Shows
Ditching PerfectionEpisode 120: Bite-Sized Bible Study | Determining When It’s Wise to Say “Yes” and When It’s Wise to Say “No” | Proverbs 2:1-11When is too much of a good thing no longer a good thing?
Us perfectionist and people-pleasing types have a tendency to take on too much. We’re afraid to let others down or we don’t want to miss out on significant opportunities so we keep saying yes… to the point that we’re left exhausted and overwhelmed.
Proverbs 2:1-11 helps us reframe the way that we view success and reminds us that the fulfillment we long for comes from God’s wisdom — not earthly successes.
G...2024-08-2815 minDitching PerfectionEpisode 97: Getting Ready for a Grand Adventure | Carly and MikeOur family is preparing for a trip of a lifetime. We are going to explore the different places with no agenda except a plan to rest, enjoy each other's company, and learn from people in cultures different than ours. In this episode, Mike and I share a glimpse of our travel plans, how we packed for ten weeks in one carry-on each (truly miraculous), and what we believe that God is going to teach during our time away.
Also, we want to give a special shout out to our dear friends and family who...2024-02-2039 min
The Parable Podcast with Danielle ZapchenkTPP #125 | Ditching Perfection to Answer God's Call with Carly BartlettSend The Parable Podcast a TextDo you feel like it is time to ditch the perfection in your life? Joining me today is Preacher, writer, Podcaster, and perfection ditcher Carly Bartlett. Carly shares with us about pushing past the anxiety and stepping into the freedom of God’s call.Carly Bartlett is from the Pacific Northwest and since 2011, she has been traveling the country speaking and leading worship at a variety of retreats, camps, and conferences. Carly received her MDiv. from Nazarene Theological Seminary and is an ordained elder in the Church of the Naz...2024-01-1733 minDitching PerfectionEpisode 92: What Does It Mean To Live on Mission? | Danny AtkinsFor those of us who are Jesus followers, we often hear the call to share the Gospel and to live on mission, but we may ask ourselves, “How do we do that?”
In this 2 part conversation that we’re starting today, my good friend, Pastor Danny Atkins is here to remind us that “we’re not trying to take something from God to people. Instead we’re trying to put flesh on what God is already doing.”
So, friends. You can throw your check-lists and attempts at strategic plans out the window...2024-01-1640 minDitching PerfectionEpisode 91: The Surprising Inbreaking of God | Reading Matthew 2 with Garret ShelstaEpisode 91: The Surprising Inbreaking of God | Reading Matthew 2 with Garret Shelsta
My friend, Garret Shelsta is here to remind us to:
✨ Choose to stay curious rather than feel threatened when something new arises
✨ Look for God’s fingerprints in the most unexpected places and most unexpected people
✨ Recognize that Jesus, who is the perfect combination of both truth and love, disrupts faulty systems of this world and faulty systems we’ve constructed in our own lives.
We also talk about the fact that God doesn’t look for particular boxes to be checked, or for things to be nice and neat in orde...2023-12-1958 minDitching PerfectionEpisode 90: The Invitation to Just Be | Reading Luke 1-2 with Bri JohnsThe weeks leading up to Christmas can be wild, chaotic, and full. Even if our schedules are full of good things, this season can still be exhausting. So, this conversation today with my friend, Bri Johns, is timely. As we look at Mary’s life in Scripture, Bri reminds us of God’s beautiful invitation to JUST BE.
Bri also helps us think about how to:
✨intentionally & consistently connect with our neighbors,
✨check our motivations as a means of ditching perfection, &
✨measure our bandwidth and know it is okay to sa...2023-12-1248 minDitching PerfectionEpisode 89: Making Sense of What Doesn't Make Sense | Reading Matthew 1 with Shane LimaAre you in a season of waiting? Are you wondering how to move forward out of a painful situation? Are you doubting if God can ever bring good out of sadness or hurt?
God doesn't cause the pain or hurt we experience, but Pastor Shane Lima reminds us that “God’s grace can weave together pain into triumph, and trauma into testimony.” As we unpack Matthew 1 together, and look at the women in the genealogy of Jesus, we can see great hope come out of devastation.
This Advent season, as we...2023-12-0546 minDitching PerfectionEpisode 88: The Significance of Self-Care | Dr. Karen HurulaWe are in our final week of our fall series called “In This Together.” We’ve talked about how to cultivate healthy relationships with others, but it is also so important to talk about how to care well for yourself.
I am thrilled that psychologist and theologian, Dr. Karen Hurula, is here to lead us through this valuable discussion. Dr. Hurula is the Director of the Center for Counseling at Wheaton College, and in this episode, she shares with us:
✨ how she is helping the church have more holistic conversations about mental health...2023-11-2846 minDitching PerfectionEpisode 87: Be Somebody’s Biggest Fan | Intergenerational Connections | Dr. Michael JohnsonStop and think about five people outside of your family who have impacted your life the most. Are they all in the same age range as you? My guess is that those people represent a wide range of ages.
Intergenerational connections are vital to our growth as individuals and the health of our communities. In a world that is fractured and compartmentalized, we can uniquely grow through relationships with people in different phases of life.
I asked my friend, Dr. Michael Johnson, to come and share with us about intergenerational connections. Michael has been serving at Trevecca Nazarene University for...2023-11-211h 00Ditching PerfectionEpisode 86: Anniversary Extravaganza with Mike & CarlyToday is our (Mike & Carly’s) 14th wedding anniversary. So, we hopped into the podcast studio to chat all about our relationship and some fun memories. In this episode, we talk about:
❤️ how we knew (and how soon we knew) we wanted to get married,
❤️ how asking questions & staying curious has been an integral part of our marriage, and
❤️ how we’ve learned more about God from one another.
We also talk about how we’ve learned to appreciate each other’s hobbies… and Mike quizzes me on NBA players and their...2023-11-1450 minDitching PerfectionEpisode 85: Iron Sharpens Iron: Brothers & Teammates | Gabe & Aaron MurphyYou’re in for a treat today, my friends! Brothers and collegiate basketball teammates, Gabe and Aaron Murphy are here to share with us about their relationship. They are truly “in this together,” as they do life together both on and off the court.
In today’s episode, Gabe and Aaron share with us about:
🏀 the value of risk & vulnerability,
🏀 how healthy competition between the two of them fuels their growth, and
🏀 how the people who love you the most see the potential in you and call you to be better....2023-11-0754 minDitching PerfectionEpisode 84: 50 Years of Marriage | Rick & Nancy DanielsRick and Nancy are celebrating 50 years of marriage this year. These two love each other well and love their community well. I am grateful to have learned from them for the past several years, and I can’t wait for you to learn from them today.
They will be talking with us about how challenging seasons can bring you together, the power of an apology, and how they have nurtured a sweet friendship in their marriage.
Whether you are married or hope to be married someday, these relational words of wisdom will be applicable to you.
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I’d love to connect...2023-10-3153 minDitching PerfectionEpisode 83: College BFFs | Keziah Richardson, Kendrey McGath, & Shelby SkeenCollege and young adult years are some of the most formational times of life . . . so the friendships we make during that time are formational too!
Today, Keziah, Kendrey, and Shelby are here to talk about finding quality friends in college, how social media both helps & hinders friendships, the importance of praying for friendship, and they teach me about beige flags… Have you heard about this before? I am such a millennial apparently. HA!
If you find this episode encouraging, please share it with a friend or family member. If th...2023-10-2459 minDitching PerfectionEpisode 82: Adulting & Friendship | Elise SnowdenHere is the episode so many of you requested... a conversation about adult friendships. Finding and maintaining friends can be really hard. The truth is, many of us are lonely, isolated, and not sure how to make friends when we are juggling work, families, and paying the bills. So, my friend, Elise Snowden is here to 1) normalize the fact that adulting and friendship can be challenging, 2) share some of her experience with friendships in this phase, and 3) help us look to Jesus' friendships as an inspiration for our own relationships. 2023-10-1752 minDitching PerfectionEpisode 81: Mentoring Matters | Cherie Reiter & Joy StreightSeveral years ago, Cherie asked Joy to be her mentor, not just for a season, but for LIFE. The consistency, intentionality, and vulnerability that these two cultivate is inspiring and encouraging. Everyone needs someone who is investing in them, and everyone needs to be investing in someone else. Mentoring matters.
Cherie Reiter is an avid God-chaser, wife to Chris, mom to four kids, and co-pastor of The Connection Church of the Nazarene in Castle Rock, Colorado. Cherie is a singer/songwriter and has written and recorded music with a new album releasing soon. J2023-10-1053 minDitching PerfectionEpisode 80: Mom & Daughter Dynamics | Sandy & McKenna KippWe are kicking off our relationships series today, "In This Together," with a darling mother-daughter duo... Sandy and McKenna Kipp! We chat about how they navigated through the almost-always-challenging middle school years, how intentional time together during Covid deepened their friendship, and how they prepared for McKenna to go away to college. Whether you are a teenager or young adult at home, or a parent of a kid at any age, this episode will encourage you and serve as a reminder to give yourself lots of grace. Perfection doesn't exist in parenting or growing up... but intentionality, kindness, and healthy con...2023-10-0353 minDitching PerfectionEpisode 79: Why Inviting Others In Is A Key to Transformation | Danielle ZapchenkGoing it alone is really tempting, right? We want to prove ourselves, show that we're capable, and not appear weak... but in today's conversation with my new friend, Danielle Zapchenk, she and I are chatting about why inviting others in can truly transform us and those around us. Danielle is a mom, wife, speaker, ministry leader, and the host of two podcasts: The Parable Podcast & Together We Rise. You can learn more about her ministry at https://www.daniellezapchenk.com/.------I'd love to hear how you're ditching perfection in your season of life! Let's connect on instagram. You can find m...2023-09-2646 minDitching PerfectionEpisode 78: Teachers Are Superheroes | Jamie LubiensToday, we are diving into a back-to-school conversation with my dear friend, Jamie Lubiens, who is an extraordinary and dedicated educator. We talk all about the challenges and joys of being a teacher… especially in the last few years! Jamie also shares with us a bit about her family’s adoption stories, how she is learning to deal with people pleasing in healthy ways, and… you have to wait until the end to hear two epic facepalm moments—and they both have to do with elementary school gymnastics. Just wait.
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Jamie is a wife to an imaginative dreamer and continual...2023-09-191h 04Ditching PerfectionEpisode 77: Jesus Q&A | Are there good emotions and bad emotions? | John 20:11-18This is the LAST episode of Jesus Q&A. It has been such a transformative series for me. I hope it has been for you too. We are finishing our series hearing the first words of the resurrected Jesus documented in the Gospel of John... and His words come as a question full of empathy, compassion, and understanding. Jesus meets Mary right in the middle of her deep emotions and empowers her to be the first preacher of the message of resurrection. 2023-08-1524 minDitching PerfectionEpisode 76: Jesus Q&A | Whose voice has too much power? | John 18:28-40It is often easier to go along with the crowd than it is to stop and listen. Listening takes intentionality. It means carving out time and space to hear someone’s perspective. It means setting aside our desire to be heard so that we can truly understand someone else’s story. In our cultural moment, we are quick to “cancel” people who have different perspectives, beliefs, opinions, and backgrounds… When did we lose the ability to appreciate someone, even if we don’t hold all of the same perspectives? When did we decide that we can only be friends with people...2023-08-1018 minDitching PerfectionEpisode 75: Jesus Q&A | How do we navigate conflict, division, & polarization? | Matthew 26:55-56There is a lot of conflict, division, and violence in the world right now. It is easy for us to get swept in the finger pointing, us vs. them narratives. It is easy for us to view others as threats and want to do anything we can to secure and protect ourselves. But if we are going to be a part of the restoration story that God is writing in the world, we are invited to follow in the footsteps of the Slaughtered Lamb… Following the Lamb means that we will walk the road of victory, while simultaneously walking the ro...2023-08-0814 minDitching PerfectionEpisode 74: Jesus Q&A | What do I need vs. what do I want? | Luke 22:35-38It is easy to get our wants and needs mixed up. We say we need a coffee to get us through the mid-afternoon slump... We say we need a new pair of shoes before the school year, but are those true needs? In Luke 22:35-38, Jesus' question reminds us that sometimes the stuff we want can actually get in the way of what we truly need.2023-08-0313 minDitching PerfectionEpisode 73: July Re-Cap: Behind the Scenes with Mike and CarlyWe have just walked through an exciting month so we want to share some fun behind-the-scenes stories from NYC, Disney World, and CIY camps... along with some fun family stories. We have lived so many answered prayers and moments of celebration, so we want to invite you into the party! 2023-08-0137 minDitching PerfectionEpisode 72: Jesus Q&A | Why is it so difficult to receive help from others? | John 13:1-17Is it hard for you to accept help from others? In John 13, when Jesus was washing the disciples’ feet, Peter was like, “No way, man.” He may have been ashamed of his grit and grime, or he may have felt like he had the right answer… I shouldn’t let Jesus wash my feet! But Jesus said, “Unless I wash you, you have no part of me.” Jesus’ actions and His words remind us that - Being connected to Jesus and His mission, begins simply with receiving from Him, not achieving for Him. The world tells us that we have to work hard to e...2023-07-2715 minDitching PerfectionEpisode 71: Jesus Q&A | What is the heart behind rules? | John 14:1-6Jesus asks this question of the skeptical Pharisees, “If one of you has a child or an ox that falls into a well on the Sabbath day, will you not immediately pull it out?” And they don’t have anything to say to this question.
When it becomes personal, they would obviously act. They wouldn’t let a rule inhibit them from saving someone they loved or an animal that was connected to their well-being. So, in asking this question, Jesus is reminding us that we are all connected. Everyone’s needs should impact us in a personal wa...2023-07-2514 minDitching PerfectionEpisode 70: Jesus Q&A | Are your priorities causing you to lose yourself? | Luke 9:23-25When we elevate ourselves, rather than elevate Christ, it is actually a sign of shaky trust. Underneath self-preservation and self-promotion is a distrust that God will care for us, guide us, and give us a purposeful life. God wants what is best for us. When Jesus calls us to deny ourselves, it is because the most peaceful, purposeful life is found when we depend first on Jesus rather than ourselves.
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I'd love to connect with you on Instagram @carlycommunicates. If there is ever any way that I can link arms with you in ministry though speaking or worship leading, let me kno...2023-07-2013 minDitching PerfectionEpisode 69: Jesus Q&A | What shapes how I think about Jesus? | Mark 8:27-30In Mark 8:29, Jesus asks Peter: “Who do you say that I am?” Who do you say that Jesus is? Is Jesus your friend? Is He your comforter? Or is Jesus someone who seems far away and distant?
Jesus cares about what we think and how our experiences have shaped our understanding of who He is. Sometimes the pain or the brokenness of our stories can alter the way we see Jesus… and He isn’t offended by that. That doesn’t cause Him to walk away.
Peter and the disciples didn’t fully understand who Jesus was either. Just as He didn’t gi...2023-07-1812 minDitching PerfectionEpisode 68: Jesus Q&A | How do I find clarity in the midst of confusion? | Mark 8:14-21In this passage, we read 8 questions! WOW! That’s a lot. Some of them are rhetorical, and some Jesus pauses for the disciples’ response. Why did Jesus ask so many questions? And why did He specifically ask them to recall the amount of leftovers in the miraculous feedings?
Jesus was asking the disciples questions to help them remember… because remembering helps bring clarity in times of confusion.
I'd love to connect with you on Instagram @carlycommunicates. If there is ever any way that I can link arms with you in ministry though speaking or worship leading, let me know at carlycommunicate2023-07-1311 minDitching PerfectionEpisode 67: Jesus Q&A | What do I do when it is hard to believe? | Matthew 9:28-31Sometimes, we hear stories of people getting healed when they were at the end of their rope and had lost hope that they’d be healed… and God healed them! We’ve also heard many stories, and probably have been disappointed and hurt personally because we’ve known people who were full of faith that they’d be healed, and they weren't. Maybe we even prayed with full confidence saying, “Yes, Lord, I believe you can do this,” and the healing never came… for us or someone we love. This is hard to reconcile, isn’t it?
I am on the journey with yo...2023-07-1112 minDitching PerfectionEpisode 66: Jesus Q&A | How do I find courage when I’m intimidated? | Mark 5:1-20I am intimidated by a lot of things, to be honest. After watching the news, I used to tell my husband, “I just want to move off the grid and live like Laura Ingalls Wilder in Little House on the Prairie.” But as I’ve felt that, Jesus whispers to me, “Don’t let fear and intimidation be your boss.” Fear and intimidation are natural responses, but as one of my fav podcasters, Annie F. Downs says, “Emotions can be in the car, but they shouldn’t be in the driver’s seat.” I appreciate that, because I don’t know if I will ever ge...2023-07-0615 minDitching PerfectionEpisode 65: Jesus Q&A | Where is Jesus in the middle of the storm? | Mark 4:35-41Jesus isn’t shaken by what shakes us. This doesn’t mean He doesn’t care. Oh, He certainly cares about us, but when storms come, His confidence and peace are totally secure.
When Jesus asks, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” I think He is reminding the disciples, and us today, to follow His lead. Where is Jesus in the storm? What is Jesus’ posture? Instead of fixing our eyes on the waves, we are invited to fix our eyes on Jesus… the one whose peace is more powerful than the storm.
I'd love to connect with yo...2023-07-0411 minDitching PerfectionEpisode 64: Jesus Q&A | Who is invited to your family table? | Luke 7:36-50Jesus asks, "Do you see this woman?" because He realizes that our perspectives and perceptions shape how we interact with the world. God is inviting us to see others and ourselves not by what we’ve done or not done, but by who we are… beloved children of God. We’re all seated at the same table.
I'd love to connect with you on Instagram @carlycommunicates. If there is ever any way that I can link arms with you in ministry though speaking or worship leading, let me know at carlycommunicates.com/contact/.2023-06-2911 minDitching PerfectionEpisode 63: Jesus Q&A | Am I afraid to be disappointed by God? | Matthew 7:7-12Today, we're talking about disappointment, so I am sharing my most cringey dating story EVER. It was the worst Valentine's Day ever...
We’ve all been disappointed, had our feelings hurt, or been crushed when people have not kept their word. Sometimes, then, we project our past hurt onto Jesus, closing ourselves off from vulnerability and trust. We set our expectations of Jesus too low, because we just can’t stand to be disappointed again.
But what Jesus is saying here is that He’s not like people. God’s trustworthiness and reliability goes beyond human capacity. To know that true is an...2023-06-2711 minDitching PerfectionEpisode 62: Jesus Q&A | Does shame have a megaphone? | Matthew 7:3-5Shame shouldn’t hold a megaphone in our lives. Yes, we all deal with shame from time to time, but hiddenness only makes the voice of shame louder.
So, Jesus’ questions invite us to take off our masks and address the plank in our eye. We are safe to be vulnerable with Jesus. Jesus doesn’t invite us to talk about mess because He wants to shame us. Jesus wants to free us, clear our vision, and take away distractions so that we can show up for the world with confidence and humility.
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I'd lo...2023-06-2211 minDitching PerfectionEpisode 61: Jesus Q&A | What is causing me to worry? | Matthew 6:27-34Vulnerability alert: In my experience, worry is often perpetuated by my desire for self-preservation, safety, and control. I want to flourish so desperately that my worry actually robs me of peace, joy, whimsy, and hope. In Matthew 6:27, Jesus asks the question, "Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?" This question, and the surrounding words of Jesus from this section of Scripture, point us to some important promises and practices. I am sharing with you some of the rhythms that I have personally utilized to help me in times of anxiety. If you...2023-06-2011 minDitching PerfectionEpisode 60: Jesus Q&A | What lies are you believing about your value? | Matthew 6:25-26There are so many things that cause us to not feel valued. We question our value if we don’t get the promotion at work, don’t get into the top choice college, miss a catch at a game, lose our temper with our kids, don’t see a number go down on the scale, or if we see on social media that our friends hung out last weekend and we weren’t invited. But Jesus' question in Matthew 6:25-26 invites us to sink into what is true. We are deeply loved, adored, and valued because we are God's children...2023-06-1511 minDitching PerfectionEpisode 59: Jesus Q&A | How am I supposed to love my enemies? | Matthew 5:43-48It is tempting to play the inferiority / superiority game, or to point fingers at people who are “lesser than,” but in asking the questions in Matt. 5:44 & 46, Jesus is reminding us that we ALL need help in loving our enemies. It isn’t something that we can do on our own. No matter who we are, we need God’s love to flow through us so that we no longer dehumanize or minimize someone, but we see all people through God’s lens of love.
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I'd love to connect with you on instagram! You can find me ...2023-06-1312 minDitching PerfectionEpisode 58: Jesus Q&A | Do I have something significant to offer to the world? | John 4:1-10It is easy for us to feel disqualified. Like the thirsty woman at the well in John 4, it is easy for us to feel like we have nothing to offer. We may cling to the words that people have said about us, or hold tightly feelings of rejection, abandonment, or betrayal. The experiences we’ve had or the pain we carry may make us feel like we have no value to offer to others… but Jesus says, “I see you, and you have something valuable to share with the world.”
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I'd love to connect with you on instagram! You can find...2023-06-0811 minDitching PerfectionEpisode 57: Jesus Q&A | What are you looking for? | John 1:35-42Jesus asked over 300 questions in the Bible. Instead of coming to hold lectures, Jesus came to have conversations. In this first episode of Jesus Q&A, Jesus' question, "What do you seek?" reminds us that Jesus cares about what we care about. We're all looking for something... and even if we're searching for satisfaction in all the wrong places, Jesus invites us to walk with Him one step at a time. As we do, our desires will align with God's good intentions for us.
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I'd love to connect with you on instagram! You can...2023-06-0611 minDitching PerfectionJesus Q&A: Starting June 6What if, amidst the uncertainties and complexities of life, we discover that the answers we seek are hidden within the questions Jesus asked?
Join me on Tuesdays AND Thursdays for 10 minutes of Scripture study, real talk conversation, and prayer.
Let's keep pursuing wholeness in Jesus rather than trying to have it all together.
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I'd love to connect with you on instagram! You can find me @carlycommunicates.
Each Friday, I send out a bite-sized Bible study to my friends on my email list. Sign up here to subscribe!2023-06-0301 minDitching PerfectionEpisode 56: Pantone Portraits | Music: Melodies as Formation | Molly Wighaman and Matt BeltmanToday, my friends, Matt Beltman and Molly Wighaman are here to chat with us about how music unites us with others, grounds us in difficult times, and seeps into our souls to create meaningful anthems for our lives.
You’re going to love this conversation with these two thoughtful college students who are studying ministry, and serving in the local church. They each are clearly devoted to Jesus, have natural talent in the area of music, and care deeply about discipling the generation after them. Mike and I are grateful to call Matt and Molly friends, and cheer them on as...2023-04-251h 10Ditching PerfectionEpisode 55: Pantone Portraits | Loving Our Neighbors: Listening, Lamenting, and Learning | Herminia EsquedaI am so excited to welcome my new friend, Herminia Esqueda to the pod. Herminia is a pastor, multicultural director, and an Equity, Diversity, Access and Inclusion Administrator in state government. She is an incredible communicator of the Gospel and reminds us of the important call to be a people of reconciliation and peacemaking.
So, in today’s conversation, she encourages us to partner with God, and what God is already doing in our communities through being a consistent and present listener. So often we feel like we have to have ideas, strategies, and agendas — but God is inviting us to love...2023-04-181h 05Ditching PerfectionEpisode 54: Pantone Portraits | Prayer & Scripture: Vibrancy in Ordinary Days | Rachael WadeToday, we are talking about prayer and Scripture, which are often some of the first spiritual practices that come to mind when we think about ways to connect with God… Yet, engaging with prayer and Scripture are often some of the most challenging rhythms for us to maintain.
In this week’s episode, my new friend, Rachael Wade is here to give us ideas and inspiration from her own journey about how to experience God’s presence through prayer and Scripture.
The Pantone color that I chose for this week is Lime Punch. It is fabulous and bright, because prayer and talk...2023-04-1159 minDitching PerfectionBonus Episode: Good Friday | Unexpected Darkness, Unexpected LightThe day that Jesus was crucified was one of the darkest days in history. In the midst of Jesus' crucifixion, He cried out, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" These words were filled with anguish, but also with a startling glimmer of hope.
You may be experiencing unexpected darkness in your life too... and the good news is that we don't serve a God who runs from suffering. We serve a God who runs toward it, for our sake... and because we know that God is with us in our darkest moments, we can...2023-04-0708 minDitching PerfectionEpisode 53: Pantone Portraits | Mindfulness: Being Present to God’s Presence | Alaina HenryIn today's conversation, my friend and licensed counselor, Alaina Henry is here. In this important conversation, we chat about:
- Mindfulness as a way to stop the flurry in our brains to become more aware of God's presences,
- How we've both benefited from therapy and anxiety medication, and
- How seeking help from mental health resources does not make you a less faithful follower of Jesus.
The Pantone color that I chose for this week is “deep lake,” because pursuing wholeness is deep work. For those of us who struggle with perfectionism, we often keep things on the surface, because...2023-04-0456 minDitching PerfectionEpisode 52: Pantone Portraits | Collaboration: The Ethic of We | Katie CastroIf you…
are a strategist who loves to launch new things,
feel more connected with God as you connect with others, or
are feeling stuck and need inspiration about how to make a broader impact in your community…
This episode will ignite passion and purpose in you as we learn from my friend, Katie Castro, about living with an ethic of we!
Katie Castro is a speaker, strategist, and serial entrepreneur. Since her youth, she has been building ideas and micro-movements toward a big mission: flourishing for all. You can catch Katie in a variety of contexts as she serves busine...2023-03-281h 05Ditching PerfectionEpisode 51: Pantone Portraits | Creativity: Baking as a Spiritual Practice | Lauren WillisMy dear friend, Lauren Willis, is my guest on the podcast today. She and her husband, Joel, are some of our closest friends. This fall, Lauren chose to step away from her very successful corporate career as she and Joel moved to Paris, where Lauren is now training to be a pastry chef at Le Courdon Bleu.
During our conversation today, Lauren shares with us how movement and creativity help her connect deeply to our moving, creating God.
Lauren is a sister, wife, friend, daughter, auntie, baker, and a social worker with over 15 years experience in healthcare, most recently working as...2023-03-211h 08Ditching PerfectionEpisode 50: Pantone Portraits | Stillness: Unsubscribe from the Hustle & Grind | April WahlOn today’s episode, we will be chatting about warning signs of burnout, how to practically structure our days around what really matters, and God’s invitation to be still.
This week, the Pantone color that I chose is called Ibiza Blue. It is an island off the coast of Spain with the most beautiful waters. When I think of an island vacation, I think of rest, reprieve, and retreat... and stillness can bring us those gifts in our day to day lives.
My guest this week is April Wahl. April is a middle school ministry director at Century Baptist Church...2023-03-141h 11Ditching PerfectionEpisode 49: Pantone Portraits | Fasting: Connecting a Physical Act With a Spiritual Reality | Rev. Jeni HallMy friend, Pastor Jeni Hall, is here to talk to us about how repeated patterns in our lives form and shape us. She shares ideas with us about how to create rhythms of connection with God centered around the activities we participate in every day… like drinking coffee! :) She also shares with us about fasting. This is timely, because this episode is airing during Lent. We often give things up during Lent, but we may not always understand the WHY behind fasting. Jeni gives us an incredible explanation of fasting, beginning with how fasting is a response to something, rather th...2023-03-0753 minDitching PerfectionEpisode 48: Color Brave, Color Caring, and Color Honoring | Ryan & Ashley Gage Part 2Ryan and Ashley Gage are back this week to chat with us about how to be bridge builders, and what it looks like to see and value each other. If you didn’t hear part 1 of our conversation, I highly recommend that you go back and listen to episode 45.
Friends, I want to let you know that I am on this journey with you. I have a lot to learn about the centuries and centuries of racial injustice, and the racial injustice that continues to happen today. I am committed to do whatever I can to be a part of th...2023-02-2854 minDitching PerfectionEpisode 47: We're Still Throwing Confetti | Sister Maria JuanThe birthday celebration continues today! I am announcing the giveaway winners, continuing the conversation with Sister Maria Juan, and spilling the beans about the new series that we're launching in March!
To learn more about Carly and her ministry, visit carlycommunicates.com.2023-02-2154 minDitching PerfectionEpisode 46: Happy Birthday to the Ditching Perfection Podcast | Sister Maria JuanThe Ditching Perfection podcast is 1 year old, so we are throwing a party! My dear friend and Catholic nun, Sister Maria Juan, is here to share with us about choosing celebration and finding joy in simplicity.
Truly, this party is for YOU! I am so thankful for the community we are building together in our little corner of the internet. You are sharing hope, love, and light in a world where people are so hungry for connection and meaning. So, let's keep widening our circle and inviting others to our little online neighborhood where throwing confetti is the norm!
For...2023-02-141h 04Ditching PerfectionEpisode 45: Bridge Building & Reconciliation | Ryan and Ashley Gage Part 1My friends, Ryan and Ashley Gage, are here to help us kick off Black History Month! We are talking about the gift of listening to one another's stories, widening our lenses, and how God invites us to be ministers of reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:18-19). I am so thankful for my friends, Ryan and Ashley, and I am excited for you to become friends with them too!
The Gages live in Nampa, Idaho where Ryan serves as Worship Arts Pastor at Nampa College Church of the Nazarene. Ashley serves on the campus of Northwest Nazarene University as the Associate Chaplain. They are i...2023-02-0753 minDitching PerfectionEpisode 44 | Faith, Doubt, and God's Mysterious Timing | Laurie Polich ShortHave you ever asked any of these questions:
What in the world is God doing?
Where is God?
How does this challenging season fit into the bigger picture of my life?
If so, today’s episode is for you!
My friend, Laurie Short is here — and she wrote a book about how to hold onto faith when things don’t seem to be adding up. And today is so special because her book, “Faith, Doubt, and God’s Mysterious Timing” comes out today!!
Laurie Short is a speaker, author, wife, and stepmom. She is a graduate...2023-01-3158 minDitching PerfectionEpisode 43: Naps and Snacks | Reading 1 Kings 19 with CarlyHave you ever found yourself totally knocked down by something unexpected? It may be a text from a friend, or feeling ghosted by another friend. Maybe it was just one piece of constructive criticism from your boss that sent you over the edge? I’ve been there, and surprisingly, what we need most in those moments are some snacks and a nap!
We are talking all about this as we look at Elijah’s story in 1 Kings 19. Today, I am going to share with you Week 6 of my Bible study, “The Gift of the Unexpected,” because I think this particular topic hi...2023-01-2433 minDitching PerfectionEpisode 42: The Tables Have Turned... Mike Is Hosting the Pod This Week!To kick off 2023, my husband, Mike, is hosting the show and interviewing me! In this episode, we chat about Top Golf, my *slight* (okay, maybe not so slight) obsession with brightly colored clothes, and how trying new, hard things is a necessary part of our spiritual growth. We are excited to invite you to the Bartlett fam table for this conversation!
Check out my new Bible Study, "The Gift of the Unexpected," at carlycommunicates.com/resources.
Are you looking for a speaker for your next conference, retreat, or church event? If so, I'd love to...2023-01-1756 minDitching PerfectionEpisode 41: “This AND That” Week 4 | Tearing Down AND Rebuilding | Reading Isaiah 7:10-16 with Kat ArmasI am very excited to introduce you to our guest today: Kat Armas. Kat holds a Mdiv and MAT from Fuller Theological Seminary. She is the host of the Protagonistas podcast, where she highlights stories of everyday women of color. She has written for Christianity Today, Sojourners, Relevant, Christians for Biblical Equality, Fuller Youth Institute, and Missio Alliance. She also speaks regularly on race and justice.
Kat wrote a book called “Abuelita Faith: What Women on the Margins Teach Us About Wisdom, Persistence, and Strength.” I read it and have been going through it chapter by chapter with a class at o...2022-12-2058 minDitching PerfectionEpisode 40: “This AND That” Week 3 | Tension AND Peacemaking | Reading Isaiah 11:1-10 with Christine Youn HungThe last couple of years have been marked with such division and polarization. Almost everyone I know has had relational tension because of politics, current events, and differing worldviews.
Today, on the podcast, my wise, thoughtful friend, Rev. Christine Youn Hung is here to talk with us about the THIS AND THAT of necessary healthy tension and peacemaking. As we dive into Isaiah 11:1-10, she and I discuss the difference between peacekeeping and peacemaking, what it means for the wolf to live with the lamb, and how Isaiah’s vision in chapter 11 can change the way we vi...2022-12-131h 08Ditching PerfectionEpisode 39: “This AND That” Week 2 | Grief AND Hope | Reading Isaiah 35:1-10 with Nancy HicksChristmas is often thought of as the season of joy. There are twinkly lights, joyous carols, and delightful sweets around every corner... but for many, this season brings about different emotions: frustration, loneliness, or sadness. If you aren't feeling so "sparkly" and joyful this season, you aren't alone. Jesus has come to meet you right where you are... in the middle of this AND that.
Today, my friend, Nancy Hicks is here to share with us about holding both grief AND hope. Nancy lost her son, David, at the age of 28, about 18 months ago. She vulnerably shares with us about h...2022-12-061h 07Ditching PerfectionEpisode 38: “This AND That” Week 1 | Brokenness AND Restoration | Reading Isaiah 2:1-9 with CarlyOn the podcast this Advent season, we are going to be diving into the weekly Old Testament lectionary passages from the book of Isaiah. As I've been reading and researching for this series, I've noticed that there are contrasting images and themes throughout the passages:
Dark and light
Joy and sadness
Conflict and peace
Brokenness and restoration
Wastelands and wildflowers
Most of the seasons of our lives aren't defined by “This OR That" but “This AND That.”
So, during this Advent series, we will be discovering how to hold the tensions of both the hardships and the gifts of life. I hope...2022-11-2937 minDitching PerfectionEpisode 37: Enneagram 9 | Share the Idea, Verbalize the Vision, and Name the Band | Matt ChitwoodIt is our last installment of the Enneagram series, and my friend, Matt Chitwood is there to chat with us about:
💡 What it is like to be an Enneagram 9,
💡 How his time living in rural China taught him that loneliness is not to be feared, and
💡 How God has helped him see that healthy conflict can actually foster closer connections.
Matt is a writer and speaker focused on U.S.-China relations, economic development and communications. He spent fifteen years living in China, including two years researching rural issues while living in a remote village of 350 tea farmers in Yunnan. He has wri...2022-11-221h 07Ditching PerfectionEpisode 36: Enneagram 7 | Sprinting After Adventure | Liberty FlemingThis week, we are diving into a conversation on the Enneagram 7, with my friend, Liberty Fleming!
Liberty will be chatting with us about:
💡 What it is like to be an Enneagram 7,
💡 How questioning the status quo has paved a way for a life of adventure, and
💡 How learning from people from different cultures all over the world has deepened her understanding of God.
Liberty Fleming is the founder and creative director of a marketing agency, The Freelance Market. She recently launched All for All, a travel photography magazine inspired by her love for travel and human connection. She learned the word “entrepr...2022-11-151h 10Ditching PerfectionEpisode 35: Enneagram 6 | How God WITH Us Compels Us To Be WITH Others | Zach McCauleyThis week, we are diving into a conversation on the Enneagram 6, with my friend, Zach McCauley!
Zach shares with us about:
💡 What it is like to be an Enneagram 6,
💡 How “God with us,” compels us to be with others, and
💡 What wake surfing has taught him about living in the present (rather than withdrawing in fear).
Zach McCauley is an industrial engineer, avid reader, and urban farmer from the Pacific Northwest. Originally from the Seattle area, Zach spent a large portion of his childhood on the mission field in Thailand, where his family ran a home for vulnerable girls, protecting them from the...2022-11-081h 05Ditching PerfectionEpisode 34: Enneagram 8 | Teddy Bears In Cement Suits | Hannah HelwegeHannah shares with us about:
💡 What it is like to be an Enneagram 8,
💡 The difference between transparency and vulnerability, and
💡 How God has helped her realize that not only does God carry her burdens, but God also carries her.
Hannah Helwege is the High School Pastor at Fellowship Monrovia, a Gospel-centered, multi-ethnic, intergenerational church near Los Angeles. When she's not at church, you can find Hannah outside with an adventure on her mind, on a couch with a good book in her hand, at home with her husband cooking a new recipe, o...2022-11-011h 01Ditching PerfectionEpisode 33: Enneagram 5 | Moving From “I Need To Know More,” To “I Am Enough" | James AustinJames Austin will be my guest on the podcast next Tuesday!
He will be chatting with us about:
💡 What it is like to be an Enneagram 5,
💡 His voracious love of learning, and
💡 How God has helped him move from “I need to know more,” to “I am enough."
James Austin is the Pastor of Camas Church of the Nazarene in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. He is a graduate of Northwest Nazarene University and a lifelong student and practitioner in the Christian contemplative traditions. In addition to being a seeker of trut...2022-10-251h 07Ditching PerfectionEpisode 32: Enneagram 4 | Your “Too Much” Is Actually Your Superpower | Ali GentryMy friend, Ali Gentry is here to talk with us about:
💡 What it is like to be an Enneagram 4,
💡 How what you've thought of as “too much” is actually your superpower, and
💡 How God sits with us in our emotions, right where we are.
Ali Gentry is the CEO and Founder of Vibrant Ministries, a speaker, preacher, and radio show and podcast host of “The Vibrant Life Show.” Ali is also the Women’s Ministry Lead and on the Teaching Team at Renovation Church in Phoenix, AZ. Along with traveling and speaking, Ali founded a monthly women’s event in Phoenix called ARISE...2022-10-181h 19Ditching PerfectionEpisode 31: Enneagram 3 | Loved For Who You Are, Not What You Do | Bre Cairns SheldonToday, my friend, Bre Cairns Sheldon is on the podcast to share with us:
💡 What it is like to be an Enneagram 3,
💡 How to recognize signs of stress and overwhelm, and
💡 How God has helped her recognize the difference between healthy rest and avoidance.
We also talk about the best member of *NSYNC, our experiences leading worship together, and the gift of a weekly Sabbath.
Bre Cairns Sheldon is the Executive Director for Midtown Church, a church plant in Boise, ID. After graduating with a degree in Communication from Northwest Nazarene University, Bre spent a year in the business world before enterin...2022-10-111h 04Ditching PerfectionEpisode 30: Enneagram 2 | Courageously Naming Your Need | Kylee Pearson RinconesKylee Pearson Rincones is my guest on the podcast! She is here to chat with us about: 💡 What it is like to be an Enneagram 2, 💡 How to become courageous in naming your needs, and 💡 How God has equipped her to care deeply for people in the midst of pain. We will also talk about playing shuffleboard, our friendship that goes back to elementary church camp days, and the memorable 21st birthday party that she threw for me! 🎂 Kylee is a licensed professional counselor and educator who knows the west coast is the best coast AND yet has been learning and loving the Mid...2022-10-041h 04Ditching PerfectionEpisode 29: Enneagram 1 | Tuning into the Voice of Hope | Trevor LubiensPeople who identify as Enneagram 1s are known to be ethical, responsible, and principled people. Enneagram 1s are often called “Perfectionists,” but a more wholistic name for these amazing individuals is the “Reformers.” Enneagram 1s see the potential in the world and commit themselves to seeing the good come to fruition in their own lives, their work, and in the world around them.
One of the downsides that Enneagram 1s experience is the presence of their inner critic, who often dominates one’s inner dialogue — reminding the Enneagram 1 what is wrong, where they have fallen short, and what they need to do to be...2022-09-271h 13Ditching PerfectionEpisode 28: What is the Enneagram? | Karissa HarrisonAre you signed up for my email list? I send a Bite-Sized Bible Study to your inbox every Friday. If you are stuck and don’t know where to start with Scripture study, join my email list by visiting carlycommunicates.com/resources.
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I am excited to kick off our Enneagram series! A few months ago, I put out an instagram poll, asking what you most wanted to hear on the podcast in the future, and the overwhelming majority of you said you’d love a series on the Enneagram... So, here it is!
In case you are unfamiliar with the Enneagram, it...2022-09-201h 03Ditching PerfectionEpisode 27: The Thing Beneath the Thing | Steve CarterIn Romans 7:15, Paul writes: “I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.” Isn’t that so relatable? Sometimes we find ourselves getting frustrated at our loved ones, exaggerating the truth, or trying to escape a difficult situation, and we wonder what is motivating our behavior.
Today, my friend, Steve Carter, is here on the podcast to talk with us about his book, “The Thing Beneath the Thing.” In it, Steve talks about triggers, habits, and narratives that are powerfully rooted beneath the surface, how we can recogn...2022-09-131h 13Ditching PerfectionEpisode 26: Step One in Dealing with Difficult People | Chats with CarlyThere is so much division right now. We see it on the news, on social media, and around our holiday dinner tables. Today, on the podcast, I will be talking about Step 1 in dealing with difficult people. I am no expert; I am in the trenches with you, but God has used Romans 12:1-2 to guide me to the initial stop on the journey toward relational bridge building: and that’s self-reflection and self-awareness. YES. We can’t control others, but we can control ourselves. So, instead of pointing the finger at others, God is inviting us to look in the...2022-09-0647 minDitching PerfectionEpisode 25: When It Feels Like God is Absent | Dr. Mike KippToday’s conversation is a special one. My friend, Dr. Mike Kipp, is here to share with us, and let me tell you what… I am so thankful for this conversation. Mike is a devoted follower of Jesus and an avid wake surfer. He loves his family deeply, he is a beloved professor of practical theology and someone who dives in to love on the often forgotten people in our community…
And…. Mike has gone through some really tough times. In fact, he went through a time several years ago when he felt like God was absent… Yes. A leader in the chu...2022-08-301h 01Ditching PerfectionEpisode 24: How Your 12 Year Old Self May Help You Clarify Your Passions | Danika LangleyDo you feel unsure of your calling? Are you in a season where you are getting by, but your heart is not on fire with purpose? Looking back at your childhood self—your dreams, your gifts, your passions— may give you clues as to how God has wired you and what steps to take next. My friend, Danika Langley is on the podcast today. I’ve known Danika since she was born. Our families are dear friends. I’ve gotten to watch God clarify Danika’s passions since she was a kid. Danika started going to Kenya as a 12 year old with h...2022-08-2359 minDitching PerfectionEpisode 23: How to Not Let Leadership Suck The Life Out of You | Dr. T. Scott DanielsToday, my Pastor, Scott Daniels, is on the podcast. Scott is one of the most well-respected theologians in our denomination (and beyond) globally. He is also a beloved college professor, a deeply invested pastoral leader, and a mega sports enthusiast. I am so grateful for Pastor Scott’s investment in my life and ministry… As a young leader, trying to figure out what it looks like to be obedient to God’s call on my life, it has been amazing to have mentors, like Scott, as examples in my life, but also voices of encouragement.
As you will hear, Scott has se...2022-08-161h 13Ditching PerfectionMini-Episode: Digital DetoxI know I talk about rest all of the time on the podcast, so I decided to practice what I preach by stepping away from excessive technology use for a whole month!
I am taking the instagram app off my phone and will be saying goodbye to social media for the next few weeks. I will also not be releasing any new podcasts until August 16. So, this month is a perfect time for you to catch up on podcast episodes you may have missed!
I will still be sending out emails each week with a...2022-07-1604 minDitching PerfectionEpisode 22: Living Ten Percent More Brave | Ruthie KimToday, on the podcast, my friend Ruthie Kim is here! After years of leading a thriving non-profit organization, Ruthie felt God compelling her to pass on the baton. She realized that sometimes stepping away makes room for others to step fully into their potential. She was willing to move on so that others could move up. How incredible is that? Ruthie shares what that discernment process was like, how she combatted perfectionism in the midst of the transition, and how she desires to help everyone around her unlock their potential. You're in for a treat today, my friends!
Ruthie Kim...2022-07-1259 min
Ditching PerfectionEpisode 21: How Asking Ourselves What We Really Want Moves Us Forward | Brooklyn Lindsey: Part 2Have you ever chased after an idea, goal, or title, only to realize that it isn’t what you really want?
Brooklyn Lindsey is back this week to remind us to step back and assess our desires. Once we peel back the layers, and understand what we are passionate about, we can take steps to align what we want with what we do. The powerful reminder in all of this is that we can’t do it alone. We need a crash (which is a what a group of rhinos is called) to help us move past what...2022-07-0542 minDitching PerfectionEpisode 20: Why The Things We’re Most Passionate About Are the Hardest to Finish | Brooklyn Lindsey: Part 1Have you ever been deeply invested in an idea or project, but you just can’t seem to ever see it through to competition? To be honest, I have found myself in this situation TOO MANY TIMES to count.
Today on the podcast, one of my mentors, Brooklyn Lindsey is here to remind us to keep pursuing our purposes! Brooklyn is one of the most creative people I know and her vulnerability and unique perspectives will cause you to spit out your coffee and laugh out loud, while simultaneously inspiring you to run after your dreams with gr...2022-06-2841 minDitching PerfectionEpisode 19: The Rollercoaster of Infertility & Relinquishing Control | Chats with CarlySeveral years ago, we struggled with secondary infertility. It was one of the most challenging seasons of our lives that was a rollercoaster of emotions. Some of you may have ridden this same lonely, tear-filled ride as well. In the midst of my frustration and disappointment, God walked with me so closely. I slowly but surely learned to relinquish control and in doing so, I learned that God's goodness is not tied to a specific outcome or circumstance.
You may not have experienced infertility, but I would guess that you have gone through seasons where things just didn't turn out in...2022-06-2143 minDitching PerfectionEpisode 18: Not Letting Criticism Shake You to the Core | Mike BartlettMy favorite person on planet earth is here on the podcast today—my husband, Mike! Not only is Mike an amazing husband and Dad, but he is an accomplished graphic designer and artist. Mike worked for Carhartt for several years, has designed for hundreds of freelance clients, and for the last eight years, he has taught graphic design and digital media as a university professor.
So much of the life of a designer centers around receiving feedback and constructive criticism… which may seem like a perfectionist’s nightmare! However, Mike sees the good in it, and has learned not to let hi...2022-06-141h 07Ditching PerfectionEpisode 17: Making Tough Decisions & Stepping into the Unknown | Sheena MarquisDo you struggle with making decisions? I struggle to pick a restaurant to go to on Friday night, let alone making decisions that will impact my loved ones and my future! It is easy to get stuck in overanalyzing, fear of the unknown, & trying to balance the opinions of all of the people who care about us. Even people with the best of intentions may end up making our decision making process all the more difficult — especially for us who struggle with pleasing people!
Today on the podcast, my friend, Sheena Marquis is here to share her personal experience about he...2022-06-0759 min
Ditching PerfectionEpisode 16: Does God Hear Our Prayers? | Chats with CarlyPrayer can be confusing at times, right? Sometimes our prayers are answered in the way we hoped, and other times, we are left perplexed, hurt, and disappointed. We can’t help but wonder, “Does prayer work? Does God really hear our prayers?”
In today’s episode, Carly talks about how a Paul McCartney concert and Revelation 8 teach us that God indeed hears our prayers. Even in the moments when it seems that God is silent, God is not still.
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I always love connecting with you and hearing how the podcasts are making a differ...2022-05-3142 min
Ditching PerfectionEpisode 15: Ditching Expectations and Learning to Ask for Help | Ashley SomersWhy is asking for help so hard? As kids, it was a norm to ask for help, but as adults, we see asking for help as a sign of weakness. Why is that?
On today’s podcast, my friend Ashley Somers is here to help us learn to get vulnerable, lean on our community, and ask for help. She also wisely shares that so often we miss being present in the present because we are so busy hustling and trying to force our hopes into reality. She helps us learn to live open-handed, ready to ditch our ex...2022-05-2458 min
Ditching PerfectionEpisode 14: The Indispensability of Authentic, Diverse Community | Miley WatermanMother Teresa said, “If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.”
What would it look like if we truly live like we belong to each other? How would our friendships transform? How would this change how we interact with those on the margins?
Today, on the podcast, Miley Waterman is here… and her life says to the world, “We belong to each other.” Miley fiercely listens to, and advocates for those the world often undervalues. In this conversation, Miley will remind us of the importance of intentiona...2022-05-171h 02Ditching PerfectionEpisode 13: What “Encanto” Teaches Us About Perfectionism | Dr. Linda MoonIn this week’s episode, my friend, Linda Moon and I talk about lessons for the perfectionist from the cutest Disney movie ever—Encanto! We DO talk about Bruno (#sorrynotsorry), Mirabel, Abuela, and Luisa, and how they teach us so much about our own struggles with people pleasing, hiding our flaws, and not wanting to rock the boat. Linda and I talk about how easy it is to entangle perfectionism with our identity, but how God is reminding us that our value is not wrapped up in what we do. Today’s episode is *pure gold*! I can’t wait for you...2022-05-101h 02
Ditching PerfectionEpisode 12: Being Fearful Is Not a Character Flaw | Dr. Doug HardyFear is something that we all deal with from time to time. However, sometimes when fear seems to get a grip on us, we feel like we have failed. When this happens, we are slammed with anxiety and shame, which is absolutely miserable. Today, on the podcast, Dr. Doug Hardy is back to remind us that being fearful is not a character flaw. Instead of trying to push fear aside, God is inviting us to acknowledge it and redirect our focus to God's welcome and embrace.
Doug Hardy serves as Professor of Spiritual Formation at Nazarene Theological Se...2022-05-0344 min
Ditching PerfectionEpisode 11: Trading Self-Criticism for Connection with the Compassionate God | Dr. Doug HardyDo you struggle with a pesky inner critic? I do!! Sometimes the negative self-critical voice becomes so loud that it is easy for us to confuse that voice with the voice of God. On today's episode, Dr. Doug Hardy will remind us that God is not shaming us or disgusted with us. God is a "capital C Compassionate God" who invites us to root ourselves in God's loving voice. From that place of love, we are compelled to courageously let go of things (and voices!) that may hold us back.
Doug Hardy serves as Professor of Spiritual For...2022-04-2650 min
Ditching PerfectionEpisode 10: Seeing Your Purpose with Clarity | Chats with CarlyWe can easily become near-sighted—cautious, hesitant, and consumed with what is right in front of us. When everything is in a blur, it is difficult for us to see the future with hope and expectation. Maybe you’ve been there… Maybe you’re there right now. If so, you aren’t alone.
The Easter story reminds us that Jesus meets us right in the midst of our grief, fear, and anguish, and invites us to see the future from His perspective. Jesus doesn’t expect us to fix or control our circumstances. Instead, we are invited to call to Jesus for he...2022-04-1946 min
Ditching PerfectionEpisode 9: Embracing Emotions and Finding God through Seasons of Grief | Mimi PageWe often feel like we have to be the sparkly one in the room. We feel the pressure to always put a smile on our face, while under the surface, we may be experiencing deep brokenness and pain.
On this week’s episode, my friend, Mimi Page is here to remind us that as perfection-ditchers, we are free to experience a whole range of emotions. We don’t have to have it all together, and in fact, God meets us right in the middle of our sadness, grief, and pain.
Mimi Page a Brazilian naturalized Amer...2022-04-1251 min
Ditching PerfectionEpisode 8: Breaking Free From the Pressures of Competition | Lexi Tubbs-WoodThis week on the podcast, my friend Lexi Tubbs-Wood is here. Lexi was a two-sport collegiate athlete and now works for WNBA team, the Seattle Storm. Lexi is no stranger to the pressures of competition. Yet, she has been able to find her value and significance not in her performance, but in her identity as a loved child of God. Lexi is passionate about seeing women rise in leadership. She is someone who will continue to break through barriers and open doors for women who come after her. She is a vivacious young leader with a heart to serve...2022-04-0551 min
Ditching PerfectionEpisode 7: Life Lessons with Lulu on GratitudeThis week, my daughter Lulu is on the podcast! She is a dazzling sparkler who loves Chick-Fil-A, whale sharks, her family, and Jesus. Lulu believes that every day is “the best day ever” and she carries wisdom well beyond her years. I’m absolutely convinced that this episode will leave you with a smile on your face and a renewed sense of gratitude for all of life’s gifts.
In our conversation, Lulu talks about Jesus’ healing in Luke 17. Her thoughts inspired me to think about my own practices of gratitude and how I look for God in unpredic...2022-03-2935 min
Ditching PerfectionEpisode 6: Ditching Perfection as You Juggle Family and Professional Life | Toni NieuwhofWe live in a Pinterest-perfect world where we are told we have to “have it all together.” For many of us, feelings of comparison and inadequacy creep in… especially as we try to balance family and professional life.
On this week’s podcast, my friend and mentor, Toni Nieuwhof is here to help us ditch perfection and embrace vulnerability as we try to balance the various roles in our lives. I look up to Toni immensely; she walks out what she teaches. She has balanced her family and professional roles with grace and a clear reliance on Jesus. To...2022-03-2251 min
Ditching PerfectionEpisode 5: Real Talk about Anxiety | Chats with CarlyAnxiety stinks. Plain and simple. I have struggled with anxiety for years and I know that I am not alone. I talk often with friends who are dealing with anxiety too. Anxiety robs us of our joy and forces us to carry pressure that we aren’t meant to pack around.
Today on the podcast, I am opening up about my struggle with anxiety, and how my counselor helped me realize that perfectionism was actually fueling my anxiety. There aren’t any quick fixes or easy answers. I still deal with anxiety, but I am thankful to have...2022-03-1553 min
Ditching PerfectionEpisode 4: Reimagining Your Daily Rhythms | Sister Maria Juan: Part 2We live in a fast-paced world that can often cause us to feel exhausted, burnt out, and anxious. We clamor to keep up with others, wondering when “enough will be enough.”
On today’s podcast, my dear friend, Sister Maria Juan, is back to encourage us to reimagine our daily rhythms. Sister Maria Juan shares with us about her daily schedule as a Catholic nun. In our personal contexts, we may not be able to replicate her routine. . .but we can take the insights she shares and apply them to our lives. Let’s not let our busy sche...2022-03-0846 min
Ditching PerfectionEpisode 3: Ordering Your Life Around God’s Peace | Sister Maria Juan: Part 1Do you ever feel overwhelmed with the weight of the pressure to meet everyone’s expectations? Do you feel like you are juggling way too much and all of the balls are about to drop? Today, one of my best friends, Sister Maria Juan, is here to share with us about ordering our lives around God’s peace. She will remind us that we not slaves, but we are entrusted kids of God!
You all are going to LOVE Sister Maria Juan. She is one of the funniest and most profound people I’ve ever known. She is a w...2022-03-0157 min
Ditching PerfectionEpisode 2: Don't Wait for the Perfect Time to Pursue Your Dreams | Kenton LeeOh my friends—I can't wait for you to hear this conversation with my friend, Kenton Lee! If you have have been dreaming with God about how to make a positive difference in the world, but you aren't sure where to begin, this is your episode! Perfectionism doesn't have to paralyze us anymore. Kenton Lee is the founder of Because International and the creator of their first project The Shoe That Grows. After spending time living at a small orphanage in Kenya he had the idea for a shoe that could expand its size. It took six years to wor...2022-02-2247 min
Ditching PerfectionEpisode 1: The Ditching Perfection Party!Are you tired of hearing the voice that says, "You can't fail"? Are you sick of feeling the pressure to perform? If so, you are in the right place! Now is the time to ditch perfection and celebrate yourself. Throw yourself some confetti, and pursue your purpose, rather than trying to please people. In the first episode of the Ditching Perfection podcast, Carly will share about her struggle with perfectionism, and how she is on the journey to pursue wholeness in Jesus rather than trying to have it all together. Today's key idea is this: Because God is with us...2022-02-1529 min
Ditching PerfectionDitching Perfection TrailerWelcome to the “Ditching Perfection” podcast: A podcast that will help you pursue wholeness in Jesus rather than trying to have it all together. Along the way, you will hear raw conversations and practical tips that will remind you to throw some confetti and celebrate yourself! Your inner critic doesn’t have to be the dominant voice in your life anymore.2022-02-0302 min
Made For This PodcastMade For This Podcast-Episode 24: Carly BartlettI am so excited to introduce you to my friend Carly Bartlett on episode 24 of the "Made For This" podcast! Carly was so much fun to interview! She is such a great communicator and has so much passion for inspiring others to be "courageous and contagious" followers of Christ. And she was just that in our interview: both courageous and so very contagious! We talk about everything from her family's love of all things Disney, to her exciting ministry, and even her battle with anxiety over the years. You will absolutely love her!
Carly is a wife, mom, pastor, and...2018-10-0459 min