A Frayed Knot

Can you imagine being 20 years old and already having been burned in a fire, as well as having a rare neurological issue? That is what happened to our friend, Addison Hudler. She has overcome so many difficult situations, and is still standing strong in her faith. Addison is currently a junior at Ouachita Baptist University. You may remember her mother, Amber Hudler, was on our first episode, and also our guest for Episode #126. In that first episode, Amber also discussed some of the topics we talk about with Addison, but now you will hear from the daughter's perspective. These episodes go well together. Addison was only 7 years old when there was an accident during a bonfire that caused 2nd degree burns on her face and hand. She was 12 when she started to develop strange symptoms that sent her to many doctors and hospitals, with no answers for a long while. They did finally get answers and treatment, but not without continued work. There is a quote from Jeremy Freeman which Addison likes to quote. It is this: "Sometimes God gets the most glory when someone is healed on earth. Sometimes God gets the most glory when someone is healed in heaven, and sometimes God gets the most glory when someone spends a lifetime enduring." Recommended Resource: Firm Foundation, song by Chandler Moore and Cody Carnes #afrayedknotpodcast #burn #pandas #purpose

Jessica Callahan has such a fascinating story! When she was five years old, her father was arrested and imprisoned. During his incarceration, he learned about Jesus and gave his life to the Lord. This changed the whole trajectory of his life! Jessica and I (Jill) met while serving at God Behind Bars, a ministry that goes into prisons to share the gospel with those behind bars. When I heard her story of why she serves, I knew we needed to have her tell her story. She also helps lead worship once a month when going into the prison. Jessica joined the Navy and served for 12 years. She is very adventurous and tells us about her love for skydiving which she has been doing since 2008. She is a go-getter and loves being in the air! The main thing she shares today is about overcoming a dependence on alcohol. This was a tough journey as she began to realize she was using it to cope and to self-medicate. There was pain she was numbing and needed to finally come to grips with. It forced her to become humble and search for help. Though not an easy road, she is now 861 days sober! You are going to love her and her story! This Naked Mind, Control Alcohol by Annie Grace #afrayedknotpodcast #alcoholism #fearofchange #skydiving #GBB

This is such an amazing story!! Jessica Thompson lives in Colorado Springs. She is married to Thomas and they have four kids. Jessica is a Regional Vice President with Arbonne. Her husband is an Executive Coach and an advisor to the mayor. Jessica tells us an incredible story about a woman she met in Rwanda. They created a bond that has travelled countries and sustained years. Gaudence made such an impact on her that she got a message from God to go back to Rwanda and find her! You will not believe the twists and turns in this journey. She tells us to feel the fear, and do what God says anyway! This shows how much God sees us and will use us, when we let Him, to change the world! Ephesians 3:19-20 Purpose Driven Life- Rick Warren #afrayedknotpodcast #reconciliation #Rwanda #forgiveness

Kelley La Marr is the sweetest! She is the Ministry Assistant for the Preschool Ministry at First Baptist Church of Owasso. She loves serving the staff and the little ones. She is a great addition to the ministry! Kelley was adopted as a child and raised with a wonderful family. She grew up, married the love of her life, Rocky, and had two children. Then in 2016 she had the joy of meeting eight out of her twelve blood-related brothers and sisters! However, 2016 ended up being a rough year for her. Four months after her joyous reunion with her birth family, her husband suddenly passed away. They had been married for 32 years and had built a wonderful life together. She also had several other close relatives pass away soon after that in a very short amount of time. It was grief upon grief. Yet, she carried on. Kelley talks about grief and what happens when it is pushed down, eventually it has to show. She also discusses how she took care of others and provided a place of respite for others during this difficult time. She is an example of love and keeping open hands. She encourages all of us to minister to the one person that God places in your life each day, however small that may appear. It is not small to God. A Frayed Knot, Meredith Wade Episode, #132 Psalm 143 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 Exodus 15:26 Isaiah 57 Ruth Myers books: 31 Days of Praise 31 Days of Prayer 31 Days of Experiencing God's Love The Satisfied Heart Ed Young book: Path through Pain #afrayedknotpodcast #grief #hospitality #ministrytotheone

Hunter Wadlington is the Director of Programs at the Mission Community Resource Center in Owasso. She is so vital to helping those in need with resources and has added so much to the program. Her road to getting there is part of what we talk about. Sometimes our roads are not linear and we don't know where they will end up. Hunter and her husband, Christien, have been married for a little over two years. They met in their freshman year of high school and stayed best friends for ten years before realizing they were meant for each other! They are an amazing couple who help serve their community in Tulsa, OK. Hunter is originally from Virginia and her story of getting to Oklahoma is interesting with lots of turns. God had a plan the whole time, from the degree she wasn't sure what to do with, to her reluctance in moving to Owasso. Hunter's story encourages us to simply say "yes" to God. Esther 4:14 Colossians 1:17 #afrayedknotpodcast #journey #suchatimeasthis #theMission #Frozen2

Where do we start with this guest? She has been a pillar of strength and an example of love and grace. We are so in awe of her and excited for you to hear her story of redemption. Jennifer Beardslee is a dear friend to both of us! She and her husband, Bobby, have been married for 10 months. She has three amazing kids and one daughter-in-law: Camden and his wife, Maddie, Ryleigh and Valerie. In 2016 her life was hit with several bombs. In March, her very young nephew passed away. In June, she found out her marriage was in trouble, and she tried with all her strength to work it out for several months before he left. In March of 2017 she got the “pink letter” and found out she had breast cancer. To say this woman has been through it is an understatement. Her story doesn't end there! She tells us the scars are always there, but they fade. We talk about being refined in the fire. He has restored what the locusts had stolen! Psalm 91 Daniel 3:19-27 Ephesians 2:20-21 Matthew 7 Isaiah 43:18-19 Proverbs 3:5-6 Forgiving What a you Can't Forget- Lysa TerKeurst King of the World- Natalie Grant Goodness of God- CeCe Winans #afrayedknotpodcast #divorce #cancer #grief #restored #fieryfurnace

Rhonda McAlister and her husband, Jon, have been married for 35 years and have three sons, three daughters-in-law, three grandsons, and one granddaughter! She is a Pediatric Physical Therapist and works within schools to help students with special needs. She has a lot of style and can decorate a room like no other. Rhonda was adopted as a baby and tells us her story about what it was like to find out that she was adopted at five years of age. She grew up with amazing parents whom she loves dearly, and for whom she is extremely grateful. She feels so blessed. They were supportive of her and made her feel special. Through all of this, she was still interested in meeting her birth mother, to thank her for giving her life and to find out if she knew Christ. Her mother also used to say she wanted to meet her to thank her. She got this chance through Ancestry.com when one of Rhonda's sons decided to try it. It became an amazing story that you can hear today. Psalm 139 Matthew 22:3 No Longer a Slave- Bethel Music The Goodness of God- Bethel Music Wayne and Gloria Yeckley, A Frayed Knot, Episode # 113 Kaitlyn McAlister, A Frayed Knot, Episode #24 #afrayedknotpodcast #adoption #allaboutHim

Katelyn McCormick is a joy to be around! She's bubbly and kind with a beautiful singing voice. She loves Jesus and you can see it all over her! Katelyn and her husband, Noah, have been married for eleven years. They have two children and were high school sweethearts. Noah is the Student Minister at Central Baptist Church in Owasso, and Katelyn has her own cookie shop, Cookie Joy Co. (By the way, we highly recommend her delicious and beautifully-decorated sugar cookies!) Today, Katelyn shares about going through self-esteem issues and depression while she was growing up; she also shares about her struggles with postpartum anxiety. It's a situation with which we can all relate. Depression and anxiety affects most of us at some point. Even as believers in Christ, we still have an enemy that tries to bring us down. We can look to Jesus for our peace. I Believe- by Phil Wickham Quiet- by Hillsong Genesis 16 #afrayedknotpodcast #depression #selfesteem #panic/anxiety #cookiejoyco

Meredith Wade and her husband, Andrew, have been married for thirteen years and have three children. Andrew is the Student Minister at FBC Owasso and Meredith is busy homeschooling. Their road to this part of their journey has not always been easy, however. Meredith shares a painful time when they had tried to have a second child for several years and then miscarried. We talk about things to say and not to say to people who are going through things, or when we don't understand their timeline. Sometimes we say things meaning no harm, but those comments actually can be hurtful. Meredith shares her story with honesty and vulnerability. Recommended Resources: I Am Not Alone-Kari Jobe Glory Baby- Christy Nockels God, I Look to You-Bethel Psalm 23:6 Matthew 6:25-27 #afrayedknotpodcast #miscarriage #infertility

Imagine living in a place you love, in a community you adore, when you are told suddenly one day you can't live there anymore. You are ushered out in a matter of days. That is what happened to Melissa Robinson and her family when they were working as field workers for a sending organization on a small island. The new government decided they were no longer welcome. Chris and Melissa Robinson and their three boys now live and work in Latvia. It is an interesting, exciting place that we don't often hear about in the USA. Melissa has used her gift of playing guitar and singing Latvian music to invite their community members to attend house music concerts in their home. She shares the gospel in song and finds open doors for sharing Christ through music. She also volunteers for Lighthouse Latvia- an organization that cares for people who have aged out of their school system. Additionally, Melissa and two of her friends have collaborated to create a podcast together called "It's Tea Time Somewhere". The Robinson family has a story of faithfulness even when questioning what is happening. It's very applicable to all of us. #afrayedknotpodcast #itsteatimesomewherepodcast #latvia #questioning #trustHim

Happy 2024! We are so excited to start this new year with you all. We are ready to see what stories God will bring to us! We are beginning this year with Niki White. Niki's story has many turns in it and God has carried her through a lot. She has been through divorce, domestic violence, and the loss of a child. Even still, she tells us that fear is a tool of the enemy. Niki is in a blended family and has four children. She works for Tulsa Tech teaching Medical Assisting and Phlebotomy. She is also a scuba instructor! Niki sings at Victory Christian Church and has trusted Jesus through all of life. Niki shared her story with honesty. She tells us, "You don't have to understand; His ways are higher." We are honored to have her share with us. Psalm 64:2,5,8 Luke 8:41-56 13-Part Series: "Fear," by Keith Moore Flcbranson.org #afrayedknotpodcast #grief #lossofchild #domesticviolence #dvis

This story today is so precious! We are excited to welcome Lori Beth Fowble! Lori Beth is married to Arin and, between them, they have four children. Lori Beth teaches us what it means to have the audacity to hope again! After going through a devastating divorce that rocked her world, she eventually reconnected with an old friend who helped spark that hope. She shares her heart openly and is vulnerable about not wanting to walk through this pain, but understanding that Jesus also had to walk through pain He didn't necessarily want to walk through. If God never wastes our pain, then we shouldn't either. She is a great example of "holding the lantern" for others going through similar burdens in which we can use our experiences to help. You don't always move on from things, but you move forward. You are going to be encouraged by her words. Genesis 50:20 Hebrews 4:15 Defender- by Upperroom Living Hope- by Bethany Wohrle #afrayedknotpodcast #blendedfamily #divorce #holdingthelantern #Godrestoresthings

April Brown and her family have spent many years reaching people overseas for the gospel! They spent a lot of time in the Czech Republic before moving to Italy. April and her husband, Steve, have been married for 25 years and have four kids, and they are missionaries with the International Mission Board. A few of their children are attending college in the United States. Imagine being in another country and getting a call that one of them was in a horrible car accident in California. That is what happened to them. They had to really trust that God was in control, no matter what. This story has a happy ending and there were wonderful people who stepped in to help their daughter until they could get there. The way these events took place is truly miraculous; their daughter Chloe was covered in protection. April tells us that God is faithful, always, even in the valleys. Isaiah 64:4 Isaiah 41:10, 13 W3: Women, Worldview, and the Word by Iva G. May #afrayedknotpodcast #missions #caraccident #trustinGod

We have been up and running on this show for five years now, and this is our official 5th anniversary episode! To commemorate this, we invited two very special guests (for the third time), Chris Wall and Shaun McCormick! [We have a lively debate over how many times they have appeared on our show, and guess who was right?! :) ]. Friends, I don't even know what to say about this episode! We are all over the place, but it was a good time. We have a lot of discussion about raising adult children and being empty nesters, as well as the importance of cultivating marriage and still pursuing our kid's hearts. Psalm 119:105 Matthew 6 #afrayedknotpodcast #embracethemadness #emptynest #marriage

It's been five years, y'all, so who better to talk to than our very first guest, Amber Hudler! She's such a joy to talk to, and she shares so much wisdom. We laughed and cried together in this conversation! Amber has been married to her husband, Matt, for 21 years, and they have three kids. She is the Children's Minister for First Baptist Church of Owasso and does a phenomenal job! She has a heart for meeting people where they are and sharing the love of Christ with them. This episode is so full of information and wise counsel. She will share what got her into ministry, and the things she has learned on her journey. You will love her! Acts 4 Matthew 10 It's Always Been You- Phil Wickham Wait on You- Elevation Worship and Maverick City #afrayedknotpodcast #ministry #takingthenextstep #obedience

Addiction is a difficult road for those in it and those around it. This reality is something with which Misti Marley is very familiar. Addiction greatly affects everyone involved. Misti has been married to her husband for 23 years. They have three boys, and both of them work for Rejoice Schools. They are dedicated to their family and their students. When Misti was growing up, her mother began struggling with addiction issues that she hid from Misti until her teen years. Her mother's addiction took them both down a path they did not see coming. After many rehabs and “two steps forward, one step backward”, her mother is currently sober, doing well, and they have a strong bond as mother and daughter. Misti shares a lot of information for those in the heartbreaking grip of addiction and for those who love them. 2 Timothy 1:7 Philippians 4:4-7 Romans 15:13 #afrayedknotpodcast #addiction #codependency #FindingHopeOrganization #HopeisAlive

Amber Sander has a beautiful family with three children. She and her husband, Joe, have been married for twelve years. They are raising Evelyn, Dahl, and Sylvia. Sylvia was born with a rare complication of having no arms and short femurs of different lengths. This was discovered during ultrasounds and created some anxiety of what life would look like for her. However, Sylvia is a beautiful and creative almost-five-year-old now! She is thriving with help from The Little Lighthouse School and much support from her family. Amber says it is our job as parents to nurture the mind, heart, and soul of our children. This conversation is a great reminder of God's sovereignty in every situation, and how sweet it is to trust in Him no matter what. You will love hearing her story! #afrayedknotpodcast #nurture #parenting

To know Jenny Tooley is to love her! Jenny is one of the funniest, most genuine people you will ever meet. She is full of laughter and always up for a good dress-up theme day. She is the ultimate youth worker! Jenny and John have three children: Cody, Kyle, and Lindsey. When Lindsey was in high school, she had a strange thing happen physically. She started limping and having pains that did not have an explanation. After several doctor and specialist visits, they finally realized she had CIDP, an autoimmune disease. Lindsey went through a lot of turmoil throughout the rest of her high school years often having to get IVIG blood treatments. However, they had many "God-experiences" in this journey, including a visit from possible angels! The story you'll hear in this episode reminds us that our help comes from the Lord, especially in seasons of trouble and trial. God is good, all the time. Deuteronomy 31:8 Proverbs 3:27 Exodus 14:14 Psalm 46:10 Psalm 121 Isaiah 41:10 Mercy Me- "Even If" #afrayedknotpodcast #CIPD #TribeofFriends #EvenIf

Tammy Jensen and her husband, John, have been married for 29 years and were high school sweethearts. They have been through lots of ups and downs together. They have three children, Mac, Malcom, and Hannah. Their daughter, Hannah, has a special story. She was diagnosed with both Wolf Hirschhorn Syndrome and Dandy Walker Syndrome. These syndromes caused her to have needs that will require care throughout her lifetime. Hannah is an absolute joy to be around! She is involved in special needs cheer, track, and dance, and she even has her own TikTok channel! The Jensen Family motto is "Live like Hannah," because she is not afraid to try anything and she is filled with joy. On top of meeting all of Hannah's needs, Tammy's mom is in Memory Care and her dad has Parkinson's and lives with them. She is in that sandwich generation which includes taking care of children and parents at the same time. All through Tammy's story, you can hear how God has weaved joy into sorrow, and a beautiful purpose along the way. It is not always easy, but they know whose hands they are in. You will love the heart of this family! Psalm 139 LiveLikeHannah #afraidknotpodcast #livelikehannah #fearfullyandwonderfullymade #sandwichgeneration #specialneeds

Welcome back to our show! We are so excited to be back after taking a summer break! We have some amazing stories to share with all of you. Our first show this season is very special. Amy Davis, a longtime friend of both of us, joins us on our show today. Her story is full of both heartbreak and patient love; it is so inspiring and full of twists and turns. Amy's story sometimes seems like a novel. Amy grew up in OKC with her mom and step-dad. She was told many things about her birth father which led her to believe she would never get to know him. That all changed one day when he reached out to her while she was an adult. He explained the situation in a whole new light. Their story of reconnection and reconciliation is so beautiful, and could only be explained because of a Heavenly Father who has always been looking out for her and writing her story. You will love the grace and love that comes through in this powerful conversation! #afrayedknotpodcast #reconciliation #friends #family #nevergiveuphope #Psalm46:10BestillandknowthatIamGod

Adopting a child from another country is a daunting journey in itself; add to that the child has significant special needs, and he is from a war-torn country. Anita Wyatt and her husband did just that. Already parents to five biological children of their own, they realized they were being called by God to bring home a little boy from Ukraine. Anita and her husband, Wayne, have been married for almost 25 years and have 6 kids between the ages of 13 and 22. In July of 2012, they went to Ukraine to adopt their child who was there. The story of how they heard about him, the timing involved, and the signs along the way are amazing! You will also get to hear about how they got into contact with Xander's (Sasha's) birthmother and what a blessing and extraordinary experience that turned out to be for all of them. Anita tells us that they have learned to find joy in serving someone else, to find humor in unexpected places, and to trust God in each next step of obedience. #afrayedknotpodcast #Ukraine #adoption #prayformaksim #A Story Unfinished: 99 Days with Eliot, by Matt Mooney

Kelly King has spent her life working in ministry. We have both benefited from her ministry and have been on the front row to experience her leadership! Growing up at Council Road Baptist Church in Oklahoma City with her as a youth leader was awesome. Kelly now lives in the Nashville area with her husband, Vic. They have been married for 35 years and have two grown kids. She works for Lifeway Ministries, training women in leadership and ministry, and working with the ministry magazines along with having her own podcast, The Marked Podcast. We talk today about going through the Refiner's fire. To be like Christ, we, too, will have to walk through some suffering. Kelly experienced this when her husband had some debilitating eye struggles and had to have surgeries. It threw him into clinical depression so strong she was not sure at times if their marriage would survive it. Depression is hard and awful for the person in it, but also for those around them. She shares honestly and openly about the realness of all of it, and she invites us to hear her heart in the matter. Kelly inspires us to say a simple and powerful yes to the Lord. Ephesians 6 Psalm 42:1 Jesus and Gender, by Elyse Fitzpatrick and Eric Schmacher Worthy, by Elyse Fitzpatrick and Eric Schmacher Jesus through the Eyes of Women, by Rebecca McLaughlin Devoted Bible Study The Marked Podcast #afrayedknotpodcast #lifeway #depression #thesimpleyes

Tracie Webster has two amazing kids. One of those is her daughter, Ciara, who shared her story with us on Episode #110 of A Frayed Knot. You can hear her story there. Her younger child, her son Tanner, we will talk about today. Tracie shares with us that Tanner was born with Transposition of the Great Arteries, VSD, ASD, and Pulmonary Stenosis; he basically had four major heart defects which were unknown until he was born. He had to have a series of surgeries, the first being when he was about 6 months old, which lasted 14 hours! Add to that, she and her husband, Darby, had just moved out of state and had 5-year-old Ciara at the time, too! Tracie shares today that she feels she is the narrator of the story God wrote for their family. This has been a lot for them, and especially forTanner, to carry through their lives, but they've done it with such grace and faith. It is inspiring! Tracie tells us that God's plan always prevails, and He is always with us...even on a cold floor of a hospital bathroom. Deuteronomy 31:6 Psalm 139 #afrayedknotpodcast #congenitalheartdisease #airembolism #timestop

Vanessa Kehl tells us a very brave story about a difficult time in her youth that affected her for a very long time. Vanessa has been married to her husband, Andy, for 39 years. They have a daughter, Rachel. She is an accountant for a wheelchair company. At 17 years of age, Vanessa found out she was pregnant. Her circumstances caused her a great deal of fear, and she secretly chose toend that pregnancy. This decision would haunt her for the next 20 years. After high school, she joined a community theatre group that was performing "Godspell." Because of the story of that musical and the other Christians in the company, she came to know the real Jesus! This was life changing! She met her husband soon after that and they spent many years serving together in the Baptist Children's Home. Vanessa has experienced the freedom of God's forgiveness and she has learned how to finally forgive herself and find peace and redemption in Christ. She has also volunteered at the Hope Pregnancy Center and helped others going through circumstances similar to her own teenage experiences. Search for Significance by Robert S. McGee 1 John 1:9 2 Corinthians 7:10 thinkimpregnant.org-Hope Pregnancy Center Find a Pregnancy Center in your Area | Care Net Pregnancy Centers #afrayedknotpodcast #hopepregnancy #abortion #forgiveness #secrets

Y'all, I don't even know where to begin on the notes for this episode! So much good information; you will want to take notes! We both took about 4-5 pages of notes in this fascinating conversation. Dr. Barbara Sorrels is a childhood trauma expert that we both heard in our teaching seminars; we were so excited that she agreed to chat with us on the podcast. She grew up in Washington, D.C. and began working in hospitals with children who had experienced trauma, and she knew this would be her mission. Dr. Sorrels writes books and trains others about how to recognize and deal with children who have experienced woundings that affected them deeply. Dr. Sorrels is a wife, mom, and grandmother. Her husband had a terrible accident while on a short-term mission trip to Africa that left him paralyzed. This happened while they were dating, and she has spent her life loving and caring for him. Her own experiences have shaped her faith and commitment to Christ and given her a deeper understanding of those she works with. She tells us the difference between trauma and severe stress, how to help regulate babies who have experienced trauma, and strategies for working with others. We also talk about ACES, what this tool is, what it means if you have an ACE Score, and how to have protective factors. Dr. Sorrels told us that Jesus is the #1 protective factor available to us. We learned that people with strong faith come back with hope, and having a sense of purpose helps us get through. Recommended Resources: Reaching and Teaching Children Exposed to Trauma, by Dr. Sorrels Ready or Not, Here Comes School, by Dr. Sorrels What Happened to You?, by Dr. Bruce Perry connectedkids.org Nurturing the Heart of a Child podcast #afrayedknotpodcast #aces #childhoodtrauma #doover

If you've been to Church on the Move, you've probably seen Priscilla Shields. She has been on staff there since 2006 in a variety of roles! She's been on the ministry side of it since 2019. Priscilla has been married to her husband, Mike, for 25 years and has two children, Brooklyn and Brayden. She is Korean/Italian and grew up with a single mother. Her father left when she was very young, and this became the beginning of trauma that would not come to a head until the age of 41, when she experienced some covered feelings of anger and pain. She says, "The hardness of the soil began to break up," and she final met "the real Jesus". Priscilla teaches us that we need to decide if we really trust that God is good. When we are exhausted and burned out, even from doing good things, it can suppress the gifts we've been given. We become enslaved to the pressures of the ordinary. Are you experiencing burnout, or maybe pain and anger about your situation? Either way, this is one you will not want to miss! Recommended Resources: Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis Isaiah 2:8 #afrayedknotpodcast #gifts #striving #burnout

To know Shay Gibbons is to love Shay Gibbons. Shay is a 21-year-old, spunky, talented girl with a beautiful voice and a heart for worship! Her story is woven with showings of God's presence, even in the midst of trauma. Shay was born to parents who were both addicted to meth. She lived in Arizona with her dad for most of her childhood, until her grandparents intervened and brought her to Oklahoma. They saw the at-risk situation in which she was living, and they pulled her out of it, providing stability and a godly home for her. Shay talks with us about having an addictive personality; she became addicted to pornography in middle school, and to alcohol and marijuana in high school. She was looking for love and purpose in all the wrong things...until she met Jesus. You will love her passion for the Lord, and how He is using her in interesting and great ways! Recommended Resources: 2 Corinthians 5:17 Goodness of God, by Bethel Always Good, by Bethel Forever Yahweh, by Elevation So We May, band Audacity The Gathering Books: Sex, Jesus, and the Conversations the Church Forgot, by Mo Isom If You Only Knew, by Jamie Ivey

Gloria and Wayne Yeckley are about the most precious couple you could imagine! They have been married for 58 years and have a lot of wisdom to share. Their faithfulness to God and to each other is inspiring. Wayne and Gloria experienced a year of turmoil when a numerous amount of tragedies struck them all within three months' time. It was a season of great sadness and stress, but they trusted their Heavenly Father to sustain them, and He did! They tell us that when you don't have Jesus, you won't have peace; also, they encourage us to never fear the next season. They are a great example of experiencing seasons and handling the things that life has thrown their way. From fostering children to dealing with illnesses, they continue to hang onto Jesus. Leviticus 25, The Year of Jubilee Isaiah 40:31 Jeremiah 29:11 Ephesians 5:26 #afrayedknotpodcast #livinginseasons #yearofjubilee #trustHislove #marriage

Happy Valentine's Day week! We are so thankful for all of you and for your listening to our show! On today's episode, we are talking to Paul and Margaret Purifoy! Paul and Margaret are the parents of our very own Robin Wall. They have been married for almost 52 years, so we thought they would be good to talk to about making a marriage work. Paul and Margaret had a “frayed knot” when they were faced with the difficult decision of a next step for Margaret's mother, after she was widowed with Alzheimer's disease. They decided to take her in, and take care of her themselves; this was actually Paul's idea! This is the most precious couple and they share so much wisdom with us from their journey of a long and happy life together. Through the ups and downs of life they have managed to stay close to the Lord and close to each other. You will love listening to them and get so much out of it. Listen in. Recommended Resources: The 36 Hour Day, by Nancy L. Mace and Peter V. Rabins Matthew 11:28 #afrayedknotpodcast #dementia #marriedlife

If you don't know Jennifer Holloway, you are missing out! Jennifer is the Assistant Principal for Northeast Elementary in Owasso Public Schools. She is also the mother of two girls and the wife of Jake Holloway. You will get to hear their beautiful love story in this episode. Jennifer's first job as a principal was not what she expected. It was one of the most difficult years of her life, with experiences she could write a whole book about! The things she experienced, along with being in a new place in a new season of life, sent her into a dark depression. She was overwhelmed to a breaking point. With her natural humor and wit, she will walk us through how she made it through that, what she learned, and how God showed her to lean on her faith to get her out of the desert. #afrayedknotpodcast #depression #principal #education

Ciara Webster shares her heart and her story in this week's episode. Ciara is a Kindergarten teacher in her 20s and is such a joy to be around! She has the best smile and sweetest way about her; we are sure these qualities contribute to her being an amazing teacher! Ciara was just six weeks away from a wedding when she leaned into what the Lord had been prompting her to do; she called off the wedding. It was the heartbreak of a broken dream and the hardest thing she's ever had to do. She had been dreaming for a long time of living with her future husband and children in a house with a white picket fence. She was at the point of watching her friends have their weddings, showers, and baby announcements. She teaches us that comparison is the thief of joy and that God's plans are more beautiful than all of our disappointments. His plans are so much greater and bigger than we could ever imagine, especially when we are in the middle of something we just don't understand. Through this trial, she also learned that serving brings healing to the soul and that God really will give us His peace that passes understanding! Recommended Resources: A Path to Redeeming Love: A Devotional by Francine Rivers Song-Show Me Where You Were, by Laney Rene Psalm 38:8-9 Psalm 37:4 #afrayedknotpodcast #brokenengagement #serving #comparison #Hismercies

Our guest today is Kim Jones Morrison. She is married to her college sweetheart, Randy, and they have four kids. She is in charge of Enrollment and Admissions of Live Oak Classical School in Waco, TX. She also lives with an uninvited and unwelcome guest: Parkinsons disease. Kim's journey with Parkinson's began in 2009 with a pain in her shoulder and many doctor visits which resulted in hearing many times, "We don't know." A gauntlet of many tests and surgeries were to follow. Finally, getting her answer was a "gut punch;" it was something Kim never expected. Kim has had many treatments since and is still journeying on this difficult road. Her focus, however, has been on her Lord. She has experienced a sweetness in her intimacy with Him; she has heard Him telling her that He is here, and He is for her. She says, "So many Christians don't know how much Jesus loves them." You will love her heart! Psalm 86 Prayer in the Night, Practice of Prayer by Tish Harrison Warren #afrayedknotpodcast #parkinsons #Heisenough #medicalquestions

Our special guest today is Elizabeth Boss. She and her husband Jacob have been missionaries for the International Mission Board since 2008. Their family has served in both Asia and Europe. She also grew up as a PK (that's a Pastor's Kid, for all non-PKers out there!). She has loved Jesus since her earliest memories, and she has desired to follow Him all her life. All of those sincere and true characteristics, however, did not keep her from experiencing panic attacks and crippling anxiety. She had her first attack while back in the States dealing with a family crisis. They eventually had to take an extended furlough while she got the help she needed. Her story is an example of God's amazing grace and healing, and will touch your heart. Elizabeth says obedience is saying yes to anytime, anywhere when God gives you something to pursue. Being in ministry does not keep those in it from experiencing pain, depression, anxiety, confusion, and questioning. We need to continually pray for the ones "in the field." We are to bring everything to Christ and release it. You'll love Elizabeth and be blessed to hear her story. #afrayedknotpodcast #depression #anxiety #panicattack #missionary

Cheryl Bates is here with us for a second time! If you know her, you love her. You can hear more of her story on Episode 25 of A Frayed Knot. It's a good one! Today, Cheryl is going to share with us the difficult journey her family went through when her son started having heart issues in the 8th grade. This was not something they would ever foresee coming with their athletic boy. Her son, Nathan, has had to endure a very complicated and twisting journey during this health crisis. Cheryl and her families' perseverance and absolute trust in God is inspiring! That is not to say they have not had their own questions, confusions, and continual crying out to Him. However, they have worked to keep their eyes on Him and his love for them throughout the journey. Recommended Songs Even When- by Eric Wall Even If- by Mercy Me Eye of the Storm- by Ryan Stevenson Thy Will- by Hillary Scott Good God Almighty- by David Crowder Romans 15:13 Psalm 86:15 #afrayedknotpodcast #SVT #fracturedback #postcovidsyndrome #autoimmune #carwreck

Chelsey Fulton has a lot of responsibilities! She is a minister's wife, mother of four children under the age of five, (two girls and twin two-year-old boys), and a Pre-K teacher. Definitely a full plate! She and her husband, Brennan, were high school sweethearts and have the sweetest love story. Chelsey shares candidly in this episode about how she suffered with postpartum depression in 2019; this caused her to deal with some perfectionistic dealings in her own life. Chelsey talks honestly about medication, therapy, and setting healthy boundaries with herself and others. She is open with us about the ongoing journey of healing, which is so helpful and refreshing. This is an authentic conversation about depression and seeking help in a world where that may feel unsettling. You are going to get a lot of encouragement from Chelsey's story. Recommended Resources: Isaiah 54:10 The Body Keeps the Score #afrayedknotpodcast #postpartum #depression #boundaries

What if your husband was a successful banker at the top of his game and on "one last run" had a traumatic snow skiing accident? When this happened to Bren Brown's husband, Mike, they made a decision together to make a total shift in life, which shocked everyone. Bren and her husband, Mike, have boy and girl twins who recently turned 21. The couple started their business, Frontier Justice, in 2015 and have been on a roller coaster journey ever since then of saying scary "yes"-es to what God calls them to do. It's been full of excitement and challenges, but so rewarding! You are going to love this family, and their story of trusting and obeying God! Recommended Resources: Frontier-justice.com A Case for Christ by Lee Strobel Armor of God by Priscilla Shirer #afrayedknotpodcast #frontierjustice #sayyes #faithfamilyfreedom

LaShane Hill is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and Director of OBU's Kemp Marriage Family Therapy Program and a member of a group practice providing care through her private practice. She has spent 25 years in ministry and has devoted her life to helping others work through their trauma. Y'all, I literally cried through half of this episode. LaShane has had to work through her own personal trauma. As a child, she was raised in a home with enormous violence and witnessed a horrible fight between her parents. Trigger warning, this episode does contain talk of domestic abuse. After her parents' divorce and moving away from her father, she struggled with significant depression. However, she had a praying grandmother. Dealing with all of life's traumas caused LaShane to have bouts of depression and suicidal ideations. We do talk about this as well, and how as she got closer to Jesus and deeper in her faith, it started to worsen. She did not understand at the time that this was a spiritual attack. You will hear a major turning point from an ultimatum that became truly life-altering. This is one not to miss! Recommended Resources: Precious Lord, Take My Hand (hymn) 1 Samuel 7:12 Psalm 34:18 #afrayedknotpodcast #gardenmoments #memorialstone #domesticviolence #suicidalthoughts #depression

LaShane Hill is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and she is one of the Bison Family Therapy Institute staff members at Oklahoma Baptist University. She has spent 25 years in ministry and has devoted her life to helping others work through their trauma. Y'all, I literally cried through half of this episode. LaShane has had to work through her own personal trauma. As a child, she was raised in a home with enormous violence and witnessed a horrible attack on her mother by the hands of her father. Trigger warning, this episode does contain talk of domestic abuse. After her parents' divorce and moving away from her father, she then suffered much abuse at the hands of her mother. However, she had a grandmother who she went to who would pray over all the children and she could stay there after family fights. Dealing with all of this caused LaShane to have bouts of depression and suicidal ideations. We do talk about this as well, and how as she got closer to Jesus and deeper in her faith, it started to worsen. She did not understand at the time that this was a spiritual attack. You will hear a major turning point from an ultimatum that became truly life-altering. This is one not to miss! Precious Lord, Take My Hand 1 Samuel 7:12 Psalm 34:18 #afrayedknotpodcast #gardenmoments #memorialstone #domesticviolence #suicidalthoughts #depression

Imagine being a minister's kid your whole life and growing up in the church where everyone knows your family. Now imagine that tranquil picture blowing up at 28 years of age when your parents divorce due to an affair. That is what Julie Largent was faced with. Julie shares her journey through this trial in her life, and how God walked her and her family through every step. Julie talks about how her parent's divorce affected her thought processing and even her own marriage. She says that she realized that Jesus is literally all we have. Julie has been married to her husband, Gibson, for 24 years. They have four children and serve in the Pennsylvania area where Gibson is Pastor of Ridgeline Community Church. They have been through a journey dealing with ministry and family trauma and have come out on the other side to help others. Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus Ephesians 6 Psalm 84:5-6 Philippians 3:10 #afrayedknotpodcast #divorce #pk #allwehave #spiritualarmor

An “on the go” kind of girl who loves Jesus, Andrea is a Bible teacher whose life calling is to teach women to know the truth, live the truth, and share the truth. Her passion is honest conversation about the topics that drive our everyday lives, and how we can always weather the storms through the love and power of God and His Word. Andrea is a 2004 graduate of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. She has written and published several books: Reflecting His Glory: From Conformity to Transformation, Free To Thrive: 40 Power-packed Devotions for Women on the Go, On the Road with Ruth, and God in the Window. Andrea hosts a podcast called Inspire on the Go with Andrea Lennon. She also serves as the Women's Ministry Specialist for the Arkansas Baptist State Convention. She is the founder of Andrea Lennon Ministry and lives in Arkansas with her husband, Jay and two sons, Jake and Andrew. Connect with Andrea at www.andrealennonministry.org Romans 12:2 Romans 15:13 #afrayedknotpodcast #Godinthewindow #adoption #dyslexia #purposetopain

If you are in the Oklahoma City area, you know Robin Marsh! Robin Marsh Stowers is a News Anchor for Channel 9. She has been doing the news for over 30 years and is just as beautiful as she has always been! Robin shares with us about going through a very traumatic and devastating divorce. Since that time, however, she has met and married her Boaz! She also walks us through her journey of being a newscaster. We talk about being in the "sandwich" generation of taking care of children and parents. This is one you do not want to miss! Ephesians 4 and 5 Psalm 103 Romans 5:8

Hey, friends, it's our 100th Episode!!!! We are so excited to have reached this mark! We are also very excited to have our guest for today….Christy Nockels! Can you even believe it?!? Christy has been a worship leader, singer, and songwriter for several decades. She also has her own podcast, Glorious in the Mundane. If that's not enough, she has a book she's written called, The Life You Long For, and has a new album close to release. Christy shared with us about her scary season of being faced with hearing loss after a virus. This hearing loss was thought to be permanent; however, God is still the God of miracles! She shares her journey with us today, and we are so thankful for her heart for the Lord and how He has used her gifts for His glory. Christy Nockels Biography: As a worship leader for over 25 years, Christy Nockels would tell you that her heart is to simply lead others to connect and communicate with the living God. Christy began writing music and singing in the church at a young age, as the daughter of a pastor in Oklahoma. She met musician, Nathan Nockels, in 1993 at the Christian Artist Seminar in Estes Park, Colorado and the two married in 1995. The couple would form the Christian music duo, Watermark, touring nationwide and recording five acclaimed albums, including seven number one radio singles from 1998 to 2005, before laying down their Watermark journey for the sake of their family. Christy and Nathan were also among those invited by Louie and Shelley Giglio to be a part of the very first Passion Conference in Austin, TX, in 1997, which flourished into a fruitful twenty years of the couple songwriting and leading for the Passion Movement. Christy's voice and heart can be heard on songs like, “Waiting Here For You,” as well as her songwriting featured on church anthems like, “Lord, I Need You,” and “Healing is in Your Hands.” Christy now records for Keeper's Branch Records, the couple's independent record label, where they've enjoyed releasing fan-favorites like Be Held; Lullabies for the Beloved. Christy also launched a podcast in 2016 called, “The Glorious in the Mundane,” which is intentionally focused on helping women in any season of life, find the wonder and awe of God in the moments of the here and now. Christy and Nathan live in Franklin, TN where they love to gather around the farm table and even make music with their three children, Noah, Elliana and Annie Rose. They also love to spend time making their home, affectionally called Keeper's Branch, a place of rest for all who gather there. Recommended Resources and Songs Referenced: John 15 Abide, by Aaron Williams River of Grace, by Christy Nockels How Big You Are, by Christy Nockels Be Loved, by Christy Nockels By Our Love, by Christy Nockels Robin's Top 22 Favorite Christy Nockels songs: You Are My Stronghold, Waiting for You, Everything, Glory Baby, How Big You Are, Let It Be Jesus, Peace, By Our Love, Everything Is Mine In You, More Than You'll Ever Know, Arise and Be Comforted, My Heart Your Home, Driven to Humility, Where to Find Me, Amaryllis, Carry Your Name, A Grateful People, Incorruptible, Freedom Song, Be Loved, Who Am I, Jesus Rock of Ages #afrayedknotpodcast #100episodes #Abide, #miraculoushealing

Let's talk about some BOSS women in the Bible. Mary and Martha were supporting themselves, they were close friends of Jesus, and He loved them. They both teach us great lessons about servanthood and discipleship. We have so enjoyed this Summer Series! We are also excited for our 100th episode next week! Don't miss it! #afrayedknotpodcast #mary #martha #servant #disciple

The Book of Esther has it all- a murder plot, mystery, revenge, a reversal of fortune, and even…a beauty pageant! Queen Esther had to face some scary situations in how to handle saving her entire people group. She listened to the wisdom of others, prayed and fasted, and did what needed to be done. Mary, the mother of Jesus was a very young girl faced with the decision to say yes to a very scary proposition. She trusted that God's plan was best even if she didn't understand. She knew He is to be trusted and obeyed His voice. Book of Esther Luke 1 #afrayedknotpodcast #queenesther #firstbeautypageant #Maryknew #thehardestyes

Naomi and Ruth are fascinating women. They were two widows on a journey, clinging to one another. Mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, they took care of each other. They loved and respected each other. Ruth adored her mother-in-law so much, she left everything behind to follow her to her hometown and live among her people. The townspeople were so impressed by her that they watched out for her, especially Boaz... This is a story of sorrow and redemption, resilience and hope, and even romance! We see how God provides and is in the details of our story. Even when we don't know where His Light is going to come in, He is there all along and is weaving our story. Trust Him. Book of Ruth #afrayedknotpodcast #Ruth #Naomi #redeemer #provider

Hannah was a faithful woman who trusted God even in the midst of true disappointment and despair. She had a husband who loved her dearly, but a sister-wife who tormented her because she could not have children. She prayed and asked God to fulfill her desires. He had closed her womb and in His perfect timing, He opened it. Her son, Samuel, became a great leader for the Lord. We are going to look at her with a microscope and see what her Frayed Knots created for her. Scarlett, the woman caught in adultery (we decided to give her her own name), shows us the love of Jesus and how He interacted with others with such compassion. She was used by the Pharisees to try to put Jesus in a trap. Jesus turned it upside down. He often turns things upside down! 1 Samuel 1 and 2 John 7:53-8:11 Jeremiah 17:13 Isaiah 42:3 #afrayedknotpodcast #hannah #scarlett #obedience #compassion

Leah faced serious hurt and abandonment. She was overlooked by her father, her husband and her sister. She desperately wanted to please her husband and for him to love her. She eventually chose to praise her Heavenly Father when she named her fourth son Judah, which means praise. The woman at the well, also known as the Samaritan woman, shows us the love of Christ and how much He sees us and wants fellowship with us, no matter what is in our past. He knows every detail about us and still loves us so much! Genesis 29:16-30; 31-35 John 4 #afrayedknotpodcast #disreguarded #fellowship #Heseesyou

This summer we are doing something a little different. We are going to take a few women from the Bible and talk about their Frayed Knots! We will be discussing these women and looking at them to see how we can still relate with and befriend them. The first episode of this series we are looking at Abigail (Old Testament) and a Woman on the Fringe ( New Testament). We have a lot to learn from these ladies. Abigail was married to a horrible man whose name actually meant "fool"! She was faithful and still tried to help him and follow what God was telling her. Her obedience and bravery led King David to change the direction he was headed. Not every woman in the Bible has their name mentioned. Turning to the New Testament, we find a woman who had been living with a blood disorder for 12 years! She knew the promises of Malachi 4:2 and trusted that by just touching the hem of His robe, she could be healed. This woman knew that there was healing in his wings (tassels of robe). She knew where power came from. 1 Samuel 25:1-43 Mark 5:25-34; Luke 8:43-48; Matthew 9:20-22 Malachi 4:2 Jesus and Women by Kristi McLellland #afrayedknotpodcast #Abigail #womanonfringe #lifeinterrupted #takeheartdaughter

Twenty years ago, on May 27 of 2002, a bridge collapsed on I-40 in Oklahoma. Elizabeth Martin's parents were on that bridge, and she lost both of them. Elizabeth was 28 at the time, and she and her sister were left to cope with overwhelming grief and loss. In the last twenty years, she has moved, gotten married, and had a child. God has walked with her every step of the way. She has learned a lot of life lessons in her journey, and has many words of wisdom for us. She has chosen to walk with a grateful heart. She talks about grief as a spiral staircase, and compares the Christian life as a tightrope walk. She even went to tightrope-walking school! Elizabeth has an incredible story and an amazing outlook. You will learn a lot from this, and if you've ever gone through a grieving process you will understand where she is coming from. This is a hard story but many nuggets of truth are woven throughout. Recommended Scriptures: Isaiah 41:10 John 10:10 Galatians 5:1 Deuteronomy 4:29 Proverbs 3:5-6 Mark 12:28-31 Psalm 29:11 Psalm 139 Philippians 4:19 1 Thessalonians 3:10 Mark 9:24 Recommended Resources: literacymix.com The Air I Breathe, by Louie Giglio Falling in Love with Jesus, by Kathy Troccoli Am I Not Still God?, by Kathy Troccoli No Other Gods, by Kelly Minter Be Held, by Natalie Grant Be Loved, by Christy Nockles #afrayedknotpodcast #susanandwaynemartin #bridgecollapse #gratefulheart #spiralstaircase #tightrope #bowlingpins

Amber McMath is someone you need to know. She has been through it and is still trusting God each step of the way! She is so wise and knows who she is in Christ. Amber teaches at the Seventh Grade Center in Owasso. Her mother also taught there and was a huge influence on who she became. Amber watched her mom teach, and knew that's what she wanted to do, too! Her mother, Kelly Flindt, had cancer for seven years and taught through it until the end. She left quite a legacy. In January of 2020, Amber, her husband, AJ, and their son all got COVID. AJ ended up in the hospital and on a journey that is continuing even now. He has been on a ventilator, an intubator, and has had numerous surgeries to overcome his difficulties in fully recovering. It has been a long and tumultuous process, but they have been looking for where God is at work the whole time. Amber tells us to get ready for the battle. It's not if..., but when. We are commanded not to fear. God is too deep and too big to have to explain why. However, he is a constant companion on the road with us and, if we lean in and trust Him, He will show us the next step. Isaiah 41:10 Ecclesiastes 4:12 #afrayedknotpodcast #COVID-19 #cancer #anchor #westafrica #servant

Can you even believe it?!? We are talking today to Jill Donovan of Rustic Cuff! This was so much fun to record, partly because she is just so extraordinary, and partly because she invited us to her beautiful office to do our recording! We loved getting to see behind the scenes of her store, where the world of Rustic Cuff takes shape. It was amazing! Jill has chosen a new hobby every year for the last 42 years! She has had all sorts of interesting pastimes, from memorization, to learning how to play unusual instruments, to learning magic tricks! One of her "hobbies" became her life's work and ministry: making cuffs. You will get to hear how that started, how a comment from Oprah changed things, and how Jill has learned to never lose her sense of wonder. We learned about forgiving dream-stealers, not comparing our Chapter One to someone else's Chapter Twenty, and learning to always say "Yes" to God's prompting. Jill's story is one of hope, creativity, and inspiration. She has been through a lot and was so gracious to share her lessons of trusting in God each step of the way, even when the way doesn't seem clear. You will love this one! Rustic Cuff The Kindness Effect Isaiah 41:10 Psalm 119:105 #afrayedknotpodcast #rusticcuff #thekindnesseffect #signofhope #wonderment