Real Stories of Life with God

John TY Smith was such a fun friend to talk with for the podcast. He and Charlene have been in my life for years and they are some of the kindest. John, who spent many years as a paramedic riding the ambulance, now works in a more leadership role. They have 3 boys and one grandson and are loving this season of life. John talks about how he experiences God in nature, how valuable giving slow, quiet space is for him as a paramedic. We also talk about the value of "practicing the faith," staying involved with things like Scripture, Church and prayer. One of my favorite parts of this conversation is his sharing how life-giving the phrase "but God" is in the Bible and in our lives. Enjoy, friends!

Lindsey Ellington and her family are dear to us and this conversation is sure to reorient you toward God. After a long journey, in the coming months they are heading to Costa Rica to welcome two little boys into their family! She talks about how studying Scripture word for word is cultivating new love for it, and how much she treasures the people in her life. She opens up about how selfishness can stifle our relationship with God *and* others, and we talk a great deal about how trusting God's sovereignty creates peace in a way nothing else can. I hope you enjoyed hearing a little of their adoption story (and I mean it when I say I want to have her back on at some point to share more once the boys join their home). 

Kathryn has been on my list to chat with for the podcast since the very beginning and did not disappoint. ;) So much so I even ask her a bonus question at the end! We worked together at our church for a short time and then she followed God's directing to a missionary opportunity with an organization in Germany called Eurobrass. She talks about a variety of things that stir her love for God, the slippery slope of self-absorption and a lot about God's faithfulness. One line: "The truth that God is faithful means a lot to me, because that's where our security is. It's not in what we do. And it's certainly not in how we're feeling and how close God feels to us. It's all tied up in him. And not in us." Enjoy this one, friends! 

Anna and I have known each other for many years, and she's a kind, humble heart. I'm thankful we have reconnected in recent years. Anna is a logistics officer in the Army and she shares about her life thus far and her goals for the future. We talk about how sweet Christian community is, the way she's savoring quiet mornings with God and how valuable leaning into His nature is and so much more. 

Woahhh, my friends, this one is amazing. I have known Kristi Katayama for over 10 years and she has the most life-giving spirit about her. She and her husband run an organization called Crossover Global on a mission to reach unreached people groups with the gospel by planting multiplying churches. They have 3 children and Kristi finds herself in a new season with no kids at home. She's a people person and it radiates! At one point she said, "I feel more love from the Lord when He allows me to be part of someone's story." She talks about how difficult it can be to find joy in the mundane tasks of life and how encouraged she is by God's steadfastness. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did. 

Cameron Hoover is a videographer, creative business owner, husband and dog dad. We've been friends since high school and have kept in touch over the years. This conversation is one of my favorites so far and you can easily tell by how easy it was for me to share my heart as well. Cameron and his wife are coming out of a challenging season and he honestly shares what he is learning about God. We talk habits, suffering, the noise of culture, God's infinite nature and so much more. One line: "Just to know him more is a win. And like, the best thing that can happen to us." I may have jotted down a few notes as I edited this episode; I hope you find it just as encouraging! 

I loved this conversation with my friend Callie Gurley. She shares about her current season with her husband Justin and daughter Hadley as well as honestly where she is with God. We talk about new anxiety that comes with parenting, the power of words, how teaching the Bible deepens your love for God, and more. One quote, "I have struggled a lot with, the the pain in our lives versus God loving me, and I know the right answer. But it's like my mind default is, maybe He doesn't. And I hate to even admit that to myself, but like, it always just lingers there." It's a light but profound conversation and I hope you enjoy it! 

This conversation is dear to me because this woman is dear to me. Lauren and Matt Papa live in Florida with their 5 amazing kids. We met over 10 years ago and she's been a mentor and sister-friend to me ever since. She's a humble, creative, inspiring soul and I speak for many when I say you leave her presence always feeling a little more refreshed. She shares of the new depth her friendship with God has taken, the changes in her prayer life, how her pride can often get in the way and how powerful it is that God is Light. 

Steve and Sarah White have been in ministry together for about 24 years and have 3 fabulous kids. They have also been friends and mentors of mine since I was in high school so it was a joy to chat with him for the podcast. Steve talks about how learning about God only fuels a desire for more of God, how his Bible study has changed over the years and his calling as a disciple-maker.  We also talk about God's unfailing love and how doing stuff FOR Jesus can often get in the way of simply being WITH Jesus. (PS - The retreat he speaks about at the end was a few weeks ago and was amazing. Praise God.)

This testimony of trusting God in a challenging season is sure to inspire your faith in God. Leah and her high-school sweetheart husband Brant live in St. Pete, FL and are expecting their first baby! (She's also a kick-butt real estate agent.) We talk about their story of infertility, how stabilizing it is that God knows everything and cares for us, and how difficult it is to see those we love suffer. Don't miss this one!  

Get out your pen and paper, my friends, this episode is full of ideas and truths you'll want to remember. I feel like I talk more than usual in this one because it was such a sweet, easy, enjoyable conversation. Stanley Anderson is a husband, father, friend and disciple of Jesus Christ. He has long been a mentor for both my husband and me. In this conversation, we talk about the GREAT value of spending time with God daily, His sovereignty and goodness, how overcommitment can stifle our life with Him and so many other things. 

Friends, this one is sweet. One of my best friends, Audrey Healy, shares honestly and openly about the past faithfulness of God, how spiritual performance can easily get in the way of intimacy with God and the power of Holy Spirit interceding for us. She's a wife and mom of three boys, serving in women's ministry and an all-around humble soul. I know you'll be encouraged with this conversation! 

Many know her, many love her -- the one, the only, Haley Wood. Painter, graphic designer, wife, wife, student leader and dog owner, she's humble and kind and so much fun. We talk about how personal God is, the value of pausing in the middle of a circumstance to see His goodness and how we often tend to get in our own way. This conversation is sure to turn your attention toward a God who is present with you and whose thoughts are higher and greater. Enjoy! 

The episode is gooddddd. Bethany Fox is a wife, mom and a teacher of 15 years. She and Sean have been mentors of mine since college and are dear to me. In this episode, Bethany talks about peace, worry and God's faithfulness and it is sure to encourage you in your faith as it did mine. 

Morgan Ashley is one of my favorite people because she was the first young girl I ever 'officially' discipled. She was in middle school and every week I'd pick her up, we'd get a drink from Starbucks and sit on my couch for a few hours. I like to think we'll always be friends. She's a college freshman and learning so much about God and herself. We talk about the value of regularly being with the Church, the worry-inducing amount of options offered to her right now and how essential time alone with God is. It's a great conversation!

Britt Smallwood is a friend to many, and I count myself thankful he's one of ours. He's been in Haiti off and on for the last few years, cultivating relationships and sharing the gospel of Jesus. He's now starting a new chapter working with an organization called Cru, doing all sorts of disciple-making ministry with college students. We talk about seeing God in the uniqueness of humanity, how challenging it can be to combat American culture as a Christian and his deep understanding of the goodness of God. I'm excited for you to hear this conversation. 

This is a short monologue by yours truly to say THANK YOU so much for listening! (And to give an announcement for the coming months.)

Wes Dant and his family have been in our lives for many, many years, and we're grateful. He is a wise, kind husband and father with a deep love for Christ and worship. We talk about God's providence, music, and how our own apathy can stifle our love for God. There were moments I wanted to take notes, so maybe you'll be as encouraged as I was. One favorite line: "Sometimes we have to be disciplined in things until they become a delight." 

This conversation with my friend (and cousin on my husband's side) Margaret Pangle is simple yet profound. She shares about their current season of life with a soon-to-be-graduating son, her tendency to worry and how much God's faithfulness means to her. 

Oooo, you all are going to enjoy this episode, I know it. Michelle Parnell is a fascinating, kind, diligent friend who deeply loves discovering Jesus in the pages of her Bible, teaching, serving and reading for hours at night. We talk about the longsuffering nature of God, how 'we' are the thing that can most stifle our love for God, and even The Chosen tv series. 

Tamara is one of my closest friends and I count myself blessed. She and her husband Andy have had an eventful last few years with the unexpected early birth of their son Morris at 27 weeks. She shares a little of her testimony in this conversation but mostly, she testifies to the kindness and sovereignty of God in our lives. This conversation will remind you of the bigness of God and how He has purpose and presence for every circumstance we find ourselves in. Enjoy it, friends.

I think y'all are going to enjoy this conversation with my friend Emily Hardaway. She works a local government job in Atlanta, GA, loves all things pop culture and is ready for Christmas.  We talk about how encouraging it is read testimonies of Christ followers who have gone before us, being aware of God's direction in our lives, and how He is a provider of what we need when we need it. Emily shares honestly about seasons in her life of great loneliness and the things she asks of God. 

Courtney McCauley is a recent dental school grad, girlfriend (to my amazing cousin), daughter, sister and friend who knows God as her biggest supporter. She talks about how trying to be the perfect Christian can stifle her love for Him, and the reality that He is with her 24/7 gives her comfort, courage and peace. We talk about prayer, routines and how she keeps truth in front of her.  This conversation reminded me of the simple yet powerful truth that God is, knows and does what is best for us. 

You might need a pen and paper for this one! Wes is someone who has been in my life in a lot of different capacities, from officiating our wedding to being a coworker, all of which the Lord has used to make me more like Christ. He speaks honestly about things that stir his love for God like reflection, being outside and music, and about how busyness can sometimes stifle it. We talk God's goodness, daily reading the Psalms, and a little bit about the enneagram. Enjoy it, friends!

My good friend Anna, with her husband and two kids, is about to embark on a great adventure: moving to Africa on mission for the Lord. She shares about how a lot changed for her when she began looking for God, especially asking Him who He was, in her most painful memories. And it's a practice she continues to this day. This is one of my favorite comments she makes: "There's never been a time I've learned more about God and haven't loved Him more, because of His perfection." She is wise and honest and I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did!

Brett Wilson and his wife of almost 10 years have 3 kids and a pretty chill golden retriever. You can hear the love and joy he has for his family in our conversation. Brett talks about the way God has wired him when it comes to faith, the beauty and challenge of raising little kids and how much comfort it gives to know God is ultimately in control. 

Gracious, my old friend Beth Glymph comes with so much wisdom. She's a church planting wife and mom to her five kiddos (two fosters... for now) and is humble, honest and inspiring with her trust in God. Beth shares how writing the Psalms encourages her tired heart, the practice of silence, resisting the temptation to be discontent with the work God gives you to do and so much more. PS - The audio is a little on the struggle bus in this episode. I edited the best I could, but what Beth had to say was too good not to share. Thank you for bearing with me! 

Melissa Murphy in the house! This conversation was refreshing to my soul. Melissa is a dear friend from my college days and beyond. Newly married, she's an occupational therapist who sees God as she cares for others, wrestles with worry and loves how God is all-powerful and sufficient. 

Caleb Meeks is on a short list of friends I've had since I was a kid, and I'm thankful. He's a husband, dad, pastor and golfing aficionado. We talk about how fatherhood has deepened his love for the Lord, his discouragement with strife among Christians today, knowing your 'why,' and how meaningful it is that God is active in our lives. This is a timely conversation and I hope it inspires your trust in a sovereign, present God. 

I'm excited to share this conversation with you. Erin Buehring is currently living in Africa, serving and discipling students and learning SO MUCH about the Lord. She talks about her great love for people, how living in Kenya is shaping her faith, and her joy in seeing God active in the small details of life. Also, fun fact, she'll be planning most of her wedding (!!!) from Kenya. 

Gay Bearden is a music teacher, children's book author, mom of 3 adult kids and at one point dreamed of being a park ranger! She speaks about how the layers of her life can sometimes cause her to focus less on God, the gift of the Holy Spirit and how His Sovereignty is her rock. (PS - This was a note-taking conversation for me! So much wisdom.)

Hannah Roberson is a KIND heart and spirit. A former soccer player for the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, as a wife and new mom she enjoys God through worship exercise and conversation with friends. She talks about trusting the Lord with things she can't control, how busyness can stifle her love for Him and deleting the Instagram off her phone. Enjoy it, friends!

Maggie Dillard, y'all. She's a writer living in New York City learning sweet dependence on the Lord as she watches Him work small and large details out in her life. We talk about everything from prayer to disappointment over circumstances to big dreams. If you are in a season of waiting or worry or uncertainty, Maggie's honest testimony will greatly encourage you!

Whether you are in ministry or not, you will be encouraged by this conversation with my high school friend Jaiden Brandt. Jaiden, his wife and their 1 year old son recently moved to Pennsylvania where Jaiden is serving in full-time ministry as an associate pastor. He speaks of the time they jumped off a 40 foot waterfall, the great value in reading God's Word before checking his phone and the powerful truth that God is in control. 

Megan Knox is a dear friend and this conversation was the perfect one to kick off this new podcast adventure! She talks national parks, the life-changing nature of reading the Bible, how she's experienced God as Healer and more! Also, did you know there were 63 national parks? I didn't. 

This podcast exists to inspire deeper faith in Christ, remind us we are not alone, and give space for honest conversations. Listen in as people just like you share real stories about their life with God.