Peace in His Presence

Join Michelle for this Holy Week Devotional as she talks about Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane.  

What feels impossible to you in this season of your life? Health issues, family struggles, grieving the loss of a loved one, work challenges, or problems at church.   I invite you to hold up what seems impossible before the Lord and sit with Him, while we take a look at Mary's story today. I know it's not easy to look at what feels impossible but your Immanuel promises to be with you in all things and He will strengthen you and give you His peace. His promises to you are unshakable. Listen into these Advent Reflections, while we look at Mary's story. Let's ponder how God made the impossible—possible. The Peace in His Presence Podcast is sponsored by Michelle's book Promised Rest; if you would like to find out more about the book, you can visit michellediercks.com/rest Connect with Michelle

What is the cry of your heart? What is the prayer you've been whispering over and over again to God until you wonder if you should even keep asking? But the longing lasts, and you wait in the hope of knowing that God promises to hear your prayers and that He always answers your prayers, maybe not in the way you imagined, but always out of His divine love and grace towards you.  Advent is a time of waiting. As we look back to the first Christmas. God's people had been waiting for the Messiah to come for thousands of years. The world was a broken and dark place. God's chosen people lived under oppression.  And then God himself stepped into the brokenness. To bring light into the darkness.  We remember their waiting, and now we wait for Jesus to come again to take us home to heaven. Over these past few years, I've found myself asking the Lord many times, how long, Lord until you come back? The world feels so broken. How do we learn how to wait? As I was writing my book Promised Rest, I learned a lot when I slowed down and spent time reading the stories of God's people. They were familiar stories, and yet there were details I had never noticed before I saw how God was with His people, and I watched His people trust Him in circumstances beyond their control. Promised Rest is five months old, and I've heard from different people how they, too, have learned from these stories, and I've been asked if I could do more of that with women from the Bible. And so I thought, let's take a look at the lives of the three women of Christmas and their stories. What can we learn about waiting from them? So I invite you to ponder the promises with me. Let's look at their stories and rest in the promises. Let's learn from Elizabeth, Mary, and Anna by resting in the promises. The Peace in His Presence Podcast is sponsored by Michelle's book Promised Rest; if you would like to find out more about the book, you can visit michellediercks.com/rest

  Welcome to the final and fourth episode of The Blessings and Burdens of Friendship series. For this series, Michelle invited Christina Hergenrader to be a guest host. In this final episode as we celebrate the joys of friendship, Michelle and Christina, invited their mutual friend, Audrey Duensing-Werner Director of Family Life Ministry. In this episode, we dive into the story of Mary and Elizabeth in the Bible, highlighting the incredible bond they shared as friends and the support they provided each other during significant moments in their lives. We explore how their friendship exemplifies the power of connection and the blessings that can come from nurturing relationships. We also discuss our own personal experiences in finding our tribe and building community, whether it be through church groups, volunteer work, or shared hobbies.  We emphasize the importance of incorporating Jesus into our everyday interactions, recognizing that he is the foundation of true and lasting friendships. We share stories of seeking friendships in new places and the joy that comes from discovering like-minded individuals who share our faith and values. Additionally, we touch on the importance of receiving guidance and support from older women in ministry, who can offer wisdom and mentorship as we navigate the challenges and joys of friendship. We acknowledge that friendships can be complex and at times messy, but we encourage listeners to address difficult issues with honesty and grace, as this can ultimately bring us closer and lead to a deeper understanding of one another. We celebrate the gift of friendship and the role it plays in God's plan for caring for each other, reminding listeners that even a small act of kindness can have a profound impact on someone's life and remind us of God's love present in every friendship. Join us as we reflect on the joys of friendship and the blessings it brings into our lives in the final episode of "Blessings and Burdens of Friendship" on Peace in His Presence Podcast. If you would like to learn more about Michelle's book Promised Rest, you can click here. If you would like to connect with Michelle you can visit, michellediercks.com. To connect with Christina and learn more about her and her books you can visit: http://christinasbooks.com  

Michelle and Christina tackle the complex terrain of forgiveness and reconciliation within friendships. It's a topic that often leads to hesitation and discomfort, as we ponder whether our cherished friendships can endure the trials and tribulations that come with difficult conversations. Friendships, like fragile stained glass windows, are susceptible to breaking. However, Michelle beautifully draws a parallel between enduring friendships and stained glass windows. Just as a shattered window can be pieced back together, friendships can emerge stronger and more beautiful after facing adversity. When we navigate the brokenness of life, we create space for God's love, mercy, and grace to fill in the cracks, transforming our bonds into something more profound than the picture-perfect friendships we envision. Yet, not all friendships stand the test of time. The hosts delve into the reasons why friendships may fade, touching on changing interests, evolving life stages, and shifting priorities. They encourage listeners to reconnect with friends whose relationships may have dwindled, recognizing that it could simply be a matter of different seasons or life stages. In a world where female friendships hold immense significance, this episode serves as a beacon of insight for women searching for answers to their friendship struggles. It's a reminder that navigating difficult conversations and finding the path to forgiveness can lead to beautiful outcomes. If you're seeking guidance on overcoming friendship challenges, this episode is a must-listen. Don't forget to subscribe, like, and share the Peace in His Presence podcast. If you would like to learn more about Michelle's book Promised Rest, you can click here. If you would like to connect with Michelle you can visit, michellediercks.com. To connect with Christina and learn more about her and her books you can visit: http://christinasbooks.com  

Michelle interviews Phil Magness about his book, Church Music: For the Care of Souls.  This was a special interview as Michelle has been friends with Phil and his wife Cheryl for almost 30 years. Michelle learned much about worship from Phil when they served at a church together many years ago. In this interview, they talk about: Why Phil wrote this book The importance of Sunday morning worship but also personal worship. Going to church, even when it's difficult  The gifts God gives to us in worship Phil's prayer and hope for those who listen and read his book   Please click here if you want to order Church Music: For the Care of Souls.

Michelle and Christina continue their series on the blessings and burdens of friendship, by taking a look at the question, "How Many Friends Should You Have?"  What Michelle and Christina, discovered through their survey was that women of all ages and stages of life, wondered how many friends should I have? Which often leads to wondering, why don't I have more friends? Christina takes the lead spot, sharing a time from her life when she achieved her dream of becoming a writer but felt lonely and left out. During that period, God helped her understand that her worth wasn't found by the number of friends she had but in Christ alone.  You are loved and valuable because you are a daughter of the King. God chose you before the foundations of the world were laid. He delighted in you before you were born. You have great value because of Jesus. As you listen, may you be reminded that your worth is not determined by the opinions of others, but by God's unfailing love for you. May you rest in knowing that in Christ, you are more than enough. You are fearfully and wonderfully made. God knows you. God loves you. God calls you by name. If you would like to learn more about Michelle's book Promised Rest, you can click here. If you would like to connect with Michelle you can visit, michellediercks.com. To connect with Christina and learn more about her and her books you can visit: http://christinasbooks.com  

Michelle has invited Christina Hergenrader to guest host a  special podcast series called "The Blessings and Burdens of Friendship." We're diving deep into this fascinating world of friendships, sharing stories, insights, and, hopefully, a lot of helpful advice along the way. One thing that's been on our minds is this idea we like to call "wish dreams." You know, it's that perfect, almost fairytale-like image we all have of what friendship should be. We search high and low for that ideal friendship, sometimes so diligently that we miss the incredible connections God has already placed in front of us.  It's not wrong to have these ideals, but here's the catch: we live in a world filled with imperfect, broken people, ourselves included. Real friendships, which are genuinely meaningful, come with blessings and burdens. But the beautiful part is that God is right there with us in the midst of it all, pouring out His grace, teaching us how to forgive, and weaving our hearts together. You'll also hear some personal stories from Michelle and Christina about how God brought us the friends we needed the most and the incredible lessons we learned along the way. But here's something we've noticed in our discussions – even in a world where instant connection seems to be at our fingertips, many people feel lonely. Loneliness is a prevalent issue; we will explore why and how we can tackle it together. So, stay tuned, my friends! We're excited to embark on this friendship journey with you all, sharing our experiences and insights and providing a little companionship in this sometimes lonely world. If you would like to learn more about Michelle's book Promised Rest, you can click here. If you would like to connect with Michelle you can visit, michellediercks.com. To connect with Christina and learn more about her and her books you can visit: http://christinasbooks.com

Often, our worries come from not being able to control a situation. The truth is that we cannot plan for all the uncertainties we will face, but we can trust our Immanuel, the God who is with us, to give us His strength and peace through all the trials and troubles we will face in this life. When our minds become stuck in "what if" thinking, we see things from our finite viewpoint. We forget that God is infinite and that we can trust Him even when life is uncertain or doesn't make sense. In this episode, Gretchen Ronnevik interviews Michelle about the eighth chapter of her book, Immanuel.  They talk about how God is with us in all things and also some of the Bible verses that can remind us of the promises that we have in God. If you would like to learn more about my book Promised Rest, you can click here. If you would like to connect with you can go to my website, michellediercks.com. If you would like to connect with Gretchen Ronnevik, please click here. Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/will-you-marry-me License code: 1VYEPUIH4UMCZLFG

Does your heart feel shaken and shattered? Perhaps you feel bruised and battered from all that has happened over the last few years. You are weary and tired, and you long for peace.   God promises to be your Good Shepherd, and you can rest in His unshakable faithfulness towards you today and always. In this episode, Sharla Fritz interviews me about my book Promised Rest; we discuss how the Good Shepherd gives us His peace.    Listen to these beautiful promises from Psalm 23, and these are not some far-off distant promises. They are for right here, right now. For every moment, every heartbeat of your life in what's happening right now and all that is to come.   The Lord is my shepherd. I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his namesake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. You're Rod and your staff; they comfort me.   You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil. My cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever. This is the word of the Lord. It is most certainly true today and always.   Key Takeaways: Rest in the knowledge that God holds you and cares for you. He knows your needs and is always with you, no matter your challenges. Find solace in His love and protection.  Life is often uncertain and filled with challenges. Trying to fix everything ourselves doesn't work. Instead, let's look at who God is and how He helps. That's where true comfort lies.  In my study, I've included a reflection piece to help apply these lessons to daily life. Use it throughout the day, pondering questions that prompt gratitude, releasing negative thoughts, seeking a different perspective, and remembering God's promises.  Just as a shepherd anoints their sheep, God calls us through His Word and the Sacrament, guiding us daily. Like a shepherd who pays attention to every detail about their sheep, God pays attention to every detail about us. He meets us in His Word, and we can discover something new with each reading as He reveals Himself to us. We can rest in the faithfulness and promises of the Good Shepherd and the peace of His presence. If you would like to learn more about my book Promised Rest you can go to CPH.ORG/REST If you would like to connect with you can go to my website, michellediercks.com. If you would like to connect with Sharla, you can click on her name. Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/will-you-marry-me License code: 1VYEPUIH4UMCZLFG

Author Lindsay Hausch, interviews Michelle in this episode about the 6th chapter in her book, Promised Rest. We look at how God is our peace.   In this episode, we delve into the story of Gideon, a man who found himself hiding in a wine vat, trying to thresh wheat due to the oppressive Midianites. We explored how Gideon's encounter with an angel of the Lord, who is Jesus Himself. As we reflected on Gideon's story, we couldn't help but be reminded of how God looks at us with love and compassion, even when we may struggle with fear and anxiety. Just as Gideon questioned God and asked for a sign, we, too, can bring our concerns and doubts before Him. The story of Gideon reassures us that God addresses our worries lovingly and compassionately, providing us with the peace that surpasses all understanding. In these uncertain and unsettling times, trust in God's strength and peace is more important than ever. Instead of figuring out the circumstances around us, let us rest in who God is and rely on His guidance. It's a humbling experience when we realize that, like Gideon, we are called to accomplish things that may seem impossible, but God equips us with His strength.   One passage that resonates deeply with us is 2 Corinthians 4:7-9, which talks about being hard-pressed, crushed, perplexed, and persecuted, yet not despairing, abandoned, or destroyed. We find peace in knowing that even in our difficult circumstances, God's light shines in our hearts, revealing His glory. As followers of Christ, we are like treasures in jars of clay, displaying His power. Resting in God's power and surrendering our worries to Him allows us to walk into seemingly impossible situations with His peace. It's a journey we must take together, finding solace and strength in His presence every step of the way.   As we continue to explore God's promises and find Rest in His presence, let us rebel against the chaos of the world by choosing peace. We may feel a little crazy at times, but by remembering who God is, we can find the rest and peace our souls yearn for. One simple way to rest is to immerse ourselves in the beauty of God's creation. Watch the sunrise and sunset, and marvel at the wonders He has made. Surround yourself with His Word, which is powerful even in small doses. Reflect on who God is and who you are as His beloved child, and let His peace wash over you.   Key Takeaways: Fear makes us forget who we are as God's children. Our thoughts race with the limitations we have to solve our problems. We face the unfixable and feel shaken. Jesus steps into our brokenness, and His faithfulness toward us is unshakable. Jesus gives us His peace and strength. We can rest in His capable hands. He holds all things together. God's power and strength are not limited to our understanding. We don't need to look to our abilities to solve and fix our problems; we can rest in God's ability and faithfulness. We can rest in His unfailing promises. If you want to read the first chapter of my book for free, you can go to cph.org/rest. If you want to connect with Michelle outside of the podcast, you can go here. If you want to learn more about Lindsay, you can go here. Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/will-you-marry-me License code: 1VYEPUIH4UMCZLFG

What are you facing right now? Is it a problem you cannot fix? Friends, I've learned a precious truth over the years: God's grace is sufficient for every circumstance. He will provide all you need to get through each moment. Christina Hergenrader interviews Michelle about her book Promised Rest: Finding Peace in God's Presence, and they focus on how God provides for us, even when life feels impossible.  In this episode, Michelle & Christina discuss the power of faith, promises, and peace that can be found in God's Word and how these truths remain relevant even amid today's challenges. But this episode takes a personal turn as our hosts, both mothers with older children, share their experiences of facing new challenges and the struggle of letting go of their own visions for their children's lives. They draw parallels to their own journeys as mothers entering a new phase of life, referencing the story of Moses's mother, Jochebed, and the biblical account of Abraham and Isaac. They openly discuss the pain, sorrow, and joy of parenting adult children and touch on the importance of letting go and surrendering control and how this can lead to a deeper understanding of God's provision. They also delve into the counterintuitive nature of finding peace and strength in Christ, especially when life feels overwhelming. Key Takeaways: 1️⃣ Challenges are not new: Throughout history, God has always provided for His people in their moments of uncertainty, just like He did for Abraham and Moses's families. We can find hope and strength in the stories of His provision. 2️⃣ Letting go and trusting God: As parents, we may struggle with relinquishing control as our children grow up and face new challenges. Like Abraham, we can find peace in letting go and trusting in God's provision for our children's lives. 3️⃣ God provides a way out: In the midst of grief, breakups, or other difficult situations, when all seems lost, God provides a "ram in the thicket." His strength and peace are experienced by those who have been through it, offering hope and a way forward. 4️⃣ Remember, God's love and provision are steadfast even in the most impossible situations. You can rest in who He is and His promises to you. He is your Promised Rest.   To connect with Michelle please visit peaceinhispresencepodcast.com If you would like to connect with Christina Hergenrader(click here). If you would like to read the first chapter of Promised Rest you can go to CPH.ORG/Rest.  You can also find Michelle's book on Amazon. Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/will-you-marry-me License code: 1VYEPUIH4UMCZLFG

Have you ever wrestled with these questions? How can I trust God when life doesn't make sense? How do I trust God when He doesn't answer my prayer right away?  How can I trust God when He doesn't fix my problems in the way I thought He would? If you've struggled with these questions or ones similar, you are not alone; I've wrestled with all of them.  In this fourth episode of the Promised Rest Series, Katie Koplin interviewed me about God's name of El Shaddai and what does that mean for us in our lives? How does knowing God as El Shaddai help you through the joys and sorrows of life? The name of God, El Shaddai, means Almighty and powerful. It also means that God is sufficient in all things, and He doesn't need anyone's help. In Psalm 91, we are reminded that God is our refuge and shelter. The psalmist declares that those who dwell in the secret place of the Most High, who abide under the shadow of the Almighty, find rest and protection in God. In times of trouble or uncertainty, we can find comfort in knowing that God is our safe haven and refuge. He is our fortress against the storms of life, where we can find shelter and peace. The image of God as our refuge emphasizes His divine protection and care. Just as a physical shelter shields us from harm, God surrounds and covers us with his love and power. We can trust in his faithfulness and depend on his strength to provide us with security. The challenges and chaos of the world may feel overwhelming, but in God's presence, we find rest and a sense of belonging. He is our shelter in the storm, our safe place in the midst of uncertainty, and our constant source of peace. Here are three key takeaways from this episode: 1️⃣ God's Promised Rest: Discover the significance of God's promise to always be with us and invite us to rest in His presence. Learn about the Promised Rest series and the book called "Promise Rest" by our host, which provides deep insights into finding peace in the midst of life's uncertainties. 2️⃣ Faith and Imperfections: Understand that faith doesn't always have to look a certain way. Explore how even in moments of wavering faith or when we trip up in our journey, Jesus is the author and perfecter of our faith. Find comfort in the knowledge that we are covered by robes of righteousness earned by Him on the cross. 3️⃣ Journey of Abraham and Sarah: Dive into the remarkable story of Abraham and Sarah, who waited 24 years for God to fulfill His promise of a child. Find inspiration in their perseverance and the lessons we can learn from their faith journey. Discover how their story teaches us that God's promises remain steadfast, even when we make mistakes or struggle to trust God while we are waiting. If you haven't had a chance to receive the first chapter of my book yet, you can go to CPH.ORG/Rest. If you have read it, can you think of some friends who might be interested in reading it? Maybe you have a Bible Study group that would be interested? If you could share the link with them I would be so grateful for your help in getting the word out about Promised Rest. I've heard from a lot of different Bible Study groups that going through Promised Rest together was a blessing to them. If you would like to connect with Michelle, you can visit her website at peaceinhispresencepodcast.com If you would like to connect with Katie (click here). You can listen to the Freely Given Podcast Here. Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/will-you-marry-me License code: 1VYEPUIH4UMCZLFG

Have you ever found yourself in a story you didn't choose? Perhaps you have felt unseen by those who should love and care for you. It's a lonely place, but here is the precious truth, God will never leave you, and He is your El Roi, the God who sees you and knows you by name. Donna Snow, a great friend of the podcast interviews me about the 3rd chapter of my book, El Roi. In this episode we talk about: The story of Hagar and how she gave God the name El Roi. Some of the promises we can find in knowing God as El Roi. How does knowing God as El Roi help us in our daily lives? Learn more about Michelle's book Connect with Michelle you can go here.  Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/will-you-marry-me License code: 1VYEPUIH4UMCZLFG

Do you ever wonder how God could love you?  The world will point out your sins and tell you that you're not good enough for God to love you. But God steps into your story and shows you through Jesus how much He loves you. In this episode, Deb Burma interviews me about my book, Promised Rest, and we talk about the name Abba, which means papa or daddy. This means that God's love for you is beyond measure, like that of a beloved child. Nothing can separate you from His love. To better understand how God loves you as Abba, we'll look at how God loves you through the story of the Prodigal son. If you've ever struggled with wondering how God could love you, you'll see through this story how God runs toward you and tells you that you're enough because of Jesus.  God's grace and mercy are deeper than your sins; that is His promise towards you. Promises we can rest in because God is our Abba. Michelle's favorite passage that uses the name Abba Michelle's prayer for the listener/reader as they contemplate God's name as Abba. Learn more about Michelle's book here. Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/will-you-marry-me License code: 1VYEPUIH4UMCZLFG  

When life looks uncertain, what do you cling to? Do your thoughts turn towards God or how you might fix what is wrong? But what if—you can't fix it? What happens then? What you believe to be true about God changes how you live your life and face each moment. Jesus says, come to me all who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest. This rest is for right now in this moment. He offers you, Promised Rest, amid all the uncertainties of life. It is His gracious gift to you.  I write more about this topic in my book, Promised Rest: Finding Peace in God's Presence. It is a meditation on God's various names and characteristics to deepen your understanding of Him and your identity as His beloved Child. This summer, I'm celebrating the first year of Promised Rest being available and I'm re-releasing the podcast episodes I made for each chapter of the book with special guests who interviewed me about the book. In this episode, Michelle's sisters take over the mic to interview her about the first chapter in her book, which is about the name Elohim. If you would like to find out more about Promised Rest, you can go to michellediercks.com/rest or you can find it on Amazon or CPH.org In this episode, they talk about what happens when you can't fix what is wrong? What do you do? How does knowing God as Elohim help you? Michelle share's a prayer for you and it is one that you can use when life feels uncertain and you need to be reminded of who God is and who you are as His child. Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/will-you-marry-me License code: 1VYEPUIH4UMCZLFG

In this episode, Michelle sits down and talks to award-winning Christian rapper and hip-hop artist Flame about his upcoming book, Extra Nos: Discovering Grace Outside Myself.   We talk about Flame's faith journey through different denominations. This conversation is honest and genuine, and he shares his struggles in wondering if he was saved, which led to thoughts he was doing enough for God to like him.  Here are some of the things that we discuss: *He talks about his struggles with the Reformed teaching on predestination *Flame shares how his views have changed on Baptism and the Lord's Supper through the    careful study of church history and scripture. *Encouragement for those who are struggling with their faith *Flame advises on how to talk to someone who has different beliefs than you Learn more about Flames book! (click here) Listen to Flame's podcast: Extra Nos Academy Connect with Michelle

Michelle sits down with Emily Belvery, to talk about her book, Together We Believe, which is about the Apostles Creed. Emily wrote this for her time as a missionary in Asia to help her students understand what we believe as Christians.             We talk about: Why she wrote the study What she learned  Some stories from her time as a missionary I learned a lot from my conversation with Emily, I hope you can take some time to listen. Find out more about Together We Believe Connect with Michelle

Are you facing a problem you cannot solve? You may have tried everything you can think of, and you cannot fix it no matter how hard you try. You are worn out and weary, and you long for rest. God promises us rest in His Word and through Him. Proverbs 3:5 says, Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. There is great comfort in these words—until we take our problems back into our own hands again. It's a daily struggle for many of us, so I invited Deb Burma to come on the podcast and share a devotional from her book, Leaning on Jesus, which will release on May 9th.  You can learn more about this book and read the first chapter for free here. Connect with Deb Connect with Michelle 

Do you feel like you are facing a problem where your ability to solve your challenges leaves your heart empty and aching? If you look closely at the experience the Israelites had in the wilderness, you will see how God blessed them with gifts amid their everyday struggles. In this episode, I  talk to Author Lindsay Hausch about her new book, God's Provision in a Wilderness World, where she helps you to focus on the promises and presence of Jesus in God's Word. Sometimes God's manna to you is a gift wrapped in a struggle. Manna reminds you that your mercies are new every morning as God refreshes and feeds your soul.  In this episode, we also talk about: Why Lindsay wrote this book How sometimes God's manna for us is provided through a person Life is bittersweet, filled with hard and holy moments Lindsay's prayer for those who read her book If you would like to read a sample chapter from Lindsay's book or order you can click here. Connect with Michelle

Are you comforted by the Church? Are you irritated by the Church? Does the thought of walking into those doors on a Sunday morning bring you peace, or does it bring you anxiety? Maybe you've been hurt by the Church or people who attend your Church.  Societal pressures, frustration caused by bureaucracy and abuse within churches, and the negative perception of institutions today result in pain and confusion around the idea of "church." In this podcast episode, I sat down to talk to Christa Petzold, author of  Gathered by Christ: The Overlooked Gift of Church, to speak with her about her book. In this episode, we talk about: The Gifts of the Church How much Jesus loves the Church The Church can never be destroyed How Jesus sees the Church The comfort and the blessings of the Church If you would like to learn more about Christa's book click here. Connect with Christa  Connect with Michelle  

Sometimes life is unfair and we wait for God to work things out.  The life story of Joseph is one of the most beloved and chronicled in the Bible. It's a story of broken dreams and impossible circumstances, of family conflict and unfair treatment. It's a story of the power and necessity of letting God's love and forgiveness lead. Joseph waited for twenty years for God's plan to unfold. Over and over as we read his story we hear how God was with him. In the midst of it all, Joseph told his brothers that God used all of it good.  In this episode, Michelle talks to author Donna Snow about her latest book, Meant for good, which is a study of the life of Joseph. Connect with Michelle Click here to learn more about Donna's Book Connect with Donna

Sometimes our faith walk is compared to a race, but as we get bogged down with the struggles and challenges of life, we find ourselves limping, and most days, we sense that the Lord is carrying us and holding us up as we limp through life.  In this episode, Michelle sits down and talks to Chad Bird, about his most recent book, Limping with God: Jacob & the Old Testament Guide to Messy Discipleship. Chad talks about: Why he wrote the book What he learned while writing the book, this was a fun fact to learn.  How forgiveness is dying to ourselves and how God helps us to forgive Chad explains what fruitful winters are. We also talk about Jacob's ladder and how the story is different and better than the one we probably learned in Sunday School. Throughout the conversation, you will be reminded of God's mercy and grace and how he pours it out over us again and again.  Here are links where you can learn more about Chad and 1517.org. 40 Minutes in the Old Testament Podcast 1517.org Limping with God on Amazon

Do you struggle with knowing how to read the Bible? Do you wish you knew what questions to ask as you read God's Word?  Do you long for a resource that would be simple to use in Bible Study? Pastor Andy Jones has written an incredible book that will be a valuable resource to all who read it. He gives the reader ten questions to ask as they read the Bible. You don't have to have a theology degree in order to use them, but even if you do have one, you will love how they help you dig into the text of scripture. In this episode, Andy and Michelle use the Ten Questions to go through Joshual 1:9, "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Order Ten Questions To Ask Every Time You Read the Bible Andy Jones Website Andy Jones Twitter Andy Jones Instagram Connect with Michelle

How do you see yourself?  How you answer that question makes a difference in how you go through life. Before the foundations of the world were laid, God chose you to be His very own. His choosing of you wasn't based on anything you would do or accomplish in your life. He chose you because He loves you as His precious child. Sometimes we get stuck in thinking that we are the sum of our sins or that we are the sum of our good deeds. In this episode, Michelle and Katie Koplin look at Colossians 3, what it means to be chosen by God, and the difference it makes in our daily lives.  If you would like to learn more about Michelle's book Promised Rest you can go here. Michelle's website Katie Koplin Instagram Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/brock-hewitt-stories-in-sound/your-beauty License code: QWUZQWECGTBXVHSD

Michelle sits down with writer and speaker Katie Koplin to talk about what it means to know that you are Hidden in Christ from Colossians chapter 3. What a gift God gives to you through Baptism that you become Hidden in Christ and the work that He has done for you on the cross. Becasue you are hidden in Him, you have received every spiritual blessing that has been given to Him.  You can face each day knowing that God is your hiding place and that whatever life brings you can trust Him to walk you through it. God stands guard over you and you can trust Him with every moment. Michelle and Katie talk about the lens on how you view your life and the importance of remembering to view it as God's child.  Michelle's podcast is sponsored by her book, Promised Rest, you can find more about her and book and what people are saying by clicking on this sentence.  Connect with Katie Koplin on Instagram  Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/brock-hewitt-stories-in-sound/through-darkness License code: 27VKNUPK6CPXSHYO

Advent is a time for waiting, but it's also a season of trying to cram long to-do lists in our already overbooked calendars. Maybe like me, you feel anxious by all the expectations you've placed on your calendar to have everything done and perfect for the holidays. Expectations can leave us feeling anxious because what happens when life changes? You can plan everything perfectly, but people can get sick, winter storms come, and travel plans can change. Maybe we could learn to view life through expectant joy instead of expectations. How do we do that? We can learn from the stories of Elizabeth, Mary, and Anna. In the midst of all the uncertainties of life, you can rest in the certainty of God's promises to you. They are unshakeable. God gives you joy as a gift and it cannot be taken away from you.  The Peace in His Presence Podcast is sponsored by Michelle's book Promised Rest; if you would like to find out more about the book, you can visit cph.org/rest. Connect with Michelle   Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/brock-hewitt-stories-in-sound/your-beauty License code: QWUZQWECGTBXVHSD    

What feels impossible to you in this season of your life? Health issues, family struggles, grieving the loss of a loved one, work challenges, or problems at church.   I invite you to hold up what seems impossible before the Lord and sit with Him, while we take a look at Mary's story today. I know it's not easy to look at what feels impossible but your Immanuel promises to be with you in all things and He will strengthen you and give you His peace. His promises to you are unshakable. Listen into these Advent Reflections, while we look at Mary's story. Let's ponder how God made the impossible—possible. The Peace in His Presence Podcast is sponsored by Michelle's book Promised Rest; if you would like to find out more about the book, you can visit cph.org/rest. Connect with Michelle   Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/brock-hewitt-stories-in-sound/your-beauty License code: QWUZQWECGTBXVHSD  

What is the cry of your heart? What is the prayer you've been whispering over and over again to God until you wonder if you should even keep asking? But the longing lasts, and you wait in the hope of knowing that God promises to hear your prayers and that He always answers your prayers, maybe not in the way you imagined, but always out of His divine love and grace towards you.  Advent is a time of waiting. As we look back to the first Christmas. God's people had been waiting for the Messiah to come for thousands of years. The world was a broken and dark place. God's chosen people lived under oppression.  And then God himself stepped into the brokenness. To bring light into the darkness.  We remember their waiting, and now we wait for Jesus to come again to take us home to heaven. Over these past few years, I've found myself asking the Lord many times, how long, Lord until you come back? The world feels so broken. How do we learn how to wait? As I was writing my book Promised Rest, I learned a lot when I slowed down and spent time reading the stories of God's people. They were familiar stories, and yet there were details I had never noticed before I saw how God was with His people, and I watched His people trust Him in circumstances beyond their control. Promised Rest is five months old, and I've heard from different people how they, too, have learned from these stories, and I've been asked if I could do more of that with women from the Bible. And so I thought, let's take a look at the lives of the three women of Christmas and their stories. What can we learn about waiting from them? So I invite you to ponder the promises with me. Let's look at their stories and rest in the promises. Let's learn from Elizabeth, Mary, and Anna by resting in the promises. The Peace in His Presence Podcast is sponsored by Michelle's book Promised Rest; if you would like to find out more about the book, you can visit cph.org/rest. Connect with Michelle   Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/brock-hewitt-stories-in-sound/your-beauty License code: QWUZQWECGTBXVHSD  

Michelle interviews author and speaker Heidi Goehmann on her newest book,  Emotions & the Gospel Created For Connection. In this episode, we talk about the following: why Heidi wrote this book what did she learn while writing the book processing emotions and why it's important We also look at contemplation as a way to process our emotions and at the emotion anticipation in preparation for the Holidays. Heidi shares some practical tips and tools for using contemplation, to help your process your emotions, as you gather with family and friends. Check out Heidi's Book Heidi's Website Michelle's Website Michelle's book, Promised Rest. Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/brock-hewitt-stories-in-sound/your-beauty License code: QWUZQWECGTBXVHSD

How do you respond to pressure? Perhaps like me, the last couple of years have weighed heavy upon your heart as the stress of the pandemic, economic changes, the political climate in our country, and the stressors of daily life piled up. How do you move forward when it feels like you are burdened down by the pressure and stress?  The Lord promises his steadfast love and faithfulness to us as we walk through and as He carries our burdens for us.  He also give to us His grace to sustain us through the pressures of life.  Michelle sits down to talk with Pastor and author, Chris Kennedy, about his book Grace Under Pressure, Using Jesus' seven statements from the cross, Chris shows the incredibly stressful situations Jesus endured and how He handled them with grace, giving us a model on how to respond to our stresses with grace. Michelle's prayer is that you would be encouraged by this conversation. Grace Under Pressure Chris Kennedy's Website Connect with Michelle The Peace in His Presence Podcast is sponsored by Michelle's book Promised Rest. If you would like to learn more about her book, you can click here.  Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/will-you-marry-me License code: 1VYEPUIH4UMCZLFG

Michelle talked to Margo Heath Dupre about her book, Be Thou My Guide: A Bible Study on Trusting God.  Margo wrote down all of her questions for God in journals for over 18 years. She spent time searching and reading scripture to understand more about how she could trust God. As she studied she looked to different people in the Bible and  learned from them and their stories on what it looks like to trust God in our daily lives. This book was developed from the journals she kept over the years.  During our conversation Margo and I talk about a couple of the questions in her study and I think they are ones that we would all ask ourselves. What is happening in my life that I need to be strong and courageous? How can we stay focused on God instead of our circumstances? I loved my conversation with Margo, it was an encouragement to me and I pray that it will to you as well. Be Thou My Guide: A Bible Study on Trusting God Margo on Facebook Margo on Instagram Promised Rest Michelle's Website

Does your hope feel frayed right now? Or do you feel like your prayers are stuck on repeat? You or a loved one is facing a problem you cannot fix, and your mind stirs with "What if" thinking. In this episode, Michelle shares a simple practice that she learned from Heidi Goehmann during the Reflection Mini Challenge about what you can do with your "what if" thoughts. Michelle also shares how we can look at our problems through the lens of God's promises to us. God holds you in His capable hands You are loved beyond measure God is your shelter and refuge God's power is made perfect in weakness God's grace is sufficient for each moment you face You can click here if you haven't listened to the Reflection Mini Challenge episode. Please click here if you would like to receive the Reflection Mini Challenge through email. If you would like to read the first chapter of Michelle's book Promised Rest, click here.         Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/brock-hewitt-stories-in-sound/through-darkness License code: 27VKNUPK6CPXSHYO

One of my favorite people to talk to about emotional and mental health is Heidi Goehmann. God allowed our lives to intersect because of our love for words and His Word. Throughout my life, I've labeled my emotions as positive or negative, and when I perceived my emotions through an unfavorable lens, I would feel ashamed. Through my friendship with Heidi, I learned we don't need to label our emotions as good or bad. Heidi and I invite you to join us in our conversation about emotions and how we can use reflection and God's Word to help us move through the challenges we face.   We've created a Reflection Mini Challenge that we will share on Instagram, Facebook, or email. The challenge will take place September 26 – 30th. It's five days, five moments to reflect, simple and created to fit in and around your schedule. We will teach you a simple way to pause in God's presence through reflection that you can use throughout your day. Heidi and I hosted a Facebook live to talk more about the Reflection Mini challenge, and I thought I would share a part of it through this podcast. I hope you can listen in and follow the challenge.  If you sign up through email, you will be entered to win a devotional book that Heidi and I, along with 50 other female authors, contributed to, it is called Words of Peace and Protection, and I've had a preview. It is exactly what we need in this season of life. Sign up through email for the Reflection mini challenge Michelle Diercks Instagram Michelle Diercks  Facebook Promised Rest Info (Michelle's book) Heidi Goehmann Instagram Heidi Goehmann Facebook

Have you ever messed up or made an unfixable mistake? Your failures do not have the final say over you, God does, and I love how Sharla writes about this in her new book, Measured by Grace. I hope you can take the time to listen in and learn how God sees us as enough in Christ Jesus. I loved my conversation with Sharla; even though I read through her book in preparation for the interview, I learned so much from our time together. Learn More About Measured By Grace Connect with Sharla If you would like to learn more about Michelle's book Promised Rest: Finding Peace in God's Presence, you can click here. If you want to join Michelle on Facebook to go through her book Promised Rest, you can join this group. The Grace Space Michelle on Facebook and Instagram Heidi on Facebook and Instagram Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/will-you-marry-me License code: 1VYEPUIH4UMCZLFG

In this episode, I talk to Heidi Goehmann who is a licensed clinical social worker and licensed independent mental health professional about reflection and how it impacts our mental health and how it helps us emotionally and spiritually.  We talk about this through the lens of the Five R's of Reflection that I have in my book, Promised Rest.  The following is a condensed version of the five Rs: Rejoice: what are you grateful for? Release: what cares or concerns do you need to give to God? Reframe: are there thoughts about yourself, others, and God that need to change? Remember: What do you want to remember about God's name, characteristic, or action? Rest: What promise of God can you rest in today? Heidi and I also want to invite you to join us the week of August 29th for a Mini reflection challenge on Instagram. We will be sharing more details as it gets closer but for now, make sure you are following us there. Michelle Diercks Instagram Michelle Diercks Website Promised Rest Info Heidi Goehmann Instagram Heidi Goehmann Website

Often, our worries come from not being able to control a situation. The truth is that we cannot plan for all the uncertainties we will face, but we can trust our Immanuel, the God who is with us, to give us His strength and peace through all the trials and troubles we will face in this life. When our minds become stuck in "what if" thinking, we see things from our finite viewpoint. We forget that God is infinite and that we can trust Him even when life is uncertain or doesn't make sense. In this episode, Gretchen Ronnevik interviews Michelle about the eighth chapter of her book, Immanuel.  They talk about how God is with us in all things and also some of the Bible verses that can remind us of the promises that we have in God. If you would like to learn more about my book Promised Rest, you can go to CPH.ORG/REST If you would like to connect with you can go to my website, michellediercks.com. If you would like to connect with Gretchen Ronnevik, please click here. Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/will-you-marry-me License code: 1VYEPUIH4UMCZLFG

Does your heart feel shaken and shattered? Perhaps you feel bruised and battered from all that has happened over the last couple of years. You are weary and tired and you long for peace. God promises to be your Good Shepherd and you can rest in His unshakable faithfulness towards you today and always. In this episode, Sharla Fritz, interviews me about my book Promised Rest, we talk about how the Good Shepherd gives us His peace.  If you would like to learn more about my book Promised Rest you can go to CPH.ORG/REST If you would like to connect with you can go to my website, michellediercks.com. If you would like to connect with Sharla, you can click on her name. Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/will-you-marry-me License code: 1VYEPUIH4UMCZLFG

Fear makes us forget who we are as God's children. Our thoughts race with the limitations we have to solve our problems. We face the unfixable and feel shaken. Jesus steps into our brokenness, and His faithfulness towards us is unshakeable. Jesus gives us His peace and strength. We can rest in His capable hands. He holds all things together. God's power and strength are not limited to our understanding. We don't need to look to our abilities to solve and fix our problems; we can rest in God's ability and faithfulness. We can rest in His unfailing promises. Lindsay Hausch interviews me in this episode, and we talk about the 6th chapter of my book, Promised Rest.  If you want to read the first chapter of my book for free, you can go to cph.org/rest. If you want to connect with Michelle outside of the podcast, you can go here. If you want to learn more about Lindsay, you can go here.

What are you facing right now? Is it a problem you cannot fix? Friends here is a precious truth I've learned over the years, that God's grace is sufficient for every circumstance. He will provide all you need to get through each moment. In this episode, Christina Hergenrader, interview's Michelle about how God provides for us, even when life feels impossible.  If you would like to connect with Michelle(clickhere) If you would like to connect with Christina Hergenrader(click here). If you would like to read the first chapter of Promised Rest you can go to CPH.ORG/Rest.    Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/will-you-marry-me License code: 1VYEPUIH4UMCZLFG

Have you ever wrestled with these questions? How can I trust God when life doesn't make sense? How do I trust God when He doesn't answer my prayer right away?  How can I trust God when He doesn't fix my problems in the way I thought He should? If you've struggled with these questions or ones similar you are not alone, I'v wrestled with all of them. In this fourth episode of the Promised Rest Series, Katie Koplin interview me about God's name of El Shaddai and what does that mean for us in our lives? How does knowing God as El Shaddai, help me through the joys and sorrows of life? If you haven't had a chance to receive the first chapter of my book yet, you can go to CPH.ORG/Rest. If you have read it, can you think of some friends who might be interested in reading it? Maybe you have a Bible Study group that would be interested? If you could share the link with them I would be so grateful for your help in getting the word out about Promised Rest, which will be released on June 7. If you would like to connect with Michelle (click here). If you would like to connect with Katie (click here). You can listen to the Freely Given Podcast Here. Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/will-you-marry-me License code: 1VYEPUIH4UMCZLFG

Have you ever found yourself in a story you didn't choose? Perhaps you have felt unseen by those who should love and care for you. It's a lonely place, but here is the precious truth, God will never leave you, and He is your El Roi, the God who sees you and knows you by name. Donna Snow, a great friend of the podcast interviews me about the 3rd chapter of my book, El Roi. In this episode we talk about: The story of Hagar and how she gave God the name El Roi. Some of the promises we can find in knowing God as El Roi. How does knowing God as El Roi help us in our daily lives? If you would like the opportunity to read the first chapter of this book, you can go to CPH.ORG/Rest to sign up to receive a copy. If you would like to connect with Michelle you can go here.  If you would like to connect with Donna and learn more about her ministry you can go here. Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/will-you-marry-me License code: 1VYEPUIH4UMCZLFG

Do you ever wonder how God could love you?  The world will point out your sins and tell you that you're not good enough for God to love you. But God steps into your story and shows you through Jesus how much He loves you. In this episode, Deb Burma interviews me about my book, Promised Rest, and we talk about the name Abba, which means papa or daddy. This means that God's love for you is beyond measure, like that of a beloved child. Nothing can separate you from His love. To better understand how God loves you as Abba, we'll look at how God loves you through the story of the Prodigal son. If you've ever struggled with wondering how God could love you, you'll see through this story how God runs toward you and tells you that you're enough because of Jesus.  God's grace and mercy are deeper than your sins; that is His promise towards you. Promises we can rest in because God is our Abba. Michelle's favorite passage that uses the name Abba Michelle's prayer for the listener/reader as they contemplate God's name as Abba. For more things like this, you can read the first chapter of my book for free at cph.org/rest. You can connect with Michelle at michellediercks.com/podcast You can connect with Deb at Debburma.com Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/will-you-marry-me License code: 1VYEPUIH4UMCZLFG  

When life looks uncertain, what do you cling to? Do your thoughts turn towards God or how you might fix what is wrong? But what if—you can't fix it? What happens then? What you believe to be true about God changes how you live your life and face each moment.  I write more about this topic in my book, Promised Rest: Finding Peace in God's Presence. It is a meditation on God's various names and characteristics to deepen your understanding of Him and your identity as His beloved Child. To get ready for the release of my Bible Study, I've invited guests to come on the show, but instead of me interviewing them, they will take over my mic and interview me about a chapter of the book. In this episode, Michelle's sisters take over the mic to interview her about the first chapter in her book, which is about the name Elohim. In this episode, they talk about what happens when you can't fix what is wrong? What do you do? How does knowing God as Elohim help you? Michelle share's a prayer for you and it is one that you can use when life feels uncertain and you need to be reminded of who God is and who you are as His child. If you would like to read the first chapter of my book for free, you can sign up to receive it at CPH.ORG/Rest  Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/will-you-marry-me License code: 1VYEPUIH4UMCZLFG

When you are weary, do you have trouble concentrating? Perhaps you even notice this struggle when you are reading the Bible, and you find yourself reading the same passage over and over again. Friends, I don't ask you these questions to make you feel guilt or shame. I ask a friend who shares in this struggle too. In this final episode of the Weary Traveler Series, we will share a grace-filled practice called Visual Faith Ministry. Pat Maier and Connie Denninger, the co-founders of Visual Faith Ministry, join us to talk about why they started this ministry and all that it has to offer.  Here is what they discovered when talking with people about reading their Bible and their prayer time. Everybody had trouble slowing down, paying attention, and dealing with distractions.  Educational research led them to understand that 75% of all people are visual, kinesthetic learners. And so, based on that and the conversation they had, they started to develop different tools and ideas to help people. Deb and I wanted to share this important resource with you because it has helped us in our faith journey. Visual Faith Ministry has created a beautiful website filled with free tools and resources, and you can find them here.  They also have a wonderful Facebook group where you can learn more about the Visual Faith Practices, ask questions, and connect with others; you click here to join.  Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/brock-hewitt-stories-in-sound/through-darkness License code: 27VKNUPK6CPXSHYO  

Are you weary from all the anxious thoughts you have swirling about through your soul and minds as you look at the brokenness in the world? And do you just wish you knew the right words to pray, or what can you say to God? Michelle and Deb sat down and talked to Dr. Dan Paavola about his book, Our Way Home: A Journey through the Lord's Prayer. (Click here to learn more about the book.) In our conversation, we cover: Why would God give us a prayer that we could pray over and over again? Can we still pray to God even when we feel frustrated that He hasn't answered our prayer yet or that He didn't answer our prayers the way we wanted him to? How can we use this prayer as the basis for our prayer life? How will praying this prayer make a difference when we feel so weary from life right now? God already knows how we feel/think. Does it make a difference when we keep talking to Him about the same things?Take the time to listen, there is so much more in this episode.  Dr. Paavola speaks and teaches with a Pastor's heart. His love for God's Word and His people shines through in this episode. You can also watch the video teaching on the Lord's Prayer with         Dr. Paavola by clicking here.   Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/brock-hewitt-stories-in-sound/through-darkness License code: 27VKNUPK6CPXSHYO  

Michelle and Deb sit down and talk to Faith Doerr How do you think about your thoughts and your feelings? Do you try and ignore them and hope they will sort themselves out? Magically get better? Michelle and Deb wanted to address the importance of mental and emotional health and they invited their friend and fellow author, Faith Doerr to sit with them to have an honest conversation about mental health.  We invite you to sit at the table with us for this important conversation. Here are a few of the topics we cover: *Naming your feelings (fine and okay are not feelings). *The importance of talking through your struggles. *We may not know why we feel a certain way and that is okay *Practical tools to help you with your thoughts and feelings I loved this conversation with Faith and Deb and we invite you to share it with others because God created us to live in community with each other and to help each other. You can learn more about Faith here Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/brock-hewitt-stories-in-sound/through-darkness License code: 27VKNUPK6CPXSHYO  

When sorrow stirs in your soul, how do you face it? Maybe like me, you want to look away because it feels too heavy for you to carry, and you wonder how you will bear its load. If you have ever been overwhelmed by loss, devastated by a disaster, or weighed down by defeat, you know what sorrow feels like. It's no wonder you may want to look away…you may even wonder how you can face a new day.  Jesus steps into your sorrow, and he carries it for you. The sorrow you are facing does not have the final say over the story of your life. As we face our sorrow, we can look beyond it to the Hope that we have in our Savior Jesus, the One who carries our sorrow and gives us His strength. In this episode, Deb and Michelle, look at when sorrow makes us weary? What can we do?  They share five different ways you can express your sorrow to God. Parts of this episode were from Deb Burma's Bible Study Be Still and Know: A Study of Rest and Refuge (Click here to learn more about the study) Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/brock-hewitt-stories-in-sound/through-darkness License code: 27VKNUPK6CPXSHYO

Have you ever grown so weary from waiting that your heart aches with sadness? You wonder if God is still listening. The silence causes your soul to hang heavy with sorrow and the scars run deep. But here are some precious truths:  God always hears the cries of your heart. God's grace goes deeper than your sorrow God will never leave you nor forsake you God cannot break His promises to you. Jesus says come all who are weary and I will give you rest. You will never bear your burdens alone. In this episode, Michelle and Deb, look at the story of Hannah and how she pours out her heart before God. Hannah was weary from many things and God met her in her weariness and gave her His strength.   Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/brock-hewitt-stories-in-sound/through-darkness License code: 27VKNUPK6CPXSHYO

How do you see yourself walking into 2022?  Stepping in with confidence Sliding in like a ballplayer to home base and hoping you are safe Smiling but underneath you feel like you are barely holding on Searching for a place to rest and to try and breathe normal again. Maybe you relate to one or all of these statements. There isn't a right or wrong answer.  I've spent a lot of time listening this past year and I've noticed that all of us are weary in some way.  As we peer ahead into 2022 we wonder what life will look like? Do we want to know?  We long for peace. We long for hope. We long for connection and to not be divided. The scars of sorrow run deep through our souls from the past couple of years and we wonder how much more can we handle?   Jesus says come to me all who weary and I will give you rest. We don't enter this year on our own, but we enter into with our Immanuel, the God who is with us. Jesus gives you His peace and the rest He promises is for this moment and all the moments to come.  Friends, I am so excited. Deb Burma will be co-hosting a special podcast series with me called Weary Traveler. In this episode, we will take a look at Psalm 63 and see how God strengthened King David's weary heart and how this Psalm can help you too.  Deb and I will also share some ideas of what you can do when you are feeling weary.    Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/brock-hewitt-stories-in-sound/through-darkness License code: 27VKNUPK6CPXSHYO

Michelle was delighted to sit down with author, Anita McVey to talk to her about her devotional book, Because He First Fed Us. Before God created mankind, He created a garden. God was preparing a meal for us before we arrived. He gave us our senses to fully appreciate and enjoy this world. He gave us our family and friends and opportunities to share with each other and with strangers. And He gave us His Word. Food is a love language. It nourishes, heals, comforts and delights the body and the soul. There is a way to make delicious food even better: share it. When food is transformed into a meal, it becomes love in action. All the senses are engaged: sight, sound, taste, touch, and smell. Memories are revived. Stories are told. Gratitude is expressed. Conversations flow and wisdom is gleaned. Even the dirty dishes have a story to tell. Listen in as Michelle talks to Anita about her book, why she wrote it, and you get to hear from the author about a couple of the devotions in the book. You can read more about her book here. You can learn more about Anita on her website, Picniclifefoodie.com