A very happy new year to you and welcome back to the messy table, an ordinary space for real

women imperfect stories, and the God who's always faithfully at work in the messes of our lives.

I'm your host, Jen Jewel, and whether it's your first time here or maybe you joined us for all 46

episodes and counting, I personally consider it a massive joy and privilege to gather with you here where

thanks to technology, our crazy worlds can collide, where the mundane and sacred don't seem

quite so far apart, where bitter often finds the sweet, and where we might even catch a small

glimpse of heaven here on earth. The messy table is a bi-weekly conversation-style podcast, which airs a brand new

episode every other Tuesday. We're officially partnered with My Church, Life Church, and our sister's

ministry, as well as the brave women who willingly offer their stories and unique perspectives

for us to learn from. But you know what? We also love partnering with you, no matter your location,

your background, or your specific church affiliation. There is one name that's above all others,

one name that unites us, and that is the name of Jesus. Honestly, our goal here is pretty simple,

to push pause on the busyness of life, to glorify God and encourage each other by sharing

pieces of our own stories and His faithfulness, which helps us all refocus on what matters most.

Whether huge and life-altering or more subtle and refining, each conversation can shape us and teach

us because these are the real valuable pieces that make up our real

valuable lives. Isaiah 12-1 tells us that God stretched out the heavens, laid the foundations of the earth,

and formed the human spirit. We believe that this God who created this world and everything in it

also knit you together on purpose, with purpose,

and for a purpose. Well, I am pumped for you to hear from today's guest because she's actually

a sweet friend of mine from college who happens to be releasing her book baby into the world today

on January 1st, 2019. Kara K. James is the executive director of a ministry called Thrive Moms. She's also a pastor's

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