Made For This with Jennie Allen

Everyone wants to know how to have deep relationships and honestly, my small group has shown me this even in the past year since we joined! We handle finances, fights, and struggles in all areas of our lives. I couldn’t think of a better interview to close this season with than with some of the women I live life with day in and day out. Visit Jennie's blog for all the episode show notes: jennieallen.com/blog Download the Friend Guide: jennieallen.com Join the conversation: instagram.com/jenniesallen

One of the biggest barriers I think we all face in friendship is expressing our own needs. I struggle with this! A friend I love told me recently, “Jennie, I just don’t think you need me!” It couldn’t be farther from the truth, but she was right. I have a hard time telling my friends what’s going on in my life and what I need from them. We all just stay within our lines and wave politely at each other rather than getting into the everyday parts of each other’s lives. When I talk about these hard things on the show, just know I’m right there with you in this. I believe in us team!

I can't wait for you to meet my friend Tasha! This is a unique episode because you’re going to see inside a friendship that isn’t always easy and yet has been one of the most fruitful of any relationships I have. Tasha and I have put a lot of intentional work into our friendship and we have had a lot of hard conversations about race and differences, and I am so incredibly grateful for her. Her organization Be the Bridge is changing the world! Learn more about Be the Bridge and pre-order her book today: latashamorrison.com

Conflict happens to all of us and I want you to know what to do when you find yourself there. Have you ever been in a toxic relationship you knew you needed to let go of but wondered if it was ok? I’ve always known boundaries are important in relationships but I’ve never known what the Biblical time to do that is. I decided we needed to talk about this with an expert… Dr. John Townsend. Get ready for this one! Dr. Townsend Book ‘Boundaries’: https://www.amazon.com/Boundaries-Updated-Expanded-When-Control/dp/0310351804/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=john+townsend&qid=1565142796&s=gateway&sr=8-3 His book ‘People Fuel’: https://www.amazon.com/People-Fuel-Fill-Your-Leadership/dp/0310346592/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=john+townsend&qid=1565142775&s=gateway&sr=8-2 The Friend Guide: jennieallen.com

People ask me all the time what to do when they’re in conflict with a friend. This is a part of real life and not something to be afraid of! I want to help you move through it and have a good understanding of what the Bible has to say. We talk about everything from cat-fights and politics. Download the Friend Guide: jennieallen.com

You will not want this episode to end! Jim Cofield is a pastor, author, life coach, and works with pastors on retreats. You will love what he has to say about the basics of being a healthy person, what is really happening when we walk into a room of people, what the greatest gift we can give others really is, and some practical ways to make changes today. Learn more about Crosspoint Ministry: crosspointministry.com Read Jim's book with Dr. Richard Plass 'The Relational Soul': https://www.amazon.com/Relational-Soul-Moving-False-Connection/dp/0830835873

Let's talk about what to look for and how to find your inner circle of people you deeply invest in and pursue Jesus with. It takes work and vulnerability and it's worth it. I want to tell you a little bit about some of my people and the journey I've been on since I moved to a new city! Get the Made For This devo: madeforthisdevo.com Read Philippians 3: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+3&version=ESV Follow Jennie on Instagram: instagram.com/jenniesallen

We are living more isolated than ever, and something has to change before it's too late. You will love this conversation I had with Jefferson Bethke because he actually lives this radical connectedness out! You will get some practical ideas to fight for relationships in your life and be challenged to get out of your house and start talking to your neighbors more often. Follow Jeff and his wife Alyssa on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeffersonbethke Get Jeff's new book 'To Hell with the Hustle': https://www.amazon.com/dp/0718039203/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_uL6nDbS0DW909 Join Jennie over on Instagram: instagram.com/jenniesallen

We were meant to depend on God for everything... I want to us to consider what we're giving our people when they come to us with their joys, hurts, and questions. Are we truly listening to understand? Are we giving them God not just catchphrases that will help for a moment? Let's dive into this and press the reset button on our conversations. It could change someone's life forever! Follow Jennie on Instagram: instagram.com/jenniesallen IF:Lead in September: ifgathering.com Thanks Jake Scott for letting us use your music! Search Jake Scott on Spotify to hear more.

If anyone presses in and gets me talking about the real stuff in life, it's Jessica Honegger. We adopted our sons from Rwanda together and her friendship has been a gift to me. If you're looking for real, raw, honest friendship, this episode will show you the hard work that friendship is but how rewarding it is when we don't settle for the shallow stuff in each other. Download the Friend Guide on Jennie's website: jennieallen.com Follow Jennie on Instagram: instagram.com/jenniesallen Learn more about Noonday Collection: noondaycollection.com Find Jessica's Book 'Imperfect Courage': https://www.amazon.com/Imperfect-Courage-Purpose-Leaving-Comfort/dp/0735291292"