Shows
Out of the Ordinary265. This One is a Must-ListenHow's that for a title? But, friends, it's absolutely true. No spoilers here, but please don't miss the last ten minutes of this episode.Today we're also delighted to bring you along on a face-to-face, Lisa-Jo and Christie, book celebration day. a day of freedom (instead of fear) is possible because God heals the pasthow to ask friends for the support and encouragement we needthe power of a praying friendour podcast has felt like a wonderful dinner party among friends, but even great dinner parties can't last foreverevery end is a new beginningwe look forward together t...2024-05-1543 minOut of the Ordinary264. It Wasn't Roaring, It Was WeepingToday we're delighted to bring you a special audio excerpt from Lisa-Jo's new book, It Wasn't Roaring, It Was Weeping that went on sale this week. Step into the South African outback via a storm that started brewing in Maryland.From Lisa-Jo: I grew up in a family obsessed with stories. My mom used to take me out of school to see “important movies.” Her bookshelves overflowed. And my brothers grew up to make movies for a living.All that to say, friend, I hope you binge this book.I hope it reads like...2024-05-0812 minOut of the Ordinary262. Why This Podcast Is A MemoirWe're not sure why it took us so long to figure this out (and understand how much it matters!), but of course this podcast is like a weekly memoir of ordinary life. Here's what that means for you ...In this week's conversation:Christie and Lisa-Jo explore an epiphany: they've been recording a podcast memoir all these years!Memoir-writing nudges us to reflect on the distant pastpodcasting nudges Lisa-Jo and Christie to reflect on the recent pastLisa-Jo explains the practice she is now using to reflect on the day just pastWhat happens when we pause to notice an...2024-04-2431 minOut of the Ordinary261. Your Scars Are BeautifulOnly a longtime friend can get away with asking some of the questions Christie asked Lisa-Jo today. We hope they are a balm to your own scarred places. In this week's conversation:A kind of live therapy takes place between Lisa-Jo and ChristieFailure turns out to be a powerful catalyst for new thingsGrowth looks unlike what we expect else maybe we'd never even tryIf you've ever felt like life is one wave after another and you can't catch your breath, welcome. Podcast links:We are now ad-free! You can help support our show wi...2024-04-1734 minOut of the Ordinary256. Why Happiness Is Nearer Than You ThinkIn today's episode Lisa-Jo and Christie realize they have both learned how to avoid disappointment and prepare to be happy on a special day ...Lisa-Jo is astonished to learn this about PhiladelphiaChristie shares everything she's discovered about celebrating milestonesThese friends ask: how can we better communicate expectations and desires in relationships? With spouses? young kids? teens? with our friends?Plus, different communication styles and learning to "stay in the room" to unravel communication knots togetherPodcast links:We are now ad-free! You can help support our show with a one-time donation here or a recur...2024-03-1331 minOut of the Ordinary255. Hot Peppers Bring Friends TogetherIn today's episode Lisa-Jo and Christie unwrap a Peck of Purple Peppers and share the story of a sentimental seed and the final book in a gardening trilogy.It's a book launch gift haul -- unwrapped on air. Which of the the three Jane Austen gardening sisters in Christie's Trilogy are YOU? How to name a bookThe powerful narratives that seeds and plants carry through generations.How our family's shape our stories Bonus: Christie reads an excerpt from her new book "Seedtime and Harvest"Podcast links:We are now ad-free! You can help support our show with a one...2024-03-0629 minOut of the Ordinary254. How To Finish WellIn today's episode Lisa-Jo and Christie celebrate a four-year project that is finally complete. What's it like to stand at the finish line?A conversation between friends on the creative process and completing a trilogyThanks to Lisa-Jo, Christie discovers that her book is like a Jane Austen heroineWhich of these three books with their distinct personalities should you read first?How writing a trilogy teaches you contentment (and how that carries over to parenting and marriage)Why some creative projects deplete us and some feel like playWhy Gardening Matters To Christie (and why it should matter to you...2024-02-2830 minOut of the Ordinary253. Confronting Shadows: A Comedy of Errors and HealingLisa-Jo has a personal epiphany in the bathtub this week and Christie offers insights on the healing that comes from addressing our shadows.We're facing our demons this week -- from the safety of the bathtub!Lisa-Jo looks in the mirror of her past and doesn't like what she seesChristie points us to the cyclical nature of life that can bring order and understanding out of the darkness--especially as it relates to parenting teens.Lisa-Jo tells the story of confronting one of the worst shadows from her past on a stage in front of 4,000 people. We want to u...2024-02-2144 minOut of the Ordinary252. The Weird Quirks EpisodeIn today's episode, Lisa-Jo and Christie do something they've never done before ... they invite a third friend into the conversation! This special episode was recorded in person in the Black Barn!We are together again in the Black Barn!Meet our friend and special guest Emily GraffiusFind out what it's like behind the scenes of the podcastWe answer ALL of Emily's questions (are they your questions, too?)Lisa-Jo and Christie's friendship and why we WON'T be breaking up or falling outInsights into motherhood and how to form lasting friendshipsThis one ends with a real eye-opener as Lisa-Jo discovers...2024-02-1458 minOut of the Ordinary251. The Art of ImpactIn today's episode, Lisa-Jo and Christie reflect on the emotional and creative journey of writing and releasing their upcoming books. They discuss the concept of impact, the pressures of going viral, and the deeper significance of friendship and service. Discussion of the process of writing and releasing a bookPersonal stories behind the booksEmotional journey of sharing your work with the worldOur cultural obsession with making an impact Reframing impact and success The impact of sacrificial friendshipPodcast links:We are now ad-free! You can help support our show with a one-time donation here or a recurr...2024-02-0752 minOut of the Ordinary249. The Last One (for now)Who needs rest from creating? In the beginning, God didn't just rest from work but He rested from creating. After burn out, Lisa-Jo and Christie wrap their arms around us and give us grace to pause. Whether you're entering a season of creation or needing a break from creating we can all relate. Sometimes a season calls for a stop. for a pause. for less. You might not need anything new but need to revisit and savor what you already have. "Maybe I don't need something new. Maybe what I need is al...2023-09-0658 minOut of the Ordinary245. You're Allowed Everyday ExtravagancesThis is a story about painting a dining room nearly charcoal black. And the hundreds of hours it took. This is a story about how it turned a dining room into an everyday extravagance. This week Lisa-Jo and Christie remember the great farmhouse dining room painting saga of their first Thanksgiving in Pennsylvania and how it nearly ruined Christie and her husband's respective backs and arms and attitudes. But how it was more than paint. It was the kind of extravagance we get to give one another on the daily. Because this...2023-08-0934 minOut of the Ordinary239. True Confessions of a Friendship FailureWe know friendship isn't always easy. Today we are identifying an issue we all face but as always, there's no prescription. Picking friendships back up after a hiatus isn't always easy. Not all of us live around family and we need friends to fill the gaps. Even some of us have family close by and guess what? We still need friends. You'll leave today feeling seen and full of grace for yourself to move forward with the friends you want to catch up with today! In Today's Conversation: Anyone been in a friendship desert? 2023-06-2829 minOut of the Ordinary238. Making SpaceWhat do you need today? Today we chat about reclaiming space in our souls. There's rest that can come from order in our homes or offices but also rest that can come from order in your soul. Lisa-Jo's husband gave her a simple response that helped her soul last week and we know it'll help your soul too! If you feel like you're going to work or your everyday hustle and going to die, we have an idea that will help. Remember, we can't get out of a hard thing in a week, if we've...2023-06-2131 minOut of the Ordinary237. Confessions of our Dirty ClosetsMotivation matters and Christie and Lisa-Jo are giving you a shot of it today. Quick and painless! Lisa-Jo and Christie are keeping us company as we struggle with the clutter that has ensued through this year or two or three. Don't worry because we have guilt-free solutions. We're given revolutionizing yet simple tips today to gain peace in our space. It's just what we all need at this moment right now. Clutter in the mind can equal clutter in the closets. If your space has hit a crisis point, this episode is for you. Lisa-Jo has an...2023-06-1435 minOut of the Ordinary236. When Finishing is ComplicatedLisa-Jo and Christie give us an invitation to declutter our souls. Whether you're finishing something or in the middle or very beginning, you need the grace and perspective of this episode! When we finish a hard thing, even when we finish it well, it doesn't always feel how we want it to feel. Sometimes when we make it across a minefield, we might not feel delighted but just exhausted. Finishing is a process too. There's not always fireworks at the end. What does it mean to remember and not be paralyzed while looking back? Do y...2023-06-0734 minOut of the Ordinary234. Soul Rest (Round 2)Who else is so tired? How can we find rest? Not everything in the past three years has been lost. We have to find out where it's hiding. Sometimes God invites us outside our rhythm and when we get intentional, we see God showing up. So much has happened for all of us in the past three years. Some of that is the disconnection of the body and our souls have been scattered. Christie shares about needing to be gathered up and made whole after years of breaking. You too? Lisa-Jo says, "There's company in jus...2023-05-2445 minOut of the Ordinary230. The Growth that Really MattersLisa-Jo and Christie talk about everything from carpool to tea time and everything in between as they help us grow a daily life that matters. At the end of the day, we don't make things grow. So much of ordinary life is receiving growth from God. External measures are not necessary for growth. It really is the internal restructuring of our souls that brings the deepest growth. Gardners can choose to tend a garden or let it grow weeds, as goes our internal growth. The soul will continue on and is designed for eternity. How are you te...2023-04-2630 minOut of the Ordinary229. Overwhelmed Much?What gift can Lisa-Jo give to her neighborhood? What about you? You can borrow Lisa-Jo's dad's advice and his three non-negotiables in life. Do you agree with him? Let's get back to the basics. His advice is a balm for our bodies and souls. We're made for significance. Our design is a reminder that we aren't built to work 24/7. Every little bit of care for ourselves counts for something. Need help remembering to pray? Christie's got your back with super helpful ideas. Soul Keeping by John Ortberg is the book that's ment...2023-04-1949 minOut of the Ordinary225. When Self-Care Gets CrookedHow much do you love coffee or wine? Lisa-Jo and Christie are having are riding the sluggard, struggle bus during Lent sometimes and they have helpful nuggets of truth to share with us. In our self-care culture, it's easy to let our sinful nature take us right back to ourselves rather than the cross. There's a difference in self-care that's life giving for those around us and there's the self-care that gets crooked. We want more excuses to serve ourselves but then Lent is holding Lisa-Jo and Christie accountable in this season. When you're feeling the...2023-03-2224 minOut of the Ordinary224. Tiny Happy ThingsWhat makes your daily life rich? Practicing gratitude as a discipline is the vibe for today. Lisa-Jo and Christie have a list that you will appreciate. You'll leave feeling lighter and happier as you smile and laugh along! Please tag us with your tiny happy things in your life right now. Anyone else struggling with your Lent sacrifice like Lisa-Jo? Jesus is here to be her comfort and also yours! Links from the conversation: Clarkson's Farm Blood From a Stone: A Memoir of How Wine Brought Me Back From the Dead by...2023-03-1544 minOut of the Ordinary220. The Gift of the Second HalfWhat did Christie say to shock Lisa-Jo? No one knew this fact about her husband. "How do you recognize "enough" when you have it?" In the second half of life Lisa-Jo and Christie ponder how we let go of the season of hunger to settle for what's right in front of us. This season is more settled with a deeper and targeted work without a hungry need to consume everything. It's good to get to a point you feel full and not push past it. There's an overflow in life. Being more settled is a relief and a str...2023-02-1528 minOut of the Ordinary219. BecomingHow did a podcast comment show Lisa-Jo and Christie's blindspot? Creativity gets more deep and less wide with age. No matter your season, this episode is here to encourage you. Don't let the anxiety of finding the "one right road" stress you out. The end goal isn't to be the best version of you but you're part of something bigger, it's part of joining God in His Kingdom work. When you look at "becoming" as fruitfulness, you can't miss it. Nothing is meaningless or permanent. Lisa-Jo and Christie share a purposeful perspective for our ordinary lives. Podcast li...2023-02-0836 minOut of the Ordinary218. Does Creativity Get Dusty?Why did Lisa-Jo say she feels like a grandmother? As we get older, does the settlement in our age mean we're less creative? If we feel tired does that mean we're past the most creative season in our lives? Lisa-Jo and Christie dig into the facts that we're made in the image of our Creator. Our limits may adjust and our spectrum of change may be different but there's more freedom in creativity as we get older. Join the conversation and get permission to not have to master all the new things and remember to let...2023-02-0135 minOut of the Ordinary216. Back to Ordinary Life: Lisa-Jo's reentry from South AfricaLisa-Jo's daughter, Zoe, has a fantastic take on their family's visit back to South Africa. How do our lives change if we can step out of our regular perspective? Today you can learn from other main characters across the world. There's relief for not being the main character ourselves. We don't have to travel to grow in this area, spiritually or otherwise. Ever had a big change from travel, revelation or on a regular Tuesday with God? It has to become part of us and we can't go back to sleep. Let's help each other stay awake t...2023-01-1836 minOut of the Ordinary214. A New Year's "Yes" Part 2 of 2 (Podcast Vault Series)This is the story of what Christie found at the back of a very messy closet. This is a story about the shadow side of every "Yes." In our lives, and in this new year, are we the gardeners sowing seed, or are we the soil in which our Maker plants seed? If we ARE the soil, how do we prepare ourselves to receive and nurture the RIGHT seeds? These are the questions Lisa-Jo and Christie explore as they trade stories in the second half of a two-part New Year's conversation. ...2023-01-0431 minOut of the Ordinary212. Guardian Angels in Disguise (Podcast Vault Series)This is the story of having a champion. Especially one who doesn't look, talk, act, or sound like a champion. This is the story of surprise characters who become plot twists in our teenage memories. This is how people are very often very different than what we expect them to be. And how two unlikely guardian angels imprinted on the teenage stories of Lisa-Jo and Christie in ways that are just as vivid today as when they were seventeen. And how that affects their parenting today. We hope today you'll pause...2022-12-2133 minOut of the Ordinary207. Get Cozy for these Recommendations Round 2First episode of Get Cozy is #203. We all need some escapes from the world. Lean into the cozy recommendations made by Lisa-Jo and Christie. Things that will grip your soul, make you cry, laugh or make you scared for what's going to happen next. There's something for everyone. Healthy binges and exciting intrigue! Christie's recommendations: Surrender: 40 Songs, One Story by Bono The Man Who Was Thursday: A Nightmare by G.K. Chesterton The Door On Half-Bald Hill by Helena Sorensen Lisa-Jo's recommendations: Trying on AppleTV Inside Man on Net...2022-11-1651 minOut of the Ordinary203. Get Cozy for these RecommendationsKey Conversation Points: Who needs a cozy book or a new show to pe into? Christie and Lisa-Jo have the best suggestions this week! Do you enjoy Sherlock Holmes? Let Lisa-Jo explain how this book ties to him. A Study In Charlotte series by Brittany Cavallaro. Who loves the "Lord of the Rings" and knows about this new show?! The Rings of Power new TV series on Amazon Prime. This book premise is an Author-Mission Impossible dude who shows how Christ saves us. We're shown a version of Jesus in a shocking way and God's passionate pursuit of us. ...2022-10-1949 minOut of the Ordinary202. Muddling Through FaithKey Conversation Points: Is muddling through faith the exception or the rule? Sometimes we can feel like we're following breadcrumbs to connect the dots but guess what we see when we look back?! Lisa-Jo and Christie share moving and personal stories to show us what faith looks like. Faith isn’t passive but it's an in motion experience. We are a loaf of bread that God breaks to multiply. The Black Barn Online community here. Podcast links: Follow Lisa-Jo on Instagram @lisajobaker and Christie at @christiepurifoy and please leave a review about what you think about today...2022-10-1237 minOut of the Ordinary198. Still Sharing a Seat at the TableKey Conversation Points: Why do we keep going with this Podcast Marriage? Lisa-Jo and Christie have learned their dance and we still claim the best stories grow out of ordinary life! There is no golden ticket around the corner and that's as it should be. This podcast is like a table and each week we sit and look at our completely regular life and think it's enough. We keep going because we need these reminders too! Thanks for sitting with us for four years and here's to SEASON FIVE! Podcast links: Follow Lisa-Jo on Instagram @lisajobaker and Chri...2022-09-1442 minOut of the Ordinary197. #8 - How to Hack BACK TO SCHOOL!Lisa-Jo and Christie are helping us get unstuck and have courage to do the thing we really want to try this summer! They are giving us 8 Cliff Notes for being a human. Simple Summer Short Cut Hacks! 1. How to Hack A GARDEN (Ep. 190) 2. How to hack DRIVE TIME (Ep. 191) 3. How to hack READING (Ep. 192) 4. How to hack FEEDING YOUR FAMILY (Ep. 193) 5. How to hack a CREATIVE PROJECT (Ep. 194) 6. How to hack a PERSONALITY (Ep. 195) 7. How to hack a FREE DEGREE (Ep. 196) 8. How...2022-09-0723 minOut of the Ordinary196. #7 - How to Hack a DEGREE!Lisa-Jo and Christie are helping us get unstuck and have courage to do the thing we really want to try this summer! They are giving us 8 Cliff Notes for being a human. Simple Summer Short Cut Hacks! 1. How to Hack A GARDEN (Ep. 190) 2. How to hack DRIVE TIME (Ep. 191) 3. How to hack READING (Ep. 192) 4. How to hack FEEDING YOUR FAMILY (Ep. 193) 5. How to hack a CREATIVE PROJECT (Ep. 194) 6. How to hack a PERSONALITY (Ep. 195) 7. How to hack a FREE DEGREE (Ep. 196) 8. How...2022-08-3125 minOut of the Ordinary195. #6 - How to Hack a PERSONALITY!Lisa-Jo and Christie are helping us get unstuck and have courage to do the thing we really want to try this summer! They are giving us 8 Cliff Notes for being a human. Simple Summer Short Cut Hacks! 1. How to Hack A GARDEN (Ep. 190) 2. How to hack DRIVE TIME (Ep. 191) 3. How to hack READING (Ep. 192) 4. How to hack FEEDING YOUR FAMILY (Ep. 193) 5. How to hack a CREATIVE PROJECT (Ep. 194) 6. How to hack a PERSONALITY (Ep. 195) 7. How to hack a FREE DEGREE 8. How to...2022-08-2425 minOut of the Ordinary194. #5- How to Hack a CREATIVE PROJECT!Lisa-Jo and Christie are helping us get unstuck and have courage to do the thing we really want to try this summer! They are giving us 8 Cliff Notes for being a human. Simple Summer Short Cut Hacks! 1. How to Hack A GARDEN (Ep. 190) 2. How to hack DRIVE TIME (Ep. 191) 3. How to hack READING (Ep. 192) 4. How to hack FEEDING YOUR FAMILY (Ep. 193) 5. How to hack a CREATIVE PROJECT (Ep. 194) 6. How to hack a PERSONALITY 7. How to hack a FREE DEGREE 8. How to hac...2022-08-1723 minOut of the Ordinary193. #4 - How to Hack FEEDING YOUR FAMILY!Lisa-Jo and Christie are helping us get unstuck and have courage to do the thing we really want to try this summer! They are giving us 8 Cliff Notes for being a human. Simple Summer Short Cut Hacks! 1. How to Hack A GARDEN (Ep. 190) 2. How to hack DRIVE TIME (Ep. 191) 3. How to hack READING (Ep. 192) 4. How to hack FEEDING YOUR FAMILY (Ep. 193) 5. How to hack a CREATIVE PROJECT 6. How to hack a PERSONALITY 7. How to hack a FREE DEGREE 8. How to hack BAC...2022-08-1023 minOut of the Ordinary192. #3 - How to Hack READINGLisa-Jo and Christie are helping us get unstuck and have courage to do the thing we really want to try this summer! They are giving us 8 Cliff Notes for being a human. Simple Summer Short Cut Hacks! 1. How to Hack A GARDEN (Ep. 190) 2. How to hack DRIVE TIME (Ep. 191) 3. How to hack READING (Ep. 192) 4. How to hack FEEDING YOUR FAMILY 5. How to hack a CREATIVE PROJECT 6. How to hack a PERSONALITY 7. How to hack a FREE DEGREE 8. How to hack BACK TO...2022-08-0332 min
Out of the Ordinary191. #2 - How to Hack DRIVE TIME!Lisa-Jo and Christie are helping us get unstuck and have courage to do the thing we really want to try this summer! They are giving us 8 Cliff Notes for being a human. Simple Summer Short Cut Hacks! 1. How to Hack A GARDEN (Ep. 190) 2. How to hack DRIVE TIME (Ep. 191) 3. How to hack READING 4. How to hack FEEDING YOUR FAMILY 5. How to hack a CREATIVE PROJECT 6. How to hack a PERSONALITY 7. How to hack a FREE DEGREE 8. How to hack BACK TO SCH...2022-07-2723 minOut of the Ordinary190. #1 - How to Hack a Garden!Lisa-Jo and Christie are helping us get unstuck and have courage to do the thing we really want to try this summer! They are giving us 8 simple, summer short cut hacks! How to Hack... 1. A Garden (Ep. 190) 2. Drive Time 3. Reading 4. Feeding Your Family 5. A Creative Project 6. A Personality 7. A Free Degree 8. Back to School We're saving your life this summer with 8 easy hacks to simplify your life! #1- How to Hack a GARDEN! Tips to Hack a Garden: Emb...2022-07-2021 minOut of the Ordinary185. Seven Party Personalities: #3 - The RomanticWhat is YOUR Party Personality? ☺️🎉🍾 1. The Artist (Ep. 183) 2. The Extrovert (Ep. 184) 3. The Romantic (Ep. 185) 4. The Introvert 5. The Wishful Thinker 6. The Epicurean 7. Connector This summer on the podcast we’re deep diving 7 different party personalities and Type 3: The Romantic is up today! It transcends all the personalities! We all have a romantic in us. Why did Lisa-Jo have a party at 4:30am? Lisa-Jo and Christie help you figure out how to ignite your inner romantic for a party that's out of the ordinary, completely unnecessary and unexpected. A fun, whimsy and "just because" party...2022-06-1521 minOut of the Ordinary183. Seven Party Personalities: #1-The ArtistKey Conversation Points: Summer is a time to gather with your people. It's time for parties! The seven party personalities for seven episodes are as follows: The Artist, The Extrovert, The Romantic, The Introvert, The Wishful Thinker, The Epicurean and the Connector!! The summer podcast is something perfect like a beach read which is not heavy but lighter and delightful. How can pizza and crepes build your community? Christie had the artist perfect party and has all the tips! For the artist, what is the story you want your party to tell? Artists see things that aren't there and...2022-06-0132 minOut of the Ordinary180. A Day in the Life-MORNING EDITIONKey Conversation Points: Growing a daily life that matters isn't one size fits all. It just means to pay attention to what it means for you! Unpack your day with Lisa-Jo and Christie. Join them as the sun rises as two regular moms process their regular mornings. Solidarity! Please raise your hand if your kids drink coffee with you in the morning? It's interesting to decode the parts of our lives and psychology of what makes us feel safe in comparison to how we prepare to work for the day. Does your brain try to trick you with your i...2022-05-1144 minOut of the Ordinary177. Special Grace for Special NeedsKey Conversation Points: There are over 15% of children in the United States with special needs. These precious children are in our schools, neighborhoods, families and churches. We can grow in our mindfulness about their unique needs and learn how to love them and their warrior families. Feeling alone in a crowd with the unique needs of your children can be the loneliest feeling in the world. Have you ever been judged with people's eyes and voices like Lisa-Jo? Lisa-Jo and Christie take the time to remember the past to encourage those in the trenches with little kids today. Whethe...2022-04-2047 minOut of the Ordinary176. Simple Holy Ways to ConnectKey Conversation Points: Is Easter the weirdest time to invite people to church? Lisa-Jo and Christie chat about creating low barrier entry points in our circles whether it's an Easter Egg Hunt or an easy potluck. Church service can be in your kitchen over soup as you share the heavy parts of your story. Gathering and church can be simple, sad and beautiful in your own house, in your own way. What sense of belonging do you have with your friends and if you don't have it, can you start something like Lisa-Jo and her two friends started? Tel...2022-04-1335 minOut of the Ordinary175. Hope is a (Suffering) PersonKey Conversation Points: Last week's episode is here if you’d like to listen to that first as Lisa-Jo and Christie continue to delve through the meaning of hope. What conversation did Lisa-Jo and Christie have that started 14 years ago about a small God? Is the Storyteller feeling sketchy to you too sometimes? You’re allowed to wail and ask questions to God through suffering. Jesus was "acquainted with grief," just like us. Suffering isn't a sign of failure. Sometimes you need a friend to hold the rope of hope, when we've lost all strength. God doesn't say "I can't use...2022-04-0642 minOut of the Ordinary172. Extraordinary Courage in our Ordinary DaysKey Conversation Points: The ordinary moments anchor us and connect us across neighborhoods, states, countries and oceans....even for Lisa-Jo's friend in Ukraine. Lisa-Jo graciously reminds us that acts of extraordinary courage are getting up and advocating for our kids, sick spouse or family abroad or taking time to serve at church or sharing our platforms with someone. It all is courageous in the middle of hard times when all we really want to do is stay in bed. The rhythms of anticipation can feel like Christmas, even as we feel stuck in the end of winter. What is...2022-03-1635 minOut of the Ordinary169. Healing Isn't Comfortable, Do You Still Want It?Key Conversation Points: Lisa-Jo and Christie are taking some assessments of their lives and wondering if they've made mistakes or are currently making them. Where do we want to be by our next birthday? Hear about how Lisa-Jo and Christie are making plans! Lisa-Jo's husband, Peter, said, "We think our job as a Christian is to produce something FOR Christ instead of receiving something FROM Christ." Will we accept Jesus's gentle invitation to go deeper? Even when it cuts deep. Are we willing? Jesus is willing. Getting healing can also mean pain comes too. Lisa-Jo revisits past pain and p...2022-02-2333 minOut of the Ordinary168. Growth From DissatisfactionKey Conversation Points: Did you know about the sweet spot online where Lisa-Jo and Christie combine faith and art that's cultivated into a community? Join us online at the Black Barn Online. Sometimes God calls us to do things that don't make sense to the world. Christie states, "I didn't know I needed it in my life but now I know." If you know you know! Doing the right thing and following your dreams..isn't always a party. What's the dream that's burning in your bones and it's okay if it doesn't look like the picture in your head...2022-02-1637 minOut of the Ordinary165. How To Make Your Life Make SenseKey Conversation Points: It's possible to make sense of the weird parts of our stories. No part of your past is insignificant. God isn't just allowing randomness in our lives for no reason but he's making a pattern. Do you see it in your life? Christie and Lisa-Jo show us the courage and struggle of owning ALL the parts of our story. Anyone can be a gardener. Trust Christie on this. We're reminded that our life is not random. God knows where all the the seeds are planted. Lisa-Jo read from the Chapter entitled "Seeds: Ready, Set, Grow" from Chr...2022-01-2646 minOut of the Ordinary164. Garden MakerKey Conversation Points: Have you killed a house plant before? It actually doesn't mean you are doomed for garden making. Who knew?! No green thumb? There's grace here. Christie Purifoy has written a new book named "Garden Maker: Growing a Life of Beauty and Wonder with Flowers." Thankfully, it's not just for those with a garden. The great thing about Christie is that she's been the one intimidated about growing a garden. She gently guides us through the process with a few seeds. Easy peasy! Need proof that you need more flowers in your life? Christie and Lisa-Jo are...2022-01-1939 minOut of the Ordinary160. Finding the Face of God in the StormOut of the Ordinary Winter Reflections: Where's Jesus on the days when it seems He has fallen asleep in the storm? Jesus was asleep on the boat because he wasn't afraid of the waves. Let's lean into our dear friendships when it gets hard instead of leaning out. Especially now. Especially after this year. Can you be "prayer in action" in this season for someone? Jesus didn't just talk about rescuing, He did it. Look for the face of God this week. He's there in the ordinary moments and in the faces around you. Lisa-Jo is reading from "My Fai...2021-12-2214 minOut of the Ordinary158. The Reflective Pause of WinterOut of the Ordinary Reflections: This season is full of expectations but we aren't living the expectations we see on Hallmark. We are living in real lives, needing a real Jesus in the darkness. We all need a balm of hope to nourish our hearts during this season that helps us take a deep breath. Winter is a pause and gives us space to reflect on where we really are, not where consumer culture is wanting us to be. Where is your heart today? Lisa-Jo is reading from The Shadow Doctor by Adrian Plass. Christie's is reading from: A Ch...2021-12-0813 minOut of the Ordinary157. Gift a Daily Life that Matters. Final Round: Treat YO SELF!Key Conversation Points Everyone wants to feel comfy this time of year and Lisa-Jo and Christie are the same! Grab something off this list just FOR YOU! You deserve it! What products make you so happy? See if you hear about a new thing that will make your life better. There's super affordable options too! Have you seen "Parks and Rec?" We can fill you in- Treat Yo Self origin here Lisa-Jo's list: Hair Wand -L’Ange Le Spirale in Blush 1" (25MM) Titanium Nail polish- Olive and June Get 20% off first-time customerʼs order of any O...2021-12-0141 minOut of the Ordinary156. Gift a Daily Life that Matters. Round 2 of 3: Home StyleKey Conversation Points What would be one theme of your house? Can you guess a theme for Lisa-Jo and Christie's home? There's items in this podcast that are perfect gifts for you home. Please leave comments about what you love the most in your home as gift ideas for listeners! Does a person on your list need some practical gifts that will bring joy? Every gift on this week's episode fills a specific need, while bringing relief, happiness and peace! Lisa-Jo's Gift Suggestions: Cast Iron Skillet Handle Cover Ninja Smokeless Grill XL 2021-11-2454 minOut of the Ordinary155. Gift a Daily Life that Matters. Round 1 of 3: Family StyleKey Conversation Points: Do you plan ahead or are you a last minute shopper? Which one is Christie and Lisa-Jo? Lisa-Jo and Christie have someone to add to your list this year! We can all do something to impact foster care and help children have a place to belong. Click here for the wishlist of items. Gift giving can be tricky depending on ages and where everyone on your list lives. Lisa-Jo and Christie have thought ahead and have some ideas for you! Lisa-Jo's highlights for family gift-giving this season: Hair towel turban Life 360 Taboo Popcorn Maker...2021-11-1746 minOut of the Ordinary154. Do Fences Make Good Neighbors?Key Conversation Points: Lisa-Jo and Christie said "middle finger" on the podcast. What is up with this story?! Lisa-Jo shares about how we're supposed to love our neighbor when they're literally and actively trying to make our lives miserable. Christianeze isn't real life and the Good Samaritan parable is super difficult to live out. Feelings aren't relevant when we're trying to obey Jesus because he says to love them anyway. Who was the mystery man in the dark corner? Jesus doesn't let anyone off the hook, the one who needs a neighbor and needs mercy... THAT person is...2021-11-1035 minOut of the Ordinary153. Graveyards and Twinkle LightsKey Conversation Points: Faith and Halloween can be uncomfortable to talk about but Lisa-Jo and Christie talk through the tension of the American holiday with clarity and grace. As they reminisce about Halloween traditions, please share in the comments about how this holiday has united your neighborhood. Who were Christie's neighbors in Chicago and how did Lisa-Jo never know this?! Christie asks and answers her question, "Halloween is the eve of what?" Lisa-Jo shares with passion and a lump in her throat, "We don't have to be afraid of the things that haunt us." Believers in Christ don't hav...2021-11-0333 minOut of the Ordinary152. Fresh EyesKey Conversation Points: What happens in South Africa at 11am and 4pm every day? Should Americans integrate this too?! How did only three choices at the store help Lisa-Jo breathe? God's first language isn't English. Putting on fresh eyes, helps us gain major perspective. God's comfortable in all the new places we go, even the dark. When you're discouraged by a sliver of your story, there's hope. Lisa-Jo and Christie share why. Christie mentions the Grocery Run podcast here. Follow Christie on IG @christiepurifoy Find Lisa-Jo's Reels of her South Africa trip are on IG @lisajobaker Podcast link...2021-10-2738 minOut of the Ordinary149. Why Your Grocery Run MattersKey Conversation Points: What's your guess for Christie's new, life-giving rhythm that she didn't ask for but is receiving well? Christie's grocery list befuddles Lisa-Jo and we can learn from this! Clue: There is such a thing as imposter olive oil and it may or may not be sitting in Lisa-Jo's pantry right now. When do you have space in your week to free your brain? Ideas are in this episode! Let's remind ourselves WHY the meaning in the middle of our weeks really matters! It can be a sacred liturgy. What new thing is Lisa-Jo doing that she h...2021-10-0633 minOut of the Ordinary148. A Rescue from Your Daily RutKey Conversation Points: Who remembers the tag line for our new and improved podcast? Lisa-Jo is working on it. We've all been there. Join Lisa-Jo and Christie as they discuss the lowbar of hygiene, losing tempers at stupid socks and men who don't use their phones for incoming calls. Christie, "The ordinary can feel like the quicksand that's got a hold of us." Our work can feel wasted in the routine but there is a renewal of all things. Does our refrigerator really give us a look into our mental state? Heaven help us! How is it possible to c...2021-09-2934 minOut of the Ordinary137. Too Small to IgnoreToday's Out of the Ordinary Book: Too Small to Ignore, Wes Stafford Key Conversation Points: How did Lisa-Jo and Christie's recent trip to Lancaster, PA remind Christie of Narnia? A Virtual Event is coming! Listen for details about this incredible unique celebration to see into Christie and Lisa-Jo's friendship and life. We must believe children in what they tell us about abuse. "I BELIEVE YOU!" Wes Stafford writes that there's an invisible war raging over our children but Satan and God don't forget they exist. What's a way to open up your home to c...2021-07-1441 minOut of the Ordinary134. Behind the Books: A Big Reveal!This week is the first in a special series we'll be dipping into every now and again that we're calling "Behind the Books"-- a chance for us to hear from authors and learn more about the story behind their books. This week Christie is in the hot seat with a big new reveal. Today's Out of the Ordinary Book: Garden Maker: Growing a Life of Beauty and Wonder with Flowers, Christie Purifoy Key Conversation Points: We go behind Christie's newest book to give you the scoop on the title...2021-06-2346 minOut of the Ordinary130. Dealing with the Weeds and Emails of LifeToday's Out of the Ordinary Book: Tasha Tudor's Garden by Tovah Martin Key Conversation Points: Lisa-Jo and Christie have mini panic attacks related to the admin of life What's lurking beneath Christie's garden (and you'd never know from her Instagram photos) What if you didn't have to deal with the business of being human? Is there a downside? The one thing NOT to say to a gardener Click here to join the conversations we have with listeners every week around the podcast. Click here to get a lovely little peek i...2021-05-2643 minOut of the Ordinary125. Navigating through Hard HeadlinesToday's Out of the Ordinary Book: A Prayer for Orion: A Son's Addiction and a Mother's Love, by Katherine James Key Conversation Points: Why Lisa-Jo was jealous of a mother living through every parent's worst nightmare? Whether Lisa-Jo or Christie tends to be the more judgey and what the antidote is Christie's honest response to hard headlines How books help us decode our own darkest nights. Click here to join the conversations we have with listeners every week around the podcast. _______ Sponsor appreciation: We're so grateful to partner with show s...2021-04-2143 minOut of the Ordinary124. Can You Trust Us?INTRODUCING: Out of the Ordinary BOOKS! Where we believe that the books we read help us better understand the lives we lead. Every week we will share an out of the ordinary book and how it can help you make sense of your story too. These aren't book reviews or recommendations, these are conversations about some of our best friends, worst enemies, toughest coaches, most passionate lovers, and kindest teachers that line our book shelves. As we begin season 3 of the Podcast, we thought it was time for a new twist to our...2021-04-1439 minOut of the Ordinary121. REUNITED (and it feels so good!)This is a story about finally being back in the same place one year later! This podcast has always been rooted in a specific place, Christie's 100 year old farmhouse, Maplehurst. It's where all the episodes have been recorded in person until 2020 when everything went into lock down. Today Lisa-Jo and Christie welcome all their listeners back into this moment of finally being reunited in person, in this special place that holds the DNA of this podcast. It wasn't what either of them expected. And it's a microcosm of another place they've been building...2021-03-2431 minOut of the Ordinary114. When She Has What You (Think) You Don'tThis is a story about lack vs abundance. Sometimes the lives we see our friends leading feel like they amplify our lack. Lisa-Jo and Christie share an honest example from their friendship right now. We hope this helps next time you think God passed by your house when it comes to answered prayers. Links from this week's episode: Click here to join the conversations we have with listeners every week around podcast. _______ Sponsor appreciation: In these uncertain times we're so grateful to partner with show sponsors that...2021-02-0336 minOut of the Ordinary112. We Hear from the Husbands!This is a story about supporting your partner as they pivot. This week on the podcast, our husbands join the conversation! Peter and Jon takes us behind the scenes, sharing what it's been like to be married to creatives who totally pivoted from the degree and career that was planned and launched out into the scary world of entrepreneurship. It's an honest conversation that helped Lisa-Jo and Christie experience what it's like to be on the other side of the microphone--having the freefall experience of trusting someone else to tell your story, not knowing what...2021-01-2045 minOut of the Ordinary103. We Disagree. Now What?This is a story about battlegrounds. States, friendships, families. We're all living through hard conversations these days. Is there a way to survive and maybe, even, thrive through them? Lisa-Jo and Christie walk us through their friendship and how to have a hard conversation. There's nothing more ordinary than a disagreement, right? Is there a way to have one that doesn't leave us all in various states of tears, stress or rage around the mashed potatoes and gravy? Today we unpack the ways we're finding to navigate through the landmines of those daily difficult moments.2020-11-1841 minOut of the Ordinary101. Homesick for the HolidaysThis is a story about how to go home when you can't go home. We know this year feels different in so many ways. Which means the holidays might look different and going home might not be possible for all of us. Today Lisa-Jo and Christie both share stories about interrupted travel home and what to do with that universal longing when we can't actually go home. It's the unexpected gift from a Father who does call us home and will bring us there safely, maybe taking the long way. PS...2020-11-0434 minOut of the Ordinary97. Lisa-Jo Gets Her FixThis is a story about something Lisa-Jo (and all of you?) has been missing and craving terribly during this quarantine. Today Christie gives her (and all our listeners) a fix! Links from this episode: Paper&String Subscriptions: outoftheordinarypodcast.com/ps _______ Sponsor appreciation: In these uncertain times we're so grateful to partner with show sponsors that keep making our work possible. Click here to join over 1 million people taking charge of their mental health through the online counseling offered by BetterHelp. Get 10% off your first month...2020-10-0728 minOut of the Ordinary90. Know Your LimitsThis is a story about a completely unexpected development in both Christie and Lisa-Jo's lives. These uncertain days crave pockets of certainty. Here is one change that has proved certain, scientific results with real mental health benefits. It was unplanned and wildly unprecedented for both Lisa-Jo and Christie. Maybe it's a way to help you as you navigate your own limits in these days, looking for ways to alleviate stress. We welcome you to join us! Connect with us on Instagram! @lisajobaker @christiepurifoy _______ Sponsor appreciation: In these uncertain t...2020-08-1938 minOut of the Ordinary89. What's Saving Our Lives These DaysThis is a story about a few very specific things that are making a very real difference in our days. When it seems like all hope is lost, turns out it never actually is Join Lisa-Jo and Christie this week as they share what's getting them through the groundhog days of this season. And follow them on Instagram where they share the journey in real time: @lisajobaker @christiepurifoy _______ Sponsor appreciation: In these uncertain times we're so grateful to partner with show sponsors that keep making our work possible. Click here to check...2020-08-1242 minOut of the Ordinary88. Parenting in a PandemicThis is a story about being homesick for how home used to be. About loving our people and still wishing NONE of them were in our house right now. And how to do all that on the days you feel like you're literally losing your mind. This is parenting in a pandemic. We talk about WHY it is so, so hard. And how to begin processing the experience. Follow Lisa-Jo and Christie on Instagram where they share what the journey is like in real time: @lisajobaker @christiepurifoy _______ Sponsor appreciation: In...2020-08-0539 minOut of the Ordinary85. Christmas in July!This is TWENTY of our favorite Christmas stories! Buckle up, here come a smorgasbord of our very favorite Christmas reads! Last December we'd created a special bonus podcast episode that folks were able to download as a standalone paid episode. This summer, we thought it would be fun to finally release this nearly two hour binge listen to our whole audience. Lisa-Jo and Christie share their Top 10 Christmas reads that include novels, cook books, mysteries, picture books for the kids, faith reads, fiction, and poetry. What better time than the heat of summer...2020-07-151h 47
Out of the Ordinary59. A New Year's "Yes!" (Part 2 of 2)This is the story of what Christie found at the back of a very messy closet. This is a story about the shadow side of every "Yes." In our lives, and in this new year, are we the gardeners sowing seed, or are we the soil in which our Maker plants seed? If we ARE the soil, how do we prepare ourselves to receive and nurture the RIGHT seeds? These are the questions Lisa-Jo and Christie explore as they trade stories in the second half of a two-part New Year's conversation. ...2020-01-1531 min
Out of the Ordinary57. 2 Hard Holidays and A Holy Night (Part 3 of 3)This is the story of 1 hospital conference room and 1,000 lanterns in the sky. Here comes the final installment in our 3 part journey unpacking our hard Christmas stories on the way to this sacred holy and completely unexpected night. (You can listen to Part 1 and Part 2 in Episodes 55 and 56). Join Christie and Lisa-Jo as they learn that Christmas isn't some delicate ornament easily shattered by our own disappointed expectations, irritations and temper tantrums. Instead it's as solid as the earth beneath our feet. This is not a fragile time of year. Much t...2019-12-1135 min
Out of the Ordinary54. The One Thing We Won't Do This ChristmasThis is the story of a terrible, no-good, but oh-so-hilarious Christmas card photo. These are stories about the things we will NOT be doing this Christmas season. Does the approach of Christmas feel a little less joyful than you wish it would? Are you already tired? Already feeling inadequate to the demands of the season? Then this episode is for you. We can't tell you exactly what you should or shouldn't do this season. We have no three-step plan for success to offer. But we have our stories. We have our...2019-11-2034 min
Out of the Ordinary53. Guardian Angels in DisguiseThis is the story of having a champion. Especially one who doesn't look, talk, act, or sound like a champion. This is the story of surprise characters who become plot twists in our teenage memories. This is how people are very often very different than what we expect them to be. And how two unlikely guardian angels imprinted on the teenage stories of Lisa-Jo and Christie in ways that are just as vivid today as when they were seventeen. And how that affects their parenting today. We hope today you'll pause fo...2019-11-1332 min
Out of the Ordinary51. When You're Tired of Making Dinner. Again.This is a story about being fed. Lisa-Jo and Christie describe the lengths they'll go to fuel themselves for these podcast recording sessions. From Coke Zero to hot, milky tea and homemade soup, they've learned that it isn't only athletes who need to be carefully nourished. And one of the great pleasures of ordinary life is ordinary, daily food. Of course, feeding ourselves and others can also feel like a chore, and that's what this conversation is all about: why we eat what we eat and how to find more joy in the m...2019-10-3034 min
Out of the Ordinary50. The Great Thing About Not Having EnoughThis is a story about Not Enough. Not having enough. Not being enough. Lisa-Jo and Christie speak honestly about their own personal empty jars (that never do run out of oil). They describe the small plates of loaves and fishes served to them by others (that satisfy like nothing else). Because MIRACLES are one of their favorite ordinary things. That's right, with eyes to see, they are learning that extraordinary miracles are woven into the fabric of our daily lives. When we offer our seemingly empty jars, when we serve...2019-10-2337 min
Out of the Ordinary49. In the Presence of Your EnemiesThis is the story about sitting down to do the thing God invited you to do, even though your worst fears are staring straight at you. Why isn't it easier to do what we feel made to do? Why can it be so hard or so exhausting or so scary? Lisa-Jo and Christie honestly share some of their behind the scenes stories of the fears they battle any time they accept an invitation from the Lord to do something for Him and His Kingdom. They try to tell the truth about how daunting i...2019-10-1630 min
Out of the Ordinary48. How to Watch TVThis is Season 2 of the Out of the Ordinary podcast, where we believe that the very best stories grow out of the soil of ordinary life. This is a story about stories. This is a conversation about one of our favorite ordinary things: television! Lisa-Jo and Christie see the world through STORY lenses. Join them as they talk about how and why they watch tv and film, on their own and with their families. As you tune in today, we'd love if you would leave a review and share a bit of YO...2019-10-0951 min
Out of the Ordinary40. Christie Was Wrong (and Martha Stewart Was Right)This is a story about Martha Stewart's magazine. And how Christie was disappointed by the gardening issue. Until this happened. Christie did not used to be a gardener. Lisa-Jo has no idea what Dahlias are. They both have strong feelings about Martha Stewart. And by the end of the story Lisa-Jo can't believe what either Martha or Christie did. Listener invitation: Are you a gardener? Even if you're just a beginner won't you tag us on Instagram and share a photo of YOUR garden with us? Just share...2019-06-2632 min
Out of the Ordinary37. You're Invited to the Black Barn!This is an invitation. But before the invitation? A story, of course. This is the story of grass seeds and weeds. This is a story about the hard, daily work of preparation and how good that work can be. Lisa-Jo and Christie are inviting a small group of readers and listeners to join them for a gathering in celebration of Lisa-Jo's new book The Middle Matters. But first? There is particular work to be done, and this is a conversation about that work. Whether or not you have a barn of your own, whe...2019-06-0534 min
Out of the Ordinary35. Why We Cancelled Our First Podcast PartyThis is the story of a party that never happened. And the reasons why we're grateful for that. May 4th was supposed to be our first live podcast event at Christie's Black Barn. But, as so often happens in life, our eyes and dreams had been bigger than our stomachs or ability in this case. And it turned out to be a good thing. Here's a story for anyone disappointed that they weren't able to meet their own goals on time. Who believes that if they're behind, then they've lost the race. Who needs to b...2019-05-2235 min
Out of the Ordinary31. Our Favorite NeighborThis is a story about a man who moved into our neighborhood and it changed everything. This week Lisa-Jo and Christie remember the cultures and friendships and travel that have defined their understanding of their favorite neighbor. Lisa-Jo takes us back to her two years in Kyiv, Ukraine and Christie remembers how her parents lived a legacy of missions from their Texas home. Listener invitation: Where in the world are you listening from? We'd LOVE to hear from you -- tag us in Instagram @lisajobaker and @christiepurifoy Listener Resources! Get $...2019-04-2431 min
Out of the Ordinary30. You're Allowed Everyday ExtravagancesThis is a story about painting a dining room nearly charcoal black. And the hundreds of hours it took. This is a story about how it turned a dining room into an everyday extravagance. This week Lisa-Jo and Christie remember the great farmhouse dining room painting saga of their first Thanksgiving in Pennsylvania and how it nearly ruined Christie and her husband's respective backs and arms and attitudes. But how it was more than paint. It was the kind of extravagance we get to give one another on the daily. Because this is l...2019-04-1733 min
Out of the Ordinary29. Our Easy Recipe For HospitalityThis is a story about an epic Easter egg hunt. This is a story about easy, life-giving hospitality. This week on the Out of the Ordinary podcast, Lisa-Jo and Christie describe in uproarious detail their most favorite, shared annual event. Here are all the practical instructions on the easiest way to host the most people at your home. Easter hasn't happened yet. There's still time! Or maybe just listen and dream for next year. Whether you're an introvert or an extrovert, whether you live in a farmhouse or an apartment, hospitality can be...2019-04-1030 min
Out of the Ordinary22. An Easy Way to Reset Your DayThis is a collection of love stories about the old fashioned cuppa tea. It's no secret that Lisa-Jo and Christie love a good cup of tea. Hot, cold, dark, red, or herbal tea is a hot trend these days. But Lisa-Jo's love for the sweet beverage was born even before she was. And Christie was an early adapter Between them they invite you to put your feet up, pour a cuppa and listen in as Lisa-Jo shares about her surprising tea discovery while working at the Pretoria News newspaper in South Africa, Christie takes us t...2019-02-2039 min
Out of the Ordinary21. How Not To Fear GriefThese are the stories of friends who showed up like beacons. If Episode 20 was all about the foreign country of grief, these stories will give you the courage and the advice you need to journey to that intimidating place without fear. Perhaps life has already brought you to that hard place. Perhaps a friend has recently crossed over, and you are wondering how to help her. Lisa-Jo and Christie have grieved and grieved with others, and they trade stories of what helped and why. Does suffering frighten you? Do you worry you'll say...2019-02-1330 minOut of the Ordinary20. Why It Might Be Time To Claim A New NameThis is the story of a man who chose his own name. And this is the story of a name handed down from mother to daughter to son. If Episode 19 was all about letting go of hurtful labels, this episode is about the importance of claiming a name. Christie and Lisa-Jo return to their conversation in Episode 11 (When Life Feels Like a Series of Interruptions) to share more about the tragic loss of Christie's brother-in-law three years ago, and the legacy he left for his wife and young children. Lisa-Jo shares more about the...2019-02-0635 min
Out of the Ordinary18. Why We Were Wrong About Marie Kondo This is the story of the secret shame we all carry about our houses. And the one thing that can free you from it. This is a story about Christie's house Maplehurst being adrift in a sea of mud and construction and the pungent smell of mushroom farms nearby. And what Lisa-Jo's daughter said to change how Christie sees/smells her house. There is nothing like the power of seeing your home and your life through someone else's eyes. For better or for worse. This week Christie admits her own secret house shame. Lisa-Jo admits...2019-01-2338 min
Out of the Ordinary13. How to keep doing your Ordinary Work without Feeling Discouraged during the Holiday SeasonThis is the story of how to keep doing your ordinary work without feeling discouraged during the Christmas season. The wonder of the holidays can be diluted when we have to balance it with the work we do that makes gifts and celebrations possible. This week Lisa-Jo and Christie unpack the reality that everything doesn't stop just because it's December. Instead there are still deadlines and work commitments and maybe that's actually OK too. Maybe we don't need to believe the Hallmark premise that everything stops around the holidays in time for hot chocolate and mistletoe. Maybe...2018-12-0532 min
Out of the Ordinary11. When Life Feels Like a Series of InterruptionsThese are the stories of a sick child and the birth of a book. "How do you do it all?" we're often asked. The short answer? We don't. The longer answer? Well, those are the stories we're telling today. Because life often feels like a series of interruptions stitched together. But interruptions can be invitations. Invitations to rest, invitations to care, invitations to pay attention. Interruptions can also be serious, heavy disruptions. What then? Lisa-Jo and Christie talk about the days when nothing goes as planned. Interruptions are always inconvenient, they are sometimes...2018-11-2132 min
Out of the Ordinary10. When You Feel InvisibleThis is the story about an invisibility cloak. Because it's only natural to feel unseen when the ordinary routines of ordinary life close in around us. No one is handing out gold stars for washing the dishes, or changing the oil in the car, or dealing with that pile of junk mail. No one gives a round of applause when we tackle one more ordinary task on one more ordinary day. Or maybe someone does? Lisa-Jo and Christie share stories of invisibility and ask whether our hunger for recognition and approval might actually...2018-11-1329 min
Out of the Ordinary9. What If Hope Scares You Silly? This is the story about a house, a baby, and a hope disappointed. Lisa-Jo and Christie get real honest this week as they wonder out loud if hope really is a risk worth taking. Because what if you're disappointed. What does that say about the God you believed and hoped in? What does that say about you? They both share their riskiest hope stories today. How they were both deeply disappointed and then what came next. They'd love to hear what your experiences with hope have been like. Come say hello on...2018-11-0737 min
Out of the Ordinary6. Here is Your New Business CardThis is the story about a business card. For years, Lisa-Jo and Christie defined their significance according to the business cards in their pockets. They knew just what they wanted those cards to say, and exactly what they never wanted to see printed there. But their job titles along with their professional and personal roles have changed significantly over the years, and navigating those transitions has led them to the same realization: our significance is determined by God alone. No matter what our business cards do or do not say, God names each of us "...2018-10-1737 min
Out of the Ordinary5: How to Know When You've Had EnoughThis is the story about being full. Really it's the story about understanding the difference between being empty, being full and then being stuffed to feeling sick. And we're not even talking about food. This is an honest conversation about what we hunger and thirst after. How do we fix our cravings? This week we dig into the idea that enough might be a life goal worth pursuing. But to do so we need to know when we've reached, enough, in a culture always hungry for more, more, more. Join the...2018-10-1037 min
Out of the Ordinary4: How Our Show Got Its Name This is the story about strawberry jam and Wednesday night parenting. Because this is the story about how our podcast got it's name. Buried deep in the thick of the most ordinary things we could think of was the surprising discovery that everything we valued most might easily be described as ordinary, if not even boring on some days. It was an unexpected person who pointed out to us the obvious name for our show that we'd totally missed. Which in turn inspired us to start looking at these small, seemingly ordinary traditions a...2018-10-0325 min