Throwing it back to three years ago on the podcast when I interviewed one of my favorite friends, Gretchen Saffles of Well-Watered Women. If you've ever thought, "What the heck do I do with what I just read in God's Word?" or "I'm always so confused reading Scripture", then this is for you. This throwback conversation has no shortage of practical tools to take you from overwhelmed to overjoyed when reading Scripture, funny anecdotes, and a few cringy moments (I've grown a lot in my podcasting skills over the last three years). Let's be women who root ourselves in truth, grow in grace, and flourish in faith! Need a summer read? Grab Tara's book on sale: "Surrender Your Story". -- OUR SPONSORS: Celebrate the progress you've already made. Visit https://www.betterhelp.com/truthtalks today to get 10% off your first month. If you want to take ownership of your health, it starts with AG1. Try AG1 and get a FREE 1-year supply of Vitamin D3K2 AND 5 free AG1 Travel Packs with your first purchase exclusively at https://www.drinkAG1.com/truthtalks. Go to https://www.thrivemarket.com/truthtalks for 30% off your first order, plus a FREE $60 gift! -- Connect with Tara on: Instagram / Her website / Her discount code page / YouTube / The free, email family / Sponsor a child through Compassion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We all want to be happy and healthy, right? But how do we find our way there when the world tells us one thing, and God tells us another? Jeanine Amapola, author and podcaster, is with me today to remind you that you're not alone in your sin cycles, addictions, or shame. We're here to tell you that the happy and healthy life you long for is found in Christ. The meaningful relationships and friendships and careers and ministries you long for are found in Christ. Jeanine lived enslaved by alcohol and toxic relationships until she found that God's Word actually has freedom and advice for everything in life. Tune in for a bold and to-the-point episode about how to get unstuck, how knowing Jesus changes everything (and I mean everything), meaningful friendships that last and more. Check out "Happy and Healthy." Connect with Jeanine on Instagram. Need a summer read? Grab Tara's book on sale: "Surrender Your Story". -- OUR SPONSORS: Celebrate the progress you've already made. Visit https://www.betterhelp.com/truthtalks today to get 10% off your first month. If you want to take ownership of your health, it starts with AG1. Try AG1 and get a FREE 1-year supply of Vitamin D3K2 AND 5 free AG1 Travel Packs with your first purchase exclusively at https://www.drinkAG1.com/truthtalks. Go to https://www.thrivemarket.com/truthtalks for 30% off your first order, plus a FREE $60 gift! -- Connect with Tara on: Instagram / Her website / Her discount code page / YouTube / The free, email family / Sponsor a child through Compassion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Who else feels disappointed in their "right now" season? Our daily grind, our relationships, our progress (or lack thereof)... the list goes on. We'd rather be "there" - on the other side of God's promises - rather than here, waiting for the life we long for. Ruth Chou Simons knows all about that and she's here to tell us to lean in to the "not yet" seasons of our lives to see the fruit of the "now", even if we don't like where we are, God is using this in-between time for His good purposes. Tara is inviting Ruth back on the podcast for the third time to talk about how to remain present with God when we want to numb out, faithfully stewarding the desert seasons, and so much more. Grab a copy of "Now and Not Yet." Connect with Ruth on Instagram. Need a book to read for Lent? Grab a copy of Tara's book on SALE: "Surrender Your Story" here. -- OUR SPONSORS: Celebrate the progress you've already made. Visit https://www.betterhelp.com/truthtalks today to get 10% off your first month. If you want to take ownership of your health, it starts with AG1. Try AG1 and get a FREE 1-year supply of Vitamin D3K2 AND 5 free AG1 Travel Packs with your first purchase exclusively at https://www.drinkAG1.com/truthtalks. Go to https://www.thrivemarket.com/truthtalks for 30% off your first order, plus a FREE $60 gift! -- Connect with Tara on: Instagram / Her website / Her discount code page / YouTube / The free, email family / Sponsor a child through Compassion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Every parent worries about this: How are we supposed to raise godly children in a secular age? Some people even fear having kids in the first place for fear of the cultural pressures and challenges they may face. That's why Melissa Kruger wrote her book, Parenting with Hope. Whether you're a young parent, a parent to teenagers or adults, or in between, this episode is for you. Melissa is the director of content for The Gospel Coalition, author, and writer. Tara and Melissa's conversation is lighthearted with lots of laughs over what it's like raising energetic children, encouraging truth on how we as parents can build a secure foundation in Christ for our families, the power of praying for our children and more. Grab a copy of "Parenting with Hope." Connect with Melissa on Instagram and beyond. Need a book to read for Lent? Grab a copy of Tara's book on SALE: "Surrender Your Story" here. -- OUR SPONSORS: Celebrate the progress you've already made. Visit https://www.betterhelp.com/truthtalks today to get 10% off your first month. If you want to take ownership of your health, it starts with AG1. Try AG1 and get a FREE 1-year supply of Vitamin D3K2 AND 5 free AG1 Travel Packs with your first purchase exclusively at https://www.drinkAG1.com/truthtalks. Go to https://www.thrivemarket.com/truthtalks for 30% off your first order, plus a FREE $60 gift! -- Connect with Tara on: Instagram / Her website / Her discount code page / YouTube / The free, email family / Sponsor a child through Compassion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ever feel like Jesus' words, "Not my will, but Yours be done" are too good to be true? Like, that's easy for Jesus to say, but not us? Short and sweet, Tara is sitting down solo to prepare our hearts for this Easter week. Tune in for practical truths and mind-blowing biblical takeaways on Jesus' sacrifice and surrender for you, and how we too can pray this prayer and the beauty we can experience TODAY as a result. Grab a copy of "Surrender Your Story" here. -- OUR SPONSORS: Celebrate the progress you've already made. Visit https://www.betterhelp.com/truthtalks today to get 10% off your first month. If you want to take ownership of your health, it starts with AG1. Try AG1 and get a FREE 1-year supply of Vitamin D3K2 AND 5 free AG1 Travel Packs with your first purchase exclusively at https://www.drinkAG1.com/truthtalks. Go to https://www.thrivemarket.com/truthtalks for 30% off your first order, plus a FREE $60 gift! -- Connect with Tara on: Instagram / Her website / Her discount code page / YouTube / The free, email family / Sponsor a child through Compassion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The everyday moments of life can often feel monotonous and unimportant. This can be tricky for those of us who are trying to center their home in the gospel. How can we lean into spiritual formation in ordinary family habits? Justin Whitmer Earley is here to bring the fire. He's a lawyer, author, speaker, husband, and dad to four boys. You'll have plenty of, "Wow" moments and nuggets to walk away with after listening to Tara and Justin talk about how to practice the story of God in our everyday rhythms, the power of liturgies, how to thrive through the day and not just get through the day, discipline, and so much more. Grab a copy of "Habits of the Household." Connect with Justin on Instagram. Need a book to read for Lent and Easter? Grab a copy of Tara's book on SALE: "Surrender Your Story" here. -- OUR SPONSORS: Celebrate the progress you've already made. Visit https://www.betterhelp.com/truthtalks today to get 10% off your first month. Go to https://www.thrivemarket.com/truthtalks for 30% off your first order, plus a FREE $60 gift! -- Connect with Tara on: Instagram / Her website / Her discount code page / YouTube / The free, email family / Sponsor a child through Compassion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you tired of how dark the world feels? Do you feel overwhelmed by your call to be the light when evil seems to be winning at every turn? Have you wondered how you're supposed to make a difference for Christ? Tara's dear friend, Allyson Golden, is back on the show to unpack what it looks like to be the light that God has called you to, how to not lose hope, speaking truth over ourselves, social media boundaries, and even a harrowing moment in Allyson's nursing career. Grab a copy of "Arise and Shine" here. Connect with Allyson on Instagram. Need a book to read for Lent and Easter? Grab a copy of Tara's book on SALE: "Surrender Your Story" here. -- OUR SPONSORS: Celebrate the progress you've already made. Visit https://www.betterhelp.com/truthtalks today to get 10% off your first month. Go to https://www.thrivemarket.com/truthtalks for 30% off your first order, plus a FREE $60 gift! -- Connect with Tara on: Instagram / Her website / Her discount code page / YouTube / The free, email family / Sponsor a child through Compassion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's time to cut the cake to celebrate my book, "Surrender Your Story's" first birthday and all God has done. With hundreds of reviews, thousands of lives changed, and the kingdom advanced... all I can say is that it's a God thing. For this episode, I (Tara) am sitting down to candidly and honestly share what the last year of life has looked like with this book out in the world, how God has tested my own surrender, some snippets from my favorite book launch episodes, and a sneak peek of my most favorite chapter I wrote in the book. Of course, you can read the entire, gorgeous hardcover book by getting your copy at www.surrenderyourstory.com - along with your free discussion guide. Enjoy, my friend. Forever grateful for you and those who have picked up the book already, supported this podcast, and beyond. Let's celebrate God AND you, because you're a big part of this too. -- OUR SPONSORS: Celebrate the progress you've already made. Visit https://www.betterhelp.com/truthtalks today to get 10% off your first month. If you want to take ownership of your health, it starts with AG1. Try AG1 and get a FREE 1-year supply of Vitamin D3K2 AND 5 free AG1 Travel Packs with your first purchase exclusively at https://www.drinkAG1.com/truthtalks. Go to https://www.thrivemarket.com/truthtalks for 30% off your first order, plus a FREE $60 gift! -- Connect with Tara on: Instagram / Her website / Her discount code page / YouTube / The free, email family / Sponsor a child through Compassion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mariela, from She Speaks Fire, is bringing the fire to the podcast today. We can all name areas of shame and regret in our lives, but how many of us can say we have broken free from those shackles? In this conversation, join Tara and Mariela for poetic and practical conversation about abandonment, people-pleasing, how to identify our shame, run towards God instead of away from him, and more. What once was Mariela's addiction to drugs and a sorrowful situation is now a powerful testimony in Jesus' name. You will be blessed by this, friends. Grab a copy of "She Speaks Fire" here. Connect with Mariela on Instagram. Need a book to read for Lent? Grab a copy of Tara's book on SALE: "Surrender Your Story" here. -- OUR SPONSORS: Celebrate the progress you've already made. Visit https://www.betterhelp.com/truthtalks today to get 10% off your first month. If you want to take ownership of your health, it starts with AG1. Try AG1 and get a FREE 1-year supply of Vitamin D3K2 AND 5 free AG1 Travel Packs with your first purchase exclusively at https://www.drinkAG1.com/truthtalks. Go to https://www.thrivemarket.com/truthtalks for 30% off your first order, plus a FREE $60 gift! -- Connect with Tara on: Instagram / Her website / Her discount code page / YouTube / The free, email family / Sponsor a child through Compassion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode is for the girl who wants to pursue this Lent season with intentionality, not legalism, and devotion to God, not distraction. We're diving into what Lent is, it's history, some practical suggestions for how and what to fast, and so much more. If you're tired, overwhelmed, hopeful, or happy, this podcast will ignite a desire in you to increase intimacy with God and see Lent as a life-giving season in preparation for Jesus' death and resurrection. Need a book to read for Lent? Grab a copy of Tara's book on SALE: "Surrender Your Story" here. -- OUR SPONSORS: Celebrate the progress you've already made. Visit https://www.betterhelp.com/truthtalks today to get 10% off your first month. If you want to take ownership of your health, it starts with AG1. Try AG1 and get a FREE 1-year supply of Vitamin D3K2 AND 5 free AG1 Travel Packs with your first purchase exclusively at https://www.drinkAG1.com/truthtalks. Go to https://www.thrivemarket.com/truthtalks for 30% off your first order, plus a FREE $60 gift! -- Connect with Tara on: Instagram / Her website / Her discount code page / YouTube / The free, email family / Sponsor a child through Compassion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Who am I? Everyone is asking this question. Is our identity in our occupation, education, relationship status, or even failures? Laney Rene - wife, mom, worship leader, and author - is here to talk about this because she has lived this. This is a sweet and compassionate conversation for those who are struggling with changes in life and seasons that lead us to question who we are, what we were made for, and the goodness of God. Tune in as we talk about how to live secure vs. insecure, the difference between our vocation and identity, and how to fully embrace the beauty of being a Daughter of God first. Grab a copy of "Daughter": https://daughterbylaney.com/ Follow Laney on social media: https://www.instagram.com/heylaneyrene Grab a copy of Tara's book: "Surrender Your Story" here. -- OUR SPONSORS: Celebrate the progress you've already made. Visit https://www.betterhelp.com/truthtalks today to get 10% off your first month. If you want to take ownership of your health, it starts with AG1. Try AG1 and get a FREE 1-year supply of Vitamin D3K2 AND 5 free AG1 Travel Packs with your first purchase exclusively at https://www.drinkAG1.com/truthtalks. Go to https://www.thrivemarket.com/truthtalks for 30% off your first order, plus a FREE $60 gift! -- Connect with Tara on: Instagram / Her website / Her discount code page / YouTube / The free, email family / Sponsor a child through Compassion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There's a sweeping movement of "deconstruction" moving through our world and churches. People are leaving the church, deconstructing their faith, and dismantling everything they once believed. It's affected ex-Christian singers, ex-pastors, and celebrities alike. Maybe even your loved ones. Alisa Childers, author, podcaster, and apologist, is back on the podcast to explain what "deconstruction is", how it's not as innocent as it sounds, how to stand our ground in truth and in Scripture with confidence, and PRACTICAL WAYS help your loved ones if they're struggling with this. We answer questions like, "What if I'm doubting or questioning God? Does that mean I'm deconstructing? Is doubt bad?", as well as some bonus content on apologetics and how to trust God's Word. Grab a copy of "The Deconstruction of Christianity" here: https://alisachilders.com/the-deconstruction-of-christianity/ Follow Alisa on social media: https://www.instagram.com/alisachilders/ Grab a copy of Tara's book: "Surrender Your Story" here. -- OUR SPONSORS: Celebrate the progress you've already made. Visit https://www.betterhelp.com/truthtalks today to get 10% off your first month. If you want to take ownership of your health, it starts with AG1. Try AG1 and get a FREE 1-year supply of Vitamin D3K2 AND 5 free AG1 Travel Packs with your first purchase exclusively at https://www.drinkAG1.com/truthtalks. Go to https://www.thrivemarket.com/truthtalks for 30% off your first order, plus a FREE $60 gift! -- Connect with Tara on: Instagram / Her website / Her discount code page / YouTube / The free, email family / Sponsor a child through Compassion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In honor of Tara's 25th birthday, she's rounding up the year with 25 life lessons that she's learned. This episode is filled with serious spiritual lessons, hard-won lessons, silly practical lessons, and lighthearted tips and routines. Don't miss this rich, honest, and encouraging episode. Here's to 25. Grab a copy of Tara's book, "Surrender Your Story: Ditch the Myth of Control and Discover Freedom in Trusting God" -- OUR SPONSORS: Celebrate the progress you've already made. Visit https://www.betterhelp.com/truthtalks today to get 10% off your first month. If you want to take ownership of your health, it starts with AG1. Try AG1 and get a FREE 1-year supply of Vitamin D3K2 AND 5 free AG1 Travel Packs with your first purchase exclusively at https://www.drinkAG1.com/truthtalks. Go to https://www.thrivemarket.com/truthtalks for 30% off your first order, plus a FREE $60 gift! -- Connect with Tara on: Instagram / Her website / Her discount code page / YouTube / The free, email family / Sponsor a child through Compassion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

God is stirring something up in His people... a desire to spend more time with Him and push against the excuse that life is too busy and full. Today's episode answers the question, "How do I include God in my daily activities?", one of Tara's most popular Instagram DM's lately. Tune in as Tara breaks down a popular passage in Scripture to encourage us all how to be faithful to God daily and eleven realistic ways for you to spend time with God in the middle of a busy life and schedule. Tara's Spotify worship playlist Tara's book, Surrender Your Story (audiobook available here too) Tara's favorite Christian books Tara's recommended resources (Bibles, studies, discount codes and more) Tara's favorite journaling and study Bibles (MISSTARASUN for 10% off) -- OUR SPONSORS: Head to https://www.factormeals.com/truthtalks50 and use code truthtalks50 to get 50% off. That’s code truthtalks50 at factormeals.com/truthtalks50 to get 50% off. Celebrate the progress you've already made. Visit https://www.betterhelp.com/truthtalks today to get 10% off your first month. -- Connect with Tara on: Instagram / Her website / Her discount code page / YouTube / The free, email family / Sponsor a child through Compassion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You asked, Tara answered! Join Tara for this "juicy Q&A" as she answers questions on topics such as: birth control, marriage, unanswered prayers, calling vs. purpose, and so much more. For not only personal anecdotes and opinions on these topics, but encouragement from the heart of Scripture and ways you can practically live your faith out TODAY, tune in now. Thank you to everyone who submitted a question on Instagram - this one's for you. Tara's Recommended Resource Page (Bibles, devotionals, discount codes and more here): https://www.tarasunministries.com/recommended -- OUR SPONSORS: Head to https://www.factormeals.com/truthtalks50 and use code truthtalks50 to get 50% off. That’s code truthtalks50 at factormeals.com/truthtalks50 to get 50% off. Celebrate the progress you've already made. Visit https://www.betterhelp.com/truthtalks today to get 10% off your first month. -- Grab a copy of Tara's book: "Surrender Your Story" here. Connect with Tara on: Instagram Her website Her discount code page YouTube The free, email family Shop Tara's stickers Sponsor a child through Compassion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Starting off a new year on the podcast STRONG! Sami Parker, content creator for Live Action, the largest online pro-life movement, and friend, is joining us the podcast for a loving, truthful, and grace-filled conversation. Whatever hurts, history, or questions you bring to the table, know you're welcome to this safe conversation with no shame. Listen in as Sami and Tara talk about how God defines life, practical ways to fight for life in an ungodly culture, support not just the unborn, but the mothers and fathers, and more. Sami shares some incredible examples of how to have these hard conversations in love and truth, while not alienating or attacking others. Visit liveaction.org for resources, videos, and more. Follow Live Action on Instagram: www.instagram.com/liveactionorg Visit Sami's page for more content and encouragement: https://www.instagram.com/mrs.samiparker/ -- OUR SPONSORS: Head to www.factormeals.com/truthtalks50 and use code truthtalks50 to get 50% off. That’s code truthtalks50 at factormeals.com/truthtalks50 to get 50% off. Celebrate the progress you've already made. Visit www.betterhelp.com/truthtalks today to get 10% off your first month. -- Grab a copy of Tara's book: "Surrender Your Story" here. Connect with Tara on: Instagram Her website Her discount code page YouTube The free, email family Shop Tara's stickers Sponsor a child through Compassion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Does surrendering to God actually mean we have no control? If God is sovereign like he says, then what's our role in life? If you've ever asked those questions, this episode is for you. As we enter into a new year, many of us wonder what role we have to play in life and how to plan and dream with God. In this encouraging and practical episode, Tara walks you through four things you CAN control, how you can show up for the life God's given you, and steward what you have while always trusting that God is sovereign. For more on how to trust God with your story in the unknowns that this year may bring, grab a copy of Tara's book, "Surrender Your Story" here. -- OUR SPONSORS: Hatch is offering our listeners $20 off your purchase of a Hatch Restore 2 and free shipping at www.hatch.co/truthtalks. Head to www.factormeals.com/truthtalks50 and use code truthtalks50 to get 50% off. That’s code truthtalks50 at factormeals.com/truthtalks50 to get 50% off. Visit www.storyworth.com/truthtalks to save $10 on your first purchase! -- Connect with Tara on: Instagram / Her website / Her discount code page / YouTube / The free, email family Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, you'll hear Tara share about a non-overwhelming, grace-filled way to approach the New Year and resolutions. How can we look back at this last year, learn from it, and move forward with God in a new one? How can we make plans, set intentions, and dream about our lives while still living surrendered and trusting God in the unknown? You'll hear practical truths from God's Word as well as 10 questions that you can ask yourself in all areas - spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and physically. Grab a copy of "Surrender Your Story" here. The last day to enter the Christmas giveaway is December 26, 2023. Enter here: https://forms.gle/pCNyM2nQ9dwchQdr8 and check out this form for more details. -- OUR SPONSORS: Hatch is offering our listeners $20 off your purchase of a Hatch Restore 2 and free shipping at www.hatch.co/truthtalks. Head to www.factormeals.com/truthtalks50 and use code truthtalks50 to get 50% off. That’s code truthtalks50 at factormeals.com/truthtalks50 to get 50% off. Visit www.storyworth.com/truthtalks to save $10 on your first purchase! -- Connect with Tara on: Instagram / Her website / Her discount code page / YouTube / The free, email family Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today is the LAST episode of our Advent series and inside, you'll hear the last word for the giveaway scramble. After listening to all four episodes in the series and putting together your sentence, enter it here for your chance to win over $600 in prizes: https://forms.gle/pCNyM2nQ9dwchQdr8. To get our hearts right the week before Christmas, Tara is handing out some encouragement on how to manage expectations this holiday season, especially when things don't go the way you thought. Tune in for reminders on how to enjoy this season, regardless of the disappointments and hard situations, how to set loving boundaries, and cease striving for your worth when Jesus came to give it to you in full. The giveaway will be emailed by tara@tarasunministries and announced on Instagram on January 2, 2024 - in just a few weeks. For more info on the giveaway prizes, how to enter, tap here: https://forms.gle/pCNyM2nQ9dwchQdr8. Check out my Instagram reel here to see the prizes (valued over $600). -- OUR SPONSORS: Hatch is offering our listeners $20 off your purchase of a Hatch Restore 2 and free shipping at www.hatch.co/truthtalks. Head to www.factormeals.com/truthtalks50 and use code truthtalks50 to get 50% off. That’s code truthtalks50 at factormeals.com/truthtalks50 to get 50% off. Visit www.storyworth.com/truthtalks to save $10 on your first purchase! -- Grab a copy of Tara's book: "Surrender Your Story" here. Connect with Tara on: Instagram / Her website / Her discount code page / YouTube / The free, email family Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In our third episode of our Advent series, Tara's mother-in-law, Shawna, joins us to share her wisdom and encouragement on how to host with the heart of Jesus. In this extremely practical and entertaining episode, they share how to keep a "Mary heart in a Martha world", how to keep stress low when hosting, what to do if you don't have the ideal space or budget to host, and some of their favorite family recipes. Listen in for the third word for the giveaway and complete the sentence next week when the last word is announced! Download your Christmas freebie: A Family Collection of Recipes for Holiday Hosting here: https://tarasun.myflodesk.com/holidayrecipes Enter the giveaway here: https://forms.gle/pCNyM2nQ9dwchQdr8. Check out my Instagram reel here to see the prizes (valued over $600) and more info on how to enter. -- OUR SPONSORS: Hatch is offering our listeners $20 off your purchase of a Hatch Restore 2 and free shipping at www.hatch.co/truthtalks. Head to www.factormeals.com/truthtalks50 and use code truthtalks50 to get 50% off. That’s code truthtalks50 at factormeals.com/truthtalks50 to get 50% off. Visit www.storyworth.com/truthtalks to save $10 on your first purchase! -- Grab a copy of Tara's book: "Surrender Your Story" here. Connect with Tara on: Instagram / Her website / Her discount code page / YouTube / The free, email family Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices