Older Women Likewise

Tonight, Dana Burk leads a discussion with Ruth Morris and Robin Clifton that explores how Christians can find renewal from sin, life's burdens, and burnout through scripture, prayer, and faith.

Within the scriptures, there are examples of festive, wholesome recreation as well as self-destructive, “epic fails” in pursuit of having a good time. What does God say on the topic of recreation, and what principles are at play when we consider how to best refresh our bodies, minds and souls? Colleen and Lauren join Cindy in tonight's discussion. 

One of Matt Bassford's writings was his regular blog. When diagnosed with ALS, he continued posting as long as he could with the understanding that Lauren would publish the blogs after his passing. Lauren, Ila and Laurie Moyer talk about the effect of a terminal diagnosis on Christians, referring to the recently published “One Last Verse” for perspective.

Cindy Dunagan, Colleen O'Steen and Lauren Bassford meet to talk more about how a mother can discipline her children in a loving, godly way. How can she be gentle and patient without being lenient and overindulgent? Join us tonight as we continue last week's conversation. 

How can a mother be gentle and patient without being lenient and overindulgent? How can she keep her cool when her children are disobedient? On a practical level, Cindy Dunagan, Lauren Bassford and Colleen O'Steen discuss what a mother can do to parent "smarter, not harder".

Civilla Martin was an American hymn writer best known for penning the lyrics to “His Eye Is on the Sparrow” inspired by the deep faith of a disabled friend who trusted in God. The hymn became widely loved for its message of comfort, hope, and divine reassurance. Civilla Martin's words continue to offer comfort, expressing God's constant care and loving presence. Ila with panelists Dana Carrozza, Montelle White and Judy Dolan discuss this hymn and her other well-known one, “God Will Take Care of You”.

Eliza Hewitt was a prolific American hymnist and Sunday school teacher. Born in 1851, she wrote uplifting hymns like “When We All Get to Heaven”, expressing joy, faith, and devotion. Tonight, Ila leads the panel of Dana Carrozza and Jill Yopp in discussing several songs written by her, including “Sunshine in My Soul” and “Who Will Follow Jesus?”.

Born in 1830, Elizabeth Clephane lived a short, devoted life. Her hymns gained popularity posthumously, cherished for their heartfelt simplicity and spiritual depth. Tonight, Ila, Jill Yopp, Judy Dolan and Montelle White discuss “The Ninety and Nine” and “Beneath the Cross of Jesus,” hymns that reflect Christian faith and compassion.

Fanny Crosby, blind from infancy, wrote over 8,000 hymns. Her blindness deepened her faith, inspiring powerful, enduring lyrics that continue to impact Christian worship worldwide. Ila, Dana Burk, Colleen O'Steen and Judy Dolan discuss the scriptural content of some of her songs. 

Zee and Cindy explore how God so wisely answers in scripture the most pressing questions around our sexual relationships, how those relationships affect our relationship with God and our well-being. * See the comments in Facebook for additional resources that can help those in this community who are ready for a brand new life in Jesus Christ. Note: This is such a valuable resource for Christians and those who seek the truth of Jesus Christ that we want to be certain that everyone has an opportunity to see and hear this OWL presentation from March 6, 2025.

Minerva Holk presents a case study of Deborah, and the amazing way God can use us if we but trust Him. Minerva earned her associate degree at Florida College, her Bachelor of Science degree in nursing at Murray State University, a Master of Science in Nursing from Indiana University and in 2016 graduated from University of Washington earning a Doctor of Education majoring in education leadership with an emphasis in nursing education. During the 11 years Minerva was home parenting her two sons alongside her husband, George, she was actively involved in teaching children's Bible classes. Following her dear husband's death, Minerva accepted the opportunity to head up the nursing program at Florida College in Temple Terrace, where she was instrumental in getting the new nursing program accredited --- a position she recently retired from to do more of what she loves: serve in the kingdom of God, travel, bike, read, swim, quilt, and cook!Thank you to Dr. Kenny Embry for permitting us to share this video that originally aired on his annual Balancing the Christian Life 2024 Conference series.

Spiritual maturity is hard-earned, as is a thorough understanding of the Word of God. Cindy facilitates a conversation with Jill and Robin about what God says gives us a sense of significance and value, what the panel would consider to be some of the “defining moments” in their lives, and how they believe these experiences helped prepare them for their God-given assignment in life.

Ila leads the OWL panel of Dana Burk, Colleen O'Steen and Montelle White to discuss the life and work of Frances Havergal, an English hymn writer of the nineteenth century. Even though she did not enjoy good health, she wrote “I Gave My Life for Thee”, “Take My Life and Let it Be”, “True-Hearted, Whole-Hearted”, and “Is It for Me?” as well as many other songs less well-known. Montelle, Colleen and Dana discuss the songs and their meanings, helping us to gain a deeper understanding of the hymns that we often sing.

Cindy leads a discussion with OWL panelists over what God says about tact and kindness, and what we can learn from Priscilla about how to approach socially awkward situations in a beneficial way.

Lauren Bassford presents a case study of Mary Magdalene as inspiration to embrace the opportunities God gives us for a fresh start. Lauren is a published author and ladies' study teacher. She has published books on Colossians and Psalms and has taught ladies bible studies in Illinois, Florida, Tennessee, and Texas. She homeschools her two children. When the family is not exploring God's creation, they live in Spring, Texas, and work with the Kleinwood church family. Lauren also works as the Adoption Support Director for Sacred Selections, an adoption funding organization. Before the passing of her husband, Matt, they labored together at churches in Texas, Illinois, and Tennessee. Lauren loves reading, traveling, and helping people get to know Jesus a little better.Thank you to Dr. Kenny Embry for permitting us to share this video that originally aired on his annual Balancing the Christian Life 2024 Conference series.

On tonight's Older Women Likewise, Cindy, Jill and Colleen will share the journey they went through logically, emotionally, and logistically to become a Christian and the difference for good that decision has thus far made in their lives. In the second half of the program, they will share other inspiring stories from both introverts and extroverts who have successfully brought others to Christ.

Ila welcomes Jensen Kirby, author of "Hope for a Houseful" who describes her and her husband Adam's journey through infertility with its challenges. Jensen describes how they prayed, how they grieved and how they were blessed by God with a child.

Zee and Cindy explore how God so wisely answers in scripture the most pressing questions around our sexual relationships, how those relationships affect our relationship with God and our well-being. * See the comments in Facebook for additional resources that can help those in this community who are ready for a brand new life in Jesus Christ.

Cindy facilitates a conversation with tonight's panel including Lauren Bassford and Robin Clifton over how, throughout time, God's standards of morality, when applied, have raised the quality of life for women everywhere.

Ila, with a panel including Dana Burk, Colleen O'Steen and Jill Yopp, discuss the song “Nearer, My God, To Thee” written by Sarah Adams. Women song writers have a special skill to succinctly express Bible truths, incorporating our senses and our emotions.

In this program, Cindy and her panelists Lauren and Colleen will consider what the scriptures reveal about “the heart of God” and the level of spiritual intimacy He desires with us. How might our intimacy with God affect our other relationships and aspirations? And as His bride, what does God say makes us beautiful in His sight?

Ashley Martineau presents a case study of Rahab as inspiration for the wonderful things that can happen when we gather the courage to turn back to God. Ashley lives in Rhode Island and recently celebrated 22 years of marriage. She stays home to shepherd and homeschool 3 children ages 11, 9, and 6. She has taught women's and children's Bible studies, and inherited a fascination with Biblical archeology from her grandmother, culminating in a recent visit to the Bible Lands. As an amusing challenge to try to literally do everything the worthy woman of Proverbs 31 did, Ashley discovered her love of fiber arts and now seeks and gathers sheep's wool and other fibers from local farms and merchants to wash, dye, spin and sell in her online yarn shop www.neauveau.com. Her skills as a fiber artist have since blossomed into consulting with spinning wheel companies to improve and design new spinning wheels, writing the book Spinning and Dyeing Yarn, and maintaining a thriving business that brings joy, profitable service, and education. You can follow her social media on @neauveau. Thank you to Dr. Kenny Embry for permitting us to share this video series that originally aired on his annual Balancing the Christian Life 2024 Conference series https://www.balancingthechristianlife.com/

Cindy facilitates a conversation with Lauren and Colleen to discuss what God says about half-truths, exaggerations, and unconfirmed theories, and what we can do to, instead, to let Jesus Christ pilot our speech.

Scriptures:Exodus 1:15-21Ila, along with Colleen O'Steen and Nikki Lee, welcomes Montelle White to Older Women Likewise! Tonight, we continue our discussion as we talk about Esther, Miriam, and the Israelite midwives in Egypt. Join us as we explore their obedience to God and how their lives and service inspire and motivate us. We also find connections to Jesus here, as we do throughout the Old Testament.

ScripturesEsther 4:8-14Think about how many women in the Bible were saviors. They saved themselves, their families, and/or their people. What were their guiding principles and beliefs? How are we like them? How are they like our Savior, Jesus Christ? Ila leads a panel including Judy Dolan, Nikki Lee, Colleen O'Steen and Montelle White in exploring why God included their stories in His Word.

Scriptures:Philippians 3:8Count your blessings! Count the cost! Count it all joy…. But don't count your life dear! Can you count the stars? Ila and Jill are joined by Lauren Bassford and Judy Dolan to explore the things that should be counted and those that should not be. What does God count? What should we count as we journey with Him?

Scriptures:Genesis 21:2-7Cindy Dunagan presents a case study of Sarah, and how her example of fearlessness can help us overcome. Cindy Dunagan is the author of Your Fresh Start, the host of the Nomads You And I podcast, and co-host of the live online program and podcast Older Women Likewise. She and her husband of 44 years live nomadically part-time in a van and have completed their quest to visit and encourage 100 conservative churches of Christ around the country in order to gather and share biblically sound, inspiring ideas for growing the kingdom of heaven. She shares those ideas on her blog at NomadsYouAndi.com and in her new book One Hundred Churches: A Three-Year Road Trip to Witness the Joy of Authentic Christianity — both books available through OneStone.com, truthbooks.com, bookstore.floridacollege.edu, and Amazon. Some of Cindy's talks are also viewable online at the 2023 Florida College lectures @ https://youtu.be/3DfHvux7GFA and the 2024 Atlanta Women's Weekend @  https://www.atlwomensweekend.com/speakers Thank you to Dr. Kenny Embry for permitting us to share this video that originally aired on his annual Balancing the Christian Life 2024 Conference series https://www.balancingthechristianlife.com/

In this final program of 2024, Cindy and her daughter Ashley introduce her new friend Zee, who describes an abusive childhood raised by a drug addict and her abandonment and adoption into a neglectful home. She tells what drew her into the LGBTQ community, then recounts why she started reading the Bible and her subsequent cancer diagnosis. Zee tells us about her journey of repentance and baptism, and her perspective on suffering and eternal hope in Christ as a 33-year-old woman with terminal cancer. Zee has some powerful lessons for us as we reflect on the closing of this year and contemplate the new one.

Scriptures: 2 Timothy 4:6-8 In tonight's program, the Older Women Likewise panel of Cindy, Jill and Colleen O'Steen discusses the women whom they have seen “finish strong” in their walk with God. They will describe the beauty of interdependence often experienced toward the end of life and will each offer one inspiring piece of advice to the next generation.

This fall, Ila and her daughter Beth, along with their husbands and a larger tour group, were blessed to tour Greece and the Greek Islands. Tonight they share part of the trip - the places they visited, their connections to the scriptures that identified these places as where Paul walked during his travels for the Lord.

Scriptures: Romans 10:2-4 We each are naturally drawn to varied service projects, but what must accompany our zeal if we are to be useful for God's purposes? (Romans 10:2-4) What can we afford to remove from our lives to bring them better into balance? Tonight Cindy facilitates a conversation with Jill and Colleen O'Steen on “The Well-Balanced Life” and how having an “eternal perspective” can give us an advantage in figuring out how to fine-tune our lives to become more “others-centered.”

Scriptures: Psalms 103 Cindy and her daughter Ashley Martineau share their thoughts over Psalm 103 and the spiritual blessings granted to those who fear and adore God.

Ila and her daughter Beth Stuckey spend some time talking about words and how to use them wisely every day.

Ila and Jill talk about sharing our troubles and heartaches. What holds us back from telling our sisters what concerns us? How can each of us be supportive to those who do share?

When things change in our lives, we can become overwhelmed and confused. “No one likes change except a wet baby”, we've heard. How can the Christian woman adapt to the changes in her life, continuing to serve God faithfully? Beth Stuckey and Genesia Jeffries explore this topic of “Change is Hard”.

Godly women are to be sober and watchful - but isn't there also room for fun? Ila, Jill and Judy define a sober lifestyle, describe what it looks like, but still find room for joy and yes, even fun!

Women were at the core of the first issue of prejudice and discrimination in the early church. Genesia Jeffries and Beth Stuckey describe how the apostles addressed this issue and encourage us to use a similar model as we meet such problems today.

When we use our lives as vessels of honor, useful to the Master, sometimes we're called to an act of service that creates in us some tension or discomfort. To help us approach our service to God with more passion and enthusiasm, Cindy leads a conversation with Jill Yopp and Dana Burk about the inspiring stories the panel has witnessed in the lives of others who have used their abilities, interests, talents, personality traits, and life experiences to glorify God by serving others.

Jill, Ila and Judy explore some ways that faithful women in the congregation can support and encourage the eldership. How were women supportive in New Testament times? What does God expect of us today? Please note: Judy, Ila and our producer Zoe are in the path of Hurricane Milton. If our power is out, we will not be broadcasting Thursday night. We appreciate your prayers!

Scriptures: Col. 3:12-13 1 Cor. 12:22-25 1 Cor. 4:6-7 1 Cor. 12:15-18 Tonight, Cindy, Jill and Ila discuss how the sacrifice of our time can be one of the brightest expressions of our love for one another, what we can do to grow more sincere compassion and mercy for others, and how we can use our most painful experiences in life to help and encourage others.

Beth Stuckey and Genesia Jeffries encourage moms (and of course, dads) to make sure that their children learn obedience to authority from an early age - for their physical and mental well-being as well as their spiritual good.

Scriptures: Ephesians 4:27 Cindy facilitates a conversation with Jill and Robin Clifton about what God indicates is our “first line of defense” during temptation, and what we can do to “not give the devil an opportunity”. The panel will further explore how resisting temptation grows the fruits of the spirit, and the vital nature of prayer to obtain spiritual victory (Ephesians 4:27).

Ila, Jill and Judy will talk about catastrophizing - it really is a word - what it means and what it looks like. What does God tell us in His word about catastrophizing? How can we stop it from taking over our thinking? 

Cindy, Jill, Dana Burk and Jennifer Ackett share ideas about what we can do amid a crisis to grow wisdom and see God's mercy. How can we ensure that the trial brings us closer to God and transforms us for the better?

Ila introduces Beth Stuckey and Genesia Jeffries who give several Bible examples of perseverance as well as some practical tips to keep on keeping on!

What can we do to protect the family of God from division, unnecessary conflict, and disharmony and how can we use our wide range of personalities, backgrounds, races, and preferences to benefit the church instead of needlessly dividing it? How do we balance diligently seeking peace (1 Pet. 3:11), with the responsibility of not glossing over a problem when someone is harming themselves or the church? Cindy leads a discussion with Jill and Colleen O'Steen about these questions.

God says a lot about the transformative nature of His words within our lives when we take the time to meditate on it. In this program, Cindy facilitates a conversation with Jill, Lauren Bassford and Dana Burk around how the world's practice of meditation differs from what the scriptures describe. The panel will also discuss in what sense is the Word of God  “alive”, and the indispensable nature of self-evaluation as a tool in overcoming our weaknesses and changing our lives for the better.

Beth Stuckey and Jill Yopp present a lesson showing Jesus' interaction with the Samaritan woman at the well. Coincidence or God's plan - We all know THAT answer! Learn how God values you as much as Jesus valued her.

Cindy and Jill, with guests Colleen O'Steen and Robin Clifton, discuss the elements upon which growth is dependent. How can we replace old routines with habits that support our spiritual growth? Why is growth worth the necessary sacrifices?

We don't usually think of the Bible account of Ruth and Boaz when we talk about time management or adoption. However, their story has useful applications for both. Join Ila and Jill as they welcome Lauren Bassford and Ellen Vaughn to consider the importance of leaving the corners of your field.

Cindy facilitates a conversation with Jill, Dana Burk and Robin Clifton about the beautiful qualities of Christ, and how God helps us overcome any fears and other feelings that can make us hesitant to add these virtues to our own character.