Sometimes truth shows up where you least expect it.
We could all use a minute – a minute to put up our feet, a minute to watch another episode or read another chapter, a minute to breathe. And that’s okay. Taking time to rest and enjoy yourself isn’t something to feel guilty about. And the truth is that show or that book might just have something holy to teach us.
I’m Mary, and I’m so glad you’re here. Welcome to a guilt-free corner of the internet where you can kick off your shoes, get comfy, and have a little fun. We’re going to talk about our favorite TV shows and movies, our book boyfriends and secret playlists, and anything else that reminds us about who we are, what’s most important, and even God.
Connecting the dots between everyday life and the Word of God makes my heart beat fast as I am convicted or comforted, encouraged or inspired – and I love nothing more than sharing those connections with friends like you. Plus, sometimes I just love a good list or recipe or movie review. If any of that sounds like your cup of tea (or coffee), stick around. We’re going to have fun!
The Couch Podcast #168: The 23 New Holiday Movies to Watch in 2023
As always, my best friend (and best friend of the show) Anna Rendell and I are here to guide you through this hectic but holly-jolly season. We’ve waded through all the new holiday movies (nearly 100 of them, which is thankfully and bizarrely a much smaller number than recent years) to create for you a list of 23 holiday movies to watch in 2023.
The Pop Culture I’m Thankful for in 2022
As we get ready to celebrate Thanksgiving, I’m reflecting on the things of pop culture I’m thankful for this year. Sure, movies and TV shows, music and books are for fun (and that is okay!!), but often they also have a deeper meaning for us. So let’s talk about the things that have enriched our lives, taught us something new, or just helped us get through the hard spots. I do share a few of these in episode 141 of The Couch Podcast, but this list is the overflow because once I started counting gifts and gratitude, I couldn’t stop!
12 Hallmark Movies to Give You All the Fall Feels
It will probably come as no surprise that I also adore the specifically autumnal Hallmark movies. You know, the ones with pumpkins on every surface and colorful leaves randomly falling in the background like perfectly timed snow in another season’s movies? Yes, those are the ones. If you’re looking for a Hallmark movie to give you fall feels, here are a dozen to choose from!
When Emotions Are Contagious—and That’s a Good Thing
That evening has stuck with me and has come to mind several times since. And each time, I’ve felt thankful. I often pick up and absorb other people’s emotions, but it’s not always such a positive experience. As an empath (someone who detects and sometimes even takes on other people’s emotions more often and more intensely than others), I’ve at times found myself consumed by the negative emotions someone else is experiencing and unable to easily recalibrate my own feelings.
When the Phone Rings in the Middle of the Night
Nobody calls in the middle of the night with good news. My normally innocent ringtone turned ominous the moment it broke the silence and woke me from a sound sleep. After being startled awake in that manner, I wasn’t even surprised to hear sobbing when I finally...
Stargazing, Self-Worth, and Shouting at the Sky
You’re here, and you matter.
You’re here, and I am so glad you are.
You’re here, and I see you.
But more importantly, God sees you.
Whether you shout or whisper, win or lose, God sees you, and He calls you His beloved child.
The 10 Best Movies from Virtual Movie Night (or How I Hosted 51 Girls Nights in 2021)
For the past nearly 100 weeks, I’ve been hosting Wednesday Movie Night for anyone who wants to join. Most weeks it’s the same core group of women who have become some of my favorite and closest friends, but for now at least, I’m keeping it open to all members of The Couch Facebook Group. Every Wednesday night, we “meet” up online to watch a movie—great ones and not-so-great ones (which are honestly sometimes the most fun). Here are our faves from 2021…
My Favorite New Movies of 2021
The world is weird, I didn’t see nearly all the movies I wanted to in 2021. Maybe you can relate? So this post will be a list of my favorite movies from the past year, both in theaters and on a streaming service—but I’ll also tell you about the movies I haven’t seen that I still want to! Let’s go…
The Best & Worst Holiday Movies of 2021
Though I will probably watch a few more movies, I don’t anticipate any of them landing at the top of my list for the year. So today I’m bringing you my top 10 favorite Hallmark movies, top 10 favorite Lifetime movies, top 5 “other” movies, and the movies that landed on the bottom of my list. You can see my whole list, ranked in order that may or may not change every time I look at it, at Letterboxd. Here goes…
It's a lifestyle. It's a devotional!
Gilmore Girls was a TV show known (and loved) for its fast-talking, pop culture-referencing, coffee-chugging characters, but it was also a show devoted to love of family and community. These themes – as well as topics like forgiveness, kindness, and gratitude – partner well with lessons from the Bible.
Christians who loved this show will be encouraged and inspired to follow this “season” of daily devotions, reminiscing about their favorite Gilmore Girls scenes and perhaps seeing them from a whole new perspective.
When life makes you say, “Oy with the poodles already!” grab your mug of coffee and settle in for a conversation that will warm your heart and feed your soul.
