Anna Nash Podcast

"Meditation" — Every time I hear my Mama, Jane Harris, say that word it makes me want to know more about what she means by this. I've gathered my questions and we sat down to have a conversation about meditation and its impact on how we spend time with God. Incidentally, this is her birthday weekend and her life's Scripture is Psalm 27:4, "One thing I have asked from the LORD, that I shall seek: That I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the LORD And to meditate in His temple." I hope you will be as encouraged as I am after listening to this. I'd love to let you know when my children's book, You Can See Him, Little Eyes Looking at a Big God, is available. Visit ⁠annanash.net⁠ to be notified. The scriptures we mention: Psalm 27:4 (NASB) "One thing I have asked from the LORD, that I shall seek: That I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the LORD And to meditate in His temple." Psalm 1:2,3 (ESV) ...but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. Isaiah 26:3 (ESV) You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Romans 10:17 (NKJ) So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Psalm 119:165 (NIV) Great peace have those who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble.

I'm really excited to share this Christmas Message with you—it's all about the incredible depth of the heartfelt message from God to us through His Son, Jesus. As I speak about Jesus being the ultimate representation of God's love, forgiveness, and hope, it's truly impactful to realize these teachings don't just apply in our darkest moments but also in our everyday lives. Just like those timeless Christmas carols that touch our hearts, reminding us of our value and the promise of peace, these truths resonate deeply with the warmth and hope of the season...that is Jesus, our Savior. HERE is the copy of Christmas in the book of Hebrews that I mentioned. Please print it out and be encouraged reading more about Jesus being the ultimate connection between God and people. Bible Verses in today's Christmas message: John 1:1-5 Hebrews 1:3 Personal Processing Questions: How can you actively seek and recognize Jesus' heartfelt messages of love, forgiveness, and hope in your daily life? Seek to remember that Jesus embodies God's ultimate message to you. In what ways can you draw strength and guidance from Jesus' teachings during challenging times, allowing his message of light in darkness to impact your thoughts and actions? Reflecting on the promise of peace and reconciliation highlighted in Christmas carols, how can you contribute to fostering peace and extending forgiveness in your relationships and communities this holiday season? P.S. A couple of years ago my dear friend Katy Shelton and I wrote an Advent Devotional called Christmas Matters. You can go HERE to order it.

This was a talk that I gave at a monthly meeting called Coffee & Connection in Birmingham for our Non-Profit called Beacon People. (To learn more go to beaconpeople.org) You may or may not have heard the news that my husband, Tyler and I recently had to permanently close the coffee shop we owned and operated for almost seven years. We have poured our life into Innova Coffee and the experience has been indescribable! This was an unexpected turn in the path that God had planned for our future all along but the closing was extremely unexpected by us! Listen to the story and also hear the truths that have kept me feeling stable and secure throughout. I hope God's Word will encourage you today. HERE is the story video behind Innova Coffee. HERE is the announcement video we shared about the permanent closing. Reflection Scriptures: Isaiah 53:6, Proverbs 3:5-6, Psalm 23:3b, Romans 8:28 John 10:27, Psalm 16:11, Isaiah 30:21, Psalm 119:105, Isaiah 26:3,4

I recently engaged in a heartfelt conversation with a close friend and precious believer in Jesus, D'Anna Lundstrom, who graciously shared her sacred encounters and wisdom about how she spends time with God. D'Anna's journey with God is guided by two words: desperation and dependence, propelling her to devote meaningful moments in solitude with God. Her sincere humility permeates her voice and her enthusiasm for Scripture and prayer shines brightly. You'll see evidence through her social media posts adorned with verses, sunsets, and butterflies. D'Anna embraces diverse approaches in her solitary moments with God using prayer, studying the Bible, worship, journaling, and communing with Him in nature. Let's embark on a journey into the captivating depths of D'Anna's inspiring testimony and, God willing, unearth how each of us can dig a little deeper as we connect with Him. Reflection Scripture: 2 Peter 1:3 And Deuteronomy 32:47 Mark 8:34 Psalm 51:10 Psalm 19:14 Books Mentioned:A Life of Prayer by Paul MillerFollow the Cloud by John Stickl D'Anna's Blog: A Blessed Brokenness https://blessedbrokenness.blog/

"I love reading my old Bible," Marnie shares tenderly with me. As I visit with her you can tell by the tone of her voice how deeply meaningful her alone time with God seems to be. Her favorite tool is journaling. Her favorite book of the Bible is Isaiah. In fact, she has created a podcast called, "Meet Me in Isaiah", where she helps her audience find Jesus in the book of Isaiah. You can connect with her on her website https://meetmeinisaiah.com/ . In the morning, LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly. Psalm 5:3 Extra Resources: Christmas Matters by Anna Nash & Katy Shelton Easter Matters by ⁠Anna Nash⁠ & ⁠Katy Shelton You are Blessed in the Names of God by Sylvia Gunter 40 Days of Praise by Holly Berthiaume

At one point during our conversation Katy Shelton makes reference to Jesus by calling Him, "My Jesus". It reminded me of the hymn, "My Jesus, I Love Thee", a very endearing hymn and way to describe Him. Katy is my childhood and forever friend. We have been thankful to write devotional books together. In this episode you'll hear us both speak very personally about our own time spent with God. To find our devotional books you can go to our websites, katyshelton.com or annanash.net. You can also connect with Katy through her website and see a little more about her writing projects.

I always look forward to sitting down and visiting with my friend, Julie Sparkman. Julie is a counselor at Restore Ministries in Birmingham, AL. On this episode, she shares with us a practice she calls Spirit Guided Reflection. This is an opportunity to connect with God in the highs and lows of every day life. Julie uses this tool often with clients in her office. I hope you will learn as much as I did through this conversation. If you would like to connect with Julie you can do so by going to restore-ministries.org I also have the privilege of hosting Restore Ministries Podcast called "Head to Heart - Connecting What You Know With How You Live." You can hear many more conversations with Julie and me there.

Connecting with God - Let's Talk About it. This is series of conversations I've had with people who long to deeply connect with God during their time alone with Him. As I visit with them, I learn how they spend time with God as well as some of the challenges and benefits. Each conversation is individual and unique. I pray that as you listen to these conversations you will find new ways to meet with God and feel Him touch your soul in the most personal way.

At the Seasons Refresh Day Retreat I had a chance to really dig in to discover what Jesus meant when He said in Matthew 11:30 "My yoke is easy and My burden is light." For Reflection: 1. What holds you back from surrendering life's difficulties to God? 2. Which of the characteristics of God mean the most to you presently? 3. What emotions come up within you when you remember the kind of God He is?

Why does this holiday often seem flat, falling on my deaf ears, ceasing to touch and ignite me with emotions of excitement to genuinely celebrate with joy? What has stolen the cheer in my heart? Why is true joy so hard to find or muster up? Listen as we discover together how to rekindle the meaningful emotions this Christmas.

It seems that many of us have been and still find ourselves in tough seasons of life. In the world it is common to struggle almost daily to believe the truth that we know about and read in God's Word. I've wrestled with God, begging Him to give me relief in certain areas of my life that I do not want to accept. I can't help but think you can relate. In this episode listen as I share from a very personal time with God how He showed me a new way to live. After Listening: Here's an opportunity to personally look into your own soul with God, according to His Word, for a heart adjustment. Remember who you are as God's child. (Ezekiel 36:25-29) Repent in a prayer turning back to God acknowledging your need for Him. (Psalm51:10-12) Realign your thoughts according to the promises of God. (Psalm 86:11) Find truth and put it on repeat in your head! Rejoice as you feel His Spirit take over. (Psalm 16:8, 9)

Recently my husband, Tyler and I found ourselves in a very unexpected situation as we became trapped in Bangkok, Thailand. Literally, everything felt completely out of control for us. We wanted and needed to be back home for so many reasons. Listen as I share the story and how God showed me His purposes in this crazy moment in time. My prayer is that we can trust Him and surrender our lives even when it doesn't make sense at all. After listening, consider spending some time with God in the quiet as you process and pray through your own challenges. 3 Things to do when you find yourself confused and helpless: 1. Ask God to show you His purposes in your current situation. (Psalm 57:2) 2. Stay in the Word of God. (Psalm 119:105) 3. Remember that you cannot do this in your own strength and pray for the power of the Holy Spirit to enable you. (Romans 8:5) Lord willing, writing out the above verses will anchor your soul in a deeper way. Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known. Jeremiah 33:3

Bonus episode with Anna Nashe. Listen in as she shares her heart about how to have a S-M-A-R-T Summer! Like most, you probably haven't given summer much thought other than counting down the days until the beach trip or deciding what in the world you are going to do with the kids all day. Here is an invitation: The summer brings a welcomed way of relaxing, but it also can cause us to feel lazy and unproductive. Living intentionally seems easier with the routine of a more predictable schedule. So how do we purpose to be intentional this summer? Take some time and give your life attention with this opportunity. This downloadable PDF will be an opportunity to walk with Him as you reflect and refocus. Lord willing, you will have greater vision to see His plan for summer as He wants you to see it. His will for you is discovered through prayer and His Word. Don't miss it. Grace driven fruit bearing brings a life of fulfillment and joy and guess what else? As you shine, as His child, you are reflecting Him! Jump in with me as we consider the purpose of your life this summer. Go to https://annanash.net/smart-summer to grab the PDF.

Listen as different voices from around the world read scripture over you.  Reading includes: Psalm 30, Psalm 63, Psalm 24, Psalm 1, Psalm 25, Psalm 86, Psalm 23, Psalm 91, Psalm 84, and Psalm 19

Chapter 10 - His Perfection His glory is manifested in His completeness. In Him, there is no error or flaw. We can trust Him because He has never gone back on His word to us. When we realize that this same holiness is offered to us through His Son we can shout hallelujah. Truly, He faileth not. To purchase the wayMaker workbook that goes along with this study visit beaconpeople.org/shop To learn more about wayMaker please visit beaconpeople.org/waymaker To learn more about Beacon People visit beaconpeople.org

Chapter 9 - His Peace A greater awareness and confidence in who God really is offers an unimaginable and unexplainable calmness to your soul. When you believe in who He says He is you can walk confidently and at ease trusting His loving and all-powerful hand in your life. To purchase the wayMaker workbook that goes along with this study visit beaconpeople.org/shop To learn more about wayMaker please visit beaconpeople.org/waymaker To learn more about Beacon People visit beaconpeople.org

Chapter 8 - His Protection Enter the villain of the story, the devil. The evil one attempts to steal, kill and destroy. But greater is He who is in you. God's all-powerful force conquered sin and death once and for all. Light has won over darkness. Because of this, we can claim this very same victory seeing how He has and will continue to move on our behalf. To purchase the wayMaker workbook that goes along with this study visit beaconpeople.org/shop To learn more about wayMaker please visit beaconpeople.org/waymaker To learn more about Beacon People visit beaconpeople.org

Chapter 7 - His Provision You are incomplete. He is all-sufficient. The way to carry out His purposes on earth and live inside of His will is to trust in His provisions for You. He will give you everything you need. He is enough. You can trust Him because you are His child and He loves you. His providence is unbelievable at times. To purchase the wayMaker workbook that goes along with this study visit beaconpeople.org/shop To learn more about wayMaker please visit beaconpeople.org/waymaker To learn more about Beacon People visit beaconpeople.org

Chapter 6 - His Purposes This amazing relationship that God offers us as His children is wrapped in a bigger story. Your small story resembles His grand purposes on earth to redeem all things for His glory. This perspective in your life and relationships changes everything, most importantly it brings a heartfelt desire to follow His will. To purchase the wayMaker workbook that goes along with this study visit beaconpeople.org/shop To learn more about wayMaker please visit beaconpeople.org/waymaker To learn more about Beacon People visit beaconpeople.org

Chapter 5 - His Presence A greater awareness of God's nearness builds a greater trust. Conversations with Him offer a soul connection which brings peace and assurance. He is always there. He is always listening to you. He longs to connect with you through prayer. To purchase the wayMaker workbook that goes along with this study visit beaconpeople.org/shop To learn more about wayMaker please visit beaconpeople.org/waymaker To learn more about Beacon People visit beaconpeople.org

Chapter 4 - His Promises How can you be sure that God is a Rock and an anchor for your soul? There's not much we can bank on in these turbulent times. His Word is ever sure and gives an unshakable foundation. Hopefully, this episode will bring a fresh perspective on the indescribable value of the Word of God in your life. To purchase the wayMaker workbook that goes along with this study visit beaconpeople.org/shop To learn more about wayMaker please visit beaconpeople.org/waymaker To learn more about Beacon People visit beaconpeople.org

Chapter 3 - His Place If God offers complete grace to you and adores you beyond measure what should be your natural response? A true understanding of God's character brings a natural surrender to His good and perfect work in your heart and life. To purchase the wayMaker workbook that goes along with this study visit beaconpeople.org/shop To learn more about wayMaker please visit beaconpeople.org/waymaker To learn more about Beacon People visit beaconpeople.org

Chapter 2 - His Passion Why would God give you His Son and all the benefits of being His child? It's because He loves you as His own. Do you feel like you belong to God in a warm and welcoming way? Lean in and feel His heart demonstrated in His unconditional love for you. To purchase the wayMaker workbook that goes along with this study visit beaconpeople.org/shop To learn more about wayMaker please visit beaconpeople.org/waymaker To learn more about Beacon People visit beaconpeople.org

Chapter 1 - His Pursuit Do you see God running towards you to rescue you even when you have nothing to offer in your human state? This is God as He longs for you to see Him. You bring nothing, He brings everything. This is grace. To purchase the wayMaker workbook that goes along with this study visit beaconpeople.org/shop To learn more about wayMaker please visit beaconpeople.org/waymaker To learn more about Beacon People visit beaconpeople.org

Listen to Anna Nash invite you into the wayMaker journey. We are excited to have you along with us for these 10 weeks.