Make It Count: Living a Legacy Life

Need some fun and community in your life AND you still have kids at home? Listen to my great conversation today with Pam Fields, mom of 9 and host of The Mom Next Door Podcast. We both share ideas for getting together with our kids and other moms, all for Heaven's sake.  Pam's hosted Boxcar Days, Game Nights for teens and gotten some much needed home-help with her Pizza Project Days where she's enlisted other moms to help her get some project completed while developing friendships and trading giftings.  Pam and I both know that we need community and fellowship at any age or stage. And that the more we invite people to be a part of our lives, the better we'll be and the greater memories we will be creating for our families.  Some gems from our conversation: Hospitality and entertainig are two different things. Hospitality says, "Welcome to my world and I want to be part of your lives." When we host gatherings, any kind—the more we model hospitality for our kids. When we host events that include our kids, it reminds them that we want them as an integral part of our lives—it's a way of showing our love for them.  God uses simple hosting times to encourage each other in our messy and complicated lives.  If someone is in our physical space, not just online, we have the opportunity to help each other in an organic and natural way. Planning a simple gathering takes the overwhelm out of a mom's busy life. Pam Fields offers support to women through prayer, community, and resources for motherhood. She's always had a heart for encouraging moms in their walk with the Lord and in their mothering journey. Though life is always busy for this homeschool mom, she's ready to learn and try new things such as blogging at TendingFields.net and sharing testimonies on her podcast, The Mom Next Door: Stories of Faith. When Pam has some free time, you can find her at coffee with friends or planning her next family gathering at her home in Tennessee. invites you to join her free Facebook group at Tending Fields Community. Follow Pam at tendingfields.net and hear her Podcast The Mom Next Door: Stories of Faith on your favorite podcast channel.   For some good summer kid fun check here.

Do you struggle with perfectionism or being really busy—just to prove yourself to someone even if that someone is God? Jennifer Sakata is my guest today and she's got some great things to say about busyness, rest, childhood hurt, surrender and grace—because grace covers it all.  Jennifer, founder of the Living the Grace Life Podcast, speaker, writer, wife and mother of two boys (and two in heaven) is learning all things grace and you will be blessed with how and what she's continuing to learn since we all know we are in process! (That's grace!) Jennifer helps busy and distracted women overcome the overwhelm of doing more; so they can receive God's grace to live God's grace. Her favorite moments as a workshop and retreat leader are those thin-veiled glimpses when someone recognizes Gods grace rewriting their story. Some gems from our conversation today: The three P's of perfectionism, performance and productivity ran my life until I realized I needed to embrace the grace of salvation for my everyday life. When I feel ill-equipped to do the next thing and run to God, that's when I see incredible things take place and that's all grace.  Busyness with myself at the center is not how God created me to live. There's a big difference between being busy with a purpose to serve and glorify God and being busy to prove my worth or solidify my identity. Psalm 139 reminded me of my worth before God long before I did anything worthy. We need rest to reconnect with God, His love and His true purposes for our daily lives.  Jesus became my safe place as a child when I didn't feel protected in my home in my home of origin.     Jennifer's free resource can be found HERE: Living the Grace Life: One Prayer at a Time  As well as: 10 Ways to Add More Grace to Your Life Website: https://jennifersakata.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennifersakata/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JenniferSakata.Author/ Podcast: Living the Grace Life    

Have you ever prayed and felt like it didn't matter that you prayed or not? Have you wondered if prayer was just a nice thing to make you feel better perhaps, but really didn't matter in the long run? If you've ever tried praying and then given up because it doesn't feel like God is listening nor answering, today's podcast is for you. Speaker, author, podcaster, Rachel Wojo is with us today to talk about her latest book, Desperate Prayers: Embracing the Power of Prayer in Life's Darkest Moments. Rachel and her husband Matt are the parents of 6 children, 2 in heaven. They've known sorrow and have traveled this journey of prayer more than most. Rachel  is offering a free copy of her book all this week. I've read it and highly recommend! Some gems from our conversation: Praying has less to do with the right words, and much more to do with the posture of our heart. Praying with surrender not only gives us a good perspective on our future, but grants us a fresh appreciation for our present, no matter how we see our prayers being answered the way we'd like them to be. We can't see how God is working when we pray, but the more we pray, the deeper our relationship with him goes. Do we pray to get our prayers answered "our way" or do we pray to get to know God better and deeper? If we pray for God to show up, he often shows off in surprising and creative ways—we just need to be looking for him. We can stiff-arm God when we turn from him rather than going to him in our desperation, keeping our souls from the peace and intimacy he so earnestly desires for us.    Rachel mentioned a free prayer class you can find HERE: How To Be A Prayer Warrior For Your Family In Dark Times Also, 10 Prayers to Calm Your Heart.

This is story of a godly woman who needed an invitation to a less-than-perfect home. She hit a brick wall. She trusted God. She didn't like to eat alone. I trusted God alongside of her and invited her for dinner.   John met Katy when they were both in their teens. They married young, barely out of school. They planned their dreams and lived out their lives. It was to be a forever marriage, marked with the usual passages of home, kids, dogs, career changes, and health challenges. Then, a month before their 40th wedding anniversary, John packed up and left. After so many years of day-in and day-out living and planning and dreaming, off he went to live and plan and dream somewhere else, with someone else. Katy hit a wall, brick as it turned out, and not of her own making. Do you know someone who has hit a wall and it's a brick one? Maybe that someone is you. Here's the deal. We most often can't change a person's big hurt. We can't bring the husband back or the prodigal home. Our powers of influence can't force a boss to come to their senses or bring a child back to life. Those brick walls remain out of our control. To remember this truth is important. We are not God. It's not my job to be someone's Savior. Hear Katy's story today. God may be leading you into deeper trust and that trust may lead you to invite someone over even if your home is less than perfect. Some gems from today's story: Brick walls come in different shapes and sizes, comprised of the all too familiar elements of broken loyalty, dissimulation, gaslighting, betrayal. Nothing stings more than when someone you love betrays you. It's personal. It hurts. Jesus was human as well as God. He knew this was coming. He came for this purpose—to die for our sins. But still, it hurt. We most often can't change a person's big hurt. We can't bring the husband back or the prodigal home. We are not God. It's not my job to be someone's Savior. Divorce and death don't place favorites and loneliness is its own disease. I can't heal a broken heart. I can't patch up what needs patching. But I can offer a plate of spaghetti carbonara and a cozy remade tablecloth-turned-heating pad and usher someone to the table where Jesus is already seated and waiting to heal and patch and give all manner of hope. Who do you know who has hit a brick wall? They need to know they are not alone. We're created for relationship, with God and with one another. Not because life becomes perfect when we have both God and community.  No, it's because most days, life isn't perfect. And remembering we are loved and never alone is what gets us through those days.  

Today's podcast is brought to you by COME TO MY TABLE: GOD'S HOSPITALITY AND YOURS where we remember that God invited first! We invite others to our table so that we pass on His invitation to His table. Find more information Amazon as well as on www.welcomeheart.com/shop. Help me welcome, Dr. Connie Champeon, to Living a Legacy Life as we talk about the transformative work of the Word of God in our daily lives. Connie completed her Ph.D. in education and sociolinguistics in 1998. Raised by missionary parents in a thatched hut with mud floors in Northern Brazil, she learned Greek at her father's knee starting at age 3! As an adult, she's  worked with over 30 language groups throughout S.E. Asia, Eurasia, South America , and Africa. Currently working with UnfoldingWord.com, Connie and her husband travel and train and help indigneous language people groups translate Scripture into their heart language. She and her husband, Birch, have twin twenty-one-year-old sons. She enjoys the balancing act of many women - wife, mother, teacher, ministry – as well as organizing teams and equipping others for service. She has a great passion for helping women live differently because of the truth of the Gospel and for living out the gospel in our communities. We talk about her own spiritual wilderness, how talks around the table heal hearts, and why she journals her quiet time on Facebook every morning. Find her on FB here. Or at Connie.Champeon. As a result of her Scripture journaling, she an now provide us with 60 days of devotionals on the always timely topic of HOPE. Sign up for it HERE.  Some gems from our conversation:  To keep a balanced life, don't look for more things to add, look at what God's given you to do, and do it alongside someone else.  My dad helped people see themselves as God saw them—the best of who they could be, greatly gifted and purpose-filled. When I doubted God's love for me, I couldn't escape what He was doing in and through the mess I was making in my life.  To share God is to share how big He is.  When I read the Bible, I try to always answer the question, "What does God want me to do diferently because of what I just read?" When we share food, we share a common need; after all, the Bible starts with a meal and ends with a feast.  God showed vulnerability with arms wide open on the cross; we do the same, opening our lives and doors, our tables and mouths—sharing vulnerably and authentically. Why?  So that the Gospel is replicated in others.    Sign up for HOPE HERE.   

Lisa knows about To-Do Lists and how who she is can get stuck in how well she crosses everything off. Join Lisa Granger and me to day on Welcome Heart: Living a Legacy Life. Lisa hosts A Woman's Heart Podcast and radio station and her legacy and desire is to encourage women to look to God for hope and healing rather than what she can accomplish on any given day. Lisa learned to recognize the difference between hoping she could fulfill her dreams and expectations (and other's expectations) and hoping in the One Who made her to relate well with Himself with peace and quiet and joy, no matter the circumstances.  Lisa offers her free resource for all my listeners today of 8 Verses of Hope.  Some gems from our conversation: God can handle all my emotions, good and bad—he's no wimp! I want to act on any prompts the Lord is giving me so that I can encourage others. God puts something special in every woman's heart to share with the world. I learned to put my hope in God rather than what I could accomplish for God. Hopelessness is exhausting. Hope provides an energy that enables me to do the next thing with faith and strength. Faith will fuel hope and hope fuels my faith.  I am in the process of overcoming deep roots of shame and feelings of inadequacy.  If my To-Do List is too long, I'm learning to ask myself: "Are these tasks from God or from an oversensitive sense of other's expectations, including my own?"

This podcast tells two stories of women who felt forgotten and left behind. I met them while they were doing their daily work. I was on the receiving end of their good work until they were on the receiving end of God's good work. He leads in common things like spas, salons and tea parties. Everyone is waiting for consolation and invitation I tell you these two stories because you never know who is ready to make a new friend or needs to meet the Friend who never forgets His children.    Someone wrote,“The friendship connection is more than the way to health and memory; it is the call of God to be people who create community and bring those who have been forgotten into our hearts.”   To bring those who have been forgotten into our hearts.   You may feel forgotten yourself. God will use your life experience to help someone else. Your pain is never wasted, unless you keep it to yourself.   You may not be called to go to Korea or Mongolia, but we are all called to make connections.  To reach out, gently, tentatively, like dipping our toes into the steaming water for a pedicure, asking one question followed by another which might lead to a simple invitation: “Would you like to get together for coffee? I've got some great scones from Trader Joe's.”    Look for opportunities for coming alongside. And, go to the Beauty College. Think of a time when you felt overwhelmed by circumstances.   Did God send a friend or a stranger to strengthen and comfort you?       3. What did you learn about yourself?       4. What did you learn about God?   A prayer for your day (and maybe someone else's!) Dear Father, Thank you for seeing my pain and loneliness. My name is written on your hands so I know I'm never alone. Please help me be alert to another who may feel all alone in their difficulties. Nothing is hidden from you and I'm grateful. Strengthen us both according to your word. Thank you and amen. A reminder from the Word: “See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me” (Isaiah 49:16)        

Rachael Adams returns to Welcome Heart today to talk about love in the month of love. Of course, to love well is a year-round aspiration and one that I want to work on no matter what age I am or what month I'm in. Her new book: Everyday Prayers of Love: Learning to Love God, Others, and Even Yourself is out this month and will make the perfect gift for yourself and for someone you love. Rachael hosts The Love Offering Podcast and she and her husband have been married 18 years and are the parents of two middle schoolers. We talk about her first book, A Little Goes a Long Way in Ep 178 in 2022. Leave a comment below or on social media to be entered to win a copy of Everyday Prayers: Learning to Love God, Others, and Even Yourself. Some gems from our conversation: We need God every day to help us love well.  God doesn't waste any of our experiences—he uses our detours and disappointments to build something good in our lives. I've begun to live from the perspective of doing my daily work from a place of love for God, knowing he doesn't love me any better for what I achieve or accomplish in any given day.  To love others as God desires is a way for Jesus to become tangible to those around us.  If someone doubts God's love for them, I send them to the Word which is full of the truth of his love.  My daily prayer is that I see others in the same way that Jesus sees them. When I began to read the Bible, I began to see how great is God's love for me and that's made all the difference.     Find Rachael on her website here. Instagram: @rachaeladamsauthor    

What a great conversation today on Living a Legacy Life with Chelsea Damon, author of the book: I Thought This Would Make Me Happy, How to Fight Less, Forgive Faster, and Cultivate Joy in Your Marriage. Married or not, this podcast is for any serious follower of Jesus. Why? Becasue we are all prone to find our joy and satisfaction and identity in anything but God and yet we get disappointed, disenchanted, and discouraged—maybe all in the same day and at the same time—because we forget that we were made to find our rest in Him, period.  Chelsea knew from an early age that she wanted to be married and she always had someone to lean on. What she didn't know was that leaning too hard on one person, even a great husband, didn't help her know who she was nor flourish as God's child. Married young, she was determined not to be one of those divorce statistics but it wasn't until the Lord showed her that she had made marriage an idol that she began to feel the freedom to be herself and help her relationship flourish instead of trying to control all the outcomes. Get your free Self-Awareness Guide HERE (how to know how selfish we are!) And, no, not a good idea to take it for your spouse! Chelsea will be hosting a giveaway of this great book all week long. Be sure to comment to be entered. Even if you aren't married, you know someone who is and might benefit from a gift of her book.  Chelsea Damon is not only the author of I Thought This Would Make Me Happy: How to Fight Less, Forgive Faster, and Cultivate Joy in Your Marriage, but also, Together with Christ: A Dating Couple's Devotional: 52 Devotions and Bible Studies to Nurture Your Relationship. She is also the author of chelseadamon.com, a website where moms and wives are encouraged in healthy, Christ-centered lives and relationships.   Damon and her husband Josh met while attending college, where they grew in their faith and dated for three years. They were married on the windy coast of Washington in 2013. Throughout their dating and marriage relationship and into parenthood, they've been learning what it means to live loving God and loving others in a self-love world. Today, the Damons have three biological children, are foster parents, and spend their time looking for new places to hike and explore beautiful South Carolina. Social Media:  https://www.instagram.com/chelsealeighdamon https://www.facebook.com/LivingTheSweetWife/ https://twitter.com/damonchels   Some gems from our conversation: A good way not to fight is to begin the conversation with: "I'm not mad about this but . . ." I was fearful to be pegged as a doormat, so I went out of my way to over control. We are quick to identify the faults in another but give ourselves a little more grace than we are willing to give. I had an unhealthy need to have "that person" in my life to make me find my place in the world. I was loving to get something back and that isn't way love is supposed to work. I needed to change where I find my security—from a person and our relationship—to God and my place in his family. It's okay to make yourself a little uncomfortable to show the love of Christ to those around me.  We need to take a good look at ourselves instead of judging how another could improve so that we are getting our needs met.  I had to learn the skill of speaking up and thinking critically without living in the fear of destroying the relationship.      

Courtney knew God had been speaking to her about doing a major move for two years but she still wasn't sure. She decided to lay out a fleece, as they say in the Christian world: she asked God to help her find a piece of sea glass. And the rest is history. Hear that story as well as how God led her to marriage at 44—suddenlty a mom of 4! As a fulltime Bible study teacher and mentor with Young Life for over 20 years, Courtney knew the value of knowing and doing God's word. Her passion is to invite women into a flourishing life with the Lover of their souls and she's written two books to help in that endeavor: Prayer & Devotion and her prayer and Scripture meditation book R.A.M.P. Journal Leave a comment to be entered to win a free copy of either one.  Courtney is the founder of Sea Glass mission. Here are some of her thoughts as to why Sea Glass: The beauty of sea glass is that it tumbles through the ocean for 20-40 years - into the depths, across distances, weathered by the elements - in order to be formed. As time goes on, the glass changes texture and shape because of where it's been and what it's been through. The slickness wears off, and the edges are rounded. Although still recognizable from its origins, the piece that was once-broken is transformed, and the beautiful sea glass is created … and ready to be used for a new purpose. Wherever you are in the “tumble” we want to help you see that Jesus, the Author of Life, is writing your story and that He longs to walk with you and show you abundant life. For the past 25 years, Sea Glass Mission founder Courtney Brackin has been in full-time ministry, working to share the Gospel and the love of Christ with young people in North Carolina, Uganda, Washington, DC and Florida. Her desire is to share the truth of God's Word and to help others be rooted in His life-giving scripture as they live in this tumultuous world.  Her own life and soul have been shaped with purpose through studying scripture, spending time in the spiritual disciplines, living missionally-minded and simply being in the body of Christ. She is so thankful for the mentors, pastors and friends who showed her this path and who pointed her to the Way. She aims to be that same type of friend and guide, as she walks together with others. She also values being available to those who are questioning and wondering about faith and to those who want to be equipped and challenged to share their faith.  Courtney lives in Naples, FL with her husband Eric. She is thankful to be step-mom to his four children, Ella, Jack, John and Ben. Courtney loves a good novel, cooking & baking, dreaming up her next trip and spending time with family & friends. Some gems from our conversation: Everyone deserves to hear about Jesus. Nothing is wrong with wanting to be married, but we need to live life to the fullest whether married or single. God completes you, period.  The temptation in becoming a step-mom is to make it all about me rather than helping each child flourish as God intended. I know that nothing is mine: possessions, talents, my home—all belongs to God—and that makes it easy to say "yes" whenever someone needs me or my time or my table.  God told me to remember His promise that He would show me things I'd never seen before.   

Danny Edwards knows where he's going after he dies and he's not afraid to answer any questions you may have. At 16, athough always in trouble and with more freedom than most teenagers, Danny had a deep side to him and often wondered: "What happens after death? And how should I live so that I find out the answer to that question? What is the truth?" Today you'll hear how the Gospel worked a miraculous transformation in Danny at age 20 through a circuitous series of events including moving to Colorade to join an Ashram and becoming a Sikh, all in his search to find God and answers to his deepest wonderings.  And yes, Danny loves talking about death. You will get excited and blessed as you listen to today's episode, Gospel Transformation With Our Eyes On Eternity with Danny Edwards. Danny and his wife Kimber of over 30 years have raised 5 chidlren and are happy and busy grandparents of 8.  Some gems from today's conversation: At age 16, I began asking: "Where am I going after death?"  I did Yoga 6 plus hours a day, joined an Ashram and became a Sikh, but I still didn't find the truth. One night I got on my knees and cried out, "Jesus, tell me if you are real!" A believer from India challenged me, "You've tried so many things—why not read the Bible and begin with the Gospel of John." I finally saw that what Jesus was saying wasn't said by anyone else; I believed and never doubted since that time.  I want to live this earthly life in preparation for the great life beyond. I write letters to people I know who are facing death so that they know and are comforted by the truth of the Gospel: their better and best life is in front of them if they believe the Good News.  We can have a healthy view of death by reading the book of Revelation and meditating on his great and precious promises.   

Fellow podcaster, teacher and speaker, Amy Watson from Florida, joins me today on Welcome Heart: Living a Legacy Life to tell her story of trauma, healing and hope in Jesus. Although she lived with trauma from early childhood, it wasn't until age 35 when she "felt safe" that she began her healing journey. She began her podcast, Wednesdays with Watson, to share not only her story but to help in the healing of others. All contributions to her Patreon are donated to help those receive therapy who cannot afford to get it.  Some gems from our conversation: When trauma victims finally begin to feel "safe" that's when they can start the long process of healing. Our mission on this earth is critical and the time is short. God promises we will have trials in this world and that He has overcome the world. When folks ask me who I am I like to say, "I'm a precious daughter of the Most High God." The church's role is not to provide band-aid's and Christian cliches'; rather it's to pay attention and open our homes, tables and lives to those around us. How can anyone attempt to navigate life on earth without the hope we have in Jesus? We need to pay attention to the people in our churches and neighborhoods—to help them feel seen, known and valued.  Because people knocked on my door, invited me in, and loved me like Jesus—that is the reason I am standing here today. From Amy:  I am a Florida girl who loves a simple life: Jesus, family, friends, football, and the beach (usually in that order). I am a native of Jacksonville, Florida, but have spent most of my adult life on Florida's west coast. While being introduced for a speaking opportunity a few years ago, the pastor asked me, “Who are you?”. The words that followed shocked even me: “I am the precious daughter of the most high God”. There were many years when I would not have answered that question as I did that day. I have spent most of my life defining myself by all that I have survived, all that I have accomplished, or all the degrees on my wall. The truth is, my answer to that pastor's question that day is the definition that is most important, and one that I hope truly defines my life when I am gone. The rest: survival, accomplishments, and college degrees are certainly a part of my story and why I write, mentor, and speak. My description of “who I am” that day is why I stand proclaiming Him and Him alone. I grew up in a children's home, graduated from Clearwater Christian College with a degree in Biology (1994); was married for 12 years to a man who tried to kill me and somewhere along the way managed to earn my Masters Degree in Business Administration. I have enjoyed success as an entrepreneur as well as an educator. As a survivor of a lot of things that tried to kill me, it is my desire to use my story to spread a story of Hope for any who may find themselves in similar situations as mine. I love both the written and spoken word and enjoy opportunities to share my experiences in both personal and professional genres. My greatest desire is to invest my life in something that will outlive it. It is my hope that all of my efforts here and in other places will accomplish just that.   To learn more from Amy follow all these places: wednesdayswithwatson.com  Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/groups/132618684688613 Instagram.com/authoramywatson X: twitter.com/amywatsonauthor   If you're interested in hearing a more detailed story of her trauma, Amy recommends this recording: https://wednesdayswithwatson.com/charting-the-course-of-healing-a-personal-odyssey-through-trauma-faith-and-redemption/ And to see how to contribute to her Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/amywatsonauthor      

Sally Clarkson didn't grow up feeling accepted or acceptable and wondered if she ever would be until one day she prayed, "If there's a God in the universe, will you please send me someone to explain who you are." And he did. A young woman knocked on her door and asked, "Can I give you a religious survey?" From that brief conversation, Sally learned that she was greatly loved and designed for great purpose and she didn't look back.  Today, after writing over 40 books on knowing God and living for Christ, Sally talks of how as women we have agency—we have options to flourish and make decisions by faith that will cause us to thrive and make a difference in the lives around us. Her latest book speaks of beauty and choices and the love of God, Well Lived, Shaping a Legacy of Gratitude and Grace. Put it on your Christmas list and pray about giving it to someone you love this Christmas. Some Sally gems: I thrive better when I live in a rhythm of obedience—doing what's right because I love God serves me well even if I don't feel it at the time.  I make sure to include things in my life that refuel my soul on a regular basis including friends that call me to my best self.  What I needed was unconditional love and that's what God provided.  To thrive means to live by faith. I wish I knew earlier what it meant to live in a fallen and chaotic world. Each day I pray to find a way to leave an imprint of God's love on someone I spend time with. Earlier in my live, I would argue with God until I learned that by following Him, He was taking away things that wouldn't help me. Women are discouraged and feel a lack of direction but they have agency and more capacity than they realize. I told God that I was going to plant a flag to cultivate gratefulness and start each day by thanking Him for four things before getting out of bed. We thrive by taking the stuff of our lives and putting it in God's hands and saying, "I'm Yours. What does the Holy Spirit want to dream through me?" Sally Clarkson is a bestselling author, renowned speaker, and beloved mentor who has dedicated her life to inspiring countless women to live for Christ. She has been married to her husband Clay for more than forty years and they have raised four adult children. Today, Sally lives between the mountains of Colorado and the rolling fields of England. You can learn more of Sally Clarkson's ministry below: Website: https://sallyclarkson.com/ Podcast, At Home with Sally Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sally.clarkson Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/therealsallyclarkson/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrpMU6iAuldEQFbPISjSC_A  

Jan Morton believes that everyone needs to be and feel seen so that they know the Gospel love of Jesus and that it might be best accomplished at her table with homemade biscuits. A pastor's wife of 47 years, Jan surprised herself and everyone else in her church when she realized that she had never given her life over to Christ even after marrying a pastor and singing in the choir. She had to move her faith from her head to her heart and she loves sharing her story with everyone she meets.  Jan co-authored the book Tasting Grace: A Mentoring in the Kitchen Bible Study with Leah Adams and now the Tasting Grace kitchen ministry is going on nine different states across the country. Leave a comment to be entered into the book giveaway.  Some gems from our time together: If it matters to us, it matters to Jesus. I was mentored without knowing that was going on—we just did life together. After I trusted Christ, I knew I could be myself and just love on everyone I met.  God is writing your story and I want to hear it.  I've learned to now pray about everything and delight in the fact that I am not in control of everything. What happens at Gran-Jan camp stays at Gran-Jan camp.  My best cooking tip is to make sure you place all your ingredients out on the counter before you start.  I want my family to know that all of my treasure is in heaven and that I love Jesus with all my heart.  Mentoring means to come alongside, ask questions and sit with another.  Jan, a mother of two boys and grandmother of five, retired six years ago after thirty years serving in Houston County Schools. She describes herself as a content homebody, and a biscuit-maker who especially enjoys gardening, cooking, and quilting. Co-author of the book Tasting Grace, Jan also served in women's ministry for 21 years. She serves in a kitchen mentoring ministry of the same name: Tasting Grace – I think this is why I found Jan on Instgram – we have similar passions and both love making and serving biscuits. A favorite fun fact of hers is being on Wheel of Fortune Season 33! Yes she won!  https://granjansjoy.com/ And on Instagram. @jan_m_morton Just for you:    

Kathi Lipp's latest book is sure to be a treasure for you and hopefully for your neighbor who may need your chicken and wild rice soup that you just made! Sabbath Soup: Weekly Menus and Rhythms to Make Space for a Day of Rest released October 8th. Beyond the convenience and peace of mind of managing meals, Kathi wrote this book to help you experience true Sabbath rest, a full day to relax, recharge, and reconnect with God and your friends and family. We were designed to rest—it's time to reclaim your Sabbath day. This book will show you how. Kathi is no stranger to Living a Legacy Life as this is her third time to be a guest on my show. Kathi and her husband Roger live in the mountains of CA and they have learned the joy and rhythm of "pre-deciding" meals, not only for their own sense of rest and refreshment, but also for those they know and love.  Kathi Lipp is the Publishers Weekly best-selling author of over 20 books, including Sabbath Soup. She and her husband Roger ran away to the mountains of Northern California where they grow their own food and turn it into delicious meals for those they host. And she will be hosting a giveaway all week long so be sure to enter and leave a comment below or on social media or just email me: sue@welcomeheart.com.  Some gems from our conversation: The reason we keep sabbath is because it's God's gift to us. We were not designed for the hustle we create for ourselves.  We are unaware of God's extravagant love for us; keeping sabbath helps keep us aware of this love. If I keep items on hand in the pantry or freezer, I can be the first person at someone's door with a meal or pan of brownies when they just can't make one more decision. We grew up with a mind set of "in order for everyone else to rest, women had to do all the work."  A true sabbath helps us honor God, connect with people, and remember God's provisions. Providing food for others helps them "feel seen" no matter what's going on in their lives.  We don't need to ask, "How can I help?" Rather announce, "I'm bringing a meal at 3 this afternoon—will that work and are you gluten free, by the way? Taste-Test Sabbath Soup for Free!  Sign up to receive Kathi's free ebook featuring four week's worth of easy meal plans and delicious recipes.  

Thirteen years ago, Sarah felt stirrings in her heart and spirit—she knew she was meant for something in God's great purpose plan. She just didn't know what. So she invited some friends over. Four came. They talked about their own dreams and stirrings and how they might fit into God's great story of love and design. From small beginnings—you've heard the adage—great things emerge when offered to God with humility and perhaps, some trepidation. REFRESH.ORG was born and now reaches 1,000's of women. I love how God does math. Loaves and fishes offered to the Muliplier and Distributor.  Join Sarah Birkbeck today on my podcast and find out how God led her to help women "join the battle" to  do God's will with joy and intention. And if there's still room for REFRESH 2025,  she's offering a 50.00 off coupon to our listeners. Go sign up today! www.refreshwomen.org Some gems from our conversation: We tend to diminish what God's put inside of us for his kingdom work, thinking that who we are and what we offer can't make a difference for him or for others.  The act of pressing into the Lord even while exhausted and ready to quit provides all the strength needed to do his will with joy and confidence. I didn't have much to offer: this house, these friends, these stirrings; but God took what I had and Refresh was born. To lead women to the Father is the most important step in unlocking the dream potential that he's placed inside of each of us.  REFRESH means to enliven, stimulate, fortify and revive—God wants to revive the dreams lying dormant within each and every woman.  The truth is that at one time or another  every woman feels forgotten, inadequate or stuck in the thought of "I really don't know at all what I'm doing!"  To activate Christian women to advance the kingdom of God is my battle cry; to assemble the troops, position them for battle and carry out what God had in mind all along.  Sarah Birkbeck, wife and mother of four, is the founder and visionary of Refresh, a ministry dedicated to activating women to advance the Kingdom of God. She is a speaker, passionate about leading women to discover their kingdom purposes. Sarah lives in North Dallas with her husband James, son Asher, and daughters Stella, Skyla and Adeline.  Find out more in these places:  Instagram: @refresh_women @Sarahhelenabirkbeck Website: www.refreshwomen.org   

Christmas is my favorite season but I can miss Jesus in the rush and crush of it all.  Laura Crosby, a writer, pastor-teacher and welcomer—loved the Christmas story so much she wanted to help us hold still enough to appreciate all the Lord did for us.  Laura wrote an Advent study during Covid for her church in D.C. and has since made available for all of us to share, and I'm so glad she did. You may remember my first interview with Laura. Here's the link in case you want to get acquainted with her welcoming heart. She included a simple and delicious chicken recipe which I'm making tonight just because I have all the ingredients and a neighbor stopping by for dinner.  All week long Laura is graciously offering one free copy of her Advent Study as a giveaway. "Choosing Welcome at Advent" includes 4 short videos, Scripture for reflection and recipes! All for $10.00 (Except for the winner of the giveaway! comment below to be entered - or email me sue@welcomeheart.com.)   Here's a recipe sample: Link to purchase HERE to get your own copy. Holidays are around the corner and you may need to consciously sit still, breathe and watch! Follow Laura on instagram: @lauracrosby. Learn more about Laura on her website here. Laura just got home from a missions trip to Scotland and last year she raised funds and awareness for those in need by hiking the Grand Canyon rim to rim. I appreciate Laura's heart for the needy as well as her desire to make travel and do challenging things with a purpose.  Some gems from our conversation: We might think that "this season of our lives" is too difficult to set time aside for God, but to keep Him first is hard in any season because Satan wants to distract you.  Experiencing Advent helps us become more aware of God's presence and so more readily respond to His voice and partner with Him.  Any work we do for God and with God stems from our identity as His beloved.  People don't want to feel like they are your project; rather they want to feel loved and seen.  As we reflect on God's purpose for our lives it's good to pray often, "Lord, what is mine to do?" When more present with Christ, we can more readily recognize the holy interruptions throughout our day. I love Laura and I know you will too. 

Single in my 20's, in a new career, a new town and a new church, I felt okay mostly. Life was full and purposeful, but lonely on occasion. I wondered why families didn't ask me over for Sunday dinner. All I could think of was that my church friends must have thought I had such an exciting single life, I wouldn't want to come home to their normal, ordinary home and stand at the sink and peel potatoes or hold their babies while they got dinner on and then sit down at their table to get better acquainted. But that was exactly what I wanted to do. To be part of a family, if just for an hour or two. The Bible says God sets the lonely in families. I was lonely. I needed to be set somewhere. I got tired of waiting. So I called up some people. Invited them over. Invited myself over. I had a precedent and his name is Jesus. Sometimes you just have to make it happen and not wait for someone else to pick up the phone or send a text. I invited people over because I needed friends. I don't think people thought I might be bad company or that I would run off with the soup ladle if they had me over for dinner. I just think they didn't think of me at all. Maybe that's what loneliness is: To believe you aren't even thought about.   Trishie's Apple Crisp 5 large apples 1 t. cinnamon 1/4 t. nutmeg 1 t. lemon juice 1/2 c water Topping: 1 c sugar 3/4 c flour 1 cube butter, firm Peel and slice apples Mix in spices, lemon juice and water Lay in 7 x 11" dish Mix flour and sugar together Crumble in chilled butter slices until it resembles small peas (as an alternative, spread flour/sugar mixture on top of apples. Melt butter and pour evenly over the top.) Bake 45-55 min at 350 degrees. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream (sort of optional) See printable version HERE  

In case you're wondering, it's okay for Christians to talk about their money. Why? Because all we have belongs to God, anyway.  Today I'm delighted to host Erik Olson, a fellow podcaster and a wealth and money consultant from Holland, Michigan. As a Kingdom-impact investment adviser and retirement planner, Erik talks about not only money, but a theological view of our earthly resources that may surprise and delight you and maybe put a fire under your seat to do something worthwhile—PLAN something worthwhile—so that God is glorified and His kingdom well-served.    Some gems from our conversation: As in introvert, I prefer a spreadsheet over a conversation, but I like to think I can come alongside someone and gently and expertly help them serve themselves, others and God better with training and counsel. The Bible isn't anti-wealth; in fact, God is pro-wealth creation. It's just one more way we are made in God's image as creators. We make mistakes with money when we compartmentalize it as something separate from all our God-given gifts. If all that we have belongs to God, we need to make ourselves good stewards of our wealth because we answer to Him. God loves wealth creation insofar that we make more income in order to be generous servants as well as enjoy the life he's provided.  The biggest mistake we make with our money is not to plan with what to do with our money. We either pay too much attention to our money which shows we are insecure in our relationship with God; or, we ignore our money and end up with fewer opportunities to give to Kingdom work. Jesus was very clear: We cannot worship God and money at the same time. It's a question of worship: do we fantasize over our money and what it can provide for us or do we carry an undivided esteem of God over any of our assets?  

Thinking of writing your story? Susy Flory thinks you should begin, like today. Currently in seminary working on her doctoral degree, Susy Flory directs the West Coast Christian Writers Conference, and knows a good story when she hears it. Raised by an Irish mother who could tell a good yarn, Susy is a 17 book New York Times best-selling author whose favorite books are memoirs. Today we discuss how she came to co-write her lovely book, Sanctuary about a young man named Patrick who lost his way and the rescue donkeys that led him home.  She's offering a free copy this week - leave a comment to be entered. Susy leads Everything Memoir, both a free facebook group with loads of quality free offerings, as well as a year long coaching group on how to write your memoir which will be starting up again this coming January. Learn more about both on her website: susyflory.com and find all her links HERE. Some gems: I find people endlessly fascinating and I love helping them tell their stories in any form but especially in written form. From getting to know Patrick and how God met him in all his struggles, I came to appreciate in a deeper, broader way that those who follow Christ are all a part of one church.  From Patrick's story we see again how God doesn't give up on us no matter how many times we fail.  Words have an eternal quality to them, which is reason enough to begin writing your story. Everyone who loves God has a God-story that needs to be told, even if only for one person to hear it.  Patrick felt accepted and unconditional love from one particular donkey named Aran and that helped him feel less alone and eventually led towards his healing.  Writing our stories gives us joy in that it helps us feel like there's a reason for why things have happened in our lives. 

Megan Fate Marshman tells us what to do when we don't have all the things figured out: go to Jesus and tell him that we don't. And then we go to him again and tell him again. We need reminding. We are prone to think we are in control and what a gift from God that we are not.  I just finished reading an advance copy of Megan's latest book, RELAXED: WALKING WITH THE ONE WHO IS NOT WORRIED ABOUT A THING and I'd love to say that I'm totally relaxed AND not worried about a thing. But I'm more relaxed and I'm less worried. So good. Buy one for yourself (if you don't win the giveaway) and one for that friend who may be worried—oh, that's every friend, or most anyway.  Megan, a single mom of two young boys—her dear husband Randy went to be with the Lord at age 36—writes from what she is learning about grief and worry and autonomy and coming to Jesus over and over again. A knowledgeable and charismatic teacher of the Word, Megan pastors at Willow Creek Community Church, Chicago, runs the women's ministry at Hume Lake Christian Camp and is the women's pastor at Arbor Road Church, Long Beach, CA.  Megan's website Megan on IG Megan on Facebook Megan on X Buy Link   Some gems from our conversation: We don't need to do more; rather, we need to be intentional about showing love right where we are. God's gift to us is that we don't need to trust in ourselves. Risk-taking is Christlikeness because you are setting yourself up to need him and the prompts almost always lead to love. Anxiety signals me where I'm trying to get my security. We experience a sanctification gap and we go about it all the wrong way to close that gap without God. Grief has taught me to pay more attention to what really matters and less attention on those things that don't.  We are called to be God's hands and feet to anyone he brings our way.  We are not working on making a perfect family; rather on doing things right. Anxiety alerts us that something is going on in the dashboard of our soul. 

We all have a story to tell and when we tell it, we can encourage someone else who may need to know and trust God a little bit more. Julie Sunne expected certain things from God and when they didn't happen, she realized she didn't really know this God she was raised to believe in. Married 36 years, a mother of 4, Julie experienced 5 miscarriages and 4 live births in a stretch of 8 years. Their third child and only girl, Rachel, was diagnosed as intellecturally disabled and will need to be cared for her entire life. Rachel, age 26 but developmentally only age 3, continues to teach Julie about trusting and knowing God in his entierty.  Julie's book points our minds and hearts to God and you'll want to get one for yourself and anyone you know who is struggling with hope. She's giving away a copy this week so be sure to comment here or on social media for your name to be entered.  SOMETIMES I FORGET: 60 REMINDERS OF HOPE FOR YOUR HARD DAYS, a concise and helpful devotional to direct our minds and hearts to the nature of God. As Julie says, we don't just wish for something, we hope in God who is immutable and never-changing.  In the pages of this book, you will discover: --more about who God is --how God relates to us as His children --why we can believe God's promises --truths to remember --a simple, yet meaningful way to pray through the valleys Life will throw you curveballs, but in the character of God lies hope. Because of who God is, you can trust Him in your most desperate moments.   Some gems from our conversation: When God didn't answer my prayers, I just felt that his blessings pertained to other people, not me.  I had to learn that my expectations of God were not always his plan for me and thereby, not his best for me as well.  The main cure for "forgetting Who God is" is to read the Word of God which reminds us who we can trust.  We will never completely understand the ways of God so we have to get to a point where we surrender ourselves completely to God. We can't just take one attribute of God without all the rest as one nature, perfect and unchanging, loving and almighty.  My legacy is to trust my hard places to the Lord and surrender my understanding to His.    Follow Julie at juliesunne.com.

I'm not sure why we bother arguing with God. God being God comes with an unfair advantage but I imagine I'm not the only one who tries. There's that Jonah fellow from Nineveh. He argued but he ended up—well you probably know where he ended up. Even Jesus who had a special connection, you might say, debated with his Father about the wisdom of what he was about to go through right before the cross. He went anyway. Alone, for the most part. I should have known better than to argue. There's no point. But processing out loud is my favorite and God already knew what was in my head. And, while arguing takes two and I did most of the talking, I did get an answer At 30 I wasn't worried about gray hair. I had a great life. I just didn't want to grow old alone. I had a plan to love and serve God—but not by myself. Phone calls can mess up the best of plans. YOUR TURN Do you have a plan for your life? What does it include?   When your plans take a “wrong turn” in your view, how do you deal with your disappointment?   Have you ever argued with God? If not, you can try it out today. (I'll wait...)     How did that turn out for you? If we remember He's our perfect Father—and loves us even more than our own dads—and that he knows what's ahead, we can relax. Instead of stewing we can wonder how He's going to surprise us with something we would never think up on our own. That's one of the fun parts about following God—the surprise factor. It gets me every time. TAKE GOD AT HIS WORD “There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off” (Proverbs 23:18).   TELL GOD WHAT'S GOING ON (write your prayer or pray the one below):   Lord, God, Thank you that you love me and that you are love so that you can't betray. Help me place the truth of your character over my feelings. I surrender my plans to you. May I look to you in trust and expectation. I love surprises. Thank you and amen.  

Lori Margo wife and mother of three adult children, knows what it means to stay awake all night and worry - like all good mothers do! She knew God loved and cared for her—even while facing cancer four times and losing her mom at a young age. But her faith stalled out one day and she prayed, "Lord, I need to know you are with me. Show me ways you are present here in these struggles." And that began her process of tracking God, keeping short lists, recording how He's answering prayers, big and small. She prayed: God I just want to know that you are with me. If you answer my prayer or if you don't—I'm still going to trust you, no matter what." Lori writes: Life is hard AND God is incredible. Both phrases are true and happening simultaneously: Life is hard. God is incredible. That's my story. I've had hard things come my way AND I've experienced the faithfulness of God alongside the pain and suffering. He met me where I was and brought peace as I held the pieces of a life I never imagined for myself.   Some gems: Life is hard AND God is incredible. To track how God is present helps keep me emotionally resilient. I acknowledge my fears but when I look for how God is working on my behalf, worry turns more easily to worship.  Psalm 73 is where I go for help: God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.  I didn't want to just say the words, "God I trust you"—I wanted to get into the habit of observing His miraculous presence in my trials and difficulties.  Sometimes I stall out and I just say, "God I need to hear from You" and then I keep a pad of paper and a pencil nearby. You CAN have a deeper connection with God, even when life is hard. Take the quiz HERE. Learn more from Lori at lorimargo.com.  

Speaker, author, Keith Ferrin heard someone tell or perform the entire book of Luke on stage for two hours straight. He made a lunch date with the presenter for that next day, a lunch date which lasted nine hours. For the last two decades, Keith's been presenting Scripture by the book as a storyteller. "The Bible is not only meant to be studied, understood and obeyed", Keith says, "it's meant to be enjoyed." We discuss the Thdifference as well as what it means to internalize the word vs memorizing the words. Keith is passionate about helping people know and love God's word and offers great series on YouTube as well as on his website. Keith is offering my Welcome Heart listeners a half-off coupon for two of his great resources: get both for the price of one. One course is called Relational Bible Study. www.keithferrin.com/rbs The other is called The Simplest Way to Internalize the Bible www.keithferrin.com/internalize Use this LINK to get them both for the price of one. His free resource is: The Simplest Way to Study the Bible. LINK HERE. Some gems: People are under the false belief that massive parts of Scripture is confusing so they don't even attempt to read it. The main difference between Christianity and all other religions is this: the Creator saw that His creation was in trouble and He set out to rescue and fix what they can't fix on their own. The Bible is not only true, it's also powerful and amazing and transforming and meant to be enjoyed. I realized that God's Word isn't just to be studied verse-by-verse like little sound bites; rather it's to engage my mind, emotions and soul and that's made all the difference. To internalize Scripture is the know the Word; to memorize Scripture is to know the words.  The more relational we are with Scripture, the more information we will retain. Our primary purpose in reading the Bible is to hang out with Jesus.   To learn more about Keith and how to learn to enjoy the Bible, follow Keith on all social platforms @keithferrin or his website: keithferrin.com.

Bret Lott knows how to make a woman cry. Possibly a man, too, but I'm not sure. I know he's cried (sobbed, he admitted) when reading Leif Enger's book, Peace Like a River. I already liked Bret Lott but that made me like him even more.  Bret Lott, award-winning author of now 16 books (both fiction and non-fiction) didn't start out to become a writer and, in fact, met obstacles along the way. I'm glad he persevered; if you've read Jewel, one of Oprah's Book Club selections, then I'm sure you're glad as well. He wanted to ride a horse and be a Park Ranger. Grateful that didn't pan out.  Fun sidenote: Since I'm also from Southern California, it was a delight to find out that Bret used to work at Knott's Berry Farm at the candy apple booth and once-a-month he made waffles for Mr. Knott.    Bret is giving away a signed copy of his latest book out this month entitled: GATHER THE OLIVES, On Food and Hope and the Holy Land  - comment below or on social media to be entered! Born in Los Angeles in 1958, Lott grew up in Buena Park, CA and Phoenix, AZ before returning to California to live in Huntington Beach, CA. He met and married his wife of 40 years, Melanie Swank Lott, at First Baptist Church of Huntington Beach/Fountain Valley. A graduate of Cal State, Long Beach(1981), Lott headed to Massachusetts for graduate school at UMass Amhurst. He received his MFA in 1984 and landed his first teaching position at Ohio State Univ. In 1986, Lott joined the English Department at the College of Charleston, where he is now a tenured professor and director of the new MFA program and leads writers retreats to Italy. Find out more about his writing retreats here: https://bretlottwriting.com Be sure to comment below to be entered to win: Gather the Olives. Some gems: The difference between a good writer and a bad writer: the bad writer says, "Here I am, I have something to say." The good writer writes a good story and you're not aware he or she even exists. I write to try and understand things, why people do what they do and what happened to their lives. I shared a short story with a girl I liked. She wasn't impressed. I knew right then that I loved her.  Jewel was based on my grandmother's life. She had 6 kids and the 6th, my aunt, was Down Syndrome.  You're given what you're given in life; the writer's job and joy is to write the pages torn from that life and try to understand it better. The best art fills us with wonder and glory and mystery and beauty which are all manifestations of God.   

Connie Lawson, wife and mother of three little girls has suffered more than most. When asked, "Do you ever wonder why you went through so many trials?" she replied, "Not anymore. When you really push into Jesus and decide that He's enough, you find out that He really is enough."  Misdiagnosed at age 11 with a mental illness that didn't get changed around until her late 20's, Connie could be bitter over all those lost years. Instead, she's turned her pain into an opportunity to help others trust the God that she's come to know and love, even in and in spite of the darkness. Hear more of Connie's story on her podcast, Weeds, Seeds and Beautiful Things.  Some gems:  I don't understand the why behind my trials, but I do know that God is good, no matter what. If you aren't anchored to the truth, you'll drown, and the truth is that God is loves you and is present in your suffering.  My mission is to help others come to know the God I've learned to trust.  When you pray for more faith in God rather than praying for a changed outcome—it changes you. My suffering is a doorway to see the face of God.  An entitled anger says, "I don't deserve this pain" and keeps me from seeing God's hand.  For more encouragment, follow Connie at WeedsSeedsandBeautifulThings.com.

My friend and fellow podcaster, Mary Hess of The Back 40, invited me and 3 other gals (from the back 40!) to chat on her podcast. Here's what Mary had to say about all of us crazy and fun ladies: Ever found yourself in a predicament because your body is going through changes you don't quite understand? Or perhaps you're struggling to find your identity amidst the pressures of social media, comparison, and the expectation to constantly achieve? Well, ladies, you're not alone. I'm accompanied by four incredibly inspiring women - Sue Donaldson, Ruthie Gray, Susan Macias, and Carol Feil - who have each navigated their unique journeys and have come to share their wisdom on these common, yet often overlooked subjects. Our conversation doesn't shy away from the personal, the profound, or the downright hilarious. We candidly tackle the often-ignored topic of menopause and each share our own experiences with hormone replacement and our strategies for coping with life's inevitable transitions. I think you'll find comfort and camaraderie in our tales of overcoming fears, breaking free from societal timelines, and taking action, no matter what stage of life you're in.  But that's not all. We dive deep into the challenges of finding your true identity in a world that demands comparison. We discuss the power of authentic communication, and the importance of being true to yourself. Wherever you are in your faith journey, whether you feel you're just starting out or you've been walking the path for decades, this episode is for you. So, get comfortable, grab a cuppa, and join us for a conversation that will have you nodding in agreement, laughing out loud, and maybe even shedding a tear or two. You won't want to miss it. Connect with Sue Donaldson: https://welcomeheart.com/ Connect with Susan Macias: https://www.susankmacias.com/ Connect with Ruthie Gray: https://authenticonlinemarketing.com/ Connect with Carol Feil: https://carolfeil.com/ Find our host, Mary here at The Back 40 Some gems (we do think we are funny...) I had to make a choice, to say this is my new season, and I'm going to assume that God didn't make me faulty. It's not bad. Hot flashes are never fun. I just want to be so in sync with what the Lord is doing in my life, so that, if I snap at someone, that I can do short accounts—to get our relationship back on track as soon as possible—like with God and my children and my husband. Because we can now walk around with, you know, computers in our back pockets, I think we have to really really guard our hearts and minds to what we allow to settle in and take up that space. I think sometimes it's easy for me even to get into the mindset of oh my gosh, I'm in my 50s now and what do I have to show for it? What do I have to show that I've been doing ministry or I'm successful in some arena or some way? I don't know that comparison ever really goes away and I kind of thought it would. To be surrounded by people who inspire you is is self-serving sanctification. To go into community on a regular basis and say have someone say, "You're not late, Susan, you're blessed. You're doing what God wants you to do today." When we start feeling lonely or down about what we're doing or anything to do with our second half of life, the worst thing we can do is stay to ourselves.  

Scott Savage, pastor, husband of a judge and father of 3, realized one day in a church meeting that he was in the wilderness of burnout. What followed was 9 months of finding and knowing God on a deeper level and he's here today to share with us part of what he learned. You may not be in a wilderness yourself right now, but you may know someone who could use Scott's encouragement. He's offering a free resource which you can access here: Don't Give Up When It's Time To Change: 10 Things You Need to Hear When You're Ready to Quit. Scott and his wife, Danalyn often say, "Everyone has a story if we stop long enough to listen." Perhaps that's the main thing you need today: someone to listen to your story. You can connect with Scott here.  Some gems from today:   What if you started looking for God's kindness in your wilderness where He leads you tenderly closer to Himself. We can wake up and discover that we are somewhere where we never intended to be and find we are in a wilderness.  Friendships forged in the hard places can be our deepest and most life-giving relationships.  I knew I was burned out from focusing on my public life more than tending to my private life with God. Burnout is something we have more control over; wilderness can often be the result of outside circumstances.  My prayer is that people will connect to me in my stories so that they will connect with God.  When feeling burned out we can claim the promise we are not alone: God hasn't left and He can provide others to accompany us in the hardest of times.  Scott Savage is a pastor, author, and speaker with the best last name ever! As a seasoned Millennial pastor, Scott has served churches for nearly 20 years. He currently leads Cornerstone Church in Prescott, Arizona. His writing has been read by over a million people in places like Our Daily Bread, RELEVANT Magazine, Air1 Radio, and the YouVersion Bible App: here's a sample. Through his writing and speaking, Scott loves helping people who are navigating difficult situations to find hope and healing. He is married to Danalyn, aka Judge Savage, and they're raising three brilliant children. You can learn more about Scott at ScottSavageLive.com or follow him on social media (@scottsavagelive).    

Kristen Hallinan knew she needed to make some changes. How she responded to situations was threatening the peace in her family and costing her precious relationships. Once she figured out that much of her over-reactions were based in deep-seated early life trauma, she was able to begin to move forward: for her sake and for the sake of the next generation.  As a result of what Kristen learned, she's put together a resource that is her legacy and will be of help for many who feel stuck in the pain of their past. That may not be you but you may know someone who needs to hear her story and how to get beyond small-t trauma and live in the freedom and wholeness that Christ provides. A copy of her newly-released book will be part of a giveaway all week long. Be sure to comment to be entered: Legacy Changer: Heal the Hurt, Redeem Your Story, Create Hope for Your Family Some gems from our conversation: It took me many years to resource all the tools to help me heal.  We are forgiven completely when we come to faith in Christ, but not always fully healed. I love seeing women walk in freedom when God redeems their past pain. As a child, I felt unwanted, unseen, and that I was simply annoying to others.  It took courage to speak up about my needs and face the fact that many were not met as a child. To quiet the lies in my head, I list them out and contrast them with the truths of who God says I am.  I am teaching our children that it's okay not to be enough because God is enough. I've learned that I am in charge of my emotions—they are not in charge of me. Kristen Hallinan is a sought-after writer and speaker, passionate about helping women redeem the pain of their past and move towards a healthier and more hopeful future. On mission to equip women and support families, Kristen previously worked as Director of Development for MOPS International. She enjoys working with teen moms, crisis pregnancy centers, and serving as a pre-marital mentor with her husband Shawn in Dallas, TX. Legacy Changer is Kristen's debut book, and you can find her other writings in publications like Relevant Magazine and The Joyful Life. Laughing with and chasing after her four children helps burn off the calories she consumes of her favorite treat—homemade gluten free churros.     

Pam Fields of The Mom Next Door Podcast shares with us today her desire to come alongside other moms and throw out the anchor of God's truth, hope and love, encouraging them in their parenting and their walk with the Lord. She came from a difficult place in her own childhood and didn't really understand what it was all about but she met the Lord at 15 and knew right then that God loved her and that she was His favorite. I wanted to argue that I was His favorite, but as we know, God loves us all.  Pam, a recent resident of Tennesee after living in Oregon for many years, is a mom of 9 and grandma to 4. She hosts the free Facebook group called: Tending Fields Moms Group and interviews moms from all walks of life on her podcast.    Some gems: I want to throw out the life preserver and provide an anchor for moms who are needing support and encouragement.  An online community is a starting place for sharing hope and practical resources. I know that there is so much power in prayer and when we can't make a casserole for someone, we can still pray. I always knew that God loved me and that I was His favorite. Because of the dark places in my past, I know that I kept myself from fully experiencing my emotions until I met with a counselor and recognized my childhood trauma. To get beyond a painful past, we must surround ourselves with people who point us to God and His healing truth. We aren't meant to grow on our own. I  want a home where my people feel comfortable and supported whether or not things are going well or not so great.       As a mom of 9, Pam has learned how to incorporate prayer into the busy moments of mothering life. She would love to share this resource with you! In this guide, you will find prayer prompts as well as step-by-step instructions for crafting a prayer bracelet which will be a great reminder to pray for any concerns that you are carrying. She writes about the bracelet HERE.       Prayer Bracelets: A Practical Idea to Remind You to Pray     Here is the link: https://subscribepage.io/3e30w2   Follow Pam: IG: https://www.instagram.com/tendingfields/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/TendingFields Website: https://tendingfields.net/  

Kendall Vanderslice joins us today to talk bread, food, community, and loneliness—all some of my favorite topics. Founder of the non-profit,  EdibleTheology.com, Kendall shares her wisdom regarding cultural polarization, and how eating together is a vulnerable and soul-filling activity. I love her call to include "rhythms of times at the table" in an effort to stave off our default into isolation. And, that when we do, we feel more known, respected and healed. Author of We Will Feast, By Bread Alone, as well as the digital course, Bake With the Bible, Kendall also promotes a program we can use in our churches to build community and love, even in the middle of an election year! (Maybe especially in the middle of an election year!) And she is offering a copy of her recently released book/memoir: By Bread Alone: A Baker's Reflections on Hunger, Longing and the Goodness of God. Some gems from our conversation: To eat together takes vulnerability at some level which leads to deeper sharing and better knowing of one another. Loneliness has negative effects on our brains and our bodies.  God speaks to us in the act of cooking and eating. Healing is possible around the table. Pull up a chair. Sharing stories and meals can fill gaps and foster connections unlike any other thing. Invite others into your home on purpose when it's not all cleaned up and perfect. We can love better when we don't agree on topics when we cook and eat together.  To stave off loneliness, purpose to plan your life around rhythms of eating at the table with others. Her favorite thing to bake (I asked!) is "Sourdough on Training Wheels." Sounds like my kind of sourdough. In her own words Hello! I'm Kendall Vanderslice – yes, before you ask, that is my true name. It's just by chance (or the humor of God) that I ended up in a field so fitting. I'm a baker and writer, whose best thinking occurs as I work dough between my hands; I scribble down thoughts on pieces of parchment dusted in flour, until I can parse them out later before my keyboard. When I embarked on a career as a pastry chef, I found that my love of bread transformed the ways I read scripture. Fascinated by God's use of food throughout the arc of the Gospel, I merged my work in the kitchen with academic study of food and theology. I founded the educational nonprofit Edible Theology as an outlet for further research and public engagement in this sphere. You can get a taste for our work by listening to our weekly podcast Kitchen Meditations. I'm a graduate of Wheaton College in Illinois (BA Anthropology), where I began engaging questions of food and faith. Interested in commensality—or, the social dynamics of eating together—I studied food at Boston University (MLA Gastronomy). My thesis on church meals sparked a range of theological questions, leading me to Duke University where I wrote a thesis on the theology of bread (MTS). In 2018 I was named a James Beard Foundation national scholar for my work on food and religion. My first book, We Will Feast: Rethinking Dinner, Worship, and the Community of God, released May 2019. My second book, By Bread Alone: A Baker's Reflections on Hunger, Longing, and the Goodness of God, releases February 2023.    

A teacher told Dianne Beck, "You're a good writer" and that made all the difference. Beck's love of writing turned into a passion, first while teaching non-reading junvenile delinquents, then teaching in a Christian school and now writing young adult fiction. She inspired her students to write and they made her accountable to finishing her first novel, Sticks and Stones—a prequel to her current book, Finding True North. Beck explores the theme of living from our true identity, who God designed us to be. And she is giving away a copy this week! Leave a comment below to be entered. You'll want to read it first and then give it to your favorite 8th grader! Dianne's legacy is love: "When you read my stories, real or imagined, may you discover a God who loves you."    Dianne, a mother of four adult children has taught school for years and has a special spot in her heart for Middle-schoolers, which makes her a saint and well-appreciated by parents that's for sure. Check out her writings on her website: diannebeck.com  Some gems: A 5th grade teacher told me that I was a good writer. I never forgot her words. The juvenile delinquents I taught to read just needed someone to come alongside and show them that someone cared. Young people are embattled by social media, adding to their tension and confusion.  We all need to live out of the confidence of being who God designed us to be.  The written word stays long after we are gone: I want to write so that others know God loves them. Staying in the Word is the key to remembering our true identity.

Amberly Neese is all for Glee-ology as well as Theology. She loves making people laugh. I would say she can't help it. She knows, too, that truth goes down easier when prefaced with a good dose of humor and vulnerability. Author of three great Bible Studies including UNTANGLING FAITH: RECLAIMING HOPE INTHE QUESTIONS JESUS ASKED, Amberly helps people like you and me experience the freedom found in meaningful relationships with God and others.  She's hosting a giveaway of UNTANGLING FAITH all week long - please leave comment below to be entered.  Some gems from our conversation:   My favorite question that Jesus asked is: "Who do you say I am?"  Humor drops defenses and helps whet our appetites for what God wants to teach us.  I had to let go of the false notion that God only is concerned with me when I'm doing things right.  I want people to know that God is for them by the way that I love and honor them. We develop a specific muscle group in our minds each time we recall how God loves and provides: He does so for birds—he will do the same for us, His children. When my adult children need help, instead of rushing to their aid, I ask, "What do you know to be true?" Jesus asked over 300 questions as recorded in Scripture. Since He knew all the answers the questions were for you and I to help us grow in faith and love.      Amberly is a featured speaker/ emcee/ comedian for the Aspire Women's Events and Marriage Date Night, two popular Christian national tours. She and her husband have two adult children and live in Prescott, Arizona, where they enjoy the great outdoors, the Food Network, and all things Star Wars. I got to meet and hear Amberly in October. What a treat!

Colleen Swindoll Thompson speaks today about "reframing her pain" and what she didn't learn in Sunday School. "We don't like to hear that life includes suffering," Thompson states, "and that modeling how to suffer well is the best legacy we can leave our children." She was raised well and she figured if she did "her part for God and with God" she'd be okay. But she wasn't. Through multiple difficult and tragic circumstances, she learned to lean in toward God and allow Him to do his refining work, and all of it helped her establish "Reframing Ministries"—an organization to bless, encourage and support the caregiver. Colleen will be giving away a copy of her book When Life Isn't Fair: What They Didn't Tell You in Sunday School this week. Leave a comment below or on social media to be entered to win.  Some gems from our conversation: God's way is so different from what we plan—so much bigger and better but we don't see that right away. I was raised with the idea that if I do my part, God would give me an abundant life without suffering. I want to leave a legacy of listening well because that means I'm loving well. How I treat others that God has entrusted into my care takes vulnerability and the willingness to ask for help. We can face our challenges and trials either by fighting with God, asking "Why, God?" and trying to fix things on our own or by asking Him, "What do I do now? You've given me this day and these trials—I need help."  God knows you: your health, your emotions, your relationships—all the things—and He will supply the person or persons that you need when you need it. When we find ourselves stuck, not knowing how to move forward, the first step is to acknowledge our need; then pray, "Lord, I don't know what to do." God doesn't say, "I need to you do" as much as "I need you to be"—close to me, crying out for help and resting in His presence. Sign up for Colleen's 5-Day Patio Videos Devotional Series HERE. View Colleen's story here or here. Do you know a caregiver who would be encouraged by this podcast? Please share the link today.   _______ Maybe someone in your neighborhood needs to hear Colleen's message of reframing. If I don't know my neighbor, it's hard to love them as Jesus loves them. You can start by hosting a coffee. This printable can get you on your way, including two simple recipes (I only do simple)—    

When Twyla's daughters say, "Are we walking the neighborhood or talking the neighborhood?" she knows she's been passing down a legacy worth living. She says drawing close to God is the first step in loving our neighbors and some of her favorite words begin with "R." Twyla Franz is a big believer in baby steps and ripple-effect living. An Enneagram 9 learning to live open, she loves front-yard conversations with neighbors, chalk-painted furniture, and Yogi's blueberry tea. As a missional neighboring guide, she helps others get close to Jesus and grow deep, missional friendships with neighbors. Find her words (written and recorded) on TheUncommonNormal.com. Other places Twyla writes include (in)courage, Relevant, Her View From Home, and The Grit and Grace Project. She also hosts Begin Within: A Gratitude Series to encourage year-round gratitude (because gratitude, she says, has a ripple effect.)   Some gems: So often we complicate our faith instead of just living the rhythms of drawing close to Jesus and allowing him to ripple out onto our neighbors. To live missional is to live "interruptible." When we make ourselves vulnerable, we become approachable so that the Good News naturally or supernaturally pours out. My preference is not to ask for help but I find that makes me real and makes Jesus real to my neighbor. I know God differently on my knees than anywhere else. When I know where the goal is, I keep inching my way forward; I don't have to get there overnight.  God's abundance isn't only for us, it's for how it flows over and out of our lives for those we meet everyday. Whatever we hope to do in our neighborhood, we need to start in our homes.  A piece of our purpose is to thank God every day in our hearts and in the presence of others.    Free sample week of Cultivating a Missional Life: A 30-Day Devotional to Gently Help You Open Your Heart, Home, and Life to Your Neighbors And, Find out if you are accidentally keeping your friendships shallow—and what you can do about it   Find Twyla in all these places: Website—https://theuncommonnormal.com/ Cultivating a Missional Life Devotional https://theuncommonnormal.com/book/ Freebies (including sample week of devotional)—https://theuncommonnormal.com/subscribe/ Begin Within: A Gratitude Series—https://theuncommonnormal.com/category/gratitude-series/ Podcast—https://theuncommonnormal.com/podcast/ Instagram—https://www.instagram.com/theuncommonnormal/ Facebook—https://www.facebook.com/theuncommonnormal  

Jordan Raynor returns to Living a Legacy Life Podcast today to talk about his radical and biblical view of our work, all of our work, and how it matters to God and to eternity. Jordany is the leading voice on work and faith and you may have been first introduced to his writing with his great books, Created to Create and Redeeming Your Time (Hear our conversation about that HERE.) Today he addresses our misconceptions of our work, our view of heaven as well as the Great Commission as most of us know it. Join us as we tackle these great topics from his latest book: The Sacredness of Secular Work: 4 Ways Your Job Matters for Eternity (Even When You're Not Sharing the Gospel)   You will be motivated and blessed. OH! And he's giving one away so be sure to leave a comment below to be entered.  So many convo gems: We know our jobs matter to God: His one and only Son, Jesus was raised in the home of a small business owner! We live with too many half-truths about heaven.  The first commission is to make the world more useful for people's benefit and enjoyment. God delights in every detail of our lives, most of which includes our work.  Our work is a vehicle for bringing God eternal pleasure. The Great Commission is great but it's not the only thing that God values.  The Gospel includes the redemption of the earth, not only the salvation of our souls.  Make a list of questions that will launch conversations from the surface, to the serious, to the spiritual and keep them in your phone.   Follow Jordan at jordanraynor.com  Podcasts and books.      

Alyssa Evans never met her dad and was raised in a foster home, then adopted. It wasn't until she had her first child that she decided to embrace faith in Christ. And found her "forever family." As a military wife (Marines!) she's moved countless times and struggled often with loneliness that is typical with military families. she compared herself (a little bit!) with Jesus since his fulltime ministry was 3 years and a typical military duty is 3 years where families need to uproot again, find new friends for themselves and their kids. Alyssa and her husband want to continue ministering to the military family unit in some way after his retirement which is not that far away.  Some gems from our conversation:  Women become incredibly isolated when they uproot every three years or so and they need someone to come alongside and just be with them. We want to love people with the same love that Jesus loves us. Our church knew we wouldn't be sticking around because of the military so their attitude was: "Hey! We don't care how long you're staying and if it's a short time, it just means we will love you harder!" The least I can do is invite someone to my table. If there are snacks for the kids, sometimes that's all that's needed to gather women around my table (and by snacks I mean a big bowl of popcorn and another one of cereal.) I find that as we get older, we're so busy with our older kids, we don't take time to develop our women friendships. We need to put it on the calendar. When I'm feeling blue and lonely, I've learned that if I'm invited somewhere that I say, "Yes!" no matter what.  The Lord has more for me and he humbles and sustains us.  When wallowing in loneliness, I've learned to stop saying, "Why, Lord?" and changing it to, "Lord, what will You have me learn from this situation?" When I'm authentic with my story, it deepens a new friendship and lets another know there is room at my table.    

Free lance writer, editor, mother of two, Jenny Abel talks today on the preciousness of recalibrating your life, all for heaven's sake. Co-author with Kenneth Boa of the book, Recalibrate Your Life: Navigating Transitions with Purpose and Hope, Abel defines recalibration as consciously processing where we've been, where we are now, and looking ahead to where God may want to lead us. "This isn't something we only do at the end of our lives," Jenny says, "rather we do it on a regular basis to help us gain perspective: Are we numbering our days to gain a heart of wisdom?" Leave a comment below or on social media to be entered to win a copy of Recalibrate Your Life. Teach us to number our days,     that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Psalm 90:12 Some gems: At the heart of recalibration is a pilgrim mindset. Before we can recalibrate, we need to calibrate: do we belong to God? Are our minds set on Christ? My relationship with God would not be what it is without my time in the dark valley of infertility. Knowing you are really going to die someday changes everything. Our career changes; the calling on our lives is never ending. Suffering prompts recalibration. My desire is to inspire others to know and hope in God and call them to gaze on God's beauty. Our pride, our day-to-day inertia, digging in our heels—all of these things keep us from numbering our days.  Jenny Abel is an editor and writer for Ken Boa, coauthor of Recalibrate Your Life. Having sat under Boa's teaching since she was a teenager, she began working for him and his Reflections Ministries in 2013. She served as editor of the monthly Reflections teaching letter from 2017 to 2023. She cowrote Shaped by Suffering and A Guide to Practicing God's Presence with Dr. Boa and edited his book Life in the Presence of God. A freelance writer and editor, she founded Jenny M. Abel Editorial Services (www.abeleditorial.com) in 2011. She holds a BS in mathematics with a concentration in Latin American studies from Furman University, is a graduate of the Focus on the Family Leadership Institute, and resides in Charlottesville, Virginia, with her husband, Ben, and their two young children.   Book web page: http://recalibrateyourlife.org   Ken Boa's website: http://kenboa.org   Ken's social media: Reflections Ministries - YouTube, Facebook, Kenneth Boa (@ken.boa) • Instagram photos and videos     AND, Jenny shared a recipe! Yay! I'm not sure I'd decrease the butter, but that's just me. Thanks, Jenny! Grand Canyon Coffee Cake Part 1: ¾ c. canola or vegetable oil 2½ c. flour* ¾ c. sugar 1 c. brown sugar (light or dark) 1 tsp. nutmeg 1 tsp. salt Part 2: 2 tsp. cinnamon 2 eggs, beaten 1 c. buttermilk 1 tsp. baking powder 1 tsp. baking soda 1 stick butter Directions: Preheat oven to 350° F. Combine Part 1 ingredients and mix thoroughly (in an electric mixer). Take ¾ c. of this mixture and set it aside. Part 2: To the set-aside mixture, add 2 tsp. cinnamon. This will serve as the topping. To the rest of the Part 1 mixture, add eggs, buttermilk, powder, and soda. Pour into the bottom of a greased 9” x 13” pan. Sprinkle the topping crumbles on top, distributing evenly. Bake 25–30 min. or until toothpick comes out clean. Melt the 1 stick butter and drizzle on top of the hot cake. Serve warm for breakfast or anytime! *Note: I often use whole wheat flour for all or part of this case to make it healthier. I also decrease the amount of butter drizzled on top to about ½ to 2/3 of a stick.  

When God said, “Be hospitable” he added a caveat which could only be divine: “And while you're at it, don't be grumpy.” It's easy to be grumpy because hospitality is work especially if you don't think you are very good at it. Some people are really great hosts. We describe them as “good at entertaining.” But God didn't say, “Be good entertainers.” There's a difference. Seems to me that entertaining has more to do with me and hospitality has more to do with my guests My friend told me that the hardest part of hospitality is trying too hard to impress with appearance and presentation instead of being genuinely warm and welcoming.  Emphasizing these things can leave her feeling superficial and flat rather than warm, loving and satisfied.  She said, "I have to remind myself that entertaining is not the same thing as hospitality.   I need to slow down and take time to nurture relationships."  She's right. I need to remind myself of the same thing, especially when I end up running around at the last minute, barking orders at the family to help me finish whatever isn't, and making a general mess of a kind and loving atmosphere - - all in the name of “making things nice for the company. Mom was raised in the ungrace of no hospitality. But she wanted to help people know that they were a big deal to God by inviting them over for strawberry jello and baked chickens in the blue roaster on time-bake on Sundays. So she kept inviting and that's how she broke that chain and raised all us Moore kids with grace enough to do the same only I don't usually make jello and often I buy the pie. We all know how to make coffee. Thank you, Mom.    Karen Mains wrote:  "True hospitality comes before pride.  It has nothing to do with impressing people, but everything to do with making them feel welcome and wanted."  Some thoughts from today's episode: God wants to use our hospitality as a vehicle for Him to change lives – our lives and those we invite. True hospitality is "relationship-based" rather than "show-off based." The more I accept that grace, the easier it is for me to give grace to everyone else. I think that's called love. Hospitality can get confused with Entertaining. Both are great – both can be used by God – but they are not the same. God is interested in me, but when I invite someone over, he wants me to show my guests that he's interested in them. If one is truly hospitable, one shows graciousness, courtesy, and genuine kindness--all qualities of our loving God. Someone can show these qualities without owning table settings for twelve with matching linen napkins. There is no one more hospitable than God, and we are to be His welcome to the world. Great food, good times, a gorgeous home—is that what hospitality is all about?  God makes room even when no one else does, and sometimes in the most unlikely places. Sometimes we just need to make room so that someone becomes part of the Bigger Story.    

Welcome Carol Feil of Yellow Boot Fame to Legacy Living today! We talk about what matters most during the busy holiday season and we laugh a lot, too! People are lonelier than ever and how can we include rather than exclude to help others connect to a family, even if for one evening? Sometimes choosing "simple" over "elaborate" is the best gift we can give our own families as well as ourselves so we can focus on what really matters and choose to make this time a sacred space.  Some Carol gems: Simplifying allows us to focus on what's most important durlng the holidays. Love can mean learning to give someone what they are willing to receive. I've discovered that doing things that help our family connect is more valuable than buying more gifts and putting on elaborate events. Our "shoulds" are not always grounded in reality. My family was happier with less; I had to learn to expect less of myself. I taught my children that we aren't purposely exclusive when we are purposely inclusive, but we have to look out for that one who is feeling excluded by our inclusivity.  We "should" ourselves into doing more when it only adds more stress and no one else is expecting it--only us. A gift from Carol, first a word: I love everything about Christmas - well, almost everything.  Tinsel and holly, yes. Stress and overwhelm, no.  Coco and caroling, yes.  Overloaded calendar, no.  You get the idea.  It's easy to overcommit, overdo, then overwhelm ourselves as Christmas approaches.  How often does the schedule dictate what you focus on? I have learned that by choosing what goes on the calendar in advance, I can simplify, stay sane so I can focus on the Sacred of the Season.  I want this for you, too. I've created a FREE resource to remind you: You have permission to choose sane and simple so Sacred can be the focus. Carol wears yellow-boots in the garden - they are her “listen & learn” boots. She takes pictures of everything! Slugs & bugs & selfies! But, her grandkids are her favorite to frame. She will tell you growth in life is good and gardens are proof. She believes God grows us where we are and helps us to be rooted and grounded in His unchanging character. He knows our pain and loves us more than we can imagine. Let Carol encourage you today, so you too, can plant a seed of hope for another tomorrow. You can find Carol through her website www.carolfeil.com, on Instagram and Facebook.  

Kristen Welch went to Kenya on Compassion trip with an agenda. God wrecked her instead, all for His glory and purpose. Kristen thought she had God and faith figured out but instead she realized she had not been really living the Christian life as God requires all of us to live who call ourselves followers of Jesus. As a result of that encounter with God and with the world's poverty, Kristen founded the non-profit, Mercy House Global. You can hear more of story in her book, Rhinestone Jesus, and today's conversation will encourage you and maybe even wreck you, all for heaven's sake.  Kristen will be hosting a giveaway of her great book, Made to Move Mountains: How God uses Our Dreams and Disasters to Accomplish the Impossible. You may already know Kristen from her great mom-blog, WeAreTHATFamily.com.   Some gems: You never know when you say that "yes" of obedience where God will change you and use you. My normal was impacted by the world's normal: 75% of the world live on $5.00 a day.  Generosity is a spiritual discipline. When we see someone start something big we use it as an excuse to not do anything. Abiding in Christ is the main thing that keeps me from discouragement because the work is exhausting but it is His work. Everyone is commanded to remember the marginalized. Doing nothing is a response too. I found myself in the classroom of Surrender, 101, and I stopped expecting it to be easy.    Kristen is passionate about empowerment, taking action, responding to God's command to care for vulnerable people and making a difference with how we spend money. Find all you need to know on MercyHouseGlobal.org. And prayerfully consider buying your Chirstmas gifts from Mercy House Global. Those subscriptions boxes sound amazing!  

Author, speaker, life coach, Caris Snider talks today about how she struggled with anxiety and depression and how that's not a bad thing, it's just a thing that can be progressed through with the help of community, the truths of God's Word and presence, and possibly a  coach and/or therapist. Overwhelmed with all the things a mom faces, she began a little podcast that's become a big one called "Car Line Mom" - what we think about while we're in all the lines waiting with our kids or for our kids. Her latest book, by the same title is available today: Car Line Mom: 100 Days of Encouragement for the Mama Who Gets Everyone Everywhere.   Some gems from today's podcast: When negative thoughts come in, don't let them stay! No matter how we struggle as moms, we are never alone.  No one in the Bible did their journey alone; ask God for a friend to journey with you as a mom. I learned through my own feelings of inadequacy and living an over-committed life that it's okay to say "no" and create healthy margins A coach helps us Zoom Out on your life map to see how we can get where we want to go. Jesus was a our model even in negative feelings so we don't need to be afraid to have them. We don't need to be afraid to talk about faith and mental health. As mom's we feel like we can't fail which adds chaos and "overwhelm" to our lives.  We need to live from the overflow of God's presence. He promises peace; we need to live in and from that peace. CARIS SNIDER loves to share the hope of God through speaking, writing, coaching, and leading worship. She is the author of “Anxiety Elephants: 31 Day Devotional” and “Anxiety Elephants: 90 Day Devotional for Tween Boys and Girls.” From her own personal experience, she helps women in their journey of overcoming depression, anxiety, fear, and shame. Caris lives with her husband, Brandon, and two daughters in Cullman, Alabama. A word from Caris: I am so glad that you have found your way here. You see, I know what it is like to be shackled in guilt and shame, feeling hopeLESS and purposeLESS. BUT, I also know the freedom of those shackles being broken and beginning to live a life FULLfilled. I have my good days and I have my bad days. I have had some pretty dark days as well. I don't know what type of day you are having, but just know that many of us have been where you are, and there is hope to make it out. Find free resources HERE. Follow her instagram to learn more: @carissnider And her website is carissnider.com    

Jilliann Woods grew up in an abusive environement which didn't stop with her childhood. Because she didn't understand the oppression under which she was raised, she found herself in repeated abusive relationships. She finally realized that God created all of us to be heard and seen and empowered by His Spirit, she now lives free and boldly counsels and teaches multitudes of women so that they too can find our God-given freedom in Christ. Thank the Lord, for Jilliann's courage and love for others. Check out her two free resources on her website: jillian-woods.com. And pass them along to anyone you know who might need help in this painful and crippling life situation.  Free guide: How to Climb Out of Oppression Free printable: Bold and Free Manifesto     Some gems from our conversation: I thought it was my duty to be nice at the expense of being honest. All the things I wanted to keep secret, I now share to help others. One oppressive relationship when younger can lead to a series of abusive relationships as an adult. When you suspect someone may be in an abusive relationship, develop trust by just being there for them and then begin asking gentle questions. God gives us all kinds of permission to be bold.  I learned I do have a voice given to me by God, empowered by Him to be used by His Spirit. How does a woman transition from being "beside the point" to becoming the very point of her own life? Jilliann Woods is a writer, abuse survivor, and founder of Be Bold. Live Free—providing encouragement, coaching, and resources for women affected by abuse in close relationships. Currently, she is writing a book for Christian women who seek a path to freedom from abuse and relationship addiction. She is a certified Domestic Violence Peer Counselor. Jilliann is Mom to three amazing adults, and Grammie to seven cherished grands. She happily resides on the Central Coast of California.   3 Steps to Take if You are in an Abusive Relationship:   [Safety first for yourself and your children. If physical violence is an issue, find safe shelter. If you don't have a place to go call: 800.799.7233] 1. Confide in a trusted friend. Even if you feel ashamed or embarrassed, a trusted friend will understand and realize the abusive behavior of your spouse is not your fault. 2. Find a mentor or counselor who is trauma informed. Someone who will know what you are going through. Ask your friend to help with this step. If you are a Christian, find a trauma informed faith-based coach or counselor.  3. Be honest with yourself, don't excuse the abuse, and don't accept the blame for his behavior. Pray and ask God for guidance and courage.     NOTE: In abusive marriages, Marriage Counseling is not advisable. You need individual counseling. The abuser must be willing to get help and do the work to change his behaviors first.   Click here for  FREE 5-Step Toxic Relationship Reset Guide (scroll to bottom of Jilliann's home page)   Find and follow Jilliann in all the places-- https://jilliann-woods.com/ https://www.instagram.com/jilliannw https://www.facebook.com/writerjilliannwoods https://www.pinterest.com/jilliannwoodscoach/  

Things are out of our control. Circumstances do cause us grief and pain, tragedy does strike the good people as well as the bad. What can we do with our sorrow? We hope as Paul wrote in I Thess. 4:13 – “Do not grieve like the men who have no hope.” We can think that as a good Christian, we should not be grieving—as if being sad is un-Christ-like. Life IS hard, we'd be foolish not to embrace that fact, and the best way to get through grief is to grieve. But we grieve differently because we belong to God. How does a follower of Jesus grieve differently? With hope in God who knows what's ahead and loves us to the uttermost. We are to come to Him with our grief, we are to hold on tight, as we grieve, and we are to look for God's beauty and purpose amidst the ashes of pain. I want to add something here that maybe you can relate to: I hate to see my kids suffer – I like to run around and manipulate all their circumstances and their friends and their teachers – just so that my kids don't suffer pain – but God has something better in mind. He wants them to know Him through their pain. And that is far more beautiful and helpful than anything I can maneuver. They need to learn to know God personally; They need to learn for themselves that God's joy underlies their grief and the best way for them to learn it, is for their mother to get out of the way of the Holy Spirit.    (Of course, the Holy Spirit still needs my help with my husband . . . just kidding.) Joy comes from trusting and hoping in God Joy comes from communing and depending on God Joy comes from obedience and the main thing to obey is: "Love others as I have loved you." John 15       Sign up here to receive my 31 Days of Prayers: Love God, Love My Neighbor - It's Not Complicated (I make it complicated) One short prayer in your inbox for 31 days (free.) Also in journal form - see SHOP. A gift for your soul just in time for the holidays. Quantities are limited. 

Mimika Cooney, author, speaker and "personal trainer for the mind" is with us today to talk about mindset and legacy and living for things that matter. Wife and mother of three, Mimika had a lot going on until she realized she needed to get off the treadmill of doing too much with too little of relying on God. She needed a mindset change: "Lord, show me what you want me to do and then help me do it." And he did and does.  "Our mind drives our actions so I need to keep God in the driver seat by renewing my mind daily—Romans 12:2."--Mimika (pronouced like paprika!) Author of 10 books including her latest: Unstick Your Mind: Shift Your Mindset, Develop Grit, and Break Barriers, Mimika shares wisdom and inspiration based on her favorite Scripture, Romans 12:2 - "...be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect." Find her free resource: 8 Steps to Supercharge Your Mind HERE.   Some gems from our conversation: Training includes action—God expects us to act so we can be and do what he's created us to be and do. We all have "junk in the trunk" that slows us down and needs clearing out. We may be living in denial-city if we think we can do God's will without God renewing our minds daily. Our mind drives our actions so I need to keep God in the driver seat by renewing my mind daily—Romans 12:2. We don't know what we don't know so we rely on God to show us what needs changing and then take action steps to make those changes. There are limits to self-help because it's self, not God. You have to want to make a change. I help people move from where they are to where they want to be. Ask yourself: "What are you thinking and why do you believe that?" You're never too old to teach an old dog new tricks.  Your story is a testimony to God's grace so if you keep it to yourself, you are doing the world a disservice and robbing God of the glory due him.   Find Mimika here: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/mimikacooney YouTube https://youtube.com/c/mimikacooney Facebook https://www.facebook.com/themimikacooney Instagram https://www.instagram.com/mimikacooney Twitter https://twitter.com/mimikacooney Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Mimika- Cooney/e/B0052GNJGY   Don't forget to check out her latest book, Unstick Your Mind as well as her free resource: 8 Steps to Supercharge Your Mind HERE.  

When we wake up each morning, do we actually think that what we do can change someone's world in some way? Most of us are grateful to change the sheets on a regular basis, clean the coffee pot with vinegar a few times a year, and water the plants when they show signs of an early death. Yet, as followers of Jesus, we are not only called to an eternal purpose, to love God and our neighbor, we also get the privilege of partnering with the Son of God to change lives—one life, perhaps—all for His glory and our good and theirs. Does that sound too hard? Too overwhelming? Too exhausting? It can to me, until I remember how Jesus spoke to many individuals, not only crowds of 5,000 and more. And He met needs one-on-one, as well as breaking bread and fish for hungry men and women and their kids on a mountain more than once. Think about it: I've learned that inviting one person for a cup of coffee can change their world. God loves people, and He wants to use our tables and teapots to show people that He does. Your cup of coffee or tea, soup or water—can be an introduction to God that someone has been looking for their whole lives. As my new sweatshirt reads, "My real home is heaven. I'm just here recruiting." (I don't usually wear that on a first time meet-up.) Awhile ago I shared three stories of how God changed lives through a simple invitation. Here are three more stories of how God changed lives through a simple invitation. An invitation to the one who needs a family An invitation to the one who needs to live awake An invitation to the one who needs a little help   Maybe you've been the recipient of an invitation that changed your life. I'd love to hear about it.  I'd also like to hear if you invite someone over and would like me to pray alongside. Email me: sue@welcomeheart.com. We're partners, after all.  To hear my first three invitations that changed the world, LISTEN to Part, I - HERE.  

Today's conversation with Keri Eichberger is something we all need to hear: how to live with less worry and more peace. Author of the brand new book: Win Over Worry: Conquer What Shakes You and Soar with the One Who Overcomes, Keri, mother of five (now there are five worries!) speaks of her own process in overcoming worry with the truth of God's Word.  Yes, there's a giveaway! Leave a comment below or on social media to be entered to win her book! Some gems from Keri: We must be aware of the temptation to rely on ourselves and our own abilities, for true peace and freedom can only be found when we fully trust and surrender to God. Worry is rooted in fear: fear of helplessness and fear of worthlessness. The more people I love, the more reason I'll have to worry—until and unless I give them all to God's care. Simple steps to worry less takes a commitment and a decision to follow those steps.  I worry less when I remember that God sees so much that we don't see. Identify your root of worry and cover it with God's truth: He is all loving and all powerful.  Overview: On this episode of WELCOME HEART: Living a Legacy Life, our host Sue Donaldson is joined by guest Keri Eichberger as they dive deep into the topic of worry and its impact on our lives. The conversation begins with a focus on faith and the desire to make a difference in the lives of loved ones through their love for Jesus. The importance of living boldly and vulnerably in our faith is emphasized, as it brings glory to God and raises "kingdom builders" who can make a positive impact in the world. The discussion then shifts to the root causes of worry and how unresolved worry can turn into fear. The speaker shares personal experiences, like worrying about their child driving, and explains how these fears can stem from deeper rooted fears of helplessness and worthlessness. They highlight the importance of identifying and addressing these root causes in order to overcome worry, reminding listeners that these fears are lies and that we are never helpless or worthless, drawing strength from the truths of God. In addition to exploring personal experiences with worry, the episode also discusses how faith impacts daily life and how it is important to show reliance on God rather than trying to handle everything on our own. The speaker shares personal struggles and how they rely on God's grace to navigate their responsibilities. They also touch on the prevalence of worry among people of all ages and provide practical strategies for dealing with worry, such as writing down reminders of God's love and control. The episode continues with an examination of the origins of worry and the tendency for people, including the speaker herself, to learn unhealthy coping strategies and avoid addressing the true source of their suffering. The importance of unlearning and relearning trust in God rather than relying on oneself or the world is discussed. The conversation then moves to the challenges of parenting and the need for vulnerability in building intimacy and allowing others to witness the grace of God. The speaker encourages authenticity and transparency, acknowledging that it is God being tested, not the individual. They also tackle the issue of self-reliance and the tendency to worship one's own abilities. The speaker references Psalm 73 and ponders whether worry is more prevalent now compared to 100 years ago. The episode concludes with reflections on leaving a legacy and the importance of embracing and relating to others. The speaker addresses encounters with non-believers and the need to overcome fear and self-righteousness in order to meet others where they are. Their personal journey of growth, including overcoming worry and finding more peace through a closer relationship with God, is shared. The speaker also discusses their decision to write a book on anxiety to help others and their research process. They suggest resources for fostering faith in young children, such as reading biographies of Christians, and highlight the importance of honoring trust in difficult circumstances rather than offering empty platitudes. Throughout the episode, Sue Donaldson and Keri Eichberger provide insights and personal anecdotes that listeners can relate to. They explore the complexities of worry, the role of faith in navigating life's challenges, and the importance of leaving a legacy rooted in love and empathy. Listeners are left with a deeper understanding of worry and practical strategies to address it, as well as inspiration to live a legacy life with less worry and more peace. Keri Eichberger www.KeriEichberger.com kerieichberger@gmail.com Hang with me on Instagram!      

You will love this conversation with Roger and Kathi Lipp about their brand new book, The Accidental Homesteader AND they are giving one away! Be sure to comment on social media, on blog or email me so you can be entered to win because you will want a copy for yourself as well as gifts for friends and family: The Accidental Homesteader: What I've Learned About Chickens, Compost, and Creating Home   Roger and Kathi Lipp had an idea - a big idea - to move from the Silicon Valley to the north woods of California in mid-life and then they "accidentally" became homesteaders and they (mostly!) love it! Hear how they processed their move, and about some of the very real challenges they faced, and how their strong marriage made this a successful venture. Their enthusiasm for learning new things is an inspiration for all of us to learn new things at any age. Their legacy and desire is to continue to care for others as they grow in their love for each other and their neighbors as well as a deepening faith in their God.    So many tips as well as over 20 recipes and inspiration for all of us to grow and change no matter what our age. Highly practical, humorous, and inspirational, The Accidental Homesteader will encourage you to live with more peace, joy, and contentment.     Some gems from our conversation:   When you're following God, it's never boring. Our brains have expanded, and so has our faith. God is our first thought instead of our last resort when a crisis comes up.  Living as a homesteader makes me more grateful and we are living the life we want. If you're homesteading, you're not taking the easy route—it's rewarding but not convenient. When creating your home, loved and lovely is the goal—not perfection.  If you need or want to learn something, there are a million people who want to teach you.  Learning on the job is rewarding in a way we never experienced before and it brings joy.   About Kathi: Kathi Lipp is the Publisher's Weekly bestselling author of 20 books, including An Abundant Place: Daily Retreats for the Woman Who Can't Get Away, Overwhelmed, and Clutter Free.  Along with being a part of the InCourage at Dayspring writing team, she is the host of Clutter Free Academy the Podcast! with Kathi Lipp, Facebook group Clutter Free Academy, and Clutter Free for Life. Kathi lives on her Red House mini-homestead with her husband Roger, a dog, and eight chickens and holds cozy writer retreats for content creators. Find and follow her at kathilipp.com, @kathilipp and clutter-free academy and @writingattheredhouse          

Whitney Akin felt overlooked,and that her life didn't matter and she didn't have any purpose in the grand scheme of things. Insecure and shy, she hid in the back of any group gathering so that she wouldn't make a mistake and bring even more perceived criticism onto her heart and life. Finally God reminded her who she was and more importantly who He was: beloved by God, created for his purpose and mission. Her mission now is to let everyone know that they count, that our worth isn't based on our big splash in society or our numbers on social media. Listen today to hear what it means to live seen by God and how you can make that a lifestyle vs only a moment.  Her book, OVERLOOKED: Finding Your Worth When You Feel All Alone is a gem and you may need to get one for yourself and one for a friend who is feeling the same way. Good news: A Giveaway for your first copy! Leave a comment below to be entered to win. Some gems from today's conversation: God gives us all the approval that we need, we just need to remember that. God's name, El Roi, means he is the God who sees so he can't help but see us—we are never overlooked. We like to measure our worth based on how many more eyes are on us, but its the Father's eyes that matter. There's a difference between knowing that God loves me and experiencing it for myself in my grief and doubt. Feeling like  was unseen translated into severe, self-consuming insecurity so that wanted to hide in any social situation. If I hid inside myself there was less of a chance of being hurt. I want my children to live seen, but also take it a step further to help others feel seen by God. Being seen is a moment, living seen is a lifestyle.  Whitney Akin is a wife and mother of three young ones, author and speaker. You can find her here.

Hyatt Moore and his wife Anne came to Jesus late, in their later 20's and they've never stopped serving God all these many years. Hyatt, in his third career—when you're just about to ready to celebrate your 80th birthday, you have time for at least 3 careers—describes himself as a Christian who is an artist. Father of 5 and grandfather of 17, Hyatt wants his legacy to be something that goes on through his kids long after he dies, and he's very intentional about modeling his faith and pouring into his kids and grandkids. First career: Art Director of Surfer Magazine, Dana Pt, CA; second career: Missionary with Wycliffe Bible Translators for 32 years (Director for 5 of those years); Full-time painter (currently painting for many organizations, including donating many each year, and on commission.) See his commission gallery here.  We talk about art and creativity and the talents that God gives all his children. Hyatt says he's a two-talent guy, and God has definitely doubled those. I'm thinking he has five to ten, but then I'm his sister and his biggest fan. Some gems: Creativity is basically problem-solving. God and his mercies are new every morning; I get ideas, solutions, creativity every morning. After running from God and then found by Him, I wanted to live my life to serve others the way I had been helped. Be humble, but step up to your gifting and you'll get more yet.  I want to live a "bless-able" life—I can prevent God's blessings by how I live. God said, "Be holy for I am holy" which implies it's possible for us but only with his help, Spirit and fullness.    Hyatt's portrait painted by a friend and student, Pil See his art at hyattmoore.com View his blog here and join his mailing list here.  Hear his testimony on YouTube here. Hyatt's signature piece is The Last Supper with Twelve Tribes - hear that story HERE. One of the paintings Hyatt created for fellow-artist, Joni Eackenson Tada:   He's known for his large canvases as in Heroes of the Faith: