"What would it be like to just sit with that icky feeling instead of reaching for the wine opener?" I asked a client yesterday.    There was silence on the other side of the zoom screen.    I relate to not knowing the answer to this question. In fact, it almost seemed unfathomable when I was at my most stuck. How do you sit still with the feelings? Won't they crush me? What if I can't handle it?   "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." I remember stumbling across this verse in my Mom's bible after she passed away. It seemed ..read more

We are thrilled to announce our very first BJDW Community book,  "The Gospel of John: Savoring the Peace of Jesus in a Chaotic World." To kick off this exciting venture, we've invited the brilliant author Melissa Spoelstra to join us on the podcast, where she shares her wisdom on how we can learn more about anchoring ourselves in peace amidst life's chaos.   Together, we explore the rich tapestry of John's gospel, delving into its profound significance and uncovering hidden treasures within its pages. We look closer at the transformative narrative of the wedding at Cana, where Jesus ..read more

Ever found yourself caught up in the "forever" of giving up alcohol?  It's not about the "forever". It's about the here and NOW. It's about asking yourself one simple question: How do YOU want to feel? ? On my sobriety journey, I realized alcohol wasn't the happy companion I thought it was. It was hijacking my sleep, turning me into a grumpy mom and an agitated wife - far from the joy-filled life I wanted to live.  When I recognized this, the truth was undeniable. Alcohol wasn't doing me ANY favors. ?‍♀️ So here's a little reminder, babe, Question what you want from your life and how ..read more

This week’s episode is a heart-to-heart with the inspiring Toni Collier, founder of Broken Crayons Still Color, a global women's organization dedicated to guiding individuals through brokenness toward healing and hope. Toni is a seasoned speaker, podcast host, and author who shares her profound insights on navigating life's challenges with grace and resilience. In our chat, Toni gets real about the struggles we all face. She dives into the truth that hiding our pain only prolongs our healing journey, stressing the importance of opening up and finding support in our communities. Toni certainly ..read more

Perhaps the greatest craving tactic of all? "God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure." 1 Corinthians 10:13 NLT Let's swap out temptation for wine craving because that's what a wine craving is, right? It's a temptation. God is faithful. He will not allow the wine craving to be more than you can stand. When you experience a wine craving, he will show you a way out so that you can endure. The question is, how does He show you? You have to ask Him. He's always there, even when it fe ..read more

In this episode we dive into the realm of alcohol-free experiences, sharing personal anecdotes and insights into navigating various social situations sans alcohol. We talk about the many milestone alcohol-free firsts, such as date nights, weddings, birthdays, sporting events, vacations, concerts, and theater/ballet performances.   We discuss the joys and benefits of alcohol-free date nights, highlighting enhanced connection and presence. We share our experiences attending weddings without alcohol, focusing on celebration and connection over intoxication. From intimate gatherings to extrav ..read more

If you’ve ever questioned your drinking, and if you’re reading this post you probably have at one point or another, I want you to do one thing before you do anything else.   Stop. Beating. Yourself. Up.   You are not broken. You are not powerless, and you sure as heck don't have an incurable disease.   Alcohol has been sold to us, our entire lives, as THE way to celebrate, relax, have fun, cope, grieve, be romantic and connect. Most of us have grown up watching our parents drink, we see every major movie and television protagonist drink, surround ourselves with girlfriends who d ..read more

From the moment we cracked open the pages of her book, “Free Of Me, Why Life Is Better When It's Not About You,” we knew we needed Sharon Hodde Miller's wisdom on this pod, and we're incredibly grateful she accepted our invitation. In a world saturated with the "me" mentality, Sharon shines a light on the pervasive impact of self-centeredness across every facet of our lives. It's a message that infiltrates our friendships, marriages, and even our faith, fracturing each in unique yet profound ways. Pursuing self-improvement often leaves us joyless, our souls diminished, trapped in the cycle ..read more

Today, we delve into the complex dynamics of secret drinking, shedding light on the underlying desires for relief and connection in the face of life’s demands. Together we share our experiences of feeling constantly needed by others yet yearning for moments of solace and self-reconnection. Through our reflections, we highlight the transformative power of curiosity and self-compassion in navigating the journey toward freedom from hidden struggles. Meade vulnerably shares her struggle with constantly feeling needed by others, highlighting the desire for moments of solace and self-reconnection am ..read more

Get ready for an incredible episode as we sit down with the one and only Bob Goff, a true inspiration in living life to the fullest. Bob, the adventurous soul behind “Love Does,” “Everybody Always,” and “Distracted," joins us to share his wisdom on embracing the journey, dreaming big, and showing yourself some grace along the way. Get ready to be uplifted, inspired, and ready to tackle your dreams head-on! In this heartfelt conversation, Bob encourages us to take that first step, even if we're not fully equipped. With personal anecdotes from his adventures, he emphasizes the importance of d ..read more