When the demands of life make it difficult to spend time with people you have treasured relationships with, do you ever find yourself starting to wonder if they still love you? Today’s episode examines the importance of remembering the most important relationship in our lives and how it truly is an everyday miracle.
When we put God first in our lives, everything else will fall into place. That’s why we should not put off making decisions that align with God’s will. As we walk by faith and not by sight, God causes each outcome to work for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purposes.
Even at a time when people are starting to enter the public realm again, do you find yourself holding back? Today’s episode explores how a relationship with Jesus Christ can become the prototype for healthy, safe relationships with all the people in our lives.
How have the events of the last two years changed your life? In this episode, we’ll discuss how the new normal impacts each of us in different ways, and why trusting God helps us no matter what we may face.
Peace is something we all want, but too many times we convince ourselves that the only way we can experience it is if the conditions are absolutely perfect. Today’s episode examines how the strange peace that comes from a relationship with Jesus Christ can sustain us, even in the face of problems and adversity.
We are incapable of making ourselves acceptable to God. No matter how hard we may try, we fall short. But God has not left us alone to continue that futile effort. Instead, He provides us with a better way. He makes His righteousness available to us, through faith in Christ.
If doing business each day seems like trying to navigate a crowded room, it might be the perfect time to start decluttering what you do. Today’s episode examines the importance of assessing and documenting your processes to streamline for success.
We are never more like God than when we give—not just money or things, but our very selves. In this episode, we’ll learn that we are to support others by giving away God’s message of hope and healing through both our words and actions.
No matter what happens in 2022, God knows our future and it’s in His hands. When we are worried or full of fear, He just wants us to run to Him and trust Him with His Word. If we do, we will find peace despite every difficulty. That's because all things ultimately work together for good for those who love and obey Him.
Are you striving to reach a vocational goal but feel lost in the crowded playing field? Today’s episode discusses the value of learning and growing by dealing with the only competitor you need to outdo – yourself.
There’s really no better way to move boldly into a new year than to stop for a second and think about – failure. No kidding!! Today’s episode shows us how to frame our setbacks and shortcomings in a way that propels us toward the best that we can be.
When our heart is hurting, we are easily distracted and discouraged. That’s why we need to evaluate the situations that attack our hearts. In this episode, you’ll discover tools to keep your heart in check and hear an inspiring testimony of how God heals the pain in our hearts.
If you want to live as fully as possible and embrace everything you dream of doing, there’s no room for random. Today’s episode focuses on the necessity of identifying and pursuing God’s perfect purpose for your life.
Grace is God’s love for you. It’s a gift and you can’t earn it. His love for us is based upon His promise, not our performance. When we accept God’s grace, He gives us the strength to do all that God requires and extend grace to others.
So you’ve assembled a framework for your business or organization…now what? Today’s episode discusses how to make sure that you have the correct “batteries” to give you the healthy momentum to power you on the journey from mission to vision.
Doing repair work on the relational side of our lives will help us continue through the process of healing from the past. In this episode, we’ll learn that this will require us to be willing to offer forgiveness to those who have hurt us as well as ask for forgiveness for the wrongs we have done to others.
A wide-eyed kid on Christmas morning sees the exciting new toy and has absolutely no idea what it took for Dad to put it together! Today’s episode explores the need to “disassemble” our business goals so that we can understand the true nuts and bolts needed to make them come to pass.
A lot of people think that once you confess your sins you can just sit back and relax and wait for all the blessings to start rolling into your lives. But that just isn’t true. There is so much more to reaching the life you’ve always dreamed of. The next step is to begin embracing God’s way of living and stop doing things your way.
Does communication in your business feel like you’re playing “The Telephone Game”? Today’s episode explores the importance of having one clear source to guide everything that you communicate as you do what you do.
Confession is necessary for us to connect with God and others and it enables us to enjoy life more. When we confess our sins, shame is over and a new life begins. A healthy self-worth develops that is no longer based on the world’s standards, but is based on the truth of Jesus Christ!
Do you ever feel like you can’t move forward in life because you’re being held down, held up, or held back? Today’s episode discusses how trusting God can give you a perspective to see much more than just what’s in front of you, and to move forward in spite of those things that seem to shut you down.
Some people spend their entire lives making excuses for the past, complaining about the present, and fearing the future. As a result, they don’t get the opportunity to walk down the road of healing. Evaluating our lives can be challenging, but when we do it, the truth we discover can be life-changing!
Standing out in the crowd when you’re trying to meet a need can be really challenging – because there are a lot of people in the crowd! Today’s episode discusses the value of being intentionally different as you seek your own approach to service.
If you feel like you never quite get to the place of trying big things as you pursue your business goals, did you ever consider that you might be talking yourself out of trying? This episode will help frame the importance of taking prudent risks so that you can move forward toward lasting success.
Depending on Christ is not as easy as it seems. On important issues, like whether or not to live God’s way, many people choose to follow the crowd because it seems easier than following God’s. In this episode, we’ll learn that living the thriving life requires us to change our direction and commit to depend on Christ, rather than ourselves.
Once we decide to turn to Jesus for help with our problems, we need to depend on Him in all areas of life, including all that we think, say, or do. In order to do this, however, we need to make changes by breaking old habits and creating new, healthy ones instead.
Staff are the backbone of any organization, but non-profits must also be prepared to tap another important group – volunteers. Today’s episode examines how volunteers can contribute to the health of a non-profit, with a focus on creating guidelines for ensuring that you have the right people for the right positions.
God cares about us and He loves us no matter how many times we've failed, messed up, or taken the wrong path in life. He is the only one who has the power to heal our pain or help us rise above our circumstances. We need to trust Him and open our hearts to Him. When we do, it gives us new hope.
Moving forward with a non-profit means moving boulders out of your path, and the first one to tackle is proper business structure. Today’s episode provides practical background on why this often overlooked step can be the most critical component for the success of your non-profit.
We are powerless to change ourselves or our situations on our own. As soon as we realize we need help, things start to change. But the key is plugging into the right power source. Once we stop running from God, He will step in to reveal His power, healing, and forgiveness.
In the enthusiasm for accomplishing great things in a non-profit, our vision can be so lofty that we fail to see the boulders that lie in our path. Today's episode addresses the necessity of recognizing and dealing with the obstacles we find in our way.
Denial is a self-protecting behavior that keeps us from honestly facing the truth about our lives. In this episode, we’ll learn that if you want to live a thriving life, then you have to face the pain you have been denying and ask God to help you rise above your circumstances.
For many people, the greatest benefit of real belonging is the sense of acceptance they derive from it. In today's episode, we'll examine how being a member of the body of Christ has an even greater blessing -- what we can provide to others.
The yearning to connect with others, to be accepted and appreciated in meaningful relationship, is one of the most basic needs we all have. Today's episode discusses the ultimate expression of our quest for belonging -- membership in the body of Christ.
When God looks at us and what we already have at our disposal, He sees unlimited potential for blessings and miracles. He isn’t limited by our unbelief. He can use ordinary people to accomplish extra-ordinary results. The challenge we face is to see past our own talents and abilities and see the ways God can use us to accomplish his plans and purposes.
Join us today for a conversation with our special guest, Sheliea Athey, the Client Navigator of the Valor Crisis & Training Center. We'll discuss the role Sheliea plays in helping to be the first point of contact with people who find themselves dealing with being in a crisis situation.
Do you feel like the way things are right now is how they'll always be? Today's episode will encourage you to understand that God guides us through seasons to grow us and move us toward the best things He holds in store.
As Christians, when we enter into marriage, we shouldn’t consider divorce an option for solving our problems or for a way out of a relationship that seems dead. In this episode, we’ll learn about God’s original plan for marriage and what it means to become “one.”
Without a vision, the people perish...and so can your business!! Today's episode examines the absolute necessity of identifying and embracing the underlying vision that drives everything you do in your daily work.
Where there's smoke, there's fire...but sometimes we forget that in our businesses. Today's episode examines the critical need for us to be vigilant and aware of the seemingly small problems that might unexpectedly flare up as we pursue our mission.
In this episode, we'll learn that Christians are to be torch bearers, ignited by God to light up the world. As we walk in obedience, changing the things in us that need changed in order to line up with the word of God, we are then better equipped and justified to expose the darkness around us.
Join us in today’s episode as we discuss ten important things to remember as you pursue your professional goals, no matter how elusive they may seem. If you persevere, you will certainly reap in due season.
Mothers, what kind of legacy do you want to leave? In this episode, we’ll learn the most effective mothers on the planet teach biblical principles and seek to live them out in their own lives. We have to have godly principles down on the inside of us and then live them out in front of our kids to be effective.
Clear communication is the one thing that costs us nothing but yields benefits that we can't put a price tag on. Today's episode explores the often overlooked power of fostering solid, two-way communication between our organization or business and the people we serve.
Writing a grant is like eating an elephant – it seems impossible, but once you start taking one bite at a time you learn that you really can do it. Whether you’re a nonprofit leader who wants to write grants for funding or whether you simply want to become a grant writer, this episode will introduce you to Valor’s Face Your Fears Grant Writing Course and how new grant writers can skip years of trial and error to save both time and money.
Does the whole concept of a deadline make you feel like you've been backed into a corner? Today's episode gives some fresh perspective that will transform your view of deadlines from being a dreadful burden to an incredibly powerful tool for success.
The distractions of daily living can easily take our eyes off of the goodness of God. Today's episode focuses on purposefully reminding ourselves of the completed work of Christ, and what that means when our lives seem far too incomplete.
In this episode, you’ll hear a one-on-one conversation with Curtis Osborne, Valor’s Program Development Coordinator, as a follow-up to last week’s episode which covered Renter’s Rights. The discussion will give you an even better understanding of what people may be going through while searching for rental housing.
With existing COVID-19 eviction moratoriums winding down, some people may find themselves scrambling for somewhere else to live after the dust settles. In this episode, you'll learn some basic renter's rights that will enable you to maneuver through the process of finding a new place to live if you become evicted during this crisis.
Is the pursuit of technology holding you back in business when it should be moving you forward? Today's episode examines the need to balance what we need against what we think we need, and how to ensure that we're not just chasing bells and whistles.
When trouble, chaos or crisis comes, we could do ourselves a huge favor by taking some time to speak to God and asking for His help. Sometimes, the answers or solutions to our problems come quick. But other times, those answers take a lot longer than we hope they will. In this episode, we'll learn how to overcome the forces in the spiritual world that attempt to stop us from achieving the outcomes we hope for.
The word "crisis" is used so much -- what does it really mean? Join Mark Appenzellar and his special guest, Michelle Jardine, as they examine the circumstances that cause someone to enter crisis, and the active role the individual must take to move into a life that's truly thriving.
How would you define being a neighbor? Living on the same street or in the same apartment complex? Jesus talked about a neighbor being something much deeper -- a person who gives of themselves expecting nothing in return. Today's episode examines the profound, noble truth of purposing to be a neighbor.
Knowing that we were created by God assures us that we are not the result of some random cosmic explosion. No, we are the intentional, well-thought-out masterpiece of the Creator of the universe. He personally formed each one of us in our mother’s wombs and put us on this earth at just the right time and place. In other words, we aren’t here by accident.
Some days can feel like a huge struggle. We get weary in the battles, stuck in tough places, or feel pressure in the heat of hard times. And though it’s true, we can never fully escape all the mess this world may bring our way, we can choose to rise above it all. In this episode, we’ll learn that it is vitally important to pick and choose wisely what we allow into our minds and hearts so that we avoid the negative consequences of our actions.
Do you feel like your occupational and vocational pursuits get so entangled in the day-to-day of "doing business" that you never reach your higher goals? Join us in today's episode as we look at the value of persevering in your quest for more than just the status quo.
Is it a humble acorn, or actually just the start of a mighty oak tree? In today's episode, we'll examine how the Lord's plans will likely look completely different from what you expect them to, and why it's so important to discern what you should and shouldn't be looking at.
This episode is very special – the 1-year anniversary of Valor Media. Whether you’ve been along for the entire ride or are listening for the first time, join us for a look at where we’ve come from and where we’re heading. This is just the beginning!
Have you ever put your faith, hope, or trust in something or someone only to be disappointed with how things turned out? In this episode, we'll learn that we have to be very selective about where we turn to in times of need or distress. We can’t keep setting ourselves up for failure by running to a source that may fail us.
Does daily life make you feel like you're fighting a battle? You are!! But, if you're a follower of Jesus Christ, you need to understand that the weapons you should fight with aren't natural, they're spiritual. And God has given you all the armor you need to stand, and having done all, to stand.
What if one of the most valuable tools to help our businesses and organizations turned out to cost us nothing, yet offer us a wealth of benefit? Today’s episode discusses the amazing value of simply asking our clients or customers, “What do you think?”
Most people long to experience a sense of call, a place to contribute, and an inner feeling of joy, power, and purpose. That's what is in store for those who will discover their spiritual gifts, open them and start using them!
A new year, new challenges...and new opportunities. If you want to move forward in business -- whatever that means for you -- trying new things in ways you never did before, you first have to commit to stepping wholeheartedly into new territory and being willing to never look back.
Does life seem incredibly complicated, with problems so overwhelming that you wonder how God can ever set things right? Today's discussion looks at how the most complex challenges we face are easy to God, and how the best way we can solve problems is to just trust Him.
The world today is getting darker and the only way it’s going to get brighter is if we turn up the light. Not just one of us, but all of us. And that will happen as we start walking in obedience and getting our lives right with God.
Do you ever feel like there are so many voices in life screaming at you to listen that you don't know what to believe? In this episode, we'll discuss how we can differentiate between the voices that want you to listen to how loud they are, and the still, small voice of the Lord that is really the only one that's worthy of your attention.
When you are in crisis, the best thing you can do is to keep your faith and do the right thing even when the wrong thing is happening to you. Sometimes we will be tempted to give up because our problems seem too big. But all we really need to do to obtain a THRIVING life is dig in and fight the good fight of faith.
Do you have something you want with all your heart to pursue, but you've talked yourself out of it by telling yourself that you don't know what you're doing? Today's episode puts the "imposter syndrome" to rest with the truth that, if you follow God in what He leads you to do, you'll always be the real deal.
Truth is, storms of life are inevitable. Financial, Relational, Occupational, Spiritual, Physical, and Emotional--you name it! Maybe you have experienced them in the past or maybe you are going through one right now. If so, this episode is for you. You will discover that safety is not the absence of the storm; it is the presence of Jesus DURING THE STORMS that gives us hope.
Sometimes God puts things in our hearts that we can only ever see with spiritual eyes. Today's episode looks at the ultimate journey -- learning how to walk by faith, not by sight -- as we pursue things we can only hope to do through Christ.
Do you struggle to find peace when the things that burn in your heart seem to always be elusive? Today's episode concentrates on the importance of staying focused to find God's perfect will in every season, even when it feels like we never get any closer to the goal.
What happens when you're thrown into a situation that’s extremely difficult and uncertain? Will you react or respond? The wrong answer may dictate how long you stay in life's fiery trials. In this episode we'll learn that God is with us no matter what we are going through and He doesn't expect us to face difficulties alone.
If all we do in our organizations is play it safe, then all we'll ever do is play. In today's episode, we'll discuss how blending a vision for trying new things with a commitment to seeing them through no matter what is the best blueprint for the future.
God knows exactly what is needed to transform our lives. In this episode, we'll discover that even though He sometimes does it in a way that may be uncomfortable or painful at times, in the end it is certainly worth the time spent in the process.
Sticks and stones may break my bones -- and the words of the reckless pierce like swords!! Today's episode examines the incredible power of our words and looks at how we can use the living Word -- Jesus -- to heal, nourish, and sustain others.
Technology is a wonderful tool, as long as we remember that we're the one in control. Over-reliance on the latest tech can cause us to lose focus, particularly in the realm of communication. Today's episode examines how to keep the proper perspective on technology so that we can always communicate effectively.
Living God’s way isn’t always easy. That's because He constantly stretches us so that we learn to trust Him in every aspect of our lives. He does that because He wants us to live the most thriving life possible. And that can’t happen unless we learn to depend on Him to get there.
Do you have a vision for reaching beyond the obvious and the readily attainable? Today's episode examines how inspiration fuels innovation, which will ultimately lead to influence as you expand your horizons and step into uncharted territory on the path toward greater goals.
Financial stability is a critical component of any successful business. It means more than just generating revenue—it means a balanced financial picture that indicates a business can continue to meet its directive and its budget. In this episode, we’ll discuss the ways in which your organization can avoid costly mistakes and stay compliant with all of your stakeholders.
Have you ever stopped to think that if God could change, we'd all be in real trouble? God is in control of everything and it should give us peace to know that in the midst of this ever changing world, we have a never-changing God. He is always faithful, always present, and always loving.
Everybody wants to be an influencer - but why? Today's episode examines the collaborative power of healthy, mutual influence and shares how the secret ingredient of humility can serve as the catalyst for doing more than you ever could alone.
Wouldn't it be great to have everything at your disposal that you think you need to reach your goals? The problem is, that's rarely the case. Today's episode discusses how to make the most you can with what you do have so that you can succeed in ways you never thought possible.
In this episode, we'll learn that God doesn't want us to stumble through life. He wants to show us things that will help us avoid the pitfalls of life because He doesn't want us to be caught off guard in the midst of what we perceive as impossible situations. But He requires us to have sensitive ears and being open to His leading.
In this episode, we'll learn that God's methods for communicating with us vary from person to person and circumstance to circumstance. And most of the time it is not an audible voice you’ll hear. Instead, He’ll speak through that still, small voice. And that is probably the most common of all the ways God speaks.
God is concerned about every aspect of our lives. So why wouldn't He want to talk with us about the things that affect us? In this episode, we'll learn that whether we are new or mature believers--or somewhere in between--God desires to speak to us and lead us into His perfect plan for our lives.
A key precept in God's kingdom is the significance of boundaries. Today's episode examines how spiritual boundary stones identify the parameters of your life, and what you must do to protect yourself from the thief who comes to remove them.
Does the ever-shifting landscape of life today make you feel like the edges are blurred? In this episode, we'll discuss how framing your life in Christ keeps all the peripheral distractions at bay so that you can focus on what truly matters.
Whether you are a Christian or not, no one who has ever lived is immune to problems. But how we deal with them and who we rely on for help will determine the outcome of our circumstances—both good and bad. In this episode, you'll learn that it's during those times of intense struggle that we need to make a choice. And that choice is whether we run to God or run away from Him!
In this episode, we will learn that even though the temptation to be fearful or worried is common, it can be overcome as we trust God for all things and in all circumstances. The key to overcoming, however, is to remain obedient to God's Word so that we will not become paralyzed by our fears.
Do you view service and administration as two disconnected things? If so, join today's episode for a discussion of why structure is so critical in empowering us to pursue the creative, inspired aspects of what we do in serving others.
As we strive to grow and develop the organizations we serve, we have to be able to gauge our success by examining where we are and where we used to be. Today's episode focuses on the technique of looking back in order to look forward to find our true vision.
Circumstances that attempt to suffocate us can become the very same situations that strengthen us and raise us to a new level. In this episode, you'll learn why each of us should become the type of people who use the difficulties and obstacles we face as stepping-stones to our dreams and destinies.
Every time God is ready to take us to the next level, there is going to be new opposition that comes up against us. That’s why God encourages us to be steadfast, stable, and determined to never give up. In this episode, you'll learn why it's important to keep your faith strong and do the right thing even when the wrong thing is happening to you.
Perspective plays a major role in establishing a healthy course through life, as well as maintaining momentum. Today's episode discusses how the voices we choose to listen to influence how we define that perspective.
No one was ever intended to "go it alone", but even uniting with others around common interests is just the tip of the iceberg. Today's episode examines the deepest meaning of truly being "together".
The process of improving our lives really does require positive relationships. That’s why we really need to focus on building productive and beneficial relationships with others. If we don’t allow the right people into our lives who can help us, we really limit our chances of success.
A process may work well, but how can you know if you're really doing things in the best possible way? Today's episode explores the concept of operations analysis and shares insights on how you can properly examine your organization's processes to correct, strengthen, or surpass what you're currently doing.
As an organization, you can think that you know how to do what you do. But if you fail to document the inner workings of your processes, you set yourself up to fail as an organization. Today's episode discusses the perils of undocumented processes and practical steps to overcome the problem.
Strategic planning gives an organization the structure it needs to make day-to-day decisions that follow a larger vision. Unfortunately, one of the leading causes of business failure is not having one. In this episode, you’ll learn why creating a strategic plan is so critical to business success.
Having passion for a particular goal, whether personal or professional, provides the energy and motivation you need to take the actions necessary to achieve that goal. In this episode we will learn why we can't let what has happened to us in our past negatively affect us. Because those very experiences--both good and bad--are what ignite our passions.
People with big imaginations and a dedicated prayer life have achieved some pretty amazing things. In this episode we take a deeper look at how creating a clear and measurable plan of action can help you obtain the life you have always dreamed of.
Is crisis a wilderness you simply find yourself in, with the best you can hope for being to somehow escape? Or, can you emerge on the other side with things of value you never thought possible? Today's episode examines the importance of remembering that you are never alone and forgotten, not even in crisis.
Making a positive first impression isn't just important, it's critical. In today's episode we discuss the powerful dynamic of how your organization is perceived, and why getting it right at the start paves the way for everything you do after.
Problems are nothing more than opportunities to prepare us for what the future holds. Not only that, but you are where you are in life for a reason and a season. In this episode of our crisis to thriving series, we will help you learn to look for ways in which you can grow through any crisis you may face.
What is the point of having dreams and desires if they never turn into reality? In this episode you'll learn that turning our dreams into reality is a lot easier than you can imagine. The secret, however, is changing the way we think and developing a plan of action to help us reach our destinies.