Well, happy 2020 or 2020, whichever way you prefer to say it.

And welcome to the messy table, an ordinary space for real women, imperfect stories, and the God who's always at work in our mess.

I'm Jen Jewel, the host of this faith-fueled conversation-style podcast, which airs a brand

new episode every other Tuesday.

And y'all, we are partnered with the women of my church, Life Church, as well as

many incredibly wise, bold, thoughtful, Jesus-loving women who are part of the Capital C Church

all over the world. So no matter what you're up to at this very moment, whether you're traveling

for work or running on the treadmill or folding laundry or charting numbers or hiding in the

bathroom from your

toddler. Guys, our simple prayer is that this will be a place where you can come as you are

and take a deep breath of truth and encouragement. I do want to point out as we kick off this new

year, our episodes for the month of January have a very specific focus. Not just because our

New Year's resolutions likely aren't cutting it, though they probably aren't. And not just because our New Year's resolutions likely aren't cutting

it, though they probably aren't.

And not just because we want to set some new goals and strive for something bigger and

attempt to be more awesome, but because we know there's value in taking intentional time

to pause, to listen, to consider what matters most.

As Mary Oliver once so eloquently asked,

what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?

So within the greater framework of knowing God

and making him known, which is the main mission

that any Christ's follower is called to,

...