Normal Goes A Long Way: Recent Episodes
Jill Devine Media
Christianity has become known for judgey people, strange words, ancient stories, confusing rules, and a members only mindset. This is why I stayed away from the church for so long, but it’s not supposed to be that way. I’m Jill Devine, a former radio personality with three tattoos, a love for a good tequila, and who’s never read the entire Bible, yet here I am hosting a podcast about faith. The Normal Goes A Long Way podcast is your home for real conversations with real people using real language about how faith and real life intersect.
Today we will learn about Esther and the amazing story of how she became a queen and helped save God’s people. Parents, want to keep talking? Here are some ideas:
Ask: Who was Esther (Esther was a Jewish girl who was made a queen) What hard things might you have to do? Who can help you? (ages 2-5)
What do you think Esther made for the big dinner with King Xerxes and Haman? What would you have made? If you were in Esther’s place, what would you have asked the king to do? (ages 6-10)
Esther prepared for her meeting with the king by fasting and encouraging others to fast with her. What does it say about Esther that she went to God with her request first? Talk about a time when you went to God in earnest prayer before making a decision. What happened? (ages 11-12)
One last thing! This week April asked, “How can you SHOW God’s love to the people around you?”. Simply record a voice memo and send it in a text to 636-280-5433. You may even be featured in an upcoming episode. By sending in a voice memo, you’re providing consent for your minor’s voice to be on the podcast
Normal Goes A Long Way Website: https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/
Normal Goes A Long Way Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normalgoesalongway/
Normal Goes A Long Way Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/Normal-Goes-A-Long-Way-110089491250735
Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/
Normal Goes A Long Way is hosted on Zencastr. Create your podcast today! Get 20% off when you choose Zencastr for your podcasting needs: https://zencastr.com/?via=jill
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Today we learned about when God’s people got to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple. Parents, want to extend the discussion with your kids? Here are some discussion questions:
For your kiddos ages 2-4, say: What did God’s people build? Who did God’s people promise to follow? Who do you follow? (Play follow the leader!)
For your kiddos ages 5-9, say: God’s people pitched in their gold and silver to make the temple magnificent. Talk about a time you worked together with someone else to accomplish a big thing.
For your kiddos ages 10-12, say: The people got distracted building their own homes before completing the temple. Why is it important put God first in our lives?
One last thing! This week Hannah asked, “Why do you think God wants us to work together with others?”. Simply record a voice memo and send it in a text to 636-280-5433. You may even be featured in an upcoming episode. By sending in a voice memo, you’re providing consent for your minor’s voice to be on the podcast
Normal Goes A Long Way Website: https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/
Normal Goes A Long Way Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normalgoesalongway/
Normal Goes A Long Way Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/Normal-Goes-A-Long-Way-110089491250735
Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/
Normal Goes A Long Way is hosted on Zencastr. Create your podcast today! Get 20% off when you choose Zencastr for your podcasting needs: https://zencastr.com/?via=jill
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We've come to a pivotal point in "The Story." The Hebrew people have been released from the Babylonian exile and given a chance to return to their homeland and rebuild the destroyed temple in Jerusalem. Finally, the people are turning back to the God who never left them! But despite the backing of a king, the project is slow going. Both internal and external obstacles stall the rebuilding, though God's plan ultimately prevails. What parallels does this story have with Messiah's people in 2025? Listen to this week’s episode as Pastor Jim Mueller explains.
If you’d like to dig deeper, check out these discussion questions. You can complete them on your own, with your Community Group, or with family and friends.
Normal Goes A Long Way Website: https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/
Normal Goes A Long Way Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normalgoesalongway/
Normal Goes A Long Way Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/Normal-Goes-A-Long-Way-110089491250735
Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/
Normal Goes A Long Way is hosted on Zencastr. Create your podcast today! Get 20% off when you choose Zencastr for your podcasting needs: https://zencastr.com/?via=jill
madeonzencastr
Today we will hear the incredible story of Daniel and the lion's den. Life can be scary at times, but God will always take care of us. Parents, want to keep talking? Here are some ideas:
Ask: Who protected Daniel? (God sent an angel to protect Daniel). Who prayed to God? (Daniel) What can you pray about? (ages 2-4)
Daniel followed God’s rules instead of the king’s and got in trouble. Have you ever gotten in trouble for doing the right thing? If so, what happened? What are some actions you can take to show others you serve the one true God? (ages 5-9)
How was Daniel able to make the decision to always follow God? Do you think God sends his protecting angels today? (ages 10-12)
One last thing! This week April asked, “What AMAZES you about the story of Daniel in the Lion's Den?”. Simply record a voice memo and send it in a text to 636-280-5433. You may even be featured in an upcoming episode. By sending in a voice memo, you’re providing consent for your minor’s voice to be on the podcast
Normal Goes A Long Way Website: https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/
Normal Goes A Long Way Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normalgoesalongway/
Normal Goes A Long Way Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/Normal-Goes-A-Long-Way-110089491250735
Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/
Normal Goes A Long Way is hosted on Zencastr. Create your podcast today! Get 20% off when you choose Zencastr for your podcasting needs: https://zencastr.com/?via=jill
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Daniel's a guy who's got everything going for him. He's a winner in life, enjoying championship status in sports, intellectual pursuits, and the Judah Hot Dog League. All this success attracts the attention of the conquering Babylonians, and Daniel is sent into the service of their king...and gods. It's here that he really shines. With courage and an unwavering faith in the one true God, Daniel stands firm. He faces some extreme tests, but Daniel never doubts that God is with him. We can draw so much inspiration from his example. Listen to this week’s episode as Pastor Chuck Schlie dares you to be a Daniel!
If you’d like to dig deeper, check out these discussion questions. You can complete them on your own, with your Community Group, or with family and friends.
Normal Goes A Long Way Website: https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/
Normal Goes A Long Way Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normalgoesalongway/
Normal Goes A Long Way Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/Normal-Goes-A-Long-Way-110089491250735
Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/
Normal Goes A Long Way is hosted on Zencastr. Create your podcast today! Get 20% off when you choose Zencastr for your podcasting needs: https://zencastr.com/?via=jill
madeonzencastr
Today we learned about Jeremiah, a young man who was called to share God’s message with the people. Parents, want to keep discussing today’s story? Here are some ideas:
For your kiddos ages 2-4, say: God knows everything about us! He has big plans for you! What color are your eyes? God knows! He made them! How many hairs are on your head? God knows! He made you special! What job do you want to have when you grow up? God knows what it will be!
For your kiddos ages 5-9, say: When is a time you experienced a good consequence? When is a time you experienced a bad consequence? I love you even when you made bad choices. God also loves you, all the time, no matter what.
For your kiddos ages 10-12, say: What can you learn about God from the story of Jeremiah?
This week, discuss with your family: Please share your thoughts with us! Record a voice memo and send it in a text to 636-280-5433. We’d love to feature you on next week’s episode! Sending a voice memo grants permission for us to include it in a podcast.
One last thing! This week Hannah asked, “Since God still loves you even when you mess up, how should we treat others then they mess up?”. Simply record a voice memo and send it in a text to 636-280-5433. You may even be featured in an upcoming episode. By sending in a voice memo, you’re providing consent for your minor’s voice to be on the podcast
Normal Goes A Long Way Website: https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/
Normal Goes A Long Way Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normalgoesalongway/
Normal Goes A Long Way Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/Normal-Goes-A-Long-Way-110089491250735
Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/
Normal Goes A Long Way is hosted on Zencastr. Create your podcast today! Get 20% off when you choose Zencastr for your podcasting needs: https://zencastr.com/?via=jill
madeonzencastr
As we read through these stories of the Hebrew people ignoring God, turning to pagan idols, and worshiping a false god like Baal, it's easy to spot where these ancient people went astray. We would never worship a shiny baby cow. We wouldn't ignore a prophet with a good track record of rightly speaking God's Word. We will always follow great advice. I hope that last one is true. Scripture has some exceptionally wise words that are as relevant now as they were in ancient times. Psalm 119:105 tells us, "Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” Join Pastor Chuck Schlie in this week’s episode for three simple words from our God that will keep you on the right path and guide you to life in His great name!
If you’d like to dig deeper, check out these discussion questions. You can complete them on your own, with your Community Group, or with family and friends.
Normal Goes A Long Way Website: https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/
Normal Goes A Long Way Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normalgoesalongway/
Normal Goes A Long Way Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/Normal-Goes-A-Long-Way-110089491250735
Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/
Normal Goes A Long Way is hosted on Zencastr. Create your podcast today! Get 20% off when you choose Zencastr for your podcasting needs: https://zencastr.com/?via=jill
madeonzencastr
Today we will learn about the prophet Isaiah. God's people were not good at listening, but Isaiah faithfully reminded the people of God's love and forgiveness. Parents, want to keep talking? Here are some ideas:
Isaiah gave people good messages. Create some good messages to send to friends and family in the mail. (ages 2-4)
Israel and Judah followed other Gods and ignored the one true God. The sins of the people caused God to allow them to be taken away from their home. Isaiah warned them that this would happen if they did not change their ways. He told the people the truth even though the truth was difficult. Have you ever told the truth, even though it was hard? (ages 5-9)
Isaiah's name means "God to the rescue." What does your name mean? Ask your parents to share how they chose your name. Isaiah tried to rescue the people by telling them God's truth. What would you have to do to live up to your name? (ages 10-12)
One last thing! This week April asked you to “What does your name mean?”. Simply record a voice memo and send it in a text to 636-280-5433. You may even be featured in an upcoming episode. By sending in a voice memo, you’re providing consent for your minor’s voice to be on the podcast
Normal Goes A Long Way Website: https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/
Normal Goes A Long Way Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normalgoesalongway/
Normal Goes A Long Way Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/Normal-Goes-A-Long-Way-110089491250735
Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/
Normal Goes A Long Way is hosted on Zencastr. Create your podcast today! Get 20% off when you choose Zencastr for your podcasting needs: https://zencastr.com/?via=jill
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Israel is a mess. We already know that, but it's going from bad to worse. Israel is divided and the northern region (also called Israel) has fallen. Southern Judah has a faithful king who puts God first, but trouble persists, and God's chosen people are in a battle for survival. In his message, Ryan Pfendler examines three themes: Identity in God: Like Israel, we are called to find our identity in being children of the one true God, rather than seeking validation from worldly standards. Consequences of Idolatry: Israel's repeated idol worship led to their downfall. Ryan urges us to reflect on the "false gods" in our own lives, such as wealth or success, and to remember that true protection and peace come from God alone. God's Unfailing Love: Despite Israel's failures, God did not abandon them, and He will not forget us, even when we fall. God's love is steadfast, and He is always ready to welcome us back with open arms.
If you’d like to dig deeper, check out these discussion questions. You can complete them on your own, with your Community Group, or with family and friends.
Normal Goes A Long Way Website: https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/
Normal Goes A Long Way Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normalgoesalongway/
Normal Goes A Long Way Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/Normal-Goes-A-Long-Way-110089491250735
Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/
Normal Goes A Long Way is hosted on Zencastr. Create your podcast today! Get 20% off when you choose Zencastr for your podcasting needs: https://zencastr.com/?via=jill
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Today we learned about prophets. They shared God’s messages and got to show off God’s power!
Parents, keep talking about this story at home by using some of these discussion starters:
*(ages 2-4) How do we hear from God? We read the Bible, we learn from parents and teachers and pastors. God is so powerful! God can do anything!
*(ages 5-9) Have you ever prayed for God to do something amazing, like a miracle? What happened?
*(ages 10-12) God’s prophets had to share messages with people who didn’t always agree with them. Have you ever tried to share God’s message with others? How did it go?
One last thing! This week Hannah asked you to “Where have you seen God’s POWER at work?”. We would love to hear your ideas! Simply record a voice memo and send it in a text to 636-280-5433. You may even be featured in an upcoming episode. By sending in a voice memo, you’re providing consent for your minor’s voice to be on the podcast
Normal Goes A Long Way Website: https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/
Normal Goes A Long Way Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normalgoesalongway/
Normal Goes A Long Way Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/Normal-Goes-A-Long-Way-110089491250735
Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/
Normal Goes A Long Way is hosted on Zencastr. Create your podcast today! Get 20% off when you choose Zencastr for your podcasting needs: https://zencastr.com/?via=jill
madeonzencastr
"The Story" continues with the story of Elijah from 1 Kings 18. The prophet Elijah stood boldly against the prophets of Baal, demonstrating unwavering faith in God amidst overwhelming opposition.
The Dangers of Compromise: Pastor Jim reminded us of the dangers of compromising our values, drawing parallels between King Solomon's alliances and our modern-day temptations to forsake our principles for perceived gains.
The Role of Prophets: We learned about the crucial role of prophets in ancient Israel, who spoke truth to power and guided the people back to God, emphasizing that genuine faith requires courage and conviction.
Elijah's Bold Stand: The highlight was Elijah's challenge on Mount Carmel, where his faith in God was vindicated through a miraculous display, teaching us that true faith often requires us to stand firm even when the odds seem against us.
If you’d like to dig deeper, check out these discussion questions. You can complete them on your own, with your Community Group, or with family and friends.
Normal Goes A Long Way Website: https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/
Normal Goes A Long Way Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normalgoesalongway/
Normal Goes A Long Way Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/Normal-Goes-A-Long-Way-110089491250735
Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/
Normal Goes A Long Way is hosted on Zencastr. Create your podcast today! Get 20% off when you choose Zencastr for your podcasting needs: https://zencastr.com/?via=jill
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Listen in as we learn about a time when God's people got in a big fight and split in two. Parents, want to keep talking? Here are some ideas:
*This week's story was about good kings and bad kings. What did the bad kings do? (They didn't follow God and they didn't learn from their mistakes). What did the good kings do? (They learned from their mistakes and followed God). What mistakes have you made? What can you learn from them? (ages 2-4)
*The people of Judah started fighting against Israel and decided to start their own country. Have you ever had two of your friends fight and decide not to be friends anymore? What happened because of this fight? Was there a way your friends could have settled their differences better? (ages 5-9)
*Proverbs 13:20 says, "Anyone who walks with wise people grows wise. But a companion of foolish people suffers harm." Solomon wrote these words. Do you think Solomon's advice is true? In what way? (ages 10-12)
One last thing! This week April asked you to “How do you feel when you are FORGIVEN for a mistake?”. We would love to hear your ideas! Simply record a voice memo and send it in a text to 636-280-5433. You may even be featured in an upcoming episode. By sending in a voice memo, you’re providing consent for your minor’s voice to be on the podcast
Normal Goes A Long Way Website: https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/
Normal Goes A Long Way Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normalgoesalongway/
Normal Goes A Long Way Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/Normal-Goes-A-Long-Way-110089491250735
Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/
Normal Goes A Long Way is hosted on Zencastr. Create your podcast today! Get 20% off when you choose Zencastr for your podcasting needs: https://zencastr.com/?via=jill
madeonzencastr
Wow, those Israelites sure know how to ruin a good thing! Their 100+ year streak of relative stability under the kings they asked for ends in (spoiler alert) a kingdom torn in two. How did things get so bad? Well, we learned last week about Solomon's gradual slide into idol worship. His reign as king that started out with so much promise ended in catastrophe for Israel when he turned on the one true God. It's the same trap we fall into today. No, we don't build literal temples to false gods, but we certainly prioritize our idols above our God and separate ourselves from Him. Pastor Chuck Schlie takes a look at the big mess Israel has made but also takes a look at the seeds of redemption among the destruction in this week’s episode.
If you’d like to dig deeper, check out these discussion questions. You can complete them on your own, with your Community Group, or with family and friends.
Normal Goes A Long Way Website: https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/
Normal Goes A Long Way Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normalgoesalongway/
Normal Goes A Long Way Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/Normal-Goes-A-Long-Way-110089491250735
Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/
Normal Goes A Long Way is hosted on Zencastr. Create your podcast today! Get 20% off when you choose Zencastr for your podcasting needs: https://zencastr.com/?via=jill
madeonzencastr
Today we heard about King Solomon. He became the wisest king in history, because He asked God to bless him with wisdom! Keep talking about this story at home by using some of these discussion starters:
*(ages 2-4) What is a good choice? What is a poor choice? Who can help you make good choices? Pray: Dear God, please help me make good choices!
*(ages 5-9) Being wise means being able to tell right from wrong. Why is it a good thing to be wise? Read a proverb that corresponds to today’s date. (If it’s the 30th, read Proverbs 30) Try to memorize it together!
*(ages 10-12) What is an example of a situation where you could ask God to give you wisdom? One of the Proverbs says, “The fear (respect) of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” Would you agree with that? Would your friends and teachers agree with that?
One last thing! This week Hannah asked you to “If God offered to give you anything you wanted, what would you ASK Him for?”. We would love to hear your ideas! Simply record a voice memo and send it in a text to 636-280-5433. You may even be featured in an upcoming episode. By sending in a voice memo, you’re providing consent for your minor’s voice to be on the podcast
Normal Goes A Long Way Website: https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/
Normal Goes A Long Way Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normalgoesalongway/
Normal Goes A Long Way Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/Normal-Goes-A-Long-Way-110089491250735
Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/
Normal Goes A Long Way is hosted on Zencastr. Create your podcast today! Get 20% off when you choose Zencastr for your podcasting needs: https://zencastr.com/?via=jill
madeonzencastr
How awesome would it be for God to grant you anything you wanted, and then give you EVEN MORE than what you asked for? That's just the situation King Solomon finds himself in. King David has died and his son inherits the throne of a nation with the slogan "no worries" minted on their coins (figuratively speaking). It's good to be king...and good to be this king's subject. Their land is peaceful. Prosperity reigns and riches abound. Moreover, their ruler is renowned for his smarts and shares his wisdom in soundbites they can all understand. So why does the party end? In this case, the enemy is within, and it's one we're all too familiar with. Listen as Pastor Chuck Schlie explains in this week’s episode.
If you’d like to dig deeper, check out these discussion questions. You can complete them on your own, with your Community Group, or with family and friends.
Normal Goes A Long Way Website: https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/
Normal Goes A Long Way Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normalgoesalongway/
Normal Goes A Long Way Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/Normal-Goes-A-Long-Way-110089491250735
Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/
Normal Goes A Long Way is hosted on Zencastr. Create your podcast today! Get 20% off when you choose Zencastr for your podcasting needs: https://zencastr.com/?via=jill
madeonzencastr
Today we will learn about a time when David made a big mistake. God demonstrated extraordinary love to David and he shares that extraordinary love with us today. Parents, want to keep talking? Here are some ideas:
*When necessary this week, stop and pray with your child asking God to forgive your child when he or she has done something wrong. In appropriate ways, show your child that you also need to ask God to forgive you. (ages 2-4)
*King David was called a man after God's heart, but he made a huge mistake and tried to cover it up. Is hiding sins ever a good idea? Why? Talk about what it feels like when you are trying to hide something that you've done. What's the best thing to do when you mess up? (ages 5-9)
*God forgave David, but there were still consequences for his sin as David and Bathsheba's first son died. Can you think of any consequences you've faced after doing something wrong? Talk about some of David's greatest accomplishments and mess-ups. What can you learn from his life? (ages 10-12)
One last thing! This week April asked you to name some songs that you love to sing to God. We would love to hear your ideas! Simply record a voice memo and send it in a text to 636-280-5433. You may even be featured in an upcoming episode. By sending in a voice memo, you’re providing consent for your minor’s voice to be on the podcast
Normal Goes A Long Way Website: https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/
Normal Goes A Long Way Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normalgoesalongway/
Normal Goes A Long Way Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/Normal-Goes-A-Long-Way-110089491250735
Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/
Normal Goes A Long Way is hosted on Zencastr. Create your podcast today! Get 20% off when you choose Zencastr for your podcasting needs: https://zencastr.com/?via=jill
madeonzencastr
When was the last time you committed adultery and arranged the killing of your mistress's spouse to conceal the affair? I imagine the answer is "never." After reading David's story, you might be feeling pretty good about the severity of your sins. After all, you've never murdered a guy so he doesn't find out you're having a baby with his wife. Your sins are bad, but at least they're not that level of bad. Admit it...you've had this thought. We all have. There's a problem with this way of thinking that Pastor Chuck Schlie will explain in this week’s episode.
We have no reason to feel proud if our sins don't mirror David's. His sin is bold, but so is his contrition. David's story is both cautionary and instructive.
If you’d like to dig deeper, check out these discussion questions. You can complete them on your own, with your Community Group, or with family and friends.
Normal Goes A Long Way Website: https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/
Normal Goes A Long Way Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normalgoesalongway/
Normal Goes A Long Way Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/Normal-Goes-A-Long-Way-110089491250735
Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/
Normal Goes A Long Way is hosted on Zencastr. Create your podcast today! Get 20% off when you choose Zencastr for your podcasting needs: https://zencastr.com/?via=jill
madeonzencastr
Today learned about a shepherd boy named David. God used him to do an amazing thing – defeat Goliath!
Parents, keep the conversation going this week with your family! Here are some ideas:
*(ages 2-4) Talk about Goliath’s enormous size! Find something that is 9 feet tall, or use a measuring tape to show how big he was. Ask, “Who was David?” “Who was Goliath?” “What did God do for David?”
*(ages 5-9) Talk about what David must have been feeling during the battle. Ask, “Would you have been afraid to face Goliath?” “How did David who faith in God?” “Are there any people that scare you? “What can we do about that together?”
*(ages 10-12) Talk about “David versus Goliath” moments in modern times – like in sports, for example. It’s a scenario when an underdog team faces a seemingly unbeatable opponent. We love to cheer for the underdog and see unlikely victories! Ask, “What does it take for a ‘David’ to beat a ‘Goliath’?” “Do you think your faith is a strong as David’s? Why or why not?”
One last thing! This week Hannah asked, "What could you do if you were as brave as David?". We would love to hear your ideas! Simply record a voice memo and send it in a text to 636-280-5433. You may even be featured in an upcoming episode. By sending in a voice memo, you’re providing consent for your minor’s voice to be on the podcast
Normal Goes A Long Way Website: https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/
Normal Goes A Long Way Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normalgoesalongway/
Normal Goes A Long Way Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/Normal-Goes-A-Long-Way-110089491250735
Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/
Normal Goes A Long Way is hosted on Zencastr. Create your podcast today! Get 20% off when you choose Zencastr for your podcasting needs: https://zencastr.com/?via=jill
madeonzencastr
It's like David vs. Goliath. You've likely heard this metaphor used any time an underdog goes up against something (or someone) they have little chance of defeating. It's an archetype of victory against all odds. It's also a story about trusting God to see you through your battles. That part gets left out of the cultural narrative, but we're going to explore it in this week’s episode when we meet the future King David. As a shepherd boy that nobody would choose as their sovereign, David proves that outward appearances don't matter to a God who looks at the heart. Take a listen as Pastor Jim Mueller explains more.
If you’d like to dig deeper, check out these discussion questions. You can complete them on your own, with your Community Group, or with family and friends.
Normal Goes A Long Way Website: https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/
Normal Goes A Long Way Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normalgoesalongway/
Normal Goes A Long Way Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/Normal-Goes-A-Long-Way-110089491250735
Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/
Normal Goes A Long Way is hosted on Zencastr. Create your podcast today! Get 20% off when you choose Zencastr for your podcasting needs: https://zencastr.com/?via=jill
madeonzencastr
Today we will learn about Hannah, her son Samuel, and the power of prayer.
Parents, want to keep talking? Here are some ideas:
*With your child, make a simple poster about things to pray for by gluing pictures onto a piece of construction paper. In the middle, write, "God hears me when I pray." When your child wants to pray, he or she can look at the poster and pick a few things to talk to God about. (ages 2-4)
*What do you think you would do if you heard a voice in the night calling your name? What do you think God wants you to do for him? (ages 5-9)
*Eli's sons Hophni and Phinehas grew up in the temple, but didn't honor God. They didn't truly know and love God. How can you show God that you know and love him? (ages 10-12)
One last thing! This week April asked, "Where is your favorite place to pray?". We would love to hear your ideas! Simply record a voice memo and send it in a text to 636-280-5433. You may even be featured in an upcoming episode. By sending in a voice memo, you’re providing consent for your minor’s voice to be on the podcast
Normal Goes A Long Way Website: https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/
Normal Goes A Long Way Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normalgoesalongway/
Normal Goes A Long Way Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/Normal-Goes-A-Long-Way-110089491250735
Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/
Normal Goes A Long Way is hosted on Zencastr. Create your podcast today! Get 20% off when you choose Zencastr for your podcasting needs: https://zencastr.com/?via=jill
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Has there ever been a time in your life when you knew what God wanted you to do, but you did the opposite? Taking His law as a suggestion (instead of, well, law), you went ahead and did it your way. Obedience isn't our strong suit.
God can certainly work through us when we do what is contrary to His will for our lives. But imagine how much sweeter the relationship with your Savior would be if you took the words "thy will be done" to heart! In obedience, there is so much God can and will do through you. It's not about being bossed around; it's about opening yourself up to the life that Jesus wants for you. We see the Israelites going their own way (again), and God giving them what they want. There's a lot for us to learn from their mistake and we will hear more about it in this week’s episode with Pastor Chuck Schlie.
If you’d like to dig deeper, check out these discussion questions. You can complete them on your own, with your Community Group, or with family and friends.
Normal Goes A Long Way Website: https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/
Normal Goes A Long Way Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normalgoesalongway/
Normal Goes A Long Way Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/Normal-Goes-A-Long-Way-110089491250735
Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/
Normal Goes A Long Way is hosted on Zencastr. Create your podcast today! Get 20% off when you choose Zencastr for your podcasting needs: https://zencastr.com/?via=jill
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Today we will hear about Naomi, Ruth, and Boaz. Parents, keep talking with your kids using these prompts:
*Ages 2-4: Ruth worked hard to pick up grain in the field. Have a challenge to see how fast you can pick up your toys! (or, how many sticks/rocks/leaves can you pick up in one minute) Ask, “who takes care of you?”
*Ages 5-9: God took care of Ruth and Naomi even when they were going through hard times. Can you think of a time when God helped you through a hard time?
One last thing! This week, Miss Hannah asked you, " Who did God put in your life to help you?”. Send in your kid's answer by texting a voice memo to 636-280-5433 and they could be featured in next week's episode! By sending in a voice memo, you’re providing consent for your minor’s voice to be on the podcast
Normal Goes A Long Way Website: https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/
Normal Goes A Long Way Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normalgoesalongway/
Normal Goes A Long Way Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/Normal-Goes-A-Long-Way-110089491250735
Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/
Normal Goes A Long Way is hosted on Zencastr. Create your podcast today! Get 20% off when you choose Zencastr for your podcasting needs: https://zencastr.com/?via=jill
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As we continue our journey through “The Story”, Pastor Jim Mueller shared insights from the Book of Ruth, highlighting the remarkable story of Ruth and Naomi and what their faith and resilience can teach us today. Ruth's unwavering faith and loyalty shows us how faith can guide us through life's darkest moments, transforming bitterness into hope. Ruth's declaration, "Your people will be my people and your God, my God," challenges us to rethink our definitions of family and community. It encourages us to embrace those around us, fostering bonds that go beyond bloodlines and cultural differences. God works through our brokenness, using imperfect vessels to fulfill His perfect plan. Ruth's journey from widowhood to becoming part of Jesus's lineage illustrates that our past does not define our future with God!
If you’d like to dig deeper, check out these discussion questions. You can complete them on your own, with your Community Group, or with family and friends.
Normal Goes A Long Way Website: https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/
Normal Goes A Long Way Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normalgoesalongway/
Normal Goes A Long Way Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/Normal-Goes-A-Long-Way-110089491250735
Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/
Normal Goes A Long Way is hosted on Zencastr. Create your podcast today! Get 20% off when you choose Zencastr for your podcasting needs: https://zencastr.com/?via=jill
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Today we will learn the epic story of Samson. Listen with your kids as we learn about a strong and powerful man who knew he needed God's help.
Want to keep talking? Here are some ideas:
*Build towers of blocks together with your preschooler and then knock them down like Samson did. Talk about how we can use our strength to help others.(ages 2-4)
*God gave Samson great strength. He has given you special gifts too. How can you use your gifts to help others? (ages 5-9)
*God raised up judges like Deborah and Samson because the Israelites weren't following God. How does this show God's love? (God gave Israel a second chance--actually lots of chances--to come back and follow him. He didn't give up on the Israelites.) Ask: What can our family learn from this part of The Story? Write down one thing our family can do differently. (ages 10-12)
One last thing! This week, Miss April asked you, "How has God made you special?”. Send in your kid's answer by texting a voice memo to 636-280-5433 and they could be featured in next week's episode! By sending in a voice memo, you’re providing consent for your minor’s voice to be on the podcast
Normal Goes A Long Way Website: https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/
Normal Goes A Long Way Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normalgoesalongway/
Normal Goes A Long Way Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/Normal-Goes-A-Long-Way-110089491250735
Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/
Normal Goes A Long Way is hosted on Zencastr. Create your podcast today! Get 20% off when you choose Zencastr for your podcasting needs: https://zencastr.com/?via=jill
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Have you ever considered the downsides of peace and prosperity? Believe it or not, a life of comfort in which our needs are met and our wants are satisfied can be problematic. We saw this last summer when we went through the Book of Judges. Over and over the Israelites lost their way when life was going well. They became complacent and stopped relying on God. They had too much of a good thing. Maybe you can relate...or maybe you're going through some major struggles.
Either way, worship is where you need to be. Whether it's to praise God for what's going right, or find comfort for what isn't, there's a reason for you to be in His presence. Listen as Pastor Chuck Schlie talks about Chapter 8 in “The Story”.
If you’d like to dig deeper, check out these discussion questions. You can complete them on your own, with your Community Group, or with family and friends.
Normal Goes A Long Way Website: https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/
Normal Goes A Long Way Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normalgoesalongway/
Normal Goes A Long Way Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/Normal-Goes-A-Long-Way-110089491250735
Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/
Normal Goes A Long Way is hosted on Zencastr. Create your podcast today! Get 20% off when you choose Zencastr for your podcasting needs: https://zencastr.com/?via=jill
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Today we used our imagination hats to hear from Rahab! She was brave and helped God’s people. Parents, here are some fun conversation starters you can use this week:
*(Ages 2-4) Ask, “What did God do that was amazing in this story?” The walls of Jericho fell down when the people waked around it and blew horns
*(Ages 5-10) Ask, “What do you think the God’s people thought about His battle plan?” “Do you think their confidence grew after they watched the walls tumble down?”
*(Ages 10-12) As a family, decide to make a difference in someone’s life by showing them God’s love in a tangible way. Who can you help?
One last thing! This week, Hannah asked you, " Where can God use you as a helper?”. Send in your kid's answer by texting a voice memo to 636-280-5433 and they could be featured in next week's episode! By sending in a voice memo, you’re providing consent for your minor’s voice to be on the podcast
Normal Goes A Long Way Website: https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/
Normal Goes A Long Way Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normalgoesalongway/
Normal Goes A Long Way Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/Normal-Goes-A-Long-Way-110089491250735
Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/
Normal Goes A Long Way is hosted on Zencastr. Create your podcast today! Get 20% off when you choose Zencastr for your podcasting needs: https://zencastr.com/?via=jill
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The past few weeks of our journey through "The Story" has brought us to some pivotal moments in our faith history. We see the Israelites escape slavery, witness an awe-inspiring miracle at the Red Sea, and create a covenant with God. Then they wander in a desert for 40 years.
The grumbling and complaining got too much for God. This week, they finally get the chance to claim the land that was promised to them, and it's going to take a whole lot of courage and trust in God. That's something we're all in need of. Listen as Pastor Jim Mueller explains how the battle begins. The Israelites will be claiming victories and learning that faith and obedience play a big part in securing their triumphs. There's a big lesson in there for you.
If you’d like to dig deeper, check out these discussion questions. You can complete them on your own, with your Community Group, or with family and friends.
Normal Goes A Long Way Website: https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/
Normal Goes A Long Way Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normalgoesalongway/
Normal Goes A Long Way Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/Normal-Goes-A-Long-Way-110089491250735
Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/
Normal Goes A Long Way is hosted on Zencastr. Create your podcast today! Get 20% off when you choose Zencastr for your podcasting needs: https://zencastr.com/?via=jill
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Today we will learn about explorers sent into God's promised land. Some responded in great fear, but Caleb and Joshua demonstrated great courage and faith!
Parents, want to keep talking? Here are some ideas:
*Ten explorers were scared. Tell about a time when you were scared. Joshua and Caleb had courage. Tell about a time when you had courage (ages 2-4)
*By focusing on earthly things, the 10 explorers were too scared to trust God. What are some things in your life that scare you? How can you overcome that fear? (ages 5-9)
*The Israelites chose to listen to the ten fearful explorers, instead of Joshua and Caleb--who trusted God. Because of that, they missed out on the fruits of God's promises. Name a time that you followed worldly advice. What was the consequence? Talk about a time when you followed God despite strong opposition. What happened? (ages 10-12)
One last thing! This week, April asked you, "How is life better when we trust God?". Send in your kid's answer by texting a voice memo to 636-280-5433 and they could be featured in next week's episode! By sending in a voice memo, you’re providing consent for your minor’s voice to be on the podcast
Normal Goes A Long Way Website: https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/
Normal Goes A Long Way Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normalgoesalongway/
Normal Goes A Long Way Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/Normal-Goes-A-Long-Way-110089491250735
Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/
Normal Goes A Long Way is hosted on Zencastr. Create your podcast today! Get 20% off when you choose Zencastr for your podcasting needs: https://zencastr.com/?via=jill
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Episode 129: Wandering
Sometimes it's hard to see God at work in our lives. When pressures weigh us down, it's easy to give up. And that's when God steps in. In this week's message, Ryan Pfendler will walk us through how God is with His people, fighting their battles. He's with you every step of the way!
If you’d like to dig deeper, check out these discussion questions. You can complete them on your own, with your Community Group, or with family and friends.
Normal Goes A Long Way Website: https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/
Normal Goes A Long Way Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normalgoesalongway/
Normal Goes A Long Way Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/Normal-Goes-A-Long-Way-110089491250735
Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/
Normal Goes A Long Way is hosted on Zencastr. Create your podcast today! Get 20% off when you choose Zencastr for your podcasting needs: https://zencastr.com/?via=jill
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In this episode, you’ll hear about how God gave us His rules for living – we call them the 10 Commandments.
Parents, want to keep talking? Here are some ideas:
*Ask: What are some rules that we have at home? What are some rules you have at school? Are they good? (ages 2-4)
*Ask: What would the world look like if no one followed any of God’s rules? What would the world look like if all of God’s rules were followed perfectly? (ages 5-9)
One last thing! This week, Miss Hannah asked, “If you could create a new rule, what would it be?.” Send in your kid's answer by texting a voice memo to 636-280-5433 and they could be featured in next week's episode! By sending in a voice memo, you’re providing consent for your minor’s voice to be on the podcast
Normal Goes A Long Way Website: https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/
Normal Goes A Long Way Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normalgoesalongway/
Normal Goes A Long Way Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/Normal-Goes-A-Long-Way-110089491250735
Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/
Normal Goes A Long Way is hosted on Zencastr. Create your podcast today! Get 20% off when you choose Zencastr for your podcasting needs: https://zencastr.com/?via=jill
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Can you recall a time this past week when you lived up to God's law? When you kept His commandments, loved Him with all you had, and put the needs of your neighbor above your own?
Probably not, but you tried, right? Unfortunately, it's in our nature to sin. It's very easy for all of us to go our own way and decide right from wrong based on our desires. We're a very unruly lot. So why would God even bother with us? The answer is the "why" behind Moses being given the Ten Commandments. They weren't given as a measuring stick by which we earn God's favor with each one that we keep. In this week’s episode, Pastor Chuck Schlie explores how God's love is demonstrated in both His law and in Jesus's atoning death.
If you’d like to dig deeper, check out these discussion questions. You can complete them on your own, with your Community Group, or with family and friends.
Normal Goes A Long Way Website: https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/
Normal Goes A Long Way Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normalgoesalongway/
Normal Goes A Long Way Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/Normal-Goes-A-Long-Way-110089491250735
Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/
Normal Goes A Long Way is hosted on Zencastr. Create your podcast today! Get 20% off when you choose Zencastr for your podcasting needs: https://zencastr.com/?via=jill
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Today we will learn about the amazing life of Moses. Listen with your kids as we learn about God watching over him from the time he was a tiny baby. In this part of God's Big Story, God shows up for his people in powerful, jaw-dropping ways!
Want to keep talking? Here are some ideas:
*Ask: How did God watch over his people? (He sent Moses to lead them out of Egypt) (ages 2-4)
*Ask: How does God watch over you? In the bathtub, see if they can part the water. Talk about God's amazing power to do just that! (ages 5-9)
*Watch The Prince of Egypt. Talk about what it must have been like to see those miracles in person. (ages 10-12)
One last thing! This week, Miss April asked, "How does it feel to know God is watching over you?". Send in your kid's answer by texting a voice memo to 636-280-5433 and they could be featured in next week's episode! By sending in a voice memo, you’re providing consent for your minor’s voice to be on the podcast
Normal Goes A Long Way Website: https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/
Normal Goes A Long Way Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normalgoesalongway/
Normal Goes A Long Way Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/Normal-Goes-A-Long-Way-110089491250735
Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/
Normal Goes A Long Way is hosted on Zencastr. Create your podcast today! Get 20% off when you choose Zencastr for your podcasting needs: https://zencastr.com/?via=jill
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This week we enter the Book of Exodus and meet Moses. For hundreds of years, the Israelites have been enslaved in Egypt. Their deliverer is one of their own who was raised in Pharaoh's household and lacked any notable qualifications to lead a revolt. But with God, anything is possible and Moses comes to lead his people to the Promised Land. Take a listen as Pastor Jim Mueller walks us through this time in The Story.
If you’d like to dig deeper, check out these discussion questions. You can complete them on your own, with your Community Group, or with family and friends.
Normal Goes A Long Way Website: https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/
Normal Goes A Long Way Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normalgoesalongway/
Normal Goes A Long Way Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/Normal-Goes-A-Long-Way-110089491250735
Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/
Normal Goes A Long Way is hosted on Zencastr. Create your podcast today! Get 20% off when you choose Zencastr for your podcasting needs: https://zencastr.com/?via=jill
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Today we will learn the story of Joseph. This part of God's Big Story reminds us that God is with us, taking care of us during good time and hard times.
Parents, want to keep talking? Here are some ideas:
- For ages 2-4: Sing the following song to the tune of “The Farmer in the Dell”.
God takes care of me, God takes care of me! God took care of Joseph, and God takes care of me! - For ages 5-9: Has anything unfair ever happened to you? How did you feel?
- For ages 10-12: Ask, What can you learn from Joseph about trusting God’s plan?
One last thing! This week, Hannah asked you to talk about how God takes care of you. Send in your kid's answer by texting a voice memo to 636-280-5433 and they could be featured in next week's episode! By sending in a voice memo, you’re providing consent for your minor’s voice to be on the podcast
Normal Goes A Long Way Website: https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/
Normal Goes A Long Way Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normalgoesalongway/
Normal Goes A Long Way Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/Normal-Goes-A-Long-Way-110089491250735
Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/
Normal Goes A Long Way is hosted on Zencastr. Create your podcast today! Get 20% off when you choose Zencastr for your podcasting needs: https://zencastr.com/?via=jill
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Life is full of ups and downs. No one knows this more than Joseph, the apple of his father Jacob's eye and a man in possession of a very colorful coat. For Joseph, life was going very well, and he had that fancy outerwear to prove it. But then he gets sold into slavery and things start to go south for Joseph. Life improves...and then it knocks him down again. Can you relate? The hits can seem unrelenting, but Joseph's story reminds us that God is always with us. It's a story of hope, so join Pastor Chuck in this week’s episode to hear how God's promises can get you through the toughest challenges.
If you’d like to dig deeper, check out these discussion questions. You can complete them on your own, with your Community Group, or with family and friends.
Normal Goes A Long Way Website: https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/
Normal Goes A Long Way Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normalgoesalongway/
Normal Goes A Long Way Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/Normal-Goes-A-Long-Way-110089491250735
Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/
Normal Goes A Long Way is hosted on Zencastr. Create your podcast today! Get 20% off when you choose Zencastr for your podcasting needs: https://zencastr.com/?via=jill
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Today we will learn the story of Abraham and how God blessed him beyond measure. Listen with your children and reflect on the blessings that God has lavished on you! This part of God's Big Story reminds us that God's dreams for us are bigger than we can imagine!
Want to keep talking? Here are some ideas:
*Pretend to move with your preschooler. Pack a backpack with favorite things and then play "Follow the Leader." Talk about how Abraham followed God. (ages 2-4)
*Create a simple obstacle course using couch cushions, pillows and things around the home. Blindfold your kids and guide them through the course using only verbal directions. When done, ask: What's the hardest part about being blindfolded? How does this activity remind us of Abraham? (ages 5-9)
*Ask: Why is it so hard to move or to adjust to new things? What does God do to help you feel better when things change? (ages 10-12)
One last thing! This week, April asked you to tell about a time when you were scared and you needed to trust God. Send in your kid's answer by texting a voice memo to 636-280-5433 and they could be featured in next week's episode! By sending in a voice memo, you’re providing consent for your minor’s voice to be on the podcast
Normal Goes A Long Way Website: https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/
Normal Goes A Long Way Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normalgoesalongway/
Normal Goes A Long Way Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/Normal-Goes-A-Long-Way-110089491250735
Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/
Normal Goes A Long Way is hosted on Zencastr. Create your podcast today! Get 20% off when you choose Zencastr for your podcasting needs: https://zencastr.com/?via=jill
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What does it look like to heed God's calling? If He told you to sell all your possessions and move to a foreign country, would you do it? That's just what He asked of Abram! In this week's episode, Ryan Pfendler will be guiding us through these questions as we look at Abram's calling: What does it mean to be a disciple? Can I follow Jesus and still stay the same as I was? What is Jesus calling me to let go of?
If you’d like to dig deeper, check out these discussion questions. You can complete them on your own, with your Community Group, or with family and friends.
Normal Goes A Long Way Website: https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/
Normal Goes A Long Way Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normalgoesalongway/
Normal Goes A Long Way Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/Normal-Goes-A-Long-Way-110089491250735
Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/
Normal Goes A Long Way is hosted on Zencastr. Create your podcast today! Get 20% off when you choose Zencastr for your podcasting needs: https://zencastr.com/?via=jill
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Today, we’ll learn about the very first story in the Bible, Creation! Listen along with your kids as Hannah tries to capture the awe and wonder of this amazing part of God’s Big Story!
Want to Keep Talking? Here are some ideas:
- Play “I spy” and then say, “God created that!” (ages 0-4)
- Ask, “How can you see God’s amazing workmanship outdoors? Where are some places you’d like to visit?” (ages 5-9)
- Ask, “What are some things you like about yourself?” Say, “All people are created by God and important to Him.” (ages 10 -12)
One last thing! This week, Hannah asked the question, “What’s your favorite thing that God created?” Send in your kids answer by texting a voice memo to 636-280-5433 and they could be featured in next week's episode!
Normal Goes A Long Way Website: https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/
Normal Goes A Long Way Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normalgoesalongway/
Normal Goes A Long Way Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/Normal-Goes-A-Long-Way-110089491250735
Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/
Normal Goes A Long Way is hosted on Zencastr. Create your podcast today! Get 20% off when you choose Zencastr for your podcasting needs: https://zencastr.com/?via=jill
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Today marks our first episode of our new series based on "The Story", which will take us through our history from beginning to end. We'll get going with the creation account in Genesis. You've probably heard it before. God creates the heavens and the earth and everything in it. That's what He did, but what about the why behind it? The answer there puts humans front and center of the narrative and makes this awesomely grand and sweeping story one that is extremely personal.
Join Pastor Chuck Schlie as he talks about the why.
If you’d like to dig deeper, check out these discussion questions. You can complete them on your own, with your Community Group, or with family and friends.
Normal Goes A Long Way Website: https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/
Normal Goes A Long Way Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normalgoesalongway/
Normal Goes A Long Way Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/Normal-Goes-A-Long-Way-110089491250735
Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/
Normal Goes A Long Way is hosted on Zencastr. Create your podcast today! Get 20% off when you choose Zencastr for your podcasting needs: https://zencastr.com/?via=jill
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New to Normal Goes A Long Way this season is the addition of a KIDS VERSION episode, which will be released on Thursdays over the course of 31 weeks. Families, you’re invited to join our hosts, Hannah Lang and April Mueller, and follow along as they bring kids into God's big story through engaging storytelling.
Why do we have a KIDS VERSION episode? The following information from Zondervan, a world leading Bible publisher and provider of Christian communications, sums it up nicely:
Why not read God’s story with your family this year? Studies indicate if the extent of your child’s exposure to things of the faith is a only weekly visit to church or Sunday School, the likelihood is very great that when she/he graduates and leaves home her/his relationship with the Lord will turn cold. However, if you as a parent engage your children in the experience of reading and discussing the Bible, chances go up astronomically that they will remain strong in their faith after leaving home. You don’t have to be an expert or have all the answers. You just have to be willing to experience it with them. Get involved in The Story of God. It will forever transform your life and your family’s life.
One last thing! Each week, Hannah and April will ask the kids a question. You can have your kid send in their answer by texting a voice memo to 636-280-5433 and they could be featured in an upcoming episode.
Normal Goes A Long Way Website: https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/
Normal Goes A Long Way Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normalgoesalongway/
Normal Goes A Long Way Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/Normal-Goes-A-Long-Way-110089491250735
Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/
Normal Goes A Long Way is hosted on Zencastr. Create your podcast today! Get 20% off when you choose Zencastr for your podcasting needs: https://zencastr.com/?via=jill
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Happy New Year and welcome to Season 7 of Normal Goes A Long Way! This season, we will be releasing weekly episodes on Tuesdays and Thursdays (KIDS VERSION) over the course of 31 weeks. We invite you to join our host, Jill Devine, and follow along as we go through the story of the Bible through the words of “The Story”. At the end of Season 7, our hope is you’ll be able to say your spiritual life received a boost in terms of knowledge, awareness of God's involvement in your days, and in your prayer life.
Here’s more information about “The Story” from Zondervan, a world leading Bible publisher and provider of Christian communications:
You may be a bit intimidated by the Bible. You’re not alone; many people are. And no wonder, its pages mention odd names like Jehoshaphat and Nebuchadnezzar. It contains accounts from places you probably never heard of, like Sinai and Samaria. And it seems to be made up of a lot of different, seemingly unrelated stories. But it really is one big, exciting story. You can see it easily if you open your Bible to the beginning and then flip all the way to the end.
The first words found in Genesis 1:1 read: “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” Then, if you turn all the way to the back of the book, Revelation 21:1, you find, “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away . . .” In the beginning God is creating the heavens and the earth. At the end he is creating a new heaven and a new earth. So the big question is this: “What on earth happened between the beginning and the end of the Bible?” If you can answer that question you will have uncovered the one seamless story of God.
We’d love for you to read along with us! Here’s a link to purchase your own copy of The Story.
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Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/
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‘Twas the night before Christmas ...
Merry Christmas Eve! Joining Jill Devine for a special Christmas Eve episode are three 2nd Graders; Luella, Lu, and Stella. They shared what they know about why we celebrate Christmas, their family traditions, ways to learn about Jesus, and much more.
From everyone at Normal Goes A Long Way, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
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Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/
Seeking The Still: https://seekingthestill.com/
Two Kids and A Career: https://www.jilldevine.com/podcast
Normal Goes A Long Way is hosted on Zencastr. Create your podcast today! Get 20% off when you choose Zencastr for your podcasting needs: https://zencastr.com/?via=jill
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This week’s episode was inspired by Louie Giglio’s Waiting Here For You, An Advent Journey of Hope.
“Advent is a season of expectant waiting and preparation. This devotional is perfect for those who are in periods of waiting or facing uncertainty. Through the story of the coming of Jesus, Advent teaches that waiting is the means God often uses to carry His plans in our lives. Pastor and author Louie Giglio brings hope and peace to readers as they wait with expectation during the season of Advent.”
Listen as Laura Fleetwood walks you through some of the main points of Louie’s Advent devotional.
https://www.waitinghereforyoubook.com/
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Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/
Seeking The Still: https://seekingthestill.com/
Two Kids and A Career: https://www.jilldevine.com/podcast
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As you prepare for Thanksgiving, Dr. Laura Fleetwood invites you to be still and reflect on the goodness of God, to meditate on the blessings in your life, to give yourself grace, and to give thanks to God. Her prompts in this week’s episode will help you do all those things.
Have a Happy Thanksgiving!
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Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/
Seeking The Still: https://seekingthestill.com/
Two Kids and A Career: https://www.jilldevine.com/podcast
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Jesus was a master storyteller. Through the use of parables, He could reveal His true nature and communicate important spiritual truths. The stories His followers recorded hold our attention, stir our emotions, and help us remember His teachings. The most popular are recognized by those outside the faith (e.g., the Good Samaritan) and the teachings they contain continue to challenge Jesus’s followers today. In Storyteller, we will look at some of the lesser-known parables to uncover what Jesus was telling His first followers about the Kingdom of God that we are still trying to understand today.
Pastor Chuck Schlie and Ryan Pfendler joined Jill Devine this week to talk about the lesser known parables they preached on during our Storyteller series; The Narrow Door, Workers In The Vineyard, and The Great Banquet.
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Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/
Seeking The Still: https://seekingthestill.com/
Two Kids and A Career: https://www.jilldevine.com/podcast
Normal Goes A Long Way is hosted on Zencastr. Create your podcast today! Get 20% off when you choose Zencastr for your podcasting needs: https://zencastr.com/?via=jill
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Jesus was a master storyteller. Through the use of parables, He could reveal His true nature and communicate important spiritual truths. The stories His followers recorded hold our attention, stir our emotions, and help us remember His teachings. The most popular are recognized by those outside the faith (e.g., the Good Samaritan) and the teachings they contain continue to challenge Jesus’s followers today. In Storyteller, we will look at some of the lesser-known parables to uncover what Jesus was telling His first followers about the Kingdom of God that we are still trying to understand today.
Pastor Jim Mueller joined Jill Devine this week to talk about the lesser known parables he preached on during our Storyteller series; The Fig Tree and The Unmerciful Servant.
Normal Goes A Long Way Website: https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/
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Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/
Seeking The Still: https://seekingthestill.com/
Two Kids and A Career: https://www.jilldevine.com/podcast
Normal Goes A Long Way is hosted on Zencastr. Create your podcast today! Get 20% off when you choose Zencastr for your podcasting needs: https://zencastr.com/?via=jill
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Join Laura Fleetwood as she invites you to spend time with God in this guided prayer for SELF-CONTROL, one of the fruits of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5.
Click here for Messiah’s message series on the Fruit of the Spirit.
https://messiahstcharles.org/what-the-world-needs-now/
Normal Goes A Long Way Website: https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/
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Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/
Seeking The Still: https://seekingthestill.com/
Two Kids and A Career: https://www.jilldevine.com/podcast
Normal Goes A Long Way is hosted on Zencastr. Create your podcast today! Get 20% off when you choose Zencastr for your podcasting needs: https://zencastr.com/?via=jill
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Join Laura Fleetwood as she invites you to spend time with God in this guided prayer for GENTLENESS, one of the fruits of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5.
Click here for Messiah’s message series on the Fruit of the Spirit.
https://messiahstcharles.org/what-the-world-needs-now/
Normal Goes A Long Way Website: https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/
Normal Goes A Long Way Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normalgoesalongway/
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Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/
Seeking The Still: https://seekingthestill.com/
Two Kids and A Career: https://www.jilldevine.com/podcast
Normal Goes A Long Way is hosted on Zencastr. Create your podcast today! Get 20% off when you choose Zencastr for your podcasting needs: https://zencastr.com/?via=jill
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Join Laura Fleetwood as she invites you to spend time with God in this guided prayer for FAITHFULNESS, one of the fruits of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5.
Click here for Messiah’s message series on the Fruit of the Spirit.
https://messiahstcharles.org/what-the-world-needs-now/
Normal Goes A Long Way Website: https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/
Normal Goes A Long Way Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normalgoesalongway/
Normal Goes A Long Way Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/Normal-Goes-A-Long-Way-110089491250735
Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/
Seeking The Still: https://seekingthestill.com/
Two Kids and A Career: https://www.jilldevine.com/podcast
Normal Goes A Long Way is hosted on Zencastr. Create your podcast today! Get 20% off when you choose Zencastr for your podcasting needs: https://zencastr.com/?via=jill
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Join Laura Fleetwood as she invites you to spend time with God in this guided prayer for GOODNESS, one of the fruits of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5.
Click here for Messiah’s message series on the Fruit of the Spirit.
https://messiahstcharles.org/what-the-world-needs-now/
Normal Goes A Long Way Website: https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/
Normal Goes A Long Way Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normalgoesalongway/
Normal Goes A Long Way Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/Normal-Goes-A-Long-Way-110089491250735
Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/
Seeking The Still: https://seekingthestill.com/
Two Kids and A Career: https://www.jilldevine.com/podcast
Normal Goes A Long Way is hosted on Zencastr. Create your podcast today! Get 20% off when you choose Zencastr for your podcasting needs: https://zencastr.com/?via=jill
madeonzencastr
Join Laura Fleetwood as she invites you to spend time with God in this guided prayer for KINDNESS, one of the fruits of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5.
Click here for Messiah’s message series on the Fruit of the Spirit.
https://messiahstcharles.org/what-the-world-needs-now/
Normal Goes A Long Way Website: https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/
Normal Goes A Long Way Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normalgoesalongway/
Normal Goes A Long Way Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/Normal-Goes-A-Long-Way-110089491250735
Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/
Seeking The Still: https://seekingthestill.com/
Two Kids and A Career: https://www.jilldevine.com/podcast
Normal Goes A Long Way is hosted on Zencastr. Create your podcast today! Get 20% off when you choose Zencastr for your podcasting needs: https://zencastr.com/?via=jill
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Join Laura Fleetwood as she invites you to spend time with God in this guided prayer for PATIENCE, one of the fruits of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5.
Click here for Messiah’s message series on the Fruit of the Spirit.
Normal Goes A Long Way Website: https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/
Normal Goes A Long Way Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normalgoesalongway/
Normal Goes A Long Way Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/Normal-Goes-A-Long-Way-110089491250735
Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/
Seeking The Still: https://seekingthestill.com/
Two Kids and A Career: https://www.jilldevine.com/podcast
Normal Goes A Long Way is hosted on Zencastr. Create your podcast today! Get 20% off when you choose Zencastr for your podcasting needs: https://zencastr.com/?via=jill
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Join Laura Fleetwood as she invites you to spend time with God in this guided prayer for PEACE, one of the fruits of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5.
Click here for Messiah’s message series on the Fruit of the Spirit.
Normal Goes A Long Way Website: https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/
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Normal Goes A Long Way Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/Normal-Goes-A-Long-Way-110089491250735
Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/
Seeking The Still: https://seekingthestill.com/
Two Kids and A Career: https://www.jilldevine.com/podcast
Normal Goes A Long Way is hosted on Zencastr. Create your podcast today! Get 20% off when you choose Zencastr for your podcasting needs: https://zencastr.com/?via=jill
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Join Laura Fleetwood as she invites you to spend time with God in this guided prayer for JOY, one of the fruits of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5.
Normal Goes A Long Way Website: https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/
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Normal Goes A Long Way Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/Normal-Goes-A-Long-Way-110089491250735
Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/
Seeking The Still: https://seekingthestill.com/
Two Kids and A Career: https://www.jilldevine.com/podcast
Normal Goes A Long Way is hosted on Zencastr. Create your podcast today! Get 20% off when you choose Zencastr for your podcasting needs: https://zencastr.com/?via=jill
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Join Laura Fleetwood as she invites you to spend time with God in this guided prayer for LOVE, one of the fruits of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5.
Normal Goes A Long Way Website: https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/
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Normal Goes A Long Way Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/Normal-Goes-A-Long-Way-110089491250735
Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/
Seeking The Still: https://seekingthestill.com/
Two Kids and A Career: https://www.jilldevine.com/podcast
Normal Goes A Long Way is hosted on Zencastr. Create your podcast today! Get 20% off when you choose Zencastr for your podcasting needs: https://zencastr.com/?via=jill
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In his letter to the Galatians, Paul identifies nine virtues that Jesus followers should develop in themselves to live in harmony with each other. He calls them the Fruit of the Spirit. If we display these fruit in our life, it is evident that we are walking with God and reflecting His character.
Pastor Jim Mueller, Pastor Chuck Schlie, and Ryan Pfendler sat down with Jill Devine to discuss how they will be looking at each “fruit” in depth over the course of the next nine weeks at Messiah St. Charles.
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Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/
Seeking The Still: https://seekingthestill.com/
Two Kids and A Career: https://www.jilldevine.com/podcast
Normal Goes A Long Way is hosted on Zencastr. Create your podcast today! Get 20% off when you choose Zencastr for your podcasting needs: https://zencastr.com/?via=jill
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Every December at Messiah St. Charles, we have a Christmas Mission offering. The offering benefits local organizations chosen by staff and congregants. One of the previous recipients was The Sparrow’s Nest;More than childcare. We seek to come alongside young families with the love of Christ to educate, equip, and empower both the parent and the child. Through our innovative childcare cooperative families enrolled in our program will receive free childcare, mentorship, and case management to reach their family goals.
Katie Lyczak is the Executive Director at The Sparrow’s Nest and she joined Jill Devine to talk about the mission of The Sparrow’s Nest, as well as how they used the offering from Messiah.
One way you can support The Sparrow’s Nest is through their annual fundraising dinner on Friday, September 27, 2024. VIP tickets include open bar, appetizers, and a meet-and-greet with our featured guest, Jennifer Maggio.
Normal Goes A Long Way Website: https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/
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Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/
Seeking The Still: https://seekingthestill.com/
Two Kids and A Career: https://www.jilldevine.com/podcast
Normal Goes A Long Way is hosted on Zencastr. Get 20% off when you choose Zencastr for your podcasting needs: https://zencastr.com/?via=jill
When we are stressed and anxious, our tendency is to retreat within ourselves and isolate. This is the exact opposite of what we need to do! Developed by Dr. Laura Fleetwood as a doctoral research project, TWIRL is a 4-hour, in-person workshop that tween girls attend with their mom or primary female caregiver. Using the TWIRL imagery and acronym, Laura shares Messy Miracle stories from her own tween & teen years and provides tangible steps for young girls to come out of hiding and TWIRL their way through life.
On this week’s episode, Jill Devine sat down with Missy Wohldmann and her two daughters, Alix and Morgan. Alix will be entering 6th grade this coming school year and Morgan will be entering 5th grade. Missy and her daughters attended the TWIRL workshop and shared their experience with Jill and Laura.
Normal Goes A Long Way Website:https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/
Normal Goes A Long Way Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normalgoesalongway/
Normal Goes A Long Way Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/Normal-Goes-A-Long-Way-110089491250735
Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/
Seeking The Still: https://seekingthestill.com/
Two Kids and A Career: https://www.jilldevine.com/podcast
When we are stressed and anxious, our tendency is to retreat within ourselves and isolate. This is the exact opposite of what we need to do! Developed by Dr. Laura Fleetwood as a doctoral research project, TWIRL is a 4-hour, in-person workshop that tween girls attend with their mom or primary female caregiver. Using the TWIRL imagery and acronym, Laura shares Messy Miracle stories from her own tween & teen years and provides tangible steps for young girls to come out of hiding and TWIRL their way through life.
On this week’s episode, Jill Devine sat down with Missy Wohldmann and her two daughters, Alix and Morgan. Alix will be entering 6th grade this coming school year and Morgan will be entering 5th grade. Missy and her daughters attended the TWIRL workshop and shared their experience with Jill and Laura.
Normal Goes A Long Way Website:https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/
Normal Goes A Long Way Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normalgoesalongway/
Normal Goes A Long Way Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/Normal-Goes-A-Long-Way-110089491250735
Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/
Seeking The Still: https://seekingthestill.com/
Two Kids and A Career: https://www.jilldevine.com/podcast
In our previous episode with Dr. David McDonald, we talked about unicorns and mythical creatures in the Bible. In this week’s episode, our content contains frank discussion about sexual pressures young men face in today's world.
David is a pastor, teacher, and lecturer in colleges and seminaries all over the world. His work with Westwinds Community Church has been featured in The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and Time magazine. David was appointed to the first-ever post-doctoral fellowship at George Fox Evangelical Seminary, and continues to integrate spiritual truth with sharp social analysis in his private work as a speculative theologian. In 2019, David founded the Fossores Chapter House, the world’s first headquarters for Christian ministerial innovation, where preachers, leaders, and entrepreneurs gather from all over the world to do their best work.
The previous episodes David was on:
16: Dr. David McDonald Addresses Why Jesus Had To Die
BONUS (16b): Going Deeper With Dr. David McDonald
17: Two Pastors Discuss The Resurrection Of Jesus
Normal Goes A Long Way Website:https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/
Normal Goes A Long Way Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normalgoesalongway/
Normal Goes A Long Way Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/Normal-Goes-A-Long-Way-110089491250735
Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/
Two Kids and A Career: https://www.jilldevine.com/podcast
Dr. David McDonald made a return to the podcast to tackle a number of subject matters, including unicorn and mythical creatures in the Bible.
David is a pastor, teacher, and lecturer in colleges and seminaries all over the world. His work with Westwinds Community Church has been featured in The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and Time magazine. David was appointed to the first-ever post-doctoral fellowship at George Fox Evangelical Seminary, and continues to integrate spiritual truth with sharp social analysis in his private work as a speculative theologian. In 2019, David founded the Fossores Chapter House, the world’s first headquarters for Christian ministerial innovation, where preachers, leaders, and entrepreneurs gather from all over the world to do their best work.
The previous episodes David was on:
16: Dr. David McDonald Addresses Why Jesus Had To Die
BONUS (16b): Going Deeper With Dr. David McDonald
17: Two Pastors Discuss The Resurrection Of Jesus
Normal Goes A Long Way Website:https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/
Normal Goes A Long Way Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normalgoesalongway/
Normal Goes A Long Way Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/Normal-Goes-A-Long-Way-110089491250735
Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/
Two Kids and A Career: https://www.jilldevine.com/podcast
Pastor Chuck Schlie and Ryan Pfendler joined Jill Devine to continue the conversation about the sermon series Messiah is currently in the middle of, The Gospel According To U2.
Chuck and Ryan discussed their initial reaction to the idea of the sermon series and what they learned while preparing for the series.
Normal Goes A Long Way Website:https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/
Normal Goes A Long Way Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normalgoesalongway/
Normal Goes A Long Way Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/Normal-Goes-A-Long-Way-110089491250735
Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/
Two Kids and A Career: https://www.jilldevine.com/podcast
Pastor Chuck Schlie and Ryan Pfendler joined Jill Devine to continue the conversation about the sermon series Messiah is currently in the middle of, The Gospel According To U2.
Chuck and Ryan discussed their initial reaction to the idea of the sermon series and what they learned while preparing for the series.
Normal Goes A Long Way Website:https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/
Normal Goes A Long Way Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normalgoesalongway/
Normal Goes A Long Way Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/Normal-Goes-A-Long-Way-110089491250735
Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/
Two Kids and A Career: https://www.jilldevine.com/podcast
Pastor Jim Mueller joined Jill Devine for a two-part episode on Normal Goes A Long Way. Jim is the Lead Pastor at Messiah Lutheran Church in St. Charles, Missouri and has been on the podcast several times before.
Messiah St. Charles is in the middle of a sermon series called, The Gospel According To U2.
Jill wanted to get Jim’s take on using “secular” music to reach believers and non-believers. Jim also shared a “secular” song that made an impact on him at the young age of 9-years-old.
Normal Goes A Long Way Website:https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/
Normal Goes A Long Way Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normalgoesalongway/
Normal Goes A Long Way Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/Normal-Goes-A-Long-Way-110089491250735
Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/
Two Kids and A Career: https://www.jilldevine.com/podcast
Pastor Jim Mueller joined Jill Devine for a two-part episode on Normal Goes A Long Way. Jim is the Lead Pastor at Messiah Lutheran Church in St. Charles, Missouri and has been on the podcast several times before.
Messiah St. Charles is in the middle of a sermon series called, The Gospel According To U2.
Jill wanted to get Jim’s take on using “secular” music to reach believers and non-believers.
Normal Goes A Long Way Website: https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/
Normal Goes A Long Way Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normalgoesalongway/
Normal Goes A Long Way Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/Normal-Goes-A-Long-Way-110089491250735
Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/
Two Kids and A Career: https://www.jilldevine.com/podcast
It’s been a bit since Laura Fleetwood has been on the podcast, but for good reason. She’s been on a 3-year journey going through a doctoral program through Portland Seminary. She will be graduating in May 2024 and will soon be known as Dr. Fleetwood! You can learn more about her journey in Episode 12: Unwrapping The Bible With Dr. Meghan Larissa Good.
Laura sat down with Jill Devine to talk about a recent sermon series Messiah did, called The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry. It was inspired by the book of the same title by John Mark Comer.
The conversation centered around some of the items not discussed in the sermon series. Here are all the messages from The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry series:
The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry: The Magi | Week 1
The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry: The Sabbath | Week 2
The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry: Prayer | Week 3
The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry: Simplicity | Week 4
The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry: Generosity | Week 5
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It’s been a bit since Laura Fleetwood has been on the podcast, but for good reason. She’s been on a 3-year journey going through a doctoral program through Portland Seminary. She will be graduating in May 2024 and will soon be known as Dr. Fleetwood! You can learn more about her journey in Episode 12: Unwrapping The Bible With Dr. Meghan Larissa Good.Laura sat down with Jill Devine to talk about a recent sermon series Messiah did, called The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry. It was inspired by the book of the same title by John Mark Comer.
The conversation centered around some of the items not discussed in the sermon series. Here are all the messages from The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry series:
The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry: The Magi | Week 1The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry: The Sabbath | Week 2The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry: Prayer | Week 3The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry: Simplicity | Week 4The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry: Generosity | Week 5Normal Goes A Long Way Website:https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/
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In this New Year, Jill Devine would like to challenge you to embrace the uncomfortable in 2024 and see how it provides growth in your life.
Joining Jill this week to discuss embracing uncertainty and discomfort, Emily Elam. Emily loves to travel, serve the community, learn new things, and have fun! Her self confidence had been shaken by a painful divorce and she was looking to gain back the confidence she lost. She discussed how an uncomfortable solo journey helped her mental well-being. Emily also referenced the retreat episodes Jill talked about in 2023.
Episode 79: YES Moments - The Importance of Retreating
Episode 80: YES Moments - The Importance of Retreating (Part 2)
Episode 81: YES Moments - The Importance of Retreating (Part 3)
Emily’s IG: @emcandoanything
Normal Goes A Long Way Website:https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/
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Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/
Two Kids and A Career: https://www.jilldevine.com/podcast
In this New Year, Jill Devine would like to challenge you to embrace the uncomfortable in 2024 and see how it provides growth in your life.
Joining Jill this week to discuss embracing uncertainty and discomfort, Emily Elam. Emily loves to travel, serve the community, learn new things, and have fun! Her self confidence had been shaken by a painful divorce and she was looking to gain back the confidence she lost. She discussed how an uncomfortable solo journey helped her mental well-being. Emily also referenced the retreat episodes Jill talked about in 2023.
Episode 79: YES Moments - The Importance of Retreating
Episode 80: YES Moments - The Importance of Retreating (Part 2)
Episode 81: YES Moments - The Importance of Retreating (Part 3)
Emily’s IG: @emcandoanything
Normal Goes A Long Way Website:https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/
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Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/
Two Kids and A Career: https://www.jilldevine.com/podcast
In this New Year, Jill Devine would like to challenge you to embrace the uncomfortable in 2024 and see how it provides growth in your life.
Audrey Fleetwood is no stranger to the podcast. She’s the daughter of Laura Fleetwood, Jill Devine’s spiritual mentor, and Audrey was on Episode 28: Two Public High School Students Discuss Their Faith Walk.
Jill invited Audrey back on the podcast to discuss Audrey’s decision to get uncomfortable and take a gap year.
From Wikipedia:
A gap year, also known as a sabbatical year, is a period of time when students take a break from their studies, usually after completing high school or before beginning graduate school. During this time, students engage in a variety of educational and developmental activities, such as traveling, working, volunteering, or taking courses. Gap years are not limited to a year-long break and can range from several months to a few years.
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Welcome to a New Year and a new season of Normal Goes A Long Way! In this New Year, Jill would like to challenge you to embrace the uncomfortable in 2024 and see how it provides growth in your life.
Our Season 6 debut begins with Audrey Fleetwood. Audrey is no stranger to the podcast. She’s the daughter of Laura Fleetwood, Jill Devine’s spiritual mentor, and Audrey was on Episode 28: Two Public High School Students Discuss Their Faith Walk.
Jill invited Audrey back on the podcast to discuss Audrey’s decision to get uncomfortable and take a gap year.
From Wikipedia:
A gap year, also known as a sabbatical year, is a period of time when students take a break from their studies, usually after completing high school or before beginning graduate school. During this time, students engage in a variety of educational and developmental activities, such as traveling, working, volunteering, or taking courses. Gap years are not limited to a year-long break and can range from several months to a few years.
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Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/
Two Kids and A Career: https://www.jilldevine.com/podcast
As we prepare for Christmas, Jill Devine wanted to remind everyone the importance of being present this holiday season. She read part of a devotional plan from the Bible App. The devotional plan she chose; Remembering Christmas, A 5-day Bible Plan from The Messy Table Podcast.
Have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Join us for Season 6, which will debut on Tuesday, January 9, 2024.
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This week’s episode is a replay of Episode 8: Christmas Myths, Legends, and Facts. Some of the topics Jill Devine and Ryan Pfendler discussed in Episode 8 have been brought up recently in the halls of Messiah, so she thought it would be a good idea to replay the episode.
Highlights from the episode include:
- Pagan holidays, Saturnalia, Midwinter Festivals, and the Winter Solstice
- Symmetry
- Abbreviating the word Christmas
- The meaning of Advent
- Season of waiting
- Our wish this Christmas
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Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/
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In Episodes 75 and 76, Jill Devine talked to Andy Wiggins and Todd Larkin. They are the Co-Founders of Hearts & Hope for Uganda. Hearts & Hope is a St. Louis-area 501c3 nonprofit focused on transforming poor villages in Uganda through clean water, health & wellness, education, and small business development. Since its founding in 2011, Hearts & Hope has established 8 schools which provide education to over 2,000 children!
Sara Owens is the Program Leader and Kelly Turntine is in charge of Marketing & Business Development at Hearts & Hope. In this week’s episode, Jill invited Sara and Kelly to come on the podcast to discuss the YES moment(s) that led to leaving their corporate jobs to pursue a career in the nonprofit sector.
Episode 75: A Mission To Create Hope and Transform Lives in Uganda (Part 1)
Episode 76: A Mission To Create Hope and Transform Lives in Uganda (Part 2)
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Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/
Two Kids and A Career: https://www.jilldevine.com/podcast
In Episodes 75 and 76, Jill Devine talked to Andy Wiggins and Todd Larkin. They are the Co-Founders of Hearts & Hope for Uganda. Hearts & Hope is a St. Louis-area 501c3 nonprofit focused on transforming poor villages in Uganda through clean water, health & wellness, education, and small business development. Since its founding in 2011, Hearts & Hope has established 8 schools which provide education to over 2,000 children!
Sara Owens is the Program Leader and Kelly Turntine is in charge of Marketing & Business Development at Hearts & Hope. In this week’s episode, Jill invited Sara and Kelly to come on the podcast to discuss the YES moment(s) that led to leaving their corporate jobs to pursue a career in the nonprofit sector.
Episode 75: A Mission To Create Hope and Transform Lives in Uganda (Part 1)
Episode 76: A Mission To Create Hope and Transform Lives in Uganda (Part 2)
Normal Goes A Long Way Website:https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/
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Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/
Two Kids and A Career: https://www.jilldevine.com/podcast
Jill Devine had another YES moment while listening to one of Ryan Pfendler’s recent sermon messages. The YES moment was in reference to a Bible verse Ryan preached about. The Bible verse is Matthew 18: 12.
You access Ryan’s message on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/4Y9q72VZLfY?si=789wJlribKKIjMts
Here are the other Episodes Jill made reference to in this week’s episode:
*Episode 5: Who Is God?**
*BONUS (5b): Going Deeper With Pastor Chuck Schlie**
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YES moments have been introduced to Season 5 of the podcast and Jill Devine described what YES moments are in Episode 77.
She realized she pigeon holed herself by keeping the YES moments to sermon messages only. YES moments occur all around us in different ways. The most recent YES moments Jill had happened while she was on a women’s retreat. In Part 3 of the conversation, Jill talked about what coming home from retreat looked and felt like and how she’s feeling at the present moment.
Episode links Jill mentioned in the episode include:
*Episode 79: YES Moments - The Importance of Retreating (Part 1)
Episode 57: Mental Health Struggles – Anxiety, Burnout, and Panic with Christy BoulwarePastor’s Wives Tell All
*Invitation to Retreat by Ruth Haley Barton
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Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/
Two Kids and A Career: https://www.jilldevine.com/podcast
YES moments have been introduced to Season 5 of the podcast and Jill Devine described what YES moments are in Episode 77.
She realized she pigeon holed herself by keeping the YES moments to sermon messages only. YES moments occur all around us in different ways. The most recent YES moments Jill had happened while she was on a women’s retreat. In Part 2 of the conversation, Jill discusses the days leading up to the retreat, the day she left for the retreat, and what happened while on retreat.
Episode links Jill mentioned in the episode include:
*Episode 79: YES Moments - The Importance of Retreating (Part 1)
*Episode 57: Mental Health Struggles – Anxiety, Burnout, and Panic with Christy Boulware
*Pastor’s Wives Tell All
*Invitation to Retreat by Ruth Haley BartonNormal Goes A Long Way Website:https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/
Normal Goes A Long Way Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normalgoesalongway/
Normal Goes A Long Way Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/Normal-Goes-A-Long-Way-110089491250735
Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/
Two Kids and A Career: https://www.jilldevine.com/podcast
YES moments have been introduced to Season 5 of the podcast and Jill Devine described what YES moments are in Episode 77.
She realized she pigeon holed herself by keeping the YES moments to sermon messages only. YES moments occur all around us in different ways. The most recent YES moments Jill had happened while she was on a women’s retreat. In this week’s episode, Jill provides the backstory on how she ended up at the women’s retreat.
Episode links Jill mentioned in the episode include:
Episode 57: Mental Health Struggles – Anxiety, Burnout, and Panic with Christy BoulwarePastor’s Wives Tell AllInvitation to Retreat by Ruth Haley Barton
Normal Goes A Long Way Website:https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/
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Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/
Two Kids and A Career: https://www.jilldevine.com/podcast
Ryan Pfendler invited Pastor Chuck Schlie on the podcast to discuss the YES moment he had while listening to Pastor Chuck one Sunday morning. The YES moment was all about “feelings” and how that pertains to worship. One author Pastor Chuck referenced a couple of times in the message and on the podcast was Eugene H. Peterson.
You access the Pastor Chuck’s message on YouTube.
Take a listen as Ryan and Pastor Chuck discuss the YES moment Ryan had while listening to Pastor Chuck.
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We’re kicking off Season 5 with the introduction of something new, while also showcasing stories as we have been in Season 4.
Jill Devine invited Ryan Pfendler on this week’s episode to talk about YES moments. Lately, Jill has noticed YES moments while she’s listening to sermons. She describes these moments as, “When I hear the Pastor mention something and it makes me want to audibly say YES and shake my head in agreement.” She had one of her first YES moments when Ryan was preaching one Sunday morning. You can access that message on YouTube.
(253) MESSAGE | Masterpiece (Week 4) | The Healing of the Lepers at Capernaum - YouTube
Take a listen as Ryan and Jill discuss the YES moment she had while listening to Ryan.
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This week’s episode originally aired October 27, 2021 on Jill Devine’s other podcast, Two Kids and A Career.
Andy Wiggins and Todd Larkin are the Co-Founders of Hearts & Hope for Uganda. Hearts & Hope is a St. Louis-area 501c3 nonprofit focused on transforming poor villages in Uganda through clean water, health & wellness, education, and small business development. Since its founding in 2011, Hearts & Hope has established 8 schools which provide education to over 2,000 children!
Through Jill’s (and Andy & Todd’s) church, Messiah St. Charles, her family has been given an awesome opportunity to help a child in Uganda because of Hearts & Hope for Uganda. The boy Jill’s family is sponsoring is Derick Zigwanamuto in the village of Butogonha. You can follow along in their journey with Derick and Hearts & Hope for Uganda. Since this is the first time Jill and her family have ever done anything like this, she thought it would be a good idea to have Andy & Todd on the podcast to talk through Jill’s questions because more than likely, others may have the same questions as Jill and her family.
Hearts & Hope’s 11th Annual Party with a Purpose is SOLD OUT, but you can still help! This annual event is the only fundraising event for Hearts & Hope and ensures that our vision becomes a reality!
Donation page - https://heartsandhope.org/product/DON-PWAP-2023/fund-a-need-2023
Normal Goes A Long Way Website:https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/
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Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/
Two Kids and A Career: https://www.jilldevine.com/podcast
This week’s episode originally aired October 27, 2021 on Jill Devine’s other podcast, Two Kids and A Career.
Andy Wiggins and Todd Larkin are the Co-Founders of Hearts & Hope for Uganda. Hearts & Hope is a St. Louis-area 501c3 nonprofit focused on transforming poor villages in Uganda through clean water, health & wellness, education, and small business development. Since its founding in 2011, Hearts & Hope has established 8 schools which provide education to over 2,000 children!
Through Jill’s (and Andy & Todd’s) church, Messiah St. Charles, her family has been given an awesome opportunity to help a child in Uganda because of Hearts & Hope for Uganda. The boy Jill’s family is sponsoring is Derick Zigwanamuto in the village of Butogonha. You can follow along in their journey with Derick and Hearts & Hope for Uganda. Since this is the first time Jill and her family have ever done anything like this, she thought it would be a good idea to have Andy & Todd on the podcast to talk through Jill’s questions because more than likely, others may have the same questions as Jill and her family.
Hearts & Hope’s 11th Annual Party with a Purpose is SOLD OUT, but you can still help! This annual event is the only fundraising event for Hearts & Hope and ensures that our vision becomes a reality!
Donation page - https://heartsandhope.org/product/DON-PWAP-2023/fund-a-need-2023
Here are links to the other episodes Jill mentioned:
52: A Widower’s Advice On Living Life To The Fullest with Brandon Janous (Part 1)53: A Widower’s Advice On Living Life To The Fullest with Brandon Janous (Part 2)54: A Widower’s Advice On Living Life To The Fullest with Brandon Janous (Part 3)55: A Widower’s Advice On Living Life To The Fullest with Brandon Janous (Part 4)Normal Goes A Long Way Website:https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/
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Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/
Two Kids and A Career: https://www.jilldevine.com/podcast
Dr. Benjamin Haupt joined Jill Devine and Ryan Pfendler for a two-part discussion about the challenging times we are encountering in our society. Dr. Haupt made reference to Luke 10:25-37, The Parable of the Good Samaritan, in this week’s episode.
Dr. Haupt is associate provost and associate professor of Practical Theology at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. As associate provost, Dr. Haupt assists the Seminary provost in achieving key strategic priorities in support of the mission of the Seminary. He oversees the Seminary’s recruitment and admissions teams and serves as a liaison to faculty and staff involved in accomplishing the Seminary’s enrollment goals related to its residential, distance and multiethnic Ministerial Formation programs and Advanced Studies programs. Dr. Haupt has been a faculty member since 2013. His areas of interest and expertise include the history of the text of the New Testament, early Christianity prior to Constantine, the intersection of church and society, 19th century Lutheran missiology, the theology and practice of preaching, and pastoral/congregational leadership.
He earned a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) from the University of Birmingham, U.K. (2019), and both a Master of Sacred Theology (S.T.M.) and a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis (2011, 2005). He received a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) from Concordia University Wisconsin, Mequon (2000). During his M.Div. program, he studied for a year at Lutherische Theologische Hochschule in Oberursel, Germany. After graduation he was installed as an associate pastor at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Boca Raton, Fla., and served there until 2008. From 2008-13 he was the sole pastor of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Gainesville, Ga.
Dr. Haupt has been speaking, teaching and writing since 2008 and has been involved with a variety of seminars ranging from lay-focused sessions for people in Haiti to breakout sessions at conferences throughout the United States. His writing includes a translation of a sermon for Luther’s Works, vol. 58, essays on the early history of the New Testament text in the writings of church fathers, his Ph.D. dissertation titled “Tertullian’s Text of the New Testament Outside the Gospels,” a volume of translated and edited essays by Hans Joachim Iwand on Church and Society, and a volume of translated essays on early LCMS mission.
Dr. Haupt is married to Celina, who works at Captain Elementary School. They have two sons. He and his family are avid travelers, comics readers, Lego-maniacs and video gamers. He leads the Concordia Wine Society.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hauptben
Twitter: @benhaupt
Email: hauptb@csl.edu
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Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/
Two Kids and A Career: https://www.jilldevine.com/podcast
Dr. Benjamin Haupt joined Jill Devine and Ryan Pfendler for a two-part discussion about the challenging times we are encountering in our society. Dr. Haupt is associate provost and associate professor of Practical Theology at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. As associate provost, Dr. Haupt assists the Seminary provost in achieving key strategic priorities in support of the mission of the Seminary. He oversees the Seminary’s recruitment and admissions teams and serves as a liaison to faculty and staff involved in accomplishing the Seminary’s enrollment goals related to its residential, distance and multiethnic Ministerial Formation programs and Advanced Studies programs. Dr. Haupt has been a faculty member since 2013. His areas of interest and expertise include the history of the text of the New Testament, early Christianity prior to Constantine, the intersection of church and society, 19th century Lutheran missiology, the theology and practice of preaching, and pastoral/congregational leadership.
He earned a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) from the University of Birmingham, U.K. (2019), and both a Master of Sacred Theology (S.T.M.) and a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis (2011, 2005). He received a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) from Concordia University Wisconsin, Mequon (2000). During his M.Div. program, he studied for a year at Lutherische Theologische Hochschule in Oberursel, Germany. After graduation he was installed as an associate pastor at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Boca Raton, Fla., and served there until 2008. From 2008-13 he was the sole pastor of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Gainesville, Ga.
Dr. Haupt has been speaking, teaching and writing since 2008 and has been involved with a variety of seminars ranging from lay-focused sessions for people in Haiti to breakout sessions at conferences throughout the United States. His writing includes a translation of a sermon for Luther’s Works, vol. 58, essays on the early history of the New Testament text in the writings of church fathers, his Ph.D. dissertation titled “Tertullian’s Text of the New Testament Outside the Gospels,” a volume of translated and edited essays by Hans Joachim Iwand on Church and Society, and a volume of translated essays on early LCMS mission.
Dr. Haupt is married to Celina, who works at Captain Elementary School. They have two sons. He and his family are avid travelers, comics readers, Lego-maniacs and video gamers. He leads the Concordia Wine Society.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hauptben
Twitter: @benhaupt
Email: hauptb@csl.edu
Normal Goes A Long Way Website:https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/
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Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/
Two Kids and A Career: https://www.jilldevine.com/podcast
Trisha Welstad began the Leadership Center coaching and consulting organization in 2012. She received a doctorate in Leadership from Portland Seminary in 2020 and is an ordained pastor and coach with over twenty years of experience. Trisha’s background in leadership includes facilitating staff teams as the lead executive, serving as the director for leadership development in organizations in Oregon and Los Angeles, teaching at the collegiate, graduate, and doctoral level in practical leadership, and facilitating the Institute for Pastoral and Congregational Thriving at Portland Seminary as a grant writer and Executive Director, as well as volunteering locally with her family.
Trisha’s vision for the world is for all people to activate their unique identity and calling, welcoming one another to play and work together in mutually honorable, hospitable and generous ways that create healthy and sustainable relationships with God, self, others, and the planet. Laura Fleetwood sat down with Trisha to chat about the vision Trisha has for the world.
IG: Leadershipcenter.co
FB: facebook.com/Leadershipcenter.co
Website: leadershipcenter.co
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Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/
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Gina Hanna and her husband Derk founded Beauty for Ashes Ministry in 2009. Their vision was to drastically reduce recidivism in prisons across the United States by providing a biblically based Christ-centered program that focuses on healing past wounds and rebuilding on God's word. Her vision for the ministry came from her own personal struggle with drug addiction which led to her incarceration in 1998. Through her journey to true freedom and healing, she discovered her life’s mission and now uses her story to help and encourage others. Beauty for Ashes provides programming in prisons in Missouri and Kansas as well as operates a residential recovery center for women in Troy, MO, Shielded by Faith Recovery. You can support the recovery center by shopping at their thrift store, Beauty for Ashes Restore, located at 631 Main St., Troy, MO.
In this week’s episode, Ryan Pfendler and Jill Devine sat down with Gina to discuss prison ministry and why it’s so important for us to support the work she’s doing in the prisons.
Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/BFAPrisonMinistry
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Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/
Two Kids and A Career: https://www.jilldevine.com/podcast
This week’s episode is Part 2 of the conversation with Ulondia (Londi) Tow. Londi best describes herself in the following sentence, “I love God, people, clothing, and food.” Londi has five children, owns multiple businesses and is striving to live an unedited life.
Laura Fleetwood and Jill Devine asked Londi to share her insight, wisdom, and experience with people pleasing, burnout, and delegating.
Links to Hazel and Blues Boutique and My Beloved Bridal:
https://hazelandbluesboutique.com/
https://www.mybelovedbridalandformal.com/
https://www.instagram.com/mybeloved.bridal/
https://www.facebook.com/mybelovedbridalandformalwear
Normal Goes A Long Way Website:https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/
Normal Goes A Long Way Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normalgoesalongway/
Normal Goes A Long Way Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/Normal-Goes-A-Long-Way-110089491250735
Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/
Two Kids and A Career: https://www.jilldevine.com/podcast
Laura Fleetwood and Jill Devine sat down with Ulondia (Londi) Tow this week. Londi best describes herself in the following sentence, “I love God, people, clothing, and food.” Londi has five children, owns multiple businesses and is striving to live an unedited life.
Londi shared her insight, wisdom, and experience with people pleasing, burnout, and delegating.
Links to Hazel and Blues Boutique and My Beloved Bridal:
https://hazelandbluesboutique.com/
https://www.mybelovedbridalandformal.com/
https://www.instagram.com/mybeloved.bridal/
https://www.facebook.com/mybelovedbridalandformalwear
Normal Goes A Long Way Website:https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/
Normal Goes A Long Way Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normalgoesalongway/
Normal Goes A Long Way Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/Normal-Goes-A-Long-Way-110089491250735
Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/
Two Kids and A Career: https://www.jilldevine.com/podcast
This week’s episode is Part 2 of the conversation with Jen Myers Farmer. If you know Jill Devine from her radio days, then you are bound to know Jen Myers Farmer. Jen and Jill worked closely together for almost ten years at the same radio station.
In 2016, Jen was diagnosed with breast cancer and her difficult cancer journey continues to this day. Jill invited Jen to come on the podcast to talk about the journey she has been on, along with her perspective on everyday life. The most important part of the conversation (in Jill’s opinion) was the reinforcement that ups and downs in relationships are normal and how powerful saying “I love you” can be.
You can read more about Jen’s story and make a contribution by clicking this link. Every dollar raised will support the Farmer family today and tomorrow. To offer them the blessing of one less thing to worry about as they navigate this next chapter. To pursue any future medical treatment available. To be together. To have fun. To, in the face of uncertainty, keep their resolve high and keep their lives moving ever forward.
Normal Goes A Long Way Website:https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/
Normal Goes A Long Way Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normalgoesalongway/
Normal Goes A Long Way Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/Normal-Goes-A-Long-Way-110089491250735
Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/
Two Kids and A Career: https://www.jilldevine.com/podcast
If you know Jill Devine from her radio days, then you are bound to know Jen Myers Farmer. Jen and Jill worked closely together for almost ten years at the same radio station.
In 2016, Jen was diagnosed with breast cancer and her difficult cancer journey continues to this day. Jill invited Jen to come on the podcast to talk about the journey she has been on, along with her perspective on everyday life. The most important part of the conversation (in Jill’s opinion) was the reinforcement that ups and downs in relationships are normal and how powerful saying “I love you” can be.
You can read more about Jen’s story and make a contribution by clicking this link. Every dollar raised will support the Farmer family today and tomorrow. To offer them the blessing of one less thing to worry about as they navigate this next chapter. To pursue any future medical treatment available. To be together. To have fun. To, in the face of uncertainty, keep their resolve high and keep their lives moving ever forward.
Normal Goes A Long Way Website:https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/
Normal Goes A Long Way Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normalgoesalongway/
Normal Goes A Long Way Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/Normal-Goes-A-Long-Way-110089491250735
Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/
Two Kids and A Career: https://www.jilldevine.com/podcast
Corey Garrity is the Associate Pastor at Redeemer Redwood City in the heart of Silicon Valley. He has a deep passion for helping people know, love, and follow Jesus. He studied business management in his undergrad at Concordia University Chicago and graduated from Concordia University Irvine’s Cross-Cultural Ministry Center, with an M.A. in Theology and Culture. He grew up in North Carolina which is where his love for barbecue began. He is married to Madeline and they have a beautiful daughter, Mara with their second baby due this June.
Corey joined Ryan Pfendler and Jill Devine on this week’s episode to discuss church attendance among millennials, going out in the community to share God’s word, and the power of saying hello to complete strangers.
Instagram:@coreyrgarrity
Redeemer Redwood City Website: https://www.redeemerrwc.org/
Collective Co. Website: https://www.collectiveco.online/
Corey’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreygarrity/
Normal Goes A Long Way Website:https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/
Normal Goes A Long Way Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normalgoesalongway/
Normal Goes A Long Way Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/Normal-Goes-A-Long-Way-110089491250735
Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/
Two Kids and A Career: https://www.jilldevine.com/podcast
Don't allow your busy life to get in the way of connecting with Jesus during Holy Week. Each day of Holy Week, we will publish 10 minute guided prayer sessions with Laura Fleetwood to help you center yourself in the present moment, allow you to listen to God's Word as she reads about Jesus' last days, and connect you to the Spirit of Christ as she guides you in prayer and reflection. Set aside 10 minutes for each day of Holy Week to experience God's love for you in a brand new way.
Sunday: A mindful reading of John 20:1-18 and a guided prayer to focus on the way that God makes all things new on Easter and in our lives.
Normal Goes A Long Way Website: https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/
Normal Goes A Long Way Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normalgoesalongway/
Normal Goes A Long Way Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Normal-Goes-A-Long-Way-110089491250735
Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/
Two Kids and A Career: https://www.jilldevine.com/podcast
Don't allow your busy life to get in the way of connecting with Jesus during Holy Week. Each day of Holy Week, we will publish 10 minute guided prayer sessions with Laura Fleetwood to help you center yourself in the present moment, allow you to listen to God's Word as she reads about Jesus' last days, and connect you to the Spirit of Christ as she guides you in prayer and reflection. Set aside 10 minutes for each day of Holy Week to experience God's love for you in a brand new way.
Saturday: A mindful reading of John 19:38-42 and a guided prayer to ask God to show you where you might be experiencing a time of "in between." Between the pain and the resurrection, we wait with hope.
Normal Goes A Long Way Website: https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/
Normal Goes A Long Way Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normalgoesalongway/
Normal Goes A Long Way Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Normal-Goes-A-Long-Way-110089491250735
Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/
Two Kids and A Career: https://www.jilldevine.com/podcast
Don't allow your busy life to get in the way of connecting with Jesus during Holy Week. Each day of Holy Week, we will publish 10 minute guided prayer sessions with Laura Fleetwood to help you center yourself in the present moment, allow you to listen to God's Word as she reads about Jesus' last days, and connect you to the Spirit of Christ as she guides you in prayer and reflection. Set aside 10 minutes for each day of Holy Week to experience God's love for you in a brand new way.
Friday: A mindful reading of John 18:28-40 / John 19:1-30 and a guided prayer to help you personalize what Jesus did for you on Good Friday and the depth of His love for you today.
Normal Goes A Long Way Website: https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/
Normal Goes A Long Way Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normalgoesalongway/
Normal Goes A Long Way Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Normal-Goes-A-Long-Way-110089491250735
Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/
Two Kids and A Career: https://www.jilldevine.com/podcast
Don't allow your busy life to get in the way of connecting with Jesus during Holy Week. Each day of Holy Week, we will publish 10 minute guided prayer sessions with Laura Fleetwood to help you center yourself in the present moment, allow you to listen to God's Word as she reads about Jesus' last days, and connect you to the Spirit of Christ as she guides you in prayer and reflection. Set aside 10 minutes for each day of Holy Week to experience God's love for you in a brand new way.
Thursday: A mindful reading of John 15:1-17 and a guided prayer to help you remain connected to Jesus in the same way a branch is connected to the vine.
Normal Goes A Long Way Website: https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/
Normal Goes A Long Way Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normalgoesalongway/
Normal Goes A Long Way Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Normal-Goes-A-Long-Way-110089491250735
Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/
Two Kids and A Career: https://www.jilldevine.com/podcast
Don't allow your busy life to get in the way of connecting with Jesus during Holy Week. Each day of Holy Week, we will publish 10 minute guided prayer sessions with Laura Fleetwood to help you center yourself in the present moment, allow you to listen to God's Word as she reads about Jesus' last days, and connect you to the Spirit of Christ as she guides you in prayer and reflection. Set aside 10 minutes for each day of Holy Week to experience God's love for you in a brand new way.
Wednesday: A mindful reading of John 14:1-14 and a guided prayer to help you trust that Jesus is who He said He is.
Normal Goes A Long Way Website: https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/
Normal Goes A Long Way Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normalgoesalongway/
Normal Goes A Long Way Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Normal-Goes-A-Long-Way-110089491250735
Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/
Two Kids and A Career: https://www.jilldevine.com/podcast
Don't allow your busy life to get in the way of connecting with Jesus during Holy Week. Each day of Holy Week, we will publish 10 minute guided prayer sessions with Laura Fleetwood to help you center yourself in the present moment, allow you to listen to God's Word as she reads about Jesus' last days, and connect you to the Spirit of Christ as she guides you in prayer and reflection. Set aside 10 minutes for each day of Holy Week to experience God's love for you in a brand new way.
Tuesday: A mindful reading of John 13:1-17 and a guided prayer to help you discover who God is calling you to serve just as He served His disciples before His death when He washed their feet.
Normal Goes A Long Way Website: https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/
Normal Goes A Long Way Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normalgoesalongway/
Normal Goes A Long Way Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Normal-Goes-A-Long-Way-110089491250735
Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/
Two Kids and A Career: https://www.jilldevine.com/podcast
Don't allow your busy life to get in the way of connecting with Jesus during Holy Week. Each day of Holy Week, we will publish 10 minute guided prayer sessions with Laura Fleetwood to help you center yourself in the present moment, allow you to listen to God's Word as she reads about Jesus' last days, and connect you to the Spirit of Christ as she guides you in prayer and reflection. Set aside 10 minutes for each day of Holy Week to experience God's love for you in a brand new way.
Monday: A mindful reading of John 12:20-36 and guided prayer to help you discover where God is calling you to walk in Jesus' light rather than continuing on in darkness.
Normal Goes A Long Way Website: https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/
Normal Goes A Long Way Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normalgoesalongway/
Normal Goes A Long Way Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Normal-Goes-A-Long-Way-110089491250735
Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/
Two Kids and A Career: https://www.jilldevine.com/podcast
Don't allow your busy life to get in the way of connecting with Jesus during Holy Week. Each day of Holy Week, we will publish 10 minute guided prayer sessions with Laura Fleetwood to help you center yourself in the present moment, allow you to listen to God's Word as she reads about Jesus' last days, and connect you to the Spirit of Christ as she guides you in prayer and reflection. Set aside 10 minutes for each day of Holy Week to experience God's love for you in a brand new way.
Palm Sunday: A mindful reading of John 12:12-17 and guided prayer to help you welcome Jesus every day of your life just as they welcomed Him on Palm Sunday.
Normal Goes A Long Way Website: https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/
Normal Goes A Long Way Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normalgoesalongway/
Normal Goes A Long Way Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Normal-Goes-A-Long-Way-110089491250735
Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/
Two Kids and A Career: https://www.jilldevine.com/podcast
This coming Sunday is Palm Sunday and marks the first day of Holy Week. Don't allow your busy life to get in the way of connecting with Jesus this coming Holy Week. Over the next seven days, we will publish 10 minute guided prayer sessions with Laura Fleetwood to help you center yourself in the present moment, allow you to listen to God's Word as she reads about Jesus' last days, and connect you to the Spirit of Christ as she guides you in prayer and reflection.
Set aside 10 minutes for each day of Holy Week to experience God's love for you in a brand new way.
Normal Goes A Long Way Website: https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/
Normal Goes A Long Way Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normalgoesalongway/
Normal Goes A Long Way Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Normal-Goes-A-Long-Way-110089491250735
Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/
Two Kids and A Career: https://www.jilldevine.com/podcast
Laura Fleetwood sat down with Christy Boulware to talk about mental health struggles. Laura and Christy met because of a shared experience with anxiety. Both experienced dark moments in their lives due to anxiety and both women want to help others understand anxiety does not define who you are.
A little bit about Christy:
I am first a passionate follower of Christ, wife to a hunky man named Troy, and mom of three beautiful children. I am a women's ministry leader and female Christian author with a deep desire to set as many free from the chains of fear and anxiety as possible. I founded and led the not-for-profit organization Fearless Unite (formally Fearless Women). Through conferences, retreats, Bible studies, devotionals, and a depression & anxiety blog, I dream of drastically decreasing the alarming statistics of fear and anxiety in our world.
Highlights from the episode include:
*Laying down superwoman tendencies and discovering how to fully surrender to a trustworthy God.
*Stopping anxiety before it starts by recognizing smoke alarms.
*Understanding categories of people that are safe to share your anxiety struggle with.
*Learning why the presence of fear does not mean your faith is weak.
*Discovering where science complements God's Word to achieve a balanced approach for overcoming anxiety.
Christy’s book, “Nervous Breakthrough”, will teach you how to overcome fear and anxiety in a world that feeds it. You can order it now through her website or Amazon.
Here’s how you can connect with Christy:
https://www.instagram.com/fearlessunite/
https://www.facebook.com/fearlessunite
https://www.instagram.com/christymboulware/
https://www.facebook.com/christy.boulware
Two Kids and A Career: https://www.jilldevine.com/podcast
Normal Goes A Long Way Website:https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/
Normal Goes A Long Way Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normalgoesalongway/
Normal Goes A Long Way Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/Normal-Goes-A-Long-Way-110089491250735
Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/
What would it be like if people pursued the common good with their neighbors right where they lived? Jill Devine and Laura Fleetwood found out the answer to that question in Episode 56. Joining the ladies this week, Jennifer Prophete. Jennifer is the Program Director for The Hopeful Neighborhood Project. She has spent 20 years working in the field of urban education and cross-cultural ministry, learning how community engagement is vital for effective ministry. She has a bachelor’s degree from Concordia University-Nebraska in elementary education with certificates in English-as-an-Other-Language, special education, and early childhood education. She received an MBA from the University of Saint Mary. Jennifer lives in a suburb of St. Louis, MO with her husband, three kids, and amazing neighbors.
As referenced in the episode by Jennifer:The Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37, NIV)25 On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 26 “What is written in the Law?” he replied. “How do you read it?” 27 He answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” 28 “You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.” 29 But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” 30 In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. 31 A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. 32 So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. 34 He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. 35 The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’ 36 “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” 37 The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”
IG: https://www.instagram.com/hopefulneighborhood/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/hopefulneighborhood
Two Kids and A Career: https://www.jilldevine.com/podcast
Normal Goes A Long Way Website:https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/
Normal Goes A Long Way Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normalgoesalongway/
Normal Goes A Long Way Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/Normal-Goes-A-Long-Way-110089491250735
Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/
In this week’s episode, Part 4 of the conversation with Brandon Janous brings us to the present day. Since the initial conversation Jill Devine had with Brandon in 2021, a lot has happened in the Janous family, but one of the biggest things is the publication of Brandon’s first book, Just Do!. Here’s part of the introduction Brandon wrote for the book:
This wasn’t how I’d expected my first book to begin. To be honest, before Rachel got sick, I’d already written much of what you’ll read if you keep going. And for the most part, it’s not sad. I had no intention of making you cry or bringing you to tears. Actually, what I’d written before cancer was fun, exciting, joyful, funny, and all the other feel-good words. But then life happened. Life has a way of doing that. It just happens. It would be easy for you to read that opening passage and think that you’ve stumbled upon a book full of pain and sorrow. But I’m here to assure you that what you’ll find in the following pages isn’t that. Yes, we lost Rachel. Yes, I’m going to spend some time talking about that season because she deserves to be talked about, and her story deserves to be told. Yes, it’s sad and hard and may not make sense most days. But what you’re not going to find is a book about death or dying. That’s not what this is. That’s not what Rachel would have wanted. It’s not littered with stories from the hospital or the cancer center. It could be because there were so many beautiful lessons during those days. But that’s not what this story is. It’s actually quite the opposite. This book is about living. It’s about loving. It’s about doing. Because that’s what Rachel chose to do every single moment of every single day. She lived. She loved. And even as she was dying, she continued to do. My hope for this book is that through sharing more of our families’ stories, you choose to live and love a little differently going forward.
Instagram and Facebook: @brandonjanous
Two Kids and A Career: https://www.jilldevine.com/podcast
Normal Goes A Long Way Website:https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/
Normal Goes A Long Way Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normalgoesalongway/
Normal Goes A Long Way Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/Normal-Goes-A-Long-Way-110089491250735
Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/
In this week’s episode, Part 3 of the conversation with Brandon Janous brings us to the present day. Since the initial conversation Jill Devine had with Brandon in 2021, a lot has happened in the Janous family, but one of the biggest things is the publication of Brandon’s first book, Just Do!. Here’s part of the introduction Brandon wrote for the book:
This wasn’t how I’d expected my first book to begin. To be honest, before Rachel got sick, I’d already written much of what you’ll read if you keep going. And for the most part, it’s not sad. I had no intention of making you cry or bringing you to tears. Actually, what I’d written before cancer was fun, exciting, joyful, funny, and all the other feel-good words. But then life happened. Life has a way of doing that. It just happens. It would be easy for you to read that opening passage and think that you’ve stumbled upon a book full of pain and sorrow. But I’m here to assure you that what you’ll find in the following pages isn’t that. Yes, we lost Rachel. Yes, I’m going to spend some time talking about that season because she deserves to be talked about, and her story deserves to be told. Yes, it’s sad and hard and may not make sense most days. But what you’re not going to find is a book about death or dying. That’s not what this is. That’s not what Rachel would have wanted. It’s not littered with stories from the hospital or the cancer center. It could be because there were so many beautiful lessons during those days. But that’s not what this story is. It’s actually quite the opposite. This book is about living. It’s about loving. It’s about doing. Because that’s what Rachel chose to do every single moment of every single day. She lived. She loved. And even as she was dying, she continued to do. My hope for this book is that through sharing more of our families’ stories, you choose to live and love a little differently going forward.
Instagram and Facebook: @brandonjanous
Two Kids and A Career: https://www.jilldevine.com/podcast
Normal Goes A Long Way Website:https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/
Normal Goes A Long Way Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normalgoesalongway/
Normal Goes A Long Way Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/Normal-Goes-A-Long-Way-110089491250735
Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/
Continuing the conversation from last week, in Part 2 we learn more about Rachel Janous and important life lessons. This week’s episode originally aired February 24, 2021 on Jill Devine’s other podcast, Two Kids and A Career. Through a mutual friend, Jill was introduced to Brandon Janous. Brandon lost his wife, Rachel, to breast cancer on March 1st, 2020.
To gain a little insight on who Rachel was, here are some highlights from her obituary:
Rachel was an incredible nurse because she loved people so well.
Rachel was an incredible mom because she loved her children so well.
Rachel was an incredible friend because she loved her friends so well.
Rachel was an incredible daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece, cousin, sister-in-law, aunt, wife, and daughter-in-law because she just knew how to love everyone so well.
Rachel was diagnosed with breast cancer. She was only 36 years old at the time. But she fought it hard, beat it and was in complete remission for about 7 months. In July of 2019, the cancer came back, and it came back with a vengeance. Down deep, Rachel had always felt that it would eventually come back, and she was prepared to battle it again. The problem was that this time, the cancer took over her entire body and before long, the doctors had exhausted all treatment options.
Rachel could have easily given up and been angry for the hand she’d been dealt. But instead, she decided she’d do her best to change the world. And that’s exactly what she did.
She taught us that cancer is hard, but that everyone has their “hard.” And that you never know what someone is going through. You never know their struggle. You never know their pain. You never know where they have been or where they’re going. So to always be kind and to always love hard.
She taught us that God is so dang good. And that while dying of cancer at 38 years old isn’t fun, dancing in heaven was going to be a blast!
She taught us not to take moments for granted and that it’s the little moments that matter most.
She taught us all how to hug better.
She taught us that there is so much beauty in the brokenness. And that even in her final days, when she knew death was imminent, she was helping everyone around her heal. She was encouraging and equipping everyone for the next chapter. She was leading people, so many people, many that she’d never met, to know Jesus.
If you didn’t have the chance to meet Rachel, you missed out. Just five minutes with her would have had a major impact on your life.
Rachel's story is one every person should hear. Your perspective on life will change after hearing it. #LoveLikeRachel
Instagram and Facebook: @brandonjanous
Two Kids and A Career: https://www.jilldevine.com/podcast
Normal Goes A Long Way Website:https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/
Normal Goes A Long Way Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normalgoesalongway/
Normal Goes A Long Way Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/Normal-Goes-A-Long-Way-110089491250735
Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/
This week’s episode originally aired February 24, 2021 on Jill Devine’s other podcast, Two Kids and A Career. Through a mutual friend, Jill Devine was introduced to Brandon Janous. Brandon lost his wife, Rachel, to breast cancer on March 1st, 2020. Jill invited Brandon on the podcast to share Rachel's story because as he describes in the episode, "there's beauty in the brokenness".
To gain a little insight on who Rachel was, here are some highlights from her obituary:
Rachel excelled in everything that she attempted. But it was dance that captured her heart. From the time that she could walk to the time that she could walk no more, she danced. She danced everywhere she went and never in her life had trouble finding a dance partner.
Rachel attended the University of Nebraska (Go Big Red), where she not only danced on the sidelines of every football and basketball game as a Scarlet, but she also excelled in the classroom. It was here, in Lincoln, Nebraska, where Rachel would meet the love of her life (though she didn’t know it at the time.) He knew it. It just took her a bit longer to be convinced.
His name was Brandon Janous, and because of a silly flag football tournament, their love story began. Brandon was introduced to Rachel through some of her High School friends (Go Oak Park) on a weekend trip he and his buddies took to Lincoln from the University of Missouri (MIZ).
On March 13, 2010, Rachel and Brandon said their “I do’s” and began what they would consider the greatest love story ever told. The first of their 3 children, Hadley Mae, arrived just over a year after their wedding day, and for the next few years, Rachel would spend most of her time in maternity clothes. In 2012, they welcomed their second daughter, Cooper Grace, and in 2014 they got their boy, Macklin Lawrence, and became what is now known as The Janous 5.
She taught us that God is so dang good. And that while dying of cancer at 38 years old isn’t fun, dancing in heaven was going to be a blast!
Rachel's story is one every person should hear. Your perspective on life will change after hearing it. #LoveLikeRachel
Instagram and Facebook: @brandonjanous
Two Kids and A Career: https://www.jilldevine.com/podcast
Normal Goes A Long Way Website:https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/
Normal Goes A Long Way Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normalgoesalongway/
Normal Goes A Long Way Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/Normal-Goes-A-Long-Way-110089491250735
Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/
For way too long, the way Steph Darst viewed and used her body swung on a pendulum between obsession and neglect. Finally, in 2013, she began to invite the Lord into the conversation surrounding her health and wellness for the first time in her life. As she learned to honor Him with her body, she found freedom in the middle: No longer obsessing OR neglecting... but enjoying life in freedom! It didn't take long for her to realize this freedom was meant to be shared. She began her journey as a group fitness instructor, personal trainer, & yoga teacher, and has never looked back.
Steph is committed to empowering women to honor God in the areas of fitness and wellness, to be ready for whatever adventures the Lord may call them to. She can be found teaching classes in-person at Lifepoint Fitness in O'Fallon, MO; and virtually at FitCrew.Online. All of Steph's classes weave together biblical teaching with movement, for an encouraging experience that will quickly become a welcome addition to your fitness routine.
Take a listen to this week’s episode as Jill Devine talks with Steph about her journey.
www.FitCrew.Online
www.LifepointFitness.com
https://www.instagram.com/steph.darst/
https://www.facebook.com/fitcrew.online/
Normal Goes A Long Way Website:https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/
Normal Goes A Long Way Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normalgoesalongway/
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Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/
Pastor Jim Mueller makes his return to the podcast. Jim is the Lead Pastor at Messiah Lutheran Church in St. Charles, Missouri, where Jill Devine attends. Jill wanted to discuss a recent message Jim preached on and wanted more clarification on sin.
Highlights from the episode include:
*Deciphering the different types of sin
*Getting To Know Jesus by Paul Schult
*Jonah’s story
*Glorifying Jeffrey Dahmer and individuals like him
Here are the previous episodes Jim has appeared on:
Episode 4: What Does It Mean To Be A Christian?
BONUS (4b): Going Deeper With Pastor Jim Mueller
Episode 6: A Thanksgiving Blessing
Episode 15: What Is Lent All About?
BONUS (15b): Going Deeper With Pastor Jim Mueller
Episode 17: Two Pastors Discuss The Resurrection Of Jesus
Normal Goes A Long Way Website:https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/
Normal Goes A Long Way Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normalgoesalongway/
Normal Goes A Long Way Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/Normal-Goes-A-Long-Way-110089491250735
Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/
In Episode 48, Laura Fleetwood sat down with Keeya Vawar to discuss how Keeya was exploited for years at the hands of many traffickers. In Part 2 of the conversation, Keeya talked about her redemption story and how God continues to play the biggest role in her life.
She is a survivor expert, student of life, a wife and mother, and missionary. A powerful voice of hope in a growing ecosystem of despair, her motivation and passion for youth and women of all ages is inextricably linked to her own story of hardship and survival against insurmountable odds.
As an author, speaker, and advocate, she connects viscerally with audiences, and is known for her uncanny ability to help others make real emotional connections with otherwise obscure realities. Her current work is centered on advocacy in collaboration with organizations that rescue women and children from the sex trafficking industry.
Black Girls are disproportionately ‘at risk’ of being trafficked in the United States and their stories often go untold for reasons far more complicated than mere reporting, or statistical oversight. Keeya was lured with the opportunity to escape the abusive and tumultuous home life and faced with the prospect of meeting some of the biggest and most influential names in the music industry. She was exploited for years at the hands of many traffickers. With her book, One Thousand Elsewhere: A True Survivor Story, she broke her silence and gives the reader a seat to the table of her story. One Thousand Elsewhere: A True Survivor Story is available today in the Kindle, Paperback, and Hard Copy formats on Amazon.
January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Monthand National Human Trafficking Awareness Day is recognized each year on January 11th. Two sources you can check out are Blue Campaign and The U.S. Department of State.
Instagram: @keeyasays
Twitter: @keeyasays
Linkedin: Keeya Vawar
Normal Goes A Long Way Website:https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/
Normal Goes A Long Way Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normalgoesalongway/
Normal Goes A Long Way Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/Normal-Goes-A-Long-Way-110089491250735
Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/
Welcome to Season 4 of Normal Goes A Long Way! Season 4 will focus on stories of redemption, struggle, triumph, and more.
For Episode 48, Laura Fleetwood sat down with Keeya Vawar. She is a survivor expert, student of life, a wife and mother, and missionary. A powerful voice of hope in a growing ecosystem of despair, her motivation and passion for youth and women of all ages is inextricably linked to her own story of hardship and survival against insurmountable odds.
As an author, speaker, and advocate, she connects viscerally with audiences, and is known for her uncanny ability to help others make real emotional connections with otherwise obscure realities. Her current work is centered on advocacy in collaboration with organizations that rescue women and children from the sex trafficking industry.
Black Girls are disproportionately ‘at risk’ of being trafficked in the United States and their stories often go untold for reasons far more complicated than mere reporting, or statistical oversight. Keeya was lured with the opportunity to escape the abusive and tumultuous home life and faced with the prospect of meeting some of the biggest and most influential names in the music industry. She was exploited for years at the hands of many traffickers. With her book, One Thousand Elsewhere: A True Survivor Story, she broke her silence and gives the reader a seat to the table of her story. One Thousand Elsewhere: A True Survivor Story is available today in the Kindle, Paperback, and Hard Copy formats on Amazon.
January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Monthand National Human Trafficking Awareness Day is recognized each year on January 11th. Two sources you can check out are Blue Campaign and The U.S. Department of State.
Instagram: @keeyasays
Twitter: @keeyasays
Linkedin: Keeya Vawar
Normal Goes A Long Way Website:https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/
Normal Goes A Long Way Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normalgoesalongway/
Normal Goes A Long Way Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/Normal-Goes-A-Long-Way-110089491250735
Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/
As we wrap up Season 3 and look forward to 2023, Jill Devine took some time to reflect on the conversations held during Season 3. You can hear all episodes of Normal Goes A Long Way on the podcast platform of your choice.
We hope you will join us after the New Year when Season 4 launches. Mark your calendars for Tuesday, January 10th, 2024 for new episodes of Normal Goes A Long Way. Season 4 will focus on stories of redemption, struggle, triumph, and more.
Normal Goes A Long Way Website: https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/
Normal Goes A Long Way Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normalgoesalongway/
Normal Goes A Long Way Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Normal-Goes-A-Long-Way-110089491250735
Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/
Use my special link https://zen.ai/normalgoesalongway and use Normal Goes A Long Way to save 30% off your first three months of Zencastr professional. #madeonzencastr
How many times have you let Christmas come and go without reflecting on what actually happened that first Christmas long ago? It’s a story of wonder AND it's a story that causes us to wonder. Each day of the week before Christmas, these 5 minute daily reflections from Laura Fleetwood will transport you to the time of Jesus’ birth and help you reflect on the miracle that happened in your midst.
God with us. The only gift we need. Scripture: Luke 2: 7-20
Normal Goes A Long Way Website: https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/
Normal Goes A Long Way Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normalgoesalongway/
Normal Goes A Long Way Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Normal-Goes-A-Long-Way-110089491250735
Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/
How many times have you let Christmas come and go without reflecting on what actually happened that first Christmas long ago? It’s a story of wonder AND it's a story that causes us to wonder. Each day of the week before Christmas, these 5 minute daily reflections from Laura Fleetwood will transport you to the time of Jesus’ birth and help you reflect on the miracle that happened in your midst.
When things don’t go the way you planned, perhaps there just may be a good reason. Scripture: Luke 2: :1-5.
Normal Goes A Long Way Website: https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/
Normal Goes A Long Way Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normalgoesalongway/
Normal Goes A Long Way Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Normal-Goes-A-Long-Way-110089491250735
Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/
How many times have you let Christmas come and go without reflecting on what actually happened that first Christmas long ago? It’s a story of wonder AND it's a story that causes us to wonder. Each day of the week before Christmas, these 5 minute daily reflections from Laura Fleetwood will transport you to the time of Jesus’ birth and help you reflect on the miracle that happened in your midst.
How does Mary respond to the miracle happening inside her and how do YOU respond to the gifts you’ve received? Scripture: Luke 1: 46-56
Normal Goes A Long Way Website: https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/
Normal Goes A Long Way Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normalgoesalongway/
Normal Goes A Long Way Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Normal-Goes-A-Long-Way-110089491250735
Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/
How many times have you let Christmas come and go without reflecting on what actually happened that first Christmas long ago? It’s a story of wonder AND it's a story that causes us to wonder. Each day of the week before Christmas, these 5 minute daily reflections from Laura Fleetwood will transport you to the time of Jesus’ birth and help you reflect on the miracle that happened in your midst.
We were never meant to go through life alone and neither was Mary. Scripture: Luke 1: 39-45
Normal Goes A Long Way Website: https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/
Normal Goes A Long Way Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normalgoesalongway/
Normal Goes A Long Way Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Normal-Goes-A-Long-Way-110089491250735
Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/
How many times have you let Christmas come and go without reflecting on what actually happened that first Christmas long ago? It’s a story of wonder AND it's a story that causes us to wonder. Each day of the week before Christmas, these 5 minute daily reflections from Laura Fleetwood will transport you to the time of Jesus’ birth and help you reflect on the miracle that happened in your midst.
Scripture: Luke 1: 26-38
Normal Goes A Long Way Website: https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/
Normal Goes A Long Way Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normalgoesalongway/
Normal Goes A Long Way Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Normal-Goes-A-Long-Way-110089491250735
Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/
How many times have you let Christmas come and go without reflecting on what actually happened that first Christmas long ago? It’s a story of wonder AND it's a story that causes us to wonder. Each day of the week before Christmas, these 5 minute daily reflections from Laura Fleetwood will transport you to the time of Jesus’ birth and help you reflect on the miracle that happened in your midst.
How long? The waiting we experience in our life is nothing compared to the season of waiting that God’s people endured as they longed for their Savior.
Scripture: Luke 1: 11-20
Normal Goes A Long Way Website: https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/
Normal Goes A Long Way Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normalgoesalongway/
Normal Goes A Long Way Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Normal-Goes-A-Long-Way-110089491250735
Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/
How many times have you let Christmas come and go without reflecting on what actually happened that first Christmas long ago? It’s a story of wonder AND it's a story that causes us to wonder. Each day of the week before Christmas, these 5 minute daily reflections from Laura Fleetwood will transport you to the time of Jesus’ birth and help you reflect on the miracle that happened in your midst.
There is duality in the word wonder. Don’t miss the importance of each meaning throughout the story of Christmas.
Scripture: Luke 1:1-4
Normal Goes A Long Way Website: https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/
Normal Goes A Long Way Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normalgoesalongway/
Normal Goes A Long Way Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Normal-Goes-A-Long-Way-110089491250735
Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/
Jill Devine asked Hannah Lang and Laura Fleetwood to be a part of this new series about Faith-Filled Parenting. Hannah is the Director of Children’s Ministry at Messiah St. Charles. Laura is Jill’s spiritual mentor and mom to two teenage daughters. Hannah will tackle the elementary age (birth-5th grade) and Laura Fleetwood will tackle the secondary age (6th-12th grade).
Resources from Hannah:
- Article: Get Ready for the Questions Coming Your Way
- Authentic Faith Development Timeline
- Parent Conversation Guides: Faith
Normal Goes A Long Way Website:https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/
Normal Goes A Long Way Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normalgoesalongway/
Normal Goes A Long Way Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/Normal-Goes-A-Long-Way-110089491250735
Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/
Use my special link https://zen.ai/normalgoesalongway and use Normal Goes A Long Way to save 30% off your first three months of Zencastr professional. #madeonzencastr
Jill Devine asked Hannah Lang and Laura Fleetwood to be a part of this new series about Faith-Filled Parenting. Hannah is the Director of Children’s Ministry at Messiah St. Charles. Laura is Jill’s spiritual mentor and mom to two teenage daughters. Hannah will tackle the elementary age (birth-5th grade) and Laura Fleetwood will tackle the secondary age (6th-12th grade).
Resources from Hannah:
- Parent Conversation Guides: Crisis
- Article: How to Talk to Your Kids About Tragedy
Normal Goes A Long Way Website: https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/
Normal Goes A Long Way Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normalgoesalongway/
Normal Goes A Long Way Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Normal-Goes-A-Long-Way-110089491250735
Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/
Use my special link https://zen.ai/normalgoesalongway and use Normal Goes A Long Way to save 30% off your first three months of Zencastr professional. #madeonzencastr
Jill Devine asked Hannah Lang and Laura Fleetwood to be a part of this new series about Faith-Filled Parenting. Hannah is the Director of Children’s Ministry at Messiah St. Charles. Laura is Jill’s spiritual mentor and mom to two teenage daughters. Hannah will tackle the elementary age (birth-5th grade) and Laura Fleetwood will tackle the secondary age (6th-12th grade).
Resources from Hannah:
*Article: How Do I Encourage Kids to Be Friends?
*Conversation Guide: Healthy Friendships
*Scripture Referenced: Proverbs 17:17
*Conversation Guide: Bullying
Normal Goes A Long Way Website:https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/
Normal Goes A Long Way Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normalgoesalongway/
Normal Goes A Long Way Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/Normal-Goes-A-Long-Way-110089491250735
Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/
Use my special link https://zen.ai/normalgoesalongway and use Normal Goes A Long Way to save 30% off your first three months of Zencastr professional. #madeonzencastr
Jill asked Hannah Lang and Laura Fleetwood to be a part of this new series about Faith-Filled Parenting. Hannah is the Director of Children’s Ministry at Messiah St. Charles. Laura is Jill’s spiritual mentor and mom to two teenage daughters. Hannah will tackle the elementary age (birth-5th grade) and Laura Fleetwood will tackle the secondary age (6th-12th grade).
Resources from Hannah:
*Sexual Integrity Timeline
*"4 Tips for talking about the Birds & the Bees"
*Birds & Bees and Instagram @birds_bees
*Parent Conversation Guides: Sexual Integrity
*Recommended books: How God Makes Babies by Dr. Jim Burns and God Made Your Body by Dr. Jim Burns
Normal Goes A Long Way Website:https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/
Normal Goes A Long Way Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normalgoesalongway/
Normal Goes A Long Way Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/Normal-Goes-A-Long-Way-110089491250735
Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/
Use my special link https://zen.ai/normalgoesalongway and use Normal Goes A Long Way to save 30% off your first three months of Zencastr professional. #madeonzencastr
Jill asked Hannah Lang and Laura Fleetwood to be a part of this new series about Faith-Filled Parenting. Hannah is the Director of Children’s Ministry at Messiah St. Charles. Laura is Jill’s spiritual mentor and mom to two teenage daughters. Hannah will tackle the elementary age (birth-5th grade) and Laura Fleetwood will tackle the secondary age (6th-12th grade).
Resources from Hannah:
*Technological Responsibility Timeline
*Conversation Guide: Cyberbullying
*Conversation Guide: Technology
*YouTube Playlist of Technology Tips
Normal Goes A Long Way Website:https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/
Normal Goes A Long Way Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normalgoesalongway/
Normal Goes A Long Way Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/Normal-Goes-A-Long-Way-110089491250735
Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/
Use my special link https://zen.ai/normalgoesalongway and use Normal Goes A Long Way to save 30% off your first three months of Zencastr professional. #madeonzencastr
Jill asked Hannah Lang and Laura Fleetwood to be a part of this new series about Faith-Filled Parenting. Hannah is the Director of Children’s Ministry at Messiah St. Charles. Laura is Jill’s spiritual mentor and mom to two teenage daughters. Hannah will tackle the elementary age (birth-5th grade) and Laura Fleetwood will tackle the secondary age (6th-12th grade).
Resources from Hannah:
*Scripture referenced: Revelation 21:1-5 and Revelation 21:18-25 and Isaiah 11:6-9
*A great podcast episode you can listen to with your kids: https://www.kbspodcast.com/podcast/episode/35ce960c/137a-heaven
*Article: The Truth about Talking to your Children About Loss
*Recommended books -
Goodbye to Goodbyes by Lauren Chandler
Heaven is a Wonderful Place by Joanne Marxhausen
Remembering My Someone Special: Grieving Journal for Kids by Jane Wilke
I Will Not Be Afraid by Michelle Medlock Adams
Normal Goes A Long Way Website:https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/
Normal Goes A Long Way Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normalgoesalongway/
Normal Goes A Long Way Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/Normal-Goes-A-Long-Way-110089491250735
Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/
Use my special link https://zen.ai/normalgoesalongway and use Normal Goes A Long Way to save 30% off your first three months of Zencastr professional. #madeonzencastr
In Episode 32: How Do You Parent Through A Faith Lens?, Jill Devine expressed her concern about parenting through a Faith lens and how you tackle certain topics with your child, while incorporating your Faith into the conversation.
Jill asked Hannah Lang and Laura Fleetwood to be a part of this new series about Faith-Filled Parenting. Hannah is the Director of Children’s Ministry at Messiah St. Charles. Laura is Jill’s spiritual mentor and mom to two teenage daughters. Hannah will tackle the elementary age (birth-5th grade) and Laura Fleetwood will tackle the secondary age (6th-12th grade).
Highlights from the episode include:
*Equipping parents with lots of resources
*The Chistian version of something can come off subpar or cheesy
*Tap into your natural rhythms of the day
*God is big enough to handle our questions and we won’t scare Him away
*Stay away from a feeling of shame for yourself and your kids
*God is “doing the doing”
Normal Goes A Long Way Website:https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/
Normal Goes A Long Way Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normalgoesalongway/
Normal Goes A Long Way Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/Normal-Goes-A-Long-Way-110089491250735
Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/
All of the episodes about the faith of the next generation made Jill Devine think more about parenting through a Faith lens and what does that look like? She’s going to bring some guests on the podcast to provide advice on how you tackle certain topics with your child, while incorporating your Faith into the conversation. Jill welcomes any advice you may have or if you have questions you would like Jill to ask her guests on a particular topic, email her: hello@jilldevine.com.
Messiah Middle School Website: https://messiahstcharles.org/middle-school/
Messiah High School Website: https://messiahstcharles.org/high-school/
Normal Goes A Long Way Website:https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/
Normal Goes A Long Way Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normalgoesalongway/
Normal Goes A Long Way Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/Normal-Goes-A-Long-Way-110089491250735
Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/
Ryan Pfendler and Jill Devine have been talking with high schoolers about their faith walk. In this recap episode, Ryan and Jill discussed what they learned over the last few episodes. In addition, Ryan provided some practical tips for parents with teenagers.
Messiah Middle School Website: https://messiahstcharles.org/middle-school/
Messiah High School Website: https://messiahstcharles.org/high-school/
Normal Goes A Long Way Website: https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/
Normal Goes A Long Way Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normalgoesalongway/
Normal Goes A Long Way Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Normal-Goes-A-Long-Way-110089491250735
Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/
Ryan Pfendler and Jill Devine invited the next generation to sit down and chat about the faith of the next generation. In this week’s episode, two male high schoolers (Gus and Trevor) sat down with Ryan and Justin Shiroma. You may remember Justin from two previous episodes:
Episode 7: What Is My Role As A Christian?
BONUS (7b): Going Deeper With Justin Shiroma
Gus attends a private high school and Trevor attends a public high school. They opened up to Ryan and Justin about their faith walk, what they want from adult ministry leaders, and what they want their parents to know and understand about them.
Ryan is the Director of Student & Young Adult Ministry at Messiah St. Charles. Ryan’s ministry believes that following Jesus is the way young people grow into the best version of themselves. He wants every teenager to belong to a community of faith where they can learn who Jesus is, and discover the purpose He has for them now and as they grow.
Highlights from the episode include:
*FCA
*Hearing the call from God
*Fear of being vulnerable
*Being a Christian may not be “cool”
*The importance of the small group setting
*Tackling topics specific to teenagers
*The waiting game
*Empty promises
*Being able to relate to teenagers
Messiah Middle School Website: https://messiahstcharles.org/middle-school/
Messiah High School Website: https://messiahstcharles.org/high-school/
Normal Goes A Long Way Website:https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/
Normal Goes A Long Way Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normalgoesalongway/
Normal Goes A Long Way Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/Normal-Goes-A-Long-Way-110089491250735
Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/
Ryan Pfendler and Jill Devine invited the next generation to sit down and chat about the faith of the next generation. Ivy Mueller and Maddie Davis are two private high school students who opened up to Ryan and Jill about their faith walk, what they want from adult ministry leaders, and what they want their parents to know and understand about them.
Ryan is the Director of Student & Young Adult Ministry at Messiah St. Charles. Ryan’s ministry believes that following Jesus is the way young people grow into the best version of themselves. He wants every teenager to belong to a community of faith where they can learn who Jesus is, and discover the purpose He has for them now and as they grow.
Highlights from the episode include:
*Switching from Public School to Private School
*Going from no faith experience to having it be constantly in your face
*The importance of connection and community
*Being brave and showing up
*Everyone is broken
*Not everyone at a Private School is a Christian
*An explanation of Chapel
*Wanting and needing adults to listen
*Being able to relate to Christian leaders
*What it’s like to be a “P.K.”
Messiah Middle School Website: https://messiahstcharles.org/middle-school/
Messiah High School Website: https://messiahstcharles.org/high-school/
Normal Goes A Long Way Website: https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/
Normal Goes A Long Way Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normalgoesalongway/
Normal Goes A Long Way Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Normal-Goes-A-Long-Way-110089491250735
Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/
Ryan Pfendler and Jill Devine invited the next generation to sit down and chat about the faith of the next generation. Audrey Fleetwood and Jenna Smith are two public high school students who opened up to Ryan and Jill about their faith walk, what they want from adult ministry leaders, and what they want their parents to know and understand about them.
Ryan is the Director of Student & Young Adult Ministry at Messiah St. Charles. Ryan’s ministry believes that following Jesus is the way young people grow into the best version of themselves. He wants every teenager to belong to a community of faith where they can learn who Jesus is, and discover the purpose He has for them now and as they grow.
Highlights from the episode include:
*Stepping away from Christianity
*The Public & Private School divide
*Being called the “Jesus Girl”
*Loneliness
*Parents need to let their teenager experience hurt
*Multiple reasons for teenagers being stressed
*Knowing trends is not necessary to connect (Example: ASMR - Autonomous sensory meridian response)
*Adults need to make their faith personal to teenagers
Messiah Middle School Website: https://messiahstcharles.org/middle-school/
Messiah High School Website: https://messiahstcharles.org/high-school/
Normal Goes A Long Way Website: https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/
Normal Goes A Long Way Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normalgoesalongway/
Normal Goes A Long Way Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Normal-Goes-A-Long-Way-110089491250735
Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/
The gang's back together again! Laura Fleetwood, Ryan Pfendler and Jill Devine sat down to continue the conversation about the faith of the next generation. Ryan is the Director of Student & Young Adult Ministry at Messiah St. Charles. Ryan’s ministry believes that following Jesus is the way young people grow into the best version of themselves. He wants every teenager to belong to a community of faith where they can learn who Jesus is, and discover the purpose He has for them now and as they grow.
Highlights from the episode include:
*Teaching students the importance of caring NOW
*The real life situations middle and high school students are facing
*Personal modeling
*Bridging multiple generations with one another
*The importance of small group leaders
*Common questions from teenagers
*Talking with our teenagers, not at them
*Teenagers are teenagers, despite how grown up they may seem at times
*The counselor approach
*It’s all about the relationship
Messiah Middle School Website: https://messiahstcharles.org/middle-school/
Messiah High School Website: https://messiahstcharles.org/high-school/
Normal Goes A Long Way Website: https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/
Normal Goes A Long Way Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normalgoesalongway/
Normal Goes A Long Way Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Normal-Goes-A-Long-Way-110089491250735
Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/
In this bonus episode, Jill Devine sits down with Laura Fleetwood and Hannah Lang to ask the questions she had while listening to Episode 26.
A few resources Hannah mentioned:
Slugs & Bugs: https://slugsandbugs.com/
Orange Kids Music: https://thinkorange.com/orange-kids-music/
Seeds Family Worship: https://www.seedsfamilyworship.com/
Messiah Kids Website: https://messiahstcharles.org/kids/
Normal Goes A Long Way Website: https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/
Normal Goes A Long Way Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normalgoesalongway/
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It’s been said that the church is just one generation away from extinction. It is frightening to think that the faith we share may not exist for our kid’s kids! “We will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done.” (Psalm 78:4) We just have to do it in a way that connects with a new generation. Hannah Lang is the Director of Children’s Ministry at Messiah St. Charles. She sat down with Laura Fleetwood in this week’s episode to discuss how parents can help foster their child’s relationship with God.
Highlights from the episode include:
*The two important influencers of a child’s faith are their family and the church
*Reveal little bits of God every day to your child
*Tips for finding a kid friendly church
*Three simple truths Hannah teaches every kid
*God is always listening
*Hard conversations about tragic events
*Early childhood is the best time to introduce new things
Messiah Kids Website: https://messiahstcharles.org/kids/
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It’s Easter Sunday. The women head to the tomb to care for Jesus’ body and stand in amazement that the stone has been rolled away. They are worried and then they hear, “I’m Alive”.
He Is Risen! He Is Risen Indeed!
Sunday's events are recorded in Matthew 28:1-13, Mark 16:1-14, Luke 24:1-49, and John 20:1-23.
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Jesus’ body has been taken from the cross, anointed with oils, wrapped in cloth and taken to the tomb by a group of loving women who had been following Him since His arrival to Jerusalem. His disciples fled. They were afraid.
Tomorrow is a new day.
Saturday's events are recorded in Matthew 27:62-66, Mark 16:1, Luke 23:56, and John 19:40.
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It’s Friday morning and Jesus is still in the Garden of Gethsemane, praying. Judas then appears and betrays Jesus with a kiss.
Jesus undergoes two separate trials. He’s abused, berated, mocked and He doesn’t defend himself at either trial. He hasn’t broken any laws. He hasn’t broken any rules. He remained silent.
He was crucified. He died for OUR sins.
Friday's events are recorded in Matthew 27:1-62, Mark 15:1-47, Luke 22:63-23:56, and John 18:28-19:37
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The Last Supper. Jesus knows this is not an ordinary meal. He gives the disciples the ultimate meal. The disciples don’t know He is preparing them for His death.
In the Garden of Gethsemane, we see for the first time the anguish Jesus felt about what was to come. Jesus didn’t want to die.
Thursday's events are recorded in Matthew 26:17–75, Mark 14:12-72, Luke 22:7-62, and John 13:1-38.
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The Bible doesn’t tell us what Jesus did today. Speculation is He went away with His disciples and rested based on the previous day's events. We imagine He spent time with His Father and time with His friends.
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Jesus and His disciples once again return to the city of Jerusalem. Today is the day His betrayal is set into motion by Judas, one of Jesus’ disciples. Jesus takes His disciples to the Mount of Olives to prepare them for what is to come.
The tumultuous events of Tuesday and the Olivet Discourse are recorded in Matthew 21:23–24:51, Mark 11:20–13:37, Luke 20:1–21:36, and John 12:20–38.
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The infamous “temple tantrum” takes place today.
We see a different side of Jesus. He’s angry. When He sees His people being cheated and taken advantage of, He turns over the tables and clears the temple. He won’t let His Father’s house be mocked.
Monday's events are recorded in Matthew 21:12–22, Mark 11:15–19, Luke 19:45-48, and John 2:13-17.
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Over the next eight days, Laura Fleetwood will provide you with quick Holy Week reflections leading up to Easter. We’ll follow along with Jesus as he walks his final days on Earth.
The journey to the cross begins today, Palm Sunday. He entered Jerusalem on a donkey and He knew what He was riding toward. He had already predicted his death and resurrection.
Jesus' triumphal entry is recorded in Matthew 21:1-11, Mark 11:1-11, Luke 19:28-44, and John 12:12-19.
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Dr. David McDonald and Pastor Jim Mueller returned this week to provide their perspective on the Resurrection of Jesus. David and Jim are great friends and in this episode, you will be entertained by their stories of one another. In addition, you’ll be impressed with how they are able to present their knowledge of scripture in a very normal and relatable way.
Jim is the Lead Pastor at Messiah Lutheran Church in St. Charles, Missouri.
In 2019, David founded the Fossores Chapter House, the world's first headquarters for Christian ministerial innovation, where preachers, leaders, and entrepreneurs gather from all over the world to do their best work.
Highlights from the episode include:
*Exploring Jesus
*The point of life
*What does an abundant life look like?
*As Pastors, they have the same questions as you
*Death is not the end of our story
*Grief and celebration at the same time
*Supernatural feelings
*The Resurrection of Jesus is happening within you now
*The advice the Pastors have for you this Easter
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In this bonus episode, Jill Devine sits down with Laura Fleetwood and Dr. David McDonald to ask the questions she had while listening to Episode 16.
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With Easter approaching, one of the hardest questions we have to ask ourselves is why did Jesus have to die? Laura Fleetwood invited Dr. David McDonald on the podcast to ask him this hard question and get his perspective.
David is a pastor, teacher, and lecturer in colleges and seminaries all over the world. His work with Westwinds Community Church has been featured in The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and Time magazine. David was appointed to the first-ever post-doctoral fellowship at George Fox Evangelical Seminary, and continues to integrate spiritual truth with sharp social analysis in his private work as a speculative theologian. In 2019, David founded the Fossores Chapter House, the world's first headquarters for Christian ministerial innovation, where preachers, leaders, and entrepreneurs gather from all over the world to do their best work.
Highlights from the episode include:
- David’s personal and professional study of Jesus and what he continues to learn about Him
- Jesus as a carpenter, handyman, and general contractor
- Our different experiences and impressions of Jesus
- Jesus’ Ministry
- The “temple tantrum”
- The exposure of politics and religion in Jesus’ death
- Atonement Theology
- What if He lived for another 50 years?
- His story and Spirit is still living on through each one of us
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In this bonus episode, Jill Devine sits down with Laura Fleetwood and Jim Mueller to ask the questions she had while listening to Episode 15.
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Joining Laura Fleetwood for the second time on the podcast is Pastor Jim Mueller. Jim was part of Episode 4: What Does It Mean To Be A Christian? In this week’s episode, he discusses all aspects of Lent.
Highlights from the episode include:
*Lent is made up and you won’t find it in the Bible
*It’s a 40 day season
*Sundays are always a party
*The many benefits of fasting
*Faith Life, Prayer Life, & Confession Life
*Mardi Gras and Fat Tuesday
*Ash Wednesday
*The sign of the cross
*Life is fragile
*Lent devotional suggestions
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Jill Devine asked Laura Fleetwood to share her perspective on prayer. Laura has learned different ways to pray and different ways to approach prayer that have helped strengthen her relationship with God.
Highlights from the episode include:
*Pop-Up Prayer
*Being real & raw
*Listening
*Breath prayer
*Letters to God
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In this bonus episode, Jill Devine asks Pastor Chuck Schlie the questions she had while listening to Episode 13.
Good Morning and Goodnight, Lord: Daily Prayers for Rise & Rest by Chuck Schlie
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Today, Ryan Pfendler sits down with Pastor Chuck Schlie. You may remember Chuck from Episode 5 with Laura Fleetwood. In that episode, he tackled the question/topic of “Who is God?”. In this week’s episode, Chuck tackles the topic of prayer.
Highlights from the episode include:
*Formal vs. Informal Prayer
*The wording of the Lord’s Prayer
*Patience
*The sentiment of “thoughts & prayers”
*Public prayers
*Being a parent puts prayer into perspective
*Good Morning and Goodnight, Lord: Daily Prayers for Rise & Rest by Chuck Schlie
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In this bonus episode, Jill Devine asks Dr. Meghan Larissa Good the questions she had while listening to Episode 12.
*The app Laura Fleetwood mentioned in this episode is called Dwell. https://dwellapp.io/
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The topic of the Bible continues in this week’s episode with Laura Fleetwood and Dr. Meghan Larissa Good.
Dr. Meghan Larissa Good is the Teaching Pastor at Trinity Mennonite Church (Glendale, AZ) and author of The Bible Unwrapped: Making Sense of Scripture Today. She is a graduate of Portland Seminary, Duke Divinity School and Gordon College. Meghan is a frequent preacher and lecturer at churches and universities across the country, speaking on subjects such as biblical hermeneutics, emerging Anabaptism, and contemporary preaching. She lives in Phoenix, AZ with a prized dinosaur bone and a ridiculously large book collection.
A description of The Bible Unwrapped: Making Sense of Scripture Today.:
Many people have questions about Scripture they are too afraid to ask. Are all the stories of the Bible true? What about all the books that got left out? What do we make of all that violence? What do we do when biblical authors seem to disagree? And what if we encounter situations the Bible doesn’t address? Drawing from the best of contemporary biblical scholarship and the ancient well of Christian tradition, scholar and preacher Meghan Larissa Good helps readers consider why the Bible matters. Known for presenting complex theological ideas in accessible, engaging ways, Good delves into issues like biblical authority, literary genre, and Christ-centered hermeneutics, and calls readers beyond either knee-jerk biblicism, on the one hand, or skeptical disregard on the other. Instead, The Bible Unwrapped invites readers to faithful reading, communal discernment, and deep and transformative wonder about Scripture.
Join an honest conversation about the Bible that is spiritually alive and intellectually credible. Read the ancient story of God in the world. You may even learn to love it.
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In this bonus episode, Jill Devine asks Dr. Stephen Burnhope the questions she had while listening to Episodes 10 and 11.
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In Part 2 of the discussion between Laura Fleetwood and Dr. Stephen Burnhope, they continue to discuss the Bible and Dr. Burnhope’s book, “How to Read the Bible Well: What It Is, What It Isn't, and How To Love It (Again)”:
"How to Read the Bible Well” takes on the big questions about the Bible that we've always wanted to ask. What do people mean when they say it's the Word of God? In what way, exactly? How can an ancient world text be offering supposedly timeless truths? Can we really take what "the Bible says" as authoritative for life today? Isn't it obviously sexist and outdated? Do we have to believe in Adam and Eve, and the world being made in six days? Why did God command genocide in the Old Testament? Are people really going to burn in hell for eternity? Why is there evil and suffering in the world? And, how can we explain the Big Story of the Bible, from cover to cover, in ways that will make sense to people today? Stephen Burnhope suggests there are very good answers to all of these questions and more--once we know how to read the Bible well!
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The Bible is the next topic the Normal Goes A Long Way team has chosen to discuss as part of Jill Devine’s faith journey. Laura Fleetwood asked Dr. Stephen Burnhope to share his knowledge about the Bible. Dr. Burnhope received a Master of Arts degree in biblical interpretation from The London School of Theology before completing a PhD in systematic theology at King's College London. He was formerly Senior Pastor of Aylesbury Vineyard Church in the UK and is currently a writer, speaker and church consultant, especially within the Vineyard movement. Dr. Burnhope is the author of “How to Read the Bible Well: What It Is, What It Isn't, and How To Love It (Again)”:
“How to Read the Bible Well” takes on the big questions about the Bible that we've always wanted to ask. What do people mean when they say it's the Word of God? In what way, exactly? How can an ancient world text be offering supposedly timeless truths? Can we really take what "the Bible says" as authoritative for life today? Isn't it obviously sexist and outdated? Do we have to believe in Adam and Eve, and the world being made in six days? Why did God command genocide in the Old Testament? Are people really going to burn in hell for eternity? Why is there evil and suffering in the world? And, how can we explain the Big Story of the Bible, from cover to cover, in ways that will make sense to people today? Stephen Burnhope suggests there are very good answers to all of these questions and more--once we know how to read the Bible well!
In this episode, Laura and Dr. Burnhope begin the conversation about how to read the Bible.
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Typically at this time of the year, you will see lots of year-end lists and reflection posts. In this week’s episode, Jill Devine took some time to reflect on how the podcast has been going since it launched this past October.
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In this week’s episode, Jill Devine sits down with Ryan Pfendler to talk about Christmas. This time last year was Jill’s first time celebrating Christmas as a church worker and there were a number of things she was learning in preparation for one of the biggest days of the year in the church. For example, December 25th was Jesus’ actual birth date OR was it?
Highlights from the episode include:
*Pagan holidays, Saturnalia, Midwinter Festivals, and the Winter Solstice
*Symmetry
*Abbreviating the word Christmas
*The meaning of Advent
*Season of waiting
*Our wish this Christmas
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In this bonus episode, Laura Fleetwood sits down with Jill Devine and Justin Shiroma to ask the questions she had while listening to Episode 7.
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In this week’s episode, Jill Devine sits down with Justin Shiroma. In addition to highlighting Jill’s faith story/journey, she also wants to highlight other faith stories.
Highlights from the episode include:
*The people God put in Justin’s life
*Dark days
*Science is the way
*Twins
*Justin’s wife and her consistent walk with God
*Not being good enough
*Accepting baptism
*Hearing from God and what it felt like
*FCA
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With Thanksgiving quickly approaching, Jill Devine reflected on the conversation she had with Pastor Jim Mueller in BONUS (4b): Jill Devine’s Questions For Pastor Jim Mueller. Pastor Jim talked about including everyone at the Thanksgiving table, including the kids. Take a listen to this bonus episode to hear Pastor Jim’s Thanksgiving thoughts and then you will hear a Thanksgiving Blessing read by Jill, written by Mary Fairchild.
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In this bonus episode, Jill Devine sits down with Laura Fleetwood and Chuck Schlie to ask the questions she had while listening to Episode 5.
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In this week’s episode, Laura Fleetwood sits down with Pastor Chuck Schlie. Chuck is the Associate Pastor at Messiah Lutheran Church in St. Charles, Missouri. While he could spend weeks on the question/topic of “Who is God?”, he was able to give a brief overview of God.
Highlights from the episode include:
*The concept of God
*God as a person
*The Trinity
*Our broken world
*Characteristics of God
*You can be mad at God
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In this bonus episode, Jill Devine sits down with Laura Fleetwood and Jim Mueller to ask the questions she had while listening to Episode 4.
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Joining Laura Fleetwood this week is Pastor Jim Mueller. Jim is the Lead Pastor at Messiah Lutheran Church in St. Charles, Missouri. He’s going to tackle what it means to be a Christian and how we live that out in our lives.
Highlights from the episode include:
*How “Little Christ” is in us
*God’s greatest intervention
*Divine Love, what is it?
*The “snap the finger” argument
*Adam & Eve
*Be honest like Paul
*God is for YOU
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In Part 2 of Jill Devine’s faith journey, Laura Fleetwood learned more about Jill’s former career as a radio personality and Jill’s current career in ministry.
Highlights from the episode include:
*The celebrity Jill considers the best celebrity she’s ever met
*Things Jill misses about radio
*What ended her radio career
*The other podcast Jill hosts, Two Kids and A Career
*The job title she currently holds at her church
*How her career in radio is very similar to her current career in ministry
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Laura Fleetwood and Jill Devine sat down to discuss Jill’s faith journey.
Highlights from the episode include:
*Jill’s childhood and how the church was a part of it
*A fear Jill has about fully accepting Jesus
*The discussion that took place at lunch with a Pastor and Jill’s grandparents
*The placement of certain people at different times in Jill’s life
*Preconceived ideas on life topics
*Asking nontypical questions about faith
The ladies will pick things back up in Part 2 of Jill’s faith journey in the next episode.
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In the premiere episode of Normal Goes A Long Way, Jill Devine sits down with Laura Fleetwood and Ryan Pfendler. The role Laura and Ryan play in Jill’s life is one of spiritual mentorship. Jill has asked them to serve as the interviewers on this podcast as they have more knowledge when it comes to topics, events, and opportunities within the world of Christianity. Listen in as you get to know more about Laura and Ryan and how this podcast even came to fruition.
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Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/
Christianity has become known for judgey people, strange words, ancient stories, confusing rules, and a members only mindset. This is why I stayed away from the church for so long, but it’s not supposed to be that way. I’m Jill Devine, a former radio personality with three tattoos, a love for a good tequila, and who’s never read the entire Bible, yet here I am hosting a podcast about faith. The Normal Goes A Long Way podcast is your home for real conversations with real people using real language about how faith and real life intersect.
Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/