I'm BACK with Jen & Staci! You loved our episode about friendship (ep 313), so I've convinced them to come back and talk about Christmas!

In this lively conversation we explore the themes of friendship, Christmas traditions, and the complexities of gift-giving. We share personal anecdotes from our childhood experiences with Santa Claus, the Elf on the Shelf, and the various ways we celebrate Christmas with our families. The discussion highlights the importance of creating magical moments for children while navigating the realities of parenting and holiday expectations. In this engaging conversation, Jen, Staci, and I explore the multifaceted aspects of Christmas, from navigating holiday shopping and the importance of self-control to the cherished traditions that shape our family celebrations. We discuss the evolving dynamics of family traditions, the significance of flexibility during the holidays, and the challenge of materialism. A central theme is the importance of bringing Jesus back into the Christmas narrative, emphasizing the deeper meaning of the holiday beyond gifts and festivities. The conversation also touches on the practice of Advent and how families can incorporate faith into their celebrations, ultimately highlighting the joy and significance of Christmas as a time of reflection and gratitude.

Have a blessed and very Merry Christmas!! xx, michelle

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00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage 01:11 Friendship and Christmas Traditions 03:47 Santa Claus: Myths and Realities 08:10 The Elf on the Shelf: A New Tradition 11:55 Gift-Giving Strategies and Family Dynamics 18:01 Christmas Morning Rituals and Family Memories 26:11 Navigating Holiday Shopping and Self-Control 28:12 Cherished Christmas Traditions 30:54 Family Dynamics and Evolving Traditions 32:59 Flexibility in Holiday Celebrations 35:23 Bringing Jesus Back into Christmas 38:30 Advent Reflections and Family Devotions 41:30 The Challenge of Materialism at Christmas 46:32 The Deeper Meaning of Christmas

In this engaging conversation, Michelle Castro speaks with Vanessa and Shana from the Budget Besties about the importance of financial literacy, the challenges many face with budgeting, and the unique approach they take to empower individuals in their financial journeys. They discuss the significance of community, accountability, and the role of faith in managing finances, while sharing personal stories of transformation and the need for a supportive budgeting system. In this conversation, Michelle Castro and the Budget Besties discuss the importance of financial literacy, the need for a structured budgeting system, and the emotional aspects of managing money. They emphasize the significance of open discussions about finances, the role of support from partners, and the journey towards financial confidence. The Budget Besties share their approach to budgeting, highlighting the importance of creating a system that works for individuals and families, and the resources available for those looking to improve their financial situation.

You will absolutely LOVE Shana & Vanessa! They are sweet, friendly, and here to help! The encourage women (and men) to take hold of their finances in a simple, nonjudgmental, and PRETTY way!

SAVE 10% > If you're ready to work with your new BFFs, the Budget Besties, save 10% by simply entering MICHELLE in the coupon code, or just go to bit.ly/bbmichelle to get started TODAY! You'll be glad you started!

Connect with Shana & Vanessa: www.budgetbesties.com INSTAGRAM THE PODCAST

00:00 Introduction to Budgeting Conversations 05:58 Understanding Financial Literacy 12:04 The Importance of Community and Accountability 18:09 The Role of Faith in Financial Decisions 23:47 Setting Up for Long-Term Success 30:17 Establishing a Budget System 36:35 Overcoming Financial Shame and Guilt 41:37 The Role of Support in Financial Success

In this episode of the Consider Jesus podcast, I'm sharing an email I received from a listener. I know she's not alone in feeling distant in her marriage. She emphasizes the importance of honest conversations, the power of prayer, and practical steps to strengthen marital relationships. Michelle shares her personal experiences and encourages listeners to prioritize prayer and communication in their marriages, offering hope and practical advice for those facing similar challenges.

Are you struggling with something in your marriage? Can you relate to this wife's email? Have you walked this road and come out the other side? I'd love to hear from you! send me an email at itsmemichellecastro@gmail.com or DM me on Instagram @itsmemichellecastro

Hey there friends! In this episode, Michelle Castro and Joy Johnson explore the journey of podcasting, the importance of supportive relationships, and the profound impact of grief and motherhood. Joy shares her personal story of loss, the challenges of navigating grief, and how her experiences have shaped her into a resilient individual. The conversation emphasizes the significance of community, faith, and healing in the face of adversity, ultimately highlighting the transformative power of motherhood and the grace of God. In this conversation, Michelle Castro shares her journey of motherhood, faith, and emotional health. She reflects on the transformative power of motherhood, the importance of recognizing God's presence in life's details, and the need for emotional and spiritual growth. Michelle emphasizes the strength found in vulnerability and the significance of community and encouragement in faith. She also discusses the reality of spiritual warfare and the importance of fighting for one's faith and well-being. Throughout the conversation, Michelle inspires listeners to embrace their testimonies and the goodness of God in their lives.

CONNECT WITH JOY: https://linktr.ee/joyfulfit_life INSTGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/joyfulfit_life/

Have an idea, question, or episode suggestion? Contact us at itsmemichellecastro@gmail.com

CHAPTERS: 00:00 Introduction and Connection 02:57 The Journey to Podcasting 06:13 Celebrating Supportive Relationships 09:05 Navigating Grief and Loss 16:07 Finding Healing Through Motherhood 27:17 The Transformative Power of Motherhood 30:06 God's Presence in Life's Details 35:25 Navigating Pregnancy with Faith 40:09 Emotional Health and Spiritual Growth 44:57 The Strength Found in Vulnerability 49:41 Understanding Spiritual Warfare 52:57 Encouragement and Community in Faith

Welcome to “8 DAYS OF GRATITUDE, THANKING THE LORD FOR WHO HE IS” a series from the Consider Jesus Podcast. Each day will be a short little power shot of scripture pointing you and reminding you WHO OUR GOD is. I encourage you to download the meditate, pray, journal workbook where you can follow along each day and then spend more time meditating upon each scripture and really thanking the Lord for WHO HE IS!

FOLLOW ALONG WITH THE FREE GRATITUDE WORKBOOK - a place where you can meditate, pray, and journal about each attribute of God.

Let's become women who are in love with our Savior! I promise, the more you know WHO your God is, the more you will love him, and the more contagious your love for Him will be to those around you!

I'm so thankful for you and excited to do this with you!

xx, Michelle

HAVE A QUESTION OR PODCAST SUGGESTION? Contact the CJ team at itsmemichellecastro@gmail.com

Welcome to “8 DAYS OF GRATITUDE, THANKING THE LORD FOR WHO HE IS” a series from the Consider Jesus Podcast. Each day will be a short little power shot of scripture pointing you and reminding you WHO OUR GOD is. I encourage you to download the meditate, pray, journal workbook where you can follow along each day and then spend more time meditating upon each scripture and really thanking the Lord for WHO HE IS!

FOLLOW ALONG WITH THE FREE GRATITUDE WORKBOOK - a place where you can meditate, pray, and journal about each attribute of God.

Let's become women who are in love with our Savior! I promise, the more you know WHO your God is, the more you will love him, and the more contagious your love for Him will be to those around you!

I'm so thankful for you and excited to do this with you!

xx, Michelle

HAVE A QUESTION OR PODCAST SUGGESTION? Contact the CJ team at itsmemichellecastro@gmail.com

Welcome to “8 DAYS OF GRATITUDE, THANKING THE LORD FOR WHO HE IS” a series from the Consider Jesus Podcast. Each day will be a short little power shot of scripture pointing you and reminding you WHO OUR GOD is. I encourage you to download the meditate, pray, journal workbook where you can follow along each day and then spend more time meditating upon each scripture and really thanking the Lord for WHO HE IS!

FOLLOW ALONG WITH THE FREE GRATITUDE WORKBOOK - a place where you can meditate, pray, and journal about each attribute of God.

Let's become women who are in love with our Savior! I promise, the more you know WHO your God is, the more you will love him, and the more contagious your love for Him will be to those around you!

I'm so thankful for you and excited to do this with you!

xx, Michelle

HAVE A QUESTION OR PODCAST SUGGESTION? Contact the CJ team at itsmemichellecastro@gmail.com

Welcome to “8 DAYS OF GRATITUDE, THANKING THE LORD FOR WHO HE IS” a series from the Consider Jesus Podcast. Each day will be a short little power shot of scripture pointing you and reminding you WHO OUR GOD is. I encourage you to download the meditate, pray, journal workbook where you can follow along each day and then spend more time meditating upon each scripture and really thanking the Lord for WHO HE IS!

FOLLOW ALONG WITH THE FREE GRATITUDE WORKBOOK - a place where you can meditate, pray, and journal about each attribute of God.

Let's become women who are in love with our Savior! I promise, the more you know WHO your God is, the more you will love him, and the more contagious your love for Him will be to those around you!

I'm so thankful for you and excited to do this with you!

xx, Michelle

HAVE A QUESTION OR PODCAST SUGGESTION? Contact the CJ team at itsmemichellecastro@gmail.com