Growing The Good

Hey there, it's Mattie Givens, and I'm thrilled to be back with a brand new episode of Growing The Good! I took a little break to train for my first half marathon, and now I'm eager to share the highs, lows, and invaluable lessons from my journey. In this episode, I open up about the temptations that almost led me to quit on my goals. From my early attempts at running 5Ks to the self-doubt that held me back, I lay it all out on the table. My personal struggle with the "I'm not a runner" mindset is something many can relate to. But guess what? I conquered that mindset and completed my first half marathon! Along the way, I share insights into common barriers that might be holding you back and how to break free from them. This episode isn't just about my story; it's about empowering you with actionable strategies. I discuss the impact of writing down goals, the accountability that comes with sharing them, the magic of setting smaller milestones, and the motivational force of incentives. I'm excited to make 2024 the year of follow-through, and I want you to join me on this journey. Whether your goal is a marathon or starting a book club, this episode is packed with practical tips to turn your aspirations into achievements. Share your key takeaways with a screenshot of the episode on your stories! Let's make 2024 the year we quit quitting and celebrate success together. Links: Love and Other Words by Christina Lauren Catch you on the next episode!

Join us in this candid episode of "Growing the Good" where we tackle imposter syndrome head-on. We're dishing out four useful solutions that'll kick those self-doubt demons to the curb and empower you to rule your mom game with confidence. 🚀 Find out why faith is your secret weapon in this battle against imposter syndrome, and how it can supercharge your self-assurance. 💡 Get ready for a no-nonsense, faith-fueled playbook to overcome imposter syndrome. 🙌 We're sharing real-life stories that'll have you nodding in agreement and ready to conquer the world (or at least this week).   Book Recommendation: Life's Too Short by Abby Jiminez  Other Episodes Mentioned:  005: Understanding the Importance of Your Gifts   Thank you for your support of the show!  Be sure to:  Subscribe!  Write a short review!  Leave a rating!  Follow me on Instagram!   

Thank you for your support of the show!  Be sure to:  Subscribe!  Write a short review!  Leave a rating!  Follow me on Instagram!   

There are 90 days left in 2023 and that may seem short but there is so much you can do in 90 days! If you read a book a week, in 90 days you will have read almost 13 books. If move $25 a day into a savings account for 90 days, you will have saved $2,250. If you read your Bible for 15 minutes a day, you could read through entire New Testament and the book of Proverbs. In under 90 days you can go from running 2 miles to 13.1 miles. And I know this because my half marathon training plan does exactly this. This episode covers the 90 day plan to finish strong and set your self up for a year you will remember!    Book of the Week:  Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers by Jesse Q Sutanto   Scripture Learning:  1 John 1: 8-10 - 8 If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us.   Episodes Mentioned:  007: How To Do A Mid Year Goals Check     Thank you for your support of the show!  Be sure to:  Subscribe!  Write a short review! Leave a rating!  Follow me on Instagram!     

70% of teenagers quit youth sports and activies because it "isn't fun anymore". How can we establish healthy routines around sports and kids actities so we can set our kids up for success and let them build confidence.    Book Recommendation:  Winter In Paradise Series by Elin Hildebrand Other Mentions:  Courtney Griffin Photography      Subscribe to the podcast by hitting the + button so you get new episodes in your feed each week! 

Writing scripture on our hearts is easier said than done - use these daily rhythms to help you work in more scripture into your day!     Book Recommendation:  The Summer Of Broken Rules by K.L. Walther - 2.5/5 This was cute for a YA novel. Liked the beachy vibes and the summer camp style game of assasin. Do not believe anyone who tells you this is based on a Taylor Swift song. You will be dissapointed.    Scripture Resources:  God's Big Story Podcast  Tiny Theologians Knowing Faith Bible Project  Verses App    

Get a behind the scenes look at my personal list systems and how I keep track of all the ideas and items that keep my life in balance. Take what benefits you and your family and share wtih me a list of yours that you couldn't live without when you leave a review!       Books:  The Inheritance Games Series by Jennifer Lynn Barnes November 9th by Colleen Hoover    Other Episodes Mentioned:  008: Using AI and Chatbots to Make Your Life Easier 015: Chore Ideas for Kids   Mentioned in the Style List video: Mom Jeans sketch from SNL

When scripture tells us to be "content' - does that mean that we can chill and rest in the fact that the work has all been done for us? Does having drive and ambition mean that you aren't content?  Tackling those questions on today's episode to discuss the differentce between Godly contentment and also not staying stagnant.  Book Recommendations:  Embrace Your Almost by Jordan Lee Dooley The Happily Ever After Playlist by Abby Jimenez    Other Episodes Mentioned:  Episode 005: Understanding and Using Your Gifts

Do your kids help around the house? Is getting them to do their chores a struggle? Sharing some age appropriate ideas for kids chores starting at age 3! These ideas will help your home run smoother and get your kids to take some responsibility for how the home operates.    Book of the Week:  Amelia Bedilia box set The One by John Marrs      Thank you for listening to these episodes! Please share this with a friend or go ahead and leave a review! You never know if I will pick yours to be read on the podcast and give you a shout out! 

Fall is the calm before the Holiday Season storm. Which is why it is all the more reason to be proactive and prepare well!  In this episode we break down how to plan an intentional season so you can make the most of the time you have with your family - without burning out right before the holidays.    Book of The Week:  Why Do I Do What I Don't Want to Do by Jonathan Pokluda   Other Items Mentioned:  Based on a True Story on Peacock Hearth Display Board Amazon Storefront 

Manifesting is a deceptive lie wrapped in pretty pinterest packaging and some misinterpeted scripture. But why are so many Christians falling for it?  We dive into that in this episode in the hopes that we can share some Biblical clarity where our self help gurus are clouding our social media feeds with confustion.    This weeks book recommendation:  The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes My review - this book is like Knives Out but the detective is a teenage girl.   

Not all of us are color coded, home edit, mathching spice container type of organizing moms. But having an organized home is really important in reducing your mental clutter.  Most of us are better wives, moms and people when we don't have the added stress of a disorganized home - so let me help you with 5 simple routines you can add to your roster to stay organized with minimal effort. 

Saying no is a challenge - especially if you are a people pleaser like myself.  Have you ever considered what the impact is of living an overcommitted life becuase you can't stop saying 'Yes' out of guilt?  Then this episode is for you!  10 ways to say no and not feel guilty about it! Plus some of the worst advice I ever heard about saying no and how we can do better.     

Back to school is here! The transition from summer to school can be a bit bumpy, but I am sharing some simple family rhythms to help you get back in the school groove with ease.  Products Metioned:  The Measure (top 3 of 2023 reads) Erin Condren Life Planner   Episode 10 Giveaway!  To celebrate the 10th episode of the podcast, I am giving away 2 of my favorite bible studies from The Daily Grace Co + some of my favorite bible highlighters. Just a little way to say thank you for supporting the launch of the podcast while also trying to point us all back to Christ.  To enter:  Share your favorite episode on social media and tag me! Leave a review on apple podcasts and send me a screenshot (@mattiegivens) so I can count your entry. Giveaway will close on August 1st. 

Are you in a season where it has been hard to find time (or desire) to get into God's Word? Yeah me too.  In this episode, I am sharing some of the tools I have been using to get back into the habit of daily quiet times and actually enjoying them instead of just checking the box.  "The best way to study scripture is to act like you are going to be teaching it" - someone great (probably)   If this episode was encouraging or helpful to you, please share it with a friend. And then leave a review so the Apple Overlords know to recommend this show to others! 

Artificial Intlelligence is EVERYWHERE right now and there are some really simple ways you can be utilizing AI Chatbots to make your life easier. In this episode, we talk about using AI for meal planning, routine creation, goal setting, and even writing those emails that make you nervous to even thing about!   Chatbots Mentioned:  ChatGPT Google Bard (my personal favorite)    You can also find any of the books I recommend on the podcast on my Amazon Storefront!    As always - please subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss an episode and I'd really appreciate if you rated the show and left a review. It is such a valuable way to help the podcast grow!

1000 Hours OutsideWe are halfway through the year! In this episode I am doing a mid year goal review and sharing which of my goals are going great, some I need to catch up on, and a few that I have already scrapped entirely.  You can copy this process for your own goal revew and start the second half of the year strong.    Products Mentioned:  PowerSheets Goal Planner 1000 Hours Outside      If you found this episode helpful or encouraging, please share it with a friend and leave a review! It helps more than you know!

Need some help managing the chaos in your home? I am sharing some of the really simple home systems that have worked for us in our home over the last year. These are really easy baby steps that you can use to help tame some of the hotspots for disorganization in your house.  If this episode was helpful, please write a review and share what your biggest take away was!    Things Mentioned:  Laura Pearce, Dietician: @meltkitchen_htx 

How many times have you heard a friend say "I really am not good at anything" or how many times have you had that same thought?  Well it is a straight up lie. In this week's episode, we talk about spiritual gifts and how knowing, understanding and using your gifts is a part of God's calling on our lives.  So if you are curious about what it is exactly that you are good at, please tune up the volume and get pumped up about all the gifts that God has entrusted you with.    Items Mentioned:  "Happy Place" by Emily Henry "Book Lovers" by Emily Henry "Beach Read" by Emily Henry (my personal favorite)  Nuuly Clothing Subscribtion $20 off your first month Pine Cove Christian Camps

Making friends as an adult is hard, right?  It is something that takes effort and courage to put yourself out there and let people in, but we are called in scripture to live in community with one another - so if you are in a season of searching for good friendships, listen up because this one is for you!    Products Mentioned:  The Newcomer by Mary Kay Andrews The Happy Place by Emily Henry Hearth Display(LINK) Find Your People by Jennie Allen 

In celebration of our 10 year anniversary, I am sharing the best marriage advice we got as newlyweds that set such a great foundation for our relationship. We truly see the effects of these practices each day, even all these years later.      If this episode resonated with you, please consider subscribing to the show and leaving a fantastic review and rating on Apple Podcasts - remember, my love language is words of affirmation and your review might just make it into my "smile file"!   Episode Links:  Marriage Business Meeting Agenda Template: https://bit.ly/MBMAgenda

Are you feeling stuck and kind of miserable?  You are not alone! Listen here for 3 things to change your mindset and find more positivity in your day to day.  If this episode resonated with you, please consider subscribing to the show and leaving a fantastic review and rating on Apple Podcasts - remember, my love language is words of affirmation and your review might just make it into my "smile file"!

Welcome to the first ever episode of Growing The Good! In today's episode I'll be sharing who I am as a person: a believer in Christ, a wife, full time working mom to 3 fun kids and lover of cheesy humor.  We will also discuss the top three lessons that I hope you come away with if you don't ever listen to another episode. These three takeaways center me anytime I am feeling overwhelmed.  Thanks for being here!