February 2025

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(Note: This first published on October 12, 2023 and is an adapted transcript from one of my former iBelieve video devotions.)

I’ve found, I most need to laugh when I least feel like laughing. For my mental health, for the health of my relationships, and sometimes for the perseverance to push through challenges. When I feel anything but cheerful and humorous, that’s precisely when I need to find a way to intentionally bring sunshine into my day. 

Years ago, when my husband and I were fighting for our marriage, and I mean fighting–for a relationship we’d mentally given up on only months before, we learned we needed to take time for fun. Especially when working through difficult stuff. And I have to tell you, that was hard. My pride tempted me to isolate myself, but our counselor told us we needed to take time to play. Otherwise, she warned, we might forget why we fell in love and that we weren’t enemies, regardless of how we felt in that moment. 

While I wish I would’ve done this more, I intentionally found ways for us to laugh, together. I purposefully cultivated silliness into our relationship and our home. I believe this became the glue that held us together and kept our hearts soft toward one another when the stress of life could’ve pulled us apart. 

When life feels really stressful, like I have more to do than time to do it in, I know I need to intentionally set an afternoon aside to fortify my soul with laughter.

A joyful heart is good medicine,  but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

Maybe you’ve felt the last half of that verse. Maybe your life this year has felt anything but cheerful. Maybe laughter has all but disappeared from your home, from your relationships, and your heart. I’ve been there, and man, is it hard. Much too hard, in fact. And when I land in that place, I intentionally find reasons to laugh. 

At first, it might feel fabricated, forced. But soon, it becomes a habit, one that fills my heart with joy and soon spills from me, contagiously. It changes the tone of my home and my relationships for the better. 

Try it, because right now we could all use all the sunshine we can get. 

These videos may help:

And make sure to catch this week’s Faith Over Fear episode:

Hope When Life Hurts: Trusting God When Life Doesn’t Make Sense – Faith Over Fear

In seasons of deep pain, unanswered questions, and emotional exhaustion, hope can feel distant—or risky to embrace. In this powerful conversation, Jennifer Slattery sits down with author and speaker Kirby Kelly to explore what it looks like to hold onto hope when life feels overwhelming. Drawing from her personal story of loss, addiction in her family, and long-term suffering, Kirby shares how God met her in her darkest moments and gradually transformed her understanding of hope—not as a feeling or personality trait, but as a posture and daily practice rooted in Christ. Together, they discuss how to trust God when circumstances don’t change, how Scripture renews our thinking, and how God uses every season—painful or joyful—to bring redemption. If you’ve been struggling to believe God is good, or wondering how to keep going when you feel worn down, this episode will gently guide you back to the unchanging character of the God of hope. Resource referenced: The Fabric of Hope: How God Weaves Redemption into Every Season by Kirby Kelly 📖 Scripture Discussed Romans 15:13 – God as the source of hope, joy, and peace Psalm 139:5 – God’s nearness and protection (“You hem me in…”) Genesis 37–50 – Joseph’s story of suffering and redemption Job (selected passages) – Trusting God without having answers 2 Corinthians 12:7–10 – Paul’s “thorn” and God’s sustaining grace Galatians 5:22–23 – Fruit of the Spirit (joy and peace) Matthew 11:28–30 – Jesus invites the weary to find rest Reflection Questions: Where in your life does hope feel difficult—or risky—to embrace right now? Have you been placing your hope in a circumstance instead of in God’s character? What past situation can you look back on and clearly see God’s faithfulness? How might regularly reading Scripture begin to renew your thinking in this season? When you feel overwhelmed, what would it look like to pause and intentionally turn toward God’s presence? Which aspect of God—His promises, presence, patterns, or person—do you most need to anchor yourself in today? What is one action step God is inviting you to take having listened to this episode? Connect with Kirby Kelly: On her website On Instagram On Facebook On YouTube Follow her work on Amazon Find Jennifer Slattery: On her website Instagram Facebook Amazon Subscribe to her free newsletter Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
  1. Hope When Life Hurts: Trusting God When Life Doesn’t Make Sense
  2. How to Trust God When Prayers Go Unanswered
  3. Calming Anxiety and Fear with Biblical Truth
  4. When Shattered Dreams Leave You Humiliated
  5. When Life Feels Unfair: How to Trust God When Hardship Hits

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Scripture tells us that God’s power is made perfect, or complete, in our weakness. But what does that mean, exactly? And how can that help us get through long, tiring winter days when life’s demands continually grow and our energy wanes? My sweet friend, speaker and Bible teacher Becky Harling, shares her soul-fortifying insights in the below post, which I snagged (by permission!) from her website.

Strength for When You Feel Weary

by Becky Harling

Do you ever feel completely spent—like you’re running on empty? Maybe you’ve been battling a relentless illness, or perhaps you’ve been pouring out your heart in prayer for a loved one without seeing change. Or, maybe you’re simply tired from the daily grind, struggling to keep up with life’s demands. Whatever the cause, we all experience seasons of exhaustion. In those times, we desperately need to find renewed strength. But how do we access it?

David reminds us in Psalm 18:1, “The Lord is my strength.” And Isaiah offers hope when he writes, “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint” (Isaiah 40:29-31).

The key to finding strength lies in hoping in the Lord. But what does that look like practically?

Praise: An Anchor for Your Soul

One of the most powerful tools God has given us is praise. When we lift our hearts in worship, we shift our focus off our circumstances and onto the greatness of God. Worship isn’t about feeding God’s ego; rather, it’s a channel through which the Holy Spirit fills us with Christ’s strength, right in the middle of our human frailty. As we praise Him, we become more like Him, strong and steadfast.

When I feel weary, I know God is inviting me to pause and praise. Recently, I learned that an oncologist has been giving his patients my book, The 30 Day Praise Challenge, to help them face the challenges of chemotherapy. Why? Because as they praise God, they find the strength to face each day. Friend, you cannot praise God without being strengthened—praise connects you to God’s power.

Scripture: Power for the Weary

The Word of God is more than just text to read; it’s a weapon against weariness. When we pray the words of Scripture, we stand on God’s promises, and the enemy of our souls, who wants to drag us into discouragement, is forced to retreat. Having a few key verses ready to pray over yourself can be transformative. Try verses like Psalm 27:1, Ephesians 2:6, and Isaiah 40:29-31 when you’re feeling depleted. When God’s Word becomes your prayer, His strength infuses your heart.

Community: Strength in Connection

When weariness hits, our tendency can be to withdraw, but isolation only increases the burden. Instead, we need to lean into our community and let others carry our burdens with us. God designed us for connection, knowing that our hope is strengthened when we journey together. Be vulnerable, let others in, and allow their prayers and encouragement to lift you. Often, God uses the hope of those around us to renew our own.

Weariness is a reality we all face at times, but the good news is, we don’t have to face it alone or in our own strength. The next time you feel tired and depleted, pause to praise, pray Scripture over yourself, and reach out to trusted friends. I believe you’ll experience hope and strength rising in your heart as you do. Remember, God is always ready to meet you in your weariness and infuse you with His boundless strength.

Now is a great time to start Christmas shopping! Why not purchase a copy of Cultivating Deeper Connections in a Lonely World for two or three of your friends.

This week on the Connected Mom Podcast we are talking with Kim Sorrelle about what it looks like to live I Corinthians 13 out in your home!

Get to Know Becky Harling

Becky Harling is an author and speaker, and certified coach with The John Maxwell Team. She helps those looking to move beyond their personal obstacles to live life intentionally with purpose and passion. She offers mastermind classes and seminars on leadership, communication and personal growth. She also offers personal coaching for those looking to grow emotionally, professionally or spiritually. She’s also the host of the Connected Mom Podcast and is passionate about helping people thrive. As she states on her website, “One of the reasons I am so passionate about helping you find hope, is because I know what it’s like to feel hopeless. I am a survivor of both breast cancer and childhood sexual abuse. I understand what it’s like to feel stuck and what it takes to overcome those obstacles. I learned to shift my focus. Praising God was the key. As I learned to lift my praise, my attitude became more positive and confident hope was the end result.”

Check Out Her Latest Release, Cultivating Deeper Connections in a Lonely World:

Loneliness is an epidemic, but you can live life with a deep sense of belonging.

If you’ve ever felt that ache to connect and belong, you’re not alone: three out of every five people are suffering from loneliness. No group is excluded—married, unmarried, parents, pastors, leaders, elderly, and teenagers. We all experience moments . . . or long seasons of heart-aching loneliness. And it hurts. It can hurt right to the core.

In Cultivating Deeper Connections in a Lonely World, relationship expert, mother, grandmother, and John Maxwell Certified Coach Becky Harling taps into the deep ache of loneliness and shares with readers a rich theology of belonging. Does God ache for us? What does it mean that we belong to Him? How do we establish a deeply bonded relationship with others? What steps can we take to improve our relationships?

Because we were made for God and for community, relational isolation or brokenness is incredibly painful. But we don’t have to live isolated and unconnected. In fact, we must not. Our souls were designed for more. Deeply rooted in Scripture and joined with reflection questions, this book shows us how we can strengthen our relationships and experience deep connection.

Buy on Amazon

Hope When Life Hurts: Trusting God When Life Doesn’t Make Sense – Faith Over Fear

In seasons of deep pain, unanswered questions, and emotional exhaustion, hope can feel distant—or risky to embrace. In this powerful conversation, Jennifer Slattery sits down with author and speaker Kirby Kelly to explore what it looks like to hold onto hope when life feels overwhelming. Drawing from her personal story of loss, addiction in her family, and long-term suffering, Kirby shares how God met her in her darkest moments and gradually transformed her understanding of hope—not as a feeling or personality trait, but as a posture and daily practice rooted in Christ. Together, they discuss how to trust God when circumstances don’t change, how Scripture renews our thinking, and how God uses every season—painful or joyful—to bring redemption. If you’ve been struggling to believe God is good, or wondering how to keep going when you feel worn down, this episode will gently guide you back to the unchanging character of the God of hope. Resource referenced: The Fabric of Hope: How God Weaves Redemption into Every Season by Kirby Kelly 📖 Scripture Discussed Romans 15:13 – God as the source of hope, joy, and peace Psalm 139:5 – God’s nearness and protection (“You hem me in…”) Genesis 37–50 – Joseph’s story of suffering and redemption Job (selected passages) – Trusting God without having answers 2 Corinthians 12:7–10 – Paul’s “thorn” and God’s sustaining grace Galatians 5:22–23 – Fruit of the Spirit (joy and peace) Matthew 11:28–30 – Jesus invites the weary to find rest Reflection Questions: Where in your life does hope feel difficult—or risky—to embrace right now? Have you been placing your hope in a circumstance instead of in God’s character? What past situation can you look back on and clearly see God’s faithfulness? How might regularly reading Scripture begin to renew your thinking in this season? When you feel overwhelmed, what would it look like to pause and intentionally turn toward God’s presence? Which aspect of God—His promises, presence, patterns, or person—do you most need to anchor yourself in today? What is one action step God is inviting you to take having listened to this episode? Connect with Kirby Kelly: On her website On Instagram On Facebook On YouTube Follow her work on Amazon Find Jennifer Slattery: On her website Instagram Facebook Amazon Subscribe to her free newsletter Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
  1. Hope When Life Hurts: Trusting God When Life Doesn’t Make Sense
  2. How to Trust God When Prayers Go Unanswered
  3. Calming Anxiety and Fear with Biblical Truth
  4. When Shattered Dreams Leave You Humiliated
  5. When Life Feels Unfair: How to Trust God When Hardship Hits

by on

Quote pulled from text on gradiant background(Please note: This first published on July 2nd, 2020.)

I might be the proudest person I know. I like to believe I’m right, that I know how to fix every situation and am the perfect person to do so, of course. I want others to think I’m smart, important, talented, successful. But I was called to so much more!

Whenever I give in to pride, I place myself in direct opposition to God and His purposes. 1 Peter 5:5 says, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble” (NIV). That’s a strong statement! The word our Bibles translate as opposes, antitassó in the original Greek, means to square off,” “reject the whole arrangement,” and “is used in antiquity of organized resistance, like an army assuming a specific battle-array position to resist in “full alignment”; to disagree (oppose) intensely.]*”

Whatever my pride fights for, whatever I think I might gain in feeding it, that thing can never be worth the cost.

I cannot live for Christ and myself. I cannot build His church while chasing my agenda.

Self-love nearly destroyed my marriage. It told me my way was best, and my needs and comfort were most important. Oh, the damage my husband and I created, the trust we weakened, through our constant fight for self. But then God began to shift our hearts and our thoughts until they more closely aligned with His. He showed us, while pride creates ever-increasing dysfunction, mutual submission and humility lead to relational health.

This, Scripture says, is how we are to interact with one another:

3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:

6 Who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be used to His own advantage;
7 rather, He made Himself nothing
by taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
8 And being found in appearance as a man,
He humbled Himself
by becoming obedient to death—
even death on a cross! (Philippians 2:3-8, NIV).

Christ’s motivation wasn’t lowliness for lowliness’s sake. Love, for you and I, drove Him to the cross. He also grasped His true worth. Not once did He think, “I am nothing and worth nothing.” Rather, His unshakable, certain identity enabled Him to so humbly die. He knew precisely who He was. His value wasn’t dependent on how others viewed Him, how prestigious He appeared, or the societal successes He achieved. Those standards were far too insufficient, too inferior, to ever encapsulate Christ. He was, and is, God’s Son, matchless in wisdom and power, the Savior to whom, one day, all knees will bow.

Similarly, God doesn’t ask us to humble ourselves to bend our backs. Instead, He invites us to life our gazes onto Him, tune our ears to His voice, and follow however He leads.

In Christ, we’re chosen, redeemed, and empowered children of God, people of incomprehensible worth. Identifying ourselves in any other way causes us to live shadowed versions of ourselves. 

When our identity is moored in Christ, however, our feet and our hearts remain firm; Quote from post with gradiant backgroundHe empowers us to love fully, as we are fully loved. Strengthened for humility, we begin to realize it is pride that is true weakness and our greatest deception.

Love, Christ’s love, soaked deep into every crevice,  enabling us to live and love as He loves us: free of striving, record keeping or conniving. That doesn’t mean we allow abuse, for love never tolerates disease. Rather, in all circumstances, we speak truth, seek health, and the authority of Christ, our humble yet victorious Savior, over all, ourselves included.

Humility may appear to bend us low, but in reality, it elevates us to our rightful place—secure, for eternity, in our Savior’s love—the One who knows us, chose us, and calls us to greatness, not by man’s deceived and subjective standards, but His.

Hope When Life Hurts: Trusting God When Life Doesn’t Make Sense – Faith Over Fear

In seasons of deep pain, unanswered questions, and emotional exhaustion, hope can feel distant—or risky to embrace. In this powerful conversation, Jennifer Slattery sits down with author and speaker Kirby Kelly to explore what it looks like to hold onto hope when life feels overwhelming. Drawing from her personal story of loss, addiction in her family, and long-term suffering, Kirby shares how God met her in her darkest moments and gradually transformed her understanding of hope—not as a feeling or personality trait, but as a posture and daily practice rooted in Christ. Together, they discuss how to trust God when circumstances don’t change, how Scripture renews our thinking, and how God uses every season—painful or joyful—to bring redemption. If you’ve been struggling to believe God is good, or wondering how to keep going when you feel worn down, this episode will gently guide you back to the unchanging character of the God of hope. Resource referenced: The Fabric of Hope: How God Weaves Redemption into Every Season by Kirby Kelly 📖 Scripture Discussed Romans 15:13 – God as the source of hope, joy, and peace Psalm 139:5 – God’s nearness and protection (“You hem me in…”) Genesis 37–50 – Joseph’s story of suffering and redemption Job (selected passages) – Trusting God without having answers 2 Corinthians 12:7–10 – Paul’s “thorn” and God’s sustaining grace Galatians 5:22–23 – Fruit of the Spirit (joy and peace) Matthew 11:28–30 – Jesus invites the weary to find rest Reflection Questions: Where in your life does hope feel difficult—or risky—to embrace right now? Have you been placing your hope in a circumstance instead of in God’s character? What past situation can you look back on and clearly see God’s faithfulness? How might regularly reading Scripture begin to renew your thinking in this season? When you feel overwhelmed, what would it look like to pause and intentionally turn toward God’s presence? Which aspect of God—His promises, presence, patterns, or person—do you most need to anchor yourself in today? What is one action step God is inviting you to take having listened to this episode? Connect with Kirby Kelly: On her website On Instagram On Facebook On YouTube Follow her work on Amazon Find Jennifer Slattery: On her website Instagram Facebook Amazon Subscribe to her free newsletter Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
  1. Hope When Life Hurts: Trusting God When Life Doesn’t Make Sense
  2. How to Trust God When Prayers Go Unanswered
  3. Calming Anxiety and Fear with Biblical Truth
  4. When Shattered Dreams Leave You Humiliated
  5. When Life Feels Unfair: How to Trust God When Hardship Hits