Keeping Christ in Christmas

Christmas is here, and the season is brimming with joy, lights, and festive cheer. But amidst the glittering trees and bustling stores, have we forgotten what it’s truly about? On this week’s episode of Thrive by The Rising Muse, Naty and Veda welcome Beth Runkle, author of Another Move, God? 30 Encouragements for Embracing Your Life as a Military Wife, for an inspiring and thought-provoking conversation about refocusing on the real reason for the season—Christ.

Beth shares her personal journey of transforming Christmas traditions into a month-long celebration of joy, centered on Jesus. From family Advent rituals to creative ways of giving back, she brings a wealth of practical tips and heartfelt stories. Her reflections on what it means to “give a gift to Jesus” are sure to challenge and inspire you. What does it look like to truly honor Him in our celebrations? Beth has some incredible suggestions, and the best part—they’re gifts that bless us too.

You’ll also hear about:
🎁 Turning simple moments into meaningful traditions.
🎄 How to navigate a Christ-centered Christmas even while traveling or with family members who have different beliefs.
✨ Practical ways to serve others during the holidays and share the love of Christ in your community.

Beth’s insights remind us that it’s not about perfect trees or perfectly wrapped gifts—it’s about remembering and celebrating the greatest gift of all. Whether you’re a military spouse, a busy parent, or simply seeking to make this Christmas more meaningful, this episode is packed with inspiration.

Beth and her husband serve with Cru Military®. She served as a military wife during her husband’s 25-year
career with the Air Force. She disciples and conducts Bible studies for female cadets and young military
spouses. Having come to faith through Bible study, she has led small groups for military couples and taught
Bible study for 23 years. She is also a women’s ministry speaker in various venues. She earned her Master of
Theological Studies at Gateway Seminary and is releasing a book for military wives called Another Move, God?
30 Encouragements to Embrace Your Life as a Military Wife with B&H Publishing Group in October of 2024.
The Runkles have two kids in college.

You can follow Beth on Facebook, Instagram, or her website. To obtain her book click here

Tune in to discover how you can make Jesus the centerpiece of your holiday season. And don’t forget to check out Beth’s book, Another Move, God? It’s a must-read for anyone looking to embrace faith and resilience in the midst of life’s challenges.

Listen now on your favorite podcast platform, and let us know: How will you keep Christ in your Christmas this year?

Breaking Chains: Faith, Art, and Mental Health Advocacy

Are you ready to be inspired by a story that will touch your heart and uplift your spirit? In our latest episode of Thrive by the Rising Muse, we had the immense pleasure of sitting down with Kimberly Morrow, an extraordinary woman whose journey of faith, resilience, and creativity is nothing short of remarkable.

Kimberly, also known as Chosen Arts, is not just an independent artist, but a motivational speaker, inspirational rap artist, and pastor. Her passion for helping others break free from their chains and rise above their challenges is palpable in every word she shares. But what truly makes Kimberly’s story compelling is her authenticity and the raw truth she brings to the table. She speaks candidly about her life’s ups and downs, the rollercoaster of her faith journey, and how the scriptures became a lifeline that brought her peace and strength during the darkest times.

In this episode, Kimberly opens up about her childhood, sharing touching memories of her grandmother who first introduced her to church, a place that became her sanctuary. She also delves into the complexities of managing multiple roles—mother, wife, artist, and pastor—and the importance of prioritizing self-care to maintain balance and avoid burnout.

One of the most moving parts of the conversation is when Kimberly discusses her journey through mental health struggles and how her faith and music played a crucial role in her healing. Through her platform, she advocates for mental health awareness, encouraging others to seek help and speak out about their struggles. Her story is a powerful reminder that you are not alone, and that with faith and perseverance, you can overcome any obstacle.

But Kimberly’s influence doesn’t stop at music and ministry. Her creativity also shines through her visual art, which she uses to give back to her community. With the proceeds from her paintings, she supports those in need, embodying the true spirit of service and love.

If you’re looking for a story that will inspire you to keep pushing forward, no matter the challenges, then this episode is a must-listen. Kimberly’s words are a testament to the power of faith and the incredible strength that comes from trusting in God’s plan.

Don’t miss out on this uplifting and empowering conversation. There’s a little surprise within the episode. Don’t miss it! Tune in to Thrive by the Rising Muse now and let Kimberly Morrow’s story inspire you to discover the beauty within yourself and the strength to face any storm.

To follow Kimberly on social media:

Facebook

Instagram

YouTube

To listen to this episode click here: