Recorded live at Hickory Bible Church, Kelly shares heartfelt stories about the greatest gift of all—Jesus, the hope of past, present, and future. Whether it’s unwrapping unexpected gifts, waiting on God’s timing, or running with hastetoward Jesus, this episode will remind you of the true meaning of Christmas.

On Trusting God’s Timing: “The Israelites waited centuries for a Savior—and sometimes the greatest gifts come in the most unexpected ways.”

Remember:

• Jesus is the Gift for Every Season:
  Whether you’re in a season of waiting, grief, or joy, Jesus is not just the baby in the manger—He’s our present hope and future rescuer.

• God’s Gifts Often Look Different Than We Expect:
  Sometimes the gifts we receive—like a handmade tree or a humble Savior—aren’t what we imagined, but they’re exactly what we need.

• Jesus is Praying for You Right Now:
  He knows your struggles, your fears, and your joys. Let this Christmas be a time to run toward Him and share the hope you’ve found with others.

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"Being perfectly imperfect this Christmas is okay – that’s when people see the real Jesus in us." -Kelly

The holidays can bring so much anticipation, but they can also bring stress, exhaustion, and unmet expectations. Carol, Tricia, and Kelly gathered live at Hickory Bible Church for a heartfelt and fun Christmas conversation about keeping Jesus at the center of this season.

From childhood stories of disappointing gifts (hello, Oral B toothbrush!) to reflections on Hurricane Helene’s aftermath, the girls share how slowing down, leaning into community, and clinging to God’s hope can transform the season.

Settle under the glow of your Christmas lights and join us as we remember what matters most this season: Jesus.

3 Takeaways from the Episode:

1. Be Still and Reflect – Whether it’s sitting by the Christmas tree lights or pausing for quiet moments, take time to slow down and focus on Jesus.
2. Embrace Imperfection – The perfect Christmas doesn’t exist, but God’s hope shines brightest when we’re real, honest, and imperfect.
3. Find and Share Hope – When life feels overwhelming, lean into God’s promises and look for ways to share hope with others in your community.

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Share this episode with a friend who needs a reminder of Jesus’ hope this season, and let’s focus on what truly matters.

Christmas is full of joy, love, and sometimes tears. In this episode, Carol, Tricia, and Kelly talk about their favorite holiday traditions, from Advent devotionals to nativity sets that bring the neighborhood together. They also talk about balancing the season’s joy with the weight of grief, offering encouragement for those missing loved ones during the holidays. With laughs, relatable stories, and practical advice, the girls remind you that Christmas doesn’t have to be perfect—it just needs to be meaningful. Grab some hot chocolate, light your favorite candle, and join the conversation about making this holiday season all about Jesus.

• Intentional Traditions Can Be Transformative

  • Carol, Tricia, and Kelly share how meaningful traditions, like setting up an Advent wreath or a nativity set, can help families stay focused on Jesus during the holidays. Carol reflects on the joy of decorating early this year and finding ways to keep Jesus at the center.

• Balancing Joy and Grief During the Holidays

  • The girls talk about navigating grief during the holiday season, with Carol reflecting on the loss of her mother and how she’s working to celebrate her mom’s favorite traditions. Kelly and Tricia offer practical advice, like creating an escape plan for overwhelming moments and giving yourself grace.

• Releasing Unrealistic Expectations

  • Carol admits the pressure of Pinterest-perfect holidays can feel overwhelming, while Tricia shares her strategy of keeping decorations simple and the same every year. Together, they encourage listeners to embrace authentic celebrations that reflect their values rather than societal pressures.

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Girls, let’s talk about hospitality—real, messy, perfectly imperfect hospitality. This Christmas, we’re unpacking what it really means to welcome people into our homes and lives. Spoiler: it’s not about the Pinterest-perfect decor or the five-star meals (thank goodness!).

We’re sharing funny stories, honest struggles, and the joy that comes when we let go of perfection and focus on what truly matters—connecting with others and sharing Jesus’ love.

So grab your coffee and settle in for a chat that’ll leave you laughing, reflecting, and maybe even inspired to open your home this season, mismatched placemats and all!Main Points

1. Redefining Hospitality: The hosts discuss shifting the focus from outward appearances to creating spaces where others feel welcome and loved, mirroring the heart of Christ.
2. The Power of Vulnerability: Through funny and poignant personal stories, they explore how embracing imperfection opens the door to deeper relationships and spiritual growth.
3. Hospitality as Ministry: Practical ways to build relationships with neighbors and community members, especially those with different beliefs, as an opportunity to share the Gospel authentically.

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Gratitude doesn’t always come easy, especially in a world that pulls us to look forward or backward. But what if the secret to contentment is simply being present? Join Carol, Kelly, and Tricia as they unpack the joys and challenges of gratitude—from navigating difficult seasons to appreciating life’s smallest blessings. With stories of real struggles, honest laughter, and heartfelt truths, this episode dives deep into why gratitude isn’t just a feeling but a choice rooted in faith.

Learn practical ways to cultivate thankfulness, even when it feels forced, and discover how God uses gratitude to transform our hearts. Whether it’s the value of a quiet moment, the unexpected blessings in hardship, or the joy of simply being still, you’ll leave inspired to embrace the beauty of now.

1. Gratitude is a Choice: Choosing to give thanks—even when it feels forced—can reshape our hearts and minds.
2. Be Present: True contentment and gratitude grow when we embrace the present instead of looking back or ahead.
3. Find God in the Small Things: From a hug to a moment of stillness, God’s blessings often come in everyday moments.

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Today’s episode tackles a challenge familiar to many—praying for those who have hurt us or even those we might label as “enemies.” Carol, Tricia, and Kelly dive into real-life struggles with forgiveness - from letting go of grudges to truly praying for someone who has wronged you, they explore what it means to follow Jesus’ call to love and forgive even when it feels impossible.

Whether you’re dealing with minor annoyances or deep wounds, this conversation reminds us that, in the process of forgiveness, God does a transformative work within us too. Join the girls as they laugh, reflect, and get real about the journey of releasing bitterness and embracing God’s grace.

Heart Check:

1. Praying for our enemies often leads to internal growth and healing rather than just external changes.
2. Forgiveness is not a one-time act; it’s a continuous choice that sometimes requires revisiting the pain.
3. Embracing forgiveness allows us to reflect Jesus’ love, impacting others and strengthening our witness.

Take it with you:

1. Prayer is a journey: Start with small, genuine prayers, even when forgiveness feels forced. Over time, God can change our hearts.
2. Forgiveness is about freedom: Choosing to forgive frees us from bitterness and brings peace, even in challenging situations.
3. See the person, not just the offense: Remembering others are also made in God’s image helps soften our hearts and offers a way to love as Jesus loved.

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Election season can bring out strong emotions, especially when the results don't align with our expectations. In this episode of the Girl Talk Podcast, the ladies dive into how to keep a Christ-centered perspective when navigating the political landscape. They remind us that no president or candidate can truly save the world — only Jesus can.

Social Media Quotes:

1. “Jesus isn’t up for election, and thank God for that — He’s the only one who can truly bring hope!”
2. “Our hope isn’t in who sits in the White House, it’s in the One who sits on the throne.”
3. “Love your neighbor. That’s what matters, not who they voted for.”

Main Points:

1. God is in control no matter who wins the election. The ladies remind us that our hope is in Jesus, not political leaders.
2. Engage in loving, respectful conversations. Instead of yelling or staying silent, there is a middle ground of love-informed, faith-based dialogue.
3. Pray for leaders, even those you didn’t vote for. We are called to pray for all leaders, trusting that God can work through anyone.

Takeaways:

1. Your hope should be in Jesus, not in political outcomes. Regardless of election results, God’s plan is never thwarted.
2. Engage in politics with humility and love. Don’t sacrifice relationships in the name of being right; seek to understand others and love them well.
3. Pray for revival. The greatest change happens when hearts are turned to Christ, and revival starts with prayer.

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