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B
What's up sisters and friends? I hope you're having a great start to your week. It is about to get so much better because we have a sister and a friend that you guys actually told me so many times to have. I haven't even told you that, but I did a little question box and I was like, who do y' all want to see on the podcast? And I'm not kidding, y'. All. It was like Teresa and Teresa. And I was like, wait, this is incredible because I know her. But funny enough, I never met her. But we followed each other on Instagram for years. We gotten to do some things together and I'm super grateful not only to have her on the podcast, but for her and her husband to be here in Louisiana. And we also get to shout out her new book over booked and overwhelmed. And I would just like to say I might be counseled for the next hour on this podcast because this is a word I need to hear desperately. But Tara, thank you for coming all the way from Oregon to Louisiana. It's a blessing that you're here.
C
Oh my gosh, it's a joy. It's been really sweet. We love the hometown, like small town vibes. It's been really sweet and really fun for us to get away and just like have us time. So thanks for having us.
B
Y' all are diving in. I mean, Louisiana, staying here for a few days. You went. You got a restaurant door dash I never even heard of.
C
Yeah, we're, we're telling you some local recommendations. You are.
B
I need to get More local. I'm like, what? No. But I'm super excited to dive into this conversation. But before we do, I'll ask you a question we ask everybody, because I know you're ready for it.
C
Ready.
B
What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given?
C
Well, I thought about two different ones, but I'm like, I need to go, like, kind of deep for this.
B
Okay, let's go.
C
But the best piece of advice I think I've ever given is from my parents. And specifically, like, my dad, because he, like, really nailed this in with my brother and I when we were young, both my parents. But I just remember my dad saying it more. And he always told my brother and I to make our faith our own. And he, like, we grew up in a Christian home. It was a really great foundation. But he's like, just because you have that foundation of faith in us, or, like, you go to church and you do all the extracurriculars, it's like, you can't ride on our coattails. And I think I listened to that for so long, thinking, like, oh, yeah, like, sure. And then, like, there's periods in my life where I didn't do that. Right? I didn't make it my own. And I realized, oh, like, I need to make this real and personal. So that's, like, always stuck with me. And actually, my parents are, like, middle school leaders at their church, too, and they've done it for their whole marriage, almost 40 years. And that's what, like, if you ask any kid that's been in their youth group, they will tell you that, like, it's incredible. It just sticks with everyone, I think.
B
Wow, that's so cool. That's so. That's so cool. Shout out to them for 40 years of, like, ministry and the middle school. That is incredible. Middle school is the most intimidating group of people for me to speak to. I don't know about you, but, like, some people are like, oh, makes me nervous. I speak to adults or college students or high school. I'm like, no. If you ever speak in front of a group of middle schoolers, that's the most intimidating thing.
C
Same. I used to, like, help my parents when I was going to that church growing up and, like, helping the group. And granted, that was maybe still, like, six to eight years ago, so I was younger, but I was, like, so nervous whenever my dad asked me to, like, bring a word because I just felt like they were, like, not judging
B
me, but, like, honest. They show everything they're thinking on their face, which is kind of nice, because you know where you stand. But you're like, okay, you're not getting this, or you are getting this. But really, for me, I was actually preaching this message. I was giving it my all. It was like, prodigal son. I was, like, about to go into the Alzrek hall to a group of middle schoolers, and someone literally. I didn't even know this was a real thing, pulled a stink bomb. Like, there's a middle school that was let off.
C
Yes.
B
And so I'm like. And the father's running to the sun that.
C
You smell something?
B
Yeah, I smell something. And I. I'm, like, not good at hiding my face. And I was like. I started laughing, and I was like, oh, my gosh, this is so inappropriate that I'm laughing. But I was like, I'm sorry. Do y' all smell that? Because I literally thought a skunk entered the room, but thankfully, it didn't. It was a stink bomb. All I have to say, shout out to your parents.
C
But I love that they've made such an. And, like, the fact that, like, they have stuck with it. And, like. But, like, it's such a. It's such a formative year or, like, years of your life. And you probably can attest to that, too. Like, knowing some of your story, like, I think it really brings out, like, insecurities, 100 anxieties. But then I think it really can set you up to, like, to a good spot. And so I'm just. They're my heroes, and I'll talk about them all.
B
I love that. That's amazing. So let's talk about middle school for a second, though, because my life changed a lot my eighth grade year. That was whenever things started. I think that's whenever my faith was having to become my own. Like you said, like, you're almost forced into it because now your parents aren't with you all the time. You get to make some of your own decisions. You're starting to be influenced by people. Your eighth grade year was a big year for you, too, for other reasons. But can you share a little bit of what happened to you after eighth grade year?
C
Yeah. So it was just before freshman year of high school. So it was, like, on the end of May 3rd year. And I remember just as clear as day. We were at our friend's vacation home at the beach. And, like, it's right before school was gonna start. We were hanging out, and I woke up one morning, and, like, I could not, like, move without every inch of my body hurting out of bed. And it was like the craziest moment. And I remember, like, calling my parents in and being like, this is super weird. And we ended up getting home and I felt a little bit better. But I kept having it happen, like, in the mornings, throughout the day, really odd, like, muscle pain, like nerve pain, like, really bad headaches where I could like, barely leave a dark room. It was just really odd. And so we went to tons of different doctors and specialists and, like, trying to figure out what's going on because we were, like, just about to start school. And, like, I was super active in my life. And it just. Of course, when something like this happens to you in general, it throws a wrench in your plants. But when you're like that young, I think it was really confusing. And so we finally found out that I was diagnosed with, like, fibromyalgia, which is just. It's usually something that, like, older people get, but younger people can get as well. And it's just like a widespread, like, musculoskeletal pain, really bad headaches and can cause fatigue and just really, like. It just like takes your function and just dips it completely down. And so that was a big wrench thrown in my plans. And so I had to, like, miss my first year of high school and had to, like, be tutored back and, like, catch up. And I remember weeks on end just laying in bed. Like, there was times where it was like two weeks where I couldn't get out of bed and my parents, like, you got to get up and like, like, shower. And I'm like, I can't. Wow. And so that was the beginning.
B
Before this. Was it just totally out of nowhere?
C
Totally out of nowhere. I think it was like from a random virus or something that came about, but it was completely random. I was like, I've grown up dancing my whole life. And so I was doing that and, you know, doing all the church things at school. Yeah. So it was. It was life altering. And that sounds dramatic maybe, but it really was.
B
It doesn't sound dramatic. I mean, if you grow up dancing, normal kid, going to all the activities, and then all of a sudden you wake up and you can't move.
C
Right.
B
I mean, that's crazy. And then not being able to go to your high school year. So at this point in your life, though, you're, oh, hey.
C
Oh, hey.
B
Yes. Said it was at 11. No, I said come at 11. I said, we're so nice to meet you, Christian. I saw the red light on. That means recording.
C
Come at 10. If we are recording at 11. Can we keep.
B
Welcome to the podcast.
C
Christian's here.
B
My co host.
C
Hey, how's it going? My husband Michael.
B
I was like, who would be walking in while the red light's on? Okay, now that my. My co host has left the building with your husband, they're going to have fun talking about hunting. Let's go back to high school because this is a pivotal time of your life. I think I told you I YouTube stalked you. You had kind of said your life up to that point was, like, pretty normal, easy, in a sense. And then this was, like, your first kind of, like, challenge to your faith. But I found it interesting that you started talking about how in your soph year, that was, like, the hardest year of your life. Because when you hear your story, you would think, like, that was the hardest thing. But it seemed like sophomore year took a turn more challenging to, like, your own faith. You want to talk a little bit about that? Because to me, that was exactly my story. Like, eighth grade was, like, really hard. Started challenges, challenging my faith. My life pivoted a lot. But then it was sophomore year, I got into relationships I shouldn't have been in and was very influenced by that and took a turn. And so I thought that was interesting in your story, too.
C
Yeah, super similar. And of course, yeah, you had the diagnosis and trying to figure out new life. And then I went from a private, private school to a public school. And so, like, that was a little. Also a little bit of a culture shock in a way. So there's a lot there. But, yeah, sophomore year was crazy because I. That was the year that I was kind of getting back into, like, this is how life is now with what I'm going through. And that was kind of the year. I think, like I mentioned before that I didn't really make my faith my own. And so I started just kind of, like, taking risks. And I genuinely probably wouldn't have been able to tell you in the moment, but I think I was really jaded by God. I was really upset and bitter because of what I had went through a couple years ago, thinking, like, lord, if I'm following you, like, why would you do this? Especially at such a young age, especially in this moment? And so I think I had this, like, chip on my shoulder with God. So sophomore year, I got into a relationship I shouldn't have. I started, like, lying to my parents and, like, sneaking around and, like, just. And also just, like, not taking care of my body the way I should have. Like, with this illness. There was just a lot that I threw out the window. And it all came crashing down. Thank God. But it all came crashing down. And I just realized, like, I needed to reconcile with the Lord and because there was a lot in my heart that I was just holding onto, a lot of bitterness, and I just kind of wanted to go my own way. But I actually am really thankful. I think in a lot of ways that that happened. I'm glad that God protected me from some stuff in that rebellious phase, but I'm really glad it happened because I don't think I would have really built that foundation and that honesty with God if. If it didn't happen.
B
Yeah. You know how some stories are just so familiar that we almost stop listening whenever they're told because we've heard them so many times? I feel like that can sometimes happen with the story of Easter, not because it is not the most powerful thing we've ever heard, but just because we might have heard it all of our life. But that's why Tim Tebow's new book, if the Tree Could Speak, is really special. It's telling the story of the crucifixion from the perspective of the wooden cross, the very thing that held Jes as he died. The closest witness to Jesus's death wasn't a person, it was a tree. And seeing the story through that lens just gives you a whole new perspective and a fresh perspective of both the pain and the redemption. The cross in the story starts out ashamed of what it's become, just two beams used for execution, but then discovers it's holding the King of Kings. And that transformation is such a beautiful picture of how Jesus redeems what feels broken or shameful and turns it into hope. The illustrations are absolutely stunning. The writing is poetic, and it's honestly the perfect read as we start looking forward to Easter. It helps you reflect intentionally instead of rushing past the moment. I think this is such a beautiful thing for you to have, or as a gift. I have it right here, and you can see it has so many amazing pictures. I am a big fan of pictures in any book because I'm such a visual learner, but this one specifically, because it's obviously showing something so powerful. So let's step into the story of Easter in a different way. Order if the Tree Could Speak by Tim Tebow Today on Amazon. One of the things in that story that I thought was really cool was like, you confessing to your parents where you had been, like, the state you had been in. That is hard to do, but it's very inspiring. That that was a part of your story. That was, like, a true change in you because you had mentioned in this testimony video. I watched. Like, I'd said sorry so many times, but that time I meant it. There are people listening to this podcast right now who are living in a similar state of, like, you know, wanting to feel rebellious, wanting to kind of do their thing, mad at God for how their life panned out, and probably realizing, okay, this might not be the best decision, but what other choice do I have? I'm so deep in. I'm so far in. I just want everyone listening to this to know, like, you're not too far out. You're not too deep in it. Like, there's always hope, there's always grace, there's always love. Like, Jesus is for you right here in the season you're in. But for you, how did you actually, like, snap out of that?
C
Yeah, Well, I think also I love that reminder because I think, especially, like, being a Christian, you know that. But then, like, you're in a situation and you forget that that's true. So, like, having you say that again is just, like, hope for so many people. And even for myself. Like, I also had to remember, like, the Enemy was trying and succeeding for a long time in that period of my life to get me to believe that, like, confessing to not only God, but to my parents and the people that I love was going to be dangerous or they weren't going to accept me or just, like, all these lies. But the moment I did, although it's painful and it's embarrassing and all these feelings, they welcomed me with open arms. They were like, we forgive you right away. Do we trust you right now? No. But do we forgive you and do we love you and are we working towards reconciliation and are we gonna move forward? Yes. And, like, same thing with the Lord times a million, right? And so for me, I think that snap moment was when I realized I was just so tired of hiding. Not just from the Lord, but from my parents. And I was like, I'm gonna be honest right now. My parents took my phone away one time, and I snuck my dad's iPad so I could email the boy I was hanging out with.
B
Oh, my gosh. And if that.
C
I don't know if I've ever actually confessed that.
B
What better place than on a podcast?
C
We're getting real. And I. At this point, you know, but I just. That's just how deep in it I was. I think there was a point where I'm like, I'm so Tired of trying to hide and trying to look over my shoulder all the time, and I just was exhausted. I. And that sin can really weigh on you. Sometimes it takes a while for it to be like, wow, this is heavy. But I'm grateful that I like.
B
Yeah.
C
Yeah.
B
Well, that's. I'm actually so glad you said that, because there are so many people right now doing similar things, sneaking around, because people can take it away from you. People can try to help you, try to put guardrails. But until you decide I'm done with this, you're gonna keep finding a way to get what you want, and you have to make that decision. Like your parents said, your faith has to become your own. Like, this has to be a priority for you. We can't make this a priority for you. It has to be a relationship that you find, and that's how every single one of us has to get to that point in our life. And I just. Yeah, I love your honesty also. That's why I, like, love following you, too, because you're so authentic and, like, you're really good at being transparent and telling people how it really is, but not also, like, holding things that are yours, you know? Like, I feel like sometimes it's hard to find that balance on social media of, like, being vulnerable but not sharing too much with the whole world. And I feel like you do such a good job of sharing things that are helpful to others, and so thank you for sharing that part of your story. So after that, how does life continue on? You graduate high school, you go to college. What does that look like?
C
Oh, my goodness. You think that, like, after that, like, things chill out, you know? And I had my, like, moment where I'm like, okay, Lord, I'm like, my prodigal son moment. I'm like, I'm coming back to you. I actually. Is it funny how this happens? I told my parents and I told the Lord, like, I'm gonna, like, chill from relationships, because that was really bad.
B
Yeah.
C
And I did for a. And then I met my husband, like, a year and a half later in high school, we started dating.
B
You're better than me because you said that. And it was. A year and a half later I said that, and the next day, I met Christian. So you never know.
C
I love that, though. And, like, I think it was. It was super shocking for my dad. Like, he literally got, like. He. He will tell you, he got nauseous, not only because it's his little girl. And, like, I was kind of. I was pretty serious about Michael Right away. Cause, like, there was something different about him. But also. Cause he's like, this is not what we talked about, right? And so. But yeah, after that, like, meeting Michael. So we've been high school sweethearts. We got married a couple years after that. But high school, I think after that was just a blessing because of what we went through previously. Fast forward, still dating, graduated high school. I had this plan, and I'm very. Okay, I'm not as much type A anymore because I've had to release that just in general and then also being a mom. But I have always had a plan that I wanted to go into the medical field. And I'm like, either a nurse or a doctor or something. And I should look back because I wasn't very good at, like, science or math. I was always really good at writing. But I had this plan and I got accepted into this really awesome college kind of in our area. Moved down there, moved into a really awesome, like, girls Christian home that, like, you know, kind of like a girls Christian sorority. Like, everything was kind of like falling into place. And it felt like the Lord had really ordained it to be there, you know, for the next couple of years. And a really crazy thing happened, like a month in that the Lord and I had just this conversation clear as day about not being there. And I really struggled with it because I thought, lord, I don't want to leave. We've already had so many wrenches thrown into my plans. Like, it's only been a month. Like, you're not giving me a clear step of what's next. You just are telling me not to be here. It was really difficult. Had to, like, pull out, move back home with my parents. They were really great. But I just had this, like, aimless season when I was at home. Like, I was working odd jobs in retail. And it was fun, but, like, I just didn't really feel like I knew what I was doing. And for my personality, that was really hard for me. Cause I'm like, I don't feel like I have purpose here. God.
B
And did you just feel like you weren't supposed to continue on, like, the medical path, or you didn't feel like you needed to be, like, around those people? What was the.
C
So the people were great, the atmosphere was awesome. The school was great. So, like, that was what was really confusing about it. And maybe people can attest to this as well, that, like, you can be in a situation that feels really good in all of the details and logistics, and it feels like it's from God. But like, for some reason, he tells you no or tells you to leave, and you're like, why? Like, this feels great. So that was kind of my scenario.
B
And then that's hard because then if you don't get the answer why, everybody else is going to be asking you why it's hard.
C
That was embarrassing. Yeah, because they're like, I mean, and for me, I'm like, people are going to think I failed. Or people are going to think, like. And everyone asks you, like, oh, well, what are you going to do next? Like, it's always the question. Then you, like, feel intimidated by that. But, yeah, it just wasn't like, the Lord was like, you're not supposed to be in this field, in this realm. But it wasn't really clear on what was next. And after being at home and working random jobs, my parents are like, you should just, like, go talk to someone at our church, like a counselor, a mentor. So I ended up meeting with her, like, almost every single week. We'd have coffee and. And I remember a couple weeks in, she's like, maybe, like, you should do some, like, Bible school or something where you can really dive into the Word right now since you, you know, have this kind of, like, this waiting period of sorts. And she never said it as, like, a career thing. It was more like, just get to know God, more like you've known the Lord your whole life, but, like, actually dive into the Word. So I did that, and I started doing some online, like, hermeneutics and theology classes, and I just fell in love with Scripture. But I'm like. I'm like, I've known the Lord my whole life, and I've, like, never known this, though. So that, like, really opened up a whole door for me. And I always loved, like, journaling and writing. I had, like, a little laptop I bought when I was working for my dad at his farm in the summers. Like, I spent money to get this. I was always writing. And so Michael, then boyfriend. Well, now husband. But at that point we weren't married yet, but he was like, why don't you, like, just, like, write things down? Just like, kind of. Maybe it's cathartic, you know? So I started, like, a little blog. And. Yeah, and, like, that's kind of like the next phase. But it's just so crazy, the ways that God is working years tenfold, even sometimes beforehand. But it was really hard to see what he was doing in the moment.
B
It's cool that you said you're, like, actually, come to think of it, I'm Actually not really good at math and I'm really good at writing. But we don't see that clearly in the moment. You see that later when you look back when people ask me about what I do, I'm like, I would never have thought on one sense because I was so shy. But then on another sense, I look back and I was preaching on the counter, talk to my parents. So it's like, okay, now I see it clearly. But I definitely didn't at the time. It felt shocking, it felt intimidating, it felt hard. But when people see someone else thriving in the, you know, path that God has for them, you just assume it was easy. You just assume like, oh, you've always been here. You've always been this person that's just so natural to you. And it's like, no, it's actually stretching. It's still hard. I'm still, you know, getting on board. Because you're human and you have all the things that humans go through. Anxiety and the why questions and the what, what were you doing back there? Questions. And it's so, that's so real. So I love this. And one of the reasons I wanted you to tell kind of the background of your story is because so many people do look at you and like, how did you get there? How do I want to do what you do? I want to, I want to write books, I want to do this. And everybody's path to that is so different. Everyone's journey to that is so different. This is not a field where you go, oh, well, you go to college and you get this major and then it happens like. And actually I don't think really anybody's life works out like that. You know, even if you think you have like a straight LA path, there's probably some twists and turns you didn't expect to it. But I do think for like author, writer, speaker, this, it is. No one's story is the same. You can ask anybody. And it's like, well, this happened and that happened. You started writing for a blog, like your own blog, and what did that look like? Did you have followers or people following along? Like, how did you get started? Talk about something that really matters. The decision to have an abortion often happens very fast. When fear is loud and the pressure is heavy, everything feels urgent. But moments of panic aren't the right space for making life changing choices. The truth is, more than 80% of moms choose life after seeing their baby for the first time on the ultrasound at a preborn network clinic. That's why a free ultrasound actually has the power to change the course of history. I just remember every time I got to see the ultrasound in my babies and just how special it is, really hearing that heartbeat and really just seeing the life forming inside of you. To be surrounded by a group of people who's going to not only be with you there in that moment, but support you in the moments to come is so important. And so if you are in that situation, you're feeling worried about it, just know that they're going to come around you. This March, Preborn is hoping to save 6,800 babies lives. But it will take 124 partners saying yes every day. So I just want to ask you if you would pause your busy day for just a moment and become a yes guests right now. Just $28 provides one ultrasound and 140 helps five mothers. Every dollar helps save babies and share hope. To donate, dial pound 250 and say the keyword baby. Again, that's pound 250 with the keyword baby or visit preborn.com Sadie as Preborn celebrates 20 years of saving babies, there's an opportunity to impact generations. An ultrasound machine doesn't just show a picture, it introduces the mother to her child. And unfortunately, many clinics don't have one and can't afford one. So pre warns goal is simple and urgent. Place an ultrasound machine in every clinic across America that needs one. And if you have the means. This is a bold ask, but would you consider a tax deductible give of $15,000 to save countless lives. To donate, dial a pound 250 and say the word baby or visit preborn.comSadie today
C
I literally, I think it was like a WordPress, like a free one that like you could just, just like in five seconds create and just started slapping random things on there. And it was again, kind of like a journal for me and literally probably only. And I don't say this to be cheeky or anything really. It was just me and Michael, my husband, boyfriend then, and my mom, maybe my grandma reading it, like, genuinely, like it was just really funny.
B
Not even funny. It's like, no, that was really huge
C
and like it was fun to be able to put it out there. And it felt like I've always been kind of artsy and like it felt like a fun creative outlet. But genuinely, no one was reading it. And I wasn't like an OG blogger and I wasn't like doing fashion blogging, but like, I also felt like it was like kind of after everyone started and so like I Don't think anyone knew what they were doing. Like, I didn't know what I was doing. I didn't know that, like, anyone read it. I didn't know that it was a thing.
B
Yeah.
C
Like, I know people say that, but I genuinely did not.
B
And it was.
C
You know, it was on things I was learning from my theology classes. So it was like, hey, like, what does this Hebrew word mean? Or, I learned this in class. Or, like, like. So it was just kind of like random musings, you know, it was really random.
B
Were you growing your social media at the time, too? Or your YouTube. Yeah. Or anything.
C
No, none of that. I mean, I think I still had, like, my normal Instagram that had all of my, like, high school, middle school awkward pictures with all the Instagram filters that they had. You know, I. Yeah. Like, it wasn't even a thought to, like, make it a thing, because when I was still doing this, I was like, lord, I'm doing this in the meantime.
B
Yeah.
C
Like, this is, like, a side thing.
B
Like, I'm gonna figure it out.
C
I'm gonna wait until you figure out, like, where am I gonna go to college next? Or, like, what degree am I gonna get? Like, it was so much like an afterthought kind of. You know, I didn't see what he was doing.
B
Yeah. So what did it. When did you start to realize this is my thing?
C
I think it's when more people started reading. Like, family shared it. And then I think I started sharing a little bit on my Instagram. Like, oh, okay. Like, maybe other people want to read it. And then it, like, kind of started growing, and it was really weird. Like, I'm like, oh, wait, so people want to read? And it was never, like, a career thing. It was still like, oh, but, like, I have time to do this and, like, maybe grow it. I don't know. It was. Yeah. But it was a slow burn. And I think, again, people need to hear that in general, like, a lot of life is a slow burn. A lot of stuff in your career is kind of like that. Just that ticking away that everyday obedience and that rhythm of just, like, showing up and honestly, no expectations of maybe what number it might be or what God may do with it.
B
Yeah, it's crazy. So I'm holding your second book now. So obviously the blog took off a little bit and your social media took off and all that different stuff. When did the blog turn into your first book and how did that all play out?
C
Okay, so maybe five or six years after I started blogging. So again, like, it wasn't, like, an overnight sensation, which I think in the age right now, you know, as you're listening, everyone's here. Like, it's such a different, like, platform and landscape almost, because I feel like a lot of people are going, like, viral overnight. And, like, it's just, like, not my story. But I'm really grateful because, like, I've also had a lot of, like, imposter syndrome and feeling like, lord, am I equipped to do this? Like, do I know the word enough? Do I know you enough? Like, am I giving people what they need? It's a lot of me realizing that, like, it's not about me. It's about what God can speak through me. But, like, I'm really glad because those years, like, really formed me to be like, yeah, I'm gonna surrender this. This is about you. It's not about how I look or what I know, but, like, what you can speak through me, right? But it did take probably five or six years. And I remember someone emailed me. It was a publisher, and they're like, hey, we've seen. Cause I had a podcast. I started a podcast a few years before that. And they're like, hey, like, have you ever thought about writing a book? And I'. Actually, yeah, but I don't know how to go about it. But it was just right after Michael and I got engaged in 2020, and I'm like, I'm planning a wedding, and I want to, like, get settled, so I'll, like, talk to you later if it crystallizes, right? And so then after we got married, I'm like, let's, like, pursue this. But I was really hesitant. I'm like, lord, I don't want to walk through a door that you don't have for me. So I'm like, let's just take one step. Because I think for me, again, like I mentioned, I'm super type A. And I always thought, like, I need to have, like, the six steps in front of me laid out before I make a move. But my husband encouraged me. Other people were encouraging me, and through prayer, I'm like, I'll just take one step, and if the door closes, then we know that it's not what we need to pursue right now. And so I took the step and got some people to help me do a proposal and, you know, get the first book, which is Surrender. Your story figured out. And we had so many people excited about it. And so I'm like, okay, Lord, I guess this is what you have. And ever since then, just Kind of been taking the open doors from there.
B
And so this is really cool and interesting because I know your story more than the listener knows your story at the time. You and Michael got married. And then you start writing this book. You also, like, unexpectedly find out you're pregnant, so.
C
Oh, I got so much. So we got engaged in 2020, which you mentioned that. So we live in Oregon. Okay. I'll try to make this brief, but, like, it's super wild.
B
We're on a podcast. You can be brief on Instagram. Tell the story. Okay.
C
I love this. No. Yeah. So in 2020, August 2020, we got engaged. And then a month after, there were wildfires that went all throughout. All throughout Oregon. We didn't get affected, thankfully. My parents did actually have to evacuate, but their house was fine. But like, literally where we got engaged, which is like 15 minutes away from where we live, like, a lot of it got burned down, A lot of houses, a lot of, like our big park and stuff, or like national park and stuff. It's like, that was really crazy. Wow. So we were planning a wedding during. During that. And then we had an ice storm a week before our wedding because we got married in the wind.
B
So first.
C
And then February that next year, we had an ice storm that took out the power in our area for like two weeks. And then we got it back. But then like three days before our wedding, the power went out again. And my mother in law was like scrambling to find generators. She's like, you are getting married. We might just have to power the venue with like 15 generators.
B
Oh, my God.
C
So, like, we had all that happen. Thank goodness. The Lord was so apparent and evident and we didn't have to do that. Everything was fine. Like, all that was crazy. And then I think it was. Was July. Just a couple months after that, I found out I was pregnant. And I'm like, lord, not a part of the plan again. So quick. Was definitely not trying.
B
Oh, my God.
C
So we were really shocked. And honestly, Michael and I both. I mean, I'm gonna be honest, there was a period. Not that we never wanted the baby.
B
Yeah.
C
But we were just, I think a little bit disappointed by the circumstance and by the. By the. The timing again, not by the baby. We have always wanted a family. We know what a gift they are no matter when they come. But I think it was just another one of those things where we're like, lord, this is not what we were ready for. And so by the time it was a month after our first year of marriage, then we had Our first.
B
Wow. And you were writing your book during that time?
C
Yeah.
B
Oh.
C
I actually turned my book manuscript in a week before Hunter was born.
B
Oh, man. Yeah.
C
No, I have to remember the timeline, but I remember, like, being super pregnant. I'm like, I gotta get this in before I give birth to a baby. Because, I mean, you know this. When you're. Even if you have all the help in the world, which I'm grateful for, my family, like, it's hard. Like, I'm trying, you know, like, with them. Like, you know, you're nursing a baby or you're chasing them.
B
Yeah, yeah. Gosh. I remember my book was due the week Honey was due.
C
Oh, yeah.
B
As well. And when I turned my book in and I was like, okay, I got it done, then had honey, and then they sent me my edits back, like, the next.
C
And you're postpartum.
B
Postpartum. And I'm looking at this, I'm like, oh, my gosh. So then I'm trying to edit this book, and it's, like, not where I wanted it to be. And I have a newborn. I'm trying to figure out life as a mom. And then for some reason, we thought it was a great idea to host our first conference ever. Three months after I had Honey, right after. In the midst of the edits. And all that led me to, like, my first encounter with burnout. And I. I have to say, before I experienced this, I. I did not really think burnout was a legit thing. I did for older people. I didn't. For younger people.
C
Okay.
B
I felt like, okay, I can see you've been working, like, for so long. You get burnt out. Like, you get tired. Yeah. But I would hear young people say, like, you're burning out. I was like, come on. Like, this is our year.
C
You have so much energy.
B
We have the zeal. Yeah. And then I was like, hold up. Why am I struggling so bad? And for me, I got, like, super anxious. Like, had bad postpartum anxiety. And then I just. It's hard to say, but, like, nothing excited me. Like, any event that I had on the calendar, I would, like, hope it got canceled. I didn't want to show up. Like, I didn't want to do anything else. And then even, like, to read my Bible, I would get super anxious because I would feel like I have to make whatever I read into a message or into a word. And so, like, I didn't want to read the Bible, and I started getting distant, and it really freaked me out because I was like, oh, my Gosh, I'm only. What was I, 24? And I was like, I already feel burnt out. And what does that mean for the rest of my life? And I remember actually sitting with Jenny Allen, and it was unexpected that I was even gonna see her. And I just was, like, super honest. I was like, jenny, I'm really struggling. Like, I. I can't read my Bible. I don't feel excited about anything. Like, I want things to get canceled. I wanna just, like, quit everything. And then she was like, okay. And she said, well, you're just burnt out. And then she said, but I want to give you hope. She said, I've been here three times. And it gave me so much hope, because in my mind, I was like, burnout means you're done. But it's like, no. Burnout just happens. And you can get back up and you can keep going. You just gotta. You just gotta get healthy again. And so I love that you wrote this book overbooked and overwhelmed. Because I've certainly felt overbooked and overwhelmed so many times in my life and even experienced that period. I would say that was the only time I experienced, like, the true feeling of life. Oh, I don't know how I'm gonna do this, but your story reminds me so much of mine, so many paranormal things of, like, I was trying to write a book and I was having a newborn. I just kept trying to go, and then all the things get crazy. So I'm so interested in how life panned out after your first baby that led you to writing a book like this. Cause you don't write a book like this. Cause you know everything about it. You write a book like this. Cause you went through it. Yes.
C
No. And genuinely. And I want to say this, and I think people know this, but I want to say it again, and you know this. Like, I did not write from a place of perfection. I. I wrote from a place of absolute brokenness. Like, burned out and having to rebuild with the Lord. And I still. Even on our way here, I was reading my book. Not for vanity, but feeling that way again and needing to remind myself of God's truth in this. But very similar as well, where I wrote this book. Let's see here. I think I wrote it about a year, a year and a half after my first. Because I did things so wrong in that period. And like I said, like, I turned the book in. And then not only just like, book stuff or work things, but just trying to figure out how to be a new mom, being postpartum and all. The things that you don't see on social media. Like, I'm trying to keep my house clean and I'm trying to make dinner for my family every night. And I'm trying to go to church and serve and invite people in our home and make the doctor's appointments. And I hope I'm not making anyone, like, nervous hearing that. But, like, sometimes I feel that way. Like, there's so much stuff, right. And I, in the midst of that.
B
Right.
C
Like you would think the Christian answer, which is the right answer, but the Christian answer that we know in our head is, like, when we feel that way, when we feel overwhelmed, when we feel like we're on the verge of burnout, when we're exhausted, like, we should run to the Lord, we should go to his word, see what he has to say, not take on all the burdens, cast our cares right first Peter 5:7. But instead, I thought it would be better for me to, like, keep piling things on because I'm like, I have to keep moving. If I stop to talk to the Lord, if I stop to open the Word, if I stop to, heaven forbid, take a break from work or something, then everything's gonna come crashing down. And so I kept just running, I kept doing things, kept adding things. And I also just distracted myself a lot. And what I mean by that is, like, numbing out on social media or like, maybe going to other comforts, like food again, things that maybe aren't bad, but aren't, like, my true source of fulfillment and rest. So it was a big season of continuing to pile things on because I thought the pressure was on me and then just numbing out, out with other things. And so that's why I wrote the book, because I was such a shell of a human, genuinely such a shell of a human.
B
Wow. Yeah, I've totally been there. And I think you're so right about that.
C
Okay.
B
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C
Oh, no.
B
So then all three kids are awake at 4, and I'm like, oh, man. And so then Haven is like, wanting to stay by myself, not wanting to go to sleep. Honey's mad at Haven because she's laying by me and blah, blah. And then Kit's crying. I'm trying to get her back to sleep. And it's like this whole thing. And then we get up for school and everything goes crazy. Then in the morning, and it's like, the outfit's not right and this isn't right and that and that and that.
C
It spirals so quickly.
B
So quickly. And then to top it all off, someone had just said something to me that morning about one more thing I needed to do that I hadn't gotten done. And it just sent me. And I literally started to cry. Like, tears started just welling up in my eyes. And honey looked at me, she said, why are you crying like you're not supposed to cry. Like, you're the mom. But as the mom, sometimes you feel it's like, I can't cry. Like, I can't have a moment of weakness. Because if I have a moment of weakness, like, how is everybody else going to make it? Because you put it all on yourself to keep it up for everybody. And it was actually, like, a sweet moment between me and honey because I was able to tell her. I was like, mommy's trying my best to do things for all of y'. All. And I just said, I'm trying my best, and I'm tired this morning, and I'm sorry that I'm crying, but this is just real. And, like, she got to see that in me. And then I said, hey, will you listen to my devotional with me? And we listen to a devotional together. I love that, you know, part of you feels like I think that the enemy will, like, tell you. Oh, you know, like, kind of like, oh, yeah, you're overwhelmed, you're stressed out, you cried, you failed.
C
Yeah.
B
But it's like, no God is allowing me to show Honey how to overcome when you feel exhausted and when you feel tired. Like, you don't have to be perfect as the mom. Like, you can be a human. Yeah. And I just can relate to that so much, like, what you're saying. And numbing is a big thing for me, too, unintentionally. But, like, social media, I'll just scroll and, like, just try not to think about all the things I have going on. And so right now, I have social media, all apps deleted, because I'm like, I don't want to turn there. And I know it's kind of like the iPad thing for you. It's like, if there's an option to have it. Like, if I delete Instagram, I'm going to Facebook, I'm going to TikTok. Like, I got to delete them all. I gotta get it all out because I don't want to numb. And I love that in your book, you make a point to say, like, numbing. Like, what did you say? I think I wrote it down. Oh, like, fight the numbness. Because it's actually good to, like, feel those things and have those thoughts.
C
Yeah.
B
How do you. For you. Like, for me, it looks like deleting it and, like, actually kind of forcing it. What does that look like for you?
C
I think it's the same. And I would say it's something that we all need to do. Like, if maybe if people say, like, oh, I can Use like, the, what do you call it, like the screen time thing on your phone or if I can just like put my phone in another room. I don't know. You have to be like the strongest person in the world. Maybe it works for some people, but
B
that doesn't work for me.
C
It doesn't work for me.
B
Add 15 minutes.
C
Seriously. Oh, I actually just recently got the brick thing. Have you?
B
My mom just got that.
C
I actually love it. It's been really great. But I think things like that, or deleting it or like turning your phone off and realizing I don't need to be reachable all the time, and also reminding yourself that like, we were not created for all this information and like, just so much at our fingertips in, you know, in a device and to be so on all the time. So, yeah, I think for me, deleting all those things that are in the way, but then like replacing them with things that are life giving. Right? So, like, if you're numbing with one thing, I say this in the book too. If you're numbing or distracting with one thing, that thing is maybe not necessarily a bad thing. It's just, it's getting too much of you. And so how can you replace that with something else that may give you more life, may give you more joy, more presence with Jesus or your family? Because I think like, when we're scrolling, we want to just be comfortable, we want to. To relax, we want to rest, we just want to have a moment. So then if you replace that with something else, like, maybe that's like going on a walk by myself with a girlfriend, going to coffee, hanging out with my kids, watching a movie with my family. Like, what does that look like in like, as an exchange? And I think that's really helpful because, like, I think they say this all the time in like, habit formation and all these studies. Like, you have to like, replace it or like stack it with something else that makes it more doable, makes it more life giving and honestly, making it like attractive too. Like, that sounds really, like, kind of cheesy, but like, like we do have to do those things to like, get us out of that rut, you know?
B
No, it's true. My. Basically, whenever I went through that whole burnout season and didn't know how to get out of it, I ended up going to this guy. He's kind of like, he helps you life plan and he's amazing.
C
Really? On the podcast.
B
Yes. Okay.
C
I love that episode. I know. Yes, I know.
B
You're talking about. He's so amazing. And what he told me to do, he's like, you need to do more things that cause your mind to be like. Like go numb in a sense, but not numb. Like mindless. Mindless things that give back to you. And he called it, like, the green Z. So for me, that looks like walks. That looks like a game. I'm such a gamer. Let's play cards. Let's play mahjong. Let's do something. Yeah. Movies with our family, like, anything like that. That it. It does help your brain slow down and be calm, but it also gives back to you, you know, and it's like, good for you. And so I love that advice in the book. Also, one of the things he helped me with is the. The pattern of my life that I had been on and the. I guess I don't even know the word for it, but the rate I was going was not sustainable. It was like I had to shift. Like, that was when you said, if I don't keep it together, everything's gonna crash down. What you don't realize in that is, if you keep going at this rate, you're gonna crash down.
C
Oh, yeah.
B
And so I was crashing down. I was like, this is not working. And he was like, we do need to restructure some things in your life. And it was really, really helpful for you. How has that looked like. Cause I love the part in your book where you talk about, like, learning no and boundaries and, like, learning forward and say no. Because it is hard. It's hard to say no. It's hard to restructure because you got. Even though it's hard, you get used to that pace.
C
Oh, yeah.
B
And even if it will end up being the thing that makes you, like, completely faint, pass out all the things, like, you get used to it. How did you know? Like, it's my time to slow down and I have to learn how to say no.
C
The biggest thing for me was I realized what a. Not great. Just not like. Like daughter of Jesus, but also wife and mom. I was. I wasn't doing any of those. Well, yeah, that's, like, really hard to admit, but, like, I say this in
B
my book, like, I've been there.
C
My sweet husband over here. I just remember one moment, it's like, the first page of the book where, like, I snapped at him doing dishes at midnight, and I'm not a night owl, and I, like, admitted to him that, like, if I didn't finish this, that everything was going to fall apart. Like, I literally said that over the dishes. But like, what I love about this message in this conversation, Zadie, is, like, whether people can relate to, like, our lives and, like, what we do or not. Like, we all feel this way.
B
Oh, totally.
C
Right? Like, whether you work a 9 to 5 or work from home or you're a wife or you're a mom or you're in school or anything, or high school, whatever. I think we're all so busy and we're all listening to the cultural narrative that we have to do it all and be it all. Especially, I think, as women, right? Like, women have a lot of unique, amazing roles, but we pile them on so much. And I realized it was when I was not treating the people in my life great. I was not being a really loving wife or mom, and I was the snippy, just angsty version of me all the time. So I just realized how it was affecting other people as well, and it was affecting my relationship with God. And so there's a chapter in the book, like, you mentioned, about just, like, saying no, like, giving your best yes and. And. And also your no. And there's a story. I love Nehemiah's story in Scripture. It's like one of my favorite Old Testament books. And when I was rereading it, like, before I wrote the book, I remembered that there's actually so much in Nehemiah's life that teaches us about this because he was given us, or he was given by God, an incredible purpose, right? To rebuild the walls. But he also had a lot of opposition. He had a lot of noise. He had people that came up against him. He had distractions. He had other things he could be doing. And I know he wasn't perfect, but we read in his story that every time someone came to distract him, every time there was something else, he would literally respond to them and say, I can't come down and talk to you right now. I have better work to do. I have a job to do, right? So he was saying yes to what God had for him and no to other people. But, like, I think sometimes we get that mixed up. And it's like, if I say no to this person or this job or this opportunity or this, like, social activity, if I say no, then I'm, like, gonna lose out and I'm gonna let people do down. But, like, when you say no to something, you also gain something else, right? And I had to remember that and be like, honestly, if I'm giving too many yeses, then I am not going to leave much of myself left for what God has For me.
B
Right.
C
And I know God can work through my weaknesses, but I also don't want to just be this, like, just totally torn apart version of myself. Like, I write in the book, too, that God does not call you to wash yourself out like a washcloth. Like, wring yourself out completely in his name. Like, that's not what he wants us to do. And so I just. I think back to your question was that I just realized the effects that it was not only having on my relationship with God because I felt so distant, but also how I was treating other people in my life.
B
That is such a real come to Jesus moment. I'm literally. What Pete Richardson said to me. He looked at me and he said, if you do this, you're gonna make it very hard on your family if you keep doing this. And I just. Bro, start crying.
C
I was like, same.
B
That's the last thing I want. Like, do you think you're doing it for them? I think I'm doing it for them.
C
Yeah. Yeah.
B
And thankfully, like, this conversation happened in my life when Honey was, like, six months old. And I'm really thankful for that. Like, intervention then. But also, I just want to say to moms out there, you might be looking at your kid and they're 7, 8, 9, 13, 14, 15. You might be thinking, oh, it's too late. It's never too late. It's never too late to go, okay, I'm gonna give this to the Lord. I'm gonna become a more present mom, and I'm gonna. And you can always, saying sorry to your kids is such a powerful thing. Sorry to your friends or something. Just saying sorry, like, hey, I recognize that I haven't been that the best friend. I recognize that I haven't been the best mom. I've been distracted or I've been this. There's so much power in that humility, you know? And so. And for me, I had to say sorry to Christian. Like, hey, I'm sorry. I've been making our schedule so busy that I've been putting that in front of our marriage. I didn't mean to do that, but I just kept saying yes, not realizing that those yeses, although have opportunities, also have consequences. And so I had to learn that at that time of like, okay, okay, where are my priorities and how do they fall? And for us, like, ministry is our first. Ministry is our home. It's our kids, it's our family. That has to not only be said, but that has to be lived out and done. And then everything else is the overflow and everything else. It's all together, you know. And so I'm making decisions now totally different than the way I used to make decisions. And I love how Craig Groeschel says this. It's like he has this advice, like, to pre decide and pre determine your decision. So therefore, like, okay, these are the things that are important to me at this time in my life. And when you pre decide when another opportunity comes and it's like, hey, can you do this? It's like, well, already said, okay, these are the values that I'm saying yes or no to. So now I can weigh that and I can say no, because I already decided and it actually came into my life. I'll give you a practical example yesterday. Okay, so we're going on this tour and it's in February, and I had to kind of make some decisions that I wanted to just be two weeks, which is not a long tour. But I was like, I just feel like I need to be present with my family and they're going to come out on the road with us a second, second week. So we had this decision made. Well, yesterday I got a call and they're like, hey, I know your family's out on the road with you, but during one of the days, can you come and do this whole other thing at this college campus and all this stuff? And they said, don't give me an answer now. And I was like, actually, I can give you an answer now. I'm gonna have to say no. Because I had already pre decided that weekend is the weekend, my family's there, and during the day we're gonna do fun stuff as family. So that helps with your yeses and your nose to go. Like, I know I've already decided, even if it's tempting, even if it's like, oh, that's exciting. And there are sometimes you'll feel the Lord go, no, you fun. That's exciting. But I felt like that really helped me. Since writing this book, how do you feel like this message has helped you in all of that distress and the overwhelm that you were feeling? Like, how do you feel now? Not that you're going to be perfect, but how has this message even changed your home? I remember whenever we started low and I had all the what ifs? What if I fail? What if it isn't where I need to be? And looking back, I can see so clearly that God had his hand in the whole thing. Starting something new is exciting, but it's also very scary. And that's why I'm thankful for Shopify. Shopify is the commerce platform behind millions of businesses around the world and 10% of all e commerce in the US from massive brands to tiny startups, Team Low starts on Shopify every single day for managing inventory and staying on top of orders. It just works. You can build a beautiful online store with templates that actually match your vibe. And their AI tools are game changers. They help write product description descriptions, page headlines, even enhanced product photos. Plus everything's in one place. So inventory, payments, analytics and they have a 24, 7 customer support. It really feels like you have a built in business partner. I think it's so amazing for anyone starting out a business, this is the place to do it. Like I said, we do it for low duck Commander does it. It's just honestly very simple and does everything for you. It's time to turn those what ifs into with Shopify today. Sign up for your $1 per month trial today at shopify.com Whoa. Go to shopify.com Whoa. Again that shopify.com Whoa.
C
I think that totally. And it's not like an original idea like you said. Craig has said it. And I say in my book too that when we planned our wedding I chose like a big three. We chose a big three where it was like these are the three things that are the biggest in our budget that we want to spend our time on. And so kind of like navigating that in our life too. Like obviously it's the Lord, it's our and it's like our and it's like our ministry like whatever that looks like, whether it's work or in our church or whatever. And so everything is kind of filtered through that. But also I wanted to say too that like when you pre decide or when you get your priorities straight, it actually helps you to do those things with excellence. Right? Because like before I was doing maybe like 30 things versus like maybe five, you know, and then it's like those 30 things were not done well with excellence unto the Lord. You know. But I can really, I have more margin to be able to do those things well. Um, so I would say that's probably one of the biggest things. But also presence, just being present with the Lord. This book has changed my life in that because like I said, I've like known the Lord my whole life. I've like read his. I've read the Bible so many times and yet like failing and then learning all of this over the last couple of years, I realized like I had this in my mind. I Think that being with the Lord in the Word or in prayer or just in general was, like, confined to, like, my quiet time in the morning. Like, okay, I'm gonna open up my word for an hour with my highlighters, my coffee, my hot cup coffee. Not cold, but my coffee's always cold these days. But, like, I just kind of think that, like, that was my time to be present with the Lord. And then I shut the Bible and I go and do my day. But, like, reading Scripture, like, even just thinking the Old Testament, right? Like, people had to go to the temple and, like, go to someone on their behalf to go to the Lord for them. The presence of God, right? But, like, since Jesus came onto the scene with the Holy spirit, we have 247 access to Jesus. But something that hit me in writing this was that Jesus is always present. But, like, I put things in the way, like distractions or other priorities that are bigger than him in my mind. And so I just have to, like, get creative about how to push those things aside and to be present with him. And so this book changed my life. And realizing that, like, I don't have to wait for the perfect moment. I can whisper a prayer up to him while I'm driving, while I'm working, while I'm with my kids, while I'm getting unready for the night or ready for the day. And I think that was also just a huge wake up call for me. And then maybe we'll talk about this in a minute. But another thing that changed in my life was the pace that I was running at. And I know we mentioned this, but I looking at Jesus life, of course Jesus was perfect. And he's fully God, but he's also fully man. And Jesus had the greatest purpose on the earth that anyone ever has or ever will. And yet he was still able to take a nap and to recline at a table and to walk for hours and hours because they didn't have cars. They had to, you know, take time to get places. Like, Jesus still had that woven into his room rhythm. And so studying the Gospels and preparing for this book too, was incredible to see. Like, well, Jesus, like, this is how he did it and this is how he sustained it. This is how he taught people to do it. Well, like, I'm still not perfect, but, like, it's been, oh, it's in the back of my head now when I do things, I'm like, wait, what was that truth again?
B
So, so good. We do live in this culture that, like, you know, if you take a Nap. You're weak, you're tired. Like, come on. Like, don't rest. But actually, if you look back, some of the best thinkers of the previous generation napped every single day. Yeah. Yeah. It's like, I don't want to botch it because I don't want to say the wrong person, but some of the most deepest thinkers that we know, who wrote many books and things that we. I'm going to, I'm going to look it up and I'm going to put it up here because I don't want to say the wrong name, but I found it fascinating. They napped every day and I was like, wow, what like 20 minute power naps, taking naps here and there and then just rested. Like their pace was so different than ours. And I think it has a lot to do with social media. It's like, we got to keep up, we got to go. Like the algorithm. You got posts every day and. And I'm like, no, we don't. Like, I love Christine Caine said it. Passion. This year, marked by God is so much better than man. Marketed by man. Oh, that's good. You think I gotta do all this stuff to get known? It's like, nope, if you're marked by God, you can rest in that. So good. You don't have to rush it. And Jesus is the prime example of that.
C
I love that. Yeah. There's even just something again, like, you hear the story of Moses and manna all the time when God provided manna. But, like, you know, you did that on the felt boards in Sunday school. And then now as I got older, I realize, like, God told them, so only store up what you need today, because if you store up more during the week, it's gonna go bad. People tried that. It didn't work. But then he said, store up the day before your Sabbath an extra helping so that on the Sabbath that you'll have enough and that won't go bad. And like, you just hear stories of that throughout scripture where, like, you realize God really cares about rest and, you know, Sabbath is gonna look different for everyone. And I write that in my book too. It's not maybe gonna look like a nap every day, or maybe it's not gonna look like a full day where you, you can just throw your phone away. Like, it's gonna look different in practice for all of us in a different day. But I just, I think we have to remember just how much God cares about Sabbath and how much he cares about our health and also just our bodies. Like, it's not just about our spirit. I also say this in the book, too. Remembering that passage in First Thessalonians that God says, like, that you were. You were created whole like I made you whole when I came to redeem you, Jesus on the cross, I came to make you whole. You're not a fragmented person in me. You may feel that way in this earthly body, but like, you are whole. And so treating your whole self, too, and reminding that you're reminding yourself of that rest is important too. It helps you do it well.
B
So good.
C
Yeah. Easier said than done, but, you know.
B
No, this is so good. We all need this advice. It's crazy. I look over at the timer and we're already at 50 minutes. Oh, dang. Which is so crazy. But I love that. Even saying, I wrote this in the book. I read this in the book.
C
Yeah.
B
Don't worry, friend. If you need a lot more advice from Terry, you can go read her book. And there is so much more in the book. Overbooked and overwhelmed. Not to mention your social media is amazing. You do such a good job. You are a sister and a friend to so many people. And I'm grateful for your influence and I'm grateful that all of the. Well, that's good. Listeners were saying, have Tara sun on.
C
That is the sweetest.
B
It's been a blessing to. To get taught to you today. And I also want to mention that
C
she gave me the cutest little cross
B
necklace this morning that you make and that you sell. So tell everybody where we can follow along your life and see all the things that you're putting out.
C
You're so kind. Yeah. I'm on Instagram @Miss Tarasan and I have a podcast called Truth Talks with Terry. Tara, Sadie's been on. So go listen to our episode. That was, like, years ago. So fun. Do it again. Yeah. And then you can grab my books. Any more books are sold on Amazon or your favorite place. And yeah, I wanted to bring Sadie an everyday cross. And I made this because I wanted a tangible reminder. I love, like, girly things, but I also just wanted a reminder that was around my neck that the gospel sustains me and provides for me and the Lord is for me. And I don't have to do this alone very much in theme of what we talked about.
B
So beautiful. I love it. Oh, thanks for being on the podcast.
C
Thanks, friend.
Podcast Episode Summary
Podcast: WHOA That's Good Podcast
Host: Sadie Robertson Huff
Episode: The Lie That’s Keeping You Overwhelmed | Sadie Robertson Huff & Tara Sun
Date: March 18, 2026
Guest: Tara Sun – Author of "Overbooked and Overwhelmed"
In this engaging episode, Sadie Robertson Huff sits down with author, wife, and mom Tara Sun to discuss the pervasive sense of overwhelm many women feel today. Tara opens up about her journey through chronic illness, faith challenges, burnout, and the practical tools and truths that led her to a healthier and more present way of living. Drawing from themes in Tara's new book, "Overbooked and Overwhelmed", the conversation dives into personal stories, spiritual lessons, and real-life advice for anyone feeling overextended and weary.
| Topic | Timestamp | |-----------------------------------------------|---------------| | Tara’s best advice from her dad | 02:27 | | Chronic illness & middle/high school | 05:23 | | Sophomore-year rebellion & faith crisis | 09:25 | | The power of confession | 13:27 | | God’s redirection after college | 16:29 | | Journey to blogging and slow growth | 24:07 | | From blog to first book | 26:41 | | Tara’s whirlwind marriage, motherhood, writing| 28:31 | | Stories of burnout and anxiety | 31:57 | | Real talk on “numbing” and social media | 39:47 | | Boundaries, saying “no” & Biblical wisdom | 44:07 | | Rest, rhythms, and Jesus’ example | 51:25 | | Closing insights & book recommendation | 56:52 |
Final Note:
This episode is a heartfelt, practical guide to walking through seasons of overwhelm with authenticity, faith, and joy. Both Sadie and Tara's vulnerability create a relatable blueprint for resetting priorities, embracing healthy limits, and remembering you’re not called to do it all.