Do you immediately catch yourself saying, "Please excuse the mess," whenever someone steps into your home or life? If you’ve been holding off on taking action on a message God gave you, or if you're striving for a spotless, picture-perfect life that actually keeps people at arm’s length, this episode is a warm invitation to embrace grace.

Drawing from lessons at a work vending machine, the Parable of the Great Banquet in Luke 14, and nostalgic memories of her father’s cluttered, creative workspace, Marlena explores why perfection isn't what invites community... authenticity is.

Inside this episode, we’re unpacking:

• The Vending Machine & Expired Opportunities: Why storing up God's Word without acting on it turns nourishment into neglect, and how to respond in season.

• The Banquet Table Principle (Luke 14): Why you should never stop setting your table or sharing your gifts, even when the people you expected don't show up.

• Lessons from My Father’s Desk: How a cluttered, creative workspace offered permission, curiosity, and connection rather than rigid perfection.

• Creating Welcoming Spaces: Why sterile perfection rarely invites real relationships, and how your everyday "lived-in" spaces create sanctuary for others.

You don't need a spotless space or a perfect life to invite people in or obey God's voice. Pull up a chair, leave the clutter as it is, and let's dive in together.

Resources

• Purchase the Abiding Grace Planner: https://livingsimplyredeemed.com/product/abiding-grace-planner/
• Socials and Such on Linktree: https://livingsimplyredeemed.com/product/abiding-grace-planner/
• Subscribe to the LivingSimplyRedeemed Newsletter: https://living-simply-redeemed.ck.page/6803ad07bb
• Official Website: LivingSimplyRedeemed.com

Where to Listen & Subscribe

• YouTube Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@marlenajsmith
• Apple & Spotify Podcasts via Transistor FM: https://livingsimplyredeemed.transistor.fm/

New episodes release weekly!

Subscribe, share with a friend who needs this encouragement, and drop a DM to share how this episode resonated with you.