Dale Masten loved Christ at an early age, and loves Him still at 60. In between years included times of doubt, questioning, skepticism, and looking for anywhere but up for life's answers. Yet, God kept calling him back and Dale listened. "I derailed but I kept coming back. I couldn't live without God." He also couldn't live very well without a new kidney which he received earlier this year after a 10-year-wait. He got the call from USC Medical Center on a Sunday afternoon. "We have a kidney. If you want it, you need to be here between 4 and 6 hours." Dale and his wife of 35 years, Jill, got into the car without packing and within 5 hours he was on the table, wondering at all that was about to happen.  Dale knows that there is no meaning without God, faith grows in adversity and community, and that meaningful relationships begin with openness, love and vulnerability. He loves people. Reminded me of Jesus. You will be challenged and encouraged today with Dale's story. Some gems from today's podcast: God honors the process and builds character through suffering. We need to be intentional with our gratitude or it quickly subsides into taking things for granted. I celebrate that God made me someone who is voraciously interested in people.  Vulnerability is the gateway to intimacy. I had a new kidney but I still had my same old character flaws.

Author, speaker, podcaster, Ashley Hales, talks today on how to find holy and be faithful to God wherever He's placed you. "How easy it is," she explains, "to look for our value or distract us from the hard stuff by leaning on stuff—bigger homes, safer places, or a simple To-Do List crossed off on a daily basis." She writes in Finding Holy in the Suburbs: Living Faithfully in the Land of Too Much—"To fill my infinite things with finite things, the more distance I put between God and myself. And the more I do that, it creates a way of being."   Leave a comment on blog or social media to be entered in a giveaway for Finding Holy in the Suburbs. Follow Ashley at aahales.com where you can read about her ministry, writing and speaking.  Ashley is a mom of four, wife of a pastor here in San Luis Obispo, and seeks to follow Jesus and love others right where she is.  Some gems: We get antsy waiting on God so we ask our stuff to save us. God has made us hungry people but we remain unsatiated until we feed on Him first and foremost. Hospitality means making room in our lives and hearts for whomever God brings our way. The cross is the basis of our hospitality; Christ broken for us is God's invitation to come to Him.  I want to pay attention to the work God has for me to do TODAY and not worry about may or may not get accomplished.  We can't do Kingdom life by doing rather than being.  Like maps like my Man-in-Plaid? Here's one for you. Ashley and her husband, Bryce have a new podcast: The Cartographers: Charting the cultural landscape for 21st century Christian Leaders _____ When asked, “What’s the greatest commandment?” Jesus replied simply: “Love God, love your neighbor.” I imagine He was thinking, “It’s not rocket science” or “What’s not to like?” or “It’s not complicated.” He was right, it’s not complicated. But people are people and we make it complicated. I need to pray daily to uncomplicate what He says is best for me and best for others. So I wrote “31 Days of Uncomplicated Prayers,” and once I pray them through, I start over again. You can too. One short, simple prayer to help uncomplicate love sent to your inbox for 31 days. Don't worry. They are short. God doesn't mind short prayers. Sign up HERE     

If we want a deeper faith, we can ask God for it. He knows our hearts anyway, so we may as well be honest. When we ask God for more faith, He will do one of three things: He will ask you to do something really big He will allow challenging circumstances He will give you children (or someone to love)—or all three at the same time. And then your faith will have an opportunity to deepen. Perhaps you’ve heard this before but it’s a good reminder:   Everything I need to know about life, I learned from Noah's Ark: One : Don't miss the boat. Two  : Plan ahead. It wasn't raining when Noah built the Ark. Three : Stay fit. When you're 600 years old, someone may ask you to do something really big.   My favorite is the last one: “Stay fit.  When you’re 600 years old, someone may ask you to do something really big.” Your life’s not over because you’re 40 or 50 or 60 or 600. Just ask Noah. So we better stay fit. Spiritually and every way.   Of course, it wouldn’t matter if Noah were fit at 600 if he had no intention of obeying God, would it? Part of our spiritual fitness is a heart of obedience. By faith, I invited my neighbor for coffee, dinner, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve Soup Potluck, dinner, zoom Bible Study and wine night. Two and a half years later, she said, "Is it too late to join Bible Study?" (Never) Four months later she gave her life to Jesus.  On one sunny but chilly Sunday in February, she got baptized in a very cold water tub.  Point #1: Obedience could save a life. Jesus obeyed and went to the cross. Point #2: Never give up.    Some faith-isms: There are no small acts of obedience. All take faith. If you want faith, God may ask you to do something really big – and you’d better do it because it could save a life.  A life of faith means we answer “Yes, Lord” before He even finishes His sentence. The more we obey what He tells us to do, the deeper our faith will become. We miss out on a chance to know God if we stay in the boat after He’s told us to get out and come to Him.   GIVEAWAY! 202 Conversation Starters, Digital Version   Leave comment to be entered! You won't be sorry. Steve and Karen, empty-nesters, are going through each question - one or two a meal - and still (after more than 50 years!) are learning new things about each other!     

Carol Feil wants you to see our faithful God, the Master Gardener, in all details of your life. She wants you to know that being rooted in His unchanging character helps you dig deep into His word, cultivating growth even in seasons of dormancy.   Carol wears yellow boots in the garden and calls them her "listen and learn boots", paying close attention to what God's teaching her about Himself and who He wants her to be. Carol admits she struggles with imposter syndrome but continues to walk forward in her legacy of faith footprints—boot-sized!—and praying that whoever she meets will follow alongside. Do you want help replacing should with could? Carol has an added resource that will help you with that process. CLICK HERE FOR FREE RESOURCE. Some gems from Carol: Knowing God's will is more about the little things he leads us to be and do. "Shoulding" messages in our heads are lies that play on-repeat and need to be countered with truth. Roses grow best when pruned. So do I. We need to be patient with the process of replenishment. What thoughts need reframing? Pay attention and do the work of replacing. In the absense of truth, Satan will fill in the blanks with his lies.  Join Carol on the journey to developing deeper roots and stronger shoots: Website: https://carolfeil.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolfeil/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CarolFeilWriter _____ When asked, “What’s the greatest commandment?” Jesus replied simply: “Love God, love your neighbor.” I imagine He was thinking, “It’s not rocket science” or “What’s not to like?” or “It’s not complicated.” He was right, it’s not complicated. But people are people and we make it complicated. I need to pray daily to uncomplicate what He says is best for me and best for others. So I wrote “31 Days of Uncomplicated Prayers,” and once I pray them through, I start over again. You can too. One short, simple prayer to help uncomplicate love sent to your inbox for 31 days. Don't worry. They are short. God doesn't mind short prayers. Sign up HERE     

Jillian Benfield got the news that her second child, Anderson, was Down Syndrome. This news was not her life-plan. Then just four months after his birth, he underwent open-heart surgery. Then their third child, Preston suffered medical procedures for the first two years of his life. Jillian wrote her book, The Gift of the Unexpected: Discovering Who You Were Meant to Be When Life Goes Off Plan, not as a how-to book on how to get through life's difficulties; rather she wrote her own story--the good, bad and the ugly--to offer hope. Wise beyond her years, Jillian's story has much to teach us about theology, Western thought, ableism and how if we are willing to put in the work, that God will transform us from the inside out, for our good and for His glory.  Get this book, for yourself and for a friend. She's giving one away this week. Leave on comment on blog or on social media or email me at [email protected].  In her own words: My life fell apart with a 20-second phone call. We call these moments in life, before-and-after moments. Mine came when I was 27 years old and pregnant with my second child. My life would never be the same, I would never be the same. If you would have told me years ago that my before-and-after moment would end up being one of the greatest gifts of my life, I wouldn’t have believed you. But it was. It is. The unexpected gave me my son. The unexpected ended up giving me, me. That’s what my book, The Gift of the Unexpected, and this space are about. Our unexpected moments, our unexpected lives, can end up helping us live into our God-dreamed entireties. Some gems from Jillian: God doesn't need pretend versions of ourselves, but all of who we are. I want my legacy to be one of openness: open to being wrong, to being willing to evolve, to never close off my circle of friends. A different kind of life is not a less-than life. Western culture wants us "rushing through our pain" rather than learning from it. What I've learned is that God continuously provides resurrection for us now, not only at the end of our lives. God takes dead things and makes them new when we look to Him, lean on Him and take the next step.  To undergo a trial vs overcome a trial takes time, counsel, reflection on who we are at our core and an understanding of what may need some transformation. Follow Jillian here: Website: https://jillianbenfield.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jillianbenfield/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/JillianBenfieldBlog/     _____ When asked, “What’s the greatest commandment?” Jesus replied simply: “Love God, love your neighbor.” I imagine He was thinking, “It’s not rocket science” or “What’s not to like?” or “It’s not complicated.” He was right, it’s not complicated. But people are people and we make it complicated. I need to pray daily to uncomplicate what He says is best for me and best for others. So I wrote “31 Days of Uncomplicated Prayers,” and once I pray them through, I start over again. You can too. One short, simple prayer to help uncomplicate love sent to your inbox for 31 days. Don't worry. They are short. God doesn't mind short prayers. Sign up HERE   

Susan Macias says as long as we have breath to breathe, Jesus still has a work for me to do. I love that and most likely I have fewer breaths to breathe than most of you. And it's still true. Don't you love it too? We never run out of purpose, and that purpose is to partner alongside of God Himself to do Kingdom work. Thanks for the reminder, Susan! As a mother of 7 and an empty nester, Susan knew what it meant to have a full parenting life (homeschooler, too) and then "all of a sudden" an empty house, but not an empty life. She started her podcast: "We're Not Done Yet!" She hosted me late last year about hospitality and she said it was a hit. Listen HERE.  One of Susan's passions and books is to help women walk out their identity in Christ. She's hosting a giveaway for: Putting Jesus On: My Identity Journal. Leave a comment in blog or on social media to be entered.   About Susan, in her own words: I’m a fifty-something mom of seven and grandmother of eight. I love my husband, my family, and living in Texas. But above all I love Jesus, and I adore talking about Him After homeschooling for twenty-seven years, I now answer God’s new call in my life. As a Christian writer and speaker, I use honesty, transparency, truth from the Word, and a little humor. And I strive to exhort women to engage in their circumstances so that God is glorified and the Kingdom is expanded. Few things thrill me like sharing Jesus with my sisters. Oh friend, the Lord calls us to His purposes. Let’s keep fighting the good fight, even when we feel we don’t have much fight left. Jesus will enable us because the hurting world needs us!   Some gems from Susan: Considering the next call on your life may seem scary so take one small next step towards that direction. As long as we have breath to breathe, Jesus still has a work for me to do. Are you brave enough to be small when God's called you to be small? Putting on what and who God has called me to be makes me beautiful.       _________   When asked, “What’s the greatest commandment?” Jesus replied simply: “Love God, love your neighbor.” I imagine He was thinking, “It’s not rocket science” or “What’s not to like?” or “It’s not complicated.” He was right, it’s not complicated. But people are people and we make it complicated. I need to pray daily to uncomplicate what He says is best for me and best for others. So I wrote “31 Days of Uncomplicated Prayers,” and once I pray them through, I start over again. You can too. One short, simple prayer to help uncomplicate love sent to your inbox for 31 days. Don't worry. They are short. God doesn't mind short prayers. Sign up HERE  Some samples:      Sign up HERE and feel free to share link with a friend. We are all a little complicated.  Love God. Love your neighbor. It’s not complicated.    

We should be experts dealing with difficult people because in one way or another, everyone is difficult. Today we discuss something we all encounter: The Difficult Person. And sometimes that person is us/moi. What makes a person difficult? Do degrees of difficulty matter? What are some practical ways to navigate a relationshiop with a diffiuclt person without moving to Australia? I love people. Especially the loveable ones. I think I love people well until I come across a difficult person. On today's podcast we talk about 8 practices to consider while relating with the less-than-easy person in our lives. You’ve heard the expression, “Hurt people hurt people.” I forget that fact when I’m the object of that hurt. When difficult people lash out, I want to listen with my heart, not just my ears. If we keep an issue to ourselves and take the tact of Suck it up, Buttercup things smooth over temporarily, but could lead to bigger issues. When I think how I’ve grieved God and hurt others, I’m well on my way to loving the difficult person. Forbearance is putting up with more than you are due (or that you THINK you are due!) The thing is we want everyone to forbear with us, but forget to forbear with everyone else. Living peacefully with others is often a matter of perspective _________   When asked, “What’s the greatest commandment?” Jesus replied simply: “Love God, love your neighbor.” I imagine He was thinking, “It’s not rocket science” or “What’s not to like?” or “It’s not complicated.” He was right, it’s not complicated. But people are people and we make it complicated. I need to pray daily to uncomplicate what He says is best for me and best for others. So I wrote “31 Days of Uncomplicated Prayers,” and once I pray them through, I start over again. You can too. One short, simple prayer to help uncomplicate love sent to your inbox for 31 days. Don't worry. They are short. God doesn't mind short prayers. Sign up HERE  Some samples:      Sign up HERE and feel free to share link with a friend. We are all a little complicated.  Love God. Love your neighbor. It’s not complicated.    

Rachel Dodge understands the importance of "kindred spirits" as a writer, speaker and friend. She began writing companion devotionals for such classics as Anne of Green Gables, Little Women, The Secret Garden and is an expert on all things Jane Austen. What a fun conversation we had about what it means to be a "kindred spirit" and how she goes about her writing process to bring Gospel truth from popular literary classics for all ages.  Her latest offering is The Secret Garden Devotional: A Chapter by Chapter Companion to a Beloved Classic Rachel is hosting a giveaway this week and I will add a copy of the book The Secret Garden so you can be blessed as you read or re-read the book alongside of her devotional.  Some gems: We are adopted into God's kingdom so what better theme to focus on in Anne with an "e", a redheaded orphan longing to belong to a family. Good literature includes pictures on earth to help us relate to biblical truths. A "kindred spirit" is someone with similar sensibilities of things that delight us! I want my books to be an act of invitation for people to know and love God more.  RACHEL DODGE is the bestselling author of the award-winning Anne of Green Gables Devotional, The Little Women Devotional, and Praying with Jane: 31 Days through the Prayers of Jane Austen. Her newest book is The Secret Garden Devotional! Rachel teaches college English; speaks at libraries, literary groups, and teas; and writes for Jane Austen’s World. A true kindred spirit at heart, she loves books, bonnets, and ballgowns. You can visit her at RachelDodge.com or on IG @kindredspiritbooks.   Be sure to comment on blog or instagram or FB to be entered to win her book! _________   When asked, “What’s the greatest commandment?” Jesus replied simply: “Love God, love your neighbor.” I imagine He was thinking, “It’s not rocket science” or “What’s not to like?” or “It’s not complicated.” He was right, it’s not complicated. But people are people and we make it complicated. I need to pray daily to uncomplicate what He says is best for me and best for others. So I wrote “31 Days of Uncomplicated Prayers,” and once I pray them through, I start over again. You can too. One short, simple prayer to help uncomplicate love sent to your inbox for 31 days. Don't worry. They are short. God doesn't mind short prayers. Sign up HERE  Some samples:      Sign up HERE and feel free to share link with a friend. We are all a little complicated.  Love God. Love your neighbor. It’s not complicated.    

Sarah Geringer walked down the lane close to her Missouri home and began to notice things, simple things that helped her find the presence of God, her Hidden Manna, and with that, a deeper trust in God's provision while praying for herself and others. From her experience came her latest book, Hidden Manna on a Country Road: Seeing God's Provision All Around Us. Leave a comment on blog or social media to be entered in a giveaway. What a beautiful way to pray through the seasons no matter if you live in the city or country. I first spoke with Sarah on Ep 64 "Transform Your Mind" where we discussed her great book, Transforming Your Thought Life: Christian Meditation in Focus Artist, author, speaker and gardener, and mother of three,  Sarah Geringer loves her Missouri home, God's Word, and coming alongside others for prayer and counsel.  For fun things like why she loves sunflowers and how James Taylor "changed her life," view her website: sarahgeringer.com Some gems from today's episode: A need for human connection is coded into our DNA. Paying attention to birdsong in Spring helps me come to God in praise and thankgiving, no matter what hard things I'm experiencing.   I can get caught up in thinking I'm pretty decent until I remember all Christ did for me on the Cross.  My faith is strengthened when I look for hidden manna—simple things in nature that reflect God's presence and provision. We can come boldly to the throne of grace only because Jesus paid for my sins.  Sarah is an active member of my facebook group: Welcome Heart, Welcome Home sharing her favorite recipes and welcoming others in. Check it out here.   Be sure to comment on blog or social media to be entered to win: Hidden Manna on a Country Road: Seeing God's Provision All Around Us. _________   When asked, “What’s the greatest commandment?” Jesus replied simply: “Love God, love your neighbor.” I imagine He was thinking, “It’s not rocket science” or “What’s not to like?” or “It’s not complicated.” He was right, it’s not complicated. But people are people and we make it complicated. I need to pray daily to uncomplicate what He says is best for me and best for others. So I wrote “31 Days of Uncomplicated Prayers,” and once I pray them through, I start over again. You can too. One short, simple prayer to help uncomplicate love sent to your inbox for 31 days. Don't worry. They are short. God doesn't mind short prayers. Sign up HERE  Some samples:      Sign up HERE and feel free to share link with a friend. We are all a little complicated.  Love God. Love your neighbor. It’s not complicated.  

Author, speaker, podcaster, Rachael Adams, saw the offering envelope that read, "Love Offering" and wondered what should or could she give? She heard God say, "You are my love offering." That small exchange sealed the deal. Rachael, like many young mothers, had been struggling with questions such as, "Does what I do matter for the Kingdom?" "I'm working at what I need to do to keep my family healthy and happy, yet, I wonder, is that enough? Do I need to do more to live a life of significance?" Going to God and the Word, Rachael found the answer to all those questions and more. She recognized her where her significance lay and wrote that message in her book, "A Little Goes a Long Way: 52 Days to a Significant Life." She's hosting a giveaway this week—be sure to comment on blog or social media to be entered. Some gems from this wise young woman from Kentucky: A significant life is more simple than we think. We don't give to others and then worry about the outcome. Pray that the Gospel spreads everywhere you go. Culture tells is loud is better, big is better—but God just wants our surrender on a daily basis. I wanted to keep a record of how God was working—not to be doing just one more thing—but so that I could see that what I did for Him and by Him—no matter how small—makes a difference for the Kingdom. Pray to help us see others as God sees them, significant and loved. Author of A Little Goes a Long Way and host of The Love Offering podcast Rachael Adams hopes to help women realize their God-given purpose and significance. She and her husband, Bryan, run a family business and farm in Kentucky with their two children, Will and Kate, and two dogs. Her work has been featured on Crosswalk, iBelieve, Today Parenting, and YouVersion. Connect with her by visiting rachaelkadams.com, by searching @rachaeladamsauthor on social media, and by tuning in to The Love Offering podcast every Tuesday on your favorite listening platform. Comment on Social Media or on my blog to be entered into giveaway.   

The last words of Christ to his disciples were straightforward and clear: “GO AND MAKE DISCIPLES OF ALL NATIONS . . .” (Matthew 28:18-20 NIV) We call it the GREAT COMMISSION and put it in capital letters because we know Jesus’s last words deserve all caps. But whenever we hear a message on the topic or come across those verses in our reading, we cringe a little or wonder how they fit into our everyday. You might be asking: How does God want his commandment played out in my life? I’m not a missionary in a foreign country. I have three kids under three. I need to work outside the home. I have aging parents. How do I do the Great Commission right now, right here? I’ve had those same questions. I still struggle wondering what God wants from me on any given day. I don’t think he minds that things aren’t crystal clear. He likes it that I’m focused on how to obey him best. He wants me to live a life on mission and how I do that will most likely look different from how it looks in your life. GO, BUT NOT BY YOURSELF I love that the GREAT COMMISSION starts with God and ends with God. You and I don't go by ourselves. He's with us. He never leaves us. He gives us the time, the opportunity, the words. We just step into those gifts. Reminds me of my WOTY - I RECEIVE these opportunities and wisdom and timing and words. Bring it on! Jesus begins by saying, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me…” (Matthew 28:18 NIV) Then he wraps it up with: “And surely I am with you always.” (vs 20) Whatever we do in between those two truths is up to us to work out the best we can, given our gifts, time and talents. LIVING LIFE ON MISSION MEANS LIVING AT THE READY What do you need to do to be ready to love your neighbor? Clear your schedule Pray and watch God interrupt your life Bake a cake Share some lemons You may have paused with number one: Clear your schedule. I intentionally limit my meet-up’s with believers. I love and need my Christian friends, and they need me. I met with Laurie Baldwin today. I'll meet with my mentor tomorrow. But in the end, I’ll see them in Glory. I try to keep part of my schedule cleared so that I’m available to those who don’t know Jesus yet. My Dad’s Favorite Lemon Cake 1 lemon cake mix 1 small pkg. lemon jello (orange works, too - oh, and pineapple!) 4 eggs 3/4 c. water 3/4 c. oil Topping: 1-2 cups powdered sugar Juice from one lemon - 2-3 T. Preheat oven 350 degrees Mix cake ingredients per box directions including the jello Pour into sprayed 9x13 cake pan While baking, make topping: Heat lemon juice on stove on low with 2 c. powdered sugar until sugar dissolves. Or, forget the heating part, and just whisk until the lumps disappear. While cake is still hot, make holes 2 inches apart with a fork--lots and lots of holes. Pour topping over, watch it soak in, and smack your lips. Divine, surely. Heavenly tang and sweet. After cake cools, sprinkle with powdered sugar. PS Call a neighbor

Writer, speaker, gatherer, Betsy Pendergrass and I could be sisters. My southern sister from Tennesee. You will see why when you hear today's episode on making space at the table—a beautiful legacy of hospitality and mentoring. Betsy and her husband Taylor and their four kids know the significance of inviting one—or six—to join them at the table, living room or backyard. More than ever today, Betsy says, people need connecting and to embrace God's love through our love, and live out from their identity as a child of God.   Betsy is hosting a giveaway all week long of her beautiful set of cards: DATE NIGHT CARDS. Leave a comment to be entered here on the blog, fb, instagram or send me an email at [email protected]    This set of 10 date night cards was created to help married couples spice their conversations. Each card covers a different subject that couples can ask each other while on a date night, road trip, running errands or just use for a fun date night at home on the couch. These were created by both Taylor and me and that is why I think we have had so many men enjoy these cards and want to use them again and again.    Betsy is taking a break from social media and her website for a bit.   Some Betsy gems: When you pray, ask the Lord, "Where's Your heart on this and how can I partner with You?" Invite two college students at a time. They will feel more comfortable bringing a friend (and let them bring their laundry!) We underestimate the power of prayer so we go through a house "cleansing" while praying through and over every room in the home.  People just want to be seen and heard and to know that someone has made a space for them.   

Rea Berg, author and founder of Beautiful Feet Books talks today about another passion of her—besides children's literature—her love of the incarcerated and how she and her husband of 41 years have recently switched their "church home" to the California Men's Colony here in San Luis Obispo.  It all started with books and story—teaching her own children, creating Beautiful Feet Books to bring classics back to life, creating curriculum and then seeing the transformative power of storytelling and the Word changing the lives of those maybe most forgotten in our society.  REA WILL HOST A TWO-BOOK GIVEAWAY THIS WEEK--TWO OF HER FAVORITE CHILDREN'S BOOK FOR TWO DIFFERENT WINNERS. COMMENT TO BE ENTERED! For the book giveaway, she will present the 75th Anniversary Edition of Abraham Lincoln by Ingri and Edgar Parin D'Aulaire, and the beautiful exclusive edition of Anno's China by Mitsumasa Anno.    Rea teaches a weekly course to help men earn a four-year seminary degree through The Urban Ministry Institute, and her husband, Russ mentors groups of 12 for discipleship and accountability through Yolkfellow Prison Ministry.  Some gems from today's podcast: Men behind bars are exactly like you and me, deep down in their heart and personhood. When you're put away, you have to draw upon a depth they most of us don't ever have to do, simply to live with contentment, joy and hope. My faith has been strengthened by the faith of these men who've experienced salvation to the uttermost, past all regret and remorse, experiencing full repentance. Seeing Jesus in these believers in prison convinced me anew of the transformative power of redemption and how good our God is. Rea Berg loves seeing abandoned and broken things brought back to life, like antique houses, classic children's books, and especially lives—like those of the menshe is privileged to work with at her local prison. Rea has had the honor of bringing many classic children's books back into print, such as the D’Aulaire biographies, the Journey books of Mitsumasa Anno, the works of James Daugherty, the Obadiah books, and many more. Through her company Beautiful Feet Books, she has crafted numerous guides for teaching history and geography through literature. Rea has a graduate degree in children's literature from Simmons College, Boston. Follow Rea on Instagram at reaberg, or email her at [email protected]. Rea blogs on children's literature at reaberg.com.

To host a simple dinner gathering sounds daunting unless we tackle it one task at a time. When I think of all the work involved, I can feel like quitting before I even begin. I wonder—and maybe whine a little: “How can I fit hosting guests into my already too-full schedule?” “I hate to cook and I don’t want to make enemies (or make people sick!”) “I have house issues: my table is too small, I don’t have enough chairs, my dining room is also the office, the homeschool room, and the playroom!” “My kids aren’t very well behaved yet. I will need to wait until they are away at college.” “Who should I invite? Doesn’t everyone already have their friends?” “Wouldn’t it be easier to get a sitter and meet a couple at a restaurant – and since I don’t have enough money for both those things, I guess we just won’t go out until we win the lottery or some distant rich uncle leaves us an inheritance!” These arguments are legitimate, to a point. We are busy. It is easier to go out (if we had the money.) Our homes may be under construction or not be the perfect home for company. But God doesn’t call us to elaborate entertaining. He says to “show hospitality to one another without grumbling” (I Peter 4:9) Doing one task a day is the best tip for doing simple hospitality and helps keep me from grumbling or feeling I’m totally out of my depth. If you desire to use your home for God and others, yet you don’t know how to go about it, here’s some sage advice: “How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.” I don’t recommend serving elephant stew, although I do know a delicious recipe for French Dip Beef Sandwiches which could pass for elephant and, perhaps, more seemly for most guests. Preparing for a company dinner is easier when we do one thing a day. Taking “one bite at a time” moves the host—you and me— from feeling overwhelmed to “I can’t wait to host again!” True story.   Here’s a list of simple tasks, one to do each day of the week except for Sundays (Day of Rest!) And, by the end of four weeks, you will have guests around your table (or, on your couch or floor, depending on your style!) Start on a Monday, follow the task for that day, and the day after that, and soon you’ll be hosting with joy, confidence, and ease—one bite at a time. Each dinner party preparation tip gets you closer to the goal of hosting a simple company dinner, and completing each one day-by-day will make it easier on you—the dinner party host—and, a lot more fun since you won’t have a whole elephant to contend with the day of the party! Each daily task begins with a brief prayer and closes with a short Bible verse since we know only God both transforms and encourages us as we prepare to love and serve our guests. To receive a copy of A Guide to Simple Hospitality One Day at a Time click HERE. Sample tasks you'll find: Discuss with your family: "Who should we invite?" Invite your guests for supper in three weeks so the date is on the calendar. Assign family chores. (When we all invest, we all are blessed!)Refresh front porch or entryway. Text your guests: “Looking forward to dinner with you this coming Saturday!”  

I'm so grateful to Lori Ann Wood's testimony of gentle faith and insight into how God deepened her faith through a life-changing experience with heart failure. At 51, Lori was healthy and strong, until she wasn't. After 7 years, drs still don't have answers as to why her heart failed in 2015 and how long until it happens the next time.  Lori turned this trial and testing into lessons of deepened faith—lessons we all can benefit from. We might not all get such an unusual and frightening diagnosis, but we all go up against some type of brick wall where we find out what is it we really believe about God.  Her book, Divine Detour: The Path You Didn't Choose Can Lead to the Faith You've Always Wanted, releases this week, and she will be hosting a giveaway. I think you'll need one as a gift and one to keep.  Some gems: Anytime when faced with a temptation, we must ask ourselves the question: "Do we trust God to meet our needs or not?" I learned that my faith had been all about me rather than about God. Doubts are not the opposite of faith—indifference is. God never promises a live of ease and comfort this side of heaven; He does promise He will always be with us, and that is the greater blessing. Questions are what strengthens faith. Do we want the safer life or the deeper life? From Lori: I’m Lori Ann Wood and I know what it’s like to be detoured in life. By sharing my stories and experiences, I want to equip and empower you to ask God your hard questions. More importantly, I want to cheer you on as your faith grows in the process. Read more of her heart failure survivor story HERE.   Not all storms come to destroy your life, some storms come to clear your path. (Anonymous)

Esther Joy Goetz loves being a mom and shares wisdom, joy, and humor on her hugely successful Instagram, Moms of Bigs. Today we talk about the most important thing we can give our children at any age, and what we can do to be better mothers. As her daughter tells her: We are all learners and teachers. Hopefully that's true at any age and stage. Esther's mantra is we need to give our kids the roots of unconditional love and the wings of freedom to be completely themselves. She says it more than once; it warrants repeating. It's how God loves us and we get the privilege of passing on that kind of love to our kids. But since we are "control freaks"  - a mother, by definition - we need all of God's mercy and grace to help us love as he loves. Esther grew up a missionary child in Ethiopia, is the mom of four young adults—she calls them "grownish" (and I get it)— and has been married for 31 years.  And she's a fellow redhead. (:  Follow her on instagram Moms of Bigs and check out her website: estherjoygoetz.com Some gems: We can't solve our kids stuff: we love them unconditionally through their stuff My longtime goal as a parent is to have a relationship with my grown children Moms never stop momming Be tender with the younger version of yourself @MOMS of BIGS Giving our BIG KIDS (teens and young adults) the roots of love and the wings of freedom to be completely themselves.  Help. Humor. Hope.

Susan is one of my favorites. She's lived life and has seen the mercy and grace of the Lord—a true legacy of faith. Author of over 25 books, Susan Shipe blogs at Hope, Heart, Home and this week she's offering a copy of her latest project: Women: See Us Soar —offering us inspiration and encouragement from stories of women in the Bible as well as women she has known. Leave a comment on instagram, the blog or email me to be entered. (sue @welcomeheart.com) A self-confessed "bad woman of the Bible" Susan knows that she's loved and forgiven which is the best thing anyone can know. She wants to give others the same hope God has given her through all the up's and down's of living one ordinary life with an extraordinary God.  Some Susan-ism's: I never had a moment when I didn't know I was a writer I'm an ordinary woman who knows God really has a plan for all of us. You wake up every morning talking to the Lord and you never say "Amen"—you just keep talking. When everything is said and done, Jesus Christ is the way, the truth and the life In her own words: I am an encourager with a heart for women. My devotion-journal, A Pruned Branch, was self-published in 2004 and is a compilation of 365 devotions for womenin all walks of life.  APB is full of practical principles for all, from the baby Christian tothe mature believer. I have self-published 25+ books - all can be found on Amazon. The Lord delivered a message of Hope deep within my soul in 2002. Jesus, the Hope-giver met me in my hour of need and my heart overflowed with hope – the theme of my life since that time has been HOPE! I am the mother of three adult children, grandmother (a/k/a Mimzy) to two adultgrands, and I am the wife of one man and together we share a love of traveling in our travel trailer with our home base being a tiny house in Upstate South Carolina. I enjoywriting, reading, organic gardening, traveling, and spending time with our family. I can be found musing and sharing at hopehearthome.com. I love the Lord with every fiber of my being and my life’s purpose is: That I may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. Colossians 1:10 (NKJV) My life vision is: I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in Truth. 3 John 4 Comment to be entered to win a copy of Women: See Us Soar by Susan Chamberlain Shipe  

"Life's too short to live in a rut," says Jerry Dugan. He continued, "You may need to take a risk to get unstuck." Dugan speaks as one who knows what it's like to have been in one rut (or two)—and at age 30, he knew he had to make some changes. "Otherwise, if nothing changed, what would next year look like? The same. And it was a state of bondage." Jerry Dugan podcasts at "Beyond the Rut" where he offers hope through encouraging stories and practical tools to pick you up out of your rut and into a life worth living.  Jerry acknowledges that God had His hand on his life many times, keeping him safe in wartime, as well as giving him courage to want to a different life than the people he was surrounded by.  All listeners today have an opportunity to change and grow by accessing his free 15 page digital resource, Measure It to Make It Jerry's business, Beyond the Rut Impact, provides leadership training and consulting and he's available for speaking, workshops and coaching. He's a committed follower of Christ and funny, besides! Check it out HERE. Be sure to take advantage of Jerry's free goal-setting tool. Measure It to Make It: How to Set Goals and Achieve Them: Beyond the Rut believes life is composed of five main domains or circles that all interconnect. They are your faith, fitness, family, finances, and growth for your future (personal and professional development.) When it comes to personal goal setting, here are four steps to achieving your goals in every area of your life. Follow Along and Make Your Own Path Beyond the Rut Facebook Page Twitter Instagram Email [email protected]

God is continually inviting us to Himself and whether or not we realize it, we “make our excuses.”  We say, “no thanks” all the time—graciously or not—and each time we do, we go further from God rather than closer. I refer to these “making excuses” as “hindrances to intimacy”.  God may speak to you about some hindrance that is unique to you. You might want to pray—“ Lord, what is keeping me from being intimate with You?” We all give “reasons that keep us from being intimate with God—there are many. Here are some: pride self relationships fear complacency  Jesus said, “Except a grain of wheat fall into the ground and dies, it remains by itself alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.” (John 12:24) That sounds harsh unless you know the Gardener.  The One who asks you to die to yourself is not only in control, but loves you intimately and there is no risk in that kind of dying. How does it work that living for ourselves is a hindrance to intimacy? Practically speaking—and we’ve all experienced it. The further we get from God—the less intimate we become—the easier it is to fake ourselves out so that we gradually come to believe that living for self is really best for ourselves. God needs to do some great intervention to wake us up out of our delusion—the real truth is clouded by temporary gratification of short term desires. I'd love to hear if any of these five resonate with you or if you have one to add to the list? Please add in comments on blog: WelcomeHeart.com _______   Getting ready for your next Christian women's event? Or do you know of a group I might serve? I'm booking now for  2023-24. I love retreats and conferences and offer 8 retreat series and 16 keynotes. View descriptions HERE.    

While stirring spaghetti sauce one evening, Wren Robbins "heard" God say, "Wren, it's time to use your gifts to help other podcasters." She kept stirring the sauce. Spaghetti was served that night and four years later, Wren started her most recent podcast, Don't Wing It. She serves hundreds of Christian women who want to leverage their business and make their message from God heard for His glory and their good. Hear more of Wren's story in today's broadcast, A Legacy of Using Your God-Given Gifts To The Full.  Wren believes: We need to be reminded that all good gifts are from God We need to surrender them fully to use them to the full We miss out when we don't—and so do those who need to hear our message We can ask ourselves 5 questions to determine if we need to begin podcasting or not (Hear that podcast HERE)   A podcast strategist and business coach, Wren loves helping business owners launch their podcasts with strategies for business growth with creative and easy-to-follow coaching. Some important resources:   1. Don't Wing It Podcast: 5 Questions to Ask Yourself To Know If You Should Podcast: www.wrenrobbins.com/dontwingit/36 2. Link for Wren's Voxer Coaching:  www.wrenrobbins.com/voxer     Pass this on to someone you know who may need to start living our their God-given gifts to the full (and may need to begin a podcast!)   Find Wren at WrenRobbinsCoaching @wrenrobbinscoach Is this your year to begin a podcast? Wren Robbins can help—gifted, approachable and oh so encouraging as you could tell in our conversation together.

Today is one of my favorite topics of all time: God's welcoming heart. It's why my website is called WelcomeHeart.com. I know most people use their names as in SueDonaldson.com and I know it's a good thing, but I've never wanted to switch.  Everything began with God's welcome. My job is to respond, or in this case, RSVP. We'll talk about that a little bit but leave most of that for next time. Before there can be intimacy, there has to be a welcome and introduction into the relationship. We can call it that first encounter. I talk about 3 encounters that are in direct contrast to the welcome of God.  Our Father never gives us the cold shoulder (like my friend’s mom did originally) there is never a chill in the air when we step into His presence, and,  God doesn’t have to put on a good appearance or fake His love for us God doesn’t grumble all the way to the door He is not a reluctant Host, irritated by the interruptions of His children We don’t catch Him by surprise He never forgets we’re invited You might be wondering: How do we know that God does have a welcoming heart? And, how are we responding to His invitation? And don't forget this:  Do we reflect God’s welcoming heart to those around us? That's one reason I'm passionate about doing hospitality. He invited first. We just pass along the invitation.    

When asked what he means by "fresh faith", author, podcaster, and radio ministry missionary, Jon Fugler, tells the story of how as an former athlete, it was too easy to transfer his quest for performance from sports over into being the "right kind of Christian doing all the right things." He felt empty no matter how he tried. Fresh faith was the result of a realization that Jesus Himself needs to be our main focus and how easy it is to "over shoot" Jesus while at the same time, trying to serve Him. You will be blessed! Jon is giving away one of his books this week: 30 Days to Incredible Prayer. What a great way to start off the new year. Leave a comment to be entered. Jon and Noonie are parents of three adult children and enjoy nine grandchildren. He has been writing for Christian audiences for 40 years, sharing simple truths that have had a profound impact on the lives of believers. He has had an influential career spanning Christian broadcasting, publishing andmissions. God has given him a passion to take the gospel to the least reached and unengaged around the world. Jon is the author of nine books, including the devotional series, Your Life With God. He is the Founder of FRESH FAITH 24/7, where believers desperately seek Jesus. GET "FRESH BREAD"DELIVERED 3X A WEEK. A 60-second devotional read from Jon Fugler. YOU'LL ALSO RECEIVE THE "21-DAY FRESH FAITH EXPERIENCE"  

"To live like a 'victory girl' is an ongoing process of choosing to obey God at every crossroad," says Amy Elaine Martinez, writer, speaker and former radio host. "I was about to make the worst mistake of my life," she goes on, "when I heard God's voice say, 'This is why I died for you—choose Me.'" And she did and it made all the difference.  I love Amy Elaine's legacy of providing a gathering place at her table where friends and family simply show up as is—no rules, no prerequisites—just loved and welcomed. Author of Becoming a Victory Girl: Staking Your Claim in the Kingdom, Amy Elaine understands we are in process and that victory comes from getting to the end our ourselves.  GIVEAWAY this week. Amy Elaine is giving away two copies of her book to one person: one to keep and one to share with a friend. Comment here or on social media to be entered.  Today on Living a Legacy Life: If I couldn't do everything perfectly, I wouldn't do anything at all! I was good at knowing God, but not very good at loving God. I didn't have what it took to change my life. Asking questions is the most loving thing we can do.       Amy Elaine Martinez is devoted to helping heart-shattered lives become whole again in Christ. She is a Victory Girl at heart who loves leading women to experience breakthrough and find freedom through an intimate relationship with Jesus. She's an Okie who loves pecan pie, fried okra, and exploring the plains off historic Route 66 where she lives in a tiny barn with the love of her life, David, and an Aussie named Maverick, who stole her heart after their two boys left to adventure out on their own. Amy Elaine's blog, A Broken Girl Made Whole, inspires women to walk in wholeness and live in victory through the transforming power of Holy Spirit. Becoming a Victory Girl: Staking Your Claim in The Kingdom is available on Amazon or by contacting Amy Elaine directly via email: [email protected] Connect with Amy Elaine on IG and FB at amyelainewrites or visit her website at amyelaine.com

At eight, I knew I needed Jesus. The Good News Club lady said I would miss out on heaven if I didn’t get saved. I didn’t want hell, and Jesus offered an escape plan. That’s about all I remember about that day besides the cookies and punch and the stain on the carpet as I peeked while praying the sinner’s prayer. It was our house. I knew where the spots were. I had probably made them. I knew I was a sinner. I needed Jesus at eight. I needed Jesus at eight, fifteen, twenty-four, thirty-five and at sixty-six (when this was first written) and now, of course, at 70; and all the years and months and moments in between. Neediness begets neediness, and as I surrender each day, I find it’s a glory-thing. God delights in our dependence. Francis Roberts wrote these words of God’s invitation: “Lay thyself upon My breast and lose thyself in Me." Through all these years, I’ve needed Jesus and he’s celebrated my coming. He’s intended from the beginning that I find my rest in him, at any age and every stage. Surrendering daily. It’s a glory-thing. Today is a testimony of small landmarks of faith when I've run to God rather than run away. And he's there waiting every single time. Maybe you have similar landmarks you can point to: "Yes, I saw God reaching out to me here. And here. Oh, and here most of all." It does a faith good to recall and remember how we've been led, even when we go the long way around. Do you have a life-verse? Here's mine, found "randomly" at 15:   If you've met Jesus (at any age!) and want to review the basics, I made this for you: INVITED TO GOD’S TABLE: GROWING AS A NEW BELIEVER (MINI E- BOOK)     ______     Conversation Starters can make the difference in getting better acquainted with others. When we ask questions and listen to the answers, we show God's love. Three different ways: Shop HERE      

Mitzi Neeley is no stranger to leaving a Christ-centered legacy. She began her blog, Peacefully Imperfect, in 2014 and has gone on to write and create many publications that put Christ at the center of her life. She and her "Sweet Man" as she calls her husband, have been married 41 years and she just recently half-retired from working for the Texas Board of Education. All proceeds from her books and ministry go to help girls further their education beyond high school, a non-profit called Girls Aloud.  Some Mitzi gems: I'm not a drama-girl. I don't waste anytime on that. I want people to see that no matter what, I'm relying on God. Give what you can in a spirit of giving. We got three gifts at Christmas to represent the three wise men--it was good practice to narrow things down! Today we cover what traditions to do this Christmas that: Reflect God's glory Help our families focus on Jesus Develop community, and Display Christ to non-believers   Mitzi is giving away a copy of her brand new journal, Zizi's Kitchen. Comment on blog, fb or instagram to be entered! And Merry Christmas! Check out all of Mitzi's beautiful resources: ZiZi's Kitchen Magazine - https://amzn.to/3iwqV8I ZiZi's Kitchen Cookbook (hardcover) - https://amzn.to/3H3qpJE A Thankful Heart: 30 Days to the Grateful Life - https://amzn.to/3P0MIkX Dwell in the Psalms - https://amzn.to/3VGxV11 JOY for Everyday Life - https://amzn.to/3Fj1lg8   ZiZi's Kitchen is on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zizis_kitchen_mitzi/     Confetti Cheese Ball Recipe—don't you love the Christmas tortilla chips addition? Confetti Cheese Ball    Serves: 10 to 12 Prep: 15 minutes Chill: 30 minutes/2 hours   Ingredients:    2 (8 oz) cream cheese, softened 1 package/jar of dried beef, chopped  4 green onions, chopped with stems included ¼ tsp. garlic powder ½ tsp. Liquid Smoke ¼ tsp. Worcestershire sauce  2 handfuls corn/tortilla chips Crackers to serve    Directions:    In a medium bowl, combine together the cream cheese, beef, onions, garlic powder, Liquid Smoke, and Worcestershire sauce.  Form in to a ball with your hands, put on a sheet of wax paper and refrigerate for about 30 minutes.  Crush corn/tortilla chips in a resealable bag. Place cheese ball in the bag of crushed chips and roll to coat or use your hands to help coat the cheese ball.  Place cheese ball on a decorative or festive plate and serve with a variety of crackers.    Zizi says: This delicious cheese ball is a staple at Thanksgiving and Christmas meals and we munch on it while finishing the main course for lunch. It’s super easy to make and put together. If I’m on a tight schedule I’ve been known to chill it in the freezer before rolling in the chip coating and then it can chill in the fridge for a couple of hours before serving. It can be rolled in regular tortilla chips for everyday gatherings, but the red/green add so much color for the holiday season--hence the name confetti cheese ball.   

Lisa awoke to her husband's ragged breathing. She called 911 and after the medics had driven Dan, age 46, to the hospital, she told her kids, "I'm coming back. Just pray." Lisa says, "I couldn't tell them that Daddy was going to be alright because I couldn't promise that. I could promise I would be back."  Lisa, a mother of 7,  became a young widow that day. From that experience, working through grief these last 10 years, Lisa wrote the book with the great title: Life Can Be Good Again and ministers to those who grieve in speaking, writing and conferences.    Maybe you or someone you know needs to hear Lisa's story of hope and faith. Contact her at lisaappelo.com       When asked, "What's the greatest commandment?" Jesus replied simply: "Love God, love your neighbor." I imagine He was thinking,"It's not rocket science" or "What's not to like?" or  "It's not complicated." He was right, it's not complicated. I make it complicated. I need to pray daily to uncomplicate what He says is best for me and best for others. So I wrote 31 Days of Uncomplicated Prayers, and once I pray them through, I start over again.  You can too. Sign up HERE to receive 31 Days of Uncomplicated Prayers to take the "complicated" out of the simple commands of Jesus. Love God. Love your neighbor. It's not complicated.  

Halee Wood is a coach, Bible Teacher, mentor and founder of RuntheRaceTogether.com. She knows the power, blessing and necessity of a living alongside others in strong, authentic community. Hear her story of healing today and how God uses her experiences to help others along the way. Having been brought up impoverished and abused, early on she decided on two things: 1. to never get too close to anyone and, 2. to never disappoint —until she could no longer live under that kind of pressure. Jesus set her free in her 20's, but not until much later in her story did she understand the value of walking through her pain and loss alongside godly mentors. Now she and her husband provide couple's counseling and as well as life and relationship coaching. Halee and her beau, Ron, have been married for 19 years, and, in addition to 2 children in heaven, they have 2 boys at home (9 and 15). Daily she strives to spread this truth - each of us are worthy of and designed for intimate relationship with God and with each other. As a Certified Life and Relationship Coach (CLC/CRC), mentor, Bible teacher, inspirational speaker, and writer, Halee, along with her husband (Licensed Professional Counselor), own and operate “Run the Race Together.” They work independently with clients and work together serving couples - a dream come true for each of them! Connect with Halee through her website (www.RunTheRaceTogether.com) or by email, [email protected] A few fun facts: I am a former Chemical Engineer turned Certified Life & Relationship Coach (CLC/CRC). (Weird, right? I worked more than 15 years in the oil industry) I also serve on the preaching team at Highland Park Christian Church in Tulsa, OK Besides Jesus and family, things I really enjoy are storytelling (a trait I inherited from my father), good belly-laughs, and going for long runs. I am quite a talker and was diagnosed with ADHD late in life... totally made sense to me (and most everyone around me)! I seriously love Jesus and can't believe He has somehow turned my brokenness (loss and trauma) into something beautiful and beneficial. Halle put together a free resource for you called: "Generational Togetherness"— Thank you so much for listening in as Sue Donaldson and I discussed "we vs me" as we run this race called "life"! This journey can be so challenging, so I'd like to share with you a 5-day devotional series called "Generational Togetherness" to encourage and inspire you with all the beauty that comes with inter-generational oneness and relationships. Halee can be found here: FB Page : @runtheracetogether FB Free, Private Group: The Simple Marriage Website: www.RunTheRaceTogether.com Yay! A recipe from Halee—perfect for Thanksgiving breakfast. Aunt Peggy’s Banana Bread 3 overly ripe bananas (smashed) 1 c Sugar 1- 1/3 c Flour 1 tsp Vanilla 1 tsp Baking Soda ¼ tsp Salt 2 eggs (beat lightly) ½ c Vegetable oil ½ c Walnuts (optional)   Put all ingredients into a large bowl and stir until mixed well. Transfer to a bread pan, and bake in a preheated oven at 350F for 55 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean! Voilà!

Music changed Steve Moore's life, and began a long life of living a legacy life for God and by God. Steve is one of my favorites and will soon become one of yours as well. His legacy is wide-sweeping and God-centered and includes the wonderful gift of music, playing and making music.  Steve says you are never too young or too old to begin playing a muscial intrument. Here's your opportunity to begin or to continue something you may have set aside due to "life" and others' needs. Trivia: the Japanese word kyotsugo  = "universal language."   He's offering three different winners a 20-minute zoom music lesson--leave comment to be entered! Steve's "music room"-- Steve says you are never too young or too old to begin playing a muscial intrument. Here's your opportunity to win. He's offering three different winners a 20-minute zoom music lesson--leave comment to be entered!   Here we are at Disneyland, the happiest place on earth especially with my siblings and the Man-in-Plaid. Steve's bio: Steven Douglas Moore "Steve" (76), married 56 years (6/11/66) to Karen Lou (Colby) Moore (76) Three daughters, one son (in heaven) 11 grandchildren 5 great grandchildren Public School Teacher grades 4-8  (13 years) classroom (all subjects) and music and band teacher Christian School Teacher grade 4/5 (1 year) Church ministry: Youth Pastor, Children's pastor, Music Pastor, Associate Pastor, Senior Pastor (35 years) Private Music teacher (6 years) Instruments taught; guitar, ukulele, piano, harmonica, banjo, bass, saxophone Lessons offered now: $40 for 30 minute lesson Since retiring from full time pastorate I have served in the church as an assistant pastor and worship pastor (6 years, continuing now) We mention his "pep talk" he gives to all new students, as any age. Click here to read.   Steve is offering three different winners a 20-minute zoom lesson in the instrument of your choice below--leave comment to be entered in drawing:   Piano Guitar  Ukulele 5 String Banjo Harmonica  Music Theory (a concentrated tutorial to aid songwriting and leading)   Steve currently has openings for regular music students on zoom or in person if you live in Arkansas! Email him for prices and times available: [email protected]  He plays all sizes of harmonicas and writes poetry.  THIS IS THE LIFE I HAVE LONGED FOR by Papa Steve  3/25/12   This is the life I have longed for For a long, a very long time: To teach little children my music While youthful and still in their prime.   But I will take any for students Who’ll seek to discover this treasure, And follow me in my life’s motto: “No fear – lots of fun – for HIS pleasure!”   Strumming and humming and singing My songs and tunes and rhymes. The worst I can say about it Is that this is my best of times!   I’ve worked hard all of my life As a teacher and preacher and friend; But what I did in the beginning Is how I now want it to end:   To make my own kind of music, Teaching others to make their own, too. Since Jesus blest me with this favor, I’ll pass on the favor to you.   This is the life I have longed for Since my earliest mem’ries and days: To revel in music – then share it, And send up to heaven my praise!   He is a hootenanny and a half!  

I love the holidays and I love family. And mostly, I love them at the same time! These 5 tips help me not only survive hosting family at the holidays, but actually enjoy it. As believers, we have God as our greatest peace and resource for joy. He's in our details and sometimes we need to do some planning to make things run more smoothly so that we can focus on what matters: Jesus and our people. Life is easier if I my “To-Do” list is shortened by half on the same day Uncle Tom, Dick and Harry arrive at the door needing coffee and a muffin. You may not need a “hosting planner” but you do need a planning system, if only using paper and a pencil with an eraser. A practical way to create gracious boundaries is to limit the number of traditions. The most important part of preparations is preparing my heart. Asking questions and listening to the answers may not be what you think of when preparing to host family, but it can be our biggest act of love and service. As much as I want to be all things to all people, I’m wise to know my limits and, when necessary, let others know.  Here are 5 tips we will cover in today's podcast: MAKE A PLAN MAKE BOUNDARIES MAKE PREPARATIONS MAKE IT FUN MAKE IT MEANINGFUL   God is concerned with what concerns you. He’s in the details and will help us all along the way.   Commit your work to the Lord,and your plans will be established. Proverbs 16:3   It's not too late to make your own Pilgrim Scavenger Hunt. This will help. Conversation Starters on SHOP  

Today, the darling and wise, Laura Padgett, an award-winning author, dancer, and fairly new podcaster—she began her podcast, Livin' What You're Givin' on her 70th birthday—speaks of the gifts of age, the necessity of inclusion, and enduring-through-dance her life with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Laura looks out for those who may be new to the church, inviting those to the choir who may not know they were "allowed to sing." Her mission is to show and tell the world that aging isn't a disease; rather, we look for more and maybe different ways to serve our Saviour with the varying gifts each season and stage we meet along the way.  Some Laura gems: Jesus plus nothing; there is no Jesus, plus. I start each day with, "Wow! Thank You!" Start looking at what you have instead of what's been taken. I'm not going to put other people's stuff on my credit card. Art lives in the heart, not the hands and feet. (That's why anyone can dance!) Laura wrote a book about her mentor entitles, Delores, Like a River and she's giving a copy away this week. Leave a comment below or on instagram to be entered. About her book: The story of an extraordinary relationship between two women who would have been unlikely companions if not for the plans of the Almighty in bringing them together. As you follow the narrative of their thirty-five-year relationship, it may change the way you see beauty and purpose in aging. And it may convince you of or reinforce your belief in the God who spares no effort when reaching out to the broken and lost.    Laura is Italian and I love it that she shares a part of her kitchen heritage with Papa Cavalla's Recipe for Spaghetti Sauce:  This is a recipe my father, Albert Carvallo, (Papa) learned from his Sicilian mother. He was first generation Italian and the only one of ten children born on American soil. This like many other recipes brought from Italy, was handed down to his daughters in his distinctive way of teaching the culinary secrets of our homeland. Please know the exact measurements are not known but for the purposes of this offering, I have tried to be as accurate as possible. Mostly we just always knew that the recipe was right by the taste.   Ingredients 2 large cans (28 oz) whole tomatoes in juice 2 large cans (15 oz) of tomato sauce 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste 4 large pork spare ribs, lean ½ pound ground mild Italian sausage 2 teaspoons each dried oregano and dried basil 5 cloves garlic   In large sauce pan, in 1 inch of water and 3 cloves of garlic, chopped but not diced into small pieces, braise the pork ribs until done over low heat. Remove to cutting board and let cool. You may need to keep adding water so the ribs do not stick and the garlic does not burn.  While pork is cooking place the tomatoes with juice, sauce and paste into a large bowl and mash together with a potato masher and 1 teaspoon each basil and oregano. You can used canned crushed tomatoes but they usually do not have as much juice.   Once pork is cool, cut it off the bone into bite size pieces and return to pan having removed any excess water from the pan. Add the tomato mixture and bring to a simmer. Allow mixture to simmer on medium to low heat covered for three hours.  Turn off heat but keep covered and leave on stove top for one hour.   Braise Italian sausage in same manner as ribs, drain and cool.  Put into the tomato mixture and cook for another three hours. Add remaining chopped garlic and spices. Return mixture to slow simmer for another three hours. Turn off heat, let cool on stove and either serve over pasta of choice or refrigerate for use the next day over pasta of choice.   *Note: You may want to had a bit more seasoning prior to refrigeration or ½ hour prior to serving, while sauce is still simmering.  Also, this recipe can be used with chicken if pork is not a meat that is desired.  Follow all other directions as listed above.   ________   When asked, "What's the greatest commandment?" Jesus replied simply: "Love God, love your neighbor." I imagine He was thinking,"It's not rocket science" or "What's not to like?" or  "It's not complicated." He was right, it's not complicated. I make it complicated. I need to pray daily to uncomplicate what He says is best for me and best for others. So I wrote 31 Days of Uncomplicated Prayers, and once I pray them through, I start over again.  You can too. Sign up HERE to receive 31 Days of Uncomplicated Prayers to take the "complicated" out of the simple commands of Jesus. Love God. Love your neighbor. It's not complicated.      

We don't all have to remodel our dining rooms just because we host 60 people every Monday night for dinner, but that's exactly what Tim and Allie Cleath set out to do when the guest list got bigger and bigger. Hear their story today of "radical hospitality." Try out Allie's biscuit recipe and invite someone over. I love Allie Cleath's and her gracious giving heart for others. I reminded her recently of the time she handed me a pot roast in a plastic bag. “See?” she said, “I don’t do fancy. I just cook and give because of all God’s given me.” I was grateful that night so many years ago, and many are grateful every Monday night. If you’re ever in San Luis Obispo, give me a call and we’ll head on over to the Cleath’s. We may need to wash dishes or fold up some chairs, but we’ll be blessed with radical hospitality for the glory of God   Allie’s Homemade Biscuits   Stir together: 2 cups flour ½ t. salt ¼ t. baking soda 2 ½ t. baking powder   Mix in with a fork: 1/4 c. shortening   Add: 3/4 c. buttermilk   Stir then knead 10 – 12 times on floured surface. Roll out to ½ inch thickness. Cut with biscuit cutter. Bake 450 degrees for 10-12 minutes or until puffed and golden.   _______ Free eBook  What’s your #1 tip for making the holidays less stressful? How do you practice self-care during the holidays? How do you get your family members & other helping hands more involved in holiday preparations? What’s your #1 tip for saving money during the holidays (whether on gifts, food, decorations, or other things)?   Free eBook for Happier Holidays (: 

Mom of five, writer, speaker, spiritual director, Anjuli Pasquall, knew how it felt to always be running after a more-and a later-on and someday-I'll-catch-up kind of life and she knew it wasn't how God wanted life to be— for her, for anyone. She began a quest to find out what it meant to live fully awake—to God's presence, to love, to connection. And she wrote a gem of a book about it.  Leave a comment here or on social media to be entered to win your own copy of AWAKE: Paying Attention to What Mattters Most in a World That's Pulling You Apart "From a young  age, I trusted God. I knew He loved me in my head, but there was a disconnect because I didn’t believe He loved me in my heart. I knew a lot of the right answers, but deep down I was a disaster." -Anjuli Learn more about Anjuli HERE, and her soul-care course HERE. We chat about her fabulous "club" that supports moms who need more than the average support. Check it out:  "I founded “The Moms We Love Club.” It is a social media campaign. We raise money and prayers for moms enduring long term hardship. Over the past two years we’ve raised over $200, 000 just by posting a picture. Join the club!" Follow Anjuli on instagram @lovealways.anjuli    

I taught high school with the wonderful and exuberant pastor, teacher Cal Samuels back in the day, and today he continues to teach, disciple and pour into young people with his whole heart and soul. A fellow Marine who had been saved a whole 5 days took it upon himself to read the verse, John 3:16 to Cal after a night on the town, and at that moment he believed and began a life steeped into and led by the Word of God. His legacy is one we all want to live. Enjoy my friend, Cal, who daily desires to imitate his Master, Jesus Christ in the 3 C's and teach, show and "let them go", growing deeper in faith and strength. Cal, in his own words: l was born in Fredericksburg, VA,  the youngest of four kids. Growing up in a small town was absolutely wonderful. I spent four years in the Marines right after high school and became a Christian in the Marines while stationed in Japan in 1970. After getting out of the Marines in 1971, I stayed in California to work with The Navigators in a lay capacity doing military and collegiate ministries. I married Pam while I was still in college, and later earned a Bachelors in English from Cal State Fullerton. After graduation I taught at Whittier Christian High School for three years. We moved to San Diego and I taught three years at Christian High in El Cajon. Pam also was a teacher in the public schools.I left teaching and went to work in the corporate world as a training administrator and Human Resources manager.When I was 45 the Lord called me into ministry, so I stopped working and went to seminary to earn a Master of Divinity degree.   I pastored in San Diego and later relocated to Temecula to pastor Filipino-American churches. I retired and served at our church doing discipleship and men's ministry for five years. I had some friends who taught at Linfield Chritian High School and they encouraged me to do substitute teaching.I started subbing in September 2018, and after two weeks one of the Bible teachers suddenly moved to Texas. The school offered me the position, and I am finishing up my fourth year there. Linfield has been thrilling!   Pam and I have been married 46 years. We have three sons and three grandchildren. Our youngest son went to be with the Lord two years ago.   You can follow Cal on Facebook where he continues to teach and disciple through posts and commentary.    His heart's desire on a daily basis is to commit himself to the words in Isaiah 58:10 and 11—   AND IF YOU OFFER YOURSELF TO THE HUNGRY AND SATISFY THE NEED OF THE AFFLICTED, THEN YOUR LIGHT WILL RISE IN DARKNESS, AND YOUR GLOOM WILL BECOME LIKE MIDDAY. AND THE LORD WILL CONTINUALLY GUIDE YOU, AND SATISFY YOUR DESIRE IN SCORCHED PLACES, AND GIVE STRENGTH TO YOUR BONES; AND YOU WILL BE LIKE A WATERED GARDEN, AND LIKE A SPRING OF WATER WHOSE WATERS DO NOT FAIL. Isaiah 58:10,11     __________   When asked, "What's the greatest commandment?" Jesus replied simply: "Love God, love your neighbor." I imagine He was thinking,"It's not rocket science" or "What's not to like?" or  "It's not complicated." He was right, it's not complicated. I make it complicated. I need to pray daily to uncomplicate what He says is best for me and best for others. So I wrote 31 Days of Uncomplicated Prayers, and once I pray them through, I start over again.  You can too. Sign up HERE to receive 31 Days of Uncomplicated Prayers to take the "complicated" out of the simple commands of Jesus. Love God. Love your neighbor. It's not complicated.          

Writer, thinker, self-named "chronic doubter", Lore Wilbert talks today about how asking questions are not only welcomed by God, but often essential to our journey of faith. Whether you are a staunch believer, never doubting, or more in a messy faith situation right now, you will find comfort, grace—even some answers to your questions—in our podcast conversation today. Lore Ferguson Wilbert is a writer, thinker, learner, and author of the book, Handle With Care. She writes for She Reads Truth, Christianity Today, and more, as well as her own site, Sayable.net,as well as at LoreWilbert.com. You can find her on Twitter and Instagram @lorewilbert. She lives in New York and has a husband named Nate, a puppy named Harper Nelle, and too many books to read in one lifetime. Her wonderful new book is A CURIOUS FAITH: The Questions God Asks, We Ask, and We Wish Someone Would Ask Us. I love her latest book, A CURIOUS FAITH: The Questions God Asks, We Ask, and We Wish Someone Would Ask Us. I thought I'd get this book for some friends, but the more I read it, I knew it was meant for me. Funny how the Lord does that. (My friends will still get a copy and you should, too.) Lore says this about herself: My life is small and simple. Grace is the marked measure of all things in me. God is the ultimate Creator and He’s crafted all things for His glory and my good. I learn this, albeit slowly at times. I am a Christian for whom doubt has been a near constant thread. I am not funny or vivacious or the life of the party. I am the one who hangs out on the margins, the one who sounds slightly, maybe impressive until you meet me, the one people don’t recognize when they see me. And it has taken me nearly 40 years to finally be okay with that. I have lived in ten states. Nowhere is quite home. The writer of Hebrews quotes the Lord as saying, “They’ll never get where they’re going, never able to sit down and rest.” A favorite author, Wendell Berry, says in one poem, “We must arrive at the ground beneath our feet,” and in another, “at peace, and in place.” I have done neither, not completely. I am perpetually homesick and I wonder if God did that to me on purpose, so I would never feel too much at home on this earth. Some gems from Lore: The Gospel is much more accessible and simple than we could ever imagine, and much more complex and majestic than we could ever imagine. One of the most difficult parts of faith is getting honest about what we really want from God. God is not interested in followers with all the right answers or even the right questions. He wants us to ask the quesitons, whatever we want, to lead us right to the locus of his love. The Bible is a permission slip from God to ask questions. Living my questions led me to more surety and stability.   You will love hearing Lore's legacy. Enjoy and if you have questions? I'd love to hear them: [email protected]   

Becky Keife, wife and mom of 3 boys, talks today of her parenting struggles that led to writing her first book: No Better Mom for the Job: Parenting with Confidence, as well as her encouragement to people in all seasons of life that we have a God-given purpose: to display God's loving kindness whenever we get the opportunity. She speaks candidly of her own struggle with anxiety and depression, claiming that admitting and naming our struggles is the first step in coping and healing.   We're thrilled to be offering two giveaways this week—so be sure to comment here or on Instagram to be entered. Becky's latest books: The Simple Difference: How Every Small Kindness Makes a Big Difference and her companion Bible Study: Courageous Kindness: Live the Simple Difference Right Where You Are. Author, speaker, Becky Keife is the Community Manager for DaySpring’s (in)courage, a widely followed online community where authentic women link arms to build community, celebrate diversity, and live courageously for Jesus. Know a mom who needs encouragment? Becky wants you to have the first two chapters of her new book, The Simple Difference: How Every Small Kindness Makes a Big Impact for FREE. Download it here: bethesimpledifference.com.   ______   When asked, "What's the greatest commandment?" Jesus replied simply: "Love God, love your neighbor." I imagine He was thinking,"It's not rocket science" or "What's not to like?" or  "It's not complicated." He was right, it's not complicated. I make it complicated. I need to pray daily to uncomplicate what He says is best for me and best for others. So I wrote 31 Days of Uncomplicated Prayers, and once I pray them through, I start over again.  You can too. Sign up HERE to receive 31 Days of Uncomplicated Prayers to take the "complicated" out of the simple commands of Jesus. Love God. Love your neighbor. It's not complicated.  

Jen Pollock Michele's legacy is about faith and the object of her faith; to stay close enough to Jesus— connected as a matter of habit—so that she knows His voice and obeys what she hears. Michele writes on faith in all her books and articles and the one we talk about today, A Habit of Faith--40 Days in the Bible to Find and Follow Jesus—is written for skeptics, seekers as well as old-timers like myself. She's offering a copy as a giveaway all week-long, so be sure to leave a comment to be entered by Sunday night. It's a Bible-reading experience for the convinced and the curious, in other words, everybody will benefit. I LOVED THIS BOOK! And, see where you can begin this habit journey on her website: A 5-Day Jumpstart to Your Habit Called Faith. About Jen in her own words: I’ve loved stories since childhood: the intrigue of my dad’s boyhood adventures with his dog, Chief; the friendship of books when I was—yet again—the new kid in town. I followed stories into university, then graduate school where I studied literature. After I became a mom, I passed years with my children, crowded around picture books and reading good stories. As a Christian, it’s always been the stories of Scripture that have interested me most. In the Bible, we come to discover that the events of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection are the climax of God’s story. Though many turn to the Bible exclusively for instructions about what to believe and how to behave, I’ve come to think that it offers us something even more expansive and beautiful and imaginative. Jen the author of four books: A Habit Called Faith, Surprised by Paradox (winner of Christianity Today’s 2020 Award of Merit for Beautiful Orthodoxy), Keeping Place, and Teach Us to Want (winner of Christianity Today’s 2015 Book of the Year). She's currently living in Ohio with her husband and their five children. Some gems to contemplate while you figure out if today you'll begin your 40 days of reading, listening, talking to the God who is in pursuit of you: If sin has to do with habits of autonomy, faith has to do with habits of dependence. When meeting with God, have a plan so you don't need to "start again" each time you meet. At God's initiative, he has made his home in us, and invites us to make our home in and with him.  Jen's new book releases Decemeber in time for Christmas! But you can pre-order now: In Good Time: 8 Habits for Reimagining Productivity, Resisting Hurry, and Practicing Peace Whether we're trying to find time, save it, manage it, or make the most of it, one word defines our relationship with the clock: anxiety. Yet is productivity really the only grid for the good life? Have you ever imagined a life without hurry, relentless work, multitasking, or scarcity? A life that is characterized instead by presence, attention, rest, rootedness, fruitfulness, and generosity? This is the kind of life we are meant for, says Jen Pollock Michel. But if we want to experience freedom from time anxiety, we have to reimagine our relationship with time itself. In the pages of In Good Time, she invites you to disentangle your priorities from our modern assumptions and instead ground them in God's time. Then she shows you how to establish 8 life-giving habits that will release you from the false religion of productivity so you can develop a grounded, healthy, life-giving relationship with the clock.     _____   When asked, "What's the greatest commandment?" Jesus replied simply: "Love God, love your neighbor." I imagine He was thinking,"It's not rocket science" or "What's not to like?" or  "It's not complicated." He was right, it's not complicated. I make it complicated. I need to pray daily to uncomplicate what He says is best for me and best for others. So I wrote 31 Days of Uncomplicated Prayers, and once I pray them through, I start over again.  You can too. Sign up HERE to receive 31 Days of Uncomplicated Prayers to take the "complicated" out of the simple commands of Jesus. Love God. Love your neighbor. It's not complicated.  

Jolene Underwood, MA, is a trauma and abuse informed mental health counselor as well as a spiritual and emotional growth coach. She believes a cultivated life is one that experiences more of God and more of the life we've been given by God. Jolene helps individuals cultivate the courage, character, and connection they need to live as the person they're designed to be. She's offering a one-page printable to all our listeners today to help us dig deeper into Scripture in a unique way. To download, click here: "Cultivate Connection with God."  Jolene's personal journey towards emotional health, and training in Christian counseling, inform the practical support she provides for spiritual growth and emotional healing. Her tool, Unleash : Heart and Soul Care Sheets, has helped hundreds experience greater freedom and grow closer to God. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her enjoying the journey by laughing with loved ones or adding to her collection of vintage glassware with a 70s flair (see part of her collection on YouTube!) Want more? Consider Unleash: Heart & Soul Care Sheets for a deeper connection by processing life’s challenges with God and learning to hear His voice in your life. A great gift for yourself and for a friend.  Connect with her online via YouTube/Facebook/Twitter/Instagram/Pinterest at @theJoleneU or via the Cultivated Life Newsletter.   _________ When asked, "What's the greatest commandment?" Jesus replied simply: "Love God, love your neighbor." I imagine He was thinking,"It's not rocket science" or "What's not to like?" or  "It's not complicated." He was right, it's not complicated. I make it complicated. I need to pray daily to uncomplicate what He says is best for me and best for others. So I wrote 31 Days of Uncomplicated Prayers, and once I pray them through, I start over again.  You can too. Sign up HERE to receive 31 Days of Uncomplicated Prayers to take the "complicated" out of the simple commands of Jesus. Love God. Love your neighbor. It's not complicated.        

Today we celebrate Ep 150 by turning our hearts and minds to our great Savior, Lord and King with "31 Days of Uncomplicated Prayers." They are brief—brief holds my attention—I don't think it's my age, but it could be. And anytime I attend to my relationship with God, He pays attention. God is so very good. He created us to relate with us, and praying is a great way to keep our relationship fresh and strong even when we don't feel fresh or strong. If you'd like a prayer to drop in your inbox every day for 31 days, sign up here. My relationship with God isn’t complicated. He makes things simple: “Love Me, Sue. That’s it. And, your neighbor. That’s all.” He’s clear, even gentle, as He bids me follow and obey. I’m the one who makes it complicated.   Hear "31 Days of Uncomplicated Prayers" on today's podcast episode. These simple prayers will help you love God more and your neighbors well. Some excerpts: Father, I’m always trying to figure out what’s next. This constant striving to know what’s around the corner shows I have trust issues. With You. Lord, when I’m about to say something that isn’t really a good idea, please (please) keep these lips closed. Use duct tape, if necessary. Dear Father, is it wrong to pray for something I want, but may not need? Like, a housekeeper? Father, it’s totally beyond me how this problem I’m facing is going to get sorted out. I’ve run out of ideas. I’m pretty smart, but You’re wise. And, Your ideas are much bigger than mine. Why does that continue to surprise me?   When asked, "What's the greatest commandment?" Jesus replied simply: "Love God, love your neighbor." I imagine He was thinking,"It's not rocket science" or "What's not to like?" or  "It's not complicated." He was right, it's not complicated. I make it complicated. I need to pray daily to uncomplicate what He says is best for me and best for others. That's why I wrote 31 Days of Uncomplicated Prayers, and once I pray them through, I start over again.  You can too. Sign up HERE to receive 31 Days of Uncomplicated Prayers to take the "complicated" out of the simple commands of Jesus. Love God. Love your neighbor. It's not complicated.   Prayer Journal available in SHOP. If interested in viewing the prayer journal that includes all 31 prayers, view in SHOP.    

Author, speaker, co-founder of HopeWriters.com, entrepreneur and marketing mentor, Brian Dixon speaks today on how he is living out his legacy, for his three kids and the next generation.   As Brian says, “We are only stewards of our message, not owners.” I want to be a good steward of all God’s given me. Brian helps me figure out what that looks like. Get a pen. You’ll want to take notes. As a coach, author and marketing mentor, Brian's biggest message is that God has called us to live boldly, adhere to Scripture, know God and make Him known—and not in a shy way. Check out his book, Start With Your People: The Daily Decision That Changes Everything. Read more about Brian's journey and how he could serve you and your business well at briandixon.com.  Brian offers a free 15-minute coaching call. Sign up on his website. Get a pen. Take notes. Some gems: What's simple to you is magic to others. When people pay, they pay attention. I want to be called a son of encouragement and live boldly bathed in God's Word.   How to invest in what matters beyond ourselves. We have one life – let’s make the most of it for God, others, and eternity. Subscribe to Living a Legacy Life: Choose one of these popular free listening services, and subscribe there:    OR Subscribe to Welcome Heart’s weekly email newsletter, blog updates, and podcast notes, here!   Need to increase your gathering skills? Try out one of my 25 Theme Gathering Ideas. Use one or several or use the list to launch your own creative spin. The point is people. Ask God. He knows and loves and cares.    

When we wake up each morning, do we actually think that what we do can change to world in some way? Most of us are grateful to change the sheets on a regular basis, clean the coffee pot with vinegar a few times a year, and water the plants when they show signs of an early death. Yet, as followers of Jesus, we are not only called to an eternal purpose, to love God and our neighbor, we also get the privilege of partnering with the Son of God to change lives—one life, perhaps—all for His glory and our good and theirs. Does that sound too hard? Too overwhelming? Too exhausting? It can to me, until I remember how Jesus spoke to many individuals, not only crowds of 5,000 and more. And He met needs one-on-one, as well as breaking bread and fish for hungry men and women and their kids on a mountain more than once.  I've learned that inviting one person for a cup of coffee can change their world, one which seems frightening, one where they feel isolated when faced with difficulty, divorce, and desperate circumstances. God loves people, and He wants to use our tables and teapots to show people that He does.  Your cup—coffee or tea, soup or water—can be an introduction to God that they've been looking for their whole lives. As my new sweatshirt reads, "My real home is heaven. I'm just here recruiting." (I don't usually wear that on a first time meet-up.) Here are three stories of how God changed lives through a simple invitation. Maybe you've been the recipient of an invitation that changed your life. I'd love to hear about it.  I'd also like to hear if you invite someone over and would like me to pray alongside. Email me: [email protected]. We're partners, after all.    ________  

Chris Martin wrote a book on social media, not to scare us—okay, scare us a little—but to make us ask this question: "Do we use social media or are we being used by it?" His book, Terms of Service: The Real Cost of Social Media out in February asks this question and many more that we need to ask and answer. Chris, husband and father of a two-year-old Magnolia, formally with Lifeway marketing, now works as content editor of Moody Publishing. He wrote Terms of Service to educate us as to how we can continue to use it for good without begin trapped in its manipulative clutches, while enjoying the benefits of something in our culture that is not going away. His legacy is delightful--listen to the end. You will be encouraged, I guarantee. Am I finding my worth in the number of my Facebook likes? The more Facebook flourishes as a force in social media, the less that people flourish. Will we allow Social Media more power than it deserves—like allowing it to define our worth, something that has been settled by God and His pursuit of us? Will we use Social Media for good instead of it using us? Chris mentions a great resource--ask your questions about faith here: BibletoLife.com You may not have a question, but a friend or family member does so pass it along! Find Chris Martin here: Book Newsletter Twitter   Chris Martin is a content marketing editor at Moody Publishers and a social media, marketing, and communications consultant. He writes regularly in his newsletter, Terms of Service and is the author of his new book, Terms of Service, published by B&H Publishing.   How to invest in what matters beyond ourselves. We have one life – let’s make the most of it for God, others, and eternity.   Subscribe to Living a Legacy Life: Download app: Welcome Heart Legacy or Choose one of these popular free listening services, and subscribe there:    OR Subscribe to Welcome Heart’s weekly email newsletter, blog updates, and podcast notes, here!      

With our backs up against the doorframe, our shoulders arched, we stood tall while Dad placed a ruler across the top of our heads, scraped the pencil back and forth, and added the date. “Look at that,” he’d say, “You are officially taller than your sister (or brother or mom.) Clapping each other on the back, we congratulated ourselves for something we had nothing to do with, and asked for another piece of cake.  “Who’s tallest?” had more to do with DNA than if we took our vitamins (or ate more cake.) Growing happened to us, not because of us. Pencil marks and dates faded with time and new paint. No longer did we measure. No longer did it matter. What does matter is my spiritual growth. It’s a goal worth pursuing. God invites me to “walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called” (Ephesians 4:1). He had maturity in mind when He created us. God loves us as we are, but too much to let us stay there. Can a ‘worthy’ life be measured with a pencil and a list? Not really. Some days the mark on the wall shows one thing but my life shows another. I wish all it took was a list. I know how to check things off. But I get discouraged when the same things end up back on the list I still like to make lists but this is a different kind of list—a short list of three things to keep me on track for growth. I don’t mind that I never get to cross them off til Glory. I don’t expect to reach a plateau and think: “I am now all grown up.”  But keeping these three things in mind keeps me on the right track:  KEEP SHORT ACCOUNTS KEEP A LONG MEMORY KEEP A QUIET HABIT Hear more on the podcast on how to keep on a spiritual growth track. I refer to the God is Faithful party where we remember how God's been faithful in the past. Click HERE to get a list of all 25 Theme Gathering Ideas   _____ How to invest in what matters beyond ourselves. We have one life – let’s make the most of it for God, others, and eternity. Subscribe to Living a Legacy Life: Choose one of these popular free listening services, and subscribe there:    OR Subscribe to Welcome Heart’s weekly email newsletter, blog updates, and podcast notes, here!  

Amy is a speaker and writer for Proverbs 31 Ministries, the author of Exhale and Breaking Up with Perfect, and co-host of the Grit ‘n’ Grace podcast. She also serves other women who are called to speak through Next Step Coaching Services. She's been married to Barry for over 30 years and they have two grown sons and one daughter-in-love.  She wrote her first book out of a deep conviction that her perfectionism was ruining her relationships and God needed to do a work in her heart and the book did that for her. Perfectionism is a sin and a burden, and Amy is incredibly grateful for God's great love that covers all our sin and gently invites us to grow more like His son, Jesus.    Follow and find Amy's resources at amycarroll.org. Amy's latest book is about one my favorite Bible characters, Esther: Esther: Seeing Our Invisible God in an Uncertain World   What do you do when God seems to have vanished? When you have a decision to make, when your stability is shaken, when your sure-fire plan fails—when everything is spinning out of control… Esther is the perfect partner for seeing our invisible God in uncertainty.  This six-week, in-depth study of the book of Esther is a gritty dive into a woman’s story that teaches us to: Listen to wise people who fill our gaps of understanding Embrace your feelings as a catalyst for God-directed action. Do the work God assigns you even when in doubt. Speak up with confidence, knowing that God has a place for your voice in His story. This study guide includes biblical and historical background insights, Bible study, practical application, and questions for reflection.     ______________   How to invest in what matters beyond ourselves. We have one life – let’s make the most of it for God, others, and eternity. Subscribe to Living a Legacy Life: Choose one of these popular free listening services, and subscribe there:    OR Subscribe to Welcome Heart’s weekly email newsletter, blog updates, and podcast notes, here!  

Today we talk loneliness vs solitude—a topic as painful as it is shameful. No one wants to admit (out loud) they may have difficulty making friends, keeping friends, feeling loved with a full dance card every Friday and Saturday night, and lunch date on Wednesday.  As one of the most extroverted people I know, I have still found myself lonely at times. I don’t like it. It’s a killing feeling. It’s different than solitude because it’s not by choice. And it sucks the joy out of life. Look what Paul Tillich wrote: "Language has created the word 'loneliness' to express the pain of being alone. And it has created the word 'solitude' to express the glory of being alone." We all need some solitude, some of you more than others. That’s the good, the positive part about being alone. We need solitude so we can make our lists, to evaluate our accomplishments, to pray for our families, to read a good book, to get re-energized, to be still know that God loves us and to remember that God is in control. Yes, we do. Jesus modeled that for us: stealing away from the crowds and even from his 12 best friends to be alone with His Father. But solitude is not the same kind of aloneness as loneliness. Loneliness is negative, solitude is necessary.   Loneliness can hit you in a crowded courtyard after church or surrounded by family or in a marriage, even a good marriage. Listen today to hear what we can do when feeling isolated and alone.    _________   When I host, it can be categorized as sanctified self-serving since sometimes I need company as much as the guests need to be my company.  If you're wondering how to get started, here are 25 Theme Gathering Ideas to get your creative juices running. Email me if you have any questions. I believe I've done them all.     

Speaker, author, social media expert, Tonya Kubo, joins me today to talk about how we can choose to heal, get help and do life differently from how we're raised. Although Tonya's story may be different than ours—her mom was a hoarder til the day she died—we all have a past filled with mistakes, ours and others', and we all can choose to accept God's lavish grace to help us move forward, and do things differently for the kingdom and for our families.  Tonya's business is marketing and social media, but it all comes down to connection. She says, "People are just people and human connection never goes out of style." She asks this great question in re: to how toxic social media can be: "How are to going to bring light to social media if you leave? You can't change things if you exit the conversation." Tonya would love to share her "Family Blueprint" with you HERE. Learn how she and Brian have outlined what they want their family to be and how they use it as a guide to help them flourish as a couple as well as parents to their two young girls.  You can connect with Tonya on all the socials. Join her free facebook group: The Secret to Thriving Facebook Communities To learn more about her services, go to tonyakubo.com.     ________   When asked, "What's the greatest commandment?" Jesus replied simply: "Love God, love your neighbor." I imagine He was thinking,"It's not rocket science" or "What's not to like?" or  "It's not complicated." He was right, it's not complicated. I make it complicated. I need to pray daily to uncomplicate what He says is best for me and best for others. So I wrote 31 Days of Uncomplicated Prayers, and once I pray them through, I start over again.  You can too. Sign up HERE to receive 31 Days of Uncomplicated Prayers to take the "complicated" out of the simple commands of Jesus. Love God. Love your neighbor. It's not complicated.      

Lisa Lewis talks today about the need for growth and transformation and how using the Enneagram as a tool to help us change into a better likeness of Jesus. As the founder of Let Go, Lean In Podcast where Lisa focuses on women in leadership, she explains how knowing how God has wired us can help us get "un-stuck", get out from the comparison monster, and lean on Him to help us serve the many needs around us.  We talk about what makes the Enneagram unique as a personality tool, how we can bless others by knowing ourselves better, and why that can be a great part of our legacy. Lisa was one of my early guests on Living a Legacy and, you can listen to our first conversations here where she describes the legacy she is currently living:  Ep 24 "A Legacy of Connection and Ignoring the Naysayers in Your Head" You may want to take advantage of a free first coaching opportunity, check it out here. Lisa says: I’ve worked as a coach for 8 years. Prior to coaching I was an educator for 25 years. I’m also a wife, mom of two and now Mimi to three darling grand-littles I am an Enneagram 7 who loves learning about people and experiences fun in the outdoors; hiking, biking, and gardening are my three favorites. I’m also an avid reader and known to take a book outdoors, too. I’m committed to my own learning & transformation Transformation takes investment of time and resources. You are worth it. You can find Lisa and her resources here: Letgoleaninpodcast https://lisalewiscoaching.com @lisa_lewis_coaching     ___________     When asked, "What's the greatest commandment?" Jesus replied simply: "Love God, love your neighbor." I imagine He was thinking,"It's not rocket science" or "What's not to like?" or  "It's not complicated." He was right, it's not complicated. I make it complicated. I need to pray daily to uncomplicate what He says is best for me and best for others. So I wrote 31 Days of Uncomplicated Prayers, and once I pray them through, I start over again.  You can too. Sign up HERE to receive 31 Days of Uncomplicated Prayers to take the "complicated" out of the simple commands of Jesus. Love God. Love your neighbor. It's not complicated.        

I first heard Cynthia Heald speak over 30 years ago and she made a difference in my relationship with God then and still and again, every time I go through one of her Bible Studies. She's wise, humble, and biblical and knows what it means to be "in process"—that's why she entitled her first book: "Becoming a Woman of Excellence" and went on to write many more in that series, "Becoming a Woman of Freedom...Prayer...Faith, and Whose God is Enough." We continue to "become" all who God wants us to be while earnestly seeking to stay connected to Him.  Cynthia is still speaking to women today, and she wants to be known as a woman who loves God, loves His Word and keeps her hand in His.  You can find Cynthia at: cynthiaheald.com Her books are listed here and here. Cynthia shares what she prayed at age 40, and how God showed her in the night that He was stretching our His hand for her to hold, and that has made all the difference. A life continuing to be well-lived, Cynthia continues to mentor and speak so that we can all become women of excellence. She's holding a giveaway this week - comment to be entered to win a copy of her first book, Becoming a Woman of Excellence!   ____________ Do you ever feel like hospitality could be more than just food and fellowship? It can be, it's meant to be. Investing in people and the Word is an eternal investment. Doing hospitality is living a legacy life.    These ideas can help get you started.   Sign up here to receive: "25 Theme Gatherings: Parties With a Purpose!"     How to invest in what matters beyond ourselves. We have one life – let’s make the most of it for God, others, and eternity. Subscribe to Living a Legacy Life: Choose one of these popular free listening services, and subscribe there:    OR Subscribe to Welcome Heart’s weekly email newsletter, blog updates, and podcast notes, here!  

At 18, Ruthie Kim took a risk: she left her quiet village in the UK for the noisy city of San Francisco because she heard God tell her to go show His love to people on the streets. She admits now she had a ton to learn and one thing she learned from personal experience is this: when we take a risk and step out of our comfort zone, that's when we unlock our God-given potential. She now teaches and coaches others to do the same. She doesn't want to leave anything on the table; to not live out all that God's given her to serve alongside of Him for His kingdom I love that kind of surrender. I want to do the same: "Lord, show me what I'm missing. All great gifts are from You. I want to open them all, even the risky ones. Amen." WRITER / SPEAKER/ COACH / FOUNDER BECAUSE JUSTICE MATTERS Ruthie Kim is an executive coach, an ordained minister, and a member of the teaching team at Reality SF church. She is a prophetically gifted and sought-after speaker and a relentless advocate for women and girls.  Having grown up in the UK, Ruthie traded in the English countryside for the inner city of San Francisco, where she founded Because Justice Matters, an organization building pathways to brighter futures for women and girls in urban communities. Ruthie’s passion for unlocking potential led her into the world of executive coaching, where she now specializes in working with influential leaders at key moments of transition.  Ruthie loves taking her rescue pup Callie for walks on the beach and hunting for travel deals to satisfy her desire to explore and experience new places. Ruthie’s life and work are greatly inspired and enriched by being a wife to Brian and mom to two boys.   Click here for information on GOLDEN, Ruthie's women's retreat in Maui in September, 2022. Register by July 4 for lower priced tickets. Ruthie is offering her pdf of "Living in Pursuit of God: 20 Practices from 20 Years" for every listener. Click here for your copy.   ____________   One way to love people is through food. You may not love cooking. This is for you:  My Favorite Relaxing Recipes They are simple. I only do simple. Enjoy and let me know if you make them. I like to say, Make some, Eat some, Serve some, Freeze some I also like to say, Brownies are my love language. How to invest in what matters beyond ourselves. We have one life – let’s make the most of it for God, others, and eternity. Subscribe: Choose one of these popular free listening services, and subscribe there:    OR Subscribe to Welcome Heart’s weekly email newsletter, blog updates, and podcast notes, here!