What happens when we hear about people in dire need, in trouble, or in critical situations? How do we respond? What does it stir in us and what can and/or should we do? In this episode, Emily hosts Noonday Collection ambassador, Nicole Featherstone to discuss the company, their purpose and how we can all help in simple ways!

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Flourish episode #25 - Listening to our Stirrings

As moms, the best thing we can do is open our hearts to know and love our people well, understanding it's a journey that takes patience, faith, a solid support system, a whole of prayer. In this episode, Flourish hosts, Emily and Erin talk about mothers, daughters, legacy and generations. We know women make a huge difference in the family unit (and lots of other places too, but we're going to focus this episode here.) We'd like to challenge ourselves and invite our listeners to think about what kind of difference we want to make.  

Flourish Episode #24 - The Mother Load

Are you ever in a group or in a conversation still feeling alone? Or perhaps not deeply connected? Do you experience existing with others, versus connecting with them? Could conversation be the key?  Sometimes it’s easy to just exchange topical conversations, keep it safe and not offer any real authenticity or challenge. But we know that also doesn’t draw us closer to one another either. It can be so easy to feel lonely even when with others sometimes. Can you relate? In this episode, Flourish hosts Emily and Erin model having a deep conversation that reveals values and helps us to build deeper connection and friendship. It's in better knowing someone that we can better love them. We hope you'll take the time to listen and try it for yourselves too!

Flourish Episode #23 - Fully Known and Truly Loved

Grace. It's such a beautiful thing when we allow ourselves to receive and bask in it....so, why don't we? Why are we so hard on ourselves? In this episode, Emily and Erin discuss how we receive grace, how we live in it and how we give it freely to others. They offer scriptural support and personal stories to help listeners receive more from life! Give it a listen and flourish!

Episode #22 - Grace - Receive it, Live in it, Give it

"No one can truly impact a complex, broken outer world if they don't have a simple, healthy inner world." ~Bill Hybels Flourish hosts, Emily and Erin discuss spring cleaning....not just in our homes, but in our hearts and minds too. How can we champion peace, deal directly with relationship issues and manage our inner well-being? What sort of things would be helpful to remember? To quote Emily's grandmother, let's not let the devil get a foothold!!

Flourish Episode #21 - Spring Cleaning; Declutter Your Heart & Mind

Flourish hosts, Emily and Erin dive into the topic of social media usage for adults. Does it and/or can it benefit us? Or does it create to much noise and therefore take away from the richness of our real lives? This episode is a great explorative discussion, and it's funny to sense the differences in Erin and Emily's perspectives!! (See if you can notice!) SO MANY people in our culture are engaged in social media, so how can we make the "best" of it? Are there ways that we can use it that are better for us? Are there things to watch out for? Erin and Emily share 5 tips to try to keep it positive and life-giving, if we choose to find ourselves online in the social media world. Give it a listen and see what you might add to the list!

Flourish Episode #20 - Social Media for Good

In a fast-paced world where bigger is better and second place can feel like last place, so many of us find ourselves striving, working and trying so darn hard, we're simply exhausting ourselves. We may be looking to get ahead, or maybe were looking for approval. Is it even possible to simply look for contentment? In this very special episode, Flourish hosts Emily and Erin beg the question if it's possible to stop trying so hard. Special guest, author and speaker, Jennie Allen joins Emily for an in-dept interview about her IF Gatherings, her latest book, "Nothing To Prove" and what she's learned through life and her process of writing. (She learned a lot....enough to RE-write the book just prior to the deadline!!) If you've ever felt like you're on the hamster wheel and would enjoy feeling more refreshed, fulfilled and at peace, you won't want to miss this episode!

Flourish Episode #19 - Can We Stop Trying So Hard?

Flourish hosts Erin and Emily host and interview a special guest in this podcast episode. Susannah Croci is a dynamic woman, mother, wife, and ministry leader. As they dive into this topic of "Finding Contentment," Susannah offers her insights and shares her experience with a year-long shopping hiatus. During that year, she made NO purchases of anything that would adorn her - no clothes, jewelry, accessories, etc. What she found wasn't just more room in her closet, but, to her surprise, she found contentment. Emily interviews Susannah, who shares very personally and vulnerably about her her life. Aftwards, Emily and Erin wrap up with major points, highlights and heart-moments.

Flourish Episode #18 - Finding Contentment

How can we start the new year with momentum? How can we be intentional to have a fulfilling year? Flourish hosts, Emily and Erin discuss getting this new year off to a great start. They offer practical ideas to help listeners get focused, along with a reminder to give ourselves grace as we move forward. Yes, we want to give ourselves our best, AND we want to remember that we're human too. Join them for some life coaching tips, along with a lot of laughter and joy. That's how we suggest you bring in the new year!

Flourish Episode #17 - Starting 2017 with Momentum

It seems like, as parents, we spend a lot of time saying "No." We explain all the things our kids can't do, the things they can't have, why some things aren't good for them and why boundaries and limits are for their best. We reason through it all, and there likely are GREAT reasons for all the NOs, but do we spend enough time affirming our kids? Wouldn't it be nice to put a focus and intention on the yeses, the positives and the "do more of thats"? Growing up in today's age is hard enough, and kids lose hope if they feel they're doing everything wrong. Parents often lead them to this thinking, with constant correction, perfectionist attitudes and idealistic goals. We need to remember that kids are still learning, and we need to encourage them as they make mistakes. Kids with no encouragement and no hope will feel defeated and like failures. They'll feel like they can't ever do anything right, and it will affect their effort, esteem and outlook. In this episode, Flourish hosts Emily and Erin discuss several ways to bring out the best in our children - how can we affirm what we see in them; what their strengths are, what good behaviors they're doing or good choices they're making. In essence, how can we be more positive parents that plants the seeds for growth in our kids? Give it a listen, and let's spur on our families together!

Flourish Episode #16 - Affirming our Children

"If you want to find joy, you must first find thankfulness." ~Abraham Lincoln Have you ever thought about the power of thankfulness? Could it really impact your attitude, joy or even the quality of your life? In this episode, Emily and Erin take on the topic of "Radical Gratitude" - not just having good manners or momentary thankfulness...but a new mindset, a shift, a discipline of gratitude that is greater than our current set of circumstances.  Sharing specific tips and disciplines that listeners can use to attain and maintain this mindset, the Flourish hosts encourage women to get the most joy out of life. Tune in and join Emily and Erin on The Flourish Facebook page too!

Flourish Episode #15 - Radical Gratitude

As we enter Fall, there’s a shift to “harvest time.” Falling leaves, pumpkin spice EVERYTHING, and farmers reaping the benefits of what they’ve sown. We can use this metaphor for life and for achieving the goals we want for ourselves. Are we planting the right things?  How can we nurture the seeds of our crop? Is it time to harvest? In this episode, Emily and Erin pull from their coaching experience to help guide listeners to succeed in their goals and priorities. Take a listen to their recommended approach and Fall analogy and see if it could help YOU to reap the most bountiful harvest yet! Don't forget to join the Flourish community on Facebook too! Join other women there for more discussion and encouragement.

Flourish Episode #14 - "Reaping What We Sow"

Do you believe the Bible has spiritual power and in some way is actually alive? Is that silly to say? Flourish hosts Emily and Erin get personal in this episode, where they each share their experiences with the Bible and how it has changed for them over the years. In addition, they discuss how to make sure reading it becomes a spiritual experience that has application (and not just a check the box religious thing,) as well as where the heck to start reading it. Is there a better place to start? Is it not the very first page? We believe there is a correlation between studying and integrating scripture into our lives and flourishing! We all need an owners manual, a compass and a love letter from God. We encourage you to listen and give the Bible a chance to transform your life. Come visit our Facebook page if you have further questions or would like to be encouraged further. We'd love to see you there!

Flourish - Episode #13: "Why Read the Bible?"

In this episode, Flourish hosts, Emily and Erin each share three of their favorite things  they're enjoying in this season of life. Not in any particular category, they share about some special products, services and tips that are helping them to flourish. *No endorsements or payments have been received in exchange for Emily and Erin's recommendations. They're just coming from the heart... :-)

Flourish Episode #12 - "Favorite Things"

"It's high time we step out of our same-age, same-stage silos. Life is so much better that way." ~ Sophie Hudson This episode's discussion was spurred on and inspired by the book, "Giddy Up, Eunice: Because Women Need Each Other." Emily and Erin discuss the following: * What prevents us from having deep, meaningful relationships? * When someone, particularly from a different generation seems VERY different than we see ourselves, how can we notice our similarities first and use them to draw us together? * Where and how can women find younger women, and how can we encourage them? * What makes someone a good mentor? * One favorite book quote is "when the Holy Spirit in one woman recognizes and responds to the Holy Spirit in another woman, safe places become SACRED places." What does it mean to you? Call to action: Pause, reflect on the people in your life/paths and consider who you might be able to reach out to - whether older, younger or walking alongside you. How can you encourage and strengthen another woman? One final encouragement Hudson gives readers is that we can't offer support to another unless we're receiving support ourselves. We MUST spend time in the Word, in prayer and in community. It's what strengthens us to be able to give well to others... We hope you enjoy the conversation and Flourish TOGETHER with another woman in a different season of life!

Flourish Episode #11 - Because Women Need Each Other

Flourish is a podcast series to encourage women to lead lives of meaning, fulfillment and connection. Show hosts, who are two life coaches and two BFFs in two different states equals double the laughter, perspective and spurring women on to maximize life and enjoy all that God has in store for them.

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