The Happy Hour with Jamie Ivey

As we enter this new decade, I thought it would be fun to talk to a few friends and reflect back on what life was like 10 years ago. In these conversations, you’ll hear guests speak about what God has done in their life, their dreams and goals, things they would have done differently, and things they’re most proud of. And, looking back always causes me to look forward, so we’ll also chat about dreams for the next ten years! Today I’m so happy to welcome Becca Harris back to the show. Becca is my real-life friend and the KIDS Director at the St. John Congregation of our church. In 2010, Becca had just moved in with some friends as the Lord had been stirring in her heart to get involved with foster care. Becca shares how she began that journey with an idea in mind, but God had other plans that didn’t quite line up with what Becca had imagined. You’ll hear about the challenges she faced, how she wrestled with God, and the incredible. tangible ways God faithfully showed her He never left her side. Connect with Jamie Facebook // Twitter // Instagram // YouTube GET ALL THE LINKS FROM THE SHOW HERE

My guest for The Happy Hour # 291 is Rebecca Bender. After escaping nearly six years of human trafficking, Rebecca received the kind of restoration that only God provides. Rebecca is now the CEO & Founder of the Rebecca Bender Initiative, a non-profit that works with law enforcement, VICE, FBI, Homeland Security and aftercare programs to provide expert testimony, trainings and consultation. Rebecca earned her Master’s in Christian Thought and is passionate about teaching biblical truths to encourage all people to pursue the call of God regardless of their past. Friends, I know the topic of the show today is heavy, but it is such an important one for all of us. I believe we all need to lean in to become educated about trafficking because you guys, it’s a multi-million-dollar industry in our country alone. Rebecca and I talk about the fact that trafficking probably looks different than we have in our heads, the effects of our hyper-sexualized culture, and ways we can be educating our kids. Rebecca also shares her heart about her own experience through such dark times. You will also hear how fiercely God pursued Rebecca, and how he has led her through the hard, hard work of re-entry after trauma such as this. I am so thankful for Rebecca and the work she is doing, and I’m so honored to have her on the show today! Connect with Jamie Facebook // Twitter // Instagram // YouTube GET ALL THE LINKS FROM THE SHOW HERE

As we enter this new decade, I thought it would be fun to talk to a few friends and reflect back on what life was like 10 years ago. In these conversations, you’ll hear guests speak about what God has done in their life, their dreams and goals, things they would have done differently, and things they’re most proud of. And, looking back always causes me to look forward, so we’ll also chat about dreams for the next ten years! Today I’m talking with Van Tracy and I think you’re going to love hearing about Van’s last decade. Van’s passion has always been acting and musical theater, but much of his last decade he spent working as an attorney. While the work was good, it wasn't soul satisfying and the passion for the arts remained. You’ll get to hear how an unexpected opportunity arose that led him to begin a completely new career at age 47. Friends, I love Van’s story, and was so encouraged hearing how God’s timing worked perfectly to bring him to his new job where he’s able to use his passion and gifts. Connect with Jamie Facebook // Twitter // Instagram // YouTube GET ALL THE LINKS FROM THE SHOW HERE

My guest for The Happy Hour # 290 is Jen Fulwiler. Jen is a standup comedian, SiriusXM talk show host, and the mom of six kids. She's a bestselling author whose new book, Your Blue Flame, comes out April 28. Friends, do you have a passion or dream that you can’t seem to shake but it feels improbable or impossible to chase after? Today, you will hear my friend Jen tell the story of how she became a radio show host and stand-up comedian, not because she was an expert, but because she felt that nudge you just can’t shake and she went for it. Jen is passionate about all women embracing and living out our gifts because they can change the world – it doesn’t matter if it’s big, small, in the public eye or not. Jen also shares about the sudden loss of her father, and I am so thankful for Jen’s honesty about the challenges and blessings she’s experienced in this grief. Connect with Jamie Facebook // Twitter // Instagram // YouTube GET ALL THE LINKS FROM THE SHOW HERE

As we enter this new decade, I thought it would be fun to talk to a few friends and reflect back on what life was like 10 years ago. In these conversations, you’ll hear guests speak about what God has done in their life, their dreams and goals, things they would have done differently, and things they’re most proud of. And, looking back always causes me to look forward, so we’ll also chat about dreams for the next ten years! Today I get to welcome my real-life neighbor and friend Julia Barnett-Tracy to the show. Julia is not only the International Choir Operations Director for the African Children’s choir, but she’s also an established writer and actress. Julia talks to us today about the different changes she’s seen happen in her life the last ten years as she transitioned from life in New York to Austin, and launching into a new avenue of her career in entertainment. We also take a 20 year jump back and get to hear about what it was like for her living in NYC on 9/11. Connect with Jamie Facebook // Twitter // Instagram // YouTube GET ALL THE LINKS FROM THE SHOW HERE

My guest for The Happy Hour # 289 is Jo Saxton. Jo is a Londoner born to Nigerian immigrants (to which she credits her tenacious spirit), an author, speaker, podcast host, and leadership coach. She has spearheaded an initiative aimed to help women grow in leadership, and has written books on leadership, identity, and legacy. She lives in Minneapolis with her husband, Chris, and their two daughters. Today, Jo and I talk about showing up for the life God’s given you. Amen to that! If you’re asking yourself what your purpose is, or you struggle to see the gifts God has given you, I know you will be so encouraged by our conversation. As we are facing uncertain times, I especially loved hearing Jo tell the story of how her foster mother found her purpose during the war when everything about her current reality changed and was turned upside down. Jo and I also talk about how we need community that gives you roots and gives you wings. Friends, if you believe your gift isn’t valid or important enough, I hope you hear today that your voice matters! I love how Jo challenges us to lean into God and think about how we can speak life to those around us. Connect with Jamie Facebook // Twitter // Instagram // YouTube GET ALL THE LINKS FROM THE SHOW HERE

As we enter this new decade, I thought it would be fun to talk to a few friends and reflect back on what life was like 10 years ago. In these conversations, you’ll hear guests speak about what God has done in their life, dreams, goals, things they would have differently, and things they’re most proud of. And, looking back always causes me to look forward, so we’ll also chat about dreams for the next ten years! Today, I'm talking with my friend Katherine Wolf about her last decade. Katherine is a survivor, communicator, and advocate. At the age of 26, Katherine’s life nearly ended with a catastrophic stroke (you can hear more of her story in The Happy Hour #98). Ten years ago, Katherine was transitioning from two years of intense rehab living in hospitals to learning how to live her new normal. Through this last decade, Katherine and her husband Jay have started a ministry, Hope Heals, written two books including their latest, Suffer Strong, had a baby!, and created a camp for families affected by disabilities. You guys, Katherine has lived through so much in these last ten years, and her joy and her love for God is overflowing. I am so thankful for Katherine, and what she teaches us about the visible and invisible wheelchairs of this world, and that joy can be found amidst it all! Connect with Jamie Facebook // Twitter // Instagram // YouTube Sponsors Noom Ettitude Bamboo Sheets - text 64-000 to get 20% off and free shipping off their sheet set!  GET ALL THE LINKS FROM THE SHOW HERE

My guest for The Happy Hour # 288 is Jennie Allen. Jennie is an award- winning and bestselling author of Bible studies, many books including her most recent Get Out of Your Head, and is the founder and visionary for the IF: Gathering. Jennie is a passionate leader following God’s call on her life to catalyze a generation of women to live what they believe. Jennie has a master’s in Biblical studies from Dallas Theological Seminary and lives in Dallas, Texas, with her husband, Zac and their four children. It has been way too long since I’ve had my friend Jennie on the show, and I’m so happy to welcome her back. Today Jennie and I talk about the fight all of us are in to take every thought captive and remember who God is. Jennie shares her own story of some of her darkest months living with lies that produced fear, anxiety and doubt. Things started to change when Jennie began treating it like war and fighting the lies head on. Jennie and I also discuss how Biblical community isn’t optional, and we have to fight for it as well - it doesn’t just happen automatically. You guys, I think this may be one of those shows where you’ll want to go back and listen with pen and paper ready. I hope you will be as encouraged and fired up as I was! Connect with Jamie Facebook // Twitter // Instagram // YouTube Sponsors Dave's Killer Bread Third Love - get 15% off your first purchase! UNICO 20°87° GET ALL THE LINKS FROM THE SHOW HERE

As we enter this new decade, I thought it would be fun to talk to a few friends and reflect back on what life was like 10 years ago. In these conversations, you’ll hear guests speak about what God has done in their life, dreams, goals, things they would have differently, and things they’re most proud of. And, looking back always causes me to look forward, so we’ll also chat about dreams for the next ten years! Today, Kat Smith shares the incredible journey God has taken her on in the last decade. Kat tells us how she started out the decade as a teacher, and now she and her husband Jordan are the co-founders of Mudleaf Coffee in Plano, Texas. I loved hearing how God used different people to speak into the dream that seemed impossible, and hearing about the ministry that's now been created. I think you'll be moved listening to Kat describe how God so tangibly showed her that He saw her, and the way He equipped she and her husband with exactly what they needed when the time was right to open Mudleaf. I loved hearing how God has worked in Kat's life this last decade, and I'm excited to visit Mudleaf the next time I'm in the area! .Connect with Jamie Facebook // Twitter // Instagram // YouTube   Sponsors Pine Cove - use code HAPPYHOUR250 for $250 off a first time, overnight youth camp registration Abide App - get 25% off a premium subscription   GET ALL THE LINKS FROM THE SHOW HERE

My guest for The Happy Hour # 287 is Nancy Mattingly. Nancy is a wife, mother, and grandmother. Nancy and her husband Mitch relocated to the Nashville area from Houston, Texas, two years ago, after living there all their lives. Nancy spent twenty years at Living Proof Ministries and now works at a beautiful retail store in historic downtown Franklin, TN.I’ve never felt more prayed for than I have by Nancy, and I am so honored to have her on the show today. Nancy is one of the strongest prayer warriors I know, and you’ll hear how God began nudging her to pray for people, and she gives such encouragement for how we can pray for each other. Nancy and I also talk about mental illness, and she speaks about the grief she’s been walking through after the loss of her son Kyle to suicide. Nancy reads from a letter she wrote from a parent’s perspective on suicide, and she shares so many important messages about mental health, suicide, and grief. Friends, I know some of you have lost a loved one from suicide, and you either know someone or may be battling with mental illness yourself. I pray that this show would be a source of comfort and hope for you as you hear Nancy speak with love and faith in Jesus amidst such a tragic loss.Connect with JamieFacebook // Twitter // Instagram // YouTubeSponsors Butcher Box - use code HAPPYHOUR and get $20 off your first box and 2 lbs of ground beef for free in every box for the life of your subscription! Zip Recruiter - try for free!  UNICO 20°87° GET ALL THE LINKS FROM THE SHOW HERE