainaHow to Pay Attention to What Matters Most with Anjuli PaschallFinding Strength To Take Back Your Story With Desiree Siegfried SUBSCRIBE TO THE
EMAIL LIST JOIN THE INSIDER COMMUNITY

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EP. 151: How to Stand in Confidence with Amanda Pittman

APPLE PODCAST | SPOTIFY | STITCHER SUBSCRIBE HERE LEAVE A REVIEW What comes up in your Spirit when you read the following words? Confidence InsecurityThe Opinions of OthersSeeking Outside ValidationThese topics are HUGE and so incredibly relatable as part of the human experience, AND our experiences with these concepts change and evolve depending on the season of life we are in.  In this episode with Amanda Pittman we dive into these vast, yet relatable topics. I found myself wanting to ask all the following questions… How can we stand in the confidence that God is good and Holy and perfect and that he LOVES us, and yet struggle with our own internal self talk?  Why do I believe that God loves me, and yet I don’t believe I am worthy of love? Why do I believe God is all knowing, and yet fail to understand why He would choose me? What is the disconnect between my head and my heart? “Acknowledging the truths of scripture and living them out in our lives, and even more in our minds are two totally different things. ” We can believe things about God, without taking God at His word when He says things about US. That we are chosen. That we are worthy.That there is a plan for our lives. Mary’s new book, slow growth equals strong Roots is HERE! Click HERE to Order your copy today! Amanda guides us through some of the reasons why this is hard to believe: including social media, comparison, and lies from the enemy. She discusses context – particularly relational context, and how we often idolize the opinions of others rather than the truths of the Father.  So it isn’t just about our own thoughts about ourselves, it’s about other peoples’ thoughts about us that can create this internal struggle.  BUT GOD!  “But God comes around us. God completes us. God came to the World as a man and died for us. The work is already done!” [image error] What does confidence mean to you? Insecurity? Sureness? How about love?  In this episode of the Mary Marantz show, Mary chats with author, ministry leader, and speaker, Amanda Pittman, about ALL of these topics and more. The two discuss Amanda’s book “Stand in Confidence: From Sinking in Insecurity To Rising in Your God-Given Identity,” as well as what your internal self-talk might be keeping you from. They chat about:Finding confidence in the Truths of already being forgivenThe disconnect between your head and my heart when it comes to the Truth of Scripture,And how social media can be BOTH a blessing and a curse 

I can’t wait for you to take a listen! And if you are looking to give up comparing, performing, and achieving for your worth, I think you’ll LOVE my new book Slow Growth Equals Strong Roots! Available now everywhere books are sold! And while you’re at it, take our Achiever Quiz to see which of the 5 Achiever Types you are….

More From This Episode: 

Connect with Amanda on Instagram and be sure to pick up her new book, “Stand in Confidence: From Sinking in Insecurity to Rising in Your God-Given Identity” wherever books are sold.

Subscribe to the Mary Marantz Show weekly email and get a weekly dose of inspiration and grit delivered right to your inbox

  You May Also Like: The God of the Way with Kathie Lee GiffordLearning To Love Who God Made You To Be With Lauren AlainaThe Case for Planting Deep Roots with Daniel GrotheHow Your Small Yes Can Turn Into Big Impact with Natalie GrantFinding Strength To Take Back Your Story With Desiree Siegfried SUBSCRIBE TO THE
EMAIL LIST JOIN THE INSIDER COMMUNITY

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EP. 150: The God of the Way with Kathie Lee Gifford

APPLE PODCAST | SPOTIFY | STITCHER SUBSCRIBE HERE LEAVE A REVIEW Hey you, yes  – YOU. Lean in really closely for this one. I want to remind you of something: You know and are known by a God that PROVIDES.  Now I know there are days you feel weary.Yes, there are seasons you feel unseen.You’re living on yesterday’s manna for today’s sustenance. But – may we be people that remember that we serve a God that provides a way, a breath, a soothing touch of life we need it. And my new friend, Kathie Lee Gifford, is here to remind us of this simple yet life altering Truth. Now, Kathie Lee really needs no introduction, we were all impacted the 15-years she hosted Regis and Kathie Lee and her time on The Today Show, but did you also know she is a songwriter and writer? Yep, her latest project is a musical film entitled “The Way.” I was over the moon when I received the news that Kathie Lee was coming on because as woman who has A LOT of life experience, grief, joy, and all the things in between “I just knew she would have a unique perspective on what it means to walk with a God that provides.” In this episode we are diving into the who, what, and when of “The Way’ – both in its film (‘The Way’) and book (‘The God of the Way’) adaptations. But you know we aren’t stopping there. We are diving deeply in the spiritual implications of serving a God who sees, remembers, sustains, and provides.  “Mary’s new book, Slow Growth Equals strong roots is here! Order your copy today!”

Moreover, the story she tells in this episode about how the musical ensemble was put together was so cool to hear. You just never know what door God is going to open.

Sometimes it’s a door for you to enter into, and sometimes it’s a door for someone new to walk into your life. Finding you right where you are.

My heart for you from this conversation is that you are filled with a renewed spirit and desire to create, engage, and step into the fullness that God has for you. Because… 

“He IS a God that provides.” [image error] More From This Episode: 

Lastly, be sure to connect with Kathie Lee on Instagram and be sure to pick up her new book, ‘The God of the Way” wherever books are sold. You can listen to ‘The Way’ album on Spotify here!  And the beautiful YouTube Video here!

Subscribe to the Mary Marantz Show weekly email and get a weekly dose of inspiration and grit delivered right to your inbox

  You May Also Like: Learning To Love Who God Made You To Be With Lauren AlainaWhy You Don’t Need To Do Something Big To Be Important With Hosanna WongEssential Habits To An Extraordinary Faith With Pastor Justin KendrickHow Your Small Yes Can Turn Into Big Impact with Natalie GrantFinding Strength To Take Back Your Story With Desiree Siegfried SUBSCRIBE TO THE
EMAIL LIST JOIN THE INSIDER COMMUNITY

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EP. 149: The Case for Planting Deep Roots with Daniel Grothe

APPLE PODCAST | SPOTIFY | STITCHER SUBSCRIBE HERE LEAVE A REVIEW Running. Admittedly, this is not something that I am a fan of when thinking about my exercise routine (I am more of a Peloton girl, myself).  BUT looking back at my life, I have participated in my fair share of marathons- just not the traditional kind. I am talking about the kind where you run away from something while simultaneously sprinting towards something else – namely, achievement.   So no, while this type of running is not going to get me a 13.1 or 26.2 sticker on the back of my car, it certainly has given me a ton of perspective from lessons learned the hard way. Lessons that truly hit home in my conversation with today’s guest – Daniel Grothe.  So what about you? Do you find yourself running from something today? Attempting to run towards something?(If so, you are not the only one with that proverbial runner’s number safety pinned to your shirt.) Friends, it is SO easy to live in a state of ‘flight mode’ in today’s age.  We live in a digital, virtual, “FOMO,” “YOLO” world where constant distractions have contributed to a skewed view of stability. One that views stability as a place of entrapment. Or even, an impediment keeping us from personal fulfillment instead of seeing it for what it truly is… An invitation to deepen our commitment to the people and the place where we have been planted—a deepening of roots that will bear much fruit. (I love that explanation from Daniel. What a mindset shift!) Rather than eyeing the greener grass on the other side of the fence, or longing for a change of scenery – a new job, a new city, even new friends… WHAT IF we changed our thought processes and embraced Daniel’s counter cultural mindset that: The most significant thing you can do is stay in a place – stay for the long haul, stay and give your life away for the good of these people in this place.(Kind of a mic drop question, isn’t it?!) One of my absolute favorite parts from our conversation is Daniel’s story about his 90 year-old grandma Weezy! Granda Weezy’s story truly speaks to the impact of planting strong roots. (Make sure you turn up your volume for that part because you are sure to fall in love with her story!) So! If you’ve ever felt like you don’t belong where you are, this episode is for you! If you’ve ever felt like all your problems would be solved if you just packed your bags and moved across the country, this episode is for you! If you’ve ever felt that you can’t make an impact where you are, then yes -this episode is for you! Why? Because Daniel offers three things that ‘place’ does for us:  It  gives us securityIt gives us identityIt gives us masteryMake sure to tune in as Daniel dives into what this means, and what you can do TODAY if you feel you don’t have that ‘place’ as we also cover: The countercultural case for ‘staying put’Why obedience is always practiced in particularHow a rich life has nothing to do with financial capitalWhat it means to live in holy rhythmsFriend, if you are after that traditional 26.2 bumper sticker, I will cheer you on all the way!  But! Before you run a marathon of running away, of escape, of chasing – make sure to take a listen to today’s powerful episode!  I sure hope that you will join me in choosing stability in this rootless age! I am confident you have so much impact to make!  Until next time! More From This Episode: 

Connect with Lisa on Instagram and be sure to pick up her new book, ‘The Power Of Place: Choosing Stability In A Rootless Age’ wherever books are sold.’

Subscribe to the Mary Marantz Show weekly email and get a weekly dose of inspiration and grit delivered right to your inbox

  You May Also Like: Beautiful People Don’t Just Happen with Scott SaulsHow To Embrace Being Present with Jeanne StevensCuriosity Over Conflict with Sarah Stewart Holland and Beth SilversHow To Pay Attention To What Matters Most with Anjuli PaschallHow To Stop Running From Your Story with Francine Rivers  SUBSCRIBE TO THE
EMAIL LIST JOIN THE INSIDER COMMUNITY

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EP. 148: How To Pay Attention To What Matters Most with Anjuli Paschall

APPLE PODCAST | SPOTIFY | STITCHER SUBSCRIBE HERE LEAVE A REVIEW Friends, everyday the sun rises in the morning and the sun sets in the evening. Another day comes, another day goes. Sure, you are living IN this life. BUT. Are you connected to it… or, are you chasing it? Chasing the elusive “good life.” The life in the distance. (Such an eye-opening question for sure!) I’ve been thinking about that a lot recently. This idea of life passing by…of legacy…of regret…of not missing out. How about you? Do you ever have an underlying anxiety that you’re missing out on the ‘good life?’ I would imagine that we all struggle with this to some degree. Quite honestly though, it requires a very vulnerable (and sometimes uncomfortable) look at yourself to admit it… nonetheless find the courage to write an entire book about it for the world to read!BUT! With immense bravery that is exactly what my friend (Ajuli Paschall) just did. And wow- is it GOOD! So good, in fact, that it brought me to tears. I shared in an episode with Jeannie Stevens recently, a vivid memory from 2009 (13 years ago!) when I was teaching at a workshop. During the workshop, I gave a talk and remember telling the class that I longed to be fully present. Longed to be the person who savored the aroma of fresh basil, whose taste buds awakened at the first bite of garlic, someone who felt the sun on their skin as a warm, familiar hug…for all intents and purposes, I longed to be fully awake, to be fully alive. For at least 13 years, this has been a priority of mine. And for all 13 years, there’s just always been this inability to fully surrender, let go, and be in the present moment. Looking back on this memory and the years that have followed, I have never been able to understand that ache within me and why it was so important to me… until now.When I read Anjuli’s latest book, “Awake,” my eyes were instantly opened (albeit filled with tears). I even got choked up sharing my revelation with Anjuli on today’s episode! So, if you are like me and struggle to live a soul-awake life, trust me when I say that you do not want to miss our conversation today about “Awake.” Anjuli and I dive into all of the goodness that is her new book, and the practical ways its pages encourage you to awaken to the actual, beautiful life in front of you. Yes, friends – the life in FRONT of you. Not the elusive ‘good life’ that you think you’ve been running after. (You know, the life that you have been chasing while your actual life is passing you by.) So, how do you tap into this? Ajuli says that the key is to: Stop chasing after life, and start receiving life.  The time is now, friends. If that sounds like something you are ready for, but you are asking yourself ‘how?’ – rest assured that you are in good hands. Anjuli covers it ALL in today’s episode as we also tackle:  How to experience God by being fully awake through your sensesWhy we feel we need to sleepwalk through life just to be safe and what to do about itWhere the ‘good life’ is and why we don’t have to chase itThe difference between transparency and vulnerabilityWhat it means to become fully alive and connected in the thin spacesI will leave you with this thought-provoking question from Anjuli: “What if living life to the fullest wasn’t about what we do on the outside, but a beautiful soul-captivating risky adventure to discover the loving presence of God on the inside?” So, are you ready to breathe in, breathe out, and experience the full life that is right in front of you? Good, me too! I can’t wait to hear your thoughts on today’s episode! More From This Episode: 

Connect with Anjuli on Instagram and be sure to pick up her new book, ‘Awake: Paying Attention to What Matters Most in a World That’s Pulling You Apart’  wherever books are sold.’

Subscribe to the Mary Marantz Show weekly email and get a weekly dose of inspiration and grit delivered right to your inbox

  You May Also Like: Beautiful People Don’t Just Happen with Scott SaulsHow To Embrace Being Present with Jeanne StevensCuriosity Over Conflict with Sarah Stewart Holland and Beth SilversIt’s Launch Day – Slow Growth Equals Strong Roots Is Here!How Striving To Be Important Keeps Us From A Life Of Purpose with Lee Strobel SUBSCRIBE TO THE
EMAIL LIST JOIN THE INSIDER COMMUNITY

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EP. 147: Beautiful People Don’t Just Happen with Scott Sauls

APPLE PODCAST | SPOTIFY | STITCHER SUBSCRIBE HERE LEAVE A REVIEW Friends, I took an amazing trip to Dallas recently! It was meant for work, but my best friend Erin joined me and we made an awesome girls trip out of it – zero regrets! While there, it only made sense to visit Magnolia in all its glory. (Again – highly recommend!)  But! The reason I bring this up is because I was struck by a sign that I saw. It read: “The good ol’ days are still to come.” And.., it got me thinking. So often, the phrase “good ol’ days” is used in reference to the past. Usually with a bow of nostalgia tightly wrapped around it, so that things of life that have beat us down cannot destroy our sacred memories. Rarely … (and actually this may be the first time I’ve seen it)… is it associated with a longing for a time to come. A hope for the future.  Talk about a mindset shift!  In fact, today’s guest, Scott Sauls, would argue that it is a very important mindset shift at that! He says: “Our best life is always in the future. Especially for those of us who belong to Christ and have the promises of what’s yet to come.” Wow. What an encouraging word! Do you feel trapped down by your circumstances right now? (If so, you are definitely not alone.) Maybe the burdens of regret, hurt, or fear are so heavy on your shoulders that you feel weighed down with every step you take. Well, take heart, because I have good news.  Today, Scott offers up an alternative for us…. Rather than feel locked down by life’s burdens, we can use life’s burdens to unlock God’s healing. (Mic. Drop.) Yes, friend… it IS possible. And yes, friend… it IS life changing. The best part about today’s conversation? Scott’s authenticity!  Scott’s message is not coming from a life untouched by challenges. But rather, he is drawing on experience from his own seasons of regret, hurt, and fear—including battles with anxiety and depression. (Not even pastors are exempt from challenging circumstances.) So, are you ready for a field guide that can help you navigate this life on this side of Heaven?  Good! Then make sure to tune in today as Scott lays it out for you! We also dive into Scott’s new book – “Beautiful People Don’t Just Happen” – as we tackle: Why the defining feeling of faith is not strength but dependent weaknessThe freedom that comes with realizing that you are not enoughThe importance of recognizing that there is more to life than achieving Ways to hear God’s divine voice over the accuser’s shamingHow our personal experiences equip us to show up for other peopleFriend’s this episode is a game changer! If you are ready to find freedom, healing, and joy even in the most difficult of circumstances…if you dare to embrace the contentment, hope, and fullness God wants for you…then make sure to not miss a minute of today’s powerful episode! More From This Episode: 

Connect with Scott on Instagram and be sure to pick up her new book, ‘Beautiful People Don’t Just Happen: How God Redeems Regret, Hurt, and Fear in the Making of Better Humans’ wherever books are sold.’

Subscribe to the Mary Marantz Show weekly email and get a weekly dose of inspiration and grit delivered right to your inbox

  You May Also Like: What’s Your Achiever Type Quiz?How To Embrace Being Present with Jeanne StevensCuriosity Over Conflict with Sarah Stewart Holland and Beth SilversIt’s Launch Day: Slow Growth Equals Strong Roots Is Here!How Striving To Be Important Keeps Us From A Life Of Purpose with Lee StrobelHow To Unclutter Your Soul and Find Peace with Trina McNeilly SUBSCRIBE TO THE
EMAIL LIST JOIN THE INSIDER COMMUNITY

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EP. 146: How To Embrace Being Present with Jeanne Stevens

APPLE PODCAST | SPOTIFY | STITCHER SUBSCRIBE HERE LEAVE A REVIEW Happy Tuesday, friends! Where are you today? And no…I’m not talking about physically or geographically (although, this warmer weather on the east coast does have me longing for the sand beneath my toes). Rather, I am talking about where you are mentally, spiritually, emotionally.  If you haven’t checked in, (I mean really checked in) with yourself lately, consider this your cordial invitation.  Are you present with yourself?
Are you present with those around you?
Are you present with God?Or…are you distracted?  Distracted by what you could be doing.Distracted by what you would have done differently.Distracted by the way things should have turned out.  Well, let me ask you to stop right now to stop with all of the could of, would of, should ofs…  Instead, join me today – right now – and just be. In fact, imagine you are looking through the lens of a camera. Sharpen your focus on what is right in front of you-  the present, the right here, right now – and let the background noise just fade into the distance.   Slow down.
Center yourself.
And, ask the all-important question, What’s here now?No, it doesn’t come naturally to most of us (myself included). Yes, it takes practice. But, with the help of today’s guest (speaker, leader, and writer- Jeanne Stevens) you will uncover the truth behind what is keeping you from being fully present!  (Spoiler alert- it’s not the state of the world. It’s not your particular circumstances. It’s not even your turbulent relationships.) When it actually comes down to it Jeanne says: “What keeps us from experiencing peace is either living in the past or living for the future.”

When we obsess over what’s already happened or put all of our efforts into creating a picture-perfect tomorrow, we miss what God has for us here and now. The result is regret over what we can’t change and anxiety over what we feel we must change.

(Anyone else feel that punch to the gut?!) So! What do we do about it?  Here are three things you can begin to do today! 1. Ground yourself in gratitude2. Consent to reality3. Practice slowness, solitude, and silence Want to know exactly how? Make sure to tune in to find out!  Friends, this is a jammed-packed episode today! Jeanne and I also cover: Ways to embrace the present moment for all that it isHow to balance the tension between consenting to what is while also holding out hope for what could beThe telltale signs of not being fully present and what you can do about itSo! Are you ready to stop rehashing the past and rehearsing the future?  Well, good! Because there’s no time like the present! “I want to smell the basil and taste the tomato from the garden and feel the salt air on my face and the wind through my hair, and just really, truly be alive to the moment. “

I can’t wait for you to take a listen! We grow strong roots when we live in the present moment. Our eyes open to the gifts available to us each new day, and our hearts become filled with gratitude for all we have, leaving no room for worry about the future or regret about the past. Slow growth doesn’t mean you’re behind – it means you’re on a solid foundation.

My new book, Slow Growth Equals Strong Roots: finding grace, freedom, and purpose in an overachieving world, is available NOW everywhere books are sold!

More From This Episode: 

Connect with Jeanne on Instagram and be sure to pick up her new book, “What’s Here Now?: How to Stop Rehashing the Past and Rehearsing the Future–and Start Receiving the Present” wherever books are sold.

Subscribe to the Mary Marantz Show weekly email and get a weekly dose of inspiration and grit delivered right to your inbox

  You May Also Like: Curiosity Over Conflict with Sarah Stewart Holland and Beth SilversIt’s Launch Day – Slow Growth Equals Strong Roots Is Here!How Striving to be Important Keeps Us From a Life of Purpose with Lee Strobel How to Unclutter Your Soul and Find Peace with Trina McNeillyHow to Stop Running from Your Story with Francine Rivers  SUBSCRIBE TO THE
EMAIL LIST JOIN THE INSIDER COMMUNITY

The post EP. 146: How To Embrace Being Present with Jeanne Stevens appeared first on marymarantz.com.

EP. 145: Curiosity Over Conflict with Sarah Stewart Holland and Beth Silvers

APPLE PODCAST | SPOTIFY | STITCHER SUBSCRIBE HERE LEAVE A REVIEW Does everything in life seem more emotionally charged to you lately?  Friendships? Social media? News channels? Relationships? I get it – I’ve been feeling it, too.  No matter your political stance, it is undeniable that we are living in a time of heightened  division which feels to be at the forefront of most conversations. The daily impact results in making true connection with others (especially those who may not view the world through the same exact lens as you) SO difficult to find! If you’ve been feeling frustrated and lonely, know that you are not alone, friend. If, like me, you are tired of the anxiety, frustration, and fear that pervade your connections with other people, keep reading because you are in good company today! Today I am joined by co-hosts of the wildly popular “Pantsuit Politics” podcast – Sarah Stewart Holland and Beth Silvers – who are known for their belief in the transformative power of hard conversation by focusing on solutions, vision, and commonality.   Their motto? Grace-filled dialogue changes everything. (Yes! There is so much I LOVE about this!) I think one of the most fascinating topics that Sarah and Beth discuss today is this idea of generational experiences and mirrored relationships between parents and children. Think about it for a minute. Each generation goes through life-changing world experiences which shape our realities, perceptions, and actions for years to come.  For example, today we talk about my Grandma Goldie and how the Great Depression influenced her actions, we talk about my dad watching the launch of Sputnik and how that influenced his worldviews, we talk about 9/11 and how that shaped and influenced the generation who watched the Towers fall vs. the generation who is is learning about this event in history books.  The bottom line: there is an inherent difference in experiencing something first-hand vs. hearing or learning about it second-hand…and that is okay!  What is not okay, is the judgment that can form because of difference in experiences or a difference in opinions. A judgment so deeply rooted that it can unnecessarily cause rifts in friendships and families. So, what can you do today to bridge the gap? To be the peacemaker within your sphere regardless of opposing or similar beliefs? Ask open ended questions – try to really understand where the other person is coming from and what is shaping and forming their opinion. Sarah and Beth say: Sometimes the most fascinating human stories are how people got to a place that you truly can’t understand. Choose empathy. Put on the shoes of the person you are talking to. You don’t have to agree to get along and to understand.  As Sarah and Beth put it: Pull back from the temptation to assign a judgment to everything and instead walk alongside and ask questions. Oh friends! Today is SUCH a good conversation. This is barely scratching the surface of all the wise and practical advice that Sarah and Beth share in our conversation! Make sure to tune in with an open heart today as we dive into the transformative power of hard conversation and also tackle: How to engage your family with a spirit of curiosity instead of judgmentWays to explore shared values within your communityThe importance of understanding your work as a citizen in a diverse countryWhy you should hold lightly those things that are beyond your control around the worldHow generational experiences and perception of events shape our worldviews

If you long to be a peacemaker and a positive influence in your spheres, then today’s episode is your door to a future that is characterized by hope, love, and connection despite our differences!

Remember… conversation changes everything! I can’t wait to hear how today’s conversation changes you!

Until next time, friends!

More From This Episode: 

Connect with Sarah & Beth on Instagram and be sure to pick up her new book, ‘Now What?: How to Move Forward When We’re Divided About Basically Everything’ wherever books are sold.’

Subscribe to the Mary Marantz Show weekly email and get a weekly dose of inspiration and grit delivered right to your inbox

  You May Also Like: Slow Growth Equals Strong Roots Is Here!! When The Finish Line Seems Beyond Reach with Ruth Chou Simmons“I Guess I Haven’t Learned That Yet” with Shauna NiequistHow To Stop Running From Your Story with Francine RiversHow Striving To Be Important Keeps Us From A Life Of Purpose with Lee Strobel SUBSCRIBE TO THE
EMAIL LIST JOIN THE INSIDER COMMUNITY

The post EP. 145: Curiosity Over Conflict with Sarah Stewart Holland and Beth Silvers appeared first on marymarantz.com.

EP. 144: It’s Launch Day – Slow Growth Equals Strong Roots Is Here!

APPLE PODCAST | SPOTIFY | STITCHER SUBSCRIBE HERE LEAVE A REVIEW It’s LAUNCH DAY! At last! “Slow Growth Equals Strong Roots: Finding Grace, Freedom, and Purpose in an Overachieving World” is officially out in the world for YOU to read! As much as this book is a love letter to the girl after the trailer, it is just as much a book for YOU! To the woman who is always performing – this book is for you.To one who feels like she must always be on – this book is for you. To the woman who is at last, exhausted – this book is for you. Friends, I’ve done the field research for us. Trying to achieve your way into worth, doesn’t work. You can’t work enough, hustle enough, or perform enough. You WILL burnout. So, today is YOUR day to try a different way! In “Slow Growth” I introduce you to the five different versions of the woman, always performing: The Performer, The Contortionist, The Tightrope Walker, The Masquerader, and The Illusionist in the Distance. ALL with the goal of showing you how to move from achieving, striving, and performing for your worth to the grace, freedom, and purpose that come from knowing your identity and calling are determined by God. Before we go on, let me be clear…if you’re worried that you’re going to buy this book and I’m going to tell you to stop achieving or stop being who you are “hardwired” to be – to get rid of this natural ambition and drive that you have – let me stop you right there You do not have to worry about that! In fact, I FULLY intend to continue to achieve beautiful things in my life and to set goals and go after them. The difference going forward? I am not going to rise and fall and be crushed by my goals when they don’t work out. In other words, I am going to detach myself from the outcome and I hope that you will too. Here’s the secret – I’ve learned that the outcome isn’t even up to me. It’s up to God. And! No matter how hard we try and hustle – it doesn’t change just how much God loves us! We can completely fall on our face, not be the girl who always comes through – and, even that doesn’t change how much God loves us. His love is constant and our worth is not defined by anything we do or don’t do.  Instead, our worth is securely and solely found in Him. (Praise the Lord for that!) The truth is, we only have a certain amount of years on this side of Heaven. And honestly, a part of me looks back with this grief of the 10 years, the 15 years, the 20 years that came before trying to chase something down. Trying to achieve my way into worth. But! Today I am ready to mourn that time and learn from it so that I’m not mourning the next 10 or 20 years to come. I will no longer be in a race with myself or anyone else for that matter. Will you join me in this effort to throw the race out all together?! Today is a day of celebration, and for once I am so ready to SAVOR it! And! I’m so glad that you are here to join me because today’s episode is a special one! My dear friend, Jennifer Dukes Lee is here and we are turning the tables! That’s right – it’s my turn to be the guest on my own show while Jennifer interviews me! So, what can you expect today? A behind the scenes look of all things “Slow Growth Equals Strong Roots” as we dive deep into the heartbeat mantra and tackle: Why giving up achieving for you worth actually frees you up to go after even bigger goalsWhy “I’ll be happy when ______” is a death sentence to living a life with purposeThe importance of implementing a habit of celebration on the way to the goals we setWhy we have to part ways with the stories that previously helped us to surviveHow the Girl in the Red Cape can make peace with the WolfSo friends, if you are ready to stop running, realize that you are not in a race with anyone, and truly believe that good things take time – real things take time, and that Slow Growth Equals Strong Roots, then make sure to tune in to today’s episode and be sure to grab a copy of Slow Growth Equals Strong Roots here! And! Don’t forget to find out your Achieve Type by taking my quiz! Each one of us has an Achiever Type, and it determines so much about the way we go after goals, WHY we go after them, and what keeps us stuck. Knowing our type allows us to understand what motivates us, gain insight and get ahead of what trips us up, and move forward with purpose to the work we’re being called to do. Take the quiz here!https://marymarantz.com/quiz Thank you from the bottom of my heart for joining me on this Slow Growth journey. It is my sincere prayer that you too will find the freedom and purpose that come from knowing your identity and calling are determined by God. And, when you do, tag me! I can’t wait to hear all about it! More From This Episode: 

Connect with Jennifer on Instagram and be sure to pick up her new book, ‘Growing Slow: Lessons On Un-Hurrying Your Heart From An Accidental Farm Girl’ wherever books are sold.’

Subscribe to the Mary Marantz Show weekly email and get a weekly dose of inspiration and grit delivered right to your inbox

  You May Also Like: How To Let Go Of Perfect with Evie Rupp & Lindsey RomanWhen The Finish Line Seems Beyond Reach with Ruth Chou Simmons“I Guess I Haven’t Learned That Yet” with Shauna NiequistHow To Stop Running From Your Story with Francine RiversHow Striving To Be Important Keeps Us From A Life Of Purpose with lee Strobel SUBSCRIBE TO THE
EMAIL LIST JOIN THE INSIDER COMMUNITY

The post EP. 144: It’s Launch Day – Slow Growth Equals Strong Roots Is Here! appeared first on marymarantz.com.