MESSmerized - Funny and faith based encouragement in marriage , family , Christian parenting , and finding purpose

Welcome to MESSmerized! 🎤🎉A quick note before we begin . . .If you're one of the many new friends who recently joined us via email, I'm so glad you're here. Every week we talk about faith, family, relationships, and all the messy places where real life meets God's goodness. My hope is that you'll leave encouraged, challenged, and reminded that God is at work—even in the ordinary moments.Welcome to the community. I'm so grateful you're here.— CynthiaHey Friends,What if the biggest threats to your marriage aren't the major crises—but the tiny daily choices you barely notice?In today's show, part two of my conversation with Arlene Pellicane, we talk about the practical habits that help couples stay connected long after the wedding day. From misplaced Capri Suns and forgotten water bills to exercise equipment taking over the living room, we share honest stories from nearly three decades of marriage and why learning to laugh together might be one of the most important skills a couple can develop.Together, we explore the power of gratitude, why so many marriages drift into a transactional roommate relationship, and how simple acts of service can transform a home. Arlene explains why happiness isn't found in perfect circumstances, social media comparisons, or expecting your spouse to meet every need. Instead, she shares practical ways couples can choose gratitude, support each other's dreams, put their phones down, and create rhythms of connection that strengthen a marriage over time.If you've ever looked at your spouse and thought, I love you, but today I don't particularly like you, this conversation is for you. You'll walk away with simple, doable ideas for making marriage easier this week (and forever). All things Cynthia Arlene’s WebsiteMaking Marriage Easier by Arlene PellicaneThe Happy Home Podcast with Arlene PellicaneAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In today's episode, I’m joined by Rob Boyd—my former youth minister and an actual blast from my past. We take a walk down memory lane filled with blue church vans, lock-ins, Bible drills, questionable music debates, and the kind of church memories that are funny now… and formative forever.Rob shares what it was like pastoring teenagers (including a very opinionated teenage me), why spiritual disciplines don’t have to be complicated (hello, seven minutes), and why faith is more about being than doing. We talk scripture memory, quiet time, raising kids, waiting on God when He feels silent, and how God uses even the awkward church years to shape who we become.It’s equal parts laughter, nostalgia, and encouragement—especially for parents, former church kids, and anyone who’s ever wondered if the small things really matter.And if you want the full stories behind today’s conversation, you can order How’d I Miss That? wherever you get your books.All things CynthiaAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Melissa Radke is back, and within the first sixty seconds she’s handing out compliments like she’s trying to earn a commission. (I try to redirect. She refuses. You’ll hear it.)We start by processing the fact that I had just returned from Disney World and realized—some adults have completely lost their sense of embarrassment. From sexy castle selfies to fashion choices that raise concerns, Melissa and I pitch a new show idea called What Are We Doing Here? Honestly, it might be our best work yet.From there, we talk about why funny matters, why writing a book is both a gift and a slow unraveling of your sanity, and how the phrase don’t miss it became the theme I couldn’t shake. We get into the tension between platforms and everyday moments—and how God is often at work in places we’re tempted to rush past.I can promise you today’s show will make you laugh, feel mildly convicted, and maybe even leave you thinking… What are we doing here? —in all the right ways. Can’t wait for you to listen.P.S. If you’ve pre-ordered How’d I Miss That?, my publisher has lots of freebies for you.Just click here: https://davidccook.org/books/howd-i-miss-that/All things CynthiaMelissa RadkeAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

It’s week two of our new series where I’m bringing on people I love, people from my past, and the very people who show up in my new book How’d I Miss That? Today my dear friend Stephanie Martin is back, which means equal parts laughter, honesty, and the occasional, “Cynthia… maybe that story didn’t need to live forever in print.”We start by revisiting our short-lived triathlon era—because some of us were made for marching band, not athletic competitions—and then move into a conversation about friendship. Why we need it, how it shapes us, and how the right people can pull us back to Jesus when we’re laid flat spiritually.Woven through it all is the reminder that good friendships will bump into misunderstandings. That’s normal. But instead of avoiding those moments or letting assumptions do the talking, there’s a better way—one marked by humility, curiosity, and a willingness to check in and clear the air so the friendship can keep growing.If you’ve been needing a refresh on how to build and sustain meaningful friendships, I think this episode will feel like a deep breath and a good laugh. And if you want the full stories behind today’s conversation, you can preorder How’d I Miss That? wherever you get your books.All things CynthiaAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Before we dive in, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year and all the things! I took the last two weeks off to spend time with all the kids and it’s been a glorious time of renewal. Just kidding—I’ve been running around like a crazy person just like everyone else! Either way, I happy to be back and I’m so grateful for you—every listen, every message, every time you invited me into your day this year. What a gift this community has been. Truly, thank you.I saved today’s show for the last one of 2025 on purpose. I wanted us to round out the year with something that brings us back to what matters most going into a new year—being with Jesus. Today’s conversation with Tara Beth Leach is the reminder our souls need about slowing down, meeting God in the morning, and letting small, faithful rhythms steady our hearts.Tara Beth shares how God met her in a season of deep loss, how He invited her to rise—literally—and begin her days with Him, and how it changed everything. She walks us through her G.R.E.A.T. morning framework (gratitude, reflection, exaltation, asking, trusting), and we talk honestly about guilt, grace, phones, noise, and learning to quiet the distractions so we can hear from God.If you’re feeling rushed, tired, emotional, or overwhelmed going into the new year, this episode is for you. Happy New Year friends, and I cannot wait to see all the Lord will do in 2026! ✨P.S. If you’ve loved hanging out here this year, would you consider pre-ordering my new book? It helps more than you know (like… wildly more), and it means you’ll have it waiting for you when launch day hits—no forgetting, no guilt, just joy. Thank you, friends!All things CynthiaThe Great Morning Revolution by Tara Beth LeachAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy