Life Happens Laugh Anyway

Episode 253: The Benefits of Journaling

🎙️ Episode 253: The Benefits of Journaling

Have you ever written something down and thought, “Ohhh… so THAT’S what’s going on inside me”?
That’s the magic of journaling. In this episode, we’re unpacking why journaling matters, how it helps us emotionally and spiritually, and why putting pen to paper can be a game-changer for your faith and mental health.

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🧠 I. Why We Journal & What Are the Benefits?

✏️ A. Why Cathrine Journals 

• A safe place to process thoughts without interruption 🐱

• Helps slow racing thoughts and calm big emotions

• A way to be honest without filtering for anyone else

• Turns feelings into words—and words into clarity

📓 B. Why Tracy Journals

• Creates space to reflect instead of react

• Helps identify patterns, triggers, and growth over time

• Offers perspective you don’t always see in the moment

• Encourages intentional living instead of emotional autopilot

📊 C. Proven Benefits of Journaling

Research shows journaling can:

• Reduce stress and anxiety 🧘‍♀️

• Improve emotional regulation

• Increase self-awareness

• Boost memory and comprehension

• Strengthen mental health and resilience

• Help process trauma and grief

• Improve sleep and overall mood 😴✨

(And honestly? It’s cheaper than therapy… but still pairs nicely with it 😉)

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🌅 II. Morning Pages (Julia Cameron – The Artist’s Way)

• A daily practice of writing three handwritten pages first thing in the morning

• Stream-of-consciousness—no editing, no judging

• Clears mental clutter and quiets inner noise

• Not meant to be “good writing,” just honest writing

• Think of it as brain detox 🧠➡️🗑️

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🙏 III. Prayer Journaling: Why It’s So Powerful

• Moves prayers from vague thoughts to intentional conversation

• Helps you track God’s faithfulness over time 📖✨

• Creates space to listen, not just talk

• Allows you to process emotions with God instead of hiding them

• Becomes a written testimony of growth, healing, and answered prayers

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📖 Scriptures Mentioned

Proverbs 20:5 (NIV)

“The purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters,
but one who has insight draws them out.” 🌊✍️

Psalm 102:18 (NIV)

“Let this be written for a future generation,
that a people not yet created may praise the Lord.” 📜🙌

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💡 Final Thought

Journaling isn’t about being poetic or profound.
It’s about being present, honest, and willing to show up—one page at a time.

Grab a notebook. Start messy. God meets us there. ❤️📓

Episode 252 - Stupid Laws and Taxes in Illinois

🎙️ Episode 252

Stupid Laws and Taxes in Illinois 🤦‍♀️📜💸

Illinois is famous for deep-dish pizza, Lincoln… and apparently some truly head-scratching laws and taxes. In this episode, Cathrine and Tracy dive into the ridiculous, outdated, and downright dumb things still on the books — and what we’re supposed to do with all that frustration as people of faith.

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🆕 Segment 1: Cathrine’s 4 NEW Illinois Laws You Might Not Know About

Cathrine kicks things off with four newer laws that many Illinois residents probably missed — because they quietly passed, sound fake, or make you say, “Wait… that’s real?” 😳
Think modern rules that still somehow feel wildly unnecessary or over-complicated.

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📜 Segment 2: Tracy’s TOP 12 Dumb Laws Still on the Books

Tracy brings the heat with 12 ridiculous Illinois laws 
From strange restrictions to laws that feel like they were written during the horse-and-buggy era, these will have you laughing, groaning, and questioning reality.

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🤯 Segment 3: Cathrine’s 13 Stupid Illinois Laws

Cathrine fires back with 13 more absurd laws, proving that Illinois has range when it comes to legal nonsense. Some are outdated. Some are confusing. Some just make you wonder who hurt the lawmaker that day.

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💸 Taxes That Make You Say “Are You Kidding Me?”

Along the way, we talk about weird and outrageous Illinois taxes — the kind that hit everyday people and feel especially painful at checkout.
Because nothing says “welcome to adulthood” like being taxed on things you didn’t even know could be taxed. 🧾😵‍💫

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📖 Scripture Focus

Matthew 22:20–22 (NIV)
“Whose image is this? And whose inscription?”
“Caesar’s,” they replied.
Then he said to them, “So give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.”

Jesus reminds us: yes, governments are flawed… but our ultimate allegiance is to God. 🙏

Episode 251: Cruise Control: What You Need to Know (Especially if it’s Your First)

🎙️ Episode 251: Cruise Control

🚢 Tips & Tricks for Better Cruising (Especially for First-Timers!)

What do you get when two women turn 60, bring their husbands, invite best friends, and put four first-time cruisers on a 7-day Caribbean cruise?
A whole lot of laughter… and a whole lot of lessons. 😄

In this episode, Tracy and Cathrine share practical, funny, real-life tips for first-time cruisers—so you can actually enjoy your vacation instead of just surviving it.

From accidental drink showers 🍹 to sunscreen disasters 🧴, we’re talking about what really happens on a cruise and what we’re so glad we knew (or wish we had known).

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🧳 In This Episode, We Cover:

• 🚫 Rookie cruising mistakes to avoid

• 🧲 What to pack that will make your cabin instantly better (hint: magnets!)

• ⏳ Why patience is an essential carry-on item

• 🗺️ Why printed maps still matter (yes, really)

• 🃏 Simple games that turn waiting time into connection time

• 👒 The infamous Bushwacker incident in St. Thomas

• 🌞 How Kenny became the unintended star of the cruise (twice)

• ❤️ Why the best part of the trip wasn’t the ports—but the people

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✝️ Faith + Life Perspective:

After raising five kids, Tracy and her husband decided it was time to stop waiting for “someday” and start enjoying the life God has given them—retirement dreams, milestone birthdays, and all.

“This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” — Psalm 118:24

Joy isn’t irresponsible.
Rest isn’t selfish.
Sometimes faith looks like booking the trip. ✨

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🎯 Takeaway Challenge:

Make a plan to enjoy your life.

It doesn’t have to be extravagant:

• 🚢 A Caribbean cruise

• ⛵ A twilight sail on Lake Michigan

• 🍷 A road trip to a winery

• 🚗 A simple weekend away

Put it on the calendar. Start the conversation. Choose joy on purpose.

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💬 Let’s Connect:

Did this episode make you laugh?
Are you planning a getaway now?
Tag us, message us, or share the episode with someone who needs permission to enjoy their life a little more. 💛

Life happens… but laughter (and vacations) don’t happen by accident. 😉

Episode 250 - Life Hacks

🎧 Episode 250: Life Hacks

 

Simple habits. Real results. Sustainable change.

 

Let’s be honest—we all want life to feel a little easier 😅
In this milestone episode, we’re sharing practical life hacks that actually work when it comes to nutrition, movement, mindset, faith, and daily planning. No gimmicks. No extremes. Just small, consistent choices that add up over time.

 

🥗 Nutrition & Eating Habits Hacks

Fuel your body without feeling deprived 👇

🥩 Prioritize Protein & Fiber
These keep you fuller longer, reduce overeating, and help preserve muscle.
Hack: Add a palm-sized portion of lean protein to every meal and snack.

 

🐢 Eat Mindfully & Slowly
Your brain needs ~20 minutes to recognize fullness.
Slow down. Chew. Put the fork down. Turn off the TV.

💧 Stay Hydrated
Thirst often disguises itself as hunger.
Hack: Drink a glass of water before meals. Swap soda and juice for water, seltzer, or unsweetened tea/coffee.

🥦 Reduce Processed Foods & Refined Carbs
Focus on whole foods: fruits, veggies, whole grains, lean proteins, healthy fats.

🍕 Plan “Cheat” Meals (On Purpose!)
Intentional indulgence supports long-term consistency. Progress beats perfection.

 

🚶‍♀️ Activity & Lifestyle Hacks

Movement matters—and it doesn’t have to be extreme 💪

👟 Increase Daily Movement
Weight loss requires a calorie deficit.
Hack: Add 2,000–3,000 steps a day—park farther away, take the stairs, stand while on the phone.

🏋️ Incorporate Strength Training
Muscle boosts your resting metabolism.
Aim for resistance training at least twice a week.

😴 Prioritize Sleep
Poor sleep increases cravings and hunger hormones.
Adults need 7+ hours of quality sleep (hello, sleep wrinkles 👀).

📊 Track Progress
Accountability works—even when we don’t love it.
Track food, weight, or progress photos.
Apps like MyFitnessPal or support from a personal trainer (shoutout Lindy!) can help.

⚖️ Weigh Daily (Yes, We Said It)
We hate it too—but studies show daily weigh-ins improve accountability and long-term success.

 

📝 Planning & Productivity Hacks

Structure creates freedom ✨

📋 Make a Plan for the NEXT Day
Write a simple to-do list.
Anything unfinished rolls to tomorrow.
(Old-school wisdom courtesy of Dad ❤️)

 

📖 Faith Hack (The Most Important One)

Spiritual health fuels everything else 🙏

🕊 Prioritize God’s Word
Create a Divine Appointment space in your home—Bible, notebook, quiet time.
Set a specific time to meet with God daily.

📖 Proverbs 21:5 (NIV)
“The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.”

 

🔁 The Ultimate Life Hack

Consistency.
Small, faithful choices—done daily—compound into massive change over time.

⚠️ Always consult your healthcare provider before starting a new diet or exercise routine, especially if you have underlying health conditions.

🎧 Bonus Hack:
While you’re putting these life hacks into action… listen to this podcast 😉
Motivation + movement = a win.

Episode 249 - Contentment: Jesus is ENOUGH.

Episode 248 - The Color of Rain: How to Make Sense of Life When Life Doesn't Make Sense

🎙️ Episode 248: The Color of Rain – Making Sense of Life When Life Doesn’t Make Sense

Life doesn’t always line up neatly with our expectations. Sometimes it pours… and sometimes that rain washes in unexpected color.

🌧️ ➡️ 🌈

In this deeply moving episode, Tracy & Cathrine open the door to honest conversations about loss, hope, grief, healing, and the God who walks with us through every storm. 💛

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☔ 1. Gina & Michael’s Story — Beauty Born from Brokenness

We begin by sharing the powerful true story of Gina Kell and Michael Spehn, whose losses collided and created a new beginning.

Their journey—from unthinkable grief to unexpected hope—invites all of us to see that God can bring color even after the darkest storm. 🌦️❤️

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💔 2. Our Own Stories: When Grief Showed Up in Our Lives

Tracy & Cathrine get vulnerable as we share:

• Seasons where life made zero sense 😣

• Moments we were pretty sure God had left the chat (He hadn’t) 🙃

• How God faithfully met us—gently, quietly, and powerfully—right in the middle of our tears 💛

These real-life stories remind every listener that grief is not a sign of weakness—it’s an invitation for God to draw near.

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📖 3. What the Bible Says About Seasons of Grief and Loss — A Visit with Job

Since we’re both marinating in Job these days 🧂📘, we take a deeper dive into:

• Why Job’s suffering felt endless and confusing

• How his friends said ALL the wrong things (we all know a friend like that… 🙄)

• The emotional honesty Job brought before God

• The truth that God never abandoned him, even in silence

• The restoration God brought after the season of suffering

Job teaches us that grief is not a detour—it’s part of the human story, and God sits in the ashes with us. 🪵🔥

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✨ Scripture We Lean Into

📖 2 Corinthians 5:17 — “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”
A reminder that God is always doing something new—even when we can’t see it yet. 🌱

📖 Matthew 6:33 — “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

Our anchor in times when we don’t know which way is up. 🧭

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🌈 💛 CTA: Lean into Peace. Trust God in the Storm.

Enjoy your seasons of peace fully ☀️
And when seasons of suffering come—
trust the Lord.
He will see you through. 🙏💛🌈

Episode 247 - Digital Hygiene Protecting Yourself Online

🎙️ Episode 247: Digital Hygiene — Protecting Yourself in a Digital World

Life Happens Laugh Anyway Podcast

In today’s episode, Tracy & Cathrine break down digital hygiene—what it is, why it matters, and how to avoid becoming besties with the scammers in your inbox. We’re talking malware, fake bills, AI scams, passwords, social media safety, AND the Bible. Because Jesus loves you, but those scammers do not. 🙃

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🔐 What Is Digital Hygiene? (Simple Definitions)

• Digital Hygiene: Good online habits that keep you safe.

• Malware: Bad software that harms or steals from your device.

• Ransomware: Malware that locks your stuff until you pay.

• Phishing: Fake messages pretending to be real to steal info.

• Data Breach: When your private info gets exposed or stolen.

• Antivirus: Software that finds and removes digital threats.

• Two-Step Authentication: A double lock on your accounts.

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🛡️ 1. Slow Down & Examine the Source

Scammers thrive on urgency. AI makes their messages look legit.
Look for:
✔ Weird email addresses
✔ Strange spelling
✔ Links that look “off”
✔ “Pay immediately” or “final notice” vibes

Biblical Wisdom:
“The prudent see danger and take refuge.” — Proverbs 22:3
Wisdom starts with slowing down.

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🔍 2. Don’t Trust Appearance — Test It

AI can fake voices, logos, bills… basically everything except common sense.
Before you click or pay:
✔ Verify on the official site
✔ Use phone numbers you look up yourself
✔ Compare to past statements

Biblical Wisdom:
“Test everything; hold fast to what is good.” — 1 Thess. 5:21

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🤝 3. Protect Each Other, Not Just Yourself

Scams isolate people. Community protects people.
Encourage your listeners to:
✔ Ask trusted people before paying strange bills
✔ Help older relatives with technology
✔ Share warnings about new scams

Biblical Wisdom:
“Look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.” — Phil. 2:4

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🔐 Practical Cyber Safety Habits (Non-Negotiables)

• 🔒 Use strong, unique passwords

• 🧩 Use a password manager

• 🔄 Enable automatic software updates

• 🚫 Don’t share personal info on social media (address, phone, travel plans)

• 👤 Don’t accept friend requests from strangers

• 🛑 Don’t click links from unknown senders

• 🔑 Turn on two-step authentication for everything

• 💻 Install antivirus & run regular scans

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🌱 Long-Term Benefits of Good Digital Hygiene

• Protects your identity

• Keeps your devices healthy

• Reduces your risk of scams

• Keeps your data safe

• Gives you peace of mind (and fewer panic attacks at 11pm over a sketchy email)

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📖 Spiritual Takeaway

Digital discernment matters.
Wisdom, patience, and community are God’s tools for navigating modern scams.
Protecting yourself online is another way to walk wisely.

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🎧 CTA (Call to Action)

This week’s challenge:
👉 Before clicking ANY link… stop, breathe, and verify.
Bonus points: Help someone else avoid a scam.

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Episode 246: Kitchen Remodeling Dos and Dont's

🎙️ Episode 246: Kitchen Remodeling Dos and Don’ts

👯‍♀️ Cathrine’s Pros & Cons

✅ Pros

• Stick to a budget - even if you go over by a little 🤩

• Invest in Consumer Reports (it will save you money in the long run)💰

• Do what you want 😉

❌ Cons

• Budget creep is REAL 😬

• Dust… everywhere… forever… 😵‍💫

• Decision fatigue: “Do we want matte, satin, or eggshell?” 😵

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😂 Tracy’s Pros & Cons

✅ Pros

• A kitchen that looks like grown-ups live there 🙌

• Organization heaven — A coffee bar and spices where you need them 🥲

• Corner grate thingy to dry dishrag from Amazon for my sink  😍

• Everything has its place… which means less yelling “WHO TOOK MY SPATULA?” 🍴

❌ Cons

• Budget restraints meant sacrifices 🥸

• Living without a kitchen = character development 😒

• Having to make 1,000 decisions while hungry 🍕

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🧰 Tip From Our Sponsor

“Don’t rely on the contractor just because he’s the expert.”

Just because they’ve done 100 kitchens doesn’t mean
1️⃣ They know your taste
2️⃣ They understand your workflow
3️⃣ They have to live with the results 👀

Ask questions, double-check plans, get details in writing, and don’t be afraid to speak up. 🗣️✨

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🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Do’s and Don’ts From Others

(Using the CabinetNow / ChatGPT top 10 common renovation mistakes list as inspiration)

✅ DOs

• Do set a realistic timeline — double it if you want to stay sane ⏳

• Do measure EVERYTHING twice (and then still expect something to be off) 📏

• Do prioritize storage — future you will thank you 🙏

• Do plan for outlets — your air fryer, mixer, blender, and toaster need homes ⚡

• Do think long-term — trendy today, dated tomorrow 🤷‍♀️

❌ DON’Ts

• Don’t skip the budget cushion — unexpected expenses are basically guaranteed 💸

• Don’t choose style over function — pretty means nothing if it doesn’t work 👎

• Don’t ignore lighting — kitchens need layers 💡

• Don’t cheap out on hardware — these little suckers matter 🎯

• Don’t forget the workflow — beauty + usability = kitchen bliss 😍

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📖 Scripture of the Episode

Isaiah 43:19 (NIV)
“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”

✨ A great reminder that God does renovations too — in our homes and our hearts. 🙌

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👉 CTA (Call to Action)

🎯 Have a budget before you start!
Not a “soft idea.” Not a “general number.” A real, honest, sit-down-and-do-the-math budget.
Then add 10–20% because kitchens love surprises. 😅

P.S. BONUS - Not only will you get to enjoy your kitchen today, but typically a kitchen remodel does add value to your home for resale value. You should expect to get between 50-80% of your investment back (or your kids will) Ha ha. ;0)

Episode 245:A Discussion on Don’t Date Brandon Documentary

Episode 244-Finding Strength In Weakness

🎙️ Episode 244: Finding Strength in Weakness

💡 Main Takeaways:
1️⃣ Weakness Isn’t Failure, It’s an Invitation – God doesn’t shame your struggles; He uses them to draw you closer. 🙌
2️⃣ Weakness Keeps Us Dependent on God – When life feels too heavy, it’s a reminder to lean on the One who carries it all. 🤲
3️⃣ Weakness ≠ Worthlessness – Your weakness is not your identity; it’s a doorway to God’s grace. 💗

🧭 Call to Action:
This week, notice one area of weakness — worry, patience, self-control — and instead of shame, pray:
👉 “God, show Your strength here.”
Then thank Him when you see His power at work. ✨

📖 Verse of the Week:

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
— 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV)

💬 Closing Thought:
When you feel weak — physically, emotionally, or spiritually — remember: that’s where God’s strength shines brightest. 💪 Life happens, but we can laugh anyway because He’s strong when we’re not. 🌤️