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In this episode of Stretched Thin, Joel and Shannon talk about what it means to move forward even when you don't know how things will turn out. From broken air conditioners and business headaches to anniversary getaways and nonprofit dreams, this conversation is all about taking the next faithful step.

Joel shares a major milestone for the STAY Project as months of development finally lead to the app entering beta testing. He also opens up about the fear of launching a Kickstarter campaign and, in a spontaneous moment during the recording, clicks the "Launch" button live on the podcast. It's an honest look at the tension between fear and faith, and why waiting for certainty often keeps us from making progress.

Meanwhile, Shannon reflects on celebrating 27 years of marriage with a quiet mountain getaway, finding rest in the middle of a busy season, and navigating the everyday frustrations of running a small business when equipment seems determined to break all at once.

The conversation wraps with encouraging wins from the community and a reminder that momentum rarely comes before action. Whether you're building a business, strengthening your marriage, pursuing a dream, or simply trying to make it through another week, sometimes the biggest step is simply deciding to jump.

If you've been waiting for the perfect moment to start, this episode is your reminder that faith often begins with putting skin in the game—and trusting God with what happens next.

After a few weeks apart, Shannon returns from a mission trip to Nicaragua with a fresh perspective on gratitude, listening, and what really matters. Joel shares an update on life at home, finally making progress on long-awaited projects while wrestling with the tension between productivity and simply being present with his family.

Together they talk about the surprising lessons that come from slowing down, why we often feel the need to fill every silence, and how learning to truly listen can change our relationships. They also reflect on parenting, legacy, marriage, and finding joy in simple moments—whether that's throwing kids in the air, hanging gymnastic rings in the garage, or laughing over old podcast memories.

As always, they wrap up by celebrating wins from the community, from conquering first-time fitness challenges and buying a family car to choosing patience over anger in difficult moments. Because sometimes the biggest victories are the ones no one else sees.

If you've ever felt like life has been too loud or too busy to notice what's right in front of you, this episode is a reminder that slowing down might be exactly what you need.