Amy's been scared most her life. Her brother died suddenly, and she and her husband lost their firstborn at four months. She lived in the land of anxious "what-if's" even as a believer and didn't even realize it until one day she discovered she didn't have to live that way, trapped in fear and anxiety. Hear Amy's story and learn what it takes to live boldly, taking God at His word.   Amy and her daughter, Blair, co-authored the book Em.bol.den. 1. To give someone courage or confidence to do something or behave in a certain way And she's giving away a copy this week...     Leave comment on blog or Insta to be entered in giveaway @suemooredonaldson   Amy Debrucque is a wife, mom of four, cancer survivor, and co-author of Embolden. She is the founder of the Life On Purpose Movement and host of the Life On Purpose Podcast where she encourages women to live on purpose instead of fear. Amy loves entertaining with family and friends. A self-proclaimed "beach junkie", health nut, and chocolate lover, she loves cooking, baking, attending her kids sporting events and getting in weekly HIIT workouts with her friend Alice. Website https://www.amydebrucque.com Instagram https://www.instagram.com/amydebrucque/   Facebook https://www.facebook.com/surrenderyourfear   Em.bol.den by Amy and Blair Debrucque https://www.amazon.com/em-bold-en-Amy-Blair-Debrucque/dp/1735632821/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=Amy+debrucque&qid=1634603665&sr=8-1   Embolden Press Kit (includes sample questions if you need them)  Life on Purpose podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/life-on-purpose-podcast-with-amy-debrucque/id1498212623

I haven't learned all there is to know. But I do know a few things. At least 70. Some are serious, some are funny, some are seriously funny. But what counts is that I've attempted to live a life that counts, and God promises favor, purpose, guidance, and tons of mercy and grace. And, wisdom, when we ask. The most important thing I've learned goes back to early Sunday School: Jesus loves me, this I know. For the Bible tells me so. Paul thought that pretty important too, as he prayed that he and his friends could understand just how great God's love is. So I pray the same, for me and for those I love. You can never go wrong with the Word or one of Paul's prayers. That's not on my 70 Things list. I may need to begin a list for the next decade. Pray along with Paul and me—we'll be pals in heaven—you too, I hope: And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God" (Ephesians 3:17-19)NIV.   If you need the whole list, to read or print, here's a pretty version. Oh, dear. I think I forgot this one, too. Must be age.   

Michaela O'Donnell joins me today to talk about our work, our vocation, our calling - does it matter? And, do you feel like it doesn't and what to do about it? She wrote a book about it and will be giving away two copies. Comment below to be entered in the giveaway. Michaela tells her story of wanting to live seamlessly—integrating work, home and faith—and provides a guide of how to do so in her book, Make Work Matter: Your Guide to Meaningful Work in a Changing World. The Max Dupree Center for Leadership will be giving away two copies so be sure to comment here or on Instagram to be entered. Michaela O'Donnell, PhD, is executive director of Fuller Seminary’s De Pree Center for Leadership. She is an entrepreneur, a teacher, and a sought-after speaker and consultant who regularly presents on the topics of vocation, career, and leadership to religious, secular, academic, and lay audiences. Website: https://depree.org/ Twitter: @depreecenter Instagram: @depreecenter Facebook: @DePreeCenter       _________     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 Tim Winders, soft-spoken with a hint of his Georgia roots, shares his story of how God changed his heart, his vocation and his housing once he sat still long enough to listen to his Creator. He and his wife currently live in a 39 foot motor home on the edge of a river in Southern Utah. He runs a worldwide business coaching business and this week his book releases to the public: "COACH: A Story of Success Redefined" — a business novel with principles for life. Tim is giving away a free chapter this week to our listeners. But if you order his book by Monday, May 16th, you can receive the Audible version FREE: click here to pre-order and receive the Audible version FREE. Tim Winders is a strategic coach, author, and host of SeekGoCreate, a podcast and YouTube interview show. He has worked in the areas of leadership, business, and ministry for almost 40 years. Tim was the guy that looked like he had it all: the big house in a Country Club resort, two businesses valued at over a million dollars each, plus over $15 million in real estate. But, in 2008, the real estate markets crashed. After a slow and painful erosion of his companies, he and his wife were bankrupt and homeless living out of their Honda van by 2013.       Fast forward to today. Tim and his wife are still homeless, but they consider themselves essential nomads. They live, travel, and work in their 39-foot motorhome while enjoying the best locations North America has to offer. Through this journey, he is convinced that we must redefine success in order to live our best life. This topic is what he has explored with his guests on the SeekGoCreate podcast since 2019   Tim's legacy is one that every Christ-follower needs to include in his and her arsenal. You will be blessed! Topics: What is the ONE thing Christians need to do? Why did Tim choose to write fiction? What's one way God prepares us to be used by Him for the Kingdom? What's TIME got to do with anything?   _____   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!    

Lindsey's world was turned upside-down when her dermatologist discovered her 7-year-old daughter, Claire, had cancer. After months of treatment, they rejoiced to learned she was cancer free and that life could resume normalcy. But then it didn't. Hear a mother's heart today as Lindsey describes their family's story of pediatric cancer—what God continues to teach her about Himself and how she is leaning into Him in the midst of an unfinished journey.   Lindsey Noland is an experienced speaker, mother to a pediatric cancer patient, ambassador for Stanford’s Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital, and runs a private wedding venue in San Luis Obispo, CA.  With a background in Communication Studies (BA Westmont College), and an honorary degree in cancer fighting (school of life), Lindsey knows the power of owning and telling our stories. Lindsey is passionate about sharing her experience of leaning into her struggle, not her strength. Her stories will make you laugh and cry and remind you that there is power in weakness and joy in leaning into your struggle. When she isn’t working or hiking the trails of the Central Coast, Lindsey spends her time writing and rewriting her first book, traveling with her husband of 19 years, and jumping on the trampoline with her three children (14, 13 & 9).  If you know of someone you could use Lindsey's words today, please share this podcast.     _________   People love to know and be known. From experience, I know these questions work for a fabulous family gathering.   Subscribe to receive "6 Questions for a Meaningful Family Reunion" directly to your inbox.   Mark and I just got back from our Sibling Reunion #4 in Arkansas - we used these questions, spent time affirming each other and then praying over one another. A blast and blessing, as you can see.        Kleenex and ping pong and eating and laughing were involved in equal measure.       Get your list of 6 Questions for a Meaningful Family Reunion HERE.  

I interviewed the three great women that make up The Ruth Experience back in 2019, Ep 40 - "A Legacy of Kindness" and now today we have two back again, Kendra Emery and Julie Fisk, who, with Kristin have co-authored another powerhouse of a book (WHICH THEY ARE GIVING AWAY THIS WEEK!) entitled: One Good Word a Day: 365 Invitations to Encourage, Deepen and Refine Your Faith. Wow! Such a great idea to focus on just one word for your day.  Today we discuss how their idea for leaving a legacy for their families turned into a kindness movement for this generation and the next, and how one word, whether a hard one like "lament" or one more welcoming like "inclusive"— can guide our hearts and deepen our faith, one day at a time.  Check out The Ruth Experience on their website and follow on Instagram. Leave a comment on my insta this week or on my blog to be entered to win your own copy of their latest offering. This is a great gift idea for Mother's Day for the woman who may have enough candles, candies and cannisters, order HERE.    For more great legacy stories that show off God's welcoming heart, subscribe to WELCOME HEART: LIVING A LEGACY LIFE   :::::::::: 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:         

Susan Vandenheuvel joins us today on Living a Legacy Life where she talks about living free from lies and in the freedom of our identity in Christ. God does a workin  us and then a work through us. Love it! Susan was a great "stuffer" —she discovered she had "stuffed" down her wounds and hurts and lying messages told to her for many years until she couldn't ignore them any longer. God met her during a healing retreat and provided someone to walk alongside of her as she explored why she felt about herself the way she did, and then allowed the truth of God's word to transform and heal her.  She now uses her freedom and healing as a platform to teach women that we don't need to hide or stuff, but, instead, live from our true identity in Christ. You will be encouraged as you listen. Leave a comment on instagram or blog to be entered to recieve her 31 day devotional that speaks to living in the truth of God's Word: The Confident Woman Within: 30 Day Devotional Comment on blog, share on FB or comment on Instagram to be entered into giveaway - closes Friday at midnight. Susan is a pastor, author, mentor, and founder of She Rises MN. She Rises exists to help women set aside anything keeping them from walking in the truth of who they are in Christ and discover their God-given potential. Susan also ministers within the federal and state prison settings, where she shares her story and the redeeming love of Jesus. Susan is also the host of the She Connects Podcast. I had the privilege of guesting on Susan's Podcast - take a listen here. Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/susan.vandenheuvel.90/ Instagram link: https://www.instagram.com/susan_vandenheuvel/ Website link: https://www.sherisesmn.org/ Podcast link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/she-connects/id1508048601     _________   One simple way to spread God's message of love and forgiveness is to welcome others like He welcomed you. Join my series of doing simple hospitality, one task a day for 4 weeks: Hospitality By the Day What to do Today to Host Guests in a Month. It's fun. It's simple. I promise.  Sign up here and it will begin next Monday. Can't wait to hear all about it!    

What a great duo we have today on Living a Legacy Life—so much wisdom, practical truth and joy. Cheri Gregory and Kathi Lipp come together to talk about their latest writing collaboration, An Abundant Place: Daily Retreats for the Woman Who Can't Get Away. A great Mother's Day gift for the women in your life, and you will also want this book for your quiet time basket. Cheri and Kathi created a devotional that invites us to create a space to reconnect with our Saviour, feeding our soul and mind with truth, love in “small bites”, helping us glance at God's creation, while redirecting us to take the next step when we need redirecting (which I do need on a daily basis!) Leave a comment on my blog show notes or on instagram to be entered to win a free copy of An Abundant Place. Through Scripture and storytelling, Cheri Gregory delights in helping women draw closer to Jesus, the strength of every tender heart. She is the founder of Sensitive and Strong: the place for the HSP Christian woman to find connection; and the coauthor, with Kathi Lipp, of You Don’t Have to Try So Hard,Overwhelmed, and An Abundant Place. She and her college sweetheart, Daniel, have been married for more than three decades. They’ve spent the last 15 years living and serving on the campus of Monterey Bay Academy on the central California coast. Check out Cheri's free HSP quiz - link below: Facebook page — https://www.facebook.com/SensitiveAndStrong Facebook group — https://www.facebook.com/groups/323525262143706 Website — https://sensitiveandstrong.com/ To receive FREE "Am I a Highly Sensitive Person?" self-quiz printable — https://sensitiveandstrong.com/join/   Kathi Lipp is the host of the Clutter Free Academy podcast, and the bestselling author of The Husband Project, Clutter Free, Ready for Anything and An Abundant Place. She and her husband, Roger, live in the mountains of northern California (near Placerville) where they run the Red House Writing Retreats. Using humor and wisdom, Kathi offers hope paired with practical steps to women looking to live with meaning. Find Kathi at KathiLipp.com. FB: www.facebook.com/AuthorKathiLipp IG:  @kathilipp FB Clutter Free Academy: www.facebook.com/groups/clutterfreeacademy   Kathi Lipp loves soup and loves sharing soup. Here's one of her favorites. I made a double batch last week (and shared it!) TOMATO GIN SOUP READY IN 50mins SERVES 4 INGREDIENTS: 1 28 oz can peeled tomatoes 3 garlic cloves, chopped 1⁄8 teaspoon thyme 1⁄2 teaspoon paprika 1⁄8 teaspoon sugar 6 slices bacon, chopped 1⁄4 cup salted butter 4 ounces brown mushrooms, sliced 1⁄3 cup gin 1⁄2 cup heavy cream salt and pepper 2 t chives, diced DIRECTIONS: Combine tomato, garlic, thyme, paprika, sugar in a blender and puree into a liquid. In a soup pot, sauté bacon until crisp, drain on paper towels, but leave the drippings in the pot. Add butter to pan with bacon drippings, melt butter, add mushrooms and sauté until golden. Add gin and bacon, stir; add tomato sauce and simmer 15 minutes. Add cream, season with salt and pepper, top with chives. Serve as appetizer or alongside a hearty salad.         ___________ Jesus said, "Love God and love your neighbor." You might love God but wonder about Part B.   You don't remember your neighbor's name or even which house they live in when you walk by with your puppy or they walk by with their puppy. You say "Hello" but you don't really know them. I can relate! We have 90 homes in our neighborhood, we've lived here over 30 years and I certainly don't know them all.   It sounds too hard to obey Christ's command to "go into all the world starting with Jerusalem." But I like to think my neighborhood is my Jerusalem. You, too?   You want to show your neighborhood God's love but you're not sure how to go about it. Click here today for 12 simple tips to help you invite your neighbors over for coffee. I include two delicious and easy recipes. Try them out and I'll come over! (I won't bring my puppy.)        

I first met Diana Stuhr on a missionary trip with Practical Missionary Training. It was love and laughing at first sight. Diana has served with World Vision, Central American Mission and has worked with Wycliffe Bible Translators for the last 34 years. Currently, semi-retired in Waxhaw, NC, Diana oversees the events for seniors and she was born for it! Always with a good word of encouragment and a ready laugh, Diana's legacy is evident to all: to be a woman known for loving Jesus, talking about Him as a matter of course in the "dailies of life."  What a great reminder to pray to God to open our eyes to how He works in and around us. And to be ready to talk about it out loud to anyone who may be listening.  You will love Diana! I sure do. Sign up for her weekly email here: Monday Memories: [email protected]   Diana writes a weekly email with many of her "parables" as well as some of her photography. Here's a sampling: Occasionally,  I encounter someone spectacularly rude, astonishingly so. I encountered someone like that this week at the synagogue (Luke 13:10-17) Jesus was teaching and sitting just a few rows away from me was a bent over and crippled woman. I wondered how Jesus came to be at the podium (perhaps the synagogue leader had invited Him to speak), when suddenly He called out to the crippled woman. He invited her to come forward. You could have heard a pin drop in the seconds it took her to rise to her feet and the minutes it took her to shuffle forward. I was embarrassed for her. She reached Him and He simply said to her, "Woman, you are set free from your infirmity."  There should have been laughter and clapping, but rudeness but a squelch to that straightaway as the synagogue leader rose up indignant and instead of speaking to Jesus who stirred his ire, he spoke to us. He scolded us as if we were the ones who caused the stir. He accused Jesus of breaking the law without speaking directly to Him. Rude, indeed.  Stunned everyone was just trying to take it all in, when Jesus spoke directly back to the synagogue leaders. He called them hypocrites. In essence, He humiliated them. He had the last word, too, as far as I know.  It just goes to show, you never know what might happen at church.  I left assured:  Jesus cares about those in bondage whatever form it takes and regardless of who it is.  Jesus has power over all bondages and with just a word He can bring healing.  Jesus invites, but waits for those He's invited to come.  Sometimes laws are meant to be "broken" because a higher law prevails (ie compassion and kindness). I also left with some questions:  What constitutes work?  Why did this woman have to suffer for 18 years?  The woman came forward without knowing what Jesus would do. Could I have been brave enough to do what she did?  Shame is a powerful emotion. In essence the synagogue leader, while being rude to Jesus, was also shaming the woman. He was substituting the shame of her affliction with the shame of her healing, which had no basis in reality. How does one battle that kind of shame successfully? On the other hand, Jesus shamed the synagogue leaders, but their shame was based in reality. How does one battle that successfully? By repenting.  Sign up for her weekly email here: Monday Memories: [email protected]      

Sheree Shannon knows that what we think makes all the difference in how we live. "You can't change your life," she says, "without changing how you think about it." Good stuff. And practical. The more we know and believe what God says about Himself and ourselves, the more we can be Who God designed us to be and live with peace, strength and a security that all will be well in the end. As believers, we want to look different from those who don't understand how much God loves them, but often we can "fit in" all too well to the rest of the world. Sheree noticed this and came to understand that this starts in the mind. When our minds are whole and in tune with God, we can fight the doubts and insecuirties that are common to all of us. She wrote a book about it called: The Journey to Wholeness of Mind which sounds like a great place to start. She's offering a free copy this week—please comment here, on the blog or on instagram to be entered. I hope you win! Sheree Shannon-Author, teacher, public speaker, coach, wife, mother and gigi but most importantly a child of God. She has lived a life of service empowering and equipping others to live their very best life. Her message is one of hope, vision, clarity, and yes, the know how to help transform any life, situation, or future all for the glory of God.   You can reach out to Sheree here https://www.shereeshannon.com/ https://www.instagram.com/journeytowholenesswithsheree/     ________ One simple way to spread God's message of love and forgiveness is to welcome others like He welcomed you. Join my series to do simple hospitality, one task a day for 4 weeks: Hospitality By the Day What to do Today to Host Guests in a Month. It's fun. It's simple. I promise.  Sign up here and it will begin next Monday. Can't wait to hear all about it!    

Today meet, Tiffany Jo Baker, a 3-time surrogate mother, life and project coach, and all-around encourager. I knew I loved her when I saw she signed off all her emails with "cheering you on!" No matter what season we are in or how far we have come or how far we've drifted, we all need someone in our corner "cheering us on."  Hear Tiffany's story of surrogacy and how God used that to "birth" her ministry of holding others' dreams and helping them flourish. She reminds us that God made us differently to uphold His unique purposes. You may be an arm, she's obviously a womb—and I may be a mouth. But what it is doesn't matter. What does matter is that we listen to God's voice, act in obedience and, take the next step in living out our God-designed life.  Check out Tiffany's book: Soul-Care for Go-Getters, Refresh and Refocus in Five Minutes a Day, a 31-Day Devotional. I have many go-getter friends who may be getting this for Christmas or birthday - don't tell! Tiffany will give one away this week--leave a comment on blog or instagram to be entered to win. I hope it's you! Cheering you on, Tiffany Tiffany Jo Baker MA, CLC Creator of the video podcast: All the Things TV plus instagram encouragement of womenwalking out their why -  Need to know your "Why?" Contact Tiffany @ www.tiffanyjobaker.com 3x Surrogate | Speaker | Strategizer Uplifting the soul + success of women walking out their WHY at home + online www.TiffanyJoBaker.com @TiffanyJoBaker  Instagram | Facebook Host of All the Things TV podcast Author of Soul-Care for Go-Getters Creator of purposeful products Lover of a good laugh     _____________     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.  

Happy Spring! A new year is here—well it still feels like the year has just begun, even though it's March—and time doesn’t stop when I feel stuck, inadequate or needing longer showers (my shower is my “prayer closet” so we need more rain.) I want to take stock, re-evaluate my days and months to make sure I’m investing in what counts. How do we know what lasts? We read in I Peter,  “ . . . since you have been born again . . . through the living and abiding word of God . . . the word of the Lord remains forever.’  (I Peter 1:23-25 ESV) No matter how small or insignificant our daily actions seem, living a life that counts means investing in people and the abiding word of God, and then leaving the results of those actions with Him.  The Bible is clear that this life is brief, a “mist” we read in James 4:14 — a “blade of grass” says the Psalmist in Psalm 103. I forget that truth when caught up in my busy day, and stressed by all I’m not doing nor can’t do. God is gracious to remind me that when I bake with a young gal, meet a lonely friend for coffee, or listen to my children, I am investing in what’s eternal. Listen today and be encouraged that we can live a life that counts for eternity when focused on God, His word and the people He brings our way every day.    To help us determine what we should be doing, here are the questions I listed:  TAKING STOCK: SOME QUESTIONS TO ASK   Think about your natural abilities and talents. What gives you joy? When do you feel God’s pleasure? An inordinate amount of self-examination can keep me stuck, but a healthy dose of self-knowledge helps me determine which direction to take.   Do I need to take a course, invest money or time so I can get better? Should I try something I’ve never tried before? Do I need to stop doing what I’m currently doing? Have I exercised the sanctified “No” lately or am I running frantically from task-to-task in the name of Christian service? God calls us to be empowered by Him, not to be exhausted by perceived expectations of others or ourselves. Do I have the courage to pray, “Lord, do you want me to stop what I'm doing right now and try something new?"   _________ A great way to invest in what counts is getting to know your neighbors. Here are simple steps. Happy Hosting for Heaven's sake! Jesus said, "Love God and love your neighbor." You might love God but wonder about Part II.   You don't remember your neighbor's name or even which house they live in when you walk by with your puppy or they walk by with their puppy. You say "Hello" but, you don't really know them. I can relate! We have 90 homes in our 'hood and we've lived here over 30 years.   It sounds too hard to obey Christ's command to "go into all the world starting with Jerusalem." But I like to think my neighborhood is my Jerusalem. You, too?   You want to show your neighborhood God's love but you're not sure how to go about it.   CLICK HERE today for simple steps to invite your neighbors over for coffee. I include two delicious and simple recipes. Try them out and I'll come over!    

Nancy Thomason loves kids. And she will go wherever they are to tell them the Good News of Jesus. Nancy worked with Child Evangelism Fellowship for 47 years and she loves talking about what God did through those years because the "searchlight is on God." At 84, Nancy's smile hasn't dimmed nor has her open heart and home for everyone who needs to know that God loved them enough to die for them.  Nancy with the Director of Child Evangelism Fellowship at their conference. If you want to serve God and you love kids, hosting a Good News Club may be the very best way to get started. Contact Child Evangelism Fellowship in your area to find out more. I loved hearing Nancy's stories of faith and trust in God as He led her to begin Good News Clubs in her neighborhood, then to Whittier, the San Fernando Valley and South Central LA. She made sure she was ready with a flannel graph story in the trunk of her car and a welcoming smile on her face.   Some Nancy-ism's: "If we are unplugged from God, where will we get our power?" "When God tells you to go, you know He's got you in His hand." "If you don't come to the edge of the cliff and jump, you'll never know that God can hold you." "You don't have an adventure with God without obstacles because that's when God shows up."   Nancy's Acorn Squash Poke some holes in the top of squash Cook in microwave for 10 minutes. Voila! Add butter and brown sugar. Yum!

Cheri Fletcher is my younger twin—an enneagram 7 with a great smile and desire to help women and young people find their purpose, no matter what they may be facing. While watching her husband coach basketball, she recognized that we all need a "game plan" if we are going to endure the normal trials and troubles of this world. Once we know the plan and our purpose, we can thwart Satan at his own game to sideline us from what God intends for our lives.   Our purpose? To show who God is to everyone we meet. Our legacy? To build into our kids a clear understanding of spiritual warfare. God has a plan and Satan has a plot to wreck that plan.   Cheri says: I want our kids to have a very clear understanding of the war that is going on for their attention, mental health, salvation, marriage, their life! To fully grasp that God has had a plan for them all along and the enemy has had a plot against it.   When things are hard—to be able to step back, to fully KNOW that God is already victorious and that with a spiritual game plan in place, they are too. Sounds like a great plan to me!   Cheri Fletcher is a writer, speaker, singer and the host of Your Spiritual Game Plan podcast. She loves to help women develop a spiritual game plan so that they can live out the purpose God created for them.  She wants to share the message of how intentionally you were made to be a part of God’s plan.   Through her writings, speaking and podcast guests, it is her desire to equip you with an understanding of the enemy’s plot against that very plan. She and her husband Todd are empty nesters and have just moved from Seattle WA to Cleveland Tennessee. They have three grown children and 1 dog, Libby. You can find out more about Cheri on her website Cherifletcher.com From Cheri, when I asked her for a favorite recipe: A recipe --- Hmmmm, well, it is a vegetarian one that is a staple at all holidays.  The very first time that my mom made it my dad (an avid meat eater) said: "Well, for dog food that tasted pretty good!"  My 5-year-old brother decided to tell everyone that we had dog food for Thanksgiving and thus  - we still serve dog food at every Thanksgiving meal and I have had several friends who grew up in my life ask me for my dog food recipe. LOL    https://cherifletcher.com/wp-content/uploads/Dog-Food-Recipe.pdf Follow Cheri here: https://cherifletcher.com     ________ One simple way to spread God's message of love and forgiveness is to welcome others like He welcomed you. Join my series to do simple hospitality, one task a day for 4 weeks: Hospitality By the Day What to do Today to Host Guests in a Month. It's fun. It's simple. I promise.  Sign up here and it will begin next Monday. Can't wait to hear all about it!      

I love a good invitation and this morning’s invitation is from God Himself: “Come to Me and find rest” Matthew 11:28 To find rest, we could just all go home and get in the tub and lock the door, which is always a good idea, but for now let’s see what God wants to remind us of today Why do we need to come when Jesus invites? Women are tired, period. We do too much, often, for too many people, with too little money, cooperation or sleep. I’m in the process of learning the 3 d’s to help me get a handle on this overload. I need to figure out one of 3 things: Do I delegate this job? Do I do things that energize me? Or, do I dump something? (I learned that from life coach, Kathy Vick from runlikeagirl.org) The main part of rest is connecting with God. How's that going for you in 2022? Through many years, starts and stops, I've found a rhythm of sitting at Jesus' feet and it's made all the difference in growing in my relationship with God. This is what I do now and I find I rarely miss, even on a cruise with the Man-in-Plaid or a weekend with the girls. For more details on how I'm currently connecting with God and finding rest on my blog in January.   _________ Going on a women's retreat is one of the great boons of a believer's life. If you have a chance to go this year, I hope you go. So much fun and such a great time to connect with God and with others.  For information on my 8 Retreat Series, go to my website. I'd love to meet you in person.   

You will love hearing Laura Thomas's story today, not only because she's from the UK and sounds like she lives at Downton Abby, but because her love for God and others shines through everything she says. Laura is an author, speaker, and mentor and blogs at laurathomasauthor.com. She dreamed of becoming a writer as a child and kept it a secret dream for 20 years, and now is a published writer of mostly Christian fiction.  Laura will be giving away a signed, personalized copy of The Glass Bottom Boat - first in her Flight to Freedom Series. Leave comment to be entered! Her legacy is storytelling not just because she writes stories but because she has seen the value of how our stories can touch and encourage others. We don't have to have a grand story of success or a painful story of crisis to have our story be used of God. He's created us uniquely and all stories are of value. A published Christian author, Laura writes heartwarming encouragement for your soul. She has three Christian romantic suspense novels published as well as a Christian teen fiction trilogy, marriage book, middle-grade novel, several anthology books, devotionals, articles, and stories in magazines and online. Laura is a chocoholic mom of three, married to her high school sweetheart—originally from the UK, they live in Kelowna, British Columbia as audacious empty-nesters.Find more on her website: https://www.laurathomasauthor.com INSTAGRAM: @lauracthomas  FACEBOOK PAGE: @LauraThomasAuthor TWITTER: @Laura_Thomas_ PINTEREST: lauracthomas GOODREADS: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5837074.Laura_Thomas BOOKBUB: https://bit.ly/2Uj4gyRYOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAIg1LlXedxtfqmEAssdgnQ   “A storytellers’ job is to find the common threads in this tattered world and hold them out so that a reader will grab and pull until the veil is torn in two and they behold the heart of God.” --Robin Jones Gunn   “After nourishment, shelter, and companionship, stories are the thing we need most in the world.” --Philip Pullman   And here’s Laura's recipe for her go-to chocolate cake, the perfect accompaniment to a good story!   "PERFECT CHOCOLATE CAKE" Ingredients: 2 cups sugar 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour 3/4 cups cocoa 1 1/2 tsp baking soda 1 1/2 tsp baking powder 1 tsp salt 2 tsp vanilla 2 eggs 1 cup milk 1/2 cup vegetable oil 1 cup boiling water (Frosting) 1/4 cup butter or marg (melted) 2 cups icing sugar 1/4 cup cocoa 1/2 tsp vanilla 1-3 tsp milk as needed   Directions: 1. Heat oven to 350 degrees 2. Combine dry ingredients in a bowl 3. Add eggs, oil, milk, and vanilla— mix well 4. Carefully stir in boiling water (batter will be thin) 5. Pour into greased baking cake pan 6. Bake for 50-70 mins depending on oven (check after 50 mins) 7. Cool and frost FROSTING: 1. Melt butter in microwave 2. Add to icing sugar and cocoa— mix well 3. Add vanilla and milk a little at a time, until desired consistency *Optional: top cake with grated chocolate/ berries               ____________   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.    

Conell and Rhonda Hollins say that a good marriage is worth the work including all the "heated fellowship" involved along the way. They claim that we can be trained to staying married in a loving, passionate and joyful relationship—the kind of marriage God means for us to enjoy and to model to our children and to a needy world.  Parents of three boys, elders in a large church, and podcast founders of the MetoWeTalk Podcast, this dynamic duo (you will love their passion and laughter) isn't afraid to discuss any aspect of marriage, and their desire is to keep a couple from marriage if they aren't "marriage material" as yet, and to protect and grow the marriage of everyone they meet.  In their book, Marriage Material: Pre & Post-Marital Training Guide they write: "If we break you up before you ever get married to save you from divorce, we did our job!" Leave a comment here or on instagram to be entered to win a copy. Be sure to order the companion workbook as well.   Start praying now about who to get this book for - one for yourself, as well.  "Most couples want the look of marriage but not the work involved to make marriage last with passion, joy and a growing love for one another." "We have become students of love and of one another." "Our mission is to empower your marriage with tools, resources and education to ensure your marriage is strong enough to last a lifetime."     __________ Use this as a reminder (bookmark?). God's design is for marriages to flourish. And we only can flourish when we put God in the center of all our relationships.  Don't forget to comment on blog or instagram to be entered to win a copy of Marriage Material!   __________   :::::::::: 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:         

Markus Watson—pastor, podcaster, author, teacher—knows what really matters. His passion is to help show individuals and churches  who they really are and how their gifts can align with the mission of God's heart. A self-described "reluctant" pastor, Markus heard God's call in the prayer of St. Augustine, "Late have I loved You." He learned some very hard things in a very difficult situation but knows more than ever that his worth is not in what he does nor how he succeeds, but in how he is loved by God. A legacy worth living and replicating in everyone he knows and meets. In his own words: I’m a Presbyterian pastor, living in San Diego with my beautiful wife, Robin, and my three kids, Micah, Macy, and Drew.  I currently serve as an interim pastor at a small but mighty congregation in the rural town of Westmorland, about two hours east of San Diego.  I also host the Spiritual Life and Leadership podcast and am the author of Beyond Thingification: Helping Your Church Engage in God’s Mission. I’ve been serving in churches for over twenty years.  But, believe it or not, church ministry was never on my radar when I was young… Hear more at www.markuswatson.com His podcast is all about encouraging those in Christian leadership and is in collaboration with Fuller Theological Seminary. Check it out: Spiritual Life and Leadership Podcast       ________ One simple way to spread God's message of love and forgiveness is to welcome others like He welcomed you. Join my series to do simple hospitality, one task a day for 4 weeks: Hospitality By the Day What to do Today to Host Guests in a Month. It's fun. It's simple. I promise.  Sign up here and it will begin next Monday. Can't wait to hear all about it!        

I met Sarah at a coffee shop during her book signing. She signed my book. We got acquainted. I asked, "What's your mission in life?" (She's young. She can handle big questions. I'm old. I ask them.) "My mission is to share with others the foundational, healing, and transformational love of God." That was a mouthful, and you will love hearing some of Sarah's story that sadly includes childhood sexual abuse, depression, and suicide ideations. She came to finally accept that in spite of things she experienced as well as the lies she continued to tell herself, that God did indeed love her. And she wants you to know the same truth.  I ask in this interview, "How did you know God loved you even though you had been a victim of another's sin?" She replied, "Well, one thing was that it could have been worse. I thought of suidcide but I never made a plan."  God kept her from continuing down that path and there's nothing more than either of us would have you know today that He wants you to live. He loves you. He will restore and heal. No wound too deep beyond His love. ENTER TO RECEIVE SARAH'S BOOK: LOVE LETTERS FROM POLAND. LEAVE COMMENT BELOW OR ON INSTAGRAM To access Sarah's FREE Life Balance Worksheet, CLICK HERE.  Sarah's legacy is in her tagline: Sarah de Orlando, Chief Hope-Giver. We all need hope. God will heal and restore because He loves us so very much. Sarah de Orlando is an author, speaker, and the Chief-Hope-Giver of Sarah de Orlando Coaching. She recently left her structural engineering career after an encounter with Jesus in 2016 brought her full circle to her purpose: to live a life rooted in Jesus’ love. Her heart is to help others discover and embrace their own unique, vibrant journey with him and be set free to be who they are created to be. She is married to her college sweetheart, Andres and they have one super-cute daughter. In her downtime, you can find her hiking her favorite trails in San Luis Obispo, California, or strolling the beaches in search of perfect sea glass. Her debut memoir about her heart restoration was released in March of 2021 and you get get your copy at sarahdeorlando.com or Amazon. You can find more of Sarah's message at these places https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-de-orlando/ https://www.facebook.com/sarah.deorlando.coaching https://www.instagram.com/sarahdeorlando/ https://www.sarahdeorlando.com   LOVE LETTERS FROM POLAND - LEAVE COMMENT TO BE ENTERED TO WIN!    Sarah's recipe: "Grammie that Knits" Banana Bread with a de Orlando Twist: 3/4 cup sugar 1/2 cup butter, softened 1/2 tsp vanilla Dash of cinnamon 2 eggs 1 1/2 cup flour (all-purpose gluten-free flour like Bob's Red Mill comes out great) 1 tsp baking soda 3 large brown bananas, mashed 3/4 cup chocolate chips (optional)   Preheat oven to 350 F. In a medium bowl, cream sugar, butter, vanilla, and cinnamon. Add eggs and mix until blended. Spoon in flour and baking powder and mix, scraping down sides occasionally. Add mashed banana and mix until blended. Stir in chocolate chips by hand. Pour batter into a greased 9"x9" pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the toothpick comes out clean when inserted in the center.   _____________     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 met Misty Phillip in 2016 at the SheSpeaks Conference. Since that time, she's authored the top-selling Bible Study entitled: The Struggle is Real: But So Is God, started the podcast, By His Grace-Empowering You to Live By His Grace, and is the founder of SPARK Christian Podcast Community and Conference.  Also, a mom and wife, Misty would tell you that she has only done what she's done by the grace and favor of God while spening time in prayer and listening to His directions. I loved her question: "Where does my gifting and my calling line up with this season in my life?" When we take time to hear God's direction and figure out our gifting and calling, we will know His strength, leading and blessing in living a life of love and obedience.  From Misty: Jesus is everything Y’all! And it is only by his grace that we are here to draw another breath each day. Everything is for Him, and by Him and through Him. He has radically changed my life, and I will never get over that. God called me home from my corporate job at Enron in 1999 to devote myself fulltime to being a wife and mom. Shortly after coming home, I began to homeschool my boys. As the boys grew I felt God’s call to write, blog, and speak in preparation for the next season in my life after homeschooling. Writing and Speaking lead to podcasting. When I began seeing the impact my podcast was having all over the world, the Lord gave me the vision to gather together a bunch of Christians passionate about podcasting for the very first Christian Podcast Conference. We hosted the inaugural Spark Christian Podcast Conference in February 2020. Shortly after I co-founded the Rocket Podcast Community, a coaching and training membership community for podcasters. Through the years at home devoted to my family, I have learned many valuable life lessons and desire to impart some wisdom through the podcasts and posts here. Life has not always been easy, but God has always been there to see me through. Learn more about Misty and the legacy life she's leading at her website: MistyPhillip.com For more information on attending the next SPARK Christian Podcast Conference, see HERE.     ________ One simple way to spread God's message of love and forgiveness is to welcome others like He welcomed you. Join my series to do simple hospitality, one task a day for 4 weeks: Hospitality By the Day What to do Today to Host Guests in a Month. It's fun. It's simple. I promise.  Sign up here and it will begin next Monday. Can't wait to hear all about it!    

Meet Laura whose heart is as big as her welcome—we are kindreds that way, and I'm delighted to introduce her to you! Laura Crosby lives her welcoming legacy each day as she prays, "Lord, may there be Your welcome mat out in front of my life today so that I can love and welcome others to You." She's been mentored well and now mentors countless of men and women on knowing God and representing His welcome heart well. She loves hospitality like I do and you'll love her stories of what she's learned and what she prays for her children on a daily basis. Laura Crosby is working on her first book which addresses the much needed topic of “choosing welcome”. Whether introvert or extrovert, single or married, if there’s one thing Covid taught us, it is that we crave connection beyond pixels on a Zoom, or text messages.  This is a book of stories about connection to God and others that happens when we choose welcome.  It encourages the reader to put out a metaphorical welcome mat at the door of her life.  It explores the ordinary, the unexpected, and the profound ways we are welcomed to connect with God and extend welcome to others for encouragement, comfort, insight, and a sense of being part of something bigger than ourselves. In her own words: "My passion is connection which is most often through different types of welcome, but another way I love is through notes."   “If you see something, say something.” There are signs like that all over airports - be on the alert for something “off” or dangerous.   But I love applying this positively to note writing. In fact I feel so strongly about the power of encouragement through hand-written notes that I created a free resource with monthly prompts and brief spiritual reflections. You can snag your “Year of Grace Notes” by clicking on the link https://view.flodesk.com/pages/5e23063ed9dee30026924946   Thanks so much, Laura. Note-writing is a lost art and I love it that you include it as part of your "welcome!" Laura and her husband John served in ministry at a large church in Minneapolis for 30 years.They have traveled the world as pastors and John as a board member of World Vision. Over the past two years they have taken on roles as interim pastors first at an international church in Lucerne, Switzerland and currently in Menlo Park, CA. Additionally, Laura and John mentor cohorts of young leaders in ministry. Laura writes, preaches and speaks to women’s groups around the country. She loves creating all kinds of things, including a welcoming place in her home where there is good food and lively conversation. Starbucks mochas, Lou Malnati’s pizza, puppies and any outdoor activity, especially tennis and hiking are passions!     Connect with Laura: lauracrosby.me Inspiring joyful, creative connection to Jesus and others. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauracrosby/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lauracrosby.me   Here's the recipe Laura talks about on our conversation today:   My Go-to Fancy Fast Chicken Recipe 6 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves 6 slices deli swiss cheese 1/4 lb. sliced mushrooms (optional) 2 cans (10 3/4oz) cream of chicken soup (can use one if you want it less soupy) 1/2 cup dry white wine (you can omit if you want) 2 cups herb stuffing mix (the BLUE Pepperidge farm bag - it's shredded, not cubes) 1 stick margarine melted.   Preheat oven to 350. Place chicken in a lightly greased 9x13 baking dish Top each piece of chicken with a slice of swiss cheese. Arrange sliced mushrooms on top. Mix soup and wine and spread over chicken. Sprinkle with stuffing and drizzle melted butter on top.  Bake about 45-50 minutes, uncovering for the last 15 minutes.   ________________     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 just got through the holidays and they say that the holidays can be one of loneliest times of the year. We want to feel like we are part of a big, happy family that loves and accepts us just the way we are, but instead, we may feel lonely, no matter how many people are around us. Mother Theresa said that the most terrible poverty in the world is loneliness, and she faced poverty every day.   Are you lonely? It can be hard to admit. Everyone is lonely some of the time.  What can we do about it? Let me know in comments if you have some good ideas that help you when feeling lonely or that can be helpful to the world full of lonely people.   I remember when we first invited my friend, Suzanne for dinner. A single mom whose best friends had just moved away. She and her daughter Heather became part of our family from that time on. Do you know a single person who could use an invitation? We are invited to God so that we can pass along His invitation.  ___________   One simple way to break the chain of loneliness is to do simple hospitality. Join my series: Hospitality By the Day What to do Today to Host Guests in a Month. It's fun. It's simple. I promise.  Sign up here and it will begin next Monday. Can't wait to hear all about it!

Happy New Year! I'm pleased to introduce you to Mary DeMuth and all she has to offer to get our new year started off right. When you ask Mary DeMuth what is the most important thing to know about you, she readily answers: "I love Jesus—He healed me. I couldn't be who I am today without His love." Mary goes on to tell her story of trauma, abuse, and neglect in a way that glorifies the Great Healer and encourages everyone she meets to trust God for complete restoration, love and acceptance.  No matter our background, Mary tells us that our healing can't begin until we begin to tell our story to someone who can be trusted. Both she and her husband are "pioneer parents" in that they wanted to parent differently than how they were raised. You can read about that journey in her book, "Building the Christian Family You Never Had, a Practical Guide to Pioneer Parenting." Author of 44 books, literary agent, podcaster, speaker, and encourager, Mary DeMuth sends out a prayer for you in your email every Monday - I get one, too! And reads Scripture and prays for you on her daily podcast, Pray Everyday Show. Mary is giving away a copy of her book: Outrageous Grace Every Day: Daily Reflections on the Gospel's Hope You can enter to win by leaving a comment below or on instagram: @suemooredonaldson through midnight January 7. From Mary: Ever have days where you try to pray, but the words get tangled in your throat? Me too. So I came up with an idea a few years ago that might help. An idea that’s already helped thousands and thousands of people around the world just like you. Just like me. It’s called, Pray Every Day. With Pray Every Day, I give you the words and scriptures to pray based on my studies from Genesis to Revelation, as well as my personal joys and sorrows.  It’s easy to get started. Go here to subscribe in itunes or here forSpotify. Every day you’ll get a short audio prayer from me that you can pray along with, or simply listen to.   Mary DeMuth is an international speaker, literary agent, podcaster, and she’s the novelist and nonfiction author of over forty books, including Pray Every Day (Harvest House Publishers 2020). She loves to help people re-story their lives. She lives in Texas with her husband of 31 years and is the mom to three adult children. Find out more at marydemuth.com. Be prayed for on her daily prayer podcast with 2 million downloads: prayeveryday.show. For sexual abuse resources, visit wetoo.org.  For cards, prints, and artsy fun go to marydemuth.com/art. Find out what she’s looking for as a literary agent at https://www.booksandsuch.com/our-agents/meet-mary-demuth/ Mary loves to cook and shared this hearty casserole recipe with us. It's delicious, I tried it out! Chicken Artichoke Heart Casserole 4 whole chicken breasts 1 ten-ounce frozen package of artichoke hearts 1/3 cup butter (I will use less) 1/3 cup flour (I will use less, more like 1/4 cup) 2 1/2 cups chicken broth 1/4 cup white wine 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese 2 Tbs green onions 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese 1 cup bread crumbs Saute chicken breasts in a little olive oil until done. Cut into large chunks. Cook artichoke hearts according to package directions then drain and pat dry. Layer chicken and artichoke in a 9×13 pan. Melt butter in medium sauce pan, add flour to create a roux. Add chicken broth and stir until thickened and combined. Add wine and cheddar and onions over low heat. Stir until melted. Pour sauce over casserole. Combine breadcrumbs and Parmesan and sprinkle over casserole. Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 25 minutes. Serve with rice or pasta.   _________________   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 about Megan Fate Marshman when our girls came home from Hume Lake Christian Camp and said, "We loved Spirit Girl!" (And Bethany wanted to BE the Spirit Girl--the one who led all the games and was so funny and fun!) Megan still works for Hume Lake as Director of Women's Ministries and is still funny and so fun, but also a great speaker and author. She pastors at Willow Creek Church and ministers at her home church, Arbor Road in S. California. At the time of this recording, Megan had been married 10 years but her dear husband passed away suddenly a few mid 2021 and we pray for her heart to heal and her life to continue to bless hundreds and thousands of her listeners.Please join me in praying for Meg as she mothers her two darling boys. Today's episode is about her latest book, Meant For Good—The Adventure of Trusting God and His Plans for You. A must-read. Put it in your own stocking! Some of the many great quotes from Meant for Good:  We want answers, God wants trust. God knows His plans for our lives; it doesn't say He will tell us those plans. We must prioritize time for intimacy with God; no one will do that for us. The purpose of prayer is not to share our agenda with God. It's to align our lives with His agenda. About Meg: As an international speaker at churches, conferences and university chapels, Megan Fate Marshman is a leading voice to this generation. She has devoted her life to loving God and overflowing His awesome love to others. Megan is currently a teaching pastor at Willow Creek Community Church and the Director of Women’s Ministries at Hume Lake Christian Camps. She also shepherds women at her home church, Arbor Road. She also enjoys adventuring all over the globe with her boys speaking and sharing the love of Jesus. She authored the books “Meant for Good” and "SelfLess," and co-wrote the book, "7 Family Ministry Essentials," with Dr. Michelle Anthony. Megan also served as the Director of Student Resources for David C Cook Publishers, where she led a team in creating TruIdentity, a spiritually forming, Christ centered, and family empowered youth ministry curriculum.     In February of 2021, Megan’s husband, Randy Marshman, went home to be with Jesus after suffering a heart attack. For Megan, “to live is Christ, to die is gain (Philippians 1:21).” She grieves with hope and lives to become more like Christ so others may know Him more through her. Megan lives in Lakewood, California with her two boys, Foster and Jedidiah.  

God is in the hospitality business. He continually invites people to His table. He knows He is the only One Who is “perfectly suited to satisfy and sustain us.” So He reaches out to us. You may have received an invitation before, but never thought it was for you, or, you were too distracted by life to think any more about it.  Listening today to this podcast is yet another invitation from the Ultimate Host. The invitation reads: Jesus said, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one can come to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6) So, come. John wrote in John 1:4:”In Him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.” If you want life, come. I’m only half-alive if I haven’t entered into life with God. How do I do that? Admit that I need God. God already knows we need Him, but there’s a big problem. He’s holy; I’m not. Due to our sin, we are on a fast track to permanent separation from God, hell for all eternity. Jesus talked a lot about hell. If you believe Jesus on one thing, you have to believe Him on everything. The honest person admits he’s not perfect enough for God; God’s invitation--followed by our RSVP--rescues us from that death and separation. That’s why it’s called: Good News!   To receive a Pdf of this podcast, click here - my gift for you! Do you know someone who needs to hear that they are invited to God's table? Forward this podcast and this Pdf. Blessings from Welcome Heart!   __________   Perhaps you have already RSVP'd to God's invitation to know Him. It's time now to invite someone to your table, and perhaps that will be the first step in their knowing God loves them so much that He sent His Son.   But. Hospitality seems daunting!   That's why I made this for you: What to do today to host guests in a month! Join today! Here's the plan: I will send you a small task to complete starting on a Monday. There will be one email sent each day of the week except for Sundays (day of rest!) By the end of four weeks you will have hosted company. For some of you, this is no big deal; for others of you, it's no small thing. Rome wasn't built in a day, and inviting people over with ease and confidence takes small steps that lead to good practice.   Here's the deal: when we feel at ease with ourselves, we can focus more on the guest. And that's the main difference between hospitality and entertaining. We want to focus on our guests to help them feel loved, noticed and welcomed just like God loved, noticed and welcomed us to His table.  Sign up today.   Hospitality Tea Towels, all for Heaven's sake! See Shop.     

Billie Jauss can't remember how many places she's lived or how many times her family has moved—she's married to pro baseball coach, Dave Jauss, and that's how that profession rolls. Billie's learned through 30 years of marriage that she can serve God wherever she lands, and she and her husband have made an effort to do just that. Billie has had great opportunities to teach her three sons that loving everyone equally is the way that God loves, no matter if they are a famous pitcher or the one who sweeps up after the game is over.  Join me today to hear author, speaker, podcaster, Billie Jauss.  Follow Billie at Start Small Believe Big, billiejauss.com We will be giving away Making Room: Doing Less So God Can Do More. Leave a comment to be entered! She wrote this book for you if you feel like you’re spiritually crashing. God hasn’t given up on working in and through you. Every believer experiences dry seasons—times when you’re doing all the right things but feel painfully disconnected from God. Bible study? Check. Volunteer in ministry? Check. Daily quiet time? Check. But nothing seems to be working. Discouragement overwhelms you, and complacency sets in. I hope you win!! :::::::::: Read about Sue’s topics and testimonials at womenspeakers.com   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! :::::::::    

"No room in the inn!" Sounds like Christmas is around the corner and it is! Do I have room to celebrate the Christ Child or is my planner too full? My life can get cluttered—not just with ordinary stuff—but with good, valuable, worthwhile stuff. And, worship, adoration, joy and peace get thrown out the window in the interest of "getting all the things done." My mind can get like my pantry. Last year my daughter blessed me with a gift I requested: an organized pantry. This year I'll let her attack my closet, bless her. God will guide us through the holidays and any season of the year when we take time to make room for Him in our lives. The amazing thing is that we don't! As Mary Grace made the point while organizing for me, "Mom, you can leave space on the shelf--it's soothing to the eye and you can find things easier." I am more at peace and can find His leading better when I make room for Him. Listen today and see how God may be leading you to change how you organize your life, all for heaven's sake and yours.   _________ Welcome Heart Presents Hospitality Tea Towels! See Shop for details (and more on the way) Make your favorite pumpkin bread or fruit cake, add one of these pretty towels and you are DONE! ___________   Here are 5 ideas for inviting others into the true meaning of Christmas, but I don't suggest you do all 5!! (If I did, I definitely would not be making room for Jesus!) Click here for 5 ideas plus 2 well-loved recipes, all for heaven's sake.     

Janell Woods, mother of 4 of her own and 4 abroad, and host of "Finding Something REAL" Podcast shares today her struggle to embrace her identity in God and how that made all the difference in facing disappointment, insecurity, and loss. Because she knows firsthand how God is the only one who can meet our deepest needs, she goes after the "girl in the back pew who is unsure about her faith."  If you are wondering if you are enough, or you want to make sure that your kids grow up with confidence in how God's made them, you will love today's podcast.  Janell's daily questions to her kids when she lets them off for school are: 1. Who are you? 2. Who loves you? 3. Is anything today going to change any of that? So, go and be a light for Jesus. From Janell: What I hope you’ll find whether listening to the podcast, reading my writing, or hearing me speak, are humble stories about finding something REAL. My prayer is that everything I share is an invitation saturated with grace, sometimes, a good dose of humor and and an ever-increasing love for Jesus Christ and the REALness He alone offers this world. Crazy Love by Francis Chan Read Crazy Love if ever in doubt about what does the Bible says about who I am and who God is.     Find Janell here: www.janellwood.com Parable of the Talents found here. Link to the exchange program.Ep

Meg Glesener, a wife of 31 years, and a mother of 8, loves pouring into her family, friends, and church in a very intentional way. She began her podcast, Letters From Home--Everyday Extraordinary Faith Stories - so that we can celebrate the faithfulness of God in His followers, based in the passage in II Corinthians 3:3, "You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everyone."  Hear Meg's legacy and be encouraged! To live a life that is available to others, offering a home and life that provides healing and refreshment, providing a "visual" of God's ongoing work in our lives.   FREE APP* Letters From Home Podcast has its own downloadable app., with all of our episodes in one easy place. Search our podcast name in the Apple APP store, and in the Google Play store. All free! Email: [email protected] Website: https://lettersfromhomepodcast.com/ Facebook: facebook.com/letters from home podcast/ Instagram: instagram.com/letters from home podcast Letters From Home Monthly Newsletter https://lettersfromhomepodcast.com/ We are on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, IHeartRadio, Amazon and all of the places podcasts live. :)

You may know Holley Gerth as the author of inspiring devotional books and co-host of the popular podcast, Not Just Small Talk, but today we are talking about a book I'm very excited about because I love some wonderful introverts! Holley's book, The Powerful Purpose of Introverts-Why the World Needs You to be You can change your life, introvert or not. I told her I was a raging Extrovert and she smiled benignly and continued to encourged me to be exactly who God made me to be. So refreshing! Trying to be someone you're not can be so lonely and exhausting. Six years ago, Holley faced burnout and began researching what it meant to be an introvert and how God made us a certain way for His pleasure and purpose. She writes this as a gift to help introverts thrive in a culture that celebrates the extrovert until they take the time to appreciate all that an introvert brings to the table. You will love this interview. Thanks, Holley! Leave a message in comments to be entered to win your own copy. Since the time of this recording, Holley's latest devotional is out. You can also win a free copy by commenting here or on instagram About Holley: The Short Version: I like humans, words, and good coffee. The Longer Version: My grandparents owned a little Christian bookstore in Texas. I had a good childhood, bad bangs, and spent a lot of time reading in trees. I grew up to be a Wall Street Journal bestselling author, life coach, and podcaster with a Masters of Science Degree in counseling. I’ve spent the last decade empowering about half a million people to realize more of their God-given potential through books like You’re Already Amazing, Fiercehearted, and The Powerful Purpose of Introverts. I know what it’s like to fight anxiety and depression, perfectionism and insecurity, doubt and burnout. I also know what it’s like to become a kick-butt overcomer who refuses to let any of those things win, who finally discovered how to be comfortable and free in her own imperfect introvert skin.   __________ Introverts can be best at hospitality. They know how to notice others and they listen with their hearts. Now is the time to begin opening your doors. This will help:  HOSPITALITY BY THE DAY WHAT TO DO TODAY TO HOST GUESTS IN A MONTH--A 4-Week Plan   JOIN HERE   Join today and the first simple task begins on the following Monday. Let me know how it goes. Email me at [email protected]  

I like it that we talk about hospitality in terms of practice. It means we get better with practice—but of course, getting better or becoming a great hostess is not the goal. Feeling secure and confident and at-east is so that we can better focus on the guest. That's what it's all about We've been fooled into thinking that hospitality has to do with us, the host, rather than the one who needs a place at our table. We may think we are in charge, but God will give us all we need when the time comes to answer the doorbell.   As CS Lewis wrote: “At this feast it is he Who has spread the board and it is He Who has chosen the guests. It is He, we may dare to hope, who sometimes does, and always should, preside. Let us not reckon without our Host.”   Recognizing that I’m not in control of most things reminds me to depend on God for my strength. As my friend, Bonnie told me, “It’s God Who does the real work, anyway – the work that lasts for eternity.” Recently, I got to practice hospitality while allowing God to lead the way. I prepped and planned and then watched Him choose the guests in spite of my prepping and planning.   Recipe for Jamie's Chicken Corn Chowder, as promised: 4 strips of bacon 2 cups cubed potatoes   1 small diced onion 2 cups chicken broth 2 cups diced cooked chicken   1 - 8 oz can corn 1 8 - oz can cream corn 1 cup light cream  ½ t. pepper Chopped parsley for a tasty garnish Fry bacon until crisp.  Drain, cool and crumble.  Sauté onions in bacon drippings until tender (8-10 minutes).  In Dutch oven, combine onions, potatoes, chicken broth, and bring to a boil.  Reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender, 15 minutes or so. Add chicken, whole corn, cream corn, light cream and pepper.  Heat thoroughly.  Garnish with parsley and crumbled bacon.   Join The Beauty of Autumn today for more recipes and inspiration Please, you're all invited, to my FREE Facebook group: Welcome Heart, Welcome Home!   And if you're ready to do one thing every day for 24 days to be ready for company on that last day, sign up here. Stay tuned for a new recipe, "Italian Stuffing" by Diana Claire. On the blog in November!    ___________ Read about Sue’s topics and testimonials at womenspeakers.com   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!        

I asked author, speaker, photojournalist, Dorothy Littell Greco, why she began writing and speaking about marriage and I got the right answer: her own marriage had been challenging and hard! Dorothy was quick to say that she and her husband of 30 years, Christopher, recognized they were seriously stuck and if their marriage was going to succeed, they needed to step back, examine what was really going on, and get some help. As a result, they learned how to pour into their own marriage to make it flourish after struggling for their first 10 years. Most people don't wait 10 years, they just jump ship and look for the next cruise to pick them up and meet all their expectations.  Listen today and be encouraged to not give up on your marriage, as well as live a life paying attention to and serving the world around you.  You may not need this message but you know someone who does. Sharing it with them could help them begin to "get un-stuck"—Dorothy says it's possible and that may be all the encouragement they need. Leave a comment to be entered into a giveaway to receive Dorothy's first book, Making Marriage Beautiful. Extra entries for leaving a review on this podcast! About Dorothy: Since graduating from Boston University in 1983, I have been working as a photographer, author, writer, and speaker. I feel equally at home speaking in front of hundreds or standing behind my camera without saying a word. My words and images offer hope and encouragement to those longing for healing, reconciliation, and joy. My writing has been featured in Christianity Today, Missio Alliance, MOPs, Relevant Magazine, Christians for Biblical Equality, The Mudroom, Sojourners, Biola Center for Marriage and Family, Christine Cain’s Propel for Women, Perennial Generation, Patheos, and The Englewood Review of Books. Making Marriage Beautiful, my first book, was published by David C Cook in January of 2017. My second book, Marriage in the Middle, was published by InterVarsity Press in September of 2020.    You can find and follow Dorothy here: www.dorothygreco.com Twitter: @dorothygreco FB: Words&Images by DorothyGrecoPhotography   Dorothy loves to cook and you can find several recipes on her website. Here's a muffin favorite, Gluten Free Blueberry Muffins.       ____________ Read about Sue’s topics and testimonials at womenspeakers.com   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!      

You will love this conversation with Jordan Raynor about how to be the boss of your time, living out God's agenda, and being wildly productive without feeling frantic or stressed—instead, just the opposite. I don't like time management books—they make me feel guilty (or frantic or stressed) but Jordan's latest book, Redeeming Your Time: 7 Biblical Principles for Being Purposeful, Present, and Wildly Productive will inspire you to live how God intended. It releases this Tuesday, October 19 and if you pre-order before, you will be entered to win a free trip to the Holy Land. Buy this book--for yourself and for a friend and maybe your son-in-law and pastor.  Jordan is giving a copy away this week - so leave a comment here or on instagram to be entered. So many great gems in today's podcast:  "To do our most exceptional work we need to learn to be fully present with one person and one task at a time." "God gets to define our mission in life becuase He created us, and that mission is to glorify Him." "To be wildly productive, we need to make hard choices between equally good things." "To be like Jesus is to be wildly productive." Jordan Raynor is the national best-selling author of Called to Create, Master of One, and his most recent book, Redeeming Your Time: 7 Biblical Principles for Being Purposeful, Present, and Wildly Productive. Through his work as an author and serial entrepreneur, he has helped millions of Christians around the world connect the gospel to their work through his “Call to Mastery” podcast and weekly devotionals, The Word Before Work.  He also serves as the executive chairman of Threshold 360, a venture-backed tech start-up that has built the world’s largest library of 360-degree virtual experiences of hotels, restaurants, and attractions. A highly sought-after speaker on the topic of faith and work, Raynor has spoken at many events around the world including Harvard University, SXSW, and has been selected as a Google fellow twice. He has been interviewed by many media outlets including CNBC, Fast Company, WIRED Magazine, “In the Market with Janet Parshall,” and the Carey Nieuwhof Leadership Podcast.  Jordan lives in Tampa with his wife and their three daughters. For more information, visit https://www.jordanraynor.com &  https://www.instagram.com/jordanraynor     ______________   Our mission is to glorify God, as Jordan said, and we all can do that by inviting someone to our table even if we weren't raised in a hospitable home or we just don't know how to go about it.    I've broken down the challenge of "having company" into 4 weeks of tiny, daily tasks to make it simple—and simply wonderful—to obey God's commandment,  "Show hospitality to one another without grumbling." I Peter 4:9  Click here  and you will begin on a Monday to prepare to host guests in a month.     _____________ Read about Sue’s topics and testimonials at womenspeakers.com   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!      

Today's conversation is with Courtney Lowman from the Journey of Ruth Podcast. I ask Courtney how she came up with that title, what her main legacy is, and how she fought to keep that legacy in focus. Just because we may hear from God and know that He's telling us some robust instruction, it doesn't mean it's always easy to change direction and follow His voice.  To give you a hint. She heard Him ask: "Whose kingdom are you going to build—yours or Mine?" Listen to hear how she answered and how we, too, can make a choice that builds into eternity. She shares a printable that has helped her and many others. A word from Courtney: The Journey of Ruth Podcast has a goal of encouraging women in faith and discipleship. I believe all women need to be inspired in their walk with God and have the ability to encourage others around them. Each week I get to have a fun conversation with a wise woman of the faith about their challenges and victories in life.   If you need guidance in how to find a Mentor, check out Courtney's resource here.     _______________   Have you joined my 24-Days to Hospitality Challenge yet? One simple daily task, 4 weeks, company at your table - all for heaven's sake! Sign up here and the very next Monday you can begin. I can't wait to hear how you do!   ______________ Read about Sue’s topics and testimonials at womenspeakers.com   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!          

Author, speaker, soul-care coach, Bonnie Gray shares  her legacy of being honest enough to tell your story, no matter the pain and hardship in that story. When she started experiencing panic attacks as an adult she didn't know what was going on. Life was good. Life was moving forward. But her body was telling her something different.  She discovered she needed to return to her past, write her story, and learn that God was with her all along the way.  Bonnie is offering a free audiobook of her latest book, Sweet Like Jasmine if you pre-order by Tuesday, October 5, as well as a journal that you can go through to help you write your own story  or share with a group of friends.  Check it out here.  Bonnie Gray was raised in Chinatown in San Francisco. Her mom was a mail-order bride, and her dad ran a noodle house. He left the family when she turned 7. This is the story of Bonnie's search for her day, and finding that God was with her all the time. Telling our stories helps heal our souls, all for the good of God's children.        ________   Have you joined my 24-Days to Hospitality Challenge yet? One simple daily task, 4 weeks, company at your table - all for heaven's sake! Sign up here and the very next Monday you can begin, and I can't wait to hear how you do!      

Amber Cullum learned from her husband's family what she didn't learn in her own that to say, "I'm sorry" makes all the difference in building strong, healthy and loving relationships. Host and creator of the podcast, Grace Enough, Amber's desire is to share stories of faith and resilience that glorify God and encourage His followers that no matter what's happened in our lives, His grace covers it all. Today she talks about her struggles with postpopartum depression, as well as the legacy she's teaching her children about the value of asking forgiveness, and the practical application of God's Word. Amber Cullum is the podcast host behind Grace Enough—a podcast designed to encourage believers that God can use you to impact His kingdom no matter your story.  He does the changing, the transforming, the redeeming—not us.  It does require daily surrender, faith, and trust, but we must remember His grace is enough. Amber is saved by His grace alone, but doesn't always act like it. She is wife to Sam, mom of 3, and Physical Therapist turned stay-at-home mom. She loves authentic and raw conversations with women about their walks with God and one another.  She loves connecting women with God, people, and resources to spur them on in their walks with Jesus and remind them that God's grace is enough.  

With only $500 in the bank and a family of 6, Kevin was calling out to God for some help, some very practical help: they needed food on the table. While praying, he found himself praying these words: "Lord, give us food so others may eat!" Hear Kevin's incredible story of how God answered that prayer and led him to build non-profits, feed the hungry around the world--physically and spiritually, and most importantly know and show the generous heart of God. Listen and be blessed and buy his book!  Audacious Generosity by Kevin White. Also available on Audible and Kindle   As an author, speaker, and leader, Kevin White, is convinced that audacious generosity transforms the world. Kevin’s on a mission to empower a culture of generosity throughout the world with his book, Audacious Generosity, and his annual campaign, Generosity Award.  A seasoned pastor and entrepreneur, Kevin founded With Love From Jesus Ministries in 1999 to distribute essential resources to high-need populations. The organization continues to carry out its original mission by distributing millions of dollars in resources each year to those who need it most. In 2003, Kevin founded Global Hope India, and he continues to lead the mission-minded organization focused on Indian Nationals as its executive director. Kevin has traveled to India over 50 times taking one thousand people on short-term mission trips to India. Kevin's new book, Get to The Point, releases worldwide in November 2021. God is using it to remind us that every guidance and provision we will ever need can be found today in his presence. Preorders will soon show at kevinwhite.us.  Outside of building successful nonprofits with world-changing impact, Kevin has started churches and businesses. He speaks internationally and hosts three podcast shows in the USA. An ordained minister, Kevin received his undergraduate degree in 1989 from Southern Wesleyan University. Kevin and his wife, Shelly, have been married 33 years. They have three adult children and one grandchild. Kevin and Shelly live in Cary, North Carolina. Find Kevin here: Website: https://kevinwhite.us   Email: [email protected]   Instagram: @kevinwhiteus Facebook: @kevinwhite.usa Twitter: @kevinwhiteus LinkedIn: @kevinwhiteus    _______________   Did you know I published 100 Podcasts? To celebrate I made a list of gems from each one. You can have your copy HERE.    

Celebrate the 100th episode of Make it Count: Living a Legacy Life with me today as we hear the story of Joni, a woman who didn't waste her suffering. All for God's glory. Joni Earackson Tada dove into the Chesapeake Bay in 1969 and broke her neck. For the last 55 years she's lived in a wheelchair, sharing her story of how God met her there and continues to draw her closer to Himself.  "My response to my suffering was not resigning myself to it, woefully yielding to submerged rebellion. Instead, I want to embrace God in this no good, very bad trial and I'm going to find You in it."--Joni A bestselling author, accomplished artist (with a brush in her mouth), and CEO of her worldwide ministry, Joni and Friends, which advocates and aids those with disabilities and their families.  If you've never read her first book, JONI, I encourage you to begin there. I asked Joni what her favorite book was that she wrote and she replied, "The God I Love"  - a book for families. We will be giving away a copy. Comment below or on instagram or FB to be entered in the drawing. But while waiting, look over her website, Joniandfriends.org and see where God may want you to get involved.   I reached out to Joni on her website to see if I could interview her with the preamble: "My claim to fame is that I'm Hyatt Moore's sister." That seemed to work as they wrote me back the next day. They love Hyatt over at Joni and Friends because he's painted for them. One, a book jacket for a course for understanding and ministering to those with disabilities. And, another that depicts the international reach of their organization and commonality of folks with disabilities. "Wheel Chair Praising"   "Luke 14 Banquet" 78" x 204" Both available in prints at hyattmoore.com   Joni is giving away 3 copies of her favorite book, THE GOD I LOVE.  Leave a comment to be entered and I will be happy to send 3 lucky winners their own copy!    

Today I am celebrating God's faithfulness, sense of humor, creativity, leading, and glory! I didn't actually understand what a podcast was when I started my podcast almost two years ago, and now I'm at the cusp of Ep. 100 next week with my wonderful guest, Joni Eareckson Tada. Today I share 9 or 10 things from my list of "100 things I learned from 100 podcasts" - I got mixed up. I don't know if it's 9 or 10—can you see how it's a miracle that I've come this far? Amazing. I'll share a little how I came upon the theme and title for my podcast, and then some great gems from some great guests. Be sure to download the entire list for your inspiration and spiritual growth. Remember. We all have the same amount of time. It's how we use it is what counts. Living for something beyond ourselves, for God's glory and eternity. For your complete list of "100 Things I Learned From 100 Podcasts", go here.      _____________   BECOME by The Joyful Life is here now.  Perfect for your Fall reading and contemplation. And for a gift for a friend. Order here. Just got my copy—it's so beautiful! I'm an affiliate so love that if you order, you use the button above. Thanks in advance!

With my love of questions, I was attracted immediately to lovely Lain Ehman of the A More Beautiful Question Podcast and Radio Show. Her legacy has to do with changing a problem into a solution by asking the better question. Instead of: "Why is life so hard?" ask, "What am I learning right now?"  Lain's desire is to bring people to ask questions about life and God for the express intention to help them live their best life and know the true God of the Bible. Only in knowing and relying on God do we live our whole story with joy and purpose. Walking out our faith can get tricky. On her show, Lain discusses how we can be the light of the world in all areas of our lives: Home, church, community, work, and beyond — even when things get messy! Using humor, insightful questions, and biblical principles, Lain's mission is as a truth teller and encourage, exhorting women to live courageously for God. Lain and her husband of 25 years are raising 3 young people in the sunshine state of Arizona.   You can listen to her here: A More Beautiful Question You can read more about her books and speaking here: A More Beautiful Question with Lain Ehman Lain's favorite recipe is Stuffed Shells (Isn't that everyone's? YUM!) She adds meat to this recipe on the back of the Prince Pasta box.    _________     The Fall Issue of The Joyful Life Magazine is now available. My friend, Michele Morin and I each have articles in BECOME The Lord God on High loves His children every part of the journey. Isn't that just so grand? ORDER HERE (since I'm an affiliate) and I appreciate you so very much!     Happy Fall almost!        

Eric Nevins claims we are all "halfway there" because our spiritual growth is an ongoing journey and we can never come to the end of knowing God better this side of Glory. Spiritual Formation isn't just a course of study for Eric. He brings stories of how everyday believers to light by sharing people's stories of their walk with God, whether at the very beginning, the muddled middle or those who are so close to Jesus you can feel it.   The whole story often includes the rough parts. Eric says, "I'm not afraid to walk with someone through their desert because nine times out of ten, they mostly just need us to listen and maybe ask one question: 'What is God telling you through this time?' And if they answer, "I don't know" to be okay with that as well.     A husband and father of four, Eric divides his time with his online media business, encouraging Christian podcasters through his brain child, Christian Podcasters Asssociation, and hosting his own podcast, Halfway There, a podcast devoted to honest conversations with ordinary Christians about today's Christian experience. Listen now at ericnevins.com!   A few more details from Eric: I grew up in an Evangelical family in Iowa and always knew the Lord. Married my high school sweetheart and moved to Chicago to earn my degree in Biblical Studies. Started seminary at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and entered a dark night of the soul while marriage struggled, had our first baby, and parents got divorced. That took three years and two kids. But I couldn’t shake a sense of calling.   We discovered spiritual formation as a topic and I finally finished my M.Div at Denver Seminary in 2009 with an emphasis in Spiritual Formation. Never found a church job but got interested in online media. Eventually, this led me to podcasting. In 2016, I started Halfway There, a show dedicated to sharing the entire spiritual journey. Today, I produce my show, market missions books, and run Christian Podcasters Association, a Facebook group for Christian podcasters that I wish I had at the beginning.   His favorite recipe is Ribs! I don't blame him.   _______   The brand new BECOME issue of The Joyful Life Magazine is now available! I write about that great topic, Growing Up Spiritually —an ongoing endeavor.   ORDER HERE  

Kristi Woods didn't meet God until her mid-20's, and from the very beginning she knew that going deeper in His Word was not only key to eternal peace, but also a daily passion—a dance, if you will, of seeing Him work in and around her days and moments. From her own experience of knowing God, Kristi longs to encourage others to grow deeper in their spiritual walk. Her prayer on a regular basis keeps her close to her Savior: "Lord, show me what's in my heart that doesn't belong there. Amen." And He does! May we dare to pray this prayer with Kristi. Kristi Woods is a writer and speaker—but mostly a Jesus girl. She encourages readers to grow in faith with downloadable Bible studies such as Fear What? Debunking the Power of Fear and free, faith-building printables like 30 Days in Psalms: A Bible Reading Plan, available at www.KristiWoods.net. You'll find her work published with BibleStudyTools.com, Crosswalk.com, Focus on the Family, Life Audio, and many others. Kristi, her handsome, retired-from-the-Navy husband, and their three children survived a nomadic, military lifestyle and have set roots in Oklahoma—where she keeps a close watch for tornadoes and good chocolate. Find all Kristi's Bible Studies here—https://kristiwoods.net/bible-studies/ Kristi is giving away a copy of her printable Bible Study on being not afraid: Fear What?   Leave a comment to be entered in the drawing! Thank you, Kristi! Fear’s on a mission. Maybe you or the people surrounding you are living afraid due to health conditions or disease. Perhaps the social climate brings rise to fear. Or, how about everyday situations like rejection, failure, not being enough, etc.? Most, if not all, of us feel fear’s impact. Sadly, it can stop us in our spiritual tracks. Let’s declare, “No more.” Truth debunks fear’s power. It really does. Here’s a Bible study to help you in the journey.   A favorite recipe of Kristi's which looks amazing and simple is: Shoyu Chicken  We gathered this recipe when we lived in Hawaii. It's not precise, but close enough. :-)  8-12 boneless, skinless chicken thighs 1 cup soy sauce or Bragg's Liquid Aminos 3 cloves garlic, minced 1/2" minced, fresh ginger Opt: Add 1 c. sugar to soy sauce/Bragg's Liquid Aminos if sweetness is preferred. Add thighs to a slow cooker. Top with other ingredients and cover. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the chicken temperature reaches 165 degrees.  Sides: Cooked short-grain or Jasmine rice make a nice side dish. Add a simple lettuce salad. This is a typical Hawaiian meal.    ——————————— Maybe your biggest fear is inviting someone into your home. During Covid, I can see why! But how about your backyard? Here's a free printable for you to get it on the calendar: Print here. To get four more printables to help you serve up what's simple and great from a heart-full of love, subscribe here (and unsubscribe anytime). Kristi Woods is a writer and speaker—but mostly a Jesus girl. She encourages readers to grow in faith with downloadable Bible studies such as Fear What? Debunking the Power of Fear and free, faith-building printables like 30 Days in Psalms: A Bible Reading Plan, available at www.KristiWoods.net. You'll find her work published with BibleStudyTools.com, Crosswalk.com, Focus on the Family, Life Audio, and many others. Kristi, her handsome, retired-from-the-Navy husband, and their three children survived a nomadic, military lifestyle and have set roots in Oklahoma—where she keeps a close watch for tornadoes and good chocolate.  A favorite recipe of Kristi's which looks amazing and simple is: Shoyu Chicken  We gathered this recipe when we lived in Hawaii. It's not precise, but close enough. :-)  8-12 boneless, skinless chicken thighs 1 cup soy sauce or Bragg's Liquid Aminos 3 cloves garlic, minced 1/2" minced, fresh ginger Opt: Add 1 c. sugar to soy sauce/Bragg's Liquid Aminos if sweetness is preferred. Add thighs to a slow cooker. Top with other ingredients and cover. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the chicken temperature reaches 165 degrees.  Sides: Cooked short-grain or Jasmine rice make a nice side dish. Add a simple lettuce salad. This is a typical Hawaiian meal.   

A contented woman expects great things from God – because He loves her and because He is a great God. And a contented woman is a surrendered woman. She places all her heart’s desires and needs into the hands of her Savior, and keeps them there. That’s always the key, isn’t it? A contented woman surrenders her time schedule to the one who holds her hand in the dark. She chooses the best camping spot—one in which she is not alone and not dependent upon herself. None of us can see the future, so in a way, we're in the dark. Yet, we can still live with contentment because we know Who does. “Let him who walks in the dark, who has no light, trust in the name of the Lord, and rely on his God.” Isaiah 50:10 Cyndie Hamley came up with a simple way to recall who God is: God knows - Jeremiah 29:11 God cares - 1 Peter 5:7 God can - Ephesians 3:20 God is - Romans 8:28,29 God knows you and your needs. God cares for you and loves you with an everlasting love. God can do anything. God is continually working to do all for our good, period. Share with a friend sometime this week and discuss these questions:  Do you believe all these things about God?   Do you live like you believe all these things about God?  Which of the four do you need to grow in the most?   ___________ Pre-Orders Now for BECOME Issue of The Joyful Life Magazine I write about that ongoing endeavor, Growing Up Spiritually   ORDER HERE

Patsy had an idea. She knew a little bit about tech and she knew a lot about her God and the great comfort and truths found in His Word. She said: "I needed a place to share what God was giving me." Patsy made a committment to share whatever He would teach her that day on a social media platform every day—that's a big commitment. From that decision was born her ministry: InstaEncouragements.  Patsy Burnette knows why she was born: to encourage others, especially the next generation. Listen to the founder of Instaencouragements.com today and find out how she does just that. Being raised under the banner of: "To Know God and to Make Him Known" inspired who Patsy is today—an empty nester yet poised for her next role of caregiving for her elderly parents. She's making her days count, and that's what legacy is all about. Her goal? To build a worldwide community of online encouragers, encouraging others to faith in Jesus Christ. She invites us to grab a cup of coffee and join the movement. Are you in? Follow Patsy on instagram for daily encouragement: @instaencouragements www.InstaEncouragments.com She's put her encouragement into a new devotional, Sweeter Than Honey which launches October 1 - just in time for Christmas gift-giving (and all around self-care.) It's a 365-day devotional journey that leads the reader through the Bible in chronological order of book authorship.  Read more about it HERE. Patsy is a wife, mother of four, and grandmother. She is a Christian lifestyle blogger and content manager at InstaEncouragements.com and has a heart for encouraging women to grow in their knowledge and love of Jesus Christ and then to share that with others. Patsy drinks more coffee and eats more dark chocolate than the average person. She lives in Atlanta, Georgia with her husband and Ellie the cat. Follow and view her books and resources here: The Heart That Heals: Healing Our Brokenness Through the Promises of God https://amzn.to/2zkzutm InstaEncouragements blog www.InstaEncouragements.com INSTAGRAM www.instagram.com/instaencouragements FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/InstaEncouragements TWITTER https://twitter.com/InstaEncourage PINTEREST www.pinterest.com/instaencourage ETSY https://www.etsy.com/shop/InstaEncouragements   Patsy doesn't view herself as a cook or baker ("skipped a generation"!) I get that. Art skipped me, as well as exercising on a regular basis. BUT she does share her husband's favorite breakfast recipe she makes for him—even bakes a loaf to take on vacations. Now, that's commitment! Thanks, Patsy. I've never baked a banana, but will try now.     ___________   Summer can be the perfect time to welcome people in because they don't actually have to come in the house. Send them around the back and forget the vacuuming.  See my FREE Summer BBQ Check-list below. In addition are 4 more printables to help make your neighbors (and relatives!) into friends, all for heaven's sake: 6 Conversation Starters for Family Reunions, Fresh Tomato Salad, Chicken Ceasar Wraps (My sister says, "Use restraint while slicing your chicken and don't take too many bites or you won't have enough for your company." She's right. I've made these many times.) And, my favorite Scripture verse regarding opening our homes. Subscribe Here to receive my four printables besides your ultimate BBQ Checklist. In the meantime, this is for you:   SUMMER BBQ CHECKLIST Click here      

I Timothy 6:9 says this: “People who want to get rich, fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction…some people eager for money, have plunged themselves with many griefs.” And Jeremiah 2:13 adds this practical warning: “For my people have done two evil things: They have abandoned me— the fountain of living water. And they have dug for themselves cracked cisterns that can hold no water at all!  Not only does drinking at the wrong wells—looking for satisfaction in anything or anyone but God,  lead to wrong attitudes but it can lead to actions that ruin lives—yours and your family’s I usually think of coveting as having to do with things. But, a more serious sort of coveting is coveting a neighbor—not just their house or their car. It leads to adultery and ripping up of families. If struggling with living contentedly, we can pray and tell God all about it. Our loving God tells us we can "pray big." If you have trouble living expectantly, anticipating a great answer from a great God, choose this verse as your verse for the year and it will help you put your eyes where they need to be. Ephesians 3:20 – this was my theme verse all through college: “Now unto Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work in us…” I learned it as “abundantly above all that we can ask or think…” What will you pray for today with an expectant heart? God loves you, you know.   Jenny Nanniga wrote a great piece on embracing Contentment for The Joyful Life Blog. Here's a peek: Our difficult circumstances may not be going away anytime soon. Do we fight against it? Do we rail, wail, curse, and complain? Or, do we let go, reach into the difficulty, and take hold? Maybe we need to become familiar with our circumstances, get to know them so intimately that they no longer frighten us. Maybe we will even discover new sides to them.—Jenny Nanniga      

Elizabeth Oschwald, entreprenuer and mother of 7 in her new blended family, shares how she now lives in the freedom Christ offers after enduring an abusive marriage. She found herself facing the question: "Who am I?" followed by an even more important one: "Who are You, Jesus?" Follow her story of how God brought her to freedom and how she now lives to encourage others to receive all God has for us as His children. Part of that story includes learning from five different mentors. She would be the first to say, you can't grow and learn and heal all by yourself. You can find Elizabeth at her website: thejoyfulmama where she writes: My journey of motherhood has not been typical or average.  In fact, there have been some pretty sharp twists and turns. I have been a weak mama to 2 little girls in an unhealthy, and sometimes terrifying, marriage. I have been a brave mama starting over with those same 2 littles, but struggling with their behavior, healthy boundaries, and my own identity. I have been a hopeful mama as I gave it all to Jesus and allowed Him to hold the pen and rewrite my future. I have been a diligent mama as I put in the work to correct a lot of wrongs and bring my daughters and I into alignment with who God was calling us to be.  {And without this step…I couldn’t have received the blessings God had in store for us.} I have been grateful mama as I met the man of my dreams, David, and became Imma (that’s Hebrew for Mom…we like that better than “stepmom”) to his 4 beautiful children. In every season- of fear, of uncertainty, of humble beginnings, of rebuilding, of hard work, and of receiving God’s immeasurable favor and grace– I have learned so much.  I have failed.  I have grown. And I’m here to tell you that you don’t have to have it all together to experience joy in your journey.  You may be thriving, you may be barely surviving, or you may be somewhere in between– the key to joy, and to freedom, isn’t found in our circumstances.  It’s found in surrender.  When we give our lives away for something bigger than ourselves– that’s where we find joy.  And isn’t that exactly what being a mom is? You can find Elizabeth on FB here,  where she ministers to single moms, step-moms, and all the moms feeling along in their parenting challenges. Thanks, Elizabeth, for allowing us a peek into your life and how God redeemed you into the freedom He meant for you all along. 

Satan doesn’t come at most of us with temptations to take drugs or rob banks. His main temptation is to rob our joy and rob God of glory by keeping a bunch of unhappy, complaining, whining believers on the loose. I don't want to be one of those. I'm not an expert on being content 100% of the time. Maybe that’s why I’m a good person to talk about it. I do know it’s  all about trusting God and I always need help in learning to trust God better and deeper. So thank you for joining me on this part living a legacy life. I thought it might be fun if I could pass out $5.00 to everyone and we get on a bus and go to the outlets up the road and practice buying more for less – sometimes it’s the thrill of the deal that can keep us shopping. I’m always telling my husband how much I just saved by what I spent, but he doesn’t always appreciate my logic. Speaking of my husband—he’s part Norwegian and part German and he’s from Iowa—I tell you this because my husband is very low-maintenance. You really wouldn’t want him speaking on this topic – it would be over in about 30 seconds. “I don’t need it, so I don’t buy it or want it, or whatever.” I want to leave a legacy of being a contented woman. Hear three good reasons why it's a good idea in today's episode. Oh, and if you want to share the Contentment Quiz, or review for yourself, here you go:   ___________   We all grow older, but do we all grow up? Contentment, not complacency, is a sign of maturity. Here are "13 Characteristics of a Mature Believer." I'm a long ways away, but pressing on.   "Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me." Philippians 3:12      

David Hegg, husband of 44 years, father of three, grandfather and pastor, loves the Word of God because he's seen the power of transformed lives, starting with his own. You will hear him say more than once, "The Spirit of God uses the Word of God to do the work of God."  "I'm a better husband, a better man, when I study God's Word, so that helps me get up early in the morning to spend time reading and studying."  Listen here to find out his three-point discipleship tips from II Timothy 2:22. Grab a pen. You'll want to take notes. David has served as pastor/teacher for Grace Baptist Church, Santa Clarita, CA since March, 2009. David serves as an adjunct faculty member at The Master's University (Santa Clarita, California) in the areas of Preaching, and Theology. David also conducts the annual Speaking by Listening conference for those who teach the Bible and is committed to championing the growth of expositional preaching in our day. David speaks regularly at Men’s Conferences, Couples’ Retreats, Family Camps, and Pastors’ Conferences, in addition to leading trips to Israel and Jordan.   Check out David's books and messages at DavidWHegg.com including The Obedience Option: Because God Knows What's Good For Us