It's our first Met in the Margins Book Club Episode!

In this episode of Met in the Margins, Briana and Megan dive into the first book of their faith-based book club, A Lineage of Grace by Francine Rivers. They explore the story of Tamar, a woman in the Bible whose actions and faith lead to significant outcomes in the lineage of Christ. The conversation highlights the importance of community in reading, the cultural context of biblical narratives, and the themes of redemption and grace that permeate the story. Through their discussion, they emphasize how God uses unlikely people and the messiness of life to fulfill His purposes.

Keywords:

book club, faith, biblical fiction, Tamar, Judah, redemption, Francine Rivers, A Lineage of Grace, women's stories, Old Testament

In this episode of Met in the Mess, hosts Megan and Briana discuss body positivity and the journey of loving one's body, especially postpartum. They are joined by their first guest, Julia, who shares her experiences with nutrition, fitness, and the challenges of body image. The conversation delves into the importance of self-worth, the impact of faith, and the realities of motherhood, emphasizing that every woman's journey is unique and deserving of love and respect. Julia offers valuable advice for new moms and highlights the significance of finding affirmation in scripture.

Takeaways:

Body positivity is essential in every season of life.

Self-worth should not be tied to appearance.

Motherhood brings unique challenges to body image.

Faith plays a crucial role in self-acceptance.

Eating disorders are a common struggle for many women.

Empathy grows through shared experiences of motherhood.

Postpartum challenges can arise at any time, not just immediately after birth.

It's important to reach out for help when needed.

Scars from childbirth are marks of love and sacrifice.

Rebranding oneself as a mom can be empowering.

Keywords:

body positivity, postpartum, self-worth, motherhood, nutrition, faith, eating disorders, body image, women empowerment, mental health

In this episode of 'Met in the Mess', hosts Briana and Megan explore the lessons they wish they had learned in their 20s. They discuss the importance of understanding anxiety as unbelief, the power of thoughts, and the necessity of self-care. The conversation also touches on the significance of finding a supportive community, the courage to say no, and the value of trusting one's gut feelings. They emphasize that it's okay not to have everything figured out and that sharing the gospel can be transformative. The episode is filled with personal anecdotes and insights aimed at helping listeners navigate their own journeys.

Takeaways:

Anxiety and worry stem from unbelief.

It's essential to take time for self-care.

You have the power to control your thoughts.

Finding a supportive community is crucial.

Don't be afraid to say no to things that don't serve you.

Trust your gut; it's often the Holy Spirit guiding you.

You don't have to have everything figured out right now.

It's okay to prioritize your own happiness.

You can't make everyone happy; focus on what matters to you.

Sharing the gospel can change lives.

Keywords

life lessons, twenties, anxiety, self-care, community, decision making, personal growth, faith, mental health, self-discovery

In this episode of the Met in the Mess Podcast, hosts Megan and Briana return to their regular format after a series of special episodes. They share personal stories about the challenges of motherhood, including dealing with sick children and the chaos that ensues. The conversation transitions into a deeper discussion about identity, focusing on the contrast between finding one's identity in Christ versus the world. They emphasize the importance of nurturing a relationship with God and how it can transform one's self-perception and daily life. The hosts encourage listeners to reflect on their identities and the impact of societal expectations, ultimately advocating for a Christ-centered approach to life and motherhood.

Takeaways:

You are where you spend your time.

It's easy to fall into worldly expectations as a mom.

Building a relationship with Christ requires active effort.

You are not your past mistakes; you are made new in Christ.

Self-control is essential for spiritual growth.

Keywords:

identity in Christ, motherhood, Christian podcast, self-worth, personal growth, faith, parenting challenges, spiritual journey, self-control, relationship with God

Welcome to Met in the Margins!!

We are starting a Book Club and we want you to join us!

We both love reading and thought it would be fun to start a faith-based book club to give us another opportunity to connect with each other and Christ.

Every month we'll chose a book and then pick a day to discuss it together!

Our first book is A Lineage of Grace by Francine Rivers.

As this is a compilation of 5 smaller novellas within a book, we are going to focus on the first novella for the first month. That means, we will be reading the first section about Tamar's story, which is roughly the first 100 pages of the book.

So grab a copy (we'll link below, but check your local library first!) and we'll meet back here on February 5th to talk about Tamar!

Link to book: https://www.amazon.com/Lineage-Grace-Stories-Unlikely-Eternity/dp/0842356320

In this episode, Briana and Megan welcome the new year of 2026 by discussing resolutions that focus on personal growth, faith, and intentionality. They emphasize the importance of shifting perspectives from control to faith, fostering mutual relationships, embracing fun, and being present in the moment. The conversation also touches on the significance of creativity and answering God's call, all while encouraging listeners to let go of perfectionism and embrace renewal in their lives.

Listen back to our episodes on Friendship and Creativity Here!

Friendship: https://open.spotify.com/episode/08vk2OPU8CihEI48hohYYg?si=YDYPlIkdTsqhqDLtESrXwg

Creativity: https://open.spotify.com/episode/66MnTDTd0wDe6cuFAcd6Fm?si=t8Yt86VDSneefPUCJh9ZkQ

Takeaways:

We survived the two week flu bug.

Resolutions should focus on personal growth, not transformation.

Control is an illusion; faith is key.

Relationships should be mutual, not one-sided.

Embrace fun and spontaneity in life.

Being present is crucial for mental well-being.

Letting go of perfectionism can lead to greater joy.

Creativity should be intentional and fulfilling.

Answering God's call requires stepping out of comfort zones.

You are never too broken to be loved by God.

Keywords:

2026, resolutions, faith, relationships, intentionality, creativity, personal growth, self-improvement, motherhood, community

Happy New Year Everyone!

We took this week off to ring in the New Year with our families (and also for some much needed rest and recovery)! We can't wait to be back next week, recharged and ready to jump into 2026 with you all!

For now, here's a look back on our very first episode! So whether you just found us, or you just want to take a little walk down memory lane with us to see how far we've all come together in 2025, we're happy to have you and Welcome to the Mess!

In this heartfelt conversation, Megan and Briana reflect on their experiences during the Christmas season, discussing themes of love, prayer, and community support amidst personal challenges. They share insights on the importance of discernment in relationships, the legacy of figures like Esther, and the lessons learned from the Magi's journey. The conversation emphasizes the significance of sharing God's love and the joy that can be found even in difficult times, encouraging listeners to embrace the messiness of life with faith and hope.

Takeaways:

The importance of community support during difficult times.

Prayer can be a source of strength and growth.

Love is a central theme in navigating life's challenges.

Finding joy in the midst of struggles is possible.

Gifts should come from a place of love and thoughtfulness.

Discernment is crucial in sharing love with others.

God's timing is perfect, even in difficult situations.

The legacy of figures like Esther can inspire us today.

The journey of the Magi teaches us about seeking and honoring God.

Sharing God's love is a call for all believers.

Keywords:

Christmas, love, prayer, family, faith, community, adversity, joy, gifts, Magi, Esther, Jesus