Girl Talk

Carol, Tricia, and Kelly are diving deep in this heart-to-heart episode of the Girl Talk Podcast, all about a topic that hits home for a lot of people—marriage in crisis. Whether you’re going through tough times in your own relationship or helping a friend through theirs, they’re getting real about the challenges, heartbreak, and the hope for healing.

In this episode, the girls open up about what it’s like to face hard seasons in marriage and how faith can shine a light, even in the darkest moments. You’ll hear personal stories, practical tips, and some encouraging words to remind you that no matter how messy things get, there’s always a path to healing.

Here's the breakdown:

1. Bring your struggles into the light. Hiding your marital challenges only gives the enemy more power. Sharing with a trusted believer can open the door to healing.

2. Listen without judgment. When supporting a friend, provide a safe space for them to be vulnerable without fear of condemnation.

3. Advocate for your needs in marriage. Open communication and expressing your needs to your spouse are vital in preventing emotional disconnection and temptation.

Grab your coffee, find a quiet spot, and let’s chat about the tough stuff.

BIG thank you to Compassion International for making 2024 Girl Talk Podcast possible.

In this episode of The Girl Talk Podcast, Carol, Tricia, and Kelly dive deep into the heart of Christian unity, exploring how we can maintain Christian relationships even when our faith and convictions differ. They break down the essential differences between beliefs, convictions, and preferences, and how understanding these distinctions can help us grow stronger together as the body of Christ.

With the rise of online debates and social division and living through a divided political season, particularly within the Church, it’s more important than ever to live out what Jesus calls us to in the Bible and approach each other with humility in faith. Whether we’re discussing non-negotiables like the resurrection of Jesus or personal convictions on how we worship, what we wear and the color of the church carpet, this episode encourages believers to focus on building relationships that reflect the love of Christ.

Join us as we explore how to foster living in harmony as Christians, build relationships across divides, and reflect on the power of humility when addressing disagreements.

In this episode of the Girl Talk Podcast, Carol, Kelly, and Tricia talk about bitterness and how it can take root in our lives. This episode is a must-listen for any woman seeking to break free from the chains of past hurts and live a life full of peace and joy.

What We're Going to Learn...

1. Understanding Bitterness and Its Impact
   Bitterness is a deep-seated feeling that can change our behavior and harden our hearts. Bitterness often stems from unmet expectations and the assumption that things will always stay the same. While feeling anger and disappointment is natural, allowing those feelings to fester can lead to a root of bitterness that affects our spiritual and emotional well-being.

2. The Role of Forgiveness in Overcoming Bitterness
   Forgiveness is at the heart of healing from bitterness. Through daily recommitment and giving our hurt to God, we can release bitterness and find true peace.

3. Practical Steps to Guard Against Bitterness
   From acknowledging feelings to setting healthy boundaries, we can be proactive in addressing bitterness before it takes root.  Community, accountability, and quiet time with God are essential to healing from bitterness. By focusing on God's truth and seeking His help, we can move forward with a heart free from bitterness.

Don't forget...

• Self-awareness is key: Recognize when bitterness is taking hold by paying attention to how you feel about others, especially those who have hurt you. If you struggle to pray for someone or feel anger when thinking about them, it may be an indicator of bitterness.

• Forgiveness is a choice: Even when it’s difficult, choosing to forgive is essential for your own well-being. Trust God with your hurt and make a conscious decision to let go of bitterness daily.

• Community matters: Don’t navigate bitterness alone. Seek accountability from trusted friends or mentors and consider talking to a Christian counselor to help unpack your emotions and find healing.

In this episode, Carol, Tricia, and Kelly tackle a tough but important topic—what to do when a leader messes up big time. They chat about how to deal with the hurt, keep your faith strong, and start healing when someone you look up to stumbles. The ladies remind us that nobody’s beyond redemption, and God can still use anyone, no matter their past. They also talk about the need for boundaries, the power of forgiveness, and how a good Christian therapist can help you through the healing process. Tune in for some practical advice and spiritual encouragement if you’re dealing with the fallout from a leader’s moral failure.

In this episode of The Girl Talk Podcast, Carol, Tricia and Kelly dive into a topic we all encounter at some point in our faith journey—doubt. From questioning God’s plans to wondering if He’s really listening, the Girl Talk team gets honest about doubt and explore how it can actually strengthen our faith instead of tearing it down. The ladies share personal stories of wrestling with doubt, finding hope, and realizing that sometimes, our biggest spiritual breakthroughs come from our deepest uncertainties.

Dig Deeper

1. Use your doubt to fuel growth: Doubt isn’t the opposite of faith but a necessary step toward deepening it. When we question, we’re actively engaging with our beliefs, which can lead us to a stronger, more personal faith.
2. Personal Stories of Wrestling with Doubt: Everyone at some time will experience doubt—from dealing with loss to questioning God’s goodness—but you can find comfort and clarity by leaning into the Lord, rather than away from Him.
3. Practical Steps for Navigating Doubt: When doubt creeps in, seek counsel from trusted Christian friends, dive into the Word of God, and know that it's okay to not have all of the answers.

In this episode of the Girl Talk Podcast, Carol, Kelly, and Tricia dive into the 2024 Paris Olympics' controversial opening ceremony and its implications for Christians.

They discuss the Christian response to blasphemy, the importance of standing firm in faith, and how to use controversial moments to share the love and message of Jesus Christ.

How Christians Should Respond to the 2024 Olympics:

• Respond with Love and Outreach: Instead of reacting with anger or condemnation, use controversial moments as opportunities to share the love and message of Jesus. Reflect Christ's love in your actions and words, just as Jesus forgave those who wronged Him.
• Pray for Discernment and Courage: Seek God's guidance in responding to challenging situations. Pray for the courage to share your faith and for the wisdom to know when and how to speak up.
• Highlight Positive Stories: Focus on and share the good that comes from difficult situations. Shine a light on positive actions, like the distribution of Bibles during the Olympics and the faith stories of Christian athletes, to inspire and uplift others.
• Be The Light: Wherever darkness is present, we are called to be the light!

Scripture:

• 1 Corinthians 9:24-25: "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it."
• Jesus' words on the cross: "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." (Luke 23:34)
• John 13:35: "By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
• Romans 2:4: "Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?"

It's time to get back on track and reclaim the structure you may have lost over the summer.

This episode is all about getting back on track after those lazy, hazy days of summer. Join Carol, Tricia, and Kelly as they share practical tips, funny stories, and real life advice on how to transition smoothly into the busy school year.

From setting achievable goals to staying consistent with your routines, this episode is packed with inspiration to help you finish the summer strong.

Think about it:

• Challenge All-or-Nothing Thinking:

  • Avoid the trap of feeling like you must do everything perfectly or not at all. Small, consistent efforts are more sustainable and less overwhelming.

• Set Short-Term Goals:

  • Break down your goals into quarterly or monthly chunks to make them more manageable. Use planners to set and review these goals often.

• Start Your Day Right:

  • Establish a morning routine that includes quiet time, prayer, and a bit of exercise can set a positive tone for the entire day.

Carol, Tricia and Kelly dive into the delicate balance between grace and truth in our interactions and relationships. As Christian women navigating today's complex world, how do we allow space for relationships with those who have different lifestyles or beliefs? How do we share Jesus with both grace and truth without compromising either?

There is tension between showing grace and standing firm in truth in a society that often prioritizes personal experience over absolute truth. By looking at Jesus' example, we can stand in both grace and truth.

How can we be more like Jesus? Self-awareness is key - by understanding whether you lean more towards grace or truth and challenging yourself to balance both.

Building relationships with non-believers on their terms while maintaining your witness.

Invite and engage with your community through your local church.

In this episode of the Girl Talk Podcast, Carol, Kelly, and Tricia do a deep dive on legalism and how it affects our spiritual lives. They talk about the difference between following God's guidelines and becoming overly legalistic, in order to earn something we can only receive by grace!

Carol, Tricia and Kelly talk about understanding the true essence of God's grace instead of checking off boxes to feel worthy. Learn to focus on your relationship with Jesus and embrace the freedom He offers!

Time for a check up! In this episode of the Girl Talk podcast, Carol, Tricia and Kelly dive into the importance of your mental health and how it can impact your work and home life. They talk about the need to recognize and acknowledge mental health issues, how to spot the signs, and the importance of getting the support you need from someone you can trust. 

Time for a check up! In this episode of the Girl Talk podcast, Carol, Tricia and Kelly dive into the importance of your mental health and how it can impact your work and home life. They talk about the need to recognize and acknowledge mental health issues, how to spot the signs, and the importance of getting the support you need from someone you can trust. 

If you're running on empty, join the club! But... you don't have to stay in it! On this week's episode, Carol is bringing a message from Brookwood Church's Women's Conference to encourage you to fill up - and get renewed day by day through God's Word and fixing your eyes on Jesus!

Points to remember:

We were designed by God to be renewed day by day

"Every day, you are casting a vote on the person you want to become." -James Clear

Whatever you're going through is meant to bring God glory

Scripture to remember:

2 Corinthians 4:16-17 says, 'So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison...'

This is a very special message from Tricia during the Brookwood Women's Conference in Simpsonville, SC. Special thanks to Brookwood Church for inviting Girl Talk Podcast to participate in an incredible, Spirit-filled weekend for women!

In this episode, Tricia has some bad news...but don't worry - she has the best news, too!

Bad news 

We are afflicted, perplexed, and persecuted 

Good news

You were handmade by God for a purpose 

God’s light shines through the brokenness

God’s surpassing power sustains us

The best news

Jesus brings good out of the brokenness and darkness 

Our hardest times give us opportunities to help someone else heal

We get to live with Jesus forever 

This is a very special message from Kelly during the Brookwood Women's Conference in Simpsonville, SC. Special thanks to Brookwood Church for inviting Girl Talk Podcast to participate in an incredible, Spirit-filled weekend for women!

The light of the Gospel shines through the darkness!  There is so much grace in understanding who God is - the Gospel itself reveals God's heart for us and how much He loves us.

Do not lose heart!

What happens when the honeymoon is over and your spouse doesn't meet your expectations?

 When the honeymoon ends, reality can be a bit of a bummer if we've not clearly communicated our expectations - or expected from our spouse what only God can do for us. Find out how you can be realistic in your marriage, but also thrive in your relationship!

Setting Realistic Expectations: How to set fair and realistic expectations for your spouse and why it’s crucial for a healthy relationship.

 Communication Is Key: Tips on how to communicate effectively with your spouse about your needs and expectations without conflict.

God’s Role in Your Marriage: Exploring how to differentiate between what we should expect from our spouse and what we should seek from God.

Thriving Together: Practical advice on strengthening your marriage and thriving together even when things don’t go as planned.