Make Life Matter with Angela Donadio

This episode is a celebration and heartfelt farewell as we wrap up the Make Life Matter podcast. In this deeply personal conversation, Angela reflects on the unexpected journey of the show and the immense gratitude she feels for each listener who has joined her. Angela shares that she never planned to start a podcast, but it has been a tremendous gift in her life, filling her with purpose and connection through every story and interview. As she releases this season of life, she looks forward to what God has in store for 2025 and beyond, with excitement for the new dreams and directions He's unveiling.Tune in for a final message of gratitude, encouragement, and hope, as Angela celebrates each listener's impact and reminds us all that, with God, we are never without purpose.

Do you ever struggle to believe in God's promises, especially when there seems to be a delay? Shannon Popkin invites us to be shaped by God's promises in the waiting in, Shaped by God's Promises: Lessons from Sarah on Fear and Faith? This six-week Bible study explores the life of Sarah in Genesis 12-21 and offers helpful commentary, practical illustrations, moving stories, and heart-searching questions—From the platform, page, and podcast mic, my passion is to invite women to open their Bibles, drink deeply of God's story and live like it's true. My books include Control Girl, Comparison Girl, and Comparison Girl for Teens and I host the Live Like It's True Bible podcast.

Do you often feel stuck battling the same fears, temptations, lies, and doubts, wondering if you'll ever overcome them? Does it seem as if you're in that battle alone? Author Judy Dunagan has been there. In The Loudest Roar, you'll marvel at the power, majesty, and authority of our Lord Jesus and learn how to stand in the unshakable victory He's already won for you.

It's fall, and some of us are experiencing empty nest. Some parents cryand others celebrate. You may face crazy emotions—good and bad, happy and sad, and everything in between. None of these emotions are wrong. Edie Melson shows you how to turn to God for help with Soul Care When the Nest is Empty. Edie Melson has walked through the empty nest season several times and in several ways—from sending a son off to war at 18, to sending another off on a round-the-world mountain climbing trek. With each situation, she's been quick to share how God is faithful in all ways and at all times.

Your prayers may be desperate, but you don't have to be. In life's darkest moments, Christians often wonder if their prayers only bounce back from the ceiling. When desperation strikes, is it possible to exchange panicked pleas for powerful peace? Author Rachel Wojo answers this question in her new book, Desperate Prayers: Embracing the Power of Prayer in Life's Darkest Moments. Rachel Wojo is an inspirational author, public speaker, and podcaster known for her popular blog, rachelwojo.com. Through her biblical approach and personal life experiences, Rachel empowers women to discover strength and hope in everyday situations. Despite enduring the loss of her mother, adult special needs daughter, and father, Rachel remains resilient. She has authored the uplifting book, One More Step: Finding Strength When You Feel Like Giving Up, and is about to release her new work, Desperate Prayers: Embracing the Power of Prayer in Life's Darkest Moments Rachel is crazy in love with her husband, Matt, and cherishes her motherhood with six children on earth and two in heaven. Desperateprayers.com

How do we stop the cycle of comparison, especially for teenage girls? Lee Nienhaus, co-author of Comparison Girl, helps us identify the lies holding us hostage to comparison and live in freedom. Lee Nienhuis is an author, speaker, and Bible teacher whose love for the Lord and the Word is contagious. With a heart for Inductive Bible Study and missions, she speaks domestically and abroad communicating a dynamic vision for the next generation and biblical literacy. Lee's books, Brave Moms, Brave Kids and Counter-Cultural Parenting, and teen curriculums are a clear call to wholehearted Christ-following.

While it's important to be uncompromising when we communicate the truth, Scripture also calls us to speak the truth with love. But in a world that seems as hostile as ever, how do we do that? How do we stand firmly in what we believe and build rock solid and loving relationships when we differ on the essentials? On things of eternal significance? Lindsey Medenwaldt, (MA, JD, MPA) author of Bridge Building Apologetics–How to Get Along Even When we Disagree-is the Director of Ministry Operations at Mama Bear Apologetics and helps us preserve relationships in a polarized culture.

Like so many, Julie Sunne found herself asking how she could trust God for good when everything looked so wrong. As difficult personal circumstances of miscarriage and disability began to sow seeds of doubt and fear, she found hope in exploring the attributes of God. Through her book, "Sometimes I Forget," Julie invites Christians into a journey of intimate connection with God amid life's challenges, Julie helps us to build trust in God, understand the power of prayer, and find hope even in despair.

The world is a scary place. Focusing on the mess can paralyze us with fear. Grace Fox wants us to live courageously and freely, and one way we can do this is by anchoring our souls in the truth of who God is. In her new book, “Names of God: Living Unafraid,” Grace, a career missionary and Bible teacher, inspires hope, courage and transformation through God's Word...with a dash of adventure. gracefox.com.

Do you want to share your God-story with greater confidence? Do you want to embrace evangelism with enthusiasm rather than obligation? Babbie Mason is a global faith leader, two-time Dove Award-winner, Grammy-nominated recording artist and songwriter, Bible teacher and host of the television show, Babbie's House. Babbie continues her mission of evangelism with her new book, inspired by one of her chart-topping singles-Each One Reach One: Everyday Ways You Can Shine God's Light (Reflecting Matthew 5:16). Babbie helps us to lift the light of the gospel higher than ever before and find our own unique style of talking about Jesus.

“How do we create and strengthen Christ-centered community as women in a culture that is increasingly more divisive and driven by comparison?” No matter what God calls us to in life, we were never called to do it alone. Ministry, and life, can be lonely. But it doesn't have to stay that way. Angela shares three key insights from her recent panel discussion at Speak Up. If you're an established female Christian communicator, join us at the Communicators' Collective Retreat, soul care for the sisterhood. www.Communicatorscollective.org

Amber Cullum is the host of the top ranked Grace Enough podcast. She is a youth coordinator at her church and a leading voice among communicators. She helps us embrace practices of sabbath, gratitude so we can experience a deeper relationship with Christ and more meaningful relationships with others. Graceenoughpodcast.com

Before founding ARMS, Abuse Recovery Ministry Services, Stacey Womack said all the wrong things to a family member who was in an abusive relationship. Stacey brings over two decades of experience supporting domestic violence survivors and promoting change for those who have chosen controlling or abusive behavior. In her new book, On the Frontlines of Abuse: Strategies for the Faith Community, she helps us avoid her mistakes. She explains the types and indicators of abuse, language we should use and not use when speaking with survivors, and courageous steps for both victims and abusers. Abuserecovery.org

There are more female professionals in the workforce than ever. But working women are also time-starved, stressed, and tired. And they often feel alone in their professional struggles. If you're trying to do a million things at once and feel like you're not doing any of them well, you're not alone. Mentor and longtime corporate leader Peggy Bodde views work as sacred and has invested her life in showing women how to thrive in the workplace. In Sacred Work, Peggy provides an invaluable and practical resource that answers all your leadership challenges and questions. Discover how to: Overcome Imposter Syndrome Manage Workplace Conflict Leading through Change

What would it look like if women truly embraced God's purpose for their lives? A sought-after international speaker and Christian minister, Kim Maas empowers women to step boldly into their roles of leadership in the kingdom. The author of the brand new book, “Finding Our Muchness,” Kim helps us to: Discover how women in Scripture give us confidence in God's purpose for us Understand the pivotal role women play in the kingdom today Identify the lie that keeps us from walking in God's call on our lives

How do we guard the ministry God has entrusted to us? How do we choose community over competition? I sit down with Laura Acuna to talk about soul care, sisterhood, and the Communicators' Collective Retreat. Laura Acuna is a speaker, author, Bible teacher, podcast host and co-founder of Sisters in Faith Ministries. She is the author of Still Becoming and a life coach, as well as a really good friend. I founded the Communicators' Collective retreat to gather women who serve as national or international leaders and professional Christian communicators. If this describes you, retreat with us November 18-20 in Myrtle Beach and register at communicatorscollective.org. You can make an impact in the lives of these women by donating to the Sisterhood Scholarship.

Men fill an important role as fathers, husbands, and friends. How can we best honor them and express what they mean to us? What do we do if we have a difficult relationship with our father? In this episode, three generations offer their unique perspective through their new book, I Love You, Dad!: Words To Honor and Humor You.” 14-year-old William Daniel, his mother Blythe Daniel, and grandmother Helen McIntosh, offer a source of inspiration for fathers through relatable stories, witty jokes, and reflective prompts. You'll be encouraged and the man in your life will be empowered to make his life matter in every way.

If the burden of life feels too heavy to handle, maybe you're carrying something you were never meant to carry alone. Joël Malm is the founder of Summit Leaders where he uses outdoor adventure and leadership coaching to help people find their calling and pursue a vision for their lives. His expeditions have taken him around the world to places like Mt. Kilimanjaro, Grand Canyon and Machu Picchu. He has traveled in over seventy countries on six continents and speaks three languages. He holds a B.A. in Political Science and an M.S. in Counseling. Joel helps us identify why we carry too much, implement boundaries and balance, and understand how to prioritize what matters most. Joelmalm.com

Give yourself permission to slow down. Jodi H. Grubbs is a slow-living advocate, the podcast host of Our Island in the City, and author of the new book, Live Slowly – A Gentle Invitation to Exhale. In this episode, Jodi offers slow-living shifts and ways to care for your soul by creating a path away from burnout and toward restoration. Jodi and I talk about the necessity for rest and relationships. I founded the Communicators' Collective Retreat to champion women who serve as national or international ministry leaders and professional Christian communicators. If this describes you, retreat with us! Discover soul care for the sisterhood at communicatorscollective.org LINKS TO HELP YOU MAKE LIFE MATTER:Join my email community and never miss a thing at angeladonadio.com.Connect with me on social media! Facebook at angeladonadiovov and Instagram @angeladonadio.Download your FREE chapter on Priscilla and get my Bible study, “Fearless” on SALE at angeladonadio.com/fearless.Join me and Dale in Egypt! https://faithbasedexpeditions.com/tour/fbe425et/

Tis the season of graduations and celebrations! Yet, sometimes, unexpected emotions creep in with change. Today I'm sharing a devotion from “Astounded,” Letters from a Lonely Laundry Basket and giving three keys to help encourage you when something shifts your normal. LINKS TO HELP YOU MAKE LIFE MATTER:Purchase your copy of “Astounded” or listen on audiobook at angeladonadio.com/astounded Connect with me on social media! Facebook at angeladonadiovov and Instagram @angeladonadio.Join my email community and change lives with me in Thailand at angeladonadio.com.Download your FREE chapter on Priscilla and get my Bible study, “Fearless” on SALE at angeladonadio.com/fearless.Join me and Dale in Egypt! https://faithbasedexpeditions.com/tour/fbe425et/

Rahab's story is the stuff of Hollywood movies and romance novels. Once you've heard the perspective from Shadia Hrichi on Rahab, you'll never read this Bible story the same way again. Shadia is a passionate Bible teacher and awarded-winning author who loves to see lives transformed by the power of God's Word. You'll be captivated by her powerful personal testimony and God's heart for redemption revealed in her new Bible study on Rahab. Shadia helps us discover three life-changing truths: How Rahab's story shows the power of daring faith How Rahab's story reveals the heartbeat of the Bible and God's passionate pursuit of His Bride How Rahab's story is our story www.rahabbiblestudy.com Get your FREE chapter on Priscilla from my Bible Study “Fearless” at angeladonadio.com/fearless

Do you ever feel unsure of God's call on your life or unsettled by what you see around you? Few people understand these emotions more than Priscilla. I recently walked in her shoes through Greece and Turkey, and I'm sharing one of the most impactful moments here today. We'll discover…How Priscilla encourages us to love without limits and embrace God's call on our lives. How this story makes all the difference in a passage from Scripture that's often misunderstood5 Key questions to ask to protect God's call on your lifeFREE CHAPTER on Priscila: angeladonadio.com/fearlessGet your copy of Fearless on SALE: angeladonadio.comWe can end human and sex slavery in our lifetime. Be a part of the World Sealed Summit in Thailand by supporting our missions trip at angeladonadio.com Join my email community so you never miss a moment! Angeladonadio.com

Jennifer Rothschild became blind at age fifteen and now helps others live beyond limits. Jennifer is a nationally known author, speaker and Bible study teacher who has written 17 books, including the bestsellers “Lessons I Learned in the Dark,” and Me, Myself and Lies”. She recently released her 7th video-based Bible study, “Take Courage: A Study of Haggai.” She's also host of the 4:13 Podcast with Jennifer Rothschild. She and I talk about navigating our feelings in seasons of disappointment and living an abundant life in Christ no matter what the circumstances.

On this week's podcast, Angela shares one of her most powerful teachings.

At the age of thirteen, Serena Dyksen was raped, pregnant, and taken to an abortion clinic that would later make national news because the abortionist hoarded 2411 babies in this clinic. Abortion was supposed to be the answer after Serena's trauma, but instead, it tore her family apart and nearly destroyed her life. At the lowest point with drugs and alcohol, Serena had an encounter that changed everything. She Found His Grace is a story of healing for anyone who has experienced abortion. It is also a call to action for the church. There is hope, love, and forgiveness after abortion. April is abortion recovery awareness month. Reach out for classes and resources at Shefoundhisgrace.org

A fractured family, broken dreams, and hard parenting days left Melinda Patrick reeling in doubt and despair. God revealed she had been living in reaction to the circumstances around her and not living in response to Him. Melinda champions and equips Christian parents of LGBTQ identified children to love well, not compromise the Word of God, and faith in prayer. She is the host of The Bridge Between Us Podcast and author of the upcoming book, The Daring Rescue. In this episode we talk about:Listening and lovingKnowing our role vs. God's roleThe power of waiting

Mandy Hood is co-founder and executive director of The Connection, a community-based women's ministry, and author of the resource, Let's Get Together. Mandy shares the story of how God used an introvert like her to step out of her comfort zone and follow God. A self-titled “unlikely difference maker,” she reminds us that God can use us, too, when we dare to say yes!

Each month I'll take you behind the scenes of ministry, adventures, things I'm loving, and insights God's downloading. March is all about:Finding the strength of sisterhoodLiving in the power of surrender Answering to call to be a bridge Leave a review and you might win a BOOK BUNDLE! Watch my sermon “Unfinished” on YouTube through River of Life at https://youtu.be/9n9-xaMgkt0Follow me on IG @angeladonadio and FB @AngelaDonadioVOVJoin my online community at angeladonadio.com

Happiness and purpose—we work ceaselessly for them, but what does God have to say about our efforts? Through engaging and encouraging stories about serving the people of Uganda, software executive and ministry leader Kelly Miller, authored Unexpected Joy, challenges us to move beyond achievement and self-reliance, and instead embrace a life of sincere obedience and joy. www.314community.org

Can you imagine what might change if we truly lived captivated by God's love? Nonda Houston is passionate about encouraging, empowering and equipping women to know Jesus and make Him known. She serves as the National Women's Director for the Assemblies of God and authored the brand new release, “Captivated.”

Victoria Riollano, mom of 8, knows it's not easy raising faithful kids in the world today. She is a university professor, co-pastor and author of Warrior Mother: Equipping Your Heart to Fight for Your Families Faith. We talk about:Developing a war plan for your familyModeling your faithEncouragement for the weary momLearn more about Victoria at victoryspeaks.org.

Each month I'll take you behind the scenes of ministry, adventures, things I'm loving, and insights God's downloading. February is all about:Leaving behind loneliness and taking the first step to friendshipLeading across generational lines and learning from my DadLetting go of unhealthy expectationsFollow me on IG @angeladonadio and FB @AngelaDonadioVOVJoin my online community at angeladonadio.com

In Loving Samaritans, pastor Terry Crist demonstrates how it's possible to live a life of radical inclusivity without compromising one's beliefs or the truth of the Gospel. He has a TH.M. and a D.Min. and has a business certificate in nonprofit management from Harvard Business School. An avid outdoorsman and gifted communicator, he has adventured and preached the gospel in 65 nations. Terry and Judith have three married sons and three grandchildren. They live in Phoenix, Arizona.

Imagine writing love letters to the man in the future whom you will one day marry but have yet to meet. Cally Logan is the author of two books, Hang in There, Girl and Dear Future Husband. In this Valentine's Day episode, Cally talks about embracing singleness, waiting for God's best, and celebrating God's plans for you right now.

Like so many of us, Bible study mentor Sarah Frazer found herself saying, "God, this wasn't part of the plan. I didn't sign up for this.” Through the life of Moses and personal experience, Sarah speaks directly to the Christian whose story shift has left them feeling uncertain and disappointed. She helps us cling to God's presence and promises that and shares tools and encouragement for Bible study and prayer study on her website and on Instagram at @sarah_e_frazer.

Each month I'll take you behind the scenes of ministry, adventures, things I'm loving, and insights God's downloading. January is all about:courageous instead of contentious conversationscelebrating progress over perfectionBible reading challenges and my favorite life hack Follow me on IG @angeladonadio and FB @AngelaDonadioVOV

In the face of unthinkable circumstances, Noree Bowbeer's uncommon courage gave the gift of life to her son, Christian Johnson. January is Sanctity of Life Month, and I wanted to bring a conversation filled not simply with statistics, but with the unforgettable story of a mother and a son. This tender topic is not only close to God's heart and to mine, but to anyone who needs to experience the grace and hope of a God who redeems our stories. Christian is the CEO of IMGNLife Ministries empowering women to make life-affirming choices. https://imgnlife.org/events/sanctity-of-human-life

Is unbridled freedom dividing America? Bobby Albert is a three-time author, leadership coach, and speaker who is passionate about the heart condition of America and the level of spiritual warfare. His most recent book, Freedom Paradox offers timely solutions to reunite our fragmented nation. ValuesDrivenCulture.com

How can 2024 bring an explosion of flavor to your spiritual taste buds? Stephanie Rousselle's hope-filled story as a former atheist to founder of Gospel Spice Ministries, is unforgettable. She helps us to start this year by trusting the goodness of God. www.gospelspice.com

If you want to thrive instead of strive in your marriage in 2024, this episode is for you! Christa Hardin, MA is a relationship expert, author, and podcast host. We talk about practical ways we can better understand and support each other.

Today I'm sitting down with Brock Heasley, the writer and director of the brand-new film from Angel Studios - The Shift. We talk about this unique science fiction- romance inspired by the book of Job and Brock's own story of faith, hope in grief, and staying true to your calling. Tickets at angel.com

Are you concerned about raising children and grandchildren in today's cultural climate? How can prayer release heaven on earth? Sharon Jaynes helps us know how to use the words of Scripture to prayer powerfully and purposefully over our children. Sharon Jaynes, an international speaker and the bestselling author of twenty-five books with nearly one million sold, is a powerful voice in the global faith community.