Generosity Unlocks the Happiness Trifecta | Ep. 44
In this episode, we’re diving into the beautifully practical science behind something Jesus taught long before the research existed: it truly is more blessed to give than to receive. Generosity doesn’t just help someone else; it literally reshapes your inner world.We’ll explore how giving activates the brain’s “happiness trifecta”: dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin. These aren’t just feel-good hormones; they’re the chemical trio that boosts motivation, steadies your emotions, strengthens your relationships, and brings that warm, centred sense of meaning we all quietly long for. When we choose to give — our time, compassion, encouragement, or resources — our brains respond with a cascade of joy that science can now measure and scripture has been pointing us toward all along.This episode invites you to see generosity not as another task to do in this busy Christmas season, but rather as a way of carrying confetti into the world — a way of scattering light, lifting others, and discovering that joy grows best in open hands and generous hearts.PS — Details for a special giveaway are included in this episode!! You could win yourself a Confetti Care Package filled with some of my favourite things :) Connect with me on Instagram: @carryconfetti If you'd like to support the podcast or say thank you for a particular episode, you're welcome to buy me a coffee or purchase a poetry print here: https://buymeacoffee.com/carryconfetti
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The Anticipation of Advent | Ep. 43
In this episode, we explore the anticipation of Advent — the quiet ache, the hopeful waiting, and the deep expectation that has shaped Christian hearts for centuries. Yes, there is playful excitement in opening Advent calendar doors, stringing up lights, and celebrating with festive traditions! But all this wonder actually points us toward something far deeper.The very first Christmas was marked with an astral phenomenon — a bright star in the sky — and I can't wait to to tell you more about why this was so significant to the wise men you see in your nativity sets. As Christmas approaches, let’s consider how these annual rhythms of celebration and tradition remind us of the true meaning behind our anticipation: the arrival of the King of Light, Jesus Christ.Resources mentioned in this episode are linked below! Merry Christmas! –Canva Template for Family Friendly Advent Activities (use my template to adapt it for your family and add in the seasonal things where you live): https://www.canva.com/design/DAF1UFGo4pI/mkeuYe-bUXVuG8lFJbphaA/view?utm_content=DAF1UFGo4pI&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=publishsharelink&mode=previewThe Advent Jesse Tree (devotion book I use with my family): https://www.amazon.com.au/Advent-Jesse-Tree-Devotions-Christmas/dp/1426712103/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1QXNFZN3VLYMG&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.8HRlRNFIukglfxhaeZcf9Gjco5nSzMiU235xFqsfBo0bW3QRtdYTpXkp8Se1RG4BEULDV3nnriW9OQ-h0NcxfJ2z657DzMWZXkHtrbGc9JGQ9_fUByfiRmrkhU-K6C2EFWejHyiRUGjy79LBFWwTKZx93hnnMZbsN2cGOtWLrn25Vq-VgTh9VqwHCwpZhFkv2Y_SjYQm8hEEIr1b_k2vTa9_GMrWy9iWwQx9-XWg_Olc6P5pMbPo1gMaEuxh3Nkcm67IC1HRAie5jSU-tjgt8kuElRJ7hpT0zQLb690wNM4.KyyB5GW8ny0aHVTdfVt0AXwp__YHZWBClkA-vdXYGV4&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+advent+jesse+tree&qid=1764487230&sprefix=the+advent+jesse+tre%2Caps%2C211&sr=8-1Canva Template for Jesse Tree ornaments I made that tie in with the book linked above: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGWO5Ip0B4/GBBvVpd02PVDoio6NU55wg/view?utm_content=DAGWO5Ip0B4&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=publishsharelink&mode=previewPrint on A4 paper, cut out individual circles, and then mod podge onto plain, wooden ornaments. I’ll share a reel on @carryconfetti to show you how it looks finished :) Love,DarcieConnect with me on Instagram: @carryconfetti If you'd like to support the podcast or say thank you for a particular episode, you're welcome to buy me a coffee or purchase a poetry print here: https://buymeacoffee.com/carryconfetti
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5 Things That Make Thanksgiving So Special | Ep. 42
THE JOY OF SHARED MEALS (3/3)Thanksgiving has always been a favourite holiday of mine, and in today's episode, I'll tell you why. Even if you don't personally celebrate Thanksgiving, there are still some great takeaways in this episode about the 5 things that make any shared meal special. Spoiler: It doesn't have to be complicated! Planning a shared meal doesn't have to be a burden; in fact, it can be a delight when you focus on the foundational basics. Then add the other details on top if you have time and if you enjoy that kind of thing! Happy Thanksgiving y'all!!!Connect with me on Instagram: @carryconfetti If you'd like to support the podcast or say thank you for a particular episode, you're welcome to buy me a coffee or purchase a poetry print here: https://buymeacoffee.com/carryconfetti
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Dinner Party Lessons from the Gospel of Luke | Ep. 41
THE JOY OF SHARED MEALS (2/3)Jesus loved a good dinner party! All throughout the Gospels you'll see him blessing food, enjoying food, sharing food, multiplying food, and even calling himself the Bread of Life. In fact, Jesus did some of his best ministry around a dinner table. He changed hearts and minds through conversations had at a meal time and time again. In this episode, I'll share 5 lessons we can learn from 5 different meals where Jesus was present. From eating with sinners to challenging religious leaders to miracles and more, dinner with Jesus was always an exciting affair. Connect with me on Instagram: @carryconfetti If you'd like to support the podcast or say thank you for a particular episode, you're welcome to buy me a coffee or purchase a poetry print here: https://buymeacoffee.com/carryconfetti
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When Dinner Fills More Than Your Stomach | Ep. 40
THE JOY OF SHARED MEALS (1/3)The World Happiness Report had an entire chapter dedicated to the connection between food and social relationships, and we need to talk about it.As a society, we've become faster paced with a desire for ease and convenience, and this has translated over to our meals as well. Many families are eating meals on the go, takeaways, meal replacement shakes, and quick snacks pulled out of a bag to solve their hunger as if it were a problem. But how does all of this affect our happiness? How does it affect our social relationships? Have we lost the joy of a shared meal? Let's talk about it! Connect with me on Instagram: @carryconfetti If you'd like to support the podcast or say thank you for a particular episode, you're welcome to buy me a coffee or purchase a poetry print here: https://buymeacoffee.com/carryconfetti
A podcast to help you discover how to cultivate a life of hopeful expectation and daily celebration. I’m Darcie Frost, an Oklahoma girl now living in New Zealand and leading a church with my husband (and our two toddlers in tow). Through weekly episodes released every Monday, I’ll be exploring Christian theology and studies in psychology to better understand the powerful effects of gratitude and hope. No matter what season of life you are in, we could all benefit from a bit more joy infused into those ordinary, everyday moments. I’ll be tackling questions like: How do I keep believing after so many setbacks? Why hasn’t God answered my prayer yet? How do you know God is good and on your side? How do I find the strength to celebrate others, while walking through grief, disappointment, and pain? What’s the difference between happiness and joy?Subscribe to the show on your favorite podcast app, so you don't miss a single episode!