Joyful Mama Podcast
Sit down with Morgan as she talks about all things motherhood; the good, the hard, and everything in between. Joyful Mama Podcast is a space for you to feel a little less alone and encouraged on this journey of motherhood. She shares Biblical wisdom and practical advice in order to help you, mama, find joy in the chaos of motherhood.
Weary Mama Series : Ep. 8 : "Finding Rest"
FINDING REST
I know mama, you are tired. You have been burning the candle at both ends. As busy moms, rest may feel like a far-off concept, however, Jesus is inviting you and me, as believers, into a life of real rest, rest for our souls.
Come with me as we continue the Weary Mama Series and discuss chapter 8 of my book, REST FOR THE WEARY MAMA: WORDS OF HOPE AND ENCOURAGEMENT FOR THE WORN-OUT MOM, “Finding Rest”
A brief practical way you can find true rest, even in the chaos of motherhood:
Remove distractions
Entrust God
Stay in God’s word
Talk to God
True rest is found with a heart well-connected to the Father. It takes practice and intentionality, but we are promised the gift of soul rest when we learn to come to Jesus and learn to do life with Him.
If you haven’t read or gotten a copy of the book yet, go getyours today! And if you have, would you take a couple minutes to go leave a review?
Leave a review on Amazon or Goodreads
They truly mean the world to me and continue to help get the word out to all the other tired mamas out there who may also need some hope and encouragement.
Thanks, friends, as always for being here!
* this episode contains affiliate links
Lent: Fasting from things that Distract you from God
FASTING FROM THINGS THAT DISTRACT YOU FROM GOD
Hey friends! Join me this week as we take a little break from the Weary Mama Series to talk about Lent and how we can use this season to fast from the things that are distracting us from God.
If you are anything like me, as moms, we can get so overly busy and distracted that our daily hustle pulls us away from time with God and the closeness He desires for us to have with Him. We unpack Luke 4:1-13, the account of Jesus who after fasting for 40 days and 40 nights in the desert is then tempted by Satan. What a powerful reminder to us to be on our guard and to continue to stay in God's word as our weapon against the schemes of the devil.
Account can be found in Matthew 4:1-11 and Luke 4:1-13
If you struggle with knowing the Bible is true and valid, here are some great sources I have read over the years that have helped me:
The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel
Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis
Cold-Case Christianity by J. Warner Wallace
Obviously, there are more out there, but these are a great start.
As you ponder this week's topic, ask yourself as you go into this Lenten season, "what is something that is distracting me from having time with God?" And then I challenge you to be intentional about trying to change that. Lent is a beautiful time to posture our hearts back to God, to remove the things that are pulling us away from Him and dive deeper into fellowship with Him.
I love you friends and am always here praying for you and cheering you on!
Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode and get all the good stuff FIRST.
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Weary Mama Series: Ch 7: Healing from the Past with 3 Practical Ways to Overcome "Mom Guilt"
HEALING FROM THE PAST
Mom Guilt is a real thing! We all feel it. But what if I told you it didn't have to be that way? What if I told you we were all struggling and none of us truly have this whole mothering thing figured out? Well, it's true! Join me, Morgan Ellis, mom and author of Rest for the Weary Mama as we talk about chapter 7 of my book, Healing from the Past. A bit of a longer episode, but hang with me until the end because it's a good one.
Get your copy of the book here: Rest for the Weary Mama: Words of Hope and Encouragement for the Worn-Out Mom
3 Practical Ways to Overcome Mom Guilt
1. God's Word:
Read it, meditate on it, and speak His truth over the lies.
“TAKE CAPTIVE EVERY THOUGHT TO MAKE IT OBEDIENT TO CHRIST.”
2 CORINTHIANS 10:5
2. Prayer:
There is so much power in prayer and I've definitely found in my own life and in the lives of strong women around me that the more you pray and talk with God, the more your heart will change. It is what can give you the capacity to handle all of life's interruptions and deviations from the plan.
3. Accountability:
I've said it before, we need each other and we are better together. Don't try to do everything on your own, invite someone else to be on the healing journey with you. Whether a peer, a mentor, or a trusted counselor who can help encourage you, challenge you, and point you back to God's truth. We all need this accountability to keep growing.
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If you are struggling with guilt, fear, or shame from anything past or present, my greatest piece of advice is to not stay stuck where you are, but to use God's word, prayer, and the people around you to work through it and heal. God doesn't want you to stay stuck where you are, to feel weighed down by the heavy burdens of life, but rather bring it all to Him and allow Him to heal your heart and bring you peace in whatever it is you are walking through.
God loves you and so do I!! If you need anything or someone in your corner, please reach out. It is truly my honor to walk alongside you: hello@morganaellis.com
Don't forget, if you have loved Rest fort the Weary Mama, would you be so sweet as to go leave a review over on Amazon? I read every one and they truly mean the world to me, especially as a new author trying to grow and expand my credibility and reach.
Thanks for continuing to be here! Love you, mama.
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Weary Mama Series: Ch 6: Intimacy with God
INTIMACY WITH GOD
Happy New Year!! It is 2025 and what better way to start the new year than talking about finding intimacy with God. Join me, Morgan, as we continue in our Weary Mama Series unpacking my book, Rest for the Weary Mama: Words of Hope and Encouragement for the Worn-Out Mom
The backbone of the book comes from Matthew 11:28-30:
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
Rest isn't always a physical experience. For the purpose of my book and this episode, the rest I am talking about here is more of a heart and soul rest.
Ch. 6 : Intimacy with God
Main truths:
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God knows each of us personally, individually, and intimately.
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Intimacy with God is vital to finding true rest as a mom. Finding intentional time to spend with God doesn't have to feel like another thing on your to-do list, but like soul-nourishing time with a best friend.
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There is no greater investment of your time than spending time in God's word.
"You cannot pour from an empty cup, so what is filling yours?"
Simple ways to find and create intimacy with God, having a quiet time:
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Start small
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Be consistent
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Don't give up!
Find the full list in chapter 6 of Rest for the Weary Mama
There is no better time than right now to start reading God's word. God is waiting to spend time with you whenever you are ready.
* this episode contains affiliate links
Weary Mama Series: Ch. 5: Finding Community
FINDING COMMUNITY
Finding community and building rich relationship as mom is vital! Join me this week as we continue in our Weary Mama Series, going through and unpacking Chapter 5 of Rest for the Weary Mama. This week we are talking all about Finding Community.
LINKS:
Subscribe and get the latest info first
Connect with me over on Instagram
Rest for the Weary Mama: Words of Hope and Encouragement for the Worn-Out Mom
From the beginning, God wired us for friendship and community. Woman, the "helper" has a great privilege in her home, but it also just points to our need for connection and help in this life.
"It is not good for man to be alone"
Genesis 2:18
As we read a snippet of chapter 5 here are some big takeaways I hope you gather from this week's episode.
5 WAYS TO PRACTICALLY BUILD COMMUNITY
1. Put Yourself Out There!
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Join a moms group
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Seek out opportunities to connect
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Get out of your comfort zone!
2. Find or Create Ways to Study God's Word Together
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Find somewhere you can connect and be in God's word with other moms and women
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If you can't find a bible study, create one
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It is important to have peers and mentors as a mom
3. Have Healthy Boundaries
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It is healthy and okay to have different levels of friendships
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You don't have to share every part of your heart and story with everyone
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Know it is also okay for friendships to eb and flow in time
4. Keep Praying!
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God cares about everything in your life, even your friends. Don't discount praying for God to bring friends alongside you
5. Be a Good Friend
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Be the type of friend you want to have
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Model what it looks like to be a good friend for your kids
Be intentional and patient as you work at finding your people and building your community. It is well worth the effort, I promise. Because you weren't made to do this alone! We need each other.
Share this episode with a mama you know and love.
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Weary Mama Series: Ch. 4: Beauty in the Mundane
BEAUTY IN THE MUNDANE
Much of motherhood can seem uneventful and to go unnoticed. Yet, there is still joy and beauty to be found even in the most mundane of days motherhood. Join me, this week as we unpack chapter four of my book, Rest for the Weary Mama: Words of Hope and Encouragement for the Worn-Out Mom
Sorry we got off track in recording, however with my home being hit by two major hurricanes, this last month has just gotten turned completely upside down. But it is good to be back and I'm so excited to share with you chapter four of my book.
How can we find beauty even in our mundane?
1. Know who you are doing the tasks for.
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Ask yourself the hard question of who you are looking for recognition from?
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Are you serving your family with a heart of gratitude and joy? Or bitterness and resentment?
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Knowing and living to an audience of One helps us shift our perspective to what truly matters and learn to appreciate even the mundane moments of motherhood.
2. Know your why.
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This week I challenge you and your spouse to sit down together and discuss your family's "why" and maybe set a long-term goal for you as parents.
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Knowing you why helps drive every decision and can truly help you and your family get where you want to go.
3. Shift your focus from the temporary to the eternal
When we learn to look for and find the beauty in the mundane, everyday moments we also are able to find JOY! And who doesn't want more joy, especially in motherhood?!
Thank you always for being here. If you want to go back and listen to past episodes in the Weary Mama Series, check them out below:
CH. 2 : "LONG DAYS AND LONGER NIGHTS"
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Finding Joy + Building a Strong Marriage After Kids with special guest (and my husband): Morgan Ellis
FINDING JOY + BUILDING A STRONG MARRIAGE AFTER KIDS
In this week's episode of the podcast, I sit down with my favortite person, who happens to also be my husband to talk about some of the ways we have found over our 13 years of marriage to find joy and build a strong marriage, even while in the trenches of raising our three kids.
Obviously all relationships look a little different and each family is unique, but we think these big takeaways can help anyone struggling to find joy in their marriage after having kids.
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing one another in love.
Ephesians 4:2
BIG TAKEAWAY:
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Keep God at the center.
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Communicate! We can't stress this one enough. Communication is key to all relationships, but foundational to building a strong, healthy marriage.
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Be intentional. Especially with your time. Don't forget to put each other and your marriage above your kids. Easier said than done sometimes, but make sure to make time for each other, even while raising kiddos.
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Be humble. Admit when you make mistakes and learn to move forward in humility and kindness with one another.
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DON'T FORGET TO HAVE FUN!! We didn't talk about this too much, but having fun is key to finding joy in your marriage. Find ways to laugh and be silly. Don't take like so seriously all the time.
Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry
Ephesians 4:26
LINKS TO THE BOOKS WE TALKED ABOUT
Gary Chapman: The Five Love Languages
DON'T FORGET TO COMMENT OR MESSAGE ME IF YOU WANT MR. MORGAN'S FAMOUS MARGARITA RECIPE!
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Weary Mama Series: Ep. 3
IN THE MESS
This week's episode we are unpacking chapter 3, "In the Mess" of
This episode felt appropriate to do this week as we sit here in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. The majority of our city and community is hurting and so many others in the Southeast have lost everything. My heart is hurting, but I still hope this episode is an encouragement.
Where there are no oxen, the manger is empty
Proverbs 14:4
CHAPTER 3 BIG TAKEAWAY:
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Life is messy. Motherhood is messy. We must learn to look past the mess to the people, not losing focus of what truly matters most.
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Jesus wants to be invited into your mess.
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True rest isn't found in a clean house or the absence of mess, rather when we intentionally spend time at the feet of Jesus.
Read Luke 10:40-42 for the story of Mary and Martha
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Weary Mama Series: Ep. 2
LONG DAYS AND LONGER NIGHTS
Welcome to the Weary Mama Series of the podcast!
Grab your copy of the book and let's unpack Chapter 2: Long Days and Longer Nights. This episode is just going to scratch the surface, but I pray it still encourages you.
full show notes are also always over at: www.morganaellis.com/podcast
A lot of the days and nights, especially in the early years of motherhood, can feel so long. Being sleep-deprived can break even the strongest of us!
Yet, there is hope. Every season and stage of parenting is just that; a season. And seasons come and go. This will pass. If you are in an exhausting season of motherhood right now, I pray you enjoy it while you are in it, because in the famous words of country singer, Darius Rucker, "It won't be like this for long." Hang in there!
The days are long, but the years are short.
CHAPTER 2 BIG TAKEAWAY:
God meets us in our desperation and although the nights can sometimes feel so long, and dark seasons can feel completely overwhelming, "He will never leave you nor forsake you." (Deuteronomy 31:8), He "is close to the brokenhearted" (Psalm 34:18), and "His mercies are new every morning" (Lamentations 3:22-23).
Links from this episode:
Win the Day by Mark Batterson
Rest for the Weary Mama by Morgan A. Ellis
Wherever you are today, friend, hang on to the hope God gives each of us. The hope of seasons and that darkness doesn't last forever. Whatever it is you are walking through, may you never lose hope! And may you receive the invitation to come and rest at the feet of Jesus, leaving your cares, worries, and burdens there.
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Weary Mama Series: Ep. 1
BECOMING A MOM
Welcome to a new series! I'm calling it the Weary Mama Series because we are going to be unpacking each week a chapter of my new book, Rest for the Weary Mama: Words of Hope and Encouragement for the Worn-Out Mom.
If you don't have a copy yet, go ahead and go get one. Although you don't need it to listen, we are only going to scratch the surface of each chapter in these episodes, and I think you will love to continue feeling encouraged throughout the week as you continue reading.
MOTHERHOOD IS HARD:
Motherhood, although one of the highest Kingdom callings, can often leave us worn out and weary.
"Come to me all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV)
Do you need this reminder as much as I do? The reminder that Jesus is our source of rest within our daily lives? That He invites us to come to Him and receive true rest for our souls.
Being a "good mom" isn't the goal. Instead, let's make being a "holy mom" our goal - a mom who first and foremost loves and trusts God with all her heart She leans into her insufficiencies and allows Jesus to fill in the gaps where she inevitable falls short. (Pg. 14 - Rest for the Weary Mama)
God doesn't call the equipped, He equips the called. If you are here, you have been called to the ministry of motherhood and you can trust that God is equipping you to do this job with Him by your side.
Hard is Not the Same Thing as Bad by Abbie Halberstadt
Question to Ponder: If you could talk to your younger mom self, what is one piece of advice you would give her?
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Episode 14 : Being Planted
Happy to be back from a bit of a break this summer. Sorry I have been a bit MIA, but we are back now!
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: IT IS BOOK LAUNCH DAY!
Rest for the Weary Mama, Words of Hope and Encouragement for the Worn-Out Mom is available now over on Amazon and other online retailers. Go get your copy today!
It has been one of the honors and joys of my life to write this book and I hope it blesses you as much as it has me just to write it. Get your copy today and please, please, please leave a review over on Amazon so you can help others find the book.
BEING PLANTED IS HARD. Where have you been planted recently? Have you been planted in a new job? Planted in the role of mother?
Although we all like the harvest's end result, we often don't like the being planted part before the harvest can come. Being planted can many times put us in uncomfortable, dark, lonely places. Yet, this is where God gets to show up and water and tend to our souls to change us into only He knows what He is making us into.
“SO NEITHER HE WHO PLANTS NOR HE WHO WATERS IS ANYTHING, BUT
ONLY GOD WHO GIVES THE GROWTH HE WHO PLANTS AND HE WHO WATERS ARE ONE, AND EACH
WILL RECEIVE HIS WAGES ACCORDING TO HIS LABOR.”
1 CORINTHIANS 3:7-8
Links for you:
"Rest for the Weary Mama" by Morgan A. Ellis
"It Will be Okay" by Lysa Terkhurst
"The Hiding Place" by Corrie Ten Boom
*note: this post contains affiliate links
Episode 13 : Kids + Chores
Chores are a fantastic way to teach our kids responsibility, work ethic, and build a helpful spirit. On today's episode Morgan is talking about why chores are important and how you can practically add chores to your household at any age and stage.
"Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old he will not depart from it."
Proverbs 22:6
This time-honored Proverb of course applies to our children's spiritual journey, but I believe it also applies to so many other things, reminding us parents of how what we teach our kids now will be what they carry with them for a lifetime.
WHY CHORES?
What chores can teach your kids:
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responsibility
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work ethic
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empowerment
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independence
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autonomy
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a servant's/helpful spirit
2 QUESTIONS THAT HAVE CHANGED EVERYTHING!
"See a need; fill a need."
"If not now, when? If not you, who?"
Harvard study on the importance of chores
AGE APPROPRIATE CHORES:
PRE-SCHOOL (AGES 2-4)
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pick up toys, put in bins
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put away books
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help put away silverware from the dishwasher (if plastic of course)
SCHOOL-AGE (AGES 5-8)
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make bed
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put away clothes
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set or clear dinner table
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sweep
TWEEN (AGES 9-12)
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start training them on how to do their own laundry
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clean room
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bathroom (toilets included)
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mow the lawn
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pull weeds
TEEN (AGES 13+)
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same as all the ages above
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vacuum/mop
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meal prep
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THE GOAL OF THIS AGE GROUP IS TO TEACH LIFE SKILLS AND TIME MANAGEMENT.
DO YOU PAY?
This truly you can do how you like and what works best for you and your family. Also, don't be afraid to pivot if one payment way isn't working.
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PRE-SCHOOL AGE - visual chore charts, sticker charts and treasure boxes are great at these little ages.
some ideas:
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SCHOOL AGE - we have a chore chart and pay a quarter a chore, but again, you can do something different, this is just an idea.
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TWEEN - at this age an allowance may be a good way to do your pay system. Encourage saving and giving.
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TEEN - I love the idea of paying your teen like you would at a job. Once a week and no loans. This is the age to encourage and instill good money management.
Disclaimer: again, you can make this totally your own and create different systems that work for your household. The ultimate goal here is to raise up responsible, hard-working, independent adults!
OTHER ITEMS:
REST FOR THE WEARY MAMA : PRE-ORDER AVAILABLE NOW!
*some affiliate links exist within this post
Episode 12: Power of Presence
Nothing worthwhile is ever easy and our presence in our children's lives has the ability to impact not just them, but also generations to come. Lean in, I hope you feel encouraged and maybe a little challenged by today's episode.
YOUR PRESENCE IN YOUR HOME MATTERS.
Start with knowing who you are: where do you find your identity?
"Your job is just what you do, not who you are."
Sage Journal : Positive Involved Dads
3 Practical ways to be more present
1. Remove Distractions
2. Set Aside the To-Do List
3. Create Intentional and Consistent Family Time
You have created this beautiful family, now go enjoy each other. Enter into your kids' worlds, get to know who they are and their friends. Have fun together!
You have an amazing opportunity and privilege to impact your kids for a lifetime and when you take the time to live fully present in your life, you will find so much more JOY in it!
Episode 11 : Lonely but not Alone
I apologize in advance for the weird audio in the middle and end of this episode. I recorded in a different room and the air conditioning was horribly loud in the background and then there was a crazy bird chirping that I couldn't edit out. So hopefully it isn't too distracting and you can hang in there until the end. Love you friends! Thanks for your patience as I keep learning how to do this better and better.
If you are in a season of loneliness, this one is for you. As moms, we are struggling with this. The research shows it.
Harvard study: "36% of all Americans feel lonely 'frequently' or 'almost all of the time'".
Heath Day poll from 2024: about 1 in 3 U.S. adults feel lonely "at least once a week."
"It is not good for man to be alone"
Genesis 2:18
5 scripture verses to help you if you are lonely:
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Joshua 1:9
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Psalm 23:4
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Psalm 73:23
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Lamentations 3:22-24
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1 Peter 5:7
Take Away: Instead of looking inward or outward to deal with our loneliness, let's choose to look upward.
God trades our anxieties, fears, doubts, etc. for His perfect peace and JOY!
REST FOR THE WEARY MAMA is coming soon!!! I would love if you wanted to join the launch team, helping get the word out about the book and getting early access to the book before it goes live on Amazon and other retailers. I would be so honored!
FILL OUT THIS FORM IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE A PART OF THE LAUNCH TEAM.
Episode 10: Combating Loneliness in Motherhood
Loneliness is considered an epidemic right now with nearly 1 in 4 adults feeling lonely. In today's episode we are talking about some of the things contributing to our loneliness and some practical ways we can combat it.
Common Causes of Loneliness:
1. Technology
2. Too Busy
3. Isolating Ourselves
4. Social Media - stop scrolling!!
9 Practical Ways to Combat Loneliness
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Don't ignore it
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Make time for relationships/connection
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Limit social media use
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Prioritize self-care
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Reach out to friends & family
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Schedule regular social activities
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Volunteer or get involved; in the community, your church, or school
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Practice gratitude
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Seek or consider therapy or counseling
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
- Psalm 34:18
We are all in this together! If you are feeling lonely today friend, take a minute to even just reach out here. I would love to send you a little extra encouragement. Your emails make my day and I love connecting further with you!
Episode 9: Fostering Healthy + Positive Body Images in Your Home
What is body image?
Simply put it is the way we think and feel about our bodies.
Negative vs. Positive body image:
Negative – being dissatisfied or thinking negatively abut our bodies, either in appearance or function.
Positive – being satisfied, holding respect and appreciation for our body. Accepting and celebrating the wonders that it does for you on a daily basis.
Source: Body image in childhood (mentalhealth.org.uk)
3 Practical ways to help foster healthier body images in your home:
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Acknowledge:
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Understand that this is something to talk about. Have open and honest conversations and don’t shy away from the hard ones.
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Don’t talk about your daughter’s body in terms of weight or appearance.
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Only talk about being healthy and teaching what that means.
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Understand you have an important voice in their life. Use it wisely.
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Work on how you talk to yourself and your own body image issues:
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Be aware of how you talk to yourself or about your body, especially in front of your girls.
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Be kind to yourself.
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Model what it looks like to have a positive and healthy relationship with your body – “What we model for our kids will speak volumes louder than what we say.”
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IF YOU NEED HELP – GET IT! THERE IS NO SHAME IN NEEDED HELP.
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Bible verses for your identity in Christ. DOWNLOAD HERE.
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Create and promote a healthy lifestyle together as a family:
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Get outside. Move. Have fun!
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What you value will become what you kids will value
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Are you caught up in the formalities or superficial reasons to be active?
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Find something fun to do together as a family.
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*disclaimer: There is no guarantee your girl(s) won’t struggle with this, even if you do and say all the right things.
Here are some resources for
1. Understanding the warning signs of an eating disorder:
Eating Disorders - National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) (nih.gov)
2. If you want to talk to someone or need further help in this area. This is a licensed eating disorder specialist and counselor.
My Virtual Eating Disorder Treatment
REMEMBER: YOUR VALUE IS NEVER DEFINED BY HOW YOU LOOK!
Episode 8: Time Management for Busy Moms
Time Management is key to accomplishing everything you want to get done.
In today's episode, we will take you through some practical steps to use your time more efficiently and hopefully, you will leave feeling inspired and encouraged.
IG: @mrsmorganellis
What is time blocking?
Allocating windows of time to certain tasks in order to help you be more efficient and effective with your time.
YOUR FREE TIME MANAGEMENT GUIDE
If you work, stay at home, or homeschool - the idea of time blocking can be so helpful to get yourself organized and be more efficient with your time.
4 STEPS TO USING YOUR TIME MORE WISELY:
1. PRIORITIZE THE TASKS OF THE DAY
a. take inventory and decide what is most important to you and your family
2. SET ACCOMPLISHABLE GOALS
a. goals for the day, week, or month.
b. Think about what can get done within the windows and gaps of your day make a plan
3. TIME BLOCK
a. write it down
b. PRINT YOUR FREE TIME BLOCKING GUIDE HERE
c. give yourself deadlines use the other people in your house.
d. Don't try to do everything yourself Mark Batterson's WIN THE DAY
4. REMOVE DISTRACTIONS
*Don't forget to prioritize and build in time for REST.
"The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath." Mark 2:27
** Don't forget to give yourself grace for the days and seasons where just a little less gets done. You are crushing it!
Episode 7: Parenting Beyond Expectations
This episode is near and dear to my heart and I think deserves a listen if you haven't already done so.
Parenting is a wild ride. Let's peel back the onion of our parenting expectations, why we have them, and learn how to parent beyond them. From little years to teenagers and beyond, when we learn to parent beyond our expectations, we will find more joy in whatever season of parenting we find ourselves in.
1. The Root of our Expectations
Why do we have certain parenting expectations? It comes back to the age-old nature vs. nurture. It's both! Our upbringing and other outside influences, along with our innate personality, drive our parenting expectations.
Looking for help discovering what are typical behaviors and expectations depending on your kid(s) ages/stages? The Raising Boys and Girls Podcast with David Thomas and Sissy Goff. This is one of my favorite parenting podcasts and their books are amazing resources for raising good, well-rounded, emotionally strong, and resilient kids. A few faves:
Raising Emotionally Strong Boys by David Thomas
Raising Worry-Free Girls by Sissy Goff
When can you know if your expectations are taking you to an unhealthy place? Are you bitter? Resentful? Frustrated the majority of the time? If so, it may be time to reality check and heart check your current expectations. Expectations are good as long as they are realistic to your season of parenting and the age/stage of your kids.
"Where there are no oxen, the manger is empty."
Proverbs 14:4 (NIV)
"Where there are no oxen, the manger is clean."
Proverbs 14:4 (ESV)
As long as you have people living in your home, there is going to be evidence of their existence. And that is OKAY!
Every season of parenting presents new challenges. Yet, each one helps build us and shape us into the character of Jesus and develop all of the Fruits of the Spirit:
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love. joy. peace. patience. kindness. goodness. faithfulness. gentleness. self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23)
2. Situational Expectations
When expectations are too low, we end up dreading whatever it is that is coming. If they are too high, we end up disappointed. It is all about finding the balance and the middle ground here.
KNOW YOUR KID(S). BE A STUDENT OF YOUR KID(S).
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don't expect your kid(s) to be you.
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don't live vicariously through your kid(s)
You absolutely can still have standards and expectations for your kids (especially when it comes to behavior). Still, I challenge you and me to keep learning and observing who our kiddos are, who God made them to uniquely be) and parent from that place.
Let's make this practical. Here are 7 ways to Parent Beyond Expectations:
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Talk about them
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Set reasonable and realistic expectations (don't get mad at them in the process of learning)
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Be a student of your kid(s)
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Allow everything to be a teachable moment
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Build in time for fun!
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Don't be afraid of messes
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Be patient in the process
Remember, mama, you have a hard job. Be patient with your kids, but also with yourself. You are also growing and learning right alongside them. You are doing a great job!
NEW HERE? Yay! Thanks for listening.
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Also, come say "hello" over on Instagram @mrsmorganellis
I hang out mostly over there and love to connect to other mamas looking to follow Jesus more closely and find more joy in their season.
We are better together friend and I am cheering you on!
Episode 6 : Mom Guilt
MOM GUILT
We are all feeling it a little bit, but let's first agree first and foremost to be nice to one another! Because you are doing a hard job raising those kids.
"mom guilt" is the idea that we aren't quite measuring up (whether that is to your own standard or someone else's) causing feelings of inadequacy.
So, what is fueling your mom guilt? Comparison? Trying to do it all? Mama, one lie we have been fed, at least I have is that I can do it all and have it all. Nothing is further from the truth.
Check out the book: "Lies Women Believe" a great read covering many of the lies we have been told as women and how we can overcome them with truth.
One such discussed is, "My circumstances do not make me what I am; they merely reveal what I am." Yikes! this one stings a bit, but this is where I find a little bit of "guilt" is a good thing. To remind ourselves to do a heart check of our priorities.
"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
Matthew 6:21
What am I treasuring? What are you treasuring? And is that what is fueling your guilt?
1. Give yourself grace
a. Raising kids is a hard job! And you are doing it!
2. Speak truth over the lies
a. use scripture
b. feeling judgment from others?
"No weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and this is their vindications from me," declares the LORD.
Isaiah 54:17
c. feeling self-doubt or shame?
The thief comes only to stead and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
John 10:10
3. Find your people!
a. Surround yourself with other women and moms who build you up, speak life, and encourage you.
JUST REMEMBER: YOU ARE AN AMAZING MOM AND YOU ARE DOING A GREAT JOB!
Episode 5 : Family Focused New Year's Goals
Setting goals or intentions for the new year is a great way to stay focused, grow, and find further purpose in your new year and in this new season. This is great to do individually as well as collectively as a family.
It is never too early or too late to start working together as a family to set and attain goals.
Choosing a word of the year:
My word for 2024 is BOLD.
This word is a bit scary and outside my comfort zone, but “It’s only after you’ve stepped outside your comfort zone that you begin to change, grow, and transform.” – Roy T. Bennett
Here is a link to a list of words to get you started. Take a minute to look them over and ponder which word feels like an area you would like to focus on this year.
After you’ve chosen your word, I challenge and encourage you to choose a scripture verse to pair with your word.
My verse of the year that goes with BOLD is:
"For the Spirit of God does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline. So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord…”
2 Timothy 1:7-8a
If you need help finding a verse to go with your word, try the Bible Ap. It is free and you can search within the Ap words to get you started. Don’t forget to pray over your word and verse and for God’s guidance. Where do you feel Him guiding you in this area?
Setting family goals:
Setting family goals can help grow your family closer. It gives your family a focus, an extra purpose, and teaches your kids great life-long skills.
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Reflect on last year and where you can grow as a family and as a team.
S.M.A.R.T. GOALS
Specific: Find a specific goal you wish to accomplish this year Measurable: Make sure it is measurable. Attainable: Is the goal you are setting attainable for you (or your family)?
Realistic: Make sure it is also realistic, otherwise you will too easily become discouraged.
Time Sensitive: Give yourself a timetable in which to accomplish your goal. Having a deadline is great motivation.
How can you do this? JUST DO IT!!
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Sit down together
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Brainstorm what is important to you as a family. Come up with some core family values.
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Now focus on one area you all could grow
Our family chose to focus on one word: courteous. We want (all of us) to get better at talking more respectfully and kindly to one another (even when we are frustrated), seeing and helping when someone is in need, and just practicing being all-around courteous towards one another.
Setting individual goals:
All ages can set goals, the most important thing here is just to be realistic. Help your kiddos (especially the littles) find a goal that is realistic and attainable. Keep it simple!
5 Fs
FAITH
FAMILY
FINANCES
FRIENDS
FITNESS
Here is a template our family used as we thought these out. We did this individually, but you also could do this together as a family.
Lastly, if you are in a weary season, feeling overwhelmed, I want to leave you with this scriptre. I came across it in a recent morning quiet time and it encouraged me so much. I hope it does the same for you:
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” Isaiah 43:18-19
CONCLUSION:
The point of all this isn’t to overwhelm you, but just to spark an interest and a little fire in you to do something like this in your own family. Make it your own. Take what you like and leave what you don’t. Most importantly, don’t feel intimidated or afraid to fail. Failure truly is the best teacher! It is in the struggles of life that we grow…you’ve got this!
I am cheering you on, friend, and God is with you every step of the way.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Episode 4 : He is Here!
MERRY CHIRTMAS FRIENDS!!
Listen in to a very special episode of my kiddos reading the Christmas story from one of our favorite Bibles for kids. The Jesus Storybook Bible.
Have the most amazing, blessed Christmas!
Episode 3 : Beat the Holiday Blues
The holidays can quickly make us feel completely overwhelmed and stressed. Survey says, "64% of people with diagnosed mental illness say the holidays make it worse." I would go out on a limb that we all are feeling the same pressure and the same overwhelm.
So how do we beat the holiday blues? How can we find hope and joy this Christmas? It starts in our heart.
HOPE
English: a feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen; a feeling of trust.
Hebrew: to wait; await.
Where are you putting your hope this Christmas? As the ultimate Christmas present, Jesus is our true source of hope. "If you are looking to find hope this holiday season, it starts in your heart and with Jesus."
Emmanuel, "God with us". If you are feeling lonely this Christmas, I pray you remember this truth, that you are never alone. God is with you. Jesus is with you.
Let's get practical! 4 practical ways to beat the holiday blues:
1. Remove the material goods and worldly expectations.
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the power we give them
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it's not about the stuff!
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try giving gifts of time and making memories instead
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coupon book with gifts of time for each kid
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the world doesn't want you to be content
2. Don't care about what others are doing.
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is social media a trigger for your unhappiness?
My challenge to you is to schedule a social media break or at least set up boundaries or time limits to time spent on social media.
Social media use is correlated to feelings of dissatisfaction and less contentment.
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don't cave to the pressure your kids may try to put on you.
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Remember that learning to be content is a life-long process. For you and your kids.
3. Find ways to give/serve
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helping others not only transforms your heart, but it also transforms your brain. Check out this research done on serving and happiness.
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helping others makes you happier
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This helps put things in the proper perspective
4. Don't be afraid to say "no"
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You don't have to say "yes" to everything.
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Allow yourself some space, down-time, and rest.
Again, thank you so much for taking the time to listen and be here. I am so grateful for each and every one of you.
Wishing you a very Merry and Joy Filled Christmas!
Episode 2 : Advent & Family Traditions
HAPPY ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS TO YOU!
The Advent season begins December 3-24th
What is Advent? Advent is basically the 4 Sundays leading up to Christmas and Christmas eve. A celebration in the anticipation of the coming of Jesus, the reason for the season. The purpose of Advent is to posture our hearts and focus in on the real reason we celebrate Christmas, Jesus.
Here is a link to a FREE digital Advent devotional I put together. A way to prepare your heart for Christmas by going through each candle; HOPE, PEACE, JOY, LOVE, and of course, CHRIST. Amongst the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, let us focus and remember to make room for Jesus.
The Christmas Story:
Luke 2:1-20
Family Traditions:
"Traditions are routines and rituals that you do over and over, bonding us to the ones we love."
Traditions are an important way to bond our families and build strong relationships within them. Like routines, traditions provide a sense of security, safety, and belonging. One piece of advice for creating traditions within your own family, let go of perfectionism. Let go of needing everything to be "just so" and let them unfold naturally.
Some of our favorite Christmas traditions:
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baking Christmas cookies
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getting our tree and decorating the Friday after Thanksgiving
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Gingerbread houses
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Christmas jammies
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going to look at Christmas lights
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reading the Christmas story on Christmas Eve
Traditions don't have to only be around the holidays. Here are four super practical ways to develop some family traditions in your every day life.
1. Family Dinners
Eating dinner together around the table is an easy way to come together at the end of the day. My challenge to you is to find at least a couple of nights throughout the week to eat dinner together.
2. Bedtime Routines
It is a long journey to create predictable bedtime routines, but I promise it is worth it. This not only helps your kids feel safe and secure but having set bedtime routines is the perfect way to reconnect at the end of the day. Things will shift as they get older, but don't give up. They still need you, even when they say they don't.
3. Game Nights
Playing and laughing together is another way to connect and build strong relationships within your family. Find some time to intentionally have fun together.
4. Read-A-Louds
Reading books together and out loud not only is a way to get quality time together as a family, but it sparks imaginations and cultivates a love of reading.
A couple of series that we have loved in our family:
Thank you so much for listening. I hope you enjoyed this episode of the Podcast. Be sure to like and leave a review so you can help others find this podcast and in turn Find Joy.
Episode 1 : Finding Joy in Motherhood
Welcome to the very first episode of the Joyful Mama Podcast! Woo!! So excited to be here. Thank you so much for tuning in.
Introductions: My name is Morgan Ellis, mama to three kiddos, married to my husband (also Morgan) for 12 years, hair stylist, and author. It is my greatest joy to cheer moms on and share Biblical and practical wisdom with other mamas, just like you and me, in the trenches of motherhood.
JOY:
Joy is defined in Biblical terms as a lasting emotion that comes from the choice to trust that God will fulfill His promises.
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Joy is a gift
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Joy is not conditional on our circumstances
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Joy is lasting
Be joyful in hope; patient in affliction; faithful in prayer.
Romans 12:12
Three Practical Ways to find Joy in your daily life:
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Prayer and Spending Time in God's Word
"Is prayer your steering wheel or your spare tire?" Corrie Ten Boom
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Practice Gratitude
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Cultivate Community
Remember: JOY IS A CHOICE!
Take a minute to leave a review and please subscribe so you don't miss an episode and so you can help more mamas, just like you, can find this podcast.
Don't be shy! Come say "Hi" to me on social media:
@mrsmorganellis on Instagram or over at www.morganaellis.com
I can't wait to connect!