Bold Mercies

I pray that the stories shared on the podcast this episode will serve to embolden your faith! Welcome to Season 4.

We are almost to the end of Season 3! Today we take a pause and look back on the faithfulness of God. We take the moment to look at a few of our favorite clips and words of hope. Then, if you have a few moments, look back on your own year and remember all of God's faithful goodness in your own life. We are glad you are here! Join us!

When Melinda's daughter came to her and told her she was having same sex attraction, Melinda said she wishes there was a manual. Well I think this conversation with Melinda is as close to manual as you will get. We talk about the importance of listening, how to deal with Mom guilt, and entrusting our children to God. You will love every word she says. Join us!

Today I have a Mom and daughter duo on the podcast! Beth, and her daughter Jessi, are with us to tell the story of loosing their son and brother to childhood cancer. This story is so full of honest conversation and unbridled hope! I know that you will be encouraged by listening. Join us!

I have the honor to share this tender story from Suzanne Arrison! Suzanne described her younger years as a "lifetime of wondering." So, as a young woman, Suzanne set out on a journey to find her Birth Mom. She had no idea where this journey would take her, but she prayed often and swung the doors of her heart open to the possibilities of all that might be found in the unknown. I was so blessed by this conversation. I know you will be also. Join us!

Three years ago Ms Nettie lost her precious son. He had battled alcohol addiction, and finally succumbed to a liver that did not function properly any longer. As Nettie and her husband kept watch as their son slipped into eternity, they stood as witnesses to miracle after miracle beside their son's deathbed. Nettie and I chat about surrender, how to wade through of the fog of grief, and advice for other moms walking the same path. We are glad you are here! Join us!

It's good to be back after a 3 week Spring Break. I hope this writing encourages you to live in your Belovedness. You are seen and known and oh, so loved!

I believe stories have power. Stories help us traverse a mountain path to richer pastures, and free our hearts to see grander beauty. While the goal of my podcast is to interview faith-filled women who will never hold a "platform," sometimes the women I interview go on to put their stories in writing. I'm proud of Carmen and the life work she and her husband Trent have done in their personal lives, but also in their marriage. And I'm particularly proud of their new book, Undone. In this book, God's redemptive work is on full display. Our greatest testimonies are written in the dark, and this truth shines brilliant in this book.

Today I am welcoming Karen Springs back on the podcast. Karen lived for 15 years in Ukraine, returning home almost 3 years ago. Since then she has visited every year, including this past summer. In our conversation we talk about how the Ukrainian church helped build her faith, the flourishing of believers under significant trials, and how best to pray for the persecuted and war torn countries of the world.Karen also shared three Ukrainian organizations she knows and trusts. If you would like to support the work of the church in Ukraine, please refer to these websites:-Orphan's Promise-YWAM Kyiv-World Without Orphans

In a time and slice of history dependent upon virtual connections more than real friendships, we need more stories like this! Faye is a faithful servant of Jesus who spends her time and energy investing in relationships. In particular, women whose suffering is longterm. They are not having a bad day, they are having a hard month, or, a few hard years. As you will hear today, Faye encourages these women in beautiful ways. We are glad you are here!Join us!

I want to take a moment to honor Carli Streifel who has spent the last 20 years teaching in public schools, and the last (almost) 3 years teaching through Covid. She is a servant-hearted hero! As Carli began to see the distress of teachers around her, she established a support group in her home. We chat about what led her to start this group, the importance of a Kingdom mindset, and even what to tell our grumpy kiddos when they say, "why do I need to know this? I'll never use it!!" We are glad you are here! Join us!

Debbie Schmidt is here to talk with us about the ups and downs, twists and turns of being in ministry alongside her husband. Not to mention, she shares some very tender encouragement with us! It feels like taking a refreshing breath! We are glad that you are here! Join us!

In today's episode Lauren Burleigh shared that "I am convinced of God's faithfulness to us and His goodness." How could this be since a few years ago everything fell apart? Join us today as we listen to a followup from Lauren's first appearance here on Bold Mercies. We are glad that you are here! Join us!

I'm happy to welcome LaCinda Halls to the podcast today! LaCinda shares her story of a discovering God's deep love after a difficult diagnosis. We chat about unconditional love, image-bearing, and meditating on God's Word. We are glad you are here! Join us!

Tali is with us today to talk about her son's journey with cancer, and we dig deep! We chat about the theology of suffering, faith when circumstances overwhelm, and grace for our most painful moments. This conversation will definitely encourage and embolden your faith!

I'm so thankful to have Dr. Karen Bradford on the podcast today. In her story, Karen is going to share about a tragedy and a betrayal. Both happened within 2 months of each other, and both were crushing. Living with co-grief became the new normal. But God's unrelenting purposes of restoration brought her down the path of healing and new life. Join us!

Back by popular demand is The Difference Advent Makes. This episode released last year with Beth Runkle, and it is full of thoughts about how to make our hearts and homes prepared for Jesus' coming. Join us!

Join us for our mini-episodes series, Rhythms of Grace, where we take a moment to pause the hustle so we can savor the wonder.

Join us as we chat with Nanette about her Advent rhythms of grace.

Join us for our 4th day of Advent Reading:Isaiah 9:1-7 / Isaiah 11:1-10 / Jeremiah 23:1-6

Today I chat with Karen about her rhythms of grace in this season of hustle. Join us

Thank you for joining us for this season of daily mini-episodes where we explore rhythms of grace for the season.

Join us as Annie shares her rhythms of grace for Advent.

Join us this Christmas as we Still the Hustle, to Savor the Wonder. Merry Christmas from Bold Mercies Podcast!

If you feel frazzled by Christmas preparations and festivities, then you are in the right place because I feel this also! And so I am giving you a gift. It is a gift of a reflective moment where we look at rhythms of grace so we can still the hustle and savor the wonder.Like breathing, rhythms are "strong, regular repeated patterns" which open the passageway for me to breathe the air of grace. These mini-episodes were created with this in mind. I will talk with women about their personal Christmas rhythms of grace that open space to savor the wonder.Thank you for being here,Heather

Join us this Christmas as we Still the Hustle, to Savor the Wonder. Merry Christmas from Bold Mercies Podcast!

If you feel frazzled by Christmas preparations and festivities, then you are in the right place because I feel this also! And so I am giving you a gift. It is a gift of a reflective moment where we look at rhythms of grace so we can still the hustle and savor the wonder. Like breathing, rhythms are "strong, regular repeated patterns" which open the passageway for me to breathe the air of grace. These mini-episodes were created with this in mind. I will talk with women about their personal Christmas rhythms of grace that open space to savor the wonder.Thank you for being here,HeatherResources:Christmas Advent Devotional (Great for Teens)Christmas With The Chosen on SpotifyNativity Cookie Decorating on Beth Runkle's Blog

I'm excited to share Melinda Patrick's story with you! After 20 years of marriage her husband left her and her two teenage children. She did all she could to restore her marriage, but eventually God simply asked her to surrender.  3 long years of divorce court brought sweet intimacy with Jesus, and taught Melinda just how deeply she could trust God. Her story has a twist at the end, which I'm not going to give away, but join us to hear how God blessed the end of this story. We are glad you are here. Join us!Resourses:Melinda's Email List where you can find resources for spending time with God.

I'm honored to share Eileen Lass' story with you about her journey to freedom from food addiction. In this episode we chat about when she hit rock bottom, what brought her freedom, and God's merciful goodness through it all! We are glad you are here! Join us!

Amy Loflin tragically lost her mother when she was 21. Thus began a journey to discover the goodness of God in the midst of loss, and the lens through which to view our hard circumstances. In this episode we chat about our views of God, Jesus' profound love for us, and give help to interpret hard passages of scripture. We are glad you are here. Join us!

I am so thankful for Abigail Alleman's brave vulnerability to share with us her journey with mental illness. She and I chat about seeing God's light in deep darkness, meditating on the Word, and combatting the lies of Satan. We are glad you are here! Join us. 

For most of her adult like, Kelly has lived with chronic pain from Fibromyalgia. In this episode we chat about how God has shown Himself perfectly faithful and how very real his presence has been through the worst of suffering. Kelly also shares some helpful tips on how to care for friends and family living with chronic illness. We are glad you are here. Join us!Resources:Divine Romance by Phil WickhamInto the Sea (It's Going to be OK) by Tasha Layton

Christy Freeland is my guest today. Christy is here to tell us her story of recasting her broken pieces into God's promises. This story sings of the faithfulness and tenderness of God, and the power of His word. We are glad you are here! Join us.

We are diving into the hard topic today of what to do with church hurt. Hypocrisy is found everywhere in the world, but it is especially discouraging when it is church leadership. Susanna brings so much grace to this conversation, where we talk about the power of prayer, forgiveness, and delight in Jesus. Stories lend strength! I pray that Susanna's story strengthens you to live boldly in light of God's rich mercies.Resources:Citizens. Album by We are Radiant Worship

Please welcome Carrie Vaugn to the podcast today! Hospitality is often talked about in Christian circles, but in this episode Carrie shows us how to rethink hospitality. She challenges us to prepare our hearts to receive others in simple and practical ways that does not involve cooking a feast. We are glad you are here! Join us. 

I'm so happy to have Carmen Post on the podcast today! Carmen grew up in a horrifically abusive home, but God has turned her hurts into healing waters for others! Carmen lives in Ethiopia with her husband and family. They founded and lead Make Your Mark, a ministry to street children in Addis Ababa. May her story lend you strength! We are glad you are here.Resourses:Find out more about Carmen and Trent at Make Your Mark. Love. Build. Serve.

Welcome to Season Three!! After the Spring and Summer of 2021, I think it would be a good time to rerelease a portion of the conversation I had with Jackie Parks about Incarnational Ministry. I was good and challenged. You will be also! Join us. 

I cannot believe we are at the end of Bold Mercy's Second Season! Wow! I need to say thank you to all the amazing woman who shared their stories! It is not easy being vulnerable in front of a microphone. My heart was always encouraged through these stories, and I hope yours was also! Join us today for the finale, where we will look back over some themes heard in Season Two. 

I am excited to welcome Nanette Smith on the podcast today! Nanette and I met about 25 years ago at a summer camp, and it is wonderful to reconnect. Nanette is currently on staff at Gwinnett Church, but has also served on college campuses, camps, and locations around the world. This is the first time I have had the honor to share a story of the blessings and pain of singleness. Single women have a vital, unique and dignified role in the Kingdom of God. I honor and applaud these bold women! We are glad you are here. Join us!

Melissa Mulvaney is my guest on Bold Mercies today. Melissa's voice and laughter rings with joy. It might surprise you to learn she lived through dark times of anxiety, depression and PTSD from a cancer diagnosis. But God is always at work even in our darkest days in order to produce in us fruitfulness. We are glad you are here. Join us.

I'm honored to share Christina Wilkins' story on the podcast today! Depression crept into Christina's life while she was young in High School. Keeping her depression a secret, she resorted to self-harm for release from the inner pain. But God had a beautiful story to write in her life. She fell in love with Jesus in the middle of her depression, and he helped walk her through a deep healing journey. The journey included more depression, but Christina maintains rhythms of connectedness with Jesus and her therapist. You will love this story!Resources:https://www.betterhelp.com/ for Counselinghttps://aliciachole.com/product/ready-set-rest-ebook/ For Prayer Retreatshttps://www.ifgathering.com/ Habakuk Bible Study

I think there are some stories that take a little more courage to share than others. And this is why I am so thankful for Bridget's willing voice! In this episode I chat with Bridget about her steps to sobriety, the nuts and bolts of re-thinking, and the realization that she is completely accepted in Jesus.We are glad you are here! Resources:Loving What Is, by Byron Katie

I'm excited to have Charlotte Chaney on the podcast today! Charlotte radiates unshakeable faith and hope. But when I asked her what were the building blocks to her strong faith, she said suffering. Actually years of suffering in an emotionally abusive marriage and then a fight against Stage 3 Rectal Cancer.We all long for a life of ease, so I am just going to say what we all know to be true...Suffering, as much as we dislike it, truly refines us.Resources:https://charlottessoul.com/

I'm super excited to welcome Lexi Peck to the podcast today. We get to chat about her journey with gripping fear, bravery, and the building blocks that moved her from one to the other. She is about to release a Children's book entitled, "What Do You Say To a Dragon?"  Pre-order Lexi's book today on Amazon or at Barnes and Nobles.

Martha Cook is the definition of bold love! As a buys Mom of 5 kids, a mixture of adopted and bio children, Martha and her husband decided to adopt a sibling set of 5. That's right, Martha doubled the number of children in her home overnight! We get to chat about chaotic beginnings, what God is teaching her about loosening control, connecting with teens, and so much more!If you have teenagers, this episode is a must listen! Martha bring so much fresh perspective and wisdom.We are glad you are here!

I'm happy to have Linda Waugh on the podcast today. Linda's eyes of faith, and dependence on the promises of God are going to encourage you in the midst of any storm you are facing. However, this episode was made with Mom's of special need kiddos in mind. Linda has a 19 year old son who was diagnosed with autism when he was 2. Linda brings the wisdom of someone who has walked a long journey of faith.Thanks for being here! 

I'm so happy to have Mekdes Haddis on the podcast today. Mekdes was born and raised in Ethiopia until she moved to America when she was 19. We chat about culture shock, deep feelings of loneliness and isolation, the growth of a community, and her vision for global missions. She is wise beyond her years. Thank you for joining us today!Resources:https://www.mekdeshaddis.com/https://www.facebook.com/groups/justmissions

I'm excited to have Chrissy Mayer on the podcast today! If you have ever had a season of waiting, or if God has answered "NO" to any of your prayers, or if you have dealt with infertility, then you are in the right place! As I like to say, stories lend strength. It is our prayer that you walk away stronger in your faith from hearing Chrissy's story. Thanks for being here. Join us!#boldmerciesfriday Takeovers can be found @boldmerciespodcast!

I am honored to have Allison Barton on the podcast today! Allison is one of America's healthcare heroes. Last March, with eyes wide open to the risks and unknowns of Covid, she chose to serve and prayed that God's strength in her would minister to her patients. We talk about her fears and anxieties, how she battled against these palpable fears, as well as her journey this past year balancing the demands of both working with Covid patients, and being a single mom. Allison's words are honest, yet hopeful. Resources:New Morning Mercies, Paul Tripp

I'm honored to have Keonnie Igwe on the podcast today! Keonnie has written Black History Month curriculum for a variety of groups, from families with small children to adult small groups. Today we are going to chat about the journey that brought her to this place, and the hopes she has for the future. She is also going to offer the American Church a word of hope and gentle rebuke.You can find Keonnie's Black History Month Curriculum on her website https://www.keonniejanae.comFollow her on Instagram for thought provoking discussion points and calls to action @wayoftheigwesAlso, referenced and recommended was The Very Good Gospel, by Lisa Sharon Harper.

Nancy Jonsson is my guest today on the podcast! Nancy has been a wife of a Pastor, Mom to 3, and an elementary school teacher. Now she is Nonny to 12 Grandchildren. Nancy is going to talk with us about living her retirement years well as she cares for international students at her local university. You will find inspiration and encouragement in her wise words. Thanks for joining us!