Better Together hosted by Sisterhood: Recent Episodes
Toni Lagaras
Better Together, a podcast brought to you by the women of Victory Christian Center. We believe there is strength in numbers. In this space, we focus on all the things we face as women and gives us a space to connect and and become all God has called us to be.
Get a behind-the-scenes look at this year's Sisterhood Retreat!
Katie, Lindsay, Patti, and Toni sit down to talk about why stepping away from the busyness of everyday life creates space to encounter God, build meaningful friendships, and experience true refreshment.
Whether you're coming for the first time or returning for another unforgettable weekend, we'll walk you through what to expect—from shopping and ice cream to worship, meaningful conversations, and finding your people. Plus, you'll get a sneak peek at a brand-new Friday afternoon experience designed to help you relax, recharge, and have a little fun.
If you've been wondering what Sisterhood Retreat is all about, this episode is for you. We can't wait to see you there!
Today Toni, Lindsay, Krystal and Mom Lagaras (aka Barb) sat down to chat about real life using a game called Between Sundays. It was an unscripted Q&A, where we talked about all the things, from comfort foods, mastering life skills and grocery bagging to soul care, real rest and celebrating aging while not wanting to lose our youth. We hope this lightens your day, brings you joy, and ministers life to your soul.
Brooke, Andrea, and Toni are chatting about everyone's favorite topic - contentment. What is it? Why does it seem elusive? What causes discontentment and what is the cure? We pray this episode helps you live content - with peace and joy that overflow.
There are some conversations that are easy and some that are messy, and this month we have a messy one for you! Toni and Sue gather us around the topic of What to do When Life is Messy. Whether the messes are self-inflicted, other's-inflicted, or life-inflicted, they are no fun. And they always require attention. Join us as we talk about how we can respond to these messes and help our sisters who are going through them too.
This is the link to the teaching we reference if you want to hear the message that produced this conversation.
Watch on our website: https://-2FXQFS.subspla.sh/w9vdvb9
Listen on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-river-church-sermons/id1685955997?i=1000755580528
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3yJaDwdpTr2a3xoiMLJS8h?si=eSOUFGSMS-WsH0uVyrZwLQ
We had such a good time at our Soup & Vision night in January to kick off the New Year. Toni shared a word she had on her heart for Sisterhood for 2026 and we wanted to share it here on Between Sisters Podcast too. We don't just need a New Year's Resolution. We need a New Year's Revelation. What does God call us? Check it out.
Lori Wiebe joined Toni for the podcast this week. It's always fun to catch up with Lori, and today we chatted about Christmas. Christmases Past. Christmas Present. What we wished someone would have told us a long time ago but we're thankful to be realizing it now.
Join us for a some laughter mixed with lots of wisdom as we talk about making it through the Christmas season with joy, peace, and our sanity intact.
It's that time of year again! Decorating, fa-la-la-ing, Christmas traditions and all the things. Today Toni, Tammy, Sue and Alli talk about traditions, recipes and how to navigate changing traditions when the seasons change with or without your permission.
I laughed and cried and laughed again. Grab a hot cup of tea and join us for this episode to kick off the Christmas season.
This is a hot topic these days, and not just in the church. Topics we disagree on can range from light to heavy. From whether or not you make your kids make their beds to homeschooling vs. public schooling, SAHM vs. working moms, and trick-or-treat and santa.
We are joined this week by Pastor Christine, Krystal, Alli, and Toni in this timely conversation delving into how to have holy disagreements without judging, what does a healthy conversation look like, and finding out it's okay to have a conversation and not land in the same place when it's all over.
How do I disagree with my neighbor and still love them? Check it out.
Between Sisters Retreat Edition continues with Pastor Toni during our final session. The title of this session was Don’t Let Anything Take What God has Awakened. It was a powerful word about guarding the deposits God made in us over the weekend and staying awake. Staying alert. And recognizing the lies of the enemy when he comes so we can walk confidently in what God has created us for.
The retreat is over. God has come and awakened things in us, just as we asked Him to. Now we get to walk in it. What did He awaken in you? Hold onto it.
We are continuing our between sisters retreat edition with this message from our Friday evening session. Our word this year was awaken and Mrs. Lori Wiebe ministered to us straight from the heart of God with a message titled The Invitation: When Ordinary Spaces Become Sacred Places, transforming us from Fine to Fierce.
Trust me girls. You're going to want to listen to this one more than once. So good! So many nuggets to encourage and inspire us and to bring us hope. This is one you'll want to share with your girlfriends.
Are you ready to accept the invitation into a new season with God and go from being just fine to being fierce? Check it out.
Welcome back to between Sisters Retreat edition. Are you ready for part 2 of our Friday morning panel session, Awaken the Wonder: Finding God in Your Everyday Life?
We’re back with Auntie, Kelly and Toni as we jump back into the middle of the conversation. Okay, we’ve been awakened. Now what? What does it look like to walk that out?
When God awakens us, it’s fresh and new and exciting. But it doesn’t take long for what was exciting to become mundane. At times it can even feel like a struggle. How do you stay awake and find God in and through the process of awakening? Let’s find out together.
Welcome to Between Sisters Retreat Edition. There’s nothing like being present in the room during retreat, but we know that isn’t always possible for everyone. So we are thrilled to be able to share the audio from the sessions on the podcast, and we are starting with our Friday morning panel session, Awaken the Wonder: Finding God in Your Everyday Life.
Joining us on our panel were Auntie Cyndie Quinn, Kelly Lagaras, and me, Toni Lagaras. Since we are family, we are talking to each other like we’re sitting around the kitchen table with our cup of tea, talking about all that God is doing in our lives.
Today, we will talk about what awakening is and what God wants to awaken in us. What does it look like when God is trying to get our attention? What does His voice sound like and how do we recognize when it’s God awakening us?
Because this session was so long, we are breaking it up into two parts, so here is part 1. Are you ready for God to awaken you?
Welcome to Between Sisters, part of the Sisterhood Collective at The River Church Warren. There are some things you can only share with your sisters. This is a space where we girls can talk about all the things. We'll have deep, meaningful chats as well as fun and lighthearted conversations that will help us connect to God and thrive in life. Sisterhood is where you can find your people and find your purpose.
Get ready to laugh with Toni, Sue, Lindsay, and Andrea in this fun conversation about what Sisterhood is and the importance of community in our daily lives. They share where they're at in their own lives and how living in community with other women has impacted their lives with God.
We started this conversation at our Vision Night in January and wanted to dive deeper into it, so we brought it to the podcast. Join Toni, Vickie & Lindsay as they talk about minimalizing your life to find God. It's powerful.
Four words come to mind when I think of Christmas:
Waiting
Watching
Praying
Obeying
In the last three weeks, we looked at Simeon waiting, the shepherds watching and Anna praying. This week we are going to look at all of the participants in the Christmas story and talk about all things obeying. It's not the normal word that comes to mind but it has everything to do with the first coming of Christ. And our obedience has everything to do with His second coming.
God chooses to work through His people, and obeying directly impacts the plans of the Lord.
What does obeying have to do with Christmas? Let's find out together.
Merry Christmas! Or is it? Christmas isn't always a season of joy for everyone, and we live in the tension of the promise of abundant life here on earth while life feels more like a dark abyss.
How do we carry grief with us through a season of joy?
When grief is real and raw and pressing and heavy, how do we celebrate the holidays?
How do you celebrate a season of joy when all you feel is sadness?
How do we honor the history of what we've lost while living in the pain and grief of the present and still have hope about the future being good?
Join Cyndie Quinn, Barb Lagaras, and Toni Lagaras (and a special guest!) as we tackle these questions and so much more. And know that you are not alone. We are praying for you through this season. God is with you, and you are going to make it!
Four words come to mind when I think of Christmas:
Waiting
Watching
Praying
Obeying
In the last two weeks, we looked at Simeon waiting and the shepherds watching. This week we are going to look at Anna and talk about all things Praying. Anna? Really? There are only three verses about her in the entire Bible. What does prayer have to do with the Christmas story anyway? Does God really need us to pray? These three little verses really pack a punch.
What does it look to pray like Anna? Let's find out together.
Four words come to mind when I think of Christmas:
Waiting
Watching
Praying
Obeying
Last week, we looked at Simeon and Waiting. This week we are going to look at the Shepherds and talk about all things Watching. What is it? What does it look like? Who is supposed to do the watching? What is God doing while we are watching? There really is more to watching than meets the eye.
What does it look to watch like the Shepherds? Let's find out together.
Four words come to mind when I think of Christmas:
Waiting
Watching
Praying
Obeying
This week we are going to look at the Christmas story, Simeon's part in Luke 2 to be exact, and talk about all things waiting. What is it? What does it look like? What happens when we wait? What is God doing while we are waiting? And guess what - we don't even mention the word "patience" one time that I remember.
What does it look to wait like Simeon? Let's find out together.
We started a conversation today about what to do when you find yourself in a grieving season. In this life, pain is inevitable, but misery is optional. Take a listen as we dive into what to do with the pain, how to know when you need help, how to come alongside someone who is grieving, and what to do when you feel stuck. Come back next time for part 2 as we dive deeper into processing change and finding identity after loss.
God put a word on Pastor Toni's heart for our Sisterhood Worship night and we wanted to share it here too. Life doesn't have to be perfect to be beautiful. This is a good reminder as we head into the chaotic holiday season. Let us help you take some of the pressure off yourself. Take a listen as we talk about social media, pinterest, Mary & Martha and what Pastor Toni learned the Christmas she lost her mom.
Are you in a caregiving season or do you know someone who is? This podcast will help! Join Cyndie Quinn, Barb Lagaras, and Toni Lagaras as we dive into this topic. Caregiving is a tremendously difficult season for so many reasons. In this podcast we talk about the challenges and struggles of being a caregiver. We dive into exhaustion and rest, pouring yourself out without losing yourself, and finding joy in a difficult season.
If you are the caregiver, we pray you find hope and strength and refreshing in this episode. If you aren't living this, we pray you will learn to understand what your sisters are going through and how you can best support them through it.
Today we are broaching a subject that has been taboo in the church. Divorce. Join us as we talk about the process and answer biblical questions relating to divorce. If you have been through this painful process, are going through it right now, or know someone who has, this podcast is for you as we talk about Mackenzie's book Grace Under Fire and how God has redeemed her story.
Mackenzie is a 30-something Jesus follower, joy-seeker and life-affirmer. She enjoys time with her husband and two daughters and serving in her local church. You can find her working passionately at her local Pregnancy center, Reading CS Lewis, writing for passion and drinking all the coffee. Her goal is to help women overcome pain from their past, find Grace within their fire, and seek refinement through Jesus Christ.
Today we get to meet this year's worship leader, Allison Costa. I've known Allison for a lot of years, and it was fun to get to talk today about all the things. Her heart for worship is amazing, and we can't wait for you to hear her vision for worship at the retreat this year. One thing is for sure, you will encounter the living God who loves you through worship at the retreat through Allison.
We are so excited for you to meet our guest speaker for the 2024 Sisterhood Retreat, Rev. Jen Tringale. We talk about everything from meeting Jesus, Bible School, family and growing up in church - ALL THE THINGS! I had so much fun talking to her on today's podcast, and we just know you're going to love her.
A few years ago, the Lord led me to get a journal and write down every verse I come across in the Word about His love for me. He told me to soak in His love for me. So I wrote them down and read them. And re-read them. And re-read them again and again and again. So, I wanted to share them with you.
Any time you feel unloved, unwanted, or unlovable, come back and listen to what the Word of God has to say about how very much you are loved. I pray this encourages your hearts today.
In Ezekiel 37, God showed Ezekiel a valley full of dry bones and asked him a simple question. Can these bones live? It's a question He is also asking each of us. Do you have an situation that needs a supernatural solution? Check out this episode and learn to say along with Ezekiel, "Dry bones hear the word of the Lord!" And watch God do the miraculous for you.
Hey, we're back! Sorry about the unintentional hiatus for a few weeks. Technical difficulties. But we are back with All The Prayer Things. We dive deeper this week into Walking with God by glancing at Enoch and Abraham and taking a closer look at Jesus' prayer life. What does it look like to drift? Is there a different between works and effort? Can I really do this? Yes you can! Find out how today.
Everyone wants to know the secret to an effectual prayer life, which really is a prayer life that gets answers. We dive into that today in this episode on walking with God. We want to move from a prayer life that is all about transacting business to one that takes us into the deep places of God, and we do that in walking with Him. Walking with God truly safeguards our faith and takes us to a place where we will see the supernatural.
I know I said we were done with the Christmas story, but we are going to glance at it one more time today. Maybe because I still have my Christmas decorations up and am still feeling the holiday spirit. I don't know. But we can use it as a jumping off point to look at who God can use to accomplish His plans on the earth, how He needs us to pray in these last days (it's easy - you'll see), and what God spoke to Elijah on the mountain has to do with you and me today.
What? It's New Year already! Why are we still talking about Advent and the Christmas story?
That's a great question. We're just tying up loose ends and seeing what happens after the dream comes to pass. What does it look like to actually live the dream? Join us as we hop, skip and jump through Jesus' childhood all the way up to His baptism and see what that looked like for Elizabeth & Zechariah and Mary & Joseph and most of all Jesus to live the dream.
You’ve joined Sisterhood this month as we wander through advent season. Advent really is a season of expectant waiting and preparation. It’s extra focus. It’s intentional wandering through the Christmas story, taking time to linger over it.
We’re talking about being a world changer. Some of you may be out there thinking, “I don’t even remember if I brushed my teeth today! How can I change the world?” And some may relate more to changing diapers than changing the world. Some of you may think your world-changing days have passed you by.
No matter what season you’re in, we think you’ll find yourself in one of these weeks and be encouraged by what it looks like and how easy it really is for your life to make an impact right where you are in any season for God.
This week we are looking at the Christmas story through the eyes of Joseph and the Magi and how they changed her world by obeying the voice of the Lord, following His leading, and giving of their treasure.
You’ve joined Sisterhood this month as we wander through advent season. Advent really is a season of expectant waiting and preparation. It’s extra focus. It’s intentional wandering through the Christmas story, taking time to linger over it.
We’re talking about being a world changer. Some of you may be out there thinking, “I don’t even remember if I brushed my teeth today! How can I change the world?” And some may relate more to changing diapers than changing the world. Some of you may think your world-changing days have passed you by.
No matter what season you’re in, we think you’ll find yourself in one of these weeks and be encouraged by what it looks like and how easy it really is for your life to make an impact right where you are in any season for God.
This week we are looking at the Christmas story through the eyes of Simeon and Anna and how they changed her world through their expectant waiting and praying. And you can too.
You’ve joined Sisterhood this month as we wander through advent season. Advent really is a season of expectant waiting and preparation. It’s extra focus. It’s intentional wandering through the Christmas story, taking time to linger over it.
We’re talking about being a world changer. Some of you may be out there thinking, “I don’t even remember if I brushed my teeth today! How can I change the world?” And some may relate more to changing diapers than changing the world. Some of you may think your world-changing days have passed you by.
No matter what season you’re in, we think you’ll find yourself in one of these weeks and be encouraged by what it looks like and how easy it really is for your life to make an impact right where you are in any season for God.
This week we are looking at the Christmas story through the eyes of the Shepherds and how they changed her world by being awake, alert, attentive and available. It's as easy as sharing your story.
You’ve joined Sisterhood this month as we wander through advent season. Advent really is a season of expectant waiting and preparation. It’s extra focus. It’s intentional wandering through the Christmas story, taking time to linger over it.
We’re talking about being a world changer. Some of you may be out there thinking, “I don’t even remember if I brushed my teeth today! How can I change the world?” And some may relate more to changing diapers than changing the world. Some of you may think your world-changing days have passed you by.
No matter what season you’re in, we think you’ll find yourself in one of these weeks and be encouraged by what it looks like and how easy it really is for your life to make an impact right where you are in any season for God.
This week we are looking at the Christmas story through the eyes of Mary and how she changed her world with one word - YES. God can do things our minds can't fathom when we give Him our surrendered yes.
You’ve joined Sisterhood this month as we wander through advent season. Advent really is a season of expectant waiting and preparation. It’s extra focus. It’s intentional wandering through the Christmas story, taking time to linger over it.
We’re talking this month about being a world changer. Some of you may be out there thinking, “I don’t even remember if I brushed my teeth today! How can I change the world?” And some may relate more to changing diapers than changing the world. Some of you may think your world-changing days have passed you by.
No matter what season you’re in, we think you’ll find yourself in one of these weeks and be encouraged by what it looks like and how easy it really is for your life to make an impact right where you are in any season for God.
This week we are looking at the Christmas story through the eyes of Elizabeth and how God was able to use her right where she was to change the world.
The words "World Changer" have been buzz words around the church for the last several years, but what do they really mean? Do you have to be a Christian "super star" like Billy Graham to be considered a world changer?
For the month of December we invite you to walk with us through Luke chapter 2 to see what advent, the Christmas story and being a world changer all have in common and to see how you can change your world in whatever season of life you are in.
Do you have questions about advent? The Christmas story? Being a world changer? DM us. Comment on the podcast. Email me at toni@theriverchurch.church and we will do our best to answer your questions in the next few weeks.
Join us as we talk with Jennifer Harper. She received a crazy diagnosis over the phone while sitting at lunch on vacation with her husband. Today we talk about all the things from receiving the diagnosis to walking through ALL the emotions. We talk about what it was like leaving the doctor's office and the practical side of faith. Surgery adn radiation. Grieving and rejoicing.
Most of all, you will hear laced throughout the entire conversation the faithfulness of God. No matter what you are walking through, you are not alone. God will walk you through it.
Links to Jennifer's recommendations:
Healed of Cancer pdf by Dodie Osteen
https://www.hopefaithprayer.com/books/Healed%20of%20Cancer%20-%20Osteen.pdf
Christ the Healer on Amazon
https://a.co/d/gQy4RQp
Keith Moore's Greater Faith Conference 2021
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-greater-faith-conference-2021-pt-1-joy-peace-in/id1212532562?i=1000507388061
Who's ready to go to Egypt? Listen in as we talk with JudiJo and Mariah to check out this great opportunity to join with a few ladies groups heading to Egypt to minister to the women there.
We may not physically put our feet on the soil of Egypt, but we firmly believe we can go there in the Spirit and cover them from beginning to end in prayer. What happens in prayer is just as important as what happens in the nation. As Rees Howells said, "We marched with the Allied forces on our knees in prayer." We will be going with them on our knees. There is no distance in the Spirit.
We may not get to see the results of the ministry physically with our eyes or hug these women tangibly with our arms, but this will be fruit that abounds to our account in heaven just the same as the ones who are going.
Follow us on our social pages for prayer points each day of their trip.
Facebook: Sisterhood.river
https://www.facebook.com/sisterhood.river
Instagram: Sisterhood.river
https://www.instagram.com/sisterhood.river/
Hey girls! We are going to EGYPT! Take a listen to find out when and how! Also, details on the next house party and why we do them. And don't miss Toni being vulnerable and transparent sharing a moment she had this morning about body image. We know you will relate.
Welcome back! It's been a hot second since we did a podcast. It's just me (Toni) today with an encouraging word from Hagar. I know she's not the go-to old testament woman we look at for encouragement, but she has a word for us today. Grab your coffee and sit with me (or drive with me) for a few minutes while we talk about the God who sees us.
Girls - we are excited to be receiving an offering for RAM (Russ Adams Ministries) at the retreat this year. In this short episode as JudiJo tells us what you'll be sowing into, including Bible Schools in Iraq and Turkey. The harvest is really plentiful all over this world, and when you sow into RAM, every penny goes to the field. Take a listen, seek the Lord as to what to bring, and come ready to sow.
This episode! We talk about all the things from family to ministry to inspiring your kids (and yourself) to walk with God. She believes strongly in the mantra Work Hard and Enjoy Life, adn it was such a good conversation. So much goodness in these few minutes. Grab a cup of coffee or tea and take a moment to pause with God and your girlfriends.
I'm so excited to introduce you to Kenna Currie! She will be leading worship and the Sisterhood Retreat this year, and we thought it would be fun to take a peek into her life before the retreat. I believe the story of her walk with God and her life of worship will encourage and inspire you.
Emotions. Love 'em or hate 'em, we all have them and they are God given. The question is, what do we do with them? How do we keep them healthy? How do we process them when we would much rather run away from them? We talk about all the things!
This is a MUST-LISTEN podcast. Auntie Cyn brought some amazing counsel and advise on living between the tension of when our emotions are saying one thing about us and to us but the Word says something else.
Don't forget - we are better together!
Cyndie Quinn Bio:
Auntie Cyn is an experienced Marriage and Family Therapist, and she has helped us (my husband and me) time and time again right when we needed it. Her sweet and tender spirit and intimate walk with God make her easy to love, and the way she hears His voice and ministers to His people is beautiful.
The comparison trap! Social media has fed this for years. It looks like everyone else’s life is perfect. Their hair is perfect. Their kids are perfect. Their thighs are perfect. Can I get an amen?
Trap Definition - a device or enclosure designed to catch and retain animals, typically by allowing entry but not exit or by catching hold of a part of the body. The enemy wants to hold you captive, but Jesus broke off all of our captivity!
Have you ever fallen into the trap?
We are so excited about this monthly visit we are adding to the podcast with Cyndie Quinn, Auntie Cyn for those who know her (our literal Auntie). She is a licensed Christian counselor and she is going to pop in and share all of her secrets about keeping a sound mind in the times in which we live. I have never walked away from a conversation with Auntie without being refreshed, refilled and finding something to laugh about, and today did not disappoint.
Today we deep dive into the effects the last two years have had on mental health, what to look for and how to come out of it if you find yourself in a funk. We talk about the toll isolation took on all of us. Mommas, we even do a quick checkup on our kids, what to look for and what to do if you see them in a slump.
We pray this ministers life to you and some laughter and joy to your day.
Auntie's reads (with Amazon links):
The Hallelujah Banquet by Eugene Peterson
https://www.amazon.com/This-Hallelujah-Banquet-What-Reveals/dp/1601429851/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3K7P8JUADF2P1&keywords=the+hallelujah+banquet&qid=1647960542&sprefix=the+hallelujah+banquet%2Caps%2C125&sr=8-1
Tear Soup - A Recipe for Healing After Loss by Pat Schwiebert
https://www.amazon.com/Tear-Soup-Recipe-Healing-After/dp/0961519762/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2MA2VX5LRBTE6&keywords=tear+soup&qid=1647960591&s=books&sprefix=tear+soup%2Cstripbooks%2C143&sr=1-1
Auntie's bio:
Cyndie Quinn comes to us today as a Daughter of the King, disguised as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.🌹God has given her many life’s experiences working with those in need. She started her career as a flight attendant at 19 and flew around the world for 33 years for Pan Am and United. As her career started to wind down in the sky, the Spirit prompted her to return to school at 41 years of age.( a scary thot at the time) BUT GOD❤️During those school years and flying part time, the Lord directed her and her husband to join a therapeutic team to work in Rwanda for several missions with the genocide victims. They were also honored to be a part of a missionary team for several seasons that ministered to orphans in both Boracay and Tacloban, Philippines. Her favorite assignment from HIM was teaching at Chaminade University and Leeward Community college in Hawaii to encourage those transitioning thru the various seasons of Life.
Now in her 70’s, Cyndie looks forward to what her next assignment will be from the Author and Finisher of her Faith….but until then, she enjoys gardening, traveling with her husband of 40 years and spending quality time with her very extended family.
Hey girls! We're back and we missed you. Today was just a catch up session of all things life and food and all things Christmas. How to manage the stress. Is it possible to relax during this season? What it looks like to read the Bible and be with Him when life is so chaotic. All the things.
What do you think it means to not keep Christ in Christmas? Let us know what you think! We'd love to hear from you.
You can't look at the news or the world around you and not have your heart broken over one thing or another. I had a woman approach me in church to share something with me that's breaking her heart (sex trafficking in another part of the world). She ended the conversation by saying, "I see it. It breaks my heart. But I just don't even know how to pray."
Let your broken heart lead you to the throne. Don't run from it. Don't hide from it. Don't distract yourself from it. Let it lead you to your knees. Things happen when we pray that don't happen when we don't pray.
Sharie, your comment inspired this podcast. Join us for some practical tips and ideas of what to pray, how to pray, what to say when your heart is broken and you just don't know where to start. This is good also if you just feel stuck in your prayer life.
Connect with us on social media:
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/sisterhood.victory/
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/sisterhood.victory
Links to the books we mentioned on Amazon:
Toni's pick:
Beautiful Resistance: The Joy of Conviction in a Compromised Culture (Jon Tyson)
https://www.amazon.com/Beautiful-Resistance-Conviction-Culture-Compromise-ebook/dp/B07ZN3Y65T/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=beautiful+resistance&qid=1629902544&sr=8-1
Anne's pick: A Church Called Tov: Forming a Goodness Culture (Scot McKnight)
https://www.amazon.com/Church-Called-Tov-Goodness-Promotes-ebook/dp/B085FZMTT6/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?dchild=1&keywords=goodness+culture+in+the+church+book&qid=1629902461&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUFaNFpNVE9MSzZTR1MmZW5jcnlwdGVkSWQ9QTAxNjY3MjcxVjdSVUs5UjFDVURBJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTA2NTQxOTAySDA1VklMWDIzQlpZJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==
Life isn't perfect. Can anyone agree? I'll be the first one to raise my hand and say I've made so many mistakes. And no one will ever be harder on me than I am on myself. But the truth is no matter what we've done, God can redeem it and turn it around for good. Thank you Daphne Delay for coming on this episode, willing to be open and vulnerable about your mistakes and how God redeemed them and will redeem yours too. Daphne has written three books that will help change and shape your life in God. Check them out on her website.
Facing the Mirror: Finding a Self to Live with
Facing the enemy: Strategies for Living Victoriously
Facing God: Unlocking the Truth of the Life of God
Coming Soon:
Facing the Wall: Revelation Secrets in the Quiet Place
Website:
https://daphnedelay.com/
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/daphnedelay/
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/daphnedelayMM
Bio:
Daphne knows first-hand what unworthiness, guilt, and condemnation can do to a believer. Not being raised in a Christian home, she carried all her insecurities from the world into her walk with God when she was born-again at the age of 21.
After several years of struggling as a young Christian, God planted her square in front of the mirror one day and told her to tell the girl looking back that she loved her and forgave her. It was then Daphne finally realized it wasn’t God who hadn’t forgiven her– she simply had never forgiven herself.
Daphne is now an author and speaker. She and her husband, Tod Delay, have been senior pastors of Transformation Church in Seminole, Texas, for 22 years. They have 3 adult children who have all chosen to be in full-time ministry as well. Daphne is the founder of Mirror Ministries and with the help of partners is able to donate thousands of books each year into prisons and rehab facilities to help those imprisoned on the outside find freedom on the inside.
Girls! I cannot wait for you to hear this one! Pastor Deidra from the Coitsville Campus, and it's straight fire. Literally. We talked about a class she recently taught at Coitsville called Tried by Fire. We talk about her journey in the fire, what it looks like, what it means, what she learned of herself and of God through it all and why it's so important for each of us to hear this. At some point, every Christian will go through the fire. You have to know this, God isn't afraid of your mess, and you shouldn't be either. And no matter what you're going through right now, there's a better question to ask besides, "What is God trying to teach me." Take a listen to hear all the things, and we pray it encourages you on your journey.
The book Pastor Deidra mentioned was The Christian's Secret of a Happy Life by Hannah Whitehall Smith. This is the Amazon link if you'd like to check it out: https://www.amazon.com/Christians-Secret-Happy-Life-Illustrated/dp/1689198125/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?crid=SK3S9XDS2OTP&dchild=1&keywords=hannah+whitall+smith+books&qid=1621884381&sprefix=hannah+whitehall%2Cspecialty-aps%2C215&sr=8-2-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUFONTlFS0cxRTIzTkcmZW5jcnlwdGVkSWQ9QTA2OTg2MjAxVTBDU1hFOUZBOVhSJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTAzMzAxODAyUDJMS0IyVkJXMDlOJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==
Biography:
Deidre Rivera and her husband Juan are lead pastors of the Coitsville Campus of Victory Christian Center. Their heart is to invest into and build a strong connection with their community and to empower people to live like children of God. Deidre is the mother of three daughters and, along with investing into the church, she devotes her time to creating a home and atmosphere where her family can grow in God together and as individuals. She is passionate about God and His goodness and the expression of that goodness to others.
I cannot wait for you to hear this episode! My sister-in-law, Kelly Lagaras, who was with us in December is BACK! And it was a God-filled, inspired, sweet, fun talk about the reality of what it looks like to live the dream. We talk about obeying the little promptings and how those can lead to big things. What it looks like walking out your dream in the midst of real life raising a family and all the things! We pray this inspires and encourages you and challenges you to find a dream if you don't have one yet and to take a step (or another step) in the direction of what God has put in your heart. Blessings.......
Kelly Lagaras Website:
https://www.kellylagaras.com/
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/kelly.lagaras
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/kellylagaras/
Last Podcast Episode with Kelly:
Itunes:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/better-together-hosted-by-sisterhood/id1499511375?i=1000502515052
Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/38B9p5tFnD6Rab9zxeNRw2?si=9WE7aJc5Qqq-fGF9WUnaGQ
Bio:
Kelly is an artist living in Maryland with her husband and three children. She paints in her little white studio off of her kitchen, which is right in the heart of her home. It wouldn’t be a stretch for her to be cooking up dinner and painting at the same time.
For years, Kelly felt a deep desire to create, as if something was waiting to burst out of her. One day on summer break from her teaching job, her best friend dropped off an easel and a big box of paint with canvases included and told her to get busy painting. So she did. She is a self-taught painter, painting with acrylic since 2014. Her journey the last few years has not only been a beautiful creative awakening, but a deeper understanding that she is God’s beloved.
We couldn't get all the goodness in one episode, so here is part two! We're talking with the Wakefields all things freedom. Financial freedom to start, as we are getting ready to launch a Financial Peace University here at Warren Campus, but the foundations of freedom are true whether its finances or anything else in our lives.
Meet the Wakefields:
Dan and Val met during high school in 1981 and are natives of this area. Dan graduated from Reserve and Valerie from Niles. They were married in August of 1986 and celebrate 35 years this year! Dan works for the McIntosh Group, which manufactures and distributes home audio products, and Val works for Novelis as an accountant. They have two children. Abigail is 26 and lives in North Carolina and Benjamin, 22, who lives in Alliance Ohio.
Financial Peace University begins May 13th at 6:00 pm and runs for 9 weeks. The registration link is: https://www.financialpeace.com/classes/1134838
Books mentioned in the podcast:
The Legacy Journey by Dave Ramsey https://www.amazon.com/Legacy-Journey-Radical-Biblical-Generosity/dp/1937077713/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2EC4X0B557BR3&dchild=1&keywords=the+legacy+journey+dave+ramsey&qid=1616518373&sprefix=the+legacy+jour%2Caps%2C171&sr=8-2
Draw the Circle by Mark Batterson https://www.amazon.com/Draw-Circle-Day-Prayer-Challenge/dp/0310327121/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2K8IQMV6IEZR3&dchild=1&keywords=draw+the+circle+the+40+day+prayer+challenge&qid=1616518405&sprefix=draw+the+circle%2Caps%2C238&sr=8-1
The Law of Identification by EW Kenyon https://www.amazon.com/Identification-Romance-Redemption-W-Kenyon-ebook/dp/B06ZZFKQR4/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=the+law+of+identification+ew+kenyon&qid=1616518483&sr=8-1
This one! You don't want to miss this one! We're talking with the Wakefields all things freedom. Financial freedom to start, as we are getting ready to launch a Financial Peace University here at Warren Campus, but the foundations of freedom are true whether its finances or anything else in our lives.
Meet the Wakefields:
Dan and Val met during high school in 1981 and are natives of this area. Dan graduated from Reserve and Valerie from Niles. They were married in August of 1986 and celebrate 35 years this year! Dan works for the McIntosh Group, which manufactures and distributes home audio products, and Val works for Novelis as an accountant. They have two children. Abigail is 26 and lives in North Carolina and Benjamin, 22, who lives in Alliance Ohio.
Financial Peace University begins May 13th at 6:00 pm and runs for 9 weeks. The registration link is: https://www.financialpeace.com/classes/1134838
Books mentioned in the podcast:
The Legacy Journey by Dave Ramsey https://www.amazon.com/Legacy-Journey-Radical-Biblical-Generosity/dp/1937077713/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2EC4X0B557BR3&dchild=1&keywords=the+legacy+journey+dave+ramsey&qid=1616518373&sprefix=the+legacy+jour%2Caps%2C171&sr=8-2
Draw the Circle by Mark Batterson https://www.amazon.com/Draw-Circle-Day-Prayer-Challenge/dp/0310327121/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2K8IQMV6IEZR3&dchild=1&keywords=draw+the+circle+the+40+day+prayer+challenge&qid=1616518405&sprefix=draw+the+circle%2Caps%2C238&sr=8-1
The Law of Identification by EW Kenyon https://www.amazon.com/Identification-Romance-Redemption-W-Kenyon-ebook/dp/B06ZZFKQR4/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=the+law+of+identification+ew+kenyon&qid=1616518483&sr=8-1
Today is our one year anniversary at Better Together podcast, so we sat down and talked about all the things. We reminisced. We talked about what's happening now. We looked forward. Thanks for hanging out with us this past year. We are looking forward to many more! #sisterhood #bettertogether
We were so excited to host Doc Mike Chichak and his wife, Kelly, today on the podcast. We talked about what it takes to step out in faith. The risk. The reward.Doc Mike works as a medical doctor, is a husband and father and serves at his church. He’s a busy man. But when the Holy Spirit speaks to add something in to his already busy schedule, the ultimate answer is always yes. Join us as we dig deep into this journey and take a look at what it actually looks like to say yes and what happens when we do.
Meet the Chichaks:
Michael and Kelly have been together almost 19 years. Through their life walk, they have had encounters with Jesus that have marked them, making their yes to God a consist theme. Michael is a physician, business owner, and writer. Kelly is a worship leader, who serves her community and church in multiple areas, and is a lover of all things Jesus. Each pursue God’s plans for their lives as they raise their 3 children ( Grant , Carter , & Joy.)
Doc Thoughts Link: https://www.facebook.com/DocThoughtswithDrMikeChichak
Book: Complete 101 Series by John Maxwell (Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/Complete-101-Collection-Every-Leader/dp/1400203953/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2O29Y6R3MK0JJ&dchild=1&keywords=john+maxwell+101+complete+collection&qid=1614005532&sprefix=maxwell+the+complete+%2Caps%2C198&sr=8-2 )
We're smack in the middle of winter, and in Ohio that means we still have a few months of cold and snow ahead of us. Frustrations come from unrealistic expectations and uncomfortable situations. We are so excited for you to join this conversation on seasons, snow and not getting frustrated. Share it with a friend who could use some encouragement. Thanks for listening, and don't forget - WE ARE BETTER TOGETHER!
We're back after a longer hiatus than expected. We missed you girls! It was so fun to catch up on the happenings for the last month and welcome our guest, Kelly Chichak, as we talked about our words for the year. Do you have a word for the year? We'd love to hear it! #sisterhood #bettertogether
My sister-in-law joined us today for an amazing conversation about what can happen when you just take a step. We talk about all the things and I pray the story of her journey will inspire you to walk away from shame and intimidation and walk into a brand new season of finding and fulfilling your dream all while living the busy life we all live.
Website: www.kellylagaras.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kellylagaras/
Book Recommendation: The Soul of Shame by Curt Thompson (amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/Soul-Shame-Retelling-Stories-Ourselves/dp/0830844333/ref=sr_1_3?crid=3FVS3H5D3ZZA3&dchild=1&keywords=the+soul+of+shame+curt+thompson&qid=1608058413&sprefix=the+soul+of+shame+%2Caps%2C238&sr=8-3)
Bio for Kelly Lagaras:
Kelly is an artist living in Maryland with her husband and three children. She paints in her little white studio off of her kitchen, which is right in the heart of her home. It wouldn’t be a stretch for her to be cooking up dinner and painting at the same time.
For years, Kelly felt a deep desire to create, as if something was waiting to burst out of her. One day on summer break from her teaching job, her best friend dropped off an easel and a big box of paint with canvases included and told her to get busy painting. So she did. She is a self-taught painter, painting with acrylic since 2014. Her journey the last few years has not only been a beautiful creative awakening, but a deeper understanding that she is God’s beloved.
Girls! You are going to love this conversation I had with Rachel Vince. I had an epiphany last night about embracing who I am right now (even the parts I don't like) and Rachel Vince and I sat down and talked about what we deal with and how we're rising above! We can let them hold us captive and keep us in bondage forever! It's time to overcome! Will you join us?
Thanks for hanging out with us today. We really miss everyone and just wanted to connect. You may have heard that some of us had COVID last month. We just wanted to take a minute and talk about our experiences, what it was like, what we learned, some bright spots and how God walked us through.
For some, the most wonderful time of the year can be the bluest time of the year. No matter what you do, depression and anxiety seem to plague your days and fill your nights. Join Mikel & Toni as they talk from experience about practical ways to walk through the holidays without depression or anxiety.
By listener request, we are talking today about being content in singleness and all the things. Whether you're waiting on a husband, a baby, that dream job or just waiting to burn these crazy masks, there's something for you in this episode. My friend of 24+ years joined me today to talk about how she walked through her long season of singleness, what she learned, what she felt, reaching her breaking point and how God brought her through. We talk about not compromising, not settling, and how to be content without losing hope. You'll want to listen this one a couple times for sure.
Jennifer's Scripture -
Colossians 2:7 (Rick Renner Commentary) If your roots are securely fixed in Jesus Christ, you will outlast every season, every foul climate, and every storm. When the storm clouds pass, you will enter the finest fruit-producing season of your life, your ministry, your family, or your business.
Toni's Scripture -
Psalm 17:15 (ampc) - As for me, I will continue beholding Your face in righteousness (rightness, justice, and right standing with You); I shall be fully satisfied, when I awake [to find myself] beholding Your form [and having sweet communion with You].
I hear so many things about why people can't pray. "I'm not good at it. I don't know how. God hears your prayers but just doesn't hear mine." Well, today we are going to change the narrative in our heads about prayer. You are probably better at prayer than you even know. Take a listen to all the reasons that make you good at prayer and hear some of the things that just don't matter. I think you'll be surprised.
Follow us on social media!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sisterhoodvccwarren
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sisterhood.victory/
We start off with all things fall and football (yes I LOVE football) but we finish talking about the retreat. People keep asking me, "How was the Retreat?" And I didn't really know how to describe it until a friend of mine described it like this. God came so close. We know many of you weren't able to attend this year and we wanted to catch you up on everything. Take a listen and then save the dates for next year! Yes! It's already on the calendar, Miss Anne Bosman is coming back, and we can't wait.
Follow us on social media!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sisterhoodvccwarren
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sisterhood.victory/
Join Mikel, Toni and Anne as they talk about their biggest pet peeves and what it looks like to live a life of love in today's charged culture.
I sat down with my friends Anne Bacorn and Tammy Bateman today. We talked worship and all things fall and our book study coming up. And - a favorite verse of mine - 112:7 "They do not fear bad news; they confidently trust the Lord to care for them." We shared times we received bad news and how God walked us through. You're going to make it through whatever you're facing because God is on your side!
Sisterhood Facebook Link: https://www.facebook.com/sisterhoodvccwarren
Sisterhood Instagram Link: https://www.instagram.com/sisterhood.victory/
The book for our Book Club - Looking for Lovely by Annie F Downs
https://www.amazon.com/Looking-Lovely-Collecting-Moments-Matter/dp/1433689251/ref=sr_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=looking+for+lovely&qid=1598900858&sr=8-4
We started by talking about musicals and old movies and ended by sharing all the things we hate about COVID. And I mean ALL the things. But in the midst of it all, there is still hope and encouragement and something good that is coming out of this season. AND...listen to the end and hear about something fun and new we're going to start next month!!!!
Sisterhood Facebook Link: https://www.facebook.com/sisterhoodvccwarren
Sisterhood Instagram Link: https://www.instagram.com/sisterhood.victory/
I wake up every day with the thought that somehow my life will count for God's kingdom and eternity. We think in order to do that it will require some BIG action or some super spiritual thing. But that's not always the case. Sometimes something as simple as inviting someone for dinner can impact eternity in a powerful way. There are so many things in our lives God can use. He can use our obedience. He can even redeem and use our messes and mistakes. But He cannot use our nothing. No matter how small it seems, don't be afraid to do something. It could change everything if you do.
This episode! The Holy Spirit came into the room as we were recording it. And I pray that same refreshing invades your space as you listen. This is a Word in season for us, girls, from Miss Anne Bosman. It's what she is sensing in her heart for this season, and it will rekindle a fire in you to live close to God. Let Him captivate your heart as you listen today.
Retreat Information:
Dates: September 17-19
Location: Beulah Beach https://www.beulahbeach.org/
One night (Thursday-Friday) $105
One night (Friday-Saturday) $105
Two nights (Thursday-Saturday) $150
Optional Zip Line: $5
Show Links:
Tongues - Beyond the Upper Room by Kenneth E Hagin - https://www.amazon.com/Tongues-Beyond-Upper-Kenneth-Hagin/dp/0892765380/ref=sr_1_1?crid=38AYYBXVUTGJN&dchild=1&keywords=tongues+beyond+the+upper+room+kenneth+hagin&qid=1597135017&sprefix=tongues%2Caps%2C210&sr=8-1
Website: http://www.spiritwind.org/
Email: Anne@spiritwind.org
Girls! Let's all take a minute and just take a deep breath! I don't know about you, but my life has been crazy lately. And I can't believe the retreat is coming so soon! It's September 17-19 and I can hardly stand the wait. I just wanted to take a few minutes today to share a Word God put on my heart for this year - B R E A T H E. That word is part of the theme for the retreat. Next week we will be talking with Miss Anne Bosman as she shares her vision for our time together at the lake.
I wish we could put the retreat online, but we don't have the capability to do so. So if you want to be a part, you'll need to join us.
September 17-19
Beulah Beach Retreat Center https://www.beulahbeach.org/
Two-night option - $150
One-night option - $105 (Thursday-Friday option or Friday-Saturday option)
Register online at https://www.vccwarren.com/bettertogetherwomen
The cost covers your food and room as well as some special gifts and surprises we have for you. We are right on Lake Erie and we've scheduled time in the retreat for you to be able to enjoy the retreat center and some time with God and your girlfriends at the beach as well as the powerful ministry of Anne Bosman. Email Toni Lagaras with any questions: tlagaras@vccone.church
We are better together!
There's something creeping into the church right now, and it's called shame, and we may be giving it away and not even knowing it. Jesus came to take shame off of us! We want to partner with Him to make sure we're not living in it or giving it away.
Anne sat down with her husband Ron for a conversation about living with social anxiety and discovering that you can still give God your YES! Ron has learned over the years that Aspergers is not a limitation but an opportunity and shares with us his success in both business as well as serving in the local church.
Trust me, girls. You need this podcast in your life. It’s like CPR for the soul.
I cannot contain my excitement about this week's episode with my friend, Patsy Cameneti. I've known Patsy for just a few years (since 1991). She started as one of my Bible School instructors, became my employer and moved on to being a mentor and lifelong dear friend. She walks so closely with God and has always been an inspiration to me to want to do the same. In this podcast we get to catch up with, hear about a new book she's writing, and talk about too many things to list, but each one will bring you right back to the heart of God. Get out your journals, girls. You’ll want to capture all the nuggets Pasty brings us.
Links:
Cameneti Ministries
http://cameneti.net/
Patsy's book Engendered: What Was God Thinking?
https://www.amazon.com/Engendered-Gender-Relationships-Patsy-Cameneti/dp/1680312162/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=engendered+patsy+cameneti&qid=1593715727&sr=8-1
Tommy Hicks Vision
http://lynnehammond.org/tommy-hicks-vision/
History of Azusa Street Revival
https://youtu.be/QqEUnvPTGvA
The Role of Prayer in Spiritual Awakening - JC Orr
https://youtu.be/FW9Bb5tkOO4
Patsy's Facebook Page
https://www.facebook.com/Patsy-Cameneti-232072090173775/
RHEMA Family Church Sermons on iTunes
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rhemafc-sermons-teaching-preaching/id1066432430
We made it! Quarantine is over. Things are pretty much open in the state of Ohio. We're taking precautions, but we're out and about and safely reconnecting! I was excited to be back in person with my podcast buddy, talking about all the things about our covid experience. What we read. What we ate. What God showed us and some exciting things that are yet to come, including the retreat.
And - we want to hear about your experience! Connect with us on the Sisterhood Facebook page and let us know how your Covid time was on this podcast post. What did you read? What did God show you? https://www.facebook.com/sisterhoodvccwarren/
wearebettertogether
We've got some quick updates for you. Retreats. Fireside chats. What's next. Take a listen as Mikel and Toni give us all the updates about all the things.
We invite you in to take a peek at our life through the lens of our anniversary musings. It's been 24 glorious years. Well, not all of them were glorious, but here we are, still married and in love all these years later. We talk all things marriage, life, the importance of laughing, the dangers of predictable, and the secret to a marriage that lasts. Oh, and get ready to laugh. There's lots of laughter. #bettertogether
Join Pastors Mikel & Toni as they talk with Evangelist Richard and Carol Meredith, missionaries to Uganda. If you've ever wanted to know what it takes to see miracles, signs and wonders, stop right here. We talk about that and so much more. This one is packed full of faith-filled nuggets and it will challenge you to give God your all. If you give Him your full yes, there's no limit to what He will do in you, through you and for you.
You can check out their website here: http://evangelistrichardmeredith.com/
Evangelist Richard K. Meredith has preached the good news of Jesus on multiple trips to Russia, Ukraine, Columbia South America, Chile, Uruguay, Panama, Costa Rica, Congo, Kenya and Uganda. The Lord has confirmed his calling as an Evangelist by signs, wonders and miracles. In the daytime before the crusade Richard holds pastor seminars. He planted seven new churches through our crusade’s ministry. Five in Uganda partnering with Jubilee Christian Life Churches. One in the Ukraine partnering with Good Samaritan Mission, and one in the Ural Mountains of Russia working with Mission Possible. He is the author of Placing My Life In His hands. He has worked with the First Lady’s office of Uganda, Mrs. Museveni, the House of Parliament, General Elly Tum-wine and the Presidential Protection Unit. For three years he handled the logistics for 70 medical personnel that treated thousands of Ugandans free of charge. Held meetings with Ambassador Jimmy Kolker of the United States to Uganda. Was part of Operation Sunrise a ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ addressing Uganda’s military. At present time he is holding crusades in smaller towns in Uganda and seeing a rich harvest of souls.
The Meredith’s reside in New Springfield, Ohio they have three adult children and five grandchildren.
We're back with Noelle Custer for part 2 and boy does she get raw in this one. From miracles to struggles, to high highs and dark times, through fighting for her marriage and how God walked her through all of it. It's not good enough to just get by or just survive. God wants us to thrive, and the key is staying faithful to what you know to do even when it gets hard. It's not about what you do as much as who you are becoming.
Check out her website for pictures and Information: http://www.bigoakmeadows.com/
Please Note: This was recorded immediately prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. You will hear references to gathering and connection and the importance of them. While we strongly feel we are to connect physically as well as virtually and the Bible teaches are are need to gather together regularly, we are practicing all of the temporary social distancing guidelines as set forth by the governor of Ohio.
Meet Noelle Custer. She and her husband, Nate, own and operate Big Oak Meadows, which is a retreat center and the coolest new wedding venue In Northeast Ohio. I've gotten to know Noelle from retreats we've held on her property, and you are going to love her. Her story of following God even when it didn't make any sense to her is an amazing example of God giving us the desires of our hearts. I pray this encourages you to hold on to God and keep moving towards your dream. He will bring it to pass.
Check out her website for pictures and Information: http://www.bigoakmeadows.com/
Please Note: This was recorded immediately prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. You will hear references to gathering and connection and the importance of them. While we strongly feel we are to connect physically as well as virtually and the Bible teaches are are need to gather together regularly, we are practicing all of the temporary social distancing guidelines as set forth by the governor of Ohio.
Everything's opening back up all around us, at least in Ohio. The mall has opened. Hair salons and barbers have opened. Church is opening soon. Can everyone say praise the Lord? Restaurants and gyms and more public places are soon to follow. With all of this opening, we've seen some concern and confusion going on all around us, so we took a few minutes to talk about it. To mask or not to mask? If I wear one, am I In fear? If I don't wear one, do I hate people? What If I'm not ready to head back out? So many hot topics In this episode. Let us know what you think!
Can you take a minute to help us out? If you could rate this podcast and leave a quick review, it would really help get the word out and help more people find us. Thanks! #wearebettertogether
We got to sit down with Pastor Lock P. Beachum Jr. from the VCC Liberty Campus, and my goodness it was rich! He talked about his journey, about the place sports held in preparing him to pastor, and about balancing business and ministry and family. The crux of the entire conversation can be wrapped up in this - the need to trust God in the mystery. I think we can all relate to that right now. Get ready to glean some incredible truths from our conversation with Pastor Lock.
Bio:
Lock Patterson Beachum Jr. is the Pastor of Victory Christian Center Liberty Campus, a significant and strategic multi-cultural and multi-generational ministry impacting culture locally and globally. He also serves as the Chief Operating Officer of Victory Christian Center, Incorporated under the leadership of his Pastor Bishop David L. Thomas, founder and CEO.
A deep compassion for people from all walks of life is exemplified in his ministry. Lock's transparency, vision, tenacious spirit, love, sense of humor and most of all, his spirit of humility serve as an inspiration to many.
Known for his character and integrity, he is a trailblazer and trendsetter who focuses on relevance and innovation. His God-given vision “Operation Impact” has helped to lift and transform the city of Youngstown and surrounding areas by pioneering and partnering in various Acts of Kindness. Although he envisioned his life traveling down a different path that included a professional football career in the NFL, it is evident God had another plan.
Lock holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Miami (Ohio) University. He is honored to be married to First Lady Gloria Beachum & they are the proud parents of three children.
From Brother Andre's journey of living by faith and not by sight to a global awakening and revival, we packed a lot into this episode. He dropped so many nuggets on what the faith life looks like for the believer in this season as well as speaking prophetically about what God is doing in and through the church now and what He is preparing us for as we move forward after quarantine. Get your pen and journal ready. Trust me. You'll want to take notes. Here's just one quote to whet your appetite: "When you have a salary, you have a guarantee. When you walk by faith, there are no guarantees but there are also no limitations."
You can check out Brother Andre van Zyl's ministry at http://www.gnni.org/
Andre van Zyl, a native of South Africa, has been active in ministry since July 1980. Based in Atlanta, Georgia Andre actively ministers across the United States as the Lord leads him.
As a father of the faith to many, he has traveled to many parts of the world. Andre leads, and is involved with several leadership networks in the United States and abroad. Andre strongly believes in an Alliance of Kingdom Leaders to bring in the End Time Harvest. A major emphasis of this ministry is Church Planting and the training of Pastors in Africa and beyond. This includes a Bible School where approximately 700 leaders attend weekly for further training and equipping.
God spoke to Andre in 2009 that His church needed to return to the Upper Room. Out of that encounter was birthed an international prayer movement called Global Prayer Alliance. http://globalprayeralliance.com/
The GNN ministry also embraces a daily rescue center, called New Beginnings, taking care of approximately 1,000 people. Many different aspects of ministry are launched from this center including a ministry to orphan children.
Unless it touches the Heart of God, it is not a priority. His heart is people, and our focus must be people. God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to die on the Cross for people. People need the Lord, and the Lord loves people.
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Tony Cooke was one of our Bible School Instructors as well as a staff pastor at the church we attended while in school. We were so honored to get to interview Tony for the podcast today on Walking Well Through Adversity. It's such a timely message in light of what we're experiencing in our nation at this time. "People who do well through adversity are those that understand that life has adversity." We talk about expectations, being realistic AND faith-filled, faith and wisdom, and is God behind all this? We pray this will flood you with life and hope.
Check out Tony's website for more free resources (audio and articles):
https://www.tonycooke.org/
Bible Teacher and Author, Tony Cooke has been married to his wife, Lisa, since 1979. Together, they have been serving the Body of Christ since 1980.
Since 2002, Tony and Lisa have traveled full-time with an assignment of “Strengthening Churches and Leaders.” Tony’s passion for teaching the Bible has taken him to forty-seven states (US) and thirty-one nations.
The website of Tony Cooke Ministries has reached 2.7 million unique individuals, many of them pastors, missionaries, and other church leaders with encouraging and helpful ministerial resources.
Books authored by Tony include: Life After Death, In Search of Timothy, Grace: the DNA of God, Qualified, Through the Storms, Your Place on God’s Dream Team, The Work Book: What We Do Matters to God and Lift: Experiencing the Elevated Life. Various titles have been translated and published in nine other languages.
Prior to traveling, Tony was involved in pastoral ministry for more than twenty years, and served as an Instructor and the Dean of Rhema Bible Training Center. He also served for thirteen years as the Director of an International Ministerial Association.
In addition to being a 1981 graduate of RHEMA Bible Training Center, Tony studied Religion at Butler University, and received degrees from North Central University (Bachelor’s in Church Ministries) and from Liberty University (Masters in Theological Studies with a Church History cognate).
Tony and Lisa reside in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma and are the parents of two adult children, Laura and Andrew, both of whom are worship leaders.
We sat down this week and just talked. We talked about good news. About what God is doing in the midst of this epidemic all around us. If you need a boost to your faith today, grab a cup of coffee and listen on our conversation of faith. And join us on a faith challenge and help us spread the word of what God is doing all over the Internet. #wearebettertogether
Are you ready for some good news from across the globe? My long-time friend from Bible School days, JudiJo Adams, joins us on the podcast with some good news. They have 45 Bible School campuses on 5 different continents, so she has a unique perspective from many different countries. And let me tell you, God is on the move! I know you're going to fall in love with JudiJo's heart and passion as she gives us her bird's eye view of what God is doing in spite of this pandemic all across the world.
You can connect with JudiJo through their ministry website:
https://ramworld.org/
Bio:
With passionate pursuit to “Train leaders & impact nations,” Judi Jo has a wonder-FULL life. Spending over 25 years in the ministry with her husband, Russ, & adding her two boys, Wesley & Evan along the way, she lives to make a difference.
In addition to her heart for women’s ministry with The Inspired Woman, she is the co-pastor at Church at Glass Chapel, Broken Arrow, OK. Backing it all up to where it began, she & her husband have travelled to over 40 countries to minister with the Good news of the Gospel. Her love for world missions has always been an underlying theme of life.
As founders of XploreNations Bible Colleges, they have over 45 campuses on 5 continents, including their local base at home. To add icing on the cake, in recent years she became the owner of an historical event venue in the Tulsa area, Glass Chapel, where they also base their church. From this vantage point, she balances being a wife, mother, minister, pastor & business owner. Yes, it’s a wonderful life!
It's day 13 of our prayer Initiative, Love the Lost! Join Mikel and Toni as they go through the devotional for today and share some powerful insight on prayer that they've experienced in doing this. Things happen when you pray that don't happen when you don't pray.
We had the privilege of talking with Pastor Kathie Thomas on the podcast today. We talked everything from Handel's ice cream to her first encounter with God to what it's like to walk intimately with the Lord. Get ready to have all the feels. Grab a cup of coffee or tea and enjoy getting to know my spiritual mama. I know you're going to love her like I do.
DISCLAIMER: This was recorded before COVID-19, so some of the information is outdated, such as when we speak of the River Services. The River Service scheduled for April 3rd has been cancelled as we are complying with the CDC guidelines regarding social distancing. We pray this virus dies swiftly and we are all able to meet together again very soon. Blessings...
Join Mikel & Toni as they go through Day 6 of the Love the Lost Prayer Initiative. Things happen when we pray that don't happen when we don't pray. God's heart is for the lost. It always has been. It always will be. And we can partner with Him to win them through prayer. If you want to join in on the fun of praying for the lost with us, you can visit www.vcconechurch.com and download the 21-day prayer initiative.
Tia Ciferno is our guest today, and I think Tia is the absolute best! Every single time I spend time with her, I walk away refreshed, smiling and full of peace. I’m a better person for knowing her and my life is so much better with her in it. Her story is amazing. Get ready to love her as much as I do while we talk about Jesus, seasons, managing our expectations, and how to walk gracefully through life even when it takes an unexpected turn.
Tia is the granddaughter of European immigrants and grew up in a house full of family, food and the love of music. God has used her to minister to women for the last several decades and she’s well known for the music she has written and recorded. She is currently the Executive Director at a local medical pregnancy center. She loves all things having to do with nature and the outdoors and can be seen often photographing wildlife at nearby parks.
Disclaimer: This was recorded before the social distancing guidelines from the CDC came into effect. The last several minutes talk about the benefits of physical connection with one another (#wearebettertogether). We are abiding by the CDC guidelines and suggest you do the same. However, once this is lifted, please be sure to gather again! Blessings!
Join Mikel & Toni as they encourage us into peace and talk about the prayer initiative we are launching March 22nd and we need your help! The Bible has a lot to say about peace, from Romans 16:20 where we see the God of Peace crushing Satan under our feet to the sweet words of Jesus, "Peace I leave you, My peace I give...for I have overcome the world." Even in uncertain times we can have peace. We pray your faith Is encouraged and your atmosphere becomes even more saturated with peace as you listen.
During this season of uncertainty in this world, we're pleased to have David Nekrutman on the pod with us today. He joins us from Israel today with a word of encouragement and hope, bringing us a fuller understanding of Psalm 91. He's the Executive Director of the CJCUC in Israel (the Center for Jewish-Christian Understanding and Cooperation). In 2018, he became the first orthodox Jewish person in history to graduate from a Spirit-filled university. He graduated from Oral Roberts University with a Masters in Biblical Literature. We pray that you'll be filled with peace, hope, and purpose as you listen to today's podcast.
https://www.cjcuc.org/
http://morningdrivebible.com/ (David's podcast)
About David Nekrutman
The weekly Bible commentator for FrontPage Jerusalem’s Bible on the Go segment as well as a blogger for both Charisma and Times of Israel, David Nekrutman currently serves as the Executive Director for The Center for Jewish-Christian Understanding & Cooperation (CJCUC) in Jerusalem, Israel. In this capacity, Mr. Nekrutman is breaking new ground in leading the first ever Orthodox Jewish institution to dialogue with Christians on a religious and theological basis. He also launched the Day to Praise in 2015, creating a global movement of Christians joining Jews on Israel’s Independence Day to recite Psalms 113-118 (Hallel). Prior to his work with CJCUC, Mr. Nekrutman served as the Director of Christian Affairs for the Consulate General of Israel in New York. He was instrumental in the successful launching of The Day of Prayer for the Peace of Jerusalem, The Israel Experience, The Christian Jerusalem Day Banquet, and The Watchman on the Wall program with Reverend Robert Stearns of Eagles Wings, resulting in millions of Christians praying & supporting Israel and the Jewish people. Prior to his calling in the field of Jewish-Christian relations, Mr. Nekrutman’s professional career ranged from working for the City Council of New York as a Legislative Analyst to e-marketing for a major high tech company in Israel. He received a Bachelors of Arts in Forensic Psychology from John Jay College of Criminal Justice and a Masters in Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania. In 2013, Mr. Nekrutman was accepted into Oral Roberts University’s Theology program, taking a Masters of Arts in Biblical Literature with a concentration in Judaic-Christian Studies. He thesis work is in the Hebraic Roots of the Holy Spirit. Mr. Nekrutman resides in Netanya with his wife and three sons.
In these uncertain times as we watch what's unfolding all around us, Mikel & Toni wanted to take a moment and share their thoughts on faith, fear, peace and what's going on. With all of the unknowns everywhere we look, we need to rest In what we do know. God Is good. He Is faithful. And He won't leave us. We are praying for you that His peace will saturate your heart and mind.
We loved connecting with Bishop David and Pastor Kathie Thomas, our spiritual Dad and Mom. We talk about all the things (well maybe not ALL the things - this podcast Is only 30 minutes long). "We've found since we were birthed in a move of God, birthed in revival, we've never been able to be satisfied with just plain church."
They have so much to share. They've been the leaders of Victory Christian Center for over 40 years (we're one church with eight locations) and they've been married for 48 years, there's so much wisdom packed into these 44 minutes. They share about things like giving God your yes and what that looks like, marriage, endurance, and what to do when you feel isolated. They open up about when they wanted to quit and what made them stay.
There are so many nuggets of hope and encouragement In this podcast and we just know it will strengthen your faith while making you laugh and cry all at the same time. Get ready to love them as much as we do! #wearebettertogether
Welcome to the Better Together Sisterhood podcast! We're so excited for you to meet Toni Lagaras today, the heart behind the podcast. She's a pastor’s wife, mom to 3 kiddos, director to our ladies group Sisterhood, and writer at her blog tea with toni (teawithtoni.com). We had so much fun talking today about all the things - her story, her thoughts on prayer and walking with God, and her thoughts on what this year could hold. Thanks for hanging out with us today, and don't forget - we are better together!