Living Real

Season 3, episode 1 is a round-table discussion about faith and fostering in SC. Three foster moms, (Amy Bowen, Lacey Hines, Debbie Smith) talk about their amazing stories of fostering, how their faith directs their steps, and the joys and frustrations they've experienced in being a foster family. All three families have also adopted children they have fostered. I consider these women and their husbands heroes of the faith. They have stepped up to literally rescue and change the lives of orphans for the glory of Christ. James 1:27 says, Pure and undefiled religion before God the Father is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself unstained from the world. The Church has been given the responsibility to look after orphans. It's a beautiful picture of what Christ has done for us by adopting us as His children. Looking after orphans comes in many forms, but we must be willing to come alongside these brave men and women to support and encourage them in any way possible. If you are interested in becoming a foster parent in SC, here's the link to start the process: Heartfelt Calling Thank you for listening and until next time... Keep it Real, Melanie

Part One: Open the Word - Exposing the Enemy of the Light Follow along as we examine Ephesians 6:12, 5:8b, 11 to discover who the real enemy of our souls is, and how we push back against this present darkness with the Light of Christ.  Part Two: A Conversation with author, Charles Martin - For more info, go to https://www.charlesmartinbooks.com/ Win a signed copy of The Water Keeper or The Letter Keeper: After you listen to the podcast, email me at hello@livingrealmag.com and I will send you 3 questions to answer. The first three people who answer correctly will win!  This conversation is one of my favorites so far. Charles Martin is the real deal. He loves Christ, his family, and writes amazing fiction that points to the love of Jesus Christ. He is one of my all time favorite authors of inspirational, Christian fiction. Martin is not a sappy writer by any means, just real, down to earth stories that portray how hard relationships can be. His characters motivate us to examine our own hearts and to be honest with ourselves, God, and others about anything that's holding us back from the freedom God desires for us to live in. With some heart-racing, on-the-edge-of-your-seat "James Bond" type action infused, The Water Keeper, The Letter Keeper, and coming in 2022, The Record Keeper, have exposed the atrocities of human trafficking and what it takes to rescue someone from this evil. Rescue is possible. Healing takes time. Hope is never lost. Forgiveness is essential. Freedom is pure joy! Keepin' it Real, Melanie

Part One of this Living Real episode dives into the significance of Israel. Why is this tiny nation surrounded by regimes who want it to fall of such biblically prophetic importance? My guest in Part Two challenged me to go deeper into "Why Israel?," because a particular piece from her art collection wrecked me. Psalm 8:2 helps explain why. Part Two is my conversation with a divinely gifted artist, Mary Burkett. She'll tell you she's not an artist, but her work says differently. She never tried to draw anything before January of 2017. That morning when she sat down at her kitchen table in West Columbia, SC, with a brand new sketch pad and pencil and began looking for inspiration, no one could have imagined what would emerge from the paper - 27 portraits entitled The Beloved: Children of the Holocaust. Since 2017, Mary has gifted the world with over 100 beautiful faces of children who point to a story only God could write.  When you hear this miracle in her own words, you will not only be blown away but changed! I was. Check out Mary's artwork at https://www.maryburkettart.com/belovedchildrenoftheholocaust1  You'll want to read her article, A Pencil in His Hand, in our Fall/Winter 2021 issue of Living Real Magazine. If you can't find a copy (out in October), check it out on our website @livingrealmag.com. Genesis Creative Studios is also putting the finishing touches on a documentary film about Mary and her art. It should be coming soon. Stay tuned to our Facebook page for more info. @livingrealmag Keepin' it Real for Jesus' sake, Melanie

What is an influencer? An influencer is one who impacts the decisions of others. As influencers for Christ, we have an awesome responsibility and privilege to impact the decisions others make in response to God's calling on and purpose for their lives. We all have been entrusted with a circle of influence. Some circles are small, others are large, but every circle is of utmost importance. In Part One, we take a look at a strong plea through prayer from a man who's life has been defined by pain, but one who's also been tagged as "more honorable than his brothers" in Scripture. Jabez, a name given pause to, tucked inside the genealogy of the Jewish nation, is a man of great faith. 1 Chronicles 4:9-10 is where we hear this plea--a plea for more territory, an expansion of borders [for God's glory]. His prayer for God to expand his circle of influence impacted my own faith over 20 years ago. Living Real Magazine is part of God continuing to honor my sincere prayer all those years ago. We all need to examine our circles of influence periodically to make sure we are following God's leading as He seeks to extend our borders for His glory.  Part Two is my interview with Dave Wilson, President of Palmetto Family. Dave is an influencer for Christ with a huge circle of influence in the state of South Carolina. He has an incredible job which seeks to influence legislation to "guard" families from the influences of evil on our society. Dave's background is amazing, and his story will bless and motivate you to stand strong for our first circle of influence for God's glory, our families.  Please visit Palmetto Family's website for more information and for ways to be involved. https://www.palmettofamily.org/ Thank you for listening! Keepin' it Real for Jesus' sake, Melanie  

What do you think of when you hear the word "mercy"? In Part One of the podcast, we open the Word of God and talk about this amazing gift. Lamentations 3: 22-23 are verses often quoted when speaking about God's mercy. These powerful verses must have deeply impacted Thomas Obadiah Chisholm when he wrote the lyrics, Morning by morning, new mercies I see, in the timeless hymn, Great Is Thy Faithfulness.  In Part Two of this episode, you'll hear from a real life, death row inmate about God's incredible mercy and grace. Jimmy MacPhee had no idea how the words, "May God have mercy on your soul," (spoken by the judge after being sentenced to death row at age 20) would come full circle almost 45 years later.  Hold on tight for this one. Though most of his James MacPhee's life was spent in the SC prison system, not a single moment of Jimmy's life has been wasted. God's ways and thoughts are not ours and are higher than we can ever imagine. Our stories are orchestrated by His sovereignty and with eternity in mind.  Living Real Magazine published Jimmy's story in the Spring/Summer 2021 issue.  You can read his article at  https://livingrealmag.com/blogs/articles To learn more about Jimmy's story and his ministry, or to contact him to speak at your event, please visit https://ontherockjimmy.org/ Until next time, Keepin' it Real, Melanie  

Part 1: We're opening the Word to Psalm 139: 13-16. This is the framing of every one of our stories. These verses explain how we are formed by our Creator, intricately and intimately. No two people are exactly the same. We're fashioned by God's hands in the wombs of our mothers for His purpose and glory. Each conception is God-breathed, no matter the circumstances surrounding our conception. Life is a gift from God, precious and purposed to point to God's Son, Jesus Christ. Adoption was God's idea, and being adopted spiritually is God's desire for all of His created. I'm physically adopted and love to share my story of adoption meshed with my spiritual adoption story. The two go perfectly hand in hand. Part 2: The Hines (Jon and Lacey) tell their story of how they met, their unique wedding, how they became foster parents, and ultimately their story of becoming adoptive parents of two littles, Levi and Dottie. After fostering over 30 children, God called them to take the next step of adoption. Both Levi and Dottie have been at home with the Hines since birth, and now their adoptions have been finalized at the ages of three and almost four. I love this family. The have a deep faith, and are great examples of what it means to "live real."  Their deep love for Christ is evident in their attentiveness to the voice of the Holy Spirit. Living Real Magazine has followed their brave steps of obedience with fostering and adoption. Check out Lacey's article, Too Attached, on the livingrealmag.com website. The story of Dottie Mae Hines Day will be in the Spring/Summer 2021 issue of the magazine. I was able to attend this adoption virtually, and because it impacted more than I thought it would, I wrote an article about this amazing experience, and you'll get to see pictures of these two cuties and their forever parents.

Welcome to Season 2, Episode One of the Living Real Podcast!This season we will bring you two parts of each episode. Part one is opening the Scriptures together, and Part 2 is the interview portion with someone seeking to live real faith in real life. Part One: A Look Into Psalm 3.David is in a tug-o-war with his mind and emotions. He's being pursued by his enemies, and though everything looks bleak and full of despair, David's faith is strong. He knows and understands God's faithfulness and His hand on his life. David fights against the enemy of his soul by proclaiming who God is. He's reminding himself in a conversational prayer unto the Lord, that God is for him and never against him.This is a powerful Psalm, guiding and instructing us how to cling to hope and truth whenever we find ourselves in a place of deep despair. Click the link to hear this Psalm through music, performed by Prestonwood Choir and Orchestra. Powerful! One of my favorites.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PZtDVYOb-fw  Part Two: An Interview with Dee Dee Simmons. Bio: Dee Dee Simmons is a life and performance coach and Co-Founder of Live Your Design. She is also the Chief Marketing Officer at FITTS. Dee Dee is completely in love with Jesus, actively pursues Him, and is passionate about sharing what she learns through Him with others. She lives in Chapin, SC with her husband, Ken, their three daughters, McKenna, Kelsey, and Sally, and two pups. Check out her website below.https://www.liveyourdesign.life/ I love Dee Dee's honesty. She is definitely "living real" with a heart that's been challenged, searched, and refined. Dee Dee woke up January 1, 2019 with a heavy sadness that she could not explain. God used her sadness to bring her to a place of peace, freedom, and real joy.Something rooted inside her heart years ago that Dee Dee was unware of. She was definitely aware of the trauma that had taken place, but didn't realize her coping skills use to cover up the pain were planting seeds of an unforgiving spirit. It was hindering her faith walk and holding her back from more of what God had for her. A whole year dealing with and searching for an answer to her sadness proved to be a peeling back the layers of her hurting heart. Under the guidance of a Christian Counselor, she discovered that underneath it all was an unforgiving spirit - the culprit of her sadness. God needed her to come to the place where she was willing to allow Him to uproot that root of bitterness, anger, and hate so He could replace it with a joy-full root of forgiveness. Dee Dee's story will help you examine your heart and to ask the Lord to do some real soil-stirring to empty it of the damaging rot and replace it with His redemption, freedom, and indescribable joy.  

This episode concludes our first season of the Living Real Podcast. And my, what a year it has been! Shout outs to all who've had a hand in helping to bring our podcast to life, and to those who've been my guests. Everyone was amazing!In this episode, you'll hear straight from me, your host and Editor-in-Chief of Living Real Magazine. I'm speaking about how to see past the obvious of 2020 and focus on what God has accomplished even in the midst of suffering. He is ever faithful, ever present, God with us still - Emmanuel.Wrapped up in this podcast is also a gift for you! Three of my own piano arrangements of some of my favorite Christmas carols are included for your enjoyment, recorded in my living room.1. Go Tell It On the Mountain2. Carol of the Bells (arrangement inspired by Jim Brickman)3. Silent Night/Jesus Loves MeAnd finally, I promised the recipe for my Mama's Chocolate Pound Cake! (My favorite for any season of the year.) See below.May your family experience the comfort & joy of Christ as you celebrate His birth this Christmas season!From our heart to yours, a very Merry Christmas! Keeping it Real,MelanieMy Mama's Chocolate Pound Cake Recipe (Junelle Cook)Ingredients:3 Cups Sugar2 sticks of butter6 eggs6 Tbs. unsweetened Hersey's cocoa powder3 Cups flour1 Cup 2% milk1/4 teaspoon of salt1/2 teaspoon of baking powder1 teaspoon of vanillaDirections: Preheat oven to 250 degrees.Cream sugar and butter in a stand up mixer. Add eggs one at a time, blending well after each. Add cocoa. Beat well.Alternately add flour and milk. Beat well.Add salt, baking powder, and vanilla. Beat well.Spray a tube cake pan with Baker's Joy. Pour batter evenly into the tube pan.Bake for 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours. Cake is done when a toothpick inserted comes out clean.Remove cake from oven and allow to completely cool in the tube pan before inverting and removing cake.ENJOY! 

What a joy to spend time in conversation with Lere` Robinson at The Barn. Sitting with her in her spacious barn kitchen where she hosts cooking classes, gives health talks, and entertains family and friends was such a sweet time of refreshment. Lere` is a frequent guest on WIS-TV as a regular nutritionist consultant, and she's also a consistent contributor to Living Real Magazine providing us with healthy living articles and recipes. You will inspired by her incredible personal story and how her faith has moved her to serving people through health and wellness for over 20 years. Her gentle spirit is so evident as is her strong faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Her endearing South African accent will also draw you in.The table has always been a focal point for family and friends to gather to enjoy the blessings from Whom all blessings flow. As you sit around the table during this holiday season, make the effort to give thanks for all the blessings He has given us: delicious foods, family, friends, our salvation through Christ, His mercy and grace, etc...I know Lere` would love to host your church group, corporate group, or you and some friends at The Barn. To learn more about her ministry and Alive Again, LLC, please visit her website at https://www.aliveagainonline.com/.Keeping it Real,Melanie

I'm honored to be able to chat with a spiritual mentor of mine and my husband's. Wayne, and his wife Linda, have been such godly examples for us in how to live out real faith well in every aspect of life. His undeniable love for Christ, His Church, and the Word are what draws me to his counsel and great wisdom. He's a modern-day watchman for the Church, sounding the alarm and pointing to where we've gotten off track, and it's my pleasure to welcome him to the LR podcast. Dr. Edwards books, Silent No More and Raising the Standard are his passion penned to page. The Church, especially in America, needs to return to Her roots in Christ and repent of Her sins to once again shine the light of Christ in a dark world. To order, please contact Wayne directly at wnledwards@gmail.com or on Facebook @MatureMinistries.Keeping it Real,Melanie Shull - host 

I'm deeply honored to be sitting around the counter at Genesis' Studios for this episode, picking the brains of some very wise guys. How often does one get to sit down with three men of integrity, faith, and influence and talk about real faith? Now, these guys are not perfect (I know their wives are shouting an Amen on that), but they are certainly full of experience and wisdom. They all own their own businesses, are family men, spiritual leaders in their church, and servants in the community. They also lead a large Sunday School class every week (some have even noted it's the size of a small church). One of these men is also my husband, Rick, and I'm so honored to have him joining me for a LR podcast episode.Why would three men with so many other responsibilities put in hours of studying God's Word to teach it to others week in and week out?What drives these men to be so committed?With all of them having been involved in politics in some form or fashion, what is their message to each of us, and why is it important to be involved?Join me in this unique round table discussion. I will also be posting a video of our conversation on our Living Real Facebook page @LivingRealMag. I thought it might be fun to watch their interaction with each other. Lots of fun!Keepin' it Real,Melanie P.S. A special thank-you to Cliff Springs for recording this session at his place of business, Genesis Studios.

This LR podcast has very special meaning for me. My very best friend, Angela Brown, agreed to chat with me about her faith and how it impacts every aspect of her life. She has been like a sister as much as a best friend. We've done much of our adult lives together. For over 25 years, whether it's been singing and leading in worship, raising children, studying and sharing what God is teaching us through His Word, we have challenged and encouraged each other in our faith walks with the Lord. We've seen each other at our worst as well as our best, but she has stuck with me through thick and thin, and I've stuck with her through it all. A friend loves at all times (Proverbs 17:17). TEASE! Find out what her nickname is for me. Angela's happy place is the beach. We talk about her private beach meanderings, conversations with the Lord, and a unique sign of how God affirms His direction or presence in her life. Some verses that come to mind about friendship come from John 15. In verse 13, Jesus speaks of friendship: Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his [her] life for his [her] friends. Then He speaks to His friendship with us in verse 14: You are my friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you servants...., but I have called you friends, for all I have heard from my Father I have made known to you (ESV).Enjoy!Keepin' it Real!Melanie 

The LORD is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek you (Psalm 9:9-10, ESV).After reading about and doing some research for a high school project on abortion, Aimee Murphy felt strongly she needed to do something to help girls and young women in crisis pregnancy situations. Today, Aimee has volunteered for 30 years with Daybreak Ministries (a faith-based pregnancy medical clinic). Through the years she has provided much hope and numerous resources for women in crisis. She says it's like saving two lives when the mother chooses life over abortion. Jesus is our hope for all of life's circumstances, and Aimee's genuine love for these women exudes through her infectious smile and sweet personality. Aimee is a Client Advocate with Daybreak, but she began as a hotline operator from home when her children were small. She has ministered and counseled countless women and men who view their situation as hopeless. Through Daybreak, many resources are available to provide hope and to meet the needs of the young mothers and fathers who come in. One of my favorites it Taylor's Boutique. The boutique is filled with donations of new, and barely used items for a new baby's arrival. If you have any questions or would like to volunteer, please contact the Columbia, SC office at 803-771-6634. Ask to speak with Amanda or Whitney.Please visit their website at www.daybreakcola.org. Keepin' it Real,Melanie

I met Dr. Chancey through a writer's workshop online a few months ago. Since then we have collaborated about his upcoming book project to help pastors and teachers present the birth of Christ in a fresh way during the Christmas season. If you know me, Christmas is my FAVORITE time of year! I am so humbled he asked me to endorse it.Dr. Chancey is the Senior Pastor at Mcdonough Road Baptist Church in Fayettteville, Georgia, a husband, father, and grandfather, an author, a contributing writer for several online publications, and my new friend.His first book, The Day I Nearly Met Dolly: Tales of Faith, Family, and a Few Home Runs, is available on Amazon.com. During the quarantine, Dr. Chancey prayed fervently for God to show him what he was to preach on from the Scriptures to encourage and challenge the Church. God led him to 2 Chronicles 7:14, a passage he's preached from on numerous occasions, but in this season, God gave him eight sermons from this one verse. (Three of the sermons were on the section, "turn from your wicked ways.") Wow!Is God calling His Church to wake up? To turn their hearts back to Him? Dr. Chancey and I both believe God is shaking our world to get our attention. Listen in to hear my conversation with this compassionate, faith-filled pastor who is seeking to live out his real faith in his real life. Keeping it Real,Melanie   

She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue (Proverbs 31:26 ESV).The influence of a godly mom can powerfully impact the lives of not only her own children, but the lives of anyone who knows her well. The legacy she leaves along the trail of life is faith, truth, strength, and courage, built on the foundation of, and her relationship with, Jesus Christ. She loves well, is kind, compassionate, and puts the needs of others before her own. Lara Gopp, one of my very best friends, grew up with a mother of deep faith and shares with us what she's learned from her about life, motherhood, and total dependence on God. I adore her mom, Mrs. Judy, and am honored to engage in a conversation about her powerful impact on so many lives.This episode is dedicated in loving memory of my mom, Junelle Cook, and my mother-in-law, Dottie Shull. Love on those mamas, and honor them well while you have them with you. Happy Mother's Day!Keepin' it Real,Melanie

Is your devotional life hum-drum, boring, or even non-existent? Allow me to introduce you to my friend and author, Lori Hatcher. If you desire an uncommon devotional life, you need Lori's new book, being released this month, called Refresh Your Faith - uncommon devotions from every book of the Bible, published by Our Daily Bread Publishing. It. Is. AWESOME! Available on Amazon.comListen to this episode to see how you could win a gift package including Lori's new book! Lori is an amazing story-teller, through her blogging, writing, and speaking, she uses that gift to touch hearts and to focus minds on the truth of God's Word. In this devotional, Lori shares some of her own personal stories. She even reads one of the devotionals during this episode called, Who Are You Trusting In?". It begins with this sentence: There's nothing like a crisis to reveal a person's heart. What a perfect opening to where we all are right now... in a crisis called COVID-19.Lori and I talk about forgiveness. How do you forgive a murderer? This real faith story is also in her book.Lori Hatcher wears many hats. In this episode we chat about several: pastor's wife, a veteran homeschool mom, Gigi to four beautiful grandkids, dental hygienest, as well as author. She's also the editor of the Christian magazine, Reach Out Columbia.Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace  (Ephesians 4:2-3).Lori exudes humbleness and gentleness. Her heart and ministry of writing and speaking are all about teaching the truths of God's Word and leading others to God's throne of grace. Please visit her website at www.LoriHatcher.com.Keepin' it Real for Jesus' sake,Melanie

In this episode, you'll meet Katie Wilkins: a wife, a mom to three young children (one is adopted), and a home school mom from South Carolina.Katie has a unique story about the power of forgiveness. She shares with us how an unforgiving spirit can immobilize us, not only spiritually, but physically as well.I met Katie a couple of years ago through our church, and we instantly connected. I'm adopted and she and her husband, Todd, have adopted a child. Katie and I both have experience with an unforgiving spirit related to sexual abuse, and we both have been healed and restored through Christ and the power of forgiveness. Katie also participated in a Bible study class I taught based on the book I've written called Unlocked Hearts, Unleashed Joy - Forgiveness Is the Key.Being hurt or harmed comes in many different forms, and we all have to learn and practice the holy art of forgiveness. If we allow bitterness, anger, and even hate to take root in the soil of our hearts, it will begin to suffocate our joy and diminish our impact for Christ.If you're interested in the book/Bible study/memoir mentioned above, you can find it on Amazon. Just click on the link.https://www.amazon.com/s?k=unlocked+hearts%2C+unleashed+joy+forgiveness+is+the+key&crid=3GBME6BVRYAAO&sprefix=Unlocked+heart%2Caps%2C175&ref=nb_sb_ss_i_1_14I pray, as you listen to my precious friend share her story, that you will allow the Holy Spirit to search your heart in every corner to see if there's anyone you need to forgive or to ask forgiveness of. Once you do, you'll celebrate sweet freedom, and know immediately that the joy of Jesus has been unleashed in your heart. Keepin' it Real for Jesus' sake,Melanie

Though McKinsey Cook went to live with Jesus at the tender age of 20, the seed God planted in her heart has not returned void. Just two years before her tragic, single car accident, McKinsey had fully surrendered heart to Jesus Christ. She was living out a bold faith and had planned to return to Uganda to fulfill her dream of adopting 18 boys. Instead, God used her death to resurrect her mom, Amy's reluctant faith, and has since planted the seed in her mom's heart to move the dream forward with a torch of deep love and compassion for these children.The McKinsey Foundation was started to provide a school for the children of the villages to attend to better their lives and to introduce them to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Instead of just 18 children that McKinsey had in mind, God has multiplied that number to 150 children presently being served through the foundation.In the conversation, you'll also meet Samie, Amy's husband from Uganda. Together, surrendered to a calling on their lives that is miraculous to say the least, they are impacting lives beyond their wildest dreams for the glory of Jesus Christ.To learn more about their story, visit mckinseyfund.org.Keepin' it Real for Jesus' Sake,Melanie

In our very first episode we get up-close and personal with CEO, Jen Thompson of Lighthouse for Life about her faith, joy, struggles, and hope. January is Human Trafficking Awareness month, and since Living Real Magazine supports this amazing non-profit/ministry, I elected to interview Jen to kick off our first season. If you would like to know more about the work of L4L or how to get involved, please go to www.LighthouseforLife.org.During our conversation, Jen references the following verse about joy (It's one of my favorites): You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there if fullness of joy; at you right hand are pleasures forevermore (Psalm 16:11 ESV).Our prayer for those listening is that you'll find real joy through a real faith in Jesus Christ. We also pray that you'll pray for L4L and all those involved, as well as those God will rescue from this horrific evil through L4L's obedience to Him.To learn more about Living Real Magazine - Real Life. Real Faith. Real People., please visit www.livingrealmag.com. Please like this podcast and follow us. We would be most grateful.Keepin' it real,Melanie

Merry Christmas from Living Real Magazine!As we celebrate 10 years of sharing real stories of real people with a real faith in Jesus Christ, we are gifting you with something new and fresh! The Living Real Podcast. Melanie Shull, your host and Editor-in-Chief of Living Real Magazine, will have real and honest conversations about the struggles and challenges we face in everyday life and how we can overcome through our faith in Christ.People are looking for authentic relationships and there's no one more real than the one we have in Jesus. We exist to encourage, cheer you on, and keep you grounded in the truth of God's Word.Join us on the 10th of each month for an episode of The Living Real Podcast as we enter the next decade seeking to live real for Jesus' sake.