WELCOME HEART: Living a Legacy Life: Recent Episodes

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Have you been surprised, perhaps, disappointed with the trials, twists and turns your life has taken whether it be illness, estrangement, grief or even infertility? Is facing one or more of those things with joy and peace and strength only a matter of rethinking your thinking?

Today our guest is Angela Mackey – an RN, mother of 3 and of a fairly recent orphan; her passion is encourage others to worship though the Word and glorify God with their daily lives.

Some gems from our conversation:

• Changing our thought life through the Word leads to living a life of worship.
• As we think, so we are and so we do.
• I used to think that if I lived a certain good life, God was obliged to bless me. I needed to rethink my thinking.
• I had to ask myself: Do I want to know God better for who he is or just focus on how he's working in my life?
• God is bigger than any conflict or confusion in our minds and hearts.
• I was able to admit I'm mad at God but I still really needed him nearby.
• Having a child doesn't solve all the feelings of infertility.
• Understanding the Word shows us how to live.
• If I never have a child, I can ask God: "What are other ways I can nurture? How can I pour into the next generation?"
• Life is more than motherhood.

Leave a comment or email me at sue@welcomeheart.com to be entered to win a copy of Difficult to Conceive.

Angela loves coming alongside people and helping them rethink their thinking through Scripture so they can experience God’s transforming power. On her podcast Life as Worship, she and her guests share honest stories of wrestling with God’s Word and living it out in real life. Angela brings joy, laughter, and a light touch to even the hardest conversations

https://angelamackey.com/about-angela/

https://www.youtube.com/Rethinking_My_Thinking

https://www.facebook.com/AngelaMackeyChristianSpeaker

instagram.com/rethinking_my_thinking

FREE 9-day Devotional based on Philippians 4:8.

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Andrea Stunz has multiple lifetimes of stories that could be shared, but the stories that will likely pop up are those of living abroad and moving often (currently at her 30th address), travel/adventure, surviving betrayal in my marriage, and taking care of her body over the last year – and today we get to spend a little time on each.

Andrea, married for 37 years, now divorced, shares experience and hope for the betrayed spouse, and her best wisdom is summed up with this: you don't have to walk alone. Part of healing after betrayal trauma is to figure out who you really are. Andrea shares that her life was hidden under just trying to cope and manage. She didn't even know her favorite ice cream. She does now! It's strawberries and cream. (:

Some gems from our conversation:

• You can leave a generational blessing rather than one of brokeness and betrayal.
• To take care of yourself—body, soul, and spirit—is part of biblical stewardship.
• Learn to make boundaries of protection vs fences.
• When tunneling downward emotionally, turn to the Psalms and write them out. It's a way of inviting God into your story.
• I'm grateful for who I've become through these struggles and I know and love Jesus more than ever before.
• Don't isolate when faced with a broken marriage; healing is streamlined when you find others of faith who are experiencing the same situation.
• If we continue to blame others or focus on getting our needs met competely by others, we may be still in the victim-mindset, which hinders our growth process.
• Satan gets a stronghold when we stay isolated in our pain.
• Go to the Word and to a community. Please don't feel you have to walk alone.
• Whatever we end up going through, if we choose faith, if we choose Jesus, we will see that he will be a part of our story and we are part of his.
• Part of healing after betrayal trauma is to figure out who you really are. My life was hidden under just trying to cope and manage.

AndreaStunz.com

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When you began to follow Christ did you ever think: I could never be a missionary—that’s not my thing. My thing is more in tech areas and tech areas aren’t in the Bible—why would God want me to serve? I think I’d best sit on the sidelines and give my offering on a regular basis!

Today we get to hear from my friend, Greg Johnson, an electronic and computer engineer – a friend who reminded me sits on the opposite end of the same pew most Sundays but it’s funny how we don’t talk all that often. Too busy talking to other people!

Greg and his wife Bonnie have 4 grown daughters. He grew up with a dad who modeled serving God and the church in practical ways, and Greg went along with him to sweep the leaves and clear the gutters at their local church. When he knew he wanted to become an engineer, his pastor thought he should go to Bible school instead. But Greg knew even then how God had wired him and he came on up to Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, met his wife Bonnie in college leadership at our very own Grace Central Coast. When he retired 6 years ago from a very stressful job at the local nuclear power plant, Greg discovered even more ways to serve his Savior.

Hear his story and be encouraged!

Some gems from our conversation:

• It's such a blessing to give a gift to others that they could never repay—just like God giving us His Son, Jesus.
• Building homes in Mexico alongside all generations has taught me the importance and joy of building all sorts of new relationships.
• What's fun about serving God is that you don't have to be a pastor or a missionary; you just serve God with the gifts he's given you.
• Samaritan's Purse shows people during a crisis that God hasn't forgotten them.
• I find joy in serving God outside the four walls of the church.
• I'm in my happy place with I get to use my skill-set to help others and it's made me bolder in sharing the Gospel.
• I've cried more with my 4 girls since working Samaritan's Purse than all their years growing up. God's given me a new heart of compassion.
• I've mostly been to conflict zones so I can't give a lot of details but it's been amazing to work alongside all kinds of nationalities, professions and generations.
• Helping people is the bridge to sharing the Gospel.
• If you want to try something different and that will build your compassion, check out Samaritan's Purse

https://www.facebook.com/SamaritansPursehttps://www.facebook.com/SamaritansPurseUSDisasterRelief https://www.instagram.com/samaritanspurse/https://www.samaritanspurse.org/ https://www.samaritanspurse.org/our-ministry/dart-learn-more/ Amor Ministries website.https://amor.org/

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Do you ever think: I like hearing how God works in other people’s lives but I don’t think anyone would be interested in hearing my story with or without God – I mean, I’ve messed up, I keep messing up—how can I be sure God still wants to use me?

Today we have Amanda Schaefer, podcaster, Bible teacher and author of Holy Plot Twists—God Is Still Writing Your Story.

Once God came into Amanda's life, she hasn't wanted to stop talking about him and she does that best through telling her story. And says today that we can do the same. All our stories are powerful becasuse they show off God's beautiful work of redemption, transformation and love. What a way to live. You will be encouraged.

Amanda is hosting a giveaway of her latest book - please comment below to be entered.

Some gems from our conversation:

• God gave me everything I needed while getting ready to meet Jesus.
• He takes all our individual stories to intersect with others to make one big God story.
• God interrupts my thoughts of sin and shame, and puts his hand under my chin to lift me up to remind me I'm doing a great job.
• God is constantly trying to get our attention so don't limit the way he may be speaking to you.
• It's not enough for me to be free—he wants everyone to be free!
• I'm a "scooper-upper", making sure people are connected to God and to one another—to make them feel welcomed, seen, heard and loved.
• God comes in and takes a story and does a flip to change it all around for His purposes and kingdom.
• Choose to look for the good, and it will change the way you view life all day long.
• God does His best work while we wait.

Comment below to be entered to win Amanda's book.

Amanda Schaefer is a podcast host, award-winning author, and speaker. She carries with her the goodness of looking through a lens of gratitude. The “A Cup of Gratitude” podcast is global, reaching over 147 countries and 3500 cities.

Connect with Amanda at www.acupofgratitude.org or on Social media.

www.instagram.com/acupof_gratitude

www.facebook.com/amanda.f.schaefer

www.acupofgratitude.org

https://youtube.com/@acupofgratitude?si=PF55x6T4ecrs7jdg

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Have you ever thought about why adoption is so close to God’s heart? Maybe you know someone who was adopted or as a child you wish you were adopted (jk!) or perhaps you’ve thought at one time or another: Should we adopt? And what all will that mean to me and our family?

Today we have our friends, Jill and Todd Talley, to talk about all things adoption as well as some mentoring topics.

Todd and Jill Talley are the parents of three children, two through birth and one through adoption. In 2008 they were blessed to be able to fly to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and bring home their then 18-month-old son.

Together as a family the Talleys have a passion for adoption, orphan care ministries and mentoring. So much so in 2009, Todd and Jill met with several families from Grace SLO who had adopted or fostered. Together these couples founded the Adoption and Foster Care Ministry at Grace Central Coast. The Talleys currently Co-Lead the Ministry.

Some gems from our conversation:

• From the first time we held baby Daniel in our arms, we loved him and knew that this was how our Father in heaven holds and loves us.
• By entering in and serving our community, we show the Gospel in understated ways.
• Foster care and adoption starts with a loss—this child carries a great loss which we can't fully replace but God can through our efforts to love and come alongside as He does for us.
• Every child belongs in a loving family.
• The biggest challenge to doing foster care and mentoring is time management.
• We have to learn how to "layer in" a young person into our already busy schedule who just needs someone to show up and be there to listen.
• Being engaged in church community was invaluable to our venturing into adoption.
• Adoption and foster care is a picture of God's welcoming heart.
• By utterly depending on God for grace and strength, we want to show the same grace to the lonely, the lost, and the child who needs a family.

The book Jill mentioned: There Is No Me Without You by Melissa Fay Greene

Baby Daniel!

For information on the Foster and Orphan Care ministry, check HERE.

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I love people. Especially the loveable ones. I think I love people well until I come across a difficult person.

Maybe you also keep a private list of those who-best-not-be-named, and pray you never see again. Even worse: you work alongside of them. Or much, much worse: you’re related to them. The funny thing is none of our secrets are secret to God. The other funny thing is He’s got a plan for how we deal with our difficult people.

What can we do? Pretend they don’t bother us? Change locations? Speak the truth in love and the truth is: we don’t like them and we would love it if they left us alone? It’s not convenient to move to Australia to join Alexander on his no-good-very-bad day caused by a no-good, not-so-pleasant, irritating person. But it doesn’t stop us wishing we could be on the next plane.

Today we talk about

WHAT MAKES A DIFFICULT PERSON DIFFICULT?

DEGREES OF DIFFICULTY—DO THEY MATTER?

SIMPLE PRACTICES TO HELP US WITH OUR DIFFICULT PEOPLE

Keeping my mouth shut is usually a good idea.

Some thoughts:

• You’ve heard the expression, “Hurt people hurt people.” I forget that fact when I’m the object of that hurt.
• When difficult people lash out, I want to listen with my heart, not just my ears, and think: I wonder what’s going on to make her act that way? Was there something in his past that’s causing this behavior?
• Cultivating a grown-up relationship with your most beloved may include painstaking prayers for wisdom and love, timing and tone.
• Degrees of difficulty do matter. On the one hand, we need to exercise patience and kind words. On the other end of the spectrum, extreme behavior warrants firm and healthy boundaries. Ask for the help you need.
• Some conversations don’t need to take place, especially when we begin with prayer.
• Forbearance is putting up with more than you are due (or that you THINK you are due!) The thing is we want everyone to forbear with us, but forget to forbear with everyone else.

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Check out my new book HERE:

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Do you feel inadequate regarding doing hospitality? That's the best way to feel!

I know I talk a lot about hospitality and if you’ve been around awhile, you know why I do. It’s not the same as entertaining. Do you understand the difference enough to go ahead and open your home, for heaven’s sake?

Today we have Dr.Janice Brown to talk about rethinking Biblical hospitality.

Dr. Brown is a specialist in the work of C. S. Lewis and Dorothy L. Sayers. And she’s taught on the college level as well as High School English, some of the time for missionary kids in Papau New Guinea with Wycliffe Bible Translators. She's a wife of 56 years, mother of 3 and grandmother of 6. Origninally from Newfoundland, she currently resides in Pennsylvania.

Some gems from our conversation:

• We are more like God when we invite in our creativity, whether it's something physical we make as in making dinner or in making someone feel loved and seen as God loves and sees us.
• Hospitality is to invite someone in—but in a wider, deeper sense, it's to give of yourself, your space, your focus, your concern and your attention.
• When we do hospitality, God uses us, the host, in a grand and simple way to provide stability for someone who hasn't had that resource growing up.
• God uses what we have and makes that enough.
• There's a preciousness in the idea that out of our poverty or sense of inadequacy that God uses us.
• Poverty fosters generosity of spirit and motivates us to share more.
• We honor others' individuality by inviting them into our homes even when it feels hard to "put up" with what we feel is strange or uncomfortable.
• The meal is the vehicle to engage with others and foster intimacy.

Follow Dr. Brown on her writer's page on Facebook under Janice Hudson Brown. And find her books on her Amazon author page.

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Do you prefer watching while listening? We are on YouTube:

Welcome Heart: Knowing & Showing the Heart of God

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Are you a morning person??

I’m all about the invitation and today we are invited to hear about creating a morning routine that fits your real life – sound good? And here’s the best part: We can begin to love our mornings just in case you don’t and learn, really learn to experience God’s mercies are new each and every morning.

Help me welcome back the darling Jennifer Dukes Lee from Iowa , to talk about her new book, How to Love Your Morning. Jennifer is a Proverbs 31, (in)courage contributor and bestselling author and she’s going to help us reframe our mornings to wake up with hope, joy, and purpose. She will be giving a copy of How to Love Your Morning so leave a comment below or on social media to be entered.

She will be giving a copy of How to Love Your Morning so leave a comment below or on social media to be entered.

Some gems from our conversation:

• The hard days are when I really need my morning ritual where I offer all myself to God for that day.
• The morning person isn't the one who wakes up early, she's the one who is aware of who she is waking up to be.
• God has a soft spot in his heart for mornings—I found over 200 verses regarding that great time of day.
• I can't wait for the perfect morning to carry his hope, love and grace throughout the day.
• Mornings are for spiritual breakthroughs with God.
• Routines sound mundane and guilt-ridden; rituals sound sacred and holy.
• God works through unlikely means to care for his people—Ok, Lord, send the ravens!
• Each new morning is a gift to savor, treasure and reflect the hope and goodness of God.

Jennifer Dukes Lee is a bestselling author, speaker, and morning evangelist from Iowa. She is the author of several books, including Growing Slow, It’s All Under Control, and Stuff I’d Only Tell God. She wants to live her life in such a way that you can’t help but want more of Jesus.

Follow Jennifer at jenniferdukeslee.com

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Do you prefer watching while listening? We are on YouTube:

Welcome Heart: Knowing & Showing the Heart of God

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Do you need some courage right now in your life? Maybe just to get out of bed? Or to go to work? Or to come home from work? As children of God, we get to rely on him to give us this strength – we also get a home advantage: other people who come alongside and say to us on a regular basis: Courage, Dear Heart!

Lois encourages us to pray and focus on God’s sovereignty when needing courage and hope, no matter what’s happening in our lives.

I’m happy to introduce you to my friend and fellow writer, Lois Flowers who wants to say to you today, “Courage, dear heart!

Lois is a mom to two young adult daughters and wife to one good man. She’s an author, editor and lifelong Midwesterner who values authenticity, loves gardening and is unapologetically addicted to "The Great British Bake Off." She writes often about the pain and loss of losing one's parents.

Get her free resource that will be your own version of gaining courage:

A 7-day devotional called Faith, Fear, and the God Who Goes Before Us.

Some gems from our conversation:

• I've learned that God knits our families together in the most miraculous ways as we wait on him.
• I hope to leave a legacy of someone whose life was marked and driven by prayer.
• I tell my stories so that others can be encouraged by seeing themselves in some small way and be strengthened by God in the same way that he's strengthened me.
• I'm not a patient person but I've learned to hold things loosely while in God's waiting room.
• I've always typed my prayers to help me focus (and because I have terrible handwriting.)
• Everything is fair game when I'm praying but I wait best when I end each prayer with, "Thy will be done."
• God's plans and purpose are not always clear to me but Psalm 139:16b helps me trust him in the meantime: "all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be."

Courage, dear heart! Love, Lois (and Sue!)

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Today I’m wearing an apron because we are talking about motherhood!

I used to think that to be a single woman on the mission field was the hardest job in the world and then I became a mother. There are no handbooks to warn you but we do have a guide book that tells us where to go for help. Praise God for that.

Have you ever thought or even prayed: I'll be a better mom tomorrow but tomorrow never comes? You're not alone—and neither were the moms in Scripture.

Today I’m delighted to welcome back author, speaker, podcaster—Rhonda Stoppe to talk about her latest book, the just released: Moms of the Bible: Life-Changing Lessons from the Fearless, Flawed and Faithful

Rhonda's new book is her favorite and she's offering one as a giveaway so be sure to leave a comment or email me at sue@welcomeheart.com

Rhonda Stoppe, speaker and bestselling author of seven books with 40 years experience helping women build no regrets lives. We talk about that on my podcast in Ep 46 here.

Find and follow Rhonda at NoRegretsWoman.com.

Some gems from our conversation:

• The Lord had to break me before he could use me.
• Four years of post partum and hormonal imbalance took me to the end of myself. I needed help and I got it.
• People want to hear from people who have regrets so that they can hear how God redeemed their mistakes.
• The first step in forgiving our own flawed parent is to admit they were flawed.
• Hatred keeps us stuck so we begin by handing over our anger and resentment to God and let him deal with it.
• When our kids see us doing good to others, they will understand the Gospel.
• I felt so lonely as a mom and God led me to godly moms who led me to a deeper study of the Word.
• With God's help, you can become the mom that he's calling you to be.
• The Gospel transformed my life; I want my children and grandchildren to see me sharing that message of hope to others.

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Do you prefer watching while listening? We are on YouTube:

Welcome Heart: Knowing & Showing the Heart of God

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Do you ever doubt your purpose in life, especially when facing different or difficult seasons? And what do you do to help you live fully in God’s presence?

Today I‘m delighted to be speaking to, Peg Arnold—a Christian speaker and author and encourager—and self-confessed drama queen—who speaks to the many different seasons women walk through: joy, loss, struggle, and waiting.

Some gems from our conversation and for your encouragement:

• I like to say I'm never retired, just repurposed.
• When facing the unknown, God spoke to me: "What makes you think that I don't have everything prepared for you in the days and years ahead?"
• When disappointed with circumstances, it helps me to have friends who remind me that God may have a different perspective than I am seeing right now.
• We have a choice to stay stuck in our anger and bitterness or choose instead to trust that God knows what he's doing and will bring good from whatever it is.
• When your heart is broken it's a lonely place to be but it doesn't mean that God is not there with you and your broken heart.
• Go to the Psalms and weave your painful story into David's lament. God is not afraid of our pain.
• My legacy is to share with others that God loves them, delights in them, and has a purpose for their lives.

Two of her books are Devotions for the Distracted Heart and Making Your Message Memorable and can be found on Amazon or her website: PegArnold.org.

She's walked through loss and change and through each season found God and his Word to be her constant source of identity and joy. Be sure to access her free prayer guide here:

Make Your Prayers Meaningful

https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/752930/109370258823840924/share

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I have a new book! Check it out HEREMOST DAYS, LIFE ISN’T PERFECT

I wrote this book for everyone who has felt the pain of being alone because I have felt its sting even surrounded by wonderful people. We’re created for relationship, with God and with one another—not because life becomes perfect when we have both God and community. That’s not the point. No, it’s because most days, life isn’t perfect. And remembering we are loved and not alone is what gets us through those days. READ MORE HERE

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I was surprised by doubt in the middle of my college years. Thankfully, God didn't give up on me and invited me 4 times back to himself. Some of us need 4 times. A favorite professor helped me out. Listen in.

Back story:

Around age ten I fell in love with the Christian education pastor at our church. He was happily married—which was a good thing. I didn’t tell anyone about my crush—which was also a good thing.

But when I went off to college, I thought I might major in being a pastor’s wife. I was surprised to find out they didn’t have that major—nor did any aspiring pastor ask me. At least not anyone I wanted to say yes to.

I was even more surprised to discover sometime in the middle of my second year that I’d lost my faith. More than a surprise, it was a shock. I awoke one morning and thought: Is Christianity actually true? Close to panic, I wondered, Does God even exist? Have I been duped?

In school, no one spoke about doubt, not in daily chapel, never in class. Surrounded by godly professors, my friends and I took Bible courses alongside our majors and enjoyed the scholarship as well as the spiritual stimulation. But not one person asked: “So how much do you believe in God today, Sue?” (I wish they had—I would’ve been honest. I may have cried.)

No one ever preached in chapel: “You May Doubt Your Faith One Day and You Will Be Okay.” (I wish they had. I would’ve taken notes.)

One ordinary morning, doubts slipped in unnoticed and unwanted and rattled my cage of comfort and certainty. The fact remained: I no longer believed. I had lost my faith. I felt like I was living on the edge of crazy.

Do you have a friend who needs to hear they are not alone in their doubts? Share this podcast episode with them today. You can help bring them back from the edge of crazy.

Read more from Never Alone: Stories of Invitation and Connection

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Homeschool mom, writer and speaker, Adriana Gomez knows she doesn't have to "arrive" spiritually to obey God, surrender to his call and engage in mentoring relationships. Her passion is to "serve God and others radically" and sometimes that takes more courage than you think you have. She loves apologetics and is working on a kids apologetics course and book to help us teach our children well in the truths of God. Enjoy our conversation today and ask God, "What are you calling me to do? Help me surrender all."

Gems from our conversation:

• You can practice teaching someone else what God is showing you as you are learning from him.
• I'm not afraid to share my weakness because it is in that very weakness that God's strength comes through.
• We don't have to arrive to say "Yes" to Jesus.
• I gave up a promising career in education to educate the ones who were most important to me.
• This life hasn’t been easy, but we are seeing the fruits of that sacrifice, and seeing what the Lord has done with the little bit of faith we were able to trust Him with.
• Our kids pick up on who God is by how we live alongside of them and love them.
• My definition of apologetics is being able to defend the Bible inside and outside of the Bible.
• I quit working entirely, and we were fully dependent on the Lord to provide. But, like David and Goliath, God had already been preparing us for this decision.

Adri and her husband got interested in apologetics from listening to these two podcasts:Podcasts that Orlando listened to

I Don't Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist. Frank Turek The AC podcast (apologetics Canada) Adri Gomez is a speaker, writer, and homeschooling mother of three who is passionate about helping parents raise rooted, critical-thinking children who know what they believe, why they believe it, and how to live it out boldly. With a background in ministry, early education, and curriculum development, Adri encourages mothers to create homes where faith is lived, questions are welcomed, and spiritual maturity is intentionally fostered through the ordinary rhythms of family life. Website: www.garlandstograce.com ~~~I have a new book! Check it out HEREMOST DAYS, LIFE ISN’T PERFECT

I wrote this book for everyone who has felt the pain of being alone because I have felt its sting even surrounded by wonderful people. We’re created for relationship, with God and with one another—not because life becomes perfect when we have both God and community. That’s not the point. No, it’s because most days, life isn’t perfect. And remembering we are loved and not alone is what gets us through those days. READ MORE HERE

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Do you have a spiritual giant? Someone who has gone before you and been that example of faithfulness until the end? Today we talk with Lori G. Melton about her book Journey With a Giant—Choose Your Guide, Pursue Your Purpose and Grow in your Walk with God

What a fun conversation about what could be your next step in growing closer to God. Go HERE to receive a free peek at her book.

We are led on a year-long journey alongside a "giant" of faith, inspired by the author’s year of studying the life of Mister Fred Rogers, America's favorite neighbor. The practice of walking with a spiritual giant is not a new concept. Since the origin of the Church, believers have studied the Bible and pored over Christian biographies to learn and grow in their faith. In the same way that athletes can improve their game by studying the tactics of seasoned players, we can get unstuck in our spiritual lives, cultivate a deeper connection with God, and explore how to fulfill our purpose by learning from and journeying with a spiritual mentor who has traveled the path before us.

Some gems from our conversation:

• I began my year with this prayer: How can I grow closer to You this year? And He answered, Study the life and faith of Mr. Rogers.
• To be a disciple takes discipline—to hold onto what God is trying to teach us about ourselves and a deeper walk with Him.
• The truth is, they lived not perfectly but prayerfully, doing the best they could just like we can—and their weaknesses speak to us as much as their strengths.
• When we learn from a faithful followerer of God, it makes Him happy—as if He's saying, "Isn't it great to see how I worked in his life and now that's helped you as well!"
• Fred Rogers was a great model of one who accepted others while remaining faithful to the grace and truth of Jesus Christ
• I learned better how to love others, listen better and leave space for silence from my year with Mr. Rogers.
• Following a spiritual giant has brought me closer to God because I've learned to see things from differenct perspectives and it has helped me worship Him more.
• My legacy is to be one who loved God and listened to His voice, and when I did, I was filled with joy.

Lori G. Melton is an author, spiritual director, retreat leader, and a member of Hope*Writers. She and her husband, Bryan, are the creators of the Sanctuary Stirrings Podcast and the founders and directors of The Sanctuary at BearCreek Retreat Center, which serves hundreds of people a year. When she's not writing, speaking, or welcoming guests, she enjoys spending time with her six
children and three grandchildren. She and her husband live in Allegan, Michigan.

Follow Lori here:

lorigmelton.com

thesanctuaryatbearcreek.com

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Do you ever wonder if you can really trust the God of the Bible when things feel and are dark and discouraging? How do you synthesize with honesty Jesus loves me & The Lord is my Shepherd when your prayers are not answered, not only for yourself, but for those you love so very much?

Today we welcome for the second time, author and disability advocate, Jillian Benfield, and we get to talk about her latest book, Overwhelmed and Grateful—the Key to Finding God’s Goodness in All Life’s Ups & Downs

Benfield can speak to our suffering & call us to remember God's goodness all at the same time. We first met Jillian on Living a Legacy Life, Ep 183, and you will be so encouraged today as we talk about what it means to endure life's challenges and trials & practice honesty, gratitude and awe.

She's hosting a book giveaway so be sure to comment below or on social media to be entered to win her beautiful and faith-encouraging book, Overwhelmed and Grateful—the Key to Finding God’s Goodness in All Life’s Ups & Downs.

Some gems from our conversation

• I do not want to become an old woman who let the beauty of her life become the background.
• I no longer trust that God will rescue me from my humanity. Instead, I trust in a God who will love me through it.
• It's essential to remember God's goodness is always at work even when we don't see it.
• The bad part of your day or life doesn't define you; look for the beauty in the now, the mystery of God's goodness.
• We learn from Ecclesiastes that we need lay our questions down & move forward, anyway.
• I am working on becoming a person who is easily delighted.
• There will always be challenges, there will always be beauty. Being human is living with both.
• Living gratefully acknowledges a God who can be trusted.

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After years in clinical social work and the sacred chaos of raising five children, God radically redirected Liz's path. She stepped into ministry as a writer and speaker, trusting Him to do what only He can. Raised by a faithfilled single mom, Liz felt called to love God and teach his Word in her late teen's and she's never stopped.

We met at two different writing conferences. Here we are last year at Mt Hermon:

Some gems from our conversation:

• To mentor someone in the faith, you just need to be one or two steps ahead, bringing them closer to Jesus.
• My legacy is to not try to be a perfect Christian, just forgiven and redeemed.
• I love to help people fall deeper in love with Jesus and to help them understand him and his character more thoroughly.
• When I don't feel close to God, I need to place the truth of his Word over and above my feelings and place my trust in him.
• From being raised by a single, faith-filled mom, I learned first-hand to look and depend on God as my Father and provider.
• My current favorite verse is the one that God is working into my life at this moment.
• Our emotions try and speak our truth but we only find truth in the Word and God's character.

Liz House is a Christian author, Bible teacher, and speaker passionate about helping believers grow in their faith with boldness and grace. She creates faith-based content such as books, Bible study tools, podcasts, and messages designed to help believers encounter Jesus and deepen their spiritual walk. She speaks and writes with conviction, humor, and vulnerability because she knows what it's like to wrestle with doubt and still choose faith. She lives in the U.S. with her husband and her kids, joyfully serving the local church and global body of Christ--one gospel-centered word at a time.

Liz is offering for free her mini e-book entitled "The Power of Weakness: Why Your Limitations are the Surprising Key to Spiritual Health"God isn’t waiting for your strength; He’s offering His. It’s easy to think our limitations disqualify us. But in Christ, they become invitations to His power. Grab this FREE mini e-book — plus a bonus 7-day prayer journey — and learn to see your limits through a fresh, faith-filled lens. Thanks, Liz! And check out her books:Book 1: Drowning in the Shallow End: A Guide for Deepening Faith

https://www.amazon.com/Drowning-Shallow-End-Guide-Deepening/dp/B0BCRTGVZH

Book 2: 10 Tips for Deeper Bible Study

https://tinyurl.com/3rpwv37r

Follow Liz and sign up for her newsletter at lizhouse.net

Social media links:

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/authorlizhouse/

Blog:

https://www.lizhouse.net/blog/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/authorlizhouse

Threads:

https://www.threads.com/@authorlizhouse

Youtube Shorts:

https://www.youtube.com/@authorlizhouse/shorts

Tiktok:

https://www.tiktok.com/@authorlizhouse?_t=ZT-8yhvT1dzQZj&_r=1

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https://x.com/authorlizhouse

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Does the Bible make sense to you? Do you think it ever will or ever could? And what is God’s best intention for you as a child of his?

Today we welcome my friend and fellow podcaster, Tim Winders of Seek, Go, Create Podcast for the second time to Living a Legacy Life - and we get to talk about some of these thorny but enlightening questions that Tim’s been noodling about these past couple of years.

What if some things you learned were truth in Scripture were taken out of context and maybe out of order? Tim's spent the last couple years studying and figuring some of these things out. Whether or not you come to the same conclusions, you'll appreciate the opportunity to think and evaluate and maybe study a little bit harder on your own.

Some gems from our conversation:

• We need to see Scripture as written for us, not necessarily to us.
• When we interact with people, we want them to sense there is something different about us because of Jesus in us, our source of peace.
• Part of the deception of the enemy is to overload us with information.
• We need to take responsibility for our own growth in Christ by sitting at his feet and listening to what he has to say to us.
• Sometimes the greatest act of faith is to let go of man's answers so that we hear God.
• We live in a chaotic world but we can have peace when we remember how much—how very much—God loves us. (And we may also need to disconnect from social media for a while.)

We look forward to Tim's 90 Day Reading Plan when completed.

Find more of Tim's work at timwinders.com.

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Are you feeling at peace today? After all, it’s the Christmas season and does "Peace on Earth" mean peace in your home and in your car? Do we have good will toward men but not toward our family members or extended family members?

December is here and maybe you’re in the midst of holiday chaos. Today Ginger Harrington and I are going to be talking about peace and hope.

Ginger Harrington is the voice behind the Habits of Hope podcast, a long-time blogger, and the author of Holy in the Moment. She has plans for launching a gorgeous Etsy shop in the new year featuring printable resources and tools to help women grow in faith, peace, and purpose.

Listen to how Ginger gifts her children with each Christmas. Now her Bible is a family legacy!

Some gems from our conversation:

• Peace isn't the reward for figuring it all out. It's the fruit of walking with the One who already has.
• As a gift for my kids each Christmas, I pick a verse and put it as their name placecard for Christmas dinner and mark it in my Bible. My Bible is now full of their names and the year which I pray over again when I come across their verse.
• Reframe what peace is and is not. It's not how things are working out or not; rather it's connecting with God in the moment.
• When we shift our attention to God, we move from self-reliance to God-reliance.
• In my time with God in the Word, I pray, "Lord, will you read this verse to me?"
• Ground yourself in the truth that God is good and truly loves me.
• My creativity is part of my legacy life.

For those interested in ministry to the military, check out Tun Tavern Fellowship

https://www.tuntavernfellowship.org/ Follow Ginger at gingerharrington.com and be sure to check out her new Etsy shop in 2026 for gifts for yourself and others. Her creativity is a way to live a legacy life.

Bask in the light of Christ this Christmas with a selection of devotions to inspire light and hope in your heart. Light up your life with this free gift from Ginger. See gift HERE.

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Get a copy of my Five Prayers for the Holidays HERE

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If you or someone you know finds herself in a relationship crisis, how do you navigate the pain—a pain of lost dreams and expectations for yourself but also for your children? You need courage that’s for sure, and hope in a God who will never let your down even when you feel like all hope is lost. Jody Allen writes: “Jesus doesn’t care about our track records or our reputations – he’s all about redemption.”

Today we welcome, Jody Allen, mom to young adult twins, Director of Women's Ministry at her church, and author of Hidden Heartache: Finding Courage When Your Husband Struggles with Pornography

Some gems from our conversation:

• Shame can trick us into believing that silence is the best way forward.
• Being honest with God doesn't make you less of a Christian, it makes you a more genuine Christian.
• To know that Satan was on the attack helped provide more compassion and gave me perspective that he was the real enemy we were dealing with.
• To forgive someone comes with guardrails; we can forgive but it doesn't mean we can entrust ourselves to them like we can fully trust God.
• Proverbs 3:5, "to not lean on my own understanding" helped me move forward when I couldn't understand the pain and betrayal of a world that celebrates and rewards pornography.
• Shame is a liar and tells me that my legacy of living a kingdom life is tarnished.
• When I hear anothers woman's story, I listen with love and empathy because I have felt her hurt and experienced her shame.

You can find Jody and all her free resources at jodyallenwrites.com

And the feelings wheel she mentioned can be found HERE.

Leave a comment to be entered in a giveaway.

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One way to please God and show his heart for all people is to invite. To ask a simple question: “Would you like to come for coffee?” can negate a lifetime of rejections.

To think, "they aren't like me" can make us hesitate to invite. The biblical definition of hospitality means to invite the stranger and some may be a little strange! At least different from how we live, that's for sure. Jesus told us what love is when he told the story of the good Samaritan. I love that story and I'm always a little convicted!

How about you? Is it a risk to invite someone you don't know? God will give you the courage if he is leading the way.

Some thoughts from today's podcast

• What kind of courage does it take to invite a stranger? It takes a Paul-courage, a Peter-courage, a Samson-courage, a Joshua-courage.
• You might think hospitality means having your friends over. It does. But it’s so much bigger and grander.
• Another way to explain what God means by hospitality is to give without a thought of receiving anything in return.
• Someone said, “Share the Gospel. Use words if necessary.” I would add, “Share your life. Make soup and maybe brownies.”
• To invite a stranger into your home and out of their life—for just a few hours—creates a sacred space and isn’t far from holy living.

We miss you, Doug!

From Never Alone: Stories of Invitation and Connection

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Fellow writer and mother of adult children, Michele Morin, talks about modeling who God is for our children as our greatest legacy. Mother of four grown boys-now-men with families of their own, I love how Michele trusts God for each new season of her life, even a season with a chronic illness included. You will be blessed with tons of practical wisdom today as we talk about how we deal with unanswered prayers and questions and try not to catastrophize every little thought that comes into our brains.

Some gems from our convo:

• We make the mistake of defining God's goodness by how he answers our prayers—or not.
• I used to have to "send myself to my room" for a time-out so I could do some much-needed attitude adjustment.
• I had to learn that making a good life for a family I loved was exactly where and what God wanted me to do and be.
• Never forget that we are modeling for our kids what God is like.
• Only a free person has the privilege of rest.
• Chronic disease helps me stay present to today's work rather than projecting and catastrophizing what may lay ahead.
• We tend to put our hope in our prayers instead of God himself which can make what we pray for an idol.
• To lean into God's goodness on a daily basis helps to keep our walk with God fresh and not rote.

Michele is the author of over 8 YouVersion Bible Reading devotionals which you can find HERE.

She's a regular contributor at DesiringGod.com.

Because “the way we live our days will be, after all, the way we live our lives,” you are invited to peruse Michele’s writing on her website here at your leisure.

michelemorin.net

Michele Morin is a reader, writer, speaker, and gardener who does life with her family on a country hill in Maine. She has been married to an unreasonably patient husband for thirty years, and together they have four sons, four daughters-in-love, and five adorable grandchildren.

Active in educational ministries with her local church, Michele delights in sitting at a table surrounded by women with open Bibles. She loves hot tea and well-crafted sentences, poems that stop her in her tracks, and days at the ocean with the whole family. She laments biblical illiteracy and advocates for the prudent use of “little minutes.”

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Can you have peace in the insanity of the Sandwich Season? Ruthie Gray, author and host the podcast, Sandwich Season Sanity, joins me to today to talk about the struggles we may face when juggling several difficult and time-consuming roles. We are never alone because God knows the way that we take, and you will be encouraged and maybe challenged from our conversation.

Our peace comes from daily laying down our lives, our plans, our "To-Do Lists" to the One Who really is in control. "Pray your list," Ruthie says. And when we do, we will have peace in any life-season.

SIGN UP FOR THE PEACEFUL MOM COLLECTION WITH RUTHIE GRAY

Let’s trade not-so-helpful stress for encouragement that hits right at home.Some gems from our podcast today:

• Laying down our past roles doesn't come easy because we can wrap our identity in those roles instead of who we are in Christ.
• There's a grief in releasing our kids and their kids into the Lord's control instead of hanging on to them for dear life.
• I can't afford to not spend time in God's Word, journaling, praying Scripture back to God and giving him my "to-do list" for the day.
• Our peace can only be as big as our faith, clinging to God no matter what the day brings.
• If you want a good relationship with your adult kids, ask open-ended questions instead of telling them what they already know about you and your well-laid out plans for your life (and their's!)
• I can idolize my title like "mom" or "grandma" so when they change, I go through an unnecessary identity crisis.
• We need to allow time for our own soul care to be healthy and ready for the next challenge life offers, welcomed or not.

Ruthie Gray's book, Empty Next Awakening may be just what you need currently and it also makes a great gift for a friend.

Find out more from Ruthie at ruthiegray.com and you can get her 5 short podcasts on getting peace in your insanity seasons HERE .

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Yes, everyone has a story worth sharing and you will love Marci's stories and inspiration on today's Living a Legacy Life Podcast.

Marci Seither’s writing career began after her humor article was published in a small-town newspaper. Since then, she has authored two books and hundreds of articles for local papers as well as Guideposts and Focus On The Family. And she now hosts the radio show and podcast: The Biscuit Book Club - how cute is that?

Today we are offering two giveaways: Marci's new magazine for readers, eaters and writers, as she says. As well has her beautiful hard back retreat at the lake devotional called Lake Side Retreat.

Besides writing, she enjoys teaching workshops, speaking, and photography, and she just launched a radio show, "The Biscuit Book Club," with her friend Shelly Sulfridge. Her biggest joy, besides being married to John, raising six kids who have all flown the nest, and creating memories and messes with her seven grandkiddos, is baking anything that includes butter.Some gems from our conversation: * You can hear someone's story from asking simple questions like, "Tell me about your lunch box growing up?" or "Have you ever felt lost?" * If you feel stuck in taking the next step in doing what meant you to do, start where you are standing right now. * Start observing more—if you see a need, fill a need. * If there's room on the floor, there's room for one more—invite! * Volunteering is a gift to yourself. * You can impact someone by simply showing up in the messy middle of your own life. * Don't wait until the timing is just right to move forward—that right time may never happen. * The "red pen" mentality can keep you from writing your story and that might mean your story is lost forever.

Be sure to comment to win this lovely devotional. LINKShttps://wrjz.com/onair/ Saturday mornings at 10:30 amhttps://marciseither.com/https://www.instagram.com/marci_seither/https://www.focusonthefamily.com/episodes/broadcast/preparing-for-the-empty-nest-years/Everyone gets a free Printable Download of Marci's latest Southern Christian Writer Magazine—as she says, a magazine for readers, eaters and writers. If you prefer a printed one (totally worth it, by the way - for the recipes, alone - contact Marci.)

Catch her radio show and podcast HERE.

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Life is full of "whelm" and then there's "overwhelm!" Today we get to talk about what it means to feel overwhelmed, and how we can use that very thing to draw us closer to our Savior, the Lord of peace. To be overwhelmed is defined as the weight of a load too hard to bear. We are human so we fail, time and time again, and I was comforted by that statement by my guest, Mary DeMuth on today's episode, God's Peace in the Overwhelm.

Mary DeMuth is a literary agent, daily podcaster at the PrayEveryDay.show, Scripture, artist, speaker, and the author of more than fifty books, including The Most Misunderstood Women of the Bible, The Most Overlooked Women of the Bible and her latest, The Most Overwhelmed Women of the Bible. Any or all three will make great gifts this Christmas and include questions at the end of each chapter to help you lead and enjoy a small book group. She lives in Texas with her husband and is the mom to three adult children. Find out more at

marydemuth.com.

Some gems from our legacy conversation:

• From rapidly reading the Bible—which she tries to do once or twice a year—Mary discovered the stories of many women in Scripture that we don't hear very often.
• God's timing is always perfect but it doesn't always feel like it is.
• We need to make sure we seek God for Himself instead of deifying his blessings and our prayer requests.
• Taking a day of rest helps us reset our strength and guidance in our overwhelming lives.
• From looking in Scripture, we find normal women just like us facing hardship and challenges and we can learn from their mistakes and be inspired by their faithfulness.
• Find friends who will tell you the "ingredients" of how God created you to be his masterpiece.
• To be overwhelmed is defined as the weight of a load to hard to bear.
• To help a friend who feels overlooked you need to demonstrate God's love vs stating platitudes.
• If you feel overwhelmed and overlooked, you are not alone as we can find hope and encouragement in how these women in Scripture stayed faithful to God in their overwhelm.

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Fellow podcaster and Bible teacher, James Early, joins us today with some Bible-based encouragement to love, pray and think like Jesus. Is that actually possible? you might wonder. According to James, we can grow daily in our obedience and reformed mindset so that we can, all for heaven's sake and for God's kingdom and glory.

One way James shows God's love is through weekly Bible studies with a group of inmates in a local prison. His podcast is The Bible Speaks Today and from our chat, you will know that it does!

Take advantage of James' free resource HERE.

Some gems from our conversation:

• Lack of unity often stems from people thinking they are always right.
• Jesus wouldn't tell us to have His mindset if it were not possible.
• To "repent" means in part to think in a new way.
• To think like Jesus is to not be earth-bound in our minds nor self-focused.
• Praying like Jesus is to start and end with God. We often start our prayers with the problem and end with the problem.
• True prayer is surrendering to God's will.
• My legacy isn't to have a bronze statue—rather it's to love others as Jesus loves.
• Sometimes we can have the truth but not live the truth.
• We can have this mindset: "What if I treat others the way I would treat Jesus?"
• My commitment is to do whatever I can to further the cause of Christ.

James helps people learn to think, pray, and love like Jesus. He gives talks and conducts workshops on the Bible to churches and groups, as well as online. Since 2008 his prison ministry at the Federal Correctional Institution in Danbury, CT has transformed hundreds of lives.

In fall of 2019, James started The Bible Speaks to You Podcast, which has had listeners in over 200 countries and territories. His podcast is listed on the Feedspot list of top 100 Bible podcasts. Through his Jesus Mindset Coaching program, James helps people embrace the mindset of Jesus and rediscover their God-given ability to think and act more like Jesus. He lives in Bethel, CT with his wife of 35 years, Polly Castor. They have three grown children. He loves hiking and organic gardening.

Don't forget to check out his free resource just for my listeners HERE.

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One Sunday after church, I stood by my car before getting in and looked around me. Young parents busy getting their tired kids buckled in didn’t give me a second thought; their minds on home and lunch and naps, all in short order. As cars and vans drove away, hands waved and I heard voices ring out, “So long!” and “Have a great rest of your day!

Single in my 20’s, in a new career, a new town and a new church, I felt okay, mostly. Life was full and purposeful, but lonely on occasion. I wondered why families didn’t ask me over for Sunday dinner.

The Bible says God sets the lonely in families. (Psalm 68:6) I was lonely. I needed to be set somewhere.

I got tired of waiting. Listen to what I did and what you can do, too, if you are singng the Parking Lot Blues.

PS

Please feel free to send my your stories of feeling lonely in a crowd. I'd love to share it on the podcast or in the newsletter. It can remain anonymous. Email me: sue@welcomeheart.com

Some gems from the parking lot blues:

• Mom’s hospitality radar, in good working order on most days, placed itself on high alert each Sunday morning.
• I needed family so I gathered some folks. Sometimes you just have to make it happen and not wait for someone else to pick up the phone or send a text.
• Loneliness is the feeling that no one is thinking about you, much less cares about you and what you’re going through.
• We feel shame with loneliness and we know where shame comes from. Shame comes from the pit and God’s children are not pit people.
• When these ladies met with me it was like Jesus looking through the window of my Toyota Camry to say, “Hey Sue, I see you and I’m coming over and we’re going to make some changes where changes need making.”
• If you are feeling lonely at times, you are not alone. Make that call. I’ll give you my recipe for apple crisp. It’s a killer—for loneliness.

Mom and Aunt Joy at Sunday dinner (not lunch, not supper.)

Trishie’s Best-Ever Apple Crisp

In a 7 1/2 x 11 glass casserole, mix together the following:

(Trish says: “Mix in the baking pan and save washing a dish.” I wholeheartedly agree.)

5 large apples, peeled and sliced

1 t cinnamon

1/4 t nutmeg

1 t to 1 T lemon juice, depending on tartness of the apples

1 cup water

Topping

In a medium bowl combine:

1 cup sugar

3/4 cup flour

Cut in until crumbly:

1/2 cup firm butter (I use pastry cutter or box grater)

Spread topping over the apples. Bake at 350 degrees for an hour. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream. Comfort food, simple and delicious.

A welcome home is a fragrant home.

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God told Kerry Hasenbalg over twenty years ago that she was to write this book, The Way of Becoming. She wasn't convinced. She asked God to maybe ask someone else instead. She made bookmarks instead.

Happy to report, she finished her book and it released in April, just in time for the National Day of Prayer in which an entire chapter, Chapter 7, was picked to bless our nation and a free download of that excerpt is still available on her website: https://kerry hasenbalg.com/book

A leader in Soul Care and a spiritual director, Kerry Hasenbalg, is a wife and mother of four and founder of The Becoming Foundation and resides in Pennsylvannia. You will be blessed and challenged as you hear our conversation about how to become who God has designed us to become no matter what challenges we face. Thank you, Kerry, for your honest reflections and teachings. We will all be hanging clotheslines very soon!

Some gems from our conversation:

• God is interested in our inner world and we need to bring our stress and anxieties to him and his care.
• We land in the valley and progress out of towards God as we apply certain faith practices in our lives, and then land in the valley again and God keeps moving us forward.
• The Lord brings people into our lives for us to help dispel any of their darkness with the truth and beauty of His Spirit.
• When we endure trials and pain, it's important that we name the broken things in our lives as we hand them over to the Healer.
• To ask God for specifics gives us a deeper awareness of his great love for us.
• I wanted to make sure to teach our kids first what God was teaching me before teaching anyone outside our home.
• Every day is an exercise in trusting God enough to let Him work out His plan as we walk by faith.
• My legacy is to help our kids know that they can access the power of Jesus right now in their lives through whatever challenges they endure.
• I wrote my book based on Scripture and included my story so that the reader could begin seeing God in their own story.

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Nikki Daulphin, wife and mother of 6, joins us today to talk about transformation at the table and in the Word. As a successful realtor, she views her work as a ministry but she knows that family comes first and she and her husband, Steve, have worked hard to help their kids lean into the Lord and share their tables with others now as young adults.

Hear how they do their own special weekly "Sabbath Meals" and how when Nikki met her mentor, Debbi, it made all the difference in how she lived her life and then, raised her family. You will be refreshed and inspired.

Some gems from our conversation:

• Although I was raised in a tumultuous home, I needed to take responsibility for myself and allow God to do His transformative work in my life.
• While birthing 5 kids in 7 years was often chaos, I learned to seek God as the air I breathed and ask myself, “Can I feed myself God’s Word while not always doing a ‘perfect Bible study?’”
• The more I leaned into the role of mothering and learning the role of the wife, the better I was able to do both with joy and grace.
• When I care for others in the workplace as Jesus cares for them, I find opportunties outside of work where I can minister His love and truth.
• I have no regrets in laying down any expectations of my own work and career while investing in growing my family (even while Steve worked on getting his Phd over a 7 year period.)
• My legacy is to send out our children in the love of the Lord; they they would surpass us in how we loved and served Him.
• I want to care for people in a way that leaves a lasting impression so that they ask 'why is she this way?'
• We taught our kids to "turn a profit" on what they've been given, all for God's glory.
• I was hungry for the safety and stability that my friend Debbi's family offered me.

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I love the T-shirt that reads: “WWMD?” But when in crisis, I’d much rather talk to my best friend or my sister—older or younger—than Martha Stewart, or even one of her staff members.

Steve Janney said, “We all need a friend we can be weak with.” He’s right. Some of need more than one.

In the Bible there’s a great little story about a man who had four such friends. He wanted to see Jesus but couldn’t get close to Him because of the crowds and mainly because he lived his life on a stretcher.

“When Jesus returned to Capernaum several days later, the news spread quickly that he was back home. Soon the house where he was staying was so packed with visitors that there was no more room, even outside the door.” Mark 2:1,2

Enter 4 friends. Actually, they could have been strangers. The Bible doesn’t include their names. What we do know it that they had big muscles and even bigger hearts.

Now what was so important that they had to ruin someone’s roof? Why did he need to get to Jesus? We assume it was so he could be healed. Something they were all hoping for.

But Jesus had so much more in mind for him and for us, as well. We pray—“Lord, I need a new job, a new refrigerator, a new body!”

And He says, “Ah, but I have so much more in mind for you!” And He does. Jesus came to save us and we all need saving. We’re all a little lost until we put our trust in Him.

These four friends brought their friend to the One who could actually do the work. Jesus did the real work. They didn’t. He did. They couldn’t really help the man, but they knew where to take him to get help.

I am convinced that at any given time we could be either be lifting someone else’s stretcher or we are on the stretcher, being lifted by someone else. We will all get a turn at each, perhaps simultaneously. All the lifting is to take us to Jesus – we either need to be brought to him or we need to bring someone to him. That’s why we get up in the morning and sleep peacefully at night.

Some gems to remember:

• When feeling weak, it reminds us that we need each other.
• It should be of no surprise: we don’t heal people. We don’t do the work of salvation. We just be a friend to one another and bring people to the only one who can truly put broken hearts back together and heal our deepest hurts.
• We all need a friend we can be weak with. Some of need more than one.
• How can we banish loneliness in ourselves or for others? We find our people. We call our people and we look out for the one who needs a hand up to Jesus.
• Meeting with friends doesn't happen unless you put it on the calendar.
• If you start this week meeting with your stretcher-bearers you can say in 14 years, "We've been meeting together now for 14 years."

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I think a lot of folks want to know that they are not too late—they don’t even know if what they are waiting for is the best thing—they just know they are still waiting. Join author, speaker, podcaster, Rebecca George and me as we talk about my not so favorite topic: waiting. And what we learn in the wait and how to wait like a good child of God. Rebecca's second book, You’re Not Too Late: Trusting God’s Timing in a Hurry-up World just released and she will be giving away a copy all this week.

Maybe the next time we find ourselves waiting again, we can look down deep into ourselves and see who God wants us to become in the wait.

Some gems from our conversation:

• I don't want to focus on what God has for me more than focusing on God, Himself—His love, mercy and grace.
• God grants us unique life experiences so that we know Him better and share Him with our world.
• Despair can be a gift when I use that pain and uncertainty to press in closer to God.
• True joy comes from appreciating the here and now.
• It's hardest for me to surrender when I've elevated my desires to a place of prominence that is meant for God alone.
• Knowing there is so much more that we don't know can give us peace, even joy, in the waiting periods of life.
• When we allow our painful circumstances to define the character of God we get into trouble.
• Our hearts love certainty and that love can become an idol.

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Divorce hit me to the core, and it totally broke me. The good news is that I’m still alive. And because of that, I know my story isn’t over.

Pat Fenner

So glad to know Pat Fenner and you will be too after listening to our conversation today. You will hear how someone who thought they were "married for life" got through the pain and brokenness and began to flourish again. Pat provides simple (not always easy) baby steps to get you started again in a new life, single again, and finding new opportunities for self-discovery as well as deepening your relationship with God.

Get your book today and share it with a friend who may need to hear real-life experience of a "gray divorce" - defined and what to do next. We are hosting a giveaway of:

Rebuilding Your Life After a Gray Divorce – A Path to healing, Significance, and Joy

Leave a comment on social media or email me at sue@welcomeheart.com to be entered. And you may want to buy one for your church, your pastor or your financial advisor!

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Need some fun and community in your life AND you still have kids at home? Listen to my great conversation today with Pam Fields, mom of 9 and host of The Mom Next Door Podcast.

We both share ideas for getting together with our kids and other moms, all for Heaven's sake. Pam's hosted Boxcar Days, Game Nights for teens and gotten some much needed home-help with her Pizza Project Days where she's enlisted other moms to help her get some project completed while developing friendships and trading giftings.

Pam and I both know that we need community and fellowship at any age or stage. And that the more we invite people to be a part of our lives, the better we'll be and the greater memories we will be creating for our families.

Some gems from our conversation:

• Hospitality and entertainig are two different things.
• Hospitality says, "Welcome to my world and I want to be part of your lives."
• When we host gatherings, any kind—the more we model hospitality for our kids.
• When we host events that include our kids, it reminds them that we want them as an integral part of our lives—it's a way of showing our love for them.
• God uses simple hosting times to encourage each other in our messy and complicated lives.
• If someone is in our physical space, not just online, we have the opportunity to help each other in an organic and natural way.
• Planning a simple gathering takes the overwhelm out of a mom's busy life.

Pam Fields offers support to women through prayer, community, and resources for motherhood. She's always had a heart for encouraging moms in their walk with the Lord and in their mothering journey.

Though life is always busy for this homeschool mom, she's ready to learn and try new things such as blogging at TendingFields.net and sharing testimonies on her podcast, The Mom Next Door: Stories of Faith.

When Pam has some free time, you can find her at coffee with friends or planning her next family gathering at her home in Tennessee.

invites you to join her free Facebook group at Tending Fields Community.

Follow Pam at tendingfields.net and hear her Podcast The Mom Next Door: Stories of Faith on your favorite podcast channel.

For some good summer kid fun check here.

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Do you struggle with perfectionism or being really busy—just to prove yourself to someone even if that someone is God? Jennifer Sakata is my guest today and she's got some great things to say about busyness, rest, childhood hurt, surrender and grace—because grace covers it all.

Jennifer, founder of the Living the Grace Life Podcast, speaker, writer, wife and mother of two boys (and two in heaven) is learning all things grace and you will be blessed with how and what she's continuing to learn since we all know we are in process! (That's grace!)

Jennifer helps busy and distracted women overcome the overwhelm of doing more; so they can receive God’s grace to live God’s grace. Her favorite moments as a workshop and retreat leader are those thin-veiled glimpses when someone recognizes Gods grace rewriting their story.

Some gems from our conversation today:

• The three P's of perfectionism, performance and productivity ran my life until I realized I needed to embrace the grace of salvation for my everyday life.
• When I feel ill-equipped to do the next thing and run to God, that's when I see incredible things take place and that's all grace.
• Busyness with myself at the center is not how God created me to live.
• There's a big difference between being busy with a purpose to serve and glorify God and being busy to prove my worth or solidify my identity.
• Psalm 139 reminded me of my worth before God long before I did anything worthy.
• We need rest to reconnect with God, His love and His true purposes for our daily lives.
• Jesus became my safe place as a child when I didn't feel protected in my home in my home of origin.

Jennifer's free resource can be found HERE: Living the Grace Life: One Prayer at a Time

As well as: 10 Ways to Add More Grace to Your Life

Website: https://jennifersakata.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennifersakata/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JenniferSakata.Author/

Podcast: Living the Grace Life

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Have you ever prayed and felt like it didn’t matter that you prayed or not? Have you wondered if prayer was just a nice thing to make you feel better perhaps, but really didn’t matter in the long run?

If you’ve ever tried praying and then given up because it doesn’t feel like God is listening nor answering, today’s podcast is for you.

Speaker, author, podcaster, Rachel Wojo is with us today to talk about her latest book, Desperate Prayers: Embracing the Power of Prayer in Life's Darkest Moments.

Rachel and her husband Matt are the parents of 6 children, 2 in heaven. They've known sorrow and have traveled this journey of prayer more than most.

Rachel is offering a free copy of her book all this week. I've read it and highly recommend!

Some gems from our conversation:

• Praying has less to do with the right words, and much more to do with the posture of our heart.
• Praying with surrender not only gives us a good perspective on our future, but grants us a fresh appreciation for our present, no matter how we see our prayers being answered the way we'd like them to be.
• We can't see how God is working when we pray, but the more we pray, the deeper our relationship with him goes.
• Do we pray to get our prayers answered "our way" or do we pray to get to know God better and deeper?
• If we pray for God to show up, he often shows off in surprising and creative ways—we just need to be looking for him.
• We can stiff-arm God when we turn from him rather than going to him in our desperation, keeping our souls from the peace and intimacy he so earnestly desires for us.

Rachel mentioned a free prayer class you can find HERE: How To Be A Prayer Warrior For Your Family In Dark Times

Also, 10 Prayers to Calm Your Heart.

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This is story of a godly woman who needed an invitation to a less-than-perfect home. She hit a brick wall. She trusted God. She didn’t like to eat alone. I trusted God alongside of her and invited her for dinner.

John met Katy when they were both in their teens. They married young, barely out of school. They planned their dreams and lived out their lives. It was to be a forever marriage, marked with the usual passages of home, kids, dogs, career changes, and health challenges. Then, a month before their 40th wedding anniversary, John packed up and left. After so many years of day-in and day-out living and planning and dreaming, off he went to live and plan and dream somewhere else, with someone else.

Katy hit a wall, brick as it turned out, and not of her own making.

Do you know someone who has hit a wall and it's a brick one? Maybe that someone is you.

Here’s the deal. We most often can’t change a person’s big hurt. We can’t bring the husband back or the prodigal home. Our powers of influence can’t force a boss to come to their senses or bring a child back to life. Those brick walls remain out of our control. To remember this truth is important. We are not God. It’s not my job to be someone’s Savior.

Hear Katy's story today. God may be leading you into deeper trust and that trust may lead you to invite someone over even if your home is less than perfect.

Some gems from today's story:

• Brick walls come in different shapes and sizes, comprised of the all too familiar elements of broken loyalty, dissimulation, gaslighting, betrayal.
• Nothing stings more than when someone you love betrays you. It’s personal. It hurts. Jesus was human as well as God. He knew this was coming. He came for this purpose—to die for our sins. But still, it hurt.
• We most often can’t change a person’s big hurt. We can’t bring the husband back or the prodigal home. We are not God. It’s not my job to be someone’s Savior.
• Divorce and death don’t place favorites and loneliness is its own disease.
• I can't heal a broken heart. I can’t patch up what needs patching. But I can offer a plate of spaghetti carbonara and a cozy remade tablecloth-turned-heating pad and usher someone to the table where Jesus is already seated and waiting to heal and patch and give all manner of hope.

Who do you know who has hit a brick wall? They need to know they are not alone.

We’re created for relationship, with God and with one another. Not because life becomes perfect when we have both God and community. No, it’s because most days, life isn’t perfect. And remembering we are loved and never alone is what gets us through those days.

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Today’s podcast is brought to you by COME TO MY TABLE: GOD’S HOSPITALITY AND YOURS where we remember that God invited first! We invite others to our table so that we pass on His invitation to His table. Find more information Amazon as well as on www.welcomeheart.com/shop.

Help me welcome, Dr. Connie Champeon, to Living a Legacy Life as we talk about the transformative work of the Word of God in our daily lives. Connie completed her Ph.D. in education and sociolinguistics in 1998. Raised by missionary parents in a thatched hut with mud floors in Northern Brazil, she learned Greek at her father's knee starting at age 3! As an adult, she's worked with over 30 language groups throughout S.E. Asia, Eurasia, South America , and Africa. Currently working with UnfoldingWord.com, Connie and her husband travel and train and help indigenous language people groups translate Scripture into their heart language.

She and her husband, Birch, have twin twenty-one-year-old sons. She enjoys the balancing act of many women - wife, mother, teacher, ministry – as well as organizing teams and equipping others for service. She has a great passion for helping women live differently because of the truth of the Gospel and for living out the gospel in our communities.

We talk about her own spiritual wilderness, how talks around the table heal hearts, and why she journals her quiet time on Facebook every morning. Find her on FB here. Or at Connie.Champeon.

As a result of her Scripture journaling, she an now provide us with 60 days of devotionals on the always timely topic of HOPE. Sign up for it HERE.

Some gems from our conversation:

• To keep a balanced life, don't look for more things to add, look at what God's given you to do, and do it alongside someone else.
• My dad helped people see themselves as God saw them—the best of who they could be, greatly gifted and purpose-filled.
• When I doubted God's love for me, I couldn't escape what He was doing in and through the mess I was making in my life.
• To share God is to share how big He is.
• When I read the Bible, I try to always answer the question, "What does God want me to do diferently because of what I just read?"
• When we share food, we share a common need; after all, the Bible starts with a meal and ends with a feast.
• God showed vulnerability with arms wide open on the cross; we do the same, opening our lives and doors, our tables and mouths—sharing vulnerably and authentically. Why? So that the Gospel is replicated in others.

Sign up for HOPE HERE.

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Lisa knows about To-Do Lists and how who she is can get stuck in how well she crosses everything off. Join Lisa Granger and me to day on Welcome Heart: Living a Legacy Life. Lisa hosts A Woman's Heart Podcast and radio station and her legacy and desire is to encourage women to look to God for hope and healing rather than what she can accomplish on any given day. Lisa learned to recognize the difference between hoping she could fulfill her dreams and expectations (and other's expectations) and hoping in the One Who made her to relate well with Himself with peace and quiet and joy, no matter the circumstances.

Lisa offers her free resource for all my listeners today of 8 Verses of Hope.

Some gems from our conversation:

• God can handle all my emotions, good and bad—he's no wimp!
• I want to act on any prompts the Lord is giving me so that I can encourage others.
• God puts something special in every woman's heart to share with the world.
• I learned to put my hope in God rather than what I could accomplish for God.
• Hopelessness is exhausting. Hope provides an energy that enables me to do the next thing with faith and strength.
• Faith will fuel hope and hope fuels my faith.
• I am in the process of overcoming deep roots of shame and feelings of inadequacy.
• If my To-Do List is too long, I'm learning to ask myself: "Are these tasks from God or from an oversensitive sense of other's expectations, including my own?"

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This podcast tells two stories of women who felt forgotten and left behind. I met them while they were doing their daily work. I was on the receiving end of their good work until they were on the receiving end of God’s good work. He leads in common things like spas, salons and tea parties. Everyone is waiting for consolation and invitation

I tell you these two stories because you never know who is ready to make a new friend or needs to meet the Friend who never forgets His children.

Someone wrote,“The friendship connection is more than the way to health and memory; it is the call of God to be people who create community and bring those who have been forgotten into our hearts.”

To bring those who have been forgotten into our hearts.

You may feel forgotten yourself. God will use your life experience to help someone else. Your pain is never wasted, unless you keep it to yourself.

You may not be called to go to Korea or Mongolia, but we are all called to make connections. To reach out, gently, tentatively, like dipping our toes into the steaming water for a pedicure, asking one question followed by another which might lead to a simple invitation: “Would you like to get together for coffee? I've got some great scones from Trader Joe's.”

Look for opportunities for coming alongside. And, go to the Beauty College.

1. Think of a time when you felt overwhelmed by circumstances.

2. Did God send a friend or a stranger to strengthen and comfort you?

3. What did you learn about yourself?

4. What did you learn about God?

A prayer for your day (and maybe someone else's!)

Dear Father,

Thank you for seeing my pain and loneliness. My name is written on your hands so I know I’m never alone. Please help me be alert to another who may feel all alone in their difficulties. Nothing is hidden from you and I’m grateful. Strengthen us both according to your word. Thank you and amen.

A reminder from the Word:

“See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands;

your walls are ever before me” (Isaiah 49:16)

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Rachael Adams returns to Welcome Heart today to talk about love in the month of love. Of course, to love well is a year-round aspiration and one that I want to work on no matter what age I am or what month I'm in. Her new book: Everyday Prayers of Love: Learning to Love God, Others, and Even Yourself is out this month and will make the perfect gift for yourself and for someone you love.

Rachael hosts The Love Offering Podcast and she and her husband have been married 18 years and are the parents of two middle schoolers. We talk about her first book, A Little Goes a Long Way in Ep 178 in 2022.

Leave a comment below or on social media to be entered to win a copy of Everyday Prayers: Learning to Love God, Others, and Even Yourself.

Some gems from our conversation:

• We need God every day to help us love well.
• God doesn't waste any of our experiences—he uses our detours and disappointments to build something good in our lives.
• I've begun to live from the perspective of doing my daily work from a place of love for God, knowing he doesn't love me any better for what I achieve or accomplish in any given day.
• To love others as God desires is a way for Jesus to become tangible to those around us.
• If someone doubts God's love for them, I send them to the Word which is full of the truth of his love.
• My daily prayer is that I see others in the same way that Jesus sees them.
• When I began to read the Bible, I began to see how great is God's love for me and that's made all the difference.

Find Rachael on her website here.

Instagram: @rachaeladamsauthor

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What a great conversation today on Living a Legacy Life with Chelsea Damon, author of the book: I Thought This Would Make Me Happy, How to Fight Less, Forgive Faster, and Cultivate Joy in Your Marriage.

Married or not, this podcast is for any serious follower of Jesus. Why? Becasue we are all prone to find our joy and satisfaction and identity in anything but God and yet we get disappointed, disenchanted, and discouraged—maybe all in the same day and at the same time—because we forget that we were made to find our rest in Him, period.

Chelsea knew from an early age that she wanted to be married and she always had someone to lean on. What she didn't know was that leaning too hard on one person, even a great husband, didn't help her know who she was nor flourish as God's child. Married young, she was determined not to be one of those divorce statistics but it wasn't until the Lord showed her that she had made marriage an idol that she began to feel the freedom to be herself and help her relationship flourish instead of trying to control all the outcomes.

Get your free Self-Awareness Guide HERE (how to know how selfish we are!) And, no, not a good idea to take it for your spouse!

Chelsea will be hosting a giveaway of this great book all week long. Be sure to comment to be entered. Even if you aren't married, you know someone who is and might benefit from a gift of her book.

Chelsea Damon is not only the author of I Thought This Would Make Me Happy: How to Fight Less, Forgive Faster, and Cultivate Joy in Your Marriage, but also, Together with Christ: A Dating Couple's Devotional: 52 Devotions and Bible Studies to Nurture Your Relationship. She is also the author of chelseadamon.com, a website where moms and wives are encouraged in healthy, Christ-centered lives and relationships.

Damon and her husband Josh met while attending college, where they grew in their faith and dated for three years. They were married on the windy coast of Washington in 2013. Throughout their dating and marriage relationship and into parenthood, they've been learning what it means to live loving God and loving others in a self-love world. Today, the Damons have three biological children, are foster parents, and spend their time looking for new places to hike and explore beautiful South Carolina.

Social Media:

https://www.instagram.com/chelsealeighdamon

https://www.facebook.com/LivingTheSweetWife/

https://twitter.com/damonchels

Some gems from our conversation:

• A good way not to fight is to begin the conversation with: "I'm not mad about this but . . ."
• I was fearful to be pegged as a doormat, so I went out of my way to over control.
• We are quick to identify the faults in another but give ourselves a little more grace than we are willing to give.
• I had an unhealthy need to have "that person" in my life to make me find my place in the world.
• I was loving to get something back and that isn't way love is supposed to work.
• I needed to change where I find my security—from a person and our relationship—to God and my place in his family.
• It's okay to make yourself a little uncomfortable to show the love of Christ to those around me.
• We need to take a good look at ourselves instead of judging how another could improve so that we are getting our needs met.
• I had to learn the skill of speaking up and thinking critically without living in the fear of destroying the relationship.

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Courtney knew God had been speaking to her about doing a major move for two years but she still wasn't sure. She decided to lay out a fleece, as they say in the Christian world: she asked God to help her find a piece of sea glass. And the rest is history. Hear that story as well as how God led her to marriage at 44—suddenlty a mom of 4!

As a fulltime Bible study teacher and mentor with Young Life for over 20 years, Courtney knew the value of knowing and doing God's word. Her passion is to invite women into a flourishing life with the Lover of their souls and she's written two books to help in that endeavor: Prayer & Devotion and her prayer and Scripture meditation book R.A.M.P. Journal

Leave a comment to be entered to win a free copy of either one.

Courtney is the founder of Sea Glass mission. Here are some of her thoughts as to why Sea Glass:

The beauty of sea glass is that it tumbles through the ocean for 20-40 years - into the depths, across distances, weathered by the elements - in order to be formed. As time goes on, the glass changes texture and shape because of where it’s been and what it’s been through. The slickness wears off, and the edges are rounded. Although still recognizable from its origins, the piece that was once-broken is transformed, and the beautiful sea glass is created … and ready to be used for a new purpose.

Wherever you are in the “tumble” we want to help you see that Jesus, the Author of Life, is writing your story and that He longs to walk with you and show you abundant life.

For the past 25 years, Sea Glass Mission founder Courtney Brackin has been in full-time ministry, working to share the Gospel and the love of Christ with young people in North Carolina, Uganda, Washington, DC and Florida. Her desire is to share the truth of God’s Word and to help others be rooted in His life-giving scripture as they live in this tumultuous world.

Her own life and soul have been shaped with purpose through studying scripture, spending time in the spiritual disciplines, living missionally-minded and simply being in the body of Christ. She is so thankful for the mentors, pastors and friends who showed her this path and who pointed her to the Way. She aims to be that same type of friend and guide, as she walks together with others.

She also values being available to those who are questioning and wondering about faith and to those who want to be equipped and challenged to share their faith.

Courtney lives in Naples, FL with her husband Eric. She is thankful to be step-mom to his four children, Ella, Jack, John and Ben. Courtney loves a good novel, cooking & baking, dreaming up her next trip and spending time with family & friends.

Some gems from our conversation:

Everyone deserves to hear about Jesus.

Nothing is wrong with wanting to be married, but we need to live life to the fullest whether married or single.

God completes you, period.

The temptation in becoming a step-mom is to make it all about me rather than helping each child flourish as God intended.

I know that nothing is mine: possessions, talents, my home—all belongs to God—and that makes it easy to say "yes" whenever someone needs me or my time or my table.

God told me to remember His promise that He would show me things I'd never seen before.

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Danny Edwards knows where he's going after he dies and he's not afraid to answer any questions you may have. At 16, athough always in trouble and with more freedom than most teenagers, Danny had a deep side to him and often wondered: "What happens after death? And how should I live so that I find out the answer to that question? What is the truth?"

Today you'll hear how the Gospel worked a miraculous transformation in Danny at age 20 through a circuitous series of events including moving to Colorade to join an Ashram and becoming a Sikh, all in his search to find God and answers to his deepest wonderings.

And yes, Danny loves talking about death. You will get excited and blessed as you listen to today's episode, Gospel Transformation With Our Eyes On Eternity with Danny Edwards.

Danny and his wife Kimber of over 30 years have raised 5 chidlren and are happy and busy grandparents of 8.

Some gems from today's conversation:

• At age 16, I began asking: "Where am I going after death?"
• I did Yoga 6 plus hours a day, joined an Ashram and became a Sikh, but I still didn't find the truth.
• One night I got on my knees and cried out, "Jesus, tell me if you are real!"
• A believer from India challenged me, "You've tried so many things—why not read the Bible and begin with the Gospel of John."
• I finally saw that what Jesus was saying wasn't said by anyone else; I believed and never doubted since that time.
• I want to live this earthly life in preparation for the great life beyond.
• I write letters to people I know who are facing death so that they know and are comforted by the truth of the Gospel: their better and best life is in front of them if they believe the Good News.
• We can have a healthy view of death by reading the book of Revelation and meditating on his great and precious promises.

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Fellow podcaster, teacher and speaker, Amy Watson from Florida, joins me today on Welcome Heart: Living a Legacy Life to tell her story of trauma, healing and hope in Jesus. Although she lived with trauma from early childhood, it wasn't until age 35 when she "felt safe" that she began her healing journey. She began her podcast, Wednesdays with Watson, to share not only her story but to help in the healing of others. All contributions to her Patreon are donated to help those receive therapy who cannot afford to get it.

Some gems from our conversation:

• When trauma victims finally begin to feel "safe" that's when they can start the long process of healing.
• Our mission on this earth is critical and the time is short.
• God promises we will have trials in this world and that He has overcome the world.
• When folks ask me who I am I like to say, "I'm a precious daughter of the Most High God."
• The church's role is not to provide band-aid's and Christian cliches'; rather it's to pay attention and open our homes, tables and lives to those around us.
• How can anyone attempt to navigate life on earth without the hope we have in Jesus?
• We need to pay attention to the people in our churches and neighborhoods—to help them feel seen, known and valued.
• Because people knocked on my door, invited me in, and loved me like Jesus—that is the reason I am standing here today.

From Amy:

I am a Florida girl who loves a simple life: Jesus, family, friends, football, and the beach (usually in that order). I am a native of Jacksonville, Florida, but have spent most of my adult life on Florida’s west coast.

While being introduced for a speaking opportunity a few years ago, the pastor asked me, “Who are you?”. The words that followed shocked even me: “I am the precious daughter of the most high God”. There were many years when I would not have answered that question as I did that day. I have spent most of my life defining myself by all that I have survived, all that I have accomplished, or all the degrees on my wall. The truth is, my answer to that pastor’s question that day is the definition that is most important, and one that I hope truly defines my life when I am gone. The rest: survival, accomplishments, and college degrees are certainly a part of my story and why I write, mentor, and speak. My description of “who I am” that day is why I stand proclaiming Him and Him alone.

I grew up in a children’s home, graduated from Clearwater Christian College with a degree in Biology (1994); was married for 12 years to a man who tried to kill me and somewhere along the way managed to earn my Masters Degree in Business Administration. I have enjoyed success as an entrepreneur as well as an educator. As a survivor of a lot of things that tried to kill me, it is my desire to use my story to spread a story of Hope for any who may find themselves in similar situations as mine.

I love both the written and spoken word and enjoy opportunities to share my experiences in both personal and professional genres. My greatest desire is to invest my life in something that will outlive it. It is my hope that all of my efforts here and in other places will accomplish just that.

To learn more from Amy follow all these places:

wednesdayswithwatson.com

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/groups/132618684688613

Instagram.com/authoramywatson

X: twitter.com/amywatsonauthor

If you're interested in hearing a more detailed story of her trauma, Amy recommends this recording:

https://wednesdayswithwatson.com/charting-the-course-of-healing-a-personal-odyssey-through-trauma-faith-and-redemption/

And to see how to contribute to her Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/amywatsonauthor

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Sally Clarkson didn't grow up feeling accepted or acceptable and wondered if she ever would be until one day she prayed, "If there's a God in the universe, will you please send me someone to explain who you are." And he did. A young woman knocked on her door and asked, "Can I give you a religious survey?" From that brief conversation, Sally learned that she was greatly loved and designed for great purpose and she didn't look back.

Today, after writing over 40 books on knowing God and living for Christ, Sally talks of how as women we have agency—we have options to flourish and make decisions by faith that will cause us to thrive and make a difference in the lives around us. Her latest book speaks of beauty and choices and the love of God, Well Lived, Shaping a Legacy of Gratitude and Grace. Put it on your Christmas list and pray about giving it to someone you love this Christmas.

Some Sally gems:

• I thrive better when I live in a rhythm of obedience—doing what's right because I love God serves me well even if I don't feel it at the time.
• I make sure to include things in my life that refuel my soul on a regular basis including friends that call me to my best self.
• What I needed was unconditional love and that's what God provided.
• To thrive means to live by faith.
• I wish I knew earlier what it meant to live in a fallen and chaotic world.
• Each day I pray to find a way to leave an imprint of God's love on someone I spend time with.
• Earlier in my live, I would argue with God until I learned that by following Him, He was taking away things that wouldn't help me.
• Women are discouraged and feel a lack of direction but they have agency and more capacity than they realize.
• I told God that I was going to plant a flag to cultivate gratefulness and start each day by thanking Him for four things before getting out of bed.
• We thrive by taking the stuff of our lives and putting it in God's hands and saying, "I'm Yours. What does the Holy Spirit want to dream through me?"

Sally Clarkson is a bestselling author, renowned speaker, and beloved mentor who has dedicated her life to inspiring countless women to live for Christ. She has been married to her husband Clay for more than forty years and they have raised four adult children. Today, Sally lives between the mountains of Colorado and the rolling fields of England.

You can learn more of Sally Clarkson's ministry below:

Website:https://sallyclarkson.com/
Podcast, At Home with Sally
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sally.clarkson
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/therealsallyclarkson/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrpMU6iAuldEQFbPISjSC_A

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Jan Morton believes that everyone needs to be and feel seen so that they know the Gospel love of Jesus and that it might be best accomplished at her table with homemade biscuits. A pastor's wife of 47 years, Jan surprised herself and everyone else in her church when she realized that she had never given her life over to Christ even after marrying a pastor and singing in the choir. She had to move her faith from her head to her heart and she loves sharing her story with everyone she meets.

Jan co-authored the book Tasting Grace: A Mentoring in the Kitchen Bible Study with Leah Adams and now the Tasting Grace kitchen ministry is going on nine different states across the country. Leave a comment to be entered into the book giveaway.

Some gems from our time together:

If it matters to us, it matters to Jesus.

I was mentored without knowing that was going on—we just did life together.

After I trusted Christ, I knew I could be myself and just love on everyone I met.

God is writing your story and I want to hear it.

I've learned to now pray about everything and delight in the fact that I am not in control of everything.

What happens at Gran-Jan camp stays at Gran-Jan camp.

My best cooking tip is to make sure you place all your ingredients out on the counter before you start.

I want my family to know that all of my treasure is in heaven and that I love Jesus with all my heart.

Mentoring means to come alongside, ask questions and sit with another.

Jan, a mother of two boys and grandmother of five, retired six years ago after thirty years serving in Houston County Schools. She describes herself as a content homebody, and a biscuit-maker who especially enjoys gardening, cooking, and quilting. Co-author of the book Tasting Grace, Jan also served in women’s ministry for 21 years.

She serves in a kitchen mentoring ministry of the same name: Tasting Grace – I think this is why I found Jan on Instgram – we have similar passions and both love making and serving biscuits.

A favorite fun fact of hers is being on Wheel of Fortune Season 33! Yes she won!

https://granjansjoy.com/

And on Instagram. @jan_m_morton

Just for you:

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Kathi Lipp's latest book is sure to be a treasure for you and hopefully for your neighbor who may need your chicken and wild rice soup that you just made!

Sabbath Soup: Weekly Menus and Rhythms to Make Space for a Day of Rest released October 8th. Beyond the convenience and peace of mind of managing meals, Kathi wrote this book to help you experience true Sabbath rest, a full day to relax, recharge, and reconnect with God and your friends and family. We were designed to rest—it’s time to reclaim your Sabbath day. This book will show you how.

Kathi is no stranger to Living a Legacy Life as this is her third time to be a guest on my show. Kathi and her husband Roger live in the mountains of CA and they have learned the joy and rhythm of "pre-deciding" meals, not only for their own sense of rest and refreshment, but also for those they know and love.

Kathi Lipp is the Publishers Weekly best-selling author of over 20 books, including Sabbath Soup. She and her husband Roger ran away to the mountains of Northern California where they grow their own food and turn it into delicious meals for those they host.

And she will be hosting a giveaway all week long so be sure to enter and leave a comment below or on social media or just email me: sue@welcomeheart.com.

Some gems from our conversation:

• The reason we keep sabbath is because it's God's gift to us.
• We were not designed for the hustle we create for ourselves.
• We are unaware of God's extravagant love for us; keeping sabbath helps keep us aware of this love.
• If I keep items on hand in the pantry or freezer, I can be the first person at someone's door with a meal or pan of brownies when they just can't make one more decision.
• We grew up with a mind set of "in order for everyone else to rest, women had to do all the work."
• A true sabbath helps us honor God, connect with people, and remember God's provisions.
• Providing food for others helps them "feel seen" no matter what's going on in their lives.
• We don't need to ask, "How can I help?" Rather announce, "I'm bringing a meal at 3 this afternoon—will that work and are you gluten free, by the way?

Taste-Test Sabbath Soup for Free! Sign up to receive Kathi’s free ebook featuring four week’s worth of easy meal plans and delicious recipes.

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Thirteen years ago, Sarah felt stirrings in her heart and spirit—she knew she was meant for something in God's great purpose plan. She just didn't know what. So she invited some friends over. Four came. They talked about their own dreams and stirrings and how they might fit into God's great story of love and design. From small beginnings—you've heard the adage—great things emerge when offered to God with humility and perhaps, some trepidation. REFRESH.ORG was born and now reaches 1,000's of women. I love how God does math. Loaves and fishes offered to the Muliplier and Distributor.

Join Sarah Birkbeck today on my podcast and find out how God led her to help women "join the battle" to do God's will with joy and intention. And if there's still room for REFRESH 2025, she's offering a 50.00 off coupon to our listeners. Go sign up today! www.refreshwomen.org

Some gems from our conversation:

• We tend to diminish what God's put inside of us for his kingdom work, thinking that who we are and what we offer can't make a difference for him or for others.
• The act of pressing into the Lord even while exhausted and ready to quit provides all the strength needed to do his will with joy and confidence.
• I didn't have much to offer: this house, these friends, these stirrings; but God took what I had and Refresh was born.
• To lead women to the Father is the most important step in unlocking the dream potential that he's placed inside of each of us.
• REFRESH means to enliven, stimulate, fortify and revive—God wants to revive the dreams lying dormant within each and every woman.
• The truth is that at one time or another every woman feels forgotten, inadequate or stuck in the thought of "I really don't know at all what I'm doing!"
• To activate Christian women to advance the kingdom of God is my battle cry; to assemble the troops, position them for battle and carry out what God had in mind all along.

Sarah Birkbeck, wife and mother of four, is the founder and visionary of Refresh, a ministry dedicated to activating women to advance the Kingdom of God. She is a speaker, passionate about leading women to discover their kingdom purposes. Sarah lives in North Dallas with her husband James, son Asher, and daughters Stella, Skyla and Adeline.

Find out more in these places:

Instagram: @refresh_women

@Sarahhelenabirkbeck

Website: www.refreshwomen.org

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Christmas is my favorite season but I can miss Jesus in the rush and crush of it all. Laura Crosby, a writer, pastor-teacher and welcomer—loved the Christmas story so much she wanted to help us hold still enough to appreciate all the Lord did for us.

Laura wrote an Advent study during Covid for her church in D.C. and has since made available for all of us to share, and I'm so glad she did. You may remember my first interview with Laura. Here's the link in case you want to get acquainted with her welcoming heart. She included a simple and delicious chicken recipe which I'm making tonight just because I have all the ingredients and a neighbor stopping by for dinner.

All week long Laura is graciously offering one free copy of her Advent Study as a giveaway.

"Choosing Welcome at Advent" includes 4 short videos, Scripture for reflection and recipes! All for $10.00 (Except for the winner of the giveaway! comment below to be entered - or email me sue@welcomeheart.com.)

Here's a recipe sample:

Link to purchase HERE to get your own copy. Holidays are around the corner and you may need to consciously sit still, breathe and watch!

Follow Laura on instagram: @lauracrosby.

Learn more about Laura on her website here.

Laura just got home from a missions trip to Scotland and last year she raised funds and awareness for those in need by hiking the Grand Canyon rim to rim. I appreciate Laura's heart for the needy as well as her desire to make travel and do challenging things with a purpose.

Some gems from our conversation:

• We might think that "this season of our lives" is too difficult to set time aside for God, but to keep Him first is hard in any season because Satan wants to distract you.
• Experiencing Advent helps us become more aware of God's presence and so more readily respond to His voice and partner with Him.
• Any work we do for God and with God stems from our identity as His beloved.
• People don't want to feel like they are your project; rather they want to feel loved and seen.
• As we reflect on God's purpose for our lives it's good to pray often, "Lord, what is mine to do?"
• When more present with Christ, we can more readily recognize the holy interruptions throughout our day.

I love Laura and I know you will too.

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Single in my 20’s, in a new career, a new town and a new church, I felt okay mostly. Life was full and purposeful, but lonely on occasion. I wondered why families didn’t ask me over for Sunday dinner.

All I could think of was that my church friends must have thought I had such an exciting single life, I wouldn’t want to come home to their normal, ordinary home and stand at the sink and peel potatoes or hold their babies while they got dinner on and then sit down at their table to get better acquainted.

But that was exactly what I wanted to do. To be part of a family, if just for an hour or two.

The Bible says God sets the lonely in families. I was lonely. I needed to be set somewhere.

I got tired of waiting. So I called up some people. Invited them over. Invited myself over. I had a precedent and his name is Jesus.

Sometimes you just have to make it happen and not wait for someone else to pick up the phone or send a text. I invited people over because I needed friends. I don’t think people thought I might be bad company or that I would run off with the soup ladle if they had me over for dinner. I just think they didn’t think of me at all.

Maybe that’s what loneliness is: To believe you aren’t even thought about.

Trishie's Apple Crisp

5 large apples
1 t. cinnamon
1/4 t. nutmeg
1 t. lemon juice
1/2 c water

Topping:
1 c sugar
3/4 c flour

1 cube butter, firm

Peel and slice apples
Mix in spices, lemon juice and water
Lay in 7 x 11" dish
Mix flour and sugar together
Crumble in chilled butter slices until it resembles small peas (as an alternative, spread flour/sugar mixture on top of apples. Melt butter and pour evenly over the top.)

Bake 45-55 min at 350 degrees. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream (sort of optional)

See printable version HERE

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In case you're wondering, it's okay for Christians to talk about their money. Why? Because all we have belongs to God, anyway.

Today I'm delighted to host Erik Olson, a fellow podcaster and a wealth and money consultant from Holland, Michigan. As a Kingdom-impact investment adviser and retirement planner, Erik talks about not only money, but a theological view of our earthly resources that may surprise and delight you and maybe put a fire under your seat to do something worthwhile—PLAN something worthwhile—so that God is glorified and His kingdom well-served.

Some gems from our conversation:

• As in introvert, I prefer a spreadsheet over a conversation, but I like to think I can come alongside someone and gently and expertly help them serve themselves, others and God better with training and counsel.
• The Bible isn't anti-wealth; in fact, God is pro-wealth creation. It's just one more way we are made in God's image as creators.
• We make mistakes with money when we compartmentalize it as something separate from all our God-given gifts.
• If all that we have belongs to God, we need to make ourselves good stewards of our wealth because we answer to Him.
• God loves wealth creation insofar that we make more income in order to be generous servants as well as enjoy the life he's provided.
• The biggest mistake we make with our money is not to plan with what to do with our money.
• We either pay too much attention to our money which shows we are insecure in our relationship with God; or, we ignore our money and end up with fewer opportunities to give to Kingdom work.
• Jesus was very clear: We cannot worship God and money at the same time.
• It's a question of worship: do we fantasize over our money and what it can provide for us or do we carry an undivided esteem of God over any of our assets?

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Thinking of writing your story? Susy Flory thinks you should begin, like today.

Currently in seminary working on her doctoral degree, Susy Flory directs the West Coast Christian Writers Conference, and knows a good story when she hears it. Raised by an Irish mother who could tell a good yarn, Susy is a 17 book New York Times best-selling author whose favorite books are memoirs. Today we discuss how she came to co-write her lovely book, Sanctuary about a young man named Patrick who lost his way and the rescue donkeys that led him home.

She's offering a free copy this week - leave a comment to be entered.

Susy leads Everything Memoir, both a free facebook group with loads of quality free offerings, as well as a year long coaching group on how to write your memoir which will be starting up again this coming January. Learn more about both on her website: susyflory.com and find all her links HERE.

Some gems:

• I find people endlessly fascinating and I love helping them tell their stories in any form but especially in written form.
• From getting to know Patrick and how God met him in all his struggles, I came to appreciate in a deeper, broader way that those who follow Christ are all a part of one church.
• From Patrick's story we see again how God doesn't give up on us no matter how many times we fail.
• Words have an eternal quality to them, which is reason enough to begin writing your story.
• Everyone who loves God has a God-story that needs to be told, even if only for one person to hear it.
• Patrick felt accepted and unconditional love from one particular donkey named Aran and that helped him feel less alone and eventually led towards his healing.
• Writing our stories gives us joy in that it helps us feel like there's a reason for why things have happened in our lives.

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Megan Fate Marshman tells us what to do when we don't have all the things figured out: go to Jesus and tell him that we don't. And then we go to him again and tell him again. We need reminding. We are prone to think we are in control and what a gift from God that we are not.

I just finished reading an advance copy of Megan's latest book, RELAXED: WALKING WITH THE ONE WHO IS NOT WORRIED ABOUT A THING and I'd love to say that I'm totally relaxed AND not worried about a thing. But I'm more relaxed and I'm less worried. So good. Buy one for yourself (if you don't win the giveaway) and one for that friend who may be worried—oh, that's every friend, or most anyway.

Megan, a single mom of two young boys—her dear husband Randy went to be with the Lord at age 36—writes from what she is learning about grief and worry and autonomy and coming to Jesus over and over again. A knowledgeable and charismatic teacher of the Word, Megan pastors at Willow Creek Community Church, Chicago, runs the women's ministry at Hume Lake Christian Camp and is the women's pastor at Arbor Road Church, Long Beach, CA.

Megan’s website

Megan on IG

Megan on Facebook

Megan on X

Buy Link

Some gems from our conversation:

We don't need to do more; rather, we need to be intentional about showing love right where we are.

God's gift to us is that we don't need to trust in ourselves.

Risk-taking is Christlikeness because you are setting yourself up to need him and the prompts almost always lead to love.

Anxiety signals me where I'm trying to get my security.

We experience a sanctification gap and we go about it all the wrong way to close that gap without God.

Grief has taught me to pay more attention to what really matters and less attention on those things that don't.

We are called to be God's hands and feet to anyone he brings our way.

We are not working on making a perfect family; rather on doing things right.

Anxiety alerts us that something is going on in the dashboard of our soul.

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We all have a story to tell and when we tell it, we can encourage someone else who may need to know and trust God a little bit more.

Julie Sunne expected certain things from God and when they didn't happen, she realized she didn't really know this God she was raised to believe in. Married 36 years, a mother of 4, Julie experienced 5 miscarriages and 4 live births in a stretch of 8 years. Their third child and only girl, Rachel, was diagnosed as intellecturally disabled and will need to be cared for her entire life. Rachel, age 26 but developmentally only age 3, continues to teach Julie about trusting and knowing God in his entierty.

Julie's book points our minds and hearts to God and you'll want to get one for yourself and anyone you know who is struggling with hope. She's giving away a copy this week so be sure to comment here or on social media for your name to be entered.

SOMETIMES I FORGET: 60 REMINDERS OF HOPE FOR YOUR HARD DAYS, a concise and helpful devotional to direct our minds and hearts to the nature of God. As Julie says, we don't just wish for something, we hope in God who is immutable and never-changing.

In the pages of this book, you will discover:

--more about who God is

--how God relates to us as His children

--why we can believe God’s promises

--truths to remember

--a simple, yet meaningful way to pray through the valleys

Life will throw you curveballs, but in the character of God lies hope. Because of who God is, you can trust
Him in your most desperate moments.

Some gems from our conversation:

• When God didn't answer my prayers, I just felt that his blessings pertained to other people, not me.
• I had to learn that my expectations of God were not always his plan for me and thereby, not his best for me as well.
• The main cure for "forgetting Who God is" is to read the Word of God which reminds us who we can trust.
• We will never completely understand the ways of God so we have to get to a point where we surrender ourselves completely to God.
• We can't just take one attribute of God without all the rest as one nature, perfect and unchanging, loving and almighty.
• My legacy is to trust my hard places to the Lord and surrender my understanding to His.

Follow Julie at juliesunne.com.

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I’m not sure why we bother arguing with God. God being God comes with an unfair advantage but I imagine I’m not the only one who tries. There’s that Jonah fellow from Nineveh. He argued but he ended up—well you probably know where he ended up. Even Jesus who had a special connection, you might say, debated with his Father about the wisdom of what he was about to go through right before the cross. He went anyway. Alone, for the most part.

I should have known better than to argue. There’s no point. But processing out loud is my favorite and God already knew what was in my head. And, while arguing takes two and I did most of the talking, I did get an answer

At 30 I wasn’t worried about gray hair. I had a great life. I just didn’t want to grow old alone. I had a plan to love and serve God—but not by myself. Phone calls can mess up the best of plans.

YOUR TURN

1. Do you have a plan for your life? What does it include?
2. When your plans take a “wrong turn” in your view, how do you deal with your disappointment?
3. Have you ever argued with God? If not, you can try it out today. (I'll wait...)

How did that turn out for you?

If we remember He’s our perfect Father—and loves us even more than our own dads—and that he knows what’s ahead, we can relax. Instead of stewing we can wonder how He’s going to surprise us with something we would never think up on our own.

That’s one of the fun parts about following God—the surprise factor. It gets me every time.

TAKE GOD AT HIS WORD

“There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off” (Proverbs 23:18).

TELL GOD WHAT’S GOING ON (write your prayer or pray the one below):

Lord, God,

Thank you that you love me and that you are love so that you can’t betray. Help me place the truth of your character over my feelings. I surrender my plans to you. May I look to you in trust and expectation. I love surprises. Thank you and amen.

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Lori Margo wife and mother of three adult children, knows what it means to stay awake all night and worry - like all good mothers do! She knew God loved and cared for her—even while facing cancer four times and losing her mom at a young age. But her faith stalled out one day and she prayed, "Lord, I need to know you are with me. Show me ways you are present here in these struggles." And that began her process of tracking God, keeping short lists, recording how He's answering prayers, big and small. She prayed: God I just want to know that you are with me. If you answer my prayer or if you don't—I'm still going to trust you, no matter what."

Lori writes:

Life is hard AND God is incredible.Both phrases are true and happening simultaneously: Life is hard. God is incredible.

That’s my story.

I’ve had hard things come my way AND I’ve experienced the faithfulness of God alongside the pain and suffering. He met me where I was and brought peace as I held the pieces of a life I never imagined for myself.

Some gems:

• Life is hard AND God is incredible.
• To track how God is present helps keep me emotionally resilient.
• I acknowledge my fears but when I look for how God is working on my behalf, worry turns more easily to worship.
• Psalm 73 is where I go for help: God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
• I didn't want to just say the words, "God I trust you"—I wanted to get into the habit of observing His miraculous presence in my trials and difficulties.
• Sometimes I stall out and I just say, "God I need to hear from You" and then I keep a pad of paper and a pencil nearby.You CAN have a deeper connection with God, even when life is hard. Take the quiz HERE.

Learn more from Lori at lorimargo.com.

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Speaker, author, Keith Ferrin heard someone tell or perform the entire book of Luke on stage for two hours straight. He made a lunch date with the presenter for that next day, a lunch date which lasted nine hours. For the last two decades, Keith's been presenting Scripture by the book as a storyteller. "The Bible is not only meant to be studied, understood and obeyed", Keith says, "it's meant to be enjoyed." We discuss the Thdifference as well as what it means to internalize the word vs memorizing the words.

Keith is passionate about helping people know and love God's word and offers great series on YouTube as well as on his website. Keith is offering my Welcome Heart listeners a half-off coupon for two of his great resources: get both for the price of one.

One course is called Relational Bible Study. www.keithferrin.com/rbs

The other is called The Simplest Way to Internalize the Bible www.keithferrin.com/internalize

Use this LINK to get them both for the price of one.

His free resource is: The Simplest Way to Study the Bible. LINK HERE.

Some gems:

• People are under the false belief that massive parts of Scripture is confusing so they don't even attempt to read it.
• The main difference between Christianity and all other religions is this: the Creator saw that His creation was in trouble and He set out to rescue and fix what they can't fix on their own.
• The Bible is not only true, it's also powerful and amazing and transforming and meant to be enjoyed.
• I realized that God's Word isn't just to be studied verse-by-verse like little sound bites; rather it's to engage my mind, emotions and soul and that's made all the difference.
• To internalize Scripture is the know the Word; to memorize Scripture is to know the words.
• The more relational we are with Scripture, the more information we will retain.
• Our primary purpose in reading the Bible is to hang out with Jesus.

To learn more about Keith and how to learn to enjoy the Bible, follow Keith on all social platforms @keithferrin or his website: keithferrin.com.

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Bret Lott knows how to make a woman cry. Possibly a man, too, but I'm not sure. I know he's cried (sobbed, he admitted) when reading Leif Enger's book, Peace Like a River. I already liked Bret Lott but that made me like him even more.

Bret Lott, award-winning author of now 16 books (both fiction and non-fiction) didn't start out to become a writer and, in fact, met obstacles along the way. I'm glad he persevered; if you've read Jewel, one of Oprah's Book Club selections, then I'm sure you're glad as well. He wanted to ride a horse and be a Park Ranger. Grateful that didn't pan out.

Fun sidenote: Since I'm also from Southern California, it was a delight to find out that Bret used to work at Knott's Berry Farm at the candy apple booth and once-a-month he made waffles for Mr. Knott.

Bret is giving away a signed copy of his latest book out this month entitled: GATHER THE OLIVES, On Food and Hope and the Holy Land - comment below or on social media to be entered!

Born in Los Angeles in 1958, Lott grew up in Buena Park, CA and Phoenix, AZ before returning to California to live in Huntington Beach, CA. He met and married his wife of 40 years, Melanie Swank Lott, at First Baptist Church of Huntington Beach/Fountain Valley. A graduate of Cal State, Long Beach(1981), Lott headed to Massachusetts for graduate school at UMass Amhurst. He received his MFA in 1984 and landed his first teaching position at Ohio State Univ. In 1986, Lott joined the English Department at the College of Charleston, where he is now a tenured professor and director of the new MFA program and leads writers retreats to Italy.

Find out more about his writing retreats here: https://bretlottwriting.com

Be sure to comment below to be entered to win: Gather the Olives.

Some gems:

• The difference between a good writer and a bad writer: the bad writer says, "Here I am, I have something to say." The good writer writes a good story and you're not aware he or she even exists.
• I write to try and understand things, why people do what they do and what happened to their lives.
• I shared a short story with a girl I liked. She wasn't impressed. I knew right then that I loved her.
• Jewel was based on my grandmother's life. She had 6 kids and the 6th, my aunt, was Down Syndrome.
• You're given what you're given in life; the writer's job and joy is to write the pages torn from that life and try to understand it better.
• The best art fills us with wonder and glory and mystery and beauty which are all manifestations of God.

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Connie Lawson, wife and mother of three little girls has suffered more than most. When asked, "Do you ever wonder why you went through so many trials?" she replied, "Not anymore. When you really push into Jesus and decide that He's enough, you find out that He really is enough."

Misdiagnosed at age 11 with a mental illness that didn't get changed around until her late 20's, Connie could be bitter over all those lost years. Instead, she's turned her pain into an opportunity to help others trust the God that she's come to know and love, even in and in spite of the darkness. Hear more of Connie's story on her podcast, Weeds, Seeds and Beautiful Things.

Some gems:

• I don't understand the why behind my trials, but I do know that God is good, no matter what.
• If you aren't anchored to the truth, you'll drown, and the truth is that God is loves you and is present in your suffering.
• My mission is to help others come to know the God I've learned to trust.
• When you pray for more faith in God rather than praying for a changed outcome—it changes you.
• My suffering is a doorway to see the face of God.
• An entitled anger says, "I don't deserve this pain" and keeps me from seeing God's hand.

For more encouragment, follow Connie at WeedsSeedsandBeautifulThings.com.

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My friend and fellow podcaster, Mary Hess of The Back 40, invited me and 3 other gals (from the back 40!) to chat on her podcast.

Here's what Mary had to say about all of us crazy and fun ladies:

Ever found yourself in a predicament because your body is going through changes you don't quite understand? Or perhaps you're struggling to find your identity amidst the pressures of social media, comparison, and the expectation to constantly achieve? Well, ladies, you're not alone. I'm accompanied by four incredibly inspiring women - Sue Donaldson, Ruthie Gray, Susan Macias, and Carol Feil - who have each navigated their unique journeys and have come to share their wisdom on these common, yet often overlooked subjects.

Our conversation doesn't shy away from the personal, the profound, or the downright hilarious. We candidly tackle the often-ignored topic of menopause and each share our own experiences with hormone replacement and our strategies for coping with life's inevitable transitions. I think you'll find comfort and camaraderie in our tales of overcoming fears, breaking free from societal timelines, and taking action, no matter what stage of life you're in.

But that's not all. We dive deep into the challenges of finding your true identity in a world that demands comparison. We discuss the power of authentic communication, and the importance of being true to yourself. Wherever you are in your faith journey, whether you feel you're just starting out or you've been walking the path for decades, this episode is for you. So, get comfortable, grab a cuppa, and join us for a conversation that will have you nodding in agreement, laughing out loud, and maybe even shedding a tear or two. You won't want to miss it.

Connect with Sue Donaldson: https://welcomeheart.com/
Connect with Susan Macias: https://www.susankmacias.com/
Connect with Ruthie Gray: https://authenticonlinemarketing.com/
Connect with Carol Feil: https://carolfeil.com/

Find our host, Mary here at The Back 40

Some gems (we do think we are funny...)

• I had to make a choice, to say this is my new season, and I'm going to assume that God didn't make me faulty. It's not bad. Hot flashes are never fun.
• I just want to be so in sync with what the Lord is doing in my life, so that, if I snap at someone, that I can do short accounts—to get our relationship back on track as soon as possible—like with God and my children and my husband.
• Because we can now walk around with, you know, computers in our back pockets, I think we have to really really guard our hearts and minds to what we allow to settle in and take up that space.
• I think sometimes it's easy for me even to get into the mindset of oh my gosh, I'm in my 50s now and what do I have to show for it? What do I have to show that I've been doing ministry or I'm successful in some arena or some way?
• I don't know that comparison ever really goes away and I kind of thought it would.
• To be surrounded by people who inspire you is is self-serving sanctification. To go into community on a regular basis and say have someone say, "You're not late, Susan, you're blessed. You're doing what God wants you to do today."
• When we start feeling lonely or down about what we're doing or anything to do with our second half of life, the worst thing we can do is stay to ourselves.

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Scott Savage, pastor, husband of a judge and father of 3, realized one day in a church meeting that he was in the wilderness of burnout. What followed was 9 months of finding and knowing God on a deeper level and he's here today to share with us part of what he learned. You may not be in a wilderness yourself right now, but you may know someone who could use Scott's encouragement. He's offering a free resource which you can access here: Don't Give Up When It's Time To Change: 10 Things You Need to Hear When You're Ready to Quit.

Scott and his wife, Danalyn often say, "Everyone has a story if we stop long enough to listen." Perhaps that's the main thing you need today: someone to listen to your story. You can connect with Scott here.

Some gems from today:

• What if you started looking for God's kindness in your wilderness where He leads you tenderly closer to Himself.
• We can wake up and discover that we are somewhere where we never intended to be and find we are in a wilderness.
• Friendships forged in the hard places can be our deepest and most life-giving relationships.
• I knew I was burned out from focusing on my public life more than tending to my private life with God.
• Burnout is something we have more control over; wilderness can often be the result of outside circumstances.
• My prayer is that people will connect to me in my stories so that they will connect with God.
• When feeling burned out we can claim the promise we are not alone: God hasn't left and He can provide others to accompany us in the hardest of times.

Scott Savage is a pastor, author, and speaker with the best last name ever! As a seasoned Millennial pastor, Scott has served churches for nearly 20 years. He currently leads Cornerstone Church in Prescott, Arizona. His writing has been read by over a million people in places like Our Daily Bread, RELEVANT Magazine, Air1 Radio, and the YouVersion Bible App: here's a sample.Through his writing and speaking, Scott loves helping people who are navigating difficult situations to find hope and healing. He is married to Danalyn, aka Judge Savage, and they’re raising three brilliant children. You can learn more about Scott at ScottSavageLive.com or follow him on social media (@scottsavagelive).

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Kristen Hallinan knew she needed to make some changes. How she responded to situations was threatening the peace in her family and costing her precious relationships. Once she figured out that much of her over-reactions were based in deep-seated early life trauma, she was able to begin to move forward: for her sake and for the sake of the next generation.

As a result of what Kristen learned, she's put together a resource that is her legacy and will be of help for many who feel stuck in the pain of their past. That may not be you but you may know someone who needs to hear her story and how to get beyond small-t trauma and live in the freedom and wholeness that Christ provides.

A copy of her newly-released book will be part of a giveaway all week long. Be sure to comment to be entered:

Legacy Changer: Heal the Hurt, Redeem Your Story, Create Hope for Your FamilySome gems from our conversation:

• It took me many years to resource all the tools to help me heal.
• We are forgiven completely when we come to faith in Christ, but not always fully healed.
• I love seeing women walk in freedom when God redeems their past pain.
• As a child, I felt unwanted, unseen, and that I was simply annoying to others.
• It took courage to speak up about my needs and face the fact that many were not met as a child.
• To quiet the lies in my head, I list them out and contrast them with the truths of who God says I am.
• I am teaching our children that it's okay not to be enough because God is enough.
• I've learned that I am in charge of my emotions—they are not in charge of me.

Kristen Hallinan is a sought-after writer and speaker, passionate about helping women redeem the pain of their past and move towards a healthier and more hopeful future. On mission to equip women and support families, Kristen previously worked as Director of Development for MOPS International. She enjoys working with teen moms, crisis pregnancy centers, and serving as a pre-marital mentor with her husband Shawn in Dallas, TX. Legacy Changer is Kristen’s debut book, and you can find her other writings in publications like Relevant Magazine and The Joyful Life. Laughing with and chasing after her four children helps burn off the calories she consumes of her favorite treat—homemade gluten free churros.

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Pam Fields of The Mom Next Door Podcast shares with us today her desire to come alongside other moms and throw out the anchor of God's truth, hope and love, encouraging them in their parenting and their walk with the Lord. She came from a difficult place in her own childhood and didn't really understand what it was all about but she met the Lord at 15 and knew right then that God loved her and that she was His favorite. I wanted to argue that I was His favorite, but as we know, God loves us all.

Pam, a recent resident of Tennesee after living in Oregon for many years, is a mom of 9 and grandma to 4. She hosts the free Facebook group called: Tending Fields Moms Group and interviews moms from all walks of life on her podcast.

Some gems:

• I want to throw out the life preserver and provide an anchor for moms who are needing support and encouragement.
• An online community is a starting place for sharing hope and practical resources.
• I know that there is so much power in prayer and when we can't make a casserole for someone, we can still pray.
• I always knew that God loved me and that I was His favorite.
• Because of the dark places in my past, I know that I kept myself from fully experiencing my emotions until I met with a counselor and recognized my childhood trauma.
• To get beyond a painful past, we must surround ourselves with people who point us to God and His healing truth.
• We aren't meant to grow on our own.
• I want a home where my people feel comfortable and supported whether or not things are going well or not so great.

As a mom of 9, Pam has learned how to incorporate prayer into the busy moments of mothering life. She would love to share this resource with you! In this guide, you will find prayer prompts as well as step-by-step instructions for crafting a prayer bracelet which will be a great reminder to pray for any concerns that you are carrying. She writes about the bracelet HERE. Prayer Bracelets: A Practical Idea to Remind You to Pray Here is the link: https://subscribepage.io/3e30w2 Follow Pam:IG: https://www.instagram.com/tendingfields/FB: https://www.facebook.com/TendingFieldsWebsite: https://tendingfields.net/

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Kendall Vanderslice joins us today to talk bread, food, community, and loneliness—all some of my favorite topics. Founder of the non-profit, EdibleTheology.com, Kendall shares her wisdom regarding cultural polarization, and how eating together is a vulnerable and soul-filling activity. I love her call to include "rhythms of times at the table" in an effort to stave off our default into isolation. And, that when we do, we feel more known, respected and healed.

Author of We Will Feast, By Bread Alone, as well as the digital course, Bake With the Bible, Kendall also promotes a program we can use in our churches to build community and love, even in the middle of an election year! (Maybe especially in the middle of an election year!) And she is offering a copy of her recently released book/memoir: By Bread Alone: A Baker's Reflections on Hunger, Longing and the Goodness of God.

Some gems from our conversation:

• To eat together takes vulnerability at some level which leads to deeper sharing and better knowing of one another.
• Loneliness has negative effects on our brains and our bodies.
• God speaks to us in the act of cooking and eating.
• Healing is possible around the table. Pull up a chair.
• Sharing stories and meals can fill gaps and foster connections unlike any other thing.
• Invite others into your home on purpose when it's not all cleaned up and perfect.
• We can love better when we don't agree on topics when we cook and eat together.
• To stave off loneliness, purpose to plan your life around rhythms of eating at the table with others.

Her favorite thing to bake (I asked!) is "Sourdough on Training Wheels." Sounds like my kind of sourdough.

In her own words

Hello! I’m Kendall Vanderslice – yes, before you ask, that is my true name.

It’s just by chance (or the humor of God) that I ended up in a field so fitting. I’m a baker and writer, whose best thinking occurs as I work dough between my hands; I scribble down thoughts on pieces of parchment dusted in flour, until I can parse them out later before my keyboard. When I embarked on a career as a pastry chef, I found that my love of bread transformed the ways I read scripture. Fascinated by God’s use of food throughout the arc of the Gospel, I merged my work in the kitchen with academic study of food and theology.

I founded the educational nonprofit Edible Theology as an outlet for further research and public engagement in this sphere. You can get a taste for our work by listening to our weekly podcast Kitchen Meditations.

I’m a graduate of Wheaton College in Illinois (BA Anthropology), where I began engaging questions of food and faith. Interested in commensality—or, the social dynamics of eating together—I studied food at Boston University (MLA Gastronomy). My thesis on church meals sparked a range of theological questions, leading me to Duke University where I wrote a thesis on the theology of bread (MTS). In 2018 I was named a James Beard Foundation national scholar for my work on food and religion.

My first book, We Will Feast: Rethinking Dinner, Worship, and the Community of God, released May 2019. My second book, By Bread Alone: A Baker’s Reflections on Hunger, Longing, and the Goodness of God, releases February 2023.

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A teacher told Dianne Beck, "You're a good writer" and that made all the difference. Beck's love of writing turned into a passion, first while teaching non-reading junvenile delinquents, then teaching in a Christian school and now writing young adult fiction. She inspired her students to write and they made her accountable to finishing her first novel, Sticks and Stones—a prequel to her current book, Finding True North. Beck explores the theme of living from our true identity, who God designed us to be. And she is giving away a copy this week!

Leave a comment below to be entered. You'll want to read it first and then give it to your favorite 8th grader!

Dianne's legacy is love: "When you read my stories, real or imagined, may you discover a God who loves you."

Dianne, a mother of four adult children has taught school for years and has a special spot in her heart for Middle-schoolers, which makes her a saint and well-appreciated by parents that's for sure. Check out her writings on her website: diannebeck.com

Some gems:

• A 5th grade teacher told me that I was a good writer. I never forgot her words.
• The juvenile delinquents I taught to read just needed someone to come alongside and show them that someone cared.
• Young people are embattled by social media, adding to their tension and confusion.
• We all need to live out of the confidence of being who God designed us to be.
• The written word stays long after we are gone: I want to write so that others know God loves them.
• Staying in the Word is the key to remembering our true identity.

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Amberly Neese is all for Glee-ology as well as Theology. She loves making people laugh. I would say she can't help it. She knows, too, that truth goes down easier when prefaced with a good dose of humor and vulnerability. Author of three great Bible Studies including UNTANGLING FAITH: RECLAIMING HOPE INTHE QUESTIONS JESUS ASKED, Amberly helps people like you and me experience the freedom found in meaningful relationships with God and others.

She's hosting a giveaway of UNTANGLING FAITH all week long - please leave comment below to be entered.

Some gems from our conversation:

• My favorite question that Jesus asked is: "Who do you say I am?"
• Humor drops defenses and helps whet our appetites for what God wants to teach us.
• I had to let go of the false notion that God only is concerned with me when I'm doing things right.
• I want people to know that God is for them by the way that I love and honor them.
• We develop a specific muscle group in our minds each time we recall how God loves and provides: He does so for birds—he will do the same for us, His children.
• When my adult children need help, instead of rushing to their aid, I ask, "What do you know to be true?"
• Jesus asked over 300 questions as recorded in Scripture. Since He knew all the answers the questions were for you and I to help us grow in faith and love.

Amberly is a featured speaker/ emcee/ comedian for the Aspire Women’s Events and Marriage Date Night, two popular Christian national tours.

She and her husband have two adult children and live in Prescott, Arizona, where they enjoy the great outdoors, the Food Network, and all things Star Wars.

I got to meet and hear Amberly in October. What a treat!

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Colleen Swindoll Thompson speaks today about "reframing her pain" and what she didn't learn in Sunday School. "We don't like to hear that life includes suffering," Thompson states, "and that modeling how to suffer well is the best legacy we can leave our children." She was raised well and she figured if she did "her part for God and with God" she'd be okay. But she wasn't.

Through multiple difficult and tragic circumstances, she learned to lean in toward God and allow Him to do his refining work, and all of it helped her establish "Reframing Ministries"—an organization to bless, encourage and support the caregiver.

Colleen will be giving away a copy of her book When Life Isn't Fair: What They Didn't Tell You in Sunday School this week. Leave a comment below or on social media to be entered to win.

Some gems from our conversation:

• God's way is so different from what we plan—so much bigger and better but we don't see that right away.
• I was raised with the idea that if I do my part, God would give me an abundant life without suffering.
• I want to leave a legacy of listening well because that means I'm loving well.
• How I treat others that God has entrusted into my care takes vulnerability and the willingness to ask for help.
• We can face our challenges and trials either by fighting with God, asking "Why, God?" and trying to fix things on our own or by asking Him, "What do I do now? You've given me this day and these trials—I need help."
• God knows you: your health, your emotions, your relationships—all the things—and He will supply the person or persons that you need when you need it.
• When we find ourselves stuck, not knowing how to move forward, the first step is to acknowledge our need; then pray, "Lord, I don't know what to do."
• God doesn't say, "I need to you do" as much as "I need you to be"—close to me, crying out for help and resting in His presence.

Sign up for Colleen's 5-Day Patio Videos Devotional Series HERE.

View Colleen's story here or here.

Do you know a caregiver who would be encouraged by this podcast? Please share the link today.

_______

Maybe someone in your neighborhood needs to hear Colleen's message of reframing. If I don't know my neighbor, it's hard to love them as Jesus loves them. You can start by hosting a coffee. This printable can get you on your way, including two simple recipes (I only do simple)—

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When Twyla's daughters say, "Are we walking the neighborhood or talking the neighborhood?" she knows she's been passing down a legacy worth living. She says drawing close to God is the first step in loving our neighbors and some of her favorite words begin with "R."

Twyla Franz is a big believer in baby steps and ripple-effect living. An Enneagram 9 learning to live open, she loves front-yard conversations with neighbors, chalk-painted furniture, and Yogi’s blueberry tea. As a missional neighboring guide, she helps others get close to Jesus and grow deep, missional friendships with neighbors. Find her words (written and recorded) on TheUncommonNormal.com. Other places Twyla writes include (in)courage, Relevant, Her View From Home, and The Grit and Grace Project. She also hosts Begin Within: A Gratitude Series to encourage year-round gratitude (because gratitude, she says, has a ripple effect.)

Some gems:

• So often we complicate our faith instead of just living the rhythms of drawing close to Jesus and allowing him to ripple out onto our neighbors.
• To live missional is to live "interruptible."
• When we make ourselves vulnerable, we become approachable so that the Good News naturally or supernaturally pours out.
• My preference is not to ask for help but I find that makes me real and makes Jesus real to my neighbor.
• I know God differently on my knees than anywhere else.
• When I know where the goal is, I keep inching my way forward; I don't have to get there overnight.
• God's abundance isn't only for us, it's for how it flows over and out of our lives for those we meet everyday.
• Whatever we hope to do in our neighborhood, we need to start in our homes.
• A piece of our purpose is to thank God every day in our hearts and in the presence of others.

Free sample week of Cultivating a Missional Life: A 30-Day Devotional to Gently Help You Open Your Heart, Home, and Life to Your Neighbors

And,

Find out if you are accidentally keeping your friendships shallow—and what you can do about it

Find Twyla in all these places:

Website—https://theuncommonnormal.com/

Cultivating a Missional Life Devotional https://theuncommonnormal.com/book/

Freebies (including sample week of devotional)—https://theuncommonnormal.com/subscribe/

Begin Within: A Gratitude Series—https://theuncommonnormal.com/category/gratitude-series/

Podcast—https://theuncommonnormal.com/podcast/

Instagram—https://www.instagram.com/theuncommonnormal/

Facebook—https://www.facebook.com/theuncommonnormal

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Jordan Raynor returns to Living a Legacy Life Podcast today to talk about his radical and biblical view of our work, all of our work, and how it matters to God and to eternity. Jordany is the leading voice on work and faith and you may have been first introduced to his writing with his great books, Created to Create and Redeeming Your Time (Hear our conversation about that HERE.)

Today he addresses our misconceptions of our work, our view of heaven as well as the Great Commission as most of us know it. Join us as we tackle these great topics from his latest book:

The Sacredness of Secular Work: 4 Ways Your Job Matters for Eternity (Even When You're Not Sharing the Gospel)You will be motivated and blessed. OH! And he's giving one away so be sure to leave a comment below to be entered.

So many convo gems:

We know our jobs matter to God: His one and only Son, Jesus was raised in the home of a small business owner!

We live with too many half-truths about heaven.

The first commission is to make the world more useful for people's benefit and enjoyment.

God delights in every detail of our lives, most of which includes our work.

Our work is a vehicle for bringing God eternal pleasure.

The Great Commission is great but it's not the only thing that God values.

The Gospel includes the redemption of the earth, not only the salvation of our souls.

Make a list of questions that will launch conversations from the surface, to the serious, to the spiritual and keep them in your phone.

Follow Jordan at jordanraynor.com

Podcasts and books.

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Alyssa Evans never met her dad and was raised in a foster home, then adopted. It wasn't until she had her first child that she decided to embrace faith in Christ. And found her "forever family." As a military wife (Marines!) she's moved countless times and struggled often with loneliness that is typical with military families. she compared herself (a little bit!) with Jesus since his fulltime ministry was 3 years and a typical military duty is 3 years where families need to uproot again, find new friends for themselves and their kids. Alyssa and her husband want to continue ministering to the military family unit in some way after his retirement which is not that far away.

Some gems from our conversation:

Women become incredibly isolated when they uproot every three years or so and they need someone to come alongside and just be with them.

We want to love people with the same love that Jesus loves us.

Our church knew we wouldn't be sticking around because of the military so their attitude was: "Hey! We don't care how long you're staying and if it's a short time, it just means we will love you harder!"

The least I can do is invite someone to my table.

If there are snacks for the kids, sometimes that's all that's needed to gather women around my table (and by snacks I mean a big bowl of popcorn and another one of cereal.)

I find that as we get older, we're so busy with our older kids, we don't take time to develop our women friendships. We need to put it on the calendar.

When I'm feeling blue and lonely, I've learned that if I'm invited somewhere that I say, "Yes!" no matter what.

The Lord has more for me and he humbles and sustains us.

When wallowing in loneliness, I've learned to stop saying, "Why, Lord?" and changing it to, "Lord, what will You have me learn from this situation?"

When I'm authentic with my story, it deepens a new friendship and lets another know there is room at my table.

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Free lance writer, editor, mother of two, Jenny Abel talks today on the preciousness of recalibrating your life, all for heaven's sake. Co-author with Kenneth Boa of the book, Recalibrate Your Life: Navigating Transitions with Purpose and Hope, Abel defines recalibration as consciously processing where we've been, where we are now, and looking ahead to where God may want to lead us. "This isn't something we only do at the end of our lives," Jenny says, "rather we do it on a regular basis to help us gain perspective: Are we numbering our days to gain a heart of wisdom?"

Leave a comment below or on social media to be entered to win a copy of Recalibrate Your Life.

Teach us to number our days,
that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Psalm 90:12Some gems:

• At the heart of recalibration is a pilgrim mindset.
• Before we can recalibrate, we need to calibrate: do we belong to God? Are our minds set on Christ?
• My relationship with God would not be what it is without my time in the dark valley of infertility.
• Knowing you are really going to die someday changes everything.
• Our career changes; the calling on our lives is never ending.
• Suffering prompts recalibration.
• My desire is to inspire others to know and hope in God and call them to gaze on God's beauty.
• Our pride, our day-to-day inertia, digging in our heels—all of these things keep us from numbering our days.

Jenny Abel is an editor and writer for Ken Boa, coauthor of Recalibrate Your Life. Having sat under Boa’s teaching since she was a teenager, she began working for him and his Reflections Ministries in 2013. She served as editor of the monthly Reflections teaching letter from 2017 to 2023. She cowrote Shaped by Suffering and A Guide to Practicing God’s Presence with Dr. Boa and edited his book Life in the Presence of God. A freelance writer and editor, she founded Jenny M. Abel Editorial Services (www.abeleditorial.com) in 2011. She holds a BS in mathematics with a concentration in Latin American studies from Furman University, is a graduate of the Focus on the Family Leadership Institute, and resides in Charlottesville, Virginia, with her husband, Ben, and their two young children.

Book web page: http://recalibrateyourlife.org

Ken Boa’s website: http://kenboa.org

Ken’s social media: Reflections Ministries - YouTube, Facebook, Kenneth Boa (@ken.boa) • Instagram photos and videos

AND, Jenny shared a recipe! Yay! I'm not sure I'd decrease the butter, but that's just me. Thanks, Jenny!

Grand Canyon Coffee Cake

Part 1:

¾ c. canola or vegetable oil
2½ c. flour*
¾ c. sugar
1 c. brown sugar (light or dark)
1 tsp. nutmeg
1 tsp. salt
Part 2:

2 tsp. cinnamon
2 eggs, beaten
1 c. buttermilk
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1 stick butter

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350° F. Combine Part 1 ingredients and mix thoroughly (in an electric mixer).
Take ¾ c. of this mixture and set it aside.
Part 2: To the set-aside mixture, add 2 tsp. cinnamon. This will serve as the topping. To the rest
of the Part 1 mixture, add eggs, buttermilk, powder, and soda. Pour into the bottom of a greased 9” x
13” pan. Sprinkle the topping crumbles on top, distributing evenly. Bake 25–30 min. or until toothpick
comes out clean.
Melt the 1 stick butter and drizzle on top of the hot cake. Serve warm for breakfast or anytime!
*Note: I often use whole wheat flour for all or part of this case to make it healthier. I also decrease the
amount of butter drizzled on top to about ½ to 2/3 of a stick.

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When God said, “Be hospitable” he added a caveat which could only be divine: “And while you’re at it, don’t be grumpy.” It’s easy to be grumpy because hospitality is work especially if you don’t think you are very good at it. Some people are really great hosts. We describe them as “good at entertaining.” But God didn’t say, “Be good entertainers.” There’s a difference. Seems to me that entertaining has more to do with me and hospitality has more to do with my guests

My friend told me that the hardest part of hospitality is trying too hard to impress with appearance and presentation instead of being genuinely warm and welcoming. Emphasizing these things can leave her feeling superficial and flat rather than warm, loving and satisfied. She said, "I have to remind myself that entertaining is not the same thing as hospitality. I need to slow down and take time to nurture relationships."

She's right. I need to remind myself of the same thing, especially when I end up running around at the last minute, barking orders at the family to help me finish whatever isn’t, and making a general mess of a kind and loving atmosphere - - all in the name of “making things nice for the company.

Mom was raised in the ungrace of no hospitality. But she wanted to help people know that they were a big deal to God by inviting them over for strawberry jello and baked chickens in the blue roaster on time-bake on Sundays. So she kept inviting and that’s how she broke that chain and raised all us Moore kids with grace enough to do the same only I don’t usually make jello and often I buy the pie. We all know how to make coffee. Thank you, Mom.

Karen Mains wrote: "True hospitality comes before pride. It has nothing to do with impressing people, but everything to do with making them feel welcome and wanted."

Some thoughts from today's episode:

• God wants to use our hospitality as a vehicle for Him to change lives – our lives and those we invite.
• True hospitality is "relationship-based" rather than "show-off based."
• The more I accept that grace, the easier it is for me to give grace to everyone else. I think that’s called love.
• Hospitality can get confused with Entertaining. Both are great – both can be used by God – but they are not the same.
• God is interested in me, but when I invite someone over, he wants me to show my guests that he’s interested in them.
• If one is truly hospitable, one shows graciousness, courtesy, and genuine kindness--all qualities of our loving God. Someone can show these qualities without owning table settings for twelve with matching linen napkins.
• There is no one more hospitable than God, and we are to be His welcome to the world.
• Great food, good times, a gorgeous home—is that what hospitality is all about?
• God makes room even when no one else does, and sometimes in the most unlikely places. Sometimes we just need to make room so that someone becomes part of the Bigger Story.

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Welcome Carol Feil of Yellow Boot Fame to Legacy Living today! We talk about what matters most during the busy holiday season and we laugh a lot, too! People are lonelier than ever and how can we include rather than exclude to help others connect to a family, even if for one evening? Sometimes choosing "simple" over "elaborate" is the best gift we can give our own families as well as ourselves so we can focus on what really matters and choose to make this time a sacred space.

Some Carol gems:

• Simplifying allows us to focus on what's most important durlng the holidays.
• Love can mean learning to give someone what they are willing to receive.
• I've discovered that doing things that help our family connect is more valuable than buying more gifts and putting on elaborate events.
• Our "shoulds" are not always grounded in reality.
• My family was happier with less; I had to learn to expect less of myself.
• I taught my children that we aren't purposely exclusive when we are purposely inclusive, but we have to look out for that one who is feeling excluded by our inclusivity.
• We "should" ourselves into doing more when it only adds more stress and no one else is expecting it--only us.

A gift from Carol, first a word:

I love everything about Christmas - well, almost everything. Tinsel and holly, yes. Stress and overwhelm, no. Coco and caroling, yes. Overloaded calendar, no. You get the idea. It's easy to overcommit, overdo, then overwhelm ourselves as Christmas approaches. How often does the schedule dictate what you focus on?

I have learned that by choosing what goes on the calendar in advance, I can simplify, stay sane so I can focus on the Sacred of the Season.

I want this for you, too. I've created a FREE resource to remind you: You have permission to choose sane and simple so Sacred can be the focus.

Carol wears yellow-boots in the garden - they are her “listen & learn”
boots. She takes pictures of everything! Slugs & bugs & selfies! But,
her grandkids are her favorite to frame.
She will tell you growth in life is good and gardens are proof. She
believes God grows us where we are and helps us to be rooted and
grounded in His unchanging character. He knows our pain and loves us
more than we can imagine.
Let Carol encourage you today, so you too, can plant a seed of hope
for another tomorrow.
You can find Carol through her website www.carolfeil.com, on Instagram
and Facebook.

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Kristen Welch went to Kenya on Compassion trip with an agenda. God wrecked her instead, all for His glory and purpose. Kristen thought she had God and faith figured out but instead she realized she had not been really living the Christian life as God requires all of us to live who call ourselves followers of Jesus. As a result of that encounter with God and with the world's poverty, Kristen founded the non-profit, Mercy House Global. You can hear more of story in her book, Rhinestone Jesus, and today's conversation will encourage you and maybe even wreck you, all for heaven's sake.

Kristen will be hosting a giveaway of her great book, Made to Move Mountains: How God uses Our Dreams and Disasters to Accomplish the Impossible.

You may already know Kristen from her great mom-blog, WeAreTHATFamily.com.

Some gems:

• You never know when you say that "yes" of obedience where God will change you and use you.
• My normal was impacted by the world's normal: 75% of the world live on $5.00 a day.
• Generosity is a spiritual discipline.
• When we see someone start something big we use it as an excuse to not do anything.
• Abiding in Christ is the main thing that keeps me from discouragement because the work is exhausting but it is His work.
• Everyone is commanded to remember the marginalized.
• Doing nothing is a response too.
• I found myself in the classroom of Surrender, 101, and I stopped expecting it to be easy.

Kristen is passionate about empowerment, taking action, responding to God’s command to care for vulnerable people and making a difference with how we spend money. Find all you need to know on MercyHouseGlobal.org.

And prayerfully consider buying your Chirstmas gifts from Mercy House Global. Those subscriptions boxes sound amazing!

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Author, speaker, life coach, Caris Snider talks today about how she struggled with anxiety and depression and how that's not a bad thing, it's just a thing that can be progressed through with the help of community, the truths of God's Word and presence, and possibly a coach and/or therapist. Overwhelmed with all the things a mom faces, she began a little podcast that's become a big one called "Car Line Mom" - what we think about while we're in all the lines waiting with our kids or for our kids. Her latest book, by the same title is available today: Car Line Mom: 100 Days of Encouragement for the Mama Who Gets Everyone Everywhere.

Some gems from today's podcast:

• When negative thoughts come in, don't let them stay!
• No matter how we struggle as moms, we are never alone.
• No one in the Bible did their journey alone; ask God for a friend to journey with you as a mom.
• I learned through my own feelings of inadequacy and living an over-committed life that it's okay to say "no" and create healthy margins
• A coach helps us Zoom Out on your life map to see how we can get where we want to go.
• Jesus was a our model even in negative feelings so we don't need to be afraid to have them.
• We don't need to be afraid to talk about faith and mental health.
• As mom's we feel like we can't fail which adds chaos and "overwhelm" to our lives.
• We need to live from the overflow of God's presence. He promises peace; we need to live in and from that peace.

CARIS SNIDER loves to share the hope of God through speaking, writing, coaching, and leading worship. She is the author of “Anxiety Elephants: 31 Day Devotional” and “Anxiety Elephants: 90 Day Devotional for Tween Boys and Girls.” From her own personal experience, she helps women in their journey of overcoming depression, anxiety, fear, and shame. Caris lives with her husband, Brandon, and two daughters in Cullman, Alabama.

A word from Caris:

I am so glad that you have found your way here. You see, I know what it is like to be shackled in guilt and shame, feeling hopeLESS and purposeLESS. BUT, I also know the freedom of those shackles being broken and beginning to live a life FULLfilled. I have my good days and I have my bad days. I have had some pretty dark days as well. I don't know what type of day you are having, but just know that many of us have been where you are, and there is hope to make it out.

Find free resources HERE.

Follow her instagram to learn more: @carissnider

And her website is carissnider.com

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Jilliann Woods grew up in an abusive environement which didn't stop with her childhood. Because she didn't understand the oppression under which she was raised, she found herself in repeated abusive relationships. She finally realized that God created all of us to be heard and seen and empowered by His Spirit, she now lives free and boldly counsels and teaches multitudes of women so that they too can find our God-given freedom in Christ. Thank the Lord, for Jilliann's courage and love for others. Check out her two free resources on her website: jillian-woods.com. And pass them along to anyone you know who might need help in this painful and crippling life situation.

Free guide: How to Climb Out of Oppression

Free printable: Bold and Free Manifesto

Some gems from our conversation:

• I thought it was my duty to be nice at the expense of being honest.
• All the things I wanted to keep secret, I now share to help others.
• One oppressive relationship when younger can lead to a series of abusive relationships as an adult.
• When you suspect someone may be in an abusive relationship, develop trust by just being there for them and then begin asking gentle questions.
• God gives us all kinds of permission to be bold.
• I learned I do have a voice given to me by God, empowered by Him to be used by His Spirit.
• How does a woman transition from being "beside the point" to becoming the very point of her own life?

Jilliann Woods is a writer, abuse survivor, and founder of Be Bold. Live Free—providing
encouragement, coaching, and resources for women affected by abuse in close relationships. Currently,
she is writing a book for Christian women who seek a path to freedom from abuse and relationship
addiction. She is a certified Domestic Violence Peer Counselor. Jilliann is Mom to three amazing adults,
and Grammie to seven cherished grands. She happily resides on the Central Coast of California.

3 Steps to Take if You are in an Abusive Relationship: [Safety first for yourself and your children. If physical violence is an issue, find safe shelter. If you don't have a place to go call: 800.799.7233]1. Confide in a trusted friend. Even if you feel ashamed or embarrassed, a trusted friend will understand and realize the abusive behavior of your spouse is not your fault.2. Find a mentor or counselor who is trauma informed. Someone who will know what you are going through. Ask your friend to help with this step. If you are a Christian, find a trauma informed faith-based coach or counselor. 3. Be honest with yourself, don't excuse the abuse, and don't accept the blame for his behavior. Pray and ask God for guidance and courage. NOTE: In abusive marriages, Marriage Counseling is not advisable. You need individual counseling. The abuser must be willing to get help and do the work to change his behaviors first. Click here for FREE 5-Step Toxic Relationship Reset Guide (scroll to bottom of Jilliann's home page) Find and follow Jilliann in all the places--

https://jilliann-woods.com/
https://www.instagram.com/jilliannw
https://www.facebook.com/writerjilliannwoods
https://www.pinterest.com/jilliannwoodscoach/

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Things are out of our control. Circumstances do cause us grief and pain, tragedy does strike the good people as well as the bad. What can we do with our sorrow? We hope as Paul wrote in I Thess. 4:13 – “Do not grieve like the men who have no hope.”

We can think that as a good Christian, we should not be grieving—as if being sad is un-Christ-like.

Life IS hard, we’d be foolish not to embrace that fact, and the best way to get through grief is to grieve. But we grieve differently because we belong to God.

How does a follower of Jesus grieve differently? With hope in God who knows what’s ahead and loves us to the uttermost.

We are to come to Him with our grief, we are to hold on tight, as we grieve, and we are to look for God’s beauty and purpose amidst the ashes of pain.

I want to add something here that maybe you can relate to:I hate to see my kids suffer – I like to run around and manipulate all their circumstances and their friends and their teachers – just so that my kids don’t suffer pain – but God has something better in mind. He wants them to know Him through their pain. And that is far more beautiful and helpful than anything I can maneuver.They need to learn to know God personally;They need to learn for themselves that God’s joy underlies their grief and the best way for them to learn it, is for their mother to get out of the way of the Holy Spirit. (Of course, the Holy Spirit still needs my help with my husband . . . just kidding.)

• Joy comes from trusting and hoping in God
• Joy comes from communing and depending on God
• Joy comes from obedience and the main thing to obey is: "Love others as I have loved you." John 15

Sign up here to receive my 31 Days of Prayers: Love God, Love My Neighbor - It's Not Complicated (I make it complicated) One short prayer in your inbox for 31 days (free.)

Also in journal form - see SHOP. A gift for your soul just in time for the holidays. Quantities are limited.

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Mimika Cooney, author, speaker and "personal trainer for the mind" is with us today to talk about mindset and legacy and living for things that matter. Wife and mother of three, Mimika had a lot going on until she realized she needed to get off the treadmill of doing too much with too little of relying on God. She needed a mindset change: "Lord, show me what you want me to do and then help me do it." And he did and does.

"Our mind drives our actions so I need to keep God in the driver seat by renewing my mind daily—Romans 12:2."--Mimika (pronouced like paprika!)Author of 10 books including her latest: Unstick Your Mind: Shift Your Mindset, Develop Grit, and Break Barriers, Mimika shares wisdom and inspiration based on her favorite Scripture, Romans 12:2 - "...be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect."

Find her free resource: 8 Steps to Supercharge Your Mind HERE.

Some gems from our conversation:

• Training includes action—God expects us to act so we can be and do what he's created us to be and do.
• We all have "junk in the trunk" that slows us down and needs clearing out.
• We may be living in denial-city if we think we can do God's will without God renewing our minds daily.
• Our mind drives our actions so I need to keep God in the driver seat by renewing my mind daily—Romans 12:2.
• We don't know what we don't know so we rely on God to show us what needs changing and then take action steps to make those changes.
• There are limits to self-help because it's self, not God.
• You have to want to make a change. I help people move from where they are to where they want to be.
• Ask yourself: "What are you thinking and why do you believe that?"
• You're never too old to teach an old dog new tricks.
• Your story is a testimony to God's grace so if you keep it to yourself, you are doing the world a disservice and robbing God of the glory due him.

Find Mimika here:

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/mimikacooney YouTube https://youtube.com/c/mimikacooney Facebook https://www.facebook.com/themimikacooney Instagram https://www.instagram.com/mimikacooney Twitter https://twitter.com/mimikacooney

Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Mimika- Cooney/e/B0052GNJGY

Don't forget to check out her latest book, Unstick Your Mind as well as her free resource: 8 Steps to Supercharge Your Mind HERE.

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When we wake up each morning, do we actually think that what we do can change someone's world in some way? Most of us are grateful to change the sheets on a regular basis, clean the coffee pot with vinegar a few times a year, and water the plants when they show signs of an early death.

Yet, as followers of Jesus, we are not only called to an eternal purpose, to love God and our neighbor, we also get the privilege of partnering with the Son of God to change lives—one life, perhaps—all for His glory and our good and theirs.

Does that sound too hard? Too overwhelming? Too exhausting? It can to me, until I remember how Jesus spoke to many individuals, not only crowds of 5,000 and more. And He met needs one-on-one, as well as breaking bread and fish for hungry men and women and their kids on a mountain more than once.

Think about it:

I've learned that inviting one person for a cup of coffee can change their world.

God loves people, and He wants to use our tables and teapots to show people that He does.

Your cup of coffee or tea, soup or water—can be an introduction to God that someone has been looking for their whole lives.

As my new sweatshirt reads, "My real home is heaven. I'm just here recruiting." (I don't usually wear that on a first time meet-up.)

Awhile ago I shared three stories of how God changed lives through a simple invitation. Here are three more stories of how God changed lives through a simple invitation.

• An invitation to the one who needs a family
• An invitation to the one who needs to live awake
• An invitation to the one who needs a little help

Maybe you've been the recipient of an invitation that changed your life. I'd love to hear about it.

I'd also like to hear if you invite someone over and would like me to pray alongside. Email me: sue@welcomeheart.com. We're partners, after all.

To hear my first three invitations that changed the world, LISTEN to Part, I - HERE.

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Today's conversation with Keri Eichberger is something we all need to hear: how to live with less worry and more peace. Author of the brand new book: Win Over Worry: Conquer What Shakes You and Soar with the One Who Overcomes, Keri, mother of five (now there are five worries!) speaks of her own process in overcoming worry with the truth of God's Word.

Yes, there's a giveaway! Leave a comment below or on social media to be entered to win her book!

Some gems from Keri:

• We must be aware of the temptation to rely on ourselves and our own abilities, for true peace and freedom can only be found when we fully trust and surrender to God.
• Worry is rooted in fear: fear of helplessness and fear of worthlessness.
• The more people I love, the more reason I'll have to worry—until and unless I give them all to God's care.
• Simple steps to worry less takes a commitment and a decision to follow those steps.
• I worry less when I remember that God sees so much that we don't see.
• Identify your root of worry and cover it with God's truth: He is all loving and all powerful.

Overview:

On this episode of WELCOME HEART: Living a Legacy Life, our host Sue Donaldson is joined by guest Keri Eichberger as they dive deep into the topic of worry and its impact on our lives. The conversation begins with a focus on faith and the desire to make a difference in the lives of loved ones through their love for Jesus. The importance of living boldly and vulnerably in our faith is emphasized, as it brings glory to God and raises "kingdom builders" who can make a positive impact in the world.

The discussion then shifts to the root causes of worry and how unresolved worry can turn into fear. The speaker shares personal experiences, like worrying about their child driving, and explains how these fears can stem from deeper rooted fears of helplessness and worthlessness. They highlight the importance of identifying and addressing these root causes in order to overcome worry, reminding listeners that these fears are lies and that we are never helpless or worthless, drawing strength from the truths of God.

In addition to exploring personal experiences with worry, the episode also discusses how faith impacts daily life and how it is important to show reliance on God rather than trying to handle everything on our own. The speaker shares personal struggles and how they rely on God's grace to navigate their responsibilities. They also touch on the prevalence of worry among people of all ages and provide practical strategies for dealing with worry, such as writing down reminders of God's love and control.

The episode continues with an examination of the origins of worry and the tendency for people, including the speaker herself, to learn unhealthy coping strategies and avoid addressing the true source of their suffering. The importance of unlearning and relearning trust in God rather than relying on oneself or the world is discussed.

The conversation then moves to the challenges of parenting and the need for vulnerability in building intimacy and allowing others to witness the grace of God. The speaker encourages authenticity and transparency, acknowledging that it is God being tested, not the individual. They also tackle the issue of self-reliance and the tendency to worship one's own abilities. The speaker references Psalm 73 and ponders whether worry is more prevalent now compared to 100 years ago.

The episode concludes with reflections on leaving a legacy and the importance of embracing and relating to others. The speaker addresses encounters with non-believers and the need to overcome fear and self-righteousness in order to meet others where they are. Their personal journey of growth, including overcoming worry and finding more peace through a closer relationship with God, is shared. The speaker also discusses their decision to write a book on anxiety to help others and their research process. They suggest resources for fostering faith in young children, such as reading biographies of Christians, and highlight the importance of honoring trust in difficult circumstances rather than offering empty platitudes.

Throughout the episode, Sue Donaldson and Keri Eichberger provide insights and personal anecdotes that listeners can relate to. They explore the complexities of worry, the role of faith in navigating life's challenges, and the importance of leaving a legacy rooted in love and empathy. Listeners are left with a deeper understanding of worry and practical strategies to address it, as well as inspiration to live a legacy life with less worry and more peace.

Keri Eichbergerwww.KeriEichberger.comkerieichberger@gmail.comHang with me on Instagram!

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You will love this conversation with Roger and Kathi Lipp about their brand new book, The Accidental Homesteader AND they are giving one away! Be sure to comment on social media, on blog or email me so you can be entered to win because you will want a copy for yourself as well as gifts for friends and family:

The Accidental Homesteader: What I’ve Learned About Chickens, Compost, and Creating Home Roger and Kathi Lipp had an idea - a big idea - to move from the Silicon Valley to the north woods of California in mid-life and then they "accidentally" became homesteaders and they (mostly!) love it! Hear how they processed their move, and about some of the very real challenges they faced, and how their strong marriage made this a successful venture. Their enthusiasm for learning new things is an inspiration for all of us to learn new things at any age. Their legacy and desire is to continue to care for others as they grow in their love for each other and their neighbors as well as a deepening faith in their God. So many tips as well as over 20 recipes and inspiration for all of us to grow and change no matter what our age. Highly practical, humorous, and inspirational, The Accidental Homesteader will encourage you to live with more peace, joy, and contentment. Some gems from our conversation: * When you're following God, it's never boring. * Our brains have expanded, and so has our faith. * God is our first thought instead of our last resort when a crisis comes up. * Living as a homesteader makes me more grateful and we are living the life we want. * If you're homesteading, you're not taking the easy route—it's rewarding but not convenient. * When creating your home, loved and lovely is the goal—not perfection. * If you need or want to learn something, there are a million people who want to teach you. * Learning on the job is rewarding in a way we never experienced before and it brings joy.

About Kathi:Kathi Lipp is the Publisher’s Weekly bestselling author of 20 books, including An Abundant Place: Daily Retreats for the Woman Who Can’t Get Away, Overwhelmed, and Clutter Free. Along with being a part of the InCourage at Dayspring writing team, she is the host of Clutter Free Academy the Podcast! with Kathi Lipp, Facebook group Clutter Free Academy, and Clutter Free for Life.Kathi lives on her Red House mini-homestead with her husband Roger, a dog, and eight chickens and holds cozy writer retreats for content creators.Find and follow her at kathilipp.com, @kathilipp and clutter-free academy and @writingattheredhouse

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Whitney Akin felt overlooked,and that her life didn't matter and she didn't have any purpose in the grand scheme of things. Insecure and shy, she hid in the back of any group gathering so that she wouldn't make a mistake and bring even more perceived criticism onto her heart and life. Finally God reminded her who she was and more importantly who He was: beloved by God, created for his purpose and mission. Her mission now is to let everyone know that they count, that our worth isn't based on our big splash in society or our numbers on social media. Listen today to hear what it means to live seen by God and how you can make that a lifestyle vs only a moment.

Her book, OVERLOOKED: Finding Your Worth When You Feel All Alone is a gem and you may need to get one for yourself and one for a friend who is feeling the same way. Good news: A Giveaway for your first copy! Leave a comment below to be entered to win.

Some gems from today's conversation:

• God gives us all the approval that we need, we just need to remember that.
• God's name, El Roi, means he is the God who sees so he can't help but see us—we are never overlooked.
• We like to measure our worth based on how many more eyes are on us, but its the Father's eyes that matter.
• There's a difference between knowing that God loves me and experiencing it for myself in my grief and doubt.
• Feeling like was unseen translated into severe, self-consuming insecurity so that wanted to hide in any social situation.
• If I hid inside myself there was less of a chance of being hurt.
• I want my children to live seen, but also take it a step further to help others feel seen by God.
• Being seen is a moment, living seen is a lifestyle.

Whitney Akin is a wife and mother of three young ones, author and speaker. You can find her here.

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Hyatt Moore and his wife Anne came to Jesus late, in their later 20's and they've never stopped serving God all these many years. Hyatt, in his third career—when you're just about to ready to celebrate your 80th birthday, you have time for at least 3 careers—describes himself as a Christian who is an artist.

Father of 5 and grandfather of 17, Hyatt wants his legacy to be something that goes on through his kids long after he dies, and he's very intentional about modeling his faith and pouring into his kids and grandkids. First career: Art Director of Surfer Magazine, Dana Pt, CA; second career: Missionary with Wycliffe Bible Translators for 32 years (Director for 5 of those years); Full-time painter (currently painting for many organizations, including donating many each year, and on commission.) See his commission gallery here.

We talk about art and creativity and the talents that God gives all his children. Hyatt says he's a two-talent guy, and God has definitely doubled those. I'm thinking he has five to ten, but then I'm his sister and his biggest fan.

Some gems:

• Creativity is basically problem-solving.
• God and his mercies are new every morning; I get ideas, solutions, creativity every morning.
• After running from God and then found by Him, I wanted to live my life to serve others the way I had been helped.
• Be humble, but step up to your gifting and you'll get more yet.
• I want to live a "bless-able" life—I can prevent God's blessings by how I live.
• God said, "Be holy for I am holy" which implies it's possible for us but only with his help, Spirit and fullness.

Hyatt's portrait painted by a friend and student, Pil

See his art at hyattmoore.com

View his blog here and join his mailing list here.

Hear his testimony on YouTube here.

Hyatt's signature piece is The Last Supper with Twelve Tribes - hear that story HERE.

One of the paintings Hyatt created for fellow-artist, Joni Eackenson Tada:

He's known for his large canvases as in Heroes of the Faith:

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With her latest book, Stuff I'd Only Tell God, A Guided Journal of Courageous Honesty, Obsessive Truth-Telling and Beautifully Ruthless Self-Discovery, Jennifer Dukes Lee gives us what we may didn't know we needed: a self-guided tour of ourselves--and it's only as accurate as we are honest.

On this episode of WELCOME HEART: Living a Legacy Life, host Sue Donaldson talks to guest Jennifer Dukes Lee about her legacy journey. Jennifer shares her story about creating legacy Bibles for her daughters and the importance of leaving a lasting impact on loved ones. In addition, the episode delves into the power of journaling and how it can help build a deeper relationship with God, the value of asking and answering questions to form meaningful connections with others, exploring both the good and the bad memories in our life, and cultivating self-compassion through journaling. Join us as we explore these meaningful topics that can help us all live a more purposeful and intentional life.

What you'll learn from tuning in today:

1. The importance of journaling as a way to become more intimate and honest with God, and to see where He has been in your life, ultimately leading to a deeper relationship.

2. Ways to embrace your unique self and be reminded of God's humor.

3. The concept of exploring both the "holes" and "gardens" in your life and how this can balance things out and allow you to see the beauty in both.

4. How to think about your relationship with money and how it influences your life.

5. The value of cultivating self-compassion by reflecting on past experiences and gaining admiration for your younger self.

Some Jen Gems:

1. "We have a generation of people who have grown up without a legacy of faith, so it's up to us to create that legacy now."

2. "Legacy is about making a lasting impact. It's the things that will outlast us when we're gone."

3. "When you lean into discomfort, you find a deeper level of meaning, purpose, and significance in your life."

4. "When we're honest and vulnerable about what we're experiencing, other people find a way to connect and realize they're not alone."

5. "Legacy is not about perfection, it's about authenticity. It's about being true to who God created us to be."

Learn how to create a Bible journal for someone you love: HERE

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Welcome Robin Rhine McDonald of MadeWell.com today as we discuss what may be your favorite topic (or not!)—our physical health. Robin is a faith-based holistic health coach who loves Jesus and has a passion for helping people live their best life physically, all for heaven's sake. I ask Robin some tough questions today—maybe I was feeling a little defensive as I do love my sugar—but she answered everything beautifully. You will learn and be encouraged, no matter where you are on the health spectrum.

Robin learned her good habits because she needed to, and she learned how food and fitness work together to help us live the way God designed. We talk weight loss, bad and good habits, and why God cares about us stewarding our bodies well.

Some gems from Robin:

1. "I think the turning point for me was watching my grandparents' health deteriorate. They dealt with all the common chronic diseases, and I began to see that if we don't make intentional choices, we are going to end up the same way."

2. "It's about going back to the garden and the way that God intended for us to live, before there were processed foods and convenience was the norm."

3. "We don't have to be perfect, but we do need to be intentional and aware of the choices we're making. It's never too late to start making healthier choices."

4. "Grace is not just about covering our mistakes, it's fuel for transformation. It's about acknowledging that we're not perfect, but that God is at work in us.

"5. "Our culture promotes convenience and a sedentary lifestyle, but it's important to remember that small changes can make a big impact on our health."

How to connect with Robin and access her great resources:

• Podcast: visiondrivenhealth.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robin_rhinemcd/
• Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/RobinRhineMcD
• 5 Day Sugar Fast Devotional: https://www.madewellhealth.com/sugarfast
• Greens & Grace Experience: https://visiondrivenhealth.com/greensexperience
• How to prioritize your health masterclass: madewellhealth.com/prioritize

Robin McDonald is a health advocate who believes that small changes in lifestyle can have a big impact on health. She knows that many chronic diseases are preventable through healthy choices and that our cultural norms make it difficult for people to know where to begin. Robin encourages people to take hold of God's grace and start making positive changes in their lives. She emphasizes that there is no shame in past choices and that hope for healing is available to everyone.

TRANSCRIPTION OF OUR CONVERSATION - ENJOY! Good morning. Today we are talking to my first health coach. I don't know. I'm not sure I can do this today, Robin, because I went to Taco Bell for lunch. But this is Robin Ryan McDonald, and she describes herself as a faith based, holistic health coach, and we're going to dig into that a little bit. Robin, I know you'll be excited to talk about what that actually means. We'll break it down. Robin, first, tell us a little bit about where you live, your family, and then what does that exactly mean?

Robin McDonald [00:01:13]:

Yes. So I live in Oceanside, California. I'm a mama of two boys. I've got a three and a half year old and a ten month old.

Sue Donaldson [00:01:21]:

Whoa.

Robin McDonald [00:01:22]:

I know. And I'm married to the man of my dreams. So a holistic, faith based health coach. So at the end of the day, it really means that we are coming into alignment with what God has called us to already. We've been given this life. We have a vision, we have a purpose, we have a calling like you talk about all the time. We have this legacy. And so my big thing is, what does it look like to steward our bodies and to partner with God in creating the vitality that we need to carry that out?

Sue Donaldson [00:01:56]:

Say it again. What does it look like to steward our bodies? For those who don't know, the Christiane steward. What do you mean by that?

Robin McDonald [00:02:03]:

Thank you for asking. So stewarding means that you are taking care of you're tending to something. So if someone lends something to you that actually belongs to them, you want to make sure you take really good care of it. Right. And so our bodies, at the end of the day, belong to God, and so we want to make sure we take really good care of them again in order to do what he's called us to do.

Sue Donaldson [00:02:28]:

Yeah, it's always for a higher purpose. It's not so that we look good, though. I like to look good in order to fill out or fulfill our purpose that God has given us. I'm wondering for the person who has an ongoing disease that makes them maybe they can't even get out of bed. What's that called where you just don't have any strength?

Robin McDonald [00:02:55]:

There's a couple of different diseases.

Sue Donaldson [00:02:58]:

If they're listening to this today, they go, wait, is this my design to stay in bed all day? What would you say to someone like that?

Robin McDonald [00:03:04]:

It's a good question. Bringing the heavy questions out. I like it. So first thing I'll say is I don't believe that that was God's intention or design. The problem is we live in a fallen, broken world, and unfortunately, there is disease, there is pain. And even Jesus himself said we would not face this world without trouble. There would be challenges. And unfortunately for some of us, that is physical.

Sue Donaldson [00:03:27]:

Right.

Robin McDonald [00:03:28]:

With that said, there is almost always something we can do to either minimize the either propensity we have towards disease or even our current state. Right now, the United States, we are struggling. Most adults are either obese or experiencing not just one, but two to three chronic diseases. And a lot of that is actually lifestyle induced. So there are the people who unfortunately have these oftentimes diseases that they got maybe since birth, but most people only have a propensity to disease. And it was the choices that we've made that led to the outcome we have. And for some people, maybe they hear that and they're like, oh, man, I did this to myself. And maybe they would be inclined to feel guilty or shame. And I would say there doesn't need to be any shame in it because unfortunately, our culture has informed us that fast food and convenience and sedentary lifestyle, all those things are the norm. And so most of us wouldn't even know where to begin to make different changes. And when we become aware of where we're at and the hope that's available to us for the healing that can come from starting now, no matter where you're at, to make those simple changes, that's when we can take hold of God's grace and actually create a different outcome and trajectory for us moving forward.

Sue Donaldson [00:04:52]:

Okay, now that is a mouthful and a paragraph full. And I love all those different sentences. Taking care of yourself for God's kingdom. Also taking hold of his grace and also starting where you are. I think for people who are chronic dieters, especially, feel like I've tried them all, none work. So I'm just going to go buy another donut. A friend of mine, she does like to walk a lot more than I do, but she calls it taking care of her temple because our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit. And I thought, okay, spiritualize, everything grace. Her name is even grace. But it's true. We take care of our temples when we are stewarding our bodies. Well, how did you get started in health coaching and what do you love about it?

Robin McDonald [00:05:36]:

Great question. So for me, I actually grew up eating terribly.

Sue Donaldson [00:05:40]:

Paul talks about why is that your mother? You're going to blame your mother? Watch it. I have adult children.

Robin McDonald [00:05:47]:

I always say bless my precious mama. She didn't know. I didn't know. None of us knew. We were just living. The American Standard Diet, also known or the Standard American Diet, also known as Sad. Right? Sad.

Sue Donaldson [00:05:59]:

What's it stand for? Standard American diet.

Robin McDonald [00:06:03]:

It's just sad.

Sue Donaldson [00:06:05]:

White sugar, white bread, all the things.

Robin McDonald [00:06:07]:

I like shaken bake this, fried this, pasta that. Hamburger Helper. If it wasn't in a box or something we could throw in the microwave or something we could get in a drive through. I personally wasn't eating it. I was the pickiest eater. Paul writes about how he was the foremost in his sin, and I'm like, I was the foremost with my eating. Like, I did not like vegetables. A lot of my childhood friends who know what I do now think it's hilarious because they knew how piggy they remember.

Sue Donaldson [00:06:35]:

Yeah, my mother always served two vegetables at every meal, so that was good. And she was from the Midwest, but we lived in California, so we had good vegetables. You know, the Midwest, you think they would have better vegetables, but no, it's the frozen vegetables, I think, that are healthier than the canned, of course.

Robin McDonald [00:06:50]:

Oh, yeah.

Sue Donaldson [00:06:51]:

And then she always had a salad. But I'm not saying we grew up, and also we couldn't afford to go out, and I think going out, especially the fast food in McDonald's, was like to eat. Well, they were pretty cheap when they started, but it was kind of a treat to do fast food. So I think I grew up fairly healthy. But you didn't. So what switched it?

Robin McDonald [00:07:14]:

That's awesome that you had that. And I think that's one of the things I tell people, too, is if you could just cook your own food, even if maybe it's not the standard, healthy, whatever, that's a game changer in and of itself. But for me, it didn't catch my attention until college. I ended up getting a full face of acne and gaining the freshman 15, which turned into the college 20. And then, like we talked about earlier, we want to look good. I wasn't feeling so good in how I look, and so I started to do some more research and exploration. And it was funny because I was trying to find the right topical regimen for my face. And a friend of mine said, you know, what shows up on your face is actually part from what you eat. And I thought that was the dumbest thing. I was like, why would what I eat have anything to do with my face? That goes in my stomach.

Sue Donaldson [00:08:02]:

But I remember people saying, well, I can't have chocolate because of my acne.

Robin McDonald [00:08:08]:

It is absolutely related. I didn't know at the time, obviously, and it wasn't until I did change my diet, and at the time, I was I was eating out a lot. I was getting a lot of and I was on a college budget as well. Sure. And so I ended up realizing by changing my diet, I cleared my acne, I lost the weight. But what really shifted in having a passion for this was when I started to see the health of my grandparents deteriorate. So I have all the chronic diseases represented in my grandparents heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, Alzheimer's, cancer, dementia. And I have one grandparent left. Unfortunately, two grandpas passed away from dementia, alzheimer's. One grandma passed away from heart failure. She also had diabetes and arthritis. My last standing grandma has she's a cancer survivor. She has diabetes and arthritis and all of these.

Sue Donaldson [00:09:07]:

Yeah, diabetes is such a bad thing. My husband's an internist, and so he's very conscious of getting his patients to lose weight. Because diabetes is so hurtful to your body, you don't stay alive longer. I'm pretty sure.

Robin McDonald [00:09:21]:

Absolutely. And unfortunately, diabetes is often the precursor to heart disease. So when you see someone who ends up with heart disease, stroke, heart attack, it often started with diabetes, which even before that was a result of excessive blood sugar spikes, which comes from eating a lot of processed, high carb, refined foods.

Sue Donaldson [00:09:44]:

I'm going to ask you another hard question.

Robin McDonald [00:09:46]:

I'm ready.

Sue Donaldson [00:09:47]:

My husband is naturally slender. Thankfully, all three of my daughters got those genes, but we feel like it's unfair to those who are naturally DNA disposed to having. One of my roommates, her father died very young and he was a jogger. And when I mentioned that to my husband later, when I met him, he said, oh, well, it's DNA. And so how much of it is DNA? Where people go, well, it's not fair. He can have three beers a night and he doesn't get a beer belly and he doesn't work out, and he just climbed Mount Everest. So I know that's whining, but I bet you hear it.

Robin McDonald [00:10:31]:

Absolutely. And even to some extent with me, I'm 6ft tall, and so even when I was at my heaviest and I show my before and after photos, they're like, you don't look like you were that heavy. And I'm like, well, it just kind of distributes really well.

Sue Donaldson [00:10:48]:

Yeah, I wear big sweaters myself.

Robin McDonald [00:10:51]:

There you go. And your question, there's two different aspects to it. So one, just based on what we know through research, is 80% of what actually comes about with disease is lifestyle. Only 20% is genetics.

Sue Donaldson [00:11:11]:

How do you know that for sure? That's a big statement.

Robin McDonald [00:11:15]:

Yeah, absolutely. So if you want to delve further into it, you look into the study of epigenetics. So this is the study that looks or the study of your genes and gene expression. So what we've come to find is that you're given a certain set of genes from your parents, obviously, but based on what you do, your environment, even your mental health, what you eat, your water, all these different factors cause those genes to either express to turn on or to turn off.

Sue Donaldson [00:11:43]:

Oh, wow. And can you kill them off early on so that they never get turned back on?

Robin McDonald [00:11:48]:

I'm not entirely sure about that. What I do know is that the more we implement those healthy habits, the better chance we have to keep the negative ones off right.

Sue Donaldson [00:11:58]:

And did you study health in college then?

Robin McDonald [00:12:00]:

I actually didn't. So undergrad was business, grad school was seminary, and I ended up doing a specific nutrition certification through integrative health after I graduated, once I started to see the health deteriorate with my grandparents. And after coming from seminary, where we're being equipped to execute the Bible and to understand theology and to equip the saints and doing what God's called them to do. And I'm seeing these precious saints getting taken out of the game early and being hindered by disease, and I'm like even professors and peers, there were two pastors in my denomination who passed away.

Sue Donaldson [00:12:39]:

In their fifty s and sixty s oh, my goodness.

Robin McDonald [00:12:41]:

From these degenerative diseases. And so God really put on my heart of like, okay, this is a problem. If the bodies that comprise the body of Christ are unable to do what they're called to do, to actually be the hands and feet of Jesus, we're in trouble.

Sue Donaldson [00:12:58]:

How much as believers, do we need to focus on the physical? You've sort of answered the question, but I think that might come to mind for those who are more like too heavenly minded to be any earthly good. But God calls us to set our minds on things above. He doesn't say to set our bodies on things above. So how would you answer that?

Robin McDonald [00:13:19]:

I think the best answer to almost any question we have regarding our walk with God is what can we see from Jesus in his life? So Jesus had three years of public ministry. He was alive for 33, but he only had three years of public ministry. When you read the Gospels, I believe the number is I'm not going to give the percentage, but I would say at least a third of the Gospel is referring to physical healing. So if physical health didn't matter, then the Son of God was wasting his time. And I don't think he was, but.

Sue Donaldson [00:13:55]:

I think people would argue, sure, yeah, late, I'm ready. I taught high school, so I love it.

Robin McDonald [00:14:04]:

I love it.

Sue Donaldson [00:14:05]:

Has nothing to do with anything. I think they might argue that the reason there were physical healings is because people were looking for an outward sign fair of a Messiah. But you take it to a different aspect. I'm not arguing with you, but I think that's a very interesting thing. That's how you come about, I think you've already answered it. Is that God wants us to live for Him in the best way possible and to live longer. May or may not be in the cards. I mean, Tim Keller just passed away very young because of pancreatic cancer, who knows whose fault that was or is there a fault? Who knows? I don't think people are talking about that right now. They're just feeling the loss.

Robin McDonald [00:14:47]:

Right.

Sue Donaldson [00:14:47]:

And my brother is almost 80 and I'm not ready for him to weigh he's got a lot more going on, but he's sick right now, so it makes me worried in a spiritual way, of course, but I've given him to the Lord, but I just don't want him to. But 80 is long for some and I told you, I'm 71 and I'm not ready to conquer over, but I'm ready to see Jesus. But if he wants me to be healthier, maybe I need to hire you.

Robin McDonald [00:15:17]:

Hey, I'm here. I'm ready. Would you have an application process?

Sue Donaldson [00:15:21]:

I just don't want to give up sugar. That's my problem. I'm a good baker.

Robin McDonald [00:15:26]:

Hey, me too.

Sue Donaldson [00:15:28]:

You are? Yes, but I'm not going to argue with you. I'm sure you are. You include in your description the phrase weight loss. There's a lot to be said about this because of body image, and my daughter's a therapist and she has to deal with especially girls or women who we go into deep depression because of body image issues. Maybe it's not even a bad body image, but it's how they view themselves. Depression, even suicide. What are your thoughts on that? I think it's a weight loss.

Robin McDonald [00:16:02]:

Yes. So it's obviously a word that can be fleshed out a lot. When you think of weight loss, when you ask someone, what's your main health goal? And they say, I want to lose 20 pounds. If you cut off someone's leg, that's going to drop for some people, close to 20 pounds. But that's not really what we're looking for, right?

Sue Donaldson [00:16:20]:

No.

Robin McDonald [00:16:21]:

And so what people really want is they want fat loss and what they even want more than that is to look a certain way. And oftentimes, at least for myself, I care a lot about building muscle. There's a lot of research that shows that one of the number one things you can do to reduce all risk of disease and mortality is to build muscle and oftentimes to create maybe the aesthetic that people are looking for. They don't realize that sometimes that could mean gaining weight.

Sue Donaldson [00:16:51]:

Yeah, muscle muscles make you cause gain weight. Yeah, I've heard that before too.

Robin McDonald [00:16:56]:

And so something we talk a couple of different things we talk about with my clients. One, a big foundation of the program is grounding ourselves in our identity, in Christ and knowing that the pursuit of health, even the pursuit of weight loss, isn't about trying to attain an acceptance for our body or trying to reach a certain aesthetic goal. Again, we all want to look and we want to feel confident, but I think what we often don't realize is that's a decision that we make for ourselves that comes from receiving God's perspective of us, that comes from believing what's true and identifying the lies that are there. And oftentimes the lie is, I'm not attractive or beautiful unless I weigh X amount.

Sue Donaldson [00:17:36]:

Okay.

Robin McDonald [00:17:36]:

And things like that. But then, of course, from the actual health standpoint, we want to say, okay, and some people, they're actually health at a heavier weight. We want to look at their blood work, you want to look at their physical capacity. You want to look at those other factors. Or even two, if someone's more muscular, and then they have maybe some fat on top of that, and it looks like they're heavier, but their body composition isn't health. So there's a lot that goes into what it means to lose weight and what it means to be healthy. And in terms of body size, what that looks like.

Sue Donaldson [00:18:05]:

Okay, what is your favorite? Maybe you don't have one. Do you have a favorite popular weight loss or fitness program? I'm thinking of noom calibrate weight Watchers. Do you have one or you don't even want to mention it?

Robin McDonald [00:18:23]:

I don't. I'm a big proponent of creating a lifestyle, and I think that's one of the biggest hurdles for people in creating something that lasts. 90% of people who lose a significant portion of weight gain it back within five years.

Sue Donaldson [00:18:46]:

Oh, totally.

Robin McDonald [00:18:47]:

And a big part of that is because we try the next thing. We try the next diet, we try the next app or whatnot? And we miss that. It's not a question of hitting your next goal. It's a question of, am I creating habits that serve a lifestyle like we talked about, enabling me to do what God's called me to do? And so we do a lot of reframing and perspective shifting with my clients to where, yes, we support them in losing the weight. Yes, we support them in improving their blood work and increasing their energy. But we want to come down to, are we creating a lifestyle that's in alignment with who you are in Jesus?

Sue Donaldson [00:19:26]:

I'm writing this down, no problem, because I've joined a couple of these things and I've lost, like, five pounds, but I don't like the food. Sometimes I don't like the food. So I think, well, this is not going to last. So I quit. That wasn't those two. But there was something else. I can't remember the name of it. I thought, oh, my gosh, I don't even like it. And I'm a foodie, and I know you can eat well and deliciously healthy, and sometimes I do. So am I creating habits that are in alignment with say that again with.

Robin McDonald [00:19:57]:

Who Jesus has called me to be and what he's called me to do.

Sue Donaldson [00:20:02]:

Do you think that there's a prejudice against fat people, even in Christian circles?

Robin McDonald [00:20:08]:

It's a good question. I think it's one of those things where it's something to discern with each individual heart. I'm not entirely sure. I guess I don't have a strong opinion on that question. I think there's a misconception about people who are heavy, the assumption that they're that way because they're lazy or because they end up that way. And I don't think that's the case because like I said, our culture one, we've got a culture that has severely misinformed us on what health actually is. The governmental guidelines are junk and actually perpetuate obesity and the onset of disease. And then on top of that, oftentimes what parents consumed and their lack of health when they have their kids, they increase the propensity of obesity and whatnot. And one last thing I'll say about that. Most people who come to work with me are undereating, even though they're overweight.

Sue Donaldson [00:21:06]:

Isn't that interesting?

Robin McDonald [00:21:07]:

They're trying so hard to lose weight and they care so much about trying to be healthy and they're actually not able to lose the weight because their body is starving and holding onto the weight to survive. And I have to do a lot of mental reworking for them to be comfortable with increasing their intake so that we can get their body nourished and help improve their metabolism to get to a place where they can actually lose the weight.

Sue Donaldson [00:21:34]:

It sounds like it's a big educational process, education plus building good habits. Can you summarize what you mean by the phrase grace based sustainable process that's on your website?

Robin McDonald [00:21:47]:

Yes.

Sue Donaldson [00:21:47]:

Let me say it again. Grace based sustainable, which we all want to be sustained in any process if we're going to work that hard, if we're going to spend money to be coaching or to change a habit, whether or not we go with you or anything. And also fresh food costs more. Sometimes the poorest section of the population is difficult. And so of course I know we were each given $100 by our church during COVID to go pass it around to people.

Robin McDonald [00:22:19]:

That's cool.

Sue Donaldson [00:22:20]:

Yeah, I think my husband used it to help someone who needed dental work. And my daughter and I went around and we bought some sleeping bags on sale and passed them out to homeless people. But we actually went to McDonald's to get $10 gift certificates because they could get more food. It would fill their belly longer, but of course it wasn't healthy. So I'm a bad girl. But they got fed. They were happy to get them. Of course I'm sure. So what do you say for someone I can't afford to eat?

Robin McDonald [00:22:49]:

Well, what I will say is it does take some intentionality to craft a meal plan and a grocery list that actually can fit within a certain budget. And I will say I'm very excited. I'm going to be having a gal on my podcast who is like the budget master and that's like her whole thing is you can eat healthy and budget for this much. So I'm excited to have her as a resource. But with that said, what is not able to occur in finances for purchasing food will have to be made up in time to plan accordingly.

Sue Donaldson [00:23:27]:

Yeah, it's so true because well, I grew up with mom parents, who we didn't go out to eat much, and where I live here, we didn't go out to eat much just because I have that. I'm a granddaughter of the Depression. But I also find that the food tastes better if you make it at home, but it does take more time. And because I didn't have to work full time after my children were born, I have the time and energy to do it. But when I started working part time, I thought, well, no wonder people want to order pizza. You're so tired after work. So you have to plan in advance. And I usually plan my menus two weeks in advance, and then if I change my mind, at least I usually put a little, like, if I don't feel like eating this a little list. Because intentionality helps, actually, in so many good things. What is the main key to good health?

Robin McDonald [00:24:15]:

The big, broad question.

Sue Donaldson [00:24:17]:

I know, but you wrote on this, you say being healthy doesn't have to be hard. Really? How so?

Robin McDonald [00:24:23]:

Okay, so being healthy doesn't have to be hard. What is the main key to being healthy? The main key, so I think, is being vision driven. And that vision comes from, again, our identity in Christ and knowing who we are in Him. Because whether it's from me or something you Google, there are always going to be recipes, meal plans, diets programs, et cetera. But the question is if it's going to last, it comes down to are you being driven by the One who made you and the One who's called you to living that life of purpose?

Sue Donaldson [00:25:06]:

Doesn't everything always come down to that.

Robin McDonald [00:25:08]:

At the end of the day? Yeah, they joke about that being the answer in Sunday school. Jesus, it's like but yeah, that is.

Sue Donaldson [00:25:14]:

Ultimately that's the answer. And, you know, my podcast is about legacy, and I can tell what your legacy is, and I appreciate your you're so articulate. How old are you? Can I ask how old you are?

Robin McDonald [00:25:27]:

Yeah, I don't mind. I'm 32.

Sue Donaldson [00:25:30]:

Here we go. And mother of two, active and a great and 6ft tall and has this great business, but it's not just a business for you. I can see that. It's a passion. So how would you answer this question? What do you want your legacy to be for those who know and love you?

Robin McDonald [00:25:46]:

So the biggest legacy that I want to pass down is that we would be led by Jesus in all areas of life and prioritizing what matters most, and that's being vision driven in relationships, in career, in health, everything. And obviously one of my primary areas of focus is health. And I really believe that it's to the enemy's delight that we consider health as something separate from our pursuit of Jesus and our ultimate legacy.

Sue Donaldson [00:26:22]:

Totally. I was told in college that spirituality isn't a slice of the pie, it's the whole pie. And our health is one of those slices. And of course I like to eat and make pie, but I always remember that because I think people, like, in your neighborhood, they see you drive out to go to church on a Sunday morning and they think, wow, they're the religious people and they consider it a slice of your life. And unless they actually know you and get to know you, they think, well, that's just not for me. But if they get to know you, hopefully they will know that it's not just a slice of our week.

Robin McDonald [00:27:03]:

Amen.

Sue Donaldson [00:27:03]:

During the other six days that Jesus rules our life. And I can say that it's not always the case for me, but that is my long term goal as well. How are you busy doing it right now, passing on this lexi?

Robin McDonald [00:27:17]:

It's been a huge game changer since I've become a mom. I think it's added a lot more depth to that question and what it looks like, and it's also, in some ways, made it more challenging. And so for me, I'm very intentional do my very best to spend time in prayer and in the Word. And even prayer has taken a different avenue. Every time I breastfeed, I'm like, I'm just sitting here, I'm going to pray. Every time I put down my babies, I pray over them and just finding those mundane areas where I can invite God, acknowledge Him with me. Even just this morning I put on my Instagram story how when I was at the gym, I was thanking Jesus that I was feeling stronger. I'm ten months postpartum and I was like, how cool, God, that you created our bodies this way to heal and get stronger and recover, especially for us as women to have that opportunity and privilege. So for me, that's a huge part is how do I integrate Jesus into the mundane? And at the end of the day, a habit that I've recently started implementing is I call it the God count up. And so I write down at least three things that God did through my day that I would count as a win, that I get to give Him glory for, and then I write down three things as intentions for the next day. And that practice has helped me just in reflecting on my day, helped me acknowledge God, help me acknowledge what there is to celebrate, and then also set my focus for the next day and just helps me be so much more intentional with, again, what matters most to me and grounding myself in Jesus.

Sue Donaldson [00:28:46]:

So every day you remember what your three things are for your focus?

Robin McDonald [00:28:51]:

Not always, actually, I tried to.

Sue Donaldson [00:28:53]:

How can you do that with two small children? Good for you. I read recently that we should just tell God every day how much we adore Him and. Has really revolutionized I can't really say that revolutionized my prayer life because it's been since Friday, but since Friday I have felt closer to God in adoring Him.

Robin McDonald [00:29:14]:

Amen.

Sue Donaldson [00:29:14]:

Even when things were not going to the way I wanted it to go. You know how things happen and you're disappointed in people or in yourself, and then you go, Well, I just adore you. It makes such a difference. And that really brings God and his grace into the mundane, because life is mundane. As Charles Windall said, the trouble with life is that it's so daily and yet God says, I love. I think it's Psalm 92. It's my parentheses, it's my parentheses verse. It says, I proclaim your love in the morning and your faithfulness by night. So in the morning you have the love, in a night you have the faithfulness. And because I was an English teacher, it's a parentheses and then we're in the middle adoring him. What obstacles did you have to overcome or challenges to meet to leave this legacy or you're in the process.

Robin McDonald [00:30:05]:

I know, yes, of course, always in the process. The two biggest things, one is I would consider myself kind of more of like a type, a achiever kind of person. And I've fallen into the trying to do for God versus with God. And that's a big thing I am trying to be so mindful of and to continue to bring before him and to bring to his feet. Because while doing things for God, it's not a bad thing. But I I want the fullness of what I'm created for. And I know that that's that intimate relationship with him and I know that the way that I'm going to have the greatest impact and to ultimately do what he's laid on my heart to do is going to come from being in him. I'm doing it with him, from him versus if it's just for him, then it's out of my own perspective and my own strength. So that's the first thing. The second thing is being mindful of when again, being an achiever type is being aware of when shame tries to creep in. And that's why I actually emphasize so much about grace in the program, because I have so much experience of working through that shame and taking hold of God's grace. And acknowledging grace is something that not just that which covers our sins or our mistakes, but also the substance by which we are fueled into transformation. We use the phrase like, oh, it's by God's grace and it is that we can be transformed and experience a different trajectory.

Sue Donaldson [00:31:35]:

Give me an example, good example from.

Robin McDonald [00:31:40]:

I think it was a week and a half or so ago, I was trying to handle this very stressful situation with my husband. He was out of town on the phone, I have a baby screaming, I have my three year old whining and my whole self is just like and I ended up yelling. I went into the garage, I did a yelled outside, came back in, and I just was, like, so worked up. And it was ironic because I had just prayed a prayer a couple of days before of, like, God, reveal the areas of me that I need to work, maybe even slightly from a place of pride, of, like, I don't know what I need to work on. Reveal to me. And then it's like, two days later, boom. Like, okay, Jesus, I see that. And that would be one of those moments where I'm like, oh, my gosh, I can't believe I reacted that way. What's wrong with me? That's not the example I want to set for my kids. And that's where the shame would try to creep in. But I guess fortunately, unfortunately, I've walked this path so many times, and I'm like, okay, hold on. We're going down the road of shame. What's true is I made a mistake. I'm not perfect. I get to work on taking hold of God's grace in those moments where I'm super stressed, recognizing, like, this isn't life or death. How can I be the thermometer instead of or the barometer instead of the thermometer with my kids? Right? I set the tone, and so I was able, after, of course, being upset with myself and experiencing a bit of the shame, to take hold of what's actually true and take hold of God's grace. And since then, it's been better. Am I never going to have a moment like that? No, but I can say that God's doing that little bit of work continually in me in that way.

Sue Donaldson [00:33:23]:

Great. How do you embody God's welcoming heart?

Robin McDonald [00:33:28]:

I love that question. And I actually just went to a conference this past weekend, and it was not a Christian conference. It was a business conference. And it was a group of people who have a huge desire to make a big impact. And the language that they used was, like, the universe or living a life of surrender the cosmos and the energy.

Sue Donaldson [00:33:50]:

That you bring to the table, the.

Robin McDonald [00:33:52]:

Energy, all those things. And they even had stories of, like, I don't know, something in me told me to do this, and my heart was just, like, bursting because I'm like, It's Jesus. It is Jesus. All of that is found in Jesus. And obviously, I can't just interrupt them or scream like, Jesus. Usually it's not super effective, but what I did do, they create a lot of space for sharing in that environment. And this is what I try to do in my life in general, is to be really authentic and to not feel like I have to hide or change language when I'm talking about what's authentic for me. So when they asked what my goals were for the year, I said, I want to be in 100% partnership with God in my business and my family. And when they asked me, what are the big wins you have from the last year? I said, my husband and I did a pastoral internship together at our church, and we led a small group together and we have weekly date nights and we're going to go on a vision retreat together. Like, I'm prioritizing my marriage and God and we're serving together. So it's like I wasn't preaching to them, I was sharing authentically. Right. And even too, they asked the question of, what are you going to bring to this event? And I said, if anybody is questioning at all about their worth and value and feeling like this business is the way that they're proving themselves, I would love to speak life into you. And I got to have a couple of those conversations.

Sue Donaldson [00:35:08]:

Did they come to you?

Robin McDonald [00:35:12]:

Yeah.

Sue Donaldson [00:35:12]:

Was your point that they would find it, that it wasn't enough?

Robin McDonald [00:35:17]:

Can you rephrase that?

Sue Donaldson [00:35:19]:

You said, if there's anyone here who's finding their worth in their business, I thought that's what you said and you were going to say, well, you're going to eventually come to the end of that because God is the one who gives you worth. Okay.

Robin McDonald [00:35:34]:

Yes, a lot of them are, and they share it's a pretty vulnerable group, which is really cool. And I think what sets the stage for me to also share vulnerably and even for them to be more receptive, but they'll say things like, oh, yeah, my mom didn't believe in me. And so I'm proving to her now I'm making this much, or things like that. And I just want to be like, oh, precious person, you're enough as you are. And what you're creating here is an overflow from your worth and your value. And then at the end of the day, again, back to Jesus. But being able to just speak life and encouragement is certainly something that really lights me up wonderful.

Sue Donaldson [00:36:12]:

So how could people find you?

Robin McDonald [00:36:15]:

I am on all the social media platform. Actually, I'm not, I'm not on TikTok, believe it or not, as as a millennial, I'm not on TikTok, but you can find me on Instagram or Facebook. I also do have my own podcast I just launched. It's called the Vision Driven Health Podcast. And so those are the three best places you can find me or hear more from me.

Sue Donaldson [00:36:33]:

Okay. And we'll put the links in show notes and you have a couple of resources. Would you explain them? And then we're going to offer them free to my listeners.

Robin McDonald [00:36:41]:

Perfect. So the first one is called the Five Day Sugar fast devotional. This one was a labor of love with me and my team. We get into what fasting is from a physical standpoint, what it is from a spiritual standpoint. And then we each wrote one of those or we took turns writing those different devotionals in there. And it guides you through a really cool process of fasting sugar and ultimately receiving more of God in your life and learning to partner with Him in your health, too. Something physical. So that's a great option. Second one. In the same vein, the Greens and Grace challenge. It is a five day experience where you will have access to five different recordings from myself on what it means to be vision driven, grace fueled, and then some very practical trainings on how to deal with sugar and blood sugar, how to form habits that last and break ones that aren't serving you, and those different topics. So that and it also has recipes. Both of these actually have recipes in there based on the topic of them. And lastly, for those of you who maybe are hearing all of this and say, I don't have time for any of this, I have the how to Prioritize Your Health Amidst the Chaos without Any Added Stress Master class.

Sue Donaldson [00:38:01]:

How long is that?

Robin McDonald [00:38:02]:

It's 2 hours. So, ironically, so it's something that you can break up over a few days or a week and kind of get little chunks of it as you go, but it also has a few different resources built into it, how to make a schedule. It's also got recipes. Quick, easy recipes. All of them. All my recipes that I give people, I try to make quick, easy, and tasty.

Sue Donaldson [00:38:23]:

I love that. Quick, easy, and tasty. Me too. I always give a gift to my podcast guests. My listeners don't know this, but I send you simple favorite recipes from sue, and you can just throw them all out when I send them to you.

Robin McDonald [00:38:40]:

So funny.

Sue Donaldson [00:38:41]:

You're going to say, oh, dear, she needs me.

Robin McDonald [00:38:44]:

I'm going to look at them.

Sue Donaldson [00:38:46]:

Thank you so much for being with us today, and you have been a delight, and God bless you. Until next time, think about your legacy, the one God has called you to live all for heaven's sake. I would love to speak at your next Christian Women's event, see my keynotes and retreat series as well as the show notes from today's broadcast@welcomeheart.com. Thanks for coming. You're always welcome here. You don't think so?

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The most important question about our road trip with God is this:

How in the world can I stay on this trip?

The answer is this: “You can’t. Not by yourself. You need God completely.”

And the only way to remember that is to spend time with Him—whether it’s in the car, in the shower, in your favorite chair, or on a walk. don’t expect to do the Christian life by yourself. It’s sure to fail, period.

You’re heard the expression "We need someone with skin on." Our children, our families, our friends need God, but they need God with “skin on” and each of us needs to be Jesus to someone else; we need to be God’s HUG to one another.

However, before we can do that properly, we must first be experiencing God’s HUG for ourselves. In other words, before we can water others, we must make sure our bucket is full. I need constant refilling. We could do a whole study on what causes holes in our buckets.

Someone said, “Ministry is spillage.”

Helping others is a by-product of seeking God and finding our rest in Him. In other words, we don’t seek to help others first - but that happens when we seek God.

Remember to take those Rest Stops:

• Women are tired, period. We do too much, often, for too many people, with too little money, cooperation or sleep.
• I need to figure out one of 3 things: do I delegate this job? Do I do things that energize me? Or, do I dump something?
• Don’t expect to do the Christian life by yourself. It’s sure to fail, period.
• Before we can water others, we must make sure our bucket is full.
• When we are so full up of God ourselves, our ministry of love and exhortation and healing for others is simply the natural outcome.
• The more we come to Him for rest, the more we understand how He Himself is our rest.
• We come to Him because others are depending on us to be their rest as they travel on their journey.

One thing that I thought would be fun if we had the time is for each of us to share stories that began with the line: “I was so tired once that I . . .” Share in comments - would love to hear your "tired" stories, unless you're too tired, of course.

View Details

Country singer/songwriter, Laurel Taylor knows who she is. It took a comment from Jlo on American Idol to make her realize that she didn't know who she was at one point. She needed to go back home and to her Gospel roots, and recognize that she belonged to God, He had given her these gifts, and she would live her life for his kingdom and glory.

Laurel, 29, knew from age 15 she wanted to sing, and she began writing songs in earnest at 17. But then went off the rails for a time, separating herself from friends, family, and God. At a crossroads (literally), after having lost it all, she chose God—seriously and for herself, this time—not just because she was raised in the faith. And she hasn't looked back.

Some gems from today's conversation:

• When you preach something, it comes across differently than when you sing it.
• People still saw me as the person in my past. And for me to move forward, I had to sing about it.
• I'm always looking for an opportunity to talk about the Lord.
• I communicate a melody that they can't get out of their head. That's my goal.
• I want to be known as a believer that loves Jesus with all their heart, and would go to the ends just to help someone, no matter what, and I always want to put myself last. I just want to be seen different. I don't want to be categorized as she's a church girl.
• I know that I'm nothing without the Lord. And I'm nothing without his lyrics, his melodies, you know, he can literally mess my voice up as soon as I open my mouth.
• I embody God's welcoming heart by giving Him the reins, every time.

About Laurel by Laurel:

HERE IS WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW…

• I LOVE JESUS WITH ALL MY HEART
• I LOVE WRITING SONGS ABOUT FREEDOM, HEALING , AND RESTORATION
• I AM FROM ALABAMA , SO I SAY “ROLL TIDE”
• I AM A DOG MOM OF 2
• I LIKE SMILEY FACES
• I WOULD LOVE TO PRAY FOR YOU

She writes the music first, and then adds the lyrics, God-breathed, she says. And I believe it.

Follow Laurel on instagram @laureltaylorofficial and you can hear her music on any of your listening platforms. Some of my favorite songs are: Song of Freedom, Healed, and her latest hit song, Old House.

Hear a preview here.

Bio:

LAUREL TAYLOR IS AN ARTIST AND SINGER/SONGWRITER IN NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE. ORIGINALLY FROM ALABAMA, SHE MADE HER MOVE TO MUSIC CITY TEN YEARS AGO, RIGHT AFTER TURNING EIGHTEEN. FROM THE AMERICAN IDOL STAGE, TO TOOTSIES ON BROADWAY, TO THE LOCAL CHURCH LEADING WORSHIP, HER VOICE AND SOUND SPEAKS TO EVERY CROWD. LAUREL CARRIES AN EXCELLENT STAGE PRESENCE AND LIVE SHOW PERFORMANCE EVERYWHERE SHE GOES. SHE HAS A RAW COUNTRY SOUND, MINISTRY MINDSET, AND HER OWN UNIQUE STYLE. LAUREL USES HER LIFE STORIES TO SPEAK TO PEOPLE THRU HER MUSIC AND INTENTIONALLY WRITES FOR EVERYONE THAT LISTENS.

Something new—a transcription of our conversation for those who'd rather read it or read along while listening.

Sue Donaldson [00:00:01]:

Good morning. Did you know that the most important thing about you is that God loves you? He loved you to the cross and back. And part of his great love is that he gives you a life that matters. You never have to wonder, do I matter? Do I count? You are number one in God's book and he gives you opportunities every day to live a life beyond yourself.

Sue Donaldson [00:00:25]:

I like to call it a legacy life. This is Sue Donaldson. As you listen today, ask God, show me how to spend today investing in people and your word. Because both last forever. There's no better way to live. Hello. Good morning. Today I have a very special guest. Well, I guess they're all special because in God's sides they are. But this is a fun one. I have never interviewed a country western singer songwriter. And today we have beautiful Laurel Taylor with us. Laurel, tell us a little bit where you live and where you're from and then we're going to get into some really great questions.

Laurel Taylor [00:01:11]:

Yeah, thanks for having me. I'm originally from Montgomery, Alabama, but I live in Nashville. I've lived in Nashville, Tennessee for over eleven years. Eleven years, exact, actually. And it has been quite a journey. I started in the country world thinking I was going to be the next Gretchen Wilson. And then I slowly have learned that even in that time I wanted what I wanted. And God has really taken me down a journey. Even when I wasn't holding on to his hand, I wasn't looking for his voice, I wasn't listening for his voice. I did American Idol and that took me to pop genre and then I gave my life to Christ in 2015 and I decided that this is the journey I'm going to go on. So I'm back in the roots of country, little bit of pop, little bit of rap, whatever the listening to here. But I love the Lord with all my heart.

Sue Donaldson [00:02:14]:

How old were you when you knew you wanted to sing as a performer?

Laurel Taylor [00:02:20]:

Probably 15 or 16 years old was when I started traveling to Nashville.

Sue Donaldson [00:02:25]:

Wow. And did you have parental support?

Laurel Taylor [00:02:29]:

Absolutely I did. It was very different for my dad. He is an engineer mindset. So it's A to B, B to C and music is like, okay, let's do A, but then let's skip to Z. And my mom, she loves to sing. She grew up in the choir singing. So, yeah, that was kind of my background. But they were absolutely supportive and put me in piano lessons, guitar, all that.

Sue Donaldson [00:02:57]:

And what came first, the singing or the writing of the songs?

Laurel Taylor [00:03:01]:

The singing. I didn't start writing until I went to Nashville around like 17. I had a producer tell me, he said, you have to have the full package. It's the writing, the singing and the performing. It so playing. And so I challenged myself and I went home, and I started writing everything I could think of.

Sue Donaldson [00:03:27]:

Wow. So you went and talked to a producer at 17, and then you went back home and then you came back.

Laurel Taylor [00:03:33]:

I did, yeah. So when I moved to Nashville at 18, I already knew where I was going to live, what I was going to do. It wasn't like, I'm just going to walk the streets and find my way. I had it sent at about 17. I went to Quad Studios. That is one of the first places Taylor Swift actually went. And he told me very specifically, he said, you got to do all three, and your parents can't be your biggest fans. You've got to actually build.

Sue Donaldson [00:04:01]:

I was like, real fan.

Laurel Taylor [00:04:02]:

He was super honest at 18. I knew I was going to live in Green Hills. I knew that I was going to play Tootsie's downtown Broadway. I knew my mom was happy about that, and I knew that what wasn't she happy about?

Sue Donaldson [00:04:16]:

I missed that part.

Laurel Taylor [00:04:18]:

Playing on Broadway, playing the strip with all the bars, and it's just not a good atmosphere.

Sue Donaldson [00:04:24]:

But that's not Nashville. So you were going to Broadway first?

Laurel Taylor [00:04:27]:

No, Nashville.

Sue Donaldson [00:04:30]:

I was thinking Broadway, new York. I was just in Nashville.

Laurel Taylor [00:04:34]:

That's funny. People do say that, but it's like music grow, if you want to say that instead. But it's just a bunch of restaurants, of chains, of everybody playing music everywhere you look. And I've learned a lot being down there.

Sue Donaldson [00:04:48]:

And do you just walk in and say, I'm a singer. Will you pay me or what?

Laurel Taylor [00:04:54]:

So you have auditions depending on where you're going, but tootsies and like, honky tonks, all those, those have one main guy. And what they do is they basically just interview you and on stage on the moment, like in the moment. And the band fires off of the song. And for me, they fired off some Loretta Lynn song. I did not know.

Sue Donaldson [00:05:18]:

Okay.

Laurel Taylor [00:05:18]:

And I embarrassed myself, basically embarrassed myself. And he said, Taylor I mean, he called me Taylor. You got a good voice, but you got to go home and learn, like, the legendary stuff. And so I did. I learned everything from Johnny Cash to Loretta Land, Tammy Wanette, like any song pat you claim think of, I was going to learn it. And so I came back.

Sue Donaldson [00:05:43]:

I mean, that is a huge library.

Laurel Taylor [00:05:46]:

Oh, it's huge. You have to know, even when you're playing the Strip, you need to know, like, people's favorites.

Sue Donaldson [00:05:53]:

You want to know people's favorites because they're going to call them out.

Laurel Taylor [00:05:56]:

Absolutely. And if you don't know it, you better fake it and figure it out.

Sue Donaldson [00:06:00]:

And do it better than the way you did when you auditioned.

Laurel Taylor [00:06:03]:

That's right.

Sue Donaldson [00:06:03]:

So when did you know you were ready to go back?

Laurel Taylor [00:06:08]:

I really believe it was because a place opened up for me to live.

Sue Donaldson [00:06:13]:

To live or to perform?

Laurel Taylor [00:06:15]:

Yeah. So I lived in a pool house behind a beautiful big house in Green Hills. I just chilled in their pool house, and it was perfect for me, what I needed, and I knew that I was set up writing. I met the greatest legendary writer, and he taught me so much about writing and just telling stories because he's a writer of old Red. That's all right there. He'll tell you? No, but God had his hand on me even when I wasn't living in his will, and I think that's super crazy.

Sue Donaldson [00:06:53]:

I would think that your parents would be a little worried just because I have adult children. That one just moved to New York, one is moving to Chicago, one lives in La. So I feel like I'm represented in all the major cities, but you kind of want, like, Lord, now, don't forget they're yours. I gave them to you when they were born, and please protect them because it's crazy and wild out there. So I appreciate your parents. Not that they had to allow you, but kind of because our kids went off to college, and that could be just as dangerous as going off to live in a pool house somewhere. And so it really doesn't really matter where you live. You just need to be under the blood and protected by Jesus.

Laurel Taylor [00:07:31]:

That's right.

Sue Donaldson [00:07:31]:

So tell me your spiritual journey, then.

Laurel Taylor [00:07:34]:

Yeah, so I grew up on the foundation of Jesus. And gosh, I was there every time the doors are open in church. But me, too, I didn't have it for myself. I couldn't live out my salvation through my parents. And when I got to Nashville, I really saw a big city, lots of opportunities that I've never had, decisions I have to make that are on my own now. I can't just call mom and say, Should I do this? They taught me, raised me up, and I should be able to do it. And I really started off I say I started off well, but I still didn't have it when it came to Jesus. I didn't have that love that I know that I never really encountered the love of Jesus the way I did later. So I wasn't very serious. I knew I love Jesus, okay, I'm moving on, kind of thing, but I don't need Him. I'm going to put Him on a shelf. And so I started out with a publishing deal and writing every single day and just really focused on that and then playing super late nights. And those late nights turned into staying after and starting to drink and starting to do all these different things that I've never experienced. And I wasn't a very sheltered kid, but it was very much like, this is what you do, and this is how you do it, and you don't go outside those lines. And when you're in a big city and you've never experienced that, you're on your own, and you got to find your way through your journey. And my parents were holding on so tight, they would come see me every two weeks. Wow, that was fun. But I just found myself lying a lot. I found myself living a double life. I found myself being one way and then when I go home, I'd be exactly what they wanted and I had to figure out my identity and who God says I am. And so after American Idol, actually, this is the whole journey. When J. Lo told me on national television, she said, we're going to cut you because you don't even know who you are yet.

Sue Donaldson [00:09:46]:

Wow.

Laurel Taylor [00:09:47]:

Yeah.

Sue Donaldson [00:09:47]:

Did you start crying?

Laurel Taylor [00:09:49]:

I don't really remember. I'm not a huge crier, but I was just like, what? At the time I was super cocky about it and like, what are you talking about? But now I look at it and I'm like, she was so right.

Sue Donaldson [00:10:00]:

I wonder how she knew that. Have you ever told her that what it meant to you?

Laurel Taylor [00:10:06]:

No, god was just speaking through her. And so in 2015 of January, I gave my life to Christ. I said, you know what he gave me? The peace to walk away from the city, walk away from.

Sue Donaldson [00:10:20]:

Was it the American Idol thing that changed it or something else?

Laurel Taylor [00:10:24]:

It was kind of both. It was walking that journey and then everything just kind of fell apart. Like I couldn't describe it. I had no choice but to give up. I was losing tours left and right. I was losing opportunities left and right. My booking agent dropped me. I wasn't getting the yeses anymore. I was getting more no's shut doors. And I couldn't afford to live. I couldn't afford to live there.

Sue Donaldson [00:10:55]:

What was causing those besides the Lord? The Lord allowing it?

Laurel Taylor [00:11:00]:

Yeah. I think my choices I think me choosing this over this or even just poor decision making, not showing up on time or I was so high I couldn't go to a radio interview. Like all these different things and I was just dropping left and right. And I was the person that was like, ain't nothing going to happen to me. I'm good. I got it covered. And then one day I lost everything and my family, my friends no longer were my friends. And my family loved me from afar because of the lifestyle I was living and the choices I was making. They had to love me from afar because they were done speaking into me and just gave me to the Lord. So it had to be a work that only God could do and that's what kind of happened. That's where I am today is because of him intervening and going after me.

Sue Donaldson [00:12:04]:

Did he speak to you?

Laurel Taylor [00:12:06]:

Did Jesus speak to me? Absolutely. I was on the side of the road in the interstate where you can split and go to Alabama or you can go around the circle to Nashville, Gamut, you go to Huntsville. And I was in the middle of the media, and I pulled over, and God said, you're done. You have used every bit of my abilities that I like. I gave you these abilities, these gifts, and these talents. You're done. Go home and go make your family right. And in my time, even then, I didn't think I was coming back. But he said, my time, I will bring you back. But at that point, I saw no hope. I was like, I'm not going to Nashville ever again. And he brought me back how soon after? Probably six years.

Sue Donaldson [00:13:07]:

Wow. That's a long wait.

Laurel Taylor [00:13:09]:

Yeah. About it might have been seven years. Yeah, perfect number. I went on a journey. I was with a group called People in Songs, and they traveled and led, worship, and it taught me how to pray. It taught me how to go to bat for people. It taught me how to be in the Lord's presence, which was hard for me, hours soaking in his presence, and I was like, what is this? And it just trained me how to love and how to serve. And so many wonderful artists came through, and it was kind of a label ministry, and it just taught me a lot, and so it equipped me to where I am today as my own artist.

Sue Donaldson [00:13:57]:

Wow.

Laurel Taylor [00:13:57]:

That was the journey.

Sue Donaldson [00:13:59]:

Well, seven years is not a short time when you're in the middle of it.

Laurel Taylor [00:14:03]:

No. It feels like you're like, hey, what are we doing? Like, I'm ready to go back.

Sue Donaldson [00:14:09]:

A quick question. When you're American Idol, people will want to know this when they're listening. How far did you go?

Laurel Taylor [00:14:15]:

Top 40. So Hollywood has Monday through Friday, and basically I got cut on that Friday right before the top 24 was live. So it was cool. I stayed a while, and I enjoyed it. It was very cutthroat, but God had a different plan.

Sue Donaldson [00:14:33]:

Are you in touch with any of those people that you worked, that you sang with?

Laurel Taylor [00:14:38]:

Yeah, they'll comment on my instagram things.

Sue Donaldson [00:14:43]:

But we live very different lives. Very different, yeah. What is your songwriting process? You read a verse or does God nudge you or you see someone in pain or is there a line from poetry or what?

Laurel Taylor [00:15:00]:

Yeah, most of the time it's melody. First melody, and I put lyrics to it, but sometimes it is definitely God breathed. Like, I have a song called Healed.

Sue Donaldson [00:15:13]:

I love that song. I listened to it yesterday and I sent it to several people, by the way. Yeah.

Laurel Taylor [00:15:18]:

If I could just touch him, his garment, I'd be healed. And I went to that scripture and I was like, whoa, this is so cool. Like healing is right here. You just have to want it. And so that's how I with that song is I had that line. So then I added the melody, and then from there, the bridge just poured out of me. That was so cool.

Sue Donaldson [00:15:41]:

Don't you know that's when the Lord that's when the Lord is oh, yeah.

Laurel Taylor [00:15:46]:

You could feel it.

Sue Donaldson [00:15:50]:

And tell us about the latest this Old House. That's the one I've heard the most.

Laurel Taylor [00:15:54]:

Old House. Old House was definitely inspired by just my journey, my testimony, and how I continued to live in the past and I couldn't move forward. People still saw me as the past, too. And for me to move forward, I had to sing about it. I had to literally say, I don't go cut that grass anymore. I don't go check that mail anymore. I don't open those doors anymore, and I'm walking out of my old house. And it's a beautiful thing. You just don't know how much strength you actually have to walk out.

Sue Donaldson [00:16:33]:

And you don't actually mention God in the song. Correct. So I think it's such a great crossover song because so many men and women are stuck in their past for perhaps some good reason. But I like to say there's that organization called MoveOn.com, and not that you want to minimize a person's pain. Never minimize a person's pain. It's up to them and God to work things out. But we can get so stuck, as you've experienced, that we're no earthly good and we need to be heavenly good while we're here, because we're not here that long, let me tell you. I can tell you that at 71 that we're not here that much longer. So we want to make the most of it. And I can't if I'm always licking my wounds or if I'm stuck in shame, I like to say that shame is from the pit, and we are not pit people. Laurel, I want you to remember that because your journey and your challenges are not over. Right? Yeah. How old are you, can I ask?

Laurel Taylor [00:17:33]:

29.

Sue Donaldson [00:17:33]:

Oh, my gosh. You have come a long ways for 29, my dear. God has great things in store. How does singing and songwriting help you spread the gospel, grace and message of Jesus Christ?

Laurel Taylor [00:17:48]:

Yeah, I mean, I've always said that when you preach something, it comes across different as when you sing it. And that's what I've experienced in my journey. Even like I told you earlier, writing with the veterans, you sing it and it's a little more believable and it's not so offensive and it's not so slap in the face. And so I try to communicate in the best way, like you said, a crossover. I don't want to deliberately say, like, writing a song about your mom or dad, you don't want to put their name in there because then that person can't like, oh, well, my mom's not named this. I'm not going to listen to the song.

Sue Donaldson [00:18:28]:

Yeah.

Laurel Taylor [00:18:28]:

I try to relate in every possible way I can to the listener, and I communicate a melody that they can't get out of their head.

Sue Donaldson [00:18:37]:

That's my goal. Wow.

Laurel Taylor [00:18:42]:

Yeah.

Sue Donaldson [00:18:43]:

I'm writing this down. So communicate a melody that they can't get out of their head. Isn't that every songwriter's goal? Because they want you thinking about yes. My brother is a songwriter, so I can't wait for him to hear this. I also have him on my podcast, so I'll send that to you. But he's not famous like you, but he is wonderful like you. And he'll put already he'll put new music to words that were written by somebody else.

Laurel Taylor [00:19:12]:

Yeah.

Sue Donaldson [00:19:13]:

And he's such a great guitar guitarist. It's so great okay. Communicating that they can't get out of their head, which is really what God, he doesn't want to be out of our head. So if you can communicate who Jesus is through a song, in a beautiful song there's something about music, at least for me, it touches my heart and makes me cry. I cry more now that I'm older, but even when I was younger, to belt out a Broadway tune. I mean, let me tell you, there's certain songs you just don't want to sing because you don't feel like crying. But they do get to your hearts, right?

Laurel Taylor [00:19:44]:

Yeah.

Sue Donaldson [00:19:45]:

Are there any particular instances when you knew God and let's say in the last since you've come back to Nashville? How many years has that been?

Laurel Taylor [00:19:54]:

Two.

Sue Donaldson [00:19:55]:

In the last two years, let's say, where you knew God was working through your singing or your songwriting in a secular situation?

Laurel Taylor [00:20:07]:

Yeah. Oh, my gosh.

Sue Donaldson [00:20:09]:

Tell us one.

Laurel Taylor [00:20:10]:

So I was on this podcast. It was a podcastradio in Nashville, and they play everything from everything except for anything that's positive. Truly.

Sue Donaldson [00:20:28]:

Okay.

Laurel Taylor [00:20:28]:

I don't even care.

Sue Donaldson [00:20:30]:

They hear that I'm going to take your picture. How did they happen to have you host? You your agent.

Laurel Taylor [00:20:40]:

Yes.

Sue Donaldson [00:20:40]:

But they knew in advance that you were a Christian.

Laurel Taylor [00:20:43]:

Yes. And they said yes because of the sound of the music. The genre is what they were going for. I show up, and it was very stressful inside. I don't show it.

Sue Donaldson [00:21:03]:

I hope you don't feel stressful right now.

Laurel Taylor [00:21:05]:

No.

Sue Donaldson [00:21:06]:

Take it.

Laurel Taylor [00:21:07]:

Not even a little bit.

Sue Donaldson [00:21:08]:

Me neither.

Laurel Taylor [00:21:09]:

But he basically the host. He said, Tell us about your song. And I was like, Well, I'm always looking for opportunities to talk about the Lord in the coolest way I can, the most simple way. And I was like, well, you know, the song is called Sound of Freedom. And there's freedom there's freedom that we need there's a victory there's a cry. I was just going and I was like, there's hope. And he was like, you're a very positive person. Yeah. And I said and it's all because of Jesus. And I didn't realize I said that. And they kind of like did they bleep it out? No, they just kind of push past it and was like, okay, so tell us about your music. And I was like, it's very positive. It's very influential and encouraging. Like, I want to bring a good message. And they were nice, but I'll never do that again because they told me, they said, My gosh, you're so positive. It's like, can you be negative? Like, they were kind of like pushing back. Yeah, pushing back.

Sue Donaldson [00:22:17]:

And were they mocking you?

Laurel Taylor [00:22:19]:

Maybe.

Sue Donaldson [00:22:20]:

Yeah, but see, that but, Laurel, that's okay because Jesus was mocked.

Laurel Taylor [00:22:25]:

Yeah.

Sue Donaldson [00:22:25]:

So you're in good company, but you will know whether or not you should do it again.

Laurel Taylor [00:22:29]:

And I know for a fact never again.

Sue Donaldson [00:22:31]:

Okay.

Laurel Taylor [00:22:32]:

That I was there to be a light.

Sue Donaldson [00:22:35]:

Yeah.

Laurel Taylor [00:22:36]:

That's all.

Sue Donaldson [00:22:37]:

Yeah, well, and that already was broadcast. Was it broadcast live? It was live, but you don't know. We don't know because you sowed seeds that day. Jesus sowed seeds through you, who was listening, who still hasn't forgotten it.

Laurel Taylor [00:22:52]:

Right?

Sue Donaldson [00:22:53]:

And I even mean the interview earth because they put on a good show. But when they are alone, if they are honest, they are honest with their emptiness. And that goes for anyone listening here today. That when we are alone and we're honest with our emptiness. That's when we throw ourselves on Jesus breast. And we all need to do that. It doesn't matter how long we've known Him. Are there singular challenges or temptations in a performer's life that, let's say, someone like me, a high school English teacher, wouldn't face?

Laurel Taylor [00:23:29]:

I think a lot as musicians and artists that take a platform, it's an ego thing, it's a pride thing. I think we all go through pride, but it's a very different, like, look at me, I deserve this, and I have to die to that all the time. I know that I'm nothing without the Lord, and I'm nothing without his lyrics, his melodies. He could literally mess my voice up as soon as I open my mouth. And so it's not in my own strength, it's in his. And it can be very hard and very challenging. Especially the bigger the venue, the bigger the experience, the bigger I mean, you want to stay grounded. You don't want it to get in your head. And especially the people that treat me like, oh, my gosh. And it's like if you knew who I was on a daily basis, I'm just chilling.

Sue Donaldson [00:24:30]:

I remember once when we were looking for a new worship pastor in our church, and I was in the choir at the time, and I just said, the main attribute needs to be humility, because the man or woman is going to be on the platform, literally on the platform above others. And we do that so we can see them, right. But it can go to our heads. I'm a speaker, so it can go to my head. And so it's so ridiculous if you think about it. But it's a temptation that a lot of celebrity Christians have, and you just want to pray for them like I want to pray for our pastoral staff and that they will remember that God has given them any talents or leadership skills that they have. And that's exactly what you just said. And what helps you stay intimate with Jesus?

Laurel Taylor [00:25:20]:

Yeah. One is I set aside time my own self before or after the show, and I go into a space by myself. That's one thing I do that I like to be removed from the crowd. Another thing I like to do is I am not a person that likes to feed myself musically with trash just because it's a good melody or as it could be like no. I really try to keep it hopeful and restoring and feeling my soul. I do travel, leading worship all over, so I am fed by several churches, several pastors, several communities that I trust and I love, and then just prayer talking to him like he's your best friend and not really complicating it, over complicating it. And with my manager, we have this thing that don't ever forget. I want to help set up my booth. I want to help set up I want to carry my guitar, those kinds of things. Like don't let it get to your head. You're just there.

Sue Donaldson [00:26:39]:

Did you say agent?

Laurel Taylor [00:26:41]:

Yeah.

Sue Donaldson [00:26:42]:

Is your agent a believer?

Laurel Taylor [00:26:44]:

Yes, 100%.

Sue Donaldson [00:26:46]:

That makes a difference, I'm sure.

Laurel Taylor [00:26:48]:

It's so much like minded. It's so easier.

Sue Donaldson [00:26:51]:

Yeah. Where do you think God is leading you in your career and ministry?

Laurel Taylor [00:26:58]:

I think he's taking me a crossover. I think he's taking me secular music. It's scary because that's where I started and I really screwed up. And so for Him to take me there again, it's like he trusts me. And I know that I can hear it. I can hear it even in how I talk about it. I'm so trusted by God and I believe he trusts me with what he's given me. And I know that I'm going to do it the right way. Yes, I will fail, but I know that God is there with me and he's going to help me through every situation and I don't have to figure it out.

Sue Donaldson [00:27:37]:

And if not, your mother will call you. Yeah. And remind you. As you know, my podcast is about living a legacy life, and normally I don't well, I do. I have interviewed people your age because when you think of someone older, that's when you think of legacy. But I think we don't wait until we die, Laurel, to leave a good legacy. So what we do daily is what counts. So what legacy do you want to be known for now? For those who know and love you?

Laurel Taylor [00:28:03]:

Honestly, I've thought about this and thought about this, and I just want to be kind. I want them to literally say, because I'm really big into the church, is like super hurtful right now and it's sad. I want to be known as a believer that loves Jesus with all their heart and would go to the ends just to help that person no matter what. And I always want to put myself last and I don't know, I just want to be seen different. I don't want to be categorized as she's a church girl because you can't relate to all those people that don't go to church or have never heard about you. And I found myself in a lot of those situations and they're like, you're just different. I don't feel like you're judging me and I'm like, why would I judge you? All I can do is love you.

Sue Donaldson [00:29:08]:

I don't know if you've read Oswald Chambers My Utmost verse Highest, but one thing he says is that we lead the aroma of Christ when we've left the room. And that's what I want because I love the whole idea of people seeing Jesus through me without me having to say it. But we still need to say it when it's time like you did on that radio station. Doesn't mean you have to go there again so that they go, oh, there's something different. I go, well, it's not me. What you're sensing is the Holy Spirit. That might be too weird for them at the time, but yes, it is through our kindness, the scripture, Jesus said, they'll know your Christians by our love. And yet that is not what the church is known for right now. But they do throw the baby out with about bathwater. I do think at times too, it's like, oh, don't make that an excuse to stay home and watch it online. Right. And how do you go about making sure that people know that you are kind?

Laurel Taylor [00:30:05]:

I walk in it even before I get to venues or things even on the sides. I want to pray for people. I want to pray for the ones that host me. I want to pray for the staff, the volunteers, all those things. I pray for those opportunities because those are the relationships and those are the things that people are going to remember. They're not going to say she did a great 45 minutes show. No, she told me about this and prayed for me on the side. If I ever get to a place where I'm not doing that, then I have not fulfilled what God's called me to do.

Sue Donaldson [00:30:41]:

Amen. So great. And what challenges, well, you've already mentioned some, but or obstacles have you faced in order to leave this kind of legacy of kindness and love?

Laurel Taylor [00:30:55]:

I would say it's because I wasn't kind before living for the Lord. I was making fun of Christians. I was doing everything that the opposite. And to be able to love people well, it's because I know how to love myself well and I know where I can remember where I was at the time and how I want to be told that exact truth in however I needed to hear it. And so it's like I put myself in that position every single time I'm. Talking to someone that needs to hear it.

Sue Donaldson [00:31:34]:

That's so good. Some people think, oh, I can't really say that I love myself. Well, but you said it with such calmness. I know that that's based in the fact that when I'm secure in who I am with Jesus, I don't think about myself at all. And that's one thing that CS. Lewis said. It's not like you think less of yourself, you just don't think of yourself at all. And we don't need to laurel because Jesus already showed how much he loved us. So there's no really reason. It doesn't mean I don't go get a pedicure. I do like some self care, but as far as I think a lot of people hurting other people, even in the church, is because they are not secure in how much Jesus loves them. So our job in this security is to continue to reassure them even though they may annoy us. Like, I get annoyed with those kind of people, but I thought, well, what they need more is not my irritation. They need assurance that God loves them just as they are. So my favorite question, how does your life embody God's welcoming heart?

Laurel Taylor [00:32:32]:

I've really been thinking about this. Okay. So I just want to make sure I got it right. Ask it one more time, because how.

Sue Donaldson [00:32:41]:

Does your life embody God's? Welcome.

Laurel Taylor [00:32:45]:

Yes. So I get put into a lot of situations where Jesus is not exactly welcome. And I believe that it says, wherever we walk is kingdom ground. We take on it. That kingdom ground. And so when I'm sent somewhere, I believe that is the open door to give God the glory. And it's really hard, well, obviously through my gift, but honestly, this is going to sound like, really dumb, but it's through. Like, when I open my mouth, when I speak, sometimes it's by my actions, and I don't say anything. It's just how the Holy Spirit guides me in the moment. Not everybody's going to listen, and not everybody's just going to not listen, so it's how they need to hear it. But I always give God the reins when I'm somewhere, always. Even when I'm scared, even when I don't want to, even when I know he's about to embarrass me. I just have to. Because we submit to God, we're not accountable to others.

Sue Donaldson [00:34:15]:

We don't live for the approval of man. And yet even Christians, well, with all social media, it's so easy to get caught up with that. Gosh, Laura, I want to pray for you right now. I rarely do that on air, but you're young and you are mature beyond your years in Christ and you know who you are, and so Satan is kind of mad about that. And I hope you have a team around you, a prayer team. I have, like, 42 women who pray for me. Some men when I go speak, and they feel part of my team and I'm not a celebrity, but I don't want to ever speak without them knowing that I'm about ready to get up on a platform as we talked about before, because I could really mess up. And I don't mean mess up like I do a poor job, though, that could happen. I mess up that God would not get the glory. That's what's messing up.

Laurel Taylor [00:35:11]:

So let's pray.

Sue Donaldson [00:35:13]:

Father, I just want to ask again, your covering over wonderful Laurel Taylor. Thank you for the gifts you've given her. Thank you that she's confident in them. Thank you that you are opening up opportunities to cross over, because that's what Jesus did when he came to Earth. He crossed over in the real sense of the word. And it's not going to always be easy, as she knows. I pray, Lord, that you'll raise up friends and family who will take it as their duty and delight to support her and that she'll never feel alone. Lord, thank you for these opportunities and I know I'll hear more about her in the future because of what you're going to do through and in her life, Lord. Just bless her in every way that she wants to be blessed in ways that she doesn't even know. In Jesus name, amen.

Laurel Taylor [00:36:00]:

Amen.

Sue Donaldson [00:36:01]:

Thank you so much, Laura. You're great. How can people find you and where can they listen to your music?

Laurel Taylor [00:36:08]:

Yeah, you can find all my music on all platforms. Apple Music spotify amazon Music You can please follow me on Instagram, Laureltaler official, and then you can check out my website, laureltalermusic.com.

Sue Donaldson [00:36:22]:

Okay, thank you so much. It's been a delight.

Laurel Taylor [00:36:24]:

Thanks.

Sue Donaldson [00:36:25]:

Until next time, think about your legacy, the one God has called you to live all, for heaven's sake. I would love to speak at your next Christian Women's event, see my keynotes and retreat series as well as the show notes from today's broadcast@welcomeheart.com. Thanks for coming. You're always welcome here.

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Ruthie Gray from Authentic Online Marketing and the Authentic Online Marketing Podcast shares her story of how God has led her the "second half of life"—something we are either in or heading towards. Ruthie's passion is to help women "grow up", try new things--even when it's terrifying—and help Christian women entrepreneurs succeed for the sake of the Kingdom of God. She's a wife of 35 years, mother of 4, grandmother, caregiver for the last 13 years and loves her Lord and the community she coaches and encourages. She acknowledges we can't grow and move forward without helping each other along the way. Listen and be encouraged - and take some time to dream and explore: What's next for your life?

Some Ruthie gems:

• I love looking at Scripture as a whole and read the Bible through each year, starting the day with coffee and the Word.
• If you don't try new things you won't find out what you're best at, what gives you joy, what serves others and what's your superpower.
• You deserve to take some time to dream and explore what your next season will hold.
• Every time I try a new thing, I become apprehensive and fearful, but I don't want my fears to hold me back.
• I want my legacy to be one of courage and wisdom because I've walked with God.

Are you starting a new business and want to connect authentically with your online people and grow your audience? Find out how Ruthie can help HERE.

You can get to know Ruthie better and what she offers on her podcast: Authentic Online Marketing Podcast.

Let us know in comments what dreams you are exploring. God loves you and you are not done yet.

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The writer Maree Dee has two grown children with mental illness. When I interviewed her on my podcast she said, “It’s possible to experience joy and pain at the same time.” (Episode 75) How? Because she trusts God, no matter what.

We never know what’s ahead of us each and every day, do we?

We ask God each morning,

“Lord, please give me wisdom and strength to face my day – and grace for those who need to know your joy and peace.”

There’s a world of hurt out there and we need to be so filled with God’s Spirit that we are able to not only remain full when we come under attack, but we need to be so filled, that when jostled and banged around, that the grace and joy of Jesus spills out.

Our benediction at Grace Church is Romans 15:13 – we say it as a congregation at the closing of the service –“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

We need to be giving this benediction to ourselves every day –maybe before our husbands get home or the kids or before we go into work:

“Dear God of hope, please fill me with all joy and peace in believing – that I will abound and overflow with hope by Your power.”

What helps you keep your cup full of joy? Share in comments and we will all be filled up a little better.

Points to Ponder:

• Joy is the deep, quiet undercurrent that has its source in the eternal river of God Himself and His peace. That kind of joy can even underlie grief.
• We keep our cup full by recalling we are not alone.
• Your night of weeping may have been more like nights of weeping – I’ve smeared mascara on my sheets more than once. There’s got to be a country Western song by the name of What Do I Do With the Mascara On My Sheets?
• Weeping may endure, but there’s hope for the morning. (Psalm 30:5)
• Our maturity, our fruit-bearing, our witness for the Gospel—our JOY— is not dependent on another person or event or group of circumstances—like the perfect family reunion or holiday gathering. It is dependent on our own personal response to God and His Word.

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Christy Boulware, author of Nervous Breakthrough: Finding Freedom from Fear and Anxiety in a World that Feeds It, learned from experience that living life on overdrive meant she was headed for distruction. On a family vacation one summer, she experienced her first panic attack and she didn't know what was happening to her. When her dr said, Christy, your body is telling you something's got to change and you need to get to the root of it."

That began a process of recognizing she was living in fear and anxiety and the only way to change was to surrender to God. Surrender and give up her way of doing things, her timing of how things were to get done, and even changing a successful career to help others find freedom from their fears.

Leave a comment on blog or social media to be entered into giveaway of her book: Nervous Breakthrough: Finding Freedom from Fear and Anxiety in a World that Feeds It

Some gems:

• Just because you have fear, it doesn't mean you don't have faith.
• We can experience negative emotions; it's what we do with them that leads us to greater peace and less fear.
• Our body provides what I call "smoke alarms" that something needs to change and it's to our peril that we ignore them.
• We underestimate how much understanding God's love connects to our level of fear and anxiety.
• We overcome the snowballing effect of anxiety when we check our thoughts with truth at the top of the hill before it gets too big for us to control.
• I was stuck in self-reliance and addicted to success so I didn't need what God had to offer.

Christy Boulware was stuck in self-reliance and addicted to success so she didn't need what God had to offer. Until her body told her a different story.

Debilitated by days and weeks of panic attacks, Christy learned that the only way to change and fight her fears and anxieties was through getting to the root of them, and that took surrender.

As a result of her work of faith to get her from fear and panic to using her experiences for the kingdom, Christy began the non-profit: Fearless Unite. See christyboulware.com for additional sources that help us when we are afraid and to keep our minds and hearts on the truth of God’s Word.

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Rebecca George, podcaster, author and speaker is passionate about helping women find and live out their God-given purpose, all for heaven's sake. She wants to "leave a person better than she found them" which can be shown in the every day actions of love, action and encouragement. Rebecca's brand new book, Do the Thing: Gospel-Centered Goals, Gumption, and Grace for the Go-getter Girl helps the reader examine her joys, gifts, and heart-posture before her Creator-God and moves her into a life of purpose and surrender.

She will be giving a copy away this week so be sure to comment on Blog or on Social Media to be entered.

Rebecca's theme verse is Psalm 34:5--—

Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.

We light up our world from looking to Jesus. Hear Rebecca every Tuesday on her podcast, Radical Radiance and follow her on instagram @rebeccageorgeauthor. She offers a free journal SHINE BRIGHT on her website. Sign up here.

Some gems:

• What gifts we have from God can translate into how we love others in our every day.
• God's at work all the time. How many opportunities do I miss to partner in His work by living unaware?
• The outcome is God's; the obedience is ours.
• To be available to God is to ask: How can I best love, serve and encourage anyone He brings into our lives on a daily basis?
• Are we turning to God's truth when faced with fear, doubt or insecurity?

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A good definition of faith is: doing what God says and trusting Him with the results. It sounds good on paper. It can be hard in real life. Sometimes it can be hard to trust God to work through another person- or perhaps in spite of another person.

To step out on faith may feel like we’re stepping off of cliff but once you step out you find it’s only a curb because God is there to break your fall. Pity the person who never takes that step to find that out.

“Step out,” God says, “and you will find I am all you need.”

For some, faith might mean closing your mouth and praying only: Hudson Taylor said, “Learn to move men by God through prayer alone.” That’s a tough one – especially for a woman, especially for an extrovert, especially for a red-headed extrovert. . . Faith may mean closing your mouth, AND,

Faith may mean opening your mouth. Paul asked his friends in Colossians 4:3– “Pray that I talk freely of the mystery of Christ, that God would open the door. . .”

You know when God is speaking to you. And if you’re not sure, like Peter, you can say, “Is that you, Lord?” And if it is, then it’s best to get out of the boat.

God is calling for complete obedience for a complete faith.

Hudson Taylor said: "Learn to move men by God through prayer alone."

7 ways to live in the unseen:

1. God is doing His work in our lives and others (even when we can’t see it) II Corinthians 4:18;
2. Our work for Him is not in vain I Cor. 15:58 “. . .be steadfast, abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.”
3. That all things are working together for good who are called according to His purpose –Romans 8:28
4. That God is able to do abundantly above all that we ask or think – Ephesians 3:20
5. That He Who began a good work in us will complete it – Phil.1:6
6. That where there is weeping now, will turn to joy and laughter Luke 6:21
7. That nothing can separate me from the love of God – nothing – Romans 8:39

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Rachel G. Scott, wife and mom of a blended family knows what it means to obey by faith, look to God for the next step and take that leap that needs taking. Founder of The 5 Leaps Podcast, Rachel is wise beyond her years and counsels her audience that there is more than one way to take a leap, five in fact. She explains there's a difference between being a "nice" Christian and a "kind" Christian, and her legacy is one we share: to serve God well and point her kids to Jesus.

Today she's offering my listeners her free resource: The Five Leaps Quick Guide - click here.

Tools to help you prepare, plan and execute your next leap. Love it and Rachel!

Some Rachel gems:

• We need to always be leaning into what is that next leap God is leading us to make.
• The trailblazer goes where no one has gone before, teaching and bringing others along the way.
• I realized that there is more than one way to take a leap of obedience.
• I can envision the worst that can happen while considering the next leap and fight with God's truth my imaginations, speculations and negative thoughts.
• A "nice" Christian is different than a "kind" Christian; one is something we perform, the other is a posture of the heart.
• I want my kids to live a leaping lifestle so that obedience to God is natural for them.

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Steve Leonard, of StephenDavidLeonard.com, joins me today to talk about Dad Guilt, parenting, gains and losses, identity, and living the abundant life. Steve and his wife, Lisa (of Lisa Leonard Designs) are the parents of two sons: David, 21 and Matthias, 19. Their world was changed dramatically when David was born with a rare genetic disorder, Cornelia DeLang Syndrome. You can read about it here.

I first met the Leonards when they moved to San Luis Obispo when Steve became our Family and College Pastor. When Lisa's jewelry took off, Steve then moved out of formal ministry to help manage their fast-growing business. He discusses the challenges he faced in changing roles and parenting a boy becoming a man and moving off to college as well as one who will never move out and move on. Each son provides much joy in the Leonard's lives and we are blessed to know them in our little community.

GIVEAWAY - Two Roman Cross Coin necklaces for two winners!

To Enter: FOLLOW STEVE AND ME AND TAG A FRIEND

Some Steve gems:

• I want to be someone who thinks "There you are!" vs "Here I am!"
• Being a dad has helped me understand God's heart a little bit more.
• We actually live between the first page and the last page of the Bible.
• Dad Guilt is real and less talked about, perhaps, because we are men.
• Living by "ought's and should's" can hinder the abundant life that God promised in Scripture.
• More than anything else, our son David has taught me that I am made in God's image and that is my worth.

Steve is Founder and CEO of StephenDavidLeonard.com. Follow on Instagram @stephendavidleonard

www.lisaleonard.com

www.stephendavidleonard.com

www.leonardgroup.com

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Amy Fritz grew up loving Jesus but figured out along the way that something needed changing—not with Jesus and not with loving Jesus. That part remained true and held her and her husband, Nathan, fast through a painful and difficult process that included job loss and uncertainty. Rather, Amy learned she needed to step beyond her natural people-pleasing tendencies in order to remain true to God and pass on the legacy to her kids and others that following Jesus and doing the right thing is always the best choice.

As host and founder of the popular podcast, Untangled Faith, Amy explores the sad truth that sometimes people in the faith community abuse their power and hurt others in the name of Christ. She doesn't throw out "church" - that's not God's plan. But she's taken a hard topic and helped people by sitting alongside of them in their pain and questions, inviting them to be with Jesus rather than simply a fan. And sometimes that's a hard choice, but always a good choice, to make.

Amy is the founder/visionary/host of the Untangled Faith Podcast. She lives near Nashville with her husband, three children, and two dogs. She loves to read, write, talk, and connect people to other people and resources. She loves Jesus and hates spiritual abuse.

Some gems from Amy:

• If we threw out every church because it was imperfect there would be nothing left.
• It doesn't matter what age you are when you lose a parent, you still feel orphaned.
• If you mom dies, you may need to go to therapy to learn how to talk to your dad.
• You can do the right things and life can still be very difficult.
• If you are disillusioned or hurt, don't throw out Jesus. Come sit next to me, there's room at my table.

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Dale Masten loved Christ at an early age, and loves Him still at 60. In between years included times of doubt, questioning, skepticism, and looking for anywhere but up for life's answers. Yet, God kept calling him back and Dale listened. "I derailed but I kept coming back. I couldn't live without God."

He also couldn't live very well without a new kidney which he received earlier this year after a 10-year-wait. He got the call from USC Medical Center on a Sunday afternoon. "We have a kidney. If you want it, you need to be here between 4 and 6 hours." Dale and his wife of 35 years, Jill, got into the car without packing and within 5 hours he was on the table, wondering at all that was about to happen. 

Dale knows that there is no meaning without God, faith grows in adversity and community, and that meaningful relationships begin with openness, love and vulnerability. He loves people. Reminded me of Jesus. You will be challenged and encouraged today with Dale's story.

Some gems from today's podcast:

• God honors the process and builds character through suffering.
• We need to be intentional with our gratitude or it quickly subsides into taking things for granted.
• I celebrate that God made me someone who is voraciously interested in people.
• Vulnerability is the gateway to intimacy.
• I had a new kidney but I still had my same old character flaws.

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Author, speaker, podcaster, Ashley Hales, talks today on how to find holy and be faithful to God wherever He's placed you. "How easy it is," she explains, "to look for our value or distract us from the hard stuff by leaning on stuff—bigger homes, safer places, or a simple To-Do List crossed off on a daily basis." She writes in Finding Holy in the Suburbs: Living Faithfully in the Land of Too Much—"To fill my infinite things with finite things, the more distance I put between God and myself. And the more I do that, it creates a way of being."

Leave a comment on blog or social media to be entered in a giveaway for Finding Holy in the Suburbs.

Follow Ashley at aahales.com where you can read about her ministry, writing and speaking.

Ashley is a mom of four, wife of a pastor here in San Luis Obispo, and seeks to follow Jesus and love others right where she is.

Some gems:

• We get antsy waiting on God so we ask our stuff to save us.
• God has made us hungry people but we remain unsatiated until we feed on Him first and foremost.
• Hospitality means making room in our lives and hearts for whomever God brings our way.
• The cross is the basis of our hospitality; Christ broken for us is God's invitation to come to Him.
• I want to pay attention to the work God has for me to do TODAY and not worry about may or may not get accomplished.
• We can't do Kingdom life by doing rather than being.

Like maps like my Man-in-Plaid? Here's one for you. Ashley and her husband, Bryce have a new podcast: The Cartographers: Charting the cultural landscape for 21st century Christian Leaders

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When asked, “What’s the greatest commandment?” Jesus replied simply: “Love God, love your neighbor.” I imagine He was thinking, “It’s not rocket science” or “What’s not to like?” or “It’s not complicated.”

He was right, it’s not complicated. But people are people and we make it complicated.

I need to pray daily to uncomplicate what He says is best for me and best for others. So I wrote “31 Days of Uncomplicated Prayers,” and once I pray them through, I start over again.

You can too. One short, simple prayer to help uncomplicate love sent to your inbox for 31 days. Don't worry. They are short. God doesn't mind short prayers.

Sign up HERE

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If we want a deeper faith, we can ask God for it. He knows our hearts anyway, so we may as well be honest.

When we ask God for more faith, He will do one of three things:

1. He will ask you to do something really big
2. He will allow challenging circumstances
3. He will give you children (or someone to love)—or all three at the same time. And then your faith will have an opportunity to deepen.

Perhaps you’ve heard this before but it’s a good reminder:

Everything I need to know about life, I learned from Noah's Ark:

One : Don't miss the boat.

Two : Plan ahead. It wasn't raining when Noah built the Ark.

Three : Stay fit. When you're 600 years old, someone may ask you to do something really big.

My favorite is the last one: “Stay fit. When you’re 600 years old, someone may ask you to do something really big.”

Your life’s not over because you’re 40 or 50 or 60 or 600. Just ask Noah. So we better stay fit. Spiritually and every way.

Of course, it wouldn’t matter if Noah were fit at 600 if he had no intention of obeying God, would it? Part of our spiritual fitness is a heart of obedience.

By faith, I invited my neighbor for coffee, dinner, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve Soup Potluck, dinner, zoom Bible Study and wine night. Two and a half years later, she said, "Is it too late to join Bible Study?" (Never) Four months later she gave her life to Jesus.

On one sunny but chilly Sunday in February, she got baptized in a very cold water tub.

Point #1:

Obedience could save a life. Jesus obeyed and went to the cross.

Point #2:

Never give up.

Some faith-isms: There are no small acts of obedience. All take faith. * If you want faith, God may ask you to do something really big – and you’d better do it because it could save a life. * A life of faith means we answer “Yes, Lord”* before He even finishes His sentence. * The more we obey what He tells us to do, the deeper our faith will become. * We miss out on a chance to know God if we stay in the boat after He’s told us to get out and come to Him.

GIVEAWAY!

202 Conversation Starters, Digital Version

Leave comment to be entered! You won't be sorry. Steve and Karen, empty-nesters, are going through each question - one or two a meal - and still (after more than 50 years!) are learning new things about each other!

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Carol Feil wants you to see our faithful God, the Master Gardener, in all details of your life. She wants you to know that being rooted in His unchanging character helps you dig deep into His word, cultivating growth even in seasons of dormancy.

Carol wears yellow boots in the garden and calls them her "listen and learn boots", paying close attention to what God's teaching her about Himself and who He wants her to be. Carol admits she struggles with imposter syndrome but continues to walk forward in her legacy of faith footprints—boot-sized!—and praying that whoever she meets will follow alongside.

Do you want help replacing should with could? Carol has an added resource that will help you with that process. CLICK HERE FOR FREE RESOURCE.

Some gems from Carol:

• Knowing God's will is more about the little things he leads us to be and do.
• "Shoulding" messages in our heads are lies that play on-repeat and need to be countered with truth.
• Roses grow best when pruned. So do I.
• We need to be patient with the process of replenishment.
• What thoughts need reframing? Pay attention and do the work of replacing.
• In the absense of truth, Satan will fill in the blanks with his lies.

Join Carol on the journey to developing deeper roots and stronger shoots:

Website: https://carolfeil.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolfeil/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CarolFeilWriter

_____

When asked, “What’s the greatest commandment?” Jesus replied simply: “Love God, love your neighbor.” I imagine He was thinking, “It’s not rocket science” or “What’s not to like?” or “It’s not complicated.”

He was right, it’s not complicated. But people are people and we make it complicated.

I need to pray daily to uncomplicate what He says is best for me and best for others. So I wrote “31 Days of Uncomplicated Prayers,” and once I pray them through, I start over again.

You can too. One short, simple prayer to help uncomplicate love sent to your inbox for 31 days. Don't worry. They are short. God doesn't mind short prayers.

Sign up HERE

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Jillian Benfield got the news that her second child, Anderson, was Down Syndrome. This news was not her life-plan. Then just four months after his birth, he underwent open-heart surgery. Then their third child, Preston suffered medical procedures for the first two years of his life. Jillian wrote her book, The Gift of the Unexpected: Discovering Who You Were Meant to Be When Life Goes Off Plan, not as a how-to book on how to get through life's difficulties; rather she wrote her own story--the good, bad and the ugly--to offer hope. Wise beyond her years, Jillian's story has much to teach us about theology, Western thought, ableism and how if we are willing to put in the work, that God will transform us from the inside out, for our good and for His glory.

Get this book, for yourself and for a friend. She's giving one away this week. Leave on comment on blog or on social media or email me at sue@welcomeheart.com.

In her own words:

My life fell apart with a 20-second phone call. We call these moments in life, before-and-after moments. Mine came when I was 27 years old and pregnant with my second child. My life would never be the same, I would never be the same. If you would have told me years ago that my before-and-after moment would end up being one of the greatest gifts of my life, I wouldn’t have believed you. But it was. It is. The unexpected gave me my son. The unexpected ended up giving me, me. That’s what my book, The Gift of the Unexpected, and this space are about. Our unexpected moments, our unexpected lives, can end up helping us live into our God-dreamed entireties.

Some gems from Jillian:

• God doesn't need pretend versions of ourselves, but all of who we are.
• I want my legacy to be one of openness: open to being wrong, to being willing to evolve, to never close off my circle of friends.
• A different kind of life is not a less-than life.
• Western culture wants us "rushing through our pain" rather than learning from it.
• What I've learned is that God continuously provides resurrection for us now, not only at the end of our lives.
• God takes dead things and makes them new when we look to Him, lean on Him and take the next step.
• To undergo a trial vs overcome a trial takes time, counsel, reflection on who we are at our core and an understanding of what may need some transformation.

Follow Jillian here:

• Website: https://jillianbenfield.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jillianbenfield/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/JillianBenfieldBlog/

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When asked, “What’s the greatest commandment?” Jesus replied simply: “Love God, love your neighbor.” I imagine He was thinking, “It’s not rocket science” or “What’s not to like?” or “It’s not complicated.”

He was right, it’s not complicated. But people are people and we make it complicated.

I need to pray daily to uncomplicate what He says is best for me and best for others. So I wrote “31 Days of Uncomplicated Prayers,” and once I pray them through, I start over again.

You can too. One short, simple prayer to help uncomplicate love sent to your inbox for 31 days. Don't worry. They are short. God doesn't mind short prayers.

Sign up HERE

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Susan Macias says as long as we have breath to breathe, Jesus still has a work for me to do. I love that and most likely I have fewer breaths to breathe than most of you. And it's still true. Don't you love it too? We never run out of purpose, and that purpose is to partner alongside of God Himself to do Kingdom work. Thanks for the reminder, Susan!

As a mother of 7 and an empty nester, Susan knew what it meant to have a full parenting life (homeschooler, too) and then "all of a sudden" an empty house, but not an empty life. She started her podcast: "We're Not Done Yet!" She hosted me late last year about hospitality and she said it was a hit. Listen HERE.

One of Susan's passions and books is to help women walk out their identity in Christ. She's hosting a giveaway for: Putting Jesus On: My Identity Journal. Leave a comment in blog or on social media to be entered.

About Susan, in her own words:

I’m a fifty-something mom of seven and grandmother of eight. I love my husband, my family, and living in Texas. But above all I love Jesus, and I adore talking about Him

After homeschooling for twenty-seven years, I now answer God’s new call in my life. As a Christian writer and speaker, I use honesty, transparency, truth from the Word, and a little humor.

And I strive to exhort women to engage in their circumstances so that God is glorified and the Kingdom is expanded. Few things thrill me like sharing Jesus with my sisters.

Oh friend, the Lord calls us to His purposes. Let’s keep fighting the good fight, even when we feel we don’t have much fight left. Jesus will enable us because the hurting world needs us!

Some gems from Susan:

• Considering the next call on your life may seem scary so take one small next step towards that direction.
• As long as we have breath to breathe, Jesus still has a work for me to do.
• Are you brave enough to be small when God's called you to be small?
• Putting on what and who God has called me to be makes me beautiful.

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When asked, “What’s the greatest commandment?” Jesus replied simply: “Love God, love your neighbor.” I imagine He was thinking, “It’s not rocket science” or “What’s not to like?” or “It’s not complicated.”

He was right, it’s not complicated. But people are people and we make it complicated.

I need to pray daily to uncomplicate what He says is best for me and best for others. So I wrote “31 Days of Uncomplicated Prayers,” and once I pray them through, I start over again.

You can too. One short, simple prayer to help uncomplicate love sent to your inbox for 31 days. Don't worry. They are short. God doesn't mind short prayers.

Sign up HERE

Some samples:

Sign up HERE and feel free to share link with a friend. We are all a little complicated.

Love God. Love your neighbor. It’s not complicated.

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We should be experts dealing with difficult people because in one way or another, everyone is difficult.

Today we discuss something we all encounter: The Difficult Person. And sometimes that person is us/moi.

What makes a person difficult? Do degrees of difficulty matter? What are some practical ways to navigate a relationshiop with a diffiuclt person without moving to Australia?

I love people. Especially the loveable ones. I think I love people well until I come across a difficult person. On today's podcast we talk about 8 practices to consider while relating with the less-than-easy person in our lives.

• You’ve heard the expression, “Hurt people hurt people.” I forget that fact when I’m the object of that hurt.
• When difficult people lash out, I want to listen with my heart, not just my ears.
• If we keep an issue to ourselves and take the tact of Suck it up, Buttercup things smooth over temporarily, but could lead to bigger issues.
• When I think how I’ve grieved God and hurt others, I’m well on my way to loving the difficult person.
• Forbearance is putting up with more than you are due (or that you THINK you are due!) The thing is we want everyone to forbear with us, but forget to forbear with everyone else.
• Living peacefully with others is often a matter of perspective

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When asked, “What’s the greatest commandment?” Jesus replied simply: “Love God, love your neighbor.” I imagine He was thinking, “It’s not rocket science” or “What’s not to like?” or “It’s not complicated.”

He was right, it’s not complicated. But people are people and we make it complicated.

I need to pray daily to uncomplicate what He says is best for me and best for others. So I wrote “31 Days of Uncomplicated Prayers,” and once I pray them through, I start over again.

You can too. One short, simple prayer to help uncomplicate love sent to your inbox for 31 days. Don't worry. They are short. God doesn't mind short prayers.

Sign up HERE

Some samples:

Sign up HERE and feel free to share link with a friend. We are all a little complicated.

Love God. Love your neighbor. It’s not complicated.

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Rachel Dodge understands the importance of "kindred spirits" as a writer, speaker and friend. She began writing companion devotionals for such classics as Anne of Green Gables, Little Women, The Secret Garden and is an expert on all things Jane Austen. What a fun conversation we had about what it means to be a "kindred spirit" and how she goes about her writing process to bring Gospel truth from popular literary classics for all ages.

Her latest offering is The Secret Garden Devotional: A Chapter by Chapter Companion to a Beloved Classic

Rachel is hosting a giveaway this week and I will add a copy of the book The Secret Garden so you can be blessed as you read or re-read the book alongside of her devotional.

Some gems:

• We are adopted into God's kingdom so what better theme to focus on in Anne with an "e", a redheaded orphan longing to belong to a family.
• Good literature includes pictures on earth to help us relate to biblical truths.
• A "kindred spirit" is someone with similar sensibilities of things that delight us!
• I want my books to be an act of invitation for people to know and love God more.

RACHEL DODGE is the bestselling author of the award-winning Anne of Green Gables Devotional, The Little Women Devotional, and Praying with Jane: 31 Days through the Prayers of Jane Austen. Her newest book is The Secret Garden Devotional! Rachel teaches college English; speaks at libraries, literary groups, and teas; and writes for Jane Austen’s World. A true kindred spirit at heart, she loves books, bonnets, and ballgowns.

You can visit her at RachelDodge.com or on IG @kindredspiritbooks.

Be sure to comment on blog or instagram or FB to be entered to win her book!

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When asked, “What’s the greatest commandment?” Jesus replied simply: “Love God, love your neighbor.” I imagine He was thinking, “It’s not rocket science” or “What’s not to like?” or “It’s not complicated.”

He was right, it’s not complicated. But people are people and we make it complicated.

I need to pray daily to uncomplicate what He says is best for me and best for others. So I wrote “31 Days of Uncomplicated Prayers,” and once I pray them through, I start over again.

You can too. One short, simple prayer to help uncomplicate love sent to your inbox for 31 days. Don't worry. They are short. God doesn't mind short prayers.

Sign up HERE

Some samples:

Sign up HERE and feel free to share link with a friend. We are all a little complicated.

Love God. Love your neighbor. It’s not complicated.

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Sarah Geringer walked down the lane close to her Missouri home and began to notice things, simple things that helped her find the presence of God, her Hidden Manna, and with that, a deeper trust in God's provision while praying for herself and others. From her experience came her latest book, Hidden Manna on a Country Road: Seeing God's Provision All Around Us.

Leave a comment on blog or social media to be entered in a giveaway. What a beautiful way to pray through the seasons no matter if you live in the city or country.

I first spoke with Sarah on Ep 64 "Transform Your Mind" where we discussed her great book, Transforming Your Thought Life: Christian Meditation in Focus

Artist, author, speaker and gardener, and mother of three, Sarah Geringer loves her Missouri home, God's Word, and coming alongside others for prayer and counsel.

For fun things like why she loves sunflowers and how James Taylor "changed her life," view her website: sarahgeringer.com

Some gems from today's episode:

• A need for human connection is coded into our DNA.
• Paying attention to birdsong in Spring helps me come to God in praise and thankgiving, no matter what hard things I'm experiencing.
• I can get caught up in thinking I'm pretty decent until I remember all Christ did for me on the Cross.
• My faith is strengthened when I look for hidden manna—simple things in nature that reflect God's presence and provision.
• We can come boldly to the throne of grace only because Jesus paid for my sins.

Sarah is an active member of my facebook group: Welcome Heart, Welcome Home sharing her favorite recipes and welcoming others in. Check it out here.

Be sure to comment on blog or social media to be entered to win: Hidden Manna on a Country Road: Seeing God's Provision All Around Us.

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Author, speaker, podcaster, Rachael Adams, saw the offering envelope that read, "Love Offering" and wondered what should or could she give? She heard God say, "You are my love offering." That small exchange sealed the deal. Rachael, like many young mothers, had been struggling with questions such as, "Does what I do matter for the Kingdom?" "I'm working at what I need to do to keep my family healthy and happy, yet, I wonder, is that enough? Do I need to do more to live a life of significance?"

Going to God and the Word, Rachael found the answer to all those questions and more. She recognized her where her significance lay and wrote that message in her book, "A Little Goes a Long Way: 52 Days to a Significant Life." She's hosting a giveaway this week—be sure to comment on blog or social media to be entered.

Some gems from this wise young woman from Kentucky:

• A significant life is more simple than we think.
• We don't give to others and then worry about the outcome.
• Pray that the Gospel spreads everywhere you go.
• Culture tells is loud is better, big is better—but God just wants our surrender on a daily basis.
• I wanted to keep a record of how God was working—not to be doing just one more thing—but so that I could see that what I did for Him and by Him—no matter how small—makes a difference for the Kingdom.
• Pray to help us see others as God sees them, significant and loved.

Author of A Little Goes a Long Way and host of The Love Offering podcast Rachael Adams hopes to help women realize their God-given purpose and significance. She and her husband, Bryan, run a family business and farm in Kentucky with their two children, Will and Kate, and two dogs. Her work has been featured on Crosswalk, iBelieve, Today Parenting, and YouVersion. Connect with her by visiting rachaelkadams.com, by searching @rachaeladamsauthor on social media, and by tuning in to The Love Offering podcast every Tuesday on your favorite listening platform.

Comment on Social Media or on my blog to be entered into giveaway.

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The last words of Christ to his disciples were straightforward and clear: “GO AND MAKE DISCIPLES OF ALL NATIONS . . .” (Matthew 28:18-20 NIV)

We call it the GREAT COMMISSION and put it in capital letters because we know Jesus’s last words deserve all caps. But whenever we hear a message on the topic or come across those verses in our reading, we cringe a little or wonder how they fit into our everyday.

You might be asking: How does God want his commandment played out in my life? I’m not a missionary in a foreign country. I have three kids under three. I need to work outside the home. I have aging parents. How do I do the Great Commission right now, right here?

I’ve had those same questions. I still struggle wondering what God wants from me on any given day. I don’t think he minds that things aren’t crystal clear. He likes it that I’m focused on how to obey him best. He wants me to live a life on mission and how I do that will most likely look different from how it looks in your life.

GO, BUT NOT BY YOURSELFI love that the GREAT COMMISSION starts with God and ends with God. You and I don't go by ourselves. He's with us. He never leaves us. He gives us the time, the opportunity, the words. We just step into those gifts. Reminds me of my WOTY - I RECEIVE these opportunities and wisdom and timing and words. Bring it on!

Jesus begins by saying, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me…” (Matthew 28:18 NIV) Then he wraps it up with: “And surely I am with you always.” (vs 20)

Whatever we do in between those two truths is up to us to work out the best we can, given our gifts, time and talents.

LIVING LIFE ON MISSION MEANS LIVING AT THE READYWhat do you need to do to be ready to love your neighbor?

• Clear your schedule
• Pray and watch God interrupt your life
• Bake a cake
• Share some lemons

You may have paused with number one: Clear your schedule. I intentionally limit my meet-up’s with believers. I love and need my Christian friends, and they need me. I met with Laurie Baldwin today. I'll meet with my mentor tomorrow. But in the end, I’ll see them in Glory. I try to keep part of my schedule cleared so that I’m available to those who don’t know Jesus yet.

My Dad’s Favorite Lemon Cake

1 lemon cake mix

1 small pkg. lemon jello (orange works, too - oh, and pineapple!)

4 eggs

3/4 c. water

3/4 c. oil

Topping:

1-2 cups powdered sugar

Juice from one lemon - 2-3 T.

Preheat oven 350 degrees

Mix cake ingredients per box directions including the jello

Pour into sprayed 9x13 cake pan

While baking, make topping:

Heat lemon juice on stove on low with 2 c. powdered sugar until sugar dissolves. Or, forget the heating part, and just whisk until the lumps disappear.

While cake is still hot, make holes 2 inches apart with a fork--lots and lots of holes.

Pour topping over, watch it soak in, and smack your lips.

Divine, surely. Heavenly tang and sweet.

After cake cools, sprinkle with powdered sugar.

PS Call a neighbor

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Writer, speaker, gatherer, Betsy Pendergrass and I could be sisters. My southern sister from Tennesee. You will see why when you hear today's episode on making space at the table—a beautiful legacy of hospitality and mentoring. Betsy and her husband Taylor and their four kids know the significance of inviting one—or six—to join them at the table, living room or backyard.

More than ever today, Betsy says, people need connecting and to embrace God's love through our love, and live out from their identity as a child of God.

Betsy is hosting a giveaway all week long of her beautiful set of cards: DATE NIGHT CARDS. Leave a comment to be entered here on the blog, fb, instagram or send me an email at sue@welcomeheart.com

This set of 10 date night cards was created to help married couples spice their conversations. Each card covers a different subject that couples can ask each other while on a date night, road trip, running errands or just use for a fun date night at home on the couch. These were created by both Taylor and me and that is why I think we have had so many men enjoy these cards and want to use them again and again. Betsy is taking a break from social media and her website for a bit.Some Betsy gems:

• When you pray, ask the Lord, "Where's Your heart on this and how can I partner with You?"
• Invite two college students at a time. They will feel more comfortable bringing a friend (and let them bring their laundry!)
• We underestimate the power of prayer so we go through a house "cleansing" while praying through and over every room in the home.
• People just want to be seen and heard and to know that someone has made a space for them.

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Rea Berg, author and founder of Beautiful Feet Books talks today about another passion of her—besides children's literature—her love of the incarcerated and how she and her husband of 41 years have recently switched their "church home" to the California Men's Colony here in San Luis Obispo.

It all started with books and story—teaching her own children, creating Beautiful Feet Books to bring classics back to life, creating curriculum and then seeing the transformative power of storytelling and the Word changing the lives of those maybe most forgotten in our society.

REA WILL HOST A TWO-BOOK GIVEAWAY THIS WEEK--TWO OF HER FAVORITE CHILDREN'S BOOK FOR TWO DIFFERENT WINNERS. COMMENT TO BE ENTERED!

For the book giveaway, she will present the 75th Anniversary Edition of Abraham Lincoln by Ingri and Edgar Parin D'Aulaire,and the beautiful exclusive edition of Anno's China by Mitsumasa Anno. Rea teaches a weekly course to help men earn a four-year seminary degree through The Urban Ministry Institute, and her husband, Russ mentors groups of 12 for discipleship and accountability through Yolkfellow Prison Ministry.

Some gems from today's podcast:

• Men behind bars are exactly like you and me, deep down in their heart and personhood.
• When you're put away, you have to draw upon a depth they most of us don't ever have to do, simply to live with contentment, joy and hope.
• My faith has been strengthened by the faith of these men who've experienced salvation to the uttermost, past all regret and remorse, experiencing full repentance.
• Seeing Jesus in these believers in prison convinced me anew of the transformative power of redemption and how good our God is.

Rea Berg loves seeing abandoned and broken things brought back to life, like antique houses, classic children's books, and especially lives—like those of the menshe is privileged to work with at her local prison. Rea has had the honor of bringing many classic children's books back into print, such as the D’Aulaire biographies, the Journey books of Mitsumasa Anno, the works of James Daugherty, the Obadiah books, and many more.

Through her company Beautiful Feet Books, she has crafted numerous guides for teaching history and geography through literature. Rea has a graduate degree in children's literature from Simmons College, Boston. Follow Rea on Instagram at reaberg, or email her at rea@bfbooks.com. Rea blogs on children's literature at reaberg.com.

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To host a simple dinner gathering sounds daunting unless we tackle it one task at a time. When I think of all the work involved, I can feel like quitting before I even begin. I wonder—and maybe whine a little:

“How can I fit hosting guests into my already too-full schedule?”

“I hate to cook and I don’t want to make enemies (or make people sick!”)

“I have house issues: my table is too small, I don’t have enough chairs, my dining room is also the office, the homeschool room, and the playroom!”

“My kids aren’t very well behaved yet. I will need to wait until they are away at college.”

“Who should I invite? Doesn’t everyone already have their friends?”

“Wouldn’t it be easier to get a sitter and meet a couple at a restaurant – and since I don’t have enough money for both those things, I guess we just won’t go out until we win the lottery or some distant rich uncle leaves us an inheritance!”

These arguments are legitimate, to a point. We are busy. It is easier to go out (if we had the money.) Our homes may be under construction or not be the perfect home for company. But God doesn’t call us to elaborate entertaining. He says to “show hospitality to one another without grumbling” (I Peter 4:9) Doing one task a day is the best tip for doing simple hospitality and helps keep me from grumbling or feeling I’m totally out of my depth.

If you desire to use your home for God and others, yet you don’t know how to go about it, here’s some sage advice: “How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.”

I don’t recommend serving elephant stew, although I do know a delicious recipe for French Dip Beef Sandwiches which could pass for elephant and, perhaps, more seemly for most guests. Preparing for a company dinner is easier when we do one thing a day. Taking “one bite at a time” moves the host—you and me— from feeling overwhelmed to “I can’t wait to host again!” True story.

Here’s a list of simple tasks, one to do each day of the week except for Sundays (Day of Rest!) And, by the end of four weeks, you will have guests around your table (or, on your couch or floor, depending on your style!)

Start on a Monday, follow the task for that day, and the day after that, and soon you’ll be hosting with joy, confidence, and ease—one bite at a time. Each dinner party preparation tip gets you closer to the goal of hosting a simple company dinner, and completing each one day-by-day will make it easier on you—the dinner party host—and, a lot more fun since you won’t have a whole elephant to contend with the day of the party!

Each daily task begins with a brief prayer and closes with a short Bible verse since we know only God both transforms and encourages us as we prepare to love and serve our guests.

To receive a copy of A Guide to Simple Hospitality One Day at a Time click HERE.

Sample tasks you'll find:

• Discuss with your family: "Who should we invite?"
• Invite your guests for supper in three weeks so the date is on the calendar.
• Assign family chores. (When we all invest, we all are blessed!)Refresh front porch or entryway.
• Text your guests: “Looking forward to dinner with you this coming Saturday!”

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I'm so grateful to Lori Ann Wood's testimony of gentle faith and insight into how God deepened her faith through a life-changing experience with heart failure. At 51, Lori was healthy and strong, until she wasn't. After 7 years, drs still don't have answers as to why her heart failed in 2015 and how long until it happens the next time.

Lori turned this trial and testing into lessons of deepened faith—lessons we all can benefit from. We might not all get such an unusual and frightening diagnosis, but we all go up against some type of brick wall where we find out what is it we really believe about God.

Her book, Divine Detour: The Path You Didn't Choose Can Lead to the Faith You've Always Wanted, releases this week, and she will be hosting a giveaway. I think you'll need one as a gift and one to keep.

Some gems:

• Anytime when faced with a temptation, we must ask ourselves the question: "Do we trust God to meet our needs or not?"
• I learned that my faith had been all about me rather than about God.
• Doubts are not the opposite of faith—indifference is.
• God never promises a live of ease and comfort this side of heaven; He does promise He will always be with us, and that is the greater blessing.
• Questions are what strengthens faith.
• Do we want the safer life or the deeper life?

From Lori:

I’m Lori Ann Wood and I know what it’s like to be detoured in life. By sharing my stories and experiences, I want to equip and empower you to ask God your hard questions. More importantly, I want to cheer you on as your faith grows in the process.

Read more of her heart failure survivor story HERE.

Not all storms come to destroy your life, some storms come to clear your path. (Anonymous)

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Esther Joy Geotz loves being a mom and shares wisdom, joy, and humor on her hugely successful Instagram, Moms of Bigs. Today we talk about the most important thing we can give our children at any age, and what we can do to be better mothers. As her daughter tells her: We are all learners and teachers. Hopefully that's true at any age and stage.

Esther's mantra is we need to give our kids the roots of unconditional love and the wings of freedom to be completely themselves. She says it more than once; it warrants repeating. It's how God loves us and we get the privilege of passing on that kind of love to our kids. But since we are "control freaks" - a mother, by definition - we need all of God's mercy and grace to help us love as he loves.

Esther grew up a missionary child in Ethiopia, is the mom of four young adults—she calls them "grownish" (and I get it)— and has been married for 31 years. And she's a fellow redhead. (: Follow her on instagram Moms of Bigs and check out her website: estherjoygoetz.com

Some gems:

• We can't solve our kids stuff: we love them unconditionally through their stuff
• My longtime goal as a parent is to have a relationship with my grown children
• Moms never stop momming
• Be tender with the younger version of yourself

@MOMS of BIGS

Giving our BIG KIDS (teens and young adults) the roots of love and the wings of freedom to be completely themselves. Help. Humor. Hope.

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Susan is one of my favorites. She's lived life and has seen the mercy and grace of the Lord—a true legacy of faith. Author of over 25 books, Susan Shipe blogs at Hope, Heart, Home and this week she's offering a copy of her latest project: Women: See Us Soar —offering us inspiration and encouragement from stories of women in the Bible as well as women she has known. Leave a comment on instagram, the blog or email me to be entered. (sue @welcomeheart.com)

A self-confessed "bad woman of the Bible" Susan knows that she's loved and forgiven which is the best thing anyone can know. She wants to give others the same hope God has given her through all the up's and down's of living one ordinary life with an extraordinary God.

Some Susan-ism's:

• I never had a moment when I didn't know I was a writer
• I'm an ordinary woman who knows God really has a plan for all of us.
• You wake up every morning talking to the Lord and you never say "Amen"—you just keep talking.
• When everything is said and done, Jesus Christ is the way, the truth and the life

In her own words:

I am an encourager with a heart for women. My devotion-journal, A Pruned Branch, was self-published in 2004 and is a compilation of 365 devotions for womenin all walks of life. APB is full of practical principles for all, from the baby Christian tothe mature believer. I have self-published 25+ books - all can be found on Amazon.

The Lord delivered a message of Hope deep within my soul in 2002. Jesus, the Hope-giver met me in my hour of need and my heart overflowed with hope – the theme of my life since that time has been HOPE!

I am the mother of three adult children, grandmother (a/k/a Mimzy) to two adultgrands, and I am the wife of one man and together we share a love of traveling in our travel trailer with our home base being a tiny house in Upstate South Carolina. I enjoywriting, reading, organic gardening, traveling, and spending time with our family. I can be found musing and sharing at hopehearthome.com.

I love the Lord with every fiber of my being and my life’s purpose is: That I may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. Colossians 1:10 (NKJV)

My life vision is: I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in Truth. 3 John 4

Comment to be entered to win a copy of Women: See Us Soar by Susan Chamberlain Shipe

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"Life's too short to live in a rut," says Jerry Dugan. He continued, "You may need to take a risk to get unstuck." Dugan speaks as one who knows what it's like to have been in one rut (or two)—and at age 30, he knew he had to make some changes. "Otherwise, if nothing changed, what would next year look like? The same. And it was a state of bondage."

Jerry Dugan podcasts at "Beyond the Rut" where he offers hope through encouraging stories and practical tools to pick you up out of your rut and into a life worth living.

Jerry acknowledges that God had His hand on his life many times, keeping him safe in wartime, as well as giving him courage to want to a different life than the people he was surrounded by.

All listeners today have an opportunity to change and grow by accessing his free 15 page digital resource, Measure It to Make ItJerry's business, Beyond the Rut Impact, provides leadership training and consulting and he's available for speaking, workshops and coaching. He's a committed follower of Christ and funny, besides! Check it out HERE.

Be sure to take advantage of Jerry's free goal-setting tool.

Measure It to Make It: How to Set Goals and Achieve Them:Beyond the Rut believes life is composed of five main domains or circles that all interconnect. They are your faith, fitness, family, finances, and growth for your future (personal and professional development.) When it comes to personal goal setting, here are four steps to achieving your goals in every area of your life.Follow Along and Make Your Own Path Beyond the RutFacebook Page

Twitter

Instagram

Email info@beyondtherut.com

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God is continually inviting us to Himself and whether or not we realize it, we “make our excuses.” We say, “no thanks” all the time—graciously or not—and each time we do, we go further from God rather than closer.

I refer to these “making excuses” as “hindrances to intimacy”.

God may speak to you about some hindrance that is unique to you. You might want to pray—“ Lord, what is keeping me from being intimate with You?”

We all give “reasons that keep us from being intimate with God—there are many. Here are some:

• pride
• self
• relationships
• fear
• complacency

Jesus said, “Except a grain of wheat fall into the ground and dies, it remains by itself alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.” (John 12:24)

That sounds harsh unless you know the Gardener. The One who asks you to die to yourself is not only in control, but loves you intimately and there is no risk in that kind of dying.

How does it work that living for ourselves is a hindrance to intimacy?

Practically speaking—and we’ve all experienced it. The further we get from God—the less intimate we become—the easier it is to fake ourselves out so that we gradually come to believe that living for self is really best for ourselves.

God needs to do some great intervention to wake us up out of our delusion—the real truth is clouded by temporary gratification of short term desires.

I'd love to hear if any of these five resonate with you or if you have one to add to the list? Please add in comments on blog: WelcomeHeart.com

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Getting ready for your next Christian women's event? Or do you know of a group I might serve? I'm booking now for 2023-24. I love retreats and conferences and offer 8 retreat series and 16 keynotes. View descriptions HERE.

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While stirring spaghetti sauce one evening, Wren Robbins "heard" God say, "Wren, it's time to use your gifts to help other podcasters." She kept stirring the sauce. Spaghetti was served that night and four years later, Wren started her most recent podcast, Don't Wing It. She serves hundreds of Christian women who want to leverage their business and make their message from God heard for His glory and their good.

Hear more of Wren's story in today's broadcast, A Legacy of Using Your God-Given Gifts To The Full.

Wren believes:

• We need to be reminded that all good gifts are from God
• We need to surrender them fully to use them to the full
• We miss out when we don't—and so do those who need to hear our message
• We can ask ourselves 5 questions to determine if we need to begin podcasting or not (Hear that podcast HERE)

A podcast strategist and business coach, Wren loves helping business owners launch their podcasts with strategies for business growth with creative and easy-to-follow coaching.

Some important resources: 1. Don't Wing It Podcast: 5 Questions to Ask Yourself To Know If You Should Podcast: www.wrenrobbins.com/dontwingit/362. Link for Wren's Voxer Coaching: www.wrenrobbins.com/voxerPass this on to someone you know who may need to start living our their God-given gifts to the full (and may need to begin a podcast!)

Find Wren at WrenRobbinsCoaching

@wrenrobbinscoach

Is this your year to begin a podcast?

Wren Robbins can help—gifted, approachable and oh so encouraging as you could tell in our conversation together.

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Today is one of my favorite topics of all time: God's welcoming heart. It's why my website is called WelcomeHeart.com. I know most people use their names as in SueDonaldson.com and I know it's a good thing, but I've never wanted to switch.

Everything began with God's welcome. My job is to respond, or in this case, RSVP. We'll talk about that a little bit but leave most of that for next time.

Before there can be intimacy, there has to be a welcome and introduction into the relationship. We can call it that first encounter.

I talk about 3 encounters that are in direct contrast to the welcome of God. Our Father never gives us the cold shoulder (like my friend’s mom did originally) there is never a chill in the air when we step into His presence, and,

• God doesn’t have to put on a good appearance or fake His love for us
• God doesn’t grumble all the way to the door
• He is not a reluctant Host, irritated by the interruptions of His children
• We don’t catch Him by surprise
• He never forgets we’re invited

You might be wondering:

How do we know that God does have a welcoming heart?

And, how are we responding to His invitation?

And don't forget this:

Do we reflect God’s welcoming heart to those around us?

That's one reason I'm passionate about doing hospitality. He invited first. We just pass along the invitation.

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When asked what he means by "fresh faith", author, podcaster, and radio ministry missionary, Jon Fugler, tells the story of how as an former athlete, it was too easy to transfer his quest for performance from sports over into being the "right kind of Christian doing all the right things." He felt empty no matter how he tried. Fresh faith was the result of a realization that Jesus Himself needs to be our main focus and how easy it is to "over shoot" Jesus while at the same time, trying to serve Him.

You will be blessed! Jon is giving away one of his books this week: 30 Days to Incredible Prayer.

What a great way to start off the new year.

Leave a comment to be entered.

Jon and Noonie are parents of three adult children and enjoy nine grandchildren. He has been writing for Christian audiencesfor 40 years, sharing simple truths that have had a profound impact on the lives of believers. He has had an influential career spanning Christian broadcasting, publishing andmissions. God has given him a passion to take the gospel to the least reached and unengaged around the world.

Jon is the author of nine books, including the devotional series, Your Life With God. He is the Founder of FRESH FAITH 24/7,where believers desperately seek Jesus.

GET "FRESH BREAD"DELIVERED 3X A WEEK. A 60-second devotional read from Jon Fugler.YOU'LL ALSO RECEIVE THE "21-DAY FRESH FAITH EXPERIENCE"

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"To live like a 'victory girl' is an ongoing process of choosing to obey God at every crossroad," says Amy Elaine Martinez, writer, speaker and former radio host. "I was about to make the worst mistake of my life," she goes on, "when I heard God's voice say, 'This is why I died for you—choose Me.'" And she did and it made all the difference.

I love Amy Elaine's legacy of providing a gathering place at her table where friends and family simply show up as is—no rules, no prerequisites—just loved and welcomed.

Author of Becoming a Victory Girl: Staking Your Claim in the Kingdom, Amy Elaine understands we are in process and that victory comes from getting to the end our ourselves.

GIVEAWAY this week. Amy Elaine is giving away two copies of her book to one person: one to keep and one to share with a friend. Comment here or on social media to be entered.

Today on Living a Legacy Life:

• If I couldn't do everything perfectly, I wouldn't do anything at all!
• I was good at knowing God, but not very good at loving God.
• I didn't have what it took to change my life.
• Asking questions is the most loving thing we can do.

Amy Elaine Martinez is devoted to helping heart-shattered lives become whole again in Christ.She is a Victory Girl at heart who loves leading women to experience breakthrough and findfreedom through an intimate relationship with Jesus. She's an Okie who loves pecan pie, friedokra, and exploring the plains off historic Route 66 where she lives in a tiny barn with the love ofher life, David, and an Aussie named Maverick, who stole her heart after their two boys left toadventure out on their own.

Amy Elaine's blog, A Broken Girl Made Whole, inspires women to walk in wholeness and live in victorythrough the transforming power of Holy Spirit.

Becoming a Victory Girl: Staking Your Claim in The Kingdom is available on Amazon or bycontacting Amy Elaine directly via email: amyelaine@amyelaine.comConnect with Amy Elaine on IG and FB at amyelainewrites or visit her website atamyelaine.com

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At eight, I knew I needed Jesus. The Good News Club lady said I would miss out on heaven if I didn’t get saved. I didn’t want hell, and Jesus offered an escape plan. That’s about all I remember about that day besides the cookies and punch and the stain on the carpet as I peeked while praying the sinner’s prayer. It was our house. I knew where the spots were. I had probably made them. I knew I was a sinner. I needed Jesus at eight.

I needed Jesus at eight, fifteen, twenty-four, thirty-five and at sixty-six (when this was first written) and now, of course, at 70; and all the years and months and moments in between. Neediness begets neediness, and as I surrender each day, I find it’s a glory-thing. God delights in our dependence.

Francis Roberts wrote these words of God’s invitation:

“Lay thyself upon My breast and lose thyself in Me."

Through all these years, I’ve needed Jesus and he’s celebrated my coming. He’s intended from the beginning that I find my rest in him, at any age and every stage. Surrendering daily. It’s a glory-thing.

Today is a testimony of small landmarks of faith when I've run to God rather than run away. And he's there waiting every single time.

Maybe you have similar landmarks you can point to: "Yes, I saw God reaching out to me here. And here. Oh, and here most of all." It does a faith good to recall and remember how we've been led, even when we go the long way around.

Do you have a life-verse? Here's mine, found "randomly" at 15:

If you've met Jesus (at any age!) and want to review the basics, I made this for you:

INVITED TO GOD’S TABLE: GROWING AS A NEW BELIEVER (MINI E- BOOK)______

Conversation Starters can make the difference in getting better acquainted with others. When we ask questions and listen to the answers, we show God's love.

Three different ways: Shop HERE

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Mitzi Neeley is no stranger to leaving a Christ-centered legacy. She began her blog, Peacefully Imperfect, in 2014 and has gone on to write and create many publications that put Christ at the center of her life. She and her "Sweet Man" as she calls her husband, have been married 41 years and she just recently half-retired from working for the Texas Board of Education. All proceeds from her books and ministry go to help girls further their education beyond high school, a non-profit called Girls Aloud.

Some Mitzi gems:

I'm not a drama-girl. I don't waste anytime on that.

I want people to see that no matter what, I'm relying on God.

Give what you can in a spirit of giving.

We got three gifts at Christmas to represent the three wise men--it was good practice to narrow things down!

Today we cover what traditions to do this Christmas that:* Reflect God's glory * Help our families focus on Jesus * Develop community, and * Display Christ to non-believers

Mitzi is giving away a copy of her brand new journal, Zizi's Kitchen.

Comment on blog, fb or instagram to be entered! And Merry Christmas!

Check out all of Mitzi's beautiful resources:ZiZi's Kitchen Magazine - https://amzn.to/3iwqV8I

ZiZi's Kitchen Cookbook (hardcover) - https://amzn.to/3H3qpJE

A Thankful Heart: 30 Days to the Grateful Life - https://amzn.to/3P0MIkX

Dwell in the Psalms - https://amzn.to/3VGxV11

JOY for Everyday Life - https://amzn.to/3Fj1lg8

ZiZi's Kitchen is on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zizis_kitchen_mitzi/ Confetti Cheese Ball Recipe—don't you love the Christmas tortilla chips addition?

Confetti Cheese Ball

Serves: 10 to 12 Prep: 15 minutes Chill: 30 minutes/2 hours

Ingredients:

2 (8 oz) cream cheese, softened

1 package/jar of dried beef, chopped

4 green onions, chopped with stems included

¼ tsp. garlic powder

½ tsp. Liquid Smoke

¼ tsp. Worcestershire sauce

2 handfuls corn/tortilla chips

Crackers to serve

Directions:

1. In a medium bowl, combine together the cream cheese, beef, onions, garlic powder, Liquid Smoke, and Worcestershire sauce.
2. Form in to a ball with your hands, put on a sheet of wax paper and refrigerate for about 30 minutes.
3. Crush corn/tortilla chips in a resealable bag. Place cheese ball in the bag of crushed chips and roll to coat or use your hands to help coat the cheese ball.
4. Place cheese ball on a decorative or festive plate and serve with a variety of crackers.

Zizi says: This delicious cheese ball is a staple at Thanksgiving and Christmas meals and we munch on it while finishing the main course for lunch. It’s super easy to make and put together. If I’m on a tight schedule I’ve been known to chill it in the freezer before rolling in the chip coating and then it can chill in the fridge for a couple of hours before serving. It can be rolled in regular tortilla chips for everyday gatherings, but the red/green add so much color for the holiday season--hence the name confetti cheese ball.

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Lisa awoke to her husband's ragged breathing. She called 911 and after the medics had driven Dan, age 46, to the hospital, she told her kids, "I'm coming back. Just pray." Lisa says, "I couldn't tell them that Daddy was going to be alright because I couldn't promise that. I could promise I would be back."

Lisa, a mother of 7, became a young widow that day. From that experience, working through grief these last 10 years, Lisa wrote the book with the great title: Life Can Be Good Again and ministers to those who grieve in speaking, writing and conferences.

Maybe you or someone you know needs to hear Lisa's story of hope and faith. Contact her at lisaappelo.com

Leave a comment to enter the giveaway for her book:

When asked, "What's the greatest commandment?" Jesus replied simply: "Love God, love your neighbor." I imagine He was thinking,"It's not rocket science" or "What's not to like?" or "It's not complicated."

He was right, it's not complicated.

I make it complicated. I need to pray daily to uncomplicate what He says is best for me and best for others. So I wrote 31 Days of Uncomplicated Prayers, and once I pray them through, I start over again.

You can too.

Sign up HERE to receive 31 Days of Uncomplicated Prayers to take the "complicated" out of the simple commands of Jesus. Love God. Love your neighbor. It's not complicated.

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Halee Wood is a coach, Bible Teacher, mentor and founder of RuntheRaceTogether.com. She knows the power, blessing and necessity of a living alongside others in strong, authentic community.

Hear her story of healing today and how God uses her experiences to help others along the way. Having been brought up impoverished and abused, early on she decided on two things:

1. to never get too close to anyone and,

2. to never disappoint

—until she could no longer live under that kind of pressure.

Jesus set her free in her 20's, but not until much later in her story did she understand the value of walking through her pain and loss alongside godly mentors. Now she and her husband provide couple's counseling and as well as life and relationship coaching.

Halee and her beau, Ron, have been married for 19 years, and, in addition to 2 children in heaven, they have 2 boys at home (9 and 15). Daily she strives to spread this truth - each of us are worthy of and designed for intimate relationship with God and with each other.

As a Certified Life and Relationship Coach (CLC/CRC), mentor, Bible teacher, inspirational speaker, and writer, Halee, along with her husband (Licensed Professional Counselor), own and operate “Run the Race Together.” They work independently with clients and work together serving couples - a dream come true for each of them! Connect with Halee through her website (www.RunTheRaceTogether.com) or by email, Halee@RunTheRaceTogether.com

A few fun facts:

• I am a former Chemical Engineer turned Certified Life & Relationship Coach (CLC/CRC). (Weird, right? I worked more than 15 years in the oil industry) I also serve on the preaching team at Highland Park Christian Church in Tulsa, OK
• Besides Jesus and family, things I really enjoy are storytelling (a trait I inherited from my father), good belly-laughs, and going for long runs.
• I am quite a talker and was diagnosed with ADHD late in life... totally made sense to me (and most everyone around me)!
• I seriously love Jesus and can't believe He has somehow turned my brokenness (loss and trauma) into something beautiful and beneficial.

Halle put together a free resource for you called:

"Generational Togetherness"—

Thank you so much for listening in as Sue Donaldson and I discussed "we vs me" as we run this race called "life"! This journey can be so challenging, so I'd like to share with you a 5-day devotional series called "Generational Togetherness" to encourage and inspire you with all the beauty that comes with inter-generational oneness and relationships.

Halee can be found here:

1. FB Page : @runtheracetogether
2. FB Free, Private Group: The Simple Marriage
3. Website: www.RunTheRaceTogether.com

Yay! A recipe from Halee—perfect for Thanksgiving breakfast.

Aunt Peggy’s Banana Bread

3 overly ripe bananas (smashed)

1 c Sugar

1- 1/3 c Flour

1 tsp Vanilla

1 tsp Baking Soda

¼ tsp Salt

2 eggs (beat lightly)

½ c Vegetable oil

½ c Walnuts (optional)

Put all ingredients into a large bowl and stir until mixed well. Transfer to a bread pan, and bake in a preheated oven at 350F for 55 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean! Voilà!

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Music changed Steve Moore's life, and began a long life of living a legacy life for God and by God.

Steve is one of my favorites and will soon become one of yours as well. His legacy is wide-sweeping and God-centered and includes the wonderful gift of music, playing and making music.

Steve says you are never too young or too old to begin playing a muscial intrument. Here's your opportunity to begin or to continue something you may have set aside due to "life" and others' needs.

Trivia: the Japanese word kyotsugo = "universal language."

He's offering three different winners a 20-minute zoom music lesson--leave comment to be entered!

Steve's "music room"--

Steve says you are never too young or too old to begin playing a muscial intrument. Here's your opportunity to win. He's offering three different winners a 20-minute zoom music lesson--leave comment to be entered!

Here we are at Disneyland, the happiest place on earth especially with my siblings and the Man-in-Plaid.

Steve's bio:

Steven Douglas Moore "Steve" (76), married 56 years (6/11/66) to Karen Lou (Colby) Moore (76) Three daughters, one son (in heaven) 11 grandchildren 5 great grandchildren Public School Teacher grades 4-8 (13 years) classroom (all subjects) and music and band teacher Christian School Teacher grade 4/5 (1 year) Church ministry: Youth Pastor, Children's pastor, Music Pastor, Associate Pastor, Senior Pastor (35 years) Private Music teacher (6 years) Instruments taught; guitar, ukulele, piano, harmonica, banjo, bass, saxophone Lessons offered now: $40 for 30 minute lesson Since retiring from full time pastorate I have served in the church as an assistant pastor and worship pastor (6 years, continuing now) We mention his "pep talk" he gives to all new students, as any age. Click here to read.

Steve is offering three different winners a 20-minute zoom lesson in the instrument of your choice below--leave comment to be entered in drawing:

Piano Guitar Ukulele 5 String Banjo Harmonica Music Theory (a concentrated tutorial to aid songwriting and leading)

Steve currently has openings for regular music students on zoom or in person if you live in Arkansas! Email him for prices and times available: papasteve@gmail.com

He plays all sizes of harmonicas and writes poetry. THIS IS THE LIFE I HAVE LONGED FOR by Papa Steve 3/25/12

This is the life I have longed for

For a long, a very long time:

To teach little children my music

While youthful and still in their prime.

But I will take any for students

Who’ll seek to discover this treasure,

And follow me in my life’s motto:

“No fear – lots of fun – for HIS pleasure!”

Strumming and humming and singing

My songs and tunes and rhymes.

The worst I can say about it

Is that this is my best of times!

I’ve worked hard all of my life

As a teacher and preacher and friend;

But what I did in the beginning

Is how I now want it to end:

To make my own kind of music,

Teaching others to make their own, too.

Since Jesus blest me with this favor,

I’ll pass on the favor to you.

This is the life I have longed for

Since my earliest mem’ries and days:

To revel in music – then share it,

And send up to heaven my praise!

He is a hootenanny and a half!

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I love the holidays and I love family. And mostly, I love them at the same time!

These 5 tips help me not only survive hosting family at the holidays, but actually enjoy it. As believers, we have God as our greatest peace and resource for joy. He's in our details and sometimes we need to do some planning to make things run more smoothly so that we can focus on what matters: Jesus and our people.

1. Life is easier if I my “To-Do” list is shortened by half on the same day Uncle Tom, Dick and Harry arrive at the door needing coffee and a muffin.
2. You may not need a “hosting planner” but you do need a planning system, if only using paper and a pencil with an eraser.
3. A practical way to create gracious boundaries is to limit the number of traditions.
4. The most important part of preparations is preparing my heart.
5. Asking questions and listening to the answers may not be what you think of when preparing to host family, but it can be our biggest act of love and service.
6. As much as I want to be all things to all people, I’m wise to know my limits and, when necessary, let others know.

Here are 5 tips we will cover in today's podcast:

• MAKE A PLAN
• MAKE BOUNDARIES
• MAKE PREPARATIONS
• MAKE IT FUN
• MAKE IT MEANINGFUL

God is concerned with what concerns you. He’s in the details and will help us all along the way.

Commit your work to the Lord,and your plans will be established. Proverbs 16:3

It's not too late to make your own Pilgrim Scavenger Hunt. This will help.

Conversation Starters on SHOP

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Today, the darling and wise, Laura Padgett, an award-winning author, dancer, and fairly new podcaster—she began her podcast, Livin' What You're Givin' on her 70th birthday—speaks of the gifts of age, the necessity of inclusion, and enduring-through-dance her life with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Laura looks out for those who may be new to the church, inviting those to the choir who may not know they were "allowed to sing." Her mission is to show and tell the world that aging isn't a disease; rather, we look for more and maybe different ways to serve our Saviour with the varying gifts each season and stage we meet along the way.

Some Laura gems:

Jesus plus nothing; there is no Jesus, plus.

I start each day with, "Wow! Thank You!"

Start looking at what you have instead of what's been taken.

I'm not going to put other people's stuff on my credit card.

Art lives in the heart, not the hands and feet. (That's why anyone can dance!)

Laura wrote a book about her mentor entitles, Delores, Like a River and she's giving a copy away this week. Leave a comment below or on instagram to be entered.

About her book:

The story of an extraordinary relationship between two women who would have been unlikely companions if not for the plans of the Almighty in bringing them together. As you follow the narrative of their thirty-five-year relationship, it may change the way you see beauty and purpose in aging. And it may convince you of or reinforce your belief in the God who spares no effort when reaching out to the broken and lost.

Laura is Italian and I love it that she shares a part of her kitchen heritage with Papa Cavalla's Recipe for Spaghetti Sauce:

This is a recipe my father, Albert Carvallo, (Papa) learned from his Sicilian mother. He was first generation Italian and the only one of ten children born on American soil. This like many other recipes brought from Italy, was handed down to his daughters in his distinctive way of teaching the culinary secrets of our homeland. Please know the exact measurements are not known but for the purposes of this offering, I have tried to be as accurate as possible. Mostly we just always knew that the recipe was right by the taste.

Ingredients

2 large cans (28 oz) whole tomatoes in juice

2 large cans (15 oz) of tomato sauce

1 can (6 oz) tomato paste

4 large pork spare ribs, lean

½ pound ground mild Italian sausage

2 teaspoons each dried oregano and dried basil

5 cloves garlic

In large sauce pan, in 1 inch of water and 3 cloves of garlic, chopped but not diced into small pieces, braise the pork ribs until done over low heat. Remove to cutting board and let cool. You may need to keep adding water so the ribs do not stick and the garlic does not burn. While pork is cooking place the tomatoes with juice, sauce and paste into a large bowl and mash together with a potato masher and 1 teaspoon each basil and oregano. You can used canned crushed tomatoes but they usually do not have as much juice.

Once pork is cool, cut it off the bone into bite size pieces and return to pan having removed any excess water from the pan. Add the tomato mixture and bring to a simmer. Allow mixture to simmer on medium to low heat covered for three hours. Turn off heat but keep covered and leave on stove top for one hour.

Braise Italian sausage in same manner as ribs, drain and cool. Put into the tomato mixture and cook for another three hours. Add remaining chopped garlic and spices. Return mixture to slow simmer for another three hours. Turn off heat, let cool on stove and either serve over pasta of choice or refrigerate for use the next day over pasta of choice.

*Note: You may want to had a bit more seasoning prior to refrigeration or ½ hour prior to serving, while sauce is still simmering. Also, this recipe can be used with chicken if pork is not a meat that is desired. Follow all other directions as listed above.

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When asked, "What's the greatest commandment?" Jesus replied simply: "Love God, love your neighbor." I imagine He was thinking,"It's not rocket science" or "What's not to like?" or "It's not complicated."

He was right, it's not complicated.

I make it complicated. I need to pray daily to uncomplicate what He says is best for me and best for others. So I wrote 31 Days of Uncomplicated Prayers, and once I pray them through, I start over again.

You can too.

Sign up HERE to receive 31 Days of Uncomplicated Prayers to take the "complicated" out of the simple commands of Jesus. Love God. Love your neighbor. It's not complicated.

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We don't all have to remodel our dining rooms just because we host 60 people every Monday night for dinner, but that's exactly what Tim and Allie Cleath set out to do when the guest list got bigger and bigger. Hear their story today of "radical hospitality." Try out Allie's biscuit recipe and invite someone over.

I love Allie Cleath's and her gracious giving heart for others. I reminded her recently of the time she handed me a pot roast in a plastic bag. “See?” she said, “I don’t do fancy. I just cook and give because of all God’s given me.” I was grateful that night so many years ago, and many are grateful every Monday night.

If you’re ever in San Luis Obispo, give me a call and we’ll head on over to the Cleath’s. We may need to wash dishes or fold up some chairs, but we’ll be blessed with radical hospitality for the glory of God

Allie’s Homemade Biscuits

Stir together:

2 cups flour

½ t. salt

¼ t. baking soda

2 ½ t. baking powder

Mix in with a fork:

1/4 c. shortening

Add:

3/4 c. buttermilk

Stir then knead 10 – 12 times on floured surface. Roll out to ½ inch thickness. Cut with biscuit cutter. Bake 450 degrees for 10-12 minutes or until puffed and golden.

_______

Free eBook

• What’s your #1 tip for making the holidays less stressful? How do you practice self-care during the holidays?
• How do you get your family members & other helping hands more involved in holiday preparations?
• What’s your #1 tip for saving money during the holidays (whether on gifts, food, decorations, or other things)?

Free eBook for Happier Holidays (:

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Mom of five, writer, speaker, spiritual director, Anjuli Pasquall, knew how it felt to always be running after a more-and a later-on and someday-I'll-catch-up kind of life and she knew it wasn't how God wanted life to be— for her, for anyone. She began a quest to find out what it meant to live fully awake—to God's presence, to love, to connection. And she wrote a gem of a book about it.

Leave a comment here or on social media to be entered to win your own copy of AWAKE: Paying Attention to What Mattters Most in a World That's Pulling You Apart

"From a young age, I trusted God. I knew He loved me in my head, but there was a disconnect because I didn’t believe He loved me in my heart. I knew a lot of the right answers, but deep down I was a disaster." -Anjuli

Learn more about Anjuli HERE, and her soul-care course HERE.

We chat about her fabulous "club" that supports moms who need more than the average support. Check it out:

"I founded “The Moms We Love Club.” It is a social media campaign. We raise money and prayers for moms enduring long term hardship. Over the past two years we’ve raised over $200, 000 just by posting a picture. Join the club!"

Follow Anjuli on instagram @lovealways.anjuli

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I taught high school with the wonderful and exuberant pastor, teacher Cal Samuels back in the day, and today he continues to teach, disciple and pour into young people with his whole heart and soul. A fellow Marine who had been saved a whole 5 days took it upon himself to read the verse, John 3:16 to Cal after a night on the town, and at that moment he believed and began a life steeped into and led by the Word of God. His legacy is one we all want to live. Enjoy my friend, Cal, who daily desires to imitate his Master, Jesus Christ in the 3 C's and teach, show and "let them go", growing deeper in faith and strength.

Cal, in his own words:

l was born in Fredericksburg, VA, the youngest of four kids. Growing up in a small town was absolutely wonderful. I spent four years in the Marines right after high school and became a Christian in the Marines while stationed in Japan in 1970. After getting out of the Marines in 1971, I stayed in California to work with The Navigators in a lay capacity doing military and collegiate ministries. I married Pam while I was still in college, and later earned a Bachelors in English from Cal State Fullerton. After graduation I taught at Whittier Christian High School for three years. We moved to San Diego and I taught three years at Christian High in El Cajon. Pam also was a teacher in the public schools.I left teaching and went to work in the corporate world as a training administrator and Human Resources manager.When I was 45 the Lord called me into ministry, so I stopped working and went to seminary to earn a Master of Divinity degree.

I pastored in San Diego and later relocated to Temecula to pastor Filipino-American churches. I retired and served at our church doing discipleship and men's ministry for five years. I had some friends who taught at Linfield Chritian High School and they encouraged me to do substitute teaching.I started subbing in September 2018, and after two weeks one of the Bible teachers suddenly moved to Texas. The school offered me the position, and I am finishing up my fourth year there. Linfield has been thrilling!

Pam and I have been married 46 years. We have three sons and three grandchildren. Our youngest son went to be with the Lord two years ago.

You can follow Cal on Facebook where he continues to teach and disciple through posts and commentary.

His heart's desire on a daily basis is to commit himself to the words in Isaiah 58:10 and 11—

AND IF YOU OFFER YOURSELF TO THE HUNGRY

AND SATISFY THE NEED OF THE AFFLICTED,

THEN YOUR LIGHT WILL RISE IN DARKNESS,

AND YOUR GLOOM WILL BECOME LIKE MIDDAY.

AND THE LORD WILL CONTINUALLY GUIDE YOU,

AND SATISFY YOUR DESIRE IN SCORCHED PLACES,

AND GIVE STRENGTH TO YOUR BONES;

AND YOU WILL BE LIKE A WATERED GARDEN,

AND LIKE A SPRING OF WATER WHOSE WATERS DO NOT FAIL.

Isaiah 58:10,11

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When asked, "What's the greatest commandment?" Jesus replied simply: "Love God, love your neighbor." I imagine He was thinking,"It's not rocket science" or "What's not to like?" or "It's not complicated."

He was right, it's not complicated.

I make it complicated. I need to pray daily to uncomplicate what He says is best for me and best for others. So I wrote 31 Days of Uncomplicated Prayers, and once I pray them through, I start over again.

You can too.

Sign up HERE to receive 31 Days of Uncomplicated Prayers to take the "complicated" out of the simple commands of Jesus. Love God. Love your neighbor. It's not complicated.

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Writer, thinker, self-named "chronic doubter", Lore Wilbert talks today about how asking questions are not only welcomed by God, but often essential to our journey of faith. Whether you are a staunch believer, never doubting, or more in a messy faith situation right now, you will find comfort, grace—even some answers to your questions—in our podcast conversation today.

Lore Ferguson Wilbert is a writer, thinker, learner, and author of the book, Handle With Care. She writes for She Reads Truth, Christianity Today, and more, as well as her own site, Sayable.net,as well as at LoreWilbert.com. You can find her on Twitter and Instagram @lorewilbert. She lives in New York and has a husband named Nate, a puppy named Harper Nelle, and too many books to read in one lifetime. Her wonderful new book is A CURIOUS FAITH: The Questions God Asks, We Ask, and We Wish Someone Would Ask Us.

I love her latest book, A CURIOUS FAITH: The Questions God Asks, We Ask, and We Wish Someone Would Ask Us. I thought I'd get this book for some friends, but the more I read it, I knew it was meant for me. Funny how the Lord does that. (My friends will still get a copy and you should, too.)

Lore says this about herself:

My life is small and simple. Grace is the marked measure of all things in me. God is the ultimate Creator and He’s crafted all things for His glory and my good. I learn this, albeit slowly at times.

I am a Christian for whom doubt has been a near constant thread. I am not funny or vivacious or the life of the party. I am the one who hangs out on the margins, the one who sounds slightly, maybe impressive until you meet me, the one people don’t recognize when they see me. And it has taken me nearly 40 years to finally be okay with that.

I have lived in ten states. Nowhere is quite home. The writer of Hebrews quotes the Lord as saying, “They’ll never get where they’re going, never able to sit down and rest.” A favorite author, Wendell Berry, says in one poem, “We must arrive at the ground beneath our feet,” and in another, “at peace, and in place.” I have done neither, not completely. I am perpetually homesick and I wonder if God did that to me on purpose, so I would never feel too much at home on this earth.

Some gems from Lore:

• The Gospel is much more accessible and simple than we could ever imagine, and much more complex and majestic than we could ever imagine.
• One of the most difficult parts of faith is getting honest about what we really want from God.
• God is not interested in followers with all the right answers or even the right questions. He wants us to ask the quesitons, whatever we want, to lead us right to the locus of his love.
• The Bible is a permission slip from God to ask questions.
• Living my questions led me to more surety and stability.

You will love hearing Lore's legacy.

Enjoy and if you have questions? I'd love to hear them: sue@welcomeheart.com

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Becky Keife, wife and mom of 3 boys, talks today of her parenting struggles that led to writing her first book: No Better Mom for the Job: Parenting with Confidence, as well as her encouragement to people in all seasons of life that we have a God-given purpose: to display God's loving kindness whenever we get the opportunity. She speaks candidly of her own struggle with anxiety and depression, claiming that admitting and naming our struggles is the first step in coping and healing.

We're thrilled to be offering two giveaways this week—so be sure to comment here or on Instagram to be entered.

Becky's latest books: The Simple Difference: How Every Small Kindness Makes a Big Difference and her companion Bible Study: Courageous Kindness: Live the Simple Difference Right Where You Are.

Author, speaker, Becky Keife is the Community Manager for DaySpring’s (in)courage, a widely followed online community where authentic women link arms to build community, celebrate diversity, and live courageously for Jesus.

Know a mom who needs encouragment?

Becky wants you to have the first two chapters of her new book, The Simple Difference: How Every Small Kindness Makes a Big Impact for FREE. Download it here: bethesimpledifference.com.

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When asked, "What's the greatest commandment?" Jesus replied simply: "Love God, love your neighbor." I imagine He was thinking,"It's not rocket science" or "What's not to like?" or "It's not complicated."

He was right, it's not complicated.

I make it complicated. I need to pray daily to uncomplicate what He says is best for me and best for others. So I wrote 31 Days of Uncomplicated Prayers, and once I pray them through, I start over again.

You can too.

Sign up HERE to receive 31 Days of Uncomplicated Prayers to take the "complicated" out of the simple commands of Jesus. Love God. Love your neighbor. It's not complicated.

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Jen Pollock Michele's legacy is about faith and the object of her faith; to stay close enough to Jesus— connected as a matter of habit—so that she knows His voice and obeys what she hears. Michele writes on faith in all her books and articles and the one we talk about today, A Habit of Faith--40 Days in the Bible to Find and Follow Jesus—is written for skeptics, seekers as well as old-timers like myself. She's offering a copy as a giveaway all week-long, so be sure to leave a comment to be entered by Sunday night. It's a Bible-reading experience for the convinced and the curious, in other words, everybody will benefit.

I LOVED THIS BOOK!

And, see where you can begin this habit journey on her website: A 5-Day Jumpstart to Your Habit Called Faith.

About Jen in her own words:

I’ve loved stories since childhood: the intrigue of my dad’s boyhood adventures with his dog, Chief; the friendship of books when I was—yet again—the new kid in town. I followed stories into university, then graduate school where I studied literature. After I became a mom, I passed years with my children, crowded around picture books and reading good stories.

As a Christian, it’s always been the stories of Scripture that have interested me most. In the Bible, we come to discover that the events of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection are the climax of God’s story. Though many turn to the Bible exclusively for instructions about what to believe and how to behave, I’ve come to think that it offers us something even more expansive and beautiful and imaginative.

Jen the author of four books: A Habit Called Faith, Surprised by Paradox (winner of Christianity Today’s 2020 Award of Merit for Beautiful Orthodoxy), Keeping Place, and Teach Us to Want (winner of Christianity Today’s 2015 Book of the Year). She's currently living in Ohio with her husband and their five children.

Some gems to contemplate while you figure out if today you'll begin your 40 days of reading, listening, talking to the God who is in pursuit of you:

• If sin has to do with habits of autonomy, faith has to do with habits of dependence.
• When meeting with God, have a plan so you don't need to "start again" each time you meet.
• At God's initiative, he has made his home in us, and invites us to make our home in and with him.

Jen's new book releases Decemeber in time for Christmas! But you can pre-order now:

In Good Time: 8 Habits for Reimagining Productivity, Resisting Hurry, and Practicing Peace Whether we're trying to find time, save it, manage it, or make the most of it, one word defines our relationship with the clock: anxiety. Yet is productivity really the only grid for the good life? Have you ever imagined a life without hurry, relentless work, multitasking, or scarcity? A life that is characterized instead by presence, attention, rest, rootedness, fruitfulness, and generosity?

This is the kind of life we are meant for, says Jen Pollock Michel. But if we want to experience freedom from time anxiety, we have to reimagine our relationship with time itself.

In the pages of In Good Time, she invites you to disentangle your priorities from our modern assumptions and instead ground them in God's time. Then she shows you how to establish 8 life-giving habits that will release you from the false religion of productivity so you can develop a grounded, healthy, life-giving relationship with the clock.

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When asked, "What's the greatest commandment?" Jesus replied simply: "Love God, love your neighbor." I imagine He was thinking,"It's not rocket science" or "What's not to like?" or "It's not complicated."

He was right, it's not complicated.

I make it complicated. I need to pray daily to uncomplicate what He says is best for me and best for others. So I wrote 31 Days of Uncomplicated Prayers, and once I pray them through, I start over again.

You can too.

Sign up HERE to receive 31 Days of Uncomplicated Prayers to take the "complicated" out of the simple commands of Jesus. Love God. Love your neighbor. It's not complicated.

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Jolene Underwood, MA, is a trauma and abuse informed mental health counselor as well as a spiritual and emotional growth coach. She believes a cultivated life is one that experiences more of God and more of the life we've been given by God.

Jolene helps individuals cultivate the courage, character, and connection they need to live as the person they're designed to be.

She's offering a one-page printable to all our listeners today to help us dig deeper into Scripture in a unique way. To download, click here: "Cultivate Connection with God."

Jolene's personal journey towards emotional health, and training in Christian counseling, inform the practical support she provides for spiritual growth and emotional healing. Her tool, Unleash : Heart and Soul Care Sheets, has helped hundreds experience greater freedom and grow closer to God. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her enjoying the journey by laughing with loved ones or adding to her collection of vintage glassware with a 70s flair (see part of her collection on YouTube!)

Want more? Consider Unleash: Heart & Soul Care Sheets for a deeper connection by processing life’s challenges with God and learning to hear His voice in your life. A great gift for yourself and for a friend.

Connect with her online via YouTube/Facebook/Twitter/Instagram/Pinterest at @theJoleneU or via the Cultivated Life Newsletter.

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When asked, "What's the greatest commandment?" Jesus replied simply: "Love God, love your neighbor." I imagine He was thinking,"It's not rocket science" or "What's not to like?" or "It's not complicated."

He was right, it's not complicated.

I make it complicated. I need to pray daily to uncomplicate what He says is best for me and best for others. So I wrote 31 Days of Uncomplicated Prayers, and once I pray them through, I start over again.

You can too.

Sign up HERE to receive 31 Days of Uncomplicated Prayers to take the "complicated" out of the simple commands of Jesus. Love God. Love your neighbor. It's not complicated.

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Today we celebrate Ep 150 by turning our hearts and minds to our great Savior, Lord and King with "31 Days of Uncomplicated Prayers." They are brief—brief holds my attention—I don't think it's my age, but it could be. And anytime I attend to my relationship with God, He pays attention.

God is so very good. He created us to relate with us, and praying is a great way to keep our relationship fresh and strong even when we don't feel fresh or strong.

If you'd like a prayer to drop in your inbox every day for 31 days, sign up here.

My relationship with God isn’t complicated. He makes things simple: “Love Me, Sue. That’s it. And, your neighbor. That’s all.”

He’s clear, even gentle, as He bids me follow and obey. I’m the one who makes it complicated.

Hear "31 Days of Uncomplicated Prayers" on today's podcast episode. These simple prayers will help you love God more and your neighbors well.

Some excerpts:

• Father, I’m always trying to figure out what’s next. This constant striving to know what’s around the corner shows I have trust issues. With You.
• Lord, when I’m about to say something that isn’t really a good idea, please (please) keep these lips closed. Use duct tape, if necessary.
• Dear Father, is it wrong to pray for something I want, but may not need? Like, a housekeeper?
• Father, it’s totally beyond me how this problem I’m facing is going to get sorted out. I’ve run out of ideas. I’m pretty smart, but You’re wise. And, Your ideas are much bigger than mine. Why does that continue to surprise me?

When asked, "What's the greatest commandment?" Jesus replied simply: "Love God, love your neighbor." I imagine He was thinking,"It's not rocket science" or "What's not to like?" or "It's not complicated."

He was right, it's not complicated.

I make it complicated. I need to pray daily to uncomplicate what He says is best for me and best for others. That's why I wrote 31 Days of Uncomplicated Prayers, and once I pray them through, I start over again.

You can too.

Sign up HERE to receive 31 Days of Uncomplicated Prayers to take the "complicated" out of the simple commands of Jesus. Love God. Love your neighbor. It's not complicated.

Prayer Journal available in SHOP.

If interested in viewing the prayer journal that includes all 31 prayers, view in SHOP.

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Author, speaker, co-founder of HopeWriters.com, entrepreneur and marketing mentor, Brian Dixon speaks today on how he is living out his legacy, for his three kids and the next generation.

As Brian says, “We are only stewards of our message, not owners.”

I want to be a good steward of all God’s given me. Brian helps me figure out what that looks like. Get a pen. You’ll want to take notes.

As a coach, author and marketing mentor, Brian's biggest message is that God has called us to live boldly, adhere to Scripture, know God and make Him known—and not in a shy way. Check out his book, Start With Your People: The Daily Decision That Changes Everything.

Read more about Brian's journey and how he could serve you and your business well at briandixon.com.

Brian offers a free 15-minute coaching call. Sign up on his website. Get a pen. Take notes.

Some gems:

• What's simple to you is magic to others.
• When people pay, they pay attention.
• I want to be called a son of encouragement and live boldly bathed in God's Word.

How to invest in what matters beyond ourselves. We have one life – let’s make the most of it for God, others, and eternity. Subscribe to Living a Legacy Life: Choose one of these popular free listening services, and subscribe there:

OR Subscribe to Welcome Heart’s weekly email newsletter, blog updates, and podcast notes, here!

Need to increase your gathering skills? Try out one of my 25 Theme Gathering Ideas. Use one or several or use the list to launch your own creative spin. The point is people. Ask God. He knows and loves and cares.

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When we wake up each morning, do we actually think that what we do can change to world in some way? Most of us are grateful to change the sheets on a regular basis, clean the coffee pot with vinegar a few times a year, and water the plants when they show signs of an early death.

Yet, as followers of Jesus, we are not only called to an eternal purpose, to love God and our neighbor, we also get the privilege of partnering with the Son of God to change lives—one life, perhaps—all for His glory and our good and theirs.

Does that sound too hard? Too overwhelming? Too exhausting? It can to me, until I remember how Jesus spoke to many individuals, not only crowds of 5,000 and more. And He met needs one-on-one, as well as breaking bread and fish for hungry men and women and their kids on a mountain more than once.

I've learned that inviting one person for a cup of coffee can change their world, one which seems frightening, one where they feel isolated when faced with difficulty, divorce, and desperate circumstances. God loves people, and He wants to use our tables and teapots to show people that He does.

Your cup—coffee or tea, soup or water—can be an introduction to God that they've been looking for their whole lives. As my new sweatshirt reads, "My real home is heaven. I'm just here recruiting." (I don't usually wear that on a first time meet-up.)

Here are three stories of how God changed lives through a simple invitation. Maybe you've been the recipient of an invitation that changed your life. I'd love to hear about it.

I'd also like to hear if you invite someone over and would like me to pray alongside. Email me: sue@welcomeheart.com. We're partners, after all.

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Chris Martin wrote a book on social media, not to scare us—okay, scare us a little—but to make us ask this question: "Do we use social media or are we being used by it?" His book, Terms of Service: The Real Cost of Social Media out in February asks this question and many more that we need to ask and answer.

Chris, husband and father of a two-year-old Magnolia, formally with Lifeway marketing, now works as content editor of Moody Publishing. He wrote Terms of Service to educate us as to how we can continue to use it for good without begin trapped in its manipulative clutches, while enjoying the benefits of something in our culture that is not going away.

His legacy is delightful--listen to the end. You will be encouraged, I guarantee.

• Am I finding my worth in the number of my Facebook likes?
• The more Facebook flourishes as a force in social media, the less that people flourish.
• Will we allow Social Media more power than it deserves—like allowing it to define our worth, something that has been settled by God and His pursuit of us?
• Will we use Social Media for good instead of it using us?

Chris mentions a great resource--ask your questions about faith here: BibletoLife.com You may not have a question, but a friend or family member does so pass it along!

Find Chris Martin here:

• Book
• Newsletter
• Twitter

Chris Martin is a content marketing editor at Moody Publishers and a social media, marketing, and communications consultant. He writes regularly in his newsletter, Terms of Service and is the author of his new book, Terms of Service, published by B&H Publishing.

How to invest in what matters beyond ourselves. We have one life – let’s make the most of it for God, others, and eternity.

Subscribe to Living a Legacy Life: Download app: Welcome Heart Legacy or Choose one of these popular free listening services, and subscribe there:

OR Subscribe to Welcome Heart’s weekly email newsletter, blog updates, and podcast notes, here!

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With our backs up against the doorframe, our shoulders arched, we stood tall while Dad placed a ruler across the top of our heads, scraped the pencil back and forth, and added the date. “Look at that,” he’d say, “You are officially taller than your sister (or brother or mom.) Clapping each other on the back, we congratulated ourselves for something we had nothing to do with, and asked for another piece of cake.

“Who’s tallest?” had more to do with DNA than if we took our vitamins (or ate more cake.) Growing happened to us, not because of us.

Pencil marks and dates faded with time and new paint. No longer did we measure. No longer did it matter. What does matter is my spiritual growth. It’s a goal worth pursuing.

God invites me to “walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called” (Ephesians 4:1). He had maturity in mind when He created us. God loves us as we are, but too much to let us stay there.

Can a ‘worthy’ life be measured with a pencil and a list? Not really. Some days the mark on the wall shows one thing but my life shows another. I wish all it took was a list. I know how to check things off. But I get discouraged when the same things end up back on the list

I still like to make lists but this is a different kind of list—a short list of three things to keep me on track for growth. I don’t mind that I never get to cross them off til Glory.

I don’t expect to reach a plateau and think: “I am now all grown up.” But keeping these three things in mind keeps me on the right track:

KEEP SHORT ACCOUNTS

KEEP A LONG MEMORY

KEEP A QUIET HABIT

Hear more on the podcast on how to keep on a spiritual growth track.

I refer to the God is Faithful party where we remember how God's been faithful in the past. Click HERE to get a list of all 25 Theme Gathering Ideas

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How to invest in what matters beyond ourselves. We have one life – let’s make the most of it for God, others, and eternity. Subscribe to Living a Legacy Life: Choose one of these popular free listening services, and subscribe there:

OR Subscribe to Welcome Heart’s weekly email newsletter, blog updates, and podcast notes, here!

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Amy is a speaker and writer for Proverbs 31 Ministries, the author of Exhale and Breaking Up with Perfect, and co-host of the Grit ‘n’ Grace podcast. She also serves other women who are called to speak through Next Step Coaching Services. She's been married to Barry for over 30 years and they have two grown sons and one daughter-in-love.

She wrote her first book out of a deep conviction that her perfectionism was ruining her relationships and God needed to do a work in her heart and the book did that for her. Perfectionism is a sin and a burden, and Amy is incredibly grateful for God's great love that covers all our sin and gently invites us to grow more like His son, Jesus.

Follow and find Amy's resources at amycarroll.org.

Amy's latest book is about one my favorite Bible characters, Esther:

Esther: Seeing Our Invisible God in an Uncertain World

What do you do when God seems to have vanished?

When you have a decision to make, when your stability is shaken, when your sure-fire plan fails—when everything is spinning out of control…

Esther is the perfect partner for seeing our invisible God in uncertainty.

This six-week, in-depth study of the book of Esther is a gritty dive into a woman’s story that teaches us to:

Listen to wise people who fill our gaps of understanding Embrace your feelings as a catalyst for God-directed action. Do the work God assigns you even when in doubt. Speak up with confidence, knowing that God has a place for your voice in His story.

This study guide includes biblical and historical background insights, Bible study, practical application, and questions for reflection.

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How to invest in what matters beyond ourselves. We have one life – let’s make the most of it for God, others, and eternity. Subscribe to Living a Legacy Life: Choose one of these popular free listening services, and subscribe there:

OR Subscribe to Welcome Heart’s weekly email newsletter, blog updates, and podcast notes, here!

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Today we talk loneliness vs solitude—a topic as painful as it is shameful. No one wants to admit (out loud) they may have difficulty making friends, keeping friends, feeling loved with a full dance card every Friday and Saturday night, and lunch date on Wednesday.

As one of the most extroverted people I know, I have still found myself lonely at times. I don’t like it. It’s a killing feeling. It’s different than solitude because it’s not by choice. And it sucks the joy out of life.

Look what Paul Tillich wrote:

"Language has created the word 'loneliness' to express the pain of being alone. And it has created the word 'solitude' to express the glory of being alone."

We all need some solitude, some of you more than others. That’s the good, the positive part about being alone.

We need solitude so we can make our lists, to evaluate our accomplishments, to pray for our families, to read a good book, to get re-energized, to be still know that God loves us and to remember that God is in control. Yes, we do.

Jesus modeled that for us: stealing away from the crowds and even from his 12 best friends to be alone with His Father.

But solitude is not the same kind of aloneness as loneliness.

Loneliness is negative, solitude is necessary.

Loneliness can hit you in a crowded courtyard after church or surrounded by family or in a marriage, even a good marriage.

Listen today to hear what we can do when feeling isolated and alone.

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When I host, it can be categorized as sanctified self-serving since sometimes I need company as much as the guests need to be my company.

If you're wondering how to get started, here are 25 Theme Gathering Ideas to get your creative juices running. Email me if you have any questions. I believe I've done them all.

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Speaker, author, social media expert, Tonya Kubo, joins me today to talk about how we can choose to heal, get help and do life differently from how we're raised. Although Tonya's story may be different than ours—her mom was a hoarder til the day she died—we all have a past filled with mistakes, ours and others', and we all can choose to accept God's lavish grace to help us move forward, and do things differently for the kingdom and for our families.

Tonya's business is marketing and social media, but it all comes down to connection. She says, "People are just people and human connection never goes out of style." She asks this great question in re: to how toxic social media can be: "How are to going to bring light to social media if you leave? You can't change things if you exit the conversation."

Tonya would love to share her "Family Blueprint" with you HERE. Learn how she and Brian have outlined what they want their family to be and how they use it as a guide to help them flourish as a couple as well as parents to their two young girls.

You can connect with Tonya on all the socials. Join her free facebook group: The Secret to Thriving Facebook Communities To learn more about her services, go to tonyakubo.com.

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When asked, "What's the greatest commandment?" Jesus replied simply: "Love God, love your neighbor." I imagine He was thinking,"It's not rocket science" or "What's not to like?" or "It's not complicated."

He was right, it's not complicated.

I make it complicated. I need to pray daily to uncomplicate what He says is best for me and best for others. So I wrote 31 Days of Uncomplicated Prayers, and once I pray them through, I start over again.

You can too.

Sign up HERE to receive 31 Days of Uncomplicated Prayers to take the "complicated" out of the simple commands of Jesus. Love God. Love your neighbor. It's not complicated.

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Lisa Lewis talks today about the need for growth and transformation and how using the Enneagram as a tool to help us change into a better likeness of Jesus. As the founder of Let Go, Lean In Podcast where Lisa focuses on women in leadership, she explains how knowing how God has wired us can help us get "un-stuck", get out from the comparison monster, and lean on Him to help us serve the many needs around us.

We talk about what makes the Enneagram unique as a personality tool, how we can bless others by knowing ourselves better, and why that can be a great part of our legacy.

Lisa was one of my early guests on Living a Legacy and, you can listen to our first conversations here where she describes the legacy she is currently living: Ep 24 "A Legacy of Connection and Ignoring the Naysayers in Your Head"

You may want to take advantage of a free first coaching opportunity, check it out here.

Lisa says:

• I’ve worked as a coach for 8 years.
• Prior to coaching I was an educator for 25 years.
• I’m also a wife, mom of two and now Mimi to three darling grand-littles
• I am an Enneagram 7 who loves learning about people and experiences fun in the outdoors; hiking, biking, and gardening are my three favorites.
• I’m also an avid reader and known to take a book outdoors, too.
• I’m committed to my own learning & transformation

Transformation takes investment of time and resources. You are worth it.

You can find Lisa and her resources here:

Letgoleaninpodcast

https://lisalewiscoaching.com

@lisa_lewis_coaching

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When asked, "What's the greatest commandment?" Jesus replied simply: "Love God, love your neighbor." I imagine He was thinking,"It's not rocket science" or "What's not to like?" or "It's not complicated."

He was right, it's not complicated.

I make it complicated. I need to pray daily to uncomplicate what He says is best for me and best for others. So I wrote 31 Days of Uncomplicated Prayers, and once I pray them through, I start over again.

You can too.

Sign up HERE to receive 31 Days of Uncomplicated Prayers to take the "complicated" out of the simple commands of Jesus. Love God. Love your neighbor. It's not complicated.

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I first heard Cynthia Heald speak over 30 years ago and she made a difference in my relationship with God then and still and again, every time I go through one of her Bible Studies. She's wise, humble, and biblical and knows what it means to be "in process"—that's why she entitled her first book: "Becoming a Woman of Excellence" and went on to write many more in that series, "Becoming a Woman of Freedom...Prayer...Faith, and Whose God is Enough." We continue to "become" all who God wants us to be while earnestly seeking to stay connected to Him.

Cynthia is still speaking to women today, and she wants to be known as a woman who loves God, loves His Word and keeps her hand in His.

You can find Cynthia at: cynthiaheald.com

Her books are listed here and here.

Cynthia shares what she prayed at age 40, and how God showed her in the night that He was stretching our His hand for her to hold, and that has made all the difference. A life continuing to be well-lived, Cynthia continues to mentor and speak so that we can all become women of excellence.

She's holding a giveaway this week - comment to be entered to win a copy of her first book, Becoming a Woman of Excellence!

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Do you ever feel like hospitality could be more than just food and fellowship? It can be, it's meant to be. Investing in people and the Word is an eternal investment. Doing hospitality is living a legacy life.

These ideas can help get you started.

Sign up here to receive: "25 Theme Gatherings: Parties With a Purpose!"

How to invest in what matters beyond ourselves. We have one life – let’s make the most of it for God, others, and eternity. Subscribe to Living a Legacy Life: Choose one of these popular free listening services, and subscribe there:

OR Subscribe to Welcome Heart’s weekly email newsletter, blog updates, and podcast notes, here!

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At 18, Ruthie Kim took a risk: she left her quiet village in the UK for the noisy city of San Francisco because she heard God tell her to go show His love to people on the streets. She admits now she had a ton to learn and one thing she learned from personal experience is this: when we take a risk and step out of our comfort zone, that's when we unlock our God-given potential. She now teaches and coaches others to do the same. She doesn't want to leave anything on the table; to not live out all that God's given her to serve alongside of Him for His kingdom

I love that kind of surrender. I want to do the same: "Lord, show me what I'm missing. All great gifts are from You. I want to open them all, even the risky ones. Amen."

WRITER / SPEAKER/ COACH / FOUNDER BECAUSE JUSTICE MATTERS Ruthie Kim is an executive coach, an ordained minister, and a member of the teaching team at Reality SF church. She is a prophetically gifted and sought-after speaker and a relentless advocate for women and girls.

Having grown up in the UK, Ruthie traded in the English countryside for the inner city of San Francisco, where she founded Because Justice Matters, an organization building pathways to brighter futures for women and girls in urban communities. Ruthie’s passion for unlocking potential led her into the world of executive coaching, where she now specializes in working with influential leaders at key moments of transition.

Ruthie loves taking her rescue pup Callie for walks on the beach and hunting for travel deals to satisfy her desire to explore and experience new places. Ruthie’s life and work are greatly inspired and enriched by being a wife to Brian and mom to two boys.

Click here for information on GOLDEN, Ruthie's women's retreat in Maui in September, 2022. Register by July 4 for lower priced tickets.

Ruthie is offering her pdf of "Living in Pursuit of God: 20 Practices from 20 Years" for every listener. Click here for your copy.

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One way to love people is through food. You may not love cooking. This is for you:

My Favorite Relaxing Recipes

They are simple. I only do simple. Enjoy and let me know if you make them. I like to say,

Make some, Eat some, Serve some, Freeze some

I also like to say,

Brownies are my love language.

How to invest in what matters beyond ourselves. We have one life – let’s make the most of it for God, others, and eternity. Subscribe: Choose one of these popular free listening services, and subscribe there:

OR Subscribe to Welcome Heart’s weekly email newsletter, blog updates, and podcast notes, here!

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Whatever the size and shape of my home, I want it to reflect Christ’s light and offer His peace. That can happen with dishes in the sink and laundry on the sofa.

If Jesus walked in my home today, I may caution, “Lord, mind Your step. I haven’t vacuumed recently.” I hope I could add, “Jesus, come this way—see this treasure? You gave it to me. Peace, love, joy, contentment, all from and for You. All because you built my extraordinary home.”

Do you have a verse for your home? This one is a good one.

“By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches” Proverbs 24:3 and 4. I miss out on God’s rare treasures of joy and delight, peace and daily wonders because of my clutter of:

• self-pity
• over-indulgence
• self-righteousness
• entitlement
• laziness
• too many jobs and ministries,
• and bouts of unhealthy introspection, better known as navel-gazing

I need time alone with my Master-Builder and Home-Designer on a daily basis—(so much better than Marie Kondo)—to help me clear the surfaces, repent again and again, and recover the joy and peace that comes with regular deep-cleaning.

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Do you need a Women's Event Speaker? Here's my information. Please pass it along and we will see what God does. Here you go.

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Teacher, coach, podcaster and founder of Leading Better Together, Annie Perdue-Olson's mission is to help leaders get along. Sound simple? I don't think so. In fact, I think anyone could benefit from coaching from Annie Perdue-Olson—moms and dads, included. A fancy explanation is this: to equip ministry leaders to confidently address teh complex people dynamics that trip them up.

Face it: when we get tripped up, it's usually because of people. Not everyone will admit that they are part of the problem. Annie comes from a place of compassion, intelligence and grace as she moves a tangled web of disagreements and conflict out into a place of freedom where groups and individuals use their God-given strengths to enlarge rather than diminish.

Based on her own experiences, she's felt God's calling to be the best friend she can be—to those closest to her as well as anyone she meets.

She's offering a free 27 minute clarification-call to see if she can be of service to you and your ministry. Sign up here: https://www.leadingbettertogether.com/about

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Not everyone has close friends nor family but when we do get together with those we love or want to love better, I find it helps to ask questions.

Listening is a great part of hospitality.

Summer is here and that means family reunions - sometimes with family you don't see often or know well.

A little gift for you this month:

Six questions you can ask to make your gathering the best ever!

______________ How to invest in what matters beyond ourselves. We have one life – let’s make the most of it for God, others, and eternity. Subscribe to Living a Legacy Life: Choose one of these popular free listening services, and subscribe there:

OR Subscribe to Welcome Heart’s weekly email newsletter, blog updates, and podcast notes, here!

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Amy's been scared most her life. Her brother died suddenly, and she and her husband lost their firstborn at four months. She lived in the land of anxious "what-if's" even as a believer and didn't even realize it until one day she discovered she didn't have to live that way, trapped in fear and anxiety. Hear Amy's story and learn what it takes to live boldly, taking God at His word.

Amy and her daughter, Blair, co-authored the book Em.bol.den. 1. To give someone courage or confidence to do something or behave in a certain way And she's giving away a copy this week...

Leave comment on blog or Insta to be entered in giveaway @suemooredonaldson

Amy Debrucque is a wife, mom of four, cancer survivor, and co-author of Embolden. She is the founder of the Life On Purpose Movement and host of the Life On Purpose Podcast where she encourages women to live on purpose instead of fear. Amy loves entertaining with family and friends. A self-proclaimed "beach junkie", health nut, and chocolate lover, she loves cooking, baking, attending her kids sporting events and getting in weekly HIIT workouts with her friend Alice.

Website

https://www.amydebrucque.com

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/amydebrucque/

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/surrenderyourfear

Em.bol.den by Amy and Blair Debrucque

https://www.amazon.com/em-bold-en-Amy-Blair-Debrucque/dp/1735632821/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=Amy+debrucque&qid=1634603665&sr=8-1

Embolden Press Kit (includes sample questions if you need them)

Life on Purpose podcast

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/life-on-purpose-podcast-with-amy-debrucque/id1498212623

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I haven't learned all there is to know. But I do know a few things. At least 70. Some are serious, some are funny, some are seriously funny. But what counts is that I've attempted to live a life that counts, and God promises favor, purpose, guidance, and tons of mercy and grace. And, wisdom, when we ask.

The most important thing I've learned goes back to early Sunday School: Jesus loves me, this I know. For the Bible tells me so. Paul thought that pretty important too, as he prayed that he and his friends could understand just how great God's love is. So I pray the same, for me and for those I love. You can never go wrong with the Word or one of Paul's prayers. That's not on my 70 Things list. I may need to begin a list for the next decade.

Pray along with Paul and me—we'll be pals in heaven—you too, I hope:

And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God" (Ephesians 3:17-19)NIV.

If you need the whole list, to read or print, here's a pretty version.

Oh, dear. I think I forgot this one, too. Must be age.

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Michaela O'Donnell joins me today to talk about our work, our vocation, our calling - does it matter? And, do you feel like it doesn't and what to do about it?

She wrote a book about it and will be giving away two copies. Comment below to be entered in the giveaway.

Michaela tells her story of wanting to live seamlessly—integrating work, home and faith—and provides a guide of how to do so in her book, Make Work Matter: Your Guide to Meaningful Work in a Changing World. The Max Dupree Center for Leadership will be giving away two copies so be sure to comment here or on Instagram to be entered.

Michaela O'Donnell, PhD, is executive director of Fuller Seminary’s De Pree Center for Leadership. She is an entrepreneur, a teacher, and a sought-after speaker and consultant who regularly presents on the topics of vocation, career, and leadership to religious, secular, academic, and lay audiences.

Website: https://depree.org/

Twitter: @depreecenter

Instagram: @depreecenter

Facebook: @DePreeCenter

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When asked, "What's the greatest commandment?" Jesus replied simply: "Love God, love your neighbor." I imagine He was thinking,"It's not rocket science" or "What's not to like?" or "It's not complicated."

He was right, it's not complicated.

I make it complicated. I need to pray daily to uncomplicate what He says is best for me and best for others. So I wrote 31 Days of Uncomplicated Prayers, and once I pray them through, I start over again.

You can too.

Sign up HERE to receive 31 Days of Uncomplicated Prayers to take the "complicated" out of the simple commands of Jesus. Love God. Love your neighbor. It's not complicated.

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Today Tim Winders, soft-spoken with a hint of his Georgia roots, shares his story of how God changed his heart, his vocation and his housing once he sat still long enough to listen to his Creator. He and his wife currently live in a 39 foot motor home on the edge of a river in Southern Utah. He runs a worldwide business coaching business and this week his book releases to the public: "COACH: A Story of Success Redefined" — a business novel with principles for life.

Tim is giving away a free chapter this week to our listeners. But if you order his book by Monday, May 16th, you can receive the Audible version FREE: click here to pre-order and receive the Audible version FREE.

Tim Winders is a strategic coach, author, and host of SeekGoCreate, a podcast and YouTube interview show. He has worked in the areas of leadership, business, and ministry for almost 40 years. Tim was the guy that looked like he had it all: the big house in a Country Club resort, two businesses valued at over a million dollars each, plus over $15 million in real estate. But, in 2008, the real estate markets crashed. After a slow and painful erosion of his companies, he and his wife were bankrupt and homeless living out of their Honda van by 2013.

Fast forward to today. Tim and his wife are still homeless, but they consider themselves essential nomads. They live, travel, and work in their 39-foot motorhome while enjoying the best locations North America has to offer. Through this journey, he is convinced that we must redefine success in order to live our best life. This topic is what he has explored with his guests on the SeekGoCreate podcast since 2019

Tim's legacy is one that every Christ-follower needs to include in his and her arsenal. You will be blessed!

Topics:

What is the ONE thing Christians need to do?

Why did Tim choose to write fiction?

What's one way God prepares us to be used by Him for the Kingdom?

What's TIME got to do with anything?

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How to invest in what matters beyond ourselves. We have one life – let’s make the most of it for God, others, and eternity. Subscribe to Living a Legacy Life: Choose one of these popular free listening services, and subscribe there:

OR Subscribe to Welcome Heart’s weekly email newsletter, blog updates, and podcast notes, here!

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Lindsey's world was turned upside-down when her dermatologist discovered her 7-year-old daughter, Claire, had cancer. After months of treatment, they rejoiced to learned she was cancer free and that life could resume normalcy. But then it didn't.

Hear a mother's heart today as Lindsey describes their family's story of pediatric cancer—what God continues to teach her about Himself and how she is leaning into Him in the midst of an unfinished journey.

Lindsey Noland is an experienced speaker, mother to a pediatric cancer patient, ambassador for Stanford’s Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital, and runs a private wedding venue in San Luis Obispo, CA. With a background in Communication Studies (BA Westmont College), and an honorary degree in cancer fighting (school of life), Lindsey knows the power of owning and telling our stories.

Lindsey is passionate about sharing her experience of leaning into her struggle, not her strength. Her stories will make you laugh and cry and remind you that there is power in weakness and joy in leaning into your struggle. When she isn’t working or hiking the trails of the Central Coast, Lindsey spends her time writing and rewriting her first book, traveling with her husband of 19 years, and jumping on the trampoline with her three children (14, 13 & 9).

If you know of someone you could use Lindsey's words today, please share this podcast.

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People love to know and be known. From experience, I know these questions work for a fabulous family gathering.

Subscribe to receive "6 Questions for a Meaningful Family Reunion" directly to your inbox.

Mark and I just got back from our Sibling Reunion #4 in Arkansas - we used these questions, spent time affirming each other and then praying over one another. A blast and blessing, as you can see.

Kleenex and ping pong and eating and laughing were involved in equal measure.

Get your list of 6 Questions for a Meaningful Family Reunion HERE.

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I interviewed the three great women that make up The Ruth Experience back in 2019, Ep 40 - "A Legacy of Kindness" and now today we have two back again, Kendra Emery and Julie Fisk, who, with Kristin have co-authored another powerhouse of a book (WHICH THEY ARE GIVING AWAY THIS WEEK!) entitled: One Good Word a Day: 365 Invitations to Encourage, Deepen and Refine Your Faith.

Wow! Such a great idea to focus on just one word for your day.

Today we discuss how their idea for leaving a legacy for their families turned into a kindness movement for this generation and the next, and how one word, whether a hard one like "lament" or one more welcoming like "inclusive"— can guide our hearts and deepen our faith, one day at a time.

Check out The Ruth Experience on their website and follow on Instagram. Leave a comment on my insta this week or on my blog to be entered to win your own copy of their latest offering.

This is a great gift idea for Mother's Day for the woman who may have enough candles, candies and cannisters, order HERE.

For more great legacy stories that show off God's welcoming heart, subscribe to WELCOME HEART: LIVING A LEGACY LIFE

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How to invest in what matters beyond ourselves. We have one life - let’s make the most of it for God, others, and eternity. Subscribe: Choose one of these popular free listening services, and subscribe there:

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Susan Vandenheuveljoins us today on Living a Legacy Life where she talks about living free from lies and in the freedom of our identity in Christ. God does a workin us and then a work through us. Love it!

Susan was a great "stuffer" —she discovered she had "stuffed" down her wounds and hurts and lying messages told to her for many years until she couldn't ignore them any longer. God met her during a healing retreat and provided someone to walk alongside of her as she explored why she felt about herself the way she did, and then allowed the truth of God's word to transform and heal her.

She now uses her freedom and healing as a platform to teach women that we don't need to hide or stuff, but, instead, live from our true identity in Christ. You will be encouraged as you listen.

Leave a comment on instagram or blog to be entered to recieve her 31 day devotional that speaks to living in the truth of God's Word:

The Confident Woman Within: 30 Day Devotional

Comment on blog, share on FB or comment on Instagram to be entered into giveaway - closes Friday at midnight.

Susan is a pastor, author, mentor, and founder of She Rises MN. She Rises exists to help women set aside anything keeping them from walking in the truth of who they are in Christ and discover their God-given potential. Susan also ministers within the federal and state prison settings, where she shares her story and the redeeming love of Jesus. Susan is also the host of the She Connects Podcast. I had the privilege of guesting on Susan's Podcast - take a listen here.

Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/susan.vandenheuvel.90/ Instagram link: https://www.instagram.com/susan_vandenheuvel/ Website link: https://www.sherisesmn.org/ Podcast link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/she-connects/id1508048601 _________

One simple way to spread God's message of love and forgiveness is to welcome others like He welcomed you. Join my series of doing simple hospitality, one task a day for 4 weeks:

Hospitality By the Day

What to do Today to Host Guests in a Month.

It's fun.

It's simple.

I promise.

Sign up here and it will begin next Monday.

Can't wait to hear all about it!

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What a great duo we have today on Living a Legacy Life—so much wisdom, practical truth and joy. Cheri Gregory and Kathi Lipp come together to talk about their latest writing collaboration, An Abundant Place: Daily Retreats for the Woman Who Can't Get Away. A great Mother's Day gift for the women in your life, and you will also want this book for your quiet time basket.

Cheri and Kathi created a devotional that invites us to create a space to reconnect with our Saviour, feeding our soul and mind with truth, love in “small bites”, helping us glance at God's creation, while redirecting us to take the next step when we need redirecting (which I do need on a daily basis!)

Leave a comment on my blog show notes or on instagram to be entered to win a free copy of An Abundant Place.

Through Scripture and storytelling, Cheri Gregory delights in helping women draw closer to Jesus, the strength of every tender heart. She is the founder of Sensitive and Strong: the place for the HSP Christian woman to find connection; and the coauthor, with Kathi Lipp, of You Don’t Have to Try So Hard,Overwhelmed, and An Abundant Place. She and her college sweetheart, Daniel, have been married for more than three decades. They’ve spent the last 15 years living and serving on the campus of Monterey Bay Academy on the central California coast.

Check out Cheri's free HSP quiz - link below:

• Facebook page — https://www.facebook.com/SensitiveAndStrong
• Facebook group — https://www.facebook.com/groups/323525262143706
• Website — https://sensitiveandstrong.com/
• To receive FREE "Am I a Highly Sensitive Person?" self-quiz printable — https://sensitiveandstrong.com/join/

Kathi Lipp is the host of the Clutter Free Academy podcast, and the bestselling author of The Husband Project, Clutter Free, Ready for Anything and An Abundant Place. She and her husband, Roger, live in the mountains of northern California (near Placerville) where they run the Red House Writing Retreats. Using humor and wisdom, Kathi offers hope paired with practical steps to women looking to live with meaning.

• Find Kathi at KathiLipp.com.
• FB: www.facebook.com/AuthorKathiLipp IG: @kathilipp FB Clutter Free Academy: www.facebook.com/groups/clutterfreeacademy

Kathi Lipp loves soup and loves sharing soup. Here's one of her favorites. I made a double batch last week (and shared it!)

TOMATO GIN SOUP

READY IN 50mins

SERVES 4

INGREDIENTS:

1 28 oz can peeled tomatoes

3 garlic cloves, chopped

1⁄8 teaspoon thyme

1⁄2 teaspoon paprika

1⁄8 teaspoon sugar

6 slices bacon, chopped

1⁄4 cup salted butter

4 ounces brown mushrooms, sliced

1⁄3 cup gin

1⁄2 cup heavy cream

salt and pepper

2 t chives, diced

DIRECTIONS:

Combine tomato, garlic, thyme, paprika, sugar in a blender and puree into a liquid.

In a soup pot, sauté bacon until crisp, drain on paper towels, but leave the drippings in the pot.

Add butter to pan with bacon drippings, melt butter, add mushrooms and sauté until golden.

Add gin and bacon, stir; add tomato sauce and simmer 15 minutes.

Add cream, season with salt and pepper, top with chives.

Serve as appetizer or alongside a hearty salad.

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Jesus said, "Love God and love your neighbor." You might love God but wonder about Part B.

You don't remember your neighbor's name or even which house they live in when you walk by with your puppy or they walk by with their puppy. You say "Hello" but you don't really know them. I can relate! We have 90 homes in our neighborhood, we've lived here over 30 years and I certainly don't know them all.

It sounds too hard to obey Christ's command to "go into all the world starting with Jerusalem." But I like to think my neighborhood is my Jerusalem. You, too?

You want to show your neighborhood God's love but you're not sure how to go about it. Click here today for 12 simple tips to help you invite your neighbors over for coffee. I include two delicious and easy recipes. Try them out and I'll come over! (I won't bring my puppy.)

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I first met Diana Stuhr on a missionary trip with Practical Missionary Training. It was love and laughing at first sight. Diana has served with World Vision, Central American Mission and has worked with Wycliffe Bible Translators for the last 34 years. Currently, semi-retired in Waxhaw, NC, Diana oversees the events for seniors and she was born for it! Always with a good word of encouragment and a ready laugh, Diana's legacy is evident to all: to be a woman known for loving Jesus, talking about Him as a matter of course in the "dailies of life."

What a great reminder to pray to God to open our eyes to how He works in and around us. And to be ready to talk about it out loud to anyone who may be listening.

You will love Diana! I sure do. Sign up for her weekly email here: Monday Memories: diana_stuhr@wycliffe.org

Diana writes a weekly email with many of her "parables" as well as some of her photography. Here's a sampling:

Occasionally, I encounter someone spectacularly rude, astonishingly so. I encountered someone like that this week at the synagogue (Luke 13:10-17) Jesus was teaching and sitting just a few rows away from me was a bent over and crippled woman. I wondered how Jesus came to be at the podium (perhaps the synagogue leader had invited Him to speak), when suddenly He called out to the crippled woman. He invited her to come forward. You could have heard a pin drop in the seconds it took her to rise to her feet and the minutes it took her to shuffle forward. I was embarrassed for her. She reached Him and He simply said to her, "Woman, you are set free from your infirmity." There should have been laughter and clapping, but rudeness but a squelch to that straightaway as the synagogue leader rose up indignant and instead of speaking to Jesus who stirred his ire, he spoke to us. He scolded us as if we were the ones who caused the stir. He accused Jesus of breaking the law without speaking directly to Him. Rude, indeed. Stunned everyone was just trying to take it all in, when Jesus spoke directly back to the synagogue leaders. He called them hypocrites. In essence, He humiliated them. He had the last word, too, as far as I know. It just goes to show, you never know what might happen at church. I left assured:

• Jesus cares about those in bondage whatever form it takes and regardless of who it is.
• Jesus has power over all bondages and with just a word He can bring healing.
• Jesus invites, but waits for those He's invited to come.
• Sometimes laws are meant to be "broken" because a higher law prevails (ie compassion and kindness).

I also left with some questions:

• What constitutes work?
• Why did this woman have to suffer for 18 years?
• The woman came forward without knowing what Jesus would do. Could I have been brave enough to do what she did?
• Shame is a powerful emotion. In essence the synagogue leader, while being rude to Jesus, was also shaming the woman. He was substituting the shame of her affliction with the shame of her healing, which had no basis in reality. How does one battle that kind of shame successfully? On the other hand, Jesus shamed the synagogue leaders, but their shame was based in reality. How does one battle that successfully? By repenting.

Sign up for her weekly email here: Monday Memories: diana_stuhr@wycliffe.org

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Sheree Shannon knows that what we think makes all the difference in how we live. "You can't change your life," she says, "without changing how you think about it." Good stuff. And practical. The more we know and believe what God says about Himself and ourselves, the more we can be Who God designed us to be and live with peace, strength and a security that all will be well in the end.

As believers, we want to look different from those who don't understand how much God loves them, but often we can "fit in" all too well to the rest of the world. Sheree noticed this and came to understand that this starts in the mind. When our minds are whole and in tune with God, we can fight the doubts and insecuirties that are common to all of us.

She wrote a book about it called: The Journey to Wholeness of Mind which sounds like a great place to start. She's offering a free copy this week—please comment here, on the blog or on instagram to be entered. I hope you win!

Sheree Shannon-Author, teacher, public speaker, coach, wife, mother and gigi but most importantly a child of God. She has lived a life of service empowering and equipping others to live their very best life. Her message is one of hope, vision, clarity, and yes, the know how to help transform any life, situation, or future all for the glory of God.

You can reach out to Sheree here

https://www.shereeshannon.com/ https://www.instagram.com/journeytowholenesswithsheree/

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One simple way to spread God's message of love and forgiveness is to welcome others like He welcomed you. Join my series to do simple hospitality, one task a day for 4 weeks:

Hospitality By the Day

What to do Today to Host Guests in a Month.

It's fun.

It's simple.

I promise.

Sign up here and it will begin next Monday.

Can't wait to hear all about it!

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Today meet, Tiffany Jo Baker, a 3-time surrogate mother, life and project coach, and all-around encourager. I knew I loved her when I saw she signed off all her emails with "cheering you on!" No matter what season we are in or how far we have come or how far we've drifted, we all need someone in our corner "cheering us on."

Hear Tiffany's story of surrogacy and how God used that to "birth" her ministry of holding others' dreams and helping them flourish. She reminds us that God made us differently to uphold His unique purposes.

You may be an arm, she's obviously a womb—and I may be a mouth. But what it is doesn't matter. What does matter is that we listen to God's voice, act in obedience and, take the next step in living out our God-designed life.

Check out Tiffany's book: Soul-Care for Go-Getters, Refresh and Refocus in Five Minutes a Day, a 31-Day Devotional. I have many go-getter friends who may be getting this for Christmas or birthday - don't tell!

Tiffany will give one away this week--leave a comment on blog or instagram to be entered to win. I hope it's you!

Cheering you on, Tiffany Tiffany Jo Baker MA, CLC Creator of the video podcast: All the Things TV plus instagram encouragement of womenwalking out their why -

Need to know your "Why?" Contact Tiffany @ www.tiffanyjobaker.com 3x Surrogate | Speaker | Strategizer Uplifting the soul + success of women walking out their WHY at home + online

www.TiffanyJoBaker.com @TiffanyJoBaker Instagram | Facebook Host of All the Things TV podcast Author of Soul-Care for Go-Getters Creator of purposeful products Lover of a good laugh

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When asked, "What's the greatest commandment?" Jesus replied simply: "Love God, love your neighbor." I imagine He was thinking,"It's not rocket science" or "What's not to like?" or "It's not complicated."

He was right, it's not complicated.

I make it complicated. I need to pray daily to uncomplicate what He says is best for me and best for others. So I wrote 31 Days of Uncomplicated Prayers, and once I pray them through, I start over again.

You can too.

Sign up HERE to receive 31 Days of Uncomplicated Prayers to take the "complicated" out of the simple commands of Jesus. Love God. Love your neighbor. It's not complicated.

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Happy Spring! A new year is here—well it still feels like the year has just begun, even though it's March—and time doesn’t stop when I feel stuck, inadequate or needing longer showers (my shower is my “prayer closet” so we need more rain.)

I want to take stock, re-evaluate my days and months to make sure I’m investing in what counts.

How do we know what lasts? We read in I Peter, “ . . . since you have been born again . . . through the living and abiding word of God . . . the word of the Lord remains forever.’ (I Peter 1:23-25 ESV)

No matter how small or insignificant our daily actions seem, living a life that counts means investing in people and the abiding word of God, and then leaving the results of those actions with Him.

The Bible is clear that this life is brief, a “mist” we read in James 4:14 — a “blade of grass” says the Psalmist in Psalm 103. I forget that truth when caught up in my busy day, and stressed by all I’m not doing nor can’t do. God is gracious to remind me that when I bake with a young gal, meet a lonely friend for coffee, or listen to my children, I am investing in what’s eternal.

Listen today and be encouraged that we can live a life that counts for eternity when focused on God, His word and the people He brings our way every day.

To help us determine what we should be doing, here are the questions I listed:

TAKING STOCK: SOME QUESTIONS TO ASK

Think about your natural abilities and talents. What gives you joy? When do you feel God’s pleasure? An inordinate amount of self-examination can keep me stuck, but a healthy dose of self-knowledge helps me determine which direction to take.

Do I need to take a course, invest money or time so I can get better?

Should I try something I’ve never tried before?

Do I need to stop doing what I’m currently doing?

Have I exercised the sanctified “No” lately or am I running frantically from task-to-task in the name of Christian service? God calls us to be empowered by Him, not to be exhausted by perceived expectations of others or ourselves.

Do I have the courage to pray, “Lord, do you want me to stop what I'm doing right now and try something new?"

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A great way to invest in what counts is getting to know your neighbors.

Here are simple steps. Happy Hosting for Heaven's sake!

Jesus said, "Love God and love your neighbor." You might love God but wonder about Part II.

You don't remember your neighbor's name or even which house they live in when you walk by with your puppy or they walk by with their puppy. You say "Hello" but, you don't really know them. I can relate! We have 90 homes in our 'hood and we've lived here over 30 years.

It sounds too hard to obey Christ's command to "go into all the world starting with Jerusalem." But I like to think my neighborhood is my Jerusalem. You, too?

You want to show your neighborhood God's love but you're not sure how to go about it.

CLICK HERE today for simple steps to invite your neighbors over for coffee. I include two delicious and simple recipes. Try them out and I'll come over!

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Nancy Thomason loves kids. And she will go wherever they are to tell them the Good News of Jesus. Nancy worked with Child Evangelism Fellowship for 47 years and she loves talking about what God did through those years because the "searchlight is on God." At 84, Nancy's smile hasn't dimmed nor has her open heart and home for everyone who needs to know that God loved them enough to die for them.

Nancy with the Director of Child Evangelism Fellowship at their conference.

If you want to serve God and you love kids, hosting a Good News Club may be the very best way to get started. Contact Child Evangelism Fellowship in your area to find out more.

I loved hearing Nancy's stories of faith and trust in God as He led her to begin Good News Clubs in her neighborhood, then to Whittier, the San Fernando Valley and South Central LA. She made sure she was ready with a flannel graph story in the trunk of her car and a welcoming smile on her face.

Some Nancy-ism's:

"If we are unplugged from God, where will we get our power?"

"When God tells you to go, you know He's got you in His hand."

"If you don't come to the edge of the cliff and jump, you'll never know that God can hold you."

"You don't have an adventure with God without obstacles because that's when God shows up."

Nancy's Acorn Squash

Poke some holes in the top of squash

Cook in microwave for 10 minutes.

Voila! Add butter and brown sugar. Yum!

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Cheri Fletcher is my younger twin—an enneagram 7 with a great smile and desire to help women and young people find their purpose, no matter what they may be facing. While watching her husband coach basketball, she recognized that we all need a "game plan" if we are going to endure the normal trials and troubles of this world. Once we know the plan and our purpose, we can thwart Satan at his own game to sideline us from what God intends for our lives.

Our purpose? To show who God is to everyone we meet. Our legacy? To build into our kids a clear understanding of spiritual warfare. God has a plan and Satan has a plot to wreck that plan.

Cheri says:

I want our kids to have a very clear understanding of the war that is going on for their attention, mental health, salvation, marriage, their life! To fully grasp that God has had a plan for them all along and the enemy has had a plot against it.

When things are hard—to be able to step back, to fully KNOW that God is already victorious and that with a spiritual game plan in place, they are too.

Sounds like a great plan to me!

Cheri Fletcher is a writer, speaker, singer and the host of Your Spiritual Game Plan podcast.

She loves to help women develop a spiritual game plan so that they can live out the purpose God created for them. She wants to share the message of how intentionally you were made to be a part of God’s plan.

Through her writings, speaking and podcast guests, it is her desire to equip you with an understanding of the enemy’s plot against that very plan.

She and her husband Todd are empty nesters and have just moved from Seattle WA to Cleveland Tennessee. They have three grown children and 1 dog, Libby.

You can find out more about Cheri on her website Cherifletcher.com

From Cheri, when I asked her for a favorite recipe:

A recipe --- Hmmmm, well, it is a vegetarian one that is a staple at all holidays. The very first time that my mom made it my dad (an avid meat eater) said: "Well, for dog food that tasted pretty good!" My 5-year-old brother decided to tell everyone that we had dog food for Thanksgiving and thus - we still serve dog food at every Thanksgiving meal and I have had several friends who grew up in my life ask me for my dog food recipe. LOL

https://cherifletcher.com/wp-content/uploads/Dog-Food-Recipe.pdf Follow Cheri here: https://cherifletcher.com

________

One simple way to spread God's message of love and forgiveness is to welcome others like He welcomed you. Join my series to do simple hospitality, one task a day for 4 weeks:

Hospitality By the Day

What to do Today to Host Guests in a Month.

It's fun.

It's simple.

I promise.

Sign up here and it will begin next Monday.

Can't wait to hear all about it!

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I love a good invitation and this morning’s invitation is from God Himself: “Come to Me and find rest” Matthew 11:28

To find rest, we could just all go home and get in the tub and lock the door, which is always a good idea, but for now let’s see what God wants to remind us of today

Why do we need to come when Jesus invites?

Women are tired, period. We do too much, often, for too many people, with too little money, cooperation or sleep.

I’m in the process of learning the 3 d’s to help me get a handle on this overload. I need to figure out one of 3 things:

Do I delegate this job? Do I do things that energize me? Or, do I dump something? (I learned that from life coach, Kathy Vick from runlikeagirl.org)

The main part of rest is connecting with God. How's that going for you in 2022?

Through many years, starts and stops, I've found a rhythm of sitting at Jesus' feet and it's made all the difference in growing in my relationship with God.

This is what I do now and I find I rarely miss, even on a cruise with the Man-in-Plaid or a weekend with the girls. For more details on how I'm currently connecting with God and finding rest on my blog in January.

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Going on a women's retreat is one of the great boons of a believer's life. If you have a chance to go this year, I hope you go. So much fun and such a great time to connect with God and with others.

For information on my 8 Retreat Series, go to my website. I'd love to meet you in person.

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You will love hearing Laura Thomas's story today, not only because she's from the UK and sounds like she lives at Downton Abby, but because her love for God and others shines through everything she says. Laura is an author, speaker, and mentor and blogs at laurathomasauthor.com.

She dreamed of becoming a writer as a child and kept it a secret dream for 20 years, and now is a published writer of mostly Christian fiction.

Laura will be giving away a signed, personalized copy of The Glass Bottom Boat - first in her Flight to Freedom Series. Leave comment to be entered!

Her legacy is storytelling not just because she writes stories but because she has seen the value of how our stories can touch and encourage others. We don't have to have a grand story of success or a painful story of crisis to have our story be used of God. He's created us uniquely and all stories are of value.

A published Christian author, Laura writes heartwarming encouragement for your soul. She has three Christian romantic suspense novels published as well as a Christian teen fiction trilogy, marriage book, middle-grade novel, several anthology books, devotionals, articles, and stories in magazines and online.

Laura is a chocoholic mom of three, married to her high school sweetheart—originally from the UK, they live in Kelowna, British Columbia as audacious empty-nesters.Find more on her website: https://www.laurathomasauthor.com

INSTAGRAM: @lauracthomas FACEBOOK PAGE: @LauraThomasAuthor TWITTER: @Laura_Thomas_ PINTEREST: lauracthomas GOODREADS: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5837074.Laura_Thomas

BOOKBUB: https://bit.ly/2Uj4gyRYOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAIg1LlXedxtfqmEAssdgnQ

“A storytellers’ job is to find the common threads in this tattered world and hold them out so that a reader will grab and pull until the veil is torn in two and they behold the heart of God.” --Robin Jones Gunn

“After nourishment, shelter, and companionship, stories are the thing we need most in the world.” --Philip Pullman

And here’s Laura's recipe for her go-to chocolate cake, the perfect accompaniment to a good story!

"PERFECT CHOCOLATE CAKE"

Ingredients:

2 cups sugar

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

3/4 cups cocoa

1 1/2 tsp baking soda

1 1/2 tsp baking powder

1 tsp salt

2 tsp vanilla

2 eggs

1 cup milk

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1 cup boiling water

(Frosting)

1/4 cup butter or marg (melted)

2 cups icing sugar

1/4 cup cocoa

1/2 tsp vanilla

1-3 tsp milk as needed

Directions:

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees

2. Combine dry ingredients in a bowl

3. Add eggs, oil, milk, and vanilla— mix well

4. Carefully stir in boiling water (batter will be thin)

5. Pour into greased baking cake pan

6. Bake for 50-70 mins depending on oven (check after 50 mins)

7. Cool and frost

FROSTING:

1. Melt butter in microwave

2. Add to icing sugar and cocoa— mix well

3. Add vanilla and milk a little at a time, until desired consistency

*Optional: top cake with grated chocolate/ berries

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When asked, "What's the greatest commandment?" Jesus replied simply: "Love God, love your neighbor." I imagine He was thinking,"It's not rocket science" or "What's not to like?" or "It's not complicated."

He was right, it's not complicated.

I make it complicated. I need to pray daily to uncomplicate what He says is best for me and best for others. So I wrote 31 Days of Uncomplicated Prayers, and once I pray them through, I start over again.

You can too.

Sign up HERE to receive 31 Days of Uncomplicated Prayers to take the "complicated" out of the simple commands of Jesus. Love God. Love your neighbor. It's not complicated.

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Conell and Rhonda Hollins say that a good marriage is worth the work including all the "heated fellowship" involved along the way. They claim that we can be trained to staying married in a loving, passionate and joyful relationship—the kind of marriage God means for us to enjoy and to model to our children and to a needy world.

Parents of three boys, elders in a large church, and podcast founders of the MetoWeTalk Podcast, this dynamic duo (you will love their passion and laughter) isn't afraid to discuss any aspect of marriage, and their desire is to keep a couple from marriage if they aren't "marriage material" as yet, and to protect and grow the marriage of everyone they meet.

In their book, Marriage Material: Pre & Post-Marital Training Guide they write: "If we break you up before you ever get married to save you from divorce, we did our job!"

Leave a comment here or on instagram to be entered to win a copy. Be sure to order the companion workbook as well.

Start praying now about who to get this book for - one for yourself, as well.

"Most couples want the look of marriage but not the work involved to make marriage last with passion, joy and a growing love for one another."

"We have become students of love and of one another."

"Our mission is to empower your marriage with tools, resources and education to ensure your marriage is strong enough to last a lifetime."

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Use this as a reminder (bookmark?). God's design is for marriages to flourish. And we only can flourish when we put God in the center of all our relationships.

Don't forget to comment on blog or instagram to be entered to win a copy of Marriage Material!

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How to invest in what matters beyond ourselves. We have one life - let’s make the most of it for God, others, and eternity. Subscribe: Choose one of these popular free listening services, and subscribe there:

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Markus Watson—pastor, podcaster, author, teacher—knows what really matters. His passion is to help show individuals and churches who they really are and how their gifts can align with the mission of God's heart. A self-described "reluctant" pastor, Markus heard God's call in the prayer of St. Augustine, "Late have I loved You." He learned some very hard things in a very difficult situation but knows more than ever that his worth is not in what he does nor how he succeeds, but in how he is loved by God. A legacy worth living and replicating in everyone he knows and meets.

In his own words:

I’m a Presbyterian pastor, living in San Diego with my beautiful wife, Robin, and my three kids, Micah, Macy, and Drew. I currently serve as an interim pastor at a small but mighty congregation in the rural town of Westmorland, about two hours east of San Diego. I also host the Spiritual Life and Leadership podcast and am the author of Beyond Thingification: Helping Your Church Engage in God’s Mission.

I’ve been serving in churches for over twenty years. But, believe it or not, church ministry was never on my radar when I was young…

Hear more at www.markuswatson.com

His podcast is all about encouraging those in Christian leadership and is in collaboration with Fuller Theological Seminary.

Check it out: Spiritual Life and Leadership Podcast

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One simple way to spread God's message of love and forgiveness is to welcome others like He welcomed you. Join my series to do simple hospitality, one task a day for 4 weeks:

Hospitality By the Day

What to do Today to Host Guests in a Month.

It's fun.

It's simple.

I promise.

Sign up here and it will begin next Monday.

Can't wait to hear all about it!

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I met Sarah at a coffee shop during her book signing. She signed my book. We got acquainted. I asked, "What's your mission in life?" (She's young. She can handle big questions. I'm old. I ask them.)

"My mission is to share with others the foundational, healing, and transformational love of God." That was a mouthful, and you will love hearing some of Sarah's story that sadly includes childhood sexual abuse, depression, and suicide ideations. She came to finally accept that in spite of things she experienced as well as the lies she continued to tell herself, that God did indeed love her. And she wants you to know the same truth.

I ask in this interview, "How did you know God loved you even though you had been a victim of another's sin?" She replied, "Well, one thing was that it could have been worse. I thought of suidcide but I never made a plan." God kept her from continuing down that path and there's nothing more than either of us would have you know today that He wants you to live. He loves you. He will restore and heal. No wound too deep beyond His love.

ENTER TO RECEIVE SARAH'S BOOK: LOVE LETTERS FROM POLAND. LEAVE COMMENT BELOW OR ON INSTAGRAM

To access Sarah's FREE Life Balance Worksheet, CLICK HERE.

Sarah's legacy is in her tagline: Sarah de Orlando, Chief Hope-Giver. We all need hope. God will heal and restore because He loves us so very much.

Sarah de Orlando is an author, speaker, and the Chief-Hope-Giver of Sarah de Orlando Coaching. She recently left her structural engineering career after an encounter with Jesus in 2016 brought her full circle to her purpose: to live a life rooted in Jesus’ love. Her heart is to help others discover and embrace their own unique, vibrant journey with him and be set free to be who they are created to be. She is married to her college sweetheart, Andres and they have one super-cute daughter. In her downtime, you can find her hiking her favorite trails in San Luis Obispo, California, or strolling the beaches in search of perfect sea glass. Her debut memoir about her heart restoration was released in March of 2021 and you get get your copy at sarahdeorlando.com or Amazon.

You can find more of Sarah's message at these places

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-de-orlando/ https://www.facebook.com/sarah.deorlando.coaching https://www.instagram.com/sarahdeorlando/ https://www.sarahdeorlando.com LOVE LETTERS FROM POLAND - LEAVE COMMENT TO BE ENTERED TO WIN!

Sarah's recipe: "Grammie that Knits" Banana Bread with a de Orlando Twist: 3/4 cup sugar 1/2 cup butter, softened 1/2 tsp vanilla Dash of cinnamon 2 eggs 1 1/2 cup flour (all-purpose gluten-free flour like Bob's Red Mill comes out great) 1 tsp baking soda 3 large brown bananas, mashed 3/4 cup chocolate chips (optional)

Preheat oven to 350 F. In a medium bowl, cream sugar, butter, vanilla, and cinnamon. Add eggs and mix until blended. Spoon in flour and baking powder and mix, scraping down sides occasionally. Add mashed banana and mix until blended. Stir in chocolate chips by hand. Pour batter into a greased 9"x9" pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the toothpick comes out clean when inserted in the center.

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When asked, "What's the greatest commandment?" Jesus replied simply: "Love God, love your neighbor." I imagine He was thinking,"It's not rocket science" or "What's not to like?" or "It's not complicated."

He was right, it's not complicated.

I make it complicated. I need to pray daily to uncomplicate what He says is best for me and best for others. So I wrote 31 Days of Uncomplicated Prayers, and once I pray them through, I start over again.

You can too.

Sign up HERE to receive 31 Days of Uncomplicated Prayers to take the "complicated" out of the simple commands of Jesus. Love God. Love your neighbor. It's not complicated.

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I met Misty Phillip in 2016 at the SheSpeaks Conference. Since that time, she's authored the top-selling Bible Study entitled: The Struggle is Real: But So Is God, started the podcast, By His Grace-Empowering You to Live By His Grace, and is the founder of SPARK Christian Podcast Community and Conference.

Also, a mom and wife, Misty would tell you that she has only done what she's done by the grace and favor of God while spening time in prayer and listening to His directions. I loved her question: "Where does my gifting and my calling line up with this season in my life?"

When we take time to hear God's direction and figure out our gifting and calling, we will know His strength, leading and blessing in living a life of love and obedience.

From Misty:

Jesus is everything Y’all! And it is only by his grace that we are here to draw another breath each day. Everything is for Him, and by Him and through Him. He has radically changed my life, and I will never get over that.

God called me home from my corporate job at Enron in 1999 to devote myself fulltime to being a wife and mom. Shortly after coming home, I began to homeschool my boys. As the boys grew I felt God’s call to write, blog, and speak in preparation for the next season in my life after homeschooling. Writing and Speaking lead to podcasting. When I began seeing the impact my podcast was having all over the world, the Lord gave me the vision to gather together a bunch of Christians passionate about podcasting for the very first Christian Podcast Conference. We hosted the inaugural Spark Christian Podcast Conference in February 2020. Shortly after I co-founded the Rocket Podcast Community, a coaching and training membership community for podcasters.

Through the years at home devoted to my family, I have learned many valuable life lessons and desire to impart some wisdom through the podcasts and posts here. Life has not always been easy, but God has always been there to see me through.

Learn more about Misty and the legacy life she's leading at her website: MistyPhillip.com

For more information on attending the next SPARK Christian Podcast Conference, see HERE.

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One simple way to spread God's message of love and forgiveness is to welcome others like He welcomed you. Join my series to do simple hospitality, one task a day for 4 weeks:

Hospitality By the Day

What to do Today to Host Guests in a Month.

It's fun.

It's simple.

I promise.

Sign up here and it will begin next Monday.

Can't wait to hear all about it!

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Meet Laura whose heart is as big as her welcome—we are kindreds that way, and I'm delighted to introduce her to you!

Laura Crosby lives her welcoming legacy each day as she prays, "Lord, may there be Your welcome mat out in front of my life today so that I can love and welcome others to You." She's been mentored well and now mentors countless of men and women on knowing God and representing His welcome heart well. She loves hospitality like I do and you'll love her stories of what she's learned and what she prays for her children on a daily basis.

Laura Crosby is working on her first book which addresses the much needed topic of “choosing welcome”.

Whether introvert or extrovert, single or married, if there’s one thing Covid taught us, it is that we crave connection beyond pixels on a Zoom, or text messages.

This is a book of stories about connection to God and others that happens when we choose welcome.

It encourages the reader to put out a metaphorical welcome mat at the door of her life.

It explores the ordinary, the unexpected, and the profound ways we are welcomed to connect with God and extend welcome to others for encouragement, comfort, insight, and a sense of being part of something bigger than ourselves.

In her own words:

"My passion is connection which is most often through different types of welcome, but another way I love is through notes."

“If you see something, say something.” There are signs like that all over airports - be on the alert for something “off” or dangerous.

But I love applying this positively to note writing. In fact I feel so strongly about the power of encouragement through hand-written notes that I created a free resource with monthly prompts and brief spiritual reflections. You can snag your “Year of Grace Notes” by clicking on the link https://view.flodesk.com/pages/5e23063ed9dee30026924946

Thanks so much, Laura. Note-writing is a lost art and I love it that you include it as part of your "welcome!"

Laura and her husband John served in ministry at a large church in Minneapolis for 30 years.They have traveled the world as pastors and John as a board member of World Vision. Over the past two years they have taken on roles as interim pastors first at an international church in Lucerne, Switzerland and currently in Menlo Park, CA. Additionally, Laura and John mentor cohorts of young leaders in ministry. Laura writes, preaches and speaks to women’s groups around the country. She loves creating all kinds of things, including a welcoming place in her home where there is good food and lively conversation. Starbucks mochas, Lou Malnati’s pizza, puppies and any outdoor activity, especially tennis and hiking are passions!

Connect with Laura:

lauracrosby.me

Inspiring joyful, creative connection to Jesus and others.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauracrosby/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lauracrosby.me

Here's the recipe Laura talks about on our conversation today:

My Go-to Fancy Fast Chicken Recipe 6 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves 6 slices deli swiss cheese 1/4 lb. sliced mushrooms (optional) 2 cans (10 3/4oz) cream of chicken soup (can use one if you want it less soupy) 1/2 cup dry white wine (you can omit if you want) 2 cups herb stuffing mix (the BLUE Pepperidge farm bag - it's shredded, not cubes) 1 stick margarine melted.

Preheat oven to 350. Place chicken in a lightly greased 9x13 baking dish Top each piece of chicken with a slice of swiss cheese. Arrange sliced mushrooms on top. Mix soup and wine and spread over chicken. Sprinkle with stuffing and drizzle melted butter on top. Bake about 45-50 minutes, uncovering for the last 15 minutes.

________________

When asked, "What's the greatest commandment?" Jesus replied simply: "Love God, love your neighbor." I imagine He was thinking,"It's not rocket science" or "What's not to like?" or "It's not complicated."

He was right, it's not complicated.

I make it complicated. I need to pray daily to uncomplicate what He says is best for me and best for others. So I wrote 31 Days of Uncomplicated Prayers, and once I pray them through, I start over again.

You can too.

Sign up HERE to receive 31 Days of Uncomplicated Prayers to take the "complicated" out of the simple commands of Jesus. Love God. Love your neighbor. It's not complicated.

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We just got through the holidays and they say that the holidays can be one of loneliest times of the year. We want to feel like we are part of a big, happy family that loves and accepts us just the way we are, but instead, we may feel lonely, no matter how many people are around us. Mother Theresa said that the most terrible poverty in the world is loneliness, and she faced poverty every day.

Are you lonely? It can be hard to admit. Everyone is lonely some of the time. What can we do about it? Let me know in comments if you have some good ideas that help you when feeling lonely or that can be helpful to the world full of lonely people.

I remember when we first invited my friend, Suzanne for dinner. A single mom whose best friends had just moved away. She and her daughter Heather became part of our family from that time on. Do you know a single person who could use an invitation? We are invited to God so that we can pass along His invitation.

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One simple way to break the chain of loneliness is to do simple hospitality. Join my series:

Hospitality By the Day

What to do Today to Host Guests in a Month.

It's fun.

It's simple.

I promise.

Sign up here and it will begin next Monday.

Can't wait to hear all about it!

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Happy New Year! I'm pleased to introduce you to Mary DeMuth and all she has to offer to get our new year started off right.

When you ask Mary DeMuth what is the most important thing to know about you, she readily answers: "I love Jesus—He healed me. I couldn't be who I am today without His love." Mary goes on to tell her story of trauma, abuse, and neglect in a way that glorifies the Great Healer and encourages everyone she meets to trust God for complete restoration, love and acceptance.

No matter our background, Mary tells us that our healing can't begin until we begin to tell our story to someone who can be trusted. Both she and her husband are "pioneer parents" in that they wanted to parent differently than how they were raised. You can read about that journey in her book, "Building the Christian Family You Never Had, a Practical Guide to Pioneer Parenting."

Author of 44 books, literary agent, podcaster, speaker, and encourager, Mary DeMuth sends out a prayer for you in your email every Monday - I get one, too! And reads Scripture and prays for you on her daily podcast, Pray Everyday Show.

Mary is giving away a copy of her book: Outrageous Grace Every Day: Daily Reflections on the Gospel's Hope

You can enter to win by leaving a comment below or on instagram: @suemooredonaldson through midnight January 7.

From Mary: Ever have days where you try to pray, but the words get tangled in your throat? Me too.

So I came up with an idea a few years ago that might help. An idea that’s already helped thousands and thousands of people around the world just like you. Just like me.

It’s called, Pray Every Day.

With Pray Every Day, I give you the words and scriptures to pray based on my studies from Genesis to Revelation, as well as my personal joys and sorrows. It’s easy to get started. Go here to subscribe in itunes or here forSpotify. Every day you’ll get a short audio prayer from me that you can pray along with, or simply listen to.

Mary DeMuth is an international speaker, literary agent, podcaster, and she’s the novelist and nonfiction author of over forty books, including Pray Every Day (Harvest House Publishers 2020). She loves to help people re-story their lives. She lives in Texas with her husband of 31 years and is the mom to three adult children. Find out more at marydemuth.com. Be prayed for on her daily prayer podcast with 2 million downloads: prayeveryday.show. For sexual abuse resources, visit wetoo.org. For cards, prints, and artsy fun go to marydemuth.com/art. Find out what she’s looking for as a literary agent at https://www.booksandsuch.com/our-agents/meet-mary-demuth/

Mary loves to cook and shared this hearty casserole recipe with us. It's delicious, I tried it out!

Chicken Artichoke Heart Casserole

4 whole chicken breasts 1 ten-ounce frozen package of artichoke hearts 1/3 cup butter (I will use less) 1/3 cup flour (I will use less, more like 1/4 cup) 2 1/2 cups chicken broth 1/4 cup white wine 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese 2 Tbs green onions 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese 1 cup bread crumbs

Saute chicken breasts in a little olive oil until done. Cut into large chunks. Cook artichoke hearts according to package directions then drain and pat dry. Layer chicken and artichoke in a 9×13 pan. Melt butter in medium sauce pan, add flour to create a roux. Add chicken broth and stir until thickened and combined. Add wine and cheddar and onions over low heat. Stir until melted. Pour sauce over casserole. Combine breadcrumbs and Parmesan and sprinkle over casserole. Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 25 minutes. Serve with rice or pasta.

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When asked, "What's the greatest commandment?" Jesus replied simply: "Love God, love your neighbor." I imagine He was thinking,"It's not rocket science" or "What's not to like?" or "It's not complicated."

He was right, it's not complicated.

I make it complicated. I need to pray daily to uncomplicate what He says is best for me and best for others. So I wrote 31 Days of Uncomplicated Prayers, and once I pray them through, I start over again.

You can too.

Sign up HERE to receive 31 Days of Uncomplicated Prayers to take the "complicated" out of the simple commands of Jesus. Love God. Love your neighbor. It's not complicated.

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I first heard about Megan Fate Marshman when our girls came home from Hume Lake Christian Camp and said, "We loved Spirit Girl!" (And Bethany wanted to BE the Spirit Girl--the one who led all the games and was so funny and fun!) Megan still works for Hume Lake as Director of Women's Ministries and is still funny and so fun, but also a great speaker and author. She pastors at Willow Creek Church and ministers at her home church, Arbor Road in S. California. At the time of this recording, Megan had been married 10 years but her dear husband passed away suddenly a few mid 2021 and we pray for her heart to heal and her life to continue to bless hundreds and thousands of her listeners.Please join me in praying for Meg as she mothers her two darling boys.

Today's episode is about her latest book, Meant For Good—The Adventure of Trusting God and His Plans for You. A must-read. Put it in your own stocking!

Some of the many great quotes from Meant for Good:

We want answers, God wants trust.

God knows His plans for our lives; it doesn't say He will tell us those plans.

We must prioritize time for intimacy with God; no one will do that for us.

The purpose of prayer is not to share our agenda with God. It's to align our lives with His agenda.

About Meg:

As an international speaker at churches, conferences and university chapels, Megan Fate Marshman is a leading voice to this generation. She has devoted her life to loving God and overflowing His awesome love to others.

Megan is currently a teaching pastor at Willow Creek Community Church and the Director of Women’s Ministries at Hume Lake Christian Camps. She also shepherds women at her home church, Arbor Road. She also enjoys adventuring all over the globe with her boys speaking and sharing the love of Jesus.

She authored the books “Meant for Good” and "SelfLess," and co-wrote the book, "7 Family Ministry Essentials," with Dr. Michelle Anthony. Megan also served as the Director of Student Resources for David C Cook Publishers, where she led a team in creating TruIdentity, a spiritually forming, Christ centered, and family empowered youth ministry curriculum.

In February of 2021, Megan’s husband, Randy Marshman, went home to be with Jesus after suffering a heart attack. For Megan, “to live is Christ, to die is gain (Philippians 1:21).” She grieves with hope and lives to become more like Christ so others may know Him more through her.

Megan lives in Lakewood, California with her two boys, Foster and Jedidiah.

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God is in the hospitality business. He continually invites people to His table. He knows He is the only One Who is “perfectly suited to satisfy and sustain us.” So He reaches out to us.

You may have received an invitation before, but never thought it was for you, or, you were too distracted by life to think any more about it. Listening today to this podcast is yet another invitation from the Ultimate Host.

The invitation reads:

Jesus said, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one can come to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6)

So, come.

John wrote in John 1:4:”In Him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.” If you want life, come.

I’m only half-alive if I haven’t entered into life with God. How do I do that?

Admit that I need God.

God already knows we need Him, but there’s a big problem. He’s holy; I’m not. Due to our sin, we are on a fast track to permanent separation from God, hell for all eternity. Jesus talked a lot about hell. If you believe Jesus on one thing, you have to believe Him on everything.

The honest person admits he’s not perfect enough for God; God’s invitation--followed by our RSVP--rescues us from that death and separation. That’s why it’s called: Good News!

To receive a Pdf of this podcast, click here - my gift for you! Do you know someone who needs to hear that they are invited to God's table? Forward this podcast and this Pdf. Blessings from Welcome Heart!

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Perhaps you have already RSVP'd to God's invitation to know Him. It's time now to invite someone to your table, and perhaps that will be the first step in their knowing God loves them so much that He sent His Son.

But. Hospitality seems daunting!

That's why I made this for you: What to do today to host guests in a month!

Join today!

Here's the plan: I will send you a small task to complete starting on a Monday. There will be one email sent each day of the week except for Sundays (day of rest!) By the end of four weeks you will have hosted company. For some of you, this is no big deal; for others of you, it's no small thing. Rome wasn't built in a day, and inviting people over with ease and confidence takes small steps that lead to good practice.

Here's the deal: when we feel at ease with ourselves, we can focus more on the guest. And that's the main difference between hospitality and entertaining. We want to focus on our guests to help them feel loved, noticed and welcomed just like God loved, noticed and welcomed us to His table.

Sign up today.

Hospitality Tea Towels, all for Heaven's sake! See Shop.

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Billie Jauss can't remember how many places she's lived or how many times her family has moved—she's married to pro baseball coach, Dave Jauss, and that's how that profession rolls. Billie's learned through 30 years of marriage that she can serve God wherever she lands, and she and her husband have made an effort to do just that. Billie has had great opportunities to teach her three sons that loving everyone equally is the way that God loves, no matter if they are a famous pitcher or the one who sweeps up after the game is over.

Join me today to hear author, speaker, podcaster, Billie Jauss.

Follow Billie at Start Small Believe Big, billiejauss.com

We will be giving away Making Room: Doing Less So God Can Do More. Leave a comment to be entered!

She wrote this book for you if you feel like you’re spiritually crashing. God hasn’t given up on working in and through you.

Every believer experiences dry seasons—times when you’re doing all the right things but feel painfully disconnected from God. Bible study? Check. Volunteer in ministry? Check. Daily quiet time? Check. But nothing seems to be working. Discouragement overwhelms you, and complacency sets in.

I hope you win!!

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Read about Sue’s topics and testimonials at womenspeakers.com

How to invest in what matters beyond ourselves. We have one life - let’s make the most of it for God, others, and eternity. Subscribe: Choose one of these popular free listening services, and subscribe there:

OR Subscribe to Welcome Heart's weekly email newsletter, blog updates, and podcast notes, here! :::::::::

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"No room in the inn!" Sounds like Christmas is around the corner and it is! Do I have room to celebrate the Christ Child or is my planner too full? My life can get cluttered—not just with ordinary stuff—but with good, valuable, worthwhile stuff. And, worship, adoration, joy and peace get thrown out the window in the interest of "getting all the things done."

My mind can get like my pantry. Last year my daughter blessed me with a gift I requested: an organized pantry. This year I'll let her attack my closet, bless her.

God will guide us through the holidays and any season of the year when we take time to make room for Him in our lives. The amazing thing is that we don't! As Mary Grace made the point while organizing for me, "Mom, you can leave space on the shelf--it's soothing to the eye and you can find things easier."

I am more at peace and can find His leading better when I make room for Him. Listen today and see how God may be leading you to change how you organize your life, all for heaven's sake and yours.

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Welcome Heart Presents

Hospitality Tea Towels!

See Shop for details (and more on the way)

Make your favorite pumpkin bread or fruit cake, add one of these pretty towels and you are DONE!

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Here are 5 ideas for inviting others into the true meaning of Christmas, but I don't suggest you do all 5!! (If I did, I definitely would not be making room for Jesus!)

Click here for 5 ideas plus 2 well-loved recipes, all for heaven's sake.

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Janell Woods, mother of 4 of her own and 4 abroad, and host of "Finding Something REAL" Podcast shares today her struggle to embrace her identity in God and how that made all the difference in facing disappointment, insecurity, and loss. Because she knows firsthand how God is the only one who can meet our deepest needs, she goes after the "girl in the back pew who is unsure about her faith."

If you are wondering if you are enough, or you want to make sure that your kids grow up with confidence in how God's made them, you will love today's podcast.

Janell's daily questions to her kids when she lets them off for school are:

1. Who are you?

2. Who loves you?

3. Is anything today going to change any of that?

So, go and be a light for Jesus.

From Janell:

What I hope you’ll find whether listening to the podcast, reading my writing, or hearing me speak, are humble stories about finding something REAL. My prayer is that everything I share is an invitation saturated with grace, sometimes, a good dose of humor and and an ever-increasing love for Jesus Christ and the REALness He alone offers this world.

Crazy Love by Francis Chan

Read Crazy Love if ever in doubt about what does the Bible says about who I am and who God is.

Find Janell here: www.janellwood.com

Parable of the Talents found here.

Link to the exchange program.Ep

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Meg Glesener, a wife of 31 years, and a mother of 8, loves pouring into her family, friends, and church in a very intentional way. She began her podcast, Letters From Home--Everyday Extraordinary Faith Stories - so that we can celebrate the faithfulness of God in His followers, based in the passage in II Corinthians 3:3, "You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everyone." 

Hear Meg's legacy and be encouraged! To live a life that is available to others, offering a home and life that provides healing and refreshment, providing a "visual" of God's ongoing work in our lives.

FREE APP* Letters From Home Podcast has its own downloadable app., with all of our episodes in one easy place. Search our podcast name in the Apple APP store, and in the Google Play store. All free!

Email: lfhpodcast@gmail.com

Website: https://lettersfromhomepodcast.com/

Facebook: facebook.com/letters from home podcast/

Instagram: instagram.com/letters from home podcast

Letters From Home Monthly Newsletter https://lettersfromhomepodcast.com/

We are on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, IHeartRadio, Amazon and all of the places podcasts live. :)

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You may know Holley Gerth as the author of inspiring devotional books and co-host of the popular podcast, Not Just Small Talk, but today we are talking about a book I'm very excited about because I love some wonderful introverts! Holley's book, The Powerful Purpose of Introverts-Why the World Needs You to be You can change your life, introvert or not. I told her I was a raging Extrovert and she smiled benignly and continued to encourged me to be exactly who God made me to be.

So refreshing! Trying to be someone you're not can be so lonely and exhausting. Six years ago, Holley faced burnout and began researching what it meant to be an introvert and how God made us a certain way for His pleasure and purpose. She writes this as a gift to help introverts thrive in a culture that celebrates the extrovert until they take the time to appreciate all that an introvert brings to the table. You will love this interview. Thanks, Holley!

Leave a message in comments to be entered to win your own copy.

Since the time of this recording, Holley's latest devotional is out. You can also win a free copy by commenting here or on instagram

About Holley:

The Short Version: I like humans, words, and good coffee.

The Longer Version: My grandparents owned a little Christian bookstore in Texas. I had a good childhood, bad bangs, and spent a lot of time reading in trees.

I grew up to be a Wall Street Journal bestselling author, life coach, and podcaster with a Masters of Science Degree in counseling. I’ve spent the last decade empowering about half a million people to realize more of their God-given potential through books like You’re Already Amazing, Fiercehearted, and The Powerful Purpose of Introverts.

I know what it’s like to fight anxiety and depression, perfectionism and insecurity, doubt and burnout. I also know what it’s like to become a kick-butt overcomer who refuses to let any of those things win, who finally discovered how to be comfortable and free in her own imperfect introvert skin.

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Introverts can be best at hospitality. They know how to notice others and they listen with their hearts.

Now is the time to begin opening your doors. This will help:

HOSPITALITY BY THE DAY

WHAT TO DO TODAY TO HOST GUESTS IN A MONTH--A 4-Week Plan

JOIN HERE

Join today and the first simple task begins on the following Monday. Let me know how it goes. Email me at sue@welcomeheart.com

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I like it that we talk about hospitality in terms of practice. It means we get better with practice—but of course, getting better or becoming a great hostess is not the goal. Feeling secure and confident and at-east is so that we can better focus on the guest. That's what it's all about

We've been fooled into thinking that hospitality has to do with us, the host, rather than the one who needs a place at our table. We may think we are in charge, but God will give us all we need when the time comes to answer the doorbell.

As CS Lewis wrote:

“At this feast it is he Who has spread the board and it is He Who has chosen the guests. It is He, we may dare to hope, who sometimes does, and always should, preside. Let us not reckon without our Host.”

Recognizing that I’m not in control of most things reminds me to depend on God for my strength. As my friend, Bonnie told me, “It’s God Who does the real work, anyway – the work that lasts for eternity.” Recently, I got to practice hospitality while allowing God to lead the way. I prepped and planned and then watched Him choose the guests in spite of my prepping and planning.

Recipe for Jamie's Chicken Corn Chowder, as promised:

4 strips of bacon 2 cups cubed potatoes 1 small diced onion 2 cups chicken broth

2 cups diced cooked chicken 1 - 8 oz can corn 1 8 - oz can cream corn 1 cup light cream ½ t. pepper

Chopped parsley for a tasty garnish

Fry bacon until crisp. Drain, cool and crumble. Sauté onions in bacon drippings until tender (8-10 minutes). In Dutch oven, combine onions, potatoes, chicken broth, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender, 15 minutes or so. Add chicken, whole corn, cream corn, light cream and pepper. Heat thoroughly. Garnish with parsley and crumbled bacon.

Join The Beauty of Autumn today for more recipes and inspiration

Please, you're all invited, to my FREE Facebook group: Welcome Heart, Welcome Home!

And if you're ready to do one thing every day for 24 days to be ready for company on that last day, sign up here.

Stay tuned for a new recipe, "Italian Stuffing" by Diana Claire. On the blog in November!

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Read about Sue’s topics and testimonials at womenspeakers.com

How to invest in what matters beyond ourselves. We have one life - let’s make the most of it for God, others, and eternity. Subscribe: Choose one of these popular free listening services, and subscribe there:

OR Subscribe to Welcome Heart's weekly email newsletter, blog updates, and podcast notes, here!

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I asked author, speaker, photojournalist, Dorothy Littell Greco, why she began writing and speaking about marriage and I got the right answer: her own marriage had been challenging and hard! Dorothy was quick to say that she and her husband of 30 years, Christopher, recognized they were seriously stuck and if their marriage was going to succeed, they needed to step back, examine what was really going on, and get some help. As a result, they learned how to pour into their own marriage to make it flourish after struggling for their first 10 years. Most people don't wait 10 years, they just jump ship and look for the next cruise to pick them up and meet all their expectations.

Listen today and be encouraged to not give up on your marriage, as well as live a life paying attention to and serving the world around you. You may not need this message but you know someone who does. Sharing it with them could help them begin to "get un-stuck"—Dorothy says it's possible and that may be all the encouragement they need.

Leave a comment to be entered into a giveaway to receive Dorothy's first book, Making Marriage Beautiful. Extra entries for leaving a review on this podcast!

About Dorothy:

Since graduating from Boston University in 1983, I have been working as a photographer, author, writer, and speaker. I feel equally at home speaking in front of hundreds or standing behind my camera without saying a word. My words and images offer hope and encouragement to those longing for healing, reconciliation, and joy.

My writing has been featured in Christianity Today, Missio Alliance, MOPs, Relevant Magazine, Christians for Biblical Equality, The Mudroom, Sojourners, Biola Center for Marriage and Family, Christine Cain’s Propel for Women, Perennial Generation, Patheos, and The Englewood Review of Books. Making Marriage Beautiful, my first book, was published by David C Cook in January of 2017. My second book, Marriage in the Middle, was published by InterVarsity Press in September of 2020.

You can find and follow Dorothy here:

www.dorothygreco.com

Twitter: @dorothygreco

FB: Words&Images by DorothyGrecoPhotography

Dorothy loves to cook and you can find several recipes on her website. Here's a muffin favorite, Gluten Free Blueberry Muffins.

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Read about Sue’s topics and testimonials at womenspeakers.com

How to invest in what matters beyond ourselves. We have one life - let’s make the most of it for God, others, and eternity. Subscribe: Choose one of these popular free listening services, and subscribe there:

OR Subscribe to Welcome Heart's weekly email newsletter, blog updates, and podcast notes, here!

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You will love this conversation with Jordan Raynor about how to be the boss of your time, living out God's agenda, and being wildly productive without feeling frantic or stressed—instead, just the opposite. I don't like time management books—they make me feel guilty (or frantic or stressed) but Jordan's latest book, Redeeming Your Time: 7 Biblical Principles for Being Purposeful, Present, and Wildly Productive will inspire you to live how God intended. It releases this Tuesday, October 19 and if you pre-order before, you will be entered to win a free trip to the Holy Land.

Buy this book--for yourself and for a friend and maybe your son-in-law and pastor.

Jordan is giving a copy away this week - so leave a comment here or on instagram to be entered.

So many great gems in today's podcast:

"To do our most exceptional work we need to learn to be fully present with one person and one task at a time."

"God gets to define our mission in life becuase He created us, and that mission is to glorify Him."

"To be wildly productive, we need to make hard choices between equally good things."

"To be like Jesus is to be wildly productive."

Jordan Raynor is the national best-selling author of Called to Create, Master of One, and his most recent book, Redeeming Your Time: 7 Biblical Principles for Being Purposeful, Present, and Wildly Productive. Through his work as an author and serial entrepreneur, he has helped millions of Christians around the world connect the gospel to their work through his “Call to Mastery” podcast and weekly devotionals, The Word Before Work. He also serves as the executive chairman of Threshold 360, a venture-backed tech start-up that has built the world’s largest library of 360-degree virtual experiences of hotels, restaurants, and attractions. A highly sought-after speaker on the topic of faith and work, Raynor has spoken at many events around the world including Harvard University, SXSW, and has been selected as a Google fellow twice. He has been interviewed by many media outlets including CNBC, Fast Company, WIRED Magazine, “In the Market with Janet Parshall,” and the Carey Nieuwhof Leadership Podcast. Jordan lives in Tampa with his wife and their three daughters. For more information, visit https://www.jordanraynor.com & https://www.instagram.com/jordanraynor

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Our mission is to glorify God, as Jordan said, and we all can do that by inviting someone to our table even if we weren't raised in a hospitable home or we just don't know how to go about it.

I've broken down the challenge of "having company" into 4 weeks of tiny, daily tasks to make it simple—and simply wonderful—to obey God's commandment,

"Show hospitality to one another without grumbling." I Peter 4:9

Click here and you will begin on a Monday to prepare to host guests in a month.

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Read about Sue’s topics and testimonials at womenspeakers.com

How to invest in what matters beyond ourselves. We have one life - let’s make the most of it for God, others, and eternity. Subscribe: Choose one of these popular free listening services, and subscribe there:

OR Subscribe to Welcome Heart's weekly email newsletter, blog updates, and podcast notes, here!

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Today's conversation is with Courtney Lowman from the Journey of Ruth Podcast. I ask Courtney how she came up with that title, what her main legacy is, and how she fought to keep that legacy in focus. Just because we may hear from God and know that He's telling us some robust instruction, it doesn't mean it's always easy to change direction and follow His voice.

To give you a hint. She heard Him ask: "Whose kingdom are you going to build—yours or Mine?" Listen to hear how she answered and how we, too, can make a choice that builds into eternity. She shares a printable that has helped her and many others. A word from Courtney:

The Journey of Ruth Podcast has a goal of encouraging women in faith and discipleship. I believe all women need to be inspired in their walk with God and have the ability to encourage others around them. Each week I get to have a fun conversation with a wise woman of the faith about their challenges and victories in life.

If you need guidance in how to find a Mentor, check out Courtney's resource here.

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Have you joined my 24-Days to Hospitality Challenge yet? One simple daily task, 4 weeks, company at your table - all for heaven's sake!

Sign up here and the very next Monday you can begin. I can't wait to hear how you do!

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Read about Sue’s topics and testimonials at womenspeakers.com

How to invest in what matters beyond ourselves. We have one life - let’s make the most of it for God, others, and eternity. Subscribe: Choose one of these popular free listening services, and subscribe there:

OR Subscribe to Welcome Heart's weekly email newsletter, blog updates, and podcast notes, here!

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Author, speaker, soul-care coach, Bonnie Gray shares her legacy of being honest enough to tell your story, no matter the pain and hardship in that story. When she started experiencing panic attacks as an adult she didn't know what was going on. Life was good. Life was moving forward. But her body was telling her something different.

She discovered she needed to return to her past, write her story, and learn that God was with her all along the way.

Bonnie is offering a free audiobook of her latest book, Sweet Like Jasmine if you pre-order by Tuesday, October 5, as well as a journal that you can go through to help you write your own story or share with a group of friends.

Check it out here.

Bonnie Gray was raised in Chinatown in San Francisco. Her mom was a mail-order bride, and her dad ran a noodle house. He left the family when she turned 7. This is the story of Bonnie's search for her day, and finding that God was with her all the time. Telling our stories helps heal our souls, all for the good of God's children.

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Have you joined my 24-Days to Hospitality Challenge yet? One simple daily task, 4 weeks, company at your table - all for heaven's sake!

Sign up here and the very next Monday you can begin, and I can't wait to hear how you do!

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Amber Cullum learned from her husband's family what she didn't learn in her own that to say, "I'm sorry" makes all the difference in building strong, healthy and loving relationships.

Host and creator of the podcast, Grace Enough, Amber's desire is to share stories of faith and resilience that glorify God and encourage His followers that no matter what's happened in our lives, His grace covers it all.

Today she talks about her struggles with postpopartum depression, as well as the legacy she's teaching her children about the value of asking forgiveness, and the practical application of God's Word.

Amber Cullum is the podcast host behind Grace Enough—a podcast designed to encourage believers that God can use you to impact His kingdom no matter your story.  He does the changing, the transforming, the redeeming—not us.  It does require daily surrender, faith, and trust, but we must remember His grace is enough.

Amber is saved by His grace alone, but doesn't always act like it. She is wife to Sam, mom of 3, and Physical Therapist turned stay-at-home mom. She loves authentic and raw conversations with women about their walks with God and one another.  She loves connecting women with God, people, and resources to spur them on in their walks with Jesus and remind them that God's grace is enough.

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With only $500 in the bank and a family of 6, Kevin was calling out to God for some help, some very practical help: they needed food on the table. While praying, he found himself praying these words:

"Lord, give us food so others may eat!"

Hear Kevin's incredible story of how God answered that prayer and led him to build non-profits, feed the hungry around the world--physically and spiritually, and most importantly know and show the generous heart of God. Listen and be blessed and buy his book!

Audacious Generosity by Kevin White. Also available on Audible and Kindle

As an author, speaker, and leader, Kevin White, is convinced that audacious generosity transforms the world. Kevin’s on a mission to empower a culture of generosity throughout the world with his book, Audacious Generosity, and his annual campaign, Generosity Award.

A seasoned pastor and entrepreneur, Kevin founded With Love From Jesus Ministries in 1999 to distribute essential resources to high-need populations. The organization continues to carry out its original mission by distributing millions of dollars in resources each year to those who need it most. In 2003, Kevin founded Global Hope India, and he continues to lead the mission-minded organization focused on Indian Nationals as its executive director. Kevin has traveled to India over 50 times taking one thousand people on short-term mission trips to India.

Kevin's new book, Get to The Point, releases worldwide in November 2021. God is using it to remind us that every guidance and provision we will ever need can be found today in his presence. Preorders will soon show at kevinwhite.us.

Outside of building successful nonprofits with world-changing impact, Kevin has started churches and businesses. He speaks internationally and hosts three podcast shows in the USA.

An ordained minister, Kevin received his undergraduate degree in 1989 from Southern Wesleyan University. Kevin and his wife, Shelly, have been married 33 years. They have three adult children and one grandchild. Kevin and Shelly live in Cary, North Carolina.

Find Kevin here:

Website: https://kevinwhite.us

Email: kevin@kevinwhite.us

Instagram: @kevinwhiteus

Facebook: @kevinwhite.usa

Twitter: @kevinwhiteus

LinkedIn: @kevinwhiteus

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Did you know I published 100 Podcasts? To celebrate I made a list of gems from each one. You can have your copy HERE.

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Celebrate the 100th episode of Make it Count: Living a Legacy Life with me today as we hear the story of Joni, a woman who didn't waste her suffering. All for God's glory.

Joni Earackson Tada dove into the Chesapeake Bay in 1969 and broke her neck. For the last 55 years she's lived in a wheelchair, sharing her story of how God met her there and continues to draw her closer to Himself.

"My response to my suffering was not resigning myself to it, woefully yielding to submerged rebellion. Instead, I want to embrace God in this no good, very bad trial and I'm going to find You in it."--Joni

A bestselling author, accomplished artist (with a brush in her mouth), and CEO of her worldwide ministry, Joni and Friends, which advocates and aids those with disabilities and their families.

If you've never read her first book, JONI, I encourage you to begin there. I asked Joni what her favorite book was that she wrote and she replied, "The God I Love" - a book for families. We will be giving away a copy. Comment below or on instagram or FB to be entered in the drawing. But while waiting, look over her website, Joniandfriends.org and see where God may want you to get involved.

I reached out to Joni on her website to see if I could interview her with the preamble: "My claim to fame is that I'm Hyatt Moore's sister." That seemed to work as they wrote me back the next day. They love Hyatt over at Joni and Friends because he's painted for them. One, a book jacket for a course for understanding and ministering to those with disabilities. And, another that depicts the international reach of their organization and commonality of folks with disabilities.

"Wheel Chair Praising"

"Luke 14 Banquet"

78" x 204"

Both available in prints at hyattmoore.com

Joni is giving away 3 copies of her favorite book, THE GOD I LOVE.

Leave a comment to be entered and I will be happy to send 3 lucky winners their own copy!

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Today I am celebrating God's faithfulness, sense of humor, creativity, leading, and glory!

I didn't actually understand what a podcast was when I started my podcast almost two years ago, and now I'm at the cusp of Ep. 100 next week with my wonderful guest, Joni Eareckson Tada.

Today I share 9 or 10 things from my list of "100 things I learned from 100 podcasts" - I got mixed up. I don't know if it's 9 or 10—can you see how it's a miracle that I've come this far? Amazing.

I'll share a little how I came upon the theme and title for my podcast, and then some great gems from some great guests. Be sure to download the entire list for your inspiration and spiritual growth.

Remember. We all have the same amount of time. It's how we use it is what counts. Living for something beyond ourselves, for God's glory and eternity.

For your complete list of "100 Things I Learned From 100 Podcasts", go here.

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BECOME by The Joyful Life is here now.

Perfect for your Fall reading and contemplation. And for a gift for a friend. Order here.

Just got my copy—it's so beautiful! I'm an affiliate so love that if you order, you use the button above. Thanks in advance!

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With my love of questions, I was attracted immediately to lovely Lain Ehman of the A More Beautiful Question Podcast and Radio Show. Her legacy has to do with changing a problem into a solution by asking the better question. Instead of: "Why is life so hard?" ask, "What am I learning right now?"

Lain's desire is to bring people to ask questions about life and God for the express intention to help them live their best life and know the true God of the Bible. Only in knowing and relying on God do we live our whole story with joy and purpose.

Walking out our faith can get tricky. On her show, Lain discusses how we can be the light of the world in all areas of our lives: Home, church, community, work, and beyond — even when things get messy! Using humor, insightful questions, and biblical principles, Lain's mission is as a truth teller and encourage, exhorting women to live courageously for God. Lain and her husband of 25 years are raising 3 young people in the sunshine state of Arizona.

You can listen to her here: A More Beautiful Question

You can read more about her books and speaking here: A More Beautiful Question with Lain Ehman

Lain's favorite recipe is Stuffed Shells (Isn't that everyone's? YUM!)

She adds meat to this recipe on the back of the Prince Pasta box.

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The Fall Issue of The Joyful Life Magazine is now available. My friend, Michele Morin and I each have articles in BECOME The Lord God on High loves His children every part of the journey. Isn't that just so grand? ORDER HERE (since I'm an affiliate) and I appreciate you so very much!

Happy Fall almost!

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Eric Nevins claims we are all "halfway there" because our spiritual growth is an ongoing journey and we can never come to the end of knowing God better this side of Glory. Spiritual Formation isn't just a course of study for Eric. He brings stories of how everyday believers to light by sharing people's stories of their walk with God, whether at the very beginning, the muddled middle or those who are so close to Jesus you can feel it.   The whole story often includes the rough parts. Eric says, "I'm not afraid to walk with someone through their desert because nine times out of ten, they mostly just need us to listen and maybe ask one question: 'What is God telling you through this time?' And if they answer, "I don't know" to be okay with that as well. 

A husband and father of four, Eric divides his time with his online media business, encouraging Christian podcasters through his brain child, Christian Podcasters Asssociation, and hosting his own podcast, Halfway There, a podcast devoted to honest conversations with ordinary Christians about today's Christian experience. Listen now at ericnevins.com!   A few more details from Eric: I grew up in an Evangelical family in Iowa and always knew the Lord. Married my high school sweetheart and moved to Chicago to earn my degree in Biblical Studies. Started seminary at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and entered a dark night of the soul while marriage struggled, had our first baby, and parents got divorced. That took three years and two kids. But I couldn’t shake a sense of calling.   We discovered spiritual formation as a topic and I finally finished my M.Div at Denver Seminary in 2009 with an emphasis in Spiritual Formation. Never found a church job but got interested in online media. Eventually, this led me to podcasting. In 2016, I started Halfway There, a show dedicated to sharing the entire spiritual journey. Today, I produce my show, market missions books, and run Christian Podcasters Association, a Facebook group for Christian podcasters that I wish I had at the beginning.   His favorite recipe is Ribs! I don't blame him.   _______   The brand new BECOME issue of The Joyful Life Magazine is now available! I write about that great topic, Growing Up Spiritually —an ongoing endeavor.   ORDER HERE

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Kristi Woods didn't meet God until her mid-20's, and from the very beginning she knew that going deeper in His Word was not only key to eternal peace, but also a daily passion—a dance, if you will, of seeing Him work in and around her days and moments. From her own experience of knowing God, Kristi longs to encourage others to grow deeper in their spiritual walk.

Her prayer on a regular basis keeps her close to her Savior:

"Lord, show me what's in my heart that doesn't belong there. Amen."

And He does! May we dare to pray this prayer with Kristi.

Kristi Woods is a writer and speaker—but mostly a Jesus girl. She encourages readers to grow in faith with downloadable Bible studies such as Fear What? Debunking the Power of Fear and free, faith-building printables like 30 Days in Psalms: A Bible Reading Plan, available at www.KristiWoods.net. You'll find her work published with BibleStudyTools.com, Crosswalk.com, Focus on the Family, Life Audio, and many others. Kristi, her handsome, retired-from-the-Navy husband, and their three children survived a nomadic, military lifestyle and have set roots in Oklahoma—where she keeps a close watch for tornadoes and good chocolate.

Find all Kristi's Bible Studies here—https://kristiwoods.net/bible-studies/

Kristi is giving away a copy of her printable Bible Study on being not afraid: Fear What?

Leave a comment to be entered in the drawing! Thank you, Kristi!

Fear’s on a mission. Maybe you or the people surrounding you are living afraid due to health conditions or disease. Perhaps the social climate brings rise to fear. Or, how about everyday situations like rejection, failure, not being enough, etc.?

Most, if not all, of us feel fear’s impact. Sadly, it can stop us in our spiritual tracks. Let’s declare, “No more.”

Truth debunks fear’s power. It really does. Here’s a Bible study to help you in the journey.

A favorite recipe of Kristi's which looks amazing and simple is:

Shoyu Chicken

We gathered this recipe when we lived in Hawaii. It's not precise, but close enough. :-)

8-12 boneless, skinless chicken thighs

1 cup soy sauce or Bragg's Liquid Aminos

3 cloves garlic, minced

1/2" minced, fresh ginger

Opt: Add 1 c. sugar to soy sauce/Bragg's Liquid Aminos if sweetness is preferred.

Add thighs to a slow cooker. Top with other ingredients and cover. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the chicken temperature reaches 165 degrees.

Sides: Cooked short-grain or Jasmine rice make a nice side dish. Add a simple lettuce salad. This is a typical Hawaiian meal.

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Maybe your biggest fear is inviting someone into your home. During Covid, I can see why! But how about your backyard? Here's a free printable for you to get it on the calendar:

Print here.

To get four more printables to help you serve up what's simple and great from a heart-full of love, subscribe here (and unsubscribe anytime).

Kristi Woods is a writer and speaker—but mostly a Jesus girl. She encourages readers to grow in faith with downloadable Bible studies such as Fear What? Debunking the Power of Fear and free, faith-building printables like 30 Days in Psalms: A Bible Reading Plan, available at www.KristiWoods.net. You'll find her work published with BibleStudyTools.com, Crosswalk.com, Focus on the Family, Life Audio, and many others. Kristi, her handsome, retired-from-the-Navy husband, and their three children survived a nomadic, military lifestyle and have set roots in Oklahoma—where she keeps a close watch for tornadoes and good chocolate.

A favorite recipe of Kristi's which looks amazing and simple is:

Shoyu Chicken

We gathered this recipe when we lived in Hawaii. It's not precise, but close enough. :-)

8-12 boneless, skinless chicken thighs

1 cup soy sauce or Bragg's Liquid Aminos

3 cloves garlic, minced

1/2" minced, fresh ginger

Opt: Add 1 c. sugar to soy sauce/Bragg's Liquid Aminos if sweetness is preferred.

Add thighs to a slow cooker. Top with other ingredients and cover. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the chicken temperature reaches 165 degrees.

Sides: Cooked short-grain or Jasmine rice make a nice side dish. Add a simple lettuce salad. This is a typical Hawaiian meal.

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A contented woman expects great things from God – because He loves her and because He is a great God.

And a contented woman is a surrendered woman. She places all her heart’s desires and needs into the hands of her Savior, and keeps them there.

That’s always the key, isn’t it?

A contented woman surrenders her time schedule to the one who holds her hand in the dark. She chooses the best camping spot—one in which she is not alone and not dependent upon herself.

None of us can see the future, so in a way, we're in the dark. Yet, we can still live with contentment because we know Who does.

“Let him who walks in the dark, who has no light, trust in the name of the Lord, and rely on his God.” Isaiah 50:10

Cyndie Hamley came up with a simple way to recall who God is:

God knows - Jeremiah 29:11

God cares - 1 Peter 5:7

God can - Ephesians 3:20

God is - Romans 8:28,29

God knows you and your needs.

God cares for you and loves you with an everlasting love.

God can do anything.

God is continually working to do all for our good, period.

Share with a friend sometime this week and discuss these questions:

Do you believe all these things about God?

Do you live like you believe all these things about God?

Which of the four do you need to grow in the most?

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Pre-Orders Now for BECOME Issue of

The Joyful Life Magazine

I write about that ongoing endeavor, Growing Up Spiritually

ORDER HERE

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Patsy had an idea. She knew a little bit about tech and she knew a lot about her God and the great comfort and truths found in His Word. She said: "I needed a place to share what God was giving me."

Patsy made a committment to share whatever He would teach her that day on a social media platform every day—that's a big commitment. From that decision was born her ministry: InstaEncouragements.

Patsy Burnette knows why she was born: to encourage others, especially the next generation. Listen to the founder of Instaencouragements.com today and find out how she does just that. Being raised under the banner of: "To Know God and to Make Him Known" inspired who Patsy is today—an empty nester yet poised for her next role of caregiving for her elderly parents. She's making her days count, and that's what legacy is all about.

Her goal? To build a worldwide community of online encouragers, encouraging others to faith in Jesus Christ. She invites us to grab a cup of coffee and join the movement. Are you in? Follow Patsy on instagram for daily encouragement: @instaencouragements

www.InstaEncouragments.com

She's put her encouragement into a new devotional, Sweeter Than Honey which launches October 1 - just in time for Christmas gift-giving (and all around self-care.) It's a 365-day devotional journey that leads the reader through the Bible in chronological order of book authorship.

Read more about it HERE.

Patsy is a wife, mother of four, and grandmother. She is a Christian lifestyle blogger and content manager at InstaEncouragements.com and has a heart for encouraging women to grow in their knowledge and love of Jesus Christ and then to share that with others. Patsy drinks more coffee and eats more dark chocolate than the average person. She lives in Atlanta, Georgia with her husband and Ellie the cat.

Follow and view her books and resources here:

The Heart That Heals: Healing Our Brokenness Through the Promises of God https://amzn.to/2zkzutm

InstaEncouragements blog www.InstaEncouragements.com

INSTAGRAM www.instagram.com/instaencouragements

FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/InstaEncouragements

TWITTER https://twitter.com/InstaEncourage

PINTEREST www.pinterest.com/instaencourage

ETSY https://www.etsy.com/shop/InstaEncouragements

Patsy doesn't view herself as a cook or baker ("skipped a generation"!) I get that. Art skipped me, as well as exercising on a regular basis. BUT she does share her husband's favorite breakfast recipe she makes for him—even bakes a loaf to take on vacations. Now, that's commitment!

Thanks, Patsy. I've never baked a banana, but will try now.

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Summer can be the perfect time to welcome people in because they don't actually have to come in the house. Send them around the back and forget the vacuuming. See my FREE Summer BBQ Check-list below. In addition are 4 more printables to help make your neighbors (and relatives!) into friends, all for heaven's sake: 6 Conversation Starters for Family Reunions, Fresh Tomato Salad, Chicken Ceasar Wraps (My sister says, "Use restraint while slicing your chicken and don't take too many bites or you won't have enough for your company." She's right. I've made these many times.) And, my favorite Scripture verse regarding opening our homes. Subscribe Here to receive my four printables besides your ultimate BBQ Checklist. In the meantime, this is for you:

SUMMER BBQ CHECKLIST Click here

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I Timothy 6:9 says this:

“People who want to get rich, fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction…some people eager for money, have plunged themselves with many griefs.”

And Jeremiah 2:13 adds this practical warning:

“For my people have done two evil things: They have abandoned me— the fountain of living water. And they have dug for themselves cracked cisterns that can hold no water at all!

Not only does drinking at the wrong wells—looking for satisfaction in anything or anyone but God, lead to wrong attitudes but it can lead to actions that ruin lives—yours and your family’s

I usually think of coveting as having to do with things. But, a more serious sort of coveting is coveting a neighbor—not just their house or their car. It leads to adultery and ripping up of families.

If struggling with living contentedly, we can pray and tell God all about it. Our loving God tells us we can "pray big." If you have trouble living expectantly, anticipating a great answer from a great God, choose this verse as your verse for the year and it will help you put your eyes where they need to be.

Ephesians 3:20 – this was my theme verse all through college:

“Now unto Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work in us…” I learned it as “abundantly above all that we can ask or think…”

What will you pray for today with an expectant heart? God loves you, you know.

Jenny Nanniga wrote a great piece on embracing Contentment for The Joyful Life Blog. Here's a peek:

Our difficult circumstances may not be going away anytime soon. Do we fight against it? Do we rail, wail, curse, and complain? Or, do we let go, reach into the difficulty, and take hold? Maybe we need to become familiar with our circumstances, get to know them so intimately that they no longer frighten us. Maybe we will even discover new sides to them.—Jenny Nanniga

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Elizabeth Oschwald, entreprenuer and mother of 7 in her new blended family, shares how she now lives in the freedom Christ offers after enduring an abusive marriage.

She found herself facing the question: "Who am I?" followed by an even more important one: "Who are You, Jesus?"

Follow her story of how God brought her to freedom and how she now lives to encourage others to receive all God has for us as His children. Part of that story includes learning from five different mentors. She would be the first to say, you can't grow and learn and heal all by yourself.

You can find Elizabeth at her website: thejoyfulmama where she writes:

My journey of motherhood has not been typical or average. In fact, there have been some pretty sharp twists and turns. I have been a weak mama to 2 little girls in an unhealthy, and sometimes terrifying, marriage.

I have been a brave mama starting over with those same 2 littles, but struggling with their behavior, healthy boundaries, and my own identity.

I have been a hopeful mama as I gave it all to Jesus and allowed Him to hold the pen and rewrite my future.

I have been a diligent mama as I put in the work to correct a lot of wrongs and bring my daughters and I into alignment with who God was calling us to be. {And without this step…I couldn’t have received the blessings God had in store for us.}

I have been grateful mama as I met the man of my dreams, David, and became Imma (that’s Hebrew for Mom…we like that better than “stepmom”) to his 4 beautiful children.

In every season- of fear, of uncertainty, of humble beginnings, of rebuilding, of hard work, and of receiving God’s immeasurable favor and grace– I have learned so much. I have failed. I have grown.

And I’m here to tell you that you don’t have to have it all together to experience joy in your journey. You may be thriving, you may be barely surviving, or you may be somewhere in between– the key to joy, and to freedom, isn’t found in our circumstances. It’s found in surrender. When we give our lives away for something bigger than ourselves– that’s where we find joy. And isn’t that exactly what being a mom is?

You can find Elizabeth on FB here, where she ministers to single moms, step-moms, and all the moms feeling along in their parenting challenges. Thanks, Elizabeth, for allowing us a peek into your life and how God redeemed you into the freedom He meant for you all along.

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Satan doesn’t come at most of us with temptations to take drugs or rob banks. His main temptation is to rob our joy and rob God of glory by keeping a bunch of unhappy, complaining, whining believers on the loose.

I don't want to be one of those.

I'm not an expert on being content 100% of the time. Maybe that’s why I’m a good person to talk about it. I do know it’s all about trusting God and I always need help in learning to trust God better and deeper. So thank you for joining me on this part living a legacy life.

I thought it might be fun if I could pass out $5.00 to everyone and we get on a bus and go to the outlets up the road and practice buying more for less – sometimes it’s the thrill of the deal that can keep us shopping. I’m always telling my husband how much I just saved by what I spent, but he doesn’t always appreciate my logic.

Speaking of my husband—he’s part Norwegian and part German and he’s from Iowa—I tell you this because my husband is very low-maintenance.

You really wouldn’t want him speaking on this topic – it would be over in about 30 seconds. “I don’t need it, so I don’t buy it or want it, or whatever.”

I want to leave a legacy of being a contented woman. Hear three good reasons why it's a good idea in today's episode.

Oh, and if you want to share the Contentment Quiz, or review for yourself, here you go:

___________

We all grow older, but do we all grow up? Contentment, not complacency, is a sign of maturity. Here are "13 Characteristics of a Mature Believer."

I'm a long ways away, but pressing on.

"Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me." Philippians 3:12

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David Hegg, husband of 43 years, father of three, grandfather and pastor, loves the Word of God because he's seen the power of transformed lives, starting with his own. You will hear him say more than once, "The Spirit of God uses the Word of God to do the work of God." 

"I'm a better husband, a better man, when I study God's Word, so that helps me get up early in the morning to spend time reading and studying." 

Listen here to find out his three-point discipleship tips from II Timothy 2:22. Grab a pen. You'll want to take notes.

David has served as pastor/teacher for Grace Baptist Church, Santa Clarita, CA since March, 2009. David serves as an adjunct faculty member at The Master's University (Santa Clarita, California) in the areas of Preaching, and Theology. David also conducts the annual Speaking by Listening conference for those who teach the Bible and is committed to championing the growth of expositional preaching in our day.

David speaks regularly at Men’s Conferences, Couples’ Retreats, Family Camps, and Pastors’ Conferences, in addition to leading trips to Israel and Jordan.

Check out David's books and messages at DavidWHegg.com including The Obedience Option: Because God Knows What's Good For Us

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God has blessed me through short-term and ongoing mentoring relationships. I’m grateful for my many mentors through the years. For Jeanne, who said, “Your spiritual growth is not dependent upon a man.” For Joan, who said, “Do what’s right and God will strengthen you.” For Annadale who said, “Hearts break but they also heal.” For Lorraine who said, “Choose where to camp: in the land of worry or the land of trust?”

And Laurie, who still says: “Trust God and do the next thing.”

And I love to get texts from Hope and Jenny and Jaime and Katie: “When do you want to meet? Let’s get coffee.” And we do.

We are better together. God made us that way: to receive and to pour. Mentoring is a legacy that must not be ignored, for the sake of your soul and your sister’s soul--that sister sitting right behind you in church. Ask God to bring you alongside another, to invite to your table, to receive and to pour. Begin a legacy of mentoring. It will bring blessings and gifts for a lifetime.

Listen today to learn:

Why it's a good idea to be in a mentoring relationship?

What is our two-fold "posture" toward beginning one?

Five questions to ask in your first mentoring meet-up.

If you want to mentor but you're not sure how to begin, here's what you need:

Table Mentoring: A Simple Guide to Coming Alongside

And if you only want the worksheets included in the book, here you go:

The Mentoring Printable Pack

We all know someone older and younger in this journey with our Savior. We are better together.

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Are you looking for a new and fresh Bible study to do this summer? I'm offering the first chapter of Hospitality, 101: Lessons From the Ultimate Host, A 12-Week Bible Study FREE

Sign up here and get a taste of God's hosting and how to pass along His welcoming heart. Twelve recipes included.

Pray about who to invite to the study and to your table. You'll know God better. You'll love each other more. And, you can try a new recipe every week. ENJOY!

PS With an order of three or more books, you can receive the Digital Leader's Guide FREE. Send me your Amazon order number and I'll email it to you!

View all products on welcomeheart.com/shop

__________________

How to invest in what matters beyond ourselves. We have one life - let’s make the most of it for God, others, and eternity. Subscribe: Choose one of these popular free listening services, and subscribe there:

For further thoughts on faith, food, and legacy--follow Sue at WelcomeHeart.com

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Melissa Moore speaks from her own experience, not just to tell her story, but to offer hope and strength to those who have suffered loss or mental illness. She's passionate and real and biblical. A great combination.

In her own words:

I want people to understand what it truly means to be loved by God. I have struggled with depression off and on my whole life but my faith, and the right medication, have helped me tremendously to walk in health.

We have to know why we are doing what we’re doing, making the story of Jesus central to our lives and hopes and dreams. Jesus will last forever and is the only thing that will bring true freedom and hope to so many that need it right now. We have to be willing to share our story, even the uncomfortable parts, because Jesus met people (including us) in the middle of their hurt, imperfection, and sin.

Romans 5:3-5 is her calling card as Melissa shares with others that God loves them and will bring hope for our lives no matter what we're going through. And she's only 30! Enjoy Melissa and learn from her wisdom.

Melissa Moore is a Christian writer, women's speaker, and the host of the Faith Hope Love Show.

She and her husband, Chris, live in Visalia, CA with their two miracle boys: DJ and Oliver.

She has a BA in Psychology and Biblical Studies from Azusa Pacific University and a Graduate Diploma in Pastoral Care to Women from Western Seminary.

God walked her through 3 miscarriages in 2013 and the passing of her mom in 2016, and has called her to share His hope for women in the midst of grief. She has seen, first-hand, how faith in Jesus gives us hope for our present and the future, freeing us up to receive God's love and share that love with others. You can watch Faith Hope Love every Wednesday 7pm PST on her website www.moorefaithhopelove.com, Instagram at @moore.faith.hope.love and Facebook at Faith Hope Love with Melissa Moore or listen anywhere podcasts are available!

Follow her:

Website:

https://www.moorefaithhopelove.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/moore.faith.hope.love/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/moorefaithhopelove/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcLRSjkj2rV9Vi6u57xTIXQ Melissa's go-to recipe:

Honey Sriracha Salmon/Chicken with asparagus—we don’t get guests much these days but this has always been my go-to. I skip the sriracha for the kids and they love it!

________________

Looking for a new summer Bible Study to do on your own or with a couple of friends? Check out: Hospitality, 101: Lessons From the Ultimate Host, a 12-Week Bible Study

When we understand God’s welcome, we can better pass it on to another.

For a limited time, I’m offering Chapter One of my Bible Study: Hospitality, 101—Lessons From the Ultimate Host, a 12-Week Bible Study.

________________

How to invest in what matters beyond ourselves. We have one life - let’s make the most of it for God, others, and eternity. Subscribe: Choose one of these popular free listening services, and subscribe there:

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My Heavenly Father has great loves, at least two—you and me. He went to great strides to show the world what He treasures most: a personal relationship with each child. I want to do the same: to love what God loves, to treasure what the Creator treasures, and show it by how I live my life.

The older I grow in Christ, the more I want make our treasures the same, and live like God’s priorities are my priorities. I fail daily. But I’m learning that to succeed at all, I first need to fully embrace how much I am our great God’s treasure

HOW WE KNOW WE ARE GOD’S TREASURE AND WHAT DIFFERENCE DOES IT MAKE?

Shortly before becoming engaged, I knew my husband was the one for me when he looked me in the eyes and said, “There’s nothing more you can be or do to make me love you more.” Granted, he was blinded by love. If we weren’t all a little blinded, no one would ever get married. But his proclamation reminded me of Christ’s love for us, except Jesus does know us. The Savior is not blinded to our weakness and folly, yet still treasures us.

We are loved because God is love by showing it through the gift of Jesus in I Peter 3:18 (ESV) ”For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God...”

If I ever question I am God’s treasure, I only must look at the cross and doubt no more.

Once I know I'm God's treasure, it makes all the difference in how I live. Listen today to hear my list. Would love to know what else comes to your mind when you say: "I'm God's child, and so I live this way..." List in comments below.

Here’s my truest self — yours, too, if you follow Jesus: I am loved I am forgiven I am chosen I am sent I am called I am transformed I am His I am found I am unique I am free (to wear any color!)

What difference does it make? All and everything. I am loved unconditionally, so I must love others unconditionally I am forgiven, so I must forgive as God’s forgiven me I am chosen, so I live strong I am sent, so I must go I am called, so I must not stew about my purpose I am transformed, so I must look like Jesus I am His, so I must rest in my belongingness I am found, so I must feel valued I am unique, so I must not compare I am free, so I must listen and obey to use my freedom for His kingdom ________________

Looking for a new summer Bible Study to do on your own or with a couple of friends? Check out: Hospitality, 101: Lessons From the Ultimate Host, a 12-Week Bible Study

When we understand God’s welcome, we can better pass it on to another.

For a limited time, I’m offering Chapter One of my Bible Study: Hospitality, 101—Lessons From the Ultimate Host, a 12-Week Bible Study.

________________

How to invest in what matters beyond ourselves. We have one life - let’s make the most of it for God, others, and eternity. Subscribe: Choose one of these popular free listening services, and subscribe there:

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Blake is on a mission to help 1 MILLION DADS write at least one well-written, meaningful, lasting LEGACY LETTER to their children. You will be inspired and moved by Blake's story of how his dad's letter changed his life forever.

As the founder of the Legacy Letter Challenge, Blake's mission is to empower father's to connect with their children, lead their families, and run their God-given race with endurance. Blake has a wonderful wife and three children under 5.

Blake's claim: "A father's voice is the most powerful voice on the planet."

A legacy letter answers these three questions:

1. How do you really feel about me?

2. What do you believe about me?

3. What are your hopes for me?

FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM: @theendurance_

Blake absolutely loves being a father. As he leads his family and his children, he draws from many mentors, but none more important than his late father Larry Brewer.

Blake just shared this with me. You will be so inspired to write your legacy letter to your kids:

Thought you might like this...

One of the dads in Georgia just completed the Legacy Letter Challenge and he's excited about what he gets to give his son. Just imagine if every kid in America had a letter like this from their dad?! This kid is about to go conquer the world because he knows he has a dad that loves him and believes in him! We've got to get past a million...that's just the starting point!

Cristian,

I’m writing this letter because words are powerful, but more than spoken words, written words are forever. When I speak with you about life I do it with a great deal of intention. This letter is with even more intention, because I want you to know how much you mean to me.

It seems like yesterday that you were laying on my chest for the very first time. You were only a few hours old and exhausted from coming into this world. Mom was exhausted too. She needed rest and so did you. I took you from her and within a few moments you fell asleep on my chest, I watched the Cowboys play the Dolphins. Our first football game. Mom was able to fall asleep and get some well needed rest too.

I can remember like it was yesterday, when I dropped you off in Kindergarten and told you to get out to the car for the first time on your own. We had talked about it and I knew you could do it. You trusted me and walked out of the car with confidence. I drove around and parked so fast and ran in to the school to make sure you were ok. You saw me looking in your classroom and smiled at me. That is only one of thousands of times I have been proud of you.

I have so many things I need to share with you, but before I get there I want say I’m sorry for any time I lost patience with you. For anytime I my actions did not align with my words. I want to say I’m sorry for not always being kind to your mother. I am sorry for not always living up to my own expectations of myself as your father. I desire to be perfect for you, but you and I both know that perfection doesn’t exist. But if I could, I would want to be that for you as you have made me a better man.

If there is only one thing I want you to take care away from this letter, it is that I LOVE YOU. I know I tell you every single day of your life, but words can not express how deeply I love you. AS I type this out all I can do is picture your smile, your laughter, your excitement for life as you describe a video game or tell me a story. I love your heart for people and your attention to detail. I always loved how your teachers would tell mom and I how you always mentioned details of stories that other kids rarely picked up on. I love how you ask questions. I love how you learn from your mistakes. I love how you solve problems. I love how you love me. I love when you curl up to me in the morning on the couch. I love how you ask me to tuck you in and tell me about your day. I love that when I lay in your bed in the morning you reach over and hug me. I love how you get back up after you fall. I love how much you trust me. I love how you tell me things you struggle with and talk to me about anything.

Cristian I am proud of the individual that you are. You think independently and critically think. You don’t just think selfishly, but you consider others in your thought process. I am proud of you because you stay true to yourself even though it may not be popular with others. Being willing to be true to yourself even though you may hurt/offend others, I believe is a key to a happy life. And you do that even at a young age. I am proud of you and admire you for that quality.

I believe in you, I know you are capable of great things. I want you to believe in yourself even more than I do. I remember when you were playing baseball in the championship game. You were going up to bat for the last time of the year. We needed one run to with the game. You were warming up to go up to bat. You had been walked numerous times and hadn’t had a hit in several games. I said to you “you are going to go and get the game winning run. You are a hitter, go get this hit. Then you will steal second and third bases. Then you will get a the game winning run. I believe in you.” You went up and had your best hit ever. I believed in you, but after you did it, then you believed and now know you can do that. Daddy will always believe in you because you continue to give me reason to.

You are going to be faced with many different challenges in life. But there are a few things you need to always remember, these have served me in my own life.

• Respond, do not react. Take some time to think about how you want to respond to things that draw emotions in you.

• Respect yourself first and then respecting others will come naturally.

• Trust your instincts (your gut). God gave you this intuition for a reason and it is almost always correct.

• Stay true to you and your beliefs, the world will try to change who you are. God made your perfectly in His image and you are ENOUGH.

• Serve others and you will be filled with all of the riches of life. Relationships are the most important thing you can have in this journey we call life. Value people not things.

• Value experiences – trips, museums, live concerts, Live sporting events ,over material things – Because memories last a lifetime – but things eventually get thrown away and replaced.

As I stated at the beginning of this letter, my intention is for you to know how much you mean to me and how much I love you. There are so many lessons I could share, there are so many things I want to say, but none of them matter if you don’t know how much YOU matter to ME.

I will always be here for you, even when I’m not around. When I speak with you about your day, in the car, during daddy talk time, whenever we talk, my hope is that when I’m not around, you say to yourself “What would make Dad proud” and you make the best decisions in life that you can.

When you don’t get an answer or are unsure of what I would like. I want you to think “what would make God proud” and then make the best decisions in life that you can.

In order to do both of those – you have to have a relationship (the most important thing you can have) with myself and God. Make sure you always talk to God and work on that relationship. It is even more important than your relationship with me.

As long as you have a relationship with God, you are guaranteed eternity with me.

I love you with every fiber flesh and down to the very deepest depths of my soul.

Dad

Wow! Can you imagine how Christian responded to his Dad's letter?! What a legacy!

Hardly any man that I interview shares a recipe but Blake was excited to share one from his grandmother in her own handwriting! Love it and let me know if you try it!

Here's the recipe that my grandmother made. It's my favorite recipe and my mom and now my wife make it for me all the time! : )

Shrimp and Rice Casserole 1 1/2 cups of cooked rice 1 can mushroom soup Green Onions (4 to 6 T) 3 T Chopped Bell Pepper 2 T melted butter 1 T Lemon Juice 1/2 t worsteshire sauce 1/2 t dry mustard 1/4 t peppers 10 oz frozen cooked shrimp 1 1/2 grated cheddar cheese Mix all together, pour in casserole dish Bake 35 min @ 375

Thanks, Blake. Will try it soon!

________________

Looking for a new summer Bible Study to do on your own or with a couple of friends? Check out: Hospitality, 101: Lessons From the Ultimate Host, a 12-Week Bible Study

When we understand God’s welcome, we can better pass it on to another.

For a limited time, I’m offering Chapter One of my Bible Study: Hospitality, 101—Lessons From the Ultimate Host, a 12-Week Bible Study.

________________

How to invest in what matters beyond ourselves. We have one life - let’s make the most of it for God, others, and eternity. Subscribe: Choose one of these popular free listening services, and subscribe there:

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When I look back at my parenting experience, I wish I could start over and call it: “Let’s Try This Again.” But that’s not how it works. I asked our girls for input, “What did we teach you that you needed to know as an adult?” and added, “But please don’t hurt my feelings.” (I needed some emotional intelligence.) “And yes, I know we didn’t teach you to budget…” Sure enough, the runt wrote right back: “You mean you taught us to pour concrete but not to budget?” Yes. That’s what I meant. And that was your dad’s fault.

Today I share a list of "Ten Things I Might Have Taught Our Kids But Probably Didn't" but the more important than separating whites and darks are the ten things I HOPE I taught our kids and if not, they have my phone number.

Enjoy! It's never too late to build into the next generation with God's help and wisdom.

____________

Are you looking for a new and fresh Bible study to do this summer? I'm offering the first chapter of Hospitality, 101: Lessons From the Ultimate Host, A 12-Week Bible Study FREE

Sign up here and get a taste of God's hosting and how to pass along His welcoming heart. Twelve recipes included.

Pray about who to invite to the study and to your table. You'll know God better. You'll love each other more. And, you can try a new recipe every week. ENJOY!

PS With an order of three or more books, you can receive the Digital Leader's Guide FREE. Send me your Amazon order number and I'll email it to you!

View all products on welcomeheart.com/shop

__________________

How to invest in what matters beyond ourselves. We have one life - let’s make the most of it for God, others, and eternity. Subscribe: Choose one of these popular free listening services, and subscribe there:

For further thoughts on faith, food, and legacy--follow Sue at WelcomeHeart.com

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When asked, "What makes a successful person?" Steve Burgason barely pauses before saying through his signature chuckle: "Return back to the simplicity of your faith. When Jesus was asked what was the greatest commandment, He could've picked any or all of the 600 commands but all He said was, 'Love God. Love your neighbor.'"

Steve Burgason is a successful person and he would say it's because of his inadequacy that he is successful. "I need wisdom every day, and when I ask God for wisdom, He continues to bring people my way who need His love, encouragement and wisdom as well."

Enjoy today's episode. Be wise. Be successful.

Steve and his latest grandson, Indie, hanging out.

Steve and his wife Anne have raised three adult children who are all married and live in the same wonderful town of Ames, Iowa. They do life together while doing business together, and as Steve says, "It's messy."

Steve played basketball for Iowa State, and befriended my Man-in-Plaid in HS so that he could get an introduction to Mark's sister, Anne. They've been married 42 years. A worthy introduction.

They own several convenience stores, car washes, and their signature business is coffee. Burgies Coffee is now Windmill Coffee and we love visiting in their home for many reasons, but one is the coffee! And also the great fellowship around the fire pit for early morning or late night discussions that center around God, His Word and family. A wise blessing, indeed.

The Donaldson clan in front of their childhood home. Anne Burgason in the white top.

We enjoyed many fireside chats at their home in Iowa this past Fall. We are blessed to be related to such a wise fellow.

Best recipe from Steve is his homemade pancakes.

Steve's Pancakes

1 egg, beaten

1 cup buttermilk

2 T. shortening

1 C. flour

1 T. sugar

1 t. baking powder

1/2 t. baking soda

1/2 t. salt

Doubled, makes 16 medium size pancakes. You want to double.

________________

Looking for a new summer Bible Study to do on your own or with a couple of friends? Check out: Hospitality, 101: Lessons From the Ultimate Host, a 12-Week Bible Study

When we understand God’s welcome, we can better pass it on to another.

For a limited time, I’m offering Chapter One of my Bible Study: Hospitality, 101—Lessons From the Ultimate Host, a 12-Week Bible Study.

________________

How to invest in what matters beyond ourselves. We have one life - let’s make the most of it for God, others, and eternity. Subscribe: Choose one of these popular free listening services, and subscribe there:

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We all have the same 24 hours in a day. But for some of us and for some days, we get to the end of our 24 hours and wonder where the time went. I'm not a Time-Management Guru - I know people who are. I've taken their courses. They have great ideas (if I would only do them!)

I first wrote about this grand topic for the premier issue of The Joyful Life Magazine. I'll add the "Time-Scriptures" below. I'd love to hear if you picked one to help you manage your time better for the glory of God and the peace of your soul. Or, if you found another to help you think in terms of using your days, weeks and years for a legacy that counts.

Do you make lists and check the boxes on a regular basis?

I’ve learned from each of these amazing women—they ARE time-management gurus, and gracious besides:

Work by Design Course by Claire Ortiz-Diaz

Living Well, Spending Less by Ruth Soukup

Run Like a Girl coaching services by Kathy Vick

"Time-Scriptures"— A word or two from the All-Wise God on how best to use our time. Pick one and learn it by heart and allow it to help you know how to spend your days.

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Looking for a new summer Bible Study to do on your own or with a couple of friends? Check out: Hospitality, 101: Lessons From the Ultimate Host, a 12-Week Bible Study

When we understand God’s welcome, we can better pass it on to another.

For a limited time, I’m offering Chapter One of my Bible Study: Hospitality, 101—Lessons From the Ultimate Host, a 12-Week Bible Study.

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How to invest in what matters beyond ourselves. We have one life - let’s make the most of it for God, others, and eternity. Subscribe: Choose one of these popular free listening services, and subscribe there:

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Jennifer Dukes Lee, popular author, speaker, and blogger has learned much from the land. An Iowa farmer's wife, she's embraced deep lessons from God and about her walk with her "CEO" by observing the cycle of seasons, seeds planted, unruly weather, and all-in-all relying on God to bring the harvest. "There's always a harvest," she speaks from experience and confidence. You will love her practical ideas on how to leave "a trail of love of Jesus" as well as how she came to write her latest book—

Growing Slow: Lessons on Un-Hurrying Your Heart from an Accidental Farm Girl Coming out this week. Can't wait!

Lovely Jennifer is offering one free copy of this spanking new book. Comment on blog or instagram to be entered!

About "Growing Slow":

We long to make a break from the fast pace of life, but if we're honest, we're afraid of what we'll miss if we do. Yet when going big and hustling hard leaves us stressed, empty, and out of sorts, perhaps this can be our cue to step into a far more satisfying, sustainable pace. In this crafted, inspiring read, beloved author Jennifer Dukes Lee offers a path to unhurried living by returning to the rhythm of the land and learning the ancient art of Growing Slow.

Jennifer was once at breaking point herself, and tells her story of rude awakening to the ways her chosen lifestyle of running hard, scaling fast, and the never ending chase for results was taking a toll on her body, heart, and soul. But when she finally gave herself permission to believe it takes time to grow good things, she found a new kind of freedom. With eloquent truths and vivid storytelling, Jennifer reflects on the lessons she learned from living on her fifth-generation family farm and the insights she gathered from the purposeful yet never rushed life of Christ. Growing Slow charts a path out of the pressures of bigger, harder, faster, and into a more rooted way of living where the growth of good things is deep and lasting.

Following the rhythms of the natural growing season, Growing Slow will help you:

• Find the true relief that comes when you stop running and start resting in Jesus
• Learn practices for unhurrying your heart and mind every day
• Let go of the pressure and embrace the small, good things already bearing fruit in your life
• And engage slow growth through reflection prompts and simple application steps

Comment on blog or insta to be entered. Extra entries when you tag a friend or six!

Jennifer Dukes Lee lives on the fifth-generation Lee family farm in Iowa, where she and her husband are raising crops, pigs, and two beautiful humans. Jennifer is the author of several books, including Growing Slow and It’s All Under Control. She loves queso, and enjoys singing too loudly to songs with great harmony. Once upon a time, she didn’t believe in Jesus; now he’s her CEO. Find Jennifer at www.JenniferDukesLee.com and on Instagram at @JenniferDukesLee.

Available this week on Amazon!

GROWING SLOW

GROWING SLOW BIBLE STUDY

Jennifer's earlier books:

IT'S ALL UNDER CONTROL

IT'S ALL UNDER CONTROL BIBLE STUDY

THE HAPPINESS DARE

LOVE IDOL

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We were talking about the term "Hot Dish" this week on the Welcome Heart, Welcome Home Facebook group (you're invited, btw.) Jennifer's Iowan recipe qualifies as a Hot Dish!

Jennifer's KETO TURKEY/CHICKEN CASSEROLE

INGREDIENTS

About 4 cups of leftover cooked turkey or chicken Veggies, such as mushrooms, carrots, onion, broccoli, cauliflower. I've even taken a Normandy blend from the freezer and used that. 6 cloves garlic 4 T butter 1 cup of cheddar, or any other type of cheese you like

KETO WHITE SAUCE 2 T butter 1 block cream cheese 1 1/2 c heavy cream 1/2 cup shredded or grated parmesan 1 tsp salt 1/2 tsp black pepper nutmeg

Dice/slice the veggies to your like. Shred the turkey/chicken.

In a large pot, melt the 4 T butter. Add the garlic and veggies. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until veggies are cooked to your liking. Add the shredded meat and mix it all together. Set aside. Preheat over to 350. In a separate pot, melt the 2 T of butter. Add the cream cheese, cut into small cubes. Mix with whisk. Add heavy cream. Whisk. Add salt, pepper, nutmeg, parmesan. Heat until it starts to bubble. Pour sauce over meat and veggies in the other pot. Transfer to casserole dish. Sprinkle cheddar over all. Bake for 15 min or until cheese becomes golden.

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Looking for a new summer Bible Study to do on your own or with a couple of friends? Check out: Hospitality, 101: Lessons From the Ultimate Host, a 12-Week Bible Study

When we understand God’s welcome, we can better pass it on to another.

For a limited time, I’m offering Chapter One of my Bible Study: Hospitality, 101—Lessons From the Ultimate Host, a 12-Week Bible Study.

Check out the first chapter then BUY HERE.

One for you and one for a friend. Learn to do hospitality with a friend. 12 recipes included.

LEADER'S GUIDE AVAILABLE.

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Did you write your Manifesto after hearing my ziplining story? See Ep 79, if not.

Companies and ministries alike know the significance of creating a great mission statement. I find them in the back of magazines, church bulletins, and online articles. People want others to know what they are about, and in the believer’s case, Who they are about.

We know right away with Paul that His mission is about Someone, not something. Philippians 3:8 reads: “Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ.”

Perhaps that’s the defining difference between religion and Christianity. God calls us to Himself through His Son, Jesus, and we need to clear out all things extraneous that keep us from relating well with Him.

Here's your assignment today (or maybe tomorrow, but be sure to do it!)

Loving God and others gives us something to do, and we all love a good To-Do List.

Our daily mission is to figure out how to fill in the blanks:

Lord, today I will love You by__________ and love others by __________.

We know what to fill in by keeping our ears open and hearts pliable.

____________

Here's a great way to love God and others: Invite someone over!

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Are you looking for a new and fresh Bible study to do this summer? I'm offering the first chapter of Hospitality, 101: Lessons From the Ultimate Host, A 12-Week Bible Study FREE

Sign up here and get a taste of God's hosting and how to pass along His welcoming heart. Twelve recipes included.

Pray about who to invite to the study and to your table. You'll know God better. You'll love each other more. And, you can try a new recipe every week. ENJOY!

PS With an order of three or more books, you can receive the Digital Leader's Guide FREE. Send me your Amazon order number and I'll email it to you!

View all products on welcomeheart.com/shop

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How to invest in what matters beyond ourselves. We have one life - let’s make the most of it for God, others, and eternity. Subscribe: Choose one of these popular free listening services, and subscribe there:

For further thoughts on faith, food, and legacy--follow Sue at WelcomeHeart.com

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Marva Smith is a writer, speaker, coach and all-around encourager and hails from the British Virgin Islands. She began writing at her website Sun, Sparkle, Shine to help her through the grief of the loss of her father.

More losses were to come, and she learned through each one that she found her true strength—not in herself, but in who God made her. She comes from a long line of Carribean strong women, and you will be strengthened as you hear her legacy of faith and dependence.

Marva is a Caribbean-based management consultant, leadership trainer, work and life strategist, and author. Yet, her favorite titles are daughter of God, wife to her husband of 17 years, and mom to two teens. As a Certified Life Breakthrough Coach she is passionate about equipping, inspiring and empowering women to thrive beyond the nine to five, and does this through her courses, coaching and online community Free to Thrive.

Her ideal day starts while it’s still dark with her Bible in one hand and coffee in the other.

Connect with Marva on her website MarvaSmith.com and on social media using the handle @marvatsmith on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest. Subscribe to her YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/MarvaTSmith) where she hosts How She Does It – an interview series showcasing real women sharing real hope about work, life and faith.

GIVEAWAY! ENTER TO WIN "SHE WRITES FOR HIM: BLACK VOICES OF WISDOM" COMMENT BELOW TO BE ENTERED, OR ON INSTAGRAM OR WHEREVER YOU LISTEN TO PODCASTS! EACH COMMENT PROVIDES ANOTHER ENTRY!

(GIVEAWAY ends Wednesday at midnight)

Marva is part of this beautiful new book: She Writes for Him: Black Voices Voices of Wisdom. Read about it here.

Find out more at:

Marva Smith: Thrive Beyond the Nine-to-Five.

Life is too short to miss out on what matters. I get it. You’ve been giving your all to your work and career. But one day you turned around and something was missing.

It’s not that you don’t love what you do. It’s just that you know there’s more to life than work — if only you could find a way to balance it all. There never seems to be enough time to fit in the things you love.

You’re tired of striving and meeting everyone else’s expectations, only to leave the leftovers for the important people in your life. Or worse, you never have time to take care of you.

You’re wondering what it would look like to thrive — not just in work but in life too. Well, guess what? It’s totally possible because here’s what I know…

You were made for more.

Follow Marva:

Website is: https://www.marvasmith.com/ Shop can be found here: https://store.sunsparkleshine.com/ Newsletter sign-up is at: http://bit.ly/thrivesubscribe which gives subscribers access to my Thrive Insider Resource Library including:

• SMART Goals Setting Tips for the Purpose Driven Woman
• Make Space for Alone Time - Personal Retreat Guide
• Monthly Planning Pages
• My Mid-Year Review printable e-workbook

So fun to get a taste of the Carribean with Marva's recipe for Jonny Cake: Fried Raised Johnny Cakes

1 package dry yeast

4 cups flour

2 tablespoons sugar

2 tablespoons softened margarine or shortening

1 ¼ cups warm water

2 teaspoons salt

Oil for frying

In large bowl, combine dry yeast, 2 cups flour, sugar and salt. Add softened shortening. Pour in very warm water and beat for a few minutes. Add balance of flour to form dough that does not stick t the sides of bowl.

Turn on lightly floured board and knead for about 5 minutes. Cover and let rest for 10 minutes. Shape johnny cakes by forming balls and pressing into 3” rounds about ½ think.

Let rest for about 2 minutes. Fry in shallow oil. Brown one side then turn to brown the other side. Remove from fat and drain.

Serves 12.

12! Sounds like companys's coming! Let me know if you try it. ___________

Read about Sue’s topics and testimonials at womenspeakers.com

How to invest in what matters beyond ourselves. We have one life - let’s make the most of it for God, others, and eternity. Subscribe: Choose one of these popular free listening services, and subscribe there:

OR Subscribe to Welcome Heart's weekly email newsletter, blog updates, and podcast notes, here!

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I went ziplining once. Just once. To say I did. Today's episode is about what it means to create a "Mission Statement." Do you have a manifesto for life?

Paul's mission rang out loud and clear in Philippians 1:21—"For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain!" (I felt that dying part right before running off the ledge. Six times.)

To write a mission statement is a great exercise. To base it on who we are in Christ—and then live out that mission statement—is greater yet.

I'd love to hear what you come up with. Mine is my tagline on the blog: "To know and show the heart of God."

Sometimes that can feel like ziplining.

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Have you gotten your new copy of The Joyful Life Magazine? It's all about creativity. For this we were born! So beautiful. Order yours today and one for a friend, HERE.

I love their Mission Statement:

"The Joyful Life inspires women to pursue joy and discover beauty in their daily lives by grounding their hearts in Christ and leading them to live and love well—for the purpose of glorifying God."

There you go! Pursue joy, discover beauty, grounded in Christ, leading to live and love well. Now it's your turn!

Subscribe here to receive weekly inspiration, including some recipes, not necessarily healthy. And a free first chapter of my Bible Study: Lessons From the Ultimate Host! (including 12 recipes.)

Food does bring folks together and to God's table. I invited 32 or so this week but divided it up—friends will come Tuesday or Wednesday and we'll be in the side yard. Should be a blast.

My mission statement (which doesn't include ziplining anymore) is all about the inviting heart of God. He calls out from Creation to the Cross til the Marriage Supper of the Lamb: "You are welcome here!"

:::::::::: Read about Sue’s topics and testimonials at womenspeakers.com

How to invest in what matters beyond ourselves. We have one life - let’s make the most of it for God, others, and eternity. Subscribe: Choose one of these popular free listening services, and subscribe there:

OR Subscribe to Welcome Heart's weekly email newsletter, blog updates, and podcast notes, here!

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Michelle Rayburn, host of Life Re-Purposed Podcast, wanted a transformed life, but as you know, we often need to admit we need transformation before change can begin. She reminds us that change is often slow and usually layered through the years. We can't hurry what God is doing; rather, trust that He is doing a good work inside our hearts and minds while we humbly draw closer to Him. Michelle's legacy of faith, humility, and fun shows through her desire to love others well, as Jesus does.

Michelle Rayburn is a freelance writer and podcaster who appreciates how life’s difficulties can turn out to be opportunities to learn and grow. She loves dark chocolate, iced coffee, and a breezy afternoon in the hammock with a good book. She’s the author of several Christian living books, including Classic Marriage: Staying in Love as Your Odometer Climbs. She has been married to her husband, Phil, for 30 years and they have successfully launched two sons into adulthood. If lighthearted sarcasm were a course for credit, she could teach it as a second language.

More books from Michelle:

Life, Repurposed: Stories of Grace, Hope, and Restored Faith You’ll find comfort, inspiration, and wisdom in these 34 stories from women just like you. Every encouraging account shows hope and renewed faith as they have come through trials and tough times, including family struggles, infertility, health challenges, doubt, fear, human trafficking, depression, heartbreak, loss, and more. Plus, thought-provoking questions to use on your own for reflection or for group discussion.

PS I'm one of those 34 stories - get your copy today!

The Repurposed and Upcycled Life: When God Turns Trash to Treasure Are there experiences you'd rather toss in the dumpster? Discover the repurposed and upcycled life. With her laugh-out-loud way of looking at life, Michelle will help you see how some of your greatest disappointments, mistakes, and hurts can be beautiful treasures from God. Part memoir, part inspiration and self-help, this book will help you move forward with new purpose, even in the midst of the trashy stuff of life. A separate small group Bible study is also available.

One of Michelle's favorite recipes:

Gluten-Free Zucchini Chocolate Bread

This isn’t my recipe at all, but I am gluten-free currently, this has been my favorite thing to bake! I keep loaves on-hand in the freezer so I can be ready for any guests.

https://glutenfreeonashoestring.com/gluten-free-zucchini-bread-double-chocolate/

Thanks, Michelle. I love that you keep these loaves on-hand. I may just make back it to Wisconsin someday!

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Two Perfect Gift Ideas for Mother's Day: Life, Repurposed: Stories of Grace, Hope, and Restored Faith The Joyful Life Magazine

_______________ Jesus said this about legacy:

You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. John 15:16

Booking Now for 2022: Read about Sue’s topics and testimonials at womenspeakers.com

How to invest in what matters beyond ourselves. We have one life - let’s make the most of it for God, others, and eternity. Subscribe: Choose one of these popular free listening services, and subscribe there:

OR Subscribe to Welcome Heart's weekly email newsletter, blog updates, and podcast notes, here!

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Creativity isn’t one particular path. It doesn’t look the same on you as it does on me.

Isn’t that a wonderful thing? We are made in God’s image, we try to love as He loves, but the way we create looks different on each one of us.

Three questions today:

1. Do you view yourself at a creative person?

2. If not, how might you begin to change your mindset today?

3. What trusted friend can you ask this week to help you see yourself as a creative person?

Let me know how you do. Better yet, tell me what you created this week!

For this we were born.

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I'm mostly a rule follower when I cook—unless I don't have the right ingredient!

I was extra creative the other night while making a favorite pasta recipe. Enjoy this anytime for any occasion:

Mushroom, Sausage, Tapenade Pasta

I didn't have tapenade so I used a jar of marinated artichoke hearts. I had some leftover pan-fried slivered brussel sprouts, so I added those for more "green" in my diet. Delish! (and creative!)

_________

Setting up speaking engagements now. Book me here

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Lauren Sparks wants to live a legacy of loving others. She talks of how she manages to do that through the singular challenges of being a mom of a special needs young adult, as well as loving others in their hard places.

I love her tagline:

"Where thoughts of a special needs mom intersect with the Cross of Christ."

Do you know anyone who could be blessed by hearing Lauren's story today? Prayer and listening are high on her list of loving others well.

Join me today and be encouraged to love and live as Jesus does.

Lauren Sparks is a wife and mom to two daughters – one with special needs – and one bonus son. She lives, worships Jesus, and teaches yoga in the Dallas, Texas area. She is a contributing author for Perseverance: 30 Devotions for Faith that Moves Mountains, and Prayer: Approaching the Throne of Grace. She shares her adventures, victories, and flub-ups from her laptop at laurensparks.net.

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/lauren.k.sparks

Twitter - https://twitter.com/LaurenRSparks

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sparksbefit/

Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/sparksfit/

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Read about Sue’s topics and testimonials at womenspeakers.com

How to invest in what matters beyond ourselves. We have one life - let’s make the most of it for God, others, and eternity. Subscribe: Choose one of these popular free listening services, and subscribe there:

OR Subscribe to Welcome Heart's weekly email newsletter, blog updates, and podcast notes, here!

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Maree Dee made a choice long ago to trust God, no matter what the circumstances. Her family includes those suffering with mental illness - something that isn't talked about enough in circles of faith. Her pastor counseled her in the midst of her grief:

"Maree, we make a decision to trust God. You don't need to waste time in re-visiting that decision every time life throws a curveball, no matter how hard that curveball comes."

Maree is an advocate for those whose lives are touched by mental health issues. If you know anyone who could use her experience, training, and godly encouragement, be sure to check out her resources. Here's a link she mentions in our interview: mental health resources.

I love what she shares about two things being true at the same time. Listen and be encouraged.

Maree Dee is a Writer | Speaker | Advocate | Ministry Leader

Maree's passionate about encouraging and equipping others to embrace life in the midst of the unexpected. She is a warrior who doesn't give up when the journey gets tough. Maree believes, together with God, we can all find incredible joy along the way, even when surrounded by tremendous pain.

Drop by and visit Maree's blog on Embracing the Unexpected - www.embracingtheunexpected.com. You can also connect with her on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, and Embracing Faith and Mental Illness from a Caregiver's Perspective.

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How to invest in what matters beyond ourselves. We have one life - let’s make the most of it for God, others, and eternity. Subscribe: Choose one of these popular free listening services, and subscribe there:

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Last Fall I was a train headed for a wreck. Every day filled to the brim with all good things. Just too many of them. Reminds me of the time I asked the Man-in-Plaid, "Aren't you proud of me for finding bargains?" And he replied, "Yes, you just find too many of them!" (Still true.)

I decided to block three days off on the calendar and the rest is history. Listen today to find out how God used it in my life.

I promised to leave you this list:

Simple Steps to Taking a Sabbatical

1. Put it on the calendar
2. Design what works: an afternoon, an overnight, a week away
3. Leave your planner at home or in the next room
4. Put your phone on mute
5. Pack a lunch, a snack, or make a reservation for one
6. Take a book you’ve been wanting to read and a blank journal
7. Read Scripture in the first person or rewrite Scripture back to God
8. Set the scene: candle, ocean, flowers, walking
9. Listen to God and, if needed, re-write your banner of love
10. Plan your next sabbatical and put it on the calendar

I went to Morro Bay for my first sabbatical!

Do you know someone who might benefit from hearing this podcast today? Send it on to her. She may need permission to make room for God! And please leave a review wherever you listen to your podcasts. Thanks so very much.

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Do you love people but you don't love doing hospitality?

Are you hesitant to host because of your home?

Your cooking?

Your experience—or lack of?

Your ________?

Hospitality is one of my favorite characteristics of God. When we invite, we are more like Jesus Who once said, and continues to say, "Come to Me!"

Join my Five-Day "Simplified Hospitality" Challengewhich is happening in my Facebook group March 22 - 26.

Practice five simple ways to reach out and touch someone with God's welcoming heart.

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New Zealander, Aimee Walker—pastor, author, Bible Study writer and teacher—first came on my show early on in December of 2019. She recently launched her first book: But I Flourish: Learning to Thrive in Every Season and I wanted to share some of what you will gain from reading it, as well as introduce you to Aimee in case you missed her the first time round.

Aimee knows that we all are called to mentor and to be mentored by someone who is just a little further down the road in their spiritual maturity, and she wished she had had someone in her life ten years ago while wrestling with some of these issues in her walk with God. Her prayer is that her book will encourage those women who may be struggling in similar areas.

Some of my favorite parts had to do with "living loved," looking at my circumstances through the character of God, and reflecting on the difference between resignation and surrender. (And about 27 more good points.) You can purchase your copy of "But I Flourish: Learn to Thrive in Every Season" on Amazon.

Welcome back, Aimee! Thanks again for your time and ministry.

You can find Aimee here:

https://www.aimeewalker.co.nz/

And her Bible Studies here:

https://joyfullifemagazine.com/product-category/bible-studies/

Order your copy of The Joyful Life Magazine today! Spring Issue is now available for preorder (and I'm grateful to have a few words included.)

In case you didn't try Aimee's recipe for Caramel Slice last time around, I'll repeat it below. Let me know if you make it and send me a pic! Aimee's Caramel Slice Recipe "It's not quick but, boy, is it worth it!"

Ingredient List:

Base 1 cup butter 2/3 cup sugar 1 egg, lightly beaten 2/3 cup plain flour (if using a gluten-free flour you may want to use closer to 1 cup) 1/2 cup desiccated coconut pinch salt

Caramel

11 tbsp. butter 1 cup brown sugar 4 tbsp golden syrup 1 tin sweetened condensed milk 4 tbsp plain flour

Icing

7 oz. dark chocolate (I use 85% cocoa solids) 3 tbsp butter

Method:

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Grease and line a slice tin with parchment paper.

Cream the butter and sugar together until thick and pale. Beat the egg in and then add in the flour, coconut, and salt. Beat until well combined. Spread the mix in an even layer into your prepared tin and then bake for 18 minutes. Remove the base from the oven.

While the base is cooking, make your caramel by melting all the ingredients in a saucepan/pot over medium heat. Stir continually to avoid burning on the bottom until the butter has melted and the sugar is dissolved. Pour it over the hot base and then return to the oven for another 10 minutes.

Remove from the oven and then cool in the tin before icing.

To make the icing, gently melt the chocolate and butter in a heatproof bowl over a saucepan of gently simmering water, stirring gently to combine. Pour over the top of the caramel and place in the fridge to set. Cut into slices and serve. (store the slice in the fridge)

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Author, blogger, Bible teacher, Michele Morin was surprised by joy--never in a million years did she think she would live in rural Maine, raise four boys, and mow lawns with her husband of over 30 years. She likes to think the Bible isn't an Answer book so much as an Asking the Right Questions book.

Michele won't care if her grandkids and their grandkids forget her name, but she does work at making sure they don't forget two very important things. Listen today and be encouraged to write your story, a story with a good ending. (I do love a good ending.) She also makes amazing pizza for her family and all those boys (and girls) that her boys bring home. Michele in writing a book on raising boys, and I hope it includes hearty and generously portioned recipes.

You can read more from Michele and follow her at these links:

The Blog: Living Our Days-- https://michelemorin.net Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/livingourdays Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/micheledmorin/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/MicheleDMorin

Michele Morin is a teacher, reader, writer, and gardener who does life with her family on a country hill in Maine. She has been married to an unreasonably patient husband for 30 years, and together they have four sons, two daughters-in-love, and three adorable grandchildren. Michele is active in educational ministries with her local church and delights in sitting at a table surrounded by women with open Bibles. Recently, she's become a regular blog contributor for The Joyful Life Magazine on the topic of raising boys!

Two recipes from Michele:

She writes: The last time I had last-minute guests, I whipped up some soft pretzels and lemonade, so here's the recipe I use for the pretzels.

1 pkg. active dry yeast 1/8 cup warm water Dissolve yeast in the water in a large bowl. Stir in: 1 1/3 cups warm water 1/3 cup brown sugar 5 cups flour Beat until combined and then knead until smooth. Heat oven to 475 degrees.

Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, dissolve 5 T baking soda into 3-4 quarts of water and bring to a boil. Twist pretzels, then place in boiling water for 10 seconds (they will float to the top). Remove with slotted spoon and place (not touching each other) on a well-greased baking pan. Salt top of pretzels with coarse salt. Place in oven and bake for 8 minutes until golden brown. We always serve them with lemonade.

And it occurs to me that our conversation may turn to the topic of pizza (since it usually does), so here's the link to my pizza recipe: https://michelemorin.net/2018/08/09/big-pizza-love-recipe/ ::::::::::

Did you think you might add some good habits in 2021 and here it is the end of February and you haven't started yet? This simple strategy got me started in the right direction. Free tool for you here. :::::::::::

How to invest in what matters beyond ourselves. We have one life - let’s make the most of it for God, others, and eternity. Subscribe: Choose one of these popular free listening services, and subscribe there:

_________________

Book Me to speak at your next women's event - indoor or outdoor or online.

For topics and retreat series.

For testimonials.

To contact Sue.

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Do you live out your legacy of hospitality? Did you know we all have a hospitality legacy?

What does yours look like?

Here's the reason why we want it to look welcoming: God welcomed us to His table. We get the distinct privilege to pass along His invitation.

You don't need to invite like my friend, Ceslie, invites. Or how Maria Goff invites. Or my sister, Lynnel invites. Or how I invite.

As a follower of Jesus, you just need to invite.

I like a good recipe. This should help: Recipe for Practicing Hospitality

God will provide all you need to follow Him. Hospitality is different than entertaining. Listen today and let me know who you will invite this week, all for Heaven's sake!

And here's an ample reward: Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownies from my friend, Patsy.

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Still in quarantine? Here are Seven Prayers for Quarantine.

Would love to hear what you've been praying.

_______

Booking speaking gigs now as things are beginning to open up for later this year and 2022. Let me know how I can serve your women's ministry.

Questions? Email me: sue@welcomeheart.com

Read about Sue’s topics and testimonials at womenspeakers.com

How to invest in what matters beyond ourselves. We have one life - let’s make the most of it for God, others, and eternity. Subscribe: Choose one of these popular free listening services, and subscribe there:

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Susan is a delight, most of all because she laughs heartily and believes in God's word in equal hearty measure. I know you will love her practical wisdom and six words to live by. Maybe you'll adopt her six for your legacy. I plan to.

Some fun facts about Susan Anderson:

"Glenn and I have been married for 46 years, mother of four adult sons, mother-in-law to three wonderfully loving “daughters”, and having the most fun ever being Gramma/Gaga to 7 grandchildren. In my “past” I’ve been a classroom teacher, reading “specialist”, Sr Pastor Administrator, Bible teacher to kids – adults, women’s Bible study leader. God switched things up 10 years ago when I took a class in how to teach English as a Second Language. He opened the door for me to begin my “new teaching career” in the Tacoma mosque!! I co-taught Arabic speaking women for almost 8 years (3 years in the mosque). I currently co-teach an adult ESL class once a week and tutor or conversation partner with three adult ESL students each week."

If you had six words to live by, what would they be? I might include all of Susan's plus add "chocolate cake." Here's my favorite. I make it when I have a cup of leftover coffee.

________

It's February already! Did you think you wanting to start a new practice in 2021 and not sure how to begin? I wrote up this short list to help us make a Godly change. Ready-SET-Goal

________

Did you know you can download my podcast on your phone app store?

Type in: Make it Count Legacy and you can scroll through all the podcasts you want to hear that you've missed or may want to repeat.

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Early on in the shutdown of 2020, I began writing prayers for quarantine. They aren't necessarily only for quarantine, in case you no longer are! And I could've added many (many) more, as it continues on longer than anyone thought it would.

Maybe the children of Israel felt that waiting angst as they wandered 40 long years. 

I include only seven prayers—maybe the eighth should be: "Lord, may this not last 40 years!"—one prayer for each day of the week. 

To receive a one-page printable of all seven prayers, click here.

I'd love to hear what you've been praying. Feel free to leave your prayer in comments or email me at: sue@welcomeheart.com. 

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As things begin to open up, I am ready to speak at your next Christian Women's Event. Check out my 8 Retreat Series and 15 keynotes. Scheduling for 2021-22 now. Email me for queries and questions. sue@welcomeheart.com

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To know Mitzi is to love her and to be encouraged. Her greatest desire is to instill confidence in people of all generations. Though she desires daily to be more like Jesus, she knows she falls far short, and she's learned to be content in her imperfection. Joy comes from thanking God at the beginning of every day as well as recognizing that no matter what that day brings, He is in it and ahead of it.

We will be giving away Mitzi's latest book collaborative: Praying for Revival -Soul Inspired Prayer

Leave a comment to be entered in the giveaway. And a review on the podcast to receive 5 extra entries. I will be using this book for Lent which is around the corner.

Mitzi Neely is an inspiring motivational speaker, Bible teacher and author, who encourages women of all ages through her experiences and shortcomings. Mitzi’s heart is to lighten your load, while conveying the message that nobody’s perfect. Whatever your struggle or need, you will find encouragement through her words as she refreshes your heart and renews your joy.

Mitzi has been an educator for 38 years serving as a high school teacher, elementary principal, high school principal, curriculum director and currently the assistant superintendent at White Oak ISD.

Mitzi is a wife, mother, and grandmother. She loves sweet tea and hails from the Lone Star State. Aside from her position as a central office administrator in an East Texas school district, she enjoys spending time with her family, writing, speaking, cooking, and sewing.

Follow Mitzi at www.peacefullyimperfect.net

More publications by Mitzi:

1. Joy for Everyday Life: Living Joy Filled Despite Our Circumstances Not Always Being Joyful https://amzn.to/3afPLld

2. A Thankful Heart: 30 Days to the Grateful LIfe https://amzn.to/3t9vx5r

3. Dwell in the Psalms - https://amzn.to/3r2Qzkj

4. Girl, You Better Get Your Jesus On Journal - The Girl, You Better Get Your Jesus On Journal is a 5.5" x 8.5" 100+ page lined notebook.

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Read about Sue’s topics and testimonials at womenspeakers.com

How to invest in what matters beyond ourselves. We have one life - let’s make the most of it for God, others, and eternity. Subscribe: Choose one of these popular free listening services, and subscribe there:

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I like to say that I was "surprised by doubt" much like CS Lewis was "surprised by joy" only the opposite. He was thrilled with God's plan of salvation. I woke up one day and doubted that there was a plan or a God. 

Today's episode is my testimony of doubt in my 20's and how God drew me back. The hero of the story, as always, is God—His graceful wooing and utmost patience. You may never have doubted your faith. But you may know someone who's in the midst of a dark valley and wondering if and when she or he may come through it. Share this podcast with them and pray while doing so. God loves for us to seek Him, and as it says in Jeremiah 29:13—

“You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.”

That's a promise with a condition. 

Listen today for three steps back to faith. I dared to talk about it today. Be encouraged. 

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Kathy is one of my favorite people. She's encouraging, wise and practical and the best coach you would ever want to have. She's been in a season of suffering the past 5 years and she shares today how God changed her through the suffering and the benefits to offering each day to God for His leading and care.

We all experience suffering, trials, disappointments in one form or another. What we do with it and how we respond could be the biggest and best legacy we leave for those we love and serve.

Find Kathy at:

kathy@runlikeagirl.org

www.runlikeagirl.org

Kathy’s Bio:

For fifteen years, Kathy Vick has been a Certified Life Coach, Author, and Speaker.

As a coach, her mission is to ignite the spark for your next great adventure! Her desire is to see women fully embrace the mission and calling on their lives. She says, “It is the dream you had at ten and still have at fifty that you need to pay attention to.”

Kathy has worked in Christian Publishing since 1981 on multiple projects including magazines, radio, websites, and seminars. In her career, she has been an art director, marketing director, freelance designer and writer, speaker and life coach. Her life motto is “If it’s not fun, I’m not doing it.”

She has written and published articles, essays and sidebars for women since 1995. She is the author of “Lessons in Buoyancy” Letting go of the Perfect Proverbs 31 woman, published in 2004 by Revel. She is the co-creator of the MOM2MOM gift book series and author of “7 Reasons To Be Grateful You Are The Mother of a Blended Family” This was published by New Leaf Press, 2007. Kathy’s gift book, “Run Like a Girl” was published by Howard Books/Simon & Schuster and released in Spring 2009.

She and her husband enjoy live theater, concerts, road trips, and good BBQ!

Kathy’s coaching clients will tell you:

“I literally felt like celebrating after our calls. She gave me confidence and direction through some confusing and troubling times. Thank you so much, Kathy.”

Margaret Puckett, Oregon

“Kathy is an anointed life coach, she makes me want to quit everything and just fly!” Julie, Ohio

“Kathy has an incredible gift for getting to the root of a matter in amazingly short order. She was my compass for the journey.” Karen, Oregon

“If you're not sure about "life coaching,' just give her a shot!! I don't believe anyone can ever come away with an encounter with Kathy unchanged!! She is The Real Deal!!! Jenny Steffins Remsberg, Lousiana

“The growth I have experienced in the last year has largely been because of Kathy and her easy laughter, genuine concern, and spirit-filled sharpening.” Chanel, Colorado

Kathy loves this recipe for Summer Rolls from Sally'sBakingAddiction - sounds addicting!

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How to invest in what matters beyond ourselves. We have one life - let’s make the most of it for God, others, and eternity. Subscribe: Choose one of these popular free listening services, and subscribe there:

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Claire Diaz Ortiz says she chooses a word for the year because it "serves as a guidepost for what you want in the year to come." I began choosing a WOTY in 2016 and it's been an inspiration and often a conviction. Who I want to be and how I want to behave is not who I am now, and when I choose a word, I'm inspired to keep moving forward. 

As Crystal Hurst said, "We are both a masterpiece and a work-in-progress!" Isn't that the truth! 

A good word helps me focus on what God wants to work into my life. Listen today to get some ideas how how choosing our word can help us continue that "work-in-progress" all for God's glory. 

You can read the rest of Claire's article here.

After you choose your word,  check out Marva’s encouraging post: 3 best steps after choosing your Word. Here is one of my favorites. Listen to find out why.

Blessings on your new year. May it be filled with words of grace and love from the great Lover of your soul. 

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Sarah knows from experience how our mind can control and run our lives, but not always in the way God intends. Her latest book, Transforming Your Thought Life: Christian Meditation in Focus, teaches how to engage with Scripture in 17 different thought-life problem areas. Today you'll get to hear about 3 of those problem areas and you will be encouraged.

We will be offering a free copy of Transforming Your Thought Life: Christian Meditation in Focus - leave a comment to be entered!

In Sarah's words:

I grew up as a child of divorce with deep fears of abandonment, and I faced several seasons of depression. I also married another child of divorce, and neither of us was emotionally healthy when we met. I have also suffered from passivity and codependency as a victim of emotional abuse. When I began reading the One Year Bible in 2003, God began changing my thoughts through the powerful truths of his Word. I began to see how God loved me and valued me, which boosted my self-worth. This newfound identity in Christ helped me set boundaries against toxic behaviors. Though it was a difficult struggle that continues today, I have learned the power of overcoming trials where they begin - in your mind.

Sarah Geringer is a speaker, artist, and author of Transforming Your Thought Life: Christian Meditation in Focus and three self-published books. She is currently writing a teen girl version of Transforming Your Thought Life, to be published in fall 2021.

She is on the devotional writing teams for Proverbs 31 Ministries, A Wife Like Me, Devotable, Hope-Full Living, Kingdom Edge Magazine and Woman 2 Woman Ministries.

When she’s not reading over 100 books per year, Sarah enjoys painting, baking, gardening and playing the flute.

Her daily must-haves are hot tea, dark chocolate, and fresh flowers.

She lives in southeast Missouri with her husband and three children.

Sarah writes about finding peace in God’s Word at sarahgeringer.com.

Follow Sarah on:

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

Pinterest

YouTube

LinkedIn

Goodreads

Sarah's go-to recipe for cold weather is:

Ultimate Baked Potato Soup (and doubles as an appetizer)

• 6 large Russet potatoes, or 3 lbs. Yukon Gold potatoes (your choice)
• 1 T vegetable oil
• 1 T kosher salt
• 3 T butter
• 3 T flour
• 1 t. seasoned salt (I like Penzeys Seasoned Salt)
• 1 t. freshly ground black pepper
• 2-3 cups milk (I use skim)
• 1 14-oz. can fat-free evaporated milk
• Pinch of ground nutmeg
• Pinch of ground cayenne pepper
• Additional salt and pepper to taste
• Optional toppings: shredded cheddar or Colby cheese, sour cream, crumbled bacon, sliced green onions

Scrub baking potatoes. Wipe dry with clean towel. Rub with vegetable oil and sprinkle with salt. Place on baking sheet and bake at 400 degrees until tender when knife is inserted, about 1 hour. Cool until able to handle.

Cut potatoes in half lengthwise. Scoop out insides and set aside. Reserve the skins for other use (great for potato skin appetizers, and they freeze well in resealable bags).

In a large stock pan or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium-low heat. Whisk in flour, seasoned salt, and pepper. When roux is light brown, slowly whisk in 2 cups milk, about 1/2 cup at a time, until mixture is incorporated. Pour in one can of fat-free evaporated milk, which gives the soup wonderful body and richness. Season with nutmeg and cayenne pepper. Heat through on medium-low heat, stirring often with whisk.

Place potatoes in milk mixture. Heat through and emulsify with an immersion blender, or put batches in a blender and pulse until mixture is smooth, adding more milk as needed. Season with more salt and pepper to taste.

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What better testimonial than a daughter asking her mother for marriage advice right before getting married?

Who wouldn't love that kind of request?

Nylse Esahc (nee' Andree Miller) speaks on today's podcast about living an authentic faith in front of her children which resulted in her ebook My Best Marriage Advice.

Nylse is a Christian wife and a mother of four who currently resides in Los Angeles, CA. Originally from the Bahamas, she lived in New York before relocating to the West Coast.

She is a Christian blogger who writes to encourage others from a Godly perspective at www.lifenotesencouragement.com.

Nylse recently published her second book, The Comfort of Night-How Jesus Makes Your Dark Times Alright. You can purchase it here.

About The Comfort of Night: "When darkness envelopes us we are often frightened. Following one of the more poignant phrases in the Bible, at the end of John 13:30 - and it was night, Jesus begins to speak, illuminating His presence."

Connect with Nylse online: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and email. Nylse's website:

http://www.lifenotesencouragement.com/ A place for encouragement along life's path Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifenotesencouragement/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/nylse_esahc Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/nylse1222/ Like Me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lifenotesencouragement/ Check out my book at www.mybestmarriageadvice.com A word from Andree about Jerk Chicken! (YUM!)

Jerk Chicken Some background - if you come to my house you will be fed and usually, it will be a meal. Here's a quick recipe for Jerk Chicken. Jerk is a method for seasoning your chicken. The secret is the spice mix which must include pimento (aka allspice). The jerk spice mix is usually salt, pepper, pimento, garlic, onion, pimento, thyme, scallion, ginger, scotch bonnet or habenero peppers (there must be heat). Season a whole chicken or parts with this mixture, then let it sit for at least an hour. The longer it sits the better. In a pinch a bottled jerk seasoning will do. But here's a link for making your own spice mix - https://www.myforkinglife.com/jamaican-jerk-seasoning/ Then bake...I like to broil initially for 5 minutes to get a good char then complete on 350 until cooked - approximately 30 - 40 minutes. Serve with white rice and salad. That's a hearty meal that will have your guest begging for more.

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Sue's Conversation Starters now on Amazon! Buy one for yourself and one for a friend.

:::::::::: Read about Sue’s topics and testimonials at womenspeakers.com

How to invest in what matters beyond ourselves. We have one life - let’s make the most of it for God, others, and eternity. Subscribe: Choose one of these popular free listening services, and subscribe there:

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Marnie Swedberg, author, speaker, musician, women's speakers' advocate - and all-around energizer bunny--encourages us today to choose Jesus, now and forever, and He will make your day perfect in the long run. Marnie says she likes to pray for perfection because that's who God is, but how things turn out—in the long run—is what God deems as perfect, and that's all she really wants. For information on how to join her speaker network, see womenspeakers.com.

Get a pencil and paper - you'll want to take notes!​

About Marnie:

Godly women worldwide look to Marnie Swedberg for coaching, connections, and collaboration. As a keynote speaker at Christian Women Conferences, Marnie circumnavigates the globe online and in-person, bringing perspective transformation, deep spiritual healing, and hope, helping women reach women for Christ. She is the author of 13 books, host of a #1 ranked and featured Blog Talk Radio Show and the founder/director of www.WomenSpeakers.com.

Books include:

The Heaven Trilogy: The Truth About God, Heaven and Hell (Kindle)

Flow-Through Vessel: How to Master the Habit of Letting God Flow Through You

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Make a stranger into a friend with Sue's Conversation Starters now on Amazon!

Buy one for yourself and one for a friend.

:::::::::: Read about Sue’s topics and testimonials at womenspeakers.com

How to invest in what matters beyond ourselves. We have one life - let’s make the most of it for God, others, and eternity. Subscribe: Choose one of these popular free listening services, and subscribe there:

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Probably the best-known Bible verse in the world is also the best Christmas verse—and it’s about giving:

John 3:16 states: “For God so loved the world that He gave—“

“For God so loved the world, that He gave…” And, because He gave, we want to give, too.

The heart of Christmas is giving because it began with God giving us His Son; the verse goes on: “…that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

God chose the best gift and the perfect gift for each of us; He didn’t need help from Nordstrom or Amazon.

To be honest, I find there are so many things one can do during the month of December, many of them church-related—I can imagine there are those of you who may already feel up to your necks in Christmas-obligation, expectations, special events to attend and prepare for –that you already wish it were January 1st

Let's make "Peace on Earth" permeate our kitchen, living room and shopping aisle (maybe even the car—maybe especially the car) this wild and crazy season!

We can get so overwhelmed that we lose the spirit of love and joy and giving like God gave—even the good things can be counter productive to what God really wants to accomplish in and through us. That’s why it helps me to ask God what He wants. To clear the way to do the one or two things that would show His love best to those around me.

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Have you ever shied away from doing hospitality because you thought: ‘What will be talk about? Or you wonder, “What if no one talks – it will be so awkward?!” Then this is what you’ve been waiting for: Say Something Special: 252 Conversation Starters – The Ultimate Guide to Stimulating Table Talk –

It provides 252 prompts to get the conversation flowing and the friendships growing. Each of the fifteen categories will inspire you to do hospitality with joy, purpose, and ease. When you know your guests are going to have fun and make friends, you can feel relaxed and confident about inviting company over on a regular basis. Asking the right question can make all the difference and you will have 252 to choose from!

Printable digital version here: 202 questions

Print book version here: 252 questions

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You can't write a legit book on JOY unless you've known pain. Author, speaker, podcaster and Bible Study teacher, Suzie Eller has known pain, and her latest book: Joykeeper: 6 Truths That Change Everything You Thought You Knew About Joy is more than legit. I loved how Suzie shares her struggle to find joy while still experiencing fear, grief and potential loss. She allows us to feel all the feels while reminding us that God does the same, in fact, He invites us in to deeper intimacy as we are honest with our feelings.

Some excerpts to whet your appetite:

"Joy is more than a feeling--it's a knowing."

"When we understand that God cares about our feelings, we are not required to control, hide, or mask those emotions."

"Instead of trying to be something you are not, you allow Him to be Who He is."

Biblical, transparent, with practical encouragement, Suzie's provided a great gift to all of us this Christmas season. Buy Joykeeper for yourself so you can write in it (like I did!) and one for a friend.

Suzanne (Suzie) Eller is a bestselling author, Bible teacher and speaker, and co-host of the popular More Than Small Talk podcast. Suzie has been featured on hundreds of TB and radio programs. When she's not writing, you'll find her kayaking, hanging out with her "littles," finding the best food truck, or hiking.

More Than Small Talk podcast:

Learn more at tsuzanneller.com/joykeeper.

Suzie's recipe for Dessert Pizzas. She says, "These are gorgeous and always a hit. They are easy to make and assemble, but look like you've worked for hours."

I like a recipe that makes me look good.

Fruit Pizza Tarts

Pillsbury Sugar Cookie squares (or you can make sugar cookie dough from scratch) Strawberry glaze (found in the produce section) Marshmallow cream (two small tubs) Cream cheese Sliced strawberries, blueberries, sliced kiwi, raspberries, blackberries, sliced bananas (don't slice bananas until it's time to serve)

Cook the sugar cookie squares in a muffin or cupcake pan (as directed) This creates a small tart or cup to hold the ingredients. While the cookies are cooling, mix together the marshmallow cream and cream cheese (with an electric blender) Spread the mixture over each cookie Next top that with the strawberry glaze Then, begin to top it with fruit. I might put a half a kiwi slice, two blueberries, a raspberry and blackberry, and a sliver of a strawberry on top. When it's time to serve, I add the freshly sliced banana (so it won't brown).

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Sue's Conversation Starters now on Amazon! Buy one for yourself and one for a friend.

:::::::::: Read about Sue’s topics and testimonials at womenspeakers.com

How to invest in what matters beyond ourselves. We have one life - let’s make the most of it for God, others, and eternity. Subscribe: Choose one of these popular free listening services, and subscribe there:

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What does God say is MOST important about the holidays? I'll give you a hint: it's not the food. (Darn.)

Be careful what you pray for, the saying goes. You may also want to be careful who you ask to pray for you. My friend, Debbi Weeks prayed and a 14-year tradition was begun. I'm forever grateful.

Here's your Recipe for a Birthday Party for Jesus.

One of my favorite Scriptures on hospitality is from the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus said:

"Let me tell you why you are here. You’re here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You’ve lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage.

“Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven." Matthew 5:13-16

I didn't forget. Two simple and delicious favorites:

Recipe for DeDe's Deep, Dark Chocolate Cake

Christmas Tea Punch Recipe

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Read about Sue’s topics and testimonials at womenspeakers.com

How to invest in what matters beyond ourselves. We have one life - let’s make the most of it for God, others, and eternity. Subscribe: Choose one of these popular free listening services, and subscribe there:

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Bonnie Masten is a wise woman and a great friend. She likes to say that a whole lot of God's working is going on that we just can't see. If we could open that "zipper in the sky" we would see God's hand and trust Him more.

If only!

But faith is how we live for the time being: trusting and praising our Sovereign God, no matter our circumstances. Listen today to Bonnie's 3-pronged legacy. You will love it! Add any comments or questions in the comments.

A word from Bonnie:

I was raised with my brother in a loving home in San Luis Obispo, CA by parents who lived their faith out loud & valued God & family above all. I have been married to one of the most patient men for 39 yrs this coming October 24th. We’ve welcomed three precious children into our world. All married to three incredible “in-loves”. We have one beautiful granddaughter & a grandson due this November! I believe my reason for being is to be an encourager. To allow others that I meet to feel loved & accepted as God has done & continues to do for me. My faith is simple & my love for Jesus is deep. My life has been & continues to be blessed each & every day I live. Ephesians 1&2 have been my daily reminder of who I am, because of who He is. I just celebrated my 71st birthday. It just keeps getting better.

Wayne's Favorite Apple Pie from Grace Church Cookbook (I love church cookbooks!)

6 lg or 7 medium Pippin Apples 1 T. flour 3/4 c. sugar 1 1/2 t. cinnamon 3 T. butter 2 t. lemon juice 1 double 9-inch pie crust

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Core, peel, and slice apples. Toss in lemon juice, flour, cinnamon and sugar. Mix to coat. Spoon fruit into bottom of pie crust. Put butter on apple mixture by the tablespoon. Cover with top pie crust. Slit top curst so steam can escape. Cover crust edges with foil to prevent burning. Remove foil after 40 minutes. Bake at 450 for 15 minutes. Reduce to 350 degrees for about 45 minutes. Pierce with fork to check if apples are tender. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream. Heaven on earth! (I added that last part.)

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How to invest in what matters beyond ourselves. We have one life - let’s make the most of it for God, others, and eternity. Subscribe: Choose one of these popular free listening services, and subscribe there:

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To be a thankful person should be the easiest thing to be, right? We know God. He's given us His Son and forgiveness from sins - sins we have a tendency to repeat. . .

Yet, we don't always feel grateful nor show an attitude of gratitude.

Why is that?

I talk about two reasons common to all. Please share in comments what other reason you may have to keep your thanks to yourself.

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Read about Sue’s topics and testimonials at womenspeakers.com

How to invest in what matters beyond ourselves. We have one life - let’s make the most of it for God, others, and eternity. Subscribe: Choose one of these popular free listening services, and subscribe there:

OR Subscribe to Welcome Heart's weekly email newsletter, blog updates, and podcast notes, here!

If you need a little motivation -- or your family -- download this Thanksgiving placement and get to work. I've used it on the the BIG TURKEY day itself to keep everyone occupied with God's blessings while the bird finishes up and the gravy gets the lumps out (or not!)

"Thanking God Through the Alphabet"

If you have someone who's particularly like our loveable friend, Eeyore, ask her or him to pass these placemats around and make sure everyone stays on task. We all need a little family administrator. It might cheer them right up!

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Jed Jurchenko and his wife, Jenny have four daughters and one foster daughter which gives him all sorts of credibility in my view! What a delightful conversation from a godly man who loves his family and is working daily to leave a legacy that counts. Listen today to hear how he is teaching his girls to live gratefully even when it's 70 below.

To thrive at home includes teaching your kids a heart of gratitude.

To thrive at home includes discerning the right "no's" and "yes's."

"A 'no' to one opportunity is really saying a 'yes' to the better and best one."

Jed Jurchenko

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Jed Jurchenko is the husband to an incredible wife, daddy to four amazing girls, and a foster dad to one more. He's served as a children's pastor, marriage and family therapist, psychology professor, and life coach. Jed is the author of 23 books on relationships, parenting, and doing life well. In his free time, you'll find Jed reading, preparing for an upcoming marathon, barbecuing, paddle boarding, and enjoying life with his incredible family. Find out more about Jed's books, coaching, and courses at www.ithrive320.com

PS Jed's favorite "recipe" is BBQ!

PPS My favorite BBQ is Crock Pot Ribs!

Read about Sue’s topics and testimonials at womenspeakers.com

How to invest in what matters beyond ourselves. We have one life - let’s make the most of it for God, others, and eternity. Subscribe: Choose one of these popular free listening services, and subscribe there:

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At salvation, we were reborn into the life of God. And we have the greatest privilege of all—to be able to grow up into all aspects of Jesus as much as possible this side of heaven -- “like Christ in everything.”

Do we value this privilege? I know I don't always do.

My friend, Susan Anderson said, "Christians can be very good at knowing and doing their responsibilities, but not half as good at living out their privileges."

Wow. What do you think?

What does it mean to abide in Christ? Here's your Pdf on Glyn Evans' explanation.

"What Does it Mean to Abide in the Vine?"

Abiding comes from spending time alone with God, often a challenge. This could help - for you:

Retreat in a Basket: A Simple Strategy to

Spend Time Alone with God

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Read about Sue’s topics and testimonials at womenspeakers.com

How to invest in what matters beyond ourselves. We have one life - let’s make the most of it for God, others, and eternity. Subscribe: Choose one of these popular free listening services, and subscribe there:

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Not everyone can say "pastor" and "friend" in the same sentence. I'm happy to share with you my friend and pastor, Tim Theule, on a series of quick topics that will inspire, instruct and convict - all good things from a pastor who loves his job, his flock, and his God.

Part of Tim's living legacy is calling our church to unity despite the diversity of opinions and stances even in our small town of San Luis Obispo by "keeping the Gospel the main thing." He checks in regularly with his four kids to make sure they are "good" with being pastor's kids, and that invitation to dialogue is what helps keep his relationships authentic and healthy.

Grab a pen. You'll want to listen more than once and take notes. Let me know what you appreciate most in comments and share with a friend who needs encouragement to invest most in what matters: God and His Word. Thanks, Tim!

Tim was born and raised in Southern California. He trusted Jesus Christ as a child and was actively involved in Campus Crusade for Christ throughout high school and his college years at UC Santa Barbara. After receiving a B.A. in Business Economics at UCSB, Tim went on to pursue a Master of Divinity degree at Talbot School of Theology. Before coming to Grace, Tim served for 10 years at the Evangelical Free Church of Laguna Hills. During that time, he was both licensed and ordained by the Evangelical Free Church of America. After a wild and wondrous soul-searching process, sensing the clear call of God, Tim became Grace's fifth Lead Pastor in March 2003.

You can listen to Tim's messages here at GraceCentralCoast.org.

Tim is passionate about the power of the Gospel to transform lives, families, and communities here on the Central Coast! He's committed to the centrality of the Gospel, the doctrines of grace, relevant expository preaching, and authentic, multi-generational community. He desires that Grace becomes a church in the community, for the community, as we live and apply the Gospel throughout all life, in all relationships, in all circumstances. Tim and his wife, Susie, were married in 1993. Susie is a licensed clinical psychologist and Tim's balancing factor in ministry. Together they have four great kids; Sage, Eden, Ezekiel, and Haaken. In his free time, Tim enjoys surfing, mountain biking, reading, and gardening.

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Read about Sue’s topics and testimonials at womenspeakers.com

How to invest in what matters beyond ourselves. We have one life - let’s make the most of it for God, others, and eternity. Subscribe: Choose one of these popular free listening services, and subscribe there:

OR Subscribe to Welcome Heart's weekly email newsletter, blog updates, and podcast notes, here! ::::::::: Only God provides internal peace. But we need to be attentive to His presence. He's a gentleman and won't barge in. Download these 7 prayers to pray thoughout your day and keep God central in your heart and mind.

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SALE! FRIENDS & FAMILY 25% OFF ALL DIGITAL PRODUCTS

OCTOBER 18-31 COUPON CODE: WELCOMEFRIENDS

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Can we grow into and become God’s idea of a strong, mature woman in our own strength? Or course not. That’s what I love about this: God has high and purpose-filled expectations, but He knows we can’t do it by ourselves.

He knows we are weak and frail and given to fits of petulance and self-pity and pride. The three ugly P’s. I indulge in any and all, all too often.

That’s why we need God and other believers for our maturing process. And the older and wiser woman realizes that truth sooner rather than later.

Need some peace? Subscribe to my blog to receive MINDFULLY HIS: 7 Prayers and Scriptures to Pray Throughout the Day

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Read about Sue’s topics and testimonials at womenspeakers.com

How to invest in what matters beyond ourselves. We have one life - let’s make the most of it for God, others, and eternity. Subscribe: Choose one of these popular free listening services, and subscribe there:

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I first met Elizabeth Spencer "online" and she immediately won me over with her quick wit, practical and biblical counsel, and of course, out-of-this-world recipes. Her writing encourages moms to stop feeling all that normal shame and guilt that comes with the territory by lifting our minds and hearts to Jesus and giving ourselves and our kids what we and they need most: grace. (You thought I was going to say "chocolate." A close second.)

Her legacy is encouraging others and she uses the acronym: H.U.E - and asks herself: Do my words have the right H.U.E.? Listen today and you will be encouraged!

You can find Elizabeth here:

Blog: https://guiltychocoholicmama.blogspot.com/

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/guiltychocoholicmama/ And a recipe for White Chocolate Pretzel Cookies

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Election season got you down? Or maybe social distancing? Or all the negative noise? Stay attentive to God's peace through these seven prayers and Scriptures to pray throughout your day. It helps! Mindfully His

Find HERE

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Read about Sue’s topics and testimonials at womenspeakers.com

How to invest in what matters beyond ourselves. We have one life - let’s make the most of it for God, others, and eternity. Subscribe: Choose one of these popular free listening services, and subscribe there:

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One thing we know is that we will all grow old, unless we die first. Bette Davis said, “Old age is not for sissies.” My mom used to say: “There’s nothing fun about growing old.” She was mourning the loss of her independence due to macular degeneration.

God, in His wisdom, made us all start as baby Christians—– but we didn’t stop there, did we?

One thing is true, we will all grow old, but we may not all grow up. Don't you want to grow something BESIDES old? I sure do.

Be encouraged: Staying in the race IS a sign of maturity.

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A BIG sign of our maturity in Christ is peace in turmoil. I can only live peacefully when mindful of God's presence. For a list of 7 brief prayers and Scriptures to pray throughout your day, subscribe here:

Mindfully His: How to Live Attentive to God's Peace and Presence

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Chino Valley Community Church, Chino Hills, CA is hosting a GATHER event this Saturday and you're invited. Here's the info and I'd love to see you there. Outdoors, bring your lunch and sun hat. I'll speak on "Hospitality, Becoming a Woman of Welcome" in the morning and "Pouring Out: Mentoring as a Way of Life" in the afternoon. Register here.

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Read about Sue’s topics and testimonials at womenspeakers.com

How to invest in what matters beyond ourselves. We have one life - let’s make the most of it for God, others, and eternity. Subscribe: Choose one of these popular free listening services, and subscribe there:

OR Subscribe to Welcome Heart's weekly email newsletter, blog updates, and podcast notes, here!

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No matter how often I listen to or read Bob Goff, I get inspired, blessed, and closer to who I think Jesus calls me to be. In this interview, you will hear about 17 sermons that preach in about that many minutes.

Get ready. Grab a pen if you like to take notes, and I hope you're not driving because you may need to stop and replay a line or two to make sure you got it.

I asked Bob if he had a favorite Scripture passage and Galatians 5:6 was right at hand: "...The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love." Making our lives count through love and faith. Love it.

Love does when we ask Jesus to make our lives count for Him day-in-and-day-out.

Bob Goff is the author of the New York Times bestselling Love Does and Everybody, Always and his latest book, Dream Big, released June 23, 2020. He is the Honorary Consul to the Republic of Uganda, an attorney, and the founder of Love Does—a nonprofit human rights organization operating in Uganda, India, Nepal, Iraq, and Somalia. He's a lover of balloons, cake pops, and helping people pursue their big dreams. Bob's greatest ambitions in life are to love others, do stuff, and, most importantly, to hold hands with his wife, Sweet Maria Goff, and spend time with their amazing kids. For more, check out BobGoff.com and LoveDoes.org.

Bob's goal to be show love by being available. He puts his phone number at the back of his books. I called him. He answered. Here you go: 206-571-9798

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Read about Sue’s topics and testimonials at womenspeakers.com

How to invest in what matters beyond ourselves. We have one life - let’s make the most of it for God, others, and eternity. Subscribe: Choose one of these popular free listening services, and subscribe there:

OR Subscribe to Welcome Heart's weekly email newsletter, blog updates, and podcast notes, here! Listen to my Latest Episodes

"So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all for the glory of God." I Corinthians 10:31

To receive Welcome Heart's GOD-THOUGHTS AND SIMPLE RECIPES INCLUDING PODCAST in your inbox weekly:

SUBSCRIBE HERE.

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Companies and ministries alike know the significance of creating a great mission statement. I find them in the back of magazines, church bulletins, and online articles. People want others to know what they are about, and in the believer’s case, Who they are about.

A Believer's Manifesto has to do with love and identity.

Why a Mission Statement? It frames our lives with God’s intentions, a framework on which to hang our notions, hopes, dreams, and goals.

I don’t want to live willy-nilly. And when the winds and rain come, as they will, we may get wet but we don’t lose our footing.

Write your Mission Statement. List your signposts. Use them in prayer. Take out the photocopy of Jesus we find in Scripture, and you’ll live life as God intended: for Him, with Him, and eventually, like Him.

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Read about Sue’s topics and testimonials at womenspeakers.com

How to invest in what matters beyond ourselves. We have one life - let’s make the most of it for God, others, and eternity. Subscribe: Choose one of these popular free listening services, and subscribe there:

OR Subscribe to Welcome Heart's weekly email newsletter, blog updates, and podcast notes, here! Listen to my Latest Episodes

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Nicole Phillips, a college coach wife, former Miss Wisconsin, writer, and speaker, is all about kindness. Her legacy begins in her home as she's trained her three cherubs to develop a vision for kindness, teaching them to look daily for something kind:

• What someone did
• Something they saw
• Something kind someone did for them

You will be motivated to present yourself as a "vessel of kindness" on a regular basis, showing off the kindness and grace of God as you do so. I love Nicole and you will, too.

Kindness advocate Nicole J Phillips is a champion for using kindness to overcome life's difficulties. From spending childhood Saturdays in a prison visiting her mom’s husband, to experiencing the joy that comes with forgiveness, to fighting breast cancer with kindness, Nicole shares the transformation that happened in her own life when she made a career out of writing about Kindness– and living life courageously kind! Nicole spreads the message of the healing power of kindness as host of “The Kindness Podcast”, through her weekly column, “Kindness is Contagious”, which runs in newspapers in North Dakota and Minnesota and as a regular guest on the Hallmark Channel’s “Home & Family” show. The author of three books, Kindness is Contagious: 100 Stories to Remind You God is Good and So are Most People, Kindness is Courageous: 100 Stories to Remind You People Are Brave + Kind, and The Negativity Remedy, which comes out in September 2020, Nicole’s message of living life courageously kind will inspire, refresh and reinvigorate you both personally and professionally.

You can find Nicole on social media @NicoleJPhillips and on her website BraveAndKind.NET. Nicole loves to hear your stories of kindness, so please send them to her at info@nicolejphillips.com.

I asked Nicole to submit a piece on "hospitality" for my blog and she answered witha resounding "no"! She doesn't cook. I told her I wasn't asking her to write about cooking. Her article was one of my favorites. Here it is in case you missed it:

"Welcome to My Couch!"

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How to invest in what matters beyond ourselves. We have one life - let’s make the most of it for God, others, and eternity. Subscribe: Choose one of these popular free listening services, and subscribe there:

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Everybody and their mother is writing their "Mission Statements" these days. Why the big deal? How important is it to develop a Mission Statement? For our daughter, Bonnie’s company, it was important enough for her to spend nine months, as well for her company to pour thousands of dollars into manpower, TV ads and in the end, declaring: “This is what we’re about and it’s a great thing!”

I can’t help but wonder: What is the Believer's Manifesto?

Don’t I need a Mission Statement? Something to live my life under like a well-constructed canopy of truth, guiding and guarding my thoughts, words, and actions. If so, where do I start?

As Christians, we have the ultimate marketing team: God, the Father – Founder, Director. Christ, the Son – Brand Authority. And the Holy Spirit – Influencer/Equipper. Besides the power-packed Trinity, we’re granted 24/7 access to Scripture, a handbook of all wisdom and knowledge breathed from God’s heart to ours.

I have what I need to make my Mission Statement. The real question remains:

Will it make a difference in how I live? A statement means nothing without the will and desire to follow God with all my heart.

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Read about Sue’s topics and testimonials at womenspeakers.com

How to invest in what matters beyond ourselves. We have one life - let’s make the most of it for God, others, and eternity. Subscribe: Choose one of these popular free listening services, and subscribe there:

OR Subscribe to Welcome Heart's weekly email newsletter, blog updates, and podcast notes, here! Listen to my Latest Episodes

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Do you want to be a "No-Regrets" woman? Rhonda Stoppe tells us today how to be just that.

None of us like to live with regret, yet we've all done things and said things we've regretted. How do we get beyond ourselves and live a life "worthy of the life to which we are called?"

Paul wrote in Ephesians:

Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. - Ephesians 4:1,2

Rhonda Stoppe is the NO REGRETS WOMAN with more than 20 years experience of helping women build no-regrets lives. “I could have listened to Rhonda talk all night,” is what women say about Rhonda’s enthusiastic, humorous, transparent teaching, and zeal as an evangelist. She’s committed to fulfilling the Titus 2:4 commission by mentoring, teaching, and writing books that are inspiring, grounded in Scripture, and easy to read––like you’re visiting with a friend over coffee.

Rhonda is the author of six books and she appears on numerous radio programs including FamilyTalk,Focus on the Family, Family Life Today and hosts The No Regrets Hour. She speaks at women’s events, Pastor’s Wives Conferences, MOPs, and homeschool conventions. Sharing the gospel is her sweet spot––she’s an evangelist at heart. Watch this video of Rhonda sharing the gospel.

Rhonda ministers alongside her husband Steve, who pastors the First Baptist Church of Patterson, California. They live out their own Real Life Romance writing books and speaking at their No Regrets Marriage Conferences, but their favorite ministry is their family. They have four grown children and 10 grandchildren. To learn more about Rhonda’s speaking topics, watch her teaching and to book Rhonda for your next event visit: NoRegretsWoman.com Bonus: Watch this fun video of Steve & Rhonda sharing their own love story.

Links: Website: NoRegretsWoman.com Facebook: Rhonda Stoppe No Regrets Woman Instagram: @RhondaStoppe Twitter: @RhondaStoppe

Some of Rhonda's Speaking Topics: Women Who Rock Their World Mom - You Are Not Alone Moms Raising Sons to Be Men Life on Purpose with No Regrets I Can Build a No Regrets Life The No Regrets Marriage Conference with Steve & Rhonda Stoppe Mommy & Marriage - You Can Be Good at Both

Stoppe's Simple Shredded Coconut Macaroons

1 Can Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk 1 Large Bag Shredded Coconut

Mix together thoroughly (I use my hand to mush it together) Spoon onto a cookie sheet Bake 350 for 10-12 minutes (until golden)

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How to invest in what matters beyond ourselves. We have one life - let’s make the most of it for God, others, and eternity. Subscribe: Choose one of these popular free listening services, and subscribe there:

For further thoughts on faith, food, and legacy--follow Sue at WelcomeHeart.com

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You may know someone who would give you the shirt off your back - but how about a kidney? (I might give a casserole...) Today I have the honor of hosting my lovely friend, Katie Collins: educator, wife, mother, grandmother, and kidney donor.

Katie talks of leaving a legacy of "Less judgment -- More prayer" as she's learned to recognize that everyone she meets has a story and we can be part of their story by lifting them to Jesus at any moment of the day.

Wise words from a seasoned believer:

"Although I wouldn't want to continue to live in any of my past gut-wrenching circumstances--I don't long for the grief they bring. But I now know I wouldn't trade them for how I've learned to feel the word FAITH and taste the word TRUST."

A little about Katie Collins in her own words:

Celebrating 40 years with my best friend, mother of four adult children, retired elementary teacher, now full-time Mamie, I am blessed. As a work in progress, I am thankful for every day as an opportunity to draw closer to the Lord and the people He has placed in my life.

Here's Katie's Go-To Recipe: Shrimp Sausage Pasta

Years ago, BK (before kids), Kirt and I went to have dinner with my roommate's parents. Her mother served this savory meal to us and I’ve used it ever since as a people-pleaser and quick go-to.

Sausage and Shrimp Pasta

1 pkg frozen wild-caught shrimp 1 pkg Jimmy Dean sausage (I like sage) Spaghetti noodles (Angel Hair works well, too) Parmesan cheese

Take out bag of frozen shrimp and let defrost. Crumble and cook sausage in pan. While cooking, start water boiling for pasta. Once sausage has cooked, drain, cover and put on simmer. When noodles are boiling, throw shrimp in and continue to cover, stirring here and there to get all the juices blended together. Drain noodles, and then mix everything together in a casserole dish, smother with parmesan cheese and serve. A quick bag of peas, slice of bread, and you’re set! Enjoy!

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How to invest in what matters beyond ourselves. We have one life - let’s make the most of it for God, others, and eternity. Subscribe: Choose one of these popular free listening services, and subscribe there:

For further thoughts on faith, food and legacy--follow Sue at WelcomeHeart.com

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Tiffiney Holmes, wife of 26 years, homeschooling mom of 6, hails from Brooklyn, NY. She's quick to say she doesn't have it all figured out, while at the time she encourages us to cling to Jesus and fight to live every moment as one who can share the Gospel at every chance we get.

As a woman of color, today Tiffiney shares her perspective on racial tension ("Satan is having a heyday!") and what's she's learning on how to relate as Jesus would so that whoever she meets will feel His welcome to come into His family.

I loved her post on Facebook entitled: "Dear White Friends" presenting her perspective on our nation's current crisis. An excerpt:

I am a black person living in America, so I understand racism. I sometimes cannot breath when I see my young adult sons leave my home late at night, because I know that one wrong encounter could tragically change everything. But if such a thing were to happen (God forbid it!), I wouldn't blame white people, I wouldn't start hating cops (by God's grace). I would blame the responsible party. That party ALONE would stand before God and give an account for their actions. No other person.

Friends, no matter what color you are, you cannot bear the weight of what another person has done, even if they look like you or have the same profession as you do. That is too much of a burden for anyone to bear.

Read entire post here.

Tiffiney Holmes is self-proclaimed "family-life-junky” who morphed into a family-life-enthusiast, all because of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Now she’s on a mission to help other women experience abundant family life. Tiffiney and her husband live in Brooklyn, NY with their six children, two sons-in-love, and three grandchildren - all of whom keep their lives full of adventure! You can follow the adventure on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter.

Follow Tiffiney:

Welcome Home Ministry – Celebrating the Adventure of Family Life!

Pinterest

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

Resources from Tiffiney:

Free Online Devotional: Because of Jesus, My Home Is: A free 20-Day Online Devotional which explores the blessings of our union with Christ, and God’s unique relationship to the Christian Home. Click here to learn more.

Free eBook: The Art of Building a Godly Home: The Art of Building A Godly Home is a beautifully illustrated companion guide for your journey along the path of wisdom. Read it to strengthen your home today! Click here to learn more.

A word from Tiffiney about a favorite recipe:

My kids request this for special occasions. I slay at making it now. (Slay…that’s slang. LOL! ) I even jazz it up by adding shrimp.

Favorite Family Recipe: Pasta with Bacon and Mushroom by Ree Drummond.

Sounds divine - can't wait to try it.

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How to invest in what matters beyond ourselves. We have one life - let’s make the most of it for God, others, and eternity. Subscribe: Choose one of these popular free listening services, and subscribe there:

For further thoughts on faith, food, and legacy--follow Sue at WelcomeHeart.com

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God knows we need each other, at every age and stage. Here are 6 descriptions of a good friend. I hope you can celebrate friendship alongside of me today!

There's a difference between loneliness and solitude. One is debilitating, and the other is necessary.

“The most terrible poverty is loneliness and the feeling of being unloved.”-- Mother Teresa

Mother Teresa saw the worst in poverty yet here she knew deep down in her bones: loneliness is the worst kind.

I'm so thankful that Jesus sticks closer than a brother.

Feeling alone today? Text a friend. Invite her for tea and granola. She may need your tea and granola more than you do. I've shared this recipe before - have you made it yet? I got it from my friend, Stephanie at ReadCookDevour.

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I found a kindred spirit in today's podcast with Rebecca Hastings. Rebecca is not only a woman of words, but a woman who knows her worth found in God and His Word. You will love her!

A little about Rebecca: Rebecca Hastings is a writer and speaker encouraging women to find real faith for real life. A wife and mother of three in Connecticut, she is the author of Worthy: Believe Who God Says You Are and Daily Meditations for Christians. Her work has also been featured at Relevant Magazine, (in)courage and The Washington Post. She can often be found typing words, driving her kids places or wherever there is chocolate.

Buy her books here (I just did!) --

Worthy: Believe Who God Says You Are Daily Meditations for Christians

Subscribe to her weekly 10-second pause of inspiration and hope at myinkdance.com.

Rebecca's favorite recipe looks perfect and simple!

Tuscan Minestrone Soup

1 c. sliced carrots 1/2 c chopped celery 1 c chopped onion 2 cloves minced garlic 2 T olive oil 15 oz can black beans 15 oz can cannellini beans 32 oz chicken broth 1/2 t. thyme

1) heat oil on medium/high heat. Add vegetables and garlic. Cook 4-5 minutes. 2) Stir in remaining ingredients and bring to boil. 3) Turn heat down to medium/low and simmer 10-12 minutes. 4) Serve with crusty bread. :::::::::::

How to invest in what matters beyond ourselves. We have one life - let’s make the most of it for God, others, and eternity. Subscribe: Choose one of these popular free listening services, and subscribe there:

For further thoughts on faith, food and legacy--follow Sue at WelcomeHeart.com

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John 4 tells the familiar story of Jesus meeting the woman at the well and how He offered her what she really wanted even though she didn't know what that was!

God's welcoming heart is revealed to the woman at the well, someone who was an outcast in so many ways, and we learn 4 things about showing hospitality, and they all have to do with trusting God.

On the surface, this looks like it’s the woman’s hospitality to Jesus, but it quickly switches to God’s hospitality to her.

“This is your invitation, and it’s the invitation of a lifetime.”

In this familiar story, we find lovely interchangeability of hospitality: God welcomes us and we welcome Him into our lives.

God's welcome is abundant, as we read in Psalm 36. He initiated the relationship by creating us. He welcomed us back by sending His Son. And at the same time we play host to Him—He knocks on our door, and we welcome Him into every corner of our lives. We say, “Lord, make Yourself at home in us. We are at your service.”

We all know how it feels to be the new person on the block. How can you feel at home quickly in this time of social isolation? And how can you help a new family feel welcomed on your street or in your town? Subscribe and receive THREE printables: "Introduce Yourself to Your Neighbors" "Welcome a New Neighbor" "Best Welcome Muffin Recipe Ever: Tollhouse Muffins" Subscribe Here :::::::::::

How to invest in what matters beyond ourselves. We have one life - let’s make the most of it for God, others, and eternity. Subscribe: Choose one of these popular free listening services, and subscribe there:

For further thoughts on faith, food, and legacy--follow Sue at WelcomeHeart.com

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Julie, Kendra, and Kristin—creators of the growing online community The Ruth Experience—are three friends whose lives are intertwined as writers, speakers, wives, moms, and world-changers. They are the authors of five books, including their most recent The One Year Daily Acts of Kindness Devotional and 100 Days of Kindness. They believe that when we walk together as women, we can unleash new possibilities for ourselves—and others.

Why a legacy of kindness? It all began with moms talking about the length of their kids' Christmas Wish Lists. How could pass on a legacy of giving vs receiving at the most wonderful time of the year? Advent Acts of Kindness was launched and the rest is history.

When we look for ways to show kindness, we live more intentionally. We put it on the calendar. We follow through with actions instead of only thinking something is a good idea. And the best part?

Our kids soak it up and become leaders in kindness without our having to tell them to be kind.

One Hundred Days of Kindness Devotional

New book coming October:

The One Year Daily Acts of Friendship: 365 Days to Finding, Keeping, and Loving Your Friends And in Spring:

100 Daily Acts of Friendship for Girls: A Devotional This trio is busy spreading kindness.Connect with The Ruth Experience on www.theruthexperience.com and follow on Instagram @theruthexperience

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Bacon Spaghetti Sauce (need I say more? Bacon is a food group)

by Kristin Demery

5-6 strips of bacon

½ onion, diced

2 t. garlic, chopped (about 2 cloves)

1 lb. ground beef

2 - 28 oz. cans diced tomatoes

4 t. dried basil

2 t. dried oregano

2 t. dried parsley

½ cup red wine

Salt, to taste

Tomato paste (*optional, although I don’t use it)

Directions:

1. Cook bacon according to package directions. Once fully cooked, remove from pan and set aside.
2. Leaving bacon fat in pan, add ground beef, onions, and garlic and cook on medium.
3. Once ground beef is no longer pink and onions are soft and somewhat translucent, add tomatoes.
4. Stir in spices and red wine, turn heat down to medium-low and let simmer for a while.
5. Chop bacon and add back into the spaghetti sauce. Taste-test to see if additional salt or spices are needed.

*If the sauce isn’t thick enough, you can also add a small can of tomato paste but will need to add additional spices.

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Speaking of kindness. Jesus says to love our neighbor as ourselves. Do you have a new neighbor? Or are you the newbie and you need to make some friends? Here's my New Neighbor Packet - enjoy!

We all know how it feels to be the new person on the block. How can you feel at home quickly in this time of social isolation? And how can you help a new family feel welcomed on your street or in your town? Subscribe and receive THREE printables: "Introduce Yourself to Your Neighbors" "Welcome a New Neighbor" "Best Welcome Muffin Recipe Ever: Tollhouse Muffins" Subscribe Here ::::::::::

How to invest in what matters beyond ourselves. We have one life - let’s make the most of it for God, others, and eternity. Subscribe: Choose one of these popular free listening services, and subscribe there:

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There's nothing worse than knowing you have the greatest job in the world and feeling like a failure in that job. How can we parent with joy, confidence and purpose?

Parenting is difficult (ask God, the Perfect Parent!) yet there is joy in the journey. And God, our Shepherd, is our comfort.

Sarah Young wrote in her book, Jesus Calling:

"Nothing is wasted when you are walking close to Me." (April 10)

Nothing, Lord? That means whether I'm parenting, cooking, cleaning, resting - living! -- it doesn't matter what, what matters most is that I walk close to Jesus.

This is my To-Do List to ensure I do just that:

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A crockpot or instant pot is a mom's best friend. If I can prep dinner at 9 am, I can rest easy at 6 pm when everyone's hungry, tired, and downright snappish. This simple and robust recipe is from the Flores family and we love it.

Tri-Tip Tacos

Place trimmed tri-tip in the crockpot

Pour over two cups of salsa of your choice

Check two hours before dinner if it's getting tender. If not, I put it on High

Shred with two forks

Saute sliced sweet peppers and onions.

Serve in warmed tortillas with extra salsa, cheddar cheese, and sour cream. (Side dish not necessary - brownies, more necessary.)

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We all know how it feels to be the new person on the block. How can you feel at home quickly in this time of social isolation? And how can you help a new family feel welcomed on your street or in your town? Subscribe and receive THREE printables: "Introduce Yourself to Your Neighbors" "Welcome a New Neighbor" "Best Welcome Muffin Recipe Ever: Tollhouse Muffins" Subscribe Here :::::::::

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Doris Cush says she's not a patient person but she is a waiter - she knows to wait on God to bring something beautiful from ashes, strength from weakness, faith from pain. The moment you meet her, you know you are loved as she invites you to make Jesus your best friend, no matter what you are going through.

In her own words:

People know me as Doris Cush. but my narrative is encapsulated in a tagline. I’m an “Honest Survivor Embracing a Savior Honestly.”

As I tackle the tough and tender issues we often face, God allows me to turn obstacles into opportunities and trials into trust-filled moments by sharing P.E.P. Talks. It's His gift of providing Perspective, Encouragement, and Peace to life.

This year, I published my latest book, "Word Twist: God's Word Imagined In New Ways" and rolled out a weekly podcast I've aptly entitled "Spur-1-On." If I'm not encouraging someone on Instagram, I'm working alongside my "right name/wrong guy" church planting, worship songwriting husband, Daniel, of 23-1/2 years.

Follow Doris for more encouragement follow at any of the following places:

Blog/Web: www.doriscush.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/dmcushite Facebook: www.facebook.com/DorisMCush YouTube: www.youtube.com/dmcushite

This coming Saturday, Doris and two ministry friends will be leading a virtual event entitled: WHAT LIES BEYOND and I can't wait. Register here for FREE.

ABOUT WHAT LIES BEYOND VIRTUAL EVENT:

During these troubling times, have you asked WHY? Have you wondered WHEN will life get back to "normal"? And are you ready for WHAT lies beyond social distancing and racial unrest?

Join us as we take a Biblical approach to...

• How to process hardships, troubles, and setbacks
• Adopting a transition plan as we move forward
• Supporting one another on the other side

WHAT LIES BEYOND: A VIRTUAL EVENT will feature:

• Delphine Kirkland, Blogger/Vlogger & Author of the book, "Just Jesus & Me." Instagram @fromthemasterstable
• Camille McIntyre, Oasis Church NYC Co-Pastor and Vlogger. Instagram @camille_mcintyre
• Doris M. Cush (Host), Writer / Speaker / Encourager & Author of the book, "Word Twist: God's Word Imagined in New Ways." Instagram @dmcushite

EVENT DETAILS...

• Saturday, July 11, 2020 (11am - 3 pm EST / 10 am - 2 pm CST)
• VIRTUAL doors open @ 10:30 am EST / 9:30 am CST to settle in (code: let's get situated with water, snacks and operating your device before the event begins!)
• Lunch break factored into event (Since I'm in the Pacific Time Zone, I'll be in PJ's and not worried about the lunch break!)

Here's a favorite recipe from Doris - Let me know if you try it!

My Mama's Modified Sweet Potato Pie

Bruce's canned yams- a large can equals 2-3 pies

Brown sugar (your choice)

Butter, 1 stick

½ Tbsp. Baking powder 1/8 t. salt

3 eggs

2 cups sugar

l cup flour

1-2 cans Carnation milk

Pet Ritz deep-dish pie shells

Spices galore: Nutmeg / Allspice / Cinnamon /Ginger/ Clove/ Pure Vanilla / Butter Flavor or Vanilla Butter Nut Flavor/ Molasses/ Syrup {add to your taste!)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Drain juice from yams. Place in large quart pot with a little water, butter, and brown sugar to sweeten. Cook yams to tender. Let cool. Sift dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, and salt) and set aside. Beat eggs and sugar in yams. Mix in milk and add spices. Add dry ingredients and more spices to taste. Keep mixing until you reach a thick, creamy consistency that has a medium-dark coloring. I use a soup ladle to pour mixture into pie shell (roughly 3 scoops per pie). Bake until a toothpick comes out clean in the middle (approximately 1-½ hours @ 350 degrees. (Doris M. Cush -I modified my mama's recipe in 1988. ENJOY!)

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We all know how it feels to be the new person on the block. How can you feel at home quickly in this time of social isolation? And how can you help a new family feel welcomed on your street or in your town? Subscribe and receive THREE printables: "Introduce Yourself to Your Neighbors" "Welcome a New Neighbor" "Best Welcome Muffin Recipe Ever: Tollhouse Muffins" Subscribe Here :::::::::::

How to invest in what matters beyond ourselves. We have one life - let’s make the most of it for God, others, and eternity. Subscribe: Choose one of these popular free listening services, and subscribe there:

For further thoughts on faith, food, and legacy--follow Sue at WelcomeHeart.co

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My friend and mentor, Annadale White, just turned 95. Don't you love that? In her own words, "For some reason, God wanted me to live a long life." She didn't want to be interviewed but I didn't want you to miss out on knowing some of her exuberance in Jesus and her godly wisdom.

Annadale, a PhD in Education, former college professor, Bible teacher, wife, mother, and grandmother is first and foremost, a woman of the Word. She trusts God instinctively, yet she took a while to succumb to the wooing of her Savior. Why? She knew God would want all of her and she didn't want to give in too readily. A smart woman, even from a very young age.

Everyone needs an Annadale in their lives. I called her the other day to see how she was faring in COVID-19. She asked, "How are you, Sue?" I replied, "I'm mad at Mark, if you want to to know!" She said, "Oh, I'll pray for Mark!" Ha. She was supposed to say, "Oh, I'll pray for you!" Whichever, the prayers worked, I'm happy to report. I called to encourage her. As usual, it went the other direction.

A legacy of joy for now and to come. Isn't she beautiful?

Some Annadale truisms:

"God doesn't want us to plan ahead, but He wants us to wait on Him every day."

"I want to have my first cup of coffee of the day with my Father."

"It's interesting how fast we can get our minds away from God so fast!"

"You're never going to get it if you don't read the whole Bible from beginning to end!"

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How to invest in what matters beyond ourselves. We have one life - let’s make the most of it for God, others, and eternity. Subscribe: Choose one of these popular free listening services, and subscribe there:

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I love my friend, Molly ZagRodny. She's real, loves Jesus, and me! She's the first to say there are no easy answers to our struggles of life on this side of heaven. Yet she trusts God, continues to learn, and serves others humbly.

Molly's Legacy:

For others to know the extent of God's love for them

To offer hope and continue in faith in light of hard questions, suffering and embracing the truth of Scripture

To help others know that we don't earn His favor--we already count in His eyes.

"Your life already counts! I want to live from that freedom that our being loved by God brings. If God already loves me, then I can do scary things because my relationship with God is not at risk." - Molly ZagRodny

Originally from Seattle, WA, Molly ZagRodny has served with Cru (the US ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ) for almost 30 years. She's been married to David for 22 years, and has two basically adult children who make her smile and pray every day. When the nest gets really empty, Molly hopes to be on the road with her husband, inspiring Christian faculty to embrace their roles as the hands and feet of Jesus in America's universities. She also hopes she'll be brave enough to cancel Netflix and read more books. www.thezagrodnys.com :::::::::::

How to invest in what matters beyond ourselves. We have one life - let’s make the most of it for God, others, and eternity. Subscribe: Choose one of these popular free listening services, and subscribe there:

For further thoughts on faith, food, and legacy--follow Sue at WelcomeHeart.com

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I need to beware of anything that begins with: "I pride myself in..." I'm sure to fail. I hope to fail. That way I'll remember God is the author of anything worth boasting in. Our gifts and talents are from Him to serve (or in my case, sometimes entertain) others.

Listen today for 3 steps on how to keep pride at bay, totally out of your mind and heart so that God "frees you up" to glory in Him and serve others with abandon.

As Glyn Evans wrote:

"The only way my gifts can live, thrive, and prosper is by using them for others. Kept for myself, they and I will die. The deadness that we find so stifling in the world is not the deadness of inactivity, but the deadness of accumulation."

Jesus explained the pride and dying conundrum in John 12: "I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, it remains alone. But its death will produce many new kernels—a plentiful harvest of new lives." John 12:24

There you go: die to self and fruit appears.

I've been working my mind and heart through Paul's clarion call of passion in Philippians 3:7-10 - want to join me?

Further passages for meditation:

"Therefore, as the Scriptures say, 'If you want to boast, boast only about the LORD.'” I Corinthians 1:31

"This is what the LORD says: 'Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, nor the strong man in his strength, nor the wealthy man in his riches. But let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD, who exercises loving devotion, justice, and righteousness on the earth--for I delight in these things,' declares the LORD." Jeremiah 9:23,24

"Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow." James 1:17

"I want to know Christ--yes! To know the power of His resurrection and participation in His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death." Philippians 3:10

Daily With the King by Glyn Evans (still in print - worth your purchase!)

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French Honey Bread

(for Bread Machine but I bet it would work by hand or in your mixer)

1 1/8 c. water 1 T. oil 1 T. honey 1 t. sugar 1 t. salt 3 c. flour 2 1/2 t. yeast

Put all ingredients in this order into your bread machine Hit Dough cycle My machine takes 2 hours in dough cycle but it depends on the machine When it beeps, put Pam or flour on your hands and scoop out the dough Place, divided on your sprayed pan to make two loaves - any shape Cover lightly with a clean tea towel Set in oven for 30 minutes while they rise Remove towel Preheat oven to 350 and bake til brown and crusty - about 25 to 30 min. Voila! You're a star!

Printable version here.

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How to invest in what matters beyond ourselves. We have one life - let’s make the most of it for God, others, and eternity. Subscribe: Choose one of these popular free listening services, and subscribe there:

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I first found Aly when I read the lessons she learned when her husband made a dining table from pallets (donated from Whole Foods) and an old door in the garage. I loved everything about those lessons - especially this one: "(The fact that their table is a door) is not lost on us as we open our doors and our lives to those who come and leave with full bellies and fuller hearts."

Hear how Aly is learning to turn struggles into assignments, and her assignments all have to do with loving people and her Creator. She's an avid outdoors-woman, loves Compassion International, healthy cooking, and Revelation Wellness. Connect with Aly below:

Instagram: @heyalychase Facebook: Aly Chase

Revelation Wellness and RevWild: revelationwellness.org

Also, find them on Facebook at Revelation Wellness-Healthy and Whole. There is a large community there.

Mold sickness education and support: Email Aly: alydchase@gmail.com Or call our office at RCS: (615) 504-0156

Recipe for the soup she makes and freezes for quick extras: https://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/chipotle-chicken-chili/

Aly includes her mom's Apple Crisp recipe on the blog here. :::::::::::

How to invest in what matters beyond ourselves. We have one life - let’s make the most of it for God, others, and eternity. Subscribe: Choose one of these popular free listening services, and subscribe there:

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I know it takes a lifetime to become like Jesus, but one thing--perhaps the main thing--that helps is remembering who I am. I'm a new creation, and new creations act and speak a certain way. My identity in Christ - chosen and forgiven - informs how I live. I speak differently. I act differently. All because of my identity. This list helps me.

My pastor reminded me of our identity when speaking from Ephesians 5--

I am a beloved child -"Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children." verse 1

I am a saint (I'll remind my kids!)- "..as is proper among saints." verse 3

I am light - "..but now you are light in the Lord." verse 8

Recalling who I am, makes a difference in how I behave.

God made me a foodie, too, and I love any recipe from my friend and blogger, Stephanie from ReadCookDevour. I made this yesterday and plan to make much more, box it up in Tupperware and pass it around like cigars! (Healthier than cigars) YUM!

THE BEST GRANOLA

Recipe ingredients/wording barely adapted from Buttered Side Up

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1/2 cup of coconut flakes (you could use shredded coconut, but the flaked coconut gets all toasty and pretty)
• 1/2 cup of your favorite nut, coarsely chopped (I used sliced almonds)
• A couples dashes of salt
• 1/2 stick of unsalted butter or half coconut oil
• 1/8 cup honey
• 1/8 cup pure maple syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 300 degrees F (150 C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper (or don't if you are out of parchment paper, like me, and you'll probably be just fine)

In a large bowl, mix together the oats, coconut, nuts, and salt.

In a small pan set over low-medium heat, melt the butter. Remove from heat and stir in the honey, maple syrup, and vanilla. Pour this mixture over the dry ingredients and stir well, making sure all of the dry ingredients are evenly coated. Spread onto the baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes, or until golden brown. Stir the granola every 10 minutes and rotate the pan halfway through baking.

Remove granola from oven and allow to cool in the pan. Once the granola is completely cool, store in an airtight container at room temperature, or in the refrigerator or freezer for longer storage.

Read more about why beauty matters from my friend, Stephanie at ReadCookDevour.com

Printable

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Loneliness is a silent disease that kills the spirit without anyone knowing. As believers, we aren’t alone because Jesus said He will never leave us. But not everyone believes that. We need to be the hands and feet of His presence. To show God’s welcoming heart, to assure others they are seen, loved, and not forgotten is our mission as followers of Christ.

Subscribe Here to Receive "10 WAYS TO HELP OTHERS FIND & FOLLOW JESUS DURING COVID-19"

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How to invest in what matters beyond ourselves. We have one life - let’s make the most of it for God, others, and eternity. Subscribe: Choose one of these popular free listening services, and subscribe there:

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Micah's story from abandonment into healing encourages us to look to Jesus and His Word to fill our souls and hearts. No matter what wounds and disappointments we experience, we can find our hope by hiding under the shadow of His wings.

Her legacy includes living with an eternal perspective which is easy to say but takes working out on a consistent basis. Micah mentions these three contrasts that are "red flags" and remind her to go to God for her daily bread:

Worrying vs Praying

Barking at the kids vs Training the kids

Griping at my husband vs Serving my husband.

I think we can all relate with these three contrasts, Micah. Thanks again for sharing your story.

Micah Maddox is a women’s conference speaker, Bible teacher, blogger, and author of Anchored In: Experience a Power-Full Life in a Problem-Filled World. She is passionate about helping women find purpose, peace, and calm in our chaotic world. As a pastor’s wife, mother of three, and foster mom, she contributes her time to her family and local church serving as a women’s ministry leader.

You can contact Micah at micah@micahmaddox.com

Speaking topics include:

Living Anchored in Jesus Anchored in the Word Anchored in Hope Hope in Hard Times Finding Purpose in Every Season

http://www.micahmaddox.com/speaking/

Website: http://micahmaddox.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/micahmaddoxencouragement/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrsmicah/ Book: https://www.amazon.com/Anchored-Experience-Power-Full-Problem-Filled-World/dp/1501848674/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=anchored+in&qid=1574257858&sr=8-2

Micah's Go-To Recipe:

Quick & Easy Potato Soup

3 lbs. potatoes peeled & chopped into small chunks 1 small onion diced 8 oz. sour cream 1 stick butter 1/4 cup milk Salt and pepper 8 oz. shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1. Place potatoes & onion in a large pot
2. Fill the pot with water just enough to cover potatoes & onions (salt and pepper generously)
3. Cook on med-high until potatoes are soft
4. Add butter, milk, and sour cream
5. Turn down the heat and cook until all is combined and creamy
6. Salt & pepper to taste.
7. Top individual servings with cheese
8. Serve with saltine crackers or garlic bread

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How to invest in what matters beyond ourselves. We have one life - let’s make the most of it for God, others, and eternity. Subscribe: Choose one of these popular free listening services, and subscribe there:

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We can always think of a reason NOT to do something we don't want to do. I'm an expert at thinking up creative reasons to say "no" to God's big idea. "I'm too tired. I'm too old. I don't think I'm hearing correctly..."

God gives grace, yes. But He also loves our obedience and He will give us the strength to do what He's asked us to do.

Be hospitable isn't a suggestion, it's a command. So why don't we do it?

Today I list (just) 8 reasons why we don't. Can you add a 9th? Share in comments.

I mean, why bother?

I get it.

So I wrote this course. For you and your friends. You can pay once and invite a (small) group and take the course together. Swap stories, ideas, and encouragement. Just stay 6 ft apart and bring your own pen and coffee cup. It's a party, but not too big of a party for now.

Half-Off for a limited time. Buy Now. You're invited.

Make scones. Or buy. It's your party.

Lori's Orange Scones (Printable version here.)

Sale on my NO-FEAR HOSPITALITY Course - Half-Off for the month of May. While shelter-at-home, let's learn how to open our home. BUY HERE.

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How to invest in what matters beyond ourselves. We have one life - let’s make the most of it for God, others, and eternity. Subscribe: Choose one of these popular free listening services, and subscribe there:

OR Subscribe to Welcome Heart's weekly email newsletter, blog updates, and podcast notes, here!

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Jesus called us to live life beyond ourselves in Matthew 6: 19,20- "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth . . . But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal." And He gives us two good reasons:

Heavenly treasures last--no rats or thieves! And they focus our hearts: "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (verse 21)

I want my heart focused on what God treasures. Whenever I spend time with my friend, Lorraine, I get a boost in that direction and I'm grateful.

Lorraine Maksoudian is the mentor of many and you'll see why when you listen to today's podcast. Her legacy includes:

• Teaching the attributes of God to 1st Graders for 18 years (starting with our Mary Grace, 24)
• Reality is much deeper than it appears
• No experience of a believer is ever wasted
• Memorize God's Word and review systematically
• Celebrate how God has made us unique
• Hand off your To-Do list every day to the Lord and let Him direct how your day is actually supposed to go

Lorraine always serves me tea and homemade biscotti. Here's her recipe for Double Chocolate Cherry Pistachio Biscotti.

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We all grow older, but do we all grow up? God’s interested in our maturity. For a good list on what He thinks about that Subscribe Here and receive “13 Characteristics of a Mature Believer”

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How to invest in what matters beyond ourselves. We have one life - let’s make the most of it for God, others, and eternity. Subscribe: Choose one of these popular free listening services, and subscribe there:

OR Subscribe to Welcome Heart's weekly email newsletter, blog updates, and podcast notes, here!

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So God graciously invites us to come to Him. We need to come. So why don’t we?

Why do we ignore the signs for rest stops? What excuses do we make when Jesus has so gently invited us to rest?

I can think of at least two.

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Prayer to Pray (Before Getting Out of Bed in the Morning)

“So far today, God, I’ve done all right. I haven’t gossiped, I haven’t lost my temper. I haven’t been grumpy, nasty or selfish. I’m really glad about that. But in a few minutes, God, I’m going to get out of bed, and from then on, I’m probably going to need a lot of help. Amen.”

I wrote "Habits Worth Having: Take Five" on Women Wielding the Word last week. What do you think? Is your relationship with the King of the Universe worth five minutes a day?

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How to invest in what matters beyond ourselves. We have one life - let’s make the most of it for God, others, and eternity. Subscribe: Choose one of these popular free listening services, and subscribe there:

OR Subscribe to Welcome Heart's weekly email newsletter, blog updates, and podcast notes, here!

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Angela, from Everyday Welcome, is a professional photographer, food blogger, and since recording this podcast, she's become a WHOLE30 Certified Coach. Today Angela shares her legacy of grace, pouring into others, and finding He and His Word are all that's needed.

My redheaded younger "sister" (:

Follow Angela Sackett on her website or these media links:

https://www.everydaywelcome.com

Facebook.com/everydaywelcome

Instagram: @everydaywelcome

Angela Sackett is a wife, momma, home educator, speaker, author and photographer (and her house is perpetually in need of a good dusting!). She blogs at Everyday Welcome, where she encourages women to open their hearts and homes to God and others, living as salt and light right where they are. She shares recipes, devotional thoughts, and inspiration for home and family.

Angela combines her love for Jesus and the Whole30 eating healthy system in her unique course: REFINED JOURNEY

Join Angela for 6 weeks of menus, printable recipes, Scripture readings, and wholesome eating here.

Special pricing for the month of May OR subscribe to Everyday Welcome to receive one FREE week: CLICK HERE.

"This is NOT a diet - it's a chance for you to explore how God wants to nourish you and those at your table, so you can live free in who you are in Him. When you sign up, you'll get information on the full Refined Journey, and you'll be added to the Everyday Welcome email community for weekly-ish emails and updates.)" - Angela

Additional resources from Everyday Welcome:

Cozy Holidays

https://everydaywelcome.com/shop/everyday-welcome-cozy-holidays/

Winter: A Journey of Stillness

https://everydaywelcome.com/shop/winter-a-journey-of-stillness/

Thank you, Angela, for these mouth-watering recipes--I promise to try!

Paleo “Cheese”burger Soup

https://everydaywelcome.com/paleo-cheeseburger-soup/

Spring Chicken & Vegetable Soup

https://everydaywelcome.com/spring-chicken-and-vegetable-soup/

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How to invest in what matters beyond ourselves. We have one life - let’s make the most of it for God, others, and eternity. Subscribe: Choose one of these popular free listening services, and subscribe there:

OR Subscribe to Welcome Heart's weekly email newsletter, blog updates, and podcast notes, here!

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Someone said, “Ministry is spillage.”

When we are so full up of God ourselves, our ministry of love and exhortation and healing for others is simply the natural outcome.

Helping others is a by-product of seeking God and finding our rest in Him. In other words, we don’t seek to help others first, but that happens when we seek God first. Loving others is an overflow of loving God.

“Lay thy head upon my breast and lose thyself in Me.” - Francis Roberts. And when we do, others get blessed as well as ourselves.

In Ephesians 3:19 Paul prays they will be filled up to all the fullness of God. I can't begin to understand "the fullness of God" but if he prayed for it, I will, too-- for me and for my family.

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These muffins are a welcome treat for you during your quiet time or to share with a friend or neighbor.

Granola Muffins

1 stick butter, melted

3/4 c. sugar

2 eggs, lightly beaten

1/2 c. milk

1 1/2 c. flour

1 T. baking powder

1/2 t. salt

1 1/2 c. unsweetened granola

1/2 c. dried cherries, blueberries, cranberries or mixture

Preheat oven 350 degrees. Grease muffin cups or use paper liners. Blend butter, sugar, eggs, and milk. In another bowl, mix flour with baking powder and salt. Gradually add to liquid ingredients, stirring just to blend. Stir in granola and dried fruit. Bake 25-30 minutes. Makes 10 or so.

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How to invest in what matters beyond ourselves. We have one life - let’s make the most of it for God, others, and eternity. Subscribe: Choose one of these popular free listening services, and subscribe there:

OR Subscribe to Welcome Heart's weekly email newsletter, blog updates, and podcast notes, here!

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I love my friend, Katy Taflinger and I'm excited to share her with you today. Katy owned the famous Apple Farm Inn and Restaurant for many years and went on to open the beautiful interior design store, Porch, Home, and Garden. She exudes love, welcome and beauty - and most of all, a deep well of trust in her Savior. 

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How to invest in what matters beyond ourselves. We have one life - let’s make the most of it for God, others, and eternity. Subscribe: Choose one of these popular free listening services, and subscribe there:      OR Subscribe to Welcome Heart's weekly email newsletter, blog updates, and podcast notes, here!  

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Do you ever say, "All I can do is pray!" And then forget to pray?! And isn't that thinking the wrong way around? The most anyone can do is pray. I forget that all too often.

Some thoughts on the goodness of prayer:

“Prayer does not fit us for the greater work; prayer is the greater work.” – Oswald Chambers

God's interested in what He does in the person praying as much as the answer to that prayer.

“God can handle your doubt, anger, fear, grief, confusion, and questions. You can bring everything to him in prayer.” – Rick Warren

There's no surprising our Heavenly Father with our innermost thoughts and griefs and frustrations - so he welcomes us to come to Him day in and day out, like a good, good Father.

“Prayers outlive the lives of those who uttered them; outlive a generation, outlive an age, outlive a world.” – E.M Bounds

I can't get over that thought: our prayers outlive us. Sounds like legacy living. Makes me want to pray more, you too?

"It is possible to move men, through God, by prayer alone.” – Hudson Taylor

I like this quote the most. Sometimes my man needs my prayer much more than my words. (All the time?) And much more can be accomplished. Amen? Amen.

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How to invest in what matters beyond ourselves. We have one life - let’s make the most of it for God, others, and eternity. Subscribe: Choose one of these popular free listening services, and subscribe there:

For further thoughts on faith, food and legacy--follow Sue at Welcomeheart.com

Read Sue's blog here-- WelcomeHeart.com

Subscribe to my blog at WelcomeHeart.com here to receive weekly thoughts on faith, legacy and a good recipe or two. Welcome, welcome! So glad you came!

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Lisa is one of the most encouraging and smart people you could know and follow. Whenever I need reminding that God is in control, that He sees me, and that I'm here for a purpose, I call Lisa!

Here you go:

Facebook Lisa Lewis Coaching Lisa Lewis Instagram Lisa Lewis LinkedIn Lisa Lewis Coaching Website Parmesan Chicken

(aka Mrs. Jeffrey’s Chicken)

2 c. seasoned bread crumbs

¾ c. grated parmesan cheese

1 cube of butter, melted

Salt and pepper to taste

1 T. dried oregano

2 cloves minced garlic

7 boneless skinless chicken breasts

Rinse chicken breasts and pat dry. Cube the chicken into pieces about 1” x 2” (approximate—even size helps even cooking)

Measure coating ingredients into a bowl.

Put cubed chicken into a large gallon Ziploc style bag; pour melted butter over chicken pieces. Add coating ingredients into bag; close and shake to cover the chicken with the coating.

Spray a 9 x 13 casserole dish; pour coated chicken into dish, spread around to evenly cover the pan with the coated chicken.

Bake at 350 for approximately 25 – 30 minutes. (poke holes in the center to see if juices run clear)

PRINTABLE

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How to invest in what matters beyond ourselves. We have one life - let’s make the most of it for God, others, and eternity. Subscribe: Choose one of these popular free listening services, and subscribe there:

For further thoughts on faith, food and legacy--follow Sue at Welcomeheart.com

Read Sue's blog here-- Make it Count: Living a Legacy Life

Subscribe to my blog at WelcomeHeart.com here to receive weekly thoughts on faith, legacy and a good recipe or two. Welcome, welcome! So glad you came!

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As the "elderly" parent--Mark is three years my junior--I'm learning how to shelter-at-home and trying to do it well. Not always successful. I'm getting reprimands from my kids: "MOM, WHERE ARE YOU GOING??"

I woke up today remembering the old hymn: "Shelter in the Time of Storm." I can hear my mom singing with a long pause on the first "Oh" of the refrain: "OOHHHHH, Jesus is a Rock in a weary land, a weary land, a weary land. OOHHHHH, Jesus is a Rock in a weary land. A shelter in the time of storm."

Not my favorite tune but true enough.

Hoping you are sheltering well. Listen in--we are trying new gather-round-the-table ideas and they are fun!

Here's Ashley's great Instagram-reminding us Who God is which is the most important thing to remember. #thisonetinylife

Today's recipe is Kitchen Sink Frittata!

Saute slivered red onions in oil

Add leftover cooked sweet potatoes and poblanos

Chop and add the 3 leftover cooked sausage patties

Add 1 cup of fresh spinach - Cook all til soft

Whisk together: 3 eggs, 1/3 c egg whites, 1/4 cup almond milk, and 1/4 t. dry mustard, and pour over.

Pile on favorite cheese. I used Mozarella.

Sprinkle with Trader Joe's 21 Seasoning or any dried herbs

Bake at 350 for 20 minutes

Voila!

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How to invest in what matters beyond ourselves. We have one life - let’s make the most of it for God, others, and eternity. Subscribe: Choose one of these popular free listening services, and subscribe there:

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I've known Cindy for many years. She's the real deal: kind, gracious, humble, and a successful businesswoman. And she loves Jesus!

Cindy Langford's legacy:

To be kind because you never know another person's entire story.

To remind our kids (and ourselves) that wherever you are, there's Jesus!

To recognize that hard times are preparation for exciting times of service for God.

"I've felt weak and powerless and on my knees. But I have courage in Him. I have hope in Him.

My eyes are open, My head is up, and I can't wait to see how God is going to use me." - Cindy

Cindy Langford is a Pampered Chef Executive and I call her the PC Queen! Always gracious, accepting and loving. She lives what she preaches. Anyone on her team is privileged and blessed.

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One of Cindy's favorite recipes: Chicken & Broccoli Braid

• 1 cup (250 mL) chopped broccoli florets
• 2 cups (500 mL) chopped cooked chicken breasts (see Cook's Tip)
• ½ cup (125 mL) diced red bell pepper
• 1 cup (250 mL) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ½ cup (125 mL) mayonnaise
• 2 tsp (10 mL) All-Purpose Dill Mix
• 1 garlic clove, pressed
• ¼ tsp (1 mL) salt
• 2 pkgs (8 oz or 235 g each) refrigerated crescent dough
• 1 egg white, lightly beaten
• 2 tbsp (30 mL) slivered almonds DIRECTIONS
  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F(190°C). Chop the chicken and broccoli using a Food Chopper, and place the mixture in a Classic Batter Bowl. Chop the bell pepper using a Utility Knife, and add to the Batter Bowl. Press garlic over the vegetable mixture using a Garlic Press.
  2. Shred the cheese using a Rotary Grater, and add it to the vegetable mixture; mix gently. Add mayonnaise, Dill Mix, and salt and then mix well using a Mix ‘N Scraper®.
  3. Spread the filling evenly over the middle of the dough. To braid, lift two opposite strips of dough up, twist once, then lay over filling so that the ends meet at the center. Lightly pinch the ends together. Continue alternating strips to form a braid. Tuck ends up to seal at end of braid.
  4. Brush the egg white over the dough using a Chef’s Silicone Basting Brush. Sprinkle the braid with almonds. Bake 25-28 minutes or until deep golden brown. Cut and serve using a Slice 'N Serve®.

Yield: + 10 servings

Nutrients per serving:

Calories 360, Total Fat 24 g, Saturated Fat 6 g, Cholesterol 40 mg, Carbohydrate 19 g, Protein 16 g, Sodium 530 mg, Fiber 1 g

U.S. Diabetic exchanges per serving:

1 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 1/2 low-fat meat, 3 fat (1 carb)

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How to invest in what matters beyond ourselves. We have one life - let’s make the most of it for God, others, and eternity. Subscribe: Choose one of these popular free listening services, and subscribe there:

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I love to describe MENTORING as to "come alongside" another which is found in The Message version of II Corinthians 1: 3 and 4--

“God comes alongside us when we go through hard times, and before you know it, He brings us alongside someone else who is going through hard times so that we can be there for that person just as God was there for us.”

I Corinthians 1:3,4 The Message

Mentorship is a two-way relationship:

1. You and God 2. You and another

You want to relate intimately with God because He made us for Himself. And He never stops going after us. Of course, we need to respond. People don't RSVP much these days. You can change that right now when you respond to God's invitation to know and love Him better. He invited first. I love that about Him. And He invites us into the process: coming alongside another who needs to know and love Him, too.

And then when God brings someone into our lives who needs to know that He's pursuing them, too, we get to come alongside and pass on the same comfort for them that He's given us.

When you mentor, you will never be bored! And you'll live a life of legacy because people and the Word live forever.

Who can you pray about mentoring today? Are you looking for a mentor? Pray about that too, and take someone to coffee and see how God's gone in front of you to make it happen.

Tonight Jenny is coming to dinner. She's smart, beautiful, loves Jesus and loves to come for dinner. Mark and I count it a privilege to come alongside Jenny and pour in what He's poured into us. I made chocolate chip cookie bars - always a crowd pleaser and so easy!

Chocolate Chip Bar Cookies

2/3 c. shortening

1 c. white sugar

1 t. salt

4 t. water

2 eggs

1 c. coconut

1 pkg chocolate chips

Nuts (opt.)

1 c. brown sugar

2 c. flour

2 1/2 t. baking powder

2 t. vanilla

Melt shortening in a saucepan, remove from heat and add sugars and mix. Let cool 5-10 minutes. Add eggs. Add dry ingredients last with coconut, nuts, and chocolate chips. Bake in 9x13 at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes. Undercook rather than overcook.

Bonus! Jenny always offers to do the dishes!

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How to invest in what matters beyond ourselves. We have one life - let’s make the most of it for God, others, and eternity. Subscribe: Choose one of these popular free listening services, and subscribe there:

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Gretchen's passion is to follow hard after Jesus, knowing He is the treasure of a lifetime and worth every minute she commits to Him. God’s Word has been life-changing for her through the most trying times—a great source of strength, wisdom, and truth. Active in women’s ministry for over 25 years, she loves to see Jesus change lives as He’s changed hers.

As an international speaker, she has had the privilege of teaching women of an underground church in China and village women in Peru. She is an active national and local speaker for conferences, retreats and women’s events. As a Bible teacher, Gretchen has written/taught Bible studies for the past 20 years. As a writer, she actively blogs through the chronological Bible at GretchenFleming.com.

Her first book Press On! Encouragement to Keep You Moving When You Feel Overwhelmed is available on Amazon.

Gretchen teaches and mentors women locally through her church, The Church of Eleven22, which is the sixth fastest growing church in the U.S. She is the editor and a writer for their Disciple Group Curriculum. Currently, she is on the board of Women for Christ, a ministry that brings speakers to Jacksonville to share the Gospel and encourage women in their faith. This ministry will celebrate 35 years in 2020.

Gretchen is a wife of 31 years and mother of 3 young adult children. She lives in Jacksonville, Florida.

gretchenfleming.com Instagram - @gretchenfollowinghard Twitter- followinghard Pinterest- followinghard Facebook - Gretchen Branstetter Fleming

Gretchen's Company Lasagna

1 pound beef 1 pound Italian sausage 1 large jar of Prego Traditional Sauce 1 small tub whole milk ricotta cheese Sliced Mozzarella cheese to cover the pan twice Shredded Parmesan cheese Cooked lasagna noodles

Cook the beef and sausage together and drain. Stir in the sauce. Spread a little sauce in the bottom of a 9x11 dish. Layer the cooked noodles, the ricotta cheese, the mozzarella cheese, and the meat sauce. Sprinkle the parmesan cheese on top of the meat sauce. Do these layers twice. Bake at 350 for 35-40 minutes and let stand 15 minutes before cutting.

I usually sprinkle some Italian seasoning or garlic salt over the ricotta cheese layer to add some flavor and a little on the top of the last layer to melt in the cheese as it cooks.

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I had a blast interviewing my darling nieces who married into Mark's family. They are young and wise and committed to their marriage. Maybe that's the key to staying in the race: commitment to God and marriage. The word perseverance isn't my favorite word, but a good marriage takes perseverance as well as trust that God is doing a good work - in you and in your spouse.

I love Paul's take on that in Philippians 1:6 - "And I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ." Sounds like God is in the business of completing a marathon.

Two books worth reading:

Love and Respect by Emerson Eggerichs

How to Improve Your Marriage Without Talking About It by Love and Stonsy

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Helena Davies writes at helenadavies.com - Inspiring Women to Live Radiant in Christ

Helena's desire is to encourage women everywhere to look to Jesus for hope and love, and step out in boldness for Him.

In her own words:

Somewhere during the years when my now-adult children were toddlers through teenagers, I lost that childlike awe of God, and in doing so I lost who I was as His daughter. I had become buried under the many hats and labels I wore.

I had to get to know God again. I hadn’t realized how far away I felt from Him. It was in getting to know Him through praying, reading the Bible and spending time with other believers the awe of God I had lost slowly resurfaced.

My favorite Scripture verse is Psalm 34:5 “Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.”

It’s only as we focus on Jesus will we lose the baggage of our past. When we exchange shame for His grace we will live for something beyond ourselves.

Choose not to get caught up running after popularity instead do what you do for an audience of One. If you love to host, don’t spend all your time hiding in the kitchen. Get out there with your guests. People remember how you made them feel and they will forgive you for your burnt offerings.

Helena's Favorite Go-To Meal or "Recipe":

I usually have a store-bought pizza in the freezer. Add a salad (if I have enough notice to run to the store) and there you have a simple yet tasty meal.

Love it, Helena! And you and your burnt offerings!

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How to invest in what matters beyond ourselves. We have one life - let’s make the most of it for God, others, and eternity. Subscribe: Choose one of these popular free listening services, and subscribe there:

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A wise friend told me at my wedding shower, "Marriage is a marathon, not a 50-yard dash!" I may have smiled indulgently at her words and immediately forgot! I was aglow with love and felt like our love could and would conquer all!

I remembered it later and she was right.

These tips continue to help me and bless our marriage.

If you'd like to print this out, here's the link.

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How to invest in what matters beyond ourselves. We have one life - let’s make the most of it for God, others, and eternity. Subscribe: Choose one of these popular free listening services, and subscribe there:       

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Brittany Couch believes you matter.

What's more important, God believes you matter.

Thoughts on Legacy living from Brittany Couch:

• You matter. We need you here. I want every person I meet to know this.

• Your legacy is not something you achieve, it’s someone you are. In other words, it’s not about checking the boxes and getting a gold star in achievement. It is who you are, not what you did. There is a big difference.

• In a healthy community, you are heard, you are needed, you are missed, you are equipped, you are empowered. Those in healthy community receive all these, and at the same time give all these as well.

• Characteristics of a healthy community:

• Listen and ask good questions, with the intention of really getting to know someone. (They will instantly feel they matter, which leads to trust).
• Trust. Creating a safe environment.
• Collaboration. Unity and working together with a common goal.

• Surrendering my expectations and judgments of a circumstance or person, and trusting God to work His perfect plan and perfect timing.

• I would say my biggest obstacle is me.

-What I mean by that, is my stubbornness, my lack of patience, my expectations, all get in the way of really seeing people. Man, I’ve come along way. I can kinda of laugh in embarrassment, but I hid expectations and disappointment in so-called love. You know, that’s not even possible. Think about it, if you judge someone or their circumstance, you miss out on loving them, listening to them, understanding them, being with them.

-This past Fall some unhealed ugliness reared its head in my life. I shuddered at my actions, but when I owned those ugly actions, sought forgiveness, a deeper aspect of the abundant life we get to live was revealed. It’s kind of like an aha moment, a revelation, or a gift.

• If you don’t believe you matter or that you are needed, do the work: hire a professional life coach, a therapist, ask a trusted friend, and take steps to explore what you believe about yourself, God, and what I think you’ll discover is a legacy life. A legacy life, as I said above, doesn’t start when you reach come older magical age, it starts today.

brittanycouch.com

Hello, Locals! Brittany and Jenni, a dynamic duo, are offer coaching seminars. The first one was last week, but they will do it again. Just contact them at me@brittanycouch.com or hello@jennilanier.com 1/29 Visioning and goals • 2/26 Boundaries • 3/26 Creating a life you love

A community of inspiring women. Motivation for the future. $39 per event or $100 for all three Reserve your spot at http://venmo.com/coaching_you Light appetizers and drinks • 5:30–8 pm • 777 Mission Street, SLO Questions: me@brittanycouch.com or hello@jennilanier.com

I love Brittany's go-to recipe which starts with gluten-free, dairy-free frozen meatballs and makes the house smell like her mom's!

Meatball Sliders from Brittany

I keep the big bag of frozen Italian meatballs from Costco (GF dairy-free, but you could use any other frozen meatball) in my freezer and jars of Rao’s spaghetti sauce in my pantry ready to put in a big pot on the stove (I add a cup or 2 of chicken stock because it simmers better)… and if guests are coming over it makes the house smell like my mom’s. I usually do meatball sliders, using the big bag of Costco dinner rolls, or Hawaiian rolls. Put a piece of mozzarella on top and sprinkle with parsley or basil. Add a salad on the side. Bon appetite!

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How to invest in what matters beyond ourselves. We have one life - let’s make the most of it for God, others, and eternity. Subscribe: Choose one of these popular free listening services, and subscribe there:

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Amber reminds us that our legacy can change with different seasons, as well as the surprising twists and turns of life, but one thing remains constant: the more we act like Jesus, the better our legacy will be. We can ask ourselves each morning: "What does the Lord want from me today?" How we treat just one person, in kindness and love, not surrendering to the normal "triggers" that are our natural bent, is how we show the love and grace of Christ on a daily basis.

Get this book for yourself and for a friend: Marriage Triggers: Exchanging Spouses' Angry Reactions for Gentle Biblical Responses

Release date 1/28/20

http://bit.ly/MarriageTriggersBookPreorder

A former high school English teacher, Amber is a work-at-home mom of four little boys ranging from 3 to 13. She is the best-selling co-author of Triggers: Exchanging Parents’ Angry Reactions for Gentle Biblical Responses and Parenting Scripts: When What You’re Saying Isn’t Working, say Something New. She and her husband Guy own Storehouse Media Group, a faith-friendly and family-friendly TV and Film production company in Los Angeles, CA. Their book, Marriage Triggers, will be available in February 2020. When she’s not building sandcastles with her boys on the beach, or searching for Nerf darts all over her house, you can find Amber writing to encourage families on her blog at Mother of Knights (www.motherofknights.com).

You can find Amber in all these places--

Blog:

http://www.motherofknights.com/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/MotherOfKnights/

Video Resources for Triggers and Parenting Scripts:

https://amberandwendy.com/

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/motherofknights/

Crockpot French Dip

Crockpot Beef Dips!

1 eye of round roast 1 can of cream of chicken and mushroom soup 1 cup of beef broth

Place roast in crockpot and season with salt and pepper as desired. Mix together the soup and broth. Pour over the top. Cook on high in crockpot for 6 hours or low for 8. :::::::::::

How to invest in what matters beyond ourselves. We have one life - let’s make the most of it for God, others, and eternity. Subscribe: Choose one of these popular free listening services, and subscribe there:

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To mentor and be mentored is a sure-fire way to live a legacy life. God is all about people and He loves us to draw alongside a sister in the faith, and share what He's been teaching us in His Word and showing us about His character. There is no more exciting way to live.

As a mentor, we need to direct others to Christ, but we can’t do that well unless people feel safe with us. So that they know they won’t get hammered with a sermon or hit over the head with your headful of Bible knowledge. When Mark and I were first married we both knew a lot of Scripture and we could throw it at each other rather than let it us change us instead. That’s one reason Paul wrote: Knowledge puffs up. (I Corinthians 8:1) Yes, it does, and causes damage when used as a form of making us feel like we’re better than the person who knows less than we do.

The whole concept of mentoring is that someone knows less than the mentor – they need you and your knowledge, but they need your love all at the same time.

Oswald Chambers said: "All of God's people are ordinary people who have been made extraordinary by the purpose he has given them.”

The role of a mentor is to be an introduction to God and help usher another into His presence. Sounds like a purposeful way to live our lives.

To learn more about how to mentor, check out my book: Table Mentoring: A Simple Guide to Coming Alongside

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To hear Mama Mabel on my Legacy podcast, listen here.

More on her "Two sheets" metaphor here.

Mabel's Triple Fudge Brownies (can be made with one arm!)

2 cups sugar 1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 cup baking cocoa (I use Hershey’s special dark) 1 tsp salt 5 eggs 1 cup vegetable oil 1 tsp vanilla extract 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Assemble all ingredients Spray 13x9x2” baking pan preheat oven to 350 degrees(You May add a cup of your favorite chopped nuts, if you desire) Pour into greased pan Sprinkle with one cup chocolate chips Bake at 350 degrees for 26-30 minutes From Mama Mabel: I always set my timer for 27 minutes to make sure they are not over baked......but I’m at a high altitude ** Cool on a wire rack before cutting (Actually, you can cut the entire pan of brownies into four segments and freeze in freezer bags to thaw and cut later......like just baked brownies!)

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How to invest in what matters beyond ourselves. We have one life - let’s make the most of it for God, others, and eternity. Subscribe: Choose one of these popular free listening services, and subscribe there:

OR Subscribe to Welcome Heart's weekly email newsletter, blog updates, and podcast notes, here! "So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all for the glory of God." I Corinthians 10:31

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Today we get to hear from Pat Fenner's legacy of blessing:

Embrace your worth in Christ--"He loved you enough to die for you!"

Listening as an act of love

Called to deeper intimacy with God in a time of transition

"There's nothing that you can experience that God is not aware of, drop in His lap and He will hold you and meet your every need." -Pat

Pat's blog this week brings our attention to the plight of human sex trafficking and offers a practical list of things we can do as individuals or ways to include our families to fight this war. Check out her Action Guide to Fight Human Trafficking here.

Thank you, Pat, for helping us help others.

Author and veteran homeschooler Pat Fenner feeds her passion for encouraging and inspiring homeschooling moms by writing at her blog Breakthrough Homeschooling. Catch her excitement about parenting and homeschooling middle and high-school-aged young people and get practical help when you subscribe to the site.

Amazon author page: amazon.com/author/patfenner Personal website: patfenner.me Homeschool blog: https://breakthroughhomeschooling.com Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/c57109 These are just two of Pat's books:

Blessing the Next Generation: Releasing God's Best in your Child's Life

The Empty Homeschool Nest: Next Steps for Mom After Homeschooling is Over

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Recipe from Pat:

I got an Instant Pot for Christmas one year, and I just love it! Whether I prepare something in advance to have on hand or whip something up for last minutes guests, it's such a "hospitality help"!

This recipe comes from the book "Instant Loss Cookbook", by Brittany Williams. I prepare a pound of chickpeas (recipe also inside) at a time and freeze them. When I want or need to make some homemade hummus, I measure out a cup and add some pantry staples. Plate flavorful crackers with cut-up sweet peppers, carrots, cukes, and whatever, and voila! A healthy snack to share with friends.

Chipotle Hummus

1 cup cooked chickpeas, homemade or canned, rinsed and drained 1/2 cup avocado oil 1 or 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (I omit this because my family is not a fan of spicy) 1 T tahini (optional, but oh-so wonderful!) 1/2 tsp sea salt 1/2 tsp ground cumin 1 tsp minced garlic (or a bit more, if you're a fan of it like I am) 4 tsp fresh lemon juice (I squeeze fresh and freeze it in ice cube trays for easy access)

Put all the ingredients in a blender (or NutriBullet, which is what I use) and mix till smooth. Keeps about a week in the fridge, if it lasts that long!

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For more thoughts on faith, legacy, and food--follow Sue at WelcomeHeart.com

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How to invest in what matters beyond ourselves. We have one life - let’s make the most of it for God, others, and eternity. Subscribe: Choose one of these popular free listening services, and subscribe there:

OR Subscribe to Welcome Heart's weekly email newsletter, blog updates, and podcast notes, here!

"So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all for the glory of God." I Corinthians 10:31

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Listen to what one young pastor wrote:

Resolve

I’m part of the fellowship of the unashamed. I have the Holy Spirit power. The die has been cast. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made—I’m a disciple of His. I won’t look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still. My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, my future is secure. I’m finished and done with low living, sight walking, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed visions, worldly walking, cheap giving and dwarfed goals.

I no longer need preeminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits or popularity. I don’t have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded or rewarded. I now live by faith, lean in His presence, walk by patience, am uplifted by prayer, and I labor with power.

I'm inspired by his faith and commitment. God expects an unrivaled commitment to Him. And in return, He gives us all that we need and will ever want. I can live with that kind of exchange.

What goals will you make this year to make it your best yet? Each goal needs strategies. And I always like rewards. Chocolate is its own reward. Here's the recipe from Dora that I promised:

Dora's Brownies

1 box of Fudge Brownie mix, Family size

Follow directions except use 2 eggs instead of 3

Add nuts, if desired

Spread half of batter in a 9x13 sprayed pan

Layer 6 regular-sized Hershey bars on top of batter (SEE WHAT I MEAN?? Surprise treat!)

Spread remaining batter over the top to cover candy bars

Bake as directed

Celebrate your goal-setting, strategy-creating, and the next right thing with these luscious and simple brownies.

Larry Crabb, a Christian psychologist, writes that our anger can be mitigated if we separate our goals from our desires.

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How to invest in what matters beyond ourselves. We have one life – let’s make the most of it for God, others, and eternity. Subscribe: Choose one of these popular free listening services, and subscribe there:

OR Subscribe to Welcome Heart’s weekly email newsletter, blog updates, and podcast notes, here! For more thoughts on faith, food, and legacy, follow Sue at WelcomeHeart.com

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Mabel's legacy is:

• Boasting in the Lord
• Accommodating change in different chapters of life
• Practicing joy in spite of circumstances

Mabel Pittman, 84, is a former Pastor's wife, missionary, Bible Study teacher, retreat speaker, and director of women's ministry and is a dear friend, mentor and prayer-warrior. She loves to laugh and she loved my folks--both attributes are good enough for me! She's affectionately called the "one-armed bandit" as she was born short an arm, and went on to do everything she ever wanted to do, including play concert piano. We all need a Mabel in our lives and now I get to share her with you.

Wisdom from Mamma Mabel:

Keep your eyes on eternal values and stay in God's Word.

Be ready to change those things that we can change about ourselves.

Accept the things we cannot change as from a Father Whose heart is kind above all measure.

Do not expect everyone to buy into your lifestyle or belief system, so make it a point to pray and love.

Don't be afraid to try new things or to get out there in the culture with those who are making a difference for God's glory.

PS

Since the time my folks went to Glory, Mabel has committed to pray for me and my four siblings, spouses and all our kids - that equals, well, a lot. If your favorite prayer warrior has graduated to Glory, go find yourself a Mama Mabel. A treasure, indeed.

Her favorite go-to recipe: Vive 'la Chicken. She said there are several Vive 'la Chicken recipes (who knew?) but this is her favorite.

Mabel's Favorite Vive 'la Chicken

Mix together in one large mixing bowl:

4 cups of cooked and cubed chicken breast

1 can of cream soup

1 cup milk

1 large jar of salsa

1 bag tortilla chips, semi-crushed

2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese

pepper and garlic powder to taste

2 cups water

Place in casserole. Cover with thick layer of cheese. Bake for 25 minutes at 350 degrees until heated through and cheese is melted.

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How to invest in what matters beyond ourselves. We have one life - let’s make the most of it for God, others, and eternity. Subscribe: Choose one of these popular free listening services, and subscribe there:

OR Subscribe to Welcome Heart's weekly email newsletter, blog updates, and podcast notes, here! For more thoughts on faith, food, and legacy, follow Sue at WelcomeHeart.com

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It's easy to let everything and everyone get in the way of making room for what really counts at Christmas: the baby Jesus! Here's a reminder to help all of us live with God first and foremost, filling up our lives the way we were made to live.

The funny thing is when we make room for Jesus, He makes room for all that we need and want.

Making Room Printable.

ZUPPA SAUSAGE AND BACON TOSCANA SOUP (printable version here)

A great soup for Christmas Eve Soup and Bread Potluck - easy to make room for stray lambs when soup is in the crockpot.

Ingredients:

1-2 T. olive oil 6 slices bacon, diced 1/2 lb. ground Italian Sausage (Mild or Hot) 1 brown onion, diced 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 qt. chicken stock 3 baked potatoes, cut into chunks 1 c. heavy cream (I use half-and-half) salt and pepper 2 c. kale (I've used spinach in its place on occasion)

Directions:

Heat oil in a large pot Add sausage and bacon and cook When almost cooked through, add onions and garlic Cook until onions are soft, stirring often Stir in diced cooked potatoes and cream Add kale and cook 5 min. longer

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How to invest in what matters beyond ourselves. We have one life - let’s make the most of it for God, others, and eternity. Subscribe: Choose one of these popular free listening services, and subscribe there:

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Aimee Walker from Auckland, New Zealand, a former pastor, writes for The Joyful Life Magazine, serves as their community leader, and writes Bible Studies so that women grow up in Jesus.

You can find Aimee here:

https://www.aimeewalker.co.nz/

And her Bible Studies here:

https://joyfullifemagazine.com/product-category/bible-studies/

Order your copy of The Joyful Life Magazine here

What Amiee says about our spiritual legacy:

"Slow and deep." Maturity can't be rushed. Don't feel the need to race through the Word--there are times and seasons for doing things like reading through the whole Bible in a year, and grasping the big picture. But there's also much to be said for slowly and systematically reading through books of the Bible. We gain understanding as we repeatedly read and as we take the time to meditate and dig into its truth.

The same is true for those we're reaching out to and ministering to--don't be discouraged when there are not instant results. Just be faithful to sow what God is asking you to sow.

I was reminded of this recently with one of our kids who had been struggling to integrate into our new church and make friends based in our community. We moved and started going to a new church just over a year ago, and then six months ago we started hosting a family-friendly life group in our home every second Saturday to try and help us all establish connections. We were excited that one of the families had a daughter the same age as ours and hoped they'd hit it off--but we've struggled to even get them to say "hi" to each other (for six whole months)! Then last weekend, with the start of daylight savings and lighter evenings, the two girls asked if they could walk down the road for ice-cream. We said, "yes!"--and the other mother and I celebrated as they walked off together. The next day our daughter also enjoyed church--after months of stand-offs about attending. God used these shifts in attitude to remind me that it's not a race. Just keep being faithful and trust Him to bring the fruit.

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Aimee's Caramel Slice Recipe--She says: "It's not quick but, boy, is it worth it!"

Ingredient List:

Base 1 cup butter 2/3 cup sugar 1 egg, lightly beaten 2/3 cup plain flour (if using a gluten-free flour you may want to use closer to 1 cup) 1/2 cup desiccated coconut pinch salt

Caramel

11 tbsp. butter 1 cup brown sugar 4 tbsp golden syrup 1 tin sweetened condensed milk 4 tbsp plain flour

Icing

7 oz. dark chocolate (I use 85% cocoa solids) 3 tbsp butter

Method:

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Grease and line a slice tin with parchment paper.

Cream the butter and sugar together until thick and pale. Beat the egg in and then add in the flour, coconut, and salt. Beat until well combined. Spread the mix in an even layer into your prepared tin and then bake for 18 minutes. Remove the base from the oven.

While the base is cooking, make your caramel by melting all the ingredients in a saucepan/pot over medium heat. Stir continually to avoid burning on the bottom until the butter has melted and the sugar is dissolved. Pour it over the hot base and then return to the oven for another 10 minutes.

Remove from the oven and then cool in the tin before icing.

To make the icing, gently melt the chocolate and butter in a heatproof bowl over a saucepan of gently simmering water, stirring gently to combine. Pour over the top of the caramel and place in the fridge to set. Cut into slices and serve. (store the slice in the fridge)

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The sure way for joy and peace is talking everything over with your Heavenly Father. He's in the details and He's into you! My gift for you: "Five Prayers to Get You Through the Holidays."

God knows all about expectations, communication, peace, forbearance, and celebration--and He loves hearing from us!

And here's your bookmark: 10 Facts of a Joy-filled Woman (Print below)

To print click here.

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Christmas is all about Christ, right? I can struggle with allowing the Lord Jesus to have the main stage. Subscribe to my blog today and receive: "5 Ways to Keep Christ as the Centerpiece of our Holiday Entertaining" ::::::::::::::

How to invest in what matters beyond ourselves. We have one life - let’s make the most of it for God, others, and eternity. Subscribe: Choose one of these popular free listening services, and subscribe there:

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Subscribe to my blog at WelcomeHeart.com here to receive weekly thoughts on faith, legacy and a good recipe or two. Welcome, welcome! So glad you came!

Subscribe today to receive:

"5 Ways to Keep Christ as the Centerpiece of our Holiday Entertaining"

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God is interested in every detail of our lives so any prayer is a worthy prayer. Which of the five do you need most today?

To read the transcript of "Five Prayers for the Holidays" click here.

A shorter prayer version - you know we're in a hurry this time of year. Take time to pray these every day!

For a printable version, click here.

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Read Sue's blog here--Make it Count: Living a Legacy Life

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So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. Colossians 2:6,7

Do we have to wait for a disaster before we become a thankful person?

I want to be that kind of person who is secretly delighted because I know something that others may not: Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so.

Reminds me of a plaque I had on my wall in college: "Do we have to wait for a desert before we enjoy water?"

Let’s set our minds on thanking God in all things, and set our lips on a low-simmer – except, of course, we are telling everyone what a great God we have.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving – Let’s be delighted and be a delight – both make us powerful women, all for heaven’s sake.

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Powerful Sweet Potato Casserole

by Heather Worsley

Prep time: 1 hour Cook time: 30 mins Total time: 1 hour 30 mins

Serves: 5-6

Mom used canned yams and candied them in her electric skillet. I grew up on them--sans marshmallows. But I think Mom would even approve of this revisited niece-version.

Ingredients * 3 cups hot cooked and mashed sweet potatoes * 1 cup sugar * 2 eggs * ¼ cup milk, 1 t. vanilla, 1 cube butter * Topping: * 1 cup brown sugar, ⅓ cup flour * 1 cup chopped pecans, ⅓ cup butter

Instructions 1. Mix first 6 ingredients together until smooth and butter is melted. 2. Place in 7×11 baking pan. Set aside. 3. For topping, mix dry ingredients, cut in butter with a pastry blender to form a crumb mixture. 4. Sprinkle over top of potatoes. 5. Bake for 30 minutes at 350 degrees. 6. Double for a large crowd in a 9×13.

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Hospitality is hard work but worth it all when you invite someone to your table who needs an invitation to God's table. Your invitation is what God loves best about the holidays. Invite Him to lead you, and then pass on His invitation.

Matthew 5:16 in The Message

If you'd like to print this out and tape it up in the pantry or inside a cupboard door - just for a sweet reminder, here you go.

Recipe for punch:

Hot Spiced Tea/Punch

(Delectable Collectibles)

1 t. whole cloves

1 stick cinnamon

1/2 t. allspice

1 gal. water

2 1/2 T. tea leaves or 3 tea bags

1 can or more frozen orange juice

1 can frozen lemonade

1 1/2 cups sugar

Tie spices loosely in a bag and bring to boil in water. Add tea and steep five minutes. Remove bags, add juices and sugar; bring to a boil and serve. May be made ahead and stored in refrigerator. Reheat in crockpot when ready to serve. Greet your guests with steaming cups and they will love you (even more than they already do.) I like to use Mom's glass serving tray cups - small and festive. Pick some up at your next garage sale or Mission Thrift. I keep any leftover punch in the freezer and heat it up for the next cold spell.

Recipe for DeDe's Cake

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Maureen MacPhie from Scotland exudes hospitality! She knows the value of an open invitation to our tables for something as simple as a scone and a cup of tea. I was able to interview her while she and her husband were on holiday (as they say) in the south of France - where they hosting new friends from Sweden! I love how God sets His people in all places in the world to eat together and enjoy His hospitality fellowship.

Maureen says that if you make these, your guests will keep coming back! And that you don't need to be too exact in the measurements! (Love that Maureen.)

CHEWY FRUITY BARS

5 ozs corn syrup

4 ozs butter

4 ozs white chocolate, broken up into pieces

5 ozs porridge oats

4 ozs dried apricots chopped

4 ozs sultanas

2 ozs rice crispies

METHOD

1. Melt syrup and butter over low heat.
2. Add white chocolate and stir till melted.
3. Mix dry ingredients together in a large bowl and pour in melted ingredients.
4. Mix well.
5. Press into a small baking tray or 8" x 8" tin and level with a spoon.
6. Chill till firm in fridge.
7. Cut into squares or bars and store in fridge.

2 ozs of coconut and 2 ozs chopped nuts can be used instead of sultanas.

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Read why living a legacy life matters: Make it Count: Living a Legacy Life

Subscribe to my blog at WelcomeHeart.com here to receive weekly thoughts on faith, legacy and a good recipe or two. Welcome, welcome! So glad you came!

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Dominica's Legacy includes good health: spiritual, emotional and physical

Living with God's priorities: "Show me what's next, Lord?" (And He did!)

When our Creator is the center of all things, our lives will count.

"I get up each every morning with joy in my heart that I get to have another day to make my life count." - Dominica Lumazar

"How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone." James 4:14

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DOMINICA LUMAZAR is the founder of Sweet D Marketing and a world-renowned Strategic Marketing and Branding Consultant. She is also an award-winning #1 International Bestselling Author who has been featured on FORBES, ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, and Total Prestige Magazine. Dominica has consulted hundreds of companies across a multitude of industries. CEO’s, CMO’s, and many celebrities rely on her expertise to run their marketing and branding campaigns. With 10+ years of experience running two of her own successful companies, she’s been able to break into countless industries and provide epic results for her clients. Dominica is known as their “secret weapon” due to bringing in well over one billion dollars in additional revenue to their bottom lines

To receive your free copy of Dominica's Book, "Empowered: The Business Owner's Guide to Leadership & Success" visit: https://theempoweredbook.com/

Connect with her on social media @dominicaLumazar on Instagram, or you can learn more about Dominica at sweetdmarketing.com :::::::::::::::

Dominica's Make-You-Smile Molasses Cookies

In her own words:

I LOVE this recipe!

It's my go-to for holiday parties. With a name like "sweet D" everyone expects something sweet, especially during the holidays. Because I own a chocolate company, Love Bird Chocolates, they also expect my dark chocolate sea salt caramels.... but I love tossing a curve call with these little babies! I honestly don't remember where I got the recipe...It's a combination of one I must have gotten from a sunset article and my own take on it. Here you go:

2 and 1/4 cups (280g) all-purpose flour (spoon & leveled)

1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking soda

2 teaspoons ground ginger

1 and 1/4 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon salt

3/4 cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

3/4 cup (150g) packed light or dark brown sugar

1/4 cup (60ml) unsulphured or dark molasses

1 large egg (at room temperature)

2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

1/3 cup (67g) granulated or coarse sugar, for rolling

Step 1:

Whisk the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt together until combined. Set aside.

Step 2:

In a large bowl using a hand-held or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the butter and brown sugar together on high speed until creamy and combined, about 2 minutes. Add the molasses and beat until combined. Then add the egg and vanilla extract and beat until combined, about 1 minute. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed.

Step 3:

On low speed, slowly mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until combined. The cookie dough will be slightly sticky. Cover dough tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and chill for 1 hour and up to 2-3 days.

Step 4

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. (Always recommended for cookies.) Set aside.

Step 5:

Remove cookie dough from the refrigerator. If the cookie dough chilled longer than 2 hours, let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes. The cookies may not spread in the oven if the dough is that cold. Roll cookie dough, 1 Tablespoon each, into balls. Roll each in granulated sugar and arrange 3 inches apart on the baking sheets. Bake for 11-12 minutes or until edges appear set and tops are cracking.

Step 6:

Remove from the oven and allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Cookies will stay fresh, and soft as long as they are covered at room temperature for 1 week.

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Read Sue's blog here--Make it Count: Living a Legacy Life

Subscribe to WelcomeHeart.com here to receive weekly thoughts on faith, legacy and a good recipe or two. Welcome, welcome! So glad you came!

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People can find Jesus at our table – it’s as simple as that. God has a “welcoming heart” and we get to show His heart through hospitality.

The world’s idea of hospitality warps our view, making hosting so much effort, we give up before we even begin. As my friend, Liz, said:

"Hospitality is a metaphor for how God woos us. When we welcome others, we welcome them to God." - Liz Heaney

And I like to add: "And God is waiting all along for their arrival." Our arrival. That's you and me. 

Lori's Lemonade Chicken in a Crockpot, click here.

For Trishee's Wonderful Crockpot Lasagna recipe, click here.

Another one that's equally wonderful is Crockpot Zucchini Lasagna with Hamburger, click here.

And if you prefer chicken over beef, try Florentine (spinach) Chicken Lasagna, click here.

This is great reminder as you fill your crockpot and invite your guests, all for heaven's sake:

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Living a legacy life - one that counts - includes a universal truth: we all have the same amount of TIME. What we do with time makes all the difference.

Instead of becoming anxious or frantic since we only have "so much time", here are three calls to action:

We pay attention

We pray for wisdom

We surrender daily

Prayer for today:

Dear Father, Help me recognize the brevity of time. Not so I get uptight or frantic or depressed. No! The opposite. So that I join with You, joyfully making each day count for something beyond myself. Thank you and Amen. Read my blog here-- Make it Count: Living a Legacy Life

Subscribe to my blog at WelcomeHeart.com here to receive weekly thoughts on faith, legacy and a good recipe or two. Welcome, welcome! So glad you came!

Think about what legacy you want to leave: