cynthia yanof

I’m so excited to have my friend Kristen Hatton with us today. Not only is she a Licensed Professional Counselor-Associate, but she’s also a brand new empty nester with a great perspective on fostering relationships with our kids now in preparation for when they live away from our homes. 

We talk a lot about communication in today’s show, with Kristen highlighting several reasons why our kids may not feel safe or comfortable talking to us. Even with the best of intentions, there are things we inadvertently do each day that close the lines of communication with our kids. She may or may not have stepped on my toes in this area as I realize I’m guilty of several of them. Ha! 

I especially love her list of seven ways to “parent ahead” (also the name of her book), which includes things like active listening, setting boundaries, normalizing awkward topics, and avoiding the temptation to nag. Listen in to get the complete list and her explanation as to why these things matter. 

Kristen is one wise mom, and I can’t wait for you to hear our conversation today!

Parenting Ahead by Kristen Hatton

All things Cynthia

My name is Cynthia Yanof and I’m addicted to my phone (and my watch, and Netflix, and Diet Dr. Pepper, and Mahjong . . . . too much?)

Good thing Joey Odom is with us today! We’re coming in hot with a grace-filled word for those of us all of us who need to be reminded that we can’t allow technology to trump our relationships. We’re talking about navigating our phones in a world where they are so helpful and critical, yet can also be harmful and a crutch. 

Joey’s thoughts on untethering ourselves from our phones is sobering and practical. He gives very do-able suggestions that we can start implementing today. He also reminds us that we’re all learning to navigate phones together for the first time, so don’t beat yourself up. 

I know it may be a hard topic to get excited about because the majority of us have guilt around our lack of technology boundaries . . .. however, this is a 30-minute conversation you won’t regret!

Have you read Life is Messy God is Good yet? If so, post yourself with your book and/or a favorite quote and tag us on social media. We would be love to repost stories of MESSmerized listeners loving this book!

All things Cynthia

Joni Eareckson Tada had a diving accident as a teenager, leaving her a quadriplegic. Since that time God has used her life in incredible ways to impact millions of people all over the globe for Jesus.

Joni has an incredible word for us today on finding peace in our lives by abiding with Jesus. I don’t know about you, but I know how to spend time with Jesus, praise Jesus, and even talk about Jesus. But sometimes “abiding” with him feels complex and needs a little more explanation. Joni’s doing that for us today.

Also, can I suggest that if you or someone who has been walking through a hard time, waiting for God to answer and it seems he’s silent—today’s show is a great one to share? Joni knows all too well how to trust Jesus in seemingly impossible circumstances. 

I truly can’t wait for you to hear more from Joni today!

Joni and Friends

The Practice of the Presence of Jesus by Joni

All things Cynthia

Order Life is Messy, God is Good

Ever found yourself knee-deep in the chaos of everyday life, juggling parenting, work, and what seems like a million little mess-ups? You're not alone! Join me and the hilariously insightful Cynthia Yanof, author of "Life is Messy, God is Good: Sanity for the Chaos of Everyday Life," as we navigate the joyous battlefield of life with a healthy dose of humor. Get ready to laugh at our blunders, nod in agreement with our parenting foibles, and get a fresh perspective on how embracing the mess can draw us closer to an authentic Christian experience.

This episode isn’t just about chuckles though; it's also an invitation to ponder the footprints we leave in the lives of others. Through personal reflections and the heartfelt story of a friend’s anointing, we unpack how small acts of intentionality can ripple into waves of influence. Discover how answering that 'God-sized' call, like opening your heart to foster care, can reshape not just your world, but the world of those around you. It's a powerful reminder that our influence isn't measured by our audience's size but by the depth of our impact.

And let's get real about the high-wire act of parenting, shall we? We strip away the glossy filters of social media success and have a heart-to-heart on recognizing the divine beauty in our children's quirks and challenges. This conversation goes beyond the surface, as we embrace vulnerability and build a stronger community within our churches and personal lives. There's strength in showing up as we are – imperfect, but together. So tune in, grab a coffee, and join us for a conversation that promises to uplift, inspire, and perhaps even laugh.

Book: Life Is Messy, God Is Good
Bible: NIV Life Application
5-Year Journal
Favorite App/Website: Dwell App

Alabaster
Beautiful individual Books of the Bible

Check out our website for more ways to fully connect to God's Word. There you'll find:

• Coffee and Bible Time Prayer Journals
• Coffee and Bible Time Courses
• Coffee and Bible Time Membership (weekly devotionals sent right to your inbox!)

Find more great content on our YouTube channel: Coffee and Bible Time

• Our most popular video is “How I Study My Bible + In-Depth Bible Study!” with over 2M views!

Follow us on Instagram
Visit our Amazon Shop
Learn more about the host Ellen Krause
Email us at podcast@coffeeandbibletime.com

Thanks for listening to Coffee and Bible Time, where our goal is to help people delight in God's Word and thrive in Christian living!

I’m writing to you from the airport in Dallas on my way to Nashville for book interviews. You guys, Life is Messy, God is Good is two weeks out from making its debut. YIKES! If you don’t follow me on social, be sure to do that now so you can see my fun updates. 

As you know, on MESSmerized we’re doing a little series called “behind the mess.” We’re bringing some folks on the show that are featured in the book, and today it’s two of my favorite people! My two older kids, Kate and Brett, are the featured guests, and I can’t wait for you to hear from them. 

Kate is sharing a little bit about the transition from high school to college and how she’s seen God show up as things have gone off-script at times. Brett and I have a conversation about learning to drive, cherry bomb exhaust systems, and the pressures of figuring out who you are in high school and what you want for the future. 

Can’t wait for you to hear from them. Oh, and if you haven’t already, today is a GREAT day to order my book. Okay, off to board and cram everything I own in a tiny space under my seat! 

Pre-Order Life is Messy, God is Good

All things Cynthia

If you’re anything like me, your heart remains heavy for Israel in these days. It's hard to wrap our heads around the war, God’s bigger plan for their nation, and the hardships so many are facing in the Middle East. 

Knowing this, I am so excited to have JoAnn Doyle from Uncharted Ministries joining us today. She’s got an amazing perspective on Israel through the lens of someone who has been ministering to Jews and Muslims in the Middle East for many decades. 

While the news coming from Israel has been hard, there’s also an encouraging story behind the story that more Muslims have come to faith in Christ in the last 10 years than in the last 14 centuries. And more Jews have come to embrace Jesus as Messiah in the last 20 years than in the last 2000 years. 

All this comes as a much-needed reminder that God continues to pursue his people—and he’s doing it right now in Israel. Take a few minutes to be encouraged as you listen to JoAnn share incredible stories of how God’s working in Israel and Gaza, and ways we can make a difference individually during this critical time. 

P.S. Guys, we are ONE MONTH away from the release of my first book Life is Messy, God is Good. Pre-orders are a ginormous deal and it would be such a blessing if you would consider grabbing a copy (or two or three) today! So grateful for you and can’t wait for you to read it. ❤️

Pre-Order Life is Messy, God is Good

Uncharted Ministries

Happy New Year! 🥳🎉🥳🎉🥳🎉

(Said with my most hoarse voice confirming I do in fact have my annual January cold. 🤒)

I don’t know about you, but my social media is jam-packed with everyone’s 2024 resolutions and things they are adding, things they are dropping, and ways they are going to make the most of the new year. And I applaud the ambition!

That being said, I’m wondering what God would have us resolve for this new year? What is he calling us to do and how do we create enough margin to hear his still small voice in the middle of the everyday chaos? 

Today Pastor Libin Abraham is joining us to talk about keeping the awe and wonder in Christmas long after Christmas is over. And as a part of doing that, how do we take moments to pause and consider where God is leading us this year? 

There’s so much packed into today’s show that you seriously cannot miss, but don’t miss these challenging words from Pastor Libin: God moves at the pace of your next yes.

So what’s your “next yes” for 2024? Listen in today and let’s figure it out together. 

P.S. If you love MESSmerized would you consider sharing it with a friend today? Help us continue building our awesome community in 2024 by inviting people to come alongside us. 

All things Cynthia

If you’re in a post-Christmas coma, you’re not alone! Eating cookies for breakfast and watching Hallmark movies instead of entertaining your kids is fine everyone . . . we are doing our best! 

That being said, can I invite you to join me and two of my favorite people for a few minutes to talk about love? Yes, it’s the last week of our Advent series and love is our topic.  

It’s easy to see God’s unrelenting love for his people through Jesus’ life, from the manger to the cross. But how does this kind of love change us practically in our everyday lives? 

Heather and Stephanie are lots of fun, and I promise you will be encouraged as we’re facing a new year and all of the unknowns. And speaking of a new year, I want to thank every single one of you for being a part of the MESSmerized family, and the calling God has placed on my life. 

It’s been a privilege to walk through parenting, faith issues, spiritual rhythms and so much more the last eight months. I can’t wait to see what God is up to in 2024!

All things Cynthia

Pre-Order Life is Messy, God is Good

Sidetracked with Heather and Cynthia

When am I going to learn? 

Seriously, I’m 20 years into this parenting gig and still insisting on family car rides to look at Christmas lights this time of year. It’s the definition of insanity how I do it over and over again expecting a different result.

In my defense, I’m envisioning a picturesque scene of hot chocolate, pj’s, and a spectacle of lights bringing warmth and joy to my family. In reality, it’s 30 minutes in purgatory in a confined space with unwilling participants yelling “don’t touch me” or “is anyone else having fun?” or “these lights blow.”

If we are completely honest, the family light-looking excursions are just one of the millions of ways we try to create “moments” this time of year, inevitably reminding us that no good deed goes unpunished. 

But even with all the great plans gone wrong, there’s plenty of reasons for joy.  You’ve probably heard it before, but joy isn’t just situational or circumstantial (thank goodness), but deeply rooted in the story of a Savior who left the highest position in heaven to come to earth as a baby . . . for you and for me. 

My good friend Rodney Schell joins us today sharing his thoughts on reframing joy with a spiritual perspective. We talk about a dear friend who, despite walking a life marked by adversity, radiates with joy because his life is anchored in the hope of eternity. 

My prayer this week is for each of us to take a few minutes to remember that joy is available in the midst of the hard. Let’s thank Jesus for the many blessings he’s given us, especially the gift of those who complain incessantly on car rides meant to form bonds and create Christmas memories. 😂😂😂

All things Cynthia

Pre-Order Life is Messy, God is Good

It’s December and the time of year when we start receiving the perfect Christmas cards in the mail at the exact time as our “friends” start posting their perfectly wrapped presents underneath their fabulously decorated Christmas trees. Sickening, am I right? Ha. 🎄📷🤢

I’m fighting my own battle against the urge to make everything look perfect by sending out quite possibly the worst Christmas card picture any family has dared to mass produce. You’re welcome, and listen to today’s show if you’re interested in getting your own copy of it. 

Now for the real stuff. . . . We’re spending the next few weeks focusing on Advent. Each week we will explore one of the advent themes: hope, peace, joy, and love. Today, Steve Frissell is joining us to consider how Jesus’ birth in a manger brings hope to our world still today. 

Tune in all month as we work to keep our focus on our Savior (and away from the bad Christmas cards like the one I’m sending out). And below are discussion questions if you want to hit this topic during your quiet time or even with your family at dinner.

Discussion questions:

• Where does our culture look to find hope?
• In what areas do you struggle to remain hopeful?
• In what ways did Jesus’ birth bring hope 2000 years ago?
• How is our perspective reframed if we trust in Jesus today as our ultimate hope? 

Verses on hope to consider:

• Romans 12:12
• Romans 15:4
• Psalm 147:11
• Hebrews 11:1

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! And busiest . . . 

There’s truly nothing like Christmas and the anticipation of fun activities, family gatherings, and celebrating the birth of our Savior. But there’s also the practicalities of shopping, cleaning, hosting, and wrapping that bring chaos to our lives if we aren’t super intentional. (Not to mention that JB is already burning up the speakers of my SUV with Kidz Bop Christmas. Bless it.) 

I’m so thankful to have Lee Cordon of Do Say Give with us today! She’s bringing us practical considerations on the best ways to get things accomplished for Christmas, while also keeping the main thing the main thing. 

Today’s show covers everything from specific gifts for teachers and the postman, to family traditions and decorating our trees. We’re hitting the whole gamut of Christmas and having a lots of fun along the way. 

Listen to MESSmerized today for all things Christmas, and also be sure to check out Lee’s website for the very best gift-giving and Christmas planning ideas!

All things Cynthia

Pre-Order Life is Messy, God is Good

It’s National Adoption Month, and I would be remiss if I didn’t talk at least a little bit about adoption—since it has changed our lives in all of the best ways! 

But today we’re also talking more generally about the God-sized callings that are placed on our lives. It’s those things that God asks us to do as a step of faith and a call to obedience. For some of us it’s adoption, but for others it’s a mission trip, or a financial investment into Kingdom purposes, or even stepping into someone else’s story who desperately needs your friendship. 

Steve Frissell is with us today, and he’s turning the tables a bit to ask me questions about our adoption journey. We are praying you will really be encouraged to chase after the things God is asking you to do right now—using our words as a springboard to encourage you in the things that feel too hard, impractical, or even impossible in this season of life. 

So glad you’re with us today!

All things Cynthia

Pre-Order Life is Messy, God is Good

Yep, it's November and we are turning our focus to worship.

If you’re anything like me, you probably think of worship as that 20 minute span of music on Sundays before the sermon. And that is part of the story for sure, but definitely not the whole story.  

Louie Giglio defines worship this way: It’s our response, both personal and corporate, to God for who He is and what He’s done—expressed in and by the things we say and the way we live.

Take a minute to read and reread that definition and consider how worship isn’t limited to a type of person who is more emotional, or a certain time of the week on Sundays, or even to a specific activity in a limited aspect in our lives. 

We were created to worship and, when done correctly, it naturally overflows into every area of our lives. 

Psalm 150:6 says it this way: “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.”

Let’s dive in together this month and figure out how to make that happen!

In today’s show we’re talking about the three fundamental questions our kids are asking: 

• Who am I?
• Where do I fit?
• What difference can I make? 

It doesn’t take long to realize these aren’t just questions for kids, but questions we all deal with at different points in life. Knowing this, It’s critically important we wrestle well with these core concepts of identity, belonging, and purpose—and Brad Griffin from the Fuller Youth Institute is joining us to talk about all of it. 

When it comes to identity, Brad helps us understand how our kids are already answering the question of “who am I” — so how can we help them reframe that biblically? 

He also reminds us that belonging starts in our home, and challenges us to consider ways to foster true belonging by allowing our kids to be themselves. 

And then when it comes to purpose, we get practical advice on helping our kids find their own purpose in the context of God’s greater purposes for all humanity. 

All three of these questions stem from a book Brad co-authored called 3 Big Questions that Change Every Teenager. I ran across this book several years ago, and it has impacted so many areas of my parenting. I’m guessing as you listen today, a few things will click as to why your kids are saying a few things you don’t understand. 

I’m so thrilled to have Brad Griffin with us!  

All things Cynthia

3 Big Questions that Change Every Teenager

3 Big Questions that Shape Your Future 

Faith Beyond Youth Group

"I strongly suspect that if we saw all the difference even the tiniest of our prayers to God make, and all the people those little prayers were destined to affect, and the consequences of those effects down through the centuries, we would be so paralyzed with awe at the power of prayer that we would be unable to get off our knees for the rest of our lives. Peter Kreeft."

- Peter Kreeft

This is one of my favorite quotes on prayer, one you are probably familiar with. Wouldn’t it be amazing if we could pinpoint the results of every prayer we’ve ever offered up to the Lord? If we could see how circumstances changed, health was restored, finances were spared—wouldn't that change the priority we give prayer each day? 

Yet whether or not we can see the results, we know God hears and answers our prayers. (1 John 5:14-15) And so this week we’re wrapping up our month of prayer by considering a few biblical examples where God faithfully answered the prayers of his people. They are definitely worth studying and are powerful. 

But I’m also sharing a few personal examples of times when God has shown up and answered prayer in my own life. Because we can talk academically about prayer all day and try to logically work our way into being more consistent. Yet in my experience, what’s most impactful is the stories we share of God’s faithful response to our deepest needs. 

So join me today as we wrap up our month of prayer with some encouraging reminders that God is still moving. And get ready as we prepare for a new spiritual rhythm next week, worship. This will be perfect as we head into Thanksgiving. 

So grateful for you!

All things Cynthia

Guys . . . we have Lee Strobel on MESSmerized today! 

Lee Strobel is a former atheist turned Christian apologist who tackles the most common questions and objections people struggle with when it comes to faith. Spoiler alert, these obstacles involve the theology around earthly suffering as well as feeling as if God is silent. 

Lee references statistics indicating that belief in God is now down to 81 percent, compared to 98 percent in the 1960s. It’s with this in mind that he wrote his latest book, Is God Real?  

Today’s show is an incredible conversation with a renowned apologist, and I can’t believe we get to have this conversation. You’re going to love his “apologetics pyramid,” a framework for engaging nonbelievers. And whatever you do, don’t miss the way he summarizes the evidence of the resurrection of Jesus in 60 seconds. It’s really incredible.

Can’t wait for you to hear this conversation with Lee Strobel!

All things Cynthia 

All things Lee Strobel

Is God Real? by Lee Strobel

If you’re anything like me, you’re probably thinking “ain’t nobody got time to worry about my own well-being.” After all, we’re trying to keep everyone else above water on any given day, right? But that mindset is exactly what gets us into trouble and is something I’m super excited for us to dive into today. 

Mia Mbrow is an LPC as well as my dear friend. She’s joining us today to talk about this notion of well-being. She has a good word on the importance of assessing where we are individually, before attempting to love others effectively. She breaks down well-being into six facets: intellectual, occupational, emotional, social, physical, and spiritual. 

When one of these areas gets wonky, all of the other areas of our lives tend to suffer. I especially love her three well-being questions and the practical challenge not to add more, but find ways to do less in order to be more to our families. Many of us have a tendency (especially women) to feel like we have to be all things to all people—which leads to exhaustion and a performance-driven mindset. Let’s talk about this today as we’re approaching the stress of the upcoming holiday season. 

Can’t wait for you to meet Mia Mbroh!

All things Cynthia

All things Mia Mbroh

Prayer should be the most important conversation you have everyday. —TobyMac 

Can we be honest? It’s not often that we think of prayer as the most essential or important conversation we will have in a given day. It’s also not often that I kick-off a Monday morning quoting TobyMac, but he does make a great point. 😂 

We started last week covering some of the obstacles we face in praying. Things like not making time, wondering if it really makes a difference, and even feeling like God is distant. This week we’re following it up with Jesus' instructions on prayer. He gives practical advice like not praying with fancy words or trying to impress others, but also provides us a model for prayer that goes like this:

Our Father in heaven, 

Hallowed be your name, 

Your kingdom come, 

Your will be done, 

On earth as it is in heaven. 

Give us today our daily bread. 

And forgive us our debts, 

As we also have forgiven our debtors. 

And lead us not into temptation, 

But deliver us from the evil one. 

— Matthew 6:9-13

Take a few minutes with me to dig a little deeper into the spiritual rhythm of prayer, and let’s work to give it the priority it deserves in our day. 

All things Cynthia

IT'S FINALLY FALL! 

The air is crisp (at least for Dallas), the pumpkin lattes are flowing, and the mums are blooming. 

In honor of the change in seasons, this week we’re taking a quick break from our “Trusting God” series to have a few laughs with my dear friend, Heather MacFadyen from Don’t Mom Alone. 

We’re laughing/lamenting about everything from Homecoming Mums, teen language we don’t understand, and even some of the hard things going on in our lives these days. 

I especially appreciate Heather’s thoughts on the comparison trap and how to identify the struggle and make strides to move forward. And we also hit on sibling rivalry and helping our kids handle conflict well. 

Last thing . . . if you don’t already know, Heather and I have a monthly podcast called “Sidetracked” that releases on Don’t Mom Alone podcast the first Friday of every month. Today is a a little peek into that show. If you love it, please subscribe to Don’t Mom Alone where Heather and I will be teaming up the first Friday of every month!

Happy Fall!

All things Cynthia

Don't Mom Alone Podcast

Remember the time I read a book that rocked my world (in a good way), and I randomly emailed the author to come on the podcast and then cried when I finally met him? Me neither. 

But if that were to happen (which it totally did), the author would be Wade Joye, the book would be This Dream is Not for You, and today’s show is the conversation you must hear. 

We all have dreams, and oftentimes they are not career related. Dreams for our marriage, our family, our kids’ lives and, yes, sometimes for our career. But when those dreams don’t line up with our reality, it’s tricky learning to trust God while loosening our grip. 

There’s so much I could tell you about today’s show because I love it that much—but let me give you a few highlights of what we discuss:

• The difference in calling vs. purpose vs. assignment

• Understanding how dreams that define you it will ultimately destroy you

• Holding loosely to expectations knowing Jesus is the ultimate goal

• Guarding gratitude in our lives and being someone else’s source of applause

I wrote this quote down on a sticky note in my office, and it sort of sums up today’s show: “God’s love is expressed just as much in what he limits as in what he allows.” 

Take a minute to consider those words and then join me in a great conversation about the dreams God has for our lives and the ones we need to let go. 

I can’t wait for you to hear from Wade today!

This Dream is Not for You by Wade Joye 

Dreamers and Disciples Podcast 

All things Wade Joye 

All things Cynthia